March 2011

Volume 6

Bringing You the Ursuline Academy News Now

IN THIS ISSUE

3/14/11

Issue 6

TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWS

VOICE OF THE CROWD IN EGYPT PG. 3 HAS CHEATING GOTTEN OUT OF CONTROL? PG.4 THE WEARIN’ OF THE GREEN / SPRING AT THE ST. LOUIS ZOO PG. 5

STUDENT LIFE TAKING SERVICE TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL PG. 6 CLUBS IN THE SPOTLIGHT / STUCO EXPOSE PG. 7 LOOKISM DIVERSITY DAY / MU ALPHA THETA PG. 8

FEATURES HONORS COURSES: SHOULD WE HAVE A CHOICE? PG. 9 WHY AREN’T WE THE BEST? URSULINE STEREOTYPES EXPOSED PG. 10 10 INTERESTING PLACES YOU NEVER KNEW ABOUT PG. 11 DOOMSDAY 2012 / TUMBLR: NEXT INTERNET TREND PG. 12

SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT PUJOLS’ FUTURE STILL UP IN THE AIR PG. 13 NERINX GAME / SPRING SPORTS TRYOUTS PG. 14 ELIZABETH TAYLOR HOSPITALIZED / GAGA’S GAY ANTHEM PG. 15

Voice of the Crowd So many teens today have become overwhelmingly attached to their cell phones and their Facebook, many going as far as to ignore their teachers in favor of a text or wall post. But what if all of that was taken away, in the blink of an eye, by the government? That is what the Egyptians are facing right now. Fear of the power that Facebook and phones have to bring people together has caused the government to shut down all use of cell phones. What began as a simple demonstration for a more equal and fair government, organized through Facebook events, has grown into a global phenomenon of oppressed people finally standing up for themselves to their governments. A small number of Egyptians organized themselves using modern

technology, texting and Facebook messaging, in order to organize themselves. Now, the Egyptian government has suspended all cell phone and Internet privileges in the country. That is, no one’s phone or Internet works right now. While this might work in the government’s favor in the short run, it’s going to end up hurting the large phone companies, who, like most large businesses, supported the old system of government. Eventually, though, the strength of the people was too great to be contained by simple cell phones and Facebook. They outgrew it, going back to the old word-ofmouth trick to gather together their people, and it worked beyond anyone’s wildest imagination.

This simple demonstration, however, grew and

Libyan Americans in California showed their support for their countrymen fighting the power of President Gaddafi. This protest in Anaheim was planned through Facebook. Photo courtesy of New Santa Ana. grew into an international affair, with citizens in other countries demanding their own countries help free the Egyptians. The small numbers of Egyptians grew daily until the peaceful mob took up several blocks of space. That’s when the government decided to step in and stop these people from

demanding equality and fairness in their lives, taking the lives of many people in the crowd.

Now these demands for a better government for the many, not for the few, has become a global occurrence, with people in Libya, Jordan and Yemen following in the footsteps of the Egyptians and gathering. Like the Egyptians, their demands are simple, but will take much work on the part of the government: change now. The Egyptian president has surrendered his power to his vice-president, but what will t h e s e o t h er c o u n t r i e s do? Will they ignore the demands of the people they claim to govern? Or will they cave and begin listening to the voices of the crowds, clamoring for attention?

Ann Slesinski Bear Facts Staff Writer

Hundreds of Egyptians gathered outside the Egyptian Embassy. The protesters were calling for a new government and the ruling President Hosni Mubarak to step down. Photo courtesy of Demotix News.

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SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES STUDENT LIFE NEWS

Has Cheating Gotten Out of Control?

H

ave you ever cheated on homework or a test? Chances are you probably have.

Cheating is common in schools all over the United States, and the number is on the rise.

According to USAToday. com, over half the students they surveyed were cheating. It seems as though everyone is cheating, whether it be on a test or something small and simple as a homework assignment. To a teacher, cheating is unacceptable, but it seems as though there has been some slack lately due to either shortened classes or careless teachers. Ms. Kunz from the math department said, “I don’t think everyone is cheating, but I think a lot of people do it. Students have different standards of cheating from teachers, and it sometimes makes it the teachers’ fault for not clarifying the standard.” So some people do not really know what exactly constitutes “cheating” anymore. According to Psychcentral.com, teens don’t consider certain types of cheating out of line. On the contrary, many people do know what is considered cheating but do it anyway. A study conducted at a large midwestern high school showed that 89% of the teens knew that glancing at a test was cheating. However, 74% admitted they glanced at another peer’s test.

USAToday. com said, with all the technology today, the Internet is a large source information that is often plagiarized by teens. It is known that teens use different methods of cheating besides glancing at a peer’s test or plagiarizing a paper.

Teens have become more advanced in the way they cheat by either sending answers through e-mail or having a study sheet somewhere near so the teacher cannot notice it. According to schoollibrary.com, in one instance, students had been using water bottle labels to write notes on them to cheat on tests. Technology is great for learning but is sometimes the culprit for cheating on papers. It has been a trend recently where people put essays, papers and other information on the Internet to help students cheat and not cite their sources. But the big question is why students cheat. The reasons are obvious, but cheating is wrong. Junior Kelsey Rejko stated, “I don’t understand why people cheat because the reason why we go to school is to learn.”

Meg Haenchen Bear Facts Staff Writer

Stud e think nts did n t was hat che ot atin wro g ng.

o wh re. s t en befo d u st d e ate g e ll che Co ve ha

Cheating is everywhere. Freshman Kiera Drury and Anne Pfeffer posed and pretended they were copying each others answers.

Photo by Megan Haenchen.

Stu d cou ents p l and e o copie did f sen d a not tenc cite es

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” ing iev it to h c A dm gh a “Hi ents . d u st ating e h c

Students who do cheat but have never been caught.

The Wearin’ of the Green St. Patrick’s Day is fast approaching. According to CNN, some 40 million Americans claim to come from Irish descent. That’s a whole lot of blarney! St. Louis has one of the largest Irish American populations in North America. This is due to the fact that many Irish immigrants settled in parts of Boston, St. Louis, Chicago and parts of the northeast after the Great Potato Famine between 1845 to 1849. In St. Louis, the Kerry Patch and Dogtown were two main parts of the city were Irish families started their new lives.

St. Patrick’s Day is hugely celebrated across the world with parades and celebrations of the Irish spirit. St. Louis has one of the largest St. Paddy’s Day parades in the country. And what’s St. Patrick’s Day without Irish dancing??

Irish dancing started back in ancient Ireland. The Irish danced for births, deaths, weddings and joyous oc-

casions, stated the website Ireland’s Eye. Today, the majority dance for sport, competing in Irish dance competitions called feises. Dancers belong to Irish dance schools where they perform and dance in both the Dogtown and downtown St. Patrick’s Day parades. It comes as no surprise that Ursuline has several Irish dancers. Sophomore Maura Kelly dances for Mayer School of Irish Dance.

“I love Irish dancing. I became fascinated with it when I saw Riverdance on TV when I was younger.” Maura is one of many dancers who are performing in the St. Patrick’s Day parade. “It’s a lot of hard work and sweat. People don’t understand dance is a sport. I can’t count how many injuries I’ve gotten because of my Treble Jig,” she said, laughing. Hours of work go into performing for the parade and performances that follow. Freshman Kiera Drury dances for O’Faolain Acad-

emy of Irish Dance. “What got me interested was the swift steps dancers can make. I love the beautiful dresses, but I could go without the wig,” said Kiera referring to the curly hairpieces Irish dancers wear to compete and perform.

The Irish have an extensive history in dance and continue to celebrate it through the steps of generations to follow.

Meghan Schmitt Bear Facts Writer

Spring is Here at the St. Louis Zoo Along with spring comes new life. Even though spring may not be here quite yet, new life is most definitely present at the St. Louis Zoo. Between late fall and mid January, the Zoo has celebrated four births, and all four are endangered species. An Amur Leopard is on display at Big Cat Country. A Black Rhino will hopefully be on display at The Rivers Edge soon. A Coquerel‘s Sifaka, more commonly called a Lemur, was born on Jan. 9, according to St. Louis Zoo’s website, and is on display in the primate house along with its mother, father and one-yearold brother. Also on display in the primate house is a Cotton-top Tamarian born on Jan. 3, according to the sign on the animal’s exhibit.

Kate Evola, junior, believes new animals, especially baby animals, draw a lot of people to the St. Louis Zoo, and the arrival of a new animal is probably one of the most popular attractions at the zoo. Even on Presidents Day this year, a cold, wet and dreary day, people still braved the weather to see the baby leopard and primates. Back in 2008, the five baby Amur Tigers drew big crowds to Big Cat Country during the summer, even though the tigers were born in April. Maybe the new babies, even though they will be a little more grown up, will attract big crowds this summer.

Mary Elizabeth Herries Bear Facts Writer

Both the baby lemur and leopard were active on President’s Day. The leopard was full of life and was practicing her stalking skills. The baby lemur was clinging to mom and dad the whole time, but on occasion mom and dad would move around allowing the baby to be seen. The baby’s big brother was causing trouble at times, just like any other sibling.

Photos by Mary Elizabeth Herries

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SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES STUDENT LIFE NEWS

Taking Service to a Whole New Level The word Serviam is well known throughout Ursuline. The word itself means I will serve, which is proven true for every UA student who must complete 120 hours of service to graduate. The service we do, however is about more than just the hours, but the experiences you gain from serving others. Being a school based on “Serviam” it would come to no surprise that each class has their own special service trip.

Junior Sarah Ad-

ams says “It was one of the most memorable experiences I have had at Ursuline!”

day, we lived the life of a poor person for two hours,” said Whole Kids Outreach is the service trip for freshman.

Sarah. Some of the other religions were Muslims, Hindus, and This is where students go to help out at a summer camp in EllingMethodists. “We would ask each other questions, and answer ton Missouri. Students can volunteer as camp counselors, or go others about our faith,” continued Sarah. Sarah and the other help fix houses. Each student has a specific job during this trip students that attended still talk through Facebook. that is done daily. Aside from working, students get the chance to go horseback riding, take a trip to a beach, and go swimThe service trip for juniors is to New Orleans. There ming in the pool. your jobs can vary from painting houses, gutting apartments or building new The sophomore trip last year was SLICE. houses. A unique aspect of this trip is that SLICE stands for St. Louis Interfaith Comyou stay at the Ursuline Academy in New munity Explorations. This trip is a bit Orleans, which gives a chance to hear different from the others, because along students tell their experience of living with the service, you also learn about through Hurricane Katrina. different religions and their customs.

Teens from all different religions get This is the first year that Ursuline has ortogether for a week and get to know ganized a service trip for seniors. This each other and learn about others betrip will take place in Chicago, and like lieffs. While that is going on, the stuNew Orleans, it is also over spring break. dents work together to fix up or build Jose Ruggeri houses for underrprivileged people.

Bear Facts Writer Junior Sarah Adams, who went on SLICE, Samantha LaFerla said, “Whole Kids really talks about her experience. This was showed me that you should be thankful for Sarah’s first service trip with Ursuline, so what you have and it opened my eyes to the she did not know what to expect. “The first poverty in our own state.”

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Clubs in the Spotlight Writing Club

Pickel Ball Club

Farm Club

Have a knack for writing? The Writing Club meets on Thursdays from 7:30am8:00am and the first Monday of every month at 3:15 pm. Activities throughout the year include two guest speakers, one each semester, in the areas of fiction, poetry, drama and non-fiction. They also are currently working on organizing a creative writing contest and publish a literary magazine in May. Any questions can be directed towards club moderator Mr. Master.

You’ll feel like a champion playing this paddle game called pickle ball. They compete during academic advisement on Thursday. Come out and show your skills against the top pickle ballers, Mallory Yant, Lindsay Elking, and Gina Brahm. If you’re interested in joining contact Coach Greer.

Interested in learning about agricultural culture? Contact Kelly Suntrup or Caroline Brockhaus to become a member. Activities include Movie Day, going to Eckert's, camping, gardening, taking a trip to Botanical Gardens, and working with Environmental Club on the prairie garden.

STUCO Expose

Ever wonder how homecoming week is run smoothly, or how there are decorations throughout the school to match the holiday season? The Student Council of Ursuline Academy goes behind the scenes and handles every task with grace.

Being a part of STUCO is more then just showing up for meetings; it’s helping out the school and local community.

STUCO is always in full swing, serving the school and community in numerous ways. Recently, a group of girl s traveled to the Fisher House in Jefferson Barrack’s Veterans Medical Center to cook dinner for families of veterans staying at the house. Maddie Stadler, a sophomore,

said , “The experience was eye opening because these families travel from other states to stay with family and loved ones.

I t was fun cooking with other STUCO girls and I would definitely go back.”

The Valentine’s Day Project and SPLASH week just wrapped up which were big projects for STUCO. This year, we collected over 2,000 more

canned goods then last year and made money for the

Ursuline scholarship fund. Just a couple weeks later STUCO sold valentines at all the lunches.

An upcoming project to get involved with is the clothing drive. Everyone has clothes in their closet that they don’t wear anymore, so fill those bags and bring them to Ursuline. More information about the clothing drive with come out shortly.

Want to be a part of StuLeft: STUCO girls dent Council here at Ursuline? Election regularly make decoself-nomination forms come out next rations like this for week. Be prepared to dive right in to school dances, assemservice while having fun with fellow blies, etc. This Woody Ursuline sisters. and Buzz poster was Maggie Eggleston made for homecoming Bear Facts Wrtier

2010.

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SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES STUDENT LIFE NEWS

Upcoming Diversity Day Educates on Lookism: A Worldwide Issue According to Leigh Rocca, Ursuline sophomore and firstyear diversity team member, Freshman Diversity Day will change the way the freshmen think about others forever. Ursuline’s Diversity Team’s goal is to educate students about the “isms,” or personal biases, people everywhere experience every day. Each class gets its own Diversity Day, hosted by the Ursuline Diversity Team. These “isms” that the team focuses on are Lookism, Sexism, Racism and Classism. The team is currently preparing for Freshman Diversity Day, which will take place on March 16 and focuses on Lookism.

Lookism is defined as discrimination or prejudice based on a person’s physical appearance. Rocca simply explained Lookism to be “when people judge others by how they look.” As the team prepares for the Freshman Diversity Day, they stress helping the freshmen become more “open-minded about other people’s physical differences and the importance of finding out about who they are on the inside,” Rocca explained. After their Diversity Day, the freshmen will be more aware of physical differences and false stereotypes.

The freshmen may not really know what Lookism is or understand how often people are affected by it. For example, John Stossel of ABC News wrote an article, “The Ugly Truth

About Beauty: Like it or Not Looks Do Matter,” that shows how prevalent Lookism is in our world today. Stossel reported on studies conducted by ABC network’s “20/20” in which two women sold the same items in a fundraiser for charity in an Atlanta shopping mall. One of the women was average-looking while the other was very good-looking. By the end of the study, it was found that the better looking woman made 50% more money than the less appealing woman. In another study, there were two job applicants with the same resume. The only difference between the two women was their looks. Donia was more attractive than the other applicant, Amy. The sad truth was that Donia got the job, but Amy never even got a call back. It is unfair that people are treated differently based on their looks.

During Freshman Diversity Day, the students’ eyes will be opened, and they will see that this kind of discrimination is unjust and needs to change. Stossel wrote, “We should add the bias of ‘lookism’ to sexism and racism. It's just as bad but we don't need a federal program.” The Diversity Team wants Ursuline students to realize that we can’t judge people on how they look, but we must really get to know deep-down who people are.

Meg Vatterott Bear Facts Writer

Mu Alpha Theta Serves UA a Slice of Pi During the week of March 13, 2011, Mu Alpha Theta has planned many events for students to participate in for Pi Week. They will kickoff Pi Week on Sunday, March 13, at 5 p.m. with the movie “21.” Last year was the first year they started Math Olympics, and they planned to continue it for this year during Pi Week. Some events at the Math Olympics are pemdas relay, pi long jump, factoring puzzle and graphing game. All students who participate in the Math Olympics will receive a participation prize and the winning advisement will win a bagel breakfast. Also, they will have a bake sale on Tuesday March 15, and all money will go to Miriam Middle School. During the week, sophomores and seniors will be asked to bring in pies for the bake sale and can receive extra credit in their math class. Freshmen and juniors will be asked to bring in school supplies which will be donated to the Women’s Immigrations Center in St. Louis. During Pi Week, students will work to solve a problem of the day during advisement.

Mu Alpha Theta offers tutoring Tuesday mornings and during academic advisement. Their goal is to help others become better in math and promote appreciation for math, said president Mallory Yant. They will be glad to help anytime and during exam week.

Sarah Haenchen Bear Facts Writer

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Mu Alpha Theta Photo

Mu Alpha Theta– Mu Alpha Theta will have several activities for pi week.

“I’m excited to kickoff pi week with the movie ‘21’,” said junior Haley Baer. Photo by Mrs. Elking.

Retraction: In our last issue, there was a misprint in the Music Club article. Just to clear things up, Katie Rankin is the president not Nora Earley.

We are terribly sorry if there are any other mistakes!

Love, Bear Facts Editors

Should Ursuline Girls Have a Choice? voices, too, to know if we are capable of handling the course.

For example, if a girl is taking five plus honors classes, then it probably wouldn’t be best because she would be overworking herself. However, Ms. Bagley stated, “It is your decision to make the choice.” She continued, “It is up to the student, but if students start to question themselves on what classes they are not up for it, then they will set themselves up for failure.” should take for the next year. UA has a variety of Some teachers strictly believe that in order to take an choices from within the 11 different departments. UA honors level course, the student needs a recommendation form. also offers many honors and advanced placement classes Ms. McCorry, Guidance Counselor at Ursuline Academy, stated for the students attending. Therefore, students start to ask this, “We want to challenge students, but not overwhelm them. themselves what they should take and what will challenge Therefore, departments make an effort to recommend students them. Sadly, some students will not be able to take the classes they think can be successful in their honors curriculum.” Also, Mr. that they want to take because they are not recommended for Bratkowski, English teacher at Ursuline Academy, stated this either honors or an AP courses. Ms. McCorry, guidance counselor about his previous school University City High School, “The stuat Ursuline Academy stated this, “For some students, the nondents should be recommended. It is good for a student who honors level classes are enough of a challenge, while for others challenges themselves and takes more difficult classes, but a they are not.” At UA a student can fill up to 8 credit hours, but teacher can identify who would do well and who would strugif a student does so, they must sign a waiver form stating that gle.” Even though this is just his first year, he feels knowledgeshe can handle all of these credit hours. Regardless, the counselable about the recommendation system: “If I did not recommend ing department believes that most students should fill up only 7 them, this is because I didn’t feel strongly that they could handle credit hours. The same process goes into wavering for an honors it.” Mr. Bratkowski has also experienced teaching in a public class. Waivering into an honors class means that the student is school system. He taught at University City High School and responsible for her own actions because a teacher believes that learned this through his experience: “You can take an honors course if you want, but honors there was she would not succeed in this class. But many students question whether they and not a difficulty.”

“Both the students and more of aAsname should just stay in a regular class or if a student at Ursuline, I feel they should challenge themselves in an if a student should decide if she teachers should decide as honors class. would want to take an honors course or Many students who take honors It is a decision that should reflect on if you want to take an not. classes at UA love them and never could the student’s determination more than see themselves not taking an honors class. just having enough smarts to take a Sophomore Anne Laschnober said, “I honors course. Teachers class. If a girl works hard and is capacould not imagine myself not taking an of doing the work, then she will be have a better idea of ble honors class because I’m in a regular successful in her high school career. Ms. class and I wish that we could move McCorry states, “Both honors and nonwhat is required. If the honors classes will prepare our students faster.” On the other hand, students have to learn how to prioritize their time. The for success in college. We have gradustudent also has to learn how to not set student is frustrated and ates who did not take honors courses at themselves up for failure; she continued Ursuline Academy, and are successful in by saying, “I am taking 4 honors classes feels bad about it, they their post-secondary academic pursuits.” this year, and next year I am taking 5. shouldn’t be in the There is a lot of late nights, but I prioriBrooke Messmer tize.” If a student feels compelled enough Bear Facts Co-Editor class.” to take an honors class, she should be allowed to do so. If a student is determined to challenge themselves in order to benefit in the future, shouldn’t the teach- --Ms. Bagley, History teacher at ers look at that as a good thing?

Ursuline Academy.

Many teachers believe that students should not take an honors class because the individual sets themselves up for failure. Some teachers, however, feel that you should decide on taking an honors class. Ms. Bagley, History teacher at Ursuline Academy, stated this, “Both the students and the teachers should decide if you want to take an honors course. Teachers have a better idea of what is required. If the student is frustrated and feels bad about it, they shouldn’t be in the class.” True, a student should not set themselves up for failure. UA students however, have

During the early days of February, Ursuline students decide which classes to register for the next incoming year. Students all over UA,

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SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES STUDENT LIFE NEWS

WHY AREN’T WE THE BEST?

Claire Fadel explores Ursuline stereotypes and redefines ‘The Best.’

We live in the only city in America whose major emphasis is not college, but high school. I’m not from St. Louis and found this as a complete shock. Who cares where you go to high school? It’s just school. I quickly learned high school wasn’t always about what’s convenient and close, but what the school is known for and what types of people attend. Ursuline is stereotyped as a “dumb” school. I heard numerous times when I applied that I was “better than that” or “must have gotten rejected from my first choice.” Bridget Brotherton, an Ursuline senior, varsity basketball and soccer player, future student of Benedictine College on a soccer scholarship, agreed, “I think that when people think of Ursuline girls, they think we are dumb and don't have as much money as other girls’ schools do, therefore, we are ‘trashy.’ Also, it is very common to hear people say things like, ‘Oh, you go to Ursuline; you don't learn anything,’ or ‘You guys never have school!’” It’s difficult to endure such derogatory prejudices, but it’s easy to draw the connections as to why people assume this. Ursuline hasn’t had any state championships lately, no national awards and students aren’t as esteemed as compared to other schools. Are we falling by the wayside to other high schools, or are we staying true to our founder, St. Angela?

Are we perhaps the best in our own way?

The admission process of Ursuline does not claim to be about the “best of the best,” but rather concentrated on the whole person. According to Ursulinestl.org, Ursuline’s Mission Statement is to build “on standards of academic excellence, educate students for Christian living and leadership in a global society, nurture the development of the whole person and her potential, and cultivate within its students a spirit of lifelong service through its motto of SERVIAM, ‘I will serve.’” Ursuline is not looking for the smartest like St. Louis University High School, but girls who exemplify St. Angela in everyday life. Ursuline wants young women who “commit to peacemaking, nurture the community spirit, develop as a whole person, and are respectful to the uniqueness of the individual.” It makes no promise of grandeur or prestigious students, but instead focuses on the “feeling” of Ursuline. Isn’t that why I decided to come, anyways? I wasn’t looking for four years to waste behind books, but years I could have fun with and make quality friends.

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Many students chose Ursuline because of the community and worried about academics later, like transfer student Brittany Christenson. She commented, “I was concerned that Ursuline was going to be to challenging for me since I have a learning disability, and I wasn’t so much worried about the feel because I knew when I toured it I felt that feel, which I never had in my two years at John F. Kennedy High School.” Brittany has a fresh insight on the Ursuline community and had new points to bring about whether Ursuline girls were striving to be the best, “Ursuline impacts me to stand up for my rights and what I believe in. Yes, I do think they are reaching their potential.” However, it still bothers me that our average ACT scores aren’t as high as St. Joe’s 26 or Cor Jesu’s 28. Ursuline’s average falls behind at a mere 24, and I know school should be more than that, but shouldn’t we strive to be and do our best by going to the best universities? Mrs. Desmond, college counselor at Ursuline Academy, has her own take on the situation. “To one person, a 24 may be unimpressive, but to another, it’s her greatest achievement.

Because UA accepts a broader range of test scores on admissions, it makes sense that we’ll see that same range in ACT and SAT testing.”

Mrs. Desmond believes she cannot force people to go to certain “prestigious” colleges. She said, “Information is out there for everyone; you just have to look.” Yet isn’t that what the college counseling department is for? It should be there to give us information on how to get more scholarships and then succeed in the admission process in certain colleges. Mrs. Desmond said, “My job is to counsel, to advise, and to assist.” But maybe I’m mistaken with this theory, last year 63% of the class received scholarships which totaled over 8 million dollars. Mrs. Desmond does provide valuable resources like College Kickoff Night and recommended parent-counselor meetings; many students don’t take advantage of these opportunities. “When they are ready, my door is always open.” It’s difficult to get girls to participate; all teachers know this. Perhaps the solution is to continue building relationships with girls and encourage them to not settle. Mrs. Desmond feels the stress of the college search is hard to handle, but she tries to reassure people with her organization. Colleen McCormack

agrees and should be listened to, considering she just received the Presidential Scholarship to Quincy University. She said, “They do an especially good job at getting us to turn in things on time and not procrastinate. But as far as choosing colleges that are best for each student? I think the girls know where they want to go best.” It all falls upon the students’ ambition to succeed in their colleges. However, 100% of girls do go on to college, an accomplishment in itself.

I investigated further to see if this was true with our alumnae. Mrs. Kempf, head of alumnae relations and special events, had many positive affirmations towards our alumnae. “We’re proud to have alums who DO NOT brag about it [their success]. Boys’ schools like to pound their chests about that kind of stuff; Ursuline isn’t about that. Most of them [alumnae] are the unsung heroes. We have many therapists, nurses and teachers. Many chose their professions because they want to help others and acquired this in their junior service projects.” She also mentioned we have distinguished doctors, social workers and even a radio host. Although we do not have huge donations being poured in for new football fields like St. Louis University High School and Chaminade College Preparatory School, our alumnae are very active. “Our alums are not able to make huge donations, but we did raise above $91,000 last year.” Ursuline Academy’s alumnae are not pretentious and are just like Ursuline girls of today.

Ursuline girls are from various backgrounds. They are all unique and bring their own talents. Although Ursuline isn’t achieving in award-ways, it does in its own way. Ursuline girls aren’t focused on just one thing like many other schools. They balance their lives between school, sports, extracurricular, and friends and family. As Mr. Day says “I don’t know how you girls do it all. I know I couldn’t.” Girls choose to challenge themselves. There are numerous levels of classes to support each girl in her own learning environment. In academics? Well, more than 15 girls signed for academic college scholarships; I’d say this is a huge accomplishment. And when we leave Ursuline? We’ll live like St. Angela and be humble servants of our community. Ursuline isn’t the best academic school or athletic school, but it’s the best community school.

Claire Fadel Bear Facts Editor

Ten Interesting Places You Never Knew About 1. Name: Winchester Mystery House ** (winchestermysteryhouse.com) Location: San Jose, California Info: Sarah Winchester, heiress of the Winchester rifle fortune, was told by a psychic that unless she continuously built onto her house, the ghosts of people killed by Winchesterrifles would come and kill her. Over the next 38 years, she constantly had construction workers and carpenters working on the house. By the time she died, there were 160 rooms,

Taken by Chris Coyle— Amy, Katie and Karen Coyle in front of the Winchester mansion after a complete tour. complete with a seance room Sarah Winchester used nightly to ask the spirits what to do next. Some famous features include a staircase leading to nowhere and a door opening to nothing.

Cost: complete tour of the house and the gardens: $35.

2. Name: Lechuguilla Cave (gorp.com) Location: Carlsbad, New Mexico Info: Lechuguilla Cave is the largest limestone cave in the United States. It is located in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. There are huge, colorful formations, with a lot of bright yellows and greens.

It is the third largest cave in the United States and the fifth largest in the world.

Cost: The cave is actually restricted to scientists and research teams (bummer for all of us who want to see it in person).

3. Name: Habitat for Humanity’s Slum Theme Park (roadsideamerica.com) Location: Americus, Georgia Info: Habitat for Humanity has built a simulated third-world slum, allowing visitors to walk through the streets of a “village” to see the flimsy housing and horrible conditions that so many people

live in. There is an example of each type of house that Habitat for Humanity builds (for example, Haiti houses have concrete roofs to protect from hurricanes). You will get a visa stamp after every house to show that you have traveled the “world.”

Cost: free--donations appreciated 4. Name: Airboat Tour of Louisiana Bayous (airboatadventuresllc.com) Location: New Orleans, Louisiana Info: On this two-hour tour, visitors will experience everything from bald eagles to alligators. Tour guides know a lot about the wildlife and the unique ecosystem that exists in bayous. The bayous and swamps down south are strange and beautiful to see--do not miss this opportunity! .

Cost: Prices vary with different companies, but it can cost anywhere between $200-400 for a two hour tour.

5. Name: Hollywood Forever Cemetery (roadsideamerica.com) Location: Hollywood, California Info: This is a great place to visit if you love pop culture. There are many celebrities buried here, including Darren McGavin, who played Ralphie’s dad in “A Christmas Story.” On Friday nights, there is a movie night in the cemetery.

Movies are projected on the side of the mausoleum, and guests may bring food, wine and chairs to sit on. Something fun to do if you are in Hollywood.

Cost: 2-hour tour of the cemetery costs $10.

6. Name: Witch Rock (roadsideamerica.com) Location: Rochester, Massachusetts Info: Supposedly, a witch’s cackle can be heard coming out of the huge mosscovered rock. As the story goes, it is the site of the murder of a woman who escaped the Salem witch trials. It would be a fun stop to make on a road trip, just to snap a picture with it!

Cost: free 7. Name: Rock City ** (roadsideamerica.com) Location: Lookout Mountain, Georgia Info: Lookout Mountain used to be a private estate before the owners turned

it into a public attraction. Rock City Garden leads all over the mountain, providing breath-taking views, including the famous Lover’s Leap, Observation Point and Ruby Falls. The hike gets strange, taking visitors through Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village--it is something you need to experience for yourself. Visitors cannot miss the huge “See Rock City” signs painted on barns and birdhouses lining the highway for miles.

Cost: $17.95 for Rock City Garden Tour 8. Name: Iolani Palace (iolanipalace.com) Location: Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii Info: This is the only royal palace in the United States. Lili uokalani was the last monarch in the palace before Hawaii became one of the fifty states. You can take a self-guided audio tour or a guided tour throughout the palace, visiting royal living quarters.

Cost: guided tour: $20; self-guided tour: $13 9. Name: Mysterious Moving Rocks (roadsideamerica.com) Location: Death Valley National Park, California Info: On a two-mile long stretch of mudflat, rocks fall down from the mountains near it. Apparently, strong winds cause the rocks to propel themselves across the plain, but no one has ever seen them move. All anyone sees is the trail the rocks leave behind them when they get dragged across the ground.

Cost: free 10. Name: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (roadsideamerica.com) Location: Buxton, North Carolina Info: Visit the tallest lighthouse in America! It stands at 208 feet tall, and you can climb it during the summer months. It was completely rebuilt in 1999— if had not been moved, the receding shoreline would have swept it away. Be warned: Walking the narrow stairway is like walking up a 12-story building.

Cost: free ** indicates a place I have been Amy Coyle Bear Facts Staff Writer

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SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES STUDENT LIFE NEWS

Doomsday Approaches: December 21, 2012 It’s getting closer and closer to 2012, and the question of the world’s ending on December 21, 2012, is rising. Is the Mayan calendar correct? Is the world going to do a 360 degree turn? Is there a planet headed towards Earth that will destroy all human kind? Will only 30% of people survive the natural disasters that will occur, beginning on December 21, 2012? These are just a few questions that have come about since people have discovered that the Mayan calendar predicts the world to end on December 21, 2012.

The whole phenomenon became a greater deal when the movie 2012 came out in 2009. The main plot of the movie is all the disasters that are set to occur, such as major tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, etc., which take place, and then the world ends. This got the ball rolling for rumors to start about all the natural disasters actually occurring. In 2000, people also thought a major computer failure would occur because it was the turn of the century; some were certain that the year 2000 would bring the end of the world and the return of Christ to Earth. This obviously did not happen, but yet people still believe the nasty rumors of the next “doomsday.” Some people are very nervous about the idea of the world coming to an end, as most people would be, but are all these rumors really true? According to nasa.gov, most are not. We have already had some crazy snow storms, major earthquakes and tsunamis, and tornadoes in odd places around the world and not at normal times. Does this mean the world is already beginning this “doomsday” process? We will all find out coming next December on the 21st.

Emily Price Bear Facts Staff Writer

TUMBLR: The Next Internet Trend?

Almost everyone is familiar with Facebook or Twitter.

They are the two most popular social networking sites on the Internet. Since many are using these two sites to keep up with what their friends are doing, it doesn’t seem like there are too many people familiar with blogging. One blogging website in particular is slowly gaining popularity: Tumblr. There are a small number of Ursuline girls who “tumble.” But a large number of students don’t know what Tumblr is. For those students, it’s time to answer the question, “What is Tumblr?!” Who better to answer this question than the Tumblr website itself?

With so many options to customize the layout of your Tumblr, you can show off your unique sense of style. This fashion blog is designed very classy and glamorous, perfect for fashionistas to follow:

cocobellax.tumblr.com

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Q&A WITH NASA Q: Are there any threats to the Earth in 2012?

A: Nothing bad will happen to the Earth in 2012. Our planet has been getting along just fine for more than 4 billion years, and credible scientists worldwide know of no threat associated with 2012.

Q: Is the Earth in danger of being hit by a meteor in 2012?

A: The Earth has always been subject to impacts by comets and asteroids, although big hits are very rare. The last big impact was 65 million years ago, and that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs. We have already determined that there are no threatening asteroids as large as the one that killed the dinosaurs. All this work is done openly with the discoveries posted every day on the NASA NEO Program Office website.

Q: How do NASA scientists feel about claims of pending doomsday?

A: There is no credible evidence for any of the assertions made in support of unusual events taking place in December 2012. For all the fictional assertions, whether they are made in books, movies, documentaries or over the Internet, we cannot change that simple fact.

Q: Is there a danger from giant solar storms predicted for 2012?

A: Solar activity has a regular cycle, with peaks approximately every 11 years. There is no special risk associated with 2012.

Questions and answers from: www.nasa.go/earth/features/2012.html

This is how the website defines itself: “Tumblr lets you effortlessly share anything. Post text, photos, quotes, links, music, and videos, from your browser, phone, desktop, email, or wherever you happen to be. You can customize everything, from colors, to your theme's HTML.” One of the greatest things about having a Tumblr that Twitter and Facebook lack is how you can customize it! Playing with different backgrounds, fonts, colors, pictures and songs is what makes your blog unique. How you decorate your blog shows off a little piece of your personality. On Facebook, everyone's page looks the same - where is the fun in that? Although it has not reached its popularity peak yet, prestigious publications have recognized Tumblr with only good things to say. The New York Times said, “Tumblr makes blogging blissfully easy.”

Forbes said, “Tumbling is a fast form of blogging, and it’s catching on.” The Telegraph spoke very highly of Tumblr in comparison to other social networking sites: “Weblogs? Been there, done that. Facebook? It's full of kids. Twitter? That's so 2006, darling.

No, the smart thing to be doing online these days is tumblelogging.” There are currently 14 million blogs on Tumblr. Could this number increase after you reading this article?

Kimie Leach Bear Facts Editor

Pujols’s Future Still Up in the Air Contract and Injuries Force Cards to Look Forward

On

February 16, at 10:30 a.m., first baseman Albert Pujols and the Cardinals made a decision that ended up with a no-deal for Pujols. At the end of the 2010 season, Pujols and the Cardinals knew that the contract talks would be a priority in the off-season, and by January 2011, Pujols had wanted a contract to be settled before spring training in Jupiter, Florida. This would allow him to keep his focus on the 2011 season.

Albert Pujols was offered a deal before the contract deadline. Sports Illustrated, or SI.com reported St. Louis would give Pujols a ten-year contract paying him about $28 million per year, but Pujols would not accept the deal. SI.com reported that Pujols wanted to have a ten-year contract with $30 million per year. According to SI.com, Pujols would have been the highest paid player, making more than New York Yankees’ third baseman Alex Rodriguez. After the 2011 season, Pujols will be up for free agency, and the Yankees are known for having the big money that free agents want. Thankfully, there would not be a chance of Pujols moving to the Yankees because of the deal that turned out to be a mistake with A Rod. The Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Baltimore Orioles and rival Chicago Cubs are all possible suitors for Pujols in the 2012 season said stlcardinals.com.

The negotiation between Pujols and the Cardinals was ugly. Both sides did not provide enough information about what Pujols and the Cardinals wanted and what would have been the best for the team. Cardinals Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. reported to stlcardinals.com that Pujols has played well and has given the Cardinals countless amounts of memories and the team wishes to see more. Both sides wanted to reach an agreement, and Pujols wants to stay in St. Louis because he is an important player to the team. Pujols declined the deals that were offered, and it has fans wondering if Pujols is really good enough to get paid $30 million. Sure, Pujols is a three-time MVP, but he has had some setbacks with an elbow injury which could be a possible problem if he had come to an agreement with the Cardinals.

For now, Pujols’ future is up in the air. He might stay with the Cardinals, or this could be his last season as a redbird. Hopefully, Pujols and the fans will both get what they want.

This year, the Cardinals had made deals to get some new pitchers and outfielders. Also, with the new season, the Cardinals have pitcher Kyle Lohse who has recovered from sur-

gery from last season. Unfortunately, pitcher Adam Wainwright, a starting pitcher in the rotation, had a “significant elbow injury,” said Cardinals’ General Manager John Mozeliak. Stlcardinals.com said Wainwright needs Tommy John surgery which will end his season. Also, another injury to short stop Nick Punto with a sports hernia could hurt the Cardinals during spring training. Stl.cardinals.com reported that center-fielder Jim Edmonds retired two weeks after making a minor league deal with the Cardinals due to a career-ending injury to the Achilles Tendon.

Spring training games began on February 28, and the regular season will start up on March 31. The Cardinals are hopeful that this will be a great season even though there were a few setbacks.

Sarah Haenchen Bear Facts Writer

Contract Talk-During spring training batting practice in Jupiter, Florida, Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols stretches. Pujols and the Cardinals did not reach a contract agreement before spring training started.

“I think he will definitely come back. He has been a Cardinal for so long,” said sophomore Sarah Hansen. Photos by Chris Lee, St. Louis Post Dispatch.

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“Champions aren't made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them-a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have last-minute stamina, they have to be a little faster, they have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.” We remember these words by Soccer Interested in soccer, but not sure if it’s the sport for you? Check out what Meredith Schwartz, Ursuline sophomore, has to say about it.

“Ursuline’s soccer has tough competition but is the most fun I’ve ever had playing a sport at Ursuline. “

-Meredith

Forming Families: Winter Sports

The girls on our sports teams are like families. All of the girls I’ve talked to said that they have become more than just a team. They have grown so much closer this season.

Sophomores Holly Becket and Jamie Varghese from the basketball team took the time out of their morning to talk to me. Holly said that she could sum up the whole season in one word, “Awesome.” Jamie agreed with Holly and said, “This season we have come together more. We are more than just a basketball team; we are a family.” They had an overall good season with a record of 13-13. While they had a pretty good season, in their conference they went 0-5. All in all, they had a good season and were able to come together as a family.

On the swim team, some girls said they had a good season. I talked to sophomore Molly Berra, and she shared that they did well in most of the meets they were in, and if they lost, it was only by a small margin. Sophomore Katie Sullivan told us that the swim team did very well this year and competed well against the other schools. Also she told us that many of the girls on the team beat their personal bests this season, which is always important to swimmers. Senior Kelly LaPoint said that she had a very good season on the dive team. This was her last year on the team. She has been diving for 10 years. This season she placed in almost every meet and was able to beat her personal best.

For racquetball, this season was a tough season. The racquetball team had lost 12 seniors from last year, and this year they are going to be losing 9 seniors. However, 19 out of the 23 girls on the team went to state. One girl won the first game in state, a single elimination tournament. The seniors, though, are the leaders of the team and will be truly missed when they graduate.

Congrats to all the girls who played winter sports for Ursuline. You all did a great job representing our school and playing your sport.

Amber Grishm Bear Facts Writer

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Muhammad Ali as winter sports wrap up and the athletes of Ursuline begin to prepare for the spring sports. Track, lacrosse and soccer are the main spring sports here at UA. All students are encouraged to try out for sports, so if you’re interested, take a look below, and check out our guide to Ursuline’s spring sports.

Emily Badock Bear Facts Writer Lacrosse Do you like to lax? Sophomore Tierney Buschbacer does, and here’s what she has to say about it.

“Playing Ursuline lacrosse has been one of the greatest experiences I have had.

We learn skills that we not only use on the field but also in our everyday lives, such as communication and responsibility. Lacrosse is a sport that revolves around teamwork and dedication.”

-Tierney

Track Whether you’re interested in running long distances or short sprints, the track team could be the place for you. Take it from current members of the team: “It’s hard work, but it’s worth it.

It’s a great way to stay in shape and meet new people.”

-Rainey Shipp (sophomore)

Ursuline’s dedicated rivalry came to a complete upheaval last month at the Ursuline and Nerinx Hall basketball games. Junior Claire Roper commented, “The biggest games of the year are always against Nerinx in volleyball and basketball.” This is true: attendance rates are always higher at these games and not of those like track. A track athlete, Michelle Scherrer said, “At the basketball games there was a huge turnout and the track team gets jealous. No one comes to our events.”

According to track athletes, Luthern South and Cor Jesu are the teams to beat. Apparently, they have a better coaching staff, which Ursuline hopes to improve in this season with the hiring of Coach Travis. However, the Nerinx rivalry is always in the back of the heads of all athletes and they have to be at the top of their game. Scherrer said, “No one comes to track meets even if they are against Nerinx. They’re an OK team. We are stronger in throwing and sprinting, but they might be better at distance. Morgan Grebing, a senior, even broke a throwing record last year! She’ll definitely put us on top of the game.”

Ursuline has many new spring seasons coming up, but one that often gets left behind is track! It’s important to also support our Track team when it comes to their big meet against Nerinx. It’s important to have school spirit, like junior Emily Purcelli says, “Nerinx isn’t better at anything.”

Claire Fadel Bear Facts Editor

Elizabeth Taylor Hospitalized Many of our parents and grandparents recognize the name, Elizabeth Taylor. Elizabeth Taylor was an actress of the ages. Famous for her many husbands and roles in Oscar-winning movies, Elizabeth Taylor shines through many as an actress worthy of recognition like Marilyn Monroe. However, recently, she was hospitalized for heart failure. Fox News reported, “Sally Morrison said Taylor was resting comfortably and had been receiving family and friends in her room at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. ‘She had a pretty good day Saturday, and a good night,’ Morrison said. “Even though this congestive heart failure brought concern for the actress, she is better.” Fox News went on to say, “The 78-year-old

Taylor was admitted late last week and is being treated for symptoms caused by congestive heart failure, a condition she disclosed she had back in November 2004.”

Thank goodness the actress is feeling better now.

Ann Wolf Bear Facts Staff Wrier

GaGa’s Gay Anthem Was Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way,” another way of her support for the gays?

NewNowNext.com, John Polly, pointed out what makes Lady Gaga’s latest single, “Born This Way,” this the perfect gay anthem: "It’s big, it's loud, it's fun!" he was an immediate chart topper. It’s hard not to love this said. "It sounds like someone mashed up a zillion mirrors upbeat song with such a catchy melody and beautiful in a drag queen's closet and then shot it out of a sequin lyrics. This song preaches self-love, telling listeners to cannon. This one has more [gay anthem elements] than embrace who they are and accept everything they were most. It calls out every color of the rainbow, like specifiborn with, thus the title. What’s so great about this song is cally, vocally. Everything's in there. It's got it all, and it's its ability to make you dance like crazy, make you feel got a beat.” good about yourself and ignore all of your worries at the same Is “Born This Way” the new gay antime. This song could boost anythem? There’s a discussion board on one’s confidence, but a lot of the “It sounds like someone mashed up MTV.com with different answers to lyrics seem to be targeted tothis question from listeners themselves. a zillion mirrors in a drag queen’s wards boosting the confidence of Answers vary from supporting “Born homosexuals. With the lyrics, “No This Way” as the new gay anthem to closet and then shot it out of a matter gay, straight or bi, lesangry arguments that it shouldn’t be sequin cannon. This one has more bian, transgendered life, I’m on considered an anthem at all. Gay the right track, baby I was born [gay anthem elements] than most.” anthem or not, it’s no question that to survive,” it sounds like Gaga is Gaga wanted to inspire her listeners ~ John Polly trying to lift the spirits of the hoto feel love themselves. She wasn’t mosexual community. This is no speaking to only gays, but anyone surprise considering that Gaga who feels different. has earned a reputation as a gay Kimie Leach supporter and has publicly admitBear Facts Staff Editor ted that she’s bisexual. At the 2009 VMAs, she was awarded Best New Artist. In her acceptance speech she said, “This is for God and the gays!” Is this song another way of showing her strong support for the gays? These uplifting lyrics are key elements to her song becoming the gay anthem of 2011. The editor of LogoTV’s website,

THE BEST OF...

March

Hotties OF THE MONTH: BLAST FROM THE PAST Aaron Carter: Then: age 7

Now: age 23

Haley Joel Osment: Then: age 6.

Now: age 22

February Rolling in the Deep - Adele Born This Way - Lady GaGa Hold it Against Me - Britney Spears On the Floor - Jennifer Lopez E.T. - Katy Perry I Need a Doctor - Dr. Dre

Celebrity Divorces

Mark-Paul Gosselaar: Then: age 16. Now: age 22

Many celebrities decided to file for divorce last year and earlier this year. For instance here are some celebrities that are splitting up. Billy Ray Cyrus and his wife are getting a divorce. Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz are splitting after two years of marriage and having a child. Matt Lauer and his wife, Annette are ending their marriage of 11 years of marriage due to alleged infidelity. So is being famous really going to lead to a quality marriage? All this reporter can say ‘Hats off!’ to Will and Jada Pinkett Smith for staying together almost fifteen years.

Ann Wolf Bear Facts Staff Writer