March 2012

BEARFACTS

Ursuline Academy 341 South Sappington Rd St. Louis, MO 63122

3.14.12 Volume 7 Issue 6

Health Mandate Sparks Controversy p.3 UA Gears Up for Spring Break p.8 Voice v. Idol p.11

TABLE OF CONTENTS Health Mandate Cards Look Hot 3 Sparks Controversy 4 for 2012 Season 5 Alternative to Conservative Girl Scouts

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Access Denied: How Blocked Websites Effect UA

10 Passion for

WAVE Week, Is It In You?

Fashion UA Girls Gear up for Worldwide Travel

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Want to see more pictures from FatherDaughter?

Www.ursulinestl.org/bear-facts/

Cover By: Ann Wolf, BF Art Editor

The Voice v.

American Idol

HHS Mandate Sparks Controversy

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n January, the Obama administration announced a “Health-and-Human Services” mandate that caused an immediate uproar, especially among religious leaders.

This HHS mandate required employers to provide insurance coverage for contraceptive practices, including but not limited to sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs. On February 10, President Obama announced an adjustment to the mandate.

Now, it will be the insurance companies’ job to provide the coverage. This means that the health insurance could still potentially be provided by the employers indirectly.

“It’s wrong for the Health care for everyone government to require is in the country’s best interest, but in providing individuals or it, employers’ religious churches to provide freedom cannot be trampled. This was stated by something that is con- many organizations, including the Dominican tradictory to their Sisters of Mary, Mother teachings and their of Christ. Furthermore, Archbishop Dolan reconscience.” mained adamantly against the mandate. As -Mrs. Stinehart Goodstein put in her New York Times article, religious leaders believe that they should not be forced to provide something they do not support, something they find “morally illicit,” as phrased by Archbishop Dolan. If a company provides health insurance to its employees, is contraception even considered a health problem? Does the federal government have a say at all when it comes to religious principles? Is it not the people’s freedom of faith to make their own decisions about social issues like birth control? That is the dilemma the country faces.

Providing perspective and insight, Mrs. Stinehart answered a few questions about the HHS mandate. Mrs. Stinehart has been following the progression of this issue. As both a theology teacher and a mother, she has come to the conclusion that “it’s wrong for the government to require individuals or churches to provide something that is contradictory to their teachings and their conscience.”

Furthermore, Mrs. Stinehart raised the important thought that “it is outrageous that a cabinet appointee can make a decision that directly challenges the constitution.”

During this year’s presidential election, there has been

Mrs. Stinehart ponders the abhorrent effects of the “Health and Human Service s” Mandate. Photo by Betsy Kennedy.

speculation that social issues like abortion will lose precedence beneath issues like the economy. Regardless, Mrs. Stinehart said, “We have to find where our candidates stand on all these issues and make that a part of our consideration for our vote.”

Every issue should be considered and compared, especially ones that affect so many people like this HHS mandate.

Betsy Kennedy Bear Facts Staff Writer

Goodstein, Laurie. "Obama Shift on Providing Contraception Splits Critics."

New York Times. 14 Feb 2012: A12. Web. 15 Feb. 2012. <http:// www.nytimes.com/2012/02/15/us/obama-shift-on-contraception-splitscatholics.html?ref=us>.

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ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES STUDENT LIFE NEWS

Cards Look Forward to a Hot 2012 Season

C

ardinal fever is reviving as the Cards start

spring training in Jupiter, Florida.

After last season’s win against the Texas Rangers in the World Series, the announcement of Tony La Russa’s retirement and the loss of Albert Pujols to the Los Angeles Angels, Cards fans hope for another outstanding season despite many new changes.

All Cardinal players reported to Roger Dean Stadium. Cardinal veterans met the new players and prospects, and everyone came to camp healthy, including pitcher Adam Wainwright who had missed all of the 2011 season due to Tommy John’s surgery and outfielder Allen Craig who had a fractured right patella during the World Series.

About 20 players have been invited to join the club, but are not active according to stlcardinals.com. There are about 20 pitchers reporting for camp, including Jason Motte who has been officially named the closer by new Cardinals manager Mike Matheny. Lance Lynn will move up to a bigger role due to his hard work in the World Series. He will be a reliever. Mitchell Boggs is spend-

the bullpen to be a relief pitcher, reported stlcardinals.com.

New faces in the field and new positions for old players will be seen as a dramatic change for Cards fans. New member to the club, Carlos Beltran from the San Francisco Giants, will play in right and center field for the 2012 season. The St. Louis Post Dispatch stated that Beltran is uncomfortable with playing in center field because of a knee injury that required surgery in 2010. Tyler Greene from the 1926 minor league will play short stop.

1931 Another minor leaguer for the Cardinals is catcher Tony Cruz. Cruz’s 1934 major league debute was May 24, 2011, replacing Gerald Laird who 1942 had an injury, reported foxsports1944 midwest.com. Cruz will be used to give Yadier Molina a break. Lance Berkman and Allen Craig, outfielders, will play as infielders.

With many new changes in the 2012 season, Cards fans hope they can defend their title.

Cards fans believe the new players and the new coaching will get along great, even without Albert Pujols.

Sarah Haenchen Bear Facts Online Editor

Years Cardinals won the World Series

Ursuline’s Favorite Cardinal Players In a survey, 197 Ursuline students responded to voice their favorite Cardinal players.

Pitchers: Christ Carpenter Adam Wainwright Jaime Garcia Jason Mott Mitchell Boggs Catchers: Yadier Molina Tony Cruz

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145 41 8 2 1

196 1

Infielders: David Freese Skip Schumaker Daniel Descalso

158 34 2

Outfielders: Matt Holliday Lance Berkman Jon Jay Allen Craig

93 53 43 8

1946 1964 1967 1982 2006 2011

Ursuline’s Hopes for the 2012 Season 1. Win another World Series title.

2. 12 in 12!

3. Have a team record of winning two World Series titles in a row.

4. The Cards will get along without Tony La Russa and Albert Pujols.

A Conservative Alternative to Girl Scouts A new group arises to take the place of secular scouting alarming to her children, who are homeGirls wanting a more conservative alterschooled. Her alarm grew when the Girl native to the Girl Scouts of America now Scouts invited a lesbian to speak at the have a new option: American Heritage national level—not about being a lesbian, Girls. American Heritage Girls are Chrisbut still Mrs. Stewart was contian-based, so each activity centers cerned. “They were encouraging girls to around prayer and spirituality.

The embrace whoever they were, it didn’t group began in 1995 when Patti Garibay, matter what choices they made, as long longtime Girl Scout leader, and her as they were true to themselves. That friends didn’t like that the Girl Scouts was a concern,” Stewart told the St. Louis allowed the word “God” to be substituted Post-Dispatch. with other words (like “my creator”) in the Girl Scout PromThe Girl Scouts ise.

What began of Eastern Missouri “They were encouraging with Garibay’s origiare also concerned nal 100 girls in Ohio girls to embrace whoever about this new has grown to 18,000 movement.

GSEM, they were, it didn’t matter girls in 45 states and as it’s abbreviated, six countries. In the what choices they made, as accepts everyone, St. Louis area alone, regardless of race, long as they were true to religion, disabilities, there are nine groups with about themselves. That was a s e x u a l i t y , 357 girls total as etc. They’re worried concern.” compared to the about the possible 62,000 girls in the repercussions of a Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. singular-religion group. The American Heritage Girls do allows members of Unlike the Girl Scouts with troops other religions, but they are asked to divided by age, American Heritage Girls adhere to a creed which states they will troops consist of girls from kindergarten honor God, keep their minds and bodies to seniors in high school. They meet as pure and respect other religions. Gay one group for some projects and split and lesbian individuals are not allowed into smaller, age-based groups for othto be leaders. ers. They are focused on service as well Ann Slesinski as earning badges and patches, much like Bear Facts Copy Editor the Girl Scouts.

Local mother Shanna Stewart of Wentzville found the secular Girl Scouts

A Comparison to Girl Scouts Girl Scouts

By the numbers:

18,000 Girls total in the American Heritage Girls worldwide

45 States with troops 6 countries involved in AMG

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St. Louis—based groups

357 Local girls in American Heritage Girls troops

62,000 Girls in Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri troops

American Heritage Girls

Brownie

Pathfinder

Junior

Tenderheart

Cadette

Explorer

Senior

Pioneer

Ambassador

Patriot

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ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES STUDENT LIFE NEWS

ACCESS DENIED: HOW BLOCKED WEBSITES ARE EFFECTING URSULINE

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college they won’t block websites. We s blocking social media websites dents complaining about the blocked should learn on our own how to control beneficial to stuwebsites, they could make a petition or our web browsing during class.” In the dents? Facebook, Twitter, and make a just reason for why they need to poll taken, four out of twenty-five girls most recently Pinterest have access. There is always room for discussaid that they were glad the websites been blocked during the course sion.” were blocked as they were constantly of the school day on student laptops. The When students were asked in an anonydistracted. The other seventeen said that recent blocking of Pinterest has caused mous poll what the compromise Mr. they could concentrate on school work if quite a commotion among students. “We Baker was suggesting would entail, one the websites weren’t blocked. were noticing slow internet. When I students commented, “It could be looked at the firewall, I saw that over one It’s not an obscure fact that the adminiblocked during school hours because I hour, 80% of Ursuline students were on strations opinions on the situation and get to school early and sometimes stay Pinterest,” Mr. Dan Baker commented the student’s view are quite differlate, so I think it should be unblocked on the decision to block this popular soent. Mr. Baker implied that a comprothen.” cial networking site. “Is it practical to mise was possible, but students need to Another student stated, “No comproblock some take the initiathings during the tive and try to course of the day make it hapso we can focus pen.

Another on academics? part of becomYes,” said Dr. ing our own Mark Michalwomen is takski.

“The only ing control and reason we’re voicing our blocking is that at opinions.

It’s some point it evident from became a distracthe poll taken tion in the classthat there are a r o o m . ” lot of students But who makes who have the decisions to strong views on block these webthis topic, so sites? “Most of talk to cothe r e q ue s t s workers.

We come from teach- This is a pie chart of the internet usage over one consecutive hour prior to the can’t make eveers saying that a blocking of Pinterest. It shows that 80% of users on the Ursuline network ryone happy, website is disbut perhaps we were viewing the website. tracting and takcan come close ing from learnif we work together. mise. We are old enough to decide on ing,” Mr. Baker stated. He then continour own if we have enough free time to ued by saying, “There is a board made up Abby Blaes and visit these leisure websites.” She also Olivia Passafiume of Dr. Michalski, a handful of teachers, said, “Pinterest and other websites Bear Facts Staff Writers and Mr. Schoemehl.

They decide should be available to any student during whether or not to block a webher free time, such as study hall, acasite.” Although Mr. Baker also said that demic advisement, or while waiting for parents had a hand in the blocking of her ride after school. We are old enough Facebook because of requests to do to decide if we have enough extra time to so. Facebook is blocked throughout the be on these websites or not.” A second course of the day whereas Pinterest is student agreed with her and added, “All only blocked during school hours. teachers tell us that they give us certain Mr. Baker then invited students to look assignments to prepare us for college so for a way to negotiate, “Instead of stutrying to baby us is contradicting. In

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WAVE Week, Is It In You? During the week of February 13-17, students at Ursuline Academy got together to help support women in need. Wave Week supports women at Ursuline and women everywhere who are battered. Students across campus brought in supplies to help women in protective shelters.

Ms. Lehnert’s women’s literature classes got together this particular week to help these women. They planned to collect bras from Ursuline students. Strangely, they had discovered that bras are the least donated item to women’s shelters.

Ursuline students also collected cleaning supplies, and the class had a bake sale. Overall, the students collected 406 bras, and, most importantly, students came together and supported others in need; the student body well represented Serviam.

Molly Rathert, senior class president, stated, “It was the best group project of all time. I loved how many girls got very excited and competitive about it and so many women will benefit from all the collected bras.”

Madeline Davis, a senior in Ms. Lehnert’s women’s literature class, stated, “The purpose of Wave Week is to inform

everyone and to help end violence and help our fellow ladies of the world!” Therefore, students posted statistics in the women’s restrooms all over school to make people aware of what is going on in our world. They also made power points that were presented on UA Today about how many women are battered, beaten and raped a year. This really opened up a lot of students eyes to the evil reality of the world.

Most of the supplies that were brought in were for Lydia’s House. The Ursuline student body brought in cleaning supplies and bras. Freshman Olivia Passafiume brought in a hundred bras,winning the “Golden Bra” that the students in the women’s literature class had made. Overall, students at Ursuline gain a lot from Wave Week. They learn the battles that women face every day. Madeline Davis continued, “We need to constantly know about those around us, suffering. Serviam is about service; we can’t serve if we are blind to those who need our help. By being aware, it’s easier to help.”

Brooke Messmer Bear Facts Editor-in-Chief

“It was the best group project of all time. I loved how girls got very excited and competitive about it and so many women will benefit from all the collected bras .” Molly Rathert

Morgan Baer and Elizabeth Dreyer strutting the bake good items during wave week!

Photos by: Krista Schaeffer

Molly Rathert and Grace Armstrong both contributed in Wave Week, making the Golden Bra the ultimate prize!

Shirts that the women’s literature class made.

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ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES STUDENT LIFE NEWS

UA Girls Gear Up for Worldwide Travel Ursuline sponsors exciting trips for this spring break.

W

ith the many trips coming up this March, a lot of UA girls are counting down the days until this spring break. Trips sponsored by Ursuline include a service trip to New Orleans and a cultural and educational trip to Brazil.

In addition, Mr. Master and Mrs. Stinehart are visiting South Africa. Many Ursuline students and teachers are very busy preparing for the worldwide travel.

The New Orleans trip has become a tradition at Ursuline in the past five years to help pick up the pieces from the disastrous hurricane Katrina. Theology teacher Sr. Mary Ann Dooling has participated in this service trip each year Ursuline has gone. Sister commented, “I always enjoy going on service trips. I like seeing the important traditions they have there.”

Ursuline is very fortunate to go on this trip due to connections with the Ursuline school in New Orleans. Sister believes service trips help students develop deeper bonds with each other.

Junior Rachel Garozzo said, “I’m excited to bond with my classmates and make a difference in someone’s life. I really want to build a house. Like literally.” Sr. Mary Ann values the trip as a unique experience and feels that the city is still in need of a lot of work.

Students will be working with two organizations, the St. Bernard Project and LowerNine.org. Sr. Mary Ann expressed, “Ursuline girls will develop a sense of the need that exists in the United States. They will also come to know each other better and form friendships. They will return home more grateful for life.”

While some Ursuline girls will lend a helping hand within the United States, other students will be traveling beyond borders to Brazil. Mrs. Elking remarked, “The purpose of the trip is to make a connection globally with other Ursuline schools. It’s part of a global education exchange program.” Mrs. Elking, along with

Seniors get excited for

from left: Kelsey Rejko, Lauren Percich, Allison Griffero, Ann Slesinski, Jessie Bava, Cassie Herin, Maggie Cromien, Kat Kernell, Abby Stewart, and Courtney Dierkes.

Photo by Kevin Reid.

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Mr. Reid, will be accompanying ten students to Brazil. The Ursuline girls venturing on this trip will be able to learn and explore about an Ursuline school in another country. The students will experience the culture and discover the history of the city of Ilheus, Brazil. They will encounter the country’s major trade of cacao (known to Americans as cocoa) and have science explorations on near islands. Mrs. Elking reminisced on her and Mr. Reid’s previous trip, “I’m excited to see the friends I made the first time. One of my friends was pregnant while we were there and has had the baby since. I will get to hold her baby.” She is also ecstatic for the wonderful weather, friendly atmosphere and to see UA students experience it all.

Mr. Master and Mrs. Stinehart are also enthused for their opportunity to visit South Africa this spring break. The purpose of the trip is to explore the possibility of an exchange of students from the St. Louis Ursuline Academy with the students of the Ursuline school in Johannesburg, South Africa. Mr. Master gushed, “It is a dream I thought I would never be able to realize. I’m excited to see the Ursuline spirit lived out in a different culture.” He is also elated to contribute to the creation of an educational and travel experience for Ursuline students.

At the end of this upcoming spring break, many Ursuline girls and teachers will return to school with new outlooks on the world. Whether they contributed to he rebuilding of New Orleans or explored the culture and history of Brazil, they will come back home with memories and bonds not only with their fellow classmates from St. Louis, but also with Ursuline sisters from around the world.

Meg Vatterott Bear Facts Print Editor

Top picture from left: Emily Pawlak, Betsy Kennedy, Brooke Messmer, Sammi Karlskint, Colleen McGovern, Elizabeth Dreyer, Claire Burkemper, Tara Rice and Molly Rathert Bottom Picture: Sam Schott

2011 Photos from Brooke Messmer

Spring Break Poll

Top picture: Brooke Messmer Bottom picture from left: Abby Stewart, Brooke Messmer, Christine Zobel, Josie Ruggeri, Sam Schott, Grace Leon, Sam Schott, Morgan Baer, Megan Buechel, Haley Baer, Dale and Kate Evola.

46 % 54 %

of Ursuline girls are staying in St. Louis.

of Ursuline girls are going on a trip over spring break.

Where are girls going for spring break?

Florida Dominican Republic Alabama Ursuline-sponsored College Visits Other

24% 9% 11% 26% 4% 27%

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NEWS

Passion for Fashion Week

ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES STUDENT LIFE

A review of Mercedes-Benz fashion week and a preview of fashion to come this spring and fall.

D

ries, to shoes. The color choices have expanded from the dull and drab colors of winter, to the inviting colors of spring.

Were you able to get a chance to Some other things that you should keep an see the highlights? If not, then I will fill eye out for are: high-waist shorts, longer you in on all the juicy fashion secrets. skirts, oversized shirts, and bold jewelry.

Here is the schedule of familiar Whether it is a bad hair day, or just a fabudesigners during New York Fashion week lous addition to an outfit, hats are always from the mbfashionweek.com: Fashion in style.

Week started off with a bang as Nicholas K What kind of things should you hit the studio to show off his collection at expect to see this fall? Blood, blood, 9 a.m. on February 9, 2012. and more blood - oxblood An hour later, Max Azaria Oxblood, floral, that is. According to the displayed his mad designing Wall Street Journal, the wedges, large skills for his BCBG collecdark red color will be hittion in the Mercedes-Benz accessories, bright ting the racks this fall. theatre. Out of the many fur, and animal colors, dresses that Leather, designers, here are a few print will return to stores from each day. February while painting the flow, fun belts, and 10, Rebecca Taylor, Retown red. The color comcute hair clips will pliments all neutrals and becca Minkoff, and Nicolle Miller strutted their stuff on take over the streets gives a modern twist to the stage, in the theatre, and classic looks. Suits with in the studio. On the 11th, this spring, summer, color will make their way Lacoste showed off their around the town as well. and fall. tennis-themed style at 10 Women will take the step a.m. On the 12th, DKNY to wear suit jackets and took the stage at 1:00, Diane Von Furstenpants that match in fun colors. Chunky berg impressed the theatre at 4:00. sweaters are another addition to deTommy Hilfinger took over park avenue at signerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fall lines. If you thought they were 8 p.m. to show off his style for the coming popular in 2011, just wait until you see months. 13th, Emilio Cavallini dominated them across every store window in the the box at 1:30, DKNY took 26th street, mall. The cozy knits will keep people and Betsey Johnson graced the theatre at warm while they hit the streets in style.

6 p.m. On the 14th, Michael Kors, J. MenThe designers who styled the del, and B. Michael America showcased 2011 fall fashion season, because many of their style. Lastly, on the 15th, Calvin the same styles are making a reappearKlein showed his two-part collection for ance. To stay in style remember to keep the upcoming months along with Ralph these in mine: oxblood, floral, wedges, Lauren. There were many other designers large accessories, bright colors, dresses throughout the week, but these were some that flow, fun belts, and cute hair clips. of the most popular.

Keep your eyes peeled for these and many With the winter being so mild, more styles in the coming months. spring is making an early appearance.

Ann Wolf Spring fashion has already made its apBear Facts Art Editor pearance with colorful platforms, wedges, and flats. Floral has been seen in every form from clothing to jewelry, to accesso-

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id you see the MercedesBenz New York fashion week?

You may have already seen styles like this, but they will become much more popular in the coming months.

Drawing by Ann Wolf, Bear Facts Art Editor

“The Voice” is in its second season, and ratings show no sign of it stopping. Adam Levine, Cee-Lo Green, Blake Shelton and Christiana Aguilera coach and mentor contestants.

During the audition process, the coaches’ chairs are turned away from the contestant. If the coach wants the contestant to be on his or her team, the coach press the button and the chair swerves. If more than one coach presses his or her button, the contestant gets to choose what team he or she would like to be on. After auditions, “The Voice” moves to the battle round. In this round, a coach has two of his or her team members

“American Idol” has been airing on national television for eleven years and is still going strong. Even though it has lost some of its most famous judges, Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul, Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and, of course, Randy Jackson make the show even better than it was before. Steven Tyler’s hilarious commentary give life to the show and its contestants. Several people think the show has gone down hill and is not as good as it used to be, but that is not the case this year.

Thousands of people across

sing the same song. The coach then chooses which four team members from the battles will move on to the next stage in the competition: live performances. These are more head-to -head battles within teams. The public gets to vote starting with this round, choosing which individual they think from each team should advance to the final eight, although they only get 50/50 say. Unlike “American Idol,” “The Voice” coaches get to say who should stay and who should go. The final eight dwindles down to the final four, with one team member representing Team Adam, Team Cee-lo, Team Blake and Team Christina. The winner is then chosen solely on public vote and is awarded with

$100,000 and gets record deal with Universal Records.

“The Voice” attracts performers from all walks of life, from young to old, and doesn’t base performances on appearance. While “American Idol” brings in guest mentors,”The Voice” mentors stay with the contestants throughout the season to help them grow and develop. Tune in Monday nights at 7 p.m. to watch “The Voice.”

the United States tryout for this show every year in hopes that they will become the next “American Idol.” They must go through one round of judges before they get to Randy, Jennifer, and Steven Tyler. Once the contestant has made it past the first round, they have the possibility of making it on live television in front of the three famous judges. In Hollywood, the stakes are higher, and the competition is harder. The contestants’ fears are rising in not knowing if they will be on the show the next week.

They go through an intense elimination every week, and every viewer is on the seat of his or her chair, hoping for the best for a favorite contestant.

After Hollywood, the top 2436 contestants move on to the big stage. By this time most people have a few favorites whom they hope will make it far. When these contestants move to the semi-finals, the audience has a chance to get more involved; The audience has the chance to vote for their favorite idol contestants to give them a chance to be on the show longer. The contestant with the least amount of votes gets voted off the show. It is an intense process and the audience is always waiting to watch and vote for their favorite idol contestant every week.

Maggie Eggleston Bear Facts Staff Writer

Emily Price Bear Facts Staff Writer

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Spring Break Playlist With Spring Break right around the corner, it’s time to start making a playlist.

These tracks are great for a windows down car ride. Whether you’re staying in St. Louis or relaxing on the beach, check out these songs.

1 2 3

COUNTRY Track: Drunk on You Artist: Luke Bryan

ALTERNATIVE Track: I Like it Like That Artist: Hot Chelle Ray

POP

4 5 6

Track: What Makes You Beautiful Artist: One Direction

POP Track: I Won’t Give Up Artist: Jason Mraz

ELECTRONIC Track: Glad You Came Artist: The Wanted

RAP Track: The Motto Artist: Drake and lil Wayne

Best Month EVER Congratulations, Olivia Passafume, you are having the best month ever! Olivia, freshman, won the Golden Bra during WAVE Week. Her tactics to winning? “I just asked a lot of people that I knew, my cousin was really the reason I won. She asked all her friends and they had more than I thought.”

Olivia brought in over 100 bras.

All the bras collected were donated to Lydia’s House.

She explained her triumphant win, “It feels good to win the Golden Bra. It was a very exciting competition and there were a lot of people that really tried their best. I wasn't expecting to win..” Congrats Olivia on having the Best Month Ever!

HOTTIE OF THE MONTH Nick Roux is this month’s hottie. He stars as Billy on “Jane by Design.” He is Jane’s best friend on the show and plays a punk. Who doesn’t love his luscious gold locks and green eyes?

Maggie Eggleston Bear Facts Staff Writer

http://www.imdb.com/media/rm813794560/nm3682083 , http://top40-charts.com/chart.php?cid=27

MARCH