Skyline Volume 3, Issue 2
Winter 2019
Lab Update By: Grace Rosen St. Saviour High School’s hydroponic lab, located on the second floor of the school, has been providing not just education in science, but a sense of spiritual community as well. With some of the many science classes volunteering their time, and with students utilizing their free period, often times pitching in to care for the plants, the lab seems to always be full of people learning. Through the outcome of the harvests that have taken place over the months and with the addition of worms as decomposers to the farming system, this lab has become a true tool for education. Earlier this year, the lab saw quite the harvest. There was such an abundance that not only students took home some of the vegetables, but decent amounts
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were donated to those in the community who don’t have what they need. Giving back to the community in this way, helping to provide for those who can’t provide for themselves is a wonderful way to teach what kindness and empathy are to the newest generation of high school students. Including worms into the system, despite soil not being essential for this type of farming, also helps teach about science. Worms are decomposers and, as they eat dead matter from the plants, the plants stay healthier, thus the worms help the plants survive. Unfortunately, there have been quite a few complications with these small creatures. Despite their best efforts, the lab’s staff could not seem to keep the worms from escaping where they were being held, but eventually the students found a solution to the situation. “We think it’s what we’re feeding them… we’re going to feed them different plant scraps,” Ms. Cush, the biology teacher, explained. Through the hydroponic lab, the
Sunworks New York staff involved with the lab in our school have been teaching us more than just science. They have provided an opportunity to learn empathy, one that we might not have gotten otherwise, and this is a very important lesson to be learned during our teenage years.
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Christmas Liturgy and Assembly By: Shannon McLoughlin Christmas is a special time at Saint Saviour. The Christmas liturgy on December 19th kicked off festivities. Seniors, dressed in black and white, topped off with a red ribbon, processed into the church carrying candles as the other grades looked on. Father Kevin made students laugh with his Christmas story about smuggling Mother Mary out of church, and the gospel choir lifted our spirits with their carols and hymns. The celebration continued until Friday, when we began our break. The Christmas play delighted the entire student body as the shoemakers used Vans and stilettos to spread a message of joy. After the play, students representing various clubs
and classes performed for the rest of the school. Physics, Chemistry, Senior Music, and Gospel Choir - all sang Christmas carols. However, the teachers stole the show with their annual carol, lyrics courtesy of Ms. B, about students at Saint Saviour. The sisterhood of Saint Saviour is especially evident at Christmas time, as we take part in the season of giving by caring for each other.
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Where is the Christian Spirit at Saint Saviour? By: Quyn McCaffrey Last year, as a member of the Student Council, I participated in an initiative called Operation Christmas Child; it sends boxes filled with supplies and toys to kids around the world. To me, this seems like an easy thing to do. Just head down to your local dollar store and buy cheap notebooks and novelty toys. It doesn’t cost much for us and it means the most for impoverished kids on the other side of the globe. Last year, it was a smashing success. This year: it was not. This year, there simply were not enough donations for the school even to ship anything off to kids in need. Why?
Last year it was great. Tons of pencils, spiral bound notebooks, dolls, and racecars, all packed neatly into shoeboxes. Students from every homeroom donated, and, for myself, I felt good inside knowing that the donations were going to a good cause and that the school was doing a good thing. So what went wrong this year? Where was, where is, the spirit of giving at our school? Has the need for an incentive completely overshadowed our ability to give freely? The answer, it seems, is in the notion that the only reason we do something nice is so that we will be rewarded: dress down days, other privileges. But it’s important that we remember that if there is a good cause to which we have the ability to contribute we should not be focused on getting some reward, but rather on contributing to a worthy cause. Sure, a dress down day is always nice, but it shouldn’t be the only consideration one thinks about when given the chance to help somebody less fortunate than themselves. Everyone is deserving of our Christian love, and if an incentive is the only way for us to participate in giving, well, it just doesn't seem genuine.
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A Return to Civil Discourse By: Alexandra Natale At almost every gathering, whether at the family dinner table or even while riding the bus with a friend, the topic of politics eventually works its way into the conversation. Recently, Politics have been changing; as the ways individuals’ ideas are discussed seem also to be changing. Often when met with an opinion opposite of their own, many would rather turn to belligerence than open-mindedness. When faced with a different point of view, instead of tuning it out or conjuring up a rebuttal, we should try to listen and consider the merits of that opposing opinion. A big part of the way we interact when discussing political views has to do with our preconceived notions of “others.” A 2016 poll reported that forty-seven percent of Republicans viewed Democrats as more immoral and lazy than the rest of Americans. It also reported that forty-two percent of Democrats view Republicans as more dishonest and unintelligent than other Americans. This marks a big increase in an unfavorable view of the opposing party in the last twenty years. These stereotypes serve as an obstacle when it comes to discussing political viewpoints. If a Democrat, for instance, hears that a Republican is going to speak and decides the person is dishonest and unintelligent before that person start speaking, that Dem has closed his mind off from being receptive. Somehow political discussions have devolved into discussions about partisanship rather than about the ideas themselves. There is blame on both sides of the aisle in this matter. The valedictorian of a very conservative high school in Kentucky closed his graduation speech with a quote he claimed was President
Trump’s: “Don’t just get involved. Fight for your seat at the table. Better yet, fight for a seat at the head of the table.” His classmates applauded vigorously until he revealed that the quote belonged to President Obama. After that, silence and even boos filled the crowd. Why can’t a Republican enjoy a Democrat’s quote? Likewise, in a liberal college students were interviewed about alleged President Obama quotes, they responded with unwavering positivity. When they learned that the quotes were President Trump’s, they started singing a different tune. In order to heal this harsh divide and start seeing members of the opposing party as human again, we need to return to civil discourse. Civil discourse is a lost art; it is engagement in conversation intended to enhance understanding. Two people of different parties can have a conversation and walk away, both having learned something meaningful. We can all participate in this is by focusing on the views of the person we are speaking to rather than on the individual presenting them and responding with respect. Our whole society would benefit from truly listening to one another and considering compromise. I challenge us all, to start making small changes in discussing ideas with others. Instead of rolling your eyes when you learn whom someone voted for, ask why so you can better understand. Rather than looking for fault in someone's opinion, try to find common ground. Explain your opinion genuinely and be open to input. This will make political conversations more productive and impactful, and people will feel more comfortable in sharing their opinion. 5
The Case For Veganism By: Samantha Hughes What is veganism? Many people like to believe that veganism is a radical way to live without knowing the actual qualifications for being vegans. In short, vegans do not consume meat, fish, or poultry. Additionally, vegans do not use animal products or animal by-products, such as leather and dairy products. Although this lifestyle seems very restrictive, it is very beneficial. Many vegans feel driven to avoid consuming or using animal products because they acknowledge the harmful effects these have on animals and the environment; however, the reason Source: https://rainakapoor.com/go-vegan/ people are attracted to veganism runs deeper than that. It is easy to get individuals. This is easy to acquire as trapped into the belief that you are only chia seeds, flaxseeds, and a variety of one person and how you live your life beans contain around ten grams of will not impact the world; vegans do not protein in a typical serving. As protein is follow this mentality. They are aware no longer an issue, vegans usually that their lifestyle benefits the world, as supplement omega-three fatty acids and they lower their carbon footprint vitamin B12. It is crucial to note that (essentially the amount of population omega-threes can be found in flaxseed they are creating) and aid animals, they and walnuts, but they are usually by not objectifying or slaughtering them. supplemented as a precaution. Vitamin Moreover, being vegan does not B12, however, is only found in animal only have worldwide effects, it can aid products, including dairy and eggs; the individual as well. Vegans are therefore, vegans must supplement this known for being more healthy than nonmicronutrient. vegans often having a lower body mass Furthermore, veganism is index (BMI), lower cholesterol levels, beneficial for not only the individual, but and lower blood pressure because they for animals and the environment. consume less saturated fat, less Animals are bred and slaughtered daily cholesterol and more vitamins, all of for our consumption. The worst part of which helps them live longer and avoid this process is that the animals cannot chronic diseases. Many worry that live in the wild when they are only bred becoming vegan will open the possibility for the sole purpose of being of missing crucial macro and micro slaughtered. Moreover, livestock take up nutrients needed to keep the body much farmland not only to inhabit, but functioning at peak capacity. Topping for their food as well. Additionally, they the list of concerns is protein. First, 0.4 consume large amounts of fresh water. grams of protein per pound of body These resources are needed by others weight is sufficient for sedentary who do not benefit from these privileges
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we take for granted everyday; the land, food, and water utilized by livestock can be given to malnourished individuals. Lastly, plants purify the air, which is much needed in a time plagued with hazardous amounts of air pollution. For information on the effects of farming, Cowspiracy, documents how the current farming industry is quickly ridding the planet of its limited, finite natural resources. For information on the benefits of veganism and the dangers of consuming animal products, the documentary, Forks Over Knives, showcases the conclusions of multiple studies suggesting animal products increase the risk of getting cancer, while fruits and vegetables decrease that risk. Ultimately, veganism is one step closer to making the world a better place. With the climate changing and humans becoming increasingly more selfish, veganism offers a refreshing ethical argument of preserving our world for future generations and reflecting on how we impact the rest of the food web negatively. Veganism asks the question of how important humans are to the world, and if we claim to be as vital as we are, why we are creating such harmful effects to other living beings and our environment?
www.vrg.org/nutshell/vegan.htm. “9 Ways Veganism Is Helping the Planet.” Global Citizen, www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/9reasons-why-veganism-can-save-theworld/.
This is what’s on the table.
Works Cited: Harvard Health Publishing. “Becoming a Vegetarian.” Harvard Health Blog, Harvard Health Publishing, www.health.harvard.edu/stayinghealthy/becoming-a-vegetarian. “Veganism in a Nutshell.” Return to Vrg.org, The VRG Blog,
This is how it gets there.
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Mr. Tricarico Touts the Vegan Lifestyle By: Samantha Hughes In order to further understand what it is like to be a vegan, I interviewed Mr. Tricarico, who has been a vegan for fourteen years. Q: Why did you choose to be vegan? A: I have always been an animallover, growing up animals were my friends. As I got older into Bright colors are common in a vegan diet. my thirties, I made the connection between the way Q: How has being vegan changed your animals were being treated and eating life for better or for worse? meat. I decided to change my habits. My primary motivation was because of the A: I know for sure, positively, I pretty industry and the systematic disregard of much still weigh the same since I humans towards other species, looking at stopped growing; it helped me maintain them as property. Especially now with a healthy body weight and I do not have climate change, industrial agriculture is to go to the doctor as often as I am able the leading cause of climate change. If to work out effectively, as well as avoid we don’t change our diets, we can genetic diseases (heart disease) because become extinct as a species. of my diet. Negatives: I don’t see any downsides to Q: What is the most challenging it; except, maybe I can’t have pizza. aspect of veganism? A: The most challenging part of veganism is dealing with other people. Having conversations with people and having them understand; people suddenly become nutritionists and become concerned about protein. The diet isn’t the problem, I’m Italian, I can eat pasta all day. Additionally access at restaurants can be challenging; I hope to start my own restaurant and change that.
Q: Why do you think others should try veganism? A: For their health, to save animals, for the planet. I think it’s an empathy thing - at least for me. Empathy is a way to connect to each other and the planet and it is fading away rapidly. Veganism has a way of reviving empathy.
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Black History Month By: Madison Garrett As citizens living comfortably in the twenty-first century, we often forget what inventions wouldn’t be accessible without the creativity and intelligence of African-Americans. Let us consider black inventors who very much have affected our daily lives. Imagine: Your alarm goes off on a crisp Monday morning, time for a new week at St. Saviour High School. Oh shoot! You forgot to iron your uniform last night! You rush to the ironing board until you realize the ironing board was never invented by Sarah Boone in 1887. Whatever, you think to yourself, Ironed clothes don’t matter. With twenty minutes until departure, you head to your mirror to brush your hair. “I need to look somewhat presentable,” you say aloud. However the hairbrush was never invented by Lydia D. Newman in 1898. “I can just run my fingers through my hair and keep it movin,” you reassure yourself. After preparing, for school you run to the kitchen and grab a bite. As you approach where your refrigerator would be, is an open space. The refrigerator was never invented by J. Standard in 1891. Hungry, wrinkled and frizzy, you decide to relax with the new series from Netflix everyone is talking about until the remote is nowhere to be found. The remote control was never invented by Joseph N. Jackson in 1978. Defeated, you decide to leave home early and maybe catch a bite in the cafeteria. As you reach for the door, you suddenly come to the realization the doorknob was never invented by O. Dorsey in 1878. Boy! What a morning! Black History Month, started in 1946, is not only a time to celebrate black culture but to recognize achievements made by African-Americans. Black inventors
show that African-Americans can accomplish anything and acquire any skill. Black inventors show that AfricanAmericans are creative, intelligent and innovative, credit that is not often given. These inventions are not only achievements for African-Americans but for American society as a whole.
My Ode to Walt Whitman By: Aisha Micourt My history with singing began in kindergarten My mother and I sang every morning while she made my breakfast. Just silly tunes about numbers, or maybe even colors, I can’t seem to put my finger on it. These little fragments of my memory hit me once and awhile and I find myself singing little melodies while tying my shoes. My childhood led me to believe life always would be filled with love and open arms. But I don’t see that love in the media— All the unjust slaughter of young black Americans, Killed simply for the color of their skin, Mr. Whitman: how can I sing for a nation that doesn’t sing for me. I celebrate my blackness, and sing for those of my brothers and sisters who are wrongfully charged and incarcerated. And, what I assume you shall assume: For every inch of my black skin is glorified in God’s name, Made in his image, my likeness carved out by angels. Our nation is being run by those who spread ignorance… … White bed sheets made to resemble red baseball caps. Mr. Whitman: your perfect America does not exist .
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History Matters Trip By: Samantha Hughes On December 5th, History Matters took a trip to the winter fair at Bryant Park for ice-skating and other festivities. This was History Matter’s first trip this year, and the girls had a blast with their new moderator, Ms. Gans. It was a beautiful night in NYC and Saviourites got to skate with their friends while enjoying the gorgeous scenery of Bryant Park. The trip served as a great way to kick off the winter season and Christmas Festivities at Saint Saviour. In addition to ice-skating, History Matters has also watched a documentary about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg called “RBG,” which follows Justice Ginsburg’s long, difficult and challenging journey to become a Supreme Court Justice.
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Sports Corner By: Teresa Kiernan, Ariana Quintana and Lauren Rivera The Swim Team: Looking back, the swim team worked very hard to get to where they are. After a lengthy search for a pool we practiced three times a week, for which we were so happy and grateful. As team, we participated in meets once or twice on the weekends with other Catholic high schools from Brooklyn and Queens. Our coaches, Morgan and Julia, stood at the sides of the pool cheering us and pushing us at each meet. Our first few were rough but then the team won a few meets after the rough patches. Each swimmer improved with each practice and meet she attended. The girls would cheer each other on at the side of the lane or at the pool’s end. All the swimmers showed great sportsmanship towards each other and the other schools. Sharing the wins and losses, they grew as a team but most
importantly as a family, always having each other’s back whether swimming the 50m free or the 500m free. Towards the end of the season, the girls were practicing for the A and B champs. And the day finally came where A champs and B champs were only hours away. The girls were anxious. After long hours competing the girls accomplished a lot coming in strong and winning some medals. The Saint Saviour Swim team should be very proud of their accomplishments, like the other teams. The Softball Team: Brianna Kenny, Saint Saviour’s Varsity Basketball Captain, saves the day! With her, on January 30th, were all other seniors who started the game against Saint Vincent Ferrer. Keba Francis took the tap and did not disappoint. Normally Leshia Durena, who has not yet missed a tap this season, would play this position. Molly Murtagh and Jenna McBrien,
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normally starters for the team, were absent this season due to major injuries (Molly is currently recovering from a concussion, and Jenna a shoulder surgery.). The most recent victory was against Saint Agnes High School. The team began the game in a 3-2 defense and then adjusted to a zone press after the first quarter. Brianna, a starter for the team since her freshman year, can’t wait for the championships so she can defend our winning title. Unfortunately, there were not enough people this year to form a junior varsity team. However, this doesn’t mean there weren’t any new members. First-year players include: Jacqueline Avignone, Allie Giordano, Keba Francis, and Claire Robertsen. Thonius Francis, the junior varsity coach, rather
than end his basketball connection to Saint Saviour, continued to assist the head coach, Jim Gresson, of the Varsity team. Joe Caizzo devotes time to the team as another assistant coach. His daughter, Allie Caizzo, a Saint Saviour alumni, was also a varsity basketball player. This season has proved to be a challenge for the varsity girls. However, they are working relentlessly and they secured their spot for playoffs. Go Pandas!
The Cheer Squad: Whether it is finding success on the blue mats or cheering at a basketball game, cheerleaders keep spirits raised throughout their whole season, off and on the mat. As reported in the last issue, when the cheerleading team went to UCA Camp, they were taught “roles of being a cheerleader” to raise and support
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awareness for the school. In November, at a varsity basketball game against Cristo Rey, the squad used their crowd leading tactics, spirit, and athleticism to entertain the crowd.
On December 2nd, the cheerleading squad went to Hofstra University for the Nassau-Suffolk Regional Competition. Although the team did not place, first place was won in our hearts. Because we had a completely new team, practice was difficult as we adjusted to the new structure. Danielle Federico and Kim Mullings, head and assistant coaches, supported the team through their first competition. Other teams in our division cheered us on and we did the same for them. Maria Regina, St. Catherine’s Academy, and the Mary Louis Academy are a few schools that competed in the small varsity division. On January 5th, the cheerleading squad took home third place at the Brooklyn-Queens Regional Competition at Queens
College. Two days before, the team struggled to keep their heads up. Nick O. Stanton, head coach of the varsity and junior varsity cheerleading team at Stuyvesant High School, donated his time to help us with our routine for regionals. With only two days to prepare for our routine to be spot-on for Saturday, it was important to stay focused and not be disappointed during practice. The Friday before competition, the squad, like a family, stuck together and learned a whole new pyramid section, which wowed the crowd, as flyers flew through the air and hit loud and proud. It is crucial to give a huge shout out to Amanda Arrata (base) for learning how to do a tic-toc single base liberty. Way to go! Energized by our third place win, the squad prepared for their performance at the Barclays Center. For at least three years the squad has been invited to perform pre-game at the grand arena, girls on the squad say that this is an experience of a lifetime with my sisters.
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“The Truman Show:” Movie Review By: Madison Garrett The Truman Show is a 1998 PG comical science-fiction film about a man named Truman (Jim Carrey) who is adopted and raised by a movie corporation that televises his entire life. His first steps, his first kiss, his first heartbreak are all broadcast to billions of adoring fans all over the world. However, he has no clue his entire life a movie until, one day, he escape. The movie is a film I hold dear for many reasons. The film plays with viewers’ sense of reality-what is or isn’t real? Truman is unaware that everyone around him is an actor. His mother, his father, his best friend, his wife are all receiving pay to love him. Every word told to Truman is part of a script rehearsed by actors. The film also shows how vile human beings can be, showing producers who watch Truman experience pain and still telecast it to billions all over the world.
“Monster:” Book Review By: Madison Garrett The young adult novel, Monster by Walter Dean Myers, is about a sixteen-year-old boy named Steve who is awaiting trial for murder. Steve is an aspiring screenwriter and director, so the book is uniquely written in the format of a movie script. Monster is easy to relate to because of Steve’s character. He lives in Brooklyn, has an average family and comes across as a good kid. The book is compelling due to the fact that readers never get a fully detailed telling of what had occurred when the alleged murders took place. Readers receive the opportunity to become jurors in the courtroom, hear all testimonies and decide whether Steve is guilty or not.
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“Birdbox:” Review By: Lauren Rivera The new Netflix original film, “Bird Box,” has taken the world by storm. The movie was quite interesting and can leave you at the edge of your seat. The movie focuses on characters who are driven to suicide if they look into the air. To avoid this, the characters who do not look up hide in a house and use blindfold so that they will not commit suicide. Malorie, the protagonist, reflects on her past trauma. She utilizes the help of Boy and Girl to try to cross a river in order to get to the safe location. As she is reflecting on her past, the scenes transition to their present location, showing how far they have come. The acting is at best mediocre and is up to common standards. As a warning, the movie had much violence. It is poorly developed because it progressed too quickly. In my opinion, the plot is typical of other modern apocalypse movies, which was disappointing. Additionally the constant flashbacks involving Malorie are confusing and hard to keep track of. Towards the end of the movie, some of the scenes were choppy and left me with many questions involving plot holes, such as where the characters are after their trauma.
“A Simple Favor:” Review By: Clara Glaaser “A Simple Favor,” starring Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick, centers on Stephanie, a vlogger who documents the disappearance of her friend, Emily. The movie starts with the two moms being introduced and quickly becoming friends. Soon after, Emily disappears and, despite the authorities not deeming it a missing persons case, Stephanie begins a search for her friend. Stephanie’s vlog becomes useful, as the power of social media has no limit. Although the story is about sisterhood, and love, it also shares the message about the power of the Internet. Stephanie begins the movie as a typical vlogger with a viewing audience of moms. But as the movie progresses, Stephanie’s audience grows dramatically as everyone is enticed by the story of the woman who disappeared without a trace. More people begin to watch the vlogs, documenting the stages of Emily’s disappearance. The case gains popularity leading to more and more clues emerging, keeping the audience engrossed.
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In Memory of Maria Perrotta Griffin ` The Skyline staff would like to thank Dan Griffin, husband of Maria Perrotta, class of 1967, for his generous and gracious donation towards the purchase of new equipment to enhance the school newspaper. Maria was a staff writer for Skyline during her time at Saint Saviour. Recently, her husband shared with members of the Saint Saviour community how much Maria enjoyed her time working on Skyline. Dan Griffin’s donation will go a long way towards helping Skyline keep up with changing trends in journalism.
“Generosity is the most natural outward expression of an inner attitude of compassion and loving-kindness.” — The Dalai Lama XIV
Skyline Staff Editor-in-Chief – Samantha Hughes Assistant Editor – Alexandra Natale Contributing Writers – Madison Garrett, Teresa Kiernan, Quyn McCaffrey, Shannon McLoughlin, Olivia Medina, Ariana Quintana, Lauren Rivera, Grace Rosen, Clara Glaaser Moderator – Ms. J. Caughey
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