February 2014 Volume 5 Issue 3
In This Issue
STATE CHAMPIONS! By Shariq Marshall
“ONE TEAM! ONE TEAM! ONE GOAL! ONE GOAL! WIN STATES! WIN State Champions STATES!” Mr. Tweed One thing we always emphasized was being a family. Every time we Teacher Spotlight stepped on the field, whether it was for a practice, scrimmage or game, we New Teachers always played like a family. This was the key to our success this past 2013 season. We faced adversity just like any other team would, but we were all on Paterson Art Show William the same page when it came to bouncing back from a tough loss or a broken United Nations Trip down play. The two weeks of practice prior to the championship game were all about focus. We knew that we could win this game before it even started with Fall Sports Recap preparation and focus. “Let's show them what North Jersey football is all Haiti about!” This was motivation for us going into this game. Knowing that Holy Spirit Acceptances College had been the divisional state champions in the years prior was like gas to our fire. “Let’s send them back to their surf boards and beaches”. A lot of Teen Hunger Summit motivational quotes were tossed around throughout the week, but it was time Upcoming at DePaul to stop talking and start playing. Medical Science Club The morning of the game was a casual breakfast like any other afternoon game. Linemen sat with the linemen, the coaches sat together, etc. Everyone Study Tips was in the zone, listening to music in the locker room while getting ready to Note Editors’ board the bus. On the bus there was nothing but silence, we were focused. Find the hidden Emeralds We arrived at the stadium and immediately everyone was hyped. We were dressed before we even entered the bubble to warm up, and as soon as we o There are 7! walked in everyone was yelling, doing drills, stretching, ready to play. Holy Spirit walked in still in their pajamas and sandals, which we saw as a sign that they were not as ready to play as we were. Coach Murray huddled us all up for a game‐time speech just like every other game and we were as loud as could be, not caring that Holy Spirit was on the other side of the field. We walked out of that bubble and yelled at the top of our lungs. The tunnel was like nothing we had ever experienced before. Here it was, the state championship game. The game we had all been sweating, bleeding and fighting for all year was finally minutes away. “Let’s go! This is our house!” We all locked arms and our defensive back coach, Coach Rogers, led us with the perfect mantra: “ONE TEAM! ONE TEAM! ONE GOAL! ONE GOAL! WIN STATES! WIN STATES!”
...and that was exactly what we did. Page | 1
February 2014 Volume 5 Issue 3
By Tim Lungren and Jacquelyn Kozak
On the afternoon of his birthday, the editors of the Emerald sat down with Mr. Tweed to talk how he’s been adjusting to his new position. His office was decorated for the occasion, with about
birthday balloons and cards, as he reflected on the past half-year.
“The transition was relatively easy. DePaul is similar to the previous places I’ve worked,” he says, talking with his hands. He’s referring to Ranney, the private school he worked at before coming to DePaul. His desire to work with students started early, during his first education class.
“I was watching a teacher treat his students horribly. It was at that moment that I decided I wanted to become a teacher.” Mr. Tweed taught U.S. Government in his early career, and said that if he had to pick a class to teach at DePaul for a day, it would be that one. “Oh don’t worry,” he laughs. “I’ll be making a guest appearance for a Government class at some point during this year.” Mr. Tweed, a graduate of Bates College in Maine with a Masters degree from Manhattan College, is not only focused on the students, but the school as a unit. Our meeting is briefly interrupted so he can consult with someone on a sign being ordered for the school. He’s striving to make DePaul known not just as a great place to get an education, but a place to be inspired.
“My favorite part of my job is taking the opportunity to share what makes a school great and make it a reality,” he says, telling us about the changes he’s planning to make in the future.
When asked about his most important advice on the college process, he responds, “Start early. thinking about it early. And when you get deep into the process, don’t settle for anything.” College Start planning is definitely a major focus of Mr. Tweed’s. As a previous college counselor, he knows how to arm kids with applications that reflect them perfectly and send them to the right schools.
“Don’t center your college choices based on what job you can get with your major,” he says when asked about the best major. “Nursing and IT majors are always needed, but most jobs will teach you specific skills. A lot of employers are looking for employees with specified skills now. It’s less about you major in than how you pursue a job opportunity. You have to like what you do.” what
In closing, we asked Mr. Tweed one final question: what was his favorite item in his office? Looking around his office, you’d think it would be a hard decision. Momentos from the past are everywhere, and interesting baubles sit on every shelf. However, he doesn’t waste a second before replying, “Oh, that’s easy. My pictures of my family!” He points to one of his daughter, Collins. It’s clear that Mr. Tweed is a family man, and we’re all so glad to welcome him into our DePaul Catholic Family. Page | 2
February 2014 Volume 5 Issue 3
You can usually find Ms. Gabriele upstairs in her classroom, poring over the plans for this
year’s yearbook, or in Ms. Sullivan’s classroom spending quality time with the other lit teachers. We all know her and love her. She’s sassy, she’s smart, and she’s got a major thing for Beyonce. The Emerald’s Alexandra Buttita sat down with her for a Q&A session. Here’s her chat with our Teacher of the Issue: Q: What do you teach and how long have you been teaching at DePaul? I teach literature, and this is my second year here. Q: Where did you go to college? Marist! Q: What clubs do you run? Mock Trial, Yearbook, and I help out a lot in the Drama department. Q: What is you favorite food? Chicken. Definitely chicken. Q: Favorite musician? Beyonce Q: Favorite Spartan moment at DePaul so far? Being Beyonce to judge the seniors’ costumes on Halloween. I love Beyonce. Q: What is your most important New Years Resolution? I want to seriously improve my health this year. Q: What is your biggest fear? It’s a tie between heights and airplanes. They’re both equally horrible. Q: What is your favorite book? To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Q: What is your favorite song? It’s another tie. Either Somebody to Love by Queen or Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen. Q: What is your favorite TV show? Scandal. It’s so good! Q: What is your favorite color? Blue. Page | 3
February 2014 Volume 5 Issue 3
By Alexandra Buttitta
This school year, DePaul is home to a bevy of new teachers. We asked each of them for a quick quote about how they were doing as we approach the halfway point of the year. Deacon Larry D’Amico
“I must explain that DePaul is the third Catholic high school I have taught Theology at during the last ten years…let me say that although I will always have a place in my heart for the other two schools...DePaul wins my heart hands down. I believe this to be so because of the DePaul culture and diversity. In other words, I love this school mostly because of the students and for this I thank you all!” Ms. DiRussa “DePaul has been so welcoming to me as a new teacher and I’ve had a great year so far. I’m looking forward to what the rest of the year has to bring!” Ms. Taggart “It’s been a really great opportunity to be able to work at the very same high school I attended myself. It’s been such a great experience. I love DePaul, and I look forward to many years to come.” Ms. Galdo “Both the faculty and the students have been extremely nice, generous, and supportive. The atmosphere of the school…it’s a family, we’re a family. I’m honored to be working at DePaul, my second home.” Mrs. McGuire “The first time I visited DePaul, I was struck by how at home I felt. Even as a stranger, and then later as a new teacher, I felt as though I had found my family. I love DePaul, and I’m looking forward to the rest of my time here — particularly helping out with the Spring Musical!” Mr. Orrico “I love DePaul. Here, we’re all a family, and I felt that from my first day. The staff and students are so welcoming and I have found my home in these halls. I’m looking forward to enjoying every moment I get the privilege to have at DePaul. I can’t wait to get even more immersed in life here, and I can’t contain my excitement for the Spring Musical!” Page | 4
February 2014 Volume 5 Issue 3 By Megan Ilievski DePaul students enrolled in Honors Portfolio and AP Studio Art made their debut in William Paterson University’s annual art show named the ARTSTART exhibit. From Friday January 17th to Saturday February 1st, the six artworks were held at the William Paterson’s Power Art Gallery. The students that were selected to present their art were AP students Anne Ashby, Haley Bergin, and Megan Ilievski. Markey Clarke, Jacque Kozak, and Alexa Aveta of Honors Portfolio were also chosen for this exciting opportunity. These six talented students competed with other art students from local high schools. Judges critiqued the pieces and rewarded certificates of participation to each artist showcased in the show.
By Jacquelyn Kozak
Earlier this year, some senior classes were offered a special opportunity to visit the United
Nations. Mrs. Bullman headed the trip, in an effort to bring her morality and ethics lessons to life outside of the classroom. On a chilly October morning, she and Mrs. Dacles led three lucky classes into the city to explore what is perhaps one of the most important organizations in the free world.
Our day at the United Nations began as we were split into three groups and assigned a tour guide.
Our tour guides led us around the building as people rushed to their meetings on their usual workday. While each group got a different tour depending on their tour guide, every student visited the exhibit on School‐in‐a‐Box. School‐in‐a‐Box is a program sponsored by UNICEF that sends school supplies for a teacher and up to forty students to third world nations. With the materials in this box, makeshift schools can be set up almost anywhere. The School‐in‐a‐Box program was one of the most memorable parts of our trip to the U.N., but the trip opened our eyes to what is going on all over the world. Page | 5
February 2014 Volume 5 Issue 3
Our Spartan men and women left everything on their fields this year. Whether it was soccer, volleyball, football, track, or tennis, we showed every team we played what we were made of. It didn’t matter if you were a player or a spectator, our sportsmanship was definitely on display this past season.
This year’s team led by Michael Kelly, Zach Bednarczyk, Steve Speidel, and Riley Clark showed everyone what being a Spartan was truly about. Congrats on your State Championship Win, boys!
Captains Alexa Lobosco, Coleen McDonald, Amanda Re, and Jacque Gentile helped our squad lead the football team to their State victory. The girls never missed a chance to cheer on our boys!
Captains Melissa Kelly and Tiff Martinez led the team fearlessly this year in an unforgettable season. They made sure each time the girls stepped onto the field, they left everything they had on it. Their most significant win came against Clifton, the first time we’ve beaten them in DePaul’s history. Congratulations to Melissa Kelly on being First Team All Conference & County! Page | 6
February 2014 Volume 5 Issue 3
The boys had an impressive season, with a final record of 14‐3‐1. They made it to the semi‐finals of the State Tournament, which was certainly an exciting game to see.
A lot of underclassmen stepped in to fill the shoes of the seniors lost from last year, and the girls had an overall successful season. Their shining moment was taking victory at the Passaic County Tournament. Great job, ladies.
This year’s tennis team was a change, with new coaches and the loss of some great seniors of the previous year. However, the girls did well with their changed dynamics and got some new strong players.
This year’s Cross Country team broke various personal records, thanks to great leadership from coaches and captains alike. It was a year to remember. Page | 7
February 2014 Volume 5 Issue 3
By Charles Elsea
I recently went to Haiti and had an experience that I will never forget. We left from Newark airport, took a connecting flight in Miami, and finally landed in Haiti's capital of Port‐ au‐Prince. When we left the airport we stepped outside and there were beggars everywhere. I had never been so scared.
We made it safely to Notre Dame and that first night was the roughest. It finally hit us that we were in a third world country. Our first day consisted of going to a Missionaries of Charity orphanage. There, we cleaned up and spent time with children who had a disease that drained them of all their fluids. We worked for as long as we could to help but, because the disease was spreading so fast, they had to shut down the orphanage. We were supposed to be at the orphanage all week but the outbreak was too serious for us to be allowed to stay. We continued our journey through Haiti, experiencing the culture and trying to help where we were needed. We participated in all their masses even though the language was different; the mass was still the same. We ended our journey by visiting one more orphanage and giving gifts to the children. We took our hosts out to dinner and thanked them for such great hospitality. I came back to America feeling successful and much happier with the life I have.
By Jacquelyn Kozak
The time of waiting has arrived. By now, all of our applications are in and everything is out of our hands. Unless
you’re one of the lucky few that are committed for a sport or accepted Early Decision, chances are you’re anxiously thinking about getting answers from your top choice colleges. I know I’m personally waiting on three. During the waiting period, it’s important to keep things in perspective: admissions offices are taking the time to go through everyone’s applications to make sure each one has a fair chance. It’ll be over before we know it. To date, our senior class has acceptances and commitments to Duke, Princeton, Monmouth, Syracuse, Scranton,
Miami, Tampa, and TCNJ, to name a few. As the next few months fly by, we’ll get closer to graduation and hear back from dozens more. The senior class has big things in store.
Page | 8
February 2014 Volume 5 Issue 3 By Alexandra Buttitta
On December 3rd, 2013, a group of 13 DePaul students made their way to Seton Hall Preparatory School in West Orange to attend the 3rd Annual Teen Hunger Summit. The goal of the Summit is to raise awareness about an issue that isn’t getting enough attention among youth today — hunger. DePaul was one of the schools chosen to attend the summit, and Mrs. Dacles, along with other DePaul faculty, handpicked the students that represented DePaul. “It has changed the way I look at giving and volunteering.” said Amy Flahive, a junior at DePaul. “It amazed me that even with so many people wanting to help, there are so many more who still need help.” After arriving at Seton Hall, all students from various schools were split up and got to attend different presentations on various ways youth could make a difference in today’s hunger problem, right in their own backyards. Each workshop broke down hunger into pieces that teens could handle. After the workshops, the students reconvened in the main auditorium and were able to share the ideas they came up with during their meetings. Following the time to share, students were able to listen to Mr. Mike Shea, a man who became homeless for a period of time in order to truly experience what homeless people went through and how he could help. “If not you, then who? Who will change the world?…Don’t be afraid of dying, but of dying without making a difference somehow.” He filled the room with power and saturated the air with emotion, emotion that students carried with them for weeks afterwards. Overall, the Summit left a huge impact on the students. “Often I forget that, as a person who has practically had everything handed to me, I have an obligation to help those who can’t even afford the necessities of life.” said Emily Casagrand. The Summit opened the eyes of everyone who attended to the facts of the world around them.
Important Dates To Remember 1/29 – Talent show auditions begin 2/10 – Talent show auditions end 2/17 – No school 2/23 – Spirit Week begins; Talent Show 2/28 – Spirit Week ends
Winter Sports:
Be sure to stop by and cheer on our amazing teams!
Swimming
Girls’ Basketball
Basketball Cheer
Boys’ Basketball
Winter Track
Wrestling
Skiing
Bowling
Page | 9
February 2014 Volume 5 Issue 3
1. Don’t cram – This is the least effective way to study. With this method, the information is only retained for a short period of time. If you start earlier and break up the material into manageable chunks, you’ll remember it for much longer. 2. Take frequent breaks – Your brain is like any other muscle in your body, it needs rest to function properly. Every hour or so, it is beneficial to take a five to ten minute break to rest your brain. 3. Clear away all distraction – Yes, this means your phone. The key to focusing on the task at hand is to make sure there’s no chance you’ll be focused on something else. 4. Snacks! – Yes, you read that correctly. The brain needs energy to function, and that energy comes from healthy snacks. As an added bonus, you won’t get hungry and distracted looking for food.
Here’s a quick glance at what some of our various clubs are working on right now!
The Interact Club would like to thank all the members of the DePaul Catholic community
who participated in our Adopt‐a‐Family project. We succeeded in providing a Merry Christmas to 26 families in Northern New Jersey, supplying presents to make their Christmas morning something to savor. Some of our future projects include the Mother’s Day Regifting Program and Mr & Miss DePaul Contest. Look for more details in upcoming issues. It’s going to be an amazing year!
The winter season is in full swing, and MSG Varsity is covering every amazing moment! The
DePaul community can look forward to an upcoming regular news broadcast hosted and written by students, for students, currently in production. The MSG Varsity club has also gotten an exclusive interview with the new DePaul President Mr Joseph Tweed, where he speaks about why he chose DePaul, how much he’s loved it so far and what the community can look forward to in the very near future. Look for that before the end of January — you won’t want to miss it!
Page | 10
February 2014 Volume 5 Issue 3
A Letter from your Editors in Chief We’ve finally reached the halfway point of the year. For some, that first half flew by. In the aftermath of midterms, I’m sure we all need some time to relax. Luckily, the second half of the year will bring warmer weather, fun school activities, and college acceptances for a lot of us. Seniors. It’ll fly by from here. By this time, our college applications are in and all we have left to do is sit and wait. It’s time to move on to the next big challenge – finding the perfect prom dress. I know a lot of us are dreaming of prom and starting to get excited, but don’t let that distract. I’m here to serve as your friendly reminder that prom is still five months away. Juniors, one more semester and you’re the big dogs on campus. At this point, you should be shopping around to see what kind of college you might like. It’s never too early to start looking, especially to get the first feel for how big or small you want your college to be. Just don’t stress out about it just yet. Freshmen and sophomores, it’s important that you stay focused on your work. I know you’re already looking forward to spring break and ultimately summer, but don’t let it distract you too much. Hopefully, February will bring the return of Casual Fridays. Remember to clean up after yourselves at lunch, and remind those around you to do so as well. Jacquelyn Kozak and Timothy Lungren Editors 2014
Thanks to all the Staff! Jacquelyn Kozak and Timmy Lungren– Editors in Chief Jacquelyn Kozak – Layout Editor Timmy Lungren – Sports Manager Mrs. Mauro – Advisor Reporters: Jacquelyn Kozak Timmy Lungren Charles Elsea Shariq Marshall (Check out his blog! Wriqwrite.blogspot.com) Megan Ilievski Alexandra Buttitta Alex Collado
Page | 11
February 2014 Volume 5 Issue 3
Be A Part of The Emerald! If you don’t already think that the Emerald is full of entertaining, informative stories, here’s your chance to speak for yourself here at DePaul! Offer your own story, and take part in your right to speak about issues, and events in YOUR school. The Emerald is a safe, “school sanctioned” way for you to express your opinion in the proper way. Here are a few ways to do this: - send in a letter to the editor - BECOME A GUEST WRITER - OR if you’re really adventurous join the writing staff or the photography staff
We meet after school and during activity periods. Listen to the announcements to find out when, talk to Mrs. Mauro, or find Jacquelyn Kozak!
Page | 12