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Fab Lab

Submitted by DESMALEE HURTADO

�od’s goodness and light has truly shined on the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Middle School this 2022-23 school year. The students have united together under the instruction of Mrs. Hurtado to form the Fab Lab.

By AMELIA SMITH

the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Middle School in Rochester just completed their Spring Play, Newsies, Jr. This production included over 60 middle school students who brought their all, including acting and singing, dancing and cracking jokes. Charlie Deick, 8th grader at St. John’s, played the lead character Jack, and here’s what he said about the experience:

I never really thought that I would ever be interested in theater until I met Mrs. Sherman and she showed me my talent. What she (and all my directors) gave me was a happiness that I will never be able to fully give back. I hope that I could give a little bit of my happiness back to the world by performing Newsies. I will forever remember the friends and memories that I made during this production. They were all a gift from God. Newsies forever!

Students also took charge in terms of lighting, choreography, and sound. With mentors in place, these incredible kids performed to audiences of over 240 people for each performance, and, as one audience member remarked, it “ far exceeded anything I was expecting for a middle school production. I wish this was seen by more people. It was worthy of community-wide attention!”

The students began this adventure in midJanuary with auditions. Rehearsals ran every single day after school for two months from 3:00 to 5:00, intensifying closer to production dates. The lifelong skills they learned included cooperation, auditioning, vocal skills for chorus and solos, choreography, blocking, stage crew, stage managing, sound design, lightboard and sound board operation, spot light, costuming, set painting and design, pit band, and even more. Even the junior high Jazz Band, led by Mark Scheitel, got into the act, performing many of their favorite tunes before the show began and during intermission, with great audience response!

Many youngsters will use the skills they learned from these middle school plays, and carry them into their future into high schooland beyond - into professional acting, singing, sound design and directing.

Director Mrs. Maureen Sherman, long-time music teacher at the Co-Cathedral, abides by a few philosophies in producing plays during her tenure at Rochester Catholic Schools: One, everyone who wants to participate gets to participate. Two, she aims for an adult, community-level performance, so the students aim high in quality and professionalism. Three, lead by example; every move was mirrored until the kids got it right. However, the most important element: prayer. At the end of each rehearsal, they ended in a song/ prayer to “Our Lady.” Christian actors know that faith and theater can be a very spiritual experience; in discovering a new character, actors lift themselves out of self, and take on something new. St. Genesius himself “put on Christ” as an actor.

Post COVID, some kids have found it hard to find their footing in a positive way. The Co-Cathedral middle school principal, Matt Langsdale, made sure the funds were available so that all of these students could have an alternative to sports, showcase their talents, and find camaraderie and fun that theater arts can provide in such a special way. Thanks to all the kids for taking the brave step into drama and comedy!

Amelia Smith teaches religion at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Middle School in Rochester.

This captivating new club has allowed students to express a range of new skills from problem solving to entrepreneurship. The club consists of a Business/Marketing Team, Vinyl Team, and a 3-D Printing Team, all of which are run by the students themselves.

The Business/Marketing Team has been tirelessly working to adjust prices, set up a website, and create a successful profit margin.

The Vinyl Team has been diligently fabricating new designs that will appeal to all consumers, as well as printing and weaving said designs.

Lastly, the 3-D Printing Team has been assembling and obtaining the information that is needed for them to prosper. In addition, they also design and print keychains or anything else that represents the RCS community.

Throughout this wonderful experience the students have faced many challenges involving the new technology and working with one another. Their resilience to facing these obstacles has greatly shined through and, in turn, made them better students. I never imagined the amount of growth the students would adhere to; it has been amazing to witness it firsthand. This club has sparked the curiosity of these marvelous students, allowing them to construct their own small business from just a single idea. I simply cannot wait to see what this club will look like in the future,

God is truly at work here at Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Middle School.

DesmaLee Hurtado teaches math at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Middle School in Rochester..

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