MAYFIELD C RIER
The
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M AY F I E L D S E N I O R S C H O O L S T U D E N T N E W S PA P E R
May 2016
Lights, Camera, Flamingos By: hannah riVera As many of you may have noticed, a couple of weeks ago, our Mayfield campus was transformed into the prestigious Pinewood Academy, complete with a soccer field full of pink, plastic flamingoes. But it’s just for one day in a Hollywoodstyle transformation! Mayfield’s stunning architecture and grounds are the backdrop for an Amazon.com pilot called “The Kicks,” about a middle-school girls soccer team on a losing streak and the leading student who turns things around. Director of Facilities, Mrs. Connie Peters, worked for weeks coordinating the shoot with the production company so that classes, carpool and schedules would unfold as usual-- but with the added excitement of a movie shoot. But how do we decide who gets to show Mayfield on the big screen? The administrators of Mayfield each read the script, asked questions of the producer and then the Head of School makes the final decision.
company would need to use any of the classrooms and how would it impact the learning that day. However, for any inconvenience you experienced during that day, you can rest assured that it was not in vain. Our charge for using the campus is Mayfield’s North Lawn decorated for the set of “The Kicks” anywhere from $10,000-$15,000 per day For “The Kicks”, Head of School depending on how much of the campus Mrs. Kate Morin read the script beforehand they use. Last year Mayfield received and said the show promotes “good values approximately $75,000 in filming income and an uplifting message.” They also use alone! No matter how happy that figure additional information to decide what makes you, perhaps the happiest person projects Mayfield is used in. Peters spends on campus that day was theater tech a great deal of time smoothing over teacher Phillip Velasco: “All these cables, details such as how would it affect traffic all this equipment. I just love it.” Tune in to see our school flow, and especially the drop off and pick up times. Also taken into account featured as the rival school of “The Kicks, was whether or not the production “June 26th, 2016 on Amazon Prime.
Let it Shine! the importance of mary in our lives
By: annaBella gasPar Of all the months in the school year, May is often considered the most stressful month. In addition to being the last official month of school, May is packed with a lot events such as AP Exams, senior service projects, Mother’s Day, sports playoffs, and Prom. During May, we’re sometimes too busy to take time to reflect on the meaning of this month, and to whom it’s dedicated. As members of an all-girls Catholic school, we should strive to be like Mary, the mother of God, especially during this month, since the month of May commemorates her devotion to God. To understand the significance of May and the Virgin Mary, let us take a look at their origins. The word “May” itself has German origin and means to “have power.” So regardless of your religious beliefs, the month of May can be seen as significant to all because it calls upon young women like us to “have power”, say “yes” to God, and make a difference in the world like Mary did over two thousand years ago. Today, Mary is seen as a symbol of hope for many different people in various cultures and faith backgrounds. Although we may not have been born without original sin like Mary, many girls and young women today can still identify with her. Like us, Mary was human and had to give up things she didn’t want to; had to live a life with many hardships; and had to watch as her loved
What’s inside
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ones were taken away from her. In a sense, Mary was more human and relatable than many people give her credit for. According to the Bible, Mary was about our age when God, through the angel Gabriel, first asked her to receive a huge responsibility: to carry the Son of Man. In response, Mary said “yes” and fully committed herself to God’s will, through the good times and bad. Although the circumstances are different today, God still asks us everyday to take on big and small responsibilities that require some thought and sacrifice. It is important to remember, however, that like Mary, we should say “yes” to God when he calls us for our vocation. In Pope Francis’s latest exhortation, “The Joy of Love,” he points out the importance of Mary in the Catholic Church, writing, “... she can help us understand the meaning of these experiences and to hear the message God wishes to communicate through the life of our families.” Although it may not seem like it, but we as Mayfield students experiencing the Holy Child mission, actually have a lot in common with Mary. As Mayfield students, we are fortunate enough to be attending a college preparatory school that prepares us for our
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future careers, creates a loving environment for learning, and fosters service. As young women, Pope Francis has called us to be the next generation of needed leaders around the world. Pope Francis states, “the feminine genius is needed wherever we make important decisions.” To honor Mary during her month, we can start by accepting our calling as future leaders of the world and to work towards helping to solve major moral issues today such as world hunger, global warming, abortion, and violence. So as the month of May comes to an end, let us remember to keep our hearts open to God’s calling for our vocations, serve others humbly, and honor Mary’s sacrifice. Let us also remember that by putting our school motto “Actions Not Words” into practice, not only are we living out the Holy Child mission, but we are also saying “yes” to God and living out the mission of Mary.
A Prayer for Final Exams from St. Joseph of CupertinoPatron Saint of Examinations
O St. Joseph of Cupertino who by your prayer obtained from God to be asked at your examination, the only preposition you knew. Grant that I may like you succeed in the (here mention the name of examination) examination. In return, I promise to make you known and cause you to be invoked. O St. Joseph of Cupertino pray for me, O Holy Ghost enlighten me, Our Lady of Good Studies pray for me, Sacred Heart of Jesus, seat of divine wisdom, enlighten me.
The Tradition of ring Ceremony By: mikayla o’reggio
Mayfield’s 1949 Ring Night
The first class to receive rings during ring Night was Mayfield’s Class of 1946. The first ceremony took place at the Mayfield Junior campus, on euclid avenue, which isn’t too far from Mayfield’s current home at 500 Bellefontaine Street. The girls wanted a special ceremony for the presentation of class rings, and the tradition has stuck ever since. at Mayfield Junior School’s campus on euclid avenue, two walkways came together at a pathway, originating the name “Crossroads” which symbolically became the name for Mayfield’s yearbook. This name reminds us of the cross from youth to adulthood that girls reach during high school. Now, this special ceremony honors the juniors’ position as the future leaders in the school. The rings the girls receive bind them together during the rest of their time at Mayfield as well as the time from when they leave Mayfield.
as it was during the first ceremony in 1946, light is the hallmark of the ceremony, and the ring that each student has chosen confirms her bond to her class and to Mayfield.
Amen.
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Cubs athletics: Page 8
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Senior Highlights By: Cami Arboles - Mayfield Crier Co -Editor-in-Chief Lauren Allan started in the U.K., but moved to L.A., as her initials would indicate Melanie has a grin that absolutely no one could hate. Cami edits this paper, got a lot farther by working a lot harder, and can incorporate any show lyric into a sentence. Always laughing, Anne’s smile is contagious; she also has a ton of common sense. Jazzy’s basketball skills are insane. Behind most Op-Ed’s in this newspaper is Bree’s brain. Jade is actually Beyonce, and is chill as chill can be. We can’t even ARTiculate Mira’s ART skills -- put this paper down and see. Madeleine can turn anyone’s frown into a smile. Don’t be surprised if you see Claire C. as the future U.S. president in a short while. Nina C. is a brilliant writer-- you should see what she does with words, Elizabeth can tell you billions of facts, all while folding origami birds. Hannah’s flute-playing is both literally and figuratively music to our ears, Faith is somehow always prepared, even for four years. Izzy excels at both soccer and dancing, While you can probably find Nadene singing. Have a problem? Well just head over to Akemi, the best listener. Madison can spike a volleyball-- that’s her signature. Sophie F. is a cross country star -- we’ve got a winner here! With pom-poms waving, you can catch Avery leading Loyola cheer. Our resident saint is Isabelle, a literal ray of light When Lindsey takes a photo, she always gets it right. Whether she is in the pool or on the court, Elayna’s got a sassy retort, Mary H. can plan anything, and you can be sure her events will NEVER fall short If you speak to Clare HP, don’t worry, “it’s fine” Sarah H. can pirouette in a way that’s divine Perry can swim where no one’s swum. Sophia H. can kill it on the drums. Have you seen the skill with which Maggie can shoot a water polo ball? When Sarah J. hits the volleyball court, she trumps all. Against a tough volleyball team, you can count on Nina K.’s reflexes to be sharp. Brianna creates magic with her harp. If you need a rad selfie, Calli is your girl. We all look in envy at Helen’s hair’s natural curl. Stella’s a mad procrastinator, never doing things nowBIG READER Teresa dresses so classy we don’t even know how. Kennadi is strong and independent, despite her size. Vanessa is very profound and wise. Bayley’s a star dancer and no one is kinder. Kristen also edits this paper, and facts about Ben Franklin are really what are inside her binder. Sophie M. can win any argument and is the queen of debate. To an improv comedy show, Mary Rose is never late Julia rocks J. Crew and could probably pull off a cape, Amanda M. makes the best mixtapes. Jessie is always the first on the dance floor, Gabi can hula like no one before. Mallory is always deep in thought and extremely rational, Ali is kind and extremely and does great work with Heifer International. Vicky has the best laugh and tells the best rambling stories, Sabrina P. is seldom idle, and always found in Peters’ laboratories Victoria is the makeup genius and songstress supreme Jayne’s thoughts on the world are extreme.ALSO: Alternative career as a MC Emily P. is actually Michelangelo in Adidas Although she’s a grumpy cat, Sophia R.’s wicked humor is always there to greet us You can find Sam deep in a romantic novel or digging into a brilliantly stocked lunch, or running from hugs Sabrina S. always has something insanely healthy and green on which to munch. Marisa S. has the coolest shoes with which she runs miles, Ashley balances iPhones on her head with impeccable style Emily S. is breaking running records left and right, A conversation with Claire S. will always fill you with new insight. Savannah prances around school without shoes -in the SAVANNA, she’d be a true Gazelle With her wit and athletic prowess, in everything, Katherine does well Ellen has the best doodles we have ever seen, Leilani is the bona-fide dancing queen. You can count on Marissa V. to block that shot, Amy is certainly amiable, whether she’s on the court or not P.S. SNL Skits Megan’s taking her basketball skills with her to college, Charlotte is a fount of nutritional knowledge. Kate can tell you anything about horses, On campus, Anica is one of the most faith-filled forces When Amanda W., hits the dance floor she can’t remain stationary. Whether she’s holding a camera or a muji pen, Alix’s mastered the worlds of technology and stationery. Kaitlyn makes the best sweet treats, Michaela’s love for horses, no one can beat. Did you know Caitlin is a master of karate and art too? Ingrid Yue we love your violin-playing...and we love all of you!
Things I Wish I Knew Starting My Freshman Year By: ISABELLA PAINE “Your freshman year at Mayfield is one that you will remember for the rest of your life, so make great memories and live it to its fullest” -Emma Abdalla ‘19 As a freshman almost done with my 9th grade year at Mayfield, I have some helpful advice to share with the incoming freshmen… Homework: Complete your homework the day it is assigned so that it sticks in your brain. This has been said countless times from the Algebra 1 teacher, Mr. Fisher, and has definitely been proven effective. Teachers: Never be afraid to ask questions! Always go up to your teachers for advice or assistance -they are always willing to help. Asking for help will also show your teacher how dedicated you are, and it can be beneficial to your learning. Finals: Finals can be really intimidating to freshmen, but this is only true if you do not prepare ahead. Therefore, begin study for finals around two weeks before. Create a study schedule or calendar to stay organized and plan your time before each final. Also, make sure not to
stay up late the night before finals, because your brain will not process information well at that time of day. Studies have shown that if you study in short intervals rather than one long interval, you absorb information better and faster. The Transition: For me, the transition from middle school to high school was not necessarily difficult. I personally was scared and nervous at first, but once I got used to the teachers and the homework load, I got the hang of it. High school is like jumping off a diving board-- the worst part is the anticipation but once you jump in, you always rise to the top. To all the incoming freshmen: don’t stress about high school too much. The very beginning of the year may be a shock and stressful, but the teachers and students try their best to make the transition as easy and comfortable as possible. Also, keep in mind that you should have some time at the start of the freshman year to get used to the new high school environment. Later on, you can experiment by taking risks and trying new things such as joining new clubs, sports, and meeting new people. Overall, enjoy your freshman year while it lasts.
De-Classified Sophomore Survival Guide By: CAITLIN LEE Dear Sophomores, Sophomore year is kind of like the awkward in-between year, when you’re no longer freshmen, but you’re not quite an upper classman. Too young to take the SAT, but old enough to know that it is imminent. Old enough to get your permit and start driving, which is at the same time both invigorating and terrifying. (You’ll probably hit a cone or two, and you will definitely have some close calls with parallel parking. But you’ll get through it, I promise.) My advice for this year is: do more. Don’t be afraid to try something new-- a sport, a club, a conservatory. Take some hard classes, but remember it’s okay to fail (I definitely did enough of that). This is your year, so take advantage of it. Be selfish about your classes,
your time and who you choose to spend it with. There will probably be some drama, but by the end of the year, it will all be forgotten (probably). Ask questions, find your passion. Don’t stress too much about college. As cliché as this sounds, it will all work out in the end. During sophomore year, talking about college is like talking about fight club: you just don’t do it. Get as much sleep as you possibly can, and try your best both in and outside of school. Take the PSAT, and enjoy all the jokes about it afterwards...because they are hilarious. Strive to be happy, and enjoy this time and the people you spend it with while it lasts. And if all else fails, remember, you’ll always have a junior friend in me. Good luck!
Rising Juniors: Welcome Upperclassmen By: ALISON CORDANO Junior year is often seen as the most difficult year in high school, which can be daunting for rising eleventh graders. Students start looking at colleges and prepare for testing, while still striving to maintain a solid academic performance. It can all be an overwhelming process, but there are ways to work around the stress and anxiety. You should get to know your teachers because they will be writing you letters of recommendation and can help you if you are struggling in class. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and be proactive! Although it may not seem like it at times, your teachers really do want you to succeed. Then, of course there’s testing; those four dreaded acronyms: ACT, SAT, SAT IIs, and APs. The ACT and SAT are essentially college entrance exams--
they play a large role in college admissions decisions. AP classes are the equivalent to undergraduate college courses, and if you do well on these exams, you can earn college credits. The SAT IIs are exams to present your strengths and interests through a test on a particular subject. Testing is all about preparation-- there are books, classes, and online resources to get familiar with the format of the tests and what is expected. Although they are important, these tests should not define you or consume your life. You will learn from the college counselors that there are so many things that contribute to college acceptance, so make sure to explore your interests and get to know yourself. With all of these new additions to high school life, it is vital to work around your schedule, and above all, know your limits.
OPINION
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The Struggle Is Real
The Mayfield Crier Editorial Staff
By: mikayla o’reggio Getting a high school education is certainly a gift, but it’s not always easy. The strain of stress, homework, and tests along with a not yet fully developed brain can pose a challenge. Compared to our parents’ high school experiences, it seems that every aspect of school is now more competitive. We labor to earn top scores on standardized tests, college acceptance rates are at an all-time low, and it seems that the expectations set on students are at an all-time high. However, the expectation level has not only risen for students, but for teachers as well. Parents’ level of expectation rises, which in turn pushes school systems to improve their curriculum. Subsequently, teachers upgrade their lesson plans to both meet the parents’ expectations and modernize the level of education. Julia Nowak ‘17 believes that it cannot really be decided if being a student or teacher is more difficult because the difficulty level should not be measured in workload, but instead by developmental stages. “It’s hard to be a student because you’re at a time in your life where you’re beginning to discover who you are and you’re juggling many more things than just studying,” said Nowak. However, teachers do face some difficulties. Most teachers are very passionate about the subject that they teach, but it can be difficult to teach teenage girls whose interests in the subject vary. For Mrs. Annie Pontrelli, this is one of the hardest parts of being a teacher. “It’s hard to excite my students to want to learn math-- although [math] may not be used daily, it’s used in the bigger picture and it’s not just for the moment
but can push you to the next level and increase your opportunities if you learn the process,” said Pontrelli. The workloads of students and teachers are similar because Mayfield students have approximately one hour of homework a night per class, while teachers have to grade papers as well as prepare lessons. Pontrelli feels that grading is often one of the more arduous parts of being a teacher. Other Mayfield students believe that the workload is comparable, but with different challenges. For example, while a student might spend hours poring over a math assignment, a teacher may spend hours exercising his or her brain in the realm of, say, dissecting a research paper. When it comes to situations such as these, it’s hard to say who is working more intensely -- both students and teachers are putting in the work to further their educational pursuits. “There’s nothing I hate more than to see somebody who’s really trying and giving it their best and yet I have to give them a lesser grade,” said Pontrelli. It’s essential that we recognize the extreme importance of both the teacher and the student in forming a more educated society. Although education requires work (for both the student and the teacher), it’s worthwhile work.
OpEd The Call of the Cub
Are Mayfield Graduates Ready For College? By: Bree Barnes - oPinion editor Mayfield Senior’s class of 2016 will be graduating in less than a month. how do they believe their transition between college and high school will be? Mayfield Senior School is considered to be a “College Preparatory School.” For those of you who do not know the definition of this term, it means a secondary school that is primarily designed to prepare students for a higher education. So, how prepared do Mayfield students feel for college. ade Bryant ’16 says, “The transition from Mayfield to college will be difficult yes, but impossible? No. According to past graduates, Mayfield has readily prepared students for their futures. I am looking forward to starting the next chapter of my life.” What about the transition between high school and college, do seniors believe will difficult? Are they afraid of living without their parents, intimidated by the social life, or doubting their ability to keep up academically? “Adjusting to a bigger and new environment where we must become more independent and responsible in an entirely different way” according to Nadene Eissa ‘16, will be the most difficult part of the transition. Mayfield is a small school, especially compared to the size of the average university. At Mayfield, there are less than 400 students, classes are small, by senior year people know everyone in their grade, and it is not difficult to develop a relationship or receive help from teachers. Large universities such as the University of California have 30,000+ students on campus--those numbers rise with the presense of graduate students. Classes can consist of more than one-hundred students.
People are less likely to be known by their professors and it is significantly more difficult to speak to them directly. “I think it would definitely be hard to get comfortable in that setting because it will be harder to voice my opinion or even answer questions in class,” says Nadene. Teenagers are known for complaining about the lack of freedom and trust they receive from their parents. They typically do not realize how much they rely on their parents until they
Mayfield Class of 2016 Matriculation Map
begin to live on their own or go to college. “I think the transition from always having my parents around will be fun yet challenging because I’ll no longer have someone making sure I eat every day or forcing me to go to school, it will all be up to me. I will have a lot more freedom but I will have to learn how to balance school and my social life” says
Co-Editors-in-Chief: Cami Arboles & Kristen Mascarenhas Op Ed Editor: Bree Barnes Athletics Editor: Annabella Gaspar Faculty Advisor: Kimberly Gomez Administrative Advisors: Lisa Brunolli Michelle Gergen Mary Leon Reporters: Sophia Alvarez Gabrielle Magat Allison Cordano Carmen Mascarenhas Christine Geng Elizabeth Nail Sadie Gilliland Julia Nail Kemi Ashing-Giwa Mikayla O’Reggio Isabella Paine Amanda Kuzma Holly Helmuth-Malone Hannah Rivera Laura Searcy Caitlin Lee Graphic Artist : Photographers: Emily Pearson Mikayla O’Reggio Layout : Olivia Mestas Brook Acosta Elizabeth Nail
The Mayfield Crier is a forum for student expression, written by students for the benefit of the Mayfield Senior School community. Our goal is to report relevant issues to the best of our ability. Mayfield Senior School of the Holy Child Jesus 500 Bellefontaine Street, Pasadena, California
Sabrina Park ’16. Along with becoming more self-reliant, how apprehensive do seniors feel about going to a place where they may not know anyone? As an all-female Catholic school, Mayfield’s social atmosphere is extremely different from those of the colleges and universities the majority of seniors will be attending. They will share classes with men and people who come from completely different backgrounds. Leilani Tran ‘16 believes this transition will be challenging but interesting. “Moving to a completely new place where I do not know anyone is going to be difficult. I I will be forced to get out of my comfort zone and meet new people. But, I am excited to meet new people from different places and sort of get a different perspective.” One could say the central purpose of attending Mayfield is to be prepared academically for college. Teresa Liang ’16 is confident that her Mayfield education has prepared her for this transition. Said Liang, “Although the transition to college in general will be difficult in the beginning because I am going to a school across the country, I believe Mayfield has prepared me well enough to exceed academically in college. I think Mayfield gives people a good foundation for furthering their education at the college level.” I believe attending Mayfield Senior can only prepare us to a certain extent. Mayfield can teach each graduating class math, science, social studies, theology, and language, but it cannot teach them how to be independent and outgoing. Before we attend college next fall, we have to teach ourselves how to be independent and self-reliant. Mastering
these skills will lead us to success.
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M ayfield S ingers Take O n DC By: Carmen Mascarenhas
Mayfield’s vocal music program has been flourishing under the direction of Mr. Andrew Alvarez; choir’s hard-earned success from the statewide WorldStride’s Heritage Festival last year led them to Washington D.C. to compete at a national level this year. Right off the plane from a Thursday night red-eye, the girls headed to Stone Ridge School where Mrs. Morin, the new Head of School here at Mayfield, worked before she made the move to California. Mayfield’s singers attended class with the Stone Ridge girls, followed by a pizza lunch and enjoyable choir exchange. Next, the girls went to sing for the Connelly School, Mayfield’s sister school in Maryland. This stop included a collaborative and touching rendition of our schools’ shared song “O Holy Child.” Saturday was filled with fun as the singers explored D.C., spending time shopping at the Pentagon Fashion Centre, taking a guided tour of the National Mall, and wandering through the Smithsonian Museum.
However, exchanges and touring were not the only reason the choir flew halfway across the country; after an impressive first place distinction at the state level last year, Mayfield’s Vocal Conservatory ventured to our nation’s capital to try something a little bigger-- WorldStride’s national competition, the Festival of Gold. On Sunday, the girls dressed in their signature long red gowns, complete with hair up in French twists. Then, they took the stage to perform for esteemed conductor and choral director Donald Brinegar. During the clinic, Mr. Brinegar gave the singers and Mr. Alvarez helpful advice for their next performance in front of the judges the next day. After a visit to the nation’s largest Catholic Church, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the girls headed to bed in anticipation for a very early morning the next day. Dressed up again, Mayfield’s Women’s Ensemble, accompanied by Ms. Katherine Forebush, performed their three-piece repertoire for adjudication in front of three judges. Their performance earned them the superior scores of 95, 97, and 99 (out of 100); to top it all off, these scores made Mayfield’s choir the highest scoring ensemble in the competition! After the singers were critiqued, Mayfield headed to the historic neighborhood of Anacostia for another performance; they sang for young ladies at the lower school of the Washington School for Girls, a school that provides exceptional education for children who would not otherwise be able to afford it. The girls ended their trip by performing at the concluding event at the Festival of Gold, which featured performances from all of the choirs that competed. After a standing ovation for the choir’s performance of the spiritual song “Witness,” featuring soloist Cami Arboles ’16, the festival’s Honor Choir took to the stage.
The Honor Choir was an extra commitment made by select participants from every choir present at the competition. The following Mayfield girls learned four extra pieces and had the opportunity to perform as a part of an SATB choir: Cami Arboles ’16, Clare Henderson-Pendergast ’16, Victoria Paz ’16, Alana Uriarte ’17, Andrea Raymundo ’17, Julia Nowak ’17, Kaetlyn Liddy ’17, and Carmen Mascarenhas ’18. Tuesday morning, the girls returned to the airport, ready to get back to school. This stunning victory and fantastic trip has Mayfield’s choir fired up and willing to set the bar even higher.
Prom: Cubs Cruised Under the Stars
Dance Conservatory
Mayfield’s magical prom was held on the Entertainer yacht in Marina de Rey. Fitting its theme of “A Night Under the Stars”, the attemdees were able to look out look at the beuatiful view from the boat’s open third deck durng it’s cruise around the harbor. While prom is a milestone for the seniors, most of the junior class attended as well. With a mix of both girls with their dates as well as friends, the party buses and limos were filled with fun times.
By: Caitlin Lee
BLOOMed in April On April 21-23, seniors Savannah Taylor, Amanda Wilcox, Sarah Holguin, Izzy Duran, and Amanda Mendoza performed their final dance show, BLOOM. There was a wide variety of dances in the show, ranging from ballet, tap, and jazz to contemporary, hip-hop, and even excerpts from the Choreographer’s Ball, a dance show held earlier in the year. For the final dance show at Mayfield, seniors definitely went out with a bang. The show closed with a beautiful dance choreographed by Dance teacher Ms. Denise Leitner, who called the performance a “great way to end their time here.” For as long as she could remember, Sarah Holguin ‘16, loved to dance. Having done dance for quite some time now, Holguin has really enjoyed her time participating in the dance program at Mayfield. Holguin referred to her fellow dancers as “one big family,” a testament to the group’s supportiveness. Amanda Wilcox ‘16, shares similar sentiments in regards to her dance peers, commenting, “We’re definitely all very diversewe’re all dancers, but we’re all very different. It’s really great.” The rest of the seniors had similar views: sad to be leaving but proud their time spent at Mayfield was with so many friendly students. A diligent group of dancers who worked tirelessly to create a wonderful show made BLOOM incredible.
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Spotlight on the Arts Arts Immersion
sPring in sPain
By: soPhia alVarez
During our beautiful trip to Spain we were able to experience the arts and culture of Spain. We went to an art class, dance class, and toured many amazing museums. Through the trip we developed new friendships and strengthened existing friendships during our free time and nights with our roommates! This trip was both unique and a special experience. It was definitely one for the books! Below: La Sagrada de Familia, by Madison Forrest ‘16
Visual Arts: Primavera By: elizaBeth nail
On Tuesday, April 26, Visual Arts Conservatory, Photography Conservatory, and Film and Media Conservatory hosted their spring arts night entitled Primavera, named for the beauty of spring represented in their work. Primavera also marked a new development in the format of Mayfield arts nights. Ten student speakers discussed topics ranging from the decision of the selection of the theme to the thought that went into their artistic process as they created certain pieces. Mrs. Kleeman, who organized the arts night, plans to continue to include student speakers in future events. Art and Design students modelled brown paper hats of their own draft and construction, inspired by the felt brown hats Mayfield students of old used to wear as part of their formal uniform. Visual Arts students Laura Noriega ‘18 and Joseé Horton ‘19 displayed a water barrel they had painted with William Morris’ Strawberry Thief, the cistern will be donated to a local middle school, who will use it for collecting rainwater for the school garden. Film and Media Conservatory displayed the shorts they have been working on all semester. Primavera was a sure success.
Creative Writing Colophon ‘16 By: Julia nail
Each year, the students in Creative Writing Conservatory compile their work into a printed book, known as the “Colophon.” “It is a beautiful collaboration of all the unique styles of writing and different streams of consciousness of each and every writer in the writing conservatory,” noted Hannah Rivera ‘18. The word “colophon” actually refers to a publisher’s emblem or imprint, usually found on the title page or the spine of a book. This year’s edition of the book, Colophon16, features poetry, memoirs, and fiction. The original playscript, Mayfield Voices: An Attic Anthology a product of the Creative Writing Conservatory is also printed in the Colophon. All of the pieces featured in Colophon16 were written by the Creative Writing students, with the exception of the forward, which was written by our incredible leader and adviser, Ms. Kimberly Gomez. The students have been working diligently on this project throughout the year. “I think this year’s Colophon has been one of the best I’ve seen because everybody has worked so hard and really put in their best work.” said Nina Csombor ‘16.
Music in May By: elizaBeth nail
Instrumental Conservatory celebrated Music in May on May 12, from 7:00-9:00pm. Performances spanned genres from pop songs, jazz, and movie soundtracks. The music night also featured some special guest artists, including Mrs. Morin on the cello, Mr. Karl playing the piano, Mr. Fisher on the guitar, and professional pipa player Jie Ma. Said saxophonist Camila Toscano ‘17, “It was a lot of fun to play in Music in May, although it was a little bittersweet because it [was] the seniors’ final concert with us.” Congratulations to Instrumental Conservatory for their successful production!
Theatre Conservatory Senior Scenes: Friends By: soPhia alVarez Under the direction of Mallory Neithart (‘16), Theatre Conservatory’s production, a compilation of scenes from the hit sitcom Friends, was a massive success. Neithart brought back some of the show’s most iconic characters with her own subtle and unique directorial twists. Neithart said she selected Friends for her final showcase because she “really wanted to perform something fun that everyone would enjoy.” Neithart believes her conservatory performs best “when we are into the show.” The performances of the central characters conveyed their investment in the show, and were infused with Neithart’s clear passion for her conservatory and her art. The tradition of Senior Night is a special night not only for the seniors but for their fellow conservatory
members, for whom the night is final opportunity to perform alongside their senior colleaguesand a goodbye. The Theatre Conservatory students always put their heart and soul into their productions and this definitely translated into their Senior Night performance. This is what I’ll miss the most, performing with joy,” said Niethart regarding her finalTheatre Conservatory production.”
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Diversity Committee Encourages Uniqueness in Our Community By: Christine geng The Diversity Committee is a group of students from all grade levels who meet to discuss issues about social justice and equality. Students in this club promote diversity by organizing meetings with teachers. All are present to share ideas and opinions on several, wide-reaching contemporary issues. The Diversity Committee also has an annual assembly for the whole school to discuss a shared topic and also hear members of Diversity Committee present their personal stories connected to the issue. In the recent Annual Diversity Committee assembly, three student speakers shared their personal story on this year’s topic: Mental Illness. Several audience members participated by sharing personal reflections based on each student speaker’s story. The Diversity Committee is about accepting and respecting the differences between each other. At Mayfield the Diversity strives for allstudents to understand that we should not judge people without knowing their stories and to treat others like we want to be treated. One should never make people feel inferior. The Diversity Committee is here to help the community understand its uniqueness and appreciate our differences. Classmates should be able to help each other in facing different challenges and motivate each other in areas of academic, religion, ethnicity, and personal relationships. All of these elements are key to our diverse and collaborative school community. The Diversity Committee is the place to share personal stories or express opinions about a modern world issue. Diversity Committee welcomes new members.
AP LANG: guest speakers empower students By: mik ayl a o’reggio On this year’s International Women’s Day, March 8, 2016, comedian Ms. Gloria Bigelow and playwright Ms. Gabrielle Pina came to speak to Gloria Bigelow Ms. Tylene Devine’s AP Literature and Composition (APLANG) classes to broaden their knowledge on what it means to be African- American, as well as the life and works of Harlem Renaissance writer, Nora Zeale Hurtson. Bigelow had previously taught with Devine and disGabriella Pina cussed what it was like being a minority in three areas- as a lesbian, an African-American, and as a female, during her humorous self written comedy skit. Pina who is the mother of APLANG student, Maia Pina ‘17, lectured on the novel the students were reading in the class, Their Eyes Were Watching God. Having written a play on Nora Zeale Hurston, Ms. Pina was able to discuss Hurston’s personal life as well as more specific themes related to the novel such as domestic violence and unhealthy relationships. Thank you to Ms. Bigelow and Ms. Pina for broadening our horizons on such a relevant occasion.
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Sophomore Wins National honor Society Writing Contest By: kristen masCarenhas - MAyfIELD CRIER CO -EDITOR-IN-ChIEf
Congratulations to student author Hannah Ri vera ‘18, who won second place (and a cash prize of $750!) in the 2016 Cabrini Literary Guild writing contest for her short story, The Quintessence of Believing. At the awards luncheon on Thursday, April 14, the Mayfield Creative Writing Conservatory student said she was inspired by her mother and grandmother as she responded to this year’s writing prompt—the Theodore Roosevelt quote “Believe you can and you are halfway there.” Each year, the Cabrini Literary Guild writing contest recognizes the best student writers at Catholic high schools across Los Angeles, and supports their literary endeavors with cash prizes and awards. This year, local author and playwright Désirée Zamorano (second from right) was on hand to present the prizes at the annual awards luncheon, held at Oakmont Country Club in Glendale.
National Honor Society, or NHS, is a nationally recognized high school organization devoted to service in the community. Mayfield’s NHS program has been thriving and active in the community for many years. The group consists of students who are active in academics, service, and leadership. Currently, NHS is led by Alison O’Neil ’16 and the school’s librarian Ms. Ann Pibel. The members of NHS are responsible for peer tutoring. Tutors often develop long-term academic relationships with the students. Ms. Pibel notes, “People who need some help with a concept or study strategy also take advantage of peer tutoring.” Luckily, 30 or so members of NHS shine in various subjects and have diverse interests so that there is always someone available to help in any class offered by the school. In addition, there are members from the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grades who are always open to helping. Unlike other clubs, NHS does have a selective admissions process. According to Ms. Pibel, “NHS members apply in the fall, and are selected by a panel of faculty members on the basis of academics, exceptional service, and leadership experience.” Besides tutoring, NHS also participates in community service. Every year, the group forms a team to participate in the annual Crop Walk. The group hopes to expand its presence in school next year and participate in even more service activities, under the leadership of Sofia Raptis ’17.
Cubs anticipate a Fun-Filled Summer By: annaBella gasPar Once again, Mayfield girls are putting the school motto, “Actions Not Words” into practice. Instead of spending the summer sleeping in and watching Netflix, rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors are using their three free months of no school to take summer classes, participate in sports programs, travel to different countries, and volunteer! McKenna Smith ‘19: “This summer I’m going to Spain and Paris in June and then flying to New Hampshire to visit my mom’s side of the family. I’m also training for cross country, volunteering at Huntington Hospital, working at my dad’s work, and hanging out with my friends.” Amber Allen ‘19: “I’m going to visit Lake Tahoe with my family and attend soccer camp.” Elisa Gonzalez ‘19: “I’m taking a summer school SAT prep course and an intro to chemistry course. I’m also going to tour Europe for a month with my family and volunteer at Keck Medical center at USC.” Claire Cruz ‘18: “I plan on taking a chemistry or SAT prep class over the summer, taking drivers ed, and volunteering.” Daria Young ‘18: “Over the summer, I’m going to work at a summer camp called Gooden Summer School.” Georgia Vagim ‘18: “I’m going to volunteer for NCL, help my sister move into college at CU Boulder, finish my Girl Scout gold award, and travel to my family’s cabin at Huntington Lake.” Sophie Silva ‘17: “I’m going to visit colleges and train with the Cross Country team.” Allia Al-Darmaki ‘17: “I’m going to travel to Dubai to visit my family over the summer.” Alyssa Lopez ‘17: “I’m interning with one of Ms. Kleeman’s architect friends in downtown LA.” Dahlia Macatangay ‘17 says, “I’m travelling to the Philippines to visit my grandmother and volunteering through this program that I set up called Pass the Plate, which helps feed hungry children in the Philippines. I’m also celebrating my birthday in Japan and going on a medical service mission in Cambodia.” Overall, Mayfield girls are spending their summers wisely and living out the Holy Child mission of education and service. Whether you’re staying in the country, participating in a service program, or just spending time with family, remember to take some time out of the summer to rest before the 2016-17 school year.
Changes among Us By: kemi ashing-giWa We often find that change is difficult to welcome. Over the years, many of our faculty and staff have arrived at Mayfield to gain new experiences and left to seek out new ones. For years, Ms. Lori Holtrust has aided students in the arduous process of selecting a college that truly suits them, where their hidden talents can bloom and their revealed gifts can be cultivated. Ms. Colleen Fitzsimons, whose Theology courses are much loved by freshmen and sophomores, not only offers invaluable wisdom in and out of class, but teaches with a rare passion found in few educators. Both of these faculty members will be missed greatly, but will always remain part of the Mayfield family. Some alterations, however, are met with excitement and joy. Ms. Michelle Gergen will be joining the Theology department, and we all look forward to learning from her. We also bid Assistant Head of Academics, Ms. Lisa Brunolli, Fare Thee Well, and wish all of our outgoing staff and faculty the best in their future endeavours.
BOOK REVIEW: All The Light We Cannot See By: sadie gilliland
All the Light We Cannot See is a historical fiction novel by Anthony Doerr that is set in the 1940s. Telling the stories of youth in both France and Germany in the midst of World War Two, the book won a Pulitzer Prize, was placed in the best 10 books list of the New York Times, and was a National Book Award finalist. The story is written as if it were a poem, creating a beautiful image in the reader’s mind. Doerr, juxtaposes this poetic style with his incorporation of science, exhibiting his knowledge about snails, radios, puzzles, birds, and other concepts. Marie Laure, a young girl living in France, struggles with blindness. However, her curiosity about many things brings out the scientific aspect of this book. For most of the five hundred and thirty page novel, the only men in her life are her beloved father and her great uncle Etienne, but fate brings another boy to her when Werner, a student from Germany, is deployed to France and is captivated by her auburn hair and face filled with freckles. He only knew her for a day, but he changed her life, saving her three times from the devastation of the bombings his own colleagues inflicted on her city. Doerr obviously has done major research in the midst of creating his story, as the dialogue and characters are realistic, believable and well rounded. Doerr inserts the familiarities of teen angst and the struggles of youth in the 1940s into the novel. At the end, the story
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transitions to the present. Marie, now an elderly woman with a tech-obsessed grandson, imagines the electromagnetic waves coursing into and out of computers and cellphones, carrying with them the communications that make up our lives. Werner’s sister Jutta also parallels Marie’s thoughts by juxtaposing their lives. Jutta compares her struggles for food as a child with her modern power to just turn a dial to alleviate coldness. Many people might be turned off by the girl-meets-boy archetype, as it can be generic and insincere, but the originality of the overall storyline is phenomenal. Doerr’s combination of imagination with observation is fantastic. Interweaving the lives of multiple characters, Doerr pronounces the different ways people try to be good to one another, despite differences and obstacles. World War Two is a fascinating period of time, and one of the strengths of this novel is its portrayal of the good and evil side of each country. Although the novel can be considered as a young adult novel, it touches on subjects such as the mass rapes of the Russian army as they conquered Berlin. It also details the return home of the young teenage German soldiers, traumatized, terrified, only to be dragged out of their mothers’ homes and shot in the street as deserters. Also with swearing and a scene where Werner commits suicide, it is a dark novel that can limit the audience to people at least over twelve years old.
East Coast College Trip By: Mikayla O’Reggio One of the most important years of a student’s high school career is junior year. With their last year of high school just up ahead, junior students struggle to keep their grades balanced, as well as to extensively look into colleges that they will be applying to in the beginning of their senior year. To aid in this process, a special “East Coast College Tour” (spearheaded by beloved college counselor Ms. Lori Holtrust alongside college tour specialist Ms. Kim Renfrew) occurs every Easter break. Junior students have the opportunity to explore Ivy league, public, private, and liberal arts colleges and universities on the East Coast. Over the course of six days, Mayfield toured through eight states total, viewing 16 schools. Throughout this time, students had both academic and cultural experiences, touring colleges during the day and enjoying free time in major cities such as New York and Boston in the evenings. Although the college process may be difficult, the resources that Mayfield has granted its students are certainly invaluable.
French Students Exchanged Culture at Mayfield our enthusiasm, continuous smiles and hospitality,” she said. Mayfield students had the chance to put their language skills to the test in day-to-day interactions with their guests. From Wednesday, April 6 through Saturday April 16, the French students attended classes with their Mayfield “soeurs” and enjoyed an amazing array of quintessential Los Angeles experiences, including a tour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills, biking along the beach in Santa Monica, and a baseball game at Dodger Stadium. They also visited local culturBy: Amanda Kuzma al and educational destinations, including the In April, Mayfield students enjoyed a Getty Center, LACMA, MOCA, the Norton Simon 10-day language and cultural exchange with Museum, the California Science Center, Disney a group of 21 French students (including six Concert Hall and Griffith Park Observatory. boys!) from northeastern France. Sevilla says the visiting students The students and their two teachers, enjoyed every moment of their SoCal immerChristian Cardinale and Joëlle Carme, were sion tour, but their visit to Universal Studios visiting from Lycée Fabert, which is regarded may have been the highlight of the trip. “Expeas the best public high school in Metz, a city riencing Harry Potter at Universal Studios was not far from the Luxembourg and Belgium unforgettable,” said Sevilla. “The French teachborders. ers described them that day as being the most We are especially grateful to May- delighted and happy that they have seen them!” field French language teacher Ms. Bertha The visit provided Mayfield’s French Sevilla for organizing the exchange with students (and even those taking a differCardinale, who she connected with through ent language) to learn more about France the Alliance Française of Pasadena in 2008. and the French culture. It also allowed According to Sevilla, the excitement of the French students to immerse themthe exchange was palpable from both groups. selves in the American way of life. This “The French students and their teachers found mutual exchange was truly a once-in-aour school beautiful and were impressed with lifetime experience for all who participated.
A Warm Welcome to the Newest Cub BY: Elizabeth Nail
Mayfield Athletic Trainer and Assistant Athletic Director Lydia Arguelles welcomed her daughter on Tuesday April 19 at 4:11pm. Eleadora Grace Arguelles weighed in at 7 lb 13 oz. Said Mrs. Arguelles, “My husband and I are so blessed to welcome baby Ella!” We wish the best of luck to Lydia and her family, and hope to see her back at Mayfield in the fall.
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CUB
ATHLETICS
CUBS TO TAKE ON NEW ATHLETIC CHALLENGES IN COLLEGE
Congratulations to graduating seniors who have chosen to continue their respective sport in college: Madison Forrest - Muhlenberg for Volleyball ; Emily Serhan - Loyola New Orleans for Track/Cross Country; Maggie Ireland - Santa Clara for Water Polo; Sarah Johnson - Northwestern for Volleyball; Marisa Sanchez - Santa Clara for Track/Cross Country; Megan Villar - Seattle University for Basketball; Nina Kasputis - Catholic University for Volleyball
Badminton smashes season’s goals By: annaBella gasPar ‘17 Last month, both the JV and Varsity badminton teams won their non-league game against Sierra Vista and finished the season playing against South Pasadena and San Gabriel. Although they didn’t win either game, both teams came in close for a few singles games and learned a lot from their opponents. Gabi Mukai, ‘16 says, “It’s always fun to play badminton especially since we get to play against
schools that other sports don’t. I’ve also become closer to my teammates and I’m so glad I was able to be a part of the team during my final year at Mayfield.” In keeping with Mayfield tradition, at the last home game against South Pasadena, the teams honored seniors Jade Bryant, Lindsey Garretson, and Gabi Mukai for their dedication to the team. Also, congratulations to the Varsity girls and boys for making it as far as the second level of CIF playoffs.
Swim Team Seniors and Coaches
swim team dives into Cif By: holly helmuth-malone
The Varsity and JV teams both competed in the Prep League Finals on Saturday, April 30th. The JV team won the Prep League title once again. The Varsity team finished in 3rd place, beating Flintridge Prep, Chadwick, and Webb. After the meet, coaches, parents, and teammates recognized and celebrated the senior swimmers who are graduating this year. The swimmers who qualified with autoSeniors Jade Bryant and Lindsey Garretson work together by clearing and smashing the birdie in a doubles match.
track team Clinches 6th league title By mikayla o’reggio & annaBella gasPar The Mayfield Senior School Track team has won Prep League for the sixth time in the last eight years. At finals, Sophie Silva ‘17 won first place for both the 100 and 300 meter hurdles and broke the school record for the 100. Overall, Mayfield won first place, with a score of 178 points. Way to go, Cubs. As the season comes to an end, the team leaders reflect on their favorite moments from track. “I’ve been running track since freshman year and I guess my favorite track memory would probably be my freshmen year when we won prep league finals. It was a very exciting moment and we even did a victory lap so that was pretty cool,” said Katherine Tighe ‘16. “I’ve been doing track since freshman year and this is my favorite memory: This year we ran to Old Town and and had lunch at a nearby restaurant as part of a team bonding and endurance exercise,” said Sophie Silva ‘17. “It was a little bit difficult to manage because we were such a big group, but it allowed us to create bonds with each other. Thankfully, our coach, Eric, let us take the van back to school!” Whether the track girls are graduating, returning next year, or continuing with cross country, they are certain to do it with a nice pep in their step.
matic times, as well as consideration times, attended the CIF championship on May 11th and 12th, along with supporters from the team. Kat Lopez competed in the 200 IM and the 100 Breast and the relay team of Maggie Ireland, Perry Hotchkis, Maddie Lewis, and Kat Lopez swam in the 400 Freestyle Relay. Julia Kasputis received a bronze medal in the Prep League Diving competition and received 9th overall at the CIF Diving Finals on May 9th, with a score of 320.45.
Softball Soared to New Heights By: annaBella gasPar ‘17 The Varsity Softball team played well this year, showing a lot of improvement over the course of the season. Even though they were a young team, with a total of ten underclassmen and three upperclassmen, the team trained hard learned a lot about the sport from one another and their coaches. JGiselle De Anda ‘17, who recently had her first shutout of the season, says, “We’ve been training hard and getting better. The great thing about softball is that everyone’s really close and we bond a lot, especially on the bus rides home from away games and when we go out to eat together.” By the end of the season, the team
placed 6-13-1 overall and 3-9 in league. Over the course of the season, softball won non-league
games against St. Monica’s, Campbell, and Fremont. Finally, congratulations to the softball team for winning their first league games of the season against Rio Hondo (5-0) and Firebaugh (22-10 and 15-1).