From dances to demonstrations
What is going to radicalize the youth? What is going to activate the minds of Gen Z and generations to come? With the rise of social media and its predominance in almost every sphere of modern-day society, social media has increasingly become a game changer in activism, entertainment and academia. Likewise, with Gen Z being one of the first generations to have their fundamental developmental years be characterized by regular social media usage, whether that be recreationally, communicatively or academically, dependence on social media and the integration of it into everyday life is highly normalized, yet continues to be a source of discussion. However, what happens when Gen Z is restricted from using the same apps and media platforms on which they have developed their identities and curated relationships? With the frenzy created by the brief TikTok ban, it is clear that social media in many ways will be the activator of many Gen Z into the realm of policy and politics, as well as the catalyst for a lifelong trend of skepticism towards the government. During history class, Gen Z has read about the First Amendment and the freedoms it grants U.S. citizens foundationally; however, for many, this
idea of freedom and its importance to American citizens was taught and understood passively–that is, until the TikTok ban. Many debates were held surrounding the constitutionality of the TikTok ban and its implications regarding the interpretation
“...social media in many ways will be the activator of many Gen Z into the realm of policy...”
and enforcement of the First Amendment. Nevertheless, formal and legal arguments aside, for one of the first times ever on a large scale, the youth of the U.S. saw first hand how their freedom, speech and actions could be controlled by the government, provoking questions about the role the gov-
ernment plays in one’s life, as well as the responsibility one has as a citizen to remain informed on governmental action and prepared to practice their democratic rights of organizing, if necessary.
Likewise, experiencing the short-lived ban unleashed a large wave of skepticism towards the government from the youth. Questioning surrounding the intentions of the TikTok ban, in particular, led the youth to examine the state of the government and–more specifically–who it serves. The TikTok ban led many to notice the underlying role wealthy tech moguls play in policy, being some of the main lobbyists for the ban. Simultaneously, it encouraged others to question the xenophobic rhetoric, specifically towards those of Chinese origins, used to justify the ban and other legislation, which the influx of “Red Note” users is a testimony of.
Overall, the short-lived TikTok ban emphasized the increasingly dominant role social media has had and will continue to have in activating the youth to engage in policy. Thus, as McAuley students, we must treat social media as both an online connector and an educational tool, furthering democratic engagement.
What’s inside this edition
Opinion
Staff
Staff
Staff
Staff
Inscape staff
Co-Editor-in-Chief
Co-Editor-in-Chief
Addison Haywood
Fiona Stanek
Mireya Gomez de la Casa
Adilene Urbina
Kayla Baker
Adeline Moles
Angela Zubrzycki
Rylee Dombro
Magen Connolly
Chloe Berten
Olivia Regalado
Luna Munoz-Diaz
Margaret Kilgallon
Elysia Gonzalez
Caitlin Sears
Alila Underwood
Ella Meenan-Smith
Aniyah Roberts
Thomas Bochenczak
Abigail Sheahan
Editorial Policy: The opinions expressed in this magazine are the views of the individual authors, and not of the Inscape staff or Mother McAuley High School. Inscape is an open forum that welcomes letters to editors, comments, and feedback from all readers. All letters to the editors must be signed in order to be printed.
Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School
3737 W. 99th Street
Chicago, IL 60655
(773)-881-6500
www.mothermcauley.org
Principal Dr. Kathryn Baal
Vice Principal Mrs. Sandra Smycz
Vice Principal Mrs. Sarah Kolkmeyer ‘06
front cover by Elysia Gonzalez and Alila Underwood back cover by Caitlin Sears and Fiona Stanek
Private poster... public positivity
Caitlin Sears
In a world full of hate and cyberbullying, one Instagram page, @mcauleycompliments, moderated/administered by an anonymous Mother McAuley student has brought together a community.
The account, created in 2024, allows people–especially Mother McAuley students–to leave comments on a Google form for recipients to see when they are posted. The student behind the account, who wishes to remain anonymous, was inspired to start this initiative after discovering a similar page.
“I decided to create this page because I was browsing Instagram one day and I saw a ChiArts page with the same concept called @chiarts_positivity_page,” the anonymous moderator told Inscape staff through direct message. “I noticed the sweet things that were said about people on that account, and I thought, personally, lots of compliments I’ve received have made a lasting impact on me. I wondered if others felt the same way.”
“I searched to see if there was a compliments account at McAuley, and considering we have a lot of (unaffiliated) school accounts, I was surprised to see there was none. I figured, being an all-girls school with the problems girls our age face daily, we could absolutely use something like this to lift each other up and make someone’s day a little better. At the end of the day, you never know what someone is going through, and anything you say— positive or negative—can change their life.”
Nearly 48.1% of adolescents have been bullied online, and almost one in four have experienced it more than once, according to a 2023 report by the Cyberbullying Research Center for Illinois. From a sample of 122 people, 76.3% reported being cyberbullied at least once in their life.
Cyberbullying has become a significant issue across the United States in recent years. Some experts report that the anonymity of the internet has led younger generations to believe it’s acceptable to engage in online harassment.
But despite the challenges of the digital world, one post from the page brightened the day of Mother McAuley senior Ava Zvejnieks.
An anonymous person submitted a compliment that read, “Ava Zvejnieks literally looks like a Disney Princess and is so sweet.”
Zvejnieks was surprised but excited to see her name pop up on the Instagram page.
above. Post from @mcauleycompliments showcases an anonmyous compliment sent out by a senior student.
“I felt really seen and appreciated by my community,” Zvejnieks said.
It’s remarkable how taking just two minutes to compliment someone can make a difference in their day—or even their entire week. The account has brought a positive change to Mother McAuley. Teenage girls are often stereotyped as catty or mean, but this page defies that narrative.
“I think this account has made a positive impact, at least from what I’ve been hearing,” the anonymous moderator said. “Many of my peers have had compliments sent to them, and it has absolutely made their day or week. Other people I know have talked about how sweet they think it is that people are coming together and sending in submissions for their friends or classmates.”
“Lots of girls I follow on Instagram are reposting submissions sent in for them or their friends. Overall, for the people who know about this account, I think it has made them more supportive of the people around them,and that was my goal from the start.”
The love around the school has grown since the page’s first post on Nov. 29, 2024. Students hope the account will continue indefinitely.
“I plan on keeping this account going until graduation and maybe even passing it on to a younger friend afterward if they’re willing,” the anonymous moderator said. “It may be a little inconsistent, but my goal is to try and post compliments at least a few times a month until I’m out of McAuley.”
Like many other unaffiliated McAuley accounts, the world may never learn who the administrators are, but the community appreciates their dedication and creativity in making a difference at the school.
graph by Caitlin Sears
The possible gain of more U.S. territory
During the final few days of Biden’s term and the start of his second term, President Trump focused on expanding U.S. territory. Seven days into the new year, Trump discussed utilizing “economic force” to expand U.S. territory; he proposed the idea of turning Canada into the 51st state, reclaiming the Panama Canal, acquiring Greenland from Denmark and renaming the Gulf of Mexico. He plans to use a series of tariffs to influence Canada to join the U.S., as well as other areas
Alila Underwood
he wishes to add. “You get rid of that artificially drawn line, and you take a look at what that looks like. And it would also be much better for national security,” Trump said, “They’re great, but we’re spending hundreds of billions here to protect it.” He recently quipped that Canada should become the 51st state because both countries share a military alliance
A strong belief of Trump’s is that Jimmy Carter should have never returned the Panama Canal to Panama. In the 1980s, the Panama
Canal’s economic importance rapidly declined after World War II, and due to this Carter decided to take a huge political risk of giving it back. Trump claimed that Panama violated the Panama Canal deal with the United States, charging that the U.S. has been “unfairly” charged with higher rates for its ships to sail the canal than other countries. Trump stated that Panama has requested $3 billion to help repair the canal, so he threatened to try and take it back. He asserted that returning it to the U.S. control is “vital” to national security.
Greenland is a country that Trump greatly wishes to acquire, as it has been brought up from time to time within American politics even before World War II. He has been trying to obtain it since his first term, and Trump maintains that Greenland is essential for the U.S. to gain for defense reasons.
When Trump brought up the discussion of renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, he stated that “the Gulf of America… has a beautiful ring,” and “What a beautiful name, and it’s appropiate.”
With all the intentions of getting more territory for the country to help the economy so it can flourish, the Panamanian, Danish and Canadian leaders have all turned down these proposals.
Maryland man charged in UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Murder
Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old man from Towson, Maryland, stands accused of the Dec. 4, 2024 murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown, Manhattan. Mangione was apprehended on Dec. 9 in Altoona, Pennsylvania after being recognized at a local McDonald’s. At the time of his arrest, authorities discovered a 3D-printed firearm, ammunition, falsified identification documents and a manifesto criticizing the American healthcare system in his possession.
Following his arrest, Mangione faced multiple charges across state and federal jurisdictions. In Pennsylvania, he was charged with carrying a firearm without a license, forgery and providing false identification. New York prosecutors indicted him on counts including first-degree murder as an act of terrorism, second-degree murder and several weapons possession charges. At the federal level, Mangione was charged with stalking, murder through the use of a firearm and related firearms offenses, potentially exposing Mangione to the death penalty.
On Dec. 23, 2024, Mangione pleaded not guilty to all state charges during his arraignment in the New York Supreme Court.
His defense attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, expressed concerns regarding the possibility of a fair trial, citing extensive media coverage and public statements by officials including New York City Mayor, Eric Adams.
The case has ignited widespread public debate, with some individuals expressing sympathy for Mangione’s motives, as outlined in his manifesto which condemned perceived injustices within the healthcare industry.
Comedian Bill Burr, during an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” criticized insurance companies and humorously defended Mangione, suggesting his actions stemmed from frustrations with the industry.
Additionally, a poll conducted by National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago revealed that while the public holds Mangione accountable to a significant extent, many also blame the insurance industry for creating an environment of frustration and despair.
The case has also inspired cultural responses, including a documentary in development by Oscar-winning director Alex Gibney, known for his investigative works on American institutional corruption. The
film aims to explore the intricacies of the crime, Mangione and the societal reactions it has provoked.
As of Jan. 16, 2025, Mangione remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, awaiting further court proceedings scheduled for February 2025.
The case continues to unfold, drawing significant attention to the intersections of individual actions, corporate practices and societal perceptions within the American healthcare system.
Mireya Gomez de la Casa
above. CCTV photo released by the NYPD showing Luigi Mangione at the HI New York City Hostel on Dec. 4.
editorial cartoon by Alila Underwood
New Year’s Day catastrophe
Walking down the famous Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana shouldn’t be a thing that ends in screams of terror. But on Jan. 1, 2025, many partygoers experienced exactly this. On New Year’s Day, 42-year-old male Shamshud-Din Jabbar sped past police cars and their barriers and intentionally drove straight into a crowd of people still celebrating the new year on Bourbon Street. As soon as Jabbar made impact, he got out of the truck and began shooting at police officers. Three responding officers were there at the time and fired back at Jabbar, eventually killing him at the scene of the attack. Jabbar’s gunshots hit and wounded two of the three officers, sending them to a local hospital.
After more police officials got to the crime scene and blocked it off from the public, a black Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) flag was discovered in Jabbar’s vehicle. On Jan. 2 at a news conference, FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia said, “It was a premeditated and bad evil act,” meaning that the FBI categorized this attack as an act of terrorism.
There were also two potential improvised explosive devices (IEDs) found in Jabbar’s truck after further investigations on the day of the attack. Then, at the same news conference on Jan. 2, Raia shared how FBI bomb technicians not only found the two IEDs
On Jan. 7, a wildfire started in the Palisades area of California, destroying hundreds of structures. This caused five more fires to spread throughout Southern California. As of Thursday, Jan. 9, it was announced that there were at least five fires that had started in LA counties, destroying more than 40 square miles of the area, causing almost 180,000 people to evacuate along with another 200,000 people facing more warnings as the fires continued to spread.
Adeline Moles
in Jabbar’s truck, but also discovered and found evidence of him on surveillance footage planting two more functional IEDs in coolers near the Bourbon Street area. After getting discovered, the technicians deactivated the devices, and they were rendered safe.
Because of this reckless event, many things in New Orleans had to be rescheduled due to the possibility of more attacks. The Sugar Bowl, a game in the College Football Playoff season, was originally scheduled to be played
on Jan. 1 at the Caesar’s Superdome in New Orleans between No. 2 seed Georgia and No. 7 seed Notre Dame. The Superdome is a sixminute drive from the scene of the attack, so New Orleans authorities agreed to reschedule the game for the next day, Jan. 2.
Jabbar’s motives were never truly discovered as to why he carried out this act, but officials found that he was working alone and was not sent by any person or group of a higher authority to do this.
What to know about the California fires
No one knows what caused the fires to start, but some say the Palisades and Eaton fires could have been caused by lightning. Another “culprit” of the fires could be the 2022-2023 very wet years of California, which had brought a huge growth on vegetation; these plants then dried up over recent droughts, which accelerated the fire’s growth like kindling to a campfire. Powerful offshore gusts, which are known as the Santa Ana winds, could have exacerbated the spreading wildfires.
The first fire to start in California was the Palisades fire, which ravaged more than 22,660 acres of the Palisades area. The Eaton fire, which hit the northern part of Los Angeles, destroyed 14,000 acres. The Hurst fire, which was right out of San Fernando, destroyed 799 acres. The last fire that was active was the Kenneth fire which started on the borders of Los Angeles and Ventura areas, destroying more than 1,052 acres. In a radio interview,climate scientist Daniel Swain said that the fires could end up being some of the costliest in U.S history. AccuWeather experts said that the total loss from the fires could cost from 250 billion to 275 billion dollars to repair the damage done to buildings and the cost to repair houses that people lost. Since Jan. 17, the wildfires have taken the lives of 27 people and destroyed more than 12,000 structures. Michael Hricak, a professor of architecture at the University of Southern California, said, ”It will be a while before they can get in there and even rebuild anything. While most of the wildfires have been contained, the lives of those affected by this unfortunate disaster are forever changed.
Angela Zubrzycki
above. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden pause after placing flowers at a memorial to victims of the deadly New Year’s truck attack on Bourbon Street, Monday, January 6, 2025, in New Orleans. above. view of Palisades Fire that started in the City of Los Angeles.
McAuley’s newest influencer
At school, it’s easy to fall into the rhythm of familiar faces and predictable routines. We see our classmates in the halls, during lessons and on the sports fields, but often we forget that their lives extend far beyond these walls. The truth is, the majority of us don’t know what our classmates are doing and accomplishing outside of school. From running businesses and competing in sports, to starting YouTube channels and taking their social media seriously. Their extracurricular achievements can be as diverse and inspiring as themselves.
A student who stands out with a compelling hobby outside of the bounds of McAuley sports and activities is KieArra Spears, a senior at Mother McAuley who has been chasing her dreams of becoming an influencer since before she even began highschool.
Spears has a YouTube channel where she posts creative content. Her content consists mostly vlog style videos. Spears has created videos like and is working to include other topics as well. “I want to diversify the type of videos I add to the channel. I know getting ready with me vlogs can get boring; which is why I plan to implement gaming and other fun things on the channel” Spears tells us.
When asked why she wanted to start her YouTube channel, Spears recalled first having aspirations in the seventh grade, but she did not begin until eighth grade. This was due to nervousness of how people would react. Fortunately, Spears overcame these feelings, allowing herself to use YouTube as a creative outlet she can share with others.
Spears uses a Sony ZB1 camera to film her videos, but is working on upgrading her equipment. She has become a skilled editor over the years due to the many effects and cuts she must make on every video she posts. She uses “Final Cut Pro” to achieve the clean and polished appearance on all her vlogs.
However, Spears gives lots of credit to her mother for having an opportunity and resources to create videos.
“I would say my biggest support is my mom. She bought my camera, editing software, iPad, everything I need to film and edit videos. My whole family supports me by watching my videos.”
Much of KieArra’s inspiration for her content comes from lifestyle creators such as De’arra Taylor, whose relatable content encouraged her to develop her own unique voice. Beyond influences, she also finds inspiration in her own life from using her own experiences, most especially her senior year.
above. Spears films her GRWM for her birthday vlog posted on her YouTube channel in December.
One of her current, on-going projects is a senior year vlog that captures everything from the start to the end of senior year, creating a digital keepsake for her and her classmates to watch back in time the growth and funny memories that encapsulated their senior years.
Spears said, “It’s going to have every milestone from senior year, from the first senior photos to graduation. It’s gonna be cool. I’m excited!”
For Spears, her passion isn’t just about making videos; it’s about expressing herself unapologetically. This creative outlet has allowed her to embrace her individuality and share it with others.
When it comes to editing, Spears credits Mother McAuley for more than just the academic lessons. Through the Art and Emerging Tech class, she discovered how to master professionalgrade tools like Final Cut Pro, turning complex editing techniques into second nature.
“That class changed how I approach content, so thank you,Ms. Pierce!” she shared.
McAuley didn’t just teach her technical skills that are needed in the YouTube process; it also nurtured a creative mindset that allowed her to elevate her channel. This combination of practical knowledge and creativity thinking has empowered Spears to create content that is not only interesting but also personable. Her passion for Youtube isn’t just about making videos and
building a platform; she is building confidence, learning resilience and embracing the power of self-expression.
Her advice for her classmates and the underclasswomen is simple yet powerful: “Do what you love. There are going to be people who might think it’s cringy, but as long as you’re doing what you like, you’ll never have any regrets in the future.”
Spears’s journey is a testament to the power of doing what you love and sticking with it. Her dedication to her craft, coupled with the support from her family and the skills she has developed at McAuley, has enabled her to pursue her passion for content creation while inspiring those around her. Whether she’s vlogging her daily life, working on a special project such as her senior year vlog or exploring new content ideas, Spears is proof that following your passion can lead to both personal growth and meaningful impact.
So, whether you’re into vlogging, gaming or still figuring things out, keep chasing what excites you–you never know who you might inspire along the way.
Chloe Berten and Fiona Stanek
Galentine’s Day activities!
Adilene Urbina
It’s that time of the year again: Valentine’s Day! Valentine’s Day is a holiday often associated with romantic love. However, while it is often spent with romantic partners, Valentine’s Day can also be celebrated with your friends, commonly known as “Galentine’s Day!” Here are four fun and easy ways to make this holiday special for you and your gal pals:
1. Have a dinner party
Plan a night with your friends where you can enjoy each other’s company through delicious Valentine’s themed foods/activities. Chocolate-dipped strawberries, Valentine’s candy and heart-shaped pizza, and activities, such as making Valentine’s themed crafts or even giving each other gifts, is a great way to get into the Valentine spirit!
How do you celebrate Black History Month?
“My family and I recognize the contributions and achievements of Black people all year round! I’m grateful for their sacrifices, their courage and the innovative ideas that have changed our world. During Black history month, I support Black entrepreneurs by shopping at Black owned businesses and using the month for reflection.”
-Noah Warren 9
“I love to have family dinners and be able to talk to my family members about what their life was like growing up and things I usually never get to ask them. I also like to watch shows where people who are African American have the lead role. Finally, I support black businesses and try to shop at places I would usually never go to!”
-Kruz Smith 10
“My mom and I usually watch movies on historical black figures, such as Malcom X and MLK. In addition, we watch movies that are special to our history such as “The Color Purple” and the “Roots” documentary which help display the trauma of slavery and show how far we’ve come!”
-Madison McKatherine 12
2. Enjoy a Movie Marathon
Keeping the theme of staying in for the holiday, you can always plan a themed movie night. If you’re spending the day with your friends, you can always watch chick flicks like “Legally Blonde” or “Pitch Perfect” while munching on Valentine’s themed food, like “Sweethearts” and chocolate hearts.
3. Do a Skincare/Spa Day
What’s a more fun way to spend Valentine’s Day than taking care of yourself and the people you love? You can do face masks and/ or under eye masks. Additionally, simply sitting and talking with each other can boost your serotonin and create an unforgettable evening. Another thing you can do is create a love-themed playlist to listen to while relaxing.
4. Exchange Gifts
Like I mentioned before, you can always give each other gifts. No matter if it’s a homemade or store- bought gift, a gift of sentimental meaning can mean the world as long as they’re from the heart. For friends, you can give them funny gifts or fun cards. For a partner, you can give them a heartfelt card or a picture book filled with pictures of your favorite memories together.
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s with your friends or not, this holiday is about focusing on love and joy. What better way to express love to others than to spend time with them.
“I celebrate Black History month by furthering my knowledge on my history and heritage!”
-Nova Martin 11
by Elysia Gonzalez
photos
infographic by Margaret Kilgallon
Hot takes Battle of the halftime shows
Addison Haywood and Aniyah Roberts
Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’?
The level of pioneering and legacy seen in Michael Jackson’s 1993 Super Bowl halftime show secures his spot for best Superbowl performer of all time. From his unique, militaristic style outfit to his elaborate dance moves, Michael Jackson’s performance revolutionized halftime shows for years to come.
Surprisingly, one of the most iconic parts of his halftime show was the beginning portion when Michael Jackson propelled out of the ground of the stage and proceeded to stand still for nearly two minutes, fist bawled and feet spread, as the audience went ballistic at the mere presence of greatness. This powerful moment worked to emphasize the impact of the almost 30-year-long career Michael Jackson had built, making him an anomaly in the entertainment industry and, subsequently, an anomaly of a Super Bowl performer.
Preceding with a “Jam,” literally, Michael Jackson quickly enlivened the stadium with his dynamic moves and raw vocals as his background dancers joined him in dance breaks. Selecting a wide variety of songs from his discography, Michael Jackson performed a range of hits, from “Thriller” classics, like “Billie Jean,” to “Dangerous” records, such as “Black or White,” keeping the audience lively and engaged throughout.
Finally, ending the show on an emotional note, Michael Jackson, joined by children from across the world, together sang “Heal the World,” a powerful song which calls for peace, equality and environmental justice in the world.
While Rihanna’s performance was impressive, especially for someone who was actively pregnant, in many ways, without Micheal Jackson’s halftime performance, celebrity cameos during the Super Bowl halftime show would not exist. From his two-minute stand to his homage to the future of the world, Michael Jackson’s 1993 Super Bowl performance will go down in history as the best halftime show ever.
Yeah, I Said It
Anyone who thinks Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime performance is not the greatest of all time is clearly having “Wild Thoughts.” Although Michael Jackson’s halftime Super Bowl performance was monumental, it certainly was not better than Rihanna’s. Rihanna’s performance was beyond amazing from the start to the end. The outfits were amazing, as well as the choreography!
For starters, Rihanna was pregnant, and while some might think that put her at a disadvantage, the level at which she performed is nothing to overlook. She descended from/on a platform that was hanging in the air, harnessed in, while dancing and singing confidently. That alone is a major accomplishment for anyone, especially a woman who is pregnant.
Rihanna performed her show solo, and her show was almost 15 minutes long; she really put in the “Work!” Many other artists that headlined the halftime show were accompanied by artists whom they had previously created songs with. The fact that Rihanna was able to keep her energy up while dancing and singing for that long is extraordinary.
The performance was not only iconic but strategic. When she took a moment to adjust her makeup, it was used as a way to promote her makeup line, “Fenty Beauty!” She also sold the outfits that the background dancers wore on her clothing website, “SAVAGE X FENTY.” That was a beyond brilliant move.
She concluded the performance with her hit song “Diamonds.” The atmosphere was surreal, even through the screen.
In the end, no other Super Bowl halftime performance can compete with Rihanna’s.
Chloe Berten
Pinterest: the visual hub for discovery and inspiration. The app is designed for users to scroll through aesthetic photos, pinning their favorite pictures into organized boards, and usually adding a catchy title to stay inspired and organized.
Since the early 2010s Pinterest has managed to stay relevant by keeping updated with the latest trends, including fashion, home design and party inspiration. But Pinterest also has one unique element that goes beyond just keeping up with the trends: the app seems to create them.
“Pinterest Predicts” is an annual release of what new fads are expected for the year. This year the top upcoming trend predictions included the “Fisherman aesthetic,” maximalist design and cherrycoded everything. The yearly Pinterest predictions have been said to be based on data collected from the year prior in order to form an accurate forecast of what will be popular for the new year.
The app claims the approach is scientific. However, many users across social media platforms seem to challenge this idea, stating “Pinterest Predicts 2025” has missed the mark. Some even go as far to claim “Pinterest Predicts” is just another way to encourage consumerism by creating a fear of being out of style.
This is when a helpful tool can quickly become a rulebook for people to follow. For impressionable teens or everyday app users, feeling out of place or not up to date could create insecurity. Some may even find themselves throwing away perfectly good clothing and furniture or switching up their style to one that might not resonate with them all in order to stay relevant.
As of so far, it doesn’t seem like many of the predictions have taken off. Yes, some individuals may lean towards styles similar to ones listed, but overall, the current aesthetics seem to be staying put.
Perhaps it will take more than one year for trend followers to make the switch from minimalist to maximalist, or maybe it is time ”Pinterest Predicts” forecasts its own downfall.
above. Aniyah belts out her favorite Rihanna song, “Man Down” with @badgalriri on stage.
above. Addison joins the King of Pop for the end of his halftime performance.
Sick season: norovirus and hMPV surges
People all over the globe are becoming concerned about the spiking number of illnesses they’ve seen on social media and in their communities since mid-December and early January. Winter always sees a rise in sickness, but people have more specific concerns this year.
Norovirus is an illness that causes symptoms such as fever, headache, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration. Past months have seen a rise in cases that exceeds trends of previous years according to NoroSTAT Data, which reports norovirus outbreaks to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“During Aug. 1–Dec. 11, 2024, there were 495 norovirus outbreaks reported by NoroSTAT-participating states. During the same period last seasonal year, there were 363 norovirus outbreaks reported by these states,” reported the CDC.
Magen Connolly
The reason for the surge may be a previously less common strain of norovirus referred to as GII.17[P17]. Data from the CDC shows that this strain–though around 10 years old–has been the cause of almost 70% of outbreaks from September to December of 2024. It was more prevalent in Asia, so the cause of the surges is likely lower immunity to this strain that Americans have had less exposure to. Recommendations for prevention and treatment remain consistent with other strains of norovirus: wash your hands, avoid sick people and stay hydrated.
People have also been concerned about human metapneumovirus, or hMPV, claiming that the surge in China has left hospitals overwhelmed and has the potential to reach epidemic levels. Alarmed TikTok users seem to think the situation is similar to COVID-19, but this is not true. While COVID-19 had previous variants, hMPV has been around for years, and it is expected to spread during the winter.
Meta calls it quits on fact-checking
On Jan. 7, 2025, Meta Platforms, Inc. announced that they would put an end to their fact-checking program and make a transition to a Community Notes model. The CEO of Meta, Mark Zuckerberg, claimed that their reason for doing this transition was to “focus more on the concept of free speech”. The incorporation believes that by getting rid of the third-party fact-check program, they can provide a space where users of any social media platform that is maintained by Meta can be aware that their views are welcome and they can express themselves in any way without any censorship on the platforms.
Most platform users are feeling critical about this new transition, claiming that the reduction of censorship and fact-checking will cause a rise in violence and cyberbullying on the apps now that people are allowed to say whatever they wish to. Zuckerberg, on the other hand, believes that this policy has been working very well on “X”, formally known as Twitter, and so the company wanted to bring the free speech policy to Facebook and Instagram as well. Meta’s chief global affairs officer, Joel Kaplan, went on “Fox and Friends” to discuss and provide information on the new changes the company is generating to bring back free speech to their platforms.
“Instead of going to some so-called expert, it instead relies on the community and the people on the platform to provide their own commentary to something that they’ve read,” Kaplan said.
Why would Meta make this transition now? Meta claimed that they saw a new opportunity when Donald J. Trump won the presidential election back in Nov. 2024.
“There’s no question that there is an opportunity here with a new president taking office who really believes in free expression, and that’s just gonna give us the space to go back to those values,” said Kaplan.
He also mentioned that with Joe Biden in office for the past 4 years, the platform had been receiving “political and societal pressure” which had pushed them away from putting an end to the fact-checking program sooner. Now, with President Trump in office, the social media company will be going through all these new changes, and they have mentioned that they are looking forward to working with the Trump Administration along the way.
Luna Munoz-Diaz
graphic by Magen Connolly
infographic by Luna Munoz-Diaz
Schumacher-Cawley sets a new Record!
Olivia Regalado
On Dec. 22, 2024 Coach Katie SchumacherCawley, a McAuley alumni of class of ‘97 led Penn State to defeat Louisville with a score of 3-1 in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship match at the KFC Yum! Center. This makes her the first female Division 1 women’s volleyball head coach to win an NCAA championship title. This also marks the eighth NCAA title for Penn State.
Schumacher-Cawley’s niece, Kathleen Finnin 12 said, “She’s tough for sure. She always wants to win, and she’s very caring, always looking out for her players. She’s very on top of her responsibilities and knows what to do and when to do it. I just think she’s a very good coach overall, like she’s insanely good at what she does.”
Schumacher-Cawley is from St. Cajetan’s Parish. While she was at Mother McAuley, she was on the varsity volleyball and basketball teams. In 1995, McAuley’s varsity volleyball team won back-to-back championships. Her numbers were retired in 1997, meaning no
one can have that number again in either volleyball or basketball at McAuley. She was inducted into the McAuley Hall of Honor in 2014 for being an NCAA All-American and National Champion at Penn State (and for being the University of Illinois at Chicago women’s volleyball head coach). In October of 2024 she got diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer.
Finnin said, “Realizing she was the first woman ever to do it, especially having cancer and all that, it was really incredible!”
She formerly coached at UIC from 20032008 as assistant coach and eventually head coach from 2009-2016, and she was originally Penn State’s assistant coach from 2018-2021 before becoming head coach from 2022-current. Schumacher-Cawley is such an inspiration to others through all her achievements and overall strength. This is a very honorable title to hold being the first woman ever to accomplish this, serving as an inspiration to current and future McAuley students.
State of The Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears haven’t had the best record lately. This seemed to start in the 2022-2023 season when they lost their last 10 football games in a row (the longest losing streak in one season in the National Football League’s history). Following that, the team lost the first three games in the 2023-2024 season. In the 2024-2025 season, they won only five games, as well as lost their head coach, Matt Eberflus, who was fired on Nov. 29, 2024 due to so many consecutive losses.
With the Bears’ new interim coach, Thomas Brown, the players improved in gaining yards and achieving first downs. Wide receiver DJ Moore said, “The flow of the game has been better.” It seems as though Coach Brown has intentions of becoming the permanent coach. Shortly after becoming the interim coach, Brown said, “Well, I think having a chance to
lay out my whole vision, the plan I have for this football team moving forward is going to be a part of it.” Many people had mixed opinions about this, and some said the Bears put a young coach in a terrible situation; others were supportive of Thomas Brown becoming the new head coach for the 20252026 season.
On Jan 21, a new head coach was hired. Ben Johnson is a previous offensive coordinator for the Detroit lions. Johnson had the #1 ranked offense during the 2024 NFL season. The reason why Johnson was chosen for the new permanent head coach instead of Brown is because of his history in the NFL and his future plans to build a new staff of his own trusted people. The future is looking promising for the Bears team.
Play like a girl
Ella Meenan-Smith
Margaret Mulcrone, a freshman here at Mother McAuley, showed what it’s like to be a true Mighty Mac! Mulcrone showed us all her talent in water polo and the swim team. It didn’t go unnoticed by colleges either. Mulcrone has visited Purdue University, Harvard University and Iona University; her uncle coaches swim and waterpolo at Iona.
Because Mulcrone participates in water polo and swim at school and on club teams, it leaves very little room to take breaks or catch-up days.
“You need to constantly train, or you have to play catch up,” Mulcrone said. Unlike other sports, there is no half time or timeouts with swimming; you have to complete your race without any break.
Recently, Mulcrone broke her foot, so her immediate focus is on healing and starting training again. Long term, Maggie hopes to continue improving her swimming times, win a state championship in water polo and grow into a strong leader as an upperclasswoman. Mulcrone loved how warm and welcoming the upperclasswomen were this year, and she hopes to give that feeling to incoming freshmen as she continues her athletic career at McAuley.
Water Polo and swimming have given Mulcrone an amazing opportunity to meet new people and make amazing friends. She is very grateful for her family members who have influenced her as well.
“I come from a huge water polo and swimming family. My Uncle Brian coaches water polo for Iona University, so he is always mentoring me. He will always give me feedback on how to improve. He also expresses how much he loves me and how proud of me he is.”
Mulcrone has created amazing memories, traveling the country and meeting new people through water polo and swimming. She definitely had an unforgettable freshman year with all of her hard work and dedication to her sports!
above. Mulcrone in the water with her club Water Polo teammates.
photo provided by Margaret Mulcrone
Kayla Baker
above. Sisters Brigid 10 and Kathleen Finnin 12 cheer on their Aunt Katie at the National Championship in Louisville, KY in December. Photos provided by Kathleen Finnin
Artist spotlight
Rylee Dombro
What makes a musical ensemble click is the essential element of an excellent piano player, and here at McAuley we sure have that! Junior Brielle McClellan has been the lead pianist for the past two years; however, she has been playing piano since she was only three years old!
“I started playing because of my mom and my grandpa at three, but my teacher refused to teach a toddler, so I came back when I was five,” said McClellan. Ever since then, her love for the piano has only grown.
She started with a new piano teacher when she was in fourth grade and started teaching herself to learn more difficult pieces from YouTube tutorials. When McClellan showed this to her teacher, her teacher began giving her more advanced pieces to learn.
“She kind of had a ‘give it to me and see what I can do’ approach to teaching, which I think helped me learn on my own a lot.”
McClellan also said this helped her a lot for her time playing at McAuley because when she plays here, she doesn’t get one-onone teaching of music because of her already advanced knowledge of music.
“I started off at advanced strings coming in to McAuley because I already had a general knowledge of piano theory before so Mr. Eberhard doesn’t work one on one with me.”
While at McAuley she has also continued taking outside lessons from her same piano teacher.
“I love going to her, she helps me get gigs and stuff.”
McClellan has performed at different restaurants and places for musical entertainment because of her piano teacher.
When asked if music is a path she is going to pursue in college McClellan said, “Yes, for sure, it’s such an important part of my life and I definitely want to continue with it. I’ve looked at musical schools like Juilliard so I can really get a good path for music.”
Wherever McClellan’s future takes her, we wish her the best of luck!
2024: Women in music recap
In 2024, female musicians dominated the industry! From the inescapable neon green of “brat summer” to Chappell Roan’s record breaking Lollapalooza performance, several artists have displayed major successes and milestones!
Olivia Rodrigo kicked the year off with her sold-out “Guts” tour on Feb. 23, which became the third highest grossing tour of the year, gaining over 180 million dollars. A portion of ticket sales benefited her foundation, “Fund 4 Good,” a “global initiative committed to building an equitable and just future for all women, girls and people seeking reproductive health freedom,” according to the EIF foundation. It raised over two million dollars for numerous women-oriented charities! Furthermore, on March 22, Rodrigo released her highly anticipated deluxe album “Guts (spilled),” along with a Netflix tour film released on Oct. 29!
Moreover, on March 29, Beyoncé released “Cowboy Carter,” marking her breakthrough in the country music scene. It’s an album dedicated to sharing the excellence and contributions black cowboys had throughout American history and to honor her Texan roots, while also paying homage to the “Carter Family,” the pioneers of country music, holding major influence on the music we know and love today. She made history as the first black woman to have an album reach number one on the country charts and garnered 11 Grammy nominations, making her the highest nominated artist of the 67th Grammys!
Black
2024’s rising star, Chappell Roan, released “Good Luck Babe” on April 25, which became her first song to hit one billion streams! She has been nominated for five Grammys: three for “Good Luck Babe” and two for her album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.” Demonstrating her explosive growth, Roan rocked Lollapalooza, making history with one of the largest crowds ever. There was an estimated 80 thousand attendees watching her set. Roan has created an open space for LGBTQ+ culture to thrive–not only in her music, but also by bringing her fierce drag looks to the stage! She makes the effort by supporting local drag artists and costume designers to bring these unique visions to life.
Billie Eilish made her long-awaited return with “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT” on May 27. On its debut week, every song on the album was on the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 40 with “Lunch” being number five, making it Eilish’s highest debut song in her career! Like Rodrigo, Eilish embarked on a sold out tour on Sept. 29, with a portion of the ticket revenue supporting a climate impact fund through Reverb. Additionally, she partnered with the “Support + Feed” organization and provided over 30,000 meals along tour locations for families and communities in need.
More notable albums and stars of 2024 include; Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” as well as the end of, “The Eras Tour,” Ariana Grande’s “Eternal Sunshine,” Charli XCX’s “brat,” Sza’s “SOS deluxe: Lana,” Kali Uchis’ “Orquideas” and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short n’ Sweet!”
Artist showcase
Elysia Gonzalez
Addison Haywood and Aniyah Roberts
above. McClellan poses at her piano. photo provided by Brielle McClellan
