Celebrate individuality
In a world that preaches self-love and empowerment, phrases like “girls support girls” or “be yourself” run wild. These words are everywhere—social media captions, school hallways and even on the shirts we wear. The message of it seems simple: embrace your individuality and celebrate your uniqueness. We chant, share and wear these phrases, but are words enough to build a world where individuality is truly celebrated? Unfortunately, in many ways, these phrases have become empty promises—a performance of support rather than a reflection of reality.
There’s a silent hypocrisy hidden in these slogans, one that manifests everyday in the whispers, stares and laughter some receive for the very thing propagated: uniqueness. Society encourages women to express themselves, but only if that expression is palatable, only if it fits within a narrow version of “different” that society truly deems acceptable.
We admire the girl who stands out, as long as her difference is the kind that’s understood. But what happens when someone’s uniqueness doesn’t align with what we’ve decided is beautiful or admirable? What happens when it makes us uncomfortable? It’s okay to stand out as long as it doesn’t
challenge beauty standards, question gender norms or force people to confront their own insecurities. Society only embraces individuality when it’s packaged neatly in ways that fit the mold of what we think is acceptable. The girl who speaks loudly about controversial issues, the one who stands up
“Society encourages women to express themselves, but only if that expression is palatable, only if it fits within a narrow version of “different” that society truly deems acceptable.”
for their opinion in front of a silent classroom, all become outsiders. Suddenly, “be yourself” comes with an unspoken rule: Be yourself, but not like that. And in that moment, we expose the lie.
We don’t celebrate individuality, we tolerate it as long as it entertains us or makes us feel better about our own insecurities. The reason society ridicules what they don’t understand is because deep down, they envy that kind of freedom. The kind of freedom that says, “I don’t care if you’re watching.” People mock the girl who’s “different” singing in front of a crowd because we’ve forgotten what it feels like to be so unapologetically alive. What we’re really doing is cherry-picking which difference is socially acceptable. Especially among women, the hypocrisy runs deep. Society preaches “girls supporting girls” while simultaneously that same society tears women down for not fitting the mold. We praise confidence, but only when it looks like the confidence we’re used to seeing. The hard truth is most people don’t want you to be different, they want you to be their version of different—the safe kind. Real individuality is messy; it’s brave. It’s not always beautiful. And if we truly believe in celebrating, we better start acting like it. Accepting differences means accepting all differences, even those which you don’t personally agree with. Otherwise, we’re just cowards behind a screen.
What’s inside this edition
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 Principato
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 Caitlin Sears back cover by Elysia Gonzalez and Fiona Stanek
OG cookies are back!
In late February of 2025, McAuley’s administration made an announcement that the old cookie recipe, which had been replaced at the beginning of the school year, would be brought back to the cafeteria and Kitty Mac Cafe, an update made in response to student discontent with the change in recipe of the iconic McAuley cookie. Students flocked to buy the revised cookie and were thrilled to find that the original recipe was back!
When the 2024-2025 school year began, students were startled to find that their beloved McAuley cookie was tasting different, which was revealed to be the result of a change in recipe from Country House, the suppliers of McAuley’s cafeteria food. According to Brigid Doherty 11, who works at the restaurant, the primary reason Country House did this was to support their brand as a family-owned business who provides homemade food and fresh-baked goods. The outcome of the change was a clear difference in color, texture and taste. When this new recipe was implemented, there was some discontent among students.
Magen Connolly
above. results from a student survey showed that 72.7% said they bought the cookies less often when the receipe changed.
illustrated graphic by Magen Connolly
Going global
McAuley has some exciting trips in the upcoming months! The Performing Arts department is taking off to Ireland in less than a month, and the Art department is excited to announce its summer 2026 trip to Italy. McAuley is going global! All these wonderful travel opportunities truly demonstrate how being involved in the arts can take you far. Being involved brings so much more than just a fun performance or an incredible work of art—it can bring an unforgettable cultural experience.
The Ireland trip is taking off this Easter break. They are leaving April 17 for nine days abroad. There are 47 students traveling with their wonderful Performing Art faculty chaperones: Mrs. Alifantis, Mr. Eberhard, Mrs. McKee, Mr. Alifantis, Mrs. Guardi and Dr. Baal. They have many exciting performance opportunities, with some of the highlights being singing at Easter Mass at Ennis Cathedral, performing in Christ Church Cathedral and a performance at the National Museum of Ireland. The travelers will also be able to see some of the beautiful sights of Ireland, such as the Cliffs of Moher and Blarney Castle. It would not be a McAuley trip without remembrance of our roots in Ireland, and the trip includes a tour of the home of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy on Baggot Street in Dublin.
Choir teacher Mrs. Carrie Alifantis said, “It is always wonderful to travel, see a new part of the world and learn about a different culture, but nothing compares to being able to do all those things while also sharing your
Rylee Dombro
God-given talent. The connection that our American musicians will make with the Irish musicians they will meet will be life-changing. I am so proud to be able to be a part of that.”
Our amazing Visual Art and Technology department is so excited to announce its next trip abroad: Italy! This trip will take place next summer for sophomores, juniors and seniors in visual art classes. They will be traveling to Rome, Florence, San Gimignano, Siena, Perugia and Assisi. This trip is planned to follow closely with the art history curriculum and study the beautiful art of the Italian Renaissance. It isn’t all study, though—on the trip, they will eat, tour and celebrate the beautiful culture of Italy.
Ms. Abigail Sheahan, Visual Art teacher and trip chaperone said, “I think it is vital
“I missed the old recipe. For shadow days and special events, the iconic McAuley cookies were always a hit!” commented Chloe Berten 12 when asked about her initial thoughts on the change. In a survey done by a group of McAuley students, 72.7% of students reported buying the cookies less often postrecipe change. It was clear that they felt that something had been taken from them. After a series of complaints brought on by the new recipe over several months, it was finally announced that the cafeteria would be selling the original cookies again!
“I am glad they brought it back. It shows that they are listening to the students and their opinions,” remarked Fiona Stanek 11. Students appreciate feeling heard and valued. Regardless of changes in recipes or different opinions on the food we buy from the cafeteria, one thing is constant: the commitment of the cafeteria workers. From coming in early to prepare our food to serving their way through long lines at lunch, we can all appreciate the dedication of the people who provide warm meals for us every day. Therefore, we all need to make sure to take an extra moment each day to thank our hard-working staff!
for our students to have the opportunity to travel abroad and broaden their perspectives beyond the classroom. The Summer 2026 trip to Italy will allow our art students to see some of the most famous artworks in history, in the very cities where they were created. I cannot wait for students to use this trip as a source of endless inspiration across all of our artistic disciplines!”
More information will be provided to interested students in the upcoming school year, but until then, remember to get involved in Visual Art classes because they can take you far!
With the rollout of President Trump’s new administration, following the Nov. 5 election, many discussions and debates have arisen surrounding one of Trump’s latest decisions to create the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is an advisory body tasked with reducing U.S. government spending.
Heading the department is Elon Musk, current CEO of Tesla and owner of “X,” who has worked to significantly reduce the federal workforce and other sources of spending deemed “unnecessary” with the support of President Donald Trump. Efforts, such as offering “deferred resignation” proposals in exchange for financial compensation, have been sent to nearly all federal employees, an offer which was accepted by around 75,000 federal employees as of Feb. 12. Moreover, on Feb. 13, the Department of Veterans Affairs publicly dismissed more than 1,000 employees, among whom worked on cancer treatment, opioid addiction and burn pit
DOGE budget cuts
Addison Haywood
exposure. Multiple other departments have experienced employment cuts and spending reductions, including the Department of Education, which experienced $900 million in cuts to its Institute of Education Services, and the Department of Health and Human Services, which according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lost nearly 1,300 probationary employees.
Likewise, the impact of DOGE spending cuts has spread worldwide, with President Trump’s administration reporting that “it is eliminating more than 90% of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) foreign aid contracts and $60 billion in overall U.S. assistance around the world,” according to AP News. As a result of funding cuts to USAID, the elimination of many U.S.-funded humanitarian initiatives would precede, endangering many non-profits and UN agencies working in underdeveloped nations to provide healthcare, food assistance and medical treatment. Nonetheless, Trump’s
What’s going on with the planes?
Aniyah Roberts
Airplane safety was a minor concern for many until the beginning of this year. With the increase of publicized aircraft incidents, Americans are starting to feel uneasy about using this mode of transportation.
On Jan. 29, American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter. Everyone aboard both aircrafts were killed–a total of 67 people. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) believes the accident was due to an issue with the communication between the Black Hawk helicopter and Reagan National Airport’s control tower. When the recordings were reviewed, the warning about the American Airlines flight could be
heard in the air traffic communications, but not through the helicopter’s radio. The reason this lack of communication occurred is said to be because the Black Hawk was keying communication to the tower which interrupted the air traffic control’s transmissions.
President Donald Trump partly blamed the crash on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts from Democratic presidents at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Trump’s claim cannot be confirmed though because DEI programs do not apply to air traffic control.
In fact, Chris Willbanks, FAA Deputy Vice President of Safety and Technical Training, told ABC News that the psychological test
administration defends these cuts as an effort to promote Trump’s “America First” agenda.
“These common-sense eliminations will allow the bureaus, along with their contracting and grants officers, to focus on remaining programs, find additional efficiencies and tailor subsequent programs more closely to the Administration’s ‘America First’ priorities,” announced a State Department spokesperson.
However, amid these cuts, many people have objected to the integration of DOGE as an advisory body, particularly due to Elon Musk’s leadership in the department. Hundreds of protests have been organized outside of Tesla dealerships and congressional offices. Many people oppose Musk’s prominent role in the U.S. government since he is not an elected official. Additionally, the constitutionality of many of these cuts is currently being challenged in courts. Thus, the remaining question is how many of these cuts will be upheld in the future?
air traffic control applicants must undergo is more rigorous than that of a pilot.
This commercial airline crash was the first one to take place on United States soil since 2009, when Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed into a house in New York. All 49 individuals aboard the aircraft died in the aircraft as well as one person on the ground.
In addition to the Jan. 29 incident, on Feb. 17, Delta Flight 4819 crash-landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport then flipped over and burst into flames supposedly due to frigid weather.
While this increase in exposure to aircraft incidents may initially spark alarm, John Cox, an aviation analyst for NBC, says there is no reason to be worried.
”We’re going to lose 44,000 people on the roads this year. We will not have anywhere close to that, that will have–will experience a problem with an airplane,” claimed Cox to NBC News.
Cox’s statement stands true. With only 78 fatalities due to plane crashes thus far and over 21,000 car accident fatalities expected by midyear, flying is proven to be safer than the everyday mode of transportation.
While the passengers may experience fear because of the airplane events they have seen this year, it is important that they know that these numbers are not new. It’s just uncommon for them to be shown in the media if fatalities do not occur
right. Bar chart shows aviation accidents from the past five years.
Trump’s trade war and tariffs
The United States has launched a new trade war with Canada and Mexico following President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from both countries. The move, announced Jan. 31 and effective Feb. 4, has drawn swift backlash and raised concerns over economic instability.
The Trump administration justified the tariffs as a response to illegal immigration and drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl, coming through the U.S. borders. The White House also framed the decision as part of Trump’s “Buy American” agenda, aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing by making foreign goods more expensive.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the tariffs, calling them “unjustified.” Trudeau warned the president of potential retaliatory measures, including tariffs on U.S. goods and potential surcharges on electricity exports. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also criticized the move, arguing that it would not effectively address immigration or drug-related issues.
In response, Canada imposed 25% tariffs on $30 billion worth of U.S. goods, with plans to expand this tariff to $125 billion worth of goods. Mexico is expected to announce its own countermeasures in the coming days. The escalating trade dispute has sent ripples through financial markets, with major stock indices declining and the VIX volatility index rising by 4%.The VIX volatility index, which
The British royal family has never had difficulty staying in the public eye, but in recent months, there seems to be a magnifying glass hovering over Catherine, Princess of Wales, known more colloquially as Princess Kate Middleton. Since her return to the Commonwealth Day celebration at Westminster Abbey earlier this March, her struggles with cancer remission and her status as an icon of fashion, the public has no choice but to talk about Princess Kate and more often than not…create ideas of their own.
Commonwealth Day, taking place on the second Monday of March, is an annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations. While the service recognizes the unity of 56 member states, Middelton caught the entire attention of the press. Her appearance was highly anticipated, as it marked not just another royal engagement but also her return to the spotlight after a brief time of absence from her royal duties. The Princess of Wales wore a red monochromatic outfit, paired with the late Queen Elizabeth’s four layer pearl
Mireya Gomez de la Casa
measures market expectations of future volatility, rose by 4%, indicating increased investor uncertainty.
David Solomon, CEO of Goldman Sachs, acknowledged the business community’s understanding of Trump’s goals but suggested lower tariff rates would be preferable to avoid significant economic disruption. Meanwhile, House Republicans have moved to block Congress from quickly challenging President Trump’s tariff decisions, further solidifying executive control over trade policy.
Economists warn that the tariffs could lead to higher consumer prices, supply chain disruptions and increased costs for businesses reliant on imported materials. Prolonged trade tensions may also weaken U.S. and global economic growth.
As Canada and Mexico strategize their response, the lasting effects of Trump’s trade war remain unclear, potentially reshaping global trade relations and economic stability.
above. graph shows the goods and services trade deficit was $131.4 billion in January, up $33.3 billion from $98.1 billion in December. The next release is scheduled for early April 2025. 5
Achoker. She handled the event with charm and class.
Although Princess Middleton may appear to live the perfect life, she has not been immune to personal battles. In recent years she has struggled with a very public health scare related to cancer. In March of 2024, it was revealed Middleton was undergoing preventive chemotherapy after having abdominal surgery in January of the same year. This forced her to take a step back from many royal duties for quite some time and focus on her healing journey. She spoke during an official news statement, saying, “William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.” Unfortunately, the royal family’s life has been anything but private. Middleton, specifically, has been the victim of countless conspiracy theories, especially while she suffered from health issues; social media never went lightly on her. Some made assumptions that her abdominal surgery was for cosmetic purposes rather than being a
medical necessity. Others speculated that Middleton’s cancer remission was a part of a larger public relations strategy. Another common topic for discussion is what statement Princess Kate’s outfit is making. Twitter is often the place where these discussions occur. All of these theories have been widely debunked, with no evidence supporting any of these claims.
Despite the conspiracy theories and challenges Middleton faced, she remains a resilient leader and role model for people around the world. She has dedicated herself to charity work and mental health advocacy. Her recent public return exemplifies her dedication to her royal duties and family.
royal comeback
Chloe Berten
Romanticizing abuse: The exploitation of women in media
Throughout history, women have been seen as secondary. They have been pushed to the back, desperately trying to escape the shadows of men. Portrayals of women in fiction have reflected this. Violence, abuse, weakness and naivety have been all too common in these stories with female leads. These negative and harmful interpretations can have dangerous consequences for women in real life. Entering the modern age, these portrayals have only increased.
The rise of “BookTok,” a community of people on TikTok who share recommendations and discuss different books, has brought about the fastly growing popularity of dark romance, a subgenre of romance that describes morally ambiguous themes and mature content. Essentially, it is a love story with a twisted and dangerous elements. In some situations, however, this “twisted” element is taken too far–to a point where they no longer be described as a “romance” at all. These books often feature abuse and violence against women, neither of which is addressed properly as such.
One popular dark romance book is “Haunting Adeline” by author H.D. Carlton, which has been the topic of both praise and discourse throughout BookTok. The story follows a girl named Adeline who is stalked, abused and raped by the male love interest; yet, by the end of the novel, she is in a relationship with him. Despite what the subgenre suggests, there is nothing romantic about this novel. It is simply abuse with a pretty ribbon that says “romance” on it.
Positive reviews praise “Haunting Adeline” for its maturity and dark themes. Other reviews, however, express disgust with the book’s contents, finding it both repulsive and dehumanizing. The main issue readers hold with the book is the lack of consent and the romanticism of the abuse that takes place. There is no recognition of Adeline’s trauma, nor any apologies from the male love interest. The book promotes a relationship that is toxic, abusive and cruel, but presents itself as one of a forbidden romance. It is a gross misrepresentation of the dark romance genre.
Not only is the novel gross, it can also be dangerous. The romanization of trauma and abuse against women leads to these serious issues being normalized
above. Infographic showcasing statistics on the prescence of sexual violence within popular media from the past nine years. infographic by
in real life, creating a dangerous situation for impressionable young women and society as a whole. If women see abusive behaviors in a romance book, this could lead them to believe those behaviors are normal for any relationship, missing crucial warning signs.
This trope not only pervades popular romance novels, but also landmark cinema, specifically in the horror genre. Excessive violence and brutal abuse are commonly displayed in these movies, which is meant to appeal to male viewers. These depictions perpetuate violence towards women and the exploitation of the female body. These scenes craft an environment where women’s suffering is used as entertainment. This is not only common in horror movies, but in countless horror television shows, novels and other media outlets.
An example of this is the popular television show “American Horror Story.” Spanning 12 seasons thus far, nearly each one includes unnecessary and excessive acts of violence against women. In season one, Vivien Harmon is raped. In season two, Lana Winters is raped. In season three, Madison Montgomery is raped. This goes on and on, adding nothing to the show but shock value and the sexualization of female suffering. When sensitive and harmful subjects such as rape are not treated as such, the concept of it becomes normalized over time.
For as long as stories have been written, women have always been
portrayed as weak, delicate or naive. It is an essential part of the patriarchal structures that shape society today. Seeing women as meek, submissive and timid supports mens’ claims to power, and this is further reflected in literature. Dating back to Greek myths and epic stories to Shakesphere’s works, there is an overall lack of female characters, and if there are any, they have hardly any character depth or development. These characters simply exist as extensions to men, such as Ophelia to Hamlet or Helen to Paris and Menelaus.
Throughout history, women have been the victims of oppression, abuse and violence–not only in real life, but through their depictions in many books, movies and other of media. However, one of the most important things to remember is that not every example is negative. There can be empowerment through words, strength through the television screen, as seen in positive female representations like “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood, “Barbie” directed by Greta Gerwig, Katniss Everdeen of “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins. Stories of courage, bravery, love, determination and feminine energy have followed. The empowerment of women shines the light on the struggles, stories and growth women all over the world experience every single day. There is no better way to inspire than through storytelling.
Margaret Kilgallon
Margaret Kilgallon
What
did you give up for Lent?
“I gave up Starbucks and swearing!”
-Elizabeth Kenah 9
“I gave up saying the word ‘like.’” -Simone Whitt 10
“I gave up going to Starbucks.”
-Brynn Peloquin 12
“I gave up McAuley cookies for Lent.” -Kelley Esselman 11
How to avoid phishing scams
Kayla Baker
Everyone knows about telemarketers trying to get your money for random products you probably didn’t even know existed, but have you ever gotten a message about a tollway charge or random link from your school email that seems a little off, but not completely suspicious? They are all scams! These are the most common types of scams called phishing scams. This is when people receive calls, text messages or emails trying to get you to click a link or put in personal information such as bank or credit card information. These scams are most commonly used to take money. Always be aware of who you’re giving your phone number or email to; they often are sold to other companies who will send spam or the information can end up in the wrong hands causing phishing scams.
Some of the most obvious signs to look for are random greetings, suspicious requests, misspelled words and poor grammar or the use of urgent or threatening language. Sometimes, phishers promise free vacations or gift cards if you just give some information or fill out a survey. If something seems to be too good to be true,it probably is.
There are numerous ways to avoid these scams. You should simply ignore them, download security software or use a two-step verification for passwords. Twostep verification is a method to protect important information and passwords by using more than just a phone number or email address to protect private information. There are also URL scanners and link checkers to verify if a link or message is a phishing scam or not. If you receive something suspicious, never respond; instead, do some research, and if it’s an obvious scam, give it no attention and immediately block the number or email!
The most impersonated brands used in phishing scams are Microsoft, Apple, Google, Facebook and Amazon. Phishing scams are the most common, 1 in 3 employees are likely to fall for these scams. Make sure to do your research, stay alert, be safe, and if you’re not 100% sure, don’t click or open the link!
graphic by Elysia Gonzalez
photos by Ella Meenan-Smith
Ella:
Hot takes Is TikTok ruining music?
Ella Meenan-Smith and Elysia Gonzalez
Once upon a time, we listened to full songs. Now, we listen to 15-second remixes and clips until we’re sick of them. TikTok has changed the way many of us listen to music, but has it made it worse?
Music is supposed to have substance and meaning; the lyrics tell stories, and artists can express themselves. Now, songs are made for virality, trying to start a short trend until we all move on to the next thing. Sure, this can help artists for a short period of time, but how do they sustain long careers? This can also make it harder for smaller artists to get their big break if they don’t create a viral moment. This pressures artists to create a catchy 15-second, trendy clip instead of creating the art they want to. Artists should have artistic freedom to create a meaningful song. These songs are made to be a trend and to be later discarded. Micheal Jackson, Taylor Swift, Adele and more have created amazing music that tells a story. If a clip goes viral, that is great, but it does not take away from their writing; they wrote the music and lyrics for themselves for an audience to relate to. I think the widespread use of both new and old music is great, but it’s important to realize these are meant to be heard as stories, not taken out of context for a dance video. As much as we all love a good trend, is it worth taking away from the art of music? But hey, if you made it through this far in the age of short attention spans, TikTok could still have a chance.
What do you think?
Cast your vote by Scanning the QR code above!
Elysia:
I personally believe TikTok is an incredible app that offers numerous benefits for artists, fans and music as a whole. TikTok is built for music sharing, so it’s no surprise artists use it to their full advantage. Before TikTok, music promotion was a meticulous process that required labels, money and a team. Now, it’s easier than ever for artists to promote their music for free through videos, photos or snippets, which is a huge advantage for independent musicians or those without said resources.
With over two billion users, TikTok reaches a massive global audience and has helped many artists gain rapid recognition, sometimes even overnight. A recent example of this is Chicago underground rapper “Thirteen Degrees,” whose track “Da Problem Solva” went viral these past few months with over 85,000 TikToks used with the sound and nearly 950,000 streams on Spotify, causing him to gain 125,000 monthly listeners at the time of writing. TikTok changed everything for “Thirteen Degrees,” finally putting him on the radar.
Unlike some, I’m not ashamed to admit that TikTok has introduced me to countless songs and artists that have made a significant impact on me, and I know I’m not alone. Without TikTok, I wouldn’t have known about and supported many small artists while discovering songs meaningful to me.
Unfortunately, a toxic gatekeeping culture on TikTok began to develop due to the negative thoughts regarding songs and artists’ gaining rapid traction due to the app. Now, some people fear that their favorite artists or song will go viral, but why wouldn’t you want your favorite artist to succeed? Rude attitudes toward TikTok success can harm both artists and fans. Examples of this are everywhere. TikTok’s using niche artists sounds, or even bigger artists lesser known songs have comments filled with “Don’t let TikTok find this” or “We were supposed to gatekeep” and so much more. It gets to a repetitive point where almost everyone is saying comments like these, which becomes a catalyst for negativity and stunting artists growth.
It’s amazing to think a simple app and a music loving community has the power to change someone’s life forever. We shouldn’t be downplaying an artist’s success and fan love just for the fact it stemmed from TikTok; instead, we should be happy for their achievements and breakthroughs in an industry as competitive as music.
So long, high school
Chloe Berten
You might have heard the phrase: “High School is the best years of your life.” This has been said many times by parents, teachers or even graduated students looking to give advice. The intention of the saying is encouraging; let loose, have fun and make the most of your teen years! But, if your highschool experience was not the cinematic daydream you imagined it would be, do not worry. High school is not guaranteed to be the best years of your life. For most people, the years that count come later on.
As highschool students, there comes a limited perspective. Right now, the world is small. The people you love are often a car ride away, and you are surrounded with familiarity. Familiar friends, classes, hangout spots–you could walk around your town with your eyes closed.
Famous inspirational speaker, Iyanla Vanzant, said, “Sometimes you have to lose everything in order to gain yourself.” Moving on from highschool and doing things such as going to college, pursuing your dreams or traveling are all ways of letting yourself break away from that sense of familiarity and get out of your comfort zone. Once you can prove to yourself that you are capable of achieving your goals,you can start truly living for yourself. Of course, the nostalgia of highschool will never be replicated. You will find yourself years from now wishing you could spend one last day walking around the halls or not taking your youth for granted. But, if you live in the past, then you will let your future pass you by. It is human nature to fear change and hold on to present moments; however, there is also beauty in growing and aging.
So, highschool may not be or have been the so called “best years of your life” that many hoped for. You will discover that there are much more fulfilling things to come with time. If you stay in one place, you never have the opportunity to chase your dreams…and they won’t chase you back.
Seeing with Stem Cells
Recently, there has been a new experimental treatment called Cultivates Autologous Limba Epithelial Cells (CALEC) used to treat damaged corneas in the eye. It was created by researchers at Mass Eye and Ear in Boston, Massachusetts. This procedure is the first xenobiotic-free, serum-free, antibiotic-free protocol that was developed in the United States to treat blindness caused by unilateral Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD). In 2018, only four methods were available to help expand limbal stem cells, but due to multiple flaws, these options are not available today. Since then, the CALEC treatment has been created. Principal investigator Ula Jurkunas, MD, Associate Director of the Cornea Service at Mass Eye and Ear and professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School said, “While we are proud to have been able
As the breeze hits your face and the bright sun shines warmly against your skin, start your summer with the excitement for the new Six Flags dive coaster called the “Wrath of Rakshasa,” manufactured by the Bolliger & Mabillard company, which is the main manufacturer of many dive coasters. This exciting and treacherous ride comes to the Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, which will be hopefully opening in time for the 2025 summer season.
The brand new dive coaster is located in the County Fair location of the park, and it is replacing the old ride “Buccaneer Battle.” The new coaster boasts a maximum height of 180 feet and a bone-shaking drop height of 171 feet. Entering the ride, you are introduced to a 96-degree drop that leads into five adrenaline-rushing inversions. As a result of these added inversions, this new blue coaster
Olivia Principato
to bring a new treatment from the lab bench to clinical trials, our guiding objective was and always will be for patients around the country to have access to this effective treatment.”
There was a part one of two clinical trials to test the procedure and see how the recovery process goes. The procedure consisted of taking a biopsy from a healthy eye to get limbal stem cells; the cells are then expanded into a cellular tissue graft in a novel manufacturing process, and after that, the graft is surgically transplanted into the eye with a damaged cornea.
At the participants’ three-month follow up, 85% of their grafts were in complete or partial success. At the 12 and 18-month follow up, 92% and 93% of the participants showed complete or partial success. At the end of the first trial, CALEC grafts met the release criteria
in 14 of 15 participants. The second trial was performed on three participants who received a second CALEC transplant. By the last follow-up visit, one out of three participants achieved complete success. In an additional analysis, the CALEC procedure showed levels of improvement of visual activity in all 14 of the participants who got the procedure. Jurkunas later said, “Now we have this new data supporting that CALEC is more than 90% effective at restoring the cornea’s surface, which makes a meaningful difference in individuals with cornea damage that was considered untreatable.”
At this time, CALEC is still an experimental procedure and more studies will need to be conducted before it is able to be submitted for federal approval.
New high dropping ride
steals the current record from the “Yukon Striker” coaster with the most inversions on a dive coaster. It reaches exhilarating speeds of 67 miles per hour and soars through 3,239 feet of steel tracks.
Similar to other dive coasters, the ride features floorless trains because these types of train cars provide the feeling of floating or being suspended above the track before the huge drop. The ride uses a combination of wheels and track geometry to stay on course, and it also includes a system of anti-rollback wheels to prevent the train from rolling back down the lift hill.
As of March 13, 2025, the workers have completed four inversions, and the train cars consist of a dark red burgundy color with a yellow backing. An ongoing issue the workers face with the construction of the dive coaster is the building of the supports to hold the
ride. The only issues the construction workers have run into while building the ride are the electrical wires, metals or fallen-over trees that have been underground for years. Even with these obstacles in the way, they continue to work hard and fast to have it ready for the opening date.
Most people who ride roller coasters never really take a second to think about the decision-making behind them. So what’s the theme behind “Wrath Of Rakshasa?” The theme is based on a powerful mythological Hindu demon figure named Rakshasa, who is known for its great strength and destructive nature. Six Flags chose this name to give the riders a feeling of fear or nervousness for the dive coaster, making them afraid but also excited for the high-intensity experience.
Alila Underwood
Luna Munoz-Diaz
On March 1, 2025, senior Maggie Zuber made Mighty Mac history by becoming the first McAuley student to win a state medal in the IHSA Girls Wrestling finals at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington, Illinois. She had been state-qualified before, but this year she succeeded by being runner-up and finished the season with an overall record of 30-5!
Zuber has had numerous accomplishments throughout her journey at Mother McAuley. She was the one who suggested starting a wrestling team for the school, and she continues to leave her mark behind as she prepares for college by reaching this inspiring milestone of being the first McAuley wrestler to get a state medal. Due to her achievements, she has contributed to the future of wrestling in McAuley. She really is paving the way for the team!
“I would have never thought when I started wrestling this is where I would be today. I grew in strength and technique, but most importantly, I grew in confidence and learned how to workout hard,” said Zuber.
Zuber mentioned how motivational and supportive her family, friends and coach were throughout this whole experience. Her teammates helped her passion for the sport grow just by seeing them succeed in something that she began. It truly motivated her to keep going. Meanwhile, her parents and siblings were always there to cheer her on and reassure her before tough matches. Zuber
believes that “in order to be a good all-around wrestler, you also have to be a good person.” This is something that she had learned from all her wrestling coaches throughout her career. The sport has tremendously helped her develop her manners and morals.
Zuber hopes to embrace a leadership role and inspire many future McAuley girls who want to try out and succeed in the school’s wrestling team.
“My advice would just be give it your all and have fun with it. Wrestling is not meant to be a judgmental place–just have fun and try your best every time,” Zuber said.
Play like a girl
Fiona Stanek
Since her freshman year, junior Emily Kovar has been a force to reckon with on the McAuley soccer team. Kovar began her first travel season at five-years-old, the only girl on an all boys team while also being the youngest . This exposure from her first years on a soccer team instilled values she brings to the McAuley soccer team.
“It taught me from a young age that talent can only get you so far, and it’s your hard work that takes you the rest of the way.” Kovar said.
Kovar plays center-midfield, a position where she chooses what to do with the ball, while simultaneously playing offense and defense. Taking on this tough position in her freshman year on varsity, she was still able to shine through and earn her spot as a starter. Fast forward to the start of her junior year, Kovar is coming off a five month foot injury, where she was forced to undergo surgery and sit out on the sideline for the start of the McAuley season. This injury was one in which caused her to focus on the mental side of the game.
“Being forced to watch on the sidelines while watching others play was challenging, however, it allowed me to use my voice to become a pillar of support for those on the field,” Kovar remisied.
Kovar is set to return only a few weeks into the season, with a new appreciation for soccer.
“Having what I loved taken away from me like soccer, allowed me to feel a new sense of appreciation for my teammates who were some of my biggest supporters, and gave me a new love for the game,” she adds.
Over the past five years, the Chicago Blackhawks have undergone a full-scale rebuild, aiming to reclaim their place among the NHL’s elite. The process has involved frontoffice changes, bold trades and a renewed focus on young talent.
In 2021, Kyle Davidson took over as general manager when Stan Bowman resigned, initiating a dramatic roster overhaul. Key players such as Alex DeBrincat and Kirby Dach were traded for draft picks, while Brandon Hagel was dealt to Tampa Bay for two future first-round selections. The team also let go of Dylan Strome and Dominik Kubalík, signaling a clear commitment to long-term development.
The 2022-23 season was challenging, with the team finishing near the bottom of the standings. Franchise icons Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews departed, officially closing the chapter on the Blackhawks’ dynasty years. However, their struggles paid off when Chicago won the 2023 NHL Draft Lottery, securing the first overall pick and selecting
generational talent Connor Bedard.
To support Bedard, the Blackhawks added veterans Taylor Hall, Nick Foligno and Corey Perry. However, injuries and inconsistency plagued the 2023-24 campaign, resulting in a 23–53–6 record, the team’s worst since 1974, and hopes for improvement in 2024-25 quickly faded.
After an 8-16-2 start, the Blackhawks fired head coach Luke Richardson in December 2024, promoting AHL coach Anders Sorensen as interim replacement. In March 2025, they traded defenseman Seth Jones to Florida for a conditional first-round pick and goaltender Spencer Knight, further prioritizing youth and future assets.
Despite ongoing struggles, Davidson remains optimistic: “This rebuild is about patience,” he said. “We’re excited about the young core and their development.”
With Bedard and a promising group of prospects leading the way, Chicago continues to lay the foundation for a brighter future.
She is the epitome of what a McAuley athlete is. Look out for Kovar on the field this season!
above. Kovar defends the ball, looking for a teammate to pass to.
photo provided by Emily Kovar 11
Blackhawks flight from plight
Caitlin Sears
above. Zuber competing at the IHSA Girls Wrestling finals. photo provided by Maggie Zuber 12
Influencers or interviewers?
With awards season in full swing, new and exciting interviews with everyone’s favorite music artists, actresses, actors, directors, producers and more are also in full swing. But recently, on the famous red carpets seen by millions, the interviewers have been thought of as being unprofessional, as well as straight up not deserving or qualified for the job they’ve been temporarily given. Many interviewers at these prestigious events have been influencers, not trained journalists.
On Sunday, March 2, 2025, the Vanity Fair Oscars After Party, one of entertainment’s biggest events, was hosted in Beverly Hills, California at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. A-list actors, actresses, directors and music artists made appearances at the party, anticipating an unforgettable night. In particular, rapper and three-time Grammy winner Megan Thee Stallion was in attendance at the after party and was interviewed by Hannah Berner, comedian and co-host of the well known podcast “Giggly Squad.”.
During the interview, Berner mentioned to Stallion that listening to her music made her “...want to fight someone.” As soon as this interview was
released to the public, news channels and people on social media criticized this statement, claiming it was offensive. News sources such as Billboard and Rolling Stone picked Berner apart for making an ill-thought-out and racially charged statement. In response to these criticisms, Berner posted an apology on her Instagram saying she wished she had used “...any other word than ‘fight’ to describe how her songs impact me.”
In a similar instance, at the People’s Choice Awards hosted at the Banker Hangar in Santa Monica, California on Feb. 18, 2024, TikToker Harry Daniels was given the opportunity to interview attendees while on the red carpet. Daniels interviewed actress America Ferrera while there and stirred up controversy because of a “disgusting and disrespectful” question he asked her. The media again questioned why influencers should be allowed to be on red carpets interviewing celebrities, as opposed to trained and prepared journalists.
This great deal of controversy, among many other similar situations, has led many to call for journalists to be the ones to interview A-list stars on red carpets, instead of untrained influencers.
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Adeline Moles
graphic by Adilene Urbina
graphic by Elysia Gonzalez and Fiona Stanek
