2011 september

WHITE-WATER RAFTING page 4

TRIBUTE TO MR. SIMMONS page 8

HEART

September 28, 2011

Volume 29

INDEX

BEAT

Remembering 9/11, 10 years later

BY RYAN THOMAS Staff Writer On the sunny Tuesday morning of September 11, 2001 two passenger jets crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Another airliner crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. A fourth plane crashed in a field just outside of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. All four planes had been hijacked by terrorists from the Islamic extremist group Al-Qaeda.

Within the first two hours after the attack the Twin Towers collapsed

with numerous rescue officials still caught within the buildings. As a result of the attack, deaths numbered 2,977 excluding the victims who died later as a result of exposure to dust from the collapsed buildings.

Through all the tragedy the triumph of the human spirit was on display through many acts of heroism.

Police officers and firefighters risked their own lives to save others from the collapsing buildings.

Passengers on flight 93 showed remarkable courage by overthrowing the hijackers and forcing the plane to crash land. All aboard flight 93 perished yet their sacrifice

prevented the plane from crashing into an important government building, rumored to be the State Capitol building.

Due to their tender age, it is understandable that many students at Sacred Heart have a hazy recollection of the events that transpired on that day. Even members of the senior class were at most seven or eight years old at the time of the tragedy. History teacher Mr. Gerard Golden, however, remembers the day vividly. When asked where he was when the first plane hit, Golden said, “Room 96 during free period.

REMEMBERING 9/11 continued on page 2

Photo courtesy of Rachel Hanon, Marriot’s Ridge High School, Baltimore, Maryland

The 10 year anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks was this month. For more on the anniversary, see page 2.

Come on, Irene!

BY KATIE BELDEN Staff Writer Some called it the “Storm of the Century.” Others referred to it as the “100 Year Rain,” but the reality of Hurricane Irene for many New England residents was the devastation that occurred in its aftermath. According to ABC World News, the financial devastation from Irene’s high wind speeds and flood damages is estimated to be around seven to thirteen billion dollars. According to Fox News, at least nine people died due to the hurricane, and millions were left without power.

Irene damaged the entire East Coast, and many students here at Sacred Heart High School Staff Photo by Hannah MacInnis w e r e Hurricane Irene’s high wind speeds had greatly enough force to do considerable damage. affected

by its force.

Substitute Teacher, Anne Marie Hammond, shared her storm- related experiences.

“I lost power for a total of four days and improvised with candles. Luckily we had a propane stove to use for cooking. We also were fortunate enough to be able to use my brother’s generator on our second day without power,” Hammond said.

She went on to explain that a big tree fell on the power lines near her house and was not removed until the fourth powerless day. She also feels lucky and fortunate that she didn’t have it as bad as some, and that losing power was the least of her problems. Others had it much worse.

Eighth grader, Ben Novak, had a tough time dealing with his lack of power.

“I had no power for days, and it became extremely difficult to find my way around the house with no lights. Also, I couldn’t go on the Internet, and all of our refrigerated food went bad,” Novak said.

English teacher, Mr. Boyles, explained how he was affected by Irene’s powerful force.

HURRICANE IRENE continued on page 2

News......................................3 Features..................................5 Profiles...................................8 Arts & Entertainment.............9 Opinion................................10 Sports...................................11

Number 1

Three Schools, One Name: Introducing President Pamela Desmarais

BY KATE JAMISON Staff Writer A year long search for new school leadership has ended with the selection of Pamela Desmarais, Class of 1982, to be the president of Sacred Heart School and to build “a more unified Sacred Heart,” Principal Mr. John Enos said.

Over the past several years, the Sisters of Divine Providence have been evaluating the school to ensure its future. They have decided to create a new organization from Pre-K through twelfth grade. Ms. Desmarais, who began her presidency on July 1st, has come at a “critical time in Sacred Heart history,” she said.

Ms. Desmarais has a Master’s degree in business and has lived all over the world, including London and San Francisco. Although she never expected to be back at her alma mater, “life, education, and experience have led me back here,” she said.

With her focus on merging the early childhood center, elementary school, and high school, the theme of this school year is relationships, according to Ms. Desmarais. After liturgy on Wednesday, September 21st, she encouraged students to “be kind and to build each other up.”

In addition to her task of merging the schools into one “Sacred Heart School,” Ms. Desmarais is concerned with human resources and supporting the people who work at the school. “I want to align the staff as a strong, Catholic, institution,” she said. She is considering the school’s sixty-four year history in developing new, fresh, and unique ways to “improve and make growth in the school,” she said.

Ms. Desmarais has initiated the “principals’ forum,” where she meets with the principals of both the elementary and high schools each week so both are up to date on what is going on in both locations.

She is also working on specific branding for the school. Ms. Desmarais plans to have one website, one budget, and even one phone number for the school. She is working to develop our identity, or what she refers to as the “look and feel” of the school.

Other goals include more communication with parents, improvements to facilities and technology, funding for scholarships and financial aid, and promoting the school.

“I want Sacred Heart to be here so you can send your kids here one day,” she told the students on Wednesday.

Ms. Desmarais hopes to aid the Sisters of Divine Providence with continuing their mission and building the strength of Sacred Heart.

“We are very excited to have Ms. Desmarais here,” Enos said.

For many students, Wednesday’s liturgy introduced the president to them for the first time. Senior David Greenwood shared his first impressions.

“She seemed pretty nervous when she was speaking, but she looks approachable. She has a positive demeanor,” he said.

Ms. Desmarais imparted this piece of advice to the students. She said, “I wanted to ask you to be thoughtful about your time here at Sacred Heart. Be thankful for the opportunity to be here. Be proud of yourselves.

Be proud of your school.”

THE HEART BEAT

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September 28, 2011

Remembering 9/11 continued from page 1

why. Iraq was the first thought but that was inaccurate.”

A senior who came in late said a plane hit the World Trade Center so we put the TV on and watched the The news stations seemed just as bewildered as the plane hit the second tower.” The atmosphere around the general public by the attack. “There were some stations school was one of confusion among students and facon with live footage. You could actually see the towulty alike. “I am not sure how many kids knew but the ers collapsing and saw integrated live feeds from the entire faculty was called to the library,” said Golden.

Pentagon,” said Lucier. He added that more confusion Some of the faculty and students were hearing the news broke out as the media was trying to report who was for the first time. “The principal at the time mentioned responsible for the attacks. “Bin Laden at the time was that we shouldn’t have the TV on because we didn’t not as well-known as he is today,” stated Lucier. After know if any of the students had relatives in the World seeing the attacks the first person Lucier called was his Trade Center and we shouldn’t show it before their parwife. “I called my wife because she had started to hear ents had a chance to tell them about the news,” Golden the news about the attack as well, within an hour word related. spread very fast.”

Golden stated that many of the faculty gathered Amid all the confusion and terror, Sacred Heart around the TV’s belonging to the history department. students finished out the school day. The regular school “The history department had only classrooms with schedule provided a hint of normalcy during a time TV’s on because we were recording live history as it when the nation was utterly shocked. Students at the unfolded.” Asked when he realized that it might be a time probably did not anticipate the changes to our terrorist attack Golden said, “I think we decided it was everyday lives after 9/11. Lucier added that the bigafter the Pentagon was attacked. I mean you kind of gest change caused by the terrorist attacks would be thought it was a terrorist attack but you really weren’t the tradeoff between security and our rights of privacy. sure.” As reports of two additional crashed planes “That has been the biggest compromise since 9/11,” Staff Photo by Nicholas Murphy filtered into school many were assured that it was a added Lucier. “The enemy is no longer a nation. It During the 9/11 memorial ceremonies, the flags in terrorist attack. “You were definitely sure after the could be anybody from any country.” front of Boston’s City Hall Plaza are flown at half third plane crashed,” added Golden. Asked if he had On September 11, 2011, Senior Evan Nolan traveled mast. gotten in touch with anyone after seeing news of the to Boston for the World Trade Center tenth anniversary going for a cup of coffee and the TV was on. At first attack Golden stated, “No. I couldn’t. I had to teach, so memorial ceremonies.

I thought it was an accident but I was watching it live I didn’t get to call anyone.”

“I saw helicopters circling the city the entire day as when the second plane hit.” The atmosphere at ArchLater news spread that members of the Sacred Heart well as a high police presence, and even a homeland bishop Williams was similar to that of Sacred Heart. “It security SUV,” Nolan said. The city was also filled community had been in the World Trade Center. Asked took a little while for it to filter through the building. if he knew anybody who worked in the World Trade with a sense of compassion for the loss of lives in the There was confusion as to where the attacks were comCenter, Golden said, “Not at first. Afterwards I recogvery tragic event that took place ten years ago. All of ing from,” said Lucier. “We didn’t know who did it or nized that there were people I knew. Along with Billy the flags in the city were flown at half mast.

Hunt there was a kid from the class of 1988 who was in the second tower,” Golden recalled.

Profound distress and pain spread throughout the entire country as people discovered that they had lost loved ones in the vicious attacks. US citizens also recognized that the attacks resulted not just in lost lives but also in lost freedoms. When questioned as to what he felt was lost after 9/11 Golden said, “Freedom to express dissenting opinion, the best example is the buildup to the war in Iraq where people who opposed were branded as traitors.” Golden also stated that as a nation we collectively lost a sense of confidence and trust. “As a result we reacted very much in the same way as World War Two when we rounded up the Japanese and after 9/11 we rounded up people because they were Muslims.” Golden explained, “We did this because we were afraid and being afraid is not a good thing when making decisions.”

History department chairman Mr. Walter Lucier was not yet a teacher at Sacred Heart but he remembers exStaff Photo by Nicholas Murphy actly where he was when he heard the news that planes A homeland security SUV patrols Boston during the 9/11 tenth anniversary memorial ceremonies. had hit the Twin Towers. Said Lucier, “I was in Braintree in a faculty room at Archbishop Williams. I was

Hurricane Irene continued from page 1

Staff photo by Hannah MacInnis

Damage was done all over New England during Hurricane Irene.

“My family and I were out of power from about 9:30 am Saturday morning to Wednesday night. So, we were out of power for about 3 or 4 days. There was tree damage in our yard, on our roof, and in our neighborhood,” Boyles said.

Boyles went on to explain that a tree fell on the power lines and was the main cause of the lost power.

While most people were dealing with the loss of electricity, others were fortunate enough to have power, but still endured high winds. Religion teacher, Mrs. Elin Slavin, shared her experience.

“I lost power four different times.

Each time was short but bothersome. I had some tree damage, but, thankfully we didn’t lose a whole tree,” Slavin said.

She explained how her restaurant, Cobies, located in Brewster, luckily had a backup generator, so it remained with power. Slavin also went on to add that she didn’t receive much rain, but the high winds were significant.

According to the Boston Globe, Hurricane Irene turned out to be one of the top ten most destructive and deadliest hurricanes to hit the U.S. since 1980.

People taped up their windows and bought extra food in preparation for the monstrous storm, Hurricane Irene. Ju-

“I lost power four different times. Each time was short but bothersome.

I had some tree damage, but, thankfully we didn’t lose a whole tree,”

-Mrs.Slavin

nior, Vanessa Dailey, did exactly that.

“My family and I went out the night before and bought a bunch of supplies just in case we would need anything.

We bought flashlights, candles, food and duct tape for the windows,” Dailey said.

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3 September 28, 2011

THE HEART BEAT

Parking at school raises disciplinary action

BY ANGELA D’AMELIO Staff Writer

Staff Photo by Hannah MacInnis

A representative from St. Michael’s College speaks with Dafei Lu and Yeyi Ma

Higher education at the Heart College fair for juniors and seniors

BY MIKE HANNA Staff Writer As students move forward in their academic careers, the idea of college is generally considered an important step in the process of growing up. Each year, Sacred Heart makes an effort to aid the students in expediting their application and decision processes. One such facet of Sacred Heart is the annual college fair.

The college fair at Sacred Heart is a longstanding tradition. While the lowerclassmen are still getting acclimated to high school, upperclassmen are moving along and writing their resumes to kick start the year. The fair was held from 1:15 to 2:00 on Tuesday, September 20.

Senior Miranda Boyles stated her opinion of the importance of the college fair.

“Well, it put into perspective that college is right around the corner for us seniors,” Boyles said.

While many students utilized the college fair

to its fullest potential, the overall production received mixed reviews among the students who attended.

Senior Rachel Rotunno expressed positive views on the college fair.

“It was very informative, and they had most of the colleges I want to apply to, and it definitely helped,” Rotunno said.

This was a student who happened to have a lot of the colleges that they were applying to at the fair; some students didn’t find the fair as helpful.

Senior Sean O’Donnell spoke about the fact that many schools he is applying to were not present.

“Well, personally speaking, there weren’t many colleges that I was interested in there, but I could see how it might be helpful for other students,” O’Donnell said.

Colleges in attendance included; UMass Dartmouth, College of the Holy Cross, Bryant University, Catholic University, St. Anslem College, Merrimack College, and St. Michael’s College. There will be another college fair on October 4.

A sample of colleges in attendance Bentley University Bryant University College of the Holy Cross Curry College Emmanuel College Framingham State University Hawaii Pacific University High Point University James Madison University

Laboure College Lyndon State College Manhattan College Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Merrimack College Mount Ida College Radford University Stonehill College Viallanova University Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Y

ou pull into Sacred Heart’s parking lot on the first day of your junior year and try to decide where to park.

You could park in the back lot with the rest of the juniors, or you could risk parking in the other lot with all the seniors. You pick the back lot, even though you know the lots are not designated. You are much like the majority of Sacred Heart students.

Junior Alison Hagg believes that the parking lots should be separated into a junior lot and a senior lot.

“Everyone pretty much parks in their respective lots anyway, and it’s only fair to the seniors,” Hagg said.

Senior Michaela DiBiase agreed, saying that she feels it would be better to have separated junior and senior lots.

“It would give the seniors something to look forward to,” DiBiase said.

Assistant Principal Marilyn Rennie-Stanton said that, contrary to some students’ wishes, having designated lots would cause more problems than they would solve.

“Having junior and senior lots or assigned spots can cause ownership, which is not fair,” Rennie-Stanton said. “A student needs permission to park in the front, but other than that, there is no assigned parking for students or teachers.”

In order to park at the school, a student needs a parking sticker.

Parking stickers are available for any junior or senior, and with

“Having junior and senior lots or assigned spots can cause ownership, which is not fair”

- Mrs. Rennie-Stanton

space permitting, any underclassman with a license.

However, these parking privileges can be taken away for various reasons, such as not having a parking sticker, speeding, not parking in a real spot, moving or decorating someone else’s car, or habitual tardiness.

Rennie-Stanton said that problems in the parking lot are uncommon.

“Over the course of the year, I have to talk to maybe five students, but not all of them have their privileges taken away,” Rennie-Stanton said. “It’s a rare occasion. Most students are mindful.”

Although DiBiase said she thinks the rules regarding parking privileges are fair, she said that she doesn’t like the idea of having to obtain a parking sticker.

“I don’t understand why we need them. A lot of people don’t have them and have never gotten in trouble,” DiBiase said.

Although it is possible for students to get their parking privileges taken away, they can get them back. By the same token, RennieStanton said that if someone is a repeat offender, they could have their parking privileges taken away for longer or could have more consequences.

“It’s just like any other handbook rule infraction,” Rennie-Stanton said. “The privilege taken away makes sense for what the incident was.”

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September 28, 2011

THE HEART BEAT

Seniors get splashed while white water rafting

BY ALEX BIANCO Staff Writer

On Thursday September 8, 2011, the senior class of 2012 set off on the 6-hour trip to the remote town of Millinocket, Maine as part of a white water rafting trip, which has been run for more than a decade now. With with participation from nearly the entire class, the students filed onto two charter busses equipped with multiple televisions and a restroom.

Accompanying them was none other than Principle John Enos, along with a number of other administration and faculty.

At around one o’clock on Thursday afternoon, just after lunch, students and faculty alike were shuttled by van up the street to Camp Mishannock where they met the busses. Divided by a predetermined list, the students sped off and embarked on the trip to the Penobscot River. Upon arrival to the campground, The New England Outdoor Center, students and faculty divided into groups of two and four to occupy either a tent or bunkhouse in which they would spend the next two nights.

Senior Shealagh Walsh claims that the trip will forever be one of her greatest high school memories.

“I had a great time”, Walsh said.

“Not only was rafting itself fun, but hanging around the campground with

my friends was, too. The chaperones gave us plenty of freedom to roam around the camp and hang out with our friends.”

Just after sunrise on Friday morning, the chaperones circled the camp to wake the students. Breakfast was served in the main hall in the center of the camp, and everybody suited up and headed to the river on the brisk September morning. After a short, twenty-minute ride to the river, each group met with their guide and carried their rafts to the edge of the river. From then on, the sound of shrieks filled the air as the students and faculty of Sacred Heart navigated down cass III and IV rapids which, due to the water level of the river, had become class IV and V. Oliver Cahill was the first rafter to take a plunge into the icy river on one of the first few rapids.

“Everything was going smooth and the next thing I knew, I was floating down the rapid on my back,” Cahill said. “Luckily, another guide had an eye on me and tossed out a rope to pull me into his raft”.

The senior rafting trip is a tradition that will live on at Sacred Heart.

It is the responsibility of the previous class to act appropriately so that the Sacred Heart administration will allow this privilege to continue. The class of 2012 succeeded in doing this and would like to extend their regards to Mr. Enos and the faculty members, who allow this to happen each year.

Photos Courtesy of New England Outdoor Center Top: Seniors Ryan Arsenault, Hannah MacInnis, Owen Imparato, Joe Belsito, Kate Jamison, and Matt Ohrenberger along with Mr. Shaun Morgan and rafting guide, Derek, tackle a rapid on the Penobscot River.

Above: Seniors Melanie Odell, Michaela Dibiase and Christina Galizio raide the rapids.

Staff Photo by Patricia Zibelli Senior Olivia Pizzi hangs out by the fire outside of the New England Outdoor Center.

F

EATURES

5 September 28, 2011

Husband/Teacher/Deacon: Connelly ordained

BY KENDALL FISHER Staff Writer

R

eligion Department Chair Mr. Christopher Connelly is generally viewed in an academic way, but he has another very significant and important calling outside of teaching.

“Growing up, I always felt a sense of God’s presence,” Connelly said.

Connelly said that, as a child, he always felt that he would serve the Church. He celebrated Mass by reciting prayers and using pieces of Wonder Bread for the Eucharist. Connelly still has his first Bible, which was given to him by his godmother.

Connelly attended Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts, a Catholic college, where he studied Theology. He said he always believed that he would become a priest, but his plans changed when he met the woman he knew he was meant to marry.

Connelly said that, during a college rugby match, he “spotted this beautiful girl in a white Volvo. I couldn’t keep my eyes off her the whole game.” After the match, it was a tradition for both teams to have a party, where Connelly saw his brother talking to the mysterious girl from the white Volvo.

“Normally I’m a shy guy, but I just couldn’t resist.” Connelly said.

Connelly’s brother soon realized that this girl wasn’t interested in him, and he backed off. As Connelly and the mystery girl began talking, he learned that her name was Jen. He told Jen that he hoped to run into her later that night and left the party.

Connelly and his friends ended up at a different party that night. He said that “the room was so crowded that, every time someone even moved an inch, it was like a wave.”

As soon as Connelly walked in, there was only one thing that caught his eye.

“I know its cliché, but she’s the only one I saw in that room,” Connelly said.

After a year and a half of dating, Connelly asked his grandmother if he

Students work hard over summer

BY IAN KIRKWOOD

could have her diamond ring. On December 16, 1993, in their senior year of college, Connelly and Jen were engaged.

“I just couldn’t imagine my life without her.” Connelly said.

Connelly graduated from Stonehill College with a Masters in Theology and began teaching at Bishop Connelly High School in Fall River, where he taught a Social Justice course. He came to feel as if there was something missing and that he was called to do more than teach.

“I always knew in one sense that God would call me to be a Deacon,” Connelly said.

A Deacon is the image or icon of Christ that comes to serve. They administer the Gospel and spread the word of God. Becoming a Deacon is a long process. Within the first year, there are interviews, literary tests, and a ten hour psychological exam.

Connelly wasn’t the only one who committed himself to these tests. His wife Jen was also a part of the process. In order for Connelly to become a Deacon, his wife had to attend classes with him and write a letter giving her full consent to Connelly’s decision to become a Deacon.

Connelly doesn’t regret becoming a Deacon instead of a Priest. He knows that being a Deacon is his true calling.

After the five-year process, Connelly was officially ordained a Deacon on September 17, 2011 at Holy Cross Cathedral in Boston. He will be serving at three Brockton parishes: Christ the King, Our Lady of Lourdes and Edith Stein.

“I’m really excited and humbled that God is going to allow me to minister his people.” Connelly said.

Staff graphic by Ian Kirkwood

THE HEART BEAT

Staff Writer

At the end of every academic year, students count down the days until summer vacation. The eight odd weeks of absolute freedom from enticing arms that welcome the minds of students into oblivion before the school year begins. While some students spend the summer tuned out of the real world playing video games, others begin to integrate themselves into the real world, taking internships, getting jobs and enrolling in colleges’ summer programs. Sacred Heart High School has many of these academic scholars, sacrificing their summer free time in order to gain experience in something they love.

Senior Katie Presutti volunteered at Jordan Hospital from June 5th to August 20th, working three days a week: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. On Wednesdays, she worked in the lobby discharging patients, giving directions, and running fluid from lab to lab. Thursdays, she made sandwiches in the cafeteria for patients, where the chefs “didn’t like her” because she was afraid of burning herself. On Fridays, she worked with Surgical Services in between making beds and spending time with the elderly.

After getting lost multiple times, Presutti found herself easing into the flow of activities, and surely enough, she said her 8:00-2:00 shifts became second nature.

“The worst was when the AC gave out at the hospital. That was really bad. They wouldn’t let anyone in or out,” Presutti said.

She said that one of the most significant parts of her internship occurred when she was allowed to sit in on a surgery. There

was a woman who had to get a tumor removed, and Presutti scrubbed up and got to be inside the room while the surgery was being performed.

“It was really cool,” Presutti said.

“Everything was blue and clean and I didn’t get to touch anything. It definitely reaffirmed the fact that I want to be a nurse.”

“It definitely reaffirmed the fact that I want to be a nurse.

- Katie Presutti

While Presutti worked hard as a volunteer, other students spent their leisure time participating in other recreational activites, such as acting.

Junior Kelsey Malone and seniors Meagan Antonellis and Emily Hollstein participated in Priscilla Beach Theater’s amateur production of “The Importance of Being Earnest”

by Oscar Wilde. Malone played Ms. Prism and Algernon in the doublecasted show.

The play is a classic comedy centered on the confusion between two men who use the pseudonym “Earnest” to pick up women. It ran for 3 weeks in the PBT’s stage in southern Plymouth. Malone said she did the play in order to get prepared for College

Theater, something she is very interested in. Although Malone was only in the production for 2 weeks, she expressed hope that she could be in longer engagements in the future “I had a lot of fun,” Malone said. “I got to see my friends over the summer, to get prepared for college and this school year’s drama programs, and on top of it all, I got to do what I love: act.”

Swept up by the feather fad

BY DIANE HIEDKE Contribu�ng Writer This past summer, Seventeen magazine was host to a front cover celebrity sporting colorful feathers in her hair. Since then, teenagers all over the country are weaving the accessories into their hair. Sacred Heart girls have picked up the trend from various sources.

Sophomore Courtney Burt spoke of her friend’s influence in her decision.

“I got the idea of the feather from my friends who got it earlier in the summer,” Burt said.

The feather trend emerged after Selena Gomez started the fashion trend at the beginning of summer. Many local salons picked up on the growing phenomenon, and many of Sacred Heart students got them done in the area.

Junior Kelsey Gailes described the process.

“I got it done at Lords and Lady’s at the Kingston Mall. I picked out the color feather I wanted and they used pliers to put it in.”

The trend continued to affect young women of all age levels and grades. The trend has not caught on with the majority of young men. Fashion Critics, such as the reader submissions in People’s Magazines, complained about the immature style, saying that it needs to go as quickly as it came. Some people decided to go with the trend, despite their specific opinions on the fad.

Sophomore Alexa Nasr said that the very fact that the trend had grown so popular was the main factor in her decision to try it out herself.

“This may sound stupid, but everyone else had one and I wanted to try it,” Nasr said.

Burt added that the process leaves the accessories in a person’s hair for one to two

months.

Others, such as senior Marissa Melchionda, expressed her taste for the fashion, but believes that the trend is over.

“It was a good idea but the trend was expired and short lived,” Melchionda said. “I thought it was different, but then everyone started getting them so I eventually just ripped it out.”

Staff Photo by Hannah MacInnis

Sophomore Courtney Burt displays the feather in her hair during an afterschool volleyball game. Burt, like many others, has taken to the trend of feathering one’s hair.

September 28, 2011

HEART BEAT

6

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me....

I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see.

In Memoriam - Ge

Colleague - Fri

BY MEAGAN A Staff W

\This past summer, the Sacred Heart community experienced the loss of a beloved colleague, friend and educator, Latin teacher Mr. George Simmons. Simmons died at Tufts Medical Center in Boston on August 3, 2011. Though his loss is felt deeply throughout the staff and student body of Sacred Heart and beyond, his life is remembered with a sense of celebration in the minds and hearts of all who knew him.

Language Department Chair Sr. Emma Jean Middendorf said that she remembers Simmons, not only as a valued colleague, but as a man of great moral character.

“Mr. Simmons was a true gentlemen,” Sr. Emma Jean said.

“He was a kind and generous person. He’d often offer poor people a place in his home until they could support themselves.”

Junior Elizabeth Sullivan-Hasson said that she recalls Simmons as being one of the most memorable teachers she has ever encountered.

“I would describe Mr. Simmons as a very cultured man who was very experienced and had a very adventurous life,” Sullivan-Hasson said. “He would always tell us stories in class about his past adventures in a bunch of different places and encounters with a multitude of different peoples.”

English teacher Mr. Eugene Boyles said that it was Mr. Simmons’ incredible intellect that set him apart from the rest of the school community.

Mr. Simmons on the 2009 school trip to Italy.

File photo courtesy of Emily Rose Barry

“He was the smartest guy in this building,” Boyles said. “He always had great ideas in faculty meetings.”

Sr. Emma Jean also remembers Simmons for his remarkable brain.

“He was an inexhaustible fount of knowledge,” Sr. Emma Jean said. “He knew a lot of different things about a lot of different subjects.”

Speech coach Dan Sapir said that he found a close friend in Simmons.

“We became very good friends through our being colleagues,” Sapir said. “He was often judging debate, as he had been a debater himself in high school. He even judged an overnight tournament at Lexington one year. He was very interested in keeping the debate team alive.”

Sr. Emma Jean agrees that Simmons was a strong advocate for, not only the Latin program, but a variety of other areas that Sacred Heart has to offer.

“He always had interesting ideas in meetings,” Sr. Emma Jean said. “And he had a great concern for the other languages as well.”

Sophomore Hannah Wisniewski also looks back fondly on the memory of her former Latin teacher.

“He definitely had an interesting personality,” Wisniewski said. “He was really kind and cared a lot about his students.

Since there were so few of them, he really got to know us.

He knew how each one of us worked as students. I

File photo courtesy of Emily Rose Barry

Mr. Simmons with former Sacred Heart student David Hayhurst on the 2009 school trip to Italy.

HEART BEAT

September 28, 2011

eorge V. Simmons

iend - Educator

7

T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear.

And Grace, my fears relieved.

How precious did that Grace appear the hour I first believed

ANTONELLIS Writer

think, because of that, I learned a lot about life in addition to Latin. His class taught me how to manage studying, and he had a lot of interesting outlooks on a lot of different things.”

Sapir remarked that Simmons was an underhandedly humorous character.

“He had a great sense of humor, and he had no idea how funny he was,” Sapir said.

Wisniewski agreed, recalling a very specific instance that will live in her memory.

“I’ll never forget the time when he went into the hallway and growled at people,” Wisniewski said. “I was in eighth grade, and it was lunch period for the highschoolers, and they were all being loud in the hallways, so he crouched down and went in the hallway and just started to growl. He was joking, of course, but that’s the kind of funny things he used to do that I’ll never forget.”

In June of 2009, alumnus Emily Barry traveled with Simmons, as well as a group of other students, to Italy, and said that it was Simmons himself that made the trip a memorable experience.

“First of all, the trip wouldn’t have happened without Mr. Simmons’ incredible dedication to both his students and the pursuit of knowledge in general,” Barry said. “Every aspect of the trip was a learning experience of its own. When some teachers put together a lesson plan, they usually have a ‘general idea’ of what they want the students to get out of the lesson. Not Mr. Simmons. He worked every step of the way to make sure we were getting the most out of the journey. The trip was catered to our needs as students; we were always learning. He didn’t step aside and let the tour guides take over. He taught us more during that one week than some teachers taught over the course of an entire year.”

Mr. Simmons with an Italian tour guide while on the 2009 school trip to Italy.

File photo courtesy of Emily Rose Barry

Sr. Emma Jean said that she was also impressed with Simmons’ taste and skill in the culinary field.

“He was an excellent cook,” Sr. Emma Jean said. “He appreciated the finer things in life, and he loved French cuisine. I remember, one time, he invited myself and a couple other faculty members to his house for dinner. He made everything himself.”

Barry said that she appreciated his willingness to treat his students as his equals.

“He was such an engaging person to talk to,” Barry said.

“Not only was he so informed with the ways of the world that you had to listen to him; you could tell that he wanted to listen to your opinions as well. He treated his students the same way he treated other adults; he was genuinely interested in what we had to say, even back when we were twelve.”

Sapir remembers his friend’s outstanding bravery, even to the last.

“I think back to his last days on this earth,” Sapir said. “I saw him often in Jordan Hospital. He knew exactly how sick he was, and he was prepared for whatever result that would bring. He treated that with a great deal of courage. I respected him and miss him.”

Photo courtesy of Sister Emma Jean Middendorf, ODP

Mr. Simmons giving a speech at the National Classical League Latin Honor Society Induction in 2011.

Amazing Grace lyrics by John Newton

PMoney In the Bank(er) ROFILES

September 28, 2011

8

THE HEART BEAT

Ms. Kielynne Banker comes to Sacred Heart

BY MELANIE ODELL Staff Writer As the school year begins the hallways crowd once again creating a familiar atmosphere to which we’ve all become accustomed. Up and down the stairs, back and forth across the halls and floors, Sacred Heart comes alive once more. This year, in the hall, however, students will notice many new faces in their travels, and not all of them are fellow students.

Born in Western New York and a graduate of Hobart and William Smith College, Ms. Kielynne Banker is one of those new faces. Banker is a former 7th grade Life Science teacher at Geneva City School in western New York and has now joined the Sacred Heart community as our new AP Biology, Environmental Science, and Anatomy & Physiology teacher.

“Everyone is really nice here,” said Banker. “Every time I walk down the hallway other teachers always ask how I’m doing. There’s a really supportive environment here.”

When it comes to her career, Banker takes after

“She teaches the class in an interesting way. We move around the class room and learn in new ways.”

- Lizzie Sullivan-Hasson her mother, who was also a teacher. Because of this Banker has always been exposed to a school environment.

“My mother was a special education teacher, so I basically grew up in a school ever since I was little.”

Staff Photo by Patricia Zibelli Banker shares her knowledge of science with her students during Anatomy and Physiology

At first Banker wanted to pursue Med school, but changed her mind after working at a summer school in Southborough.

“I realized I wanted to start working a lot earlier,” said Banker. “I really enjoyed being in front of a group of people and sharing what I know about science. Students are going to bring about the ultimate changes in technology and getting students interested in science starts in school.”

Banker spent the first part of last year teaching 7th

graders at Geneva and the second part of her year working on her thesis.

“It can be really hard to have a new teacher, but I think she’s doing a really great job,” said junior Lizzie Sullivan-Hasson.

“She teaches the class in an interesting way. We move around the class room and learn in new ways.”

Although it is still early in the year, many students have already said they’ve enjoyed Banker’s teaching style.

“I like how she just doesn’t stand there and talk to us all the time,” said senior Holly Adams. “She gets creative.”

From Maine to Kingston, Mr. Reed makes a transition

BY MERCEDES MCGARRY Staff Writer

Staff Photo by Patricia Zibelli Ben Reed teaches an exciting Algebra class in the starting weeks of school. Reed, a Maine native, began teaching at Sacred Heart this year,.

With the start of the 2011-2012 school year, Sacred Heart welcomes four new teachers to the faculty. Mr. Benjamin Reed is an addition to the math department.

“The staff and students here are both very welcoming,” Reed said.

A week before school opened in August, Reed was hired to take the position left vacant by the departure of Mr. John Olsen. Reed previously taught math for three years in Magnet High School in Limestone, Maine.

Magnet High School solely focused on mathematics and sciences.

“I had taught students who were more gifted towards math and science, especially in Algebra and Pre-Algebra,” Reed said.

Magnet High School is a school in which students had to pass challenging tests in order to be accepted and attend.

“The students who passed and got in didn’t have to pay costs and could live there,” Reed said.

Before teaching, he was interested in financing jobs but discovered it was not as rewarding as education. He attended Bates College with a major in chemistry and had enjoyed theoretical sciences.

“I didn’t like the labs, so theoretical math interested me,” Reed said.

In order to teach at Sacred Heart, Reed left his town of Limestone, Maine.

“Though it was short notice, the change from Maine to here is very great.”

Reed teaches two sections of Pre-calculus, Honors Algebra 2, College Prep Algebra 2, and College Math.

He consistently teaches the majority of students in grades 9, 11, 12 and some of the 10th grade as well.

“In Maine, I was three hours away from society, yet, here, it’s only minutes away. It’s exciting,” Reed said.

“For being so new to the school, I think he’s doing a pretty great job,” senior Patricia Zibelli said. Zibelli and many others said they enjoy having Reed as a teacher.

“I enjoy going to Mr. Reed’s class. He is always in a good mood, and the class is pleasant to be in.”

-Holly Adams

“I enjoy going to Mr. Reed’s class. He is always in a good mood, and the class is pleasant to be in,” Adams said.

With his unique teaching style and a full schedule of classes, Mr. Reed looks forward to having one busy year ahead of him.

The next issue of The Heart Beat will include profiles on Mrs. Mary Jane Keough and Mrs. Janet Meehan who also joined the Sacred Heart School faculty this year.

A

9

RTS

September 28, 2011

THE HEART BEAT

Students explore Pottermore

BY CHELSEY TAHAN Staff Writer In June 2011, author JK Rowling launched a mysterious new website named Pottermore with the cryptic message “Coming soon.”The web site linked to a YouTube channel that had a countdown to a big announcement by JK Rowling. All over the world, Potter fans were mystified. Could it be a new book in the Harry Potter series? A Potter social networking site? A new movie?

On June 23, 2011, JK Rowling announced that a new website named Pottermore would be available to all Potter fans in October. It would be an in depth, interactive reading experience that included being part of an online community.

Fans were enthralled that the Potter series was not coming to an end.

“It was really cool to hear that she still has more stuff to do with Harry Potter,” junior Molly Greenwood said. “I was sad that it was going to be over in July with the last movie.”

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two opened on July 15, and to many

Potter fans, signaled the end of their beloved series. Luckily, Rowling had a few more tricks up her sleeve. Starting July 31st, one million Potter fans could sign up for early entry to Pottermore and be a part of the beta-testing groups. To access the

cess the site, fans were given a generated user name and the promise of an email to come, letting them know when the site was ready for them. Once the email came, Potter fans were in for a big treat.

Starting with chapter one of Harry Pot-

Photo curtousy of Warner Bros. Ent. The Pottermore logo is quickly becoming a reconizable image to many teenagers whether they’re a Harry Potter fan or not.

site, fans had to answer trivia questions based on the series.

“The first few days were hard,” junior Mike Nee said. “It’s like they were really separating the die-hard fans from the casual ones.”

After being one of the lucky few to ac-

ter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, fans become interactive in the story, with graphics and collectables from the books, such as golden Galleons and Chocolate Frog cards. Users buy items from the renowned Diagon Alley and go on their way to Hogwarts. The site even offers a test to place users in one of the four houses;

Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. An added bonus is several posts from the author detailing facts and tidbits about characters and places that were not explained in the novels.

Since the site is still in the beta-testing phase, many features are still under maintenance, such as the Wizard Duel activity, where you can face off with friends using ‘spells’ to gain points for your house. Once the site opens to all next month, more options will be open, such as the other six books (the Sorcerer’s Stone is the only one currently available.)

Whether you’ve been reading the books since elementary school or just enjoy the movies, Pottermore is an experience for anyone who likes the Harry Potter series.

It offers entertainment for those just looking for fun and information for those wishing to learn all they can about the best-selling series of all time. Harry Potter has successfully taken over book shelves, movie theaters, and now, the internet.

Where will it go next?

Madden Maintains Winning Streak

BY GREG HABEEB Staff Writer While most football fans were waiting for the NFL lockout to end it was business as usual for the guys at EA Sports, who were getting ready to release the latest installment of the beloved Madden NFL franchise regardless of whether or not the lockout would end. Fortunately for football lovers everywhere, the lockout ended, the season started, and Madden 12 was released on schedule.

“The tackling animations are noticeably bigger, badder, and more violent... The graphics, as always, are phenomenal, right down to the grass on the field.”

-Greg Habeeb

The game does not disappoint.

From a game play perspective, Madden 12 plays almost the same as its predecessor, Madden 11.

The controls are very similar and apart from a couple of new camera angles and a new kicking meter that takes some getting used to, those who have played Madden 11 should be able to jump right in. Gameflow (last year’s big addition) is back.

The tackling animations are noticeably bigger, badder, and more violent, and the game moves at a much faster pace than last year. In fact, most of the game play tweaks are subtle, and won’t be apparent until after the first few games.

The general presentation of the game is better, with a more broadcast-11like feel. The graphics, as always, are phenomenal, right down to the grass on the field. One place where the game is lacking is in the commentator’s booth. The announcers, Gus Johnson and Chris Collinsworth, are fragmented, disjointed, and often vague and off topic.

Where Madden has really made an effort to improve is Franchise mode. The mode, which allows the user to take control of their favorite team and build a perennial championship contender, has been long neglected and finally gets an overdue overhaul. New features include whittling down your roster via cuts in the preseason, a revamped in-season and off-season rookie scouting system, the ability to trade future draft picks, player roles and hot/cold streaks that affect how certain players play not only from game to game but play to play as well.

By far the coolest addition to Franchise mode is the new free agent signing period. Instead of the traditional process of, offer a contract to a free agent, wait a day, see if the player has accepted your offer or if you have been outbid, rinse and repeat. Madden 12 offers a new system that operates a lot like eBay. All of the free agents go into a bidding pool and each team bids on the players they want in the span of about a minute and a half. It’s far more interactive and exciting than before, and is a nice little wrinkle thrown into the mode.

An area where the game falls short yet again this year is Superstar mode.

Madden continues to ignore this mode, and has let it become run-down. Be A Superstar is more or less the same as last year. What is most frustrating is that other sports video game franchises like 2k Sports’ perennial NBA games or MLB. The Show, or even EA Sports’ own FIFA games, have superstar/be a pro modes that embarrass the dreck trotted out by Madden every year.

One can only hope Madden 13 does a better job in this area.

Madden 12 is another solid entry in the franchise.

It improves on Madden 11 with sleeker gameplay, graphics, presentation, and an improved franchise mode. It falls short with the in-game commentary as well as the lack of depth in its other game modes. Football fans should without a doubt invest in this game, but those gamers less inclined to football should probably pass.

Photo Courtesy of EA Sports

Pros:

Gameplay, sleeker graphics, improved Franchise mode, improved aspects of presentation

Cons:

Poor Superstar mode, fragmented in-game co mmentary

Buy, Rent, or Pass?: Buy

Final Grade: 4 out of 5

10

O

PINION

September 28, 2011

Sacred Heart School: All for one, one for all?

There are few times throughout the school year as full of school spirit as Homecoming.

Between the sports matches, pep rally and the Homecoming dance, students are truly immersed in “Saints’ Pride.”

However, once the weekend’s events have come to a close and the Homecoming hype has died down, Saints’ Pride, for the most part, appears to die with it.

While it is true that some volleyball, basketball and soccer games occasionally have the ability to revitalize September’s excitement, the Sacred Heart community has traditionally experienced a lull in school spirit in the time that exists between Homecoming and graduation. We believe that this lack of enthusiasm on the part of the student body regarding school functions is a detriment to the morale and sense of community within the school, and a greater effort should be put into increasing students’ support for one another for the duration of the school year.

Whether we like it or not, we each spend a large chunk of our

lives at school. Aside from the seven hour school day, most of us spend a vast amount of unrequired hours on Sacred Heart property for various sports practices, speech and debate

Editorial preparation, drama rehearsals, community service projects, etc. Our school is, in general, a very active community, but one wouldn’t know it by the lack of excitement shown by the rest of the student body.

Since we spend such a significant fraction of our lives as a part of Sacred Heart School, why shouldn’t we make the most of it? School spirit is typically thought of as being centered on sports. We cheer on our sports teams at our annual pep rally and fill the stands for an important girls’ basketball game, and while this is a commendable display of support for fellow students, it is a very limited one. Even the most avid sports fan is highly unlikely to be able to attend every game

throughout the school year.

There are far more ways to be an enthusiastic member of the Sacred Heart community than simply to be a screaming fan in the stands.

School spirit stems mainly from the feeling of being connected to the school itself.

To have school spirit is to be genuinely interested in the happenings within the school community. Although performed for the entire school, evening events such as school plays and the Variety Show have had a history of being poorly attended, particularly by students. Community service projects such as the beach cleanups and recycling efforts could also stand to gain more eager participants. Through this attendance or participation, we strengthen our sense of school spirit, and therefore our sense of belonging in the Sacred Heart Community, making our bonds to the school and to each other infinitely stronger.

Top Truck: Chevy v. Ford

BY EVAN NOLAN Staff Writer The argument has been around for generations. Who has the better pickup truck? Many factors are involved in the judging of trucks including: towing capabilities, features, payload capacity, motor strength, and fuel economy. The trucks in the debate are ½ ton rated trucks from Ford and Chevrolet/GMC. They will also be compared with their diesel engine options, the Ford 6.7 liter Powerstoke V8 and Chevrolet’s 6.6 liter Duramax V8.

In 2011, Ford released the F250 Super Duty with a totally redesigned Powerstoke V8 engine.

The motor, attached to a 6-speed gearbox and a 3.31 rear axle, gives the truck 400 horsepower and 800 ft-lbs of torque. That is enough to pull trailers which weigh up to 1650 lbs. It also has a 3560 lb payload capacity. The big 6.7 liter diesel is engineered to be fueled with B20 biodiesel, an environmentally friendly, alternative fuel which gives the truck cleaner emissions. A feature which comes standard on most Super Duty models is trailer sway control. This system uses sensors which measure the yaw and sway of a trailer and employs complex braking and engine reduction systems to bring the trailer under control.

Also, uplifter switches come standard on the versatile XLT

trim. These switches allow up to 4 auxiliary devices such as snowplows, cement mixers, and generators to be powered through the powerstroke’s transmission.

For the upcoming model year, Chevrolet unveiled its Silverado 2500 Heavy Duty.

The Silverado has the 6.6 Duramax turbo diesel engine option, and with the Allison Transmission standard gives the driver 397 horsepower and 765 ft lbs of torque. With Staff Photos by Nicholas Murphy a totally redesigned Top: Chevy Silverado 2500 HD chassis, the 2500 HD Above: Ford F250 Super Duty has the brawn to carry the Ford F-250 Super Duty. Sua 4,192 lb payload or trailer up per Duty is a great truck simply to 17,800 lbs. The increase in because it comes with towing capacity is due to upgraded rear systems and auxiliary power leaf springs which are 20% wider switches for work related tools than those of previous models. such as plows and mixers. Chevy The new independent front Silverado is the clear winner. It suspension allows each wheel to takes first spot for many reasons travel vertically so each wheel is but most importantly because of always flat on the travel surface. its engine and transmission. The Like the F-250, the Silverado has Duramax and Allison duo have the option for trailer sway conbeen time tested for past generatrol and uphill/downhill breaking tions. The truck has superior top control. end towing power which is critiThe competition between cal for merging onto highway Super Duty and Silverado is traffic. Go with the Silverado, extremely stiff. All trucks come you won’t regret it! with optional diesel engines, four wheel drive and exceptional towing capabilities. Out of the 2 models, second place belongs to

THE HEART BEAT Editors-in-Chief: Meagan Antonellis Kate Jamison Front Page Editors: Alexander Bianco Angela D’Amelio Features Editor: Ian Kirkwood Double Truck Editor: Chelsey Tahan A&E Editors: Kendall Fisher Melanie Odell Opinion Editor: Evan Nolan Profiles Editor: Ka�e Belden Sports Editors: Gregory Habeeb Michael Hanna Ryan Thomas Photo Editors: Hannah MacInnis Nicholas Murphy Patricia Zibelli Copy Editor: Mercedes McGarry Contribu�ng Writers: Diane Heidke Staff advisor: Mr. Vincent Boccalini

THE HEART BEAT is the student newspaper of Sacred Heart High School, located at 399 Bishops Highway, Kingston, MA 02364. The views expressed herein are those of the staff. Responsible le�ers should be addressed to the Editorial Staff c/o Mr. Boccalini or via email at vboccalini@sacredheartkingston.com. THE HEART BEAT welcomes readers’ opinions on all topics. Le�ers must be signed. The editors reserve the right to reject, edit, or shorten le�ers. THE HEART BEAT is printed by Graphic Developments, Inc.

Mission Statement The Heart Beat is Sacred Heart High School’s newspaper. As the present custodians of this long-standing and award-winning publica�on, we pledge ourselves to the following threefold purpose: To inspire and foster a sense of passion and love for journalism, journalis�c ethics and the integrity of the wri�en word; To create and develop an atmosphere of responsible leadership, commitment to truth and dedica�on to the highest standards of journalis�c principles; To recognize that in all we do, we are in the service of our Provident God who has blessed us with the oppurtunity to minister to the Sacred Heart community.

-Vincent Boccalini Moderator The Heart Beat

Press affilia�ons Columbia Scholas�c Press Associa�on (CSPA) New England Scholas�c Press Associa�on (NESPA) American Scholas�c Press Associa�on (ASPA)

S

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11

September 30, 2011

THE HEART BEAT

Changing of the guard New coach Michelle Desmond looks to lead Lady Saints volleyball into a new era.

BY GREG HABEEB Staff Writer The Sacred Heart girls’ volleyball team enters the 2011 season under new management for the first time in 22 years. After finishing 18-2 in the 2010 regular season and making a run to the South Section Semi-finals in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association state tournament, the Lady Saints bid farewell to longtime coach Robert Slavin, who retired following the game.

During his tenure at Sacred Heart, Slavin’s teams compiled a record of 373-101 (a winning percentage of .786), won 14 Mayflower League titles, and went to the state tournament 21 consecutive times from 1990-2010.

“We [Slavin and I] don’t have any boundary issues, we don’t have any weirdness, I use him all the time as a mentor and he’s supportive in that way.”

- Michelle Desmond

His replacement this season is Michelle Desmond, who last year was at the helm of Sacred Heart’s JV volleyball squad. Desmond is ready to accept the different types of coaching challenges the change from JV to varsity represents.

“The kids already know the basics of the game, so you’re just honing their skills and working out more complicated plays,” Desmond said. “You’re not working on fundamental skills; you’re forming new skill sets like strategy and

Sports Spotlight Rebecca Stanton -Cross Country-

Grade: 12 Years Played: One Other sports: Basketball, Track Role Model: Tracy Stanton Quote to live by: “Shoot for the moon and even if you miss you‛ll land on the stars.”

Information compiled by Greg Habeeb Photo by Debbie Stanton

that sort of thing.”

Although she understands the footsteps that she’s following, Desmond is also undaunted by the task of replacing one of the school’s most successful coaches due to the close bond she has with him.

“On one hand, there are certainly big shoes to fill; on the other hand, he’s been very supportive. I’ve worked with him, I was in his homeroom class senior year, I played for him, I coached with him, so I know him very well,” Desmond said. “We don’t have any boundary issues, we don’t have any weirdness, I use him all the time as a mentor and he’s supportive in that way.”

Where Desmond feels the shadow of Slavin most is from those not associated with the school’s volleyball program.

“It’s the reception from other coaches and officials and that sort of thing as to what their expectations are, but I’m not letting that bother me,” Desmond said.

Desmond has also decided not to deviate from the system that has come to define Sacred Heart volleyball.

“Coach Slavin developed this program, so I want to keep the program the same,” she said.

The players have noticed the continuity in both coaches’ philosophy.

“It’s basically the same as last year except the only difference is Coach Slavin isn’t the coach,” senior and team co-captain Marissa Melchionda said.

Junior co-captain Jen Rathje echoed Melchionda’s statement.

“It’s all the same. Just because Coach Slavin left doesn’t mean he isn’t there.”

While the philosophy may be similar, Desmond mentioned that their styles are far from the same.

“We’re very different personalities, so that will come through a little bit,” she said.

Sophomore Kelly Rathje agreed that Slavin and Desmond are not the same person.

“She’s intelligent about the game and she knows what she’s talking about, but she’s a big difference from Coach

Slavin,” Rathje said. “Last year was more serious. I mean this year it’s still serious, but things definitely seem more relaxed.”

Despite the coaching transition, both the players and the coach are optimistic that the results of this season will be the same old story for the Lady Saints: a trip to the state tournament. Freshman Jen Uribe cited teamwork as the main reason why the Saints will continue to build on past successes.

“I think we work really well together. We have a pretty good defense which is an advantage for us,” she said.

Coach Desmond expects only the best from her team.

“I hope we go to the tournament and win. That’s the goal of any varsity team.”

Staff photo by Hannah MacInnis

Volleyball coach Michelle Desmond looks to her clipboard for notes during the Lady Saints’ homecoming game against Blue Hills.

The Heart produces pep “I love the show ‘Minute to Win It’ and I have always felt confident in my abilities. I was skeptical at first when I saw that bowl of whipped cream but I knew I would get that W,” senior and golf team co-captain Patrick Davis said.

The mini games were a way of getting the teams in a For the past two years pep rally at Sacred Heart has been very different than what the current juniors and seniors were friendly competition while keeping it entertaining for the students and teachers in attendance. used to. There have been some major changes.

Some of the other challenges included attempting to For starters, the pep rally used to be something that only the upper school attended. Since last year, the Intermediate balance a stack of chocolate pastries on the competitors’ forehead as well as partners attempting to catch tennis balls School has been invited to join in the festivities. in buckets placed on their The teams used to heads. all be introduced inThe new style of pep dividually and would rally is not loved by all. make speeches, with Junior Colleen Kelly is the varsity teams perone student who was forming skits. Now, partial to the way things the members on the used to be. teams are merely “I think the pep rally asked to stand when was better before the the team is called on, changes. It’s supposed and there are no perto be getting us hyped formances by any of up for our sports teams, the teams. but there was minimal Instead of skits, a team involvement,” Kelnew event entitled ly said.

“Minute to Win It” Kelly added that rehas become part of the integrating skits would pep rally. The teams Staff photo by Nick Murphy bring about a better atmocompete against each Senior Pat Davis and sophomore Anthony Norris compete in sphere as well as get the other in this mini game a “Minute to Win It” challenge during this year’s pep rally. For students in the bleaches challenge. There was more photos from the event, see page 12. more excited. also a trivia section “Back when we did added to pep rally.

One of the challenges this year involved competitors from the skits the whole gym would be laughing and cheering, the varsity golf team and varsity volleyball team plunging and with the new changes there was barely any. I think we their faces into a bowl of whipped cream in a race to extract need to go back to doing varsity skits, and really get our schooled pumped for homecoming next year.” she said. seven gummy worms using only their mouth.

BY MIKE HANNA Staff Writer

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SPORTS

September 30, 2011

Junior Tom Gerhard and sophomore Griffin Ostrowski attempt to balance “Ding-Dongs” on their head while dancing.

Staff photo by Nick Murphy

Pep rally delivers

Staff photo by Nick Murphy

Student Council President Hannah MacInnis and Vice President Kylie Davis introduce the next segment of the pep rally.

Staff photo by Nick Murphy

Phys. Ed. teacher Marie Bruninghaus and nurse Janey Tilden snatch some tissues during a competition.

Staff photo by Nick Murphy Juniors Jimmy Husband and Meaghan DuPuis “mummify” History teacher Walter Lucier.