Prep News TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020
RICHLAND, NEW JERSEY
Richland Reimagined: The Pandemic Transition pandemic. Covid has made the school year even more challenging for the freshman class in particular. Freshmen are facing a different “Saint staff writer Augustine Prep experience” as their older Hermit brothers. For example, students are required to use hand sanitizer when walking into each of It is September of 2020. Imagine you are about to make the transition to St. Augustine Prep with the uncertainty of a global pandemic looming their classes, and are given the choice when they leave class. “Geling in and out”, as dubbed by the Prep’s teachers, is key in keeping the Prep a over your head. On your first day, you realize that while you will experience most of what the Prep has to offer, your freshman experience safe environment for all. Students are also required to wear facemasks will be different than previous incoming students. You knew it was going and practice social distancing. At lunch is where the pandemic restrictions come into play. The use of shields at the lunch table, as well to be an unusual year, especially with the fact that the Prep was one of as boxed lunches and the temporary removal of some lunch items take the only schools in New Jersey going back to full in-person learning. away the fun and “magic” of lunch at the Prep. The “three people per table” rule is an awkward change for the freshmen trying to make new The 2020 academic year has been challenging for both students friends. The campus experience is different from the Shadow day and and teachers, especially with the growing threat that is the Covid-19 Open House that the freshmen experienced last year. By Connor Bogan ’24
Answering these challenges, the Prep implemented changes to the schedule, and added class time activities. We created a new “Core Values Day”, held every Wednesday and containing fun activities that help to build on the three core values of Saint Augustine, Veritas , Unitas, and Caritas. The “Core Values Day” was created to foster the Brotherhood, allow time for enrichment, and promote mental health. In addition, the Prep also held its yearly “Brotherhood Ceremony”, an inaugural event for the freshmen/ transfers that serves as a proper welcoming to the Prep and the Hermit Brotherhood. This year’s ceremony was held outside, instead of in the Rodio Gym. Despite these changes, and several delays due to weather conditions, it was a sunny, beautiful day for the ceremony. While campus changes have been necessary, and while the first few months have been different, the faculty and teachers have been working to keep us safe and make our on-campus lives as normal as possible. We can only hope that next year will turn out to be even more fun, and less restrictive, than 2020 has been!
Photo Credit - Karrie Davis P’22 ’23
Arabic program immerses students into Middle Eastern culture By John Sooy ’22 staff writer
St. Augustine Prep is widely known for its unique academic opportunities and programs. The Prep offers a myriad of courses and programs which are unique in nature. Prep’s offering of Arabic language classes is one such example of this.
Currently, four classes are offered: Arabic I, Arabic II, Arabic III, and Honors Arabic IV. The courses are taught by Mr. Jacob Snyder, a 2013 Prep alumnus who has taught the subject since the 2015-2016 school year. During his time as a student, Mr. Snyder spent the summer of his junior year in Marrakesh, Morocco, where he studied Arabic under the State Department-sponsored National Security Language Initiative for Youth scholarship. Mr. Snyder believes that the study of the Arabic language is extremely important for the future of both the United States and the world, as the language can be utilized for many purposes involving foreign relations and communications. “Arabic is recognized as a critical language by the United States, meaning that the US needs more speakers of Arabic for political and diplomatic affairs,” said Snyder. When Jackson Tinari ’22, was asked his thoughts on the Arabic program he shared, “Through the Arabic program I’ve been
IN THIS EDITION
Album Cover Art - Jerry Klein ’22
Arabic classes were first offered at the Prep during the 2011-2012 academic year. The course aims to give students a firm understanding of the Arabic language, focusing on both conversational and written Arabic. Modern Standard Arabic, or Fushaa, is the dialect that is taught. It is widelyused across many Arabic-speaking countries, and the main dialect used in journalism and news.
Photo Credit - Karrie Davis P’22 ’23 able to immerse myself into a subject and culture that isn’t normally offered at schools.” The offering of Arabic classes at the Prep provides a unique opportunity for young men to acquire a skill which can be utilized for a variety of communicative purposes. Through classes such as Arabic, St. Augustine Prep aims to prepare students for a growing world by providing unique opportunities for learning.
UNDER THE DIRECTION OF MR. STENSWOLD, THE PREP PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT HAS RELEASED “A VERY HERMIT CHRISTMAS” JUST IN TIME FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON
A DAY IN THE LIFE: ROB PAPADEAS ’22
TEACHER SPOTLIGHT: MRS. MCHUGH
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020
Photo Credit - Liam Shurman ’22
Prep junior ignites the return of Prep News Manny Dijamco ’99 staff writer
Tyler Ward ’22 is no stranger to the Prep, in fact, his time at St. Augustine began well before he received his blazer during the Brotherhood Ceremony in the Fall of 2018. See, Tyler’s father is Hermits Wrestling legend and current head coach Bill Ward ’85 so the Prep has been his home away from home since the moment he was born. So much so that he mentions his first true memory in life as him running around the wrestling room in the Forum as a 6-year-old. In many ways, due to his family pedigree, Tyler is already part of the history at the Prep, but now, through Prep News, he looks forward to playing a big role in documenting it. Having been part of the yearbook staff during the 2019-2020 school year, Tyler had already experienced the opportunity to recap the memories of his time as a student at St. Augustine. However, as is the natural progression of a high school student, he sought to expand his skill-set in hopes of improving his resume for colleges but most importantly, to also fulfill his passions in life. The thought of resurrecting Prep News provided Tyler the platform to accomplish many of the things he already enjoys in his free time. The Constitutional Law student has a knack for history but also enjoys reading, copywriting, politics, and photography – all of which obviously comes in handy when taking on the position of Editor-in-Chief for a newspaper. Recapping the journey that began earlier this fall, Tyler took the bull by the horns and took care of all the administrative work necessary to bring the club back to life. Within a few days, he had the makings of a staff put together and the first meeting had already been scheduled. Fast forward a couple of months later and he and his staff worked day and night to produce enough quality content to brave the release of this “first” edition. While Tyler and his staff know there is much work to be done to have the publication reach their lofty expectations, they share the excitement of continuing a tradition many Hermits have participated in since 1962. Most importantly, Tyler is now able to share his passion and love for the school on a wider scale, and in the process, he has reignited a club that will continue to do so long after he has left his mark at St. Augustine Prep.
Photo Courtesy of Hermits Athletics
A Day in the Life: Rob Papadeas ’22 Have you considered playing a sport at the Prep? If your answer is no, is it because you feel it will take up too much of your time? Do you feel it will stress you out? Perhaps you have never played a sport before? I won’t be the first to tell you that St. Augustine Prep is a great place to embark on a sport while maintaining focus on academics. I was able to solve all of the potential problems above. This is the day in the life of a student athlete at the Prep! Not only does a successful student athlete have to be the best they can be on the field and in the classroom, but they must also utilize their time when not occupied with school or sports. The best way to start your day off on the right track is to get a good night’s sleep. I try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night, every day of the week to keep myself on the same cycle. Sleep is important to your growth, physically and mentally. It also helps you maintain concentration throughout your day.
Photo Credit - Liam Shurman ’22
Another important component that is crucial to being the best student athlete you can be, is finding time to work out every day. Working out not only makes you stronger and faster, but it also helps release built up school day stress. A healthy diet is equally important. I try my best to avoid junk food and soda. Instead, I pack healthy snacks and eat a lot of protein-filled food. Eating healthy keeps you focused in class and at your sports practice.
You may wonder, how do you go to practice and find time for your homework? Part of being a successful student athlete is time management. Here at The Prep, we have plenty of time during the school day to visit teachers, study, and finish homework. I use my free period to do my homework and watch football films. Once my school day is over, I go to practice, which lasts from 3pm to about 5:45pm. At home, I shower, eat dinner, then get straight to my studies. Every night is different, but I usually finish within three hours. I then pack all of my clothes for practice the next day and get a good night’s sleep. No sport lasts all year. Anyone participating in only one sport will have an offseason, which is a great time to focus on your overall fitness. I love to workout as much as I can and get my body in shape. It benefits me physically, and makes me feel good about myself. I also use the offseason as a time to focus more on my academics because I have more free-time. Although I am not in season during this time, none of my habits change. I still do my best to maintain my healthy habits. If you have never played a sport before, I highly recommend you try one here at St. Augustine Prep. The Prep offers over twenty sports, all the way from football to surfing. Part of the brotherhood that we hold so dear to our hearts here is that everyone has a place, and everyone has something to offer. Joining a sports team at The Prep will give you a great experience, and teach you focus and discipline, important traits as you move forward in life.
Prep Arts releases Christmas Album By Luke Grippo ’24 staff writer
Jean Sibelius’ quote, “Music begins where the possibilities of language end,” explains these hard times, and how the Prep’s choral groups have had to adapt. With the ongoing restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, many memorable St. Augustine Prep traditions have been put on hold. One such tradition is the school Christmas concert, which wowed and awed everybody that came. Due to the current circumstances, holding an indoor concert is too great a risk. However, with the addition of Mr. Erik Stenswold, our new choir director, the three men’s chorus groups of St. Augustine Prep have a plan to recreate those magical moments. They have planned an online album of Christmas songs for everyone’s enjoyment. Using recording equipment and Garageband, Mr. Stenswold will have each of the Men’s Chorus and the Men’s Select Chorus record themselves singing individually at a microphone and then blend the voices together to create a sensational sound. The Testostertones will do live group recordings for their songs, as singing acapella by yourself proves to be quite a challenge.
Mr. Stenswold worked on merging the voices over Thanksgiving break, and now that the Christmas season has come, everyone can enjoy the music. The members consider themselves blessed to still have the opportunity for everybody to hear them, and hope this year’s St. Augustine Prep Choirs’ recordings will help spread the joy of the season. The recordings are as follows: The Men’s Chorus Elective: “Carol of the Bells” by Steve Kupferschmid “Born, Born in Bethlehem” by Donald Moore “Night of Silence w/Silent Night” by Daniel Kantor The Men’s Select Chorus: “Believe” by Mark Hayes “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” by Elizabeth Campbell “We Three Kings” by Russell Robinson “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” by Paul Langford The TestosterTones: “12 Days of Christmas/Africa” as performed by Straight No Chaser “Auld Lang Syne” by Don Gray
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PREP NEWS
LIFE IN RICHLAND THROUGH THE
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020
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The work of staff photographers Jeff Cucchi ’21, Jack Kolesar ’21, Tim Shea ’23, Liam Shurman ’22 and Karrie Davis P’22 ’23 tell the story of what has been a unique academic year in the Proud and Peaceful Glen. Despite the many challenges the pandemic has thrown at the Brotherhood, the traditions that make the Prep a special place have remained.
Teacher Spotlight: Mrs. McHugh P’08 ’11 ’15 By John Sooy ’22 staff writer
Mrs. McHugh is a member of the Science Department at St. Augustine Prep, and currently teaches Honors Chemistry, Honors Applied Chemistry, and AP Chemistry. Before coming to the Prep, Mrs. McHugh worked for a chemical company after graduating from college. As a chemist, she worked on a team which patented a vibration isolation additive for rubber. This led her to work in the corporate office headquarters to investigate the best business move to bring this additive to the market, where she helped to decide to enter a joint venture with Ford Motor Company. Entering another phase of her life, Mrs. McHugh became a mother to five children, three of whom attended St. Augustine! After her husband’s diagnosis with cancer, she was prompted to re-enter the workforce. At this time, her first son, Brendan, was a rising freshman at The Prep, and Mrs. McHugh proudly accepted a teaching position. This led to her journey as a member of the Prep community as a chemistry teacher in September of 2004; the same year her son began as a student. Throughout the years, Mrs. McHugh has taught a variety of courses at the Prep. In addition to teaching chemistry and Honors Economics, she also founded the Environmental Science, and Honors Applied Chemistry courses. In the classroom, she is known for her memorable teaching methods, including various chants to help in the memorization of subject matter, and is known for being a mentor to her students rather than just an educator. Mrs. McHugh shared that she considers the most rewarding part of teaching is instilling values in her students in addition to concepts, and promotes the idea of knowledge being infinitely more important than numbers in a gradebook. The importance of schedule and time management are also emphasized in her class to help her students develop the skills to succeed in academic and professional endeavors. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. McHugh is the moderator of both the Interact Service Club and the Environmental Club, she also served as the Junior class moderator, and currently holds the role of freshman-sophomore class moderator and Unitas Program Coordinator. In 2015, she was awarded Augustinian Educator of the Year, as well as the State of New Jersey’s Non-Public Teacher of the Year. Her latest accomplishment was the recent announcement of her appointment as the STEM division chair at St. Augustine Prep. Mrs. McHugh shared that in all of her years of teaching at the Prep, the most gratifying moment as a member of the Prep Community occurred in the spring of 2019, after her son, Dillon ’11, a recordholding swimmer at the University of Pennsylvania, was severely injured in a skiing accident in Colorado. She was and continues to be extremely grateful for the outpouring of love and support from Prep faculty, students, and alumni as the community came together to help her son, our fellow Hermit Brother, in a time of need. Mrs. McHugh has made and will continue to make a tremendous impact on her students and the entire St. Augustine Prep community.
SUDOKU
BE A PART OF HISTORY JOIN THE PREP NEWS STAFF! Work for South Jersey’s #1 Student-Produced Newspaper! We accept applications for our editorial and business staffs throughout the academic year. Located on the first floor of the Vincent L. Buondonno Center (known as ‘The Vincent’), The Prep News office constantly buzzes with reporters typing stories, business staff selling advertisements, photographers editing shots and editors providing guidance and banter. As South Jersey’s #1 Student-Produced Newspaper (founded in 1962), we have undergone several changes over the past 60 years, and we continue to iterate upon and improve our practices every day. Prep News aims to print bimonthly editions, produce short videos, run a recurring blog, and post regularly to social media accounts – we are in discussions to take ownership of @hermitleaders on Twitter! With just under two dozen Hermits on staff, Prep News is one of the fastest growing clubs on campus. We pride ourselves on maintaining a learning environment as many members of our staff are navigating their way through their first experience in journalism. In the process, they are working to continue developing real-world skills in communication, management, digital media, editing, and so much more. Whether you have an interest in copywriting, photography, graphic design, editing, Prep News has a place for you. Contact ward.tyler@hermits.com to join the staff today!
FIRST EDITION OF PREP NEWS – APRIL 25, 1962
Prep News Tyler Ward ’22 editor in chief
Matt Adams ’23 Connor Bogan ’24 Oscar Catanese ’22 Joseph Cortese ’23 Holden DeJong ’22 John DeVito ’22 Valle Edgar ’21 Matthew Flanigan ’24
Ryder Fuscellaro ’22 Luke Grippo ’24 Gary Mazza ’21 Rob Papadeas ’22 Alex Petitt ’22 Ayden Pulman ’22 John Sooy ’22 Jimmy Waddell ’23
Manny Dijamco ’99
Thomas Hewitt
issue layout
issue copy editor
SUBMISSIONS: We welcome letters and guest columns. All submissions must include the author’s name and affiliation with St. Augustine Prep, and should not exceed 250 words for letters or 700 words for columns. Prep News reserves the right to edit all material before publication. All material submitted becomes property of St. Augustine Prep. Please email submissions to communications@hermits.com.