Rudolph was a special FOSI guest Bravo!

By Julianna Bottalico

The Friends of Staten Island (FOSI) Tree Lighting is an annual Christmas celebration that brings students and staff together.

Monsignor Farrell High School hostedthe event and presented various activities throughout the evening.

One of the main activities was the lighting of the Christmas tree. Everyone gathered around as they started a countdown.

Sports teams entertained with Christmas songs. Each of Farrell’s sports teams went on stage with their coaches and spread the holiday cheer with Christmas carols. People sang along and took many videos of this joyful time.

And there was a live reindeer! People got to take pictures and pet it outside in its cage. Adults and kids watched in awe as the reindeer moved around. A mini ice skating rink allowed people to glide on the “ice.”

This big celebration at Farrell brought many people together and created a joyful, fun time for everyone.

‘The Wizard of Oz’ presents valuable life lessons, says Ms. Hermansen, who directed the show

By Alexandria Yates

After four months of rehearsals, hard work and dedication, St. Joseph Hill Academy’s Drama Club presented yet another spectacular show, with four performances, December 1-4. With the choice of the classic show, “The Wizard of Oz,” the cast and crew put on a wonderful performance that shared the beautiful message of the show.

After the success of her second show at Hill, Director Samantha Hermansen shares insight into why she chose “The Wizard of Oz.”

“I chose the show because it's one of the greatest classics of all time. It’s such a fun show and we fall in love with every character,” Ms. Hermansen said. But one of her main reasons for choosing this show was because of the life lessons it conveys.

“I think realizing the importance of being yourself and finding what makes you special is something we all should tap into. A brain, a heart and courage — three major components in being a unique and successful person as well as being proud and finding a love of where you come from.”

With the exciting costumes and makeup of the Lion, Tinman, Scarecrow and Wicked Witch of the West, along with some fantastic special effects and a real dog to play Toto, the show received rave reviews. A breakfast with the characters was also held before the Sunday show.

“My last year in Hill Drama was so surreal,” said senior Avamichelina Hodgens, Drama Club president, who played Dorothy Gale. “I have grown so much with this program and it has always been such a safe place for me. I knew it would be one of the hardest goodbyes of my senior year. ‘The Wizard of Oz’ was the most perfect experience and my favorite show I have ever done. It will always hold such a special place in my heart.”

Many Hill students are in performances at other schools this year, so make sure not to miss “Into the Woods” at Monsignor Farrell, March 15-18, and “The Addams Family” at St. Peters, May 19-21.