Inside This Week's Issue Cape & Sword, Faculty Grid, and Student
Edited by Joe Egler '16 and Ryan Naehr '16
Volume 41, Issue V
The Student Newspaper of St. Joseph's Prep
October 16, 2015
By Aidan O’Connor ‘17 Whether you associate Aramark with scrumptious fries, long lines, delicious shakes, or pricey food, it is still part of your daily life here at the Prep. Next year, however, all that could change. At the end of last year, the Prep’s contract with Aramark, stretching back to 2008, ended, but the Prep gave a one year extension. Now it is time for the Prep to start the process of searching
The Prep may be seeking to replace the services provided by Aramark with those ofa new food service provider by the 2016-17 school year. for a food vendor for next The Prep will then send it out year. The Prep will write an to gather responses from RFP (Request for Proposal) potential partners. Mrs. that will include all that the Ehrlich, the Prep’s controller Prep expects from a vendor. for finances, explains that the
goal is not necessarily to change vendors. “It is a great opportunity for kids and parents to pursue what they really want,” says Ehrlich. The opinions of
Opinion
Food Service Future of Prep Uncertain
Continued on page 3.
Prep vs. La Salle: The Rivalry Continues
By Aidan Donaher ‘16 All of us remember what happened last year in the PCL Football Championship. The Prep completely obliterated La Salle, 46-13. Last year’s game was highlighted by Olamide Zaccheaus ‘15, who torched La Salle’s supposedly tough defense, and Jake Strain ‘15, who created chaos and forced the highly touted La Salle quarterback Kyle Shurmur to play terribly. However, the Prep has graduated Zaccheus, Strain, and many other star athletes from last year’s team, just as La Salle has graduated
Prep football aims to gain its fifth straight win against La Salle tomorrow. Shurmur and others. Both back-to-back PIAA Class teams have many fresh faces AAAA State Champions. But this is not just in the mix, along with about football. There is seasoned upperclassmen leaders. La Salle is surely simply no rivalry anywhere chomping at the bit to get a like this. Yes, in other cities, chance to avenge its loss there may be two premier from last year against the private schools that have
battled for years in a multitude of sports, but is any city more passionate about its sports teams as Philadelphia? Stands are packed with fanatics from each side for every event. Prep-La Salle games are classics, no matter the sport, as often equally matched teams duke it out in front of large crowds of crazy students and alumni. A Prep student can remember the glory of the Prep basketball team’s regular-season tripleovertime comeback win against La Salle that clinched a home playoff game in 2015, Continued on page 2.
Prep Planning Big for Sunday's Open House By Ronan Egan ‘18 This Sunday, October 18, the Prep will be hosting its annual fall open house, which they hope will begin to lure middle school students towards the Prep. It will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, and will last for hours until the school has been promoted to perfection. The open house is one of the Prep’s top marketing days, aiming to attain huge attendance at this event. In recent years, the Prep has seen a steady growth in the amount and grade levels of kids in attendance. Last year, the
Rivalry (Cont'd)
but he also remembers the brutal agony after the Explorers squeaked out a win in the PCL quarterfinal game. Just this week, Prep golf defeated La Salle for the District 12 Championship, qualifying for the State Championship in the process. This was an emotional win for sure after their tight loss to La Salle last week in the PCL Championship. The
This Sunday, potential Prep students and families will become familiar with the campus and its students, as advertised by the Prep's website. open house had more than Pennsylvania and New 600 families in attendance, Jersey. Mr. Bill Avington ‘90, with kids ranging from fifth who works closely with the to ninth grade. This year, admissions office, could not even more are expected to stress its importance enough. arrive from schools all over “The open house is examples go on and on, as this rivalry for Philadelphian supremacy runs deep. Tomorrow’s game is more than just a football game for the Prep and La Salle. This is not Malvern, Roman, or another one of our secondary rivals. This is a battle the boys of Girard Ave. vs the boys of Cheltenham Ave. This runs deep. This is the Prep vs. La Salle.
one of many reasons people choose to come to the Prep, along with shadow days. It allows the family to experience the Prep, rather than just their kids who are considering coming here.” Avington continues on to say that it is a time where the school unites as a whole community—students, parents, and teachers. On October 18, the future classes of 2020, 2021, 2022 and so forth will attend what may be their first look at our school, on what is probably the most important day on the admissions calendar.
The senior members oflast year's football team celebrate their second consecutive PCL Championship with the hubcap at Northeast High School in Philadelphia.
Prep and La Salle's Most Recent Meeting by the Numbers
By Joe Egler '16 Points First downs Rushing yards Total yards Completion percentage Fumbles Rushing touchdowns
St. Joseph’s Prep 46 18 285 337 .500 0 6
La Salle 13 8 42 122 .478 3 0
Passing touchdowns Sacks
1 5
0 2
Future (Cont'd)
students will certainly be considered in this process. Besides the general operational requirements on the RFP, such as hours, meal plans, and event catering, there will be a request for food samples. Representatives from student council will be able to test the food and bring in opinions from the student body. The school will be interested in pursuing the wants of students, such as fair prices and healthy choices. A committee comprised of teachers, student council, staff, and parents will evaluate the data collected by the RFP and then make a recommendation to be approved by the school. This process will be underway before Thanksgiving rolls around. A representative from Aramark referred question about the contract back to the Prep, but did offer
means a change in workers. Despite negativities about prices, overwhelmingly the comments received by students were extremely positive about the servers. One junior said: “The only reason I like Aramark is because of the staff”. A senior commented: “It is very expensive and makes me sad. They should lower prices. Servers are super awesome though”. Another senior said: “I like the employees and find them very helpful, but the food gets more and more expensive each year.” A junior even said: “Chill people, but prices are a bit high”. Once the committee Aramark's service has frequently been protested is finalized, students should across the United States. some insight into what the up switching food providers, reach out to their peer future may hold. one negative aspect that will representatives to give “We have proudly served SJP be felt throughout the Prep opinions. for the last seven years and community is the loss of the we hope to continue the wonderful workers in the partnership for many years to kitchen and cafeteria. Since come,” he says. they are employees of If the Prep does end Aramark, a new vendor
Students' Opinion: Aramark
The following results are valid as ofThursday, October 8, 2015, at 12:12 p.m.
What do you think ofthe Aramark’s prices at the Prep?
Expensive Fairly priced Inexpensive No opinion
230 25 0 7
87.8% 9.5% 0% 2.7%
Ifyou answered “Expensive” to the previous question…
The prices are expensive, but it does not stop me from purchasing The prices are expensive, and I don’t buy as a result Other Continued on page 4.
100 99 30
43.7% 43.2% 13.1%
Original Play Set to Debut at Prep
By Augie Lorei ‘16 This year’s fall show at the Prep is an original play titled Kennedy’s Crisis: Thirteen Days in October. Director Tony Braithwaite ‘89 and two women whom he knows from professional Philadelphia theater wrote this play, inspired by the book Thirteen Days: A Memoir of the Cuban Missile Crisis by Robert F. Kennedy, and the teleplay The Missiles of October. The play recreates the two weeks in October 1962 surrounding the Cuban Missile Crisis. Braithwaite had a simple answer for why the play was written. “Because it’s the
Opinion (Cont'd)
Kennedy’s Crisis: Thirteen Days in October is an
stuff of good drama,” he says. This play will be the first original play on the Prep stage for any current students. Excitement was also high among the seniors in the
original play written by Mr. Tony Braithwaite ‘89, female role is Mrs. Lincoln, et al., and based played by Anna Rudegeair MMA ‘16. A full cast list can on Thirteen be found on the Cape and Days: A Facebook page, as Memoir of the Sword as updates about the Cuban Missile well show. It is a drama, and will Crisis by Robert be on the shorter side of the F. Kennedy. show, as this is the first non- Prep’s recent plays. It is musical play in two years. historical fiction, and all The play casts 17 men and scenes except one are based one woman, and the lead, on events that really Tom Koenig ‘16, will be happened. The play will open playing John F. Kennedy. The on Friday, November 13th at 8 p.m.
Is your overall opinion ofAramark positive or negative?
Aramark at the Prep is bad: X X X X X X X X Aramark at the Prep is great:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
43 20 33 31 40 28 35 20 6 5
16.5% 7.7% 12.6% 11.9% 15.3% 10.7% 13.4% 7.7% 2.3% 1.9%
How would a change in food service provider influence you?
Not at all: X X X X X X X X Very much:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
14 6 16 10 32 25 34 33 27 62
5.4% 2.3% 6.2% 3.9% 12.4% 9.7% 13.1% 12.7% 10.4% 23.9%
Faculty Grid By Joe Scott '19
Where are you from? What is your favorite movie? What are you planning on being for Halloween?
What is your favorite aspect of the Prep?
Mr. Kelly
Dr. Pollock Mr. Dougherty '93 Ms. Baland
Cork, Ireland
Atco, New Jersey
The Mission
Plan 9 from Outer Space
Wizard
Enthusiasm of the people here, to learn and be involved.
Superhero (cape) The community feeling that is in everyone who is part of the Prep.
Northeast Philadelphia
Caracas, Venezuela
Johnny Stecchino
Bridges of Madison County
Teacher (normal dress code) Latin.
Witch
The character of the students here at the Prep.
Two randomly selected poll respondents have been selected (courtesy of lunch Random.org) to receive one free each. Congratulations to: no. 137) Connor Bansky '18 (respondent Matthew Brennan '18 (respondent no. 40) Contact Mr. Vaccaro '05 to claim your free lunch.
Football Update: Hawks Pummel St. Joseph's Regional in 28-5 Rout
By Mike O’Neill ‘17 After a disappointing 33-21 loss to Malvern Prep last week, the Prep bounced back in a big way with an impressive win over national powerhouse St. Joseph Regional (NJ). SJR came into the game as the heavy favorite, boasting a 4-1 record, and a win over archrival and fellow New Jersey power Don Bosco Prep. However, the Hawks rose to the occasion and avenged their 47-29 loss to SJR in 2014 with a dominant performance on both sides of the ball. The Prep was led by a three-touchdown effort by running back D'Andre Swift ‘17 and an all-around solid performance by fullback/defensive end Joe DuMond '16. The SJP defense brought the pressure all game long, keeping the Green Knights out of the end zone
Joe DuMond '16 returns to the Prep's sideline after taking a big hit in the midst ofa touchdown reception. His touchdown gave the Hawks a score of20, to the Green Knights' score of5. The final score was 28-5. for the entire game. Prior to Saturday, SJR had not played a game without a touchdown since September 2014. The Prep D was also responsible for forcing three turnovers, including a crucial fourth down stop on their own goal line, and a fourth quarter interception by running back/safety Benny Walls ‘16. The Prep now sits at
3-2 (.600), and is continuing its quest for a third straight Philadelphia Catholic League and Pennsylvania State titles. The team is set to enter Catholic League play next week against rival La Salle College High School this Saturday at PlymouthWhitemarsh. La Salle is the first of three PCL foes that the Prep will face in
consecutive weeks as they round out the regular season with games against Father Judge and Roman Catholic. When asked about how the team feels coming into the game after picking up the huge win over SJR, defensive end Chris Lowndes ‘17 expressed how it will be business as usual for the Hawks. “We’re not taking it any differently than any other game. We’re just treating it like an ordinary game, and taking another step in our process,” he says. Nevertheless, Saturday’s game against the Explorers is sure to be another great rivalry matchup. Be sure to come out to PW on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. to support the team!
This Edition's Student of the Week
By Aidan Donaher ‘16 This week’s Student of the Week is Paul Cox ‘16. Cox is one of the Prep’s brightest students, as he has a perfect 4.0 GPA and takes many rigorous classes, currently including his mathematics class at Temple University, since he has already taken Prep’s highest math course. He plans on taking his talents to college next year, as he is applying to Pittsburgh, Duke, and
Princeton, among other schools. He is also very active in helping fellow Preppers as a mathematics and physics tutor. Cox is very active in Prep Music, as he is one of the Prep’s finest vocalists and pianists. Cox is also a member of JSA. Congratulations, Paul.
Students' Opinion: Chromebooks The following results are valid as ofThursday, October 8, 2015, at 12:12 p.m.
For sophomores, juniors, and seniors only: Has your opinion ofthe 1:1 program at the Prep (Chromebooks) changed since the end ofthe school year last year?
Changed: Now I am happier about the program than I was. Opinion has stayed the same. Changed: Now I am less happy about the program than I was. I have no opinion. Other
84 74 30 18 6
39.6% 34.9% 14.2% 8.5% 2.8%
#chromenation
For everyone: Do you approve or disapprove ofhaving Chromebooks in the classroom?
Approve/mostly approve Disapprove/mostly disapprove Indifferent/no opinion
161 47 53
61.7% 18% 20.3%
For everyone: Do you think that you can learn more with laptops in the classroom?
It is possible to learn more with laptops It is not possible to learn more I have no opinion Other
172 35 30 24
65.9% 13.4% 11.5% 9.2%
Hawkeye Sudoku
The first person who correctly completes the puzzle and returns it to Joe Egler '16 or Ryan Naehr '16 will receive a free lunch pass.
Scoreboard & Events
By Joe Egler '16
Game Recaps
Upcoming Games
Next Week at the Prep
FOOTBALL: 21-5 Win vs. St. Joseph’s Regional (NJ)
CROSS COUNTRY: PCL Championship Saturday 10/24 @ 1:30 p.m.
MONDAY, 10/19: Faculty Meeting “E” Bells - 1:54 Dismissal “A” Day
GOLF: Won 2nd consecutive District XII Championship (Alex Butler ‘16, 74; Jack Mitchell ‘17, 75; Mike Burns ‘16, 78)
FOOTBALL: Home game Saturday 10/17 vs. La Salle @ 1:00 p.m.
GOLF: East Regional Individual SOCCER: Championship Monday 0-2 Loss to Father Judge 10/19 SOCCER: Game vs. TBD Tuesday 10/20
TUESDAY, 10/20: “B” Day WEDNESDAY, 10/21: Freshman Elections “C” Day THURSDAY, 10/22: Freshman Elections President’s Club Reception “D” Day FRIDAY, 10/23: Freshman Elections "E" Day
Hawkeye Staff Editors-in-Chief Joe Egler '16 Ryan Naehr '16
StaffWriters Aidan Donaher ‘16 Augie Lorei ‘16 Ryan Mannion ‘16 Fintan O’Toole ‘16 Joe Pisacano ‘16 Kevin Sampson ‘16 Joe Console ‘17 Mike Grafenstine ‘17 Christopher Magiera ‘17 Aidan O’Connor ‘17 Mike O’Neill ‘17 Kyllian Vong ‘17 Ronan Egan ‘18 Matthew Phillips ‘18 Anthony Tigano ‘18 Joe Scott ‘19 Moderator Mr. Leo Vaccaro '05 Special Thanks To: Mrs. Ree O'Neill Mr. Frank Raffa