Unison March 2023

Unison

Period Poverty Presentation

On December 19, 2023 The Ursuline School invited guest speaker Harnaaz Sandhu for the school’s yearly Global Symposium. This year’s Global Symposium focused on the global issue of period poverty and how to reach menstrual equity.

Throughout her life, Ms. Sandhu has been breaking barriers and helping women. Growing up, she would volunteer at health camps with her mother who is a gynecologist, which inspired her mission in life. In December of 2021, Ms. Sandhu was crowned Miss Universe at the 70th Miss Universe Organization competition, and winning this competition allowed her to use her platform to spread awareness and expand her impact on helping women around the world.

In March 2022, Ms. Sandhu helped launch a coalition for period poverty in India where 62% of women don’t have access to safe menstrual products. The coalition’s goal is to educate, pass policies, reduce stigma, and increase access to menstrual products. Its aim is to reach five million women by 2025. Additionally, they hope to eventually become international. Ms. Sandhu explains that the coalition wants to turn “period poverty to period power-ty.”

Ms. Sandhu strongly supports

our school’s motto, Serviam, meaning “I will serve.” She believes that “service is the most prestigious gift you can give to others.” She told students that everyone is capable of having a positive impact on the world, and she encouraged us to take action by educating ourselves on world issues and putting effort into solving them.

When asked, “Was there anything in particular about Ms. Sandhu that stood out to you, and how did your views about period poverty change after hearing her?” one junior answered, “Ms. Sandhu presents with such confidence, and it is not only beautiful, but she supports it with intelligence and her mission to make a positive impact on the world. Hearing her made me want to work

harder to help women in need and affected by period poverty. ”

In Ms. Sandhu’s visit to The Ursuline School she said to students, “Believe in yourselves, love yourselves, and achieve your goals.” With this said, she believes that if we are all collectively committed, we will be able to reach menstrual equity.

After Ms. Sandhu’s inspiring words, Ursuline took to action on the global issue of period poverty. In January, the Serviam Saturday, which is generally a food drive, was organized to be a period product drive. Donations were given to Young Lives Manhattan which supports young, single mothers in need. Additionally, in February, the school set up a period product drive in the arcade for around two weeks. The school also sold a $5 menstrual equity bracelet in the Brendan J. Moyna Bookstore. The bracelet has twenty eight beads to represent the days of the menstrual cycle, twenty two of which are white, and five of which are red to represent your period. Ms. Sandhu is a passionate young woman who aligns with Ursuline’s mission. As an all-girls school, we should continue to take inspiration from her in uplifting women and taking further action against period poverty and the various issues present in our world.

NABIHA METLA ‘24

Christopher Pope Photography

Christopher Pope Photography

Model UN Trip to DC

Ursuline’s Model UN High School team went to the American University International Model United Nations Conference, AmeriMUNC, from February 2nd to February 5th. Prior to the conference itself, the Model UN team went sightseeing and was able to take in the beauty of our capital. The Ursuline delegation for this specific conference held a wide range of age groups, from freshmen to seniors, with this being the first in-person conference for many.

The team performed beautifully in their respective committees, which all tackled current issues in the Indo-Pacific. From conquering colonialism in Japan, to increasing birthrates, to creating a new air force in Australia, or drafting resolutions regarding healthcare in General Assemblies, this team was able to accomplish many goals. They also brought home several awards. Co-Secretary Generals, seniors Morgan Adamson and Amrit Singh were both awarded “Best Delegate” gavels in their respective assemblies, the highest award that one could win at a Model UN conference. Junior Kaitlyn Flores also received an honorable mention award.

The Model UN team also seemed to be extremely popular among the committee, with three delegates winning the Most Diplomatic Award. This is a voted award that is granted to the person in each committee that they believe to be the most cooperative and diplomatic. The recipients of this award were Nuala Reynolds, Amrit Singh, and Kaitlyn Flores.

We are all extremely proud of all the delegates and the hard work they accomplished throughout the long sessions of the three-day conference. There were several noteworthy moments from all of our delegates, but some deserve special highlighting. Freshman Justine Dolan had her first “midnight crisis” while in her advanced crisis committee. This means that after the recreational delegate dance while everyone else was sleeping, Justine was specially chosen to work on progressing her committee from midnight until past two in the morning. As for other accomplishments under the MUN simulation, sophomore and under-secretary general Theresa Montana created a new air force troop that was completely controlled by her will in

Australia, Nuala Reynolds was able to vie for power against the Prime Minister, and Morgan Adamson was able to set up a new form of government with a new democratic regime in Japan. This experience also allowed the delegates to meet like-minded peers from all around the world, including Guatemala, Italy, Spain, and the west-coast. The team was also rewarded with many fun activities such as participating in a delegate dance on Saturday night, sight-seeing, enjoying group meals, and being treated with Insomnia cookies for a job well done. It was a very successful and fun weekend overall. Great job, Ursuline!

MORGAN

St. Patrick’s Day History

AOIBHE CHARLES ‘24

What’s with all the green? You might be wondering why once March rolls around, different shades of green fill the shelves of stores nationwide. Well, you may be surprised to hear why…

St. Patrick’s Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick, is observed globally on March 17th. This annual celebration marks the death of St. Patrick in 461. According to many ancient folktales, St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the people of Ireland. As he recounted, the three leaves symbolize the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The shamrock, green in color, eventually became a religious symbol of St. Patrick across the pagan country and an essential emblem of the fete.

The holiday originated in 1631 when the Catholic Church established a feast day honoring St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The day commemorates him and marks the arrival of Christianity to Ireland. While it was once a smaller affair celebrated with religious services in Ireland, once Irish immigrants came to the United States, they brought their cultural holiday with them. It was then that St. Patrick’s Day became a celebration of Irish culture spread around the world.

In the 21st century, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by eating traditional Irish meals, dressing head to toe in green, and attending parades. Whether you’re one of the 2 million spectators at the NYC St. Patrick’s Day parade or simply enjoying a slice of Irish soda bread, Sláinte!

Word Search

St. Valentine’s Day

LAUREN GOODWIN ‘23

Every year on February 14th, people rush out to buy bouquets of red roses, heart-shaped chocolate boxes, and thoughtful cards for their loved ones. Valentine’s Day is a beloved holiday by millions around the world. Someone may have asked you to be their “Valentine,” but what does that mean? And where did Valentine’s Day come from in the first place?

The holiday originated in ancient Rome during the reign of Claudius II Gothicus. Historians have speculated that Saint Valentine might actually refer simultaneously to two different men. However, there has not been a clear consensus due to inconsistent documentation of these stories. Nonetheless, it is believed that during a house arrest with Judge Asterius, St. Valentine (a former Bishop at the time) was conversing about his faith in Jesus. Asterius decided to test the validity of Valentine’s argument by challenging him to restore sight to his blind daughter. Valentine prayed over the judge’s daughter and voilà! Asterius’ daughter could see!

In another story, Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for young men, believing that this would improve soldiers’ performance in battle. St. Valentine, a Roman priest, went against this edict and secretly married couples, hence making his legacy about love.

In both accounts, St. Valentine was ultimately martyred for his faith on February 14th. Some believe that before he was executed, he wrote a letter to Judge Asterius’ daughter and signed it “from your Valentine.” Millions write this same phrase today on Valentine’s Day as they write letters to their loved ones. While we celebrate this holiday with chocolates, flowers, fancy dinners, or staying at home and watching romantic comedies on TV, let’s remember St. Valentine’s story and the great sacrifice he made for his faith.

New Monthly Adoration/Lent

Wednesday, February 21 marked the first day of the liturgical season of Lent. Lent is a 40-day period recognized by the Catholic Church and is an important time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday as Catholics all around the world fast and attend Mass to receive crosses of ashes on their foreheads as a sign of faith.

The season of Lent is directly connected to Jesus’ life. At the beginning of His public ministry, Jesus spent 40 days and nights in the desert, fasting and praying in preparation for the life He was about to embark on. Every year, we as Catholics also spend 40 days in preparation for the Passion, death, and Resurrection of Jesus, which signifies the end of the Lenten season and the beginning of the joyful season of Easter.

In the weeks leading up to Lent, it is not

uncommon to find people debating and discussing with their friends or family what they are going to give up this year. Candy, chocolate, a favorite dessert, or a daily coffee are typical answers to the “What are YOU giving up?” question. Fasting is important because it unites us to Jesus’ sacrifice, both in the desert and on the cross. Our sacrifice is meant to remind us that we are not alone, that Jesus has sacrificed as well and we can look to Him for strength in our time of fast.

Fasting is not the only action that we as Catholics can take during Lent. Instead of giving something up, there are many things we can do during this contemplative time to draw us closer to Jesus and our faith. Prayer and almsgiving are the other two pillars of the Lenten mission. Almsgiving is donating time or money to others. Here at Ursuline, we have

NOELLE GAYER ‘23

countless opportunities to practice our motto of Serviam - I will serve. Think about getting involved in a Serviam Saturday, either by volunteering or dropping off donations.

Prayer is central to cultivating a relationship with God during Lent. There are many different devotional apps and podcasts available to help you grow your prayer life. This year at TUS, we have a new prayer opportunity available every First Friday of the month: Eucharistic Adoration. Adoration is a sacred tradition of the Catholic faith in which we come before Jesus, present in the Holy Eucharist, to pray or simply spend time in the quiet. I encourage everyone to take advantage of Jesus’ presence in this special way and come spend just a few minutes with Him!

Wishing everyone a meaningful and fruitful Lenten season!

Celebrating the Religions of the World: Ramadan and Passover

OLIVIA STELLA ‘26

As two of the major monotheistic religions of the world, Islam and Judaism have many unique customs, most of which do not overlap. However, this year, in 2023, the two overlap slightly, with one major holiday from each religion occurring at almost the same time. These holidays are Islam’s Ramadan and Judaism’s Passover. In honor of these two holidays, and two religions, it serves one well to explore some of each holiday’s traditional roots, practices, and beliefs.

Ramadan, also known as “Ramaḍān” or “رَمَضَان” in Arabic, is a holiday representing the fourth pillar (or fundamental practice) of Islam that involves fasting. Ramadan takes place in the ninth month in the Muslim calendar. This is a holy month of fasting ordained by the Quran for all Muslims who have reached puberty (and are able to keep it). Ramadan begins 10-12 days earlier each year. It occurs in every season of the year across a 33-year period, since the Muslim calendar is around eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. According to Muslim tradition, it was in the ninth month, Ramadan, that God revealed the first chapters of the Quran, Islam’s holy book intended to guide the people to the prophet Muhammad. The fasting during Ramadan begins at sunrise and ends at sunset. Many Muslims wake up shortly before dawn to eat an early meal, called suḥūr, before the fasting begins.

Known as Pesach in Hebrew, Passover is one of the most central Jewish holidays relating to their history and culture, and it is more widely observed than any other Jewish holiday. Passover celebrates the biblical account in the book of Exodus of the Israelites’ redemption after their enslavement in Egypt for 400 years, which was a result of their disobedience and lack of faith in God. The Torah, the sacred text of Jews, says to observe Passover for seven days. The centerpiece of celebration for Passover is the seder, a ritual dinner commemorating the Israelites’ freedom granted to them by their God. The story of Exodus is often recited, along with special prayers and devotions. For Passover, there are specific dietary restrictions that Jews must follow during this time. They cannot eat foods that contain chametz, which includes spelt, wheat, oats, rye, barley, and any other grains that cause dough to rise.

Ramadan and Passover may not have many similarities in terms of practices and history, but they are equally important parts of their respective cultures. They serve their purpose of guiding the followers of said religions in devotion and worship, and they honor the history of these cultures. For those who celebrate these holidays, and for those who do not, Ramadan and Passover remind people of the enduring nature of faith. They bring the people of that religion together, no matter how far apart they are in the world, as one community of worship.

NASDAQ Trip

CHRISTINA HUERTA-STYLIANOU ‘24

On January 31st, 17 students from Ursuline’s Lab for Financial Markets and Literacy had the opportunity of visiting the NASDAQ’s Time Square Studio for the closing bell ceremony to get a glimpse into the world of finance. Ava Snyder, a junior who took the class during the first semester, shares her experience attending the ceremony: “It was really informative to see a financial market in person. It helped me in the class by giving me insight into what the workplace is like in finance careers.”

Last fall, Ursuline’s first Lab for Financial Markets and Literacy was introduced as a means of supporting girls who wish to pursue business. Ursuline created the class in response to the ongoing issue of the underrepresentation of women in the world of finance and the need for women to learn about personal finance and the global markets. The goal of the program is to teach girls financial literacy and financial concepts so they can apply their knowledge to their personal financial planning. The program was taught by Ursuline’s own highly skilled onsite financial expert, Jill Patricot, who integrated enriching activities into the class such as team projects and real-world case studies to help students develop an understanding of complex financial ideas. Patricot helped girls work towards their Bloomberg certification, an e-learning course that provides an introduction to the context of financial markets and practices using the Bloomberg terminal.

The NASDAQ closing bell marked the culmination of the class for students. “The class and the Bloomberg certification gave me an edge and a better idea about the economics of the country and will help me as I study business in college,” Ava reflected.

Sophomore Social

GEORGINA GAMBLE ‘25

On Friday, February 10th, 2023, the sophomores at Ursuline had the chance to attend the Sophomore Social! This was the first time Ursuline has provided a semi-formal dance opportunity for tenth-grade students, and it was definitely successful. For most of the Class of 2025, this was their first semi-formal dance and very unlike any school dances or gatherings they have been to in the past. Hosted at Mulino’s at Lake Isle, sophomores in attendance could bring a guest of their choice or just go with friends if they preferred. They also had the chance to dress up, and students and guests alike definitely made the most of this opportunity by wearing gorgeous semi-formal dresses or suits. The wonderful DJ played music that the students requested, making it a fun reason to dance the night away! Dinner was provided, as well as Shirley Temples, followed by cookies and ice cream to top the amazing night off.

We hope that Ursuline decides to make the Sophomore Social a tradition for every tenthgrade class to experience. Since Covid has finally settled down, it is finally a safer time to have more gatherings such as these. The Sophomore Social was a great opportunity for students to hang out with friends outside of the classroom and even socialize with people we might not have in school. Continuing a yearly Sophomore Social will be something the future tenthgraders will look forward to during the year and will definitely continue to be a success!

Choir Trip to Italy

LAUREN BARTON ‘23

Over February Break, the Ursuline Chamber Choir and Concert Choir embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage to Rome, Italy. Over the six days of the trip, the students visited many historic spots, most notably St. Peter’s Basilica, Assisi, Trevi Fountain, and St. John the Lantern Church. Students were also able to perform hymns that they had learned in several churches and were able to get ashes on Ash Wednesday. Additionally, this trip was very important to the Ursuline community as it was the first international exchange since the Covid pandemic in the fall of 2020.

As a member of the Chamber Choir, I felt extremely honored to be able to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. One of my favorite moments of the entire trip was walking into St. Peter’s Basilica for the first time. With its tall, ornate ceilings, beautiful frescos, and largerthan-life statues, this magnificent church truly took my breath away. Italy, being a country known for its cuisine, truly did not disappoint. My favorite meal of the trip was a cream-based pasta with Italian sausage that the choir enjoyed in Assisi, and it was one of the highlights of my trip. Besides the delicious food and beautiful churches, another one of my favorite parts of the trip was our visit to the headquarters of the Ursuline Nuns. It was such a unique experience to be able to talk with them, and it was even more remarkable to see the diversity of the nuns and hear their stories. There were nuns from Poland, France, Taiwan, and Italy. The nuns reminded us of the importance of Serviam in our lives, and it was incredible to be able to hear their stories about the early Ursuline Sisters and what they did to serve their communities. Overall, the trip was extremely valuable to the students’ global education by allowing them to immerse themselves in a culture different from their own.

The Cabaret

KLARA SEVERANCE-SULIMMA ‘26

The Ursuline School recently celebrated its fifth cabaret, with proceeds going towards Sanctuary for Families. Sanctuary for Families is a non-profit that helps victims of domestic abuse as well as their children. The Cabaret was student-run and consisted of many numbers from notable and iconic Broadway shows such as Hamilton, Spongebob the Musical, Wicked, Mean Girls, and many others.

The cast and crew put so much effort into the production, spending hours working to make the cabaret perfect. All of their hard work paid off in the end as they were left with a dazzling experience they will never forget. The tech crew made sure each star on stage shined. The singers hit note after note, transfixing the audience into the performance. Cameron Kai, the main choreographer, had some excellent ballet and interpretive dance numbers. Elizabeth Ortiz provided the perfect comedic relief that kept the audience laughing, while Carly Tauber dazzled the audience with her voice on “No Good Deed” from Wicked. Sienna Perez, Allie Go, Mila Paljusaj, and Aili Moorehead had the lighting down to a tee. Julia Higgins made sure every note could be heard. The cabaret had excellent accompaniments from Mr. Falipou on the piano. Many gathered in the Gabelli Auditorium to watch the Cabaret, such as Emily Trezza ‘26 who said “The show was attention-grabbing and an overall marvelous experience to watch.” Grace Irving said, “The Cabaret was a very enjoyable experience where I was able to bond with my peers.” Behind the scenes, the cast and crew got along splendidly and were a family by the end. The Cabaret connected people through beautiful performances and joined people together in support of a good cause.

The Grammys

LILY BEECHINOR COLLINS ‘23

This year’s Grammy Awards was definitely a historically-memorable award show. The 65th Annual Grammy Awards saw a total of 91 awards given in Los Angeles. Beyoncé came away with the most awards of the evening, and with her new total amounting to thirty-two awards, she has broken the record of winning the most of all time. Harry Styles won Album of the Year with his album Harry’s House. This album was started before the pandemic and includes many popular tracks, such as “As It Was,” “Late Night Talking,” and “Music For A Sushi Restaurant.” Harry Styles also won Best Pop Vocal Album. Sam Smith won Best Duo/Group Performance along with Kim Petras for “Unholy,” which was made in Jamaica. This song, which was first teased on TikTok and earned above 30 million views in a video with Sam and Kim dancing, was one of four awards that Sam Smith received that night after having received Best New Artist and Record of the Year in 2015. One of the top awards this year was Record of the Year, won by Lizzo for “About Damn Time,” for which she received a standing ovation after leaving the audience with a message on positivity!

“ you need to be like you, and never ever let somebody stop you ”

Science Research

ANNA GAYER ‘23

The Science Research program is three years long. After a careful application process in sophomore year, students are exposed to all sorts of scientific experiences. When asked about the importance of the program, a resounding theme in students’ responses is that it is an experience that they can use later on in their academic and professional careers. If you are a student who is interested in pursuing a career in medicine, research or pharmaceuticals, then the Science Research course will be a really great exposure to lab work and scientific writing. Current students agree that the class is really useful in laying the foundation for science work to come. Another great thing about the program is the freedom it gives students to make their own choices about what to study. Across the board, current students say that the ability to explore the topics they had questions about is what drew them to the course in the first place: “What interested us most about the Science Research program was the opportunity to explore all different topics that interest us. We have the chance to choose what interests us and get to expand our knowledge through research,” said sophomores Marley Jennings and Aine O’Sullivan. There are so many different scientific fields of study, and the course allows students to pick any of them based on preference. This is an incredible opportunity for high school students and part of what makes the program so special.

The Science Research program has also had great success. Senior Jenna Cain won 4th place in the Cell Biology/Biochemistry category of the Westchester-Rockland Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. Her project is about her experience working in a Fordham lab that is doing cancer research. Ursuline is very proud to be sending Jenna to Albany for the next level of the competition on March 9th, 2023.

The Science Research course occurs in two stages. For the first two years, sophomores and juniors are exposed to different kinds of research projects, one example being DNA barcoding. Field trips to a DNA sequencing lab are an outlet for the students to get hands-on experience. A lot of the work in

these years is collaborative. The students emphasized how important that characteristic of the course is. Learning to collaborate is an important life skill that definitely makes a big impact on the science research experience. In the final year of the course, seniors work on completing a full length Science Research program themselves. It is a very time-consuming yet rewarding process for the students and provides an incredible opportunity to practice these skills before going on to pursue them at higher levels. Students also have the chance to attend virtual and in-person competitions to present their research.

Of course, the best way to learn more about this amazing course is from the students themselves. Below, there are some descriptions from science researchers about their experiences in the course:

levels and could have been helpful in her own experience with injuries. Such a strong personal connection to her research has allowed her to gain incredible experience from the course.

First up, Michela Visco ’23 has been researching the FIFA-11 injury prevention program. FIFA is the International Federation of Association Football. A huge part of her success in the program comes from her dedication. She came into the program excited to study this topic, which helped her stay motivated. The research she is conducting centers on the success of the FIFA-11 injury program and whether or not it should be continued. She says that the study will be helpful to soccer players at all

Next, Julia Higgins ’23 has really benefited from the mentorship aspect of the program. Students are paired up with professional mentors, who are often Ursuline alumnae, to be another resource or avenue for their research. Julia’s mentor was Dr. Rachel Masch at Mount Sinai Hospital. She had to take a course on HIPAA, which enforces patient privacy before beginning research. It shows the depth and realistic nature of these research projects. Julia has also found that the data analysis work she is doing translates into her other courses: “It’s come in handy in my macroeconomics, physics, computer, and biology classes. When working with raw data, I’ve found that I can do more calculations in my head, and I’m mapping out data more efficiently…It’s extremely useful to be able to break down technical language into easily understandable sentences or thoughts. I’ve gained more knowledge in Latin root words, which has increased my ability to understand technical works not just in scientific journals, but English class texts as well.” Her experience shows how valuable the Science Research program is, in and out of the classroom.

Do you have a passion for science? Are you curious about things in your everyday life? Are you looking for some real hands-on experience in the researching world? Then Science Research is the right course for you!

Jenna Cain ’23 has also had an incredible experience in a lab at Fordham as part of her coursework. She was connected with Professor Nicolas Sawyer by Ursuline alumna Maggie DiGiorno ’21. Jenna was part of the team making modifications to a molecule to block cancer-related interactions throughout the body. She gained some experience working with an undergrad student but was then able to conduct some experiments of her own. She credits the Science Research program for giving her an avenue to discern what particular scientific topics she was interested in studying.

studying hands-on in the lab. She says that her experience in the lab with experienced scientists makes her aspire to a life in science and is thankful that the program provided her with that incredible opportunity.

Marley Jennings and Aine O’Sullivan

Marley and Aine are working on a project, along with Michela Visco and Abigail Troup, which they described as “A Comparison of Moss Biodiversity Between Areas of Different Atmospheric Pollution in Westchester County, New York.” They said: “We seek to identify the relationship between moss as a bioindicator and air quality. We hypothesize that in areas of poorer air quality, there will be less moss biodiversity.”

Christina Huerta-Stylianou ’24 joined the program with an open mind towards scientific subjects. In fact, she wasn’t completely sure of her exact project until she went to visit Regeneron Labs and heard her mentor speak. Christina’s project is called “Characterizing Smad 2/3 Signaling in MPL Adipogenic Research.” MPL stands for Marfanoid Progeroid Lipodystrophy. It is a rare genetic condition that Christina was

You may be reading this article as a sophomore, junior, or senior and wish that you had been more aware of all the opportunities Science Research had to offer when you had the chance to apply. There’s good news for you - it is possible to participate in research projects outside of the program that are still involved with Ursuline. Sophomore Isabella Vembenil is working on a project called “Hacking the Human: The Impact of Personality Traits on Susceptibility to Social Engineering Attacks.” She has already discussed her project with one of the teachers of the course, Dr. Litvine, and she has a mentor within the Ursuline community, Mr. David Lorden, head of the Computer Science department.

In short, Science Research has so much to offer students! Hands-on experience, professional connections, and a way to explore your interests are just the tip of the iceberg for what the course entails. It is definitely one of Ursuline’s most interesting courses. If any of these stories are resonating with you, we encourage you to consider becoming a part of the program!

Interviews with Researchers

JENNA CAIN ‘23

Once their project is concluded, they both plan to pursue similar topics to one another. Marley hopes to focus her research towards the medical aspect of science and connect with clinical trials while Aine would also like to explore research in medicine, specifically cancer research. One of the best features of the program is the flexibility of what topics one can study, and according to Marley and Aine, that was a major factor in their decisions to join the class. “What interested us most about the Science Research program was the opportunity to explore all different topics that interest us. We have the chance to choose what interests us, and we get to expand our knowledge through research”.

Some advice they have for incoming or interested students: “The best advice we can give is to explore whatever you are passionate about. We have been told by upperclassmen that exploring a multitude of interests is what helps you to discover what you are truly passionate about”. Both Marley and Aine have done amazing work in just their first year from delivering presentations to conducting research, and they have developed foundational skills which will help them in the next couple of years in the program. They said: “The best skills we’ve learned so far are the ability to collaborate and work as a team and identifying the best methods for research. This program has also taught us the most efficient ways to break down a research paper to analyze it.” They have also been able to transfer the skills they have learned to other classes: “Learning how to write a research proposal has been very beneficial to our work in other classes. Knowing how to conduct research and come up with your own topics is an important skill to have in any science class.”

Juliette Thomas, Nora Fodero, Madeline Bohan & Sophiana Simone

biological species. It works by analyzing a specific region of DNA. Then, the sequence of this DNA barcode is compared to a reference library which contains information of many different species. As we collect the samples, we will use an air quality monitor to measure pollution in the air. Using this information, we will be able to see the effect that air pollution has on the effect of lichen biodiversity.

What gave you this idea?

project got accepted!

If you could describe your experience in science research so far in five words, what would they be?

Madeline: insightful, eye opening, hard work, enriching, and interactive.

Sophiana: inspiring, breathtaking, broadening, educative, and captivating.

What are you looking forward to most as you continue in the Science Research program?

Can you describe your project?

Our project is DNA barcoding samples of lichen from two separate areas in Westchester county: Teatown Lake Reservation and the trail along the Bronx River Parkway. DNA barcoding is a method used to identify

After traveling to the Regeneron DNA Learning Center, where we participated in a DNA Barcoding lab in May 2022, the class was hit with inspiration. We decided to submit proposals to the Urban Barcoding Project (UBP) of the New York City organization. We worked very hard on a proposal regarding the barcoding of different lichen species from different areas, and our

Sophiana: I am looking forward to being able to learn and grow from this program through the resources it provides. I am looking to improve skills that I can take with me all the way to college. This program offers the tools needed to be able to find where my interests lie, and I am excited to be able to find that passion and research it.

Can you describe your project?

Our project is studying the biodiversity of mushrooms in the Rockefeller State Park Preserve, which we plan to do through the use of DNA barcoding. Many people don’t realize how vital mushrooms are to ecosystems, and by studying the different species in our area, we can possibly discover the effects that they have on our environment and the organisms around us. Identifying the species of mushrooms around us will also let us know if there are any of the species that are edible or have medicinal properties.

What gave you this idea?

We chose mushrooms for our DNA barcoding project because we had to find an organism that lives between the months of January and April which are our time constraints for this project. After coming up with various ideas, we settled on the biodiversity of mushrooms because of their abundance in our area and their ability to survive in the winter season.

Have you run into any challenges so far?

A problem we ran into was finding species of mushrooms that flourish during the winter. However, we were able to successfully

find mushroom species that flourish in winter and grow in Westchester county. A problem we foresee running into in the future is actually finding the mushrooms that we read about.

If you could describe your experience in science research so far in five words, what would they be?

Isabella: challenging, intriguing, enlightening, encouraging, worthwhile

Anjali: captivating, difficult, educational, thought-provoking, enjoyable

What are you looking forward to most as you continue in the Science Research program?

Anjali: As I continue in the Science Research program, I am most looking forward to conducting research with a mentor. I’m excited to get hands-on experience in a lab and be exposed to different realms of science. Through this research, I hope to find the topic of science that I am interested in and possibly want to pursue in the future. I eventually hope to contribute to scientific developments that benefit the world. The research program is connecting with the Ursuline alumnae

network to find connections to a mentor which I look forward to.

Isabella: As I continue in the Science Research program, I look forward to obtaining a mentor. I look forward to conducting my own research alongside my mentor and competing in competitions with my own research. I hope that working with a mentor will provide me with hands-on experience in a lab and aid me furthering my scientific career.

Isabella Avila & Anjali Shafiee

“ Explore whatever you are passionate about ” Marley & Aine

Black History Month

BRIGID BYRNES ‘24

Every February, the United States recognizes Black History Month, which aims to uplift Black voices past and present and honor the struggles and legacies of African Americans by their works in Civil Rights, social justice, the arts, athletics, and scientific advancements. These are some of the pillars that we as a nation celebrate annually during Black History Month.

Black History Month has been officially recognized since 1976 by President Gerald Ford when he called on Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” However even before this recognition, “Negro History Week,” created by Black historian and author, Dr. Carter G.Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, had been celebrated since 1926 in the second week of February to coincide with Frederick Douglass’ and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays. Each year, a specific theme is chosen by the sitting President in order to highlight specialized struggles and triumphs of Black Americans. The 2023 theme is “Black Resistance,” which aims to bring awareness to the ways in which African Americans have fought back against violence, discrimination and oppression throughout American history.

A number of meaningful events took place at Ursuline to celebrate the month. Notably, Ms. Syntyché Francella guided the 9th, 10th and 11th grades in a conversation through movement titled “Rest as Revolution, ‘’ which emphasized the importance of rest as empowerment and as a necessary tool in our functioning as changemakers. Our Black Essence Club was at the center of the school-wide celebration by planning events and activities for the whole school community to participate in. Every morning we heard from club members on the morning announcements as they read a brief bio of an influential Black woman. To highlight the literary works of Black writers and poets, Black Essence Club displayed a plethora of poems and writings throughout the school with bios on each person, written by NEHS writing tutors. To celebrate Black culture through food, our cafeteria offered a special menu on February 15th, serving an original Jamaican dish, jerk chicken with coconut rice and peas. All of these events enthusiastically brought our school community together to learn about, honor and celebrate Black History!

Women’s History Month

MADELINE DONOVAN ‘23

Kicking off Women’s History Month, The Ursuline School community welcomed positive psychology coach Caroline Adams Miller to speak with students and faculty on many topics pertaining to females specifically. In addition to being one of the first thirty-three people to earn The University of Pennsylvania’s Masters Degree in Positive Psychology, the best-selling author has written eight criticallyacclaimed books, including My Name Is Caroline, Getting Grit, and Creating Your Best Life.

Ms. Miller’s presentation covered a myriad of points of interest, from taking note of women’s treatment of one another and women’s mental health to her personal journey to bulimia recovery. She explained to students how women are biologically programmed to “tend and befriend,” which causes our oxytocin levels to rise; hence, why it is informally referred to as the “love drug.” However, on the contrary, she discussed how women are often in constant competition with one another, whether that be socially, academically, or economically. Ms. Miller provided the example of Madeleine Albright, former United States Secretary of State, whose twins were in school with Ms. Miller as a child. Ms. Albright was criticized by the other mothers for having a demanding position while also having children and trying to balance both. She explained how as “mean girls,” we seldom celebrate one another’s successes and are more likely to be silent or critical at the mention of another woman’s accomplishments. Her proposed solution was a term she coined herself: “ampliship.” By amplifying and highlighting the achievements of our female peers, we have the potential to boost the mental health of other women and can help put an end to the constant comparison.

Along with six other Ursuline students, as editors of Unison, Anna Gayer and I were given the wonderful opportunity to speak and enjoy lunch with Ms. Miller. There, one student asked Ms. Miller for her advice on remaining focused on one’s aspirations, to which she gave a few suggestions. First, she said that referring to them as “dreams” rather than “goals” makes them more likely to be accomplished. She also suggested that we “change our passwords to our dreams” or that we write them on business cards and carry them with us whenever we go, both of which put these ideas at the forefront of our minds every day.

Another student asked Ms. Miller how she believes we should relax and de-stress, to which she replied that meditation is the best way to go. It has been proven that “even seven minutes of mindfulness can make a difference,” she said.

Ms. Miller was additionally asked about her suggestions for positivity, especially in a world where many of the published and broadcasted news stories are negative and lack hope. She suggested Humans of New York and the Good News Network, both of which include uplifting and inspiring stories, which can offer a breath of fresh air in a society where many disappointing events seem to shape our views.

With degrees and education from Harvard University and The University of Pennsylvania, coupled with her scientific and social research, speaking travels, and even her experiences as a woman, Ms. Miller is an incredibly accomplished woman, and has definitely more than established her ethos and inspired us to be role models in “ampliship.”

Cheerleading Nationals

Welcome to Koala Town! The Ursuline Cheerleading team took the mat once again at Nationals in Orlando, Florida. The team spent the months leading up the competition working hard and perfecting their routines in order to perform the few minutes they had on the national stage with full energy and koala pride.

The National High School Cheerleading Championship is the largest and most prestigious high school cheerleading competition in the nation. With over 20,000 athletes, 950 teams, and 50,000 attendees, our girls really gave it their all. The Ursuline routines were full of energy and had the crowd going wild. The Koalas were treated like celebrities in Orlando when other teams asked to touch their bows for good luck and take pictures with them. The Varsity Game

Day Team finished third in the nation with a score of 94.8, Ursuline’s highest national game day score to date. Eleven of the twenty-two girls on the Game Day Team are either freshman or eighth graders, so there is a lot in store for the future of Ursuline Cheerleading. Ursuline’s Varsity Traditional Team also showed their dedication and talent to the world. Although they had the highest raw score, the team finished strong with the silver medal by 0.2 points after deductions. The Ursuline community wants to congratulate the five seniors on this team and wish them the best of luck in the future.

Upon arrival back from the National Championship, our cheerleaders got straight to work. After winning their sixth Section I Championship, the team qualified to compete at the New York State Cheerleading

SARAH BRANNIGAN

‘24

Championship. Hayley Irwin ‘23 received AllSection honors along with All-League, while Mia Senerchia ‘26 and Amanda Erlichman ‘23 received All-League. We wish our koalas the best of luck at the State Championships, and we know that Kelly the Koala is going to make us proud!

Track and Field

SAHARA BANGURA ‘24

The track and field activities at Ursuline have never looked stronger. The new year has started beautifully for our team. Let’s start with Prizila Negrete, who gained recognition after being designated the Con Edison Scholar Athlete of the Week at the beginning of January. Her achievements in athletics, academics and other fields are recognized by this award. In addition, a special shout out goes to the champions who brought us to a close at the CHSAA Meet on December 30th. We have our first-place winners for the 4x200 Relay: Madeline Mobilia, Elena Olson, and Ivana Richards, and our first-place winners for the 4x400 Relay: Ivana Richards, Sofia Henao, Elena Olson, and Alexa Grassi. Congratulations on providing the school with a fantastic way to close the year 2022. The Indoor Track Club earned the Section 1 JV Championship at the start of February in 2023, which is definitely deserving of applause. Last but not least, the 4x400 Relay team of Ivana Richards, Sofia Henao, Alexa Grassi, and Elena Olson finished second and advanced to the NY State Finals. In our halls, there are so many aspiring athletes that it can be difficult to keep track of what’s going on and who is doing what. All we know is that they’re working their hardest to be successful and they certainly deserve the best due to their dedication to the sport.

EDITORS

Madeline Donovan ‘23

Anna Gayer ‘23

MODERATOR: Ms. Tenore

LAYOUT: Mrs. LaBella

PRINTING: Mrs. Alzate