Unison
Ursuline’s Charity Cabaret!
Ursuline successfully hosted their seventh annual charity Cabaret, a fairly new tradition that encompasses our school’s motto of Serviam, combined with the musical talent of our student body. It’s a student run musical medley, pulling from musicals old and new that helps raise money for the charity Sanctuary for Families. Whether cast or crew, students gain hands-on experience performing, planning, and directing a production, with the added benefit of obtaining service hours in the process. This year’s directors were seniors Carly Tauber, Cameron Caie, Annika Pitalawa, and Madeleine Cockburn, who organized everything from the setlist, to casting, choreography, and more. The stage crew is also completely student-run, with juniors Jules Ralph and Gabby Guevara as stage managers.
I, Camila Napoleon, had the opportunity to be in the show, being part of the duet in “No Reason” from the musical Beetlejuice, and in the group number “Any Way the Wind Blows” from Hadestown. Being in the cast, I’m proud to say I’ve seen the show grow into its own. I have had lots of fun connecting with others who are passionate about theater. Tech week is as stress-inducing as it is exciting, but it’s rewarding to see the show finally putting the pieces together. The
excited buzz before the shows and seeing everyone rush around behind the curtains always gives me the energy to perform. In Cabaret, there is always an overwhelming support amongst the cast and crew. Our familial moments backstage I hold close to my heart, and it’s one of the reasons why I take part in Cabaret each year.
The show was a hit all around, with reviews of awe and amazement coming from the audience. In interviews directly after the performance, parents were quoted on saying things like, “I loved it! It had me in tears” and “Thought it was outstanding!” Students who came to support their friends or just the school community also said, “There were a lot of people with a lot of talent…it was very cool and I’m proud of everyone…” or “Beautiful and moving…excellent display of talent.”
Personally I, Blake Wilson, thought it was very well-organized and -executed. From the tap-dancing numbers to the emotional power ballads, it really reflected the vast capability of our school’s musical talent. From the audience, I could see the time and passion that was put into the show, and it completely paid off. It was also amazing to see how many showed up to support their friends, or just to see an amazing show. It was a night to remember!
CAMILA NAPOLEON AND BLAKE WILSON ‘26
Science Research Spotlight
MARLEY JENNINGS ‘25
The Science Research program is led by Mrs. Unkenholz and it is available to students from sophomore to senior year. This rigorous three-year elective offers students a competitive and unique opportunity to engage in advanced scientific studies. While it does not replace the standard science curriculum, Science Research takes up significant dedication and effort. Students in the program are required to participate in prestigious local competitions, including the Westchester Engineering and Science Fair (WESEF), Somers Science Fair, DNA Barcoding Symposium, and the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS). As part of their research journey, students must read and analyze numerous scientific articles to identify a topic they are passionate about and wish to pursue.
Isabella Avila ‘25
Over the summer Isabella conducted research at Iona University under the mentorship of Dr. Zuckerman, focusing on bacteria. Unfortunately, her data was contaminated, but she still felt that her experience was very fulfilling. She faced challenges in the lab, gained hands-on research experience, and deepened her understanding of experimental processes. At WESEF 2024, Isabella won the sustainability award with her project on sleep deprivation. Overall, she believes that the program was rewarding and gave her a unique, oncein-a-lifetime experience.
Marley Jennings ‘25
Over the summer Marley conducted research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Dr. Lauvau’s lab, studying “Density as a method to quantify the localization of cytolytic cd8t cells and macrophages in breast cancer tumors”. Under the mentorship of PhD student Nicole Couturier, Marley gained handson learning with lab equipment and experimental techniques that she will likely encounter in her future career. “Science Research has been a key stepping stone in securing my passion for science and taking me to the next level,” said Marley. “It has not only opened my eyes to new things, but also led me to figure out what I want to do in college and beyond.” Overall, she thinks that anyone interested in pursuing science should take the course, describing the program as “unique and rewarding.”
Aine O’Sullivan ‘25
For the past two summers, Aine conducted pediatric sarcoma research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Dr. David Loeb’s lab. Her most recent project, “The Effect of the Tumor Microenvironment and RK-33 Treatment on Macrophage Infiltration in Sarcoma Mouse Tumors,” involved immunofluorescence macrophage staining and analyzing those macrophages under a microscope. Aine stated, “I had a really great experience with this project as it was very hands-on. I learned a lot of laboratory skills that I hope to use as I continue my research.” Aine placed 2nd in the Medicine and Health category at the 2024 Westchester Science & Engineering Fair (WESEF), and will conclude her research in March
2025. Aine was able to form strong relationships with her mentor along with scientists in the lab. She said, “They were essential to my success and they taught me everything I needed to know. Even when I am not in the lab, I am grateful to have them for guidance.” Science Research gave Aine unique experiences and long-lasting connections with scientists who inspire her.
Anjali Shafiee ‘25
Over the summer, Anjali worked in a neuroscience lab with a neuropeptide called orexin, which regulates many functions in the brain and has connections with several neurological conditions. Anjali’s project worked on finding modulators, or activators, of orexin functions that can be used in future drugs and therapeutics. Under the guidance of her mentor biochemist Dr. Purva Bal, she conducted research at a lab in Mount Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine. She said, “My experience was challenging as I had never worked in a lab before, nor was I familiar with orexin, however I was able to pick things up quickly and I was able to learn many things from the laboratory environment that will definitely be useful in the future.” Anjali felt her biggest success was being able to learn about the lab rules and expectations while collecting all her data in only six weeks, and feels that the program’s rewards significantly outweigh the obstacles she faced.
Isabella Vembenil ‘25
Isabella is researching machine-learning applications in heart failure under the mentorship of Dr. Jaffrey at Plainview Hospital. Using HIPAA-compliant, de-identified patient data, she worked remotely to develop models that could predict patient outcomes. What began as a summer program grew into a deeper exploration of how technology can improve healthcare. She shared, “The process taught me perseverance and showed how powerful data science can be in medicine.” She said that she felt her biggest success was gaining the confidence to tackle something completely new and make it meaningful – however, being named a Regeneron STS Scholar, a JSHS finalist, and winning at WESEF (Nassau County) along with the New York State Science Congress, made the experience even more special. Isabella reflected, “This research reinforced my passion for combining medicine and data science.” She found the program to be a way to express herself and describes it as innovative and “future-ready”.
Sophiana Simone‘25
Over the summer, Sophiana conducted breast cancer research under the mentorship of Dr. Igor Bado at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Her work focused on studying the interactions between breast cancer cells in the bone micro-environment. She reflected, “I had a very hands-on experience and worked with both cell cultures and western blot techniques.” During this project she felt her biggest success was being able to “gain skills in a laboratory setting and getting to the point where [she] could independently carry out techniques without assistance.” Another major success Sophiana had was winning the Carl Zeiss Excellence in Microscopy Award at WESEF 2024 from her previous project ,which also focused on breast cancer.
Amelia Alvarez ‘26
Over the course of Amelia’s science research journey, she has done several different projects. This past summer, Amelia worked with Mary Claire ‘26 at Cranberry Lake Preserve to assess the turtle population and to see if there was any correlation between the population numbers and invasive plant species. Her most recent project involves studying astrobiology and the degradation rates of amino acids in Mars-like conditions to assess the possibility for extraterrestrial life. After reading many relevant scientific papers, Amelia took the data she found and created a spreadsheet with her mentor to analyze and find any trends. Through this analysis, Amelia hopes to determine which amino acids are more likely to survive in the Martian environment and what this means for the search for past or present extraterrestrial life. Amelia says “this experience has taught me very valuable skills such as research paper analysis and data analysis as well as communication.”
Adriana King ‘26
This past summer Adriana did not participate in any summer research, but still had an incredibly successful experience so far. Her most notable achievement thus far has been earning a $66,300 grant for water quality testing equipment. She was given this amazing opportunity because of a partnership with the Hatch Company and the Stockholm Junior Water prize, an international water quality science competition. Adriana applied for the grant because of her shared research with a fellow junior, and their research paper from the past year led her to this outstanding success. Upon being asked how she would describe her science research experience, she chose the word, “Improvement – I think by doing this and by volunteering my time, I’m committed to contributing to the scientific community and helping all underclassmen with my experiences.” Even without summer research experience, she has still been able to make the most of the program and achieve amazing results.
Grace Irving ‘26
Over the summer, Grace examined the relationship between religiosity and wellbeing in high school students. Graced worked under the mentorship of Dr. Ryan Irbe at West Point, and traveled there every few weeks to discuss the project and survey design. Grace took the time and initiative to travel and survey nearly 200 young people, finding that turning to religion in hard times predicted the outcome of higher wellbeing. Grace reflected, “I think I was nervous at first that my research was more humanity-leaning, but it has become a great asset for discussing and competing with my project. I even took home first place, presenting my research plan at Somers in May 2024.”
Justine Dolan ‘26
Over the summer, Justine worked with the Lacawac Sanctuary Field Station in Pennsylvania to study temperature trends in algae blooms at Lake Wal Popac under the mentorship of Dr. Beth Norman. Dr. Norman and a group of ambitious college students guided Justine through the process of collecting water samples and processing them using a vacuum pump filter along with the spectrophotometry method to measure chlorophyll content. With this research, she concluded the optimal temperature for algae blooms and that they are most likely to occur during the last two weeks of July and the first two weeks of August. Justine’s project was selected for round two of the NISEF competition. Justine shared, “My work in science research has taught me valuable skills in collecting, analyzing and communicating data for my science research, and I look forward to all the projects that I’ll be working on in the future.”
Mary Claire Sutterlin ‘26
This past summer, Mary Claire researched the impact of invasive plant vegetation on native painted turtle species. She was mentored by Leah Cass from the Westchester County Parks, and she completed her research at the Cranberry Lake Park preserve. Mary Claire took time with her mentor to mark turtles by filing their shell with a notch code, which allowed them to identify whether the turtle was a new capture or a recapture. She also surveyed and took note of the surrounding vegetation to identify whether it was native or invasive. Mary Claire said, “I had a great experience being able to conduct field research, and I definitely learned a lot about population services in this topic.” Her biggest success so far was being able to put her hard work and all of her results together. Even though her data was inconclusive, she was still able to learn so much from the opportunity. She plans to take her findings to WESEF and share her experiences.
Science Research continued . . .
Anna Fahy ‘26
Anna has been working on a protein modification project aimed at reducing the ability of cancer to form. Her research takes place at Fordham University under the mentorship of TUS alum and science research student Jenna Cain ‘23. Anna said, “She has been an incredibly patient and supportive mentor, and I am very grateful to her.” During her time in the program, Anna designed a modified version of the tumor-suppressing protein, which acts as a decoy. This decoy binds to the oncoproteins and allows the tumor suppressor to carry out its natural processes without interference, drastically reducing the rate of cancer formation. Anna learned how to use a fluorescence polarization assay to measure protein binding. She found the most challenging aspect of her research was data collection. However, she was guided through it successfully. Anna reflected, “I really enjoyed doing hands-on research in a wet lab, and I would have never known that if not for this past summer. This research has helped me develop independence, improve my ability to analyze scientific literature and data, and it has helped me gain a deeper understanding of experimental design.”
Emily
Trezza ‘26
During the summer and fall of 2024, Emily conducted research on whether the planet Saturn has an effect on the shape and distribution of the asteroid belt. This was done to better understand our solar system as well as future solar systems in other galaxies. Through simulations of the ash ray belt and mathematical equations and statistical analysis, it was proven that Saturn does not have an effect on the asteroid belt. Emily’s mentor was Dr. Daniel Schmidt from Liberty University. He is a mathematics professor and environmental scientist who is very knowledgeable in the fields of astrophysics and physics. He guided Emily through the majority of the project. Most of Emily’s project was done remotely, debugging code in her laptop. Emily reported “My biggest success was the graphs that were successfully generated by Python, which took a lot of tries, math, computer crashes, and redos. I gained a deeper knowledge of math and physics as my mentor coached me in doing hard mathematical equations that I was not too familiar with, but with doing that, I gained a broader understanding of math, code and different physics topics.” Emily will compete with her data in the future.
Zinia Sajjad ‘26 and JaneMarie Welde ‘26
Over the summer, Zinia and JaneMarie worked on a shared project with their mentor, Leah Cass, who works for Westchester Parks, to survey native tree species in Saxon Woods Park. Their study sample included forty-seven trees of seven species, split between four groups of varying reforestation techniques. They took time to measure the soil pH and soil moisture and were able to hypothesize that soil amendments would increase the soil pH and tree diapers would increase the soil moisture. They organized
their data and used programming tools for statistical analysis, but overall their hypotheses were not supported. They did find that trees planted with tool elements had the best overall health. From this project, they gained experience collecting and analyzing data while learning a lot about a major problem in Westchester County ecosystems, which is that beachy disease will kill about 50% of beach trees in Westchester forests within the next few decades. They had an extremely rewarding experience, and they both put forth great effort.
Anne Frank Museum Visit
MACEY MCELFRESH ‘29
The eighth grade classes will participate in an upcoming field trip to the Anne Frank Exhibition to give insight into her life while they are reading The Diary of Anne Frank. Anne was a young Jewish girl living in hiding during WWII. Wanting to record her experiences, she wrote in a diary throughout the two years she was hiding in a secret annex behind a bookcase in a safe house. She took notes on the horrors of war, her daily life, and her feelings while being isolated and living in times where she was unsure of what was happening around her. Her diary has been used all throughout
the world to reveal the dark truth of the Holocaust and the long lasting damage done to entire communities of people. During the spring season, the eighth graders will be taking a trip to the Anne Frank Exhibition, a recreation of the secret annex she lived in using pictures and immersive experiences. This trip was supposed to be in February, but was postponed due to a snow storm. The museum does a wonderful job of bringing to life the place where she spent her teenage years alongside her family and friends, encapsulating details from her diary into each room. The purpose of this trip is for the
eighth grade to observe what life was really like for a girl like Anne, and to learn more about where the ideas she was writing about were coming from. This is sure to be an exciting and valuable experience for all who will be in attendance.
Spring Into Action: 5 Tips to Help Your Community This Season
SOPHIA GBADEBO ‘27 AND MOTUNRAYO NUBI ‘28
Spring is a beautiful season that offers countless opportunities to make a positive impact on your local community. As the flowers bloom and the weather warms, remember the Ursuline motto of Serviam and dedicate a little time to service. However you choose to volunteer, it will be an incredible use of your time this spring.
1Community Clean Up: Spring is the perfect time to organize or join a local cleanup. Whether in a park or along the road, cleanups are a great way to connect with nature and help the earth. Invite your family and friends to clean, repair, and improve our public spaces. This includes picking up litter, recycling, and planting vegetation. Organizations like the Westchester Parks Foundation and Westchester County Parks sponsor large spring cleanups. By taking action now, you are contributing to a cleaner future and inspiring others to do the same.
2Garden for Good: This season is a time deeply dedicated to growth, and what better way to put this idea into action than by volunteering at community gardens or planting your own garden. Gardening not only adds beauty to a neighborhood, but it also supports environmental sustainability. Planting a tree or growing your own produce is an amazing way to begin this journey. When we grow plants, we are improving the air quality, strengthening the soil, and providing habitats for important wildlife like bees and butterflies. Community gardens promote food security by giving access to healthy and fresh produce to those in need. So this spring, pick up your shovel and plant something! You’ll grow a deeper appreciation for nature and feel pride in helping maintain a green and healthy earth.
3Volunteer
at Animal Shelters: Animal shelters provide a safe haven for homeless pets, giving them food, shelter, and a chance at finding a new home. These shelters, however, often rely on volunteers and community support. This spring, choose to serve and help local animals! Whether it is walking dogs, playing with cats, or helping at adoption events, you can make a direct impact on the lives of these animals and experience great joy in caring for them.
4Food
That Matters: A great way to spread awareness and help out your community is volunteering with food service. At Ursuline, we often run service events for HOPE Soup Kitchen and do frequent food drives, but you do not have to wait for our school to host one as there are opportunities all across Westchester. Local churches and parishes such as the Life Church and Redemption Community Church offer opportunities to serve the less fortunate with food drives or meal packaging events. You can volunteer at one of these churches, or you can go to one of the many soup kitchens nearby, like HOPE. Another way to get involved is volunteering with Feeding Westchester, a local organization that is dedicated to nourishing Westchester citizens in the fight against hunger. Please consider doing something such as packing food or fundraising to help people in need.
5Walk
for a Cause: During spring, there are so many beautiful days to take a walk and enjoy the wonders of nature. This season, take a walk for a worthy cause. The NYPD is hosting a walk to raise awareness for autism on Saturday, April 26th in Cunningham Park. Catalyst for Kidney Care Incorporated is also hosting a 4K walk/run called “Let’s Keep It Moving” on Sunday, March 30th in Cunningham Park to keep fit and raise awareness for kidney disease. On May 18, Northwell Health Foundation is hosting a walk to promote general public health. There are different walk locations, each supporting a different health facility. This springtime, you can get involved in your local community and make a difference!
International Day of Serviam
International Day of Serviam is a display of the Ursuline School motto, “I will serve,” transforming it from a phrase into a lived experience. Students dedicate this day to actively participating in diverse service projects, demonstrating their commitment to supporting those in need. These projects are not merely acts of charity; they are integral points in our development as Ursuline students, developing virtues such as generosity, leadership, and responsibility. Furthermore, this day offers a unique opportunity for students to engage in self-reflection, deepening their understanding of their own personal growth and the individuals they aspire to become. It’s a moment where the Ursuline community unites, sharing in a collective experience of learning and service, and reinforcing the powerful truth that every contribution, regardless of its
MILA PALJUSAJ, ‘26
size, is instrumental in creating lasting positive change in the world. The International Day of Serviam also further embodies the school’s foundational principles. It serves as a platform for students to express the core virtues of their faith through a variety of service projects, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to help others. Beyond mere action, it serves as a time of reflection, allowing students to deepen their understanding of the values they strive to uphold. The day strengthens the bonds within the Ursuline community, cultivating a shared experience of learning and growth. Ultimately, International Day of Serviam underscores the profound belief that every act of service, however small, contributes to a larger, positive impact on the lives of others, making “I will serve” a living, breathing reality.
Senior College Spotlight
“What are you thinking?” “Have you visited?” “I’m committed!” “Congratulations!” These are just snippets of conversations that can be heard on any given day during the spring semester at The Ursuline School. The members of the Class of 2025 have been extremely successful in their college searches thus far, with many girls finalizing their decisions to attend well-respected and highly regarded institutions. No two college journeys are ever the same, with some girls utilizing the benefits of the binding Early Decision or non-binding Early Action, while others are awaiting the Regular Decision round, and will be hearing back in March. Each girl had her own priorities and non-negotiables, with a couple of common threads. I asked a sample of our senior class to tell me a little bit about their process, how they made their decisions, and how they are feeling surrounding the college transition.
Helena Connelly ’25 will be attending the College of the Holy Cross, and she is undecided in her major. She chose the school because of the strong liberal arts education as well as recommendations from her family and friends. She is excited to be around new people and to make new connections. Similarly, Cate Anderson ’25 is looking forward to the new environment at the College of Charleston, where she will be majoring in International Business. When she talked about her visit to Charleston, she said:
BY: CATHERINE HEARLE ‘25
A few Colleges & Universities to check for TUS Class of ‘25 sightings next fall!
“When I visited for the first time, the instant sense of community reminded me of home – specifically the Ursuline community.” This is a commonality amongst many college commits at Ursuline. They are looking for a tight-knit, supportive, and academically-rigorous environment that is similar to the one they experienced here at Ursuline. Bridget Merges ’25 is narrowing down her search by focusing on small Catholic schools to also get that familial feeling she is used to. Isabella Kelly ’25, who prioritized smaller class sizes in her search, will be attending Fairfield University. Gemma Diego ’25 and Kiera Barton ’25, attending Lafayette College and Providence College respectively, took the risk at an Early Decision application, trusting their instincts that the school community felt right to them. Katherine Sohr ’25 has not made any final decisions, but is tackling the process from a similar angle: through being honest with herself about how the environment feels. Anja Tarateta ’25 and Ryan Busby ’25 have different perspectives, as they will be on sports teams at their respective colleges, Dickinson College and Elms College. Anja is excited to be a part of the swim team and the supportive community that she experienced on her visits, and is looking forward to meets and training trips. This anticipation of what’s to come is just the beginning, and we are excited to see how the future unfolds for the Class of 2025! Alabama
Vassar
Villa
West
Bed Parties: The New College Tradition
SOPHIE PATZ ‘26
Welcome to spring, and welcome to the start of bed party season! In the next few weeks, many seniors will be committing to colleges. For some, Instagram posts will follow, displaying swag, decor, and food representing their selected college. If you haven’t been invited to a bed party, then you certainly have seen the photos. Girls pose on their beds loaded with college swag such as hats, t-shirts, pennants, pillows, and more, against a backdrop of balloons, streamers, and carefully chosen food that reflect the colors of their college (for example, think cheetos and oranges for Clemson!).
So, where did the bed party originate? The bed party is one of the few positives that came out of the COVID-19 pandemic. High school seniors looking to celebrate their college commitment made a big splash on the internet decorating their room as an announcement of their future plans. Five years later, the bed party has only grown stronger, and it has wildly expanded in popularity and extravagance. Friends and parents go crazy purchasing decorations, college merch, and food to surprise the student, and most of all, ensure the photos
1. Which is the only pink TUS classroom?
A: 311 C: 16
B: A423 D: 6
2. Which TUS faculty member accepted a marriage proposal in her classroom?
A: Mrs. LaGumina C: Mrs. Hanson
B: Mrs. Joyce D: Mrs. Floro
are Instagram-worthy.
So, what makes a good bed party? First, they are typically a surprise party thrown by the guest of honor’s friends and parents. Guests arrive early with college swag and decor to ornament the bed with gifts. Once the guest of honor arrives at her party, the photos can begin!
Photos of the guest are taken solo, as well as with friends, parents, and even pets decked out in college gear! Themed refreshments (and sometimes pizza) typically soon follow. Only later, after the guests have left, the food and drinks have been cleared, and the lifetime supply of college merch has been put away, does the true purpose of the bed party begin. Girls will pore over every photo from the bed party and admire the photos that capture their excitement, friendships, and proud commitment to their college of choice. Congratulations to the Class of 2025 on all your acceptances thus far. We can’t wait to see the posts!
3. Who is Ms. Quartaro’s favorite musician?
A: Bruce Springsteen C: Annie Lenox
B: Aretha Franklin D: Mick Jaggar
4. Which year did TUS move to 1354 North Ave.?
A: 1929
B: 1897
C: 1945
D: 1911
Chamber Choir’s February in France
This winter break, twenty-four members of the Chamber Choir had the opportunity to participate in a once in a lifetime experience exploring and performing in the South of France. The group departed on February 13th with group leader Mr. Sylvain Falipou-Karkari and two faculty chaperones, Ms. Laura Barnett and Ms. Patricia Dilorio. Each member of the Chamber Choir was enthusiastic about the trip despite the seven-and-a-half hour journey to get there.
After a layover in Paris, the group arrived in Toulouse, a wonderful city where they put on their first performance at the Basilique Saint-Sernin Toulouse. Upon arrival, they met their tour manager, Raquel, and bus driver, Mederick, who they spent the next nine days adventuring with.
The first full day in Toulouse included an immersive tour and an extensive tasting in their famous Victor Hugo Market. The group met with an American tour guide who tasked them with a scavenger hunt through the market, each receiving various clues to decipher. The tour was followed by a rehearsal at the Basilique and a tour of a few local churches.
The following morning, the girls participated in the mass at the Basilique Saint-Sernin Toulouse and then had their first concert that afternoon. They sang a repertoire of sacred songs including “The Lacrimosa,” “Ubi Caritas,” and “Cantate Domino.” Following the concert, the group received an exclusive spiritual tour of the Basilique, and they had the amazing opportunity to touch a thorn from the Crown of Jesus.
After one more day in Toulouse, where the girls toured the Theatre du Capitole and took a pastry-making class, the group set off to their next destination: Albi. Once arriving in Albi, the girls visited Saint Cecilia’s, a gigantic cathedral at the heart of the commune.
ASHLING
DOHERTY AND MAGGIE HYLAND ‘26
The next day in Albi also gave them an opportunity to tour the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, which houses many beautiful works of the famous artist Henri Toulouse-Lautrec. That evening, the group got to participate in their next performance, a pop charity concert. During the concert, the Koalas sang group songs as well as solos and duets. Through this concert, enough money was raised to send a family in the community to Spain for vacation.
The group departed from Albi and had the pleasure of visiting Mr. Falipou’s high school in Mazamet on their way to Carcassonne. Here, they even got to meet Mr. Falipou’s principal and sang in the music room where Mr. Falipou used to practice. Upon their arrival in Carcassonne, the group was amazed by the fantastic medieval infrastructure. Following their arrival, the students were immersed in a guided tour of the castle. That night at dinner, the group got to try a traditional dish called Cassoulet, a famous regional specialty. The following day, the singers were granted the rare chance to perform in the Abbaye Canionale Sainte-Marie de Lagrasse and were given a guided historical and spiritual tour of the monastery by a monk who was born and raised in New York.
The day was concluded with a celebratory dinner at a local restaurant of Mr. Falipou’s choosing, where the girls sang, enjoyed a pork dinner with a chocolate mousse dessert, and reminisced on the fun times they had throughout the trip. Departing from France was bittersweet; the group had so much fun making memories together and exploring France. Overall, the choir trip was a big success, and the students will have memories to last a lifetime. A huge thank you goes out to Mr. Falipou, Ms. Barnett, Ms. Dilorio, Mrs. Barton, the administration, and Encore Tours for making this trip possible and a dream come true for the choir students.
“What, like it’s hard?”
TUS Drama’s Legally Blonde Jr. Takes the Stage
BY: NATALIA KAUTZ ‘29 AND OLIVIA STELLA ‘26
From page to screen to stage, Legally Blonde has captivated audiences with its empowering message and infectious energy. Now, the Ursuline School Drama Club is bringing Legally Blonde Jr. to life, showcasing the talent, dedication, and passion of its cast and crew. Behind the scenes, students have poured their hearts into rehearsals, choreography, and set design, working tirelessly to recreate Elle Woods’ iconic journey. As opening night approaches, excitement is building for what promises to be a dazzling and unforgettable production.
“Everyone can find something to love in Legally Blonde Jr,” said Mr. Sylvain Falipou-Karkari, the director of the musical. “Even today, women face many difficulties in accessing higher education, so I think that this musical is very eyeopening and that it resonates with the Ursuline School’s message of empowerment.”
Heartbroken after being dumped by her boyfriend, Warner, who left her for someone “more serious”, Elle Woods is determined to win him back. With the support of her Delta Nu sisters, she gets into Harvard Law School to get back together with Warner, only to discover that he is engaged! Determined to prove herself, Elle dives into her studies. “The plot of the musical definitely would appeal to young adults and teenagers,” said Brady McTigue, who plays Warner in Legally Blonde Jr. Brady then goes on to add, “Anyone who has seen the movie or the musical before would love this adaptation.”
Adapting the classic and impactful story of Elle Woods to the Ursuline stage is certainly no simple feat, but the TUS Drama Club is up to the task. “Learning the choreography is one of the most
challenging parts,” said Emily Trezza ’26, a member of the cast. “It’s such an upbeat show, and the choreo is peppy to match it. I feel so sassy on stage!” True to her words, the making of Legally Blonde Jr. requires an unimaginable amount of energy and effort. It takes great dedication day after day – whether in between lunch periods, or late into the afternoon – to bring the show together into a masterpiece. And indeed, the true testament to the strength of the Drama Club and the success of its shows is found in the bonds between each member. When asked about his favorite part of directing musicals like Legally Blonde Jr., Mr Falipou said,“The most gratifying part is seeing the smiles on people’s faces, all of the support and pride that comes from the club. I think that people should see the diversity of talent that this school has to offer.”
Through graduations of old members and admissions of new, the spirit of the club has remained the same; the energy it inspires is infectious, and every new generation of the club has something to offer to make each production better than the last. “If any student has a passion for theater and is interested in joining the Drama Club,” said Leah Jibodh ’26, a crew member of Legally Blonde Jr., “I say, ‘Go for it!’ It’s a great opportunity to expose yourself to new possibilities and people!”
Can Elle crack the case in the courtroom and reclaim Warner’s heart? Get ready for a fun-filled adventure in Legally Blonde Jr, on March 27th at 4:30 PM, March 28th at 6:30 PM, and March 29th at 2:00 PM! The support of the Ursuline community makes dreams like Elle Woods’ come true every day in the Drama Club, and the club extends their gratitude for the continued support of their school.
Photos: Madeleine Spark ‘25
Global Symposium: Sustainability and Soil
BY: GEORGINA GAMBLE AND THERESA MONTANA ‘25
On February 26th, the Ursuline School held their annual global symposium, with this year’s focus being on sustainable agriculture. Our special guest speaker was Ms. Pashon Murray, an environmental activist and entrepreneur from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Having founded the Detroit Dirt Foundation, Ms. Murray gave the student body insight into the importance of soil and sustainability in farming. She also shared her experiences as a woman in entrepreneurship to aspiring female businesswomen. We had the opportunity to interview her about the various topics she mentioned in her keynote speech and garner more understanding into her amazing life and career.
You mentioned that your father’s work was an inspiration to you as a child. How did your father inspire you to be an entrepreneur?
“I didn’t make the connection until I was much older, but watching my father’s career as an entrepreneur really fueled my vision,” Ms. Murray stated. Growing up accompanying her father on many work-related errands, Murray was able to watch her father’s staunch dedication to his craft in action. She cites him as a constant role model in her life both professionally and personally.
Aside from your father, who is your biggest inspiration and why?
Aside from her father, Murray has been greatly inspired by all of the women in her family. She recalled how she learned the importance
of female role models during a girl’s youth, saying, “It’s invaluable as a young lady. Some of the things my mother endured as a young girl made me realize she was a good example of a woman persevering in a world not accommodating to them. I strive to accomplish the things that the older women in my family could not accomplish.” Having connections with women such as her mother, grandmother, and sisters allowed her to learn from their experiences and gave her the tools that she would go on to use in her career.
What advice do you have for people that think dirt is not valuable and not something that is of vital importance to our ecosystems?
Ms. Murray has built a successful career revolving around soil, and she strives to prove to everyone she works with that dirt is one of the most valuable components of our ecosystem. She asserted, “I named the company Detroit Dirt because of the lens through which people see dirt. Dirt is in fact very alive, but people don’t look at soil in that way.” Murray believes that people need to give dirt more appreciation and think deeper about the many benefits it contributes to society, heritage, and biodiversity.
What have you learned from working with organizations such as the Sierra Club, and what would you recommend to aspiring environmentalists looking to get involved in groups such as these?
Murray summarized her advice as follows: “Making contact, volunteering, research, and background.” However, she explained to us that there is no right or wrong way to get involved in environmental action. Most people might feel intimidated by big-name organizations such as the Sierra Club, but Murray reassured us that many of these organizations are turning to the next generations for inspiration. No
All Photos in this article by: Christopher Pope Photography
matter how complex or powerful they might seem, they are genuinely interested in the fresh ideas that come from the youth of our world. All you need to do is have the passion and the willingness to take the necessary steps to become one of these future leaders.
Why do you think it is so important to educate today’s youth about the importance of environmental sustainability and advocacy?
Ms. Murray emphasized that sustainability can be integrated into any aspect of our daily lives. She believes that it is very important to break up all the different facets of sustainability into smaller steps so everyone can easily understand how sustainable practices can be widely implemented. She stated that she enjoys working with young people because the younger generations are very open-minded and ambitious. “The creativity and innovation of the younger generations will fuel the future. I don’t have to convince younger people to change; every time I engage with students, they are willing to help despite money and other temptations in life.” Murray emphasized and encouraged that any person from any background and contribute to sustainability, as we can all uniquely fuel the process.
What aspects of the Detroit Dirt Foundation are inspired by your family and community roots? Do you think that there is a connection between ancestry and sustainability?
“My ancestry has everything to do with why I’m involved in this field,” Murray told us with the utmost certainty. “Absolutely there is a connection.” She told us that her strong connection to her field goes beyond her father’s waste management career. “When I think about my grandfather and my other ancestors, and what they had to do to sustain the Earth, I feel inspired to carry on their legacy and get others involved.” Both her maternal and paternal families became farmers through forced labor as slaves in Mississippi, and then eventually became sharecroppers. Even after this, as technology advanced, they remained in farming to honor both those before them and their deep passion for the Earth.
What do you hope to achieve in the next five years and how will you make your goals a reality?
In the coming years, Ms. Murray hopes to further utilize technology in her sustainability efforts. One approach she is looking into is the use of Artificial Intelligence to aid sustainable agriculture and urban farming projects. “In Detroit specifically, my goal is to have a diverse tech site that is tangible to people. I then want to replicate these models across the country.” Murray wishes to see communities all around the United States implementing new infrastructure and technologies and educating their citizens on the importance and simplicity of agricultural sustainability.
The entire Ursuline community would like to extend our gratitude to Ms. Murray for taking the time to educate us on her agricultural sustainability efforts and her fascinating career. We will all surely be looking for ways to apply her teachings to our daily lives.
Opinions on Lunch
Most Ursuline students would agree that the most anticipated part of a school day is lunch. It serves as a time for students to reset, ready themselves for the following classes, and interact with friends they may not see elsewhere in the day. This is why the quality of the lunch options provided by a school are so important – and generally speaking, Ursuline excels in this area. They offer a wide array of food options, whether a student seeks something quick to grab or a meal customized to their liking. The two authors of this article have been at Ursuline since the sixth-grade, and have been buying lunch from the school since 2021. From our perspective, it’s amazing how the amount of options has been readily expanded to suit the students. Though the variety of food offered has grown, some feel that there are still things to be improved.
BY: CHLOE STELLA AND SOPHIA PAPROTA ‘28
There are many healthy lunch options offered at Ursuline: salads, sandwiches, fruits, and protein bars to name a few. However, many students complain about the cost of some of these nutritious choices. When asked about her opinion on the make-your-own sandwich bar, one freshman said: “My largest complaint about the sandwiches is that no matter how much or how little you add to your sandwiches, they will all cost at least eight dollars.” Other students have voiced their complaints about the pricing of the salad bar, which costs around nine dollars no matter what you choose to put in it. With the variety of options, the issue is no longer nutritional. Prices for customizable options, which are often considered healthier than the
other foods offered, have a higher price than those that are ready-made (like french fries or chicken tenders), which are not as nutritious. This is most likely out of a need to streamline the purchasing process, but regardless, it offers a disincentive for potential customers. Even if one were to choose less toppings in an attempt to create a more budgetfriendly lunch, it would not change the price.
One solution may be to add healthier grab and go options that are less expensive to purchase. Another freshman, when asked about her opinion, stated “It’s so quick! I can get lunch in a few minutes, taking away the hassle of making it myself!” This reflects a more generally accepted consensus – that despite criticisms, the diversity of the options offered and their quality is ultimately superior to one’s average school lunch. While it is important to think of ways to be better, it’s also important to reflect on the good of what is already offered, and, as these things go, we can definitively say that Ursuline’s lunch offerings enhance the thirtyminute period as a whole. They simplify the purchasing and choosing processes so that lunch may be spent doing what really matters: the homework we’ve put off that’s due next period.
