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Winter Sports

Winter sports have officially wrapped up! All across the board, the Koalas have achieved so much this past winter, and is so much to be proud of and talk about. Starting it off with cheerleading! There is literally nothing these girls can’t do. To kick off the New Year, they took a trip down to sunny Florida to compete at the UCA National Championships. Varsity Game Day won Nationals and came home with white jackets! Keep a lookout for their new rings which will debut in a few months. Shoutout to the Varsity Traditional team for placing 3rd at the World School Championships, also in Florida. And it doesn’t stop there. Cheer came home and got right back to work for Section One Championships, where Varsity Traditional picked up their 7th consecutive Section One title. The team ended off the year with a bang, going up to Binghamton to compete in States, where they placed 4th among the best in NY. Congrats Koalas! We all had so much fun cheering you on, especially on the Senior Night performances. All in all, cheer had so much

Moving on to indoor track. The team competed in a ton of different meets this season and basically spent every weekend at the Armory. Some season highlights include placing 2nd at Leagues. From the 65 athletes that competed at Leagues, 8 came away League Champions, across all different events. Special shoutout to Elena Olson ’24, who was named ConEd Scholar Athlete of the week in February. This is such a huge accomplishment and we’re so excited for you! Elena took the momentum and went on to compete at the NY State Championships with teammate Ivana Richards ‘25. Elena placed 4th in the 55M hurdles and Ivana 14th. Congrats ladies! Track has one last meet left with Indoor Nationals before heading into the spring season. Let’s end on a high note, Koalas!

Last but not least is Varsity Basketball.

Basketball had a stellar season and was dominant in their schedule. Earlier in February, they became League Champions. They put in so much work this season, and it’s so awesome to see them get the recognition. Basketball also had 3 players nominated for LoHud Player of the Week: Sophie Nascimento ’25, Meghan McDonald ’24, and Anne Keneally ’24. This is a huge achievement and really goes to show how much talent this team has. Another shoutout to Sophie, who hit her 1000th point earlier this year. The team took all this momentum and bulldozed their way through playoffs, getting to play at the County Center again this year. They made it all the way to the Section Finals and fell short in 50-57 in a heartbreaker game to Albertus Magnus. Nevertheless, we are so proud of how hard the team played this entire season, and we already can’t wait to watch them next year. Now, let’s get excited for Spring sports. Lacrosse, softball, track, and golf will be competing this spring. Make sure to mark your calendars and come support the Koalas!

TEGAN HANRAHAN ‘26

CHRIS POPE PHOTOGRAPHY

Model UN Trip to D.C.

Model U.N. is at it again! From February 15th to the 18th, Ursuline’s Model UN team participated in NAIMUN LXI, Georgetown University’s annual Model United Nations conference. NAIMUN gave fourteen TUS students in grades 9-12 countless invaluable opportunities, from refining skills in diplomacy and debate to exploring new places in our nation’s capital to interacting with hundreds of other delegates from all around the globe.

One of the unique privileges that NAIMUN LXI brought to the table was the opportunity to interact with other students from countless different regions. NAIMUN hosted delegates from not only most U.S. states but also from many countries both near and far away including the Philippines, the Dominican Republic, France, and many more.

All TUS delegates participated in General Assembly committees, which emphasize compromise and collaboration to provide answers to large-scale global issues. Some of these committees included the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Special Political Decolonization Committee (SPECPOL), and several others. These committees allowed TUS students to become fully immersed in many of the problems that plague global society and prompted them to come up with innovative solutions to combat these issues.

When students were not debating in committee, they enjoyed embarking on several short trips, traveling to various locations in Washington D.C. The first of these trips was a tour of Georgetown University on Thursday afternoon. The tour was followed by a quick bite to eat with TUS alumna Rory Sibley ‘22, who gave the current TUS students several helpful tips as to how to navigate the rest of high school as well as the college search process. On Friday morning, a trip to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum gave students the chance to explore the history and modern developments of airplane travel, mechanical engineering, and travel within the solar system.

The conference itself hosted several events that allowed TUS students to interact with delegates from other schools. The head delegate networking event on Thursday night allowed TUS head delegates Kaitlyn Flores ‘24, Katie Miller ‘25, and Theresa Montana ‘25 to promote Ursuline’s very own Model U.N. conference,

TUSMUNC VII. The delegate social, a game night and dance, gave students the chance to abandon their serious debate topics and enjoy themselves with the other delegates.

NAIMUN truly captured the spirit of Serviam. Their philanthropy desk was overflowing with candy grams, which were read aloud during committee sessions as a way to lighten the mood after talking about seemingly bleak global tensions. They even had stuffed koalas available for purchase! Each committee was provided with incentives such as rap battles and committee chair “hot seats” if a certain amount of money was donated. All proceeds went towards AsylumWorks, a nonprofit located in D.C. that provides aid to migrants living in the U.S. The entire TUS student body would be very proud to witness the Georgetown students’ dedication to service.

Closing ceremonies brought both happy and sad tears to the faces of the TUS students and chaperones. The TUS delegation was very emotional at the thought that it was senior Kaitlyn Flores’ last overnight MUN conference. However, everyone was extremely thrilled to learn that Katie Miller and Theresa Montana ‘25 won a book award for their research on the migrant crisis on the Mediterranean and their performance in committee.

For a final word of advice, if ever given the opportunity to go on an overnight school trip for any club, class, or sport, missing it would be a huge mistake. NAIMUN facilitated the growth of creativity, diplomacy skills, and most of all, friendships, among Ursuline’s Model U.N. team.

THERESA MONTANA ‘25

St. Patricks Day: History and Traditions

When March arrives, people around the world wait with anticipation for March 17th, otherwise known as Saint Patrick’s Day. Saint Patrick’s Day’s origins go all the way back to the end of the fourth century. What might come as a shock to many is that Saint Patrick was not of Irish heritage. In fact, he was born in Great Britain to wealthy parents. His father was a Christian deacon, but it is noted that his family was not particularly religious and that his father probably took the position for the tax benefits.

At age sixteen, Patrick was captured by a group of Irish raiders. They took him to Ireland where he spent six years as a captive. During this time, he worked outdoors as a shepherd. As he was so lonely and scared, he turned to God to help him through his suffering. This is when Patrick became a devoted Christian. After these six years, Patrick escaped and left Ireland, believing God had told him to do so. He made it all the way to Britain, where he began religious training because an angel told him that one day, he was to go back to Ireland as a missionary. After fifteen years of this training, Patrick was ordained as a priest and was sent back to Ireland. This is when he began to convert the Irish with his famous teaching of the Holy Trinity using the three-leaf clover in which he believed that each leaf represented the three persons in one God.

After spreading his mission for years, Patrick died on March 17th, 461 AD, which is why Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17th, as it is believed to be his death day. Although this is recognized as his “feast day” and Patrick is recognized as the patron “saint” of Ireland, it is important to note that Patrick was never officially

Art Trip

SAHARA BANGURA ‘24

Exploring the corridors of curiosity, students embraced a day of discovery as they ventured into the Museum of Arts and Design, opening the window for some Taylor Swift nostalgia and identifying new styles of art.

Each floor carries artistic works that are differentiated in theme and color palette. The first floor is widely known for carrying past eras of Taylor Swift’s musical career, highlighting famous and flashy iconic outfits, music video props, and diary entries that give insight into her inspiration for popular songs and albums. As you stray to different floors, away from her colorful and campy looks, you can observe more abstract pieces. Art is portrayed in forms such as interpretative dance, contrasts in objects, and cryptic videos. In the museum, there are sculptures made of dolls, paintings using realistic effects, objects that can be interacted with, and creative displays of previous time artifacts. It was easy to be captivated by interactive exhibits such as the musical theater chairs or the spinning stacked dolls. Traveling deeper within the museum’s diverse exhibits, you can be absorbed in a mix of traditional and modern contemporary art. These demonstrations required more thought and observance, as they portrayed more emotion and symbolization. Many instances of avant-garde creations pushed the boundaries of conventionally appealing artistic expressions. Throughout the entire trip, everyone was able to become familiar with the diverse tapestry of the art world while also developing a better appreciation for creativity and different forms of art. The Museum of Arts and Design proved to be a dynamic space to ignite imagination and experience fun and engaging interpretive artifacts.

ASHLING DOHERTY ‘26

canonized by the Catholic Church due to the era that he lived in. However, Saint Patrick’s Day is still one of the most popular holidays to celebrate a saint, even though he is not officially recognized as one. Throughout the world, many different traditions lay at the heart of Saint Patrick’s Day. In Ireland, it is more formally recognized as a religious holiday dating back to around the ninth and tenth centuries, but in countries like the United States, where the first ever Saint Patrick’s Day parade was held, it is more of a celebratory atmosphere with parties and parades with gold chocolate coins and bagpipe bands. Here in Westchester County, many different towns and cities hold parades to celebrate the holiday, including the McLean Avenue Parade in Yonkers that our own Ursuline Gaelic Society will be marching in on March 23rd. The New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the oldest and largest non-military parades in the world, making it one of the most popular to date. Even though this holiday is so popular in the United States, it does not go to the extent of some other areas such as the Canadian province of Newfoundland and the British Overseas Territory of Montserrat, where Saint Patrick’s Day is observed as a national holiday.

Despite some major differences, it is interesting to see many countries and territories come together to celebrate one specific person: Saint Patrick. This major celebration shows just how much he has influenced not only Ireland, but the world, and how one person with strong faith can share that faith with millions of others. Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to all!

Welcome Ms. Prasad!

Ms. Prasad joined Ursuline’s Social Studies Department just over a month ago and has left koala prints all over our hearts! Between her bubbly personality, sense of fashion, and enlightening stories of history, her classes have been nothing short of wonderful. Ms. Prasad attended St. John’s University for a short period of time before making her way over to Mercy College where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History and a Master’s degree in Education. A woman who loves cuddling with her guinea pigs and binge-watching Netflix in her spare time, it seemed like a no-brainer that she would be interesting to interview.

Annina: Welcome to The Ursuline School! So, I have had the pleasure of getting to know you through our Global class but for those who do not know you, I thought this would be a great introduction for other students to get some insight on who you are as a person and a teacher.

Ms. Prasad: Thank you so much!

Annina: What led you to the path of teaching?

Ms. Prasad: I always loved school. I really felt like high school was the best 4 years of my life and when I left and went to college, others didn’t have the same experience as I did. It made me want to give that same experience I had to students in the future.

Annina: What is your favorite thing about being a teacher?

Ms. Prasad: Using my personality in my job. I consider myself an energetic person, so being able to have a job where I can express my creativity and energy and receive the same energy from my students, I feel like it’s very rewarding.

Annina: What is your favorite topic in history, and why?

Ms. Prasad: Anything revolution is my favorite. I come from India, so my favorite topic is the Indian plight for freedom. I love the Asian revolution. Any fight where people are fighting for freedom.

Annina: What do you love about working at The Ursuline School so far?

Ms. Prasad: I love the faculty because they are so helpful. As a new teacher, it’s very easy to feel overwhelmed, but the faculty has been a great support system. If I am ever confused about something, Ms. Barry or Ms. Doherty are the perfect help.

Annina: Did you participate in any sports or clubs when you were in high school?

Ms. Prasad: I did gymnastics in middle school, and in high school I did Varsity Cheerleading. The foundation I had from gymnastics really helped me with that. I did cheerleading a little bit in college too. I made a lot of friends. I love everything about cheer, so when I hear some of my students are on the cheer team, I always get so excited for them.

Annina: Are there any clubs or organizations you would love to moderate in the future?

Ms. Prasad: I would love to get my foot in the door with cheerleading. I don’t know if I would coach it, but I would love to be involved. Cheerleading brings care, fun, and enthusiasm to sports. People sometimes just show up to watch the halftime shows.

Annina: Do you have a favorite family tradition?

Ms. Prasad: I’m from southern India, and we have this holiday called Ornam. I like Ornam because even though I am Hindu and it’s a Hindu holiday, all the Christians and Muslims celebrate Ornam as well. We all come together and have a big banana leaf with vegetarian dishes. It brings everyone together, and we forget our differences.

Annina: If you could take your class anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Ms. Prasad: I have a trip coming up to Istanbul, and I would love to take my Global 9 class there because of Constantinople. Istanbul has a lot of places there that are from the past. It’s great to see something from the past in person. Being in that location, smelling the air, feeling the humidity - it is a surreal experience.

Annina: Do you have any advice for our seniors who will be off to college soon?

Ms. Prasad: If you are going away, detach. It sounds a little blunt, but when you are going off to college, you are starting a new experience. Any negative experiences holding you back, let that go. Keep the positive things in front of you. You are starting on a new slate. If you have things that have bothered you in high school, now is your chance to start fresh.

Annina: Can you tell us 3 fun facts about yourself?

Ms. Prasad:

I love reality television I love everything aesthetic - hair, beauty, skincare I am a huge reptile fan

Annina: Thank you so much for meeting with me!

Ms. Prasad: Thank you!

ANNINA BULFAMANTE ‘27

Galentines Day

SOPHIA PATZ ‘26

Valentine’s Day used to mean classroom parties, candy, card exchanges, and a day filled with treats, friends, and fun. Now that we are older, most of us are too old for the classroom parties of elementary school. Valentine’s Day is now about showing and expressing our love, and that is how Galentine’s becomes special. Galentine’s Day is a day about celebrating female friendships and how important they are in our lives.

The day has been described as the following: “Just remember that Galentine’s Day was born out of rebel spirit, intended as a rebuff to the conventions of Valentine’s Day. It’s about doing exactly what you want to do and feeling thankful for having friends that let you do it.”

So this Galentine’s Day, which is often celebrated on February 13th but can be celebrated throughout February, grab your friends and plan something that makes you happy.

Go out to dinner or watch a movie together. Get matching pajamas and have a sleepover. Whatever it is, spending quality time with your friends is important. Make sure to honor them on Galentine’s Day and celebrate your friendship.

Animation Club Spotlight

The Ursuline School’s Animation Club stands out as a hub of creativity and innovation, offering its members a unique journey into the captivating world of animation. Embracing a different and exciting art form, the club has become a vibrant community for students eager to explore the realms of character development and animation. At the heart of the Animation Club’s activities lies the intricate art of animation. Members delve into the fascinating process of bringing characters to life through motion and storytelling. This engaging pursuit not only nurtures their artistic skills but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the nuances of visual storytelling.

The club’s toolkit includes industry-standard software like Adobe and Photoshop, empowering members to unlock their creative potential. Through hands-on sessions and collaborative projects, students gain proficiency in these powerful tools, honing their ability to craft characters and breathe life into their creations. The use of cutting-edge technology allows members to explore diverse animation styles, from traditional hand-drawn animations to modern digital techniques.

The Animation Club serves as a platform for students to express themselves artistically while also delving into the technical aspects of animation. Character development is a core focus, encouraging members to go beyond mere illustrations and invest in the personality, emotions, and narrative arcs of their animated characters.

HRISTINA HUERTA-STYLIANOU ‘24

Cocoa, Cookies, and College

There is nothing better than when Ursuline graduates come back to visit campus. Actually, there is nothing better than when Ursuline graduates come back to visit campus with cocoa and cookies! Ursuline’s Cocoa, Cookies, and College Event is an annual information session presented to current students by a panel of young Ursuline alumni. This cherished tradition is not only an amazing resource for current koalas, but is also a way for graduates to stay connected with their alma mater.

On January 4th, the cafeteria was full of juniors and seniors who were eager to hear about student life at a variety of colleges and universities. Ursuline alumni were present from Bucknell University, Iona University, the University of Notre Dame, Washington University in Saint Louis, Pennsylvania State University, Cornell University, and Fordham University to name a few. Our alumni first shared tips on the college application process. Advice was shared on how to perfect your personal statement, find your fit in a school, and manage your time. Prizila Negrete ’23 even had unique advice to current students as a collegiate athlete. When the floor was opened up for questions, our koalas did not hold back. From topics including roommates to faith life on campus, no stone was left unturned.

Cocoa, Cookies, and College is an amazing example of the strength of Ursuline connections. When graduates come back, there are always lots of smiles and hugs. With the help of our alumni, we are sure that those who attended the event are well on their way to achieving their educational goals. A lot can be learned and shared over a warm cup of cocoa.

SARAH BRANNIGAN ‘24

Charity Cabaret

MILA PALJUSAJ ‘26

The 6th annual Charity Cabaret was an energetic student-led showcase featuring lively dance, alluring performances, and heartwrenching singing. The Cabaret is a revue of Broadway show tunes from classic plays such as Chicago, Matilda, Hadestown, and many more. Assisting with the production were our esteemed music teachers Mr. Falipou and Ms. Gentry; however, as a student-run production, the directors were juniors Carly Tauber and Madeleine Cockburn. The Cabaret was hosted from February 1st to 3rd, exhibiting astonishing talents ranging from singing to dancing. The goal of the performance was to generate donations from viewers instead of paying for tickets. The performance is free upon entry, although it is heavily suggested to donate upon entrance. This year’s charity was Sanctuary for Families, a charity advocating for domestic violence, sex trafficking, and gender violence survivors. The Cabaret was an astonishing event that amazed all viewers and cast members alike.

Reviews of the Cabaret have continuously risen with each year it is performed. Actors have also described a positive experience within the TUS Drama Community, such as Ella Herspring ‘26. Ella has been a part of the Cabaret since freshman year and has impacted the Ursuline acting community. She described her experience as “really fun, man!” and loves giving back to the community, especially to those in need. It has also motivated her to work harder in acting and singing, pushing her to perform the best she can. Other members, such as Julia Ralph ‘26, have also positively described their experience with the Cabaret. Julia has been a prominent member of the cast since freshman year and was promoted to assistant stage manager this year. She rated the Cabaret experience a 10/10, especially supporting her fellow cast members and giving back to charity through Sanctuary for Families. Overall, much of the cast and viewers have appreciated their experience with the Cabaret and hope to continue with the tradition.

Blac k Hist or y Mont h

February is a time for reflection and recognition of Black history. In the early 1900s, Black history and figures were honored in the second week of February to align with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass, sponsored by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Going forward into the 1960s and in the era of the Civil Rights Movement, a week of recognition turned into a month for many people residing on college campuses. Gerald Ford officially recognized Black history in 1976 in support of the holiday, stating it’s to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” In our new age, we spend this month honoring the Black people who have contributed to our history and country, such as Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, Carter G Woodson, Malcolm X, and many more.

In honor of Black History Month, Ursuline invited the mayor of New Rochelle, Yadira Ramos-Herbert. Ramos-Herbert is the first female and person of color to be the mayor of New Rochelle. Sworn in at the beginning of this year, Herbert has made many contributions to her city before officially becoming mayor. She worked with students to conduct the first Juneteenth parade last year, helped teens in New Rochelle have access to vaccinations, and increased the number of jobs for youths during the summer. I had the privilege of being able to interview Mayor Ramos-Herbert; here’s what we discussed: What were some of the emotions you felt while being sworn into office?

Herbert felt emotionally overwhelmed when sworn into office, accompanied by her children and husband. On her mind was her mother, who recently passed away in the Dominican Republic; she wondered what her mother would be thinking of her, the first woman of color to become the mayor of New Rochelle. She commented on

the many sacrifices made to reach this point and feels great pride in holding this position today. What struggles did you overcome to get to where you are today?

Being in such a demanding field, Herbert carried around a lot of insecurities and often had imposter syndrome. Yet, she kept true to herself and reminded herself she was human and anything she put her mind to was possible. “You can’t overcome struggles like switching a switch,” Herbert said. She could suppress whatever it was that was blocking her from reaching her full potential through a good support network.

Is there any advice you would give to women of color interested in politics and government?

“You belong. You belong everywhere. I once told someone that one day the Supreme Justices will all be female. They told me, but aren’t there 9 positions? Yes, there are, but if there were 9 men in the Supreme Court for so long, why can’t there also be 9 women in position?” She frequently mentioned that women belong everywhere and can put their minds to anything they want. Gender norms and things people say against women working in specific fields should not discourage women from entering political and governmental jobs. No matter how male-dominated a sphere can be, women still belong. “Women are capable of anything.”

Science Olympiad Competition

In an extraordinary display of dedication, teamwork, and scientific prowess, the inaugural year of Ursuline’s Science Olympiad team proved to be nothing short of a resounding success. Competing in the Regional Lower Hudson events for high school (Division C) and middle school (Division B), these budding scientists and engineers showcased their talents, earning a place of honor and recognition.

The first year of existence for the Science Olympiad team was filled with challenges and excitement. Undeterred by their novice status, the team undertook rigorous preparation and training to participate in the Regional Lower Hudson events. At the Division B tournament, the middle school team faced its first challenge in the rigorous realm of scientific competitions. Despite being newcomers, the group managed to secure a commendable fourth place in Anatomy and Physiology. The achievement was attributed to the efforts of team members Nichole ‘27 and Juliet Halaseh ‘27. Their dedication to preparation and attention to detail in the subject matter were evident, allowing them to clinch a respectable position in a field of seasoned competitors.

The high school team, participating in Division C, faced its own set of challenges and uncertainties. Despite being newcomers to the Science Olympiad scene, the team displayed a collective determination

to compete at a high level. Although specific event placements may not have reached the podium, the overall experience gained from the competition was invaluable for the team’s future development.

The accomplishments at the Regional Lower Hudson events mark a modest yet significant beginning for Ursuline’s Science Olympiad team. This initial foray into competitive science sets the stage for the team to refine their skills, enhance their knowledge, and perhaps achieve even greater success in future tournaments.

ALANA MORGAN ‘24

CHRISTINA HUERTA-STYLIANOU ‘24

Spreading Love Around: Sister Act Jr.

As the third quarter nears its end, students and teachers have begun to prepare for the long nights and stressful events that will accompany the final leg of the school year. What better way to temporarily set aside our burdens and find our strength together once more, than to enjoy a night of song and dance provided by our very own TUS Drama Club? Written by Glenn Slater with music composed by Alan Menken, Sister Act Jr. is based on the smash hit 1992 film Sister Act and its musical counterpart, the Tony-nominated Broadway musical Sister Act. The musical’s leading lady, a nightclub performer by the name of Deloris Van Cartier attempts to navigate the new rigid lifestyle that she must uphold to maintain a low profile while hiding among nuns in a convent, bringing a new perspective on emotional expression to the convent through her music, and in turn discovering a new look on life and friendship through her bonds with the sisterhood. This month, during a time in which we most earnestly need a reprieve from our daily responsibilities, the TUS Drama Club once again delivers a musical masterpiece that aims to remind the Ursuline community of what it means to be a part of the Serviam mission.

The creative process behind making a musical of Sister Act Jr’s caliber matches the musical’s complex narrative in both scale and intensity. “It’s difficult to schedule rehearsals around other extracurricular activities, like sports, clubs, or even other shows like the Cabaret,” shared Ms. Kelly Gentry, performing arts teacher at TUS and co-director of Sister Act Jr. “Scheduling needed to cater to production needs, without overwhelming the students in the process.” Musicals in particular require a great deal of time and people to run smoothly: “A play is slightly different from a musical in terms of managing the visual composition of the stage with the scale of the production,” says assistant stage manager Annagh Tierney ‘24. “For plays like last fall’s A Night of Shakespeare, there were two or three set changes. With Sister Act Jr, there is a different set in almost every scene. I wouldn’t say the differences are negative in any way; they are more like a different challenge to figure out.” As the actors captivate the audience under the stage lights, the wings and dressing rooms backstage are alive with movement, color, and energy. Many intricate processes are at work during any given number, and all of them must occur under intense time pressure.

Considering all of these challenges in production, what makes this musical in particular appealing to an Ursuline audience? Mr. Falipou-Karkari, another performing arts teacher and co-director of Sister Act Jr, answers this question in an interview. “For our first TUS Drama production, Ms. Gentry and I wanted to select something that was both fun to perform and had many strong female roles,” he says. “There are also very interesting religious elements in Sister Act, especially in the music, which walks the line between choral and pop music.” Combining religious images, music, and more serious moral topics with the musical’s inherently playful and infectiously exuberant nature is an ambitious goal and one that pays off in its execution.

That being said, Sister Act Jr is far from a musical characterized by fantastical superfluity. It is abundantly clear from the relationships that are created throughout the course of the musical that there is a profound message ringing in the heavenly harmonies of Sister Act, and the cast strives to embody this in their characters. “I want to communicate the importance of sisterhood, especially in the context of our all-girls high school,” says Sofia Santana ‘24 about her expression of the musical’s message through her character. “My character, Deloris, forms strong bonds with the nuns at the convent,

and by the end of the show, these women have all uplifted and supported each other. It’s a really sweet message about girls supporting girls, even if they’re different from each other, that I think can really resonate with our Ursuline community.” “I think the musical as a whole can show that change is okay and how life is a balance of seriousness but also lighthearted fun,” states Laura Sanchez ‘28, a new cast member at TUS Drama. Mia Brown ‘26, a cast member, adds that, “Both of my characters share the need to develop a sense of individuality…This is something that I really want to show to the audience, and communicate the importance of expressing yourself as an individual. Society is constantly putting pressure on us to look, act, and wear certain things to ‘fit in,’ and this is especially apparent in schools. Despite that,

True to the musical’s own message, the defining aspect of the TUS Drama Club community, that gets each teacher and student through the long afternoons and propels them through the exhilarating rush of opening night, is a sense of heartfelt pride and camaraderie. New cast member and freshman Aishwarya Punnoose elaborates on her experience in an interview: “I joined Ursuline in freshman year. Since this is my first show, I feel a mix of emotions…but most of all, I feel excited to share the amazing show we have brought together with everyone.” Tackling a large project with an even larger group of people brings added challenges to balance with school work and personal lives, yet it also brings joy and excitement to stressful schooldays. “I have made some of my closest friends by participating in shows here, and it’s truly amazing to be part of such a supportive and loving community,” Mia Brown states. “Getting to see my friends during rehearsals is always the highlight of my day, and it’s so wonderful to be able to share my love of theater with them!”

Even after the final curtain call, when the stage lights dim and the bustling theater is emptied, the TUS Drama community continues to thrive in the memories of not only its student volunteers, but its teachers, chaperones, assistants, and parents. “I will miss the magic of putting a show together, the close bond between all of the cast and crew members, opening nights, cast dinners, the underclassmen, and my TUS Drama Family,” longtime cast member Carli Wallace ‘24 confesses in an interview. “I’ve had the time of my life these past five years performing with people I love, and I will miss everything about performing on the Ursuline Stage.”

Sister Act Jr. will light up the Ursuline Auriana Theater on Thursday, March 21st, and continue to rock the stage on Friday, March 22nd, and Saturday, March 23rd. Keep an eye out for further details in the Koala Bulletin, and on behalf of the entire TUS Drama Club, we hope to see you there!

OLIVIA STELLA ‘26

Writing Center

GEORGINA GAMBLE ‘25

Do you struggle in your English class? Are you cramming for an essay? Or do you maybe just need some help with placing a comma? Whatever it is, the TUS Writing Center is here for you! Run by juniors and seniors in the National English Honor Society, the Writing Center is an accessible tool for anyone who may need help on an essay or writing assignment in an English class. The tutors are here to assist you with any issues or questions you have, whether it’s understanding the book you’re reading or studying for your next vocabulary test. The Writing Center is available on Mondays and Tuesdays after school (rooms 206 and 213 respectively) and on Wednesdays and Thursdays during the lunch periods (Lunch 1: room 206, Lunch 2: room 213). We hope to see you there!

Mardi Gras/Ash Wednesday Origins

The start of February commences the special occasion of the Lenten Season for the Catholic Church. This season surrounds offerings to God in the form of alms and penance. During this time, people may sacrifice food, ideas, habits, or concepts that do not glorify God. Mardis Gras, an event made to celebrate before the solemn period, is celebrated on February 13th of this year. Ash Wednesday, the day that commences the period of Lent, is observed the day after. These two important days shape Catholic lives and impact the way they view the world by highlighting the values of praying, abstaining from harmful ways, and serving others.

Mardi Gras is a holiday celebrated to mark the end of the preLenten season and the beginning of Lent. It was created to prepare for the fasting period by indulging in all fatty foods before it starts. Mardi Gras is known by many names, one being “Fat Tuesday.” The holiday is called “Fat Tuesday” because of its translation from French to English. In addition to this, Mardi Gras is also called Carnival because of its translation “end to meat” which can be traced back to the Latin medieval phrase “carnem levare” or “carnelevarium.” Celebrated originally by Christian Europeans, the first Mardis Gras dates back to March 3, 1699 in the United States. French explorers Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and Sieur de Bienville landed in the United States, bringing the tradition with them. It is debated whether they landed near New Orleans, Louisiana, or in Mobile, Alabama. New Orleans, along with other French territories, began celebrating with street gatherings, dinners, and masquerade balls. Later on, the festival was banned once the Spanish took control of New Orleans. These bans were enforced until Louisiana became a part of the United States on April 30, 1812. As a result of this rich history, New Orleans has the most famous Mardi Gras celebration because of its colorful and extravagant

traditions. Moreover, it is the only state that recognizes Mardis Gras as an official holiday. Traditions such as throwing beads, wearing masks, decorating floats, and eating king cake are common in this festival. Significant coined colors for this celebration are gold, green, and purple. Gold represents power, green represents faith, and purple represents justice. These colors became significant in 1892 during the Rex Parade and became a staple for generations to come.

Ash Wednesday is a day that represents the commencement of the six weeks of Lent. Lent is a period of self-sacrifice before the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter. Originally, Ash Wednesday got its name from an early Christian Church in Rome. Sinners during this time were sprinkled with ashes and wore sackcloth, which is a type of cloth made from burlap or other coarse material. They wore this until the Thursday before Easter. This tradition fell during the 8th to 10th century and transformed into the tradition of placing ashes on the forehead known today. Ashes are placed in the form of a cross during mass and go along with the phrase “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Ash Wednesday is now known as a day of fasting where no meat can be consumed, and for some, only one meal is eaten. This is a day of expressing humility that reminds people of where they came from and first began.

In conclusion, Ash Wednesday and Mardi Gras are made to honor the time of Lent. These days give tribute to the time that Jesus Christ spent in the desert for 40 days and serve as a reminder of the benefits of fasting. Ash Wednesday is a day that commemorates the limited amount of time that is given on Earth and making the best of it by growing with God every day. These days shift the perspectives of Catholics from having a lifestyle that benefits solely themselves to living for God and serving others.

CAMILA NAPOLEON ‘26

PAWS Club Spotlight

The PAWS (Protecting Animals with Service) Club at Ursuline is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for local dogs in shelters awaiting adoption. Moderated by Ms. Lyons and Mrs. Summa, members of the PAWS club have explored various endeavors to support their mission this year. To kick off the school year, the club made Prayer of St. Francis bookmarks to distribute to Ursuline students and faculty. St. Francis is famously regarded as the patron saint of animals, and his feast day falls on October 4th each year. It is common for pet owners to bring their companions to their local

church to be blessed by a priest. The PAWS bookmarks feature the prayer to bless animals at home and were blessed with holy water before distribution. PAWS held a bake sale shortly after the Feast of Saint Francis and raised over one hundred dollars to donate to charitable organizations. Both “Pets for Vets” and “America’s Vet Dogs” pair veterans with service animals, and were the recipients of the funds from the bake sale. Most recently, the club conducted a holiday donation drive which had great success. Students were able to select an ornament with a picture of a donateable item on it from the “Donation

CATHERINE HEARLE ‘25

Tree” and then bring that item to school to be donated to a local shelter. Items included blankets, collars, treats, and more. The club, along with all participants, helped make the holidays brighter at the local shelters this year. The club hopes to conduct an Easter raffle, in which all proceeds will go towards improving the lives of animals. In alignment with the club’s mission of promoting adoption, featured below are some local dogs and cats available for adoption. Scan the QR codes to see if one of them might be a good match for you and your family!

Abbey

Allison

Donatella

Donnie

Zora