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The Medallion
Notre Dame Academy
Faith Character Scholarship
1073 Main Street Hingham, MA 02043
NDA Players Break a Leg with
“Beauty and the Beast”
Everyday Hero
Sally Stover ‘15
We are all aware of the thousands of
soldiers fighting in Iraq. In my mind, all
of them are everyday heroes. They all put
their lives on the line for us and never
expect anything in return. However,
what strikes me the most is those who die
for us quietly and sometimes with little
recognition. Sergeant 1st Class Kristoffer
B. was killed during his 14th tour in the
Middle East. He left behind a wife and
two daughters when he was killed from
wounds on October 22nd 2011. Kristoffer
died alongside two other soldiers when
their unit was attacked from makeshift
explosive devices by enemy forces in
Afghanistan. This astonishing number
of deployments made him the Ranger
with the most tours of duty who were
killed in action.
Nina Murney ‘12
I love drama. The theater is my
home away from home. At NDA alone,
I have been in five shows, and I have
loved every minute it. Still, in every
show I have ever been in,
there is this one moment
right before I go on stage
when the nerves bubble up
in my stomach, my chest
gets tight, and my mind
goes blank. It is then that
I ask myself over and over
again, why on Earth I would
ever voluntary put myself
in this position?
Why
would I, a completely sane
person with homework
and a social life to worry
about, voluntarily give up
hours of my week so that I could don a
sweltering hot costume—complete with
a mustache—and perform in front of a
packed auditorium? I know I am not
alone here. Anyone who has ever been
in a performance has to have asked
themselves that question at least once.
The answer is different for everybody.
In the case of the NDA Players, though,
I think that the feeling we all got right
after finishing that first show on Friday
night was exactly why we all do this.
Beauty and the Beast was a special
show. I guess all shows are special in
their own way, but this one was really
something different. The cast was huge,
the practices were long, and at times we
thought there was no way that we would
ever have a show come
December 2, but we
did. More importantly,
we did it together. For
better or worse, we were
there for each other.
We talked together,
sang together, danced
together, ate together,
and lived together in
that auditorium for
months.
When the
curtain finally did rise
on that first night, we
were all a little scared,
but we were ready, too.
Top 5
Ugly Christmas
Sweaters
by Victoria Spurr ‘12
Those who knew him urge us not to
reminisce on his death but instead on
the life he lived. The principal of the
high school he attended in San Diego,
Paul Robinson, says he was a “funloving young man… He was just a good
kid.” This remarkable 29 year old was
awarded two Bronze Stars during his
life. However, now with his death he will
be awarded another Bronze Star along
with the Purple Heart. It is important to
remember, especially during the holiday
season, all of the soldiers still deployed
in Afghanistan and Iraq that will not
make it home and to be thankful for the
burdens of sorrow they carry for us.
In the end, I think all of our feelings
came out in those pre-show circles.
We couldn’t cry—it would smudge
our makeup—but it was just about
impossible not to want to with all the
things being said. So many friendships
were formed over the course of this
show that it’s easy to see why we do it.
For those three months, we were more
than a club. We were—and still are—a
family. We want to thank you for being
our guest, and we hope that you enjoyed
the show as much as we did.
Coffee: Why Do We Crave It?
Isabella Walko ‘14
So what’s the big buzz about our
coffee drinks anyway? Although Hawaii
is the only state in the United States that
grows and produces coffee, the average
American will consume 416 8-ounce
cups of coffee every year. Everywhere When you don’t drink coffee, chances
we go, we see people sipping on their are you feel tired and drowsy and desire
caffeinated mochas, cappuccinos, lattes another cup. Like nicotine, coffee has a
and espresso drinks. But is this right for similar effect of staining your teeth. As
students?
long as you are not dependant on coffee
In a growing research on the history
behind coffee, those who do not drink
it have a much less chance to get type
2 diabetes, strokes, heart rhythm
problems, and certain types of cancer.
Because girls our age have reached
a point that we are done growing
does not mean that are brains are not
still developing! Coffee consumed in
moderation is said not to affect us,
but what about the people who are
constantly drinking it every day? The
reason why we are so addicted to
coffee is the caffeine in it. Although
this makes you alert, it also makes you
distracted and not able to fall asleep.
December 2011
and consume it on occasions, you will be
more focused and be able to fall asleep at
night better. The reason why we desire it
on our morning commutes to school is
because it is a quick source of energy to
get us through that math test first period
on a Monday morning.
Because our brains and bodies
are still developing, our liver cannot
metabolize caffeine and stays in our
body for up to 5 days, leaving us jittery
and anxious. Trying to avoid coffee? Try
getting more sleep, eating healthy foods
and gradually decreasing the amount of
coffee you intake.
A Walk Down the
Yellow Brick Road
Kathleen Cahill ‘13
This year, Junior Retreat was unlike
any retreat I have ever been on. The goal
of the retreat was to find your own path,
and to follow your own “yellow brick
road”. Senior retreat leaders wore t-shirts
with ruby red slippers, munchkins, and
tin men to emphasize The Wizard of Oz
theme. The day began with a bus ride
to the St. Mary’s church in Scituate. We
played some classic NDA ice breakers
like the
human
knot and
ships and
sailors.
B etween
activities,
senior
retreat
leaders
would share their stories about
obstacles they have overcome, and how
they found themselves through these
continued on pg 4
I n si d e t h is issu e !
Winter Sports Preview .........................................................................................................................2
Author Laura Duska Visits NDA..............................................................................................................3
“Christian Coffee House” Comes to Campus Ministry.................................................................................4
All images and photos courtesy of Google
images or members of the NDA community.
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A Christmas Wish From Ms. Colin
Julianne McShane ’13
On Sunday November 6 , 47,000
Many say that the second part
runners toed the starting line of the ING of a marathon is the most difficult.
New York City Marathon in Staten Island, After runners had already pushed
New York. The NYC Marathon—one of through 20 miles, they were rewarded
the largest in the world—began in 1970. with running the last six miles on a
At that point, the marathon consisted of spectator lined course—miles 21
repeat laps around Central Park, which through 24 were run down Fifth
55 runners completed after paying the Avenue, where the bulk of the
$1 registration fee. Today, the Marathon spectators cheered runners on, and
unites the five ethnically diverse the last two miles were completed
boroughs of New York, and annually on Central Park’s hilly terrain. In the
attracts both elite, professional runners men’s race, the first three finishers
as well as recreational runners. In what all broke the ten year old course
other sport can recreational participants record time of 2 hours, 7 minutes,
participate in a championship or pinnacle and 43 seconds. However, Geoffrey
event alongside the professionals who Mutai, a 30-year-old self-coached
specialize in the sport? High school Kenyan who also won the Boston
football players cannot participate in the Marathon this past April, edged out
Superbowl, and weekend soccer players his competition to break the tape in
do not play alongside the international 2 hours, 5 minutes, and 6 seconds,
teams in the World Cup. This aspect which translates to an incredible pace
of the sport, along with the challenge of 4 minutes and 46 seconds per mile.
of covering 26.2 miles on foot, is what Mutai collected $130,000 for the win,
attracted almost 50,000 runners to put it plus a $70,000 bonus for breaking
all on the line and chase their dreams.
the course record. The women’s race
As the gun went off, runners set was a closer one to watch; the top
off to cover the 26.2 mile course, three women battled for the win,
starting off by traversing the taking turns leading, and eventually,
Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. By the a mere four seconds separated the
time the runners would cross the winner and the runner-up. Ethiopia’s
finish line, they would have traversed 27-year-old Firehiwot Dado took the
five bridges in total. After crossing win in a time of 2 hours, 23 minutes,
the bridge to leave Staten Island, and 15 seconds, which translates to
participants continued on their tour an unbelievable pace of 5 minutes
of New York’s five boroughs, passing and 28 seconds per mile.
From when I was growing up and even still now, I love to play
Christmas music a little ahead of the socially acceptable time, much
to my husband’s dismay but our children’s delight. Once Halloween
is over dabbling in a carol or two brings a smile and anticipation
of exciting days to come; when Thanksgiving arrives, it is full on
— Christmas carols galore! These songs say it all from the joys of
Christmas and the birth of Jesus, to the struggles and difficulties
that can be felt or seen so clearly in some people at this time. My
wish for everyone each year is that they have peace in their heart.
No matter what might be currently happening or circumstances
in your life, I hope there is family and friends surrounding you in
celebration or providing you comfort. This is what we are all about
at NDA, and it becomes part of each person’s fabric to be present,
to be the present in someone’s life in good times and troubled. We
believe in each other and we have faith to be our constant.
Peace on Earth; good will toward all — may this be what we
all keep closest to our hearts and continuously work toward living
every day, long after the holidays.
Happy Christmas.
NDA Winter Sports Preview
As the Temperature Drops, the Intensity Heats Up!
through Brooklyn, Queens, and
the Bronx, and ending their trek in
Manhattan. Along the course, mile
markers and clocks kept runners
on pace for a personal record,
fluid and fruit stations refueled
fatigued bodies, 130 bands provided
musical entertainment, and, most
importantly, 2 million spectators
lined the streets to cheer on family,
friends, and professional runners.
Mariel Teauge ‘13 and Meg Ayers ‘13
When asked to share what the Ice
Hockey team aspires to this upcoming
winter season, senior captain Emily
Lafond—junior Amie Varano is a
fellow captain—mentioned the extra
hours the hockey team has been
putting in as preparation for a killer
season. “The NDA Ice Hockey team
has been preparing for the season by
scrimmaging against Our Lady of
Lourdes from Ontario, Canada. It was
our first game skating with each other
and the first game in net for both goalies,
Samantha Cuomo and Nina Pascarelli.
We lost 6-3, but overall it was a great
experience to play a Canadian team, and
everyone played with intensity.” The
Cougars had their season opening game
against Arlington Catholic on Saturday,
December 10th. Come support your
NDA Ice Hockey team this winter!
Captains of the gymnastics team,
seniors Emily Nonnamaker, Anne
Nonnamaker, and Olivia Lehane, are
also optimistic about their upcoming
Save Our Animals
continued on pg 4
Emma Corcoran ‘13 and Julia Ferrari ‘13
Less than two months ago over a dozen of exotic animals were shot and killed
in Ohio. These animals had been trapped in a man’s back yard and were severely
punished when let free. This tragic event really has made us stop and think about
animals and how their lives seem to constantly be taken away from them.
Animal cruelty in our world today is greatly increasing, and millions of animals
are being forced into abusive living environments. People, who are not ready for
the responsibility, buy animals to keep as pets but neglect and mistreat them. Some
animals are kept and tortured in experimentation labs and kept in small contained
cages where they cannot live comfortably. Animals are killed every day for reasons
that are inexcusable. When someone buys a new pair of boots or bites into a
hamburger they are probably not considering the pain and suffering forced onto
innocent animals, but it is something that all people should be aware of.
It is our responsibility to stop animal cruelty, and it can be done. Not wearing
leathers and furs, making sure a product has not been tested on animals, and
becoming a vegetarian or vegan are all lifestyle changes that can be made to stop
animal cruelty. There are hundreds of companies that do not have to hurt or kill
animals to produce their products, and all you need to do is take the time to look for
them. This is not an impossible task, and we can make a difference. Help save our
animals, and join the SOA club!
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Thousands Chase Dreams at NYC
Marathon
th
Christmas. Just the idea of Christmas brings up so many
emotions — joy, love, friendship, frenzied, confusion, warmth...
The multi-sports athletes at NDA
have hit the ground running (literally)
after a quick transition from the fall
season to the winter season. From ice
hockey sticks to ski boots, the locker
rooms are becoming more and more
cluttered each day! We recently caught
up with some of the winter sports
captains and coaches to find out how
the athletes have been preparing for
the year’s longest sports season, as well
as how they are establishing some team
goals.
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However, runners did not have
to win one of the world’s largest
marathons or set course records
to make an impact. Thousands of
runners ran for various charities,
including Mrs. Pepe’s son, who ran to
raise money for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Disease. Countless other runners ran
for the thrill and the challenge and
ran to chase, and finally catch, an
elusive dream.
New to NDA: Teacher Spotlight
Ms. Kaitlyn Keary, Theology Department
Anna Ratto ‘13 and Gabrielle Corner ‘13
Upon sitting down with Mrs. Keary, says she still likes
one can learn a lot about her from her Adult Christianity,
interesting stories. Before NDA, Mrs. however, she had
Keary taught at one other school. She never taught this
says in comparing the two, “Well they’re class before, unlike
very different. The school that I was at Morality.
before was an inner city kind of school
When not in
and their mission was really to serve
her
classroom,
the need of young women who might
Mrs. Keary can
come from single-parent families, or
be found in the
live in low-income housing… students
Campus Ministry
who really had a need for an education
Office. She says
outside of the Boston Public School
that one of her favorite things about
system that was a little bit safer, more
Campus Ministry is that she can meet
grounded.” At the other school she had
students she may not teach, as well as
taught theology for every grade level. She
get to know some students from her
says, “Eventually my job changed and
classroom even better. One of her
I was in Campus Ministry, and my job
involvements in Campus Ministry
changed a bunch of times.” She explains
includes the starting of Christian
that though she did at one point teach all
Coffee House. She defines it as follows,
four grade levels, she went on to teach
“Christian Coffee House was actually
Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
a combined idea between myself and
Here at NDA, Mrs. Keary teaches a couple of students…we were looking
Morality and Adult Christianity. Upon for music for the liturgies, and I said
being asked which she prefers, she says, we really should come up with some
“I like different parts of both of them.” new music for us to hear,” she further
She goes on to explain, “I think Morality explains that she thought new input
can be a lot of fun because you’re getting would be great for the music. She says
to talk about what’s going on in students’ someone mentioned the idea of hanging
lives, what are the issues they’re facing out and drinking coffee. The Christian
and how they deal with them.” She Coffee House allows people from all
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A Love Story
Mrs. Pepe
He really should not be doing this.... a massive effort to cure this terrible
after all; he was never much of a runner; form of cancer. He registered to run
no grace in his gate and no elegance in the New York City Marathon as part
his stride. Growing up, he spent hours of the TEAM IN TRAINING for the
in the pool doing laps and flip turns, Leukemia Lymphoma Society, raising
and avoided the road work that comes money to help find that cure. His friends
along with conditioning for his sport. thought he was crazy to try this; after
He is a swimmer — not a runner, so all, he was a world-class “workaholic”
this makes no sense. But he is a man of with no time in his frenetic schedule
his convictions and one who keeps his to take on the serious training it would
promises, so here he is — taking on one require to finish this race. But train he
of the biggest challenges he has ever set did, constantly inspired by his beautiful
fiancé whose battle was infinitely worse
for himself.
than anything he put himself through in
Please don’t misunderstand, not too
his training routine. Her treatments
long ago he was a Collegiate Alleventually worked their terrible
American athlete and knew
magic and she regained her
more about setting goals
health and strength. For her, he
and hours of training than
kept his promise to run.
most. But this training was
It never should have
different because being six
happened, and yet there
years out of college made it
was so much about that
hurt more, it wasn’t as much
day that was remarkable. It was a
fun, and he was alone most of
gloriously sunny late-autumn day, and
the time. However, with each leg
cramp and breathless mile he ran, his the millions of people watching along
thoughts were of the love of his life who the course enjoyed the spectacle. Each
was in the middle of a quite different of the 47,000 participants had their own
challenge. You see, about a year before, inspiration for running, but his reason
under the arch of Washington Square stands out — the healthy recovery of
Park, he asked her to marry him and his fiancé. He ran the 26.2 miles in a
of course she said yes. Six weeks later respectable five hours and 31 minutes,
she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s sparked by his will to take on and
Lymphoma and their well-ordered life finish this challenge, just as she took
together veered seriously off course. She on the severity of her chemotherapy
began a regimen of toxic chemotherapy treatments to overcome cancer. She
that, administered weekly, left her limp was much too young to be that sick,
and nauseous and him helpless and and swimmers don’t run marathons,
but both crossed their personal finish
frustrated.
lines with a sense of connectedness that
He vowed that if circumstances
binds them tightly. It is amazing to
allowed for her recovery, he would
contemplate what inspires some of us
do something monumental that he
to reach beyond our grasp….for them,
would never ordinarily do, something
it was true love.
that would allow him to contribute to
Author Laura Duska Visits NDA
Isabella Walko ‘14
to have the opportunity to come
Most of the NDA community
back and speak to us about her
remembers Laura Duska, the 43-yearexperiences. Laura emphasized
old New York Times bestselling author
an important lesson: she would
and NDA alumna, who walked up on
not trade anything to have hair
stage a couple of weeks ago to talk to us
again; she is more confident and
about her life story. For those of you who
free without it. She believes that
forget, or did not hear Laura’s story, here
being yourself
and not
is a refresher: Laura was diagnosed with
hiding who you
Alopecia, a stress-triggered condition
truly are is the
that triggered her hair loss at eleven
best way to
years old. She spent almost nineteen
succeed.
years wearing wigs, and being very selfconscious about what she looked like
and what other people thought of her.
One day, when praying for her sister, a
distinct voice came to her, telling her
that her sister was fine, and to pray for
her nephew instead. Laura believes that
this was her turning point, when the
idea of a children’s picture book flooded
her mind.
After many revisions, she selfpublished her first book, I Love You
More, and signed every book in the same
distinct way: “You are a magnificent gift
to you family and to the world”. Her
second book, entitled You Are a Gift
to the World, was released soon after.
On the back of the book, the title reads
The World is a Gift to You. Both of her
books are flip-sided, to represent that
the love is never-ending. Once you
finish reading the fist side, you can then
flip the book over and read a new story
starting from the back cover. Laura says
that her books were written to fill the
world with love and appreciation for
children, and she says it was a blessing
Maggie
Says...
Maggie Romero ‘12
Tis the season to celebrate... Celebrate
Massachusetts’ First Anti-Trafficking Bill!
Finally, after a long and hard six years, Massachusetts lawmakers pass the
first anti human-trafficking law as of November 2011. What does this bill mean? The bill enables judges to give criminal sentences to suspects who attempt
and/or are involved in the trafficking of persons. Increased severe sentences
and/or penalties for exploiting individuals for sex will now face up to 2 1/2 years
in a institute of correction or result in fines. This bill not only assists prosecutors
in convicting “pimps” and/or “Johns” but it provides a defense for those
victims whom have been coerced, abused and deprived of their basic human
rights. Massachusetts is one of the last three states to pass an anti-trafficking bill
along with West Virginia and Maryland.
Human trafficking may be defined as the sale, transport and profit from
human beings who are forced to work for others — it is the modern equivalent
of slavery. Against their will, millions of people around the world are forced
to work for the profit of others- including; begging, prostitution, involuntary
servitude, working in sweatshops — even becoming child soldiers!
There are many organizations and movements working to put an end to
human trafficking and the modern-day slavery that still exists in our society
today. To Learn More take a look at these web sites. They may give you a better
idea of what Human Trafficking is overall.
www.callandresponse.com
www.polarisproject.org
www.notforsalecampaign.org
www.mtvexit.org/
An Exciting Internship
Kyra Pellant ‘12
Over the past
weeks, I was able to
experience what most
people my age don’t
usually get to say
they’ve done. When I
got the call from the
NBC Boston affiliate
WHDH Channel 7
news station saying they’d love to have
me intern, I was excited and nervous at
the same time. Most internships start
when a person is a junior or senior in
college, and many people were shocked
when I told them I was only a senior in
high school. I knew that the weeks ahead
of me would be exhausting but amazing
at the same time.
First arriving at the news station,
I was overwhelmed by the amount of
people. People with papers, people with
coffee, and people with huge cameras
were all making their way to their needed
destinations. The news room was much
like you’d expect it would be: crowded
and chaotic with time constraint to make
the deadline which is the 5:00 news. I met
reporters, anchors,
technical
staff,
graphic designers,
editors, and even
the producers who
promote and create
the show.
Being
able
to
watch
and
experience each of the jobs that make
the news happen each and every day,
opened my eyes to all of the jobs
available in the field of communication,
which I intend to study in college. It
made me more aware of my interests
on a personal level. Not only did I learn
a lot from this experience, I met kind
and passionate people that love their
job. I also hope this rare opportunity
will allow me to stand out from other
applicants when applying to schools that
are highly competitive.
So who says you have to be in college
to intern with your dream job? With a
little motivation and a lot of luck, you
just might be able to, too.
Christmas Overseas
Hannah Paradise ‘13 and Caroline Sullavan ‘13
Soldiers overseas celebrate Christmas much differently than they would if they were at home
with their family and friends. Rather, the soldiers celebrate with their family of troops in the
location of their deployment. The Commanding Officer steps into the father figure
role by giving them their Christmas gift. One of his special gifts to his soldiers is to
cut their shift for that day in half. The troops then unwrap their own gifts delivered
from overseas and sent by their loved ones back home. Christmas trees light up the
dining halls making spirits bright, and Santa Clause makes a surprise visit as the
troops celebrate with a feast! Some soldiers even decorate their guns with Christmas
lights! In the end, they hope to receive the biggest gift of all, the chance to return
home in the New Year.
The soldiers’ expectations for Christmas gifts are very different from what we put
on our Christmas list. They do not expect a new iPod or laptop as we do, but rather to receive
words of gratitude for their service. The spirit of Christmas is alive within them, for they do not
get caught up in the material things, but take time to appreciate their life and its surroundings. The
next morning, after Christmas, while we are waking up excited to enjoy our gifts, the soldiers are
lacing up their shoes to prepare for the days battle.
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Coffee House
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Academy Survival 101
Avoid the Temptation of Hibernation
Kayla Valente ‘13
The trees are decorated, the lights are you also manage to work some fruits
shining, and in the air there is a mixture and vegetables into your diet. You will
of hot cocoa and eggnog – it’s that time be faced with tons of temptations and
of year again! The Christmas season holiday goodies, but try to remember
has begun. Enjoy and be merry, but I what is best for your health.
caution you to make sure you do not
Our school nurse, Mrs. Catrambone,
push away all of your healthy habits. In
has some similar advice for you. She said,
a time where baking Christmas cookies
“As a mother and a school nurse, winter
is crucial and missing one of the 25 Days
is my least favorite season. The dark
of Christmas movies is unthinkable,
mornings means kids are more tired
remember to fit time into your schedule
and less likely to eat a full breakfast and
for taking care of yourself.
the cold weather means that people will
When the Christmas parties begin avoid fresh air and often abandon their
and the cold winter weather takes over, exercise routines. Skipping breakfast,
it’s incredibly easy to fall into winter lack of fresh air, and low physical activity
hibernation. It does get dark awfully fast lead to weakened immune systems and
every day, but do not let that stop you more pervasive winter illnesses! My best
from getting a quick run in after school winter advice is to keep your energy and
or popping into the gym for a little bit. immunity up by eating well, exercising
Spend time getting some fresh air and often, and doing your best to prevent the
enjoying the crisp winter breeze. Even spread of germs.” Let’s keep that in mind
though Buddy the Elf encourages all as we celebrate this wonderful season of
of us to focus on the four major food the year! Eat well, work out, stay healthy,
groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn, and always remember that the best way
and syrup, I would recommend that to spread Christmas cheer is singing
loud for all to hear!
NDA Dance Team
Beauty and the
Beast
The Girl In the Green Kilt
EMILY SMITH ‘13
Dear Girl in the Green Kilt,
Christian Coffee House: A Time to Grow
Spiritually and Connect With Your Community
The Christmas season is upon us, and teachers tend to load up on tests during
the month of December before Christmas vacation. How do I deal with the
extra stress?
Sincerely, Christmas Spirit
Dear C.S.,
Artwork by Mr. Tamura
Just ask “The Girl in the Green Kilt” !
Log on to your Portal, click the ‘Publications’ Tab, and submit your question!
This is true; there are many tests the week or so before we
get out for any vacation. In December, it is because there are
only a few weeks after Christmas vacation left of the second
term. Use study periods to do homework, so that when you
get home you can focus on studying. Use the weekend to get
ahead on any extra studying or work you have. To keep yourself going, remind yourself that you have vacation coming up,
and if you stay focused now, imagine how happy you will be
later that you got all your work done! You will enjoy a more
fulfilling vacation this way!
Sincerely, Girl in the Green Kilt
‘Winter Sports’ continued from pg 2
season, after only one loss last year. Do
not worry, though, they got their revenge
against the same team by beating them
at the League meet! That win helped the
gymnasts not only qualify for Sectionals,
but also for many individual events at
States where their performances were
exceptional. Practices have already
kicked off on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Coming off of a winning 2011 season,
the Cougars on the Ski team are ready to
hit the slopes once again. Returning this
year is the girl’s 2011 individual slalom
State Champion junior Amelia Brown,
amongst many other NDA skiers whose
talents carried the team to states. Like
father like daughter, head Coach Steve
Brown took home the Patriot Ledger
Coach of the Year Award after his first
season on the job. Senior captain Taylor
Morley, joined by senior captains
Amanda Grady and Marie Gilman,
told us, “Our goal as captains this year is
to build a cohesive group of skiers that ski
fast and take chances, while having fun!”
Senior captains of the Indoor
Track team, Rachel Morton, Kaleigh
Erickson, Kelsey Whitaker, Marypat
Henry, and Stormy Leung are fired
up, and anticipating another successful
season. Rachel Morton shared, “One of
the bonuses of the track team is the large
amount of talent and versatility that
back page
we have. We are excited to be having
another freshman class filled with so
many fast runners to be joining such
dedicated, returning runners!”Coming
off of an exciting season supporting the
BC High Superbowl Champs this fall,
the Winter Cheer team is looking to
recapture last year’s State Championship
glory. Senior Captains Erin LeRoy
and Annie Holbrook are hopeful for
another season filled with success. They
are ready to “get after it, get closer as a
team, and protect that State Title!”
Also making strides this winter is
NDA’s Dance Team. Senior captains are
Maria Costa and Bailey Jordan. In their
2010-2011 season, the team qualified
to compete for States. In addition to
dancing throughout the off-season, the
girls have been putting in some serious
time in at the studio, dancing three
times per week! Basketball recently
wrapped up their winter tryouts. As
a result, a team composed of mostly
returning players emerged, mixed with
some fresh, young talent! What is the
theme of this season for the basketball
team? Reaching their potential! Senior
captains Robyn McClelland and Abby
Rajotte, along with junior captain
Alex Dalton, all hope to qualify for
tournament this year.
As much as we love our Varsity
athletes, they would not be where they
Samantha Mastrogiacomo ‘13
There is a new way at NDA to enjoy the Campus Ministry for a time of relaxation
company of your friends, and reconnect to meet with friends, do homework, and
with your faith at the same time! Mrs. enjoy snacks and drinks, such as hot
Keary of our Theology Department and cocoa and apple cider. Christian Coffee
Campus Ministry came up with an idea House meets in Campus Ministry on
with a group of students while trying certain Thursdays at 2:30 until 3:30.
to brainstorm song ideas for upcoming Come and listen to contemporary
liturgies. They thought, why not listen Christian music and relax with your
to these beautiful songs together? And friends. This is a time for you to grow
then came the idea to make this more spiritually but also reconnect with your
enjoyable by adding in NDA’s favorite community.
thing, refreshments!
The upcoming dates for Christian
This idea has come together Coffee House are Thursday, December
wonderfully, as many already come to 15th and Thursday January 12.
are without the experience they gained
at the Junior Varsity and Freshman
team levels. Congratulations to all
NDA winter athletes on completing
winter tryouts, and best of luck with
your season openers. Stay tuned with
The Medallion each month for updates
in our new sports column for when the
real action begins. GO COUGARS!
‘Teacher Spotlight’ continued from pg 2
grades to come together and grow in
community and faith. As far as what
future projects she is looking forward
to, Mrs. Keary mentions the Respects
Life Trip. She says that she has done
the March for Life in the past, but she
is looking forward to chaperoning this
trip for NDA.
Aside from school life, Mrs. Keary
finds hobbies in traveling. She has
journeyed to many places across the
globe, but she considers Ireland her
favorite because her husband’s family
lives there. She says, “It’s always a blast
whenever you go to see family.” Mrs.
Keary also has a hidden talent that she
was going to display in NDA’s talent
show. When asked she replies “I don’t
want to reveal it because I might do it
next year!” NDA will just have to wait
and see in next year’s talent show!
-4-
‘Yellow Brick Road’ continued from pg 1
obstacles. Each story would conclude
with an inspirational song that related
to the story. Senior Katy Cooke chose
the song “And Run” by He is We,
and senior Abigail Stover chose the
song “Your Hands” by J.J. Heller. The
highlight of the day was an activity
called “Affirmation Posters” in which
everyone hung a poster on their back
and wrote complements on each other’s
backs in a semi-anonymous style. The
exercise was surprisingly simple, but
incredibly effective. Everyone I know
has vowed to keep their posters forever.
Our time at St. Mary’s concluded with a
lunch of pizza and carrots, and a chance
to unwind and relax with friends. At the
end of the day the junior class returned
to NDA to participate in mass led by
Randolph’s Father Coyne, and the class
ring ceremony. The Junior Retreat
turned out to be a successful day of
reflection and bonding within the junior
class, and helped us to find our own
yellow brick road!
Merry Christmas from
The Medallion Staff
Editors
Maggie Powers ‘12,
Nicole Watches ‘12
Julianne McShane ‘13,
Samantha Mastrogiacomo ‘13
Advisors — Mrs. Pepe and Mrs. Callahan