1. education
2. school

Aquinas Academy’s Official Student Newspaper
October 2014
Tweeting for a Change?
Everyone on
Twitter is familiar with the
cycle. Following
any major news
story is a deluge
of tweets, usually with a hashtag categorizing
the tweet. My
initial discovery
of the shooting
of Mike Brown
happened on Twitter, as it did for countless other users of
the app. At the time I was on summer vacation, out of
state, and very unconcerned with current events in general. If I had not been tuned in to the Twittersphere, it is
unlikely that I would have become aware of the situation
in Ferguson until a few days later. Of course, the story
gained more traction in major media outlets, and within a
few days, everyone in America was aware of the chaos
and unrest in the St. Louis suburb.
This traction grew nowhere faster than on
Twitter. Each day after the shooting, timelines were
flooded with tweets ending in #nojusticenopeace,
#handsupdontshoot, #Ferguson, and
#iftheygunnedmedown. These tweets invaded every corner of twitter. #Ferguson trended constantly, and within
the first week, an estimated seven million tweets about
Mike Brown and Ferguson had been sent. As new information came out about the case, people tweeted their
reactions and changed opinions. Celebrities and civic
leaders alike shared their thoughts and discontent with
the situation. These events had more relevance on twitter
than any events in recent memory, and with more than
270 million active Twitter users, it is impossible to overestimate the effect Twitter had on giving the Mike
Brown case relevance and reach.
Twitter is undoubtedly a powerful and fast
moving force. It is unique as a news outlet since the users
decide what will become popular topics. The platform
gives people great reach and great followings, and the
ability to share ideas and facts with unprecedented speed
and ease of access. Even people without Twitter accounts
can easily access the tweets of President Barack Obama,
Pope Francis, and Justin Bieber, to name a few. The app
can foster a sense of community and a sense of empow-
By: Richard Meland, Senior
erment. It helped give traction and relevance to the Mike
Brown case, which has the potential to become a watershed moment in U.S. history.
However, some aspects of twitter are double
edged swords. For example, although Ferguson was on
the list of top global trends, it was often sandwiched
between trends of a completely different nature, such as
the Supermoon, or Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda” music video. This jumble of information often distracts from
the gravitas of the important situations and adds to the
ingrained schizophrenia of the entire Twitter platform.
While the twitter can foster community and positivity, it
can also give rise to frightening amounts of negativity
and hatred. The most obvious failing of the platform
however is its fickleness. Though Ferguson held sway on
twitter for longer than any other topics of the month and
possibly the whole year (although the World Cup is hard
to compete with), it was frightening how quickly it began
to lose steam once the story cooled down.
Another issue is that Twitter allows users to
feel a sense of accomplishment and empowerment for
tweeting about an event, even if they did not affect any
real change. Take for example the abduction of the 276
Nigerian schoolgirls by Boko Haram militants. Countless
celebrities, ranging from the First Lady to Angelina Jolie,
showed support for the issue by holding signs that read
#BringBackOurGirls. Despite the incredible attention the
story got in the press and on social media, no government efforts were made to recover the girls. This twitter
activism has been criticized for its lack of efficacious
results, earning the nicknames “Twitter Wack-tivism”, and “Slacktivism”. The way we consume news has fundamentally
changed. While twitter is an amazing resource, it does
not effect change if the ideas and emotion presented on it
do not leave the site. The
ALS Ice Bucket Challenge raised tens of millions of dollars because
it gave people awareness
and also pushed them to
donate. Social media can
be harnessed for great
good, but simply tweeting on an issue you are
passionate about is never
enough.
Life-Saving Meal
2
What’s New?
3
Consumer, Beware! 5
Sports
6-7
Ana’s Mailbox and 9
Clare’s Corner
Upcoming
Events!
October 8: Picture Day
October 10: Freshman /
Sophomore Progressive
Dinner
October 13: No School
Columbus Day
October 15: WHITE
OUT SENIOR
NIGHT- Field Hockey
October 9th: WHITE
OUT SENIOR
NIGHT-Varsity Soccer
October 25: Octoberfest
October 31: All Saints
The Life Saving Meal
Are you moody in the morning? Do you
shake early in the day? Feel dizzy? Does
your heart speed up? Do you get headaches? Lack mental clarity? Are your mornings slow and sluggish? If you answered yes
to any of these, it may be because you
skipped ‘the most important meal of the day: breakfast.
Breakfast can provide necessary
nutrients, especially from fruits and vegetables that are needed each day. "People who
skip breakfast generally fall short on the recommended servings, especially of fruit," says
Gloria Stables, Director the National Cancer
Institute's "five-a-day" program. "If you don't
get started with your first meal of the day, it's
awfully hard for most people to catch up
later." People who manage to achieve the
recommended servings of fruit and vegetables lower their risk of cancer, heart disease,
and other chronic illnesses. A bowl of cereal
can also be beneficial as many cereals are
imbued with a large range of minerals and
vitamins, including Folic Acid which prevents heart disease and birth defects. A study
of 262 volunteers, reported in the November
1999 issue of the International Journal of
Food Science and Nutrition, found that peo-
By: Theresa Boyd, Senior
ple who consumed breakfast cereal every day
reported feeling better both physically and
mentally than those who rarely poured a
bowl of flakes. Additionally, cereal can provide much needed fiber. The average American only consumes roughly thirteen grams of
fiber each day, a far cry from the recommended twenty five to thirty grams. A
healthy amount of fiber not only prevents
heart disease, it can also be an effective way
to lose weight. Fiber is known to be more
load up on fats and carbohydrates during the
day to satisfy hunger pains. Those who consume a healthy breakfast containing one
quarter of their daily calories, have better
nutrition, lower cholesterol, and are less
likely to snack. As the name implies, breakfast breaks the fast between the previous
night’s dinner and the next day’s lunch. If the body goes too long without consuming calories, the metabolism slows. This means at the
next meal, the body will store more fat, thus
gaining more weight instead of losing it.
Breakfast eaters also have improved
mental clarity. They are more productive in
their work, and have better problem solving
skills. Students who eat breakfast are known
to perform better in school, and, interestingly
enough, are less likely to be tardy than their
non-breakfast consuming counterparts.
(Probably because they are less likely to be
sluggish and slow.)
So the next time you’re rushing out filing, and because it slows the digestive
the door in the morning, take a minute and
process, it lengthens the time between meals. grab a handful of nuts and a piece of fruit. It
While the relationship between the could change your day; it could change your
consumption of breakfast and weight loss is life.
heavily debated, studies have shown that
those who skip breakfast are more likely to
FAQ About our New Building
When and how should students expect to make the transition into
the high school building?
The transition will take place this fall, in late October or early
November. However, this transition will depend entirely on the approval
of the Hampton Township for occupancy. Mrs. Mitros described the
process of approval, saying,"They need to see every little detail in the
right place, including even toilet paper and paper towel dispensers, let
alone the bigger issues they must look at."
It is expected that students, for at least one afternoon of a school day,
will transport their belongings into the new building. This would include
everything from desks to book bags. Mrs. Mitros foresees it will be a
"very festive day."
Where will the various grades' lockers be?
The lockers will be across from each grade’s corresponding homeroom. The senior lockers and homeroom will be located downstairs
in the "Palms" (so called because of Mr. Terry Palmer’s generous contri-­
bution of time.) The ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade lockers and homerooms will be located on the first or second floors.
Page 2
By: Mary Rose Flynn, Junior
How large are the lockers and how much space will each student have?
The lockers are the exact same size as the current ones. In
addition, each student, across from his locker, will have a cubby for
coats, book bags, etc. On top of the cubbies are cushions for the students
to sit on.
How large are the classrooms?
The classrooms vary in size. Several are the same as the current ones in the high school while others can change sizes through movable partitions. On the right-hand side of the first floor, a large assembly
room can be split into three small classrooms, or one full and one small
room.
What new features do the science labs, art and media room have?
The art room will be three times larger than the current one,
and equipped with a sink. Adjoining it will be a kiln room for pottery
and a large storage room. Two science labs are within the new building.
One, equipped with fume hoods, will be used for Chemistry, the other
for Life Science. Physics classes can be held in either lab. New features
to the chemistry lab will enable students, for the first time, to take AP
Chemistry. The media room, on the second floor, also can be used as a
classroom, and will contain a collection of books and computers available for student use.
Extra! Extra!
What’s New Here?
When the class of
2015 first hit the Aquinas halls,
things were different; drastically
different. Below, is a glance into
Aquinas’ past and its bright future.
It’s August 27th, 2001;
students shuffle uncomfortably
into rooms so stiflingly hot one
could slow roast a brisket… or a student. As sweat adds to the
humidity, the room becomes so
thick, muggy, and moist, the
water in the air can nearly condense on skin; just like a steam room. A student requests to get a drink.
He knows that, in order to attain that
ever-so-refreshing drink and maintain
a safe level of hydration, he must
nearly kiss the water fountain, for the
liquid only spurts up half an inch,
even on a good day. As he greedily
imbibes, someone flushes in the restroom adjacent to the water fountain,
and that metal oasis dries up momentarily as the water pressure fails for a
smidgen of second.
Recess time! The kids run
off all their energy on the blacktop.
Whether they frolic on the ancient,
dirty, yellow playground, play a game of dodge-ball fraught with bloodlust, or climb the tall green pine tree in a desperate effort to avoid that
same vicious game, the kids fly around
the asphalt like crazed banshees. All of
recess took place on that sizzling hot
parking lot, for the field and the gym
were still merely in their blueprint
phase.
RING RING. The bell sounds
the end of recess and the inception of
their mournful trek back into that inferno of a Dutch oven where they
would bake like danishes. After nap-
By: Jacob Pio Scioscia and Chris Miller, Seniors
time, it’s Gym class. The sleepy students slip into clothes and prepare for the most intense version of tag ever conceived: Octopus Tag. After thoroughly exerting themselves for the second time today, those gym class
heroes return to their modest homeroom to pack up for the day and begin
anew tomorrow.
Now all of you rookies have some insight into just what the
school was like all those eons ago. However now the newer aspects of the
school will be addressed. Christopher Miller will give you the inside
scoop:
When I think of Aquinas Academy the first words to pop into
my head are not words such as: new, big, or spacious. However, after
being a student here at the Academy for almost 13 years I have to rethink
these three words. This school is rapidly expanding at an almost exponential rate and has never been more prodigious in its history. With change
occurring all around us, it is imperative that we take a moment to think of
all the new amenities at our disposal! To give you an idea of how
long I, along with several of my
senior classmates have been at
Aquinas, I will provide you with a
few facts. As my class entered Kindergarten as the first Kindergarten
class in Aquinas history, Lebron
James was not yet in the NBA and
was still playing high school basketball. The cost of a gallon of gas
was $1.46. And our current Head of
School, Mrs. Mitros, was not yet
the principal. The newest addition
to the Aquinas campus is obviously that large structure in front of the
lower school building but there are several large facilities that were not
here when I entered the school. Did you
know that the field was not always
there? It used to just be woods behind
the lower school building. Under the
chapel used to be our cafeteria, so the
current high school rooms did not exist
until I was in middle school. Finally, the
gym/cafeteria is still, in my mind, brandspanking new! What used to be the
Richthammer’s old house is now a new gymnasium that has been a tremendous
addition to Aquinas Academy.
Page 3
New Takedown: Fast Food Atmosphere
By: Christian Bender, Junior
Society is becoming increasingly
divided over fast food chains. The cost, convenience, and health of these restaurants have
been perpetually debated. This article addresses a relatively new side of the debate:
atmosphere. Despite fast food restaurants’ earnest attempts to replicate the feeling of
eating a meal at home, they will never reach
the caliber of dining at a real home. Homes
hold individual lives; fast food restaurants
hold millions of customers. Homes exist to
serve the homeowner, and restaurants exist to
gain money from the consumer. The two are
fundamentally different, and atmosphere has a
role in this difference.
Fast food restaurants tend to follow
a formula: an open-floor plan, an array of
tables and booths, and perhaps a fake fireplace. What sustains these chain restaurants
are the most common and annoying thread.
Customers are always there. Whether standing
in line, sitting down at a booth, or crowding a
restroom, the area is teeming with them. Since
these establishments run on a strict schedule, a
sense of hurriedness plagues the atmosphere.
Customers receive their food and consume it
quickly, and then they go their merry ways.
The artificial atmosphere generated by these
restaurants is overrun with the mentality to
just “eat and leave.”
Meals at home foster an entirely
different environment. Families, for example,
experience a significant advantage for at-home
meals: “Eating together at the dinner table on a regular basis allows parents and children to
talk in a relatively relaxed environment…” For the most part, everyone can enjoy a more
suitable atmosphere when eating in. Homecooked meals are personally tailored; the ingredients of the meal, the physical aesthetic of
the kitchen, and the inclusion of guests are at
the discretion of the homeowner. Everyone is
more comfortable in his own shoes, rather
than in an ugly pair of someone else’s clown shoes. Also, it must
be mentioned,
chances are the
homeowner would
prepare his own
home-cooked meal
with a bit more tenderness than would a
fifteen-year old
McDonald’s em-­
ployee making minimum wage for it.
Cost, convenience, and health are
important factors regarding meals, but they are
nothing without atmosphere. The atmosphere
in fast food restaurants is plain and dull, especially when paired up with these chains’ mas-­
sive customer bases. Homes offer meals
unique to the homeowner. The homeowner
has the freedom to choose how his meal will
turn out. He builds up his meal on his terms,
whereas the fast food chains build it for you.
No Pickles or Onions, and Hold the Mayo
By: Johnathan Lynch, Senior
McDonalds, Wendy’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, Arby’s, and KFC. What is the first thing you think of when you see them? Most likely: fast
food, obesity, grease, fat, Col. Sanders, and a
clown. Some things that you probably are not
thinking about are the advantages that these restaurant chains possess.
Many people won’t think that there are advantages to eating at
McDonalds. Although what they do not
realize is that the fast food place they are
in is so convenient that it, according to
statisticbrain.com and statista.com, is one
of 233,000 fast food restaurants in America who serve nearly 50 million Americans daily. The annual revenue that such restaurants bring in
is over $110 billion. In fact, in 2013, McDonalds had the 90th
largest grossing economy in the world with $28 billion in
revenue. Earlier this year The Huffington Post found that kids
between the ages of six and fourteen in America eat fast food
Page 4
a total of 157,000,000 times a month.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
in the next 10 years, employment for fast food workers
is projected to rise 12.3%. They employ teenagers,
college students and, currently, people
over the age of 25. A hot topic about that
is the minimum wage debate, but I will
save that for another day. A stunning fact
is according to McDonalds’s own 1996 estimate, one in every eight American workers has been
employed by McDonalds one time in their life.
Fast food is, in fact, so popular that July 24th is
National Drive-Thru Day.
It is important that you do not forget that fast food is
great for parents or anyone who does not have time to prepare
dinner. I consider it to be the perfect place to regain all the
calories that you lost while running up and down the field for
80 minutes.
I now smell the glorious aroma of French fries and
two cheeseburgers, and that can only mean one thing. It is
Wednesday Night in the Lynch household.
Consumer, Beware!
By: Rachel Mendoza, Senior
2. Priming the Customer
When you
enter a grocery
beef, and some apples,” I recite to myself store, what is the
confidently as I pull up to Giant Eagle. An first thing you typihour later, I emerge from the store. I did cally see? Fresh
purchase the milk, beef, and apples, as well fruits, vegetables,
as about 30 more unnecessary items. Why and a flower stand.
does this always happen?, I ask myself, as I Now answer me
guide my grocery laden cart to my car. This this: How often do you buy flowers? If you
situation may have happened to you at some are like me, then it is not very often. The
point in your life. But beware! This phe- reason that they are there is to lead the connomenon may not entirely be your fault. sumer
into
subconsciously
thinking
Stores everywhere take advantage of how “freshness.” Even as you meander back the human mind works, to trick the con- towards the packaged, frozen, and synthetic
sumer into buying more of their products. items, you still are left with that impression
Here are five of these ploys to keep in mind: of “freshness” in your mind. People love to convince themselves that they buy their
food fresh, and stores manipulate them into
thinking that. See, your brain can be quite
tricky, picking up on things you do not even
consciously realize.
“Okay, so I need milk, ground
3.Marketing Towards Children vs. Adults
Go home, and take a good hard look
at a children’s cereal box. You will notice that the leprechaun from Lucky Charms, the
rabbit from Trix, and Cap’n Crunch are all 1.Elephant Herding
looking downwards, at around the average
Very similar to elephants, we hu- child’s height. Similarly, a cereal box mar-­
mans can be “herded” as well. Years of ex-­ keted for adults will have the person on the
perimentation have shown that human be- box looking straight forward at you, at
ings are most likely to turn immediately to around the average adult height. This eye
the right upon entering a building, even if contact subconsciously makes the consumer
the store places the entrance on the left.
feel more emotionally attached to the prod“So why does that compel me to uct, and consequently more likely to purbuy more?” you may ask. Well, stores util-­ chase the item.
ize this information by placing the most eyecatching items directly to the right of the
entrance. These items may be fresh fruit,
flowers, balloons, sales items, and so on.
The customer will see these items first, and
will be left with that positive impression as
they continue shopping. And a positive,
happy customer = more likely to buy more
items.
4.Brand Name Items Are More Accessible
Stores place the eye-popping brand
names directly where you will see them, and
place the local, store brand items on the
bottom shelves. Brand names, aside from
being more popular, typically are more expensive than the store brands, which is why
the store makes them more accessible. If
you are in a hurry, you grab the box you see
first; the one that is easier for you to reach.
5. Stores Force You to Walk
On the plus side, you can get plenty
of exercise, and goodness knows Americans
could use some of that. Going back to the
main point; think of the essential groceries
that you would need each week. Milk, eggs,
meat, fruit, and bread should come to mind.
Now, think of where these items are located
in relation to each other. Most stores spread
these essentials as far apart as possible, forcing you to walk through the whole store.
The candy and chip aisles may be strategically placed between the meat and dairy
section, and stores are banking on you picking up some of these unnecessary items on
your way, especially if you have younger
siblings with you, begging for a treat.
By the time you finish, you will have
spent way more money that originally intended, which is exactly what the stores want.
So keep these points in mind! And next time
you go shopping, try to fight the urge to
splurge.
Page 5
Stanley Again!
The Pittsburgh Penguin’s 20142015 season is right around the corner, and it
is going to be awesome. The Penguins are a
new team with a new coach and a new
feel. Sure, the Pens lost some good players, but they made up for it by gaining
a lot of great players! By far the best
acquisitions the Pens made this
offseason were defensemen
Christian Ehrhoff and right
wing Patric Hornqvist . Unfortunately, to receive such
magnificent talent
on both ends of the
ice, Pittsburgh had to say goodbye to an elite
player, James Neal. James Neal was an intricate part of our team, and he was the best left
wing in the Eastern Conference, and he will
truly be missed by all of Pittsburgh. Although take though this was difficult to
grasp, the rewards far out way the sacrifice.
Christian Ehrhoff is a top ten defensemen
and Patric Hornqvist is a top fifteen wingman. He knows how to dangle and snipe just
as well as any other wingman in the league! |
Finally, the Penguins drafted the
best European player in the draft class:
Kasperi Kapanen . He has the opportunity to
Mike and Mike’s
Player who’s value is UNDER rated:
Julian Edelman WR New England
Patriots
Who else does Tom Brady have to
throw to?! Of course there is pro-bowl tight
end, Rob Gronkowski, but when you are
recovering from a torn ACL and multiple arm,
back, and knee surgeries, it is best to take it
easy. We have seen Brady transform average
NFL receivers into great ones. Look for that to
happen this year with Edelman.
Player who’s value is OVER rated:
Zach Stacy RB St. Louis Rams
Stacy, who had a breakout year in
2013 rushing for 973 yards and 7 touchdowns,
is poised to have a substantial “sophomore Page 6
By: Ray Urbash, Senior
play alongside the best player in the world
right now, Sidney Crosby. Kapanen has the
potential to be among the most elite players
in the world and Sidney Crosby can help him
get there by his example and guidance.
Crosby can show him how to be the best and
how to beat the best.
Needless to say, this 2014-2015
season is going to be the best season the Penguins have had since the Stanley Cup run in
2009. We have all the tools necessary to capture Lord Stanley again and show that the
Pittsburgh Penguins are the best team
in the NHL.
By: Michael Lind and Michael Tappe, Seniors
slump.” Sam Bradford was sidelined for
the entire season with an
injury before the season
even started. The Ram’s offensive line proved to
have depth issues as well in
the first game versus the Vikings. Stacy was
stuffed, held to 47 yards on 11 carries. Unless
the Ram’s passing game can improve, there will be no run game, adding up to a complete offensive catastrophe in St. Louis.
Best player available on waivers:
Andrew Hawkins WR Cleveland Browns
We know what you’re thinking…the browns are terrible. Let us forget that for a
little bit. Hawkins was targeted 10 times Week
One. TEN! He hauled in 8 receptions for 81
yards. These aren’t spectacular numbers, but if you’re in need of a flex, or even a NO. 2 wide receiver, consider Hawkins. He is the number 1
target (as long as Gordon‘s suspension stand) in Cleveland and is just settling into the offense.
Available in 89% of leagues.
Fantasy MVP prediction:
Calvin Johnson WR Detroit Lions
MEGATRON is a beast, what else is
there to be said? He had a monster coming-out
party against the Giant’s defense week one (164 yards and 2 touchdowns). He is consistent, and
has the ability to pull off absolutely ridiculous
numbers. Any fantasy owner with Megatron in
their starting lineup is sure to sleep well Saturday night.
By: Michael Tappe, Senior
Fantasy Football has never been more popular then it
is now. FF is for all the jocks who want to have the big name players
on their team, for all the math geeks who love the stats and want to find
the next great player, and for all the hustlers who want to make money.
The purpose of Mike and Mike’s Fantasy Football Corner is for the jocks, geeks, and hustlers to maybe find some players who they missed
in the draft or to realize the guy they have is not as good as he used to
be. MMFFC is supposed to provoke debate and fun. Enjoy.
Players whose Value is Underrated:
Cecil Shorts III, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
The quarterback position for the Jags a has been less than
mediocre for the past few years but that does not mean a professional
QB can not throw the ball around the yard. Late last year Justin
Blackmon was putting up monster numbers, and with Blackmon suspended, Shorts is the number 1 target for Blake Bortles and look for big
numbers as the only viable offensive threat.
Players whose Value is Overrated:
T.Y. Hilton, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Hilton’s ceiling is non-existent. He has the speed to beat you
deep and the hands to catch any ball, but he is not living up to the hype.
His stats look good in fantasy because he has 3 or 4 monster games while
the other weeks are less than special. He will not be able to come out of
his shell until Reggie Wayne is out so he can be Andrew Lucks number
one target.
Best Player on Waivers:
Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington Redskins
With the injury to RG3, Captain Kirk is the man in Washington. In the past, when RG3 has been hurt Cousins has stepped up and
exceeded all expectations. I would not have him
as a starter, but he is definitely a viable option for Continued on page 8
On the Run!
By: Elena Liguori, Junior
In early June, when most kids were kicking off their flip-flops
for a little summer relaxation, a select few were lacing up their running
shoes for some old fashioned exercise. Who were these crazy kids? None
other than our very own Vincentian-Aquinas cross country runners. This
summer, these athletes devoted an hour of each weekday to running in
North Park with, mandatory practices beginning August 8th.
Daily practices last about an hour and a half each, during which
the team runs an average of 5-7 miles. The races are 3.1 miles long. The
team competes in meets on different days during the week and in an Invitational almost every Saturday.
Last year, only four Aquinas students ran with Vincentian. This
year, the number has jumped to eleven. As more athletes join and the
team’s potential increases, there is more competition amongst the team as only the top seven runners from each team count for Varsity. Sophomore
Therese Blume says that this increased participation adds an aspect of
healthy competition and the teammates push one another to run harder.
Continued on page 10
The Bad-News Bears of Golf
On Sunday September 7th, four
Aquinas students met in North Park with a
common goal: to be the champions of a new
program at Aquinas Academy. It might seem
like a miniscule number, but the founding
fathers were only seven, and we have the
George Washington of golf on our side,
Coach Michael Maglio. Chris Lind, Michael
Tappe, Chris Miller, and Michael Lind were
present at the first Aquinas Academy golf
meeting. This is an advancement of something completely new to the high school.
Coach Maglio addressed the team
saying, “Have you seen the movies about teams that no one thinks can make it? That is
going to be Aquinas golf;; they’re going to make a movie about us.” While we might not actually be future movie stars, the feeling
of starting a program original to Aquinas
made us feel like ones.
The first practice was a success, and all 4
members played well. Our meet made for a
very enjoyable and entertaining afternoon.
Michael Tappe even got his driver to fly farther than the ball off of the 7th tee.
The following Sunday, the team
met once again. The practice took place at
the driving range at PAGA. There were,
however, new additions to the club. Clare
Mortenson, who has experience playing at
Pebble Beach and Augusta, Armand Ignelzi,
who’s Taylormade Burner driver is bigger than his head, and Coby Hudac, who can
probably pummel a ball 500 yards. It is clear
that students at Aquinas are becoming more
interested in playing golf.
However, we need younger players!
Sophomores, freshman, and eighth graders
By: Michael Lind, Senior
interested in playing golf are welcome to
come to any of the practices even if you
don’t have any experience! They’re relaxed, fun, and instructional; there is no pressure to
perform as if you were on a golf team. If you
are interested in golf, send me an email at
.
Ask anyone who has ever played;
there is nothing more satisfying that hitting
the perfect shot. In the words of the great
Arnold Palmer: “What other people may find in poetry or art museums, I find in the flight
of a good drive.” The great irony of golf is that while it can be the most frustrating sport
in existence, it is also the most enjoyable. It
is the most complicated but lovable game
there is. When you finish playing a round,
you will undoubtedly say to yourself, “Golf is horrifying, humiliating, and humbling, but
I can't wait to do it again."
Page 7
Up and Coming Artist: Bleachers
concert experience more personal and less surreal.
By Maggie Rothfus, Junior
Everyone knows the talent of
Nate Ruess from the band Fun., but it is
the talent of lead guitarist Jack Antonoff
that goes unnoticed. About a year ago,
Antonoff began working on his side
project, “Bleachers,” and in February 2014 released the debut single, “I Wanna Get Better.” The song captivated anyone who heard it with its jumpy tune
and startling real situational lyrics, and
soon it became a hit on alternative radio
stations.
Three months after “I Wanna Get Better,” Bleachers released their follow
-up single, “Shadow.” Three weeks later, Antonoff revealed that Bleachers’ first al-­
bum, Strange Desire was to be released on
July 15th, with two more singles,
“Rollercoaster” and “Like a River Runs,” to be released beforehand. The album was
well-received after its release, debuting at
number 11 on the Billboard 200, and
peaked at the sixth top album on iTunes.
Rolling Stone described the sound of the
one-man-band as “snazzy hooks and knotty feelings [piled] into ravenously over-thetop therapy rock.” Music coverage website AltPress commented, “The keyboarddriven hooks are big, broad and romantic,
and combined with the massed vocals,
straightforward rhythms, and autobiographical lyrics.” The album also included appearances from Yoko Ono and trancepop artist Grimes, making it of interest to
more than just the fun. fan-base.
It is evident how much
Anotonoff must care for people
and their common problems
because of the kind of caring
and consoling attitude Bleachers has. Music website
Stereogum stated that Strange
Desire is “about pressing on
together rather than soldiering
on alone.” Jack Antonoff had his share of troubles in the early
2000’s, losing his 13 year-old
sister to brain cancer when he
was 18, developing panic attacks after 9/11, and also losing his cousin
in Iraq. Antonoff has stated that Strange
Desire reflects his feelings of the past ten
years, but it exudes a strong sense of positivity about getting through turmoil with
the help of loved ones.
Maybe Bleachers isn’t perfect for everyone in the world, and no artist ever is,
In August, Antonoff, accompabut Bleachers comes pretty close to it. Ultinied by five touring members, embarked on mately, it should be left up to the listener to
Bleachers’ first world tour, pulling off decide whether or not Strange Desire is
spectacular shows in which the adorably
worth spending $7.99 on.
awkward Antonoff would even have conversations with the audience, making the
More Fantasy Football –continued from page 7
Fantasy MVP Prediction:
Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions
He is the best skill position player in the league. His God-given
qualities are unparalleled. Standing at 6’5” and running 4.4s he is a prototype. But to save you the boredom of picking the same
MVP, as Michael I will choose another one. Peyton Manning at
his age and with the state of his back is still putting up outrageous
Page 8
numbers. The passing attack in Denver is insane. Even with Wes
Welker suspended and Eric Decker gone, the Broncos still have
one of the best wide outs in the game, Demarius Thomas, along
with Julius Thomas at TE, and newcomer Emmanuel Sanders at
WR. You can never sit Manning because, given his weapons he
can never be projected to have a bad week.
ANA’S MAILBOX
By:Ana Wilhelm, Senior
Everyone will face a problem in his or her life; whether the problems are about school, work, friends, or anything in
between, each one of us has had to deal with a problem. But did you have someone to turn to for advice? If not, then
Ana's Mailbox is for you! Just write a letter explaining your situation and drop it off in the box located on the table
outside of Mr. Flynn and Mr. Meland's office, and I will do my best to provide some helpful advice!
And now, this year's first Ana's Mailbox:
Dear Ana's Mailbox,
I really like all of my classes this year, but I get the feeling that one of the teachers does not like me,
and I do not want it to have an effect on my grade in the class. Do you have any suggestions on how I
can get my teacher to warm up to me? -Teacher's Pest
Dear Teacher's Pest,
I am so sorry that you might be feeling a bit uncomfortable in class because of this! I highly doubt
that your teacher is annoyed with you, since there are many other explanations as to why your teacher might
be acting a bit aloof. For starters, your teacher could just be nervous, especially considering that it is only
the first month of school, and not everyone has gotten into a good groove yet. Teaching in front of a whole
new class would be intimidating for anyone, so maybe what you are perceiving is the teacher's nervousness, not annoyance with
you. Try to make your teacher feel welcome by smiling and saying hello and goodbye to them. While seeming like insignificant
details, sometimes the smallest of gestures goes the longest of ways.
Another possible explination for your teacher's
demeanor could be due to your classroom etiquette. Do you whisper, pass notes, daydream, or are you just guilty by association
due to the group of people you sit by during class? If so, then it is not you personally that the teacher is annoyed with, but the way
you conduct yourself during class. By taking
good notes and really paying attention in
class, you will be helping yourself in more
ways than one. Not only will your teacher
notice (and appreciate) the change in attiKey Lime Cookies
tude, but your grades will improve.
On the off chance that your
Do you love key lime pie? Then you’ll love these sweet, melt-away key lime cookies.
This is an easy recipe anyone can try!
teacher really does dislike you, try not to
dwell on it. Continue to work hard in class
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
and do not let it affect you. Sometimes
1 cup white sugar
people may not like you, and if this time it
1 egg
happens to be a teacher, do what you
1 egg yolk
would do if it were anyone else: continue
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
to be yourself and not to let it get you
1 teaspoon baking powder
down. I hope this helped!
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
-Ana
1 1/2 teaspoons grated lime zest
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar for decoration
D i re c t i o n s :
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease cookie sheets.
Page 9
2.
In a large bowl mix the cream, butter, sugar, egg, and egg yolk until smooth. Stir in lime
juice and lime zest. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; blend into the creamed
mixture. Form dough into 1/2 inch balls, and arrange on the prepared cookie sheet.
3.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool the cookies on wire racks. Sift
confectioners' sugar over cookies while still warm.
Get to Know the Aquinas Family!
By Paul Adams, Junior
Each month I will have the opportunity and privilege to interview some of our very own
Aquinas Students and faculty. This month, I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the
most beloved and revered students at Aquinas, Henry Farrell.
Paul“Henry, how is your freshman year going thus far?”
Henry- “Okay I guess. It gets annoying adjusting to new facilities and new teachers, but overall it’s good. I really like Mrs. Maglio’s Lit class, she makes me laugh. She really makes me laugh.” Paul“If you could change one thing about Aquinas, what would it be?”
Henry- “I would have the Middle School remodeled, and right now, I would like Seth So to stop asking me questions.” (At the time Seth was joking around asking Henry questions in a failed attempt to disrupt the interview)
Paul“How has football been going for you this year?”
Henry- “Fine. I guess. I am the smallest player on the team;; I get wrecked all the time. I am getting better though so it is okay.”
Paul“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
Henry- “Something high paying and successful. Money has to equal how much I enjoy the work itself.”
Paul“Do you have a role model?”
Henry- “I don’t have one, because you either end up the same or worse as the person you look up to.”
Paul“Couldn’t you end up better?”
Henry- “Nope.”
Paul“Henry, how many pillows do you sleep with?”
Henry- “Are you serious? Aren’t you supposed to be asking me good questions?”
Paul“Henry, this is vital to the success of this edition of the school newspaper;; this is imperative.”
Henry- “Umm...2.”
Paul“My final question, do you have any tips for all the single guys out there?”
Henry- “Well, just watch, follow, and try to act like Big Dom Hite. He has a charming yet
commanding presence.”
Throughout the entirety of the interview, Henry believed that I was just pranking him. He is one of our finest students,
and it was an honor to interview him. He is an example and model of virtue at Aquinas, someone we should all emulate.
On the Run! -continued from page 7
Their hard work has been paying off, as the boys took
tenth out of twenty-six for Single-A boys in Hershey on September 20th, and the girls took sixth out of sixteen for Single-A girls.
Both the girls and the boys have their sights set on States this
year. To achieve their goal, the teams are increasing the intensity and mileage of practices.
Although the running is hard work, many athletes
find running cross country to be a way to release stress, social-
ize, and prove themselves. Sophomore Chuck Adams finds
fulfillment in running Cross Country, “To strive to run to excel-­
lence every day, even though it’s not fun and is painful, you push yourself to overcome adversity, and you’re a winner.” Sophomore Sean Farrell enjoys the race day for the “adrenaline rush of the starting line,” the satisfaction of seeing how well he can do, and the time in between races for socializing and watchPage 10
ing other races. Sophomore John Reed finds running relaxing and a good means of stress release.
He also enjoys the camaraderie. “I think it’s a lot of fun sharing time and similar interests with kids from both Vincentian and
Aquinas who like running.” Five of the eleven runners are transfers to Aquinas
Academy. Many new students found that running cross country
made the transition to Aquinas easier. Junior Shannon Palmer
states, “It made it a lot easier coming into school being part of a team and talking about what we were doing at cross country.” All athletes have been working hard and look toward
the upcoming races with high expectations. Finishing in the top
three teams for Single-A at WPIALS will send the teams to
States. We wish the team the best of luck as they finish out their
season!
Wait rubber grows on trees?
- Mitchel Athey “I am the chiropractor of truth.”
“Cosmology is like cheerleading, its soft.”
“Grading your lab reports is like cake. You can only have so much before you feel sick.”
-All said by Mr. Heisler “But we used to grow cigars in America.”- Ray Urbash “Did you mean Tobacco?” -Rest of the class
“And Glenn Beck, he went on and he twittered about it!”
-Mr. Meland
“But see if you ever feel dumb there is always a cure.”
-Ms. DePauw
Racoons, Possums Groundhogs, Oh Deer!
By: Jillian Kaercher, Junior
Most Pittsburghers are well accustomed to seeing road kill decorate the
streets. The carnage ranges from the occasional small bird, to the all too common
bloated deer. Most drivers have had the
grim experience of accidentally mauling an
unsuspecting animal and have lived to tell the
tale (unlike most of their victims). I asked some
teachers and students for personal accounts of
their experiences and compiled the top 4 stories.
eye I saw a groundhog start to make a run for it.
Two high pitched screams later, there was a
dead groundhog spinning on its back behind us.” Dominic also had a few words to say
about the experience, “It was awful” .I think we all wish we were in that car to
experience Dominic and Chris scream
like little girls.
The next
story comes from
Mr. Heisler. He was
driving down a back
Up first is Richard Meland. One night
road at night and acciwhile driving home from school on Wildwood
dently hit a possum. (If
Sample Road, he turned one of the many bends,
you have ever seen a
and saw a raccoon. Trying to avoid the masked
possum, you know
bandit, he swerved and hit a second raccoon as
they are disgusting creatures. ) Mr. Heisler
well as the first that he had tried to spare. In his
stopped and looked back to see its head moving
defense, Richard claims, “I swear I’m an okay slightly. He sat for a moment, debating whether
driver.” I am sure that Richard is telling the truth, or not to run it over again and put it out of its
but it takes skill to hit two raccoons in one swipe. misery. He then realized it had babies, which
were scurrying off into the woods. Mr. Heisler
Next is Christopher Miller. Chris and
was so shocked that he decided to let it go. Now
Dominic Hite were on their way home from a
thanks to Mr. Heisler, there is an abundance of
basketball game in Grove City. Chris, recounting the tale, said: “There was a guardrail on our possums that continue to reign terror. But if I
left and cars to our right. Out of the corner of my were Mr. Heisler, I would make sure to sleep
with the lights on, just in case the baby possums
Page 11
come back for revenge.
The last story is Señorita Mulkerrin’s. She was driving in her brand new car and suddenly a deer jumped out; she hit it full on. She
was furious because the deer did a lot of damage
to her car, but she continued on her way. Later
she made her dad drive her back to see if the deer
was still alive. On the way, she told him “Dad, I hope this deer is dead because if it’s still alive it’s going to be the first meat I eat.” Unfortu-­
nately, the deer was gone when they got there
and Señorita has yet to eat meat. Nevertheless,
she swears that when she does eat meat, it will be
venison. ¡Cuidado!
It has become quite apparent to me
through listening to stories for this article that the
drivers at Aquinas are merciless. They have no
regrets or sorrow over the death of the animals
they hit, and in Señorita’s case, are still bitter about it. Some might be overcome with grief at
the loss of an animal but most look back and
laugh. Whatever the future holds for the students
and faculty in the new building, I foresee many
group therapy sessions.
By: John McKeating, Senior
The Dumb Ox Staff
Please send articles, ideas,
Edi
Editors
Theresa Boyd
Ana Wilhelm
corrections, and Snips and Quips
to: [email protected]
Publisher
Clare Mortenson
Writing Staff
Paul Adams
Mary Rose Flynn
Jillian Kaercher
Michael Lind
Elena Liguori
Johnathan
Jonathan Lynch
Lynch
Aquinas Academy 2308 West Hardies Road Gibsonia, PA 15044
Rachel Mendoza
John McKeating
Chris Miller
Maggie Rothfus
Jacob Scioscia
Michael Tappe
Ray Urbash
Disclaimer
Although The Dumb Ox is the official
student newspaper of Aquinas Academy,
the views expressed by the staff of this newspaper and the
published editorials may not reflect the views held by the
Aquinas Academy Board of Directors, Administration,
Staff or any other facet of the Academy.