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Winter Edition: 2024-25 School Year

Words to live by...

"What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness."

                                                                                                                                                     - John Steinbeck  

Good bye Black Friday, Hello Cyber Monday
Kyleigh Hillsdon '28 and Keeva Rice '28

The days of waking up at the crack of dawn for the best deals are ending due to the digital age. Cyber Monday’s success has skyrocketed sales and revenue, which could mean consumers have to say goodbye to their Black Friday traditions.

Podcasts

Host Carter Hillsdon Interviews Will Lynch & Luca Ercolano

Carter sits down with varsity soccer players Will Lynch '25 and Luca Ercolano '26 to discuss the 2024 season.

60-Second Rundown with Eli Carrero

Got a minute? Listen as Eli gives us three easy ways to reduce stress. 

IrishGram

Play and Pause Buttons for Slideshow
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Maya Cinca '25

Seniors Izzy Diaz (L) and Karleigh Iraca (R) took a ride on the Ferris wheel at the St. Greg's fair. 

Holiday in Honolulu
Maddie Payne '25

Charlotte Paces-Carter '27, her sister Mariel '19, and their family traveled to Honolulu, Hawaii for sun and fun.

A Family of Elephants
Carter Hillsdon '25

Senior Maddie Payne's service trip to Kenya included some great sightseeing. 

Surrounded by Greatness
Matt Hammer '26

Senior soccer players Luigi Barricelli (L) and Will Lynch (R) visited the University of Tampa trophy room.

Taking the Mound
Will Lynch '25

Senior Andrew Rogers took the mound this summer for his summer team Trenton Thunder Baseball Academy.

Impractical Jokers
Maddie Payne '25

Derek Wittenburg '25 and his dad meet Impractical Jokers cast member James "Mur" Murray.

Serving Up Clean Water
Karleigh Iraca '25

Maddie Payne '25 spent time this summer working in Kibera, Kenya helping locals filter water for drinking.

Grand Teton National Park
Jake Mulray '27

Liam Donovan '25 and his mom visited Grand Teton National Park. That's Rock Chuck Peak in the background. Looks like a serious trip, Liam :)

Cruisin' With Carter
Cole Ksiazek '27

Carter Hillsdon '25 traveled the seas this summer with his family.

Slovakian Castles
Charlotte Pace-Carter '27

Kayla Cizmar '25 took a trip to Stara Lubovna, Slovakia to visit family.

A Santoro Summer
Maddie Payne '25

Allie Santoro '25 spent time with her family in Hilton Head, SC this summer.

Soccer in Sweden
Liam Donovan '25

Junior Luca Ercolano played soccer this summer for Scholar Athletes Leadership Academy in Gothenburg, Sweden. 

Review: Arcane Season 2 - League of Legends is a hit!
Santiago Gomez '27

Television and film adaptations of video games have not seen much success, but the introduction of Netflix’s new Arcane season has garnered attention. The television show features extreme graphics, complex storytelling, and compelling characters.

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Moonlight - The Movie That Shaped Generation Z
Carter Hillsdon '25

Generation Z is familiar with activism, whether it be through art, culture, or social media. The film Moonlight highlights just that – a willingness to defy the norms of filmmaking with its unique storytelling. ND film teacher, Mr. Bartuska discusses its importance to Gen Z.

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Starocci's Unfinished Quest for Greatness
Jake Mulray '27

Penn State's Carter Starocci is on an unfinished quest to become the greatest NCAA wrestler to step foot on the mat. His journey has been difficult, filled with injuries, adversity, and hard work

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The decision that shocked the United States: Jordan Chiles stripped of her Olympic medal.
Alessandra Santoro '25

The ongoing case regarding the decision to strip Jordan Chiles, Olympic gold medalist, 23, has proved to be controversial. At the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France the Finals of the Women’s Gymnastic Floor Exercise led to a score change that resulted in a drastically different outcome.  

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Leaving the Classroom, But Not Education
Marissa Bercy '25

Spanish teacher, Señora Cynthia Sabogal's love for teaching will guide her future. At some point, she hopes to make a change that will take her outside the classroom while staying in the field of education.

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A Future Crime Scene Investigator
Alessandra Santoro '25

The hit CBS series. Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) began in September of 2009. The show brought attention to the fields of forensic science and DNA analysis. Amanda Zsenak '25 is a fan and plans on continuing her love for science and investigation as a future Crime Scene Investigator

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Grease is THE Word
Sienna Valentino

Performing in Grease was an experience like no other! Although I had my moments of defeat, I wouldn't change a thing. Thank you to my parents for their constant support and to Mr. and Mrs. G for never giving up on me. I will remember the experience forever. 

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A Passion for the Future
Sonny Durkin

My sophomore year at Notre Dame will always be remembered as one of the most significant years of my life. Although it feels like decades ago it was only two years ago when I found a way to make my passion for sports into a future.

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A Note of Gratitude
Katy Jones

Reflecting on my high school experience, I am struggling to say goodbye to Notre Dame. These past few years have been the best of my life. The people I have met and become close with are some of the kindest, funniest, and most caring individuals who have left an indelible impact on my life.

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Lunch Table Love
Audrey Foley

As my time at Notre Dame comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on the countless memories and lessons that have shaped my journey. Each moment has been a stepping stone towards growth and understanding. However, amidst the academic challenges and extracurricular activities, the one aspect of my high school experience that stands out: my lunch table!

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The ND Spirit Will Guide Me
Frank Hosmer

As I near my last few days of high school, I can’t help but reminisce on the memories I have made and the friendships I have forged. Thinking back on my time at ND, I am flooded with a wave of nostalgia. Whether it was just a quick chat in the hallway or a laughter-filled period at the lunch table, each moment has contributed to my high school experience.

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Lessons Learned
Owen Jacobsen

As my time as a senior concludes, I am filled with both joy and sadness. The Notre Dame Community has become a second family to me. It has introduced me to so many amazing people. Without Notre Dame, I would not have experienced important moments such as Prom Weekend, the Overnight Film Festival, and Kairos.

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New Directions
Charlie Jones

Since 3 years old, nothing has made me happier than putting a smile on people’s faces. I knew that by coming to Notre Dame, I would get many opportunities to grow this passion and thrive in an environment full of drive and enthusiasm. What I did not expect was how my self-perception would change. 

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Activity Period Opus
Abigail Hwang

If I had to choose a favorite memory of my time at ND, one that stands out is something that happened at the start of senior year: my friends and I spontaneously broke into our rendition of "Baby Shark" in the band room during Activity Period! 

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Friday Night Lights
Ethan Hellyer

As graduation approaches, the absence of high school football leaves a huge hole in my heart. Friday night lights means more than touchdowns and tackles. Football is about tradition and the bond built with my brothers.

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Caitlin Clark: Caring On and Off the Court
Carter Hillsdon '25

“Pistol” Pete Maravich stepped off the court in March of 1970 with the all-time NCAA scoring record. Just over half a century later, later, his record was dethroned by Caitlin Clark, who claimed the crown for herself on March 3rd, 2024. 

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Endless "Respect" For Aretha
Ella Richardson '25

When Aretha Franklin performed in front of her father’s congregation, she was viewed as a “child prodigy. She would perform using her piano skills alongside her impressive range of vocals. 

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United as Humans
Heather Jones '24 and Ava Romano '24

Last month, actor and comedian Pete Davidson delivered an SNL monologue in which he channeled his lesser-seen non-comedic side. Addressing the conflict in the Middle East, he discussed his own experience with pain and how he got through it. 

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Friends: The One Where They Impact the Globe
Sydney Allen '24 and Mia Wallace '24

On September 22, 1994, NBC aired what was soon to be one of television's most successful sitcoms. A show about six New Yorkers all in their twenties exploring life together. They shared conversations and experiences on love, marriage, kids, jobs, heartbreaks, and triumphs. All from a couch in a small Manhattan coffee shop.  

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Paying a High Price for Food
Lexi Brown '24

Walking into the local supermarket, the bright yellow-white lights and the endless food options available for purchase on the shelves is a common American experience. The typical consumer is keenly aware of the immense cost of food these days. But what they may not realize is that the cost doesn't only refer to the extremely high prices, but oftentimes the damaging cost to their health.

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Back to the Future is an Immersive Experience (Review)
Ella Richardson '25

For two hours and forty-five minutes, the audience of the newest Broadway hit, Back to the Future, travels back in time. Creator, Bob Gale has truly captured the essence of the 1985 film. With the addition of 17 songs, the audience gets an inside look into Doc and Marty’s thoughts.

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Woods is Nature Natural
Charlie Schurr '25

Students and staff at Notre Dame have differing opinions on the “ideal day.” It seems girls love the beach, guys love an NBA 2k, but everyone loves time with friends.

Well, not everybody. 

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“Running” Into The Fall Season
Emily Klena '24

The fall season has come to a much-anticipated start and this is great news for Ryan Shockley. The ND senior says the cool air makes for the perfect running day. And he should know since he’s been a key member of the track team for four years.

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Autumn Is In The Air
Mary Lech '24

As the leaves begin to change colors, it is clear that fall is right around the corner. The brisk air and colorful foliage make this season a favorite for many, including Colleen Smith. The ND senior says fall is her favorite season. 

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Notre Dame’s Mrs. Hubert Practices Self Care
Elizabeth Socha '24

There’s nothing better than having a day to sleep in and coming home to a clean house. This is especially true for Notre Dame Science teacher, small business owner, and married mom of three, Mrs. Hubert, who believes this to be the perfect day.

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It's All About Family And Softball
Rylee Michalak '24

At Notre Dame we recognize the importance of family. For school resource officer and softball coach, Chris Jackson, this couldn’t be more true. Coach feels that time with family is the most significant thing in his life. 

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It's Always Sunny on the Links
Kevin Scarborough '24

Throughout our ND community, the idea of the “perfect day” differs greatly from person to person.  Some prefer a cozy day at home, while others take to nature. For senior Dom Vizzoni it’s all about the weather and the links.

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Spin Over Stream: Vinyl's Return
Violet Williamson '24

Driven by young fans' search for solace during the pandemic, sales of vinyl records continue to rise. 2022 marks 16 consecutive years of revenue growth in the vinyl market – outselling CD’s for the first time in over 30 years.

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Fast Fashion: The Silent Killer
Lexi Brown '24

Walking into the big department store, the large red "SALE" sign blares. Some wonder how these prices are possible, whereas others make multiple purchases. Who cares - wear an outfit once or twice, and toss it away, right? This is the clothing purchase cycle so many are trapped in. 

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Don't Judge a Book by It's Cover
Cassidy Darcey '23

“Mommy. I am…so skinny right now. I’m finally down to 89 pounds.”

As author Jennette McCurdy recounts in her new memoir, these are the words she believed would wake her bedridden mother from a coma. 

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Archived News

Meet Us at Midnight (Review)
Issy Timberlake '23

What if I told you Taylor Swift’s a Mastermind?

The renowned singer has once again mastered her musical ability and returned to the pop genre with her new album Midnights. 

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Row Row Row Your Boat
Trip Pisano '23

Try staying focused as cold lake water activates all five body senses simultaneously. This drastically increases the heart rate and makes steady breathing almost impossible. Athletes who row crew know this feeling well.

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Back to Nature
Luke Wilson '22

Tucked away in the Sangre De Cristo Mountain range of northeast New Mexico is a 219 sq. mile ranch where adventurers ages 14 and up can test their limits and master skills that last a lifetime. 

And one of the best things about it is that it’s technology-free.

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Rumor has it: Adele is Back!
Heather Jones '24

Adele’s new creation is a letter to her son. It’s not about divorce. It’s an explanation. She wants Angelo, age nine, to understand why his family split up, but more importantly, how life should be fulfilled.

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The Return of the Woolly Mammoth
Mason Capasso '23

The idea of recreating mammoths and bringing them back to the wild has been discussed numerous times over the past decade. Researchers announced on September 8, 2021, that new funding is available that will help make scientists' dreams a reality.

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