Crosscurrents q1 2013

The Academy of the Holy Cross Kensington, MD October 2013

Crosscurrents Spirit Week at the Academy

Letter From The Editor

LATASHA JETER ‘14

LAUREN STAEHLE ‘14

If I had to describe us LOTAs to someone, I would tell them we are very spirited. Whether it is dressing head to toe in purple or white for Holy Cross Day or cheering on a sport’s team, the amount of spirit the student body has is immeasurable. The week leading up to the homecoming dance is Spirit Week here at the Academy; this year’s spirit week was September 23rd-September 28th. Student Council chooses the days for spirit week and the theme for the hallway decorating contest. Picking the days can be challenging because each year has to be different than the previous years. I think this year’s days and themes were fun, and each Lota

Spirit week culminated in an exciting powder puff game. The seniors had a great team this year!

the week. Spirit week kicked off with accessory day, with each class wearing different accessories to complement their uniforms. Seniors wore tie-dye, juniors wore pink, sophomores wore black, and freshmen wore blue. The next day Continued on pg.7

My fellow LOTAs, know (especially if you are a senior), chunk of the school year behind you.

We have made some lasting memories, like powder puff and Holy Cross Day, and they are truly just a taste of what the rest of the year promises to bring.

For all you freshman, I hope you have been adjusting well to the crazy world of high school, and on behalf of the upperclassmen, I welcome you to the community. To our sophomores, I urge you to enjoy this year, and reach out to those classmates you still don’t know very well yet. To the juniors...I’m sorry. Just hang in there. And to the seniors...we are so close! End the semester with a bang, send in those college applications, and then relax.

You deserve it! sue of Crosscurrents, and take a little time to read the amazing work of our LOTAs!

Holy Cross Through the Eyes of a Freshman JULIA URBAN ‘17

have four hour-and-a-half periods daily.

These four periods alternate from purple to white days, giving me two days

The Academy has met and exceeded my expectations. The academic program is rigorous, yet the stress-level of students was clearly kept in mind by whoever designed the schedule.

As a freshman, I have a study hall every other day, a privilege that I did not indulge in at my former school. I have a block schedule, meaning that I

Another way learning is made more interesting is by having a (fabulous) iPad. The iPad is just one of the technological features used at Holy Cross to enhance the learning experience.

Teachers use interactive projectors that connect to their iPad or computer. The only thing lacking in the technology department of Holy Cross is air con-

What’s INSIDE

What did I expect from The Academy of the Holy Cross? Of all the high schools in my area, what made Holy Cross stand out to me when I was an eighth grader? Walking into Holy Cross on day one, I was looking forward to rigorous academics, an emphasis on the arts, close relationships with teachers, and the use of technology in the classroom. Of course, I expected a strong community of Catholic young women, tightly interwoven like the tartans for which they were named.

this type of schedule is the length of the classes, which can make learning cumbersome. Admittedly, it can be diflong period, especially if the subject is not one I am particularly enthusiastic about. To combat this, many teachers attempt to engage students in the material, so learning may be less dull.

ditioning, especially in the auditorium and cafeteria.

My iPad helps me to take interactive notes, make recordings, store iBooks and eBooks, type up papers and create Keynotes, and learn using interactive applications. The drawback of the iPad school, it made the freshmen class the sulky upperclassmen.

This leads right up to my next point: the student environment is a mix of good and bad (mostly good, no worries). On one hand, Holy Cross is the most spirited school ever (in my opinion). On Holy Cross Day, the green swarms of LOTAs in purple and white.

Boa feathers litter the ground alongside bright lavender tinsel. One girl pa-

Fall TV Shows

The iPad Debate

Healthy Eating Tips

the Senior 2014 Flag. The cheers are deafeningly loud. It is clear that every girl is proud of the Academy, and I feel immensely proud to be a tartan.

On the other hand, to a freshman, the Academy of the Holy Cross has an intense hierarchy with classes in constant competition. I don't mind having seniors on top- they deserve praise and power before they get shipped off to college and have to live off of Ramen Noodles and cold pizza. I respect them so very much for having already survived three years of high school.

Though, the attitude towards others that some (not all) upperclassmen, including juniors and even sophomores, tend to carry can get on our nerves.

New Music: The 1975

Continued on pg. 2

October, 2013 “Through the Eyes of a Freshman” continued from pg. 1

Crosscurrents

Page 2

Have You Met the New MOTA? Gaia CiCerChia ‘14

The iPad Debate: What Freshman and Faculty Have to Say LILLY SCHMIDT ‘17

The classes at lunch are separated. Freshmen sit in one place, sophomores in another, and so on. Why can't we make friends in all classes? We're all family, even if we freshmen are more like LOTA babies than seasoned LOTAs. I suggest more little sister-big sister events so that the freshmen can become closer with the juniors, and maybe, some all-school events that involve all classes working together.

The other half of the school community, the faculty, care. I wore lipstick to school the other day and Señora Saibene went out of her way to compliment me. Mrs. Posluzny has helped me time after time, at lunch and in the morning, with any math problems I have had. Mrs. Martino has taken huge chunks of her time just talking to me and giving me advice. She troubles. Mrs. Huey-Burns gave me a good twenty minutes of guidance on stress-management. Mr. Abreu has asked me if everything is okay if he thinks something is off. Mrs. Connor has spent two lunch periods giving "study sessions" to my class so that we would do well on our test. Miss Bayonet takes interest in every comment I add to a discussion. The teachers are IMMACULATE. They will do anything to get me to where I need to be. They are ever so committed to giving us the best high school experienergy.

All in all, The Academy of the Holy Cross is a wonderful high school, offering academic, spiritual, artistic, and athletic opportunities. For the most part, the school community is supportive, and especially emy of the Holy Cross. Go tartans!

Freshmen Experiences Continued IINTERVIEW BY MADDIE PENCE ‘14

You may have spotted him in the halls on white days last year or noticed him sporting a shiny purple wig on Powder Puff day this year. Our new fearless MOTA, man of the academy, is none other than Mr. Bottegal: a new addition to the religion department!

He joined us during the second semester of last year and teaches the senior ladies of Holy Cross. Mr. Bottegal is known for his enthusiasm in the classroom and for being a self- proclaimed cupcake monster.

(Pro-tip: when the project is “creative,” bake some theologically decorated cupcakes and you’re sure to win him over). Truly though, Mr. Bottegal’s class is always a new adventure and keeps us all awake, even right after lunch! Senior Trisha Pilgrim had this to say about him: “I remember Mr. Bottegal saying, ‘My lovely LOTAs, can you feel the spirit this morning?’ and getting the chills. He always has great sayings like that for us in the morning.” Some other or against me?” and “Wasn’t that powerful?” So I decided to sit down, chat with Mr. Bottegal and learn a little more about him to share with all of you.

What was Mr. Bottegal doing before Holy Cross?

Believe it or not, Mr. Bottegal worked in the business worked as a CEO, but felt a call to work with youth and theology, so he went back to school and got his masters in Theology.

Why did he come to AHC? After living in the area for years, Mr. Bottegal knew about AHC and had also known some of the faculty, such as Ms. Nichols. His sons went to Good Counsel, but we’ll let the rivalry slide just this once.

What is his favorite thing about being a MOTA? Getting to teach the LOTAs of course! Mr. Bottegal loves the opportunity to be in an environment like Holy Cross where he can help educate young women.

He mentioned it was special to be a part of a community where we can experience God and joy together.

What's your favorite AHC tradition so far?

What are Mr. Bottegal’s words for the LOTAs?

Tess McCaffrey: Holy Cross day!

“JOY, every day” he told me, to have “joy in both the practical and theological sense, and spread it amongst each other.”

Cassidy Accardi: Bowing down to seniors.

How have the iPads been in class?

TM: Helpful! I love using the apps to study.

CA: It makes research so much easier and everything is so much more organized!

What were you most surprised about when you started school?

TM: Having to wake up so early!

CA: Block scheduling was a lot more manageable than I expected it to be.

Everyone knows that the freshmen had the pilot program for the iPads. The staff wanted the freshmen to try them out to see how they worked before they announced that the entire school next year will have a 1:1 iPad program. The iPads have been very helpful and make learning much more interesting. They are great tools for visual and engaging learning. I think the freshmen have enjoyed using this wonderful tool to help learn more about technology. There are so many helpful apps, in my opinion.

I interviewed some freshmen and a couple of staff members to see what they think of the new iPad program.

As freshmen, what do you think of your iPads?

Julia Urban: "I just love it. It is very convenient to have all my notes, all my essays, and some textbooks all in one place."

Mary Schech: "I like that you can highlight information in the textbooks."

Julianna Renzi: "I don't like it. When the WiFi slows down it just makes everything else slow down. Also, I don't like looking at the bright light, it literally makes my eyes hurt. I think it is a distraction."

As part of the staff, how do you feel about the iPad program?

Mr./Coach Abreu: "The iPads have provided an interesting dynamic in a classroom. They are providing an important tool in capturing the students' interests."

Mrs. Huey-Burns: "The iPad gives the student the opportunity for self-directed learning. The iPad enables the student to construct her knowledge in a variety of ways - Inspiration, Global Notes templates in pages, instant research tools to solve problems, and an instantaneous way to access to the portal for class."

The students and teachers both have mixed feelings about the iPad. Among the students some love the iPad and some dislike it. It looks as if the teachers feel that the iPad is an interactive tool to help with interactive learning. Overall, the iPad is a wonderful tool that the Academy of the Holy Cross has gifted us with.

So spread joy and bake cupcakes? It seems Mr. Bottegal was born to be at Holy Cross because he is clearly tuned into the LOTA mindset. Are you with me or against me?

Club Spotlight: Young Democrats MAGGIE RICHARDSON ‘14

Until this past spring, there was something missing from Holy Cross’s diverse array of clubs and activities.

A lady of the Academy could join the Latin Dance Team, Model UN, International Club, Pro-Life Club, and

What's your favorite class so far? Why?

concerns from a Democratic perspective? “I grew up in a Democratic family and when I came to Holy Cross,

TM: Studio Art I because of all the art we do. The mosaics are really fun.

Democrats Club. “When Leah (Barteldes) and I came together to start this club, we really wanted to create an environment where we could talk about news and politics with girls who were on the same page as we are, ideologically,” she adds. The club caters to all levels of dedication to politics—in other words, you don’t have

CA: Musical theatre dance because Ms. Donna’s a great teacher and is fun to be around.

What are you looking forward to most at AHC? TM: Homecoming sophomore year.

CA: Homecoming and having senior privileges.

the waters. The club strives to create an environment open to discussion among a diverse group of girls and ers to talk about what it means to be Democratic and what is happening in the government and the world. The Young Democrats are a long-awaited addition to AHC’s club scene and have great hopes for the future. If you are interested in joining, the club meets in the art room on Tuesday afternoons and Annie promises “there is always food.”

Crosscurrents

Page 3

Student Spotlight: Jessica Sims’s Interesting Job

October, 2013

“Hakuna Matata” and My Trip to Tanzania MAGGIE POTHIER ‘14

MARGARET CAPIZZI ‘15

Many students at Holy Cross have jobs outside of school.

Some students work at clothing stores and restaurants and many have regular babysitting jobs. Jessica Sims, a junior, has an interesting job that is different than most of the jobs that teenagers get. Jessica is employed by the University of Maryland Concessions.

She works a UMD concession stand for almost every sport-lacrosse, football, basketball, and baseball.

Jessica started working at the UMD concessions when she was 14 years old. Jessica’s mom works at the Univercoordinator. She knows a lot of people at the university including someone who manages the concessions. She asked if there was a job opening for her teenaged daughter. According to Jessica, her mother was “tired of giving her money”. Mrs. Sims had concluded that it was time for her daughter to get her own job.

Jessica enjoys her job at UMD. can pick her hours and take time off as she needs. For

example, she often gets a call asking if she can work in two weeks, and if she cannot work, that is “totally alright.” Jessica works whenever she feels like it. If there is a game, she signs up. She also likes that it’s not a typical 9-5 job. While on the job, Jessica does a variety of things. She serves as a cashier, a fry cook and more times than not, she is a runner. A runner is a person that gets the food and drinks that the people have ordered. Jessica meets a lot of people on her job. “I've never met celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, but I meet kids from all over.” She enjoys meeting lots of different people who come to the concessions to buy food and drinks. She works with a range of employees and enjoys that. The staff has employees from ages 14 and up, giving Jessica “a great chance to interact with other kids” her age. Jessica has learned a lot through her UMD job. “I've learned so much and I'm so appreciative to work with the people I do. I get paid a good wage for a fun job that allows me to meet new people, eat good food, and watch a sports event! It truly is amazing!

Hakuna matata, no worries, is saying we all know and grew up on thanks to the “Lion King”. It is a great saying, short and to the point. I never realized though what it really meant until this past summer when I had the opportunity to go to Tanzania with a program called “Rustic Pathways” for two and a half weeks. While there, I stayed in a small village a couple hours outside of Arusha called Mongola Juu. I stayed at the primary school in the village and slept in empty classrooms. The school itself was small, but had nearly 450 students, but despite the growing number of students, there are only nine teachers who rotate, leaving only seven to work at one time. Compared to our school’s student to teacher ratio, which is about 20:1 or less, theirs is about 50: 1.

So what did I do there? I helped with construction of a house for new teachers to

come. The problem was that the school does have the open classrooms, but no teachers to teach. I also taught English to 7th graders. How did I do this not knowing any Swahili?

Well like any place, living there for an extended period of time allows you to pick up the language. By this I mean I was able to make limited, limited small talk. Something like this, “jumbo! (Hello)” “Mumbo (what’s up?)” “Poa (I am good or cool)” “Una miaka mingapi? (How old are you?)” “Jina lako nani?

(What is your name?)” “Jina lungu Maggie” (My name is Maggie)”. When it came to teaching though, using pictures and hand movements would go a long way. I taught the same three girls, Anita, Pascalina, and Yohana, every day when there was school and Pascalina even took me to see her house and meet her mom. My favorite experience was working at the school and talking to the kids. However, there were

other components to my trip, like the construction, a safari, and visiting a nomadic tribe.

It was an amazing experience and I can only slightly convey how great it was. and do this? I knew I wanted to do community service in the summer, but wanted to leave the country. I asked around and googled a lot of programs.

I would not recommend basing a trip solely off of an Internet site; get a reference from another source. For me, my mom’s friend had done Rustic Pathways before. I looked on the website and they go all over the world. I narrowed down my choice to Tanzawanted to do. I would recommend going, it is like no other place you have been and just like people say, it does change your life.

Summer Enrichment Experiences EMMA BELANGER ‘15

“Summer enrichment”. It might sound a bit boring at perience. Many of our fellow students did really interesting things this summer. A few of our teachers traveled, and 30 juniors and 35 sophomores participated in the Madeleva Summer Enrichment Program.

For those of you who aren’t clear on the summer enrichScholars, it allows students in the program to study a subject that interests them over the summer after freshmen and sophomore years. According to Ms. Westfall, “some students choose to take a class, some incorporate their study into summer travel, and others design a program they can carry out at home.” I asked some teachers and students to introduce themselves, describe their experiences, and say

whether it is something they would recommend for their peers.

Ms. Mackinnon is an English teacher at AHC. She took a class at a college in Massachusetts and visited Mexico to study the Spanish language and learn about Mexican culture with her daughter.

“In June, I attended an arts conference on the campus of Mount Holyoke College in MA. I did a week-long poetry class. This is something I try to do every summer. It helps my own creative life and gives me ideas for the writing classes I teach at Holy Cross.

I also spent two weeks in July visiting Oaxaca, Mexico, with my daughter. We stayed with a Mexican family and studied Continued on pg. 8

Maggie in Tanzania with local students

Crosscurrents

October, 2013

Page 4

Peace, Love and Prince George

Check Them Out: The 1975

LINDSAY ROGERS ‘15

the Middleton grandparents’ home where Kate’s family can help out until their residence in Kensington Palace is ready.

Their newly remodeled apartment #1A will be four levels with 21 rooms. It should be plenty big enough for their dog Lupa! They will be living in the palace near to where William and Harry were raised.

The new prince’s arrival the 1900th century, the British Monarchy will have three living direct heirs to the line of the throne to succeed Queen Elizabeth II, who is George’s great-grandmum. In the Royal

SOPHIA GALVAN ‘14

The Royal Family: Duchess of Cambridge, Duke of Cambrige and Prince George

Photo courtesy of Huffington Post

It was an exciting summer while Princess Kate, was “preggers,” and the entire world awaited news of the Royal baby’s arrival. On July 22nd, 2013, at 16:24 (or 4:24 pm), the Duchess of Cambridge delivered a healthy 8 lb., 6 oz. baby boy. Just a day later, Prince William and Princess Kate presented HRH, His Royal Highness, to the world from the steps of St. Mary’s Hospital. The new parents were beaming and seemed almost like everyday people chatting to the press about changing the baby’s dirty “nappies.” Interestingly, Prince William had been born in the exact same hospital 31 years earlier. Kate looked beautiful holding the baby, wearing Lady Diana’s blue sapphire engagement ring to highlight the couple’s matching light

distinctive 80’s aesthetic. Each lyric was handcrafted by the band themselves, and each song has a personal meaning.

That being said, anyone who listens to a song by The 1975 is given a peek into the mind of these musical pioneers.

Prince Charles of Wales, and then second is Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, before tiny Prince George of Cambridge. Then Prince Harry of Wales is fourth and the line

friendly to the press, the happy family hopped into their Range Rover and drove off like regular list. Since Prince George is new parents. heir to the throne, the ArchThis special baby’s debut began bishop of Canterbury, from the with a 41gun salute and a 62 Church of England, will hold a round cannonade at the Tower private christening in the near of London. Then the bells rang future. Right now Will and at Westminster abbey for three Kate are settling in as parents, but they will be planning their from the fountains in London.

All babies born in London that George sometime in 2014. In day were gifted with a royal the meantime, Royal Fever silver penny. His name was an- will continue more than ever nounced later as Prince George between the new baby and the Alexander Louis of Cambridge, fact that his mom is wearing probably after Queen Elizabeth’s father King George VI. giving birth. Blessings baby George!

Right now they are living at

Exciting Summer Concerts

If you have an iTunes account, or an Internet connection for that matter, you’ve probably heard of The 1975, an indie/alternative rock band from Manchester, England.

The band, consisting of Matt Healy (vocals, guitar), Adam Hann (guitar), George Daniels (drums), and Ross MacDonald (bass), released their self-titled album on September 2, 2013 and debuted at No. 1 in the UK Albums Chart that week. The album beautifully incorporates

Photo courtesy of cnn.com

The band spent this past spring and summer jumping back and forth between opening for The Neighbourhood on their American tour, headlining their own shows in Europe, and being one of the support acts for none other than the legendary Rolling Stones at Hyde Park in London. They are currently headlining their own tour in North America, and becoming a worldwide sensation for music-lovers of all ages. You can download their self-titled album, “The 1975” on iTunes, or pick it up in any music store cool enough to sell it.

Check Them Out: The1975

JO BELANGER ‘15

Many LOTAS went to concerts this summer all over the DMV, and saw some of their favorite artists perform. One very popular venue was the Verizon Center in D.C., where Bruno Mars, One Direction, Beyonce, Lil Wayne with T.I. and 2 Chainz, Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z, and Justin Beiber performed. Cody Simpson performed at DAR Constitution Hall in July, and Ariana

One Direction at the Verizon Center

Grande came to the Fillmore in Silver Spring in August. John Mayer, Blake Shelton and Wiz Khalifa came to Jiffy Lube Live, and Ke$ha and OneRepublic performed at Wolf Trap.

Some saw Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z in Baltimore in August. The Lumineers and fun. came to Merriweather Post Pavilion, and lots of AHC girls went to Warped Tour in July.

Fall TV Shows: What You Should be Watching DELANI MARCHIAGANI ‘14

The beginning of the school year doesn’t always just have to mean homework, waking up at 6 in the morning, and studying for tests. It also sparks the beginning of many seasons of popular tv shows. Season premiers like those of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal” are just a couple examples of hot shows that have premiered or will be premiering in the next couple of weeks. For those of you who do not know, “Grey’s Anatomy” is a medical drama that has been going on for 9 seasons now, centered around

both the working and personal lives of various surgeons.

“Scandal” is a show focused on the happenings of the government and a woman named Olivia Pope’s crisis manageand thrilling. In addition, the well known series “Breakdrama and excitement, I highly recommend all three series.

Don’t feel like it’s too late to start watching these wonderful shows, they are all only clicks

photos courtesy of imdb.com

Crosscurrents

Page 5

October, 2013

Events Calender: Fun Things To Do In and Around DC MADDIE PENCE ‘14

October 2- October 26: Titus Andronicus Staged by the Taffety Punk Theatre Company, an all-female casts performs Shakespeare’s tragedy. 545 Seventh St. SE, DC October 3- November 10: Les Miserables Set in nineteenth-century France, this newly-popular musical is sure to be a hit! Toby’s Dinner Theatre I 5900 Symphony Woods Rd, Columbia, MD October 4- November 8: DC Drive-in A rive-in movie experience from 6 p.m., while the movies-”Caddyshack,” “Julie and Julia,” “Good Will Hunting,” “Evan Almighty” and a people’s choice-screen at 8.

Union Market I 1309 Fifth St. NE, Washington, DC October 6- March 2: Heaven and Earth: Art of Byzantium from Greek Collections An exhibition of thematic sections including manuscripts, jewelry, and ceramics at the National Gallery of Art I Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC October 17- October 26: The Rocky Horror Show

October 25- March 2: Our America: The Latino Presence in American Art shown. Smithsonian American Art Museum I Eighth and F streets NW, Washington, DC Until December 12: Laib Wax Room lation since the Rothko Room in 1960. Phillips Collection I 1600 21st St. NW, Washington, DC

Featured Student Work: Ruby’s Dream WHITNEY GEOHAGAN ‘14

version of a Vision of the American Dream. The picture I chose was a painting by Norman Blackwell in 1960, of the young Ruby Bridges as she is being escorted school in the South. a white school in the South, but she was young. To me, it shows that in this country anyone can make a change from the lightest to the darkest and from the oldest to the youngest. We are a country of constant change but that change always starts with one person. Just think, if Ruby Bridges had not stepped foot in that school, I may not have been allowed to attend the Academy of the Holy Cross. I would probably have to go to a high school for colored girls. I think this photo also promotes the idea of the installation of bravery, pride, and honor into young people. Sometimes, I wonder if her parents pushed her to go into that school or if she wanted to do it herself . I wonder if she knew then the effect she would leave on this country. Or did she just go because she knew it wasn’t right for her to be left out? Out of that

MADELEINE BOIES ‘14

You’re walking briskly along the crowded sidewalk towards the direction of the lab buildings. It is your second week in Society and you’re still excited about your new life, especially now that you are beginning your new job. You look around at the faces near you and wonder why everyone looks so dull. Shouldn’t they be thrilled to be here and a productive member of Society?

You are special and useful and needed, and to you that is the best feeling in the world.

Suddenly, out of the corner of your eye, you see a woman trip. You look across the busy street to see her on the ground, gripping her ankle, face twisted in pain. You continue to walk even as your eyes pause to rest on the scene, expecting at least one of the people in the throng around her to stop. But no one does. No one even looks down. For a moment you consider walking over there. You even slow your footsteps, but you stop yourself. You are new to Society, after all—there’s probably a reason why no one is helping her. Maybe that particular woman is known to be rude. Maybe everyone is in a hurry. So you don’t stop, because you too are in a hurry. You don’t want to make a fool of yourself. You don’t stop, because no one else does.

But what, you wonder, would the others in your class have done? All of them would have surely stopped, had they been near the woman. And most of them would have run across the busy street to help, so unlike what you are doing. You suddenly feel guilty and ask yourself, as you have multiple times before, why Admissions picked you to join Society. Though you were at the top of the class and the best chemistry student by far, there were so many others who were kinder and more generous than you, and isn’t that what really matters?

Continued on pg. 8

Crosscurrents

October, 2013

Page 6

At Home And In the World TAYLOR PASQUARIELLO ‘14

has seen in 17 years. But what does a shutdown exactly entail? Well, those of us living in the DC metro area are indeed affected. Metro has reported seeing a 22% drop in riders all due to the government shutdown. They plan to continue their regular schedule, however, they will be running fewer trains until further notice.

Along with the public transportation arena, there is a big blow to tourism—museums, the National Zoo, and Civil War battlegrounds are just a few examples of federally funded attractions. Fountains owned by the National Park Service will be shut off and memorials will be closed. Stephen Fuller, director of George Mason University’s Center for Regional Analysis, stated, “for the Washington area, this is a tsunami.” World War II veterans didn’t let the shutdown stop them as they entered the WWII memorial on October 1, 2013. D.C. mayor Vince Gray is also non-compliant, and has stated he will keep city services running despite the fact that the city government generally shuts down along with the federal government. He has claimed that all city personnel are essential, and tells the Washington Post

Along with the effects on the government provided services, there are many effects on government workers. According to CNN, the shutdown means furloughs for up to 800,000 federal workers. They are currently unaware of when they will be returning back to work. The pay that has been lost by the furloughed workers the economy about $55 billion.” Since both the House and the Senate refuse to deviate from their plan for the budget, an unfortunate stalemate has resulted. At this point, there is no end in sight.

Aside from unfortunate domestic issues, what’s the current situation in Syria? The United States and the Russian Federation have made a deal which expresses their determination to eliminate chemical weapons in this war-torn country. According to CNN, the deal basically states:

It is up to the United Nations to keep the plan underway. Although Russia has consistently said it won’t support a military strike in Syria, the option for the United States to go it alone still stands. The unceasing day-to-day death tolls in Syria are virtually impossible to keep track of, however, the UN states that more than Syria on the international stage, which is the last thing Bashar al-Assad seems to want. with the world. Check back for more world news coverage in our next issue!

Do You Follow Francis?

Searching For the Signs Behind the Shootings

GAIA CICERCHIA ‘14

KATHERINE PRECOURT’15

Pope Francis that is! Born, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the 266th Hemisphere. Something interesting for all the LOTAs to learn more about is Pope Francis’ thoughts on the role of women in the Church and what can be done to make their role more visible today. Here are some of his words on the matter: “We must therefore investigate further the role of women in the church.

We have to work harder to develop a profound theology of the woman. Only by making this step will it be possible to better is needed wherever we make important decisions”. Sounds good to me! Along with taking the world by storm, he has also gained

Phto courtesy of theguardian.com

thoughts and words of encouragement and strength every day, I’m not sure what more we could ask for. So for all you LOTAs on twitter, go home today and follow @Pontifex, if you haven’t already, to keep up to date on all things Pope Francis!

Columbine High School, Virginia Tech, the theatre in Aurora, Colorado, Sandy Hook, and recently the Navy Yard are just some of locations in which mass murder has taken place over the past 14 years. Death tolls of up to 37 have been recorded, not to mention the countless victims injured. So what is behind these attacks on innocent civilians, and what motivates the shooters to decide to kill Many of the shooters in these massacres share similar characteristics; some had a mental illness, others fought with depression, feeling inferior to others, a traumatic childhood, or disregard by friends and authority. These symptoms as well as many others have led to the planning and undertaking of murderous rampages in public areas across the country. Especially in the cases of school shootings, bullying, an intense interest in extremely violent games, thoughts of suicide and a loss of some kind, such a not being accepted into the military in the case of Eric Harris who was one of the shooters at Columbine, were common among the assassins.

Most of the assassins left warning signs to others of their future rampages, yet for the most part, these were never reported to the proper authority in time to prevent the killings. Numerous offenders verbally threatened their future victims, or claimed to be hearing voices, as was the case of the latest shooter, Aaron Alexis. Other indicators have been violent behavior in the past, previous arrests or assaults, journals or papers written about their plans of attack, unpredictable behavior, and the use of social media to express feelings and violent thoughts. The use of SSRI, or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, including many antidepressant medicines such as Zoloft, Prozac, cause symptoms such as hostility, delusions, abnormal thinking, hallucinations and thoughts of suicide. Countless offenders were using these types of drugs, or trying to get off them, which may have impacted their actions. In almost all cases, the offender saw themselves as the victim. Reatheir actions.

to others and the action can be prevented. Numbers one through three include the Fantasy Phase, Continued on pg. 7

Crosscurrents

Page 7

“Signs Behind the Shootings” Continued from Page 6

October, 2013

Healthy Eating: Tips For a Healthy Shool Year LUCY PAWLOWSKI ‘16

when the shooter imagines what he/she should do, Planning Stage when they devise their attack mission, sometimes writing it down in papers handed in to school or in journals, and Preparation Phase, in which they gather the materials needed to implement their plan. In the case of the last two however, Approach and Implementation Stages, it’s much harder to stop them.

Obtaining the weapons which they used in their killings had been somewhat easy for many of the shooters. Some stole them from parents or relatives, or bought them themselves. Yet, as the number of these shootings increase over the years it seems like America is becoming immune to its effects. According to the May Gallup poll, only 55% of Americans thought that the reduction of gun violence should be America’s top priority, as opposed to better education for schoolchildren at 81%. Support for gun laws peaks at each shooting, then levels off after a few months and little is put in place to help prevent future massacres. Another huge problem is the fact that the funding and access to mental health have been declining over the years, just when it seems like we need it the most.

It has become a trend to eat healthy these days. But even though it sounds like a great idea, it is hard to know where to start.

Many people think that now that school has started they should start eating healthy right away, and it will be easy for them to keep that great diet up. However, the truth is that most of us will not be able to keep up a brand new healthy menu throughout the year. The key to making your diet healthier is by gradually doing so. This helps guarantee that you will be able to keep that healthy habit going for a longer time before wanting to splurge, and it becomes a habit not a chore.

Splurging is a natural habit, especially after a few weeks or even a few days after starting the new tity when you start to crave it so that you are able to control yourself better. Other experts say that you shouldn’t give in to your cravings and instead to just eat a healthy alternative.

Remember that if you try to eat healthy, you should never skip meals because that is never the answer. And just as Ms. J says, “If you feel depressed, then eat Peanut Butter,” instead of turning to unhealthy options.

The Lunch Box MAGGIE RICHARDSON ‘14

The most important thing we can do now is to watch for the signs. If you witness any unusual behavior, violent threats to yourself or others, messages on social media that hint to future violent acts, or anything of that nature, it is your responsibility to report it to the proper authority. In many of these cases, if the preliminary signs had been reported right away, there is a chance that the number of shootings that have happened would be less that they are now. So please, as the saying goes, if you see something, say something, because you could be the one to prevent future shootings.

Salad in a Jar This is probably the most portable, pretty, and lunch-friendly salad out there. It’s also adorable! Almost everything works in this salad: chicken, artichokes, black beans, arugula, it’s whatever you want to make it. Here is my favorite recipe: -1/4 cup garbanzo beans (chickpeas) -about 10 grape tomatoes, halved -1/4 cup canned tuna, drained

“Spirit Week” continued from page 1 Lota’s wore different musical artists and band t-shirts with their uniforms. From Justin Bieber to Drake, each shirt expressed a different music genre. Wednesday was the legendary pajama day, one of the coziest spirit week days. That afternoon each class decorated their assigned hallway as a different TV channel; seniors chose Disney Channel, juniors Nickelodeon, sophomores TLC, and freshmen PBS Kids. From Kim Possible to Teletubbies, LOTAs did a great job dressing as these characters. On the last day, the entire student body changed into their best purple and white gear in the afternoon for the annual Powder Puff game.

Senior jerseys. This spirit week was very bittersweet for me

-8 olives, halved -1/4 cup feta cheese -a handful of spinach or mixed greens For dressing: -1 tbsp. olive oil -1/8 tbsp. lemon juice -pinch of salt and pepper Layer in a glass jar (Mason jars and spaghetti sauce jars work best) until you’re ready to dump it out onto a plate and chow down on a delicious, healthy lunch!

a memorable week!

Fall Fashion: What you should be wearing this season LAUREN STAEHLE ‘14

Fall is fashion’s greatest season. Designers unleash their creativity on the runway, stores stock up on the latest trends, and magazines put out telephone-book size classics are still alive and on trend. Layering, for instance, is one of the best things about fall fashion, and the effortless look will never go out of style. So don’t feel like you need to start digging up change and beg for shopping money, just take a look at your closet and do a little reworking. leather trim or leather sleeves, pants with leather panels, or a classic leather jacket. You could even combine two trends in one and pair leather details with a warm plaid skirt. Yes, I am aware that we wear plaid skirts to school everyday in the winter, and as far as I know, we all hate them. But the plaid skirts trending this season are much more versatile. Look for a large plaid print in neutral colors, and pair it with a bright colored sweater and that leather jacket. I promise, no one will mistake

details, interesting shapes, a leather belt or fun fabrics, like faux fur. When it gets chilly out, and you aren’t sure what to wear, a stylish coat is an easy way to create a fabulous look. So start breaking open those boxes of winter clothes, and mix and match the pieces that you have to create a fresh fall wardrobe.

Crosscurrents

October, 2013

“Summer Enrichment” continued from page 3 Spanish four hours every day.

In the afternoons and evenings, we did such things as taking cooking classes and visiting pre-Hispanic sites. This was a great experience for both of us. It was a mother-daughter bonding time, and it was an opportunity for me to introduce my daughter to a country and culture I love. Highly recommended!”

new people from different backgrounds and different places. This experience forced me to come out of my comfort zone. I listened to everyone’s opinions, although I did not agree with all of them. Yes, I would recommend this. I thought it was really fun, but also interesting. It is also like living on a college campus for 2 weeks. I had a roommate!”

there were professors, journalists, politicians, and other professionals from all over the world, who showed interest in Russian culture and desire to learn more about life in today's Russia. I met many amazingly interesting people and learned a lot on this trip. I'm hoping to share some of this knowledge and cultural awareness with my students this year.”

Margaret Capizzi is a junior at AHC and her class vicepresident. She is involved in a number of clubs and runs cross-country in the fall.

Ms. Basso, also an English teacher, went to Russia for a conference in Russian language and literature.

These are only a few of the enrichment experiences people in our school have done this summer. Dra.Vanover, a Spanish teacher, went to Salamanca in Spain to study a summer program she wants to bring to AHC. A few students learned other languages, some visited different countries, many researched historical events or visited museums, and others

“This summer I went to the University of Dallas and spent two weeks there. It was a program for high school students that focused on the classics such as Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream and Plato’s Allegory of the Cave.

There were about 40 students from all over the country who went and participated in the program. It was fun to meet

“I was fortunate enough to participate in a ten-day conference ‘Russian Language and Literature in the World’ that took place in Moscow and Perm, Russia. The trip was organized by the Embassy of Russian Federation in the US. Our delegation consisted of ent parts of the country and I was lucky to be the only educator from the US. Overall,

that interested them. Summer enrichment is fun, interesting, and highly recommended by all who have done it. It also keeps your brain working during the summer heat!

Page 8

Fall Sports: A Season Review MAGGIE MAY ‘16

Although it seems like fall sports just started, there’s only less than a month left in the fall season. Lisa Schrader has stepped in as the new athletic director and has brought in many phenomenal coaches. Lindsay Weller, the new coach of varsity

with 4 goals. Jackie Branthover has made 20+ outstanding saves and continues to be a favorite to watch. The Tartans are preparing for the big game against Good Counsel on the

Varsity volleyball is ranked 1st in the Gazette and 8th all met. hockey team to be undefeated in 6’5” senior standout Rhamat the WCAC this season; return- Alhassan has dominated with ing coach Cindy Benedetti has 151 kills, 16 digs, and 42 kept the glue together for the blocks. Winner of the Coach past 8 years and continues to be Sheehan award last spring, a great coach. Katie Mauck is Carlise Cardoza, has posed a having a breakout senior year threat to opponents with 94 with 40+ saves and only one digs. The Tartans have won goal scored on by a WCAC 16 games and have a variety team. Nicole Lantuh, senior, is of exceptional players on the the top goal-scorer with 7 goals. team this year; they are amazThe Gazette ranks the Tartans ing to watch.

5th and calls them “the team to Tennis has 2 new elite freshbeat.” men that have joined the New varsity soccer coach Tony Pykosh has played a key role in Landon Invitational and still the WCAC undefeated Tardominates every meet. Contans’ season. This team has six grats to all these Tartans for seniors, each contributing many their outstanding efforts so far goals and assists to the team; this season!

Dani White has tallied the most

“Society” Continued from page 5 stand by the door to wait for your other team members. arrives. You greet him with a dazzling smile and offer him a bright “hello.” He doesn’t in, you greet each of them, your smiles becoming dimmer as each is met with a thick siand hands you a set of instructions without meeting your eye and leaves, closing the door to face your colleagues, who now are all seated in long rows with their own sets of instructions and a good four feet of cool metal table between each of them. You seat yourself at the only empty space available instructions, the noise almost obnoxiously loud in the dead silence of the room. You’re a bit miffed at the simplicity of your assigned task—after all, weren’t you at the top of your class?—but you begin measurallow your mind to wander.

You remember what your class was like, outside Society: forty seven young adults outside tall iron walls, staring longingly

in the direction of the inside.

Your class was trained in every subject area and your individual talents were discovered and improved upon. It was intriguing to see the variety of talent: singers, chemists, mathematicians, dancers, writers. You smile a little as you remember how towards the end of the training, you were all so eager to please Admissions, to prove that you were worthy to enter those large iron gates. You would all do ridiculous things in order to stand out, no matter what talent you had. You yourself, as a student who was always experimenting, created a new shade of blue in the chemistry lab one day.

But in the end, only those with talents and skills considered useful were accepted. You had other four being mathematicians and a physicist. There is a reason for the low entry rate, you know: so Society would not become overpopulated and have more people than jobs or resources. Only the potentially productive members of Society are admitted, and only those with useful talents. The selection and admissions, therefore, are necessary. You aren’t sure

what happens to the others, the ones who aren’t selected, but you assume that they stay behind to continue to develop their talents until they are ready to enter Society.

A bell signals the beginning of the mandatory break, and then it is back to work for another several hours before the bells rings again to tell you to drag your exhausted body back down the crowded sidewalk to your apartment.

The next day is much the same are still silent, and without new stimuli in your environment you are soon stuck in a monotonous rhythm in which you feel like you are gradually suffocating. There is no variety. Everyone looks the same, wears the same expression day after day; the same silence in the lab—the lab that you have now come to consider your own personal hell.

Does no one else see this? Or does everyone see it but not say anything?

You decide one day that you just can’t take it anymore. You turn to the person next to you, look into their expressionless

face, and ask how they’re doing. They don’t respond; they barely blink. You stare at them for a moment longer before whipping around to ask the on your other side. Nothing. A chill runs down your spine and you turn back to your work.

You do not speak again.

Weeks pass, or perhaps they are months. Maybe even years.

You aren’t sure. You live by your schedule—wake up, work, break, work, home— relying on the bells clanging throughout Society to tell you what to do. You regard the lab no longer as a hell but more of a purgatory, an in between place after morning and before evening. You imitate your colleagues in their silence and single-mindedness. When a glowing new member of Society shows up to begin working, all smiles, you don’t look them in the eye. You don’t see a point in variation.

What is variation? Sometimes you catch yourself walking down the sidewalk and don’t remember how you got there, like waking up from a long rest to realize you are in a different bed from the one you

went to sleep in. It vaguely frightens you and so you return to your dormant state. Your thoughts consist of fragments of sentences and beginnings of words you will never say aloud.

Your body is moving briskly along the sidewalk towards the direction of the lab buildings when your peripheral vision catches a woman trip and fall. Your head doesn’t turn.

“Clumsy,” your brain automatically supplies, and your legs continue walking. You don’t stop, because you do not care.