BI Word
VOLUME I, ISSUE 4
FEBRUARY, 2021
President Biden’s First One Hundred Days
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By Thad Worth
here has been much debate and discussion about what President Biden will do during his first 100 days in office. The first 100 days are symbolic, as is typical when a new administration sets out the plans for its agenda over the next four years. Biden will likely have to find a middle ground due to a split Senate. People are watching to see if President Biden gets his agenda through the Senate, or if his bills will die before they can reach his desk. During his campaign, Biden made several promises, such as stopping the Keystone XL pipeline and a federal mask mandate. With a flurry of executive orders, Biden made these promises reality. In 2015, President Obama vetoed a bill for the Keystone XL pipeline saying that the Executive Branch should decide what would happen to the pipeline. President Trump reversed this decision, but environmental groups took the pipeline’s owner- TC Energy- to court, stalling its construction. Due to this, the pipeline was not built by the time Biden signed his executive order. Biden has also signed an executive order requiring a mask to be worn on federal land. Many people have been calling for a federal mask mandate for months, which requires that masks be worn when in public. While a President can require masks to be worn on federal
land, he cannot require people to wear a mask elsewhere. States, however, can make it mandatory to wear a mask. So far, the Biden administration has steadily increased the number of vaccines that are produced and distributed. Almost 10.5 million vaccines are being distributed weekly now. According to whitehouse.gov, this is a 22% percent increase since January 20th, when Biden took office. This exceeds the administration’s goal of 100 millions vaccines administered in 100 days. Another order that has caused a considerable amount of disagreement, allows transgender individuals to use the bathroom, lockeroom, and sports team that fits their gender identity. There is debate among schools and colleges whether or not to allow transgender individuals, especially transgender women (those born male who later identify as females) to do so. While it may seem that we could have a repeat of the last four years with political division, strife, and uncertainty, we can pray and ask God to guide us and our leaders to help us become a more perfect Union.
Source: ABC News Source: The Associated Press
Letter from the Editor Dear Reader, Happy February and Black History Month! I hope you enjoyed the snow and remote school days in the past weeks, but that it was not too icy. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow so it looks like there will be 6 more weeks of winter. There are a lot of exciting events taking place in the next few months. The Fall and Spring Sports seasons are starting up again, and the Theater Department is working on producing its first ever virtual play through Zoom! Bishop Ireton celebrated Ash Wednesday a little differently this month- sprinkling the ashes instead of marking a cross on the forehead. Take a look at one of our articles for more information on the celebrations of Ash Wednesday and Lent this year. I hope you enjoy this month’s issue, and let us know what you think by writing a letter to the editor! Our contact information is listed below.
The BI Word Staff Editor in Chief Miriella Jiffar ‘21 Editors Grace Young ‘21 Chloe Ko ‘21 Kelly Reilly ‘21 Journalists Dustin Gardner ‘21 Jen Porcaro ‘21 Morgan Taylor ‘21 Fiona Fedorochko ‘22 Jack Grzebien ‘22 Thad Worth ‘23 William O’Reilly ‘23
Sincerely, Miriella Jiffar, Editor in Chief
Email Us! Submit any inquiries or Letters to the Editor to: biword@bishopireton.org
Much Ado About Cosplay?
Student Life
By Fiona Fedorochko
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ishop Ireton Theatre Arts is returning this spring with their first ever virtual production! The Theatre department decided to take on Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, Much Ado About Nothing. It is a hilarious comedy filled with lovers’ quarrels, lies, trickery, and laughter. The story follows Beatrice and Benedick and Hero and Claudio and their paths to marriage. This year’s production will be set at a cosplay convention featuring some of your favorite characters from multiple fandoms such as Anime, Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney! BI Theatre Arts is so excited to explore the world of cosplay, as well as perform one of Shakespeare’s classics. The Corona virus pandemic has tremendously impacted the theatre industry. Many schools and theatre institutions around the world have taken theatre to a whole different stage: Zoom! Ireton’s Zoom production of Much Ado About Nothing will be pre-recorded this spring and available for all to see. The whole process started off with auditions. Auditions were held remotely in early January, and the show was casted from there. The actors have been working tirelessly since then. Memorizing lines, working on characterization and expressions have been a few of the tasks actors have been taking on. Behind the scenes, or perhaps behind the Zoom calls, the costuming class has been staying busy with creating, designing, and discussing costumes for the production’s cosplay addition. For this show, the actors are gathering many of their cosplay pieces from their clothing in their homes. Some actors are retrieving the clothing at school. The goal and purpose of cosplaying is to look like a particular character, so the costume team is working hard to find looks that are perfect for every character in the show, since
each character will be seen in at least one cosplay costume. Marvel, Star Wars, Disney, and Anime cosplays are a few looks to watch for! Sammie Hansford, who is part of the costume team says, “We make sure the costumes are school appropriate, and we have to make sure that the majority of people know the character or else the idea of the character gets lost.” Meanwhile, Ireton’s stage crew class has also contributed to the production as well. Even though the show is on Zoom, the stage crew is working on sound effects for the show. Director of Theatre Arts, Mrs. Rice, and the Assistant Director of Theatre Arts, Mrs. Henry have also been working super hard to help keep theatre alive in the Covid world. The show is being pre-recorded throughout the end of February and March. It will then be edited and sent out, available for the Bishop Ireton Community and beyond to watch. Bishop Ireton Theatre Arts has been working super hard and cannot wait for everyone to see it!
Bishop Ireton Celebrates Black History Month
Student Life
By Kelly Reilly
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he events that took place in the past year have been historic, particularly for African Americans. The story of Black history month begins in 1915, half a century after the 13th amendment abolished slavery in the United States. Carter G. Woodson traveled from D.C. to Illinois so that he would be able to participate in a national celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the emancipation proclamation. Woodson helped to create Negro History and Literature week, which was later changed to Negro Achievement Week, however Woodson wanted more. He chose February to have Negro History Week. It appeared across the country in each of the schools and Woodson continued to encourage schools and students to demonstrate their knowledge and show what they know about African American History (Association for the Study of African American Life and History). During Black History Month, we reflect on more than 400 years of Black history and heritage. In a year full of firsts, the nation elected Kamala Harris, its first African American Vice President, a woman, and someone who graduated from Howard, a historically Black university. Voting Rights Activist Stacey Abrams Garners was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. Georgia sent its first Black senator to the Capitol, Raphael G. Warnock. Despite these milestonres, America witnessed George Floyd being arrested, and killed by a member of law enforcement. The police officer’s knee was on Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. Breonna Taylor was shot and killed inside her own home when police officers were attempting to serve a no-knock search warrant at 12:40 a.m. March 13 as a part of a narcotics investigation. Over the summer, the Black Lives Matter organization organized peaceful protests that were disturbed with tear gas or other related chemical substances. Three people were killed while protesting in Omaha, Nebraska. There
were disproportionate deaths and unemployment resulting from Covid-19 among African Americans. This past year has been focused on numerous injustices taken against the African American community. However, history has been made in the White House, with Vice President Harris, which hopefully will bring change. Around Bishop Ireton, Black History Month is being celebrated in many different ways. Cardinals for a Cause, a club at Bishop Ireton is working on recognizing the problems that are going on in our community, and in our country. Cardinals for a Cause is participating in Black History Month by sharing stories on social media of modern and historical African Americans who have participated in making our world a better place. They have recognized historic figures on their social media such as Gordon Parks, Gwendolyn Brooks, Annie-Lee Cooper, and even some modern day figures, such as Issa Rae. On Friday, February 19th, Ireton hosted a speaker for Black History Month, Melissa Rihl, who is the Director of the Youth Ministry at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Fairfax, VA. Melissa also currently serves as a member of Bishop Burbidge’s Advisory Council on Racism. She comes from an interracial family and converted to the Catholic faith in her early teens. Mrs. Rhil’s speech discuessed her upbringing and the struggles she faced as she grew up. Her mom is African American, and her dad is White. When she was little she would be out with her siblings, and people would ask if her mom was their nanny because they assumed so when they saw an African American woman with light colored skin children. When she was in grade school she was constantly asked if she was Hispanic, or Asian, and once even asked if she had a green card. Here are a few quotes from her speech that we can all learn from and reflect on this Black History month: “Seeing in color is a good thing however how we go about it is crucial.” She also said, “treat each person you encounter regardless of race, with the love of Jesus Christ.” “Know who you are and whose you are, you cannot minister to other people or love and see the other person and Christ in them until you recognize him within yourself.”
Bring your Coffee to watch Ireton’s virtual Coffee House!
Student Life
By Miriella Jiffar
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ishop Ireton’s annual student-led open mic night is back! Beloved by both faculty and students alike, Coffee House will be hosted on Friday, February 26 by the National Honor Society. Usually consisting of student performers from all grades, the night is full of music, songs, comedy sketches, and poetry recitations in the transformed cafeteria space. Students are able to sign up for performance time slots beforehand on a list that NHS provides, or go up to the emcee and put their name down during the event if they decide to do something on the spot. This option provides for a fun, and spontaneous quality to Coffee House that has attracted so many students for the past few years. Alongside watching the performances, students, teachers and guests can buy food and drinks sold by NHS members. There are typically two rooms set up- the large cafeteria and a smaller neighboring classroom. The money collected from entry fees, donations, and concession sales is always donated to a charity of choice by the National Honor Society. This year however, Ireton’s Coffee House is going to be an all virtual event on Zoom. Led by NHS Officer Critter Johnson, the honor society held an initial meeting of their Coffee House planning committee for interested members on February 3rd. As a whole, the committee also decided that the night’s proceeds will be donated to St. Lucy’s Project. The organization, dedicated to collecting and distributing food in order to combat food insecurity within the Arlington Diocese, is part of the larger network of Catholic Charities. Instead of gaining service hours selling concessions during the event, or during set up and clean up, NHS members can rack up their service hours by joining one of the three teams on the planning committee: Marketing, Administration and Production. Splitting the Coffee House planning committee into smaller teams allows more room for creativity and better communication, since there is no burden for only one person to think of ideas, which Critter emphasized in the group’s initial meeting. The Marketing Team, led by Seniors Claire de la Garrigue and Alex Cuenco-Olaya, focuses on advertising Coffee House, creating a logo, and designing the t-shirts that will be sold as a fundraiser
for St. Lucy’s Project. The Administration Team, led by Seniors Taylor Wilmot and Mica Burneo, determines the scheduling of performers, handles registration and collects the money that will be donated. The Production Team, lead by Seniors Janet Le and Jack Ambery, manages the Zoom platform during the event, and streams the Coffee House for everyone to watch through a YouTube link. Janet explained more in depth about how the Production team will use Zoom during the event. “There are two Zoom links and one YouTube link. The Youtube link is where the production team streams the main Zoom room that the current performer and the emcee (Thomas Tran) are in for the audience to watch. The other Zoom link acts as a check-in room, which the pre-registered performers are given once they fill out the registration google form. There is a feature on Zoom where we can pull performers from the waiting room of this link to individually check their audio, microphone, song, attire, etc., 30 minutes before they are scheduled to perform.” Janet also mentioned that if you decide you want to perform on the spot, in true open-mic fashion, the same check-in link is also available in the Youtube description. For people who prefer not performing live, the Production Team has a pre-recorded option as well, where videos can be sent to either Janet or Jack the day before Coffee House. Overall, this year’s Coffee House looks like it is in extremely capable hands. Make sure to bring a cup of coffee and some snacks while you tune in and enjoy the talented performances from BI students!
Keeping Valentine’s Day Traditions alive
Around BI
By Grace Young
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ne thing that will not be changing much this year due to Covid is Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day takes place each year on February 14th. It is typically celebrated between loved ones or significant others who express their affection towards each other through gifts, gestures, and a night out. As we approach the one year anniversary of Covid-19 in the United States, the thought of normalcy seems impossible. Unlike everything else this year, Valentine’s Day will likely continue as normal despite the pandemic. In the past year, the pandemic has affected almost every aspect of our lives. We have missed out on celebrations, opportunities, gatherings, and holidays. Despite all of this, one thing we can look forward to is Valentine’s Day. The holiday is meant to give people the opportunity to show their love for each other and celebrate the relationship they have. Fortunately for everyone, this can still be done even in a pandemic. Senior, MaryKate Mull, said, “I am actually really looking forward to Valentine’s Day. It’ll be a nice break from the real world because, as long as you are taking the right precautions, it is pretty much safe from Covid exposure.” Like MaryKate says, as long as you are following guidelines, the list of things to do with safely on Valentine’s Day are almost endless. There are many ways that people were able to celebrate on the 14th. Some of these things include: having a movie night, exchanging gifts, making a homemade dinner, baking, going on a walk, just being in each other’s presence, or, the most common tradition, going out to a nice dinner. Now, you may be thinking that going out to dinner isn’t exactly Covid safe, but if you take the right precautions, it can be. Many restaurants require distanced seating and masks while waiting for food. Along with that, some even offer outdoor seating with heaters or private rooms. This is an excellent option for those who want to make the night unique but also want to be safe. For those who are not in a relationship, Valentine’s Day can still be very special. Many people celebrate with family members, friends or just take the day to be with themselves. A common alternative for Valentine’s Day is called Galentine’s Day. Instead of spending the day with a significant other, groups of friends will do all the typical Valentines activities together. While Galentine’s Day is not the most Covid friendly, there are still many alternatives that you can choose from. If you prefer to be with others, buying little gifts for your friends and family will show that you appreciate them and the relationship that you have. Some streaming services even offer multi person viewing so you can watch movies with your friends, while also staying alone in the comfort of your own home. Senior, Caitlin Joyce, said, “I love Valentine’s Day. I get to be cozy in bed and watch all the romcoms I want.” Sometimes, Valentine’s Day can be difficult, so if you would rather spend the day with yourself, turn on a cheesy romance movie and eat all the sweets you can. Overall, Valentine’s Day is a day that everyone can enjoy whether you are spending it with a significant other, family, friends, or by yourself. As long as you are keeping the safety of yourself and others in mind, you should be able to enjoy the holiday the way that is best for you.
Tips and Tricks to avoid that Second Semester Slump
Student Life
By Morgan Taylor
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s the first semester of the school year comes to a close, and the start of the second semester begins, some of you may be wondering how you can succeed this semester. This year has been very challenging considering Covid-19, hybrid learning, and the loss of friends in the Bishop Ireton community. Talking to counselors, teachers, friends, and family members about what you have been feeling or experiencing can help immensely during these next few months of school. Mrs. DiLorenzo, one of our counselors at Bishop Ireton, gave some useful tips for relieving stress. “Exercise and eat right. Keep a “to do” list. Get a good night’s rest. Make sure you spend time with family and friends and allow for laughter in your life. If you are stressed, watch a funny sitcom for 30 minutes. Laughter decreases stress hormones.” Do not be shy to reach out to Mrs. DiLorenzo if you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. She has an open door policy and appreciates an email to schedule and time to meet. She is also available to meet via Google Meet for all remote students.
Some things to keep students on top of school work is staying organized and prioritizing work loads. Missing assignments can pile up and leave someone overwhelmed and behind, which can be stressful. Turning in work on time will not only benefit you, but will also benefit your grade. Sleep is also very important during the school week. It
is recommended that the average person tries to get at least eight hours of sleep. As a high school student that may seem impossible, but striving to at least go to bed at a reasonable hour will be beneficial. A good night’s rest can help in supplying needed energy to the body for academics and sports performance. Getting some fresh air once in a while and staying off technology can also help. As a hybrid or fully remote student, staring at a screen in a room all day can strain your eyes and keep you from going outside to enjoy the outdoors. By giving your eyes a break it helps prevent headaches and sore eyes. Going outside and exercising or getting fresh air is also a great way to relieve stress. Ali Raia, a sophomore at Bishop Ireton, said she likes to listen to music to relieve stress while Julia Lin, a senior, said she likes to take naps and sleep. Hanging out with friends and laughing is also a good way to take your mind off stressful situations. With only about four more months left of school we should all try to work hard until the end. You got this!
Senior Spotlight: Mary Kate Mull
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By Dustin Gardner
his month, Mary Kate Mull has shown extraordinary effort in her school work and extracurriculars. For this, she has been named February’s Senior of the month. Whether it’s swimming, Model UN, the Diversity Council, Peer Helpers, or just leading in the classroom, Mary Kate has excelled and advanced our school. As a hard worker, and someone committed to making change, Mary Kate has always worked to ensure a welcoming community at Bishop Ireton High School. This is especially evident through her work with the various clubs and organizations at school. The Diversity Council is one organization that Mary Kate has been a part of, and one that she believes is extremely important. The council works to address problems of racial justice throughout our school and encourage minority voices to be heard. Mary Kate has always been especially concerned for those who feel unwelcomed in our community. She talked about her school experience stating, “I already think it’s a very welcoming community, but there’s always more we can do.” Her commitment to change extends from the school community to the Human Rights Club. This club works to ensure each student both in school and in the surrounding communities feels they have equality. Mary Kate’s devotion to helping and empowering others should not only be recognized but also celebrated. Mary Kate has also been a hard working member of the Swim Team during her time at Bishop Ireton. Her drive, determination, and leadership has led her to being named captain of the team. Her teammates have praised her for her excellent example and leadership throughout the years, and her coaches have appreciated her extraordinary efforts. Lastly, Mary Kate’s passion for international affairs has allowed her to make great
strides with the Model United Nations Club. Mary Kate explained her favorite memory of the club, “We go to Baltimore for a four day conference. It’s so fun being able to spend time with other members of the club while exploring the new city.” Mary Kate has always been able to enlighten and entertain her peers. Above all else, her effect on those she is close to is one of her best qualities. Mary Kate has expressed interest in attending a college with an excellent political science program to continue her love for international affairs and uplifting communities. While she doesn’t yet know which school this will be, her future impact will surely be evident.
Ash Wednesday and Lent By Jen Porcaro
Campus Ministry
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ent is the most important time of year for Catholics, and yet some Ireton students may not be well versed in the history of Lent and Ash Wednesday. Lent is the forty-day countdown to Easter, and Ash Wednesday is the kickoff to that countdown. Father Noah explains, “Lent is the forty-day season to prepare for Easter. Both Moses and Jesus spent forty days preparing for a mission and we are doing the same.” These forty-days do not count Sundays or Feasts days. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent. But why does it always fall on a Wednesday? Father Noah offers an answer: “When the Church counts back forty days, plus a few because Sundays and feast days do not count, the first day is always on a Wednesday.” Ash Wednesday is also a day of fasting for Catholics. That explains the fish sticks at lunch. Also, Ash Wednesday is not always the same day. Father Noah clarifies that Easter is always the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring Equinox. The timing of Easter follows the lunar calendar because the Jews followed the lunar calendar for Passover, and the Christians adopted that. Around 300 A.D is when the Church officially decided the date of Easter, while around 1000 A.D. is when the Church established Ash Wednesday. Usually, Bishop Ireton has a Mass on Ash Wednesday at which students receive ashes on their foreheads. Father Noah acknowledges, “This year we cannot put ashes on everyone’s head, but we might use the European model and sprinkle ashes on students’ heads. There is a picture of John Paul II receiving ashes like that in Ms. Duffy’s room.” Ashes symbolize that humans will return to the dust that they came from. It’s a nice dose of mortality. The ashes are in a cross because the cross is the place where life and death meet. Jesus died on the cross, but then He was raised up. Ash Wednesday is also the day when Catholics decide what to give up for Lent. Homework and school do not count. One must give up something they enjoy, such as chocolate or a fancy morning coffee. Father Noah says: “If we can say no to something good, then we
can say no to bigger things like sin. Giving up something is an external way for interior repentance.” Giving something up is a way to prepare oneself for the Resurrection and grow closer to Christ. Ms. Duffy, a religion teacher, remembers one of her Lenten sacrifices, “ I gave up coffee the first year I taught high school. It was a miserable Lent for everyone. But in every sacrifice and struggle, one can find grace.” To give something up for Lent is a personal way to grow closer to God. Though different Christian denominations go through Lent differently, they all unite in the Resurrection at the end. They all celebrate in the goodness of the Lord, fortelling a future of hope. Father Noah discloses, “I do not know much about other denominations but usually a large meal is involved at the end of Lent as a celebration of the Resurrection.” In all, Lent is a period of repentance and prayer for Easter. Though people give up different items, all do it for the same reason: Jesus. Lent is a great time to renew one’s relationship with God and to learn more about Catholicism. Ms. Duffy concludes, “Lent is a time to grow closer to God. Those forty-days is your desert. With limited distractions, one can concentrate on their relationship with Christ.” Wise words Ms. Duffy.
The 2021 Superbowl
Sports
By Jack Grzebien
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uper Bowl LV, as the name explains, is the 55th Super Bowl and the 51st National Football League Championship. The Super Bowl was held on Sunday, February 7th in Raymond James Stadium, in Tampa, Florida. This year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by quarterback Tom Brady, faced off the Kansas City Chiefs, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished their season 14-5. The start of their postseason run began with facing off against the Washington Football Team. This game was close, however, they came out with a victory with the score being 31-23. The Buccaneers’ second matchup was against the New Orleans Saints. In this matchup, the Bucs were 2.5 point underdogs, but this time came out with a convincing win. The score of this game was 30-20. This game was possibly the last time that Saints quarterback, Drew Brees, would have thrown a touchdown pass in the NFL. The Buccaneers then faced their toughest opponent of the postseason: the Green Bay Packers. Tom Brady and his Bucs were the underdog in this matchup yet again. As Stephen A. Smith, an ESPN commentator, said “Aaron Rodgers is a bad man” and this was true in the game, for it was a hard fought battle. The Packers had a significant chance to win this and the Bucs out-coached the Packers in this game. The Buccaneers had luck on their side the entire playoffs and faced a very tough matchup with the Chiefs again on Super Bowl Sunday. The Kansas City Chiefs had a great season, and are a repeat Super Bowl contender. The Chiefs finished their season at 16 and 2 with losses to only the Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chiefs had an easier start to their playoff journey than the Bucs, as they did not have to play in the wildcard round and were ranked number 1 in their division. Their first game of the playoffs was against the Cleveland Browns. This game, although a win, was not great for the Chiefs. A team that they should have been able to blow out held them to just 22 points. Their next game, against the Buffalo Bills, was their most convincing win in the playoffs. The Chiefs headed into Tampa as 3 point favorites to beat the Bucs in Raymond James Stadium. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won Super Bowl LV 31-9 in an interesting win against the Chiefs. The Chiefs started off the game by winning the coin toss and choosing to kick off to the Bucs. The Bucs started their game with a three and out with the Chiefs recovering the punt at the 33 yard line. The game was off to a slow start with punts and incompletions. The first spark of the game was an incomplete pass in the endzone from Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs opened up, scoring the first 3 points of the game from a 49 yard field goal. Tom Brady, on the next drive, threw his first touch
Source: USA Today Sports, Matthew Emmons
down of the game to tight end Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski. Brady threw a pass to Mike Evans who was able to take that to the 6 yard line. The Bucs went for it on all four downs, challenged the fourth down ruling of no touchdown and the ruling stood. With 6:05 left in the first half, Brady threw a 17 yard touchdown to Gronk, extending the lead to 14-3. The Chiefs were able to get back on the board with a 34 yard field goal before the end of the first half. To end the first half, Brady was able to move the team up the field and then Antonio Brown was able to get a touchdown for the score to go up 21-6. The Chiefs got going right off the bat and were able to get a field goal on their first drive of the second half, the score was now 21-9. On the Bucs’ first drive of the second half, Brady was able to get the team off the field up 28-9 after a Leonard ‘Playoff Lenny” Fournette touchdown. The next Chiefs drive was met with a Patrick Mahomes interception by Antoine Winfield Jr. After the interception, the Bucs started on the Chiefs 45 yard line and were able to make a 52 yard field goal to send the score to 31-9. The end of the game was filled with surprises. With 5:09 left in the game, a streaking fan entered the field and was chased until he was tackled by security and police in an end zone. The next oddity was an unsportsmanlike conduct call on Antoine Winfield Jr., the player who intercepted Mahomes’ pass, and squatted in front of Chiefs’ player, Tyreek Hill, motioning the peace sign at him. The last important play of the game was another Patrick Mahomes interception, this time in the end zone, by Devin White. In a Bishop Ireton student’s description of the game, Leo Bartholomaus said “This was a perfect representation of Tom Brady’s repertoire of being the G.O.A.T, and just how polarizing he truly is to the game of football.” Buccaneers’ Bruce Adrians won his first superbowl as a head coach. Quarterback Tom Brady won his fifth Super Bowl MVP and seventh Super Bowl, now holding more Super Bowls than any franchise.
Start of Bishop Ireton’s Fall and Spring Sports
Sports
By Will O’ Reilly
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s the year continues to mimic the normalcy of the past, we have reached the point of Spring and Fall sports, which thankfully, Bishop Ireton is able to undergo. Much has changed, with different safety precautions altering how interaction works across sports as a whole. According to an update published by the school concerning Fall sports, this season can expect Girls Volleyball, Girls and Boys Cross Country, Girls Field Hockey, Girls and Boys Soccer, Football and Girls Tennis. Tentative times may change this, but BI promises to keep athletes in the know. If you wish to contact anyone concerning Fall sports, the Athletic Department, overseen by Athletic Director Dwayne Bryant, is open to questions. With safety being a top priority, Fall sports have had to adapt. Lana Beidas, a Girls Soccer player from the Class of 2023, tells us more about the challenges of a season during a pandemic. “We are going to have a competitive season with practices and games as a team, but it’s been delayed various times. Our pre-season lasted only a month due to worries about the virus, and the WCAC has delayed our season till Spring. We’ll be practicing again in February.” Coaches and athletes alike are well aware of the turbulent nature of this year’s season, and many experience first hand the reality of cancellations and delays, hindering their play. With pre-season cuts, many players are coming into the main season relatively unprepared. Andrew Quinn, a baseball player from the Class of 2023, has an alternative to this issue: practicing at home. “I’ve been making sure that I have something to do if we can’t play. I have a training program set up so that I don’t end up losing skill, and so that I can do well next season.” Andrew’s planning is just one example of how athletes must be prepared to assure their effectiveness during such an unprecedented season.
For baseball, Andrew explains what his team has been doing: “during the fall, we were doing practice in the hitting cages, which is helping us get ready for a half-season starting on March 6th.” Even with all the regulations and fears, not all is fraught. This season, the Varsity Football Seniors at BI are getting “more of a spotlight,” according to BI Varsity Football player Nate Harris. “We’re having a five game season, [The senior class] are in for some great footage.” Seniors are especially affected by a choppy season like this, with many looking at sports as an opportunity for scholarships. Providing more focus on them in the season helps to balance out the challenges they face. Nate finished off on a hopeful note, stating that “Due to Covid, we’ve had to do a lot of work on our own, but as a team, I feel as though we are prepared.” Football, just like all the other sports here at BI, is doing its best to prepare, despite the trials it faces. Overall, Bishop Ireton student athletes and their coaches are working hard to make this sports season a success. Look out for more announcements about games and matches for Fall and Spring sports!
Pictured above: Bishop Ireton Swim and Dive Team at a swim meet on February 11 against John Paul the Great High School
Should In-Person School Theatre be Permitted? By Fiona Fedorochko
The Coronavirus pandemic has greatly impacted the world, particularly the acting industry. Live theatre performances such as Broadway shows, community theaters, and school performances have had to stop. Schools have had to cancel their musicals and plays during these times. However, in-person theatre can be done, but with restrictions. One major takeaway is that singing cannot be permitted. However, not all theatre is a musical! Plays can definitely be performed. Casts do not have to be large, and there are many good shows with cast sizes under ten people. Having a small cast is crucial with the pandemic because crew members may be needed backstage based on the production’s technical elements. A small cast would also help with social distancing on stage. Directors can block shows so that the actors are socially distanced and do not have to engage in physical contact on stage. Every cast and crew member will need to wear a mask during rehearsals and performances. This fall, I participated in Ireton’s ten minute play festival, “Obstacles” as an assistant director. The actors were given clear mask shields that allowed the Zoom audience to see their faces. It worked out exceptionally well for them, and seeing their faces helped the audience follow along with the characters better. The show was also blocked so that the actors were distanced from each other and it worked out great with the story we were telling! For live theatre performances, the technical elements and costumes can be simplistic to avoid too many people together at once and keep contact minimal. Besides the actors on stage, there are the audience members to consider. Many theatre companies have turned to live streaming for their performances. Facebook, Youtube, and Instagram are popular platforms that have been used for shows and they are very user-friendly for audiences of all ages. Besides live streaming, recording productions is always an option. Live theatre is a joy to so many people. With the return of sports, students in theatre should be able to have a chance to do what they love with the proper safety precautions taken.
Opinion
What is the future of Snow Days? By Jen Porcaro In the past, snow days were gifts of time in which beautiful, white, fluffy, flakes descended from the sky to cancel school. But with the ability to conduct school remotely, what is the meaning of school days? I remember in elementary school, I would obsessively track the weather in the winter to plan out snow days. I reveled in the ‘no school today’ email. I celebrated by constructing cold, icy forts for impending snowball fights. I dusted off my sled and to see how fast I could hit a bump. But now, with school all online, are the sleds going to stay dusty forever? Snow days are not only a day off of school, they are an integral part of growing up in Northern school districts. Though we will have less snow days because of remote learning capabilities, snow days can still happen. Right now, Bishop Ireton has three built in snow days (and we’ve used them all). Those three snow days can still supply the fun and relaxation that a sudden day off of school provides. Snow days are a wonderful time to make a cup of hot chocolate and watch the white flakes descend from the sky. Snow days are for fun and awe of what the sky can create. We may no longer have those two weeks off of school because of icy conditions (remember that upperclassmen?) or a local school district become the number three trending tag on Twitter worldwide, (#CloseFCPS), but we can still enjoy watching tiny snowflakes create a cold blanket. In all, snow days are a wonderful reprise from the stress of school. Though we will have less snow days because of the new remote school capabilities, we can all still enjoy the few days of no homework and not sitting in a cold, hard chair for eight hours. Enjoy your snow days, dust off the sled, grab a hot drink, and savor the marvelous brisk blanket on the ground.
February Recipe: Dark Chocolate Raspberry Truffles Ingredients
- 8 oz. dark chocolate, either chips or chopped - 4 oz. heavy cream - 2 tablespoons raspberry preserves (jam) - 1/2 cup dark chocolate cocoa powder
Steps 1. Place chocolate in a medium bowl and set aside. 2. Pour heavy cream into a sauce pan and heat over mediumhigh heat until almost boiling. Once you see it begin to steam and form small bubbles on the side, pull it off and immediately pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir together. The mixture should be extremely smooth, with all the chocolate melted. If needed, microwave the cream and chocolate together in 15 second increments, stirring when finished, until completely smooth. 3. Add raspberry preserves and stir to combine. Place uncovered in a refrigerator for about 2 hours, or until the ganache has hardened and is scoopable. 4. Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper. Using a melon baller or a tablespoon, scoop out small portions of ganache. Use your hands to roll them into small balls. Place on the baking sheet and freeze for 15 minutes. 5. Place cocoa powder in a small bowl. Drop each truffle in the cocoa powder and roll until completely coated. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes: Be careful not to overheat the heavy cream, otherwise your cream will curdle. Carefully watch the cream while heating on the stove or your risk burning it and having to start over.
Source: https://www.aheadofthyme.com/dark-chocolate-raspberry-truffles/
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In the wake of Andrew Benson’s recent passing, the BI Word is commemorating him with a page of testimonials from people who knew him. He was a gift to Bishop Ireton, and his laughter and smile will never be forgotten. Once a Cardinal, Always a Cardinal!
Abby Garlock: His laugh alone had the capability to make everyone else in the room laugh too. Jess Gerard: It’s nearly impossible to capture in words the type of person Andrew was. I would start by saying Andrew was contagious in that he had a positive effect on those he met. He left you feeling better about yourself after every conversation. His laugh was contagious. He would walk into a room with his arms swaying back and forth, a smile on his face, squinting his eyes laughing at just about anything. Andrew was always there to help anyone who asked for it. Once, when I couldn’t open my locker and he opened it on the first try. Another time when I had blisters during soccer camp he gave me bandaids. It’s little acts like these that made up Andrew. Andrew set the standard for many. In grammar school, Andrew had the best time in the P.E. mile and he inspired others to keep up and try to beat him. He never bragged when he won, but made everyone try harder. His drive was contagious. He was never the biggest in size on the soccer pitch but had the biggest spirit I’ve ever seen. I try and emulate that same type of drive into my own game. Even though Andrew is no longer with us, his spirit lives on. It lives on in the hallways, in the classrooms, on the field, in your friends and in you. It is a spirit of joy. It is a spirit of youth. It is a spirit that’s contagious.”
Andrew is pictured in the blue jersey, on the right
Rudy Sanchez: “Memories I had of Andrew Benson were when we had Advisory every day after first period. We began to play hangman to pass on the time. We both started playing and then other people came along, it became an Advisory thing whenever we wanted to have fun. We would always talk about sports games and players, like soccer, basketball and much more. It was a time to enjoy ourselves and playing against the current champion of hangman is an amazing thing that I will cherish forever. If I were to choose a word to describe Andrew Benson it would be “un genio” which means genius. He’s an amazing soccer player, and his personality is phenomenal. He always had a smile, and he always lived in the moment. Heroes come and go. But legends live forever. He will forever be a legend, and an amazing friend.”