BI Word
VOLUME I, ISSUE 3
JANUARY, 2021
The Adopt-A-Family Project Was a Success!
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By Fiona Fedorochko
is’ the season to be giving! This Christmas season, Bishop Ireton continued the annual Adopt-A-Family project to give back to low-income families who cannot afford to have many presents on Christmas day. The Adopt-A-Family is an annual charity project that Bishop Ireton has been part of for many years focusing on the importance of giving back to others especially during the holiday season. Adopt-A-Family is a community partnership with Community Lodgings which works to end homelessness. Community Lodgings provides after school and tutoring programs and students involved in these programs create Christmas wish lists choosing a few items for themselves and a gift for a family member. Community Lodgings passes the lists over to Bishop Ireton and each advisory is assigned one student per list. Once the lists are distributed to the advisories, they review the list and each advisee selects one gift they would like to purchase. The Adopt-A-Family project is a group effort so each advisor and advisees, remote or in-person are involved. Typically, the upperclassmen in the advisories will take lead and organize the project within their group. Junior Stella Hermann is in Ms. Steg’s advisory and her advisory brought in kitchenware, shin guards, gloves, a blanket, and many more gifts for their assigned family. All advisories brought their gifts in during the week of December 7th. The gifts are placed in the resource center and then are passed on to Community Lodgings. In a normal school year, Ireton community members would volunteer to wrap the gifts up but with the coronavirus restrictions, the
gifts will not be wrapped. However, they are still sorted, labeled, and wish lists are checked once, sometimes twice! Mrs. Jordan and her team of teachers load up the gifts in a bus and drop it off at Community Lodgings. Once the gifts arrive there, Community Lodgings calls the parents and the students come in to pick up their presents. Gwen Spitzhoff, from Community Lodgings, says “Gift distribution day is one of my favorite days of the year because the families are so grateful and kids are excited, too.” Ireton places a heavy emphasis on giving back to the community and the Adopt-A-Family project is a perfect way to give a family a joyful Christmas as well as provide some of the necessities they need this winter. “The BI community is blessed with students who are generous, caring and interested in helping other people. This is one way to unify our efforts to make a huge impact on a community in need,” Mrs. Jordan, Assistant Vice Principal of Student Life, says. It is imperative that we spread the Christmas cheer and help others this winter!
Letter from the Editor Dear Reader, 2021 is finally here! I think it was the most awaited January. Alongside our annual New Year’s resolutions, we’ve had a Presidential Inauguration and the beginning of the Covid-19 Vaccine rollout! I hope we can return to some level of “normalcy” this year, but as we’ve all come to know- what can we call normal anymore? With the second semester starting up, my resolution in 2021 is to finish the rest of the school year with the same motivation I had when it started. The college application process is finally over, which means I can relax for a couple months before the decisions come rolling in. Congratulations to all the other Seniors who’ve received early acceptances! I hope everyone has a good Catholic Schools Week, and that you enjoy this month’s issue of the BI Word!
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
The March For Life
Around BI
By Morgan Taylor
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n Friday, January 29, 2021 many people will attend the annual March for Life to protest the Roe v. Wade ruling on abortion, and represent the dignity of unborn babies in the Untied States. However, the biggest change due to Covid-19 is that March for Life has gone virtual. The March for Life Education and Defense Fund’s website states that this decision was made to protect the well being of the particpants, law enforcement personnel, and the march’s organizers. Especially in light of the pandemic, and the recent increase of security around the Capitol and in Washington D.C., a virtual march is the safest option for everybody. The virtual march will be broadcast beginning at twelve p.m. EST on Friday. A small group of pro-life leaders will march in Washington D.C. as a representation of the many pro-life Americans across the country. The website also gives the option for participants to watch the March For Life Rally. It consists of, “inspiring speeches from pro-life leaders, information on how to stay involved in the pro-life movement all year long, and a performance by Christian singer and songwriter Matthew West.” The March for Life began in 1974 by a woman named Nellie Gray shortly after abortion was made legal due to the ruling of Roe v. Wade. Many United States Vice Presidents, politicians, motivational speakers, and for the first time ever last year a United States President, have spoken at the March. The night before the march, many people normally gather to sing, worship, and celebrate togeth-
er as a community who are trying to take a stand. Bishop Ireton has had the opportunity to attend the march yearly, and advocate for the protection of unborn lives. This year, however, is different due to Covid-19. Father Noah, the chaplain at Bishop Ireton, usually attends the march with students but this year is slightly different. “Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, Bishop Ireton will not take students to the March for Life this year. We will still participate in virtual events and Eucharistic adoration on campus, as we reflect upon the gift of human life and pray for a culture of life in our nation,” he said. Many students have said it has been a fun and exciting experience they have been able to participate in during the last couple of years. Katie Scolese, a junior at Bishop Ireton, attended the March for Life in 2020. “I always enjoy going to the March for Life because it is a time where people can come together and advocate for change. I always attend when I can because I believe that it is a wonderful and powerful experience that can make a difference,” she stated. The streets are filled with local and visiting schools, priests, nuns, mothers, fathers, children, and many more. A mass of people march through the streets of D.C. singing and chanting pro-life phrases with signs in hand and shirts on their bodies that demonstrate what they are there to fight for. It has always been a very exciting experience to participate in an annual march with thousands of people fighting for the same cause. The March for Life is a gathering that everyone can participate in whether you are a young child or an adult. It provides people with a voice in the govenrment and shows them that many people are not okay with the laws on abortion. So the question is, will you be attending the virtual March for Life this year? Pictured to the left: Bishop Ireton Students who attended the March For Life in 2020
Will There Be Winter Formal this year?
Around BI
By Jack Grzebien
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his year has been very different for many school events. Whether it be a school mass or homecoming, many adjustments have had to be made. With our first school dance of the year being modified to a carnival, the plans for winter formal will surely be different. With the help of the Administration, Student Council Association, and Student Life, this year's Winter Formal may look different, but will still support the greater cause of helping the Louverture Cleary School in Haiti. Bishop Ireton’s Winter Formal has been held in support of the Louverture Cleary School for 22 years as of 2021. The Louverture Cleary School, Bishop Ireton's sister school, is located in Haiti. It serves the gifted children of Port-au-Prince and the surrounding area. Bishop Ireton has been working with the Louverture Cleary School since 1999. The Louverture Cleary school is run by the Haitan Project which was started by a parish in Rhode Island. Its purpose is to provide support to the people of Haiti in their time of need.They have educated over 700 students. 99 percent of the students who go to Louverture Cleary School pass the national exam compared to about 47% of the general population. This school provides a gateway to success to those who need it the most. Ireton’s Spirit week will consist of many fun activities and dress out days all going to support The Louverture Cleary School. On Monday the theme is Community. The day will consist of the awarding of the Salesian Medal of Honor, School Mass, the week long scavenger hunt, and music playing during all lunches. Tuesday the theme is Students and includes a movie playing at lunch, along with the dress out day for dressing up as your favorite childhood movie or TV character. On Wednesday the theme is Nation: class challenges will be happening along with a movie at lunch and the dress out day theme of spirit wear from your middle school. Thursday the theme is Vocations.
Also, on Thursday students in the Gold Group will be dressing up as their favorite childhood movie or TV character, class challenges will be occurring and there will be a movie at lunch. Friday there will be pieing of teachers and SCA members and the raffle will be drawn for the people who purchased tickets to win one of the gift baskets. The final day which will be the biggest moment of the week is Saturday when there will be a Car Wash which will go in place of the Winter Formal dance. This car wash will be run by the student council members and faculty volunteers the saturday following Catholic Schools Week. Although this year is very different, Bishop Ireton continues support of the Louverture Cleary School. In an interview with Ms. McNutt, she confirmed that many ideas have been considered and student input has been taken into consideration. With a very successful homecoming carnival, the winter formal will capitalize on all the great ideas from the carnival and add in new ones to fit the event. In times like this it is important to recognize how fortunate we are to be receiving a great education and to try and give that education to others through ways of service. Though this year may be different, Bishop Ireton will continue to support a great cause and many fun activities will be held to support the Louverture Cleary School.
Senior Spotlight: Critter Johnson
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hristopher, better known as Critter, Johnson is widely known throughout the school as the resident tech wizard. He has attended Bishop Ireton since his freshman year and is involved in numerous clubs. He participates in the Robotics Club, Coding Club, Peer Helper, Computer Science Honor Society, and he serves as Senior Class President. Despite his various activities, he is most widely known for his contributions to Hack BI. He is in charge of everything Hack BI. He organizes the schedule, sponsors, theme, budget, website, and so much more. Mrs. Kelly comments, “Critter is extremely intelligent and is willing to take the heat if something goes wrong. He is extremely responsible.” He has been in charge of Hack BI since February 2020. This year Hack BI is virtual and Critter encourages everyone to register. Critter chose to attend BI after his siblings attended. He recalls, “My initial interest in BI came from my older siblings, who were Juniors when I was applying. I shadowed, and I was hooked - even as a lowly 8th grader. I was immediately accepted and everyone was super friendly.” Additionally, Critter is an outstanding student. He is an officer of the National Honor Society and is organizing the 2021 Coffee House. Dr. Murphy says, “Critter is one the strongest readers I’ve ever taught, He contributed to the community feel of AP Lang despite the truncated year.” His favorite class was an independent study that he had with Mrs. Kelly during his freshman year. Mrs. Kelly says, “Critter has the ability to take college level courses beyond those offered currently at Bishop Ireton.” Dr. Murphy expresses that Critter has a sense of humor, “Critter mocked my posture in a respectful manner and not many students would do that.” Mrs. Kelly explains, “Critter is a normal teenageer, sometimes he forgets things but he never argues with me.” Critter’s favorite things about BI, besides Hackathon of course, is how much he has grown as a student. He explains, “I have learned so much about myself and how I learn and work, made lifelong friends, and learned that I love leadership and working with other people.” He loves and feels accepted into the Bishop Ireton community. He also told me that everyone should participa-
By Jen Porcaro
te in Hack BI. Critter is also an avid athlete. He runs Cross Country and Track. He met one of his friends there, Jomar Roque. Jomar says, “We met during freshman year running Cross Country together. Critter is the center of the conversation and he drew me in. Critter is the apex extrovert.” Jack Ambery, one of Critter’s closest friends, met him in third grade playing soccer together. He says, “I like Critter’s sense of humor the most, we are always laughing together. I also admire his work ethic and drive.” Overall, Critter has loved his time at BI and looks forward to college. Critter says, “My favorite part of BI is definitely the huge variety of personalities that I get to interact with on a daily basis.” He is applying to CalTech, Carnegie Mellon, George Mason, Georgia Tech, MIT, Navy, Notre Dame, UVA, and Virginia Tech. Critter hopes to get into the Naval Academy. Besides being active in the Bishop Ireton community, Critter is an Eagle Scout. He has been a Boy Scout since fifth grade and is now working on his Eagle Scout project. Critter is conducting a technology drive in his neighborhood. He was inspired to do a technology drive because of the World Computer Exchange, an organization that helped bring the digital world to places that do not have access to constant and reliable technology. Critter says, “I found out about the World Computer Exchange-since I knew I wanted to do a service project that would help.” On behalf of the BI Word, I wish you the best of luck with college and I hope Hack BI is a success.
Hack BI Went Virtual!
Around BI
By Miriella Jiffar
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n its 4th year running, Bishop Ireton’s student lead hackathon, Hack BI IV, is defying the odds during an unusual school year to bring the world of computer science to life for local high school and middle school students. A hackathon, according to the Hack BI IV website, is an event where teams and individuals create and showcase their own custom programming projects as they compete to win different prizes. This year, due to Covid-19, Hack BI will not be a 24 hour, overnight, in person event. Instead, it occured virtually on January 23 and 24, from 10am to 8pm each day, while the Hack BI IV leadership team ran the event from the school building. Registration for Hack BI is open to high school and middle school students from local public and diocesan schools, not just Ireton students. Adult volunteers are also welcome, registering for the event as a judge, or as mentors to students. Over the two days, participants work as individuals or in teams of up to four people on programming projects that solves a problem or addresses a specific theme- all from the comfort of their own homes. The theme was announced at the start of the hackathon to prevent participants from planning ahead. Not knowing beforehand also encourages quick thinking and creative problem solving skills that are necessary for succeeding in the computer science field. There will also be workshops in Javascript, Alice 3, Html/css, Photoshop, Aeronautics, Minecraft Mods, Python, Java, App Inventor, and 3d printing taught by students on the Hack BI leadership team. These workshops are good for people who have never written a line of code in their life, or for people who want to advance their skills. Participants can learn something new, or become proficient in skills they already know. The vast nature of the computer science field is flexible, in that you can make your creations personal to your hobbies and interests.
Participants can showcase their designs and projects to potentially win prizes. There is a vast array of prize categories, such as beginner, most creative, etc. The coveted first place prize is a summer internship with a software company: Decipher Technology Studios. While the Hackathon only spans two days, the planning to make this event come to life is a 10-month process. Senior Critter Johnson, who is this year’s Hack BI Team Leader, noted that he and the rest of the team started the preliminary planning stages in last February. The teacher moderator is Mrs. Kelly, one of Bishop Ireton’s Computer Science faculty. Organizing Hack BI is a tremendous undertaking, and Critter described how he leads the event while also delegating work equally, “The way I’ve divided the types of tasks up into four teams makes it so that the people I communicate the most are the leaders of those four teams, and they delegate to their people so no one person is super swamped and people can specialize in different tasks.” The four teams in question are the Administration, Logistics, Marketing, and Middle School Teams. Administration, headed by Senior Jomar Roque and Junior Cameron Arnold, deals with registration, scheduling, and forms. Logistics, headed by Senior Jack Ambery, focuses on purchases that need to be made (i.e. the always anticipated Hack BI Swag) and facilities that are used by the Hack BI team. Marketing, lead by Senior Caleb Finnamore, advertises Hack BI to other middle schools and high schools, as well as contacting Computer Science teachers from other public and diocesan schools to let them know of Ireton’s hackathon so they can inform their students who are interested. The Middle School team organizes the middle school hackathon. Led by Junior Courtney Quinn, she and her other teammates oversee the structured, one-day hackathon for 6th-8th graders that serves as an introduction to coding and programming basics. Hack BI IV is an engaging way to enter computer science, and this year, participants “hacked” from the safety and comfort of their own homes!
Christmas During Covid
Around BI
By Chloe Ko
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amilies have had to alter their usual holiday traditions all year, and Christmas is no different. Though Christmas may seem more important than holidays like the Fourth of July or Halloween, people must remember to follow the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines in order to be able to routinely carry out their traditions as normally as possible. In November, it was announced that gatherings with over twenty-five participants are prohibited both indoors and outdoors. Keeping this in mind, there were a number of Covid-friendly ways people could have celebrated Christmas this year. With a limited number of friends or family, people could host a Christmas movie marathon and binge classics such as Home Alone, Elf, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, The Polar Express, and many more. Another fun way of getting into the holiday spirit is attending a Christmas light drive-through. Every year there are always light shows available in Washington D.C. and certains places in Virginia. In the comfort of their own car, people can stay safe and enjoy looking at Christmas light spectaculars. When asked how he’s spent Christmas in a Covid-friendly way, Senior Tyler Cremer answered, “Both my grandparents from Colorado came to stay with my family for four days during Christmas break. My family trusts that my grandparents from out-ofstate continued to take precautions during the pandemic before they come to visit us, so we weren’t too worried.” Like Tyler’s grandparents, it is inevitable that some families will want to spend such an important holiday with their loved ones. People still must keep in mind the safety of themselves and others this time of year. Latin teacher, Mr. Holec, traveled out of state like many others. He said, “I will be driving to Wisconsin with my wife to visit my parents and sister. I am looking forward to seeing some snow while I’m there and playing a lot of games with my niece and nephew.” Sadly, some people may not have the opportunity to travel to visit their family or friends this year. Video chats continue to be essential during the pandemic since it is a way to connect with people they do not have the privilege of seeing in person anymore. Whether people are travelled or stayed home during the holiday season, there were many ways to appreciate this special time of year. Many people around the world were not able to spend time with the ones they love due to the pandemic. Those that had the privilege of seeing family should remain thankful, sending their thoughts and prayers out to everyone that couldn’t.
Biden-Harris Inaugration By Thaddeus Worth
News/ Politics
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n January 20th, 2021, Joe Biden became the 46th President of the United States and gave his inauguration speech, but this inauguration did not look the same as those of the past. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and more of the country being locked down, many were wondering how these changes would affect the ceremony and celebrations afterwards. Typically, on Inauguration Day, hundreds of thousands of people attend the inauguration parade and speech. Tony Allen, who is the CEO of Biden’s Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC), said that this inauguration would be unlike any other. The PIC is Biden’s personal inaugural team and not the official Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), which officially runs presidential inauguration ceremonies.
Source: Getty Images
mental laws and ease immigration restrictions. He may rejoin the Iran Deal or the Paris Climate Accords, both which President Trump left. Multiple conservative news sources have claimed that Biden may implement parts of the Green New Deal or add more Justices to the Supreme Court. While President Obama never did either of these, many from within the Democratic party have been pushing these ideas and hope that Biden will support or pass them. Mr. O’Keefe, who worked on Capitol Hill several years ago and is now the Student Activities Coordinator, believes that Biden will continue the tariffs on China until the COVID-19 pandemic is under control. Source: Bloomberg via Getty Images Last year’s election certainly was heat Another difference with this year’s ined and close, but the election results have auguration was the extra security. After atbecome even more heated due to President tending a rally with former President Trump, Trump’s claims that he was the rightful winmany decided to go riot and besiege the Capner to the 2020 election. Trump and his legal itol. Over the course of several hours rioters team have pursued several courses of action, clashed with Capitol police and destroyed but most have been struck down by courts. property. In the struggle, five people were After a long challenge of the election result, killed or died, and over one hundred were Trump has called for Biden to be sworn in injured. This resulted in heightened securiand a peaceful transfer of power. President ty for the inauguration and the second imBiden’s inauguration was very different from peachment of President Trump. the last inauguration in 2017. A Democrat What the Biden administration will do became the President. The country was in on policy remains to be seen. It has been the middle of a pandemic. With fewer people speculated that President Biden will lead and much more space between them, this much like President Obama did from 2009year’s inauguration looked like no other. 2017. Biden will likely strengthen environ
Covid-19 Vaccine Rollout By Will O’Reilly
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uring what many hope to be the end of the pandemic, states have undergone the process of outlining and executing the vaccine rollout. Each state’s plan is relatively the same, stating that doses will be given out in phases,first to the sick and elderley, followed by the less sick and less eldery, and so on. The plan, logical as it may seem, has been met with a fair amount of criticism, as the reality of slow vaccine rollout prevails in practically every state. Take states like Kansas, in which only 674 per 100,000 of residents have been inoculated. Kansas has been under the spotlight since December, denounced for “hoarding” the vaccines, not delivering them to their constituents, even while death tolls rise at alarming rates. Kansas´s very own Osage Co. Health Department Director Jackie Patterson offers some insight into the matter, stating that “Most health departments weren’t given any heads up to when they were receiving the vaccine,” and “That vaccine doesn’t do any good sitting in freezers it needs to be in the arms of our citizens.” Both these issues, ofcourse, fall into the hands of leadership, a trend which follows all the way to the top. Along with heavily criticized state leaders, the country’s federal leadership is under fire for what many deem a failure to centralize the vaccine rollout, leaving it to the rushed and often overwhelmed states.
News/ Politics
iday season seems to have taken part, with health workers taking time off and families traveling. Health officials also receive some of the blame, because in many states, they have held back on administering doses to certain populations, most notably those in nursing homes and care facilities, which have only administered 8 percent of the over 2 million doses they have been provided. Some rollout issues are unexpected. Kevin O´Reilly, a career diplomat for the state department, had his own vaccine delayed by over a week after the attempted insurrection at the Capitol. “No one expected it to happen, of course, and the result was a major shutdown of Capitol Hill and its surrounding buildings for a few days, leaving me and all of the other senior officials unable to get the vaccine for another week or so.” What is evident is that any failure to reach vaccination goals is a multifaceted issue, and no one individual can take the blame (and not many are offering to). In our home state of Virginia, vaccine rollout rates are one of the lowest in the country. A reported 34 percent of available vaccines have been used, a noticeable improvement from our 24 percent about a month ago, but still a slower improvement than most other states. Dr. Costi Sifri, a professor of medicine and director for UVA Health, has this to say. “Maybe it’s underreporting to some degree who’s been vaccinated, but I don’t think it’s enough to account for this large gap. I think it’s a reflection that the vaccine has been distributed but just has not made it into people’s arms yet.” Although it may seem an oversimplification at first, Dr. Sifri raises a fair point, states just have not gotten the vaccine into enough people’s arms. Although federal rollout was less than expected, states seem unprepared for even the smallest of loads, as logistical and leadership issues cloud the air. Virginia is no different, and although persistent, is sharing a bleaker outlook on future With this said, not all lackluster perfor- rollout expectations with the other states. mance is a product of leadership. The hol-
Tips and Tricks for College Applications
Student Life
By Dustin Gardner
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he college application season has kicked into full gear and this year is unlike any other! Every senior’s college application journey is different. Some are excited, some are scared, some know what they want, others have no clue. Nonetheless, each senior will have to figure out hir or her future plans and this is no easy task. Since our youth, the idea of college has been implanted in the minds of every student. The importance of college has been especially prevalent during our last four years of “college prep,” so it’s no surprise that the waiting game in the next few months will be extremely stressful.
Many students started their application journey in November, applying to their chosen schools through early action or early decision programs. These programs allow for students to receive their decisions in the December to February months but this isn’t best for everyone. Students should take their time to complete their application and make sure it represents their best work. It is also important for students to understand the difference between early decision
and early action when applying for college. Unlike early action, which is similar to regular decision, Early decision requires a binding agreement between the student and the school stating that the student will attend and withdraw from all other school applications if admitted. Early decision is perfect for students applying to their “dream” school or first choice. Colleges also accept early decision applicants at a higher rate, so make sure to submit an early decision application if you believe this method benefits you. Another important aspect of your application will be your extracurriculars and test scores. While these will be important factors as they have been for previous years, colleges have stated that they will be considering factors from a different lens due to the pandemic. Many colleges have even gone as far as switching to test optional or test blind. Mr O’Hara, a counselor at Bishop Ireton said, “Students should not send their test scores unless they scored above the 75th percentile mark. Each school reports these stats on their website and I recommend checking before you apply.” Schools understand that many students have not had the resources or ability to perform well on the SAT or ACT this admissions cycle. Therefore, only students who performed exceptionally should submit their scores to a test optional school. With all this in mind, current Juniors can start planning for their college application procees. Going to the Class of 2022 Collge Kickoff Night is a great way to start! Good luck to all the current Seniors who are finishing up their applications, and congratulations to those who have had Early Action or Early Decision acceptances!
The 2021 NBA Season
Sports
By Kelly Reilly
Caption: NBA Players Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal
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ecember 22, 2020 is when the NBA begins its season. Tipping the season off will be the Golden State Warriors facing the Brooklyn Nets, and the Clippers facing the Lakers, each from Los Angeles. Let’s take a look at what this season will look like. This season will look a little different. Instead of an 82 game season, they are trimming 10 games so that the season finishes prior to the Tokyo Olympics, which is scheduled for July 2021. In addition, the NBA released protocols for fans that want to attend games. The arena can only be filled to 25% capacity, fans must sit at least 30 feet away from the court, and test negative two days prior to the game. As you can see the Covid-19 pandemic is taking a big effect on the NBA, but hopefully they can make back some of the money they lost last year when covid first hit. The Warriors had seven of their home games cancelled last March, which resulted in them losing about $50 million. The league reportedly fell short $1.5 billion of its original revenue projections for last season. However they are hoping that starting this December they would be able to include the traditional, and signature Christmas Day showcase, which could possibly help bring in $500 million in revenue, according to Wes Goldberg of The Mercury News based out of San Jose, California. Covid has caused teams to have to go into
quarantine and not be able to practice together. It has been about 230 days since the last regular season games were played. With that long layoff, the team coaches are worried about the lack of chemistry teams may have when they take the court. However, now that teams have started practicing together, it gives them enough time to meet their new teammates and possibly create good team chemistry. When asked, “What are you looking forward to the most in the upcoming NBA season?” Bishop Ireton Senior Colin Baird replied, “Russell Westbrook coming to DC will be interesting. Watching Lebron James and seeing how the Los Angeles Lakers do this season as well.” There have been lots of big changes for players and teams for the upcoming season. A big one for our hometown, the Houston Rockets traded Russell Westbrook to the Washington Wizards for point guard John Wall and a projected 2023 lottery protected first-round pick. Westbrook started off playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008, and his first coach was Scott Brooks, who is now the current coach of the Wizards. Other league moves include Kelly Oubre Jr. moving from then Phoenix Suns to the Golden State Warriors. Ricky Rubio heads back to his first team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he spent his first six seasons of his career. When asked the same question, “What are you looking forward to the most in the upcoming NBA season?” Junior David McAdam replied, “Seeing the new players on each of the teams, and watching how Trevor Booker and CP3 (Chris Paul) play together.” Chris Paul joins the Phoenix Suns leaving Oklahoma City. If you were to ask me that same question, I would have to agree with Colin and say that I am most looking forward to seeing how Westbrook does here in DC, and if he can bring us a winning season working alongside Bradley Beal.
Opinion
Should We Have a Vaccine Mandate? By Dustin Gardner
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he pandemic has been a long and hard process for the entire world but It seems that a new vaccine could finally end this terrible event once and for all. Pfiezier and BioNTech have created two, very effective vaccines that are currently being distributed. The vaccines have been reported as 95% effective in keeping people from going to the hospital but there are still questions on whether it stops the spread. One of the most important problems we are facing is that not everybody wants to get vaccinated at all. Close to 40% of people polled by Web MD said that they probably or definitely won’t get vaccinated if offered today. So should we require people to? Our country has debated over the topic of mandates relating to the virus a lot recently. One side views mandates as necessary to stop the spread and the other believes it is a violation of our freedom. A mask mandate was discussed many times during the presidential campaigns and it was even introduced in many cities. When it comes to vaccines, this becomes a little more tricky. Many Americans have expressed concerns about not knowing what is in the vaccine and therefore are avoiding it all together. Though all the studies point to the vaccine being safe and effective, these concerns should not be ignored. Some people question if the government should have the right to force its citizens to consume any substance, arguing there’s a certain point when American citizens, when given the means to do so, should be responsible for their own health and wellbeing. Currently, there are no federal or state requirments to be vaccinated for Covid-19, but the CDC highly reccoments the vaccine for those who qualify.
Skiing and Snowboarding in Covid World By Fiona Fedorochko
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he ongoing Coronavirus pandemic has raised concerns about the safety of athletes continuing their sports. While many sports have been able to make a safe return in a covid world, there are several sports that have to be held off for a while. During the winter months, skiing and snowboarding are very popular activities. Unlike some sports, skiing and snowboarding are safe enough sports for Covid with the proper restrictions in place. However, skiing and snowboarding are fairly distant sports. It is important to actually stay further away from other skiers and snowboarders when going down a hill. So, social distancing would not be a problem during the activity itself. Although, traveling from the bottom of a hill to the top is difficult because chair lift rides are typically 2-6 people across. This would be difficult to socially distance but it can be done. Chair lifts can place distancing markers on the seats. Parties that travel together and quarantine together can be with each other. Also, most chairlift rides at regular ski resorts are no more than ten minutes so you are not exposed to others for long. Lift lines can definitely be distanced as well. With markers, signage, and employees around moderating social distancing, things can run smoothly and safely. Of course, masks are to be worn. Many skiers and snowboarders prior to the pandemic, wore ski masks and face coverings for warmth so it is no discomfort when out on the slopes. Masks should definitely be required and without them, you should not be allowed to participate. Both of these sports are easy to distance and are good exercise for everyone at home bundled up this year and in need of something safe to do. In conclusion, winter sports like skiing and snowboarding can take place this year as long as proper safety precautions are enforced.
January Recipe: Asparagus Ham Dinner Ingredients
-2 cups uncooked corkscrew or spiral pasta -¾ fresh asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces -1 medium sweet yellow pepper, julienned -1 tablespoon olive oil -6 medium tomatoes, diced -6 ounces boneless fully cooked ham, cubed -¼ cup minced fresh parsley -½ teaspoon salt -½ teaspoon dried oregano -½ teaspoon dried basil -1/8 to ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper -¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese Steps • Cook pasta according to package directions • In a large cast iron skillet, sautee the asparagus and yellow peppers in oil until crisp-tender • Add tomatoes and ham to the skillet; heat through • Drain pasta • Add in the skillet mixture • Stir in the parsley and seasonings • Finish by sprinkling your desired amount of cheese!
Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/asparagus-ham-dinner/
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