The Scroll - November 2015

THE December 1, 2015

SCROLL

Dream. Believe. Lead. Serve.

VOLUME No. 4

School Saftety and “The Cage” -Treyvon Hammond Reports on Page 4

Pope Francis Visits: Cristo Rey Students Witness Philadelphia History

By Isabel Millan Editor In Chief

When the Pope visited Philadelphia recently, everybody was affected in some way. Some people were faced with missing school or work, and others because they had tickets to see him. Whatever the reason, the Papal visit had an effect on everyone.The Papal visit caused great concern for the city in addressing structural and security issues. With so many people trying to get into the city and navigate new traffic patterns, the traffic was at full capacity. It highly affected me because with the busy traffic, it would have been hard for me to get to school.

“This was important to me because I am of Cuban heritage and growing up having animosity between my two countries made it very difficult for me to have contact with some family members.”

Pugh gave an announcement that Septa busses to cramped stores that fortunate.

For me, his visit was very school would be canceled. After Mr. sold shirts with his likeness. inspiring. Already a fan because he established better relations between the long time enemies U.S. and Cuba, it was special to have him visit my home town. This was important to me because I am of Cuban heritage and growing up having animosity between my two countries made it very difficult for me to have contact with some family members. I learned from the Pope that when one has faith in difficult situations, one can develop enough strength to surpass that difficult situation.

Hundreds of thousands gather on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to enjoy mass with the Pope.

Pugh gave the announcement, I felt relieved that there was no school because then I would not have to miss it.

Aside from the intense traffic, the Pope’s visit was welcomed by many Philadelphians who had watched him pass his blessings and The traffic got so tumultuous that it advice to New York, Washington, was mentioned every day on the news. and Cuba. Here the Pope seemed to Since the traffic was so difficult, Mr. be everywhere, from placards on

The Pope’s visit was so popular that almost everyone I know had tickets to see him. Unfortunately, by the time I tried to buy the tickets, they were already sold out. Even though I could not fully experience the Pope’s visit by seeing him personally, I was able to watch the whole experience on T.V. From the comfort of my couch, I had a front row seat to see the Masses and the blessings he offered to those less

The view of the Pope’s visit from Mr. Kelley’s iPhone. He reports that he stayed home and watched on TV.

RISING WITH OUR STARS 2015 Letter From The Editors Scholarship appreciation event proves night to remember

By Brooklyn Gabriel Staff Writer

The sky was dark outside but the stars were shining brightly inside at Cristo Rey’s Rising with Our Stars event. Held at the Franklin Institute in the Fels Planetarium on October 22, the scholarship partner appreciation event was an opportunity to thank supporters for our education. The 85 attendees included members of the board of trustees, scholarship organizations, and some job partners. About 30 students and some staff, including Dr. Gomez and Mr. McConnell, were also at the event.

The planetarium was beautiful, with lights changing colors every few minutes. I felt nothing but positive vibes that gave me a great feeling, with music playing in the background, and the conversations of students and supporters going on

around me. The night ended with a speech made by a student representing each grade level. Joi Poole, Jorge Martinez, Samantha Williams, and Simon Velez, freshman to senior respectively, offered thanks and gratitude for the opportunity to have a great education at a great school.

The event was special because it gave me a chance to tell my scholarship provider how much of an impact my scholarship has on me. It also gave me a chance to express how much the scholarship has helped my family and me.

When you come from a single parent home, you always worry about expenses and how you’re going to pay for things. But thanks to those 85 supporters who were there, my education isn’t a worry.

The Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School Scroll

Hello students, teachers, staff members, and anyone else who is reading! I am Simon Velez, one of two Editors--along with Senior, Isabel Millan--of this very paper you are about to read. Along with the other writers of this paper, I hope what you read will inspire you to come in and write for the next issue, or at the very least drop in on one of our meetings and see what we are really about. Now, what we, the current crew of the newspaper, hope to achieve is actually a few different things. One thing we would like to do is highlight the many clubs at Cristo Rey, so if you are in a club and want to let people know what you are doing, come over to newspaper and we will find ways to help you out. We would also like to show off students’ writing skills by having them write articles about things they like, thus also showing off new ideas and exposing you, the student body, to new concepts and events. I hope you take this time to enjoy what the writers put together and I hope this inspires you to join us in making our next issue possible.

Staff of The Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School Scroll Editors-in-Chief Staff Writers Isabel Millan Brooklyn Gabriel Simon Velez Treyvon Hammond Moronica Teng Denzell Wallace Sierra Merrick-Deloach Valeria Pacheco Samone Parker-Watson

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Artist-at-Large Samantha Gonzalez Advisors: Mrs. Terri Akman, Ms. Nancy Green, Mr. Ryan Kelley

THE SCROLL IS ALWAYS SEEKING WRITERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, AND ARTISTS INTERESTED IN EXERCISING THEIR VOICE. See Mr. Kelley, H204.

Volume No. 4 December 1, 2015

The Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School Scroll

Cristo Rey Life

Boys’ Soccer Team Closes First Season

By Moronica Teng Staff Writer Four years after the opening of Cristo Rey Philadelphia, this high school finally has a boys’ soccer team!

Full of rambunctious and energetic boys, this team demonstrates the persistence and will to learn more about the wondrous sport of soccer.

Running drills and having plenty of scrimmages, the boys work hard for a full hour down at the field on the corner of Ogontz and Lindley. With plenty of experience on the field, he team’s coach, Mr. Holko had a few things to say about the boys.

At the beginning of their season, tryouts began and 16 boys, at most, came out to play. His biggest philosophy is “just to play,” and coach as problems occur. His hope is to grow the “young team” and build a solid boys’ soccer team and to grow the interest of any students willing to join. “The future years looks optimistic.” Holko says during an interview. Only playing two games this season, the boys had a record of 1-1. Fortunately, they were not put

down by their first loss against Cristo Rey Baltimore and used it as a motivation to work harder. Their team captain, Chris Ginchereau who is in his junior year, clarifies, “At practice, [there were] never any negative vibes, only good vibes.”

Their positive outlook was worth it when their next and last game of the season was won 3-1 against Girard College. Holko claims that when their first goal was scored, the boys were ecstatic, running on the field and cheering during a play. “The weather added to the moment. It was raining.

It was cold, and we were all soaking wet… We were all shivering, freezing. At that point, it didn’t matter ‘cause they got their first win, and well, they earned it,” Holko recalls.

The journey for the soccer team has only just begun. With a few players leaving for college next year, new spots will open for any interested players. Tryouts will be held, again, next fall. Don’t hesitate to join. The team is open to all newcomers, veterans, and rookies. The only things needed are a pair of cleats, some interest, and the determination to participate.

ADVICE: To The Closeted Teen

Volume No. 4 December 1, 2015

FACULTY PROFILE: Mr. O’Connell

By Brooklyn Gabriel Staff Writer

Grade/Subject Taught: 9th grade Theology Hometown: Middle Island, NY College: Fordham University B.A. in English and Theology Favorite Sports Team: New and for others. I am inspired by York Nets those who wish to empower Favorite Color: Green themselves and their communities, and those who seek What are your goals for the school year? To address all the the common good. In particular, questions kids have about God people I look up to include, Pope and their spiritual life, and to Francis, Dorothy Day, and my inspire them to keep an open late grandfather, Edward Kelly. mind when it comes to that.

What surprised you the most What inspires you to teach? about Cristo Rey? Believing that theology is The consistent positive and important, and realizing that hopeful attitudes of many of the people don’t have a lot of students and the staff here at opportunities to talk about their school. Even as the days have grown shorter and the year has spiritual life and faith. progressed, there is so much love Who do you look up to and around these halls and in the why? I look up to people who we classrooms that it is difficult for might say are truly free. They are me not to get fired up about the the people who recognize that a mission of our school and the good life is in many ways a efforts of all the students reaching simple life and a life lived with for greatness on a daily basis.

By Moronica Teng Staff Writer Given recent changes in the social landscape and the hallmark Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage in June of 2015, not only has progress been made, but in regards to accepting all people, regardless of their difference, our society still has much progress to make ahead.

In light of this, many who support the pride adorn the rainbow symbol, openly voicing their thoughts. Many stars have also come out of the closet such as Sam Smith, Raven-Symone, and openly sharing their

By Simon Velez orientations. However, as with all progress, there is resistance to be found Editor-in-Chief in society, and for the LGBTQ teenager who already feels the pressures of All the hype surrounding the Pope’s visit is fading away; however, adolescence and high school, those added pressures of sexual orientation there is one solemn jewel that still remains. This jewel is tucked away in an and acceptance could feel overwhelming.

Here’s a little message to those who feel broken, misunderstood, exhibit space at the Franklin Institute. It is called Splendors of The Vatican.

It is a highly exclusive exhibit that only travels to a select few places a year. and scared: Hey, you. How are you feeling? Are you treating yourself nicely? It discusses the rise of the Catholic church, the building of St. Peter’s Are you eating, sleeping? Those scary thoughts you’re thinking, they’re cathedral in Rome, and the relationship between the church and China. Every directly from the normal. It’s alright to feel that way, but you know what? You’re not weird. artifact in it is archives of the Vatican, You’re not going crazy, and you are definitely not disgusting. Say this out saint-related loud for me. I am important and I’m just as much human as the next itself. From bones or symbols person. With everything going on, I hope you’re not too concerned with relics like that are attributed to said coming out. It’s alright. Take your time and understand yourself first. even letters Understand yourself and accept yourself. There’s not need to rush to tell saints, and written and signed by someone so quickly. This closet… It’s personal and only for your entrance popes who lived only. If you’re scared, it’s alright to take a deep breath and gather yourself. p r e v i o u s Love is universal, wanted and understood by all. This love that you have, centuries ago.

One very excellent aspect was that the information was presented in expand it. Let it grow. Let it empower you, and most importantly, allow yourself your own love. You’re just as important as the ones you love. both Spanish and English, making it accessible to many people more so Coming out is scary, nerve-wracking, and full of anxiety. That’s why I’m than a normal exhibit. The exhibit focused on Catholicism and how it telling you this. Come out at your own pace because this secret, your integrated with the world through the centuries. It wasn’t selling religion secret, can be kept till you find those you are comfortable sharing it with. but explaining it, they had examples of ornate chalices and explained the Hey, it’s okay to understand yourself. People use up their entire building of the Vatican itself.

In the exhibit there was a surprising section that many may not realize lives trying to do that. It’s okay if this actually turns out to be a phase. And was a part of history. This section was Catholicism and China. This is it is totally okay if it isn’t a phase and this is who you are. Gay is just a term. It does not define your character, your heart, or your soul. Flaunt significant because christianity is practically outlawed in China and the exhibit you. Own the things you got because this life is yours. Sadness comes and has an extensive section based on this topic. What was most intriguing was goes similarly to happiness. However, love, it is eternal when you find it in that they wrote a letter on an expensive silk roll that is only used in addressing yourself. I know it can be stressful at times and I know life seems almost the emperor himself. Along with that there is a slew of artifacts addressing impossible, but remember there’s always a tomorrow, so don’t give up the the relationship between Catholic Chinese and the Catholic church outside possibilities of tomorrows for a horrible today. “Be who you are and be of China. The Vatican Splendors exhibit is available to se at The Franklin Institute from now until February 2016. that well.” --St. Francis de Sales The Scroll Page 2 Lifestyle and Culture

The Solemn Jewel: Vatican Splendors at The Franklin Institute

The Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School Scroll

Cristo Rey Life

Volume No. 4 December 1, 2015

Cuban-Americans Respond as U.S. Takes Steps to Lift Embargo at Temple University, who was born in Cuba says, “I want the best for my country and a change was needed after 56 years of political oppression.

This negotiation will have to be bilateral, not only that Cuba receives the Since the Cuban missile crisis in 1962, the relationship between Cuba and U.S. dollars from tourism but also that the Cuban government gives the the U.S. has deteriorated more and more every year. Until recently, Americans Cuban people the opportunity to express themselves in a democratic way. could not travel in and out of Cuba unless it was for an educational or It is the right of every individual to live his/her life in an environment in cultural purpose, like Beyonce and Jay Z experienced last year. Now that which he/she could develop their abilities in freedom without the oppression President Barack Obama has eased some of the government. Directly it will not affect restrictions on travel and trade with Cuba me because all the members of my family to allow Americans onto Cuban soil, are in the U.S. Emotionally, I would like to Cuban-Americans can more easily visit see the improvement of the Cuban people their loved ones. in a free society.”

The Cuban embargo, which Elvira Zuazo is pro the settlement blocked Cuba from trading with the U.S., between the U.S. and Cuba because she was enacted because Cuba did not want thinks Cuban people deserve a better to change its communist ways. While Cuba lifestyle rather than the rigid one they are remains a communist country, President living in the hands of the Cuban government.

Obama believes the time has come to repair This change took her by surprise. “Perhaps that relationship. in the long run this plan will bring a certain Cuban-Americans are divided on degree of economic and social advantages President Obama meets with Cuban President Raul Castro in whether or not opening the borders to the Cuban people, she says.

September.

Photo: NBC News between the U.S. and Cuba is a good idea.

Adds her husband, José J. Zuazo, This seems to be a generational divide where the younger generation of PhD, “I think, with reservations, that it is a good idea. My reservation is Cuban-Americans are in support and the older generation is not yet sold on that we have to give it time to see how it works. The plan will be good if it the decision’s merits. could improve the economic situation of the Cuban people and if the money “I think it will make travel somewhat better than before,” says Maria that comes from this opening is used to ameliorate the economic condition Karla Millan, an 8th grade Cuban-American. “It will affect my family by of the Cuban people. But, it is not too good if instead it is used to solidify allowing us to meet more often. I have been waiting for a plan like this all the power of the Castro brothers. And it will be good if it brings more my life. I could have met my relatives in Cuba sooner.” democratic openings in the Cuban totalitarian system.

She hopes it becomes official even if it happens gradually because “It will affect me in a pleasant way if the conditions of the Cuban she has been separated from her family and she hopes to see them again people are improved economically, socially and politically. Personally, I without any restrictions. left Cuba 56 years ago; I have not visited the island since I left. Nor do I Millan’s Uncle Alexis, an older generation of Cuban-Americans, intend to visit as long as there is a dictatorial government in place.” believes it is a good idea for both Cubans living in the U.S. and for American Georgina M. Valdés, a retired American citizen born in Cuba, says, citizens who wish to visit and learn more about the Isle of Cuba and its “Travel was limited to people on a group tour sponsored by the government people. “There is an opportunity for a tourist and cultural exchange between but people went there through other means. The ones who have been waiting both countries,” he said. “My family would take advantage of migration thereabout since the time of President Reagan are heads of corporations facilities and cheaper flights to and from the island. I have been waiting for who want to trade with Cuba. Pope Francis has heard the cardinal and a plan like this all my life. I would feel happy to see a rapprochement between other Church leaders who never wanted the embargo.” the two countries.”

Cubans and Americans are currently watching history unfold. Time Alexis’s brother David agrees. “It will facilitate travel to Cuba, trade will tell whether or not this change is successful. Cuban people may finally and exchange in all aspects,” he says. “There has been much separation get the chance to enjoy certain economic and social advantages that come between the U.S. and Cuba, politically, culturally and economically. As a with ending the embargo, while Americans may soon have the opportunity Cuban-American, it is a wonderful idea that could help make the paperwork to enjoy the hot sun, beaches, and cultural richness of Cuba. President easier and travel cheaper to visit Cuba.”

Obama hopes the U.S. and Cuba can work together to strengthen the Elvira Zuazo, elementary school teacher with a Masters in Education economic and cultural bonds among their cultures.

By Isabel Millan Editor-in-Chief

SCENES FROM THE HALLS OF CRISTO REY PHILADELPHIA HIGH SCHOOL

Instant Acceptance Days: October 16, 2015, November 20, 2015 The Scroll

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Cristo Rey Life

Volume No. 4 December 1, 2015

The Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School Scroll

Continuing Manga Series Hi. My name is Denny Wallace. I am a junior here at Cristo Rey, and for the remainder of the year, I will be creating and contributing a manga series of Cristo Rey life with a twist. My objective is to express real life and school life situations we deal with from different point of views. I’m using this as a visual representation to show the student body that there can be alternate ways to see and understand things. I hope you enjoy the series!

School Safety: New Setup and Student Responses

By Treyvon Hammond Staff Writer To accommodate our growing student body this year, the school has expanded into the first floor of Hogwarts giving a new entrance to the school on Broad St. This change also includes a locked silver gate located on Carlisle St. The newly implemented gate keeps track of traffic flow. Another reason this change happened is for safety precautions. Mrs. Lally, the school’s Director of Finance and Operations, states, “Before the current sophomores there were shootings just behind the school.” She also said, “ We are not just trying to keep the students in, but we are trying to keep the danger out.” After school, the gate is kept locked to avoid confrontation anywhere near the school.

Many students are indifferent to the matter however many students, like Abreanna Williams say, “I feel like I am in a prison.”

“The cage” forces students to walk around the whole school to get to their house or walk to the store, causing an outrage amongst some

students like Samantha Williams.

There are also students, like senior Isabel Millan, who feel safer in the school’s new environment. There are many pros and cons the come with the new gates.

A student could help out the other side by joining the security committee and giving the perspective of the student. The security committee consists of President McConnell, Dr. Gomez, Mrs. Lally, a teacher, and security expert Fr. Mark Plosh. They are always looking for new and improved ways of ensuring the safety of Cristo Rey.To join contact Mrs. Lally by emailing mlally@crphs.org.

In the ongoing discussion about safety and environment, it is important to know that as of October 9, there have been 47 school shootings during 2015, and 15 of them have been at high schools. This makes school safety a relevant concern, and Cristo Rey most likely will continue to take measures to keep those at Cristo Rey safe.

2015-2016 BOY’S VARSITY BASKETBALL SCHEDULE DATE NOV 21 DEC 02 DEC 03 Academy DEC 04 DEC 05 DEC 11 DEC 12 DEC 19 DEC 20

TIME 11:00AM 5:00PM 5:30PM

PLACE AWAY HOME AWAY

OPPONENT #Radnor #Engineering and Science Jack Barrack Hebrew

5:30PM 2:30PM 7:00PM 1:30PM 1:00PM 1:30PM

AWAY AWAY AWAY HOME AWAY AWAY

Cristo Rey Baltimore (MD) Haverford School Cardinal O’Hara King’s Christian School Malvern Prep St. Joe’s Prep

2015-2016 BOY’S JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL SCHEDULE DATE NOV 21 DEC 02 DEC 03 DEC 05 DEC 11 DEC 09 DEC 12 DEC 19 DEC 20

TIME 11:00AM 5:00PM 4:00PM 1:00PM 5:30PM 6:30PM 12:00PM 11:00AM 12:00PM

PLACE AWAY HOME AWAY AWAY AWAY AWAY HOME AWAY AWAY

OPPONENT #Radnor #Engineering and Science Jack Barrack Hebrew Academy

Haverford School Cardinal O’Hara Neumann-Goretti Kings Christian School Malvern Prep St. Joe’s Prep

2015-2016 BOY’S FRESHMEN BASKETBALL SCHEDULE DATE TIME PLACE OPPONENT DEC 10 4:30PM AWAY Germantown Friends DEC 14 5:15 PM AWAY Malvern Prep DEC 15 5:15 PM AWAY Archbishop Wood DEC 20 10:30AM AWAY St. Joe’s Prep DEC 27 1:00PM AWAY Archbishop Carroll DEC 28 TBD HOME Chester JAN 02 11:30AM AWAY Bishop McDevitt

The Scroll

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