theshield_volume70_issue2

The Shield is a student news magazine, published quarterly by journalism students at Bishop Kenny High School 1055 Kingman Ave., Jacksonville, FL. 32207 phone: (904) 265-9390 fax: (904) 398-5728

The policy of The Shield is to provide a forum for student expression. If you are interested in advertising in The Shield, email newspaper@ bishopkenny.org for more information. Letters to the editor are encouraged; submit to room 224. Names can be withheld upon request. The Shield is a member of FSPA.

Editors in Chief

Abby Milkes, Cate Dudley Copy Editor

Mikaela Georgi Design and Layout Editors

Haley Samaan, Ava Liuzzo Business Manager

Parker Harms Public Relations Manager

Stella Shaw Staff Relations Manager

Grace Hayag

Web - Editor in Chief Noah Ferrizzi

Web - Copy Editor

Audrey Moody Staff Reporters

Anna Bass, Giovanna Feitoza, Jared Carrillo, Gloria Gjuraj, Olivia Lacy, Claudia Laos, Gabby Nuñez, William Schmidt, Rheece Singletary, Emily Wheldon Adviser

Jessica Durbin

Front and back cover art Ava Liuzzo

Follow The Shield on Twitter, Instagram and online @bkhs_theshield www.bktoday.org

FEATURES

RYAN SPINELLI

OPINIONS | A & E

In

Memoriam Marcus A. Clark Class of 2025

August 6, 2007 - November 16, 2022

“I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us.”

Romans 8:18

Empty Bowls Coffee House

On Nov. 16, the Art Club hosted the Empty Bowls Coffee House. This annual fundraiser stems from the Empty Bowls charity event that assists in decreasing world hunger, but this year, proceeds went to support the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive hosted by Society of St. Vincent de Paul. A $5 admission fee included a complimentary mug handcrafted by art students, and more handmade bowls and mugs were also available for purchase. Students sang and played piano and other instruments in individual and group performances. In addition, cookies and coffee were provided as refreshments for the audience.

Cate

| Editor-in-Chief Ava Liuzzo | Graphic Design Editor

Thankgiving Food Drive

The St. Vincent DePaul (SVDP) food drive made its annual collection on Tuesday, Nov. 22. SVDP assigned all G mod classes a type of food to collect, including canned fruit, instant mashed potatoes, stuffing and canned green beans. The SVDP members assembled and distributed 360 baskets to 15 churches across the diocese to give to those in need. SVDP provided all extra food to the Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother and the Cenacolo Community.

Dudley

Art Club students prepare student creations for Coffee House

Photo by Mikaela Georgi

Photo by Giovanna Feitoza

SVDP members collect and sort the donated items by category

Dom’s Light Tournament

The annual tournament in honor of Dominic Allmond (‘20) began on Friday, Dec. 2 and continued until Saturday Dec. 3. The Bishop Kenny Crusader basketball teams faced off against the Creekside Knights. The varsity girls played at 6pm Friday, winning 50-17. The varsity boys played at 7:30, winning 61-46. On Saturday, freshman boys won 45-42, JV girls won 43-36 and JV boys won 49-46. All proceeds of the event went toward the Dom’s Light Scholarship Fund, which covers a portion of a Bishop Kenny student’s tuition.

Bishop’s Mass

On Dec. 8, the student body and staff celebrated the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Bishop Erik Pohlmeier. After leading the school community in Holy Mass, Bishop Pohlmeier visited the newly-renovated 100 building and blessed the new labs. The senior class celebrated the Bishop’s visit with an outdoor luncheon of hamburgers, hot dogs and ice cream provided by administration.

The Bishop spreads the Gospel at Bishop’s Mass

Photo by Parker Harms

Photo by Claudia Laos

The BK student section cheers on the boy’s varsity team

Space shapes student’s life

Mikaela Georgi | Copy Editor

Parker Harms | Business Manager

American astronauts launched in Demo2 on May 30, 2020. A monumental occasion for SpaceX, who instituted the launch, it marked a new beginning of human spaceflight as we know it.

The launch took place at the Kennedy Space Center, but senior Ryan Spinelli felt it as though it was right next to him. He was enraptured

by the events he saw on the television in his home, and so began Spinelli’s love for space.

The passion started with airplanes, and Spinelli made it a goal to understand all about them: from the logistics and mechanics, to the way they adorned the sky.

“After the pandemic started…” Spinelli said. “Airplanes were being decommissioned left and

right.”

The lack of airplane activity propelled Spinelli to another part of the aerospace community: rockets.

Spinelli wants to become an Aerospace Engineer to work for Aerojet Rocketdyne, and since that one fateful Saturday, he has oriented his life around this newfound goal.

Spinelli learned

everything he could about space, rockets and SpaceX. In fact, he learned so much that he began working on a passion project: a book laying out everything he knew and loved about space.

Below, you’ll find an exclusive video interview with Spinelli discussing his affinity for all things space.

Scurry Back, Scurry Forth

Rats scurry about with a tiny squeak, Vermin that bring grime and sickly disease To the cities and parks in which they seek The smallest reward, a veiled piece of cheese.

Scrambling and scratching in total madness, Thousands of rats fight and crawl to survive. Rats don’t feel joy, hope, or any sadness. Rushing around in the darkness, they thrive.

Yet, many people rush and rush all day, Scurrying and hurrying, making life a race. None listen to what others have to say, Claiming there’s no time to talk face to face.

Don’t become focused on money and fame. Remember that life isn’t just a game.

-Junior Solana Messiner

Creative Writing students

High School

A high school is like an endless loud maze. Every student comes for a learning space. Each part is an educational place. As students pack the locker-filled hallway, Gaining knowledge all the way to Friday, They learn enough facts to fill the null space. Letting each student go at their own pace, All for them to create their own pathways.

Like school, life’s the one thing we all go through, The one universal thing we all claim. Everyone does not know what path to take, But every path gives us skills to accrue. Not one shared experience is the same. We wonder what trail in life we will make.

-Senior Wayne Fletcher

William Schmidt | Staff Reporter

showcase

Page Design | Mikaela Georgi and Abby Milkes

My Morning Madness

My alarm rings, signaling a new day. Time for breakfast with oranges squeezed and pressed. Eggs and ham cooked better than a cafe. This big breakfast puts my skills to the test. I fetch the bread, toaster, and jelly jar, Toasting the bread to a soft golden hue. I check on the eggs to see how they are. I flip the eggs to the sizzling cue. Breakfast is ready from what I observe. I look down at my food made well with care. Time to eat my breakfast, ready to serve. I rush to the table, no time to spare. I slip and fall, to watch now in horror, As my breakfast now paints my clean tile floor.

- Junior Dennis Verdiguel

Staying Afloat

Drowning has always been my biggest fear. I hate water up my nose and the sting. I hate not knowing what water may bring. Praying that the flood will just disappear, I’m hoping that someone will interfere. My arms move about in a constant swing, Wishing for something to which I can cling. I become consumed by an intense fear Yet, I find myself drowning everyday. Deadlines loom; I can’t fall behind this time. I must keep floating above the surface. I want all the papers to go away, But throwing it all out would be a crime. Does all this work really serve a purpose

-Sophomore Parker Fluhr

A Galaxy in Awe

I look to the stars to guide me back home. With them up above, I shall have no fear. I can count on them to always be there. The stars are there no matter where I roam. With their many shapes up high in the sky, I stop to gaze for a little while. They keep going mile after mile. Was that the Big Dipper that just soared by?

Although life can sometimes get pretty tough, God is always there watching from above. He will guide me every step of the way. Though I try, I won’t be worthy enough. As vast as the galaxy is His love. He remains with me every night and day.

-Senior Chloe Provenza

showcase poetry

NASA crafts plan to allow first woman to walk on moon

Olivia Lacy | Staff Reporter

One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

These were the words spoken by the famous Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon. Everyone knows the story; NASA launched the spaceship Apollo 11, allowing Armstrong to step foot on the moon, an accomplishment no one had thought possible. His feat would later be followed by eleven other men, but no woman had stepped foot on this great celestial body. The last time any person stepped on the moon was in 1972, leaving lunar scientists and conspirators desiring to go back and see if anything has changed and use exploration opportunities to help the future generations of America.

The Artemis Program was crafted by NASA in Dec. 2017 to allow for the longawaited return to space. The team at NASA built a 98-meter tall Space Launch System rocket that will launch the Orion spacecraft into the atmosphere and into unknown territory. This experimental run will ensure human safety and test if the spacecraft is capable of traveling to the moon and beyond.

With Artemis I, NASA plans to land the first woman and first person of color on the moon. The current team consists of nine women and nine men of all different backgrounds, such as Salvadoran pilot Francisco Rubio and Swedish-American

physiologist Jessica Meir.

Just as Armstrong was an inspiration for aspiring astronauts, NASA hopes that its new project will allow children of all ethnicities to be able to imagine themselves in the shoes of astronauts who have changed America for the better.

“Inclusion is very important for my work,” NASA aerospace engineer Joseph Connoly said on nasa.gov. “Because it allows for people with different perspectives to come together and figure out new solutions to technology problems.”

Artemis I has already started off with a bang; the Space Administration announced that it had completed its first successful

launch from the Kennedy Space Center on Nov. 16, 2022. Although the first launch was error-free, NASA plans to continue testing the Orion spacecraft to reassure the team that it is fully capable of embarking on this journey into space.

According to NASA’s website, Orion is designed to carry four astronauts at most and to be thousands of times more advanced than its predecessor, Apollo 17.

The Administration has crafted technologies that allow for more lunar exploration than previously possible, and has openly stated that its end goal is to fully explore the moon and use this information to shoot even higher: to Mars!

Astronomical endeavors have entertained mankind for ages— most notably, for the modern day, through science fiction movies. Blockbusters like the “Star Wars” saga enchant viewers’ imaginations with lightning fast space travel, mystical planets and creatures and interfering with entire celestial beings like planets and asteroids.

In the 70s and 80s, of course, no one would believe you if you told them that some of those images they saw on the silver screen would become a reality someday.

On Sept. 26, NASA made

Human interference with space objects is now reality

Giovanna Feitoza | Staff Reporter

history with the first ever successful asteroid deflection mission. The celestial object being targeted was an asteroid named Dimorphos. This mission was deemed as a Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) and will likely be the first of many.

NASA planned to have a self-destructing spacecraft make impact with the asteroid in order to move it. Prior to DART, the asteroid orbited its parent planet, Didymos, at a rate of 11 hours and 55 minutes per orbit. After DART made an impact with Dimorphous, its orbit was shortened by 32 minutes,

making it travel around Didymos at a new rate of 11 hours and 23 minutes.

In order to do this, the DART spacecraft traveled toward its target at a minimum of 14,000 mph, or 22,530 kph. That is 14 times faster than the speed at which planet Earth rotates, just to give you an idea.

Although the asteroid did not pose any threat to Earth, NASA used the Dimorphous as a way to test their newly developing celestial defense technologies.

Defensive technology is preparation for “whatever the universe throws at us,” NASA

administrator Bill Nelson said.

Furthermore, the agency states it is one of our biggest duties as human beings to protect the planet we live on since it is the only one we have. The success of the DART mission promises a hopeful and bright future for the protection of Earth against any future extraterrestrial threats.

But fret not, the mystical planets and creatures can stay soundly on the silver screen and in your imagination.

Photo courtesy from left to right: RocketSTEM, DART, Wired.

Why club presidents are drawn to lead

Abby Milkes | Editor-in-Chief

“I love being the voice of the people and being a part of the whole experience.”

Senior Blaine Parry, SGA President

ACADEMIC

“I am drawn to servicing the community for the betterment of helping each other become the best versions of ourselves.”

Senior Anabel Macchi, Science Club

“I like to give back to the community that has given so much to myself and other people at BK.”

Senior Ian Kirsch, History Club

Senior Marella Quesnell, Medical Career Club

“My passion is medicine and I want to be able to share my passion with others and be able to cultivate that and aspiring medical doctors.”

“I’ve been a part of Interact club for four years and I wanted to be impactful on organizations around Jacksonville and expand our club.”

Senior Emmanuella Essien, Interact Club

“I love to serve others and the smile that I put on others faces will fulfill me with the joy and compassion that I am drawn in leading the club.”

Senior Sofia Lopez, Kenny Angels

“I like being someone that the girls can look up to.”

Senior Anna Shoemaker, Anchor Club

“I was always taught to lead with success so leadership has always drawn me to help others.”

Senior Janine Sumbeling, St. Vincent de Paul

“I saw a lot of potential in the club and I wanted to be able to make opportunities for members.”

Senior Alan Perez, Spanish Club

“I’ve been in German Club for four years and I wanted to make an impact.”

Senior Isabelle Snyder, German Club

THE ARTS

“It not only allows me to serve my community but allows me to lead others in service.”

Senior Grace Pendley, Art Club

“I’ve been apart of Latin Club for the last three years and I finally decided... I want to make Latin Club great again.”

Senior Peter Patelli, Latin Club

“I loved going to FCCLA for the last four years because its a place where you can go after school and relax... I’m glad that this year we’ve been able to get back to normal.”

Senior Emily Malzahn, FCCLA

“Theatre was really influential my freshman year...I wanted the opportunity to give that type of guidance to the underclassmen.”

Senior Casey MacLeod, Theatre Club

Finding truth in far-fetched galactic theories

Anna Bass | Staff Reporter

Thidden among the stars.

Aliens are real. The moon landing was fake. As out of this world as that may sound, there’s a chance it is true. These conspiracy theories will prove this point, and if you weren’t convinced before, perhaps you will be soon.

As far as we know from movies and comics, aliens are the cute little green space dwarfs that fly across the stars in shiny UFO’s causing all kinds of intergalactic mischief. However, many people today believe that there is some truth in these characters.

In fact, at Bishop Kenny alone, 69.7 % of students believe in aliens.

If you think about how big the universe is, it doesn’t seem so irrational that other forms of life could be out there. Whether

neon beings or they look entirely different, we might never know. But in the meantime, thousands of people claim they have spotted forms of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) over the years.

According to the National UFO Recording Center — in just 2019 alone — there were 6,000 reported sightings. While I’ve never personally seen a UFO myself, I think that aliens are controlling them. It’s difficult to confirm if aliens exist or not, but I think there’s definitely a chance they are real.

Aside from creating the image of lovable extraterrestrials, we all know that Hollywood is capable of producing so much more. In fact, I believe that Hollywood is working with the government and has helped conceal some top-secret

with the power of “movie-magic.” As shocking as it may seem, the moon landing in 1969 is one of the events that could have been faked to cover some darker details.

Eight years prior, the Soviets had a massive lead in the Space Race when they sent the first astronaut into orbit. As a result, the United States was desperate to make some sort of advance into space, so NASA looked to the moon.

Everyone knows that Neil Armstrong had a bouncy little moon-walk and said, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” then planted a stiffstanding American flag into the lunar dirt. But have you ever wondered that this all could’ve just been smoke and mirrors and a whole lot of money?

Think about it. Desperate times called for desperate measures, and producing a film in a Hollywood studio seems much easier than sending a rocket into space. There’s a convincing argument that Armstrong’s moon landing was entirely a hoax and the government was behind it in order to make it seem like America was still internationally competitive.

Sure, some of these conspiracy theories sound far-fetched, but there’s no true way of knowing whether or not these theories are valid, so at the end of the day, there could be some rationality behind them. But for now, it’s exciting to have something interesting to believe in…like Santa!

*Based on a survey of 325 students

BK students who think the moon landing was faked

BK students who think aliens are real

Design | Anna Bass and Noah Ferrizzi

Predictable movies ease seasonal stress

Georgi | Copy Editor

The amount of squealing that the poor man sitting next to my friend and me on a 2-hour plane ride had to listen to was absolutely unmatched.

We figured that on the way home from Missouri’s cold weather, it would only be right to watch a Christmas movie.

“But only if it’s cheesy and terrible,” I said when she suggested it.

So we settled on “A Christmas Prince,” the first in a trilogy, and it checked off every single one of our boxes… which honestly got a little weird.

“Look! They’re playing in the snow,” we said. “They’re going to fall on top of each other, lock eyes and almost

kiss.”

And then five minutes later, guess what happened?

You would think that after a while, we would get sick of the sheer amount of predictability that saturated the movie. But right after the plane landed (after apologizing to the man next to us), we were already planning when we would finish the trilogy.

That got me thinking: what is it about predictable movies that make them so appealing?

NBC News’s Danielle Page reported on the psychology of this phenomenon.

“‘The lack of reality at all levels,’” Page cited behavioral scientist Pamela Rutledge. “‘Signals that the movies

are meant to be escapism entertainment.’”

And that’s a perfect explanation when you really think about it. The holidays are filled with stress - no matter what age group you are. There’s buying gifts, getting your house decorated, traveling, buying tickets for trips and even waiting up for Santa. It can be overwhelming to say the least.

Hallmark movies — or predictable movies in general — are characteristically the same every single time; you know what you are going to see.

I could write one right now: Girl meets guy. They almost kiss. Oh, no! Partial conflict. Through the power of “but I love you,” overcome

the conflict. Then, ultimate fallout. They think they’re never going to see each other again. Then, guy shows up and admits that he never stopped loving girl: “I can’t stop thinking about you.” Kiss. And that’s a wrap.

So cheesy, right? But the idea of happily ever after, and knowing that despite the conflicts, they are going to end up together brings us back every single time.

Life is not predictable, and it’s different for everyone. But for the hour and a half run time, maybe it can be romantic. It can be special. We can live in a dream.

And we can all live happily ever after… except for maybe the man next to us on the plane.

Mikaela

Award predictions for 2023

Carrillo | Staff Reporter

Claudia Laos | Staff Reporter

Best Picture:

Every year there’s one category where the running is so close, no winner will satisfy all audiences; this is going to be that category. Although you have Colin Farrell putting in his best with “The Banshees of Inisherin,” the two big names that’ll really fight for this award are Austin Butler and Brendan Fraser. Austin Butler rose to fame with his role as Elvis Presley this summer, receiving both critical acclaim and audience ratings at 94%. But this seems to be the year of Brendan Fraser. He is having a major comeback with his jaw dropping role in “The Whale,” which has him as the frontrunner in Oscar predictions on established websites like The Hollywood Reporter.

It’s been an ambitious year for film. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” swooped in by storm, becoming the highest grossing A24 film. However, films like “The Whale,” “Babylon” and “Aftersun” have some of the film community sharing on social media that there might be a different winner. That being said, Spielberg’s most personal film, “The Fabelman’s,” has fantastic audience and critics’ scores, so it seems safe saying that this could be his year.

Best Actor: Best Actress:

Another tough category will be for Best Actress since several major films this year were female-led. Viola Davis gave her best performance in the triumphant “The Woman King.”

Jennifer Lawrence returns with her beautifully devastating performance in “Causeway.” Although, “Tar,” starring the brilliant Cate Blanchett, has critics on Rotten Tomatoes thinking that she’ll take home the award, which would make it her third. However, Michelle Yeoh stars in the ambitious “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” which brings most attention to her performance, due to the popularity of the film.

Jared

Dear Kenny Kupid,

I seriously cannot believe my boyfriend said this to me. Like, I thought everything was fine and dandy, but I guess he didn’t see it that way. I really liked him, too.

We’ve been together since July 21. Since then, we’ve done fun couple things that made our friends jealous: stargazing, mapping constellations, buying Mars Bars - you know, the vibe.

Our friends have always made the joke that our relationship was out of this world, and up until now, I thought they were right. That

was, until my boyfriend turned out to be an absolute lunar-tic.

He said he wants “space.” SPACE, Kenny Kupid! How dare he? I’ve sat through so many of his weird dates and his strange compliments (“You rock-et my world, love.”), and he has the audacity to do this to me?

I don’t know what this means for us. What even is “space”? And I can’t ask him because he’s gone completely radio silent.

What do I do now, Kenny Kupid? I’m just about at the end of my Europa.

Sincerely, Sun the Wiser

Dear Sun

Wiser,

the

Sounds like your boyfriend has a serious issue with comet-ment.

I’ve never seen this before, but I think I’ve got a fairly good idea of what’s going on here, and I’ve got a good plan for how you should fix this.

Your relationship is orbited around space. Haven’t you noticed? The space-themed dates, the space compliments - how can you be surprised that he’s finally asking for it? The problem is that you both see space as a different thing. You think it’s bad, but he doesn’t.

By asking you for space, he is asking you to be with him forever. Hear me out. You wouldn’t want to be with someone who doesn’t understand your personality, humor or interests. Asking you for space with the deeper intent was his little test to see if you really see him for all that he is.

Additionally, he wasn’t asking you for space. He was asking for you to go to space with him. That makes sense when you factor in the context of your relationship.

He has

been subtly trying to mastermind your thoughts and orient them toward space with compliments and dates so that dropping this massive bombshell on you wouldn’t shock you too much.

Your remedy is definitely timeconstrained though, so you have to be quick. You have to get to him before he finds someone who loves space as much as he does. He’s not going to come back to you right away, so I suggest you bring him a gift: an official NASA spacesuit. You might be able to find one at the thrift store.

Then, take him to your rocket. Elon Musk is probably building one for this emergency. Hand in hand, you guys can travel to Saturn. The rings around it will be symbolic of the rings that you would have had for your earth wedding.

In space, you will be all alone together. You can fix whatever miscommunication there originally was. And now, you and your boyfriend have space and all the time on Saturn to be together. You’re welcome! XOXO!

Samaan Design and Layout Editor

It’s February, and you’re sitting on the couch watching Rihanna perform in the Super Bowl LVIII

The first dip I decided to sample was Publix’s Spinach and Artichoke dip. I had high hopes for this one because it’s one of my favorite dips.

On average, it would cost $18.00 and 30 minutes to make homemade spinach and artichoke dip. This dip, on the other hand, was $5.49 and easy to make. I microwaved the dip for three minutes on high, which was faster and cheaper than any homemade

halftime show. Your stomach starts growling, but what snack should you grab? Funny you should ask! Of course, the

recipe I have heard of.

I sampled this dip with Tostitos chips, and it was creamy and consistent. There was a perfect ratio of spinach to artichoke, and it was smooth to eat. The temperature after heating it for three minutes was perfect: not too hot or too cold. I will definitely purchase this dip for my next party.

best Super Bowl snack is some good chips and dip. With the Super Bowl approaching, it would only

make

dips.

The next dip I sampled was the Buffalo Style Chicken Breast Dip. This is a staple dip in my family, and one of my all time favorites!

This dip came in the same type and size of container as the Spinach and Artichoke dip, but it was pricier at $6.69. This makes sense because it has chicken, and it is still cheaper than it would be to make it homemade. The dip called for microwaving it on high for three minutes, then stirring it

and microwaving for another three minutes.

I also sampled this dip with Tostitos chips. This dip was not as smooth as I would have hoped. It had chunks of chicken and was slightly spicier than I like. When you first taste it, it does not seem spicy, but it has a delayed heat. Although this dip was not my favorite, the chicken made it more filling than the others and it would be perfect if you prefer spicier foods.

The last dip I sampled was Publix’s mild salsa. I didn’t really have any expectations for this one, as most salsas taste pretty similar. This dip was the cheapest of the three at $3.00, and did not require additional instructions before eating.

I sampled this dip with the Tostitos chips again, and as

assumed, it was equivalent to any other mild salsa. It was tasty, and it had a smooth consistency. It wasn’t spicy; to me, it actually had sugar in it which left a sweet aftertaste. Salsa is a classic, and this one is about as classic as it gets, which makes it a great choice.

Haley

sense for me to give you the scoop on Publix’s deli

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Buffalo Style Chicken Breast Dip

Mild Salsa

Space movie classics to watch

Moody | Web - Copy Editor

Since these films have gained a lot of traction, here are some classic films that you can’t pass up on.

2001: A Space Odyssey

The cult classic, “2001: A Space Odyssey,” captivated many viewers in 1968. Box office sales helped show how popular the movie was, grossing $168,000,000 worldwide. Due to the limitations at the time like CGI and the soundtrack

— which wasn’t as advanced as it is today — people were stunned at what was possible for the film industry. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, the movie follows David Bowman and Frank Poole as they’re tasked with flying to Saturn. I was captivated and hooked into the world almost

instantly with the opening scene. The apes are fighting before a giant sci-fi statue called the Monolith appears. The scene was fascinating because it showcases humanity as violent, which foreshadows events in the movie. I wanted to keep watching to see what that thing was, and

Star Wars Episode

I - The Phantom Menace

While the series started in Episode IV, “Star Wars Episode I - The Phantom Menace” is the true beginning to one of the highest grossing movie franchises of all time, making over $10 billion according to MovieWeb. ObiWan Kenobi is just

Interstellar

As a newcomer to the space movie industry in 2014, “Interstellar” shocked audiences with rich storytelling and narration. The film follows a NASA pilot named Cooper who is instructed to go to space to find planets that humanity could live on as Earth is being destroyed. He

has to travel through a wormhole to reach the planets along with many researchers. The film grossed over $701,000,000 with help from director Christopher Nolan. As a viewer, I could instantly tell he directed it with the storytelling. He normally will take a very unlikely scenario,

that’s why I liked the film so much: it draws you in with its great storytelling and CGI that you don’t want to take your eyes off the screen.

getting his footing as a Jedi under his master, Qui-Gon Jinn, until the two are called to a special mission: find out why the Trade Federation cut off all routes to the planet Naboo. The film was directed by George Lucas, who helped make the rest of the Star Wars franchise, and the film grossed over $1

even if it won’t happen for thousands of years, and he’ll add a twist to it that’ll throw the audience off-guard. I absolutely loved the plot he designed as I felt like I was in the same situation as Cooper: I was excited and nervous at the same time he was, which made the film feel

billion in box office revenue. The fight scenes were so incredibly articulated and really pushed the limits for what was possible back before the turn of the century. Qui Gon Jinn and ObiWan against Darth Maul was fascinating, especially when they were going back and forth trying to

genuine and authentic. With the added use of extraterrestrial exploration, this film is a must-see.

successfully attack each other with their lightsabers. Not only that, but the whole movie in general was very advanced with its CGI, drawing me and other viewers in to see what would happen next with not only the film itself, but the series as a whole.

Audrey

Athlete returns to sports after injuries

Grace Hayag | Staff Relations Manager

He landed on his foot wrong, and his knee gave out.

Senior Antonio Alicea faced his first injury during the spring of his sophomore year, dislocating his kneecap and tearing his lateral patellofemoral ligament, or LPFL.

This was just the beginning of a series of injuries and recoveries to come.

Like most of life’s experiences, it is possible to face both successes and setbacks during any sports season. Alicea’s multiple injuries and comebacks throughout his high school football career illustrate this universal truth.

“After my first injury, I had no thoughts,” Alicea said. “My mind just emptied and my heart felt broken.”

That summer before his junior year, he returned to practice and faced the same injury for a second time.

“Since I had just faced the same injury a couple months prior, I felt devastated when it happened a second time,” Alicea said. Nonetheless, he continued rehabilitation to regain his strength to play again.

As things were finally starting to look up for Alicea, he suffered his third and most recent injury

during the fall of his junior year. This recovery was longer and more difficult than his past two.

“I had surgery last year —the Monday of Thanksgiving week — so that was a horrible week for me,” Alicea said.

Even after suffering three back to back injuries, this multi-sport athlete’s love for the game remains.

Determined to be back for his senior season, Alicea spent almost a full year recovering. He attended physical therapy three to four times a week for two hours per session.

“I had to learn how to walk again. I had to learn how to run again,” Alicea said. “It was a lot.”

After three injuries, Alicea had to face the fear that accompanied potentially getting hurt again.

“My first game back was nerve racking and I had a lot of butterflies in my stomach,” Alicea said. “I thought I was going to be a little worse because I was a lot slower and weaker starting back up.”

Alicea highlights the importance of never giving up no matter how many unfortunate circumstances occur. He’s an example of how strength and dedication can get one back on their feet.

“Do not give up when times get hard,” Alicea said. “Because it will be worth it in the end.”

Page Design | Noah Ferrizzi and Grace Hayag

Cheerleader succeeds on sidelines

Gloria Gjuraj | Staff Reporter

Last month, captain of the cheerleading team senior Samantha Moran received a call from News4Jax that she was chosen as that week’s All-Star Athlete. At first, she was confused and thought it was a prank call because she didn’t believe they considered cheerleaders as athletes.

Moran earned this recognition because she keeps a 3.8 GPA while engaging in the community and being on two cheer teams.

Moran spends her Friday nights putting on her cheer uniform and warming up with stunts as she gets ready to lead the varsity cheer team.

Her love for cheer began when she saw the other cheerleaders at her middle school.

“They were really good role models for me,” Moran said, “and I wanted to be like them.”

When Moran first came to Bishop Kenny, she knew she wanted to join the cheer team and continue her middle school love of being on the sidelines, and she is now a part of both the competitive cheer team and the football cheer team.

As much as Moran loves being a base on the sidelines on Friday nights, she enjoys the dedication that comes with the competition team. A typical practice as a member of the competitive cheer team would be two and a half hours and consists of stretching, warming up, stunting and then doing full out routines.

“Comp is a lot more

intense and takes a lot of time,” Moran said. “We practice at least four days a

future, she is still grateful for the lessons of her high school cheer program, including “time management and

Moran’s favorite part about these teams are the people she’s met and the friendships that have come

practices, even though they are tiring,” Moran said, “I know it’ll be worth it when we come together as a team to compete.”