The Eustacian
Volume 58 Number 1
Victory Day 2014 by Anthony Berna ‘18 On the morning of Saturday, September 27th, Bishop Eustace held their annual Victory Day at Queen of Apostles Field. Victory Day gave disabled children in the area the opportunity to be a part of Bishop Eustace’s athletic and instrumental community. On the field, various stations were arranged to display each child’s athletic abilities, and in the bleachers, participants could show off their hidden musical talents as part of the pep band. Bishop Eustace started having Victory Day in 2013. Due to last year’s success with the event, it was decided that it will be held every fall. The day started at 10 o’clock with a player introduction. The participants ran onto the field with their host when they were called. For the next two hours, children kicked field goals, scored touchdowns, danced with the cheerleaders, and played the instrument of their choice in the band. Some helped out the percussion section by playing the tambourine and drums, while others tried out the guitar or keyboard. By the time twelve o’clock rolled around, everyone had a smile on their face. The music truly enhanced everyone’s experience. Players on the field were
inspired by what they were hearing, and the volunteers in the stands were amazed at how well they could play. The day ended with a donated lunch for everyone involved in Victory Day. Volunteers cooked hot dogs and hamburgers in the parking lot and then brought them in to Crusader Hall for everyone to enjoy. It was the perfect conclusion for a nice fall day under the sun.
Spirit Week and Field Day 2014 by Alexis Mignogna ‘17 Another successful Spirit Week and Field Day here at Eustace has come and gone as quick as ever. This year, our themes seemed to be quite popular on campus. As you may recall, the themes were as follows: • • • • •
Monday: Eustace show your spirit! (BE jerseys, apparel, black/white) Tuesday: Superheroes vs. Villains: Wednesday: Class Themes Thursday: Flappers to Flash Dance Friday: Field Day w/ class colors, of course!!!
As a member of Student Council, I know first-hand that lots of thought and effort went into the themes and making Field Day the best it can be! I saw many amazing and creative ideas throughout all grades during the week. As you all may know, we also have winners selected each school-wide theme day, too. These winners placed first in their homerooms and went on to receive school-wide spirit recognition and a special prize: Superheroes vs. Villains: • Hero Winner: Paul Mikalic (dual role as Clark Kent/Superman) • Villain Winner: Lewis D’Ippolito (Darth Vader) Decades Day (Flappers to Flash Dance!): • TIE!!! Between Jillian Cometz, Julia Costanzo, and Taylor Forrest (Flower Girl Hippies) • Nicholas Ragusa (Hippie) Congratulations to all of our winners on showing your awesome school spirit!!! Thanks to all students, faculty, and staff for all helping make our 25th anniversary field day so memorable!!!
Community Boys’ Swim Team Faces New Challenges in Upcoming Season By Matt McGough ‘17
Despite having only eleven members, the Eustace Boys’ Swim Team had a miracle season last year. They only lost one regular season meet to Washington Township. This year, the defending Olympic Conference champions will have to deal with a new group of teams. Some of these teams are the top in the state. Haddonfield, a major competitor, is projected to make the Public C Championships in February. Eustace will have to fight hard to stay in the elite division of South Jersey teams. Although the team lost major point scorers in alumni Matthew Georgetti, Spencer Newell, Jack Circus, and Tyler O’Donnell, the team promises to have a great season as they now have twelve members. Last year, the swim team lost in the first round of playoffs to Notre Dame. With the addition of some quality freshmen, the team hopes to have better performances and therefore earn a higher seed in the postseason. Junior Anthony DiCarlo says, “I’m excited to see our results this year. We have a great group of freshmen coming in and I’m expecting some great things.” With new talent and returning upperclassmen, the Boys’ Swim Team should have a chance to make a deep run into the postseason while putting up some great fights during the regular season.
Anticipation to Girl’s Swimming Season Matthew McGough ‘17 With nine new freshmen joining an already skilled team of sophomores, juniors, and seniors, the 18-year-old girl’s swim team promises a never before seen year. Despite losing three of their best senior swimmers, Paige Dunham (University of Tampa), Breann Cavanagh (Franklin and Marshall College), and Mary Kate Davis (Princeton University), the team is confident in achieving a record season. This year brings a handful of highly anticipated meets, hopefully ending in victories for the Crusaders. The team will open their season on Tuesday December 9th against Rancocas Valley, but the two most highly anticipated meets come in January: the girl’s team will face conference rival Cherry Hill East on January 6th and Cherokee on Wednesday January 14th. Last year, they lost to the Cougars by seven points, and tied with the Chiefs. “The Cherokee meet was one of the most exciting swim meets that I have ever had the pleasure to be apart of,” says senior Katie Van Dyk. The meet came down to the slimmest of margins, unfortunately ending with Cherokee barely edging the Crusaders. We also faced difficultly in the postseason, losing to Red Bank Catholic in the semifinals of the Non-Public A Championships. This year promises to be a great year. Junior captain Natalie Kelly says, “I’m excited for this season. We have a great group of girls and it’s going to be a very fun year. We have a very strong team.” A strong team is an understatement: this group has many accomplishments under their belt, including
Crew Perspective
Freshmen Crew
John Stuckert ‘16
By Jake Khalifa ‘16
The average teen enjoys going home after school and relaxing before having to start their school work. However this kind of routine is changed drastically if you choose to join the rowing team. I am currently in my third year of rowing and I have noticed many things that rowing does to a person’s life. Most people call crew a “cult” because of how often you will see rowers spending time with each other, this might be one of the largest aspects of life crew changes. Crew helps develop deep friendships with your fellow rowers through hard work and determination of not just one person, but all the people on the team. However, the best part of being on the crew team is the regattas. Before a race the entire team prepares for what we have all been training up to for months, and after the race there’s a massive food tent that always has something being grilled. But there are parts of crew that aren’t so great, such as the long and tedious practices on the river, but the hardest part to get through the year is the winter season. During the winter season the team practices on rowing machines, ERGs for short. These practices are physically demanding and seldom do not challenge you. However this work helps rowers grow not just physically but gain the mental toughness needed to get better at rowing. Going back to this main idea, life as a rower is not easy. Whether you’re running the river or just studying for tests. I have noticed this through my personal struggle of going through the beginning of junior year. Since there is practice every day during the week other than Monday, a rower needs to exceed at time management skills. I have needed to study for three tests that were taking place in one week, since crew prevented me from my usual study method. This is called cramming. I had to learn how to study material gradually through the week, in order to receive the highest grade possible. Though some people may believe that life as a rower may be hard, I disagree. Crew may become rough at times, but there are many great things that come from rowing. Whether its friends, the physical toughness, or the growth in responsibility. This is why I would like to ask you, the reader, to just look into crew a little deeper, and just see if it’s for you.
During the first year of crew, freshmen have to get used to dealing with hard work. On my first day, freshmen had to run the Cooper River and that’s not easy, considering it is a 3-4 mile run. If you’re like me, the run would be very challenging for you because I never did that amount of consisting running before I joined the Bishop Eustace Crew Team. Once I finished, I was hoping that I would never have to run it again, but unfortunately that was not the case. For the first couple weeks, freshmen will learn the form of rowing before they could go out on the water. The best way to learn is by using the ergometer, or “erg” for short. Freshmen will learn the catch, the pivot (bend over back with arms away from body), and the finish. After enough practice, freshmen will be able to go out on water and row together. A boat can have eight, four, two, and even one rower. For an eight-man and a fourman boat, half of the rowers will be rowing port side (right side of boat from the rowers’ perspectives), while the other half will be rowing starboard side (left side of boat). All rowers in the boat will follow the commands from the coxswain. Freshmen will carry the boat off the racks in the boathouse, carry it towards the dock going bow first (end of the boat), place it very gently in the water, and prepare to take off. Once they are out on the water, the freshmen will row up to the top of the river, where the 2000 meter mark is, and then cross over to the other side to start their workout. When rowing on the Cooper River, you will head to the top and head down to the bottom multiple times until practice is over. Once ready, freshmen will be entered in 2000 meter races, such as regattas which are held at the Cooper River or at the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. After each year of crew, the work only gets harder. The coaches will expect more from you and you have to be a good role model for the lower class so that the entire team will work hard to improve their skills. Coaches will also expect you to know what you are doing, especially after two years of crew. Besides all the hard work, the team has a good time together because they all joke and laugh, but always remember, once you put two hands on the boat, it is time to focus up and be ready to do some hard work.
being Junior Olympic Champions. Veteran swim coach Michael Parker agrees, saying that it is highly unlikely to not make the state finals this year. The only problem may be Immaculate Heart – that team is the dominating powerhouse that the girls would have faced if not for their loss to Red Bank. Either way this year promises to be one to remember. Regardless, our girls are going to just keep swimming.
Community Teacher Feature
Freshman Advice
Julia Bernato ‘18 and Liz Rosa ‘17
By: Lexi Mignogna ‘17
Out of three new Eustace alumni staff members, not a single one expected to return to Eustace. Despite this, each one is glad to be back to their old stomping ground. Mr. Peterson, Mrs. Avellino, and Ms. Badolato all have been getting reacquainted with Eustace and have been adjusting to the their new roles as teachers, as opposed to students. Mrs. Avellino and Mr. Peterson have been working tirelessly in the Lulli Library. This time around, however, that is their job. Rather than spending time there during preps, Mr. Peterson has been making a lot of changes, including adding the availability of scheduling for students’ research help and reinventing the Art and Photography Club. He graduated from Brown University where he studied English and Art. He did not expect to become a librarian, but after Brown University, Mr. Peterson studied library science at Drexel University. By chance, he spotted a poster for an opening at Eustace on a billboard at Drexel. He applied for the job and became a librarian at the high school he used to attend. Mrs. Avellino is also working at the school library she used to study in. Although Mrs. Avellino never thought of becoming a librarian, her experience while living in Japan for five years and studying the language adds a different and new perspective to the library here. After graduating from Seton Hall, she traveled from Washington D.C. to California, to Japan, and then, upon hearing about a job opening at Eustace from Mr. Brady, one of her previous teachers, Mrs. Avellino decided to apply and return to her home. After graduating from Eustace, Ms. Badolato attended Catholic University of America and helped work on the presidential campaign in Washington D.C. for a few years. Then, she contacted Mr. Jessup, her teacher from Eustace, curious about any job opportunities. Luckily, she was hired. Ms. Badolato now works at the Advancement Office where she engages other alumni such as herself with Eustace’s Tradition magazine. Mr. Peterson, Mrs. Avellino, and Ms. Badolato are all very different people, each bringing something new to this school. Yet, they all have one thing in common: they decided to come home.
Now that the year has come into full swing, it seems that almost everyone on campus has somewhere to be, something to do, or a teacher to meet with. I have actually been pleasantly surprised with this year’s freshmen class, though: you all seemed to learn the ropes fairly quickly. As you continue to adjust to Eustace, I figured I would share some wisdom as a former freshman: 1. Don’t think freshman year does not count for college. Although I am only a sophomore, I have already seen the infamous freshman GPAs catching up to my classmates. Many of them shrugged off freshman year as an adjustment year, but now struggle to bring up those lower GPAs in time for junior year to start their college search. It’s okay not to be the perfect student, but try your best and strive for what you can! Having a solid GPA can be the base for a commendable cumulative high school GPA. 2. Although it may seem irrelevant, walk on the right side of the doorways/hallways. Due to the number of students we have, the staircases and doorways have become more and more congested over the years with students scrambling to get to class on time. When entering and exiting the halls, PLEASE STAY WITHIN THE STREAM OF OTHERS! This way, it helps others trying to move efficiently. Which brings me to my next point: 3. Don’t stop and stand in the middle of hallways. Of course we all use passing time as a time to catch a quick conversation with our friends, but standing in the middle of the hallway actually is one of the most infamous distractions at Eustace. If you stand and talk in the middle of the hallway, this creates a literal roadblock for others. Of course, we understand if you have a prep period or lunch, but many of us don’t have the time to wait for the crowds to move- we have class!!! 4. Become friendly with your elders. Although it seems very condescending to say, your upperclassmen can be some of the best mentors and friends you will find at Eustace. Many of the most helpful companions I have met so far here are seniors or seniors/juniors this year. You never know when one of us can come in handy within a club
A Junior Perspective Cooper Reck ‘16 Junior year has already proven to be a of fun for every class, so everyone should come very different experience from freshman and out and have a blast. One of the major aspects of sophomore year. Three weeks in has already yielded junior year that is different than the previous two multiple papers, tests, and projects. It seems a years is that we have to start looking at colleges. bit overwhelming. But I think that freshman and Colleges visit Eustace, and we are encouraged sophomore year have been preparing me for the to go and see what the schools offer and if they challenge that comes with junior year. I’m more interest us. We see our counselors more often to attentive in class, and more responsible when it talk about the application process and how the next comes to my school work. But besides the extra work two years will play out. The entire college search that I face, I’m excited for what the rest of junior can be intimidating, but it’s also very exciting. year can potentially bring. We have spirit week, Overall, junior year holds a great deal of culminating in field day, which is always so much fun. potential. I know that we’re only a month into the I think being an upperclassman definitely adds school year but I am enjoying myself. Yes, there a layer of enjoyment that wasn’t present during is more work, but if you stay prepared and are freshman or sophomore year. Later in November responsible, junior year will be the best year yet. is Homecoming. Homecoming is always a ton
or class. Remember, we have all been freshmen before. We don’t mind helping you out- just ask! 5. Use prep periods to your advantage. I know you have heard it too many times to count, but your prep periods really are your best friends here at Eustace! I have already heard over a dozen freshmen complain of hours of homework. The first question I always ask is: “What did you do during your prep period?” Usually, I get a response like “Talked with my friends.” Trust me, I KNOW you want to be social and I KNOW it is hard to do homework in a place that sounds more like a stadium than a library. When you get work done during your prep periods, though, you can minimize your homework by hours. Just go up to a resource center that doesn’t have anyone you might be distracted by and do your work. Your teachers are always willing to help you, and you can save yourself so much trouble if you complete your schoolwork at school. 6. Use the resource area as a resource. It is there to help you. I know sometimes it is daunting to be that ‘one kid’ who asks too many questions: I am one of them! Personally, it is the only way I learn. Believe it or not, I would bet at least thirty percent of your class has that same question but are afraid to ask it themselves. From the teachers I have had, they all agree that they want you to ask the question that has been nagging at you. Teachers want you to approach them if you are struggling. It is solely your responsibility to address your problems and take any necessary steps to do better. This being said, use the resource areas as personal time with your teacher to address subjects you don’t understand or are struggling with. Also, your teacher is not the only one who can help! As a freshman, most of the courses you take are the lowest level at Eustace. For example, if you take Algebra I, any math teacher can usually help you with problems of that course, even if they teach a higher level. Simply ask the teacher your question. What’s the worst that can happen? The teacher will say “sorry, but you might want to as your own teacher about that one.” This isn’t a problem, just ask your teacher another time. Teachers are there to teach you and help you understand the concepts that you learned in class better. I hope you all are having a wonderful year so far. Please use these tips to your advantage, and never be afraid to ask anyone for their own personal tips about how to get the most out of your freshman year. You might not know it, but the upperclassmen are always looking out for you and willing to lend a helping hand!!!
The Eustacian The Rescue of the Bearded Dragons By John Stuckert ‘16 Many headlines in news today, especially in the mainstream media make people lose a little faith in their fellow human beings. However there are still truly heart wrenching articles out there. In Kentucky, 73 year old James Wathen had been kept in a hospital for about two weeks. He absolutely refused to eat, so a nurse approached him and inquired why he was doing so. His response was that he missed his dog, Bubba. Bubba is an energetic and lovable one-eyed Chihuahua. Hoping that a reunion with the dog would jumpstart the old man’s distressed heart, the assorted hospital staff overlooked the “No pets allowed” policy. After many phone calls to numerous animal shelters, Bubba the small bundle of joy was found at Knox-Whitley Animal Shelter. However, the strange part of this story is that Bubba had started to refuse to eat food a week earlier, which is around the same time James had stopped eating. Were their minds intertwined in some way? This sick old man was expected not to make it – bedridden in the hospital, nurses right by his side the entire time, and coughing so horrendously that no one could understand what he was saying. But once he saw his little friend Bubba, his sprit came to life. He started to gain back his strength and eventually got to leave the hospital. A pair of such kindred spirits deserves to be around each other not just for a lifetime, but for an eternity.
Boys XC Update By Graham Laughlin ‘17 Boys cross country is darting to pic Conference Sectionals, Praveen victory this fall season. After losing ran a personal best of 17:04 in the 5k, 11 seniors, the team rebounded with earning him first team all conference. With hard work and a lot of gathe addition of five freshman and a strong returning varsity faction. The torade, the team has progressed greatteam recently won Olympic Confer- ly from the beginning of this season. ence Nation Division at Rowan Com- Sophomores, Daniel Hullihan and munity College in Gloucester beating John Nguyen began running mid-20 rival teams Camden Catholic and Paul minute 5ks, now run low 20s. Nolan VI. Many people scored first and sec- McDonald, another sophomore, has ond team all conference.The team’s lowered his 5k times by over a minpulse and senior members are Shawn ute from 19 minutes last year to low Hutchison and Praveen Vulimiri. 18 minutes, pushing 17 this season Shawn started this season placing Other sub-20 minute 5k members first and running a 16:28 in the Shore include freshman, Nick Hutchison, Coaches Invitational 5k at Holmdel sophomore, Mike Dziuba, junior, State Park in North Jersey. Shawn Paul Jacob, and senior Jon Carrie. The team continues its strides tocontinued his victory streak winning the the Manhattan Invitational 4k ward victory on account of its strong with a time of 12:53. Recently, Shawn varsity and growing sub-varsity team. ran a 15:37 in the 5k, winning the On November 8th, the team will race Olympic Conference Cross Country its second Olympic Conference Secchampionship, placing first yet again. tionals at the Kiessling Invitational. Praveen ran an 18:02 for the Shore Regardless of the team’s fate, they Coaches Invitational 5k at Holmdel have worked hard and are living up State Park in North Jersey. Praveen to the slogan, “the tradition is that also ran well in the Manhattan Invita- of a winner”. Good luck to the Boys tional 4k, placing 41st and reaching a XC team for the rest of their season. personal record of 14:02. At the Olym-
The Eustacian The Student Newspaper of Bishop Eustace Preparatory School 5552 Route 70, Pennsauken, NJ 08109
Moderator: Mr. Dwight Jessup Editors-in Chief: Anthony Biello and Stephanie Mignogna Section Editor: Paul Jacob Photos by LifeTouch, Eustacian Staff Photographers, and Mr. Jessup
THE EUSTACIAN is a forum for student views, photography, and journalism. It is written and produced by the Eustacian Club and takes submissions from contributing writers, photographers, and artists. It is at the discretion of the moderator and the editors whether a contribution will be used. All contributions will be evaluated on overall journalistic quality. Views expressed in THE EUSTACIAN are not necessarily the views of Bishop Eustace Preparatory School, or of the editors of this publication. THE EUSTACIAN is funded by the Pallottine Fathers and Brothers. Staff: Anthony Berna, Rebecca Clements, Regina de Heer, Hannah Dominguez, Julia Granato, Victoria Guevera, Kaylee Hudson, Jake Khalifa, Kevin Kopervas, Graham Laughlin, Sophia Marrone, Matt McGough, Alexis Mignogna, Tommy O’Brien, James Orey, Cooper Reck, Alyssa, Regalbuto, Elizabeth Rosa, John Stuckert, Tiffany Tran, Samuel Wang, Sara Weill