The Cornelian Winter 2024

The Cornelian

The Cornelian

School of the Holy Child • Rye, New York

A Pathway to Inspiration

By Dana Rickens

Spring is coming and so is Holy Child’s new state-of-the-art academic center dedicated to the STEAM fields. According to Head of School, Colleen Pettus, this new academic building will focus on students growing their knowledge in all parts of STEAM, while also developing their faith and commitment to service. The purpose of this center is to give students new opportunities to go deeper in these fields. Mrs. Pettus said, “All students, in all grades, will have the opportunity to live and learn in this new building as well as benefit from the new opportunities in store.” This center will help students have hands-on, educational experiences. The ground-breaking is expected later this spring, and the construction is estimated to be finished by the beginning of the 2025 school year. The center will have a digital media arts suite, as students love to work in video editing; they will now have the ability to create podcasts in a dedicated space. Ms. Morlock, our digital arts faculty member said, “It’s been exciting to be a part of the planning for this new center! It is going to be a really cool space especially for students who are interested in digital arts-production videography and sound.” It will have a space that is mission-centered, and it will be used for larger gatherings, such as prayer services, liturgies, retreats, and service projects. There is also going to be an outdoor classroom space where there will be opportunities to learn through handson experience in different fields of science, and students will have the opportunity to learn experimentally by learning about the natural world and how people can be more environmentally friendly. Dr. Marks, who is a one of Holy Child’s middle school sci-

ence teachers, said, “The new center has been holistically designed to include outdoor learning environments that make use of our beautiful campus. Spending regular time in green spaces provides many proven benefits for the brain and personal wellness. I am so excited for our students to have new opportunities to experience our campus as their classroom!” There will be large, flexible classroom spaces that will highlight the engineering, architecture, and design programs. Mrs. Sherry, who teaches technology in the middle and upper school said, “There is going to be a robotics space, which makes me very excited. There will be a dedicated room for things like design programming working in a bigger space and showcasing our projects like the petting zoo, plus we can now set up a full robotics area, so I hope we can have a full robotics class in the upper school that can also hopefully one day we can part in robotics competitions. I really

hope that we can build a strong interest in robotics in the upper school with this new, fun, and engaging space.” What is so special and unique about this building is that it highlights the importance of community at Holy Child, as this building is for students in all grades so that students will bond with their peers in other grade levels. This building will allow students to follow in the footsteps of the founder of Holy Child, Cornelia Connelly, through learning and trying new things and living Cornelia’s most famous quote, “Actions, Not Words.” According to Mrs. Pettus, “The name of this campaign to build this new building is ‘Pathway to Inspiration.’ Over the next several months the entire community will hear more and more about the progress towards making this building a reality.” Students and parents should make sure that they read the weekly newsletters, as new information about the construction and all of the details on the center will slowly be re-

Calendar of Events

March 27

Mid-Semester 2

March 29-April 1

Easter Break

April 3

Middle School Easter Egg Hunt

April 9

Sixth Grade Field Trip

Eighth Grade Retreat

April 12

Parent Teacher Conferences

April 22

Seventh Grade Field Trip/Senior Mass

April 25

Arts Night/Dance Performance

vealed. So far, a small number of generous donors have contributed 6.3 million dollars to support the construction! There will be future opportunities for the school community to fund such an amazing building that will lead to academic growth for students in all grades. This building will help give Gryphons the opportunity to excel in fields that are mainly male-dominated and help students open their eyes to the world of STEAM. The beginning of 2024 is starting strong with the start of construction for this center, which will forever change the future of Holy Child students for the better.

The new Center for Inspiration

A classroom in the Center for Inspiration

The Center for Inspiration

Meeting space in the Center for Inspiration

Wonderful Winterim

By Fallon Minnich

A week full of impactful knowledge, delightful activities, and, most importantly, relief from standardized learning. No, this is not how I would describe Midterms week, but it certainly is Winterim week! For the first time, Holy Child Middle School held a Winterim - a week of experiential learning - which takes place during the midterms week for grades five through seven. This new learning experience allows students and faculty to be engaged in the kind of learning that lives up to the mission of “joy in teaching, joy in learning.” Ms. Polos states: “It is an incredible opportunity to provide teachers time to share a topic that they are passionate with, and simultaneously give students the opportunity to explore something they are passionate about that is outside of the traditional curriculum.”The Winterim included six different themes that involved hands-on activities infused with entertainment and knowledge. The themes included Around the World in NYC; Take Flight; Spy School; Law and Order: Mock Trial; Broadway Bound: StageCraft, Acting, Improvisation; and Writing; and Game On!

Middle School Head Ms.Polos described the Winterim as a “Phenomenal success. The students loved it, and we are hoping to expand the course offerings.”

Around the World aimed to help students experience diverse cuisines from numerous cultures worldwide using NYC as a cultural playground. Students had the opportunity to learn how to prepare

IN THE MIDDLE

and enjoy foods from Africa, Asia, South America, and Europe. They visited Arthur Avenue, the Little Italy of the Bronx, and learned how to make pasta and mozzarella and had Dim sum in Chinatown in New York City. Another favorite theme was Take Flight, in which students explored the history of flight by visiting the Cradle of Aviation Museum and getting a chance to do a bit of flying themselves at the iFLY indoor skydiving center. They also built model airplanes, launched models, stomp rockets, and learned the history of aircraft on Earth and in space.

Fifth Grader Bria Balka said, “The indoor skydiving and field trips were very interesting and fun, and I had a wonderful experience.” Broadway Bound students got to learn some basics of improvisation and test their acting chops. The week culminated in a visit to Harry Potter and Cursed Child on Broadway. According to Ms. Donohue, Broadway Bound was “a rollicking good time! From memorizing lines for two-person scenes, to imagining their own costumes and sets, our students engaged wholeheartedly with this theater class, ensuring we have a robust performing arts crew waiting in the Gryphon Player wings.”

These seven themes were not only exciting, but they were engaging, and allowed students to learn vicariously through imaginative and critical thinking. Holy Child hopes to make the Winterim an annual experience, so look forward to next winter, middle schoolers, because it is going to be wonderful!

opinion

Mr. Caba’s Apple Essentials for the New Year

By Dylan Lynch

As most of Holy Child knows, Mr. Caba is our residential Apple genius. He stays informed about all the new devices they are releasing and plans to collect each and every one. Here are some of the devices he thinks everyone should own now or plan to own in order to lead a better life.

1. MacBook Air 15”- this new computer is thinner, has a longer battery life, and an even larger screen. According to our tech expert (Mr. Caba), it helps students and teachers to work more efficiently. This item is already out and everyone should start snatching this baby up now.

2. Apple Watch Series 9- while this watch might be expensive, it is not like every other watch. This accessory adapts to your movements and commands faster than others, has a much longer battery life, and is almost completely carbon neutral, making it better than ever before. This item is already out, so think about showing it to your parents or adding it to your birthday list!

3. iPad Pro- with better image quality and green features, this new iPad is taking on the look of a computer. You can expect to be parked outside your nearest Apple store in March 2024, and Mr. Caba might even be there too!

4. The Apple Vision Pro- blending digital content with your physical space by allowing you to navigate with just your hands, these new goggles are a complete step up from regular VR headsets. All you Apple lovers can expect this around February and March of this year.

5. Airpods Max- be prepared for a new software update with the upcoming Airpods, not just that, but a whole new USB-C on the Airpods themselves. This is an upcoming change to all Apple devices so you can use one charger for everything instead of worrying about all the different ones. The expected date of the item’s arrival on the market is late 2024.

Around the World Students at Mike’s Deli on Arthur Avenue

Around the World Students in Chinatown

Broadway Bound students

Law and Order Students

Mrs. Sherry

By Ava Ortiz and Sara Miller

Mrs. Sherry is the longest serving faculty member at School of the Holy Child. How long? Thirty-three years, to be exact! She takes on many leadership roles as the Director of Instructional Technology and teaches a variety of courses. Mrs. Sherry is known as a computer expert, teaching classes such as Introduction to Computer Science, 8th-grade Design Programming, 7th-grade Gaming, and more. She also taught math for many years. However, there is another side to her that is more than computers and coding. Mrs. Sherry enjoys the arts, and exploring the more creative side of things. One year, she cotaught an art class here at Holy Child! Mrs. Sherry says “I learned a lot about myself while teaching art. It showed me the many aspects of teaching and the extreme power that imagination has on one’s creativity.” Mrs. Sherry has great respect for the arts, whether it’s visual arts or music - as her colleagues all know, she is a huge Mi-

Sammi Winogradoff

By Katie Jacobs

Attention Gryphons! Did you know we have a record-breaking athlete among us? Freshman Sammi Winogradoff spent her fall breaking records and making friends on the Varsity Cross Country team. There is no doubt that Sammi has a bright future ahead of her– having improved her 5k time by 2 minutes and 15 seconds throughout the season. In an interview with The Cornelian, Sammi stated, “My team was very supportive and always happy for me when I succeeded. My favorite part of the season was definitely my team.” Having started running very recently at age 14, she is a natural-born athlete, and it’s no surprise that she ran her third 5k of the season in

Dear Gryphon...

Dear Gryphon,

What is your favorite holiday?

Holiday Happy

Dear Holiday Happy,

My favorite holiday personally is Halloween. I have a major sweet tooth and, even though I no longer go out trick or treating, I hang out with friends. It is a great time to catch up with people you don’t normally see in school and fully live in the moment of being someone different for a change. I understand that Halloween can be a controversial holiday because some religions believe it’s a bit sinful or nefarious, but I think the holiday is less about the devil and more about using creative skills and art to communicate with people on this special day. Now, I have to turn the question around. What is your favorite holiday?!

Your friend, The Gryphon

Dear Gryphon,

How do I get extra help in some of my classes, especially language arts and social studies? I need a little more help because I feel like I’m failing the classes, and I don’t want bad grades, plus I keep zoning out and I can’t focus.

Dear In the Zone,

In the Zone

Don’t get discouraged! Try to think as confidently as possible regarding upcoming tests or presentations. Instead of thinking “Oh I’m definitely going to fail this” think “I have been studying hard, I got this!” I know it can be hard to think this because sometimes a topic is re-

spotlights

chael Jackson fan.

After spending so much time in the community, we asked Mrs. Sherry to describe her experience. She chose the words innovative, compassionate, and fun to describe the school culture. She says, ”I don’t consider it a job; it’s a second family.” One of Ms. Sherry’s Intro to Computer Science students, Jenna Roberts ’27, says, “Mrs. Sherry is insightful and always willing to help.” Mrs. Sherry’s favorite classroom experience at Holy Child is the 8th-grade petting zoo project, which has become a real tradition and right of passage in the 8th grade. This is a project where the 8th-grade build robots, yet they look like animals and creatures and are mobile. This project developed just in the past few years, and it is something all middle school students, as well as Mrs. Sherry, look forward to. She says that the pride the students have in their projects and the grit they put into them is inspiring. Mrs. Sherry is the mother to two daughters, one of whom graduated from HC last year and is in her freshman

22 minutes and 30 seconds – way to go Sammi!

Sammi shared, “At first I was really bad and almost passed out during the first couple of practices. However, over time, I progressively started getting better. My first race was a 24:30 my second 24:15 and my third was a 22:30. And then I just kept on practicing and practicing.”

When asked what the most challenging part of running is, Sammi told us that the actual competitions and getting into the right mindset were the most difficult. Sammi mentioned that one of the hardest parts of running is trying to get out of your head and just run. Mrs. Gaszo, one of Sammi’s

ally difficult to grasp or you didn’t review the material as much as you originally wanted to, but going in with confidence is the first step to success. Have you talked to your teachers and your parents about this problem? The first step would be to let your parents know that you’re having trouble focusing in class. They can help you speak to your teachers to see if there are some tips and strategies that you can use to stay on task and prepare for tests. If you feel like you need some additional help, you can ask your advisor to help you find an Upper School student who can work with you. In language arts and social studies, try to read more outside of school or write about your day in a journal when you get home from school, which can help your reading and writing skills without even noticing! And to stay focused, make sure you are participating!

Your friend, The Gryphon

Dear Gryphon, Can we have fun when in classes? For example: if we are learning and everyone is bored and wants to go outside or something other than sitting down, then can we go outside, but we’d still be learning?

Tired of Being Bored

Dear Tired of Being Bored,

First things first, school isn’t always supposed to be a barrel of laughs. School isn’t like going to the movies or playing at the amusement park. It’s a place where we go to learn, grow, and prepare for the future. Sometimes that means doing things that might not feel super exciting in the moment, like sitting down for a lesson or practicing math problems.

But here’s the thing: just because something isn’t all rainbows and unicorns doesn’t mean it can’t be engaging or interesting. Learning is an adventure, and it’s up to us to make the most of it. Now, let’s tackle the boredom issue.

When you say everyone is bored and itching to go outside, it’s worth exploring what’s causing that feeling. Is the material too easy or too hard? Understanding why boredom strikes can help us find ways to shake things up and make learning more enjoyable. What can YOU do to remain curious and stay motivated?

Mrs. Sherry and daughter Michaela Koetke ‘22

year at Drexel University studying game design - an interest that developed as an 8th grader in her mom’s design programming course. Her other daughter is in the Air Na-

track coaches, describes how “Sammi has an unbelievably competitive spirit and desire to improve in each and every run.” We know many of you might be thinking, “How can I get started with running?” so we asked Sammi what three pieces of advice she would give to a new runner. Sammi responded, first, to remember that although it might be painful you can’t give up–always keep going. Second, be consistent. You won’t improve without a routine. And finally, she leaves us with this: you will always get better the more you practice, so commit to it if you want to improve. Thanks, Sammi, for showing us that hard work pays off and that if we put our minds to it, we can reach our goals and succeed!

Now, about going outside during class... If you’re really keen on taking the lesson outside, why not ask your teachers about it? Politely explain your idea and see what they think. They might be open to the suggestion, especially if the weather is nice and it aligns with the lesson plan. While taking learning outdoors can be refreshing and fun, it’s important to remember that there’s a time and a place for everything. What might work for you, might disrupt the learning for someone else So, can we have fun in class? Absolutely! Learning is an adventure, and it’s all about finding joy in the journey, whether we’re sitting at our desks or exploring the great outdoors.

Your friend,

The Gryphon

Dear Gryphon, Is there any way I can seek help for math, such as a tutor?

Desperately Seeking Math Help

Dear Desperately Seeking Math Help, 100%! If you need help in any subjects, especially math, there is a tutoring program within Holy Child, which you can ask your advisor or a close teacher about. Another tutoring program could potentially be within your local library, so I would check for that. If that is still not enough, ask your parents if they can set something up or research programs to help you.

Your friend,

The Gryphon

Dear Gryphon, What is the best way to study?

Study Savvy Student

Dear Study Savvy Student, Ah, the quest for the perfect study method! It’s a journey many students embark upon, and luckily, I’m here to guide you through it.

First off, let’s remember that studying isn’t just about cramming facts into your brain. It’s more like planting seeds in a garden and helping them grow into beautiful flowers of knowledge. So, what’s the best way to tend to your study garden? Here are some tips:

tional Guard. We as a community are very appreciative of Mrs. Sherry and all of her hard work, and we can’t wait for what the future holds!

• Find Your Learning Style: We’re all different, and what works for one person might not work for another. Are you a visual learner who loves colorful diagrams and charts? Or maybe you’re an auditory learner who thrives on listening to lectures or educational podcasts. Discovering your learning style can make studying a whole lot easier and more enjoyable.

• Create a Study Schedule: Just like you have a schedule for soccer practice or piano lessons, it’s important to set aside dedicated time for studying. Plan out your week and allocate specific time slots for different subjects. This way, you won’t feel overwhelmed, and you’ll be less likely to procrastinate.

• Stay Organized: Keep your study materials neat and tidy. Use folders or binders to keep your notes and assignments organized. When everything has its place, you’ll spend less time searching for things and more time actually studying.

• Break It Down: Big tasks can seem daunting, so break them down into smaller, more manageable chunks. Instead of trying to study an entire textbook in one sitting, focus on one chapter at a time. Take breaks in between to recharge your brain and prevent burnout.

• Get Active: Sitting still for hours on end isn’t good for anyone. Incorporate movement into your study sessions by taking short breaks to stretch, go for a quick walk, or do some jumping jacks. Physical activity can help boost your energy and improve your concentration.

• Teach What You’ve Learned: They say the best way to learn something is to teach it to someone else. Try explaining concepts to a friend, sibling, or even your stuffed animals. Not only will this reinforce your understanding, but it can also make studying more fun.

Remember, studying is a journey, not a destination. So be patient with yourself, stay curious, and keep exploring different study methods until you find what works best for you. Happy studying!

The Gryphon

arts

Gryphon Players Rock Chicago

By Dylan Lynch

To start off this article, which I assure you is solely praise for the cast of this year’s winter musical, I must quote Simone DiNota’s line from Chicago: “Razzle dazzle ‘em!” because that’s exactly what the Gryphon Players’ performance did.

When I heard the choice for this year’s musical, I was overjoyed, but, at the same time, skeptical. While everyone loves the showmanship and big dance numbers that accompany a musical like this one, I was worried how the directors would be able to explore such adult themes like passion, exploitation, loss of power, murder, alienation, and fame in a high school version. Mrs. Hidalgo agreed with me here, saying, “The main focus of the directors and cast was to incorporate these themes at a maturity that forces viewers to recognize them throughout the show, while also playing on

the comedy and frivolity that complement all the more serious undertones.”

I am happy to acknowledge each and every member of the cast and crew and all of the directors for accomplishing just that. The sparkly costumes and props showcased the fame and comedy in the show, while the sharp and precise choreography provided a glimpse into the passion. The Players also thoughtfully used dance numbers and the soundtrack as a way of making the murders taking place in the show meaningful but less intense for younger viewers. Another thing I noticed within the dialogue was how smaller characters were used to show the alienation and xenophobia going on at that time period in many prominent cities such as Chicago. For example, the Hungarian woman died yet she was the only one out of the Cell Block Tango girls that didn’t admit to her crimes. This show was one of the most impact-

ful and definitely the best I have seen performed here at Holy Child. Even as a

teenager sitting in the audience, watching characters such as Roxie and Velma made me question what I would do if all of my power was taken away from me, and how far I would go and how many people I would be willing to use to get it back. This show was a very tearful one, as we said goodbye to our seniors, this having been the last show they put on with the Gryphon Players. There were many talented and committed actors this year, and this show will be one hard act to follow. Seeing all the actors together on stage, though, giving each other flowers and sad hugs made the audience feel even more connected to the action going on on-stage. They aren’t just a group of people who came together to please others and put on a great show; it may have started that way, but what they really are is a family who will miss each other for years to come. Thank you to the directors, cast, and stage crew; it was truly a magnificent show! I hope this year’s graduating seniors watch in the audience next year as the Gryphons take on yet another year of laughter and music.

Academics

Gryphons Changing the World

By Chloe Stuart

COPOUS. UNHCR. ECOFIN. To any other student, these acronyms would be a mystery–but to twenty-eight Holy Child students and twenty thousand others worldwide, these phrases signal world change at Model United Nations. Each year, students from across the globe come together to decipher and propose solutions to some of the world’s greatest dilemmas. Katie Jacobs, a current sophomore at Holy Child, shared her experience at the conference in an interview with The Cornelian. Representing Russia in the Committee of Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, Katie mentioned how challenging it was to find research that was

specific to her country and council. However, throughout December and January in the International Relations course, students were able to perform in-depth investigations to gain insight into their assigned roles for class presentations and essays. While International Relations is a course offered at Holy Child and automatically places students into the Yale Model United Nations (YMUN) conference, past students can participate again through the YMUN club that prepares students throughout the Fall and Winter. As Katie explains, the critical thinking and communication skills formed through this experience emphasized the “importance of conflict resolution and compromise… both in my own life and in the United Nations between countries.” Similarly, sophomore Laura Burkan representing Brazil in the World Health Organization, talked about her experience “being able to debate topics that affected our current lives and being able to get new ideas from so many smart people from around the world and see how nations’ cultures cause them to think differently about tackling worldwide issues.” Sophomore Marisa Marino represented the Russian Federation on the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (SPECPOL) and shared her experience at YMUN this year. Marisa stated that she and her peers “focused on fixing issues in the Balkans region and the arising fighting breaking out in Yemen and the imminent threat of the Houthi extremist rebels. Most of the solutions that were posed in this commission included humanitarian aid, shipping embargos, and peaceful negotiations and discussions led by other nations in the UN.” Further-

more, from a teacher’s perspective, Mr. Ayele mentioned that he noticed students’ knowledge of the United Nations, politics, and geography expand. Next year, he mentions, he hopes to observe more debates to see how students apply their knowledge from history courses at Holy Child to international dilemmas.

While at the conference, students were able to spend time with fellow HC students as well as some from across the globe –

By Dana Rickens

The new year started off with a bang with the new movie Wonka starring the one and only Timothée Chalamet. The movie is the third rendition of the famous Roald Dahl book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Unlike all of the other renditions of this world-renowned book, Wonka centers around Willy Wonka’s trials and tribulations while creating his chocolate factory. This movie shows Willy struggling to begin his business due to an alliance between three of the biggest chocolate companies in the world. There was singing, dancing, and lots of laughter throughout the movie. It shows the importance of working hard and with others. This movie revealed that Willy couldn’t read after he got tricked into signing a contract that caused him to have to work

Heard in the Halls

at a hotel with other people in the same situation. Over time, Willy formed a bond with everyone causing him to secretly perfect his chocolate-making business, and one of his friends, Noodle, even taught him to read. Students and faculty had many different opinions on whether the new film outshines the original. The overall vote is that Wonka 2023 is the best of the adaptations while Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) is the least favorite. Many students agreed that this was largely due to Timothée Chalamet. An anonymous student said, “I think the old-

er movies are very dark and scary whereas the new movie was filled with so much hope. The original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory gave me nightmares as a child and seeing all the children’s fates was so fear-inducing. Johnny Depp in Charlie in the Chocolate Factory was extremely unsettling. Meanwhile, the new movie was just about a lovely guy wanting simply to make other people happy by selling chocolate.” But some students still have a soft spot for the original. Carly Mannello 26’ said, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is my favorite movie out of the three. I thought that the acting and the set were the best. I

Katie even mentioned that she was able to form a friendship with a girl from Hong Kong! Each day, participants would come together in their committee locations for sessions in the morning and afternoon followed by dinner. On Friday, however, students at the conference were able to come together for the delegate dance in the ballroom. Whether dancing the night away or solving world conflicts, way to go Gryphons!

loved how it appeared as if it was from a kid’s imagination and it is nostalgic for me as I grew up watching it.” Whichever version is your favorite, it’s clear the story has staying power. This new movie resonates with hope, love, and happiness and might become a classic for new generations the way the original did for ours!

Changing the world

Students at Yake Model UN Conference

Model UN students ready for debate

Keynote address

SPORTS

Upper School Sports: Winter Season

By Victoria Ricotta

Our upper school varsity swim, basketball, and indoor track and field teams were all successful in building friendships and becoming better athletes during their winter season.

During her third season as a junior on the varsity swim team, junior captain Reagan Adiletta had exceptional things to say about her experience on the team. She said, “As a junior captain, I was able to take a leadership role this season and really enjoy each meet and practice. I was able to see how encouraging everyone was and how we all supported each other.” The team celebrated seven girls on their Senior day on February 7th. During their FAA Swim Championship, two members of the

swim team placed in different events. The team had their NEPSAC finals on March 2nd. Congratulations to the varsity swim team on their 6th NEPSAC championship title!!

The upper school varsity basketball team sadly ended their season on February 20th during playoffs against Green Farms Academy in the quarter finals. As a first year sophomore on the team, Adriana Calabro had many good things to say about the season. “It was my first season on the team and everyone was so welcoming and encouraging. Even though we didn’t have the best record, I really enjoyed bonding with my teammates and cheering each other on.” They finished with a 2-7 record and were third in the league.

student life

Going Back with the Gryphon

By Colleen Beirne

During the production of the fall issue, a curious student submitted a question to “Dear Gryphon:” “How did you get to be the Holy Child mascot?” This sparked interest across the entire Cornelian team. With the help of Ms. Troya ’00, Ms. Archibald ’76, and a few other faculty members, the history of the Gryphon has been uncovered. The Gryphon mascot was introduced by Mrs. Cathi Wasilik 62’ sometime in the 1980s. When it came to Mrs. Wasilik’s attention that, unlike many other schools in the area, Holy Child did not have a mascot, she knew that something needed to be done. She wanted to differentiate Holy Child from other schools which ruled out the typical lions, tigers, and bears. Mrs. Wasilik took inspiration from Sarah Lawrence College whose mascot is the mythical creature of the Gryphon. The Gryphon would soon be implemented as the mascot of Holy Childs’ fierce athletes.

Since then, the influence of the Gryphon has only grown. The Gryphon was first mentioned in the Holy Child Yearbook in 1992 in support of the school’s sports teams. Other athletic influences include the renaming of the Holy Child sports field to “Gryphon Field” after being renovated in 2007. The Gryphon comes to life in our

school community through the popular mascot costume worn by many students over the years. In 2013, the school bought the Gryphon costume used today, and, by vote, named the official Gryphon mascot: Connie. Did you know that the school store was originally going to be named “Connie’s Closet?”

The turning point for the Gryphon, however, was in 2017 when Holy Child established the official image of the Gryphon and rebranded our logo. From then on, the Gryphon would not just represent our athletic teams, but the whole Holy Child community.

Amazingly, there is a relief of a Gryphon at the top of the stairs in the mansion. This relief has been a part of the building since before the School of the Holy Child was even established. Some believe this is a coincidence, yet some believe it to be a sign that Mrs. Wasilik made the right choice, choosing the Gryphon as Holy Child’s mascot. Throughout her 37 years at Holy Child, Mrs. Cathi Wasilik transformed athletics at Holy Child as a teacher, Athletic Director, and coach, even earning herself a spot in the Westchester Sports Hall of Fame for her remarkable work. She unfortunately passed away in 2015, but her legacy lives on through the Gryphon.

Editors-in-Chief

Aisling Boyd ‘24

Chloe Stuart ‘24

Managing Editor

Lastly, our varsity indoor track and field team had a very meaningful season. Even though they did not compete in any meets, the team was able to grow individually and together. “Our season was very fun and we had a great group of girls. We also had very supportive coaches who helped us improve throughout this winter. It was super helpful having seniors on the team who had been doing winter track for many years to help us,” said sophomore Katie Jacobs.

Congratulations to our Upper School Varsity teams on great seasons!

The Cornelian staff

Alessandra Passarelli ‘24

Faculty Advisor

Ms. Saraceno

Contributors

Colleen Beirne ‘27

Katie Jacobs ‘26

Dylan Lynch ‘26

Sara Miller ‘27

Fallon Minnich ‘27

Ava Ortiz ‘27

Dana Rickens ‘26

Victoria Ricotta ‘26

Holy Child Swim Team

HC Basketball vs. Hamden Hall

Former faculty member Mrs. Cathi Wasilik ‘62