Inside Stories
•Chi Rhoan staff says goodbye - Page 2 •Which seniors are headed out of state - Page 3 •Spring sports wrap up seasons - Page 4 May 2013
•
Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School, 801 NW 50th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73118
•
Vol. 63, No. 8
Newspaper, speech win state awards Ashley Billups, Staff The Chi Rhoan newspaper received Honors in the yearly Oklahoma Scholastic Media Association Spring Conference. Individual state winners included First Place to seniors Ashley Billups in Entertainment Feature, Joe Buettner in Opinion, Emily Watson in Sports Photo and junior Bridget McGuire in Personality Profile. Second Place Awards went to seniors Buettner in Inside Page Design and Mary Mawdsley in Unsigned Editorial. Third Place Awards went to seniors Billups in Feature, Buettner in Front Page Design and Sports News Story, Michaela Parker in Personality Profile, and sophomore Gabby Grubb in Sto-
ry Illustration. Honorable Mentions went to Buettner in Sports News Story and Watson in Sports Photo. At their own state tournament, the Irish Forensic Team received the Class 5A State Runner-Up Award at the 2013 OSSAA Speech and Debate State Championship Tournament. With seven State Finalists in 13 events, the small team championed over larger teams. Winning three individual State Championship titles, junior Mitchell Burns finished First in both Humorous Interpretation and Dramatic Interpretation and sophomore Allison Hopfer was First in Prose Interpretation for the second consecutive year. State run-
ners-up included freshmen Erin Noble in Prose and Humorous Interpretation and Chris Allen in Monologue, and senior Michaela Parker in Lincoln Douglas Debate. The only team to place in Humorous Duet Act-
ing, freshmen Allen and Noble were State Runner-Up. Other finalists include freshmen Carly Downey and Evan Clear. The team also won the OSSAA Distinguished Academic Achievement Award.
Bridget McGuire returns grinning to her seat in Mecham auditorium during the April 8, 2013 OIPA award ceremony. Photo by Emily Watson The Irish Forensics state qualifiers reveal their state awards won April 11-13. Photo by Ryan Swartz
Elections: New club, school leaders chosen Lauren Hill, Stephanie Trautmann , Bridget McGuire and Paco Figuero gather in the foyer at the NHS induction ceremony. Photo Credit
Lauren Hill
Maddie O’Brien, Staff Elections for 20132014 club officers happened recently. National Honor Society has elected their new council. Officers will be juniors: president Bridget McGuire,
vice president Paco Figuero and secretary Lauren Hill. Sophomore officer Connor Bannon will be treasurer. French Club and French National Honor Society have also elected leaders. Leading the French National Honor Society will be
juniors: president Bridget McGuire, vice president Emma Dillon, secretary Jack Livingston and treasurer Margaret Codispoti. Leading the French Club will be juniors: president Celynne Beaudoin, vice president Jack Livingston, and historian Margaret Codispoti. Sophomore officers include secretary Lauren Gawey, treasurer Anushka Raj, publicist Anna Egas, and parliamentarian Lisset Manzano. New Big Sis Lil’ Sis copresidents are juniors Lexy Neira and Alex Lynn,
vice presidents are sophomores Anushka Raj, Adele Edmonds and Andrea Browning. Secretary is junior Larkin Dykstra, and members at large are sophomores Annie Coffee, Lauren Gawey, Rachael Groves, Hannah Reen, Katie Howard, Aspen Weber and juniors Abigail Agosta, Kate Byrne, Katherine Wolf and Peyton McMillin. The new Bowling Club president is sophomore Rose LaPorte. New Clancy Club officers include junior co-presidents Lexy Neira and Tori
Romano, vice president Liza Cameron, secretary Katherine Wolf, treasurer Larkin Dykstra, and publicist Lauren Gawey. Sophomore Maddie Andrews will be the historian. Leading the student council will be president Saxon Allton, vice president of elections Paco Figueroa, vice president of assemblies Alex Berney, secretary Laura Gavula, treasurer Michael Byrne, vice president of Olympics Coley Lee and archivist Jack Livingston. Class elections, with the exception of freshmen, were
Seniors Say Goodbye Joe Buettner, Editor-in-Chief
You have four years to “make your name” at McGuinness. Some do it in sports; some do it in the fine arts; and some find other outlets. Journalism was my outlet and where I spent most of time in high school. As fate would have it, I was in the school’s first Intro to Journalism class. I began my path toward becoming a staff writer my sophomore year, the sports editor my junior year, and reaching the ceiling of the Chi Rhoan staff as the editor-in-chief my senior year. Yes, I had road bumps along the way. Nothing was more upsetting than losing to a girl in sports writing at the Oklahoma Scholastic Media competition. However, despite that setback, I still had two years left. After my sophomore year, Kelly Matteson left her position as adviser, and handed the keys over to Ms. Betty Herman. Like any leadership change, there were growing pains. Herman and Matteson were different in their approaches. Though, I was not complaining when I took First Place in Sports Column and Informational Graphic at the 2012 OSM competition. The bar was set high for my senior year. I received multiple second and third place honors, but the cherry on top was first place in Opinion Column, a catego-
ry where I gained much notoriety with my classmates the past few years. “Cup of Joe” was the name of my column. Matteson wanted to have a recurring column in the paper and, for one reason or another, she gave me the opportunity to write. Who could forget the debate of cheerleading skirts between former editor-inchief Meg Noble and myself? Or what about my proposal for finals exemptions, which won me that First place plaque this year? The newspaper has truly been good to me for the past four years. The Chi Rhoan staffs I have worked with have been outstanding. And Herman and Matteson granted me a lot of creative independence. It will be an odd feeling when I’m not at the school until 5 p.m. trying to finish the paper. I’m grateful for the time I’ve had. I’m hopeful the paper will continue to improve and sustain the high standard I’ve tried to set in Room 132.
Emily Watson, Photographer
Serving as Chi Rhoan photographer has given me the opportunity to expand my photography skills. It was my first year to photograph sports, which was quite the contrast to my comfort zone of landscape and still life. Newspaper has taught me useful photography tips I may not have learned elsewhere.
Illustrations by Gabby Grubb
Mary Mawdsley, Ads/Layout Edtior
I walked into McGuinness quietly, but I am leaving with a loud voice. Freshman year, I was shy around new people and remained with my old friends. While Sophomore Leadership Class XVII gave me a little boost to speak up, it was not until my junior year that I began to figure out who I wanted to be. English teacher Aimee Myers and Kairos 54 opened my eyes to see that no one is really alone. I will major in Child and Family Services at OSU and plan to be a person for others. After four years, I have enjoyed my time at McGuinness and on the Chi Rhoan staff. We appreciate all of our readers; thank you for the support!
Ashley Billups, Staff Writer McGuinness impacted my life in more ways than I can comprehend. From allowing me to grow as a leader (Leadership Class XVIII), giving me the opportunity to achieve my goals (qualifying for regionals and state in the National Forensics League), and allowing me to develop my faith as spiritual leader and retreat administrator. McGuinness fostered many opportunities for growth and development. Without my BMCHS community, I would not be the woman I am today. When I journey as a member of the Honors College to Oklahoma State University, I will miss the supportive community the most.
Michaela Parker, News Editor
My biggest change since freshman year is how serious I’ve become. After taking debate my sophomore year, I fell in love with philosophy, morality, research and analysis. I became addicted to news, watching six to seven hours of alternating channels per night. Leaving debate this year is the hardest thing I’ve had to do. Saying goodbye to the activity that shaped much of whom I am admittedly brought a few tears. Luckily, I’m pursuing my other passion, journalism. Since joining the newspaper staff junior year to blend the analysis I learned in debate with my love for creative writing, I discovered journalism as a potential career. Congratulations 2013 graduating class, we’ve made it far enough.
Lexie Wolfe, Feature Editor
Wa l k i n g through the double doors of McGuinness my freshman year, I was unsure of what the next four years would hold. Looking back, I am very grateful for the opportunities. Over the years, a lot of my school time was affected by a weak immune system. However, I have not allowed such obstacles to define me. I was blessed with the opportunity to be a retreatant and leader at the After transferring to Kairos 51 and Kairos 55 retreats. I am McGuinness my sophograteful for what they taught me about more year, I felt immedimy beliefs, friendship and family. ately at home in the welAs a staff member of the Chi Rhoan, coming and overall friendly I learned a lot from our advisor Betenvironment of the school. ty Herman. She always pushes each I played soccer and staffer to put forth their best effort. softball my first year, which I have also grown to enjoy the comallowed me to immediately pany of the fellow staff. We are a family of sorts, and I love and admire them get involved in the school all. and meet new people. BeWhile I will miss all of the McGuining the new person I had ness community, I am excited about few friends, but over the what the future has to hold. I will atpast three years, I’ve made life-long friendships. I’ll cherish my time at tend Oklahoma State University in the fall and major in biology. McGuinness for the rest of my life.
Olivia Karim, Staff Writer
four years Across the Nation later Roberto Macias Bridget Novak
Coleman Van Sickle Laura Vaughan
Olivia Karim, Staff Writer Although most seniors choose to remain in state for college, some leave and go to places throughout the country. Tab B on the map is the destination for Michaela Parker. She will attend Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire (1700 miles), and she currently holds the position of senior going farthest away for college. “I like experiencing different places and this school will give me what I want to pursue”, Parker said, “I can’t wait to be in New Hampshire!” Amanda Duvall and Lexi Morgan plan to attend San Diego University (tab C, 1350 miles). “I’m sad about leaving my old friends,” Morgan said. “But I’m happy to get out of Oklahoma and be closer to my family in San Diego.” Sisters Morgan and Madison Schick head to Wake Forest University in North Carolina (tab D, 1200 miles). “I was a little nervous, but I’m really excited now for the opportunity to branch
out,” Madison Schick said. “I love North Carolina.” Vanderbilt University (tab E, 700 miles) in Nashville will be home to senior class president Grace Amundsen next fall. “Even though I’m nervous to leave my close friends and family,” Amundsen said, “I’m thrilled to experience something new and look forward to seeing everything Nashville has to offer.” Rochelle Garcia will attend William Woods University (tab F, 450 miles) just northeast of Oklahoma in Missouri. “I’m a little nervous about attending college in Missouri and will miss my family and friends here,” Garcia said. “I am extremely excited about living in a different state and making new friends.” Laurabelle Vaughan plans to attend Southern Methodist University (SMU, 200 miles) in Dallas (tab G). “I’m nervous about the transitional period,” Vaughan said. “But I’m excited to live in a bigger city and see what Dallas has to offer.”
What is your favorite memory of your time at McGuinness?
Thanks for the Memories “Watching Wall-E in Mrs. Engel’s class was the best. It was nice to take a break from the workload and make connections with the material we were learning.”
“This year when all of the seniors were surprised with Valentine’s was my favorite. It was such a nice gesture.”
“Definitely beating Bishop Kelley twice in football my senior year and being a part of the first team to do that.” – Austin Hopfer
– Matt Grover
– Anna Williams
“Being a Kairos leader was so incredible. It gave me a chance to bond with the other leaders and the junior class. It was definitely an experience that I will always carry with me.”
“MORP was the best. It was so much fun because it was a fun break during the middle of the school week. Also, it was really cool everyone chose to enjoy themselves by participating.”
“Winning the boys basketball state title junior year was so much fun to witness. The student section was incredibly loud and supportive. It definitely embodied the Irish community.”
– Meaghan Hatch
– Brady Ghaniabadi
– Jorden Stephens
Sports
4
Spring sports Eddie Wiewel, Sports Editor With academic finals approaching, sports teams prepare for their own finals. All athletes want post-season play. “We are all excited for the post-season. We are well prepared and it will show,” junior Davis Martin said. In the midst of the pressure to perform, numerous squads have compiled respective records and accomplishments. On the tennis courts, the boys and girls squads continue to show consistency and talent. Both tennis teams enjoyed success at the Edmond North Tournament. The boys were led by junior Jay Fletcher and senior Riley Hale. Hale claimed a fourth place finish while Fletcher took fifth place. “Fletcher and Hale both performed well at tournament. Overall the team could have faired better, but they led the way,” coach David Gilpin said. The girls squad had an outstanding finish at the tournament, second place, narrowly missing first. Led by senior Alexa Browning, the team was impressive. Most recently, Browning and junior Kaitlyn Huelskamp placed second in the doubles round of the Edmond North Tournament, Apr. 28. As a team, the ladies
Chi Rhoan May 2013
From baseball to tennis, athletes wrap up seasons, look to State
We have a good group of seniors claimed regionals. “The girls team performed well who led the way resulting in our as a group. Individually there were recent success,” junior Joe Winnumerous standouts, but this was ters said. The baseball team, also impresa team effort,” Gilpin said. Girl golfers scored well at the Del sive in its recent games, went 5-1 City and River Oaks Invitational. over the last week, losing to the Senior Katie Vaughn and junior Westmoore Jaguars. Senior Bradley Fritch and sophLexi Sadeghy led the way. Sadeghy held the top score (second consec- omore Joe Corbett led the way. utive first-place finish) at Del City Corbett recorded his first no-hitter against the OKC Broncos. Most and placed third at River Oaks. “I was pleased to see Katie play recently, the boys conquered the to her potential at River Oaks. Lexi Western Heights Jets Apr. 15 and has been impressive as well in Apr. 16, winning 11-1 and 13-1. both recent tournaments. We also Sophomore Joe Corbett led the have had underclassmen Elizabeth way with a three-run homerun in Jantz and Kelli Haworth finish be- the first game. The boys defeated low their averages,” head coach Clinton Red Tornados 15-2 in the final regular season matchup Apr. Mark Veneklasen said. The girls won regional and opened 28. First game in post season play state in Ardmore May 1. Led by the solid leadership of Alex was against Ardmore May 3. Skelton and Brent Gawey, the boys golf team enjoys a solid season. Jackie Gibson, Staff Writer Coming off a second-place perAs spring sports end, the formance at the El Reno Tournasoccer, and softball ment, the squad experienced good track, results. Freshman phenom David teams finish the season with a Trimble continues his stellar first state championship in mind. Girls track grabbed hold of Secseason on the varsity squad, as he was the low scorer for the team, ond Place in the Coweta Track Meet Apr.12 placing in several events. shooting a 71. “This meet was pretty great for “Our leadership is good this year. the girls team. We got out there and
Students selected for summer fine arts programs Michaela Parker, News Editor Sophomore Jillian Hagen will attend the Quartz Mountain Arts Institute this summer for the creative writing program. Following a competitive application process, she received a full ride scholarship to the summer program, the equivalent of about three thousand dollars. At the workshop, students rigorously study their disciplines, honing their skills and receiving professional tutoring for long hours in the secluded quartz mountain. Junior Lexy Neira is attending the Rockettes Summer Intensive, a highly competitive workshop focused on developing synchronized dancing led by real Rockettes and held in the Radio City Music Hall. Sophomore Christina Hochla was accepted to the Kansas City Ballet Summer Intensive, a week long boarding program practicing various dance styles.
did an awesome job,” sophomore long jumper Nancy Rance said. Girls soccer wrapped up the season with a record of 9-2 and the boys with a 6-4. The girls big win over previously unscored upon Norman North increased their record and created excitement throughout the school. ”I’m really proud of all the girls for ending the season so strong. We’ve come out and competed with some of the top teams and beat the number one team in our district. Everyone’s been hustling so hard, and it’s really paying off, senior defender Nicole Voss said. “The best memory of the season was beating Norman North. They hadn’t even been scored on in the state all season and no one expected us to win, especially against them. It was great to give them a reality check.” The girls soccer team lost in their first game in postseason play. After a return to slow-pitch softball, the girls held a 0-6 record. Facing a short season with the weather interference, they were only able to play a minimal amount of games. “This year was fun. We entered the season late and have new girls who just try to get better each game,” junior Caroline O’Hare said.
DanceVisions performs at OKC Fine Arts Festival Bridget McGuire, Staff Writer Continuing tradition, DanceVisions performed at the Oklahoma City Arts Festival Apr. 26 at 3 pm. “It’s exciting for us to be at the arts festival because there’s so much change and growth in Oklahoma City,” dance teacher Brandi Kelly said. “Dancers always try to change and grow as artists.” This being their last performance together, it was an emotional time for Kelly and the members. “It’s bitter sweet to work all year long and finally have the Dance Visions show over,” Kelly said.
Taking the stage during the Arts Festival, seniors rejoice in final performance. “[Performing at the Festival] was an interesting experience. I’m glad that I did it so that I will be able to tell my kids that I danced at the Arts Festival,” senior and co-captain Regan Bolding said. Photo by Emily Watson