Gael Winds, December 2014

K E N N E D Y C AT H O L I C H I G H S C H O O L December Issue Gael Winds 2014

Gael Winds DECEMBER ISSUE

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR Rebecca O’Callaghan INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Global…

2

National….

4

Holidays…

6

KCHS…

8

EDITORS

Lauren Costello Maura Fallon Jen Galvao Ryan Wilson

The Christmas season has a magical effect on society. Excitement and joy is contagious as it fills the atmosphere. This feeling spreads throughout the world where the special holiday is celebrated uniquely according to each country. Here in America we combine many of these traditions based on our nationalities as well as start some of our own. The following are some unique traditions and celebrations that occur around the world to celebrate the season.

Ireland: On Christmas morning many can be seen taking swims in the Irish Sea, mostly at the Forty Foot Rock (just south of Dublin.) The temperature in Ireland on Christmas is usually around 50F/10C, which makes this a hardhitting experience, but many still participate because participants often receive sponsorship for charities.“The Dead”, a short story from James Joyce’s collection “Dubliners”, is the Irish equivalent of “The Christmas Carol” and is read throughout Ireland in December.The Feast of the Epiphany (January 6th) is traditionally when the Irish finish celebrating Christmas.

It is know as “Nollaig na mBean” (or Women’s Christmas.) On this day women get the day off and the men take down the Christmas decorations and clean.

Italy: The Feast of the Seven Fishes is eaten on Christmas Eve in Italy. Families prepare seven (or sometimes more) different types of fish in representation of the seven holy sacraments and the seven days of creation.The Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th is when most Italian

children receive gifts. They believe that an old lady named Befana brings presents for them. On Christmas day “Babbo Natale” (Santa Claus) might bring small gifts but the main present giving is on the Epiphany.

England:The English eat their dinner in the early afternoon while listening to the Queen’s speech on Christmas Day. The Queen’s speech is broadcasted on television every Christmas and is watched by millions. On December 26th the English celebrate Boxing Day by giving gifts to tradesmen, servants and friends. The holiday originated during medieval times when each priest emptied the alms boxes of his church and distributed gifts the poor.

Spain:Most people in Spain go to Midnight Mass or “La Misa Del Gallo” (The Mass of the Rooster.) The mass is given that title because a rooster is said to have crowed the night that Jesus was born. Children write to the Three Kings on Boxing Day asking for toys and receive them on the Feast Day of the Epiphany.December 28th is like April Fools Day in the sense that people go around joking with others. If you trick someone, you call him or her “inocente, inocente” which means “innocent, innocent.”

This day is when the Spanish remember all of the innocent babies killed by King Herod.

France: On Christmas Eve the French leave out food and drinks in case Mary and the baby Jesus come past during the night. French children leave out shoes with hopes that “Pere Noel” will fill them with gifts overnight. However, children also believe in “Pere Fouettard” who gives out spankings to bad children.In 1962, a law was written decreeing that all children who wrote letters written to Santa would receive a postcard, so many students write to Santa during the Christmas Continued on Page 3 season.

GAEL WINDS 2014

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UK PLANS MOON LANDING

By Rebecca O’Callaghan A British- led asso-

plan that is effectively making the public

ciation has outlined its plans

more interested in space missions. David

to land a robotic probe on

Iron, leader of the project, said he set up

the Moon in ten years. The

the initiative because governments are find-

group’s goal is to raise 500

ing it increasingly difficult to fund space

million pounds in donations

operations. However, this expedition is not

from the public in order to

only for just a time capsule. Lunar Mission

make the project possible. In

One aims to survey the Moon’s south pole

return, the donors will be

to see if a human base can be set up in the

able to have photos, messag-

future. The team also is planning this mis-

es and even their DNA in-

sion to educate and inspire a new genera-

cluded in a time capsule that

tion to become engaged in science the same

will be buried under the lu-

way that the Apollo Moon landings did in

nar surface. In a way, they

the 1960s and 70s. This mission sounds

will be able to pay for an

like a great way to get each participant per-

immortality

by

sonally involved in the mission while also

sending up a strand of hair,

increasing the world’s knowledge of the

which could survive for one

moon.

of

sorts

billion years on the moon. A short message will cost a few pounds, a photo will be a few tens of pounds, a short video will be about 200 pounds and a strand of hair will cost 50 pounds.

The

time

capsule

idea is a clever and exciting

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THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR (CONT.)

Russia: Most Russians celebrate Christmas on January 7th because the Russian Orthodox Church uses the old Julian calendar for religious celebration days. Some Russians do not eat anything on Christmas Eve until the first star appears in the sky. “Babushka” is the traditional Russian figure that distributes presents to children. Legend has it that she was offered to travel with the wise men to see Jesus but declined due to the cold weather. She regretted not going so she set off with presents trying to catch up to the three kings. She never found Jesus so she distributed the gifts to children.

Brazil: “Papai Noel” (Father Noel) is the gift-bringer in Brazil. It is said that he wears silk clothing due to the hot temperatures in Brazil and is supposed to live in Greenland. The sky in Brazil is aglow with fireworks throughout the night before Christmas.

China: Due to the fact that Christians only make up one percent of the people in China, Christmas is often only celebrated in the major cities. The Chinese rarely decorate trees but those who do use plastic trees and decorate with paper flowers, lanterns and chains.A new tradition that is becoming popular is the giving and receiving of wrapped apples. This tradition was started because Chinese Christmas Eve is called “Ping An Ye” and the word of apple “Ping Guo” sounds similar.

POPE FRANCIS VISITS TURKEY On November 28th, the current pontiff, Pope Francis, went on a journey to Turkey. He spent time in Ankara, the capital of Turkey, and Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, giving speeches in both places. His purpose was to encourage Christians and Muslims to converse with one another as a way to promote peace in the world; he suggests that justice forms when there is unity within different religions. The pope gave these speeches at the right time, because Christians

from Syria and Iraq were recently threatened by Islamic groups, causing thousands of them to flee. A large number of these Christians fled to Turkey. In one speech Pope Francis described how generous it was for Turkey to allow these refugees into the country. To end his trip, the pope celebrated Mass at a cathedral in Turkey, and signed a declaration with Istanbul's leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church, bringing Catholics and Orthodox to a union. Pope Francis's

By Rebecca O’Callaghan

By Becky Rendich next trip will be to Sri Lanka and the Philippines in January of 2015 to show compassion to the survivors of 2013 earthquake and typhoon. The pontiff also plans to visit the U.S. in the fall of 2015, to meet families and discuss how they are the building blocks of society.

GAEL WINDS 2014 NFL SEASON REVIEW

Page 4

By Tevan Costoso

The 2014 NFL Season has been one filled with surprises and unexpected upsets as well as the return of once-promising players. The Seattle Seahawks, the defending Super Bowl Champions, are currently 8-4 and are second in their division to the Arizona Cardinals. Running Back Marshawn Lynch and Quarterback Russell Wilson highlight the Seahawks’ offense, which hasn’t been as good as in previous years. Richard Sherman, the self proclaimed “best corner in the game”, hasn’t really lived up to his word this year, taking ‘til week 9 to grab his first interception of the year. While this season hasn’t treated the Seahawks as nicely as last year, the Seahawks are still expected to make the playoffs.

Mark Sanchez, former Jets Quarterback, found a new team after a fluctuating four year tenure as Jets QB. Sanchez signed with the Philadelphia Eagles to be their backup quarterback, and got a chance to show he's ready for a comeback after Philly starter Nick Foles broke his collarbone in week 9 versus the Houston Texans. Sanchez came in to replace the injured Foles and immediately made an impact, throwing a 52 yard pass to receiver Jeremy Maclin. Five plays later, Sanchez threw his first touchdown in nearly two years to rookie Jordan Matthews. Philadelphia went on to win the game, and Sanchez is currently on his way to the playoffs for the first time since his second season with the Jets in 2010.

Speaking of the Jets, hasn't it been a miserable season for Jets fans like me? The team is currently 2-10 and our record doesn't look like it'll improve much with upcoming games against New England and Miami in the coming weeks. Geno Smith doesn't seem to be the answer to the Jets’ offensive woes, currently having a 7:11 touchdown to interception ratio, and completing only 57% of his passes. Meanwhile, rookie Tight End Jace Amaro has been a bright spot for the Jets on offense, catching 74% of passes targeted to him.

The Jets have had their highs and lows this year, for example, beating the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-13, followed by a loss to the Buffalo Bills, 38-3. While the future of the Head Coach Rex Ryan is anything but certain, GM John Idzik could be under fire for the way he built the team. After their week 17 game against Miami, we should know for certain whether these men will remain in the Jets organization.

Continued on Page 5

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GAEL WINDS 2014

NFL SEASON REVIEW (CONT.)

By Tevan Costoso

While the Jets are usually down in the standings, the other New York team usually isn’t. But this year, the Giants aren't much better than the Jets. Their 3-9 record does not reflect how horrible their season has been. The Giants come off a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, who only won their 2nd game this season.

The Giants were up 21-0 at one point in the game, losing 25-24 after a field goal with under a minute to go.

Head Coach Tom Coughlin has taken full responsibility for the team's woes this season and is on the hot seat.

Everyone knows that the Denver Broncos are led by one of the greatest NFL Quarterbacks in history, Peyton Manning. But recently, the Broncos have found a new offensive weapon. CJ Anderson, who started the season as the Broncos’ 3rd string RB, has taken the primary offensive role away from the future hall of famer. Anderson broke out in week 10, when Denver went to Oakland. The 2nd year player out of California State is only 23 years old and could be a future star Running Back.

Now that we are heading into week 14 of the NFL season, we're getting a picture of who will make the playoffs and who won't. Surprisingly, the 5-7 Atlanta Falcons are leading their division. They can become the first teamwith a sub .500 record to make the playoffs since the 2010 Seattle Seahawks, who went 7-9 to win the NFC West and upset the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the playoffs. While the Patriots, Broncos, and Colts are almost certainly locks to make the playoffs, the Cincinnati Bengals lead in the AFC North by only half a game above the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers, who do currently hold the tiebreaker with the Ravens, and are in the Wild Card spot as of right now.

Over in the NFC, Arizona, Green Bay, Philadelphia and Atlanta lead their divisions, with Seattle and Detroit holding the wild card spot. In the NFC South, where Atlanta holds a lead, the Carolina Panthers, with a record of 3-8-1, are still in playoff contention, as crazy as that sounds. The Dallas Cowboys, despite starting the season 6-1, could miss out on the playoffs.

Super Bowl XLIX, the NFL Championship game between the winners of the AFC and the NFC, will take place on February 1st, at the home of the Arizona Cardinals, University of Phoenix Stadium, in Glendale, Arizona. The Arizona Cardinals currently share the best record in the NFL with Denver and New England, but because of their starting QB, Carson Palmer, going down with a knee injury in week 10, they aren't my pick to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, although backup quarterback Drew Stanton has done a very good job of filling in for Palmer. I believe that the Green Bay Packers, led by Aaron Rodgers, will play in this years Super Bowl. In the AFC, as much as it pains me to say it, The New England Patriots look unstoppable. If the AFC Championship is between Denver and New England, expect a great game, but any other team and I believe New England will play the Green Bay Packers in Arizona on February 1st. It should be a very good game, no matter what team makes it, but if my prediction holds true, the Green Bay Packers will bring home the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

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KEYSTONE PIPELINE The Keystone Pipeline is a colossal oil pipeline shipment system that runs throughout Canada, the United States, and some other areas of North America. It serves to transport crude oil, a highly important resource, to regions across the continent. Recently, there has been a major debate within the Senate on whether to construct what is thought to be the final part to the oil moving system, the Keystone XL system. The debate mainly concerns the environmental issues that the construction of this final aspect of the pipeline system could potentially cause. ! The proposed Keystone XL system would contain of a series of pipes to transport this crude oil to regions in need of it within the entire continent of North America. If this legislation to build and the pipeline is passed, much more oil would be flowing through the United States and Canada, resulting in a great increase in profit, sales, and productivity for all industries related to the use or consumption

Consisting of over 1,200 miles of pipes, this addition to the Keystone Pipeline system would cover much land, and run through various states including Montana, South Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.

On the other hand, environmentalists have projected that this new system will only worsen the problem of pollution due to oil spills and greenhouse gases. The output from the oil sands, which would produce and transport the crude oil, could increase the emission of harmful greenhouse gases up to 17%. Additionally, protests have begun to arise over the fact that this new Keystone XL system, if constructed, would run through the Ogallala Aquifer, thereby polluting one of the nation’s largest and most productive aquifers. This aquifer traps and produces a great amount of the nation’s fresh drinking water, and citizens involved in these protests believe that this will play a major role in contaminating their drinking water. Officials have not yet approved the

HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVES It's that time of year again, when we spread holiday cheer, love, and joy! There are a variety of drives occurring right here in Westchester Count where you can have the opportunity to assist your local community and to benefit not only others but also yourself through the Christmas spirit of giving.

Below are a list of charitable drives in Westchester currently: Toys for Tots: The Toys for Tots program, run by Putnam and Northern Westchester Hospitals, is having collections at the

By Ryan Wilson

project, as the Senate recently failed to pass legislation for the project to begin in recent weeks.

Currently, both Canada and The United States are at a standstill regarding if and when the project will start. The main question in this controversy remains: will the Keystone Pipeline bring more harm than good to the surrounding environment?

By Emma Berry

Jefferson Valley Mall on weekends. As well as toys, volunteers are also needed.

center provides food, clothing, and other programs to less fortunate families.

Northern Westchester Pantry: The Northern Westchester Community Center is in need of monetary donations to meet their

Pajama Drive: Groove Performing Arts is collecting PJs for the Pajama Program which collects unworn pajamas and books for

goal to feed the approximate seven hundred families who come to their pantry. All items donated are appreciated, and the community center would request that frozen turkeys, turkey breasts, whole chickens, roast beef, and similar meats be donated in particular. The community

children waiting to be adopted.

Habitat For Humanity: Habitat for Humanity's Home for the Holidays campaign requests members of the community to help build ten homes and raise money to build these homes in time for the upcoming holidays.

In addition, Habitat for Humanity will also host a party for all participating families at New Rochelle High School where those present can contribute to the society's foreclosure fund.

Get involved in your community and go volunteer at some of these local drives this holiday season!

GAEL WINDS 2014 KEEPING CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS

Christmas. There’s really nothing better than Christmas, right? No school for two weeks, sleeping ‘til noon with not a care in the world. The music, the food, the decorations, the shopping, the gifts! There is nothing not to like. For a time of year that so many people enjoy immensely and look forward to so much, it is shocking to see how thoroughly forgotten its origins are. Be honest, how many times in the past tenyears have you taken time on Christmas, all by yourself, to thank God for the greatest gift that has ever been given? Out of pure love,

God gave us His son Jesus Christ, the Savior of all creation. In today’s society the true meaning of Christmas has been overwhelmed by the materialistic aspect of the holiday. People have come to care more about all the shopping lists they have to complete and the gifts others will be getting them than the religion behind it all. It is truly a celebration of the birthday of our Lord, not just the exchange of gifts.

Christmas is a great opportunity for us to become closer with friends, family, and our faith. There is no better time to look

TRADITIONS & THE HOLIDAYS

The fire is crackling, and the smell of hot chocolate fills the air. All the signs of Christmas are appearing, and everyone is counting down the days. This is the time of year when we spend special time with family and friends. People all around the world come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, and let's not forget the New Year's parties and resolutions. December is the time for celebrations everywhere.

As the Christmas cheer fills everyone, traditions start to take over. My family spends the holidays lighting Advent candles every night and waiting until the last minute to get a tree. It is a great way to count down the

Page 7

By Christina Rowland back on the year and realize all that there is to be thankful for. Look past the gifts and the decorations and recognize that God has given us the eternal gift of Jesus Christ. As you sit and look at the presents under the tree, look at the family that is around it. Look at all the loved ones and friends that care deeply for you, and ultimately give thanks to the faith bringing you all together. Christmas is a sign of love. If there is love, Christ will always be kept in Christmas.

By Brittany Henriques

days until Christmas, while also remembering what the day is truly about. However, before children can stay up waiting for Santa to come down the chimney, chaos spreads everywhere.

Moms, dads, boys, and girls are

Man.” Most people can agree that the most fun filled part of Christmas is opening gifts with family. Seeing everyone's faces and laughing at the old memories, fills everyone with the Christmas spirit. It gets everyone

rooms as the countdown reaches zero. Resolutions are made, setting goals for people to achieve.

Mine is the cliché of being a better person. The midnight celebration is followed by New Years Day. This day consists of

running around trying to find or make the perfect gift for everyone. Plus, making Christmas dinner isn't always a walk in the park. Freshman Marianna Haag puts up a nativity scene outside her house. Though some families do big projects and have large homemade dinners, Christmas

ready for the rest of the holiday season.

late breakfast with the family, and spending the day dreading the fact that school is coming again. New Years is a time for a new beginnings, another chance for all.

can be as simple as ordering pizza with your close family.

Children in the U.S. are waiting for Santa; while children in China will be waiting for 'Sheng Dan Lao Ren' or “Old Christmas

New Years! As we slowly come closer to 2015, there are many things to do.

Some families, like my own, clean the house from top to bottom. It is a way to make sure that the New Year starts off fresh.

Many Americans spend New Year's Eve watching the ball drop in Times Square, like freshman Katie Agro. Party clappers and noise makers fill small living

The holidays are one of the happiest times of the year; spending time with family and friends, while having time to relax by yourself. They bring people together to celebrate, and to reminisce over memories past.

Enjoy the holidays, because that's what they're about. Joy.

GAEL WINDS 2013 KCHS CHRISTMAS CONCERT

The Kennedy Catholic family joined together in the auditorium on Wednesday, December 10th for a festive night filled with music and dance. The band, chorus, dancers, and string ensemble performed Christmas tunes that displayed the warmth and happiness during this most wonderful time of the year.

The dancers opened the Christmas concert with jolly tap and jazz routines.

Following the dancers were solo pieces including Vince Guaraldi's arrangement of "The Christmas Song" performed by Nicholas Di Grandi on piano, and "The Little Drummer

Boy/Piece on Earth" by Emma Berry and Monica Gayanelo on guitar and voice. Mr. Ostrofsky introduced our new string ensemble into the fine arts program with their first performance including "Silent Night," "Pachelbel's Cannon," and "Outtakes from Les Misérables". The band played a variety of famous Christmas pieces such as Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride", a medley of holiday tunes by Gustav Holst, and "Pachelbel's Christmas".

Beautifully resonating tones resembling Irish bagpipes echoed through the band's concluding piece, "A Celtic

BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER

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By Nicholas Di Grandi Christmas". The chorus sang several Christmas songs including “Echo Gloria”,featuring flute and violin, and "Joyful, Joyful", featuring trumpets. Members of the chorus also performed solo pieces from German operas. The chorus concluded the evening by leading the audience and performers in "Silent Night", a wonderful way to remind us of the preparation and celebration of the reason for this Christmas Season, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Congratulations to the Kennedy Catholic performers on another job well done!

By Laurel Higham

After only being two teams away from advancing to the World Championship at last year’s East Super Regional, the Bionic Gaels have stepped up their game. This year we are St. Louis bound, and our challenge

has proved itself to be a formidable opponent. At the RoboCATastrophe IV New Jeresy Qualfier, we ranked 13th at the end of the day and placed third for the Inspire Award, the highest honor. This achievement

events including children’s

we have aimed to accomplish is the “Cascade Effect”! This requires robots to be able to place two different sized wiffle balls in moving goals with heights of 30 cm, 60 cm, and 90 cm (roughly 1 ft, 2 ft, and 3ft). At the end of the match, robots have a chance to place balls in a stationary goal

advanced us to the New Jersey State Championship, which will occur in March 2015. We will be competing at John Dewey High School on December 20th for a chance to advance to the New York City-Long Island Regional Championship.

October. Our next great project

120 cm off the ground or to roll the other goals up a ramp. So far our robot, PT-109 (named for the PT boat last commanded by Lieutenant, John F. Kennedy)

In other news, we have aimed to be a well-rounded team and complete 500 hours of community outreach. To date, we have completed 350 hours at

workshops, robotics events, and even the 2014 New York State Fair. Additionally, our program has expanded, and a second team, Xeno Gaels, was formed in will be hosting the “Bionic Brouhaha II: The Second One” Qualifying Tournament on January 10th. If you would like to sign up for community service hours, see Laurèl Higham or Mrs. Ioannou.

GAEL WINDS 2014

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FROM FRESHMAN TO SENIOR YEAR

As an incoming freshman, most of my expectations for high school were based off the movie High School Musical.

People kept telling me that time was going to fly; that I wouldn't believe how quickly the next four years would pass.

While I might have been mistaken about high school being like a movie or a Taylor Swift song, all those people who warned me about how fast these years would go were right.

I feel like it was the just the other day I rode the bus to Kennedy for the first time - an anxious, awkward girl with a bad haircut and a fearful conviction that I would never ever figure out how to work my locker padlock.

I'd like to think I've progressed a bit since then, that my hair is no longer quite so awful and that I've learned and grown a little along the way. I think that high school is an opportunity for change and growth of character. The fears and anxieties never quite go away there is always some unknown thing looming before you - but the four years you spend in high school teach you how to go about tackling these obstacles and how to overcome fears of failure. Everyone fails a couple times in high school, let's be real.

I'm not an advice guru, nor do I pretend that I've got my life together by any means.

However, I do think I've learned

By Jen Galvao

a few important things along the way: Firstly, don't make yourself a stereotype. You are a complex and dynamic person with varied interests and talents.

Never sacrifice that for the sake of fitting in.

Find people who like things with enthusiasm, without irony, who allow you to get excited about the things you like.

Those are the kind of people who make good friends. Then, find something to be passionate about, whether it's sports, the robotics team, or the school newspaper. I made some of my best friends through the school play, including some underclassmen I might not have met otherwise.

Also, don't be a jerk.

Not everyone is going to like you all the time and that's okay, but be polite and friendly. Treat your teachers respectfully; they're just doing their jobs.

Just as not everyone is going to like you, you're not obligated to like everyone. It's ok to terminate relationships that are more harmful than helpful. Don't allow anyone to treat you badly. Toxic friendships are not worth the effort of maintaining. Don't be afraid to look out for yourself.

Honestly, high school is what you make of it. Put in a little bit of effort, surround yourself with positive influences, find things that make you happy and pursue them.

Some other helpful hints:  Be aware of your surroundings in the halls. There is nothing worse than being trapped behind a group of slow-moving freshmen when you're late to class. Be considerate, pick up the pace. 

Come to school functions; be it sports games or the school play. Everyone appreciates a little support.



Don't be that kid who plays the same three chords from "Clocks" over and over again on the piano after school. I get it, I like Coldplay, too. Please stop.



Hold a conversation with Mr. Furey or Mr. Zawiski about literally anything. It is always an enlightening experience.

Try things. Join clubs. High school is for figuring out the rest of your life, but it's not forever - I myself can attest to that. Enjoy every bit of time you get to spend learning about yourself and about the world. Make memories, but keep yourself open. Bigger and better things are to come.

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WINTER SPORTS

By Caitlin McCullough Winter Pep Rally:

Boy’s Varsity Hockey: With the start of the 2014-2015 season, the Varsity Hockey team has a record

On Friday December 12th, the Winter PepRally was held in the gymnasium at the end of the school day. The last pep-rally was Homeroom Olym-

of 5-1-0, a huge improvement since the

pics and brought the usual events such as the famous

2013-2014 season according to some of the

tug-o-war and relay races. However, some events, dis-

players. This season, the players have

closed in an interview with Athletic Director Frank

proved that they can work better as a team, and that thus far their hard work has paid

Tolan, being held at this year's Winter Pep-Rally included a contest in which a Freshman had the opportunity to win 50% or 25% of the profit raised for the

off. Still under the same coaching staff of

Class of 2015 gift. In order to win 50% of the profit,

Mr. Santini, the team looks for another win

the student must make a half-court shot and if the stu-

when they play the Varsity Brewster Bears

dent misses, the student then has an opportunity to

team on Tuesday December 20th.

make a 3-point shot to win 25% of the profit. The student chose to have Mr. Bruder to take the shots for him. Although he tried hard, Mr. Bruder was not able to make a single shot. Also, winter sports teams and captains were introduced. The Varsity Basketball team took place in a dunk contest, which even included 5’6” Junior, John Noce.

KCHS WINTER DRIVES As you have most likely seen, due to the Christmas season finally arriving there are many ways in which people are trying to donate and give back to their communities. Kennedy Catholic especially likes to take part in this spirit of giving. Two drives Kennedy has held were the Blood Drive and the Maria Fareri Children's Hospital Toy Drive. The Blood Drive was hosted by The New York Blood Center along with Kennedy Catholic’s Student Council. This drive was held on Tuesday, December 9th in the Cafeteria from 2:30pm until 8:30pm. As a blood donor you can give the

By Jennifer Goldfarb

“gift of life” to countless patients with diseases where blood transfusions are their only hope for survival. Blood transfusions are vital in organ transplants as well as in a multitude of other surgeries. Just by one person donating a unit of blood, it can save many lives.

As for the Toy Drive Kennedy is holding, we asked for clothing items as well as toys to be donated for the sick patients at the Maria Fareri Children's Hospital. This drive was held from the last week of November to December 15th. Especially during the holiday months, these children are in great need of new toys and clothes to distract them from their treatments and give them the joy and motivation to enjoy this time of the year.

Donation included anything as small as an arts & crafts project, a doll, or a pair of pa-

jamas. Such donations can truly mean so much to these kids and their families. Blue flyers were posted all around the school with a multitude of gift suggestions written on them. Congratulations to Jennifer Goldfarb, Christina Rowland, and Rebecca O’Callaghan on such a successful collection of about 700 toys; this doubly surpassed Father Vaillancourt’s original goal.

No matter whether you decide to give blood, donate toys, or both; the smallest deeds can make the greatest difference to these people in need. Please highly consider contributing to causes like these, because it reminds us of how fortunate we are.

GAEL WINDS 2014

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2014 KCHS YEAR IN REVIEW

By Layne Smith As 2014 comes to a close at the end of this month, I can’t help but wonder: what were things like a year ago from today? What’s changed since then? It’s amazing how a single year can feel like it was just yesterday; but at the same time, it slowly becomes a fading memory with the New Year’s Eve countdown and a flip of a calendar. Looking back on the past 365 days not only calls us to reflect on the countless memories and experiences that have shaped our year, but it also allows us to examine how far we have come as individuals and as one Kennedy Catholic community.

Sports: The 2014 spring season brought success all around. Both boy’s and girl’s lacrosse had winning seasons, as did the varsity baseball team who placed 3rd in City Championships after several hardfought games. Additionally, four Kennedy baseball players have recently signed National Letters of Intent to play in college. As for the fall and winter seasons, varsity field hockey was the runner up in their endof-year tournament, after winning a qualifying game in quadruple overtime. Varsity girl’s soccer, volleyball, cross coun-

try, and tennis had amazing seasons as well.

Fine Arts & School Activities: The Kennedy drama department’s Bye Bye Birdie was an enormous hit in the spring, as both cast and crew were nominated for Metro Awards. As a further showcase of artistic talents, twenty-six students had their written works published in the 2014 edition of On My Mind, an anthology of student writings from around the Tri-State area. In terms of school activities, which were aided by the Student Council, both junior and senior prom, as well as this year’s homecoming had great turnouts and enthusiastic reception from the student body. The Kennedy Catholic community also demonstrated their continual dedication to service this year by greatly contributing to local charities and volunteer organizations like “United for the Troops.”

Academics: 2014 has also been an outstanding year academically. Last year’s graduating class

earned over $18,000,000 in scholarships, and this year’s class of 2015 has two National Merit Scholar semifinalists.

A year from now, another class will have graduated, there will be scores of new freshman nervously walking about the halls, six new Student Council members will be leading the school, every sports team will have a promising clean slate, and 8,760 hours of memories will have been made. But right now, in this moment, this upcoming year holds every possibility, whether that is college, senior “royalty”, or just another year of high school. In remembering 2014, appreciate the time spent with family and friends, learn from that AP test you should have studied for, and enter 2015 with an open mind and a full heart.

GAEL WINDS 2014

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HOOPS FOR HOPE

Hoops for Hope is being held on December 20th, at 6 p.m., at the Kennedy Catholic gym. Anyone can make a team; the only requirements are that you need two girls on the court at all times. The suggested donation for all participants is $8. All proceeds will go to the Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital for Maureen's Hoops for Hope foundation. ~Ryan Pods

Faculty Advisor: Mrs. McGown

CONTACT US SEND ALL INQUIRIES TO

gaelwinds@kennedycatholic.org

Junior Editor: Layne Smith

Contributors: Rebecca O’Callaghan, Caitlin McCullough, Layne Smith, Jennifer Goldfarb, Christina Rowland, Emma Berry, Becky Rendich, Ryan Wilson, Tevan Costoso, BrittanyHenriques, Nichols Di Grandi, Laurel Higham, and Jen Galvao