Gael Winds - November 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 November Issue Gael Winds 2014

Gael Winds NOVEMBER ISSUE

THE CORE OF THANKSGIVING

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Global…

2

Local….

4

National…

6

KCHS…

9

EDITORS

Lauren Costello Maura Fallon Jen Galvao Ryan Wilson

Family, good food, joy, and peace: Thanksgiving is a time when we recognize these simple things in life that we may take for granted on a daily basis. No matter how dark the days may become, we must keep in mind that we are blessed with food in our bellies and roofs over our heads. Thanksgiving also reminds us of what it is to be an American - this gives us an opportunity to reminisce in our liberties granted to us in this country: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Thanksgiving is a time of tradition and thankfulness for families across America.

Thanksgiving traditions are held close to the heart of America's families. Personally, a Thanksgiving tradition in my family is to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade and the National Dog Show. It gives us all a chance to bond over two things that we love - the Big Apple and cute little canines. Victoria Semán, a junior, recounts her family's traditions: "Every year my family hosts Thanksgiving for our relatives. It has always been a great way to stay together. Ever since my grandmother died, it's been difficult to find time to get together, and I also have relatives that do not live near me. I think this is really important that we still have a chance to sit down and connect with them. I am really proud of this tradition; even though circumstances make it hard, everyone can still come together and be thankful for the thing that matters most... family." An important message is illustrated here: the fact that familial love can break any boundary, literally and figuratively.

Thanksgiving gives us a chance to celebrate this love. Of course if you have an Italian family like myself, Thanksgiving dinners are quite humorous with a handful of noisy relatives;

By Emma Berry

however, when the kids start throwing food at the dinner table, that's when things really become fun. Traditions formed in families are passed down and cherished for generations.

The things we tend to appreciate the most are "the little things" in life; the changing of the leaves from bright green to fiery auburn, starry nights, a phone call with that special someone, or simply making a stranger smile. When asked what he was thankful for, Kevin Blewitt, a senior, wrapped things up beautifully when he responded with: "Coffee. And a lot of it." We all are thankful for whatever gets us through the day, and in this case, caffeine does the job. Genny Glembotzky, a junior, said that she is "thankful for the opportunities that education has given me." Even though it may seem like a great burden, education is a significant gift that not everyone possesses. Our education will help us to shape the world for generations following, and we must be grateful of its enlightening effects even if it can often seem stressful.

Thanksgiving teaches us not to take anything for granted in our society of abundance. By seeing all that we have, this gives us an opportunity to express charity to those who are not as fortunate by donating to food and clothing drives and volunteering our time to work with the helpless. This further shows that love is a large part of the message that Thanksgiving demonstrates to us.

Family traditions and being appreciative of our blessings is what Thanksgiving reminds us of every November. We keep our family, friends, and country close to our hearts on this holiday. Love is beautifully expressed through our families and also through helping others. We receive pleasures from simple things such as coffee, nice weather, or inspiring joy in others. This Thanksgiving, remind yourself of how lucky you are to be a part of this world.

GAEL WINDS 2014

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A FLASH IN THE PAN AND A SLOW BURN: HOW THE TIDE OF THE WAR ON THE ISLAMIC STATE IS TURNING

By Jordan Hopkins For the last six months,

killing a believer, and a convert to

ISIL leaders, including head honcho Abu Bakr Al-

the Islamic State in Iraq and the Le-

boot, is a grievous offense, and seems

Baghdadi. The Battle of Kobani, meant to be a show of

vant(ISIL) has waged a "holy" war

to be a desperate headline grab for the

force for the jihadist "nation" against not only ground

(holy being used in the loosest possi-

jihadist group, who has been on the

troops but the US fighters, failed miserably, and a com-

ble sense here) against the

run from American, British, and

bination of courageous Syrian and Turkish Kurd fighters

Shia Muslim population of Iraq and

French air strikes since early Septem-

on the ground and punishing US-coalition-led air strikes

Syria, as well as the Western power-

ber.

have devastated the group and pushed the opposition

house countries of America, Britain,

After capturing the key

forces in Kobani to the brink of defeat. Rafiq Baradar, a

Australia, and France. They have,

Iraqi cities of Mosul, Fallujah, and

leader of the Kurdish Popular Protection Unit(YPG),

since their rise to fame, executed five

waging a vicious campaign against

stated in an interview to CNN that the Islamic State

western nationals live on camera;

Syrian Kurds in the town of Kobani,

presence in Kobani "...will probably be finished in four

American citizens James Foley and

it seems as though the advance of the

or five days."

Steven Sotloff, British citizens David

black-flag-bearing group may finally

Haines and Alan Hedding, and, most

be slowing. Air strikes against the

case in all wars against terrorist cells, the tough part will

recently, American US Army Ranger

town of Mosul on November 7 de-

not be taking out major command structures, but defeat-

Abdul-Rahman "Peter" Kassig. Kas-

stroyed important convoy positions

ing the hundreds of small cells of ten or fifteen commit-

sig's death at the hands of the same

and may have injured several key

ted jihadists scattered across the desert. In the case of

But this doesn't mean the war is over. As is the

ISIS executioner as the four

Operation Enduring Freedom in Af-

other westerners proved a

ghanistan, the war against the Taliban

turning point for ISIS and

has been ongoing for more than thir-

their support among Sunni

teen years at this point. The war

Iraqis and Syrians for one

against ISIL, Operation Inherent Re-

very important reason: Kassig

solve, will require just that. However,

was a convert to Islam, and a

just like the wars in Iraq and Afghani-

Sunni, no less. Even for the

stan, the problem will not go away

radicals in the ranks of ISIS

until the legitimate concerns of middle

and those who support them,

Eastern citizens about Western intervention in the area are addressed in a serious manner by all parties involved.

Until this occurs, the war on terror will continue, in a vicious cycle that will only result in more death and suffering in the turbulent area.

GAEL WINDS 2014

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THE BERLIN WALL: 25 YEARS This Novem-

By Ostap Pryjun

the Cold War and its division of

when people who lived under

ber marks the 25th anniversary

the world into halves, one half

constant tyranny were not treated

of the Fall of the Berlin Wall.

still relatively free and the other

as people, but as property—

The wall, which was constructed

half under the most brutal and

something to be controlled, re-

in 1961 under the orders of the

comprehensive tyranny ever

stricted, ordered around and

freedom and all

Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushev,

experienced by man in modern

scrutinized. It reminds us how

that is good and

prevented the mass defection of

history. Nothing was supposed to

lucky we are when we live in a

just in our world.

people from Soviet satellite na-

cross the Iron Curtain of barbed-

time where for the most part,

tions. Construction occurred

wire fences, land-mined farm

freedom to do anything is uni-

following World War II, under

fields, and machine-gun watch-

versal and how a loss of freedom

the guise of the "Anti-Fascist

towers that cut across central

determines what direction

Protection Rampart". The wall

Europe from the Baltic to the

(toward individual freedom or

divided the communist East

Adriatic Sea, without the permis-

towards collective control) hu-

Germany from the democratic

sion of the Soviet masters in

manity took in the past and what

West, and was the symbol of the

Moscow. Over 180 people died

path humanity may take in the

"Iron Curtain" that divided

attempting to cross to the West,

future.

Europe for over 30 years until

but despite this, over 5,000 man-

1989 when it was opened follow-

aged to make the dangerous

ing the collapse of the Soviet

journey across to freedom. The

Union. For many people, The

Berlin Wall is a powerful re-

Berlin Wall came to symbolize

minder of a time and a place

“None of us will ever forget this day. Yet, we go forward to defend

“

—George W. Bush

IMMIGRATION On November 4th,

By Marlana Kitsakos

Americans see this sudden out-

Harry Reid of Nevada, as well as

opinions, it's hard to determine

2014, the Mid-terPresident

break of concern as Obama's

five other democratic senators,

whether a change will come in the

Barack Obama is pushing to

attempt to make as many

sent Obama a letter pushing him

future.

promote changes in the immigra-

changes he can before the GOP

to go through with the law. An

tion process within the United

(the Grand Old Party) takes con-

excerpt of this letter states,

States. While this is bound to

trol of the Senate, the House of

"Because House Republicans

evoke many different feelings

Representatives, and numerous

have not acted, we fully support

between both the legal and ille-

governor positions. According to

your decision to use your well-

gal residents of the country, the

Republican Representative Tom

established executive authority

main question is: Why has the

Cole of Oklahoma, “A lot of

to improve as much of the immi-

president waited so long to ad-

people on our side think that he’s

gration system as you can." The

dress the issue of immigration –

intentionally trying to bait us

Democratic Party sees this law

an issue that has been present in

into some sort of fight.” On the

as a push in the right direc-

this country for so long? Some

other hand, Democrat Senator

tion. With these two differing

GAEL WINDS 2014 HUDSON VALLEY RESTAURANT WEEK

Page 4

By Layne Smith

Contrary to what the following article may insinuate, I am not a food critic, nor am I a connoisseur of all things culinary. I am simply a high school student who happens to enjoy an exceptionally good cup of coffee and can appreciate a cultured meal. The Hudson Valley happens to be one of the most diverse and critically acclaimed areas for restaurants in the state of New York, and Hudson Valley Restaurant Week takes advantage of that. For two weeks at the beginning of November, 200 restaurants from around the region create lunch and dinner menus that allow people to develop a taste for the style of food in which the particular restaurant specializes.

With three courses and only $20.95 for lunch and $29.95 for dinner, it’s not overly expensive either.

Hudson Valley Restaurant Week is an amazing opportunity, whether you are new to the area, like myself, or simply interested in sampling some of the Hudson Valley’s finest fare. I dined at three of the two hundred options and was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. #1 Mariposa at Neiman Marcus: White Plains Conveniently located at the Westchester Mall and tucked away in the Neiman Marcus department store, Mariposa is a perfect lunch spot for busy shoppers, especially with the upcoming holiday season in mind. The butternut squash soup, turkey and pear salad, and chocolate soufflé cake were not too rich and ideal for a light lunch! #2 Purdy’s Farmer & the Fish: North Salem Aptly named, Farmer & the Fish focuses on the use of locally cultivated and seasonal vegetables as well as fresh, local seafood. The majority of the ingredients used in the restaurant are grown in the adjoining farm and sold to the public at their market. The restaurant itself is in a farmhouse of sorts, which has a very charming atmosphere, even though it is immensely crowded most of the time. The unique uses of vegetables in the dishes make for a delicious meal, as well as a healthy one. #3 Café of Love: Mount Kisco Had I not been specifically looking for Café of Love, I probably would not have found it; it is located on a branch of Main Street and has an understated sign, which many could miss. Inside has intimate atmosphere and compliments the homey food. The spiced pumpkin soup, lobster macaroni and cheese, and chocolate-raspberry layered cake were by far my favorites of the three restaurants.

Overall, Hudson Valley Restaurant Week is a great way to try new places and cuisines from around the area. However, no fear if you missed it this November: there is a spring edition, which occurs during the first two weeks of March, so check the website and plan ahead!

Lobster macaroni and cheese from Café of Love

GAEL WINDS 2014

CAMBRIDGE STATE OF MIND

Page 5

By Lauren Costello

As if there is not enough hustle and bustle in New York City already, it has been recently announced that Prince William and Princess Kate of England will be traveling across the Atlantic next month for their first ever visit. Regretfully, my favorite royal, Prince George, will not be making the trek with his parents. Nonetheless, The Royal Highnesses have a very packed visit lasting from December 7th to December 9th, according to their official website. On December 7th, they will land in New York City and attend a private engagement on behalf of the American Friends of the Royal Foundation. On December 8th, Prince William will leave New York City and journey to Washington D.C. to attend an anti-corruption conference at the World Bank. He will be discussing a zero tolerance approach to the transportation of illegal wildlife across the border, a key area of work for the United For Wildlife Consortium, which he is president of. Meanwhile, Princess Kate will be accompanied by Chirlane McCray, the mayor’s wife, on a visit to a local hold development center. This type of event is characteristic of Kate, who holds mental health and educational services very dear to her heart. Later that night, Prince William and Princess Kate will be attending a Nets vs. Cavaliers Basketball game at Barclays, which is the public’s best opportunity to see them on their visit. On December 9th, the royals will visit a youth organization to see the work they will accomplish in partnership with an inner city youth development foundation. The Royals will also attend an event celebrating the wealth of British talent in the creative industries based in New York. To culminate their short visit, Prince William and Princess Kate will be attending their alma mater’s special banquet, The University of St. Andrew’s 600th Anniversary Dinner at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Some people idolize sports icons or entertainment celebrities, but I personally have idolized Princess Kate in particular for as long as I can remember. To me, she, along with Prince William, symbolizes a modernization in the English monarchy. The Royal Highnesses bring a certain vitality to their positions, and I am eager to see this vitality (hopefully in person) when they visit. As Taylor Swift, the Global Welcome Ambassador for New York City, so eloquently wrote, “Welcome to New York [Prince William and Princess Kate], it’s been waiting for you.”

GAEL WINDS 2014

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BIG HERO 6: A REVIEW On November 7th, Disney re-

fight the criminal, and in the end,

“None of us will

leased its latest animated movie

save the city. This movie is

ever forget this

called Big Hero 6. This movie

packed with action, mild vio-

day. Yet, we go

tells the story of the adventures

lence, and destruction; but at the

forward to defend

of Hiro Hamada, a teenager from

same time tells an excellent story

freedom and all

the town of San Fransokyo, and

in a humorous way. For a Disney

that is good and

his brother's creation Baymax, a

movie, it seems a little intense

just in our world.

robot built for healthcare. Hiro

for small kids, but it nicely fits

“

was experienced in the field of

the interests of teenagers and

robotics just like his brother

adults.

By Becky Rendich

Tadashi Hamada, and during a

—George W. Bush

robotics fair he presented a new technology called microbots.

Hiro originally had an idea for what the microbots could be used for, but when they fell into the wrong hands, danger arose in the city. To save the city, Hiro used his knowledge of robotics to "upgrade" himself, Baymax, and four friends, so they could

PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY IN NEW YORK Last season, the New

By Caitlin McCullough

as Brian Boyle, Anton Stralman,

Coach, Alain Vigneault,

York Rangers defeated the

Brad Richards, Benoit Pouliot,

the Rangers are fourth in the

Montreal Canadians to become

and Dan Carcillo to other teams

Metropolitan Division with 18

the Eastern Conference Final

because they became unre-

points and a record of 7-7-4. The

Champions and to move on to

stricted free agents and signed

Rangers are now looking to

play in the Stanley Cup Final

with other teams. Even though

bounce back from a loss to the

against the Western Conference

they lost those players, the team

Tampa Bay Lighting and defeat

Final Champions, the Los An-

picked up veterans to the game

the Philadelphia Flyers on

gles Kings. Although the team

such as defenseman Dan Boyle

November 19th.

worked hard to get to the Stanley

who will be a key player in the

Cup Finals, they lost to the

Rangers power-play unit and

Kings in game 5 of the finals in

Kevin Hayes who is a forward

OT (overtime). In the offseason,

that will increase the forward

the Rangers lost key players such

line speed. Under the same Head

GAEL WINDS 2014 ELECTION DAY

By Rebecca O’Callaghan

As every year, Election Day was held on the Tuesday after the first Monday of November. Lawmakers chose November because for much of American history, the U.S. was predominantly an agrarian society and November was after fall harvest. Lawmakers chose Tuesday because farmers had to travel far to vote and they could not travel on Sunday due to religious obligations.

They also prevented Election Day from being on November 1st because it is All Saints Day, therefore a Holy day of Obligation. This year, a Midterm Election was held and the Republican Party took control of the Senate, retained majority in the House and defended the closely contested governors’ races. Republi-

Page 7

running things. Congress had a disapcans won Democratic Senate seats in North Carolina, Colorado, Iowa, West Virginia, Arkansas, Montana and

proval rating of 80%, which explains why major changes occurred in Congress this election.

South Dakota to gain their first Senate majority since 2006. Contests that

Exit Poll Statistics

were expected to be close were not, and races that were expected to go Democratic went to the Republicans.

With at least a nine-seat gain in the House of Representatives and most likely more, Republicans will have close to 245 seats, the largest Republican majority since the Truman administration. Also, this is the first time that the GOP (Grand Old Party) has con-

31% think things in this country today are generally going in the right direction (was 34% in 2010) 22% expect life for the next generation of Americans to be better than life today (was 32% in 2010) 44% approve of the way Barack Obama is handling his job as president (was 44% in 2010) 78% are worried about the direction of the nation's economy in the next year (was 86% in 2010

trolled both chambers since the 109th Congress and is the most dominant Republican Congress since 1929. As for approval ratings, 54% of voters do not like the way that the president is

IMMUNOTHERAPY

The immune system in

By Jen Goldfarb gens that differ from the normal

becomes deadly. Immunotherapy

treatments that are solely used to

the average person is resilient

cells in our bodies. Germ cells

treatment works by stimulating

improve the immune system by

towards fighting off common

are very different than our nor-

the cancer patient's immune

aiding their attack on cancer

diseases such as the common

mal cells , and it is very easy for

system to boost it or to signal an

cells. Although none of these

cold and the flu. When it relates

our immune systems to differen-

attack on a specific part of a

treatments are one hundred per-

to a detrimental disease such as

tiate between the two.

cancer cell.

cent effective today, immuno-

cancer, we have learned that our immune systems are unable to adequately fight an illness such as this. What if I told you that there have been discoveries that can aid our own immune systems in battling this killer? This particular advance in the medical treatment field is called "cancer immunotherapy". As we know, the immune system is naturally equipped to detect foreign anti-

therapy has proven to be a brilAlthough cancer cells

Three main types of

may have different outer proteins

immunotherapy are currently

than our normal body cells, they

being used to treat cancer. First

are not as dissimilar as most

are cancer vaccines, which re-

other germ cells are. Therefore,

lease substances into the body

it is harder for the immune sys-

that trigger an immune reaction

tem to initially detect the inva-

to particular diseases. Secondly,

sion of cancer cells. Coupled

monoclonal antibodies are im-

with the fact that the immune

mune system proteins produced

system is not strong enough to

in a lab that attack a specific part

rid the body of the cancerous

of a cancer cell. Lastly, non-

cells on its own, the cancer then

specific immunotherapies are

liant advance in the fight to end cancer which has deeply touched the lives of so many.

GAEL WINDS 2013 OLD MAN WINTER

By Rebecca O’Callaghan

Winter 2014-2015 for the Northeast is predicted to be an interesting one. Meteorologists predicted that late November will bring cold air and that prediction seems to be accurate so far. By January and February, the full effect of winter will be upon us. Just as last year, the polar vortex will deliver bursts of artic air to the region. However, Long-Range Forecaster Paul Pastelok determined that the freezing temperatures will not be as persistent as last year.

As for snow, Pastelok predicts that New York City will receive a total snow amount of just

Page 8

around February. December is above normal (30.6in.). A weak to moderate El Niño is also expected to affect this winter. An El Niño is a climate phenomenon that occurs when a vast pool of water in the western tropical Pacific Ocean becomes abnormally warm. For the upcoming winter in the Northeast, this means that it could be mild and sunny one week then

predicted to be the warmest month of the winter with above normal temperatures. Overall, meteorologists expect this upcoming winter to consist of many wild temperature changes. Personally, I will be content as long as we get a white Christmas!

cold and snowy the next. The cold weeks are predicted to be tough because the El Niño increases the chances of a Nor’easter of over 6” to a greater than 60% possibility.

New York City should expect one to two significant Nor’easters

PUT DOWN THE RAZOR

It's that time of the

By Carley Gilmore

shaving for a month sounds, it is

year again: No Shave November,

extremely important to keep in

a time to put down the razors

mind the people who lose their

over the course of an entire

hair from the effects of chemo-

month. Something that encour-

therapy. Rebecca wanted people

ages no shaving for a month

to recognize this and donate to

seems like a very peculiar thing

support the cause. So does grow-

to do without a reason or pur-

ing a beard or not shaving your

pose. However, there is a huge

legs during this month help raise

meaning behind "No Shave No-

cancer awareness? Absolutely!

vember." This month of com-

While Kennedy Catholic is not

memoration contributes to a

taking part , any boy or girl can

special cause to raise cancer

help spread awareness. Anyone

awareness. It all started when a

can help support this cause by

girl named Rebecca Hill wanted

donating money on the No Shave

to find a way for everyone to

November website to the Ameri-

fight cancer in an entertaining

can Cancer Society. All money

way. As silly as the idea of not

donated goes to cancer research

and makes a difference.

GAEL WINDS 2014

Page 9

OPERATION DEFEND THE HOLIDAYS

During this holiday season, Kennedy Catholic High School is proud to say that we are collaborating with an



Freshman: Toiletries



Sophomores: Sundries (batteries, cards, magazines, books, etc.)

organization called United for the Troops to bring comfort to the soldiers

By Chiara Calov

nation can go a long way. It is the least we can do for the brave men and women who are fighting to defend and protect our country.



Juniors and Seniors: Non-

who are serving overseas. United for

perishable food (canned goods,

If you would like to know more about

the Troops was founded in 2007 when

nuts and trail mixes, cereal, gra-

United for the Troops, or if you have any

a man named Luke Rathschmidt was

nola bars, crackers and cookies,

questions about Operation Defend the

deployed from Fort Bragg, North Caro-

etc.)

Holidays, visit unitedforthetroops.org

lina. After Luke entered Iraq in June of All of the items are being

that year, his family realized that there are many things that the troops are not supplied with, items make them feel as comfortable as they were back home.

When Luke told his family stories about men and women who did not have family in the United States to send them care packages with convenience and enjoyment items, the Rathschmidt family formed United for the Troops within weeks. Their goal is to show our soldiers we are proud of them and appreciate all of their efforts, by providing amenities including books, DVDs, CDs, snacks, and t-shirts.

Now as the holidays approach, 'Operation Defend the Holidays' is being conducted by United for the Troops. In this effort, items are being collected to put together packages for the troops in Iran and Iraq. Kennedy is involved in donating some of the goods that will be used in the packages. As Father Vaillancourt has mentioned, we are now collecting items for students to donate. It is asked that each grade bring in the following:

collected now so that there will be

Included is a suggested list of items to

enough time to prepare and bundle the

donate

goods, and then send them in the mail so that they arrive in the Middle East

SNACKS (preferably single serve)

before the holidays. If you are inter-

Pretzels (canned)

ested, packaging day will be

Pringles

on November 29 at the American Le-

Trail mix

gion Hall on Buckshollow Road in

Chex mix (canned)

Mahopac starting at 9:00am. It is the

Cookies (Oreo, chocolate chip, oatmeal

day that the organization needs the

raisin etc.)

most help with. If you can stop by and

Disposable Razors & shaving cream

just give some of your time, you can

Crackers (Ritz, Triscuits, Saltines)

gain a few community service hours

Granola Bars

while putting a smile on as many

Power Bars

troops faces as possible this holiday

Cereal Bars wipes

season!

Fruit Roll Ups

For example, the English depart-

Nuts (peanuts, pistachios, cashews)

ment along with other teachers will be

Sunflower seeds

giving out extra credit to any students

Slim Jims

who bring in items. So remember to

*Beef Jerky*

donate and tell either Mrs. Normile or

Hot Chocolate Packets

Mrs. Morris so that they can give you

Tea Bags

your additional points!

Pop Tarts

Please help United for the Troops in their 'Operation Defend the Holidays'

Easy mac Salsa (plastic jars or canned)

campaign this season. Your small do-

Continued on page 10

GAEL WINDS 2014

Page 10

OPERATION DEFEND THE HOLIDAYS (CONT.)

By Chiara Calov Boxers (funny ones) SNACKS (cont.)

Baby Wipes

Crew socks (black or white)

Chapstick & lip balm

Games

Salsa (plastic jars or canned)

Eye Drops

CD’s and or DVD’s

Tuna Fish in a pouch

Shampoo & Conditioner

Sports, Fashion, Computer Magazines

Chicken in a pouch

Insect Repellant (wipes are good)*

Comics

Peanut Butter (plastic jar)

Disposable Razors & shaving cream

Ibuprofen, Tylenol etc.

Jelly/Jam (plastic jar)

Toothbrushes & toothpaste

Calling Cards

Single Serve Drink Mixes (Kool-Aid,

Dental Floss

Pipe Cleaners

crystal light, etc.)

Mouthwash

ZIP-LOC BAGGIES _ ALL SIZES

Yoo-hoo /Chocolate milk (non refrig-

Eyeglass lens cleaning wipes

Disposable cameras

erated)

Body wash (liquid) NO BAR SOAP

Air Fresheners (car hanging type)

Instant Oatmeal

Kleenex (individual Size)

Dryer Sheets (Bounce, etc.)

Cereals (individual serve)

Skin moisturizers

Hairbrushes & Combs

Chili, Stew, Pastas (individual serve)

Deodorant

Hair Clips, Ties, Bands

Candy (M&M’s, sweet tarts, etc.)

Q-Tips

Band Aids

Gum & lifesavers

Nail clippers & nail files

Single serve condiments (ketchup,

Feminine Hygiene Products

mayo, mustard, salt & pepper, hot

* Athletes Foot Spray or powder*

sauce etc.)

Laundry Detergent (individual size)

Easy mac

* Icy-Hot Gel Packs* ZIP-LOC BAGGIES—ALL SIZES

SUNDRIES

Coffee & Filters Fruit (canned)

Batteries (AAA-AA-D-C-9 volt) Tan Undershirts

TOILETRIES

GAEL WINDS 2014 BASKETBALL UPDATE Girl's

Varsity

Page 11

By Caitlin McCullough Boy's Varsity Basketball

Basketball

In the 2013-2014 seaDespite losing only a

son, the varsity basketball roster

few seniors from the 2013-2014

was filled by mostly seniors now

season, the

graduated this year. Last season,

varsity basketball looks to fur-

the team went to the CHSAA

ther themselves than last season.

City Championship game and

Under the same head coach Al

the semi-finals for the NYS

Morales, who was the assistant

CHSAA State Finals Tourna-

coach with the 2004 Kennedy

ment. Despite the setback this

Catholic Section 1 State and

season, still under the same

Federation Championship team

coaching staff of head coach

that finished 25-2 and the award

Lance DeMarzo and Assistant

winner of the 2013 NYS Assem-

Head Coach Joseph DeMarzo,

bly Citation award for NYC

the girls on last seasons varsity

basketball, and head associate

roster and the newly added play-

coach Marshall Reiff. This year

ers strive to play in finals of the

the boys on the team look to win

CHSAA State Finals Tourname n t

and

'win

it

the CHSAA League as

all.'

well as the NYS CHSAA States.

TEACHER FEATURE: MR. BRUDER One of Kennedy

By Christina Rowland

Bruder’s lifelong passion was

freshman as well as Theology III

exploring their Catholic identi-

Catholic High School’s greatest

always teaching, although it

and Theology III Honors to jun-

ties.” In addition, it has become

attributes is its remarkable teach-

wasn’t his first career path in

iors. He has expressed that his

evident to many students here at

ing staff. The Kennedy Catholic

life. His first career was in the

main content area is Social Stud-

Kennedy that he is not only a

community has recently wel-

sports marketing field where he

ies but believes that Social Stud-

teacher, but always there to listen

comed one of our newest teach-

worked for fifteen years at radio

ies and Theology are intercon-

and offer knowledgeable advice.

ers Mr. Bruder into this wonder-

stations, such as WFAN. He then

nected. Theology is simply the

Overall, Mr. Bruder is

ful family. Mr. Bruder was born

decided to make the bold move

history and the study of God,

truly thrilled to now be a part of

and raised in Yonkers, NY

to change his career to teaching.

Our Father. When asked what

the Kennedy Catholic Family. But

which is about forty five minutes

His family, friends, and faith

his first priority was here at Ken-

most importantly, he is doing

from Kennedy. He attended

helped him to pursue what is

nedy Catholic he stated that it

what he loves by educating his

Catholic school at Iona Prep.,

now his life work.

was “to ensure that all of my

students and preparing them for

students are actively engaged in

the next chapter of their lives.

and then later enrolled in college at Fordham University. Mr.

Currently, Mr. Bruder teaches both Global History I to

the learning process along with

GAEL WINDS 2014

Page 12

ALUMNI UPDATE Jaqueline Katsberg, an alumni of the Kennedy Catholic class of ‘02 , has published a book called The Elemental Guardians: Foundling. I sat down with her and asked her a couple of questions about it.

What is the summary of your book?



Aileron doesn't know who he is or what happened to him in the past to make him loose his memories. A strange, reoccurring dream seems to hold the answer, but creates more questions and heartache than Aileron can stand. A stroke of fate and an unlikely friendship leads him down the path to the answers he desperately seeks regarding his past and his uncertain future. During his journey, a secret that is more dangerous than ever imagined has strong connections to his past and shapes the future of his clan and the earth's fragile balance.

When does it come out?



The book, The Elemental Guardians: Foundling should be officially out in December.

Where will it be available?



The book will be available in Barnes & Noble, Amazon, iTunes and Google Play.

Did you know what you wanted to write about before you started writing?



I initially didn't have an idea, per se, about what I specifically wanted to write. I knew that I wanted dragons to be in it, the four elements and some other topics I greatly enjoyed in fantasy. I then took these things that I loved and just started to write. The story just came to me as I began putting words down on paper.

If you are an alumni, or have alumni updates, please send them to gaelwinds@kennedycatholic.org

We are interested in hearing from you!

GAEL WINDS 2014

SONNET

Page 13

By Patrick Anderson

A yearly tradition for seniors in English 12 has been studying Shakespearian sonnets and iambic pentameter. This is a selection written by one of the students.

Time flies fast as we enjoy it the most Making memories as the years go by Like endless waves crashing along the coast Recalling the brightest stars in the sky A shadow of dismay blocks my vision As I realize my four great years have passed Fear consumes me among my transition To a world where if you’re not first you’re last The days creep one by one unknowingly As condensation builds along my eyes Blocking my hitches, I act glowingly I leave my close friends and say my goodbyes Though from high school to college seems scary It's a memory that you will carry

SILENT AUCTION

By Nick DiGrandi

Kennedy Catholic held its 32nd annual Silent Auction last Saturday, November fifteenth.The fundraiser, our oldest event, helps to support and improve the Catholic learning environment that allows our students to excel both academically and spiritually. The evening was filled with music, laughter, and prizes. Participants in the auction arrived at 6:00 pm for dinner and had an hour to mingle with other guests, during which they could buy raffle tickets and bid on prizes for the silent auction. Students volunteered to serve the guests and to present prizes during the auction. Musical entertainment was provided by the Kennedy Catholic Trio.

The live auction was a great success. This year, our prizes reflected an international theme with country specific baskets containing ethnic foods, wine, and clothing. Our high- ticket items ranged from extra graduation tickets to Sister Barbara's famous doll clothes, and from New York Knicks tickets to a walk-on role in this year's production of The Sound of Music. The most significant part of the auction, however, was that it was a time for the Kennedy Catholic community to share their appreciation for the education that Kennedy has to offer its students.

GAEL WINDS 2014

Page 14

A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE YEARBOOK STAFF

In working on the yearbook, we hope to capture everyone's high school experience. A few wonderful people have sent in candids or pictures from specific activities that they participate in, and we encourage more people to do this in order to make the yearbook truly reflect everyone's year. Send in photos from sports, clubs, or just hanging out in the school! We will be coming around to the homerooms to take some exciting pictures for new ideas we are trying. Please don't be shy! We want to show the best pictures of everyone in the book, and having more pictures to choose from will allow us to do this. Our email is yearbook@kennedycatholic.org. Thanks!

~Susanna Cohen and Alexa Kleinschmidt, Yearbook Editors

Faculty Advisor: Mrs. McGown

CONTACT US SEND ALL INQUIRIES TO

gaelwinds@kennedycatholic.org

Junior Editor: Layne Smith

Contributors: Jordan Hopkins, Rebecca O’Callaghan, Marlana Kitsakos, Chiara Calov, Caitlin McCullough, Layne Smith, Jen Goldfarb, Christina Rowland, Emma Berry, Carley Gilmore, Becky Rendich, Patrick Anderson, and William Katsberg