Maria Regina High School hosted its Accepted Students Night on February 5th, 2026. This event warmly welcomed the incoming Freshmen class of 2030, who got a glimpse into what life as a Tiger looks like. The school was transformed into a sea of blue and white, representing Maria Regina’s school colors. The hallways were decorated with posters showcasing our Tigers’ academic achievements and involvement in extracurricular activities. These displays helped show prospective students the opportunities they will gain at Maria Regina. Throughout the night, families got to hear from members of the Maria Regina community.
Our very own Tigers shared speeches about their current experience at Maria Regina, exemplifying their immense school spirit. Principal Ms. Carozza-McCaffrey explained why Maria Regina is the right place for students to begin this next chapter of their lives. The event also included speeches from Tiger parents, whose words highlighted the sense of community at Maria Regina. All of the speeches truly captured that Maria Regina is a special place and allowed prospective students to see what the next four years entail for them. There were also many students who volunteered at the event, demonstrating the service that flows throughout our community.
The shift from eighth grade into high school can be difficult to navigate, but at Maria Regina, our community ensures that students will feel welcomed and supported. Accepted Students Night showed prospective students that Maria Regina will allow them to grow and flourish as both a student and a person. We cannot wait for the incoming freshmen to join our Tiger community!
SPORTS
CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON: TIGERS MAKE SCHOOL HISTORY
by Francesca Sindona ’28
The Maria Regina High School varsity girls’ basketball team didn’t just win; they dominated. Game after game, the Tigers showed determination, teamwork, and a mindset that set them apart.
Their passion for the game carried them through an unforgettable 15–1 season. Led by Coach Toscano, a former Tiger and 2015 graduate who played both basketball and softball, along with assistants Coach Vaccaro and Coach Maggio, the team turned months of hard work into something truly special.
Their championship run began with a League title, setting the tone for what was to come. Soon after, the Tigers battled past Cardinal Spellman High School in a close 59–54 game to secure the Archdiocesan Championship. From there, they continued their dominance, going on to win both the City and State Championships before being named Undisputed Finalists.
A big part of the team’s success was their mindset. According to Coach Toscano, their perseverance and growth made all the difference. In an interview before the playoffs, I asked Coach Toscano what the team’s greatest strengths were, to which she replied, “Our team’s greatest strength in the playoffs has been their perseverance. They have a never-give-up attitude that’s been obvious during their games. Another strength has been their defense; they have come a long way from the beginning of the year and have improved a lot on the defensive end of the ball.”
Several players also had standout seasons. Kalani Sutherland led the way, earning League MVP honors, reaching the 1,000-point milestone, and receiving the Sportsmanship Award. She also served as a captain alongside Abigail Carey, who was named All-League First Team, and Angelina PuigSamper. Adding to the team’s success, Emma Yonkers-Talz earned AllLeague Third Team honors.
When asked if anything could hold the team back, Toscano made it clear she believed in her players, stating, “I don’t think there is anything holding us back from the title. I have the utmost confidence in this team, and I couldn’t be more proud of them and the way they have grown this season. We can absolutely be state champs as long as we stay true to ourselves and our game and continue to believe in each other.”
That belief became reality. With multiple championships, individual achievements, and a season full of unforgettable moments, the Tigers didn’t just succeed; they made history.
TAKE A SWING!
byAnqi Lu ’26
As the autumn season returns, so does the passion of Maria Regina girls for golf. Continuing the collaboration with Game on Golf, the members of the Golf Club began the 2025-2026 year off strongly, participating in the fall session of the First Tee Program, where members partake in professional golf lessons and even get their golf licenses at the end of the season. Golf through First Tee allows Maria Regina Golfers to not only learn an enriching, new sport, but also grants job opportunities (as a caddy or jobs associated with working on golf courses or in a golf related institution), scholarship opportunities (LPGA scholarships, MGA Caddie Scholarship, First Tee scholarship, and the Met PGA Junior Tournament scholarships), and possibilities for networking with professionals (MGA Women's Conference), all while enjoying the sport! (Continued on next page)
(Continued from previous page) You are able to explore a variety of golf clubs, different techniques and play-styles, and game styles. The sport of golf accommodates your schedule and is extremely rewarding. Why not participate in a sport that brings you closer to nature and the outdoors, offering the flexibility to be an independent sport or a group sport for socializing? Enjoy the sport either alone or with friends, and take some swings at some balls!
Angelina Garcia ’25 received a slightly used golf set with a bag by Coach Paul as a graduation present. She has been committed long-term to the First Tee program, participating in spring and fall sessions to the best of her capabilities.
LIFESTYLE
SUMMERCRAFTSTOSTAYOFFYOURPHONE
by Veronica Scullion ’28
Summertime provides you with ample leisure time, which could be spent on your smartphone easily enough. However, it may not provide you with much satisfaction or stimulation and might lead to distraction and boredom. There are other activities you can participate in during the summertime to occupy yourself, such as crafting. Such tasks will help you engage your mind while avoiding screen time.
Creative crafts are one of the best ways to keep busy. Some ideas include painting or drawing or even some small DIY projects. You can craft bracelets, decorate jars, or make a poster for your bedroom. These activities enhance concentration skills and enable you to channel your thoughts through your creations.
Outdoor activities allow you to remain physically active and away from your phone. This means cycling, walking, or engaging in any sports activity with your friends. Even basic activities like painting on the pavement using chalk or playing with water balloons could be a great source of engagement. Being outdoors will make you feel happy and give you time away from technology.
DIY activities at home can be a good way to use your idle time productively. Rearranging your room or building a small storage space are some of the activities you could do. For instance, growing plants in small pots would teach you the importance of responsibility and give you a plant to look after each day. A second solid option for replacing phone usage is reading. You can select books according to your preferences. The process of reading fiction enhances your imagination. On the other hand, non-fiction reading provides you with additional information. It is beneficial to set a target such as reading 20 minutes a day.
Cooking and baking is both interesting and useful. You can make basic dishes such as cookies, milkshakes, or sandwiches. Learning step-by-step instructions encourages
patience. Besides, you get the satisfaction of enjoying whatever you prepare.
By writing a journal you will have an organized thinking process that may bring you inner clarity. By doing so you keep yourself occupied, and even stress is decreased when you write down your goals and aspirations.All you need is a journal and a pen.
Visiting your friends should be done personally. You could play any games such as board games or sports together; talking will also do wonders for the relationships between you and your friends as it cannot be replaced by texting.
All in all, going phone-free in the summer might not be so hard when you know what to choose. There are various ways to organize yourself and spend your free time productively.
Dunkin vs. Starbucks: Which One Is Right for You?
by Marie-Claire Wright ’27
Do you ever wonder which coffee shop is really better: Dunkin’ or Starbucks? Both are everywhere, but they are very different in style, taste, and price. Let’s take a closer look.
COFFEE AND DRINKS
Starbucks is famous for its fancy drinks: flavored lattes, frappuccinos, and seasonal specials. If you love bold flavors and trying new coffee creations, Starbucks might be your favorite. On the other hand, Dunkin’ keeps it simple with classic hot or iced coffee. If you want a quick, easy, and sweet cup of coffee, this is the perfect choice for you. It is simple to grab on the go, tastes great, and gives you the boost of energy you need without being complicated or expensive.
FOOD OPTIONS
Do you ever wonder which coffee shop has better breakfast? Dunkin’ has lots of breakfast foods, like bagels, donuts, and breakfast sandwiches, all of which are perfect if you are really hungry in the morning. Starbucks also has food, but it is mostly snacks, pastries, and a few sandwiches.
PRICE
Starbucks tends to be more expensive, especially for fancy drinks. Dunkin’ is cheaper, which makes it great for students or anyone on a budget. For example, a medium iced coffee at Dunkin’ might cost around $2.49–$3.19, while a similar medium cold coffee drink at Starbucks usually costs closer to $3.75–$4.25 or more, showing how Dunkin’can be a more affordable option for the same type of drink.
ATMOSPHERE
Starbucks is cozy and perfect for studying or hanging out, with warm colors, soft lighting, and comfortable seating like couches and padded chairs that make people want to stay longer. Dunkin’ is simpler, with brighter colors like orange and pink and more basic seating, since it is mostly designed for grabbing your coffee and going rather than sitting for a long time.
TASTE AND POPULARITY
Starbucks coffee is bold and strong, while Dunkin’is milder and sweeter. Both have loyal fans, so it really depends on your taste.
So, next time you’re craving coffee, ask yourself: Do you want a fancy drink and a place to relax, or a quick, tasty coffee with breakfast? The choice between Dunkin’ and Starbucks depends on what you’re in the mood for.
ARTS & MUSIC
Lessons & Carols: An MRHS Tradition of Music and Faith
by: Cassandra Agay ’28
Lessons and Carols is not just a prayer service, but also an exciting way for families and friends to come together during the Christmas season to enjoy music and a peaceful celebration. It included Bible readings and performances from the chorus, handchimes, and orchestra. The Nativity served as the main focus of the service, which led everyone through the message of hope and faith.
The service began with a candlelight procession led by the Chorus. The new Chorus director, Mr. Farnum, did an amazing job in leading them through various songs. These songs include “Angels' Carols,” “Do You Hear What I Hear,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” and more! The MRHS Chorus was also joined by the Fordham, Archbishop Molloy, and Alumni Multi-Quire, who did an excellent job. The audience did not just watch the Chorus, but were also able to join in singing songs such as “Silent Night.” Chorus performed great this year with new songs and singers.
Another music program that contributed to the beautiful music was Handchimes. This group is directed by Ms. Losee, who always brings teachers and students to play soothing and peaceful melodies. The songs they played consisted of “O Come, One and All,” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” and “When Christ, Our Lord Was Born.” The resonant sound of the handchimes added a unique and reflective element to Lessons and Carols.
The third group that played in Lessons and Carols was the Orchestra. This group is directed by Mr. Finkelstein, who has been participating in the service for many years. The Orchestra played many exciting songs that brought up the energy but also maintained the purpose of the service. Some songs that were played were “Christmas Canon Rock,” “Joy to the World,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” and “Sarajevo,” which received a standing ovation. Following the prayer service, they continued to play a few more songs, which included a “Christmas Medley,” “Appalachian Snowfall,” “Boughs of Holly,” and “Wizards in Winter.” The Orchestra did a wonderful job of getting the audience excited.
Lessons and Carols continues to be a major tradition in Maria Regina, especially for the music programs. All of the readers, musicians, and singers have worked together to create such a special night for all to enjoy.
September 2025 - A Recap
by: Katherine Sandoval ’28
that glues us back together. Whether it's doing the latest TikTok trend, celebrating an artist’s latest release, or laughing over a viral meme, you see a diverse group of people connecting and laughing together. Social media is not inherently bad; it can help people connect.
eople go back to school. Some people start at a new school with unfamiliar classmates and have to form new bonds. In these moments, new bonds can be formed through shared interests in things happening in pop culture. So, which one of these pop culture moments in September helped you bond with your friends or someone you normally wouldn't?
Wednesday Season 2 Release: On September 3, the long-awaited second season of Wednesday wrapped up on Netflix. The season picked up with Wednesday returning to Nevermore Academy, where she finds that she gained celebrity status over the summer. She is forced into a new mystery while also trying to fix her broken psychic abilities. Many people immediately fell in love with the new characters, villains, and plot. Others also fell in love with the new Lady Gaga song included in the soundtrack, “The Dead Dance.” The highly anticipated second season made a plethora of people fall back in love with the show and form connections with others who love the show as well.
MTV Video Music Awards Show 2025: The Video Music Awards, hosted by MTV, celebrate the past year’s new releases and artists by honoring them with performances and awards. They honor the best artists and releases in genres ranging from K-pop to rap. Many prefer the VMAs to the Grammys because awards are fan-voted, meaning whoever gets an award truly deserves it. Awards were given to Mariah Carey, BLACKPINK, KATSEYE, Alex Warren, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Sombr, Tyla, and many more.
New Music Releases: New music from many genres has been released from late August to the present. These releases include:
