Issuu

Hi-Lights

Mater Dei High School Student Magazine @MD_HiLights

VOl. 4 Issue 4 fourth quarter 18-19 1300 Harmony Way Evansville, IN materdeijournalism@gmail.com

CONTENTS by freshman Chloe Partridge

Thank

1 2 You 4 5 Journalism 6 sophomores 8 freshmen 10 11 Contributors 12 14 16 17 Adviser 18 We'd like to apologize 19 for failing to give proper photo credit for 20 several photos in last 21 quarter’s magazine to Teresa Berneking, Alexis Griffin, Leah Richey, Olivia Hamilton, Dawson Pfaffmann

Lucy Fitzgibbon,Sophie Oliver, Chloe Partridge, Catherine Shockley, Briana Stephens, Addison Whitfield

Junior

Sam Westerfield

Seniors

Lily Becker, Raelynn Grossman, Katherine Hahn, Emily Seger, Emily Herrmann, Kelsi Raben, Morgan Swallows, Jenna Zirkelbach, Amelia Duncan

Mrs.Angela St. Clair

Allison Rusk.

Current Events Musical Stage Show Speech Time line Prom Dance Marathon May Day Honors Day Student Spotlight Track/Lacrosse Golf/Tennis Softball/Baseball Guard Sam’s Synopsis Creative Writing

Current Water and Air Events by freshman Catherine Shockley

People see the trash at the side of the road, the smoke from the factories, all the ordinary, destructive things affecting the environment, and probably dismiss it from their mind in five minutes. Every piece of trash is hurting the only home the human race is going to have. People have to be responsible for cleaning it up. Cars, planes, and burning coal emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Factories also release harmful gases into the air. According to History.com, in Donora, Pennsylvania during 1942, industrial air pollution was responsible for killing twenty people

Pollution

and making 7,000 sick. Motor vehicles are the leading cause of air pollution today. The purpose of the Clean Air Act is to combat air pollution, but 46 percent of U.S. counties still live with unhealthy air. Carpooling or riding a bike can help decrease the amount of pollutants people put off. Water pollution was a problem with humans dumping their waste in nearby rivers or other bodies of water. Pollutants from factories also ran off into water. Since the Clean Water Act started, the water has cleared up, but there is still a threat from oil spills and running fertilizers.

One of the most polluted rivers in America is right here at home. According to the environmental website Outwardon, the Ohio River is the most polluted waterway in the United States. Contributing to the pollution, factories and water treatment facilities release byproducts, 92 percent being nitrate compounds, into the river. Pollution is affecting the water people drink, the air they breath, and the way the world is viewed. Recycling, reducing time in cars, conserving water, and planting trees are small steps in overcoming pollution.

1 eDesign

Job # 12299-009 School Mater Dei High School 5/9/19 1:16 PM

Template

eDesign R

In Preflight

Black Ink

Includes Spot Color(s)

Process 4 Color (CMYK)

Odd Page

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s

Cinderella by sophomores Olivia Hamilton and Alexis Griffin

From pumpkin to carriage, the cast worked hard to pull this year’s musical together. The process began with choosing the musical, which requires making sure the licenses are available and other schools aren't performing it. Once decided, auditions were held in January and practices began for the production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. “I never go into an audition having ideas, always go in with a blank slate,” Theatre Director Mrs. Crystal GREETINGS. As Cinderella, senior Kaelyn Wessel, and Prince Topher, junior Will Orrth, meet for the first time and become speechless by love at first sight.

Roberson said. Mrs. Roberson cast senior Kaelyn Wessel for the role of Cinderella and junior Will Orth as Prince Topher. Other leading roles were filled by seniors Julia Knight, the Fairy Godmother, and Ben Harrison as Sebastian. “My favorite part is when you see a student who clicks with their part,” Mrs. Roberson said. Cinderella was originally performed at Mater Dei in the spring of 2010, but this version showed Cinderella as her own hero. photo C. Gardner

photo A. Rusk What was the most rewarding part about being in Cinderella?

“ I think the most rewarding part was being able to share with every audience member what we put so much energy and heart into for months.” Anna Bury, 12 What was the most stressful part about the musical?

“Easily the most stressful part was losing my voice late thursday night, not talking at all friday, and not being sure if I could preform friday night.” Will Orth, 11 What is it like performing in front of a crowd of people?

“Nerve racking because it’s a comedy show, and we didn't know if they would laugh-- like what were we doing wrong if they didn't laugh?” Gretchen Forcum, 10 What was the most rewarding part about being in Cinderella?

“I got to make a lot of new friends and that was really special to me. I also got to work with some amazing seniors and people.” Sophie Oliver, 9

SISTERS. After being invited to the ball, seniors Anna Bury, Liz Russell and junior Andrea Reisinger discuss what they are going to do.

nd Behi e th es scen

photo C. Gardner

PREPARING. While

photo C. Gardner

waiting for Wednesday’s dress rehearsal to start, senior Lily Becker makes sure her costume is perfect. Touching up her makeup, senior Rachel Fisher is making sure everything is on point before photo A. Rusk

SMILE. Cast members lift sophomore Audrey French during her shining moment on stage. photo A. Rusk

opening night. photo A. Rusk

photo A. Rusk

DANCE. Smiling, freshman Sophie Oliver and sophomore Meredith Hagerty dance together. GIANT. Standing on top of stilts, freshman Zach Pfeffer scares the knights with his height.

A night at the Theater

The Mater Dei Stage Show Presents

story and photos by sophomore Dawson Pfaffmann

MEMORABLE MOMENTS “My favorite performance was probably mine and freshman Alilie Griese’s performance of Bohemian Rhapsody . She played the drums, while I played the piano and sang.” Ali Schimmell, sophomore “My favorite performance to watch was the tuba wars. I really liked that they used props to show that their instruments were the main focus. Nick Kirsch, sophomore

The Stage Show performed their renditions on April 25 and 26. Concert band, jazz band, dance cats, guard, and/or choir each performed a song or dance from a musical. The theme of this year’s stage show was “A Night at the Theatre.” Students performed songs from movies and musicals to represent that theme. “We are representing the theme by performing songs and dances from musicals and movies,” sophomore Anna Schneider said. The students involved with the stage show are involved in choir, jazz band, concert band, dance cats

“”My favorite performance to watch was when the choir sang “Somebody to Love.” I really liked that performance because senior Julia Knight sounded really good.” Kasey Seibert, sophomore HARMONIZING. The choir is singing the song “Hallelujah.” The seniors were placed front and center, while the underclassmen were placed on the side and back. SINGING. The sophomore choir members are singing “ How Far I’ll Go” from Moana. Sophomores Ali Schimmell, Danielle Gries and Esther Wannemuehler showed off their voices throughout the song.

and guard. Each student involved in choir has to participate, while students involved with the other clubs have the option to participate. “My love for music and being involved with choir, jazz band, and concert band influenced me to be involved with the stage show,” sophomore Ali Schimmell said. The performances consisted of large varieties of music. Some of the songs included “Take Me Home Country Roads.” “Flashlight,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and a Star Wars orchestra piece. Some of the songs contained dance numbers and some songs

contained solely instruments. “I was most excited to see the guys perform their songs because they are always entertaining. I was excited to perform in my Grease dance,” Schneider said. During the stage show, many of the students bonded and spent time with each other.

JAMMING. Playing their instruments, freshman Lucas Medley and Aleilah Nisley with senior Grant Schneider shared a Star Wars orchestra piece.

photo by A. Elpers

Speak Up! by freshman Catherine Shockley

Speech Categories Poetry - Contestants choose poems

photo by A. Elpers

Gregory Mayer

photo by A. Elpers

All the way. Sophomore Greg Mayer qualified for nationals. He was also a semifinalist in oratory and quarter finalist in broadcasting.

from published works and show emotion through body and facial expressions Prose - Using pieces from a book, the delivery and expression are a big part of the performance Interpretation - A short story or play where the contestant has to convey emotion or comedic skills through body language and words Impromptu - Contestants select a topic, outline their original speech, then deliver it either humorously or in a serious manner Origianl Oratory - Contestants give an original persuasive speech Informative - The contestant informs an audience about a topic with an original work Expository - Contestants write an original piece that illustrates an object, idea, or process International Extemporaneous Contestants are given a choice of three questions relating to world current events and have to answer the chosen one in a seven minute speech Duo - Has two contestants performing a serious or humorous piece

The speech team ranked 15 out of 46 teams at state March 9. In their division, the team placed first. Sophomore Gregory Mayer also made it to nationals. The tournament was held in Indianapolis. After Dave Nagel resigned his position, Isaac Memmer and Noah Harrison took over as coaches. “The season was hard because we had just lost the coach we had all known,” sophomore Anna Greulich said. “It was difficult with the transition, but the coaches we had stepped up and did a phenomenal job.”

MomentTime T

1980’s-2000’s

by sophomore Teresa Berneking

he year is 1979. Students of Mater Dei high school travel to Chicago to celebrate mass with Pope John Paul II who is only in the area for one short day. He was welcomed to Chicago with the sound of violins and the smell of beautiful flowers as thousands of people, including Mater Dei students, travelled to see him. Students did not only miss school for the Pope, but many of the students missed classes to hear President Ronald Reagan speak Oct. 29, 1986. He spoke at Roberts Stadium where the Evansville Courier and Press reported 8,200 people were

in attendance. The 1986-1987 school year also held a major achievement for the choir when eleven members received first division at state. Mr. Herb Neighbors became principal in 1990, and he created a 5-yearplan to modernize the school. The following school year in 1991, Mrs. Brenda Donofrio joined the English department. This year also held a historic summer for Evansville as A League of Their Own was filmed at Bosse Field. In the school year of 1994-95, the English department presented

“Schindler’s List” as a celebration of life for those who died in World War II. The 21st century brought sadness over the country after the terrorist attack of 9/11. Students helped out by holding fundraisers for those affected by the attack. The turn of the century also brought new technologies. In 2005, students began to use cellphones, and faculty began regularly using computers. Dr. Tad Dickel became president in 2004. This was the first time the school had a president. During the Grandparents Mass of 2019, Dr. Dickel announced his departure.

1980-81: 1985-86: The wrestling 1979-80: Students are able won state. This was the first Mat Maids to become time a full team won a state were formed Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers for October 17, 1979: October 1983-84: 1981-82: Pope John Paul II visits 1987: The Mater Dei Teens For Life Chicago, and many salad bar is was formed defeated students travel to hear after the Reitz in legalization of football for abortion. the first time.

1980’s

1990’s

1994-95: The English Department presented “Schindler’s List” 1990-91: Principal Neighbors plans to remodel the school.

1991-92: Mrs. Brenda Donofrio joins the English department.

2001: Students hold fundraisers for 9/11 victims

2006-07: Marching band qualifies for state for the first time in school history.

Fall 1996: Students use block scheduling for the first time.

2000’s

2019

a black t e affair This year’s prom was held at Burdette’s Discovery Lodge April 27. The theme, “A Black Tie Affair,” was chosen by this year’s prom committee. The prom committee consisted of 25 juniors, including the four class officers. With help from the junior class sponsor Ms.

Kristen Weinzapfel, the juniors shopped for food, drinks and decorations. After prom was held at Bob Walther’s Golf and Fun, where they offered free minigolf and laser tag from 11p.m. to 2a.m. It had been planned for years by Jan Paul and Mary Kay Miller.

SLOW DANCE. Couples share a moment on the dance floor later in the evening.

by sophomore Olivia Hamilton photos sophomores A. Rusk, O.Hamilton

LAST DANCE. Senior girls dance together at their last prom.

HUGS. As she arrives, senior Kiley Hatfield greets a friend. POSING. As they take a break from dancing, senior Ben Harrison and sophomore Hallie Riordan have sophomore Raelyn Anslinger take their picture.

STARTING THE NIGHT, junior Emily Burgdorf hands in her ticket and walks into prom. Groovin’. A group of friends throws their hands in the air as they dance to DJ Khaled’s “All I Do Is Win.” The song pulled everyone in the room to the dance floor. BIG SMILES. Before the dancing, sophomores Esther Wannemuehler, Jordan Elpers and Emma Peerman pose for pictures in front of the backdrops matching the theme. DANCING. Couples formed across the room as the DJ played a slow song.

PRIDE. Dance marathon executive Natalie Schneider reveals the final number of the total raised for Riley Children’s Hospital. After a heartfelt speech about about the Riley Foundation, Schneider stood alongside marathon coordinator Mrs. Toni Wallace, senior executives Cali Paul and Stasha Glaser, sophomore executive Ali Schimmell, and sophomores Joe Liba and Ellsa Bonnell.

all for the

by sophomore Leah Richey, photos by O. Hamilton, J. Knapp

Riley dance marathons have raised over $20 million for Riley Children’s Hospital, and Mater Dei proudly contributes to that sum. Students, including sophomore executive Ali Schimmell, spend countless hours during the dance marathon season trying to reach this goal. Art teacher Mrs. Toni Wallace is the coordinator of the dance marathon and worked with senior executives Natalie Schneider and Stasha Glaser, as well as Schimmell. For weeks, they made posters to advertise the event, call businesses to solicit donations and organize fundraisers such as a bake sale. The dance marathon’s sole purpose is not only to raise money for Riley but to also spread the word of the event and patients’ stories. Riley has treated several MD students and future students. It’s a way to share how Riley has supported Mater Dei and gives the community a chance to give back. “My family has been there also and it’s just so awesome to hear about other families and the support system that we have here at Mater Dei,” Schimmell said. First, the middle school marathon

began at 4:30 pm. Music played as kids participated in activities such as face painting, bouncy houses, cornhole boards and the Prayer Tunnel. At 7:00 pm, the high school portion of the marathon began. Executive members and volunteers taught marathoners a dance that they choreographed and Riley patients or their parents stood in front of the crowd to tell their stories. Fundraising continues throughout the whole night through auctions items and donations. Students, teachers and marathoners gather around the stage when the time comes to announce the total. After quiet suspense, it is announced that $23,931.77 was raised for the Riley foundation. This money will go toward funding research programs, transporting children to the hospital, and medical equipment.

Busy. Middle school students move from station to station participating in an assortment of activities, from face painting to bounce castles. Kids paid to send their friends to “jail” and had high school dance marathon members paint their faces.

photo A. Griffin

photo A. Rusk

photo A. Rusk LATE FOR SCHOOL. Junior Dane Babillis watches as senior Blaine Mayer chugs his orange juice to race back to the other side, wining for the seniors. CHEER. To support his team, junior Lance Berendes claps during the late for school game.

The popular phrase “April showers bring May flowers” supports the idea that May is the perfect month to dedicate to Mary. Mary commonly withholds the characteristics of a loving mother figure that is bright and often spreads happiness. According to senior Zach Schoenstein, coming and being together is the best part of this holiday. May Day is a special day and is also an opportunity to celebrate seniors and their accomplishments.

D A Y

by freshman Briana Stephens

RACING. One of the games played to celebrate May Day was Hungry Hungry Wildcats. Trying to collect the most balloons, freshman Kathryn Hilgeman, Clay Jones, Bryce Humphrey, and Julie Heldman hurry to win for their team.

M A Y

photo A, Rusk photo A. Rusk

photo A. Rusk

photo A. Griffin

EXCITED. Completing the obstacle course, junior Emma Lamble hoped to win for the juniors QUICKLY. Sophomores Audrey French and Jacob Pierre compete together in a game of ”late to school.” TOGETHER. Each grade level competed in balloon on ankle, with the juniors wining. PULL. Playing tug of war, the seniors win against the freshman.

Scholarships and Awards The class of 2019 is attending 23 different schools in 6 states. They were offered 10 million dollars in scholarships. Advancing Women in Science/STEM Scholarship Claire Adler

Walter and Irene Ruston Nursing Education Scholarship

Father Deering Scholarship

Anna Bury,Amber Clausheide, Stasha Glaser, Katherine Hahn, Emily Herrmann, Payton Pokorney, Kendyl Weinzapfel

James Niemeier Wrestling Scholarship

The Stan Singer Excellence in Writing Award

Sarah Duncan

Clay Egli and Blaine Mayer

Jason Coughlin Memorial Scholarship Clay Egli and Blaine Mayer

Mater Dei Friends and Alumni Scholarship

Addison Elpers

Tom Tighe Scholarship

Alexa Elpers, Nicholas Harpenu, Aaron Thompson

Rick Weber Memorial Scholarship

Claire Adler and Emily Seger

Macey Adler

Mater Dei Student Council Leadership Scholarship

Louie Wittmer Nursing and Medical Scholarship Emily Seger

Elyssa Happe

Mater Dei-ville Citizenship Award Jonah Kunkler

VALEDICTORIANS OF THE CLASS OF 2019 Claire Adler Grace Friona Zachary Norman Jenna Fehrenbacher Andrew Heldman Payton Pokorney Rachel Fisher Darian Kuhn Jenna Zirkelbach

photo A. Rusk

photo S. Oliver

Teacher

Feature by sophomores Teresa Berneking and Dawson Pfaffmann

It has been 2,838 days since Mrs. Crystal Roberson joined the Mater Dei family. Mrs. Roberson heads the English department and teaches English 9 while also directing school musicals and plays. “My hobbies include anything that has to do with theatre and art,” Mrs. Roberson says. Theatre consumes the majority of Mrs.Roberson’s time. She mentions how she and her family spend a great deal of time at school outside of regular hours. “It’s like a second job,” Mrs. Roberson says. Many extra hours spent at school are used to make lesson plans and designing her classroom. Every year is different in Mrs. Roberson’s classroom. She tries to change her teaching style often because she explains how she wouldn’t be able to teach the same thing every year if there wasn’t variety in her techniques “She changes up her lessons each year based on

“I hope to learn something new every year.”

teacher talk memorable quotes & phrases

-Mrs. Crystal Roberson what the class is like, and she gets to know us personally while sharing her life as well,” sophomore Alexis Griffin said. Mrs. Roberson loves to work with young people and learn what they are capable of doing. She loves to build relationships with her students. Mrs. Roberson knows teaching is a hard job. She says how people don’t always value teachers or respect their effort and time they put in for their students. “She listens to her students and takes their suggestions into consideration,” sophomore Gretchen Forcum said. Being a teacher doesn’t always mean knowing all of the answers. Mrs. Roberson explains how every year, she learns something new about theatre and what her students are capable of doing as performers.

“You have big things ahead of you.” Mrs. Dassel

“Today you are taking the lucky blue test.” Mr. Voegel

Finals Schedule 5/14

BL 2/4

5/15

BL 6/8

5/16

BL 1/3

5/17

BL 5/7

Calvin Stratman by freshman Addison Whitfield, Briana Stephens, Catherine Shockley, Chloe Partridge, Lucy Fitzgibbon, Sophie Oliver photo by C. Adler

Playing two sports and working with the student council, freshman Calvin Stratman involves himself in extracurricular activities such as the football and lacrosse teams. Stratman graduated middle school from St. Philip, and his parents and grandparents are alumni of Mater Dei. His parents greatly influence his life and performance. They are major role models for Stratman and support him in his activities. Stratman said that the reason that he is who he is, is because of his parents.

“

Everyone deserves kindness.”

Lexi Kassenbrock

by freshman Addison Whitfield, Briana Stephens, Catherine Shockley, Chloe Partridge, Lucy Fitzgibbon, Sophie Oliver photo by senior C. Adler

Running track and playing soccer, freshman Lexi Kassenbrock also participates in pep club and Spanish club. She enjoys staying involved with school activities. Kassenbrock graduated from Holy Redeemer and has been playing soccer since she can remember. She first started soccer because of her father, who also played soccer. Kassenbrock enjoys playing defense because she has a view of the whole field and can yell at people. She admires her family and says that her brother is her biggest influence. Kassenbrock also says that she is the person she is today because of her parents.

“

I do it for my parents. I want them to be proud.”

Crossing the

by freshman Briana Stephens

Finish Line together to work hard and to The Mater Dei Wildcats deliver what they do bestare racing to the finish line. win. Junior Dakx Lannert finishes with an 11.02 in the 100 and junior Colin Givens crosses the finish line with a 52.75 in the 400. Sophomore Miranda Nosko finishes the girls 200 with a 28.13 FAT (fully automatic timing) and senior Jenna Fehrenbacher crosses with a 5:42.94 FAT in the girls 1600. In preparation for state START. Preparing to take off, sophomore finals, the team is coming Blake Boarman, is ready to run.

photo C. Adler

RIVALRY. During a face off against Memorial, the lacrosse team fights for possession of the ball after the referee placed the ball between the teams.

GRAB. Senior Victoria Zigenfus runs in the relay after being handed the stick.

PUSH. Freshman Madeline Rentchler pushes froward to cross the finish line.

The rush of adrenaline from a face-off or scoring a goal drives a player to continue to work hard throughout the season. Lacrosse is a sport that requires strength and agility. Players often injure themselves, though they come back to the game and play like they had. “It all started when my oldest brother, Adam, who is now the head coach, started playing in 2013, and that just

inspired me to play,” junior Lance Berendes said. Lacrosse is a team sport and being able to work well with others is a much needed skill. A team forms a family-like bond because they’re sharing a common interest in the sport. As a team, they make each other better and support one another. “We all get to bond over our favorite thing, which is playing lacrosse,” Berendes said.

FACING-OFF for the win by freshmen Chloe Partridge, Lucy Fitzgibbon

talent unmatched by freshman Sophie Oliver, Lucy Fitzgibbon

The girls’ tennis team not only made many memories this year, but completed their season with a record of ten to two. Their coach, Mrs. Clements, helped the ladies throughout the season to play together and connect as a team. “Tennis is an individual sport, yet also a team sport,” freshman Emily Gagnon said. This viewpoint stands for both the varsity and JV teams. Multiple times, some ladies would sacrifice what they wanted for the sake of

the team. While some players would rather play singles, they may be assigned to play doubles so that the chances of winning are increased. Often, the action on the court is not always the most enjoyable part of the sport. Pre-game traditions and outings have become a major part of the season, including sophomore Mallory Weber favorite part of getting ready with her teammates before matches.

The boys golf team started this season with the Vincennes Lincoln Invitational April 6. Continuing through May 25, the boys will have seven regular season matches and four invitationals before playing their biggest competition to qualify for state. “The people that we’re going to have to beat to make it are Castle or Memorial,” sophomore Eli Rohleder said. “I hope I can go to state as an individual, but it would be a lot better if I

could bring my team with me.” Since its beginning in 1950, the boys golf team has sent multiple individuals to state. As a team, however, they have only gone once in 1988. Currently, they have a winning record of 4-0. The goal is just to play as well as possible. “I hope to play some of the best golf for the last part of my high school career, and hopefully my team can too so we can go to state,” senior Evan Bonnell said.

SERVING Preparing to swing hard, senior Kiley Hatfield focuses on making a perfect score against Bosse. photo by C. Gardner

After swinging their drivers, junior Zack Goedde and senior Evan Bonnell watch to see their ball land. photos A. Rusk

Putt ing in the work by sophomore Olivia Hamilton

DISCUSSING. Before the game, the team huddles up to talk game strategy.

Baseball was officially recognized as a sport in 1869 in Cincinnati, OH and was founded by a man named Abner Doubleday in Cooperation, New York in the summer of 1839. The first games of baseball were played as the games cricket and rounders. “I chose to be on the baseball team because it

looks good on the college transcripts and it helps keep me in shape,” varsity catcher junior Alex Marx said. There are nine fielding positions in baseball which are pitcher, catcher, first, second and third baseman, shortstop, and left and right fielder. All these positions have a unique responsibility. Although there are large responsibilities, there are also many dangers. Most, if not all, people would agree that the pitcher has the most dangerous role to play. Many of the injuries on baseball teams are found on their pitchers. Catchers get a large amount of padding and protection, but pitchers do not.

If the pitcher is new and does not have the amount of training required to know how to avoid the ball from hitting him, he might end up with an injury that will take a long recovery. Throughout the years, baseball has become a sport that people will travel all over the nation to witness a “good game.”

step up toplthe ate

by freshman Addison Whitfield

get your in the

headgame by freshman addison whitfield

Chicago Board of Trade found a boxing glove, with it is own strings, tied it into a sphere shape, found a broomstick, and the common game of softball was born. The first outdoor game of softball did not take place until 1895. Unlike most sports, it took 8 years for softball to be played the way it is today.

Although people may think softball is just a female version of baseball, there are specific rules of softball that contradict. The main difference photo A. Elpers between softball and baseball, is how the pitcher delivers the ball. In softball, the pitcher throws underhand. In baseball, the pitcher throws overhand or sometimes sidearm. On Thanksgiving Day in 1887, a reporter from the

photo C. Gardner

photo C. Adler

Waiting. Standing on the field, seniors Ali Maurer and Allie Goodin prepare to stop Memorial. Swinging. In her batting stance, senior Ali Maurer keeps her eye on the ball. Handshake. Hyping themselves up for the big game, the team prepares for the game.

Spin to the Top

by sophomore Alexis Griffin photos A. Maurer

POSE. While performing in front of the entire school, senior Rachel Fisher stands tall among her fellow dancers.

Color guard has been at Mater Dei since the seventies when the marching band first started. Winter guard was first established in the late nineties but disappeared shortly after. “I reestablished it in 2016,” guard instructor Mrs. Meghan Carter said. Spinning their way to the top, the color guard has HIGH FIVE. Mr. Carter gives freshman gone to state for the past Morgan Wilmes a high five after a nine years, placing 5th last performance in front of the whole school. year. Winter guard’s state is similar to a final competition to see where each team is ranked. “We got second at state for winter guard. Which felt great because we spent lots of hours putting together the show,” sophomore Jada Miles said. Color guard consist of the regular season with the PRACTICE. The team performs for the marching band, while winter school before leaving for their state performance . guard is indoors without the marching band. “I wish more people “I think color guard is knew how much of a harder,” sophomore Anna family you become after doing guard. Schneider said. That is really the best They both consist of part of it all” Anna Schneider, 10 choreographed dance routines while tossing flags, sabers, and rifles.

CATCH. Tossing their flag and riffle simultaneously, senior Caroline Gorman and WSC eighth grader, Belle Farmer focus on the routine. “Many people don't realize how time consuming guard actually is, but it's all worth it in the end because when you win it's unlike any experience I have ever felt before “ Anna Wampler, 9

sam’s synopsis:

Year Review A word to the wise for sophomores who are thinking about becoming juniors next year: don't do junior year. Junior year broke me mentally and physically. Now that you have that to think about, let's take a glance back at this junior year and think about all of the highs and extreme lows. Let's start from the beginning with the earliest event I can recall: picture day. This year’s picture day was not like every other picture day in years past because this year I was taking everybody's picture well before they were ready to have their picture taken. Picture day was my first time being photographer of the week, and I took a whole lot of photos. I also annoyed a whole lot of people. I almost took enough pictures to fill up an entire SD card with the Luau and picture day combined. Speaking of the Luau, that was another cool event, and I think that was my first time ever taking pictures besides media day last year. This year was a year full of firsts for me. It was the first time I went to the Luau, my first Christmas dance, and my first time being in disguise. On that same note, did any of the four people at the Ford Center notice how Willy suddenly had great dancing ability? I

by junior Samuel Westerfield

was there, but for some reason I never got to see Willy. Weird. There were really good first moments and a really bad second moment. This year I went to the Rave for the second time. That ended poorly to say the least, but I’m still going next year because face your fears and all that. This year I also made some new friends: Melissa, Redfield, and Oliver. Or rather, Marissa, Claire, and Sophie, since some people can’t understand nicknames which I am amazing at giving by the way. Man, this year has flown by so fast, yet at the same time has crawled by so slowly. Looking back, I think sophomore year went the fastest, and freshman year was also a whirlwind. It’s been a rough year man. Sophomores, start writing faster, be prepared to take notes in Mr. Wathen’s class and try to beat my record of four Captain America references in Mr. Wildeman’s class. Also, watch Forrest Gump, second best movie of all time (Now that Endgame has come out). Emma Lamble hasn't seen it. It makes me sad. We had so many new inside jokes and funnies this year. I have also become a new parent this year and

adopted four dinosaurs, Humphrey, Noeque, Franky, and Iggy. I’d like to send a thank you to Chris Simon, John McGrew, and John's mom for giving me my dinosaurs. They are a hassle to keep in my locker and feed them in between classes. #proudmom. Honestly, this year has brought on a string of challenges inside and outside of school. Good luck sophomores, and as Harry Potter said, may the force be with you Mr. Spock. But all things come to an end. For juniors, the pain and torment of this year has come to an end. For seniors, their time as high school students have come to an end. For sophomores, their time as underclassmen has come to an end. And for freshmen, their time of being the bottom of the food chain has come to an end, so feel free to teach the new freshmen how its done. Not too hard though, remember freshmen, you want to be a nuisance, not a mean jerk. Also, whatever senior prank is gonna happen, if I get wet on the last day of school, I am going to be grumpy, and you do not want to see me when I’m grumpy. Good luck to all people, now please, BRING ON SUMMER ALREADY.

her

School.

in only

by seniors in ENG 101

SIX WORDS Father left, older brother stepped up Visited Her today, only left flowers.

Practice. Homework. What about sleep?

Baby’s first breath eight weeks early Was having one family not enough? ACT. Mother in SURGERY. blank bubbles

Not as BLONDE as I look.

No goodbye. No closure. No tomorrow.

FACT CORNER factsite.com

“Canadians say “sorry” so much that a law was passed in 2009 declaring that an apology can’t be used as evidence of admission to guilt. The only letters that don’t appear on the periodic table are J & Q. One habit of intelligent humans is being easily annoyed by people around them, but saying nothing in order to avoid a meaningless argument. If a Polar Bear and a Grizzly Bear mate, their offspring is called a ’Pizzy Bear’.

I woke up to my nightmares

Calling ’shotgun’ when riding in a car comes from the term ’shotgun messenger’ which was used to refer to the guard who sat next to the Stagecoach driver. The guards would use a shotgun to keep robbers and criminals away. It made its way into society due to Hollywood’s love of Western flicks. Nintendo trademarked the phrase ’It’s on like Donkey Kong’ in 2010. In 2006, a Coca-Cola employee offered to sell Coca-Cola secrets to Pepsi. Pepsi responded by notifying Coca-Cola. A single strand of Spaghetti is called a ’Spaghetto’. If you point your car keys to your head, it increases the remote’s signal range. This works by using your brain to act as a radio transmitter.”