Issuu

Tolerance in the face of division

In such a divisive world, disagreements get increasingly intense and personal. It’s understandable to take offense to someone challenging fundamental beliefs that you may consider part of who you are. This offense becomes an invalid response when the disagreements become harmful.

Charlie Kirk was a conservative political activist who was killed on Sept. 10, 2025. However polarizing his opinions were, no human deserves to die for their political views. His assassination was the catalyst to an important conversation that we as a Mercy school need to be aware of and have a responsibility to take part in.

Following the news of his death, thousands took to the internet to share the message they got out of it, and the consensus was not unanimous. Some people saw this as an attack on the Republican party and expressed their deepest sympathies. Others questioned where this sympathy and publicity was for victims of political violence who did not have the social or political status Kirk maintained, from Democrat Melissa Hortman from the Minnesota House of Representatives to the chi-

ldren of Gaza who face so much destruction. Many expressed how they may not have agreed with Kirk, but sympathized with his loved ones simply because this was another human being with a life and people that loved him, taken by a brutal act that we must work against. This last reaction is how we are called to behave as a Mercy school.

We must promote methods of disagreement that highlight tolerance and communication instead of verbal or physical brutality.

One of McAuley’s critical concerns of Mercy is the idea of nonviolence We’re not only encouraged to practice nonviolence but called to advocate for it. We must promote methods of disagreement that highlight tolerance and communication instead of verbal or physical

brutality. Though this is difficult to accept, and more difficult to practice, we must treat everyone with a baseline level of humanity despite how their words may make us feels or how we feel about their beliefs. And this is something that both extremes in the Charlie Kirk incident should consider. People who sympathized with him need to understand that this violence has been ongoing, and this issue needs to be addressed in a way they may not agree with. People who joked about the irony of a man becoming a victim of the very policies he promoted need to consider the negative impact of their words and attitudes on the gun control movement.

Overall, there is so much nuance to these political situations. How much grace can we give people who advocate against our communities and promote policies that harm us? In the end, we need to find a healthy middle ground in which we are free to openly discuss our disagreements and promote environments that–at the very least–tolerate other viewpoints and treat everyone humanely.

What’s inside this edition

Inscape staff

Co-Editor-In-Chief

Copy

Mac

Student

Columnist

Arts

Science

Sports

Staff

Staff Reporter

Advisor

Magen Connolly

Rylee Dombro

Luna Munoz-Diaz

Kruz Smith

Adilene Urbina

Julianna Rodriguez

Mary Marley

Imani Griffin

Kayleigh Barrett

Elizabeth Storrie

Simone Whitt

Emmerson Sliwka

Mireya Gomez de la Casa

Kelly Quirk

Fiona Stanek

Thomas Bochenczak

Abigail Sheahan

Editorial Policy: The opinions expressed in this magazine are the views of the individual writers, and not of the Inscape staff or Mother McAuley High School Liberal Arts High School. Inscape is an open forum that welcomes letters to the editors, comments and feedback from all readers. All letters to the editors must be signed in order to be printed.

Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School

3737 W. 99 Street th Chicago, IL 60655 (773) 881-6500

www.mothermcauley.org

Principal Dr. Kathryn Baal

Vice Principal Mrs. Sandra Smycz

Vice Principal Mrs. Sarah Kolkmeyer ‘06

front cover by Kruz Smith

back cover by Mireya Gomez de la Casa, Kelly Quirk and Fiona Stanek

This 2025-26 school year, McAuley implemented their new phone policy, which has taken the school by storm. The policy essentially meant that cell phones or other mobile devices, such as AirPods, brought onto the school grounds should be turned off and locked away in your locker or left at home. This also applied to passing periods, lunch and study. Students used to be able to use their phone during lunch, but now if a phone is seen at all during the school day, it will be confiscated in a Yonder pouch and taken to the Dean's office. After the student receives more than one warning, a detention or Saturday JUG will be given.

The main reason this policy was enforced was so that students would be able to focus more in school with limited distractions and maintain a healthy balance between technology-use and real-world interactions. Another reason for the new cell phone policy was that the policy was intended to improve face-to-face communication. Because many students are used to interacting with others through the phone, interacting or socializing with others

Macs unplugged

Adilene Urbina

has become statistically harder for our generation.

According to a survey done by pewresearch.org in 2019, “Roughly four-in-ten teen cellphone users (43%) say that they often or sometimes use their phone to avoid interacting with people.” Another reason for this policy was that many students were taking their phones out or wearing airpods while walking in the hallway. This was considered a hazard because many accidents, like running into people or hallway traffic, were likely to occur.

Overall, this policy has been a mixed bag. Many students and staff are for this policy, while others are against it.

Mrs. Gena O’Malley, a McAuley English teacher, thinks this policy is, “…important and has made a notable impact already.” O’ Malley added, “Putting phones away has improved attention and has increased participation and socialization in a lot of ways.

I do think it has helped encourage everyone just to be present and focused on what is right in front of us.” Addison Rimando 11, doesn’t totally disagree

Entrepreneurial empire

Simone Whitt

Meet sophomore Heaven Lockwood! If you know Lockwood, you probably know that she is CEO of her own clothing brand and a content creator on different social media platforms. Lockwood lives in Chicago and goes to school right here at Mother McAuley. She is the Founder and CEO of Angel Quality. The idea to start her clothing brand first came to her in eighth grade. Lockwood envisioned a business rooted in creativity, faith and discipline. Freshman year is when she fully committed; Lockwood decided to stop waiting and jump right in. Lockwood worked hard and learned everything she could about starting her own brand. After months of dedication, June 17, 2025 was the day Angel Quality officially launched marking the beginning of its entrepreneurial journey.

with the brand new policy, but she does feel strongly about the banning of AirPods/headphones. “I find it difficult because we occasionally need them [AirPods] for school work, so even our teachers are struggling with it,” Rimando said. “The community headphones provided for us by our teachers are unsanitary and have made us uncomfortable to use.”

O’Malley also agreed with this statement: “The hardest adjustment for me and I think for students has been not having access to AirPods or personal earbuds. I know I use them for classwork pretty often, and they can help students to drown out the noise of a classroom to ‘lock in’ and get things done.”

On the other hand, Aniela Murphy 11 agrees with the new phone policy, claiming that “Having the phone wasn’t an issue to me before, but now I feel like this policy is necessary to better our education, to an extent.”

Regardless of how anyone feels about this policy, this is what it’s going to be like for the rest of this school year, and the school community will just have to learn to navigate through it unless changes to the policy are made.

Lockwood described her brand as “purpose, passion and proof.” Purpose represents her “why,” her reason and her faith-based foundation that motivates her. Passion fuels her to keep going even when things get tough. Proof is what she is building that dreams are possible with hard work.

Not only does she have a clothing brand, but she is a content creator. She has over 10,000 followers on both TikTok, Youtube and Instagram. Her videos range from lifestyle vlogs to "get ready with me” videos. Lockwood gives credit to her parents–both CEOs–as her inspiration for wanting to start her own business.

“They taught me that leadership is not just about a title, it's about the standard you hold yourself to and the impact you make on others,” she said. Despite setbacks like late shipments or design malfunctions, she preserved.

“I’m young, I’m God-fearing and I’m focused,” Lockwood said. Not only is she doing all of this on her own time, she is also active in the McAuley community, a member of the Black Student Union and captain of the majorette team. Heaven Lockwood is building more than just a brand; she's building an entrepreneurial empire.

above. Advertisement for Angel Quality showcasing Lockwood’s new products. photos provided by Heaven Lockwood 10

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE, has been a constant topic in the United States— especially since President Donald J. Trump has been elected back into office. Major cities around the country have had ICE raids within the past months, with Chicago being one of the most recognized. The presence of ICE in Chicago has heightened conflicts between federal and local governments, and JB Pritzker, the current governor of Illinois, is willing to put up a fight. “Unidentifiable agents in unmarked vehicles with masks are planning to raid Latino communities and say they’re targeting violent criminals," Pritzker told CBS news. “As we saw in Los Angeles, a very, very small percentage of the individuals they will target will be violent criminals. Instead, you are likely to see videos of them hauling away mothers and fathers traveling to work or picking up their kids from school.” Many immigrant families are living in constant fear of being deported—including children of immigrant parents who are also worried about their families’ safety. Countless immigrants are avoiding healthcare, reporting

Salt melts ICE

Luna Munoz-Diaz

crimes and even public events where they can draw attention to themselves in fear that ICE may be in the area; however, Chicago representatives don’t want their people to live in fear.

Usually on Mexican Independence Day, Sept. 16, Chicago streets are full of pride and vibrant celebrations of tradition and culture. The city even closes down streets for these massive events. However, this year things were different. People were afraid to go out and celebrate their independence.

“It breaks my heart to report that we have been told ICE will try and disrupt community picnics and peaceful parades. Let's be clear: the terror and cruelty is the point, not the safety of anyone living here,” said Pritzker. Thus, the attendance at parades and gatherings had decreased compared to previous years.

During Chicago winters, salt trucks are commonly used to counter ice on roadways. However, during the week of Mexican Independence Day, claims were consistently flowing on social media that salt trucks were seen throughout the city. There were rumors th-

at their purpose was to block any immigration enforcement. It was later revealed that their true mission was to protect protestors and “support public safety efforts related to a planned protest and the Taste of Chicago,” said Chicago’s Department of Streets and Sanitation. The message they were trying to get across was clear: salt melts ICE.

Overall, the impact that ICE has and is currently having around the country is drastic. It’s affecting countless families, jobs, communities, etc. ICE’s presence is a constant reminder that immigration isn’t just about the laws, but there’s a story—multiple stories— within, about people and their lives.

SALT MELTS ICE

CHICAGO

Saint Carlo Acutis: The first millennial saint

“I am happy to die because I have lived my life without wasting a minute on those things that do not please God,” Saint Carlo Acutis once said. He was born May 3, 1991, and died Oct. 12, 2006, at age 15. Acutis was an inspiration due to his devotion to Christ at such a young age—a time of life when it is easy to be influenced by sin. He was buried in jeans and a T-shirt, a symbol of who he was: a teenage boy. He liked to program and play video games with his friends. He often helped classmates through struggles such as parental divorce or being bullied for having a disability. He would invite them to his home, offering support and comfort. He also asked his parents to take him on pilgrimages to Eucharistic miracle sites. Though illness kept him from traveling, he used his skills to create a website cataloging the Eucharistic miracles so others could experience them. His inspiration came from Blessed Giacomo Alberione, who also used media to proclaim the Gospel.

According to the National Catholic Register, Carlo Acutis fell ill with what was first thought to be the flu on Oct. 2, 2006. During his illness, he said, “The doctor has given me a wake-up call…There are a lot of people suffering a lot more than me.”

Acutis received the anointing of the sick on Oct. 10 and died within a week of being diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia. After his death, the International Exhibition of Eucharistic Miracles—an exhibition for teens to learn about Eucharistic miracles—began. Acutis designed the exhibition, but after his death the Church further promoted and organized it into a traveling exhibit. It has since traveled to many countries worldwide.

The catalyst for Acutis’s canonization was Francesca Consolini, postulator for the Archdiocese of Milan. She said, “His faith, which was unique in such a young person, was pure and certain. It made him always be sincere with himself and with others. He showed extraordinary care for others; he was sensitive to the problems and situations of his friends and those who lived close to him and were with him day to day.” Carlo’s cause for canonization began in 2013.

Before a saint can be declared a saint, they must perform two verified post-beatification miracles. Acutis’s first was the healing of a Brazilian boy, Matheus Vianna, who was born with a malformed pancreas. After much prayer, his mother asked for Acutis’s intercession. The boy was later declared cured of his condition.

The second miracle involved a young Costa Rican student, Valeria Valverde, who suffered a severe head injury and had a low chance of survival. Her mother went to Acutis’s tomb and prayed for her healing. Within 10 days, Valverde began breathing on her own, her brain hemorrhage had disappeared and she made a full recovery.

Acutis was declared venerable in 2018, beatified in 2020 and officially canonized a saint Sept. 7, 2025. He is recognized as the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint and the patron saint of the internet.

Imani Griffin

above. Dedicated shrine of St. Carlo Acutis containing a relic of the saint located at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Covent Garden, London. photo by Andy Scott

above. “SALT MELTS ICE” a phrase that has spread throughout Chicago by protestors wanting ICE agents out of the city. graphic by Luna Munoz-Diaz

The epidemic of gun violence in America

With the seemingly constant headlines of shootings–from the assassination of Charlie Kirk to the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School–it feels like we cannot go a week without hearing a tragic story of an American’s life being taken by a gun. It is now unmistakable that gun violence has become an unavoidable reality of American society. The real question is: how do we handle the threat of gun violence in the United States?

For as long as we have been a nation, guns have been part of American life, but the threat of gun violence has grown especially through policy changes. The history of guns in America is rooted in the Constitution, with the Second Amendment stating: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Many interpret this amendment as granting Americans the right to bear arms, but most neglect the preceding clause. This is likely because of shifts in how the government has interpreted the amendment. Until 2008, the Second Amendment was largely interpreted to mean that citizens could own a gun for the sole purpose of forming a militia to defend the state. This all changed with the Supreme Court’s ruling in District of Columbia v. Heller. This decision redefined the Second Amendment, ruling that Americans’ right to bear arms was expanded for personal use. This ruling had an immense impact on gun control, as it marked a turning point in framing guns as a tool for personal purposes such as self-defense.

Rylee Dombro

The years following Heller saw a rise in mass shootings, especially in schools. The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting is one of the most notable. On Dec. 14, 2012, 20-year-old Adam Lanza shot and killed his mother, then took her gun and drove to the nearby elementary school, Sandy Hook Elementary, and fired his way through the entrance. His violent spree went on for five minutes, and Lanza killed 20 children and six educators, firing a total of 154 bullets before ending his own life with a self-inflicted gun wound. This remains one of the most deadly school shootings ever and opened up new conversations about linking gun violence to mental health.

SubHeadline

Lanza struggled with mental illness, including anxiety, autism spectrum disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Many assumed his mental illness led to the attack, but it is critical to note that mental illness alone does not cause gun violence. From an early age Lanza had wide and unsupervised access to guns from his mother. A report from the Connecticut Child Advocate said “It is reasonable to wonder what actions [Lanza] would have taken and whether the Sandy Hook tragedy could have occurred at all if he had not had unfettered access to significant weaponry and ammunition.” At a certain point gun violence cannot just be addressed with mental health awareness but through gun control.

This is not only relevant to the Sandy Hook case, but also to school shootings happening in 2025 with recent conversations after the school

Gun Violence Deaths vs. Gun Law Strength

shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church. Last month a tragic school shooting rocked the community of Annunciation when the shooter, Robin Westman, killed two children during Mass and injured 18 others before ending her own life. Westman was a former student at Annunciation who graduated in 2017. Throughout Westmas’s life classmates and relatives described Westman as odd and deeply disturbed. She struggled with mental health issues throughout her life and had a disturbing fascination with mass shootings. Her manifesto reflected ideas of praise of school shooters such as Lanza, hateful ideologies of racist and antiCatholic sentiments and suicidal remarks. Westman concluded her manifesto by asking for forgiveness and offering prayers for the families of the victims and herself.

In the end, gun violence is not solely about mental health; the core of the issue is gun control. Westman was able to legally purchase the rifle used in the shooting because she had no previous criminal record, but it is undeniable that if her background was looked into deeper, there were serious mental issues that should have prohibited Westman from buying a gun. While mental health struggles are not inherently predictive of violence, there were clear warning signs that should have raised red flags during the purchase process.

America needs to wake up to see the out-ofcontrol nature of gun violence. In 2024, gun violence resulted in 40,886 deaths and 31,652 injuries. The United States has an estimated one and a half firearms per person, including children. To stop this we need to have stronger gun control laws across all states. It is proven that gun control laws do help. States with stronger gun control laws have less lives lost to gun violence compared to those with weaker gun control laws. Yet gun control cannot only be handled by the states. It is in the hands of the federal government to enact strong gun control policies to stop the epidemic of gun violence. Every voice matters, and Americans have the power to demand change to confront this crisis.

Gun Law Strength score (100-0)

Gun Violence related deaths per 100,000

graph by Rylee Dombor

The legacy that lives on

Some teachers don’t just leave an impression: they leave a legacy. They forever shape lives with their passion and unwavering belief in their students. At Mother McAuley, Mrs. Mary Kay Mannelli was that kind of teacher. She wasn’t just a fixture in the building; she was a light in it. Her laugh could brighten a hallway, her energy transformed retreats and her kindness left permanent imprints on those lucky enough to know her. Though she’s no longer with us, her spirit remains–in the stories shared and in the love she poured so freely into every corner of the school.

Two nights before she passed away, Mannelli sat with her daughter, Georgia Menke, reading letters written to Mannelli from her students. Menke said, “These letters expressed sincere love, thankfulness and impact. We cried together reading them. She was so honored to be a teacher, but I am even more honored to have had her as my mother.”

Fiona Stanek

who

colleagues, her family and her community. She was funny, joyous, compassionate and–above all–principled. She lived by the belief that doing the right thing wasn’t optional: it was essential. This belief was seen through her everyday actions. Social Science teacher Mrs. Rita Fox recounted how Mannelli was a fierce advocate for justice, especially after the 2016 election when Mannelli was one of the hundreds of women that went down to Washington, D.C. to partake in the women’s march the day after President Donald Trump’s first inauguration.

Fox said, “Needless to say, Mary Kay was there after a 16 hour bus ride and marched in protest of the election. She was quite the “gal”all true to her integrity, shining her light on her students and making a difference at McAuley.” She made that difference at McAuley because

Mannelli didn't just teach history: she made her students feel seen. Emily Kovar, a current senior and former student of Mannelli, remembers their time together.

“She always tried to get to know her students. I’d tell her about one of my soccer games, and she’d write it down so she could attend it or ask me how it went in class. Whenever I was in her class, she made me want to learn history,” Kovar said.

Fox, who interviewed Mannelli for the job back in 1994, remembers the same thing. “She impressed me with her knowledge of history, her joy in teaching and the delight she had working with her students. She was loyal, supportive, always kind to everyone at school,” Fox recounted.

Besides her love for teaching, Mannelli had a love for the arts, particularly Renaissance art which resulted in her teaching Art History for a period of time.

But it was her love of art that connected her with one of her closest friends: art teacher Mrs. Kathy Gordon Davis (GD). It was from that moment, when the two met in B-Wing, and all the moments in between until her passing, where the two bonded.

For years, Mannelli, GD and their teacher peers, like English teacher Mrs. Debra Bewley, shared lunch together and dubbed themselves “the Peeps,” trading frustrations and jokes, laughing themselves silly.

“It was the best part of our day,” GD said. Mannelli always gave in ways, both big and small. She moderated the Mighty Mac Dancers, joined Action Reaction service projects, volunteered at Ronald McDonald House and supported both Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month events.

In the middle of all that dedication was a woman who was funny, collaborative, sarcastic and passionate– the friend who would sled face first down a hill on Kairos several times, animated and furious until everyone was crying

with laughter; the friend who chased a squirrel out of her garden, limping into school the next day; the friend who filled GD’s shoes with fruit loops–just to get her back.

Through all of this, colleagues and students saw someone who was consistent and dependable. She said what she meant and lived it–in her service projects, in her classroom promises, in her relationships.

As GD put it, Mannelli valued honesty, compassion and “walked the walk.” She was, above all, a woman of her word, and her students and friends trusted that.

At home, those same qualities defined her as a mother. Menke still hears her mom’s voice saying “How’s my girl?” and she remembers the singing valentines her mom sent to her every year.

“She stuck up for people when others judged them. She taught me that it doesn't take away your value as an individual,” Menke said, reflecting on who her mom was.

When Mannelli passed suddenly, the shock hit McAuley like a wave. A memorial Mass at McAuley where many current and past employees came to pay their respects and to share stories, and tiny stuffed chicks (“Peeps”) now sit on desks in classrooms as a quiet tribute to her.

For Fox, GD, Kovar and Menke, the memories converge: Mannelli was a woman who loved fiercely, taught with creativity, laughed loudly and served quietly.

“Teaching wasn’t a paycheck or a job,” GD said. “It was her passion, her calling, her ministry.” And in many ways, that ministry continues. In the small stuffed chicks on desks, in every student who remembers her kindness, in every colleague who misses her laughter and in every life she touched. Her lessons remain: meet people where they are, make learning beautiful and never forget to laugh.

As Fox said, “We loved her.”

May Mrs. Mannelli rest in peace.

above. Mrs. Mary Kay Mannelli (far right) with former students and faculty members celebrating their Mother McAuley pride with red and gold at a school pep rally.

above. Mrs. Mannelli helps create door decor for B-Wing during Christmastime, following the theme of “A Christmas Story.”

photos provided by Mrs. Kathy Gordon Davis

Miszczak makes a difference at McAuley

This fall, Mother McAuley added several new clubs, giving students more opportunities to explore their interests outside of class. Among them is the Robotics Club, which has gained lots of attention for its creativity, teamwork and technology. Students are learning to problemsolve together while also preparing for future careers in science and engineering.

Junior Melissa Miszczak, founder of the Robotics Club, says she created the club because she wanted girls here to feel empowered and confident in themselves and their skills. She asked Brother Rice if McAuley girls who were also interested in robotics could join their team, and they declined. She felt hurt. Miszczak knew there were plenty of girls also interested in robotics, so she took matters into her own hands. She wants women to know that they can do everything men can do.

“I think I’m most excited that there’s other girls who are also interested in stuff that I am. I wanted to form something that we could all do together as a team,” Miszczak said. Members participate in team-building activities that test their skills to the limit. It’s gonna be super cool to see what we accomplish together,” Miszczak said.

What was your song of the summer?

“‘The Spins’ by Mac Miller and Empire Of The Sun!”

- Isabella Alaniz 9

“‘6 Months Later’ by

Megan

Moroney.” - Tamaree Dumas 10

She created this club to help students express themselves in a safe space. Robotics Club is one of several new additions this year, including Debate Club and Artificial Intelligence Club. Each one gives students a chance to get involved and explore their passions outside the classroom. Clubs like these help students engage with others and build meaningful friendships.

The Robotics Club is open to all students and meets weekly. Everyone who joins will work together on challenges, practice programming and work together to help prepare themselves for future competitions. The Robotics Club is a great, new addition to McAuley.

McAuley nail artists

“‘Echo’ by Clairo!” -Amaya Lindor 11

“‘Espresso’ by Sabrina Carpenter.” -Kaleigh Tuma 12

Author

advertisement by Kruz Smith

above. Olivia Nomikos 11 and Melissa Miszczak 11 encourage students to join their new club at the Club Fair in September. photo by HR imaging

Mary Marley

Hot takes: The war of intelligence An attitude on apathy

Kayleigh Barrett and Imani Griffin

Kayleigh Barrett

AI, taking more than it gives:

With the rise of AI, and the number of people using it every single day, it has started to become quite a big problem—in both real life and in the fictional world. Forgive me for sounding like an old person, but AI is genuinely rotting our brains; the number of times I see kids using AI for simple Google searches or to figure out how to solve question 7 on the literature homework…it's honestly exhausting! It's gotten so bad that fast food restaurants are now using AI employees to take orders. There are even AI apps surrounding religion!

In the spike of reliance on these robots, people’s personal lives have been affected, from situations of people marrying their AI to the unfortunate scenarios of people taking their life because of it. The worst thing about AI is that it consumes ALL the information it gets; including the incorrect data. Although it's been changed now, a quick Google search on how many cigarettes should I smoke while pregnant, AI overview recommended 2-3 cigarettes a day from a Reddit user... as you can see, not a reliable source. Now, with this constant evaluation of AI, it means it’s constantly adapting to the world. AI prompts become AI pictures, which then developed into videos… and beyond that! AI users have become so popular, they are dominating sites that used to be all about originality: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, etc. In this unfortunate rise of AI, it will take more than it gives.

Imani Griffin

AI: promise or peril? :

Artificial intelligence is no new concept, dating back to the late 1940s and ’50s. So why are we acting like it is? Humans don’t care about the existence of things until they directly affect us, and with such rapid advances in technology, artificial intelligence is reaching everyone. AI is nothing but a shortcut to information that would probably take too much scrolling on Google to find. It’s simply a helpful asset to gain knowledge. It learns from our interactions— from us asking it questions—which, in a way, unifies us. Joe asking AI for an analogy to help remember biology terms helps Nancy get a more tailored, personable and even more accurate response later.

Most people’s issues, though, center on AI being used to harm, having too much insight into our daily lives or “dumbing down” the species. But when you think about the crux of the issue, it’s us. We abuse the gifts we are given, but the gift itself never changes—it remains a gift. Humans control what they do; they are the ones who ask the questions, and not the other way around. As with any broader issue, humans are in control. We are at the heart of why the bad happens, and blaming anything else doesn’t change that. AI could help educate us on how to cure cancer or reduce pollution if we let it. But rather than doing what is best, we dwell on our mistakes, never taking accountability. AI, it’s not you–it’s me.

Barrett

Let’shaveanhonestdiscussion on a topic that nobody wants to talk about: the McAuley Confessions Instagram accounts. The first account was started during the 2023-2024 school year, and it was originally supposed to be for confessing silly things...then it took a turn for the worse and became a slander page. It got taken down with the murmurs of who administered the account, who was involved and who wrote what confessions. It was the hot topic for the week, and then nobody mentioned it again as it became overshadowed by the McAuley Compliments account; however, on Sept. 2 of this school year, another McAuley Confessions account came out, and those confessions were brutal. It had maybe two that were light-hearted, and then it went straighttoslanderandbeingmean.Butwhy?

Let’s tackle the overarching problem: anonymity makes people cockier because there’s no way anybody could find out who wrote what! (Spoiler alert: There is always a way to find out). In the pollution of media, apathy has become a plague in people's minds; apathy is this idea that “if it's not happening to me, then why should I care?” Think about the number of times people on the internet talk about real problems or personal issues, and the comments are just heartless, like “Womp womp” or “And the world keeps spinning!” This shows just how cruel some people are because there is a screen protecting them from consequences. Everyone, and I mean everyone, has had a situation where they’ve said something on the internet…but when it came to executing the plan in real life, they couldn’t follow throughwithwhattheywrote.

The thing that people forget about is once you post something, it's there forever. Sure, you can delete stories or reels, but screenshots and screen recording exist,and let's not forget how easy it is to reach out to social platforms for help to recover things that should be “permanently gone.” The creator of the Confessions 2.0 account is still unknown, but it was a hot topic for a week with people fearing that they would be on the account next. If the account had been active any longer, it definitely would have had more notoriety, but the account had only lasted three hours before getting taken down. So again, McAuley, please be careful of everything you say on the internet and make sure to be kind–a little kindness can go an extremelylongway.

Kayleigh

AI seems to be the topic of all discussion recently, with the changes and advances to chatbots and the rising deaths stemming from it. The biggest debate among people, especially younger generations, is mostly if the majority can agree on AI’s dangers or usefulness. While you could argue it’s useful in many aspects like studying or gathering ideas, there’s an underlying danger people are beginning to notice that’s creeping forward the more AI is advancing.

Most people lean towards a fear of AI being a problem the more it’s used, also seeing it as a bad influence on kids and teens. According to Scientific American, about 36% of people are afraid AI will become a catastrophic disaster to humanity. This growing fear is because of it developing at such a rapid rate, making it clear that with AI comes an increasingly alarming self-improvement mechanism from AI bots themselves. This means eventually it won’t need help from humans behind a computer screen telling it what to do or how to respond. This self-awareness complex from these bots is

AI: is it truly safe?

Elizabeth Storrie

called AGI (artificial general intelligence), basically meaning that it will not need human intervention.

The more the technology seems to advance, the more people are realizing they could lose their jobs. People like authors, artists, customer service workers, reporters, editors and so much more fear that AI is stripping away originality and creativity of human minds.

Parents are also starting to fear the worst, with the reports of multiple kids and teens taking their own life due to using AI chatbots. Some teenagers are asking the bots questions on how to go about committing the tragic act or using it as “a friend to confide in.” Other teenagers are using AI to get results on how to use drugs or alcohol. In the United States, suicide rates have increased significantly to about 47,000 deaths per year in the last 20 years, with deaths due to AI joining those numbers in 2024 and 2025. AI companies like Meta and OpenAI are working to reduce these rising numbers by implementing redirects to prevention hotlines and parent oversight features. Even with these safety meas-

ures in place, there’s no guarantee that it will be the solution.

AI has already become a staple in most everyday lives, predominantly in school-related environments. But, with its hopeful benefits, we also have to remain vigilant of the risks it comes with.

Life on Mars - microbial martians

In a peer reviewed article published on Sept. 10, NASA revealed that a discovery made by one of their rovers points to potential evidence of life on Mars. This is supported by the presence of life sustained in similar conditions on Earth.

The Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover collects samples of rock and regolith (broken rock and soil) that have potential indications of ancient microbial life to explore the previous habitability of Mars. In July 2024, a sample of a mudstone core was collected from an ancient dried riverbed located in the Bright Angel region of the Jezero Crater. The sample contained minerals and textures that are connected to microbial activity on Earth.

High resolution images uncovered patterns within the rock called leopard spots. The patterns contained signatures of vivianite and greigite, which are minerals that form in waterrich, oxygen-poor conditions. These indicate ancient chemical reactions which could potentially support microbial life. They also found that the sedimentary rocks in the riverbed are composed of clay and silt, which preserve microbial life on Earth extremely well. However, these conditions aren’t always indicators of the presence of life.

“The combination of chemical compounds we found in the Bright Angel formation could

have been a rich source of energy for microbial metabolisms, but just because we saw all these compelling chemical signatures in the data didn’t mean we had a potential biosignature. We needed to analyze what that data could mean,” said Perseverance scientist Joel Hurowitz, head author of the peer-reviewed paper. So while the chemistry supports biological potential on Mars, the claim that these conditions could be created abiotically is valid.

“Getting such a significant finding as a potential biosignature on Mars into a peerreviewed publication is a crucial step in the scientific process because it ensures the rigor, validity, and significance of our results. And

while abiotic explanations for what we see at Bright Angel are less likely given the paper’s findings, we cannot rule them out,” said Katie Stack Morgan, Perseverance’s project scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. While more research and testing needs to be done, this was a revolutionary discovery that could further scientists’ understanding of the Red Planet. The peerreviewed publication of NASA’s findings creates a more accessible environment for the scientific community that can open a discussion that will consider the validity of the findings and invite further research.

Magen Connolly

infographic Mizanur Rahman Molla

Play like a girl Two sets of sisters

Simone Whitt

Volleyball is a game built on trust, communication and chemistry—and at McAuley, that chemistry runs deeper than most. This year, the varsity volleyball team has something special: not one, but two sets of sisters wearing the McAuley uniform together with the Prohaska and the Cahill sisters.

The Cahill sisters—Grace, a senior, and Alyson, a sophomore—are playing their first season together as teammates. For Grace, the news was unforgettable: “I couldn’t hold back my smile. It’s a special experience that I will always remember and cherish. Alyson and I have never been on the same team, so playing with her fills me with joy. Alyson is the closest person in my life, and it is so special that we get to wear the McAuley uniform together this season.”

The bond has only grown stronger over the past few months. Grace looks forward to every opportunity to set up her younger sister for a kill. Alyson sees Grace as both a role model and motivator: “Grace is someone I have always looked up to, she gives me the honest truth, even when it’s tough to hear because I know that she wants me to improve.

Whether our team wins or loses, Grace is always there to celebrate with me or help me get over setbacks.”

Then there are the Prohaska sisters—Cayla, a senior, and Jayce, a junior—who share not just the court, but even the same position. They’ve been teammates for two seasons now.

“It’s been great being able to play with Jayce not only this year but last year as well!” Cayla said. With the Cahills and the Prohaskas side by side, McAuley Volleyball has more than skill on its roster; it has built-in sister bonds.

WNBA scores a three-pointer

Since its launch in 1997, the WNBA has grown from eight teams into a powerhouse with 13 franchises, millions of fans, and legends such as Lisa Leslie, Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird. What began as an experiment is now a league that has redefined women’s basketball and inspired a new generation of athletes.

The 2025 season built on the momentum of a record-breaking 2024, highlighted by expansion, a 44-game schedule and a new best-of-seven Finals format. The Golden State Valkyries made history in their debut year, finishing 23–21 and becoming the first expansion team to ever reach the playoffs, led by Coach of the Year Natalie Nakase. “I told the girls this: We picked you guys for this reasonto do things for the first time,” Nakase said.

The Indiana Fever, fueled by veteran Kelsey Mitchell, stunned fans by winning their first playoff series since 2015 despite losing rookie sensation Caitlin Clark to injury.

The Las Vegas Aces, behind A’ja Wilson’s historic season, rebounded from a midyear slump to win 16 straight games and secure the No. 2 seed. Wilson not only led the league in

scoring but also claimed her fourth MVP and Defensive Player of the Year honors, cementing her place among the sport’s greats. “I feel like every year I’m writing a new chapter, but this one means the most because of how much we grew as a team,” Wilson said. Other standouts included Napheesa Collier, Sabrina Ionescu and Alyssa Thomas, while younger stars like Angel Reese, Aliyah Boston and Paige Bueckers signaled a bright future.

Fans responded in record breaking numbers. More than 3 million people packed arenas, averaging 11,000 per game, while national TV viewership surged to its highest level since 1998. The Valkyries sold out every home game, and a $2.2 billion media rights deal with Disney, Amazon and NBC promised even broader visibility.

The 2025 season was more than a milestone but a turning point. With record breaking attendance, rising stars and more teams, the WNBA has established itself as a major force in professional sports.

Kelly Quirk

Senior Mary Morris has been involved in every season at McAuley, from flag football and the play to track and field. It's easy to compare her to Troy Bolton from High School Musical, someone who could do it all with a smile on their face. Through engaging in such diverse activities, Morris has been able to carry key attributes from one to the other. In theater, having to be confident on the stage translates to her steady presence on the field in Flag Football, where she isn’t hesitant to go for a pass or speak up for the team when needed. “I’m able to express all of myself; not having to suppress one side of me has been amazing,” Morris said.

With being so involved comes a hectic schedule. “I lean on my friends in all my activities, they cheer me on, and I learned how to focus on myself,” Morris said. If you’re not taking care of yourself, the mental space can be challenging. With the support of friends and the self-discipline she has developed, she has been able to tackle all her endeavors. Morris has learned how resilient she is. Certain years, the musical and sports have taken more of a toll on her, but each time, she has come out stronger both mentally and physically, knowing that she can handle a lot and still succeed.

Mary is a true testament that at McAuley, you don’t have to choose just one path, but can thrive in many. Morris sums it up best: “McAuley can get you there, just do it!”

Mireya Gomez de la Casa

above. Cayla Prohaska 12, Alyson Cahill 10, Grace Cahill 12 and Jayce Prohaska 11 smile for a photo on McAuley’s home court. photo provided by Grace Cahill

above. Mary Morris 12 smiles for a flag football media photo on McAuley’s turf field. photo provided by Mary Morris 12

Artist Spotlight Backstage pass

Julianna Rodriguez

Senior Nova Martin, who has been dancing since she was two years old, never could have imagined a knee injury would take her dancing ability away so suddenly. From being backstage learning dances with her teacher for her first Christmas recital, to performing in musicals at McAuley, dancing is the only time she feels truly free. “It’s the only thing that matters when I’m doing it,” Martin said.

Her knee injury first happened Nov. 23 during the school's musical production of“Peter Pan.” She had fallen on stage after doing a high kick, crawling off in great pain. It turned out to be a slipped patella, which just popped out from time to time. This injury continued into a family trip, where she was walking and her knee began to give out, causing her entire leg pain. Not only did she feel horrible for putting her vacation on hold, but she was about to lose her favorite thing: dancing.

“It felt like I got the only thing I knew how to do taken away from me,” Martin said. Luckily for Martin, she had an army of support from her friends and family.

It taught her that “There are so many other things out there that make me ‘Nova’, not just dance,” Martin said.

Nova is still continuing her journey doing what she loves and is even going to be in the upcoming musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” as Mrs. Potiphar, although she won’t be able to be part of everything. “They are being really accommodating and nice about everything,” Martin said. Ending with a positive message, Nova finished by saying, “Even if it feels like you are getting your entire life taken away, it will all be okay.”

Emmerson Sliwka

Did you know that in the all-school musical, the sets, props and stage equipment are built by students? Even the lighting and sound are controlled by the students. With the all-school musical, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” nearly two months out, McAuley's stage crew is working hard to make the show come to life. What makes the crew so impressive is how many roles are involved in it! When you're part of the stage crew, the designing and building of the stage is only half of what you can do.

Mary DiVincenzo 11, whose duty in the club is managing the lights, said, “I have so much fun designing the colors that correspond with the mood of the scene.”

In the stage crew, every job is so important because they build on each other. A set cannot work without all its elements, just like the club itself. Many say that one of their favorite parts of being involved is the people and bonds they have formed within the months spent on building the set.

Senior Audrey Hart had a similar view. “Each element of it, each person, makes it a family. To pick one part of something that I’ve become so accustomed to in my years at

McAuley would be wrong. The community we have is something I wholeheartedly value. But I do for sure favor the relationships I have with my peers.”

The passion and love Hart has for this club is a common feeling among most of its members. They all have a common goal that they work to achieve together, making this club so strong. The artful and extremely impressive sets they create show this. So as we near the show, remember to think of the stage crew and its most dedicated members.