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vol.XXXI Issue 1
The Tritonian Notre Dame Academy
April 2021
The Show Goes On...And The Advisers Recall How It All Began For Them... Carolyn Brown My former school in Chicago had a Mr. Hoffman Hawk Contest, and students would camp out all night to get tickets. Our big high school of 2500 students had an auditorium that seated only 350, so tickets were a hot item. There the show was a fundraiser for the Drama Club. One year I had been one of the teacher emcees and saw firsthand how popular it was with the kids.
I may be the old lady who brought the idea of Mr. NDA (now the Academy Awards) to NDA, but the team behind the show has evolved it into the production we have today. I don’t do much anymore, but I wouldn’t want to miss watching Mrs. Campbell, Frau Laaksonen, Mrs. Hinch, and Mrs. VanGrunsven tweak performers’ acts and amaze me with their energy and technology talents.
So we adapted their show based on talent, beachwear and Q & A competition. We added senior emcees, tried to involve underclassmen with the idea of rampeteers, and Voila! We had a show!
Holly Hinch I have always loved the show! When I was in 8th grade, my brother was in the show. When I was a freshman, I was a rampeteer. When I was a senior, I emceed the show. When I was a first-year teacher at NDA, I judged the show. And ever since then, I have helped out with the show.
I will never forget our first show because the students and parents were so excited, so grateful. It was like nothing they’d ever had here. People couldn’t believe it! I think it was one of the best nights of my life because people just rushed backstage after it was over and celebrated like we were gods or goddesses for putting on the show. Then every school in the area heard about our show, sent representatives to come see it and started their own version of it. In fact, our Mr. NDA became the start of an areawide show called Mr. Green Bay and later Mr. Titletown, where some of our winners got several thousand dollars in scholarship money. One year we invited back our first few winners, so they could see how the show has evolved. About the only thing that is the same--and, ironically, we won’t have it this year--is the ramp.
I help out with the emcees. I schedule and organize the auditions, help them write the script, and help them with anything they need the days leading up to the show. This year, we are going to switch things up a bit with the emcees by having them be more like Entertainment Tonight newscasters, introducing the acts and contestants on video. I love how the show makes everyone so creative. It is a great bonding experience for everyone involved. Much of the fun is in the preparation! “The other advisers I work with are so amazing at what they do! Wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else! Julie Campbell I was leaving school and heard some
From Left to Right: Sarah VanGrunsven, Julie Campbell, Carolyn Brown, Jennie Laaksonen, and Holly Hinch commotion in the auditorium, so act in the Academy Awards.’ it was a highlight of my twenty plus years associated with this great show. I peeked in to see what was going on. A group of guys were practicing Some of my favorite memories are for Mr NDA (actually at that time from the fun that happens during The behind the scenes of the show, it was called Mr. MVP.) I stayed and practices. I will never be able to hear including the music and lighting are watched, laughed and gave sugges- the Pitch Perfect song ‘I’ve Got the phenomenal and have been for so long that they may get taken for granted. tions. From that day on I was in- Magic In Me’ without thinking of the group of guys in Luke Davison’s volved in the production of what is act. They practiced so many times The attention to detail by these unsung now called The Academy Awards. that we all knew the choreography. heroes have made good acts great, resulting in fabulous shows. We have The show is always one of my fa- My children grew up coming to the been blessed with the best tech crews. vorite memories of the school year. practices and dancing on the stage Jeff Bins in the early years and Jake between acts. When they were old Gerlikovski in the more recent years Every year I am so grateful to be enough, they worked during the show have individually, and with the help able to work with some of the as ‘runners’ of the ballots. Whether it of their amazing teams, contributed to best women in the building. We was as a rampeteer, personal assistant, the continuing excellence of this show. are truly a well-oiled machine. curtain puller, tech crew, in the senior Jen Laaksonen dance, video maker, contestant or the creativity behind many winning acts, I find myself watching a TV all four have been a part of the show in I came to this event after Mrs. show, commercial or movie and one way or another while in high school, Campbell and Mrs. Brown already thinking ‘that could be a great so obviously when Owen won last year See The Show Goes On..., Page 4
Tech Crew Shines Behind The Scenes Thomas Coyle, a senior, has been on the crew since his freshman year and described the thrill that he gets when the show starts and the lights start to dim and he gets to see the faces of people excited to watch the show. Coyle has been on the crew since his freshman year and is looking into mechanical engineering for his future. Owen Campbell, senior, explained that the most rewarding part of being on the crew is the memories. These memories include his personal favorite memory, the spring play Stella Divine Stella his freshman year. From Left to Right: Thomas Coyle, Jack Salzwedel, Grace Gunville, Harrison James, Riley Guyette. Not Pictured: Nate Ruggles By Riley Guyette Most people watch a show and have no idea what goes into it,” said Grace Gunville, a junior and member of the student technical crew at NDA. The technical crew isn’t usually in the spotlight, and you most likely have not thought about the work they do. The crew sets up lighting, sound and sometimes video for Masses, musicals, Tritonfest, Academy Awards, concerts, Cabaret Nights and all other assemblies in the auditorium, commons and gyms. You will likely see members of
the crew at the soundboard in the auditorium making sure all audio is working properly. Members of the crew do the work they do for many different reasons. “It’s fulfilling to see all of our hard work come together,” Gunville explained. Gunville wanted to join the technical crew in her freshman year but decided not to because she was already in band. The following year she talked to Harrison James, a sophomore at the time and member of the crew, about joining.
She has now been working on the crew for a year and a half. Gunville explained the attitude you must have to be in the crew. “You have to be able to take criticism, put in long hours, be a part of a team and be patient,” she explained. James, now a junior, joined the tech crew because his older sister wanted him to get involved with the school. Evidently her idea worked, for James acknowledged, “I like being part of a community,” when asked why he works so hard behind the scenes.
“It was the first time I ever worked the sound board alone,” Campbell explained. “It was also warm outside after the show.” Campbell had a lot of experience with video editing in middle school. This, and a recommendation from his mom, Mrs. Julie Campbell, prompted him to join the crew his freshman year. Nathaniel Ruggles, senior, has been on the crew since his sophomore year. In regards to the crew, Ruggles said, “It’s all a lot of fun.” Indeed, Ruggles plans to study theatrical production in college. Two of his friends were on the
crew during his freshman year, and that prompted him to join as well. One of these friends was a current NDA senior, Jackson Salzwedel. Salzwedel has been on the crew since his freshman year. He joined because he had done some lighting and sound board work in middle school and wanted to continue that experience in high school. When considering what type of performance he enjoys running the most, he said, “I prefer musicals because they have a story.” His most memorable experience on the crew was handling a spotlight on the Addams Family Show. The crew wouldn’t be functional without the crew’s technical director, Jake Gerlikovski, who has been working in this field for roughly eight years. He got interested in lighting and sound in middle school and later on started being a DJ at very small events. “What really pushed me was working in the auditorium at NDA in high school,” explained Gerlikovski. “That is when I knew exactly what I wanted to do for a living.” His main duty is to make sure See Tech Crew Shines, Page 4
2 Academy Awards -The Contestants
Tommy Zakowski
Tommy, who’s your celebrity crush? Eliza Gonzalez The theme song of your life… “Good Life” by OneRepublic If a movie were made about your life, what actor would get the lead role? Chase Crawford Coke or Pepsi? Coke If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Mind control What’s the best advice you’ve gotten and from whom? “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” - Confucius What’s the worst purchase you’ve ever made? My middle school education 10 years from now, you’ll be… 28 Got any hidden talents? Armpit noises What makes you cry every time it happens? Watching the movie Hachi What’s your favorite app on your phone? Doodle Jump What’s your go-to tv show/movie? Stepbrothers What’s your dream job? Gentleman Spy “If it ain’t broke…” it probably goes to Notre Dame Academy.
Jacob Massart Jacob, what’s the last lie you told? “Yes, Maggie, I loved your original fan fiction about Evan Peters and yourself.” Who’s your celebrity crush? Shrek If a movie were made about your life, what actor would get the lead role? Myself. No one can match my energy.
Coke or Pepsi, Jacob? Coke. If you say Pepsi, I’m convinced you’re a psychopath. What’s the best advice you’ve gotten and from whom? “Don’t confuse a ratchet strap with a jockstrap.” Inspiring words from my Dad. What’s your biggest pet peeve? No writing on yourself. If you write a note on your hand or arm, I cannot be friends with you. How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? Just bite it. Like really? Who’s your celebrity look-alike? Dua Lipa. I don’t see any other celebrity in myself besides her. What’s the worst purchase you’ve ever made? Every purchase I’ve ever made has been pointless, but I truly do regret buying my sister’s Christmas gift. She didn’t match my gift in price. Got any hidden talents? I’ve got a killer Elmo impression. What makes you cry every time it happens? In the morning when I look in the mirror. What’s your favorite app on your phone? TikTok (go follow it @jakeyb0i) What’s your go-to tv show/movie? Wall-E. The robot love story reminds me that if a robot can find love, so can I.
Jack Fitzgerald Jack, who’s your celebrity crush? Nancy Pelosi The theme song of your life… “Anaconda” by Niki Manaj Top bucket list item… To get 1000 tickets on the big bass wheel If a movie were made about your life, what actor would get the lead role? Shaq or Betty White What’s the best advice you’ve gotten and from whom? My mom always tells me, “You have the rest of your life to become the person you want to be.” Who’s your celebrity look-alike? The Chef from Ratatouille What makes you cry every time it happens? Opening powerschool really gets the tears going What’s your favorite app on your phone? Christian Mingle “It takes two to…” ride a tandem bike. “The early bird…” will talk about getting no sleep last night like it’s an achievement. “If you want something done right…” pay a professional. “A picture is worth a thousand…” dollars, if it’s of me, of course.
Joey Bonadonna Joey, what’s the last lie you told? “Yes, Mom, I did turn in my article for Mrs. Brown on time.” Who’s your celebrity crush? In first grade, it was Selena Gomez. I do not have one now. Top bucket list item… See every major pro sports stadium/arena in North America. Coke or Pepsi? I hate soda, so both can rot in their graves. What’s your most embarrassing NDA memory? Getting clapped in football by Braedon Curtin freshman year, resulting in my second concussion in three weeks and the end of my football playing career. What’s the best advice you’ve gotten and from whom? “Don’t ever, for any reason, do anything to anyone for any reason ever, no matter what, no matter where, or who, or who you are with, or where you are going, or where you’ve been... ever, for any reason whatsoever...” - Michael Scott What’s your biggest pet peeve? People chewing their fingernails What’s the worst purchase you’ve ever made? A Tim Tebow Jets jersey 10 years from now, you’ll be… Either on ESPN or in an NFL front office. Got any hidden talents? It’s not a talent but people are enamored with my extreme hitchhiker’s thumbs. What makes you cry every time it happens? The Packers losing in the NFC Championship, even though, at this point, I expect it every year. “Better late than...” never, which unfortunately is the same philosophy I apply to my homework.
Tola Adejumo Tola, what’s the last lie you told? “Yeah, I did my math homework, Konshak.” Top bucket list item… Using the restroom in every state.
Academy Awards -The Contestants 3 If a movie were made about your life, Tola, what actor would get the lead role? Obviously Meryl Streep. She can do it all. Coke or Pepsi? Neither. They’re both vomitinducing. What’s your most embarrassing NDA memory? Freshman year, my ankle gave out for no reason in the middle of Konop. Shoutout to Tracy for being the only person who didn’t laugh. What’s the best advice you’ve gotten and from whom? “Blame others for your problems, take credit for the solutions.” -Mr. (younger) Geiser How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? Depends on the day. I’d say a solid 15 licks though. What’s the worst purchase you’ve ever made? Fidget spinner phone case. Times were rough. 10 years from now, you’ll be… Asking Sofia if my outfit makes me look fat Who’s your celebrity look-alike? Queen Elizabeth What makes you cry every time it happens? Walking into The Atrium on a Monday morning What’s your favorite app on your phone? Twitter. Lots of entertaining misinformation on there.
Will Zellner Will, what’s the last lie you told? “Hey, Will Drake, lookin’ good today, bro!” Who’s your celebrity crush? Blake Lively or Selena Gomez The theme song of your life… “Scream and Shout” Top bucket list item… Skydiving or Cliff Jumping in Europe Coke or Pepsi? Dr. Pepper You can time travel...where are you going? The 1940s What’s your biggest pet peeve? When my mom doesn’t fill out Magnus. How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? I’m a biter. Who’s your celebrity look-alike? Paul Walker What makes you cry every time it happens? When Marley dies in Marley and Me. What’s your favorite app on your phone? Magnus Mobile What’s your go-to tv show/movie? Entourage
Seth Baeten Seth, what’s the last lie you told? “No, Danny, I don’t think you look like the mayor from The Lorax.” Who’s your celebrity crush? Lana The theme song of your life… “Hard In Da Paint” by Waka Flocka Flame If a movie were made about your life, what actor would get the lead role? Michael Cera Coke or Pepsi? Coke If you could have one superpower, what would it be? X-Ray vision You can time travel...where are you going? Back to my first time seeing Sra. Stover. What’s the best advice you’ve gotten and from whom? “If you do crossfit, you are guaranteed to start balding by 20.” - Mr. Konshak Who’s your celebrity look-alike? Ellen DeGeneres. Got any hidden talents? I’ve been compared to the Waka Flocka Flame of my generation. So rapping I guess? What makes you cry every time it happens? Having one of those Triton raps pop up on my Instagram feed (no offense, Jack) What’s your go-to tv show/movie? Mac and Devin go to High School “A picture is worth a thousand...” likes, if it has a cool enough caption.
Coke or Pepsi, Cooper? Coke. Pepsi is just off brand Coke. If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Cross-dimensional awareness What’s your biggest pet peeve? People chewing with their mouth open Who’s your celebrity look-alike? Ivan Drago from Rocky 4 What makes you cry everytime it happens? The ending of Friends What’s your favorite app on your phone? Christian Mingle What’s your go-to tv show/movie? Wolf of Wall Street “It takes two to…” make a thing go right.
Will Drake Will, what’s the last lie you told? That I’m going to miss Tre. The theme song of your life... “All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled Top bucket list item... Going 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fumanchu If a movie were made about your life, who would get the lead role? Mark Wahlberg If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Being Arnold Schwarzenegger You can time travel...where are you going? The 1990s. What’s the best advice you’ve gotten and from whom? “You’re too legit to quit” - MC Hammer What’s the worst purchase you’ve ever made? I got convinced into buying $35 worth of fudge, and I don’t even like fudge. Who’s your celebrity look-alike? I’ve been told I look like Nelly. What’s your go-to tv show/movie? Dancing With the Stars
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Cooper Bukowski Cooper, who’s your celebrity crush? Jennifer Aniston The theme song of your life… “Party in the U.S.A.” Top bucket list item… Be in Mr. NDA What’s the best advice you’ve gotten and from whom? “Do or do not. There is no try.” I learned that one from Yoda.
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4
Opinion
What is your favorite Mr. NDA or Academy Awards Memory? Simon Dvorak, senior: “Definitely Fuzz French in Mr. NDA. Apart from the skits being insanely enjoyable, enjoying it with friends made it that much better.” Maggie Gallagher, senior: “My favorite was definitely Joel Meglic’s performance; it really made me laugh.” Nick Massabni, junior: “The best Academy Awards acts were Owen Campbell’s or Theo Van Straten’s or Josh Cribben’s.” Melanie Burnell, senior: “My favorite was Charlie Lemkuil’s performance my sophomore year.” Grace Gunville, junior: “I definitely liked Owen Campbell’s performance the most out of all the years I have been at NDA.” Emma Skaletski, sophomore: “My favorite performance was Joel Meglic’s Zumba dance.” Emma Cooper, senior: “Charlie Lemkuil is at the top of my list of favorite performances out of all of the Mr. NDA shows.” Harrison James, junior: “I think Owen Campbell’s performance was my ultimate favorite.” Olivia Berndt, senior: “My favorite? A tie between Sonja Gapinski and Owen Campbell. I loved Owen’s because it was the funniest thing I have ever seen, and Sonja’s was amazing because I got to be a part of it all. It was so fun.” Kylie Callaway, junior: “My favorite performance was totally Owen Brummel’s.” Alex Schrader, senior: “I loved Evan Walczeck’s performance; it was absolutely hilarious.” Anna Lippert, junior: “The year my brother sang so well that everyone thought he was lip syncing.” Alex Brabant, senior: “Ben Lelinski’s singing ‘Piano Man’ after inhaling helium.”
Anna Zimmermann, senior: “Charlie Lemkuil’s water fountain act and Henry Wied’s standup routine.” Maddie Gage, senior: “Riley Onell’s ‘Blades of Glory’ skating routine.” Hannah Weisse, senior: “Charlie Lemkuil’s water fountain act.” Anna Gruesen, junior: “Charlie Lemkuil’s act was the best.” Molly Kukiela, junior: “I really liked Owen Brummel’s and Henry Wied’s performances.” Sylvia Peterson, freshman: “The aerobics dance that Owen Brummel was in.” Matthew Gugluizza, freshman: “Owen Campbell’s act last year.” Madeline Scripp, freshman: “Ish-
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I actually prefer the nights leading up to the show maybe even more than the show itself. Hanging out with everyone and seeing the enthusiasm build is amazing, and it leads to a really huge rush the night of the show. I think the beauty of the women I work with is how we all play a pivotal role in putting on a great performance. No one’s role is less important than the other. It is a true equal collaboration where we all can showcase our particular talents, and quite frankly they are just amazing women! I am so proud of the kids that are doing it this year. They went in knowing it wouldn’t be the same but wanted to put on a great show, nonetheless. My favorite act of all time was Joe Curtin’s routine from “Singing in the Rain, Make ‘em Laugh.” It was so unique and so well choreographed.
intro.” Evie Rickards, sophomore: “My favorite would have to be Charlie Lemkuil when he and his friends were all spitting water at each other. It was hilarious! Elizabeth Rickards, senior: “Owen Brummel’s was my favorite. His performance almost made me cry. It was so heartwarming and sweet. Andrew Delvoye, junior: “I 100% loved Owen Campbell’s performance.” Aidan Guiou, senior: “I have to say Ben Lelinski, the dude who rocked the kilt, was amazing.” Emma Vanhoof, junior: “Owen Campbell’s performance totally blew me away! Best one yet!” Maggie Tressler, junior: “Owen
Last year’s winner, Owen Campbell, stands with his predecessor, Owen Brummel, at the conclusion of the 2020 Academy Awards.
The Show Goes On... had an extremely successful show, so I am a bit spoiled. I have loved every minute I have spent working on the show. I try to consult with our tech crew and work with our contestants to put together a great stage show. During the show I work with the backstage crew to get props out and calm the nerves of the contestants. I have had many great memories. I enjoyed seeing my daughter be a part of the show a couple times, and last year I loved the opening as I did the music for it, and Jake created a stunning light show.
mael Nur was funny.” Bella McCarron, senior: “My favorite was definitely Henry Wied’s from my junior year!” Emma Goffard, sophomore: “I can’t exactly remember who performed, but I recall the lighting, comedy choices and the music being my favorite aspects of the show!” Madison Waldrop, senior: “Owen Campbell’s performance in last year’s Academy Awards is still my favorite. His editing skills blew me away!” Meredith James, senior: “My favorite performance had to be Owen Brummel’s. His artistic talents blow me away!” Alex Brabant, senior: “My favorite act of all time was Eric Wyeker’s
I am always in awe of what Jake Gerlikovski does with his stage designs. He is a true talent and works countless hours along with his crew to truly make the show happen. Sarah VanGrunsven My first year at NDA, Carolyn Brown asked me to be a staff judge. I absolutely loved the show and that is when Carolyn asked me to join the team of a fantastic group of advisors. That was 12 years ago. The Academy Awards has always been one of my favorite parts of NDA. I have had the pleasure of getting to know so many students over the years that I would not have had the chance to know otherwise. From sewing sequins on a costume hours before the show, rewriting songs the night before the show, the late nights and group bonding - I have wonderful memories of this show. Each year, the camaraderie of the group is amazing. I am always thrilled that so many contestants help other contestants with their acts. The amount of time the contestants, crew and tech put into the show is beyond belief. The memories these students make will last for a lifetime. Although this year will not be a live show, I am so impressed by each contestant for still participating in the show.
ACADEMY AWARDS WINNERS JEFF LUTSEY - I ANDREW MOHR - II JAKE BUTZ - III ANDREW BUTCHER - IV MIKE TUCHALSKI - V TOMMY DURKIN - VI MAX PRANGE - VII SHAWN CONNELLY - VIII TODD SCHMIDT - IX ALEX ERDMAN - X STEVEN SCHUMACHER - XI BERNDT BRUMMEL - XII BOBBY ELLIOTT - XIII CHRIS REFSGUARD - XIV
Campbell’s dance was cool.” Caden Capomaccio, junior: “I liked Owen Brummel’s drawings of the teachers.” Elizabeth Williams, junior: “My favorite was Joel Meglic’s Jazzercise act last year.” Jack FitzGerald, junior: “Henry Wied’s stand-up act.” Caleb Steffel, senior: “A tie between Cribben’s anger translator act and Fuzz’s Chris Farley impression.” Stanley Bailey, senior: “Fuzz’s Chris Farley impression.” Chris Charles, junior: “My favorite was Henry Wied’s stand-up routine.” Gabe Phillips, junior: “Riley O’Nell’s and Bo Buckley’s skating act freshman year” Charlie DeRuyter, junior: “I would say my favorite was also Henry Wied’s stand-up.” Mary Popkey, junior: “Henry Wied saying ‘driving home’ was his favorite part about his day at NDA.” Sophia Richards, junior: “Howie’s rampwalk to ‘Suit and Tie’ last year” Sam Smet, junior: “A shocker. Henry Wied’s stand-up act. I also liked Katherine Zeise and Mitch Chosa’s act freshman year.” Maggie Thillman, junior: “Fritz.” Lucia Bosco, junior: “My favorite act was Nate Ihlenfeldt’s.” John Sack, junior: “My favorite performance was by Joel Meglic.” Sophie Rotherham, senior: “My favorite was Owen Campbell’s junior year.” Eddie Noble, senior: “ Tommy Zakowski’s act will be the best act... good luck, Tommy!” Julia Augustian, senior: “My favorite was Henry Wied’s last year.” Joseph Re, senior: “Grady Brick’s dance routine was absolutely astonishing.”
Tech Crew Shines Continued From Page 1 everything is running smoothly in every department (audio systems, wireless coordination, lighting systems, rigging systems and video systems). He also manages both the student technicians and the crew technicians that make the show possible. “I am ultimately responsible for any issues,” he explained. “It is also my responsibility to work with the director and to be sure the overall design aspect is being met.” Being a technical director doesn’t feel like work to Gerlikovski. “Yes, some days or nights are long and frustrating, but this career is fun,” he explained. “I go to concerts, design lighting and work
with various performing acts.” Although this might seem like a fun job, he understands there is a lot of tough work involved. “Yes, on the outside it is going to concerts, designing lights, and working with acts; however, at times, it can be 1518 hour days, multiple days in a row, in 100-degree weather, with semi-trucks full of equipment,” said Gerlikovski. For that
him, people
it is important enjoy his work.
“I think loving what you do is something people struggle with. I can not imagine working a job that I dread going into work for. There is no excitement there,” he said. “That is something I try to teach and explain over and over to the student techs.”
Emcees Promise Unique Show, Same Fun
HUNTER YEWMAN - XV ROSS WARPINSKI - XVI CAYMAN BERG - XVII KIERAN DEGROOT - XVIII GREG YOUNG - XIX JACK PAVEK - XX NATE IHLENFELDT - XXI BEN LELINSKI - XXII OWEN BRUMMEL - XXIII OWEN CAMPBELL - XXIV
??? - XXV
This year’s emcees, chosen in tryouts by a panel of teachers and staff members, are seniors Lainey Chosa and Sam Ruffell. They have a unique challenge: doing the show in a pandemic. Check out their exclusive, online feature stories at www.ndatritonian.com.