Notre Dame High School
Titan
Times
Volume 5, Issue 3 | December 2025
Inside this Issue: Laufey
Page 2 Immaculate Conception
Page 3
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING AT ND By: Stella Kurzweil
Titan Times Writer, Freshman
Recently, Notre Dame held its first annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony—an event that will hopefully continue as the years fly by! On December 2nd, every club set up their own tables, with each having activities visitors could partake in with their families. For example, the Red Cross Club offered cards that people could color—and which would eventually find their way into nursing homes so that the elderly wouldn’t feel alone during the holidays. Meanwhile, Book Club allowed others to color bookmarks and read Christmas tales. Those who visited the Mock Trial table could paint gavels, while herbs were handed out near the Gardening Club’s table. It couldn’t have been any more festive without Christmas music, either! A few Notre Dame students sung for us as Santa Claus paid the school a visit,
Photo by Heidi Hutter ultimately bringing even more life to this already joyous experience. This event truly strengthened our community bond. All around the campus, families and students took the time to relax and hang out with one another. The Christmas tree from that day still stands, in fact, as a reminder of the special night that was carried out.
As someone who personally helped set up a table for one of the participating clubs, I could see that even before the event, much effort and passion was put in to ensure a warm, positive, and unforgettable atmosphere. The dedication each club had when it came to decorating their tables coupled with the community’s participation and enthusiasm were certainly admirable!
CHRISTMAS PARTY
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Image from Joshua Avila
Photo by Heidi Hutter
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted, is God with us.”- Matthew 1:23
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Page 2| CURRENT EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT Volume 5, Issue 3 | December 2025
Epstein Files By: Jacob Solis Titan Times Writer, Freshman On November 18th, the House of Representatives passed a bill to release the infamous Jeffrey Epstein Estate Files. The name of the bill, Epstein Files Transparency Act, was voted 427-1. This bill would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to publish these documents online for the public to read. The act would order the Justice Department to release flight logs, travel records, emails, and other documents related to Epstein and his networks. Jeffrey Epstein was arrested in 2019 on multiple charges of sex trafficking and sexual abuse of minors. In 2021, Epstein’s accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, was imprisoned on the same charges. Epstein died in jail before he could stand before a judge. For years, people have demanded answers about who Epstein worked with and how he operated. This new bill aims to shed more light on the case.
The vote came from a rare move in Congress known as a “discharge petition,” which would force the House to bring the bill to the floor to be voted on, even when leaders were slow to act on it. Members from both parties were in support of the release of the files, saying the public deserved to know the full truth. The only “nay” vote came from Representative Clay Higgins of Louisiana, who said he was worried the bill might expose people who were mentioned in these files but were never charged with a crime. When President Trump began his second term, he seemed hesitant against releasing the Epstein files. Often, he and his Cabinet members would dismiss or avoid any questions regarding the case. All of this essentially painted the picture that the administration did not want these files to be public.
Laufey Holiday Album
By: Chau Lai Titan Times Writer, Freshman It’s now that season! Laufey has once again updated her holiday EP—a release longer than a single but shorter than an album —known as “A Very Laufey Holiday.” It was first released in 2022 and has been updated with Image from Google new songs yearly. Currently, The album received very positive there are 7 songs, with her reviews, with many critics noting cover, “Santa Claus Is Comin’ how her jazzy voice gives a new To Town” being released this flair and a refreshing change for year. Her album consists of both the holidays. As this avid listener covers of classics and original said: releases like “Christmas Magic.” Laufey simultaneously combines “Laufey’s jazzy voice collides classical jazz and pop into one with the more temperate seasonal collection charaterized instrumentals and background by unique vocals and a modern music, creating this absolute take on the nostalgic songs we masterpiece of a holiday cover.“ —Anonymous User all know and love.
Image from Google
Image from Google Surprisingly, President Trump signed the bill the following night it was put on his desk. As this bill has become law, the Justice Department has 30 days to release the documents. Although some have been released since the passing of the bill, a significant amount is still missing. The DOJ is still allowed to hide personal information of victims and anything that could affect ongoing investigations, but most unclassified files would have to be posted in a searchable format. They will also have to list any government officials or “politically exposed people” that are named anywhere in the files. For many Americans, this vote feels like a step towards long-awaited transparency. Epstein’s case has raised questions for nearly a decade, and victims have pushed for more honesty about what the government knows. For the victims, this moment feels like a step towards real accountability, and not just for Epstein himself, but also for anyone who played a role in letting these heinous actions continue in silence.
Spotify Wrapped By: Priscilla Medina Titan Times Writer, Freshman
The wait is now over; your 2025 Spotify Wrapped is here! This year’s Wrapped has nearly a dozen new updated ways to find the voices and stories that shaped your time. Spotify added many new features, with a few of the most popular including listening age, top artist sprint, and listening archive. Your Spotify Wrapped Image from Spotify.com captures your 2025 listening top spot: Bad Bunny, voted the journey from January up until Global Top Artist for the fourth around the middle of November or time on the platform! In the US the beginning of December. It alone, Taylor Swift is first but also shows not only the music you second place globally, followed by listen to, but also how you see The Weekend (third), Drake yourself in the songs you enjoy (fourth), and Billie Eilish (fifth). and use to reflect. This year’s most streamed song
was Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ Spotify has more that 700 million big hit, “Die With A Smile”. In listeners around the world. The podcasts and for the sixth “Wrapped campaign,” as it’s consecutive year, The Joe Rogan sometimes called, is meant to Experience was Spotify’s top celebrate artists, creators, authors, global podcast! Make sure to and any global trends that may check in with Spotify because emerge. 2025 Wrapped is here! This year, in music, a return of a global superstar comes back to the
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Volume 5, Issue 3 | December 2025
Immaculate Conception By: Marek Crane Titan Times Writer, Junior The liturgical year is filled with many important dates and holidays. In December, three very important dates are celebrated: Christmas on the 24th and 25th, the Immaculate Conception on the 8th, and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the 12th. The main focus is the Immaculate Conception. For those who know what the Immaculate Conception is, great, I hope you celebrate it, as it usually is a Holy Day of Obligation. For those of you who do not know what it is or know about it but do not know why we celebrate it, here is a brief rundown! The Feast of the Immaculate Conception celebrates the Catholic dogma that from the moment Mother Mary was conceived, she was graced with freedom from original sin by God, making her “without blemish.” This is where the immaculate part comes from. It was declared a dogma in 1854
SPOTLIGHT | Page 3
Mr. Nolte and the Cans By: Luke Webster Titan Times Writer, Junior
Photo by Mrs. Webster Image from Google by Pope Pius IX through the papal bull (an official decree from the Church and the Pope himself) Ineffabilis Deus. This day is held in high regard as it is a true celebration of the Mother of God, and our savior Jesus. As of writing this, the two Marian holidays have passed, but that does not stop us from reflecting on God’s mercy and his upcoming gift to us: Jesus.
Wicked For Good By: Jelani Mitchell Titan Times Writer, Freshman
Last month, from November 3rd to the 19th, we had our annual Battle of the Cans for Thanksgiving. All four grades brought canned food to support families in need. This year, our total number of cans raised was 8,580, with the sophomore class contributing the most and ultimately winning. For the last three years since former Peer Ministry President Lilly Webster started the drive, students have been bringing in more and more nonparishables. The 2025 Battle of the Cans was coordinated by Mr. Avila (freshman teacher), Mr. Nolte (sophomore teacher), Mr. Norman (junior teacher), and Ms. Smith (senior teacher). Every class contributed at the very least a few hundred cans!
Through the astounding success of this year’s Battle of the Cans, Mr. Nolte wants to make the message about the overall event clear. “Hopefully, the message that they're hearing (ND students)… is that it is not just about us individually. It's about us as a community.” It is important for us during such a time of competition to participate more so for the less fortunate and—as Mr. Nolte says—“for the message of Jesus.” The only question remaining is: will Mr. Nolte's sophomore class win it again next year? When inquired about the subject, he responded with:
However, Mr. Nolte’s sophomore theology class, as per usual, has been setting new records for the canned food drive. In an interview with the reigning champion, he says this:
“I think that everything I know to do—I've told every class. I’d like to see that fight intensify. I'd like to see everyone get involved. So will I do it again…?
“The motivation is backed up by what we’ve been learning. It’s not just enough for us to talk about doing good. We actually, in fact, have to do good.”
If people are listening to the message that Jesus is telling us —then yeah—I think there's a good chance, but I'm a good loser, too.”
Image from Google The release of Wicked: For Good has quickly become one of the most talked-about movie events of the year. After the success of the first Wicked film, fans had high expectations, and opening weekend showed just how much excitement surrounded the sequel, with crowded theaters and strong ticket sales. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film arrived with a massive press tour that kept the movie in the spotlight for weeks leading up to its release.
As of mid-December, 2025, Wicked: For Good has made approximately $468 million worldwide. Breaking down the revenue, that’s $312 million domestically and $155.8 million internationally, making it a major box office hit and one of 2025's top films. It had a great opening weekend, earning $226 million globally—with many people coming to the theaters to watch this movie—setting records as the biggest Broadway adaptation debut ever.
He notes that every year, the drive also provides students with the chance to receive the “Gift from God final.” Nonetheless, he and his class make it their focal point to fulfill “their desire to do good.”
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Volume 5, Issue 3 | December 2025
CAMPUS LIFE | Page 4
Titan Time’s Christmas Party
By: Minh Lai Editor-in-Chief, Junior Since September, Titan Times has been delivering new issues every month for our readers— the students, parents, and teachers of Notre Dame. As Editor-in-Chief and the one who has been watching over this wonderful club since May of the last school year, I can attest to the talent of all our members— both returning and incoming. This year, the newspaper acquired a slew of writers, photographers, and even artists! Some of them came from Club Rush, while others were personally invited or scouted for their interest in writing. Previously staffed with around 13 people, we now have 22 active members and are still planning to grow considerably! Things went really well during the first semester, especially as we gained another club moderator in addition to our wonderful Mrs. Arguelles. Mrs. Webster, the English teacher for the junior class, has been instrumental in planning our events and meetings as well as providing me with creative and innovative ideas and advice. She has also supported us immensely by contributing supplies and her classroom for all the fun activities we’ve hosted. Truth be told, we wouldn’t be where we are now without her!
Photo by Minh Lai
And, of course, the editors have continued their role in revising and polishing up every piece before publication dates— graciously taking off a substantial portion of the workload for everyone else and me. We’ve hosted two successful fundrasiers, partook in the first Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Notre Dame, and organized a memorable Raising Canes get-together to celebrate our progress! On December 19th, Titan Times once again arranged a gettogether involving all our members—this one being the last of the year. Our “grand finale,” as one could call it, was a cozy party in Mrs. Webster’s classroom involving sweet treats like waffles made by Mrs. Webster herself topped with whipped cream, cake, cookies, hot chocolate, and other refreshments! We chilled out and relaxed to the background noises of Christmas music and a movie playing, then chatted with one another for the whole two hours the event lasted! It was very simple but pleasant—and definitely a comfortable way to conclude this year.
Photo by Minh Lai
drinks were given away to remaining students and faculty around the campus. Seeing everyone smile, laugh, fool around, and enjoy their time brought me a lot of joy, especially as I finally had the opportunity to sit down and interact casually with those who attended. It also made me proud to be Editor-in-Chief and to be in a position where I can manage such a lovely and hardworking crowd of people who truly represent
Towards the end, food and
Photo by Minh Lai
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Notre Dame’s academic literary standards!
and
To everyone in Titan Times, I just want to say this: This party was well-deserved. You all did your parts, kept the activity strong, and in constantly contributing, strengthened this little community as a whole! Keep up the work, enjoy your break, and be prepared for a greater year ahead! As for our readers, we extend our wishes for you to have a happy Christmas and New Year!
Page 5 | ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Volume 5, Issue 3 | December 2025
Titan Times Staff Editor-in-Chief Minh Lai Editors Gael Campos Jude Cramer Sydney Cramer Doug Cube Writers Trinity Beckman Sophie Bou Harb Marek Crane Elizabeth de Loera Brian Garcia Bristol Gonzalez Stella Kurzweil Chau Lai Priscilla Medina Madison Mendoza Jelani Mitchell Logan Rudd Jacob Solis Savanah Tran Luke Webster Photographers Heidi Hutter Adrian Gonzalez Public Relations Doug Cube Faculty Moderators Mrs. Arguelles Mrs. Webster notredameriverside.org/titantimes