OCTOBER 2025 | VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1
CROSSROADS a community of faith-filled PVI students and staff collaborating at the intersection of inspiration and information
a Writer’s Block Club Production
While you surfed, sunned, and swam all summer, PVI’s Writer’s Block Club team of creatives stayed up late and got up early not only to brainstorm, develop, design, proofread, revise, exhale, and launch For Art’s Sake – our 2024-2025 art & literary zine (that was entered into a national contest this summer!), but also to work on this issue of Crossroads – our monthly student-run publication burgeoning with informative and fabulous articles, news, and photos. Due to a “skydiving” mishap over Labor Day weekend, however, the launch of this issue was delayed. Nonetheless, from an enlightening article on why and where we ought to attend and experience a Traditional Latin Mass (TLM), the sharing of a sailor’s theophany, Shakespearean-inspired sonnets on pets, gaming, and apples, realism artwork, 12 awesome Christian songs, and a clever Rebus puzzle, to a fond farewell and peek into the future adventures of some '25 graduates, and the spotlight on a current PVI senior who just won the Junior World Champion Title in Marinera Peru’s National Dance (and is dancing in Milan, Italy as of this writing!), we know this brieflypostponed issue will both entertain you and inspire you (if not to go “skydiving” then for sure to stay up late on a sultry summer (or fall) night – creating something really extraordinary for others to enjoy!)
Robotics at PVI by Mr. Tom Burkat The PVI's Robotics Team has geared up to kick off their second year of competition in the Chesapeake Region. Following last year's amazing rookie season, our For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST®) Tech Challenge (FTC) Team #26079 aka "VI Bots" has their sights set high to continue creating more goosebump-inflicting moments in qualifier matches. If you’d like to be a part of this exciting, cutting-edge group, the team meets 2-3 times per week both after school and during Panther Time in our dedicated Robotics Lab space (a perfect secret space within the Art Room).
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Access the Google Classroom code to see past videos of the team, to view the requirements for this year’s challenges, and to fill out the form if you’re interested in joining!
No experience required!
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The PVI Robotics Team is coached by Mr. Burkat – an Engineering Teacher in the Department of Business, Computing, and Engineering (BCE). Mr. Burkat’s interest in robotics started in college and led him to concentrate in control systems and signal processing as an electrical engineering major. Prior to teaching at PVI, Mr. Burkat spent most of his career designing software systems that had little to do with robots, so joining the VI Bots has been a wonderful return to his roots.
THE RETURN OF THE CATHOLIC CULTURE: Hobbits, Jedi Knights, Great Detectives, and the Tradtional Latin Mass by Roy Wulf '26 In my last Return of Catholic Culture column* in Crossroads, I discussed the importance of Latin to the
“A language must die to be immortal.” ~ G. K. Chesterton (from the essay “Some of Our Errors” published in The Thing, 1946).
Catholic Church. In his response to anyone who might deride Ecclesiastical Latin as a “dead” language, the wonderful Catholic writer G. K. Chesterton wrote, “Every living language is a dying language, even if it does not die. Parts of it are perpetually perishing or changing their sense; there is only one escape from that flux; and a language must die to be immortal” (from the essay “Some of Our Errors” published in The Thing, 1946). It was thus in a language that became immortal that Mass in the Latin Rite was celebrated for more than 15 centuries in a form that evolved gradually from Apostolic times. Although in 1969 Pope Paul VI introduced our current form of the Mass, the Novus Ordo, which is said in any of the vernacular languages of the world, it soon became apparent that a sizable number of Catholics still remained connected to the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM). *You can easily access the previous issue online at the bottom of PVI’s library page.
e dw i d why on a , y h and y?” “W b a r eve ~AlecLGuinness turgss i ne in Lat ~Alec Guin
Alec Guinness
J.R.R. Tolkien Another Catholic devoted to the TLM was the British actor Alec Guinness. His memorable portrayal of the Jedi knight Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars may have been influenced by witnessing the prayer lives of monks living in monasteries where Guinness frequently took retreats. Guinness was raised Anglican but became deeply interested in Catholicism after he played the title character in Father Brown (1954), portraying the famous fictional crime-solving priest created by G. K. Chesterton. The role prompted him to think about the Catholic faith, and he soon became a convert. However, Guinness was disappointed when the traditional liturgy was replaced after the Second Vatican Council. Around 1990, he was said to have asked a friend, “Why, why did we ever abandon a Latin Liturgy? It contained words weighted with 2000 years of Christian theology, devotion, and daily usage” (from Alec Guinness: The Authorised Biography by Piers Paul Read, p. 565).
For example, because of his expertise with linguistics and languages, it is not surprising that J.R.R. Tolkien, famous author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, loved the TLM. Tolkien's grandson Simon told about what would happen when he would go to Mass with his famous grandfather. He recalled, “He was a devout Roman Catholic and it was soon after the Church had changed the liturgy from Latin to English. My Grandfather obviously didn’t agree with this and made all the responses very loudly in Latin while the rest of the congregation answered in English. I found the whole experience quite excruciating, but my grandfather was oblivious. He simply had to do what he believed to be right” (comments by Simon Tolkien in The Mail on Sunday, 2003).
The Pope indeed granted an indult (an exception) that permitted the celebration of the old liturgy to continue in a limited way, and this special permission became known as “The Agatha Christie Indult.” Over the years, access to the TLM gradually expanded. Most notably, Pope Benedict XVI promulgated the motu proprio Summorum Pontificum which allowed any priest to learn and say the TLM.
Agatha Christie Ralph Richardson
The appeal had been signed by such famous Catholics as the actor Ralph Richardson and by well-known nonCatholics, such as Christie and the Jewish violinist Yehudi Menuhin.
Yehudi Menuhin
The British mystery author, Agatha Christie, creator of the fictional detectives Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot, was one of these. Though Christie was an Anglican, she was one of over fifty prominent signatories on an appeal to Pope Paul VI in 1971 to allow the TLM to continue to be celebrated in England and Wales.
That said, it is still possible to attend a TLM. For example, I often attend the TLM celebrated at the Nokesville Oratory. Sunday Masses are at 8:30 a.m. and noon, and daily Mass is at 7:15 a.m. on weekdays and 7:30 a.m. on Saturdays. The oratory is located in one of the buildings of the Renaissance Montessori School at 12625 Fitzwater Drive, Nokesville, Virginia. This TLM community comes from Holy Trinity Parish in Gainesville, but due to the restrictions of Traditionis Custodes, the TLM unfortunately cannot be held in the parish church itself.
Bianca Jagger
Attend a Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) just about 30 minutes from PVI!
oratory in Nokesville
However, in 2021, Pope Francis, with the aim of unifying the entire Church around the single form of the Novus Ordo, released the motu proprio Traditionis Custodes, which heavily restricted availability of the TLM and the permission of the clergy to say it. Reminiscent of the appeal made by Agatha Christie in 1971, Bianca Jagger, the activist and ex-wife of Rolling Stone Mick Jagger, spearheaded a similar appeal to Pope Francis in 2021, signed by a large number of prominent individuals, asking for a relaxation on the restrictions of the TLM, but these restrictions still remain for now.
Contrary to popular belief, the TLM is not actually just the Novus Ordo Mass said in Latin. There are, in fact, many other differences between the two forms. The question many people ask when they first attend the TLM is, “What am I supposed to do?” The answer is that actually one needs to do very little besides being present and united in prayer. It is possible to follow along with the Mass using a bilingual missal, though it is also fine just to experience the Mass in a meditative way. The priest and sacred ministers all face the tabernacle (ad orientem) so as to direct all the sacrificial prayers of the Holy Mass to God the Father. There are only a few responses that the congregation makes. At various times the priest will face the people and say, “Pax vobiscum” (“Peace be with you”), to which all respond “Et cum spiritu tuo” (“And with your spirit”). Most of the other familiar responses are handled by the servers or are chanted by the choir.
What am I supposed to do? (when attending a Traditional Latin Mass?)
At a TLM, the epistle is read on the right side of the altar. Then, the book is transferred to the “Gospel side” for proclamation of the Gospel. Before the homily, the priest proclaims the readings in the vernacular for the benefit of the people; the homily itself is also delivered in the vernacular. The prayers of the Roman Canon (the Eucharistic Prayer) and the Consecration are said in a nearly subaudible voice by the priest, reserving these sacred words for God alone. For the distribution of Communion, parishioners kneel at the altar rail, and the host is received on the tongue.* (*Consider (re)reading my article on “Receiving the Holy Eucharist – We Have Options” in the December 2024 issue of Crossroads, found at the bottom of our library’s online page!) The beautiful, reverent, and ancient sacred music used in the TLM comes from the ages-old traditions of Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony. The organ is typically the only musical instrument used, though great composers such as Bach and Mozart wrote magnificent orchestral Mass settings which still only function well today with the TLM form of the Mass. The TLM can be said in several ways. First, there is Low Mass, where the priest and acolytes speak the Mass. There is High Mass, where most of the prayers and readings are chanted by the priest and the choir, and incense is used. Lastly, there is the Solemn High Mass, where a deacon and subdeacon assist the priest at the altar.
Gregorian chant: named after Pope Gregory I (Saint Gregory the Great) this plainchant is a form of monophonic unaccompanied sacred music sung in Latin.
Shia LaBeouf
The beauty of the TLM is still attracting people to Catholicism. For example, in a series of events that are similar to the faith journey of Alec Guinness, actor Shia LaBeouf became a convert to Catholicism after he discovered the TLM as a result of portraying the title character in the film Padre Pio (2022). LaBeouf has spoken about what he finds so appealing about the traditional Mass, how he is able to connect with its quiet reverence. He explains that attending the TLM doesn't “feel like they’re selling me a car” (quoted in “3 Reasons Why Shia LaBeouf Loves the Latin Mass,” 2022 on pintswithaquinas.com). In other words, in the TLM, there is no over-the-top appeal to the congregation but just the beauty of the Mass itself.
The beauty of the TLM is still attracting people to Catholicism.
There are some indications that the Church’s position on TLM restrictions may be softening. Cardinal Arthur Roche, the prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship since 2021, was one of the prelates who led the implementation of restrictions on the use of the TLM mandated under Traditionis Custodes. However, in an interview with London’s Catholic Herald on March 7, 2025, Cardinal Roche seemed to take a more accepting tone to the TLM. He stated, “There is nothing wrong with attending the Mass celebrated with the 1962 missal. That has been accepted since the time of Pope St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict, and now Pope Francis [now deceased]. What Pope Francis said in Traditionis Custodes is that it is not the norm. For very good reasons, the Church, through conciliar legislation, decided to move away from what had become an overly elaborate form of celebrating the Mass. … I often hear people say, ‘Cardinal Roche is against the Latin Mass.’ Well, if they only knew that most days I celebrate Mass in Latin because it is the common language for all of us here. It is the Novus Ordo Mass in Latin. I was trained as an altar boy until the age of 20, serving the Tridentine Form.” The TLM is also called the Tridentine Mass (meaning the Mass codified by the Council of Trent in the 16th Century).”
I encourage you to experience the TLM for yourself. Traditional Catholics who love the TLM are also waiting hopefully to see if our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, may look more favorably than his predecessor on making the traditional liturgy — “the Mass of the Ages” — more widely available once again.
People who develop an appreciation of the Traditional Latin Mass love it for its reverence, its use of sacred silence, its appeal to the senses, and its faithfulness to Catholic doctrine.
MEETINGS: Tuesdays during Panther Time in the Dining Commons! Join us for brainstorming sessions, editorial planning, snacks, special event planning, and more!
The Writer’s Block Club
The Writer’s Block Club is seeking: photographers WRITERS artists columnists graphic designers journalists researchers editors proofreaders insomniacs tech-savvy gurus and any/all students interested in: making new friends, sharing their talents with the PVI community, leaving a legacy at PVI, and learning how to research topics, interview individuals, write and edit content, and/or design pages for publication Along with our regular columns from Roy and Dr. Roz, look for these columns in our next issue:
Activities:
Join The Writer’s Block Club Google Classroom for announcements and more info!
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Art Honors Society with Katie Le Dr. Wanner’s Field Musingstrip on Life to and Literature Udvar Hazy Rowing with Anna Britt Museum Mountain Biking with Dan Sowala Visit to a local Backstage with Tyler Sperow airport Latin with Andrew Culipher Visit Iyla’s Insights with to Iylalocal Sharifahmadian aerospace Electives withcompany Kameron Smith Rock Band Music Column with Sharing of Eva O’Hanlon and other band artifacts about members aerodynamics YOURS!
and flight
a l W k i g n o g D by Andrew Schnittger '28
I take that mutt out for another stroll Maybe it rains, maybe the sun is bright. If she stays in, her day will not be full. She makes sure to leave, even if it’s night. Yet that pup may not yearn to go so far As she enjoys our presence back at home. Most times, she chooses the walks, not the car. When there’s a chance, she still won’t go alone Through the nature, she’ll see what intrigues her Any new delights found by what she smells Or she will roll in the worst things ever And when any other hound nearby dwells. She may try and run off, straight out of there, But if it’s a small pup, she will not care.
Katie Le '26 Look for Katie’s column on PVI’s Art Honor Society in upcoming issues of Crossroads!
Katie Le '26
Correction: In our annual For Art’s Sake literary publication this year, we mistakenly credited Katie Le for the artwork on page 51 of that literary magazine; the artwork in that publication was actually created by Mia Alfaro '25 and is on page 17 of this issue of Crossroads. Our apologies to both artists. (A link to For Art’s Sake and past issues of Crossroads can be found on the bottom of PVI’s library page.)
Katie Le '26
artwork by Mia Alfaro '25
Get it in writing. Join The Writer’s Block Club: Contribute your nonfiction pieces to Crossroads; contribute your fiction, nonfiction, plays, artwork, photographs, and poetry to For Art’s Sake (PVI’s annual art & literary zine) club code: k77wekpk
Senior
Features The following pages are vignettes shared by some of PVI’s graduates from the Class of '25. What is especially interesting to note is what they wish they would have known when they were PVI freshmen!
Senior Feature I attended PVI for all four years of high
Ali Montilla '25
school. I originally chose the school for its popularity and excellent campus. Some of my favorite memories and activities at PVI include: participating in sports, being accepted into the Spanish Honor Society, and my sophomore year Theology class with Mrs. Gurley. My senior year Theology class was also especially impactful and gave me the necessary information that I will never forget. I participated in football from my freshman through junior years, along with wrestling all four years. I am incredibly grateful for these last four years and for everyone I met along the way. SUMMER AND BEYOND: This summer, I went to the beach, saw my family, and got ready for college.
Favorite movies: Fast and Furious, Nacho Libre, and Aladdin Favorite musicians/songs/bands: Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars, Bob Marley, and Salsa and Bachata music
Senior Feature
Favorite movies: Good Will Hunting, Batman the Dark Night Rises, and Fight Club Favorite books: Outliers, Elon Musk Biography, and Frankenstein Favorite singers: Playboi Carti, Future, Travis Scott, Drake, Zach Bryan, and Morgan Wallen
Liam Drummond '25 I attended PVI for all four years. My fondest memory at PVI is participating in
football through which I met my best friends and formed an irreplaceable bond with the team. I also have some very fond memories of my Honors Business class, AP
Physics class, and Calculus class. One of my favorite memories was playing spikeball
at the end of my junior year with different classes out on the patio. Throughout high school, I was a member of NHS and FBLA, along with playing football and basketball.
PVI teachers have helped me become the best version of myself, and I would
specifically like to thank: Dr. Opfer, Mr. Kanuch, Mrs. Brandow, Mrs. Ladowicz, and
Senora Mastriano. ADVICE TO FRESHMEN AND NEW STUDENTS:
Looking back on my high school years, I would have taken harder classes freshmen
year when I had the opportunity. Also, I recommend not wasting your time worrying
about anything when you could, instead, be spending your time improving yourself. SUMMER AND BEYOND: This summer, I worked as a server, enjoyed quality
time with my friends, and prepared for my college journey at John Carroll University – a private, Jesuit university in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio.
Left to right: Bobby Schroeder, Brett Edmonds, (in back row), Gavin Woo, Liam Drummond, Coach Whitehead in back row), Gabe Johnson, Cole Stup, and Connor Pinto
Jaden Kunutsor '25
Senior Feature
I have attended PVI all four years of high school. I chose PVI over schools like JP and O'Connell due to PVI’s reputation and all the personal experiences shared by students older than me from my middle school heading here as well. I ran track for three years at PVI. My favorite class was English my junior year with Mr. Clair. He was a new teacher at PVI that year and I had a lot of friends in that class, so it made for a fun (and productive) time. ADVICE TO FRESHMEN AND NEW STUDENTS: One thing I wish someone would have told me as a freshman would be to not procrastinate as much. Yes, you can get away with it but it's not a good habit to get into, especially moving onto college. SUMMER AND BEYOND: This summer I worked on getting my Google Data Analysis certificate and I am looking forward to learn different code languages throughout college to prepare me for life.
Emma Sweeney '25 Senior Feature
I chose PVI because I knew it would give me not only the support that I needed in terms of my faith, but also the momentum I needed to achieve my goals. I attended PVI for all four years. During that time I played field hockey and lacrosse all four years, was a member and president of Catholic Athletes Club, was a member and president of Morgan’s Message, was a Student Ambassador in Student Government, an Advisory Big Sister, and a member of NHS. One of my favorite memories at PVI is winning the state championship for lacrosse in 2023. My favorite class was my senior year of AP Human Geography; I learned a lot from Ms. Provost who went out of her way not only to ensure everyone understood what was being taught, but also having fun. I will never forget how much I grew and changed in a positive way throughout my time at PVI. ADVICE TO FRESHMEN AND NEW STUDENTS: A piece of advice I wish I knew as a freshman was that it isn’t worth it to stress and have anxiety over midterms and finals. I regret wishing the school year would end sooner. SUMMER AND BEYOND: This past summer, I worked at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, spent time with family and friends, and prepared to attend the University of Florida and play lacrosse there!
Favorite movies: Memento, Inception, and Star Wars: A New Hope Favorite books: Atonement, Pride and Prejudice, and Catcher in the Rye Favorite song: “Going Home” by Tyler Childers
Senior Feature Favorite movies: Interstellar, Back to the Future, and Thunderbolts Favorite books: Diary of a Wimpy Kid and The Odyssey Favorite Singers/Bands: Travis Scott, A Tribe Called Quest, and Lil Yachty
I initially came to PVI because I knew it was a school that would prepare me for the future. While attending PVI for my four years of high school, I was an actor in theatre while also becoming an Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts. One of my favorite memories at PVI was going on stage for the first time for my last musical performance and giving my all for one final show at PVI. My favorite class at PVI was English as I learned more about writing and literature than ever before. ADVICE TO FRESHMEN AND NEW STUDENTS: I wish I knew that the block schedule rotates every other day as a freshman. I think I was late to every first period that first week! I will never forget all the friends I made along the way and even meeting my future roommate for college alongside them! SUMMER AND BEYOND: Over the summer, I worked and prepared for my future in college at JMU.
Jacob Gozzi '25
Senior Feature
Catherine Richards '25 I have been at PVI for four years and I chose to go here because of the Catholic environment and great community. Some of my favorite memories are football games with my friends and running track with my teammates. At PVI, I was on the Track and Cross Country teams, the Retreat Leadership Team, the Black & Gold Ambassadors, and as a Big Sister. My favorite class was AP Physics 2 with Mr. Kanuch. I will never forget the friendships I made here as they are some of the closest people I have ever met. ADVICE TO FRESHMEN AND NEW STUDENTS: I wish someone told me when I was a freshman to make sure to remember the things you learn in high school for finals.
Nisha Downey '25
Senior Feature I chose PVI for its high academic reputation and I attended PVI for all four years of high school. At PVI, I ran winter and spring track every year and was on the JV Girls Soccer team for two years. One of my favorite memories was my first pep rally freshman year. All the electric energy impressed me and gave me a sense of accomplishment as I helped plan it with the SGA. My favorite class was DE U.S. History with Mr. deBroeck. I loved learning about America's history, and Mr. DeBroeck kept the class so interesting. I will never forget the friends I've made and the memories I've made throughout high school. I am so grateful for all the people PVI has introduced me to. ADVICE TO FRESHMEN AND NEW STUDENTS: One thing I wished I knew sooner as a freshman was that everything was going to work out the way it’s supposed to and that you do not have to be scared of the unknown or what the future holds. SUMMER AND BEYOND: This summer I spent time with my friends and family. I ventured to many places with my loved ones, including Italy, the Outer Banks, and Michigan. I am attending the University of Maryland, and majoring in Public Policy on the pre-law track. I am hoping to minor in Planetary Sciences. My end goal is to become an attorney!
Me with my mom, dad, and brother in front of Notre Dame on our recent trip to Paris.
Favorite movies: Intersteller, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Knives Out Favorite books: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, and Divergent by Veronica Roth Favorite musicians/songs/bands: musicians - Kendrick Lamar and SZA; songs - “All The Stars” and “Money Trees”
Senior Feature
Alayna Brown '25 I went to PVI for four years and originally chose PVI because I loved having new friends and all the clubs and classes that PVI offered. My favorite memories are dressing up for Spirit Week, the Pink & White Club, singing in choir, being in Freaky Friday, all the dances, and being a cheerleader! My favorite class was Physics. ADVICE TO FRESHMEN AND NEW STUDENTS: I wish I would have known that I was going to make a lot of new friends and not to worry about it so much as a freshman. SUMMER AND BEYOND: This summer I relaxed and chillaxed, took piano lessons, went to the pool, and transitioned to STEP and NVCC.
Favorite books: Spy School and Animal Farm Favorite musicians: Taylor Swift, Rachel Platton, and Colton Dixon
Senior Feature
Gavin Woo '25 I went to PVI for four years. I decided to attend PVI because everybody from St. Theresa, my middle school, was going to PVI. One of my favorite memories at PVI was winning the WCAC Championship in football in 2025. At PVI, I played football all four years. My favorite class was Sports Medicine. I will never forget the friends I have made. I will miss PVI, but I’m looking forward to the future. ADVICE TO FRESHMEN AND NEW STUDENTS: I wish someone told me to try harder during my freshman year so I wouldn't have to stress and try as hard junior year to get my GPA up for college. SUMMER AND BEYOND: This summer, I went to the beach with my friends, to Greece with my family, and got ready for college football.
Senior Feature
Favorite movies: Tag, Hangover, and The Lorax Favorite books: Percy Jackson, Achilles Heel, and Circe Favorite musicians/songs/bands: CAIN, Crowder, and Luke Bryan
I originally came to PVI because my brother went here and I loved it. During my four years, I played volleyball, participated in Model Judiciary and Project Raphael, served as a Retreat Leader, Student Ambassador, and did theatre. My favorite memories at PVI were during Senior Prom and Homecoming. My favorite class was Practical Law. I will never forget the friends and relationships I have formed at PVI. ADVICE TO FRESHMEN AND NEW STUDENTS: If I could tell my freshman self anything, it would be to live in the moment and don’t get sucked into the future or past. I would also have pushed myself further. SUMMER AND BEYOND: This summer, I prepared for college and hung out with friends.
Delaney Rickard '25
Senior Feature
Christian Barton '25
I attended PVI for three years, and I chose PVI with the help of Jesus. My favorite memory at PVI is working on producing a film with my closest friends!!! At PVI, I was a Big Brother for my Advisory, the president of both the Chess Club and the PVI Independent Filming Club, a Senior Retreat Leader, and the head usher of the Campus Ministry Liturgy Team. I will never forget hanging out with friends, and helping out anyone who asked me for help with anything. ADVICE TO FRESHMEN AND NEW STUDENTS: I wish I had learned to study hard with everyday work sooner as a freshman. I also regret not starting the PVI Independent Filming Club sooner, and I regret not joining theatre! I’d also like to share that you should not be afraid of expressing yourself, your creativity, or passion for anything. Just do not let it become an obsession, and/or become the only thing you do. You never know what can happen if you try different things. SUMMER AND BEYOND: I continue to help my grandmother, do my best in college, work on a Ghostbusters Fan Film, and grow my faith in God.
Favorite movies: Ghostbusters (1984), Top Gun (1986), and Pixar's Cars (2006) Favorite books: One of Us is Lying, and The Shining Favorite musicians: Blacklite District, Fallout Boy, Imagine Dragons, The Afters, and Owl City
Senior Feature
Paige Salang '25 I attended PVI for all four years. I loved all the sports games and managing the basketball team. My favorite class was ASL. I will never forget all of my friends and all the memories I made. SUMMER AND BEYOND: This summer I went to the beach and hung out my friends.
McKayla Cannon '25
Senior Feature
I attended PVI for all four years. I chose PVI because my dad came here. I participated in volleyball and field hockey. ADVICE TO FRESHMEN AND NEW STUDENTS: I regret not playing a sport sophomore year.
Favorite movies: Knives Out and Teen Beach Movie
Senior Feature
I attended PVI for four years. I originally chose PVI not only because Fairfax County handled Covid horribly, but also because PVI Lacrosse was much better than the public school I was going to attend. I participated in football, lacrosse, and freshman basketball at PVI. My favorite memory was winning the WCAC Championship in football this year. My favorite class was AP Physics with Mr. Kanuch. One thing I'll never forget is the friends I made along the way. You know what, PVI was a pretty cool place. ADVICE TO FRESHMEN AND NEW STUDENTS: Something I wish I was told when I was a freshman was that I should acquire good study habits. I also regret not reaching out into more activities. SUMMER AND BEYOND: I had fun at the beach with the boys and got ready for some college football.
Cole Stup '25
Robert Schroder '25
Senior Feature
I was at PVI for four years. I knew about it from camps that I attended. I was on the wrestling and football teams until my junior year. Some of my favorite memories are being on the wrestling team and many of the classes that I’ve had. My favorite class was gym class. I will never forget the fun moments in class and the impact teachers have had on me. ADVICE TO FRESHMEN AND NEW STUDENTS: Try harder at school. I regret not studying more. SUMMER AND BEYOND: This summer, I went to the beach a lot before I headed to college at JMU.
Birds in flight by Ava Martin '28; Manager of Girls JV Basketball
They are in flight as light as threaded air, A long told feather full of mystery. They are something that you can't quite compare. This cannot be that contradictory.
But as beautiful as the starry sky, Like bright stars that scatter all over head, In the flight so high, who could feel so wry? I don't know what I'd do if they all fled.
How are the aerodynamics so clear? Birds straight in midair like the time has stopped, But what if I want them to stay so near? The talent I have never could have topped.
How do birds fly so high into the sky? I'll never know, but I'll keep asking why.
Apples
by Reagan Copeland '28
From trees bright apples fall to the hard ground Which are sent to be good food in the store. They will have a great love and will be crowned And be craved by the people more and more.
The vibrant pop of color from the kinds Show what great things, in love, God gave to us. With colors bursting out, they were the signs That said, with them at lunch we would not fuss.
Oh how I want and wish for that tart taste And the crunch after having the first bite. The sweet and sour juice down my throat it raced And made my day shine like the sun so bright.
Ne'er shall I not see the fruit as a germ Since it turned brown and out popped a small worm.
PASS IN REVIEW by Patrick J. Rozmajzl, PhD
Welcome to my column, a Pass In Review. As many of you are likely aware, a Pass in Review is a (mostly) military form of inspection whereby a senior officer, official, or dignitary observes the assembled troops as they march past the review stand. At times, this and other forms of inspection are purely ceremonial — a cursory formality done as a courtesy to the official, while at the same time recognizing the inestimable value and function of those who await the fleeting, evaluative gaze. At other times, inspections can be brutally meticulous and painfully detailed — demanding perfection and allowing for no deviation from the standard. In either case, at its core is the well-founded belief and understanding that there exist objective norms of what is good, right, required, and/or necessary. The process recognizes a whole that is larger than the individual while contemporaneously recognizing the contributions of the individual — a whole that is to be celebrated, guarded, and defended. A whole that is worthy of the best we have to offer. In my PASS IN REVIEW column, I hope to offer my thoughts and observations on what is good, right, required, and/or necessary. To recognize that the whole is to be celebrated, guarded, and defended. That whole that is worthy of our best.
PASS IN REVIEW #3:
A Sailor’s Theophany* *A theophany is a theological term for any visible manifestation of God in an observable and tangible form.
“Believe me my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”
This line from Kenneth Grahame’s 1908 children’s novel, The Wind in the Willows, is oft quoted by sailors who wish to convey, at some level, the magical allure of their pursuit. Indeed, I share this captivation and have willingly succumb to the spell of wind and waves, and have developed an awefilled appreciation for the attendant skill and riggings employed to – if not tame them – to navigate them. While many if not most mariners will blithely attribute their nautical infatuations to simple obsession, it is my contention that in so doing they have failed to truly examine and appreciate the profundities of their doting admiration – indeed, to recognize the veritable source of it all. For sailing is most abundantly awash in a spiritual depth that propels it to the level of a theophany.
We begin with the sea. It is vast and sprawling – with limits beyond our ability to see or comprehend. While bathing the surface of the earth, teeming with life, and connecting all of humanity scattered on various continents, it nonetheless possesses depths that crush under its weight. The surface is at times placid and peaceful. At other times it is a roiling and unrelenting onslaught of overwhelmingly lethal mountains of water. It is at once a source of life, serenity and comfort and a pit of seemingly capricious and powerful strength and destruction. It is the infinite wisdom and power of our fierce Creator/God. Alone and adrift in the midst of this tumultuous maelstrom, we are necessarily powerless and doomed. For who can look upon the face of God and live? In our boat, we are restored to relative safety. Indeed, in it, we discover we can live, thrive and survive. We learn that the sea is not chaotic. Rather, it is an ordered complexity of infinite purpose. And we are meant to be here. It is within this boat, this ark, the Church, that we are restored – both individually and communally.
It is here in the Church that we are sufficiently buoyed and protected; where we enjoy sufficient respite to contemplate the meaning of life and to “work out (our) salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12) Our boat is not simply at the mercy of the waves, however - aimlessly tossed about. Rather, it is driven. Driven by the wind. That freshening of the air. The very Spirit of God. And that Spirit is captured. Captured in and through the sacraments. The sails capture the energy of the living breeze and bestow it upon our vessel. Our boat comes alive. Yet, the sails need constant attention. A sailor’s gaze must be persistently aloft to ensure the sails are deployed in sufficient number and in a manner that maximizes their efficacy. They are supported and shaped by masts, spars, lines and sheets. These are our clergy and laity who distribute, encourage and promote the shape of the sails - who are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the sacraments. The rudder directs the power harnessed by the sails to propel the ship along a purposeful course. We move as one. One Church. Propelled by the Spirit via the sacraments and directed by the magisterium of the Church.
And all praise to the shipwright – our boat builder and captain. That master carpenter and flawless navigator. The founder of our vessel and the inspiration of her crew. This is His Church. His hand is at the helm. The rudder responds to His movement. Do not be anxious. Trust in Him. He has also given us the stars to guide us. And there are those who have been there before us. Heed their warnings. Do you see that ripple on the service of the water? The wind is over there. And it’s building. “Where shall we go,” you ask. Weigh anchor. Hoist sail. Capture the wind. Place your hand on the tiller. Elevate your gaze. Where shall we go, you ask? Out there! (sigh)
The four elements of nature: Earth, Fire, Water, and Air/Wind These things build up our world. Physically, they have the power to save us and the power to destroy us. Water gives us life. We have to drink it to survive. But it can also drown us. Fire keeps us warm, but it can consume us and burn us. The Earth is the ground that we stand on and make our homes on, but it can shake and break apart. The air and the wind fill our lungs with oxygen but can also bring harmful particles, exposing us to danger.
Column: Uplifting, Inspiring, and Cool Christian Music
Let’s take the obvious and apply it to the sometimes notso-obvious: the presence of God. It’s hard to find manifestations of the all-powerful, existing outside of time, pure spirit of God. But then, there’s the artist Bodie, who in 2024, released a happy and humble song about God being present in the “Whisper and the Wind.” Bodie’s goal is to remind us that even though we look for God in the big things, we can also see Him at work in the small. The song is an echo of 1 Kings 19, when Elijah travels to the mountain of Horeb to go to God’s presence. He faces a mighty wind, a trembling earthquake, and a blazing fire. In this instance, though, God was not showing Himself through any of these powerful signs. He came through with a gentle whisper after all the disasters swept the ground.
... Hans Sirotniak '24 The 2023-2024 Senior Editor, Communications Specialist, and Writer with Crossroads, Hans was instrumental not only in helping to launch each issue in 2023-2024, but also in inspiring many students, staff, and faculty with his regular column on Christian music. Hans graduated from PVI in May 2024 and is now attending William & Mary. He is currently involved in the college’s Student Video Department and WCWM 90.9 FM, the college’s radio station! In addition, he enjoys martial arts training and is activein Faith Formation at St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Williamsburg.
That is our reminder that God might not be speaking to us in the elements but rather through the later whisper. However, that doesn’t mean that God doesn’t use the elements too. The Holy Spirit comes in the form of the Wind. The earthly ground shakes after Jesus dies on the Cross. The Father speaks to Moses in the fire of the burning bush. The Spirit hovers over the waters to create the world, and God the Trinity comes to us in the waters of Baptism. Conclusion: God is powerful enough to speak in mighty signs and also in small ones. So be on the lookout, no matter how exciting or boring, happy or sad, beautiful or ugly things seem... God will always have a way to show us His presence! Let’s think of some songs that relate to these elements and God’s presence. *These songs are copyrighted by their respective owners. I attempt to mention songs in accordance with fair use guidelines for commentary and educational purposes. I am not affiliated with any of the artists mentioned.* All songs featured this month can be easily found on YouTube.
Hillsong Worship, Brooke Ligertwood, & David Ware call on God through the wind and ask to receive a mighty fire showing the way of God’s Kingdom.
“Oceans”
Hillsong UNITED & Tayá find God leading them through deep waters in the oceans and ask for grace to trust not in their feet but in the power of God.
Chris Renzema finds a reminder of God’s love in the beauty of the springtime. He sees God like the washing rain and the powerful sunlight that makes the good things grow.
“Holy Ground”
“Springtime”
Tedashii stands and walks on holy ground by following Jesus and looking out for God’s blessings.
Elevation Worship & Tiffany Hudson find the emerging cloud and coming rain that will pour down and signify God’s healing presence.
“Light A Fire”
“Fresh Wind”
“New Thing Coming”
David Leonard asks God to put the fire inside of his heart so that he can truly live for God and nothing else.
Zauntee sees God as his oxygen, the air he breathes, the source of life, everything he needs... and he is sorry about breathing in the counterfeits.
“Oxygen”
“A Place Called Earth”
Jon Foreman (of Switchfoot) & Lauren Daigle sing about their deep longing for Heaven, believing that the Earth will never be enough and that there is more that God has called them to.
We The Kingdom reflects on God’s call to believers that He will keep them safe on the waves of life. Perhaps they can even dance through the waters.
“In My Arms”
Plumb writes from a parent’s perspective, telling a child that the parent’s love will be with the child in every storm and rain no matter what, reminding us of God’s care even in the harsh elements the world can throw at us.
Summer might be just one season... but Ben Potter claims that summer may never end! He sees God’s presence as his summer that will never go away.
“Weatherboy”
“Dancing on the Waves”
“Endless Summer”
Matthew Parker & Sam Bowman remind us that they are only weather-boys and have no control over the spawning rainstorms. When we don’t have control, we can turn to the God who does.
God of the seasons and the elements, pour down Your healing love upon us, that we may see You in every season and live all of our lives to serve Your glory. Amen.
PVI Senior Gisele Romero Wins Junior World Champion Title in Marinera Peru’s National Dance by: Sian Chen '27
At six years old, Gisele discovered dance. In tiny shoes, she twirled in front of a mirror, her steps awkward but full of wonder. That first spin wasn’t just a move—it was the spark of a lifelong love. Marinera, the vibrant and elegant national dance of Peru, became her heartbeat. With its blend of Spanish grace, Andean spirit, and African rhythms, Marinera shines as a proud emblem of Peru’s rich culture. Mastering Marinera was no small feat. Dancing barefoot, Gisele’s feet often ended practice sessions bruised and blistered. The cold floor and occasional splinters stung, but she met each challenge with a smile.
Fanaca USA 2017 in New Jersey - Gisele’s first competition win.
“We dance barefoot, so our feet get torn up,” she says. “But that pain never made me want to stop” (GR).
That grit carried her to stages around the world. In 2017, she claimed her first victory at the Fanaca competition in New Jersey, a moment that fueled her drive. By 2022, she earned fourth place in the Infantil category (9-13 years) at the Marinera World Competition in Trujillo, Peru. Stepping into the Junior Division that same year, she stayed on the podium earning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in other contests. This year, she tied for fourth in Trujillo and, in April, lit up the stage by winning the Junior category at Florida’s “Marinera en el Mundo - Orlando”
Selectivo Pachacamac 2022 Gisele’s first competition in the new Junior category (ages 14-19); Gisele placed second.
Selectivo Interacademias 2024 One of the largest international competitions of the year (August, 2024); Gisele placed 5th.
This summer, she achieved an incredible milestone by winning one of the largest dance competitions in Lima, Peru – “Marinera en el Mundo Miraflores” held in August. As a result, Gisele has been offered the amazing opportunity to perform exhibition dances all around the world. Now as the current distinguished “Marinera en el Mundo” Junior Champion, Gisele is invited to participate in all of the Marinera en el Mundo events held throughout the world during this school year.
Even with these triumphs, Gisele remains grounded and committed to her education. Although she has chosen not to sacrifice her senior year of high school at PVI for the opportunity to travel throughout the world as the representative Champion, she has accepted the all-expenses-paid invitation to participate in the official Marinera en el Mundo exhibition in Milan, Italy the weekend of October 11 and 12!
“Dance is more than steps; it’s the joy of sharing” (GR).
As high school demands grow, she’s turned her focus to teaching, eager to share Marinera’s magic far beyond Peru. At her dance academy, she assists with private lessons, partner classes, and group sessions, pouring the same passion into every student, no matter the class size.
62° Concurso Nacional y 12° Mundial de Marinera 2022
Gisele’s last mundial (world competition) in the Infantil Category (ages 9-13). She placed 4th.
65° Concurso Nacional y 15° Mundial de Marinera 2025; Gisele tied for 4th place in this world competition.
“You don’t choose some passions for what they give you. You hold onto them because they’ve always been part of you.” (GR).
Looking to the future, Gisele doesn’t plan to make dance her profession. She’s drawn to political science, ready to explore the world’s complexities. Still, she’s unwavering: “Dance will always be part of my life.” She excited to dance the Marinera in Italy this month – a dream destination that has come true for her. Undoubtedly one day her passion and commitment will enable her to bring another dream to fruition – performing on an NFL field. When asked what story her dance would tell, Gisele’s smile glows softly. “A story of perseverance and passion,” she says. Every sweat-drenched studio floor, every steady step to the music’s pulse, weaves a verse in the poetry of her youth.
The Writer’s Block Club Create and leave your PVI legacy in the pages of our club’s publications!
The Writer's Block Club Mission: The mission of The Writer's Block Club is to provide an exciting and welcoming opportunity for its diverse student members to hone their skills in thinking outside the proverbial box and share their oft-hidden talents through the written word and other creative mediums. From dedicated sports athletes, talented musicians, and theatre/performance enthusiasts, to service-centric students, poets, photographers, and quiet creatives, The Writer's Block Club gives every PVI student a place to express themselves and expand and celebrate their diverse interests. Members have the ability to develop their skills in leadership, decision-making, listening, proofreading, writing fiction and nonfiction, graphic design, marketing and promotion, magazine layout and page design, interviewing students and staff, and time management.
Column: I’m Puzzled (and Thrilled to be!) by: Tyler Sperow '28
Rebus Puzzles Rebus - (reee bis) "not by words but by things" This issue’s puzzle is a rebus. A rebus is a type of puzzle that combines the use of illustrated pictures with letters to create words or phrases. Use the barcode provided here to access the rebus. The first 25 students to solve all the puzzles will be entered into a drawing to receive a prize! Email your responses to tsperow28@pvipanther.net with the subject line: The Crossroads Rebus
FEATURED FEATURED R E AP R G O T PHO
JACK LADOWICZ ’27
Contributors
Writers: Tyler Sperow '28 Sian Chen '27 Roy Wulf '26 Hans Sirotniak '24 Ava Martin '28 Andrew Schnittger '28 Reagan Copeland '28 Leslie Burnett '28 Artists: Katie Le '26
Contributions from Teachers: Dr. Patrick J. Rozmajzl Mr. Tom Burkat Featured Photographer: Jack Ladowicz '27 Magazine Layout & Page Design: Tyler Sperow '28 Avery Thom '27 Ms. Vicque Fassinger
Featured Seniors from the Class of '25: Ali Montilla '25 Liam Drummond '25 Jaden Kunutsor '25 Emma Sweeney '25 Jacob Gozzi '25 Catherine Richards '25 Nisha Downey '25 Alayna Brown '25 Gavin Woo '25 Delaney Rickard '25 Christian Barton '25 Paige Salang '25 McKayla Cannon '25 Cole Stup '25 Robert Schroder '25 Moderator: Ms. Vicque Fassinger
Thank You, Saint Carlo; Thank You, God.