Rebel Review: 12/17

EVIEW R

Volume 17:3

December 15, 2017

Roncalli High School

‘TIS THE

SEASON Junior Simon Dias sets to work on sawing out a stump from an evergreen tree. Dias works at Emmanuel Tree Farm for the Beckwith family, the mother- and father-in law of guidance counselor Mrs. Lisa Beckwith. As Christmas approaches, the Emmanuel Tree Farm workers ready themselves for their busiest season of the year.

Typical Christmas traditions include an evergreen tree, presents on Christmas morning and family gatherings.

However, not all families celebrate the same, and new traditions abound. Read more on what to do in downtown Indianapolis during the holidays, Netflix shows to binge during the break, delicious treats to make for parties and more on the Emmanuel Tree Farm on pages 4 and 5.

PHOTO BY RYAN BRANDENBURG

How to Go to College for Less

As some seniors start applying to colleges, others have started to apply for scholarships. Plenty of scholarships are offered from colleges or other organizations.

Read more about them on Page 2.

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Unusual Jobs

Seniors Nick Williams and Patrick McManama are employed at an unusual location. The two work at the JW Marriot as valets and share with staff writer Max Cross their experiences on Page 3.

Sweet Tunes Started in eighth grade and carried into high school, the Banderillas include seniors Will Allen, Jack Baker, Connor Mahern and Dominick Bleizeffer. The band members reflect on their experience on Page 7.

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12.15.17

Archers aim for their targets Archery club continues to garner active participation, growing student interest and dedicated members

BY NICHOLAS PLAHITKO Staff Writer

PHOTO BY NICHOLAS PLAHITKO

TAKING AIM: Sophomores Blake Prather and Elliana Aleski draw back their bows during the long distance round of a competition. Both students were involved in the formation of the club back in 2016 and continue to be strong performers on the team.

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aut strings, squinted eyes and a single target ahead. The level of focus is intense, as the aim has to be just perfect before the arrow is loosed to fly. It pierces its target with a whistle as the archer is already drawing the next bow from the quiver.

The archery club was founded just last year. It all started when a group of underclassmen consisting of Elliana Aleski, TJ LaMarca, Sam Meer, Blake Prather, Sarah Prusa and Seth Roseberry found out that Roncalli did not offer any opportunities to continue archery after middle school. This, in their opinion, had to change. They took their idea right to assistant principal for student activities Mrs. Shellie Hartford and gained her approval for a club; however, a moderator was still needed.

Immediately, Mr. Rob Kratoska, a teacher in the history and physical education departments, came to mind.

“I have a tie to hunting, but not archery,” said Kratoska. “I had to take a class and get trained in it.”

Even though Kratoska had never used a bow and arrow before, he was very receptive to the idea of the club and eager to coach the students.

With a moderator (who also serves the role of a coach) in place, the club was ready to go. The club members now meet with Kratoska once or twice a week in the cafeteria for practice, where a target is set up and students fire arrows from competition distances of 10 and 15 meters.

The archery club competes about once every two weeks on Saturdays, and the team has shown a great deal of talent. Meer, one of the top returning shooters from last year, shot very well at the first meet. “[I’ve been shooting bow and arrow] for six years now,” Meer said. “I started in fifth grade at Nativity.”

Meer was also involved in the kickstart of an archery club at his grade school. He became interested in the sport mostly out of curiosity when the club was formed. Like Kratoska, Meer isn’t a traditional hunter, but he does have a very fascinating method of honing his skills as an archer.

“I do 3D,” Meer said, referring to a method of archery practice.

3D involves life-sized, foam replicas of animals with certain spots that archers must hit, creating a type of simulated hunting.

Meer scored an impressive 250/300 points at this year’s first competition. The competitions are split up as follows: archers will shoot five arrows at a time before retrieving them. There are three rounds from a 10-meter distance and then three more from a 15-meter distance. Each round is worth 50 total points.

How the archers earn their points is exactly how one would expect: hitting the bullseye, which is a very challenging task, will earn the team 10 points. Every spot fanning out from the bullseye is worth one less point. The competition at the high school level is steep, as there are many skilled archers at each tournament.

This co-ed sport is a great complement to the freshman P.E. archery unit, and the club is looking to expand. The program is extremely inclusive, and, according to Kratoska, student satisfaction seems very high.

Senior scholarship hunt

Attending college at lowest ticket price and avoiding costly student loans is possible with research

BY GRACE MURPHY Staff Writer

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ow that the seemingly hundreds of essays are completed and every activity is are beginning to hear admissions decisions. College counselor Mrs. Kelly Meyer sees this recorded, seniors face an even more daunting task than applying for college: time of year as the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to education. figuring out how to pay for it. While waiting to hear decisions from colleges, “As decisions start coming in, take some time to celebrate with your family,” Meyer said. students should begin applying for financial support.

As satisfying and relieving as a “yes” from a college feels, a deny or waitlist decision The first place to look for great scholarship opportunities is the website of the can seem crushing. But students should not get discouraged--a deny or waitlist does not prospective colleges. Many schools will offer money to students with various qualifications. have to be the end of the road. Colleges almost always pull students off the waitlist, and the For example, Indiana University offers scholarships for incoming freshmen based on merit, guidance office can contact the college to get more information on a student’s decision and financial need, ethnic background and possibly appeal the decision. interest in research. These scholarships are “Every year, schools have different things often donated by alumni and supporters they are looking for,” Meyer said. “Sometimes of the university. If scholarships are not classes are more or less competitive than clearly advertised on the school’s website, the year before, so you can’t let a denial or seniors should call the admissions office to waitlisting discourage you.” get more information.

One of the most lucrative scholarships Websites, such as fastweb.com, also available is the Lilly Endowment Scholarship, serve as great resources for scholarship which covers the full tuition cost of any opportunities. After making a free account, university in Indiana. Roncalli selects two Fast Web will send emails with different students each year to apply for this scholarship. scholarships a student qualifies for based One of those applicants, senior Grace Mappes, on GPA, extracurriculars and test scores. reflects on the significant impact this money Seniors should double check with the would have on her family. college they are attending to see if they “It would be amazing [to receive this PHOTO BY GRACE MURPHY accept outside scholarships; however, scholarship] because I have two siblings in LOOKING AHEAD: College counselor Mrs. Kelly Meyer discusses scholarship opportunities with most universities do, and this money can senior Grace Mappes. There are countless ways to reduce college costs, and the guidance office is a college and not having college loans would allow great resource for this information. add up quickly. me to focus on my education,” Mappes said. “I As admissions decisions begin to flood in, colleges will also send financial aid packages know it would mean a lot to my parents.” which students should carefully dissect with their parents and the financial aid office at This scholarship is extremely competitive and, unfortunately, neither of the two Roncalli the university so they fully understand the deal in front of them; however, this is typically nominees were chosen as finalists. Mappes will now be looking to earn money from other available exclusively to students who file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid scholarship institutions.

(FAFSA). The deadline for completing the FAFSA is April 15th. Students are encouraged to “I’m just focusing on applying for as many scholarships as I can,” Mappes said. file the FAFSA, even if they do not believe they will receive money.

Applying early and often for college scholarships can reduce the amount of students Of the 286 Roncalli seniors, a majority of have submitted college applications, and many loans that are taken out and will allow for a less stressful college experience.

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Rebels with odd jobs

news

Seniors discuss exciting gig as valets for JW Marriott, possible interaction with NFL teams

BY MAX CROSS Staff Writer

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oncalli students have many interesting and unusual jobs around the city. One in particular, valet servicing at the JW Marriott hotel in downtown Indianapolis, is a flexible option that works around the pressures of school and chaos of life.

The JW Marriott employs quite a few Roncalli students, including seniors Jackson Annee, Jacob Luedeman, Murphy McManama, Patrick McManama, Tony Monroe and Nick Williams. These Rebels described many benefits to working at the JW, including flexible hours and the opportunity to drive the sweet rides of many famous athletes and celebrities.

When guests come to the hotel, the boys are responsible for helping them unload luggage, driving their cars to the underground parking garage and retrieving their cars from the garage when they are ready to leave.

“If you’re a good people person and can drive well, I would recommend the job,” Patrick said.

For both Patrick and his identical twin, Murphy, the gig started when their older brother, Colin McManama (RHS ‘15), got the job during his first year of college. Colin later told his boss about his younger brothers, and they got the job.

According to Williams, the job is extremely flexible and works around his busy volleyball schedule. Williams is also able to take tips home with him after he finishes a shift, which can be used as easy pocket money.

“The job is pretty great for high school students,” Williams said.

Many hotels in the area offer similar valet services for guests. But these boys don’t just work at some ordinary hotel--many famous athletes visit the JW Marriott on game weekends.

“Usually, NFL teams come in early Saturday afternoon or Saturday night,” Patrick said.

“You get to see them and interact with them, but you can’t ask for autographs--if you do, you’ll be fired.”

Patrick recalls seeing team members from the San Francisco 49ers, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Cleveland Browns and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

As a whole, the boys seem to enjoy having the valet job because of its convenience and exciting atmosphere.

FILLING OUT THE FORM: Senior Patrick McManama writes down the make, model and credentials of the first car of the evening. He is credited - along with Williams - on having established a Roncalli presence in the valet department of the downtown hotel.

PHOTOS BY DAVE SCHRADER

THEY SEE HIM RIDING: Senior Patrick McManama drives a guest’s car into the parking garage. As a valet, McManama parks cars for the JW Marriot so it is one less thing the guests have to worry about.

Creating new friendships New and ever-popular Rebel buddies club continues to thrive throughout the holiday season

BY MADDIE ALDRICH Staff Writer

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ophomore Bella Gonzalez and senior Kaitlyn Dinkel grab armfuls of fuzzy teddy bears, children’s books and toys and place them onto a loading truck. This truck will soon be en route to Anna’s House, followed by multiple cars filled with eager Rebels, ready to sort toys and stuff stockings for the annual Anna’s House Christmas Party.

This is the annual holiday service outing done by the Rebel Buddies club, one of the numerous club opportunities offered at Roncalli. It is the perfect place for friendships to form and grow between peers and Life Academy students.

Rebel Buddies was formed four years ago by Life Academy instructional assistant Mrs. Julie Sommers along with a few students who transferred from New Palestine. Like most public schools, New Palestine had a “Best Buddies” program in place. This is a one-to-one program, where each individual peer is matched up with a student with special needs.

“Roncalli decided to take its own spin off of ‘Best Buddies’ with ‘Rebel Buddies’ because we have more peers than special needs students,” Sommers said.

Currently led by Sommers and Life Academy Coordinator Mrs. Grace Nickell, the mission of Rebel Buddies is to focus on enhancing the lives of students with and without disabilities while participating in service and social activities.

But there is more to Rebel Buddies than service outings, crafts and games. The club provides an opportunity for both peers and Life Academy students to work on their social skills and create friendships along the way. The Life Academy is a blended educational program designed to provide needed support and challenge students with intellectual disabilities academically, whether that be in a work study or general education class with modified curriculum. Rebel Buddies is a continuation of the Life Academy’s mission.

Four-year Rebel Buddy Dinkel has created many friendships through the club and has gained a better understanding of the varieties of mental, physical and educational disabilities that some students face daily. “[Sommers and Nickell] always come up with new ways to include everyone and change groups up to interact with new people,” Dinkel said.

Through Rebel Buddies, Dinkel has had the opportunity to get to know Gonzalez, a lively member of the Life Academy who has been attending these club outings since the beginning of her freshman year.

“I’ve met a lot of new buddies that say hi to me in the hallways, and that makes [me] so happy,” Gonzalez said.

However, students do not need to be involved with the club to interact with students who enroll in the Life Academy. Some students in the Life Academy struggle both with

conversation and expressing their feelings, causing many of them to be left out.

“To create and form [these friendships], you have to be willing to be patient and put yourself out there,” Sommers said.

To help the students feel more included, Sommers suggests sitting with students in the Life Academy at Mass, lunch or a basketball game. It’s also important to engage with them in the hallways and hold them accountable to the same rules in order to not be overly accommodating.

The goal of being a Rebel Buddy is to be an advocate for Life Academy students as well as being their friend throughout their high school journey. And, as Dinkel has found, this club has allowed her to develop rich friendships with people that have taught her many unique perspectives and ways of viewing the world.

PHOTO BY ASHLEY CONNER

ALL SMILES: Senior Kaitlyn Dinkel and sophomore Bella Gonzalez sort presents collected through the toy drive. The toy drive is organized by the Rebel buddies club, of which both Dinkel and Gonzalez are members.

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CHRISTMAS

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EMMANUEL TREE FARM

BY RYAN BRANDENBURG Staff Writer

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s Christmas time quickly approaches, families are preparing their homes for the wonderful holiday. Each family does things differently, whether it’s through their decorations or their celebrations. But everyone knows what the most important Christmas decoration is: a Christmas tree. At Emmanuel Tree Farm in Trafalgar, Christmas trees are an essential aspect of the holiday season. In addition to trees, some Rebels can be found at Emmanuel as well.

During the Christmas season, the farm is at its peak popularity. It is also at this time that the farm is at its finest.

“It’s really pretty, and it’s really busy on the weekends,” guidance counselor and Emmanuel Tree Farm worker Mrs. Lisa Beckwith said. “It’s very picturesque.”

Junior Simon Dias first started working for Emmanuel Tree Farm last year, and he really enjoys it.

“It’s really fun to see how excited people are to go get their own tree and cut it down themselves,” Dias said.

The owners, Don and Karen Beckwith (Lisa Beckwith’s in-laws), have always had the dream of owning a Christmas tree farm. At Emmanuel, the trees come from Northern Indiana and Michigan.

“They come in little pots,” Beckwith said.

“Each year [Don] buys about 300 trees and we plant

and pot them. You water them in the summer, and you also

have to keep the deer away.”

All year round, workers like Beckwith are kept busy

preparing for the Christmas season.

PHOTOS BY RYAN BRANDENBURG

CUTTING TO THE CHASE: Junior Simon Dias works on sawing down Christmas trees. Dias’ job is to cut down trees for customers. The Emmanuel Tree Farms sold out their Christmas tree stock as of Monday, December 4.

Families who have not yet bought Christmas trees will have to look elsewhere.

“We’re always planning for Christmas time,” Beckwith said. Once spring hits, you have to water the trees, replant them, and you have to reorder some trees.’

Around this time of year, workers like Dias are busiest, as it is peak season for trees.

“It’s really busy, and it gives me a lot of work,” Dias said.

As of last week, Emmanuel Tree Farms has sold out of their Christmas tree inventory.

CHRISTMAS RECIPES

BY ISABEL LAUT

Staff Writer

Pretzel Rods

Ingredients: pretzel rods, white chocolate, decorations (M&M’s, sprinkles, etc.)

Directions 1. Melt chocolate in microwave. Start with 30 seconds and stir. Go by 15 second intervals after this so that you do not burn the chocolate.

2. Dip pretzel rods in melted chocolate.

3. Roll pretzel rods with chocolate in decorations.

Tree Brownies

Ingredients: brownie mix, green frosting, candy canes, decorations (M&M’s, sprinkles, etc.)

Directions: 1. Preheat oven.

2. Make brownies according to box. Once they’re done, let them cool.

3. Cut brownies into triangles.

4. Insert candy cane at the bottom of the triangle to resemble a trunk.

5. Decorate with green frosting and other toppings.

Marshmallow Stirrers

Ingredients: marshmallows, mini candy canes, chocolate chips Directions: 1. Crush candy canes in a plastic bag.

2. Melt chocolate in microwave. Start with 30 seconds and stir. Go by 15 second intervals after this so that you do not burn the chocolate.

3. Insert mini candy cane into marshmallow.

4. Dip marshmallows in melted chocolate and roll in crushed candy canes.

5. Let cool in fridge, then stir into hot chocolate.

PHOTO BY ISABEL LAUT

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12.15.17

CHRISTMAS FESTIVE FUN IN INDY

BY ISABEL LAUT Staff Writer

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

SKIING: If you’re feeling adventurous this winter, strap on your ski boots and hit the slopes.

Perfect North Slopes is a great local place to go skiing.

CIRCLE OF LIGHTS: This Indy holiday tradition on Monument Circle is a must do. The Soldiers & Sailors Monument is illuminated with lights and garland strands. While on the Circle you can stop into the different shops as well.

ICE SKATING: Deciding to go ice skating is never a bad choice. Carmel has recently added a new ice skating rink to their annual Christkindlmarkt which senior Lexi Lawson has recently taken advantage of.

CHRISTMAS AT THE ZOO: The Indianapolis Zoo is putting on Christmas at the Zoo for the 50th year. It entails thousands of twinkling lights adorning the entire park.

TOP NETFLIX SHOWS

BY MADISON ALDRICH Staff Writer

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

The Office (30.7%) Stranger Things (25.4%) Riverdale (16.4%) Grey’s Anatomy (7.9%) The Vampire Diaries (4.3%) One Tree Hill (4.3%) Fuller House (3.9%) Gossip Girl (3.2%) Gilmore Girls (2.1%) Jane the Virgin (1.8%)

Ranked by Roncalli students through a Google Form (280 responses)

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12.15.17

Finals dread arises

Hand In Hand With SAINT JOHN XXIII

How the new exam schedule will impact Rebels during the coming finals week

BY GRACE MURPHY Staff Writer very year, I approach finals week with a sense of apprehension, trying to prepare myself for eight exams I will be taking over the course of four days. In addition to the normal stress that accompanies this time of the year, I, along with all Rebels, will face an additional challenge: a revised version of the finals week schedule.

The biggest changes come in the number of finals per day and the length of each final. Students will test periods one, three and five on Wednesday, periods two, four and six on Thursday and periods seven and eight on Friday.

Exams will take 70 minutes instead of the previous 75 minutes. The new schedule adds two days of instruction on Monday and Tuesday. Principal Mr. Chuck Weisenbach explains that, with the old schedule, students were missing out on valuable classroom time.

“There was an overarching concern with spending eight days [of the school year] that turn into half days, and four of those days where half the school is leaving after an hour,” Weisenbach said.

Based on these concerns, administration announced the change at the end of last year. Department chairs met with administration months before the change to create the new finals week schedule designed to maximize instructional time.

Teachers have adjusted exams to focus and reduce the information students will be tested on. Social studies department chair Mrs. Erin Bohn believes her

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PHOTO BY GRACE MURPHY

TESTING A NEW SCHEDULE: The revised finals week will present new challenges that all Rebels will have to overcome.

new final, made to accommodate the 70 minute time frame, provides a more comprehensive summary of her class.

“The questions I’m asking are the most important information [students] need to know at the end of the class,” Bohn said. “I’m not just asking for memorization of things we covered in class but for true understanding of important ideas.”

Although the thought of a shorter and more condensed version of a final sounds appealing, the stress that accompanies taking three finals in one day may play a factor in student performances on exams. Getting home later each afternoon and having an additional final to study for the next day will take a mental toll on students in my opinion.

Guidance counselor Mrs. Lisa Beckwith is sympathetic to the additional pressure the new schedule will bring.

“Our finals are difficult, and I understand the stress of adding another final,” Beckwith said. “As counselors we recognize that it is going to be a big shift.”

The new finals week schedule is another stressor added to an already

exhausting time of year. I prefer taking two finals per day, having adequate time to rest my brain and being able to study for the other finals I will take the next day. I fear that this year I will be too pressed for time that I will need to rush home after taking three finals and immediately jump back into my studies to prepare for, not two, but three exams the following day. By having less time to prepare myself mentally and academically, my scores on exams will most likely be lower. The new finals schedule does not allow for adequate preparation time. Senior Collin Prince also feels that he will be less prepared for his finals than in previous years.

“I won’t be able to show my best effort, and [the exam] won’t reflect how I am doing in the class,” Prince said.

Additionally, by having an eight period day, I will be taking two days of three finals each, and one of those days will consist of three core class exams, which are my most difficult.

“I would stress communication with the teacher,” Bohn said. “They are the ones writing the test. That’s why we are here. We are not trying to make an impossible test--we want you to learn.”

Whether I agree or not, the new finals schedule is quickly approaching, and all students need to adequately prepare themselves for the new challenge.

By accepting the inevitable, students can move past their annoyance and embrace a new mindset that will allow them to succeed in the classroom.

PHOTO CC BY/WIKIPEDIA

The Rebel Review wants you, as a Roncalli student, to learn more about our school’s namesake. Each month, we will be including a paraphrased excerpt from the book “A Pope Laughs,” by Kurt Klinger

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Atheist

hen John XXIII moved to his summer residence at Castel Gandolfo for the first time, he received the city fathers in an audience, as his predecessors had always done before him. Among them were several Communists.

John enjoyed himself thoroughly with the Communists; one might have thought they were his own brothers.

They had intended to inform the Pope about the little community: how badly the rich treated the poor, how inadequate the subsides of the provincial government were to alleviate the situation, and so forth. But they never got around it. The Pope inquired so sincerely about their own personal lives that they forgot their complaints.

Encouraged and comforted, they left his residence to join the crowd in the square before the balcony which had been waiting for John XXIII to appear and give them his blessing. The shouts of Viva seemed endless. One of the best-known Communists, who had been among those speaking to the Pope, shouted and clapped his hands with the loudest. “Why?” A neighbor wanted to know.

“Why are you yelling so loudly? You’re an atheist, a Communist!”

The man replied excitedly, with tears in his eyes and trembling lips, “He’s the son of a worker. He knows what manual labor is. I’m clapping for a poor man of the people who has been made Pope.”

Canned food drive dilemma Despite incentives and increased promotion, canned food numbers continue to decline, especially this year

BY GRACE SILVER Staff Writer n Nov. 18, Roncalli hosted its 47th annual Canned Food and Blood Drive. 402 students participated, 104 pints of blood were donated and 27,563 total cans were collected. These numbers signify the lowest student participation to date.

Over the years, participation in this annual event has declined drastically. The event used to have 95% school participation, but now Rebels are lucky to get 70%.

“The larger [the drive] became, the less participation we’ve had,” vice president of mission and ministry Mr. Bob Tully said.

This year, the numbers did not even compare to the participation Roncalli had five years ago, and to many people, it seems like Rebels don’t even care about the drive.

“It’s sad that the drive has become less popular over the

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years,” senior Emily Coffman said. “Volunteering this year was one of my favorite decisions.”

Roncalli even tried to persuade more students to donate by introducing “Pie-nals Week,” which promised the opportunity to throw a pie in the face of teachers if 70% of students participated. With this, more students should have donated than those who did. But not even the “Pie-nals Week” incentive could encourage students to get onboard.

“I’m very sad that we are unable to do ‘pie-nals’ week this year,” senior Dianna Perez said. “I was really looking forward to seeing the students get excited about this cool opportunity.”

Multiple organizations on the southside of Indianapolis depend on Roncalli’s canned food drive to stock their pantries. The number of pantries in need has continued to

Roncalli Media Staff

2017-18 Editorial Policy

Staff Writers

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Lizzy Hosty Dave Schrader

Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief

Grace Silver Meghan Looney

Online Editor Copy Editor

Julie Albertson

Adviser

grow over the years while the number of students making food donating to these pantries has gone down.

There is also a need for blood, especially after the recent hurricanes in Texas and Florida. The Indiana Blood Center receives all of the blood donated and distributes it among various hospitals. This increased need should encourage students to donate, yet not many are doing so.

“My favorite part is the blood drive,” Tully said. “In my own family, there was a need for blood, and there are so many more needs for [blood]. I love seeing the young kids roll up their sleeves and give a gift of life.”

With the declining participation in both the canned food and blood drive, Roncalli is hoping to get more volunteers and explore more advertising techniques to increase participation in the years to come.

Maddie Aldrich Will Allen Elizabeth Bradley Ryan Brandenburg Max Cross Sophia Egold

Kara House Cameron Irwin Isabel Laut Grace Murphy Nick Perkins Nicholas Plahitko

We accept submissions from all faculty, staff and students, which can be emailed to rhsrebelreview@gmail.com or delivered to Room 203. Please keep these letters short, roughly 200-300 words. They will be accepted under the circumstances that they are signed and noted to which article it is in response. Letters that contain misinformation or are meant to libel another will not be published.

The decision to publish any content will be decided by Roncalli Media adviser Julie Albertson. We also accept photographs and articles written by students, teachers and staff members.

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12.15.17

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fine arts

Broken-hearted Banderillas

High school musicians reminisce about the creation of the group and eventual separation of their beloved band

BY KARA HOUSE Staff Writer

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t’s late at night, and the police have been called for a noise complaint. This isn’t the first time, and it won’t be the last. Inside, drums are crashing, guitars are strumming and a singer is belting out a cover of The Beatles’ “Come Together.” To most parents, this would be a nightmare. But Mr. Jim and Mrs. Cris Mahern are used to this--they’ve supported the band since the beginning.

The drummer.

At only eight years old, senior Connor Mahern began his drumming career when he piqued an interest in jazz. He had registered in a program at UIndy. He had two lessons a week, with three hours of practice between each lesson.

“It was a pretty intense setup,” Mahern said. “I was taught by a bunch of college students who were really into music, so they kept me accountable for the work I put in.”

Mahern put his passion for jazz into his drumming, becoming an accomplished musician. However, his interest in drums dwindled as he entered high school. That is, until Mr. Jeff Small’s math class when Mahern started talking with another budding musician in Room 217.

The bassist.

Senior Dom Bleizeffer became interested in music during his early elementary school years while obsessing over Aerosmith. His desire to learn how to play “Walk This Way” led Bleizeffer to pick up a guitar and begin practicing. Long before the Banderillas days, Bleizeffer started another music group with a fellow classmate from St. Barnabas. This band, The Otherside, performed a few times before breaking up after the group of Warriors graduated from middle school. “[The Otherside] dissolved because the other band members lost interest,” Bleizeffer said.

However, Bleizeffer noted that he and one of the band’s guitarists continued to get together and jam after the group broke up. Though Bleizeffer never completely lost interest in his craft, there were times when he shied away from playing. “[I went] in and out of phases where [playing] was interesting [to me], but I always ended up coming back to my music,” Bleizeffer said.

In high school, Bleizeffer often practiced by himself, both composing and playing along to other songs.

The singer.

When senior Jack Baker broke his pelvic bone, there wasn’t much for him to do. He was restricted to his house, and this confinement led him to seek out a way to express himself.

“I was bored and wanted something to do, so I picked up a guitar and started teaching myself,” Baker said.

During the healing process, Baker practiced his craft every single day for hours on end.

Eventually mastering the guitar, Baker moved onto piano and the bass, and he even picked up harmonica.

“I enjoyed playing so much because music touched my heart,” Baker said. “Sometimes my music even moved me to tears.”

After joking about forming a band for months, Baker and Mahern finally decided to make it happen. The two met with Bleizeffer for the first time in Mahern’s basement, the new location for practices and jam sessions. The three sophomores, now collectively known as Deos, had started a new band, a way to satisfy the members’ thirst for making music. That is, until they welcomed another member to their band, which took the group to new heights.

Read more on our website, roncallimedia.com.

PHOTO BY DAVID SCHRADER

SOUND THE DRUMS: Senior Connor Mahern jams out in his basement where all of his equipment is set up.

The band typically practiced at Mahern’s house where their music was confined to the unfinished room.

Taking in the bigger picture

Knierman discusses college and career opportunities offered for students passionate about the visual arts field

BY ELIZABETH BRADLEY Staff Writer enior AP Art student Rachel Knierman is one of the few people willing to brave the storm that is the visual arts career path despite the underrepresentation it receives in both the education system and the career world. To Knierman, her art is an expression of herself; it gives her life and drives her emotions.

“I love to paint, but I especially love to paint realistically,” Knierman said. “It gives a painting life.”

Lifelike is a more-than-apt description of Knierman’s work, and the time and effort she pours into each piece is evident in her plethora of detailed work.

“Rachel's work is pretty exceptional, especially her portrait paintings,” visual arts department chairperson and AP Studio Art teacher Mr. Mark Stratton said.

Having had an affinity for art since childhood, Knierman honed her craft throughout high school and currently plans to pursue a career in art, preferably as a local portrait painter in Indiana. Far from a mere pipe dream, Knierman is already making strides to achieve this goal with a bit of guidance from Stratton.

“When [Mr. Stratton] said portrait painter at first, I did not believe I had the talent to do that,” Knierman said. “I was scared at the idea of being self-employed, but he gave me a lot of encouragement.”

Of course, in order to reach this point in her career path, Knierman has to be willing to undergo the rigor involved, but she clearly is prepared to do so. At the suggestion of Stratton, Knierman has already entered and placed in several art competitions outside of school, including Scholastic art contests and the upcoming Cecil Head Fine Arts Scholarship competition.

As with many career decisions, the encouragement and guidance of teachers and instructors is pivotal, particularly so in a field that calls for as much ambition as the visual arts. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Artists and Related Workers” have a national employment of approximately 7,040 (15.69 percent employment within arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations) and is projected to grow by five percent by 2026; however, these statistics do not account for self-employed artists.

Consequently, visual artistry, portrait painting included, is definitely not a career path pushed as heavily in today’s high school environment as those in subjects based on core curriculum subjects. As a result, many students are left unaware of the possibilities that this path actually entails apart from stereotypical depictions of starving artists.

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Consequently, visual artistry, portrait painting included, is definitely not a career path pushed as heavily in today’s high school environment as those in subjects based on core curriculum subjects. As a result, many students are left unaware of the possibilities that this path actually entails apart from stereotypical depictions of starving artists.

“People need to realize that everything [people] have--their house, their car, their phone, their shoes--was once designed and touched by a visual artist,” Stratton explained.

It’s extremely important that schools have teachers like Stratton to educate their students on all the opportunities that await them. It is because of teachers like Stratton that students like Knierman feel the confidence to pursue careers that might not be considered traditional.

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH BRADLEY

PICTURE THIS: Featured above is one of senior Rachel Knierman’s most recent paintings portraying a violinist. This painting is to be used in an upcoming violin competition.

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sports

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12.15.17

Senior wrestles for his faith Hansen shares how his religious experiences has affected his success in his wrestling career

BY SOPHIA EGOLD Staff Writer

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PHOTO BY GRACE MURPHY

VICTORY: Competing for the Rebel wrestling team, senior Sam Hansen wins his match against an opponent from Lebanon. While Hansen has found much of his success from wrestling, he attributes his achievements to a strong faith life.

ime is running out, and the match is not looking up for the Rebel wrestler. Sweat is dripping down his face as people in the stands rise to their feet. Only a few seconds remain when the Rebel wrestler is pinned, bringing a sense of defeat that washes over the wrestler.

For senior Sam Hansen, when this feeling arises, he looks to God to help him back up. Hansen knows that God is watching over him and recognizes all of his hard work and dedication.

Hansen is the type of person who puts his faith before everything; he wrestles to glorify God. Hansen has been wrestling for Roncalli for four years, is a member of the band, serves as student council co-president, and acts as a peer mentor in the A Promise to Keep program. With all of these commitments, Hansen spends his free time training extremely hard to be the best.

Hansen, along with the rest of the Rebel wrestlers, spends his time at practices running, shuffling around and attempting to do handstands as he begins to warm up. The team works hard in the wrestling room so they can put that effort onto the mats in a match.

With wrestling being such a violent sport, a question arises: How can a young man can take a sport that involves pinning his opponent to the ground and transform it into a way to glorify God? “Overall it’s not violence--it’s control,” Hansen said. “You have to shake hands after the match. I always pray before my matches, and I do the sign of the cross. I place all my trust in God to take away all my worries, so I am able to focus on my event.”

Being able to put his trust solely in God helps Hansen while competing on the wrestling mat or going through the motions of life. To Hansen, prayer helps ease his minds before a match. But the hardest part, he said, is looking toward God after a match, especially when the results are not in his favor.

“Some athletes say they want to glorify God,” Sam’s dad, Mr. Joe Hansen said, “but when things don’t go their way, they lose it or throw a fit. Sam has always had this sincere desire to please God through his effort, and not necessarily through victories. That is what I enjoy most--watching his deep love of God being shown through his effort and attitude.”

Hansen plans to take his wrestling career to college next year. The sport is an enormous part of his life, and he has dedicated his high school career to training and hard work.

Because of this, one would only assume that Hansen would want to take that hard work to the collegiate level.

However, Hansen also plans to firmly look into the call of the priesthood when he enters college.

Read the full story on our website, roncallimedia.com.

Rebounding on and off the court

Senior makes comeback to basketball after painful year, ready to help lead team through senior year

BY CAMERON IRWIN Staff Writer

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ov. 23, 2016: a day that, to the majority of you reading this, means nothing. It will bear no significance, nor will you probably remember where you were or what you were doing. For one senior, this day will live in infamy.

It took a while, but senior Katelyn McClary can finally look back on that date with some peace of mind and a level of gratitude. Nov. 23, 2016, the day before Thanksgiving, was not a day that was easy to look back on though. Then, she was screaming in agony.

Then, giving thanks was the last thing she had on her mind.

At 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 23, 2016, per usual to most high-school basketball start times, the Roncalli Lady Rebels were set to tip off against the Cardinal Ritter Raiders. Roncalli had made the short, 30-minute bus trip up to 30th Street, just blocks away from Marian University, looking to improve upon their impressive 4-1 record.

7:30 p.m. came as expected, and the starting lineup took the court. The Lady Rebels sent out the same five they had started in the five games before, with McClary in the mix. Teammate and close friend Paige Saylor (RHS ‘17) set herself up behind center Sophie Daniel, a junior at the time, who was ready to tip off.

As the game began, the Lady Rebels started playing their game, controlling the tempo and running the floor, quickly tiring out the Cardinal Ritter starting five.

And then, it happened.

“I was on the left wing, and I was driving to the right lane line for a layup,” McClary said. “I stopped, and I took a jump shot when my knee came out from under me.”

This one play halted a season that had been a great start for McClary. Averaging nearly nine points and seven rebounds through the first five games, she was already showing improvement from her sophomore year.

She knew as soon as it happened that her injury was serious. The final verdict reflected her initial thoughts and feelings.

“I tore my right ACL and meniscus, and [I] sprained my right MCL,” McClary said.

This devastating injury halted what was set to be a season that would result in career numbers for McClary. Not only was it set to be a career year, but it was also a year of preparation before she and her fellow classmates took over the team as seniors the following winter.

All that was taken from her in one play.

Read the full story on our website, roncallimedia.com.

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PHOTO BY DAVE SCHRADER

REBEL REBOUND: Senior Katelyn McClary extends her arms for a quick rebound over Perry Meridian star Sadie Hill. The Lady Rebels won the game, their season opener, over the Falcons 60-35.

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