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Rebel RevIew Roncalli high school
MAY 15, 2015
Volume 14:7
Senior Edition
Preparing for the military
NEWS Page 3
Senior memories
Seven seniors enlist or join ROTC at the university they will attend BY KENZIE KING Staff Writer
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s most seniors will be going off to college in the fall, some will head to basic training in preparation for joining the armed forces. This year, seniors Andrew Cox and Albert Thu are both already enlisted and Nathan Sonderman plans to enlist in the near future. Cox and Thu are anticipating being in the Marine Corps after completing the required 13 weeks of boot camp beginning in late summer or fall. “I chose to enlist because it is something I have always wanted to do. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else after high school,” said Cox. Cox said the recruiting process can be very stressful at times, but it is worth it. The Marine Corps has a reputation as a tough branch, both physically and mentally, in the military which Cox and Thu both said played a significant role in their choosing the Marines
PHOTO BY JULIE ALBERTSON
TO SERVE AND PROTECT: Serving in the military upon graduation are, row 1 (left to right): Joe Below, Emily Webb, Madeline Dunne, Albert Thu, row 2 (left to right) Anthony Neu, Andrew Cox, Nathan Sonderman.
over one of the other branches. “I enlisted for the pride and discipline the Marines offer, and I want to challenge myself. I have the capabilities to become one of the few and the proud. I want to be a part of something greater than myself,” said Thu. Sonderman will be enlisting in the National Guard in 2016. A big factor that played in his decision is that the National Guard will allow him to receive a college education prior to his service. Another factor was an important, influential person in his life. “I’m excited to be a part of the National Guard. My grandpa really enjoyed his time serving, and I am happy to be following in his footsteps,” said Sonderman. In addition to the seniors going directly to the armed forces, there are also a handful of seniors who will be attending college while also being in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program known as ROTC. This program is for training commissioned officers of the United States Armed Forces while still allowing them to attend college and earn a degree. Madeline Dunne, Emily Webb, and Joe Below all plan to attend college while also being educated and trained through the Naval ROTC. Dunne, Webb, and Below also said that their decision to join the Naval ROTC, as opposed to a different branch, had something to do with a close family member previously serving in the same division. Anthony Neu hopes to join the Army ROTC while studying at Indiana University in the fall. On behalf of Roncalli, we thank these members of the class of 2015 in advance for their service to our country.
Students finish at top of the class Valedictorian and Salutatorian named for the class of 2015
BY BARBARA KRATSIOS
Staff Writer
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uring their four years as Rebels, Valedictorian Abby Whalen and Salutatorian Sarah Elam have displayed exceptional academic credentials. The students were honored by counselors Mrs. Lynn Starkey and Mrs. Autumn Currens respectively in February. Both contribute their success to hard work, dedication and encouragement. “My mom has always told me to never give up and don’t let anyone tell me what I can and cannot do,”said Elam. Whalen attributes her perseverance to support from family. “My dad is really understanding and patient and works hard for his family,”said Whalen. Despite personal struggles, their strong commitments have reaped great results. “When I tore my ACL, I was out for a week. I had a lot of make-up work right before Spring Break. I had trouble concentrating on the work because of the medications I was on,” Whalen recalls. In addition, they both recounted aspects of their careers that could have been different. “If I could change anything, I would have attended more sporting events,” said Elam. Whalen hoped to have set aside a little more relaxation time.
“Overall, it has been a good experience, as I have made lots of new friends,” said Whalen. Elam is looking forward to attending Butler University this fall, to pursue a major in International Studies along with a minor in Spanish. Whalen plans to attend Notre Dame and is aspiring to enter the medical field as a neurosurgeon. As the two make their way to graduation, they offered their advice to returning students to challenge themselves in the classroom, but to make sure and enjoy the high school experience at the same time.
PHOTO BY LIZ TAMES
Check out some of the most memorable moments of the class of 2015.
FEATURES Pages 4-5
Rebel Land
ILLUSTRATION BY JOANIE DUGAN
Take a look at the Candy Land inspired map to see where all of the seniors will be going after graduation.
Page 7
advice to I wish i knew that ...
the seniors ILLUSTRATION BY KENZIE PRINCE
Looking back, teachers share with seniors what they wish they would have known as 18years-olds.
SPOR TS Page 8
Golf
PHOTO BY PATRICK MURPHY
PHOTO BY MEGAN POWELL
SMILES OF SUCCESS: Seniors Abby Whalen and Sarah Elam display pride in their accomplishments. These girls are definitely prepared for the road ahead.
The boys’ golf team recently brought home hardware, winning first place at the North Central Invitational.