Rebel Review: 9/18

REBEL REVIEW Roncalli High School

Volume 18:1

September 28, 2018 Celebrating 50 years as a school is an important milestone. Rebel Review staffers are taking a look at how things have changed here over the years. Obviously the school building has changed.

The left photo is after the 2011 construction of the chapel, and the one on the right is from 1990. In addition, stories included in the issue look at IT professionals at RHS, new club offerings and a feature on a cast member of the musical.

RONCALLI

NOW & THEN

Hall of Fame

50 years of Roncalli

Beloved Rebels Mr. Bob Tully and Coach Bruce Scifres were honored at a recent home football game for their induction into the Indiana State Football Hall of Fame.

Read more on page 2.

Rebel Review staffers take a look at the school both past and present with stories about life in the 1970s, how the STARS program developed, the new school improvement goal as well as the dramatic success of the canned food drive on pages 4-5.

WWW. RONCALLIMEDIA.COM

Girls’ XC Freshmen are having a great impact on the girls’ cross country team as it moves into sectional competition.

Read more about the team and its new coaching staff on page 8.

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Hall of Famers, on and off the field

9.28.18

Former football coaches reflect on careers, impact in school, football field, and community

BY RYAN BRANDENBURG Staff Writer ver the years, Roncalli and its football program has had several coaches that have changed the community. Not only changing football, but the school as well.

Football isn’t just about winning state championships, it’s about forming a bond within the team. And one thing that Hall of Fame coaches Mr. Bruce Scifres and Mr. Bob Tully know is that when a team is close, the whole school grows closer. If you need some help finding people that symbolize what Roncalli is all about, look no further than Scifres and Tully.

For Scifres, football is a huge part of his life. Starting at Plainfield High School and going on to play at Butler, he earned his first head coaching job at Roncalli in 1990. The rest is history.

“I would describe my coaching career as extremely rewarding,” Scifres said. “I had the chance to coach hundreds of truly amazing young men, and I coached alongside some incredible men.”

Anyone who has spent time at Roncalli knows about Bob Tully. Being the guy that has been here since this school opened 50 years ago, he’s seen a few things. And yes, he has some moments from football that he likes to think about.

“In 1985, we were at the Hoosier Dome, and we had just won the 3A state championship, and the Roncalli family poured onto the field and knelt for the Thanksgiving prayer,” Tully said. “It was awesome.”

Being the head coach of a high school football team can create some memories. State championships, rivalry games, and everything in between. But the things that don’t show up on a box score are what Scifres remembers most.

“My favorite memories always revolved around a group of freshmen boys growing physically, mentally, and most importantly spiritually into outstanding young men during their four years of Roncalli football,” Scifres said.

After years of coaching between Scifres and Tully, the honor of being inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame is another blessing that these two have received.

“My involvement in the game certainly changed my life for the better,” Scifres said. “That is why I committed such a huge portion of my life to give back to the game.”

For Tully, when he heard the news of his induction, he couldn’t be more excited. Such an honor is very important to him. In fact, when Coach Scifres received the news of his own induction, he nominated Tully to be inducted as well.

“I wanted to get a ladder, climb up it, and give Coach Scifres a big hug for nominating me,” joked Tully, of the taller Scifres.

Both Scifres and Tully have a strong connection to Roncalli and its football program.

They have brought state championships and many memories to this school, and they have created a family between the football team and the community.

“Roncalli football was always more than a game to me. I always viewed it as preparation for the bigger game of life,” Scifres said. “Most importantly, I viewed it as a vessel to help us on our journey to Christ. I was always very honored to be a part of the Roncalli football program.”

Tully sums up Roncalli football and its mission perfectly. Over the years, coaching and

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teaching taught him so much, and he works everyday to live out the Roncalli way.

“Teaching and coaching at Roncalli have taught me three very important things- work hard, be loyal, set an example.”, Tully said.

To these men, football wasn’t only about winning. It was a life lesson that was played under the lights. Yes, they both won games and won championships, but they also taught countless people how to become better people and better followers of Christ.

LEGENDS INDUCTED: Coach Bruce Scifres receives his Hall of Fame plaque with his wife, Jackie, at the Roncalli vs. Bishop Chatard game. Athletic director David Lauck and RHS President Joe Hollowell congratulated Scifres and Tully. In over 27 years of coaching, Scifres went a combined 248-88.

PHOTOS BY JULIE ALBERTSON

HISTORIC MOMENT: Family members of coach Bob Tully receive his plaque while he was recovering from his surgery. Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is just another way that Tully has impacted the Roncalli community.

Psyched about physics and psychology club This school year, students are excited for the take off of both physics and psychology clubs

BY ABBY LEISTER Staff Writer

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f you could not get enough of your psychology or physics classes, there is now a chance to learn more. Physics club, officially starting last year, is said to kick off alongside psychology club as the two plan to spread awareness of their clubs to students.

The founders of the new psychology club are seniors Caroline Barron and Katie Minton. Both fell in love with the class their junior year, taught by Mrs. Kim Striby, and wanted to spread their interest with others.

“I took AP psychology and found it to be absolutely fascinating and really fun,” Barron said. “We wanted for everyone to get a little taste of psychology even if they can’t fit it into their schedule.”

Any student, whether they have taken the course or not, can join the club meetings and attend any of the planned service events. Minton and Barron plan for the club to have a sense of community, especially including those with mental health struggles.

“I am very passionate about mental health because I feel like it is a problem in our school and society in general,” Barron said. “Therefore, in psychology club, we do service to help those with mental health problems in our community.”

The outline of psychology club’s plan is to combine learning, fun, self-help, and service.

Senior Nathan Cleveland, the founder of physics club, has a similar approach. He too enjoyed his class so much he made it a club. Encouraged by his friends and classmates, senior Joseph Schubach and senior Chelsea Nguyen, Cleveland achieved his goal of forming this new club.

Like psychology club, physics club is open to all. In the first call-out meeting, both those who were taking physics and those who were not attended.

“Physics by far is my favorite subject,” admits Cleveland. “I wanted to learn more about it.”

The club, moderated by physics teacher Mr. Ben Grimes, helps do just that. Physics club furthers the education of physics for all students in a fun and interesting way. He will

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hopefully touch base on lessons he taught about in class, like Newton’s three laws, along with new material like the refraction of a beam of light.

Both physics and psychology club have an interesting plan for its members for this school year. If you are intrigued by either of these clubs, make sure to listen to announcements for meeting dates and times to learn more.

PHOTO BY ABBY LEISTER

KICKING OFF: After their call-out meeting, Seniors Katie Minton and Caroline Barron send out emails to those who attended to truly put the club in motion. The seniors informed students of service events and activities that will ensue.

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Chromebook unwell, go to Jerell

Get behind the wire and get to know Roncalli IT specialists and what they really do in their jobs

BY MAX PEEPLES Staff Writer

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very student at Roncalli is issued a Chromebook when they first start as a freshman.

At times, these Chromebooks malfunction, and IT is needed for assistance. This is when our humble heroes come to the rescue. The Roncalli IT crew is, for the most part, made up of three IT specialists: Jerell Dawson, Jackson Davis, and Steve Battiato.

“I have been in the IT room many times, but I’ve not been able to get to know the staff on a personal level,” said junior Briggs McGill, who has had several Chromebook issues.

Battiato is the president and chief technologist of the company, IndyTeleData, a business which supplies technical support for businesses in the Marion and Johnson County areas.

Roncalli has a contract with IndyTeleData which allows them to set up shop in the school and support Roncalli with all its technical needs.

“So as opposed to us being employees, we are what you call a contractor. Instead of a hourly contract, it is a services contract,” Battiato said.

Although students sometimes see the faces of these IT specialists roaming the halls and coming into classes to fix malfunctioning technology, they do not always know their back story. Dawson, a tier 2 IT Engineer, chose his career because he had a great interest in computers at a young age. Dawson’s first computer was a 386 Compaq Presario which had 10 MB of RAM. “I liked computers when I was a kid,” said Dawson. “I was pretty good at fixing them, so I thought that it would be a wonderful career choice for me.”

Dawson also likes training dogs and playing video games in his free time. The worst day he had at Roncalli was when the Chromebooks stopped remembering internet passwords because Google had a malfunction in its program. Although Dawson describes working at Roncalli as peaceful and nice, there are also some frustrations.

“The worst parts of my job are kids who forget their Chromebooks and irresponsible children,” Dawson said.

Dawson hopes that he can one day move on from Roncalli to possibly become a network administrator.

Jackson Davis, a help desk technologist, also works at Roncalli. In his free time, Davis plays video games and spends time with his daughter.

“I choose my career because I had a bit of an interest in math and science,” said Davis.

At the end of the day, the school can sleep soundly knowing that their Chromebooks are safe in the hands of the IT specialists Battiato, Davis, and Dawson.

PHOTO BY MAX PEEPLES

COMPUTER SPECIALIST BY DAY DOG TRAINER BY NIGHT: IT specialist and dog trainer, Jerell Dawson, helps seniors Max Lundy and Casey Donovan with a Chromebook issue. Dawson generally enjoys his job because Roncalli is a “calm and peaceful place.”

Improvement for the future President Joe Hollowell gives insight on the Capital Campaign as Roncalli prepares to begin construction

BY MAX CROSS Staff Writer

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he capital campaign began two years ago and has been in the school and public eye for quite some time. The capital campaign is designed to fund the construction of a larger gym, additional classrooms, fine arts space, cafeteria expansion, and new locker rooms. This construction has been the substantial project of Roncalli’s entire 50 years. Dr. Joe Hollowell, president of Roncalli, has been the leader of the campaign for six years now, which included a four year period of facility planning before the campaign began.

“The campaign has been a huge success,” Hollowell said. “We got a report that we could raise $4.5 to $5 million but we ended up raising $7.5 million instead.”

Because the cost of construction can be hard to predict, the school may still need to solicit more support as the process continues.

The Archdiocese of Indianapolis approved the contract on September 10th, 2018. Even though the campaign had been going strong, there was some question about what effect the controversy related to placing guidance counselor Ms. Shelly Fitzgerald on administrative leave might have on funding of the construction. Hollowell said it has had limited effect.

“There are over 800-900 people who have pledged to the campaign,” Hollowell said. “Due to the controversy, there have been fewer than five people who have questioned their stance on funding.”

According to Hollowell, just as many have offered to increase funding since the controversy came to light.

Besides the funding issues, the construction has also been put on hold. Most notably, the house that was torn down was just left in a field of grass by the back parking lot.

“There was a little hold on construction because the school and our board were in the process of completing the final construction documents,” Hollowell said.

Many people have contributed to the project, especially the Advancement staff of Roncalli, which includes Mrs. Terese Carson, VP for institutional advancement, director of alumni and corporate relations Mr. Gary Armbruster, director of advancement Mrs. Tina Hayes, and advancement assistant Mrs. Fran Davey. The building of the new gym and the other improvements are expected to be done around the beginning of the 2019-20 school year.

NEW VIEWS: The inside of the future gym shows fans supporting Roncalli’s athletic endeavors.

Roncalli’s capital campaign is working to construct a new and improved gymnasium for future generations of Rebels.

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APPROVED IMPROVEMENT: An exterior view of the new gymnasium gives insight to the future look of the school. Now approved, these plans will begin soon to construct the new gym.

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50 YEARS

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Roncalli throughout the ages

A glance at similarities and transformations of school and culture through 50 years of Roncalli’s existence

BY SAM EILAND Staff Writer

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enerations apart, senior Maggie Schoening and alum Chuck Kern (R ‘71) grew up in polar opposite generations. Despite the age gap, both have one thing in common: graduating from Roncalli High School nearly 50 years apart. The cultures that Schoening and Kern were subjected to have a direct impact on their individual high school experiences.

It’s 1969: Woodstock takes place during the summer, a man lands on the moon, and the Beatles are all over the radio. Chuck Kern is a sophomore at Roncalli in its first year as a school after the merger between Chartrand and Kennedy. With all of the big events happening around him, Kern was prone to the influence of the society at that time.

“I was a junior in high school when I took Priscilla Smith (R ‘70) to see Led Zeppelin in the coliseum,” Kern said. “The funny thing was that we thought the music was terrible because it was nothing like the music we were used to hearing.”

Popular music was moving in every direction, and teens had different ideas about the evolving sound of the time.

“The Beatles were king at the time and the music was just different,” Kern said. “Zeppelin of course went on to be one of the most successful bands of all time.”

Roncalli also gave Kern a distinct experience. The school was a melting pot of students from the two Catholic schools in the Indianapolis area, Kennedy and Chartrand.

These two schools had previously been a part of one of the most heated rivalries in Indianapolis, and the merging of the two didn’t help the students to change their hard feelings towards one another.

“I was a part of the football team that year so I was required to practice and spend time with the kids from the other school,” Kern said.“The school as a whole had very tense feeling at the beginning of the year.”

Roncalli has since then gotten through the pressures of the merger and has made many changes to the experience that students receive. Current seniors have a whole new set of challenges to face today, along with a number of opportunities. Culture has taken a complete 180 from Kern’s time as a senior.

“We have gone to the one-to-one system with computers and we have started the construction of a new gym,” Schoening said. “A lot has changed here at RHS in the last four years and I know that there are a lot of changes coming in the near future.”

Schoening, along with the other students in the class of

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2019, has seen a lot of controversy during the beginning of her senior year, but the family aspect of Roncalli has not changed as many others have in the past fifty years. Though the school began with hostile feelings between the two factions of people, the spirit and unity of Roncalli has only grown stronger and will continue to do so for generations to come.

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

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STRIKE A POSE: Roncalli alumnus Chuck Kern (R ‘71) and current senior Maggie Schoening smile for their senior yearbook photos.

2002

Chartrand & Kennedy merge

Fine Arts wing added

1994

STARS program begins

2007

Football stadium turf and track constructed

Reach for the STARS

Examination of how the STARS program and the Life Academy grew rapidly over the span of 24 years

BY MADDIE ALDRICH Staff Writer

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n the early 1950’s, over 4.5 million children were denied adequate schooling before legislation was passed to ensure equal educational opportunities for special education children began in the early 1970s. Some of these children were kept home, isolated from the real world. Many people with disabilities lived in hospitals, institutions, and care homes, where they were known to have suffered severe emotional and physical abuse.

In the early 1970s, multiple landmark court decisions, such as The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, began giving states the responsibility to provide special education resources and schooling to students in need of it. Without these trailblazing court cases, Roncalli would not have been able to be the first Catholic high school in Indiana to have and facilitate a multifaceted, leveled program for students with intellectual disabilities.

“50 years ago, [we] weren’t trying to understand why students with [cognitive disabilities] were struggling in school,” director of special services Mrs. Michelle Roberts said.

STARS began in 1994, with just a few students in a tiny room. In 2002, the STARS resource center was added to the school building; and, fast forward to 2009, Mrs. Roberts was brought in to work solely in the Life Academy.

The Life Academy offers a Life Skills curriculum, inclusion into general education classes, work study and independent living classes, along with involvement into campus life and social skills support.

Around 135 students receive resource aid through the STARS program currently, making up approximately 11 percent of the student body.

The Life Academy students are able to have an authentic high school experience. They are club members, teammates, classmates, and friends. Seniors in the Life Academy are able to attend their own senior retreat. Roncalli Life Academy alumni continue to remain active within their community in a variety of ways- whether that be attending a college program where they receive adult services, or going into the workforce.

“50 years ago, nobody would’ve ever imagined that a child with Downs Syndrome would have been able to have a college experience,” Mrs. Roberts said.

Now, with the aid of Life Academy and the STARS program, Rebels of all backgrounds are able to succeed academically.

PHOTO BY SAM EILAND

BOND WITH BRENDA: Life Academy students spend time with Brenda, the therapy dog. Brenda is a part of the reading curriculum for the Life Academy students and visits every Friday along with owner Ginny O’Brien.

50 YEARS

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Extending beyond welcoming

New school improvement goal in the works, attempts promote sense of belonging among students and staff

BY KARA HOUSE Co-Editor-in-Chief

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oncalli’s beginnings are rooted in a racially uniform community, starting with the Chartrand and Kennedy merger in 1969. Since then, diversity in the school has grown to reach 14 percent, even attracting students and families from outside of the South Deanery.

Administration has embraced the variety of beliefs amongst students in hopes that not one person feels as an outsider, but rather part of the family. This year, principal Mr. Chuck Weisenbach has instituted a new school improvement goal taken straight from the welcoming charism of Pope John XXIII. “I asked myself one question,” Weisenbach said. “Do all students feel that they belong? If not, what must be done to move us in that direction?”

Weisenbach will begin the reformation by teaching the staff how to embody the new goal. Workshops will be held for teachers and administration, demonstrating ways to make everyone feel as a part of the family.

“It will be very important for our teachers, administrators and staff to embrace [the goal],” Weisenbach said, “or it will be hard to have success.”

Teachers, students, and staff are encouraged to extend beyond making each person feel welcome, but rather

“recognizing that every person is created in the image and likeness of God, having the utmost respect for life, and embracing a diverse world”. What exactly does this mean?

“Students can recognize one another for their successes and help one another up from their failures,” social studies department chair Mrs. Erin Bohn said, “regardless of what they look like, what religion they are, their sexuality, or their background.”

Bohn, a member of the improvement goal committee, is adamant about changing misconceptions about the Roncalli community, including the idea that only white, Catholic families are accepted to the school.

“Our administration is working to show that our doors are open to everyone, just as Christ opened his arms to everyone,” Bohn said.

The notion that change does not happen overnight reigns true for the new school improvement goal. Ensuring that every member of the family feels that they belong is a process that will take years to establish, and there is no definite way to know when the goal has been reached.

“I don’t believe we can ever say we are done making an environment where people feel as though they belong,” Bohn said. “However, when our instant reaction is to see

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what unites us, rather than what divides us, I would say we have achieved a major portion of our goal.”

PHOTO BY JULIE ALBERTSON

SOMEBODY TO LEAN ON: Students link arms in the family room after all school Mass and profess through song that Rebels lean on one another during times of trouble. This tradition has fulfilled a portion of the school improvement goal, connecting students as brothers and sisters.

2017

Life Academy launched at Roncalli

On This Rock Capital campaign commences

2010

Sacred Heart Chapel built

2019

50th class graduates

Rebirth of canned food drive

Canned food drive doubles participation from previous years, raises thousands for St. Vincent de Paul

BY CONNOR MAHONEY Staff Writer

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he students and staff produced a strong turnout in the first service project of the school year.

In previous years, the canned food drive has had many differences compared to this year’s. First of all, student council, led by student council moderator Mr. Ryan Costello, is officially in charge. The new management decided to change the date to before walkathon and during the week, instead of over the weekend.

“One Saturday [was the day people could donate] and very few volunteered, so we wanted to do it in the week,” senior co-president of service Caroline Barron said.

In previous years, faculty and students would receive a t-shirt when donating $35 or 70 cans; however, this year if they donated that amount, they would receive a week of out of uniform.

“We were looking for a more convenient opportunity,” Costello said. “It is financially challenging to write a check for walkathon and then [the] canned food drive.”

Because of the new system, Rebels raised a total with 1,078 participants, 7,014 cans, and $29,959. If the dollar amount was converted into cans that would be 66,932 cans.

“It was amazing [that] so many people volunteered,” Barron said.

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the percentage of those in poverty in Indiana is 14 percent. Due to the high amounts of donations, families and those in need will receive goods that are difficult for them to attain. A substantial amount of cans and money are donated to working families.

“One dollar can turn into $20 of impact,” Costello said. “If you provided a $35 donation, that can help feed a family for four weeks.”

Donations were delivered to St. Vincent De Paul, Catholic Charities, Hunger Inc, and David Moore Food Pantry.

PHOTO BY JULIE ALBERTSON

YES WE CAN: Students donate money and cans to the Canned Food Drive on Monday to receive a week of out of uniform. There were 7,014 cans and $29,959 donated.

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Students are loved and heard

All-school assembly conveys messages of love and acceptance to kick off the coming academic year

BY AUSTIN HENDRICKS Staff Writer

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PHOTO BY JULIE ALBERTSON

SPEAKING OF PRIDE: Athletic director David Lauck speaks of his pride towards the student body for having a level-head during the situations that had arose. He was one of the faculty speakers that spoke during the assembly.

t the start of each year, Roncalli welcomes students back with an opening school assembly. This year, the assembly began with the usual introductions of new teachers and staff members, but was followed with a new addition. Several members of the staff gave speeches, all delivering the same two messages: students are loved, and the students are heard. Assistant principal for student life Mr. Kevin Banich was one of these speakers.

“The focus was to portray that when you guys speak, we listen,” Banich said. “We know the challenges, obstacles, and adversity that students are facing.”

These speeches were delivered in the midst of adversity and concern at Roncalli. Following the controversies in the news, Roncalli staff members wanted to reassure students that their voices and concerns were being listened to and heard. These speeches are the first step in regaining trust and support of the student body. Banich said he wants students to realize the positive and negative effects they can have on themselves and others, hoping to persuade students to have a more positive effect on others.

Students have received these messages in many different ways. Students appear to feel a positive response to the administration’s message of love and support. Senior Elizabeth Eads felt reassured by the assembly and could see the passion in the speeches, especially the speech made by special education teacher Mrs. Michelle Roberts. Eads thinks Roncalli’s message was important for students to hear during the trying times Roncalli is going through. As a senior and a leader at Roncalli, Eads feels responsible for helping lead the underclassmen and encourage intercommunal support within the student body.

“I think it’s important to set a good example,” Eads said, “and just let them know that you’re available if they have questions.”

Junior Alex Nettles liked the faculty’s message during the assembly. He particularly enjoyed vice president for mission and ministry Mr. Bob Tully’s love and passion evident through his speech. Nettles felt assured that Roncalli is trying to make all students feel equally loved and heard.

“I feel that Roncalli is providing ample opportunities for students to voice their opinions on recent social matters,” Nettles said, “through the various assemblies and forums held.”

Despite the various ongoing issues at Roncalli, the students and the faculty will continue to be in dialogue and decipher ways to improve the school and forge a successful and welcoming future.

2018-19 Rebel Review Staff

Roncalli Media Staff

2018-19 Editorial Policy

Staff Writers

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Elizabeth Bradley Kara House Nick Perkins

Co-Editor-in-Chief Co-Editor-in-Chief Co-Editor-in-Chief

Julie Albertson

Adviser

front row: Logan Wong, Maddie Aldrich, Connor Mahoney, Liam Moore second row: Abby Leister, Austin Hendricks, Max Cross, Drew Reed third row: Max Peeples, Sam Eiland, Joseph Woodruff, Josh Wormann, Ryan Brandenburg back row: Kara House, Nick Perkins, Elizabeth Bradley

Maddie Aldrich Ryan Brandenburg Max Cross Sam Eiland Austin Hendricks Abby Leister Connor Mahoney

Liam Moore Max Peeples Andrew Reed Logan Wong Joseph Woodruff Joshua Wormann

We accept submissions from all faculty, staff and students, which can be emailed to jalbertson@roncalli.org or delivered to Room 109. 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 the editorial board. We also accept photographs and articles written by students, teachers and staff members.

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extra-curriculars

Journey of an Eagle Scout

Scouts recount their years as Boy Scouts and review steps to receiving the honor of an Eagle Scout

BY LOGAN WONG Staff Writer

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he journey to becoming an Eagle Scout can be a long and, often times, difficult task.

In total, there are eight possible ranks to attain, each with different requirements.

The Tenderfoot rank, which is the first rank Scouts earn once becoming Boy Scouts, for example, requires badges in camping, cooking, first aid, hiking, fitness, citizenship, service, leadership, and spirit. Higher ranks past this build on these principles.

All of this work and time is not in vain, however, and many benefits are gained from becoming an Eagle Scout.

The final milestone to becoming an Eagle Scout is the challenging Eagle Scout project.

To complete this project, the scout must build something that contributes to and benefits their community. Another prerequisite is demonstrating leadership and persistence in the community. For example, Jason Brown (R’18) constructed the stairs that connect the lacrosse and soccer practice fields.

“The greatest thing I learned is persistence,” junior Dylan Tadas said. “I would have given up a long time ago if I hadn’t.”

Another motivation for becoming an Eagle Scout is the scholarships that are awarded.

The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) has worked to award over $690,000 in scholarships around the country annually to deserving Eagle Scouts.

“I do it because of the advantages it has on college applications and the skills you learn,” junior Andrew Gangstad, a Scout who is on his way to the Eagle Scout rank, said, “I am glad I decided to join.”

Gangstad’s project is to build a perimeter trail around the church that his troop is based out of.

Although the process of becoming an Eagle Scout is demanding, Gangstad, Tadas, and other award recipients agree that the honor is worth the wait because of the experience.

Scouts learn skills for just-in-case scenarios to ensure their safety and the safety of others.

SCOUTING TRIP: Juniors Andrew Gangstad, Dylan Tadas, and Ben Pohovey pose next to Boundary Waters at the American/Canadian boarder. They all went there on a high adventure trip during the summer for Boy Scouts.

Stepping into the spotlight Senior Ben Leising shares his views on going from tech crew to cast member

BY DREW REED Staff Writer

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tanding on a stage and performing can feel daunting, whether it be acting, singing, dancing, or even a combination of all three. But there are new faces - and some familiar ones - who are up to the task.

Senior, and former tech crew member, Ben Leising has unveiled himself from the shadows of the tech crew, and has stepped into the spotlight in “Guys and Dolls” as one of the leads: Benny Southstreet. It wasn’t easy for Leising to audition, but he was able to overcome his fear.

“I wasn’t as scared [while auditioning] because I practiced a whole lot,” Leising said. “I realized that all of these people who have been doing it for a long time are still nervous when they audition, so that made it easier.”

There are a great deal of students involved in the theatre productions every year who say you should get involved in at least one production, whether auditioning for a role or joining the tech crew.

“I’ve been wanting to audition for years, but tech crew was too much fun,” Leising said.

“I decided to actually audition this year because I’m now a senior.”

In past years, Leising has been part of the stage crew, which is responsible for building the sets and moving props and objects onto and off the stage during shows. But this time, Leising will be on the stage for a different reason.

The people aren’t the only things that are new each year. Theatre Director Mr. Phillip Anderson has some exciting new plans for this year’s production.

“It’s a fun show, and an old classic,” Anderson said. “We put a different twist on it, but we’re still keeping to the original story.”

On top of the re-imagination of the classic musical, Anderson has revealed that there might be a few surprises throughout the show.

“I don’t have it all planned out yet, but the sewer scene is going to be really fun. I’ll say that,” Anderson said.

“Guys and Dolls” will be performed in the auditorium on Thursday, November 15th through Saturday, November 17th. Tickets may be purchased online at www.roncalli. booktix.com and before or after school for students who do not wish to purchase them online. VIP tickets will be available to purchase October 29th for those who have a Roncalli VIP card, and general tickets will be available on November 2nd. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for Roncalli students.

PHOTO BY DREW REED

PREPARING A PERFORMANCE: Senior Ben Leising practices his part in one of the numbers during a rehearsal. Leising has been fervently practicing his parts during rehearsals and outside of them as well.

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sports

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Freshmen rise to the top

9.28.18

New and former Rebel runners mix to generate a competitive team, underclassmen lead the race

BY NICK PERKINS Co-Editor-in-Chief

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his year’s season is bringing a plentiful amount of new talent and staff to the sport of girls’ cross country. The talent is mainly being delivered by a handful of all-star freshmen. All graduates of St. Jude, freshmen Ashley Flick, Lauren Turk, and Kylie Perkins have proven themselves by filling in three of the seven varsity spots at a young age. Flick, who won and broke the record at the girl’s 1600 meters at the City Track Meet her 8th grade year, has quickly become the team’s top dog since her arrival.

“I’ve been [the fastest] since we started conditioning in the summer, but I think the

PHOTO BY JULIE ALBERTSON

FINISHING FAST: Freshman Ashley Flick races towards the finish line during the cross country Senior night/ home meet. The team, as a whole, won the meet and Flick placed 1st individually.

coaches knew going in,” Flick said, “I’m just looking to improve this year, but I’m under a little pressure and I’m nervous about getting injured.”

Perkins has had to sit out a good portion of the early season due to a foot injury, but has recently returned and competed for her first high school race at the Whiteland Invitational, finishing second behind Turk for the team, while Flick was benched due to a shin problem.

“I’m a little nervous about leading because I don’t want to take away seniors’ roles as leaders. I want them to lead the team and I’ll lead on the course,” Turk said.

Beyond the new rising stars, two former Roncalli athletes, Mrs. Robyn Witty (R’02) and Mrs. Cathy Kitchens (R’01), have rejoined their sport and picked up the reins to coach the team they once were apart of.

“I started running track as a freshman. My mom was a pretty good sprinter and I wanted to find a way to be active,” Witty said.

Witty (who graduated the year after Kitchens) ran all through high school, college, and even at an elite level under a group known as the “Indy Invaders,” who had 90+ mile weeks for training. Some achievements of hers include being runner-up in the DIII women’s 1500 meters, breaking 5 minutes in the mile, and finishing as the 14th woman in the Indianapolis Mini-marathon. Being more than qualified, she has picked up the mantle of head coach after three years of teaching here and is excited to see the season play out.

“Cross country is an avenue for all athletes, regardless of athletic potential, to better their own fitness and achieve personal PR's, to be accountable in the classroom, and to be exposed to a wide variety of leadership opportunities,” Witty said.

Kitchens had coached the Rebels previously in 2009/10 season, but is returning (again) to serve as an assistant coach for her former teammate. She nearly ran collegiately, but was halted due to a serious leg condition which affects circulation, which eventually required surgery.

With two experienced coaches, multiple talented freshmen, and the returning assistant coach Ms. Jenny Carroll, the coaching staff hopes to see the team advance to semi-state and Flick advance to the State meet as an individual.

The man, the myth, John Smith Volunteer photographer John Smith becomes popular among students for his action shots

BY JOSEPH WOODRUFF Staff Writer

I

s this a joke? John Smith?”

This expression of disbelief was given by director of advancement Tina Hayes when she heard the unusually generic name of a photographer recommended to Roncalli.

She soon realized, though, that Smith was no joke when it came to taking pictures. The more interesting story, however, happens to be the way that Smith came to be the go-to Roncalli photographer.

“I’ve always been interested in photography,” Smith said. “When I was a freshman in college one of the guys on my floor needed some money, so he sold me his 35mm camera for $40.”

He used the camera in college, but after graduating put it aside for a while. It wasn’t until his youngest daughter Jen (R ‘18) started playing softball that he got back into the hobby.

Eventually, he saw an email by the football parents association asking for volunteers to take photos at games. This was where he was “discovered” by Roncalli parents and recommended to the administration.

“He was just on his own out of the goodness of his heart going to games and taking these really amazing photographs,” Hayes said.

Although not formally employed by Roncalli, Smith receives a small stipend for each event worked, but what he does is mostly just out of an enjoyment of photography and a love for Roncalli.

“It’s amazing,” Smith said. “I don’t know if you truly know how special RHS is compared to most other schools. The pre-game activities, the prayer, the band playing the anthem, the drum corps pounding, the crowd chanting “Here Come The Rebels!”, the team running down the hill bursting through the banner, cheerleaders doing flips, flags flying, the crowd roaring.”

During the day, Smith works at Kennedy Tank and Manufacturing, where he designs heat exchangers. He’s been working there for 30 years now, but still finds time for Roncalli.

“He’s never turned us down before to be at an event,” Hayes said. “Never.”

This is quite the accomplishment considering how many events he is asked to attend.

He says his previous years volunteering for St. Mark CYO events have prepared him for this commitment. He used to coach basketball, football, wrestling, and track, but has had to cut back on some of these.

Junior Mychal Allen, who had Smith as a football coach in 7th grade, has only positive things to say about his former coach.

“Whenever I get the opportunity to talk to him, he asks how I'm doing and how football is,” Allen said. “He cares so much about everyone else, and it’s super humbling. During our last football game it started raining, and he gave his camera towels to the players, risking his camera.”

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When asked about his favorite sport to photograph, Smith replied, “I enjoy all sports.

I really enjoy watching volleyball, especially boys volleyball. I didn’t know much about it until a few years ago. I also enjoy the plays and the concerts.”

No matter what event it is though, Smith’s work is very much appreciated, both by students and administration alike.

PHOTO BY JOSEPH WOODRUFF

SMILE FOR THE CAMERA: John Smith takes photos at the boys' soccer senior night vs. Brebeuf. The best pictures were then chosen and uploaded to the Roncalli High School Flickr.

www.roncallimedia.com