Rebel Review: 2/18

Volume 17:4

EVIEW R February 23, 2018

Roncalli High School

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As these young ing #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending people grow into adulthood, they have adapted to many modern trends. For instance, many students now have #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trendApple watches that have smartphone capabilities, creating both new opportunities and conflicts within the classing #trending #trending #trending #trending room. New#trending e-Learning#trending days have#trending been proposed to take#trending the place #trending of snow days in order #trending to avoid making up #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trendschool #trending on holidays.

Technology has even#trending prompted#trending some students to find#trending new opportunities in #trending selling clothing ing #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending and other merchandise.

Despite #trending all these innovations, some argue#trending that an increased technological presence is #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trendhindering the social life of today’s teenagers.

We #trending feature all #trending of the above#trending in this issue of the Rebel Review. ing #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending #trending

Sadie Hawkins Dance

The inaugural Sadie Hawkins dance will take place tomorrow night and will serve as a fundraiser for the Appalachia trips this spring and summer. The history of Sadie Hawkins and more info is included on page 2.

roncallimedia.com

Meeting with Mrs. Obama

Senior Meghan Looney and sophomore Maddie Aldrich recently represented Roncalli Media at an event featuring former first lady Michelle Obama. Both students share their experience on page 3.

Wrestling Under the Lights Last Saturday was a night of many accomplishments for the wrestling team. Four wrestlers, including state runner-up Sam Hansen, placed in the top 10 of their respective weight classes. Read more on page 8.

news

www.roncallimedia.com

2.23.18

New winter dance introduced

Sadie Hawkins permeates American culture and makes its way to Roncalli gymnasium tomorrow night

BY KARA HOUSE Staff Writer s school dances approach, immense pressure is put on males to plan elaborate proposals. Because of gender roles, having a girl ask a guy to a school dance is rare. Sadie Hawkins, a girls-ask-guys dance, is meant to empower women and break the social norms that are present in today’s society.

In 1934, comic artist Al Capp introduced the character Sadie Hawkins in his strip Li’l Abner. Sadie, a woman described as the “homeliest gal in all the hills,” frequently had trouble getting a date. Hekzebiah Hawkins, Sadie’s father, feared that no bachelor in the town of Dogpatch would want to court his daughter. After 15 years of Sadie being single, her father decided to take matters into his own hands.

In the comic strip, Hekzebiah Hawkins called together all eligible bachelors in the town for an event called “Sadie Hawkins Day.” At the sound of his gun, the men had to start running, and Sadie chased after them. Whoever Sadie caught was forced to accompany her in marriage. The event was so well received by the town that Sadie Hawkins Day became an annual event. Each year on Sadie Hawkins Day, men had to marry the woman that dragged them over the finish line by sunset.

Not only was Sadie Hawkins Day a hit within the made up town, but the event gained immense popularity amongst young readers. By 1939, over 200 colleges had held Sadie Hawkins dances inspired by the comic strip in which girls asked out the guys. Now, 79 years later, Roncalli has decided to host its own Sadie Hawkins and reverse the roles.

As the dance quickly approaches, multiple Roncalli girls are taking on the task of asking guys to be their dates. Junior Makayla Gilley is just one of the participants.

“I was a little nervous at first asking [Tyce] in front of an entire crowd,” Gilley said.

“But I knew he would say yes, so that made me feel more comfortable.”

Roncalli’s Sadie Hawkins dance differs from traditional dances because all proceeds will go into funding the spring and summer Appalachia mission trips.

“The dance is an experience where you don’t spend a lot, but the money that you do spend goes to help others in need,” adult co-coordinator Mr. Tim Crissman said. “It’s helping us to answer our call to serve other people.”

Students attending the dance agreed with Crissman that the event will not only be a memorable experience, but also giving to an effort fuels their fire to go.

“I didn’t know that the dance was for the Appalachia trip, but I feel better knowing that I’m helping a cause,” junior Grant Latimer said.

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The dance, which is $7 per person, will take place tomorrow in the Roncalli gymnasium.

Sadie Hawkins does not require a date and is open to freshman through seniors. All are invited to attend, support the mission trip and enjoy the music provided by senior DJ Sam Hansen.

PHOTO BY MADDIE ALDRICH

PERFECT MATCH: Junior Makayla Gilley asks sophomore Tyce Freije to the Sadie Hawkins dance.

The photo was captured after Freije won sectionals, advancing to regionals.

Small, yet strong speech team Speech team looks forward to sectionals, confident in performances and successful in their endeavors

BY MEGHAN LOONEY Copy Editor

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peech meets are whole day affairs, beginning in the early hours and ending late in the afternoon. Participants compete in four rounds, and many compete in more if they are entered in more than one event. While speech requires dedication and many hours of practice, senior captain Grace Murphy enjoys being a member of the speech team.

“Even though it’s a lot of a work and a lot of dedication, the payoff is really worth it,” Murphy said.

While the possibility of trophies and ribbons is obviously attractive to prospective competitors, coach Ms. Tristan McGill believes there is a more meaningful reason some students join.

PHOTO BY MEGHAN LOONEY

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Senior captain Grace Murphy performs her speech at the mock speech meet. Coaches Mr. Phil Milroy and Ms. Tristan McGill scheduled a mock speech meet so students could get in extra practice because they have attended fewer meets this year.

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“Competitive speech isn’t about having a platform to say how good you are, but having a platform for speaking up and speaking about important things and things that people care about,” McGill said.

Speech team members also benefit greatly from their experiences inside the classroom and outside in the real world.

“I feel like I can carry a conversation much better with adults, and I feel confident in school presentations,” Murphy said.

Unfortunately, the speech team has not been able to attend that many meets this year due to various reasons.

“Part of [the lower amount of meets] is by default because of the schedules and offering of meets,” McGill said. “Another [reason] is weather; we had to cancel a meet because of snow. We are also trying to do depth over breadth.”

Speech competitions are crucial for competitors as they get feedback for each round and the meet environment is very hard to replicate at practice.

“I think [attending fewer meets has] not given me a lot of time to practice, so I haven’t been able to perfect my speech as much,” sophomore Grace Plahitko said.

While many coaches would fear what this entails for sectionals performances and results, coach Mr. Phil Milroy is confident in students’ preparedness.

“These kids work hard, [and] they do an awful lot at their practice,” Milroy said. “We’ve had enough success at sectionals and state, [and] we know what to prepare for.”

Junior Amy Weilhammer also has trust in her and her teammates’ ability to be competitive and perform well at sectionals.

“Overall, we know what we’re doing, so if we practice by ourselves we’ll be okay,” Weilhammer said.

After sectionals and state, Milroy and McGill will be looking forward to the next year of speech. While many seniors are graduating this year, they are excited about filling the gaps they leave.

“We’re looking to fill some pretty important roles,” McGill said. “We have a spot on our team for people who want to get out a message.”

The Roncalli speech team will compete in sectionals on February 24th.

www.roncallimedia.com

2.23.18

www.roncallimedia.com

news

Former FLOTUS shares views

Roncalli Media staffers discuss experience of attending “A Moderated Conversation with Michelle Obama”

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BY MADDIE ALDRICH AND MEGHAN LOONEY Staff Writer and Copy Editor

PHOTO BY DANIEL ARTHUR JACOBSON

A CHAT WITH FORMER FLOTUS: Former first lady Michelle Obama recently spoke at an event sponsored by the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana about a variety of relevant topics in today’s society. The conversation was moderated by Alecia DeCoudreaux, a Women’s Fund founding board member.

PHOTO BY DAVE SCHRADER

ARRIVED AT THE SCENE: Sophomore Maddie Aldrich and senior Meghan Looney were able to attend former first lady Michelle Obama’s talk at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, thanks to a gracious invitation from the Women’s Fund. From the looks on their faces, they were more than happy to accept.

ver 12,000 girls, women and men of all ages and ethnicities gathered in Banker’s Life Fieldhouse on Feb. 13 to hear former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama speak about a wide range of topics. Ticket sales alone helped raise $1 million for the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, the non-profit organization that hosted the event and distributes grants to organizations that focus on empowering women and girls.

“Michelle Obama and Women’s Fund share common interests,” Jennifer Pope Baker, the organization’s executive director, said in a press release for student media. “We are both invested in improving the lives of women and girls.”

Most of what the former first lady spoke about was geared toward the empowerment of women and girls, but her advice is applicable to people of all genders and ages.

Obama spoke about the issue of self doubting, especially among young adults who are creating futures for themselves. Obama urged young adults to ignore the doubts and succeed even when others have low expectations.

“There are very mediocre people out there who run stuff, but nobody out there told them they can’t,” Obama said. “You’re just as capable.”

In today’s society, young adults often feel inadequate and incapable of achieving success, mainly due to social standards and external pressure. Obama believes that many young adults are more able and competent than they believe and that when they believe in themselves, they can achieve their goals and create change.

Another focus of Obama’s speech was political participation. She urged everyone, regardless of party affiliation, to vote and have his or her voice heard in the democratic process.

“First of all: vote,” Obama said. “An active, engaged electorate helps us all. That’s what you can do right now. Today. Don’t just vote every four years. Vote for whatever you can vote for.”

While voting is not possible for those under 18, there are many other ways to be politically involved. There is no age restriction when it comes to learning about the history of the American government and how it functions and becoming more informed about current events.

We, as young people, are the future of the United States, and it is our duty to be informed about whom we are electing or supporting.

Obama ended the conversation with multiple ideas for how people can, in their daily life, foster change and spread love and kindness.

“Assume the best in your neighbors, not the worst,” Obama said. “Act with decency and with some compassion and with an open heart, and nobody can take that away from you.”

While today it may seem like much of America is divided over multiple political issues and how they should be solved, many Americans can agree that a greater emphasis on kindness and respect is needed in political conversations. Heeding Obama’s advice would do just that, and that shift in discourse could lead to a more open and loving environment outside of politics.

Olympic dream put on hold Since the age of 11, one senior had mindset that he was going to compete for his country in the Olympics

BY CAMERON IRWIN Staff Writer he Winter Olympic Games are beginning to wind down with the closing ceremonies taking place Sunday. For the final time, before the Summer Olympics commence in 2020, people worldwide will have the chance to watch athletes proudly representing their country.

For one Roncalli student, representing his country was all he wanted to do.

For nearly four years, senior Evan Schiefelbein had that dream. He was among the best in one of the most dangerous winter sports: luge.

It wasn’t until a slider search came to Indianapolis that the then 11-year-old wanted to compete at an Olympic level.

“A slider search is where the U.S.A. Olympic team would come and set up cones and teach you how to steer,” Schiefelbein said. “They would do a physical test to see how far you could throw a ball, and they would then call you to Lake Placid.”

Granted, not everyone got the call to train with the Olympic team.

But Schiefelbein did.

For those who don’t know what luge is, this sport is truly one of the most perilous.

Competitors ride down an embanked track on a sled with little protection.

Materials needed are few, but are all designed specifically for luge. Of course, the sled is the most important. “[Riders wear] a slider suit, which is just a thin spandex suit to make you more aerodynamic, shoes called booties, a helmet, and a face shield,” Schiefelbein said.

On top of that, riders wear gloves with spikes on them to allow them to get a faster start at the beginning of the run.

During the descent down the track, riders are exposed to all the elements and are susceptible to falling off the sled, or, even more dangerously, flying off the track.

“On a bad day, if my elbow was out, it would be swollen up to the size of a baseball by the time I left,” Schiefelbein said.

For those who remember, Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili flew off the track and into a pole during a practice run in the 2010 Olympic Games in British Columbia, Canada.

As a result, he died.

Yet, despite the extreme danger he was constantly in, Schiefelbein loved the sport.

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In total, over a span of four years, Schiefelbein took part in four national competitions.

He placed third in the East Coast and fourth nationally in his age division.

“My mom made me stop so I could come to Roncalli,” Schiefelbein said. “I would have had to live in Lake Placid and I would have been all over the world, never home.”

Lake Placid, New York and Park City, Utah, are the only two Olympic-level luge tracks in the United States. He would never be able to be at home to go to school and train at an Olympic level at the same time.

“I would hope to be around the sport after college and maybe return, but I doubt it,” Schiefelbein said. “The sport is so expensive [and] I would need to find a lot of funding in order to return.”

For the senior, this would have been his first year eligible to compete in the Olympic games. He could have been one of the few chosen to represent his country.

He was good enough, but school came first.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY EVAN SCHIEFELBEIN

DOWN THE CHUTE: Senior Evan Schiefelbein, seen here in his official getup, rides down the track in one of his practice runs years ago. Even though Schiefelbein enjoyed the sport, he was forced to quit to attend school here at Roncalli.

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2.23.18

#AppleWatches

BY SOPHIA EGOLD Staff Writer

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xcitement always arises when a new electronic product is introduced.

Every time a new iPhone comes out, people always seem to be dying to get an upgrade. One big ticket electronic item this year has been the Apple Watch, where people have access to their iPhone right from their wrist.

The newest Apple Watch, Series 3, came out this past September, and the amount of people wanting the watch has increased greatly.

As of right now, the Apple Watch is taking the number one spot as PHOTO BY SOPHIA EGOLD the best fitness-focused watch with FASHION ALERT: Students show smart capabilities, according to iMore.com. off their new Apple Watches in the hallways. The Apple Watches come People are chasing after this new watch because of all the in different sizes for men and wom- features it has to offer that many other fitness watches en and students are able to buy do not. The Apple Watch is capable of tracking a different bands for their watch. person’s steps, calories, periods of standing, activity throughout the day, and heart rate. The newest feature on the series three watch is that it is now waterproof and is able to track lap swims.

Besides the fitness feature of the watch, Apple also included a cellular feature, which includes text messages, phone calls, music streaming, photos, social media, and much more. With all of the features the watch has to offer, it is no surprise how many students have been eager to wear the newest Apple device. Senior Kate Morse received the watch for Christmas this year.

“I like how it is a mini version of my phone and that I can use it for a lot more than just telling time and counting steps,” Morse said.

Since the watch has been a very popular Apple product, a lot of students have recently been wearing the watches to school as either an accessory on their wrist or just as a watch.

“During school I can’t use the watch for much because it isn’t connected to my phone, but I can use it to track my exercise and as a timer,” junior Kaylee TenBarge said. “I use it primarily as an accessory at school, but I can use it more often on the weekends.”

As many students know, Roncalli has a strict no phone policy at school to help students stay away from distractions. As the Apple Watch has become popular at school, teachers

and administrators soon realized that the Apple Watch is more or less a phone directly on a student’s wrist.

The policy for Apple Watches is the same as a phone. If the watch goes off once on accident, it is a one-day suspension, but if a student is deliberately caught using their watch to send text messages or scroll through social media, then the punishment is a three-day suspension.

“Minimally any time there’s a test or quiz the watch has to be removed or placed in a book bag,” dean of students Mr. Tim Puntarelli said. “Not many teachers recognize that they have them, so we make students remove all their watches [during tests and quizzes]. If it’s a distraction and it’s going to hurt kids, then we have a responsibility to try to limit the use. To limit it in school seems appropriate.”

Even though there is a risk with wearing the watch to school, many students have figured out how to make the Apple Watch merely just a watch in school so they can avoid the possible suspension that arises when the watch goes off.

“When I turn off my phone for school, the watch is not able to access the text messages or alerts from my phone,” senior Chloe Mann said. “In school, I usually put my watch on silent or vibrating mode.”

The watch is a great new feature from Apple, but unfortunately all the features can only be used after school or on the weekends for students. In school, the Apple Watches are allowed to be worn as an accessory or watch.

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#ResaleMarket

BY RYAN BRANDENBURG

Staff Writer

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ne of the things that seems to always be popular in today’s world is clothing. Designer clothes, expensive shoes, and jewelry are some products that majority of people want. Supreme, Gucci, Louis Vuitton are some brands that come to mind with trending companies. Another thing that is popular over the last few years is vintage music. Vinyls, cassettes, tape players, and more are coming back. Even here at Roncalli, students are making money by selling items that are in demand.

“I like clothes and realized that you could make a profit from selling them,” junior Chance Mustin said.

Mustin sells clothes and shoes from several different brands such as Supreme and Gucci.

“I sell old vinyls and cassettes,” junior Zeke Gremore said. “Mostly vintage music gear.”

With popularity for expensive clothing and music gear increasing significantly recently, people like Mustin and Gremore are quickly getting into the resale business.

“I started selling things a few months ago,” Mustin said. “I eventually started to sell more and more things.”

Music was what got Gremore into the resale business. With his love for music, he realized that he could make something out of it.

“When I got interested in music a few years ago, I began to sell things,” Gremore said.

The process of getting the product to the customer all begins with the seller. After all, someone has to get the product first.

“I buy them online or from other people,” Mustin said.

With music stores and record shops around the city, Gremore can go around and get music easily.

“I go to shops and music stores and I buy them,” Gremore said. “Sometimes I keep them, but when I am done with them, I sell them.”

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After he gets it, Mustin begins the process of actually selling the items. Once he reaches a deal, the item gets to the customer.

“I ship it to them,” Mustin said.

“Or I meet them in person.”

For Gremore, the process of getting the music to the customer is even easier.

“I sell stuff on Ebay, and I ship it to them,” Gremore said.

For Gremore, music has always been a source of enjoyment. When he realized that he could make money by selling his music, he knew he found something that he could do.

“I started to like old music gear,” Gremore said. “I thought that I could make some money by selling my music to other people.”

PHOTO BY RYAN BRANDENBURG With popularity for both clothing and music rising recently, people like IN STYLE: A student shows off their backpack made my Mustin and Gremore can make money Supreme.

Supreme is a popular brand that some students by selling things that they like, going resell products of to make a profit. against the typical high school route.

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2.23.18

#ChangeInSpirit

#TRENDING

BY NICHOLAS PLAHITKO Staff Writer

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PHOTO BY JULIE ALBERTSON

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or years, Roncalli has been a southside staple for school spirit. And, by and large: we still are. At times it can seem like the school is losing momentum in spirit, but the truth is that it is simply evolving.

That said, one cannot deny that participation is down in nearly all school events. The Speech Team, for instance, came into the 2017-18 school year with three State placements under its belt, yet has seen one of its lowest turnouts in years.

Even the most populous club, namely the Ski Club, is about 45 students down from its peak of 150 a few years ago.

There are a few reasons for the decline in participation in Roncalli’s 35+ clubs. One of these is the fact that more students are working now more than ever before.

“Collectively, more and more kids have had to contribute to their education,” director of student activities Mrs. Shellie Hartford said. “That’s very new.”

This shift in student responsibilities reflects the pressures that tuition poses to many families. Likewise, there has also been a shift in student involvement PHONE CRAZE: Members of the student section at a in many clubs due to the unprecedented use of cell phones and other football game pull out their phone technology. to record the results of the Chick-fil-A Technology itself is not bad, in fact, it can be very helpful in both the school challenge. While phones can serve as a distraction, teens have also made and personal environments of students. Quick and easy access to entertainment, the most of them in a positive way. friends, and the internet are advances that have made life very easy for a majority of students. Yet, the effects on clubs and spirit are undeniable.

“I would say that for sure the screen time is impacting students,” Hartford said. “There are sometimes too many distractions to be focused on a club.”

Phones give students the capability to change plans on the dime. Years before the seniors were at Roncalli, this wasn’t possible, so if a student signed up for an after-school function, they were there. Period.

In addition, sports games have been an interesting function to study over time. The turnout at basketball games has been decreasing. Although, even with a lower turnout, the general consensus is that the school is still spirited and students are still having fun.

“Roncalli is more of a football school than a basketball school,” sophomore Peyton Zins said. “People sometimes just have other things to do.”

What can be done though? Phones will not be going anywhere, but that doesn’t mean spirit has to leave its spot. Past experience shows that just a few highly spirited people per grade can inspire the masses at events like pep rallies.

Students lead students, so don’t be afraid to tell your friends to put their phones away during a football game, a pep rally, or an award ceremony for an extracurricular. Be supportive of Roncalli events just by showing up, because you only have so many you can attend. The phone is forever, but high school is gone in the blink of an eye. And finally, see if the phones can be incorporated into a new, spirited chant.

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#e-LearningDays

BY NICK PERKINS

Staff Writer

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or students, snow days are a godsend, but for teachers, they can be hectic and cause lesson plans to fall apart, as well as inspire fear that students will forget material and not be properly prepared for an upcoming exam or quiz.

But recently, there has been a trend slowly becoming more and more popular in local schools to use at-home computers to fix this teacher dilemma and keep free days that would be lost in the process. This compromise is known as an “e-Learning day” which would allow students to complete work at home via Canvas or similar platforms.

“We are not entirely sure if we are going to start using them next year or not,” department chair of science Mr. Ben North said. “Teachers would have to ready a module for students which would be followed up by a quiz. Ideally, the topic would be related to what we are currently teaching or just be a review.

It’ll be good for keeping students from getting rusty and allows us to keep our snow days. The only drawback would be ultimately coming up with a related assignment.”

These days require Roncalli to contact Indiana’s department of education to request permission and a list of criteria to follow for the e-Learning day to qualify as a regular day of school and not a day off.

This e-Learning program has been in effect at other schools, and at least some results have already come back: they are not all positive. Ms. Lacey Hersman, a former teacher at Marquette Catholic High School and current math teacher at Roncalli, has participated in e-Learning days.

“Students would wake up and have to submit attendance via message by 9:00 and then they would be given all of their assignments for the day,” Herssman said. “They would be required to do all of their work by 3:00 p.m. when the e-Learning day would end. This included regular work such as reading, writing, and online quizzes, but my students and I felt that it was more busy work than actual learning. There was also was an issue with students getting late grades because they submitted their work after 3 and some students having internet access issues as well as general confusion. So, I’d say that it wasn’t super successful.”

Department chairs discussed the prospect of e-Learning days at their February meeting. The possibility was then discussed within each department, where teachers were able to voice their opinions.

“There remains significant skepticism and/or questions among our faculty with regard to E-learning days,” principal Mr. Chuck Weisenbach said. “We will continue the discussion but [do] not expect the concept to be something we would be moving to any time soon.”

Nearly two-thirds of the faculty did not feel like the idea was a solid educational choice, so there are no plans to include the e-Learning days in the near future. However, discussion will continue to determine if this is a good idea.

www.roncallimedia.com

PHOTO BY NICK PERKINS

SNOW DAY ALTERNATIVES: If Roncalli switched to e-Learning days, students would be able to do assignments at home if Roncalli would have to close school due to snow. However, the prospect of e-Learning days has not been received well by many teachers, suggesting a low potential for implementation.

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opinion

www.roncallimedia.com

2.23.18

Hollywood to HSE

Hand In Hand With SAINT JOHN XXIII

Recent sexual assault and allegations bring issue to Roncalli doorstep

BY ELIZABETH BRADLEY Staff Writer

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exual assault and harassment have The fact that this instance of assault been buzzwords in media this past occurred so close to Roncalli coupled with year. From the 84 women accusing statistics about sexual harassment and assault Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein of in the workplace and on college campuses harassment and assault to the 156 women highlights the unpreparedness that some who testified in court against USA team students feel when it comes to these topics. gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, along with “[Sexual assault or harassment] is not a the #MeToo movement, victims of sexual subject that I can remember talking about in assault and harassment seem to be surfacing a class or with a teacher,” junior Sarah Wiley everywhere. said. “I do not think many people at Roncalli ILLUSTRATION BY ELIZABETH BRADLEY have a grasp of what sexual harassment is.”

With all these findings happening so far away from the relatively sheltered To clarify, sexual assault is not only rape, ME TOO: Pictured above is a hand raised in support of the Me Too movement.

This high school atmosphere, believing that sexbut any type of unwanted groping or forced movement was started over 10 years ago by ual assault and harassment are not issues in activist Tarana Burke and gained popularity sexual contact. Harassment, on the other the teenage environment is easy; however, last year when actress Alyssa Milano called hand, includes any unsolicited obscene for victims to respond to her tweet with this is far from true. comments made to a person concerning his #MeToo. Indiana’s Hamilton Southeastern High or her body.

School was alight with controversy after a student under Roncalli, by mandate of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, investigation of three counts of sexual assault was awarded the does devote a portion of religion classes the Circle of Grace title “Mr. Royal” in the school’s talent competition on January program, which focuses on ways to make and maintain a safe 25, 2018. The first of these reports was filed on October 5 2017; environment for children and young people.. From kindergarthe 15-year-old alleged victim told police she was raped by the ten to senior year, students are taught between one and three senior Mr. Royal after HSE’s homecoming dance on September Circle of Grace lessons, each lesson depending on the grade 17 of this school year. level and corresponding maturity.

After this report came to light, two other female HSE stu“In high school, the program focuses on what language and dents filed reports against Mr. Royal. One of the girls claims she actions are appropriate in relationships,” religion department was assaulted by Mr. Royal in 2016 when she was 14. The other co-chairperson Ms. Laura Williams said. supposed assault victim, a senior, claims to have been pulled This conversation is especially needed in a high school eninto a room and assaulted by Mr. Royal at a party in November, vironment where the lines between jokes and outright harass2017. ment get blurred. Wiley, as well as junior Austin Hendricks, This leaves HSE in a tricky situation; as the administration affirmed that jokes of a sexual nature can often be heard from said in a statement made on social media, its first priority is their peers in and out of school. the “safety and wellbeing” of its students. However, because no “[These jokes] can be funny when not taken seriously,” official charges have been made and none of the alleged events Hendricks said. “[But] in a serious context, they can be kind of took place during school hours or on school grounds, HSE can offensive.” take little action.

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

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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Eyeglasses

ohn was farsighted; for reading and writing he needed to wear glasses. He was often forced by the pressure of his obligations to lay aside lay aside letters he had begun and, of course, to remove his glasses when he did. When he needed them again a short time later, however, he frequently could not find them. The Pope Roncalli was not infallible in regard to this habitual weakness of those who wore glasses. His secretary, the Master of Ceremonies, and his bodyguard all learned to carry an extra pair of glasses so as to assist the Pope in an emergency.

During the solemn opening of the Second Vatican Council in St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope once again could not find his glasses. When he came to the part which referred to the missing bishops, “noticeable here today by their absence, because they are imprisoned for their faithfulness to Christ,” the Pope began to search his robes for his eyeglasses, obviously without success. But he did not lose himself as he had the glasses. After a short sigh he spoke: “If your eyesight fails, there’s nothing you can do about it. That is God’s will. But misplacing my glasses - that’s sloppiness on my part.

Waiving finals comes with qualifications While policy did not change, more students aware of its specifics because it was emailed to seniors

BY WILL ALLEN Staff Writer hen the school year winds down, seniors look forward to being able to waive finals. As with any privilege, a set of parameters follows. For the first time, these parameters were sent via email, which made more students aware of the policy.

The rules are much the same as years past, with only one clarification.

“The only change from prior years is a clarification that doctor’s appointments count in the total of four absences,” assistant principal for academic affairs Kathy Arruda said.

In fact, the doctor’s appointment rules were in place last year, but due to confusion and several discrepancies, the staff overlooked students who missed due to medical issues.

The policy also highlights a limit to students taking class time to ask teachers about their grades. Arruda said that

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the limit was to allow more time for curriculum content.

The fifth and sixth bullet points on the email said: “The student is responsible for maintaining his/her own grade sheet and is not allowed to discuss their grade with the teacher on more than one occasion during the semester. A teacher may approach the administration at any time and ask that a waiver not be granted to a student due to excessive contact by the student regarding his/her grade.”

Under this policy, students cannot question a teacher about grades more than once in the semester.

“The limit on contact with the teacher is so instructional time is not spent on looking at individual case situations,” Arruda said.

Even if the students feel that the rules are too harsh, they should realize that the accommodation is a gracious gift

2017-18 Editorial Policy

Roncalli Media Staff 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

from the faculty, who went to great lengths to implement a new standard of waving finals when the state of Indiana terminated the previous arrangement.

Fifteen years ago, seniors were allowed to end their entire school year ahead of their classmates, but Indiana eventually made sure that each student attended the same amount of days.

“Roncalli looked for ways to give seniors some extra privileges (when they could no longer finish their school year early). Top students (those earning an A- or higher in the class for semester two) were rewarded by not having to take a semester two final,” Arruda said.

Despite the discontent voiced by some seniors and parents, the policy will remain and is not expected to change in the near future.

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.

www.roncallimedia.com

2.23.18

www.roncallimedia.com

fine arts

Taste of Italy takes the stage

Show choir finds success despite having a member injured, new addition to the team picks up the choreography

BY GRACE MURPHY Staff Writer enior and male dance captain Alex Woods stands backstage dressed in his grey suit as people around him rush to get in position. Then, choir director Mr. Joey Newton gives the cue and the Rebel Rhapsody show choir enters the spotlight.

The bright red dresses and song selection, including “Mamma Mia” by ABBA and “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant” by Billy Joel, hint at the theme for this year’s show: Italy.

“I chose ‘Scenes From An Italian Restaurant’ by Billy Joel first,” Newton said. “I love that song, and I thought it would be really fun. That was my inspiration for the rest.”

A show choir performance consists of a variety of songs that usually center around a common theme. Most of the songs are upbeat with complicated dance numbers; however, one song, called the ballad, is usually slower and has little to no choreography. The ballad is used to showcase the choir’s singing ability. Groups are scored based on their singing and dancing capabilities.

On January 17, the Advanced Choir Senior Night highlighted the 18-minute performance by the show choir. Rebel Rhapsody has placed well all year, including third place at Carroll High School, fourth place at Franklin Community, and first place at Pike.

They have had extremely positive feedback on their show, including an award for most creative show at Pike.

“One of the judges at our last competition said it was one of her favorite shows she has seen in a long time,” Woods said.

Woods has been honored as best performer in all of Rebel Rhapsody’s competitions so far this season. Much of the group’s success can be attributed to the small but mighty group of seniors leading the group, including Woods.

“Not only are the seniors doing a good job of cleaning choreography and making things look good, [this year’s choir] is a very cohesive group, and I think that trickles down from the seniors,” Newton said.

Rebel Rhapsody has put in a lot of hard work and dedication since rehearsals began in July. However, junior Caroline Barron had to sit out the season after having hip surgery in December, leaving the group a member short. Luckily, she found her replacement sitting next to her in AP Psychology: senior Kaitlyn Keigley. She quickly agreed to try out, auditioned for Mr. Newton, and became a part of the group.

“I’ve always wanted to do show choir but with cheer it conflicted with my schedule,” Keigley said. “Also, the cheer handouts say specifically that you can’t do show choir or theater [along with cheerleading].”

Because of an injury due to a car accident the summer before, Keigley could not cheer

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this year. She had a pinched nerve in her spine, but after completing physical therapy, she was able to participate in physical activities and open up her schedule to join show choir.

“Sometimes, I do have back pains but I just have to take things slow when those happen and always remember to stretch,” Keigley said.

She then had to face the daunting task of learning all the choreography and songs the group had been practicing since the summer. Although this put her at a disadvantage, Keigley quickly assimilated into the group and mastered all the parts of the show.

“She has picked it up really quickly, and Mr. Newton is really happy with it,” Barron said. “I think she’s a good addition to the team. She fits right in, and we all love her.”

Although Barron cannot participate in the same capacity that she used to, she has still found a way to be involved in the choir.

“I am still a part of the ballad, and I help with hair and makeup,” Barron said.

Roncalli’s show choir members have put in a lot of hard work, time and dedication to make their show come to life. They hope that all this will pay off in their upcoming competitions.

“The kids are really prepared,” Newton said. “Our preview night and first competition were two weeks earlier than normal but they worked really hard to be ready.”

Rebel Rhapsody will compete at Franklin Central on February 23 and East Noble on February 24.

PHOTO BY MEGHAN LOONEY

MAMBO ITALIANO: The Rebel Rhapsody show choir performs at the Pike Music Fest. The group ended up placing first, including an award for most creative show.

Sophomores sing for a spot

Three Rebels participated in an open audition for “The Voice” show in Indianapolis at Banker’s Life Fieldhouse

BY LIZZY HOSTY Editor-in-Chief

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housands flocked to Bankers Life Fieldhouse on January 14th, braving the freezing cold to sing their hearts out for a chance to appear on national television. The catch?

Only a handful of people are selected for the chance to be on the popular singing competition, “The Voice”. But this did not stop sophomores Lillian Secrest, Breanna Jaffe, and Abby Conway from joining the fray.

“I had to wait for an hour out in the cold… it was awful,” Conway said.

Conway was scrolling through various vocal auditions when she happened upon the open auditions for the show. She went to downtown Indianapolis with her dad and waited patiently for her chance to shine.

PHOTO BY LIZZY HOSTY

SWEET SOUNDS: Sophomore Breanna Jaffe performs her audition song that she took to “The Voice”.

She put in much time rehearsing the song before audition day.

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“I like to sing and want to make a career out of it,” Conway said.

Conway described the process as lots of waiting around; from outdoors, to the lobby, to the main area, and then finally to their intended destination: the audition room.

“We were put into groups of 10 in a room with one judge, [then we would] sing a verse and a chorus… and they would give you a ‘Yes’, ‘No’, or ‘Maybe’,” Conway said.

Conway was able to listen to the other auditioners in her room, but was shocked by the answer the judge gave them.

“Everyone in my room got a ‘No’, which was really surprising because one of the girls in my room was really talented,” Conway said.

Secrest also received a “No,” as the vast majority of those auditioning received. Jaffe, though, received a “Maybe,” which meant that she had to wait to see if they called her back for another audition.

“The judge told me to wait for them to call me during my break,” Jaffe said. “Although I didn’t get a call, I was still really excited that they were interested. Especially since I’ve auditioned for it before and received a ‘No’.”

Jaffe has also auditioned for “The Voice” in Chicago, and she has recently auditioned for “American Idol” over the summer and said the time it took to audition was a lot shorter, but fewer people were chosen. The process, however, was still the same.

“Everyone is there for the same thing… while we were sitting, waiting to get called back [to audition], people would break into song,” Jaffe said. “I heard ‘Lean On Me’ twice and Adele a few times.”

While the three girls did not plan to go to the auditions together, coincidence brought two of the girls together.

“I saw [Secrest] for a brief amount of time,” Jaffe said. “Everything was crazy, and everyone was moving so quickly.”

Jaffe said she is planning to audition for other vocal auditions in the future and has a few words of wisdom for those who also want to pursue their passion.

Despite continuing to receive a “No” in past competitions, Jaffe is still holding out for that coveted “Yes”, and will keep competing for a spot on television singing shows in the future.

www.roncallimedia.com

sports

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Additions to coaching staff

2.23.18

Rebels swim well with new coaches, aiding them in their appearance in the sectional finals

BY ISABEL LAUT Staff Writer

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he boys’ swim team saw a lot of changes coming into this season. After head coach Ed Merkling left at the end of last year, the team got a whole new spread of coaches. Roncalli alum Curtis Cox filled the position of head coach after coaching the Decatur Central team for two years. Fellow alums Allison Ray and Rachel Redmond came back to Roncalli as assistant and JV coaches. The only returning coach was Kevin Haltom, who came back to coach diving for his third year.

With each coach having swum under Merkling, the new staff was familiar with the Roncalli swimming program; however, the new coaches are still making the program their own.

“I [knew] the way the program was run before I arrived,” Cox said, “and I wanted to step in and keep that going while slowly changing it a little at a time.”

Along with a new coaching staff, the team is relatively young. This season, the team welcomed 10 new freshman onto its roster.

So far this season, the team has competed in 13 meets, having a 6-4 dual and tri-meet record. It has also competed in many invitationals and championship meets.

At the Marion County meet, the team placed ninth out of 15 teams. Senior Jack Bauer broke two school records in the 500 yard freestyle and 100 yard breaststroke and became the county champion in the 500. He also competed in the Circle City Conference meet where it placed first against Brebeuf Jesuit, Guerin Catholic, Bishop Chatard and Heritage Christian. This is the second year brought the swimming conference trophy to Roncalli.

“It was fun to compete in conference this year because we had more competition than in years past,” senior Jason Croddy said.

Coming fresh off their conference win, the Rebels won the Brebeuf Schools With No Pools Meet. They placed first out of 16 teams with many lifetime and season’s bests.

These fast swims and high finishes helped the Rebels going into their sectional championship. The coaching staff hoped that all of the swimmers would have lifetime best swims in this meet.

“I like to focus on the things that are within our power to control, and how fast the other team is swimming should not change how fast we swim,” Cox said. “We can see 20 percent lifetime best [times} and win a meet, and I would not feel like it was a win for our team. Whereas if we get 80-90 percent lifetime best [times] and still come in 7th at

PHOTO BY ISABEL LAUT

MAKING A SPLASH: Senior Jason Croddy competes in the 200 yard freestyle in the Brebeuf Schools With No Pools Meet. Croddy earned his lifetime best in the event, along with his 500 freestyle.

Sectionals, I would still be very happy with that result because of the lifetime best times.”

The boys team placed 6th in the sectional finals at Franklin Community. Bauer improved his school record in the 100 breast stroke, placing 4th at sectionals.

Hansen state runner-up

Wrestling team makes history with both individual and team wins at last Saturday's state competition

BY MADDIE ALDRICH Staff Writer

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PHOTO BY TREVOR WILSON

SIZING UP THE COMPETITION: Senior Sam Hansen prepares to wrestle his competitor, senior Lucas Davison from Chesterton High School. Hansen finished as state runner-up in the 195-pound weight class, the highest rank of anyone who competed from Roncalli this year.

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ast year, only two Rebel Wrestlers walked into Bankers Life Fieldhouse to wrestle. This year, four did, each placing among the top wrestlers in the state. History was made as all four wrestlers qualified for the state competition, ready to begin their fight to the top of the podium.

“When you expect greatness, it leads you to work hard, and when you work hard, you can expect greatness,” senior Sam Hansen said.

Sophomore Brayden Lowery finished fifth overall in the 113-pound weight class, capping off his remarkable season with a 41-1 record. Returning state champion sophomore Alec Viduya placed fourth in the 126-pound weight class. Junior Elijah Mahan ended his season placing fifth in the 170-weight class.

"We believe if we hold our kids to this high standard, individuals will experience growth and earn more individual success on the mat which will then translate to great team success as well," head coach Wade McClurg said.

The Rebels also finished eighth place overall as a team with 49 points. The school’s previous best performance was 30 points in 1985. After two seasons of running the program, McClurg and his wrestlers have taken over the first and the third best state performances in school history.

Saturday night, as Hansen walked out under the lights and a huge student section chanted, “Let’s go Hansen!” Fans looked on as the senior knelt in prayer before facing his competitor, senior Lucas Davison from Chesterton High School. Hansen was the lone Rebel to wrestle his way into the championship match where he lost 19-7 finishing second in the 195-pound weight class.

“Sam set the bar for our program [with his] work ethic, discipline and faith,” assistant coach Riley McClurg said. “Sam’s shoes will be impossible to fill, but his legacy will live on forever.”

As a senior, this was Hansen’s last effort to make it to the top of the podium.

However, after three long years of training filled with many improvements, Hansen knew he was ready.

“I just felt extremely grateful for the opportunity to wrestle on the biggest stage of Indiana high school wrestling,” Hansen said. “Even though I lost, I was blessed to be able to step out in front of thousands of people and do what I love to do. It was fun, and I am extremely thankful for the love and support of everyone that came to watch me, especially my family, teammates and coaches.”

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