Rebel Review: 9/17

Volume 17:1

EVIEW R September 22, 2017

Roncalli High School

FOOTBALL. SPIRIT. ALUMNI.

HOMECOMING

The week of homecoming brings lots of excitement every fall, and this year is no exception. With the Rebel football team coming off a championship last year, the squad settles in with a new coach who has led the team to a number one ranking in class 5A. The cheerleaders continue to rev up the student body as members of every class continue to make amazing turn outs at the student section each week. Even Rebel alumni are preparing for an exciting weekend as Roncalli welcomes back the 50th anniversary classes from Bishop Chartrand and John F. Kennedy Memorial and, for the first time in school history, brings Homecoming home.

PHOTO BY JULIE ALBERTSON

Capital Campaign

Major changes are on the horizon for Roncalli as the On This Rock - Building Faith and Family capital campaign ramps up. Details on page 2 include renderings of the proposed gymnasium.

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Adidas Sponsorship

Rebels are sporting new Adidas uniforms after signing a sponsorship agreement with the international sports apparel company. Details on page 2 include comments from athletes and coaches regarding the change.

Freshman Dancer

Freshman Isaiah Hastings was named Male Teen Dancer of the Year for 2017 at the Groove Dance Company competition in July. Page 7 covers the award winning dancer who also plays freshman football.

news

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Expanding the foundation

9.22.17

Capital campaign committee makes its public announcement, and Rebels discuss the upcoming changes

BY GRACE MURPHY Staff Writer

M ILLUSTRATION SUBMITTED

OUT WITH THE OLD: The On This Rock - Building Faith and Family capital campaign will cover funding for a larger, state-of-the-art gymnasium, which will seat over 2,000 people. All new facilities are projected to be complete by the spring of 2019.

ILLUSTRATION SUBMITTED

CIRCLING A NEW ERA: An aerial view of the grounds shows the new additions coming soon to Roncalli. The capital committee hopes to break ground this school year once winter passes and weather improves.

ajor changes are on the horizon for Roncalli as the On This Rock - Building Faith and Family capital campaign ramps up. Students, staff and friends of the school have been anxiously awaiting news on the progress made by the Advancement Office, who is given the task of raising the necessary funds to complete the project. Official plans to expand the school over the next two years were revealed to the public at last night’s Annual Fund Dinner. Vice President for Institutional Advancement Mrs. Terese Carson believes this project is unique to any other tackled by the department in the past.

“Everything we do in the Advancement Department is exciting because we get to hear where people's passions lie and what they want to support,” Carson said. “What makes this campaign different is that every single person in the Roncalli family is excited about it, which is super cool.”

Over $5 million has been raised so far for the campaign, thanks to generous gifts from close to 100 donors.

One particular addition that is garnering excitement from within the Roncalli community is a new gymnasium. The new facility will be added on to the back of the current gym, pushing back parking spaces into the current residential area that the school bought for the expansion. The new gym will seat 2,000 people, doubling the seating capacity of the current gym.

The current gymnasium will also undergo some major changes. Bleachers on the west side of the court will be removed and replaced with conference rooms, storage space and athletic department offices (which will be removed from the cafeteria). The old stage will be replaced with a new concession stand connecting both gymnasiums. The remaining space with be primarily

used for physical education classes, practices and freshmen and JV games.

A new weight room will be constructed adjacent to the training room at the bubble gymnasium. The fitness center will be added on to the left side of the building as you look at the bubble from the blockhouse parking lot, near the door to training room and the tennis courts.

Another goal of the capital campaign includes assuring that each teacher has a permanent classroom. The new classrooms will give nomadic teachers, such as business and social studies teacher Mr. Dan Lauck, a sense of consistency and comfort.

“Having the consistency of a home base will allow me set up the classroom how I want and decorate the classroom to fit what I teach so that I am not teaching Econ in a science classroom,” Lauck said.

Other additions to the school will include a new, expanded kitchen and cafeteria. Both will use the space freed up from the movement of the athletic offices, concession stand, and Room 000.

Another circle coming in the parking lot off LaSalle Street is also a featured addition as a part of the campaign.

The Advancement Department hopes to break ground after the first of the year, launching a year-long construction process that is set to be completed by the spring of 2019.

Although juniors and seniors will have graduated before the construction is completed, president Dr. Joseph Hollowell emphasized that this undertaking has an significant impact on all members of the Roncalli community.

“This campaign is a part of our Catholic education legacy,” Hollowell said. “We should always leave something better than when we found it. Our call is to build up creation, and this is a way to do that.”

Three stripes partnership Recent switch to sponsorship with Adidas evokes commentary from athletes and administration alike

BY RYAN BRANDENBURG Staff Writer

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all athletics are in full swing, and spectators may have noticed that the Rebels are sporting new Adidas uniforms. Nearly every fall sport has received new gear from the brand with three stripes, making coaches and athletes bring new meaning to "dressing to impress." “[Adidas] approached us,” athletic director David Lauck said. “They wanted to align themselves with a winning program.”

Adidas is an internationally recognized company, so Roncalli is very happy to be sponsored by them. The school chose Adidas over other companies for a number of reasons.

“Adidas sponsors other teams in our conference,” Lauck said. “We are more familiar with them. We, as a group, felt most comfortable with them.”

After a state championship victory, the Rebel football team is sporting a new look with red jerseys and white pants. The helmets feature the new “R” logo, which was an idea from the administration and coaches.

“The design was a combination between Coach Scott Marsh and Adidas,” Lauck said.

Athletes shared their thoughts on the new uniforms versus the old uniforms.

“The Adidas uniforms are new and improved,” senior football player Jacob Luedeman said. “They’re better fitting."

Around the school, thoughts about the new football uniforms are mostly positive.

“It was jaw dropping,” Luedeman said when talking about the first time he saw the new Adidas uniforms.

“They look sharp,” Lauck said. “They are different.”

The boys’ tennis team also received new Adidas uniforms this year. They feature white shirts with the “R” logo and “Tennis” on it. They also have red shorts with a white stripe going down the side. Players on the team discuss how they feel about the new uniforms.

“The new ones are better quality,” junior tennis player Austin Schofield said. “Adidas has better stuff.”

Schofield had some thoughts about the new tennis uniforms compared to the old ones.

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He also shared his reactions to the first time he saw them.

“They looked a lot better than last year’s,” Schofield said. “The new ones are cleaner.”

Along with his reactions to the new uniforms, Schofield shared some ideas for future designs.

“Maybe some different color shorts,” Schofield said. “Some solid red uniforms and matching colors would be good too.”

More Roncalli teams will be sporting Adidas uniforms in the future. According to Lauck, basketball will be receiving uniforms from Adidas this winter.

PHOTO BY NICHOLAS PLAHITKO

LOOKING GOOD: The Rebel football team runs out before their game against Plainfield in their new uniforms. Football is one of many teams that received new uniforms this year.

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9.22.17

news

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Saying 'ahoj' (hello) to new students

Exchange students from this year delve into their experiences after traveling to the U.S. to study abroad

BY ELIZABETH BRADLEY Staff Writer

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nfamiliar places and people are enough to send many running, but this year, Roncalli finds two students eager to plunge into foreign environments: juniors Hana “Huggy” Dziaková from Slovakia and Adéla Lemáková from the Czech Republic. Instead of cowering in the face of unfamiliarity, Dziaková and Lemáková embrace their new, temporary homes and host families.

“I like everything [about my host family],” Lemáková said. “They’re really nice and they care about me.”

Though Lemáková says she is fond of her host family, she says she still misses her 3 younger siblings in the Czech Republic. Because of the time difference, Lemáková says communication with her family is difficult.

Similar to Lemáková, Dziaková also says she is getting along with her host family “My host family is the best family in the USA,” Dziaková said. “I’m so happy that I can be here [with them].”

By residing with the Elsener family, Dziaková’s gains four siblings (Charlie, age 11, Ava, age 13, Isabel, age 16, and Lexi, age 22) and two more parents (Rebecca and Daniel) in addition to her parents and 14-year-old sister back in Slovakia. With new family comes the chance to bond with new people, and Dziaková bonds with her newly acquired family in interesting forms.

In order to make Dziaková feel more familiar in her new home, the Elsener family takes Slovak lessons from Dziaková herself.

“My favorite phrase is ‘potrebujem šlofíka,’ or, ‘I need a nap,’” said Isabel.

Another activity over which Dziaková and her host family have bonded is dancing, which Isabel and Dziaková usually partake in at home while looking to avoid their homework. Despite initial adjustments, Dziaková was able to find a second home and family with the Elseners.

Along with their home, Dziaková leaves C.S. Lewis Bilingual High School in Slovakia which contrasts greatly with Roncalli, and Lemáková leaves behind Hejčín in the Czech Republic.

“I could write a thick book about the differences [between Roncalli and C.S. Lewis],” Dziaková said.

C.S. Lewis is a small high school with about 300 students in total in comparison to the

more than 1,200 students attending Roncalli.

Despite the dissimilarities between school systems and general atmosphere, Dziaková and Lemáková say they are enjoying their Roncalli experiences thus far.

“I like Roncalli,” Lemáková said. “I like the people here and the school spirit.”

Again, Dziaková decides to not be afraid to join in and familiarize herself with a new environment by being open to new opportunities at Roncalli, and she plans to continue with some of the activities she was involved with in Slovakia. One activity Dziaková won’t be able to continue is floorball, a type of floor hockey popular in Europe.

“I was playing volleyball [and] floorball,” Dziaková said. “I was singing and [teaching] rhythmic gymnastics. I want to play volleyball here too and maybe try something new.”

In spite of the foreign environment, Dziaková and Lemáková are making adjustments and making the most of their time at Roncalli.

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH BRADLEY

FAMILY BONDING: Junior Huggy Dziaková writes Slovak translations on her host family's chalkboard. Dziaková used these Slovak lessons as an opportunity to bond with her host family.

Photographers gain experience New moderator, Mr. Stefan Welsh, brings energy and expertise to students involved in photography club

BY MADDIE ALDRICH Staff Writer mong one of the many clubs at Roncalli, photography is an ever growing one.

With a new club moderator, Mr. Stefan Welsh, who teaches photography, videography, and U.S. history, the club will travel the streets of Indianapolis, capturing time through pictures.

Welsh brings a high level of expertise to the club. This well-rounded teacher graduated from Hastings College in Nebraska with a Bachelor of Arts in media production and broadcast journalism with a minor in history.

“I love photography because it gives me the chance to share my view of the world with others,” said Welsh.

Welsh hopes to turn 25+ Rebels into budding photographers. This club will have at least one photo-taking session off-campus monthly, along with editing sessions. The club members will be adventuring to places such as cemeteries, parks, and downtown Indianapolis.

Senior Michael Shirley is a member of this up-and-coming club. While it is only his first year in photography club, Shirley is an experienced photographer. He helped younger club members create interesting pictures with new perspectives on the group's first outing downtown.

“Mr. Welsh tried to make it a good learning experience while [having] fun,” Shirley said. “We stopped at Noodles and Company, had a communal dinner, walked around downtown and tried to find interesting things [to capture].”

The photography club is useful to those who have an interest in photography, whether it’s a hobby or a potential career. It provides a basic lesson on how to operate a camera, execute an appealing picture and edit a photo to personal preference.

Members mention that this club also allows their social media accounts to look more visually appealing.

“Photography club helps me create better pictures to post on my VSCO and Instagram,” junior Makayla Gilley said.

Welsh has big plans for the group during this school year.

“I want members to gain familiarity with the 21st century skills that photography offers and use those skills to communicate their world view and have a lot of fun learning to do that stuff,” Welsh said.

The next photography club outing is Sept. 28 at the IMA”s 100 Acres Art and Nature Park. Those interested in joining should contact swelsh@roncalli.org.

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PHOTO BY CAMERON IRWIN

INSIGHTFUL PERSPECTIVE: Photography club moderator Mr. Stefan Welsh helps junior Elizabeth Genier edit a picture in the Media Room. This is Welsh’s first year as moderator for the photography club.

PHOTO SUBMITTED CHELSEA GARCIA-ANDALON

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY MICHAEL SHIRLEY

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PHOTO SUBMITTED BY MICHAEL SHIRLEY

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homecoming

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Football. Spirit. Alumni.

9.22.17

How the beginning of the next chapter of football is looking this season in lieu of level and coaching changes

BY NICHOLAS PLAHITKO Staff Writer

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he IHSAA standards, upon Roncalli football’s regional victory last season, had The coaches and players both believe in the potential of this new group to excel this the team set to move up a class if the Rebels won a state championship in 4A. Last season, with the obvious goal in mind being a another state championship. year’s team delivered in a stunning victory over Northwood in the state champion“Many of the new players have stepped up to the plate, so yes, I think we can replicate ship game. the success of last season,” senior offensive lineman Nate O’Mara said.

But, as every new high school sports season goes, the Rebels were back to square one to “The first of [our] goals is to win the Circle City Championship,” senior running back start off the 2017 season.

Patrick McManama said. “[The] second goal would probably be to win out our sectional, The Rebels this year are experiencing three distinct changes from last season: a new because we probably have one of the best sectionals in 5A, and then the next goal would be head coach, a new team, and the move up to to advance to the State game.”

5A. All three of these factors will be affectRoncalli’s jump to the 5A division ing the next chapter of Roncalli football and is also a topic of interest among fans, the direction the team will be going. spectators, and the team itself.

Former head coach Bruce Scifres “The real challenges don’t even stepped down at the end of last season, and come until the end of the season,” taking his place was former defensive coorMarsh said, “[and] the playoffs are a dinator, Scott Marsh. Already, Marsh and blind draw, so we aren’t really worrythe team have begun a strong connection ing about that right now.” that will be pivotal in the future.

“We’re just focused on right now, Linebacker coach, Chris Belch, who has with a goal of peaking during tournabeen with the Rebels since 1992, ment time,” Belch said. And peaking explained some of the changes of having at the right moment is exactly what a new head coach. the Rebels will need as they approach “The best way to describe Coach the postseason. Coaches and players Marsh is to echo the words of [senior have emphasized the importance of quarterback] Conner Gore, ‘to create improving their game, little by little. our own legacy while retaining the Throughout this season, the team will traditions built in the past’,” said Belch. need to improve in preparation for the

PHOTO BY NICHOLAS PLAHITKO GO LONG: Senior quarterback Conner Gore winds up for a pass during the first half of the CYO Night matchup Not only are the Rebels being led by a 5A post-season. Those involved with against Plainfield. The Rebels continued their trend of winning that night in a 45-20 victory over the Quakers. new coach with a plan to craft a new the program say they are grateful for legacy in the program, but there is also a the opportunities presented, and the brand new team of gentlemen on the field. changes that are being confronted this season are being embraced.

“The Roncalli teams in the Scifres era were always senior dominated, last year [was] no As the legacy of Roncalli football enters into a new chapter, the coaches,fans, and playdifferent, so this team has a lot of new faces, guys playing varsity for the first time, [and] it’s ers all look forward to cementing their spot in the history of the program once more. also a new group of leaders,” Belch said.

Football. Spirit. Alumni.

Insight on the everyday goings on and routines of the typical cheerleader life and practice schedule

BY NICK PERKINS

Staff Writer

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PHOTO BY JULIE ALBERTSON

SHEER CHEER: The cheerleaders lead the student section in chants and cheers at the home football game against Franklin Central. The team took home the win with a 37-21 victory.

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eams and any extracurricular activity group have a unique dynamic that outsiders would be unfamiliar with, and cheerleading is certainly no exception to this rule. On the surface, cheering is about being loud and rallying the crowd at football and basketball games, however the team is much more than hooting and hollering and is lot more involved than most think. The practices, for instance, can last up to two hours long and are not as easy as some would believe. Junior Katie Storey joined cheer this year for her first high school season.

“We start out by stretching for about twenty minutes or so and after we do some kicks and jumps for about five,” Storey said. “After the warmup we go out to the circle to practice chants. Usually after that we do stunts for twentyish minutes.”

Stunts involve raising up and tossing the flier into the air. After practice the cheer team goes over the plan for the next event they will be participating in.

“On Mondays we usually make signs and Tuesdays and Thursdays are practices and Fridays are prep days for the football game,” senior Kaitlyn Keigley said.

Alongside the obvious like football and basketball games, the cheerleaders also participate in other events as a team such as service.

“We decorate the stadium, we go to Joy’s House as a team, and we also run a cheer camp in the summer for CYO kids,” senior Lizzie Fox said.

Although the team functions as any other and requires, time, dedication, and athletic ability the cheer squad also has a competitive season aside from high school.

Senior Megan Ruth, a four year veteran of the team, shares a little bit on this topic.

“There is a difference between competitive cheer and high school cheer. Competitive cheer is more involved and fast paced, however high school cheer is more about getting the student body involved in school activities like football games,” Ruth said.

The cheerleading team has always been a staple of Roncalli athletics and will continue to make our school more exciting for generations to come.

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9.22.17

homecoming

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Football. Spirit. Alumni.

Secrets and stories of how Roncalli evolved before the merging of Kennedy and Chartrand

BY SOPHIA EGOLD Staff Writer

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n the 1960s, two high schools provided educational opportunities for Southside Catholics: John F. Kennedy Memorial and Bishop Chartrand High Schools. It was not until 1969 that the two schools merged and they became Roncalli. Before 1966, Kennedy was known as Sacred Heart Central High School.

Some notable Kennedy alumni include health teacher Mrs. Kathy Nalley Schembra and Mrs. Bonnie Burns Schott. Schembra and Schott shared many stories of what life was like at Kennedy.

“We won the homecoming float parade one year,” Schembra said. “I had a Volkswagen.

We covered that thing in paper flowers. The theme was little but mighty because my car and [Kennedy] were little and mighty. We won ten bucks, which was a big deal,” Schembra said.

The other Southside school, Bishop Chartrand, was located in the building that Roncalli occupies today. Two alumni from Chartrand are Mrs. Donna Woodman and Mrs. Barbara Stelzel.

“Back then, there weren’t any Catholic schools with football fields, [so] Fr. Kitchin (the school’s principal) decided we needed a football field,” Stelzel said. “He worked on the field himself. We didn’t have lights for a long time [and] he got the bleachers second hand from somewhere.”

The land the football field was built on was going to be sold, remembers Stelzel, so Fr. Robert Kitchin brought it upon himself to build a field without giving notice to the Archbishop. When the Archbishop came to the school for graduation, he noticed the field was in the process of being built, so the land couldn’t be sold according to Woodman. “[Fr. Kitchin] got a donated bulldozer , and we would all look out the windows [during school] and watch him,” Woodman said. “That was also our gym class, picking up rocks for the field.”

Chartrand’s mascot was the Rams, and the school had a mascot named “Rambunctious.” Out by the blockhouse, the school took care of the real live ram.

“Fr. Kitchin found someone to donate the ram,” Woodman said. “They would take the ram to the football games. Nobody knew exactly how to take care of it.”

The nuns from the schools were very competitive, according to Schott. The nuns came from different parishes, so there was a sense of rivalry. They were also competitive within their own school.

“To this day, I am still ultra competitive because the nuns were so competitive,” Schott said. “Back then they had the best homeroom competitions. No matter what you were doing, [each] homeroom wanted to be the best. [For example], we decorated our homeroom doors. The nuns’ bragging rights were on the homerooms. We [also] used to have a festival to raise money for [our school] missions. All the nuns wanted their booth to have the most money. We’re a competitive bunch because we had it drilled in us [by the nuns].”

With the classes only consisting of around 80 students and the work of the nuns, the classes all remain incredibly close and have accomplished much since high school. Schembra, Schott, and many other alumni from Kennedy still have get-togethers whenever they are all in town. Woodman and Stelzel also still remain friends from their time in high school.

“I still draw to several people in my class to help with my projects in my parish,” Schott said. “They are a very generous group. We are all still connected. We [are still] pushing hard to do our part.”

This year, the class of 1968 is going to celebrate its 50th reunion at Roncalli, which will be held Friday, September 22nd in a tent north of the existing gym.

Kathy Nalley Schembra, Bonnie Burns Schott and Fr. Robert Kitchin as they appeared in the 1968 yearbooks for John F. Kennedy and Bishop Chartrand High Schools. Both schools are celebrating the 50th reunion of the class of 1968.

WAY BACK WHEN: Photos of Bishop Chartrand High School (now Roncalli), Ram-bunctious the Ram (school mascot), and Chartrand football highlight how much time has passed after half a decade. This year, the class of 1968, the last to graduate from Chartrand, will celebrate its 50th reunion at Roncalli

Weekend Schedule

Friday 7:00p.m.: Football Game vs. Brebeuf Homecoming Queen announced at half time Saturday 8:00p.m.: Homecoming Dance North Parking Lot $10.00 / ticket Semiformal attire 9:30p.m.: Homecoming King announced

Homecoming Court 2017 Ben Asdell Jack Baker Michael Frausto Jack Hegwood Tyler Hicks Reese McGinsie Ethan Newett

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Claire Alfery Izzy Jahnke Scout Leffler Ally Lewis Emily Schubach Kathleen Soller Gabrielle Viduya

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opinion

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9.22.17

Examining social media

hand in hand with SAINT JOHN XXIII

With technology comes a different set of guidelines for students

BY GRACE SILVER Online Editor

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ocial media is popular in today’s world. Most high school and middle school kids, alike, have one, if not multiple, social media accounts. Having to ability to post everything that is going on can be enjoyable but sometimes causes a few teens to find themselves in trouble.

Roncalli’s social media policy is similar to a student writing a note in school. If the student is in possession of it and wrote it, then they are responsible for its contents.

The student handbook states: If the school becomes aware that a student has posted something that is derogatory to themselves, other students, teachers, the school, or indicates that they are engaging in illegal activities or harassment of others, they will be subject to school discipline which could include suspension or expulsion from school. “[Roncalli is] aware that social media cannot be taken away, but we find ways to limit its use,” dean of students Mr. Tim Puntarelli said.

Before social media, people confronted each other face to face, according to Puntarelli. Social media can act as a shield for people who get mad and use their device to get angry or even.

“Check your emotions before you use social media to get even or try to make a difference,” Puntarelli said. “We think we will feel better, until they send something back, and then it gets worse and worse. We can’t take social media away from you, but we can use it in a healthy sense.”

Every year Roncalli receives about 10 “outside” and about a dozen “inside” social media complaints. Roncalli does not personally monitor social media accounts, but instead receives printed out pages of social media violations.

“Outside sources include parents from Roncalli or other schools,” Puntarelli said. “Inside sources, for an example, are me hearing about [someone] crying over a mean text from their boyfriend and I find out about it, and I talk to them.”

Some students feel as if Roncalli should not be able to look at their social media accounts.

“Stuff I post has nothing to do with school, so I feel like they should not have anything to do with what I post,” senior Kyler Simmons said.

A common misconception is that administrators search social media sites looking for student’s objectionable posts.

“Our policy is not one that goes out searching for information, but that when it crosses our desks, we do not shy away from an opportunity to teach something about proper manners, speech and behavior in the world in which we live today,” Puntarelli said. “Sometimes that carries some consequences to it.”

Roncalli considers an unlawful post to be anything that includes: hatred, racism, or malice.

Most of the time, for minor issues, Puntarelli makes the decision on what the student’s punishment will be. In major cases, there is more input involved on the situation, but this does not need to happen much at all.

"There are some [social media posts] that I agree need a punishment if it involves hate, but some of the things students get in trouble for I think is ridiculous,” senior Lisann Sizemore said.

Although not all students agree with the social media policy, the purpose of it is to educate and prepare all students for life outside of the walls of Roncalli when they leave. “[Administrators] want students to focus on who they are outside of their devices,” Puntarelli said.

PHOTO CC BY/WIKIPEDIA

ONLINE CONSEQUENCES: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat are some of the most popular social media apps among students. Using these apps inappropriately can produce negative outcomes.

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

PHOTO CC BY/WIKIPEDIA

A CONFIDENTIAL LETTER

Angelo was eight or nine years old when his parents, encouraged by their pastor and the local teacher, sent him to the fine episcopal college of Celano. It took Angelo about four hours daily to walk there and back. Often the boy returned to Sotto il Monte after dark, only to begin his studies tired and listless. He could not expect any help from his parents, for they had never learned Latin. Exhausted by the physical effort, he one day lost his ability to concentrate; he no longer wished to sit down at his books with his earlier zeal. His parents urged him in vain. Then they hit upon a way in which they could avoid giving him a good old-fashioned lecture; a friendly local priest could do it for them. Quickly the father wrote a letter and sent Angelo personally to deliver it to the priest. On his way, Angelo suspecting something unpleasant, tore the envelope open, read it s contents, and ripped up the letter which asked the priest to give him a real scolding. The incident had a salutary effect on his whole life; never again did he need to be urged to study.

Letter from the editors

Hey Rebels!

We are honored to serve as your Editors-in-Chief this year. If you’ve been following us on social media, you’ve likely noticed that we’ve increased our presence. As always, we want to create content that you, our readers, want to consume. With advancements in technology, we are no longer confined to paper--Roncalli Media can be accessed online and on social media.

And don’t hesitate to suggest an idea that can be transformed into a story, graphic, photo gallery or video. If a(n) person/event merits interest and we haven’t covered them/it yet, reach out to one of our editors or staff writers. This is a student newspaper--we want to hear from students! We hope that you will enjoy our content.

PHOTO BY ELIJAH MAHAN

-Lizzy Hosty and Dave Schrader, Editors-in-Chief

ROW 1(TOP): Ryan Brandenburg. Nick Perkins, Cameron Irwin, Nicholas Plahitko ROW 2: Max Cross, Elizabeth Bradley, Isabel Laut, Dave Schrader ROW 3: Will Allen, Lizzy Hosty, Grace Murphy, Meghan Looney ROW 4(BOTTOM): Kara House, Maddie Aldrich, Grace Silver, Sophia Egold

Roncalli Media Staff

2017-18 Editorial Policy

Staff Writers

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Lizzy Hosty Dave Schrader

Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief

Grace Silver Meghan Looney

Online Editor Copy Editor

Julie Albertson

Adviser

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

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

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

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

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9.22.17

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fine arts

Freshman wins national dance award

Hastings selected as Male Teen Dancer of the Year for 2017, continues to balance dancing with football

BY CAMERON IRWIN Staff Writer

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s the incoming freshman class of 2021 begins its Roncalli journey, searching for a class identity, one freshman in particular has already made a name for himself.

Freshman Isaiah Hastings was named Male Teen Dancer of the Year for 2017 by Groove Dance Company last July in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This prestigious award is handed out to only one male teenager dancing in the national competition.

Hastings, who specializes in hip hop and musical theatre, was inspired to begin dancing at the age of five after watching Chris Brown perform on Oprah with his mother.

“I looked up to Chris Brown when I was younger,” Hastings said. “He moved so smoothly, sort of like Michael Jackson.”

Hastings’ dancing has taken him all over the country. From Chicago, to Orlando, to Los Angeles, he’s been everywhere. Through his travels, he has met dancers he now looks toward as inspiration.

“I went to Chicago last year to a dance convention,” Hastings said. “I got to work with dancers who worked with [Justin] Bieber and Justin Timberlake. I’ve also met Ian Eastwood and Ade Willis, two dancers I look up to.”

In addition to his national performances, Hastings has taken his talents to Roncalli with the show choir. It’s uncommon to see a freshman in show choir, but Hastings was recommended by Roncalli alum Michael Bailey. Even though the show choir season hasn’t started yet, choral director Mr. Joey Newton already has high praise for the freshman. “[Hastings] is up with the top [dancers] of all time at Roncalli,” Newton said.

The top of that list includes Bailey, who is currently in New York studying to be a dancer at Pace University, and alum Jordan Donica, who stars as Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson in the renowned musical “Hamilton.”

Not only does Hastings participate in show choir, but he also plays on the football team.

Like Newton, freshman head football coach Mr. Scott Houser also had high praise for the freshman.

“He’s willing to jump in anywhere,” Houser said. “Wherever he can help the team.”

With that fearless mentality, Hastings becomes a versatile player who can fill any gap on the team.

Hastings dances year-round, so there is little time for breaks. As soon as football prac-

tice ends, he heads straight to dance practice. But for Hastings, he’s feels that there is an upside.

“I definitely feel that my footwork from dancing has made me a better football player,” Hastings said. “I feel like I’m more agile, thanks to dancing.”

The freshman has already made a name for himself less than two months into the school year. He’s a hard worker willing to do anything his coaches ask of him. Balancing school with two extracurriculars is tough, but Hastings is getting it done.

With the next home freshman football game a ten o’clock start against Martinsville on September 30th, a victory may signal a block house dance party. In the middle of that dance party will be one of the best teen dancers in the country, Isaiah Hastings.

PHOTO BY CAMERON IRWIN

HAPPY FEET: Freshman Isaiah Hastings practices his dancing for the upcoming Show Choir season.

Hastings, who has been dancing since age six, sees dancing as a possible future career.

Band marches to the sound of movies Despite small numbers, band delivers strong performances with a show based on songs from movies

BY ISABEL LAUT Staff Writer

A

fter practicing all summer, including band camp, the marching band has started off its season strong. Although the band is smaller than in years past, this group has grown very close as a result of this.

“While our band is the smallest it has ever been, our size has allowed us to be really close to each other to the point of where no one is left behind and everyone feels welcome,” senior drum major Adam Wolf said.

The size of the band has no effect on their sound either.

“Although it would be nice to have a bigger band, having a small band does not necessarily mean that we're not as good. We can still play spectacular music without a large band,” senior Luke Dow said.

This year, the band’s halftime show features songs from various movies.

“Our theme this year is 'The Sound of Movies'. Each of our songs comes from a movie.

We have 'The Sound of Music,’ 'So You Wanted to Meet the Wizard' from The Wiz, a drum feature 'Owanmbo,’ and ' How Far I'll Go' from Moana, which has not been premiered yet,” assistant band director Ms. Laura Horcher said.

The idea came to band director Ms. Kathy Peach.

“I really liked the arrangement of “The Sound of Music,” but I didn’t really like the

idea of having the entire show be from that one specific movie,” Peach said. “After listening to many other movie arrangements, I came up with the idea for the show. It happened from complete randomness, but I am very happy with the outcome.”

A strong senior class leads the band this year, helping the underclassmen along the way.

The seniors help them with learning how to march as well as guiding them through all things band.

“Being a senior in band requires a lot of leadership,” Dow said. “Ms. Peach looks to the senior class to help the underclassmen in various aspects of band, such as how to march properly and how to become better at playing our respective instruments.”

Looking forward to the rest of the season, the band will continue to play at home games as well as pep rallies. They also have performed at some South Deanery schools as well. The purpose of the performances is to spark interest in band for younger students.

“I am looking forward to seeing the show in its entirety,” Horcher said. “There is nothing more satisfying than seeing the hard work and all those rehearsals pay off, from after-school practice to in-school practice, late at night to early in the morning--all of that to see them perform to their best abilit[ies]. Also, I love when the crowd cheers them on.

It's a great feeling to see their work be cheered on by their classmates.”

PHOTO BY ISABEL LAUT

MAJOR DEAL: Senior Adam Wolf prepares to begin their halftime performance. "Being a drum major allows me to be in a leadership role for the band,” Wolf said. “I get to interact with all sections of the band at every practice.”

PHOTO BY ISABEL LAUT

LOUD AND PROUD: Junior Henry Schutte performs solo during the band's halftime show at the Roncalli vs. Plainfield game. At this game the band performed a song with young musicians from various South Deanery schools.

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9.22.17

High hopes for soccer season Lady Rebel soccer pushes against adversity to continue with optimism for remainder of season

BY GRACE SILVER Online Editor

T

he girls soccer team has witnessed an interesting season so far. The Lady Rebels are hopeful for what is to come in sectionals and the Marion County Tournament, but are nervous about the loss of key players.

In January, senior Morgan Kincaid tore her ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) during a game of futsal, a form of indoor soccer played on a basketball court, and had to stop playing soccer for six months.

“I was dribbling towards out of bounds, so I planted my foot to cut and my knee locked, putting my entire body weight on my right knee,” Kincaid said. “My knee then made [a] popping noise and I was down after that."

Kincaid’s first game back was against Franklin Community. But, recently, she sprained her MCL (medial collateral ligament) during a game against Cathedral. During the game, she jumped up and landed incorrectly, causing her injury.

Junior Jenna Rikke has torn her ACL twice in one year, the first occurring in March of 2016 and the second in October of 2016. Both tears occurred during soccer while jumping up for a ball and landing on her leg weird.

“I was a little heartbroken that I was not able to play, but I enjoyed watching and cheering for my team on the sidelines,” Rikke said. “I felt like I was able to have a stronger bond with the girls since I stayed involved.”

On Saturday, August 26, during this 2017 soccer season, senior captain Sydney Young tore her ACL during a game against Franklin Community.

“The opponent and I were running after a ball, and she pushed me, which caused me to lose my balance and land on my right leg,” Young said. “When my right leg hit the ground, there was a big pop in the knee area.”

Freshman Chiara Schilten is currently acting as a team manager due to her ACL tear.

She is still recovering from her surgery in February and still has two months of rehab to go.

“I am still working on balancing [and] my endurance isn't as high,” Schilten said.

ACL injuries are common in soccer because it is a high intensity sport involving quick leg movements that can cause the ACL to tear.

The team is disappointed that this has happened to the three girls and is anxious as to what these injuries will lead to this season.

Although she may not be able to be on the field, Young is hopeful she can do her part as captain and continue leadership on the bench.

“Someone does not always have to be on the field to be a leader,” junior Molly Mullin said. “[Sydney’s] encouraging words and confidence in the game make her the great leader she is no matter if she is on the field or on the sidelines.”

PHOTO BY MADDIE ALDRICH

KICKING IT: Senior Sydney Young and junior Jenna Rikke kick the ball to each other before the start of the game at Roncalli on Saturday. Young and Rikke both injured their ACL’s by playing soccer this year.

PHOTO BY MEGHAN LOONEY

GOING FOR THE GOAL: Sophomore Sophia Dietz passes the ball to a teammate during a game against New Palestine. The team went on to tie the game 1-1.

Irmer contributes to team’s success Senior libero Hannah Irmer contributes 1,000 digs during high school career which puts her in rare company

BY GRACE MURPHY Staff Writer

S

enior Hannah Irmer made a play earlier in September at the Cathedral game that would place her among the greats in Roncalli volleyball history. Her journey that began in 4th grade on the St. Jude volleyball team has continued for nine years, and she achieved one of the greatest honors a defensive specialist can accomplish: 1,000 digs in her high school career. But despite her individual effort, Irmer places a majority of the credit on her teammates.

“It’s important to play for your teammates,” Irmer said. “You have to celebrate their achievements as much as they do yours. It’s about working together as one rather than six individuals on the court.”

PHOTO BY GRACE MURPHY

TWO-TIME CHAMPS: Senior Hannah Irmer celebrates another point for the Rebels. The team went on to win against Brebeuf in the conference championship.

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Irmer is the team’s libero; she wears a different color jersey than her teammates and can only play in the back row. Irmer’s leadership on the defense has laid a strong foundation for the season, with an 13-6 record so far. The county tournament, scheduled for September 27, looms on the horizon, and Irmer feels confident that the team has the capacity to perform very well.

“We all have a passion for the game and a will to work hard to win.” Irmer said. “We’ve had some big wins and a few losses that really stung [this season] but we plan to come out strong in our conference and postseason games.”

One of those tough losses came on August 29, with the Rebels falling short to the Cathedral Irish in five sets (25-11, 25-20, 24-26, 24-26, 8-15), but a historic moment cast a positive light on the night. Irmer made her 1,000th career dig on Tuesday, sealing her legacy in the program.

Her hard work has not gone unnoticed by the Roncalli coaching staff. Head coach Missy Marsh has seen Irmer grow and accept new responsibilities throughout her time as a Rebel.

“She came into our program as a very driven young athlete,” Marsh said. “One role Hannah has improved on greatly is her ‘vocal’ leadership. She is quiet by nature, and she has really had to force herself out of that shell to make herself a better teammate.”

Although a mere six regular season games remain in the schedule for the Lady Rebels, Irmer has no intention of ending her volleyball career.

“I have done some recruiting visits this past year, and I do plan to play in college,” Irmer said. “I haven’t decided on a school yet, but I am gradually leaning towards Ohio Northern University.”

The intrinsic leadership qualities Irmer possesses have led her to the milestone of 1,000 digs and will carry the team through the rest of the season.

“She just wants to improve and help her team win,” Marsh said. “She is not selfish and she is not lazy. I would take 1,000 Hannah Irmers on my team any day.”

The team achieved its second Circle City Conference championship last week and will have their senior night on Monday when the Lady Rebels take on Heritage Christian at 6:30 p.m. at home.

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