May 2017
Issue 4
THE REBELS PAMPHLET The official student-run newspaper of OLMBS School.
Students Go on Spring Field Trips by Justine Spinelli
Newspaper Staff Georgia Horgan Gabrielle Barch Isabel Godinez Jada Jackson Justine Spinelli Logan Fitch Maria Fabregas Marisa Ostrosky Matthew Danielson Olivia Susa Samantha Edwards Samuel Wygonik Savanah Ord Simon Szalla Stephanie Vojtilla Rylan Zale
Moderator: Miss Calligan
This spring, the students have had the opportunity to go on several field trips. On April 6, the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades got to see Saint Joseph High School’s performance of Hello Dolly. Hello Dolly is a musical about matchmaker, Dolly Levi, who attempts to set up clients while also trying to set herself up with a client, Horace Vandergelder. St. Joe’s production has been nominated for several Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theater. They have been nominated for Best Lighting Design, Best Costume Design, Best Musical, and Sam Shadle has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Horace Vandergelder. The fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grades went to St. Anthony’s Chapel and Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh on Monday, May 15, 2017. St. Anthony’s Chapel is home to five thousand Christian relics, the largest amount in the world other than at the Vatican. At Phipps the students were split into groups and the fifth and sixth graders toured the exhibits while the seventh and eighth graders went to a class and learned about bees and pollination. Then when both the classes were done with their activity they switched and the seventh and eighth grade toured the exhibits and the fifth and sixth went to the bees and pollination class. The third and fourth graders went on the Ducky Tour on May 10. Although they didn’t go on the water they still had a great time. The first and second went on a field trip to the Carnegie Science Center on May 17. They got a tour of the submarine and went to Sports Works. All grades had a fun on Sixth Graders at Phipps Conservatory their field trips.
Issue 4
SPORTS
May 2017
Athletics Banquet by Maria Fabregas The OLMBSS Athletics Banquet was a great way for the athletes and their families of our school to get together and celebrate their achievements. All of the athletes were called up to be congratulated on their athletic achievements from this year. The 5th grade athletes received red duffel bags with the word REBELS on them. Sixth graders got headbands and socks. Seventh graders received water bottles customized with their names on them. The athletes in eighth grade got prayer cards. The athletic program was very successful this year. The Varsity girls even made it to the semifinals in the playoffs. The JV girls volleyball team also made it to playoffs. Mr. Crawford would like to purchase new soccer uniforms next year if we have a team. He would use the money we raised from admissions and concessions which was around $4,500. The athletics banquet was a great way to end the athletic season.
Student Athlete Highlight with Basketball Player, Jack Ford Interviewer: Rylan Zale What is your favorite memory from OLMBSS athletics? Making my first shot in basketball What was your favorite part about playing for the Rebels? Why? The people involved were very helpful Do you plan to play any sports in high school? If so, what sport(s) will you play? How do you think your Blessed Sacrament experience will help you there? I plan to play basketball, the people here taught me the basics of the game What will you miss from OLMBSS athletics after you graduate? Why? I will miss my teammates and coaches because I have been with them for a very long time What is one thing you will take away from your experience as a OLMBSS athlete after you graduate? I will take my experience of basketball that I learned here to try and teach others
Student Athlete Highlight with Basketball and Volleyball Player, Reagan McGough Interviewer: Rylan Zale What is your favorite memory from OLMBSS athletics? Volleyball chicken fights What was your favorite part about playing for the Rebels? The coaches were good at teaching Do you plan to play any sports in high school? If so, what sport(s) will you play? How do you think you're Blessed Sacrament experience will help you there? Yes, volleyball and basketball. The coaches helped me with my shooting in basketball which will help me in high school What will you miss from OLMBSS athletics after you graduate? Why? I will miss the coaches because they are helpful
Issue 4
CLUBS
May 2017
Seventh Grade Students Compete at State History Competition by Simon Szalla
After History Day Regionals in Pittsburgh at the Senator John Heinz History Center, Blessed Sacrament left with two winning projects. Sam Wygonik and Simon Szalla placed third for group exhibit titled “The Cuban Missile Crisis: The 13 Days The World Stood Still.” Georgia Horgan placed first for individual documentary titled “Turbulence at Berkeley: How a Student Movement Brought a University to a Grinding Halt.” All three students were very excited Georgia Horgan and Sam Wygonik at on their victory. “I was excited, because I knew all of our hard work History Day had paid off,” said Sam Wygonik. History Day is the national competition that students in History Club compete in. It is split up into three competitions, regionals, states, and nationals. Our winners competed in the state competition. This year, the State competition was held at Carlisle High School on May 12 and 13. All of the winners from the regional competitions participated in the State competition. “It was a lot more rewarding than regionals, and I enjoyed seeing all of the other Georgia Horgan wins first place at projects,” said Georgia Horgan. Participants who placed 1st and 2nd History Day there will go to nationals in Washington D.C. on June 11 through 15. At States, our three competitors had a great time. During the Award Ceremony, Georgia Horgan and her documentary placed first, and will head on to the national competition in June. Sadly, Simon Szalla and Sam Wygonik’s project did not pass the state competition.
OLMBSS Students Compete at PRSEF by Logan Fitch
On March 31, Science Club members attended the 78th annual Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair, otherwise known as PRSEF. The competition celebrates the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math also known as the STEM education system. It took place at Heinz Field for two days. The judging was on March 31, then the next day, April 1 was the awards ceremony. The students arrived at the school to get an early start for the competition. Then, they went to Pittsburgh to go to Heinz Field. After the first round of judging, the students ate lunch at the Science Center. After lunch, the students went back to the field for the second round of judging. The students by grade that attended were Brody Lilly (6th Grade), Kylie Bowser (6th Grade), Michael Imler (6th Grade), Patrick Due (7th Grade), Zachary Balog (7th Grade), Stephanie Vojtilla (8th Grade), Annabelle Butts (8th Grade), Marisa Ostrosky (8th Grade), and Olivia Susa (8th Grade). Michael Imler won a Corporate Sponsorship from Chevron. “I am proud of the students of OLMBSS for all of the hard work and effort that they put into doing their projects,” Mrs. Stough said. Mrs. Stough is now striving for “future movement of being able to work on the science fair projects themselves during the school day as we progress through the steps of the scientific method.” Good job to the Science Club this year!
May 2017
Issue 4
CLUBS Drama Club by Jada Jackson
The first year of Drama Club was exceptional! Drama Club Moderator Miss Calligan said, “The first year of Drama Club was great! The students did a fantastic job and were always enthusiastic about what we were working on. It was a lot of fun for me and I hope my students had as much fun as I did.” This year in Drama Club, the students put together performances in solo, duet, and groups. Miss Calligan has big plans for the club’s future. “In the future, I would love to see a professional show and take the students to a professionallead workshop!” The Drama club girls performed as Disney princesses and fairies at the Musicfest in Patterson Hall on May 24.
Faith and Service Club by Stephanie Vojtilla
During the first year of Faith and Service Club, they completed many successful service projects. They donated supplies to an animal shelter and the Hope Center, sent cards to the Sisters of St. Joseph, and made blankets for hospitals. For Earth Day, they partnered with Student Council to volunteer at Harrison Hills Park. Faith and Service Club moderator, Mrs. Rock, is pleased with the amount of work the club got done during its first year. The club gives students an opportunity to help others and make a difference in their community.
May 2017
Issue 4
STUDENT COUNCIL UPDATE Coverage of 2016 - 2017 Student Council events
Student Council President: Ally Swierczewski Vice President: Georgia Horgan Treasurer: Samuel Wygonik Dance Committee Chairperson: Nevaeh Ewing Commissioner of School Spirit: Marlee Sholtes Commissioner of Service: Maria Fabregas Commissioner of Publicity: Rhiannon Litz Recording Secretary: Tabitha Forster Corresponding Secretary: Hannah Kipp Representatives: Michael Imler, Rachel Babinsack, Iliana Riesterer
Moderator: Mr. Swalga
Student Council Sells Donuts for Annual Fundraiser by Samantha Edwards
Student Council had donut sales on April 21, 28, May 5, 12, and 19. The sales were from 7:30 to 8:30 am in the cafeteria. Student Council got the donuts from Donut Connection. Each donut cost $1. You could either get chocolate or vanilla icing with sprinkles. Milk was also sold for fifty cents. These sales benefited student council. This year’s sale has been successful. Student Council made about ninety dollars per week on donut sales.
Students Volunteer at Harrison Hills Park to Celebrate Earth Day by Samantha Edwards
This year, Student Council and Faith and Service Club coordinated for a spring service project. On Saturday, April 22, they went to Harrison Hills Park to help out for Earth Day. They met at Harrison Hills Learning Center at 10am and volunteered until 12am. Then, from 12am to 1pm, they were provided lunch. There is a lot of volunteering work to be done, like repairing the outdoor classroom fence, picking up the leaves and the fallen branches, weeding, trimming ornamental grasses, and spreading mulch. Other work that needed to be done included preparing soil for herbs, vegetables, and butterfly gardens for planting, work on the water feature running stream, leveling and sealing the benches, staining outdoor structures, cleaning display cases in ELC, and much more. Student Council and Faith and Service Club gave everyone a chance to help out and celebrate earth day. Everyone that went had a great time and loved volunteering.
May 2017
Issue 4
CATHOLIC CORNER Second Graders Receive First Holy Communion
Second Graders Receive First Holy Communion
by Logan Fitch On May 6, the fourth Sunday of the Easter Season within the church, Second Grade students from OLMBSS, and CCD students from Highlands celebrated the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time in First Holy Communion. Prior to the mass celebration, the students went to a retreat where they practiced the sacrament and had lunch. First, the students went to Patterson Hall to prepare. Then, they sat together during the mass and waited for the celebration of the Eucharist. Next, the giftbearers for the mass gave the gifts to Father John, which was his first time giving First Holy Communion at our school. Finally, the students walked into a procession when it was time for their First Holy Communion. One by one, all of the new Communicants received our Lord and Savior in the form of unleavened bread and red wine. Every year, we gain more church members to receive the love and mystery of our faith through First Holy Communion. Our school is quite happy to gain more students in the sacrament for our weekly school mass celebrations.
Eighth Graders Perform Annual Living Stations by Samuel Wygonik On April 11, the eighth grade performed their interpretation of the Living Stations of the Cross. From the Last Supper on Holy Thursday to when Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday, this show portrayed the Passion of Jesus Christ. Mrs. Godfrey, the previous eighth grade teacher, performed the music at the Living Stations. “This definitely affected my perception of the Stations. I never realized the pain he went through until I participated in this,” says Carlo Venturini, who played Joseph of Arimathea. Mrs. Rock, the eighth grade teacher, organized the performance. “My favorite part of living stations is always when Jesus meets his mother. I always wonder what Mary must have felt and how strong she must have been to watch her son Jesus as he suffered and died.” She also likes Living Stations because it “has a huge impact on the students’ perceptions of Jesus’ Passion. We talk about it year after year, but when you experience it firsthand, it is powerful.” She also added a scene for the Garden of Gethsemane. “I wanted to add it because it really shows how Jesus was both divine and human. Divine because he knew what was going to happen to him, and human because he was afraid and needed help,” she said, “ I was extremely proud of the group this year!”
Living Stations Performers
Anthony Salem, who was Jesus in Living Stations, carries the cross
Issue 4
May 2017
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS
Fifth and Sixth Graders Go to Design Squad by Matthew Danielson and Samuel Wygonik
Design Squad was a competition between fifth and sixth graders from various schools across the Pittsburgh Area. The students worked very hard on their inventions. Some of their inventions included a retractable teeball set, and modified windshield wipers. Design Squad was May 23, 2017, at the WQED studio in Oakland. Students showed their inventions to a panel of judges. The students were split into multiple groups with kids from different schools. The student did multiple challenges to test their abilities to think outside of the box and create inventions to complete various challenges. Congratulations to everyone who completed!
Musicfest
Band Concert
by Isabel Godinez
by Gabrielle Barch
Throughout the last couple of months, the students have been practicing for the Musicfest, a music and art showcase organized by Mr Conroy, on Wednesday, May 24, at 6:30PM. The Art Show highlighted all of the completed compositions throughout the school year that the students had been working on. Performances from all grades and the student band were occurring, and the student’s artwork on display. Mr. Conroy has been working hard with the students and preparing them for their singing performances. A few of the songs that will be sung include It’s A Small World, Bare Necessities, Lost Boy, I See The Light, Try Everything, and Let’s Go Fly A Kite. All of these musical compositions are from Disney movies and have been chosen by the students. The students did a great job that night, and the art was amazing. All of the music was performed incredibly and everybody looked like they were having a good time.
Band started a few months into the school year. The many wonderful instruments included in band are flutes, clarinets, trumpets, drums, and even a trombone. We have had two concerts this year, one of which, our Christmas concert, consisted of fun and cheery Christmas songs. The spring concert consisted of a songs chosen by Mr. Matt, the band director. The concert was on May 24th, on the same day as the Musicfest. Everyone really seemed to enjoy the songs. Elliot Szalla and Gabrielle Barch both took solos on the blues music. Students in band really worked hard on our second-and-last concert of this year. From beginning to that very last song, everyone worked hard. I hope everyone enjoyed the concert.
May 2017
Issue 4
EIGHTH GRADE SUPERLATIVES Organized by Olivia Susa and Marisa Ostrosky Most Likely to Write a Novel - Stephanie Vojtilla Most Likely to Become a Millionaire - Marisa Ostrosky Most Likely to Become President - Chase Danielson Drama Queen - Annabelle Butts Nicest Smile- Reagan McGough Best Hair- Ally Swierczewski Best Eyes - Tabby Forster Most Artistic- Olivia Susa Most Likely to have Their Own Reality TV Show - Anthony Salem Most Likely to Appear on Dancing with the Stars - Molly Herbstritt Most Likely to Become a Scientist/Doctor - Hannah Kipp Most Likely to Become a Lawyer - Andrew Salsgiver Most Likely to Win the Lottery - Jack Ford Most Likely to be in the Olympics - Nevaeh Ewing Most Likely to Become the Next Crocodile Hunter - Carlo Venturini
Kid Says
Interviewers: Justine Spinelli and Savanah Ord
Coloring Contest
If you could create your own ice cream flavor what would it be? Ryan Imler (preschool) - Blue Alex Holman (kindergarten) - Minecraft and Xbox 1 Gus Blume (kindergarten) - Vanilla with chicken pieces and chocolate If you could talk to the sun what would you ask? Alex Gresham (first grade) - Turn down the brightness! Gemma Hornack (first grade) - You are too hot, stop! Ashley Stonfer (preschool) - Do you have any food? Kayla Zellefrow (kindergarten) - Tell him I’m six! Gus Blume (kindergarten) - Shine all day and stay out all night and day! What do you think the sun is made of? Alex Holman (preschool) - Pick axes on fire Addie Koslowski (kindergarten) - Flint and steel Gus Blume (kindergarten) - Reflective light Alex Gresham (first grade) - Lots of bright stars Where do fish sleep? Alex Holman (kindergarten) - In the trees Alex Gresham (first grade) - Sea weed Kayla Zellefrow (kindergarten) - Dig a hole in the sand and sleep in it. Gus Blume (kindergarten) - In a treehouse
Organized by Simon Szalla, Samuel Wygonik, and Rylan Zale
Pre-K - Ruby Buckham Kindergarden - N/A Grade 1 - Sebastian Simpson Grade 2 - Evan Stewart Grade 3 - Alex Godinez Grade 4 Makenna Lilly Grade 5 - Naturelle Ewing Grade 6 - Jada Jackson Grade 7 - Melaina DeZort Grade 8 - Chase Danielson
Issue 4
May 2017
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS
Students Honor the Virgin Mary Through the May Crowning by Jada Jackson
May Crowning this year took place on May 11, 2017, in the church. May Crowning is the celebration of The Virgin Mary’s Assumption that takes place in May. Jillian Bloch played the role of Our Blessed Mother. The second grade boys were honor guards, while the second grade girls played Hail Mary Girls.
Ninth Annual Dance Day by Justine Spinelli
At Mrs. Thimons’ Dance Day, all the grades danced to songs including the Hokey Pokey, the Bunny Hop, Macarena, the Chicken Dance, Electric Slide, Cupid Shuffle, Twist, and God Bless the USA. During God Bless the USA, one person from each grade stands up and waves an American Flag. This year in preschool was Lia Zacchia, Peyton Hornack for kindergarten, Andrew Kreinbrook for first, Nathan Rykaczewski for second, Neah Ewing for third, Emma Desanto for fourth, Arwen Ross-Blewett for fifth, Justine Spinelli for sixth, Rhiannon Litz for seventh, and Tabby Forster for eighth.
Field Day
Walk-A-Thon
by Justine Spinelli
by Justine Spinelli
This year’s PTK-run field day took place on May 30. Field day is a day when all of the classes go to the field and participate in fun activities. There are activities like tug a war, face painting, pop the balloon, and the three legged race. The PTK also brought in a snow cone truck where everyone from each class gets one snow cone. Each class gets a different colored t-shirt to wear on field day.
This year’s annual Walk-A-Thon was on May 5. The Walk-A-Thon starts a little after lunch and everyone walks around the school. Each class can walk around as many times as they want until dismissal. The Walk-A-Thon is an annual school fundraiser as well as a way to get students to exercise.
Note From Editor It has been such an honor to be the 2016 - 2017 OLMBSS newspaper editor. I have had the privilege to work with such an amazing group of students and teachers to make “The Rebels Pamphlet.” Thank you especially to our moderator, Miss Calligan, Mrs. Borland, and Mr. Davis for all their help and support this year. I am so proud of the entire newspaper staff for what they have accomplished. Sincerely, Georgia Horgan, Editor
Issue 4
HOROSCOPES
May 2017
by Olivia Susa and Marisa Ostrosky Aries - The Ram (March 21 - April 19) Aries are headstrong and sociable. They are determined to accomplish what they set their minds to. The Aries is a fire sign, matching their haughty and passionate personalities. They are outgoing and humorous, giving them a multitude of friends. They are intensely devoted people, though sometimes their patience is lacking.
Taurus - The Bull (April 20 - May 20) Tauruses are the most stubborn of the signs. They stand by their causes no matter what. Also, they are kind and empathetic. They appreciate those that are in their lives and are viewed as generous. Most people will trust them with concerns and secrets and they are patient enough to listen. They make good educators and excel in business. Despite the fact that they sometimes put their own interests before others, they will typically still give their time and belongings willingly.
brilliant people, but can become bitter and selfish if they are left without balance. They work well with others and are very social. Combined with their other traits, they make great teammates and friends. They have no qualms with making their thoughts known, even when unwanted.
Libra - Scales (September 23 - October 22) Libra’s are all about balance, justice, and mental calmness. They surround themselves with beauty, and honor. Libra’s are understanding, caring, and often underdogs. They tend to be shy, but despite their introverted nature they make excellent debaters.
Scorpio - Scorpion (October 23 - November 21) Scorpio’s are often misunderstood due to their bold, cool and confident personalities.They tackle tasks easily when they set their mind to it, and have an intense focus in difficult situations. Despite their bold nature, Scorpio’s are secretive but observant.
Gemini - The Twins (May 21 - June 20)
Sagittarius - Centaur (November 22 - December 21)
Gemini are adaptable above all else. They are talented at deciphering situations and are quick to act. Though, their personalities are difficult to predict, as they are capable of changing rapidly. They are creative and giving, long with being good at motivating themselves and others. They are supportive and persuasive, making them good candidates to become sales people.
Like Scorpio, Sagittarius have the ability of great focus and are often very intense. They channel their energy or waste time wearing themselves out by going into too many directions at once. They want quick results and whenever they fail they make quick, strong comebacks.
Cancer - The Crab (June 21 - July 22) Those born under the Cancer sign are traditionalists and value domestic life. They are completely fascinated with history, along with ancestry. They are interested in how things began. They can be moody, though they are conservative enough to hide their moods from others. They have a false reputation of being capricious. They are loyal and make good friends, but require alone time.
Leo - The Lion (July 23 - August 22) Leos are powerful and energetic. They make good leaders and are very vocal about what they stand for. Typically, these statements are correct. Leos can analyze a situation and come up with the actions for the best results rapidly, which is a skill that ties in with their leadership. They show courage and intuition, while also holding strong in their beliefs. Despite this, at heart, they are still generous and caring. Their domineering personality comes from their want to succeed and help others, though sometimes it is due to their egos.
Virgo - The Virgin (August 23 - September 22) Virgos are intelligent and convincing people. They question their surroundings and are talented at drawing conclusions from people’s personalities. They have a strong sense of intuition. They possess amazing memories. Virgos are
Capricorn - Goat (December 22 - January 19) Capricorn apply their knowledge to maintain stability and order. They are good organizers, very intuitive although they do not share this trait with others freely. Capricorn’s often shrug off negative comments to their character, and they are patient and know how to accomplish a task with their stepby-step plans. They want to take on the weight of the world, but ironically the rarely ever share their own problems.
Aquarius - Water Bearer (January 20 - February 18) Aquarius are simple, and prefer to accomplish goals quietly. Although they are quiet their effects on task are surprisingly effective. They will take up any cause, and are the humanitarians of the zodiac. Aquarius’s are easy going, honest, loyal, highly intelligent and make natural friendships. If not kept in check they can be prone to laziness, however they are quite aware of this and try their best to motivate themselves.
Pisces - Fish (February 19 - March 20) Also unassuming, the Pisces keep a low profile and can be overcautious. Pisces are gullible and they are often taken advantage of, which is unfortunate because they are beautifully gentle, and generous. They have intense determination, and are passionately devoted to a cause.