The Bear Facts: March 2013 Edition

Have a safe Spring Break

The

Bear

VOLUME 16, ISSUE NO. 4

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Facts

MARCH 8, 2013

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SAINT JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Prom set for Mississippi Children’s Museum By BRIA PAIGE Staff Writer St. Joseph seniors and juniors will celebrate their 2013 prom at the Mississippi Children’s Museum in Jackson – a location students and others say will make the event unique and unforgettable. The Children’s Museum, located off Highland Drive about a mile south of

St. Joe drama department to perform ‘The Music Man’

the Mississippi Agriculture Museum, provides elementary-age children with an interactive learning experience in such areas as cultural arts, literature and health. “I think prom at the Children’s Museum will be so much fun,” said Anna Claire Chastain, a junior at St. Joe. “We are all kids at heart, and we will probably end up running around like the little kids that go to the museum every

day.” The prom will be held on Saturday, April 27, from 7 p.m.-11 p.m.; the event is open to St. Joe seniors and juniors and their invited guests. Allison Tupman, the 11th grade adviser and one of the lead prom coordinators, said that “the Mississippi Children’s Museum was chosen because of its central location, size and availability. “With the growing number of stu-

dents attending prom, it is necessary that our venue be large enough to accommodate a sit-down dinner and still leave plenty of room for dancing and socializing,” Tupman said. “The majority of our event will be held in areas that most people don’t even realize exist.” The junior class is planning this year’s prom. Earlier in the school year, the junior class raised more than $7,000 for the prom budget through the sale of

cheese cakes. Money they raised will fund all of the costs for prom, with the remainder going to the junior class bank account. The entire Children’s Museum, including all interactive exhibits, will be open to all prom attendees. Among the exhibits are a giant, oversized Scrabble game and a large wooden train set. A separate area of the building will be See St. Joe prom, A8

SAVING BABIES

Using prayer and sacrifice, St. Joseph students travel nearly a thousand miles to participate in national pro-life movement

By JACK HALL Staff Writer St. Joseph Catholic School will stage its own production of the award-winning musical “The Music Man” this spring on campus. The Fine Arts Department will stage the play Friday, April 19, through Sunday, April 21. Tickets are $10 for general admission and will be on sale at the door. “The Music Man,” written by Meredith Wilson, is about a travelling con man who comes to town with a scam to start a boys’ band. The town is won over through upbeat tunes and the idea of a town marching band. In the process, the main character decides to do the right thing and creates the band. This will be a very exciting production, according to theater director Rachael Kenyon. “The whole thing, every part, is interesting,” Kenyon said. RACHAEL KENYON “The actors can be as big and comical as they want to be. All of the musical numbers are a lot of fun.” She urged students to plan now to attend. “These performers give so much of their time for this production,” she said. “And they want their peers to come out to see them.” School productions such as “The Music Man” are possible with the support and effort of the student body. Students balance play practice with ANDREW MORGAN academics, sports, and other extracurricular activities. They also build the sets, work the sound board, play in the orchestra, coordinate behind the scenes moving sets and act in the play. Sophomore actor Andrew Morgan, who played a key role in last fall’s production of “And Then There Were None,” landed the lead role of Harold Hill in “The Music Man.” Despite his involvement in fine arts, he said, academics comes first. “If I have a test the next day, I study for it before reading my script. If I want to stay in the play I have to keep my grades up,” Morgan said. Music director Ronnie Russell said he is excited to see so many of his students volunteer their time to play in the orchestra for the musical. He believes that the music, and especially having a live band, adds much to the musical. “It moves along the plot, and the music portrays the same tone as the scene on stage,” Russell said. “The acoustics of the auditorium also improve the See Music Man, A8

INSIDE THIS EDITION

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Story and photos by Elisabeth Scott

s friends and family waved goodbye in the early-morning chill, a group of St. Joe students prepared for five days of cold weather, personal reflection and spiritual sacrifice – all to save the lives of the unborn.

Top photo: Hundreds of people march on Washington and the nation’s Capitol to protest the legalization of abortion that took place 40 years ago with the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe V. Wade. Bottom photo: St. Joe students Bridget Abadie, left, Sammie Dupont, Mary Kathryn Wheatley and Lucy Loveless participate in the annual March for Life event protesting abortion.

The 107 students were on a mission Thursday, Jan. 24. They were headed to Washington, D.C., to participate in March for Life, which commemorated the 40th anniversary of the legalization of abortion in the United States. “I went on the trip because I believe that every life is sacred,” said Lucy Loveless, a sophomore. St. Joseph students joined other students from Catholic parishes from across the state on the annual trip to the nation’s capital to protest the legalization of abortion. While St. Joe students have made the annual trek to Washington for three years, joining Catholics from Louisiana

on the trip, this MORE INSIDE was the first time  Students the Catholic reflect on Diocese of Jackmarch, A4 son sponsored a group. St.  Maggie Joe sophomore Smith: March Mary Kathryn leaves lasting Wheatley said memories, A5 she wanted to  Nathan Gieb: “be a voice for A personal those who canjourney, A8 not speak for themselves.” “Our generation is making a difference and influencing others through our sacrifices and efforts,” she said. As St. Joe students gathered in the school gym that Thursday morning waiting for their chartered bus to arrive, the tone among them and some chaperones was a mix of nervousness, excitement and anticipation. Bishop Joseph Latino blessed everyone, who were then split into two busses. The buses pulled out of the parking See March for Life, A8

St. Joseph celebrates Black History Month By LONDON HATTEN Staff Writer Black History Month is the annual month to remember the important people and events in the history of the African American culture. The whole month is a celebration of African American history and an acknowledgement of the hard work put in for African Americans to be free. It is also to help people become more tolerant of each other’s differences. The annual month is February for the

United States MORE INSIDE and October for  Trip opens the United Kingeyes to civil dom. rights, B5 In 1926, historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the second week of February to be “Negro History Week.” This week was chosen because it marked the birthday of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. It was also chosen because it was the founding

month of the NAACP. “Negro History Week” soon became “Black History Month.” The first celebration was at Kent State in February of 1970. African Americans struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society. Many African Americans fought for the right to be treated equally as stated in the Constitution: “All men are created equal.” Although “Black History Month” was to strike at the importance of black history, there were many critics. Mor-

 St. Joe students travel to France, A3  Speech and Debate heads to Nationals, A6  Basketball team nets winning season, B1

gan Freeman, a critic of Black History Month, said, “I don’t want a Black History Month. Black history is American history.” Carter G. Woodson said he hoped the week could one day be eliminated – when black history would become fundamental to American history. On Feb. 7, Verna Meyers of Madison led a Black History Month assembly at St. Joseph Catholic School. Meyers mainly explained what black history was to her and how it contributed to her See black history, A8

Visit The Bear Facts Online www.sjbearfacts.com

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Our View

Opinion

MARCH 8, 2013

Senior sentimentality: Laziness: Speech and debate team a vicious cycle T

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rocrastination is probably the largest hurdle any high school student will ever have to face in order to achieve good grades. At home, students may believe they have much better things to do, or at least things they would rather do than study and slave away doing homework. Then, the next day, they stress and run around trying to finish any of the work they put off. Ask yourself: In the end, is putting off a half hour of work for several hours of fun really worth the stress the next day? Sadly, in some cases, common sense and determined work ethic has a hard time beating evening television. The worst habit some students have developed due to procrastination is staying up freakishly late at night. Many upperclassmen can, no doubt, attest to this. It just seems that the more you progress from grade level to grade level, the later that you will stay up at night. When some see the clock hit 10, they think: “Well, it’s time for ‘The Daily Show.’ No way I’m going to bed now.” Next thing they know it’s two hours later and they think, “Well, time to catch up on my YouTube subscriptions.” By the end it’s 3 in the morning. They dread waking up. And they finally force themselves to get some sleep. The point is that we live in a time where there are so many distractions, the Internet being possibly being the largest one. Homework is not the only thing students put off. Without sleep, a student will probably spend the time they didn’t sleep the night before napping in class. The best thing that any student can do to combat this is to do some form of exercise in the afternoon to burn off any excess energy, go home, eat dinner and finish their homework. That student will most likely have plenty of time to watch television and kick back. When it starts getting late, set a time to head to bed and turn off any electronics. Sit somewhere quiet and just let yourself wind down. In no time, your body will be ready for some well-needed rest. Just remember that a teenager needs a good eight hours of sleep or more per night. Is staying up all night on YouTube, playing video games or watching television really worth the misery and drowsiness the next day? The answer is sometimes. But most of the time it’s better to procrastinate on watching your shows than it is to put off on catching some Z’s.

The Bear Facts Miranda Barrett • Teryn Yazdani Editors Matthew McKinley Web Site Editor Terry R. Cassreino, Faculty Adviser Keith Barnes, Principal

Reporters Halle Anderson Jack Butts Rachel Divine Searcy Fox Nathan Gieb Victor Griffin Matthew Harkey London Hatten Nick Hembree Jack Hoffman Mary Claire Logue Jacquelyn Massey

Reporters Sam Osborne Bria Paige Olivia Post Sara Powell Rachel Reddix Kathryn Sckiets Elisabeth Scott Milena Sebuktekin Maggie Smith Ian Vandevender Jordan Welsh Whitney Willoughby

The Bear Facts, the official student newspaper of St. Joseph Catholic School, is published at least once each quarter of the school year. This newspaper is devoted to the interests of the student body, faculty, parents, alumni and community of St. Joseph. This paper’s purpose is to reflect the spirit of St. Joseph Catholic School, keep the school community informed and help promote the school’s Christian values. All stories and photographs are copyright © 2013 by The Bear Facts and St. Joseph Catholic School. Reproduction and unauthorized use of any article, photograph or graphic in this newspaper is prohibited without explicit written consent in advance. Contact The Bear Facts, P.O. Box 2027, Madison, MS 39130-2927.

his upcoming Memorial Day, the St. Joseph Speech and Debate team will take 16 competitors and their TERYN YAZDANI families to Editor the City of Brotherly Love – also known as Philadelphia, Penn. As a senior member and captain of the team, this will be my fifth year on the team and my fourth and final year of going to a Catholic Nationals Tournament with the St. Joe forensics team – meaning that each and every moment will be full of sentiment and nostalgia. Looking back on my years with the team, I am reminded of all of the friendships and relationships I have made. This activity, which is actually considered a sport by the MHSAA, is not easily understood by those on the outside. Sure, we travel on most weekends and run around in suits all day. But on a deeper level, Speech and Debate is a bunch of colorful characters arguing and

talking to walls. Just kidding. We don’t argue – we debate. We do, however, talk to walls. Ask any one on the team. Despite waking up in the wee hours of the morning and going until we drop at the end of the day, I wouldn’t have spent my high school weekends any other way. I’m going to miss helping the novices (who, by the way, are phenomenal this year) and all the crazy antics that go down at practices and the tournaments themselves. Apples to Apples and “Lion/Fish” anyone? This activity has given me relationships that surpass grade lines, making friendships with people that I might not have known otherwise. Even though the season is not exactly over, I would just like to take a moment to thank my amazing coaches and teammates for all of the wonderful memories that I will be leaving with as I cross the graduation stage. I know that I have nothing to worry about for the years to come because the team is being left in ever capable hands. I cannot wait until our team Special to The Bear Facts takes Philly by storm, making Members of the St. Joe speech and debate team after a school assembly impressions and memories on last month. From left: Kathryn Sckiets; James Patin; Pam Walberg, the the national stage that last. team coach; Miranda Barrett; and Teryn Yazdani.

Word to the wise – college prep work is not a walk in the park

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nderclassmen look forward to their senior year about as much as seniors look forward to graduation. I remember my freshman year, getting to know all the seniors and wishing that I could be as old and cool as they were. Then, in my sophomore year, I simply wanted to get through my tough classes and imagined my senior year being carefree and fun. And, of course, last year all I wanted was to hurry up and get to my senior year. I must admit, senior year is pretty great. Finally having a sense of authority is very refreshing after five years of being the little kids. The senior deck is also a nice perk of being top dog. However, I have to warn you that senior year, while fun and exciting, is also the most stressful year of high school. The main reason is, of course, college. At the beginning of the year you will be thrust into a confusing world of online applications, vague instructions on scholarships, and no real plan for how to get into college.

The stress of picking schools, applying for admission and scholarships and trying to keep track MIRANDA BARRETT of it all Editor stays with you and builds up over time. As a senior looking back on the application process, St. Joe offered a lot of effective guidance. The annual college fair each fall, which attracts representatives from higher education institutions across the South and the country, is an effective event that offers students an opportunity to see what programs specific universities offer. The ACT prep classes are a great way to help students improve scores on the ACT – something many colleges use to help decide to accept students or offer them scholarships. St. Joe also is revising and

improving the help it provides students in the actual application process. I wish I had a better plan going into that process. Instead, I picked seven schools to apply to and hoped for the best. I still have trouble keeping up with where I am with each school. One possibility: Maybe St. Joe could offer a class or small session with a teacher or counselor specifically geared toward the application process. I had been told multiple times to apply for scholarships and to use what’s called the “Common Application.” But I didn’t really have any idea how to do any of it. So, based on my experiences this year, allow me to offer some advice to help you manage the stress and confusion of college applications. First of all, start making a list of colleges that interest you. I advise keeping it to five schools or less. Some people will advise you to pick nine – but let’s face it, nine applications would make you go absolutely crazy. Pick some schools in state and some out of state. Have one that you

know you’ll get into, and one that you know is a long shot. After that, go to each college’s Web site and find out if they use the Common Application. If not, fill out their application on their individual site. I suggest using the same email and password for each application and writing it down. After that, you just have to wait. Once you’re accepted, you’ll receive more information about scholarship applications. The most important part is to start early. The summer before your senior year, decide which schools to which you want to apply. Also get your difficult classes out of the way during your sophomore and junior years. Don’t overload yourself with hard work. Trust me, you’ll be happy later. So, to sum it all up, look forward to your senior year. Just prepare yourself, because you only get to apply to the right college once. Unless of course you slack off your senior year and get to do it again later.

Student Views

With the third semester coming to a close at St. Joseph Catholic School, eighth-grader Kaitlyn Watson, a contributor to The Bear Facts, asked students how much time they spend on homework each night. Here is what some of them said:

Christina Burse, 7th Grade “I spend probably an hour and thirty minutes studying because I want to get A’s on my tests.”

Liza Ambriz, 8th Grade “Probably four or five hours because I want to get good grades in school.”

Charles King, 9th Grade “Probably three hours because I really need to study.”

Darius Farmer, 10th Grade “An hour because I want to get good grades.”

Casey Hall, 11th Grade “Three hours because I love school.”

Rachel Robinson, 12th Grade “Only thirty minutes because I already know most of it from school.”

With the fourth quarter set to begin after Spring Break, Watson asked students whether they liked the first semester or the second semester better. Here is what some of them said:

Kristian Washington, 7th Grade “I like the second semester because school’s almost over.” Matthew McKinley, 12th Grade “I like second semester more because I don’t have to do any more college applications.”

Pera Massey, 8th Grade “I like the second semester because I’m ready for eight grade to be over with.” Trey Orsborne, 12th Grade “I like the second semester because it’s closer to the end of the school year.”

MARCH 8, 2013

Bruin News

St. Joseph girls take the ‘Nun Run 2013’ By ELISABETH SCOTT Staff Writer Fifteen high school girls from St. Joseph Catholic School joined religion teacher Emily Lazor and St. Richard’s youth group leaders Amelia Rizor and Melisa Shapley for the “Nun Run 2013.” The girls met at St. Richard Catholic Church on Saturday, Feb. 23, to leave for Louisiana. Arriving in Louisiana around 10:30 a.m., the ladies went to the Magnificat House to drop off their luggage. The Magnificat House is a place where young women can live during their discernment process. Discernment is listening to God’s call to vocations. This is where the girls met Sister Diane, a Marianite nun, and Sister Carmen, a Sister of the Holy Family. After the girls got settled in at the Magnificat House, they left to have lunch with the Marianites of the Holy Cross. The Marianites gave a

“I was really touched by all the nuns who are so in love with Jesus Christ.” – Maggie Smith, a junior tour of their convent. After the tour, the group spent some time with the Discalced Carmelites. The Carmelites are a cloistered order, meaning they spend most of their day in prayer without leaving their convent Then, the group had evening prayers with the Daughters of St. Paul. The Daughters of St. Paul specialize in evangelization through the media. They manage a bookstore, Pauline Press, and their convent

is right above their chapel which is located the level above their bookstore. For dinner, the group spent time with the Sisters and Daughters of Charity. The sisters spoke about their charism and ministry. After the long day, the group headed back to the Magnificat House for games and stories of vocations. The next day, the girls were treated to breakfast with the O. Carmelites at the Magnificat House. After breakfast, the group went to Mass at the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans. At Mass, the group met with the Nashville Dominicans of St. Cecillia. The Dominicans gave the group a tour of their chapel and showed a quick video about their order and the mother house in Nashville. After a long weekend of fun with the nuns, the group said its good-byes to all the sisters, and Special to The Bear Facts the ladies headed back to MadiStudents from St. Joseph Catholic School hug Sister Grace, a Discalced Carmelite nun, during the son. “Nun Run 2013.” Sister Grace’s convent is in Covington, La.

Students ready for break By MARY CLAIRE LOGUE Staff Writer Spring break and warmer weather are here – the week-long holiday begins today. “Spring Break is the best time of the school year. It marks the end of third quarter, which means you have survived writing your research paper and only two months until you get out for summer,” sophomore Joanna Bellan said. “Spring break is always fun because the weather is warm and you can go outside.” Spring Break is generally one week in late March. It gives students an opportunity to relax and take a break from the pressures and hard work at school. The break falls right after third quarter, which many St. Joe students say feels like the longest quarter of the school year. Usually, every student has something different planned for the break. Sophomores Sophia and Isa-

“Spring Break

is always fun because the weather is warm and you can go outside.” – Joanna Bellan, a sophomore belle Cosmich, senior Alex Cosmich and their family are going to Brenckenridge, Colo., for a ski trip. The ski trip is a big change from trips the family has taken in the past to warmer climates like Costa Rica. “Our family loves warm weather, but we thought we should try something new,” Sophia said. Although the Cosmich family is spending break at a cold venue, many people try to venture off to warm tropical places after the

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holidays to relax. That is exactly what the Doiron family has planned. Eighth-grader Shelby Doiron, her twin brother Chad, and their family are going to Hawaii for spring break. Shelby said, “I can’t wait to hang out with my friends in Hawaii and drink really good milkshakes.” Sophomore Joanna Bellan and her family are spending the break at the beaches along Gulf Shores, Alabama. Bellan said, “I’m so ready for warm weather and to be able to lay out on the beach.” Some students don’t have plans for the break in March and plan on staying at home to relax. Sophomore Hunter Beene is staying in Madison over the vacation. “I plan on hanging out with all of my other friends in town and going to the pool,” Beene said. Many families stay home over the break because they do not want to deal with the struggles of traveling.

St. Joseph group heads to France By RACHEL DIVINE Staff Writer St. Joseph French teacher Bobbi Naylor is taking a group of students and parents to France. Six adults and 13 students left Mississippi on Thursday and will return March 15. “I have taken students to France several times in the past. It is a great teaching and learning tool,” Naylor said. On the trip, students will see places discussed in class. On the first day alone, students will take a walk around Paris and visit Ile de la Cité, Notre Dame Cathedral, Ile St. Louis and the Latin Quarter. “It will be cool seeing the Arc de Triomphe and going into museums like Le Louvre and just experiencing all the stuff we talked about in class,” junior Natalie Smyth said. Day 1 will not be an easy one, however. The group will arrive in Paris at 6 a.m. after a 17-hour plane ride.

“I’m mostly looking forward to eating the food and seeing the Eiffel Tower,”

– Lucy Kennington, a junior “I will probably sleep most of the plane ride because the minute we get off, we will be exploring,” said junior Lucy Kennington. The students will also be able to use the language that they have been studying. It will help them get from place to place easier. “We will have to be able to read signs in French and communicate with the French people,” Kennington said. On second day, students will visit Paris landmarks including the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-

Élysées, Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, École Militaire, Les Invalides, Conciergerie, Tuileries, Place Vendôme, and the Opera House. “I’m mostly looking forward to eating the food and seeing the Eiffel Tower. Also, I’m excited for being with friends in foreign country,” Kennington said. On the third day, the group will ride Europe’s fastest train, the TVG, to Avignon. On Day 4, they will Travel to Cote d’Azur via Aix-en-Provence & Cassis and go on a Calanques cruise. They will also travel to Nice this day. On Day 5, they will visit Monaco, tour the Prince’s palace and visit the Parfumerie. On their final day in France, they will visit the Côte d’Azur. “I have seen almost everything we will see. I enjoy seeing it for the first time through the eyes of others. I look forward to just being in France. I love it – everything from the café au lait to the baguettes,” Naylor said.

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Bruin News

March for Life: Saving babies

MARCH 8, 2013

St. Joseph students share their thoughts, feelings in letters

Several students in Barbara Mustain’s and Emily Lazor’s 10th- and 11th-grade religion classes participated in this year’s March for Life. After returning, as part of a class assignment, the students wrote letters reflecting on their experiences. Here are a few of the letters the students wrote.

On my journey to March for Life in Washington, D.C., I had no idea what to expect. My mind was filled with different visions and expectations of what I would experience. What I encountered on the March for Life was far greater than I ever imagined. The streets of Washington, D.C., were filled with thousands of high school and college students sharing their pro-life beliefs. This large amount of people was mind-blowing! An estimated 650,000 people marched the cold streets in D.C. as it began to snow. As I was marching, a sign with these wise words touched my heart: “Any country that accepts abortion, is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what it wants,” Mother Teresa. After I read these words, I began to pray for our country and its leaders. While walking up Capital Hill as it began to snow, I realized that if our God is for us, who can be against us? I continue to pray everyday for the abolishment of abortion. I hope that you do, too, and realize that everyday is a blessing and gift from God. – Mary Kathryn Wheatley

Photo by Elisabeth Scott/The Bear Facts St. Joseph Catholic School students on the March for Life in Washington, D.C., pose in the National Mall just before the march.

This was my first year on March for Life, and all I can say is that it was an experience – but an amazing one. I went on the March for Life with the Catholic Diocese of Jackson. I went on the march because I believe that abortion should be made illegal and that every life is precious, no matter the size or shape. I put my energy and effort into this problem by prayer and sacrifice. I sacrificed warmth for those (who) can’t feel it (and) my phone for those who never get one. I prayed so much on four short days that it felt like a lifetime with God. I’ve never been so happy or at peace with myself. This trip did change me; it helped me grow in my faith and it showed me that I love God and babies. – Lucy Miller Loveless

The March for Life mission trip I took with my diocese to Washington, D.C., was one of the greatest experiences I’ve had in my life as a Catholic. The march truly defined what I believe: All life is sacred and a gift given from God. About 650,000 pro-life voices were heard that day, and the world can’t ignore this injustice in our society any longer. I was one of the many that gave a voice to the voiceless, fought for those that could not fight. That’s why I came on this pilgrimage – to defend life. I will never forget this experience I shared with my friends and can’t wait to March for Life next year. “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” – Jeremiah 1:5 – Jackson Olstad

I thought that the March for Life we had this year was great. We had a wonderful group with us, which made the trip all the more wonderful. One thing that I really loved about the march was the fact that you could really tell that everyone wanted to be there. You could just tell by the way that no one complained on the actual march; instead, we all walked around with smiles on our faces, chanting about how we were saving babies. Also, when any hardship came our way, like when the bus was late outside the train station in the freezing cold, we all simply huddled together and just enjoyed each other’s company ignoring the cold. One thing that I definitely got out of this trip was a huge new group of friends. I don’t think there was one person on our bus that I didn’t grow closer to on that trip. The same thing happened last year, too. I always leave the March for Life with at least 40 new friends. I’ll definitely be going again next year, – Sammie Dupont

Photo by Elisabeth Scott/The Bear Facts A marcher holds a sign during the March for Life in Washington, D.C., in January.

March for Life 2013 opened my eyes to the reality of abortion. I would not say the march itself impacted me the most, but the thousands of people joining together around me fighting for life. To be a part of such a large movement changed my perspective completely. Walking by a stranger was like walking by a family member because this common bond was so strong. I will forever remember this experience because those 650,000 people, and I now share the love and the sacrifice for the pro-life movement. – Lindsey Funderburg

Bruin News

MARCH 8, 2013

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March for Life leaves lasting memories A personal day-by-day account of the 2013 March for Life By MAGGIE SMITH Staff Writer

It’s Thursday, Jan. 24, and two large charter buses are parked outside St. Joseph Catholic School. Teenagers and college students crowd into the gym, sporting sweatpants and MAGGIE SMITH stuffed, rolling suitcases. The crowd splits into small cliques, separated into each church of the Jackson Diocese. Eventually, the students wait in the bleachers as the buses load and the churches distribute between the two vehicles. St. Richard’s Catholic Church has particular trouble, even though they have just 10 students and two chaperones. Excitement fills the air, quickly turning into anxiety at the slow pace. But eventually, Bishop Joseph Latino of the Jackson Diocese gives his blessing, the buses load, the students head for Washington, D.C., and the 2013 March for Life. This is my personal day-by-day account of the trip – a yearly effort to overturn the Roe V. Wade U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortions.

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DAY 1: THURSDAY, JAN. 24 The first day begins slowly. Some people introduce themselves. But, initially, the bus ride involves little more than a few dozen teenagers plugging in their iPods. Eventually, the Rev. Scott Thomas starts a game of “Two Truths and a Lie,” which prompts a few students to interact. I meet students from St. Joe Greenville and chat with a few Millsaps students. Still, there isn’t much human interaction outside of individual churches until a few hours later. By the time we stop for dinner, everything shifts. The small group of St. Joe students on my bus teaches everyone the dance for “Alive Again” by Matt Maher, and the Millsaps students teach the high school students about their majors. Prayer takes on a major role, through the Rosary and samples of

the Liturgy of the Hours. I learn that Reya is full-blooded Lebanese, fluent in a dialect that mixes French, Arabic and English; that Erin is a film and English major; that Kevin speaks fluent French; and that Melinda embodies the craziness of Megan, a character from the film “Bridesmaids.” Dinner is in a mall food court, the first of many. I bond with my youth group and chat with anyone on the trip who passes by. Everything becomes a bit crazy as Bailey Brilley comments on Mrs. Mustain’s “ice cream swag” and Ms. Lazor drops her salad while busting a move. The night closes with more bonding through Two Truths and a Lie, a showing of “Despicable Me,” and the final decat of the rosary. Students line the floor to sleep more easily, while others cram themselves into awkward positions in the seats. I stay awake for a while. I have never understood how people can sleep easily on road trips, especially on crowded buses.

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DAY 2: FRIDAY, JAN. 25 The second day begins for many at about 3 in the morning. We stop at some type of truck stop or rest station in Virginia to change into warmer clothes, but apparently there is not enough room for it to be very efficient. We drive another hour to change. The bus is boiling with so many bodies wrapped in warm clothes, but everything’s quiet for a while, as most are back to sleep or just exhausted. Around 8 or 8:30 a.m., the buses arrive in Washington. Every member of the bus wears a thick blue hat, so we can be identified on the march. We spend about an hour walking around D.C., pausing to take pictures and pray two decats of the ro-

“ I really loved the Basilica. The mosaics were so beautiful, and they really showed Catholic unity from around the world.” – Hannah Heilman, a junior at St. Joe

Photo by Maggie Smith/The Bear Facts St. Joseph Catholic School students Hannah Heilman, left, Mollie Montgomery and Bailey Brilley stand in the National Mall minutes before they participated in the March for Life.

sary in front of the White House. My group waits outside the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum for what feels like several hours as my toes go numb in my boots and my hand warmers run out of juice. Finally, the doors open, and a sea of blue hats floods the museum; people try to thaw themselves after who knows how long in the cold. The museum food court overflows with teenagers crowding cash registers, trying to get a bite to eat. McDonald’s is the standard choice. We wander the museum for an hour admiring the dozens of flying machines, from flimsy to futuristic, hanging from the ceiling. Finally, we gather outside and head to the National Mall. It is time for the march. It turns out we have approximately an hour and half before the actual march begins. We receive signs and other prolife memorabilia, and, slowly, every ounce of warmth soaked in from the museum fades away. As the hour and a half dwindles to one hour, then to 30 minutes, delirium sets in. We entertain ourselves by hitting each other with signs that read “Defend Life.” It’s strange how entertaining and ironic it is. “We’re moving. I think we’re moving!” someone shouts every 10 minutes or so. But, eventually, we are. The huge mass of people slowly inches its way along the route of the march, and this is when it becomes extremely difficult.

“ Our bus driver told us that when he came on the bus, he wasn’t sure what his view on abortion was. But after spending a few days with us, we changed his point of view and he decided abortion was wrong.” – Mollie Montgomery, a junior at St. Joe By this time, it hurts to move your feet because they are practically frozen in your boots. You’re surrounded by people who don’t have a good understanding of personal space. Did I mention the steady stream of snow that starts falling halfway through? But somehow, it’s all worth it. The Rosary comes to mind, and it keeps me occupied at the slow pace we’ve adopted. I remember why I’m there, and it somehow makes me feel less cold. Soon enough, the march ends, and members of the Jackson Diocese struggle in the cold to find the bus. It takes us about another hour and a half, which includes doing nothing but standing in the snow. The night is topped off with a Matt Maher concert and youth rally none of us really want to attend. We spend far too long on a bus and in the cold, and it seems almost cruel to be kept away from a cushy hotel room. But eventually, the rally doesn’t seem so bad, and I dance with my friends to every Maher song we know and a few we really don’t. We run into an old St. Joe teacher who’s since moved away. It’s almost like we were supposed to be there.

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DAY 3: SATURDAY, JAN. 26 Saturday is tour day, beginning with the Jackson Diocese placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Most of our day is spent driving to Photo by Maggie Smith/The Bear Facts Reya Hayek of Greenville prepares to march on the U.S. Capitol. Hayek was part of the delegation from throughout the The Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, an enormous Catholic Catholic Diocese of Jackson that traveled to Washington, D.C., for the annual event.

church with a huge underground burial chamber with the names of the dead inscribed on the walls. The basilica also houses dozen of different altars to Mary, represented in several different cultures. The church itself is huge, with rows upon rows of pews and a huge vaulted ceiling with varying biblical mosaics. This part of the trip is junior Hannah Heilman’s favorite. “I really loved the Basilica. The mosaics were so beautiful, and they really showed Catholic unity from around the world,” Heilman said. The day ends with a night tour of D.C. After a long few days of bus rides in cramped quarters and standing in the cold, it’s nice to kick back for a little while.

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DAY 4: SUNDAY, JAN. 27 Suddenly, we’re leaving. The buses are loaded, my sweat pants are on, and we pile back into the buses for the long trip home. There isn’t much to describe. Mostly, we sleep. We talk, we laugh and we pray. But mostly we sleep. There is one memorable event, however. It’s what junior Mollie Montgomery remembers most. “One moment I really remember is when our bus driver told us that when he came on the bus, he wasn’t sure what his view on abortion was,” she said. “But after spending a few days with us, we changed his point of view and he decided abortion was wrong.” We share a moment. And again, we sleep.

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DAY 5: MONDAY, JAN. 28 Around 3 in the morning, it’s all over. I leave the bus and new friends behind in the St. Joe parking lot. I sit in my room, thinking about it all. I scroll through Instagram photos, browse footage on my camera. It all seems so far away, like a dream. It seems like a very happy, very new and different dream. Before I know it, I really am dreaming, asleep in my own warm, freshly made bed. But when I wake, for some reason I miss the scratchy bus seats and the stiffness in my body. Or maybe I just miss the people with whom I woke laughing.

More student letters from March for Life When we first pulled out of the St. Joe parking lot Thursday morning, I had no idea what to expect. This was my first time to go on the march ... The prospect of going out of my way and dropping everything I was doing back home in order to go nearly 1,000 miles across country seemed less than appealing, and while I was excited, I felt a great deal of uncertainty. ... The march itself was a very unique experience. I was surprised to see how many people there were not angry, ranting, or bitter. Rather, a vast majority of the 650,000 gathered were peacefully walking in support of their cause. As the temperature began to drop and snow started to fall, I realized what incredible dedication on our parts it took to come out this weekend. Yes, the much-repeated words “prayer and sacrifice” became tiresome after a short while, but perhaps in this case, the journey was the destination. As we pulled back in to Madison early Monday morning, there was a certain sense of solemnity that followed such a powerful experience. Maybe we only made a small change this year, but by continuing to demand a voice for the voiceless, we can soon bring reform. –Bailey Brilley

The experience I had on March for Life was not much different than I expected. ... It was prayer and sacrifice for all those who don’t have a voice in the world. We were speaking for all the unborn that couldn’t, the lives that were at risk. The whole thing was a very moving, powerful experience. I would say my favorite part of the march would be getting to the top of Capitol Hill and looking back and seeing all the people that had come out to support the pro-life movement. It was people and posters as far as the eye could see. The best part of the trip for me was visiting the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. It is the most beautiful church I have ever seen in my entire life. The outside of the church is huge and very pretty. When you go inside there are two floors. Both levels have many Chapels for the Virgin Mother. ... My overall experience on the March for Life was one I won’t forget anytime soon. I am so glad I got to make this pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., to show my support of the pro-life movement. – Hannah Heilman

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MARCH 8, 2013

Speech and debate heads The 85th Academy Awards to national competition was one to remember By KATHRYN SCKIETS Staff Writer

St. Joseph Catholic School speech and debate team is used to competing in tournaments all over the state, from DeSoto County to Pascagoula. At the end of the school year, however, 16 team members will pack their bags for Philadelphia to attend the Catholic National Tournament in Philadelphia, Penn., during the last weekend in May. “I feel as though going to Nationals will be an extremely wonderful experience,” said sophomore Meredith King of Madison, an active member of the team who will compete in Oral Interpretation. “I’m super excited to spend bonding time with the rest of the speech and debate team and to meet new people as well.” These team members have qualified to attend the tournament: Kathryn Sckiets, Teryn Yazdani, Miranda Barrett, Bailey Brilley, Andrew Morgan, and Maggie Smith in the category of Duo Interpretation; Gene Loper, Benjamin Payne, and Patrick

Morgan in the category of Dramatic Performance; James Patin in the category of Original Oratory; Bria Paige in Lincoln Douglas Debate; Noah Greene in Declamation; Robert Tonos in Extemporaneous Speaking; and Meredith King, Megan Patterson, and Caleb McCullum in Oral Interpretation. In past years, St. Joseph has taken a large group of students to compete in the Catholic National Tournament, which normally takes place immediately after school gets out in May. However, this year the team is taking one of the largest groups of students in its history. The Catholic National Tournament brings together thousands of speech and debate competitors from all over the country. On Saturday of the tournament, the students will participate in four rounds of competition, which are generally held at local universities and divided up by the different events. The competitors discover Saturday night if they advanced to, or “broken into,” the next rounds of competition – which will then take

place on Sunday. In the past, St. Joseph has seen team members advance to the octo-finals and quarter-finals in debate. In addition, the team will also have time to explore the city of Philadelphia. This is a prospect that history teacher and speech and debate coach, Pam Walberg

“I’m super excited to spend bonding time with the rest of the Speech and Debate team and to meet new people as well.” – Meredith King, a sophomore of Jackson, is looking forward to. “We will be visiting one of the most historic cities in the country,” Walberg said. “I’m looking forward to the trip – this is one of the largest groups of students we’ve ever taken.”

and Joseph Gordon-Levitt did By MATTHEW MCKINLEY a dance routine while singing “Be Our Guest” from Disney’s Website Editor “Beauty and the Beast.” The The Academy Awards, the host also brought some his famost notable and esteemed mous humor to the Oscars, with movie award ceremony, has once many jokes being well received, again passed. In this admittedly but several still receiving groans tough year with several strong from the audience. As for awards, Ben Affleck’s movies and actors, the Academy had its work cut out for it as it “Argo” caused a bit of an upset, chose the best of the best. But beating out Steven Spielberg’s this year’s Oscars also became a “Lincoln” for Best Picture. Afyear to celebrate music in mov- fleck, who had been snubbed in ies, which seemed appropri- this year’s Best Director categoate given the popularity of the ry, got up on stage on the verge musical-turned-movie “Les Mi- of tears after First Lady Michelle sérables.” Also, brought in this Obama announced his win. The year were several singers from Best Director award went to Ang the James Bond series leading Lee for his masterful rendition up to Adele Adkins’ song “Sky- of Yann Martel’s classic “Life of fall” winning the award for Best Pi,” a movie once deemed “impossible to make.” Original Song. Best actress went to Jennifer Luckily, the host Seth MacFarLawrence for her role in “Silver lane, creator of hit shows such as “Family Guy” and “American Linings Playbook,” with Best Dad” as well as the movie “Ted,” Supporting Actress going to was well versed when it comes Anne Hathaway for her role of to musical theater and brought Fantine in “Les Misérables.” Best Supporting Actor went on several classic songs as well as a few he wrote himself for to Christoph Waltz, a seeming the show. Most notable of these Oscar winning machine when was when he, Daniel Radcliffe, paired with director Quentin Tar-

antino, who won Best Original Screenplay, both of them winning for their work in “Django Unchained.” The award for Best Actor seemed to be the only one that night that everyone knew the outcome of, going to Daniel DayLewis for his performance as the titular character in “Lincoln,” making him the first actor to win three Oscars in the Best Actor category. As for the other awards, “Amour” took the Award for Best Foreign Picture, “Innocente” won Best Documentary, “Brave” won Best Animated Picture, and “Paperman” won Best Animated Short. Each being exceptional in their respective categories. The night ended with “Life of Pi” taking home the most awards, mainly in visual effects and design categories. Nobody really left with a frown on their face, except for Kristen Stewart who left with no expression at all. Overall it was a night with every award being well earned by the professionals who rightly deserved them.

Brain drain: The ACT challenges St. Joe students By NIC HEMBREE Staff Writer

Food, water, clothing and shelter are among life’s necessities – along with something every high school student needs if he or she plans to attend college: The ACT. “I hate it,” junior Blake Rueff said. “But it’s pretty much required if I want to go to any college down South.” The ACT is a national college admissions exam that consists of tests covering English, reading, mathematics and science reasoning. ACT originally was an acronym for American College Testing; it was created as a competitor to the SAT, or Scholastic Aptitude Test. The ACT and SAT are the

most effective guidance for colleges when screening students for their university. The number of students who take the ACT has steadily increased through the years. “It goes like this,” junior Richard Brown said. “You wake up pretty early in the morning and go to the testing place. Then you go inside and sit and take the test with a break in the middle.” The four separate subject tests each have a time limit. The English section is composed of 75 questions completed in 45 minutes; the math section has 60 questions completed in 60 minutes; and the reading and science sections have 40 questions each completed in 35 minutes each. Some St. Joe students said they

found the reading portion of the exam the hardest. “It’s just the fact that you have little time per question and on top of that you have to read these super boring stories,” said junior Joe Harkins. Others found different sections difficult. “To me science was hard because it was really boring and a lot of reading. I probably did pretty bad,” sophomore Michael Potts said. Some students have techniques to conquer these difficulties. In the reading section, some questions ask for the definitions of words in the passages you must read these words are underlined in the passage and are known to be the easiest part of

the section. Go through the entire reading portion and answer all of these. After that, skim the passages and answer the questions normally. In the math section, go through and find 20 problems that you know you can do and seem easy.

If you get all these easier ones right, you are guaranteed at least a 25 out of 36 score on Math. Many people spend a long time to prepare for the ACT and have pre-test rituals as well. “I like to listen to some slow, classical music because I heard it

makes you do better,” sophomore Jordan Vice said. Vice is right. A study by CBS News shows that classical music calms your brain and lowers emotions – which can give you more focus, ultimately leading to a better test score.

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Mock Trial Team: Our future lawyers By SAM OSBORNE Staff Writer All rise. The St. Joseph Catholic School Mock Trial Team advanced to the statewide championship. The future lawyers of St. Joe debated and studied their way to the top this year, the first time St. Joe has even competed in the mock trial competition. Senior James Patin said, “This is a huge accomplishment for us especially since it's our first year in it.” With all this in mind, what exactly is mock trial? Well, it is precisely what the name hints. Teams that compete in mock trial are given a mock case; they must act out a trial for that case. Each team has three attorneys, three witnesses and one time-keeper. This year's winning team is backed by senior James Patin, junior Whitley Pannel and

“Mock trial helps students learn about the legal system and also improves public speaking.” — Whitley Pannel, a junior at St. Joe who started the Mock Trial Team sophomore Bria Paige as the attorneys. Junior Jaela Hefner, sophomore Dominic Indest, and freshman Noah Greene are the witnesses. The time is kept by sophomore London Hatten. This a huge accomplishment for St. Joe. Schools from all around the state

compete. And making the finals after just one year is impressive. On the win, Patin said, “It’s all in the preparation. You have to know you’re going to do well when you start.” WHITLEY PANNEL Teams have to prepare for both the Plaintiff and Defense side of a case. Usually they have criminal and civil cases, but St. Joe prepared for a civil case with the charges of medical malpractice. Each team has a coach and a teacher representative. St. Joe is coached by at-

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“It’s all in the preparation. You have to know you’re going to do well when you start.” — James Patin, a junior at St. Joe torney Shauntee Washington, and their teacher representative is Toni Harris, the art teacher and volleyball coach at St. Joe. Harris is in charge of informing the team about upcoming events and providing moral support at trials.

The regionals are held at Mississippi College Law School, and the championships are held at the Hinds County District Courthouse. Each team member ad-

vances if they make it to the state finals. The team practices every Sunday and sometimes at lunch and after school. As for advantages in school, mock trial helps students in many ways. “Mock trial helps students learn about the legal system and also improves public speaking,” Pannel said. “Students considering a career in law, like myself, can use mock trial for help and preparation as well.” Some of us may know who we are calling next time we get a traffic ticket. The Regional Competition was heldJan. 26 and the Statewide Championship was March 1 and 2.

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MARCH 8, 2013

March for Life: A Personal Journey from the eyes of a student By NATHAN GIEB Staff Writer March for Life is a religious pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., in order to protest the Roe V. Wade U.S. Supreme Court decision. Roe V. Wade made abortion legal on Jan. 22, 1973. To protest against the ruling, thousands of people march from the National Mall to the steps of the U.S. Capitol building. The march is to show Congress that

there are many people in the country believe that abortion is wrong and that there should be an end to it as soon as possible. The march originated back in 1974 by a man by the name of Nellie Gray, and there was an estimated 20,000 people there in support of it. Now, 39 years later in 2013, there were more than 600,000 people there to fight the estimated 55 million abortions committed since it became legal 40 years ago. St. Joe took a diocese trip to the march

and participated in it this year. Close to 90 people signed up to go throughout the diocese. So, the diocese got two chartered buses to take us on the 18-hour trip all the way up to Washington. We arrived around 8 a.m. on Friday morning. We walked around the White House first, then we walked by the Washington Monument on our way to the Air & Space Museum where we had lunch. After we had lunch and warmed up from the cold weather outside, we

walked to the National Mall to get ready to march. It was freezing outside, and there were so many people there. All of us were there for the same cause: to stop the killing of innocent babies. We actually started walking in the march around noon. We walked for what felt like all day, but ended up being around three hours. Around half way through the march, it started snowing and the temperature continued to drop. Eventually, the snow got so hard that you couldn’t walk

through it without having to wipe your face because it was in your eyes. But we kept trucking through it because we were fighting for those who didn’t get the opportunity to live. My opinion on the march is that it is a great way to get involved in this fight that we are in to stop the killing of babies and give them the equal rights they deserve. I highly recommend it for anyone. It’s a life-changing trip.

March for Life, from A1 lot at 9 a.m. for a 26-hour ride to Washington. Along the way, students played games such as “Two Truths and a Lie”; they prayed the Rosary and reflected of the purpose of the trip; and they watched films like “October Baby.” Shortly after arriving in Washington in the early-morning hours of Friday, Jan. 25, chaperoned groups walked around the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum to eat breakfast and prepare for marching in 18-degree weather. A few hours later, the March For Life began. Within minutes, thousands of people crowded the National Mall and flooded Capitol Hill. Trekking through the snow and weaving between mobs of people, members of the blue-capped group from Mississippi finally made it to the end of the march and worked its way to Union Station – where they hopped on buses to journey to the Matt Maher concert. The group traveled to George Mason University to attend the concert. The night was full of keynote speakers, talented musicians and Photo by Elisabeth Scott/The Bear Facts spiritual development. Speakers talked about making life direcA red covered wreath stands alone against the white snow in Arlington National Cemetery. Students from St. Joseph Catholic School who attended March for Life in Washington also visited tion decisions. Not only was the the Arlington National Cemetery. Sacrament of Reconciliation of-

fered, but concert-goers also had an opportunity to participate in Eucharistic Adoration. After the concert, the group traveled to the hotel for the night. Some, like Mollie Montgomery, a junior, reflected on a special night. “The most powerful thing – would have to be adoration during the Matt Maher concert because it was absolutely amazing,” she said. On Saturday, Jan. 26, the group traveled to Arlington National Cemetery to participate in the wreath ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – the site of a burial of an unidentified soldier that memorializes all soldiers who have died at war. The tomb is guarded by military officers. Nathan Gieb, a St. Joe senior; the Rev. Scott Thomas, a pastor in Greenville; and Dennis Ricke, a chaperone and a member of the Knights of Columbus; were selected to represent the Jackson Diocese during the wreath ceremony. “Meeting the guards and participating in such an important ceremony was an awesome experience,” Gieb said. After lunch, everyone went to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on the campus of the Catholic University of

America for prayer and spiritual enlightenment. The basilica is the eighth largest religious building in the world. People took pictures and toured the 70-chapel church after praying in front of the blessed sacrament. The group attended Mass at St. Patrick in Washington after touring the basilica. The group ended the night with a tour of the monuments in the city such as the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Reflecting Pool, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and the Vietnam War Memorial. The next day, Sunday, Jan. 27, the group boarded buses to the trip home; they arrived at about 3 a.m. Monday Jan. 28. As they said their good-byes, they looked back at the friendships, sacrifices, and memories they made the past few days. They remembered the main point of the entire trip: Their unwavering opposition to abortion and their dedication to protecting the unborn. “There were so many people who were pro life,” Wheatley said. “They reminded me that God can do great things through those who come together for him. Everyday is a blessing and gift and we should life to the fullest.”

Music Man, from A1 sound quality almost to that of a play on Broadway. I hope the students all come out, they will be entertained.” This will be an exciting performance for everyone who attends. The production will also be the first musical with the new choral director, Molly Windham. She said she is excited to be at St. Joe running the choral department and looks forward to the spring musical. This musical will be the fourth to be held in St. Joe’s Fine Arts Theater. All St. Joe students are encouraged to attend the play and show support for the St. Joe Fine Arts Photo by Maggie Smith/The Bear Facts program and fellow students.

SPRING MUSICAL Here are details about “The Music Man,” St. Joe’s spring musical n What: St. Joe will stage the award winning musical, ‘The Music Man’ n When: 7 p.m. April 1920; and 2 p.m. matinee April 21 n Where: St. Joseph Catholic School Fine Arts theater n Who: Andrew Morgan, Maggie Smith landed lead roles; other talented students round out the cast

Andrew Morgan, left, Will Lindsey, Gene Loper, Charles King and Kendall Comish learn dance steps in rehearsal.

St. Joe prom, from A1

Black history, from A1 life. Meyers said it is, “not just for blacks but for the entire nation.” The significance of Black History Month is that it is a testament to the problems that all people had once endured. Although it is a month dedicated to black leader’s accomplishments, it is not only for the African American community. We are all one nation under God and

we are all in this together. Black History Month stands to educate and inform us on the way things used to be. However, it also helps us to realize how far we have come and how far we have to go. History helps us to define who we are no matter what color we may be. “We shall not dwell on the past because we have a future to do,” said Mrs. Verna Meyers.

available for eating, dancing and socializing. The Children’s Museum was incorporated in 2004 as a nonprofit organization. The building has more than 40,000 square feet with five galleries of educational and interactive exhibits that children from around the state flock to on a daily basis. The museum has worked with the Mississippi State Department

St. Joe Father-Daughter Dance creates lasting memories

Submitted Photo Seniors Leighton Hill, Sarah Bednarzyk, Gabriella Nuzzo, Morgan Peoples, MariMac Collins and Miranda Barrett attended their last Father-Daughter Dance on Saturday, March 3. The dance played both current music and oldies for fathers and daughters to enjoy.

of Education to align its exhibits and programs with common core curriculum standards and the state’s visual and performing arts frameworks. The museum quickly has become a popular attraction in Jackson, annually attracting thousands of visitors from across metropolitan Jackson as well as across the state. It holds many interesting ex-

hibits that bring a unique quality to each visit that is made. When tickets go on sale closer to the prom, they will cost seniors $25. Tickets for juniors are expected to cost $50 each; juniors who met their cheesecake fundraiser obligation will either receive half-priced tickets or even free tickets. Specific details about the prom, including the disc jockey,

the meal and the theme, are still being worked out by the prom planning committee. The junior class, the junior class parents and Tupman are working hard to put together an unforgettable prom at the Mississippi’s Children’s Museum. “We are sure that this prom will be very successful,” said Joseph Edge, president of the junior class.

Cracking open crawfish

Photo by Victor Griffin/The Bear Facts Senior Walker Foggo, junior A.K. Moorehead and senior Sam Miller dissect a crawfish in science class. The class will do a number of disections throughout the remainder of the year.

B1 MARCH 8, 2013

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ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Beasley, Jones While the St. Joe basketball team snags its best season in years, sign with the Bruins fall just short of making the state tournament Co-Lin By VICTOR GRIFFIN and NATHAN GIEB Staff Writers

St. Joe football star Nick Beasley and soccer star Blayne Jones plan to continue playing sports next fall at Copiah Lincoln Community College in Wesson. Beasley and Jones signed separate scholarships last month. Beasley, a key reason why the Bruin football team, went undefeated last year and Jones, a force on the school’s soccer NICK BEASLEY team, are expected to play key roles at Co-Lin next fall. “The two hardest decisions I will make in my life is which college I will attend and the woman I will marry,” Beasley said. Beasley’s strong play for the Bruins Photo by Sara Powell/The Bear Facts last fall won him several accolades. Denarius Odell drives to the basket in an early-season game against Hartfield Academy. The Bruins won the game on the way to a winning season – the Jones, who team’s best in 10 years. The team fell short of reaching the state tournament. also played Bruin football, By JACK BUTTS participated in Sports Editor the Mississippi All-Star soccer ven though the St. Joseph game playing for Catholic School basketball the South of the “I love every one of my State. He played team just missed going to the teammates and am so as a defender state tournament, the club ended the and started for year on a high note with a successful thankful for them and BLAYNE JONES team. His effort year on the court led by six talented landed him the everything we’ve been able seniors. position to play for Co-Lin. Denarius Odell, Charlie Waddingham, Nick to accomplish.” “I’m excited for the opportunity to Beasley, William Lindsey, Brennan Trask and Josh be a college athlete” Jones said. McClenty provided more than enough leadership - Nick Beasley Jones and Beasley both have good this season for the dominant Bruins team. reasons to attend and play at Co-Lin This year the Bruins ran through district domi– including playing close enough to “Coach has put us through some miserable pracnating almost everyone that they faced. Their only home that their families can attend their tices this year,” said senior Brennan Trask. “There loss came to the No. 2 team in the state, at William games. Nevertheless, the decision was hasn’t been a day since Thanksgiving that I haven’t Sullivan. not an easy one for Beasley. been sore. I know that all the hard work is paying They did, though, beat William Sullivan at home Beasley had many possibilities from off, though.” a few weeks earlier 78-76, which was no doubt which to choose including such schools The Bruins finished their district play with a 69their biggest win so far this season. Along with as the University of Louisiana Lafay35 win over East Webster in Maben. They then that win, they finished the season 6-1 in district and ette, Louisiana Tech University and came home for senior night against Florence. a 14-9 overall record. Mississippi State University. Beasley “It was one of the most memorable nights of my “This team is special. We have the talent to beat became the first St. Joe student to sign life,” said senior Nick Beasley. “I love every one anyone that we want,” said senior Denarius Odell. a football scholarship since Micah Pelof my teammates and am so thankful for them and “We just have to come and take care of business lerin six years ago. everything we’ve been able to accomplish. But our every game.” Beasley must prove that he can comwork isn’t over yet.” Another big part of this team’s success has been pete at a level that will make him stand “We already beat the No. 2 team in the state out from the rest. Beasley does not seem Photo by Jack Hall/The Bear Facts the coach. Nick Stamps is in his first year as head once. That should be proof enough that we’re coach and has done a very good job of keeping the Charlie Waddingham, a senior on the Bruin basketball team in shape and on top of their game. See Co-Lin, B8 team, prepares to make a free-throw. See Basketball, B8

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Track and field prepares for the new season By JACK HALL Staff Writer Track is among the largest spring sports at St. Joe with upwards of 70 students participating in a number of diverse events that include distance running, discus, sprints, relays and the triple jump. Five meets have already been scheduled by Coaches Kenner Purvis and David Wissel. This year’s season is expected to be strong, building on the previous year’s success. Along with a large portion of last year’s athletes returning, there are state champions Ryan Crandall, a senior, and Riley Reeves, a sophomore. Crandall won state for the 3,200-meter run and took second place for the 1,600-meter run. Reeves won both the 3,200-meter and the 1,600-meter run. All varsity relay teams are intact with returning juniors and seniors that have

the will and determination to carry the Bruins to state, according to Purvis. “With the relay teams, everybody’s coming back,” Purvis said. “And I really think they can improve over last year and really go far.” But, of course, to make these improvements, the team will have to train to that degree. With so many returning seniors, it’s no surprise that both coaches believe St. Joe will have a great season. Purvis is looking for seniors such as Josh McClenty, Brennan Trask and Crandall to take leadership roles during practice and on the track. Crandall is trying to make the most out of his last high school season by training rigorously. “I’ve been working my tail off since Cross Country ended,” Crandall said. “This winter, I’ve been putting down miles on the treadmill.” Junior Richard Brown, who ran long See Track and Field, B8 Members of the track and field team have been practicing for several weeks.

Photo by Jack Hall/The Bear Facts

St. Joe 2013 baseball season could be best in years

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ast season, the Bruin baseball team had one of the best seasons in the past eight years, the last time that they reached the playoffs. This year, we look to improve on that – but it won’t be easy. Even though our baseball team hasn’t been great over the past few years, it still attracts a lot of people who support and watch the games. Lots of people love to watch baseball. We return seven starters and eight seniors this year. From the looks of things, all but one position on the field

will be filled by a senior, and that will be catcher. Last year, we finished with a 13-13 record. That may not seem a very good record, but it JACK BUTTS got us where Sports Editor we wanted to be. This year, we have bigger and better

goals. We not only want to make the playoffs, but we also want to win the district championship. Last year, we got out to a fast 5-0 start in district, but then dropped four games in a row – and probably should have won at least three of those. Once we reached the playoffs, we lost two heartbreaking games in two days. Both went into 10 innings; one was 3-2 and the other was 6-4. Both losses were to the hands of Richton. This year, we look fairly strong even

after losing five seniors including four pitchers from last year. There will be some big shoes to fill, but it looks like it can be done. We were supposed to open this year with two home games on Feb. 22 and 23, but they were rained out. We begin district play the day Spring Break begins – and that is when everything counts. Last year, we came in third place in a fairly powerful district. This year, our goal is to be No. 1, and it will not be an easy task by any means. Every team but one will give us

good competition. This means that we will always have to be on our game. The top three teams in each district make the playoffs. We want the No. 1 spot this year. “Last year was the best season we’ve had since this senior class has been here,” said senior second baseman Drew Meyers. “This year we want to top that, but it won’t be easy.” Jack Butts, sports editor for The Bear Facts, plays baseball for St. Joe.

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Bruin News

MARCH 8, 2013

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Soccer season ends with a boom By OLIVIA POST Staff Writer

Passing balls, scoring goals and creating battle scars – this is what St. Joseph Catholic School soccer is all about. This year’s men’s and women’s soccer teams were better than ever and are ready to strike back. Each team practiced every day and prepared for the big day: state playoffs. Coach Brad Biard coaches the women’s soccer team, along with the help of “soccer mom” Ann Delaski. Biard has been coaching for 12 years. Coach Dwayne Demmin coaches the men’s soccer team. Demmin has been coaching at St. Joe for 10 years. “What I enjoy about coaching

girl’s soccer is that they always put in true effort and do what is asked,” Biard said. The women’s and men’s teams had a great start. There are 23 girls on the women’s team and 28 boys on the men’s team. “As the years pass by, I enjoy watching the girls grow up and develop as better soccer players every day,” Delaski said. Recently, both teams played arch rival, St. Andrew’s. Mary Reagan Baladi, a senior on the girls’ team, said she was thrilled with defeating St. Andrew’s 1-0. “Oh my gosh,” she said. “I can’t even express the feeling to finally beating a team who I can’t remember the last time we beat them. It was a great feeling

“I’m so proud of what we have done during my time on the team and I’m ready to bring home a state championship.” -Mary Reagan Baladi to beat them and shove them into the mud.” The St. Joe soccer program has been going on since 1990. Delaski started the first girls soc-

cer team and helped organize uniforms and supplies. Both teams were filled seniors. On the girls team are Baladi, Olivia Barcelona, Maddie Best, Taylor Manning, Ashlyn Riley and Natalie Younger. On the boys team are William Fetherson, Mike Boland, Alex Cosmich, Blayne Jones, Nathan Gieb, Walker Foggo, Nick Fertitta, Trey Orsborne, Ryan Crandall, Griffin Kennington and Giacomo Dughiero. Josh Speyerer, a junior on the boys team, said the senior players have been invaluable. “The seniors are great leaders to our team, and we will miss them very much. I think the best thing about being on the soc-

cer team is on the bus messing around and playing switch with me teammates and getting out early to go to the away games,” he said. “It is very bittersweet about being on the team for the last time. I’m so proud of what we have done during my time on the team and I’m ready to bring home a state championship,” Baladi said. Playoffs began Jan. 22. The girls played Our Lady Academy away. The final score was 2-1 with an end to their season. The boys played St. Patrick home. The final score was 3-0 with an end to their season as well. “As a coach, if you don’t know you're going to win, you shouldn't be coaching,” Biard says.

Submitted photo

Church league basketball: the hot sport across Jackson By NATHAN GIEB Staff Writer Church League basketball is only for the ones who aren’t afraid to lose. There are many leagues out there in the basketball world. But not many are like the seven-team league that St. Richard and St. Francis are in. There are teams from all over the metro Jackson area that participate in the league, including Broadmeadow United Methodist Church, Brandon United Methodist Church, St. Richard’s Catholic Church, Madison United Methodist Church, St. Francis Catholic Church, First Baptist Madison and Galloway

United Methodist Church. The season started Jan. 10 and ended Feb. 21. All the teams play for the fun of the game and to spend time with friends. St. Francis Catholic Church and St. Richard Catholic Church are the two worst teams among many good teams, with the best team being either Brandon United Methodist Church or Galloway United Methodist Church. St. Francis ended the season winless. St. Richard had one win – coming against the winless St. Francis. “We may not be the best players, but we sure do have the most heart,” said Joe Harkins of Madi-

son, who plays for St. Richard. “We love the game.” There are not many players on the St. Richard team roster. There are eight on the roster. So, everyone on the team gets to play a good amount in the games. But if a couple people foul out, then they have to play with men down. But on the other hand, St. Francis has a lot of people on their roster and can sub in a lot of people. There are 16 players on St. Francis team. But the downfall is that they may not be able to play as much. Bobby Tallant, a player for St. Francis, said, “We may lose but we have a darn good time at it.” There are many rules to church

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league basketball. But all those rules go out the window when St. Richard and St. Francis play. They will do whatever it takes to get a win, even if that means fouling. Also they are not afraid to shoot it, even if they are guard-

ed. Their philosophy is in order for the ball to go in the hoop you have to shoot. So, it doesn’t matter if they are behind the basket or at half court ,they will shot. Walker Foggo, se-

nior player for St. Richard, said, “I don’t want the season to end; I’m having too much fun.” But in the end it’s all about spending time with friends and having a good time.

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MARCH 8, 2013

Weekend trip opens eyes to civil rights era By BRIA PAIGE Staff Writer

A flashback to Mississippi in 1963 would be a shock to many students here at St. Joe. Most students today are oblivious to the past history of Mississippi that has shaped and molded it to be what it is today. But I took a ride back into history this month when I got on the bus to explore the Mississippi Freedom Trail. On President’s Day weekend, I joined about 200 other people from around the Southeast on a trip around Mississippi to explore and learn more about the civil rights movement. The trip was a three-day bus tour that included stops in such historic areas as the Mississippi Delta, Neshoba County and Jackson. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the civil rights movement, which is a monumental achievement. Among the other golden anniversaries this year: the tragic death of one of Mississippi’s greatest civil rights leaders and pioneers, Medgar Evers, and the Rev. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Although St. Joe is a very diverse school, it is important that students learn about the past issues Mississippi has had with race relations. Even though Mississippi was among the worst of the Southern states during

the civil rights era, the state has made drastic improvements in its attempt to reconcile race relations. Yet, I was still excited about my opportunity to learn more about my own history and my state’s history. On Friday evening, we visited our first stop -- the Alamo Theater located in downtown Jackson. There we watched “Freedom Song,” a movie based on the young people involved in the civil rights movement in Mississippi. The movie emphasized the impact young people have on many issues and the difference they can make. This is still relevant today seeing how effective young people are about bringing light to many issues that are a problem today. St. Joe has many examples of these young, effective leaders. Saturday was spent in the Mississippi Delta. There, the group toured several locations relevant to the Emmett Till case. Emmett Till was a young, 14-year-old black boy from Chicago who was brutally beaten and murdered in Money, Miss., after being accused of whistling at a white woman. This story made national headlines after his mother, Mamie Carthan Till, held an open casket funeral for her young boy when she wanted to show the world what happened her son. On the following day, we

toured Neshoba County where the main focus was the deaths of the three civil rights workers during Freedom Summer in Philadelphia, Miss. Andrew Goodman, James Chaney and Michael Schwerner were the three civil rights workers who were brutally beaten and murdered by the Ku Klux Klan after trying to register African Americans in the area to vote. But there were plenty of positive aspects about the trip, too. While in the Mississippi Delta, we visited the B.B. King Museum, where the history of the blues legend is beautifully displayed. Also, there were several sets of panels of both women and men who actively participated in the civil rights movements as youth by marching, sitting or protesting. And we also took a half day to tour the state’s Capital City, where we visited the home of slain civil rights activist Evers along with several other historic spots. Overall this experience was amazing. I really received a once in a lifetime chance to experience literally a textbook of history in only three days. I never knew Mississippi had so much history hidden, both good and not so good. But it’s that history that has shaped Mississippi to be the state it is today. So, let’s continue to love each other for who we are and not the color of our skin.

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Middle School Mardi Gras

SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Photo by Sam Osborne/The Bear Facts Cheryl Mackey tries on a mask at lunch on Mardi Gras, Tuesday, Feb. 8. St. Joseph Catholic School middle school students spent the day using Mardi Gras as a way to learn about poetry and solve math problems.

Entertainment

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Dance Marathon ready for success By JORDAN WELSH Staff Writer The St. Joe Dance Marathon Committee is determined to make Dance Marathon 2013 a success with positive attitudes, effective fundraisers and strong planning skills. Dance Marathon is a St. Joe event that raises money for the Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital. Last year, Dance Marathon 2012 raised more than $13,000 and had 150 dancers. Teryn Yazdani, a senior at St. Joe and director of the dance marathon, is determined to raise more money than last year. “I love the fact that Dance Marathon brings St. Joe together for a great cause,” she said. “We are standing up for those who can’t, and it doesn’t even feel like work.” The Dance Marathon committee is made up of 14 St. Joe students who have worked hundreds of hours to make Dance Marathon 2013 a great triumph. The co-director, junior Katherine Mangialardi, said the event can be stressful. “When it gets closer to Dance Marathon, it does get a little stressful,” she said. “But even when we’re stressed, we have fun.” Each member of the Dance Marathon committee receives 25

St. Joe service hours. The date of Dance Marathon 2013 is Friday, May 3, 2013, and the last date to sign up and turn in the fee, $150, is Friday, April 5, 2013. The event will start around 4 p.m. in the afternoon and will end at midnight. Dancers will be on designated teams, which are determined by the colors red, pink, purple, yellow, orange and

“I love the fact that Dance Marathon brings St. Joe together for a great cause. We are standing up for those who can’t.” -Teryn Yazdani, director of this year’s event green. Also, dancers will be given eight St. Joe service hours if they decide to participate in this fundraiser. Dance Marathon 2012 dancer, junior Karson Nelson, said, “I had a great time at Dance Marathon last year. It wasn’t hard to raise the money, and I didn’t even realize I had been standing up for 8 hours because of the fun games and dancing.”

Dance Marathon consists of eight hours without sitting down. The Dance Marathon Committee has planned many activities to keep dancers busy, in addition to dancing. For example, they have planned a “miracle hour” in which the children who benefit from the money raised come and speak with the dancers. Students who are not able to sign up for this event can contribute to the cause by donating money. Each month leading up to Dance Marathon, the committee will sell certain items to those who cannot participate in Dance Marathon or who just want to donate extra money. During the month of February, the committee sold candy – Kit Kats, Hershey bars and Twix – for $1. Yet, five “golden tickets” have been hidden in five pieces of candy. The students who find the “golden tickets” will be given the opportunity to take a trip to the Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital with the Dance Marathon committee. The Dance Marathon Committee has given students many opportunities to help the Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital, whether it means participating in Dance Marathon 2013 or buying items, such as candy, to help their cause. Their efforts are sure to make Dance Marathon 2013 a success.

Shooting Goals

MARCH 8, 2013

Student-faculty basketball game highlights Catholic Schools Week

Staff Photo/The Bear Facts Coach Miller Todd shoots a basket as part of the student/faculty basketball game during Catholic Schools Week at St. Joseph Catholic School. The week highlighted the importance of a Catholic education.

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MARCH 8, 2013

British ‘Downton Abbey’ finds U.S. audience By KATHRYN SCKIETS Staff Writer These days, the world of television has become a rather broad spectrum. Whether your enjoy old-fashioned comedy or drama-filled reality television, you can usually find a program to your liking. In September 2010, a new program emerged that seemed unlike any other show on television, PBS Masterpiece Classic “Downton Abbey.” The British period drama follows the lives of an aristocratic family, the Crawleys, and their multitude of servants as they live their lives during the PostEdwardian era on their fictional estate, Downton Abbey. The show deals with the affairs of the Crawleys as they arrange marriages for their three daughters and manage financial matters of their estate, all during critical points in history.

Season One begins after the sinking of the Titanic, for example, and ends with the breakout of World War I. Characters fight in the war and struggle with the Spanish influenza in the second season. The current Season Three focuses on the emerging of the Irish Free State. St. Joseph English and religion teacher Michael Mohr of Madison is an avid fan of “Downton Abbey.” “ ‘Downton’ really shows how humans, by nature, want to hold on to the past, and how hard it can be to let go,” Mohr said. “It focuses on transitional moments in history, the decline of the Victorian aristocracy and the smaller gap between the rich and the poor, all through likable characters.” “Downton Abbey” may be strongly focused on history, but it also bears similarities to any other fictional drama on television. Characters pursue their own

goals and dreams, as well as romances with each other. There’s even a touch of mystery at the end of Season Two, when a mysterious servant is charged with a terribly serious crime. The series has been a hit with critics and audiences and has earned several awards, the most recent being the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Drama Television Series. British veteran actress Maggie Smith has also won praise and accolades for her role as the witty and conservative Dowager Countess of Grantham. “Downton Abbey” combines compelling storylines with history from different and unique perspectives. Still, you don’t have to be a history buff or a big fan of British television to get into the show. As senior James Patin of Jackson put it, “I’ve watched half of one episode, and I’m hooked.”

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Special to The Bear Facts “Downton Abbey” has become a major success and attracted a sizeable audience on PBS.

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Bruin Sports

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MARCH 8, 2013

Track and field, from Page B1 distance last year and will do so again this year, said he had a lot of fun at the practices last year. “I loved the people on the team, and we were always laughing and cracking jokes,” he said. “My favorite part of practice was when we had our super-

“There is some good young talent in middle school. We just have to see who’s willing to work.” - David Wissel, track coach

Ben Payne, a freshman at St. Joe, trains for the new season of track and field.

duper funny conversations with the other amazing people on this absolutely wonderful track and field team.” And to add on to a rock-solid high school team, there are many up-andPhoto by Jack Hall/The Bear Facts coming middle school runners who will eventually add their talents to the varsity team.

“There is some good, young talent in middle school,” Wissel said. “We just have to see who’s willing to work.” Wissel pointed to middle schoolers Will Foggo, Emma Dotson, Jo-Jo GrayLewis and Jason Price. This will be Wissel’s second year coaching track at St. Joe, although he has six years prior experience in Cincinatti. He is ready for the season to start. “We have very good odds at state this year, and I look forward to winning the district meet and also the regional meet as a goal,” Wissel said. Purvis agreed, adding, “We’ve won two district titles back to back, and I’d like to see us pull forward and go for a third district win.” Junior Walker Burrow, who ran sprints last year, said the camaraderie on the team is unmatched. “Track and field was always fun,” Burrow said. “The people on the team really grew together as a family. And the meets are always so much fun to hang out with the team and hear funny stories from everyone. I always have a smile on my face when I am with the St. Joe track and field team.”

Co-Lin, from Page B1

Basketball, from Page B1

to be too worried about working hard Beasley’s choice of Co-Lin came as a further. But Beasley believes this is just and getting to where he needs to be to surprise to many. Many people believe the first step of his college football jourmove on. his talent could have taken him much ney. If Beasley does perform at a high level, he could get picked up by a much higher-profile school. This decision was not easy for the highly anticipated athlete. Beasley wanted to choose a school where his family could come support him at his games. The Co-Lin coaching staff also was a huge part in Beasley’s decision. “I really like the staff; they make me feel at home,” Beasley said. Co-Lin’s football team won last year’s state championship against Gulf Coast making them the best community college football team in the state. Is junior college really a small step for Beasley and Jones? Many great athletes began at junior college. Players like Cam Newton and Alonzo Lawrence both came from junior colleges and now play pro ball. The Wesson, Miss., community college has a history of athletes attending the school, making a name for themselves and going on to be better athletes. Submitted photo Beasley and Jones have two years to Nick Beasley signs to play football next fall at Copiah-Lincoln Community prove what they can do at the next level. College.

no doubt one of the best teams out there,” said senior Charlie Waddingham. “This team is special. After playing Canton Academy in the last regular season game, the Bruins We have the talent to hosted the district tournament from Feb. beat anyone that we 12-15. They came in second place, losing to want. We just have William Sullivan 70-57. They entered the playoffs as a No. 2 to come and take care seed. They won their first game against of business.” North Forrest at home. They then played Scott Central at - Denarius Odell Bassfield and also beat them 69-65 without a very important player Denarius Odell who suffered a fractured nose and a slight concussion in the previous Bassfield, only one game shy of going to game. They dropped their final game against the Coliseum.

St. Joe Bruin bowling team ends successful season

Photo by Milena Sebuktekin/The Bear Facts Members of the boys and girls Bowling Team at St. Joseph Catholic School. The St. Joseph Catholic School bowling team had a winning season. The girls’ bowling team finished second at district and went on to play at the state meet. Top Row, from left: Steven Whyte,Chris Hanneke and Coach Dillon. 3rd Row: Hamp Godfrey, Stewart Inman, Brett Burgess, Chuck Dorian, Robert Brown and Drew Myers. 2nd Row: Mary Kathryn Wheatley, Swayze McDearman, Margaret Best, Brittney Browning, Leighton Hill, and Anna Margaret McDonnel. Front Row: Michelle Kellum, Caroline Bonin, Elisabeth Scott, Sara Powell and Gabriella Nuzzo.

Be sure to come see the Fine Arts Department’s Spring Musical:

The Music Man April 19-21, 2013 Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m. In the Fine Arts Building

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