The Bear Facts, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015

Bear Facts the

VOLUME 18, NUMBER 3

l

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

l

www.thebearfacts.net

l

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL

STATE CHAMPS!

Lady Bruins soccer team downs South Pontotoc 3-0, captures school’s first state title since 2006

“

I was on the team that came second in state in seventh and eighth grade, and I want that winning tradition to continue at St. Joe.” – Joanna Bellan, a senior team member

W

MORE hen the COVERAGE final whistle n Sports blew on a analysis of clear, sunny the game n More photos, Saturday afternoon, the Lady Bruins stormed the field at PAGE 10 Clinton High School as state soccer champs.

The Bruins defeated North State opponent South Pontotoc 3-0. Freshman Allie Milner

and senior Riley Reeves scored goals in the first half. Senior Joanna Bellan scored the final goal in the second half.

“Defense really stepped it up in the playoffs,” said Dwayne Demmin, who has coached soccer at St. Joe for more than 15 years and is in his first year coaching the girls team. “(I’m) very excited we got here and won it with a young group and hope to do it again next year.”

Black history committee gears up for annual program

By JOANNA BELLAN The Bear Facts The Black History Month Assembly will be Thursday, Feb. 19.

Seniors DeZell Lathon and Bria Paige, co-directors of the program, plan to put a new spin on the program compared to past years.

February is Black History Month, which serves as an observance and remembrance of important events and people in African American history. Each year, St. Joe students in the senior class put on an assembly to commemorate the history as a school community.

This year, Paige and Lathon plan to make the program an entertaining and memorable one.

In past years, the assembly has served as more of a lecture on BRIA black history, consisting PAIGE of mostly speeches from behind a podium.

This year, the seniors want to make the assembly more of a production on stage with different acts that include speeches and singing.

Lathon, a member of the backstage crew in many St. Joe high school theatrical productions, wants to

INSIDE THIS EDITION n Opinion: Page 2 n News: Pages 3, 4, 6, 9 n Entertainment: Page 7 n Bruin Sports: Page 10

make the assembly a production that engages the audience more than in the past.

“I want to make the assembly more exciting and entertaining so DEZELL that the everyone stays LATHON interested and involved throughout the whole program,” he said.

Lathon and Paige joined fellow students who signed up to take part in the assembly in order to determine the roles and acts that each of the students would perform.

“

I want to make the assembly more exciting and entertaining so that everyone stays interested and involved throughout.”

– DeZell Lathon, a senior at St. Joe

BLACK HISTORY, Page 3

Junior Noah Greene practices his speech for the upcoming Black History program next week.

DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that 15 percent of women in the United States send themselves flowers on Valentine’s Day?

Visit The Bear Facts Online www.thebearfacts.net

Opinion

PAGE 2

A temporary goodbye to St. Joe

E

lation surged through my quivering palm as I looked at my phone and saw Washington was calling.

The message was simple and to-the-point: “On behalf of Sen. Thad Cochran, you’ve been appointed a U.S. Senate page.”

My junior year of high school rushed before my eyes.

September felt like year one, and I had a whole lifetime until I would leave for the District of Columbia, our nation’s capital.

This is as best I can describe how I felt when I received the news that I would leave in late January to join thirty other high school juniors and serve as a U.S. Senate page. I’ll live in a nice dorm, go to school in the early-morning hours, and work in the U.S. Senate after classes.

This call was a dream come true.

This semester will be the polar opposite of any other educational setup I’ve ever

experienced.

Of course, however, there is a downside.

I’ll miss simple lunchtime meals, joking and talking with my friends, JACK HALL the scenic route along the lake when walking to Jazz Band, and even being told at least four times to take off my Navy blue sweater in homeroom.

St. Joe is an environment like none other, and I will miss it.

All the opportunities I’ve been given here – journalism, speech and debate, cross country, track, Youth Legislature and religious education – could not have been possible in another setting.

Some people may remember the disgruntled eighth grader that I was at St. Joe. Most people, however, now realize I changed dramatically in returning to St. Joe in the spring of my freshman year after a brief stint that fall in

public school.

St. Joseph Catholic School, with its namesake the father of Jesus, has been like a parent to me – consistently guiding me in the right direction and yearning for my success.

St. Joe has made my dreams a reality. And for that, I am thankful.

I cannot wait to serve my

“

St. Joseph Catholic School, with its namesake the father of Jesus, has been like a parent to me – consistently guiding me in the right direction and yearning for my success.”

country in the Senate. Yet, at the same time, my ultimate goal remains to return to St. Joe in the fall for my senior year; return to the excellent educational programs that have prepared me for a broad college curriculum; return to the beautiful campus I've called home for so long; return to the teachers, staff, administration, and students that have helped me and prodded me along when I was ready to accept defeat.

Because I’ve never been good with goodbyes, and because the literal use of farewell goes with the intention of never returning, I bid you adieu, St. Joe. (Until we meet again.)

Jack Hall served last year and last fall as sports editor of The Bear Facts while a junior at St. Joseph Catholic School. Hall is serving as a page in the U.S. Senate.

Opening a dialogue with Muslims

S

everal weeks ago, the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo was attacked by Islamist extremists known as the Karachi Brothers – both of whom had ties to al-Qaida.

The magazine was attacked for its cartoon depictions of the Islamic prophet Mohammed, which is seen as blasphemous within the religion. While zero logical thinkers have condoned the actions of the Karachi Brothers, many have said that Charlie Hebdo could have expected this outcome based on previous editions of the magazine that was published depicting the prophet Mohammed.

Among those who spoke about the violence was Pope Francis, saying “In theory, we can say a violent reaction to an offense or provocation isn’t a good thing. In theory, we can say that we have the freedom to express ourselves. But we are human. And there is prudence, which is a virtue of human existence.”

The terrorizing of magazines, newspapers, and various other media outlets for the depiction of Mohammed is nothing new to the global sphere. If you’ll remember back to 2006 when vehement protest broke out against the Danish government

after pictures depicting the prophet were published.

Similarly, after the film “Innocence of Muslims” was NOAH GREENE released depicting managing editor Mohammed as a sexual deviant, attacks and protests in four countries were recorded.

The question that constantly arises is how far is too far.

In itself, the Quran does not prohibit the depiction of Mohammed. But the Hadith, which tells Muslims how to live an exceptional life, does prohibit the depiction of Mohammed.

Print journalism allows for a direct median between a journalist and the public. And in many ways this median is not being respected. Through the disrespectful depiction of the prophet Mohammed, we allow ourselves to have our attention taken away from productive narratives that matter.

If Charlie Hebdo wanted to adequately provide counter narratives to the radical Islamist movement, they could have done so in a respectful manner – one that offers insight and spurs intellectual conversation.

As often stated, freedom of speech does not act as protection

“

In itself, the Quran does not prohibit the depiction of Mohammed. But the Hadith, which tells Muslms how to live an exceptional life ... does.”

from ignorant or unwarranted comments. This does not act as a justification for radical Islamist to perpetuate violence, but rather an argument counter to those whom misuse the rights warranted to them.

However, like Voltaire, “I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.”

The ignorant babble submitted by those seeking to counter institutions like Charlie Hebdo is likewise without a leg to stand on. Counter narratives to the messages of terrorist organizations such as al-Qaida, Boko Horam, the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria or the Islamic State in the Levant will be

published.

The second question that must be applied is how. How must we counter narratives to the radical Islamist movement without offending the majority of nonradicalized Muslims?

To answer this, we must look at organizations such as the Quilliam Foundation. Founded

by Maajid Nawaz, a former Muslim who propagandized for the Islamist organization Hizb ut-Tahrir, the activist group Quilliam attempts to provide, advocate and facilitate intellectual discussions to both Muslims and non-believers on the faults in the Islamist propaganda story.

Specifically, the organization analyzes inconstancies in the message of misguided terrorist cells like the Islamic State.

Furthermore, Quilliam acts as a median between the U.S. government and Muslims at risk of conceiting to radical Islam.

The role of journalism in this movement for religious respect and intellectual dialogue is large. And we will either apply a boisterous message or placid silence which will affect us all greatly.

Noah Greene, a junior at St. Joseph Catholic School, is managing editor of The Bear Facts.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

Our View

Kudos to the Lady Bruins

This month at St. Joe, we take time to recognize the Lady Bruins soccer team for winning the state championship for class 2A Saturday.

It has been almost 10 years since the girls soccer team has won the state championship.

The team had been looking forward to that moment since defeating some of their most challenging teams.

Many players were nervous about the outcome. But with hard work, they pulled through.

Soccer players spent weeks running and training in the coldest weather to stregthen their skills. Our senior captains then led the team to victory.

Many times we often forget to recognize the hard work and dedication of our athletes. Our athletes juggle school, work and sports – but they still manage to do their best to hold the team together.

For St. Joe to be such a small school, we have some of the most talented people. Our teams are very diverse. Each and every person brings a unique skill to his or her team. The cliche phrase of “there is no I in team” is very true.

The soccer team worked as one to bring success to our school. Great accomplishments bring positive attention to our school.

The success of this weekend shows that we can stand out even if we are a small school.

Congratulations to our girls, we appreciate your work.

BEAR FACTS The

Bria Paige Editor

Noah Greene Managing Editor Mia Nichols Opinion Page Editor Drew Milner Sports Editor Jackson Olstad Features Editor Rachel Reddix Photo Editor

Student Views The Bear Facts staff writer Brianna Cry asked St. Joseph students, “What are you looking forward to in 2015?”

“Prom.”

– Chauncey Taylor, 11th grade

“Football season in the fall.”

– Jack Garrard, 10th grade

“Getting better at playing the drums.”

– Tramia Rogers, seventh grade

“Graduating.”

– Farrah Jones, 12th grade

“Moving into high school.”

– Jennifer Nguyen, eighth grade

“The Super Bowl.”

– Grayson Guillory, ninth grade

Terry R. Cassreino, Faculty Adviser Keith Barnes, Principal Michael Juhas, President 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 © 2014 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.

Unless otherwise noted, opinions expressed on this page belong solely to the author or authors and do not necessarily represent the beliefs and opinions of the staff of The Bear Facts; the staff, leadership and administration of St. Joseph Catholic School; or the staff, leadership and administration of the Catholic Diocese of Jackson.

If you disagree with any columnists’ opinions or want to share your own views, we invite you to submit a letter to the editor.

Letters should be no more than 300 words. The Bear Facts reserves the right to edit letters for clarity. Send your letter by email to thebearfacts@stjoebruins.com. Or mail them to: Letters to the Editor, The Bear Facts, P.O. Box 2027, Madison, MS 39130-2927

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

Bruin News

BLACK HISTORY, from page 1 “We tried and let the students have as much of a voice in what they wanted to do as possible so that we could find the role best suited for each person,” Lathon said.

The members of the assembly will practice weekly until the production; rehearsals will take place in the auditorium.

With the assembly inching closer, seniors are trying not to let the stress affect them – especially with the recent changes they

have faced. With the changes in teachers made at the start of the semester, the program has had multiple sponsor changes in the past weeks – from Mrs. Annette Green to the new biology teacher, Mrs. Crystal Thomas.

With the hectic start to the new year, Lathon is trying to make the assembly move as smooth as possible.

“Bria and I are excited but also stressed. We are trying our best to make the assembly interesting

and different with the help of Ms. Crystal Thomas.”

Lathon, who is charge of Dance Marathon as well, knows firsthand how effective and important it is to come together as a school for a cause.

“The assembly means a lot because it brings a sense of community within the black students here at St. Joe (and) also within the whole school,” he said. “It brings us together for a common cause.”

PAGE 3

Giving blood, helping others

St. Joseph Catholic School ranked by Niche.com as the

No. 1 Best Private High School in Mississippi

Photo by Brianna Cry/The Bear Facts Senior Hunter Beene donates blood at St. Joe’s annual blood drive here in the St. Joe gym.

The blood drive took place on Thursday, Feb. 5, where students, faculty and parents donated blood.

Primary Care Plus Ridgeland 323 Hwy 51 Ridgeland, MS 39157 Phone Number: (601) 898-9150 Fax Number: (601) 898-9155 Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Medical Director William Loper, M.D., ABFP

Luckett Land Title Supports St. Joseph Catholic School and St. Joe student media!

PAGE 4

Bruin News

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

Cupid fires arrows of love anticipating Valentine’s Day

By RUSSELL PATTERSON The Bear Facts Candles are being bought, cards delivered and reservations made for many students at St. Joe anticipating Valentine’s Day. Some students in the seventh through twelve grades will be preparing for the most romantic day of the year by finding that special someone and showing their utmost affection for them, whether it be through gifts or maybe a love song.

Junior Luci Strong is ecstatic and anxious for the upcoming day of love.

“I want to find someone special that I can spoil with gifts,”

said Strong. She has been waiting all year to find that special someone, but love has not come knocking at her door quite yet.

However, Cupid still has time to work his magic and find Strong that special boy she’s been searching for.

This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday, and for many love won’t be coming to them during the school week.

Nevertheless, some students hope to change that.

“I think we should throw class parties, like in elementary school,” said junior Will Butts.

“We could give Valentine’s Day cards to the ones we admire, and it could be discreet or up front.”

VALENTINE’S DAY n 190 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year n 189 million roses are sold on Valentine’s Day n 35 Million heart shaped boxes of chocolate are sold for Valentine’s Day. n 64 percent of U.S. men do not make romantic plans in advance for Valentine’s Day with their significant other

Strong also agrees with Butts’ idea but has a twist for it.

“The students could be given a 30 minute break period for a small class party.”

Valentine’s Day gifts are very popular among couples, says freshman Olivia Patterson.

“The most romantic things to get a girl for Valentine’s Day are flowers or chocolate-covered strawberries,” she says.

Patterson hopes to receive a gift this Valentine’s Day. But regardless, she said, she will most definitely have a good day.

“My dad always takes me and my mom out to a nice dinner,” Patterson recalls. “It’s nice to spend quality time with my par-

ents away from my brothers. But they still make sure to be nice to me on Valentines Day.” Valentine’s Day is one of the most important holidays in America. It gives time for couples and families to bond with one another and make memories that they can cherish in the future. Valentine’s Day also is a day of peace, whether between friends or countries.

Valentine’s Day on a Saturday comes as a great relief to some, such as junior Noel Reed.

“My girlfriend attends Ridgeland High School, so we have little time to see each other,” he said. “I am glad that it is on a Saturday this year so we can spend

the whole day together.”

Reed caught a break this year, and so did all the other young couples at St. Joe. Instead of having to go through a school day together, they can spend a relaxing day together outside the confines of St. Joe. Valentine’s Day can bring people together better than any other day of the year, whether you are spending it with your significant other or with your family. No matter what, make the day special and have a happy Valentine’s Day.

Two brand new teachers take to the halls of St. Joe

By ELLEN GWIN The Bear Facts There are two new teachers at St. Joe this semester: Ms. Crystal Thomas and the other is Mr. Edwin Quinn.

After Ms. Green and Mr. Green left, the school searched for the perfect candidates to fill the jobs. Ms. Thomas and Mr. Quinn fit the requirements.

Ms. Thomas and Mr. Quinn are highly qualified; both attended Tougaloo College. Ms. Thomas received her bachelor’s degree in Biology, while Mr. Quinn majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry.

Ms. Thomas and Mr. Quinn have backgrounds in teaching students.

Ms. Thomas used to be a science, math and French tutor on her college campus. However, she did not always want to teach.

Her tutoring jobs inspired her to take education courses, which led her to St. Joe. Ms. Thomas is enjoying St. Joe. “The school has a dynamic

principal and assistant principal,” se said “The teachers are extremely helpful, friendly and very kind to me. I enjoy all of my classes because the students are really putting forth their best efforts. I also enjoy learning the practices of Catholicism.”

Ms. Thomas chose St. Joe because it was the only school that had a job opening in the middle of the year. She said she’s glad that it crossed her path.

Besides teaching, Ms. Thomas also sings, dances, and reads in her free time.

Mr. Quinn has a long history in teaching. He has taught at Bailey Junior High School, Whitten Junior High School and Callaway High School before landing a job at St. Joe. He said that he has always admired St. Joe. He used to tutor a few students from St. Joe before working here; he’s also judged a few St. Joe science fairs.

Mr. Quinn also enjoys the location, said there’s “no place like the South.” He also enjoys the private school setting, saying students here are more eager

to learn and friendlier than at any school where he has taught.

In Mr. Quinn’s free time, he enjoys traveling around the United States and watching movies.

The students also seem to be drawn to Ms. Thomas.

Gracie Conn, senior, said that Ms. Thomas is “always telling us how beautiful we are.”

Maddy Davis, a junior, said Ms. Thomas “definitely knows what she’s doing.” Also, Grant LaFleur, a senior, said that Ms. Thomas is very competent and very cool.

Kendall Comish, another senior, said that “Mr. Quinn is very sweet and understanding. He’s very enthusiastic about what he teaches.”

Jackye Gregory, a sophomore, also enjoys Mr. Quinn’s presence.

“He’s great,” she said. “He knows how to get on our level and truly explain chemistry.”

Ms. Thomas and Mr. Quinn, both new teachers to the science Photo by Ellen Gwin, The Bear Facts department, are ready to take on the job as a St. Joseph teacher.

Teachers Crystal Thomas and Dr. Edwin Quinn are both new high school teachers in the science department.

Middle School Report the l

PAGE 5

THE BEAR FACTS

l

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

l

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Vandevender wins St. Joe Geography Bee

By LEILA DE GRUY The Bear Facts Eighth-grader Sydni Vandevender will advance to the upcoming State Geography Bee – if she can pass a qualifying written test.

Vandevender won the St. Joe Geography Bee on Jan. 13, besting a field of nine middle schoolers who competed in the school library.

“I thought I would make it through the first two rounds – never the finals.,” Vandevender said. She was presented with an atlas for taking first place.

“But here I am, with my new gigantic atlas,” she said.

Vandevender now advances to the next stage, in which she will take a National Geographic Contest Exam in order to participate in the state Geography Bee later this spring.

“

I thought I would make it through the first two rounds – never the finals” – Sydni Vandevender

The winner of the state Geography Bee will head to Washington for the national contest.

At the St. Joe Geography Bee, high school teacher Cathy Thomas tested the students’ knowledge of the world. After several grueling rounds, Vandevender won.

Vandevender and fellow eigthgrader Matthew Jackson were the last two contestants still standing when Vandevenveder won. Seventh-

grade student Kathleen Abadie took third place.

This was the seventh year for the St. Joe Geography Bee. Vandevender said she was excited to take first place. Jackson was happy to take second.

“It isn’t that upsetting that I lost,” Jackson said, “because now I don’t have to take another test.”

The competition began with questions about the United States, but became much more difficult in subsequent rounds.

Vandevender won thanks to a lucky guess to a question asking for the state home to the Dry Tortugas National Park. The answer: Florida.

Vandevender shared her unorthodox method of preparing for the Photo by Leila de Gruy/The Bear Facts Geography Bee. She said she used a Matthew Jackson, left, an eighth-grader, took second place in the St. Joe Geography really popular trivia app that I have Bee; Sydni Vandevender, center, an eighth-grader, took first place; and Kathleen Abadie, on my phone.” right, a seventh-grader, finished in third.

Studying Catholicism in the Middle Ages

Mom also teaches 7th grade daughter

By SYDNI VANDEVENDER The Bear Facts

Ava Case is just like any other student at St. Joe except for one thing: her mom is also her seventh-grade English teacher.

Despite that, Case said, having your mother – longtime St. Joe teacher Natalie Fudge, formerly Natalie Case – as your teacher can AVA CASE be awkward.

Waking up in the same home as a teacher and then spending the whole day with her must be easy, right?

According to Ava, it’s not as easy as it seems.

“I do wish she wasn’t my teacher sometimes,” Case said recently.

“But most of the time I’m grateful NATALIE of it. She can always catch me when FUDGE I fall and help me when I’m struggling.”

While other St. Joe students have had parents as teachers in the past, Case is the only student at St. Joe this year being taught by his or her parent. For

“

Having my mom as my teacher can be super helpful.”

Hard at work Students in the eighth-grade religion classes are currently studying the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages.

The structure of church buildings changed significantly during that time period to more of what we know today, such as high ceilings to lift the eyes toward Heaven, stained glass windows with biblical stories in pictures, and gargoyles to remind us that evil is all around but we’re to keep it outside our hearts.

Eighth grade teams studied the practices of the ancient builders and then set out to design and build a model cathedral of their own.

In the top photo, Josh Bailey helps build a model of a church cathedral. In the photo on the right, Garrett Grove, center, works on his own model.

Photos by Alaina Liess/The Bear Facts.

– Ava Case, seventh grader

Case, it has been a strange adjustment.

Case has suggested ideas to her mom on how to make the classroom “more exciting.” Some ideas involve more group activities, group studying, and games.

If her mother wasn’t her teacher, Case said, she would probably be more cautious when taking notes and adding homework to her agenda.

“Having my mom as my teacher can be super helpful,” she said. “She’s always there at home when I need her. Sometimes she will tell me about what we are going to learn about the next day so I can get ahead.”

Teachers don’t treat their children any different from other students. When Case has slacked in her mom’s class, she doesn’t get off the hook. Mrs. Fudge treats her daughter the same way she treats any other student.

Case participates in middle school cheerleading.

Her mom sponsors the high school dance team.

Having her own teacher at home can be like having a personal tutor. Case said her mom is very helpful when she forgets anything they went over during class.

“When I’m at home, she is just like any other mom, she said. “When I’m at school, she’s just like any other teacher.”

Claire Conn spends every Christmas at Disney with her family

A

good family vacation is often a great source of memories and can really help bring a family closer together.

I remember the time that my family took a vacation to the Bahamas. One morning while we there, we set out on what we thought was a short walk to a beautiful blue hole.

The hike has affectionately become known as “the forced march.”

As it turns out, we hiked through the hot sun just to arrive at a muddy sink hole and contract poison wood (a very toxic relative of poison ivy) along the way. Fortunately, most family vacations are just as memorable – and much more pleasant.

One of my classmates, Claire Conn,

discussed her family’s tradition of taking family vacations to Walt Disney World. Almost everyone knows the magical reputation that Disney holds.

ALAINA LIESS Claire is fortunate enough to have had the once-in-a-lifetime Disney experience 12 times in her 13 years. This is quite an accomplishment, since some kids her age have never been once.

Claire’s family prefers the flexibility of driving to Orlando instead of flying.

We all know that a packed car full of people and luggage can get pretty boring, so I asked Claire how her family passed the time on their long

drive to Orlando.

“For the 12 long hours of the car ride to Orlando’s Disney, my family watches movies, talks, and plays on the iPad,” Conn said.

While there are plenty of other family traditions that surround the Christmas season, the Conn family has made Disney their own, unique Christmas tradition.

Almost every Christmas, Claire; her sisters Gracie, Caroline, and Catie; her mom, Mary; and her dad, Clark, travel to Central Florida to enjoy rides, bonding, and new experiences.

“My best memory from Disney is when we went a while ago and looked at all of the gingerbread houses they had out for Christmas,” she said.

She loves to go out on the boardwalk and see the huge gingerbread house where you are challenged to find all of the Mickeys hidden in the gingerbread house.

The almost life- sized gingerbread house is one of the many fun Christmas attractions you can enjoy at Disney during the wonderful holiday.

One of the truly unique things about Disney is the wonderful mix of traditional favorites, along with new excitement and new rides to experience.

How could it ever get boring?

Claire revisited Disney World this past Christmas to enjoy the new ride, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, a familyfriendly roller coaster.

Claire’s favorite thing to do at Disney

is to explore the on-site hotels where her family stays. They usually stay about a week at a time and do as much as they possibly can in the time they have.

Although Disney is always creating new rides and adventures, Claire said her favorite ride is still the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster – known for its superstretch limo riding dark freeways while rocking out to sounds of Aerosmith.

Claire said that out of all of the times she has been to Disney, she still can’t decide which trip was her favorite.

“Each time is a new adventure,” she said, “and is just as exciting as the last.”

And that’s the way it should be – and is – on most family vacations.

PAGE 6

Bruin News

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

Quiz Bowl team prepares for next tournament

By OLIVIA PATTERSON The Bear Facts

As the Quiz Bowl team prepares for their next tournament, they have high hopes to finish the season off with a bang.

At the high school level, quiz bowl is a competitive, academic, interscholastic activity for which players attend periodic practices and then represent their school at varsity tournaments. Those tournaments may be based on the school’s athletic conference, school district, county, or state; it is open to everyone else as well.

A school’s quiz bowl season would generally run from early October until late April, though

events do occur both before and after those thresholds. Teams will usually practice weekly; but more dedicated teams choose to do so more frequently, particularly in weeks leading up to major tournaments. Most practices consist of games, but some may also include alternate activities to focus on particular subject areas.

Quiz Bowl, an academic quiz competition for middle school and high school students, is very similar to jeopardy. The questions range from math, history, science, classics, English, sports, and pop culture.

Four members on the team can compete at a time.

Quiz bowl coach and Latin teacher Matt Hosler orchestrates practices for the team “I lead pracMATTHEW tices,” said HoHOSLER sler. To keep the games flowing and improve the team, Hosler sometimes takes a hands on approach.

“I let a student ask questions so I can grab a buzzer and remind my students that I still know stuff. My students love to learn and have fantastic senses of humor. I hope for victory in our

next tournament.”

Along with getting to make new friends and spend time with them at tournaments, Quiz Bowl can help members gain confidence and knowledge.

Freshman Quiz Bowl team member Caleb Welch said: “I love being on the Quiz Bowl team. I get to learn so many things I never knew and I have a really great time with my team mates.”

Any St. Joe student can join the Quiz Bowl by coming to practice and participating in tournaments.

Tournaments can be round robin, double elimination, or single elimination. They work like

any other high school sports tournaments. The Quiz Bowl team competes with other schools in the Jackson area along with many other schools.

“Quiz Bowl separates the men from the goats, and the legends from the mere heroes of trivia,” Hosler said. “We have competed admirably at three tournaments and brought much honor to our school.”

The Quiz Bowl team practices every week to bring victory to the school’s name and has hopes to do well in the rest of their season.

Practice takes place on Monday afternoons as well as Wednesday and Friday mornings.

Mr. Hosler loves to spend time working with the students to increase their knowledge and help with any academic struggles they may be facing.

Alongside with teaching Latin I, Latin II, Latin III, Latin IV, and creative writing, in addition to holding chess club and Latin club, he always finds time to have the Quiz Bowl team show what they can do.

The Quiz Bowl team will continue to prepare for the end of the season and hopes that St. Joe will support them throughout their journey.

Entertainment

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

PAGE 7

Concerts come to Jackson

By LAWRENCE EMMERICH The Bear Facts Hal and Mal’s and Duling Hall are two of the best spots in Jackson to see a music concert.

These venues have welcomed great bands over the fall and winter, such as the popular indie-folk group The Head and The Heart.

This spring is a great time to experience the Jackson music scene. Three new and upcoming bands are scheduled to perform in the spring.

In addition, the never disap- Sea” both have more than 5 milpointing Mal’s St. Paddy’s Day lion hits on Spotify.

Parade is scheduled for Saturday, May 1 should be one of the March 21. best shows Duling Hall has ever seen and a great night in Fondren.

Ryan Bingham is playing at Hal and Mal’s on Feb. 27 with twin folk. Bingham has several songs on Spotify with more than 1 million hits. His most popular song, “Hallelujah,” has more than 5 million hits on Spotify.

While these shows have generated much excitement, nothing can match the hype for the Mal’s St. Paddy’s Day Parade.

The St. Paddy’s Day Parade is one of Jackson’s best events filled with floats, beads, food, fun and everything green. Hal and Malcolm White started this Moon Taxi, a young rock band event in the 1980s, and it has from Nashville, performed on the been going strong ever since.

Feb. 5 at Duling Hall. Even with This year, the parade is on Satthem only being around for five or six years, the band has had a lot of success and three songs on Spotify with more than 1 million hits. Their music is mostly indie and jam rock with a little bit of folk.

Neutral Milk Hotel will play at Duling Hall on May 1. This is one of the most popular bands Duling Hall has ever booked.

Neutral Milk and Honey is a folk/indie rock band that has been around since the early 1990s, but the band is just now starting to do concerts again The band has many songs with more than 3 million hits on Spotify. Songs like “Holland 1945” and “In The Aeroplane Over The

urday, March 21, at 1 p.m. starting on Court Street and ending on South Lamar Street. There also is a children’s parade, a pet parade, St. Paddy’s 5k run, and performances from two upcoming bands: Trombone Shorty and Dumpstaphunk.

The parade will have something for everyone.

The best part about this whole parade is the large amount of money it raises for Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital, which helps a lot of the kids by just giving them an opportunity to go to the parade and do something fun.

Going to see local music is a great way to support Jackson in a fun way.

The guys at Hal and Mal’s, Duling Hall and Ardenland are doing a great job putting on awesome concerts and shows city.

Mailing Address: Heath Hall Strategic Marketing Group, LLC Post Office Box 2223 Madison, Mississippi 39110 Physical Address: 740 Avignon Drive, Suite B Ridgeland, Mississippi 39157 Phone: (601) 707-3820 Fax: (601) 510-0053

2014-2015

2014-2015

Go Bruins!!!

Jimmy Stringer

Jean Kimble

Thank you for your support.

We hope y’all have a great school year!

Sincerely, your cafeteria team.

HIGH ON THE HOG BBQ We sell our competition-style smoked meats by the pound.

Great for the holidays and tailgating!

Call today to place your order.

Brandon, Allie & Campbell Stringer 601.201.7891

Bruin News

PAGE 8

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

Catholic Schools Week: Celebrating Catholic education

By NICK ZOUBOUKOS The Bear Facts St. Joseph Catholic School honored parents, students, teachers and faculty during the annual Catholic Schools Week.

This year’s Catholic Schools Week stressed the importance and value of a Catholic education.

Catholic Schools Week is a national celebration which occurs every year in honor of Catholic education.

“Although there is no goal, Catholic Schools Week is an opportunity to bring recognition, to share ideas, and to show the appreciation to all the people who are involved,” said Mrs. Dena Kinsey.

Throughout the week, the school had a special activity for each day.

On Monday, the entire school wore red for the Holy Spirit. The day was meant to begin the week with reverence in honor of this special week.

On Tuesday, St. Joe celebrated Teacher Appreciation Day. The day was intended to give each teacher recognition for his or her achievements in the education system. The Parent Association provided a lunch for teachers and the Student Council provided gifts.

During the week, the school celebrated a special Mass and Bishop Joseph Kopacz served as the celebrant. This was the Bishop’s first Mass at St. Joe this

year. This is special because it brings the campus closer with the parishes.

On Parent Appreciation Day, flowers for each parent were provided to brighten their day. This day gave appreciation to the parents who do so much for the school.

On Friday, the school celebrated Student Appreciation Day. A Chick-fil-A biscuit was provided for each student in the gymnasium. The student body also had a free dress day.

The week ended with a bang with the Winter Ball on that Saturday.

The school was also collected food for charity that week.

“Celebrating and appreciating every-

“

Catholic Schools Week’s main purpose is to show our Catholic identity.”

– Bria Paige, student body president one is important, but donating the food for the needy is the most important thing the school could possibly do this week,” said Bria Paige, Student Body President.

Each homeroom collected food for

needy adults. The school fed 24 hungry adults for a whole week.

The St. Vincent DePaul Society is the specific charity for whom the school collected the food. The society is a worldwide Catholic organization.

“Catholic Schools Week’s main purpose is to show our Catholic identity and it’s important to celebrate since we are a Catholic school,” Paige said.

This week is intended to bring out St. Joe’s Catholic roots and to bring awareness to all the great things that go on around our campus.

Everyone on campus was recognized in their own significant way, making this week one of the best yet.

Celebrating Mass during Catholic Schools Week Left photo: Junior William Doherty and senior Kendall Comish serve as altar servers for Bishop Joseph Kopacz.

Middle photo: A member of the Knights of Columbus joins students, faculty and guests at Mass.

Right photo: Bishop Kopacz distributes the Eucharist to Senior Jordan Vice.

Living Waters Supports St. Joseph Catholic School

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

Bruin News

PAGE 9

Student pioneers return from pilgrimage in D.C.

By STRATON GARRARD The Bear Facts St. Joseph students once again embarked on the annual March for Life pilgrimage to urge an end abortion nationwide.

March for Life is a yearly event that began in 1973 to protest the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade to allow abortions.

The event, which began with only a few dozen activists, now boasts roughly 500,000 protestors.

A more accurate number of attendees is unable to be found due to the National Park Service's reluctance to gauge crowd size at the national mall due to lawsuits threatened by the leaders of the 1995 Million Man March.

March for Life has gathered traction over the year, particularly with high school and college youth who make up a vast majority of protestors.

Many marchers from St. Joe were repeat attendees. One was Tim Cook, who returned because

he believes “that the pro-life movement is something worth fighting for. If we don't do anything, nothing will ever change."

The march treks through Constitution Ave. After a rally at the National Mall, itturns right on First Street and ends on the steps of the Supreme Court.

Many who attend the march are positively affected by it, whether through the march itself or through the people protesting alongside them – as was the case with Jon Dale Dieckman.

“The march has let me support a cause in a way that matters. I just think that it’s great to be able to go with a group of people that care about the issues that I do.”

While the march has been attended by various institutions since the 1970s, St. Joe has only attended the march for the last five years and the Diocese of Jackson the last three years.

St. Joe’s pilgrims closely followed their yearly itinerary of attending a Christian concert at Patriot Stadium.

The event was hosted by Matt Maher, who performed a solo and allowed adoration to be done toward the end of the concert for the throngs of Catholic activists who came together for the cause of life.

Confessions were held outside of the arena near the concession booths.

After the concert, the St. Joe students stayed the night at the Marriott Hotel in Fairfax, Va. Dinner was provided by Potbelly Sandwich Works, which was located nearby.

The next day, the pilgrims from St. Joe attended a Mass held at the Patriot Center and afterwards drove to Washington, D.C., to take part in the March for Life.

The St. Joseph pilgrims were allowed to visit two Smithsonian museums after the march: The American History Museum and the Natural History Museum.

Submitted Photo The March for Life is a noble Bishop Joseph Kopacz blesses students traveling to Washington, D.C. for the annual March for event that all St. Joe students Life. have the possibility of attending.

111 Colony Crossing Way, No. 1200, in Madison – near Kroger’s Call: (601) 605-0275

Bruin Sports PAGE 10

Benson throws heat as star pitcher

l

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

l

www.thebearfacts.net

l

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL

LADY BRUINS WIN BIG

he average high school baseball pitcher’s fastball clocks in at 75 to 85 mph. Thomas Benson, the Bruins’ senior pitcher, can throw on the upper end of that scale at 86 mph.

With major league pitching averages at about 88 mph, Benson is looking pretty good. When asked if he wanted to play college ball, Benson said, “Maybe. It all depends DREW MILNER on the opportunity.” sports editor Scouts these days aren’t just looking for velocity. They are also looking for control, delivery and mechanics. They want to see more than a fastball. Benson can throw a slider and a split finger change up.

Scouts want to make sure a player doesn’t have any prior health concerns that could ruin a career. Does he have any current or previous injuries? Any recent surgeries or health concerns?

Having an injury doesn't mean a kid is no longer a prospect, but they are just flags the scouts note.

T

“

Scouts these days aren’t just looking for velocity.

They are looking for control, delivery and mechanics.”

Pitching takes a toll on the arm of the pitcher. These high velocity throws, combined with the distance the ball has to go, can quickly lead to an injury.

Home plate is 60 feet and 6 inches away from the mound.

Most injuries would be fine, but any arm or elbow injuries would never be good. Benson has never had any arm injuries, but he does many different exercises to strengthen the shoulder and surrounding areas.

One major fear for pitchers is something called Tommy John surgery. This is where the ligament in your elbow snaps, and surgeons have to replace it with a tendon from elsewhere in the body. It is caused by the inherent violence in the pitching motion.

In 2013, 51 Major League pitchers underwent Tommy John surgery. Doctors are still not sure why the surgery is so common. One belief is that it starts long before the players ever get to the big leagues.

Increased specialization and year round travel ball allow youth pitchers to throw far more than they would have in the past. Also, an increased emphasis in velocity causes dangerous max effort throwing.

This leads to pitchers having to start over from the bottom and slowly increase to their prior power. Few come back to their original strength and it can spell the end of a career for most.

Young pitchers on the fast track to college scholarships are wise to avoid any arm injuries.

Luckily, Benson gets a break from pitching during the soccer season. This may be what has kept him without injury for so long. It’s better to take time off now instead of pushing yourself year round than to have to take time off for an injury, especially if its during the season.

Sports analysis by Jack Olstad and Drew Milner, front and back page photos by Dave Vowell

ABOVE: Pera Massey, left, Taylor Healy, Blythe Summers, Farrell Moorehead, Morrisey Claire Harmon, Riley Wolf and Larissa Armour celebrate the Bruins’ championship win.

BOTTOM: Members of the Lady Bruin soccer team celebrate minutes after defeating South Pontotoc on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015.

he road that led the St. Joe girls to the championship is paved with one word: Tradition.

In sports, the word carries a great deal of value. Tradition within a sports team defines the program and what each individual believes.

Winning is an obvious tradition for successful teams. But tradition goes much further than just victory. It’s how a team practices, prepares, performs.

ing Sacred Heart 3-0. Next was the game that no one will ever forget: St. Joe-Our Lady Academy.

“Definitely the most exciting game I’ve ever watched,” said Grant LaFleur, former soccer captain for the boys varsity team. The supportive boys soccer team was perhaps a little too excited and were told to leave the sideline for being a distraction.

After neither team scored a goal during regulation time, the game moved into an overtime period of two 10-minute halves. But no one scored, sending the game into a second overtime – this one consisting of two five-minute halves with the first one to score winning the game.

With the game still undecided, St. Joe and OLA entered a third overtime in which each team had a chance to win the game by shooting five goals each. Again, the game remained scoreless.

Both teams then entered “sudden death.” After three rounds of kicking goals, St. Joe’s Riley Wolf hit the game-winner to the back right corner of For the girls of the St. Joe Soccer Team, a strong tradition began in the net – sending the Bruins to the championship.

2006, when the St. Joe soccer team was ranked No. 1 in 1A-2A-3A and Every single game the girls played, the defense grew stronger and rated third in the state. That team was lead by Elizabeth Geimer, Janet stronger. In the championship game, the Bruin defense barely let the ball Self and Margaret Rittiner and coached by Jeremy Shortt. on their side of the field. Abadie, the senior goalie, only had to touch the A winning record of 11-7-1 placed the Lady Bruins in the playoffs that ball three times during the game. year, where they went on to win the state championship.

The girls were in ultra-attack mode the first half, keeping the ball on The 2014-2015 girls soccer team had the talent and determination to the opponents side of the field for most of the period. After scoring 2 in duplicate the 2006 team. When the regular season was over, the Bruins the first half, the Bruins balanced their attack and focused more on keepweren’t just chasing the 2006 legacy – they were stride-for-stride. This ing the score zero for South Pontotoc. year’s team shared the same record as the 2006 team: 11-7-1.

After half way through the second half, senior Joanna Bellan launched This season, the girls team had a strong offense. Allie Milner was the an impressive shot from 35 feet away and scored, making the game 3-0 top scorer with 14 goals; Riley Reeves and Joanna Bellan were tied at 12. and sealing their dreams of becoming state champions.

On defense, Bridget Abadie recorded an impressive 102 saves.

“I was on the team that came second in state in seventh and eighth The Lady Bruins entered the first playoff game favored over Resurrecgrade, and I want that winning tradition to continue at St. Joe,” Bellan tion Catholic. The girls won 4-0 and advanced to the next round, defeatsaid.

T

BRUINS SCOREBOARD A look at Lady Bruin games for the 2014-2015 soccer season

DISTRICT n Dec. 8, St. Joe-St. Aloysius, 9-0, W n Dec. 11, St. Joe-St. Andrew’s,1-0, W n Dec. 19, St. Joe-St. Aloysius,1-1, L n Jan. 12, St. Joe-St. Andrew’s, 3-2, W

PLAYOFFS n Jan. 27, St. Joe-Resurrection, 4-0, W n Jan. 31, St. Joe-Sacred Heart, 3-0, W n Feb. 3, St. Joe-OLA, 0-0, W

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP n Feb. 7, St. Joe-South Pontotoc, 3-0,W

Boys and girls Bruin bowlers hope for future championship

By GRANT MURPHY The Bear Facts The ball rolled off the fingertips of Genin Harkey and found its mark – a strike that sent the St. Joe girls bowling team to the state playoffs for a third time.

Under Coach Dennis Dillon’s guidance, the Lady Bruins bowling team has made it to the state playoffs three of the last four years. This year, he and the Bruin bowlers hope to bring home the state championship.

“Often we are viewed as a last choice or backup sport for many of our student athletes,” Dillon said recently.

“The reason for that is because of our strong baseball and soccer programs that play during bowling season. It is very important that we have strong programs

in those sports because it is an integral part of our school.”

St. Joe fields a ninemember girls bowling team and a 10-member boys team. Both pracDENNIS tice at Fannin Lanes in DILLON Rankin County in between matches with area schools – all in a race to make it to the state playoffs and the state championship.

Dillon, who teaches ninth, 11th and 12th grade math, has coached the girls and boys bowling teams for six years at St. Joseph High School. An avid and successful bowler himself, Dillon brings a lot of experience and success to his coaching role.

While he said he is satisfied with the boys and girls teams’ overall success, he said he favors interest in the girls team because of their history of playoff runs in ROBERT the past four years.

BROWN The boys team is led by senior Robert Brown.

“I try to show leadership at practices and at matches,” Brown said.

“I believe my fellow teammates look up to me almost as their mentor. I believe we have a great chance to make it to the state championship where we will most likely face a tough opponent such as Tupelo.”

Besides Brown, another top bowler on the men’s team is junior Jack Collins.

Brown said that he, Collins and the others on the boys team have a good chance of making it to the playoffs this year and hope to make it to the state meet.

Brown said he is more than comfortable about leaving the role as captain next year to Collins and junior Benjamin Payne.

“I have total faith in my rising teammates, Jack Collins and Ben Payne,” Brown said. “I have no doubt they will lead the team to victory next year.”

Harkey leads the girls team, along with Sammy Dupont, Mary Claire Logue and Jean-Nicolette Nixon.

The girls have had a phenomenal record over the years with three playoff appearances. Dillon said the girls will have no problem making it to the play-

offs and have a good chance to make it to state meet this year.

“The girl’s team has been improving week-in and week-out,” Dillon said. “I expect to see a good showing from them in district play.”

He said that Harkey plays a crucial part in the team’s success because of her great leadership and work ethic. Harkey also has played a key role on the Lady Bruin volleyball team this past fall.

The team practices from 3:30-5 p.m. at Fannin Lanes in Flowood.

At practice they play matches against each other in order to ready them for a district match.

“I believe all of our seniors are great bowlers and play a big part of the team – not only physically but also mentally,” Dillon said.