The Bear Facts: Feb. 9, 2017, edition

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Bear Facts

VOLUME 20, NO. 4

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

the

SAINT JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL

MADISON, MISSISSIPPI

School’s largest fund-raiser set for Feb. 18 Jeans, Jazz & Bruin Blues $10,000 Draw Down celebrates its 24th straight year

By KELLYN PAIGE The Bear Facts Fellowship, fun, food, prizes and $10,000 in cash – all are part of the 2017 Draw Down, Saint Joseph Catholic School’s largest fund-raiser of the year set for Saturday, Feb 18.

Tickets are $130 for two people. A limited

number are still available for the event. The Draw Down is expected to sell out; any one interested in purchasing tickets should contact the school at (601) 868-4800.

“This year, they have a new logo, new decorations, a new layout at the event, and live music,” said Becky Adkins, who coordinates alumni affairs and works with the Saint Joseph Parent As-

sociation.

While at the Draw Down, guests will dine on gourmet food prepared by the Knights of Columbus of Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

Guests also will enjoy an open bar as well as a wide variety of desserts.

Other attraction will include silent and live auctions that will feature such high-profile items as a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu LS 24-month prepaid lease; a Walt Disney World trip for a family of four; a six-night trip to Punta Cana, Dominican See DRAW DOWN, Page 3

THE BEAR FACTS & BRUIN NEWS NOW SPECIAL REPORT COMMITTED TO SERVE

Reaching others through hours

Filippenko inspires Bruin students

By GARRET GROVE The Bear Facts

Photo by Collin Ledbetter/The Bear Facts Members of the BruinTHON Committee discuss plans for the event which is set for after school on Friday, April 7, in the Saint Joseph gym. Volunteers for the event receive service hours. From left are Isabel Loya, Jackye Gregory, Tess Lott, Alvin Barnes and Aaron Ray.

E

A world-renowned astrophysicist spent one day last month inspiring Saint Joseph students to search the stars and become excited about science.

Alex Filippenko, an Oakland, Calif., native, talked to students, faculty, parents and guests about his love of science. He also participated in the blessing of the school’s new telescope as well as visited the Millsaps College campus.

Mr. Filippenko’s Jan. 26 and 27 visit to the Saint Joseph campus was long in the planning. First, there was a meet-and-greet for anyone able to attend on Jan. 26.

The approximately 35 people who attended were primarily Saint Joseph parents and friends of the school. Several students also attended.

Before Mr. Filippenko spoke, he toured the school’s remolded science classrooms; he was impressed with the school’s equipment and students’ learning opportunities. He liked the biology classroom because he thought the integration of art and life science was great.

Some of those who attended the meet-andgreet got autographs and took pictures with Mr. Filippenko.

The next morning, at about 9:30 a.m., students, teachers and Mr. Filippenko himself attended Bishop Joseph Kopacz’s blessing of the school’s new telescope at Hulett Observatory.

Mr. Filippenko then joined the bishop as he

ABOUT THIS SPECIAL REPORT

By John David Topik

ven though it’s not until April, a group of Saint Joseph Catholic school students have been at work since last fall planning the school’s largest event to help a key community organization – the Blair E. Batson Children’s

Hospital.

BruinTHON, which began life as the Saint Joseph Dance Marathon, has raised thousands of dollars for the Batson Children’s Hospital – including more than $12,500 last year.

“BruinTHON and other Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathons such as Rebelthon at Ole Miss are integral to the success of Batson Children’s Hospital,” said Mrs. Mary Banks, the campus minister and service coordinator for Saint Joseph.

“Without fund-raising from local communities, Batson would not be able to provide the necessary level of care and support to its

INSIDE THIS EDITION: n GRANT MURPHY, BLAINE TURNER, KIM KAISER COLUMNS, EDITORIAL Page 2 n NICARAGUA TRIP, SCHOOL FOOD DRIVE, Page 4 n STUDENT SERVICE PROJECTS, Page 5

ON TODAY’S EDITION OF BRUIN NEWS NOW n SAINT JOSEPH STUDENTS RACK-UP SERVICE HOURS n REASONS BEHIND SERVICE HOURS PROGRAM n NEWSCAST AVAILABLE ON BRUIN NEWS NOW YOUTUBE CHANNEL

See COMMUNITY SERVICE, Page 4

See FILIPPENKO, Page 3

Photo Special to The Bear Facts Alex Filippenko is interviewed by Bruin News Now following his Jan. 27 talk on campus.

Annual program honors African American contributions

By KILAND HARRISON The Bear Facts Saint Joseph students are hard at work preparing for Saint Joseph’s annual Black History Month program set for Monday, Feb. 27.

Black History Month is a time set aside to honor the lengthy accomplishments of African Americans.

Black History month originated in 1926 when historian Carter G. Wood-

son announced the second week of February to be “Negro History Week” In 1976, then President Gerald R. Ford recognized Black History Week as Black CRYSTAL History Month.

THOMAS The annual Black History Month program at Saint Joseph helps to draw attention to important

INSIDE THIS EDITION n Opinion: Page 2 n News: Pages 3-8 n Entertainment: Pages 9, 10 n Sports: Pages 11-12

events in the nation’s past.. This year’s program is coordinated by Ms. Crystal Thomas, Saint Joseph’s biology teacher.

“It is important for ALVIN us to do a Black HisBARNES tory Program because it helps to shine a light on important African American figures,” Ms. Thomas said.

DID YOU KNOW?

This year’s event will feature quotes from famous athletes, musicians and entrepreneurs all of whom have had a profound affect on American history.

The program allows the students of Saint Joseph to display their various talents. Student participants go as far as dressing like the famous person.

“I really enjoyed getting the chance to dress like Tupac Shakur and read one of his songs,” said Douglas Watson, who participated in last year’s

The first football player on a Wheaties box was Walter Payton of Columbus.

program. “And I look forward to doing something like that again this year.”

Senior Alvin Barnes who helped direct the program last year said it is “just really great to see everything come together from the first practice to the final performance.”

There was a lot of time and effort that went into making last year’s program a success. And it all started in Ms. Thomas’ room, where students were hard at work perfecting every little detail.

THE BEAR FACTS

Named Mississippi’s Best High School Newspaper by the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association every year since 2013

Opinion

PAGE 2

Lasting impact of service

T

o many people, the act of service or serving someone can be seen as tiring, tedious, boring and even frustrating.

While in truth, service is one of the things in our society that has the potential to make a lasting impact on someone’s life.

As Christians at Saint Joseph Catholic School, GRANT we are called to always offer help and service to MURPHY anyone in need. Even if you are not a Christian, editor most people possess enough morality to give service to anyone they see in need.

Hebrews 6:10 reads: “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”

There are many instances where service to others is mentioned in the Bible. God makes it an explicit point to make sure we understand the importance of giving and being able to reap the benefits. He assures us that no action goes unrecognized and their will always be a reward for the good deeds we commit on Earth.

As Catholics, we are taught to be saved by faith and good works, contrary to the belief of Martin Luther during the Protestant reformation. He created the idea of “Sola Fide” which means we are able to be saved by faith alone.

An example in scripture of the importance of service is the institution of the corporal works of mercy which are feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, bury the dead, shelter the traveler, comfort the sick and ransom the captive.

These works of mercy have been the foundation of the push for service of the Catholic church for many years now.

St. Theresa is possibly the greatest example of service throughout our Catholic history. Her work with the poor and less fortunate had a life-changing impact on many people during her lifetime, and people today look up to her as the epitome of service to others

I

Personally, life has had a few experiences with service opportunities throughout my life. I have able to volunteer at many places such as the soup kitchen and my personal favorite, a camp called Hope Hollow.

Hope Hollow is a non-profit special needs camp where kids of all ages are able to go and spend time during the summer, making simple chores a little bit easier on their parents.

While I was there, the camper I was in charge of a child diagnosed with dwarfism and Down’s Syndrome from birth, which restrained him from many normal tasks.

Even though he is disabled in many people’s eyes, to me, he is one of the best examples of joy I have ever seen in a child. There was not one day during the whole camp where he seemed down or upset.

He was full of constant laughter and excitement and seemed happy that people were there and enjoying life with him. That was a very assuring accomplishment to be able to see service being put into action and really having an impact on someone’s life.

Another lesson that we can learn is to always be respectful of everyone’s time and dedication, whatever it may be for. People work very hard to serve others, sometimes even if they don’t agree with the cause they are serving.

All in all, as Catholics, we must strive everyday to continue Jesus’ mission of service, even to our enemies. If we are serve our part as the humble servant in this life on Earth, we will able to go to Heaven and be with Jesus for all of eternity.

Some people may believe in karma, or some might just serve others just to be a helpful person. Whatever your reason may be, I encourage you to always put others before yourself, in hope of maybe leaving a lasting impact on someone that could change their life forever.

The hard part is initiating the service. Sometimes it is necessary to get out of your comfort zone, put others before yourself, and do the will of the common good.

Leaving the comfort zone

believe that it is always important to leave my comfort zone and try new things.

For many people, including myself, leaving the comfort zone is both BLAINE challenging and frightening TURNER because we don’t always assistant Editor know what we are getting ourselves into.

Fear of the unknown is simply human nature. We risk our reputations, and we risk embarrassing ourselves when we venture out into unknown.

Comfort zones are imaginary boundaries formed by past experiences that have made a person feel comfortable. The perception of comfort is a simple defense mechanism to help them avoid that which they fear.

The fear usually stems from things that we deem negative such as embarrassment, rejection or failure. Sometimes we fail to see that the boundaries that we have formed for ourselves are stopping us from reaching our full potential.

Ultimately, leaving the comfort zone is very scary, but I believe that stepping outside of that zone is the only way to grow.

For me, this school year has been truly been a year of stepping of out my comfort zone. One giant step was joining the soccer team. Soccer is a sport that I have never even attempted to play in my 17 years of existence. Yet, throughout my first season

as a soccer player, I have learned so much about not only the sport of soccer but about myself as well. Sure it was hard practicing for hours every day, being out there in extremely cold weather, and missing out on family time when it could not be avoided.

But I persevered. As cliche as it may be, that perseverance taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to do.

This is also my first year as a journalism student. Through stepping out of my comfort zone, I have found a new passion.

Who knew I would have an opportunity to interview U.S. Roger Wicker while attending the Mississippi Youth Legislature? Who knew my peers would compliment me on doing a great job on Bruin News Now? In the end, it is something I would have never tried if I had not abandoned the fear of embarrassing myself.

Now, I am not saying that venturing out will be easy, because it is not. The fear holding you back is there for a reason. It is your mind’s way of protecting you from harm.

There are times when you may experience rejection, failure and embarrassment. But for me, the leap of faith was worth it. Just because I experienced a little bit of adversity it did not diminish my overall experience of getting out of my comfort zone.

Adversity is also an essential aspect of the leaving the comfort zone. Nothing worth learning or having comes without

“

Ultimately, leaving the comfort zone is very scary, but I believe stepping out of that zone is the only way to grow.” any hard work and a little bit of a challenge. Although, overcoming obstacles is very hard and makes people sometimes regret their decision to leave the comfort zone; it eventually becomes worth it.

The obstacles are just that, it is nothing more than a small bump that makes a person stop and think is it worth it.

Obstacles should not be used as motivation to quit.

Many times the obstacles a person faces today will develop into their strength tomorrow.

When I venture out and attempt to do something new I always keep in mind that everyone was new at something once.

I never allow my fear or my lack of experience dictate whether or not I will attempt something.

Essentially, leaving the comfort zone does nothing more but push someone to their limit by giving them exposure to a new skill or activity.

Who knows? The new skill or activity that a person is trying might just become their new passion.

Experiencing the joy of helping others

A

s a freshman at St. Joseph, I have only had the past two and a half years to earn service hours for my school and community.

KIM I have not, however, KAISER had many troubles with entertainment collecting them, even editor going as far as receiving a certificate in my eighth grade year for going above and beyond the required hours.

Throughout my service journey, I have found myself acquiring useful life skills while also being able to help others.

In the past two years, I have been lending a helping hand to set builds, both with “Seussical the Musical” and “Little Shop of Horrors.”

Alongside my stepfather, who was a crucial piece in the building of both sets along with several other parents of the students consistently involved in the spring musicals, I can safely say I have gained more than 40 hours. I also collected these while being able to make something I love become a reality, and look forward to doing it all over again this year with the set of “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”

Of course, building sets is not the only

place I have gained hours. Every year, I participate in the set up and take down of Vacation Bible School at St. Francis Catholic Church. I also help during the week of Biblerelated games with children of all ages.

This past year, I got involved in a new way by volunteering to do the daily skit in front of the entirety of the participants at VBS. This meant arriving earlier than usual to practice every morning while frantically trying to remember lines that had only been given to us the day before.

But I greatly enjoyed being given the opportunity to get into the character of a mimicry of the prodigal son.

VBS is not the only way I get involved with my church, though. I also often lend a voice to the choir and cantor on Sundays with several other individuals all possessing beautiful voices, with my brother occasionally playing the drum as

“

Throughout my service journey, I have found myself acquiring life skills while also being able to help others.”

BEAR FACTS The

Grant Murphy

Graham Hlavac

Editor

Managing Editor

John Topik

Blaine Turner

Opinion Page Editor

Assistant Editor

Terry R. Cassreino, Faculty Adviser Douglas E. Jones, Principal

an extra instrument.

Although I cannot get service hours for the Mass itself, I do get them from the hour of practice beforehand. Even if this may sound like extra work, it is all good fun to me. This is especially true when I get the opportunity to cantor for one of my favorite songs.

Beside these three ways, I have also gotten hours volunteering at St. Anthony’s where my sister attends school, helping adoptable animals at CARA, and serving food to the needy at the soup kitchen.

Although it may all seem unnecessary, I think that the impact we have on our community with all of our service has reached people of all classes.

Even if everyone did just their bare minimum of 20 or 30 hours, hundreds would be compiled between all of the students at St. Joseph – each one of them helping in a different way.

This is not the case, though. Several students have gone above and beyond, sometimes with more than 200 hours of service.

If one would consider the effect of this, it is truly an amazing feat. For this and many other reasons, I am proud to be able to say that I attend St. Joseph, and I look forward to continuing to serve my school and my community in future years.

The Bear Facts, the official student newspaper of Saint 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 Saint Joseph. This paper’s purpose is to reflect the spirit of Saint Joseph Catholic School, keep the school community informed and help promote the school’s Christian values.

All stories and photographs are copyright © 2016 by The Bear Facts and Saint 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.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

Our view

The importance of serving others “To be a Christian is to do what Jesus did serve.”

The words of Pope Francis highlight what it means to live out the faith in a world that promotes self-centeredness.

Apart from the simple actions that are second nature to us, there are greater actions that have a significant impact on the community – and that can be seen here at Saint Joseph.

Students must attain a certain number of hours of service each year. Our service should not be looked upon merely as a requirement, but more so a humble gift given from a heart of gratitude.

Our service requirement is not for a higher social status among other schools, or as the Pontiff puts it, not a “bit of makeup on the soul” to make it appear more beautiful.

The service we do is a commitment to our community and to God, a living out of the teachings of Jesus and a humble offering for the salvation that is given freely to us.

This commitment to service can be seen by many students who go above and beyond the service requirement for our school, proving that there are young people out there who understand the importance of lending a hand to your fellow man.

Some say that the personal gain from serving others is just as great as the impact made upon the one receiving the service.

And perhaps this is why so many students each year surpass the required 30-hour mark.

But if personal gain is the motivator for the service being done, does that have an effect on the authenticity of the act?

We don’t think it does. We believe it is already pretty remarkable that students are devoting their time to the service of others, and credit our school for giving us that opportunity.

Service is extremely rewarding and it should not be looked upon as a burden. We are each called to use our gifts at the service of others. And it is important that a high school instills in its students a willingness to serve at a young age, for the future of society is in our hands.

Service hours are just another dimension of how Saint Joseph aims to transform its students into honorable citizens.

Michelangelo said: “Every block of stone has a statue inside of it, and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.”

Our school itself is a sculptor, taking young people and shaping them into men and women who often say that service hours are partly responsible for their respective transformations.

The services performed by many at our school have the ability to influence hundreds if not thousands of people.

This tradition of excellence and service will continue to thrive and hopefully spread throughout our tightly woven, Catholic community for many years to come.

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 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 e-mail 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 9, 2017

Bruin News

Honoring grandparents at Mass

PAGE 3

Saint Joseph Catholic School joined thousands of other schools across the nation for Catholic Schools Week. As part of the week, Saint Joseph celebrated the school’s annual Grandparents Mass on Tuesday, Jan. 31.

ABOVE PHOTO: Bishop Kopacz celebrates Grandparents Mass in the school gym.

TOP RIGHT: Mary Nguyen, left, Anna Crout and Grace Weisenberger perform with the band.

BOTTOM ROW LEFT: Sophomore Luckett Nixon with her grandparents Linda and Robert Luckett.

BOTTOM ROW MIDDLE: Sophomore Catherine Cook.

BOTTOM ROW RIGHT: Emma Adkins and Mr. Ronnie Russell perform at Mass.

FILIPPENKO, from page 1 blessed all of the remodeled science classrooms in the 400 building.

“He brings a lot of excitement in his love for science, and his passion for the universe,” Bishop Kopacz said.

“When he speaks of that, he certainly inspires the awe and wonder that comes from our faith. I think he will . . . challenge us to appreciate how faith and reason and science and religion can work together.”

The main event was at 10:15 a.m. Friday when Mr. Filippenko spoke to a Fine Arts theater

“

He brings a lot of excitement in his love for science and his passion for the universe.”

– Bishop Joseph Kopacz

packed with people. Among other things, Mr. Filippenko talked about the work of the Supernova Cosmology Project and High-Z Supernova teams, which revealed the accelerating expansion of the universe.

Mr. Filippenko was part of two teams that won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2011. He was the only person to be a member of both teams.

Mr. Filippenko described himself as an “eclipse-o-phile” who has personally viewed 15 solar eclipses. He also talked about the dark matter

DRAW DOWN, from page 1 Republic; and a week vacation in Gulf Shores at Seawind Condominiums.

Also up for grabs are class baskets filled with gift certificates, pottery, artwork, jewelry, household accessories and gift cards to area shops and restaurants. Basket raffle tickets cost $10 each.

And, of course, the main attraction is the reverse raffle for a $10,000 grand prize. Everyone

who purchases a $130 ticket to the event will be entered into the Draw Down. Names will be pulled throughout the night; the last one remaining will win the grand prize.

“I am excited to see how the Draw Down event is going to turn out for the first time,” Principal Doug Jones said.

Sponsors for the event include M7 Coffee House in Ridgeland, Gray Daniels Auto Group

and stars, particularly exploding ones, which, in a way, are related to the discoveries made by the two Supernova teams.

Mr. Filippenko is no stranger to receiving awards. At the University of California at Berkeley, Mr. Filippenko has been named Best Professor a record nine times. He also has been honored nationally as the Outstanding Doctoral and Research Universities Professor of the Year in 2006.

“I tried to talk to some of (the students), and I think that they all felt like they learned a lot

“

I tried to talk to some of (the students), and I think that they all felt like they learned a lot today.”

today,” Saint Joseph Principal Doug Jones said.

“Some of them felt, I think, a little overwhelmed,” Mr. Jones said. “But I think they all appreciated his enthusiasm and liked his approach and his delivery a lot. I think they felt very entertained, but also engaged as well.”

On Friday evening, Mr. Filippenko attended a private dinner at Saint Joseph. He also hosted a telescope viewing that night.

– Doug Jones, Saint Joseph principal

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Kristi Garrard, director of enrollment management for Saint Joseph, and her husband served as master of ceremonies for the event last year. They plan to do the same again this year.

“I am excited to see how the event is going to go this year,” Mrs. Garrard said.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

THE BEAR FACTS & BRUIN NEWS NOW SPECIAL REPORT COMMITTED TO SERVE

Mission trip inspires Hlavac, Nicholas Bruin students create own fund-raiser to help children with school supplies

By JACK CLEMENTS The Bear Facts After participating in a school mission trip to Nicaragua through the Amigos For Christ ministry, senior Graham Hlavac and junior Avery Nicholas were deeply moved.

They worked in the poorest parts of Nicaragua, digging ditches and helping families and children. They instantly fell in love with the people and culture; they decided that they wanted to help in any way they could.

“We wanted to make a difference from home,” Hlavac said recently.

And they did just that. First, Hlavac and Nicholas created what they called “Operation Nica,” a fund-raiser to help

children pay for school supplies.

And then Hlavac joined Will Butts, a 2016 Saint Joseph graduate, on a second mission trip to Nicaragua last summer. Just like the first one, the second trip was a powerful experience.

Hlavac’s and Nicholas’ mission work and fund-raiser are just two examples of the outreach efforts from Saint Joseph students and faculty to help others less fortunate. Some choose projects close to home, such as helping local nonprofits.

Others like Hlavac and Nicholas choose international volunteer work – either traveling to Nicaragua or starting their own fund-raiser.

“We felt like the purchasing of school supplies, and building materials

“

Hopefully, the money we raise will allow many of them to go to high school.”

– Graham Hlavac senior

for the school would be the best thing we could do to help because it will help to nourish the next generation,” Hlavac said.

“Most of these kids are so poor that their education stops after the sixth grade,” he said. “Hopefully the money we raise will allow many of them to go to high school.”

Operation Nica raised more than

$1,500 through the sale of T-shirts; that money went to Amigos For Christ. The two plan to continue Operation Nica in hopes of being able to help more people.

In addition to inspiring Hlavac and Nicholas to help, Nicaragua was a real eye-opener for them both. Their spring 2016 trip to Nicaragua changed their outlook on life.

“Nicaragua is the happiest place on Earth,” Nicholas said. “The people are just happy to be alive.

“We don’t realize how much we have until we see people who have so little and are still so kind and so grateful for the little they have,” she said.

During their time there, they were lucky enough to get to go on a house visit.

“This man was so nice and welcoming. We were complete strangers to him, and he did every thing he could to make us feel welcome and even

rode his bike down the street to buy us Cokes. The selflessness of these people amazed me,” Nicholas said.

Hlavac was so moved that he described the trip as the best thing that had ever happened to him. The mission trips even helped to influence his future major of International Studies and a minor in Spanish.

“I can definitely see myself continuing to do this in the future, possibly even as a career,” Graham said, adding that mission trip last year changed the way he lives.

“It’s in the little things,” Hlavac said.

“Now when I’m home, I don’t take long showers anymore. I try to conserve water a lot more because I feel guilty after seeing people who will use so little because it is all that they have.

“Also it had influenced me to help – not only in Nicaragua, but to offer help to anyone in need."

Bruins help eliminate hunger through food drives

By JACK CLEMENTS The Bear Facts One of the many tenets of Saint Joseph Catholic School is this important point: NO one should go hungry.

In that spirit, Saint Joseph students, faculty, staff, alumni and even parents help provide food for those in need several times each year. Last week, that happened as part of Catholic Schools Week.

“Giving to others makes me feel happy and proud of myself for doing good,” said Christina Istaphan an eighth grader. “It makes me feels like I’m doing

CHRISTINA ISTAPHAN

DENA KINSEY

“

Giving to others makes me feel happy and proud.”

– Christina Istaphan, eighth-grader

the right thing and God would be proud of me for it.”

Last week, students brought canned and boxed goods to their Catholic Church. homeroom. The food items were From there the food will be disthen sent to the Saint Vincent de tributed to those in need.

Paul Society at Saint Richard The Catholic Schools Week

food drive is one of several each year. Saint Joseph students, faculty, staff and others contributed to a food drive last fall that benefited Mississippi Food Network.

In March, as part of the Saint Joseph’s Day altar, students, faculty and staff will donate food to The Gleaners.

Last week’s food drive saw each homeroom fill a box with enough food to feed a person for a week.

Not only is the food drive beneficial to those receiving the food, it is also spiritually benefiting the students and all those who donate.

Students, faculty and staff believe

that one way people serve Jesus is through the food drive.

“It really helps the hungry, and that is most important,” said Dena Kinsey, Saint Joseph high school director and senior theology teacher. “Jesus told us to feed the hungry. It is a basic requirement of our faith.”

Mike Prince from the Saint Vincent de Paul Conference at Saint Richard said that food Saint Joseph students, faculty, staff and others collected is very important because the conference can spend less money buying food. He said the conference prefers to spend money on a family’s lights and

water, and having food donated makes that more possible.

The boxes collected will be given out to families whenever a volunteer of Saint Vincent de Paul makes a house call.

“We always take a box,” Prince said. “If these people we help do not have enough money to keep their lights on then they probably aren’t putting enough food in their stomachs.”

Students who donate can feel confident that they are serving Jesus by serving others, and that they really are making a difference in the community.

graduation” The Saint Joseph Gospel Service program essentially teaches the importance of giving back to the community and of lending a

helping hand to those who are in need.

Officials with the Diabetes Foundation hope that the students are inspired by their vol-

unteer experiences to go into careers to help others such as research, medicine, nursing, social work, teaching and nonprofit work.

COMMUNITY SERVICE, from page 1 patients.”

Saint Joseph students help many organizations sand groups, both local and national, as part of the service hours community outreach program.

Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital is one of the organizations that the students of Saint Joseph help on a constant basis.

Students do things such as making artwork for the children in the hospital and even sponsoring BruinTHON. Students at Saint Joseph have always been willing to help at Mississippi Food Network. One way is through volunteering on Volunteer Saturdays and other events that the group has during the year.

Students also have been a big part of the 16-WAPT Food for Families Football Challenge in the fall by collecting nonperish-

able items and monetary donations for Mississippians.

“We have had a wonderful relationship with St. Joe volunteers for over a decade,” said Irena McClain of the Mississippi Diabetes Foundation.

McClain’s sons are Saint Joseph alumni from the Class of 2005 and the Class 2007. They volunteered with their friends at many events and helped at the Diabetes Foundation office doing mail outs and organizing the storage For many years, Saint Joseph students have volunteered at Mississippi’s Walk for DiabetesJackson, the state’s oldest and largest diabetes fund-raiser.

Students have helped set up, hand out water, work in the food tent and coordinate kid’s activities. In 2017, the walk will take place at Southern Farm Bureau

on Oct. 1.

Saint Joseph students also have volunteered as Counselors in Training at Camp Kandu, Mississippi’s only camp for children with diabetes and their families. The camp helps students learn more about diabetes.

“Students help us at our Easter Egg Hunt at Highland Village every year by stuffing Easter eggs, hiding them and doing face painting,” McClain said.

Students have helped to raise awareness of diabetes by doing mail outs to hospitals, clinics and schools for National Diabetes Month in November and the Diabetes Discovery Week in March.

“Our volunteer partnership with St. Joe has been wonderful,” she said. “We’ve had kids start volunteering in seventh grade and continue through

Bruin News

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

PAGE 5

THE BEAR FACTS & BRUIN NEWS NOW SPECIAL REPORT COMMITTED TO SERVE

BruinTHON benefits children’s hospital

Event one way students reach out to community

By SOPHIA DE LANGE The Bear Facts BruinTHON, founded at Saint Joseph Catholic School in 2011 as Dance Marathon, is an eighthour event that raises money for the Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital.

The event is set for 4 p.m. to midnight on Friday, April 7, in the school gym. Last year Saint Joseph raised more than $12,500; this year, organizers are aiming for $15,000 this year.

“Our goal is to raise money for Batson Children’s Hospital, plan fund-raisers and plan an awesome BruinTHON event in April,” said Mrs. Mary Banks, campus minister.

BruinTHON is one of several examples of Saint Joseph Catholic School’s outreach efforts to the help the greater Jackson area.

Students in grades 7 through 12 are required to contribute a specific amount of hours every year in service to the community, While some people may balk at such a requirement, many Saint Joseph students say they are happy to help others. Some even go above and beyond the

required number of service hours.

STUDENT VOLUNTEERS Students who organize and oversee BruinTHON receive credit for the time they contribute to the project. And their work is long and extensive beginning every year in the fall more than six months before the actual event.

Senior Tess Lott is director of the event this year.

“I direct the meetings, and they typically start with asking how we are doing with some of our fund-raisers,” Lott said.

“We’ve been talking lately about our different fund-raisers, and we all are freely allowed to voice fund-raisers we should do and who wants to do what.”

The BruinTHON committee includes high schoolers along with a few middle school representatives. Middle schoolers don’t attend the meetings, but are in charge of getting their fellow classmates involved.

The high school committee members are Linda Martinez, Taylor Lyle, Kaitlyn Watson,

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Liess channels her love of animals Saint Joseph sophomore Alaina Liess uses her love of animals to serve the community.

Liess cares ALAINA for animals. In LIESS specific, she has spent her time helping dogs at an animal shelter find a permanent home.

Liess goes to the city of Jackson animal shelter every Sunday at 1 p.m. for two hours. The shelter is in West Jackson; she has visited every Sunday for about four years.

Liess and her family help the dogs find a home.

She and her family also foster dogs at their own home, keeping them until they are adopted. The

dogs have company while staying at their house – often playing with Liess’ own dogs.

Liess currently has one foster dog at her house waiting to be adopted.

“Working at the animal shelter and spending time with the foster dogs is fun,” Liess said.

“Showing love and having fun with the dogs looking for an owner is heartwarming to the dogs and myself.”

She has acquired hours and has spent many Sundays visiting the animal shelter. But it’s not just for the hours.

She enjoys spending time with the animals and is the reason why she continues to visit to the shelter.

Isabel Loya, Mary Greene, Jamarcus Sutton, Jackye Gregory, Leah Blevins, Leila De Gruy, Alvin Barnes, Jayla Davis and Michael Allen.

REGISTRATION FEE

Anyone interested in participating must pay a $75 fee.

Students initially pay a $10 fee with their registration; they must raise the remaining $65 from others to meet the $75 fee.

Students who raise more than $75 can earn great prizes and perks at the event. All fundraising for BruinTHON does not go toward the event; the money goes to the Batson Children’s Hospital.

BruinTHON sponsored a “No Shave November,” in which boys could pay a fee to avoid shaving for the month, and Boots for Batson, in which girls could wear boots for January.

Money raised from that went straight to BruinTHON for Batson Children’s Hospital.

The actual BruinTHON event, in which attendees dance and play games for eight hours without sitting down, is entirely funded through donations and fund-raising.

All participants are fed twice during the event. Local businesses donate food, and parents

File photo/The Bear Facts The BruinTHON 2016 in the Saint Joseph Catholic School gym raised more than $12,500 for the Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital in Jackson.

help out with donating items.

EXCITING THEME The theme this year is “Magic and Miracles,” based on “Harry Potter.” The committee will sort BruinTHON attendees into houses prior to the event; they will play “Harry Potter”-themed games. Students can even dress up as “Harry Potter” characters and wear themed outfits.

“Even if students know nothing about Harry Potter, it will still

SAINT JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL SERVICE HOUR PROGRAM SERVICE HOUR PROGRAM

Here is a closer look at the Saint Joseph Catholic School service hour program

REQUIREMENTS

n High school students must complete 30 hours of community service each year. n Middle school students must complete 20 hours of community service each year. n All Saint Joseph students have until April 17 to complete their service hour requirements. n If you miss the deadline, you will fail and not move to the next grade level.

RECORD HOURS

n Students must submit completed service hours to the website www.x2vol. com. n Students must describe their service activity. n They must give the name and email address of their supervisor for verification.

– Jason Green

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Biedenharn helps Newman: Work at Jackson Zoo rewarding those with diabetes Senior Reese Newman volunteered last summer at the Jackson Zoo. The zoo offers a variety REESE of service hour NEWMAN opportunities.

The zoo even has its own Eagle Scout Project “committed to helping our community become stewards of the environment.”

The Jackson Zoo provides volunteer opportunities for those 13 and older.

“It’s a great learning (experience) and it was very rewarding to work with the visitors and animals,” Newman said.

The zoo provides plenty of learning experiences including responsibility, hard work, time

Grace Biedenharn works with the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi – but the reason is more than just GRACE to earn service BIEDENHARN hours.

Biedenharn was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes on March 15, 2005, at the age of 3. She is the only member of her family with diabetes.

When Biedenharn was 4 years old, she started attending Camp Kandu – which offers children with diabetes, their parents, friends and siblings the opportunity to have fun while learning to take charge of diabetes.

“I started volunteering at the – Aidan Lipovetsky Diabetes Foundation of Missis-

management and social skills.

“I helped the zoo by educating visitors about the animals and many conservation issues,” Newman said.

The zoo is committed to inform people about the dangers of urbanization and illegal poaching. The zoo is immense, and working there during the summer is draining.

“I saw it as an opportunity to expand my knowledge about animals and prepare myself for my academic studies in college.”

“I would recommend this volunteer opportunity to anyone who enjoys working closely with exotic animals and interacting with people,” Newman said.

be fun,” Mrs. Banks said.

Lott said the event’s full schedule isn’t planned.

“But I can tell you some of the games we will have are dodgeball, trivia, Smash Brothers, and a hidden snitch or quidditch,” she said. “It’s going to be super fun and packed with magic and miracles.”

Former patients who are healthy enough to play, visit with their families and tell their inspiring stories of how they re-

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Smith works with special needs kids Senior Ivy Smith spent last summer helping children and young people with special needs at Hope IVY Hollow MinisSMITH tries.

Hope Hollow Ministries is a Christian camp in Canton.

Smith was assigned a different person with special needs each week. She watched over them, played with them, talked to them, and helped them with daily activities.

“I wanted to experience working with special needs children and young adults.

Volunteering at Hope Hollow was a great way for me to do something positive this sum-

mer,” Smith said.

Smith volunteered at the Christian camp for six weeks, completing about 300 service hours this year, significantly more than the 30 Saint Joseph requires seniors to complete.

Hope Hollows isn’t the only place she has volunteered.

She also volunteered at Our Daily Bread and Sunshine Children’s Clinic She also earned service hours with the fall play program.

“Volunteering at Hope Hollow Ministries this summer was honestly the greatest summer I have ever had,” Smith said.

– Kellyn Paige

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Jackson works with senior citizens

Sophomore Kaycee Jackson helps the elderly at the Madison County Nursing Home in Canton.

KAYCEE Jackson startJACKSON ed volunteering at the nursing home occasionally in the second grade. She hasn’t stopped.

Jackson often helps at the home during school breaks including Thanksgiving holidays, Christmas break and the summer.

Nursing home residents often follow the same schedule every day, so Jackson tries to add something special to their lives.

She encourages residents to par– Katherine Cowger ticipate in planned activities and often joins them to make sure

sippi when I was about 9 years old,” she said.

Biedenharn volunteers at the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, which provides newly diagnosed patients and families with backpacks full of information about living with Type 1 Diabetes.

“The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi reached out to us and helped us a lot when I was diagnosed,” she said. “So, I wanted to help other children like they helped us.

“I will continue to volunteer at the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi because I relate to the families in need and want to help the community.”

covered.

“It is important to me that the students who plan BruinTHON learn real-life planning and problem-solving skills in coordinating such a huge event,” Mrs. Banks said. “Everyone who participates in BruinTHON hopefully realizes that they are serving something greater than themselves and they are making a difference in the lives of children in Mississippi.”

they are having a great time.

Jackson always goes to the nursing home with a positive outlook.

She usually volunteers for more than 100 service hours every year, receiving recognition

by Saint Joseph Catholic School as one of the students with the most service hours.

“It helps the residents who live there not be in a rut because they typically follow the same routine every day,” Jackson said.

“I do a lot of stuff there. They ask me what school I go to, what I do in school. We play bingo. I help set up the activities, check on residents and make sure they want to participate,” she said.

– Belle McNeer

PAGE 6

Bruin News

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

Interest flies high for ultimate Frisbee team

By BELLE McNEER The Bear Facts Saint Joseph Catholic School welcomes a brand new ultimate Frisbee Team to the campus.

The ultimate Frisbee team was created to allow students another chance to be a part of an after school activity on the Saint Joseph campus.

Students are now able to join the new activity, the ultimate Frisbee team, coached by Mr. Matthew Hosler. There are currently eight players, but new players are always welcome.

The ultimate Frisbee team was created by students who wanted to start an activity that isn’t as popular, but just as fun as all the others.

Jax Rasmussen, a player on the Frisbee team, came up with the idea of starting the team. He wanted to

“

bring the fun many points game of Frisas possible, Ultimate Frisbee bee to the while the opgrounds of the posing team is the ultimate sport for Saint Joseph tries their best campus. to stop it. The ultimate athletes and “I am very sport is all JAX WINFORD BYRON excited about about the fris- ultimate fun,” ROSS POINDEXTER this team,” RASMUSSEN bee and less said Mr. Hoabout actu- – Mr. Matthew Hosler, sler, who also ally getting hit teaches Latin. “I believe it is go- with it.

Ultimate Frisbee coach ing to be one of the most enjoyable The new addition to Saint Joseph and sponsor teams at this school.” gives students an opportunity to particThe ultimate Frisbee team is much ipate in something they’ve never tried like football. You throw and catch the before. Byron Poindexter, a sophoFrisbee, attempting to take it to the end more, joined the Frisbee team to learn zone. But when the Frisbee is in your something new about the activity and hand, you cannot move. If the Frisbee to have fun. with around five players. is dropped, the team has automatically The team comes together on TuesThe ultimate Frisbee team is undelost possession. days and Thursdays after school to cided about competing against other The team works together to get the practice, from 3-4:30 p.m.. Team prac- teams, including Madison Central High Frisbee down the field and score as tice started before Christmas break

School, Jackson Prep and Saint Andrew’s.

When the team progresses, they will start competing against other schools to make it an official sport of the school.

Other students are excited to see the ultimate Frisbee team take action against other schools and participate in competition that will be available for the students to cheer on.

Winford Ross, a senior at Saint Joe, said, “I am very excited to see the excitement that the ultimate Frisbee Team will bring to Saint Joe.” Mr. Hosler encouraged all students from the Saint Joseph campus to join in on the fun.

“Ultimate Frisbee is the ultimate sport for ultimate athletes and ultimate fun,” Mr. Hosler said.

GOOD LUCK TO THE SAINT JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL TEAMS.

HAVE A GREAT 2017 SEASON

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

PAGE 7

Trivial pursuit: Quiz Bowl team leaves mark

By KATHERINE COWGER The Bear Facts Saint Joseph Catholic School’s quiz bowl team has been working hard by practicing their academic skills under guidance of Coach Matthew Hostler.

Mr. Hosler moderates the Bruin Quiz Bowl team. He also teaches Latin.

Quiz Bowl is an academic trivia competition in which competing teams answer questions from all areas and subjects.

Saint Joseph’s Quiz Bowl team has enjoyed a lot of success. One of the team’s most recent accomplishments this year is placing third in the Murrah tournament out of 30 teams.

Mr. Hosler was asked to coach the Quiz Bowl team when he came to Saint Joseph. Ever since, he has been guiding the team to great success.

“Nine years ago St. Joseph asked me to do it, and I did it,” Mr. Hosler said.

“

It started as just a thing to do after school rather than going to after school care.”

– Kim Kaiser, freshman The Quiz Bowl team practices in Mr. Hosler’s room two times during the week. Junior varsity practices on Wednesdays, and varsity practices on Mondays.

Students cannot officially join the Quiz Bowl team until they are freshman. But those in middle school who are interested in the team can practice in preparation for joining it when they become freshman.

Kim Kaiser, a freshman, has been practicing and participating in Quiz Bowl since she was

in seventh grade.

“It was my brother who got me into it,” Kaiser said, referring to her older brother Jim. “It started as just a thing to do after school rather than going to after school care,” she said. “But it grew on me to the point where only I am on the team and my brother is not.”

Kaiser enjoys the camaraderie of the team.

“I love how we can have fun and kind of get to be that ‘goofy’ team at matches and tournaments,” she said.

“When everyone else opts to dress up, we tend to show up in comedic ties, ugly vests and wizard hats,” she said, Before the new year there were two matches and one tournament. The team won both matches and came in third at the tournament against many other teams.

“I can only get better at it and File Photo/The Bear Facts I think it’s a great way to spend Members of the Saint Joseph Catholic School Quiz Bowl team compete in a quiz bowl tournament last year my time,” Kaiser said. in this file photo.

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PAGE 8

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

Bruins study languages with Rosetta Stone

By JASON GREEN The Bear Facts

Saint Joseph Catholic School foreign language students are studying French a new way this year: They are using Rosetta Stone.

Mr. Matthew Hosler, who teaches Latin and serves as chair of foreign languages, has taken the responsibility over the French MATTHEW classes. Mr. Hosler HOSLER also continues to teach Latin.

Over the Christmas break this year, Mr. Hosler

traveled to Quebec, Canada, where residents speak French. His goal was to learn more about the French language.

Mr. Hosler, himself, is taking the Rosetta Stone class to learn French. Even though the class is mostly online, he still combines the class with a French word of the day and tests the students’ knowledge with worksheets and speaking the language.

Mr. Hosler’s first semester exam involved a written test and a Rosetta Stone assignment.

“It is a challenge for me and the students,” Mr. Hosler said.

He said that if he learns the language with students, then they will both become fluent in French.

“

Rosetta Stone is a good way to learn languages if you have the time and patience.”

– Jennifer Nguyen, sophomore Most students prefer using Rosetta Stone because they get to use their technology to complete the assignments. It is a change of pace for students who are in French 2 because last year they

had a French teacher.

Sophomore Jennifer Nguyen said that “Rosetta Stone is a good way to learn languages if JENNIFER you have the time NGUYEN and patience to sit down and try.”

It takes effort to learn something and eventually master it and the same goes for Rosetta Stone. Students have to work their way up through the lessons to complete a unit.

There are four units in each level and each presents a new challenge with more complicated words.

Mr. Hosler gives the students deadlines to complete the Rosetta Stone lesson and levels up to a certain percent so they can eventually finish all five levels by the end of the year.

Sam Walenta, a sophomore in French II, said that Rosetta Stone is fun because you get to use your computer SAM to listen to music WALENTA and work on the lessons.

Overall the students and Mr. Hosler agree that Rosetta Stone is faster and more enjoyable way to learn a new language.

Experienced faculty find Saint Joseph a great place

By AMBER PAIGE The Bear Facts

Saint Joseph Catholic School is filled with teachers who have extensive experience that began at other schools.

They found themselves at Saint Joseph – and have enjoyed every minute. Here is a look at a few of them.

PAM WALBERG Mrs. Pam Walberg, the Mississippi Studies and World Geography teacher, enjoys being a teacher at Saint Joseph because of the love she feels from the students and faculty.

Mrs. Walberg attended Illinois State University and majored in communications with a minor in history.

“My first experience teaching was frightening,” said Mrs. Walberg, who began her teaching career in the Miami public school system.

Mrs. Walberg moved to Mississippi and began teaching at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School.

“Public school students do not always receive the same level of discipline and are not motivated by their teachers,” she said.

At a school like Saint Joseph, Mrs. Walberg said, teachers are willing to devote more time to each individual student.

JONI ALUMBAUGH Mrs. Joni Alumbaugh, who teaches Algebra II and Geometry, enjoys teaching math because she has always loved math.

She attended the University of Southern Mississippi for her math degree. She taught at North West Rankin High School for 10 years.

She retired from public eduction and decided she was not finished teaching. She also desired to teach at a smaller Christian school – and came to Saint Joseph.

She enjoys the loving and Christian environment at Saint Joseph.

“My first experience teaching

was good, and I was excited to learn new things,” Mrs. Alumbaugh said.

“The main difference between public school and private school is size. Teachers at a small Catholic school, like Saint Joseph, have a chance to get the know the students in better way,” she said.

MAX HOLMAN Mr. Max Holman, who teaches Spanish I, II and III as well as human anatomy and physiology, enjoys teaching for several reasons.

He enjoys teaching Spanish because he has a passion for the language and feels that it is beneficial

for students to learn.

Mr. Holman attended the University of Mississippi and originally planned on being a dentist.

He spent three years taking biology class.

He eventually decided to major in Spanish with a minor in English. Mr. Holman’s dad is a Saint Joseph alumnus, which is what led him to teach at Saint Joseph.

He likes teaching at Saint Joseph because he gets to see students grow spiritually and intellectually.

“I felt like I had a calling,” Mr. Holman said. “And when I answered, I felt at home.”

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“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

– Psalm 27:1

Entertainment

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

PAGE 9

Gun violence in PG-13 movies on the rise

I

n 1985, the motion picture rating of PG-13 was first introduced to films.

Up to this time, films could receive a G, PG, R or X rating from the Motion Picture Association of America. But after violence in Steven Spielberg’s “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” caused controversy, the MPAA added the PG-13 rating.

The PG-13 rating quickly grew in popularity with 30 percent of the Top-30 films between 1985 and 1987 receiving this rating.

From 2013-2015, the Top-30 films each year have been dominated by PG13 movies – which now make up more than 50 percent of the list.

This jump cannot truly be considered epidemic proportions, though. It is simply a popular rating that often holds true to its meaning, being that a certain level of guidance should be extended to underage viewers by parents while also not needing to exclude the age group entirely from viewing.

The real issue with the rating is that PG-13 films are beginning to press their boundaries when it comes to depicting gun violence.

In a 2012 investigation, it was found that gun violence in the nation’s top-grossing films more than doubled since 1985 KIM when PG-13 was KAISER introduced. The use entertainment of firearms in PG-13 editor films now exceeds that use usually found in R-rated films.

This was tested when researchers split films into five-minute segments, then coded each one to see if it included an instance in which one character fired a gun and struck another. They took segments from both films that hit theaters closer to when the rating was introduced as well as

“

It was found that gun violence in the nation’s top-grossing films has more than doubled since 1985.”

those closer to the present.

Since then, the prevalence of the violence has only continued.

In an attempt to hold on to the PG-13 rating, most directors will downplay the negative effects of being shot. The shot itself is often depicted on screen, but not the blood and suffering of the person on the receiving end.

On the flip side of the issue and likely an affect of the technique stated above, the number of R-rated films among the Top-30 dropped from about 40 percent in 1985 through 1987 to about 23 percent in 2013 through 2015.

It can easily be said that more movies that ought to be rated R are being rated PG-13 instead with a few tricks at the hand of the director or by the idea of what is considered inappropriate for the eyes of younger viewers.

It is thus far unknown if the violent films have had a lasting impact on child behavior. But many are afraid of things such as desensitization, a distorted view of reality, and aggressive behavior may manifest itself as a result of these ideas being impressed upon them.

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PAGE 10

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

‘Split’ offers solid suspense and thrills

By JOHN BALADI The Bear Facts “Split” is probably the hardest movie to review.

It has a story to tell, and a message to send. But depending on who you are and what you’ve been through in life, you’ll either like it and be able to relate or not be able to relate and think it’s just OK. Good or great, even, doesn’t describe this movie.

The best I can describe this is deep.

The movie is very layered. Despite being a straightforward, suspenseful movie, the film does have a second meaning – which actually lets certain people be able to connect and leave very happy, while others won’t be affected at all.

If you haven’t been able to tell thus far, this is a very hard movie to talk about because it is so interesting and different from other films. The movie starts right away with characters being kidnapped. It shows their attempts to escape before they realize there is no

REVIEW definitive way beside just figuring it out as they go along.

Kevin, the film’s main antagonist, apparently suffers from multiple personality disorder. Even though Dennis, the main personality inside Kevin, is a very bad man, you never dislike him because he doesn’t know what he is doing. It is stated in the movie that the disease stems from extreme mental and physical abuse, which Kevin got from his mother at the age of 3 years old. He barely remembers his own dad, who “left on a train.”

The girls he abducts are two popular girls and one outcast. You see how the lives of these girls have changed their opinions and views on what they should do.

The popular girls have always had happy lives and never had to deal with any hardships. Kaycee just wants to see what is happening and what will hap-

pen which will help them find out how to escape.

The hardships they have and haven’t had in their lives really affected them and changed them and how they reacted to being kidnapped.

Hardships and mental health are a very big aspects of the film which is a very rare occurrence and a pretty big risk they took. They know that a lot of people won’t be able to connect as well to everyone but its the people that will understand they want to reach out to.

That has thrown me off so much that I won’t be giving the movie a score. Because it can be as high as a 9 to some people but it can also be as low as a 4 for some people. For me, I still don’t know what score I’d give.

It is well made, suspenseful and funny at times. I would definitely recommend this to everyone, because you never know if you will love it or not love it. I truly do believe this is a good movie.

This is the first movie where I left the

SUBMITTED PHOTO James McAvoy stars in M. Night Shyamalan’s thriller “Split,” rated PG-13.

“Split” was just trying to send a mestheater and no one said a single word.

Nobody knew what to say about it. It is sage about life, and it does a really the first movie that has ever made me good job of saying it in a way that gets to you. That’s magic. feel something.

‘Rogue One’ surpasses expectations

By JOHN BALADI The Bear Facts

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is the first live-action “Star Wars” movie that isn’t an episode in the main series. The movie is probably the best “Star Wars” movie since the original trilogy.

The movie follows Jyn Erso and Cassian Andor in their search for rebellion enemy, Saw Guerarra. The story takes a turn towards the middle when they find out about a transmission made by Jyn’s father, Galen Erso. The story then goes in a huge spin of events that ends at the very beginning of “A New Hope.”

This movie really surprised me. The bar wasn’t set too high

SUBMITTED PHOTO with “The Force Awakens” with them playing it very safe but “Rogue One” is the first stand-alone film in the “Star Wars’ universe. this blew me away. The big dif-

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REVIEW ference in characters is flaws.

While sounding like it’s nothing, the characters in “Rogue One” are much more likable because they all have had troubled pasts.

One character has never been a part of the Rebellion. Another joined because he had no choice.

Another was a droid for the dark side that was reprogrammed.

Another is blind. Another just wants a companion in the blind man when he could be a war hero.

And lastly one of them is torn because he wants to join the Rebellion. But he was an Imperial pilot and knows he’d be tortured and killed if they captured him.

In “The Force Awakens,” Rey

is able to use the force very well with no training. Po is the perfect pilot, and Finn overcame Imperial brainwashing.

I liked it very much that they have all had hugely troubled pasts but they come together for one goal even though they know not all of them will make it out.

Something that very much surprised me in the movie was how many unproven actors they had. A lot of them hadn’t been in big movies until this one and all of them are fantastic.

The script is great also and the action is great; however, one thing that bothered me was that in one scene they are having a discussion and a few of the minor characters don’t act very well but beside them.

The storm troopers can actually shoot well in this movie compared to previous movies

where they can’t that well. The comedy in this movie is also very natural.

At times, it isn’t needed and it may not always make you laugh but I didn’t get through one joke without at least smiling.

The pacing and directing is very good in the movie and they managed some extremely well made computer generated imagery.

They have some characters from “A New Hope” in it, and they look exactly the same.

Hopefully that can start being used for action scenes in the future because so many people and movies use CGI for action scenes which the “Star Wars” universe has thankfully avoided.

Overall, this was a fantastic movie that I would recommend to absolutely everyone.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

BASEBALL, from page 12 been at Saint Joseph since 2015.

Success was instant as soon as McCall and his staff entered the scene.

The key factor about Saint Joseph’s baseball success is the fact that every coach has played the game at the collegiate or professional level. This includes assistant coaches Justin Reed and Marco Leflore.

This is a major advantage because all these coaches can give insight and knowledge about which other schools have no clue.

Baseball is an essential team game and all the players must gel together to win, but there are always a few players who tow the load and come in

Bruin Sports

clutch.

The game of baseball requires steadiness and technique and that’s exactly what seniors Michael Buck and Cole Welch have displayed constantly.

Buck has started since his sophomore year. Buck has proven to be a force in the infield, making few errors. What’s almost more impressive is that he averaged .397 at the plate.

Although Welch doesn’t put up an insane batting average, he has a consistent on-base percentage which is just as important.

Welch has thrived since starting as

a sophomore at catcher. That’s rare to find because while most people see the catcher position as boring, it basically runs the infield.

This season is already looking up as this year’s senior class is the most talented in ages. Senior John David Topik says that he is confident that this year’s team will surpass all expectations.

None of which would have been possible without the legacy that was left by last year’s seniors, which is what Coach Gerard McCall stated time and time again.

MCCALL, from page 12 His first year was a success. McCall was the best-hitting catcher on his team, batting .287. At the same time, he was a young, impressionable teenager far away from his family and constantly facing the threat of being cut at any moment.

“The worst part was you see a whole lot of politics,” McCall said. “You see guys getting moved up for no reason.

It’s like you do the best you can, and you don’t get noticed.”

BEST SHAPE McCall worked hard and was in the best physical shape of his life. And while nothing he did sent him to the majors, he found strength in the one person who had been there with him since the beginning: his mother.

“Probably my biggest fan and my

biggest motivation was my mom. She was the most constant. And she helped not just in athletics, but also in the classroom when I was in school.”

GERARD A year after he was MCCALL cut by the Arizona White Sox, McCall found a spot on the Jackson Senators minor league team – which played at Smith Wills Stadium and offered his family and friends a chance to see him play. By 2005, he had enough. He retired from professional play.

“It got to the point where it wasn’t what I looked forward to,” McCall said.

“I just didn’t see myself continuing on the same path. I wanted to do some other things in my life, like start a family. So, I was just ready to move on.”

He turned to coaching and landed a spot as an assistant with the Saint Andrew’s Episcopal High School varsity team, where he worked 20022014. When the baseball coaching job opened at Saint Joseph, McCall jumped on board.

And that’s when I first met him.

BRUIN EXPERIENCE McCall had just taken over the program and was hosting a baseball camp at Saint Joseph in July 2013 for fourth, fifth and sixth graders. An avid baseball fan and player, I jumped at the chance.

Even though the camp didn’t start until 8 a.m., my dad dropped me off early every day – giving me a chance to talk with McCall before the start of camp. The sun had just risen, the

Saint Joseph hunters ready to stalk their prey

By AIDAN LIPOVETSKY The Bear Facts Hunting season has started, and students at Saint Joseph Catholic School are anxious to get outdoors and take down their favorite game.

Hunting season is already underway for many different types of game. People will hunt for recreational purposes, to keep a species from over populating, and most commonly for food.

People have been hunting ever since the Paleolithic times, but the practice has stuck around and is now treasured as a tradition by many people.

“It’s fun to just go out and shoot,” ninth grader Sydney Shoemaker said. “But it’ll never be as fun as taking down a buck.”

The buck of course must meet the legal requirements. And as a hunter, Shoemaker must carry out all precautions.

The preferred animals to hunt in Mississippi are deer and ducks, as well as squirrels and rabbit.

“I like to shoot a 20-gauge shotgun because of the power they have and the recoil is less than a 12-gauge,” Shoemaker said.

Although some prefer the 20-gauge, Connor McMullan, also a freshman, uses both a 12-gauge shotgun and a crossbow to hunt.

“The 12-gauge offers a learning experience and is a lot of fun,” McMullan said. “But the crossbow requires precision and patience.”

Blake Miller, a ninth grader, said hunting teaches him lessons about life.

“Sometimes you’re not always going to get the perfect buck, and sometimes you won’t always get the perfect shot,” he said. “But just like in life, you have to keep trying,” A good hunter knows how to stay hidden from his or her prey, and that’s exactly what McMullan does.

“I usually wear camouflage jackets, pants and boots,” he said. “But I also have to wear an orange vest or an orange hat.” Bright orange clothing is required so that other hunters don’t accidentally mistake you for an animal.

Hunting is also a mental game. There are many different ways to attract deer and other game. You can attract deer with corn and other foods while putting fake ducks in the water at-

tracts more ducks due to their increase in comfort level.

There are also instruments that make similar noises of the animals.

“I’ve used these instruments for over two years, and they haven’t failed me yet,” McMullan said.

Instruments exist for almost every type of game these avid hunters at Saint Joseph hunt.

Deer stands, for example, give hunters a better viewpoint and helps them stay well hidden while keeping them out of harms way.

“The stands are fun to go up in at first, but when you’ve been up there for over two hours it can get really boring. That’s when you have to try and make it fun,” Shoemaker said.

Many students at Saint Joseph enjoy the sport of hunting.

It provides an opportunity to relax in the wilderness and escape the stress of everyday life.

Plus, it’s always nice to come home with a reward for your patience.

“If you get a buck or the game you’re going after, hunting is a 10-out-of-10 experience, and I would recommend it to everyone,” McMullan said.

PAGE 11

Photo by Mollie Hall/The Bear Facts Senior catcher Cole Welch is one of several high-profile players on this year’s Bruin baseball team.

“

Probably my biggest fan and my biggest motivation was my mom.”

– Gerard McCall, Bruin baseball coach aroma of freshly mown grass always filled the air and McCall, in his deep, rough, gravely voice, talked about baseball.

The wisdom he shared about the game I love struck me and caught my attention. McCall knows how to command your attention. He is the kind of coach who gets the best from players. He is the kind of coach

players will go an extra mile to please.

Andrew Sanli, a catcher on the team, agreed: “He wants us to stay motivated and keep the goal in sight of what we’re trying to do: To win the state championship.”

At Saint Joseph, McCall has led the Bruins to two successful seasons in a row, last year advancing to the semifinals of the District 2A playoffs and almost – almost – reaching the state championship.

Now, McCall watches games from the 3rd base coach position, urging his players to success. Every now and then, his thoughts return to his own experiences with professional baseball.

And when he thinks back to that fateful day when he sat on the bed in Scottsdale, Ariz., he no longer cries.

Why? Without that experience, he wouldn’t be where he is today.

FOOTBALL, from page 12 recognition statewide, especially if the Bruins are able to knock off one of the former state champs.

“This year, the team, along with myself, is excited to trade up to a new level of competition,” said junior wide receiver Hayden Brice. “We all expect nothing less than to win a state championship ring. As long as we have Coach Lott, I believe we have a shot.”

Most fans this year classified this past season as different because the Bruins had instant success. This one will be just as foreign as the Bruins are facing a whole new slate of opponents on their new football schedule.

The fan base, the coaches and the players say they are excited for new schedule and can’t wait for the season. Everyone will be File photo/The Bear Facts waiting to see what’s in store The Bruin football team runs onto the field at Natchez Cathedral in fall next year for the Bruins.

2016. The Bruins will not platy Natchez next fall.

MISSISSIPPI’S AWARD-WINNING HIGH SCHOOL NEWSCAST

Every Thursday during homeroom Subscribe to Bruin News Now’s channel on YouTube

Bruin Sports PAGE 12

SAINT JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

MADISON, MISSISSIPPI

Teeter, Thompson sign athletic scholarships from staff reports

Nick Thompson and Bergen Teeter

Bruin boys basketball eyes state playoffs

Saint Joseph Catholic School seniors Bergen Teeter and Nick Thompson will continue to play sports on the community college and university level.

Teeter will play volleyball next fall at Hannibal-LaGrange University in Hannibal, Mo., while Thompson will play football at Holmes Community College.

Both student athletes, standout players during

their high school career, signed scholarship offers on Wednesday, Feb. 1, known as National Signing Day. “These two student athletes are great examples of the hard-working young men and women who successfully juggle athletics and academics,” said Coach Todd Lott, the Saint Joseph Catholic School athletic director and head football coach.

“I know they will continue to do well on the next level.

Teeter and Thompson signed scholarship of-

fers in front of fellow classmates, team members, family and friends on the morning of Signing Day during an assembly before school began.

Lott said he plans to hold a similar ceremony later this semester for athletes in winter and spring sports.

Volleyball and football are just two of several high-profile high school sports the school offers every fall. This year’s volleyball and football teams had great success, making it to the playoffs but falling short of reaching the state championship.

After falling short of making the state finals last year the Bruins have re-grouped and are ready this season to make a . . .

CHAMPIONSHIP RUN

from staff reports The Bruin boys varsity basketball team wraps up regular season play Friday night in a road game against Puckett.

The Bruins defeated Puckett at home on Jan. 24 by a score of 60-47. The boys team had an 8-3 overall and 5-1 district record after last week’s two-game home stand.

The boys team, which at times has been overpowering opponents this season, is expected to make the state playoffs. The date, time and location of the first round games have not been set.

TYLER O’HARA The Bruins’ success this year comes under first-year Coach Tyler O’Hara, who moved into the position after Nick Stamps resigned from the job last year. Stamps took his team to the Elite Eight last year in the state basketball tournament.

As the boys power toward the playoffs, the girls team will spend postseason at home. The girls, who also wrap up the regular season on Friday at Puckett, had a 1-11 record after last week’s two-game home stand.

Despite the record, many Bruin basketball fans have been impressed with how hard the girls have played and improved under the guidance of first-year head coach Samuel West.

Girls soccer team falls in South State title game

Photo by Mollie Hall/The Bear Facts Sophomore Josh Bailey catches a ball during varsity baseball practice last week. Practice officially began on Jan. 30. The Bruin varsity baseball teams opens the 2017 season on Saturday, Feb. 24, at home against Louisville.

The 2016 baseball team finished just short of making it to the state championship, losing to Lloyd Star in the South State tournament, The Bruins will dearly miss recent graduate Eric he Saint Joseph baseball team has been a staple of success since the early days of Diamond’s work on the mound and all the other seniors who contributed to 2016’s success. The legendary coach D.M. Howie.

Today’s era of Bruin baseball is thriving 2016 team had loads of talent and steadiness in the field and in the batter’s box. and even giving Coach Howie’s squad a run for While they lost, baseball coach Gerard McCall their money. said that “experience is key and knowing how to In fact, this year’s team is looking more talented than ever, despite losing five strong seniors. Players handle yourself in those big games is essential.”

The Bruins are led by Coach McCall, who has began practicing officially on Jan. 3o, which means the “Road to Trustmark” has already begun.

See BASEBALL Page 11

Analysis by Jack Ingebretsen

T

from staff reports The Bruin boys and girls varsity soccer teams ended their season with both advancing in the 2A playoffs.

The girls won their first-round match-up of the playoffs in impressive fashion, defeating Franklin County 6-0. The boys also beat Franklin County with the score to their game 2-1.

For the boys, their next match-up was at home against Saint Patrick. They were defeated by a score of 2-0, ending their season.

Following that game, the Lady Bruins took on Our Lady Academy and won by a score of 1-1 in penalty kicks. Freshman Sydney Shoemaker shot the winning penalty kick.

The following week, they traveled to Sacred Heart in Hattiesburg, where they suffered a heartbreaking defeat, losing 3-1.

However, spirits are high for next year as the girls will return everyone but senior Pera Massey.

McCall: An unlikely path to coaching baseball

I

t was over.

Gerard McCall never thought the day would come. But it did. After one year with the Arizona White Sox minor league baseball team, the organization cut him.

JOE McCall sat alone on the edge PEARSON of a bed in a roadside motel in sports editor Scottsdale, Ariz. A bag with his catcher’s mask, catcher’s mitt and a year of memories leaned against the wall.

And he cried.

“I thought I had a second chance,” McCall remembered. “I absolutely did everything I could possibly do from sun-up to sun-down.”

That was 2000. Today in 2017, McCall, now

37, is the head varsity baseball coach for the Saint Joseph Bruins. He no longer stoops behind the batter every game. He no longer stands in the batter’s box, bat in hand.

Instead, he coaches a talented high school team that just missed playing for the state championship in 2016, a team that this year should be just as strong if not better than the year before.

And while McCall is proud to be in his third year as head coach, the road to Saint Joseph was not entirely smooth.

YOUTH DREAMS McCall’s story began in the early 1990s when he played in the recreational league in his

hometown of Meridian. He was always talented, and would play with children – often his cousins – who were older than he was, Growing up, sports was everything. The competition motivated him. McCall excelled in baseball, basketball and football. He was so talented that he started on the Meridian High School varsity baseball team as an eighth grader.

And as he found success, word of his talent quickly reached major league scouts. When McCall graduated in 1998, the Chicago White Sox drafted him out of high school in the 13th round. The team then sent the 18-year-old 1,000 miles away from his family to play for the Arizona White Sox. See MCCALL Page 11

Jackson area private schools add excitement to Bruin football schedule

By CHARLIE LOTT The Bear Facts Saint Joseph Catholic School Athletic Director Todd Lott believes that new opponents added to the 2017 football schedule could benefit the school in multiple ways.

After the success of the 2016 football season, all Catholic school opponents dropped the Bruins from their schedule. Next year, the Bruins will not play Natchez Cathedral, Saint Aloysius and Saint Joseph Greenville.

The Bruins defeated Natchez, Saint Al and Saint Joseph Greenville by two or more scores last year.

The Bruins replaced the Catholic

schools with games against Jackson Academy, Jackson Prep, Canton Academy and Tri-County Academy. Newton County is the season-opener.

“This new schedule gives us a chance to play quality opponents while also helping our school gain more recognition – not to mention the gate revenue we’ll be receiving since we’ll be playing teams that are right next door,” said Lott, who also is the head football coach.

All of these new opponents made last year’s playoffs, with Canton Academy playing Tri-County for the 1A private school state championship.

Many Bruin football players are looking forward to playing against the

Jackson-area private schools because they’ve competed against their players in local youth leagues in baseball, basketball, soccer and, of course, football.

“Playing these opponents will help the school in the long run while also helping us improve as a team,” said junior lineman Cameron Watson.

The Bruin’s season-opening game against Newton County also will be huge. It will be a re-match of the last year’s first-round playoff game that the Bruins won.

Now that Saint Joseph will play new opponents, this will give the school more opportunities to gain more See FOOTBALL Page 11

File photo/The Bear Facts Quarterback Jack Garrard, holding the ball, avoids the rush in the 2016 Bruins football game at Natchez Cathedral. The Bruins will not play Natchez this fall.