NEW LEADERSHIP
MACY’S PARADE
Bruin basketball teams have new coaches PAGE 12
Bruin freshman travels to New York for Thanksgiving PAGE 9
Bear Facts the
VOLUME 20, NO. 3
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016
SAINT JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Celebrating Christmas, creating lifelong memories
MADISON, MISSISSIPPI
Noted scientist to visit campus By GARRET GROVE The Bear Facts
Saint Joseph students, family, friends mark season with longtime traditions
L ABOVE PHOTO: Saint Joseph Catholic School students participate in many different Christmas season traditions on and off campus. Collin Ledbetter, left, Gabe Blaylock and John Baladi perform during intermission of the popular Saint Joseph Christmas concert “Gifts of the Season” on Sunday, Dec. 2. Photo by Leah Murphy/The Bear Facts TOP PHOTO: A group of Saint Joseph students enjoy Canton Lights on the Square in Canton. Back row from left: Mary Scott Wolf, Helen Mary Katool, Allie Milner, Avery Nicholas, Anne Mabry Walker. Front row: Emma Dieckman and Carrie Ann Loper. Photo by Colin Ledbetter/The Bear Facts
Story by Graham Hlavac
eaves on the trees are turning INSIDE colors and falling to the n Gifts of ground. The wind is becoming the Season photos, brisk and cold. And the sweet PAGE 4 aroma of apple cider and distinctive n Angel tree smell of log fires are filling the air. spreads joy It’s that time of the year again. n Bruins plan Christmas trips Christmas is just around the corner, and Students it is time to pull out the decorations from n perform in “The the attic and the cherished memories Nutcracker” n Students from our hearts that we celebrate year make after year. resolutions, PAGE 5 Whether they are passed down from our grandparents or new ones that we start during this year’s season, traditions are something that each and every one of us hold dear. One new Christmas tradition my family does requires each family member to place his or her name in a hat. Whichever name you draw, you buy that person a gift. Avery Nicholas, a junior at Saint Joseph, and her family, drive around each Christmas Eve to look at local
World-renowned INSIDE astrophysicist Alex Filippenko plans to n Questions & visit Saint Joseph Answers with Catholic School in Alex Filippenko January and talk to students about the PAGE 3 thrill of participating in scientific research. Mr. Filippeko, an Oakland, Calif., native, has appeared frequently on The History Channel series “The Universe.” He also is an author and teacher of an eightvolume DVD teaching series called “Understanding ALEX the Universe.” FILIPPENKO “I want to show (students) how exciting it is to pursue scientific research and make discoveries, or at least (if they plan to pursue a different profession) how fun it is to learn about science and the discoveries humans CHRISTOPHER are making,” Mr. Filippenko CALLAHAN said in an e-mail interview with The Bear Facts. “Conducting original research, as well as See SPEAKER, Page 3
MPB executive talks civil rights By GARRET GROVE The Bear Facts A longtime Mississippi journalist said a decades-old civil rights killing in Hattiesburg traumatized the victim’s wife so much that she still sleeps with a gun under her pillow. Ronnie Agnew, the executive director of Mississippi Public Broadcasting and former executive editor of the Hattiesburg American, said Ellie Dahmer – the wife of slain civil rights RONNIE worker Vernon Dahmer – AGNEW still fears for her life. “She has never gotten over losing her husband,” Mr. Agnew said. See AGNEW, Page 7
See TRADITIONS, Page 3
Saint Joseph taps ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ for spring By KATHERINE COWGER The Bear Facts Rehearsals are expected to begin next month for “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” the popular, Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Saint Joseph students plan to stage as the school’s final theatrical production of the school year. Some students have already started learning tap dances for the musical. The production is scheduled for a three-day run in late April in the Saint Joseph Fine Arts theater. “‘Thoroughly Modern Mille’ is a tap musical, so I’m most excited about being able to teach and choreograph tap
numbers for the cast,” said Ms. Leslie Harkins, the Saint Joseph theater teacher who also will direct the musical production. “Thoroughly Modern Millie” tells the story of a small-town girl, Millie Dillmount, who comes to New York City to marry for money instead of love – a thoroughly modern aim in 1922, when women were just entering the workforce. The production won the 2002 Tony for best musical as well as Tonys for best actress and best choreography. The musical is based on the hit 1967 film of the same name that starred Julie Andrews; the film itself was based on the British musical “Chrysanthe-
INSIDE THIS EDITION n Opinion: Page 2 n News: Pages 3-7 n Entertainment: Pages 8, 9 n Sports: Pages 10-12
mum.” “Thoroughly Modern Millie” features music by Jeanine Tesori, lyrics by Dick Scanlan and a book by Richard Morris and Scanlan. Auditions took place after school on Dec. 7 and 8, with callbacks Friday, Dec. 9. The musical is set to open Thursday, April 27, for a four-performance run. The spring musical follows a successful three-day run of the fall play “The Phantom Tollbooth.” That play’s success laid the groundwork and foundation for an even better, more ambitious spring production. Freshman Ava Hilton, who has been involved in plays and musicals
DID YOU KNOW?
at Saint Joseph since her seventh grade year, said she is “very excited to be working with my friends to create something great. Ms. Harkins just brings the script to life with her ideas and creativity.” Hannah Dear, another freshman, said she expects a lot of people to be involved in the production because the enormity of the musical. Dear also has been involved in Saint Joseph theatrical productions since the seventh grade. “It’s going to be my first tap musical, which is exciting,” Dear said. “And now that the fall play is over I’m excited to have another theater activity to fill my schedule with.”
Borden’s Condensed Milk was first canned in Liberty, Miss.
THE BEAR FACTS
Named Mississippi’s Best High School Newspaper by the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association every year since 2013
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O
Opinion
Growing closer to God
love through a whole different perspective. It was amazing to see how God had come into all of those people’s lives and how excited they are to praise the Good News. I have always heard the common saying “Trust in God, he always knows best.” As Catholics, we are taught to trust in God’s SEARCH. plan; honestly, that has been one of the hardest parts of my faith I have been raised in a caring, Catholic family. life. My parents has provided me a strong faith Almost two years ago, I lost one of the most important people GRANT background in my life, so I have felt like I have in my life. He was almost a second father to me, and I loved him MURPHY been close to God through my family and my like a parent. I spent the first nine years of my life growing up in a editor church community. house next to his. He introduced me to many things that I love and I go to church almost every Sunday with my taught me very valuable lessons, even at a young age. family. I pray every night. But I also have realized that maybe I Two years ago, he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral have been going through the motions in terms of my faith life. Sclerosis, or Lou Gherig’s Disease. For those not familiar with the Before participating in SEARCH, my faith was not nearly as disease, it slowly destroys your muscles and organs, practically strong as it needed to be. God definitely has been present in my paralyzing you more every day. The year that he fought that life, but I have not fully immersed myself in his presence. disease was no doubt the hardest time of my life. Seeing someone Although I can’t go into detail about the events of the SEARCH you love suffer so much and knowing there is nothing you can do weekend, I can give a brief summary about the overall effect it about it is the absolute worst feeling a human can experience. had on my spiritual life. Every day I would wonder why this horrible act had to be The main idea of SEARCH is to either find who God is to you carried out on him. Everyone I knew kept telling me to “Trust in your life or find who you are to God. Throughout many of the In God, It will all work out.” Frankly, I felt the total opposite. I spiritual exercises and activities, I strengthened my love for God was angry with God and asked him everyday to please fix this. and really realized what he means to me in my life. There were times where I offered to switch places with my friend Many people at the retreat shared their stories and experiences because I felt like I deserved it more than he did. about how they found themselves and how they found God in After he passed away, I began to look back on the situation. I their lives. It’s amazing how you think you know someone and found that maybe some good things came out of that experience. then how you find out so much more about them through their I was able to grow closer to him during the time of suffering and experiences with Christ in their life. The way a person’s faith also grow close to the rest of his family, whom I love dearly. Also, changes or affects their life can totally open a whole new side of God opened me up to a feeling of love and compassion that I have that person. never felt before. It ended up being a gift, while also being the The biggest impact on me during this retreat was made through worst time of my life. the words and actions of all of my friends. I was blessed to create So now I am most definitely a firm believer in God’s will and new friendships with God-loving people from all over the state, his plan. Although it may be hard to realize, you must always trust while strengthening friendships with people I already knew. in him and always find something good in the situation. Through these new friendships I was able to experience God’s ne weekend last month in Gallman, I was able to experience one of the most spiritually fruitful events of my life, a Catholic retreat formally known as
Giving is the reason for the season
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s Christmas and the New Year approaches, we look forward to spending time with our friends and family and receiving gifts. BLAINE In fact, we get so excited TURNER and ready for this fun assistant Editor season that we rush into it and get excited for all the wrong things. As soon as Halloween is over, we rush to listen to Christmas music, put up our decorations and get into the Christmas spirit. We truly forget the reason for the season. In a frenzy to get ready for Christmas we forget about Thanksgiving, too. Thanksgiving is not just a holiday for us to over-indulge our favorite food. It is more than just the food we eat; it is about the people who surround us and how blessed we are to have what we have. In the four weeks leading up to Christmas known as Advent, we are supposed to prepare ourselves for the birth of Christ. Most times, though, we focus on material things. Christmas is more than just Christmas music, giving and receiving presents, and decorating our homes. Christmas is about celebrating the coming of Christ. Most times during Christmas we volunteer our time and money to help those in need with community outreach programs, such as the Angel Tree. It really
is a blessing to be able to give to those in need. But once the New Year hits, we often forget about those in need. Just because the holidays are over does not mean that those people still aren’t in need. In a community like Saint Joseph, we are blessed not only financially but by the community as well. The holidays can be an especially difficult time for the less fortunate because they are not always able to see their families and give or receive gifts. Sometimes it is hard to look beyond ourselves and put ourselves in another person’s shoes. But I want us to try to empathize with an adult or child who is waking up Christmas morning without gifts
under the tree or family to surround them. It is our job as a Christian community to give back during this time and not to judge those who are less fortunate than us because by the grace of God you are not the one on the other the side. So as Christmas and the New Year approaches, we should remember to give back this season and give with a grateful and loving heart. Giving without the right intent is pointless. As a community, we should humble ourselves keeping in mind the fact that God has blessed us with us his one and only son, Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Browsing Christmas merchandise in September
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hristmas Creep is a merchandising phenomenon in which merchants and retailers exploit the commercialization of Christmas. JOHN DAVID They do this by TOPIK introducing Christmas opinion page themed merchandise or editor decorations weeks and sometimes months before the traditional start of the holiday shopping season – Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. There are other more subtle ways companies use to promote Christmas before the holiday season begins. Some radio stations begin playing Christmas music on Nov. 1 or earlier. All of these actions are associated with a desire of merchants and store owners to take advantage of the heavy Christmasrelated shopping well before Black Friday. The term Black Friday is not used in the United Kingdom and Ireland, where retailers call Christmas the “golden quarter,” – the three month period of October through December in which the retail industry hopes to make the most profit.
The holiday-creep phenomenon also can apply to other holidays as well, most notably Valentine’s Day, Easter and Mother’s Day. The motivation for holiday creep is for retailers to lengthen their selling interval for seasonal merchandise in order to maximize profit and to give early-bird shoppers a head start on a particular holiday. However, it is not clear that this practice has been consistently beneficial for retailers. Seasonal creep is not limited to the holidays. It also is becoming more common for merchandise associated with a general period of the year – the early sale, for example, of winter, spring, summer, and fall-related goods and clothing. American stores begin selling Easter products in February. They begin selling
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It wears on my nerves to see Christmas decorations up as early as Halloween.”
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
July 4 products before Easter. The next major holiday is marketed as soon as or before the previous has ended. In the United States retail world, the seasonal phenomenon was pioneered by stores like Sam’s Club. The hardware chain Lowe’s followed in the year 2000 with a policy of setting out Christmas trees and decorations by the first of October. This happens mainly because the Halloween and Thanksgiving holidays do not provide enough merchandise or sales to fill retail space between the end of the summer season and the Christmas season. While beginning to put out Christmas merchandise earlier and earlier seems appealing, it is not always the best course of action. Most Americans want to enjoy the other holidays in peace without having Christmas around them constantly. It wears on my nerves to see Christmas decorations up as early as Halloween. I think that all of this is a terrible reflection of the American spirit. We are ready to seriously injure a fellow human being to get new things we want only one day after we say we are thankful for what we already have. Are we really that horrible as people to trample others to get a new TV or clothing?
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, DECEMBER 15, 2016
Our view
The real Christmas
Christmas is the time of the year that should be used to visit your family and make connections with distant relatives and your friends. The most important part of Christmas is not about the presents, the deals you can find at stores, or the money you save. It is about the memories made with your family and friends. Many people in the world today focus on the material aspect of Christmas, but not the spiritual one. Christmas is all about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God, the Messiah. People often forget what Christmas is really about because they are too caught up in the flashing lights, the new technology and the commercialization of the season. Catholics tend to focus more on the spiritual aspect of Christmas and how holiday came to be. Christmas even has the name of Christ in the name. For some people, Christmas is a time of sorrow. They don’t have the extra money to buy presents for their children, family, and friends. Many are saddened at Christmas time when they think of their loved ones who will not be able to come home for various reasons. Turkey dinners may be only a wish and not a reality for some. Yet, Christmas can be a season of great joy. It is a time of God showing His great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. Christmas is about so much more than the pretty lights and a man in a red suit flying through the sky. Merry Christmas to all.
Good luck to our soccer teams
This was a busy sports weekend for Saint Joseph soccer. This year’s boys team has a record of 3-41. Even after a harrowing loss against Saint Andrew’s, in which the Saints shut out the Bruins 2-0, they feel that they will still have a successful season. Coach Dwayne Demmin has been working the boys team hard since they began workouts in October. Coach Tripp Harkins is very confident about this team. We expect them to do very well because they have been working hard to achieve greatness through hours and hours of long, hard practice. After experiencing a first round playoff loss last year, both the boys and girls teams are looking for redemption. With first blood drawn by Saint Andrew’s this year, the Bruins are looking to come back better than ever when they host the Saints later this season. Good luck to our Saint Joseph soccer teams from The Bear Facts staff. 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
Bruin News
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016
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Filippenko: Scientific research ‘exciting’ Q&A
By GARRET GROVE The Bear Facts Alex Filippenko, a renowned astrophysicist from Oakland, Calif., is scheduled to speak at Saint Joseph Catholic School in January. Filippenko, who has appeared on programs aired by The History Channel and The Discovery Channel, took some time recently to respond by e-mail to questions from The Bear Facts. The Bear Facts: What are some things you plan to discuss at Saint Joseph? Alex Filippenko: I will discuss how two teams of which I was a member discovered that the expansion of the universe is speeding up with time rather than slowing down, as had been expected under the influence of attractive gravity. Over the years, this discovery was verified by others using a number of different techniques. It implies the existence of repulsive “dark energy” that dominates the overall mass/energy content of the universe. The discovery is so important that it was recognized with the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics to the teams’ leaders and the 2015 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics to all team members. The Bear Facts: How and why did you choose to come to Saint Joseph? Filippenko: I was invited to do so by Joseph Patrick Frascogna, whom I met some years ago when he and his family visited the University of California, Berkeley, where I am a profes-
with The Bear Facts sor of astronomy. We had a delightful lunch during that visit and have stayed in touch, off-and-on, since then. The Bear Facts: Do you speak to a lot of educational groups, high schools? Filippenko: I am invited to speak at many schools, but don’t have time to visit most of them. I occasionally speak at my own kids’ schools, as well as for special friends at their request. I wish I had more time to visit more schools, but there are many demands on my time. The Bear Facts: What do you hope Saint Joseph students take away from your visit and talk? Filippenko: I want to show them how exciting it is to pursue scientific research and make discoveries, or at least (if they plan to pursue a different profession) how fun it is to learn about science and the discoveries humans are making. I hope they will also be amazed to find out about the accelerating universe and dark energy if they haven’t already heard of it or don’t know the details. The Bear Facts: What is your favorite part of your job? Filippenko: Conducting original research, as well as teaching people about astronomy and science in general, are the favorite parts of my job.
The Bear Facts: How did you become interested in astrophysics? Filippenko: I received a small telescope as a Christmas gift when I was a freshman in high school. That night, I discovered the planet Saturn on my own – it was the third bright star at which I pointed the telescope. Astronomy became a growing hobby, though chemistry was my main interest at the time. During my freshman year in college, I took an introductory astronomy course that really turned me on, and I switched my major to physics with the intention of becoming an astrophysicist. The Bear Facts: When did you start your scientific career? Filippenko: I started doing research the summer after my sophomore year (1977) in college (University of California, Santa Barbara). During the day, I worked as a guide at Lick Observatory near San Jose, Calif. But at night, I was allowed to use one of the telescopes to obtain data for a research project. I had the same job
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I want to show them how exciting it is to pursue scientific research and make discoveries.” – Alex Filippenko
and continued to collect data the summer after my junior year. The results of the research were written up for publication the summer after my first year of graduate school (California Institute of Technology, in Pasadena, Calif.) and published during my second year of graduate school in 1981. The Bear Facts: What would you tell high school students who might be interested in your profession? Filippenko: You’ll need to work hard. But if you’re passionate about the subject, it will be more like a hobby and you’ll enjoy dedicating so much time and effort into it. Study as much mathematics and physics as possible, because that’s the foundation of astrophysics. But don’t neglect your reading, writing and speaking, since you’ll need to effectively communicate your work to both experts and the general public. The Bear Facts: What achievements are you most proud of and why? Filippenko: I’m especially proud of my contributions to the discovery of the accelerating expansion of the universe. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d play an important role in such a fundamental discovery. The Bear Facts: What major projects are you working on right now? TV shows? Documentaries? Filippenko: I’m gathering data to help set observational constraints on the physical nature of the dark energy that’s accelerating the expansion of the universe. I’m also trying to better understand how some types of stars
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He is superinterested in what he does, and loves it, and wants to express that to everyone.” – Chris Callahan, Saint Joseph science teacher both groups. Mr. Filippenko plans to lead a group of 400 people to see a total solar eclipse in the Oregon High Desert Region. Mr. Filippenko is a self-described “eclipse-o-phile” who has seen 15 so far. The eclipse will be partially viewable from Mississippi. Mr. Filippenko is no stranger to receiving awards. At his own school, where he is a professor at the University of California at Berkley, he has been named the campus’ “Best Professor” a record nine times. Off campus, he was also nationally honored as the Outstanding Doctoral and Research Universities Professor of the Year in 2006. This is just a
– Alex Filippenko explode at the end of their lives, as well as what chemical elements they produce. I’ve helped with several documentaries in the past year, but don’t have any new ones right now. I’m spending considerable time educating people about the upcoming total solar eclipse that will be visible from parts of the U.S.A. on Aug. 21, 2017. Unfortunately, Mississippi is not in the path of totality, but it’s also not too far away; see, for example, http://xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/solar_eclipses/ TSE_2017_GoogleMapFull.html. The Bear Facts: What are your goals and objectives for your career? Filippenko: To learn as much as possible about the workings of nature, especially by studying the cosmos, and to get the public excited about the wonders of the universe.
TRADITIONS, from Page 1
SPEAKER, from Page 1 teaching people about astronomy and science in general, are the favorite parts of my job,” he said. Mr. Filippenko’s visit has been in the works for months. He is expected to make a brief appearance on campus Thursday night, Jan. 27, 2017, where he plans to speak to parents and supporters before meeting with members of the local news media. This event is private. Mr. Filippenko plans to return to campus on Friday, Jan. 28, to meet with Saint Joseph students. Students, parents, faculty and staff are expected to attend that meeting. He then will head to Millsaps College near downtown Jackson for a private meeting there with faculty and supporters. Mr. Filippenko has appeared in more than 100 television documentaries and has written more than 800 research papers. He was elected a member of both the National Academy of Sciences and the American academy of Arts and Sciences. He was a recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2011 for his work with the Supernova Cosmology Project and the High-Z Supernova team groups in previous years. These groups studied the growing expansion of the universe; Mr. Filippenko was the only person who was part of
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During my freshman year in college, I took an introductory astronomy course that really turned me on, and I switched my major to physics.”
few of Mr. Filippenko’s many awards. An award he won in 2004 was the Carl Sagan Prize for Science Popularization. This award is given to a scientist for his or her ability to share and explain their work, and to enlighten and inform the people around them about it. And that is a big reason why Mr. Chris Callahan, the physics teacher at Saint Joseph, is excited to have him. “He is super interested in what he does, and loves it and wants to express that to everyone – especially students. That’s why I love what he does, because I’m also like that, too. He does it on such a huge scale though, and that’s why it awesome we’re going to have him,” Mr. Callahan said. A person at Saint Joe who might be just as excited to see Mr. Filippenko is Principal Doug Jones. Mr. Jones’s interest in seeing Mr. Filippenko has to do with nostalgia from his youth. He was born in 1961, during the space age. He was 8 when the first men walked on the moon. It was at this time that he acquired his interest in the planets, constellations and space. He even has a “Star Trek” original series poster in his office. Mr. Filippenko also acquired his interest in space when he was younger.
He received a small telescope as a Christmas gift when he was a freshman in high school. In high school, chemistry was his main interest but his interest, (or rather hobby) of astronomy grew throughout high school. During his freshman year in college, he took an introductory astronomy course. He fell in love with astronomy and changed his major. He dreamed of becoming an astrophysicist, and well, the rest is history. But like Mr. Callahan, he hopes that the students take something from this. “I want to show them how exciting it is to pursue scientific research and make discoveries, or at least (show) how fun it is to learn about science and the discoveries humans are making.” For an added bonus, according to Mr. Callahan, Mr. Filippenko will also Christen Saint Joseph’s new telescope which has been calibrated by Mr. Callahan for the past several weeks.
Christmas lights around the Jackson area. Helen Mary Katool, also a junior, and her family make traditional Lebanese food every Christmas, instead of the of the typical ham and mashed potatoes most families have on the dinner table. Traditions that are put on by our very own cities in the metropolitan area are also in full swing. The city of Madison’s annual Christmas parade includes floats from local schools, dance companies and other organizations. One of Saint Joseph’s feeder schools, Saint Anthony Catholic School, also has a float in the parade. Steaming hot chocolate is served along the route, and the grand finale is Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the conclusion of the parade. First Baptist Church in Jackson puts on Carols by Candlelight, a Christmas performance with an orchestra, choir, and stage performers. The entertainment is through music and theater, and reminds us to keep Christ in Christmas. Canton, “The City of Lights,”
puts on a fantastic show each year in which the entire Canton Square is illuminated with lights. With carousels, museums, food and entertainment, this event is truly one for all to come and enjoy. And for most teenagers, if you didn’t take an Instagram picture or a Snapchat selfie, did you even go? Here at Saint Joseph, unique traditions are an important part of the season as well. Brother John Brennan, our U.S. government teacher, raises money from students and staff to buy Christmas meals for families in need around the Jackson area. An angel tree is also set up in the school’s front office for students to choose a child and drop off gifts that the child desires. Gifts can range from basic clothes needs, to special toys that young boy or girl desires. These traditions not only help many who go without meals or gifts every year, but also strengthen our school and help us to remember the true reason for the season.
Susan Steckler The Mississippi Center for Plastic Surgery smsteckler@ gmail.com
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Bruin News
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016
Spreading holiday cheer to family and friends By BELLE McNEER The Bear Facts “Gifts of the Season” is an annual welcome to the Christmas season, a way to get all of the Saint Joseph community in the Christmas spirit. The Bruin band and the choir come together, along with dancers, to produce a musical experience with a Christmas feel. Choir and band students prepared since late October for this year’s production. Students performed a number of Christmas songs such as “The Little Drummer Boy” and “Christmas Time is Here.” The choir began preparing for “Gifts of the Season” around the end of September. Hailey Greer, a sophomore member of the Saint Joseph choir, said the practice for Gifts of the Season took place during the choir class period. Gifts of the Season was staged Friday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 4. The program had about 70 Saint Joseph students perform, including the choir, band, and dancers. Mrs. Molly Windham went on to encourage other students to participate in the future. “It is really fun to be able to perform some of your favorite Christmas songs, while also getting in the Christmas spirit that this program brings,” she said, One of the best parts about Gifts of the Season was hearing the choir and band perform as one. “It’s really fun when we get to come together with the band and be able to perform it makes it more enjoyable,” Mrs. Windham said. Gifts of the Season is one of the most popular stage productions the students produce each year. This year was no different.
ALL PHOTOS BY LEAH MURPHY/THE BEAR FACTS TOP PHOTO: Katherine Copeland, left, Mary Grace Stewart, Leah Blevins, Linda Martinez, Riley Cole, Emma Kaye Beebe and Makenna Schisler. SECOND ROW LEFT: Members of the Saint Joseph Catholic School choir. SECOND ROW RIGHT: Principal Doug Jones speaks with a WJTV reporter for a spot on Gifts of the Season that the station aired Sunday night, Dec. 4. THIRD ROW LEFT: Mary Grace Stewart, left, and Leah Blevins. THIRD ROW CENTER TOP: Members of the Saint Joseph Catholic School choir. THIRD ROW CENTER BOTTOM: Gabe Blaylock and Graham Hlavac perform in the lobby during intermission. THIRD ROW RIGHT: Alice McPhail. IMMEDIATE RIGHT: Drew Liess, far left, Tess Lott, Sam Rooks and Miles Beebe perform for the audience.
Bruin News
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016
Angel tree spreads joy in community most of the school’s outreach program, By MORRISSEY CLAIRE HARMON works with Mrs. Mary Banks, the camThe Bear Facts pus minister, to spearhead the angel Every year, Saint Joseph Catholic tree project. This year, at least 70 children’s names School places what’s called an angel are on the tree. Each have a child’s age tree in the school lobby filled with and gender; once students choose a names of children who are less fortuname, they can begin shopping. nate that most. Saint Joseph has had an angel tree Saint Joseph students stop by the tradition for several years. Some partree, pull a name from the branches and then purchase a gift for that child for Christmas. The angel tree is one of many examples of Saint Joseph’s community outreach program. “I love the feeling it gives me to know that a child won’t go without a Christmas,” Mary Grace Stewart, a Saint Joseph freshman, said. “It really makes me count my blessings and recognize everything I take for granted every day.” Brother John Brennan, who leads
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I love the feeling it gives me to know that a child won’t go without Christmas.” – Mary Grace Stewart, a freshman
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ents can’t afford to buy gifts for any of their children, so the angel tree gives the children hope. Giving to others is one of the best things that you can do, especially at Christmas, which is why the angel tree is such a success. “The angel tree provides help and hope for the children that are less fortunate, so that they may have better lives,” Ava Hilton, a freshman, said. Participating in the angel tree can really make you count your blessings and remember what to be grateful for. Churches, schools, and several other organizations participate in the angel tree around the world, to help give children the Christmas that they hope for. “I can’t wait to continue giving chilPhoto by Kaycee Jackson/ The Bear Facts dren and teens gifts for Christmas,” Students visit the Saint Joseph angel tree, pull a name from the tree and purchase a Stewart said. “I’m looking forward to gift for a boy or girl whose information appears on an ornament. the angel tree this year.”
Bruin dancers land roles Students plan Christmas vacations over holiday break in ‘The Nutcracker’ By KELLYN PAIGE The Bear Facts Two Saint Joseph Catholic School students, Helen Mary Katool and Kristin Miller, are performing in classic holiday ballet “The Nutcracker” this month. “The Nutcracker” is twoact ballet which brings E.T.A Hoffman’s classic holiday story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” to life. Katool and Miller perform in the ballet. Miller, a ninth grader, takes ballet at Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet Studio. She started ballet at the age of 3. Miller tried three sports; she said she chose ballet because she liked it the best. Miller’s role in “The Nutcracker” is a flower. Miller has three ballet teachers: Jennifer Beasley, Crystal Skelton and Erik Kegler. Miller spent time preparing for “The Nutcracker” by rehearsing on every Tuesdays and Thursdays, and all day every Saturday. The ballet took place at Jackson Academy on Dec. 10 and 11. They started rehearsing for “The Nutcracker” around Sept. 17, 2016.
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I balance cheer and ballet because cheer practice always ends like an hour or so before dance.” – Kristen Miller, a freshman “I balance cheer and ballet because cheer practice always ends like an hour or so before dance,” said Miller, who also is a varsity cheerleader. “And I don’t dance on Fridays when the (football) games are, so it works out perfectly.” Katool, an 11th grader, takes ballet at the Mississippi Arts Commission Center at Ballet Mississippi in downtown Jackson. She started ballet when she was 3. Katool said dancers started practicing for “The Nutcracker” at the beginning of September. They practiced Mondays through Thursdays and also on Saturdays
to prepare for the show. Her role in “The Nutcracker” is the Snow Queen and Flower coups. “The Nutcracker” was staged in downtown at the Thalia Mara Hall on Dec. 2, 3 and 4. “I try to get most of my homework done at school, but I finish it when I get home from ballet,” said Katool, who is a member of the Spirit Steppers dance team. “I have Spirit Steppers from 3:30 to 5:30, and then I have ballet from 5:30 to 7 or 8. My teacher is OK with me being late, but sometimes we get out of the dance team early. “It was really hard balancing ballet, Spirit Steppers and school. I would get really stressed out and overwhelmed at the beginning of the year. It has gotten easier and I love doing both.” Coralyn Jones, a senior, said she enjoys watching “The Nutcracker.” She said “The Nutcracker” is amazing. Jones has seen “The Nutcracker” at least five or six times. She also has practiced ballet at Ballet Magnificat, Power APAC and Dance Unlimited.
By AIDAN LIPOVETSKY The Bear Facts
With the Christmas season nearing, students at Saint Joseph Catholic School already are planning extravagant holiday vacations. Christmas means it’s winter. And when it’s winter, there’s cold weather. The cold weather brings snow to one side of the country while its stays sunny on the other. Freshman Noah Forrest’s family heads to their beach house in Destin every other year. “It’s nice to enjoy warm weather and there’s great scenery with a lot of attractions to visit,” he said. Forrest likes visiting Florida’s beaches while spending quality time with his family. “The food is great there.” he said. “And sometimes I try to go out on the beach and catch my
own dinner.” Destin is located in the Florida Panhandle. It is full of tourists and home to a part of the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Other Bruin students plan to visit relatives’ ranches to hunt white tailed deer. Connor McMullan, another ninth grader at Saint Joseph, takes joy in hunting white tailed deer during the Christmas season. “It’s a great experience. I definitely recommend it to anyone who hasn’t tried it” he said. Hunting has been a long tradition in the McMullan family. “We go every year, and sometimes we visit my grandpa’s ranch as soon as the season starts around Thanksgiving time,” McMullan said. “It is a long wait when you’re out in the woods, so really it’s a hit-or-miss. But when you get a hit and take down your buck, it really is worth it.”
McMullan has been going there for the past 10 years, but only recently started hunting five years ago. “I fish there,”he said. “And even though during winter, fish are typically dormant, they never stop hitting when I toss out my frog lures.” Some students even attend camp like Anna Chris Nicholas, a ninth grader at Saint Joseph. Nicholas plans to attend Camp Bratton Green’s winter solstice. This camp the retreat center of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi. The camp shows kids a good time while also keeping them closer to God and help with coping and bonding skills. “It’s great,” she said. “You meet new people and form new friendships” The camp runs every year from Dec. 27 to New Year’s Eve. It is strictly for high schoolers and is a continuation from the summer camp.
Bruins plan New Year resolutions By AMBER PAIGE The Bear Facts Some Saint Joseph students already are making their New Year’s resolutions for 2017. Kelsi Bouldin, a senior, is looking forward to starting a new year fresh with peace, happiness, no fake friends, getting closer to God, having no drama, getting better grades. She plans to not worry about what other people think and finding real, kind friends in her life. “My most important New Year’s resolution is getting closer to God because God comes before anything,” Bouldin said. Bouldin’s favorite thing about celebrating New Year’s Day is
having a new start for the upcoming year and having family around. Dominique Horton, a sophomore, plans to start working on a family business, start drawing and painting again, cutting back on fattening snacks and drinks, learning more recipes to cook, cooking more often, and eating more organic foods if possible. Horton plans to find a way to do most of them every other day until she finds a rhythm for them to work with easily. Horton’s most important New Year’s resolution is to start working on the family business because she wants a way to have something to do in her free time as well as a little pocket change.
Horton celebrates New Year’s Eve with a countdown on the television and drinking sparkling juice. “My New Year’s Day is spent watching videos on YouTube and movies on Netflix,” said Horton. Sarah Johnson, a sophomore, planned to meet new people, get more sleep, read more, spend more time with the people who matter in her life. She wants to learn a new language, and stop being late all the time. “My most important New Year’s resolution is to spend more time with the people that matter because you have to spend time with those important to you,” she said.
Bruin News
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016
The fascinating backstory of Christmas traditions
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hristmas is often considered a favorite time of year for many people, and it isn’t hard to guess why. You get to put up an eye-catching tree, receive candy in a sock and sing carols. It isn’t so often, though, that people wonder why they do these things. Honestly, if you think about it, you could easily admit that everyone seems a little bit insane around this time of year. One of the strangest traditions came to be through the man of the season himself. Saint Nicholas, later transformed into Santa Claus (often referred to by the moniker of Saint Nick), took great pleasure in giving to the less fortunate, wanting nothing in return for his work. On one such occasion, he went to
the house of a very poor family and dropped three bags of golden coins down their chimney. The bags just so happened to land in the KIM stockings of the young KAISER girl living there while they were hanging to dry – and thus began the tradition of putting stockings by the fire for extra Christmas prizes. We certainly get enough presents during this time of year, too. Most of them go beneath a specific type of tree that someone decided to put in their house and decorate. That someone, though, is unknown. The evergreen fir has been used to celebrate winter holidays for thousands
of year by both pagans and Christians. Pagans would use branches of the tree around their homes as decoration to remind people of the spring to come. Christians, on the other hand, use it as a sign of everlasting life promised to us by God. The fir tree became widely used
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We have plenty of reasons to celebrate this time of year, and we should do so unabashedly – even if we look pretty insane while doing it.”
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as Christmas trees about 1,000 years ago and are thought to have been hung upside down from ceilings or chandeliers by chains during those times. Still on the subject of hanging up strange objects during this season, we come to mistletoe. It’s either your greatest dream or greatest nightmare to be caught underneath the mistletoe with your crush. But why do we kiss underneath this parasitic plant? Well, this tradition actually comes from Norse mythology and has two vastly different endings to the story. When the god Odin’s son, Baldur, was prophesied to die, his mother took action against it. Frigg, the goddess of love, consulted with all of the plants and animals, telling them to leave her son alone. She neglected, however, to approach
the unassuming mistletoe. The scheming god Loki noticed this and fashioned an arrow from the plant, which is also a symbol for vivacity and fertility due to its ability to survive in the winter months. Loki and killed Baldur. In some versions of the story, though, the son of the All-Father of the Nordic gods is able to be resurrected. Delighted by this turn in events, Frigg declared mistletoe to be a symbol of love and promised all who passed under it a kiss. As crazy as these traditions seem, their meanings are pure and have interesting stories behind them. We have plenty of reasons to celebrate this time of year, and we should do so unabashedly – even if we look pretty insane while doing it.
GOOD LUCK TO THE SAINT JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOYS AND GIRLS SOCCER TEAMS.
HAVE A GREAT 2016-2017 SEASON.
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AGNEW, from Page 1 Vernon Dahmer, who served as president of the Forrest County chapter of the NAACP and led voter registration drives in the 1960s, died Jan. 10, 1966, after Klansmen firebombed his house. Ellie escape, but suffered burns . Agnew met Ellie Dahmer while he served as executive editor of the Hattiesburg American. Twenty five years after Dahmer’s murder, the state reopened his case. Sam Bowers, the Imperial Wizard of the Klan, was convicted and died in prison in November 2006. Agnew, a Mississippi native, worked as a reporter and editor at several Mississippi papers including The Sun Herald, the Hattiesburg American and The Clarion-Ledger. He spoke to students this month in the Foundations in Journalism class. The chief topic: How solid, hard-nosed investigative reporting remains relevant today. In fact, he said, it played a major role in the re-opening of several high-profile, dormant civil rights cases that included the
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The day you stop learning is the day you start dying .” – Ronnie Agnew, executive director of Mississippi Public Broadcasting Dahmer case. Another big case that was re-opened: Mississippi’s most notorious civil rights case – the 1964 slayings of three civil rights workers in rural Neshoba County. They were working to register new voters. James Earl Chaney, Michael, “Mickey” Schwerner and Andrew Goodman initially were stopped on the road the night of June 21-22. All three were abducted, driven to another location, shot at close range and
Bruin News buried in an earthen dam. The Chaney, Schwerner and Goodman slayings went unpunished until the case was reopened and preacher Edgar Ray Killen arrested on three counts of murder on Jan. 6, 2005. His trial began in June 13, 2005; Killen was found guilty of manslaughter in June 21, 2005, 41 years to the day of the crime. Jurors found Killen guilty of recruiting the mob that carried out the hit on the three workers. He was sentenced to 60 years in prison, which means he likely will spend the rest of his life in prison. While at The Clarion-Ledger, Agnew worked with investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell on a series of news stories about Killen. Before Killen was convicted, Agnew said, he swore he had no role in the civil rights workers’ deaths. But after serving prison time, he admitted to a fellow inmate that he was responsible for the deaths. “We know that Edgar Ray Killen will never have another free
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Special to The Bear Facts
Ronnie Agnew, executive director of Mississippi Public Broadasting, speaks on Dec. 2, 2016, to students in the Foundations in Journalism class.
day in his life,” Agnew said. Bringing these cases back up before the public has had has risks for those involve. Agnew said he has been called racial slurs many times for bringing up these and other Civil Rights
cases. Despite this, he told journalism students to not merely answer the questions, but question the answers. “I want them to know that there is a curiosity they should
never lose because learning, education, fosters a curiosity that burns forever, burns inside of you,” Agnew said. “The day you stop learning is the day you start dying.”
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PAGE 8
Entertainment
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016
‘Star Trek’ season to premier in January
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eople all over the world have plenty to look forward to at this time of year – time off, Christmas, family and New
latest addition to the film reboot “Star Trek Beyond” to commemorate it. Year’s. The original series, Who doesn’t love receiving presents debuting in 1966 as well as a brand new year within a and lasting for three KIM few days of each other? With 2017, seasons, followed the KAISER though, comes a special treat for “Star interstellar adventures entertainment Trek” fans. of Captain James T. editor On Nov. 2, 2015, it was announced Kirk and his crew by CBS that an all-new series of the aboard the starship iconic franchise would premier in USS Enterprise. The famous ship is a January of the new year, right on space exploration vessel built by the the heels of the original series’ 50th interstellar federal republic Federation anniversary in July 2016 – with the of Planets in the 23rd century.
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The series broke new ground in With January storytelling and cultural practices following topics such as race relations. just around the bend, And in doing so, it showed the famous first on-screen interracial kiss between longtime and new fans Captain Kirk and Uhura as well as alike will be preparing focused on global politics and the environment. to once again go boldly The new series is not the first spinoff. Four others have preceded it: “The where none have gone Next Generation,” “Voyager,” “Deep before. Space Nine” and “Enterprise.” There has also been an animated series and 13 big-screen movies including “The “Star Trek Beyond.” Wrath of Khan,” “The Search for The new program will introduce Spock,” “Star Trek Into Darkness” and new characters in their search for new
worlds and civilizations while also exploring contemporary themes that have been a signature of the franchise since the beginning. The series is not related to the latest film “Star Trek Beyond.” The series will be produced by CBS Television Studios in association with Kurtzman’s Secret Hideout, the man behind which being Alex Kurtzman, a co-writer of the last three “Star Trek” films. With January only just around the bend, long time and new fans alike will be preparing to once again go boldly where none have gone before.
‘The Arrival’: Amazing mix of mystery, acting, directing By JOHN BALADI The Bear Facts “The Arrival” is a masterpiece. Everything about this movie is fantastic. The writing, the casting, the acting, the directing, the cinematography, the pacing, the special effects, the sound design – everything is amazing. Going in, I heard it was good, and I was expecting nothing more than a bland alien invasion movie. After these low expectations, I came out of it amazed. It is hands-down the best movie of the year and, in my opinion, could possibly go up as one of the best movies of all time. It follows Louise Banks, played by Amy Adams, a language teacher at a college who is renowned as the best person to learn the language of foreign beings. Banks works with Ian Donelly, played by Jeremy Renner, who is also
REVIEW
respected in his field of theoretical physics. They work together and learn that the beings call themselves Heptopods. Their goal is to attempt to learn why the Heptopods are on Earth and what their purpose is. The movie does a great job of keeping you on the edge of your seat the entire movie by making the Heptopods the most terrifying things I have ever seen in a movie. They are made even more horrifying by the fact that save for one scene of the movie, only the bottom half of the creatures are seen. The film keeps you questioning everything you see and the moment you begin to forget about the old inquiries, it presents reminders that make you question the sanity of the main character.
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I came out amazed. It is handsdown the best movie of the year and, in my opinion, could possibly go up as one the best movies of all time.”
Adams does a terrific job of selling the character because, even though the character is a well-written persona, the performance was the most crucial part of the role. You can tell that what she is doing is taking a toll on her, and you get the feeling that she may quit soon but al-
ways manages to pull through. Renner is also great in the movie with fantastic performance that perfectly compliments Adams. The Heptopods in this movie, while CGI, look realistic and are truly petrifying. They are made even more intimidating by the sound design. The design gives the idea that the Heptopods are giant beings. This is due to the fact that they were given voices and sounds similar to whales, so that when they are communicating with Louise and Ian, anyone could tell they are not seeing all of them. Another impressive factor of this film, which is all but never talked about, is the management of the budget. They have the two main characters, Banks and Donelly, and two minor characters. Besides that, there aren’t many people with more than five lines in the movie. The producers were, therefore, able
to use the rest of the budget on the equipment to make the Heptopods seem realistic and the editing to make the movie look amazing. The one thing I didn’t enjoy about the movie was that in one scene – they use CGI with Amy Adams and it looks somewhat unnatural. There is also the issue that the end the movie doesn’t exactly show what the world does after they leave, making the story lack in closure. Otherwise, everything else is incredible. It keeps you guessing right up until the end when everything is explained. It leaves you with no questions but makes you think the whole way through. Overall this movie is amazing. It has the perfect mix of mystery, foreshadowing, acting and directing. This movie will blow you away, and I cannot recommend it enough. On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this a 9.5.
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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, DECEMBER 15, 2016
Macy’s parade impressive in person By SOPHIA DE LANGE The Bear Facts Millions of excited New Yorkers and tourists cheered on the cold streets of New York for the Macy’s 90th Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Muppets kicked off the parade with the opening act in front of Macy’s before 9 followed by a performance by fellow Muppets, Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem. The countdown started at 9 and the ribbon was cut by Amy Kule, Macy’s executive producer of 7 years, thus beginning the parade. The first thing to greet audience members was the leading West Virginia University marching band. Soon after, clowns in bright red, green, blue and orange wigs raced into the audience with their trademark big shoes and greeted them with joy as the yellow star-shaped Macy’s balloons flew in pursuit. Pilgrims walked beside Tom the Turkey, the first float, and suddenly shouts of excitement could by heard due to the arrival
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During all of that excitement, there were many amazing Broadway musical performances in front of Macy’s.”
of the first big balloon, presenting none other than the famous Charlie Brown tangled up in his red kite. During all of that excitement, there were many amazing Broadway musical performances in front of Macy’s. “Holiday Inn,” “Waitress,” “Cats,” “Paramore,” and a sneak peak into “Hairspray Live” could be seen to further entertain those who attended or watched from home. After the Charlie Brown balloon passed by, he was followed closely by his Peanut friends on
an ice skating float accompanied by dancing Christmas trees. The Sesame Street gang passed by next with Big Bird up front along with Christopher Jackson from Broadway’s “Hamilton.” Thomas the Train flew by the hotel and the dancers of Joe E. Newsome High School from Florida lead their school’s band as they danced with bright and colorful orange flags. A fake tree house followed closely behind representing from the television show “Sprout” along with its cast. More people gathered on balconies as Ronald McDonald made his way down Sixth Avenue in his big red shoe car with his balloon right behind it. Louis the Duck appeared after with his family from Homewood Suites along with special guest artist Aloe Blacc. Following was the Harrison High School band from Georgia. The band played ‘Shut up and Dance’ as their dancers twirled in their blue and green dresses. Dressed in a blue coat, red hat and his recognizable briefcase came Paddington
The staff of
The Bear Facts, The Shield, Bruin News Now and Bruin Sports Radio wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
When Jesus spoke to the people again, he said: I am the light of the world; anyone who follows me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the light of life. – John 8:12
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Special to The Bear Facts The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade dominates the streets of New York City every year.
the Bear to advertise his upcoming movie “Paddington 2.” One of the greatest baseball floats I have ever seen followed with red and blue fans on the fake field. There were also popcorn buckets, foam fingers, hotdogs, baseball players, and Cracker Jack to add to the illusion. Johnny Swim, a married musical couple, was also on the magnificent float. The baseball balloon came behind with the Red Sox beside it. Next came the always recognizable Mr. Peanut with his top hat and monocle. Mr. Peanut was commemorating his 100th birthday that day and was cele-
brating by riding in his very own School marching band followed nut mobile. The red power rang- with a fantastic performance. er flew close by, ready to save I feel very honored that I got the world. Cary Senior High the opportunity to see the parade up close because it really is an important event. Millions of people watch it on TV every I feel very my family included, and honored that I got year, this year I got to be part of it. I feel even more special bethe opportunity cause I learned later that there to see the parade was a Macy’s camera on top of the hotel where I had been up close because staying. I owe the incredible enit really is an counter to my mom because she important event.” took time to plan the trip. And because of her, I got to have this amazing experience.
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dmurphy617@comcast.net . . . for all your Bruin spirit attire.
Bruin Sports
PAGE 10
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016
Ingebretsen: A great year for Bruin football
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or the past few years, Saint Joseph Catholic School football has JACK come and gone INGEBRETSEN without much guest columnist excitement. Until this season started, I expected this one to be no different: We would win a couple rival games and one or two district games, but ultimately suffer another painful losing season as we did last year. This 2016 season would have been the exact same if it wasn’t for Coach Todd Lott and his staff. They really put the team first and loved every second of it. From the first day of their arrival, we could tell things were going to be different. Our new coaching staff changed almost everything we did from the weight room to practice field. We could tell it was going to be tough, but their sense of
hope and urgency couldn’t be denied. At first, some resented the change in a very strenuous practice and workout schedule, but when everyone saw the momentous progress, everybody went all in. At 9-4, we won more games this year than we have in the past two seasons combined. While winning games is great, it does more than get you playoffs. It builds a brotherhood relationship and a sense of accomplishment. Football is unlike any other sport. Teammates literally rely on each other to not be injured or worse. It’s a very rewarding feeling to know you and your best friends went out there and were able to dominate the other team. This year has changed not only my view, but the whole team’s view on football and family. In past years, freshman football players have muddled through the season just paying their dues in practice. This
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This year, we felt that we could win every single game we played no matter the opponent.” season, I saw the young players thrive and fall in love with the game. For the first time ever, I witnessed freshman bawling their eyes out after we suffered our second round loss to Bassfield who are the consecutive four year state champs. The thing that stood out to me most this year was the team’s attitude as a whole. Last season, a win felt like pure luck. This year, we felt that we could win every single game we played no matter the opponent. This season gave everyone at Saint Joseph hope for the future. None of this could
SAINT JOSEPH SPELLING BEE
File Photo
Bruin football players take the field before a home game.
have been possible without a coaching change, though. All of the seniors and myself will be forever grateful to Coach Lott and his staff for everything they did for the team this year. The seniors and I
would’ve hated for us to have a tragic season for our final year here. I’m not sure how other Saint Joseph sports will do in the coming years, but as long as Coach Lott is here, football
will always be a powerhouse. This comeback year did more than just improve revenue and set the forerunner for Saint Joseph football. This season made me and many others love football again.
LUNCH WITH FRIENDS
Special to The Bear Facts
Seventh grader Raines Walker, center, won the Saint Joseph Spelling Bee on Friday, Dec. 2. He advances to the Madison County Spelling Bee early next year. Sam Dabit, left, placed second and seventh grader Haley Conerly placed third.
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The staff of the Saint Joseph Catholic School award-winning student newspaper,
BEAR FACTS The
wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,
Saint Joseph Catholic School named the No. 1 Catholic school in Mississippi by Niche.com www.niche.com
Photo by Collin Ledbetter/ The Bear Facts Saint Joseph students enjoy lunch on the deck outside the cafeteria. The cafeteria recently changed caterers for the 2016-2017 school year.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016
Bruin Sports
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NEW COACHES, from page 12 Last year, Coach Nick Stamps led the Bruins to the Mississippi Coliseum and an Elite Eight appearance before losing to Coahoma Agricultural High School. “There is always pressure with expectations,” O’Hara said. “But you have got to welcome that and understand that that’s part of it. Also, in doing that, you can’t worry about it.” With a new head coach comes new methods of doing things. “He’s a great coach, and he can put us in a place where we can win,” senior player Winford Ross said. “However, it is still eventually up to us to win.” Jesse Preston, another member of the varsity team, is participating in his first year on the varsity team as a freshman. “Coach O’Hara is a nice coach, and he is good at communicating what he expects,” Preston said. Along with the position change comes increased responsibility and challenges. “Really, you have got to learn how to manage your time. You’re never going to have enough time to get to everything with the amount of detail you want,” he said. So far, the boys team has gotten
off to a considerably slow start compared to last year. However, with a talented team, there is little doubt they will get back on track. The varsity girl’s basketball team also received a new head coach, Samuel West. Coach West is replacing former Coach Tina Foust. West comes to Saint Joseph after a stint at Germantown High School. He has also served as coach of the Alcorn State University Braves. “It’s my first year coaching in a couple of years,” West said. “I’m so excited about the team that we have coming. We have a group of ninth graders that are outstanding, and we have great senior leadership.” The girl’s team had a rather disappointing year last year, but Coach West is intent on changing that. With a rigorous practice schedule, improvement is already visible. “He has a different way of coaching, he gave us more plays and, he explains stuff effectively. He is also a great motivator, and I’m very glad to have Coach West as our coach,” sophomore player Luckett Nixon said.
Photo by Andrew Sanli/The Bear Facts Coach Samuel West, head coach of the Saint Joseph girls basketball team, instructs freshman Layla Lewis and Julianna Ladner on a play. The girls practice most afternoons after school
SOCCER, from page 12
BASKETBALL, from page 12
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“The student section cheers on the team regardless of who The team the coach is, and the team will always put on a show which is will always put on always exciting to watch.” said a show which is senior JoJo Gray-Lewis. The Bruin student section always exciting to last season was so loud that you watch.” could barely hear yourself think. Bruin basketball players want it – JoJo Gray-Lewis, to remain that way this year. Another key to having a suca senior cessful season this year will simply be Coach O’Hara. He’s been His practices have consisted of holding practices since June and has been working hard to bring this intense footwork, conditioning, team to the same level as last year. and shooting drills all designed
to make this team great. All of the players wish to reach the same level as last year also and will definitely be working hard at it. The Bruins will need all of these factors to be clicking in order for them to have a winning season and return to the playoffs. The Bruins will have a tough road ahead of them but will be able to match their opponents if they are of the same caliber as last year. This will be an interesting year of Bruin basketball.
SIGLER, from page 12 knows this is a great fit. This is something he has wanted to do. He is having fun. Saint Joseph is his home, the place where he gained critical life skills, the place where he did well academically and athletically. “To me,” he said, “to give back to school and the community that gave so much to me – it only feels right.” His students and even his fellow coaches agree. They praised a young coach whose age, 24, makes him easy for athletes and students to relate. For Sigler, everything hit home for him the night of Aug. 19 when the Bruins opened the 2016 regular
season with a home win against Salem Attendance Center – a game that wasn’t nearly as close as the Saint Andrew’s game seven years earlier. Sigler surveyed the field. He found the spot where he hauled in the catch late in the game on Sept. 4, 2009. And then he remembered the next play – the game-winning run by Steve Cofer that broke the tie and led to the Bruins’ 14-7 win. “Saint Joseph shaped me into the person that I am today,” Sigler said. “It taught me great values in the classroom and how to be a man.”
This also leads to a very tight schedule and many days at the soccer fields for parents. Most soccer players play both select soccer and recreational soccer. Playing select soccer or recreational soccer is different because of many reasons. With select or recreational soccer you are only practicing two to three days a week after school. Players also participate in regional and statewide tournaments. With school soccer it is much different. You have to practice after school every day and you have regular games.
a great accomplishment for any soccer players. The girls soccer team is led by captain Pera Massey, the only senior on the team. The girls team is coming off a disappointing year with 3 wins, 8 losses and 1 tie. When asked how the team will do this year, freshman player Sydney Shoemaker said, “We will try our best this year and hopefully pull out a 2A state championship win.”
BOWLING, from page 12
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To me, to give back to the school and the community that gave so much to me- it only fells right.” –Matthew Sigler, teacher and coach
Saint Joseph Catholic School named the No. 1 Catholic school in Mississippi by Niche.com
“It’s different because . . . you are playing against kids your age. But in high school if you are an underclassman, you are playing with and against older kids,” Blake Miller said. “You come together more as friends with high school soccer more than select and recreational soccer.” The boys and girls soccer teams are lead by Coach Dwayne Demmin. He is from the country of Trinidad. Coach Demmin is a celebrity in his native country because he played four games for their national team. This is
the boys team having wins in the state tournament. The bowling team even made it to the 2A state bowling championship. Last year’s success could be a hard feat to repeat, but it is very possible for this year’s new squad. The team is made up of many sophomores including Alaina Liess, Sydni Vandevender, Olivia Osborne and Jacob Harkins. “Bowling is fun and everyone on the team is really close,” said Liess, a new 10th grade bowler. “Hopefully, the other sophomores and myself are welcomed into the bowling family.” Dillon and Callahan want to inte-
grate the sophomores and younger players into the team in any way possible. The young players cannot expect to play immediately, but the hopes are high for them in the future. Recurring bowlers can hope to have a more successful season than last year, and that the new players will help encourage them and play a role or even a major role in their victories this season. The team consists of many friends and treat each other like a big family. These students bowl for more than just fun and to win. They also bowl to build bonds and make new friends.
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Bruin Sports PAGE 12
Bruin soccer packs punch
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016
SAINT JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL
MADISON, MISSISSIPPI
New coaches, new hope
By JAMAL WINSTON The Bear Facts The days are getting shorter and the temperature getting colder as the Saint Joseph soccer teams kick off another hopeful year. In most countries around the world, soccer is one of the most beloved and popular sports. However, in the United States, football, basketball and baseball dominate the sports lineup. But, in a tucked away corner of high school sports, the Saint Joseph Bruins have dominated the soccer scene, creating a powerhouse soccer program. Freshman soccer player Reed Frye had this to say as to why soccer lacks popularity: “Most people think soccer is boring when you are watching, and that the rules are complicated.” Despite soccer sometimes lacking support, Saint Joseph is a Mecca for the sport. Here, there is a history of excellence in soccer and an expectation to continue that success. Soccer takes a lot of practice, as it does with all sports, and if you practice a lot it will help you get better. Many soccer players participate in both school and select soccer in order to get as many repetitions as possible. See SOCCER Page 11
Bowlers strike with new season By JASON GREEN The Bear Facts Saint Joseph’s bowling teams hope to have a successful season starting with tryouts and practice in November. Coaches Dennis Dillon and Chris Callahan hope to build off last season with the addition of new bowlers and to have more success than last year. “We have new faces and some old faces that are ready to bowl,” Dillon said. Coach Dillon has been Saint Joseph’s bowling coach for many years after joining the Saint Joseph family in 2006. He is now joined by physics teacher Christopher Callahan. “Anybody who wants to join the team can join. We accept any newcomers and welcome them immediately into the program and system,” Callahan said Bowling is one of the overlooked sports on campus, but it is still important. It is an activity or sport that many people love to play especially the coaches and players. The boys and girls teams are coming off a year of many wins, including success in the regular season and See BOWLING Page 11
Coach Samuel West instructs members of the Lady Bruins basketball team. Coach West, a former college and middle school basketball coach, is in his first year leading the Lady Bruins on the court.
Coach Tyler O’Hara watches the Bruin boys basketball players practice on the court in the Saint Joseph gym. Coach O’Hara, former middle school coach, is in his first year as boys varsity coach.
Tyler O’Hara, Samuel West ready to lead Bruin boys and girls basketball to victory this year
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Coach O’Hara is a great coach, and he can put us in a place where we can win.”
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– Winford Ross, a senior basketball player
He is also a great motivator, and I’m very glad to have Coach West as our coach.” – Luckett Nixon, a sophomore basketball player
Story by Joseph Pearson, Photos by Collin Ledbetter
A
new era of Saint Joseph basketball is underway as Tyler O’Hara takes the head coaching job of the varsity boys team and Samuel West takes the same job over the varsity girl’s team. Coach O’Hara is an English teacher at Saint Joseph and has served as middle school head coach, varsity assistant coach and football assistant coach. This is his seventh year on the staff, but his first experience as head coach. In addition to the already daunting challenge of head coach, Coach O’Hara has huge expectations to meet after a wildly successful season last year. See NEW COACHES, Page 11
Players already giving best effort to new coaches By CHARLIE LOTT The Bear Facts The Bruin boys and girls basketball teams look to build on their success from last year under new leadership at the head coach position. Last years’ boys varsity coach Nick Stamps led the Bruins deep into the state playoffs. Although they did not make it to the state championship, they made it to the Elite Eight in the Mississippi Coliseum in downtown Jackson. With former assistant coach Tyler O’Hara taking over the reins of varsity program, the Bruins already are adjusting to the new philosophy of their coach. “He’s working hard trying to get us back in the position we were in last year, and we all will be working just as hard,” said sophomore point guard Douglas Watson. The Bruins have most of their key players back such as Winford Ross, Gabe Watson and KyDarrius Williams. All of these three said they are looking for-
ward to playing under O’Hara this season. “I think the team can accomplish more than last year if we just obey Coach O’Hara, stay humble, and trust in God,” junior Gabe Watson said. “We also need to stay in shape, push ourselves to the limit, and play as a team. “If we do all these things, we can bring new accolades in the atmosphere of basketball at Saint Joseph,” Watson said. All of the players on the team seem like they’ve hopped on the O’Hara train. But the next question is: How does this affect the Bruin student section? The student section has been proven deadly for reluctant opponents heading to Saint Joseph on a cold winter’s night for a basketball game. This lethal student section is usually led by a rowdy group of seniors ready to jump around, get people around them excited, and most importantly, make lots of noise. This will also be a fueling factor to the team. See BASKETBALL Page 11
File photo/The Bear Facts Nathan Nickens plays defense for the Bruins.
Alumnus returns home to teach and coach football, baseball
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ith three minutes left in the game, the score tied at 7, the Bruins deep in enemy territory JOE facing a fourth-and-10, PEARSON Matthew Sigler trotted sports editor to the line. The center snapped the ball. Quarterback Peyton Willoughby lofted a perfect spiral. Sigler ran 10 years down the field and broke for the sidelines. Sigler stopped, turned around, caught the ball and kept the Bruins’
hopes for a win alive in the crucial, early-season game during his senior year in 2009. “That, when I look back on it, is the coolest experience I had playing football,” Sigler remembered recently. “And I’ll never forget it.” Sigler is a man of many talents able to take on and complete any challenge. And he seemingly did it all during his unforgettable, six-year career at Saint Joseph. He lettered in football. He lettered in baseball. He even starred in two of the school’s more popular, annual stage musicals: “Fiddler on the Roof” in 2009 and “Beauty and the
Beast in 2010. Today, however, he is facing his biggest challenge.
from reporting on public officials and board meetings or writing about high school athletics. But he felt a calling RETURNING HOME to teach. “I would love seeing the smiles on After a brief career as a professional kids’ faces when they got their name journalist with stints at a The Facts in the paper,” Sigler said, thinking in Clute, Texas, and the Natchez back on his time covering high school Democrat in Natchez, Sigler finds sports in Natchez. “But I thought I himself back at his alma mater. could do more than that.” In August, Sigler began teaching So, while continuing to work at eighth and ninth grade English – using the Natchez Democrat, Sigler began his love of the language he deepened to work on obtaining his Mississippi as a journalist to teach fundamentals teaching license. of our language to Middle School Sigler enrolled in Teach Mississippi students and literature to ninth graders. Institute at the University of It’s a long way and totally different Mississippi, an intensive, two-year,
online-based alternate route teacher certification program for professional Mississippians who don’t have a teaching degree. LIFE AS A TEACHER After a year in the program, he found a job at his alma mater – where he is teaching while finishing his last year of TMI. He also talked to Athletic Director Todd Lott about helping with football and serving as head coach of the middle school baseball team. Five months into his job, Sigler See SIGLER, Page 11