The Bear Facts: September 2012 Edition

St. Joe Football Preview, B1

What’s ‘Bruin’ with Mr. Barnes, A3

The

Bear

Volume 16 Issue 1 September 27, 2012

Facts

Saint Joseph Catholic School

Parade, pep rally heat up Homecoming From Staff Reports Hundreds of St. Joe students, parents and friends are expected on campus today as 2012 Homecoming festivities heat up with a campus Homecoming parade and a large pep rally.

The events are a lead-in to the court presentation Friday afternoon, the Homecoming football game Friday night - the opening of league play for the undefeated

St. Joseph freshman publishes first novel

By KATHRYN SCKIETS Staff Writer St. Joseph student John Lee has gone from high school freshman to published author this past August with the release of his novel, “Lee’s Anger.”

The book, the first of a planned trilogy called “The Legend of Roger,” was published through Dogwood Press, a company run by Lee’s father, author and publisher Joe Lee. The book, priced at $4.99, is available for purchase for Amazon Kindle readers; the book is not available in hardback.

“I always like watching Dad,” John said. “He’s a big inspiration and influence for me.” John, a freshman who lives in Rankin County, is one of the first St. Joseph Catholic School students to have a novel published professionally.

“Lee’s Anger” tells the story of 13-yearold Roger Flincher and his friends as they try to stop Lee, a school bully who has been turned into a horrible creature, from causing trouble around their city. John described the book as a blend of fantasy, action adventure and comedy.

Shannon Harkins of Madison, a senior at St. Joseph, says she thinks “it’s really cool that a St. Joe student wrote the book.

It makes me want to reach for the stars and follow my own dreams. I’m really

See Lee, A6

Bruins - and the Satn Junior urday night HomeSnapshots, coming dance.

A6 “Our student counn 5 ways cil is working hard to enjoy to make it the best Homecoming, Homecoming yet,” B2 said Aaron Reller, the chairman of the foreign languages department who has been working with students planning Homecoming week.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE • • • • • • •

Opinion, A2 St. Joe’s new students, A3 Teachers’ exotic trips, A4 Speech and Debate, A5 Bruin volleyball, B1 The St. Joe Band, B3 Fall play preview, B5

ner Olympian” by wearing their favorite sports team clothing. And on Friday, they will celebrate Blue and Gold Bruins Day by wearing blue and gold as well as blue jeans.

Court presentation is at 2:15 p.m. Friday, followed at 7:30 p.m. by the Homecoming game. The Homecoming dance in the school gym will be from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday for freshmen,

See Homecoming, A6

Not your average Joe Junior class leader draws strength from faith, family and friends

Photo By Sara Powell/The Bear Facts Mike Edge treats his son, Joseph, for cystic fibrosis at their Ridgeland home. The treatment followed a week-long hospital stay in Birmingham.

By TERYN YAZDANI Co-Editor

M John Lee

This year’s theme borrowed from the Olympics celebration in August: “The Road to St. Joe.” Activities began on Monday when students attended class representing ancient Greece by wearing togas, olive leaf crows and sandals. On Tuesday, students wore their official Homecoming T-shirt to class. On Wednesday, they represented the United States by wearing red, white and blue.

Today, students represented their “in-

aroon isn’t just a color for the Mississippi State Bulldogs anymore.

It is now a color seen n What is around the St. Joseph CF? A6 Catholic School n Classmates campus in support of paint-up “Team Joseph” and for ‘Team the student who is Joseph,’ A6 the driving force of inspiration – junior class President Joseph Edge, who is battling cystic fibrosis.

“My faith

really helps me as well because you have to realize that God gave me CF for a reason.”

- Joseph Edge

As many students began their school year, Edge spent part of his first few weeks of school battling an infection in a hospital in Birmingham. The unexpected health problems related to cystic fibrosis, or CF,

surprised his entire family; Edge, though, endured.

“The nurses at the hospital are always very impressed with the support that I get from my classmates,” Edge said. “Not one nurse or doctor left my room without being very impressed with the support that I have; I feel so blessed.”

Edge has battled CF, a dangerous genetic disease, since the second grade.

He described the illness as one that thickens the mucus in your body, particularly in the lungs. The disease also affects the stomach and liver; thick mucus found in the lungs also increases the

See Edge, A6

Key state elected leaders tout education, highways From Staff Reports Transportation Commissioner Dick Hall said that ongoing work to reconstruct Interstate 55 in Madison and Ridgeland will take two years and cost millions.

Hall updated progress on the project at a news conference Friday, Sept. 21, as part of a St. Joe high school journalism class.

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves spoke to journalism students in a separate news confer-

ence Monday, Sept. 24. Reeves talked about public education and ways to stop the “brain drain” in Mississippi - in which college graduates leave the state.

Hall said reconstruction of I-55, which includes widening it to four-lanes and adding new interstate frontage roads, began May 10. It is expected to be completed in November 2014.

“It’s a challenge,” Hall said. “But so far, it’s going very smoothly, and it feels good to know we’re helping to build safer highways for people.”

“It’s a challenge.

But so far, it’s going smoothly, and it feels good to know we’re helping to build safer highways for people.”

- Dick Hall

Opinion

A2

September 27, 2012

Starting the new school year with a positive attitude

The school year is getting underway, which means the arrival of cool weather, the much anticipated Homecoming dance, MIRANDA BARRETT and only three Editor more quarters of school until my class’ graduation.

This school year started differently from how it has in the past. This year Mr. Keith Barnes, known simply as Coach Barnes to many students, has taken up the

responsibility of being the principal of St. Joe. Mr. Barnes stepped in as the interim principal at the end of last year, and has become the official principal for this school year.

This year St. Joe students have been offered free dress days nearly every Friday to encourage school spirit on game days.

While many students feel that the dress days are not very “free,” I think it’s important for all of us to remember that we should appreciate the effort that the administration is putting forward this year.

Mr. Barnes seems to be trying very hard to incorporate fun activities into our schedule, such as the movie in the auditorium, pep rallies and theme days. Why not

I appreciate that I go to a school where so many students, teachers, and parents, come together to make one school year as fun, creative, and spirited as possible. give his some credit? As a private school, we have a lot of strict rules. We should be glad we have someone in charge who helps us bend those rules, even if just a little.

Perhaps the free dress days really are

helping our school spirit because St. Joe’s football team is currently undefeated. I think this is because of many things: Our talented football players who work hard every Friday night, the amazing band, fabulous flags, and cheerleaders who keep morale high and music blasting, and of course, the student section of the bleachers, who paint up, dance, and cheer on the Bruins.

I think it’s very easy to become passive about school spirit and supporting St. Joe. However, as my senior year speeds along, I appreciate that I go to a school where so many students, teachers, and parents, come together to make one school year as fun, creative, and spirited as possible.

Crackdown on cyber crime

State Attorney General Jim Hood made the assembly on Aug. 14 one to remember.

Cyber bullying and “sexting,” subjects that have been TERYN YAZDANI hot topics Editor recently, were the centerpieces of Hood’s speech in the Fine Arts Building. Hood, who has been in elected office nine years has spent about 8 1/2 years specializing and working with cyber-related crimes.

Although many students may write-off assemblies about the Internet and “appropriate behavior,” Hood brought many relatable subjects to the forefront. Things that Hood said seemed to hit home with some students. For example, when asked if anyone had downloaded a free album online, there was not a single hand down in the auditorium.

In an interview afterwards, Hood talked

about his passion for his job. “My daughters and my children inspire me,” Hood said. “Jesus taught us to help protect the least among us. This job gives me the opportunity to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.” Hood also said that cyber bullying struck a chord with him as well, adding that this had personally affected his family through his daughter.

The overall response by some students to the assembly was divided. James Patin, a senior at St. Joseph, said “to me, the whole issue felt like it was directed towards middle school girls. I felt like he could have at least addressed the guy aspect of it more.” John William Savell, another senior at St. Joseph, disagreed.

Savell said, “I didn’t really care for the speaker, but I thought the topic was one that was relatable.”

In the end, the assembly seemed to stick with the student body in some way. One thing was learned for sure: cyber crimes are a serious offense. If you download pirated movies, send promiscuous texts, or violate another’s dignity online, Big Brother will find you, and you will be brought to justice.

Photo by Miranda Barrett Attorney General Jim Hood speaks to a journalism class after leading an assembly for the school.

Editorial Policy The Bear Facts, the official student newspaper of St. Joseph Catholic School, is published at least once each quarter of the school year. This newspaper is devoted to the interests of the student body, faculty, parents, alumni and community of St. Joseph. This paper’s purpose is to reflect the spirit of St. Joseph Catholic School, keep the school community informed and help promote the school’s Christian values.

Editor-in-Chiefs: Miranda Barrett Teryn Yazdani Editor: Matthew McKinley Staff: Halle Anderson Jack Butts Rachel Divine Searcy Fox Nathan Gieb Victor Griffin Matthew Harkey London Hatten Nick Hembree Jack Hoffman

Staff: Mary Claire Logue Jacquelyn Massey Sam Osborne Olivia Post Sara Powell Rachel Reddix Kathryn Sckiets Elisabeth Scott Milena Sebuktekin Maggie Smith Ian Vandevender Whitney Willoughby Advisor: Mr. Terry R. Cassreino Principal Advisor: Mr. Keith Barnes

All stories and photographs are copyright 2012 by The Bear Facts and St. Joseph Catholic School. Any reproduction is prohibited without explicit written consent in advance. Contact The Bear Facts at P.O. Box 2027, Madison, MS 39130-2927.

The front page Bruin artwork is drawn by St. Joe alumna Victoria Casher.

Bruin News

A3

September 27, 2012

What’s ‘Bruin’ with Mr. Barnes THE KEITH BARNES FILE n NAME: Keith Barnes n AGE: 50 n HOME: Madison County n PROFESSION: Principal of St. Joseph Catholic School n FAMILY: Wife, Laurie Barnes; three children, Kristin, 24; Keith, 22; and Keenan, 15

By SARA POWELL Staff Writer St. Joseph Catholic School has a new leader: Principal Keith Barnes.

Barnes, 50, is a native of Madison and the youngest of 12 siblings – including an identical twin brother. He grew up about three miles down the road from the school.

Barnes and his wife, Laurie, lived in Nashville for six years and then returned to Madison to build a house next to his parents where he still resides. Barnes, the former Bruins basketball coach, took over as principal at the end of the 2011- 2012 school year.

He sat down recently with The Bear Facts for a quick interview.

The Bear Facts: How have your responsibilities and perspective changed since becoming principal?

Barnes: My responsibilities I imagine have grown 60 percent, and my perspective has stayed the same.

The Bear Facts: What is your goal for Saint Joe? Barnes: I’d like to see the school thrive in every aspect (academics, athletics, etc.)

The Bear Facts: Is your position as principal permanent or still interim?

Barnes: Permanent

Photo by Sara Powell/The Bear Facts Keith Barnes is in his first year as principal of St. Joseph Catholic School.

The Bear Facts: Can you confirm or deny talk of a president at Saint Joe and explain what his or her role would be?

Barnes: There is a search committee for a president. He would be responsible for Saint Joe, but with more of an emphasis on solving financial problems and fundraising.

The Bear Facts: Who has influenced you in your life?

Barnes: Too many to name, but parents, family, teachers and coaches (with an emphasis on teachers and coaches).

The Bear Facts: Do you have any inspirational moments in your life that have shaped you?

Barnes: Seeing students achieve when they have been given up on.

The Bear Facts: Why aren’t you coaching the basketball team this year?

Barnes: My responsibilities have increased, so I can’t devote the necessary time needed for the program. But I am confident in the guys and girls who have replaced me, and I will continue to be around the program.

and seniors Trigonometry, Pre Calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus and Advanced Algebra. Terry started at the University of Mississippi; she teaches seventh grade science.

Two new teachers came from elementary schools: Molly Windham and Kristi Garrard.

Windham taught elementary music in Corinth. She now serves as choir teacher and director at St. Joseph. Garrard taught fifth and sixth grade for six years at St. Richard’s Elementary School in Jackson.

She now teaches U.S. History and Psychology/Sociology to juniors and seniors – including some of the same elementary students she taught at St. Richard’s.

Garrard also serves as the school’s direc-

tor of admissions.

Another teacher who made a slight adjustment is Janine Buckley, who taught in Jackson public schools for 10 years. Buckley teaches Geometry and Algebra II to sophomores and juniors.

“Public school is very different from Catholic school, mainly because God is absent from the public school system,” Buckley said. “And in the Catholic school system, everything is centered around him. It is a very nice contrast.”

The new teachers said they all are excited to be working at St. Joe. “I love teaching and working with the faculty at St. Joseph,” Garrard said. “It is an honor to work at a job that you love, and I truly feel that God put me here.”

New teachers fill St. Joe classrooms

By ELISABETH SCOTT Staff Writer

Eight new teachers have joined the St. Joseph Catholic School family for the 2012-2013 school year. Each teacher brings a different story and a unique background.

Julie Reda had the biggest change by moving to the South from California. Reda previously taught public school in Southern California for seven years. She moved to Mississippi because her son, Dylan, plays football for the University of Southern Mississippi.

“My husband and I wanted to watch him play. We have only missed two games since he started his football career at age 5,” said

Reda, who teaches Computer Apps, Finance, Marketing, Accounting, Economy, Government and Consumer Math.

Two new teachers take part in Bruin athletics.

When Toni Harris isn’t teaching art, she usually is coaching the girl’s volleyball team. Tina Foust, who teaches Algebra II and Personal Finance, also serves as head coach of the girl’s basketball team.

“I am certified to teach Math and have always wanted to be a head coach. It seemed like a perfect match,” Foust said.

Laura Cruise and Katherine Terry began their teaching careers in similar fashion – as graduate assistants in college.

Cruise started at Mississippi State University; she came to St. Joe to teach juniors

Bruin News

A4

Brilley to run for Youth Leg lieutenant governor

By NATHAN GIEB Staff Writer St. Joseph junior Bailey Brilley plans to mount an aggressive campaign in November for the lieutenant governor at the Mississippi Youth & Government Youth Legislature.

When Brilley was a sophomore last year, he participated in the Youth Legislature program for the first time. From the moment he arrived until the minute the program ended, Brilley learned about politics and began networking and making new friends.

Walker Foggo, a senior at St. Joseph, remembers first-hand that Brilley was smart, articulate and quick thinking in all the debates last year. With it being Foggo’s first year at Youth Legislature, he was a little nervous to go up in front of a group of around 40 people and put his point across.

Brilley wasn't.

Brilley walked right up and presented his points with confidence and courage. He was a natural at debating, using that confidence and courage to go far in the competition. He was even recognized by winning the top award given to all participants.

If elected, Brilley would serve as lieutenant governor for the 2014 session of the Youth Legislature.

“Brilley is a hard worker who cares about the people. I’m excited that he is running,” said Whitley Pannell, Brilley’s partner at the 2012 Youth Legislature.

Pannell said she plans to help Brilley with his campaign.

“If Bailey wins, then that would make the school look really good,” said Victor Griffin of Madison, who also attended the 2011 Youth Legislature.

September 27, 2012

Seventh grade wins food drive

By JORDAN WELSH Staff Writer

Less than one month as St. Joe Bruins, seventh graders made their presence known on campus by winning a school food drive benefiting the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

The drive, which took place Aug. 30Sept. 7, gave point values for types of food donated. Seventh graders earned the most points.

Each food item counted as points toward a student’s class team. All grades competed with each other during this food drive; points were reported daily. Aug. 30 and 31 were prime dates to donate food. Those “double point days” allowed students to double the points for each item.

At a school pep rally on Friday, Sept. 7, the class with the most points won a trophy and bragging rights; the young seventh graders blew the older grades out of the water by winning.

A week earlier, on Aug. 31, seniors still

held hope they would win even though seventh graders had an early lead.

“I am so pumped for the food drive,” said Taylor Manning of Madison, a senior at St. Joseph. “Even though the seniors might not be in the lead at this moment, I

“The real winners of this food drive were the poor.

They needed the food, and the seventh graders were more than happy to help with St. Vincent’s cause.”

-Anna Baladi

am sure we will pull through and win this competition.”

Items worth 2 points included canned vegetables, canned soup, canned beans, rice, pasta, spaghetti sauce and dried beans. Items worth 3 points included macaroni and cheese, oatmeal, grits, canned fruit, muffin mix, hamburger helper and canned meal-hearty soup. Items worth 5

points included canned chicken, canned tuna, peanut butter, crackers, canned ham and breakfast cereal.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul organized the competition to benefit its cause, which includes feeding the poor. The society even created collection boxes, each with different class grades painted on them, to distribute the collected food.

The only thing students had to do was bring food. Although a trophy was at stake, students realized that the main reason for this competition was to benefit the poor in our community.

Marion Welsh of Madison, a freshman at St. Joseph, said: “I think that it was great that St. Joe gave back to the community.

The competition was a fun and effective way of collecting food for the poor.”

Seventh grader Anna Baladi of Madison had her own take: “The real winners of this food drive were the poor. They needed the food, and the seventh graders were more than happy to help with St. Vincent’s cause.”

St. Joe teachers take exotic trip

By MATTHEW HARKEY Staff Writer While many people vacationed on the beach this summer, three St. Joseph Catholic School teachers went for something a bit more exotic: Indonesia, Europe and the Holy Land.

Michael Mohr, who teaches 11th grade English and 8th grade Religion, went to many parts of Europe with his family after he joined Philip Ewbank, an 8th grade religion teacher and the school chaplain, in Indonesia.

Emily Lazor, who teaches Spanish I and II, visited the Holy Land.

For Mohr and Ewbank, their plane ride took three days after having multiple stops

along the way before finally reaching Bali.

They stayed in Bali for 10 days and their plane fight back took one day.

“I really enjoyed the simplicity of the cultures, the people and the exotic sights,” Mohr said.

Both Mohr and Ewbank took part in some exciting activities while they were in Bali.

Ewbank said, “My favorite part was the bike ride down the volcano.”

After completing his trip with Ewbank, Mohr and his family visited several places in Europe – including Paris, Normandy, Berlin, Potsdam and Munich.

“I really enjoyed seeing all the stuff on the Cold War,” Mohr said.

“My favorite food was when I was in

Germany, and it was roast pork knuckle and sauerkraut.”

Lazor, a Spanish I and II, went to the Holy Land with a group of students from Notre Dame.

Lazor’s trip followed the Way of Christ, from his birth to his death.

Lazor said, “this trip is more spiritual because we followed Jesus Christ through Scripture, it felt like we were walking with Christ.”

Lazor and the group she went with had Mass every day with a priest who came with the group.

“My favorite part was going to Nazareth and Galilee because it felt like nothing had changed from when Christ was alive,” Lazor said.

Polk’s Drugs 1866 Spillway Rd. Brandon, MS 39047 (601) 992-4466

Submitted Photo Michael Mohr spends time at a temple in Bali and makes friends with a monkey.

Bruin Life

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September 27, 2012

We’re all talk: The St. Joseph Speech and Debate team

By RACHEL REDDIX Staff Writer

Hard work also means fun – especially for members of the St. Joseph Catholic School Speech and Debate Team.

Members said they always meet new people when they attend speech and debate tournaments. They said they also use the tournaments, which sometimes take place out of town, to build camaraderie and bond with each other.

“I like all of the aspects of speech and debate,” said Mary Zuniga, a junior at St. Joe and a longtime member of the Speech and Debate team. “But my favorite aspect is that you really get to know your teammates.”

Speech and Debate members believe being a member of the team is beneficial in many ways. They meet new people from different schools, have tons of fun

and enjoy each other’s company.

“I like all of the aspects of Speech and Debate, but my favorite aspect is that you really get to know your fellow teammates,” Zuniga said.

Many team members agree that being involved in Speech and Debate has boosted their self-confidence. They say the experience also has made them more outspoken because they have to give speeches and debate certain topics in front of large groups of people they may not know.

“I believe that we have a very talented freshmen and a good group of varsity

members on the new team.”

- Pam Wallberg

James Patin, a senior at St. Joe and a member of the Speech and Debate team, said he has never regretted his decision to join the club.

“I’ve gotten many beneficial things from out of speech and debate. I’ve learned a lot of philosophy, speaking and motivational skills, and have developed a lot of discipline, and my vocabulary has extended,” Patin said.

The team expects to achieve success this year based on the potential of first-year members and their longtime varsity members.

“It is a good regroup after having lost many good seniors,” said Pam Walberg, St. Joe’s Speech and Debate coach for more than 10 years.

“I believe that we have 11 very talented freshmen and a good group of varsity members on the new team, so I think that the team will do really well this year.”

SPEECH AND DEBATE n COACHES: Pam Walberg, Linda King, Michael Mohr n CAPTAINS: James Patin, Kathryn Sckiets, Milena Sebuktekin, Teryn Yazdani n PRACTICES: Speech -Saturday mornings,10 a.m.noon; Debate - Wednesday evenings 5 p.m.-7 p.m.

For more information please see any coach or captain

Who’s new at St. Joe?

By RACHEL DIVINE Staff Writer

Photo by: Sara Powell/The Bear Facts A group of seventh grade girls show their spirit by dressing up for one of their new school’s many themed Fridays.

A total of 101 new students – from the entire seventh grade to new students joining other grades – will begin their academic career at St. Joseph Catholic School during the 2012-2013 school year.

And many already feel at home.

“The students were and still are really nice to me; I didn’t really know what to expect,” said Will Booth of Madison, a sophomore at St. Joe. St. Joe students have always been known to have a good time, whether on the football field, in the gym for a pep rally or in morning assembly during a flash mob.

One sometimes overlooked quality is the enthusiasm of St. Joe students to meet new people and make them feel welcome.

“The first people I met were (members of) the volleyball team,” said Summer Reda of Madison, a freshman at St. Joe. “They made me feel so welcome.”

Some people come to St. Joe for the extracurricular activities.

From sports to performing arts, from speech and debate to the school band, stu-

243 Bayview Drive Madison, MS 601-856-2967

dents have something to keep them busy all year round.

New students come from all over. Each one has a different reason for coming.

“I think the reason that most parents choose for their children to come to St. Joe is they want their kids to have a wellrounded and faith-filled education,” said Kristi Garrard, a history and psychology teacher and the director of admissions at St. Joe. Reda said she attended Marco Forester Middle School for three years of middle school in Dana Point, Calif.

She has never attended a private Catholic school before; she said St. Joe is a lot smaller than what she was used to in California.

With about 440 students, St. Joe is not a large school – a fact that creates a warm, friendly, close-knit community for students, faculty and staff. Many teachers feel as strongly about St. Joe as many of the students do.

“A true testament of St. Joe is teachers will stop what they are doing to help a student,” Garrard said. “They love what they do. They see their job as a ministry.”

A6

Edge, from page A1

BackPage News

chance of infections in the body.

CF affects more than 30,000 people in the United States alone and more than 70,000 worldwide. Edge was diagnosed with the disease when he was 8; doctors originally thought he had asthma.

Positive attitude Despite that, Edge, who is one of thousands of teens with the disease, has maintained a positive outlook on life and the challenge of living with CF. “It’s different in everyone else’s eyes,” Edge said. “But in mine, it’s my norm. You learn to make time for it and go on with what you have to do that day. The hardest part is definitely being consistent with the treatment.”

One of the 30-minute daily treatments that Edge must endure is called “the vest.”

Edge described it as “a vest that inflates and shakes.” Through this all, however, Edge insists that it is his family and friends who keep him staying strong.

“It’s a team effort; it’s not all me,” Edge said. “Without my family, it wouldn’t be

September 27, 2012 CYSTIC FIBROSIS

“Joseph has done a lot to educate us all about CF and gives us a personal reason to join in the drive for a permanent cure.”

- Bailey Brilley

possible to get it all done. My faith really helps me as well because you have to realize that God gave me CF for a reason.”

The St. Joseph Catholic School community is behind Edge as well. Anyone who has attended any school pep rally in the last few months probably noticed a group of juniors who regularly paint their chests to spell out the words “Team Joseph.”

Strong support “Team Joseph” started after Edge’s mom had stickers made for this year’s Cystic Fibrosis 5k. The name swept the

school with its appearance in more places than just the junior section at pep rallies.

Bailey Brilley, a fellow junior at St. Joseph, said that “Joseph has done a lot to educate us all about CF and gives us a personal reason to join in the drive for a permanent cure.”

It is not just the junior class that supports Edge and his battle with CF; the entire St. Joseph student body has supported him. St. Joe senior Shannon Harkins called Edge “a great example of picking up one’s cross in life and making it into something good.”

“His perseverance is a model to all of us to never back down or give up,” Harkins said.

Edge himself summed up his feelings the best by saying that his family, faith and friends really matter at the end of the day.

If he could say one thing to everyone who supported him as he has fought the disease, he would have one simple message: “Thank you all so much.”

“There’s no way I could make it without you,” Edge said. “You all made being in the hospital so much easier knowing that you have my back.”

n THE DISEASE: Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States or about 70,000 worldwide. n THE DANGERS: CF clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening infections; it obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from breaking down and absorbing fat. n THE SYMPTOMS: People with CF can have several symptoms including salty-tasting skin, persistent coughing, frequent lung infections, wheezing or shortness of breath. n AVAILABLE TREATMENTS: Several treatments help people with CF breathe better. They include mucous -thinners, antibiotics, antiinflammatories and bronchodilators.

Source: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Photos by Rachel Divine/The Bear Facts Left photo: Allie Jones paints a “J” on Pace McDonald as a group of juniors prepare to show their support last month for Joseph Edge, who was in a Birmingham hospital. Above photo: Juniors are ready to attend a pep rally in support of “Team Joseph.” Back row from left are: Walker Burrow, Bailey Brilley, Josh Speyerer, Jack Hoffman, Pace McDonald, Casey Hall, Sam Osborne, Matthew Harkey, Charlie LeDoux and Nic Hembree. Front row from left: Olivia Crabtree, Ashley Henle, Marilyn Mangialardi, Allie Jones, and Anna Claire Chastain

Lee, from page A1 excited to read it.”

“I think everybody will like the action and adventure, especially boys,” John said.

John wrote his novel in about a year, working especially hard over the Christmas and summer vacations.

“Once I get everything planned out, it doesn’t take me very long to write,” John said. “I didn’t have much writer’s block.”

John first began seriously writing in the sixth grade and continued throughout middle school, particularly last year in St. Joe eighth grade teacher Terry Cassreino’s Creative Writing class.

“John is a talented writer who, as a teenager, has a wonderful way with words, something I knew from the first time he wrote for me in my eighth grade English class last year,” Cassreino said.

“I enjoyed reading his work in my class, and I look forward to reading his work in the future.”

John is currently at work on the next book in “The Legend of Roger” series, called “The Ancestor Steps.” He hopes to have it finished by March.

“Writing is just a good way to be creative and let your imagination flow onto a page,” said John. “When you’re bored,

THE JOHN LEE FILE n NAME: John Lee n AGE: 14 n HOME: Rankin County n CLASS: Freshman n BOOK: Author of the novel “Lee’s Anger” n PURCHASE: Buy an electronic version of the book for $4.99 through Amazon.com it’s fun to pass the time and turn your boredom into something creative.”

Joe Lee, John’s dad, said he is excited about John’s book. “It’s neat to watch him get started with all this,” said Joe, himself an accomplished author of mystery and suspense.

Joe’s latest book, “Last Chance Texaco,” will be released by October. “(John’s) book has a lot of fantasy, action adventure and humor,” Joe said.

“I think it will really appeal to middle school students.”

Homecoming, from page A1 sophomores, juniors and seniors only.

Students and faculty have spent the past couple of weeks preparing for the entire week.

They have decorated classroom doors.

And they have built and decorated elaborate floats they plan to ride during to-

night’s Homecoming parade.

“Every year, students have fun during Homecoming because they celebrate it with their friends,” said Faye Hollingsworth, director of student activities.

“This year, I have no doubt that they’ll do the same and we’ll have a great time.”

2012 ST. JOSEPH HOMECOMING COURT n FRESHMEN: Hope Engle and Taylor McBeath n SOPHOMORES: Mary Claire Logue and Sophia Cosmich n JUNIORS: Lucy Kennington and Anna Edge n SENIORS: Jordan Welsh, Gabriella Nuzzo, Marimac Collins, Miranda Barrett and Alexa Ware n HOMECOMING PARADE: Today at 6 p.m. on campus n COURT PRESENTATION: Friday, Sept. 27, 2:15 p.m., St. Joe gym n FOOTBALL GAME: Friday, Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m. kick-off

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Bruin Sports

September 27, 2012

B1

Football drives St. Joe sports Undefeated Bruins eye Homecoming 2012 game

By JACK BUTTS Staff Writer

Photo by Sara Powell/The Bear Facts The St. Joseph Catholic High School Bruin football team celebrates an early season victory. Bruin football has attracted a steadily increasing fan following as the team has improved over the years.

Success on gridiron fuels game day atmosphere

By JACK BUTTS Staff Writer

Sports Analysis

ootball at St. n Students Joseph Catho- paint-up for lic School has home games, become the No. 1 B6 sport on campus. n Gameday During the past photos, B2, B6 two years, the Bruins have put up a combined record of 19 wins and 7 loses and have also won 10 straight games on its home turf. Just three years ago, the Bruins found themselves with 3 wins. That young team matured into last year’s success story – the best squad the school has ever sent to the gridiron.

The 2011 football season was one for the ages. The Bruins put up a school record 12 wins and 2 loses; the team won its firstever playoff game. While the 2011 team

set lofty goals for all that follow, the 2012 squad’s early success has been impressive in its own right.

This year, St. Joe returns 20 seniors.

That’s right – 20. They aren’t looking back at last season, but instead plan to follow it with another special one. Starting in 2010, excitement started to build around the program. Since then, the team has provided an electric atmosphere every Friday night.

Senior Nick Fertitta said this about game-day atmosphere: “The feeling has completely changed since I’ve been here in 2007. It’s never been this exciting before. I can remember when we went to the games to see our friends, not for the game itself.

“But now, everyone is there because we expect the team to put on a show.”

F

“We have 20 seniors

this year, and we’re really confident with the guys we have. We expect to win.”

- Nick Beasley

Senior wide receiver Nick Beasley is looking to make a huge impact in the offense this year. Last season, he put up some insane numbers – leading the state in Class 2A with 1,163 receiving yards.

“People keep saying that last year was just one good year, and that we lost all of our talent,” Beasley said. “They’re wrong.

We have 20 seniors this year, and we’re really confident with the guys we have. We expect to win.”

See St. Joe Football, B6

Volleyball team hopes for more success

By SAM OSBORNE Staff Writer The St. Joseph Catholic School Bruin volleyball team is looking forward to another successful season. After last year’s push to win their district and make it to the North State finals, the Bruins are back again.

They are playing this year with a new coach, Toni Harris – who played volleyball at Madison Central High School and Millsaps College. This is Harris’ first year coaching, but she is already seen by the Bruins as a dominant force as a coach.

Even though St. Joe has just two seniors returning this year, Harris hopes to have a successful year. Even team members are confident and expect another championship season.

Genin Harkey, a freshman for the St. Joe volleyball team and sister of the great Meagan Harkey, said: “We have a lot of potential and talent this year.”

Milena Sebuktekin and Aaliyah Frierson of St. Joe are the only seniors on this year’s team. They are both very confident.

After making it to the North State finals last year, St. Joe volleyball players are ready to make another run, this time for something much more than North State. They already started strong this year with a key win against Germantown High School.

The team practices every day except on game days. Practices are tough and often tire the players. These practices involve a lot of diving, sliding and jumping for the ball. Genin Harkey said, “It isn’t easy. There’s a lot of hard work that goes into it.”

Last season, the St. Joe Bruins handled Loyd Star quite well on the road defeating them by a score of 45-19 in Brookhaven.

This year, Loyd Star is the Bruin district opener and Homecoming game. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The Bruins, undefeated and coming off a lopsided 35-6 win last week against Union, should be a heavy favorite. Loyd Star enters the game with a 0-4 record.

The Bruins will look to keep Loyd Star from winning its first game of the season.

The last thing St. Joe wants is a winless team to take their Homecoming game.

This year, the Bruins also want the game to go more smoothly than last year. Last season, a couple of fights resulted in player ejections.

Loyd Star will deal with many of the same players they did last year. Stopping the Bruins’ Nick Beasley, Brett Burgess and William Fetherson will be tough.

BRUIN FOOTBALL n Aug. 17: St. Aloysius, 41-7 (W) n Aug. 24: St. Patrick, 20-13 (W) n Sept. 1: St. Joe Greenville (away), 41-14 (W) n Sept. 7: St. Andrew’s (away), 3412 (W) n Sept. 14, Pisgah, 49-14 (W) n Sept. 21, Union (away), 35-6 (W) n Sept. 28: Loyd Star (HC), 7:30 p.m. n Oct. 5: Puckett (away), Oct. 5, 7 p.m. n Oct. 12: Amite County (away), 7 p.m. n Oct. 19: Wesson, 7 p.m. n Oct. 26: Enterprise Lincoln (away), 7 p.m.

Player Profiles

Marimac Collins

n Grade: 12 n Sports: Swimming, soccer, cross

country

n Soccer number: 8 n Pregame ritual: Listening to music,

Submitted photo The Lady Bruins varsity volleyball team. Back row from left: A.K. Brunini, Hannah Heilman, Kaitin Beasley, Coach Toni Harris, Aaliyah Frierson, A.K. Moorehead and Genin Harkey. Front row from left: Bridget Abadie, Olivia Post, Milena Subuktekin and Caroline Loveless.

The Bruins believe the hard work is paying off. The team has been playing to large crowds where the gymnasium is nearly filled.

The support does not go overlooked.

Caitlyn Beasley, a junior for the Bruins said, “The support is really needed.

Having everyone there gets us pumped up for the game.”

The St. Joe Bleacher Creatures, students who paint numbers and names of players on their chests for all of the sporting events, painted up for the first game. The volleyball team loves it when the crowds come out.

Caitlyn Beasley said: “We take that energy from the crowds and use it on

the court.”

The Bruins play in the North State division again this year; their top rivals are St. Andrew’s Episcopal School and Lewisberg High School.

Their biggest out-of-division foes are Northwest Rankin High School and Madison Central High School.

They play on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.

The Bruins have been good the past few years. They hope to be even better this year. A championship season is among the talk of the team. Said Genin Harkey, “This is going to be a great season for us, so come out and support the Bruins.”

eating Mrs. Loper’s homemade bread n Film: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” n Quote: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Phil. 4:13

Blayne Jones

n Grade: 12 n Sports: Football, soccer n Football number: 24 n Soccer number: 10 n Pregame ritual: Listening to music,

and sleeping n Film: “Warrior” n Quote: “Work hard play hard”

Game Day Snaps ways to enjoy Homecoming

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Photo by Matthew McKinley/The Bear Facts Senior Spence Powell paints up for the football game.

Go to the game, listen to St. Joe Band!

Show your spirit!

September 27, 2012

Photo by: Sara Powell/The Bear Facts The Bruins run to the stand after a victorious game.

Cheer on our boys!

Attend the Parade!

Photo by Jacquelyn Massey/The Bear Facts Juniors Halle Anderson and Courtney Helom share a hug during the weeks activities.

Photo By Matthew McKinley/The Bear Facts The band plays the pre-game fight song.

Photo by London Hatten/The Bear Facts Juniors stop to pose for a picture during a Friday pep rally.

Make lasting memories!

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Bruin News

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September 27, 2012

St. Joe band creates school spirit

By NIC HEMBREE Staff Writer

It was a rainy Friday night in early September when the St. Joe Bruins football team took the field against St. Patrick.

Most students who watched the game in the steady rain agreed something was missing. But what?

The band. The St. Joe band was not playing in the bleachers.

“It was pretty disappointing,” said Gene Loper of Madison, a junior who plays the drums in the St. Joe marching band.

“School spirit just isn’t the same without the band,” he said. “You can have the cheerleaders, the bleacher creatures and the parents. But you’ve got to admit: the games are a better experience with the band in the stands.”

Seventy-five students make up the St. Joe marching band, playing everything

from drums to trumpets and flutes. They perform at school events, pep rallies, basketball games, and football games – except when it rains.

Last year, the band had a new set of uniforms donated to the school. Many people have argued that sitting in the stands while wearing the band uniforms would not be a good experience. St. Joe band member Richard Brown disagreed.

“Yes, the uniforms are extremely hot in

the summer time,” Brown said. “But that doesn’t really stop the fun for me.”

The band has also worked when out of school. During the summer, band members attended a week-long band camp.

“We went from 8:30 to 11:30 in the morning, then came back and practiced from 1 o’clock to 3 o’clock,” said Loden Snell of Ridgeland, a junior who plays trumpet in the band. “It was fun, minus the waking up part.”

Band members Brian Flaherty and Ben Payne march onto the field.

Tico’s

Photos by Matthew McKinley/The Bear Facts Senior drum major Kathryn Sckiets takes a break from conducting.

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Thomas “Tico” Hoffman

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The guitarists, including Grant LaFleur, left, Warren Beebe, Timothy Cook and Zachary Davis, prepare for the St. Joe band jam out during halftime.

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Bruin News

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September 27, 2012

Theater Preview: ‘And Then There Were None’

By OLIVIA POST Staff Writer

“And Then There Were None” kicksoff this year’s theater season at St. Joseph Catholic School with a play that awardwinning author Agatha Christie adapted from one of her most popular mysteries.

The murder mystery is the story of 10 strangers summoned to a remote island only to be killed one-by-one. “And Then There Were None,” starring St. Joe students, is one of two theatrical productions

the theater department is expected to stage this year at St. Joe. Rachel Kenyon, the theater and dance teacher at St. Joe, will direct “And Then There Were None.” She said this theater season will be “just as dynamic as it was last year,” adding that students chose the play “And Then There Were None.”

Many students are familiar with “And Then There Were None” after reading the book in eighth grade literature. The 1939 novel was an instant hit; Christie adapted the story for the stage in 1943, slightly

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Sunday, Oct. 28 nTIMES: Saturday: 7 p.m.

Sunday: 2 p.m. nPRICES: $7 for students

$10 general admission

For more information, please see Mrs. Kenyon

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changing the end from the original book.

St. Joe will stage “And Then There Were None” on Saturday, Oct. 27, and Sunday, Oct. 28.

Many students audition for plays because they meet new friends and get to try out different character parts and personalities. Kendall Comish, a 10th grader at St. Joe, said, “It is a great opportunity to work with different people and get to know them and their strengths.”

Besides “And Then There Were None,” other planned productions include a musi-

“It is a great opportunity to work with different people and get to know them and their strengths.”

- Kendall Comish

cal next semester. In December, the school will present “Gifts of the Season,” St. Joe’s annual Christmas production featuring the school band, choir, jazz band, violinists and St. Joe dancers.

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BackPage Sports

September 27, 2012

Juniors, seniors paint up for home games

Photo by Sara Powell/The Bear Facts Members of the St. Joseph Catholic School junior class often paint their chests before home football games and other athletic events. From left are: Matthew Harkey, Nic Hembree, Josh Speyerer, Jack Hoffman, Walker Burrow, Bailey Brilley, Sam Osborne, Joseph Edge, Will Booth, Casey Hall, Pace McDonald and Daniel Trussel.

‘Bleacher Creatures’ stalk tailgates, football stands of St. Joe

By MARY CLAIRE LOGUE Staff Writer On football game days, it is a common sight to see St. Joseph Catholic School male students strutting around campus shirtless – and painted-up in blue and gold.

They are the “Bleacher Creatures,” the brain child of recent St. Joe graduate John Carney and now led by senior Brennan Trask – with ample help from a group of juniors and eighth-grade boys.

The Bleacher Creatures are constantly dealing with a friendly rivalry between seniors and juniors.

“The juniors try to show they have more school spirit, while the seniors try to prove

their dominance,” Trask said. “However, I do respect the junior class.”

The representation of the junior class is much greater than that of the class of 2013. The two grades battle each other at pep rallies, bringing enthusiasm and excitement to the crowd.

Several eighth grade boys join the upperclassmen in painting themselves for ball games and pep rallies. Eighth grader Chad Doiron of Madison said that John Carney “inspired me to be a Bleacher Creature. And I hope to lead them one day like he did.”

The upperclassmen enjoy the eighth grade boys tagging along with them.

“Forget the juniors and seniors,” Trask

“The more pumped we get, the more pumped everyone gets.”

- Brennan Trask

said. “They’re the best fans. I really want to get them involved in the high school stands.”

Before every home football game, the Bleacher Creatures tailgate with their respective grades.

Their female classmates prepare their brushes and paint the boys’ chests in ac-

Members of the St. Joseph Catholic School senior class pose before a home football game. From left: Ryan Crandall, Spence Howell, Giacomo Dughiero, Brennan Trask, Griffin Kennington, Dionte Coleman and Walker Foggo.

St. Joe football, from page B1

Photo by Matthew McKinley/The Bear Facts Seniors John William Savell, James Simmons and Nick Beasley before the start of a Bruin home game. The Bruins are undefeated heading into the Homecoming game.

Things have changed drastically over the past two years. The confidence of the team is unreal, and they know exactly what their abilities are.

Head Coach Flip Godfrey said he believes that “we have another record team this year with the talent we still have. We are the hunted now because of the year we had last year. We need to stay that way because we are the guys that other teams want to take down.”

The Bruins hope to win their second straight district title. Last year was the first time that the team accomplished that and also the first time the team won a playoff game. Returning to the playoffs isn’t a goal of the team this year. Players expect to be there.

The real goal for St. Joe this year is to win more playoff games – and not only that, but to host them. They only have five home games this year after having eight last year.

The team already has started off on a good note with 6 wins and no loses. In Week 1, the team thumped St. Al by a score of 41 to 7, racking up more than 400 yards on the ground. They followed up that win with another over St. Patrick that was closer than expected, 20 to 13.

The Bruins won an away game at St. Joe Greenville, 41-14, and at arch-rival St. Andrew’s, 34-12. The next big game is Friday when the Bruins will celebrate Homecoming 2012 with a key conference game against Loyd Star.

cordance with the set theme for the game.

“I like paint, and enjoy lathering up in accordance with the game-day theme,” said Matthew Harkey, a St. Joe junior.

In a set routine for getting pumped up before games, Trask said, students have “a lot of Rockstar Energy Drinks. Then I get that Friday night feeling of seeing our team on the field all pumped up and that gets me going.”

Basic team chants, the “I Believe” cheer and the recently added “Bruincoaster” – a human rollercoaster of Bruin fans – are led by the Bleacher Creatures during games.

“The more pumped we get,” Trask said, “the more pumped everyone gets.”

Photos by Matthew McKinley/The Bear Facts Senior Nick Fertitta grills at a tailgate party before a home football game.