NDB | The Catalyst | Volume 2, Issue 1 | Fall 2015

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CATALYST

NOTRE DAME HIGH SC HOOL’S FINEST NEWS SOURCE

Volume 2, Issue 1

1540 Ralston Avenue, Belmont, CA 94002

OPINION

Fall 2015

NEWS

Notre Dame Belmont 3, Laguna Blanca 0 When technology Volleyball team wins first state championship in school history strikes back What should a school do when tech tools become a distraction?

by The Catalyst Editorial Staff

When junior Sofia Sarimsakci goes to her English class, she has to turnoff her cellphone and put it in a pocket chart hanging by the classroom door. If she or any of her classmates do not, her teacher writes down her name and submits it to the Assistant Principal of Student Affairs who will summon her for a talk. Class goes on as usual as she sits down and takes out her laptop and other school supplies. At the end of class, she packs up, picks up her phone, and then goes to lunch.

For the past several months, a few classes taught

by English teacher Robert Rojas as well as American Sign Language teacher Emily Borja have participated in “Operation: Cell-Stash,” a possible solution to stop student cellphone use in the classroom.

“In the beginning, my juniors questioned it. They didn’t really resist it, at least openly, because they knew why they had to do it. But, at this point, they just accept it as a way of life,” Rojas said.

Borja expressed similar sentiments and plans on applying the practice to all of her classes next semester. She said, “It hasn’t been that big of a deal. It’s one less of a distraction.”

The school’s parent-student handbook states, “Cellular phones must be turned off and kept out of sight in the student’s locker or backpack.” However, that is not always the case nor is the rule always or consistently [See When technology, 3]

Photo Credit: Robert Rojas

The team reacts to their state championship win just seconds after junior Katie Smoot (#12) scores game point with a “Sm-Ace.”

by The Catalyst Editorial Staff

All they really do is win. Last Saturday, the volleyball team won the CIF State Championship, Division 4 game against Laguna Blanca of Santa Barbara, 3-0. This ends the successful season for the Tigers, 32-10, including a win at the CCS Championship game for the second time in two years and the CIF Regional Championship game.

The team won in three consecutive sets, 25-14, 2518, and 25-19, maintaining a clear lead against the Owls throughout most of the game.

The strongest players were juniors Katie Smoot (#17) and Tammy Byrne (#11) and senior Jess Beering (#12). Game point was an ace by Smoot.

For some team members, the win was bittersweet.

“I just played my last (high school) game,” said senior Katarina Warburton (#1). She recently signed to play volleyball at Adelphi University.

There are three other seniors on the team, including Jenna Spini (#16) who signed with Franklin College, Beering, and Caitlin Comoroto (#2).

After a sendoff rally in front of the school and a police

escort by Belmont PD to the airport on Friday, the team and its coaches traveled to Southern California. They were later followed by their families and friends, classmates, teachers, and other staff members. A rooter bus left NDB early Saturday morning with about 15 students, faculty, and parents. The student squad of mostly freshmen and sophomores donned face paint and pompoms to cheer on their sisters.

Freshman Michelle Kleytman said, “It was such a fun experience and something I will never forget. I loved

watching all the varsity girls play their hearts out to win NDB’s first ever state championship.”

Commenting on the season, English teacher Adam Currier said, “It started off as a bit of a rough season with the team learning how to communicate again with the departure of last year’s seniors. They came together as a team in the end and showed how dangerous they can be when they play as a unit.”

The team celebrated their win with a late lunch and capped their weekend with a visit to nearby Disneyland.

FEATURE

Longtime Student Activities Director to leave NDB Community reflects on Theresa Vallez-Kelly’s twenty years of service

by Sofia Reyes Co-Editor in Chief

NDB’s beloved Student Activities Director, Theresa Vallez-Kelly announced that, after 20 years of cultivating sisterhood and leadership in the NDB community, she is leaving the school to combine her love of education and health in an innovative new position with the San Mateo County of Education.

VK will be in charge of building and growing a program that helps to promote

walking and biking to school to prevent childhood obesity, especially in middle school students. Her program will also work to help keep teenage drivers safe and free from distractions, such as cellphone use, when navigating the road.

This is VK’s last week at NDB, and the community is already feeling the absence of such a crucial member of daily school life and trying to deal with what the upcoming semester, especially Aquacades, will be like without her.

[See Longtime, 4]

Photo Credit: Rae Lin

VK takes a moment with the portable photo booth.

LOOK ONLINE TheCatalystNDB.com Facebook.com/TheCatalystNDB View this issue in full-color via our website and social media.

Opinion News + Features Arts + Life Health + Sports

2-3 4-5, 8 6 7

Photo credit: Robert Rojas

OPINION “ALL STUDENTS BELONG” ASB shares motto for school year Page 2

Photo credit: Robert Rojas

NEWS & FEATURES SPIRIT OF THE TIGER Tigers show class spirit

Page 5

Photo credit: Brian Garcia

ARTS & LIFE FILM: “DEAR ZACHARY” Kurt Kuenne visits video class Page 6

Photo credit: Lily Wolfe

SPORTS LADY OF THE DANCE Katie Wolfe shares her journey Page 7

2•OPINION Letter ASB’s motto is “All Students Belong”

@theCATALYSTndb

FALL 2015

from the Editors

ASB: “Remember, we are Tigers, and we stand together!”

Wyeth Anderson Contributing Writer

@TheCatalystNDB

Photo credit: Robert Rojas

by Sofia Reyes Co-Editor in Chief

We are writing as the Editorial Staff of “The Catalyst” to you. It was a great achievement last year to produce the first print issue of our beloved school newspaper in five years. This year, we hope to do more and push our limits, aiming for more issues, each with stories about news and other events happening in the NDB community.

My Co-Editor in Chief, Daniella Espinoza, is a seasoned member of “The Catalyst” staff in addition to Photo Editor Rae Lin and myself. We are both experienced members of “The Torch” yearbook. Together, we are creative, dedicated, and passionate about journalism and will work tirelessly to tell the true story of school events, important issues, and to convey their real impact on the community.

Building a paper can be laborious feat, especially as a club of just a few students, but we have been blessed with English teacher Robert Rojas as our faculty advisor. With his continuous efforts and relentless support, we have been able to produce a product that we hope you will be proud of and even want to be part of.

We would also like to give a big thank you to the reporters, writers, and photographers and their volunteered time.

Without them, we would only have a few pages of pictures and headlines.

Finally, we would like to thank you, the NDB community, who have been generous enough to pick up and read “The Catalyst.” In the end, our work is nothing without all of you to read our work.

“We are sisters, we stand together.” These lyrics from the popular Cheetah Girls song, “Cheetah Sisters,” are more than catchy. They represent the theme for this school year. Although ASB technically stands for Associated Student Body, we like to think it means, “All Students Belong.” We live by this motto and, by the end of this year, we hope all of you do as well.

Our role is to make sure that everyone has a good time at NDB, no matter where they come from, or what class they are in.

At the beginning of the year, we picked a theme that we planned to embody in all of our events and daily lives. This theme is unity and sisterhood. Before any of us are Titans, Mavericks, Royals,

Photo Credit: ASB

The 2015-2016 ASB Officers are (from left to right) Wyeth Anderson, Erika Sadlowski, Nina Amarandos, Claire Jabba, Cate Luna, and Jayna Ortiz. or Avengers, we are Tigers!

We can all agree that class competition is exciting, but we want to make sure everyone knows that all of our events are focused on being spirited and having fun together as a school.

Individually, there are many ways to keep all of the classes unified. For example,

you can invite girls from all grade levels to sit with you at lunch. This is a good way to become sisters, even if you aren’t in sister classes. It also helps you meet new people that you wouldn’t have thought to talk to before. Another way to keep unity is to focus on bringing your own class up as opposed to bringing other class-

es down. Other ideas include, keeping your words positive, saying hi to everyone in the hallway, and cheering for every class at rallies.

We hope you all take these suggestions into consideration, as we move through this year. Remember, we are Tigers, and we stand together!

What is sisterhood? A junior’s reflection Dennis: “From rallies to food drives to Aquacades, Tigers know what’s up.”

Alex Dennis Contributing Writer

@TheCatalystNDB

Sisterhood. The term can be defined in multiple ways by many different people. I asked a few students what sisterhood in the NDB community means to them, and I received responses ranging from compassionate to empowered, from dedicated to passionate, and from enthusiastic to warm-hearted. One student said it means educational, creative, and inspiring.

The fact that none of these girls gave the same response shows the breadth of sisterhood at NDB.

Provided with this op-

portunity to study and spend our days among other unique girls like ourselves, this concept of a sisterhood has grown stronger and evolved throughout the many years of NDB’s existence.

No matter how you choose to define sisterhood, we can all agree on one thing: It brings us together. Being at an all girls’ school, we have developed a strong connection between our sister classes. From rallies to food drives to Aquacades, Tigers know what’s up.

Class spirit and competition are some of the things that shape the Notre Dame community. Ask any alumna and she can give you a litany of stories and strategies from her time here. She will vividly recall the hours she spent shopping for drives or class-colored

theCATALYST

theCATALYST NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL’S NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL’S FINEST NEWS SOURCE FINEST NEWS SOURC EDITOR IN CHIEF Daniella Espinoza despinoza16@ndhsb.org Sofia Reyes sreyes16@ndhsb.org PHOTO EDITOR Rae Lin rlin16@ndhsb.org

FACULTY ADVISOR Robert Rojas rrojas@ndhsb.org ABOUT “THE CATALYST” “The Catalyst” is a student-run newspaper that is published quarterly in print and online for Notre Dame High School Belmont community.

articles of clothing, time spent thinking of cheers for rallies, and the craze of trying to get everything in order before the final night of Aquacades. NDB girls have spirit that grows infinitely when the elements of competition and teamwork are added into the mix.

When outsiders hear about Aquacades and other NDB-specific events, they always wonder, “Why do we put ourselves through all of that additional stress, drama, and hard work?”

The answer is simple: We take pride in ourselves and our class. We work throughout the years to strengthen our class connection, not only within our grade, but throughout the grades and especially with our sister classes. We accomplish this through school supported events, such as sisEDITORIAL POLICY “The Catalyst” accepts unsolicited letters from students, faculty, staff, and alumni as well as press releases from on and off-campus organizations, but cannot guarantee publication. “The Catalyst” reserves the right to edit or reject submissions it deems objectionable.

The views expressed in the Opinion section do not reflect the views of “The Catalyst,” Notre Dame High School Belmont, or the Archdiocese of San

terhood masses, rallies, class meetings, link crew, and retreats. The list goes continues.

Being a NDB Tiger means getting the chance to build friendships with more girls than you’ve ever anticipated, and with that friendship and camaraderie comes respect. This respect is not only earned in the classroom or on the sports fields, but also in those bleachers we cram ourselves into every year. It is earned when we see ourselves acting like complete maniacs, jumping up and down cheering our lungs out for our equally crazy friends in the pool.

The NDB sisterhood is something that we should hold with pride and respect.

Tigers will walk away from high school with great memories, life long friendships, and everlasting school spirit.

Francisco, but are solely the views of the writer. Unsigned editorials reflect the opinion of “The Catalyst.”

CONTACT US Notre Dame High School c/o The Catalyst Student Newspaper 1540 Ralston Avenue Belmont, California 94002 Phone: 650-595-1913 Email: TheCatalystNDB@gmail.com Social Media: TheCatalystNDB

OPINION•3 Politics for dummies: A guide for future voters @theCATALYSTndb

FALL 2015

Tillman: “Youth voters are often criticized for being apathetic in regards to politics.”

Meg Tillman Contributing Writer

@TheCatalystNDB

For a political newcomer, it can be overwhelming to understand the extent and complexity of American politics. And yet, millions of American teenagers face this dilemma every year as they become legal adults. With the arrival of the 2016 presidential election, it is important for youth voters to gather information about the candidates, the prominent political parties, and the issues involved in this election.

The Republican Party, known as the GOP, is considered to be the party of big business, limited government regulation, and minimal taxes. The GOP places emphasis on decreasing government spending, allowing more money for the federal government to pay its debts. The GOP also favors interventionism, or the U.S.’s involvement in foreign conflicts.

However, not all of

these beliefs apply to every Republican. In fact, Republicans differ from Democrats on one specific issue: The economy.

Republicans are firm believers in the free market economy, stressing limited government regulation promoting the growth

Carson, Donald Trump, and Marco Rubio. Carson’s policies center around bringing religion back to the forefront of American society, balancing the budget, and maintaining a strong military. Trump’s campaign focuses on V.A. reforms, tax

ty is historically the party of the common man, and now the party of minorities. The Democrats commonly favor increased government regulation, individual rights, and expanding government services. Many Democrats believe that the gov-

Photo Credit: DonkeyHotey via Flickr Creative Commons

The Democratic donkey and the Republican elephant symbolize their respective parties. of independent businesses. For reforms, immigration reforms, ernment should provide more this reason, Republicans often and the maintenance of Second services for the general public discourage implementing taxes, Amendment rights. Rubio’s in order to provide a better qualwhich take away from a busi- agenda is based on policies of ity of life for citizens. ness or individual’s profit. immigration reform, limited Again, not all Demo In the 2016 presidential government regulation, and in- crats are defined by these berace, the Republicans are led by dividual states’ rights. liefs, but the vast majority of three major candidates: Ben The Democratic Par- them tend to advocate for poli-

When technology strikes back [From When technology, 1] enforced.

Sometimes, students hide their phones under desks, in laps, or behind laptop screens because teachers cannot see what is really happening.

Sometimes, adults allow students to use their phones for assignments in their classrooms, but some take them away during break or lunch in the dining room. And, sometimes, some adults are on their own phones.

One issue is what happens when students post pictures and record videos of their teachers and classmates. One recent news story shows what happens when cellphones are used against educators. In October, two students at a South Carolina high school recorded a white school police officer forcibly remove a black female classmate from her desk, resulting in the officer’s firing. Other stories include bullied students, often with learning disabilities, who, as a last resort because nobody believed them, recorded their teachers and classmates in the act. Conversely, random students who, baiting their teachers and classmates, recorded their breakdowns and fights, and then uploaded them to social media.

At NDB, most students just want to take selfies with their teachers to Instagram for the “Likes” or see them Snapchatted with the latest template.

Some teachers do not care, see-

ing it as all in good fun, but others do care, claiming it is a violation of their privacy. It is worthwhile to note that in many states, like this one, it is illegal for anyone to record what is happening in the classroom without the teacher’s consent.

A random search on Twitter reavels, there are a few

some of these posts are private.

When followers and friends take screenshots and share these posts, all of the original privacy settings are canceled out, making once private posts public and allowing them go viral.

The school handbook states, “Students who post any type of inappropriate or defam-

Student cellphone use in the classroom is only one frustrating front of the battle as much of what can be done on a cellphone can now be done on a laptop. Since NDB has a 1+1 policy for students to bring their own laptops to school, students can use Apple’s FaceTime and Messages apps and easily hide

Photo Credit: Robert Rojas

Juniors Katie Brandi and Ashley Brandi have different opinions about the issue.

NDB students who have made atory statements, or engage in them under a Google Doc or negative comments about their harassment, or bullying on the Schoology window if a teacher teachers and classmates on- internet (vis [sic] social media, passes by. To combat this, the line. A random search on Twit- blogs, etc.) about other students, school encourages students to ter reveals one student’s tweet teachers, staff members, etc., follow its +1 Acceptable Use reads, “OMG! Dat essay tho,” will face serious disciplinary Policy guidelines and provides followed by several emojis, consequences.” Some students education throughout the school or smileys. The context of the question the school’s reach and year, especially during Digital Tweet is unknown to most, but argue that their online behavior Citizenship Week.

Technology Commitdefinitely known to her class- is their own business, especially mates who also have to write off-campus, but the handbook tee Lead Rebecca Girard said, that essay. Some posts are more makes no distinction about the “It needs to be a constant condirect, using a hashtag to identi- actual physical location of their versation for any device,” exfy the intended recipient. While online misbehavior. pressing the need for teachers

cies in line with a planned economy, where the government is involved in the production, sale, and purchase of goods. Planned economies tend to provide more social programs for citizens, like universal healthcare.

The Democratic field consists of three candidates: Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, and Martin O’Malley. Clinton’s policies are centered on criminal justice reform, civil rights, and national defense maintenance.

Sanders’ campaign focuses on expanding Social Security and Medicare, and free higher education. O’Malley is focusing on trade reform, gun reform, and expanding Social Security.

Youth voters are often criticized for being apathetic in regards to politics. However, this phenomenon is due in large part to the lack of focus on the concerns of youth voters.

As the 2016 election nears, it is important to familiarize yourself with the issues that are closest to you because, based on the political environment and beliefs, these are the issues that will determine the candidate you vote for and your future.

to be consistent and to scaffold instruction in appropriate use of technology in their classrooms as well as for students to take responsibility for their behavior.

“Operation: Cell Stash” is a work-in-progress as NDB and other high schools throughout the nation deterine how to reduce the distraction of student cellphone use in the classroom and encourage the positive integration of technology in education. One student, who declined to be named for this story, claims NDB teachers need to implement technology better, beyond using a laptop and projector. She says she starts using her phone when she gets bored or does not understand the lesson.

Although school rules are clear, the fact is that NDB students, like their teachers, do use their cellphones for academic and personal reasons all throughout the school day with both positive and negative effects. Between the opening and closing of textbooks, the exchange of handouts and homework, and the ringing of bells throughout the day, emails, messages, and Snaps are sent and received, movies and TV shows are streamed, and online stores are perused for the upcoming prom season. While tolerating the distraction of student cellphone use is not going to help them, neither is pulling the plug on their technology.

4•NEWS+FEATURES Longtime director to leave NDB [From Longtime, 1]

Administrators, faculty, and staff members shared various memories of their work with VK over the years. Head of School, Maryann Osmond, shared a memory of listening to VK share a story about her first communion.

Associate Principal Anne Schaefer-Salinas said, “One of my favorite memories with VK was her wedding. I was one of the musicians, and they had great music which was fabulous, and the receptions was lots of fun. As a thank you, I got a shirt and, to this day, that is still my favorite shirt. We’re really going to miss you, Mrs. VK.” Tiger Cage Manager Bar-

Healthy Living Club receives $1,000 grant

by Alex Dennis Contributing Writer

The Healthy Living Club was founded by juniors, Saundra Sanguinetti and Alexandra Dennis during their sophomore year at NDB. They started the club because they felt that the school was lacking a club that promoted health and wellness. From this point on, the girls worked hard to make the club tenable, and grow it to what it has become today.

The girls remember how exciting the first club meeting was and how nervous they were to actually be the presidents of a club. With all the great things going for the Healthy Living Club along came another great opportunity when Mrs. VK contacted the girls.

One day, Mrs. VK emailed the girls with a chance to win a $2,000 grant for their club with Adventure Capital. Instantly, Sanguinetti and Dennis worked hard to come up with an idea that was worthy of $2,000.

After working for days on end,

Photo Credit: Rae Lin

Dennis and Sanguinetti represent their club during Open House. they came upon the idea of start- workshops and were mentored ing Project Positive, a school by some of the most innovative magazine that promotes healthy people in California. living. After a long process of Coming back from the phone interviews and making it workshop, the girls were excitto the final round of the contest, ed to start on the magazine. The they received an email inform- girls remember how eye opening them that they had won the ing it was for them when they grant. started to work on it because

One month later, the they realized the many aspects girls found themselves at Jam- that it takes in order to create a ba Juice Headquarters in Em- magazine issue. Eventually, the eryville. In that amazing day, girls decided that the magazine Sanguinetti and Dennis attended was ready to be printed and

out came the first edition of the Project Positive magazine, in April of 2015.

The girls had so much fun making the first issue with their club and learned a lot in the process. The second edition of Project Positive came out in November 2015 with the help of all the wonderful Healthy Living Club members.

Besides the Project Positive magazine, the Healthy Living Club is working on many other projects that will start this year.

One of the big projects that will come out soon are care packages for the flu season, an idea presented by junior Mila Yoch, after she and fellow junior Sasha Arredondo-De Lipski attended an event in October 2015, similar to the one Sanguinetti and Dennis attended in February.

In addition, the Healthy Living Club has been working with the Health and Wellness program at school to start a workout program after school for everyone who is interested.

Meditation Mondays: Your moment of zen

“Campus Ministry wanted to teach students and faculty the importance of takin time out...”

by Bella Rey and Lindsey Yee Contributing Writers

Photo Credit: Rae Lin

VK uses the popcorn machine at the Freshman Social.

bara Tauskey shared a memory of getting VK’s help with the Link Crew and making the incoming freshmen feel so welcome at NDB.

Students also have much to say about VK’s role in their education at NDB. Senior Danica Kazakoff, who attended the Kairos 10 retreat with VK earlier this year, said, “I love Mrs. VK! I’m so glad I had the chance to get close with her before she left NDB. I’m inspired by her work ethic and strive to do everything to the best of my ability just like her. She is always looking to improve which is also inspiring. She has done so much at NDB over the years and it will not be the same without her.”

NDB alumna (‘15) and former ASB officer Crystal Batshon said, “Working with VK on student council and ASB during my four years of high school, I can easily say she is such a phenomenal woman and one of the most selfless people I know. She does so much for the NDB community and, without her, my NDB experience would not be half as amazing as it was.”

[See Longtime, 5]

Meditation Mondays, or M&M for short, are quiet reflections that occur every Monday during lunch by the W.A.V.E Club.

Campus Ministry noticed that many students were caught up trying to balance school, work, extracurricular activities, and a personal life. Campus Ministers Kristin Winn-Reyes and Kay Dinglasan took it upon themselves to create an environment where students could relax and relieve stress. So, M&M was born.

In the beginning, it started out as an activity that happened after school, but due to high interest, it moved to lunch time. Campus Ministry

A yoga session is held in the Innovation Lab. wanted to teach students and faculty the importance of taking time out of each day for personal care. These meditations are to alleviate stress and encourage people to be more present in everyday life.

The style of meditation

is rotated every Monday and are lead by different faculty members, including Barbara Sequeria, Coleen Lorenz, and Maria Worthge. Different styles and techniques are taught and incorporated into the sessions.

M&M are a nice way

Photo Credit: Janel Rey

to take time off the day and focus on the present. Participants are more mindful and relatively relaxed throughout the day.

With M&M, they are given the opportunity to practice their skills and bring what they learn to their other activities.

How to study for finals by a few students

Photo credit: Rae Lin

Photo credit: Rae Lin

Photo credit: Rae Lin

“Listen to Christmas “Use collaboration wise- “Make study guides the music to calm yourself ly to talk to your teachers week before all finals, and study.” especially Religion.” down.”

Luisa Laguisma Class of 2019

Jillian Antunez Class of 2018

Anelyse Garcia Class of 2017

Photo credit: Rae Lin

“Watch YouTube for tutorials on classes, especially Bio and Chemistry.”

Carissa Pasco Class of 2016

NEWS+FEATURES•5

Avenger Caitlin Yuen looks on with the rest of the Avengers Ashley Tolentino, Danelle Martin, Janelle Rey, and Senior class during the Ding Bat Day assembly. Bella Rey pose as “The Fairly Oddparents” for Ding Bat Day.

Titans Ali Petroff and Gianna DeLuna cheer at the Turkey Bowl.

Titans Caroline Shea and Amanda Kulhberg share the microphone during the day’s lunchtime activity in the Dining Room.

Royals Marina Sylvestri and Alexa Branzuela try to pass the Avengers defense during the Turkey Bowl.

English teachers Adam Currier, Robert Rojas, and Bo Cheli and Art teacher Martha Anne Kuntz look for the wizard on Ding Bat Day.

We got spirit! Yes, we do. We got spirit! How about you?

These pictures are just a small sampling of NDB community spirit activities, including Spirit Week (10/26-10/30), Ding Bat Day (10/30), and the Turkey Bowl (11/24).

Go to Facebook.com/TheCatalystNDB and follow us on Instagram #TheCatalystNDB to see more photo albums of these and other school events.

Community celebrates Spirit Week and Ding Bat Day Hines: “I really liked ‘Bro Day.’ It was fun to dress up, especially because it was really comfortable.”

by Daniella Espinoza Co-Editor in Chief

During the last week of October, NDB’s student council launched yet another annual Spirit Week.

It was kicked off with the Junior class hosting “Bro Day,” a full dress-up day. From preppy boys to swaggy boys, the hallways of Notre Dame were filled students participating in dressing up. At lunch time,

students voted on the pumpkin carving contest entries.

Junior Tehya Hines said, “I really liked bro day. It was fun to dress up, especially because it was really comfortable.”

Following Bro Day, students celebrated Wacky Day, hosted by the Freshman class, by dressing up in bright colors, funky patterns, funny accessories, and their uniform skirt. At lunch, students participated in a

freeze dance that was popular among everyone.

Then, the Senior class took NDB on trip to the jungle with Safari Day where students dressed-up, ranging from zebras to cheetahs to safari runners.

Everyone was engaged in the lunch time activity with rounds of karaoke. Senior Danica Kazakoff started it off by singing the song “Breaking Free” from “High School Musical,” while Junior Quinlynn Highsmith

of many things, from the annual Aquacades event to Student Council to ASB. But, she says her biggest job is “helping the students channel their passions into realities. That’s the best part.”

One example of this is when students feel inspired by an event, on or off campus and want to do more. VK is there to help transform this inspiration into actual ideas that come to life through assemblies, fairs, and presentations.

When asked what she would like to say to the NDB community as she looks back and prepares to leave the school, VK said, “I would just like to

tell the entire Notre Dame community that it has been a real honor to work here, and I will always hold a special place in my heart for everyone.

“I will always remember the students, and I hope to keep in touch. A lot of the students I taught when I first started here are older than I was when I came here, and we are still in touch.

“I would also like everyone to have my email: mamatvk@gmail.com. It was made for me by a former ASB officer who wanted to stay connected and made me a new email and a Facebook account.

So, I hope you all use it.”

stole the show with “Hotline Bling” by Drake.

Tie Dye Day was hosted by the Sophomore class and had everyone excited to bring out all their colorful clothes.

Students wore tie dye socks, tie dye headbands, and tie dye t-shirts, and everything in between. The lunch time activity was a photo booth. Everyone showed off their pearly whites and their bright tie dye.

Overall, Spirit Week

was amazing, but it did not end there. The Ding Bat Day Halloween costume contest and rally took place on Friday at lunch and collaboration. ASB topped off the spooky week with their own version of “American Horror Story.”

ASB Officer Nina Amarandos said, “Rallies are a lot of work, but being up there with the other ASB officers pumping you guys up always makes all the work worth it.”

Longtime student activities director to leave NDB [From Longtime, 4]

VK’s first year at NDB was in 1995 when she started off as a Campus Minister, working hard to create programs such as the Christian Service Program and the Immersion Program while also teaching three religious studies classes.

After seven years in that position and ready for a change, VK took on the job as Director of Student Leadership and Activities, balancing a combination of the Associated Student Body program and some Health and Religious Studies classes.

Today, VK is in charge

Photo Credit: Rae Lin

VK plays along with a game during the first rally of the year.

6•ARTS+LIFE “Roxanne” has heart

@theCATALYSTndb

FALL 2015

Filmmaker visits Video Production class

Tri-School Production’s Fall play delivers.

Photo Credit: Tri-School Productions

The cast of “Roxanne” points at Charlie.

by Jillian Antunez Contributing Writer

Featuring students from Mercy, Notre Dame, and Serra HS’s, Tri-School Productions presented its Fall play, “Roxanne” at the end of October. Based on the play “Cyrano de Bergerac” by Edmond Rostand and adapted from the film “Roxanne” starring Steve Martin, the play was a romantic comedy with the message that what someone might think is a flaw is perfection for someone else.

In the play, Charlie, played by Serra’s Matthew Penner, falls in love with the new girl, Roxanne, played by NDB’s Cailyn Olson, but is scared to pursue her because of his big

nose. So, he helps his shy friend Chris, played by Serra’s Mikey Takla, pursue his love for her instead. Throughout the play, Charlie builds up the courage to announce his love for Roxanne, while Chris finds a new love interest, Sandy, played by NDB’s Tamara Griggs. At the end of the play, Charlie realizes that his nose was never the problem, but his fear of rejection.

Adapted for the stage

by Tri-School Productions Directors Darva Campbell and Jay Jordan, the play included several other NDB students in its cast and stage crew: Hattie Chapman, Keira Cruickshank, Hillary Tighe, and Kelly Tobi; Jillian and Juleanne Antunez, Jillian Colrain, Liz Hoo, and Maddie Schilling.

Meeting Taylor Swift

A Swiftie tells a story about the queen of pop

Photo Credit: Margaret Qaqish

Swift surprises a Swiftie.

by Margarett Qaqish Contributing Writer

In May of this year, Taylor Swift embarked on her “1989” World Tour. I had been anticipating the concert since I purchased my tickets last December. I have been a fan of her since 2006, seeing her in concert a total of five times.

During the performance at Levi Stadium, I was greeted by Taylor’s mother, Andrea Swift, who asked me if I had ever met her daughter. During almost every show, Swift goes around the stadium, inviting fans to a post-show event, and I was one of the lucky few chosen to meet her.

I was given a wristband, allowing me to go backstage where Taylor holds pre-show meet and greets.

Once the show ended, I was directed to a section where Taylor’s management gave us

rules and then took us backstage.

When we entered the room, it was decorated like a cozy loft from New York with coffee tables, couches, and tons of food.

Taylor Swift mingled around the room, talking to each group, signing memorabilia, and taking photos. She then made her way over to me, where she greeted me with a hug.

I was shocked by Swift’s comment that she had recognized me from Tumblr. I was in such awe I didn’t know what to say to her. She talked about how she was so grateful I had gone to so many shows and how she was so excited to finally meet me. I remembered a time when Swift had “liked” a picture I had posted. We took a picture and continued to talk.

She signed something for me and then it was time to part ways.

Just before leaving, Swift told me, “I love you so much and I’ll see you online tonight.” At first, I thought she said that to everyone, but I got home to her “spamming” me on Tumblr and “liking” all the posts I had posted from that day.

It was such a surreal day and I had the time of my life. Taylor Swift is someone I have looked up to for years and I was finally able to say that to her in person.

Kurt Kuenne discusses his documentary film “Dear Zachary.”

by The Catalyst Editorial Staff

Bay Area documentary filmmaker Kurt Kuenne visited the Video Production class in late October to discuss his 2008 documentary “Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father.” He talked to students about the art of filmmaking, including his struggle to create this tribute to his childhood best friend.

The film tells the story of Andrew Bagby. Bagby was allegedly murdered by his ex-lover, Shirley Turner. But, to stay out of jail, she fled to Canada and claimed she was pregnant with Bagby’s baby.

Bagby’s parents took custody of their grandson, Zachary, and Turner eventually went to jail.

However, she was released on bail when a judge ruled that she was not a threat to society. She sued the Bagbys and was given joint custody of her son.

The film was nominated for and won several awards.

It also lead to a change in the Canadian legal system in 2010.

The Bill C-464 was signed into law to protect children while they are in the custody of

Photo Credit: Jenna Spini

Kuenne (bottom center) poses with student filmmakers. someone charged with serious crimes.

After his students viewed the film, Video Production teacher and Tiger TV advisor Brian Garcia was able to contact Kuenne and arrange for his visit to the NDB campus. Garcia said, “This is a good opportunity for my students to gain some exposure by watching this feature documentary and meeting a professional and successful filmmaker who is working in the film industry.”

During his talk, Kuenne shared his childhood experiences with Bagby and how they influenced his path to becom-

ing a filmmaker. He said Bagby starred in most of his early short films and videos. He added that he struggled with putting his documentary together because, during production, he did not know about the various events that lead to Turner’s release.

Students were able to ask questions about the film and what it is like being a filmmaker.

Jillian Antunez said, “Meeting him and seeing him in-person was a great experience. I’m so glad that I got to hear his story and why he made his documentary.”

View “Dear Zachary” on Net-

Review: “Black Widow: Forever Red” Margaret Stohl gives readers what “The Avengers” films do not.

by Abby Sorkin Contributing Writer

“Black Widow: Forever Red” by Margaret Stohl is a tale of mystery, mayhem, and manipulation that has the reader crying out for more, as Natasha Romanov in all her deadly glory is revealed. Young-Adult Fiction is one of my favorite genres because the characters are realistic, layered, and brilliant. The stories are unlike anything else in literature. I am so so glad that Marvel decided to tap into the genre and equally excited that Marvel was writing a book about Natasha Romanov.

The story all starts off with a little girl named Ava who is rescued by the Black Widow from her deranged captor, Ivan.

As bad luck would have it, Ivan is also the sadistic instructor who taught/tortured Natasha as a young child, so our heroine takes some particularly lethal steps while rescuing Ava to ensure that this monster never harms another child again. Closing that chapter of her life was a welcome move and it allowed Natasha to move forward, much as it allows Ava to do the same.

But, when children start disappearing all over again, it raises some flags and puts the Black Widow back on the case to find out who is trying to revive the dreaded Red Room that trained her many years ago.

Photo Credit: Abby Sorkin

Marvel cosplayers dress as their favorite comic book characters.

Natasha’s sarcastic voice is, at times, almost bitterly funny as she faces her past while anticipating what should be a calm future. Well, as calm as one can have when one is part of the premier defense organization and a member of the Avengers.

Stohl’s brilliant crafting of a nuanced and layered relationship between Natasha and Ava, stole my heart as it asks questions about trusting memories and about trusting yourself.

Stohl draws from the lexicon of Natasha in comics to craft her story and create a Natasha Romanov that is part vengeance, more than little broken, and deeply loyal to those, like herself, who are lost and searching. Though compassionate, she still kicks some serious butt, and her deadpan humor is maintained especially in her hilarious encounter with Tony Stark.

“Forever Red” is enter-

taining, laugh out loud funny, empowering, and thought provoking. I was so pleased that all my expectations were exceeded. I couldn’t stop reading and I was glad to know that Stohl has already signed on to write a sequel.

I got the chance to meet Stohl and several other women who work in the Marvel world when she appeared at Kepler’s Books in Menlo Park a few weeks ago. It was amazing to sit right in front of one of my favorite authors and laugh as the panel played “Kiss, Marry, Kill” with different Marvel comic characters. Talking about how they entered the world of Marvel, Stohl explained how finding a job you love makes you willing to work hard and gives you an incredible amount of pride when you’ve completed a project. It was amazing to hear these women being honest, funny, and incredibly nerdy.

HEALTH+SPORTS•7

Water Polo: A senior reflects on the past four years Takamoto: “I remember trying out my freshman year... I was nervous...”

by Nina Takamoto Contributing Writer

Playing water polo was the best decision I made my freshmen year. And, by water polo, I don’t mean a bunch of people riding on horses in a pool. I mean the crazy sport that is a combination of basketball, swimming, wrestling, and soccer; where the refs don’t nearly see all the fouls, but where I met some amazing people.

I remember trying out my freshmen year... I was nervous because I had never done any water sport, and I really didn’t know to expect. I soon discovered that tryouts were just swimming, and I thought I was going to die. I wanted to quit, but I would’ve felt so guilty because the girls I had met were

The water team pray for a win. really nice, and I didn’t want to let them down. So, I stuck with it, and I’m so glad I did.

Most days were pretty standard: get to Serra at around six, stall for about half an hour, and then, when our coach began insisting, we’d finally get in. We

Photo Credit: Nina Takamoto

swam a 200 or 8 laps warm up, and then, depending on the day, a swim set. In addition to swimming, we’d warm up our arms by passing and then shooting, followed by a drill or two. To end, he talked strategy, especially before game days, and then, a

scrimmage.

This sounds pretty much like every sport, but our team made it so much more.

Since the first time I got into the pool at Serra and met the upperclassmen, there was never a dull moment. Some things that I shall remember include, but are not limited to sleeping on the pool deck or on the floor of the vans, eating in and out of the pool right before a practice or a game, and wearing swim caps while driving home. Over the years, we did crazy things, which just made everything fun.

Overall, I’m really going to miss the sport, especially on those hot summer days when all you want to do is to just dive in. The thing that I will never forget and always miss is my team.

Dance: A senior describes the challenges of ballet

Wolfe: “The tutus and shiny ribbons may create the illusion to many that ballet is an easy task.”

by Katie Wolfe Contributing Writer

The moment I stepped on the Fox Theatre stage at age eight, hair pulled into a bun and eyes blinking through spidery lashes, I fell in love with the magic of ballet. The rewarding feeling of mastering a step, the costumes, and the unearthly ability to fly, drew me to this art.

I had to become a ballerina.

The tutus and shiny ribbons may create the illusion to many that ballet is an easy sport. People fail to understand just how grueling and sacrificial this sport can be. Yes, the term, “sport” can be argued. In ballet, there is no point system, no rough man-to-man contact, and definitely no dirty cleats.

Instead, competition is a men-

tal game, strong men lift girls above their heads, and the dirty cleats are little pink pointe shoe death traps.

A dancer has to overcome copious challenges on her path to be a professional. I was not born with ideal “ballet feet,” and my knees don’t quite straighten enough. Sophomore year, a spinal stress fracture threatened to end my dancing career. I was thrown off my course of becoming a professional dancer after high school, and realized that college dance may be my destiny. My passion and ability to express myself in front of audiences has guided me through these challenges and have led to amazing roles.

Recently, I auditioned in Oklahoma and Texas for some prestigious college bal-

TIGER SPORTS ROUNDUP Varsity Golf, 0-13 Recent Matches 10/19 Presentation, 254-219

10/20 St. Francis, 254-220 10/21 Aragon, 236-224 Varsity Volleyball, 32-10

JV Volleyball, 17-12

Freshman Volleyball, 14-15

Recent Matches 11/28 Menlo, 3-2 12/1 Marin Catholic, 3-1 12/5 Laguna Blanca, 3-0

Varsity & JV Cross Country Recent Meets 10/21 Aragon Center Meet 11/4 WCAL 11/14 CCS Finals

Wolfe performs a tendu arabesque. let programs. My experiences with other auditions in the past helped me know what to expect.

Typically, once one enters the room, the atmosphere changes.

Girls may stand in the corner stretching their legs, showing off naturally arched feet, or

Photo Credit: Lily Wolfe

doing a quadruple pirouette to intimidate other dancers. I have learned exactly how to navigate these auditions, presenting a strong game face of my own.

Hopefully, it will lead me to become a professional dancer.

NDB TIGER ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT Jenna Spini Sport: Volleyball Position: OPP School: Franklin College

Danica Kazakoff Sport: Softball Position: C, UTIL School: UC San Diego Photo Credit: Jacquie Marques

Varsity Tennis, 2-12

JV Tennis, 2-8 Recent Games

11/3 Mitty 11/4-5 WCAL Tournament 11/10 CCS Playoffs

Varsity Water Polo, 4-18-1 Recent Games 10/28 Valley Christian, 3-13

10/31 Mercy B, 3-9 11/2 Presentation, 6-8

---

Spini and Kazakoff prepare to sign their letters of intent.

Q. How long have you been playing volleyball?

A. Since the fourth grade.

Q. How long have you been playing softball?

A. I have been playing since I was 6 years old.

Q. Who or what is your inspiration for playing volleyball?

A. My mom has been a volleyball coach, and I grew up on the court, so that’s what inspired me.

Q. Have you always wanted to play a sport in college?

A. I’ve always wanted to play a sport in college, but I haven’t always known it would be softball. For awhile, I thought I would play a different sport in college.

Q. What advice do you have for upcoming athletes?

A. I’d say keep pushing yourself and don’t give up on a dream despite what people tell you. Also, you have the power to make anything happen.

Q. When have you ever doubt your athletic ability?

A. I think doubting my ability is something that I continuously deal with but it is just another part of the game.

Visit Facebook.com/TheCatalystNDB for an Athlete Spotlight on Katarina Warburton.

Visit NDHSB.org/Athletics for full sports schedule, including upcoming winter sports teams, Basketball and Soccer Follow @NDBAthletics for the latest sports news and other updates

8•NEWS+FEATURES

A Day in the Life of a Tiger

Photo Credits: Gianna DeLuna, Rae Lin, Monet Mendenhall, and Robert Rojas

These are just some of the many academic, religious, and extracurricular events during the past several weeks in the NDB Community, including Frosh Social (8/28), Notrechella (9/25), Open House (10/18), Junior Ring Ceremony (10/25), the Father-Daughter Dance (11/13), and the CIF CCS Championship Volleyball Game (11/14).

Dear VK, When we think about you leaving, not only do we think about how much we will miss you and how precious our last few weeks with you will be, but what your leaving will mean for the entire Notre Dame community. We say in jest that Notre Dame would fall apart without you, but a big part of that statement is absolutely true. Our school as we know it would not exist if it wasn’t for all of the creativity, hard work and dedication you’ve poured into it. As ASB officers, we are the ones that can most clearly see this. We see how much work you do for us, and we would like to emphasize to the student body just how much you care and how thankful we, the ASB officers are for you. You are truly an inspiration. You’ve shown us what it means to be truly dedicated to the people around you. What you do for Notre Dame isn’t for you; it’s for other people. Your job has been to make sure Notre Dame girls have a memorable and unique experience in their four years here. You haven’t only dedicated your time. You’ve dedicated your heart.

We are so blessed to have been able to spend even a semester as your Associate Student Body Officers. Your dedication continues to astound each of us.

Love, ASB

Photo Credit: “The Torch” Yearbook

Ms. VK’s yearbook photo from 1996.

the

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