NDB | The Catalyst | Volume 3, Issue 2 | October 2016

NEWS | Page 2 Shadow program expands due to growing interest

www.TheCatalystNDB.com

the

NEWS | Page 3 Tigers just dance at first social dance of the year

SPORTS | Page 4 What Kaepernick’s protest means for high school sports

CATALYST

NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL’S FINEST NEWS SOURCE

Volume 3, Issue 2

1540 Ralston Avenue, Belmont, CA 94002

October 2016

NEWS

ARTS & LIFE

NDB community celebrates Spirit Week

Students dress up in costumes, carve pumpkins, and earn spirit points.

by Alex Dennis and Rachel Roberts

The Catalyst Editorial Staff

Spirit Week at NDB is a time when students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to show their more playful side.

Loaded with a light-hearted and spontaneous atmosphere, the event is a beloved tradition here at NDB.

This year, the theme days are as follows: Tuesday is Favorite Sports Team Day, Wednesday is USA Day, Thursday is What’s My Age Day, Friday is Serra Day, and Monday is Dingbat Day.

Students may dressup according to the theme.

Tuesday and Wednesday are half-dress up days and Thursday and Friday are full dress up days.

For those of you who have not experienced a Halloween at NDB, Dingbat is celebrated in its place. This is a day where everyone wears their Halloween costumes, participates in a costume contest or a pumpkin carving con-

Halloween haunts Bay Area by the Catalyst Editorial Staff

Photo Credit: Alex Dennis

Tigers dress up for each theme: Favorite Sports Team, USA Day, What’s My Age?, and Serra Day.

test during lunch, and then end the school day with a rally.

There are certain rules that everybody needs to follow in order to make this day fun and safe.

Costumes should adhere to the modified free dress day code. In other words, no short skirts or shorts. For example, French maid costumes and anything of that variety

are inappropriate for school.

Also, costumes cannot depict violence of any kind, meaning no fake weapons.

Senior class president Gina Andreatta says, “If you have to think twice about it, don’t do it.”

Students who choose not to come in costume must wear their uniforms.

Director of Student

Activities Denise Uhl would like to emphasize that Dingbat Day is a fun way to celebrate the season.

She says, “This is our time to enjoy a fun holiday. Don’t worry about being judged. Have fun and dress up!”

Halloween is meant to be enjoyable and fun as long as students respect the rules.

NEWS

Fall brings sweater weather, pumpkin spiced everything, and Halloween. It also brings the annual NDB pumpkin carving contest and Ding Bat Day. It is a time to dress up in costumes, eat a lot of candy, and, of course, get scared.

A very popular Halloween-themed activity for teenagers is a visit to a local pumpkin patch. They are patches are a great way to spend time with family amd friends.

There are over 10 patches just off the side of the road on Highway 92 in Half Moon Bay. Repetto’s is a great place to buy pumpkins.

Prices range from $2 up to $20, depending on the size and shape.

If you really want to See Halloween | Page 4 SPORTS

Tri-School Productions: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Last two performances to be held at Serra HS on Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm

by Celisse Tan Contributing Writer

Tri-School Productions kicked off the new 20162017 show season with its fall play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare. The shows are on October 21, 22, 28, and 29.

The show beautifully portrays the classic tale both through the acting and technical aspects of the production.

It is set in the early twentieth century, instead of the traditional sixteenth century setting, intertwining the human world with the fairy world.

The story follows the complicated love story of Hermia, Lysander, Helena, and Demetrius, a band of actors preparing a play for the Duke’s wedding, and the tumultuous relationship between a fairy King and Queen.

Everything goes awry when the mischievous fairy, Puck, accidentally puts a love spell on the wrong couple and turns one of the actors into

@theCatalystNDB

Water polo: A season in review

by Kavita Thomas and Michelle Kleytman Contributing Writers

Photo courtesy of TriSchool Productions

The Tri-School cast rocks the stage during its performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” a horseman, who the fairy Queen falls in love with when placed under the same love spell.

“It’s really funny and has a lot of great characters and technical parts,” says junior Jillian Antunez, who works the production’s sound.

Senior Cailyn Olson who plays the Duke’s bride, Hippolyta, said, “I really love the magical aspects of the show. Our production team worked very hard to incorporate music, special effects, and ethereal costumes into the show.”

As one of Shakespeare’s most famous comedies, the show had audiences laughing with the fantastic acting and sense of magic in the air, as created by the technical crew and special effects.

The ethereal lighting and forest-like set design, complete with an ambiance of woodland animal sound effects, transported the audience into the woods for this adventure.

“I thought the acting was phenomenal, and the show was really funny,” says senior Tenaya Jacobson, who

watched the show twice.

NDB senior Tamara Griggs, juniors Keira Cruickshank, Gabby Fanucchi, Grace Tillman, and Kelly Tobin, sophomore Hillary Tighe, and freshmen Abiya Baqai and Lia De Lemos also participated in the production as fairy attendants who helped move the scenes along and completed the mystical atmosphere of the production.

Check out TriSchoolProductions.com for more information on this and future productions, especially auditions for the spring musical.

The NDB varsity water polo team ended its season on Monday with a defeat from St. Ignatius College Preparatory during the first round of the WCAL playoffs, 13-17.

It was a difficult season for the team with a record of 4-16-1, yet its members worked hard and maintained a positive attitude.

With morning and evening practices each week, the team practiced virtually everyday, alternating between the NDB weight room and the NDB and Serra High School swimming pools. It played its games on Wednesdays and competed in tournaments during weekends.

At the first tournament of the season, the team won against San Lorenzo Valley See Water Polo | Page 4

#thecatalystndb | Opinion / News | October 2016 Farewell, Shadow program expands due to growing interest Lewis: “The purpose is to give prospective students a sense of what it feels like to be a Notre Dame student” leggings... page 2

Alex Dennis Editor-in-Chief

@TheCatalystNDB

Michelle Leung Opinion Editor

@TheCatalystNDB

Fall has arrived! Along with the fuzzy socks, cozy sweaters, and autumn-themed pumpkin-spice flavored Starbucks drinks that come along with the season, there is one thing that NDB girls do not get to enjoy: leggings. Although comfortable and perfect for lounging around, leggings have been criticized due to their tight fit and distracting qualities.

Likewise, here at NDB, there have been mixed feelings about the new leggings ban. Girls ask: Is it fair?

What I am I supposed to wear now? But we believe the real question is: why are so many of us, specifically high school and college students, attached to leggings? Perhaps it’s the attraction to comfort or the ease that comes slipping them on in the morning. Either way, leggings have been deemed inappropriate for the business of school, and will not be seen in the Notre Dame hallways anymore.

Students have noticed that this rule compels them to choose more stylish outfits for free dress. Without leggings, girls have noticed that they attempt to pair their dressier tops and accessories with their jeans and other non-legging options. This may be a positive change; leggings are not accepted in a professional setting and being urged to dress in a sophisticated fashion is good practice for the future.

However, some students still rock a simple sweatshirt and sneakers to stay casual. These girls prove that NDB still carries its classic trademark of comfort past the new rule.

by Rachel Roberts News & Feature Editor

Shadow season is in full swing! Girls from many different middle schools have been coming to check out NDB and seeing if it is the right place for them.

Shadow days are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so make sure to help prospective students feel welcome at NDB by saying hello or offering them a helping hand. Also, on the mornings of shadow days new parents will be touring the school.

One shadow told us that the best part of her day was meeting and interacting with the students. Another shadow, Florencia, agreed.

Andrea and Florencia’s shadow host, sophomore Jordan McGlinchey, commented, “I wanted to become an ambassador because I remember coming and being nervous about shadowing.

It was my shadow host who

made me want to come here and now I’m friends with her and play sports with her. I love being able to represent the school.”

NDB Director of Admissions Cathy Lewis says, “The purpose is to give prospective students a sense of what it feels like to be a Notre Dame student, to be in the classroom with the other students and see how they interact with each other and the teachers, and to see if it’s a place that they think they can find their place.”

This year, there has been some new changes to the program, such the addition of a full tour for the parents and time to ask Head of School, Maryann Osmond, any questions.

Also, the shadows go to many different classes, instead of before when they would have just followed one student. This gives them a better picture of the many classes and teachers that make up

Photo Credit: Gracia Hmelar

Jordan McGlinchy poses with shadows, Andrea and Florencia NDB.

This year, there is a much higher demand for shadow days. This year, there are 18-20 shadows each day, for 20 days in total, meaning that as many as 400 prospective students could be visiting NDB.

However, Lewis predicts that the class of 2021 will be the same as the current freshman class, around 128

students.

After interviewing the shadows and their hosts, it can be inferred that the majority if not all - of the shadows had a positive experience at NDB.

Next fall, NDB will be excited to welcome the Class of 2021.

With contributions from Sarah Fazio and Quinn Meinhardt.

Drama club holds first pillowcase talent show No pressure showcase invites all talent acts for casual student-run production

by Kaitlyn McCarthy Contributing Writer

On Thursday, September 29, the Drama Club hosted the first annual PillowCase talent show. Students from all grade levels came together to show off their skills and talents, such as baking and dancing, as well as some great works of art. The night was filled with music, laughter, yummy food, and even some surprises along the way.

There is something special about sitting in pajamas with your Notre sisters and supporting and celebrating each other’s performances. That special something transitions from an ordinary afternoon into an evening of inspiration.

The PillowCase was filled with that special sense of spirit and sisterhood that we all know, love, and take pride in at Notre Dame.

Although it is tradition not to give specific details of PillowCase, there were a few highlights. Some of these include surprise performanc-

Photo Credit: Kaitlyn McCarthy

Ryan Dilag, Gabriela Fanucchi, Keira Cruickshank, and Ashley Willits pose during the show Junior Gabriela Faes by some of your favorite again, and experience the next teachers, music mashups, and wonderful PillowCase. To be nucchi, Vice President, also some great comedy which in- united with our Notre Dame exclaimed, “I am so proud of cluded audience participation. sisters, and celebrate all of the Notre Dame’s first ever annual

Along with high en- wonderful diverse talents the PillowCase! Keira and I have ergy and smiles, there were Notre Dame community has to been working on this event for a while and I am so happy with moments that reminded partic- share.

Junior Keira Cruick- how it turned out.” ipants that sometimes it is best As we anticipate the just to breathe, take a moment shank, president of the club, for ourselves to relax and not states, “I am so glad that the next PillowCase, we will reworry about the chaos of the Drama Club was able to put member the 2016 PillowCase week, and to immerse our- together the PillowCase and where it all began. Hopefully, give girls the opportunity to even more of our Notre Sisters selves in the music.

With every laugh, perform for their peers. It was will go in with confidence to clap, cheer, and “This food is such a fun event, and I hope audition knowing they will be so good! Who made it?” we we can continue this event in in a totally welcome, and supportive environment. are reminded to come back the future!”

theCATALYST

ABOUT “THE CATALYST”

NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL’S FINEST NEWS SOURCE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alex Dennis adennis17@ndhsb.org

NEWS & FEATURES EDITOR Rachel Roberts rroberts17@ndhsb.org

SPORTS EDITOR Camryn McNab cmcnab17@ndhsb.org

MANAGING EDITOR (ONLINE) Sara Eckles seckles17@ndhsb.org

OPINION EDITOR Michelle Leung mleung17@ndhsb.org

PHOTO EDITOR Katie Brandi kbrandi17@ndhsb.org

MANAGING EDITOR (PRINT) Monet Mendenhall mmendenhall17@ndhsb.org

ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Sasha Arredondo-De Lipski sarredondodelipski17@ndhsb.org

FACULTY ADVISOR Robert Rojas rrojas@ndhsb.org

“The Catalyst” is a student-run newspaper that is published quarterly in print and online for Notre Dame High School Belmont community.

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

CONTACT US Notre Dame High School 1540 Ralston Avenue Belmont, California 94002 Phone: (650) 595-1913 Email: TheCatalystNDB@gmail.com Social Media: TheCatalystNDB

#thecatalystndb | News & Features | October 2016 page 3 NDB digs pink for Breast Just Dance: Tigers Edition Cancer Awareness Month Student band “Quinoa on My Mind” and DJ perform for crowd of hundreds

Photo Credit: Brian Garcia

by Alex Dennis and Monet Mendenhall

The Catalyst Editorial Staff

October is a month filled with Halloween spirit and holiday sentiment. Due to this, its role as Breast Cancer Awareness month is often forgotten.

With breast cancer being one of the most prevalent cancers found in women, October is a time dedicated to celebrating those who have fought breast cancer, mourn those who have fallen to it, and emphasize the importance that mammograms and other medical testings hold in early cancer detection.

The American Cancer Society and the Imperial Chemical Industries, in which both companies strived to increase awareness about mammograms and other medical testings, founded national Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) in 1985.

Eight years later, October was officially coined NBCAM.

Evelyn Lauder, who at the time was the Senior Corporate Vice President of the Estée Lauder Companies, not only founded The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, but also established the pink ribbon as its symbol. Ever since, the color pink has been a signature of the breast cancer movement.

Annually, landmark buildings across the nation are illuminated in pink light and various walks and runs are held around the country.

Here at NDB, we have also taken steps to address breast cancer. Through both the Dig Pink volleyball game and the Dig Pink social, funds were raised to support cancer research.

People from around the Bay Area came to the game, while students from NDB, Mercy Burlingame, and Serra HS attended the dance.

Photo Credit: Robert Rojas

Students do the “cha cha slide” as they dance the night away at the Dig Pink Dance.

by Sasha Arredondo-DeLipski some music! There was a good Senior Andrea GueArts and Life Editor turnout of Notre Dame girls, vara said, “We had a lot of Serra boys, Mercy girls, and fun at our first dance of senior

Do you Dig Pink? even Riordan boys! year. The smoke machine was Well everyone who attended In the art gallery, there a great touch, and I had a blast the fall dance does. The event was a photo booth set up with with all my friends.” was a success with a live band crazy accessories for everyone Senior Monet Menand a disc jockey. Equipped to pose with. denhall said, “Dancing with with an outside barbeque and Even the teachers my pals was such an amazing indoor dance floor, all attend- seemed to be having a great experience. It was a great way ees seemed to be having a time out on the dance floor. to kick off our senior year.” blast.

Mama Yao, Adam Currier, English teacher Rob Outside guests could and Thea Fiatarone danced the ert Rojas said, “Thank you to enjoy the live band “Quinoa night away, showing off their the Dad’s Club for the tasty on My Mind,” a barbeque put moves. barbeque.” together by the Dad’s Club, ASB even setup a fan- Overall, the dance was and a cotton candy machine. tastic surprise for everyone amazing, and everyone should

Inside the gym, there that came. They had fog ma- definitely come to the next one was a disc jockey and strobe chines that shot out a stream of which will commemorate the lights along with some awe- smoke when the base dropped. senior class.

Student Profile: Tammy Byrne

The Catalyst sits with the student-athlete and ASB officer to discuss life, school, and the founding of a club

by Alex Dennis and Monet Mendenhall

The Catalyst Editorial Staff

Tammy Byrne is a senior at NDB who has a unique experience with breast cancer. From participating in the annual Dig Pink volleyball game to creating a breast cancer awareness club (the Think Pink Club), Tammy is known around campus for being passionate in her work.

As we sat down with her to discuss how breast cancer has impacted her life, it became obvious that the Dig Pink games hold a special place in her heart. She expressed how the game has been important to her since she was in eighth grade. Coming to watch the games as a middle-schooler, Byrne explained how she “fell in love with [the Dig Pink Game],” and how she “loved seeing everything in pink.”

Upon coming to NDB, she received the special opportunity to help organize the event. Byrne told us that, at the time, she thought is was “the coolest thing ever,” given that she was only a freshman.

As we dove deep-

er into the discussion, Byrne disclosed how her mother passed away due to breast cancer when she was nine-years old. She expressed that it felt slightly unbalanced growing

leyball game, Byrne went to Patsy Iannone, NDB’s Athletic Coordinator, at the start of her junior year to see if she would be willing to help her start a breast cancer awareness

me and because I know there were other people at the school that it meant alot to as well. I thought it would be really cool to have an outlet where a group of people could come together

Photo credit: Robert Rojas

Byrne shares her thoughts on the Dig Pink game during a post-game interview. up only in a male-dominant household, and that she keeps her mother with her throughout her daily actions.

After a couple years of leading the Dig Pink vol-

club. Thankfully, Iannone was enthusiastic, and within a short period of time, Byrne got the club up and running.

She says that founding the club “meant to much to

for the same cause.”

The “Think Pink Club” also raised money for Relay for Life, a cancer walk organized by the American Cancer Society. Byrne says

that the idea to raise money for the walk stemmed from past memories with her mom, as they used to do the San Carlos Relay for Life together.

In May of 2016, the Think Pink club raised over $5,000 for the walk. Tammy says that being able to lead a group at the walk at Sequoia HS signified how much breast cancer influences those around us.

Currently, club president Tammy Byrne and vice president Mele Fakatene (‘17) head the club. Byrne hopes the club will gain more traction from underclassman, and at the end of this year, the club will be holding elections for all students who are interested in being an officer for the 2017-2018 school year.

By raising awareness, NDB is contributing to the fight against breast cancer.

Byrne, the Think Pink Club, and the volleyball team have worked very hard to promote breast cancer throughout the school community.

We hope that their legacy will live on for years to come.

page 4

#thecatalystndb | Arts / Sports| October 2016

Halloween haunts Bay Area

Taking a knee in high school sports How Kaepernick’s protest affects student-athletes by the Catalyst Editorial Staff

Photo credit:Moises Ubeda

Great America’s Halloween Haunt is open Friday, October 28 to Sunday, October 30. it was fun.” the season, and get candy. It Halloween | from Page 1

She said, “I went gets pretty busy and parking get scared, go to Halloween with friends, and we had such is very limited, especially as it Haunt at California’s Great an amazing time. We went gets closer to Halloween night.

America in Santa Clara. It’s through all the mazes and So be sure to get there early.

If you just want to stay open for only three more days, there were some pretty scary home and get your fright on, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, things that jumped out at us.”

She also said, “I defi- there are many scary movies starting at 7pm, and tickets start at $36.99. It is definitely nitely want to go one more to choose from, including the time before the Haunt is over black and white classics like worth the cost of admission.

“Frankenstein,”

At Halloween Haunt, and go on all the rides, too. I “Dracula,” not only do you get access to recommend that everyone go and “The Werewolf.”

There are also TV the usual rides of Great Ameri- to the Halloween Haunt if they shows like “American Horror ca, but you can also go through can.”

If you’re looking for Story,” “Scream Queens,” and different mazes with various themes or “scare zones” with something simpler to do that “The Walking Dead.” Most creatures, monsters, and oth- is on the Peninsula, one place of them are available on Amer scary things popping out to go is Eucalyptus Avenue in azon, Hulu, or Netflix.

There’s a little bit of of bushes, doors, and walls to San Carlos, between Tamarack and Orange Avenues. everything for everyone of all follow you around.

It is a great place to ages and tastes throughout the

Senior Sasha Arre- dondo-DeLipski said, “I was walk up and down the street, Bay Area to do during the Hallucky to go to the Haunt, and look at houses decorated for loween season.

Water polo: A season in review Water Polo | from Page 1

High School, 6-5. That was after being down a 5-point deficit in the first half.

Games like these give players like sophomore and varsity team member Isa Mack an idea of the team’s dynamics, no matter the score.

She said, “I think we realized we were actually a really good team and had the ability to win a league game after the Santa Cruz tournament.” She also said, “The Santa Cruz game occurred during the tournament where we first bonded as one team.”

The team does spend a great deal of time together.

Whether it is in the pool for games or practice or at a team sleepover, it is evident that this is a close group of athletes.

Senior and varsity team captain Sarah Anvar said, “Water polo is the best because the team is like family.”

Despite the fun that they have had, they have also had experienced some tense moments. These vary from late night games in the rain to last second game-winning goals.

Senior Sasha Dana said, “At the level we play, it’s really hard competition. So,

Photo credit: Robert Rojas

Sophomore Kendall Marques is on the defense, trying to block a pass from an opponent during a game against Presentation HS.

the performance we put out there may seem like we aren’t trying our best.”

She also said, “But, I know we give everything we got in each game, even though the score may say otherwise.”

Anyone can see much of this throughout the other games as well, where the Tigers have come back from a shortfall and have strong third and fourth quarters.

The senior game was recently played against Valley Christian HS and resulted in a loss, 4-13.

This year’s three seniors are Sarah Anvar, Brittany Bradley, and Sasha Dana.

To commemorate their athleticism, dedication, and sportsmanship to the team, they were given gifts to take with them to college and to remember the good times that they had on the team.

Although the season is now at an end, the team itself looks forward as their senior student-athletes graduate and their underclassmen swim up to the edge of the pool and show off their skills.

Colin Kaepernick, a starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, has caused a lot of controversy in professional sports with his refusal to stand during the playing of the national anthem. His protest is meant to highlight police brutality and other wrongdoings against African Americans and other minorities. His act has stirred up many emotions on this already-sensitive issue and has extended to other professional sports as well as to college and high school sports.

Kaepernick’s solo act of civil disobedience has inspired many student-athletes to do the same. They are also choosing to kneel or sit during the traditional pre-game performance of the national anthem.

At St. Ignatius High School in San Francisco, three varsity football players made a video for their school community, sharing their plans to take a knee at an upcoming game and explaining their reasons for doing so. During the approximately three-minute-long video, they stated, “In taking a knee, we’re following our conscience and joining athletes across the country in a movement that is standing up for justice.”

NDB student athletes have mixed opinions on the issue.

When asked what would she do if one of her teammates kneeled or sat during the anthem, volleyball player Mavis Lui said, “I would support them. I wouldn’t kneel down, but I would put my hand on their back to support them.” Basketball player Katie Brandi replied with a similar answer, while cheerleader Ruby Lewis said, “If someone did that, I would say kudos to you for supporting [the] Black Lives Matter [Movement].”

There were also those who disagreed. Golfer Sara Eckles responded, “I wouldn’t say anything during the moment, but I would later ask them for their reasoning because my dad was a cop.” Water polo player Annie Lawrence said, “I personally think it’s disrespectful because you’re part of a team and it can represent your team in a negative way.”

When asked what if a student-athlete kneeled during the anthem, NDB Athletic Director Jason Levine said, “After a couple of days, I would have an open conversation with the athlete and ask them what they expect from not standing during the national anthem.”

He added that, if an athlete caught him off-guard, “I would ask the athlete into my office and talk about their viewpoint and remind them that something will happen. Not necessarily a consequence, but word could spread in negative way.”

Head of School Maryann Osmond encourages discussion about the issue, especially in light of the school’s hallmarks, saying, “I’m hoping that we would follow a model similar to S.I.’s, that we would have a dialogue with students who would want to plan some type of protest and really use it as a moment to educate all of us to this really important issue and to support the students in any way we can.”

Is refusing to stand during the national anthem the best way to bring attention to wrongdoings against minorities? For many people, standing during the anthem is a sign of respect for the United States of America, especially for the people who founded this country and for those who have and continue to protect this country. So, many people have accused Kaepernick and other protesters of being disrespectful and even unpatriotic for their act.

During an interview with NFL Media in August, Kaepernick said, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way.”

So, if Kaepernick’s goal was to bring more attention to the issue of social injustice against minorities, especially police brutality that resulted in the deaths of innocent people, he definitely succeeded. Now, we just need a solution and we need action.

Photo courtesy of Twitter/abc7kristensze

A mural in support of 49er Colin Kaepernick’s protest was spotted in San Francisco on October 18.