J | The Catalyst | Volume 5, Issue 2 | September 2018

OPINION | Page 2

ARTS & LIFE | Page 6

www.TheNDBCatalyst.com

Volume 5, Issue 2

the

SPORTS | Page 7 TIGERS START THE FALL SPORTS SEASON

CATALYST

IS AFTERNOON TOH BETTER THAN MORNING TOH? IN-STEP DANCE COMPANY GOES SOLO

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL

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September 2018

Peace activist speaks Campus reflects on health and wellness during annual “Because I Care Week” to student body

by Johana Ligtenberg Editor in Chief

On Wednesday, September 12, the NDB community was treated to an empowering speech by women’s rights and peace activist, Dr. Alaa Murabit.

The event was part of “Because I Care Week,” and two alumnae helped to secure her as a speaker.

At only twenty-eight years old, Murabit has founded and co-founded several organizations that advocate for women’s rights, particularly in war zones. She was inspired by her own experiences after she left Canada to attend medical school in Libya at the age of fifteen. In her senior year at med school, the Libyan Revolution broke out and Murabit was exposed first hand to the dire effects of war on women in a place of conflict.

This experience inspired her to found the Libyan Organization of Women at only twenty-one years old. Following her work with this organization, she was selected to advise the United Nations

Security Council and to work as the United Nations’ Women and Sustainable Development Global Advocate.

Murabit facilitated a discussion regarding topics such as role models, the influence of social media, and self-confidence during her speech at NDB. Throughout her presentation, she asked questions to the student body and listened to responses, including a fireside chat with four students that she facilitated during the second half.

She posed the question, “Who are your role models and who do you look up to?” and discussed the challenges that these figures face. She also discussed the rise of social media and prevalence and access to T.V. shows that young women are exposed to today, telling students, “Your world is so much bigger than mine ever was.”

Murabit asked students whether they believed that social media was a positive or negative influence in their lives.

See ACTIVIST | Page 5

ROBERT ROJAS/THE CATALYST

Dr. Alaa Murabit facilitates a discussion with students during a whole school assembly.

by Kennedy Nelson Contributing Writer

While NDB is certainly a special place, it is not everyday that girls arrive at school and find a positive message handwritten on a sticky note posted on their lockers. This was just one of the many unique things that was done for

Sisterhood celebrated at senior Giants night

NDB’s version of Suicide Prevention Week.

Both the Hallmarks in Action and Health and Wellness boards put on “Because I Care Week” from September 10 to 14. To show students how much they are loved and cared for, the boards planned a variety of activities throughout the week,

some taking place during lunch and others throughout the school day.

Students came on Monday to find the notes on their lockers with encouraging and inspiring messages to set the tone for the week.

On Wednesday, Dr. Alaa Murabit, a women’s right activist who has

worked for the United Nations, gave an inspiring and motivating speech during a special assembly. She discussed items such as social media, self-confidence, talking with those that have contrasting views from one’s own, and other issues that young women face in See WEEK | Page 5

Spartans elect its freshman class council

Titans and Gators witness Giants’ 1st win in 12 games President Jorja Fox to lead the Class of 2022 for its first year

by Editorial Staff

On the evening of Friday, September 14, the Titans gathered for the first of many class bonding events: the Tri-School Senior Giants Night at AT&T Park in downtown San Francisco. While those in attendance enjoyed the game, the event struggled with low ticket sales in the weeks prior due to scheduling conflicts.

When sales first closed, less than fifteen tickets had been sold out of the forty-six that were purchased in advance with the senior class budget. Seniors claimed they were attending other events that weekend, including Serra HS’s all-school dance, the Rolling Loud Bay Area music festival, and the Durango Fall Classic volleyball tournament in Las Vegas.

Senior Avani Tumuluri explained why she did not go to the game, saying, “Rolling Loud is

by Gulianna Ceschin Contributing Writer

PHOTO COURTESY OF BELLA LOPEZ

A few Titans pose during the game at AT&T Park. two days, so you need that ley said, “I think it’s kind of Friday to get all your home- weird because I would feel awkward going since it’s a work done ahead of time.”

Many seniors did senior tradition. I feel like not attend for the same rea- it will only be special for us son as they needed Friday next year as seniors.”

However, some to get ahead on school work or unwind before the week- seniors still remained optimistic about the school’s end.

The event was annual tradition and had a opened up to juniors in or- great time. Senior Katherder to help cover the cost of ine Oliveri expressed her tickets and avoid a budget- excitement for the game, ing crisis for the seniors.

See SISTERHOOD | Page 4

Junior Parker Da-

Spartans, the votes are in! After meeting in the Small Gym during last Wednesday’s Teacher Office Hours and listening to several candidates for seven different leadership positions tell their classmates why they should vote them, the freshmen class decided who they wanted to lead their class for its first year at NDB.

Jorja Fox was elected president. In an interview with the Catalyst, she said, “I’m so excited, and it’s going to be a fun year. Let’s go Spartans!”

The class also elected Ali Lewis as its vice-president, Nithya Mani as its secretary/treasurer, Ashley Lau as its activities director, Sara Heilmann as its athletics director, Christyn Refuerzo as its historian, and Tory Baer as its spirit commissioner.

ROBERT ROJAS/THE CATALYST

The newly elected student leaders are ready.

The Spartans had been anticipating the day of their class council election since the first day of school.

It was nerve racking for all of them, no matter if they were running for office or voting on who will lead and represent their class.

Although the decision was tough for some of them, the Spartans had several qualified and spirited candidates.

Betsy Frew, a

candidate running for president, said, “I love these sorts of activities where I can really talk to people and interact with students… It’ll be nice to get more involved. I want to focus on unity and positivity because sometimes high school can be really stressful. I want to just have tons of fun at the rallies and do lots of stuff as a class.”

See ELECTIONS | Page 5

OPINION

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Is the student body Afternoon teacher office hours are better than outgrowing its campus? morning teacher office hours Parker Daley News Editor @TheNDBCatalyst

Over the past few weeks, the difference in NDB’s student size between the current school year and previous years has been evident. Crowded hallways, a changing lunch schedule, and limited parking spaces are just a few of the examples of how the growing student population has affected the everyday lives of NDB girls.

Carolyn Hutchins, Associate Head of School for Student Affairs, said, “As the student population grows, more faculty is hired. So, there isn’t much of an impact on faculty per se, as we try to keep their class sizes the same, despite our enrollment. Other areas like Student Leadership, Health and Wellness, Athletics, clubs, etc... may feel an impact and work on developing other opportunities for students to be involved in their school.”

However, despite attempts to alleviate the effects of growth increase, girls have still felt the impact of a larger student body. One of the most prevalent examples of this can be found in the lunch lines.

Initially, the lunchtime release schedule was supposed to remain the same as the past school year with sister classes being released together and a ten-minute time difference between the two groups.

However, in an email from Hutchins sent

out nine days into the school year, the schedule was changed. Due to students being “frustrated by the long lunch lines,” the new plan for lunchtime was for each class to be released individually on three-tofour-minute intervals.

Lunch is not only a time for students to eat and socialize, but it is when the majority of club and leadership meetings take place. Unfortunately, with the new schedule, some students are not released until 11:31a.m, while many meetings start at 11:30a.m.

This either results in students who are late to meetings, choose not to come to club meetings that they may be interested in, or who skip eating so that they can arrive on time.

When asked about the faculty’s plans for the future in regard to the growing student population and lunch lines, Hutchins responded, “We are considering doing an express line for lunch. People going into this line would be those who want no modification to what’s on the menu...

We are still considering this as another option to try to speed up the lunch lines.”

Despite these small issues, Hutchins puts it best when she says, “We are all grateful for the additional students and welcome them into our Notre Dame family!”

ROBERT ROJAS/THE CATALYST

Students fill the servery during the afternoon break.

Kaitlyn Lopez Staff Writer @TheNDBCatalyst

Though summer vacation sadly ended last month, the NDB community started off the new school year with new teachers, new classmates, new bathrooms, and especially a new schedule.

For freshman reading this, last year, we had 9:20a.m. late starts on B-Days with morning Teacher Office Hours (TOH) on B-Days only.

This year, the schedule was changed to 8:30a.m. late starts everyday with afternoon TOH on B-Days only.

Even though we had them last year, we have have

TOH far more often now.

So, does afternoon TOH really work? In my experience, yes. It is a good time for students to do homework, meet with teachers, and work on group projects. I use it to do my homework which reduces the amount of time I spend on it at home.

TOH is a good time to meet up with your teachers if you need help on assignments or are confused on the lesson you are trying to learn. Do not be afraid to ask for help from your teachers because it’s their job to teach you con-

cepts that you may not be familiar with.

You can make up any tests you were absent for during TOH, so you don’t have to come early or stay late after school. You can even work on group projects during TOH, so you don’t have to meet up outside of school where schedule conflicts can be an issue. If you don’t have any work to do, you can use this time to do weights, so you don’t have to rush to do them at the last minute at the end of the school year.

Sophomore Kassie Cleland said, “I find it helpful sometimes, but it depends on where you are because, if I go to the dining hall, it can be distracting because everyone’s talking with their friends.

But, if you stay in your homeroom, it’s easier to get your work done.”

I agree with Kassie because TOH with your friends can be distracting, but if you stay focused and work productively, you can get your homework done.

Last year, we hardly had any TOH and students didn’t get that much of an opportunity to do work at school.

The only thing I do miss about 9:20a.m. late start days is getting an extra hour of sleep, but the new schedule change to 8:30a.m. is good, too.

Afternoon TOH is a better opportunity to ask for help from teachers because you are already at school. It is great way for me to get my homework done, so I have more time to relax from an 8-hour school day at home. Overall, it is a positive change that allows students to manage their time more effectively.

Afternoon teacher office hours are being abused Ella Burrin and Daphne Sidoti Staff Writers @TheNDBCatalyst

This year, the administration changed the schedule. For now, B-Days end with Teacher Office Hours (TOH). As a perk, seniors are allowed to leave as soon as Homeroom is dismissed, while the rest of the school has to stay and work. But, while walking through the building on my way out to the parking lot, I notice more students goofing off than focusing on their homework. They are not taking advantage of the free time that they are given to study.

Last year, NDB had a schedule with TOH in the morning and classes that started at 9:30a.m. on B-Days. This was ineffective because it was nearly impossible to meet with fellow students since there would always be scheduling conflicts. For example, those who could drive to school would want to come in later, while those who

would be dropped off by a parent, usually came in around 8:00a.m.

Since it was not mandatory to be at school during TOH, most students chose to use the time to stay home and sleep-in, leaving no time to actually help one another with homework, collaborate on a group project, or meet with a teacher for extra help at school, which was the point of TOH in the first place.

Now, in my opinion, I think that TOH in the afternoon is significantly better than when it was in the morning.

When it was in the morning, it was just easier to decide to sleep-in, and not go to school, and not take full advantage of the time that students were given to work on assignments.

On top of this, it was hard to adjust to the changing times everyday with A-Days starting at

8:00a.m. and B-Days starting at 9:30a.m., resulting not getting consistent sleep every night.

So, now, we have afternoon TOH.

But, when TOH was changed to the afternoon, the issue of working was not fixed. Everyone, except the seniors, has to stay at school, so they can complete their homework.

They do not have to stay in their homerooms. They are allowed to pick a place on campus to work. But, is it guaranteed that students in the Dining Room are doing their homework while surrounded by their friends, listening to music without their headphones on, and cracking jokes with each other?

The Titans are the only class left who remember the schedule that had Collaboration, not TOH. It was the most effective for getting work done. Having time in a classroom that was centered and quiet gave students more of a motive to actually finish the work that they had.

They used to be required to get their planners signed by teachers and have an academic reason in order to

leave the classroom.

By allowing students to roam around campus as they please, it is more of a free time than it is an organized study hall.

And, by letting it become more lackadaisical, students are abusing the time that they have to work on their assignments.

Although the goal of TOH is for students to do homework and be able to meet with their teachers, it is difficult to ensure that they are studying.

By the end of the day, they do not have the motivation to stay alert for another 80 minutes, especially during the hot months of August and September. As a result, TOH is being abused as students use this time to watch YouTube videos, grab a snack from the vending machine, or just talk with fellow Tigers, some who they may not have classes with.

As of now, afternoon TOH is not realistic.

Having a schedule that is similar to Collaboration makes students more proactive about their studies as long as they use the time appropriately. After all, it’s academics first.

theCATALYST NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL’S FINEST NEWS SOURCE

Visit TheNDBCatalyst.com and follow us @TheNDBCatalyst

EDITOR IN CHIEF Johana Ligenberg MANAGING EDITOR Michelle Kleytman NEWS EDITOR Parker Daley STAFF WRITERS Jean Aquino Victoria Bartels Ella Burrin Julia Hebrok Jaya Kapoor Luisa Laguisma

STAFF WRITERS (CONTINUED) Bella Lopez Kaitlyn Lopez Kelly Nolte Kendall Peters Feauini Saulala Daphne Sidoti STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Kaila Acbay Natalie Beier Samantha Ramos FACULTY ADVISOR Robert Rojas

ABOUT THE CATALYST The Catalyst is a student-run newspaper that is published eight times a year in print and 24/7 online for Notre Dame High School 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.

It reserves the right to edit or reject

submissions. The views expressed in the Opinion section do not reflect the views of The Catalyst, NDB, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, 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

OPINION/NEWS

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Music festivals: Are they worth it? Everything you Q&A with Ben Anderson, need to know before attending one “VICE” correspondent Jaya Kapoor Staff Writer @TheNDBCatalyst

Every year, thousands of students flock to deserts, parks, and stadiums to enjoy some of their favorite musical artists. But, it all comes at a price, and a very large one. From plane flights to outfits to tickets, popular music festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Outside Lands can cost attendees thousands of dollars. So many often question, is it all worth it?

I happen to be an

avid music festival-goer myself and will rarely miss one, especially if it’s local.

In my opinion, yes, festivals are usually -- if not always -- worth it. However, it’s important to consider a couple important factors.

First and probably the most obvious is the type of festival. If you only listen to rap, festivals like Rolling Loud or Day n Night might be more worth the investment of time and

money. Take a look at the lineup and decide whether or not you actually would enjoy seeing more than ten of these artists live. If not, don’t bother spending your money.

Second, budget.

For any festival, you will want to have any idea about how much you will spend on food, transportation, and other expenses, and start saving up. But generally, the experience of being in a crowd of people who all share the same vibes as you and being an arm’s length away from your favorite artist is priceless.

Third, fashion is a huge part of the culture of any festival. For example, “the Hudge” (Vanessa Hud-

gens) is a known icon of Coachella for wearing the most avante-garde, bohemian looks. However, these outfits come at a price, and a large one at that. So, it is important to make sure you factor this into your budget plan. Remember, don’t be afraid to try a crazy new look. That’s what festivals are for!

The general consensus is yes, music festivals are worth it. Some of the best memories I have are from festivals because they are simply so much fun. There are always going to be people who complain about being exhausted and constantly dripping with sweat, but it’s all part of the experience.

Tis the season for college applications

by Alexandra Doyle Contributing Writer

Now that senior year is under way for the Titans, it’s time to start preparing for college application season. The Common Application and UC application were released on August 1, giving students time to begin working before school was officially in session.

Summer break was best utilized by those who wanted to get a head start on writing college essays. NDB College Counselor Dina Cunha offered her annual workshop on college essays during two different sessions in June, a program popular amongst the rising seniors. Others who preferred a more individualized route had the chance to work on their own or with a private college counselor.

Now that Early Decision and Early Action

SCREENSHOT FROM COMMONAPP.ORG

The Common Application website is very familiar to high school seniors. deadlines are coming up in November or even as early as October, college application season is in full force.

But be warned: completing college applications is no simple task.

Many students struggle to find the perfect balance between writing personal statements, supplementals, and all things college application-related with an

already full plate of school work, standardized testing, and extracurriculars.

Although the countless essay drafts and questions about “Who you are” and “What your goals for the future are” may seem never-ending, this entire process is fleeting and ends with the ultimate achievement of finding a home for the next four

years.

As stressful as this time for seniors may be, faculty and staff of NDB are here to help. Teachers are not only sources of recommendation letters, but also a resource for help drafting essays, feedback on supplementals, and a helping hand for those who need someone to talk to.

Digital Citizenship Week is coming to NDB

by Rachel Liu Contributing Writer With October right around the corner comes a very important week at NDB: Digital Citizenship Week.

Digital Citizenship Week, which is from October 1 through 5 this year, has been recognized by the California Department of Education as an important week to bring awareness to “safe, smart, and ethical decisions in the digital world.”

At NDB, the week was originally introduced four years ago by the Tiger Tech Team, which is moderated by Science teacher Rebecca Girard. They realized that there was so much room for improvement on technological usage within

the school.

As a scientist, Girard knew that the proposed idea to bring awareness to digital citizenship would not be accepted unless she provided data to support the proposal, and the team began working alongside a company called Clarity, which analyzed data collected from the infamous, bi-annual Brightbytes survey sent to the school.

The data collected by the Brightbytes survey, displayed through numbers and graphs, determined that digital citizenship is one of the the most in-need areas for improvement in the NDB community as reported by students, teachers, and staff.

F o r t u n a t e l y, though, the years of the team coming together to

discuss and plan NDB’s incorporation of technology have significantly paid off. Comparing results year after year have demonstrated that both students and teachers feel more confident in their technology skills.

Nonetheless, there is still room for improvement. The most recent Brightbytes data collection showed that 37% of students and 43% of teachers do not discuss cyberbullying and how to respond in such situations.

In order to increase awareness about online safety and use of technology, the team has come up with a groundbreaking idea. Working with Girard, the team is designing a game that will hopefully launch to the student and

parent audience next semester, where participants can rack up points and earn prizes by simply learning how to complete certain functions on their computer.

Currently, the teachers are the hamsters in the first trial run of the game, and they are extremely into it with English teacher Adam Currier as the lead scorer and Science teacher, Dr. Liz Hegarty not far behind.

The last few years have brought about huge improvements in student, parent, and teacher awareness regarding the importance of digital citizenship, and there is no doubt this year will continue this trend.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HBO.COM

by Michelle Kleytman Managing Editor

Ben Anderson is an award winning journalist, senior producer and correspondent for “VICE” on HBO. He has been to more countries than some have been to in their lifetimes, all but one war zone for the past two decades, and has interviewed members of ISIS. All of this, and the man left college at 18. “The Catalyst” interviewed Anderson and discussed his career as a war documentarian.

His career, however, started long before claiming Foreign Press and Emmy awards. First starting out as a writer, Anderson quickly got word of a job offering. He said, “A friend of a friend told me about a position, something about needing an undercover cameraman for Channel 4 to record funerals.” And after taking that job, the rest was history.

“I was on call, 24 hours a day, and had to go to collect bodies when somebody died… And I had to sell funeral packages to families. I was actually trained to oversell. And, I was in the back, preparing the bodies for the funeral... I filmed the disrespect towards the bodies. So it was actually an exposé of the industry, which is one of the few industries which still has the public’s trust... but they were running it like a massive worldwide corporation.

They were making billions of dollars.”

Strangely, his first gig foreshadowed what would be his entire career. Anderson’s work for the U.K.’s Channel 4 show “Undercover Britain” won him the Rory Peck Award. He gained the name recognition that led him to work for BBC for 13 years, focusing primarily on international conflict.

To put it shortly, the man has covered some pretty gruesome stories. “I’ve been to basically every warzone over the past 20 years, except Somalia. That’s the one I haven’t done.”

One can only imagine how frustrating it can be for a man whose work relies on proper coverage of a story to feel that the media is not doing its job -- not anymore, at least.

“The media is focusing much less so now on solving the issues. Take Kony 2012, for example.” Anderson refers to the documentary film that went viral, revealing Ugandan military and cult leader Joseph Kony to the global eye. “How many people know that Kony is still loose? [The documentary] raised awareness about him, but didn’t actually lead to his arrest?” Commenting on his personal experiences and hardships with media, Anderson said, “The internet is supposed to lead to a free flow of information, and yet I have never had to deal with so many conspiracies to what we have now... And that is really frustrating.”

What is the solution? He says, “A great book could really change the world and situation.” Parallels are easily spotted between Anderson’s favorite books and the work he does. Almost all are journalists, including Ryszard Kapuscinski, known by Anderson for his books, “The Shadow of the Sun,” “Another Day of Life,” and “The Soccer War.” He enjoys Martha Gellhorn’s war reporting and is drawn to Christopher Hitchens: “I used to love him just because he was such an original free thinker.”

As a high school student talking to a man I regularly watch on T.V., I could not help, but ask what I could do to be like him. His answer left me with some relief. “If you’re going to be a great journalist then I think you have all the attributes already: curiosity, endurance, empathy.”

But, it was his answer on whether his education shaped his work that left my high school mind on edge: “If you’re actually willing to go to different places, build relationships with people, listen to them, that’s more important than any education.”

Read an extended version of this interview at TheNDBCatalyst.com.

NEWS Sisterhood: hasStudents attend annual Tri-School Senior Giants Night been done in previous page 4

From SISTERHOOD | Page 1

saying, “I have loved baseball ever since I was kid. My dad brought me to games and, ever since I was a freshman, I’ve wanted the opportunity to enjoy something I love with my friends. I’m super excited to go, and I’ve looked forward to this for a while.

I know it will be a great game and it’s something fun and different to do with friends.”

Oliveri’s one complaint was that NDB did not arrange for transportation, taking CalTrain as a group up to the ballpark as

years, which she said created a minor challenge in terms of transportation.

Senior class president Preyasi Kumar, who attended the game, said, “I had a really good time!”

She expressed that making it a tri-school event added to the evening, saying, “It was fun being able to spend time with my Mercy and Serra friends outside of a school setting.”

Despite the issues with ticket sales, the event ended up being a success, enjoyed by seniors, juniors, and faculty alike.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BELLA LOPEZ

A few Titans pose during the game at AT&T Park.

Senior Giants night a hard sell Hispanic Heritage Month exhibit opens in reflection space

by Johana Ligtenberg Editor in Chief

This year’s annual Tri-School Senior Giants Night faced challenges in selling tickets to the seniors.

NDB Director of Student Life Denise Uhl sat down with the Catalyst before the game to explain how these issues came up and how they were addressed.

The Catalyst (TC): Why do you think that there were issues with ticket sales this year?

Denise Uhl (DU): This was tricky this year. I don’t know, and the seniors would know best. But, what we do and have always done is purchase the tickets through the Giants organization in the spring. In years past, they would sell out right away, and we’d have a waitlist going. So, that’s why it used to be that you could only reserve a ticket if you pay right away. This year was different, and then we had a ton of extra tickets. Since we bought them in advance, we had $800 that I knew we couldn’t waste.

TC: What was the solution to avoid wasting the tickets?

DU: I suggested asking the juniors if they wanted to buy tickets to help offset the cost. I told the senior class that they had the end of the week to buy a ticket before I opened it up to the juniors since I didn’t want any senior who wanted to go to not have the opportunity to. Once that deadline passed, we opened it up to the juniors, and they were super enthusiastic about going.

TC: How did this solution work out?

DU: Well, the juniors came back to me and said that some seniors were making them feel like it was for seniors only and that juniors shouldn’t go since it’s traditionally a senior event. I wanted the seniors to understand that it was not a sister class thing -- It was about the fact that we weren’t going to let $800 go to waste. So, I told them that having the Gators go would really be helping them out, but that if they didn’t want them to go, then the money would have to come out of the senior budget, so it wouldn’t be wasted.

TC: How did the seniors respond to that?

DU: They were frustrated that I was trying to charge them for the tickets, but I wanted it to be clear that it was a financial situation, I wasn’t trying to be the bad guy, but that’s a lot of money to go to waste. So I suggested selling them for ten dollars instead of twenty, and I offered to write a check out of my own bank account to offset the cost of discounting the tickets. We just really wanted to make sure that the tickets did not go to waste.

TC: Did that solution work out?

DU: The seniors got it then. They realized that it really was a financial concern and, with ten dollar tickets, they wanted to make it happen. They really came together. They were extremely gracious in opening it up to the juniors and saying, “We really could use your help. We would love for you to go with us.” They also opened it up to faculty and staff, and they said, “For ten dollars, the Titans love the faculty and staff, go buy tickets.”

TC: Were the seniors able to sell all the tickets?

DU: They did. They did pull it off. I think they sold all of them, except maybe like four or five, and that’s awesome.

Even though it started out problematic, the Titans really turned it into a community night at the Giants, so I love that. I want this year to be known for the Titans -- The Titans opened it up for an NDB community night.

by Winnie Saulala and Luisa Laguisma Staff Writers

Every year from September 15 to October 15, Americans celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

Though recognized at NDB, the month has not been celebrated by the school community until now.

The “I Am Diverse” Club, in collaboration with the World Languages department, has taken it upon itself to educate students, faculty, and staff about the meaning of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Throughout the month, people can visit an exhibit in the reflection space near the library and view maps and posters that highlight certain Hispanic countries and tell the stories of their history with Spanish colonization and their independence from them.

Club founder Andrea Rios said, “The ‘I

ROBERT ROJAS/THE CATALYST

Visuals help to tell stories about Hispanic heritage.

Am Diverse’ Club is very club will showcase slide- Feminist Club, the “I Am excited to start the year off shows on the school mon- Diverse” Club will screen by doing Hispanic Heritage itors, featuring notable His- the historical documentary “Dolores” on Friday, OctoMonth. Personally, being panic women.

Also, throughout ber 12. The film highlights Hispanic, it is extra special to me because I finally get the month, the Epicurean the Bay Area activist Doto see my culture represent- Group will serve desserts lores Huerta and her work that are significant in His- during the 1950s, battling ed here in a real way.” gender biases and support In addition, panic culture.

Along with the ing workers’ rights. throughout the month, the

Ambassadors help “shadows” feel welcome

by Delaney Fox Contributing Writer

The Ambassador Board and Club has finalized this year’s list of members and are ready for the upcoming shadow season.

With advisers Catherine Lewis, Celina Mogan Rebboah, and Rachel Shanley, the group of NDB students advocate for and assist with prospective students and their families.

They tell them what NDB represents, what student life is like, and why they are at the school.

They also assist with many of the behind the scenes work for various school events, including Back to School Night, Open House, and Shadow Days.

As eighth graders begin their journey in finding the right high school for them and start looking at schools, the ambassadors

MICHELLE KLEYTMAN/THE CATALYST

Ambassador Emma Boyd (right) guide shadows Desea Bond and Yurika Kan. help these middle school other girls looking at the what high school is like. school as well.”

The ambassadors students with the process.

Eighth graders are also getting ready to

Community out- reach leader Kate Ragusa from local middle schools begin school visits, which says, “I joined the board started visiting the campus start with Redeemer Lubecause the ambassadors at the end of September, theran School on Septemhelped me solidify my po- sitting in on a few classes, ber 24, as alumnae will sition to come to Notre eating lunch in the Dining visit their former middle Dame, and I want to pro- Room, and spending a few schools to encourage stuvide that experience for hours on campus to see dents to visit NDB.

NEWS

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Week: “Because I Care Week” helps students self-care throughout the year From WEEK | Page 1

high school.

On Thursday, students gathered with the school community to celebrate the traditional Mass of the Holy Spirit. During the Mass, there was a guided meditation to help center students and continue the themes of the week. During lunch that same day, students had the opportunity to make lip scrubs and write notes for friends to show them that they are cared for. Also, students with birthdays during the summer and winter breaks

were treated with cookies in Student Leadership.

On Friday during lunch, Coach Kate Mahoney led a yoga exercise in the Innovation Lab.

On Wednesday and Thursday after school, students went to the beach in Half Moon Bay for a silent retreat where they relaxed and listened to the waves and enjoyed being next to the ocean.

Morning prayers throughout the week were themed to empower those struggling and further the theme of community and love.

From yoga to meditation to art, there was something everyone could do to unwind this week.

Even better, the effects of the activities will continue throughout the year as these events helped girls learn about ways in which they could de-stress and stay positive throughout the semester.

While “Because I Care Week” was only five days, students are loved and can prioritize self-care all year round.

With contributions by Johana Ligtenberg

JOHANA LIGTENBERG/THE CATALYST

Coach Kate Mahoney leads yoga exercises for several students.

Activist: “...Treat others with respect” Student council is going to camp

by Kelly Nolte Staff Member

From ACTIVIST | Page 1

Overwhelmingly, students responded that it was a negative experience and influence. This led to a conversation about self-confidence and what it means to be confident and to be considered a confident woman.

She also opened up the discussion for students to ask her questions about her own experiences and inspirations in her work. She explained how she became more involved in social justice when focusing on women’s rights throughout the revolution to aid women who had been sexually assaulted in warfare. Murabit explained how her medical background helped her to focus on health, and how she views health as a base for helping developing nations.

In addition to an in-depth discussion about role models, Murabit talked about her journey with self-confidence, and the difference between peace in one’s self compared to assuredness in one’s ability or knowledge. She discussed how taking time to think about who you look up to and who loves or believes in you helped her to find positivity. She said that no one thing has defined her, saying, “I think a lot of bad things and a lot of great things shaped me and made me who I am.”

She also reflected on her own high school experience and facing trouble with bullying, explaining that the September 11 attacks happened before she entered high school, and that she was bullied a lot during that time in her life. Murabit discussed the importance of supporting other people’s growth and learning from your reactions to what others say, since, she advised, “The only behavior you are accountable for and have control over is your own.” Murabit also explained how her experiences have taught her to treat others well, and

SAMANTHA RAMOS/THE CATALYST

Dr. Murabit speaks during “Because I Care Week.” she said, “No matter where significantly small portion you have been in life, treat of your life. It’s almost irothers with respect.” relevant.”

Murabit also Murabit continshared advice based on her ued, “You can take that opown experiences on how portunity, the way you were to handle conflict tactfully treated, the way you felt in when engaging with those high school, the insecurithat have differing opin- ties you felt, or maybe the ions. She advised, “When security you felt, and really you come to people, allow leverage that, to be able to them to share with you cultivate a better environfirst,” and explained the ment for whoever comes importance of showing re- after… I think these four spect for other people’s ex- years can really help you in periences and who they are. cultivating what message Murabit stressed the impor- you’re sending to the world, tance of understanding why right, and what you want others feel a certain way, the future generation… to and considering what they say about themselves and have been taught and what to see themselves in.” they have been taught to She emphasized believe. the importance of taking

When asked what initiative to use one’s own the biggest takeaway she experiences to help others wants NDB students and in the same situation, sayyoung women, in general, ing, “If you felt bullied, then to internalize, she began, go out of your way to make “I think the biggest thing, sure nobody else feels like aside from not saying ‘Sor- that... Go out of your way ry’ all the time, which is a to remember these years in word I’ve come to hate, is as positive of an outcome take the time out of your as you can because you’ll own day and oftentimes out get the chance, you have of your own insecurities the chance now, to better or your own challenges, your school through your and give yourself a minute clubs and your activities, to appreciate where you but you’ll get even more of are, why you’re there, and a chance down the line, to how far you’ve come, and better the experience for a what you can do because, I whole new group of girls. mean, high school was not And, I think that would a fun time for me, and the be, my biggest piece of adsilver lining of it is, it is a vice.”

The Associate Student Body (ASB) officers and members of student council are participating in a new bonding event for the school’s student leaders -- They are going camping.

Over the summer, the newly elected 20182019 ASB officers went on a camping trip where they learned about each other and bonded as a team by simply doing activities with each other. They wanted the rest of student council to have the same opportunity.

So, instead of driving four hours to camp in the great outdoors, the four class councils will camp in the Father Downey Garden at NDB on the evening of Friday, September 28.

The event will include several aspects of ASB’s summer camp experience. The girls will pitch

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELLY NOLTE

ASB officer Alex Gatt claims camping is “in-tents.” tents and unroll sleeping dent Analee Wolfe said she bags. The Dads Club will cannot wait for the event, help them cook a barbe- telling the Catalyst, “I am cue dinner. The girls will so excited for ‘Tent City’ also participate in several because it will give me the activities, one of which in- chance to become closer to cludes midnight yoga with all my fellow leaders. It is Spiritual Life teacher Thea going to be so fun and I am Fiatarone. looking forward to it!”

Junior class presi-

Elections: Student leaders are elected From ELECTIONS | Page 1

In her campaign speech, now class vice-president Ali Lewis, said, “I’ve always liked being in charge and having a role in the student council.

At my old school, I was on it all three years.”

She also said, “I want to have a part in what goes on in the school. I want to bring a sense that everyone is here together and a new sense of energy that we have as a freshman class. I’m trying to make sure I’m the best candidate I can be and making sure I’m prepared to take on the role of vice-president if I do get elected.”

In her campaign speech, Fox said that she hopes to “make things run in a fun, but organized way and to unite our class to be closer as sisters.”

She also said that she “was the president of

ROBERT ROJAS/THE CATALYST

Jorja Fox gives her campaign speech for president. my school last year, and I have already discovered things that work and the things that don’t. I will make sure to listen to every freshman so that they have a voice in the decisions, too.”

The freshman class coordinators are So-

cial Sciences teacher Jonathan Tomczak and Spiritual Life teacher Thea Fiatarone. The two will guide the new freshman class council through its first year, especially with events such as dances, rallies, Aquacades, and other class-bonding activities.

ARTS & LIFE

page 6

InStep gets new dance moves

Grand piano donated to VPA department

by Parker Daley News Editor

This year has led to many changes for NDB’s InStep Dance Company.

For the past eight years, the group has been known for partnering with Serra HS students and dancing with them in the spring dance showcase.

Due to NDB’s new schedule, this year InStep will no longer be a Tri-School class. While many students are sad that they will no longer get the opportunity to learn partnering techniques and ballroom dances, they are excited that they will be able to spend more time focusing on their own choreography, learning new styles, and perfecting performance pieces.

Sophomore Channing Taner says “I had kind of mixed feelings about them leaving; I wish they were still here sometimes, but I feel like now we get more done.”

InStep director and Dance teacher Coleen Lorenz says, “There’s pros and cons to every change.

It was so much fun developing lifting and ballroom partnering skills. However, focusing on the positive in a change allows things

PHOTO COURTESY OF PARKER DALEY

Dancers perform a choreographed routine. to expand and grow. And, with that said, we are excited that we now have opportunity for the InStep company to perform a lot more at school wide events.”

This year marks the first time that InStep dancers will be performing in local dance competitions.

The company will be creating a small lyrical competition team, comprised of five to six dancers who will devote their Teacher Office Hours to rehearsing for competitions. Auditions will be held on October 2, and many girls are excited to try out.

Lorenz says, “The purpose is to provide another style of dance that feeds opportunity for going on the road and showcasing

and competing.”

This will be the first year in InStep’s history in which the group does not hold its annual spring dance show at Notre Dame de Namur University’s theater. Instead, they will perform at the Canada College’s theater.

Lorenz says, “It’s such a beautiful state of the art theater, that we are excited to be performing there for the first time.”

Dancers are excited for a bigger stage and a bigger audience. Taner says, “I’m excited to go there -- I’ve danced there before so I feel comfortable and it is just a great theater to dance at.”

SAMANTHA RAMOS/THE CATALYST

A student practices on the school’s newly donated grand piano.

by Jean Aquino Contributing Writer

The Visual and Performing Arts department is happy to have a new grand piano in its music room to kick off the new school year.

The Ullyot family donated their grand piano to NDB. Their son Teddy is a freshman at Serra HS. However, while Serra was originally offered the piano, their program was not in need of one.

The Kawai piano was made around 30 years ago and is in pristine condition.

Music Director Ashley Willits said, “Just like the smell and taste of a homemade meal, this

handmade piano feels and sounds authentic and rich.”

Students who walk through the basement frequently hear singing voices and instruments playing in Room 10. The lively music room is also home to a couple guitars, a mini drum set, and now the grand piano. NDB’s older Yamaha piano still sits in the corner of the music room, but the grand piano takes center stage.

Willits described the plans for both pianos.

She said, “The new grand will be used for rehearsal purposes in the music room. At this point, the upright originally in the room will be used for sectionals when we rehearse. As soon as the music department

eventually moves above the Moore gym, all of these pianos will be used for sectionals in their respective room, for practice.”

Willits is referring to the new science and music wings planned for the second floor of the Moore Pavillion.

The addition of a grand piano to the Visual and Performing Arts program will enhance learning for orchestra and choir students.

Orchestra student and freshman Gabby Arceo said, “The grand piano has an excellent sound and gives the music room a more professional feeling. I just think it’s such a beautiful instrument.”

Fall TV is coming Review: “Sierra Burgess is a loser”

by Amelia Kyle Contributing Writer

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX.COM

Jonah Hill and Emma Stone reteam for “Maniac”

by Victoria Bartels Staff Writer

Though our favorite online streaming sites are blocked at school, there are a few new shows that you should you check out.

“You” is a thriller about a man who uses social media to make himself look like the man of a woman’s dreams. Little does she know that he is actually obsessed with her. It airs Sundays on Lifetime.

“Maniac” is a dark comedy that follows two strangers, played by Jonah Hill and Emma Stone, who assume that a pharmaceu-

tical experiment will solve their problems. Unfortunately for them, things do not go as planned. It streams on Netflix.

“Camping” is a comedy about a controlling woman, played by Jennifer Garner, who gathers a random group of people to celebrate her husband’s 45th birthday out in the wilderness. It premieres on Sunday, October 14 on HBO.

There will be no lack in entertaining fall TV shows for students who will certainly be focusing on their studies this semester and taking the occasional break to see a show.

“Sierra Burgess is a Loser,” Netflix’s newest coming-of-age teen film, focuses on an overweight teenager who uses the school’s most popular girl to catfish an attractive, gullible, and innocent teenage boy. The film stars “Stranger Things’” Shannon Purser as the titular character and Noah Centineo, who recently skyrocketed into fame and every teenage girl’s heart, as Peter Kavinsky in “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before.”

The movie as a whole is lighthearted and delivers very positive messages to its audience, such as self-love and the importance of not judging a book by its cover. Although the film has good intentions, it was not received well, failing to connect with its teenage audience due to its minimal character development, inconsistent storyline, and mediocre acting.

As much as I wanted to like this movie, it became hard for me to do so as I found myself

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX.COM

Shannon Purser stars as the title character in “Sierra Burgess is a Loser.” bored and, frankly, underwhelmed.

For the most part, the performances are unconvincing and bland, and the movie relies on hackneyed tropes that have been used in many other films targeted for adolescent audiences. The main protagonist, Sierra (Purser), and her love interest, Jamey (Centineo), are hard to believe as an actual couple as they are clearly lacking chemistry with one another.

The majority of their relationship takes place over texting and phone calls and centers around Sierra pretending to be someone else.

Most of their conversations are lacking in depth, as they mostly discuss superficial, materialistic topics, and not actual personal issues. At times, listening to their conversations made me cringe and made me ask myself why I was watching this film.

On a higher note, a bright spot of Sierra is the development of friendship between Sierra and the popular girl, Veronica (Kristine Froseth). At the beginning of the film, Veronica seemingly is a stereotypical high school mean girl who bullies girls for being fat or ugly. However, Veronica’s

true colors really begin to show when she begins to form a bond with Sierra through their tutoring sessions and Veronica’s assistance in Sierra’s catfishing of Jamey. Their storyline should have been the true heart of the film as it was its most interesting aspect, ultimately displaying that people who are seemingly so different on the surface can build strong relationships with each other.

Overall, “Sierra Burgess is a Loser” unfortunately falls flat with its audience, and it is truly a forgettable experience.

Write for the Journalism Club. Contact the editors at TheCatalystNDB@gmail.com.

SPORTS

Cross country plans for a big season

by Julia Hebrok and Jean Aquino Staff Writers

While they were pleasantly surprised by last season’s success, coaches Michael Benedetti and B.J. Wright have even bigger plans for this season’s cross country team. After month’s tryouts, the team has grown significantly from last year’s 13 members to this year’s 22 members.

The first meet took place at Toro Park in Salinas on September 8. JV placed third in their race.

Varsity also had a great first meet as parents, coaches, and teammates cheered on the runners.

In the second meet at Hayward HS, the Frosh-Soph girls placed third as a team, with one runner medalling for being in the top 25 for that race.

Sophomore runner Chloe Powell says, “I

have high hopes for our team, especially with the new runners this year. We have a lot of talent.”

During practices, the team works to run in a pack and push each other to become better runners.

Team captain Quinn Meinhardt says, “We’ve been working harder, training more, eating better, and staying hydrated. We want to improve this season.”

Last season, the varsity team qualified for CCS finals for the first time in over a decade.

The coaches hope to have a team going to the state championships within the next few years. Benedetti said, “Barring injury, I think we could be a top three team in WBAL, and I’d like to see us be in the top five teams in the league [...] JV may have a chance

to compete for the league title.”

Reflecting on past student-athletes, Benedetti said, “The biggest thing for B.J. and I was watching the runners grow as a team, and that’s what enabled us to believe that they could go to CCS. As they got stronger, they believed in each other, their confidence got stronger.”

Golf takes a swing at the competition

by Ella Burrin Staff Writer

Golf is now in full swing for the season. The seven golfers and their new coach, Tivi Latu, are eager to show the competition what Tigers are made of on the green.

The team played their first match against Harker School last Wednesday, September 5 at 3:00 pm.

Team captain, Avani Tumuluri, has kept herself busy in preparation for the season. She says, “As a captain this season, it’s been definitely filled with new tasks, such as helping teach the freshman the basics of golf and getting the players prepped for matches. I am hopeful that we will win some matches against certain schools and hopefully that the beginners in the group grow to learn to love the game and even pursue it more in the

Water polo ready to rule the pool

PHOTO COURTESY OF @NDBATHLETICS

The varsity team is about to race.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AVANI TUMULURI

The team practices their swings on the golf course.

future.”

When asked what she thought of the new players, she explained that everyone starts off as a beginner, so it is always important to reach out to new Tigers and share some expertise that any upperclassmen may have to help them excel.

The team practices every weekday from 3:30-5:30pm at Mariner’s

Point Golf Course in Foster City.

Junior Elizabeth Mendoza says, “This is my third year on the team.

Not only do we get to focus on the physical part of the game, but also the mental part. This really puts me in the zone not only to play golf for two hours, but to give me mental clarity that I am putting my best foot forward.”

Jen Agresti and assistant coach Kimmy Washington have helped their players put in the hard work during practice for victories during games. Last week, the team headed off to Las Vegas, Nevada for the Durango Fall Classic, a tournament sponsored by Nike.

Earlier this month, the San Mateo Daily Journal honored three players, including senior Vanessa Pan and sophomores Abby Miller and Kelly Satchel, as “Athletes of the Week” because of their skills in putting away kills and working on their defense.

Pan is an outside

hitter and defense specialist on the team. She has played for varsity since the end of her sophomore year. She has made a huge impact on the team at Notre Dame and she has played during many of its biggest games.

When asked if she gets nervous during a game, she said, “Not really.

The crowd helps the team with energy, and I feel like I do better with a bigger crowd.”

Like the other players, Pan is excited to play in the school’s Dig Pink game against Harker School on Thursday, October 13 at 6:30pm.

Last year, the team only lost one game in the regular season. This year, all of the returning golfers are eager to win all of their games and play a perfect season.

As of this writing, the team has not won a league match. But, since a majority of the team consists of underclassmen, the goal is to spread the knowledge of the game.

page 7

NATALIE BEIER/THE CATALYST

The team share a moment together after practice.

by Michelle Kleytman Managing Editor

It is a time like no other for the water polo team. With a league banner from last season and more girls trying out than several years prior, the varsity and junior varsity teams now boast a combined 35 players.

It might have been the change from the WCAL to Peninsula Athletic League, but the team has significantly improved, and the growth in players can be viewed both as a cause and effect of that change.

Last season’s team was the first in school history to earn a banner for going undefeated in the PAL Ocean Division.

This year, tryouts resulted in a larger group of interested players than ever before. Close to 40 new and returning players crowded into the small pool. Tryouts resulted in 15 girls playing for varsity and 20 playing for JV. Twelve of the 35 players are new to the sport.

Freshman Olivia Semien was one such player. She says, “I tried out because I love swimming and softball, and water polo is a

mix of them, and I wanted to do a fall sport to meet more people.”

The season has been going “really well” for the team. Semien says, “I think our team is good at getting the ball on offense and scoring. We haven’t had a game where we’ve scored less than nine.”

In addition to raising the skill level of the team, the larger group of players also results in a larger group of friends to bond with over an activity that everyone enjoys.

Semien says about her team, “We have all connected and become good friends even though we are all in different grades.”

Senior Isa Mack adds, “I think that we’re learning how to play together. I think we lost a lot of seniors from last year, but we’re just positively growing as a team and playing better and better each game.”

The game record for the team this year so far is 1-3-1 with the team having lost one league game and tying another.

With contributions by Parker Daley

Recycle when you are done reading.

Volleyball: Court is in session as teams score wins

by Kendall Peters Staff Writer

The volleyball team is off to a strong start this season. As of this writing, the Tigers’ varsity, JV, and freshman teams’ win/ loss records are 4-0, 3-1, and 2-0, respectively.

The varsity team hopes to repeat the victory of past seasons. It recently beat their local rival, Carlmont HS, in what NDB students call the Battle of Belmont. It was a tough fight against the Scots, but the Tigers won in the fifth set with a score of 15-13.

Varsity head coach

NATALIE BEIER/THE CATALYST

Vanessa Pan (left), Delaney Walsh, and Abigail Miller wait for the Scots to serve.

page 8

NEWS

Spartans have a splash and dance

Q&A with Kristen Carpio

by Daphne Sidoti Staff Writer

On both August 24 and 31, the Spartans were able to get their first experiences of what a Tri-School event is like with the Serra Splash held at Serra HS and the Frosh Social that took place at NDB, respectively.

The Frosh Social was the freshman class’ first high school dance ever.

It was themed “New Kids on the Block,” a reference to the popular nineties’ boy band and an acknowledgement of the brand new high school students.

Over four hundred freshmen students from the Tri-Schools attended the event, creating long lines to get into the Moore Pavillion that evening.

In addition to

KAILA ACBAY/THE CATALYST

Freshmen pose for a photo on the dance floor. dancing and DJ’d music in the gym, the Dining Room was set-up and open for students to sit down, take a break, and socialize with their friends and classmates. Epicurean provided snacks and drinks for them.

Freshman Kyra

Green said, “It was really fun, and I loved the neon.

The music was great, and I loved dancing with my friends.”

Members of ASB, Link Crew, and the NDB faculty and staff helped out with the dance, keeping it

both fun, memorable, and safe for everybody that was there.

Link Crew member and junior Rachel Giovando said “I had a lot of fun dancing and making new friends, and the music variety was great.”

Community celebrates Mass of the Holy Spirit The Yearbook class shared some of its photos of the annual whole school Mass with the Catalyst.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOCELYN CARPIO

Kristen Carpio holds her cheer trophy.

by Caroline Li Contributing Writer

The Catalyst interviewed sophomore Kristen Carpio from varsity cheer to gain some insight about the cheer team and how their season has been.

Carpio said, “The season is going very well so far! Our practices have been running smoothly, and Varsity and Pom just finished learning their choreographed routine for the year.”

Having accomplished this so early into the season, it seems that Varsity Cheer and Varsity Pom are well set up to go far with competitions throughout each season.

When asked about what she hopes to get out of this year, Carpio responded, “I hope to gain more stunting skills, and be more confident when performing in front of large crowds. Also, I hope to become closer to the athletes on the other teams.”

Her sentiments are shared by many other Tiger athletes across many different sports. Especially considering the emphasis that NDB places on sisterhood throughout their academic and athletic communities, sports are a great way to meet new friends and form a new family at school. Practicing, traveling, and competing with one’s team truly brings the group closer together. Students often make some of their best friends when playing a sport, from being surrounded by people who share common passions and interests.

With contributions by Parker Daley

“Take a knee”: Revisiting Kaepernick one year later...

by Johana Ligtenberg Editor in Chief

When I suggested that we cover “Take a Knee” for the third year in a row in our September issue, our advisor and editorial staff alike questioned if it was worth it. Would this controversy, which first began several years ago, still be relevant in 2018? My answer then, and my answer still now, with Colin Kaepernick announced as a face of Nike’s Just Do It campaign earlier this month, was yes.

Yes, because the debates revolving around American citizens’ constitutional rights will always be valid in this country.

And, though gun control has perhaps become a more prominently discussed issue in the past year in this nation than ever before, police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement have begun to be once again

swept under the rug by the media. These are two issues which are inseparably connected to conversations regarding gun control and other acts of violence, yet have been covered as separate issues, and often not covered at all.

These are the very issues that Kaepernick’s initial protest of kneeling during the playing of the national anthem was rooted in. While this year has certainly been a tumultuous one for the news, the lack of coverage of police brutality is noteworthy. While incidents are reported in a way that would imply isolation, the trend of harsh and violent treatment of black Americans by police officers in America is still ongoing. Just earlier this month, a black man was fatally shot by a white policewoman in his own apartment that she had mistaken for her own.

In tandem with

this, Kaepernick remains an unsigned free agent and has filed a lawsuit against the NFL for colluding against him to prevent him from being signed. Many teams simply do not want to have to deal with the controversy and potential fallout that comes with having such a polarizing figure on their roster.

Yet, in a striking move, Nike, the company that supplies uniforms for the NFL, has made Kaepernick a face of their Just Do It campaign, releasing advertisements with a black and white photo of him and the words, “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.”

In a two-minute-long ad aired during the NFL season opener, he voices over clips of athletes who have overcome certain odds to achieve greatness. It ends with the words, “Don’t ask if your dreams are crazy. Ask if they’re crazy

enough.”

With the controversy that has once again exploded from Kaepernick’s new ad, it is important to remember what he was protesting in the first place. It is rather telling about the nature of what issues Americans are willing to address head on that an ad campaign from a shoe company has generated more controversy in the past month than the shooting of an unarmed black man in his own home.

It is necessary to understand the roots of why this movement has become so controversial, and to understand that fury at Kaepernick in this nation comes perhaps more from the inability of Americans to accept and address the wrongs being committed against minorities than it does discussions over what is appropriate to do during the playing of a song before a sports match.

SCREENSHOT FROM @KAEPERNICK7

Colin Kaepernick tweets Nike’s ad campaign.