J | The Catalyst | Volume 5, Issue 6 | March 2019

OPINION | Page 2

WEALTHY GONE WILD: COLLEGE EDITION

www.TheNDBCatalyst.com

Volume 5, Issue 6

the

ARTS & LIFE | Page 6 SPRING BREAK IS COMING

SPORTS | Page 7 SPRING SPORTS SEASON IN FULL SWING

CATALYST

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL

@theNDBCatalyst

1540 Ralston Avenue, Belmont, CA 94002

March 2019

Community reacts to college admissions scandal Students question privilege, share concerns about their own college apps by the Editorial Staff

Two weeks ago, federal prosecutors charged 50 people for participating in a scheme where wealthy families paid over $25 million for false test scores and bribes to college officials to help their children get accepted into 11 elite universities, including George-

town, Stanford, and the University of Southern California. In the hours after the FBI released these details about “Operation Varsity Blues,” the Bay Area learned that local families were involved, including that of an NDB alumna.

On Wednesday, March 13, Head of School Maryann Osmond made

a campus-wide PA announcement, saying, “Notre Dame did not know about the alleged behavior of the SAT proctor. All SAT proctors are... accountable to the College Board who governs the SAT.”

She continued, “As a school, we do not stand for cheating in any way. This behavior is not

acceptable at Notre Dame.

We are deeply disappointed in any student and family that abuse the system.”

Emails to the NDB community, including alumnae, and social media posts affirmed her announcement.

Many students, especially seniors who are waiting for their own col-

lege acceptance letters, asked how could this have happened and expressed concern about how the scandal affects NDB’s reputation as well as their chances of being accepted, rejected, or even waitlisted by a school.

In an interview with the Catalyst, College Counselor Dina Cunha

said, “As a former college admissions counselor, I anticipate that NDB will not be affected by this. It is rare to see colleges penalize a whole school based on the actions of one student. I have never seen this in my 16 years of college counseling.”

See SCANDAL | Page 3

Diversity Week promotes Gender identity awareness and discussion at NDB: Campus Campus reflects on Hallmark 5: “We embrace the gift of diversity”

shares perspectives Task force begins to address and take action on the complex issue by the Editorial Staff

was “Who do we want to become?” and focused on challenging “-isms” that perpetuate prejudice and discrimination.

Each day during the weeks had its own focus and themes, such as “Embracing different cultures and ethnicities” and “Challenging the gender construct.” Students, faculty, and staff that attended the events had

Addressing LGBTQ+ issues in a Catholic school has always been controversial. Last month, a Catholic elementary school in Kansas declined to enroll a student in its kindergarten because the student’s parents are a samesex couple. Four years ago, the Archdiocese of San Francisco tried to add morality clauses into its teacher contracts to hold them more accountable to Church teachings, including its stance against homosexuality. And, six years ago, NDB canceled a talk by a long-time guest speaker and same-sex marriage advocate.

Things are starting to change -- After a discussion with several teachers concerning issues about their students last October, Head of School Maryann Osmond welcomed faculty and staff in forming the Gender Identity task force and addressing the issue of gender identity on campus. In an interview with the Catalyst, she says, over the past several years, she has been educated on the issue by the community and her views have evolved, especially in the inclusion and safety of LGBTQ+ students.

Gender identity is the personal sense of one’s own gender in which an individual may identify with a gender different from his or her biological sex. It is an issue that Catholic schools, especially single-gender schools, are beginning to discuss: What if a student identifies as a different gender compared to what their birth

See DIVERSITY WEEK | Page 3

See GENDER IDENTITY | Page 4

ROBERT ROJAS/THE CATALYST

Students help to pack meals to send across the globe to Burkina Faso during an all-school service assembly.

by Johana Ligtenberg Editor in Chief

During the weeks of March 4 and March 11, the NDB community celebrated Diversity Week through activities, prayers, and discussions.

They embraced the campus’ different cultures, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and races as well as challenged gender constructs, racism, religious stereotypes, and ableism.

The event was planned by the Hallmarks in Action board along with help from the other spiritual life boards and numerous faculty, clubs, and students, especially seniors working on their Passion Projects, all in an effort to celebrate the Sisters of Notre Dame’s fifth Hallmark: “We embrace the gift of diversity.”

Each week had a theme. The first week was “Who we are?” and focused on diversity. The second week

The road to Aquacades: Classes continue after school prepwork

by Ella Burrin Staff Writer

Two more weeks – Yes, you read that right.

Aquacades is quickly approaching, which means that students from each grade are preparing for the event, whether it is finishing their class backdrop, rehearsing all of their individual and group routines

in the pool or on the deck, or planning their entrance and cheers. With the theme “Movie-cades,” this year’s annual celebration -- or, to some, competition -- of class and school spirit and sisterhood is expected to be another one to remember.

Preparation began in January when a representative from every class systematically chose from

a list of class themes and music subcategories. Soon after, they began work on the various activities related to the event.

The senior class, the Titans, were the first to choose their theme and music subcategory: horror and rock. Many Titans thought the pair was fitting and See AQUACADES | Page 8

ROBERT ROJAS/THE CATALYST

Juniors work together to sketch and paint their class backdrop.

OPINION Crazy rich Bay Areans: Marco? Where’s your polo?: Students page 2

Fortune really favors the bold in college admissions Johana Ligtenberg Kelly Nolte Senior Editors @TheNDBCatalyst

Getting into college is expensive. Last September, the Catalyst surveyed how much NDB seniors spend on their college applications. Some of them spent upwards of several thousand dollars between private college counselors, standardized test fees and/or tutoring, and college application fees. In the wake of recent news about the college admission scandal involving wealthy families, including several from the Bay Area, breaking the law in order to get their children admitted into top schools, students are questioning the line between obviously unethical behavior and privilege and strategy.

While the charges brought against them involve some serious allegations, such as bribing college officials and cheating on standardized tests, it is no secret that wealthy families have an edge when it comes to getting into college. It is a for-(personal) profit system, and, with the competitiveness of getting into certain schools, it has led to an immensely toxic culture.

There has always been a class and wealth divide in the college application process. For example, some schools “superscore” tests. That means, if an applicant takes the ACT or SAT more than once, the school looks at his or her highest score only. This puts the applicant who can afford the roughly $50 to take it once at a disadvantage. In addition, college application fees cost an average of $50 with some schools charging $75 or even more. Wealthy families can afford to pay for applications to 25 colleges, but middle class and low-income families cannot, forcing them to pick and choose and take a chance with applying to much less. Most NDB students apply to about fifteen schools, spending about $900 on apps alone.

However, while adults across America were expressing shock at the scandal, some high school students just shrugged. Many of them expressed surprise that what happened is illegal since they were under the assumption that, that was just how rich people’s kids got into school While the FBI investigation noted that what happened went beyond things like “buying a building” to help one’s chances to get into college, the fact that some actions are accepted and legal is discouraging to students.

For many hard-working students, the college application process begins on their first day of high school, creating an identity that takes honors and AP classes, that gets involved in clubs, service, or sports. They build their high school experience on activities that will look good for college or provide fodder for college essays, participating in as many opportunities that they can (barely) handle.

Many students argue that the college application process is too competitive to start with and the fact that wealthy families can buy their kids’ way into college only contributes to the anxiety and stress that many students already feel.

Out of the fifty people charged in the scandal, nearly a third were from the Bay Area ― An area known for its high cost of living, new money from innovation and technology, and even two of the best universities in the world: U.C. Berkeley and Stanford. Incidentally, both schools are now named in the scandal.

For an average or even slightly above average student who is competing against valedictorians and other high achievers of the high school world for a spot at their dream school, what hope is there when children from wealthy families are thrown into the mix? Why bother working hard in classes and extracurriculars and staying up past midnight working on that paper if someone can just open their wallet and buy your spot at a college that you’d give your right arm to attend?

For many students, the four years spent in high school are for the college admission. High schoolers today are stretched thin, and it is disappointing that some of them can bypass the hard work that millions across the U.S. put in. For Bay Area students who are already growing up in an extremely privileged and academically competitive culture, the scandal hits close to home. If nothing else, the college admission scandal is reflective of broader issues not just in the college admissions process, but also in our society; of the privileges that the wealthy have and the fact that no matter how hard one works, money can always work harder.

and teachers play games with dress code Parker Daley News Editor @TheNDBCatalyst

Students have noticed a new fashion trend among NDB’s administration, faculty, and staff.

Many of them have been spotted wearing “Marco” pins. Alluding to the pool game “Marco Polo,” it is designed to remind students that they need to wear their uniform polo shirts, even underneath a sweatshirt or hoodie, to school every day.

This measure was part of a schoolwide effort that has taken place over the past few weeks to enforce the dress code, focusing on wearing polo shirts and “regulation” socks.

Many teachers shared with their classes that they have been told to crackdown on what some students are wearing and give detentions to those who are not in uniform.

Some have implemented uniform checks into their classes, and others have been spotted wearing “Marco?” pins and asking students, “Where’s your polo?”.

Chaos ensued among the student body with students scrambling to post warnings to others via social media to get into their uniforms.

A few faculty and staff members were interviewed for this story, but all declined to be named. The general response was they did not care about what students wore, but were simply following the rules because the school had set a standard for doing so.

Although I understand the necessity of upholding school rules, I wonder if the school can rethink the need for wearing a polo shirt at all times. Granted, the polo is a component of the uniform. But, if it is covered by another piece of the uniform, like a hoodie, and that is what is visible as the student’s top, does it really matter if the student has a polo on underneath when you don’t see it either way? In other words, if a student’s outward appearance is in compliance with

ROBERT ROJAS/THE CATALYST

The human tape sculpture sports a polo and pin. the uniform with or without forms should be more on a polo, why is this an issue their benefits, rather than -- especially one that calls painting them as a source for detentions? of punishment.

I know that, In addition, it for many students, not seems unfortunate that so wearing a polo is not an much energy is being foattempt to be defiant, but is cused on something negsimply because it is much ative, and ultimately, inmore comfortable. consequential, such as a

The obvious neg- uniform enforcement, when ativity that this uniform students could benefit from crackdown has caused has supportive energy. Students made students forget why face constant pressure and uniforms can be great, stress, especially in a time particularly at an all-girls when many schools are school. The uniforms can dealing with life changing be comfortable and easy, events, bullying and vioand even appreciated, as re- lence, and college apps. flected when students wear This puts the issue of givtheir skirts and hoodies on ing detention for a missing Free-Dress Fridays. I think polo or striped socks in perthat the focus with our uni- spective.

theCATALYST NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

EDITOR IN CHIEF Johana Ligenberg

SPORTS EDITOR Kelly Nolte

MANAGING EDITOR Michelle Kleytman

PHOTO EDITOR Natalie Beier

OPINION EDITOR Jean Aquino

STAFF WRITERS Victoria Bartels | Ella Burrin Julia Hebrok | Jaya Kapoor Luisa Laguisma | Rachel Liu Bella Lopez | Kaitlyn Lopez Kendall Peters | Feauini Saulala Daphne Sidoti

NEWS EDITOR Parker Daley ARTS & LIFE EDITORS Delaney Fox Amelia Kyle

FACULTY ADVISOR Robert Rojas

ABOUT THE CATALYST

EDITORIAL POLICY (Continued)

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.

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.

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

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

NEWS

Scandal: NDB is “shocked and deeply disappointed”

From Page 1

When asked how the scandal will affect how colleges review applications, she said, “My hope and expectation would be that truly qualified students get the attention and the spots they have earned. I would also expect that colleges will take a long look at how they evaluate applications in the future.”

High school students have long joked that rich kids get into college by having their parents buy a building to guarantee their admission. This at the expense of families without that kind of money and student who rely on academic and/or extracurricular performance alone, leading to expressions of disappointment and disgust by NDB students and alumnae on social media.

Math teacher Jude Loeffler says, “Anywhere there are wealthy people, they think that they are entitled to the best education and that they can pay their way to the top. Unfortunately, College Board is too big to disappear at this time. It is unfair to those

who genuinely need accommodations during tests because it will become incredibly difficult to get them approved now.”

Loeffler references the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), a civil rights law that ensures equal opportunity for students with learning disabilities, including testing accommodations.

The families are also accused of bribing college coaches to designate applicants as recruits to various athletics programs.

According to the FBI report, some applicants’ faces were photoshopped onto athletes’ bodies to create their profiles. Other applicants claimed they played a certain sport when, in fact, they never did.

NDB Athletic Director Jason Levine said, “My initial reaction was one where I thought, it makes sense that there are those who have the means to get what they want. Being in education for 25 years, I have seen many student-athletes who work hard and get into their top school and those who still work hard and end up go-

ing elsewhere. Life can be tough and how you handle the situation truly makes who you are.”

It is still unknown what will happen to the families and whether or not their children will be expelled from their schools.

In an interview with the Catalyst, Osmond said, “I’m hoping [the scandal] leads to a national conversation about what you have to go through to get into college right now.

It’s only gotten worse. It’s going to get worse until we, as a culture... talk about the situation and how to prevent it in the future. [It’s] horrible, really horrible.”

Cunha added, “There is excessive pressure and attention in getting into top schools. Sadly, school rankings and social media play an outsized role in the colleges that our students perceive as most desirable. We live in a country with more than 5,000 colleges, yet we generally hear about only the top 50. I hope all students learn from this scandal and can take a step back and remind themselves what is most important: Their integrity.”

page 3

So, what do students think?

What do you think of the college admissions scandal?

“The college scandal was both shocking and hurtful. We have been told our whole lives [that] the hard work we did in high school would lead to college success. Now [it] is basically worthless. The spots we have spent hours trying to get have been taken by people with money. All our efforts are worth nothing against money.”

— Isabelle Collins, Gators Class of 2020

Visit TheNDBCatalyst.com for more stories and interviews about the college admissions scandal

Do you think it’s right for any of the students implicated in the scandal to still be enrolled at their schools?

“No, I do not think it’s right that students who cheated their way into the school should remain on campus. If the kid knew, they should definitely not be attending the school.

However, there are students who didn’t know their parents bought their way into school, and I think that they should be able to stay because they had no idea.”

— Bella Lopez, Titans Class of 2019 and Victoria Bartels, Knights Class of 2021

What do you think of the celebrities who use social media to bring awareness about social inequality, but were caught in this scandal?

“They are essentially contradicting themselves because they are displaying acts of inequality by using their wealth to get their children into prestigious universities that they otherwise probably couldn’t have gotten into.”

— Jaya Kapoor and Kendall Peters, Titans Class of 2019

Text and photos compiled by Journalism Staff

Diversity Week promotes awareness

PHOTOS COURTESY OF @STEPHANEBARILE

Students participated in discussions and panels on embracing different cultures, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and racial diversity as well as challenging the gender construct, racism, religious stereotypes, and ableism. classroom. cluded an Ash Wednesday our community, it’s really From Page 1

Junior Parker Da- prayer service, a lunchtime easy for people to stay in the opportunity to learn ley said, “I really enjoyed talk with Mike Bennett and their own little bubble of about each other that they getting to spend more time Tom Fisher about their ex- their culture or ethnicity.”

She added, “This do not always get in the talking to some of them periences in segregated because I felt like I got to North Carolina during the gives them the opportuniclassroom or dining room.

One discussion know them better, so that in 1960s, and an all-school ty to step outside of that bubble and learn about the called “Stepping into the the future we could know service assembly.

A leader in the I experiences of other people Shoes of International Stu- each other better both in- dents” allowed some of side and outside of the am Diverse club, Senior because it can help them Andrea Rios said, “I think empathize and learn about those students to share their classroom.”

Other events in- it’s important because, in the world around them.” experiences in an American

page 4

FEATURE

Gender identity at NDB

Addressing LGBTQ+ issues at a Catholic school is complex and controversial. While the Church makes its stance on such issues clear, some of its members have promoted acceptance and understanding. In an effort to embrace the gift of diversity as noted in the Sisters of Notre Dame’s hallmarks, the Catalyst will strive to represent all of the voices in the NDB community, including its LGBTQ+ members, allies, and others, through its news, opinions, and other stories.

Gender Identity task force discusses issue From Page 1

certificate says? What if a biological female identifies as a boy? Can a trans-female attend NDB?

Osmond says, “We have not grappled with this question. We have refused to acknowledge it because we have called ourselves a single gender school.”

In the spirit of the Sisters of Notre Dame’s fifth Hallmark: “We embrace the gift of diversity,” the task force began meeting in the fall of 2018. It reached out to NDB’s Advocate club, in an effort to represent the students’ voices, by having them speak to the taskforce directly about topics they would like the taskforce to address and what Advocate had already been working in in relation to these topics. It currently has 19 members, including administrators, faculty and staff members, and student representatives from Advocate. These members meet monthly and have been working on short-term and long-term advancements for the school.

Task force member and English/Social Sciences teacher Rebecca Fisher says, “We have had

conversations on topics ranging from inclusivity around the school uniform, trainings necessary for me mindful of inclusive language inside and outside of the classroom, the disenfranchisement of the populations we are representing historically and at the school, as well as what does it mean to be questioning your gender while attending a single-sex school.”

In the last two months, the task force rolled out several changes.

One was revamping the school uniform to include pants. Another was the designation of a gender-neutral bathroom for students since there already was one for teachers. There was a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate is establishment during Diversity Week.

In an email to students, Director of Admissions Cathy Lewis addressed both changes, saying, “The teachers will continue to talk about how to fully support and honor each of you, acknowledge the complexities of identity, and truly embrace the gift of diversity at our school.”

In early March, faculty and staff had the option to participate in professional development by

attending a presentation by Holly Osment, a licensed marriage and family therapist, while she spoke about issues facing LGBTQ+ teenagers. She shared research about the mental health of these teens when they experience bullying, rejection, and microaggressions against them.

She also spoke about the significance of using proper terminology and language when speaking to a room of people because you don’t know who is grappling with want and inclusion is important in supporting the mental health of teenagers.

Although laws in America are changing to recognize LGBTQ+ rights, the Church’s teachings are not. Some parishes practice inclusivity, accepting such students and families into their communities. Editor of “America” magazine and Jesuit priest, James Martin, S.J., has tweeted about the Church’s treatment of this community, advocating on the behalf of the LGBTQ+ community.

Likewise, NDB’s Gender Identity task force continues to embrace the school’s diversity and inclusion of LGBTQ+ in its school community.

flexibility of gender expression are slowly becoming more mainstream, and the understanding of gender as a spectrum is becoming a more common idea.

At NDB, the Gender Identity task force was founded to help pioneer ways to help students feel accepted and safe on campus, regardless of gender expression, through initiatives such as the school’s first gender-neutral bathroom. While this increase in acceptance is integral to understanding and respecting those around us, where does this leave the future of single-gender education?

Many of the benefits of all-girls schools are reflections of living in a patriarchal society. Girls schools are celebrated for increasing the academic confidence of young women, for encouraging female participation in class discussions, for improving female achievements in the STEM fields, and more.

Single gender high schools in particular often claim to reduce “distractions” at school due to the decrease in relationships.

Single gender schools are also often favored for breaking down gender stereotypes, due to the idea that co-ed schools enforce gender norms. Arguments on both sides of this point have been made when it comes to single gender schools, especially since many include required uniforms, which often constitute skirts for girls and pants for boys, enforcing dated ideas about dressing as a certain sex.

At NDB, conversations about embracing gender diversity are progressing, and efforts to be a more accepting community are underway. However, the future and importance of single-gender education continues to evolve as our community and nation moves towards more acceptance and equality.

Single-gender education and gender identity

by Johana Ligtenberg Editor in Chief

Share your comments about the Gender Identity task force and LGBTQ+ issues at NDB at TheNDBCatalyst.com

NDB’s core values of sisterhood and the empowerment of young women are connected to its identity as an all-girls school. Research on single gender education points to a variety of benefits, particularly for young women. However, one could also argue that all-girls and all-boys schools enforce “cisnormative” ideas about gender. (The term “cisgender,” and its prefix “cis-” refers to one whose gender identity does align with their biological sex.)

Add that most single gender schools in America are religiously affiliated, and it becomes clear that these schools can be a questionable place when it comes to the acceptance and safety of gender nonconforming and other LGBTQ+ students.

In 2019, discussions about the fluidity and

FEATURE

page 5

Perspective: Voices from the community The Catalyst interviewed several members of the NDB community, including students, faculty and staff, and administrators, about the Gender Identity task force and its work concerning LGBTQ+ issues. Here are excerpts from what they shared. Visit our website, TheNDBCatalyst.com, for the full-text of these interviews and more.

For Notre Dame to be taking an open and proactive stance about deciding what it will mean for our school and deciding what it will mean for students who are questioning their identity now, I think it puts us in a great position to make sure that we’re the right school for people based on their gender expression and their gender identity and making sure that we approach this in a really humanitarian and proactive way. – Adam Currier, English teacher

I love that the Hallmarks are written in an inclusive way that emphasizes how we’re called to live in a community together, how we’re called to recognize the diversity in people here at Notre Dame. I think it’s right in line with what the Church calls us to, in terms of pastoral ministry, that we are to be respectful. We talked in class about respect and sensitivity. – Sr. Marie Lindemann, SSS, Spiritual Life teacher

It’s great that teachers, students, and administrators can come together and discuss how the school is being run and how to make NDB a comfortable and safe place for students. The Gender Identity task force helps build good communication within the school. Seeing the change and having gender neutral bathrooms shows me that student voices are being heard. I hope that students can help us understand their struggles so we can try to help. – Allan Gargaritano, Counselor

I think it’s been obvious to us for a while that we can no longer define ourselves as a single gender school. Actually, in some ways, we live in a very exciting time where we have students who are coming to understand, in very profound ways, what it means to be human and how they find themselves. We are, at this point, I think it’s safe to say, we’re more than one gender. – Maryann Osmond, Head of School

I really think that the work being done is important in that it is inclusive of everyone.

It is great to be creating new policies that address the changing world around us and promote acceptance. I think it speaks to the diversity of NDB and that we are making a change in our rules to be more aware of others. I think the gender neutral bathroom is a good step in the right direction to make NDB a more inviting place for those who may be questioning their identity. – Annica Kim, Sophomore

I’ve always felt that Notre Dame was a very open and accepting place to be, just in general, for all people. I am glad we can witness this change because, for many years, we did not have a gender neutral bathroom. I think it’s good because now someone who might not identify as a girl can still have a place to go and can feel accepted at school. – Chloe Powell, Sophomore

I’m pleased on a couple levels. One is that we were able to get a variety of pants approved so that the uniform expanded.

Another is that we were able to get a gender neutral bathroom opened so that everybody feels safe on campus no matter what their needs are. And also that we were able to get a speaker in already to start the educational process of making sure that the faculty and staff are really infomed with every expression of gender.

– Cathy Lewis, Director of Admissions

I think going to Notre Dame was good for me because I only knew a couple people coming in. I wasn’t out in middle school, but it was really something that caused me a lot of anxiety. I saw coming to Notre Dame as a way to start over and decided to come out as soon as possible. My mom had been worried that people would not be accepting, but I found that, overall, people were. So, my expectations were more negative than what I found to be true. – Hillary Tighe, Senior

Text compiled by Editorial Staff | Photos courtesy of Natalie Beier, Photo Editor

How to be an LGBTQ+ ally

by Julia Hebrok Staff Writer

Being an ally to any community is an ongoing learning process. Not being part of the community that you support may make it impossible for you to fully grasp the weight of the issues that it deals with. However, there are some important ways that allies to any marginalized community, specifically the LGBTQ+ community, can be supportive.

Firstly, respect everyone’s gender identity and sexual orientation.

Not everyone will have the same experience as you – So, stay open-minded.

Respect also involves using the correct name and pronouns for a person – If you don’t know, it’s better to ask than to risk being offensive.

It’s okay if you don’t know what every term means. People are constantly finding new labels to describe themselves, and it can be hard to keep up with them – It’s okay if you don’t know.

Just respect others’ use of them, and don’t ask if it’s a “real thing.” Let

people have their differences and use labels they feel comfortable with. This applies to both gender and sexual orientation.

Next, apologize.

It can be extremely difficult getting used to new names or pronouns, especially if you’ve known someone for a long time. There will be times when you slip up and, when you do, make sure you apologize. Listen to the concerns of the other person and commit yourself to changing your behavior.

Try not to assume a person’s gender. If you aren’t sure of how they iden-

tify, ask. Ask for their name and pronouns, and if you really don’t know, using “they/them” is more inclusive and safe.

There are some things that you just should not ask LGBTQ+ people.

Don’t ask for “dead names” that are associated with a trans person’s sex assigned at birth. Saying the name can bring up painful memories for a trans person – Just respect their transition by using their chosen name and pronouns.

Do not ask what gender a person “used to be.” A trans person never

used to be any gender – Their gender was always the gender they identify with. Don’t say things like, “She used to be a girl” – If a person identifies as a girl, they were always a girl.

Don’t be afraid to stand up for a trans, lesbian, gay, or bisexual person if the situation is safe for you to do so – Call people out when they are misgendered and use your privilege to make sure others respect everyone’s identity.

Lastly, the most important part of being an ally is taking action. While it is great to want to go to

gay pride celebrations, if you don’t show up for some of the harder events, like rallies and protests, it shows the LGBTQ+ community that you only want to be part of the fun, but not the issues that many of them face.

Overall, being an ally is all about respect.

Respect a person’s identity, the gender they chose to or chose not to identify with, and commit yourself to using the correct pronouns and breaking habits such as automatically assuming and labelling a person’s gender.

ARTS & LIFE

page 6

A spring break staycation

Spring Break: A time nearing the end of the semester that is designated for rest, relaxation, and catching up on sleep. It’s also a time where you may be sitting at home, jealous of your friends’ Snapchat stories that show them on a gorgeous beach in Puerto Rico. Yes, they are probably having the time of their life on that vacation, but you can have a pretty great spring break, too. There are plenty of ways for you to make your “staycation” one to remember.

A go-to way to start off your break is by pampering yourself. You can easily go to a local pharmacy and pick up some face masks, body scrubs, and bath bombs; all of which can give you a perfect DIY

spa day. If a parent, sibling, or friend is on break too, ask them to join you! You can spend your time beautifying each other, and there’s nothing more fun, yet relaxing than that.

Another way to spice up your “staycation” is to play tourist in San Francisco.

Just a short drive away, San Francisco is a very diverse city with many cute boutiques, thrift stores, and restaurants in each district. You can stop by the Presidio for a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Palace of Fine Arts for a little taste of Europe, the Mission District for some great Mexican food (La Taqueria is a personal favorite), and maybe even hit up a few of the countless amount of thrift stores

throughout the city.

Lastly, for someone who isn’t feeling so touristy, Netflix has a lot of new movies and TV shows that are perfect for binging. Chilling “Adventures of Sabrina,” starring Kiernan Shipka and Ross Lynch, will be releasing a second season in early April, which means it will be great to watch episode-after-episode over break.

Besides Sabrina, Netflix has some less familiar titles coming to us, such as “Quicksand,” “Unicorn Store,” and “Special,” all of which are worth checking out.

There are so many things you can do to make your Spring Break just as funfilled as a tropical vacation, and you don’t have to go very far to do any of them.

Text by Amelia Kyle, Arts & Life Editor | Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons: David Yu

Preview: “The Wedding Singer” Review: “Captain Marvel”

by Victoria Bartels Staff Writer

Tri-School Productions is taking us back to the 1980s with its upcoming spring musical, “The Wedding Singer.”

The play stars Serra HS junior Max Leininger and Mercy HS student Klara La Guardia with an ensemble cast of students from Mercy, NDB, and Serra HS.

Inspired by an Adam Sandler rom-com, it tells the story of Robbie Hart, a nice guy with a broken heart who works one of the most romantic jobs: a wedding singer. After being left at the altar, he meets Julia, a vibrant and young waitress. Sparks fly when she enlists his assistance for her own wedding.

On most evenings during the past three months, students rehearse at Serra HS’s Gellert Auditorium. By practicing their different song and dance routines, each cast member plays an important role in bringing the musical together.

Ensemble cast member and NDB sophomore Maggie Stack says, “I like being a part of this production because it has brought me closer to new people from all three schools and, even though it is hard work, it is completely worth the effort.”

by Editorial Staff

NATALIE BEIER/THE CATALYST

The ensemble cast rehearses a scene.

Dedication and discipline is a mandatory part of participating in a high school theatre productions like this one.

Musical Director and NDB Performing Arts teacher Ashley Willits is very familiar with this. She has acted on stage multiple times in her life and describes the transition from performer to director as “a magnificent new perspective.”

Willits encourages people to come to the show.

She says, “Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore are classics! Seeing the movie transform into an on-stage production with new songs, makes for an entertaining and hilarious new spin on

the film. Plus the actors encapsulate the 1980s music and humor to a T!”

The musical opens Friday, March 29 at 7:30pm at Serra HS’s Gellert Auditorium. Performances run until Saturday, April 6 with most shows at 7:30pm.

Tickets start at $14.99.

Audiences of all ages are welcome with the musical’s easy-to-follow plot and fun humor. If you are looking for some old-fashioned throwback fun with friends and family, this show is a great way to sit back and appreciate the style, hair, music and romance from the 80’s.

Tickets are available at TriSchoolProductions.com.

For those of you who are not well versed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain Marvel is the one referenced on Nick Fury’s pager at the end of last year’s “Avengers: Infinity War.” Her origin story is told in this movie, taking place in the 1990s, as Vers, played by Brie Larson, works as an alien soldier fighting in an intergalactic war that takes her to earth.

With the help of S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Fury, played again by Samuel L. Jackson who was digitally de-aged over twenty years for the role, Vers discovers she is really Carol Danvers, an ex-U.S. Air Force fighter pilot who was presumed dead after an experimental jet crash. She brings the battle home when both sides of that war come looking for that jet.

The movie is filled with Marvel’s usual action scenes, surprises, and twists, including an appearance by comic book writer and co-creator of the first Captain Marvel, Stan Lee. The opening credits included a tribute to Lee since he died last year.

The movie is filled with even more references to other movies in the MCU. Some are subtle, while others are obvi-

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARVEL.COM

Brie Larson stars as Captain Marvel.

ous. For example, the jet is powered by an energy-core that is, in turn, powered by a very familiar looking blue cube called the Tesseract, which makes its sixth appearance in the MCU.

And, not only does a younger version of Fury appear, but a newly hired S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, Phil Coulson, played again

by Clark Gregg who was also digitally de-aged.

There is a feminist theme throughout the movie. Obviously, its lead is a woman. But, it went into detail about her past, pursuing interests that she loved, falling down more times than she can count, and being told that she is too emotional and does not

belong, especially by men.

The story lets Danvers prove herself and prove others, especially the men in her life, wrong.

In the end, the movie shows the start of a beautiful friendship between Captain Marvel and Nick Fury and only begins to explain why Fury pages her at the end of “Infinity War.” The mid-credits scene does tease the next MCU film: “Avengers: Endgame,” promising an appearance by Captain Marvel herself.

Marvel fan or not, Captain Marvel is definitely worth seeing in theaters.

Contributions by Bella Lopez

SPORTS page 7 Featured athlete: Spring sports roundup Visit TheNDBCatalyst.com and follow @TheNDBCatalyst on Instagram and Twitter and @NDBAthletics on Twitter for more sports stories, interviews, and photos.

Beach volleyball

by Kendall Peters Staff Writer

Photo courtesy of @NDBAthletics

Lacrosse

Photo courtesy of @NDBTigers

Softball

Photo Credit: Jane Doe

Photo courtesy of George Retelas

Swimming

Photo Credit: Jane Doe

Photo courtesy of Natalie Beier

The NDB beach volleyball club is doing very well. There are more than 15 students from all grade levels in the club. It has practices at the NDB beach volleyball courts on Tuesday and Thursdays from 3:15-5:15pm. The team is coached by Kimmy Washington.

The NDB beach

by Delaney Fox Arts & Life Editor

Lacrosse is proving to be very popular as students from every grade level were seen at this season’s tryouts. This year, there is a varsity team of 22 players and junior varsity team of 20 players.

Head Varsity Lacrosse Coach Phil Huth says, “I am excited about the season because I think

by Kelly Nolte Sports Editor

The varsity softball team is well into their season now, playing two games a week since February. The 14 member team is currently four wins and two losses (4-2).

Team co-captain Carlee Miller has high expectations for the team this season. She says, “I am really excited for this team

by Rachel Schonfield Contributing Writer

The 2019 season has already kicked off (the wall) to great start for the 13 varsity and 8 junior varsity swimmers at the Sacred Heart Prep meet earlier this month on March 2.

Senior Riley Brownfield won the 200 freestyle and the 500 freestyle, breaking school records and qualifying

Track and Field

by Luisa Laguisma Staff Writer

Photo Credit: Jane Doe

Photo courtesy of @PadreAthletics

This year’s track team has a strong roster of about forty athletes from all. It has been quite busy on its feet, competing in five meets over the span of eight days. The team has ran multiple meets around the Bay Area and even had the opportunity to run one in Southern California.

On March 16, a

team does many practices in preparation for competitions against other schools, such as Woodside, Aragon, and Hillsdale HS’s.

There are five seeds where players are lined up to play. Senior player Rachel Lui is currently playing with sophomore Abby Miller.

Lui says, “Our beach volleyball team has a very diligent, yet friendly and laid back vibe. We all

Riley Brownfield, Swim

push ourselves to our limits during practices, but know that our ultimate goal is to create an unforgettable, team-oriented environment.”

The team continues to put in work and play for wins against other schools in the season. This is a new and successful club and sport to add to the NDB community.

it is a turning point in the program. When we started three years ago, only four girls had ever played lacrosse before. We started a JV team, as well. I love the game because it is a great mix of the things that make other sports fun to watch.

It truly is the fastest sport on two feet!”

Kaitlyn Greig, a freshman varsity player explains what made her choose lacrosse.

She said, “I wanted to play because I have been playing for a long time and love the sport.

Also, I’m terrible at any other sport. I enjoy playing with other girls and learning new things about lacrosse every time I play on a new team.“

Many of the girls are in the same place as Greig and wanted to try something out of the ordinary.

we have the talent to do really well this season.”

The team has beaten Pinewood School, Notre Dame HS San Jose, and Harker School twice.

The team’s has lost to Carlmont HS, 2-7 and to King’s Academy, 8-13.

Miller says, “Softball takes time and practice; as a team, we take it seriously to make ourselves better to compete our best in our next game.”

Junior Ashleigh Dean has one of the team’s highest batting average of .632. She has hit two home runs this season and has racked in over eleven RBIs.

She says, “When I go up to bat, I like to focus on myself and take it pitch by pitch and, if I see that pitch I’ve been waiting for, I swing.”

As a team, they aspire to bring wins in from outside of the league.

for CCS in both of those events. Sophomore Maya Hart won the 200 individual medley and NDB placed second in the 400 freestyle varsity relay.

At the Jamboree meet on March 14, the 400x1 relay team consisting of Brownfield, Hart, junior McKaela Glanville, and freshman Ryan Edwards qualified for CCS by over four seconds. Glanville qualified in the 100m

breaststroke and 500m freestyle.

The swim team has been working so hard already, especially with its new practice schedule. In past years, the team practiced at NDB for three days and then for two days at Serra HS in the late evening. The new schedule is four days at Serra HS with an integrated practice with their team and then Friday mornings at NDB.

select group of runners ran at the Marie Smith Malibu Invitational held at Malibu HS.

NDB took 1st place in both the 4x100 and 4x400 relay races with a time of 53.01 and 4:23:08, respectively. Sophomore Julia Granucci took 1st place in the 400 meter with a time of 1:01.38. Junior Liz Piro took 2nd place in the varsity 100 meter race with a time of 14:03.

The team also ran the 32nd Annual Serra Top 7 hosted by Serra HS on March 23. Athletes that finished in the top seven times for each event were awarded a medal.

Sophomore Julia Granucci again claimed 1st place in the 400 meter with a time of 1:00:39.

Riley Brownfield is a senior on the NDB varsity swim team. She believed that her path was water polo until she realized how much she really enjoyed swimming.

She began swimming during her freshman year.

She says, “To me, this means that I have not grown up with the identity of a swimmer and that’s all I know. Instead, I grew into the identity of being a swimmer.”

Brownfield has dedicated her time to the sport, practicing between sixteen and eighteen hours a week and occasionally having swim meets that take the better part of the day. Balancing not only NDB swim, but club swim as well as school and friends is no cake walk.

She says, “You learn to make time for the things that are important to you and prioritize your time. If you are committed to putting in the work to achieve your goals, it is all worth it.”

With the season already underway, Brownfield has already qualified for CCS in 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle.

However, a swimmer can only compete individually twice at CCS. While it is likely that she will qualify for more events, she will compete in the freestyle events only. It does not mean that her hard work is over.

She hopes to beat her own records and qualify as a member of a relay team.

As she begins the college recruitment process, she reflects on her NDB experience. She says, “My favorite part about doing NDB swim is the bond and spirit that everyone has.” She has been exploring options with different schools, but for her, it is important to find the college that is the right fit. Swim has been a very important part of her life, and she hopes to continue it in college.

To be as talented as her, there needs to be passion and love for the sport, and she has a plethora of it.

Brownfield says, “I am passionate about swim because I think the positive physical and mental side effects of engaging in cardio exercise for 2+ hours a day is amazing. Simply put, swimming makes me feel good. I am also passionate about swim because of all the friends it has brought me, the opportunities I have gotten, and the memories I have made.”

Text by Kelly Nolte Sports Editor | Photos courtesy of Riley Brownfield and Flickr Creative Commons Brian Cantoni

NEWS

page 8

The road to Aquacades

A day in the life of a Tiger Just some of the things that have happened to our readers over the past month...

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUZANNE SULLIVAN

In early March, the TigerBots competed in the NorCal Regionals and won the MOTIVATE award. Junior Vineela Vandanapu wons the Dean’s List Finalist Award.

ROBERT ROJAS/THE CATALYST

In this April 5, 2017, file photo, several Titans practice their group deck routine.

From Page 1 gave them hope that they will bring home their class’ second first place title.

Senior Daphne Sidoti is participating in group deck routine and is confident that the Titans will put on a show that no one will be able to forget about. This will be her fourth and final year participating in event.

She says, “Aquacades is a very fun time, but it can also be very stressful when it comes to making routines and mixes. Especially as a second semester senior. Even though there’s some pressure and stress, I still love Aquacades and the lead up to it. The Titans are ready to bring home another win!”

Her enthusiasm shows that the class of 2019 is ready for whatever competition is thrown at them.

The juniors, the Gators, were up next, choosing romantic comedy and pop music. The class has yet to place in the top three, but this fact does not dampen junior Elizabeth Mendoza’s mood when thinking about how much potential her group has to take home a place ranking this year.

She says, “This is the story of the time I found out I was in an Aquacades routine. We choose some

ROBERT ROJAS/THE CATALYST

Several juniors return from their sister class prayer service for Ash Wednesday, a holy day that marks the first day of the Lenten season.

ROBERT ROJAS/THE CATALYST

In this April 5, 2017, file photo, several Titans rehearse their group swim routine.

Sophomore Dom- Nolte and Director of Stu2000s music that is making me feel nostalgic! I have inique Gradidge spoke dent Life, Leadership, and really enjoyed beginning about the preparation for Wellness Denise Uhl have been with them at least to choreograph with my her second Aquacades.

She says, “Soph- once a week for the past friends. Look out Titans, omore group swim is in few months to ensure that here we come!”

This is Mendoza’s the process of making an they are prepared.

Nolte says, “I love second time participating in amazing routine! This year, Aquacades, and along with we are really enthusiastic being able to help the freshher group, she is ready to and committed to working man understand how aweas a team and coming up some Aquacades really is!” make some memories.

Even faculty and

The sophomores, with a great routine. Let’s staff are in on the event. the Knights, chose R&B go Knights!”

Competition is in School counselor Allan and horror to help them succeed in this upcoming the air with the debate on Gargaritano is taking on the who will take home what reigns of choreographing Aquacades. and rehearsing the routine.

Last year, as fresh- place.

This is the first As the school men, they shook things up by following in the foot- Aquacades for the fresh- basement is filled with steps of their sister class man class, the Spartans. the sounds of students and landing third place at They decided on comedy preparing for the event, Aquacades continues to their first ever Aquacades. and country.

With the help of be NDB’s “Superbowl” of This year, they are looking to go and move up the place ASB, they are going to school spirit events. Which ranking, making the com- make sure that their first class is going to take home petition between the classes time is especially memo- first place this year? Only even more fierce. rable. ASB President Kelly time will tell.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ADAM CURRIER

On “Bring Your Sister to School Day,” English teacher Adam Currier received a visit by his sister, Kelsey (not pictured), and their other “sister,” Molly (bottom center).

New uniform pants make their debut

by Parker Daley News Editor

NDB has expanded its uniform policy for both regular and formal uniform days to include navy and khaki pants.

The new option can be purchased from any vendor. In the past, students could only buy pants from Mills Uniform Company, the school’s current vendor.

This change is a result of discussions from the Gender Identity task force. According to an email to the community, it was done “out of respect

for individual preferences.”

Junior Brianna Nunn says, “All that matters is that our school is very diverse... It should be freedom of choice on if we choose to wear the skirts versus the pants...”

While some students prefer the skirt, the change is a step toward ensuring all students feel comfortable in the clothes that they are required to wear to school.

Nunn says there should be “no tolerance for judgement because we are Notre Dame and we are diverse.”

ROBERT ROJAS/THE CATALYST

Sculpture students drew self-portraits and then produced them in corrugated cardboard. They are currently on display throughout campus.

Support student journalism.

Visit TheNDBCatalyst.com for more stories and photos about the NDB community.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGE RETELAS

Several juniors model the new pants.