NEWS & FEATURES | Page 2
“Mathletes” compete in the AMC competitions
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Volume 3, Issue 5
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CATALYST Tri-School Production: “Oklahoma!”
New lacrosse team begins its first season
NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL’S FINEST NEWS SOURCE
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@theCatalystNDB
March/April 2017
Students ready to celebrate Aquacades NEWS
“Decades” of music featured in backdrops, routines, and cheers
Photo Credit: Robert Rojas
Royals Kyla Guinon and Natalie Smith practice their duet swim routine at last Sunday’s Aquacades rehearsals. by Sara Eckles Managing Editor (Online) The countdown is coming to an end for the most anticipated event of the school year at NDB. Aquacades finally happens on Thursday, April 6 with an afternoon rally for the student body and an evening show for parents and then again on Friday, April 7 with an evening show for students. There is nothing like Aquacades, especially when FEATURE
the student body gets together and, like the Tigers that they are, roar with school spirit for their sisters, raising the decibel level to deafening heights that can be heard throughout the neighborhood. This year’s theme is “Decades.” Each class had the opportunity to choose a decade and then select several songs from different musical genres from that decade. The Gators freshmen class chose the 1970’s, while its sister
class, the Mavericks junior class chose the 2000’s. The Titans sophomore class chose the 1990’s, while its sister class, the Royals senior class chose the 1980’s. There has been a lot of things to do in the weeks leading up to now. Classes have had to organize different groups to design and build the artistic backdrop that represent their theme. They also have had to unite in groups to choreograph and practice solo
and group routines in the pool and on the pool deck. Last Sunday, Aquacades planners were treated to a preview of the show as the different groups rehearsed their routines. Although they did not show up to rehearsals, it is safe to assume that members of the Belmont Police Department and NDB faculty and staff will perform their own routines during Friday’s show. This year, a new rule
was implemented to give more students a chance to participate in the different routines. Senior Class President Gina Andreatta said, “ASB and [Director of Student Life] Mrs. [Denise] Uhl challenged us with a new way of creating routine groups for Aquacades.” Different from previous years, the rule will only make Aquacades better than it already is. Get out your school spirit and put it to good use because Aquacades is here!
Mr. Herrmann and students go to Washington A visit to the nation’s capital gives insight on how the government works by Rachel Roberts News & Features Editor
In the beginning of March, NDB Social Sciences Department Chair Marty Herrmann and seven students, including Seniors Niaz Khorrami, Alyssa Nevarez, and Rachel Roberts; Juniors Nancy Huerta and Anabelle Macrae; and Freshmen Casey Chamberlain and Jade Costello participated in Close Up Washington D.C., a week-long educational field trip to our nation’s capital. The Close Up Foundation gives high school stu-
dents from around the country an interactive educational experience of American history and politics. The trip gives them the opportunity to learn firsthand how the government functions as well as to visit historical monuments and sights that many of them have only read about and seen in textbooks or online. Before leaving on the trip, Khorrami said, “I am really looking forward to seeing the dynamic of D.C. is right now, especially after the election. I know there is a lot of uproar, so I want to see how things work and be involved.”
The trip itinerary was a busy one. During the first few days, students participated in political discussions, seminars, and workshops with each other. They even participated in a mock Congress session. They also visited the FDR, Jefferson, and MLK memorials as well as the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. During the following days, student groups visited Capitol Hill and saw the House of Representatives and Senate in action. There, they
Photo courtesy of Marty Herrmann
See DC | Page 2
The group poses for a photo on the Hill.
OPINION / NEWS & FEATURES Students compete in AMC Editorial: “Prom-ageddon” Don’t let costs, emotions, and preparations ruin it for you Math Competition
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niere, and hair, makeup, nail, alteration appointments, and any other expense that comes with this iconic high school dance. That seems like a heavy bill on your parents’ end, unless you are paying for what can cost upwards of a $1,000 just for one night. (If you are paying for your own expenses, kudos to you for saving up.) Tradition states that girls should spend a fortune to create the most memorable night of their high school career. But, what is this hype really about? Should prom be considered a high schooler’s biggest night, and if so, should
and appointments, prom can be stressful. Girls, don’t feel the need to book make-up and hair appointments. YouTube tuto@TheCatalystNDB rials are free, and you probably possess all the necessary makeup and tools to create the look you desire without Girls have already the expense. If you need help found their perfect dress and or extra eye shadow, just ask have booked appointments at a friend! There’s no need to Drybar and Sephora for the shell out $50 for a new palette big day coming in less than or some foundation. The same a month. As time gets closer, goes for nails; a little bit of alteration services and nail nail polish remover on a Q-tip salons will soon be packed will clean up any rookie errors with high school teenagers. that separate your nails and a Local florists better stock up; professional manicure. they may run out of This boutonnieres and may be the “The pressure remains for girls to look corsages. time to retheir best and to outshine one another.” You know invent the what season it is standard and -- It’s prom season! The NDB this much money, time, and ef- not expect as much time and Prom Facebook page is quick- fort be spent to perfect it? money to be expended on ly filling with extravagant Some girls cannot af- this dance. Although some dresses. But, have we consid- ford or simply do not want expenses like the prom ticket ered the true cost of prom? to spend as much for a single and alterations cannot be comThis refers to not only the main event. However, the pressure promised, girls can still look feature, the dress, but also the remains for girls to look their forward to an enjoyable time dance ticket -- tickets if you best and to outshine one an- without the strain that society are paying for a date -- spray other. For those who do not pushes on image at prom. tan, heels, corsage/bouton- spend as much on their dress
Michelle Leung Opinion Editor
Editorial: Much ado about majors Declared or undeclared. That is the question. Rachel Roberts News & Features Editor
I didn’t want to commit to one thing, then realize it’s not what I want to do.” Experts on the topic say that the decision is multi-faceted. If someone @TheCatalystNDB were to apply to a school where their major of choice is competitive, it might be ad With college applivantageous to apply “Undecation season over, seniors cided” and obtain a high GPA across the country ponder their first year before applying what their dorms will look to the major again. Or, in some like, what city they will end up cases, applying with a major in, and even what new clothes might prove helpful in the adthey should be buying for their missions process over applynew environment. But, in their ing undecided. However, at applications to these schools, most colleges there was an important step that “I didn’t want to commit to one thing, then and universities, students might have even realize it’s not what I want to do.” can change dictated their adtheir major mission decision: or remain undecided for their es.” She also catered her major the choice of a major. Every student had to make the deci- to her interest and was confi- first year, sometimes first two. When application seasion to apply “Undecided” or dent in her choice. However, with a major. So, this leaves fellow senior Ashley Baillie son comes up, the decision us with the question: Which is carries a different sentiment. may be easy, or instead, pose She says, “Because I am inter- a daunting question about better? Some students have ested in a lot of things, and I the future. When it all comes envisioned their future com- don’t really know what I want down to it, remember, nothpletely, down to the specific to do when I’m older. There ing is permanent. Things can job they want, since they were are just so many options, and change. children. Others, roam the halls without the slightest idea of what they want to become, or what they want to study. The rest are somewhere in between, and most have an idea of what they want to do. However, high school classes are quite limited, and how does anyone truly know what it will be like to study molecular biology, business, or political science in a college setting? Senior Kyla Guinon, says that she applied with a major because “applying with a major would help my chanc-
theCATALYST
Photo credit: Jennie Walton
Some of this year’s AMC winners. by Renke Yi Contributing Writer Last February, 58 Math students participated in the annual American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 10/12, a national math contest that identifies students’ math talents and strengthen their problem-solving skills. Contestants participate in six lunchtime math contests each school year. This year’s first place winner for the AMC 12 was senior Tehya Hines, while this year’s first place winners for the AMC 10 were sophomores Wendy Hu and Preyasi Kumar as well as freshman Sarah Fazio, who all tied. NDB placed second among all-girls schools in California. The ranking is based on the sum of scores of the top
Close Up Washington D.C.
From DC | Page 1 observed hearings and sessions as well as met members of Congress and their staffs. They also visited the nearby US Library of Congress and Supreme Court buildings. On the last day of the program, students heard from community service organizations and then visited Lafayette Park right in front of the White House. On Friday, the group flew back home after a long week, full of new experiences, ABOUT “THE CATALYST”
NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL’S FINEST NEWS SOURCE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alexandra Dennis adennis17@ndhsb.org
NEWS & FEATURES EDITOR Rachel Roberts rroberts17@ndhsb.org
SPORTS EDITOR Camryn McNab cmcnab17@ndhsb.org
MANAGING EDITOR (ONLINE) Sara Eckles seckles17@ndhsb.org
OPINION EDITOR Michelle Leung mleung17@ndhsb.org
PHOTO EDITOR Katie Brandi kbrandi17@ndhsb.org
MANAGING EDITOR (PRINT) Monet Mendenhall mmendenhall17@ndhsb.org
ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Sasha Arredondo-De Lipski sarredondodelipski17@ndhsb.org
FACULTY ADVISOR Robert Rojas rrojas@ndhsb.org
five students at a school. If the top five NDB students would have answered one more question correctly, NDB could have caught up with the top all-girls school. “Students do not receive any preparation leading up to exams,” says Mathematics teacher Jude Loeffler. His future goal is to develop a Math team that receives training for the contests. Not only does the Math contest offer an enrichment outside of classes, but it can also contribute to college applications, especially if an award is won. Students who are interested in the results and the solutions of the contest or participating in future ones can find information in the hallway outside of Loeffler’s classroom, Room 255.
“The Catalyst” is a student-run newspaper that is published quarterly in print and online for Notre Dame High School Belmont community. EDITORIAL POLICY “The Catalyst” accepts unsolicited letters from students, faculty, staff, and alumni as well as press releases from on and off-campus organizations, but cannot guarantee publication. “The Catalyst” reserves the right to edit or reject submissions it deems objectionable.
Photo Courtesy of Marty Herrmann
memories, and perspectives about American government and politics. Participants of this and past field trips agree the program is very valuable. Senior Alyssa Nevarez says, “I was able to see very different perspectives about policies and understand other points of view.” Students who are interested in attending future Close Up Washington D.C. field trips should talk to Herrmann in Room 109. The views expressed in the Opinion section do not reflect the views of “The Catalyst,” Notre Dame High School Belmont, or the Archdiocese of San Francisco, but are solely the views of the writer. Unsigned editorials reflect the opinion of “The Catalyst.” CONTACT US Notre Dame High School 1540 Ralston Avenue Belmont, California 94002 Phone: (650) 595-1913 Email: TheCatalystNDB@gmail.com Social Media: TheCatalystNDB
NEWS & FEATURES / ARTS & LIFE
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Tri-School Productions presents “Oklahoma!” Glassey: “Everyone is very supportive, and the... cast and crew are all amazing.”
by Celisse Tan Contributing Writer
Every year, TriSchool Productions follows its fall play with a spring musical. This year, it is “Oklahoma!,” a lively production with lots of cowboys and cowgirls, dancing, and a full live orchestra. This show tells the tale of two young couples and their closeknit community in a town near Claremore, Oklahoma at the turn of the century. “Oklahoma!” takes the audience on an adventure, while simultaneously touching upon themes of independence and loyalty. Following the conflict between farmers and cowboys and the situations that make life difficult for the two main couples, the story emphasizes that, in the end, the strong bonds between members of a community and their willingness to assist their fellow man will bring people together. Featuring classic show tunes and lively dance numbers, “Oklahoma!” is a notable show that is known as the first musical that incorporates song and dance to further
Photo Credit: Pat Zurcher
The cast of “Oklahoma!” poses for the audience. plot. For the first time in Tri-School, actual prop firearms were used, instead of sound effects and toy props. Although the firearms do not have actual projectiles, students had to attend a short gun handling training session to learn proper gun handling techniques. “The training strongly stressed the importance of safety with the usage of these weapons,” says Serra HS ju-
nior Holden Boger, who plays the lead role of Curly. “With the prop guns, I feel like I am truly involved in the situation.” The show also incorporates a live orchestra, consisting of Tri-School students and alumni as well as local professional musicians to help bring the production to life. “Being in the pit orchestra has been a lot of fun,” says senior Alden Glassey, who is participating in a Tri-
Students help Save the Bay
School production for the first time. “Everyone is very supportive, and the Tri-School Productions cast and crew are all amazing.” The show has received positive responses from the audiences that have attended the performances, and the cast and crew hope that the show run ends with a bang! This year, Tri-School Productions will be holding a Serra Summer Theatre Camp, which will consist of morning
workshops in acting, dancing, singing, and technical theatre. The season culminates in a series of performances of the summer production of “Bye Bye Birdie.” Tri-School Productions will also begin sending out audition information for the fall play in August. So, if you would like to stay updated, you can visit TriSchoolProductions.com or follow Tri-School Productions on Facebook.
Let’s all go to the movies
by Michelle Leung Opinion Editor
Local ecology heroes in the Advanced Placement Biology and Environmental Science classes rescued our beloved bay and its tidal marshes on their field trip to Byxbee Park in Palo Alto. Save the Bay, a regional organization that works to protect the San Francisco Bay, hosts the “Digging into Restoration Technology” program or DIRT for high schoolers to learn about Photo courtesy of Michelle Leung tidal marsh restoration. Students explore Byxbee Park with Save the Bay workers. Prior to the 1960s, when industrialization was But, they are essential to our evaluate the progress of the tremendously prosperous and life and health. The plants of restoration project, but more did not have any government the marshes take in the carbon importantly, to validate the regulation, the Bay and its dioxide that we exhale and ab- project to the government so surrounding areas went from sorb the water that would oth- that Save the Bay receives fednatural breeding grounds for erwise flood inland to cities. eral funding. biodiversity into dumping A day out in the sun NDB students partic- grounds for industrial byprod- ipated in the extremely long taught the students about loucts. The native plant and an- tidal marsh restoration project cal environmental damage and imal species were how we can threatened by oil, “You can still be a part of the positive change in contribute to a plastic, and toxic our community... Together, we can all restore more beautiful metal pollution in Bay Area. the Bay Area to its natural state.” the water and by As for the the importation of non-native by collecting data on soil pH, rest of the students who did species that outcompeted the salinity, and moisture and the not attend, you can still be a local organisms for habitats biodiversity of the local area. part of the positive change in and food. Because collecting such data our community. Avoid plastic The tidal marshes, or is so tedious and demanding, bottles and bags, and limit the the homes of various species the DIRT program allows Save amount you drive. Together, and their offspring, that border the Bay to collect data more we can all restore the Bay Area the Bay were contaminated. quickly. The data is needed to to its natural state.
Photo credit: STX Entertainment
Emma Watson is concerned about joining “The Circle.” by Jilly Antunez and Kaitlin McCarthy Contributing Writers
Many of us are eager to see the new upcoming springtime movies that are super interesting. Some of the movies may make us cry and laugh, while some may make our “Favorites” list. Here are just some of the upcoming movies this spring! “The Circle” is a science fiction movie starring Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, and Emma Watson. It’s about a woman who lands a job at a powerful tech company called “The Circle” where she gets involved with a mysterious man. It will be released on April 28. “The Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2” is the sequel to the first film in the Marvel Studios series. It continues the team’s adventures as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s parentage. It stars Chris Pratt alongside Karen Gillian, Pom Klementieff, and Zoe Saldana. Watch it on May 5. “The Fate of the Furious” is a nail-biting action/crime thriller in which one of the series’ main characters is seduced into a world of crime that he has yet to escape. He will face new trials and situations that the people closest to him are not very happy about. It comes out on April 14.
Please recycle this issue when done reading...
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Lacrosse makes
HEALTH & SPORTS / MISCELLANEOUS A day in the life of a Tiger its debut
Sophomore Kendall Marques scores first goal in team history
Just some of NDB’s academic, extracurricular, and personal events that happened during the past month
by Camryn McNab Health & Sports Editor NDB’s brand new lacrosse team made its debut in the West Bay Athletic League in early February. Since then, the twenty girl team has played against a number of schools, including Mercy Burlingame, Notre Dame San Jose, and Aragon High School. A fastpaced contact sport where players pass a rubber ball with long-handled sticks to each other, the team is feeling out Photo: Brian Garcia the game and making its presThe team is ready to play. ence known on the field. The team is currently really fun, except when we run former college lacrosse play0-6, overall, having recently or do sprints. The team has er and experienced lacrosse played Woodside Priory. Ju- come a long way from the be- coach. Peters comments, “He nior M.J. Peters comments, ginning of the season. Coach is always has the player’s best “Because this is a new pro- Phil [Huth] has never coached interest in mind and is very gram, everyone approachable Lacrosse Home Games on the lacrosse when players Tuesday, 4/25 at 3:30pm against Harker School team has been have quesworking very Saturday, 4/29 at 3:30pm against Woodside HS tions.” hard and prac The team has ticing six days a week, rain girls lacrosse before so he can five more games left in the or shine, in order to achieve be intense at times, but per- season, two of them at home. success for both preseason and sonally I think that s a good Come out to the NDNU field league play.” and show your support for the thing.” Sophomore Kendall Phil Huth serves as new Lacrosse team. Marques added, “Practices are the new team’s coach. He is a
Varsity swim team gets new coach
Photo courtesy of Monet Mendenhall
“Dancing in the Purple Rain”: The Royals senior class of 2017 were honored during the last social dance of the school year with purple theme to celebrate their four-year-long reign at NDB.
Photo Credit: Brian Garcia
“Gatsby? What Gatsby?”: The Mavericks junior class celebrated the end of their studies on “The Great Gatsby” by dressing up in their flapper dresses for the Gatsby Ball, an annual dinner and dance with live entertainment by the band Stompy Jones.
Guinon: “Coach Rachel... is very passionate about swimming.” by Camryn McNab Sports Editor
With a squad of 38 girls on both the varsity and junior varsity teams, swim began its season in the WBAL in early March. The JV team continues to be coached by Kate Mahoney, while the Varsity team is now coached by Rachel Wiebe. Wiebe is an experienced competitive swimmer and swim coach. She comes to NDB after coaching for Photo courtesy of Jessica Flores Peninsula Covenant Aquatics The team swims laps in the NDB pool. in Redwood City. She swam The teams have severfor De Anza Cupertino Aquat- coach, but at the same time she ics as well as for Lewis and is very approachable an amaz- al more swim meets left in the season, three of them in April ing role model.” Clark College. Guinon continued, at Menlo and Harker Schools Senior Kyla Gui- and then non comments, Swim Meets WBAL Trials “I have actually at Sacred Heart known Coach Thursday, 4/6 at 4pm at Menlo School Rachel since I Thursday, 4/13 at 5:30pm at Harker School P r e p a r a t o r y in early May. was 7 or 8, but nonetheless she is an amazing “[Wiebe] was also a Notre Come out and show your supcoach and an amazing leader! girl. I believe she graduated in port for the swim teams. She is very passionate about 2000. She is also always there swimming and a very tough to talk and have a good laugh.”
Photo credit: Brian Garcia
NDB hosted the annual Celebration of Spirit competition and said goodbye to longtime Cheer and Pom Coach Morgan Craig. Just a week earlier, the Cheer and Pom teams competed at USA Nationals in Anaheim where Cheer placed third and Pom placed second.
Got Journalism? The Catalyst is looking for Editors, Writers, Photographers, and Reporters to join its staff for the 2017-2018 school year. See Mr. Rojas in Room 124 for more information.
Photo courtesy of Devin Johnston
Senior Devin Johnston stands with one of several clothing racks of prom dresses donated by the NDB community. A total of 74 dresses were donated to the Princess Project Silicon Valley, a 176% increase compared to the last two years combined.