The Catalyst, Volume 7, Issue 7: May 2021

OPINION | Page 5

the

ARTS & LIFE | Page 13

SPORTS | Page 14

CATALYST

THE FRESHMEN PERSPECTIVE ON YEAR ONE

ANOTHER PANDEMIC SUMMER IN THE GOLDEN STATE Q&A: 14 STUDENT ATHLETES FROM 14 SPORTS

T H E S T U D E N T N E WS PA P E R O F N OT R E DA M E H I G H S C H O O L

Volume 7, Issue 7

www.TheNDBCatalyst.com

May 2021

Students elect 2021-2022 ASB and class officers

by Peyton Daley and Clair Sapilewski Editorial Staff

On Tuesday, April 20, the freshmen, sophomores and juniors voted for the 2021-2022 Associated Student Body officers. Juniors Nikka Ahani, Marissa Bergquist, Ali Lewis, Katie Spencer, Sophia Dinelli and Stella Jaunich were elected and will serve as next year’s ASB.

ASB officers are the leaders of the student council and organize student life activities, such as rallies and dances. After a school year with no in-person spirit events, helping all the classes boost their spirit is a priority for the incoming officers.

“I think we can definitely look forward to new ideas for the rallies, and since we haven’t been in school for a year and

haven’t had any rallies, I think we will make sure that we make it top-notch,” explained Nikka Ahani.

The ASB officers lead all four classes, but next year they will have the added responsibility this year of teaching the incoming freshmen, sophomores and juniors who have never experienced many of the school’s traditions in person, what spirit looks like at NDB.

“My biggest thing for next year is going to be showing the underclassmen the ropes because, since the pandemic, especially now, the current sophomores missed out on Aquacades and a lot of rallies, and they don’t really know what a full year at Notre Dame is really like,” commented Sophia Dinelli. “It’s really important to pass on that See ASB | Page 3

“Knight-time” ends as Class of 2021 prepares to graduate

Prayer service on June 4, followed by graduation and prom/grad night on June 5

THE CATALYST / CLAIR SAPILEWSKI

Four of the six ASB officer-elects: Sophia Dinelli (left), Nikka Ahani, Ali Lewis, and Stella Jaunich.

COVID-19 vaccinations offer hope to community for upcoming school year

THE CATALYST / EDITORIAL STAFF

There are several reopening guidelines that the community must currently follow to be on-campus.

by Paige Clarke News Editor

omores landed in second place after a long night of incredible swim and deck routines. The Knights beat out the junior Gators and the freshman Spartans, falling just behind their sister class, the senior Titans.

The first semester of their junior year was beautifully normal. The Knights embraced their new sisters in the freshman

On May 10, the CDC expanded approval for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to be used on those ages twelve and above. This now makes practically all members of the direct NDB community eligible for vaccinations, providing hope for a more normal school year returning soon for incoming freshmen all the way to graduating seniors.

“I am getting my first vaccine today,” said Class of 2025 member Paige Lambert on her hopes for next year, which hopefully will become more realistic as more community members like her get their vaccines. “Next year I hope to make new friends, learn new things, have fun, make good memories and have a good transition to high school.”

Other current students also shared their hopes for next year after experiencing what NDB has been like during a pandemic.

“I am hopeful that, if we all are required to get the vaccine for next year, we will not have to wear masks,” said freshman Caitlin Degnan on her hopes for her sophomore year and beyond. “I think that everyone should get the vaccine, so everything becomes safer again.”

While NDB is still working on its plans for the upcoming school year, there has been discussion about whether or not it should require students to have their vaccine before coming on campus in the fall. With any debate comes a divide in opinion among students.

“Personally, I would have no problem with them requiring the vaccine, and I think it would be a great way

See KNIGHTS | Page 8

See VACCINE | Page 3

by Amelia Kyle Editor-in-Chief

As the Class of 2021 reaches the end of its time here at NDB, each of its members can confidently say that they have experienced high school in a way like no other. The class began in complete and total normalcy, yet ended in the middle of a global pandemic.

In August 2017, the Knights walked into NDB fresh out of middle school with excitement and anticipation for what freshman year would bring.

They triumphed through the typical freshman struggles: Managing coursework, finding clubs and extracurricular activities to join and establishing solid relationships with classmates.

Despite their new affiliation with NDB, the

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NDB

Now and then: The Class of 2021 sport their college sweatshirts just before the premiere of this year’s virtual Aquacades on Friday, May 7. They first gathered together in mid-August, 2017 for their freshman class photo.

Knights were never shy to show their pride. They placed third in Aquacades, NDB’s biggest annual spirit event, beating out the then-sophomore Gators.

The victory was led by Freshman Class President Mia Adao as well the rest of the Freshman Class Council.

The following year, the Knights moved into their sophomoric status with grace and confi-

dence. By this point, they had settled into NDB with ease and no longer felt like the new kids on the block.

Adao continued her reign in student council while serving as the Sophomore Class President and always ensured that the Knights were nothing short of spirited.

Not only did they excel in school, but they also improved their Aquacades standing – the soph-

NEWS Seniors present yearlong passion projects in online showcase page 2

by Paige Clarke News Editor

Every year at NDB, as a final impact on the community, NDB seniors complete a passion project as a part of the senior Spiritual Life curriculum. This year’s seniors finalized their year-long project planning and implementation of their passion projects on May 14.

“The passion project part of our curriculum has always been something I looked forward to,” said senior Andrea Aquino on her thoughts on the passion project. “It is an amazing way for Notre Dame students to get involved in the community and while being part of something they are passionate about.

Not many schools do this, which also makes it even more special.”

In a typical year, seniors would present their passion projects in-person.

With COVID-19 restrictions, many elements of how seniors approached their projects had changed, including presentation night. Instead of live presentations, seniors recorded their presentations, making them viewable on a more flexible schedule. In addition, with COVID-19 causing new limits with proj-

ects, many students took a more virtual approach to their impact.

“I really enjoyed creating my passion project this year with my partner Maddie Perry,” said senior Mary Hunsaker on her experience with the passion project. “Our project name was Project MMD which focused on educating our community about poverty, especially in the Bay Area.

Maddie and I created an Instagram to post quotes and facts and to share what we were doing to help. Overall, the passion project was a good opportunity to reach out to our community and become more connected.”

To access Hunsaker’s Instagram account and more information to get involved in other senior’s passion projects, view the 2021 Senior Passion Project Announcements and Information document sent out by senior seminar teacher Ynez Manalo.

Other seniors knew COVID-19 affected the community in certain ways and decided to aim their projects towards this.

For example, typically a senior takes on Mighty Tigers, a youth cheerleading program, as their passion project. Knowing that this would be more difficult this year with the pandem-

PHOTOS COURTESY OF VARIOUS STUDENT PROJECTS

Just a sample of about two dozen senior passion projects completed over the course of the school year, documented via social media posts and formal online presentations. ic still affecting the community, senior Mckenzie Rees modified the project to make sure the tradition stays alive.

“Although COVID-19 limited our passion projects, I got the opportunity to write out the instructions of the Mighty Tigers to ensure the project will be carried on in the future,” said Rees. “I am excited to see girls in future

years take over this project and make it their own.”

Without the senior Spiritual Life teachers though, many of these projects would not have been possible. In addition to each project’s individual adult mentor, teachers helped students plan projects, schedule time to work on projects, and make sure each project had a strong impact.

“I have loved teaching the Knights this year, especially because I have seen them grow over the course of their four years at NDB, taught many of them as sophomores, and attended Kairos with many of them as juniors,” said Manalo on what it has been like teaching seniors this year. “Over the past few months, I have witnessed the seniors turn their ideas

into concrete and tangible projects that have helped make a positive difference in the world. It’s been amazing to hear about their passions for topics such as mental health, children in need, the environment and poverty and homelessness being acted upon with real-life solutions. I am so proud of them for all of their hard work and dedication.”

Juniors look ahead with hope for a normal last year of high school

by Peyton Daley and Clair Sapilewski Editorial Staff

Senior year is a big deal. Between being the oldest students on campus, taking the hardest classes and preparing for college, every student looks forward to their last year in high school with anticipation and excitement.

But, what happens when the lead up is nonexistent, when the underclassmen don’t even know who you are and when many in the class have never experienced a true Aquacades?

What happens when you feel you haven’t earned the right to be a senior?

These are all problems that the current junior class will have to face. Although school has reopened and the world is moving closer to pre-pandemic life, the Spartan class will still feel the effects of COVID-19, even if Zoom is a thing of the past.

Typically, juniors gradually prepare to lead the school as they enjoy some of the privileges of being an upperclassman, such as sitting in the dining room, and they take on a bigger role in leading the school as they guide their new sister class through freshman year. However, the Spartans have not had

the experience of being true upperclassmen, as there have been so few schoolwide activities due to distance learning.

“I’m looking forward to senior year, but at the same time I’m not ready for it. I’m excited because I feel like I’ll enjoy being a senior and try to have as much fun as possible,” said junior Brindha Ramanthan.

“I’m not ready for it because I don’t feel ready to graduate high school yet.

I’m hoping that we get a normal senior year in person so that we can end high school with good memories.”

Regardless of the pandemic, the Spartans are still excited to be seniors, but they are also scared about the stress of college applications.

“Senior year is coming up faster than I expected, and I could not be more excited. At the same time, I am feeling a bit nervous. College applications can be very time consuming and nerve racking, which can feel like a lot during the first semester of senior year,” junior Emma Boyd explained. “At the same time, the amount of excitement that I have to be a senior is quite a lot, because knowing all of the hardwork and effort my classmates and I have put

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NDB

From the archives: Several photos from on-campus events and other moments in the junior class’ lives before the pandemic quarantined the school community into an online-only setting. into these past three years and how close we have all become has been amazing to watch.”

After a year of online learning, some are worried about keeping up with the challenging classes that they plan to take.

“I feel like because we missed so much school this year, every single student is somewhat be-

hind. So, I think they’ll be understanding of that next year and understand that we aren’t where we maybe should be or we aren’t where everyone was two years ago,” junior Mara Riitters shared.

Bizarre as it may sound, next year, the Spartan class will be the only grade to have experienced a full year of in-person

school. Usually the seniors need to show just one grade, the freshmen, what school at NDB is like.

Next year, however, there will be not one, but three grades that have never experienced key NDB events, like Aquacades, the PowderPuff game, and even graduation.

“Honestly, I’m a little terrified. I feel like

I was just a freshman like yesterday, so it’s a bit scary to think that I’m almost done with high school. But, I think that I’m prepared for it, and I think I’m ready to move on to college,” stated junior Sarah Massoudi. “I feel like Notre Dame has really prepared me, and I’m really excited for the next chapter of my life.”

NEWS page 3 Community welcomes freshmen with drive-through dinner ASB officers elected

by Brooke Horvai Assistant Opinion Editor

As the year wraps up, another senior class graduates and another freshman class arrives.

This time, the newcomers are the Class of 2025. They will be taking the place of the Class of 2021, along with their purple class color. In order to prepare for the new class, NDB’s Ambassador Board and Link Crew have organized multiple events throughout the spring and fall to welcome the students.

A long-standing NDB tradition is the Welcome Dinner. Every incoming freshman and their parents are invited to eat dinner and meet their new classmates. Usually, the dinner would be held in the Moore Pavilion, with students playing ice-breakers and other games in the classrooms. However, this year the Welcome Dinner had to take a different form.

“We did a drivethrough,” said Ambassador board member Christyn Refuerzo. “Cars came out through there [the parking lot], and there was a table where Clair [Sapilewski] and I... were working on it together, and students would get their name and a bag with personalized

From ASB | Page 1

PHOTO COURTESY OF NDB

Cars line the front of the school as freshmen came to pick-up their welcome bag. goodies and stuff.”

In order to stay safe, dinner – and wine for the parents – were given to the students while they were in their cars. Rather than eat on campus, everyone took their food home.

Although it was a little lonelier than in previous years, the future freshmen were still excited to see the campus.

“I was pretty surprised that a lot of people were happier,” added Refuerzo. “I think they’re happy to at least see us because before we would just drop it [goodies] at their house or do something online.”

Through the Welcome Dinner, incoming girls and their families had the opportunity to meet and talk to current NDB

students, which added that personal touch that Zoom meetings cannot seem to have.

The next event planned is the freshmen orientation, which takes place during the fall. Typically, students will take a tour of the campus with members of Link Crew, and befriend members to have a friendly face for when classes start.

Last year’s orientation was online with girls sorted into Zoom breakout rooms to meet with others. It is unknown if orientation will take place in-person or online for the Class of 2025, but students are hopeful that they can have the in-person experience.

The Class of 2025 will be joining NDB as bright-eyed and bushytailed freshmen. It is a new

place, a new journey and a new experience for them all. For many, high school can be daunting and intimidating. However, as always, NDB and its community will be there to provide guidance and support.

When asked about the scariest part of high school, most students will say making friends. It is nerve-wracking having to meet new people, and it is not always easy. However, everyone has gone through the same circumstances and has survived.

“At NDB, it’s easy to make friends,” finished Refuerzo. “[Students can] make friends with their teachers and can make friends with every person because everyone just needs another friend.”

Hybrid Class Day to cap end of year activities

legacy of rallies, dances and Aquacades. They need to know how to do that for future years.”

Six candidates are elected for ASB, and later on, they will be assigned to their roles of President, Vice President, Director of Communications, Director of Athletics, Director of Spirit, and Director of Activities. Next year, the Vice President will also serve as the DEI Representative and will collaborate with the Anti-Racism Task Force to work towards diversity, equity, and inclusion in the community.

Typically, ASB candidates would put posters up in the school hallways in the weeks leading up to the election and would give speeches to the student body. This year, candidates created Instagram story-sized digital posters and short videos, which were shared with students and could also be shared on social media.

“I think it was hard just this whole year not being able to be in-person and get to know people from other classes or just be around people from our own class. It was a little hard to run, not knowing any of the freshmen or any of the sophomores really well,” said junior Ali Lewis.

“You kind of had to use social media a little more or reach out in different ways to get to know people. So, it was a little challenging.”

After ASB elections were completed, students ran for their respective class councils. Candidates’ campaign videos and posters were due on Wednesday, May 5, and elections were held from May 10 to 11.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NDB

ASB member Alaiyah San Juan announces class election results via video email.

Vaccinations offer hope From VACCINE | Page 1

THE CATALYST EDITORIAL STAFF

From the archives: Class day is the last on-campus event of the year before the seniors graduate.

by Kaelin Hughes Staff Writer

Class Day is coming up, and people are getting excited to see what’s in store. Class Day is a yearly tradition that celebrates the moving up of each grade.

Typically, in a normal year, all of the student body would be in the Moore Pavillion celebrating together and watching the seniors being sent off to

their college of choice, but this year has to be a little different.

Although the seniors and juniors will be on campus for the day, the freshman and sophomores will have fun together through Zoom.

Any and all parents can also join in through Zoom. The day will mainly focus the seniors and student leaders with the seniors in their graduation

attire.

Cathy Lewis, Associate Head of School, Enrollment Management, is the person organizing this exciting day. “Nothing compares to the Moore, full of students and all their energy coming together in full spirit. This year, after so much being virtual, coming together in person is truly something to celebrate!” said Lewis.

As this celebration

will only be half of what it has been in past years, they plan to make it as special as they possibly can.

Looking forward, Lewis said, ”Next year, Class Day will be its full celebration with all classes together. Our safety and well-being is increasing, thanks to a very long year of forced separation and everyone’s cooperation.”

to ensure that everyone at NDB can feel safe attending school in-person, especially for those with compromised immune systems,” said sophomore Sarah Howie on her support for the idea of requiring students to have vaccines.

Even with age eligibility requirements opening up, some students feel everyone should have the ability to choose whether or not they get the vaccine.

“I believe that, since this is a free country, no one should be required to get the vaccine,” shared junior Caroline Lawrence on her thoughts of the idea of a vaccine mandate. “If you want the vaccine, get the vaccine, and if you don’t, then don’t. For next year, I hope the world finally goes back to normal, and we can all move past COVID and everything will open up.”

Even with this idea, many universities including the UC and CSU systems are planning on implementing a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for students and faculty.

Soon-to-be NDB alum and UC Davis freshman Julia Granucci shared her opinions on the vaccine requirements.

“I am excited to hear the colleges are requiring the COVID vaccine, not only because of the extensive science that supports it, but also because of all the opportunities that it will open up for learning back on college campuses around that country,” said Granucci.

The Catalyst is hopeful that NDB will move forward through the pandemic and keep students and staff safe from COVID-19 as well as encourage community members to get their vaccinations in order to do so.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PAIGE LAMBERT

Class of 2025 member Paige Lambert shows off her vaccination card.

OPINION

page 4

Letter from the Editor-in-Chief: The end

by Amelia Kyle

The end of my tenure as Editor-in-Chief of the greatest little newspaper in the world, our beloved Catalyst, has finally come. I started my position in extraordinary circumstances: Working entirely online in the middle of a pandemic was not always the easiest or most fun job to have. But, nevertheless, the entire Catalyst staff and I pushed through to create the best possible content we could, and I believe that we did a wonderful job with every single issue.

When I came into NDB as a freshman, I did not think twice about pursuing journalism. My time was consumed by volley-

ball, piano, community service, and homework.

The following year, my passion for journalism was discovered, and I have not been able to part from it since. Serving the positions of Arts & Life Co-Editor, Managing Editor and Editor-in-Chief have been some of the most thrilling, challenging, and rewarding experiences of my life.

I would like to thank every member of the Journalism program here at NDB, but specifically, those who took a chance on me and trusted me to fulfill my responsibilities.

To Johana Ligtenberg and Michelle Kleytman for deciding to give some random sophomore a place

on the editorial staff. To Parker Daley, for advocating for me to become your Managing Editor.

And, most importantly, to Mr. Robert Rojas for guiding me every step of the way and serving as my constant support system.

My departure from The Catalyst is incredibly bittersweet. On one hand, my love for this staff and our bi-weekly news discussions will be sorely missed. But, on the other, I have the opportunity to continue pursuing my love for journalism in college and beyond. Next year, I will be headed off to the University of California, Berkeley, where I will minor in journalism and

hopefully write for the Daily Californian.

Now, a word to Peyton Daley, my successor: I have no doubt that you will do an incredible job managing our staff and fulfilling the legacy left by your older sister. I am sure you will build on the foundation built by past Editors-in-Chief and turn it into something uniquely your own.

Finally, thank you to all of our readers. Your love and support keep The Catalyst alive and running, and I could not be more grateful for your loyalty. You have enabled me to discover and pursue my life’s passion for journalism. Peace out, NDB!

OPINION

Senior POV: Graduating during a global pandemic Charlotte King Staff Writer @TheNDBCatalyst

Looking back at the Class of 2020 and the way they graduated from the safety of their cars at the very beginning of the pandemic, I never thought that a year later, we would still potentially experience graduation in a similar way.

However, a full year later, how graduation will be handled for seniors across the country is still up in the air.

Given everything that has happened in the past year, I honestly did not have high hopes for even getting graduation when our

senior year began. From the start of the school year back in the fall, it has consistently felt like our senior year never even had a chance to really start because of all of the missed senior activities and traditions that seniors have looked forward to since freshman year.

Throughout most of the year, being online left all of the senior traditions as an afterthought, but as the year is coming to a close, more opportunities are opening up for seniors. Now with social

distancing restrictions lift- with my classmates as we these events brings back ed and the rate of vacci- all prepare for graduation a sense of community and nations increasing, there and moving on to college. normalcy, and serves as a Going to a private reminder of what the past are some events that NDB is putting on for seniors. school during this time years at NDB were like.

From a senior is nice because having a Although this is never what perspective, I am glad that smaller class enables us to I imagined for my senior there is hope for the differ- still be able to meet and year, it is exciting to know that there is hope ent traditional for seniors, and senior activthat administraities such as tion, faculty and the Mothstaff are working er-Daughter really hard to Tea, prom make the best of and graduathe situation for tion, but it is the graduating not the way Class of 2021. that I ever Overall, imagined my excitement high school PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGE RETELAS the years coming Seniors show off their college commitments. for the future is definitely presto a close. For being such an untraditional have events that can fol- ent for the senior class at year, I am excited to have low the protocols for our NDB as everyone has high the opportunity to celebrate county in terms of social hopes for a more normal my accomplishments in distancing and such. Get- freshman year to make up nearly finishing high school ting together as a class at for our lost senior year.

Freshman POV: Finishing my first year of high school Emma Callicott & Mia Muzzi Staff Writers @TheNDBCatalyst

Students spent most of their year online until the hybrid model started in March. This means that most freshmen did not have their first day on campus until halfway through the year.

Emma Callicott:

This year was a lot different than the typical freshman year. I had always been excited to start high school, especially after my brother went to high school. And, I was even more excited after I had decided what high school I was going to.

Everything was going fine. Then, the start of the COVID-19 pandemic hit. It was at the end of eighth grade and, at first, I

was fairly confident that we would be back in-person by the start of ninth grade.

However, that was not the case. As the summer ended and the days until the start of high school neared, I realized that I would be starting my freshman year online.

Even with this, I stayed positive through the first few months of school, confident that I would be able to return soon. But, after a while online, the disappointment and loss of a real freshman year started to catch up to me. For me, it felt like the same amount of work, just without the ability to make friends. It had always been hard to make friends over Zoom.

After winter break, we were finally giv-

en the opportunity to go in-person for something called “NDB Learning Pods.” At this point, I had accepted staying online for the year, but my friend recommended that I sign-up.

So, I did and it was a great experience. I was able to make my first few friends, but I still felt a loss of meeting my teachers and the rest of my classmates.

Four weeks later, NDB planned to open up the hybrid model. As I got ready to go to school for the first time, I had mixed feelings. I was excited to meet my teachers and feel more like a real school experience.

The first few weeks of the hybrid model were a big part of my year.

I was able to learn from the school and meet many new people. After a while of going two days a week, NDB changed into a fourday-a-week model with all students on campus. This is the most normal the ninth graders have gotten to a traditional freshman year.

Mia Muzzi:

Online school was a complete mix of good and bad. I had started my freshman year on Zoom, and it didn’t even feel like my first year of high school.

My mom usually takes photos on my first day of school each year, but this year my photo was a lot different. Most of my first day pictures are of me in front of my school, smiling with classmates, but this year I was sitting alone at my desk.

This shows just how much my life had changed from my previous years. I knew that high school would change my life, but I never expected the pandemic to affect my freshman year as much as it did.

In middle school, whenever I looked forward to high school, I thought about the football games, lunches with my friends, and dances. I didn’t think about going to school in my pajamas every day or meet-

Behind the mask: The loss of a smile Ashley Strain Contributing Writer @TheNDBCatalyst

A smile is the most recognizable facial expression. It is the first thing most people notice about you. A smile can brighten a day and leave a lasting impression.

I remember being a young girl at the park with my brothers. Whenever I would see another girl roughly my age, I would run up to her and introduce myself, something that always came with a smile.

The other girl’s smile would be an affirmation of her desire to be friends with me. This non-verbal communication begins so young, but is so definable, readable and identifiable. A smile serves as a welcome in many cases. Our smiles reveal our emotions.

Imagine a world without a smile. That is what happened once COVID-19 began, which forced us all

ing my teachers and classmates through a screen.

However, when comparing my year to my other friends at different schools, I saw how lucky I was. I am forever grateful for my teachers and their constant support and encouragement through this year. It was hard to adjust to a new school and new homework loads, and without them, I wouldn’t have been able to do it.

This year, you have to remind yourself to think of the good things over the bad. I struggled a lot with this, but I have to say that in the end, I did get my freshman high school experience.

I am now in-person four days a week, and I’ve met most of my class through retreats and classes. I’ve obviously missed out on a lot, but I still have the next three years to make up for it. I won’t let this one mediocre year stop me from having fun for the rest of my high school experience.

I remember be- is who. I have now learned to mask one of our most identifying and satisfying ginning my days at NDB to recognize people by facial expressions behind and having to meander their hair, eyes and height.

Having our smiles a mask, bandana or ga- a new campus with only tor. The world just is not the eyes of my teachers covered can make it chalas friendly with every- and peers showing. I re- lenging to read other people. It can often be one’s smile masked. difficult to keep a con W h i l e versation going when they have reduced you cannot underthe transmission of stand the other person COVID-19, face because you cannot masks have halted rely on lip-reading. the non-verbal cheer Facial expressions that a smile can bring. and body language They have affected THE CATALYST / EDITORIAL STAFF are a big factor in gethow we interact with Masks cover people’s smiles, limitting to know someone. others on a daily baing social interaction and making

While I am a firm sis. With face masks people appear less approachable. believer in following covering our smiles, it is difficult to meet new member hoping to rec- health and safety guidelines people. The mask hides the ognize another friend or to keep safe, I look forward smile, but also many other acquaintance whose face to the day when we can undefinable features, such as a was covered by a mask. It mask our unseen smiles. chin, lips, teeth and jawline. is tough to figure out who

page 5

theCATALYST NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

EDITORIAL STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Amelia Kyle MANAGING EDITOR Peyton Daley NEWS EDITOR Paige Clarke OPINION EDITOR Clair Sapilewski ASST OPINION EDITOR Brooke Horvai SPORTS EDITOR Kaitlyn Lopez PHOTO EDITOR Jennifer Huang STAFF WRITERS Victoria Bartels Emma Callicott Izzy Enock Kaelin Hughes Charlotte King Nicole Miller Audrey Mogannam Mia Muzzi Lynne Pan Anna Sanguinetti FACULTY ADVISOR Robert Rojas

ABOUT THE CATALYST

The Catalyst is a student-run newspaper that is published seven times a year in print and 24/7 online at www.TheNDBCatalyst.com for the 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 The Catalyst Notre Dame High School 1540 Ralston Avenue Belmont, California 94002 Phone: (650) 595-1913 Email: TheCatalystNDB@ gmail.com Website: www.

TheNDBCatalyst.com Social Media / Instagram & Twitter: @TheNDBCatalyst

FEATURE Disneycades: Annual Aquacades heads online with virtual premiere page 6

by Jennifer Huang Photo Editor

Aquacades is an NDB sisterhood tradition where the freshman and juniors compete with the sophomores and seniors for spirit points. With COVID-19, adjustments were made to keep the tradition alive during a pandemic. Aquacades 2021 occurred on May 7 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. It was virtually streamed to all classes online, but seniors came to NDB to watch on campus.

This year’s theme was Disneycades, separated into four different sections of the Disney Plus streaming service and four different genres of music.

The seniors got the first pick with Disney and hip hop and R&B. Next was the juniors with Pixar and pop music. The sophomore class’s theme was Marvel, and the music genre was rock. Lastly, the freshman with Star Wars and country.

“I enjoyed participating in Aquacades,” said freshman Mallory Moore.

“It was a very fun experience. Our group had a lot of fun practicing together, even though it was chaotic.”

In March 2020, students were sent home a week before Aquacades

was supposed to happen.

They were not able to perform, but were looking forward to this year’s spirit rally.

“I’m very excited,” said sophomore Megan Cabral. “I’m very sad that my freshman year, we weren’t able to do it. I love the group I’ve been doing Aquacades with, and we’ve had a lot of fun. So, I’m just really excited for everyone to see it and have a good time.”

It is nice for the seniors to participate with their friends in this last Aquacades. But, although this was the last one, it is sensational for them to put this in their memories from NDB.

“I’d say it’s one of those things where I’ve done it every year, and it’s just so exciting, like hanging out with my friends and bonding with the other classes,” said senior Elizabeth Weishaar. “It’s just one of the highlights, I guess, of every year, and it’s exciting to have it one last time before I graduate.”

Aquacades was a little different this year, but the NDB tradition continues. From first-time performances to students’ last, Aquacades is an experience they will never forget.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF @NDBTIGERS

Freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors show their school spirit on the week’s theme days.

Q&A with Tri-School actress Isabella Hildebrand-Veccia Despite the many challenges of COVID-19, Tri-School Productions was still able to put on a spring show this year: “Shrek: the Musical!” Although different this year, the cast collaborated via Zoom and made the most out of their rehearsals to put on the best show possible. The audition process included a pre-audition meeting, video submissions, and call backs over Zoom. The musical premiered on May 7 and was streamed for everyone who purchased tickets. Isabella Hildebrand-Veccia, an NDB sophomore, let the Catalyst know about her experiences in the musical this year.

The Catalyst (TC): How was the virtual audition process and the video submission format different from the regular audition process?

Isabella Hildebrand-Veccia (IHV): For me, I’ve done a lot of self tapes recently. Just acting for a camera is different from acting on stage since you have to tone everything down a bit and cannot look around as much. It was very different from being on stage since you have to be a lot bigger on stage.

excited to see I made it!

TC: How were the rehearsals and practices together? Was being online difficult for the cast?

IHV: We didn’t have a ton of rehearsals online, other than music rehearsals. We were able to film in person, so we were just preparing for being together online. We got TC: What were your favorite parts a lot of the cast-bonding aspect onabout doing a virtual musical? line, but practiced more in-person.

What were some of the challengTC: What is the biggest takeaway es? from doing your first virtual musiIHV: Learning the music was a cal? challenge since you had to learn it on your own and could not get IHV: Anything is possible. Flexibilhelp from people in your scene. ity is also really important since we My favorite part was just being in changed the plan of how we were going to film everyday. Being able a musical again. to adapt to new things and try TC: How did you react when you them is essential. found out that you made it in the musical and got the part of the TC: Would you ever plan on dosugarplum fairy as well as a blind ing another virtual musical? Would you recommend it to others? mouse?

IHV: I was very excited. I kept refreshing the page over and over on the cast list website, and my name was very low down. So, I was worried I got cut. I finally found my name at the bottom and was super

IHV: If it’s between a virtual musical and regular musical, I would not choose to do a virtual musical.

But, if it is between a virtual musical and no musical, then I would choose to do the virtual musical!

SPOTLIGHT

page 7

Meet the Class of 2021 Valedictorians and Salutatorians

Co-Valedictorian Sachi Bopardikar Co-Valedictorian Genevieve Bencze

Sachi Bopardikar has been named Co-Valedictorian for the NDB Class of 2021. The title is a testament to her hard work and commitment to her academic pursuits over her time in high school.

“I feel pretty excited [about being named Co-Valedictorian],” said Bopardikar. “All the effort I put into school paid off.”

Not only did Bopardikar succeed in challenging classes, she also was involved in many aspects of the school community. She was on the Ambassador Board for two years after being a club member during her freshman and sophomore years. She served on the Health and Wellness Board during her sophomore year. After being in Key Club for all four years, she had a leadership role on the board during her senior year. She was involved in the debate team. Still, the activity that stands out the most is Mock Trial.

Bopardikar was on the Mock Trial team for all four years of high school. During her junior year, she was co-captain, and during her senior year,

she became the full captain.

“I’d definitely say Mock Trial [helped me grow the most] because I think I grew so much from freshman year to the time where I was as a senior, both in skills and in public speaking and being able to talk really confidently, but also in leadership skills because I did have a really big leadership position,” Bopardikar shared. “I think I gained a lot leadership wise, and I saw myself improve each year. Like, I used to be really, really stressed my freshman year.

I would really be stressed before competitions and would cry and stuff, but then I kept going, and I kept at it and I got a lot better over the years.”

Her role in Mock Trial has also allowed her

to contribute to the NDB community in her own way.

“The biggest way [I’ve impacted the school community] I think was through the Mock Trial program because I feel like I put in a lot to the program to help it grow, but also through the different leadership positions, I feel like it helped Notre Dame or the community grow,” Bopardikar shared. “It was really nice to be able to help other freshmen who were in the same position as I was. It was really nice to have that leadership aspect where I could help people, and guide people through the program.”

Next year, Bopardikar will attend UCLA, where she is going to be a molecular biology and cellular biology major.

Genevieve Bencze has been a dedicated student and community member throughout her time at NDB. After four years of academic success, she has recognized as Co-Valedictorian for the Class of 2021.

“I’m very excited [to be named Co-Valedictorian]. It’s something I’ve been working towards for all four years at Notre Dame, and I’m really happy that my hard work paid off,” Bencze shared.

While this achievement is important to her, Bencze feels that her proudest accomplishment from high school lies outside the classroom.

“I’d say I’m really proud of how much I’ve grown as a person and how high school shaped me and shaped my values,” said Bencze. “It helped me to see what I want out of my life and to see the person I want to be in the rest of my life.”

She credits her teachers and the community with helping her grow.

“I’ve had a lot of teachers who are very inspiring, particularly Mr. Loeffler and Dr. Hegarty,” she explained. “It’s an environment where I feel that

I can grow without feeling like I need to hold myself back, and that’s the type of environment that has really helped me to thrive.”

Over her time at NDB she has been involved in many extracurriculars. Bencze serves as president of the Acapella Club and participates in the International Debate Club.

She also takes private voice lessons, does musical theater, and is part of an acapella group outside of school. Most of all, she has applied her passion for social justice into her role in the community.

“I’m very social justice minded, so I bring that aspect of myself into everything I do, which I think is really good for the community because it helps others to learn about

diversity and helps them to open their minds as well,” said Bencze.

She plans to continue to develop her interest in social justice with a focus on mental health in the coming years. She is attending UCLA in the fall and will study either psychology or social work.

“I’ve had a lot of mental health struggles myself, and in figuring out how to manage those, I’ve kind of learned to analyze my past experiences and think about how those impact the person that I am,” Bencze added. “Reflecting on that made me want to learn more about how the brain works because I just think it’s so fascinating how everything we encounter impacts who we become.”

Co-Salutatorian Margaret O’Brien Co-Salutatorian Ashlin O’Riordan

Maggie O’Brien has earned the role of Co-Salutatorian this year.

She has stood out as an exemplary student andcontributed through her many activities.

“I was honestly kind of surprised that I got [co-salutatorian], and I’m so excited just to speak in front of my class at graduation and on Class Day,” said O’Brien. “And, just to represent my class after this tough year, so I’m looking forward to it.”

O’Brien managed to succeed in challenging classes while also working at Trader Joe’s for 25 hours a week. Additionally, she was the president of the Ambassador Board and captain of the competitive Math Team. She also has played volleyball and beach volleyball and served on the Health and Wellness Board.

“I definitely think [these activities] shaped me into the person that I am today… They really developed my strength, sense of identity, and understanding of what I’m really passionate about,” she explained. “I didn’t know I was really passionate about math until a few years ago, and now I really like doing math. I devel-

oped stronger relationships with my teachers and peers because of that.”

O’Brien plans to pursue her interest in math and science in the future.

She will be attending the University of Washington and is hoping to study data science or neuroscience.

“For neuroscience, it was Ms. Nguyen, freshman year, who inspired my interest. She taught me in biology…

And then, for math, it was definitely Mr. Loeffler for the past two years in Precalculus Honors and AP Calculus. His classes were really just inspiring, and I developed a really strong relationship with him, and he’s really nurtured me through the past two years and helped me through COVID and everything.

So, I’m really grateful to him,” she shared.

Throughout her time at NDB, O’Brien has achieved a lot, but she feels that her proudest accomplishment is who she has become. After recently leading a Zoom call for the Ambassador Board where she spoke to many people, including many parents, she realized how much her time in high school has helped her find confidence.

“I would say [I’m proudest of] how far I’ve come, just as a person. Seeing my confidence from a few weeks ago compared to four years ago is just a crazy difference, and I think that’s my proudest accomplishment,” O’Brien reflected. “I just think that the sense of sisterhood and belonging here has really helped me find my sense of self, and really find who I am as an individual and prepared me for college.”

Not only is Ashlin O’Riordan a dedicated athlete and a leader, she is also a committed student. Her accomplishments throughout her high school years have led her to be named Co-Salutatorian for the NDB Class of 2021.

“I was so happy when I found out [I was co-salutatorian]. I literally never wake up early. So, when I woke up at nine because my dogs were barking, I looked at my email and literally jumped out of bed. I was running around my house,” shared O’Riordan.

O’Riordan is proud to have been able to achieve academic success and be a leader for the school. “I’ve been able to keep up really good grades, so I’m very happy that I was able to do that. And, I’m also proud of my leadership roles. Like, this year, I’m senior class president, which was super cool,” O’Riordan said. “I’ve also been on a bunch of boards, like MARCOM, Health and Wellness, and homeroom president for three years.

I’ve just helped out a lot so I’m proud to have been able to give back to the school.”

In addition to her leadership positions, O’Riordan also volunteered at

St. Bartholomew’s Parish in San Mateo every week for the past three years.

She was a teacher this year, and served as a teaching assistant for two years.

O’Riordan has been on NDB’s varsity volleyball team for three years after being brought up from JV during her sophomore year. She plays club volleyball and beach volleyball as well.

“Walking into freshman year, everyone told me, just get involved, so I’m just happy I took every opportunity that was presented to me and just went with it,” O’Riordan stated. “Even though I was stretched thin sometimes, I’m still very happy to look back and say that I’ve done, mostly accomplishments that I was able to pull off.”

Next year, O’Ri-

Stories by Peyton Daley, Managing Editor | Photos courtesy of George Retelas

ordan will be attending the University of California, Berkeley and will be majoring in applied math. She hopes to get a master’s in engineering since she is interested in aerospace engineering.

While she is excited for her future endeavors, O’Riordan is grateful for her time at NDB.

“It’s had a huge impact on me over these last four years. I could probably say I’m friends with a lot of the kids here.

I love each and every one of them,” said O’Riordan.

“I’m happy to be saying, as salutatorian and class president, that I’m representing the school in our grade, so that’s been an honor…

Mostly I would say that I’m grateful for everyone in my class for being in my class and standing with me for the last four years.”

page 8

SPOTLIGHT

Class of 2021: “Knight-time” is over

From KNIGHTS | Page 1

class and gave them an incredibly warm welcome through sister class bonding activities. They also celebrated their positions as upperclassmen with the Junior Ring Ceremony, held in early November, surrounded by the support of family and friends in the NDNU chapel. Junior Class President Olivia Pera dedicated a speech to the Knights, showing her love and support for the entire class during the ceremony.

In March of 2020, every NDB class, extracurricular activity, and sport moved onto a virtual platform due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Knights became all too familiar with Zoom and unfortunately had to miss out on exciting festivities, like Aquacades and their first prom.

Senior year began in the same virtual format introduced in the previous year, but the Knights

made the most of it. They gathered in weekly class meetings conducted every Wednesday, college meetings with Mrs. Cunha, and in Zoom classes everyday.

But as COVID-19 conditions began to improve, the Knights were able to return to school in a hybrid model and enjoy their senior year in-person.

Senior Class President Ashlin O’Riordan kept the spirit alive through reminders to dress up for Spirit Week and to come to the Aquacades premiere.

Since Aquacades 2021 was pre-filmed, there was no official winner, but the Knights know that the grand prize really went to them. “Our class is very spirited, even during COVID,” said ASB President Olivia Pera, who led the way in coordinating this year’s Aquacades. “I think that the people in our class have done a great job of getting excited about spirit days and encourag-

ing others to participate as well. We’ve helped to make school spirit ‘cool,’ which has allowed more people to feel comfortable just having fun and supporting our fellow Knights.”

Pera went on to comment on the sisterhood.

“Our class is quite supportive of one another,” said Pera. “People in our class make an active effort to really support each other in our various endeavours, and I truly love that.”

Finally, Pera left some parting words for the entire student body before her final departure as president. “Thank you for letting me be your student council president, both on ASB and during junior year,” she continued. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on student council and have had a blast working for and with all of you. I wish everyone the best of luck in whatever they may do, but I know that you will do amazing in whatever you

PHOTO COURTESY OF NDB

The Knights gather as a class during one of the last on-campus events prior to the pandemic. strive to accomplish.” one another with constant they should feel immense

The Knights have love, empathy and encour- pride for everything they demonstrated nothing but agement. Our seniors have have accomplished during incredible strength, resil- completely transformed their time here at NDB, ience and positivity. They from scared kids into con- and should look forward have truly embodied the fident young women over to everything they will acmeaning of NDB sister- the course of the past four complish in college and behood, through embracing years. As they graduate, yond.

Seniors celebrate end of year activities in-person

by Izzy Enock Staff Writer

PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGE RETELAS

Socially distanced seniors gather together in the Father Downey Garden to watch the streaming premiere of Aquacades 2021.

As the year comes to an end, NDB faculty and staff have been going to great lengths to organize fun and safe end of the year events. The whole school has felt the impact of the pandemic this year, but the loss of community events has definitely been the hardest for some. Thankfully, students, and seniors especially, are not going without a bang.

To start off the list of activities, seniors were hosted in the Father Downey Garden for a special Disneyquades.

The grass was filled with smiling seniors scattered in college sweatshirts and warm clothes. This event

reminded us seniors just how much we were going to miss our class spirit once we graduate in June.

Senior Mother Daughter Tea will be held on May 23 and is an annual in-person event for seniors and their mothers to celebrate all their hard work.

On May 28, graduation boxes will be available for pickup, including graduation announcements, cap and gowns, gloves, honor cords, leadership leis, senior stickers, awards and alumni gifts.

On Friday, June 4, Class Day will be hosted virtually for all students online with the exception of seniors and the new ASB officers in-person.

This live event will mark the day when all students

move up to their next grade together. Following Class Day, Graduation Rehearsal and the Prayer Service and Blessing will be held after school for graduates only.

The Prayer Service will be livestreamed, so that families can participate.

Graduation and Prom night will be held on Saturday, June 5 for all seniors and their respective guests. Seniors will be given three tickets for guests wanting to attend the graduation ceremony, and anyone wishing to attend from the comfort of their home can join in the livestream.

Prom will be hosted outdoors with food trucks and photo areas and will be a night seniors will not want to miss.

Prayer service and graduation ceremony modified for COVID-19

by Nicole Miller Staff Writer

On Friday, June 4, NDB will be hosting a series of events starting with Class Day, which will begin at 2:00 p.m. It will be held both in-person and in a virtual format. Seniors will assemble in the Moore Pavillion with the new ASB members, while other NDB students will attend virtually.

The Senior Prayer Service, also known as the Baccalaureate Mass, will be held that same afternoon at 4:30 p.m. in the Moore Pavillion. This event is for graduating seniors only.

The service will be livestreamed, so that families

and friends can still participate in congratulating the Class of 2021. This spiritual event will be led by our students.

Graduation will be held the following day on Saturday, June 5, beginning at 11:00 a.m. At this time, it is still undecided how many tickets will be administered to each student to accommodate family. Additionally, this momentous event will be live-streamed in consideration of those who may not be comfortable with attending or are unable to attend.

In keeping with state guidelines, attendees are required to reside within the state of California and, of course, all

COVID-19 protocols must be followed, including face mask coverings for all participants.

Although this year has been nothing expected, NDB is making every effort to acknowledge the Class of 2021. The administration is doing everything they can to hold a memorable commencement for the graduating class, while also adhering to both state and local county requirements.

Safety will be of utmost importance for the well-being of all attendees, including our students, their families, staff, and the entire NDB community.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGE RETELAS

From the archives: The Class of 2019 graduation was held in St. Pius Catholic Church in Redwood City, one of NDB’s usual graduation venues before the pandemic.

SPOTLIGHT

C/O ‘21 college map

Alabama University of Alabama: Maddie Perry, Samantha Cummins Auburn University: Ashlie Edison Arizona University of Arizona: Izzy Enock, Jolie Orban, Stella Sanguinetti, Ashley Pelzner Arizona State University: Taylor McDonald California Chapman University: Nicole Miller, Emily Bergholm, Laura Collantes UC Berkeley: Ashlin O’Riordan, Amelia Kyle, Kristen Carpio, Jessica Tablante UC Davis: Alyssa Enriquez, Julia Granucci, Nieve Dandekar, Anee Guilhot, Madeleine Gleason, Kate Xie, Sarah Simmonds, Zoe Enders, Angel Zhou UC Los Angeles: Genevieve Bencze, Sachi Bopardikar, Olivia Pera UC Merced: Carmela Zumot

UC Santa Barbara: Ally Compton, Rachel Li, Alexa Parikh UC San Diego: Sofia Schnabel California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo: Mila Vaish, Kelly Shackel CSU Chico: Mary Hunsaker University of Southern California: Razan Asmar Point Loma Nazarene University: Natalee Cross Dominican University of California: Mia Soracco, Alex Salise, Alaiyah San Juan California Lutheran University: Miranda Chan California College of the Arts: Sophie Ring San Diego State University: Julia Roche, McKenzie Rees, Bridget Lancaster Loyola Marymount University: Monica Bach, Victoria Bartels, Alessandra Vano San Jose State University: Elena Garcia, Marina Nueckel University of the Pacific: Abigail Miller

University of San Francisco: Kristen Martinez, Ellie Weiksner Pepperdine University: Kaitlyn Lopez, Audrey Mogannam Santa Clara University: Kassie Cleland Colorado University of Colorado, Boulder: Samantha Sutter, Emily Fletcher, Charlotte King Colorado School of Mines: Elizabeth Weishaar Florida University of Tampa: Meghan Maguire

Indiana Indiana University: Kaelin Hughes, Paige Ivancich, Taylor Klein Massachusetts Northeastern University: Annica Kim, Tiffany Tse Boston University: Lila McKenna, Arya Tumuluri Wellesley College: Maya Hart Emerson College: Satiene Fortenbach Michigan University of Michigan: Liya Fowler

Hawaii Hawaii Pacific University: Sophia Ontiveros

New York St. John’s University, Queens: Mia Adao Barnard College: Aletta Chen State University of New York, Brockport: Theatrice Thompson Sarah Lawrence College: Lucie Nash

Illinois: Knox College: Rachel Schonfeld Loyola University Chicago: Maya Madera

Oregon University of Oregon: Annaliese Shelton, Audrey Sanguinetti, Mallery Barnes

Georgia University of Georgia, Athens: Paige Clarke

page 9

So, where are we going now?

University of Portland: Erina Suzuki, Faith Conry Pennsylvania Villanova University: Isabella Ailanjian Tennessee University of Tennessee, Knoxville: Sophia Kostainsek, Ailish Reed, Tori Judy Texas Southern Methodist University: Abby Damelio, Channing Taner Baylor University: Kylie O’Donoghue Texas Christian University: Mabrey Cliff Virginia George Mason University: Emma Nolte Washington Cornish College of the Arts: Madeleine Beckner Gonzaga University: Andrea Aquino, Isabella Love, Adriana DiCorpo, Hadley Stevick, Karry Pu, Lauren Peters

University of Washington: Maggie O’Brien Washington State University: Hanna Alcazar Seattle University: Kaitlin Studt, Alejandra Fernandez, Eabha Finn, Enika Patel Wisconsin University of Wisconsin: Chloe Powell International University of Glasgow (UK): Lauren Gonsalves University of Manchester (England): Leah Lad University of the Arts London (England): Anna Sanguinetti University of British Columbia (Canada): Cailey Murad Other Dominique Gradidge, Lauren Massey, Maggie Stack, Caylin Hayes, Nicole Robinson, Camelot AuYeung, Jenny He, Sophia Ontiveros, Vivian Ruan, Tania Ortega, Ava Hall, Shea Hanson, Ava Denhad, Luna Gu, Daisy Villanueva, Mary Xu

page 10

SPOTLIGHT

The Catalyst’s senior staff say goodbye Victoria Bartels, Staff Writer

Paige Clarke, News Editor

Izzy Enock, Staff Writer

Victoria will be attending Loyola Marymount University in the fall as a double major in Political Science and African American Studies. She plans to go to law school and become an attorney.

Paige will be attending University of Georgia in the fall. She plans on majoring in Journalism and minoring in Sports Management. In her future career, she hopes to go into Sports Journalism or News Broadcasting.

Izzy will be attending University of Arizona in the fall and will major in Political Science with a minor in Special Education. She hopes to become a special education attorney with an emphasis on mental health law in the future.

Charlotte King, Staff Writer

Kaelin Hughes, Staff Writer Kaelin will be attending Indiana University in the fall as a major in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management with a focus in Hospitality. For her future career, she wants to go into the hotel industry.

Kaitlyn Lopez, Sports Editor Kaitlyn will be attending Pepperdine University in the fall and will be majoring in Psychology. She hopes to become either a psychologist, therapist or counselor in her future career.

Charlotte will be attending University of Colorado, Boulder in the fall.

She plans to major in Marketing and will be going into Pre-Business as a freshman. She’s not sure what she plans to do in the future, but she looks forward to finding her passion in college.

Nicole Miller, Sports Writer Nicole will be attending Chapman University in the fall as a double-major in Strategic and Corporate Communication and Psychology. She hopes to work in public relations, sales, real estate, media, or become a clinical psychologist. She is most looking forward to meeting new people and being involved in Greek life.

Audrey Mogannam, Staff Writer Audrey will be attending Pepperdine University in the fall with a major in Business.

She hopes to go to law school after college and become an attorney.

Amelia Kyle, Editor in chief Amelia will be attending University of California, Berkeley in the fall. She plans on majoring in Legal Studies, Spanish or Psychology and minoring in Journalism. After college, she hopes to go to law or journalism school and pursue a career in either field.

Anna Sanguinetti, Staff Writer Anna will be attending the University of the Arts London: London College of Fashion in the fall and will be studying Cosmetic Science.She would like to become an esthetician and understand the science of how products work and help people feel more confident by taking care of their skin.

FEATURE

page 11

Hate crimes against AAPI community continue to rise

by Amelia Kyle Editor-in-Chief

Ever since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, the virus has spread globally, affecting the lives of people all over the world. But with the spread of the virus came an increase in intolerance toward the entire Asian community, especially here in the United States.

Once the virus reached our shores, public rhetoric addressing it was immediately targeted toward the Chinese-American community. From social media users calling it the “Kung Flu,” to former President Donald Trump repeatedly referring to it as the “Chinese Virus,” it became difficult for the American population to disassociate COVID-19 from China.

As a result, hate crimes against Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) skyrocketed. Between March

2020 and February 2021, 3,800 hate crimes against the AAPI community have been reported according to NBC News. This is a harsh increase from the 2,600 reported between 2019 and early 2020.

The vast majority of the hate crimes were committed against women and the elderly. In February 2020, an Asian woman was physically assaulted on the New York subway by a man who assumed she had COVID-19. A fellow Asian woman suffered a strikingly similar experience on the subway in Los Angeles within the same month.

Many of the attacks have occurred against the Asian elderly population in nearby San Francisco. In January 2021, an elderly Thai man was shoved and killed by a 19-year-old man from Daly City. In March, a 39-year-old white man committed two separate, unprovoked attacks against elderly Asians in the Tenderloin district within

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLICKR CREATIVE COMMONS / MIKI JOURDAN

A young protestor show her support against Anti-Asian hate crimes in America.

just two days of each other.

In response to the alarming rise in crimes against the AAPI community, a movement called “Stop Asian Hate” has arisen via social media and nationwide protests. The protests sparked a demand for the legislation, which led to the Anti-Asian Hate Crime

Bill being passed through the Senate in April 2021.

Finally, the NDB administration also addressed the recent anti-Asian violence in an open letter to the community. “Over the past year, members of the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities

have been blamed for the pandemic – slander born of xenophobia and ignorance,” the letter, sent out on March 19, stated. “We as a community must stand as a bulwark against hatred and bigotry, and welcome and embrace individuals from every background because it makes us better

and stronger. An attack on any group of us is an attack on all of us – and on everything we represent.”

The NDB community stands in solidarity with the Asian-American Pacific Islander community, especially in such an unprecedented time of adversity, terror, and hardship.

AAPI POV: Stop Asian hate! AAPI POV: Rally to support AAPI

PHOTO COURTESY OF UPSPLASH / VIVIANA RISHE

The global community is beginning to rally against AAPI discrimination and hate crimes.

by Madeline Whitt Francisco, where there Contributing Writer is a large and well-estaband Brooke Horvai lished Asian population, Assistant Opinion Editor there were multiple instances of racially moti Asian hate and vated hate crimes, many discrimination in Ameri- involving physical asca are not new. From the sault, such as the “Slap an wave of Chinese immi- Asian” challenge, against gration in the 1850s to the Asian population. the Japanese-Americans Recently, just scapegoated during World going out for neighborWar II to now, Asians have hood walks is considered a constantly been taken ad- risk. On one occasion, my vantage of and blamed for cousin and I were walkthings out of their control. ing their dog, and we both

The latest issue had to bundle up to avoid is COVID-19. The first recognition. Wearing hats, reported case was traced sunglasses, masks to disback to Wuhan, a large ur- tort our features to prevent ban city in China. Unfor- being pinpointed as Asian. tunately, due to its origins, In one hand, we were carthe blame has been placed rying the dog leash and, on Asians as a whole. in the other, pepper spray.

Attacks, mainly After being laon the elderly, began to oc- beled the “model minority” cur everywhere, inspiring and having a significant new ones as they occurred. part of the country comIn our own backyard, San pare Asians to white peo-

ple as being on the same socio-economic level and even criticized as dominating in admissions to colleges, the racist backlash of the pandemic is an important reminder of how embedded racism is in the minds of our country.

As an AsianAmerican student, I have been fortunate enough to stay out of the majority of the conflict. However, although the insults do not equate to actual violence, they still hurt.

The comments and microaggressions made at the expense of the community are just as harmful.

Knowing that Asians are still the butt of the joke, that our accents and culture are considered funny, makes me feel unsafe.

But despite all the hatred, there is a counter-balancing positive effect.

The outcries of hate, while upsetting, have inspired a wave of kind acts and have spurred generous spirits to not only recognize the problem but to prompt change.

In today’s environment where society is more communicative than ever due to technological advancements, hate crimes gain more visibility than ever before, allowing racism to be challenged promptly with an overwhelming call for equality.

People all over the country are working with the APPI community in different ways, small and large, to do their part of being allies and making their voices heard.

If anything good came out of this pandemic, it is change.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BEATRICE NGHIEM

Seal Beach’s Leisure World residents rally in support of the AAPI community.

by Brooke Horvai anti-Asian sentiment. Both Assistant Opinion Editor Leisure World residents and other members of the com Asian-American munity attended, standing racism is not uncommon. on a sidewalk with signs.

It has been echoed through- Two attendees out history that Asians were Beatrice and Sonny are “oriental foreigners,” Nghiem, Vietnamese imwho are extremely differ- migrants who have lived at ent from the average per- Leisure World for around son. Over the past year, six years. They heard about COVID-19 has continued the protest by word-ofperpetuating this false mouth and decided to atnotion. Because of this, tend to show their support. hate crimes against AAPIs “We went up to have drastically increased. the rally. We didn’t have

In early March, that much time; we had a letter was sent to the about half a day,” said Befamily of a deceased Ko- atrice. “So, we were trying rean man, named Byong to do it [make posters] by Choi, in the Seal Beach hand. And [we thought] retirement home, known let’s just call some people as Leisure World. The let- to go and show up to offer, ter was handwritten and to show the outside world depicted anti-Asian sen- that we are one family. It timent, including that his doesn’t matter if they’re death led to, “One less Black, or white, or Asian.

Asian to put up with.” We are all one family.”

The local AAPI Eventually, the community was under- media caught onto the standably upset and orga- protest, interviewing and nized a protest to display filming attendees. Because their disapproval towards of the publicity, another

more organized protest was planned. Everyone from the Leisure World’s Filipino Club president to a representative from the Republican party attended. This was more of a conference with each representative speaking and demonstrating solidarity.

“It was a backand-forth with about 200 people inside,” Beatrice commented. “But, the first one was still outside... and as people were coming by, they would honk their car [horn].”

According to the Nghiems, a lot of non-Asian people showed up at the protest to stand for the cause.

“I was surprised because a lot of people came... and it’s not only Asian people,” said Beatrice. “So, a lot of American people, white people, came and thanked us for coming. One-third [of participants] were all white people… They just want to show that there is no room in this community or anywhere for this kind of hate crime.”

Overall, that sentiment seems to be the unanimous consensus among attendees of the protest. The protest was to stand in support of the Korean man’s family and to express that kind of hatred was not welcome in the community.

“The main reason for us to rally was to demonstrate that this is not right,” finished Beatrice.

“It cannot happen, not only in Leisure World, but in the outside world. We are people, too. It’s just a different skin color. That is it.”

page 12

ARTS & LIFE

May the Fourth be with you: Celebrate Star Wars Day

by Clair Sapilewski Opinion Editor

Star Wars is a classic, a movie staple, a film series that has been endeared by fans for many years. “A New Hope” hit the theaters over four decades ago and shocked the world. Super fans will have you know, however, that it was originally titled simply “Star Wars,” as nobody, not even the creator himself, envisioned the impact the space saga would have on audiences 44 years later.

I watched my first “Star Wars” movie when I was just seven, the same age that my mom was when she walked out of that New Jersey movie theater in 1977. Before that, it took her several months of convincing to persuade her parents to take their second grade daughter to a movie with “war” in the title. Their caution may have been rightfully placed though, for she never looked back and has been an avid “Star Wars” fan ever since.

“Star Wars” was an instant success because of the lovable characters, special effects, and a plot that instantly captured viewers. It was unique, and it was for everyone. The film also came at a time

when space travel and general speculation about the universe was on the minds of millions. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made their famous trip to the moon in 1969, less than a decade before the first “Star Wars” movie was released.

Fast forward to the 1980s. After the success of “A New Hope,” Lucas released the second installment: “The Empire Strikes Back.” Although sequels are often charged with not measuring up to their original counterparts, episode five did considerably well and is still considered by many fans to be a better movie than “A New Hope.”

Three years later, “Return of The Jedi” debuted. The movie did incredibly well and showed fans across the globe that “Star Wars” was here to stay.

But, Lucasfilm did more than make great movies. They devised great ways to make great amounts of money. There were “Star Wars” toys, books, posters, and every kind of collectable a movie lover could dream of. My mom still has numerous Luke and Leia action figures from the 1980s, and I often lay my head down on a “Star Wars” pillowcase at night. “Star Wars” insert-

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CATALYST EDITORIAL STAFF

Juniors Clair Sapilewski (left), Brooke Horvai (right), and family proudly don their Star Wars gear. ed itself into pop-culture, and by doing so, made an incredibly strong fan base, one that would stand by their beloved movies even through the rocky years that “Star Wars” faced.

A new century came along, and with it, new movies. These, however, didn’t quite hit the high bar that the original trilogy set. “The Phantom Menace,” “Attack of the Clones,” and “Revenge of The Sith” follow Luke’s father, Anakin, and his path to the dark side. Worth-

while to see, but not worth the time to re-watch, these movies disappointed many fans. However, they made the creators determined to make it what it once was.

Ten years later, “The Force Awakens” was released. As the first “Star Wars” movie I viewed in theaters, the film had a substantial impact on me.

I finally understood what it felt like to see a “Star Wars” film with the rest of the world, to hold my breath during lightsaber battles, to pump my fist in

the air when Chewbacca walks onto screen. “The Force Awakens,” “The Last Jedi,” and “The Rise of Skywalker” may not have outshined the first three “Star Wars” movies, but they were well done and a pleasure to watch.

The franchise’s 11 movies have left their mark.

My mom spent elementary school dreaming about otherworldly monsters and adventures through hyperspace. She now works as an aerospace engineer, designing space telescopes and

searching for life on other planets. My brother and I are well trained “Star Wars” fans and spent much of our childhoods having lightsaber duels in the backyard, trying to perfect Obi Wan Kenobi’s signature spin.

From the very moment my mother discovered her love for space adventure in that theater to my whole family sitting on the couch and watching the Mandalorian march across foreign planets, “Star Wars” has brought us together.

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with movies “Crazy Rich Asians” (2018) / PG-13 Streaming on HBO Max

“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000) / PG-13 Streaming on Prime Video

“Crazy Rich Asians” is a rom-com about an Asian American woman who meeets her boyfriend’s “crazy rich” family in Singapore. The film not only has a witty script with a romantic plot, but highlights Asian culture. AAPI culture has been poorly represented in film, but this movie addresses it well.

“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” is a classic film that spotlights Asian culture in the film industry. It follows a young Chinese warrior who steals a famous sword from a retired swordsman and goes on a romantic and thrilling journey. The movie not only highlights Asian culture, but actually challenges the traditional roles of women.

“Joy Luck Club” (1993) / R Streaming on Roku

“Hero” (2002) / PG-13 Streaming on HBO Max

“Joy Luck Club” is a movie based on a book with sixteen overlapping stories about Chinese immigrant mothers and their American-born daughters. The stories feature how the women cope as they raise their daughters. The film successfully represents Chinese culture and teaches us how to deal with generational and cultural gaps.

“Hero” is a movie set in ancient China and is about a fighter who stops the kingdom’s most wanted enemies. The movie highlights the theme of trust and the damage that can be done if one trusts the wrong person.

It also sheds light on martial arts culture and educates the audience of their ancient history.

“Minari” (2020) / PG-13 Available for rent

“Saving Face” (2004) / R Streaming on Prime Video

“Minari” is a movie about a Korean family that moves to a small farm in Arkansas in hopes of chasing the American Dream. They struggle to find unity in their home on top of many other challenges of life. The story is impactful and gives a positive message that family and dreams are worth fighting for.

“Saving Face” is a dramedy with a captivating plot that follows a young Asian American lesbian, raised in a traditional Chinese home, and the tension in the household. The story reflects the dissent from a generational gap and biases, especially toward the LGBTQ+ community, but also represents the Asian-American community.

Information compiled by Victoria Bartels, Staff Writer; Graphics and Photos compiled by Jennifer Huang, Photo Editor and The Catalyst Editorial Staff

ARTS & LIFE

Travel: Another pandemic summer in the Golden State

by Charlotte King Staff Writer

As it seems that the pandemic is winding down and there is so much hope for an end in the near future, this summer is likely to be a lot closer to a normal summer than last. Last summer, during the height of the COVID-19 outbreak, there was little socialization in order to promote social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19, but this summer, being vaccinated opens a whole new set of opportunities and hopes for a more normalized summer.

Now, NDB students and staff of all ages have the opportunity to be vaccinated and the CDC is slowly changing masking rules in favor of going back to normal. Letting up on the masking regulations for vaccinated people is a big step towards a normal summer.

With so many more places opening up, this summer does have higher hopes for those who have been fully vaccinated. Being vaccinated enables you to travel out of your county, and potentially travel internationally, depending on your desired destination.

This means that more of a traditional summer will take place this year, especially in terms of travelling. A lot of students have travel planned for the coming summer because it has been so long since many of us have gotten on a plane.

“I am excited to visit my family this summer on the East Coast. Because of the restrictions last year, I was only able to see my grandparents in a socially distanced way. I am also very excited for things like concerts and amusement parks to open back up this summer,” said senior Taylor Klein.

Phased reopenings of amusement parks like Disneyland and California’s Great America plan to increase capacity even more this summer from the small numbers that California has allowed for in the spring. There are also hopes for vaccinated people to be able to attend concerts in late summer and early fall.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, I have not been able to see most of my family because they live in England. So, now that I have gotten vaccinated, I am excited at the potential to spend some of

page 13

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CATALYST EDITORIAL STAFF

Students, family and friends look forward to traveling through the Golden State from (clockwise from top left) Half Moon Bay to Laguna Beach to the Disneyland Resort to San Francisco. my summer in England. In the past year, I have only been able to talk to my extended family over the phone, so getting to see them in person is going to be a really exciting experience for all of us. I am glad that this summer is going to be more normal. I hope to get to travel a lot, now that my family feels so much more safe to make up for the planned trips my family missed during the pandemic,” said freshman Madeleine King.

Getting to see family and friends again is exciting for everyone, especially those who have not seen any of their closest friends since the beginning of the pandemic.

Having not seen my extended family since Christmas of 2019, I personally am ecstatic for my family to be fully vaccinated and able to see all of my family safely.

Summer as a whole would typically be a time to just relax and spend

time with friends and family. Although last year, most interaction was stripped.

Meaning that, this year, people are very antsy to get to interact with their close friends.

“I am looking forward to being able to go outside and being around other people. I am also really looking forward to being at the beach, although I do not know how swimming is going to work. I am planning on traveling to see my cousins, and I am going to

go to Hawaii which is going to be super fun! ” said sophomore Amelia Ailanjian.

The overall consensus on campus demonstrates excitement for this summer as public safety has regularly been increasing. Getting to experience the new normal as it becomes once again part of life to go outside and do the things we all used to enjoy, will be the highlight of the next couple months for the NDB community.

Anti-SeaWorld documentary “Blackfish” removed from Netflix

by Delaney Icard-Cullen Contributing Writer

After eight years during which it reigned as the highest-rated science or nature documentary on Netflix, the 2013 documentary “Blackfish” about killer whales in captivity, was recently removed by the streaming service for unknown reasons.

The documentary explored many things: The lives of the whales, the everyday lives of the trainers, and their relationships with the whales. However, it also explores the abusive behaviors from the trainers that the whales endured.

“Blackfish” recaps the lives of many whales who drastically shifted from being happy and content, to drowning their trainers in the water.

Prior to “Blackfish,” SeaWorld’s treatment of the animals in their amusement parks was unknown to the public. However, in January 2021 alone, more than 3.1 million people watched “Blackfish,” proving that it was a groundbreaking documentary exposing Seaworld for their crimes. Why is it now being taken off of the most popular streaming service? Some, like “The Hollywood Reporter,” claim the documentary

is being removed to make room for newer shows and movies. Others claim that the documentary falsely stated that the interviewees in the movie were inexperienced in killer whale training as most primarily worked with other animals.

In the documentary, over ten former trainers were interviewed about their work at SeaWorld, Sealand or Loro Parque – an interactive sea park in Spain, very similar to the SeaWorld franchise. Many of these trainers were close to or knew the trainers that had been killed by whales in these amusement parks.

According to a fact sheet from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals or PeTA, all three current SeaWorld parks have failed to meet federal Animal Welfare Act standards. In March 2014, legislation was passed to end the use of whales for entertainment shows in California. Richard Bloom, State Assemblyman, proved SeaWorld’s claim that their revenue would go down without whale shows to be wrong.

Bloom told KQED in an interview, “The evolution of these parks and the evolution of zoos and aquariums is in the direction of non-performance. [The Monterey Bay Aquarium] had to confront

the paradigm that said ‘You can’t make this successful without having orcas and without having dolphins.’

And, they said, ‘That’s not correct.’ They actually have no performances, no cetaceans, and there are people lined up out the door.”

Monterey Bay Aquarium values are focused on education and the rehabilitation of most animals. Between 2002 and 2016, the aquarium released 37 sea otters back to the wild after their time in rehabilitation.

With more shows and movies coming out like “Blackfish,” “Tiger King,” and “Seaspiracy,” people are learning the behind-thescenes impact of humans on the environment and other species living alongside us.

The release of “Blackfish” back in 2013 triggered many protests about unethical treatment of killer whales and other animals in captivity. There are still over 50 killer whales in captivity today in the state of California alone.

The true message of “Blackfish” still holds true – that no whale should be forced to live in any confined space – even if the documentary may contain certain inaccuracies.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MAGNOLIA PICTURES

“Blackfish” is available to stream now on Hulu.

page 14

SPORTS

PANDEMIC PLAY Cross Country: Q&A with Alejandra Fernandez

TC: How was your cross country season this year?

AF: My cross country season was really good. I really liked the time that I had with my team and at practice, even if it wasn’t for a whole season. It was still worth it.

TC: Will you continue cross country in college?

AF: I don’t know if I’m considering running as an athlete because I don’t know if I’ll be able to handle everything. It takes a lot of your time. But, if there is a group that meets up to run, then I definitely will join. Or, who knows? Maybe I will join a team.

TC: What has been your favorite cross country moment from your years of running at NDB? AF: My favorite memories are the meets. They were so fun cheering each other on because we could understand how they feel during a race.

Tennis: Q&A with Taylor Klein

Golf: Q&A with Savvy Sweet

TC: How was your first season in golf?

SS: The first season of golf was really fun. I think it was a bit stressful for the first few matches, but once I got the hang of it, I had a really good time.

TC: How was the match with other schools?

SS: Matches with other schools – Most of the girls were very nice and very supportive. And, I had a very good time with some of them, but... everyone is competitive, and it was with very competitive schools.

TC: What is your favorite part of the season?

SS: I’m going to say, on one of our matches with me and my teammate, Emm, who I was playing with. We both scored very well. I think that last thought when we realized we both did really well and we’re, like, that was really good.

Volleyball: Q&A with Kelly Schackel

TC: How was the tennis season this year?

TK: It was good. We were able to do a lot of matches, and we had a good turnout for varsity and JV...

We ended up placing around fourth in the league, so we had a pretty good season against teams like Menlo and Sacred Heart and Harker.

TC: How has your volleyball season been this year?

KS: I would say it was really good... I’m super grateful that it did happen. But, we did only get to play three games, and I could only attend two.

So, that was a little disappointing. Overall, we went undefeated, and it was really good.

TC: What was your favorite part of the season?

TK: I was really glad that I was able to see all my teammates again and reconnect with social interaction. And, I also was glad that we were able to have a senior game.

TC: What was your favorite part of the season?

KS: I really liked senior night. I thought the underclassmen did a really great job with putting it together.

TC: Do you plan on continuing tennis at college, too?

TK: I want to try to either do club or intramural. It just depends on how I am, like my workload and how much time I have.

Water Polo: Q&A with Abby Damelio TC: How has your water polo season been so far?

AD: I was a little bit sad that it started late, but it has been fun to be back in the pool and with my teammates. I missed it for sure.

TC: Will you be continuing water polo after high school?

AD: I am going to play club water polo for SMU. TC: What was your favorite part of the season?

AD: Just being able to hang out and play with all of my teammates.

TC: How do you think COVID-19 has affected the team dynamic?

AD: I do not really think that COVID has affected the team dynamic at all. We are all super close, which is great.

Soccer: Q&A with Julia Roche TC: How has the soccer season been this year?

JR: The soccer season this year has been great despite the challenges we faced. COVID could have changed the dynamic of the team, but we didn’t let that happen. We have been practicing hard and playing well which has caused us to get the results we wanted so far.

TC: How do you feel about wrapping up your final year on the NDB soccer team as a senior?

JR: Being a senior on the team is a bittersweet feeling. Over the past four years on the team I have made some amazing friends, but I am now realizing that I will be leaving them soon. This team has been such a huge part of my life for so long, so not coming back next year will be a weird feeling. However, I am very excited to come back and watch everything the team accomplishes next year.

TC: How do you feel about wrapping up your final year on the NDB team as a senior?

KS: It probably wasn’t the ending that I would have loved because of COVID and we only got to play three games. I’m super happy that we were able to get a season and that I got to play my senior year.

Basketball: Q&A with Mia Adao TC: How has your basketball season been so far?

MA: So far, in my opinion, our season has gone quite well. Our team dynamic is really great and special, and as of now, we’ve won four games and lost two.

TC: Will you continue playing in college?

MA: To be completely honest, I think this was my last year playing basketball. But, who knows? I may choose to partake in club or intramural basketball in college.

TC: What has been your favorite moment from your years of playing at NDB? MA: I think I’d have to say that my favorite moments were the after school carpools with the team.

We would go to Doc’s Bagels everyday and blast Chris Brown as we all sang along...

Beach Volleyball: Q&A with Abby Miller TC: How do you feel about wrapping up your final year on the beach volleyball team as a senior?

AM: It’s definitely something that I am sad about, but it’s exciting to see how much progress that the beach program has made at Notre Dame since my freshman year. I’m definitely bummed, because Notre Dame is where I kind of first started getting into beach [volleyball], but I am happy with the progress we’ve made while I was there.

TC: Will you continue playing beach volleyball in college?

AM: It’s kind of up in the air, because at [University of] Pacific there are still a lot of girls who are on the indoor team that also play beach [volleyball]. I’m hoping that I can play, but that’s a decision that I’m going to have to officially make when I get there.

SPORTS

page 15

Athletes play in a season impacted by coronavirus

During NDB’s abbreviated sports season, many student-athletes participated in their sports, despite COVID-19. The Catalyst sat down with 14 athletes from 14 teams to talk about their experiences.

Lacrosse: Q&A with Andrea Aquino

Softball: Q&A with Abbey Earnshaw

TC: What was one memory throughout your four years that was a favorite?

AA: I think my most favorite memory would have to be from freshman year when we went to Monterey.

We went over there to compete in a tournament and we stayed overnight, which was really fun.

TC: You’re playing for your senior year. How is senior year of lacrosse going?

AA: It’s been really fun. It is a lot different than the past couple of years just because I’m the oldest on the team now. So, it’s really fun to be able to lead and work with the younger players.

TC: Do you have any plans to play lacrosse in the future for college?

AA: I am not completely closed off to it, but I think it would be a fun experience. So, maybe.

Swim and Dive: Q&A with Natalee Cross TC: How has your swim season been so far?

NC: It’s been good. We had one meet last Wednesday. We came in second place against Castilleja and Mercy... It’s good to be around other students and teammates.

TC: How has your softball season been so far?

AE: It’s been short, but fun. Our team really bonded.

TC: How did COVID-19 affect your season?

AE: It shortened it for sure, and with other sports overlapping, too, it has been kind of difficult to make it to every practice.

TC: What was your favorite part of the season?

AE: Probably bonding with the players and just getting a really good team going. Almost like making a family.

TC: Has COVID-19 has affected the team dynamic?

AE: It has definitely made it a lot harder for everyone to practice, so we could be a bit better on the field.

Track and Field: Q&A with Hadley Stevick TC: How do you feel about your senior season?

HS: This season has been a great experience, but I miss the teammates that did not feel comfortable coming back to campus for practice.

TC: How do you feel about wrapping up your final year on the swim team as a senior?

NC: I feel good, even though it’s been a shorter season. The practices are my favorite part. Just hanging out with everybody. I [couldn’t] care less about competing or going to CCS. I just enjoy being with my teammates and having fun.

TC: How have meets changed due to COVID-19?

HS: There are far fewer meets this year. There are no invitationals, only WBAL meets. The first meet did not allow any spectators, so the environment was much different from years past. The next few meets have said that they will allow a few spectators that live in the same household as the athletes.

Hopefully that will allow parents to watch us run.

TC: Will you continue swimming in college?

NC: I won’t be swimming competitively in college, but I would be for workout. And, I’m a swim instructor, so I’m still at the pool.

TC: What is your favorite part of the season?

HS: It has been great to run with my teammates!

I’m glad I got to have a somewhat normal season to finish off my time running in high school.

Cheer: Q&A with Kristen Carpio TC: How has your cheer season been so far?

KC: So, it’s already ended, and I think it was definitely a struggle, I’d sa,y because we weren’t able to do a lot of things.

TC: Will you be continuing cheer after high school?

KC: I think I might try out, maybe, but it is not something I am super super interested in.

TC: What was your favorite part of the season?

KC: Probably our one and only football game that we had. It was really nice just to be back at like Serra and cheering on like the crowd that we did have, like parents and stuff. It was nice to have that fun aspect of cheer back because, again, we had just been doing practices and conditioning and kind of all the boring stuff without being able to be out there, and that’s normally what we’re doing.

Pom: Q&A with Isabella Ailanjian TC: How was your final pom competition?

IA: I think our final competition went well. It was all virtual, like our whole season has been, but they set it up really nice. We were allowed to bring two guests, and we had a little bit of audience which was really nice.

TC: How do you feel about wrapping up your final year on the pom team as a senior?

IA: It’s definitely bittersweet. I love being on the team, and I’m sad that I’m not going to be on it next year, but I am excited to go to college and move on with my life.

TC: Will you be doing pom in college?

IA: This was my final wrap up for pom, but I do want to dance in college though, so I don’t know how that’s going to be.

Information compiled by Kaitlyn Lopez, Sports Editor and Emma Callicott, Charlotte King, Mia Muzzi, Lynne Pan and Anna Sanguinetti, Staff Writers.

Graphics and Photos compiled by Jennifer Huang, Photo Editor and The Catalyst Editorial Staff

Follow @NDBAthletics for NDB sports news, game schedules and scores.

page 16

NEWS

Spring final exams: That time of the year

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 @NDBTIGERS

Several freshmen make their class tie-dye t-shirts as a class-bonding activity.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CATALYST EDITORIAL STAFF

Juniors take time during their U.S. History class to work on their final paper.

by Brooke Horvai Assistant Opinion Editor

For many students, summer break represents freedom and a break from school. However, before reaching it they all have to overcome the infamous spring final exams and projects.

Final exam week typically takes place the week before graduation, preceded by a school-wide “review week.” However, this year most finals take the form of projects, rather than actual tests. Classes such as English, history, some science classes and other electives have takehome projects, whereas math and language will continue to have the usual exam.

All exam finals will be taken online and given a maximum time of 45 to 60 minutes. Because of this alternative format, finals “week” is more just a collection of due dates for students. Rather than take the test during the allotted time, projects will either be

due the day of the final or the last class of the semester. Finals week takes place between Tuesday, June 1 and Friday, June 4.

For some classes, teachers are not giving any form of a final.

“I don’t usually give a final in semester two [for AP Physics] because of the AP test,” said science teacher Abigail Vega.

“Usually we do a final project because the AP test has pretty much already happened... but this year the AP test is after the end of the school year. We don’t have time for a project, but I also didn’t want to add on the stress of a final.”

Vega continued to say that the rest of her classes, Design Engineering and Physics 9/10 will have a project-based final.

Other Advanced Placement classes, such as AP English Language & Composition and AP English Literature will also not give a final because of the subsequent AP exam.

Yet, for the majority of other classes, the

dreaded finals still remain an obstacle. The weeks leading up to it are spent reviewing and revising material. Class periods tend to finish units around two weeks before finals, so afternoons and weekends are spent brushing up on old units and continuing to work.

For some students, studying is more difficult than expected. With activities, such as SAT/ACT, sports and other extracurriculars, procrastinating becomes a necessary evil.

“I haven’t started studying for finals,” said junior Brindha Ramanathan. “I’m trying to wait till all the units end, and then we [the class] start review.”

Other girls have also begun to experience the yearly summer break symptoms. With the promise of relaxation and freedom from classes, it becomes easier and more enticing to slack off.

“Leading up to finals, I start getting into summer mode, and I’m focusing less and doing

things at the very last minute,” added Ramanathan.

“But I feel like once it’s finals week, then I start to focus more because I’m in the ‘finals zone.’”

It seems that every NDB student is currently transitioning into the “finals zone.” Now is the time to recenter and push through the last bit of the school year. But, it is also important not to forget the physical aspect of the finals season.

As expected, taking a week’s worth of tests causes a lot of stress on students. Taking breaks and staying organized are simple ways to manage anxiety.

“The thing that I like to do to reduce my stress is making a to-do list,” said Vega. “Planning that out and prioritizing things, like which things need to get done [by] when.

That way, you can plan in time for yourself to not be working.”

by Lynne Pan Staff Writer

who is currently taking AP Chinese. “I’ve never taken it before, so I don’t quite know exactly what to expect. And, if it will be difficult, especially during COVID-19, but I’m still optimistic, hopeful that everything will be alright.”

Since there are students who are taking Tri-School classes, students will be taking AP exams with Serra HS as well.

The two classes that are associated with Serra are AP Chinese and AP Computer Science A.

“I’m a bit worried about taking the test with my mask on and being there for a couple hours next to other people because I don’t know whether that will affect me taking the

test. But, I think as long as we’re all quiet, social distanced and focused on our tests, I think it will be alright,” Lucas shared about her thoughts on taking the exam at school.

With the COVID19 restrictions, most of the exams at NDB will be taken at home. The only exceptions are the AP Chinese and AP Spanish exams and students who have testing accommodation conflicts.

In addition, all AP exams are full-length this year, and there will be 196 students taking 319 full-length exams in 21 subjects. Thus, NDB is unable to provide the on-campus testing option with the classroom capacity.

“Honestly, still

very stressed about it, but also, I guess, taking it from my home, it’s kind of what I’m used to now. I feel like going in-person would make me more stressed at this point in time because I’m just so used to doing everything online,” said freshman Saaniya Ravi.

This year, NDB has opened up places in AP Computer Science Principles and AP Human Geography to freshmen.

“I’m really nervous, just because I know, like a lot of schools, a lot of freshmen don’t take AP classes in general, so it’s not something that all the freshmen are doing,” Ravi shared about taking the AP exam during her first year in high school.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NIHARIKA NAIR

Freshman Niharika Nair takes a selfie with her mom on Mother’s Day. They celebrated by spending some time at Fioli Historic House and Garden in Woodside.

Students take AP exams online for second year

Now comes the end of the school year, and with that, another cycle of AP exams has begun. AP exams entail hours of testing for students to demonstrate their understanding of the university-level course. Unlike last year, where all examinations were taken online, this year, while COVID-19 conditions improve, students will be taking the exams both at school and online.

“I’m really nervous about taking it for the first time because although I know that I’ll be tested on things like reading, listening, writing,” said sophomore Ariel Lucas,

PHOTO COURTESY OF DANIELLA DEMARA

Sophomore Alexa Couto (left), Castilleja softball player Emma Foster, and freshman Malaina Alifano pose for a moment after their softball game. The NDB varsity team won, 21-9.

PHOTO COURTESY OF @NDBATHLETICS

Spring Signing Day for senior student atheletes was held on May 12. Alex Salise is playing basketball at Dominican University, Maya Hart is swimming at Wellesley College, Miranda Chan is playing volleyball at California Lutheran University, Rachel Schonfeld is swimming at Knox College and Alaiyah San Juan is playing basketball at Dominican University.

Thank you, Notre, for another year of your readership...