The Mary Louis Academy Issue No 90
THEMARIEL
MEET MISS A, PRESIDENT OF TMLA
President
Livia Angiolillo
Alexa Maldonado, ‘27 November 15, 2024
When asked what she loved most about TMLA when she began working here, new President Livia Angiolillo’s response was, “How much the girls love and take pride in their school, which is something really special.” She admires the charism of the Sisters of Saint Joseph as well as our motto of unity, reconciliation, and allinclusive love, believing that these aspects are how every classroom should be run.
As she reflects on how her education influenced her to work in this field today, Angiolillo regards her attending an allgirls Catholic school as the most formative experience. She understood that undergrad education could transform someone’s entire trajectory, which prompted her to go to law school to start schools herself She went on to write the charter for an elementary school in East Harlem and became the principal of a high school in Brownsville, Brooklyn Her experience in a public, coed high school aligned with the belief system of education as a door of opportunity always helped her to return to her goal of making schools like TMLA excellent today but also for years to come. “I have the best job!” Miss A says with a smile.
“Expect more and think big of teachers, classmates, school, and what it could and should provide and stand for. Think big with solutions to help you grow” is a piece of advice Miss A would like to give to current students. “It will carry anybody through life.” Furthermore, she is willing to try ideas that people and students come to her with and loves tackling obstacles turning lemons into lemonade!
Lastly, a fun fact about Miss A: If she could have any other job in the world for only a day, she would be a puppeteer on Sesame Street!
TMLA IS HOT TO GO! ON THEIR WALK-A-THON
Julia McCarthy, ‘28 November 15, 2024
Get ready for an unforgettable day, Hilltoppers! The Walk-A-Thon is more than just a tradition; it’s an exhilarating celebration that brings all students together to revel in the joy of the great outdoors This year, mark your calendars for October 31st because TMLA is ready to kick off a fantastic annual 27th year of the Walk-A-Thon filled with energy, laughter, and a bright sense of community!
This is not just another day on the calendar; it's an extraordinary opportunity to break free from the everyday routine and embrace the thrill of physical activity with your friends and classmates. Imagine a day bursting with excitement as everyone unites for a shared purpose! Together, we’ll embark on adventures, create heartwarming memories, and savor every exhilarating moment that comes our way.
So, lace up those shoes, grab your fellow Hilltoppers, and let’s dive into this magical journey! With our fabulous t-shirts designed by the talented senior, Emilia Lelea, we’ll not just walk we’ll make a statement! Let’s create a tapestry of unforgettable moments that will be etched in our hearts forever. Let the adventure begin!
Our faculty and staff getting ready for the Walk-A-Thon
At the beginning of this delightful day, a sense of excitement filled the air as every homeroom eagerly participated in a creative pumpkin collage contest As the students enthusiastically worked on their masterpieces, the atmosphere was vibrant with colorful decorations and joyful chatter To add to the day's festivities, a surprise awaited the school community: a very special guest appearance by none other than Phineas, the beloved Hilltopper Penguin mascot! The adorable penguin mascot stole everyone's hearts as he waddled through the hallways, spreading cheer and joy to all the homerooms with his playful antics and adorable gestures With his fluffy white belly and classic tuxedo-like appearance, it was impossible not to marvel at his cuteness
The students beamed with delight as they posed for photos with Phineas, capturing cherished memories of this unforgettable day. It was truly a magical moment to witness the school coming together in such a festive and heartwarming way, thanks to the enchanting presence of Phineas, who truly illustrated the spirit of fun and connection. Isn’t he the cutest penguin you have ever seen!?
During the morning, the school buzzed with excitement as students from every grade eagerly made their way to the cafeteria, a vibrant hub filled with the delicious aroma of freshly made breakfast delicacies. The students settled into their designated grade groups among the colorful tables, creating a joyful and unified atmosphere. The delightful breakfast spread greeted everyone, offering a scrumptious variety of bagels accompanied by an array of toppings like cream cheese and butter, carefully prepared by the cafeteria staff. As the students savored each bite of their warm bagels and sipped on refreshing drinks of water or juice, laughter and chatter filled the air, indicating the bonds and friendships that were being nurtured over the shared meal.
Mrs. Liotopoulos’s FW 4 takes a picture with Phineas
Just before our school kicked off the highly anticipated annual Walk-A-Thon, an electrifying atmosphere filled the auditorium as some classes gathered for a thrilling movie screening! Students buzzed with excitement, chattering eagerly as they found their seats, ready for the cinematic adventure that awaited them This movie screening was the perfect way to step away from the upcoming festivities, offering a delightful break that allowed everyone to relax and soak in the excitement before the action-packed WalkA-Thon.
Outside on the beautiful green lawn of the home of TMLA, we were indulged in the soul-stirring melodies skillfully played by our outstanding DJ, Mr. Siemers Under the guidance of our esteemed Leaders we were truly thrilled about the music and how excited it made us feel together
TMLA had an absolute blast during the Walk-A-Thon! The atmosphere lightened with enthusiasm and friendship as we spanned the lengthy and demanding trail. Each hill we conquered only fueled our determination and elevated our sense of accomplishment. Despite the physical fatigue setting in, our spirits remained cheerful, propelled by the collective energy of our group. The scenery around us seemed to glow with a renewed brightness, matching the elation that filled our hearts. Every step we took together forged unforgettable memories, creating an indestructible bond among us. The Walk-AThon lighted a deep sense of joy and togetherness that would stay with us for a long time to come. In the afterglow of this unforgettable adventure, we realized that the Walk-A-Thon had not just been a physical challenge; it had been a heartwarming celebration of friendship, determination, and the unbreakable spirit that united us all
FATHERDAUGHTER DANCE EXTRAVAGANZA
Vivian Lemke ‘25 November 14, 2024
On October 25, TMLA held the annual Father Figure Daughter Dance. Attendees got a chance to dance and have a fun night with their father figure. The theme Yeehaw with your Paw was expressed through a range of costumes: Barbie cowboy, sparkly pink hats, and snazzy button downs are just a few of the amazing outfits we saw.
Attendees included both students and teachers like Mrs. DiLorenzo and her father, Mr. O’Hagan and his daughter and Mrs. Correira and her father. The delicious meal included Mac and cheese, pulled pork, salad, chicken fingers and an assortment of drinks After eating, a slow song played Fathers and daughters were called up to the dance floor and danced together In this beautiful moment, parent and child connected and got to appreciate each other
After that, the party began, and songs like Low by Flo Rida and Not Like Us by Kendrick Lamar kept the daughters getting down on the dance floor. Classics like Don’t Stop Believin by Journey and Livin on a Prayer by Bon Jovi got the fathers flocking to the floor.
Phineas and our Leaders warming up on the lawn
After one last slow song reconnected father and daughter, people sat down in their seats for the raffle run by Mrs. DiLorenzo, Mrs. Correira and Lauren Sison ‘27. First, 7 big baskets with different goodies were given out with Mrs. Correira’s dad winning a basket Then the fifty fifty occurred with Marilyn Lopez winning over $100
After a long, wonderful night, people started heading home As a senior, I am so glad that I have been able to attend events such as the Father Figure-Daughter Dance and hope that people in the future continue to enjoy the wonderful event!
Father-figures and their daughters having a blast!
THE CLASS OF 2026 JUNIOR TRIP ADVENTURE
Leanna Tzompa Luna ‘26
November 15, 2024
The long-awaited Philadelphia trip has finally arrived for the juniors. The junior trip was a great learning experience, as Philadelphia has so many historical documents that contributed to the beginning of our nation, including the Constitution and more. They also went on an adventure to Hershey Park!
The juniors had a blast everywhere they went; from learning about the Amish and their daily life
(plus amazing fresh Mozzarella cheese, jams, oil flavors, and homemade butter) to a long shopping spree in King of Prussia Mall The juniors even saw the famous Rocky statue in Philly and they raced each other and the teachers, recreating the famous stair scene in the movie Rocky.
The trip could not have been done without the amazing teachers who chaperoned the juniors, including their Dean Mrs. Antzoulis, Ms. Hamilton, Mrs. Corrado, and Ms. Sama, as they worked so hard each day to ensure every student’s safety, and that they had a great time.
THE FRESHWOMENSENIOR HALLOWEEN PARTY
Gabriella Tsuo ‘28
November 18, 2024
Every year at The Mary Louis Academy, there’s a Halloween party exclusively for freshmen and seniors. During the day, students can dress up in their costumes and once school ends, the party begins Some students are dressed in scary costumes, some creative, and others funny Once you enter the party, you’ll be immersed in the festive atmosphere
Class of ‘26 at the Independence National Historic Park
You will immediately notice snacks, music, and everyone enjoying themselves. The tables were set up, piled with various drinks and sweets.
Popular and fun songs such as, Cupid Shuffle, Cotton Eye Joe, and Hot To Go were blasted from the speakers. Students gathered on the dance floor, joining the dance moves together. Friends sat together, sang, and everyone danced to these songs, enjoying the party atmosphere.
Of course, since we were dressed up, there was a costume contest! People gathered around to watch the contestants, and all students could participate Contestants had a choice to team up Friends would strut down the “runway” to show off their concept and costumes to the judges A reward was given based on their creativity on their costumes Some of the costumes included sharks, Smurfs, Minecraft creepers, FBI agents, and so much more!
At the end, it was time to go. A fast two hours flew by. Students were able to bring home any drink or snack they desired. Memories and connections were made that day. That’s the beauty of unity in TMLA.
SENIORS TAKE ON BRENTWOOD
Ava Kearney & Sofia Montero, ‘25
November 14, 2024
On October 16th, a few of our seniors had the opportunity to visit the Sisters of Saint Joseph in Brentwood. When we first arrived, we met Helen Wolf. She gave us a brief yet enlightening history of the Sisters of Saint Joseph.
The Sisters originated in France over 350 years ago Being women, they were not really allowed to do a lot by themselves This did not stop them from carrying out their mission, and with the help of a Jesuit priest, the first 6 Sisters of Saint Joseph forged a mission that would carry on for centuries They dedicated their lives to helping everyone in need. They remained in France for a few more years before receiving a request from St. Louis, Missouri, to open a school. Since then, they have spread out throughout the country, and there are still a few different congregations in different parts of the US, as well as in different countries.
After this, we got the privilege of exploring the Brentwood congregation. Through this, we got to learn about all the amazing and helpful organizations that are located there. The property is huge, and every turn holds a new, beautiful sight. The property also has a variety of farms, each of which help the environment and local community. One thing in particular that they do is the Island Harvest Food Bank, where lead farmer Cassidy Kirch and others dedicate their time to harvesting food for local soup kitchens and food pantries. In addition to this, the Sisters also help out immigrants who are first coming into the US Known as the Long Island Immigration Clinic, volunteers help refugees fill out any paperwork they need, and also represent them in immigration court Overall, the entire experience was very enlightening as we got to witness first hand the inner workings of the Sisters’ mission and how they live it everyday
Some freshwomen in their elaborate costumes
Seniors on their Day of Service
TMLA’S PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS TRAVEL THROUGH OPEN HOUSE
Miley De La Luz ‘26
November 13, 2024
On October 20th, 2024, The Mary Louis Academy hosted their annual fall open house There were joyful smiles from everyone at every corner of the school; students were excited to greet fellow prospective students and show them around our beautiful campus The lovely greeters were enthusiastically welcoming our prospective students, as they showed them the inclusivity that we share within our school community and neighbors.
We had the great pleasure of welcoming siblings, friends, and new students who’ve never heard of The Mary Louis Academy. There were many familiar faces who were delighted to attend our open house, especially with our new and improved tours! In the past, the tours were guided by student tour guides and often had to endure long lectures and long tours of things that not everyone was necessarily interested in Unlike other years, this year was specifically designed to engage the students in their own personal and unique guide! They got to choose which route they wanted to take based on their personal preferences For example, some students were more interested in art, so their route would look a little different than the English route. Those interested in art, specifically toured the art cottage and talked to art students and teachers about their own experiences in art. Of course, there were also paths that included sports teams. The teams were located in the gymnasium, and athletes enthusiastically hoped that future students were interested in joining their team! The new routes were definitely a huge change since prospective students had no idea how to navigate throughout the building on their own, but it turned out to be quite a success. Some students were able to get around the building on their own but some needed a bit of help! Those who needed the help, were guided by students around the hallways, and they were definitely not left alone!
Current students talking about their sports to prospective families
The routes were definitely a lot more interesting than the past years and were definitely worth all the hard work!
After the open house, there were many prospective students leaving with a TMLA cookie, a Polaroid, and ice cream! The smiles on their faces were definitely worth all the planning, hard work, and dedication towards this event. We especially appreciate the incredible ideas of Miss A, who carefully planned out this event. We also appreciate the help of all student volunteers who took the time out of their day to make the fall open house a better experience! The event was completely student-led and gave us the opportunity to share the excitement and enthusiasm with future TMLA students.
We hope to see those who attended the open house in the future and can’t wait to meet the Class of 2029, and those that follow! The smile on their faces was incredibly meaningful to our school, and it is such a great privilege to watch our school community grow!
Seniors exhibiting TMLA’s advanced anatomage table
FRESHWOMEN FALL ATHLETE INTERVIEWS
Meryem Roman, ‘28
November 14, 2024
I’m pretty sure all of you are aware of TMLA’s extensive athletics program and how talented our athletes are Whether it’s track, cheerleading, soccer, volleyball, or many other remarkable sports, there’s always a sport at TMLA designed specifically for you In this article, I wanted to highlight three spectacular sports teams: the cheer team, the volleyball team, and the bowling team But, I wanted to make this issue targeted to my fellow freshwomen who may be interested in trying out for sports in the winter season, spring season, or even next year I specifically wanted to interview athletes to show that balancing your school life, athletic life, and outside life isn’t impossible, as seen through the three amazing athletes that I’ve interviewed. I hope you enjoy this article!
Meryem Roman: Thanks for joining me in interviewing freshwoman athletes as my first interviewee My first question for you is, what sport do you play?
Naomi Phildor: I do cheer
MR: How do you balance both your academics and cheer?
NP: So what I usually do since my cheer practice starts late is I either try to do my homework during my free periods or after school, so I can get everything done and I don’t have to worry about that. I would then have cheer practice and then go home and sleep.
MR: How did you discover cheer and what’s your history like with cheer?
NP: I discovered it when I was in middle school. My middle school had a cheer team and I was thinking of trying out but then decided not to try out for both of my years there. Then, I decided to try out this year in August and I got in! It’s a ton of fun and I like it!
MR: What are your strengths as a cheerleader?
NP: I’m very flexible, easy to work with, and I learn cheer skills fast, which helps with applying it to my routines.
MR: What are ’s your weaknesses as a cheerleader?
NP: Probably the strength aspect of cheer because cheer requires a lot of arm strength and I also sometimes just get really tired and burnt out.
Naomi Phildor, ‘28
MR: What are ’s your practice days normally like?
NP: In the morning I would go to school until 2:50 and then after school I would go to any clubs that I need to go to. Then I go out to get food and eat., eat, at At around 5:00, I get changed into my cheer uniform. At 5:30, I go to the gym and practice and then leave at 9:00.
MR: Do you have any advice for students who are interested in trying out for cheer next year?
NP: I would say to go with an open mind, try your hardest, go over some cheer basics before tryouts so you're not confused, and honestly just try your best
Meryem Roman: Thanks for joining me in interviewing freshwoman athletes as my second interviewee. My first question for you is, what sport do you play?
Maryann Castillejo: I play bowling.
MR: How do you balance both your academics and bowling?
MC: During my free periods I try to get as much work done as I can so that when I go to practice or games, I don’t have a ton of work to do when I get home.
MR: How did you discover bowling and what’s your history like with bowling?
MC: My sister played bowling and she told me that I should play bowling. I thought it sounded like fun and I joined and it's my first year bowling.
MR: What are your strengths as a bowler?
MC: I can walk well while holding the heavy ball because of my previous experience in dance
MR: What are your weaknesses as a bowler?
MC: My arm sometimes gets weighed down by the ball and it affects my shooting and aim.
MR: What are your practice days normally like?
MC: Practice days are really fun. We usually focus on practicing but talking is allowed. The environment is very healthy and practices finish at 7:00.
MR: Do you have any advice for students who are interested in trying out for bowling next year?
MC: You honestly don’t need any experience to try out, they let everyone in the team. My advice for you is to just try your best and you’ll make the team.
Maryann Castillejo, ‘28
MR: What are your weaknesses as a volleyball player?
Meryem Roman: Thanks for joining me in interviewing freshwoman athletes as my last interviewee. My first question for you is, what sport do you play?
Caitlin Rafferty: Volleyball, specifically JV volleyball.
MR: How do you balance both your academics and volleyball?
CR: I try to get most of my homework done during free periods or sometimes if I really have to, I’ll do it in the morning before school.
MR: How did you discover volleyball and what’s your history like with volleyball?
CR: When I was younger, I tried out for CYO volleyball in my old parish since my old school didn’t have a volleyball team. I’ve been playing volleyball since I was in 5th grade.
MR: What are your strengths as a volleyball player?
CR: I’m really good at hitting the ball and my serve is pretty strong as well because I also play softball along with volleyball.
CR: I cannot get low sometimes which makes the ball not pass properly sometimes.
MR: What are your practice days normally like?
CR: Practice days are everyday except the weekends First, we will usually run 5 times around the court and do stretches to warm up for practice Then, we will usually pepper, which is passing with another player We also do a few different drills with our coaches and will occasionally do six on six matches with each other
MR: Do you have any advice for students who are interested in trying out for volleyball next year?
CR: My advice is to make sure that you get to know people on the team because it does end up being pretty close knit. Also make sure to avoid making huge mistakes. A huge problem that we had was yelling at people and that was a huge reason as to why we weren’t very successful this season.
Caitlin Rafferty, ‘28
TMLA SPORTS TAKEOVER
By: Naomi Phildor, Meryem Roman, Audrey Millen, ‘28
November 15, 2024
Passion is something that we see all around us; it’s something that we are all aware of. Most people have a passion for something, whether it’s art, music, writing, sports, math, or history. In this article, we are going to highlight two incredibly passionate sports teams whose members put incredible effort into making the fall season as successful as it could possibly be–the swim team and tennis team.
The TMLA swim team dove their way into the Championships bringing back home 4th place in the NYSGCHSAA Nassau/Suffolk Championships To understand what got the team this far Kesang Lama, ‘28 interviewed some girls on the team
How do you motivate your team?
Captain Bridget Whitsett ‘25 answered “By bringing candy ”
What motivates you as a swimmer?
Captain Naomi Goya ‘25 answered, “I take everything as an opportunity from God, so swimming really allowed me to show my Godgiven talents ”
The TMLA Swim team works together bringing their values and skills to make a beautiful team
Tennis is a sport that requires many parts of a player, both physically and mentally Physically, the game can require fast sprints, powerful serves, immense endurance, strength and more Mentally, tennis needs sharp focus from the player, always thinking strategically, having much built up resilience, and trust in themselves Tennis players need trust and reliance on their body, letting all worry and doubt leave themselves “I’ve definitely learned that you need to rely on yourself and just rely on the choices that you make,” says Sophia Rodriguez, ‘25 Beyond the individual aspect of the sport, tennis holds strong relationships between the players
“Some people just play a sport just to play a sport, but I play a sport because it makes me happy,” says Melis Cavdar, ‘28 Many players make such a connection to the sport, it can become quite a big part of their life A familial bond is formed in a sport like tennis, between coach and player and even family and friends
In tennis, you can have such an amazing experience, but the one thing that is essential is balance Academically, you must be on top of work, making sure to never fall behind For tennis, you have to work hard in practice, always striving to improve Tennis can be such an enjoyable sport if balanced correctly. Seeing such a successful TMLA tennis team, we can see the effort and unity put into the sport from our players.
TMLA Swim Team
TMLA Tennis Team
In conclusion, both the TMLA tennis and swim teams have shown incredible dedication and hard work this season. The tennis team, with their impressive rallies and strategic plays, has demonstrated great skill and sportsmanship on the court. Similarly, the swim team has excelled in the pool, breaking personal records and showcasing their endurance and team spirit. These athletes have not only achieved remarkable results, but also inspired their peers with their commitment and passion for their sports. We look forward to seeing even more outstanding performances in the future!
BALANCING ACT: MORGAN DOUGHERTY ON SPORTS, SCHOOLS, AND SURVIVING HIGH SCHOOL STRESS!
Melis Cavdar, ‘28
November 2, 2024
Morgan Dougherty, ‘28, a freshman at TMLA, has stepped into her first year of high school with big goals and a determination to balance both academics and sports. After playing softball since she was five and soccer for two years, Morgan values the way sports help her relieve stress. “When I’m playing,” she explains, “nothing else matters only that game.” As a student athlete, she discovered that balancing schoolwork and sports is no small task She sometimes has to miss practices for schoolwork, but always puts in extra effort to stay on track
While her favorite part of being a student athlete is that it allows her to clear her mind, Morgan admits that balancing it all is difficult “It takes time away from studying, especially during game season,” she shares Whenever she can, Morgan uses free periods or spare time to keep up with her work Her goal for freshman year is ambitious: to score 90s and above in all her classes She finds the high school workload quite different from middle school, with more frequent assignments and tests "It was more spaced out in middle school," she recalls, noting that the shift has been “stressful ”
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
Ciara Hernandez, ‘28
November 8, 2024
Morgan Dougherty, ‘28
My “Senior Sister” Maeve Carlin, '25 reflected on her experience at high school, recounting the moments that played a huge part in her journey. Maeve mentioned that her favorite class was junior year in religion class with Ms. Correira. "The classes were so energetic and never boring; it was always fun," she said, highlighting how fun learning could be because of the dynamic atmosphere.
Balance is important between academics, extracurriculars, and social life. Maeve shares her strategies to achieve a state of balance. "I use my free periods wisely, and I mainly try to focus on completing my classwork during school," she said. "The main focus was just not procrastinating." This proactive approach has served her well throughout high school.
When advising underclassmen about dealing with stress, Maeve mentioned, "When a teacher tells you when a test is, start studying. One test that you do badly on isn't as bad as you think." Her perspective here really reflects her growth and resilience.
Besides academics, Maeve has been involved in several clubs: Irish Club, Pax Christi, CSJ Leaders, Service Homeroom, and Service Designation. She mentioned that her experience at school has enabled her to pay more attention to academics than she had done in middle school: "The classes become more interesting as the years go, especially since you get to choose your classes for senior year," she said.
For Maeve, transition challenges at TMLA aren't entirely unfamiliar, especially in regard to indecision about extracurriculars. "I realized that doing an extracurricular you don't like shouldn't be an option," she said looking back on her decision to ultimately join track. Now able to reflect on the year, she says she has grown and is finally comfortable to allow herself to be more open with people.
When she attends college in the future, she would like to work her way up to a doctorate in physical therapy.
"The teachers challenge you a lot with the workload, which prepares you for the future," she said, assured that her high school experiences have prepared her well for those goals.
NEW TEACHER INTERVIEWS: MRS.
CAMPANALE & MS.
HAMILTON
Akachi Abakporo & Sophia Clarisse Gonzales, ‘28 November 17, 2024
Mrs. Campanale
Q: What was your previous job before?
A: “A teacher in a school in Baldwin.”
Q: Did you attend TMLA?
A: “No.”
Ciara Hernandez and her “Senior Sister” Maeve Carlin
Q: What school did you attend?
A: “I graduated from Mineola High School.”
Q: What year did you graduate?
A: “I graduated in 2010.”
Q: What made you want to come to teach at TMLA?
A: “Negative experiences at my old school. I left mid-year and subbed in for a teacher at TMLA once in 2023. Over the summer there was a job opening, so I took it. I found a permanent home at TMLA.”
Q: If you had a daughter, would you send her to TMLA?
A: “Yes. Although I have no human kids, I would send my daughter here.”
Q: What do you think is the best advice you can give to freshmen?
A: “Take things slowly. Work at a steady pace, and try not to do things all at once as things can become too overwhelming.”
Q: What is the best advice/quote you’ve ever been given? Who gave it?
A: “By my grandfather. ‘Never done learning; every day you learn something new.’ My grandfather would call me every single day to ask what I had learned that day.”
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: “Three cats.”
Q: Have you ever been to TMLA beforehand?
A: “Yes, I was in a theater group in middle school/high school and I would perform and act on the stage located in the auditorium here at TMLA.” -
Alexandra Anthony, ‘27 November 15, 2024
Ms. Hamilton
Q: What is your background? Where did you go to high school and college?
A: “I went to Archbishop Molloy. Then, I went to Adelphi for my undergraduate in social work and Queens College for my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling.”
Q: When did you decide what you wanted to do in the future? Did you always aspire to become a therapist?
A: I was going to go to college and become an English teacher. However, a school social worker in college encouraged me to reconsider, so I did!
Q: Why did you decide to work at TMLA? How do you like it here so far?
A: I wanted to go back to what got me interested in therapy. So, when an opportunity appeared, I had to jump at it! Teenage girls are intelligent and have a lot to say. It is very important to listen to them. I love it here at TMLA. I like the energy of the place and how everyone feels at home. It is a very special place to be.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about TMLA?
A: Getting to work with you girls! I love getting to intersect with you and help put you in the world as successful young ladies.
Q: What advice would you give to a person who aspires to become a therapist?
A: You should also remember why you want to become one and keep it at the front of your brain. Remembering why you do what you do is always important. You should also work hard to be the best possible version of yourself.
Mrs. Campanale
Ms. Hamilton
AT ZERO DEGREES KELVIN
BY: ALEXANDRA ANTHONY, ’27
They live at zero degrees Kelvin Where time has been stamped and taped to the concept of akinesia
Where seconds are snowflakes stuck in the silent sky
And they stare into the frost of the future without a blink of an eye
They live at zero degrees Kelvin
Where Life and and Death intertwine without greeting each other
They are tangled between these inexistent eternal roots
And they stand like Tantalus, aghast at the familiar fruit
They live at zero degrees Kelvin
Under the Dead Sea, as if stung by Parkinson’s disease
Spread between tenacious conceptual tides
Too little to start a war, too giant to compromise
And no heat comes from their hearts, and no hatred comes from their souls
THE MARIEL EDITORIAL STAFF AND WRITERS HOPE YOU ENJOYED YOUR HOLIDAYS AND
HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Editorial Staff
Moderator: Mrs. Marianna Campanale
Editor-in-Chief: Mikayla Traill
Managing Editor: Danielle Saborio
News Editors: Ava Kearney & Miley De La Luz
Features Editor: Sofia Montero
Photography & Art/Layout Editor: Claudia Wysocky
Writers
Akachi Abakporo
Alexa Maldonado
Alexandra Anthony
Audrey Millen
Briana Alexis
Ciara Hernandez
Emily Deonarain
Gabriella Tsuo
Hema David
Isabella Ostrowski
Julia McCarthy
Leanna Tzompa Luna
Melis Cavadar
Meryem Roman
Naomi Phildor
Olivia Guzman-Saavedra
Sara Wu
Sophia Clarisse Gonzales
Vivian Lemke
In Loving Memory
Sam was a shining star in our school community, brightening the halls with her infectious smile, kind spirit, and unwavering positivity. Whether in the classroom, on the field/court, or in the halls, she had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued.
Her warmth and generosity touched all who knew her, and her spirit will continue to inspire us. Her laughter, her kindness, and her dedication to everything she did will never be forgotten.
Though she is no longer with us, the impact she made in our lives will live on forever. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Sam. You will always be our star.