Juniors dressed as their era (Industrial Revolution)
Meryem Roman, ‘28
March 26, 2025
From tirelessly painting panels for the hallways to learning a new dance routine for dance or step, it is no surprise that our long awaited Spirit Week is rapidly approaching. For some, this could be their first spirit night at TMLA. For others, this could be their last spirit night at TMLA. Regardless of that, Spirit Week and Night was a fulfilling experience for everyone! This year’s Spirit Week theme was Eras.
The freshwomen had the theme of Ancient Times, the sophomores had the theme of the Renaissance, the juniors had the theme of the Industrial Revolution, the graduating seniors had the Roaring 20s, and the faculty had World Wars During Spirit Week, we saw people dressed in their favorite jerseys on Thursday, neon on Monday, a hero or villain on Tuesday, Throwback Day on Wednesday, your grade’s era on Thursday, and your spirit week color or T-shirt on Friday On Jersey Day, we saw all sorts of jerseys, ranging from Yankees to Mets On Neon Day, we saw many people dressed as traffic controllers and even Charli XCX. On Heroes vs. Villains day, we saw all sorts of hero and villain costumes, ranging from Batman to Gru. On Eras Day, people came in very unique costumes to showcase their theme, such as freshwomen in Cleopatra costumes and sophomores dressed as the Mona Lisa. Lastly, on Friday, we all wore our special spirit night colors, which were purple for the freshwomen, red for the sophomores, blue for the juniors, and green for the seniors. The Mary Louis Academy
On Spirit Day, at school, we participated in a wide array of activities, ranging from faculty vs. students volleyball, relay race trivia, a scavenger hunt, and radio bingo After a fun day, we all gathered in the auditorium, anxiously waiting for the announcement for who had won Spirit Week In 4th place, we had the seniors In 3rd place, we had the sophomores In second place, we had the juniors Miss A announced that the winner of Spirit Week was the freshwomen! This was the first Spirit Week for the freshwomen and we had won it! But, there was still a winner for Spirit Night waiting to be announced
The Spirit Night pep rally was held in Queensborough Community College in Bayside this year. Many students, friends, and family showed up, ready to scream and cheer! We started off Spirit Night with a brief introduction delivered by our student council president, Naomi Goya. The captains of each individual grade were then announced and each group of captains did a small handshake on stage. Afterwards, the celebrations began. The freshwomen step and dance were the first ones up, showing off their adorable routines in Greek outfits and tutus. The sophomore’s step and dance were the next ones up, showing off their well-choreographed dance and step routine in Renaissance painting costumes and flowy dresses After the sophomores performed, our halftime performance was up, which was the faculty dance Led by Mrs. Corrado, the faculty performed a well choreographed and fun dance performance The junior’s step and dance routine came after the faculty, which was also well choreographed and entertaining, wearing adorable overalls. Lastly, our graduating seniors performed their step and dance routines, which were impressive! Some seniors were dressed in tuxedos and others were dressed in sparkly dresses. After the performances, relay races started, in which the seniors were dominating the other grades. In the end, the winner of Spirit Week was announced. Miss A first announced the winners of the T-shirt design, dance, step, and hallway.
After that, she announced the winner of Spirit Night. In 4th place, we had the sophomores. In 3rd place, we had the freshwomen. In 2nd place, we had the juniors. In 1st place we had the seniors! The seniors had won!
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Olivia Guzman-Saavedra ‘28
April 3, 2025
Black History Month at TMLA is an important time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black people throughout history This year, the Black Student Union played a key role in honoring Black history by showcasing influential Black figures in a creative and impactful way.They decided to highlight these figures by placing posters along the main stairways on the first floor, making them visible to all students and staff who pass by.
The posters included artists, scientists, and leaders. By displaying these images, the BSU aimed to inspire students to learn about and reflect on the legacies of these influential figures. The stairways became a visual journey through history, reminding everyone of the lasting impact that Black individuals have had on various fields.
Seniors Naomi Goya and Ellice Tsuo
Freshwomen team playing volleyball against faculty team
This initiative also sparked conversation and curiosity among students, as they would stop to read about the lives and accomplishments of the individuals featured. The BSU's efforts to make Black history visible in such a public and accessible way ensured that the contributions of these figures were not overlooked during this important month.
Overall, the Black History Month display at TMLA served as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating Black history, both in February and year-round It allowed students to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of the past while inspiring them to contribute positively to the future
BSU members in front of their wall display
SENIOR INTERVIEWS: ATHLETIC COMMITMENTS!
Emily Deonarain, ‘28 April 2, 2025
At The Mary Louis Academy, we are proud to have a wide variety of sports teams, ranging from bowling and basketball to soccer and beyond. For many of our student-athletes, sports are not just a hobby but a lifelong commitment. As the school year draws to a close, seniors are reflecting on their next steps. For some, that means continuing their athletic journeys in college and perhaps even pursuing a professional career. In this article, we’ll hear from three seniors who are dedicated to taking their athletic passions to the next level: Gabriela Crespo, Justine Henry, and Mia Valerio.
Emily Deonarain: What sport do you play?
Gabriela Crespo: I play lacrosse.
ED: What made you choose this college to play sports?
GC: It initially started last year in July when I went to an overnight summer camp. I was there for four days, working with the team on skills Afterward, I talked with the coach, thanked him for his time, and thanked him for teaching me new skills because I knew going into the camp that I didn't know much compared to the other girls He then told me, “I want to offer you a scholarship ” I was like, “Oh, that's very nice, I'll definitely consider it ” After a couple of weeks of thinking about it, I realized this might be my only shot at playing college sports, so I decided to go through with it after talking it over with my family.
ED: How does it feel to know you'll be playing at the college level?
GC: It feels very surreal. When we started tryouts and everything, I could definitely see the difference after practicing with the college team. So, I’m very excited but also a little nervous because I still need to work on my skills. But I'm very excited to play at that level.
ED: What's one thing you're most excited about for college sports?
GC: Definitely the new intensity The difference between high school sports and college sports is huge The pace of the game is very different But I'm excited for myself, mostly to learn new things, especially from my teammates I’m excited to be around people with the same goals: just to win.
ED: How do you think your high school experience helped you prepare for college athletics?
GC: I think the mentality from high school will definitely translate to college. Since my freshman year, we’ve kind of been on the losing side, so the mentality was just, “Oh, that’s acceptable.” But I’ve shifted my mentality to always wanting to win and being hungry to win. That mindset will definitely carry over into college because I want to win at a higher level.
ED: How has your coach influenced you?
GC: There’s definitely a difference between my high school coach and my new college coach My high school coach was a volunteer and didn’t have much experience in the sport It was a learning process with him Now, with my college coach, I’m learning new things that I’ve never done before The shift is big My college coach is very encouraging, supportive of the whole team, and understands everyone’s needs. I know he understands that I’m still learning, and having that support is really important to me.
Emily Deonarain: What sport do you play?
Justine Henry: I play basketball.
ED: What made you choose this college to play sports?
JH: Really, it was the academics and my major Beyond playing basketball, I want to continue my career in sports broadcasting and the sports industry Their communications program is really strong, so that was a big factor in my decision
ED: How does it feel to know you'll be playing at the college level?
JH: It’s exciting and a little nerve-wracking, but I’m ready to work hard and play my game.
ED: What's one thing you're most excited about for college sports?
JH: I’m most excited about the competitive atmosphere being challenged every day by people who are on the same level as me Just competing with them and pushing myself to get better.
ED: How do you think your high school experience helped you prepare for college athletics?
JH: I think it prepared me really well. I came into basketball with a solid foundation, and even the off-the-court aspects, like academics, helped me a lot. My coaches, especially those who recruited me, helped me grow and develop my game further, which will be key going forward.
ED: How has your coach influenced you?
JH: I’ve had many different coaches over the years, and they’ve influenced me in different ways. They’ve all pushed me to become more of a leader, both as a person and as an athlete, which has helped me grow on and off the court.
Gabriela Crespo ‘25
Justine Henry ‘25
Emily Deonarain: What sport do you play?
Mia Valerio: I play softball. I grew up playing travel softball since I was in sixth grade. I started off with a travel team that wasn’t focused on playing in college, but it was always in the back of my mind. Eventually, I played for a more competitive travel team that focused on college recruitment, and then I joined a showcase team specifically aimed at playing in college. I always wanted to play in college because I looked up to my older brother, who played baseball in college. I wanted to follow in his footsteps.
ED: What made you choose this college to play sports?
MV: It was always a goal of mine to play in college, and when I found this college, I felt it was the right fit. The coaches and the team really stood out to me, and I could see myself thriving there, both academically and athletically. It felt like the next step in my journey.
ED: How does it feel to know you'll be playing at the college level?
MV: It feels good, but it’s a little surreal. I remember being a freshman and nervous, or even a junior, where I didn’t commit until the summer before my senior year. During junior year, I wasn’t sure where I was headed, but after I committed, it felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. It’s a relief to know that my hard work paid off.
ED: What's one thing you're most excited about for college sports?
MV: I’m excited to play against people who are just as dedicated and passionate about the game as I am. The competition at the college level is going to be great, but I’m also really looking forward to the bond that forms with my college team. It’s different from travel teams because in college, these are your teammates for the next four years. We’ll travel together and experience a lot together. I’m especially excited for the trips we’ll take, like the team trip to Florida.
ED: How do you think your high school experience helped you prepare for college athletics?
MV: High school sports definitely prepared me well. In high school, we practiced every day, whereas travel teams were usually once a week. The discipline of going to practice every day and balancing academics with athletics will help me in college. College sports will obviously be more intense I’ll have to travel longer distances, like taking a three-hour bus ride instead of an hour but the routine I developed in high school will definitely help me balance school and athletics at the college level.
ED: How have your coaches influenced you?
MV: I’ve had a range of coaches throughout my time playing softball, from very strict coaches to more lenient ones. My strict coaches taught me discipline, how to be a good athlete, how to be respectful, and how to stick up for myself. On the other hand, my lenient coaches gave me the confidence to be more relaxed and play more freely. Under my stricter coaches, I was a bit tight and focused on the fundamentals, but with my lenient coaches, I was able to loosen up and let my skills shine with more confidence.
Mia Valerio ‘25
SPRING TRYOUTS AT TMLA
Gabriella Tsuo, ‘28
March 27, 2025
As the spring season starts, it marks the beginning of various sports seasons This season, there’s badminton, track, softball, and lacrosse I’ll be interviewing a few participants from the spring tryouts to give you a behindthe-scenes look at the process of making a team
Gabriella Tsuo: Why did you choose to try out for this sport?
(Track Tryout) Shannon Watters: I chose to try out for track because I really enjoyed the past two seasons of track and I love the vibes of the track community. I also made some good friends along the way, which is a bonus.
(Badminton Tryout) Meryem Roman: I chose badminton as my sport because I have a passion for it. Before I came to TMLA, I didn’t know that badminton existed. But, during free play in the gym, I got a chance to try it out and I fell in love with it!
(Badminton Tryout) Mairead Kuhner: I chose to try out for badminton because it seemed like a lot of fun, and I figured it would be a good way to meet new people. I thought, "Why not give it a try?"
GT: How were you feeling during the tryout?
SW: I felt good and confident during the tryouts because I was already familiar with the sport. However, I was a little stressed during the track workout; I was hoping to achieve a good time.
MR: During tryouts, I felt a bit nervous because there were many people and only a few spots on the team. I was worried about being cut, but I stayed focused. I put all my effort into it, and thankfully, I made it on the team!
MK: I was a bit nervous at first, but once I talked to some friends, I warmed up and got super excited. The tryouts were welcoming, and I felt comfortable right away.
GT: What was your experience trying out?
SW: My experience was enjoyable during the try outs. I’m glad to continue track for the outdoor season. It gives me a sense of purpose and I noticed my performance already improving!
MR: My experience trying out for badminton was nerve-wracking but also very exciting. I was worried because I was uncertain that I would make the team; but I was thrilled at the chance of playing the sport I loved! I was very eager to play during tryouts. It felt as if it was a normal day playing badminton though the workout was tougher, and I was under more pressure.
MK: The coaches were friendly and did a great job explaining the rules. It was an open atmosphere, so I felt good about learning and giving it a go.
GT: What motivates you to try out and make the team?
SW: I was on cross-country and indoor track teams in the past. I enjoy running, and it’s something I look forward to after school. I always like to partake in sports, and it’s fun running alongside my teammates. Being part of this sport, I’ve made friends that I’ll cherish.
MR: What motivated me to try out and make the team was my love and passion for badminton. I believe that my eccentric attitude on the court has played a role in helping me make the team. My love for this sport is the reason I was able to take a chance and try out.
MK: I was motivated by the chance to try something new and see where it could take me I love sports, so trying badminton seemed like a fun way to mix things up
GT: Any last words or advice you’d like to give to the people trying out?
SW: I would recommend trying out for track. It might be scary, but it’s always worth a shot. Even if you’ve never ran before, It’s so fun and you might fall in love with this sport, too. The memories are unforgettable.
MR: My advice for anyone who wants to try out is to show interest. This year, a lot of people tried out, so standing out was difficult. Show eagerness to play. Secondly, always have good sportsmanship. And lastly, practice some basic techniques before trying out. Unless you have a lot of experience with your sport, it’s important to know the foundation before you try out.
MK: Don’t stress about it! The worst that can happen is you don’t make the team, and that’s totally fine. Just keep going and try again next year if it doesn’t work out. Don’t give up!
HOW TO CHOOSE A COLLEGE
Sophia Clarisse Gonzales, ‘28
April 1, 2025
Based on my research, choosing a college requires these main components: location, academic programs, cost/financial aid, campus, diversity/inclusion, support services, facility/resources, and their graduation and job placement rates
Location: Choosing a college based on the location can be difficult for many people You can choose one based on you or your family’s liking Your options for college can vary, depending on your choice to stay close to home, or go farther away College location matters because it can also impact your experience, such as your future career opportunities or the type of activities that are available to you
Academic Programs: The academic programs are crucial when it comes to choosing a college. This is because they are important for your education and for your future career. Choosing a college that has the perfect academic programs fit for you can help you receive the skills needed for your chosen field of study.
Shannon Watters ‘28
Mairead Kuhner ‘28
Cost/ Financial aid: Before finalizing your college of choice, you should always be sure of the cost. The needed amount of tuition and fees can make certain colleges unaffordable for some people, which would require them to either change their choice of college or pursue financial aid.
Campus: Finding a college that has the setting and surrounding area fit to your liking is important. You want to make sure that the campus environment is perfect for you because it impacts your overall college experience, and influences access to opportunities, and shapes your social life.
Diversity/Inclusion: Having diversity and inclusion is important because it promotes personal growth, and most importantly prepares you for a diverse, inclusive world. Choosing a college that has a strong commitment to diversity can lead to better outcomes in your lives and future careers.
Support services: Choosing a college that offers support services such as a guidance counselor, or a mental health counselor is important because it ensures your academic success. Colleges that offer these types of services can help your personal well being while also guiding you on your path to success.
Facility/Resources: Resources are crucial because they can help you whenever you are in need of assistance. Making sure that you choose a college that has the proper resources is important because if you have any questions or experience any difficulties in the future, they are there to help you find the answers or proper assistance.
Graduation/Job placement rates: Graduation and job placement rates matter when it comes to choosing a college because it offers support and ultimately influences your academic success and future career. Having a high graduation rate at a college can also help you narrow your choices down.
The higher the graduation rate is, the better that college is at helping the students accomplish their goals in the end.
AP TEST ADVICE
Isabella Ostrowski, ‘26
March 27, 2025
As the end of the school year approaches, so do AP exams Although initially scary, as long as you prepare yourself correctly for them, you’ll do just fine Studying in advance is a huge advantage and key Review your notes, find online reviews, and remember to ask your teacher any questions For me, Heimler’s History helped me clutch a five on my APWH exam, so he is a huge recommendation for any history APs you’re taking However, not everyone is an auditory learner, so follow whatever studying technique gets you a five, but don’t forget to study efficiently beginning soon, especially if you have multiple AP classes Go to sleep as early as you can the day before, and wake up earlier than usual to make yourself a delicious breakfast. Try to stay as calm as possible even though this experience can be nerve-wrecking. Try to distance yourself from being a high school student and instead immerse yourself in the AP subject you’re taking the test for.
CULTURAL HARMONY SUCCESS!
Alexa Maldonado, ‘27
April 1, 2025
Every year, towards the end of January, TMLA celebrates its cultural diversity through a weeklong celebration of ethnic music, food, performances, and costumes. With over 100 countries’ flags represented throughout our halls and over 10 student-led cultural clubs, young women from all backgrounds and faiths are able to come together to learn about and appreciate what makes each one of us who we are. Our confidence and global perspective enable us to lead with pride as we strive to fulfill the mission of unity, reconciliation, and all-inclusive love every day. The cultural clubs include the African Heritage/Caribbean Club, Black Student Union, British Club, Eastern Asian/South Asian Club, Eastern European Club, Filipino Club, French Club, Gay-Straight Alliance, Hellenic Society, Irish Club, Italian Club, and Spanish Club. The celebration kicked off with the Interfaith Prayer Service, where we celebrated our religious diversity through a spiritual morning with representation from Roman Catholics, Agnostics, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, and Sikhs. During the morning announcements, 2-3 clubs were highlighted by sharing fun facts and fascinating stories about several countries When each period ended, the regular bells were replaced with music from cultural clubs for all to enjoy The entire school body participated in dressing in their respective culture’s traditional clothing or items of clothes that represented their cultural heritage We opened the doors to family and friends within our community to come enjoy and share in the festivities with food, storytelling, and performances from all over the world on top of our proud little hill
The delicious food from all the clubs was offered in the cafeteria. Afterwards, the cultural clubs who worked hard all week to participate in the dances, including the K-Pop Club, showcased their choreographed and traditional cultural dances on stage. Lastly, a school-wide competition was held to complete a Cultural Harmony Passport with correct trivia responses about each club. Ms. Falsone and Ms. Sama, the organizers of this year’s celebration, are proud to say that the 2025 Cultural Harmony Festival had a big turnout and was a huge success!
ST. PATRICK’S DAY
Melis Cavdar, ‘28 March 26, 2025
Saint Patrick’s Day, celebrated on March 17th, honors Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Originally a religious feast, it has evolved into a global celebration of Irish heritage and culture. The day commemorates Saint Patrick’s efforts to spread Christianity in Ireland and his legendary use of the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. Over the centuries, it has become associated with parades, wearing green, and festive gatherings.
While Ireland hosts grand parades in cities like Dublin, Saint Patrick’s Day is just as significant in places like the United States, Canada, and Australia, where large Irish communities keep the tradition alive. Cities such as New York and Chicago hold massive parades, with Chicago even dyeing its river green. In countries like Japan and Argentina, Irish pubs and cultural organizations bring the festivities to life.
At The Mary Louis Academy, Saint Patrick’s Day can be a major event, considering its location in New York City, home to one of the biggest parades in the world. With many students of Irish descent, the school could celebrate with themed assemblies, special activities, and even a dress-down day in green. Recognizing the cultural significance of the holiday would not only honor Irish heritage but also bring the school community together in a fun and festive way.
WINTER SPORTS AWARDS
Leanna Tzompa Luna, ‘26
April 9, 2025
The Winter Sports Award Banquet is an annual event held at TMLA. This particular event is organized after the winter sport season has ended around December, depending on extra qualifications of the sport. The sports that were a part of this year's Winter Award Banquet are the following: Basketball, Dance, Cheer, Bowling, Cross Country, and Swimming. These awards are important to many of our TMLA athletes because it shows the commitment that each student has shown to their sport that led the coaches to award the student. The ceremony started off with Principal Ms. Murphy giving an introduction, and expressing how proud she was of each student-regardless of whether they received an award or not. The awards were handed out by Mrs. Falsone, Director of Athletics. After all sports were done receiving their awards, at the end of the ceremony it was announced that there were some sweet treats waiting at the cafeteria. Almost everyone ran towards the cafeteria to get some of the sweet treats, which concluded the end of the Winter Sport Banquet.
BACTERIA
By: Alexandra Anthony, ‘27
Some pierce your teeth
Live inside white caves, the Stone Age sect
In their own canal system near Venice’s gates
Others prefer
Lungs, the test tubes of old biologists
Sacks for water, the elixir of life
Like the tyrants of the TV
They don’t care about blood and brain loss, if they are safe
In a bunker, surrounded by trillions of cells
Some are called good; they say a cow Always has her own horde in her asymmetrical stomach
To kick the guts of grass
I am a bacterium
When I walk, I pollute the earth
When I swim, I pollute the sea
When I sneeze, I pollute the air
Yesterday I spent 4 hours on my iPad and two on my phone
Releasing 378 kilograms of carbon dioxide a year
My spore of frozen conscience
Only covers my heart, but not my brain It is produced in millions of oily packets
Here I sit, in the capsule of a train
In the smell of rotten candy and rotten people
Inside the scratched esophagus
The bones of broken life outside of me Are fragile and finite, but I am well I am called good
And I have already found my cow It gaped at me from the canvas And the painting was called Guernica
***
Picture myself in the Goblet of Fire, In a heavy book surrounded by surnames, Amongst a chaotic poetic choir, An archipelago of words in the open shore -
Picture myself among the list of teacher’s favorites
Poe and Platt, Angelou and Eliot, Inside my own peel, a fish in her waters, In an aquarium without borders -
Picture myself in my old speckled leggings, Stuck in the open space of vision, 3 pounds of brain in an embroided frame Between sattelites and collisions -
Picture myself on top of a description “Sasha Anthony, poet, 2008 - never Was born once, was dead twice, Was crazy a million times” -
Picture myself glued to the display case Sprawled funnily, like in a Hollywood movie, Never to move, never to stretch out, Never to reach the Cape of Good Hope -
Picture myself, then close the book. I am not old enough to read it.
***
There was a sign In peeling paint That said, “FOLLOW THE ARROW.”
I followed.
There were the soldiers of World War I With gas-stained gazes Glued to perplexed phases.
I followed.
There were the soldiers of World War II Cut from desolate eras Into the forms of tigers and panthers. I followed.
There were the soldiers of the Korean War Separated to different rainbow colors From the same palette.
I followed.
There were the soldiers of the Vietnam War Unsafely tucked into trenches Among the jungle’s broken benches.
I followed.
There were the soldiers of the Yugoslavian Wars
With the word “freedom” lipsticked on their mouths In different, but similar languages.
I followed.
Another sign caught up: “EXIT TO FUTURE.”
And suddenly I turned around And saw That I wasn’t following alone.
THE MARIEL EDITORIAL STAFF AND WRITERS WISH YOU A REJUVENATING SPRING BREAK
