Clean Sweep: Newman Boys & Girls Soccer Teams Win the State Championship
By Markie Batten ’26
The Newman girls and boys soccer teams set out to win state in early November and have since lived up to their goal The girls soccer team has previously won state for the past two years and hoped to take a third title, while the boys had one three years ago and hoped to send their seniors off with a win With great determination, effort, and endless practice both teams achieved their goal together The Newman girls soccer team set a new state record for the biggest lead in history and the boys soccer team crushed all their opponents along the way. Both teams had very successful seasons that reflected their hard work and time put into this collective goal The girls state championship started off slow and gradually picked up speed as each goal was put in the net Each goal was shot by several players and every player was able to take the field and finish out the game with a lead of 7-0 The boys game started the very same way as the boys team began to progress and ultimately own the field by a lead of 3-1 Both soccer teams set out to achieve this goal together but also as a way to thank their seniors and send their seniors off to college in the best way possible. These two state championships have not only created a stronger bond within each but also set the standard and possibility high for coming years
By Saniya Jarrow ’26
A Globe-Spanning Experience: Valentin Hanslik Reflects on Newman
By Lexie Toshav ’26
When Valentin Hanslik landed in America, he didn’t expect New Orleans to be so New Orleans Descending the escalator in full Lederhosen, he was immediately greeted by the airport jazz band and dinner at Mandina’s “I did not expect the city to be like it is I thought it would be a regular town in America,” he reflects close to 7 months later, “but it’s a beautiful city The people are open, they’re nice, they want to help you ” This was a stark contrast to his hometown of Zurich, he says. “If you ever want to visit Zurich, it’s a beautiful city, but the people in Zurich are just cold.” That being said, he had plenty to miss about his home: “I’m kind of missing the mountains It’s a bit flat here, and of course, I miss my dog and my family”
While the New Orleans terrain may have been flat, Valentin’s Newman experience was far from it: “The first party when I got here was great; I think I will always remember that” Beyond that, American schools offer more activities than he was used to in Switzerland “We don’t have clubs in Zurich, and I learned new things in the Jewish Cultures Club That was fun!” Where they might have us beat, though, is on efficiency “The only similar thing about our cities is that we have street cars. It was an interesting experience, how you handle the snow. I was surprised that schools could be closed for snow. I’ve never had this before.” But despite the dysfunction, when I asked Valentin if he would consider returning, he said, “Yes, definitely I don’t even have to think about this question”
Los Angeles Wildfires
What is happening in L A and its effect here in L A
By Jackie Bellaire ’27
Recently, wildfires have been going through southern California, specifically Los Angeles Causing the destruction of many homes and endangering many lives NBCLA reports: “Flames have destroyed at least 14,362 structures, including homes and businesses” Additionally, the death toll is at least 29 people with other deaths being investigated
The fires started on January 6 or 2025, and were amplified because of a windstorm in Santa Ana The real cause of the fires are still unknown, but many citizens are pointing fingers They suspect powerline companies, arsonists, or even smaller fires that weren’t stomped out enough The first sighting of the fire is on a video from Mr Kai Cranmore on the hiking trail of Temescal Canyon Another theory is that there was a small fire on January 1. This fire might not have been fully extinguished and reignited by the windstorm, but Fire Chief Anthony Marrone dissolved these theories based on the fact that a fore couldn’t reignite a er, almost, a week. He is in favor of the arson theory; he states: “We had numerous fires in the L A County region almost simultaneously, which leads us to believe that these fires were intentionally set by a person ”
Recently, rain has been falling in Los Angeles, which has given them some relief, but it has also caused new dangers This rain was very much needed as relief for the firefighters As a result, NPR states: “officials are warning residents of hazardous waste, toxic ash runoff and mudslides” Still L A , is predicted to see lots of rain and even have some flood warnings The rain over the ‘burn scars ’ , or burned down ground, can cause debris and mudslides to fall, and this can cause even more damage to homes and roads. Many organizations have had people try and clean up the debris before the toxic run off from the rain has the chance to make it to the water system and ocean. The toxic ash could contain: “asbestos, heavy metals and toxic chemicals,” NPR relays Its caused by burned electronics and burned building materials This is very hazardous to people breathing in, as they return back to their homes
Here in New Orleans, we see the effects of the fire through the people around us People with loved ones in California or people who previously lived there My mother was born in Pasadena, California, right next to the Eaton Fire The parks she used to play in and neighborhoods she would walk thought have been turned to ash Her friends, who still live there, had to evacuate Additionally, her brother has had to evacuate and leave his home without any certainty it will be there, when he gets back. Here, people are worrying about friends and family without any way to physically help from 2,000 miles away.
Snowed ’N!
Snowcation in NOLA
By Markie Batten ’26 and Edwin Salisbury ’25
Students of Isidore Newman School woke up on Tuesday morning to find that their familiar neighborhoods had been transformed into a winter wonderland No sleet, hail, or sludge but real fluffy and white snow covered all homes and streets for miles This snowfall marks the first real snow day in New Orleans since 1895! Nearly 130 years later, New Orleans was granted the chance to experience and play in the snow In turn, Newman students’ three day weekend was graciously extended into a six day weekend With almost a week off, Newman students allowed themselves some good old fashioned fun including sledding, snow ball fights, and snowmen building. Kids near the Milton H. Latter library attempted to sled down small hills using whatever they could get their hands on: boogie boards, cooking trays, lunch trays, trash bags, and even a pieces of lumbar What was originally a usual weekend turned into a mini Winter break where our students not only experienced a wonder unknown to this city, but also a calm and needed break from academics and athletics Students were able to experience what might have been their very first sighting of snow with both their family and friends These few extra days off allowed for a step back from the business of life and a step into the childish fun and excitement that is not offered o en. This short break helped Newman students and teachers relax and regain some energy and excitement to return to school ready to hit the ground running!
The Impending Date! TikTok Terminated: January 19th
By Jada Merritt ’26
As we all know, Tiktok will be banned on all devices on January 19th 2025 ByteDance, a Chinese technology company, founded by Zhang Yiming created Tiktok This company has the U S supreme court on edge, considering the possibility that the Chinese government is able to spy on millions of users on Tiktok and collect their data However, it is not guaranteed, but the inhabitants of the U.S should be able to adapt to this new change. Even so, this will affect students and even adults because they will be able to focus on other things, rather than scroll on the app The ban might help
occurring since 2020, before COVID-19 In 2020, Donald Trump believed Tiktok was a security threat to the U S In order to get around the U S’s hindrance to Tiktok’s progress, ByteDance devised an idea: to give a part of their assets and control to the U S government However, the Chinese government still had more control than the U.S did, therefore, they were still able to use data and information from the users. So, here we are. Five years later and the U S has now decided to take ultimate action However, the current generation will be affected by this
Many young adults have decided to take matters into their own hands and go to a Chinese originated app: RedNote RedNote is very similar to TikTok, however it is still regulated by the Chinese government On January 14th, Senator Ed Markey proposed a 270 day delay for Tiktok to be banned. Therefore, President Biden decided to step back and allow future President Trump to take the lead on this one. Concerning RedNote users, they have been bombarded by many Americans who bring their own Tik Tok videos
RedNote can be considered as the “ new ” Tiktok, although the U S might still have a problem concerning a security breach Here are some interviews with Newman students who will be affected by this problem
Do you believe Tiktok will be banned on January 19th?
Student 1: “I think it’ll be permanently unavailable for Americans […] honestly I’m not sure because it’s been really unclear what will happen to it It would for sure be inaccessible though”
Student 2: “I can’t predict it but I feel like it might be delayed [because of the] technological process, it’s not easy to shut down an entire app, including the push back from the people I’m indifferent because Tiktok acts as a distraction and countless hours scrolling versus being productive. It’s nothing but a source of dopamine.”
Have you downloaded RedNote?
Student 1: “Yes, I’ve actually had RedNote downloaded previously because I’m Chinese and wanted to be more familiar with the language Funny enough I was actually watching it when I was in China for the summer because TikTok was blocked there”
Student 2: “Someone told me to but I never followed through, honestly I don’t think I will.”
Do you think the Tiktok ban will help students focus on work?
Student 1: “For sure Personally I spend way too much time on TikTok so I’ll definitely be more productive without it I know people will find alternative apps to doom-scroll in, but honestly there hasn’t been an app as addictive as TikTok I’m sad to see it go but at least it’ll make me a bit more focused.”
Student 2: “I wish but people will always find a source for distraction because they would rather evade work Some want to avoid it so they will find something else, but for others, it may greatly improve their concentration There are many apps that promote scrolling for hours endlessly, yet Tik Tok proves to be the most captivating of them all By removing the app I believe it will definitely increase focus for some ”
As mentioned in these interviews, the Tiktok ban is still up for discussion, although there is not an answer whether or not they will indefinitely follow through with their plan This goes to show this topic is still in motion and can change very easily There are many rumors surrounding the fact that someone could buy the company, however, no one has verified this. Additionally, RedNote has increased in users and popularity, which further enables the addictive behavior on phones There are many positives and negatives to this situation, however people’s focus on work and willingness to do things of their own volition, without an app telling them to, is on the line Either way, everyone will be impacted by this development or even its potential termination At 9:47 CST on January 18th, Ti
Around fi een hours later, Tiktok was welcomed back to the U S Many of the videos on Tiktok prior to the ban were about the fun they were going to miss This demonstrates an app ’ s influence on the current generation Ultimately, Tiktok can be considered harmful to people’s well-being because of its influence on people’s beliefs, speech, traditions, or way of life. Even though the app ’ s users ’ outrage towards the ban wasn’t effective, Tiktok was brought back to life! Donald Trump allowed for Tiktok to be accessed on the U S citizens devices, but not allowed to be downloaded in the App Store (which was reinstated and allowed to be installed in February) Currently, the U S and China are at peace concerning the app, even though the U S suspects China uses spies to infiltrate the American System. Contrary to what others would expect, the app has not changed and is the same as it was before the ban. Welcome back Tiktok!
Lifestyle
Pinterest Predicts 2025
By Zoila Linares ’27
Every year, Pinterest releases a set of trends that are predicted to become popular in the coming new year On December 13th, Pinterest released 20 trend predictions for 2025 Some basic, some super cool, and some very weird 20 is a lot of trends, so let’s discuss only the ones that immediately catch your eye But before we learn what the trends are, we need to know how this whole prediction process works The people at Pinterest don’t just come up with these at random, it takes tons of humans and computers to analyze consumer data and determine what trends will last into 2025 Even you have a big part in the process Billions of searches on Pinterest, including your own, are put through visual search technology to recognize new patterns in key search words. Then, teams at Pinterest will take associated keywords and put them in groups of emerging trends. They are also careful to make sure the trends are diverse, not specific to one category like fashion, and not specific to any one country. The last step is to use the teams’ knowledge and analytical technology to figure out which trends have potential to last in 2025 Honestly, the name “Pinterest Predicts” is kind of misleading, since no one is actually predicting new trends, just putting a spin on trends that have already proved to be pretty popular
First up, Foodie Trends! This year, Pinterest predicted 3 new “it” foods Pickles, cake, and ice cream floats, maybe even mixed together
Pickle Fix First up, “Pickle Fix” Towards the end of 2024, there was a huge increase in “pickle” search terms. This included ‘Pickle Fries’, ‘Pickle de Gallo Dip’, ‘Fried Pickle Dip’, and the weirdest one, ‘Pickle Cake’. While pickle cake seems a bit hard to stomach, thousands of users have voiced their excitement for the year of the pickle.
Chaos Cakes. Next on the list in “Chaos Cakes” There was over a 170% increase in searches for “rat cakes” in 2024, leading to this chaotic prediction This tren is all about making cakes as crazy looking as possible Whether this is through color, texture, or even flavor, silly sweet treats will definitely hold strong in 2025
Rebel Floats The last foodie trend for 2025 is another desert, “Rebel Floats” Predicted to be popular with Gen Z especially, this trend is all about making untraditional soda pairings, maybe even with homemade soda One theory is that this became popular due to the release of the show “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives”, where the main stars’ elaborate soda orders became viral across social media.
Next up, fashion trends! From casual to downright royal, a lot of unconventional fashion styles are projected to trend this year
Seeing Double. One of the cutest rising fashion trends is all about matching with your friends. From clothes, to nails, to makeup, twinning with your friends will become even more popular
Rococo Revival. Probably one of the most unconventional fashion trends, Rococo Revival brings back super feminine and opulent styles from the late Baroque period This style is all about the frills and the pastels
Last up, lifestyle trends! Different from fashion or food, these trends are centered around changing your way of life
Fisherman Aesthetic. This trend is all about embracing a relaxed attitu towards life This aims to be effortlessly laid back This means cable kn sweaters, sardine tattoos, and stripes So many stripes
Terra Futura This trend recognizes the importance of sustainability In recyclable fashion, self-sufficient gardens, and community spaces will b sustainable and sci-fi way of living
2025 is on track to be a very interesting year, trend wise As the year progresses, keep a look out to see if these trends really will come about, or if Pinterest is just mistaken. There are a lot more predicted trends that were not included here, so check those out to make sure you do not miss any!
Lifestyle
Gearing Up for Jazz Fest 2025!
By Tripp de Laureal ’26
Fest season is coming sooner than we realize Jazz Fest's 2025 lineup was announced on Wednesday, January 15 and people are already getting ready to see some of their favorite musicians and experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of the Fest again this year Of course, many members of the Newman community are excited for the Fest this year and shared their opinions in a poll about this year ' s lineup and their favorite parts of Jazz Fest
If you ' ve gone to Jazz Fest before, who was your favorite artist you ' ve seen there?
The most common answers were Chris Stapleton, Kendrick Lamar, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ed Sheeran, the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Buffett, Hozier, and Stevie Wonder
What artists are you most excited to see at Jazz Fest this year?
Out of the main headliners, most people were excited to see Pearl Jam, Luke Combs, Lil Wayne & The Roots, and Lenny Kravitz Other artists that people are excited for are Laufey, Cage the Elephant, Joan Jett, Santana, Beverly Hills Polo Club, and HAIM Additionally, most people who answered the poll have never seen these artists live before.
If you ' ve been to Jazz Fest before, how do you think this lineup compares to those of previous years?
Many people agreed that this lineup was either on the level as previous years or subpar Ms Izaguirre made an interesting point: "I was surprised that there weren't any mega headliners Last year, they did have a lot of heavy hitters, so I'm guessing they needed to financially take a beat, but this is still a great lineup of acts that cater to a wide audience"
But of course, Jazz Fest is about so much more than music What else are you excited for?
Most people who responded were excited to both eat the food and enjoy hanging out. Two people who responded will even volunteer at the Fest this year: Señora Montoya will volunteer in the culture tent with her krewe and highlights Mexican and Chicano cultures, and sophomore Maryn will be working a stand for Plum Street Snoballs!
What's your favorite Jazz Fest food?
Most people love eating snoballs, mango freezes, and crawfish monica Other common foods people love are jambalaya, poboys, and meat pies
By By Edwin Salisbury ’25 & William Monaghan ’28
The Camellia Grill is a classic brunch/lunch location near St Charles and Carrolton Opened in 1946, this classic New Orleans diner has an unchanged late ’40s atmosphere with peninsula counter seating The seating arrangement can make for long lines, however indoor waiting space is available and throughput is high. The food available includes po ’-boys, sandwiches, pancakes, omelets, and “freezes,” all prepared in a unique open kitchen.
Presentation
The zig-zag counter and the framed pictures of Camellia which gives it its name combines to give a feeling of a friendly space Plus, with it being right near where the streetcars turn 90 degrees to go up Carrollton gives it an interesting viewpoint for railroad nerds The white plasterwork outside contrasts with the 1940s diner aesthetic inside
Atmosphere
The dining experience is quite unique in the grill. Rather than ordering from a waiter, diners fill out an ordering slip; this makes it so you won't have the embarrassment of a wrong order due to the waiter mishearing you or forgetting a particular preference of yours This is especially important because it can o en be quite loud as the area is quite cramped If you are one that cannot stand the hustle and bustle of waiters, the chatting of patrons, or acoustics in a restaurant I would recommend sitting outside
Food Quality
The food is the typical diner I would say that it is well worth the price The cheeseburgers are quite good as they are not overly greasy yet not so dry that it is impossible to eat. The fries are very thin which I prefer as I find thicker fries less pleasing. You might look at the menu and wonder what the heck is a “freeze”. A freeze is like an interesting combination between a milkshake and a slushy; you’d think that it would be too watery but honestly it is delicious
Final Verdict
In the category of Presentation it gets 1 out of 1 stars, for Atmosphere it gets 1 5 stars out of 2, and for Food Quality it gets 2 stars out of 2 Overall it is a pretty decent place with my only main criticism being that the acoustics in the place mean that noise reverberates quite easily However, I would say that most people wouldn’t go to a diner to have a heartfelt and deep conversation. The food quality is delicious for what they offer and I have never been disappointed. Overall, it gets a 4.5 star rating.
From Mehendi to Jaimal: Indian Wedding Experience
By Aashna Sharma’ 27
Over Mardi Gras break I went to India for my cousin’s wedding. The wedding was at a beautiful beach resort in Goa, India, which overlooked the serene coastline decorated with coconut trees A er visiting my dad’s family in New Delhi, we reached Goa two days prior to the actual wedding My cousin’s husband is from Assam, the very far northeast of India, and we belong to the UP-Punjab area (north central India); as a result, the wedding was a diverse setting that incorporated Punjabi, UP, and Assamese traditions
The wedding ceremony started with the Mehendi event, where the bride, with all her women friends and family members, got henna on their hands Everyone was dressed in green to align with the color of ‘mehendi’ This was a glamorous celebration with music, dance, lunch, and gi booths that gave away traditional Indian purses, earrings, and other small goodies Additionally, there was an artist preparing bangles on-site for the guests
Later, the evening opened up with the Sangeet function The word ‘Sangeet’ means music in Hindi. As envisioned in Bollywood movies, the entire evening was filled with dances from popular Bollywood dances and songs, starting with the bride and groom and later joined by family and friends, including my eighty-year-old grandma A er a much-needed night’s rest and delicious breakfast in the morning, we started the day with the Assamese function of Juroon This is a ladies-only function and my family’s first Juroon The women member reeted the brid
Following Juroon was Tilak, when the bride’s brother(s) welcomed the groomThis ceremony was performed by my brother, Vihaan, and the bride’s cousin, Ramit In Indian culture, cousins are considered siblings Both the brothers put ‘tilak,’ red powder vertically on the groom ’ s forehead as a welcome to the family. This was followed by worship A er the conclusion of Tilak, Haldi or the ‘turmeric’ ceremony started The entire wedding gathering wore yellow attire; additionally, the bride and groom each sat in yellow tubs We all put turmeric on the bride and groom as a significance of purification, blessings, and prosperity for the coupl nd food a
A er a one-hour break, preparations for the actual wedding ceremony began It was time for the baraat Traditionally, baraat is a procession of the groom coming on a horse or elephant for the wedding, accompanied by his friends and family Music and dance are the highlights of the baraat However, my cousin’s groom came in a car As a welcome to the baraat, the bride’s family greeted the baraat at the entrance of the wedding venue and garlanded the close relatives Then started the actual wedding ceremony Everybody walked to the altar and waited for the bride, who came to the ceremony site under a canopy of flowers held by her brothers with her sisters walking alongside her.
The wedding ceremony was initiated by ‘Jaimal’, where the bride and groom exchanged flower-decorated garlands This was followed by the actual ceremony, during which both the bride and groom had to take off their shoes; traditionally the bride’s sisters steal the groom ’ s shoes and demand money to return them The groom already planned ahead and had a strategy So, my cousins, brother, and I spent the whole evening looking for them
The g g iate with him when he was to wear them again, at the end of the ceremony During the wedding ceremony, the pandit (priest) chants holy ‘mantras and shlokas’ (wedding prayers) follow walk s conclu
The e which newly
The following day we returned to Delhi and then flew to the groom ’ s family house at Tezpur, Assam. The groom ’ s family now welcomed the bride into their home and threw a reception party; this was a two-day event Our wedding experience concluded with the reception The next day I went to Delhi for the night and then started my journey back via Doha and Miami As far as jet lag, it was not as bad as previous times. I think because the flight took a span of two days and a total airtime of approximately twenty hours spread across those two stops, I ended up getting more rest than usual Maybe also because we used a different airline Usually we go through British Airways via London-Heathrow, which is much shorter (approx two hours less total airtime) Much to my delight, as an aviation nerd, we went through Qatar Airways Overall, this was a very fun experience, especially since it was my first Indian wedding and my second wedding in general It was interesting seeing how my culture does weddings and how they are similar/different to what’s depicted in movies and how different groups of Indians celebrate it differently
Family and friends getting henna at the Mehendi ceremony
Preparations for the Juroon ceremony
Groom happily waiting for turmeric paste application during Haldi ceremony
Bride
eld by
Bride garlanding the groom during Jaimal
Lifestyle
The Best Music School in Nowhere, France
By William Monaghan ’28
I recently returned from a two-week stay in France for an in-person session with CNIMA (Centre National et International pour la Musique et l'Accordéon) It was a very interesting experience, and I am happy to be able to write about it in our very own school publication
A er taking Skype lessons with the school for about 10 months (since a workshop they hosted here in New Orleans last summer), the teachers there decided I should take in person lessons at their school in Saint-Sauves D'Auvergne The school is exclusively oriented towards music and it is therefore unreasonable to compare their structure with Newman’s, but theirs is interesting just the same
There were many more students around during the first week (one of their six-or-so annual accordion group-workshops), mostly coming from southern France, but some from Switzerland and northern Italy The schedule, especially during the quieter second week, was very accommodating with usually only two group lessons and two private lessons a day This added up to about three hours of actual instruction in one day, although rigorous practice in the assigned rooms was encouraged The practice ‘boxes’ (essentially closets) opened onto a small common space with a coffee machine and chessboard, the former being much frequented myself, although the € 80 charge somewhat hindered my hot-chocolate binge
Lunch was around 1:30 every day and consisted of two entrees, cheese, oranges, and lots of yoghurt The brie was very good, but I skipped the Pecorino Wine was also available in pitchers for the adult students, making this certainly the most french institutional lunch I had ever seen Small concerts at the end of each week were held for the families of the visiting students, which was rather stressful considering how little time I had to work on my piece (only the first week + two prior Skype lessons) but it went alright and the atmosphere was very nice Most of the students would walk to the bakerie town during the two unstructured hours a er lunch, but my practice schedule had other plans
The surrounding area was very quiet with only two air-b-n-bs in the Saint-Sauves, so my family settled for a very nice rental apartment in the adjacent (and much larger) town of La Bourboule La Bourboule has a similar atmosphere to Saint-Sauves, but also a much livelier scene along the river with a long row of shops, bistros, and small hotels Further up the river and just past the end of the ‘downtown’ area if you can call it that is a railroad station originally built by the Chemin du fer de Paris et Orleans While abandoned by the SNCF and the later wave of restaurant and boutique tenants sometime in the last thirty years, the elegant beaux-arts structure is in good condition with an adjacent freighthouse still in use by a private owner A single through-track of the station’s original two platforms and freight yard seems to be in use While evidently unused for a few months, the line is in good repair
The lack of academic instruction at CNIMA makes the school unattractive as a long term option for a high-school student, but the instructional experience there was very enjoyable and effective and I plan to visit again sometime for a similar duration There ar Saint-Sauves is onl
The unique metho and the charm of t
Gator Nature
By Valerie Zhou ’27
Greenie Groups
By Valerie Zhou ’27
Th
Arc
By Nick
Mrs Genie Everett McCloskey ’65 first became part of the Newman community in 1952 when she was enrolled in Kindergarten at age 5 She grew up a block away from Newman, and her two older brothers would walk her to school every day
She met her future husband at Newman, and they started dating her junior year; he was one year older than her and in her brother’s class. Her senior year, in 1964, she was named Homecoming Queen A er she graduated in 1965, she went on to Newcomb College (now Newcomb-Tulane College), while her husband went to Tulane University They have been married for 58 years and have lived at what she calls the “Cutest Little Pink House On Broadway” for the past 55 years
Life @ New
skey and the Archives
More than a decade later, her love for Newman would take on a new form In 1994, she curated a special display in the Lemle Hallway for Newman’s 90th anniversary, which led former Head of School Scott McLeod to ask her to establish the Newman Archives and serve as the school’s first and so far, only archivist. He told her: “You do the things that make the difference.” She states: “The right person saw potential and gave me a fabulous opportunity”
That school year, she started searching the entire campus for anything that was part of Newman’s history As she found things, she would organize them into categories by year She says: “It wasn’t anything I was trained to do I just love to organize I love Newman And I love Newman’s history” She was not settled until she had searched every closet and attic in the school. At the time, she was supported by former Business Manager and family member Martin Macdiarmid, who provided her with the necessary funds to curate the school’s history
For the past 31 years, Mrs McCloskey has been protecting, preserving, and displaying over 121 years of history and traditions of the school For 30 of those years, the archives have lived on the second floor of the Bertha Marcus Levy Center (above the dining hall), but this year, they were relocated to the second floor meeting room of the Palaestra during the Levy building renovation.
Today, the archives also has a digital collection of scanned photographs and memorabilia to be preserved into the future
Her work is not just about preserving objects it’s about safeguarding the spirit of Newman, capturing the memories, milestones, and meaning behind every artifact. Archivism is important to her because the school has such a rich and meaningful history. Isidore Newman established the school for Jewish orphans and all children in New Orleans to be educated through manual training and equipped with the skills needed to be successful in the workforce Newman’s motto “ we learn to do by doing” was part of the school’s identity from the start and is still seen in classrooms today What she enjoys the most is finding new treasures and learning from alumni who share their stories and donate items to be part of Newman’s collection.
Over the years, Mrs. McCloskey has helped plan and organize many special events on campus She adds: “Honoring Newman’s traditions is a priority That is why I have been involved in major events like Homecoming, Founder’s Day, awards programs, and Commencement for many years ” For Founder’s Day, she curates and displays boards celebrating Newman’s history, creates and delivers years of service ribbons to all Newman faculty, and orders and organizes anniversary years of service certificates and Lemann awards For Homecoming, she updates the spirit stick with its most recent winner and stores the
Mrs McCloskey’s “Cutest Little Pink House On Broadway”
The Archives before and a er
king and queens ’ crowns and the ties for the Kindergarten Court She also orders and wraps all of the middle and upper school awards, in addition to ordering the senior yard signs and state championship athletic banners You may also notice bulletin boards in the upper school with green and white ribbon and Newman logos in the corners that were specially designed by her She describes her job as “archives, aesthetics, and special events” and “ a dream come true.”
The Newman Archives tell a story they represent where we came from and how we have changed over time to develop our identity as a school today and Mrs McCloskey is at the heart of that story She reflects: “Newman’s been my life” and “I’ve been very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to do all of these things that I love to do here You can’t beat that” She also enjoys seeing three of her grandchildren Sydney, Madison, and PJ Able on campus and supporting them at all of their games and events.
Students today contribute to the legacy of the Newman archives by visiting Mrs McCloskey in the archives or keeping cherished items from their time at Newman including award certificates t a N t h
ere is what some members of the ewman faculty have to say about the ewman Archives and Mrs. McCloskey:
s. Kim Causey, Coordinator of ommunity & Inclusion:
Ms. Erin O’Brien ’98, Director of Technology:
“Mrs McCloskey’s level of care and concern for the history of our school is crucial to the history of not only our community but also Newman’s influence and impact on New Orleans Mrs McCloskey has been a tedious steward of our best artifacts and stories We would not be able to lean on and celebrate our own history and use that knowledge to look to the future without her steadfast work and dedication.”
Ms. Jennifer Rosen ’84, Assistant Head of School for Enrollment Management:
Thanks to Mrs McCloskey, Newman’s archives continue to tell the evolving story of our school. Her dedication ensures that generations of Greenies past, present, and future can celebrate the rich history and traditions of our community The contributions to the archives of Newman faculty and alumni demonstrate the Newman community’s unwavering commitment to preserving the school’s history
enie is one of Newman’s greatest orytellers and culture bearers I ouldn’t be able to do my job without all the things I’ve learned from her She’s lped root me in the history of the school and its commitment to inclusion from the very beginning She’s grounded me in traditions and values that are so important to preserve for future generations of Newman students Genie’s helped me feel like I belong here even as someone who isn’t a Newman alum by making its history come alive in photos and memorabilia. She makes me and every faculty and staff member feel loved and appreciated with her signature handmade pins and ribbons on Founder’s Day each year Genie is a Newman treasure and her important work will impact generations to come ”
“In my opinion, the Newman Archives have been a hidden gem of our school [Mrs Genie McCloskey’s] dedication and focused efforts to maintain and display these records have kept the story of Isidore Newman School available for those who wish to reminisce as well as for those who want to learn more about the history of our school. Mrs. McCloskey's love of Newman (and the color Green!) has made her an invaluable resource for our alumni, students, faculty and friends of Newman Mrs McCloskey has been a student, parent and grandparent at Newman; I don't know of any other local school with the same depth of history who also has such a knowledgeable individual to keep the spirit of the school alive!”
Mr Dale Smith, Head of School:
“The Newman Archives is important because it preserves and celebrates the long history and meaningful artifacts of our School. The archives tell the story of Newman School from our founding in 1903 to current times As an alumna, Newman parent, Newman grandparent, and Newman teacher, Genie McCloskey ’65 is our first and only archivist The depth of her love for her alma mater and her many years associated directly with the School combine to make her ideal for this important role for Newman”
Read more faculty quotes in the full article at greenienews.com.
renovation on the 2nd floor of the Bertha Marcus Levy Center
Mrs Genie Everett McCloskey ’65, Edward McCloskey ’64, and their three Newman grandchildren PJ ’30, Madison ’28, and Sydney ’26 Able
Nick Rezza 25 and Mrs Genie Everett McCloskey ’65 at Founders Day 2025
Life @ Newman
Lights, Camera, ACTIONS: The Annual DEI Film Festival
By Nick Rezza ’25 and Vivian Zhou ’26
Before students headed off to Mardi Gras Break, Newman’s Upper School held its Annual DEI Film Festival on Wednesday, February 26th, planned by the ACTIONS Committee
The day started with everyone gathering in the Henson Auditorium for an introduction of the day by the ACTIONS Committee and a panel of two New Orleans jazz musicians from Preservation Hall and the nonprofit Girls Play Trumpets Too who work to preserve and expand the reach of traditional New Orleans Jazz: Troy Sawyer and Victor Campbell Here, students got to get a glimpse into each artist’s mind, learning how their involvement in music from their childhood shaped their current jobs in the industry today. The Upper School also had the opportunity to see these two musicians who had just met for the first time two days before the panel play together without any preparation, engaging in improvisation and feeding off of each other’s energy Troy Sawyer played powerful notes from his trumpet, and Victor Cambell even played the piano with his hands behind his back!
A er the assembly, students split off into their respective film locations and watched their films The movies were as follows: Mountain Queen, Out of My Mind, 26 2 to Life, Shirley, Uproar, The Fablemans, and The Battle of the Sexes Each room had student facilitators who led students in meaningful discussions about the importance of each movie. Many teachers and facilitators described how students in their rooms had great conversations and seemed comfortable discussing complex topics and issues A er several Community Conversations throughout the year, where students from different grade levels had a range of discussions, students felt prepared for the day and ready to engage in civil discourse A er the discussions, each room made a movie review poster, showcasing the key takeaways from the film and their discussions.
During lunch, the World Languages department held a carnival celebration with activities in the Krohn Foyer The foyer was decorated by posters made by students, introducing a variety of different Latin American countries. With an assortment of food and drinks from countries around the world, students were able to participate in activities, such as creating their own Mardi Gras mask out of glitter glue and feathers
A er lunch, students returned to the Henson Auditorium for the first Cultural Showcase.
Similar to the format of the Arts Week Assembly, the Cultural Showcase included performances and presentations from a variety of different groups that represent different aspects of our shared and unique cultures at Newman It started with a film created by Henry Haber ’26 and Ian Provosty ’26 about Newman’s culture of growth, highlighting students in Newman’s athletic and arts programs It was followed by “Hues of India,” a presentation and performance led by Aditi Shridhar ’26 and the Indian students With a video in the background (created by Aria Jolly ’25), the students discussed the history and cultural heritage of India, while performing several dances in between the information. A er a few students from Senora Sanchez’s Spanish VI Honors class read a poem written in Spanish by Garrison Franks ’26, inspired by visiting Cuban artist Piki Mendizabal’s artwork Next, a group of Chinese students, led by Wendy Sun ’27, shared a presentation on Chinese Mythology and Ne Zha 2, a recent Chinese animated fantasy adventure film Then, the Jewish Cultures Club, led by Eli Friend ’25, performed two Israeli dances choreographed by Mr. Johnny Lake. Finally, we closed out the showcase with the Black History Through the Decades Showcase in honor of Black History Month Directed by Morgan Price ’26 and Tay Young ’25 and emceed by Mr Greg Spencer and Ms Ashley Adams, the showcase included a timeline of Black History with dances from each decade
Overall, the showcase was a great way to bring everyone together and celebrate the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our community
Troy Sawyer and Victor Campbell playing together
Students performing at the DEI Cultural Showcase
Life @ Newman
Ceramics Field Trip: Connecting What We Make to the World
By Helen Gong ’26
Mrs. Wiseman has been taking her art classes on field trips ever since she started teaching. For Advanced Ceramics students, they go to see a pottery exhibit, where they are encouraged to explore the nature of art through first-hand, interactive experiences Now, let’s dive further into what this trip entailed, the purpose behind it, and what students could gain from this!
On Monday, March 17th, the Advanced Ceramics Class went to Tulane’s Newcomb College to look at pottery Newcomb College Pottery is a distinctive arts project associated with the Sophie Newcomb Memorial College, which was the women ’ s branch of Tulane University There, Advanced Ceramics students got to learn about how museum curators work, see 50+ pieces of pottery, and even hold specific pieces When asked what she hoped students could gain from field trips like this, Mrs Wiseman replied:
“One is to understand the relationship between art and cra , you know? And thinking about the objects that we experience, how we can make things that have value and importance and we can be inspired to make our own work”
A er seeing some of these pieces, students could get inspiration for projects and gain ideas for their own communities. The class also got to go into the contemporary exhibition Newcomb had, which featured artwork from South Africa. In this exhibit, they learned about how Apartheid and history influenced the different pieces. Art is inseparable from history as it will always reflect the ideas of the era it originated from Mrs Wiseman was clear in wanting students to interact with and acknowledge the real-world presence of art:
“I also think it's important to understand that what you ’ re learning about in school is happening in real life Like it was cool at the Newcomb one, to hear about history and then hold history and look at history– and just to think about how all these disciplines kind of come together They’re not just singular”
If you want to find out more about these trips, you can ask someone who went on the field trips or contact Mrs Wiseman directly Until then, keep kiln’ it and creating art!
Sophomore Sweet Sixteen
By Charlotte Norwood ’27
The Sophomore Sweet Sixteen, hosted on January 6th by the Newman moms, was a huge success As an attendee, it was well-planned and my friends and I had a great time From the photographer walking around to the DJ on the stage, the Newman moms did a great job planning the party When entering the first room, baby photos (that were selected by the honorees’ parents) were propped up for everyone to sign The next room had a bar and food, which was where most of the parents stayed throughout the night (this room was adjacent to the main room) The main room was where the stage and dance floor were, as well as a smaller buffet table (which had mozzarella sticks, chicken tenders, pizza, mac and cheese, etc.) and other tables throughout the room. Jackie Bellaire (a sophomore at Newman and an attendee) stated: “The venue was beautiful, and the entrance with the posters to sign was really sweet”. The event lasted about three hours and ended around eleven The attendees consisted of tenth-grade boys and girls from Newman, along with other freshmen and sophomores from other high schools like Sacred Heart, McGehee, and Country Day Overall, the moms truly did a great job planning the dance, and it was a really fun night for everyone who attended
The classic blue pottery produced by Newcomb College
Arts
From Myth to Musical: Newman’s “Hadestown” Takes the Stage
By Vivian Zhou ’26
The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice is one of the most famous myths from Greek mythology. Orpheus, a poet and musician, falls in love with Eurydice. A er she dies tragically (by snakebite in most versions), he travels to the Underworld to bring her back His music so ens the heart of Hades, who agrees to let her return on one condition: Orpheus must lead her out without looking back He does but doubts, turns, and loses her forever
In 2010, singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell reimagined the myth as a folk opera. The result was a concept album titled Hadestown, featuring artists like Justin Vernon and Ani DiFranco. In this version, this world is more like 1930s America Hades became an authoritarian industrialist Persephone ran a rowdy underground speakeasy Eurydice was a working woman lured to the Underworld by promises of food and shelter And Orpheus’s music was revolutionary The music blended American folk, blues, jazz, and political commentary to make the myth feel startlingly relevant (not only back then but also in today’s political climate). Next, Director Rachel Chavkin joined Mitchell to adapt the album into a full theatrical production. The show made its off-Broadway debut in 2016 at New York Theatre Workshop In 2019, Hadestown opened on Broadway at the Walter Kerr Theatre
Hadestown was nominated for 14 Tony Awards and won 8, including Best Musical, Best Original Score for Mitchell, and Best Direction for Chavkin. Unlike the original myth, which ends with a single failure, Hadestown is a story of cycles The characters are doomed to repeat their tale, but the show insists on hope “It’s a sad song, ” Hermes says, “but we sing it anyway ”
Hadestown, performed by Newman Players, was an incredible success Directed by Ms Maritza Mercado-Narcisse, they had three incredible shows, each night with more and more people coming to see them. With an extremely talented cast, many audience members said that both the singing and the set were up to par with shows on Broadway The Tech Theatre classes, under the leadership of Mr Cramer, built an amazing set: two double-floored platforms that are able to be spun around to show the Overworld and Hades’ workshop On stage, the cast also had an amazing experience working alongside each other
Anna Kate Lemann ’28: Words cannot express how grateful I am for this experience. This was a show I will never forget! I am truly so happy to say I was a part of this production. I love each and every cast and crew member who spent the time and put in the work to make this show possible! Although it is hard for this to end, I am excited to see
John Sanpietro ’25: “Words truly cannot express how grateful I am for having participated in this production As a long-tenured theater kid, I’ve played many roles ranging from unnamed ensemble members to leads, but this is the first role I felt I truly understood. This cast really did something special with this show, and I will remember it forever. This cast was the most universally impassioned I have seen in my eight years doing theater at Newman”
Georgia Biever ’26: “There are no words to express how much this cast, crew, and overall this production has meant to me Thank you so much to everyone involved, you are all truly amazing I am so unbelievably grateful that I got to spend this time with you all, and I love you all so much I wish we could sing it again.”
Thank you to Ms Narcisse, Mr Cramer, and everyone who made this show possible And a special thank you to everyone who came out to support this talented group! We raise our cups to you!
Games
Newman Players Word Search
By Yhanie Bermudez ’27
Games
Newman Teachers Crossword
By Yhanie Bermudez ’27
Staff Spotlight
Letter from the Outgoing Senior Editors
By Gwendolyn Gray ’25 and Nick Rezza ’25
Dear
Readers,
Being a senior in high school has many ups and downs You look forward to the fun moments, but feel sentimental at the same time You are excited to spend time with your friends, but realize these are the final experiences you have together Each game, event, performance, or meeting is one less until the end However, making memories and enjoying the moment is what senior year is all about We wanted to reflect on our experiences and share some advice with you as we finish out our senior year:
Gwendolyn Gray: Being a part of the Navigator has been one of my favorite activities throughout High School. Though I only joined as a sophomore, the Navigator allowed me to express my thoughts and opinions in a professional manner Throughout my time at Newman, I have learned so much about skills I will use in the future, particularly in my professional and daily life First, you should always take advantage of the resources available to you At Newman, there are so many teachers, students, and others looking to help you and better your High School experience It’s the simple act of asking for help that can benefit your high school career so much! Another skill that I learned is time management, particularly through being a part of the tennis team Juggling practice, school work, and social life takes a lot of effort and organization, which is taught very well at Newman Looking back on my Newman experience, I was taught so many life skills that I didn’t even realize; being able to harness these in my daily life is what Newman is all about
Nick Rezza: I have incredibly enjoyed every part of my Newman experience for the past five years From the lifelong friendships formed to the strong relationships with teachers and administrators to the memorable experiences I had, I realize Newman is a special place like no other Each of the teams I have been a part of have shaped who I am today as a person and leader Being part of the Swim Team taught me the importance of hard work and persistence, the Speech & Debate team helped me find my voice and gave me the confidence to use it, the ACTIONS Committee gave me the opportunity to give back to the community, the Executive Committee enabled me to work with others to bring the Upper School community together, Peer Leadership taught me how to use my strengths and weaknesses as a tool and adapt lessons to the freshmen I advised, the Navigator provided me with a space to share things I am interested in with the school community, and the Pioneer allowed me to appreciate the art of others and the power of words As I reflect on my time at Newman, my biggest advice is to get involved in the community and find a way to make a difference, don’t be afraid to take risks and try something new (who knows, you may like it), and enjoy the moment and have fun because it’s going to go by way too fast Thank you to everyone who played a part in making my Newman experience something I will cherish for years to come
Thank you to the Navigator Staff for all of your hard work this year! Your dedication and creative minds allowed this edition to come together so well Thank you to all of our readers for taking the time to support and appreciate our work! Thank you to Ms Wilson for offering us amazing guidance and advice Finally, thank you to the Newman community for providing us with the best high school experience one could ask for Go Greenies!
Signing off,
Gwendolyn Gray ’25 & Nick Rezza ’25 Senior Executive Editors-In-Chief
Quiz: Which Isidore Newman Building Are You?
Plan your dream vacation to know which building you are most similar to by scanning the QR code and completing the quiz! By Wendy Sun ’27 & Zoila Linares ’27
Staff:
Executive Editors-In-Chief
Gwendolyn Gray ’25
Nick Rezza ’25
Associate Editors-In-Chief
Morgan Breaux ’26
Tripp de Laureal ‘26
Writers
Andrew Brandt ’25
Edwin Salisbury ’25
Markie Batten ’26
Georgia Biever ’26
Helen Gong ’26
Eliana Hermann ’26
Russell Huber ’26
Saniya Jarrow ’26
Sara Lovell ’26
Jada Merritt ’26
Lexie Toshav ’26
Vivian Zhou ’26
Jackie Bellaire ’27
Yhanie Bermudez ’27
Zoila Linares ’27
Charlotte Norwood ’27
Aashna Sharma ’27
Wendy Sun ’27
Valerie Zhou ’27
William Monaghan ’28
Faculty Sponsor
Ms Wilson
Zoila is currently a sophomore who joined the Navigator staff this year She enjoys writing about Lifestyle and making quizzes In addition to her contributions to The Navigator, Zoila is the President of ASL Club, a member of ACTIONS, and a PF debater on the Speech and Debate team Zoila is the Head Lighting Designer for Newman Players productions and helps with the Tech Crew for other schools. A fun fact about Zoila is that she likes elephants. Please congratulate Zoila on this great honor!
March Writer of the Month: Jackie Bellaire ’27
Jackie Bellaire was selected by the Navigator’s editorial staff as the March Writer of the Month! This month, Jackie wrote “Parade Delays” with Charlotte Norwood, which was a fascinating read about why our favorite Mardi Gras parades didn’t go as scheduled This year, Jackie also wrote an article about Mr Brister, which was featured in the First Semester Print Edition, and an article about the devastation caused by the Los Angeles wildfires in January.
Jackie is currently a sophomore She is a proud member of the gymnastics team and tech crew She did swim in middle school and likes to do lights for Newman theater performances, including the most recent production, Hadestown. She is one of three members of the gymnastics team and does a great job in her competitions! Please congratulate Jackie on this great honor!
Introducing Our New Editors (2025-26)
Executive Editors-In-Chief: Morgan Breaux ’26 & Tripp de Laureal ’26
