Unison
Summer Bucket List!
BY: SOPHIA GBADEBO
Summer break is finally here! After months of testing and homework we’re going to trade our textbooks for sunshine. Whether you want to explore, relax, or try something new, this bucket list is your go-to guide for a perfect summer.
1. Amusement Park
Whether a local fair or Six Flags, an amusement park is the perfect way to kick off summer! Bring friends and family for a day of fun. Ride the tallest coaster and scream as loud as you can, or go on a water ride for relief from the hot sun. Amusement parks are filled with all types of treats– be brave and try a new snack. Win a prize at a gamebooth like a huge stuffed animal, or just bragging rights. Finally, when the day comes to an end, buy a cheesy souvenir on your way out. Whether a big hat or a light up sword, get something to remember the day.
2.
Beach Day
There is nothing quite like the warm sand and ocean breeze for the ultimate summer reset. Build sand castles, read a book, or just lie down and catch a tan to unwind. Want to ensure you will have a great time? Pack some extra snacks and a speaker for a full beach-party vibe.
3. Movie Night
Who said the fun has to end after the sun sets? Grab some popcorn, blankets, your pajamas, and get a list of your favorite movies. You can even choose a theme such as horror, rom-coms, animation, or action. Or, if you just want to laugh until your stomach hurts, pick some popular comedies. Regardless of what you choose to watch, movie nights are the perfect way to relax and connect during summer break.
4.
Swimming Pool
Pools are the heart of summer fun. You can check when your local neighborhood pool opens, or if you or your friend are lucky to have one of your own, go there! Do cannonballs off the diving board or laze around in an inflatable floatie. Play Marco-Polo with your friends, make silly videos by the pool, and enjoy snacks and some refreshing drinks. Just remember to wear sunscreen!
5. Read a New Book
Whether you are starting your assigned reading or just reading for pleasure, this summer is the perfect time to escape to a whole new world in the pages of a good book. If you really want to switch things up, read something you normally would not. A fantasy adventure, a mystery, or maybe a memory. Make it your goal to read at least one new book. You can bring it on your trip to the park, the pool, or the beach. Choose your pace and read a few pages a day, or allow yourself to fly through it in a weekend if you are really enjoying yourself. Regardless of how fast you finish it, reading a new book is a great way to relax and get inspired.
6. Plan a Picnic
There is something so timeless and relaxing about a simple summer picnic. Spread out a blanket at the park, the beach, or even your backyard with a cooler full of food and drinks. Pack sandwiches, chips, fruit, lemonade, and some homemade treats. Bring a speaker to play some of your favorite tunes, a book for easy entertainment, or some card games to keep things fun. Picnics are all about spending time with people as well as nature. So unplug, unwind, and make some fun memories.
7. Sunset Walks on the Beach
After a long day of fun in the sun, relax by taking a stroll along the beach in the evening. Watch the sky turn into beautiful shades of pinks and orange as the tide rolls in. Enjoy the serenity, reflect on your day, take some beautiful pictures, or just talk with a friend.
8. On the Water
This summer, do not just dip your toes in the ocean, but take the opportunity to try a water sport like jet skiing, paddleboarding, tubing, or kayaking. Check local lakes, rivers, and beaches that offer rentals for beginners. You do not need to be a pro, just willing to get soaked and eager to have an abundance of fun.
9. Fireworks and July 4th Parties
July 4th, or Independence Day is certainly a summer highlight, so don your best red, white, and blue clothes, attend a barbeque, and have some classic holiday fun with games, music, and good food.
Rye Playland has fireworks every year and nearby at the Barley Beach House, they have a beach party to continue the festivities! When it is time for fireworks, get cozy and watch the sky light up. It is the perfect moment to feel grateful for summer, friends, fun, and freedom!
10. Ice Cream Social
Is there a better way to cool off in the summer than enjoying some delicious ice cream? Gather your friends and journey out to an ice cream parlor or set up your own DIY sundae bar at home. Whatever option you choose, be sure to get plenty of toppings: rainbow sprinkles, hot fudge, gummy bears, whipped cream, cherries on top, you name it. Take the opportunity to try different flavors or even crazy flavor combinations. An ice cream social is an easy summer event where you are sure to laugh, snack, and have a great time.
‘27 AND MOTUNRAYO ‘28
Senior Prom
GEORGINA GAMBLE ‘25
The Class of 2025 celebrated their Senior Prom on May 2, 2025, and it was a night to remember! The girls did not hesitate to pull through with gorgeous gowns in all sorts of colors, and particularly, the color blue in all of its shades prevailed in strong popularity this year. Hosted at Glen Island Harbour Club, the girls and their guests got to take part in a light “mocktail” hour when the night began. This part of the event aligned perfectly with the sunset, which set gorgeously behind the venue, and gave many in attendance the opportunity to capture the perfect prom picture for their memory books. The evening transitioned into dinner and dancing. The guests got the chance to sit with close friends for dinner, and a live DJ kept the dance floor packed immediately following the meal. The songs varied from the current pop hits to the all-time party classics, and the Class of 2025 made the most of every moment. Prom night did not end, however, without crowning the prom queen! Elected through a lottery, ten random names were pulled out of a hat. Then, the girls were each given a rose – the girl who received the pink one was declared the true queen!
It was truly an exciting but sentimental night for the senior class, as they were able to get together as a group for one of the last times before graduation. Prom was not just about showing off the dresses and makeup (although everyone looked beautiful!), but rather about sharing happiness and nostalgia about the past, and having excitement for what’s to come in everyone’s lives! The night commenced with postprom activities like party buses and sleepovers, and for many it was the perfect way to start to turn the page towards college and beyond, while still soaking up the last moments of an unforgettable senior year.
Junior Prom
ASHLING DOHERTY, CAMILA NAPOLEON,
With Junior Prom just around the corner, the Class of 2026 and many faculty members are in full prep mode, looking for the perfect dresses and figuring out how to make the most of the big night! Set for May 16th at The Westchester Manor House in Hastings, the night promises to be a memorable and fun-filled evening, and everyone is eager to make the most of this highly anticipated event!
With prom just a few weeks away, there’s been a lot of talk among students about the dresses, the trends, and what the night might look like. For Junior Prom, it’s custom for most girls to opt for short dresses, saving the longer, more formal gowns for their senior year. This year’s dress trends are offering a wide variety of styles, ensuring that everyone can find something they love. Ranging from bold, sparkly designs and intricate beading to simple and elegant looks, the range of styles is super fun and diverse. However, what’s similar about most of these dresses is that many of them feature soft pastels, vibrant floral patterns, and spring-inspired colors, creating a fresh and seasonal vibe that is perfect for the occasion.
Our dedicated faculty and administration have worked tirelessly to plan for this wonderful event, and the Class of 2026 is incredibly grateful! From choosing the perfect date, securing the venue, and handling logistics behind the scenes, they have done so much to ensure that the whole Junior class has the best experience yet. The excitement is building, and we can’t wait to see everyone’s stunning looks and celebrate a night to remember!
AND BLAKE WILSON‘ 26
Science Research Spotlight
MARLEY JENNINGS ‘25
When reflecting on her time leading the Science Research program, Dr. Litvine shared several highlights and insights about what it takes to succeed as a student researcher. “I have taught the Science Research class for four years. We had about 25 students involved in science research each of these years,” she explained. A major success, she said, was the widespread participation in DNA barcoding projects: “Almost all students starting from September 2022 were involved in the DNA barcoding projects, and we have run 12 different projects over three years.” She proudly noted the partnerships formed through the program, adding, “We established collaborations on DNA barcoding with Pace University and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL).” In fact, she emphasized that “CSHL is rated as #1 lab in molecular biology in the world.” Dr. Litvine also celebrated students’ achievements outside the classroom, “Our students won medals, award certificates and monetary prizes in a number of local and regional science fairs,” and mentioned that one senior “advanced to the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF),” while another won in the prestigious Regeneron Student Talent Search. When asked what skills are essential for student researchers, Dr. Litvine said, “Time management, ability to read and understand scientific papers, molecular biology skills, programming skills, statistical analysis of data, writing scientific papers, and presenting their findings.” As for how students can choose a research topic, her advice is simple, “I suggest that students think about something they are interested in everyday life, and start reading papers on this topic to see if they are interested to learn more about it.”
Maya Dominguez ‘27
Maya reflected on her journey in the Science Research program, describing it as both “exciting and challenging.” She has developed a strong interest in 3D bioprinting and has already spent time conducting background research by reading scientific articles to better understand the field. Currently, Maya is in the process of finding a mentor who can guide her in hands-on research. She shared that the most difficult part so far has been connecting with a mentor who specializes in 3D bioprinting, but she is actively working to overcome this by reaching out to experts via email. Looking ahead, Maya hopes to explore the applications of 3D bioprinting in regenerative medicine, particularly in creating artificial tissues and organs. While she hasn’t secured a mentor yet, she’s eager to begin a research project over the summer and plans to start data collection if the opportunity arises. Maya’s determination and initiative show her commitment to making meaningful contributions in a cutting-edge area of science.
Sophia Gbadebo ‘27
Sophia described her Science Research experience as wonderful, highlighting hands-on opportunities like collecting marine specimens on a field trip to City Island and performing DNA barcoding at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. She’s now preparing to present her work at the Somers Science Fair next month. The most difficult part of the process has been finding a mentor. “I have not found a mentor yet,” she admitted, “but I have some very promising leads.” Sophia is interested in psychology, with a specific focus on social psychology and human-environment interaction, which she hopes to explore further in the next two years. While she’s still searching for a research mentor, she’ll be spending the summer participating in academic programs at Brown University and Georgetown University, eager to continue expanding her knowledge and experience.
Haley Hamers ‘27
Haley described her Science Research experience as “laborious but rewarding,” reflecting on the wide range of work she’s completed so far. From conducting gel electrophoresis at the Regeneron DNA Learning Center to writing a research proposal and designing a hypothetical experiment for the Somers Science Fair, she’s been involved in hands-on, meaningful learning. Her toughest challenge came recently while balancing science fair prep with rehearsals for a school musical that ran until 8 or 9 each night. “I had to cram so much in those weeks to get it done,” she said, “but I’m happy it was successful in the end!” Haley is especially interested in animal conservation, focusing on social insects like ants and bees. She’s currently researching how pesticides affect bee cognition, particularly in honeybees, and hopes to branch out into related fields like clinical pathology and marine biology. This summer, she’ll be studying predator activity around turtle nesting sites and working with Leah Cass, Curator of Natural Resources at Westchester County Parks, a project she’s “very excited” to begin.
Kavya Mahindru ‘27
Kavya described her experience in the Science Research program as “inspiring and incredibly educational.” Through frequent presentations, she has strengthened her public speaking skills and learned how to analyze complex journal articles. Kavya shared that one of her biggest challenges was finding a mentor, as many of her early emails went unanswered, but she emphasized the importance of persistence. She is passionate about the Neurobiology of Addiction, particularly the role of dopamine and the brain’s reward system, and has recently become interested in how Microbiota imbalances can affect addiction vulnerability. Kavya hopes to explore how diet might restore balance in the Microbiota and reduce that risk. She recently secured a mentor—a Yale professor researching digital tools to prevent adolescent substance use—and looks forward to meeting with her over the summer via Zoom.
Katherine Murtagh ‘27
Katherine described her experience in the Science Research program as “great,” explaining that so far she has completed DNA barcoding and participated in the Science Research Symposium at Ursuline. She also shared her excitement about competing at the Somers Science Fair later this year. One of the biggest challenges she faced is balancing research with her other commitments. “My hardest challenge has been balancing my science research work with my other schoolwork and athletics,” she said. Katherine is passionate about the Immunology of Allergic Diseases and hopes to focus her future research in that area. She hopes to complete work over the summer, but is still searching for a mentor.”
Aishwarya Punnoose ‘27
Aishwarya reflected on her experience in the Science Research program as really great so far! She has focused her research on Machine Learning in cardio-oncology, a field she finds especially exciting because “there is so much more to be discovered about it” and she believes it has the potential to make a big impact in the future. The biggest challenge Aishwarya has faced is finding a mentor, which she hasn’t yet overcome, but she shared that she’s actively emailing people, applying for mentorships, and more to make progress. Over the next two years, she hopes to continue exploring cardiology, saying, “I love the heart and find it very fascinating how one organ can basically control the whole body.” She is particularly interested in the role of AI in cardiology and wants to study advancements related to heart attacks and heart failure. While she doesn’t have a mentor yet, Aishwarya has applied to several internships and is hoping to gain experience over the summer.
Emily Jacob ‘27
Emily described her Science Research journey as “an amazing experience” that has allowed her to explore a field she’s deeply passionate about. She’s currently researching the combination of oncolytic viruses and checkpoint inhibitors to treat Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a project she finds both challenging and exciting. “It’s been really exciting to explore how these therapies can work together,” she said. The hardest part for Emily was choosing a research topic, explaining that “there are so many fascinating areas in science that it was overwhelming to pick just one.” She narrowed her focus by reading numerous scientific papers until she found a topic that felt both meaningful and engaging. Over the next two years, Emily hopes to continue studying how oncolytic viruses interact with the immune system and how to improve combination therapies—especially for cancers like Hodgkin’s or Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. With a mentor already supporting her, she’s looking forward to gaining more hands-on experience and “just keep learning as much as I can” during the summer.
Maura McCormack ‘27
As someone deeply engaged in the Science Research program, Maura shared that the experience has been amazing, especially as she recently completed her poster for the Somers Science Fair and is “excited to compete in the next upcoming months.” One of her biggest challenges was securing a mentor, which required persistence and determination. “I had to send many emails to find one and persevere through the stressful time,” she explained. Maura’s research interests lie in environmental science, particularly in the area of water research. This summer, she plans to work closely with her mentor to collect samples from local rivers, saying they are “still discussing exactly what we will be testing them for,” but she looks forward to the hands-on experience and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful environmental work.
Jadelyn Saviñon ‘27
Jadelyn shared that her experience in the Science Research program has been “swell,” highlighting the variety of activities she’s already completed, including DNA barcoding, PowerPoint presentations, and data collection. One of her biggest challenges so far has been finding both a mentor and reliable research articles related to her topic of interest. “Really understanding and annotating articles is difficult,” she admitted, “but when you break them down into sections it becomes easier.” Jadelyn is passionate about Behavioral Psychology, specifically focusing on self-esteem and internalized stigma in individuals with chronic schizophrenia. She hopes her research will lead to methods that “increase self-esteem and decrease hallucinations” in patients. While she doesn’t yet have a mentor, she has applied to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine Summer Program, where she hopes to gain lab experience, explore her field further, and connect with others who share her interests.
Gracyn Trudel ‘27
Gracyn described her Science Research experience as “eye-opening,” sharing that she has been pushed out of her comfort zone through activities like DNA barcoding, improving her presentation skills, and learning how to properly collect data. “These experiences have been so exciting,” she said. One of the biggest challenges she faced was learning how to write a proper research proposal. “I have written many papers before,” Gracyn explained, “but learning how to use articles and make a prediction study was very challenging.” With practice, she’s become more confident in her writing, and proposal writing has become much easier. Over the next two years, she hopes to explore the impact of AI and brain-controlled interfaces on prosthetic legs, a topic she finds both innovative and meaningful. While she’s still unsure about her exact summer plans, Gracyn hopes to secure a mentor by the end of the year to help guide her research forward.
Earth Day 2025
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Respond to our planet this Earth Day. Earth Day isn’t just another day on the calendar, it’s a day dedicated to raising awareness and taking action against climate change by doing your part as a global citizen. The very first Earth Day took place on April 22nd, 1970. An oil spill in 1969 that killed thousands of marine animals pushed Senator Nelson and others to rally on what is now recognized as Earth Day, to bring attention and protection to combat environmental harm. Since then, people have come together every April 22nd to call for action to help the lively world that we depend on. Annually, the official Earth Day Organization chooses a theme for that year’s earth day, with this year’s theme being “Our Power, Our Planet™.” This year’s theme stands with the idea that we have the power to make real change in the direction of our planet’s future, and within our daily actions and community, we can work to protect the future of our planet. You may see a few posts about Earth Day or even hear it in passing, but talking about it is meaningless if we don’t establish daily and lasting environmental contributions. Raising awareness is good, but don’t be fickle with your practices. Making resolutions on Earth
SOPHIA PAPROTA AND MINAHAL METLA ‘28
Day should not only be things you decide to change/do for the next few days, they should be permanent. Permanent changes that you can make to your everyday life could be things such as shopping wisely, which includes not buying from fast fashion companies and brands (such as Shein and Zara), thinking rationally about what you need to purchase, and avoiding shopping online. Exploiting or squandering our natural assets can severely harm the earth when resources such as water and soil are damaged or taken. The planet signals its distress through droughts, weather changes, and, in extreme cases, famine. For a world so dependent on the planet, keeping it safe and healthy should have always been a priority, but unfortunately it has not been.
Industrialists and leaders have ignored nature’s foreshadowing, which not only dictates our wellbeing but could also even end humanity. Although the concern about the planet’s liveliness may be brought up in catastrophic stances, it does not mean you should lose hope of restoration. Earth Day is only one day a year but it raises awareness to the drought of environmental attention that we should be focusing on every moment of our lives.
Spring Service
This spring the Ursuline community has been filled with the spirit of serviam. Inspired by the teachings of Saint Angela Merici, the foundress of the Ursuline order, our motto serviam encourages all students to participate in service. The last few weeks have demonstrated our motto put into action with the launch of a variety of creative service projects that show the broad range of interests and passions held by our student body. Our community engaged in multiple opportunities through drives and fundraisers to brighten the lives of others with diverse
needs. All were welcome to participate by lending a hand, donating their time or maybe sacrificing a few dollars. Looking to do a spring cleaning? A clothing drive was held to benefit the Re-Member Community in South Dakota, benefitting the Lakota Tribe. Love to throw a party or plan your next birthday? A “birthday bag” drive was held for Hope Soup Kitchen so every child would be able to celebrate their special day. Dreaming of the new dress you’ll wear to Prom or the next dance? How about donating the dress you wore last year so it has a second turn on the dance floor? Students collected gently used formal wear to be donated to The Teen Boutique at The Sharing Shelf in Port Chester. Have extra art supplies you are willing to share? An art supplies drive was held to benefit St. Vincent’s Psychiatric Hospital? And if you happened to have a few extra dollars in your pocket, dress down days were offered in support of worthy causes such as the Winters Center for Autism and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Once again, Ursuline did not disappoint and turned out with time, donations, and
SOPHIA PATZ ‘26
dollars to make these service projects a success. Well done, Ursuline! You have put our motto into action, truly embracing the spirit of serviam.
Field Day Fun!
ANNIE NUGENT AND CHLOE STINEMAN ‘28
For many years, Field Day has been a beloved tradition at the Ursuline School. This year’s celebration was no different. This day was filled with fun games, food, singing, dancing, and a well appreciated break from classes for all students and faculty. The school is split into two teams, gold and blue. With everyone sporting their respective team colors with fun accessories, the day was ready to begin! Throughout the day, students collect points for their team through a variety of activities. Whichever team scores the most points wins! This brings out a competitive side in all the students, and they strive to achieve wins for their team. Some fun games that were played included cornhole, water balloon toss, poison ball, musical chairs, sharks and minnows,
and many more! With advisory being introduced this year, each advisory was on a team together. This day inspires connection between peers from different grades, and is a great bonding experience. After a morning filled with fun, the long-awaited food trucks arrived and the students eagerly lined up for the delicious food. The day ended off with a game of kickball for the seniors, and the school was watching. After an amazing day of events, the students were excited to see who had won. Most expected that the Gold Team would win, as it has been that way for many years. Shockingly, it was announced that the Blue Team had won field day! This tradition continues to be an anticipated event for all students, and this year was no different.
Summer Reading: Good or Bad?
With summer rapidly approaching, I, and many other students are experiencing bittersweet emotions. On one hand, no more classwork and homework, but, on the other, “Goodbyes” to teachers and another year of school finished. However, like it or not, summer is rapidly approaching, with summer, reading following behind. To some students, this presents an opportunity to read new books, and maybe even explore new genres they wouldn’t normally read, but to the vast majority of us it represents an assignment over what was supposed to be a carefree summer. Around this time every year, the Pandora’s box of whether or not summer reading is beneficial to students is opened. Proponents of summer reading make a few good arguments. They claim that summer reading expands students’ horizons, making them pick up books they wouldn’t usually read. Additionally, proponents claim that summer reading is a light assignment over summer break that keeps students’ minds fresh for the new school year. Both these arguments are valid, and are probably the reason you’re opening up Ursuline’s webpage to find your respective grade’s summer reading
AVA ADVANI, GIA LACAP, AND MACY MCELFRESH ‘29
book after reading this article. However, there are also good reasons for teachers to not assign summer reading. First, many students argue that summer reading hinders their ability to read books they normally would in their free time. This means that students are forced to read books they might not be 100% interested in, instead of free reading books of their own choosing. Furthermore, the minimal selection of summer reading books can often bore students who don’t read books in their free time. Essentially, what people who are against summer reading argue is that summer reading is bad for long-term reading as students can develop a bad taste in their mouth from one summer reading book. Once again, both these arguments are perfectly valid and are definitely considered. It’s clear that summer reading has both its issues and its advantages. Because of this, my advice is for teachers to expand summer reading selections to different genres that interest all students, while also stimulating students over break so that they can return to school more prepared than ever.
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Erez
CHLOE STELLA ‘28 AND NATALIA KAUTZ ‘29
Education is never an easy field. Curriculums must always be updated and renewed to fit the callings of the times, and much trial and error is involved in ascertaining the benefits certain schedules, lessons, classes, and rules have on students. The Ursuline School is dedicated to the provision of well-rounded education, and for this reason has welcomed many teachers spanning many fields. In the fast-paced and developing world of education, the most intriguing truth of the teaching profession is the enduring importance of classical instruction. The study of classics encompasses language, literature, history, art, philosophy, and government, and provides insight into the basis of Western culture and development. Classical education, specifically that of classical languages, encourages the development of critical life skills, and since early times has continually crowned the pinnacles of well-rounded education across the globe. For this reason, the Ursuline school is delighted to welcome Dr. Yelena Erez to join the ranks of top-tier faculty at Ursuline.
Dr. Erez earned her undergraduate degree from Reed College in Portland, Oregon and her graduate degree from Ohio State University, where she also completed her PhD in Latin and Greek studies. Before joining Ursuline, she taught Latin at Ohio State and the University of Dayton. At the Ursuline School, Dr. Erez has joined the community as the Latin teacher for students in sixth through twelfth grades. In college where she discovered her love for Latin through a chance encounter. As an undergraduate, Dr. Erez planned to major in linguistics, but took a Greek and Latin course, where she discovered her love for the classics and started on the path that has led her here today. It soon proved to have been the right decision: Once she began teaching Latin in graduate school, she knew she had found the right path.
At Ursuline, Dr. Erez excels in making her Latin program both engaging and educational; in her words, she strives to “facilitate student exploration of the abstract beauty of what language can do.” Recognizing that Latin can be a challenging subject, she makes learning fun and simplifies the material by breaking it down into clear, manageable concepts for her students. “Latin has a lot more rules than
other languages, which can seem challenging, but once you break it down into individual pieces,” She says, “It’s kind of like solving a puzzle.” This creative approach helps Dr. Erez’s students thrive in her classes.
Despite Latin’s designation as a dead language, its application is still prevalent in the modern day, even in the fields of modern languages. Latin’s rigid structure forces students to engage with how languages create meaning. Studying Latin also enhances students’ critical thinking skills regarding the English language. In Dr. Erez’s words, “Understanding the nuances of Latin improves writing and vocabulary in English, which can be beneficial for tests.” Latin is also the origin of all romance languages, and because of this is invaluable in the understanding and reasoning process that goes along with other languages taught at Ursuline. Latin is an overlooked and underappreciated medium for success in other core subjects. Dr. Erez seeks to make her students engage in the material, encouraging them to participate in fun activities such as “etymology and derivative games.” Dr. Erez also plans out her lessons to teach varying areas of life and culture in Rome. “Soon, they are going to be using Minecraft to build a Roman town. They have also created models of temples and explored mythology, including some of the more weird and bizarre myths.”
The Ursuline School is lucky to have Dr. Erez, a teacher that truly loves teaching and helping her students grow. Dr. Erez finds unique ways to keep Latin engaging for students while still maintaining their understanding of such a complex language. Her fun activities and passion for teaching are what make her class so enjoyable, and she encourages more students to join Latin. Dr. Erez is an addition to Ursuline that everyone should be grateful for, her lively spirit brightens the classroom and the halls.
Junior Retreat
On Tuesday, March 25th, the Junior class attended a spiritual retreat at the Marian Shrine in Stony Point, where they were greeted by the enthusiastic Fr. Manny Gallo. Upon entry, the girls attended a mass encouraging students to reflect on the important relationships in their lives. In his presentation“Who is the Face of God?”, Fr. Manny inspired Ursuline students to lower their walls in order to foster meaningful relationships with those around them. He shared the touching story of his own childhood struggles and his strained relationship with his own family. His powerful words struck many of the girls and they were inspired to repair some of the close relationships with the peers surrounding them. He instructed each of the girls to make their way around the room, hugging each individual person and telling them that they matter. This loving experience
really solidified the idea of being bridges rather than walls and connecting with those around you. Both the mass and presentation involved student and chaperone participation, with lively music and dancing. Fr. Manny and the Marian Shrine’s unique way of spreading Catholicism resonated with the Juniors. During the Marian Shrine’s beautiful celebration of Mass, Fr. Manny stressed the importance of striving for significance, not just success. This entailed outlining the importance of doing good deeds and looking out for those around you. Father stated that the accumulation of wealth and acclaim, or success, is not as important or valuable as significance, or helping others and being a good person. The importance of outreach further related to Fr.’s point of being bridges rather than walls and looking out for those who might be less fortunate.
Feel Good Songs of the Summer
Get ready to soak up the sunshine and good vibes with our Feel Good Summer 2025 Playlist! Whether you’re cruising with the windows down, dancing barefoot at a backyard BBQ, or just chasing that golden hour glow, this mix is your go-to soundtrack. Packed with fresh hits, nostalgic throwbacks, and those irresistible tunes that just scream “summer,” it’s all about easy energy, warm moods, and good times ahead. Press play and let the good vibes roll.
The songs “Better Off Alone Pt. III” by Allen Walker, “Sweet Nothing” by Calvin Harris, and “Clarity” by Zedd and Foxes are perfect for summer because they have exciting beats, strong energy, and are super popular online. These songs are often used in TikToks, Instagram reels, and YouTube shorts, especially in videos showing vacations, sunsets, beach days, and fun with friends. “Better Off Alone Pt. III” has a fast beat and catchy tune that makes it great for driving with the windows down or for headphones in. “Sweet Nothing” has a cool sound and strong vocals
that fit well while tanning or relaxing on the beach. “Clarity” is one of those songs that builds up and then drops, making it fun for blasting when hanging out with friends or using it in summer highlight videos. To go along, we created a smashing hot hits playlist which consists of similar songs with catchy and funky beats. These songs aren’t just fun to listen to, they help create a summer mood, bring out good vibes, and help soak in the sun. In the end, songs like these are more than just fun to hear—they help set the perfect mood for summer. Whether you’re riding in the car with the windows down, relaxing by the pool, or making a video for social media, these songs bring energy, emotion, and style. Their popularity online shows how much people connect with them, and that’s why they’ll keep being summer favorites for years to come.
MAGGIE HYLAND AND CLAIRE MICHAUD ‘26
CAOIMHE MCCARTHY AND JACKIE KATSIHTIS ‘29
Exam Advice
THERESA MONTANA’25
Whether you are an upperclassman looking to get a 5 on your final AP exam or you are a middle school student trying to boost your grades before your final report card comes out, here is some valuable exam advice:
Don’t cram:
Trying to study everything you have learned in a unit, or in some cases, everything you have learned all year, is a difficult feat. It becomes even more difficult when you try to fit a week’s worth of studying into an hour. Review small sections daily so that you are less overwhelmed come test time.
Review your own notes:
In many cases, students look outside of their school materials for information about a particular subject. While outside materials can be a valuable resource and should be utilized to an extent, especially for AP classes, your own notes and assignments are often more useful to you. When you only study what you learn online, you will confuse yourself with a slew of unnecessary information that may ultimately lead to a worse grade than you anticipated.
Don’t be afraid to take breaks:
There is a common misconception that studying must be a constant, painstaking process. Many students neglect basic nutrition and hygiene simply to get that A. Research has shown that taking study breaks, especially if those breaks incorporate movement, can actually increase productivity and overall performance. However, you should avoid your devices during breaks as they can serve as an unnecessary distraction.
Develop a pre-test routine:
ACROSS
4. Pure unmixed colors like red, yellow or blue
5. A way for people rather than legislatures to originate laws
9. A period of significant cultural, artistic, and intellectual revival in Europe, spanning the 14th to 16th centuries
Developing a pre-test routine can be beneficial because it brings a sense of familiarity to an otherwise stressful and unpredictable situation. Some potential steps to add to your routine include eating a satisfying and healthy breakfast such as eggs or a bagel and going for a short walk in the morning to help manage stress. One helpful tip for tests that involve reading long passages such as the SAT or ACT is to read a chapter of a book, a few Bible verses, or look over a study guide to get your brain gears moving prior to the test.
Ursuline Trivia
MAGNOLIA VALVERDE ‘26
11. A fundamental part of an atom. It is negatively charged.
12. A substance which speeds up a chemical reaction but does not change the outcomes of the reaction
14. Something which forms the foundation of a system or behavior
15. Refusal to have economic relations with a person or group
16. Any natural number or its negative, or zero
DOWN
1. The number obtained by division
2. A grammatical mood, not a tense, that expresses a speaker’s attitude towards an action or state, often indicating uncertainty, possibility, or a wish
3. The right to vote
6. A country which borders Austria, France, Vatican City, San Marino, Slovenia, and Switzerland
7. The divisor of a fraction
1. Which TUS Faculty member became a teacher after turning down an offer to work for the CIA?
A: Mrs. Enright
B: Mrs. Yang
C: Mr. Monacelli
D: Mr. Mo
2. What did Ms. Summa bring back from a school trip to Costa Rica?
A: A Sea Turtle
B: A Monkey
C: A Dog
D: A Sloth
Answers: A, C
8. A story told by someone based on his/her past experiences
10 Small savory dishes that originated in Spain
13. An area where an organism naturally lives in the ecosystem
Pop Culture Op Ed
Pop culture is a dominating power in the world and it’s a mirror that reflects society’s values, fears, and obsessions. From viral TikToks to turning on the radio and listening to the latest hits, it has essentially taken over our lives. Everyone wants to follow the most recent trends, escape from reality, and follow the lives of other influencers. Today, we are going to be exploring the fashion and music that helps people express themselves and stay current!
LET’S START OFF WITH FASHION!
It is Spring 2025 and new fashion trends are emerging and very popular. Some of these include the Bohemian Daydream, Elevated Athleisure, Coastal Cool, and Pretty Pastels. Bohemian Daydream has made a massive comeback in the last few years, but it is making a significant effect this spring. Many fashion designers including Chloe, Valentino, and Fendi have embraced
1”Luther”
2”Die
3”Ordinary”
4”Nokia” by Drake
5”A Bar Song” by Shaboozey
MILA PALJUSAJ AND ANNINA BULFAMANTE
this style. They have added a romantic blouse with suede sandals and suggest leaving your hair messy. Elevated athleisure has taken the world by shock. It encompasses everyday essentials like gray hoodies and black leggings. Capri leggings are a staple in following elevated athleisure. It is recommended to add a little bit of color to these outfits to change it from being basic to more luxurious. The next fashion trend is Coastal Cool, which rose to fame last summer and it is coming back for Spring and Summer 2025. In order to fit this trend, wear boat shoes, gold buttons, and overall have a classy look. This could be an outfit for dinner after going to the beach. The last fashion trend we are going to talk about is Pretty Pastels. Pastels have been a staple in everyone’s wardrobe and when we think about it, it reminds us of Easter. To fit this fashion trend, it is suggested to wear tweed and it is recommended to wear a classic dress and a knit cardigan.
Next, we are going to be discussing some of your favorite movies. These include The Minecraft Movie, with the viral phrase “chicken jockey” that has taken over theaters across the country. Sinners is a tale that follows twin brothers returning home to escape their past; its significance lies in African American representation in traditional media and storytelling within the mainstream action genre. The famous, award-winning, and intelligently crafted Conclave follows a cardinal tasked with the secretive selection of a new Pope, uncovering hidden agendas and betrayals within the Vatican.
HERE ARE THE TOP 10 MOVIES OF THIS YEAR, ACCORDING TO ROTTEN TOMATOES:
Sinners
Black Bag
Conclave Companion Warfare
Thunderbolts
The Accountant 2
Havoc
Until Dawn
The Minecraft Movie
6”Pink Pony Club” by Chappel
7 ”I’m the Problem” by Morgan Wallen
8”I Ain’t Coming Back” by Morgan Wallen & Post Malone
9”Lose Control” by Teddy Swims
10”Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone
FINALLY, LET’S DISCUSS SOME OF THE TOP 10 SHOWS THAT HAVE BEEN COVERING YOUR “FOR YOU” PAGE IN EDITS.
Recently, new shows like the new season of The Last Of Us, You, and The Narrow Road to the Deep North have been released and are booming in the U.S. In the dramatic post-apocalyptic world, the second season of The Last of Us follows Ellie’s peaceful life, which is overturned by the violent consequences of Joel’s actions. Ellie is then forced to confront her losses and embark on a journey of retribution. This show stars Bella Ramsey, fan-favorite Pedro Pascal, Isabela Merced, and Young Mazino. Furthermore, the newest season of You has a relocation back to New York. Joe Goldberg attempts to embrace his true self while his past continues to catch up with him. This is the last and final season of You, and it stars the viral cast of Penn Badgley, Charlotte Ritchie, and Madeline Brewer. Lastly, the new show The Narrow Road to the Deep North stars Jacob Elordi and Odessa Young as a surgeon and an adulterous wife. The show portrays the harrowing experiences of Australian prisoners of war forced to work on the Thailand-Burma Railway during World War II. The series depicts the brutal conditions, immense suffering, and dehumanization endured by the soldiers. These popular movies and trending television shows continue to capture our attention and spark widespread discussion in the current cultural landscape.
by Kendrick Lamar and SZA
with a Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
by Alex Warren
Roan
MOVING ON TO MUSIC! LET’S GO THROUGH THE TOP 10 BILLBOARD MUSIC OF MAY 2, 2025
From Sixth Grade to Twelfth: Advice From a Graduating SeniorT
GEORGINA GAMBLE
‘25
It’s incredibly hard to believe that I’m nearing the final weeks of the seven years I have spent at Ursuline. As I celebrate my seniority, I also (with melancholy) reflect on the obstacles I have overcome and the way this school has shaped me through such a huge chunk of my life. I look back on my Ursuline career with pride, from learning how to open my locker in sixth grade to navigating the world of the CommonApp in junior year. As I look back on these motions, I feel that I, as well as many “sixth grade survivors” could answer basically any question regarding life as a koala. As my final bit of Serviam, here are a few tips for any and all underclassmen – coming from the most seasoned Ursuline girls of the Class of 2025.
Never be afraid to ask for extra help. You will thank yourself!
Put yourself outside your comfort zone, and don’t be afraid to take risks.
In the long run, all that matters is that you try your hardest.
Don’t compare your grades to those of others because all that matters is you learn!
You will likely have new girls join your class every year. Make this an opportunity to make a new friend and show them what Ursuline is all about!
Always do your homework and hand it in on time.
Make sure you connect with the service you do. It’s not all about the hours!
Don’t stress yourself out too much about college, you will 100% find the place for you.
Be nice to your teachers. You will likely have them for another class!
Take time to reflect on your achievements and dream big for the future.
Join a crowd that makes you feel your best. True friends won’t make you change who you really are.
Live in the moment for your whole time here!
CO-EDITORS
Georgina Gamble ‘25
Theresa Montana ‘25
LAYOUT CO-EDITORS
Marisa Petro ‘25 & Lynda Sanchez ‘25
Introducing: Magnolia Valverde ‘26
MODERATORS
Ms. Hurwitz and Mrs. LaBella
THE URSULINE SCHOOL 1354 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY www.ursulinenewrochelle.org