NOTRE DAME ACADEMY*3535 W. SYLVANIA AVE.*TOLEDO, OH 43623*VOL 74, ISSUE 3* 3/21/25
Saving for Your Future Today (p. 2)
Crosstalk: He Said/She Said (p. 4)
Editorial
Make Room at the Lunch Table (p. 5)
Mr. NDA Has His Crown (p. 7)
Roving Reporters (p.8)
Abigail O’Neil
Making a budget isn’t necessarily hard, but following it often proves to be more difficult. For a high school student with a part-time job, the checks are relatively low, so it's important to manage that money well.
Either write down and separate or print out and highlight the transactions by categories. Recurring weekly necessities such as gas should be prioritized when building a budget. For that category, add a bit more than the expected expense to account for price fluctuations. For savings, a good habit is putting aside 15-20% of a paycheck.
Categorizing the expenses can reveal if there is an area that is taking most of the pay, such as new clothing. Seeing how much money was spent on these non-necessities can be eye-opening.
Once a spender has decided how she wants to allocate her money, she must have some way to track it and stick to it. Some banking apps, such as Capital One, allow the user to set up automatic set-aside rules. Others, such as Chase’s mobile app, have a tab dedicated to budgeting, with Chase’s app users can set spending limits for categories, track expenses, and see a visual breakdown of month-to-month spending.
It’s not uncommon to see car dealerships advertise that they accept low credit, but what does this mean? A credit score ranges from 300 to 850. It estimates how likely one is to, on time, repay borrowed money and pay bills based on payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, new credit, and credit mix–the types of different credit accounts you have. It is important as it is a main factor that helps lenders decide whether to let one borrow or not, and the interest rate one is charged for said credit.
Building credit might sound difficult, but there are a few ways to do so. One
way is becoming an authorized user on a parent or guardian’s credit card, only if they have a strong credit score, will begin building a person’s positive credit activity. Even if the authorized user does not use the card, their activity, as long as in good standing, can benefit one’s credit score. Some credit card companies may not report activity for authorized users, so be sure to check or else credit won’t be built.
Opening one’s own credit card is also an option, but it is important to not overspend. Again, credit is borrowed money that must be paid back, getting into loads of credit card debt is not a good way to start out a credit journey, so make payments on time, and don’t overspend. When opening a credit card, a person receives a credit limit. For an 18-year-old, the credit limit is relatively low. Either a student credit card or a secured credit card are good options.
Experts suggest not utilizing more than 30% of a credit limit, but it is best to keep that figure lower, around 10%. To avoid paying interest, completely pay off the balance each month.
If someone opens a credit card in the name of another person, the process can be very long and complicated to fix. To avoid this risk, everyone should protect their Social Security Numbers (SSN). If suspected that another person has gained access to one’s SSN, they should request a credit freeze and get a lock placed on their SSN.
Store credit cards often draw people in with the promise of a discount whether a one-time large discount on a first purchase or a small, around 23%, discount on each purchase. However, these cards typically have limited use, high interest rates, and low credit limits. If the credit limit is only
$500 and a purchase of $450 is made, then there is a 90% usage–far above the recommended percentage.
A checking account is spendable money, available by using a debit card. A savings account, as the name states, is for saving. However, different types of savings accounts offer different benefits.
Basic savings accounts pay a small interest rate, but have a low minimum balance requirement and offer extreme flexibility–meaning one can easily move money to a checking account.
High-yield savings accounts are similar to basic savings accounts, but instead of a set interest rate, they offer a variable interest rate which is typically higher than that of a basic savings account.
Money market accounts are similar to high-yield savings, but they often offer a debit card for easy access to funds, making this account a sort of combined checking and savings account. They typically require higher minimum balances than other types.
Certificates of Deposit (CDs) are a type of account which pays a fixed interest rate on money held for an agreed-upon period of time. CDs come in a variety of lengths from some being months long to others being years. If a CD funds are withdrawn early, a penalty is charged.
401(k) plans, IRA, and Roth IRA are all savings for retirement.
The Toledo Principal Investing Club (PIC) was founded by Quinton Smith, a junior at Ottawa Hills High School. The monthly meetings, open to high school students in the Toledo area, focus on investing and financial literacy.
Katelyn Augustyniak
Have you ever said something on a call, talked in a video recording, or had a conversation near any device with your friends and later saw an ad for those topics on your phone?
Plenty of conspiracy theories have accumulated around the idea that our phones are listening to us. We wonder who is behind these smart devices and the meaning behind them, catching the things we say.
“There are two sides; phone systems like alarms, reminders, and notes, and then the other side of call, messages, and safari. I think about when people used to call on a private corded phone. The type of privacy they had versus what we have now,”
“Privacy is always a big concern. Even if your phone is powered off, it’s still listening. That's why you can’t remove the battery in iPhones now. They're collecting data for movement, activity, weather, and location. VPN’s, however, can change the current location on the
device and change the way the device interprets the data,” the Tech Nest’s Mr. Nick Ball and Mr. Jeff Williams said. Voice assistants, like Siri, are always passively listening in the background and come to life when they hear their “wake word”, unless they are specifically disabled. Norton, an antivirus and anti -malware software company, stated that third-party apps can request microphone access when they get installed and if that access is granted, the app can record audio for features like video recording and voice messaging.
This acts as a tool for social media apps to get the user to enjoy their platform more. Most apps track the posts and videos a person likes so they can give them similar things to personalize their feed and grow the app’s algorithm. This can be seen through videos taken on Snapchat and posts that are liked or reposted on apps like Instagram and TikTok. People may wonder if this is legal for smartphones and apps to do?
Yes, technically it is legal for phones to listen if the person accepts the terms and conditions and allows apps, systems, and software to consent to access their microphone. This can be a little unsettling, It is usually harmless, but there's always a possibility one’s data could be sold to create spoof or spam calls to others.
“Any time I see a personalized ad, it makes me think ‘Oh my gosh, how did they know they know that?’ and I feel my privacy has been invaded,” senior Avery Lipstraw said.
If users feel uncomfortable with the ads, some apps allow microphone access to be turned off in app permissions.
Another option is to cover the microphone with a piece of tape or purchase a phone case designed to cover the microphone. Just be sure to remove it before recording or making a call to avoid muffled audio.
For the apps that don’t have this option, you will have to decide if the privacy risk is worth it.
When trying to figure out what college you want to go to, it is crucial to make sure you take the right steps to plan a college visit.
Many colleges offer tours and sessions for information, but a lot of the time you have to put in a request for a reservation for these.
It is best to look at each college’s website and see what times are available for you to be able to get the most out of your visit.
“They should have a plan going in about what they want to get out of the college visit experience,” College Counselor Mrs. Erin Young said.
It is important to go into the college visit prepared and ready so you can keep up with everything the tour guide is showing you. It is recommended to pre-
pare questions to ask your tour guide so you can make sure you are firm on your decision for college.
“I would say that the most important thing for students to keep in mind is that a college visit should be like an ‘interview.’ The student should be interviewing the college in order to measure how well the school aligns with the student's goals and values,” Mrs. Young said.
“Planning a college visit is much easier than you may think. Don't wait! Make sure to take notes as you are touring, especially if you visit more than one college as they all begin to run together,” senior Jenae Erd said.
Going beyond the tour gives you a new perspective that you cannot really gain just going through the tour. Take some time to walk through the campus and really get a feel of the atmosphere.
Can you truly see yourself going there?
“They should think about the ‘vibe’ of the college and whether or not they feel ‘at home’ and can see themselves spending the next four years or more at that school,” Mrs. Young said.
“When planning college visits, my advice is to keep an open mind everywhere you go! Often, students go into college visits already ‘knowing’ where they want to attend; therefore, they don’t really give the other colleges a real chance. Just remember to follow your instincts and be open to new possibilities for your future, some things may surprise you! Good Luck!” senior Lindsey Stapleton said.
A college visit can seem complicated; however, it is important to take your time and go about the visit in the right way.
“If you go through the process the right way, it will be a lot easier,” senior Emma Viertlbeck said.
Katelyn Augustyniak
While some loved Colleen Hoover’s popular novel It Ends with Us, others criticized its portrayal of domestic violence.
Justin Baldoni's production company, Wayfarer Studios, bought the rights to the best-selling novel and turned it into a movie. Baldoni was director and co-star in the movie with Blake Lively as the female main character. Much of the viewing audience noted the excellent connection between Baldoni and Lively.
However, Fans later wondered why Baldoni had hired crisis management and PR professional Melissa Nathan.
Lively filed a sexual harassment complaint against Baldoni, saying he made her feel uncomfortable many times during filming. The New York Times published an investigative report which alleged the PR team Baldoni hired was going to run a smear campaign against Lively. Baldoni filed a lawsuit against the Times for $250 million on Jan. 31, accusing the newspaper of libel and false light invasion of privacy. On Jan. 16, Baldoni filed a lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, accusing them of defamation and civil extortion.
In her lawsuit, Lively claimed during a scene where the characters slow danced, Baldoni lingered in the kissing scene longer than what was planned. However, videos of the scene were released by Baldoni, which his lawyer claims “clearly refute Ms. Lively’s characterization of his behavior.” The scene showed the two characters falling in love, so it is reasonable for Baldoni to have acted that way.
In the video, Lively says, "I'm probably getting spray tan on you," prompting Baldoni to respond with "It smells good." Despite Lively's lawsuit claiming the comment was not "remotely in character, or based on any dialogue in the script," it appears Baldoni in character.
To protect himself, Baldoni’s team published a website supporting his lawsuit, publishing text messages and emails Baldoni released. One such exchange shows Lively chose not to meet with the on-set intimacy coordinator.
In the movie Deadpool, Ryan Reynolds plays his alter ego, Nicepool, and fans have alleged Nicepool was making fun of Baldoni. Also, the couple recently attended Saturday Night Live’s reunion and Reynolds made a joke about the case. If this subject is really sensitive and important to you, Blake, why the jokes?
Volume 74 Issue # 3
The Vista is a publication of Notre Dame Academy by the students of Journalism II and III.
The office is located in room 113 of the school.
Unsigned editorials represent a majority vote of the newspaper staff.
Editor in Chief: Abigail O’Neil
First Year Reporters: Katelyn Augustynaik
Aya Kannan
Izzy Laplant
Payton Shively
Adviser: Mrs. Julie Sells
Colleen Hoover’s novel It Ends with Us blew up overnight on social media. Its popularity led to the book being produced into a movie. After the movie was released, it gained attention for the way it covered the sensitive topic of domestic violence.
The main character Lily Bloom, played by Blake Lively, is in a relationship with Ryle Kincaid, played by Justin Baldoni, who also directed the movie. In many red-carpet appearances, Lively and Baldoni were never seen together in any photos or interviews. Due to this, the public raised questions about possible tension behind the scenes.
In December, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of harassment, giving examples of entering her makeup trailer uninvited while she was undressed, pressuring her to lose weight, and coordinating a PR campaign to destroy her reputation. It was also reported that other women involved with the cast and crew have spoken up about Baldoni as well as his production team and the work environment they created while producing this movie.
Baldoni has since filed a lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist, which alleges horrible treatment from Lively on set and that her claims of sexual harassment were false and used to destroy his reputation. He also filed a libel lawsuit against The New York Times for its reporting on Lively’s allegations.
The irony of this situation is the book and movie were intended to help be a voice for women that either are going through or have been in abusive relationships and their courage.
During an interview with the New York Times, Lively stated, “I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted.”
Lively is sharing her side of the story and bringing light to events that are usually kept in the dark.
This legal battle is ongoing. U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman told Lively and Baldoni’s lawyers to prepare for a trial date of March 9, 2026.
As my senior year flies by, I’m so appreciative of everything that working on the Vista has brought me. My writing skills would not be half as strong as they are now without it. I cannot believe my time here is almost over, but I’m so excited to see what this next issue brings.
On behalf of all the writers, we are so grateful for our readers. It’s really special knowing that something we put a lot of time and effort into is being appreciated by others.
Take advantage of spring break as a time of rest and relaxation. Let’s finish out the year strong!
With love, Your Vista Editor, Abi
Notre Dame Academy’s cafeteria is reminiscent of the Grinch’s heart: two sizes too small.
Such an inadequately sized cafeteria poses many problems for the student body and faculty alike. A larger eating area would be incredibly beneficial to this school.
Firstly, trying to snag a seat in the Dining Commons can seem like a Herculean feat.
Even filled to the brim with tables and chairs, there simply is not enough space for everyone.
This can be especially intimidating to new freshmen who are struggling to find their places at lunchtime.
If the canteen was more spacious, the issue of cramped or unavailable seating would not arise as often as it currently does.
Secondly, such an undersized cafeteria is a surefire way to make the lunch line an inefficient slog. If the entire Dining Commons was expanded, the queue to buy food would likewise be enlarged.
This would allow more girls the ability to gather their lunch items simultaneously, accelerating the line enormously.
Plus, a faster lunch line leaves the students more time to actually consume the nutrients they have purchased.
Thirdly, the cafeteria at its current size does not provide ample space for vending machines or those who wait in line for them.
Currently, when a girl waits in line to use a vending machine, she stands almost back to back with a set of chairs.
A larger Dining Commons would make way for a more comfortable vending machine experience, and even allow for more vending machines total.
Lunch should be a leisurely experience for the hardworking students at NDA; providing a greater sized cafeteria would improve the quality of student life immensely, and students would EAT IT UP!
Skylar Sachs
Skylar is a Journalism I student who plans to join The Vista staff next year.
It is summer of seventh grade, and no one is happy. Despite it being the time of year when joy is the constant and freedom is practically currency, everyone is stuck inside trying desperately to finish the pure and exacting torture that is summer reading.
When I was in seventh grade, I heard the term “dystopian” for the first time. Sharp and biting, I was introduced to this critical genre of literature with the cult classic, The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, and my conception of literature was blown away.
The best books are often the ones that make us most uncomfortable. Dystopian books hold up a painfully truthful mirror to society, classics contain unrelenting and timeless axioms, and literary fiction highlights the most painful parts of the modern human condition.
But despite initial discomfort, the truth and enlightenment these books bring is priceless. Books don’t only just teach us about the world; they teach us about humanity.
If this is true, then the question is: why is the government trying to ban more and more books from schools?
Cheers to the beginning of Quarter 4 and being one step closer to the end of the year.
Cheers to dancing the night away at Prom!
Cheers to the return of two NASA astronauts to Earth after 9 months on the ISS.
Jeers to the sinkhole issue on Arlington Ave. The city needs to get it fixed.
Jeers to civilian bystanders being killed due to violent wars.
Jeers to constant runny noses from seasonal allergies
According to Pen America, a free speech organization, book bans reached a record high in recent years, almost tripling.
Book bans are the removal of a title from a library because someone considers its ideas harmful or dangerous to the legacy of the American national experience.
However, books have never been made to pacify or to please; in fact, their core essence is a critical one. They question daily reality, broaden horizons, and increase diversity.
Although I first read The Handmaid’s Tale for personal, not school or summer, reading, it is a commonly required reading in high schools. It was removed from many schools and libraries across the US in 2022.
The school book curriculum first introduces students to the literary world. Without it, students are deprived of this essential essence; without it, we ban humanity.
Payton Shively
Mardi Gras is a big celebration filled with a lot of delicious food, winning baskets, and enjoying fun games, but most importantly raising money for The Sisters of Notre Dame’s school in Papua New Guinea and a charity picked out by the sophomore student council.
While students enjoy the festivities, they’re also helping make a difference. This year the sophomore class chose the Ronald McDonald Houses. They are located close to children's hospitals so families of sick children staying in the hospital can have somewhere to stay that brings a sense of home and comfort to families.
Oftentimes, the children need specialized care and are staying in hospitals far from their homes, but with the Ronald McDonald Houses being close
by, families who live far away can go to their children in a matter of minutes in case anything happens.
“We are acutely aware of the privilege we experience, not having to endure the emotional and financial burdens that families of seriously ill children face. Our decision to support them stems from a deep sense of empathy and a desire to make a meaningful contribution to those whose struggles are unimaginable to most of us. We feel compelled to help alleviate some of the overwhelming pressures these families experience,” sophomore class president Cecilia Melvin said.
The money from Mardi Gras is split evenly between the two causes.
The SND for the Papua New Guinea Ministries help with educating
young women and empowering them as young Christian leaders.
The money is also helping patients suffering from AIDS at the Shalom House. The money that is given to the organization is used to fund these ministries and help continue these practices.
The impact of the NDA community buying tickets for what they may think is just getting them their favorite food or a chance to win a basket, is being used for something so much bigger than oneself.
The money that was raised from Mardi Gras is so valuable to so many families that use a Ronald McDonald house and the people in Western Highlands towns of Kumdi, Banz, and Rebiamul that are helped by the Sisters of Notre Dame
Aya Kanaan
Ramadan is a month on the Islamic calendar for fasting, prayer, and contemplation for Muslims.
During this month Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset which helps them to focus on worshipping God, gratitude, and a time of change.
Ramadan gives Muslims the opportunity to practice self-discipline. The fast teaches patience, gratitude, and generosity to those who are less fortunate.
During this month, Muslims particularly go beyond what they do normally and bring their faith to a deeper level.
For example, Muslims engage in extra prayers, spend more time reading the Quran, paying charity, spending time with community, and fasting. Ramadan is not just a time to abstain from food and drinks, but it is also a time to practice abstaining from bad behaviors.
This month gives Muslims joy and
happiness because it brings them deeper to their faith, change behaviors, and spend time with God and community.
“Ramadan is a beautiful time to be
kind to everyone and to spend time getting closer to God,” freshman Razan Alo said.
When Ramadan comes to an end, Muslims celebrate a holiday called Eid Al-Fitr. This commemorates the end of this holy month and is a time to spend time with the ones you love.
Also on Eid, Muslims also participate in Zakat Al-Fitr, which is a charitable donation to make sure everyone can participate in Eid’s festivities.
However, even though Ramadan comes to an end, it is not a time to go back to old habits and forget the growth made during the month.
Bringing good habits over from the month helps strengthen the core of a Muslim’s faith and allows her change and growth.
A good purpose of Ramadan extends past the month itself and is a time for Muslims to build good habits throughout their lives.
Abigail O’Neil
The 18th Mr. NDA show occurred Jan. 12, 2025 right here on Notre Dame’s Performing Art Center Stage. The theme of this years show was Dancing with Mr. NDA. Eldrhin Encarnacion, senior at St. Francis, was crowned this year’s winner, escorted by NDA senior Rachel Donkor. Eldrhin answered a few questions after the show.
What inspired you to join the show?
A lot of my friends were encouraging me to join and they said that I would love it since I love dancing and it includes dancing and meeting new people.
How did you learn your talent, tinikling?
I first learned it through UT'S Filipino student association where a lot of my cousins are a part of. They needed performers for their gala and they insisted on having me join their tinikling performance. That's where they taught me how to step in between the bamboo sticks and teach me different dance moves/tricks.
Is there anything you didn’t expect that you got out of the show, maybe a new friendship, or a love for dancing?
I didn't expect to be so close with a bunch of people. Coming from a reserved, quiet, and contained person at school, this gave me an opportunity to open myself up and bond with so many great people that challenged me to reach out and allow me to bring good vibes to whoever I meet.
What have you learned about yourself during this experience?
Working with the core team, bonding with the escorts, and overall participating with my fellow contestants, I learned that, despite other people's perspective and idea of you whether good or bad, there
are people who truly know you and love you and that reminds you that not only you are loved, but you have the ability to love and spread kindness.
What was your favorite part about working with your escort?
What I love most about working with Rachel is her unique character. She always matches my energy, and her enthusiasm is truly exhilarating. Rachel thinks creatively and brings a vibrant and charismatic presence to everything she does. Her personality makes it easy and comfortable for me to express myself, and we naturally accentuate each other's strengths. Working with her feels like perfect synergy where our ideas and energies blend so cohesively.
How did you feel when your name
was announced as a finalist?
I felt a rush of happiness and excitement mixed with apprehensiveness ran throughout my body but the energy of the whole experience made me forget about being nervous and become hopeful.
What advice would you give to those who want to do Mr. NDA next year?
Be yourself and soak in every moment. Authenticity is powerful, and it allows you to connect with others on a deeper level. Mr. NDA moves quickly, and it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of rehearsals. Take time to pause, reflect, and enjoy the present. Even though you have to keep in mind it is still a competition, you have to have fun. Being true to yourself and savoring each experience, you'll lead a more fulfilling experience.
NDA’s Own Awards
Abigail O’Neil
Longest Wait In the Lunch Line
Eagle Bowl: A mix of savory lunch favorites, creating a tried and true classic
Walking Tacos: Not only does it include Doritos, but it comes with a tasty treat
Make Your Own Pasta Bowl: Have it how you please
Winner: Eagle Bowl
If the Eagle Bowl is on the menu, good luck navigating the checkout area!
Freshman: Adjusting to a new school and curriculum
Sophomore: Still adjusting but without as much support
Junior: harder academic classes and taking standardized tests
Senior: Applying for college on top of maintaining grades
Winner: Junior Year
Big adjustment from regular classes to taking AP and IB. Pressure to prepare for college applications while balancing school clubs, sports, work, etc.
Best Bathroom
Senior Lounge: Very clean, but has a few stalls closed. Feels private unless seniors are using the lounge.
Sister Carol Hall: Many stalls to choose from, but not much opportunity to use it.
Third Floor: Has a bench and shelf under the mirror to place belongings
Winner: Sister Carol Hall
On the rare occasion it’s open–during Mass or assemblies–it is rarely busy. The only bathroom with a door which remains closed, giving the most privacy.
Wide main hallway: Now a bit narrower, the effects of construction can be felt while squeezing down this busy hallway.
Path to Resource Center by Tech Nest: Not widely used, but a great way to avoid the traffic coming from the stairway.
Courtyard: Each time the winter comes around, this cut through closes.
Winner: Courtyard Shortcut
Highly versatile; Shaves minutes of commute which is especially necessary when traveling from the JA to the third floor.
Aya Kanaan
“I literally just sleep.” - Mrs. Lindsay Sutton
“My snow days are always my grade papers day.” - Mrs. Marcia Holtz
“I love to binge watch shows.” - Mrs. Marlaina Greggila
“I love to sleep in on my snow days.” - Mr. Nick Bonfiglio
“I usually bake because I like to bake.” - Mrs. Rawa Shikwana
“If there’s enough snow, we go sledding with the kids.” - Mr. Steve Coppens
“Sometimes I catch up on school work, and sometimes I relax. It just depends on how much work I have.” - Ms. Becky Yost
“I catch up on grading and play Marvel Snap.” - Mr. Lanzio Polombo
“I sleep in a ton, and I take my time getting things done.” - Ms. Sarah Hunter
“I start some soup in the slow cooker to simmer and feel homey, shovel the driveway as soon as I can to just get it done, and then snuggle with a warm blanket to read or watch fun movies.” - Mrs. Julie Sells
Abigail O’Neil
“I binge watch a bunch of tv shows” - Kimmora Wellington, freshman
“I sleep in and watch movies.”
- Bella Lindsley, sophomore
“I sleep in a little bit, and I go sledding, then me and my brothers have a snowball fight.”- Madeline Goulding, junior
“I try to catch up on my homework. If there’s a lot of snow I’ll go sledding at Ottawa Park.”
- Sierra Kolcun, senior
“I just sleep all day and then clean around the house.” - Equelle Jackson, freshman
“I sleep in and bake.” - Allie Parker, sophomore
“I go sledding with my friends and cousins” - Bekah Hazard, junior
“On a snow day, I like to get really bundled up and watch a nice movie with my family while drinking hot chocolate. I also take the opportunity to clean my room.”
- Imanga Lufungulo, senior
“Most of the time I watch shows.”
- Cara Tuck, freshman
“I usually sleep in and then go to the gym.” - Sophia Santacroce, senior