In This Issue:
AI Coming to a School Near You (p. 2)
Crosstalk: Kids Do the Crime; Do Parents Pay the Time? (p. 4)
Editorial When Home Does Not Feel Safe (p. 5)
Meet New Faculty and Staff (p. 7)
Roving Reporters (p.8)
Abigail O’Neil
M3GAN, The Matrix, and I, Robot all depict a world where technology has overtaken the world in some capacity. While Artificial Intelligence (AI) can perform tasks technology was not previously able to do, there currently is no reason to fear an AI uprising.
While waiting on the alleged impending doom of humanity, why not make use of AI? Of course, there are pros and cons to any advancement in technology, but when used correctly, AI is very helpful.
A prime example is studying for a test. For all subjects, AI can come up with an unlimited number of practice problems. And, if asked to do so, it will explain how and why the answer is what it is, ensuring total comprehension.
While asking teachers and other students for help is beneficial, there will always be a limit to their availability. AI on the other hand is ready and waiting at all times of the day. With no limit on what or how many questions can be asked, the thought of possibly irritating someone with a seemingly endless interrogation never has to cross one's mind.
"I’m one of those people who never feels like what they study is enough. I like to use chatGPT to come up with additional problems so I can push myself and feel confident that I know all there is to know before a test or quiz,” senior Sarina Chokesy said.
If it's 11:00 pm the night before a big test and there's still that one concept that does not make sense, AI is the “person” to call on. It can walk one through each part of a concept. If something in the explanation does not make sense, it can find an even simpler way to explain it until one can fully understand it.
"I try not to always ask questions to the same people because I don't want to bug them, or it's really late at night. I ask AI to explain topics to me, and if I still don't get it, I can ask it to make it even simpler which is really helpful," junior Camdyn Escobar said.
Rather than outright banning its usage, some teachers take an alternative approach, setting boundaries for how stu-
dents can use it in regard to their courses.
“Instead of thinking of it as combatting AI usage, think of it as teaching students how AI can be used to positively reinforce learning in the classroom. AI will not be going away any time soon so we as teachers are working to develop creative ways for our students to use AI to help them learn,” Physics teacher Mrs. Jacquelyn Sperling said.
During an IB conference over the summer, speakers encouraged schools to teach their students how to use AI. “If we don't teach you to use AI we are doing you a disservice,” Dean of Academics Dr. Beth Corrigan said.
All teachers attended a talk held by Sr. Colleen where they were trained on the role of AI in the classroom and encouraged to talk to their students about using it correctly. When used as a learning tool, AI challenges students to critically think. When misused, it changes from helping to hurting students as the learning aspect is no longer there.
At Notre Dame, there is a very clear policy against all forms of academic dishonesty. When AI is used to do homework, write papers, answer test
questions, ect., it is without a doubt cheating. However, the penalty is not as straightforward.
The punishment is mostly left up to the teacher. Dr. Corrigan said students would likely be expected to redo the assignment to ensure the learning is still there; of course, there would be deducted points. Whether there is a detention or other consequences, would help be determined by Dr. Corrigan and Mr. Galloway.
“We are new to AI, the handbook before used to be very cut and dry but now we have to go case by case. If someone is caught once, and then caught again the consequences increase. If there continues to be a pattern there will be harder consequences,” Dr. Corrigan said.
This is a school whose main purpose is to teach students, so if students are not doing their own work and learning by association, then what would be the point of going at all?
As for the photo above, the real one is on the left. While this is just a picture of tulips, imagine the possibilities. While misinformation was a problem before, with AI images as “proof” it will be even harder to combat. Be wary of what is shown on social media, do research to determine fact from fiction.
Katelyn Augustyniak
What some deem the most important election in modern history is quickly approaching! The presidential race between the Democratic Nominee, current Vice President Kamala Harris, and the Republican Nominee, former President Donald Trump.
Roughly 244 million Americans will be eligible to vote this year. Yet, if the turnout is anything like previous years, only a fraction of those eligible will show up. In the 2020 presidential election, which had the highest voter turnout rate since 1900, only an estimated two-thirds of eligible voters participated in this vital democratic process. While many factors determine the turnout, one of the most significant reasons is the United States’ opt-in style of voter registration.
Whether left or right-leaning, everyone has a voice and an opportunity to make it
heard by voting.
“The number one reason why young people, especially young women at NDA should vote is because we can. We are afforded this right. Other women around the world do not have this opportunity but we as Americans do. Our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and ancestors long before us fought and worked hard to make sure we could have a voice. We owe it to our past and our future. This is not a request, this is a requirement. Go see any social studies teacher for help with voting.”
“And to the girls who can’t vote yet, you can be an activist and talk to people that are eligible. Don’t think just because you can’t vote yet that there’s nothing for you to do. You should help people that can and encourage them to,” History Teacher Mrs. Natalie Morgan said.
Being an activist does not just mean posting on social media. It means talking face to face with people and finding organizations that promote ways to get involved with more.
“If we don’t vote, is America really a true democracy? I am registered to vote in my first election and I feel like I can help make a difference,” Senior Tessa Hoyt said.
In the United States Constitution, the government is one by the people, for the people. Voting helps determine a better quality of life for all citizens. This gives individuals the power to create positive change for their community. The more people who vote, the more powerful voices become, and the likelier the issues that are important will be heard and make a difference.
Research what is on the table and take advantage of your rights!
Abigail O’neil
Excitedly, girls glance over the course list as they sign up for their classes next school year. First, the required courses. Second, and more importantly, the electives!
Whether Speech and Drama to hone performance skills, Creative Writing to build a strong skill set, or Psychology to explore a future career path, each elective has specific ways it can benefit a student.
Still, some may be surprised at the available choices. While many factors go into choosing electives, the most important is personal appeal.
Lesser known classes have had a decline in signups. This is not for lack of interest, but lack of awareness of their existence.
Earning the title of Father of Modern English Literature is no small feat. Dive further into Shakespeare’s works in the Exploring Shakespeare Through Film and Text elective.
The issues of politics, poetics, psychology, theology, gender, and humanity are all explored. Perfect the skill of analysis through reading Shakespeare’s various plays and sonnets.
“I am looking forward to getting to go over content that isn’t covered in normal English courses. I think it’s a cool alternative compared to the typical electives,” Senior Aly Peckham said.
Both lovers of theatre and lovers of reading can agree that without Shakespeare’s influence, current media would be vastly different.
For those interested in the science, medicine, theology, or law fields, Latin would be the class to take to give a competitive edge in college applications and classes.
“Surprisingly, it’s been really helpful in my other classes. There are many medical terms that I can just look at and get a good idea of what they are simply because I know what the Latin root associated with that word means,” fouryear Latin student Senior Emma Gill said.
Aside from studying the language itself, there is opportunity to learn about classical mythology and the study of aspects of Roman life.
Latin is the only language class where there is no speaking portion.
“I was most interested in learning Latin because it provides the base of all Romance languages, and I believed that
by learning Latin I would understand Spanish and English better,” Latin Teacher Mrs. Amanda Mutgi said.
Indulge in creativity by learning and writing with styles outside of the typical English curriculum. Sophomores through sen grade students can do so in Journalism I, taught by Mrs. Julie Sells.
The class teaches foundations in crucial skills like researching, clarity, considering an audience, gauging importance, and gauging credibility.
Additionally, Students have the opportunity to explore careers in journalism and related fields.
“I’m so glad I took journalism because I get to take Yearbook. It is one of my favorite classes because I love getting to take pictures and design the book for everyone to enjoy,” third-year Journalism Student and senior Alia Bruns said.
At the end of this year-long course, students have the opportunity to continue their journalistic involvement.
From passionately writing for The Vista in Newspaper to capturing the fun of the school year for The Regina in Yearbook to being on “the big screen” for daily announcments, keeping peers informed in Broadcast, there are options for everyone.
Izzy LaPlant
Teenagers can be a force to be reckoned with. Think of Romeo and Juliet and countless other stories. The mayhem that adolescents wreak is so common that it has become a literary staple. How can parents be expected to control their children fully, and how can society charge parents with something they have no control over?
When Ethan Crumbley was 15-years-old, he shot and killed four of his classmates. Crumbley was tried as an adult. His parents were both charged with involuntary manslaughter. Crumbley was very disturbed and set on his vile plans; it is likely that he would have found another weapon to carry out the dark deeds he fantasized about. His father may have purchased the firearm he used in the attack, but Crumbley chose to use it for evil on his own accord.
In the United States, one becomes a legal adult on one’s 18th birthday. However, the brain does not stop developing until over the age of 25. Parents can be charged for something their 17-year-old child does, but not something their equally immature 23-year-old adult child does. This is illogical, especially if said 23-year-old still resides in his or her childhood home.
Developing brains have a lot of hormones that can cause irrational decisions to be made, and there is just no way to fully control another human being’s mind.
Parents simply do not have full control over the choices of their children. Think of child trafficking via the internet. Many underaged people have met, chatted with, and been abducted by strangers they met on the internet without the knowledge of their caretakers. If parents can’t protect their own children, what says they can protect others from their children?
Crime is not child’s play, but it is a child’s responsibility alone to stand fully accountable for their choices.
Volume 74 Issue #1
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
If a child commits a crime, it is necessary to look at their backstory to see maybe who else could be responsible.
When a child commits a crime, it is extremely important to look at the parent’s role in it. There are many instances where the parent does not directly have something to do with the crime; however, they allow their children to obtain dangerous weapons through purchase or neglect or notice erratic behavior from their children and choose to ignore it.
Recent studies from the National Institute of Justice state that children who did not grow up with proper discipline or emotional support are more likely to commit crimes.
A case example is the Oxford Michigan school shooting on November 30, 2021 where a 15-year-old boy, Ethan Crumbley, shot and killed four students and injured seven, including a teacher.
Even though Ethan was the one to pull the trigger, evidence showed that his parents allowed their son to have an unsecured gun at home. He also struggled with his mental health, drawing dark images of guns and wounded men. The parents knew about his struggles but chose to ignore it and continued to allow the gun in the house.
Jennifer and James Crumbley were convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 10-15 years for not doing more to stop their son from committing this horrific crime.
Of course, there are some instances where parents could try their very hardest but still fall short of preventing their children from committing crimes; however, it is important to realize that parents have great influence over their children. They have the duty to try to stop them.
Parents must be held accountable for their children’s crimes to emphasize how much they can do to prevent tragedy.
Hi NDA! I’m so excited to be able to introduce myself as your Vista editor-in-chief! I discovered my love for writing during Journalism I my sophomore year when I learned how fun it could be to write about a topic I’m actually passionate about. I want to thank last year’s editor, Sammie Paris, for being such an amazing role model and our advisor, Mrs. Sells, who has been a tremendous help while I learn the ropes of this role. I am so beyond proud of each reporter as it is each of their first years on staff. On behalf of everyone, we hope you enjoy this first issue!
- Abi
Domestic abusers, on average, spend two years in jail per arrest, according to Leverson Budke Criminal Defense. Two years make up about 2.5% of the average American lifespan, but the effects of abuse can last a lifetime.
Therefore, those who are convicted of domestic abuse should face larger penalties.
Some may consider jail to be a time of rehabilitation. However, for abusers, this is often not the case. Violence is a difficult cycle to break, which is visible from how often abusers face multiple arrests. Anywhere from 10% to 18% of abusers are jailed between six months from their initial arrest.
More than 60% of abusers are rearrested in a decade.
An abuser has to work hard to stop themselves from abusing again. Most abusers are likely too selfish to do this work.
There is also the danger that those who are abused may themselves become abusers, continuing the cycle of pain even further.
When someone is abused, the aftermath can be catastrophic. Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and physical chronic pain are just some possible effects of abuse.
Domestic violence can also result in death. In fact, there were about 47,000 deaths caused by abuse in the year 2020 alone, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. That amounts to a death every eleven minutes.
A two-year penalty for abuse is roughly the same average sentence for theft. The mental and physical well-being of victims are put on the same level as products.
Should human beings really be valued in the same light as stolen items?
Why is it that the penalty for not registering with Selective Service is three years more in jail than causing permanent damage to someone's body and mind?
In the end, abuse hurts everyone who it affects; a stronger penalty is necessary to protect human life, in both quality and duration.
Cheers to the seniors who are old enough to cast their first votes in the presidential election on Nov. 5.
Cheers to the end of Quarter 1!
Cheers to the fall musical hitting the stage. Everyone should see it!
Jeers to the negative political ads and misinformation on social media.
Katelyn Augustyniak
Fall is officially here! The time when leaves are changing to warm tones, sweatpants are in style, and pumpkin spice makes everything nice.
While the cool breeze is settling in, so is the load of schoolwork. While finishing up the first quarter of the year, it's easy to get overwhelmed and crave a breath of fresh air. Embrace the change of season by making a bucket list of things you wish to do this fall! Need inspiration for your list? These activities will ensure you have the most fantastic fall yet.
For your perfect fall exercise, take a walk at one of the many beautiful metro parks around Toledo. The smell of the crisp air and the calming sound of the wind against the rustling leaves gives you a cozy start to the season. There’s great scenery, and if you have a dog, I'm sure he or she will love it, too!
With the numerous orchards in the area, it's hard to choose a favorite. Make it a challenge to try them all. Perhaps a new one each weekend, or even see how many you could go to in one day! To end your challenge with a bang, McQueens Apple Orchard or Gust Brothers Farm are my favorite seasonal places to pick some pumpkins and flowers, maybe take a hayride, and visit some farm animals! Of course, you cannot forget about the fresh, warm doughnuts available along with a splash of hot apple cider.
After finding the perfect pumpkin, you can make a fun porch decoration by carving your pick of design. As a bonus, roast the seeds in your oven for a nice snack!
To all the roller coaster lovers, Cedar Point has not yet closed! Go experience ‘HalloWeekends’ for a spooky and thrilling day. You can also walk through one of the 10 haunted houses and see all the seasonal decor throughout the park.
Try a new coffee shop and order a ‘fall special!’ Pumpkin spice is not available much longer… get it while you can!
Jeers to no 2-hour delay after visitations.
Jeers to frosty car windows on cool fall mornings.
“One of my favorites right now is the iced pumpkin latte from Sip Coffee. It just gets me in a fall mood,” senior Maddie Townley said.
You can drink your fall special and snack on pumpkin seeds while watching a Halloween movie! Cozy up and pick from the wide variety of festive options like ‘Hocus Pocus’, ‘Beetlejuice’, ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’, ‘Hubie Halloween’, or maybe even a horror movie, if you’re into that sort of thing.
All these things are great seasonal activities to participate in this fall and get your mind off of the stress of schoolwork!
Abigail O’neil
Notre Dame brings the current Broadway running show ‘Once Upon a Mattress’ to life on the PAC stage. Written by Jay Thompson, Marshall Barer, and Dean Fuller, this musical comedy retells the famous fairy tale The Princess and the Pea.
Director Ms. Kathryn Grilliot ‘09 and Producer Mrs. Jean (Christ) Walker ’82 work with over 65 cast and crew members to put on this show.
As the story goes, because of a curse, King Sextimus (SJJ sophomore Henry Maume) is unable to rule the kingdom, leaving Queen Aggravain (senior Katie Irelan) in charge. She decrees no one in the Kingdom may wed till Prince Dauntless (SFS sophomore Ethan Tognozzi) is married to a true princess of royal blood.
With 11 applicants who have undergone and failed the seemingly impossible tests, the Knights and Ladies of the Court are worried.
One particularly concerned Knight goes on a mission to find a true princess and returns with Princess Win-
NDA’s musical poster as designed by Madelyn Langenderfer. Photo by Abigail O’Neil
nifred (senior Zoe Zimmerman). The audience will watch as the Princess undergoes the tests and the events that unravel from there.
“The best thing about participating in musicals is the opportunity to perform in front of an audience, with a community of students and directors who share the same love and passion for musical theater that I do.
“So far in our rehearsal process the show has been progressing well! We’re working to perfect some really upbeat numbers as we come closer to the show days,” senior Abigail Weaver, taking on the roles of Vocal Captain, Lady H, and the Nightingale, said.
At the Visitation’s Art’s Assembly, both NDA students and eighth grade visitors had the chance to get a preview of the songs to be performed.
Students in the Digital Art class, taught by Mrs. Miazgowicz, each created posters for the musical, they then voted to determine a winner. The final version, pictured to the left, is designed by senior Madelyn Langenderfer.
Notre Dame also puts on a spring play. To get involved in the theater program, look for emails with information or contact Mrs. Walker.
Payton Shively
A new look for Notre Dame’s mascot, Izzy the Eagle, has landed at the school.
Izzy has been a part of NDA since the mid 1970s. Izzy the Eagle came about through voting for a mascot for Notre Dame. Izzy actually comes from the biblical reference of Isaiah and has been the name for the Eagle ever since.
When the 120 Years Committee met, the idea for a new and improved Izzy the Eagle came up in the conversation. The committee met in late winter and then again in early spring to decide what would best benefit the students this year.
They decided that buying a new mascot would be a great benefit to the students and a great way to help celebrate the school's 120 years!
Athletic Director Mr. Gary Snyder checked around with several schools to find a company that did personalized
The old Izzy the Eagle mascot was on hand at the Back to the Nest Fest on August 18 to welcome the new Izzy the Eagle mascot to Notre Dame Academy. Photo from NDA Eagles Instagram account.
designed mascots. They then sent over Notre Dame's Eagle head logo.
The company was able to turn the 2dimensional Eagle head logo into a 3dimensional costume. The new Izzy the Eagle is a replica of what Notre Dame’s logo is.
Mrs. Aimee Parks, who had worked with the Spirit Store and Sports Leader program, then had the idea to have them add eyelashes to the costume.
“While our new Izzy is distinctively different from our old Izzy costume, it is a great representation of our Eagle logo,” Mr. Snyder said.
The first time Izzy made an appearance was at the Back to the Nest Fest. This was an opportunity to show the students, faculty and staff the new features and design of Izzy the Eagle.
The new mascot was paid for by NDA as part of NDA’s 120th Anniversary Celebration.
Payton Shively
Ms. Megan Cunningham ‘20, Science Teacher
“An interesting fact is that my younger sister, Mary Cunningham, is currently a senior here at NDA.”
Mrs. Marlaina Greggila, Math Teacher
“An interesting fact about myself that many people don’t know is that I have run 3 half marathons. I even ran one the morning of my high school graduation.”
Ms. Kat Grilliot ‘09, English/ Speech and Drama Teacher
“I love NDA for many reasons. Mainly, I love the students, faculty, and staff who make the overall environment at NDA so wonderful and friendly.”
Ms. Diana Mazloum, Science Teacher
“Something that most people don’t know about me is that I was actually not born in the USA. I was born in Lebanon, which surprises people because I don’t have a foreign accent.”
lifting atmosphere. Everyone has been so kind and willing to help me learn new skills. Everyone here at NDA has made me feel very welcomed.”
Ms. Samantha Moscinski ‘17, Assistant Athletic Director
“My favorite activity to do for fun is spend time with my family and friends, whether that is playing cards, eating food or staying active with each other!”
Ms. Erin Sasala ‘17, Campus Minister
“An interesting fact about me is that I am a triplet!”
Mrs. Barbara (Beham) Thomas ‘83, Donor Database Manager
“An interesting fact many people don’t know about me is that I’m the aunt of NDA counselor Mrs. Hankenhof.”
Ms. Taylor Webb, Front Office Receptionist
“For fun, I am truly a lazy girl at heart. I love just sitting down and watching movies on my couch all day. Sometimes, when I do feel like I need to get up and do stuff, I enjoy going for a walk or bike ride through my neighborhood.”
Ms. Molly Mehling, School Counselor
“What I like most about NDA is the up-
Ms. Samantha Fernholz, health teacher Athletic Trainer
“Many people do not know that I was born and raised in Wisconsin. I moved
to Toledo about 5 years ago to attend the University of Toledo for graduate school.”
Mrs. Mallory Jesko, Assistant to the Dean of Students
“My favorite activity is anything with my kids, chasing them to their sporting events, helping at class parties or snuggling with movies at home. I love our weekends where we sit outside, have a bonfire, good food, music and just relax.”
Mrs. Katie Turner, Long-Term Spanish Substitute/ Building Substitute
“An interesting fact about me is that my husband and I lived on the Big Island of Hawaii for 3 years!”
Mr. Lanzio Palombo, English Teacher
“My favorite thing about NDA is the campus is amazing and even with the construction going on it's still a beautiful place to be, and the students of course.”
Ms. Alex McCormack, Campus Life Director
“My favorite thing about NDA is that it doesn’t just feel like a community, it feels like a family. It doesn’t matter if you are staff, alumni, or a student, we are all part of the same family when we are together.”
Abigail O’Neil
Drivers wait, watching with anticipation. The light changes to green. And they're off! This course features a straight-stretch take-off, arrows urging drivers to go forward, and a curve to speed up through.
Scientists need to investigate the phenomenon of Notre Dame’s parking lot magically transforming into a race track for the 20 minutes before and after school ends. Is that a student walking across the road? No, it is a chance to practice maneuverability. So please, feel free to narrowly swerve by her!
Cars full of students eager to get home wait at the end of their rows, waiting to be let out. This decision is a tough one so please, take your time. Should you a.) adopt some method of the zipper merge so that you both can leave or b.) look straight ahead at all costs, if you make eye contact you’ll have to let them out? While most would claim they would choose the first option, the opposite plays out. Yes, of course, you are more important than everyone else, and I mean you are already there. And if you let someone out you'll be one car back which will make you get home a whole 20 seconds later.
Don’t get me wrong, there are some kind, courteous drivers! However, the parents and students who treat this parking lot like their own personal playground make it harder for everyone.
Students, you go to school with these people. You’re going to see them every day for the rest of this year, and the rest of your time at NDA. Do you really want to make enemies for something you do outside of school hours? Imagine telling your kids that your familial rivalry started because you parked too close to Janie from math class’s car every day making it hard for her to get out of her car without the constant fear of hitting yours with her door.
As you drive to and from school, I’m urging you to please, slow down, be courteous, and help keep everyone safe.
If you were not a teacher, what would your job be?
Aya Kanaan
“I would work in a coffee shop.”
- Mrs. Lindsey Krile, Campus Ministry
“I would be a game designer.” - Mr. Matt Gruenwald, Math Teacher
“I would be a hair stylist.” - Mrs. Amanda Mariasy, Theology Teacher
“I would be a park naturalist.” - Mr. Steve Coppens, Science Teacher
“I would be a business manager.” - Mrs. Becky Yost, Theology Teacher
“I would be a writer.” - Mr. Casey Feldstein, Social Studies Teacher
“I would be the person who names crayons.” - Ms. Sabrina Brancatto, Math Teacher
“I would own a pizza place.” - Mr. Lanzio Palombo, English Teacher
“I would be a lawyer.” - Mr. Will Portteus, Social Studies Teacher
“I would be a geographer.” Mr. Nick Bonfiglio, Theology Teacher
“I would be a political reporter in Washington D.C., hanging out with Woodward and Bernstein.” - Mrs. Julie Sells, English/Journalism Teacher
If you could add one class to NDA what would it be?
Abigail O’Neil
“Probably forensic science or criminology because that’s what I’m interested in for a career.” - Raegan Rutherford, freshman
“Cooking because it would be a fun elective.” - Violet Snyder, sophomore
“More AP classes because I want to academically challenge myself.” - Norah Johnson, junior
“Home Ec because I want to learn how to take care of my house for when I’m older.” - Olivia Colella, senior
“Italian because I feel like we don’t have that many language options offered.” - Sarrae Dedeaux, freshman
“Home Ec where we learn to cook, sew, and fix things around the house.” - Elizabeth Leach, sophomore
“Gourmet cooking class where we learn to make advanced cultural dishes.” - Sarah Hitts, junior
“Financial literacy so we understand how to budget and do taxes to be prepared for the real world.” - Anna Reed, senior