The Vista Issue 2 of 23-24

The Vista NOTRE DAME ACADEMY*3535 W. SYLVANIA AVE.*TOLEDO, OH 43623*VOL 73, ISSUE 2* Dec. 14, 2023

In This Issue: Making Friends While Doing Good (p. 2)

Crosstalk: Turning off Powerschool: Yea or Nay (p. 4)

Editorial: Great Games Do Not Excuse Abuse (p. 5)

Enjoy Winter Fun around Town (p. 7)

Roving Reporters (p.8)

Asst. to the Principal Mrs. Jackie Terrill and Principal Mrs. Andrea (Zobler) Zimmerman ‘96 decorated their office doors with the theme of The NDA Polar Express to highlight the season. Photo by Cricket Lindsley

The Vista

Page 2 News

Appalachia Mission Trip

Girls Give of Themselves, Make Connections Abigail O’Neil

Every year a group of students load onto a bus and go off on the Appalachia Mission trip. While students back at Notre Dame hear about the service aspect, the other benefit is not often discussed.

The weekend before Christmas, students travel to Harlan, Kentucky and set up a Christmas party for families who live in poverty.

The trip began over thirty years ago. The Sisters of Notre Dame used to run a school in Harlan, KY, and in 1988 Sr. Delores Gatliff had the idea to give those families the chance to celebrate Christmas with a party and gifts. In 1989, the first trip occurred.

Giving gifts which are new, not used, supports human dignity and sends the message, “You are a valuable human person who is loved,” Campus Ministry leader Mr. Josh Mocek said.

Before the trip occurs, a core team is selected. Members of the team play an integral role in the planning of the trip with responsibilities like planning meals, making a gift list, and sorting and wrapping gifts. When on the trip, the core teams help lead the other students, set up stations, and ensure that the event runs smoothly.

“I decided I wanted to be on the core team after my experience last year because I loved the environment we were able to create for the people down in Harlan, and to be able to be a core part of that project where I can

Some of the SND Sisters came to the Wrapping Party to lend a hand with all the presents collected for the Appalachia Mission Trip.

Photo by Abigail O’Neil

Girls joined the wrapping party Dec. 12 after school. Photo by Abigail O’Neil

help people and grow my faith at the same time is really special to me,” junior Anna Reed said Students who are not going on the trip are encouraged to still contribute through donations, attending wrapping parties and praying.

What most first-time students who sign up for the trip do not realize is that there are two aspects of the trip: volunteering and bonding.

In a theological aspect, volunteering helps to fulfill the contributive desire. Contributive happiness helps people build empathy and the ability to follow their conscience, improving the human person.

Volunteering alongside other students and working for a common goal connects them. Close friendships are often made at school, but living and working together is a different experience.

“It was so fulfilling to see all the kids get gifts for Christmas. I loved getting to talk and bond with new friends outside of my usual group,” junior Alia Bruns said.

There are many opportunities for connecting with other students. The long bus ride, sharing meals, running the event, and late-night talks before bed.

Unexpected friendships can be made without the boundaries of being at school such as grade level or social group. The bond changes from being sisters in plaid to living beside each other like sisters.

Aside from other students, volunteers form bonds with the families who they are serving.

Through learning about the families and listening to their stories, volunteers connect with the reality of the human family with people who are 10 hours away.

Opportunities for growing in faith are plentiful. Praying together, the reflection, and Mass before leaving are all ways to connect with each other and be with God. With so many ways to grow as a person, the Appalachia Mission trip gives students one of a kind memories that impact them forever.

The Vista

Page 3 News

Girls Stay Informed to Find Their Own Opinions Sammie Paris People are nosy; as part of human nature, people wish to know exactly what is going on around them at all times.

For this reason, individuals want a news source that gives them consistent information about the area around them.

News - the factor that makes life go round and allows individuals throughout the world to feel comfortable and safe in their own homes. But how do people know if the news they so diligently tune in to can be trusted?

Finding the right sources with the correct information can be tricky as all news outlets will claim they report “accurate, unbiased news.” Before trusting one source, it is critical to make sure it has reliability.

"It's very important to pay attention to what is going on in our society and around the world. As young women approaching adulthood, there are many current issues that do not affect you now, but may in the future. Paying attention in your social studies classes is a great way to start! As civic-minded women and future voters, being knowledgeable about the world around you can help determine how you vote and

ultimately help use your voice to shape the future,” social studies teacher Mrs. Amy Kasprzak said.

It is important to check the publication date to make sure it is the most current information.

Once finding an article that is relevant and current, an authoritative author is another check readers should consider.

Reliable sources will have knowledgeable writers reporting for them.

For example, if an individual is reading about the latest effects of Covid-19, one would want a knowledgeable doctor giving them information on the topic.

The information, the facts, the story itself, is the most important aspect to the publication. These must be accurate and reliable, which can be tested by looking for supporting evidence throughout the article, as well as seeing if the story exists on other sources.

The more sources that have a particular story, the more relevant it is, and the faster readers can find a trusted source.

If these simple requirements have been met, one can believe she has found a trusted, reliable news outlet that will give them the accurate information she seeks.

Having a trustworthy source is a critical element to staying up-to-date.

“Following the news is important because students need to stay updated on the current events, locally and nationally.

In doing this, students can be more empathetic towards those around them,” senior V Goyal said.

Most are adamant about their beliefs, and this can cause individuals to be confused about advice from others.

Family and friends can easily be a focal point of this, pressuring young individuals into siding with them on an issue.

Young women feeling this pressure must stay strong and confident in them their abilities to make their own choices.

“It is vital that girls think critically about the information they are consuming instead of just agreeing with whatever their favorite news source, friend, or family member says about a topic. There are so many voices in the world and all those voices are saying, even shouting, different things. We must take what we see and take the time to digest it. Your voice, your opinions matter! Your thoughts become your words. Your words become your actions,” social studies teacher Mrs. Natalie Morgan said.

‘Tis the Season to Beware When Shopping Online Cece Crandall The holiday season has been on the forefront of many minds as shopping for gifts has become a main tradition. Staying protected from hackers and viruses is still a priority.

Online shopping has been increasing drastically in recent years due to the convenience of sitting at home and having a package delivered in just a few days' time. There are also often more choices or variations found online than in-store, which allows for a more personalized shopping experience.

The holiday season brings the online shopping market to its peak, but many shoppers forget about proper safety precautions when putting very personal information into a website.

According to Statista.com, a data gathering platform, worldwide cybercrime will cost consumers an estimated $11.5 trillion this year. This number is nearly quadruple the amount in 2020 when the world switched to a more Internet-based shopping experience due to the in-person limitations put on businesses.

As the number of people who switch to online shopping increases, so should the safeguards on shared information.

First, the device being shopped on should be connected to a secure network, a home

Wi-Fi address to be specific.

Browsing and putting private information on a library computer or going to a Starbucks for free Wi-Fi is not a well-educated decision. This can make it easier for hackers to see and store information which can be leaked for their monetary gain.

Next, each website that is searched for should have a reputable image.

According to GCFGlobal, an organization for learning and safety, the website should have an address and phone number that can be contacted if there are questions or concerns on a purchase. Do some research on them and look for reviews from real shoppers— usually if someone goes to great lengths to leave an honest review on a product, they feel more realistic.

Nowadays as many shoppers have passwords saved to their phone or computer, keeping a safe account is important as well.

The National Cybersecurity Alliance, an organization promoting security, recommends multi-factor authentication as one of the best ways to protect an account or email like a billing address, credit card number or contact information because it creates layers of security.

Often these MFA’s will be backup passwords, a separate email address, or phone

number that can be contacted to identify the shopper as themselves.

Shoppers should also constantly update their passwords and contact information in case a hacker ever tries to get into their account.

GCFGlobal says, while paying, try to use a credit card or a third-party app like Venmo or PayPal. Credit card companies will usually have protections against hackers and will help shoppers get their money back, and thirdparty groups prevent businesses from having a direct line to the buyers’ information.

Take a screenshot of an order summary and all of the information included when an item is bought. This can help the credit card companies help customers know what went wrong and where.

It will also help the shopper’s personal finance record keeping— make sure to check the bank account and that there are no other weird purchases or transfers.

Finally, remember to trust initial instincts and know that there is always a similar item on a different website that can be bought instead, if something appears untrustworthy.

All of these tips and tricks will help prevent the current-day, online shoppers from getting hacked or scammed by those who take advantage of the holiday season and its chaos.

The Vista

Page 4 Op-Ed

PowerSchool Going Dark Let Us Know

Crosstalk 

Cece Crandall

Cricket Lindsley PowerSchool is an essential school tool used to view grades, upcoming assignments, comments from teachers and their overall academic standpoint. To block student access from such vital information so as to preserve students’ mental health does the opposite.

Students, instead of enjoying their well-deserved break, stress constantly about how well they did on their exams and nearly tear their hair out using online calculators to see what final score could possibly take them away from their desired letter grade.

Instead, having that band-aid-ripped-off moment would be highly beneficial. The students would be able to take possible mourning or celebratory time of the grade outcome and then swiftly move onto the excitement of the days off for break.

If it was found that a student had not done well on certain subjects during Christmas break, she would have the ability to regroup and come back to school and talk with specific teachers about assignments during the upcoming quarter and studying for next semester’s exams.

If a student were to do poorly on one of her first exams, possibly because she had never taken an exam before, a situation many freshmen experience, she would be able to reexamine her current method of study for exams and apply a different method of review for the next exam she has to take.

Leaving PowerSchool on also means that students will see when their exam grades are submitted in real time, instead of getting that news all at once. There is less fear in seeing how two exams went, instead of stressing about a possible eight.

PowerSchool is meant for easy access, revoking that access is against its very point and only causes more stress than would be felt if it just remained on.

The Vista Staff Volume 73 Issue 2 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: Sammie Paris First Year Reporters: Cece Crandall Cricket Lindsley Abigail O’Neil Adviser: Mrs. Julie Sells

Let Us Relax

As the first semester draws to a close, the holiday season is a relaxing time for many students. Over the break, PowerSchool should remain “shut down” until administration reopens it right before third quarter.

NDA students are well known for wanting to see their grades 24/7 due to the copious amounts of homework and assignments which make up their final score. This comes from wanting to achieve good grades, despite all of the other extracurriculars and activities that may make them less focused on school.

Having the app closed will allow teachers to put in the grades without having students emailing them constantly, and students will have less stress since they cannot view their grades, meaning out of sight, out of mind. The holiday can then be celebrated how it should be, with no stress.

A study by Masters NY found that “continual access to grades shifts the emphasis from understanding a subject, to the amount of points you got and the final percentages.”

The final grade at the end of the semester is important, and it is positive to know that students care about their academic success, but a grade in a class should not solely make students sum up their self-worth.

The break from PowerSchool is also a chance for students to put the past behind them and start the semester anew.

A bad grade on a test or a poorly done presentation is now in the past, and students can learn from previous mistakes to make the new semester better. This ‘turn-off’ also denies access to parents, limiting what they see as well, so the family can then celebrate the season together.

PowerSchool staying turned off over Christmas break is the best remedy for NDA students’ nerves and health.

Editor’s Corner Halfway through the year - way to go Eagles!

You deserve a peaceful and relaxing Christmas Break, ready to come back and knock out Semester 2.

It has been a tough quarter for all, and The Vista Staff has been working diligently to bring you stories you can sit back and read, with a cup of cocoa in hand.

We hope you enjoy and continue to take part in the stories we wish to continue writing for you all.

Happy Holidays!

Love, Sammie

The Vista

Page 5 OP-ED

Putting Leagues, Players on Notice The greatest athletes sometimes make bad decisions, and some of them happen off the field. The NFL and other sports leagues should stand with women and take initiative in stopping the mistreatment of women by some of their players.

According to CBS Sports, Deshaun Watson, once star quarterback for the Houston Texans and now the Cleveland Browns, has been accused of 30 harassment and sexual misconduct cases. While two separate grand juries in Texas declined to indict Watson on any of the charges, the women involved did go on to file civil lawsuits, most of which have been settled.

Despite this, the Browns still acquired Watson and signed the largest guaranteed money contract in NFL history, $230 million, according to ESPN. One of the women who first filed a case against Watson spoke out against his new contract.

“That’s what it feels like. That we [the NFL] don’t care. He can run and throw, and that’s what we care about,” Ashley Solis said in Alaa Elassar’s interview on CNN. Even though Watson went to a mandatory behavioral evaluation, apolo-

gized to the women, paid a $5 million fine for the cases, and was suspended for 11 games, the Browns should not have signed him because it sends the signal that they only consider his physical potential in games and not his behavior in society. This was not a hardship for him, yet the women still suffer from his behavior every day.

There may be little desire in the NFL and other major sports organizations to hold a hard line because each sports league is also a business. According to Forbes.com, the entire value of the NFL is estimated to be $163 billion. Successful athletes are a big part of that. But at what cost?

Women are part of the fan base that football, baseball, basketball and other leagues depend for sales of tickets, merchandise and the advertising dollars that come from TV ads directed towards them. Women’s participation and team loyalty add substantially to those leagues’ bottom line.

When even one woman is hurt by an athlete, the league should give a fine that fits the player’s salary. Suspension for one year will be meaningful.

Let all the sports leagues show that mistreatment of women will not be tolerated.

Cheers and Jeers 

Cheers to the ending of Semester 1 and the beginning of Christmas Break.



Jeers to the taking of hostages, mostly women and children, in any conflict.



Cheers to the decrease in deforestation in the Amazon Rain Forest; the lowest rate since 2019.



Jeers to waiting for your car to warm up in the cold.



Cheers to advances made for furry pets to help them stay healthy and keeping them in our families for a long time.



Jeers to hackers making swatting calls to local schools.

An Eagle’s View

Coffee. Coffee. Coffee.

Sammie Paris

We all have that one fix that gets us going in the morning. For some, that may be an energy drink or a green smoothie, but for most, it is that perfect cup of coffee.

Coffee is the quintessential beverage individuals need to start their day off strong, no matter how strong the brew itself is.

Whether you frequent your local cafe or have perfected the at-home brew, there is always a cup made just for you.

Coffee is an item that comes in all shapes and sizes. You could be an avid iced latte drinker, or lean more to the dark side and choose to go with a hot cup of straight, dark brew.

There are syrups made in every flavor imaginable, leaving the options and variety endless.

This means it is perfectly acceptable, and even encouraged, to drink more than one cup a day, leaving not one flavor combination untried.

Of course, there are always the classics available year-round, consisting of a caramel macchiato, vanilla latte, or white chocolate mocha.

But then, there are the beloved specialties that avid customers impatiently wait for in the upcoming seasons.

When the leaves start to change colors, and pumpkin stands begin to open, we all know creamy pumpkin spice lattes, silky smooth chai’s, and delectable muffins are right around the corner.

Before we can even get tired of these fall additions and make it through the Halloween season, they begin to roll out the Christmas supply.

Gingerbread, sugar cookie, and peppermint mixed gently and beautifully into different coffee products.

That jolt of sugar and slim to none caffeine is sure to get you moving in the morning, with a lovely crash expected in the afternoon. The real surprise will be if the sugar exhaustion hits you before that 3:05 bell or not.

The real debate everyone wants to discuss when the subject of coffee comes up however is Dunkin versus Starbucks. But then, is there a wild card of Scooter’s in the mix?

We’ve let you all decide and this is what the numbers say: 80.4% voted Starbucks, 12.8% voted Dunkin, and 6.7% voted Scooter’s.

Starbucks is the clear winner, but these numbers prove that the NDA population runs on coffee, kicking energy drinks and green smoothies out the door.

No matter what your preferences in this coffee field are, keep enjoying and remember to whiten your teeth.

The Vista

Page 6 Feature

Field Trips Open Learning Opportunities Sammie Paris Field trips serve as a children’s first experience in the real world during the school day.

When students are in elementary school and they go on that coveted field trip to the zoo or the park, suddenly they are a big kid with the freedom and opportunity to explore the real world.

High school students should have the ability to experience trips like this, just as much as elementary school students, if not more so.

These trips outside of the school building allow students to far more vividly remember the lesson attached to it, and will inevitably grant them future success.

“Today’s students are visual learners, and a field trip lets them touch, feel and listen to what they’re learning about, which helps them build on classroom instruction, gain a better understanding of topics, build cultural understanding and tolerance, and expose them to worlds outside their own,” Executive Director for Student & Youth Travel Association Carylann Assante said.

There are countless benefits to field trips, such as the opportunity to get hands-on experience. These experiences will be further ingrained in student’s minds and give them

Mrs. Stinson’s Freshman TCB pose after voting for fellow classmates in Freshman Student Council Election. Photo taken by Cece Crandall

Class Levels Stay Busy During Semester 1

something concrete to think back on when studying and preparing for quizzes or tests.

Field trips serve as a space specifically designed to allow students to collaborate with one another.

Friends can be hard to make no matter how old an individual is, but field trips allow students to have that distraction of working with their hands while talking to others they may not be familiar with.

Whether it be on a lab outside, or asking each other questions about monuments, there is always something new and exciting to discuss when students are exploring the world around them.

“I believe that taking my students to the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo is an incredible field trip. It is a staple of Toledo and offers a beautiful opportunity for them to immerse themselves in a religion that many may not be familiar with. At NDA, we have a growing number of Muslim students, and I find it valuable to provide them with the opportunity to share their faith practices with their classmates,” World Religions Teacher Mrs. Amanda Mariasy said.

In this way, students are furthering their

Sophomores have signed and now anxiously wait for their name to forever be on NDA walls. Photo provided by Ms. Marysa Lake

problem-solving skills and paving the way for them to learn and grow in the real world.

Knowing how to communicate with others and having the courage to ask for help when needed is a vital skill students need to learn before leaving the high school bubble.

“We loved going on Mr. Coppens Environmental Studies field trip to Wildwood because it was so exciting to go in the water, and actually be able to use our hands and be in the real, natural world. We were able to experiment with the cleanliness of water and our class was the clearest water it has been for a while which was super cool,” seniors Mackenzie Zieroff and Laiken Slater said.

Administrators and parents can agree that independence is a vital component of growing up, and time away from school to learn, touch, and experience on their own merit gives students the opportunity to understand what independence looks like.

Field trips give students the opportunity to learn how to find the answers to difficult questions themselves, without teacher or parent help, and ultimately grow in themselves as well as their understanding of the world around them.

Juniors practice for Induction where they will soon join the seniors in being “upperclass-women.”

Photo taken by Cricket Lindsley

Seniors take their ‘Class Formation Photo’ to preserve the memory of the beginning of their senior year. Photo provided by Impulse Studio

The Vista

Page 7 Feature

Winter Activities Make Break Fun Sammie Paris Christmas time is the most magical time of the year, and there is always something to be done.

Countless activities come to mind when people say the word, ‘Christmas,’ especially in our magical city.

The Ribbon, in Downtown Toledo, at the Glass City Metropark is the newest activity where individuals can spend quality time.

This is a 1,000 foot loop trail, featuring easy hills and slight curves for an iceskating experience of a lifetime.

If you think the skating is too much for you though, there are also cabanas that can be rented with their own personal fire pit and warming heater inside.

This stay-cation would make for a perfect girls’ night, especially with food being just ten feet away with The Garden by Poco Piatti offering pizzas, wraps, and desserts, among other items.

“I loved going to The Ribbon downtown because of the cool atmosphere and my experience in the cabanas. I went with my friends to skate and hang out, and we ended up having a great time, and I would definitely go again,” senior Bella Hsia said.

Another festive activity we all know and love are the Lights at the Zoo. This has been a tradition for many years where not only are gorgeous Christmas lights, hot cocoa and music everywhere you turn; there is also Santa and his reindeer.

The Christmas magic can be found in many places around Toledo that grant memories that will last a lifetime, as many still remember their Toledo Zoo experiences from years ago.

“The first time I went to the Lights at the Zoo, I remember being super excited

because I couldn’t wait to see the ‘dancing’ lights on the trees. That is still my favorite part of the whole night when I go,” sophomore Maddie Gray said.

If these don’t seem like the kind of activities you wish to be doing however, there are always other options.

Walleye games are constantly occurring throughout the winter season with so many games available, you can’t possibly miss being in attendance.

These games have a great atmosphere that allow fans to have genuine excitement for the game with no fear of being judged as going overboard.

T-Town Hockey is a very real thing that needs to be on everyone’s to-do list.

Remember this holiday season that there is always some fun to have, no matter where you are, especially if there are friends and family surrounding you.

Stuco Leaders Focus on Communication Sammie Paris

Student Council - the force that keeps the school running with great collaboration, determination and above all, communication.

Notre Dame Academy is always planning exciting events to engage the student body, as well as the outside community. The real masterminds behind these events consist of hard working leaders from each class level, willing to give up personal time to help their school.

“Junior Stuco has worked so hard this year planning Junior Induction, class spirit wear, and now Prom! Our weekly meetings involve lots of discussion on the many details that go into the events we plan, and while they seem overwhelming to plan at the moment, we always find a way to pull it together, and it makes what we do and all of our hard work worth it. We are a very dedicated, passionate, and creative group of girls,” Junior Class Secretary Sarina Choksey said.

Planning requires much time commitments from those involved, such as Wednesday meetings after school.

These meetings consist of Fitz Commons being taken over by each individual class level’s elected representatives, class moderators, as well as Executive Student Council.

Everyone gathers together to go over

the week’s agenda and bring accurate news to the student body. Student Council representatives are true leaders as they also bring up any new ideas, or even concerns, to those in charge at said meetings.

“A thing I love about being in student council is being able to be involved with the school and being able to set up fun events for everyone,” JA Class Representative Olivia Horner said.

In this way, Notre Dame Academy is run by committed students who want to see their school thrive and be the best it possibly can, not only for themselves, but also for future generations that will walk the same halls.

“I have been on Student Council for three years, and I love it because we get the responsibility and privilege in taking charge in planning events that we think our class and school will enjoy to make the school year as fun as it can be and help our class grow together,” Senior Homeroom Representative Abby Goulding said.

For many, this position might seem intimidating since it is such a large commitment, but that is what NDA is all about. Here, girls are learning to become leaders and face challenges in the real world, some day in the not too distant future.

Student Council is an opportunity to work on problem solving and communication skills early on in student's lives.

Student representatives are able to do this in their “small” Wednesday meetings, where each individual class level meets amongst themselves to discuss their own agendas.

“Our small meetings on Wednesday are very beneficial because we gather to plan for upcoming events and talk about how we can better our class as a whole. We also organize the things we need to communicate to our peers from the big meeting and add additional specific information that is mainly for sophomores. Everyone on sophomore student council loves being a part of it, and we are all happy to have this opportunity,” Sophomore Homeroom Representative Sam Burek said.

Student Council is not a daunting task, but rather something that students should want to get involved in as they are able to make a direct impact on their high school experience.

“I joined Student Council because I wanted to make new friends and get involved with the school! So far I have made many friends that have truly been such a joy to be around,” Freshman Homeroom Representative Mariam Heif said.

The Vista

Page 8 Backtalk

The Rant: Safe Driving Can Save You and Others Cricket Lindsley

When I drive down the road, I typically try to stay out of the lane that directly goes against traffic, and I thought that was a common thought process.

Something seems to change though, when another is driving 35 in a 40 down Secor, and I will see people purposely move into oncoming traffic to then speed off as soon as they get back in the proper lane.

Another thing that happens is when people decide to pull out of establishments without watching, and then they cut you off while you are driving. Patience is very important when it comes to driving, and when you decide that where you need to go is more important than everyone else around you, things can get dangerous.

No one knows what anyone else is doing when driving, and doing things without proper indication is how you get in an accident.

With the holidays now upon us, the winds are changing, and there’s snow and ice on the ground. It is even more dangerous than rain, and fellow drivers still insist on absolutely flooring it out of dead stops.

It is endangering to all, and I don’t even have to be the one that says it because every time I see that happen, the car the reckless person is driving starts to move as if someone just turned the music up to 11 and it's time to get the party started.

Only when they come back to sense and take their foot off the gas is the vehicle able to regain proper grip on the roads and move in a forward manner.

The main rule we learn in drivers-ed is that the speed limit is reflective of the conditions of the road in optimal weather. When that changes, so should your speed.

When it is raining like the next flood is coming, and the skies have darkened enough that you're wondering if the sun is even there anymore, it is not the time to be speeding down the roads.

Please be safe, be responsible, and be a better driver.

Roving Reporter Roving Reporter Teacher Edition: Student Edition: What is Your Favorite Holiday Dish to Make, and Why?

What’s at the Top of Your Christmas List?

Sammie Paris

Cricket Lindsley

“You roll out a crescent roll, cut them into individual pieces, put a piece of brie in them, and top with jam and crushed nuts. I have no idea what they’re called, but they are so good. Super easy, few ingredients, and everyone loves them.” - Ms. Sabrina Brancatto

“Probably clothes, because I can stock up my wardrobe without having to pay for all of it.” - Senior Maya Bronaugh

“Cut out sugar cookies because I like to make really weird things with them, such as celebrity gingerbread men.” - Mrs. Kelly Wood “I always make key lime pie on my birthday - a real key lime pie with real key limes. All pie is superior to cake. Sometimes other people make it for me, but I think it’s fun to do it myself.” - Mr. Steve Coppens “Christmas cookies are the best. My family and I always make Christmas sugar cookies and then we decorate them all together. I also love ham though.” Mrs. Marisa Spinazze “Every year, my family bakes hundreds of cookies and we frost them all together, and also bring our own cookies to the mix and trade them. Sometimes, we even have different aprons and shirts we wear that say ‘cookie bake.’ It is definitely my favorite thing to make around the holidays.” - Ms. Megan Miazgowicz “I love pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving because I used to make it with my dad.” - Ms. Kate Caventer “We make this incredible pumpkin roll which is a pumpkin pie mix with cream cheese icing all rolled and swirled up. That is an all time favorite that everyone loves to make and enjoy every year.” - Mr. Jim Sulier “I make sweet potatoes for thanksgiving and that has been my dish that I am in charge of since I got married 22 years ago. It is my favorite to make because it is also my favorite to eat.” - Mrs. Melanie Ogrodowski “Making and decorating Christmas cookies with my son is always so fun, even just for the look of enjoyment on his face and then being able to give them to family who all love them as well.” - Ms. Grace Kinsey

“Something that is at the top of my Christmas list is a UV lamp. I really want this so that I can do my nails on my own and more often. I would also be able to do my friends' nails and also not have to book appointments for myself.” - Junior Lilliana Stiverson “The one thing at the top of my Christmas list are tickets to go see Six the Musical and Frozen the Musical. These are at the top of my Christmas list because I have always wanted to see them live, and I also want to be a musical theater major so it would be a great learning opportunity for me.” - Sophomore Ava DuBois “New art supplies are at the top of my list because I really like to paint.” - Freshman Morgan Ziegler “An unlimited supply of the school's Buffalo chicken dip because it is so delicious!”- Senior Bella Buganski “Ugg boots because mine are old.”

- Junior Cece Kramer “Probably a lot of yarn because I just got into crocheting, so I want to try some new patterns.” - Sophomore Charlie Gomez “Currently I don’t have a lot on my Christmas List, but my main thing I have been wanting are books. It’s probably at the top because I love reading and have been wanting certain ones for a while.”

- Freshman Kate Lestock “For Christmas I want a curling iron to get better at curling my hair for musical and other fun events.” - Senior Margeaux Allen