Towerette Christmas 2023

"Behold, I am with you until the end of the age."

Matthew 28:20 Christmas 2023

Letter from the Editor Annie Connor ’24 I cannot express in words how much I love winter, especially writing about it as I am doing now. Soft jazz and holiday music, spruce and cedarwood candles, cozying up by the fire, waiting for the first snowfall, peppermint and cinnamon flavors, and finally being able to wear sweatpants throughout the whole school-day. I also cannot express in words how much I love Towerette, the ideas I get to put into writing, the process of writing, and getting to hear other’s ideas. It has yet to faze me that I do not have many more articles to write as graduation looms.

In this issue, you’ll find news on current and upcoming winter Villa activities, words from new members of our Villa community, Christmas traditions of our Villa girls, winter wears, Christmas jingles and entertainment, winter travel, and Villa art.

Let’s also give a warm welcome to the newest addition to Towerette: Villa Talk Radio!

Leading up to the long-awaited break, leaving notes and little treats in our KK’s locker builds suspense for the big reveal. The semi-formal is a fun time to spend a night with friends at Villa. The Christmas party is full of fun holiday-related activities and getting to see students’ volunteer work. The exchanging of KK gifts joins us together with our classmates in acting upon the season of joy and close-bonding. I will always remember the happy smiles generated by the approach of rest from all of our hard work.

VOL. 55, NO. 3

I see the most delight on the faces of our seniors who need this break as some relief from the college process to focus on family, friends, and themselves. As the temperature drops, the stress rises. I wish good luck to my fellow classmates in this stressful process. We are all rooting for you.

Never lose hope, nor sleep, in this process.

Everything will work out. Believe in yourself.

You can do it!

To the entire Villa community, keep up your hard work and stay happy, and warm, in this cold season. Make this a December to remember! Go throw on some comfy clothes, turn on some cozy music, burn a candle, make some hot chocolate or tea, and snuggle up by the fire as you begin the Towerette Winter issue.

Say HAIDA to VWA’s Seussical Auditions and Christmas Concert Madeline Knagenhjelm ’25 Save the date! The Villa Walsh Seussical auditions are right around the corner, and the Christmas concert is right around that corner. The corners in question: December 8th is the cutoff for audition sign-ups, and December 10th is the Concert!

With just a few more days before audition sign-ups close, you might have some questions.

Luckily, I spoke to Professor Masi, and have the answers! Firstly, let’s address how to audition.

1.

Grab, sign, and return the information packet in the choir room by the 13th.

2.

Write your name on the sign-up sheet on the door.

3.

Show up to auditions on the 13th with your signed sheet and a positive attitude!

Three simple steps!

Now here’s where it might get more complicated: the emotional commotion that marks the time before auditions. It is okay to be nervous!

Everyone is encouraged to try out, even if you’ve never done musical theater before, and even if you’re nervous. Some helpful advice from Professor Masi: “Think of it as a free dance and acting class, a chance to workshop skills with professionals in their field, and to learn something new. You might surprise yourself.”

Speaking of surprises, this year’s Christmas concert is full of them! It will be unlike past concerts, featuring many small groups and solos alongside the time-honored tradition of the nativity tableau. Additionally, among the several talented accompanists at the concert this year is VWA’s own Mr. Busler, who will be playing an upright bass. Essentially, that is a very large cello, and not a bass guitar which is why I thought it was.

Come see him play!

To sum the year’s concert up in one word: Haida. That is the title of Professor Masi’s favorite piece the choir will be singing this year. It is a fun piece, along with—oh wait!—I can’t spoil everything here! You’ll have to come to see for yourself! See you December 10th!

Current Events Villa’s Mother-Daughter Tradition Ellie Treacy ’24 Whether it was their first or their last, for the students of Villa Walsh, the Mother-Daughter event was a night to remember: a time to gather with our moms and friends, some of the people who are most important in our lives. Our moms help us get through many moments – from when we take our first steps to our high school graduation and beyond. This October, Villa students were happy to share their gratitude for their moms and for their continual support and love.

This celebration was filled with many fun-filled festivities. Not only was there a delicious meal for us to share with each other, but there were games to play such as “Heads or Tails.” In an exciting presentation, showcasing photos of the seniors “then” and “now,” we saw how they have each transformed into amazing young women, ready to conquer the next chapter of their lives.

Next, to make the night even more special, the seniors each presented a personal, loving quote for their mom. And even though these words were said in front of an audience, I believe I can speak on behalf of the rest of the seniors when I say that it felt as if the only person in the room was our own moms.

The real show stopper was the long-awaited senior moms’ skit, which took hours out of our moms’ busy schedules as they practiced and practiced to perfect their moves. I’ve been looking forward to this skit since freshman year, and I was not disappointed.

The skit was very entertaining and led to some laughter – even a few tears. It was ultimately a testament to their love for us and their desire for our happiness. My favorite part was when each mom carried a personal item while circling the stage. It was incredibly special to see our moms with a symbolic or cherished item, reminding us of our childhood.

Not only did this night mark the beginning of our final year in high school and eventual departure from Villa, it also gave us an opportunity to reflect on the last 17 to 18 years spent with our moms, the incredible women who shaped who we are today. It was a night we will never forget and one we will continue to look back on as we take the next steps of our lives.

How Villa Worked the Stage Olivia Barsemian ’27 It’s every girl’s dream to walk down a runway, and on November 18th, 2023, the Villa girls had a chance to do just that. At 6 p.m., when the doors swung wide open, everyone was met with excitement, anticipation, and color, fulfilling this year's theme of Color Me Happy. All students had the chance to show off their styles in the form of a fun outfit, take pictures in front of cute backgrounds, and place their tickets into the baskets they wanted to win.

The prizes this year were amazing, especially in the instant win section which is where most girls chose to spend their time. After purchasing a ticket, everyone would have a chance to win either a small prize or a grand one like a new bicycle or a Dyson Airwrap. In addition to instant win prizes, many people tried their luck on baskets: some favorites were the Taylor Swift basket, Sephora, and gifts from Cartier, Gucci, and many other high-end brands.

Later that night, all the family members and parents filed into the dining room to enjoy an opening number. Villa’s dance team set the exhilarating mood for the rest of the night. It was an opportunity for the Villa dancers to showcase their talent and performative skills.

After every class from seventh to eleventh had their time strutting the stage stage, it was time for the seniors to rock their dresses from Junior Prom, alongside their dads. From a student's perspective, it was heartwarming to watch the seniors walk down the stage, each outfit radiating their unique personality. These girls who juggle sports, clubs, school work, and college applications had a chance to do their hair and get dressed up to enjoy their last fashion show at Villa. Watching this special moment shared by the senior and her father finished off the wonderful night.

The fashion show was a great success.

Funds were raised for the school, students and families had fun and most importantly, everyone created memories that will last them a lifetime.

Current Events

Appreciation 101: Mrs. Scudese and Her Sage Advice Ava Sansone ’27 and Katherine Treacy ’27 Mrs. Scudese was welcomed into the Villa community this fall and is surely leaving an impact in the community with her wise words and involvement. Mrs. Scudese has enjoyed teaching for many years and was excited to start her journey at Villa after teaching chemistry at County College of Morris. Mrs. S teaches 7th and 8th grade science, along with 10th grade college prep and honors chemistry. Mrs. Scudese loves teaching at a Catholic school -- her faith is what she values most and is something she instills in her students in many ways, such as her involvement in Women in the Word.

Though she chose to pursue a career in science, Mrs. Scudese is multi-faceted. She enjoys English and has an exceptional vocabulary. She loves history and examining the small intricacies of the past. Mrs. S’s knowledge in these subjects rolls over into her science curriculum.

When she has the opportunity to be outside, she appreciates sunny, warm weather; Easter is her favorite holiday due to the warmth and life that spring brings. Despite her love for warmer months, she enjoys cross-country skiing. She loves spending time outdoors, so you may find her planting some Rosa rubiginosa or Hydrangea macrophylla.

Teaching in the classroom, Mrs. S is most in her element. But believe it or not, Mrs. Scudese exposed her “First Day of School Eve” nerves. She expressed that on the night before the first day, she felt worried that she would not be able to satisfy the curious minds of her students or find the right words to describe the things she needed to. Clearly, she had nothing to worry about! Mrs. Scudese has loved teaching at Villa and participating in clubs.

She hopes to continue educating her students while instilling faith in and outside the classroom. Mrs. S had concluded our interview with some wise words that she hopes to promote the Villa student body.

The Bible Verse, “To whom much has been given, much will be required,” is the philosophy she lives by: she believes this verse can be applied to any situation.

Villa Voices Welcome Back, Ms. Geraghty!

Sophie Lewandowska ’25 ` We are excited to welcome Ms. Geraghty back to Villa as a returning alumna and as campus minister, and economics, and middle school theology teacher! She says that being back at Villa feels extremely nostalgic for her, just like returning back home.

At Providence College, Ms. Geraghty found a special place in her faith. After graduating, she was torn about what she wanted to do, but she knew that she really wanted to work with and serve her community. Working as a missionary for a year was a path she never thought she would go down, but she it opened her eyes to all the possibilities ahead of her. In Denver she spent a year as a missionary with Christ in the City, an experience that ultimately influenced her desire to work with youth in campus ministry.

Ms. Geraghty’s goals concerning campus ministry this year are to build up a strong community and show the importance of faith in daily life. She wants to showcase the beauty of our faith and how to bring about a renewal of our faith and the Eucharist.

If you ask Ms. Geraghty for a book recommendation, she might recommend Christian author Bob Goff. He has written two books about how to love others well and how to live a life interrupted.

He has a beautiful way of radically loving, serving, and giving to others, and she truly aspires to live that kind of life.

What Does Villa Do for the Christmas Season?

Gemma Hong ’27 December is one of the most eventful times of the year – filled with holiday spirits and family. For many, Christmas is more than just a day – it’s a whole season. And there’s no better way to celebrate than to do something special to immerse yourself in this special holiday season.

If you have nothing to do over the break and your family is looking for something special, look no further than to other students to share the festivities!

Chinatown and Lights in Dyker Heights: Around Christmas, our family always drives an hour to NYC for a half-day trip. It’s something that lets us relax and enjoy good food as well as beautiful lights. Normally, we go to Flushing, NY, to eat authentic Chinese food for lunch, then spend the next few hours trying something different each year: going to a food festival, buying snacks, or walking around the city.

When the sky darkens, we’ll drive to the neighborhood of Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, which is famous for its breathtaking Christmas lights. Each December, over 100,000 people come to see millions of lights and unique decorations in that town.

Villa Voices Letters to Santa: One student enjoys driving around certain towns to look at Christmas lights with her family. Most notably, she loved the lights she saw while in Dover. Some of the houses she saw were stunning and covered entirely in lights.

She recalls one house that offered an option to send letters to Santa in a pulley up to the chimney – a fun experience that relives the childhood Christmas experience!

Christmas on the Slope: Every Christmas, Katelyn Hadzima ’27 skis with her family, visiting different locations each time, and each being better than the next. She says she enjoys relaxing and bonding with her family on the yearly trips. If you don’t know how to ski or snowboard, Katelyn encourages you to learn – it’s super fun! The picture below was taken in beautiful and fun Mont Blanc.

The town under Courmayeur Mountain in Italy was affected by a huge sandstorm in Africa. The sandstorm blew up to Italy, got caught in the clouds, and came down as snow, so the snow was slightly yellow (see below).

… Villa Christmas, cont.

All Aboard the Polar Express! Bella Cantave ’24 enjoys the magic of Christmas with her sister and mom on the Polar Express, located in Whippany, NJ. She loves seeing all the Christmas lights on the train with her family. The Polar Express is a magical voyage on a real train, with beautiful lights, presentation, food, and an uplifting atmosphere.

Tickets range from $55 to $79. The ride is available through most of November and December.

Christmas Radio: A Martinsville, NJ neighborhood was worth a visit for Cierra Wolckenhauer ’25 and her family. What differentiates this town from others is that one of the houses coordinated its lights to match a Christmas radio. An animation display of Santa and other patterns, complementing Deck the Halls With Boughs of Holly and other famous tunes, could be found at this house. Cierra said she loved staying there to watch the lights. Truly a magical experience; come and watch the amazing show!

Erin Jacobs ’26 performs in The Nutcracker each Christmas.

Here’s what she has to say about it: “One of my all-time favorite Christmas traditions is getting the honorable opportunity to perform in New Jersey Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker every Christmas. The Nutcracker is a Christmas Ballet telling the story of a young girl on Christmas Eve going through a dream into the Land of the Sweets and the characters she meets while she’s there. (i.e.

Spanish Hot Chocolate, Arabian Coffee, Chinese Tea, Russian Trepak, and Waltz of the Flowers.) These are only a few of the roles being seen throughout the production. I absolutely adore all of the memories and friendships with cast members that grow in only a matter of weeks.

Christmas Karaoke backstage before the show starts is one of my personal favorites! Being in the production really not only has had me in the Christmas spirit since early October, but it also trains me for the professional world of classical ballet. I enjoy getting to perform with every single cast member in the school and professional company and it is a highlight of my holiday season.”

Villa Voices

Villa Voices

Trees Hanging from the Ceiling?

A History of the Christmas Tree

Christmas Songs

Sabrina Pasko ’26

Bryanna Liu ’26

Although the traditional Christmas tree has been around for a while, we can thank Queen Victoria and her husband, Albert, for making it a staple decoration of the Christmas season.

German Prince Albert brought the evergreen tree tradition to the British Royal Family’s court around 1848. This specific tradition originated in medieval Germany and has since made an impact on the Christmas season across the world.

Trimming the Christmas tree dates back to the 7th century, but became especially popular with the Victorian middle class in the 19th century, when hanging the tree from the ceiling became increasingly common. While watching one of my favorite shows, Victoria (about the queen’s life), the Christmas episode displayed this fascinating way of styling a tree inside a home; I needed to know why.

This puzzling (to us) idea conserved space within the Victorian household. In the 1200s in Eastern Europe, many households would invert their hanging tree to symbolize the shape of the crucifix. Another use of the hanging tree was to help Christians explain the Holy Trinity to German pagans.

Now you can buy upside-down or hanging trees on Amazon! Some crazy things never change.

Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to embrace the Christmas spirit than with the uplifting melodies! We often find ourselves enjoying holiday songs – but how much do you really know about them? Let’s begin with the timeless classics.

Perhaps the most well-known is “Jingle Bells,” written by James Lord Pierpont, JP Morgan’s uncle. Initially, he wrote this song under the name of “One Horse Open Sleigh” in 1857. The initial purpose of the song was to commemorate the annual Thanksgiving sleigh races and the minstrelsy of the time – white men in blackface – and thus had slightly different lyrics than those we all know and love today. This revision was enacted because some lyrics suggested using sleighs to attract girls and thus were too risqué to be sung in a church.

However, it is exactly this revision we should thank for our now most well-known rendition of the song. Fun fact, this song was the first to ever be broadcast in space!

Next is the old-time goodie “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” As those on social media may already know, this song was sung by 13-year-old Brenda Lee with her already overwhelmingly rich voice. This newfound social media sensation helps us to appreciate the song that much more.

Another nostalgic tune is “Let it Snow!”, whose lyrics suggest the cozy feeling associated with winter, but its seasonal origin might surprise you. Composer Jule Styne and lyricist Sammy Cahn wrote it to express their eager desires for it to snow, but for an odd reason: to stop the intense Hollywood heat wave.

Now that we know a little more about these Christmas carols, we can better understand and enjoy these initially puzzling lyrics. Quick! Go on a drive to your favorite store and listen to some joyful Christmas music on the way. Let’s spread the holiday cheer!

Twelve Days of Reading Welcome to a new Towerette feature: Tower Talk Radio!

This episode features books recommended by members of Villa’s faculty. Can you guess who recommended each of the books below?

Click here to find out!

The Deserted Village of Feltville, NJ Exit 44 off Route 78 will take you to a little town caught by the hands of time.

Feltville, NJ was dubbed “The Enchanted Forest” by locals. At different times it was a small lumber mill, a strict commune-esque town, and a luxury resort. Despite the many owners the land has seen, and the expansion of its population, it was eventually abandoned and handed over to the thorny limbs of nature.

The land was bought in 1736 by Peter Wilcox, and the village was born as a single small lumber mill along the Blue Brooke River. The 760 acres of land were later purchased by David Felt, a man with large dreams, and an even larger ego, ultimately naming the village after himself. He turned Feltville into a 175-resident mill town that flourished for a very brief period of time.

David Felt was ultimately nicknamed “King David” because he controlled Feltville with an iron fist. He required that every family attend church, every child be educated in the one-room schoolhouse, and he was very strict on gardening and crop rules. There were many other rules eventually enforced that caused people to move out, such as his unorthodox sales taxes and bizarre personal pursuits. This led to the decline of maintenance and the eventual, slightly forced, retirement of David Felt.

Warren Ackerman, a creative soul, to say the least, later purchased the land in an attempt to create a luxury resort called Glenside Park. Due to it being in New Jersey, it rivaled the newly constructed (continued on next page)

Feltville (cont.)

Jersey Shore. Soon, Glenside Park saw a great decline in visitors and was left for ruin in 1916. The Union County Park System included Feltville in Watchung Reservation and turned the surrounding area into a park.

There are many stories surrounding the abandoned village – most are accounts of witchcraft and eerie disappearances. It is said that in the late 1800s, three girls went off into the woods, just at the edge of Feltville, right by the last house still standing deepest in the woods.

They did not arouse any suspicion as they picked wildflowers and descended deeper beyond the village’s edge. A day later, the townsfolk were in a flurry, frantically searching for the three young girls. All they found were their bonnets, and no resident ever let their child off into the woods again. To this day, the residents of the surrounding area hold firmly to the belief that the little house, just at the edge of town, is haunted by some malevolent spirit, and that the girls fell victim to it. Most visitors are advised to stay strictly on the path when walking. The abandoned village is home to one living resident and over two dozen of the deceased: the Wilcox family cemetery lies just beyond the entrance. A very interesting sight to behold, as the tombstones jut out at all different angles, withered by nature. You can see Peter Wilcox’s grave, as it stands tallest among the other tombstones.

When I visited Feltville, it was a beautiful day to walk, and the scenic views were complimented by the enthralling history of such a place. It was forgotten, in such a way that the history of it was preserved. If you are interested in history or are simply looking for a good place to walk your dog, Feltville is perfect. It’s a village that has faced the test of time, to remind us of our progressive past as a country, and those who tried to aid in its advancement.

Photos by the author

Reviews

Book Review: A December to Remember Katherine Ziwot ’25 Are you looking for that perfect gift to give your book-loving friend? Well, don’t worry, coming from a fellow book lover, the one gift that always works this time of year is a heartwarming, joyful, holiday-themed book. This year, as I took my weekly stroll down the aisles of Barnes and Noble, I came across A December to Remember by Jenny Bayliss, which checked all of my boxes when looking for a cozy holiday read.

The novel follows the lives of three estranged half-sisters, Maggie, Simone, and Star, who are reunited in the charming town of Rowan Thorp for the reading of their late father’s will. The three are shocked to discover that their father has designed a series of tasks they must complete to earn their inheritance.

Although none of them are too psyched about receiving their inheritance this way, they desperately need the money and are in no position to rebel against their father’s final wishes. While spending the winter months in the small town, feelings of forgotten flames get stirred up and the sisters are forced to confront the lives they’ve left behind. Through comedy and love, the sisters realize they must work together if they hope to succeed and that sometimes facing the past is the only way out.

This entertaining and emotional story of family and community is perfect for reading on a cold winter afternoon. The three sisters, although different in their own ways, are relatable and funny and help steer the plot in unpredictable yet delightful directions. A December to Remember is a lovely read that will bring the reader on an unforgettable journey and remind them of the true meaning of Christmas.

The Timeless Christmas Chronicles Bhavishya Boga ’25 It is that time of year again, a season of gifts, trees, Santa Claus, and getting cozy. You hop onto a sofa with a warm blanket, ready to relax and see a Christmas show. You scroll through Netflix trying to find the perfect option.

Well, the Christmas Chronicles is it. It features two kids, Kate and Teddy, and the adventures that come with their mission to capture Santa.

Kate and Teddy attempt their mission on Christmas Eve by recording Santa Claus on camera at night. They then sneak up on his sleigh. However, Santa notices them and gets scared, so the sleigh ends up crashing with the gifts falling. Kate, Teddy, and Santa realize that they are in a dilemma. Santa imposes a task for the kids to help him save Christmas if they want their presents in time. The three work together to alert the elves, seek help, and take risks. But will it be enough for Kate and Teddy to help Santa deliver all the gifts by Christmas morning?

The Christmas Chronicles’ adventures serve two messages: the importance of unity, and it’s is okay to take risks. That is also what made the adventures extremely captivating.

Holiday Delights with Disney Tess Coffey ’26 How many times can you watch A Christmas Story to get in the Christmas mood? Is How the Grinch Stole Christmas starting to make your heart feel two sizes too small? Let’s be honest … Christmas movies are getting pretty repetitive. So, how can you get in the Christmas spirit?

Might I suggest looking back at some of your favorite Disney Channel classic Christmas episodes! And don’t worry, no need to go surfing the web to try and find the best ones: I have the perfect lineup to satisfy your holiday hopes!

Starting off with a dip in the water, I recommend you start with a Season 2, Episode 22 viewing of Sonny With A Chance. “A So Random! Holiday Special” features guest star Joe Jonas and a series of random skits, comparable to a Disney Christmas SNL special. This fun and fast-paced episode is the perfect way to start your viewing.

Shifting gears, be sure to check out the Season 2 Episode 11 Christmas episode of Shake It Up to remind you to get started on your Christmas shopping! While CeCe and Rocky get up to all of their regular shenanigans, falling behind on Christmas shopping and meddling in other people’s Christmas celebrations, you can curl up by the fire and scroll through Amazon to decide on Christmas gifts for your parents.

Who could resist spending their holiday with Kim Possible? Next, I recommend you spend some time watching Season 2, Episode 13, A Very

Reviews Possible Christmas, which may not seem Christmas-y at first, but I can assure you that you will have a warm and fuzzy holiday feeling by the end.

Everybody’s favorite, Hannah Montana, also has a noteworthy Christmas Special that you should check out next. The episode “Killing Me Softly With His Height” follows Miley and Lily as they try to charm Connor at their holiday festival. Meanwhile, Jackson and Robby Ray get into some conflicts with their next-door neighbor. You can find this episode under Season 3, Episode 5.

Wrapping things up, my absolute favorite episode to conclude this holiday binge session is Season 1, Episode 21 of The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.

“Christmas at Tipton” gives all the suite throwbacks of the classic Disney show but will put you in the perfect mood for the holiday season.

So you’ve got your list. Time to sit back, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and bring a friend to binge Disney Christmas all day. You can find all of these fun-filled episodes on Disney+, and once you’re done, you’ll be sure to be in the Christmas spirit for all of your holiday events!

Trends Inside and Outside of Villa WARNING! Today’s weather calls for furry snow falls and necessary layer action! But don’t be alarmed! You can use camo to disguise yourself from the dangers of blizzard weather.

The many dress downs we’ve had this year made me pay closer attention to fashion trends emerging at Villa. We’ve seen what Villa girls in the past have worn, thanks to the input from alum Ms. Geraghty. Some of the most popular past trends included fleece jackets, leggings, and the tall UGGⓇ boots. Currently, the biggest trend I’ve witnessed is a combination of a pair of UGGⓇ slippers, a pair of wide leg sweatpants, preferably white, cream, or gray, and either a sweatshirt or sherpa—or even both in this cold weather!

As we transition into cold weather, I have started to receive winter-outfit inspo on Tik Tok, Pinterest, and Instagram. There have been a lot of off-the-shoulder sweaters or simple cable knit sweaters, paired with wide leg jeans and UGGⓇ, ballet flats, or kitten heels. To finalize the outfit, people layer a jacket, coat, or skirt over a pair of jeans with a nice warm scarf or earmuffs. A rising trend heightened through social media is camo print clothes, mostly on off-the-shoulder long sleeve or cargo pants.

And as the season has changed, so has the clothing in stores. I work at the Gap in Chester, so I get to experience this shift first-hand. I have seen puffer jackets for women, puffer vests for men, Sherpa coats, thick jackets for men, turtleneck long sleeves and sweaters, and even puffer bags.

What do you predict the trends will be this winter?

Revice

Pacsun

Chiko Shoes UGGⓇ

An Iconic Arts Update Madeline Knagenhjelm ’25 and Towerette Staff I’m not an art student and I’m possibly the least artistically inclined person you will meet. So why am I reporting on the 7/8/9 and AP Art History students? Because Villa’s talented artists never fail to surprise.

Grades 7/8/9 have completed their responses to Mrs. Lagana’s sunflower project by creating 18” x 24” acrylic paintings. Mrs. Lagana was “amazed by the diversity of the sunflower paintings, because [the students] really took to heart that the paintings had to represent them.”

She was also pleased by the variety across the paintings and their use of color. These students are moving on to an icon project: copying a religious icon using watercolor, pastel, and colored pencils. Students are drawing inspiration from famous works like the Virgin Theotokos and the Madonna Czestochowa.

The Virgin Theotokis (right) is one of the 250 works studied by Mrs. Lagana’s AP Art History students, who visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the painting in person -- a rare opportunity, because, as Mrs. Lagana explained, the work is on loan from St. Catherine’s monastery in Egypt, along with other examples of African iconography.

Stop by to see for yourself what makes Villa Walsh art iconic!

Sunflower acrylics, clockwise from above: Rylie True 27; Juliana Kenworthy ’28; Bianca Petrucci ’27; Ella Trzesniowski ’27; Sally Walker ’28.

The Brightness in Art Johanna Aguilar ’26 As we near the end of 2023, there have been so many accomplishments at Villa. Mrs. Cheifer has seen her students overcome various challenges while creating their artwork. Since the beginning of the school year, her art students have grown: she notes that “they have shown more confidence in drawing realistic subject matter, which helps expand their art skills.”

The Art and Design students are currently finishing up their logo project, while the AP students are finishing up their final artworks which range from colored pencil, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting. “When we return from winter break in January, we will start with ceramics.”

One of Mrs. Cheifer’s most beloved projects is the Kintsugi art assignment that the Advanced Art students are currently working on. Kintsugi is Japanese which means “golden seams.” This ancient tradition shows how beauty emerges from the fractured parts of our past. Each student started by reflecting on one part of themselves that feels the most challenging. Through watercolor painting, cutting, and acrylic painting, beautiful and transformative art pieces emerged.

In collaboration with Mrs. Williams’ theology course, this Kintsugi art reveals how God is healing within us if we are open to receive it, where the gold and silver in the paintings represents His Grace. Mrs. Cheifer is excited to see the creation of magic that her students always bring to the projects, and she is very proud of their efforts.

Gemma Cafasso ’26

Grace Calvano ’26

Jackie Walsh ’24

Sarah Chambeau ’24

Olivia Chang ’25

Cora Reardon ’25

Managing Editor Annie Connor loves to decorate her tree and and house while listening to Christmas music!

Featured Contributor Bella Cantave

Editor Bryanna Liu

Editor Ellie Treacy loves to decorate gingerbread houses and watch Christmas movies!

Editor Katherine Ziwot!

Mrs. Pasko loves having the time to read some new books!

Design Manager Laurel Hamilton can’t wait to see her best friend Beatrice perform in The Nutcracker this year.