WelcomeorwelcomebacktoVilla!It has been about 13 weeks since we last saw each other in Villa’s halls. Now, when we comeback,wewillbesurroundedwithnew people, new friends, new classes, new lockers,andnewschedules.
Although all these changes will occur, we still get to hold on to the things that make our school experience feel more constant: sitting with our friends at lunch, practicing with sports teams, walking into the cafe doors each morning, and, of course, participating in our favorite Villa traditions.
Although it may be hard bouncing backfromsummerbreak,wehavemuchto look forward to. Yes, sleeping in is a good feeling, but so is spending time with the peopleatVillaandcatchingupwithfriends in the morning while we wait for the 7:40 belltoring.
In this issue, you will read about a variety of articles including adventures (by plane or by book), advice for senior year, and products for the trendy Villa girl. We also have a special advertising section for ournumerousclubs!
IhopethatwithreadingthisSummer Issue of Towerette, you can put yourself into the back-to-school mindset, prepare yourself for a fun (yet challenging) school yearaheadofyouatVilla,andhopefullyjoin the Towerette staff!
“For you, O Lord, are my hope.” Psalm 71:5
VOL.55,NO.1
The editing staff’s adventures!
PhotobyKatieTreacy
PhotobyAvaSansano
PhotobyKatZiwot
You Are Cordially Invited…
Tess Coffey ’26
AmidaseaoffreshChappellRoanfansand Swifties, music enjoyers across the U.K. have foundtheirloveformusicsetonrisingindierock group, The Last Dinner Party. The all-female groupbringsaunique,yetnostalgicsoundtothe table, noted by some to be a memory of Abba, glowing at dozens of international festivals and openingforbandssuchasTheRollingStonesand Florence+TheMachine.
While the band’s debut album was only released on February 2, 2024, they have already received the Rising Star Brit Award for 2024, following in the footsteps of many other successful singers from the U.K. Their debut single, Nothing Matters, sparked the interest of many, peaking at no. 16 on international singles charts, while their debut album, Prelude to Ecstasy,reachedno.1intheU.K.Thestorylineof the album truly takes you on an emotional journey, guided by frontwoman Abigail Morris’ vocals.Withoutadoubt,thesongsarecatchyand unlike anything on the radio currently, yet the technical musical ability of the band is a shining factorintheirliveshows.
Lead guitarist Emily Roberts takes frequent but tasteful solos on a signature St. Vincentguitar,whilebassistGeorgiaDaviesholds downaconsistentyetfungroove.Theaesthetics of the group, however, have also played a major role in catching the attention of many, with the group cordially inviting their fans, “dinner guests,” to multiple concert events all across the globe.
In recent months, the band has been accused by many as being an industry plant, shovedtothetopbyeliteproducers.Yetabrief history of the band will tell you that their humble beginnings in 2022 as The Dinner Party, playing local gigs and covers, led to a slow but steady climb to success. Since the release of Nothing Matters, the group has developed a loyal fan base, showing up to shows decked out in outfits you would only expecttofindatarenaissancefair.
The Last Dinner Party truly holds an infectious energy that demands the attention of a crowd, marking them not only as incredible musicians, but also top tier entertainers, leaving their audience with a memorable experience after every performance. Festival goers who claim barrier spots to witness this group are of a diverse background, as can be observed in several of their live performances, showing the extensive reachofanewandgrowingfanbase.
The Last Dinner Party’s recent festival performances at Glastonbury, Lollapalooza, Hinterland, Rock En Seine, and many others haveputthembackinthespotlightonceagain just before their Autumn Tour in Europe. However, the band isn’t stopping there. September 12th, you are cordially invited to enjoy PreludetoEcstasy,thefilmonYouTube.
reviews Journey to France with The Memory of Lavender
and Sage!
Kat Ziwot ’25
Have you ever wanted to visit the French countryside? The Memory of Lavender and Sage by Aimie K. Runyan can act as your plane ticket and transport you to the small village of Sainte-Colombe!
The story follows Tempesta, a 28-year-old struggling writer, who has been mourning the loss ofhermothersinceshewasthirteen.Asanoutsider in her family, she is lost and yearns for a guiding hand to help her find her footing. When her father dies, she is left a small inheritance which gives her just enough of a push to escape her life and do some soul searching. She decides to do so in her mother’s quaint hometown in France. While there, she learns that her mother’s past is more of a mystery than she thought. As she uncovers the secretsofherroots,shebeginstoplantherownin thepeopleandplaceshefeelsshewasmeanttobe.
Thisremarkablestoryisfullofvibrantdetails that bring the French countryside to life and will take you on a journey as Tempesta connects with her heritage. Personally, I was drawn in by the mystery aspect of the book, and it did not
disappoint. I enjoyed uncovering the mystery of Tempesta and watching her selfconfidence grow as she discovered more about herself along the way. The Memory of Lavender and Sage is a beautifully written story that strivestoremindusthat home is not always a place, but can be found in the people who love us.
Savoring Senior Year
Bhavishya Boga ’25
Senior year is one to look forward to manythings,frommakingmemoriestoearning coveted privileges. It is also a threshold for the future,asitiswhencollegedecisionscomeout and many know what their future holds. Like everyotheryear,senioryearhasitsvalleysand mountains. While experiencing many lasts, seniors begin thinking of a new first: college. Some common questions during this time include but are not limited to: How should I apply to colleges? What majors would I pursue? Where will I go for college? I agree, college applications trigger a fear of the unknown. But trust the process and in God’s plan.Youwillsurelyendupintherightplace! With a new year comes a lot of changes and privileges. For example, while underclassmen pick out outfits for the fall fashion show themes, seniors can choose a dress of their choice to walk down with their fathers in the fashion show. In the mother-daughter dinner event, senior moms putonashowdepictingtheirdaughtersinVilla and put up the girls’ baby photos while underclassmenwatch.
Ifeelthebittersweetnesswatchingthese events. While underclassmen take individual photos on picture day, seniors have their own separate portraits and photoshoots at different settings. One of the most heart wrenching yet desired changes is when they get to leave school early (and for the last time). These changes are reminders to make the most of what you have and to savor every moment. Afterall,everysecondisonce.
Personally, senior year is one to live up to. Whether it be sports, extracurriculars, academics, or making memories, it’s important to stay in the moment. This year may be full of lasts, but it is one where the most memories aremade.Goseniors!
No Back-to-School Blues: 6 Things to
Look Forward to
Ava Sansano ’27
As the crisp autumn air is on the horizon, promising and exciting fall festivities arise. As we trade in our lazy summer days for the buzzing back-to-school season, there are many in-school and out of school fanfavoriteeventstomarkyourcalendarsfor.
Getyourpom-pomsready!
If you are a true Villa fan, you know it's hard choosingjustonesporttosupportinthefall.Between oursoccer,tennis,crosscountry,andvolleyballteams, you are ensured to watch a competitive and exciting game. If you're bundled up drinking your pumpkin spice latte while watching soccer, or inside shaking the bleachers and cheering for volleyball, there are endless games to keep up with this season. Lucky for you, Villa fans can experience all of the fall sports in just one day! This year Septemberfest falls on September 21, an undoubtedly exciting day surroundedbythecomfortoftheVillaWalshfamily.
What’s a Better Cozy Fall Activity Than Binging MoviesandShows?!
Once again, Ariana Grande amazes the world with her presence. You will be able to spot this pop sensationonthebigscreenthisNovember.Oneofthe biggest broadway hits of all time, Wicked, is finally making its way to screens. This movie, starring Cynthia Erivo (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Ariana Grande (Glinda, the Good Witch), is sure to have people excited as movie tickets are a fourth of thepriceofabalconyticket!
Although there aren't any notable tv series coming out this fall, there is one tv show that is universally stated as the most iconic fall show amongst women of all ages: Gilmore Girls. Although the show starts in the fall season, it doesn't revolve aroundautumnforitsentirety.GilmoreGirlsisashow filled with familiar ideas and leaves you with a warm cozyfeelingwhilewatching.
DigPink
If you enjoyed watching the aggressive volleyballgamesatSeptemberfestorareafoodieand love a good bake sale, then Dig Pink is the event for you.InOctober,inhonorofBreastCancerAwareness Month, the volleyball team will host a pink-themed event to raise money for the cause. This evening includesfood,games,volleyballrallies,and,ofcourse, amazing energy from the Villa mosh. Be sure to look outforthecuteshirtsVWAVwillsell!
PumpkinSpiceandEverythingNice
Pumpkin spice is quickly filling up grocery store shelves, causing controversy: you either love it or hate it. This marketing scheme makes your go-to household food brands millions this season. To name just a few popular ones, these include: pumpkin Cheerios and Frosted Flakes, Oreos, Hostess Cupcakes, Poptarts, hot coco, and even yogurts. It’s geniusthatthesecompaniessimplytakeyourfavorite staplesandmakeanirresistiblelimitededitionflavor. Many end up stocking up on so many of these flavored items so early that by Halloween, they’re pumpkined-out. Hot take: do pumpkin flavored thingsendforyouatHalloweenorThanksgiving? It is simply unjust to talk about “fall” flavored things and not mention Trader Joe’s. Every year Trader Joe’s puts out their fall lineup with their knownclassicsandofcoursesomenewitems.Trader Joe’s goes the extra 9 yards with their treats, always thinking out of the box and piquing customers’ curiosity.TraderJoe'smostpopularitemsincludethe pumpkinbriochebread,bagels,creamcheese,cereal, ice cream, cookies, soups, and coffee. Most Trader Joe’s in NJ say their collection will be stocked around September11th.
Is Summer Slide a Hoax? Current Events
Katie Treacy ’27
“Summer Slide” describes an academic phenomenon where students lose the skills they have acquired throughout their normal school year due to summer break. If the term “summer slide” has been used against you or a loved one to enforce studying during summer vacation, you may be entitled to financial compensation. I’m just kidding, but seriously, this term is simply dated and untrue. Learning canoccurnaturally!Whetheryouhitthebooks or the road this summer, there's something to be learned with each new experience, as demonstratedbycurrentVillastudents.
So how exactly are Villa girls learning outside the classroom? Emily Murphy ’27 recounts the adventures of her recent trip to Ireland,learningaboutthecountry’sexpansive history as well as her own. A visit to the Lusitania museum, WWI coastal lookouts, and castles of real nobility have certainly given Emily a new perspective for when she learns about world history this year in class. Emily also had the opportunity to observe the rich folklore and geography of Ireland, visiting St. Brigid’swellinClareandtheWishingBridgein Killarney National Park. Her family revisited the one room schoolhouse in Clare where her grandmotherwenttoschool. Emilysays,“I've grown up surrounded by Irish culture, it has always been a large part of my life, so seeing wheremygrandparentsgrewupmademefeel connectedtomyfamilyhistory.”
Even in Morristown, Emily’s family finds ways to embrace their culture, her dad acting as grand marshal for the St. Patrick's day parade in 2018. Visiting Ireland has certainly beenaninvaluableexperienceforEmily,unlike anythingatextbookcouldteach.
(continued on next page)
Wishing Bridge in Killarney National Park
Cliffs of Kilkee in Clare
Photos by: Emily Murphy ’27
Is Summer Slide a Hoax? (cont.)
Katie Treacy ’27
Lily Meier ’25 took a trip to the Galápagos Islands, an archipelago in Ecuador with her family in June, learning about the natureandwildlifethere.Shewalkedalongside the footsteps of Charles Darwin, on his only voyage and journey to the theory of evolution. Lily visited Darwin’s Lake, which has a salt contenttwicethatoftheocean,whereCharles Darwin’s crew disappointingly did not find drinkingwater.
She also had the chance to observe the vast population of iguanas on the islands, notingthatalotofthemhadbeenovercomeby theelementsanddiedonthebeach.Onamore positive note, Lily ventured through the reefs of the Galapagos, and saw the diverse marine life that lives there. She comments that the pufferfish is her favorite because of its silly appearance, a trait of its evolution in predator defense. All of her new found knowledge will surelycomeinhandyinBiologynextyear.
Current Events
On a more technical note, 5 of our rising seniors were invited to participate in a 6 week program learning in the New Jersey Institute of Technology’s makerspace, working directly with professors to participate in NJIT’s most recent project, a biological crisis aid robot funded by a grantfromtheNationalScienceFoundation.
First they had the opportunity to explore the campus laboratories, interacting with college students involved in the project and learning about the advanced machinery the universityuseslikelaserandwatercutters.After this, the girls began working on the prototyping process. They have been working on a flood rescue mechanism which will be able to distribute up to a full palette of supplies to citizensduringnaturaldisasters.
Throughout the prototyping stage they learned about the pre-production processes of making a robot and swarm bots, which the mechanism will take inspiration from. Lynette Gao ’25 comments that, “[The project supervisors] treated us like actual college researchers, which is kind of scary because it's notlikeahighschoolclass,[and]theywantedus to try even when we didn't know the answer. Theyencouragedustothink.”
Galapagos Penguins on the Island of Bartolomé
Giant Tortoises (and Lily) on Santa Cruise Island:
Photos by:
Photos provided by: Lynette Gao ’25
3D Modeled Robot
Coffee Culture: From Ethiopia to Starbucks
Sabrina Pasko ’26
When we think about coffee we think about a dark brown liquid cure for morning migraines or even intriguing drinks Starbucks baristas make us before first period. We think of Villa’s iced coffee sales or leaving our drinks in ourlockersbeforeheadingtoclass.Althoughthis istrue,thereissomuchmoretocoffeethanthat. Itsculturehasmadeamarkonhumancivilization since 850 C.E. when the coffee bean was discoveredbyagoatherderbythenameofKaldi.
Ethiopia,wherethefirstcoffeebeanswere first discovered, is considered the birthplace of coffee,anditscoffeeceremoniesplayanintegral partinEthiopiancultureandsociallife.
This ceremony involves roasting the beans overaflameandthenhand-grindingthebeansso they can be prepared for brewing. This process may take several hours, not just because of the lengthy process, but also the communal experience that Ethiopian society takes part in. The hosts of these coffee ceremonies usually serve three rounds of coffee: “abol,” “tona,” and “baraka,” which become weaker with each serving.Thearomaoffreshlyroastedcoffeeadds to the senses of the atmosphere and enhances theEthiopiancoffeeculture.
Coffee culture is rich with tradition and innovations;ithaswovenitselfintothehighlands of Ethiopia to the Starbucks on Morristown’s Green. When we walk into a coffee shop or click ‘start’ on our coffee machines at home before school, we are connecting with the past 1200 years of coffee drinkers. Coffee has left a footprint everywhere and in every mouth it has touched.
Back to School Buzz: The Trendiest Items for a Villa Girl
Ava Sansano ’27
We have all been there, scrambling the night before the first day of school trying to remember where you slumped your backpack down last June. Your mom has repeatedly told you to get to bed early andtheideathatyouwillbebackinschooltomorrow hasn't quite sunk in yet. When the alarm goes off at the glorious hour of 6:00 am you realize the next 275 days will be filled with schoolwork, stress, and, of course, those “good-old” high school memories your parentsalwaysraveabout.
There is no doubt that within the first couple weeks of school stress levels are peaking, but with some reliable retail therapy, that can be remedied! As your summer tan begins to fade, it's time to start thinking about your fall necessities! Perhaps some reliableschoolsuppliesandmaybeevensomefunand trendingitemstokickoffthenewseason!!
Studies show that increased water intake can reduce stress levels and insure your brain’s proper cognitive functions, making it extremely important to stay hydrated. After the recent popularity of stainless steel water bottles, studies have shown that people are more likely to drink out of a water bottle that maintains colder temperaturesandportraysbrightercolors.As many know, the Stanley tumbler craze is fading,andourteacherswerenottoofondof the recurring spills. The Stanleys are also heavy and not the easiest to carry around as they don’t fit in backpack pockets. Instead, take a look at this newer, cheeper, and more functional bottle: the Owala FreeSip. These tumblersrangeinsizesandcolors,limitspills, include an accessible handle, and allow 2 ways to drink ( by sipping or the straw). The 30 oz bottle retails for $32. 99 and can be purchased on the Owala site, Amazon, or Target.Thisbottleiswithoutadoubtgoingto keepyoulookingcoolandfeelingcool!
Current Events
Looking for some new game day spirit wear? Check out Athleta’s new color drop, “Trillium.” This deep green would be the perfectpopofcolortosportonthebleachers this fall! This collection includes jackets, sweatshirts, shorts, and leggings. Athleta’s company ethics are hard to overlook as their mission statement states, “we strive to ignite a community of active, healthy, confident women and girls who empower each other to reach their limitless potential.” This encouragingstatementissurelysomethingto support especially with the affordable prices. Prices range between $45.00 and $100.00 for these quality products. Villa mosh will have neverlookedbetter!
Back to School Buzz: The Trendiest Items for
a Villa Girl (cont.)
Ava Sansano ’27
InterestedinaddingsomespunktoyourfestiveVilla uniform? Then consider some quality and staple jewelry pieces! Adding some bling and sparkle allows you to express yourself and empowers you to feel a bit more put together. Studies show that dressing up and feeling confident can increase your dopamine levels, causing you to feel happier. Take a look at these affordable yet quality pieces! The brand, Get Back, has great intentions as their website states, “The Original St. Christopher Surf Necklaces are intended for adventurers worldwide. Worn for good luck and exchanged as a symbol of goin' steady.” Each piece from this company’s collection has a medallion of St. Christopher, as a good reminder of our faith. The necklaceintheimageretailsfor$14.00;howevertheyhave over 24 different color ways, sizes, and chains to choose from.
Comfortable earrings are hard to come by; however one brand is hard to beat. Meet PAVOI, an affordable earringbrandwithstaplepieces.Manyoftheirearringsare sensitive ear friendly and are cost efficient, as they are all lessthan$15.00.
Dressingthesepiecesupforpicturedayordressing them down for a spirit day, you are sure to look like the trendiestgirlintown!
Current Events
It's well known that the insides of our lockers quickly become an unorganized mess, but with these reliable locker shelves, that problem can be solved. These adjustable locker shelves are completelydifferentfromyourtypicallockershelf as these are made of durable material and are adjustable in 2 ways. These shelves not only expand to the size of your locker but, they also comewithdifferentsizelegstoperfecttheheight. From personal experience, I have used these shelves for 3 years and they are still in mint condition. My advice would be to buy 2 of them because doing this has allowed me to stack the shelves and have enough room to fit all my books. These shelves can be purchased at your local Target at the cheapest price for $14.99. I can confidently say that this purchase will be an investmentforyourupcomingyearsatVilla.
10 Reasons to Join Towerette!
The Editing Staff
1. Make new friends! Towerette is a great way to meet new people from every grade. By attending workshops and collaborating with friends on articles, you can connectwithpeoplewhileworkingtowardsacommon goal.
2. Learn time management! Managing your time is an importantskillthathelpsyouineveryareaofyourlife. Editorssetdeadlines,helpingwritersstayontrack.
3. Getthosecreativejuicesflowing! Writingisoneofthe simplest and best ways to express your thoughts and interests. By contributing to Towerette, you can share what you’re passionate about with the entire student body.
4. Itbenefitsyourwritingskills! The more you write in the Towerette, the more you adjust to the writing process and learn new ideas from our staff. You will grow to love to write and develop your own personal style.
5. Build your resume! Participating in, and earning positionsofresponsibilityin,aschoolpapershowsthat you’re learning real-life skills like collaboration, time management,precision,andleadership.
6. Celebrate democracy! Journalism has long been considered the “fourth estate.” Remarkably, a young reporter can thus engage in the democratic process beforebeingoldenoughtovote.
7. Journalists are an endangered species. All over the world, journalists are facing increasing threats from governments trying to silence and discredit them through intimidation, violence, and misinformation. Showyoursolidarity!
8. Impress your family! Family members will have a totally legitimate, objective reason to admire you after yourbylineappearsinapublication.
9. You don’t have to be a writer! We’re looking for photographers and illustrators who can help enhance thelookofourpages.
10. Discover a new passion! Without the restrictions of school assignments or the pressure of grades, writing mightbecomeyournewfavoritehobby.
