PEER EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY
Villa Maria works to provide students with the resources and opportunities to educate their peers and advocate for the issues they care about
Philadelphia Eagles
life as a
dancer, therapist, and choreographer for Villa Maria’s Dance Company
and
Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry
Tess Blango ’27 Reporters, Contributor
The Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry represents a diverse community, as it serves as a voice on local state, and federal issues that impact business CEO and President Laura Manion began in this position at the age of 32 Her work includes advocating for probusiness policies, meeting with elected officials and community members driving strategic initiatives, overseeing the chamber's budget, planning events and operating the organization of nearly 600 businesses In 2022, she made Pennsylvania's “Forty Under 40” list for her work
Before stepping into her role at the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry, she worked for the U S Chamber of Commerce as a manager in the Great Lakes Region
Coming from The Agnes Irwin School Manion has learned first-
hand the importance of female leadership in politics and government, which are traditionally male-dominated fields
“Imposter syndrome is something so many of us, especially women, experience My advice is simple: remind yourself that you absolutely belong in the room Lean into it More often than not we are our own toughest critics,” Manion said As a woman and working mother, affordable childcare has been one of the main issues she has advocated for in politics and government Manion has worked alongside government officials to create change including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro who signed the Expansion of the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit into law in December of 2023
Throughout her work at local
state and federal levels one of the most important leadership qualities to Manion is attitude She believes how a leader reacts to situations often matters more than the situation itself In her position, she has seen how maintaining a positive attitude can shape daily interactions with colleagues and help keep a team motivated even during challenging moments
“Attitude is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond,” Manion said What defines us isn t whether things go wrong it’s how we react when they do And when things go right, it s just as important to recognize the team around you and make sure everyone at the table feels valued
She believes showing her team they are valued comes in the form of being an empathetic leader In her position Manion works with many different individuals which has taught her the importance of collaboration
“Empathy really comes into play because you want your people to believe in you just as much as you believe in them ” she said By listening to others and valuing their perspectives, Manion has been able to create an environment where teamwork and trust in one another can grow
“It's really important as a leader to listen and make sure your people feel heard and valued ” she said Manion not only leads by listening in her current role at the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry, but also in her role at 6abc Philadelphia
As a panelist for Inside Story she participates in roundtable discussions regarding politics Manion is currently preparing for the birth of her third child and is continuing to advocate for probusiness policies including affordable childcare In May, she will be receiving the March of Dimes Business Award at the
Sister Trinita Marie Amorosi, who designed the Marian Center’s mural, is remembered for her c
Ava Luzzi ’27 Rachel Porta ’28 Reporters
The vibrant mural displayed on the wall of Villa Maria’s Marian Center is more than a decorative feature; it is a bold symbol of faith and legacy Its origins trace back to a devoted member of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary whose artistic vision continues to shape the school’s identity
Born March 11, 1933 in Massachusetts, Sister Trinita devoted her life to her artwork and sculptures Although she died on May 31, 2016, at Camilla Hall her legacy continues to radiate across campus Sister Stephen Anne Roderiguez President of Villa Maria Academy High School, has
been inspired by Sister Trinita’s story “She lived a very long life as an I H M , Sister Stephen Anne said “She just had that kind of personality She was a very committed I H M Sister Trinita’s path to becoming an artist was intertwined with her vocation as an educator She began her career as an elementary school teacher before moving on to teach at the high-school level
At one point, she served in South America in Santiago, Chile After returning to the United States she eventually became a professor and artist-in-residence at Immaculata University
During that time, she also became a sculptor,” Sister Stephen Anne said
I would presume this was around the same time she was commissioned to design the mural for the Marian Center In addition to the Marian Center mural, Sister Trinita sculpted the wooden crucifix inside Villa Maria’s convent’s chapel a piece the Sisters encounter every day Those who knew Sister Trinita remember her for her talent as well as her spirit
She had a great personality She would always take life seriously, but also lightly She always helped other people to feel better ” Sister Stephen Anne said These art pieces, placed prominently throughout Villa Maria capture attention with their meaning Their presence feels intentional, setting
a deep intention amid the daily school life of students Sister Trinita’s work stands as a daily reminder to Villa Maria s students faculty and staff that faith can be expressed not only in prayer and service, but also in beauty where it meets art
From sea to shining sea: United States naval veteran celebrates 30-year career
Captain Andrew O’Brien dedicates his life and legacy to both military and commercial aviation, leaning into the guiding principles of risk-taking and discipline
Maggie McHale ‘26 Executive Editor-in-Chief
Captain Andrew O’Brien was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1937 He attended Villanova University and graduated in 1959 Following graduation, he was called by the draft board After visiting the Air Force and Navy recruitment offices, the Navy offered him a position in flight school and he joined before he could be drafted
“They were the first ones that said yes I didn't want to be in
the Marines I didn't want to walk in mud I didn't want to sit in a tent And the Navy, it was kind of exciting The Navy did a lot with helicopters, and that’s why I went there, O Brien said He became active duty in 1960 and served for 30 years
O Brien originally applied for flight training but there were no openings He was assigned to an aircraft carrier for 11 months on which he served two cruises one to South America and one to the
Mediterranean “My experience as a Naval officer on an aircraft carrier for 11 months I did a lot of unusual things I volunteered for everything,” O’Brien said One of the unusual things he took part in during his second cruise was serving as a boat officer aboard Marine landing crafts that carried nuclear weapons
O Brien was accepted into flight training while serving on his second cruise He returned home
in August of 1961 and began flight training in Pensacola, Florida for 18 months
In 1963 he completed flight training and received his wings, marking what he believes is the most memorable moment of his career
I always thought that it was the best thing I ever did Very few places did I have the opportunity to do the training I had learned like that ” he said
CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
Through the Mission Drive, Villa Maria students gain the opportunity to enact change on a global scale and learn key organizational skills
Kara Mudrick ’26
Reporters
Service is a foundational aspect of the Villa Maria community Since making its debut as a part of Mission & Ministry in 2019, the Mission Drive has been a key facet of Villa Maria service Now in its seventh year, the drive is still going strong, supporting important causes as well as generating opportunities for Villa Maria students to become involved in philanthropic work
Madelyn DiBonaventura ’26
“The goal of the Mission Drive is to extend our mission of I H M service on a global scale, Annie Cellucci 26 said
This year the Mission Drive is reaching out to various organizations across the world, like the I H M missions in Peru to help children and adults with disabilities and Pardada Pardadi, an organization that
supports girls’ education in India In addition to these organizations, Mission & Ministry offered an alternative this year where students and teachers could submit requests for beneficiaries to be added
“We wanted to give them that chance to step up offer that leadership and [choose] who they wanted to see helped this year,”
Cellucci said
at no personal cost to women who have been diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancers Give Kids the World is a nonprofit organization that runs the Give Kids the World Village in Kissimmee, Florida They provide cost-free vacations to children with critical illnesses and their families
With this option, students and faculty are able to see organizations they care for represented and supported This year Unite for Her and Give Kids the World were selected as beneficiaries Unite for Her is a nonprofit organization based out of Malvern Pennsylvania that offers education, resources, support, and integrative therapies
Cellucci believes that the Mission Drive allows its participants to gain skills such as event coordination and fundraising I think it is really cool for student leaders to step up and try organizational management The whole community gets to form these connections and learn about different lifestyles throughout the world ”
Cellucci said “It has really been cool to step up into new roles and learn new skills
Every year, Villa Maria makes steps towards a more productive community through student-led groups, course offerings, resources, and opportunities
Villa Maria actively promotes peer advocacy and education through their student organizations and faculty Organizations such as Student Council Project LIVE and Mission & Ministry all interact with the student body to make the community feel united and comfortable Kara Bielli, Director of Service and Social Justice, moderator of the student DEIB Committee, and English teacher at Villa Maria, believes the DEIB committee is helpful in fostering cultural awareness and understanding of people from different backgrounds
[Villa students] learn so much about social justice issues [at the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice] and we re hoping the girls bring that back to Villa and advocate for things they care about, Bielli said One way they do it is through the workshops [on Social Justice Day] The environment has been advocated for, inclusive education for children with developmental delays, nonprofit organizations to raise awareness ”
There are many organizations at Villa Maria that students can take part in to use their voices and spread awareness on issues they wish to support
“We have the Student Council which advocates for students and for Mission & Ministry girls just recently reached out to the whole student body to find out who the school wants to donate the Mission Drive
money to something we hadn’t thought to do before, Bielli said For mental health, there is Project LIVE; that is amazing We also have our Huddles, which are wonderful, and a great way to share Compared to when I was in school, classes are much more interactive and student-driven ”
At Villa Maria, peer advocacy and education has been a way to show that people all have different experiences yet share the same community Culture and customs may differ between students so Villa Maria encourages the student body to be open-minded
Bielli became involved in Villa Maria s DEIB and social justice offerings because of a personal connection
“My older daughter is biracial When thinking about her, I think about how we learn from each other, from our similarities and our differences We learn to be more inclusive and we want everyone to have a strong sense of belonging ” Bielli said
The effort has produced great results
She has not only seen collaboration among peers but also has found herself learning from this spirit of her students
I see in my Literature of Social Justice class the girls teach each other when we are reading books We have a seminar discussion, and they all share their insights about a book I am amazed because it is not
just peer education Every time I come away learning something new myself I think it is really valuable to have these book discussions because books talk about life ” Bielli said
During her time teaching, she has witnessed the growth of her students
“I love watching students from freshman year to senior year completely blossom It is just amazing to see people find their voices,” Bielli said
The values and actions of Villa Maria students reflect a key element of the school: sisterhood
“I have been at Villa for 20 years but I have been in other schools previously, and I just feel that there is more of a unity here that we call sisterhood, Bielli said I feel that people are more willing to help each other and root for each other at Villa I have noticed at assemblies that whatever student group is presenting, everyone is really just cheering them on, and I think that it is beautiful ”
She believes it is essential for Villa Maria to continue promoting peer advocacy and education
“[We should] keep empowering young women like we have been doing for a very long time I think that’s the best thing we can do: keep telling you to go for it, Bielli said
Reporters
FEST which stands for fostering educational support together, is Villa Maria’s biggest and most important fundraiser of the year It is set to take place on March 21 at Loch Aerie Mansion in Malvern Pennsylvania
The chair and head organizer of the event, Mrs Amy Seckinger, is currently planning the final pieces of the event
“There’s a lot that goes into planning FEST We actually start in the summertime even though the event isn’t until March This is because we have to solicit from businesses in the area and collect the items that we use for the auction ” Seckinger said
Along with Seckinger, Mrs Monica Meilinger Director of Stewardship and Special Events and a Villa Maria graduate of the class of 1995 works tirelessly to ensure FEST goes as planned and has a positive impact on the Villa Maria community
Meilinger’s role within FEST is to oversee the event’s planning and execution
“I can tell you that while the theme changes each year, the mission remains the
same: to raise funds that directly benefit Villa students,” Meilinger said
Both Meilinger and Seckinger find the time and effort they put into the event rewarding
[My favorite part is] seeing months of hard work come together as parents, past parents, alumnae, and friends gather for a wonderful evening in support of Villa Maria Academy,” Meilinger said Donors play a crucial role in the success of the fundraiser especially through their purchases of materials for gift baskets that are auctioned
There are a lot of [alumnae] that donate to FEST There is an Amazon wishlist that people on the planning committee put together to collect items for what they are making, Seckinger said The baskets that the planning committee assembles to auction off at the event are specifically designed for Villa Maria students For example, there is a Disney basket designed for the class of students
that takes a trip to Walt Disney World at the end of the school year, as well as a college basket that is made for the seniors
Last year, FEST raised $120,000 The funds that are raised directly support Villa Maria In the past, proceeds have been used to install new bleachers in the gym and refurbish the Marian Center
“There are a lot of different ways that the funds are used, but we try to use the bulk of whatever we earn at this event to give back to the whole school The goal is to give something that everybody at the school can utilize ” Seckinger said
The Villa Maria sisterhood shines through their cheerleaders
Anne Gentilotti ’26 Lucy Vanderslice ’27 Sarabella Firkin ’28 Reporters
For the past two years Villa Maria’s cheerleading team has attended Nationals in sunny Florida This year, the team achieved 10th place which was an incredible accomplishment, attained through long hours of practice and a dedicated will to succeed Courtney Varich ’27 and Ava Zapata ’27 have been members of the cheer team since freshman year and the cheer team has shaped them into incredible and inspiring sisters of Villa Maria The team has impacted them in various ways from developing close friendships with other members of the team to pushing themselves in their physical workouts to building tough mental strength
“I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the team,” Zapata said When it came time for their routine the girls poured their hearts out onto the mat, showcasing their months of hard work through their performance
My favorite memory of this year's Nationals was when all of the seniors and coaches began crying on the mat once the performance ended, Varich said
a crucial part of the life of Taylor Sparks, Eagles
Dance Company, and therapist
Senior Villa Life Section Leader, Reporter
The Villa Maria Dance Company has had the honor of working with Ms Taylor Sparks the past two years to choreograph dances for the National High School Dance Festival in Norfolk, Virginia Sparks is currently one of the captains on the Eagles cheerleading team but her dance career extends far beyond the football field
Sparks has been dancing for as long as she can remember
“My mother would tell you I was dancing in the womb From a young age, I always enjoyed moving my body and performing ” she said Sparks grew up surrounded by dancers and lovers of the arts, and her performing career began when she joined the same musical theatre troupe of which her mother and aunts were once a part
Although she loved singing and acting she found her love for dance to be the strongest
“I longed to be a triple threat dancer actor, singer but I didn't quite inherit the vocal gene I found myself being casted and also enjoying the dance scenes the most in the musicals Around this time I knew dance was my focus, Sparks said
After deciding to nourish her passion for dance, she joined her local dance studio at 11 years old, which proved to be a challenge
“This was tough because most dancers start training between the ages of 3-4, but that didn't deter me I worked hard because I wanted to attend The Governor's School for the Arts (GSA) an elite performing arts magnet school for high schoolers in the Hampton Roads area ” Sparks said
Although she was not accepted to GSA for her freshman year she did not let her dance journey end there She continued to work hard and follow her passion and was accepted the following year
“I didn't let the rejection deter me; it fueled me,” Sparks said
In fact, this pattern of adversity and perseverance has been a part of the major triumphs of her career
After college Sparks joined “Philadanco!” a modern dance company in Philadelphia
“The first year in Philly was probably the toughest [part of my career], she said Between navigating adulthood and living
alone in a brand new city, Sparks faced hardships while pursuing her passion However, she also remained grounded in her goals and centered on her future, which carried her through the most difficult times
“I focused on my goals which kept me going, and I gained friends and started to find my place ” Sparks said
Her first years in Philadelphia were spent performing on some of the city’s largest and most prestigious stages, from the Mann Center for Performing Arts to the Kimmel Center She believes that these experiences made the long nights and hard work worth it Sparks’ career is also marked by her vast range of interests While it has allowed her to pursue so much in a short time, being “multi-
hyphenate,” as she calls it, had previously led to a certain level of internal struggle
“I love to dance; I love helping people; I love to teach Why do I have to pick?” Sparks said
This was both the question that she asked herself and the principle that has allowed her to achieve so much across multiple fields
I started working as a school therapist, Sparks said
Having received her master s degree in both Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling, she was able to combine her passion for dance with her desire to help others through psychology Her decision to return to a career in entertainment was one that was almost coincidental
“Scrolling on Instagram one day, I saw that the Eagles cheerleaders were having auditions, Sparks said
Encouraged by the similarities between college dance and NFL cheer, she decided to try her skills at professional cheerleading on America s largest stage
After four rounds of auditions and cuts, Sparks was named a member of the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleading Squad for the 2022-2023 season and has held her position ever since
“What a dream it has been From the new kelly green uniforms, to performing in Brazil,
to becoming a Super Bowl Champion!” Sparks said
Even more impressive, she has managed to continue her work in therapy concurrently with her role as a cheerleader
“Sometimes I have 12+ hour days working my day job as a therapist and then go to practice from six to ten at night but it's so worth it It fills my bucket, Sparks said
Having found a way to balance her varying interests, she has managed to find fulfillment Her continued success has been consistently recognized by others, with her talent and hard work earning her a new position on her team
“It is such an honor to be selected as a captain and help lead the team My teammates are my sisters and I'm proud that they trust in me and lean on me,” Sparks said
Above all Sparks serves as a role model not only for young dancers but also for her fellow “multi-hyphenates ” It is rare for a person to find so much success in one discipline yet Sparks is a living example that with passion, hard work, and self-belief, anything is possible To the young people facing times of uncertainty, she left a simple yet poignant message:
“It requires hard work, discipline, and dedication, but if you put your mind to something you can find success!”
While most children her age were playing sports such as soccer or field hockey, Villa Maria sophomore Meghan Huffman was busy perfecting her double axel for competitions across the United States Huffman is a figure skater on Team USA’s National Developmental Team and is currently competing at the second highest level of skating Meghan’s long-term goal is the Olympics and she has trained extensively since she was a little girl
sophomore Meghan
soars to new heights on Team USA’s Figure Skating National Developmental Team
“I got into skating because my mom is a skating coach She would take me to the rink when I was younger and I got into learn-to-skate lessons [Now] I practice for about four hours a day for six days a week I m there pretty much the whole day during the summer, Huffman said Huffman competes in one of the most prestigious skating programs in the country They practice both short and long programs hoping to
gain the highest number of points to boost them to first place She has mastered all her triples, which are jumps when skaters make three full revolutions in the air before landing, and is working to add even more difficult elements to her program
“Figure skating is pretty much dancing on ice There are many jumps, and especially if you are watching the Olympics you will see a lot of jumps, spins, and step sequences,” Huffman said
When she is not flying through the air Huffman is doing strength and conditioning to improve her abilities She trains several months prior to competing and her intense work has caused broken ankles stress reactions in her back, and many bone bruises
in skating because you really have to focus on muscle memory and strength and conditioning, which is really important, Huffman said
Although skating at Huffmans level takes years of hard work and dedication, she encourages all people to try the sport
“It’s definitely something really fun and honestly like riding a bike when you get used to it I would say to keep going at it and start group lessons because it could be really fun and motivating,” Huffman said
Skating has had an extremely powerful impact on Huffman’s life and she is looking forward to what the future will hold for her in this sport
Kelsey Hughes graduated from Villa Maria in 2021 and went on to study marketing and sports management at the University of Pittsburgh During her time there Hughes interned with University of Pittsburgh s athletic department, where she learned to love the media side of athletics Through her experiences, she learned that not everything is successful on the first try It is all about trial-and-error and how one reflects and grows
After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, Hughes felt drawn back to the Villa Maria community When the position of Marketing Intern opened up, she knew it was the fit for her
I always knew I didn t want to lose my Villa connection but I didn’t know how It was a fullcircle moment, Hughes said
Her desire to stay connected with her alma mater stems from her belief in the impact her years at Villa Maria had on her character
“You need to be extremely dedicated and motivated because there are going to be a lot of on and off days There are more downs than ups
“Villa is one of those places you leave and always think about I refer to my time back at Villa as the most comfortable but also confidence-boosting and empowering four years I have ever had Villa teaches you to be so confident in yourself” Hughes said
As a student, Hughes admired Laurie Scaggs ’91 and was inspired by her work in the Marketing Department at Villa Maria Now, Hughes has the opportunity to work closely alongside Scaggs
In addition to interacting with faculty and staff in her role, Hughes also is surrounded by students who she believes are a testament to the bonds built at Villa Maria The most meaningful part of her return has been seeing students experience the same sisterhood she did She finds comfort in seeing that this aspect of the school has not changed but also believes it is bittersweet
“The most challenging part is realizing I’m
not a student anymore Another challenging part is learning what has changed and navigating through the new buildings and areas,” Hughes said
For students interested in marketing, Hughes stresses the importance of being open to all types of marketing as the field is constantly evolving
Get experience in all different types of marketing Whether it is in a more sales role or a creative role, you want to make sure you are well-rounded in marketing There is no textbook for marketing, Hughes said
Her return marks both a reflection on her own high school experience and the beginning of a new chapter, as she continues to contribute to the community that helped shape who she is today
Maria Academy High School sophomores use passions, creativity to serve
Monica Young ’26 Editor-in-Chief
In the second year of the Villa Maria scholars program, students have the opportunity to pursue a personal passion project that combines their individual interests with an element of service Scholars have the ability to choose any topic that they are passionate about allowing for a wide variety of projects that each serve the community in a different way
One sophomore scholar Molly Lavin’s passion project, called Timshel, is centered around providing books to marginalized communities
“It’s all about using literacy as a form of giving someone power or giving them an escape from everyday life,” Lavin said
There are several components to her project, all of which tie back to her central theme and goal
“For me, it entails organizing book drives, getting donations, and currently I m in talks with a principal of an elementary school in Philadelphia,” Lavin said
A significant amount of books were donated at a book drive held during Villa Maria’s performances of “Matilda the Musical” on January 30 and 31
“My favorite part has been the book drive because I saw how many people can come together and help you if you just ask for it and how many people are willing to help way more than I thought,” Lavin said Along with the book drive, she is also creating a literature-themed clothing line with the proceeds going towards purchasing more books
“The designs are all hand-drawn by me, and they get uploaded into a website that prints the clothes out,” Lavin said She feels personally connected to the cause that her passion project is supporting
“Reading has always been a really big escape for me, and I also feel like I have learned so much from reading, Lavin said I ve learned a lot about the world and how other people think I thought being able to give that to other people would just be an honor because of how much it has helped me ”
The Villa Maria community can continue to support her project by following her Instagram account @timshelonline
Sophomore Rachel Porta’s project is focused on making creativity kits, including art and writing supplies, for children in need
I m going to be donating [the kits] to Pathways PA which is a nonprofit that aids low income teens, women, families, and children,” Porta said
Similarly to Lavin Porta decided to support this cause due to her love for art and writing and her gratitude for this part of her life
“I really like to do art and write in my free time,” Porta said “And I was just thinking how if I hadn’t had access to the opportunities that I had because of my parents and where I go to school then I might not have had a chance to explore that as much I was thinking about kids who might not have had the same opportunities
Porta has developed a variety of ways to help her reach her fundraising goal for the creativity kits
“I have been reaching out to different businesses, and I’m also going to try to work with Lower Villa to do a non-monetary drive, Porta said “But the biggest thing I’ve been doing, which I think is the most fun, is I’m advertising for an online fundraiser People can also donate to that in order to help ”
Additionally Sophia Aaron ’28 has started a run/walk club at Special Olympics Pennsylvania for her passion project
“It’s designed for athletes new to Special Olympics to get an entry point into the program ” she said
Like her classmates, Aaron has a personal connection to her project
“My dad has worked for Special Olympics for as long as I’ve been alive, so I’ve grown up around the organization, she said I m also a runner personally so I wanted to mix my main service interest with my main passion outside of school ”
Throughout the process of her project Aaron has cherished the connections made with those with whom she is working
“My favorite part so far has been getting to work with the team at Special Olympics Everyone who works there is so nice, they are just the kindest people,” Aaron said “I’m excited to see them more, and of course have the athletes come out ”
The sophomore scholars encourage the Villa Maria community to be on the lookout for ways to help them meet their goals for their projects
“Anybody who’s doing a fundraising [project], donation, or selling anything, go support them, Porta said “We’d all really appreciate it since it’s to help others ”
Maeve McGingley ‘28, Caroline Eidam ‘29 Pop Section Leader Contributor
Villa Maria Academy High School responds to inclement weather
Snow days can have a major impact on school life in both positive and negative ways When heavy snow or ice makes roads dangerous schools often close to protect students, teachers, and bus drivers from accidents Safety is the main priority, especially in a school with a large population of student drivers Pennsylvania is currently experiencing its snowiest winter in over a decade Villa Maria Academy High School located in Malvern Pennsylvania, has been affected For students, snow days may provide an unexpected break from routines, early mornings, and From sea to
Maggie McHale 26 Executive Editor-in-Chief
homework Since many schools have pivoted to online classes, students may now have class from the comfort of their rooms
However, snow days can also create challenges for schools Missing multiple days of class can interrupt lesson plans and push back important tests, projects, or exams Teachers may have to adjust their schedules and move more quickly through material later in the year in order to stay on track This can sometimes make learning feel rushed Snow can also cancel after-school sports, performances, and club meetings, which affects students who are
involved in these extracurricular activities While snow days may bring excitement and a break from routine they also require schools to carefully balance student safety with maintaining steady academic progress
Dr Jane Hannon, Principal of Villa Maria is at the forefront of the process when deciding if the school stays open or closed due to snow When winter weather is predicted in the forecast, the school takes a serious approach to the matter
“There are a number of factors that go into it When bad weather starts to
be predicted Sister Stephen Anne the other vice principals, and I are in communication watching the forecast ” Hannon said Once it is determined there will be some type of precipitation that could affect Villa Maria students the team has to make a decision either to have virtual instruction, a two-hour delay, or usual in-person instruction
“We had to take in consideration the buses because we have a lot of students who ride buses for multiple school districts So if a number of those districts are closed, it plays a big deciding factor That is one reason we tend to lean to go virtual,
but there’s truly no single deciding factor,” Hannon said
Once they have come to a conclusion about how the school is going to proceed, they let Mrs Linda Ryan know Ryan is the Director of Communications at Villa Maria and is in charge of communicating this information out to the parents and students She does this through social media, texts, phone calls, emails, and updating the website, to ensure that everyone stays informed
Currently, temperatures in Pennsylvania are on the rise and additional snowfall is not predicted
Once his training was completed, O’Brien was sent to Key West because of the Cuban Missile Crisis
After serving there for five months, he was transferred to Quonset Point, Rhode Island where he served in a helicopter squadron aboard the USS Lake Champlain for three and a half years
After he went to the Sikorsky helicopter manufacturing plant in Bridgeport, Connecticut and served for over two years as a test pilot
While there he led the largest team of civil service members as the industrial relations officer
“When I went there the captain said to me ‘You don't have an engineering degree, you have a business degree We’ve never had a test pilot that wasn’t an engineer ’ He said ‘How did you get here?,’ O’Brien said “I found out later they wanted to see if a guy without an engineering degree could do the job ” He and the engineers alike were in charge of inspecting planes and helicopters with a checklist to see if they were fit for flying
While in the Navy Reserve, O Brien took part in four astronaut recoveries In 1965, the ship he was stationed on completed a rescue mission for the Gemini V spacecraft, which was piloted by Gordon Cooper and Pete Conrad a Philadelphia native who attended the Haverford School O Brien served as the scheduling officer of a
a squadron for two of the astronaut recoveries and was eager to be a part of the action
“I always made myself the plane commander on the backup aircraft I always hoped that something would happen ” he said
One of the helicopters O’Brien flew in the Navy Reserve was the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, the model United States presidents travel in A squadron at Willow Grove was receiving this model and needed someone who could teach other pilots how to fly it In 1967 O’Brien was transferred to Willow Grove, where he served for 20 years While at Willow Grove, he also worked as a flight engineer, co-pilot, and captain for various airline agencies
Before he planned to retire, O’Brien received a phone call from the Pentagon
I was due to be relieved I had 26 years, and I would retire They said if you will come down and start the squadron you are running up in Willow Grove in Jacksonville, Florida, we ll promote you to captain and you’ll get another two years of flying,” O’Brien said
He accepted the offer and began teaching active duty service members how to fly
While on this assignment, O’Brien worked alongside Vice Admiral Donald Sylvester Jones who was a graduate of the Naval Academy Honesty with one another helped them effectively lead their squadron “We got along well I just told him ‘Anything
you don t like that I m doing, tell me O Brien said Jones served as one of O’Brien’s most influential mentors and advocates throughout his career even requesting O'Brien to be his copilot and the scheduling officer of their squadron The main focus of their work together was locating Russian submarines
O'Brien retired from the military in 1989 as an individual whose experiences had further developed his character
“I got braver and I got to be in charge of people, and some of it was difficult I learned flying mostly I learned how to manage people,”
O Brien said
He believes the most challenging part of his job as an officer was the annual evaluations and rankings he had to complete for those beneath him
He believes the Navy also taught him the importance of physical appearance representing one’s character
“I didn't have any trouble with discipline I went to Catholic school, O Brien said
After leaving the military he continued his career with airline agencies, mainly working on Boeing 747s At the time, airline pilots were required to retire at the age of 60 unless they decided to become flight engineers
“I wasn t ready to retire I had the option, O’Brien said
He gave up his position as a pilot and became a flight engineer for the last two years of his career with United Airlines O’Brien’s main duty was to relieve the pilot during the flight When he reached 62, the Federal Aviation Administration pushed the age limit back to 65 O’Brien asked to return to United Airlines and offered to work without pay due to his love of flying
“That’s all I knew,” he said
He was turned away due to training costs and officially entered retirement
Throughout the entirety of his career as a pilot, O Brien had to learn how to overcome fear “I loved every minute of it except when I was afraid, which happened often,” he said O’Brien believes God and prayer is what got him through these moments At 88 years old, O’Brien is currently retired in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania He spends his days alongside his wife Sandra taking care of his dog Lucy, chopping firewood, teaching lessons at a gun club, and working on his vintage cars He lives by the motto, “Do unto others as I have done unto me
Throughout the United States, the number of high schools that require students to complete community service in order to graduate is increasing As a result, debate regarding students' true intentions and the effectiveness of this mandate are becoming more prevalent
Maggie McHale ’26
Executive Editor-in-Chief
The most recent data suggest that 16-18% of school districts in the United States require community service to graduate While Villa Maria Academy operates as an independent school, it falls into the community of schools who have a requirement, with students needing a minimum of 70 hours to graduate To Villa Maria administrators, faculty, staff, and students this policy does not defeat the purpose of community service
Kara Bielli is one of the individuals at the core of Villa Maria’s commitment to service As Director of Service and Social Justice, she oversees much of the service that students complete over the course of their high school years She believes the function of service at Villa Maria is to take care of others as Jesus did, guided by the I H M
Charisms the mission statement and Gospel teachings
“The mission statement of Villa Maria includes Christian service Matthew in his Gospel reveals the need to care for the hungry, the thirsty the stranger the naked and the sick,” Bielli said At Villa, we strive to ensure that the importance of
service for and with those in need are internalized in the members of our community and become part of our individual missions ”
Bielli attended Mount Saint Joseph’s Academy at a time when service was encouraged but not required Despite service not being mandated, she was involved in the school s Community Service Corps She has also served on the Board for Orion Communities in Phoenixville and volunteers with her daughters at Phoenixville’s summer lunch programs which are run by local nonprofit organizations
Similar to her own experiences in high school, Bielli believes Villa Maria students would participate in community service even if it was not mandated
“They have very busy lives with academics sports clubs and family commitments; incorporating service into life at Villa provides additional opportunity for service for Villa students,” Bielli said “Service for any high school student fosters growth and helps the community; at Villa it is a part of who we are In addition to Bielli, Vice Principal
of Institutionalized Culture
Ms Madeline Harkins is at the forefront of Villa Maria’s commitment to service
Throughout her adult life, she has also been involved with various different community service organizations As a breast cancer survivor herself, she had found her involvement with Unite for Her and Penguin Cold Caps fulfilling
Fontana ’26 Mareigh Foy ’28 Editor-in-Chief, Reporter
One of the main benefits she sees to community service is the ability it has to expose students to the issues impacting communities and to see the need for community advocacy
By creating opportunities for students to engage in activities or within communities that are not normally accessible, we have the opportunity to see God’s goodness in so many other places,” Harkins said Like Bielli, she also believes that mandating community service does not defeat its purpose She views the requirement as a way to encourage students with busy schedules to focus on making time to volunteer
“You begin to instill the potential for a sense of altruism in our young people, which I think is beneficial You’ll always have people who will resist or do the bare minimum, but
we are doing this for the majority who I believe do benefit from a service requirement, Harkins said A requirement now in your formative years will help to create a mindset for continued service in adulthood ” Harkins believes that if service were not required at Villa Maria many students would still complete it while others would not Mrs Amy Keglovits science teacher at Villa Maria, has been involved in service throughout the entirety of her life Her parents were service-oriented people and she grew up volunteering with her family Upon graduating from the University of Notre Dame she served with Franciscan Outreach in Chicago Keglovits currently serves as a volunteer for Compeer an organization that matches volunteers in one-to-one friendships with adults battling mental illness
She believes community service helps strengthen communities, build relationships, and even increases the overall well-being of those serving
“There are lots of studies on how service reduces depression, fosters self-esteem and provides mental and social benefits to the helper,” Keglovits said
She also believes that mandating community service in high school does not defeat the purpose She views it as a valuable tool for high school students like academics extracurriculars, and relationships
“Community service is an important part of being fully human in an ethical sense I think most will look back on the experience as something that enriched their lives and maybe even inspired them to grow in ways they did not expect, Keglovits said She believes if community service were not required some students would find the time to participate in it despite their busy schedules, while others would struggle to do so Elise Cheely is currently a senior at Villa Maria and has found the time to fit service into her own busy schedule going beyond the motions of mandated service She has been
heavily involved in the pro-life service community, feeds individuals experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia, and founded art workshops at a domestic violence shelter for women
If service were not mandated at Villa Maria, she believes she would personally still complete it as service has become a core part of her life
However, she also sees the difficulty students would have with finding time to complete service if it were not mandated
From a student-perspective she believes that mandating community service does not defeat its purpose
She compares it to compulsory learning because of the benefits it has for both an individual and a community
While community service in high school removes the aspect of service that is choosing to give back to a community, forcing good habits creates good habits so that it is easier for people to choose to continue to serve after they are no longer mandated to ” Cheely said
The habits created during her time at Villa Maria will be following her to the University of Notre Dame next year where she plans to become involved in outreach and service to underserved communities outside of campus
Throughout her experiences with community service Cheely has come to see the benefit it has for the giver not just the receiver
“When I am serving I can be absolutely sure that there is no other task that God means me to be doing Serving populations that one might not otherwise come into contact with can broaden one’s worldview and provide new awareness and perspectives on life,” she said
Currently, Maryland and Washington D C are the only state and district that have a state-wide or district-wide graduation requirement of servicelearning As this becomes a more prevalent aspect of high school education will mandated community service expand nationwide?
The television show “Stranger Things” has gained immense popularity in recent years and is beloved by audiences, but it also possesses a great deal of symbolism and recurring themes that many viewers may not notice
“Stranger Things” is a sci-fi horror television show that follows a group of teenagers in the 1980s who work together to save their town from other worldly evils The show gained more popularity as the seasons went on, especially with the long anticipated release of the fifth and final season in 2025
A large part of the magic of this show is the sense of remembrance it brings
I wasn t alive in the 80s, but I somehow feel nostalgic for it ” Paige Reinecker ’26 said
The strong imagery present in this show elicits reminiscent feelings for viewers, and the fact that even young people who were not alive in this era can feel nostalgic is a nod to the talent of the producers
There are many references and common themes present in popular 1980s movies embedded in the show that at first glance viewers may not pick
up on Scenes in season one draw direct parallels to the 1982 movie “ET the Extra-Terrestrial ” For example, the situation when Eleven is hidden in Mike’s basement is similar to when Elliott, the main character of the movie, hides ET in his bedroom In addition, in season one, Eleven is given a makeover by the boys, she wears a blonde wig, paralleling to when ET is given similar makeup by Gertie, who dons a blonde wig as well
Another film reference is “The Goonies ” as many themes of friendship and teamwork are present
The scene in season two when Dustin discovers Dart a Demodog and makes him his pet mirrors the scene in “The Goonies when one of the main characters Chunk becomes friends with Sloth Sloth is abused and has physical deformities but is eventually embraced and accepted by Chunk just as Dart is loved by Dustin
The themes of friendship and
coming-of-age are a large part of the show as well as movies throughout the 1980s There were no cellphones or social media to keep kids occupied, so they were forced to make their own fun often exploring outside with their friends
“[My friends and I] would be outside all day, and our parents didn t know where we were We would ride bikes all day and wouldn’t come back until the street lights came on, Megan Filipowicz ’95 said reflecting on her childhood experiences in the 1980s and how she would seek entertainment
The independence and sense of adventure kids had in this time is represented well in Stranger Things The main characters would often ride their bikes to places such as the arcade, mall, and movie theater, staying out all day enjoying each other's company
The idea of kids being smarter than adults and being forced to solve
problems on their own is another major theme It serves as a sense of empowerment for young viewers
“Just because you are a kid doesn’t mean you are not able to do things ” Filipowicz said
Another piece of symbolism in “Stranger Things” is the music Each season of the show has its own signature song, representing major themes of the season and encapsulating the feelings of the characters Season one is represented by the song “Should I Stay Or Should I Go” by The Clash and helps Will connect to his home while he is trapped in the Upside Down for the duration of the season Season twos song is Every Breath You Take” by The Police is used in the Snowball Dance scene in which the main characters put aside all the otherworldly events they have overcome and try to live their normal teenage lives The song also serves as a reminder of the
antagonist, the Mind Flayer, and its constant presence in their lives highlighted by the lyrics “Every step you take, I'll be watching you ” Season three is represented by Never Ending Story” sung over the phone by Dustin and his girlfriend Suzie which eventually aids in providing information necessary to closing the portal to the Upside Down, saving the lives of many characters Season four s song Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush is perhaps one of the most memorable songs of the show It is Max s defining song, helping her to escape the clutches of Vecna and showcases the love and closeness of her and her group of friends Season five is represented by “Purple Rain” by Prince when Murray uses a record player to set off a bomb to destroy the Upside Down The emotional nature of the song encapsulates the intense feelings of
Kendrick Lamar brought high-octane hip-hop to LIX while Bad Bunny set LX ablaze with vibrant Latin beats
Kaitlyn Fedyk 27, Caroline Lawrence 27 Reporters
The NFL’s Super Bowl halftime show has historically turned performances into statements that are begging to be unpacked
Kendrick Lamar and Sza performed at the Eagles vs Chiefs 2025 SuperBowl and Bad Bunny performed at the 2026 SuperBowl between the Seahawks and Patriots
The two performances had very complex music and performances that made them stand out from previous years’ halftime shows Both performances created a precedent for the Super Bowl halftime show to highlight specific themes through music and dance
Some individuals believe the production aspect of the Super Bowl stage can overshadow the performers skill leaving the intricate choreography, musical nuance, and creative details underappreciated
“I would love to see smaller artists who really highlight the immense talent that fills music industry, Villa Maria history teacher football fanatic and guitarist Mr Peter Decker said
The dance and artistry have grown over the years partly due to the large production budgets that Super Bowl halftime shows have, which are estimated to be 10-15 million dollars While a larger budget has increased the size of halftime show productions, some individuals would prefer smaller productions
“The halftimes were both amazing The attention to detail and thought put into these performances did not go unnoticed,” Decker said, “I just felt as a musician and a football fan that I would rather see intimate and vulnerable coming from these performers rather than large productions and that was a feeling I felt towards both halftime shows ”
While Decker focused on musical artistry, the visual storytelling on stage also played a crucial role in engaging audiences, partly through the dancers’ movements In terms of dance in these performances movement communicates emotion and culture beyond words
and love” Villa Maria dance teacher
Ms Christie Lawler said Bad Bunny s performance conveyed a sense of community and family making the celebration feel inclusive and heartfelt for all viewers The dancers utilized synchronized movements and dynamic partner work to create a high-energy environment that caught viewers’ attention
SuperBowlLIXperformerKendrickLamarsportsaMartineRoseleather,varsitystyle jacket,bootcutCelinejeans,andapairofNikeAirDTMax’96 SuperBowlLX performerBadBunnysportsanallcreamoutfitdesignedbyZara,includingacollared shirt,tie,chinos,sneakers,andajerseywithhisfamilynameandthenumber64 His lateuncleCutito whotaughthimabouttheNFLandwasaSanFrancisco49ersfan wasbornin1964 //SloanBarry’28
“For the non-Spanish speaking people, you really got a sense of joy
the main characters, as it is used during the climax and represents a significant moment for the main characters
The music is such a big piece of [“Stranger Things”] There’s so many songs that people are forever going to remember as associated with “Stranger Things” ” Annie Cellucci ’26 said
Music acts as a strong force for good in this series uniting characters in a common goal and building strong and lasting relationships
“There’s a recurring idea of music being able to symbolically bring us together and bring us back to the people we know ” Filipowicz said With the help of social media spreading the popularity of “Stranger Things ” 1980s hits used in the show have been trending again This resurgence of music has caused the younger generations to become more interested in the 80s lifestyle
“80s media is so fun and comforting I feel like I didn't really know 80s culture or music before [“Stranger Things”] ” Cellucci said
The conclusion of “Stranger Things brought happy endings to all of the characters each one finding his or her own peace after the years of hardship they endured These kids were forced to grow up too quickly and underwent experiences no child should have to endure, but their friendship remains sound through it all, emphasizing the central message of the series about the importance of presence of innocence in childhood
“I think every generation wants to look back 30 or 40 years and see what was good about life back then and there is an innocence to that,” Filipowicz said
While life may be different for teenagers in the present day than in the 1980s the same feelings are present The idea of newfound freedom, discovering your identity,
making mistakes and growing from them are universal experiences that span across generations
In contrast, many viewers struggled to grasp the deeper message in Kendrick Lamar’s performance particularly if they were unfamiliar with his lyrics or cultural references Still, the dancers’ sharp rhythmic movements ensured the performance remained visually captivating
“The viewers could at least be entertained and taken on an emotional journey” Lawler said
Without being able to decode the themes of Kendrick Lamar s set, the visual aspects of the performance were all the more critical to the experience of the viewers
The choreography in both shows matched the music’s style, from Kendrick s fluid yet sharply hit hip-hop moves to Bad Bunny’s grounded salsa-infused Latin routines Certain formations carried symbolic weight “Kendrick’s transitions felt purposefully symbolic,” Lawler said, “Everything about his performance was done intentionally”
The dancers’ positioning and timing created visual metaphors, allowing the viewers to interpret the performance on multiple emotional and cultural levels
Careful camera work and strategic staging ensured that the visual storytelling reached viewers at home, highlighting details that might be missed in the stadium
“As a viewer on TV you might get a better show than somebody who’s physically there because you re getting exactly what the artist wants you to see,” Lawler said
These halftime shows demonstrate that music and dance are not just background entertainment: they are a storytelling force capable of connecting millions through emotion culture, and artistry
Maria alumna and current medical student
and life
Reese Escobar 27
Sports Section Leader
Riley Miller ’19 is currently a second-year medical student at Temple University During her time at Villa Maria, Miller participated in softball and was on the swim and dive team She played outfield for the softball team, where she was a swing player her freshman year and was a varsity starter her sophomore through senior years As a diver, Miller was a member of the state championship-winning team in 2018
During her senior year at Villa Maria, she was a captain for both the softball and swim and dive teams
The element she enjoyed most about Villa Maria athletics was the strong sense of teamwork and community
Both the communication and collaboration skills gained from the
Sophia Tray ’26 scored her 1000th point with Villa Maria basketball on February 4 Tray has been a part of the team since her freshmen year A three-sport varsity athlete, playing field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse, Tray had no idea that she would end up achieving this milestone
In the beginning of the season, Villa Maria basketball lost to both the Mount and Gwenned Mercy, who are the team’s league rivals Later in the season, Villa Maria played these teams again, beating both by 20 points To Tray overcoming this obstacle reveals the commitment and determination of the team
“[These wins were] so amazing to see how much we've overcome as a team and how much we've improved and worked upon ” Tray said “It just shows how much we’ve studied what we did wrong, what we can do better, and then applied that to our game” Tray remembers what it was like to
values Villa Maria athletics instills in their athletes are assisting Miller in life today
I developed close relationships and learned how to work with many different personalities, which helped me become a better communicator and teammate ” Miller said
As a second year medical student, a large amount of her time is spent working on cases in small groups
“Being comfortable collaborating with and listening to others has made these settings feel much more natural,” Miller said She will be starting her clinical rotations in April as she continues to lean on both her collaboration and listening skills During rotations, she will work in different specialties like internal medicine, surgery,
feel overwhelmed with so much ahead during her freshman year She feels as though she has grown as an athlete and an individual during her time on this team
“It's really not all about the little things It's really about the bigger picture of things and I think that's really important to remember,” Tray said
Planning and preparation are key to how she balances playing multiple sports throughout the year
“Having a consistent schedule over these years has really helped me overall manage my time,” Tray said Being a multi-sport athlete has assisted her in many facets of her life and she is able to channel lessons learned from one sport into the others
“Being part of such high-excelling programs [in Villa Maria athletics] has taught me what it takes to win that has really transferred over in basketball ” Tray said
pediatrics and OB/GYN to get broad hands-on experience in patient care
Throughout her involvement in various activities during her time at Villa Maria, she also acquired time management skills
“High school athletics taught me how to manage my time effectively and build a balanced schedule Juggling practices, games, and academics forced me to plan ahead and be intentional with my time At the same time, I learned the importance of balancing school commitments with my personal life ” Miller said Villa Maria also taught her how to take care of her mental health while navigating a busy schedule and many commitments
“Valuing friendships and making
time for peo helped me r both my phys
These skills important in m me manage a maintaining b Miller said She will gr after that she training, wher a specific fiel still deciding wants to pur rotations this her narrow do
She has formed close friendships with her teammates The basketball team values the bonds made with one another We're all really close We all love hanging out with each other” Tray said Until the game before she reached her landmark 1000 points, Tray was unaware of the number of points she needed During this game, her senior night at Villa Maria against Rustin, she scored 27 points putting her only three points away from the 1000 total To Tray, the numbers were not as important as experiencing senior night with her team
“I didn't even know what I needed to score, and I just was playing and having fun ” Tray said
She scored her 1000th point during basketball’s February 4 game against Neshaminy High School to much excitement and celebration from fans and the Villa Maria community Tray is grateful for the many people who assisted her throughout her 1000-point journey “It’s so surreal my name will be[on the 1000-point club banner],” she said I could not thank enough the
or bad carry less weight in the dayto-day grind
From local high school runner to world-record holder, Josh Hoey’s running journey has involved discipline, planning, and reframing mindsets after setbacks
Victoria Eidam ‘27 Katie Celluci ‘29
Villa Life Section Leader, Reporter
At 26 years old, Josh Hoey has built a life around discipline, faith, and resilience Raised in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, Hoey attended Bishop Shanahan High School, Malvern Preparatory School, and Downingtown West High School He later graduated from Liberty University Today, he trains for races in Flagstaff, Arizona at an altitude of 7 000 feet alongside many other professional runners
However to Hoey the journey to becoming a world record setting middle-distance runner is about far more than miles logged and medals earned It is about mastering the mental race as much as the physical one
Athletes are often asked how they stay motivated For Hoey, the answer begins with a reality check: motivation is temporary
“A coach and friend once told me that motivation is temporary but discipline is a constant way of life,” Hoey said He meticulously maps out his training 12 to 16 weeks in advance Each workout has a purpose Benchmark sessions help Hoey measure progress and adjust before it’s too late With a clear strategy in place, emotions good
“The plan provides focus and support,” Hoey said It fuels both motivation and discipline ” By thinking long-term and tracking progress intentionally, he removes volatility from the equation The result is system that strengthens him both mentally and physically, important for a high-pressure sport
Hoey divides pressure at the elite level into two categories: external and internal External pressures include performance expectations, financial stability, and relationship maintenance
To keep those pressures from becoming anxiety, Hoey relies on preparation and perspective He sticks to his training plan, leans on past experiences, and expects the unexpected
“You can’t be too surprised when you are expecting to be,” Hoey said Support from family and friends also plays a crucial role, grounding him and reminding him that his value extends beyond race results
Internal pressures, however, can be more complex
Doubts such as “I don’t belong” or “I can’t do this” can creep in, often irrational but deeply personal For Hoey faith is foundational in combating these thoughts His relationship with God provides clarity and calm helping him confront internal struggles
Hoey sees striking similarities between elite athletes and high school students In both arenas, success depends on prioritization, responsibility and ersonal wellbeing “Not every task holds the same significance,” Hoey said “It’s important to focus on what moves you toward your goals
” Whether preparing for a championship race or a final exam the fundamentals remain the same for Hoey: caring for physical and mental health, developing strong habits, and seeking guidance from trusted mentors
“Having a trusted person friend, family member, mentor to discuss your needs with is tremendously powerful,” Hoey said
For students with big dreams, especially those aspiring to compete at an elite level, Hoey emphasizes that growth begins long before the spotlight Discipline planning selfawareness, and resilience are skills developed over time
As he continues training at high altitude in Flagstaff, Hoey believes that, even as records and titles have the potential to change consistency and developing one’s own identity is central to lasting success Before they grow into overwhelming anxieties
Additionally, Hoey finds great importance in athletes separating personal identity from performance
“I think what you are and what you do will always be different things,” Hoey said “People are infinitely complex, but a performance result is measurable ” Last summer, Hoey faced what he describes as a significant failure
Entering the U S Championships as a favorite, he fell short of qualifying for the World Championships The disappointment was sharp For a moment, despair and internal pressure threatened to take hold, but failure did not define him
With support from family and time for reflection Hoey reevaluated his training program and made necessary changes The response was remarkable: He went on to set two world records, including a recent indoor 800-meter record
“My story last summer was that of an athlete who could not reach his goals, Hoey said But that did not include an important part of my personality: I never give up ”
The chapter didn t end in defeat; it became a turning point
