The Leprechaun Gold - St. Vincent

The Leprechaun Gold
St. Vincent-St. Mary High School * Volume XXXVIII * Issue 1 * September 2008 Nick Pagni
staff reporter
Friday night’s homecoming game against Canton Central
Catholic was the start of the homecoming festivities this past
weekend. Everyone on the homecoming court came dressed to
impress for the pre-game ceremonies, and Maggie McShaffrey
was crowned homecoming queen by crowner Sam Murray at
halftime. The Irish football team added to the festivities by
defeating Canton Central Catholic by a score of 40-14.
Homecoming 2008 was a wonderful night at Portage
Country Club with great food, great music, and great
company. The evening began at 7 o’clock and the menu
included a salad for starters, an entrée with vegetables and a
dessert buffet.
“The food was delicious!” commented junior Ryanne
Oldham.
After dinner and some dancing, the presentation of the
Homecoming Court and the traditional Queen dance followed.
“All You Need is Love” by the Beatles was the theme song
and the theme for the night.
Mrs. Anderson led the decorating of Portage Country
Club along with a few others on the faculty and staff
complementing the country club’s already beautiful setting
with a fall blend of colors, reflecting the autumn theme.
“Homecoming was fun because I got to be around all of
my friends in a completely different atmosphere,” commented
senior Megan Jasso.
The homecoming court this year included six seniors, two
juniors, and one sophomore. The 2008 homecoming queen,
Maggie Mcshaffrey was escorted by Aaron Ludle and football
escort Mike Ede. Sam Murray, this year’s homecoming
crowner, was escorted by Vinny Scaia and football escort
Frank Laury. The remaining senior couples with football
escorts were Matt Mills and Nate Nasrallah escorting Nancy
Klee; Chris Hrovat and Ian Anuszkiewicz escorting Courtney
Benson; Kyle Fulkerson and Kyle Hammer escorting Anne
Daily; and James Lloyd and Vinnie Oliverio escorting Alex
Ballard. The junior couples with football escorts included
Diego Hildebrandt and Kevin Rainsberger escorting Giselle
Luppino and John Heising and Ben Musci escorting Erica
Hutson, along with sophomore Joseph Bedell and Mark
Murphy escorting Jessica Durbin.
Queen McShaffrey stated, “I was so surprised that I was
chosen as homecoming queen. It was nice. I truly felt like a
queen.”
Junior Mike Ringer stated, “The whole night was a blast
because Portage Country Club’s classy environment really
made it feel like a real dance.”
Homecoming Court poses on the football field. (left to right) sophomres Jessica Durbin and Joseph Bedell; juniors Erica Hutson and John Heising,
Giselle Luppino and Diego Hildebrandt; seniors Nancy Klee and Matt Mills, Queen Maggie McShaffrey and Aaron Ludle, Courtney Benson and
Chris Hrovat, Anne Daily and Kyle Fulkerson, Alex Ballard and James Lloyd, Crowner Sam Murray and Vinnie Scaia.
Commentary
Leprechaun Gold
St. Vincent-St. Mary High School
15 North Maple Street
Akron, Ohio 44303
On the Web: www.stvm.com
Advisor
Mrs. Maureen Harrigal
Assistant
Mrs. Barbara Wood
Editors-in-Chief
Whitney Porter
Caitlin O’Neill
Staff Reporters
Tyler Chopko
Graydon Fox
Adam Gerzansics
Joe Gresock
Megan Jasso
Victoria Lambert
Kathryn Latimer
Ryanne Oldham
Nick Pagni
Nick Petrus
Mike Ringer
Nick Shook
Eddie Taggart
Photos
Yearbook Staff
Ms. Harmon
Mrs. Burdon
AN IRISH PRAYER
May the road rise ever
to meet you
May the wind be
ever at your back
May the sun shine
warm upon your face
May the rain fall
soft upon your fields
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the
palm of His hand.
The Leprechaun Gold is published throughout the
year for the students of St. Vincent-St. Mary High
School. There is no charge for the paper but donations
are accepted and appreciated. Unsigned editorials
represent the consensus of the editorial board.
Letters to the editor are encouraged, provided they
do not contain material disruptive to the educational
process and that they are signed. The Leprechaun
Gold reserves the right to edit submitted material
for length.
2
Leprechaun Gold
Dress code changes are debated
Whitney Porter
Although individual student opinions
of the dress code seem to vary, all of the
Whether students agree or disagree with upperclassmen surveyed stated that they would
the dress code, they will undoubtedly be like to witness at least minor changes in the
able to find others who share their views. dress code. Most students wanted to see the
This school year has brought about new dress elimination of tucked in shirts, solid color pants,
code regulations. New regulations include all and hair restrictions, while a small majority
students tucking in their shirts, wearing only solid would like to see the elimination of solid color
color black or brown belts, and wearing only solid belts or some other aspect of the dress code.
color pants in the black, brown, or grey family.
Senior Amanda Olszewski commented,
According to Mr. Burke Stephens, Dean of Students, “Let the students do their hair as they please!”
“Some parents and administration felt we ought
How exactly does STVM’s dress code
to be more consistent with other private schools.” match up to the dress code of other private high
Some students are strongly against the schools in the area? Upon reviewing Hoban
“new” dress code. Junior Katie Phillips and Walsh’s dress code regulations, the Irish
stated, “We all look identical and it’s boring!” dress code regulations seem to fall somewhere
According to Mr. Stephens, “We want students between the two. Hoban’s dress code is closest
to concentrate on learning and not on style.” He to STVM’s; however, Hoban students are
stated that the group
allowed to wear hoodies,
of parents who meet
non-school sweaters, long
monthly to address
“Different dress promotes sleeved shirts under their
the dress code and
school polos, any color
different behavior...”
other school issues
belt, and shorts before the
were the strongest
-Mr. Stephens time change in the fall and
advocates for reform.
after the time change in the
“Different dress
spring because they do not
promotes different behavior,” he commented. have air conditioning in most of the building.
He referred to his experience teaching in public
Walsh students have a slightly more rigid
schools and stated that when he went on a field dress code and are restricted from wearing shoes
trip with a group of students, they were required to outside the black, brown, grey, and olive color
dress up, and it seemed to promote better behavior. range, but are not restricted from belt colors.
What exactly is the correlation between dress
Some students still argue that the dress code is
code and student behavior? Is it possible that what a taking away their freedom of personal expression.
students wear can cause problems in the classroom?
Senior Casey Kujada commented,with a hint of
According to a recent
sarcasm, “What’s so bad
survey in New York City,
about, thinking, looking,
crime in public schools
and acting the same as
went down 14.7 percent
every other student?
in the year following
Conformity rocks!”
the implementation of
Mr. Stephens stated
a uniform dress code.
that there is still room
This example of the
for “creative thinking
positive behavioral
in a conservative
influences of dress
environment,” and he
code on students is not
said that students have
necessarily applicable
plenty of time for creative
everywhere, and the
expression through their
environment may have
personal image before
played a major role in
and after school.”
the initial crime rate. (l to r) Juniors Molly Miloscia, Brittany
Junior Sam Stacks
Although statistics Boyd, Jack Uecker, and Jayme Yeaton enter stated that she doesn’t
say that a dress code the building in the 2008-2009 dress code.
feel the dress code
reduces negative
takes away from
behavior in some schools,
personal expression because “ …you can
i s o u r d r e s s c o d e m a k i n g s t u d e n t s ’ still express yourself through jewelry or
school day enjoyable and comfortable? accessories, and if its more extreme than
“All the school is doing is making that, I really don’t want to see it anyway.”
carbon copies and declaring that it’s the
For every argument against the dress code,
right approach,” said senior Brendan Quine. there seems to be at least one more argument
Senior Tabitha Simpson commented, in its defense. A resolution for this issue will
“Personally, I generally like the dress code. most likely be found through a compromise
It’s not too much, it’s just right because between those required to follow the rules
it’s still comfortable; I like the polos.” and those responsible for enforcing them.
CO-Editor-in-chief
September 2008
Leprechaun Gold
Shamrock Alley
Tyler Chopko
staff reporter
Senior Lock-In succeeds
On Thursday, September 11, the senior class
hosted the annual senior lock-in. Ninety seniors
showed their spirit at the lock-in on the night
before the STVM vs. Hoban game. The night
ended with 6:30 a.m. Mass and breakfast at the
Akron Family Restaurant.
Audience enjoys Band Show
On Saturday night, September 4, the STVM
band played at the John Cistone Stadium,
along with the bands from CVCA, Mogadore,
Woodridge, East Canton, Rootstown, and
Rittman. This was not a competition, but an
entertaining band show.
Showcase has a Texas theme
Showcase will take place on Saturday,
October 18, with the theme, “The Yellow
Rose of Texas.” It will start with Mass in
the theater at 5:00 p.m., followed by hors
d’oeuvres. All of the proceeds will benefit
the school’s scholarship program. Student
volunteers help at Showcase.
College Fair open to all students
On October 1, the College Fair will be
held in the gym and Student Center. Over 83
colleges will be attending. All grade levels and
students from Hoban, Walsh, and the Elms are
invited to the College Fair.
Club Fair held for freshmen
The club fair was held on September 23
and 24 for freshmen. This allows freshmen to
familiarize themselves with the wide variety
of clubs available. During homeroom, the
freshmen were able to speak to representatives
of all the clubs.
Books for Bahamas drive begins
From September 29 to October 16, the
National Honor Society (NHS) will sponsor
its second annual “Books for the Bahamas”
Project. NHS will come to homerooms to
collect new or gently used books that will
benefit schools in the poverty–stricken Andros
Island. Money for donations will also be
collected to buy books.
Groundbreaking starts for new Student
Activity Center
Before the Homecoming Game on Friday,
September 26, there was a groundbreaking
ceremony for the new Student Activity Center.
This was the final goal of the “Share the Vision
Capital Campaign.” This Student Activity
Center will include a second gymnasium with
athletic offices, a new wrestling room, weight
room, and locker room. This plan also includes
improving the pre-existing gym by adding new
bleachers, landscaping around the school, a
more prominent bookstore and snack shop, and
various other renovations.
September 2008
Feature
Students enjoy Hoban Week
Caitlin O’Neill
CO-Editor-in-chief
The St. Vincent- St. Mary-Hoban rivalry is
a long standing tradition. The football players
are not the only students who get involved.
During the week leading up to the big game, the
hallways of the school were unusually crowded
with students sporting legwarmers, tiaras and
tails, and cheers could be heard all over the
school.
Hoban Week started with a bang as students
dressed in their favorite 80’s-style clothing.
Bright colors and big hair were popular choices,
while some students went for the Flashdance
look with baggy sweatshirts and leggings.
Eighties music played over the PA system
between classes, setting the mood for the day.
On Tuesday the students “ruled” the Knights
and dressed like royalty. Burger King crowns
could be seen above the sea of students, and
many were tripping over the floor length ball
gowns some chose to wear. Some students
chose to take a creative route, wearing LeBron
James jerseys, imitating “The King.”
“Wildebeest” Wednesday was considered
to be the most spirited day by many students.
Irish students turned a negative comment into a
new school mascot. For a day, clashing animal
prints were symbols of school spirit instead of
a faux pas.
Thursday was “Beat Hoban tee-shirt day,”
and the majority of the student body showed
their support by sporting the artistic tee shirts
designed by senior John Wilson with Student
Council members. The shirts depicted the
Hoban Knight kneeling in front of the Irish
leprechaun, who is seated on the throne in
the Rubber Bowl. The back of the shirt read,
“Own the Castle” – the motto for this year’s
game.
Thursday night the students gathered in the
parking lot for a bonfire to build spirit. After
the bonfire, the seniors went to their annual
lock-in and decorated the school. When the
rest of the students came into school Friday
morning, ever inch of the school was covered
in paint and crepe paper. The gym was an
explosion of crepe paper, and every hallway
was decked out with spirit.
Students went all out to show their spirit,
wearing every green and gold clothing item
they could find. The exciting school day
concluded with a spirited rally in the gym, led
by seniors Bob McClure and Aaron Ludle.
One highlight of the rally was a video showing
clips from last year’s game and pictures from
last year’s season, with inspirational music in
the background.
The week finished with a bang as the
Irish fans cheered the football team on to a
victorious 20-12 win. Spirited cheers were
heard throughout the Rubber Bowl. For the
first time in thirteen years, all three football
teams beat Hoban: varsity, junior varsity, and
freshman. The Irish came out on top for the
second year in a row, proving that last year
was not only an end, but a beginning as well. The Irish own the castle, and the Shillelagh
stays where it belongs – at home.
Seniors receive awards
Nick Petrus
staff reporter
The following seniors have received awards
for outstanding academic achievement. Chelsea
Abraham was named by the American Council
of Teachers of Russian (ACTR) as a Russian
Scholar Laureate for 2008. Two students who
received awards for the National Achievement
Program for Black Students include Daylen
Harrison, who was commended, and Bruce J.
Brophy, who was a semifinalist. Commended
scholars for the 2009 National Merit Program
include Alex Horning, Kelsey Lecerf,
and James Lloyd. Elizabeth Tristano is a
semifinalist in the PSAT/NMSQT scholarship
competition, scoring in the top one-half of one
percent in the country.
The following students
were recognized for their
academic achievement. Bottom
row (left to right): Chelsea
Abraham, Kelsey Lecerf,
Elizabeth Tristano, Alex
Horning; Top row: B.J. Brophy,
James Lloyd, and Daylen
3
Feature
New faces greet students
Victoria Lambert
staff reporter
Name: Mr. Philip Alvord
College: Wilmington College
Teaching experience: Two years at St.
Mel grade school teaching Language Arts
and Religion to 6,7, and 8th graders.
Why English: “I have a love of literature
in all forms, and I want to share the love
with others.”
Expectations:”A fun, challenging, and
exciting adventure.”
Why STVM: “STVM is a second home
and the opportunity to return home is incredible.”
What do you like best about teaching: “Everyday presents new and
exciting challenges and the constant opportunity to help many people.”
Name: Mr. Wiliam Bickett, III
College: Undergraduate at Bowling Green
State University and Masters Degree at The
University of Akron.
Teaching Experience: Naturalist
for Metroparks, Cuyahoga Valley
Environmental Educational Center.
Why Science: “I had a biology and earth
science teacher at STVM (Miss Nancy
Beatty), who made science interesting and
fun. I wanted to do what she did.”
Family:Wife and son (Connor Williams); Mother is a STVM teacher; one
brother and two sisters (All are STVM graduates).
Expectations: “To become the best teacher I can possibly be and make the
lasting impacts on students lives.”
Why STVM: “I couldn’t imagine teaching anywhere else. My four years
as a student at STVM made a lasting impact on my life. I feel like I am
returning home.”
What do you like best about teaching: Creative outlet for me and I like
the relationship built in the classroom that I couldn’t get while working as
a naturalist.
Name: Mr. Robert Brownfield
College: Wright State University in Dayton
for B.S. Ed in 2007 and an M.E.D. in 2008.
Teaching Experience: 9th and 10th grade at
the “Dayton Early College Academy” in the
Dayton public schools, for 1 year while I was
getting my masters degree.
Why: “I could never decide which subject I
liked best so I chose all of them! I am certified
in English, Social Studies, Math, and Science
and I hope to add Spanish, too.”
Family: Sister Jill is a senior and parents Robert and Joan Brownfield.
Expectations: “I expect a great year with hard-working, respectful
students.”
Why STVM: “I had a great experience at STVM as a student and I was
eager to return here as a teacher.
What do you like best about teaching: “I love being able to pass on
knowledge, tradition, and inspiration to my students because I know that
they are the future; I love my students and seeing them succeed.”
4
Leprechaun Gold
Name: Mr. Chris Hricik
College: Ohio University for
undergraduate degree and athletic trainer/
exercise physiology, and a master’s
degree in physical education. Attended
The University of Akron for teaching
license.
Why Science: “I had previous degrees
in the science field and was fortunate
enough to get accepted into a program at
the University of Akron that allowed my
previous science credits to count toward my license.”
Family: “I am married to Traci who teaches first grade in Stow and
we have two children, a daughter, Riley, who is 5, and a son, Reese,
who is 3.
What do you like best about teaching: “I like seeing my students
excited about what they are doing and watching them learn something
Name: Mr. Anthony Martin
College: Malone College
Teaching Experience: Student teaching at
Lake Center Christian
Family:One sister who is married and I
have two nephews.
Expectations: To have a good year and
have fun.
Why STVM: It’s a great opportunity to
work here.
What do you like best about teaching: The “light bulb” moments
when students finally understand concepts.
Name: Mrs. Patricia Sestokas
College: University of Akron
Teaching experience:
18 years in Catholic Education
Why religion? Our faith is the most
important aspect of our lives.
Family:
I have two wonderful children Joshua and
Victoria, a dog named Buddy, and a new
addition, a kitten name Kit-Kat.
Expectations:
I pray my students will incorporate their faith beliefs into their daily
lives and become a reflection of God’s goodness through their actions.
Why STVM-:
As a graduate of STVM, I have experienced the spirit and pride
associated with this school and am honored to be here.
What do you like best about teaching?Watching the students develop and use their God-given talents.
Name:Mrs. Rachael Wesig
College: Kent State
Teaching experience: K.S.U.- College
Algebra, Trig., Modeling Algebra
Why math:I like math because it is very
logical, thought-provoking and fun.
Family: Husband, two dogs, and a cat.
Expectations:That students will learn to
appreciate math as well as learning how
to incorporate math into everyday life.
Why STVM:Great staff, great students…
basically because it’s the best school ever!
What do you like best about teaching?
Having fun while learning and learning new things from my students.
September 2008
Leprechaun Gold
STVM welcomes Class of 2012
Nick Shook
staff reporter
The St. Vincent-St. Mary class of 2012 entered their freshman
year with a fun picnic sponsored by Peer Ministry. The picnic was
used as an icebreaker of sorts for freshmen to interact with their
classmates. The picnic included free food and refreshments, such
as chips, hot dogs, cotton candy and snow cones. Inflatable games,
a bouncy house, and a dunk tank were just a few of the attractions.
Teachers took turns sitting in the dunk tank while students threw
balls at the target to drop the teachers in the water. There was also a
slip and slide down the hill, which has always been a favorite in the
past. Peer Ministers also had fun at the picnic while interacting with
freshmen.
“My favorite game was the bouncy thing,” remarked freshman
Xavier Colley. “I also enjoyed dunking Coach Martin.”
“I liked the dunk tank and the snow cone machine,” said
freshman Matt Perry.
The task of helping fellow freshmen interact with each other was
certainly accomplished, according to these two freshmen.
September 2008
Freshmen
“I met more people at the picnic and it was a great experience,” said
Chelsea Christian.
Stewart Smith-Thomas also said: “I also liked the snow cone machine and
I felt that I became closer with my class.”
Another activity that is a tradition is the class retreat. This retreat is very
important, especially for the freshmen class. At this retreat the classmates
become closer by expressing their feelings and learning about each other. At
this year’s freshman retreat, Peer Ministers were once again the coordinators
and led the discussions and activities.
According to junior Sam Stacks, the freshman class certainly became
closer. “The freshmen played games and shared stories, and I felt like they
were certainly getting closer with each other through every laugh shared.”
The retreats also featured prayer groups and group discussions about how
God views the world through His eyes and included various games, such as
Red Rover and Capture the Flag.
“I enjoyed the group discussions,” said freshman Sal Faetanini.
“I thought that the witnesses were very interesting,” remarked freshman
Austin Manna.
5
News
Leprechaun Gold
New Cuyahoga Falls hospital raises questions
Nick Petrus
staff reporter
Summit County could have a new hospital this month near Route 8
and Steeles Corners exit. This hospital will be physician-owned,
meaning each doctor has a financial stake in the hospital. Summa Health
Systems also will have ownership in the hospital. This creates tension
between Summa and Akron General, which is a nonprofit hospital.
Akron General argues that physician-owned-for-profit hospitals
threaten the local community-owned non-profit hospitals. Administrators
feel that these physicians will be financially swayed towards admitting
the more affluent patients with insurance, leaving the patients with little
or no insurance going to Akron General and the other non-profit area
hospitals. This is significant because non-profit hospitals are created to
look after the welfare of the local patients, including the uninsured and
indigent. If patients do have insurance, reimbursements usually don’t
negate the cost of providing services. Also, any revenue earned by nonprofit hospitals is cycled back into the hospital in order to further the
continuation of patient care.
Administrators also make a strong case in questioning the necessity
of such a hospital, citing certain examples such as the fact that most
adult hospitals in Summit County are currently not operating at full
capacity. The addition of this new hospital could also result in potentially
forcing one or more area hospitals to close. Administrators at Akron
General note that a physician-owned hospital does not make sense for
the community, suggesting that the unused dollars could be spent more
wisely towards improved health-care for the area residents. However,
the most controversial element in the debate is whether the physicians
involved would be more inclined to admit patients to the new hospital
based on the patients’ financial status. The fundamental ethical
problem associated with the hospital is for the physician to profit from
reimbursements for tests, medications, and procedures that he/she orders.
Summa refutes this claim by standing firm in the belief that
the physicians’ first concern is the patients, and that doctors are
not influenced in any way by financial concerns. Akron General
administrators would argue that such a case is unethical, above all else,
and should be strongly discouraged.
Doctor Chris Sheppard M.D., is an Akron General physician
who specializes in neurology. According to Dr. Sheppard, “The main
reason for the location of the proposed hospital would be to serve the
surrounding communities, which are currently located some distance
from the nearest hospital (primarily Hudson and Stow).”
When questioned about the effects this new hospital would have
on the ones already in place, Dr. Sheppard replied, “The new hospital
could potentially force Cuyahoga Falls General, which has served the
community for decades, to close.” He also added that, “the new hospital
would be positioned to steer all of the insured patients to it, leaving all of
the uninsured patients to the non-profit, community-owned hospitals.”
As a closing thought, the question arises: “Does the physician/owner
look out primarily for the benefit of the patients, or for the benefit of the
pocket book?”
Bejing becomes success for the United States
Nick Shook
When the International Olympic Committee allowed the use of NBA
players in the Olympics in 1989, the United States’ domination began.
Not until 2004 did Team USA achieve lower than a gold medal. In the
Featuring athletes such as “The Redeem Team” and “The Baltimore
2004 Athens Olympics, Team USA lost three times en route to a bronzeBullet,” just about everyone expected something great from this year’s
medal finish. These losses surpassed the total amount of losses in all
Olympics in Beijing, China. From swimmer Michael Phelps’ world
of the previous Olympiads combined. This disappointment spurred the
record of eight gold medals to Team USA going gold in basketball, the
national media to ridicule the letdown by
Olympics featured many great moments.
Team USA.
The spectacular opening ceremonies
As this year’s Olympics approached,
jump-started the wild ride that was the
the players for the latest version of Team
Olympics.
USA were preparing to make sure that
Phelps, with a career total of six gold
they would not have a repeat performance.
and two bronze medals, had the goal to
With a new coaching staff, the Americans
break Mark Spitz’s record of seven gold
needed to stick together, play team
medals achieved in one Olympiad. After
basketball, and stay focused. This mindset
winning six of the required eight gold
was shown early in the United States’ first
medals in a manner that seemed almost
Olympic contest against China, which
effortless, Phelps faced a situation that he
they won handily 101-70. Team USA
was not accustomed to in the 100 meter
continued their dominance in the next
butterfly final. Facing a very strong
three games, outscoring their opponents
swimmer from Serbia, Milorad Cavic,
Lebron James of Team USA returns from the Olympics
by a combined total of 81 points. As they
Phelps was trailing with only eight
to share his gold medal with some of the Irish staff.
rolled on through the competition, head
meters to go when he propelled himself
coach Mike Krzyzewski maintained a
at an amazing speed to pass Cavic in the
humble mentality throughout the team.
final meters to win by 1/100th of a second. Phelps won the eighth and
Krzyzewski kept the team focused all the way to the gold medal game
final gold medal in the 4 x 100m medley and surpassed Mark Spitz’s
against Spain. The Americans won the hard-fought game, 118-107. The
record.
players cited their teamwork and friendships that were started three years
When the United States’ women’s soccer team was beaten by Brazil
ago while training for the Olympics together as reasons for their victory.
in the 2007 FIFA World Cup, the team vowed to make sure it didn’t
“We all jelled together as a team. These are relationships and bonds
happen again. Resilience proved to be extremely valuable, as they faced
that we shared and will never forget. It lasts forever. It’s amazing that it’s
adversity during the rest of their games in the ’08 Olympics. With close
all over now,” said Kobe Bryant.
victories over Japan and Canada, the United States advanced to the gold
Hopefully, this team will be a model for all American teams in the
medal game against arch-rival Brazil. The American victory earned them
future and the winning will continue for the red, white, and blue.
a gold medal.
staff reporter
6
September 2008
Leprechaun Gold
News
Hurricanes ravage U.S.and the Caribbean
Tyler Chopko
damages, and minor flooding. The estimated cost of repair for insured
properties is anywhere from $2 billion to $10 billion, which pales in
The future of the Gulf Coast was subjected to catastrophic
comparison to Katrina’s $41 billion.
destruction from tropical storm Gustav. The storm originated in the
In addition to Hurricane Gustav, the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic
eastern Caribbean Sea on Monday, August 25, as a tropical depression.
has seen a multitude of tropical depressions, storms, and hurricanes.
After a short period of time, the depression quickly developed into
Most recently was hurricane Hanna, which originated off the northeast
a Category 1 hurricane with 90 mile per hour winds in the warm sea
coast of the Leeward Islands as a tropical depression. It was upgraded
waters of the Caribbean. By Tuesday it hit near the town of Jacmel, in
to a tropical storm later that day. On September 1, Hanna moved near
the southwestern peninsula of Haiti, killing at least 51 people. Seventeen
the southeastern Bahamas and was upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane.
were also pronounced dead in the neighboring Dominican Republic.
Eventually it weakened back to a tropical storm as it dumped heavy rains
The storm stayed stationary over Haiti for approximately one day
on the previously damaged Haiti, causing 535 deaths in the area.
and then moved on to Jamaica as a tropical storm. It drenched Jamaica
It moved on to the Atlantic coast of the U.S. around the Carolinas
with heavy rain and high winds on Thursday, August 28, and into
with about 60 mph winds, and left the coast around Massachusetts as an
Friday. Four deaths were reported, houses were damaged, and trees were
extratropical cyclone.
downed.
Hurricane Ike developed as a tropical
Gustav moved on into the warm ocean
depression off the coast of Africa, gained
waters once again and with little in its way,
speed, and hit Cuba as a strong Category 3
it developed into an “extremely dangerous
hurricane. As many as one million Cubans
Category 4 hurricane,” as the Hurricane Center
evacuated and in the city of Baracoa, over
described it.
200 homes were destroyed. Waves were
It traveled to Cuba, making landfall in
reported as high as 23 feet.
western Cuba on Saturday night with winds near
Ike weakened to a Category 2 hurricane
150 mph. In anticipation, approximately 10,000
when it reached the western coast of Cuba
Cubans fled to higher ground on the mainland
on September 8. Hurricane Ike moved
from some of the smaller island provinces
across the Gulf of Mexico, as a Category
on Cuba’s southwestern side. Eventually, the
2, and eventually slammed into the city of
mountains of Cuba acted to downgrade Gustav
Galveston, a barrier island off the coast of
slightly to a Category 3. Texas, with a13 foot storm surge and 110 mile
As Gustav traveled along the Gulf of Mexico
per hour winds. It caused widespread flooding
to Louisiana, the hurricane remained steady as
Hurricane Ike destroys Texas Gulf coast.
of an average of six feet in depth.
a Category 3 hurricane. As it was nearing the
Ike, nearly the size of the state of Texas,
shore, it weakened slightly to 110 mph winds,
pushed its way inland to Houston, shattering windows downtown, but
which moved it to Category 2 status.
causing much less damage and destruction than expected. Ike moved up
It made landfall in Louisiana around 10:30 am, on September 1.
the continental U.S. as an extratropical storm, causing powerful winds in
When Gustav struck land, its highest winds were recorded at 110 mph,
the Ohio Valley and flooding farther west in Indiana and Illinois.
which made it just one mile per hour below Category 3 status.
Devastation was a common theme for the Caribbean and Gulf of
As Gustav hit, it triggered a 12 foot storm surge of water in coastal
Mexico as a result of the plethora of tropical storms and hurricanes.
Louisiana which pounded the recently repaired levees of New Orleans.
Considering the damage caused, it could be a long time before the
Gustav caused some minor damage such as fallen trees, minor home
affected areas return to normal.
Staff Reporter
Students not surprised by high gas prices
Adam Gerzanics
Staff Reporter
In Ohio and around the country, gas prices are causing a lot
of controversy. The average price of gas is between $3.25 and
$3.49 in the local area. Last year, the price for regular gas
was $2.82. Currently the average costs around the U.S. are
$3.80. The national average for gas in America is $3.61 per
gallon, which amounts to $98 per barrel.
There has been a dramatic climb in prices in just one year,
and it seems that Americans will see the prices possibly rise
to $5.00 per gallon.
Junior Erin Hearty felt that the rise in prices was not really
a surprise at all. “ It was not a surprise that prices went up,
and it’s not like they’re going to go down. They always go
up and down but never stay low.” Erin also believes that
gas prices puts a huge dent into her own spending money.
“It’s hard for me to pay because I don’t have a regular job.
I babysit, but it doesn’t give me enough money for anything.
Prices are insane for teens, especially when they pay for their own gas.”
Junior Jake Jones isn’t surprised about gas prices either. “ I don’t see
September 2008
it as a surprise, politically or economically.” When asked about the effect
gas has on spending money, Jones replied, “ I don’t find it hard to pay for
gas because I don’t buy food, but sometimes I do buy food and
I’m unable to buy the small things I have become accustomed
to. I currently have a job as an instructor for snowboarding,
which covers the cost, but gas prices make it harder to buy
more expensive things.”
With the rising prices of gas, many consumers are searching
for more fuel- efficient cars. In June 2008, a study reveals that
rising gas prices have caused 72 percent of new-car shoppers
to change their vehicle shopping behaviors. Instead of buying
a brand new SUV on the lot, car shoppers are looking for more
economically practical, fuel efficient cars, which has created a
booming market for stick-shift and hybrid cars.
Overall, gas prices are negatively affecting the economy.
With the continuous rise of gas prices, the deficit of spending
money is beginning to hurt the American economy.
This brings up the question, and maybe the overall doubt, if a solution
to this crisis will come sooner rather than later.
7
Election
Leprechaun Gold
Political platforms differ between parties
With the approach of the November presidential elections, many are on the fence about which candidate they should support. Neither party has
managed to gain a landslide majority of voter support, and the outcome of the election, at this point, is anybody’s guess. One thing is for certain--the
Democratic candidate Barack Obama has a platform that is very different from the Republican candidate, John McCain.
Democratic
Megan Jasso
staff reporter
Republican
Mike Ringer
staff reporter
American Energy:
•Short-term relief for families who cannot afford to pay rising gas prices
•Start to eliminate the need for Middle Eastern oil in the next 10 years.
American Energy:
•Drill for American oil; develop alternative energy sources
•Eliminate foreign dependency
Economy:
•More tax rebates for working class America
•Get insurance for the unemployed
•Create five million new GREEN jobs.
Economy:
•Tax cuts for large and small companies
•Generate wealth/jobs
•Ease the burden on average American worker.
•Cut government spending
Iraq:
•Phased and careful withdrawal
•Attempt to gain stability
Healthcare:
•Get uninsured Americans healthcare
•Get support for small businesses
Education:
•Support for young children and their families (Zero to Five plan)
•Provide affordable childcare
•Reform “No Child Left Behind”
•Make math and science a national priority
National Security:
•Protect power plants
•Help families to reunite after
emergencies
Immigration:
•Increase border security
•Eliminate hiring of illegal immigrants
•Give undocumented immigrants the opportunity to become citizens
Abortion:
•Pro-choice
Foreign Policy:
•Improve relations with every world power.
•Fight global poverty
Iraq:
•Support reconstruction overseas
•Pursue the cause until Al Qaeda is defeated
Health Care:
•People choose plan
•Tax breaks for affordable health care
•Restore health care to all working Americans.
Education:
•Choice for families
•Tax rebates for parents who educate their children
•Choice for families of any school that fits their needs.
National Security:
•Strong military
•Honor all service members/veterans and keep promise to assist them
•Maintain up-to-date technology .
•Need to be able to handle any threat.
Immigration:
•Strengthen border security.
•Employment checks -keep employers honest and legal
•Prosecute employers who continue to hire aliens.
Abortion:
•Overturn Roe v. Wade
•Legalization of abortion is in states’ hands
•Create support centers for expectant mothers/promote adoption.
Foreign Policy:
• Help Allies fight terrorism and help developinng countries succeed
8
September 2008
News
Leprechaun Gold
Economic bailout becomes a necessity
Whitney Porter
Co-editor-in-chief
Over the past several years, the American
economy has been anything but stable, and
now Americans are on the brink of witnessing
what some are calling the beginning of the
“second Great Depression”
The work week of September 8 began with
a bold-faced headline in the Akron Beacon
Journal: “Mortgage Giants Seized: U.S. risks
taxpayers’ money trying to ward off financial
calamity.”
Two of the top mortgage companies,
“cornerstones of the U.S. mortgage market,”
according to the Beacon, were placed under
government control because of an excessive
deficit of over $14 billion.
Although “mortgage giants” Fannie Mae
and Freddie Mac were major contributors to
the current economical situation, the blame
rests in faulty lending and spending by active
members in the marketplace.
Several years ago, the housing market was
a booming source of capital and the future of
the housing economy appeared as if it was only
heading for increasing success.
The predicted success of the market turned
out to be far from what actually occurred.
Lenders approved loans that borrowers couldn’t
afford, too many houses were built, and
companies began to purchase mortgage-backed
securities more frequently.
Eventually, homeowners began defaulting,
home supply shot past home demand, and
companies began losing enormous quantities
of money.
Companies like Fannie Mae and Freddie
Mac developed such dramatic deficits that the
government felt intervention was necessary in
order to prevent a total disaster in the American
marketplace.
With the announcement of this unexpected
seizure, Americans became aware of the
necessity of some kind of action to be taken.
On Wednesday, September 24, President
Bush addressed the nation about the plan that
was proposed to Congress to solve the problem.
He acknowledged the questions and
concerns of the average American citizen and
stated that he felt that this was the best method
of handling the situation.
On Monday, September 29 members of
Congress voted on the bailout plan which
would have allotted $700 billion for the
purchase of problematic , mainly mortgage
related, assets. The bailout plan did not pass,
and by the following day the stock market
dropped an unprecedented 777 points.
Now representatives, headed by President
Bush and Secretary of Treasury Henry
Paulson, are scrambling to pull together a
second proposal that will gain more support in
Congress.
Americans are in panic, banks are failing,
and economies in other nations are witnessing
devastating effects.America is in the midst
of an unprecedented economic disaster.
Recession is eminent. Now the major question
representatives are asking themselves is-what
can be done to make the effects of this crisis
as minimal as possible for the nation as a
whole?
Shamrock Happenings
Randy Mims shares marketing experience with students
Joe Gresock
staff reporter
On Wednesday, September 15, a group of
adults and a select group of students received
the opportunity to hear Randy Mims speak
as part of this year’s STVM Speaker Series.
Randy Mims was filling in for Maverick
Carter, a STVM alum. At the last minute,
Carter had to fly Los Angeles and wasn’t able
to attend the Speaker Series.
Randy Mims and Maverick Carter are
two of the four founders of LeBron Randy
Maverick Richard (LRMR) Marketing. The
company was started in order to help LeBron
James make marketing deals and eliminate the
concept of having an agent. Agents who are
looking to increase their paycheck often cannot
focus on any one specific athlete.
This concerned LeBron, so he teamed up
with Carter, Mims, and Richard Paul. These
men had been close friends and LeBron felt
that with them, they could focus better on just
a few athletes and making solid marketing
deals than on numerous athletes.
Mims spoke to the group about both
how LRMR Marketing came about and the
September 2008
principles behind the business venture. He
spoke eloquently and with energy. Anyone
in the audience could tell that Mims was
passionate about his company. He spoke like a
man who loves to go to work and enjoys being
able to work alongside his close friends.
Along with working at LRMR, Mims
also works for the Cleveland Cavaliers as a
player liaison. He works closely with all of the
Cavalier players and makes sure that they have
someone to go to if they are having any trouble,
or they just want to talk.
Mims wrapped up his time with a question
and answer session. He entertained questions
about both his company, and of course, the
future of LeBron James. One student asked
him about whether LeBron will be leaving for
another NBA team. Yet another student asked
whether or not LeBron would consider playing
in Europe. Mims answered both with caution
and ease.
A question that Mims seemed to be very
interested in concerned how LeBron felt about
his trip to Beijing. Mims encouraged all of
students to learn Mandarin Chinese and to go
to China if they ever had a chance. He said
that he enjoyed his time overseas and that
the Olympics will always be one of his best
memories.
The last thing Mims talked about concerned
students who were interested in sports
marketing or management. He said he would
be more than
happy to have
any of them
shadow him
at LRMR
or with the
Cavs.
The
Speaker
Series is
now held
at STVM.
It was an
informative
experience for
any student
or adult
Randy Mims pauses to
who had the
answer questions from the
opportunity
audience.
to attend.
9
News in brief
Around the Globe
1.
Flooding in India causes massive evacuations
India deals with monsoons every year but has been inundated this time.
The flooding has been not only the most destructive in flooding cities and
overflowing rivers, but also in the death toll of 2,483 people since the rains
started in June. Over 10 million have been displaced and millions evacuated.
There is a shortage of food and no assurance from the government of help
and relief.
Leprechaun Gold
Mike Ringer
Staff Reporter
3.2. 1.
2.
Iran is once again blocking investigations about its use of nuclear power
The tensions are high as Iran develops its nuclear powers. The world is unsure of how they plan to use this nuclear power. Iran has blocked
investigations by the U.N. Outside countries believe the country wants to develop its uranium enrichment program to create nuclear weapons. Iran
insists they are simply trying to create nuclear fuel and there is no evidence that contradicts that.
3.
Iraq: Seven years later, the war continues.
American troops are being slowly pulled out of Iraq. The objective of the war now is to restore peace in Iraq and to continue the improvements
for the people. Some of the improvements have been new roads, new schools, new buildings, and even country clubs. The date for total pullout is
still unclear as the debate continues whether victory is an option or not. The United States is also remaining in the country because of rising tensions
between various Islamic groups including the Iraqi Kurds, the Arab Sunnis, and the Arab Shiites.
2
2.
Sea to Shining Sea
Private space firm launches into orbit
A private space firm called Space Exploration technology launched a rocket 3.1. into space from the U.S. Army’s Ronald Reagan Ballistic Defense Test Site, just
southwest of Hawaii. This launch came less than a month after a failed launch by the
same company. SpaceX was founded by the co-founder of PayPal to offer low cost
commercial space launches. The Falcon 1 rocket is the first of many planned rockets
under development. On its first launch it carried a 364 pound mass simulator to mimic
a satellite.
Dow Jones has record fall
On Monday, September 29, the Dow Jones fell more than ever in a single day as Congress rejected a government bailout plan involving $700 billion dollars
in rescue funds. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 770.59 points, to 10,372.54 at the
closing bell. This decline also brought the Nasdaq down 199.61 points to 1983.73 and the
broad-market Standard & Poor’s 500 index lower by 104.39 points to a preliminary close of
1108.22. This decline has largely been blamed on the House of Representatives, as they rejected
a compromise plan to spend $700 billion to revive a financial sector weakened by the housing
crisis. On top of this, crude oil plunged more than $10 a barrel, as investors scrambled in the
face of panicked markets.
3.
1. American dollars gains strength
The U.S. dollar has gone up in the
exchange rates against the Euro and the Yen.
In July 2008, the Euro was worth 1.59 to
the U.S. one dollar. The U.S. dollar is now
up and the Euro faces it at 1.46 as of Friday,
September 26, 2008.
The Heart of it All
1. Akron Marathon draws record numbers
2
1.
In its largest event to date, nearly 10,000 runners took to the streets to participate in the sixth
annual Road Runner Akron Marathon, Half Marathon and Chase Team Relays. In this year’s Marathon
Division, Birhanu Wukaw Zeleke of Washington, D.C., claimed the men’s first-place title. The 25-year3.
old Ethiopian native was first to cross the finish line with a time of 2:23:13. Forty-year-old Sarah Plaxton
of Highland, Michigan, won this year’s Women’s Marathon with a time of 2:57:56. Plaxton, a 14-year
marathon veteran, was a participant of this year’s Invited Runners Program.
2. Former Clevelander dies in Connecticut
Actor Paul Newman, an Academy Award-winning actor, died of cancer last Friday at home in Westport, Connecticut.
His wife of 50 years was actress Joanne Woodward, and he was well known for his philanthropy, liberal activism and race-car driving. Through his
Newman’s Own food company and foundation, he gave $250 million to charity. He also took care of countless sick children in his Hole in the Wall
Camps. He was 83. He had roles in the movies Cool Hand Luke (1967), The Towering Inferno (1974), Slap Shot (1977), The Verdict (1982), and
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid ( 1969).
3. Jobs in Ohio decrease
The percentage of unemployment has drastically changed in Ohio and the solution to this problem is still unsure. The percentages are up from
August which had a rate of 7.2% and is now 7.4%. The average for August was 5.7% in 2007. The national rate is currently 6.1%. The job losses in
Ohio are mainly manufacturing jobs. Cities suffer most in northeastern Ohio. The suburbs seem to be gaining jobs slowly, but there is still an overall
loss.
10
September 2008
Sports
Leprechaun Gold
Athletic Update
Boys’ Soccer
Joe Gresock
Staff Reporter
Girls’ Soccer
Caitlin O’Neill
Co-Editor-in-chief
Head Coach: John Stavros
Assistant Coaches: Scott Adams, Phil Alvord, Jody Gildersleeve
Coaches’ Experience: This is Stavros’ second year coaching the Irish.
Alvord played four years at STVM and played four years of college soccer
at Wilmington College (Ohio).
Returning Letter Winners: Seniors Mike Dehnke, Tom Freeman,
Andrew Over, Chris Hrovat, Antonio D’Abrosca, Jimmy Rosen, Eric
Wells, Tim Kananan; junior Matt Aberegg; sophomores Chris Motley, Joe
Demboski
Kidron Central Christian: W 5-0
Goals: D’Abrosca 3, Over Hrovat
Hiland: W 2-1
Goals: D’Abrosca 2
HOBAN: T 2-2
Goals: Novisky, D’Abrosca
CUYAHOGA FALLS W 2-0
Goals: Novisky, O”Brien
WALSH: T 1-1
Goal: Over
CVCA: L 4-1
Goal: Over
WESTERN RESERVE ACADEMY: L 4-2
Goals: D”Abrosca, Over.
GREEN: T 1-1
Goal: D’Abrosca
CARDINAL MOONEY: L 3-1
Goal: Novisky
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS: W 2-0
Goals: D’Abrosca, Over
MEDINA: W 3-0
Goals: D”Abrosca (2), senior Cody Keathley (1)
Head Coach: Santosh Kanakkanatt
Coach’s Experience: This is Coach Kanakkanatt’s first year coaching
the Lady Irish soccer team. He has coached soccer for thirty years.
Assistant Coaches: Kathleen Vass (alumna), Jordan Ciab, Meredith
Whitehead, and Coach Mike Kirk
Returning Letter Winners: Seniors Jill Brownfield, Alysse Dambrot,
Nancy Klee, Katie Lee, Patricia Logsdon, Maggie McShaffrey, Carly
Molinelli, Amanda Olszewski, and Halle Stavros; juniors Kimmy
Almenar, Erica Hutson, and Jayme Yeaton; sophomores Becca
Bridenthal, and Kylie Wyot.
Our Lady of the Elms: T 1-1
Hutson scored one goal
Hathaway Brown: T 2-2
Hutson and Almenar each made a goal for the Irish.
Cloverleaf: L 6-0
Chippewa: T 0-0
Canton Central Catholic: L 1-0
Medina Highland: T 1-1
Hutson scored for the Irish
CVCA: T 0-0
Austintown Fitch: L 1-0
Hiland: W 4-0
Logsdon and senior Hilary Gorbach scored, as well as Hutson, and
freshman Miranda Yeaton.
Enon Greenon: L 4-0
Western Reserve: T 1-1
Almenar scored for the Irish
Cardinal Mooney: L 4-0
Firestone: L 1-0
Girls’ Golf
Adam Gerzanics
Eddie Taggart
staff reporter
Head Coach: Mike Bittner
Coach’s Experience: Second year coaching golf.
Cuyahoga Falls Division II Sectional TournamenT:
9th place at 443
Cuyahoga Falls: L 227-192:
Tristano shot a 46
Hoban L 201-190:
Tristano 45, Portman 52, Pormon 52, Hutson 52
Cloverleaf L 241-207:
Tristano – 52
Our Lady of the Elms L 245-233:
Tristano 55, Hutson 61
Highland L 191-183:
Tristano season low 39, Wallace 48, Tomon 49
Coach’s Comments:
This is STVM’s second year to field a girls’ golf team. We are extremely
young and inexperienced. Our roster has 11 girls compared to 7 a year ago.
Senior Elizabeth Tristano was an All-District selection in 2007 and will
hopefully attain the same recognition in 2008 with her 46.3 average.”
September 2008
Boys’ Golf
Staff Reporter
Head Coach: Dante D’Andrea
Coach’s Experience: First year coaching golf.
Assistant Coach: Mike Tomei
Returning Letter Winners: Senior James Lloyd ; junior Jack Uecker;
sophomore Jay Dean
Other Varsity Players: sophomore Hakmat Herro; and freshman Gordon
Refner, and Joe Coughlin.
Windmill Lakes Division II Districts:
Massillon Division II Sectional: Uecker 81 (qualified for
Districts), Herro 83, Reffner 85, Lloyd 86, Dean 86.
Barberton: W 335 to 350
Uecker shot a 30 which is a school record. Herro shot 39, Dean shot 41,
and Coughlin shot 43.
Hoban: W 168 to 166
Walsh Invitational: T Lloyd – 77, Uecker- 82, Dean- 82. Final
scores after 18 holes.
Coach’s Comments:
“I would love to return next year to coach boys’ golf. The team is very
young and I expect a great improvement beginning this year and for the
next few years.”
11
Sports
Leprechaun Gold
Athletic Update
Football
Eddie Taggart
Staff Reporter
Head Coach: Mr. Dan Boarman
Coach’s Experience: 1969 St. Vincent graduate Defensive coordinator
at STVM 1975-1989; Assistant coach at Massillon Washington 1989;
Head coach at Copley 1990-2006 (120-78).
Assistant Coaches: Anthony Boarman, Daniel Boarman Jr., Rob
Brown, Willie Cook, Steve Lutz, Mark Murphy, Provie Tomei, and
Marcus Wattley.
Senior Leaders:Captains Frank Laury, Nate Nasrallah, Vince Pelini
and Harvie Tuck, Ben Bertsch, Todd Culver, Kyle Hammer, David Lee,
Gregg Pier, Ed Taggart, and Garrett Wilcox.
Key Prospects: Juniors Jon Adams, Bryant Ausperk, Tyler BrophyDavis, Ben Castrigano, Brian Cresswell, Brian Foster, Billy Harmon, and
Dominic Mitchell; sophmores Doran Grant, Oliver Hildebrandt, Mark
Murphy Jr., Freeland Oliverio, and D.J. Williams.
Coach’s Comments: Coach Boarman said. “We have a great senior
class and a lot of talent in the younger grades that will give us a lot of
depth.”
Canton Central Catholic: W 40-14
The Irish defeated Canton Central Catholic 40-14 for their first win of the
season at John Cistone Field. Tuck rushed for 204 yards on 19 carries
and had three touchdowns. Pelini threw two touchdowns to Culver, and
sophomore Oliver Hildebrandt threw another to Pier. The Fighting Irish
offense produced 385 yards on the ground and almost 500 total yards.
Napoleon: W 20-3
Tuck rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown, and Culver had 5 receptions
for 77 yards to lead the Irish offense. STVM had 315 total yards offensively, while the defense, led by Nasrallah and Bertsch, held Napoleon to
just under 150 total yards. Senior kicker Jimmy Rosen stepped up and
nailed two field goals from 27 and 36 yards. Grant blocked a Wildcat
field goal that started an Irish drive which ended with a touchdown by
Tuck. STVM improved to 4-1 through the first five weeks of the season.
Hoban: W 20-12
The Knights controlled the first half of play, leading 12-0 at halftime.
STVM came out in the third quarter and went downfield for much of
the third quarter and finally Tuck scored a two yard touchdown to make
it 12-6. Grant scored two defensive touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
He picked up a Hoban fumble and raced 42 yards to the endzone to put
the Irish up 13-12 in the fourth quarter, then intercepted a Hoban pass
and ran 54 yards untouched into the end zone to make the score, 20-12.
Tuck had 80 yards and a touchdown and were saved by the play of the
defense and a number of huge penalties by Hoban down the stretch.
Garfield: L 14-13
The Irish home opener at Green Street Stadium was a loss because Garfield blocked STVM’S game tying PAT attempt with seconds remaining.
Tuck rushed for 124 yards but the Irish offense lost 3 fumbles, including
2 inside the 10 yard line.
Clear Fork: W 20-7
The STVM defense contained the Colts, holding them to only 62 total
yards. Culver led the Irish offense with 6 receptions for 85 yards.
Hildebrandt stepped in for Pelini when he separated his shoulder in the
second quarter. Tuck rushed for 146 yards and a 23 yard touchdown
in the fourth quarter. Junior Billy Harmon also scored on a 3 yard run.
The defense had a some big plays, including a blocked punt by Williams
and two interceptions Lee and Grant.
VASJ: W 31-12
The Irish won the first game of the season with a rushing attack of
over 350 yards and solid defense. Tuck rushed for 166 yards and two
touchdowns to lead the Irish. Pelini added 117 yards rushing and a
touchdown, as well as 10 of 15 passing for 104 yards. Culver had 6 receptions for 50 yards. Wilcox and Foster led the Irish defense in holding
VASJ to under 50 total rushing yards.
Cross Country
Victoria Lambert
Staff Reporter
Head Coach: Dan Lancianese
Coach’s Experience: 15 years at SVTM
Assistant Coach: Chris Miloscia
Returning Letter Winners Girls:
Seniors Kali Shimko, Sarina Caponi; juniors Emily Tomei, Molly
Miloscia, Courtney Kovach; sophomores Anna Mion, Maria Arnone
Returning Letter Winners Boys: Seniors Tyler Tomazic, Anthony Joyce, Kyle Sickels, Luke Mion; juniors
Landon Davis, Greg Gannon, Brian Raglow, Ian Walsh; sophomores
Michael Kendro, Zach Huffman, Jacob Swords
Current Season Record: Cross Country does mostly tournaments.
Since 2000 their record is girls, 88-5 and boys, 96-2.
Coach’s Comments: We have a humble bunch and we have a team
motto
“Endure till the end, Faith-Persistency-Humility.”
Girls:
Canton Central Catholic: W 20-43
Girls’ Team in Review:
The Lady Irish are making a major statement throughout the state as
they are presently ranked 3rd. The ladies are led by junior Emily Tomei.
12
This past weekend in the most prestigious invitational, the Midwest
Classic, Tomei finished in 11th place. She also ran her personal best
time of the year with a time of 19:18. The secret to the ladies’ success is
the closeness in times between the 1st runner and the 5th runner. On the
average the difference in time is 59 seconds.
The remaining varsity runners for the ladies include: freshmen Tessa
Weigand and Annie Davis. The goal for girls’ cross country is to have
them run 20 minutes or better. Currently all varsity girls have times of
20 minutes or better.
Boys:
Canton Central Catholic: W 16-45
Boys’ Team in Review:
Tomazic is leading the change for the men’s team as the #1 runner.
Tomazic has currently clocked a personal best time of 16:14. Swords
has also been making major news with his personal best time of 16:44.
The key to the boys’ success so far has been their depth. The boys’team
has 14 runners, all eclipsing 19 minutes or better for the 5k course. For
the boys’ team to advance to state, they will need all of their 5 varsity
runners to run 17:30 or better.
Coach Lancianese states, “Both teams have been on a mission since
June 16 logging over 600 miles towards a legacy this school can be
proud of. They are all running in the image of Christ.”
September 2008
Leprechaun Gold
Sports
Athletic Update
Volleyball
Ryanne Oldham
Staff Reporter
Head Coach: Mary Howard
Assistant coaches: Katie Morris, Peggy Hogan
Returning letter winners: seniors Jessie Bridenthal, Beth Breiding, Olivia
Kaiser; juniors Ryanne Oldham, Kelsey Swords
Canton McKinley: W 25-15, 25-15, 25-11
Bridenthal: 15 kills, 7 blocks; Kaiser: 9 digs; Breiding: 28 assists.
Rootstown: W 25-23, 25-18
Bridenthal: 9 kills, 4 blocks; junior Rachel Wilson: 9 kills; Kaiser: 5 digs, 6
service points; Breiding: 28 assists.
CVCA: W 25-13, 25-19
Bridenthal: 9 kills, 1 block; Kaiser: 4 digs; Breiding: 20 assists; Swords: 10
service points.
Marlington: W 25-22, 18-25, 25-14
Bridenthal: 23 kills, 4 blocks; Olivia Kaiser: 6 digs; Breiding: 38 assists;
Swords: 15 points.
REGINA: W 25-11, 25-16, 25-10
Bridenthal: 20 kills, 3 blocks; senior Sam Murray: 3 digs; Kaiser: 3 digs;
Breiding: 27 assists; Swords: 21 service points
HOBAN: L 25-23, 13-25, 29-27, 15-25, 12-15
Bridenthal: 19 kills, 10 service points; freshman Corie Nischt: 6 digs;
Breiding: 32 assists; junior Rachel Wilson: 4 blocks; junior Stacey
Hoffman: 10 service points
Girls’ Tennis
Kathryn Latimer
Staff Reporter
Head Coach: Jim Hollenack
Coach’s Experience: Jim Hollenack has been the tennis coach at STVM
since 1992. He is currently in his 16th season as the head coach.
Assistant Coaches: Laurie Florin and Mary Kay Jean-Mayer
Returning Letter Winners: Seniors Natalie Winer, Alex Ballard, Kelsey
LeCerf; juniors Caroline Bennett, Halle Marchetta; and sophomore Taylor
Wedlake.
NOTRE DAME CATHERDRAL Latin: W 4-1
Wedlake: 6-0, 6-2; Bennett: 6-3, 4-6, 6-3; Winer: 6-0, 6-3; Ballard and
LeCerf: 6-1, 6-2; Marchetta and freshmen Rose Klein: 7-5, 6-3.
HUDSON: W 5-0
Wedlake: 6-0, 6-1; Bennett: 6-0, 6-0; Winer: 6-1, 6-0; Ballard and LeCerf:
6-0, 6-2; sophomore Danielle VanDevere and Klein: 7-5, 6-3.
GREEN W 3-2
Wedlake: 7-6, 6-1; Bennett: 7-6, 2-6, 6-4; Winer: 6-0, 6-1; Ballard and
LeCerf: 6-1, 6-1; VanDevere and Klein: 6-2, 4-6, 6-4.
Cheerleading
REVERE: L 20-25, 25-20, 27-29
Kaiser: 7 service points; Wilson: 5 kills, 5 blocks; Swords: 5 kills;
Breiding: 30 assists; Bridenthan: 16 kills
WADSWORTH: L 25-21, 22-25, 12-25
Wilson: 7 kills; Swords: 11 kills, 6 service points; Breiding: 28 assists;
Bridenthal: 15 kills, 3 blocks
TALLMADGE: W 25-23, 25-19
Wilson: 3 kills 3 blocks,; Swords: 7 kills;Breiding: 25 assists;
Bridenthal: 7 kills, 3 blocks; Hoffman: 11 kills
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS W 26-24, 21-25,25-11,25-21
Kaiser: 8 digs; Wilson: 8 kills; Swords: 11 kills, 12 service points;
Breiding: 37 assists; Bridenthal: 23 kills; Murray: 25 service points
KENT: W 25-18, 26-24
Kaiser: 4 service points; Wilson: 3 kills; Swords: 15 service points;
Breiding: 18 assists; Bridenthal: 10 kills, 3 blocks; Oldham: 4 digs;
Murray: 4 service points
CUYAHOGA FALLS: L 24-26, 25-22, 25-27
Kaiser: 7 digs; Wilson: 4 kills, 2 blocks; Swords: 12 kills; Breiding:
32 assists; Bridenthal: 15 kills, 4 blocks; Oldham: 4 service points;
Hoffman: 4 kills, 4 service points; Murray: 6 service points
N.C. HOOVER L 12-25, 13-25
Bridenthal: 6 kills; Breiding: 13 assists
CLOVERLEAF: L 18-25, 17-25
CHIPPEWA: W 25-22, 25-10
WARSAW RIVERVIEW L 22-25, 25-17,21-25, 10-25
MAYFIELD W 3-2
Wedlake: 6-4, 6-1; Bennett: 6-0, 6-0; VanDevere: 7-5, 7-5; Ballard and
LeCerf: 6-4, 7-5; Winer and Marchetta: 6-2, 3-6, 6-2.
CANTON CENTRAL CATHOLIC: W 3-2
Wedlake: 6-4, 6-2; Bennett: 7-6, 6-2; Klein: 6-1, 6-2; Ballard and
LeCerf: 6-4, 6-3; Winer and Marchetta: 6-2, 6-4.
BAY VILLAGE: W 4-1
Wedlake: 7-5, 6-3; Bennett: 6-4, 6-3; VanDevere: 6-2, 6-0; Ballard and
LeCerf: 6-4, 6-3; Winer and Marchetta: 7-6, 5-7, 7-6.
CHARGRIN FALLS L 2-3
Wedlake: 6-0, 1-6, 6-1; Bennett: 6-2, 6-1; VanDevere: 6-2, 6-1; Ballard
and LeCerf: 6-2, 6-4; Winer and Marchetta: 7-5, 3-6, 7-6.
GENEVA L 2-3
Wedlake: 6-1, 6-2; Bennett: 6-0, 6-4; VanDevere: 7-6, 6-1; Ballard and
LeCerf: 7-5, 6-1; Winer and Marchetta: 6-4, 7-5.
PADUA: W 4-1
Wedlake: 6-4, 6-4; Bennett: 6-1, 6-4; VanDevere: 6-1, 6-4; Ballard and
LeCerf: 6-0, 6-0; Winer and Marchetta: 6-2, 7-5.
CLOVERLEAF: W 5-0
Wedlake: 6-1, 6-1; Bennett: 6-0, 6-0; VanDevere: 6-1, 6-1; Ballard and
LeCerf: 6-1, 6-0; Winer and Marchetta: 6-3, 6-2.
Megan Jasso
Staff Reporter
The St. Vincent- St. Mary cheerleading squad is finally coming into
their own, thanks to the new head coach, Dave Colopy, who has over
twenty-two years of experience in cheering, gymnastics, coaching, and
judging. His sister, Erin Colopy is the assistant coach. The cheerleading
advisor this year is Mrs Susie Gaebel Wallace VM91, Financial Aid
Coordinator, and a four year high school cheerleader. The varsity squad
this year includes six seniors, La’Chelle Jackson, Megan Jasso, Malloree
September 2008
Miller, Rachel Munka, Gabriella Trifiro, and Liz Wilson. The other
members of the squad are Anna Bowen, Lauren Connell, Angel
Garnett, Natalie Maloy, Gabe Schwenk, Erica Bennett, Melissa
Paydough, Lauren Trecaso, and April Zaratsian. A goal of the
cheerleading program this year is to raise the level of school spirit, not
only for football and basketball, but for every sport. There is a football
squad, a basketball squad, and a competition squad which plans to
compete at the state level and possibly at the national level as well.
13
College Previews
Leprechaun Gold
Joe Gressock
staff reporter
Marquette University University of Dayton
Location: Milwaukee,
Wisconsin
Private or Public: Private
Year Established: 1881
Student Population: 8048
Undergraduate
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Average Class Size: 25
Entrance Difficulty:
Moderate
ACT/SAT Scores: ACT-25-29
SAT-1110-1280
Degree Programs: Degrees
Associate, Bachelor’s,
Master’s, Doctoral, First Professional, and Post-master’s certificates with
Majors including nursing - registered nurse training, political science,
business, accounting, pre-law, engineering, sociology, communication,
broadcasting, physiological sciences, theology, marketing, management,
and journalism.
Popular Extracurriculars: Public Relations Student Society of
America, Club Sports, Economics Association, JUSTICE Service Club,
Global Village Culture Club, The Naturals Performing Arts Club, Debate
Team, and Student Nurses’ Association
Freshman Retention Rate: 88%-90
Percentage of Students Who Live on Campus: 93%
Cost: $24,670-Tuition $404 Mandatory Fees $8120 Room and Board
More Information: http://www.marquette.edu
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Private or Public: Private
Year Established: 1850
Student Population: 7,473
Undergraduate Students
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1
Entrance Difficulty:
Moderate
ACT/SAT Scores: ACT-25
SAT-1160
Degree Programs: Degrees
Bachelor’s, Master’s,
Doctoral, First Professional, and Post-Master’s Certificates with Popular
Majors including: business/commerce, general engineering, philosophy,
art history, marketing, business, education, food and nutrition,
exercise science, chemical engineering, economics, religious studies,
theatre, psychology, music therapy, political science
Popular Extracurriculars: Mock Trial Association, Speech and Debate
Team, Studio Theatre, Campus Activities Board, Flyer TV, International
Club, Student Alumni Council, Circle of Friends Service Club, and
National Society of Collegiate Scholars
Freshman Retention Rate: 80%
Percentage of Students who live on campus: 91%
Cost: $23,000-Tuition $970-Mandatory Fees $7190 Room and Board
More Information: http://www.udayton.edu
University of
Duquesne University
Southern California
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Private or Public: Private
Year Established: 1878
Student Population: 5,650 Undergraduate Students
Average
Class Size: 25
Entrance
Difficulty:
Moderate
ACT/SAT
Scores: ACT24 SAT-1130
Degree Programs: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral, First Professional,
and Post-Master’s Certificates with Popular Majors including nursing/
registered nurse, pharmacy, psychology, general studies, economics,
international studies, business, media communications, computer
science, modern languages, sociology, multimedia, and political science.
Popular Extracurriculars: Student Government Association, Cycling
Club, DUV Council, Public Relations Student Society of America, Red
and Blue Spirit Crew, Duquesne Student Radio, Encore Show Choir, and
International Relations Club
Freshman Retention Rate: 89%
Percentage of Students who live on campus: 34%
Cost: $20,855-Tuition $1810-Mandatory Fees $8296-Room and Board
More Information: http//:www.duq.edu
14
Location: Los Angeles,
California
Private of Public: Public
Year Established: 1880
Student Population: 16,729
Student Teacher Ratio: 10:1
Average Class Size: 26
Entrance Difficulty:
Moderate
ACT/SAT Scores: ACT-30
SAT-1374
Degree Programs:
Bachelor’s, Master’s,
Doctoral, First Professional,
Post-Master’s, Post-Bachelor’s and First Professional Certificates
with Popular Majors including business, visual and performing arts,
engineering, communications psychology, areo space engineering,
musical composition, environmental engineering, english studies, dental
hygiene bachelor of science, economics
Popular Extracurriculars: Intramural Sports, Community Outreach,
Environment First, Unity Through Sports, Trojan Consulting Group,
Strike Through Records, Engineers Without Borders, and Student Senate
Freshman Retention Rate: 80%
Cost: $33,314-Tuition $578-Mandatory Fees $10,144-Room and Board
More Information: http://www.usc.edu
September 2008
Leprechaun Gold
Reviews
Meyer gains a following with Twilight series
Kathryn Latimer
staff reporter
The Twilight series is very popular among young adults now. Over
seven million copies have been sold in the U.S., and 50 million copies
have been sold worldwide. The Twilight series has been translated into
twenty different languages. The author of this series is Stephenie Meyer,
who is also the author of The Host. Twilight, the first book, was made
into a film, which will come out November
21, 2008.
In addition to the four books in the series,
Meyer will be releasing a new book, Midnight
Sun, which will be a rewrite of Twilight, but
from the character Edward’s point of view.
The majority of the other books are told from
Bella’s point of view.
The Twilight series is made up of novels
that bridge together fantasy, romance, and
horror genres. The novels tell the story of
Isabella (Bella) Swan, who falls in love with a
vampire, Edward Cullen. The story is set mostly in Forks, Washington,
and features many different conflicts among a wide array of characters.
Among these conflicts are feuds between vampires and humans,
werewolves and vampires, and vegetarian and regular vampires.
Edward is one of the few vampires with a special talent--he can read
people’s minds. The other members of the Cullen family also have
special talents which are revealed throughout the story.
Twilight is the first book in the series and introduces 17 year old Bella
Swan and the beginning of her relationship with Edward Cullen.
The second novel, New Moon and the third novel , Eclipse, continue
the series, while introducing new characters and
new conflicts.
Finally, Breaking Dawn was released in
August of this year. It is divided into three
books, each presented in a unique way.
Junior Giselle Luppino said, “The series is
amazing! I love it!”
Junior Victoria Lambert calls the Twilight
series “one of the best series of our time!!!” Stephenie Meyer added a unique twist to
express her love of rock and roll combining
each book with a playlist packed with bands.
She was on tour with the band Blue October
and Justin Furstenfeld. Meyer is excited because the movie Twilight
that comes out in November features one of her all time favorite songs,
“Super Massive Black Hole,” by the band Muse.
Newlyweds threatened by not-so-neighborly policeman
Whitney Porter
co-editor-in-chief
Action, deeply controversial issues, and a hint of comedy are all
elements of the recently released film Lakeview Terrace which features
academy-award nominated actor Samuel L. Jackson.
The movie opens when Chris (Patrick Wilson)and Lisa Mattson(Kerry
Washington) move in to an upper class California neighborhood. The
newlywed couple’s first home happens to be right next door to LAPD
police officer Abel Turner(Jackson) and his two children, Marcus
(Jaishon Fisher) and Celia (Regine Nehy).
Turner (A.T.) is no ordinary officer. He has had years of experience
on the force and he has been criticized numerous times for his
unorthodox policing behaviors. A.T. is the kind of character who blurs
the line between fear and respect.
This movie puts an entirely new perspective on the stresses of moving
to a new neighborhood and becoming a homeowner. As the Mattsons get
to know their new neighbor, the relationship quickly turns sour. A.T.’s
aggressive and often threatening attitude toward them becomes more and
more apparent in just a few short days.
The newlyweds face incredible struggles and they become disheartened about their new life as homeowners. It becomes increasingly
obvious that A.T. is abusing the power he has behind the badge and the
couple struggles to find a solution to the ultimate example of a meddling
neighbor.
The events transition from bothersome to somewhat scary, and
through a series of shocking events, the movie gains speed. The interplay
of conversations and actions between the neighbors builds up to an
explosive, exciting, and suspenseful ending sequence.
Adele tops the charts with “Chasing Pavements”
Victoria Lambert
staff reporter
Adele is a 20 year old British sensation. With
her smooth sound and touching lyrics, she will have
listeners singing at the top of their lungs. Topping
the charts with her song, “Chasing Pavements,”
Adele has caught the attention of teens everywhere.
Adele describes her music as “heartbroken soul”
and it fits. Her sound in the song “Cold Shoulder”
has a lovers’ blues sound, very different from the
soulful sound in “Chasing Pavements.”
Her album, 19, was given three stars in Rolling
Stone magazine and quickly rose to #1 on the
British charts.
In a recent Time magazine interview, Adele was
questioned about her weight and she said “I’ve
September 2008
always been a size 14 to 16 and been fine with it.
I would only lose weight if it affected my health
or sex life”.
On June 16, 2008, Adele performed her hit
“Chasing Pavements” on The Late Show with
David Lettermen. On June 20 her album 19 was
released in the U.S. and by mid-September her
single, “Chasing Pavements,” charted at the
number 60 spot and quickly escalated.
On December 10, 2007, the first Brit Awards
Critics’ Choice Award nominated her album for
a 2008 Mercury Prize award.
Expect to see Adele topping the charts in the
United States. She has the pipes to make it big!
15
Around the school
16
Leprechaun Gold
September 2008