Insight - Cardinal Gibbons High School

Cardinal Gibbons High School
Volume 48, Issue 1
September 30, 2009
The Voice of the Chiefs
Senior’s Charity Event Exceeds Expectations
By Kaitlin Chandler
Going nights without sleep and putting forth
hours of work made Trenton Fehl’s Silver Knight
project “Dash at Dawn 5K Walk/Run” one for the
record books.
Trenton’s mother, diagnosed with kidney
disease, inspired his project. Trenton wanted to help
his mom and all of the people suffering from the same
illness. He wanted to assist the National Kidney Foundation of Florida by raising money for research. Trenton’s goal was to raise $5,000, but he raised almost
$9,000!
Continued on page 2
See “Dash at Dawn”
Ashley Boxer, a representative from The National Kidney
Foundation, and Trenton Fehl prepare for the race .
The “Seniors” Welcome Freshmen “Babies”
See pages 12-13
“Senior” citizens show their school spirit.
News 1-14
Opinion
15-17
Summer
Sojourns
3-5
Freshmen “babies” attend their first assembly.
Sports
19-22
www.cghsfl.org
Entertaiment
22-23
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September 30, 2009
Insight
Dash at Dawn Benefits Kidney Foundation
Continued from page 1
“I couldn’t believe how awesome my project went;
everything was better than I had even hoped.”
The race began at seven in the morning with 359 runners at the starting line.
“At the beginning of the race, I was standing in the
bed of the truck and looking out at all the runners. I realized
that there were way more people there than my set goal of
200,” Trenton said.
“I kept thinking how awesome it was that so many
people showed up to support my event! I was so happy and
relieved that it had gone so well!” he exclaimed.
The shady Birch State Park track was nice for the
runners because it wasn’t too hot. Runners came from all
around to help out and support the event, including some from
St. Coleman’s and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Road Runners
Club. Some even came from Miami. After they had run the 5K
(3.1 miles), they were able to cool down and relax with some
refreshments.
Trenton’s mother was at the Dash, and she helped out
as the photographer. Trenton said, “When she found out that I
was doing this event for her, she was so surprised and excited.
“After I made my short speech at the starting line, I
saw she was crying, but it was a good cry. She was really,
really happy, and I was too.”
The sponsors for the event were Whole Foods; Sir
Speedy, who made the applications for the race; Running
Wild, who made all the t-shirts; the Greater Fort Lauderdale
Road Runners Club, who supplied the equipment, including
the decorative finish line.
Trenton’s event received much publicity, including a
few interviews with the Sun-Sentinel and Channel 6 News. He
also received a proclamation from Mayor Jack Seiler.
“It was really neat that the event received all of this
attention; I never thought it would get this much buzz. This
would not have been possible without all the help I got from
everyone there,” Trenton said.
Trenton Fehl (far right) congratulates a group of runners
after they cross the finish line.
Vice-Mayor Mr. Bruce Roberts congratulates Trenton Fehl
on the day he received his proclamation.
All of the volunteers for the Dash began working before dawn.
News
Insight
September 30, 2009
3
How I Spent My Summer Vacation. . .
A different kind of summer camp
By Molly Bresnahan
Catholic Heart Work Camp (CHWC) is a week-long
summer camp. Much like Habitat for Humanity, its members
spend their time doing community service for those less fortunate. Over 450 Catholic parishes got involved in 2009. This
past summer, Cardinal Gibbons had eleven girls attend the
camp: Tierney Tight, Bridget Wilson, Bridget Flynn, Kelly
Schwantes, Alexis Oberer, Maddy Halder, Katie Setton, Haley
Chevy, Nicole Dudziac, Mariana Seiler, and Colleen
Slattery. CHWC was located in Tampa from June 6-12.
This was most of the girls’ fourth and final summer
of CHWC, and they were determined to make it the best. With
much experience under their belt they set off to Tampa for a
week of hard, yet rewarding, work. These tasks included painting, yard work, house repairs, helping centers distribute food
to the needy, etc. They were housed in a school and brought
sleeping bags and air mattresses to sleep on in the classrooms.
Upon arrival, they were separated and put into groups with
kids they had never met who would soon become their family
for the week.
Their day began early, waking up no later than 6:45
A.M. for breakfast, departing for their individual worksites by
eight, and not returning to the school until 3:30. P.M. After
dinner, the evening program would commence with dancing,
singing, skits, and sports games. Mass was available for the
girls every night along with many other group activities.
Although it does not seem like the average week in
the life of a teenager, the week spent at CHWC was said to be
more fun than expected. Kelly Schwantes said, “The best part
is becoming friends with some of the best people I have ever
met and leaving the week knowing you really made a difference for someone." This statement was unanimously agreed
upon by the girls who attended.
The girls arrive in Tampa for the camp.
University of Florida Program
By Molly Bresnahan
Young Entrepreneurs for Leadership and Change
(YELC) is a six-week program at the University of Florida
in which selected students took two college level courses.
Seniors Nicole Dudziak and Alex Alghussain were
two of twenty-eight students selected for this program. The
courses included four hours of lecture five days a week.
Each student earned eighty-four service hours.
YELC was not strictly educational; the students
had time to relax on the weekends and took field trips to
Lake Walburg, the Ichatucnee River, and St Augustine.
Alex Alghussain and Nicole Dudziak pose with a UF football player.
Continued on the next page
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September 30, 2009
Insight
Costa Rica mission trip
By Justina Coronel
Senior Jaleen Lipton went on a mission trip from
July 11-18 to San Jose, Coasta Rica.
The Christ Church mission visited villages to help
the poor, young children to adults. Jaleen and other missionaries helped build new houses and a gymnasium under harsh
conditions in the blazing temperatures with no air conditioning. Every meal was the same: rice and beans.
“I went for one week, but it was a life-changing and
wonderful experience," Jaleen said.
This is the place 0where the volunteers meet before
their hard day of work.
FIU Program-learning
by the numbers
By April Ortenzo
During the summer Victor Manuel was involved in
the James L. Wilcox Minority Program for FICPA, at FIU.
Victor found out about the program through Mrs.
Fournier, his guidance counselor.
This program focused on involving high school students in the world of accounting by showing them the different genres of accounting that are offered today.
Victor works with a fellow scholar during one of his
sessions.
Girls State and Boys State
By Molly Bresnahan
Every summer, the American Legion hosts two
programs that give students insight into the fine workings
of city, county, and state government: Girls State and Boys
State.
This past July, seniors Jen Reich, Rachel Bogdan,
and Patrick Regan attended this week long program located
at Florida State.
Throughout the week, the students participated in
lectures, held party conventions, and participated in intense
mock legislative sessions in the actual Florida House of
Representatives and Florida Senate.
Students had a week to remember, but by the time
everyone returned home, “any guy I saw looked like a
model to me,” said Bogdan.
Rachel Bogdan (left) and Jen Reich
Continued on the next page
Insight
News
September 30, 2009
5
Harvard summer school
By Patricia Curry
James Carpenter spent the summer experiencing a real
taste of college life. He went to Boston for an eight-week summer school program at one of the top schools in the country,
Harvard University.
James spent three hours a day, four days a week taking two
classes (Thought and Culture, Fundamentals of Music) and
gaining college credit for his work. In order to be invited to the
program one must show great academic prowess.
“I enjoyed spending time where I want to go to college. It was a great experience,” said James.
It wasn’t all work and no play. He also enjoyed the
hustle and bustle of the historical college town on his time off.
James Carpenter stands in front of one of the
main buildings at Harvard.
Student quarantined in Beijing
By Laura Wiley
Junior Micayla Moffat spent her summer touring
China with eight of her friends through a student ambassador group called “People to People.” The trip took an interesting turn when a man on Micayla’s flight from Hong
Kong to Bejiing was diagnosed with swine flu.
Micayla, her friends, and the leader of her People
to People group were exposed to the virus, so they were
picked up from their hotel room and taken in an ambulances
to a “quarantine hotel.”
Government representatives arrived and explained
to the group that everyone who might have had contact with
H1N1 were being kept in the hotel and forbidden to leave.
Micayla remained in quarantine for seven days,
extending the trip to a total of twenty-one days.
“They gave us bouquets of flowers and told us we
could leave,” said Micayla. People to People paid for all the
flight changes.
Notre Dame’s Global Issues SemiBy Molly Bresnahan
This past June, senior Nicholas Picon participated in Notre Dame’s Global Issues Seminar. Nick
was one of forty students from across the nation chosen
to go to Indiana and participate in this program.
At the seminar students from all over the
world gathered to discuss future challenges facing
world leaders. They debated issues such as globalization, peace and justice and their views on world politics.
FAU Honors College
By Kelsey Chandler
Both Kristi Belotto and Jonathan Jean François had
the opportunity to spend part of their summer vacation at the
FAU Honors College. July 11 to August 1, Kristi and Jonathan
lived on campus and attended classes. Kristi took an adolescence psychology class, and Jonathan took a course on energy
and the environment. Throughout this three week period, both
Kristi and Jonathan enjoyed their stay and felt they were able
to receive the full college experience.
Jonathan Jean Francois and Kristi Belotto
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September 30, 2009
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September 30, 2009
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Sock Drive
By Ma-Ena St. Paul-Danier
To help out the homeless, the Rotary Club of Fort
Lauderdale North began collecting socks. Socks could be
just as important as food when considering the amount of
traveling a homeless person does on foot. Student Leadership decided to participate by asking for the help of the entire student body.
“It seemed like every club in the school helped us.
It was amazing to see the whole school come together for a
project. This event made me so proud to be a part of Gibbons,” said senior Tierney Tight, a member of Student
Leadership. Mrs. Jackie Hanke, Student Leadership moderator, said that the students collected more than 500 pairs of
socks within one week. Great job everyone!
Yarr! ’Tis Pirate Day!
By Cap’n Cristina Font
Susan B. Anthony from the Recovery Center picks up
the socks collected at CGHS.
This year’s Pirate Day was a hit; students went
all-out with their costumes, wearing everything from eye
patches to boots. “For the most part, it was very successful, but I think there’s still some treasure lying out
there,” said Mr. Herrmann.
So, grab yer spyglasses an’ compasses, ’cause
ye land-loving swabs’ll need more than a keen eye to
find the booty! And if ye scalawags an’ yer hearties be
interested in physics, or just fancy dressin’ like a scurvy
sea dog for a day, consider pledgin’ yerself fer physics
class next year. Argggh.
Ahoy, landlubbers of Ye Olde Cardinal Gibbons! Avast! I know what ye were thinkin’ on the 31st of
Arrrgust, early in the mornin’: Why be there bloody pirates scurryin’ all over the school, scourin’ fer treasure,
eh? Well shiver me timbers! Haven’t ye heard o’ mad
ole Cap’n Herrmann’s Pirate Day?
It is an annual tradition at Gibbons that physics
teacher Mr. Thomas Herrmann sets up a treasure hunt
for his students, and what better way
to search for treasure than to dress up
in pirate garb and speak in pirate
tongue?
But what does treasure
hunting have to do with physics?
Well, as Mr. Herrmann says, everything involves physics. In this case,
following a map that leads to treasure helps students gain an understanding of the concept of addition
and subtraction of vectors, an essential first step in understanding physics. Students were to follow a map of
directions measured in paces all over
the school. By counting their paces,
they were actually adding and subtracting vectors. It’s a fun way to
start off the year and learn the most
basic element of physics.
Mr. Herrmann’s first period class poses before the treasure hunt.
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News
Insight
September 30, 2009
ARE YOU “BOARD”?
By Kelsey Chandler
Attention Gibbons students! Do you love to play
board games? Think you have the right moves to take on and
defeat the masters? Then go to room C206. Starting this school
year, Mr. Thomas Herrmann has added the Board Game Club
to the list of clubs available. Participants of the club will play a
variety of games such as Chess, Checkers, Othello, Parcheesi,
Backgammon, Stratego, Risk and Monopoly. This club is for
those who play for fun, love to compete, or have an interest in
learning how to play.
Board Game Club will have a lot more to offer than
just playing. Throughout the year, the club will have interschool and intra-school tournaments for those who have that
competitive edge.
Mr. Herrmann has also arranged a chance for students
to earn community service hours by taking members on a few
weekends to visit a local retirement community as well as Joe
DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. This will give adults and children the chance to learn how to play, too.
Junior Class Rings
By Laura Wiley
Approximately seventy percent of juniors purchase personalized class rings every year from the ring
distributor Herff-Jones. “I’m getting a class ring because I
want to remember high school, and they’re fashionable,”
said junior Raquel Ells.
The many styles, metals,
engravings, gemstones, cuts, and
“pride sides” offered by Herff-Jones
to Gibbons juniors make each ring
individual and special. There are six
ring collections, seven metals, fourteen precious stones (the twelve
birthstones, black onyx, mother of This is an example
pearl, padparadschah, navy blue of a cut amethyst
spinel), and four stone cuts from gemstone.
which to choose.
Herff-Jones further personalizes rings by carving
name engravings inside the band and offering “pride side”
designs.
The “pride sides” (which are the two sides of the
ring) allow students to choose a design that defines them.
The designs range from sports, music, and academics to
nursing, oil drilling, and peace-making. There are two specially designed Gibbons “pride sides” that are available as
well. One is the traditional chief head, and the other is the
All who join the club may come after school to C206.
If they’d prefer to play during their lunch, period 4 lunch will
be in C105 with Mr. Orcutt; period 5 lunch will be in C206
with Mr. Herrmann; period 6 lunch will be in C101 with Mr.
Lasher.
Mr. Herrmann has Randy Veliky in checkmate. Alex
Zolis gives him the thumbs-up.
Cardinal Gibbons motto, “Excelsior.”
Gibbons juniors have not always been able to
personalize their rings. Mr. Carlos Perez-Cubas, the Junior
Class moderator, initiated the tradition of students making
their rings special. Before Mr. Cubas began teaching at
CGHS, juniors were obligated to choose the same ring
style with a red stone. Mr. Cubas also changed the time of
the ring ceremony from during school hours to nighttime,
so that families could be included.
The ring ceremony will be in January. The traditional ceremony will include the blessing of the rings with
speeches from the Junior Class president Donald Capi and
Mr. Perez-Cubas. The reception that follows will include
the turning of the rings for good luck.
Although the economy is suffering, most juniors
are still buying rings. The average ring price is $230 because the price of gold is so high. “I am sure people are
being careful about how they spend their money, but this is
an event ring that marks the end of the high school experience and the memories that go with it,” said Mr. Cubas.
The ring on the left
displays the traditional chief head
“pride side.” To the
right the “pride
side” is engraved
with a peace sign
and the graduation
date.
News
Insight
September 30, 2009
Bookstore Opens
By Laura Wiley
Located in A202, the new
CGHS bookstore is open and ready for
its first year of business.
Mrs. Susanne Cunningham,
volunteer moms, and CGHS students
(who will receive community service
hours for their efforts) will be running
the bookstore before school, after
school, and during all three lunch periods.
The bookstore will stock everything “Gibbons” from hats and hoodies
to coffee mugs and folding chairs, all of
which sport either the Gibbons arrow or
the Chief head.
Other items include travel
mugs, key tags, car magnets, license
plate covers, seat covers, umbrellas, and
teddy bears wearing Gibbons t-shirts.
The bookstore is also offering newer,
thicker lanyards in class colors ideal for
car keys. The bookstore will feature
school supplies including binders, lined
paper, pens, pencils, index cards, notebooks, and planners.
The merchandise is moderately
priced, ranging from one to forty-five
dollars. The proceeds from the sale of all
the items will benefit Cardinal Gibbons
High School.
“There was a need for this. Most
high schools have a school store,” said
Mrs. Cunningham, who is in charge of
the store. It will be a convenience for
CGHS students and teachers alike. The
9
store is on the lookout for additional
items. Anyone who has suggestions or
comments should contact Mrs. Cunningham at [email protected].
Sophomore Buddy Tight works the school
store during 4th period.
High Scores Pay Off for Freshmen
Congratulations to members
of the Class of 2013 who placed in the
top 3% of this year’s Cardinal Gibbons High School Entrance Exam.
Each of these students was presented
with a laptop computer to enhance his/
her academic endeavors.
Front row (from left to right) : Sister Marie Schramko, Assistant Principal; Emily
Wargo (St. Andrew); Alexandra Vollman (St. Elizabeth of Hungary); Sarah Feeley
(St. Coleman); Morgan Rodriguez (St. Coleman); Charlotte Glasser (St. Mark’s Episcopal); Kathleen Blyth, Guidance.
Back Row: Mr. Tom Mahon, Dean of Students; Greydon Piper (St. Mark’s Episcopal); Paul Motta, Jr. (St. Coleman); Jimmy Do (St. Malachy); Marshall Carpenter (St.
Mark’s Episcopal); Mr. Paul Ott, Principal
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News
Insight
September 30, 2009
PEACE DAY
By Katie Fazenbaker
Every year on September 21st,
nations around the world participate in
efforts to end conflict and promote
peace. Established by the United Nations in 1982, Peace Day has grown into
a worldwide celebration. Events are held
annually all over the world to help promote peace.
This year there were more than
100 events held in the United States.
Two events were held in Miami; the
Invisible Children documentary screening, and the Celebrando la Tierra: Participando en la Cultura de La Paz, a
telecast in Spanish to promote peace and
environmental sustainability.
September 21st is the International Day of Peace, and a worldwide
ceasefire. Having one day without vio-
lence can give hope to citizens who live
in war zones. A ceasefire can also help
relief efforts deliver food, water, and
supplies to those in need. A day without
fighting shows that world peace is possible.
At the 2007 Peace Bell ringing
ceremony, UN Secretary-General Ban
Ki-moon said, “ I call for a day of global
Was it TWILIGHT? No, it
was the Blood Drive.
By Ma-Ena St. Paul-Danier
Edward Cullen is not the only one who wants someone’s blood. National Honor Society had its first annual Blood
Drive on September 1.
Every year, NHS invites the Community Blood Center
of South Florida to conduct a blood drive to allow everyone to
assist the community. Each blood donation can save up to 4
lives.
Students need a parental consent form in order to participate. The next drive will be on November 2nd.
ceasefire: A 24-hour respite from the
fear and insecurity that plague so many
places. I urge all countries and all combatants to honor a cessation of hostilities. I urge them to ponder the high price
that we all pay because of conflict. I
urge them to vigorously pursue ways to
make this temporary ceasefire permanent.”
In order to build understanding
and tolerance between individuals, one
must first build peace. Peacebuilding
differs from peacekeeping or peacemaking. Rather than trying to solve an existing conflict or prevent a conflict from
repeating itself, peacebuilding focuses
on establishing new structures of cooperation. The Peace Building Commission is a body of the United Nations that
supports peace efforts in countries which
are emerging from conflict.
If interested in building peace,
visit internationaldayofpeace.org.
Relay for Life Surpasses Goal
By Katie Fazenbaker
To support cancer research, Cardinal Gibbons
hosted its annual 5k-Walk. This year, the school raised
$8,000, surpassing its goal of $4,000, and its record of
$6,000. For the past nine years, Gibbons has raised more
money for the American Cancer Society than any other local school.
.
The relay was from 12 to 5 in the afternoon on
Saturday, September 19th. Everyone was asked to raise a
minimum of $30 to attend the relay. A dance was held in
the gym on Friday night to raise additional money.
“The relay is our chance to do something about
cancer in our own backyard,” said Mr. Perez-Cubas, the
coordinator of the event.
Some of the members of NHS donate their time to the blood drive.
Students enjoy the 70’s dance.
Insight
News
September 30, 2009
11
Students Study Abroad
By Jenna Ludwick
Each year, Gibbons opens its doors to students from
all corners of the world. It is well on its way to becoming an
international school.
From Denmark to Germany, exchange students populate our school campus. Studying abroad has evolved into an
increasingly popular high school experience, especially in foreign countries.
Hannah Orth from Germany, Jan Bednar from the
Czech Republic, and Katherine Cano from Venezuela have all
returned this year to graduate Cardinal Gibbons in 2010.
"It's an awesome experience, and I'm so excited to be
back for another year," said Hannah Orth.
Three students from our northern neighbor Canada
have also joined our Gibbons Family. Elyse Clement from
Montreal, Canada, attended Gibbons her freshmen year and
has moved back to finish out her senior year.
Madeleine Tham Johannson from Sweden is playing
for our golf team this year, and Che Turner from Australia has
joined the Aqua Chiefs. Whether for sports, college choices, or
just the experience, each student has his or her individual reason for enrolling at Cardinal Gibbons; regardless, they are all
welcome. Insight Staff:
Dedicated to providing a deeper vision
of scholastic, spiritual and social
activities
Editors: Patricia Curry and
Cristina Font
Exchange students
studying at CGHS
Student-Country
Jan Bednar-Czech Republic
Elyse and Bendoit ClementCanada
Hanna Ferinandsen-Sweden
Desiree Noriega-Venezuela
Savannah Ragueneau-Canada
Amelia Slattery-Bahamas
Demi Soong-Canada
Andres Mora-Columbia
Hannah Orth-Germany
Gregory Bursic-Croatia
Isabel Pena-Dominican Republic
Benedict Povilonis-Lithuania
Che Turner-Australia
Monique Hunter-Jamaica
Aleksandr Skop-Ukraine
Staff Photographers: Molly Bresnahan,
Kaitlin Chandler, Justina Coronel,
Cristina Font, Kathleen Fazenbaker,
Jenna Ludwick, and Laura Wiley
Contributing Photographer: Brother
Brickman and Mr. Vladimir Dusil
(Football Photos)
Staff Writers: Molly Bresnahan, Kaitlin
Adviser: Mrs. Rita Loewe
Chandler, Kelsey Chandler, Justina
Coronel, Kathleen Fazenbaker, Jenna
Ludwick, April Ortenzo, Ma-Ena St. Paul Established November 1962
-Danier, and Laura Wiley
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September 30, 2009
Oh, baby!
Insight
CHIEFS RECEIVE
A
By Ma-Ena St. Paul-Danier
Welcome Week is the time to properly welcome
back students and help the freshmen and transfer students
feel more at home. What better way to do that than with
walkers and pacifiers?
That’s right. On August 24th, the seniors got all
dolled up in their best old folks outfits and the freshmen
dressed up as drooling babies. Both classes did a fantastic
job demonstrating great school spirit.
“It was an amazing way to start off the year. I have
seriously been anticipating this day since freshmen year.
Today was just completely awesome,” said senior Elda
Blaise. The exciting week also included the following: a
night at Boomers, Movie Night, a Volleyball and Football
Jamboree, and the dance on Friday night.
Babies take a break for a picture before their classes.
Freshmen are off to daycare!
Some good-lookin’ old men and women are ready for the parade.
Boom, boom, pow!
By Kaitlin Chandler
Senior, Sami Gomez, just
makes the cut for the go-karts.
Senior Jacquie Ziccarelli
has some fun at Boomers.
The second event for Welcome Week began as
Chiefs of all ages moseyed down to Dania on Tuesday
night to have a blast at Boomers.
Gibbonites were blessed with great weather to
have a fun-filled night of extreme go-carting, awesome
arcade games, roller-coaster riding, and mini-golf.
Robert Mossorofo exclaimed, “Boomers was a
blast!”
Insight
A WARM
WELCOME
September 30, 2009
13
Let the ruckus begin!
By Justina Coronel
Movie night was another event to demonstrate Chief
spirit. Mrs. Doubtfire, a classic comedy, set the tone. The gymnasium was packed with students. This event began one crazy and
unforgettable week.
In the jamborees the Cardinal Gibbons varsity football
team crushed the South Plantation Paladins-30-7.
Pine Crest and Northeast suffered similar humiliation at
the hands of the Lady Chief volleyball teams. For details see
pages 19-20
Seniors Molly Macek, Nikki Mallon, and
Jen Reich were looking comfy on Movie
Night.
Everyone stretches out on the gym floor for Movie Night.
Dareyon Chance scores some
points for the team.
Courtney Buchanan is focused
and ready to play.
AJ Ironman is ‘struttin’ his dance moves.
So, you think you can dance?
By Kaitlin Chandler
Some of the students are breakin’ it down at the dance.
There was a huge turnout at the Welcome Week dance
in the gym on Friday night. The students looked snazzy under
the black lights in their white apparel and glow-in-the-dark
necklaces.
The DJ played good hip-hop and dance music. “The
seniors were having so much fun at the dance,” said Catherine
Lubitz. “I hope that when I’m a senior, I can be as cool as they
are. I want to be as good a role model as my sister is.”
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News
September 30, 2009
Insight
¡Bienvenida Señora Limperis!
By Cristina Font
Mrs. Karen Limperis has joined the Cardinal Gibbons
family as the new Spanish teacher. Many students may know
her as a former substitute Spanish teacher here. Now she
teaches Spanish I and II in Room B-202.
She had been teaching for ten years in Virginia before
she moved to Florida eleven years ago and began tutoring students all over Fort Lauderdale.
When a spot opened at Gibbons for a new Spanish
teacher, she quickly seized the opportunity. Now she enjoys
being a teacher again and having her own room.
“I love being back in the classroom. It’s just a good
feeling,” she said. “It’s just so nice to give back.”
Although she has been here only a short time, she
already feels as though she truly belongs. She absolutely loves
her students, who have shared their warmest welcomes with
her.
“I feel extremely welcomed. This school is like one
big family. I am surprised at the tremendous sense of unity that
is unique to Gibbons,” she said.
Mrs. Limperis sits comfortably in her new classroom.
Cardinal Gibbons Spirit: Spot the Shirts Home & Away!
Elizabeth Jenkins (friend of photographed Gibbonites), John
Buchanan, Courtney Buchanan, Sami Gomez, and Nikki Mallon smile in the Basilica at the University of Notre Dame.
Kara and Kelly Schwantes are wearing their Gibbons shirts in
Costa Rica.
If you and your Cardinal Gibbons t-shirt have been anywhere fun and exciting, send a picture to the Insight staff:
[email protected] or bring it to room C103
Opinion
Insight
A Day to Remember
September 30, 2009
15
Construction is Underway
By Kelsey Chandler
By Kelsey Chandler
On the morning of Friday, September 11, 2009, a
tribute video was played to the school, reminding everyone
of the tragic events that occurred eight years ago. Throughout
the day, religion classes dedicated time for remembrance,
some within the classrooms, others at the flagpole and
chapel. The following is an example of one project in which
freshmen participated.
Ms. Zamora and Mr. Lonteen’s World Religion
classes were first graders when terrorists attacked the United
States by hijacking four commercial planes. As a class project, these students interviewed family members and friends
regarding their memories of 9/11 in order to enhance their
own scant early childhood memories of the event.
New plans are underway for the reconstruction of the
World Trade Center (WTC); it will represent 21st century New
York. These new developments will not only boost the economy in the area but improve the life of people who work, live
and visit downtown New York.
After many years of debate about what to do with the
site of the World Trade Center, construction has finally begun.
According to the WTC website, all projects will be built incorporating the highest standards of sustainable design and safety
systems.
In the future, the new WTC will have the following:
• Five new skyscrapers
• National September 11th memorial and museum
• Transportation hub
• Retail complex
• Performing arts center
“None of these people will ever forget what happened on that tragic September day….”
Robin Leachman , John Leachman’s mother for
example, reported she “felt sad for all the innocent people
who died and was worried about what was still to come.”
Greydon Piper’s father Mike Piper “…was angry at
the people who committed the attacks because they had targeted innocent people who had no way to defend themselves.”
Caitlin Sayles, interviewed by Brendan Ruffin, said,
“I did not take the event seriously because I did not really
know anything about terrorists, and I was only thirteen at the
time.”
Jack Bendit’s mother Patricia Bendit “...was
shocked and saddened by what happened to all of the innocent people.”
Each friend and family member interviewed shared
memories to help these freshmen understand the depth of
their feelings about these indelible memories.
Mrs. Zamora and Mr. Lonteen’s project concluded
with each group presenting an article in newspaper style to
include facts about 9/11 and the information gathered from
the students’ interviews.
Aid Needed for Graduate
Christopher Hickox, a 2005 CGHS graduate, suffered a
serious spinal cord injury in an ATV accident in Punta Gorda,
Florida. Since the injury, Christopher has been hospitalized at
Jackson Memorial Hospital undergoing rehabilitation therapy.
Although he has made great progress and will be discharged at the end of September, he still faces a long road to recovery. There are fund raising activities planned to benefit Christopher’s rehabilitation.
Please go to www.ChrisHickox.com for information
about Christopher and the fun raising activities.
This picture is a scaled model of what the WTC will
look like in 2012 according to the WTC website.
16
Opinion
Insight
September 30, 2009
What do you think about regular soda being removed from the cafeteria?
“It will be healthier, but
the school will lose
money.” - Amber Lacerra,
freshman
“Diet soda causes cancer” - Kayla Iannuzzo
and James Giordano, seniors
Left: Natalie Howard, “Even though soda is bad
for you, we should be able to choose what we
drink.”
Right: Ashley Wilkins, “We should have the
option to drink whatever we want”
-juniors
Opinion
Insight
September 30, 2009
17
Diet Sodas: Are They Really Healthier?
By Katie Fazenbaker
Commentary
Many people believe that drinking diet soda vs. regular soda makes a world of difference in their health. But is diet
soda really healthier? Diet soda doesn’t have the sugar or calories of regular soda, but it is full of caffeine, artificial sweeteners, sodium, and phosphoric acid.
In a study conducted on rats at Purdue University,
Professors Terry Davidson and Susan Swithers found that rats
that were fed artificial sweeteners consistently ate more than
the group fed high-calorie sweeteners.
By drinking diet sodas, the consumer’s body not only
misses out on sugars their body might find useful, but also gets
an accumulation of suspicious ingredients that work against
the body’s effort to maintain healthy balance.
Another study at the University of Texas Health Science center in San Antonio tested more than 1,500 people between the ages of 25 and 64, looking for a connection between
consumption of soft drinks and obesity.
The study, led by Sharon P. Fowler, not only found
the connection between soft drinks and obesity, but also found
that for each can of diet soft drink consumed per day, the risk
of obesity went up by 41%.
Some people believe that consuming artificial sweeteners might just be setting the consumer up to eat more later
on. Many people think a diet drink with lunch allows for a
decadent dessert later. In this case, people drinking diet sodas
actually gain more weight in the long run.
The caffeine in diet sodas is more than caffeine in
regular soda. Diet drinks contain more caffeine to compensate
for the lack of sugar needed to provide a more substantial energy boost; however, caffeine has been linked to many other
Diet Pepsi Max-Per
12oz can: 69mg caffeine
Regular Pepsi-Per
12oz can: 38mg caffeine
Diet Sunkist Orange
Soda
-Per 12oz can:
41.5mg caffeine
Regular Sunkist Orange Soda -Per 12iz
can: 41mg caffeine
health problems.
“Caffeine consumption is in legion with fatigue,
chronic anxiety, insomnia, and symptoms of hormonal imbalance.” according to Marcelle Pick in an article on womentowomen.com.
Scientists know the consequences of long-term sugar
consumption; however, artificial sweeteners and other additive
products have only been available for a few decades, so their
long-term effects still need to be studied.
“I don’t like it [not having regular soda in the
cafeteria]” - Brandon Milianta, freshman
Pepsi One-Per 12oz can:
54mg caffeine
Regular Pepsi-Per 12oz
can: 38mg caffeine
Diet Sun Drop-Per
12oz can: 69mg caffeine
Regular Sun Drop-Per
12oz can: 63mg caffeine
Diet Coke-Per 12oz can:
46.5mg caffeine
Regular Coke-Per 12oz
can: 34.5mg caffeine
18
AD
September 30, 2009
Insight
Sports
Insight
September 30, 2009
Playing With Pride
By Jenna Ludwick
Beating the Plantation Paladins
30-7, the varsity football team opened its
season on August 26th. The leading
scorers were Dareyon Chance, Sean
Corker, Jack Crittenberger and kicker
Drew Zloch completed a field goal.
"This win will be the first of
many for the Chiefs," said senior Jack
Leniart. "The whole team is excited for
this year’s season and hopes to win
state."
As the season progressed, the
Chiefs crushed opponents Taravella and
H o l l y w o o d
H i l l s .
The 2009 team is composed of
many key players who will be a major
part of a successful season. Hoping to
play on a college level next year are
Division I prospect players Garrett
Smith, Dareyon Chance, Jarael Watson,
John Mahoney, Chris Rapka, and Keelan
Wilks.
Last month, senior Sean Corker
signed with Texas Tech University,
earning a football scholarship as a future
Drew Zloch kicks off the game goal.
Photo by Vladimir Dusil
Raider next year.
The team has improved on the
field, and in senior fullback Elliott
Brady's words, "There's a real camaraderie on the team. You can feel it in the
air." In addition to weekly games, the
football team has organized a fundraiser to help support the school. Offering Miami Dolphins’ tickets for sale,
$10.00 from every ticket sold will directly benefit Cardinal Gibbons.
Head coach Michael Morrill will
serve as Athletic Director this year. During daily practices, Coach Morrill can be
heard shouting "Focus,Focus,Focus!!" at
players, trying to demand their absolute
best performance.
Assisting him on the sidelines
at every game and practice are coaches
Matthew Dubuc and David Montiel.
S e n io r C a p t a i n s R a p k a ,
Chance, and Corker direct the team
through every game and set examples
for underclassmen. The summer of grueling practices and a close team comprised of returning key players, the
Chiefs are headed towards a great season.
“Although the games are a battle royal, we’re victorious thanks to a
great team effort,” said safety John Mahoney.
Teeing Off a Great Season
By Kaitlin Chandler
The CGHS boys and girls golf teams are fired up for
the new season and are looking forward to a great year.
The girls team coach is Mrs. Eileen Melnicoff. This
year’s players are Bridget Wilson (captain), Jennifer Lindquist,
Madeline Johansson (exchange student from Sweden), Sarah
Anthony, and Danielle Welker.
“Our goal this year is to make it to state because we
have missed out on it the last few years,” Coach Melnicoff said.
The girls proved to be victorious after their first match against
Archbishop McCarthy. They have a long season ahead of them,
and they are hoping for a strong season.
Mr. Dale Brady is the boys coach. His players are
Cody Mclemore (captain), Austin Megna, Alex Lutz, Anthony
Gardner, Jordan Selbach, Sebastian Brinkerhoff, Drake Fulmer,
James Gunther, Max Conway, William Hart, and P.J.
Giaquinto.
“We are a very young team, and we are a rebuilt team.
We hope to win in districts and make it all the way to state. We
want to surprise everyone and play a great season,” Coach
Brady said. The boys’ record is 1-2, but they are looking forward to having all wins for the rest of the season.
19
Bridget Wilson is swinging and Madeleine Johansson is in the background.
20
Sports
Insight
September 30, 2009
One Goal: State Champs
By April Ortenzo
“Every year we have the same goal. We all know it; it
never leaves our mind: STATE,” said Courtney Buchanan, one
of the senior volleyball captains this year. The lady Chiefs
started out the season strong, just as expected, with two wins
destroying Pines Charter and Northeast in the CGHS jamboree.
The team only lost 3 graduating players this past
year and are coming out “more experienced and closer as a
whole,” explained Molly Macek, another senior captain. Suzie
Solenski added that the team visualizes “the court in Lakeland
with the gold medals around our necks- (knock on wood)”
The 3 captains describe the team’s chemistry as
“unbelievable” and “fabulous,” which really shows when they
step on the court.
The team faces the school’s biggest rival St. Thomas
October 7th at “our house.” The support of all, especially the
boom squad, will motivate the girls to achieve their goal and
win.
The Lady Chiefs get pumped up before the game.
BONEFISH MAC’S SPORTS GRILLE
Where you’re eating with friends!
Congratulations to the class of 2010!
Love the Macek Family!
Sports
Insight
September 30, 2009
21
Bringing XC Back
By Jenna Ludwick
Last year’s cross country coach of the year, Coach
Glenn Lee, has his sights set on another successful season. The
season opener at Tradewinds Park, with seven rival teams, had
the Chiefs off to a running start. Sweeping the girls race, Cardinal Gibbons had the top ten finishers, while the guys pulled
ahead of Taravella for a win.
"On paper we are extremely talented, but it's going to
take us a while to get where I think we should be," said Coach
Lee. Seven of the eleven meets, including Districts and Regionals, will be hosted by the Chiefs and held at ther nearby
home course, Mills Pond Park.
Returning from a 35-1 season, the girls team is looking to defend their County and Regional titles. Senior captains
for this 2009 team are Lauren Griffin, Nicole Dudziak, Trenton Fehl and Alex Alghussain.
“It’s a big season and my last year we are all hoping
to return to States,” said Nicole.
The girls cross country team is stopping for a mid-run
water break.
Aqua Chiefs!
By Molly Bresnahan
The Cardinal Gibbons Swimming and Diving team,
the Aqua Chiefs, are off to a great start this year by opening
the season with wins over Ft. Lauderdale and Flanagan.
In their second meet, the team crushed both Coral
Springs Charter and Cooper City. The Aqua Chiefs have not
lost a dual meet in two years, and they hope to keep it that
way.
The toughest meet of the season hosted at their
home pool, the International Swimming Hall of Fame, will
be against Douglas and Cypress Bay on October 21, at 6:00
p.m.
Most of the swimmers practiced twice a day all
summer, often swimming up to twenty-five hours a week, in
preparation for this year’s season.
The team’s goal is to qualify as many athletes as
possible for the State Championship in Orlando.
Kelly Schwantes, Marisa Folz and Karl Ryder are
getting ready to swim fast!
Congratulations!
Senior Samantha Gomez received the
US LACROSSE ACADEMIC ALL AMERICAN AWARD.
This is a prestigious award given to selective students throughout the country who
exhibit exemplary lacrosse skills and excellent sportsmanship on the field while also representing high standards of academic achievement in the classroom.
As an honoree, Samantha has left her mark by making significant contributions of service
to the school and community.
22
Entertainment
September 30, 2009
Movies Crossword Puzzle
Insight
Congratulations!
Last year’s yearbook
(Excelsior) staff has won an
award from the
American Scholastic Press
Association for the
“Best Student Ad Section.”
Answers
Insight
Entertainment
September 30, 2009
23
Hot Mess Across the US
By Patricia Curry
“I came here to make you dance tonight. I don’t care if
I’m a guilty pleasure for you.” The charismatic front man
Gabe Saporta can barely be heard over the deafening cries of
the crowd, but as soon as the music kicks in the entire throng
of people are all jumping up and down in a neon and metallic
mass to the techno melodies of Cobra Starship.
Don’t let the quirky name fool you, though…Actually,
yeah, it is pretty accurate. Having left his punk cred and New
Jersey bad boy status, Gabe Saporta has taken the pop scene
by storm, starting with the incarnation of Cobra Starship and
their first single “Snakes on a Plane” (Yes, as in the Samuel L.
Jackson flop). Soon the band signed to a small label, released a
CD, and used their impish charm on teen girls everywhere.
Cobra Starship, MTV’s latest techno pop phenom, has
been touring the country on their headlining tour Hot Mess
Across the US in support of their third studio album Hot Mess.
Opting for small venues, the five-member band crammed 250
sweaty fans inside the Respectable Street Café in West Palm
Beach on August 21, as well as another 100 stranded outside,
tantalized and ticketless.
Over the past three years their fan base has grown from
teeny fan girls to an eclectic group of teen boys and girls, college-aged partiers determined to find any excuse to stay up all
night, and yes, even parents are following their kids to this
concert; I’m sure their chart climbing single “Good Girls Go
Bad” (the band’s first real radio hit) will only make their fan
base grow.
Every member in attendance can’t keep from boogying down when they hear the music. From their first song to
their very last the crowd never missed a beat or a lyric, and
they certainly never stopped dancing. Their goofy onstage
antics, over the top personalities, iconic “gang sign” that every
kid throws up, and ridiculously catchy songs (like “Guilty
Pleasure”, “Smile for the Paparazzi”, “My Moves Are White
[White Hot, That Is]”) never let the crowd rest.
The quintet, Cobra Starship, strikes a pose for the camera.
The truth is, like their song says, they really don’t care if
they are your guilty pleasure, they’re okay with it. And they
are going to keep making the kind of music that will make you
want to dance, but also change the artist name on your Ipod to
something more mainstream like Lil Wayne or something else
hip like that. However, if you find yourself sneaking out to
their next concert on November 5 at The Revolution (with
Boys Like Girls, The Maine, and A Rocket to the Moon) trust
me, you won’t be the only one.
Homecoming Dance
is October 24th
24
Insight
September 30, 2009
“Believe. Achieve. Be Fit.”
Quarterback, Chris Rapka throws
the football, hoping for a touchdown.
Hurt during the game, Nick
Rios and Elliott Brady support
the Chiefs from the sidelines.
Some of the students at “That 70’s Dance.”
A pink monkey comes to lunch to sing
“Happy Birthday” to Julie Hansen.
Some of the swimmers fool around at the
swim meet.
Drew Zloch and Anthony Coello
played games in the cafeteria
during the rain delay at school.
Ciera Calvet, Jen Reich, and Stephanie Gereffi dress up for Senior Suspender Day.
Senior Madeline Johannson is receiving the
Eucharist at the opening Mass for the school
year.