Monthly Archives: March 2017

Posted on by

Gearing Up For the Final Marking Period

As the weather finally begins to warm up, and the summer season looms ever-so-tauntingly in the near future, it may be difficult to keep focused on one’s academics. Easter Break is yet another taste-test of summer, and when we return to reality, it tends to be ten times more difficult to find the motivation to study.

Despite the fact that summer is, indeed, a few short months away, it is important to keep in mind that the fourth marking period is just as important as the previous three. Seniors, you may not have a full final marking period, but that doesn’t mean that you should slack off now and allow “Senioritis” to override your drive. As for the underclassmen, this marking period will eventually be sent out, along with previous ones, to prospective colleges, so now is not the time to throw in the rag.

I have created a list of things you can do to keep your academic momentum going straight through to the end of the school year. I highly recommend trying at least a few things on this list before you decide to call it quits:

 

  1. Give yourself something to look forward to.

            Whether it be a weekly treat, like going to your favorite local coffee shop with your

friends, or a major event, like a concert or play, it is important to have some kind of escape. Knowing that at the end of a difficult week, you will be happy and carefree, even if just for a short period of time, can give you the motivation you need to finish that last assignment or study for that big test.

  1. Make a bet with your parents.

            If you have a really difficult time staying focused with summer so near, talk to your

parents and see if you can convince them to make a bet with you (i.e. If I get above an A in every class, I get $20, etc.) This is beneficial especially to those of you who are competitive because not only are you challenging yourself academically, but you also have the motivation to beat your parents.

  1. Keep in mind the final outcome.

This is often the most difficult part of staying motivated, but is also one of the most rewarding ways to keep pushing yourself forward. When something begins to feel too challenging, and you are running on empty, remember how good it feels when you finish the last assignment, or hand in your final exam. When all is said and done, it will be summer and you will no longer have the stress of school on your shoulders. Remind yourself from time to time that a lot is happening right now, but when it’s done, you will have accomplished great things. The memory of that feeling of achievement will hopefully keep you motivated enough to grind your gears until the very end.

  1. Take breaks.

This may be confusing considering my previous tips, but yes, we are human beings and need to remember that occasionally, we need to relax. In order to have our best academic results, we need to give ourselves time to rewind and focus on other things, too.

So, as the fourth and final marking period begins, and the prospects of summer dangle in front of you, hopefully you can find the inspiration you need to push yourself toward academic achievement. It may be challenging at times, but once the summer sun’s rays hit your school-free skin in a few short months, your freedom will taste that much sweeter.

By Julia Swanson ’17, Editor-in-Chief

Posted on by

Junior Prom

The gardens were blooming on the wonderful night of Sunday, March 26th as the junior class celebrated their prom! The venue was transformed into a garden atmosphere, with pastel colors and a spot to take photos when you first arrived with flowers placed in the background. The girls were stunning in their dresses; Most girls wore elegant halter neck lines and fit and flare style dresses, as well as mermaid style. Let’s not forget the boys though, who looked as handsome as ever all dressed up in their tuxes and suits!

As the evening went on, the prom court was announced. The prom court consisted of Julia
Slattery, Madison Kinnevy, Colleen Hull, Carmela Cocuzza, Karyn Capotorto, Ethan Coakley,
Evan Cantlon, Luke Winkelman, Riley Maypother, Connor Mckeown, and the prom king and
queen were Madison Kinnevy and Evan Cantlon! Emily Brown spoke about the night, stating, “I loved spending the night with my classmates and being able to see everyone so dressed up. It’s always fun to spend the night dancing with some of your best friends.” Molly Richards also shared her favorite part of prom night, explaining, “I loved going to pre-prom and taking pictures with everyone and seeing how beautiful everyone looked. The theme was amazing, and the flowers were so pretty!”
The junior prom was truly a night to remember, with everyone dressed so elegantly and the
dance floor filled until the night was finished. It was a night they will never forget!

By Sydney Daniel ’17, News Editor

Posted on by

Junior Retreat

On Tuesday March 28, the Class of 2018 took busses from St. Rose to St. William the Abbot Church in Howell for their yearly retreat. The junior retreat focuses on the Eucharist and its involvement in our lives, especially how and why it is transformed into Jesus’ body at every mass.
Retreats are mandatory requirements for every person at St. Rose to attend with their grade each year. The purpose of these retreats is to connect with God, comfortably surrounded by close peers, and discover a little bit more about Him and ourselves. It is a day filled with spirituality and focused on God in real life. Though each yearly retreat has a different theme based on grade, they all center around Jesus and how He can change one’s life through even the simplest of events. A little fun is inserted along the way, too.
After the second bell rang, the juniors piled onto busses and were driven to St. William the Abbot’s Church where they settled in with those around them. Mr. Petrillo introduced them to their topic, the Eucharist, and made some jokes to lighten the mood. They focused on the Eucharist and how it is transformed into the body Jesus right before them every time they attend mass. They then played a game where they were given a fruit and when their particular fruit was called, they had to run to an open chair. The game focused on teamwork while providing some healthy competition, and got everyone moving and ready for the day ahead of them. Following the introduction, the juniors headed off to mass. The Gospel reading was focused on the Eucharist and how important it is to recognize what truly takes place before them inside the church. Brittany Lopes, ‘18, commented, “It was nice to enjoy mass in a new setting, surrounded by some of my closest friends. I liked learning about what actually happens when we go to mass and the priest blesses the bread and wine.”
After mass, the class of 2018 split into groups and began to discuss the importance of the Eucharist and what it means to them individually. They then focused on a team activity, building houses out of spaghetti and marshmallows and seeing which group made the best one. “My favorite part of the day was creating the buildings with spaghetti, it was fun figuring it out along the way,” said junior Emily DeFalco.
The day concluded with some momentary silence in order to reflect on the day and everything they had learned and conversed about. Overall, the junior retreat was a successful day spent learning about the Eucharist, its true meaning, and the importance of it in our lives. As a St. Rose tradition, the day proved again the significance behind the time spent reflecting together and how valuable it is for the students to attend each year!

By Jill Barry ’17, Staff Writer

Posted on by

Boys Tennis Preview

The coach of the Boys Tennis team, Mr. Joyce, has guided players throughout the years and has helped the players leave the season as better players. Also, the team will look to gain insight from Mr. Joyce as he has been around the game for many years and is very knowledgeable. Mr. Joyce has not only helped the players with their game but has also obviously instilled the right mindset in his players. A successful season is not about winning and losing, it is about the team working together to make the most out of that season. While it is still early, the team looks to have already figured out the recipe to an awesome season.

The tennis team looks to get in as many practices as possible throughout the season in order to ensure success. The team tries to practice four days a week to allow the newcomers to gain plenty of experience. Practice is held at Marucci Park in Spring Lake. Also, the team have their minds set on improving their record from last season, as it was a down year. Everyone on the team has the opportunity to earn the role as captain, even the newcomers. The title of captain will not be given to just a player with ability, but also those who demonstrate leadership qualities throughout the season.

Best of luck to the tennis team and they start their season within the next couple of weeks.

By Jack McDonough ’17, Staff Writer

Posted on by

Spring Track Preview

Coming off of a successful Winter Track season, the Spring Track team looks forward to a successful season. Being outdoors allows the team more practice time and should ensure the team’s success. With the start of Spring, the team members are also able to participate in different events such as the steeplechase, throw the discus, the long jump, throw the javelin, and the triple jump.

Last year, the Boys Track team won a Non Public B State Championship. This big win included individual wins in boys shot put, discus, and pole vault. With key team members graduated and in college, the coaches look forward to this year’s seven seniors stepping up and contributing to another title. With seniors Sean Bruche, Garrett Jordan, Drew Riley, and Billy Tenzca taking high placings in Winter State Championships, they are expected to do even better in Outdoor’s States and qualify for the Meet Of Champions again. This season, some key returners are Andrew Huismen, Tim Theobald, Conner McKowen, and Drew Riley are ready to lead the team to success. The boys look forward to getting outside and starting up their season at their first away meet against Mater Dei on April 4.

The Girls Spring Track team also had a successful winter season with senior Alexandra Preckajlo placing first in the shot put, Junior Sheila Magrini finished sixth in the high jump, and senior Megan Theobald finishing third in the 55 hurdles and placing sixth in the pole vault. This year,  the team looks forward to key returners Alexandra Preckajlo, Megan Theobald, Megan Lawson, Erin Dailey, Jill Haggerty, and Sheila Magrini taking charge of the team and leading the underclassmen to place in the Spring State Meet and to lead more of their teammates to qualify for the Meet Of Champions. Senior Megan Lawson stated, “I am excited to start the spring season and lead the team again (as she was a captain during the winter and cross country season). In the spring, we are given more opportunities to practice and excel in dual meets.” With the other captains and their teammates starting practice already, both the girls and boys teams are ready to start their season off strong.

Come out and support the boys and girls track team at their dual meets coming up soon! Check the school website’s calendar for more information on their upcoming meets. Go Roses!

By Alex Preckajlo ’17, Staff Writer

Posted on by

Girls Golf Preview

The St. Rose Girls Golf Team returns from a good 2016 season this year, intent on growing more and placing higher in both the Monmouth County Tournament and the Shore Conference Tournament. With a winning record at the end of the last season, the returning seniors of Sam Boehmcke, Sam Loori, Ava O’Shaughnessy, and Hannah Gammond, as well as newcomer Ellyn Stoll, are looking for another solid year.

This season, matches against Holmdel and Rumson-Fair Haven are highly anticipated and will prove to be challenges to the team, but ultimately help them get better. However, the biggest rivalries for the team are against Wall and Ranney, which are always very close matches. Senior Ava O’Shaughnessy says she is most looking forward to “playing more matches against teams we haven’t faced before.” Being introduced to new competition can build team morale and introduce new and exciting rivalries. For each match, only 5 team members are chosen from each school to compete, with the lowest score winning. This provides an aspect of competition within the squad, forcing them to improve upon their skills so that they are chosen.

With so many returning players, including sophomores Lauren Hickey and Kelly Crines, the team is looking to build on the skills they learned together last year to take on tough opponents. The team has gained popularity in recent years, growing in size and success. Last year, the team placed fourth out of fifteen teams in counties, a very good result for such a young team.

Individually, Sam Boehmcke finished ninth in the Shore Conference Tournament, which she is looking to improve upon this year. She also qualified for the Challenge Cup, where the top eight Monmouth County golfers face off against the top eight in Ocean County, and she won all of her matches there. The same goes for fellow senior Sam Loori, who placed eighth in the Monmouth County Tournament last year. Loori and Boehmcke are this season’s captains, looking to lead the team to even greater success. With such a strong foundation along with dedication and hard work, the Purple Roses are expected to have a banner year!
By Jill Barry ’17, Staff Writer

Posted on by

Boys Golf Preview

Boys Golf had a tremendous season last year; they only lost one match and finished 8th in the state. The boys have three seniors leading the team this year: Pat Gates, Jack McDonough and Chris Gowen. The five starters are returning from last year, which is huge for the team.

This year the boys have many news goals. The first goal is to win the Wall Invitational and the Garden State Cup.  The boys have been working on these goals since last year ended and their will and determination are going to make them once again one of the best teams in the state. Jack McDonough says “We are determined to win the whole section of Non-Public B; we are ready for this challenge this year.”  The boys lost one match to their rivals Squan which was a heart breaking lost. It was heartbreaking because in every sport Squan and St Rose are rivals. Junior Noah Conforti said “We want revenge, we want to play and beat Squan this year”. Hopefully the boys beat Squan but this match will be one for the ages.

The team is determined and ready for the season. Coach Connelly says “The golf team is a brotherhood once you’re on the team. You are a family. The boys will go to get food after practice and hang out on the weekends, and play together on the weekends because once you make the team the bond the boys make together is unbreakable.”

By Pat Gates ’17, Staff Writer

Posted on by

Teen Arts: Creativity on Display

On Thursday March 16, a group of St. Rose students and teachers went to the annual Monmouth County Teen Arts Festival at Brookdale Community College to receive critiques on the pieces brought to the festival as well as to experience art from other schools in the area.  The groups that attended were the dance team, film club, choir, students from the Creative Writing class, and art students.  This year’s theme was “An Ocean of Sound” and everyone present was lucky to be able to enjoy a day of art and other performances.

The two buses left for Brookdale after homeroom with chaperones Ms. Mantlick, Mr. Falgares, Mrs. Fulton, Mrs. Sikorski, Mrs. Madden, and Mrs. Colvin.  Once they arrived, students were free to explore the displays and performances throughout the campus until their group’s scheduled critique or workshop.  The first group to hear their critiques were Mrs. Colvin’s creative writers.  Each student in the class submitted a piece of their choosing but did not have to attend Teen Arts.  Although the festival had a theme, the writings could stem away from it if the student decided to do so.  Out of all the submissions, four finalists will be chosen for the statewide Teen Arts Festival later in the year.

After a successful first year, the film club had the opportunity to submit some of their short videos to be critiqued by a judge, including “Turkey Day,” which was shown during St. Rose’s morning announcements before Thanksgiving.  The judge was very pleased with the club’s work and encouraged them to keep doing what they loved. Founder of the club and director Angelo Cifelli ‘17 said, “My vision as a filmmaker is to immerse the viewer into a cinematic experience creating a new universe for them to encompass their imagination and their lives as well.” They also participated in the “Lights, Camera, Action” workshop.

The dance team enjoyed a productive day complete with a performance and a master class.  Earlier in the morning, the girls had time to watch dances from other schools in a variety of styles.  One of the highlights was the Afro Brazilian Capoeira master class because the team learned a small part of a new genre that they may not have had the opportunity to be exposed to otherwise.  After the class, they performed the jazz dance to “Single Ladies” and received feedback from the judges.

The St. Rose artists had the chance to view displays from other schools as well as hear back about their own submissions.  The art was grouped by school and students could walk around to see as much of it as they could.  When asked about her favorite part, Julia Swanson ‘17 said, “I loved seeing work from kids our age from schools pretty close to ours.  It’s really awesome seeing the talent that’s out there.” As usual, the Teen Arts Festival was a successful and enjoyable day for all the students that could attend.  It is important to appreciate different forms of art because they can often be forgotten about.  The festival is the perfect way to experience and emphasize the significance of art in our lives.

By Katie Considine ’17. Arts Editor

Posted on by

Sophomore Retreat: Wearing the Armor of Christ

On Wednesday, March 15, the sophomore class went on their annual retreat, this year travelling to St. William the Abbot Church in Howell, NJ. A day full of spirituality, team bonding, and interaction with Christ, the Class of 2019 learned a lot about God, as well as themselves.

Arriving on busses, the sophomores immediately got to the church and were split into 13 groups of around 9 people, each group at their own table. They began discussing as a group the armor of Christ that they wear each day and how they wear it proudly. This comes from Ephesians 6:10-18, in which it says to “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” After this, each group was given pizza boxes to physically create their collective armor.

After the discussion, the sophomores retreated to mass and received the Eucharist. Sharing the sacrament together as a grade is always a way to spiritually bond, as it is a smaller setting than the typical St. Rose mass. Following the mass, the Class of 2019 conversed for a short time about the readings and the gospel, followed by a lunch break. Afterwards, the grade got back into their groups at the tables and played “simon says” with Mr. Petrillo acting as Simon. They then played a game in which all the chairs created a large circle with everyone sitting in them, with a few people standing in the middle who had to find a chair to sit in, and move everyone one seat to the right. This game was intended to help with teamwork, communication, and provide a bit of fun in the day. Sophomore Lauren Hickey said this was her favorite part of the day, “The games we played were really fun, it got everyone moving and having fun and it was a good break from the serious nature of the rest of the day.”

The class retreats at St. Rose are a long running tradition at the school, intended to provide the students a day to bond together as a grade and spend time focusing on God, his purpose for them, and how he is present in all of us. The day of spirituality is always an entertaining time and a way to connect with God in different and new ways!

 

By Jill Barry ’17, Staff Writer