MegaphoneCATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL - A HOLY CROSS SCHOOL - MARCH 4, 2016 - VOLUME 95, ISSUE 9 - 5225 E. 56TH STREET INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46226

by kara williams

Administration Announces New Daily Schedule for 2016-17 School Year

This year, every freshman, sophomore and junior knows that his theology class meets at the same time every day, that he’ll meet the same group of friends for lunch at the same time every day and that he will walk into math, spanish or any other class at the same time every day.

Next year, he might not.starting aug. 11 on the first

day of school, a new schedule that involves a seven-day rotation with longer periods, a daily flex period and fewer transitions between classes will be in effect.

The production and the im-plementation of this change is

headed by Chief academic Officer mr. matt mcCutcheon.

when Principal mr. Dave worland handed this project over to mcCutcheon, he enlisted the help of some other members of the faculty and staff, who formed a schedules subcommittee.

mcCutcheon said, “my goal was to get people who cared, but also a broad spectrum of people. i wanted people who had differ-ent thoughts and ideas on the subject.”

One of the teachers who volun-teered to be on this subcommittee is English department co-chair mrs. kathy keyes. she said, “what the committee and mr.

mcCutcheon tried to do is meet the requests and needs of as many groups as possible, always keeping in mind what’s best for students.”

along with the input of this subcommittee, mcCutcheon also

took into consideration research done by independent school management, an educational con-sulting company for independent and private schools. ism focuses on and researches several issues pertinent to schools, including scheduling.

some major points that ism emphasizes for effective sched-uling include rotation, transition times, class length and non-class-room time.

mcCutcheon and the com-mittee incorporated all of these details into the new schedule. mcCutcheon said, “a hallmark of these schedules should be a more effective use of time.”

Next year’s schedule will rotate on a seven-day cycle, and students will still have the opportunity to take eight classes. First period is the only stationary period of the day; all others rotate.

another major change from the current schedule is that all stu-dents will have a flex period in the mornings. This period will range from 20 to 70 minutes, depending on the day.

This is time built in for assem-blies, masses and county, as well as some new activities.

“A hallmark of these schedules should be a more effective use of

time.”Chief Academic

Officer Mr. Matt

McCutcheon

full transitions per day

minutes of passing time per day

645

8

1227:50am3:25pm

5-62-3251658:00am3:20pm

days with full-length classes

Start time

end time

class periods per day

class periods per day

full transitions

per day

minutes of passing

time per day

days with full-length

classes

Start time*

end time*graphic by emma flohr

and in with the newout with

the old...

*Time Subject to change

See ‘New Schedule’ on Page 2

NewsPAGE 2MARCH 4 2016

Some may remember an assem-bly from when they were fresh-men, some may recall one from just a few months ago. No matter what topic, how long or when an assembly occurs, the school conducts many of these events

Cost, Schedule, Theme are Factors that Affect Assembly Choices

Among the assemblies that have taken place this school year include the Rhodes Scholar and Sagamore of the Wabash recognition of Jay Ruckelshaus ’11. | Photos by Emma Flohr

Photo Poll

What are your St. Patrick’s Day plans?

Junior Evie Peterson

Sophomore Trent McDonald

Freshman Luca Foglio

“I’m usually in the parade.”

“I sleep in.”

“I have family in Ireland, so we

celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin.”

Sophomore David Havens

“I make green cupcakes

with my family.”

“The school thinks it is important for its students to be

exposed to different people, ideas and things going on around them.”

Chief Officer for Student Services

Dr. Tom Greereach year.

According to Dr. Tom Greer, chief officer for student services, the school assemblies range from being planned to being sponta-neous. “Sometimes opportunities

come up like Jason Evert, who is a chastity speaker,” Greer said, referring to the speaker who is scheduled for be here later this month and who has spoken here on two other occasions.

Greer added that he plans three to four assemblies based on the year’s theme. He said, “If you remember, (Mr.) Randy Rich, the football player, came to speak at

our school. He had similar themes as we do.”

However, another way assem-blies are arranged is through the speakers themselves presenting to Greer and his colleagues. This allows different guests to come to the campus and share their stories or interests with students.

Greer admits that some assem-blies are more effective than oth-

ers. He said that he noticed this situation and questioned how the school should ensure that all assemblies are as effective as possible. “I do wonder if we should just ask the kids about what sounds interesting, and what they think,” Greer said.

He said that some assem-blies are scheduled based on a specific event, such as Home-coming or the recognition of Jay Ruckelshaus ’11.

Another issue that Greer must consider is cost. Some assemblies result in no charge to the school, while others have their expenses or speaker fees split between schools if the speaker visits another high school and some are fully paid by the school.

Greer said the bulk of fund-ing for these assemblies come from generous donors.

Greer said, “The school thinks it is important for its students to be exposed to dif-ferent people, ideas and things going on around them.”

New Schedule Consists of Longer, Rotating Blocks, Flex PeriodsOn some days, this time will

be available for students to work on homework, collaborate on projects or do anything else they see fit.

McCutcheon said, “We will be able to do some things we haven’t currently been doing, and there will be more flexibility for assem-blies and other activities.”

This available time also removes the need for special schedules. McCutcheon said, “The flex time is the most important part of the new schedule because it does away with 25- to 30-minute class-es.” With this schedule, there will already be time allotted for assem-

blies, which means there will be no need for shortened classes.

Longer class periods will be another change from this year’s schedule. Classes will range from 50 to 80 minutes. Keyes said she sees these longer periods as an advantage for both students and teachers. She said, “I think that there is the possibility to explore different activities with students. I hope having a  longer block will lead us to be creative in the use of our time and to think outside the 45-minute time frame.”

McCutcheon cautioned stu-dents against having a knee-jerk reaction to hearing “80-minute

classes.” He said, “I think if people envision sitting in a chair for 80 minutes, they’ll find that’s not really the case.”

However, McCutcheon did acknowledge that the transition between schedules will present a few challenges. He said he believes that there will be “fewer challeng-es for students than teachers,” but that one common struggle might be “the initial thought of ‘oh my gosh, every day will be different.’”

Also, Keyes referenced change in general as another potential challenge students and staff could face in adapting to this new schedule. Keyes said, “I think

change is always hard, no matter how well-thought out or explained a change is.”

Overall though, the admin-istration hopes to see a positive change. McCutcheon said, “I think stress will drop, and there will be improvements on effective learning.”

McCutcheon, who has worked at schools with similar schedules, said that he hopes the students here will have an optimistic reaction that would mirror the one in his previous school. He said, “I was sur-prised at the positive impact a thoughtful schedule can make.”

BY MADDIE LUCIA

News PAGE 3MARCH 4 2016

upcoming events

March 12Band, choir and orchestra trip to Ireland until March

19

March 22Math League at 7:15 a.m.

TomorrowBest Buddies help with

registration and gifts after Splash Bash at the Colts Complex from noon to

2 p.m.

FridayBest Buddies meeting in Room 3304 at 3:30 p.m.

March 19Dash ’n’ Dine Holiday Park Trail Run at 9:30

a.m. and ends when the race is finished. Cost is

$25.

March 17St. Patrick’s Day

(no school)

WednesdayNew Club SoulCore meeting

from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. in Room 2303

March 23SoulCore Club meeting from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. in

Room 2303

CollegeSearch

This is the seventh in a series about the college application process. The Megaphone staff selected four seniors with different

backgrounds and interests to follow throughout the year as they look at, apply to and select a college to attend next fall. Each issue will also feature advice from a counselor, suggesting what current juniors or seniors should be doing to stay on track with applications, financial aid and scholarships.

COMPILED BY KARA WILLIAMS AND EMERSON WOLFF

Ms. MAria Cottone

Guidance counselor Mrs. Maria Cottone offered advice to the juniors

and seniors as to where they should be in the college process this month.

In March, all juniors should:

In March, all seniors should:

Juniors should keep their grades up. Junior year grades are the last grades colleges will see to initially make their admissions decisions.

Attend the greater Indianapolis College Fair in Carmel on March 16. More than 100 colleges will be there. Make appointments to go on college visits and explore colleges through Naviance’s SuperMatch. This will enable you to create a list of colleges you plan to apply to this fall.

If you haven’t already scheduled a college planning meeting with your counselor, contact him or her to set up a time. This meeting will last about 45 minutes. You and your parents will discuss your college plans and senior schedule with your counselor.

Complete the FASFA by March 10. Students must complete the FASFA for financial aid packages for college.

Make decisions on college admissions offers. If you need some extra insight, Ms. Kathy Pivonka is available to schedule time to meet and talk about your options.

Once you have decided on college, make housing arrange-ments. Often times the earlier you apply for housing, the better chance you have at getting your desired housing placement.

1.

2.

3.

1.2.3.

Lucy fralich Mackenzie isaac

Jack glaser

Lucy recently sent in her deposit for Indiana University. She filled out her housing application,indicating her preference to live in the northwest neighborhood at IU. Since turning these in, Lucy has looked for scholar-ships through the IU Foundation and Naviance. She plans on signing up for freshman orientation this month.

After visits to Butler Unviersity and University of Day-ton to confirm his decision, Jack has officially decided to attend the Univer-sity of Miami (Ohio) this fall. He put down his deposit this past month.

grant spicer

Last month MacKenzie received word that she has been accepted to Howard University. She will receive a decision letter from Washington University by mid-March and Harvard University’s decision date is March 31. At this time, Notre Dame University is the strongest contender. A week ago she received a phone call noti-fying her that she is a top 20 contender for the Fund for Hoosier Excellence Scholar-ship. She has an interview on March 12. There is the possibility she could receive $20,000 in tuition toward the in-state school of her choice.While her top choice is currently Notre Dame Uni-versity, MacKenzie wants to choose a school that will give her family the most financial support.

Grant will not receive any new college news until mid-March. 4. Maintain grades. The college you choose to attend will see

your final transcript.

FeaturePAGE 4MARCH 4 2016

Ultimate Irish: Band, Choir and Orchestra Head to Ireland

BY MORGAN CARTER

The band students better not skip leg day; they’ll be trekking up two hills and across five miles during the St. Patrick’s Festival Parade in Dublin, Ireland on March 17. The band will tour Ireland from March 12-19.

Band director Mrs. Kathy Mc-Cullough said, “The parade is the most unique thing that I’ve seen in my life, and I’ve seen a lot of parades.

“It’s very interesting because you rarely see green and sham-rocks. It’s more like a Mardi Gras parade. It’s very colorful and very religious.

“I can’t even describe the different things that are in the parade; there’s no consistency. There’s stuff (in the parade) that looks like it costs a million dol-lars next to something that looks like five friends pulling around a dog in a wagon. The floats and the costumes that people wear are very different.”

According to the St. Patrick’s Festival website, more than a million people from all around the world will attend the parade.

McCullough said, “The sheer number of people and TV cam-eras who will see us is crazy. The

people there are so welcoming to American bands.”

Junior and band member Marlee Clayborn said, “I’m really interested to see how differently the people react. I heard that they will hang out of windows and off of street signs while we perform.”

McCullough said that she is excited for the students to get the chance to learn about the people and history of their school and county system. She said, “The county system is more than just a T-shirt.”

The students will get the chance to tour three counties: Dublin, Galway and Limerick. While there, students will visit Adare Village, Blarney Castle, Bunratty Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, Cliffs of Moher, St. Nicholas Church, Taylor’s Three Rock, Trinity College and wool-en mills, where those famous Irish sweaters are made.

The students will also have the chance to meet Irish students and perform alongside them at the Aryan’s School of Music, which is “one of the rare schools that has a music program,” ac-cording to McCullough.

In an email, choir director Mr. Trevor Fanning, who will

accompany choir members on the excursion, said, “I’ve been to Ireland before. One thing I remember from my trip was how welcoming and generous the audiences and locals were. They invited us into their communi-ties, had us visit local schools and pubs and even got us to sing on the radio.”

He continued, “I think our students will feel very much at home on this trip.”

McCullough said, “It expands their horizons, and they get to see how other people live. It’s a different way of life. They will be opened to a wider world than what’s in Indianapolis. The majority of students don’t get to travel like this very often, so they’ll be getting a new experi-ence.”

Senior and band member Miranda Bridges said, “Person-ally, I’ve been to very few states, much less out of the country, so I’m excited to go. This trip will really help me in college and in the future.

“I want to go into medicine and international business, and this trip will help give me connections to the outside world beyond Indianapolis. I’m tired of seeing cornfields.”

Bridges is also excited to spend time with her friends and brother, freshman Blake Bridges, on the trip. Bridges said, “This will be Blake’s and my third year ever attending the same school, so we’ve never gotten the chance to be by ourselves and bond over something.

“This will be a lasting trip that I’ll finish off with my pals before I go on to the next stage in my life.”

Members of the orchestra also will make the trip. The orches-tra director did not respond to several requests for an interview for this story.

McCullough said that she hopes that all of the students from the different musical programs will get to know each other better during the trip. Fanning said, “The students have worked really hard to prepare for this trip.”

McCullough said, “I believe that travel is one of the luxuries of life; the fact that these kids will get to have this experience is amazing to me.

“I traveled when I was in high school band, and it was some of the best times of my life. I want to give that experience to as many kids as I can.”

Left, the Pride of the Irish march through the streets of Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day in 2008. Band director Mrs. Kathy McCullough noted how close the crowd is to the band. Right, members of the band pose in front of the Cliffs of Moher in ireland. | Photos submitted

Why Do We Get the Day Off on

St. Patrick’s Day?

St. Patrick’s Day in Indianapolis includes both celebrations and parades that, unlike most Marion County high school stu-dents, Cathedral students can attend.

In 1988, Dr. Tom Greer, chief officer for student services, suggested that the school take St. Patrick’s Day off. Greer said, “Years ago, I noticed many people would not be at school on St. Patrick’s Day. We called it green flu day because the kids wanted to go to the parade, so they would have their parents call them in sick.”

Several dozen students, such as band members and cheerleaders, already missed this day of school due to their participation in the parade. The band marches and plays and the members of all State champion teams walk. Other students take part if their club or organization is involved. Greer said, “In-stead of trying to stop the students from leaving and making a big deal about it, I suggested we just take the day off.”

Greer is now the man many students can thank for allowing them to partic-ipate in the wide range of activities around the city.

Sophomore Kathleen Meyer said, “I like having St. Patrick’s Day off be-cause I dance all day, and I can enjoy myself without worrying about missing school.”

BY ERIN COLLINS

Feature PAGE 5MARCH 4 2016

For years body image has been an issue for many teens who struggle to fit in during high school, whether it means becom-ing the class clown or being able to wear the perfect outfit that the popular crowd is wearing. Body image becomes a part of everyone at one point, and from the view of a counselor, certain trends have changed the culture.

According to academic and college counselor Mrs. Anne Katz,

stressing what it now means to have the perfect body is different from how it was even just a few years ago. “There’s more emphasis on athletic bodies now than just being supermodel thin,” Katz said.

She added that magazines and fashion runways are embracing the inclusiveness. Katz said one reason being that more people are giving feedback on how Photo-shop should be used less or not at all. She said, “I think there is more emphasis that women are more than what they look like, which is a positive thing.”

Katz explained that both genders and practically every teenager struggles with body image. She said that when she was in high school, who graduated from Park Tudor High School in 2003, it was different, but again, it was also similar to what girls

New Barbies Change the Way Men, Women View Body Image

College/AcademicsCounselor Mrs. Anne Katz

For decades society and culture sent a clear message to young women: Be thin, just like Barbie.

Women, young girls and even males have had to live with this standard for years. Magazine covers always featured a Size 0 model, celebrities were told that they need to lose 10 pounds for their next role and children’s toys were modeled after an unrealistic beauty queen in the form of a

School Nurse Mrs. Susan Mourouzis

plastic doll.Mattel’s introduction of new

shapes for Barbie dolls once again brings up the issue of teens, body image and culture.

School nurse Mrs. Susan Mou-rouzis mentioned that body image has been around for a long time, but in her childhood and teenage years it was indicated that there was only one kind of beautiful. “What you didn’t see back then was the acceptance of every body type,” Mourouzis said.

Although media, such as tele-vision and magazines, always in-fluenced this culture, the standard for defining beauty has changed. Mourouzis said, “Beautiful and big, beautiful and different. That’s what we are seeing now, but I think it has to do with kids becoming more engaging about the subject.”

What do you think about the new Barbie

and Ken dolls with different body types?

Sophomore Katie Chandler

Junior Colene Speckman

Senior Ryan Lenahan

“They are really going to change the way the future generation sees

themselves.”

“Honestly, I never thought to myself, as a

kid, that I wished Barbie was curvier or

taller.”

“The new Ken dolls with beer bellies will

give the little munchkins a different

perspective of the perfect man. ”

experience now. “There was a lot of emphasis on being skinny. You know, the popular kids were thin and I guess, even I strived for it,” Katz said.

However, on another note, Katz also said students will find that once they are on a college campus, in some cases body image may be less of an issue. She said that as she got older, she gained a better sense of herself. She said, “Every-one has different body types for filtering into just one standard.”

As a counselor for five years, Katz has come across girls who expressed their concerns to her about their physical appearance. There are many different ways to approach this issue, but she explained her method. She said, “I usually talk to them about how there is more to themselves than just weight and looks.”

Katz then goes on to talk about being and eating healthy. She then looks into making sure that there is not an eating disorder. “If it is something that categorizes as a disorder, and if it does, they need to see someone who is specialized in that specific area,” she said.

However, if it is not as serious as a disorder, Katz said she advises individuals to start a food log and work out. “Exercising is always a great way to make you feel better about yourself, too,” Katz said.

As an adult who struggled with body image in high school as many do, Katz wants all students to remember one thing. She said, “We’re all unique and everyone has a different body. If you’re eating well and active, you have more to offer than what’s on the outside.”

With that being said, being beautiful is not being thin. Mou-rouzis has come in contact with people who have had body image issues. She said that whenever a girl comes to her with an issue on body image, there are different ways to approach the subject, especially with different kinds of situations.

Mourouzis said that she comes across people with different eating

disorders, weight issues and body image problems. “Whatever the issue is, I’ve tried to give them some advice about how to deal with it, or I would say something of a reminder that their unique-ness is special,” she said. Adding to the approach, Mourouzis said she counsels both girls and boys.

“I show them that accepting yourself and who you are is a great thing,” Mourouzis said. But she also said that if they are over-weight, not to become skinny, but to become healthy instead.

As Mourouzis went on, she added that Hollywood does have a huge impact with body image in the society. “Celebrities like Selena Gomez and Jennifer Lopez help us to embrace who we are,” she said, explaining that if celebrities are comfortable with their bodies, others should do so.

Now, A Medical Professional Shares Her Experience on Dealing with Body Image

A Counselor Gives Her Opinion on Dealing with Body Image

“Beautiful and big, beautiful and different. That’s

what we are seeing now.”

School Nurse Susan MourouzisBY MADDIE LUCIA

BY MADDIE LUCIA

CulturePAGE 6MARCH 4 2016

• Start fresh every day

• Adopt a “meatless Monday”

• Put your phones in the middle of the table when out with your friends

• Thirty min-utes of exer-cise for every two hours of Netflix

• Cut back on sugar

• Clean out your closet

• Clean out your car

• Use a makeup with SPF

• Keep a jar for loose change

• Keep up on your medication

• Take your vitamins

• Sleep is most important

• Don’t buy foods with ingredients you can’t pronounce

• Start adding greens to your smoothies

• Wash your hands more

Healthy Habits

Life Hack

We are green,We are gold.

We are strong,We are bold.

Our hearts are Irish,It runs through our blood.

It pumps through our veins,It fills us with love.

Our lives are spent with our family and friends.

An Irish happiness that will never end.

With the trials in life and the things that we endure,

It’s comforting to have something,wholesome and pure.

Just as our ancestors came over here, We each explore a new frontier.Of life, and our teens and high

school all together,We have friends by our side, who will be with us forever.

Our enemies will be an envious green,

Because who wouldn’t love this whole Irish thing?

Irish

Moves to Make this MarchHot or Not: Spring Break Diets 6

Workout

Make sure your social

media is clean

Invest in a gym mem-

bership

Buy an interview

outfit

Read a mo-tivational

book

Get a nice watch

Watch a TED talk

Start a savings account

Start making a résumé

Clean your room

Make a list of ac-complish-

ments

Learn how to dance

Put aside every $5 bill you

get

7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Every Friday, Spotify features up and coming artists or any songs destined for popularity. Get ahead of the curve, and expand your musical tastes.

#Megaphonepic

BY ASHLEY KING

Photo of seniors on Retreat 4, Group 8. | Photo submitted by senior Mahayla Roscoe

Make sure all your

shoes are in good

condition

This app is great for those of us who need a little study break that isn’t Twitter or Instagram. This addictive game of stacking blocks offers a colorful, mind-teasing escape from real life. Within a week of downloading Stack, you will be addicted.

Download of the Month: Stack

“I just started mine today.”Senior Macy Trotter

“They stress me out.”Senior Mallory Kimmell

“If you want the body that bad, you should go

on that diet.”Freshman Kennedy Stepp

“Totally worth it. I think that you are not only making your-

self look better but feel better overall.”

Junior Gabi Sharp

“I think that you should always eat healthy, not just

at a certain time.”Freshman Matt Hankins

Anthems for 2016 and Beyond: Ultimate Playlists for Most Popular Music Genres

Country Rap/Hip-Hop/Pop EDM Throwbacks Alternative• “Candyman” by

Zedd• “This is Love” by

Tritonal• “Show Me Love”

by Sam Feldt• “Coming Over” by

Dillon Francis• “Stole the Show”

by Kygo• “Working For It”

by Zhu• “Gone” by Mono-

gem• “All My Friends”

by Snakehips• “Done With Love”

by Zedd• “Raindrops-Prince

Fox Remix” by SNBRN

• “Stay” by Kygo• “My House-Lexx-

matiq & Jiggi Re-mix” by Flo Rida

• “Temple-Niko The Kid Remix”

• “Good Girls Lie” by Akon

• “Sally” by Bibi Bourelly

• “Hello Friday” by Flo Rida

• “Work From Home” by Fifth Harmony

• “Desperado” by Rihanna

• “Hypnotized” by Akon

• “Something About You” by Majid Jordan

• “Hymn For The Weekend” by Coldplay

• “Adventure Of A Lifetime” by Coldplay

• “Something New” by Zendaya

• “Come on Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners

• “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac

• “Around the World” by Kompulsor

• “Never Let You Go” by Third Eye Blind

• “Fly Away” by Lenny Kravitz

• “Mr. Jones” by Counting Crows

• “Independent Women” by Destiny’s Child

• “Fly” by Sugar Ray• “Carry on My

Wayward Son” by Kansas

• “If It’s Lovin’ That You Want” by Rihanna

• “Love Like That” by Mayer Haw-thorne

• “Future Funk” by Nicky Romero

• “Sunshine” by Ma-tisyahu

• “Voodoo” by Allen Stone

• “Walking On A Dream” by Empire of the Sun

• “Nothing Ever Hurt Like You

• “Red Red Wine” by UB40

• “Knee Socks” by Arctic Monkeys

• “At Least I’m Not As Sad” by fun.

• “Santeria” by Sub-lime

• “Naive” by The Kooks

• “Short Skirt/Long Jacket” by Cake

• “Backroad Song” by Granger Smith

• “Top Of The World” by Tim McGraw

• “Die A Happy Man” by Thomas Rhett

• “Stay A Little Lon-ger” by Brothers Osborne

• “Break On Me” by Keith Urban

• “That Don’t Sound Like You” by Lee Brice

• “Night’s On Fire” by David Nail

• “Snapback” by Old Dominion

• “Nothin’ Like You” by Dan + Shay

• “Home Alone Tonight” by Luke Bryan

Culture PAGE 7MARCH 4 2016

Shamrauction Fund-A-Need Goal Reached

“I heard so much about being a co-chair and how you get to be involved with the kids.

I wanted to be able to give back to the students at Cathedral.”

Shamrauction Co-Chair Mr. Mark Cline ’84

“The best part is all the people that you meet during the process. It’s a wonderful way to

meet many new people at Cathedral.” Shamrauction Co-Chair Mrs. Cindy

Zweber-Free

“Seeing all my brothers, all the guys I used to coach and teach is the best part of Shamraction. It’s the best way to see

all the people I’ve met through Cathedral over the years.”

Mr. Tom ‘Super Sub’ O’Brien

At Shamrauction, over $113,000 was raised to construct a walking path up the Hill. This path will be named in

honor of Jen Maginot. Construction will start this summer.

850+Guests

Record-breaking

550+Auction Items

sold

Raffle Tickets

930total sold

GRAPHIC BY CHRISTOPHER BESSLER, PHOTOS BY EMMA FLOHR, DESIGN BY KARA WILLIAMS

BY MADDIE LUCIA For most students, the mad

dash out of the parking lot and down the Hill takes place just after the 3:25 ringing of the bell and the blessing of the student body.

But every day, senior Anna Jennings, she beats that rush.

Jennings is a Level 10 gymnast at Jaycie Phelps Athletic Center, where she has been for nearly six years now. She said that the gym is her passion. “I have been at that gym since the first day that the doors opened, and I couldn’t be more thankful. It is my safe haven and saving grace,” Jennings said.

Jennings said that a typical day includes waking up at 6 a.m. and making a protein shake for break-fast, getting to school, where she takes six classes, getting home to study for 50 minutes before head-ing to a five-hour practice, and eventually eating dinner, studying more and being in bed just after midnight.

Although she has a busy day, Jennings explained that she has acclimated to her schedule, due to the fact that she has been doing it for so long. “Each year the work gets harder, so I’ve gradually learned how to do it. I am really good at multitasking and time management, so getting my homework done really isn’t a problem for me,” Jennings said.

Jennings said that she does not have an assigned lunch peri-od, a resource or electives. She explained how she is enrolled in only required classes and an art class, but nothing else, which can reduce her opportunities to hang with her friends.

She said, “Since I don’t have a lunch, resource or electives, I miss out on the social time with my friends. It’s sometimes hard to keep friends and know their insides jokes because of it.”

Despite the demands of her daily schedule, Jennings made it clear that she is happy with her decisions. She added, “Gymnastics

has provided me with every-thing: a home, second parents and teammates I call my sisters.” Jennings said she is the person she is today because of this sport. She added that gymnastics has taught her determination, dedication, work ethic, confidence and time management.

While being at the gym for more than 40 hours in one week, Jennings manages not only school but a social life as well. She allows herself time on Saturday after-noons to catch up with friends, sleep and watch “Grey’s Anatomy.” On Sundays, she mentioned that her days consist of going to Latin Dance, catching up on homework and getting a massage.

She said, “I usually need a dose of social life to keep me sane. At least it makes me feel somewhat normal.”

Apart from the social aspects of the sport, Jennings added that gymnastics has taught her to take advantage of free time but use it wisely. She said that without a support system, she would not have been able to maintain this pace. One of those supporters in-clude her family members. “There are times where I’m having a bad day, week or month, and my fam-ily has been there to pick me back

up, especially my dad,” she said.Speaking of family, Jennings

added she views the school, its students and faculty as part of her family. She cited teachers who have all supported, mentored and gone out of the way to help her out. “To start, (social studies teacher) Mr. (Anthony) Ernst has been fantastic. He was my teacher freshman year and when I had breakdowns constantly, he would always be there to be a listening ear,” she said.

Ernst complimented Jennings on how well she managed being an athlete, student and leader throughout her time here. “Anna is a driven young woman who has the ability to put her mind to something and improve in herself. She is a student who cares about her success and also the wellbeing of her schoolmates. She is some-one who can make great contri-butions to the communities that she involves herself in going into college and beyond,” Ernst said.

Although she mentions Ernst as one of many supporters, Jennings also added that several of the counselors have assisted her, espe-cially mental health counselor Ms. Rebecca Heger. “She has been my saving grace and everything that I could ever imagine. I’ve known

her since freshman year and she has helped me through absolutely everything,” Jennings said.

Heger commended Jennings for being well organized and outgo-ing. “I have always been impressed by Anna’s tenacity and passion for her gymnastics. It’s a demanding sport that encompasses every part of one’s life 24/7. She is an inspi-ration to anyone with a dream of accomplishing something great,” Heger said.

Jennings said many other faculty members helped her in successfully maintain her academics while participating in gymnastics. Jennings cited college counselor Mr. Greg Bamrick, physical education teacher Mrs. Linda Bamrick, English teacher Mr. Richard Andriole, English teacher Ms. Laurie O’Brien, di-rector of guidance and counseling Ms. Kathy Pivonka and college counselor Mrs. Jill Arbuckle.

As the school year enters its final quarter, Jennings reflected on her experience at Cathedral and JPAC. She mentioned that a great memory, one she will never forget, involved her and her teammates struggling to push a car out of the snow on a road trip to watch a gymnastics competition.

“We were on the way to the meet, driving ourselves in the middle of winter. The car had driven right into a snowbank, and two of us got out and tried to push as one of the other girls was sitting in the driver’s seat, pushing the gas pedal. The tires rotated as that happened, but just splashed snow all over us. My teammate and I were soaking wet, and sat in the snow as we laughed for a straight 10 minutes,” Jennings said.

On a more serious note, she added that this school has impact-ed her life, but she looks forward to the future, especially with joining the Yale gymnastics team next fall. She said, “I’m excited for what is in store for me and all the adventures that lie ahead.”

Jennings Rocks, Tumbles and Rolls by Balancing School, Gymnastics

Typical Schedule for Anna Jennings

Use this QR code to check out a video about the Ivy League ath-letics and academics admissions process with senior Anna Graves.

You may also use the this link to watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qwVP1501DM

Senior Anna Jennings competes in the uneven bars (left) and Level 10 beam (right) at the 2015 Junior Olympic Nationals last May in Des Moines, Iowa. | Photo submitted

Period 1 IB Math SL Period 2 ENglish 12APeriod 3 AP PsychologyPeriod 4 Sports MedicinePeriod 5 ceramics IIPeriod 6 Government

jennings then goes home, eats lunch

and then heads to gymnastics each day.

FeaturePage 10MARCH 4 2016

Transfer Students Adjust to School, Irish TraditionsBY MARY STEMPKY

When the 325 members of the Class of 2016 graduate on May 22, most will have spent all four years of high school here.

However, that is not the case for several members of the class. According to registrar Ms. Amy Weber, 30 current seniors did not begin their high school careers here as first-semester freshmen seven semesters ago.

Twice a year, before the school year begins and at the semester break, the school experiences students who have rethought their choice of high school and, with the help of the office of enrollment

Junior Anna Graves studies in a classroom during her seventh period resource. | Photo by Morgan Carter

management, make the transition to Cathedral.

One such student who recon-sidered her choice of high school was junior Anna Graves. Graves transferred here from Hamilton Southeastern prior to her sopho-more year.

Graves said that before high school she went to a private school, St. John’s International School in Belgium, where class sizes averaged about 70 students per grade.

HSE’s 700-student class size was too big an increase for Graves. “It didn’t feel as personable,” she said.

Graves also said that from her perspective at HSE a student was only a number.

“Here you get an email with your own name in it. (Here) you’re an individual,” Graves said.

Graves’ transfer during her

freshman to sophomore year is the most common time for stu-dents to transfer.

According to Mr. Duane Emery, vice president of enrollment man-agement, the summer between freshman and sophomore year is the time that is most common for students to change schools.

“That freshman-to-sophomore transition is where (my office sees) the most movement,” Emery said.

While students may worry about fitting in, several students said they make it a point to help new students adjust.

According to Junior Class presi-dent Jack Mattei, reaching out can be difficult for students, but the best way is for transfers is to greet their classmates.

“At least welcoming them and saying ‘hi’ to them in the hallway is important,” he said.

Mattei said he feels no formal obligation to reach out simply because his role as class president. “It’s just something nice to do,” he said.

Transfers must also be willing to make inquiries. “Don’t ever hesitate to ask for help,” Emery said, who added that his office continues to assist students after they enroll and is happy to do so.

“Here you get an email with your own name in it. (Here) you’re an

individual.”Junior

Anna Graves

Some questions could even be about students doubting their choice.

However, Graves has never expressed a reservation. “(A transfer) may have doubts, (but) in the end it’s so worth it,” Graves said.

Transfers should also take a chance at the many opportunities that are offered here. “Be open to new things,” Emery said.

After transferring, Graves’ new Irish friends introduced her to theatre, which she says she loves.

They also told her about the school’s cross-country team and its tradition of excellence. The team was welcoming to her when she joined. “I improved a lot and I ended up running in the State meet,” she said.

About the switch from a large public high school to a smaller private, Catholic school, Graves said, “The opportunities are insane.”

And while the school is happy to welcome transfer students be-fore their sophomore and junior years, it is rare for an incoming senior to be admitted.

Emery said, “Unless there is a really compelling reason, we don’t enroll transferring seniors.”

Feature PAGE 11MARCH 4 2016

Senior Assassin Strikes AgainBY JACK QUIGLEY

If you see a student hid-ing and armed with a brightly colored transparent gun, do not be alarmed. It’s senior assassin season.

For the game that once again is taking the Senior Class by storm, the objective is simple: “assassi-nate” your target within one week or risk elimination.

To conduct a proper assassina-tion, a player must either spray his target with a squirt gun or tap the target with the toy gun.

Once the target has been eliminated, the player inherits the victim’s target and repeats the same cycle until you’re last man standing.

Your reward? More than $700 as a result of each participant kicking in five dollars.

Just as every contest needs a winner, this game would not be possible without someone to assign targets and collect and hold the prize money.

Senior Annabelle Adams, the treasurer and organizer of this year’s free-for-all, said that once she heard that there was an opportunity for someone to take charge of the non-school sanctioned event, she was one of the first to contact Senior Class president Jackie Mooney.

“I volunteered,” said Adams, “partly because I thought it would be too stressful for me to play and partly because I thought it would be fun to hear about all of the crazy assassination stories.”  

This year’s game definitely has had no shortage of such stories. According to senior Hannah Brennan, her assassin went to great lengths to tag her.

“He stole my backpack and kept it for 31 hours,” said Brennan, referring to senior Noah Tubbs.  

Adams said in the past the entire process has taken up to two months, so this year’s version, which began early last month, continues.

How were you eliminated

in senior assassin?

Senior Gabe DeSanto

Senior Colin O’Connor

Senior Ellen Flood

“Alec Jansen paid me $20 to let him

shoot me.”

“Jake Helmen hid in my garage for an hour, and as I was walking to my car to go to school, he

shot me.”

“When I woke up, David Kronenberger

was standing over my bed with his water gun.”

Irish Wrestlers Place Third in State, Wrap up Season with High Hopes for Next YearBY NICK MURPHY

After winning the State championship two years ago and finishing as State runner-up last year, six members of Head Coach Mr. Sean McGinley’s ’88 wrestling team returned to Bankers Life Fieldhouse to compete in this year’s State Finals.

Two weeks ago the team competed in the State wrestling tournament. Six athletes compet-ed: freshman Lukasz Walendzak, 106-pound weight class; freshman Jordan Slivka, 113; junior Breyden Bailey, 126; senior Blake Rypel, 182; junior Ben Stewart, 195; and senior Ryan Guhl, 220.

Five of the six advanced to the quarterfinals on Saturday morning.

For the first time in school history, all five wrestlers won their morning matches and moved on to the Semifinals.

McGinley said, “(The) biggest match was Ryan Guhl, who beat the returning State champ in overtime and that guy is actually ranked third in the country.”

Of the five who competed in the semifinals, Rypel was the only Irish wrestler to advance to the State Championship match.

Rypel won his match 4-2 and earned his second consecutive State championship.

As a team, the Irish finished third in the State with 77 points, six points behind State runner-up Brownsburg’s 83.

Warren Central won the State title with 105.5 points.

Four of the six State qualifiers will return next year and will be joined by a strong group of other wrestlers who performed well during the tournament but did not qualify for the State Finals.

Several State Qualifiers to Return

Senior Blake Rypel Repeats at State ChampSenior Blake Rypel has been

wrestling for the better part of his life. When he was 7, Rypel’s basketball coach encouraged him to take a shot at wrestling and he did. At first, wrestling was tough because “it is pretty hard to get into it,” he said.  

However, three years later, wrestling became his Number-1 priority, and Cathedral became Rypel’s Number-1 choice chiefly because of the wrestling oppor-tunities it provides. “I talked to (Head Coach Mr. Sean) McGinley for a long time before I came here,” Rypel said.

During Rypel’s freshman and sophomore year, he was not the spotlight of the team, but that all changed his junior year when he won his first State title.

Rypel continued to win a sec-

Now that the 2015-2016 season is over, it’s time to look forward to next year.

This past season “(the team) had quite a few injuries to battle through,” said Head Coach Mr. Sean McGinley ’88.

However, the team made it to State and finished in third place.

With four of the six State plac-ers returning next year, there will be no shortage of talent. The team is hoping for a couple freshmen to join the ranks along with return-ing wrestlers who were unable to compete this year due to injury.

After the success shown this year, the team has very high hopes for next year.

With a number of seniors leaving for college, the team is losing a two-time State champion

along with Ryan Guhl, Trevor Bagwell and more. These seniors have helped set the stage for the underclassmen to excel in their future wrestling careers.

“My expectations are for us to win,” said junior Ben Stewart. With key wrestlers including freshman Lukasz Walendzak, freshman Jordan Slivka, sopho-more Zach Melloh, sophomore Dylan Stewart, junior Breyden Bailey and Stewart returning along with a number of sopho-mores, the stage is set for another successful season.

After Rypel’s back-to-back State championships, the team is looking for more next season. Junior Breyden Bailey’s hopes are high. He said, “(I expect) a State championship and nothing less.”

After he won the State title in the 182 -pound division, senior Blake Rypel celebrates on the mat at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. This marked the second straight year Rypel won an individual State title. | Photo by Megan McEntire

ond State championship his senior year and finished his career with a record of 166-7.

Rypel captured this year’s State title in the 182 weight class against senior Cameron Jones from Law-rence North. He beat the opposing senior 4-2.

“I have one of winningest records in Indiana wrestling his-tory,” said Rypel, “which is in the top 50 in Indiana.”

With all of his success, Rypel has earned a total of 92 college offers with 31 of those being from Division I schools such as Stan-ford University.

The two-time State champion has chosen to take his talents to Indiana University next year. He said, “I didn’t want to leave home (and) I’ve always been a diehard IU fan,” said Rypel.

“My expectations are for us to win, but we will see what happens.”

Junior Ben StewartJunior Ben Stewart takes on Lake Central wrestler Jake Kleimola in the third place match for the 195-pound division. | Photo by Megan McEn-tire.

SportsPAGE 12MARCH 4 2016

Sports PAGE 13MARCH 4 2016

Boys’ Basketball Finishes Season, Looks Toward Next YearBY ERIN COLLINS AND AMANDA KEILMAN

Above, the Irish warm up before the Sectional game against the North Central Panthers on Tuesday. | Photo by Amanda KeilmanBelow, senior Eron Gordon dribbles the ball down the court. | Photo by Erin Collins

season REcord: 17-6Indianapolis Howe, 88-72 W

Northland, 64-49 L

Warren Central, 75-67 W

Lawrence Central, 74-65 L

Bishop Chatard, 101-54 W

Arsenal Technical, 75-63 L

Brebeuf Preparatory, 60-54 W

Center Grove, 82-67 W

Indianapolis Northwest, 99-57 W

Taylor County, 51-50 W

Carmel, 62-60 W

Covenant Christian, 90-51 W

Indianapolis Howe 81-73 W

Arsenal Technical, 60-55 L

Franklin Central, 61-45 L

Bowman Leadership Academy, 74-62 W

Bishop Luers, 68-43 W

Roncalli, 66-64 W

Heritage Christian, 80-40 W

Ben Davis, 82-77 W

Romulus Senior High School, 80-56 W

Lafayette Central Catholic, 86-64 W

Sectional vs. North Central, 58-54 L

roster 0 Freshman James Franklin G2 Senior Mathew Paligraf F3 Senior Matt Schultheis G4 Sophomore Donyell Meredith G5 Senior Jordan Walker G10 Senior Eron Gordon G11 Junior Jarron Coleman G12 Junior Tony Johnson G13 Junior Tra Landers G21 Junior Jack Myers F22 Junior Austin Kendrick F30 Freshman Armaan Franklin G33 Junior Danny Goggans FSophomore Jayden Edwards GSophomore Ben Treece FSophomore Jacob Ball GSophomore Morgan Seagrave G

Playing in what is easily the most competitive Sectional in the state, the Irish boys’ varsity basketball team played in the first round of the tournament Tuesday night at Tech.

After falling behind to sec-ond-ranked North Central, 13-0, the team made its presence known with a dunk by senior Jordan Walker.

However, after a valiant effort made by the team, its season end-ed with a 58-54 loss.

The team ended the season 17-6. In a brief interview outside the locker room after the game, Head

“Overall I think we had a lot of highs

during the year and a couple lows. It’s

been a long season, and I’m really proud

of the guys for battling. And at the end of the year, we

put together a really solid season.”

Coach Andy Fagan ’97

Coach Mr. Andy Fagan ‘97 said, “Overall, I think we had a lot of highs during the year and a couple lows.

“It’s been a long season and I’m really proud of the guys for battling, and at the end of the year, we put together a really solid season.”

With four senior key players graduating, it will be up to the underclassmen to become leaders. Fagan said, “Every year you lose

guys, and new players have to have the courage to step up and do just that, but (at this point) I don’t know who that is.”

Senior Matt Schultheis has played basketball all four years of his high school career.

He said that his favorite part of being a member of the varsity basketball involved his chance to be with his teammates every day and, as he said, “go to battle with them.”

Schultheis also said, “I have grown a lot as a player through this year. I tried to help show the younger players how to do things in our program so they can be successful after this year’s seniors leave.”

Highlights of the season include a season opener win against Indi-anapolis Howe, a four-overtime win over the Carmel Greyhounds, a close win over Taylor County, a large victory over the Bishop Chatard Trojans and another close win over the Roncalli Rebels.

OpinionPAGE 14MARCH 4 2016

Corrections from Feb. 12 IssueIn a feature article on Page 7, Mr. Jerry Sidwell’s title was incorrectly listed. His title should have been identified as an EMS employee. The Megaphone staff apologizes to Sidwell for this error.

In a sports article on Page 16, science teacher Ms. Shelbi Burnett’s first name was misspelled. The Megaphone staff apologizes to Burnett for this error.

Movie Review: Oscar-Winner Leonardo DiCaprio in New Film ‘The Revenant’BY AMANDA KEILMAN

Column: How St. Patrick’s Day has Affected my Life, Experiences and Memories BY ERIN COLLINS

This past Sunday, “The Revenant” was nominated for 12 Oscars, for which it won three.

The movie takes place during

In a sports feature on Page 14, there was an error concerning freshman Luca Foglio. He should have been identified as a member of the hockey team. The Megaphone apologizes to Foglio for this error.

the fur trades in the early 1800s. The main character, Hugh Glass, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, is attacked by a bear, and after attempting to save him, his team leaves him to die in order to save themselves. Consumed by the need for revenge, Glass beats all odds and begins an attempt to track them down.

This past Sunday, the mov-ie won three Oscars for best performance by an actor in a lead role, best achievement in directing and best achievement in cinematography. It was also nominated for motion picture of the year, best performance by an actor in a supporting role, best achievement in film editing, best achievement in costume design, best achievement in makeup and hairstyling, best achievement in sound mixing, best achievement in sound editing, best

achievement in visual effects and best achievement in production design.

Among the three wins was DiCaprio’s sixth nomination and after years of waiting, his first win (cue tears from fangirls and cheers from the internet blogs).

It is obvious why he won. From being mauled by a bear to sleeping inside a dead horse (don’t worry, PETA, it wasn’t real), DiCaprio was pushed to his limits as an actor. There were several times during the film where the pain his character endured made me cringe, because I believed him.

He successfully convinced the audience that he really was near death and set on revenge.

DiCaprio was not the only actor who was memorable. Tom Hardy was nominated for best perfor-mance by actor in a supporting role. What was most impressive

about his work was the way he embodied the persona of his char-acter. What was most noticeable was his accent. Hardy was born and raised British, but viewers would have never guessed. He spoke as though he’d spent his whole life hunting for fur in the woods.

Hardy creates a sense of fear around his character. Although he stands only 5 feet, 9 inches, Hardy conveys an atmosphere of intim-idation that usually surrounds significantly taller men.

The movie is rated R. It consists of extreme and constant violence, usually in fight scenes between Native Americans, Americans and French, which viewers may find disturbing. Along with the violence is a brief scene of sexual assault, which may also disturb viewers. Also, racial slurs and other language that would earn

Irish dance has been one of the most rewarding activities in my life. I have met some of my best friends and been challenged physically and mentally.

All the experiences have been amazing, but over the past 13 years, the day I look forward to the most is St. Patrick’s Day.

St. Patrick’s Day is without a doubt one of the most enjoyable days of the year. My academy, Richens/Timm, travels around Indianapolis and dances at various grade schools throughout the day.

We also participate in the parade Downtown and dance at other locations that ask us to perform. The parade is always fun because we have younger dancers who walk with us.

We call them our parade bud-dies. I really enjoy that because it is a way for me to meet other dancers in our academy, which is ultimately the point of St. Patrick’s Day, besides dancing for people in our community.

From the time that we are little, each dancer looks forward to appearing at the Rathskeller. Only the oldest dancers in our academy can perform there, and it is such an amazing experience.

I can remember watching the older girls dancing at the Raths-keller. I thought that they were so

students several detentions is used throughout.

The best part of “The Revenant” was the casting. Two actors were nominated for Academy Awards, and the rest of the cast did just as well. However, after watching it, I am not sure the movie deserved its best motion picture nomina-tion. All the reviews of the movie applaud it and give it high ratings, but I felt as though there was not much of a plot. The story seemed thin and almost repetitive, and overall the movie was about 30 minutes too long.

In the end, I did like the movie, but I would not rush to go see it again. If I had to spend two hours and 36 minutes doing something, watching this movie would not be my top choice. However, I do rec-ommend seeing the movie once, even if it is just to see what won DiCaprio his first Oscar.

great, and I could not wait until I was one of them and was able to dance there.

The first time I did, it was so much better than I ever imagined. The crowd got so into the whole performance, which made it that much more enjoyable. Now it is such a cool experience because I am one of the older girls who the younger dancers look up to.

The atmosphere is so fun, and it is times like these when you really bond with your friends and the other dancers.

Irish dance has provided me

such great opportunities and memories, and I am so excited for St. Patrick’s Day this year, even though it will be a bittersweet moment for me. This will be the last time I will dance for grade schools, walk in the parade and dance at the Rathskeller. I will miss all of these elements of St. Patrick’s Day dearly.

I have enjoyed dancing at all of these locations and even though I will be sad to say goodbye, these are memories that I will cherish forever, and hopefully something the audience will remember, too.

StaffEditorial

“Go Irish.” We say all the time. We

yell it at basketball games. We wear it on T-shirts and paint it on our faces. It is our battle cry, our motto and our motivation. Go Irish.

However, as we approach St. Patrick’s Day, it has more meaning than words printed on a T-shirt.

It’s our history. Cathedral was founded by the Holy Cross brothers of Notre Dame, who gave us our Irish name. Since then, we have proudly deemed ourselves Irish.

Irish can be seen from ever corner of the school. Our Irish blessings every Friday, the bag pipes playing before every football game and our counties named after real counties in Ireland are a few of the ways we are Irish.

In Ireland, the family unit is of utmost importance. The values instilled by the family from a young age is perhaps the most important stage of development for Irish citi-zens. That custom is certainly

present at Cathedral.The teachers and leaders we

have here are a lot like par-ents. They give us knowledge, guidance and morals that will stay with us forever. During such a formative time in our lives, they nurture us through it all. Their leadership allows us each to develop as individ-uals, while still maintaining important values.

Our classmates are very similar to siblings. For those of us who actually have sib-lings, we know the unique-ness of the relationship. They challenge us every day. We compete with them, fight with them and compare our-selves to them. In this way, we grow.

However, we also love them. We accept their flaws and help them through their struggles. With them by our side we become better people and make them better, in turn.

Irish folklore has estab-lished a very important aspect of Cathedral, our leprechaun.

In Ireland, the leprechaun is a mischievous, lucky little man who makes shoes and hunts for pots of gold. At Cathedral, the leprechaun is the leader of our school. He is a spirited, enthusiastic individual who cheers on the blue and gold.

While we hold many of these Irish traditions, we have established many traditions. We have made the Irish name our own. We have made the Irish stand for a beautiful melting pot of kids from all over. We have made the Irish stand for a Catholic school on the Hill. We have made the Irish name stand for the victories, academic and athletic.

We are Irish because we are motivated. We are Irish because we are spirited. We are Irish because we live lives for God, we never give up a fight and we love each other like family.

We are strong, we are one, we are children of God.

And since we are all these things, we are Irish.

Go Irish: Motto Rooted in History, Tradition

MegaphoneStaff

Co-editors in chief: Kara Williams, Emerson Wolff

Photo editor: Emma Flohr

Culture editor: Ashley King

Feature editor: Morgan Carter

News editor: Kara Williams

Sports co-editors: Erin Collins,Amanda Keilman

Opinion editor: Ashley King Emerson Wolff

Graphic designers: Christopher Bessler Emma Flohr

Photographers: Emily Abriani Emma Flohr

Cartoonist: Brooke Sim

Reporters: Morgan Carter Erin Collins Sydney Hutchinson Catherine Jasper Amanda Keilman Ashley King Maddie Lucia Nick Murphy Jack Quigley Evan Schoettle Mary Stempky

Lauren Smith Jenna Williams

Adviser: Mr. Tony Willis

Principal: Mr. David Worland

President: Mr. Stephen Helmich

Contact Us At:Twitter @IrishMegaphone

Mission Statement:The Megaphone strives to deliver honest and ac-curate news that informs the readers and allows them to make educated decisions based on the content published. Our goal is to not only report the basic facts, but also to provide in-depth and thorough coverage of all subject matters.

Email megaphoneink@gmail. com

Room Loretto 2214

Megaphone is a forum for public expression. These opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the entire Megaphone staff or of Cathe-dral High School.

Megaphone is the student newspaper of Cathedral High School, 5225 E. 56th Street,

Indianapolis, IN 46226, (317-542-1481), and is published every three to four weeks.Megaphone is a member of:Indiana High School Press Association,National Scholastic Press Association

StaffMARCH 4 2016

Page 15

VS

Face Off: WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE NEW SCHEDULE?Catherine jasper jenna williams

There is a popular saying, “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” or even the version that drives English teachers nuts: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

By now almost everyone has heard of the plan for a new sched-ule next year. My question: Why do we need a new schedule?

Our current schedule offers every student with nine 45-min-ute periods.

That means there is 45 minutes for lunch, resource and classes. This is great for memorizing your schedule and knowing you will be going to the same classes every day in the same order.

Having organized class periods is good if a student has to miss a day.

If someone is sick or just has to be out one class period for an appointment, he can rest assured that he will see his teacher again the next day to go over what he missed.

The nine-period class days also offer the option of late arrival or early dismissal, a luxury that is hard to accomplish with the new rotating block schedule.

If you are scheduled to have early dismissal ninth period, but you are on a day when ninth period doesn’t meet, this elimi-nates the option of providing this privilege.

The nine-period day is com-fortable and takes no time to think about. You are never second

immense amount of chaos. Another part of the new sched-

ule that is good for both students and teachers is the late starts.

Every few days, there will be one day on which we get to start school later. This will allow stu-dents to sleep in twice a week, and who doesn’t love extra sleep?

Instead of sleeping in, students could also use this time to meet with clubs or extracurricular activities or for some extra study time in the morning before a test.

Finally, the fact that the sched-ule rotates is another advantage. Because of this, students will have their classes at a different time each day.

This is good because now peo-ple who absolutely hate mornings won’t be stuck in the same class each day.

The same goes for people who get tired toward the end of the school day. These students don’t have to hate their last period class now because it will be different every day.

Overall, the new schedule has many advantages for both stu-dents and teachers. Most schools in the surrounding area have moved to this type of schedule, and it seems to be working.

Reworking the schedule here will provide an exciting new change for next year, and it will allow for a break in the monotony of the typical school day.

Let the changes begin.

guessing which class you are supposed to be in, and you are guaranteed to be able to meet with your teachers every day. With nine periods a day, passing periods become organized.

You know you have time to run to the restroom between sixth and seventh, or you can stop by your friend’s classroom after second period.

A day divided into nine periods makes forming relationships eas-ier. Everyday you know you will see the same people in each set period. It becomes harder to feel comfortable with other students if you don’t see them each day.

The current schedule provides a stability that will be hard to come by when next year’s schedule takes effect, as there is no question, no confusion and it is what students are used to.

A schedule seems like an insignificant thing that students would not be worried about, but changing it can cause unnecessary stress. Why make school harder for the students?

Follow the saying, don’t change the schedule because it isn’t broken. In a world full of change, sometimes it’s better to have something you can rely on.

The new schedule will provide sev-eral positive changes for the upcoming year.

These changes will

be good for students, keeping them engaged and giving them

better opportunities to focus. From a student perspective, one

of the best parts of this change will be the amount of free time we’ll have.

The daily flex period will give us time to do homework, study for upcoming tests, meet with teachers or even just relax and talk to our friends. This mid-morning break is a fantastic time to be productive, however we see fit.

Also, even when this time isn’t free for us to use, it will still be helpful. When we use it for assemblies or speakers, it will help us not have to memorize a bunch of different schedules.

Now, we have so many different shortened schedules that I never know when classes will start or end. Between county activity schedules, two hour delay sched-ules and assembly schedules, memorizing all these different ones is a nearly impossible task. With this new schedule, there is time built in for the activities that normally would create this

Face OffPAGE 16MARCH 4 2016