SENTINEL Volume 3: Issue 2 - Saint Raphael Academy
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Saints’
SENTINEL
Volume 3: Issue 2 November 2020
by Cooper Arnold
Moving Forward
The transition of opening Saint ing throughout the classrooms. tain as of yet, one thing is for
Raphael Academy in full is on the Some things, however, will sure. Mr. Richard is “extreme-
minds of students, teachers, and remain unchanged, such as be- ly pleased with the students’
families alike. In an interview with ing required to wear a mask. mask wearing and the dedi-
Principal Richard, he explains Also, the full virtual model will cation to following the rules.”
what the current future looks still be accessible to students “The teachers’ dedication and
like and what is to be expected. who find that option the best ability to multitask and teach
First off, in the world of for them and their families. a group of students in front
Covid-19, much is uncertain. While the administration and of them and virtually, for ev-
The school has reevaluated not teachers want to see all of their ery class, is remarkable. [Mr.
to open in full during the month student’s faces, it is imperative Richard] appreciates all the
of November. There is hesitancy that the school waits until it is hard work everyone is doing to
due to the rapid rates of increase safe to open. Saint Raphael make this situation work and it
around the State of Rhode Island. Academy has done a stupen- is because both students and
While the full-in person mod- dous job with working with the photo by Cooper Arnold
teachers are working together
el is not going to happen this virus and all its uncertainties. that makes this all achievable.”
month, it is important to note There have only been a hand- sure that there continues to be During these challenging
changes that will occur when ful of students required to quar- a safe learning environment, times it is important to remem-
the time comes. Lunch tables in antine thanks to the work of the but also a wonderful academ- ber that we are all one Saints‘
the cafeteria will be added, but students, teachers, and cleaners ic experience shared by more community and that, together,
social distancing is still a must. at the Academy. Safety super- than ninety years of alumni. we can continue to handle this
With more desks needed, there sedes all aspects of this school While transitioning to the virus and come out stronger than
will be more cleaning and sanitiz- year. Saints wants to make full-in person model is not cer- ever. Let us stay Saints Strong!
by Cooper Arnold
Election Day 2020
This year’s presidential elec- the District of Columbia are au- fact that thousands of ballots It is important to remember
tion is expected to be like tomatically mailing ballots di- will be received on the day of that many millions of Americans
no other. Due to COVID-19, rectly to all registered voters. the election and there may not will still vote in person on No-
new forms of early voting These new rules have creat- be time to count them within vember 3, enthusiastic to vote
have changed the way elec- ed a mass influx in the num- that twenty-four-hour period. for their presidential and con-
tions are held within America. ber of mail-in ballots being Also, some states only require gressional candidates. While
Usually, most people head to cast within the United States. the mail in ballots to be post this election is very tense and
the polls on election day, vote, Mailing in ballot gives marked by the third, meaning stressful for many Americans,
and return home. There was more people the opportuni- that they may not even arrive it is important to remember
also the option to request a ty to vote and gives those till days after the election. There that the right to vote is an ex-
mail in ballot, so long as there afraid of being exposed to is also a concern that mass vot- tremely important duty. It al-
was a valid reason for doing COVID-19 a safer alternative. er fraud may be committed due lows citizens to make their
so (such as being disabled). There are, however, draw to the automatic mailing of bal- voice heard, rally against is-
This year, however, 34 states backs to the system. The big- lots. This issue, drawn primarily sues, and institute change.
are permitting anyone, regard- gest draw back is that the win- through party lines, has it war- Having the privilege to
less of need, with the ability to ner of the election will most rants, but overall, it appears vote is immense, so regard-
request a mail-in ballot. Even likely not be declared on Elec- that this method of voting is, for less of which candidate you
more extreme, nine states and tion Night. This is due to the the most part, safe and secure. support, make sure you vote!
photos courtesy of Getty Images
2 News
Spotlight on Mr. Thibault
by Isabella Calise
The little things in life are and cough was not match- photo by Mary Nicole Hunsberger nurses that cared for him. From
often overlooked. Prior to the ing with the world’s informa- rushing to his bedside to shav-
Coronavirus outbreak, a chance tion that depicted the pres- ing his beard, Mr. Thibault is
to breathe fresh air, give some- ent virus as a flu-like disease. in awe of the sympathy and
one a hug, or live a healthy life Not long later, he was advised compassion the men and wom-
went seemingly without notice. to go to the hospital once more en displayed. “[They] are like,
Mr. Thibault, the present for testing and admittance. For to me, angels from God,” he
Vice Principal of Student life days on end, Mr. Thibault laid says, “I told them [their] par-
at Saint Raphael Academy, re- in a hospital bed under the ents must be so proud.” During
flects on his outlook on life af- burden of extreme antibiot- his illness, Mr. Thibault turned
ter conquering Covid-19 when ics, severe intubation, and the to prayer and meditation as an
he says, “I appreciate a blue ever-present thought of peril. outlet for hope and compassion.
sky, appreciate a lot of things… As a natural-born fighter, As we go to school each day
appreciation runs deeper now.” Mr. Thibault described the up- wearing a mask, checking our
After a week-long trip in the hill battle like “[when] fight- symptoms, and social distancing,
Mediterranean coast during Feb- ing against the tide… you’re it is important that we remember
ruary break of 2020, Mr. Thi- going to tire yourself out.” that anyone can get the virus.
bault’s mild, cold-like, symptoms Despite receiving his Last God will give everyone the op- Although the virus varies
quickly skyrocketed into the Rites (Annointing of the Sick) portunity to be a hero in their life in symptoms and side effects
life-threatening side effects of the our Vice Principal did not lose story when they least expect it. for each person, Mr. Thibault
Coronavirus. “Every day you are faith in himself or God’s abilities. Looking back on his expe- shares that “if people wear
sick, you get more sick… you get “I [wrote] the article to save riences, emotions, and diffi- masks, we are going to reduce
worse,” Mr. Thibault cited when people and raise awareness,” he culties, Mr. Thibault remains [the] possibility [of infection].”
he struggled to be recognized by shares,” but all my life I felt I had grateful for the thoughtful By following medical direc-
the Rhode Island Department of to do something extraordinary.” letters, kind messages, and tion, staying positive, and fear-
Health as a victim to the virus. In the midst of his survival story, prayers people wished him. lessly battling his condition,
At the time, the typical Mr. Thibault realized God is al- He also could not help but Mr. Thibault truly overcame
cold sweat, chest congestion, ways listening. He believes that emphasize the doctors and the Coronavirus, Saints Strong.
Court Confirmation
by Olivia Costanzo
After the death of the leg- born on January 28th, 1972 and and is rather respected for her
endary Ruth Bader Ginsburg received her degree in law from skill; however, there are some
on September 18th, there has Notre Dame Law School in 1997 politicians who disagree with
been an opening in the Su- at the top of her class. She is a her stances on certain topics.
preme Court. Despite Ginsburg’s devout Catholic though she says After four days of hearings,
request for her position to be that she keeps her religious be- her vote was officially confirmed
filled after the 2020 presiden- liefs out of her decision making. by the Senate on Monday, Oc-
tial election, President Donald She is an originalist, meaning tober 26. She was sworn in by
Trump has nominated Amy Co- she interprets the Constitution as Justice Clarence Thomas that
ney Barrett to take her place. the authors intended at the time same day. Barret says it is “a
Barrett was a federal judge of writing, which can sometimes privilege to be asked to serve
on the US Court of Appeals, a be considered as conservative. my country,” and looks for-
position she has held since Oc- She has received several awards ward to serving the American
tober 31st, 2017. Barrett was photo courtesy of Getty Images for her achievements in law people in her new position.
SENTINEL
Saints’
Staff 2020 - 2021
Section Editors:
Editor-in-Chief: Isabella Calise
Staff Writers: Mary Nicole Hunsberger
Chatham McCloskey
Cooper Arnold Marietta Moore Lauren Reilly
Isaac Arbelaez-Venegas Meryem Oldro Emily Ryder
Katherine Baxter Adi Pfeiffer
Isabella Calise Lauren Reilly Copy Editors:
Olivia Costanzo Emily Ryder
Marietta Moore
Mary Nicole Hunsberger Victoria Silva
Meryem Oldro
Jake Knox Kaziah Twumasi
Adi Pfeiffer
Chatham McCloskey Sheila Tu
Kaziah Twumasi
Sponsor: Mrs. Gaffney-Hsu Sheila Tu
Sports 3
Saints Sports Stay Strong
by Mary Nicole Hunsberger
Saint Raphael Academy’s
fall athletes have been making
moves on the field and court all
month with some great wins.
Just over a month into
school and a month into the
athletic calendar, soccer play-
ers, tennis players, cheerlead-
ers and cross-country runners
are all happy to be in session.
School sports have been-
quite different for everyone,
not only the players. However,
Saints fans have not stopped
supporting. Family members
and friends of athletes have photo by Mrs. Farrell
lined up along fences and fin-
ish lines to cheer on and con- The supporters from the fence Moreover, the athletes are hap- you to come and support, too.
gratulate our athletes. Most are not the only new norms for py to have Saints cheerleaders Stay tuned for updates on
fans have been lining up along fall athletes. In addition to their to support and bring some ex- upcoming games and races,
the fence, but just last week- typical half-time, girls and boys tra school spirit to home soccer home and away, in the morning
end, some Saints fans decided soccer players luckily receive games as well as cross country or afternoon announcements
to test the waters as they were a mask break twenty minutes meets. When it is permitted by and in your email. Let’s cheer
allowed to sit on the bleachers. into each forty minute half. RIIL, the athletes would love for these teams on to victory.
NFL During Playoff Season
Covid-19 Delivers
by Jake Knox by Jake Knox
The Coronavirus has affected one of the first teams to deal
nearly every sports organization with a major Coronavirus is- As the NBA and NHL wrap
from track and field all the way sue heading into week four up their seasons the MLB has
to English Premier soccer in Eu- against the Pittsburgh Steelers. just finished their “Fall Clas-
rope. Thankfully, United States The organization came down sic” in a shortened yet chal-
leagues such as the NBA and with two dozen cases and were leng-packed season. While
the NHL have had zero cases forced to reschedule not only the Tampa Bay Rays looked
with the new “bubble” strategy in week four but later in week to win their first World Se-
which does not allow for any- five against the Buffalo Bills. ries in franchise history, the
one who hasn’t tested negative We now know that the reason Los Angeles Dodgers walked
for the virus to enter the facility. for their outbreak is because away with their first World
Without the “bubble” the head coach Mike Vrabel and Series since 1988. But,
MLB managed to have only General Manager Jon Robinson make no mistake. Champi-
one scare with the Miami Mar- did not enforce wearing masks onship droughts have not
lins but still had a positive test while inside training facilities. plagued either of these cities.
rate of only 1.8%. The question Although many thought The Laker defeated the Mi- photo courtesy of Getty Images
now is why has the NFL strug- the Titans would face seri- ami Heat to Secure the fran-
gled with the Coronavirus more ous consequences, they are chises seventeenth title. And just inked a 12-year contract
than any other league in the US? most likely receiving a fine. in Tampa the Lightning de- worth $356 million dollars.
The Tennessee Titans were But not all teams struggling feated the Dallas stars in six Tampa Bay was no easy
with the virus have been lacking games to secure their fran- matchup with the strength
in following the NFL’s COVID-19 chises second Stanley Cup. of their starting rotation. A
protocol. The New England Pa- This World Series, howev- three-man rotation of Ty-
triots have struggled with the er, was an interesting one as ler Glasnow, Blake Snell and
virus especially in recent weeks fans around the world made Charlie Morton tried to lim-
cancelling a practice heading predictions on who would it the Dodgers bats in the
into week 6 match up against ultimately win the pennant. series and rising star Ran-
the Denver Broncos as a fifth Many favored the Dodgers as dy Arozarena and compa-
team member tests positive. they posed one of the deep- ny looked to defeat the im-
The question now is if the Pa- est rosters constructed in the posing LA pitching staff.
triots are following COVID guide- sports history. Stars such as Although everyone is con-
lines how are they still struggling Cody Bellinger, Corey Sea- gratulating the Dodgers,
with the virus? Many believe ger and Walker Buehler are fans should tip their hats
the answer lies within the sport now accompanied with for- to the executives of the
itself or that the NFL guide- mer MVP and World Series league for a cautious and
photo courtesy of Getty Images lines are just not strict enough. champ Mookie Betts who successful 2020 season.
4 Arts & Entertainment
Model Legislature Goes On
by Victoria Silva
Legislation has always played a with others that think the same eight students who all partici-
big part in America’s history from way. They can even share ideas pated and worked together on
the founding of North America all or work with others to come up learning legislation. This club
the way up to present day. This with bills they want to propose. allows creativity as well as confi-
explains why so many young At the end of the season for dence for the students that par-
students in high schools across model legislature there is a ticipate in model legislature. It
America join model legislature. meeting at the Rhode Island allows students to have a voice
This club teaches students State House where all partic- and speak on behalf of what they
how legislation works, and ipating high schools come to- feel is justifiable in the world
what we as the people can do gether to share their ideas and of government and politics.
to change certain laws or re- vote on bills. Students are ei- By signing up for model legis-
strictions. In model legisla- ther placed in the senate or lature, you will be able to create
ture students can create their house of representatives and new bonds with your classmates
own bills on what laws they they will vote for each bill that photo by Mr. Kirejczyk and even other students from
think should be implemented comes across their committee. high schools all across Rhode
in the State of Rhode Island. In these two chambers stu- pated in the big legislation event Island. If photo
you love to debate,
by Coach LaBree
Of course, they also have to de- dents learn how to object as well on February 8th, 2020 and even and learn more about how laws
cide whether they are conserva- as add on to other bills to make proposed bills on issues that are made, than this club is for
tive or liberal, so they can discuss them more reasonable. Last year were important to the students. you. If you are interested in
matters they feel strongly about Saint Raphael Academy partici- Saints was represented by joining, contact Mr. Kirejczyk.
The Play’s Keep Dancing
the Thing by Chatham McCloskey
photo by Mrs. Gaffney-Hsu
by Chatham McCloskey
Living in a virtual world is then record it individually. Post
a daily and frustrating strug- production will incude mixing
gle that we must overcome. musical tracks, editing scenes
Now as we entered the new and dance together, and integrat-
school year with so many ques- ing students’ artwork through
tions on how activities will even- green screen technology.
tually happen, one concern was Although it may seem chal-
how our excellent drama program lenging, this is the perfect op-
will continue their fall musical. portunity to improve technical
After last years, “Tuck Ev- skills and to really focus on
erlasting”, the Saints’ Drama voice and acting techniques like
Program abrupty ended. Over the nuance of facial expressions.
much consideration, as you may The 2020 Fall Musical is...
have guessed, the theatre is “You’re A Good Man, Charlie
closed and will be held virtually. Brown”! Make sure to watch prosper in teamwork through
In this modern day and age,
Isn’t it comical, and frankly when the musical releases.
sad, to have a musical online, If you would like to get in- when we think of dance, we group dances, and to individu-
where no one can dance, and volved in any way, there are might think of it as the Hip-Hop ally express oneself in which-
the singing quality is poor? T still many behind the scene or tik-tok dances we see on our ever dance one may choose.
he simple answer: No. The and technical opportunities. everyday social media, but it is Although they have mainly
hope is to learn the songs and This is a critical and revolution- much more elaborate than that. focused on lyrical, jazz, and tap
lines for the show over Zoom, ary time, why not be a part?
Over the years, dance has in the past, Dance Company is
evolved from the Charleston, now hoping to include a larg-
to the Indian kuchipudi, even er variety of genres, including
the YMCA. Dance allows others dances from multiple cultures.
to express themselves through They are also willing to take
motions instead of words. suggestions to incorporate the
Here at Saint Raphael Acade- ideas of all dancers involved.
my, dance has certainly evolved The thought of even having a
from performing at the fall virtual season may have seemed
pep rally to having our per- absurd at first, yet it can truly a
sonal fall and spring recitals. great opportunity to learn from.
Moderated by Mrs. Gaff- Our Dance Company is will-
ney- Hsu, the Dance Compa- ing to take on the challenge,
ny of Saint Raphael Acade- so they can improve and adapt
my provides dance lessons to to new technical skills, commu-
increase performance skills, nication, and online teaching.
Arts & Entertainment 5
by Marietta Moore
Mystery Monday
12 years of age, young Ramiel had a mind unlike any other. Be- photo courtesy of Getty Images
tween jumbo cakes with fire-breathing, winged llamas jumping out
of them and a bear randomly showing up at his school just to give
him $20 for lunch, Ramiel’s brain was strangely always coming up
with something new. This, however, almost never interfered with
his studies. With an average grade of B+, Ramiel loved to learn. He
was always reading any book or article he could find, favoring fiction
and fantasy the most. Along with reading, Ramiel admired movies
and various YouTube videos (specifically animation ones). With all
creativity at hand, Ramiel was never, and could never feel bored. graphic by Mrs. Costanzo
After school, Ramiel headed straight to volleyball practice. About
27 spikes, 8 receives and dives, and 15 laps around the gym later,
Ramiel was beat. 2 hours of practice was hard work, but he enjoyed his furry friend were inside of the piggy bank…or so they thought.
every minute of it. Finally getting home, he threw his bag under the “What the…? Is this what the inside of piggy banks usually look
desk in his room and headed straight to the shower. Once finished like?” pondered Ramiel. The ground was coated in lush green grass.
showering, Ramiel threw on a black hoodie and light grey sweat There were a couple chew toys sprawled across the ground accompa-
joggers and went to his room to watch some YouTube videos. Lay- nied by semi-empty food and water bowls. A tall, (seemingly) white
ing on is stomach, cuddling his pillow, Ramiel turned his TV on fence stood about 10 ft across from where Ramiel was standing. The
and selected the red and white triangle icon. Three videos later, Lab hopped off Ramiel’s head and walked over to the fence. Skep-
he felt his eyes grow heavy. He tried his best to stay alert to finish tical about the last scenery he experienced, Ramiel stood petrified
the video, but the weight on his eyes subconsciously took over. that if he moved, even a mere centimeter, something strange would
With what felt like hours later, Ramiel woke up confused. Last time happen again. Stopping a fourth of the way, the Lab turned around
he checked, he was alone on his bed watching animation videos on and barked at the fossilized boy, knocking him out of his trance.
YouTube, not laying on a (seemingly) deserted island with small, “You want me to follow you, huh?” Ramiel ques-
white Labrador Retriever licking his cheek. Sitting up, Ramiel pushed tioned pensively. To which the dog barked back, wag-
the pup away from him, whipping his head around trying to figure ging its periwinkle tail as its tongue hung out of its mouth.
what was going on. The island was flushed with orange trees and “Are you sure?” Ramiel had his mind set on staying put,
warm, pink sand. The dusty red and pale-yellow sky reflected over but the puppy had other plans. Strutting over to him, the peri-
the lavender water. Lilac clouds swayed to and fro as a couple fly- winkle pawed pup stood up, placed its front paws on Ramiel’s
ing…baby tigers? Before he could process anything else, Ramiel felt knees, and leaned its body against them. With its big, roy-
a sharp pain on the right side of his head. Grabbing his forehead, he al blue orbs, the pup looked up to Ramiel’s eyes. Ramiel felt a
put his head down in his lap. The Lab sensed his discomfort, placing wave of serenity wash over him as he stared back at the dog.
its paw on Ramiel’s knee. Ramiel lifted his head up, smiling at the “Okay,” Ramiel chimed with a smile, “let’s go”. Side by side, the
pup. His smile faded when he noticed the scenery in front of him. pair walked over to the fence. Once in front of the towering, now
“Wasn’t I just on an island? What is thi- where am I?” his questioned pastel blue, wall, the pup lifted its right paw, pushed it against
bewilderedly. Raising an eyebrow, Ramiel eyed the pastel pomegran- the door, and opened it. A gasp escaped the dumbfounded mid-
ate sky, with pale-turquois, blocky clouds, the giant pandas made dle schooler’s lips as he noticed dogs and puppies all over the
of multi-grey rocks and boulders, the large, rosy comforter, with place. The puppies gently ran over to the only human in the room,
blindingly white eyes and hands and feet at its corners, jogging past leaving the adult dogs alone as they napped. A few exchanges of
him, and the enormous pale-pink piggy bank that poured out small, light growling later, the periwinkle pawed pup let the other pups
thin, black chains onto the burnt brick road. Nothing made sense surround its friend. Bending down to pet them, Ramiel noticed
to Ramiel as he looked at the Lab that now had a wagging, cobalt the black collar with a silver pendent that said “Chief, 6/27/20.”
blue tail, and alternating periwinkle paws (front right and back left). “So you’re almost 5 months, huh? Hopefully, my mom will let
“Weird…I could’ve sworn you were all white.” Ramiel stared at the you stay with us, seeing how you’ve grown quite attached to me,”
Lab before him, wondering why and how it was the only thing that Ramiel laughed. “Well, Chief,” he paused and looked around, “and
managed to stay by him. His mild astonishment withered as the pup other pups. Wanna play?” suggested Ramiel. They all barked
barked furiously at something behind his newfound human companion. in delight as they pounced on the beaming boy. Trapped un-
“WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?!” shouted the middle schooler as der a mountain of puppies, Ramiel chuckled lightly to himself.
his eyes almost popped out seeing, in the distance, a huge centaur Suddenly, he reminded himself of the centaur from earlier. Did
charging towards them. Ramiel’s legs moved on their own and before he have my dinosaur blanket as a cape?” he thought. A soft,
he knew it, he was tangled in the piggy bank’s chains. Struggling to distant voice pulled him out of his thoughts. Gently pushing the
get out, Ramiel panicked seeing how the centaur was now half-way puppies off of his chest, Ramiel sat up and looked around. He
to where he was. Again, the Lab sensed distress and ran over to the did not see anyone. The voice called out to him again. It sound-
boy, lightly pouncing over the chains beneath his paws. Suddenly, ed so familiar, so warm, so comforting. Wait a second… “Mom?”
the chains started retracting back into the piggy bank, dragging Ra-
miel along with them. The Lab somehow managed to do a long jump Mystery’s Question: Why did Ramiel keep ending up in such
and landed directly on Ramiel’s head, with its paws resting calmly random scenarios?
over the frightened boy’s forehead. Desperately clawing at the black
metal, the chains only retracted faster. Soon enough, Ramiel and
6 Arts & Entertainment
Things to Do in November
by Meryem Oldro
As the time of ghouls, can- zone, like maple cookies, or go
dy, costumes, and spooky ac- out of your comfort zone and try
tivities falls behind us, this to bake something more compli-
new month ushers in a ques- cated, like pumpkin macarons.
tion: what’s there to do now? Whatever you decide to bake,
Well, I’m here to tell you there you will always be left with a fun
are tons of things for you to do, experience and, if everything
both alone and with others! Here goes well, a yummy snack!
are some starters and ideas on Plan your family’s Thanksgiv-
what to do in your free time: ing dinner. Maybe your cook-
Bake something! November ing and baking skills are not
is one of the best months for the best, but you can always
preparing for and bringing out take that stress off whomever
new dishes for Thanksgiving. normally plans it and try plan-
Try something in your comfort ning out all the components
of that Thursday night meal. ing small businesses is cru-
Go to a pumpkin patch and find cial right now, so why not do
that perfect pumpkin! There are so while also getting to pick
many local farms you can sup- out some fresh fruits, veggies,
port around Southern New En- and bakery delights? A person-
gland. Find one and spend a few al favorite of mine is Johnson’s
hours frolicking with the squash. Roadside Market in Swansea
Do a fall photoshoot! Go to a with their blueberry scones.
park, find a trail, or wherever you Last of all, make sure you are
think is best. Get out into nature, having fun while staying safe!
witness the falling leaves, and Wear a mask if you go out, and
take tons of pictures while en- check the specific requirements
joying the New England Autumn. for wherever you end up going.
photo courtesy of Johnson’s Roadside Market Visit a farm stand! Support- Have a Happy Harvest Season.
Coming To the Small Screen
by Emily Ryder
This is the way! The highly an- tery, and bone chilling horror.
ticipated 2nd season of the hit The Haunting of Bly Man-
Disney + show, The Mandalori- or is a “perfectly splendid”
an, returned on October 30th. To must watch for anyone who
recap, the titular character, the enjoyed The Haunting of Hill
Mandalorian (“Mando” for short), House, is looking for a thrill,
is a ruthless bounty hunter trav-
eling the outer rim of the galaxy.
While the entire season of
Last season, the Mandalo- The Haunting of Bly
rian discovers “The Child”, or Manor dropped on
as he is affectionately named October 9th, fans of The
by fans: “Baby Yoda”. He was Mandolorian will have to
supposed to turn the child be a little more patient.
over for a bounty but end- Episode 2 is set to be re-
ed up betraying his employ- leased on November 6th.
ees to save the innocent baby.
Mando goes on many rivet-
ing adventures with his new
photos courtesy of Getty Images
companion across the gal-
axy. In the finale, Mando ven-
tures off with The Child to as Mandalorians and the Jedi This season follows the
find his home and his family. are on opposite sides of the law. Wingrave orphans and their
The second season is set to How will this all play out? governess as the children re-
kick off to an exciting start. In the Will we finally find out if The cover from the loss of their
trailer, the main villain of season Child is related at all to Yoda? parents and previous nanny.
one is revealed to be alive and The only one way to find out... The manor is, as you might
in pursuit of the dynamic duo. new episodes of The Man- have guessed, haunted by
The pair are reunited with some dalorian are out every Friday. ghosts. Both Bly Manor and Hill
old friends and possibly find new The Haunting of Bly Manor was House have been praised by
enemy in the legendary Clone released on October 9th on Net- critics and audiences alike for
Wars character, Ahsoka Tano. flix. It is the second anthology the attention to detail, charac-
She is a Jedi which may prove installment of the award-winning ter dynamics, plot twists, trag-
problematic for our protagonist show The Haunting of Hill House. ic heartbreaks, enticing mys-
Opinion & Editorials 7
Cultural Connection
by Isaac Arbelaez-Venagas
¡Hola soy Isaac! Soy un familia y aparte no tener una Hi, I'm Isaac! I am a for-
estudiante extranjero de gran cantidad de amigos con los eign-exchange student from
Colombia que está en es- que estar porque el colegio cerro Colombia and a current senior. I
tos momentos en grado 12. al poco tiempo de que entraste. arrived at Saint Raphael Acade-
Yo llegue a la Academia de Es simplemente desalentador. my on January 27, 2020 in order
Saint Raphael el 27 de ene- A pesar de ello y todos los to complete my studies for high
ro de 2020 con el propósito miedos de todo lo que vino y school in America. I hope to
de completar mis estudios en vendrá, me siento feliz aquí. learn more about the universi-
el bachillerato y poder pre- Es posible que no tenga to- ties in America since they are of
sentarme a las universidades dos los amigos, familia, ni mu- higher academic standing than
en este país, pues en general chas otras comodidades que the ones in my home country.
cuentan con un nivel académi- tenía en Colombia, pero aquí From the beginning, my
co mejor que el de mi país. puedo seguir forjando mi cami- arrival in this country has
photo by Isaac Arbelaez-Venagas
Desde el comienzo mi llega- no para convertirme en lo been very different but in-
da al país ha sido muy distinta que yo siempre he soñado. teresting. After all, this is my
e interesante; pues esta era mi Este año puedo decir que he first time as a new student. Despite this and the uncer-
primera vez como estudiante perdido bastante, incluyendo Additionally, this is my first tainty of everything to come, I
nuevo y aún peor, mi primera a mi abuela quien falleció tan time in a high school where feel happy here. I may not have
vez en una secundaria donde solo 1 semana atrás y no pude everyone speaks a language many friends, family, or other
todos hablaban en un idioma ni visitar por la pandemia, pero that is not my native lan- amenities I had in Colombia, but
que no es mi lengua materna. a pesar de todo creo que me es guage. To complicate my goal here I can find how to become
Para complicar mi camino y un año que no solamente voy a here - a month after I had my what I have always dreamed.
deseos, por casualidad del desti- recordar por lo malo sino tam- first class - Saint Rays closed This year has had challenges,
no un mes después de que tuve bién por cosas buenas como el because of the pandemic. like losing my grandmother one
mi primera clase el colegio cer- hecho de que estoy en Esta- I was simply devastated in- week ago and being unable to at-
ro por culpa de la pandemia, yo dos Unidos y de poder poco a side. Just imagine being in a tend funeral because of the pan-
simplemente estaba devastado poco de contar con más amigos. city where they don't speak demic. Yet, despite everything, I
por dentro. Solo imagínense, Ese soy yo, un mucha- your language, being with will remember this year for good
estar en una ciudad donde no cho tímido y reservado pero a family that is not your own things like being in a new country
hablan tu idioma, estando con que no dudara en saludarte family, and not having many and making more friends as I go.
una familia que no es tu propia o ayudarte cuando necesites. friends to be with because So that's me: a shy and re-
If you have an idea for a story that you would like to see in Spanish school closed shortly after served person who won't hesitate
and English, contact saintssentinel@saintrays.org you’ve entered. It's daunting. to say hello or help when needed!
Saints Survival Guide
by Hadiya Pfeiffer
Hello again Saints! This year
may feel out of control, and
freshmen, you may be terri-
fied right about now. Adjust-
ing to a new school environ-
ment may be challenging,
but here are a few things that
can help you survive Saints.
First and foremost, when you
are walking out on Walcott Street
make sure you are walking down
the correct side of the street.
When a herd of hormones and
stressed out teens comes barrel-
ing toward you it can be scary.
DO NOT PANIC, just simply head
to the nearest crosswalk and
cross safely to the other side photo courtesy of SRA
of the street. Do not beat your-
self up if you go the wrong way.
Last, but probably the most for help. That is their job. They ask an upperclassman for help.
Secondly, make sure you are
important, do not compare want to help you understand. Whether you are struggling
going to the right lunch. If you
yourself to others. When you Whether you are question- with a class, looking for a club
are completely confused and
take that big history test, do ing your walk to West, con- to join, hoping to join a sport,
unsure, just shoot your teach-
not ask what others got. Be fused about lunch, or just we can help. Remember, we
er an email or ask another stu-
proud of the grade you earned. need a little boost, talk to a have all been in your shoes be-
dent. They will be glad to help
If it is not something you teacher or guidance counselor. fore and had someone else help
point you in the right direction.
are proud of, ask your teacher If all else fails, you can always us. We are all Saints’ Family.
8 Opinion & Editorials
by Isabella Calise
Letter from the Editor
My name is Isabella, and I am off their shoulders and allows
applying to college. Like near- them to skip the test and pri-
ly every seventeen-year-old or oritize other components of
eighteen-year around the globe, their application. If you’re
I am filling out my application, like me, test-optional doesn’t
composing essays, and looking mean much of a difference.
back on my activities and accom- I still feel compelled to satis-
plishments each day. Alongside fy admission counselors by de-
these requirements, for decades, voting my free time to practice
seniors have fulfilled one crucial tests and preparation in order
aspect of their application: the to achieve an optimal score.
standardized test. Originally I don’t blame students for not
titled the Standard Aptitude Test, taking it. I’ve been preparing for
the world renown SAT has been the SAT for over six months and
heavily considered alongside the test centers have canceled
students’ GPA in order to assess on me four times. I should’ve
their “college potential.” If you given up. Although my friends
think like me, college potential tell me to rely on my community cause something is considered ing of Saturday, November 7, I
sounds pretty vague. Wouldn’t involvement and overall GPA to “optional,” doesn’t mean it is. will be sitting at a school-desk in
an indicator of communication stand apart, I know that just be- With that in mind, on the morn- Connecticut. Where will you be?
skills and work ethic represent
a student’s ability to succeed in
college over advanced mathe-
matics and complex literature?
Students Among Us by Sheila Tu
If someone chooses a career
path in social sciences or the per-
forming arts, how much English
and math is studied beyond their
general education requirements?
With each passing year, the
integrity of the SAT is chal-
lenged as an assessment
that benefits those fortunate
enough to spend hundreds of
dollars on study-guides, per-
sonal tutoring, or test retakes.
Under the present Covid-19
crisis, colleges around the
world have decided to loosen
their grip on such an evalua-
tion by becoming test-optional
since it is practically impossible
to take the test due to the lack
of test centers willing to ad-
minister the SAT. Phew! What
does this mean for students?
For some, this lifts a weight
Glitch by Katherine Baxter
You can also read
