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Spring 2021 16 Medford Street, Arlington, Massachusetts
Students Subsidizing Scholastics
By Victoria Caggiano
Growl Reporter
With all the struggles, excitement,
and hard work that go into the col-
lege decision-making process for
high school seniors also comes the
financial aspect of the decision. As
high school seniors plan for the
future, they must consider loans,
scholarships and most importantly,
the school that is right for them. If
choosing the right school isn’t hard
enough while considering geogra-
phy, culture, curriculum, and costs,
the current format of learning has
made graduates think differently
about their choices. Online learning
vs. onsite learning has influenced
students’ decision making when
considering the cost of the educa-
tion versus the overall experience.
Staying motivated is really chal-
lenging for high school seniors. Growl Photo
Every senior works hard to strike Students and families face difficult decisions as students graduate during a global pandemic: remote-learning, in-person
the balance of maximizing their last classes, big school, small school and how to pay for it all. What is the cost of college education today?
high school moments while prepar-
ing for the future. Beyond the social chik, “Thirty-three percent of high tuition or fees -- were all rated as Choosing a college is a very diffi-
and academic investments, many school seniors say they would defer significantly increasing the likeli- cult decision. The challenge of sub-
students must work part time jobs or cancel an admittance rather than hood of attending a college.” sidizing tuition costs falls on many
during the school year and full time attend an all-online college. Plus re- Another survey conducted by students in some way. Whether it
jobs during the summer in order to sults from other surveys of students LendingTree attempted to deter- is working multiple jobs or student
contribute to their forthcoming col- and parents.” mine how COVID affected par- loans or scholarships, the student
lege tuition bill. For most families, Similarly, in May of 2020, Carn- ents’ abilities to financially support has a lot to handle. The pandemic
preparing and planning to fund col- egie Dartlet surveyed 2,800 high their child’s post high school plans. has forced online learning to raise
lege can be daunting! In addition school seniors. The majority of LendingTree surveyed more than additional questions regarding the
to working, students assume ad- whom were very reluctant to con- 1,000 parents with children under 18 cost for college. Many students con-
ditional challenges to find scholar- sider a fully online education, and to understand how the COVID-19 sider a gap year because of social,
ships and loans to reduce the overall would rather defer, or take a gap pandemic is affecting them. “More academic, and financial reasons.
college bill. Talk about stress for the year then attend an online college. parents (almost 50 percent) are re- The decision process is personal.
seniors! The results of the survey also found, porting a change in their child’s post There’s no right or wrong answer.
The pandemic has also influenced “Nearly two-thirds of students said high school plan. Less than half (43 However, each student and family
the college decision process. With that a college making no additional percent) plan to go to a four-year has a lot of factors to evaluate. In
many colleges defaulting to online resources available makes them less college, down about 7 percent from all cases, the rigor and preparation
classes in place of physical atten- likely to attend. Adding additional April 23. It found that 36 percent of the student puts into the process
dance, the cost consideration for an student loan opportunities shifts parents tapped their child’s college are apt to better equip the person to
online experience has led students many to a neutral standing. The fund to help cover expenses due to be ready for the challenges that lie
to consider other options. Accord- other options -- yearlong grants, the financial strain caused by the ahead at college.
ing to admissions insider Scott Jas- increased scholarships or reduced COVID-19 outbreak.”
Highlights
College Faith Health Sports
Page 1 Page 3 Page 5 Page 7
School Life Nation Arts Community
Page 2 Page 4 Page 6 Page 8
1
Cougar Growl
School Life Spring 2021
Techniques for Acing Tests
By Victoria Bacchi feelings of frustration and fatigue. Stay away from your phone ing your own study materials, such
Growl Reporter By allowing time between study Having your phone next to you as practice exam questions and
sessions, you are able to learn and while you are studying can be a flashcards, are great ways to review.
Have you ever found yourself star- more importantly retain more infor- big distraction and the cause of It is crucial to become confident
ing at a computer screen for hours, mation. This method will improve your procrastination. You might be with what you’ve learned so that the
but feel like you haven’t learned your long-term memory and make tempted to check any new texts or new information you learn the next
anything? At least once in their studying easier. You can space out go on social media. To prevent this, week won’t be as difficult.
academic careers, students will your studying by scheduling your put your phone on silent mode and
struggle to employ efficient study- sessions and having a plan. Con- at the other end of the room. That Handwrite notes and flashcards
ing skills. Exams can be extremely sider other events that may interfere way, you won’t be interrupted by Handwriting allows you to re-
stressful and students can be over- with your study schedule and plan any notifications. You might end member the material more effec-
whelmed by the amount of work accordingly. up losing track of time and go over tively than typing on a computer.
they have to complete. Instead of your break time limit. In a time The sequential hand movements
figuring out ways to fix the prob- Take breaks when kids are attached to their used in handwriting activate large
lem, students might procrastinate Taking 5-10 minute breaks every phones, resisting the urge to use it regions of the brain responsible
and put aside their work, which hour during studying can help pre- will make studying more efficient for thinking, language, and work-
puts them in a precarious position. vent fatigue and keep you focused. and even decrease study time. ing memory. Furthermore, it forces
These five studying techniques will It also trains your brain to retain your brain to mentally engage with
get you ready to tackle any exam information more efficiently and Review and revise the information, improving both lit-
and improve your memory, health, effectively. It’s important to give Once a week, review the new ma- eracy and reading comprehension,
comprehension, and confidence. your brain the time it needs to rest, terial you’ve learned in class. This promoting focus. Using this mus-
so that you don’t overwork yourself. can help you understand what con- cular effort to write each word will
Space out your studying time Make sure to grab a quick snack and cepts you need more help with and translate into better retention.
Cramming all of your studying drink water during the break to keep what concepts you’ve mastered.
into the day before a test puts too your body energized. Having a family member or friend
much stress on the brain. It increases quiz you on key concepts and mak-
Virtual Take a Break
Learning By Emma Chisholm
Growl Reporter
and if you are tired, you can relax
your mind.” This is a great time to
take a few minutes to yourself and
be productive. Another student em-
By Catherine Fagan Additionally, self-motivation is One addition to the day at Ar- phasized, “It’s good as long as you
Growl Reporter certainly involved in online learn- lington Catholic is the new daily have something to do.” To them,
Although some teachers and stu- ing, demonstrating students’ abil- break. It is a fifteen-minute break the break is only helpful when they
dents may not favor virtual learning, ity to take the classroom home that allows kids at home to have a have work to catch up on or plan to
there are some amazing benefits. and complete the work. Similar to screen break and kids in school to meet up with friends, otherwise, it’s
Furthermore, while it may not be college courses, online learning is take a pause from classes. During just 15 minutes to do nothing. An-
here forever, it’s nice to revel in geared towards self-learning, thus this break, students may purchase other student said, “It shortens some
some of the benefits virtual-learning requiring motivation and indepen- snacks in the cafeteria and are en- of our other classes but other than
provides for now. dence to get the work done. couraged to socialize throughout that it’s great.” Some of the morn-
Firstly, it gives students a respon- From my own experience, I the school building as long as they ing classes did get shortened by a
sibility and independence in their have definitely bettered my public remain socially distanced. couple of minutes but in the end,
classwork and class times. Before, speaking and communication skills When asked how they felt about students enjoy the time off. Overall
all we had to do was follow the through online learning. Online, es- the new break, students gave their the reaction to the new break is rela-
shuffle of the day at school, but now pecially in Google meets, students feedback, some liking it and some tively positive, it gives students time
with independent learning we are have to be outspoken and purpose- opposing it. One student said, “You to socialize, get some work done,
given a new level of responsibility. ful communicators. Staying in the can catch up on your schoolwork, and take a well-deserved break.
It also gives added flexibility to our cyber-realm, it takes a lot of techni-
schedules and lives. cal skill to be apt at online learning
An added bonus is the opportunity now. Students are advancing their
to develop better time management, cyber skills as well as their personal
something all of us need for col- skills, gearing them up for college!
lege. Learning it in high school and Overall, while we hope online
perfecting it will be super helpful learning is not here to stay, it has
for when we graduate! All of these some admittedly amazing benefits
skills will benefit us greatly in the that I’m sure are preparing students
future, in school and in life. for great things in the next steps of
our academic careers.
Staff Photo
From seniors to freshmen, AC students and faculty are delighted by the return
of breakfast now available during the break. Warm muffins, breakfast sand-
wiches, and the famous AC bagels are offered daily. Freshmen Sarah Brock-
man and Christina Arria are shown above.
2
Cougar Growl
Faith Spring 2021
Easter During a Pandemic be limited or restricted. The virus
By Nick Carmezin Muniz has made everything difficult, es-
Growl Reporter pecially our yearly festivities,
as Easter itself, a day full of reli-
Ever since the commencement of gious and traditional events will be
the Coronavirus Pandemic, hun- changed. Religious celebrations for
dreds of events and festivities (in- one would still be accessible as it
cluding national and state holidays) is an important public celebration,
have been canceled, postponed, while less important events such
and/or delayed. Now, the Pandemic as the Easter egg hunt and the dis-
has been around for a year, and tribution of eggs may all be under
even with the coming of the Covid- harsh guidelines that make it still
19 vaccine, our nation is still mov- possible to celebrate. As medical
ing slowly and cautiously. Since professionals reiterated during this
the virus is still rampaging with crisis, we need to enforce these
over 500,000 deaths in the United rules even more, as each day the
States, as mentioned by the New United States increases its cases
York Times, how will Easter inter- Photo by Kathryn Van Winkle
drastically. Lesser events need to
twine with Covid-19? Easter will Through the hard work of dedicated students and families, the school either be canceled or modified,
come this year, but not the way we chapel has been returned to a place of prayer during Lent and the remain- with ideas being to do it virtually
are used to. Through social distanc- der of the school year. or to enforce pandemic restrictions
ing, sanitary measures, and travel while celebrating.
restrictions, Easter will return this In essence, Easter can be cele-
year more unusual than ever. events,” groupings that led to the families are devising alternative
brated, but due to the serious state
As the Pandemic progressed, many virus spreading like wildfire. To aid ways to observe the spring holidays.
the United States is in, it will be
guidelines were established in order the distribution of the Coronavirus They include streaming online Eas-
more different to us than ever be-
to prevent it from spreading. Of vaccine, and potentially lessen the ter church services, hosting virtual
fore. Easter will be affected by
these was social distancing, which spread, the public would have to en- Passover Seder dinners, holding
mandated that people stay six-feet sure social distancing. family-only egg hunts in the back- social distancing, sanitary precau-
tions, and restrictions on certain
apart from each other to ensure that Similar to social distancing, sani- yard and more.” When buying or
traditions.
the spread might stop. Easter is a tary measures would definitely have sorting the eggs and its contents
The virus has really changed so-
holiday which focuses on a lot of to take place if Easter were to be for the hunt, sanitize them. Another
ciety’s experience during holidays,
contact. A safe Easter would man- celebrated. One particular event, idea for a safe Easter egg hunt is to
but to stay safe, everyone must
date that children stay 6 feet apart the Easter egg hunt would change sanitize the eggs before hiding them
contribute to reduce the chances of
from each other and wear masks. drastically, as the hunt would have and after they are collected, just to
super-spreader events this Easter.
But of course, this would presum- to be narrowed to family only, as ensure extra safety.
ably not happen, as holidays in the many families will celebrate like Traditional activities this Easter Overall, in order to maintain a safe
Easter, we must put safety over fun,
past during the Covid-19 Pandemic this on Easter as backed by CNN: will be very limited, apart from the
to protect everyone during these try-
such as Thanksgiving, Halloween, “With people under various restric- Easter egg hunt, religious celebra-
ing times.
Christmas, and New Years have tions on movement, including stay- tions, egg painting, feasts, chocolate
all been linked to “super-spreader at-home orders and self-isolation, eggs, and cultural activities will all
Campus Ministry
By Lucy Gould understand values like the common
Growl Reporter good, preferential option for the
poor, solidarity, and subsidiarity”
Campus Ministry is a program when making their decision.
focused on the spiritual development Recently in February, Erin Leahy
of each student. Run by Ms. Chou, and her friends organized the Her
Ms. Franchini, and Sister Barbara, Drive after learning that “poverty
Campus Ministry has hosted a and feminine hygiene items are
variety of events this year. Some among the most neglected donations
of those events include monthly shelters receive.” The Drive ended
dialogues, prayer services, and fund up receiving “7,581 total donations
drives. Ms. Chou explains that “in from both schools and individual
some cases, [the decision] is driven collections.” If you are interested in
by student requests” for example, getting more involved with the Her
the Her Drive. But in other cases, Drive please visit herdrive.org for
My Brother’s Table, the decision is more information and if you would
“motivated by a desire to unite our like to get involved with Campus
Photo Lynn Wianans whole school.” Ministry please contact Ms. Chou
The AC Students for Life group attended the Boston March for Life on Janu- In addition, Ms. Chou emphasized (lchou@achs.net), Ms. Franchini
ary 28, a week after the 48th anniversary of the Supreme Court Decision Roe V. that the campus ministers “pay (jfranchini@achs.net), or Sister
Wade, which legalized abortion in the United States. (From left to right: Natalia attention to ways in which students Barbara (sbarbara@achs.net).
Kay, Thomas Cahill, Kevin Cahill, and Liana Winans.). might have the opportunity to better
3
Cougar Growl
Nation Spring 2021
How to Survive a Shark Attack
By Liana Winans Do not swim at dusk or dawn. pulses) from animals around have nothing but your own
Growl Reporter These are sharks’ natural feeding them. Erratic movements like body, punch, kick and poke
times–their hunting instincts are those listed may seem like at sensitive spots (best ones:
heightened, and they are hungry, wounded animals to them, and eyes and gills), but be careful
It’s the middle of summer, and
looking for prey. they will come to investigate where you aim! The nose has
you’re out enjoying a nice warm
Don’t swim too far from shor you as potential food. a mouth right under it, so it’s
swim— let’s say somewhere off the
alone or into warm water. There is 3. Maintain eye contact. As the not the most ideal place to try
Cape. Suddenly, you see a fin cut-
safety in numbers. Sharks tend to shark swims around you, keep to hit.
ting through the waves toward you.
stay in deeper water where they can your head on a swivel and look 6. Cut off the angles. Try to get
You hear people shouting from the
more comfortably swim, and Great straight at them. Sharks will into a position where the shark
shore, which now seems much too
White Sharks in particular like try “surprise attacks” from can’t get behind you; keep
far away, frantically warning you to
warmer waters, which is a factor in behind or below, so they’ll be your back to something like a
get out of the water. You’re being
their increased numbers near Mas- less likely to go in for a charge coral reef. Then you’ve only
circled by a shark! What in the
sachusetts beaches. and bite if they sense you got one direction to look and
world should you do? Well, here are
Avoid waters being fished and watching them. you’re protected from behind.
some quick tips that might come in
those with a lot of bait fishes. When 4. Stay big… OR get small (de- But do NOT get between the
handy if you ever have the misfor-
you’re mixed in closely with shark pending). If a shark is in at- shark and open ocean, then
tune to find yourself in such a scary
prey, you could become their prey tack mode, make yourself as you’ve become an obstacle in
situation:
too! big as possible in the water, the shark’s way, which could
to imtimidate and gain the trigger an attack.
Preventative measures shark’s respect. But if the 7. Slowly back away. When
Do not go into the ocean if you’re
Responsive measures
1. Don’t panic! This is a biggie. shark seems to simply be pass- possible, swim calmly back-
bleeding or have any open cuts. ing, stay small and roll up into ward (reverse breaststroke and
I know it’s no easy task, but
Sharks’ skin has openings that act a ball. If a shark sees you as a without splashing) to get into
it’s critical to survival. With-
like nostrils, enabling them to smell competitor for its food source, shallower water/a boat, OR
out being able to think calmly
blood ⅓ of a mile away. As preda- that can be one reason it at- wade/walk slowly backwards
and logically, your chances
tors, they are attracted to blood, as tacks you—you don’t want to to shore, while your eyes stay
of getting to safety unharmed
you probably know. You do not give the shark any reasons to on the shark.
greatly diminish.
want to be attracting sharks to you be interested in you if it hasn’t Escape is your automatic first in-
2. No sudden movements—
in the sea. even noticed you! stinct when you encounter a shark,
thrashing, splashing, or fast
Do not wear bright-colored cloth- 5. Don’t play dead. This isn’t but don’t forget to keep your wits
frenzied swimming. Sharks are
ing, and shiny or reflective accesso- a bear; it’s a shark. If you about you and don’t panic (review
apex predators, and they’re ex-
ries like jewelry or watches. This is find yourself in an aggres- to step one). Remember, staying
tremely good at what they do,
known to attract sharks, who could sive encounter, use anything calm is your best bet to survive,
which is hunting prey. They
be curious, or could mistake it for you might have on you as a not immediately getting away —
have very sensitive hearing
fish scales. weapon (GoPro stick, snor- because you simply CANNOT
and special receptors that can
detect movement (electrical kel, sharp rod, etc.) or if you outswim a shark!
Long-term Effects of Capitol Riots
By Robbie Stevens
Growl Reporter ple’s circumstances are similar,
they will often respond in similar
For the purposes of this article ways. Americans have to bear in
it does not matter whether former mind the consequences of their ac-
President Trump purposely incited tions, to know for better or worse
the riots nor is this an article of what might be on the broader stage
condemnation. This is an article of humanity and society.
not about politics but about society This is not to say the fall of the
and the effects popular perception Roman empire will happen in
can have in changing and threaten- America, but history can serve as
ing America and its democracy. a cautionary tale. Being cognisant
America’s crisis, and the risk of of a threat is the responsibility of
what it can become, closely paral- a democratically-elected group of
lels the fall of the Roman Republic. Representatives. Securing democ-
The Gracchi brothers, rich aristo- racy will require an active effort
crats who became populist politi- from all elected officials to uni-
cians with careers that shattered laterally condemn any threat to
traditions which had protected democracy. Americans, in turn,
the Republic, laid the foundation share the responsibility to insist
for the fall of the Republic, at the actions that undermine democracy
hands of people like Julius Caesar, will not be tolerated. Resistance
to autocracy. and condemnation can discourage
Mark Twain’s famous words actions like those of the Gracchi
“history doesn’t repeat itself but brothers and modern people who
Photo by Gillian Ambrosia
it rhymes,” is the centerpiece to violently seek to upset the founda-
understanding here, as when peo- tions of America. Otis Memorial Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts on Veterans Day. Every
year, volunteers from across Massachusetts join to decorate the cemetery
with American flags to honor those who have served our country.
4
Cougar Growl
Health Spring 2021
American Healthcare:
What Can we do to be Better? Gheel: Improving
Mental Health Services
By Nicholas DeBenedictis costs by more than eight-hundred By Lily Fitzgerald the program to ensure they won’t
Growl Reporter billion over the next ten years. Growl Editor harm people or themselves now
The price of healthcare would then that the medical staff won’t be
American healthcare is very go down and individual wages for The culture surrounding mental watching them.
advanced, but a vast number of hospital workers would go up. health is a slippery slope in the After all the screenings and pre-
Americans are left out because of Currently, 35% of Americans are United States, with stigma still sur- cautions, the boarders are matched
the exorbitant cost. The United not receiving sufficient health- rounding disorders present today. with a foster family—that often-
States pays twice as much as the care. To narrow the gap, a plan Great strides have been made in times takes care of them for the
average OECD country—an or- that utilizes taxes while providing the recent decades to destigmatize rest of their lives. The patients may
ganization of nations that have the middle and lower class with seeking therapy and to gain bet- go back to the hospital for weeks
comparable economies. The gap more disposable income is a strong ter treatment for those with men- at a time if problems with their
between the US and the OECD contender. With progressive taxa- tal illness. But there is still a fear medication arise. Otherwise they
continues to grow. If paying more tion, no new money would need factor around mental health, with are treated like intrinsic members
for healthcare meant better health- to be taken from Americans, and many people viewing sufferers of the family, with foster family
care, the cost would make sense, the poor would suffer much less. of disorders like schizophrenia or members like Arthur Shouten re-
but sadly this is not the case. Multiple peer-reviewed studies, bipolar disorder as dangerous and marking “I could not think of liv-
Americans pay more for health- including studies done at the Uni- not functioning members of soci- ing without him, because he’s part
care yet America has the lowest versity of California, have formed ety—a concern for a country with of the family”
life expectancy among the OECD; an academic consensus that such a some of the highest cases of mental Beyond all the facts and statis-
people often avoid necessary hos- plan is fiscally feasible. Medicare health disorders. The United States tics, the benefits for the boarders—
pital or physician visits just to save For All is one such plan that would still has work to do to reverse the the 250 that live in Gheel—all get
money. Not only do Americans not only lower the price of health- stigma surrounding mental health, a sense of belonging and happiness
avoid hospital visits but since 35% care but also, as Senator Sand- and the question is—what else can from the program, that they don’t
of Americans are under/uninsured, ers outlines, create stable access we do to create change? Perhaps a get from standard hospitalization.
they are unable to get regular man- to healthcare for all Americans. Belgian town whose practices have People like Mark, a 32 year old
datory health screenings. Hospitals Under a new system, healthcare created a helpful and safe environ- man suffering from schizophrenia,
like Boston Children’s Hospital could be funded by those who can ment for the mentally ill holds the have found the boarding program
have access to the highest qual- afford healthcare and lift the bur- answers. better for their treatment than the
ity of medical tools, yet America den off of the middle and lower For 700 years, Gheel has been a hospitals. He tells an interviewer
still performs the worst in cat- class. Medicare For All only has refuge for the mentally ill with its that at the hospital “all they do is
egories like Life-Expectancy and 14 co-sponsors currently so an- citizens welcoming them into their give me pills” and that he doesn’t
Long-Term Health Conditions. other solution could be a bipartisan homes and caring for them. This feel truly cared for. But at his fos-
America clearly has the means to collaboration to greatly reform the isn’t a treatment or a therapy by any ter home of four years “you really
provide treatment; it is the cost of healthcare system. At the moment means. These people aren’t called get someone here who cares for
the treatment that is the problem. nobody has come forward with an- patients—but guests or boarders— you.”
The United States spends the most other significant reform of Ameri- and are treated like members of Treatment for mental disorders
in the private sector among the can healthcare. the family. They aren’t treated like isn’t just about therapy and pills—
OECD and this falls much harder America has access to the great- they are scary or outcasts, but are it’s also about a healthy environ-
on the lower classes. est amount of wealth. Yet, Ameri- treated like functioning members ment and love. Gheel is doing
So is there a solution? One of the cans still pay more money for of society and neighbors—accept- something right in those regards.
current proposals is Senator Sand- worse health outcomes. The an- ing their “eccentric” or “abnormal” The United States even considered
ers’ healthcare plan, Medicare For swer should seem clear, multiple behavior instead of treating them a similar program at the Eastern
All. Senator Sanders claims that countries have moved past the like spectacles. State Hospital in Virginia—but
Medicare For All reduces costs healthcare issue, but the U.S. still The boarding program is run deemed it too “revolutionary” to
and gives Americans free access to lags. This would not be a huge ex- by the public psychiatric hospital implement. Is it time to recon-
healthcare. Skeptics assert that the pense and would even save money. in Gheel, where eligible patients sider? Is America now ready for a
public sector cannot fund such an Healthcare would only be a drop in are selected to take part. Patients “revolutionary” program for deal-
idealistic plan and this plan would the ocean of economic spending. are screened first for any danger- ing with mental health? Maybe it
only reduce the quality of health- Any comprehensive health care re- ous tendencies or if they have any is time for us to look to Gheel for
care and increase the price. In a re- form plan would have the potential pedophilic nature before being some inspiration or maybe it’s not.
cent Koch Brother’s backed study, to improve the lives of many, and considered. They then receive an But the truth is, Gheel is, has been,
Mecatus conceeded Medicare For Senator Sanders’ plan is only one evaluation where a trained profes- and will continue to be a sanctuary
All would actually lower the cost solution. It’s impossible to tell if sional assesses whether or not they for those with mental illness and
of healthcare, reducing the amount it will work out perfectly but there would be a good fit for the pro- disorders.
the U.S. spends on healthcare by must be an answer because Ameri- gram. Those with certain disorders
more than two-trillion dollars as can healthcare can be better. like schizophrenia are also medi-
well as reducing prescription drug cated before being introduced to
5
Cougar Growl
Arts Spring 2021
Student Diversity Council:
How Arlington Catholic Celebrated Black History Month
By Jane Stephan Gabbie Bilong, Krysonia Tavares, from Ms. Yankell. Also, the AC English classes. SDC volunteers
Growl Reporter Eloise Jean-Marie, Ann Phan, and administration hung up posters in also read picture books to St. Agnes
Mrs. Billings. the hallways showing historical fig- Students from Tuesday, the 23rd to
Since the 1970s, February has You may have noticed a new se- ures who advocated against racism Friday, the 26th. The books were
been recognized as Black History lection of music playing over the and contributed to the Civil Rights also by black authors, helping to
Month in the United States. This loudspeaker before class started movement, such as Rosa Parks and teach the elementary school stu-
February, AC celebrated Black on the days when you’re in person. Jackie Robinson. dents about Black History Month.
History throughout the month with The playlist is dedicated to playing Student volunteers and members If the SDC has caught your in-
extra help from the school’s Student songs by black artists that high- of the SDC recorded themselves terest, they meet during WIN on
Diversity Council (SDC), which is light their experience. The playlist reading poems by black authors, Thursdays in Mrs. Billings’ Room
new to AC this year. It is led by was created by Zih Nche with help to be watched at the beginning of (Room 106).
Arlington Catholic Drama Club
By Reese DeVincent
Growl Reporter
“What is the AC community going
to love the most about the
Ready When You Are! production?”
“What’s not to love about our stu-
dents singing, dancing, and making
music....and laughing....and having
fun? But I imagine that what people
photo collage courtesy of Marline Jean-Marie will love most is simply being to-
The photo collage was created by Marline Jean-Marie featuring photos by gether. It has been over a year since
herself and friends Sara Joujoute, Chloe Renik, and Zih Nche. The photos the last ACDC show -- since students,
were taken during the Black Lives Matter rallies during summer 2020. parents, teachers, family and friends
Confined have attended theatre in the same
room. This year, our room happens
to be the municipal parking lot. We
By Marline Jean-Marie Mrs. Billings, director are so excited to create an outdoor
AC Poet arts event specially designed for the
2020-2021 school year. In addition
Look up,
to inspirational performances, there
Look down.
will be music, food trucks, raffles,
and general merriment. The songs in
Look around,
“Ready When You Are!” were cho-
Don’t make a sound.
sen because they celebrate and honor
a-year-in-the-life of our students.
Alter your hair so it looks like theirs,
They capture their feelings of loss
Bleach your skin so it can be deemed fair.
and fear, and speak to their struggle to
meet sometimes impossible expecta-
Shrink so they can grow,
tions, but also give rise to their diverse
Ignore what you’ve seen & absorb what they say to know.
voices, as well as remind us of their
resiliency and unrelenting optimism.”
Forget your ancestors & drop what you believe,
‘cause adopting their views is something to achieve. Jaida Croak, sophomore “The AC community is going to love
the excitement of the Ready When
Stay in line and listen, You Are Production.”
Don’t you dare try to speak up as your face is pressed against the concrete
Jack Mcwethy, junior “The AC community is going to love
and the sun makes your spilt
the excitement of the Jersey Boys. Be
blood glisten.
Ready.”
Take the hits, Mray Kate Flynn, senior “With a combination of different
Take the spits, faces, talents, and songs, I think the
Learn to patch your wounds like the generations before you have with AC Community will love the varia-
your racially designated medical kit. tion in the the Ready When You Are
production.”
Ignore the pain, Nicole Simmons, senior “The AC community is going to love
Hope for it to all go away. the involvement from a wide variety of
students, and the show will be a great
Pretend that you’re blind to it all ‘cause ignorance is bliss, way for everyone to come together in
Pray that you’re not another one of Eden’s children blessed with Death’s these difficult circumstances.”
kiss.
6
Cougar Growl
Sports Spring 2021
Finally Fall II
By Mia Polston excited for the fall 2 season to start.
Junior Editor Though it is an unusual season,
and we don’t get the normal Friday
After months of waiting, prac- night fall football games this year,
tices being put off due to COVID I am glad we found a way to still
restrictions and recommendations, have a season. Going to practice
and students wondering if they’d gives me a sense of normalcy again
ever have their sports season, fall wich gives me motivation and hope
sports are finally back! Fall 2 is off for the future.” We as a school are
to a great start with football kicking very lucky to even be having sports
off March 12th, fall cheerleading with how unpredictable these times
March 1st, and winter track March are, but we should be very grate-
13th. It was definitely hard for fall ful, not only for ourselves but the
Photo courtesy of Katherine Curran
athletes to watch everyone else current seniors. Last year, seniors
have their season. Sports are where missing their final spring season Girls Hockey players (left to right) Megan Walsh, Katherine Curran, Jenna
most people make their first friends was hard for them and everyone Noonan, Maggie Milne, and Coach Jamie. In the front is Chelsea Chamberlain
in high school, leaving the fresh- since we knew how badly they de-
men in a tough position without served a final great season, which is that in order to have the season we careful about COVID restrictions.
sports at the beginning of the year. something Fall 2 is giving our cur- want, and the season the seniors de- It is only fair with the opportunity
Grace Constantine says, “I am very rent seniors. We have to remember serve, we have to stay safe and be we have been given!
AC Football A.J. Quetta
By Jimmy Ball and Arshia Ghai an amazing experience, taking re- By Tyler Venturelli the $100,000 dollar donation from
Growl Contributors sponsibility for leading this high Growl Reporter the Boston Bruins, and the numer-
potential team to try and get to the ous other successful fundraising
Arlington Catholic football is of- next level.” David Rufo shared On January 26, 2021 in a hockey attempts by the Bruins organiza-
ficially kicking off for the 2021 what it’s been like gaining 55 lbs game between Bishop Feehan tion. Along with financial sup-
season! Due to COVID-19, there in the last 14 months and how the High School and Pope Francis port, the hockey community hung
have been some major changes that transition from 1 position (kicker) Prep, tragedy struck as Bishop A.J.‘s number 10 jersey above
can be seen this football season. to now taking on 3 positions Feehan player, A.J. Quetta, col- their benches, and wore decals and
Players wearing masks, socially (kicker, linebacker, and running lided head-first into the boards, other items with the number 10 and
distanced fans at games, as well as back). “It took lots of high calorie causing a very serious spinal cord the Bishop Feehan shamrock and
the fall sport now being pushed all dieting and an insane amount of injury. Immediately after the ac- colors. A.J. spent his first month of
the way back to starting on Febru- training in the gym,” says David, cident occurred, A.J. and his fam- recovery at Boston’s Mass General
ary 20th. The Cougars have now “And taking responsibility for ily were surrounded with support Hospital, and will spend the rest of
been practicing for a couple of more than one position has made by the hockey community. Soon his recovery process in a special-
weeks, and look to take on Austin me love the game even more!” And after the accident, friends of the ized therapy program in Atlanta,
Prep on March 12th to kick off the finally, Anthony Hall experienced Quetta family started a fundrais- Georgia. Before departing to At-
season. Three of the team’s players what it’s been like joining the foot- ing group called “A.J.’s Army” lanta, A.J. shared a video on social
were interviewed: Paul Hammond ball team as a first time player in with the intention of providing media thanking everyone for their
‘21, David Rufo ‘22, and Anthony his junior year. “It’s been great,” long term financial support to as- support and saying “I don’t have
Hall ‘22. says Hall, “Captains like Paul, sist A.J.’s immediate family. A words to describe how awesome
Paul Hammond was asked what Manny, and Malachi have been GoFundMe was started, as the you people are and how supportive
it’s been like to be a first time cap- great, welcoming me to the team family needed all of the financial you’ve been for me. You all give
tain leading some of the younger and always teaching me about the support they could get to help treat me a reason to keep pushing and
players on how to win hard games: game.” an injury as debilitating as this one, keep fighting. It’s awesome.” Al-
“Well...let’s just say that it’s been and the community supporting A.J. though the accident was very scary
went above and beyond to help
AC Hockey
and tragic, it shows how one seri-
his family. At the end of Febru- ous incident can bring everyone
ary the GoFundMe, originally set together to help a common cause,
with a goal of $10,000, was over and how generous people are to
By Tommy Peterson was able to overcome that setback
$955,000, which doesn’t include those in need.
Growl Contributor and continue playing. The team
continued their season, but was
The 2020-2021 Arlington Cath- halted once again due to the coro-
olic boys hockey season was navirus. After the 10 day period,
certainly one that everyone will the boys came out flying as they
remember. In late November, the tied the number eight ranked team
boys were still wondering whether in the state, Saint Mary’s. The boys
or not they were going to have a would play one more game against
season, and if so, what were the Bishop Feehan before the CCL
costs? However, the news broke Cup playoff games. The team fin-
that the MIAA will be having ished fourth in the CCL and made
a boys hockey season. Tryouts it to the semi-final CCL Cup game
started December 8th, but the re- against Saint Mary’s. The team
turning varsity players were split came out hard but fell short by a
into two groups due to the numbers score of 5-1. Even though this year
restriction on the ice. After the first was filled with many setbacks and
week, the team would have its first challenges, the AC community
setback of the year. They had to sit thanks the seniors, and will be
out for the next two weeks due to ready when the puck drops next Photo courtesy of Tommy Peterson
a positive coronavirus test within season. Boys Hockey players Matt Brown, Jared Russell, Luke Ramsay, Michael Flynn,
Carson Priante and Pete Sanford at the first CCL Cup game.
the program. However, the team
7
Community
Cougar Growl Spring 2021
Top 5 Local Eats
By Vanessa Lott
Growl Reporter
As seniors are deciding their
colleges and our high school ex-
go is the most popular choice, and
what makes it rank as one of the
COMICS Mini Magic: Chatty Tree
perience is coming to a close, we best.
3
look back on the past four years of Number three, Star-
memories. That quick pickup cof- bucks. A classic choice,
fee before school, those 15 minute and the easiest one to
snacks between practice, a meal make. Whether it’s a cof-
after the game, a half-day lunch fee to keep you going, picking up
with your friends after school: the your seasonal fall flavor, or a se-
Arlington Center has created many cret menu TikTok drink to spice
of our countless school memories it up once and a while, it’s always
without us even realizing. So, with around the corner and a common
a poll taken from a few of our class stop for all AC kids and staff!
2
of 2021, here are the top 5 food Number two, La Victo-
places in Arlington Center, ranked. ria Taqueria! A food shop
Starting off with number five, that serves Mexican Street
5
Abbott’s Frozen Custard. food created from passed
Using their secret fam- down family recipes. The most
ily recipe, some of the popular item with AC students is
smoothest, creamiest, and the cheese quesadilla with chicken
most delicious custard is created. filling. That pressed warm tortilla
But the ice cream isn’t the star of with well-seasoned chicken and
the show. What really puts Ab- perfectly melted cheese is a right-
bott’s on the map are the delicious fully earned favorite.
1
flurries. Your choice of custard Ultimately, the num-
perfectly blended with any topping ber one spot goes to none
you desire. It will definitely satisfy other than Gail Ann’s Cof-
your sweet tooth! fee Shop. The well-known
4
Number four, Brick- clear iced coffee cup with the
stone Cafe and Pizzeria. mocha stuck to the sides and light
Chicken, salads, wings, brown goodness in the middle is
subs, calzones; all the food a given AC drink, along with the
you can imagine, but best known perfect small white bag fit for a
for the pizza. A two slice combo on donut! As the slogan says, “Old By Missy Skehan
a classic paper plate with a drink to Fashioned Goodness!”
Cougar Growl
Contributors
Advisor: Mrs. Heidi Gould
Editors: Lily Fitzgerald (‘21)
Kathryn Van Winkle (‘21)
Junior Editor: Mia Polston (‘23)
Gillian Ambrosia (‘24)
Jimmy Ball (‘22)
Photo Courtesy of Lilli O’Mahony Tori Caggiano (‘22)
Elizabeth Price, Dinah Cummiskey, Lilli O’Mahony, and Chris Guerrier walk- Kevin Cahill (‘24)
ing in Arlington to Cheer Practice which started on March 3rd. Thomas Cahill (‘22)
Cheers to You
Nicolas Carmezin Muniz (‘23)
Emma Chisholm (‘24)
Katherine Curran (‘22)
By Mrs. Gould Nicholas DeBenedictis (‘22)
Growl Advisor Reese DeVincent (‘21)
bers for the Saint Agnes Chronicle.
This is the final edition for the Over the past four yeas at Arling- Catherine Fagan (‘22)
graduating seniors of 2021. You ton Catholic, they have grown into Arshia Ghai (‘22)
have all shown tremendous grace, roles as leaders, mentors, and edi- Lucy Gould (‘24)
courage, and fortitude during this tors for the Growl. While they have Marline Jean-Marie (‘21)
unprecedented school year. It has been indispensible and remain irre- Emma Limerick (‘23)
been our privilege to celebrate placeable, Katie and Lily have built Vanessa Lott (‘21)
your stories and honor your voices an enduring legacy with nearly 40 Maggie Milne (‘22)
through the Cougar Growl. At the current club members. Lilli O’Mahony (‘24)
end of this year, our editors, Kath- Katie and Lily, on behalf of the Ella Raso (‘22)
ryn Van Winkle and Lily Fitzgerald entire Growl team, congratulations Missy Skehan (‘24)
will graduate with your number. on all of your success, best wishes Jane Stephan (‘23)
Lily and Katie have been writers in all you do, and thank you for Robbie Stevens (‘23)
for the school newspaper since they being spectacular you. Tyler Venturelli (‘23)
were in sixth grade as vital mem- Liana Winans (‘22)
8
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