Maybe This Year

Springfield, Illinois has always loved baseball. After all, it is the American pastime. In Houston, most are Astros fans. In Miami, most are Marlins fans. However, the citizens of Springfield do not have a professional baseball team, so they are forced to choose between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs.

Sophomores Steven Bentley, Elise Antonacci, and Payton Reichensperger show their Cubs spirit.

Even the 1989 movie “Back to the Future II” believes in Chicago this year. In the movie, Marty McFly travels into the “future” to this current year, 2015. The background of the scene in which he arrives in the future shows a baseball stadium with the headline, Cubs win the World Series. The Cubs are closer to this prediction now than ever before.

The fans’ adage “Maybe next year” may actually be coming true. This year, the Cubs have gone further than they have in years. The Cubs have not won the World Series since 1908. They have not made it to the playoffs since 2008 and they have not made it to a World Series game since 1945. The Cubs placed third in the National League Central Division this year, behind the Pittsburgh Pirates at second and the Cardinals at number one. They fought valiantly in a sudden-death Wild Card game against the Pirates and won to earn a spot playing against the Cardinals. In this instrumental series against the Cardinals last week, the Cubs advanced, winning the first, third, and fourth games in a best-of-five series.

But what has led to the Cubs’ success? SHG Sophomore Steven Bentley believes their success stems from first baseman Anthony Rizzo. “I believe the most influential person for their success is Anthony Rizzo because of the good season he has had.” SHG Junior Colleen O’Brien credits second baseman Starlin Castro. “Although he started off rough, [Castro] pulled everything together for the end of the season.”

It has been a successful season for Chicago and for Cubs fans everywhere. Bentley says, “I do believe the prediction in “Back to the Future II” will come true.” All fans can do is hope.

Update: The Cubs were eliminated in a 4-game sweep against the New York Mets at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

Is It “Dark” in Here? (Spoilers!)

The “Supernatural” season 11 premiere aired on October 7, 2015, and it has a completely new, different and darker feel than the past seasons. The premiere allowed a lot of new events to unfold. During the season 10 finale, Sam and Dean Winchester, the main characters of the show, get rid of the Mark of Cain, releasing an ancient force called The Darkness into the world. In this first episode, The Darkness infects people and turns them into “zombies” with black veins. The zombies try to destroy anything and infect anyone in their way.

The Winchesters watch as Mike gives his newborn daughter to Jenna in order to keep her safe. Photo courtesy of tvbuddy.com.

New characters are introduced in this episode as well. When driving into a devastated town, the brothers run into Jenna, an injured police deputy. After showing her that they were not infected, they took her to a nearby hospital to help her. Sam wanders through the hospital and notices a zombie trying to get into a locked closet. After the monster suddenly dies (apparently the infection kills quickly), Sam meets two more people, Mike, an infected man, and his newborn daughter.

After meeting up again, Dean suggests to kill the man and save his daughter, but Sam, as always, disagrees. Sam begins his speech about the old family motto: “Saving people, hunting things, the family business.” Sam reveals a major plot hole in the show, the ever-repeating struggle that the boys go through: always hiding secrets from each other and constantly sacrificing everything to help each other. Sam says to Dean, “This isn’t on you. It is on us. We have to change.”

However, neither of the boys changes at all in the episode. Dean does not tell Sam that he had talked to The Darkness herself– yes, The Darkness is a “her.” The Darkness told Dean that they were connected and showed him that she has the Mark of Cain as well. She told him that no matter what, they would help each other. How can he help her, and how can she help him?

Sam is also keeping secrets from Dean. Dean, Jenna and the baby, named Amara by her father (who decided to stay in the hospital to keep her safe), escape the hospital while Sam distracts the zombies that are there. Sam hides in a closet from the creatures, only to find one right behind him. Sam kills the zombie, but in the process he gets her blood in his mouth. (Why is it always blood?) In the end of the episode, Sam looks into the mirror and sees black veins crawling up his neck. Surprize, surprize, something is wrong with Sam (again) and he has not told Dean (again).

Enough with the Winchesters for now. Back in season 10, the finale left us waiting to see the fight between Crowley, the demon king of Hell, and Castiel (Cas), an angel who was put under an attack-dog spell by the evil witch Rowena. In the premiere, Crowley escapes Cas until it is safe again. Meanwhile, Cas is captured by other angels and taken to a secret place to be tortured for breaking Metatron, another bad angel, out of Heaven’s prison. Junior Marisa Patten shows her worry for her favorite character. “Castiel has been abducted by angels, so I suppose there will be a lot of torturing … along with the spell that Rowena placed on him.”

When Crowley returns to safety, his demons tell him that The Darkness was released and it is not a fairytale as he thought. The demons mentioned that there was a commotion from the Cage, the Hell-prison that contains the archangels Lucifer and Michael that has not been mentioned much since the season five finale. Since the two archangels were trying to warn the demons about The Darkness, this force is definitely a big deal. Also, it could mean the return of the two angels (and the Apocalypse?).

Speaking of The Darkness, she shares a similar feature with someone. The baby Amara is shown with the Mark of Cain exactly where the Darkness has it. What does this mean? Does this mean that the baby is The Darkness herself, or is she just a baby destined to do evil? What will the boys do when they discover this?

Many new events, plots and characters have come into play for the season 11 premiere, and there are high hopes for the upcoming episodes.

Papal Pilgrimage

Two Sacred Heart-Griffin High School students and one SHG campus minister missed out on the school’s homecoming weekend on September 25-27, 2015. Instead of dancing the weekend away, they traveled to Philadelphia to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: seeing Pope Francis during his tour of America.

SHG campus minister Phil Seck was given the opportunity to accompany two students to see the Papal tour in early 2015. “I was just overwhelmed because there are so many people in this building that would have loved to have the same opportunity I had. I was tickled that [Sister Katherine O’C
onner] tapped me on the shoulder.”

The Pope-moblie with the Holy Father passes through the streets of Philadelphia. Photo courtesy of Cassidy Krager.

The school had students apply to go to Philadelphia, and only two students could be chosen. These two students were sophomore Isabella Farris and junior Cassidy Krager. The girls were very excited to take the trip, even if it meant missing homecoming. “I wasn’t upset about missing hmecoming because I’ve already been there two years,” Krager explained. “It’s not every day you get to see the Pope.”

The SHG trio left Springfield on Friday to travel to St. Louis, then to Chicago and finally to Philadelphia. On Saturday, the three visited the Polish National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, where they saw beautiful stained-glass windows and had lunch. After their visit, they went to downtown Philadelphia and saw the Holy Father as he drove around the city. “We only got to see him for about five seconds, but it was amazing,” said sophomore Isabella Farris.

That Sunday the students and campus minister watched via Jumbotron the Pope celebrate Mass. Because the lines were so long, they could not get into the Mass, but they still enjoyed watching it from the streets of Philadelphia.

The effect of seeing the Pope still stays with these people. “The noise of joy that came from the crowd: I’ve been to stadiums. I’ve been to concerts. There’s no noise like that that I’ve ever heard,” Seck explained about seeing the Pope. “I was so excited I couldn’t scream. There’s the Holy Father and he’s just waving at me.”

The students’ and minister’s memories will stay with them forever because this experience is one that they will never forget.

Lovato is Feeling “Confident”

She’s baaaaaaack. Pop singer Demi Lovato has released her fifth studio album on October 16th. Lovato has had quite a year in 2015. From releasing her own skin care line to getting a new puppy, Lovato has still managed to find the time to release an album.

Lovato first mentioned the album on August 26th by tweeting “Are you ready for this?” and attached an image of her album cover. On the same day, Lovato managed to gather a handful of her celebrity friends, from Kim Kardashian West to Pete Wentz, and had all of them tweet a different song title that would appear on the album.Lovato finished off by tweeting that the title of the album was “Confident.”

The album was available for pre-order on August 28th. Lovato has done a number of interviews to promote her album as well. She performed on the MTV VMAs, Jimmy Kimmel, and also had a set of pool parties where she performed at to promote her album.

Lovato has dropped two singles off of “Confident;” the first was released in the beginning of the summer, which explains the title, “Cool for the Summer.” Her next single “Confident’ was recently dropped on September 18th.

The production of this album has also been a personal milestone of reinventing herself. Lovato explained the motive behind her album during an interview with Ryan Seacrest saying “The thing with my music, I’ve spent so long just kind of people pleasing, making everybody happy with being the best role model I can be. At the endof the day, yes, I’m outspoken about the things I believe in: mental health, advocacy work, I have my own charity. I have all these things that make me a role model. But at the same time, none of these things are representing the daring person I am. I’m no longer serious. I’m done with the sob stories and the tales. New chapter, new life, new album, new single, this is a completely new Demi. There’s definitely a lot of provocative songs on the album.”

Later in the interview Seacrest and Lovato talked music and keyed in on  what audiences can expect to hear. “There’s also an element that I really wanted to bring to the music. One was the rock element, I wanted to kind of bring back the rock-pop music, but I have a lot of rhythmic flairs in there as well. I grew up listening to soul music and then I only listened to metal music for a while. I have all these influences that influenced this
album and me growing up.” Lovato explained.

The release date for Lovato’s album is set to be October 16th and what fans will be able to expect after the release from Lovato is still a surprise.

A Treasure Transformed

A new school year always brings many changes including new classes, new teachers, and new students. However, this year, SHG has made a big change involving one of the most treasured things here at school: lunch. Arguably the most important of the seven class periods, Fourth Period has always held a special place in our hearts. So this year, changes to the lunch line and menu were a big adjustment.

SHG Student Council President, Megan Schultz, promised in her election speech last year that she would make changes in the school lunch. She lived up to her promises. This year, there are many new additions. Schultz says that in order to appeal to the different likes and dislikes of all the students, “different meals have been added to include the favorite foods of many people.”

The Hy-Vee pizza goes fast during every lunch shift.

These new foods include Hy-Vee pizza, a salad bar every day, brand new entrees, sides, and bars. Sophomore Chandler Hady says that her favorite new lunch items are “the new various bars such as potato bar and tailgate bar.” According to Schultz, it seems the changes have been a huge success. “I think the rest of the student body is really enjoying the new lunches. Food never runs out from A to C lunch, and there is always something new to try out.”

While the food has become a big hit, as with any new thing, there are some issues. “The water station may need to be improved so that the pitchers never run out,” says Schultz. “Also, many students hope that the water cups will be larger for their meals.

School lunch is a treasure that we always have held dear. We must be able to embrace the new changes to our lunch as an adventure, a prize to be uncovered.

A Movie with a Purpose

On September 25th the movie “The Intern” was released in theaters. After having doubts about whether or not I would enjoy the movie, I decided it was worth the ten dollars to see if I would be pleasantly surprised.

The movie had a lineup that could not be beat. With Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro as costars, this movie was bound to be block buster hit. The chemistry between the two actors was able to be felt through the movie screen.

The movie takes place in Brooklyn, New York in a large old printing factory that was renovated into an online clothing company headquarters. The owner, Jules Ostin, started the company from her kitchen and within 6 months went from having 2 employees to 200.

I had a lot of doubts because I thought it would be a cliché movie that is a one of those stories in which in the beginning the boss was mean and crotchety and then the new intern she didn’t want changes her into a nice person.

All I can say is I was dead wrong. This movie had a plot like I’d never seen before and was intriguing. This movie was by all means a feminist movie and exemplified that in this day and age women can, and will be just as successful as men.

However, in the beginning of the movie Jules thinks that being successful means not accepting help from anyone, even when it is badly needed. Then, Ben Whittaker a 75-year-old intern comes along and changes the way Jules looks at things.

Further in the movie, Jules’ company  advisors suggest that she interview people to find a CEO for her company. Jules’ takes this to heart because she thinks as the owner, she knows what’s best for her company.

While also dealing with other personal struggles outside of the work place, Jules starts to confide in Ben as a friend, and co-worker. When she asked Ben if she is doing the right thing by giving up the company, Ben gives her million dollar advice.

“The Intern” is a movie that every person should see because it shows that it is possible to be successful and have a great home life at the same time, and just because you’re a woman doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your professional life for your home life. I give the movie a 4.5 out of 5. The .5 lost was due to the movie being a little slow at some parts but really…most movies are.

Undefeated They Stand

The boys are back at it. The SHG football team is on a roll once again. The varsity football team remains undefeated and continue to put up running clocks.

The first game played was against Springfield High School on the home turf. By half-time there was a running clock up on the board. SHG took home a win with a finishing score of 51 to 7. “I’m excited about this group. I was concerned because Springfield has some great athletes and we contained them really, really well.” Coach Ken Leonard said.

The next game was also played on the home turf against Decatur Eisenhower. This was a long game lasting around three hours. Quarterback Tim Brenneisen, completed 13 out of 19 throws totaling in 302 yards.

For week three the boys dominated Jacksonville on Jacksonville’s own field. Senior Sam Bonansinga held the spotlight as he made six catches totaling 106 yards. The boys make football look easy by ending the game with a total of 62 points to14.

In week four the boys brought the storm…literally. The game was shortened due to weather but would that stop them from dominating? As if. The Cyclones came home with a 48-0  win just before the game ended early around 8 p.m. Senior Albert Okwuegbunam and junior Vince Mounce both caught touchdown passes during the short game. “He’d been hurt. He had a great summer,” Coach Leonard said referring to Mounce. “Jack Sigourney was hurt, and Mounce is a load. He’s going to be a really good player.”

The week of September 25th was homecoming week and the boys also brought home another win. Lincoln High School was no match for SHG. Keeping the undefeated title, the Cycs won an impressive 70 to 0.

In week six the Cyclones were taken to their south side opponents, the Glenwood Titans. The titans put up a bit more of a fight than Lincoln, but were still no match. Chatham is the only team this season, so far that SHG hasn’t beaten with a running clock. However, just like every other opponent, SHG manages to take home the win.

The cyclones hope the boys are able to keep up the undefeated record and bring home another State championship. Good luck Cycs!

First Quarter Recap

First quarter is already over and second quarter is starting. It seems like just yesterday summer break ended and students were trying to figure out their new schedules. However, a lot has happened since orientation back in August.

Before school started, many changes were already taking place. The lunch, both the cafeteria layout and the menu, changed to excite the students. A new grading scale brought more encouragement to the students. A new face at the school also appeared. Father Marty Smith has joined Sacred Heart-Griffin as the school’s chaplain. Both Father Marty and the new school ideas have been met with happiness.

As the school year started, many sports began their seasons. As homework started rolling in, so did athletics. Fall sports such as football, volleyball, cross country and golf started practices and games. Some students had to balance homework and training in a tight first-quarter schedule. Junior Maddie Mayfield’s favorite activity of the first quarter was the cross country season. “It is an amazing sport,” she explains. “All of the girls are so supportive and it is a fun sport. I’m very happy I decided to do it this year.” She decided to run the sport next year as well.

The Homecoming Court waits in anticipation to see who will be crowned king and queen. Photo courtesy of the Yearbook staff.

The main school events that happened this quarter included Spirit Week, Homecoming, and the second All-City Mass. Sophomore Killian Davis said that Homecoming was his favorite day of the first quarter. “I enjoyed the great times with my friends, and I danced hard, but not very well.”

Although the first quarter is over, the rest of the year is still to come. Both Davis and Mayfield said that their first quarter experiences were overall very good. They are both looking to the future school year with bright hopes. Mayfield said that she is looking forward to building friendships with fellow classmates and staying focused on her grades, while Davis is hoping to reach the milestone of getting his driver’s license.

The first quarter held many new changes and fun activities, as well as the start of another academic school year. With three-fourths of the school year to go, students should keep their heads up as they embrace the second, third and fourth quarters.

Packers vs. Bears

The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears, infamous NFL rivals, dueled it out on September 13 in Soldier Field. The Green Bay Packers have been closely watched because wide receiver Jordy Nelson is out for the season. Packers’ fans were on edge due to this loss.

Nelson is out for the season due to a knee injury that took place at a pre-game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers says, “It’s difficult to lose a guy like that in a meaningless game.”

The whole team has taken the loss of Nelson for the season fairly hard. He is known as a valuable asset to the team. Head coach Mike McCarthy said, “Jordy Nelson is a key member of our football program both on the field and off the field, probably more so off the field.”

However, Nelson’s injury did not stop the Green Bay Packers from taking on the challenge of playing the Chicago Bears. The first quarter began with a 28-yard field goal presented by Chicago Bears placekicker Robbie Gould.

Towards the end of the first quarter, a pass to Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was completed, following a touchdown by Packers player James Jones. This left the first quarter with a score of 7-3, Packers in the lead.

As the second quarter began, Bears player Matt Forte completed a one yard run, which resulted in a touchdown. Next, Packers player Mason Crosby scored a 37-yard field goal.  Incredibly, Robbie Gould then scored a 50-yard field goal, leaving the second quarter score at 10-13 Chicago Bears for the win.

At the start of the third quarter, James Joyce completed a pass from Aaron Rodgers. Once again, Robbie Gould scored a 44-yard field goal. The completed score of the third quarter was 17-16, leaving the Packers up by one. Tensions began to run high, making this fourth quarter very important.

The fourth quarter held a lot, especially for the Green Bay Packers. Randall Cobb completed a pass made by Aaron Rodgers for 5 yards and Mason Crosby scored an extra point. Another touchdown was completed in the fourth quarter by Eddie Lacy. Finally, Bears player Martellus Bennett completed a pass by Jay Cutler. The final score ended in 31-23 with Packers for the win.

The Pope Takes on America

Pope Francis visited the United States on September 22, 2015 in the late afternoon. Numerous priests and Catholic school students from all-around the United States had gathered near the landing strip to welcome the pope. Several citizens from nearby and faraway came to see the Pope make history with his visit to the United States of America.

Pope Francis’ visit to the United States makes him the fourth head of the Catholic Church to visit. Political figures such as Barack Obama and his family were part of the welcoming committee for Pope Francis.

On Wednesday, September 23, Obama planned another welcoming ceremony for Pope Francis. However, this time the ceremony was on the South Lawn of the White House. After the celebration, Pope Francis greeted other Americans in a parade in downtown Washington.

However, Thursday, September 24, happened to be the most critical day during the visit. The pope addressed the U.S. Congress, the first ever joint-address made by a pontiff. After addressing the U.S. Congress, Pope Francis shared a meal with homeless individuals.

Pope Francis devoted his message to the care of homeless individuals whom he believes have been overlooked by society. Pope Francis is not targeting democracy or freedom that rules within the United States; however, he is concerned that the U.S. use their wealth with special responsibility.

Pope Francis stated, “I appreciate the unfailing commitment of the Church in America to the cause of life and that of the family.” Pope Francis’s main message is respect the lives of those in need and do what you can to help.

Pope Francis’s message has been so powerful and respected that citizens long for a political leader similar to the Pope. Jake Tapper, an American journalist and anchor for CNN television series, “The Lead with Jake Tapper,” tweets, “Trying to think of an American politician whose views line up perfectly with that of @Pontifex [Pope Francis’s twitter].” Pope Francis departed from America on September 27, 2015. Pope Francis’s visit has provided inspiration for many citizens, as well as a new sense of belonging.