2015 was a year full of odd weather trends: from a suspiciously warm winter to having a pile of snow in Boston, Massachusetts that didn’t fully melt until June. Although being able to not have to lug around a heavy winter coat this year was nice, these comfortable winter temperatures do not come without future consequence.
“It has been an unusually warm winter,” said Jake Crouch, a climate scientist at the National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C. “The Northeast region had their fifth warmest December on record, and January has been warmer than average,” he told the website, OurAmazingPlanet.
One of the possible effects of this very comfortable winter could be an itchy summer. Freezing weather kills off bugs, but they were able to multiply during the winter, leaving the US with more bugs than previous years. “The mosquitoes and fleas will also most likely be out and pestering everyone much earlier in the year” said Crouch.
Many animals have also been rather confused by this weather. According to Fox News, “Officials said the spring-like weather is throwing off the animals and they are getting a jump on things they shouldn’t be doing for another month.”
Animals that come out of hibernation too soon will have an incredibly hard time trying to find food for themselves. They won’t be able to find food because although the weather is warm, it is not warm enough for plants to bloom leaving the animals without berries, nuts, or any other foliage they typically eat.
Due to the shortage of food for the animals that come out of hibernation early, there has been an increased rate of animals found in residential areas. This doesn’t sound like a big problem but the animals such as bears, are not used to seeing humans so they are unpredictable as to how they will act.
Although these weather changes have been much more comfortable and warmer, they may make for uncomfortable summers. If these temperature trends continue, they will change the typical summer/winter most Americans know forever.
The weekend of January 15-17 was filled with magic. Harry Potter was the theme for Sacred Heart-Griffin’s 2016 Snowball, and the school was transformed into Hogwarts. I, a major fan of both friend-making and the world of Harry Potter, found the experience enchanting.
Having never gone to Snowball before, I was nervous, but I soon became very comfortable with the people around me. I was surrounded by so many people, people who were and were not fans of Harry Potter.
The Snowball decorators spared no detail for the theme of Snowball: Harry Potter. Photo courtesy of Sabrina Johnston.
“I was ecstatic to learn that the theme was Harry Potter,” said senior Snowball leader Lauren Briney. “I’m a big fan of it and the way the co-directors mixed the theme in with normal Snowball made it all the more exciting.”
After a few fun games and a brief assembly, the students were sorted into one of the four Hogwarts Houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. I was sorted into Slytherin, which was awesome.
The classrooms were decorated to look like many of the rooms in the wizarding world, including: Defense Against the Dark Arts, Flying 101, Herbology, Potions, Astronomy and many others.
Aside from the fact that the four “houses” were competing to win, I made many new friends and got to know old friends even better. By participating in the activities we did, I learned so much about others and myself.
Motivational speaker Yahya Bakkar shares his story with the Snowball participants. Bakker has been speaking at events like these since 2011, at places such as Harvard University, TedX and Georgia Institute of Technology. Photo courtesy of Sabrina Johnston.
Over the weekend, along with enlightening speeches from the Snowball co-directors, there were two guest speakers. The first, a motivational speaker named Yahya Bakkar, told us about his rollercoaster life and how he made himself the best person he could possibly be.
The other speaker, singer Jessie Funk, explained how to keep “toxic” people out of our lives and how to surround ourselves with “breathers,” or people who “breathe” life, happiness and encouragement at us.
Although Snowball gets very personal, the leaders and participants were extremely understanding and comforting. The experience was uplifting to me. “I’m glad that they are comfortable with telling me about themselves and I’m happy I experienced it. It’s definitely one of the saddest parts,” said Briney.
Snowball was filled with many games, including Honey, I Love You and Quidditch. Briney’s favorite moment was “when we were playing a game called Tackle Tag. Everyone was clearly having tons of fun, and after a few hours we decided to switch games. Everyone was a little reluctant at first, but when they realized it had been two hours their reactions changed because it only seemed like thirty minutes.”
Boys play Harry Potter Quidditch in the gym at SHG’s Snowball. Photo courtesy of Sabrina Johnston.
When it was time to leave, many hugs were exchanged and memories retold. This year’s Snowball was filled with skits, singing, laughter and tears. This is one experience I will not forget.
I am going to go to Snowball next year and I encourage everyone to go. “I am totally going to Snowball next year,” said freshman Grace Conlon, after experiencing her first Snowball. “It was so much fun and I loved meeting so many new people.”
Did you know that New Year’s is the most celebrated event throughout the world? History.com states, “Civilizations have been celebrating the start of each new year for at least four millennia.” New Year’s has no religious roots so everyone can celebrate it. It is celebrated in most cities and this year, December 31 was televised in Los Angeles, California and New York, New York. It’s now 2016, and New Year’s is a thing of the past and something to be reviewed.
The earliest recorded celebrations of the new year date back approximately 4,000 years to ancient Babylon. The first new moon following the vernal equinox, or the day in late March with an equal amount of day and night, light and dark, marked the start of a new year.
The ancient Babylonians celebrated the occasion with a massive religious festival called Akitu involving different rituals on each of its 11 days. Atiku celebrated the mythical victory of the Babylonian sky god Marduk over the evil sea goddess Tiamat. During this time, a new king was crowned or the current ruler’s divine right was renewed.
Civilizations around the world developed increasingly sophisticated calendars, typically coinciding the first day of the year with an agricultural or astronomical event. In Egypt, the year began with the annual flooding of the Nile River, which paralleled with the rising of the brightest star in the sky, the dog star Sirius. The first day of the Chinese new year was defined by the second new moon after the winter solstice.
Julius Caesar, as part of his Julian calendar, instituted January 1 as the first day of the year. Romans celebrated by offering sacrifices to Janus, the Roman god of beginnings. According to history.com, they also celebrated by “exchanging gifts with one another, decorating their homes with laurel branches and attending raucous parties.” In Europe, Christian leaders temporarily replaced January 1 as the first of the year with days they thought carried more religious significance, such as December 25 and March 25 (the Feast of the Annunciation). In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII reestablished January 1 as New Year’s Day.
In many countries, New Year’s celebrations begin on December 31 and continue into the early hours of January 1. In Spain and several other Spanish-speaking countries, people eat a dozen grapes at each stroke of the church bells at 12:00 on January 1st. In some countries, traditional New Year’s dishes include legumes, small seeds, thought to resemble coins and indicate future financial success. Pork is a classic food on New Year’s Eve in Cuba, Austria, Hungary, Portugal and other countries. Ring-shaped cakes and pastries, a sign that the year has come full circle, are desserts in the Netherlands, Mexico, and Greece, among other places. In Sweden and Norway, rice pudding with an almond hidden inside is served on New Year’s Eve. Whoever finds the nut can expect 12 months of good fortune.
Resolution making is also thought to have started with the ancient Babylonians, who made promises in order to earn the favor of the gods and start the year off right. In the United States, the most iconic tradition is the dropping of a giant ball in Times Square at midnight. Millions of people around the world are entertained by this event, which has taken place almost every year since 1907. Various towns and cities across America have developed their own versions of the Times Square ritual, organizing public drops of items ranging from pickles to possums.
In the year of 2015, the American people have been exposed to a chilling number of mass shootings in which innocent people have lost their lives. The shock of hearing about these shootings is beginning to have less, and less of an effect because the news is so repetitive. There’s even a website called “Gun Deaths Map” that allows one to type in their zip code, and the map locates all shootings within the area and whether they were deadly or not.
According to The Dallas Morning News, “There have been 353 mass shootings in the year of 2015.” A mass shooting is defined in The Dallas Morning News as, “An event or related series of events where 4 or more people are shot, likely without a cooling off period.” Within these 353 shootings, there have been 462 killed and 1,312 people injured.
Considering that in the past year there has not even been 2 weeks total in the whole year without a mass shooting, something needs to be done. This has been a very pressing issue throughout President Obama’s two terms and he continues to speak out against the violence and instill plans to help prevent these tragedies in the future. During Obama’s speech about the shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon he said, “As I said just a few months ago, and I said a few months before that, and I said each time we see one of these mass shootings, our thoughts and prayers are not enough. It’s not enough. It does not capture the heartache and grief and anger that we should feel. And it does nothing to prevent this carnage from being inflicted someplace else in America — next week, or a couple of months from now.”
The most recent mass shooting was in San Bernardino, California on December 2, 2015. During this horrific event 14 people were killed, and 21 injured. As the investigation dug deeper, there was a discovery that the shooting could have been carried out with intentions of being tied to terrorists. In this year the American people have seen an elevated threat from ISIS and this shooting is no exception. The two suspects in the shooting had pledged alliance to the Islamic State in an online post. One of the suspects had contact with people from at least two terrorist organizations overseas.
Moreover, the past year has been full of brutal mass shootings that must be stopped. There has been one shooting for almost every day of the year. Anticipation that these shootings are tied to terrorism has unfortunately been proven multiple times. The most recent example of this being the shooting in San Bernardino, California.
Preview Night, on November 12, 2015, was a night to show off Sacred Heart-Griffin to fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth graders considering SHG as their high school. The night would not have been a success without the help of over 50 student volunteers.
Senior and student body president Megan Schultz gave an opening speech about her involvement and growth throughout her years at SHG.
Many student volunteers were Student Ambassadors who gave tours to the groups of potential students. The tours visited just about every wing of the school, covering just about every class that SHG provides.
Mr. Talken gives a presentation to a tour group at Preview Night. Photo courtesy of Yearbook Staff.
In the science wing, chemistry students presented tour groups with many interesting experiments. In the fashion room, fashion students wore old fashion outfits while they worked on new ones. In the basement, art students displayed and created pieces of art for the people to see. Near the chapel, students helped explain prayer services and retreats. The cheerleading and poms teams performed for the school’s visitors. The choir students performed many songs for tour groups to listen to and the band practiced for all to hear.
SHG students did not do everything though. Many teachers and faculty members took a lot of time in preparing and presenting Preview Night. The teachers set up presentations and powerpoints just for the occasion. “The math department’s set up really interested people from the beginning,” said junior Charlie Costa, who was a tour guide for the event. “They had the engineering bridges set out along with a sound project that was projected on the wall.”
Preview Night was a long night for everyone, but it was a success. Both Megan Schultz and Charlie Costa received positive feedback from many people. Schultz said, “The parents of my sister’s eighth grade friend said that they learned so much from Preview Night and being able to walk through the halls helped open their eyes to how great a school SHG is.”
On October 28, the students at SHG participated in Mix-It-Up Day during their lunch shift. Mix-It-Up Day is a national campaign launched by Teaching Tolerance over a decade ago. Mix-It-Up Day encourages students to identify, question and cross social boundaries.
Here at SHG, Mix-It-Up Day was held in the cafeteria during all lunch periods. Students were given a colored sticker with a number on it which identified the table they would be seated at. Once seated, a conversation starter reads a pre-written questions and everyone at the table had the chance to answer them.
Mix-It-Up Day is important because it enables students to sit with other students whom they may not otherwise have the chance to met. During lunch other students realize that people they may not consider being friends with could actually be just like them.
The second Mix-It-Up Day at SHG was a success. Ms. Torrence, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator says, “Mix-It-Up Day was a success because students were able to converse in a non-threatening environment and meet new people. ”
Mix-It-Up Day is put together by the Diversity and Inclusion Club. Ms. Torrence and Ms. Cueto lead the group and it meets every month on Tuesday; anyone is welcome to join. Senior Allie Moffett is a part of the club and helped make Mix-It-Up Day a success. “My favorite part of Mix-It-Up Day was seeing people who were at first skeptical about the idea, come to enjoy it and look forward to it next year.”
“Next year students can look forward to a different variety of more questions.” Mrs. Torrence stated when asked about what students can look forward to in upcoming Mix-It-Up Days.
Be sure to check out the Diversity and Inclusion Club to get involved with more exciting ideas and occasions like Mix-It-Up Day.
The Republican party has made its way to Springfield, IL, or at least a part of it. Republican presidential candidate and television personality, Donald Trump, came to speak to Springfield on November 9.
A variety of listeners came to view Trump. From young to elderly, politically interested minds gathered inside to debate and agree. Many SHG students took such interest in Trump’s appearance at Springfield and they obtained tickets. Senior Colin Kerr said, “I have an interest in politics and plan to major in political science so seeing him isn’t a matter of supporting him, it’s just a chance to see a presidential candidate speak.”
The doors opened at 5:00 p.m. and the line waiting to get into the Convention Center wrapped around three blocks. Energy and excitement of getting to see Trump flooded the Convention Center.
Donald Trump looking onward with a triumphant smile. Source: Google
The air was crisp. Men and women stood on corners selling campaign buttons and hats as Trump supporters eagerly threw money towards the sellers.
Citizens drove by the Convention Center, honking their horns with pride, shouting gleefully “Make America great again!” As the line moved, the excitement grew.
Once inside, picking a seat was the new objective. Many individuals chose balcony seats while others stood patiently in front of Trump’s podium, holding their support signs high.
Before Trump came out, music echoed throughout the Convention Center. Great songs like “Hey, Jude” and “Tiny Dancer” gave the audience a very spirited vibe to prepare for Trump’s arrival.
As 7:00 p.m. (Trump’s speaking time) grew closer, the crowd became almost electric in anticipation. The entire area was completely packed with bodies eager to see Trump.
When the time came, Trump made a grand appearance by waving at all of his supporters and giving them thumbs up. He even danced a little to the song “We’re Not Gonna Take It.”
He began speaking about Mexico and immigration issues. He said, “I love Mexico. I love the Mexican people but I tell you, Mexico is going to pay for the wall.”
He continued to talk about taking our American jobs back from Mexico to help employ the unemployed Americans. Trump said, “We are going to take back our country, our jobs, and our manufacturers.”
Trump was interrupted by Bernie Sanders supporters, whose constant motto throughout the night consisted of, “Feel the Bern.” Trump shook the protesters off and simply responded with “get out of here.”
Then came Trump’s ever present Hillary Clinton bashing. Trump brought up that Clinton is only running because “she wants to stay out of jail.” Trump went on to talk about ISIS saying, “Hillary is not strong enough, not tough enough [to beat ISIS].”
Trump continued talking about Clinton by saying, “Can you imagine Hillary being President? […] She’s got a burst of energy but it’s not going to last long.”
Trump also excitedly spoke about his dislike for trade with China and Japan. He insists on taking back trade because he believes, like Mexico, China has taken American jobs and money.
One of Trump’s goals is to take back all the jobs America has lost from trade and he says, “I’m going to do what’s right for you.”
Another subject matter was our military system. He said he was disappointed when he heard the announcement that our military is unprepared for any kind of war.
Trump is determined to change the outlook and readiness of our military. Trump explained his vision for the armed forces when he said, “I will build our military so strong and powerful that no one is going to mess with us.”
He also briefly mentioned an action he would take as president. As president his plan, he says, is to “repeal and replace Obamacare.” The audience was enthusiastic as they supported his idea.
Trump began to conclude by saying, “We are led by people who are so weak and ineffective.” Trump very much believes that he can be the type of leader that our country needs.
Trump truly touched the minds of everyone when he said, “The American dream is dead, but I’m going to make it bigger and better than before.” The crowd roared. Before Trump walked off stage, he waved goodbye and said, “I love you all.”
Trump’s volume during the entire speech was booming and empowering. He showed spirit and vigor to take on all the challenges he had mentioned. The mood after the speech was light and inspired.
The spirit of America and the freedom to create change rushed through the air. Only time will tell whether Trump’s unpredictable passion for politics will end with great change. Until then, the great showman continues to win the hearts of Americans.
The Keystone XL Pipeline is a controversial add-on to the network that carries oil from Canada to the US. The controversy surrounding the pipeline is that the oil requires a great deal of extra processing due to the different type of oil coming from the pipeline. This extra processing causes about a 20% increase in greenhouse gas emissions compared to other oil sources.
Supporters of the Keystone XL Pipeline say that the add-on will create jobs around the country and decrease dependence on Middle Eastern oil companies. According to ABC News, “Supporters argue that pipelines are a safer method of transporting oil than trains, pointing to recent derailment on both sides of the border, including a 2013 disaster in Canada that killed 47 people.”
Many people around the country however, are protesting the extension of the Keystone XL Pipeline due to the impacts it will have on the environment. Recently, presidential candidate Bernie Sanders took a public stand against the pipeline. “President Barack Obama should reject the Keystone XL oil pipeline before heading to Paris next month to finalize a global climate agreement,” said Sanders. When Sanders voiced his opinion on the issue he spoke for not only himself, but millions of other Americans against the Pipeline.
The independent senator from Vermont said rejecting the pipeline now would show “bold leadership” in the fight to slow climate change, which Sanders called “a major, major, major planetary crisis.” However, there is talk about the Pipeline’s creators requesting a delay in any construction on the pipeline until 2017, when a new president will be in office.
Sanders says Obama should act now. In his opinion, Obama should deny any requests that may come his way to delay the building of the Keystone XL Pipeline. Obama must act now if he wants to create change and help stop the furthering of greenhouse gas emissions. Sanders says rejecting the Pipeline proposal would show not only the country, but the world that America is serious about addressing the growing issue of climate change.
Democrats and Republicans will continue to debate over the building of the Keystone XL Pipeline while Obama decides on what action he should take.
Every year during the late summer, another Hurricane causes havoc across the face of the US. Typically starting in the East/Southeast by Florida, the storm then moves up to Massachusetts. However, the effects of the hurricane can be seen across the nation, causing torrential rainfall and flooding.
This year, the US has faced Hurricane Patricia. At her peak, she was measured as the most powerful hurricane ever measured across the Western Hemisphere. The Weather Channel stated, “Patricia had maximum sustained winds reaching an unprecedented 200 mph (320 kph) and its central pressure fell to 879 millibars.” The eye of Hurricane Patricia made landfall on Oct. 23 at 6:15 p.m. CDT near Cuixmala in Jalisco state of southwest Mexico. Maximum sustained winds at landfall were estimated at 165 mph, still firmly within the Category 5 range on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
Patricia broke not one record, but two. “In addition to its unprecedented 200-mph (320 kph) sustained winds, Hurricane Patricia broke the record for lowest pressure in any hurricane on record. With a minimum central pressure of 880 millibars (25.99 inches of mercury) at the 4 a.m. CDT advisory Oct. 23, Patricia broke the record of 882 millibars set by Wilma in the Atlantic Basin almost exactly 10 years earlier.” reports The Weather Channel
Luckily, the storm weakened very quickly before its effects reached the US, but was still dangerously strong. On the morning of Oct. 24 Patricia weakened into a Category 4 storm. Even with the intense weakening, Patricia still caused flooding and strong winds across the nation. The most affected areas of the US were on the East/Southeast coast such as Florida.
Flooding damage caused by Hurricane Patricia in Florida.
During the month of October, all Sacred Heart-Griffin students visited the Dominican Motherhouse right across the parking lot from the school.
During their theology class, the students were divided into groups and led around the Motherhouse to gain information about the lives of sisters living there as well as a brief history of the place. Sophomore Grace McDonald said, “I had previously been to the Motherhouse to visit Sr. Lucille last year, so I had a pretty good idea of what it would be like. I was expecting it to be boring because I had already seen it all, but it was actually pretty fun.”
The maze-like facility is a lot larger than expected. It is full of so many rooms for so many different purposes. The students learned about the history of the Motherhouse in the artifact room. They also learned about how the sisters’ days usually unfold. Like lay people, the sisters and nuns who live there cook, clean, read and exercise. Some of the rooms include a kitchen, a library, a cafeteria and a computer room. The Motherhouse also includes a salon where the sisters get their hair cut and styled. It also has a physical therapy room and a swimming pool where the sisters swim to stay healthy and fit.
The Motherhouse includes many pieces of Catholic and Dominican artwork. Many pictures and sculptures include St. Dominic and his teachings.
An SHG tour group admires Fra Angelico’s painting of the Annunciation. Photo courtesy of Sabrina Johnston.
Other artwork seen on the tour include the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe and a picture of Fra Angelico’s portrayal of the Annunciation.
Although the students did not get to see the Motherhouse chapel, they did enjoy the tours that were given to them. Freshman Julia Curry was very pleased with her tour. “I enjoyed learning about and visiting with the sisters that I am familiar with, such as my great-aunt and some past teachers,” she said. “I also enjoyed speaking Spanish with some of the sisters who were learning the same language like I am.”
The Motherhouse tours gave SHG students more insight into the lives of the neighbors who help the school be what it is today. The hope was that the SHG students would feel more connected to the Dominican faith and the Dominican sisters.
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