Fall 2025 Spirit Issue

Spirit SACRED HEART NEWS

Test Anxiety: How Do We Overcome It?

In early October, Dr Lovett, a psychology professor at Columbia, visited Sacred Heart during XPeriod to give a presentation on test anxiety, discussing what both students and teachers can do to ease the pressure around test-taking In this article, I will quickly touch on what test anxiety is, why it is typical for students to experience it, and, most importantly, what you can do to relieve it.

According to the UNC Learning Center, test anxiety is a combination of physical symptoms and emotional reactions that interfere with the ability to perform on exams It is often caused by high expectations of oneself, previous test outcomes, fear of failure, and pressure to perform. Test anxiety looks different for each person, but it often causes symptoms of nausea, headaches, sweating, and shortness

Graffiti, Fires, Vandalism, Oh My!

By Lee Clark ’29

Outside of the stately Brick Presbyterian Church, the skeletal remains of a car stood next to a blazing trash fire.

Recently, a series of trash fires occurred across multiple locations on the Upper East Side, including one that destroyed one car and damaged another at Park Avenue

By Isabelle O’Reilly ’27

of breath It can also cause difficulty sleeping, low self-esteem, and procrastination. While test anxiety is normal and oftentimes healthy, as it signifies a willingness to learn and succeed academically, experiencing excessive amounts of stress can be detrimental not only to mental health but also to the ability to score highly on exams So, the question remains: what can you do to relieve test anxiety?

Oftentimes, students, especially at competitive schools, feel the need to score higher than their previous scores or the grades their peers received While it is hard to eliminate this aspect of doggedness and tenacity within these rigorous schools, even keeping your scores to yourself can reduce test anxiety within the student population. Secondly, being well prepared for the exam in question will

and 91st Street–right by Sacred Heart Other fires were near The Nightingale-Bamford School, two fires between 82nd street and 83rd street, and a possible one at Madison Avenue and 73rd street, not far from The Frick Collection. The suspect was shortly apprehended, and no clear motive besides arson was revealed for being the cause of these fires (Continued on page 4 )

significantly lessen stress When you walk into a test feeling as though you have done everything possible to prepare, it can often work to ease anxiety. Teachers should be clear about what to study and what to expect on an exam, as it can also give students more reassurance in their knowledge and their clear understanding of the material. There are also habits that you can implement when you have a test coming up, such as getting a good night’s rest, eating whole and healthy meals, and avoiding excessive amounts of caffeine During the exam, maintaining a positive mindset and a grounded sense of perception can also lead to the lessening of test anxiety.

(Continued on page 4.)

Trending: Traditions

By Elizabeth Matheson ’26

This column explores trends and traditions at schools within our community However, in the past few months one trend has been so prominent within the Sacred Heart community, it would be remiss to not address it in this column. The presence of stress toys, specifically NeeDoh stress toys, has become increasingly felt throughout the Upper School NeeDoh stress balls may be trending but they are not new and were actually created in 1968 The current resurgence of their popularity at Sacred Heart can be traced to the junior class. The trend was attributed to Issy Bitar ’27 who has a collection of around 10 NeeDoh stress toys, however Issy pointed back to Alessia Venini ’27 and Maddie Lent ’27 In fact, Issy stated “Maddie’s brother started it.” Marie Trennert ’27 offered insight into why this trend may have started, stating, “in the junior year stress, stress balls make me feel at ease. ”

While some teachers are not pleased with these toys, Alysse Barnicut ’27 said that playing with stress toys, “doesn’t distract from the lesson ” Taking this positive sentiment further, Jillian Kruse ’26 said that the stress toys offer “something to do with your hands.” This is especially helpful for those with nervous energy. Nervous energy is a physical demonstration of anxiety which can manifest in a variety of ways, from pulling hair to biting nails to a variety of other nervous habits. Marissa Hennigan ’27 identified stress toys as a way for her 2

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to cope with this. She said “I’m always picking at my nails and skin so it helps me not harm my body ”

A variety of styles like NeeDoh cubes and NeeDoh fuzz balls and even competing brands are represented throughout the high school, specifically the brand Speks. The only negative effects seem to be the possibility of these stress toys becoming distractions or even exploding I exploded one of the normal NeeDoh toys when I was in middle school and I can testify it was a mess Beyond a mess, the NeeDoh Nice Cube has reports of causing chemical burns, so be careful if you have one! However, as of now, none appear to have exploded at Sacred Heart. As a coping mechanism for stress, this is a particularly interesting trend Squeeze away! ⬥

New Club Spotlight: Yoga Club

By Sahana Parasher ’28

There are over 30 clubs offered at Sacred Heart, and this year, there is a new addition: the Yoga Club. To learn more about what this club entails, I interviewed Fiona Byrne, who leads alongside Julia Ivanac What does a typical day look like at your club?

“We send out an email to our club members the night before to summarize our meeting plans and to let them know what time to arrive We try to start every meeting with a 15-30 minute yoga flow Depending on what we decide to do at that meeting, we may have a conversation to end.”

Do you do yoga outside of school?

“Yes, Julia and I both do yoga outside of school. We first discovered our love for yoga at CorePower when we attended our first class together, and now we go together all the time! This was our main inspiration for starting the Yoga & Wellness Club.”

How do you decide what poses to do? Where do you find inspiration?

“A lot of our inspiration comes from CorePower Yoga; we also use a lot of beginner YouTube videos to guide our flows.”

Why do you think practicing yoga is important? Has yoga positively impacted you in any significant way?

“We think practicing yoga is important because it's a good way to decompress and take time to focus on yourself, both physically and mentally. Yoga has impacted both of us significantly by increasing our awareness, specifically about our mental health.”

What are some things you hope to do this year?

“We hope to expand our knowledge of how breathing and physical activity can alleviate stress as well as spread awareness about mental health. We hope to be able to do a presentation during Mental Health Awareness Month during Xperiod ”

Given the vast number of clubs Sacred Heart offers, I don’t really know much about clubs that I’m not involved in. (Continued on page 7.)

Rad Sustainable Costumes

By Grace Sutton ’26

Each year, people try to come up with fun and interesting Halloween costumes that reflect their style and creativity, and while these costumes showcase people’s unique style, they do more harm to the environment than good. According to The Eco Experts, approximately 83% of Halloween costumes are made from non-recyclable, oil-based plastics, like polyester, nylon, and acrylic, which eventually end up in landfills In fact, in the UK alone, about 7 million costumes are thrown away every year, generating around 2,000 tons of plastic waste, which is the equivalent of about 83 million plastic bottles. Furthermore, these synthetic costumes can take anywhere from 20 to 200 years to decompose, and during that time, they may release microplastics and contribute to landfills and pollution.

While these costumes are very intricate and visually appealing, they are most often only worn once, further contributing to the mass amounts of non-recyclable materials that continue to be wasted each year All this to say, sustainable Halloween costumes matter, not just to tree-hugger Riley Donovan, but to the entire world. Buying and wearing more sustainable Halloween costumes can greatly impact our effects on the planet, as clothing waste is a large contributor to microplastic pollution

So, what can you do to help? You can try to make your costumes more sustainable by using clothes you

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already have or borrowing materials from a friend. Additionally, you can always reuse a costume from a previous year, so make sure not to throw away your costumes right after Halloween ends, and instead repurpose them or donate them. And if you are ever in doubt of how to be more sustainable, or how to repurpose something that can’t be recycled, Riley Donovan has more than enough information (and enthusiasm) to help you out! ⬥

OBITUARY

Jane Goodall (1934-2025)

By Eliana Castillo Yee ’27

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make ” It might surprise some to know that these words came from the world’s leading expert on chimpanzees, but this is exactly the person Dr. Jane Goodall was, someone whose expertise in a single species transformed how we understand our relationship with all living things. As the world marks Jane Goodall’s recent passing, many are taking the time to examine the broad scope of her work, from primatology to humanitarianism

In July of 1960, Dr. Goodall stepped foot in Gombe, Tanzania, with the simple intention of observing chimpanzees in the wild.

By 1965, a film centered on her groundbreaking observations had reached millions of viewers. Under a National Geographic Society grant, Jane Goodall spent 26 years living alongside chimpanzees, humans’ closest relative She found that chimpanzees share traits like tool-making, meat-eating, and complex family bonds, blurring the line between humans and animals. Inspired by their human-like behaviors, Goodall became equally dedicated to conserving them, especially as their population began to decline due to habitat destruction Her early discoveries provided a platform to expand her work beyond research and into conservation efforts.

(Continued on page 7.)

Test Anxiety: How Do We Overcome It?

Continued from front page

If you focus on the present moment while taking tests and trusting your knowledge, it can calm the mind and allow for more concentration By performing simple mindfulness and breathing exercises: box breathing, where you inhale, hold your breath, and exhale for four counts, or taking a quiet moment to visualize the outcome you hope to achieve, you provi your mind and body the tranquil needed to perform well. Even sm practices, like making a concert effort to fix your posture while te taking, can give students mo confidence For many studen their test anxiety continues ev after submission, as th contemplate what they might ha made mistakes on, but maintaini the mindset that you have done

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Graffiti, Fires, Vandalism, Oh My!

Continued from front page

Although the Upper East Side known for its posh brownstones and designer stores usually has a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, it does occasionally get disrupted, one such example being these trash fires. Although it seems unlikely, multiple other incidents of vandalism have occurred on the Upper East Side in the past

On September 30, 2022, officers were dispatched to the Russian Consulate right next to Sacred Heart after receiving a notice of vandalism

all you can will often help.

While implementing these habits will help reduce stress around exams, it is important to reiterate that test anxiety is also necessary and typical for most high-school students. Although it often has negative effects, test anxiety can boost productivity and efficiency. Therefore, test anxiety can be accepted as a side effect of the need to succeed academically and while still recognizing the point when it

The officers were greeted by the sight of the building splattered and streaked with red paint; no words were discernible. Some individuals interpreted the vandalism as expressing outrage about the Russian government’s role in the Russo-Ukrainian war

According to The West Side Spirit, another incident of defacement occurred on October 17, 2023

Jeremy Lebewohl was shocked to discover a swastika a hate symbol known in Western cultures to be associated with Nazi Germany drawn outside of his Jewish deli called 2nd Ave Deli Lebewohl believed that the vandalism was a result of his expressing support for Israel regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict. Unlike the trash fires, the individual who drew this hate symbol had a motive to spread antisemitic sentiment. Lebewohl was disappointed to learn that hate crimes against the Jewish community still persisted in 2023 Vandalism in the Upper East Side sometimes transpires from a place of hate, and other times as a way to convey an opinion; in both cenarios, vandalism can even be aced back to larger global events.

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OPINIONS AND EDITORIALS

I Hate The Macy’s Parade

By Julia Luo ’28

As Thanksgiving rolls around, we count off the things we ’ re thankful for Friends, family, Thanksgiving pastries Positivity is in the air, and everywhere you look, you can find the heart to be grateful for anything.

Except the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Originating in 1924, it was first coined as the “Macy’s Christmas Parade” to launch the holiday season Employees, mostly festive European immigrants, would dress up and march down the New York streets. In 1927, the name was officially changed to “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” and became a classic tradition that we all know, and perhaps, love

But despite this joyous history, the modern Parade has devolved into a cramped, miserable symbol of consumerism that simply ruins the vibe of this November season.

In 2021, my family decided to visit the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade…during the pandemic. That was our first mistake Imagine walking through a jam-packed crowd, breathlessly ducking and squeezing between sweaty bodies to catch up to your father’s long strides. All while wearing a mask so tight on your face that your eyeballs could pop out. And while the floats were impressive, they weren’t that eye-popping

Our second mistake was bringing along my sister. My older sister is the “enthusiastic tourist” type, the type who stops and takes pictures of every balloon that clouds the sky like a doomsday meteor So there I was, legs freezing stiff in the cold, yet being dragged by the wrist by my sister, listening to every “Julia, look!” and “‘Ey, I’m walkin’ ‘ere!” in my ear You’d think people would be more polite at a parade to celebrate thankfulness and joy, but you’d be wrong.

What should be a festive activity is actually an accumulation of the worst of New York City Tourism, rude sidewalk manners, and over-the-top displays of frivolousness. It’s safe to say, I avoid Manhattan like the plague during Thanksgiving afterward.

“It’s an iconic New York City tradition. And I hate New York,” says Maddie Carr, a sophomore, when asked about her opinion on the Parade “I like to watch it on TV as opposed to in person It's fun to wake up with something to look forward to.” (Continued on page 6.)

Discussing The Life of A Showgirl

By Sahana Parasher ’28 and Zoë Ross Allen ’27

Sahana: Hey, Zoë! Have you listened to Taylor’s new album, The Life of a Showgirl, yet?

Zoë: Yes, what are your favorite songs?

Sahana: My favorite song would have to be “Elizabeth Taylor” because I love the production and Taylor’s vocals The song ’ s lyric, “Be my NY when Hollywood hates me, ” is my current obsession. However, I also really like “Father Figure” because I think it’s an example of when Taylor’s weird, ominous side accidentally comes to produce an interesting song lyrically The song ’ s line, “They want to see you rise, they don’t want you to reign,” strikes me as insightful commentary on what it's like to achieve success as a woman. What songs have you gravitated towards?

The ideas and opinions expressed in this paper are the sole ideas and opinions of the authors and are not supported or endorsed in any way by the Convent of the Sacred Heart.⬥

The ideas and opinions expressed this paper are the sole ideas and opinions of the authors and are not supported or any way Convent of the Sacred Heart.⬥

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OPINIONS AND EDITORIALS

I Hate The Macy’s Parade

Continued from page 5

“I enjoyed it when I was younger, but it’s gotten too crazy now, ” says Caitlin Donovan, a sophomore.

One dissenting opinion, Elizabeth Matheson’s, a senior who attends the Parade every year, says, “It rings in the Christmas season. At the end of the Parade when Santa Claus comes, I feel like that’s when it’s officially Christmas.” She goes on to add, “I actually really love crowded spaces. There’s something magical about being in a place where you ’ re surrounded by other people. It’s very festive and the energy is palpable.”

So whether you love or hate the Parade, we (yes, even me) can all agree that the New York holidays wouldn’t be the same without it. And honestly, I’m glad I experienced this classic New Yorker canon event. Even if I am never going back. ⬥

Discussing The Life of A Showgirl

Continued from page 5

Zoë: It's hard to pick one song, but right now, my favorite song off the album is “Opalite”, because I love how upbeat it is, and I love the lyrics. Do you have a least favorite song?

Sahana: I strongly dislike “Eldest Daughter” because the lyricism isn’t cohesive. At the start of the

song, she talks about people being mean on the internet. Later, she discusses life as the eldest daughter, while also exploring themes of marriage and childhood. Ultimately, the song's sporadic nature makes it feel unfinished and like a bunch of statements rather than a fully formulated thought.

Zoë: I agree. I personally don’t really like the chorus, but I understand why Taylor included “cringy” language to connect with what has been said about her online. I will admit I did not really like the song during my first couple of listens, but it has grown on me, and I really like the acoustic version.

Sahana: Now that the album has had time to settle, what number would you give it out of ten?

Zoë: I would give the album an 8/10. I love how upbeat and fun the entire album is, and I think the lyrics reflect that, though some feel a bit shallow. I love “Opalite” and “The Life is a Showgirl” ft. Sabrina Carpenter, because I really think these songs reflect the best parts of the album. What about you?

Sahana: I would give it a 6/10 Although I enjoy some songs, such as “Elizabeth Taylor” and “Father Figure”, I also dislike others, such as “Eldest Daughter” and “Cancelled.” Hence, my ranking

reflects the album's mediocre nature.

Zoë: Okay, thanks for helping me uncover The Life of a Showgirl!

Sahana: Anytime! As time passes, I’m looking forward to seeing what the album’s legacy becomes ⬥

Editor’s Note

The Spirit Staff would like to express our appreciation to everyone who supports the newspaper!

We love community involvement, so if you would like to write, have your club featured, or share any comments, questions, concerns, or corrections, please reach out to ematheson@cshnyc.org!

Please share your voice and consider contributing in the next issue!⬥

The ideas and opinions expressed in this paper are the sole ideas and opinions of the authors and are not supported or endorsed in any way by the Convent of the Sacred Heart.⬥ opinions expressed in this paper are the sole ideas and of the supported or endorsed in any way by the Convent of the Sacred Heart.⬥

Jane Goodall (1934-2025)

Continued from page 3

Jane Goodall’s rising fame enabled her to establish the Jane Goodall Institute, which breaks the record for the longest-running study of any nonhuman species While she remained deeply committed to chimpanzees, Goodall realized that protecting the animals meant improving the lives of the people living near them, especially those in poverty. This holistic approach inspired her to found Roots & Shoots, a youth-focused organization that empowers students to take action in their communities

Dr. Jane Goodall paved the way for women in science to not only pursue excellence in their fields but also use their knowledge to create lasting, positive change. Her life’s work stands as a reminder that progress stems from a deep commitment to one ’ s passion alongside a broad, compassionate vision for the world. ⬥

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The Government Shutdown Ended: So What?

By Elizabeth Matheson ’26

The recent government shutdown lasted 43 days, being the longest in U.S. History. The shutdown was the result of disagreements in Congress about government funding as Democrats and Republicans did not sign into effect 12 annual bills needed to fund government agencies The House voted to end the shutdown on November 12, and Trump signed this into effect that day. However, the effects of the government shutdown have been noticeable.

To begin with, many federal employees were put on unpaid leave, which impacted a variety of government services Sacred Heart regularly holds food recovery, led by Rhea Sriram ’26 and Riley Thompson Wordsman ’26. However, the government shutdown has led to delays in SNAP benefits for the month of November, despite the shutdown officially having ended SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program which helps low income families afford food. However, with delays in these benefits, food recovery is even more vital at this time.

Additionally, the government shutdown ending means that the Cooper Hewitt museum has reopened During the government shutdown it was closed, since it is a Smithsonian museum, meaning it is government funded.

Air travel was also impacted by the shutdown, with federal employees like TSA agents not being paid and the volume of flights being decreased in order to handle this. In addition there was an increase in delays, which I personally experienced when flying for a college tour during the end of October With the government shutdown ending, flights should be back to normal around the holidays

For many Sacred Heart students who have families working in finance, this also may have had an impact on those areas of work, as there were more uncertainties about the economy due to the shutdown. While Sacred Heart students may not have considered the effects of a government shutdown, the shutdown and its end both have affected a variety of things within our community. ⬥

New Club Spotlight: Yoga Club

Continued from page 2

Hence, I found it insightful to learn more about yoga club through interviewing Fiona. In fact, hearing Fiona talk about the positive impact that yoga has had on her well-being has inspired me to try out some poses when I find the time. I hope you feel equally as inspired after hearing this interview! ⬥

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SCIENCE AND HEALTH

Exploring Epilepsy

By Haily Zheng ’29

November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month. Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent and convulsive seizures. The seizure is caused by abnormal neurological activity in the brain. According to the CDC, U.S. Centers Disease Control and Prevention, there are approximately 3.4 million Americans who live with epilepsy, where 456,000 are children and 3 million are adults. Over 50 million people are affected by Epilepsy based on World Health Organization statistics. Studies have shown that slightly more men than women are diagnosed with Epilepsy.

Epilepsy is characterized by uncontrollable and involuntary movement of body parts. The seizures can present in various forms, from brief lapses in awareness to full-body convulsions. The most common symptoms of epilepsy include temporary confusion, uncontrollable jerking movements, loss of consciousness and unusual physical sensations. The varied symptoms result in loss of physical senses to prolonged, possible life threatening strokes. Yet each unpredictive seizure can lead to profound emotional and social weight for patients and their

families. People with seizures often are accompanied with physical injuries, and tend to have higher rates diagnosed with psychological conditions. While there is no single known cause, scientific studies have linked it to some risk factors, including genetics, brain injury, infections of the central nervous system and stroke or developmental disorders. Young children with Epilepsy are often affected by prenatal and perinatal brain damages

Currently, Epilepsy diagnosis requires comprehensive clinical evaluation by a licensed neurologist or health care professional. Clinicians use neurological examinations such as MRI scans to confirm the abnormal activity of electronic discharge in the brain According to the International League Against Epilepsy, ILAE, a diagnosis is typically made after a person experiences two or more unprovoked seizures separated by at least 24 hours. Standard treatments for epilepsy include anti-seizure medication, dietary therapy or surgical intervention The CDC reports that approximately 56% of people with epilepsy will have long term seizure control with medication. Despite the current medical methodology in treating Epilepsy,

one in three people who are affected by Epilepsy would remain resistant to current treatments. Studies indicate that around 50% of individuals with the disorder experience at least one cooccurring condition such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism or sleep disturbances. Adults with active epilepsy are twice as likely to report poor health and face higher rates of depression, resulting in unemployment as concluded in CDC reports

During November National Epilepsy Month, readers can help raise awareness of Epilepsy by participating in local Epilepsy chapters to learn about the causes and symptoms of Epilepsy and wearing purple pins. People can also learn about seizures first aid by registering through the website, https://www.epilepsy.com/recogn ition/first-aid-resources. Stigma surrounding Epilepsy often leads to social isolation. It is important to recognize that epilepsy is a neurological disorder, not a contagious disease. We can encourage communication and avoid criticism to help people build confidence and a positive self-image. ⬥

SCIENCE AND HEALTH

The Science Behind Alzheimer’s

By Heide Flores ’28

Alzheimer’s disease is far more than a memory disorder; it’s a global crisis unfolding quietly. Affecting over 6 million Americans today, it is one of the few leading causes of death with no effective cure or way to slow its progression. According to Florida State University, Alzheimer's disease has become the leading cost for the U S Medicare and Medicaid programs, costing the U.S. at least $142 billion this year. Yet, few realize that behind those numbers are families drained emotionally and financially, caregivers facing burnout, and researchers struggling to continue vital studies amid unstable funding. “Our research [has] been demolished with a sharpie,” one researcher lamented when discussing the impact of federal funding changes. With the ongoing government shutdown, federal grants for Alzheimer’s research risk delay, threatening to stall years of scientific progress. Each week of inaction pushes hope for new treatments further away. Alzheimer’s doesn’t pause for politics, and neither should our commitment to fight it. Sustained research, policy attention and public awareness are essential if we are to prevent the next

generation from inheriting this growing epidemic of memory loss. Supporting organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association helps fund critical research and caregiver programs, advocating for increased federal funding to neurodegenerative disease research and ensuring that scientists have the resources to develop new treatments and better care strategies. On a personal level, volunteering with local support groups, participating in memory walks, or simply raising awareness in your communities can make a striking difference for patients and families. Every small effort contributes to a future where research is prioritized, caregivers are supported, the public understands the urgency of this growing health crisis, and Alzheimer’s is no longer an inevitable burden. ⬥

3D Printing a Greener Future

By Heide Flores ’28

Recycling is no longer just an optional eco-friendly habit, but a necessary action in the fight against climate change. Every year, over 400 million tons of plastic waste end up in landfills, oceans, and incinerators. These plastics can take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing harmful greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide in the process. Beyond the

environmental toll, the mismanagement of plastic waste disrupts ecosystems, poisons marine life, and contaminates food chains. The plastic crisis, once seen as a distant environmental issue, now stands at the heart of our planet’s health and our collective future.

However, innovative approaches are proving that waste can be transformed into opportunity. Around the world, scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs are revealing that what was once considered pollution can become possibility. Transforming discarded plastics into valuable materials, such as 3D printing filament, reduces the need for new plastics, lowers carbon emissions, and supports a circular economy where materials are reused rather than discarded. Companies like GreenGate3D are leading the way, showing that sustainable manufacturing can be practical, scalable, and profitable. (Continued on page 10.)

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3D Printing a Greener Future

Continued from page 9

By converting post-industrial plastic scraps into high-quality 3D printing filament, they show that recycling can power both environmental progress and economic growth.

But large-scale change doesn’t rely on corporations alone. Students, schools, and communities can make a measurable difference by incorporating recycling practices into their daily lives. Through science projects, art, and engineering programs, students and educators can integrate recycling and upcycling into teaching the next generation that innovation and responsibility go hand in hand. Each bottle, filament scrap, or plastic piece repurposed is a small but meaningful step toward a healthier planet.

In a world facing escalating climate emergencies, recycling is far more than a moral choice. It is an urgent, practical step toward resilience and sustainability. Every conscious decision made in favor of circular solutions brings us closer to a future where waste can be a resource. Recycling is not just about cleaning up the planet it’s about reimagining how we live with it. ⬥

Spirit MEET THE WRITERS

Elizabeth Matheson is in 12th grade and the editor of Spirit Outside of journalism, she loves running and is a member of the Sacred Heart Varsity Cross Country, Varsity Indoor Track, and Varsity Track team For fun she enjoys playing the flute and doing photography in addition to writing and reading

Eliana Castillo Yee is in 11th grade and this is her second year writing for Spirit She is a captain of the forensics team and a leader of the Bread for the World club Outside of school, she enjoys going for walks and spending time with friends

Veronica Coats is an 11th grader, and this is her second year writing for Spirit In addition to Spirit, she is also a member of chorus and book club, and enjoys spending her free time reading, writing, playing the piano, painting, and cooking

Genevieve Fitzpatrick is an 11th grader at Sacred Heart, and this is her first year as a writer for Spirit In her free time, Genevieve likes to read and run

Heide Flores is a 10th grader and in her first year of writing for Spirit At Sacred Heart, she is involved in Forensics, Robotics, and Makerspace Apprenticeship, and her hobbies include Visual Arts, Fencing, and Biology In the coming year, she hopes to bring a focused scientific perspective to the newspaper

Lee Clark is a 9th grader and in her first year of Spirit Besides reading and writing, some other interests that she has include Forensics, Admissions Club, and orchestra She is looking forward to a great year in Spirit!

Julia Luo is a 10th grader who enjoys reading and writing creative and analytical pieces She participates in Sacred Heart’s JV Extemporaneous Speech Team and is the Varsity Soccer team manager In her old middle school, MS114, Julia was a part of their school newspaper as an author and interviewer

Isabelle O’Reilly is an 11th grader, who has been in Spirit for two years. She love writing informational pieces both health and wellness, and current events. She joined Spirit so she could use her hobbies and pastimes to ntribute to the school. She is also a member of the Cooking Club and Book Club.

hana Parasher is a 10th grader at Sacred Heart, and this is her second year writing for Spirit. In her free me, she enjoys reading, running, and horse riding.

ace Roche is a 12th grader at Convent of the Sacred Heart. She is a member of the Cross Country and Track d Field teams, as well as a member of the Acoustics Club. She loves to read and listen to music in her spare time.

Zoë Ross Allen is in 11th grade, and is this her first year writing for Spirit! She is a member of Varsity Cross Country and Varsity Swimming. In her free time, she enjoys baking and reading. She is excited to write for Spirit this year!

Grace Sutton is a 12th grader in her second year at Spirit She is also a part of the admissions club at Sacred Heart and a member of the Varsity Cross Country and Varsity Outdoor Track teams She enjoys taking part in the service opportunities Sacred Heart has to offer, and in her free time, she enjoys listening to music and watching her favorite television shows

Spirit MEET THE WRITERS

Marie Trennert is an 11th grader and a second year Spirit member At Sacred Heart, Marie is a member of the Varsity Soccer team Her favorite subjects include English, History, French, and Art During her free time she loves seeing her friends, exploring new parts of the city, and watching the latest movies

Eriko Zaglio is a 12th grader in her second year at Spirit. At Sacred Heart, she is a co-leader of Admissions Club and on the Tennis and Swim teams. She enjoys listening to music and taking walks, as well as running in the park.

Haily Zheng is a 9th grader and this is her first year at Spirit!