Issuu

Zephyr 2025 - 2026

Edi´¨ia} Ba¨d

Edi´¨¬ i Chief:

Da¨ia R¹¬e '26 ad Li}Ó PadaÓ '26

C¥Ó & LaÓ¹´ Edi´¨¬: Li}Ó PadaÓ '26

Vi¬¹a} A¨´¬ Edi´¨¬

E}}eaa Ma¨ia '26

Staff

Je}}e Wa}de '27

Sa¨a Me¬e¨}ia '27

PeÓ´ Ba´´}e '27

Giaa NaÌie}} '27

LÓ¨ic Wa´´¬ '29

Mi¬hza Me}}ache¨Ì¹ '29

Thank You

The Zephyr Staff would like to give a huge thanks to everyone who submitted content. Thank you Mrs. Lewis for the artwork from your classes, and to Mrs. McCarthy and Ms. Owen for making printing this magazine possible. A special thanks to Mrs. Giarrusso, the proctor of this club, for lending all of her expertise.

Mr. Abrego’s Interview by Darian Rouse………………………….……........6

A “Pookie”’s Favorite BIBI Lines by Joelle Walden….…………….…..9

What a Great Way to Start the Day by Joelle Walden...…………10 I miss the water by Lily Panday…………………………...…………………..……..11

The Love of a Siren by Lily Panday…………...........................12

Mascara by Kyra Yates……………………………………………………………………….....13

Dragonite by Elleana Mariano……………………………………14

Photography and Art Gallery with Contributions from Julia Rearden, Katelyn Venegas, Ania Kumela, Miranda Santana, Talia Harvey, Kruti Patel, Zara Medunjanin, Thea Monroe, Isabella Pena, Nadia Katz, Francheska Sarenas, Mishka Mellachervu, Gianna McFarlane, Bianca Cabrera, Veronica O’Keffe, Lovey Mather, Ali Gurrier, Lyric Watts, Hana Dominguez, Abigail Chiriboga, Sarah Aitken, Zahara Hidalgo, Jailene Tapia, Samantha Marallano, Sayuri Sanchez, Ja’hmali Carter, Naya Cora, Valentina Colino, Alice Cox, Anna Febrero, Peyton Battle, Gianna Naviello, Suri Williamson, Tatiana Chacon, Natalie Feliciano, Sara Meserlian, Olivia Jesolosky, Amber Beechem, Jaeden Curry-Carpenter, Candace Thorpe, Joelle Walden, Elleana Mariano, Teresa Macina, Juliet Eckhard, Naylah Defrank, and Ms. Giarrusso……………………………………………..15

Cover Art by Julia Rearden

Dedica´i

Darian Rouse '26

Free speech is a concept that is deﬁned as the right to express one's thoughts, opinions, and beliefs without the fear of censorship or punishment. While many people associate free speech with laws and government, its impact extends far beyond politics. Free speech inﬂuences the way we learn, communicate, and understand one another. It allows individuals to share their experiences, challenge ideas, and contribute to meaningful conversations. For students, however, expressing themselves is not always easy. Many hesitate to ask questions, share opinions, or participate in discussions because they fear being judged, making mistakes, or standing out

from their peers. When students are afraid to use their voices, opportunities for growth and learning can be lost.

Throughout history, people who have advocated for education have recognized the importance of creating environments where individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves.

Educational philosophers such as Aristotle believed that learning occurs through experience and that mistakes are a natural and necessary part of growth. Similarly, modern educators continue to emphasize the importance of encouraging students to participate, ask questions, and develop conﬁdence in their abilities. The freedom

to express oneself is not only a fundamental right but also an essential part of education.

For students at Lacordaire, our very own Mr. Abrego Gris embodies many of these ideals. Before becoming a teacher, Mr. Abrego Gris worked in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, food production, and quality control.

His diverse experiences allowed him to develop adaptability, perseverance, and a strong work ethic. In 2025, he brought these qualities to Lacordaire, where he began teaching Spanish and helping students develop both language skills and conﬁdence.

One of the challenges Mr. Abrego Gris expressed was working with students who lacked conﬁdence when speaking Spanish. Rather than focusing on perfection,

he encouraged students to view mistakes as an important part of the learning process. By creating a classroom environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and expressing themselves, he helps them overcome their fears and discover their potential. His approach reﬂects the true spirit of free speech: the belief that every voice deserves the opportunity to be heard, even when it is still ﬁnding its strength.

Beyond the classroom, Mr. Abrego Gris demonstrates resilience and dedication through his personal experiences. When asked about the most impactful moment of his life, he shared the story of donating a kidney to his son, an act that reﬂects his deep commitment to family and helping others. Whether supporting his students,

challenging himself through triathlons, or offering advice about staying curious and embracing change, he consistently demonstrates the values of courage, perseverance, and growth.

Mr. Abrego Gris's inﬂuence extends beyond teaching Spanish. He encourages students to believe in themselves, remain curious, and surround themselves with people who inspire them to learn. Through his support and encouragement, students are given the conﬁdence to express their ideas and engage with the world around them. His dedication to education and his belief in the power of communication make him an excellent example of the values celebrated in this issue.

Mi¬´aze¬ ad Be}ieÌe i

The¬e}Ìe¬

Darian Rouse '26

What is your full name?

Angel E. Abrego Gris

Where were you born?

I was born in Mexico City.

Where is your family from?

My family is from Mexico.

Where were you educated?

Mexico City / E.U

Where have you previously worked?

Intermarine ( Sugar Company )

Food Industry ( Tinga )

Panasonic ( Battery Division)

Nissan ( Quality )

When did you become a teacher at Lacordaire?

Became a teacher in 2025

How has this position helped you evolve as a person?

I have learned to meet students at different levels and teaching strategies to support their needs.

What makes/made you happy to come to work each day?

I enjoyed creating a positive and engaging classroom environment where students felt comfortable and motivated to learn Spanish.

What made you want to become a teacher?

I have always enjoyed working with young people and guiding them through challenges.

Outside of Spanish, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?

I enjoyed staying active-especially triathlons-it helps me stay disciplined, focused, and setting personal goals and challenging myself.

What has been the most impactful experience in your life?

Having donated the kidney to my son.

What characteristics would people describe you with?

I think others would say I’m someone who is hardworking, supportive and committed to helping others succeed.

Could you describe a time where you had to overcome a challenge?

Working with a group of students who were struggling with conﬁdence in speaking Spanish. I emphasized that making mistakes is part of the learning process.

If there was a piece of advice you could give to your younger self, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to change direction. The path isn’t always linear, and trying something new can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be if it makes you happy.

If there was a piece of advice you could give to your students, what would it be?

Be consistent, stay curious, believe in your ability to improve, and the most important, surround yourself with intelligent people, and you will learn a lot from them.

A “Pzne” ‘¬ FaÌ¨i´e

BIBI Lie¬

Je}}e Wa}de '27

I recently got into a Korean singer/songwriter called BIBI’s music. Her songs have a variety of messages, feelings and attitudes in them. Some of BIBI’s songs that I like are “Blade,” “Animal Farm,” and “Life is a Bi…”.

“Blade” is the second track on the album Lowlife Princess: Noir. My favorite line from this song is “I’m the weapon”. Listening to “Blade” empowers me and makes me feel like I’m ready to take on anything that comes my way.

“Animal Farm” is the fourth track on Lowlife Princess: Noir, and shares a title with the classic book Animal Farm by

George Orwell. I have not read the book, but I love the song. My demeanor changes when this song plays. The line -

“Is it a farm? Is it society?/Am I a tiger or a gazelle?”

- alters my thought pattern. Not only is there the allegory of a farm and a society, but the different sides of people. People can have an innocent facade and appear sweet and sincere, but are actually dangerous and are not ones to mess with. Will we choose to be a ﬁerce hunting tiger, or a

A “Pzne” ‘¬ FaÌ¨i´e

BIBI Lie¬

a fragile and defenseless gazelle?

“Cause I’ve been rim of the world/ ‘Cause I’ve been rim of my life/I’ve been six feet under/But I’m nine feet upward(B—)” from “Life is a Bi…” by BIBI. This song is about the struggles of reality and what society views as powerful, impactful, and taboo. When “life be life-ing” and tries to kick you down into a ditch, you crawl out of the hole stronger than before.

BIBI’s songs cover a variety of emotions, topics, and messages, some of which are not ideal or seen as

socially acceptable. BIBI started writing and creating music as a teenager, so an authentic feeling was placed into many of her earliest songs. While her content covers unconventional topics (capitalism, murder, same-sex relationships), especially in Korea, these topics are things that exist in the world. Instead of covering up a part of the world that everyone knows exists, people should acknowledge it and accept that it exists. Of course some are not an acceptable part of society, but that means it is an issue that needs to be addressed and solved, not avoided.

What a Great Way to Start the Day

Joelle Walden '27

Getting Out

Of the

Dang house Making

Ourselves Really Nice

Inventions and methods we Never Go to use Keeping it

Real. Not engaging with our Underlying Biases

I i¬¬ ´he Ía´e¨

Li}Ó PadaÓ '26

I miss the water

How could I if I’m full of it?

I don’t mean the consequences of my thirst,

Subtly sloshing in the pit of my stomach

Not bleak tears caught on my eyelash

I miss the water that turns the Sun into countless stars

The long and petite bodies that sprawl wherever they wish

The strange portal deep enough to drown its intruders

The warmth that washes out the weight of my day

I miss the waves I could tame

But when we’re done together

All soaked and soggy

Pruned by your borrowed time

I remember why I wish you never came

The LÌe f a Si¨e Li}Ó PadaÓ '26

Do you remember ev’ry star you see?

I love to think you do, every single day. Can your heart truly harbor all of me?

I don’t think I believe you either way.

Will you grow tired of hearing my worries? There should be no reason for me to fear. Your clandestine love will never appease, yet I cannot sleep without its chill near.

I wish to drown in your hallowing song, suffocating in the wave of sweet lies.

I have vowed to stay for however long, And stay forever blind to my demise.

Even if this love succumbs to its cracks, I promise you, I will always come back.

Mascara Kyra Yates '26

I love mascara.

I love the way it enhances my lashes. I love that I get compliments when I wear it. I love that it makes my eyes pop.

I wear mascara everyday. It makes me feel safe, secure, Beautiful and seen.

I couldn’t imagine my life without, but I’m sure that it could imagine its life without me.

When I ﬁrst got this mascara, It was my favorite thing in the world, Suddenly, my eyes started getting irritated. Puffy, red, and tearing up all the time.

The mascara wand would poke me in my eyes, I’d hear people telling me not to use it anymore, that it’s not a good brand. I never listened though

I kept wearing the mascara, hoping it’d be the same as when I ﬁrst got it. Hoping it would love me, the way I loved it.

D¨agi´e

E}}eaa Ma¨ia '26

Dragonite is a moderately popular icon of Pokemon. Compared to Charizard, who is fierce and powerful, always looking for a fight, Dragonite is more of the opposite. Dragonite is gentle and kind, instinctually helping those who are in trouble. These traits are part of the reason why this chunky cutie one of my favorite Dragon-type pokemon. So, when I had some extra yellow socks on hand, I knew I had to make Dragonite.