Titan Times-October 2025 by notredameriverside

Notre Dame High School

Titan Times

Volume5,Issue2|October2025

HOCO 2025

By: Madison Mendoza

Each year, Homecoming is known for its fun spirit weeks, where students can stray from the usual uniforms, and, of course, the dance This year’s Homecoming theme was “There’s No Place Like Homecoming,” taking inspiration from the classic of Oz film, as well as from Wicked This week a wave of excitement and unity to Notre High School. All week, students showed up day dressed to impress, filling classrooms and hallways with creativity, and showcasing the Titan pridethatdefinestheNDcommunity

weekhadmanyspiritdays,includinga“mix-andclothes day”. Students wore an array of colors, and accessories. The fun continued “pajama day,” then “class dress-up.” However, to be “rhyme without reason day,” where teachers matched outfits that rhymed but tconnectedinanyway.

the school hyped up students at the Homecoming pep rally The gym was transformed City, filled with green and gold. To kick cheer and song teams delivered flawless with high energy Excitement from the grew even louder as the Homecoming Court even with everyone final face

statement with their well-planned plays and performances. Junior wide receiver Brady Phalen (left) and sophomore quarterback Isaac Goodman (bottom left) had outstanding games, with Goodman completing 304 yards and two touchdowns in the homecoming game. Phalen displayed speed and agility, hauling in a few touchdowns that lifted the crowd'senergybothinthestandsandonthesidelines.

“I’ve put in a lot of work to prepare myself,” said Phalen, “so I feel confident and ready to succeed no matterwhoI’mupagainst.”

Halftime featured a dazzling display from the ND Spirit Cheer and Song Teams, with seniors going all out for their final homecoming halftime performance. Then came the announcement of the Homecoming King and Queen, deservingly given to seniors Julian Perez and Sofia Barajas (bottom right), who smiled to theirclassmatesunderglowingstadiumlights.

While the Titans put up a tough fight, they were defeated byArroyoValley High School, with the final score 20-56. Regardless, coaches reminded their players to remain consistent and put in their best effort. On Homecoming night, every touchdown and defensive stand reflected the discipline, structure, and pride that the coaching staff instilled within the athletesthroughouttheseason.

The weekend wrapped up with the Homecoming Dance. The venue sparkled with lights, gold decorations, and music as students danced the night away, enjoying churros, an ice cream bar, and a fun photoboothtocapturememorieswithfriends.

PhotobyNDHSMedia HomecomingKingJulianPerezandQueenSophiaBarajas

PhotoJoshuaAvila‘26 JuniorBradyPhalen

Persecution of Catholics in Nicaragua

By: Jacob Solis

Since 2007, the people of Nicaragua have been facing intense pressure from President Daniel Ortega’s regime. But one group continues to fight for their independence and freedom, even under persecution: the Catholic Church.

Since coming back into power, Ortega along with his Vice President Rosario Murillo—his wife—have tightened control over nearly every part of Nicaragua. Being once celebrated as a revolutionary hero against the dictatorship of President Somoza, Ortega has now become what he opposed. His government has been criticized by other countries for limiting the freedom of speech, freedom of press, and targeting anyone he sees as a threat to his regime—including the members & clergyoftheCatholicChurch.

For two centuries, the Catholic Church has had a pivotal role in the lives of Nicaraguan people. But now, the Church does not only guide faith for them—but also provides a sense of justice. When protests broke out in 2018 against Ortega’s rule, multiple priests offered support to peaceful demonstrators and condemned the violence happening. But the government quickly betrayed the church, shutting down Catholic schools, taking properties, and accusing priests of spreading “politicallies”andtreason.

Oneofthemostrecentprolificcaseswasagainst

California Prop 50

By: Doug Cube

On November 4, 2025, a statewide special California election will call for Californians to vote to pass CaliforniaStateProposition50,also known as the Election Rigging Response Act. Amongst its controversy, there has been some confusion on its effects. So, what is Prop50?

Nicaragua’s very own Bishop Rolando Alvarez. He was taken and imprisoned in 2023 after publicly criticizing the government's control. He was sentenced to 26years in prison on charges of treason, conspiracy, and spreading false news. This move sparked outrage fromtheVaticanandhumanrightsactivistsfromallovertheworld.

Ortegajustifiedhisactionsbyclaiminghedidthistostop"foreigninterference,”butwhat critics believe is that it’s really about Ortega wanting to silence anyone with an influence beyondthecountry Whilesomepriests&nunshavebeenforcedtofleeforrefuge,others continue to serve the Lord in silence. Catholics still hold secret masses or offer spiritual comfort to those living in fear Just like in Rome, when Christians had to hide from persecution, the people of Nicaragua are now forced to do the same. But one more thing is common between the two circumstances, and that is that the people never gave up on prayerandtrustinGod.

Even with hundreds of churches closed and clergy in exile, faith has not disappeared. It’s a powerful reminder that faith cannot be taken away by force. Just as Jesus once told us, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,” Christians are called to keep praying no matter what comes in their way In times like these, prayer is not just an actofworship;its’sanactofdefiance&courageagainstacountrywho’stryingtosilence thetruthandloveofGod.

G Sh d

In short, this proposition gives the California Government the temporary authority to overide the California Citizen’s Redistricting Commision, often referred to as the CCRC. The CCRC was set up by former California Governor, republican,ArnoldSwarznegger.At the time, districts for the California State legislature was drawn up by the California Senate. However after the Voter’s First Act, in 2008, redistricting was put in the hands of nonpartisan california citizens. In 2012, congressional districting also fellwithintheCCRC’sauthority.

Since it’s creation, the CCRC has onlyredistrictedevery10years,

after the National Census. By skipping five years, opposers of the bill, such as former Governor Swarznegger and the Political Action Committee: Hold Politicians Accountable, claim that the bill oppresses voters, and takes away their right to prevent gerrymandering; Swarznegger going so far as to call the bill, “a bigscam.”

However, supporters of Prop 50, such as Democratic California Governor, Gavin Newsom, claim that Prop 50 is a necessary precaution to prevent President Donald Trump’s total control over the legislative branch in the 2026 CongressionalElections. ContinuedonPage5

By: Savannah Tran

As of 12:01 A.M. on Monday, October 27, the federal government remains shut down. Only the “exempted employees” and federal workers who are “free from” furlough may have to continue to preform work until the current pause in appropriations is over. The shutdown has high stakes, and throughout the past year, the administration has already executed a de facto government shutdown by removing many civil servants through unplanned workforce cuts. This would freeze congressionally approved funding, cause a slowdown in law enforcement, and sabotage work at agencies—from public health and education to consumerprotection,andforeign

aid. Until a spending deal is reached, the administration will have to determine which government services and programs can continue. These decisions could go much further than what has occurred in past shutdowns, as the administration has directed agencies to execute mass layoffs of federal employees who are currently furloughed. Congress must reach an agreement to reopen thegovernmentassoonaspossible andfindalong-lastingsolution.

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Student Spo

By: Elizabeth De Loera

Meet this month’s Student Spotlight, Matilda Kampmann! This student was recommended by our art teacher, Ms. Stemmann. Matilda is a junior from Germany and is a part of Ms. Stemmann’s sixth period art class. She is a member of our school’s amazing volleyball team and will also be participating in this year’s upcoming girl’s soccer team. This month, Matilda has been recognized for her incredible art skills. Matilda’s favorite kind of art is comic art, and she enjoys drawing comic figures seen in movies and series, such as SpongeBob SquarePants. Matilda, getting inspiration for her art from Pinterest, loves using darker shades of colors. She also enjoys making monochromatic art, a type of art that only uses one main color or hue, but different shades of the color (Gallery MAR).

Matilda’s favorite project from art class so far has been making a puzzle using brightly colored shapes. Her puzzle project and otherart

Dish Diares

By: Maxine Rizon

student’s colored puzzles are hung up in the B building outside the art classroom, so make sure to take a look whenever you pass by! Matilda’s favorite part of art class is doing the projects and sketches that are assigned in class, because there’s something new every day and each one is fun to try. She always carries around her sketchbook in her backpack. A classmate has even said, “This girl’s a wizard. She looks up a picture on Pinterest, and I look away for five seconds, and it’s already drawn.” One day, Matilda hopes to see her artwork displayed attheLouvreMuseuminParis.

By: Trinity Beckman

For this issue, we are welcoming our new teacher of the month: Mrs. Castaneda! I was delighted to get the opportunity to interview this extraordinary English I and I Honors teacher, so let’s hear what she hastosay!

Q:HowisteachingEnglishlike?

A: “Teaching English specifically... I like that the subject has enabled me to relate with the kids’ experiences and lives regularly. It’s also allowedmetofamiliarizemyselfwiththeirbeliefs.”

Mrs. Castaneda said that she felt like most subjects don’t allow kids to be as personal as in English classes. She also feels that she can tailor stories to what some students are experiencing or seeing in their everyday lives. She feels that she can teach lessons more easily that way.

IalsoaskedherhowGermanywaswhenshelivedinthecountry.

To celebrate the spooky and autumnal season, a dessert has been reintroduced at the popular chain restaurant, BJ’s! The “Spooky Pizookie” is a limited item on the BJ’s menu that is only available during fall. It’s a modified version of the regular Pizookie that’s available yearround. The “Spooky Pizookie” is made up of a brownie base, a scoop a vanilla ice cream on top, thendrizzled withchocolate fudge, Oreos, and Halloween themed sprinkles. This Halloween themed dessert has gone viral on every socialmediaplatform.

There are endless positive reviews about this dessert! Reviews describe it as a classic dessert with a spooky twist! Even people who haven’t tried it yet are enthusiastic about it! BJ’s has a two hour wait just so people can try the Spooky Pizookie. When the Spooky Pizookie was introduced on September 28, 2023, everyone raved about the release of a new, spooky dessert. Every year, it gets more viral than the last! Go and get your own Spooky Pizookie beforetheseason’sover!

A: “It was amazing. I loved it! The culture and way of life there is a lot more laid-back. It’s a lot smaller and dogs are welcomed everywhere.”

Fun fact about Mrs. Castaneda: she loves dogs and actually has one named “Juniper.” Her favorite animal, however, is the polar bear. I asked her if she liked cats, but she said she was allergic to them, unfortunately.

Another interesting fact about Mrs. Castaneda is that she graduated from Notre Dame in 2011. She played on the varsity soccer team here and was captain for three years. She played as the midfielder in her soccer team and actually made it to CIF. She still loves soccer, and it’s her favorite sport! When asked about how ND was during her time, Mrs. Castaneda said it was great and felt like being in a closely knitfamily.

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The End of Fall Athletics

By: Staff Writer

Notre Dame fall athletes have done a great job representing the Green and Gold this season. With many athletes and teams celebrating successful seasons and individual accomplishments, it is clear that the Titans are back and more competitive than ever. Aswinterteamsbegintryoutsand we transition to the new season, we want to give a huge shout-out to all the students, coaches, and fans in the stands that represent our fighting Titan spirit. We look forward to bringing you a complete season-in-review for ournextissue.

MLB Playoffs

By: Priscilla Medina

The 2025 MLB playoffs are underway, and things are getting intense as we get closer to the World Series. The Los Angeles Dodgers just swept the Milwaukee Brewers. The Dodgers won the National League championship series, winning 4-0 and punching their ticket to the World Series once again. The Dodgers have been unstoppable this postseason being led by Shohei Ohtani, who has proven exactly why he’s one of the best baseball players of all time. In game four of the NLCS, he had four home runs and struck out 10 batters. No player in baseball history has ever done that! He’s been dominating on theplateandonthemound.

Meanwhile, over in the American League,theSeattleMarinersaretrying to make history of their own. They are leading the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 in the ALCS and are just one win away from reaching the world series for the first time ever. The Mariners have been showing a ton of energy and confidence,especiallywithpitching

Boys Waterpo

By: Doug Cube

For the third year in a row, the Notre Dame Boys Water Polo team has successfully qualified for CIF, after ending the season place 3 in league. Next week, the boys team start their CIF journey in round one of the California Southern Section Division 5 tournament; the highest that the teamhaseverplayed. rd

ND aquatics coach, Mr V. saying that, “This year was a rebuilding year, I didnt have any returning starters, so I knew it was going to take some time to train. Over the summer, we were only able to practice in the pool at 5am, so it was a rough start,” he continued, “It was a long season, but the team worked hard, and gained experience.” Mr.V also remarked that, “I’m proud of them, they’ve learned how to work together, and came over adversity together. Joshua Avila remarkably broke the single season save record, which was previously held by Class of 2025Alumn,JulianRodriguez.

andhitting Seattlefanshopetosee their team finally get a chance to be in the World Series As for the Blue Jays on the other hand, they are trying to hang on and force a seventh game Mariners and Blue Jays will head back to Toronto to play game six If Seattle can close theWorldSeries,the matchupwill betheDodgersvsMariners

The World Series is scheduled to start on October 24 With how this postseason has been going up, it lookslikeweareabouttoseesome exciting matches this year It may betheDodgersaddingother

trophies to their collection for the second time in a row, or it could be the Mariners finally breaking their first title as the World Series Champions. You never know what could happen in the postseason. It could turn out that the Blue Jays force a game seven and go on against the Dodgers. October has already been packed with history and some seriously great baseball that you wouldn’t want tomissouton.

The other Senior captains have alsodoneanamazingjobthisyear. Adrian Reyes learned how to play in a new position, which is amazing because he only had one more year left, and he learned a completely different position from what he’d been playing. I also think that Kip and Mario have really good chemistry with each other; throughout the season they have led the team in assists.” Mr. Vendedwith,“So,whilesomesay it’s a rebuilding season, it hasn’t been a bad one.” And in regards to theirupcomingCIFmatches,he

simply said that, “We’re just happytobethere.”

The team plays on their first CIF match of the season on Thrusday, October 30 , against Kennedy High School, in La Palma. We wish them good luck in their CIF games,andthattheygofar.

Daniel Ceaser Pop-up Concerts New Pokémon Game

By: Maxine Rizon

Recently, the famous R&B musician, Daniel Caesar, has been hosting free concerts for his fans. These concerts are often hosted in unusual places. Most of the time, they’re held in parks. It’s just him and his fans bonding over his music without any stage or setup. He usually reveals the location of each pop-up concert a couple hours before the actual event, so fans have very limited time to prepare. Some of the locations he has already performed at have been shut down due to the interventionoflocalauthorities.

F1: The Movie

By: Logan Rudd

This is because he did not have a permit to perform in these areas with such large crowds. The purpose of these pop-up concerts is for Daniel and his fans to bond over his raw vocals being performed live. The connection between an artist and their fans is something on a personal level, and it’s something bonded through music and interactions displayed between the artist and their listeners. These concerts show exactly that! Daniel still has more concerts yet to come… so keep an eyeoutforthenextlocations!

By:Chau Lai

As many of us probably know, Nintendo released the successor of the Nintendo Switch. The Nintendo Switch 2 is a new and improved version with faster performance speeds, better graphics, and most importantly, new and exclusive games. Game Freak, the creators of the Pokémon series, have recently released their new game called “Pokémon Legends: Z-A.” It was originally announced on February 27, 2024, and released on October 16, 2025. In the game, you are in a city called “Lumiose City,” whichitself isintheregionofKalos. Here, it’s possible to catch over 230 different types of Pokémon! You also gettoexplorethephenomenonknownas“MegaEvolution,”whichcan make your Pokémon grow stronger and change appearances. As of now, many have positive reviews, especially with regards to the battle mechanics. However, some also criticize the visuals, saying they are “flat and dull.” If you would like to purchase the game, it is $60 and canbeplayedonboththeNintendoSwitchandNintendoSwitch2.

There have been many hits this summer, like Thunderbolts, Fantastic Four: First Steps, and How to TrainYour Dragon. But F1:The Movie is the one that really stands out. Joseph Kosinski directed this movie, which stars Brad Pitt. It gives viewers a front-row seat to the speed, sound, and intensityofFormula1racing. Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a retired Formula 1 driver, comes back to help Joshua Pierce (Damson Idris), a rookie who is getting better Together, they join a team that is having a hard and difficult time and race against strong opponents on the fastest tracks in the world. The film features both heartfelt scenes about mentoring, leaving a legacy, and cooperating, as well as thrilling, realistic racing scenes. F1 doesn't use a lot of CGI like other racing movies do. Instead, it uses real cars and camera rigs to make every lap feel real and exciting.

F1hasbeenagiantattheboxofficesinceitcame outonJune27,2025.Itmade$55.6milliononits opening weekend; by mid-August it had made more than $620 million around the world. Both fans and critics have praised how real and energetic it is. The movie works with real Formula 1 teams, like Mercedes and Ferrari, which gives it a level of detail that real racing fanswillenjoy

Here’swhatcriticshadtosay:

“Driven by Brad Pitt’s laid-back magnetism and sporting a souped-up engine courtesy of Joseph Kosinski’s kinetic direction, F1: The Movie brings vintage cool across the finish line.”—RottenTomatoesCriticsConsensus “The racing itself is heart-pounding. F1 has all the elements of a classic underdog story but pits the old against the new in a way that feels fresh and exciting.” — anonymous critic

The best parts of the movie are the sound and visuals. The races were filmed with IMAX cameras attached right to real Formula 1 cars, which makes the speed feel real and intense. Theroaroftheengines,thequickmovements of the pit crews, and the tension before each racemakeyoufeellikeyou’reactuallyonthe track. The soundtrack, with its mix of electronic and orchestral music, adds to the energyandexcitementofeveryturn.

Most critics liked the movie, though some saidthestorywasalittlepredictablesincethe “comeback driver” idea has been done before. Still, F1 stands out because of how real and emotional it feels. It’s not just about racing—it’s about following your passion, staying focused, and pushing forward even whenthingsgettough.

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Bad Bunny

By: Jelani Mitchell

As we all know, every year in February, the National Football League hosts the Super Bowl. Every year, one major music artist is chosen to perform during the halftime show, and this year’s performer is Bad Bunny. This big announcement is all over social media and fans are soexcitedforhimtoperform.BadBunnyisknownforhisamazingperformances,boldstyle, and high energy. Bad Bunny’s performance will be one to remember. The 2025 Super Bowl performer was Kendrick Lamar, who even brought out SZA for an amazing collab. This was an unforgettable show. Who knows what kind of surprises Bad Bunny’s performance will bring this upcoming Super Bowl. Bad Bunny has always been full of surprises, so fans are expecting something huge. The Super Bowl always gets millions of viewers, so this is a huge moment for his career. Bad Bunny has performed at big events before, but this one will reach awholenewleveloffame.Thiswillbethehalftimeshowthatnobodywillforget.

The Life of a Showgirl

By: Priscilla Medina

She’s back!! Taylor Swift released her 12 album “The Life of a Showgirl” released October 3 , 2025. This album was recorded during the European leg of her record breaking “ Eras Tour”. This album is full of creativity and fun, featuring twelve tracks includingatrackwiththeoneandonlySabrinaCarpenter.Swiftherselfsaidthisalbumis like a “ behind the curtain ” of The Eras Tour, which was physically and mentally exhausting for her. This album has not only been loved by many but Swift herself has outdone herself again by breaking records including, biggest first week sales of any album in history, most vinyls sold in a week, and the lead single “The Fate of Ophelia” became the most streamed song in a single day in history of Spotify. Alongside the album, Taylor Swift alsoreleased amovie titled “Taylor Swift: Theofficial release Party ofaLifeofaShowgirl.”Thismovieplayedworldwidebutwasonlyavailabletowatchin theaters October 3-5,2025. Unlike her latest concert film this movie featured Swifts own thoughts of her songs and included a never before seen music video for “ The Fate of Ophelia”alongwithlyricvidoesforall12tracks

Prop 50 Continued

Specifically, this promp is in retalitation to new redistrciting happening in mostly republican controlled states, such as texas. Over there, Governor Abbott claims that the republican party will gain 5 seats in the House of Representatives, with his new redistricting policies. Similarly to California, almost all states redraw district boundaries after ten years, so by redrawing in the middle of the decade, Texas is making a political move, at the rights of voters. This has set the precedent for other republicanled states such as Indiana and Missouri to put redistricting laws in motion; further widening the divide between the Democrats and the Republicanswithinthelegislativebranch.

The practice of gerrymandering has been very unpopular in the recent years of American elections, and this year’s special election only highlights the growing struggle between the average American and the democracy they retain.

The film itself wasn’t just for a promotion but also a way for all of her fans to interact with each other once again. Her film topped the U.S. box office during its limited run and sold out crowds, which just proves Swift’s ability to untie all her fans together for her special release. Taylor Swift once again takes on a new stage in her career and it is well done and very well focused. The album and film together shows how she continues to evolve as an artist and keeps breaking record after record and whether or it is agreed upon or not Swift once again proves how big of an impact she reallycanmake.

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