2025 Crossroads Volune 3, Issue 2

CROSSROADS

a community of faith-filled PVI students and staff collaborating at the intersection of inspiration and information

a Writer’s Block Club

Production

November invites us to pause, reflect, and give thanks—and this month’s issue of Crossroads offers plenty to appreciate. Inside, you’ll find a feast of features: a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade; the origin stories of Ashes of Eden, a rock band formed by PVI students; an eye-opening exploration of lanternflies that some find beautiful and others are bugged by; a profile of a 10th-grader joining us from Madrid for the year; an informative autism infographic; and a warm spotlight on the nearby Friends of Homeless Animals haven for dogs and cats. Alongside our beloved returning columnists from Dr. R, Roy, and Hans, we’re debuting a full lineup of new features: an exploration of traditional Catholic prayers–what they teach us to believe and how they command us to behave; uplifting reflections in Missy’s Musings; iconic moments in PVI sports; Dr. Wanner’s Sideway Thoughts; a book review column launching with a look at the classic Dune; three homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte recipes in Quenching Your Thirst; guidance on local jobs for high schoolers; a baking feature debuting with pumpkin bread; a column on all things rowing; and insightful commentary from a Class of 2028 writer on the birth, death, and rebirth of physical media and retro tech; and a column featuring some of PVI’s diverse electives offered at PVI. Rich with gratitude, creativity, and student talent, this issue is one to savor. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Crossroads

Table of Contents

Columns

The Law of Prayer is the Law of Belief --- 6

The Book Behind the Cover --- 12

Kameron’s Course Compass --- 14

Sideway Thoughts --- 20

Quenching Your Thirst --- 22

Cameron’s Career Corner --- 24

The Sweet Spot --- 26

All Things Rowing --- 28

Iyla’s Insight --- 34

Heaven-Tuned Christian Music --- 37

Pass in Review --- 40

The Panther’s Purpose in Each Play--- 46

Missy’s Musings --- 50

The Return of Catholic Culture --- 56

Features

Ashes of Eden --- 16

Lanternflies --- 44

From Spain to America, From Madrid to Chantilly --- 47

Autism in Classrooms --- 53

Friends of Homeless Animals --- 54

Thanksgiving Articles

A Thanksgiving Tradition: Macy’s

Thanksgiving Parade --- 4

3 Thanksgiving Pumpkin Spice Lattes --- 22

Pumpkin Bread --- 26

Acknowledgements --- 60

The Writer’s Block Club

Create and leave your PVI legacy in the pages of our club’s publications!

The Writer's Block Club Mission:

The mission of The Writer's Block Club is to provide an exciting and welcoming opportunity for its diverse student members to hone their skills in thinking outside the proverbial box and share their oft-hidden talents through the written word and other creative mediums. From dedicated sports athletes, talented musicians, and theatre/performance enthusiasts, to service-centric students, poets, photographers, and quiet creatives, The Writer's Block Club gives every PVI student a place to express themselves and expand and celebrate their diverse interests. Members have the ability to develop their skills in leadership, decision-making, listening, proofreading, writing fiction and nonfiction, graphic design, marketing and promotion, magazine layout and page design, interviewing students and staff, and time management.

A ThaNkSgiVInG tRadITiOn:

by: Brigid Culipher '29 and Kate Santiagu '29

Did you know the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was originally called the Macy’s Christmas Parade for its first three years?

On November 27, 1924, the first holiday parade was held as a marketing event for the new Macy’s store in New York for the upcoming Christmas season. For the first three parades, they did not have the beloved balloon floats we see today but instead showcased live animals in the parade to be engaging for the children. Instead of being a good experience for the kids, it frightened them.

This Year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025

Start time: 8:30 a.m.

Live Location: Starts in Manhattan, New York City, near Central Park, and proceeds to the Macy’s Herald Square store at 34th Street.

Broadcast Location: Viewable live on NBC and streaming via Peacock.

In 1927, organizers of the event got rid of both the animals and the Christmas part of the name. The now “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” included character balloon floats designed by a puppeteer named Tony Sarg. While the parade was very successful, it was cancelled from 1942-1944 because of WWII. This is why 2025 is the 99th annual parade event, though the parade started in 1924!

The parade audience has continued to grow, peaking in 2024, and each year tens of millions of people watch the parade either on TV or in person in NYC. Whether in person or on TV, we hope that you will take the time to enjoy the parade this year and gain a new appreciation for it after learning about the history behind this cherished American tradition.

MacY’s ThANkSgIVinG paRAde

Parade Highlights for 2025

There will be 34 giant character balloons, plus additional mini-balloons.

New floats and balloons debuting this year include:

A LEGO float titled “Brick-tastic Winter Mountain.”

A Lindt chocolate float called “Master Chocolatier Ballroom.”

A Stranger Things–themed float named “Upside Down Invasion.”

A tiny Goldfish float known as “The Littlest Float.”

A Pop Mart float featuring the character Labubu.

New character balloons include: Pac‑Man and Buzz Lightyear

High School marching bands include:

L.D. Bell High School Blue Raider Band (Texas)

Catawba Ridge High School Marching Band (South Carolina)

Damien High School Spartan Regiment (California)

College marching bands include: Temple University Diamond Marching Band (Pennsylvania)

Marching Pride of North Alabama (University of North Alabama) Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite, Alcorn State University (HBCU)

Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi, Lex Vivendi

The law of prayer is the law of belief.

The prayers given to us by Holy Mother Church illuminate what we are to believe. The consequence of performing our duty to i is the so that med ill of hearts mpacts life we day. in. ows . plore rayers, believe, nd us to

This issue’s exploration of the Prayer to Christ the King

O Christ Jesus, I acknowledge Thee King of the universe. All that has been created has been made for Thee. Exercise over me all Thy sovereign rights.

I renew the promises of my Baptism. I renounce Satan and all his works, and all his pomps, and I promise to live a good Christian life and to do all in my power to procure the triumph of the rights of God and Thy Church.

Divine Heart of Jesus, I offer Thee my poor efforts in order to obtain that all hearts may acknowledge Thy Sacred Royalty, and that thus the Kingdom of Thy peace may be established throughout the universe. Amen.

The patriarchs and the prophets spoke of the coming of a King. The Angel Gabriel greeted Mary with the title Full of Grace because she would bear the King in her womb (Luke 1:28). The Magi followed the star in order to pay homage to the King (Matthew 2:1-2). Jesus spoke often of His Kingdom, and acknowledged to Pontius Pilate that He is indeed a King (John 18:37). He told Pilate that His Kingdom is not of this world, which means that His Kingdom transcends this world (John 18:36). It does not mean that His Kingdom does not include this world.

All things are of Him, by Him, in Him and all things point toward His glory (Romans 11:36). All things are subject to Him (Hebrews 2:8). All power on earth and in heaven is given to Him by His Father (Matthew 28:18), and as He was sent, He sends His Apostles (John 20:21) to continue His mission through the Church. Holy Mother Church teaches us we are to know Him, love Him, and serve Him in this life in order that we may be happy with Him forever in the next (Baltimore Catechism). This is the purpose for our creation, and we all as human beings share in this one purpose. Our purpose is chosen for us by Our Creator. As we get to know Him and recognize His identity as King, we love Him. As we love Him we desire to serve Him because we are His subjects and He is our ruler.

We could spend more time illuminating through Holy Writ the Kingship of Jesus, but what is highlighted above will suffice. As the prayer encourages us, we must acknowledge this reality. It is what we are to believe as Catholics and as creatures of God Almighty. We must either choose Him or His opponent. There is no neutral ground. Either we are with Him or against Him, either we serve His mission, or we are against His mission (Matthew 12:30). Our allegiance will be known by the fruits of our works, and those works are impacted by our interior life, prayer. (Matthew 12:33-35).

Human society in the 2025th year of Our Lord has a very difficult time with the implications of accepting any king, let alone the true King. How can this be, when we can’t even know what year it is without Him? So much is said about protecting the rights of man. Why is so little said about protecting the rights of God? The prayer exhorts us to promise that we will live in such a manner that assists in the mission of the Church to establish God’s Kingdom on earth. Have we elevated man over God? Have we concerned ourselves so much with our own ideas of human flourishing that we have turned our backs on God?

“To repair the crime of ‘lèse-divinité,’ which denies God’s rights over the human society whose author he is, we must exalt Jesus Christ as King over all individuals, families, and peoples.” – Dom Gueranger, The Liturgical Year, The Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King

It cannot be said that Christ is King and at the same time have him excluded from any part of human existence, individually or collectively. There is not one tiny inch of human society over which Jesus Christ does not reign supreme as King – religion, civil life, education (public and private), family life, social life, fashion, arts, our bodies, the economy. The list never ends.

It all belongs to Him. When we exclude Him and thus fail to recognize His Kingship, then we turn our backs on God. We must be mindful not to deny Him what we owe to Him. “But he that shall deny me before men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:33).

Acknowledging interiorly that Christ is King and renouncing Satan and all his pomps must, consequently, be made visible by our behavior. The prayer invites us to make this promise of living a good Christian life. Let us consider three categories in which we can make changes to our behavior to serve as a witness that Christ is King and to fulfill the promises in the prayer, which will merit a great response from Our Lord. “Everyone therefore that shall confess me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32).

First, let us consider the virtue of Religion. It is a subset of the virtue of justice which requires us to give to another what it is we owe him. The virtue of Religion requires us to give to God what we owe to Him. What do we owe Him? One thing we owe Him is to sanctify Sunday (Exodus 20:8). The day is already holy because Our Lord has made it holy, but we are commanded to behave like we know this Truth. It is primarily a day for worship. We must attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It is a day of rest from work (Exodus 20:10). It is a day for works of mercy, prayer, spiritual reading, and family time. It’s a great day to enjoy the beauty of nature, God’s creation.

“Come to me, all you that labour, and are burdened, and I will refresh you” (Matthew 11:28). The entire day ought to be ordered towards God, because the rest (or refreshment) we all seek is only found in Christ. “You rouse us to take delight in your praise, for you made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you” (St. Augustine, Confessions). If we order the day towards Christ, we will be ready for the activity of the week. We will also be counter-cultural, as sanctifying Sunday is a protest against the worship of labor, money, and sports. It will require us to say no to many things. It is indeed a sacrifice. It allows us to say yes to Christ, in imitation of God’s greatest creature, the Blessed Virgin Mary. It’s a clear witness and manifestation of the Truth that Christ is King.

Second, let us consider the pursuit of knowledge. Recall earlier that we were created to know God. The purpose of the pursuit of knowledge is to discover Christ. All religious and academic study is ordered towards Him.

We must seek Jesus in history, math, science, language arts, music, art, sports, philosophy, psychology, business, etc.

All things are subject to Him (Hebrews 2:8).

The primary goal is not to get a good grade, get into college, or start a career. It’s not bad to pursue goals of that nature. Recall, though, that we were created to know God, love God, and serve God. We ultimately pursue knowledge in order to pursue Christ, who is Truth. We ultimately pursue knowledge in order to love Him and serve Him. How can we confess Him if we do not know Him? Essentially, religious education is not limited to theology. All education is religious education because all education is ordered to Christ the King.

“It is necessary not only that religious instruction be given to the young at certain fixed times, but also that every other subject taught be permeated with Christian piety. If this is wanting, if this sacred atmosphere does not pervade and warm the hearts of masters and scholars alike, little good can be expected from any kind of learning, and considerable harm will often be the consequence.” – Pope Pius XI, Divini Illius Magistri

Third, let us consider a small and powerful behavior in the realm of social life. Our bodies require nourishment, and we must eat. We often eat amongst friends and family at school or work, in public at restaurants of all kinds, and at home. All things are of Him, by Him, in Him, and all things point toward His glory (Romans 11:36). We must stop and give thanks to Our Lord Jesus Christ before we eat or drink. “Every one therefore that shall confess me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32). Do so deliberately. Pause, put yourself in the presence of God. Make the sign of the cross. Bless us O Lord…Our Father…Hail Mary…Amen. Make the sign of the cross. Perhaps prayer before meals is already part of your life. Did you know it was once a universal Catholic discipline to abstain from flesh meat on all Fridays, not just the Fridays of Lent? Offer the sacrifice of abstaining from meat in reparation for sins, the conversion of sinners, and the salvation of souls, all in imitation of Our Lord.

Be not afraid of what others will think; be afraid of what God will think.

Remember that He is King. Invite those around you to pray with you. Courageously tell others you are abstaining from meat when they ask, to make a sacrifice in honor of Our Lord’s crucifixion. As the prayer states, offer your poor effort in order to obtain that all hearts may acknowledge the Sacred Royalty of Christ Jesus and that the Kingdom of His peace will be established throughout the entire world. Does it seem difficult to make these sacrifices? Meditate on the mysteries of the Holy Rosary and consider the sacrifices Our Lord has made to make satisfaction for our sins and to lead us to our salvation. Comparatively, He asks very little of us. These simple, little, and powerful sacrifices are the least that we can do.

Let us interiorly and exteriorly bend the knee to Christ the King.

Let us confess with our tongues that Jesus is Lord. Let us do so now while we walk the earth. Let us do so now of our free will. Ultimately, every knee in heaven and on earth and under the earth will bend to Him, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is King (Romans 14:11, Philippians 2:10).

THE BOOK BEHIND THE COVER AREVIEWOF FRANK HERBERT’S

by:

Charlie Huly '29

SAND, SPACE, AND SPICE:

Whether you've read the novel or watched one of its film adaptations, you're likely familiar with the sci-fi classic Dune. Even if you haven't engaged with it directly, you've probably seen or read something inspired by the book. Its influence on George Lucas’ Star Wars is so abundantly clear from their characters right down to the premise that one might wonder whether one would exist without the other. Despite being so influential in its genre, it is still unique from much of the works that came afterward. From the depth of its characterization to the detail of the worldbuilding, it truly stands alone among stories in the science fiction genre.

THE NOVELTAKES US FAR INTO THE FUTURE

It’s the year 10,191. We follow fifteen-year-old Paul of the noble House Atreides. The family has been given control of the desert planet Arrakis (also called ‘Dune’), the only source in the universe of a critical resource, the Spice Melange. This transfer is revealed to have been a trap by the rival House Harkonnen, leading to the betrayal and exile of Paul and his mother, Lady Jessica, of the powerful Bene Gesserit sisterhood. They take refuge among the Fremen, the native people of Arrakis who come to believe that Paul is the prophesied leader known as the Mahdi. Taking advantage of this, Paul becomes a powerful military and religious figure, leading a revolt against the Harkonnens to reclaim power over Arrakis

At the surface level, Dune may seem like just another science fiction epic about people and planets in the far-off future. However, woven into the fabric of this story are a myriad of complex themes. One of these is the conflict between fate and free will. Throughout the story, Paul Atreides experiences prophetic visions of his future that show him as a military leader with an army of fanatics behind him These leave him conflicted, as he is unsure of whether to resist this future or continue toward it. Another is ecology and environmentalism. The planet Arrakis is far from a one-dimensional setting; it has vast flora and fauna that are described throughout the story. We are also shown how its environment is exploited as a part of the relentless extraction of resources that has taken place.

TO SAY THAT THE NOVEL DUNE IS DENSE, WOULD BE A GRAVE UNDERSTATEMENT.

This 600+ page novel is written using vivid prose that leaves no detail of the titular planet’s environment unmentioned. Understandably, this is the reason why many readers decide the book is not for them. I myself took some time to get used to Herbert’s writing style, often thinking, “Enough of the desert mice, can we get back to the story?” However, one may begin to understand (and perhaps even appreciate) the effort put into bringing this world to life when taking into account how much time was dedicated to doing so.

Frank Herbert spent six years researching, writing, and revising what we now know as Dune. His inspiration largely came from ecology, Middle Eastern religious practices, and medieval age feudalism, all of which are reflected very prominently throughout the novel. With this in mind, it is easy to see why it may have felt necessary to make the setting feel as real as possible.

Despite being published back in 1965, Dune is a novel that is relevant in the modern era. Over the past few years, it has received an Oscar-nominated two-part film adaptation directed by Denis Villeneuve with the cast including well-known actors such as Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya. Many of the book’s themes, especially those of power and environmentalism, are also reflected in the current global climate.

Expand your world – travel to the future vicariously and check out Dune from PVI’s library.

RATING: 4.5 STARS

Kameron’s Course Compass

helping you navigate PVI’s ocean of electives

by: Kameron Smith '28

FEATURED Elective:

Honors Creative Writing

Teacher: Mr. Troy

Walt Whitman, the renowned American poet, native New Yorker, and author of the collection Leaves of Grass, famously said: “The powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse. ”

Enrolling in PVI’s year-long Creative Writing course will give you the tools needed to create that legacy that memorable verse. The class will help you to craft vivid new worlds, dynamic characters, and thrilling plot twists for a short story, novel, stage play, or screenplay. You can take one of your experiences and transform it into an adventurous nonfiction narrative or write something completely fictitious. In addition to creating work for your portfolio, consider submitting your polished pieces for publication in our annual literary magazine, For Art’s Sake.

By the end of the year, you will either have a portfolio of work you can be proud of or a PhD in procrastination.

Just remember: “Writing is easy. You just stare at a blank screen until drops of blood form on your forehead.” - Gene Fowler

Get it in writing.

Join The Writer’s Block Club: Contribute your nonfiction pieces to Crossroads. Contribute your fiction, nonfiction, plays, artwork, photographs, and poetry to For Art’s Sake (PVI’s annual art & literary zine) Attend our weekly meetings on Tuesdays in the dining commons during Panther Time!

club code: k77wekpk

Regularly jamming their renditions of an everimpressive and growing playlist of such popular tunes as “Smells like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana and “Brain Stew” by Green Day, Ashes of Eden is a rock band consisting of four creative, highly-talented, and dedicated PVI studentmusicians and a handful of PVI student-assistants who help set up and break down the equipment and audio. Now officially a year old, Ashes of Eden was originally formed out of JV Rock — the second rock band at PVI that was created to accommodate the influx of PVI studentmusicians wanting to join PVI’s original rock band, Varsity Rock.

Backstories of Ashes of Eden Band Members

Alyssa Wallace '28: Singer

Before joining AOE, I was in three other bands from the age of 6 to 14, two of which were administered by B2R Music School. I’ve hardly had a role of lead singer in a band since I was used to being a guitarist, but when Eva told me that her band needed a singer, I was interested, though hesitant at first I embraced the opportunity nearing the end of 9th grade after performing in the school’s talent show. That’s pretty much how I got here.

Eva O’Hanlon '27: Band Leader, Rhythm Guitarist, and Bassist

When I was in 8th grade and sported a gross little bob cut and didn’t wear eyeliner, I got my first guitar (which I never played). It was a beautiful blue guitar that kept breaking. I went through about 3 or 4 of those same guitars until I figured out how to fix them. My guitar now has some stickers on it, and I named it Jackie.

I started actually seriously playing guitar during my freshman year As I took more lessons, I got better Since I have been hopelessly in love with rock music since middle school, I knew I absolutely needed my own band. I asked Mrs. Siegfried, and she put me in the Varsity Rock’s Google Classroom. I showed up once at 7 a.m. to one of their practices and, after feeling really socially awkward, I told Mrs. Siegfried I just wanted to form my own band. She ever-so-kindly gave me my own Google Classroom and the names to a bunch of PVI student-musicians I didn’t know, but was super psyched to meet.

The first meeting was at 7 a.m., and nobody showed up because it was at 7 a.m. (!); I felt bad for making Mrs. Siegfried come to school that early for no reason. But I am glad for that day because the absolute queen, Sophia Bonillo, hung out with me and told me about the makings of her rock band. From that moment on, I started having more meetings after school, all the while trying to figure out who was consistent, who would do what, what we would play, and how to balance it It was super rocky, and I didn’t have much of an idea what I was doing. Shoutout to Hayes Innis for guiding me through literally everything. Later we started having consistent people (and consistent drama).

One of the first student-musicians who was consistent was the ever-talented and the no-longer-with-the-band Kaitlyn Birdy (may she always get the theatre roles she wants). Then Gunner Glenn who loves to riff and is a D1 hater showed up and continues to hang out with me after everyone leaves. Then the ever-dramatic Michael Kramer, a really good drummer, showed up. Vocals for our band were an issue, but through the suggestion of Sophia, I decided to take a chance on a girl in my Spanish class, Alyssa, who liked the same pop punk music I did.

I am very grateful for this band and everyone involved, and while we're just getting started, I expect big things Shoutout to all the people who joined for one day and all my friends who are learning how to set up the equipment and mics! Yee haw.

Michael Kramer '28: Drummer

My story as a drummer starts in 1st grade at 7 years old My mom took me to this place that had just opened in my hometown of Haymarket called “School of Rock.” There, my curiosity for music was piqued. I was torn between becoming a guitarist and becoming a drummer. Apparently, my 7-year-old self was going to choose guitar because “guitar people always got the girls.” Well, I don’t know how or why I got that thought in my mind, but I do know I ended up deciding to play the drums. And at first, I was a complete brat. Instead of taking my class with my instructor seriously, I would spend around 15 to 30 minutes of the hour contemplating life in the cozy bean bag chair in the corner of the room. To get me engaged, my instructor turned my lesson into a game. My bean bag breaks grew to less and less, until I was fully engaged every day After a year, I had to switch instructors, and I was really upset, but I didn’t go back to the bean bag Fast forward to around the fifth grade, and my second instructor decided he was going to start teaching his own lessons at his house, and leave the School of Rock. I decided I’d go with him, and so I never saw the School of Rock again. Then, a year later, I started playing in the marching band at my school and decided to stick with it to earn a scholarship at PVI.

Then, high school arrived I got my scholarship and was told I was a “percussionist ” I’d never seen a marimba or xylophone, and I didn’t understand why I was expected to play it. My middle school was lacking in the music department, and I’d always been used to snare drum, bass drum, and drum set. Also, I was invited to join what is called the "Varsity Rock Band.” They said I was the first drummer to ever be invited to join as a freshman. However, after the first month of school, I left the band, as they piled songs for me to learn, and I wasn’t able to balance that and getting used to high school. When Mrs. Siegfried told me I could still be in a band, albeit more casual, I was hooked, and I’ve been a part of the band ever since.

Gunner '28: Writer, Lead Guitarist

Okay, this backstory’s going to be short, but all over the place. Starting at just 6 years old (basically first grade for me), I got into drumming, but it never stuck with me, which made me leave the idea months later. A year later, while living in Wiesbaden, Germany, I started exploring playing the acoustic guitar; however, the music and the overall feel of acoustic guitars made me feel uncomfortable. Two years later, we moved to Columbus, Georgia, and took a class called “School of Rock” with a desire for more challenges in guitar playing. When practicing, I first focused on rhythm and eventually strummed into playing lead guitar a few weeks later because as it suited my personal experience already involved in my instrument While in School of Rock, I was placed into a marching band; my setup usually consisted of snare, bass, and cymbals. In this marching band, we would attend every football game and play mixes of songs along with my school football team's theme. Three years later, we moved Virginia because of my father’s work, and I accepted into PVI. When my CP English tea Ms. Fassinger, read my memoir about how I loved playing guitar, she immediately told she wanted me to connect with one of her fo students, PVI guitarist Martin Ramirez. Als during my freshman year, I took a class kno “Concert Ensemble.” My skills were noted b music director, Mrs. Siegfried. Shortly there I received an email from Martin, asking if I be part of the new rock band being formed, well, of course, I accepted it. I desired the experience of being in a band once again, w I can formally continue my long-lasting ded to the guitar. I have high hopes and plans fo band, and all the future opportunities it wil unfold.

From the band: A special thanks to Mrs. Si for allowing this band to come to life

SIDEWAY THOUGHTS:

On the Cleanliness of Dirt

by: Dr. Jonathan Wanner

What I stand for is what I stand on. ~Wendell Berry

To most folks, dirt is a dirty word. When it is not a play pit for boys, it is a harbor of the dead. For poet Wendell Berry, however, our livelier way forward is downward. To him, this grime is opposed to the grim. Dirt is anything but “cheap as dirt” since by it the farmer “practices resurrection”: 1

r of trees, the gardener, the man born to farming, se hands reach into the ground and sprout, the soil is a divine drug. He enters into death omes back rejoicing. He has seen the light lie down he dung heap, and rise again in the corn. 2

ugh which life and death endlessly cycle, soil is resurrective: to feed the livestock; the animals translate the plant decay nd by the farmer’s calloused hands, the manure fertilizes iraculously, the same solar energy that first warmed the s its progeny from below Sunbeams, in this sense, “lie ap ” so that plants have a light-lineage just as humans have ly, the soil is, at once, both tomb and womb.

buried beneath Berry’s paradox: sacrifice alone sets this otion. Even before a crop dies, its life is full of many little alls them, “breakings.” Seeds break into shoots; shoots owers break into fruit; fruits break into seeds … and so the breaking begins even before the seed, with the farmer who the breaking through which the new comes… piling up darkened broken old husks of itself: bud opening to flower opening to fruit opening to the sweet marrow f h d

Animals, too, “ open out and out” as they mature. Breaking through egg, through womb, newborns pile up their “broken old husks” as their bodies continually regenerate, shedding fur and feather, budding forth talon, tusk, and tooth. Humans follow in like pattern: at birth, the mother “ opens ” to the infant, from whose body teeth and eventually puberty erupt. This cycle of sacrifice and renewal happens even on a microscopic level: to strengthen our muscles, we must first rupture their fibers; we shed our outer skin every two to four weeks; 4 and we are, in a small way, remade when, every day, our body regenerates roughly 330 billion cells 5 Repeatedly, the lesser and former must die to give way to a greater prime Nor does the pattern stop after death since decay is the umbilical cord for new life A rotting corpse, in fact, cannot escape the agrarian cycle of rebirth:

After death, willing or not, the body serves, entering the earth. And so what was heaviest And most mute is at last raised up into song. 6

The involuntary “deaths” and “rebirths” of tooth and tissue, of course, are hardly free-willed martyrdoms, but they are nonetheless a natural analogue of the supernatural renewal for which we are bound. In this poetic sense, the sacraments are crop-like: Christ’s wounded side, as much as it appears a loss, is the harvest-place of souls. Through His “broken ground,” we “break away ” from the lesser parts of ourselves and mature into our eternal prime. As time-bound as the agrarian cycle is, then, its endless repetition tends toward timelessness:

All times are one if hearts delight in work, if hands join the world right 7

Here in time we are added to one another forever. 8

Paradoxically, the “Man Born to Farming” cultivates to be cultivated. With him, let our hands be trowels. Let our souls be dirt-clean.

Quenching Your Thirst

3 3 Thanksgiving Pumpkin Spice Lattes

by: Madie Mays '29

Here’s to the season of turkeys, pumpkins, autumn leaves, and giving thanks to others. With Thanksgiving here, you’re probably ready to make the classic pumpkin pie you know and love. But the question remains, how are you going to use the leftover pumpkin puree? That’s where a seasonal favorite comes into play: the pumpkin spice latte (PSL). Whether you prefer it hot or iced, with chai or coffee, this column explores three ways to use pumpkin puree to make pumpkin spice lattes for everyone in your family.

Recipe 1: The classic psl

A timeless favorite, this latte recipe serves two but can be altered to make as many as you want. If you want it iced, ignore the steps to cook and just mix up the ingredients in a chilled saucepan, bowl, or mason jar.

Ingredients: Ingredients:

½ cup hot coffee (cooled if you want an iced latte)

2 cups milk

2-3 tablespoons pumpkin puree, to taste

1 tablespoon sugar or maple syrup

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

INSTRUCTIONS: INSTRUCTIONS:

Add milk, pumpkin puree, and sugar to a saucepan over medium heat. Slowly heat the milk until hot, but do not boil.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and the coffee or espresso. Taste and adjust with more sugar or spices.

Divide the mixture between two mugs.

Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

Recipe 2: Kids’ Pumpkin cream

If you’re helping to make Thanksgiving dinner for the whole family, then this is the perfect (and caffeine-free) latte for kids and adults to enjoy. Despite the lack of caffeine, it’s a warm, creamy pumpkin drink with a thick consistency similar to a good hot chocolate. Keep in mind that its thicker consistency means it may not work as well as an iced latte. This recipe serves 2-4, but the amount can easily be increased or decreased depending on the number of people in your family.

Ingredients: Ingredients:

½ cup pumpkin puree

2 cups milk

2 tablespoons white sugar

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ tablespoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS: INSTRUCTIONS:

Combine pumpkin, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a large saucepan over medium heat. Use a whisk to blend well.

Heat to a simmer; do not boil. Serve with whipped cream if desired.

Recipe 3: Pumpkin chai

This easy, delicious recipe for a pumpkin chai is inspired by a Starbucks fall menu favorite. The combination of warm, cozy chai lattes with the nostalgic creaminess of pumpkin spice creates a wellknown fall favorite that’s much easier to make than expected.

Ingredients: Ingredients:

2 bags chai tea

1 cup boiling water

2 tbsp canned pumpkin puree

2 tbsp honey

½ cup milk

INSTRUCTIONS: INSTRUCTIONS:

Steep the chai tea bags in boiling water for 5 minutes.

Whisk in pumpkin and honey until well-combined.

Warm the milk if you want a hot latte and pour it into the chai mixture. Pour it over ice if you’re serving it iced.

CAMERON’S CAREER CORNER

by: Cameron Mangal '29

Especially now, more and more businesses and companies look for experience in their employees before they are hired. For high school students, it’s often hard to get the experience needed to get a job. In this column, I will be writing about potential opportunities for internships, part-time jobs, and interview tips you could use to help you meet the experience expected from modern-day employers.

BRUSTER’S ICE CREAM

Do you crave ice cream? Working at Bruster’s is a safe, fun, friendly environment where high school students can not only enjoy their favorite scoop of ice cream, but also get paid. Employees are expected to help serve ice cream.

Many PVI students already work at fast-food restaurants like Chick-fil-A. Fast food restaurants tend to have flexible shift schedules, so it's a great way to experience work life without having to sacrifice sports and other extracurricular activities.

Ford’s Fish Shack employs high school students to help around the restaurant. As of right now, there are several job opportunities for high schoolers, including host/hostess and food runner. There are a wide variety of locations across Northern Virginia.

FORD’S FISH SHACK COX

Cox Farms hires high schoolers to help with events like Field of Fears and the Fall Festival. Although they closed the hiring season, come back next July to apply.

MAPLE TREE FARMS (WARRENTON)

Maple Tree Farms hosts Fall Festivals, Christmas Lighting, Easter Trails, and more! The application process requires a Q&A session and has many shifts ranging from weekdays to weekends.

INTERVIEW TIPS

Whether via phone, Zoom, or in-person, interviews are a crucial step in the hiring process not only for employers to see if you possess the character traits and qualities they seek in an ideal candidate, but also for you, the applicant, to see if the potential employer seems like where you’d like to hone your skills and contribute to its continued success. An interview is a two-way conversation between you and your potential employer. Sounds confusing? Here are some helpful tips that can help you ace any interview, regardless of what job you are applying for.

BEFORE

Getting a good night’s sleep helps you answer those curveball questions more effectively, and eating a healthy meal beforehand can help alleviate nausea and nervousness before the interview. Additionally, if you are looking to apply for a job, make sure you research what position you are looking to fill beforehand, and practice, practice, practice answering potential questions your interviewer may ask you.

TheSweet Spot

by: Leah Cashman '29

A new edition to Crossroads, The Sweet Spot is a baking column filled with monthly recipes for the season, along with tips and tricks for bakers of any skill level.

With the weather getting colder, and holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, it’s the perfect season of the year to share (or hone) your baking skills! It's also the perfect time to use your leftover pumpkin puree and all of those spices tucked away. For this month's recipes, I picked out some seasonal spices and favorite fall flavors like pumpkin and maple. After all, who doesn't love a warm bake on a cold night?

Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin bread will always be a fall favorite, packed with cinnamon spice and tons of pumpkin flavor.

Ingredients

1 and ¾ cups (219g) all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

¾ teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (white sugar)

¾ cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar

1 and ½ cups (340g) pumpkin puree

½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil

¼ cup (60ml) orange juice (milk, see Recipe tips)

Prep time: 20 min.

Bake time: 1 hr.

Total time: 1 hr. 20 min.

Yields: 1 loaf

Adjust oven rack to the lower position and preheat on Bake to 350°F. Lowering your oven rack prevents the top of the bread from browning too soon and too much. Grease a metal 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray Set aside

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt until combined. Make sure there aren't any spices not fully mixed in! Set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined. Scrape down sides as necessary Whisk the pumpkin, oil, and orange juice into the same bowl.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix together using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. There will be a few lumps (that’s fine) Do not over mix (It can cause the bread to become tough and dense.)

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60-65 minutes, and make sure to cover the pan with aluminum foil halfway through to prevent the top from getting too brown. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with only a few moist crumbs. Depending on your oven, this may be before or after the 60-65 minute mark, so check every 5 minutes once it hits the 55-minute mark.

Allow the bread to cool COMPLETELY in the pan or on a wire rack before removing or slicing.

Cover and store the bread at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or you can leave it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

General Baking Tips

Spoon and Level:

Flour is commonly the most mismeasured ingredient, so if you can’t weigh it, things can go wrong real fast. But another way to better measure your flour is the spoon and level method. Instead of scooping straight from the flour bag, use a spoon to sift the flour into your cup. After you've spooned your flour, remove any excess with a knife. The same can go for sugar, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and other dry ingredients.

Room temperature ingredients: Many recipes call for eggs and butter at room temperature. This is because room temperature ingredients emulsify (combine) quicker and easier, which reduces the risk of over mixing. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Tips and Tricks

Use oil in this recipe instead of melted butter to keep the bread moist and soft.

You can substitute orange juice for any kind of milk.

Oven temperatures may differ, so trust your toothpick rather than the stated bake time.

If you do not have the spices listed as recommended, you can use ¾ tablespoons of pumpkin pie spice.

All Things Rowing

by: Anna Britt '27

I grew up around boats, around oars slicing water, around the rhythmic blades entering the lake at dawn. Like the quiet, reflective depth that underlies the works of Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, and Lermontov, I was drawn to the calm profundity of it (not that these Russian authors ever wrote about rowing). While my muscles often complain after a 10k erg session, sometimes I find myself staring wistfully at the Olympic rowing finals, thinking, “Someday I’ll hit that new 2k personal record — or at least feel truly sore trying.” Secretly, I agree with Zhuangzi: perhaps we are all butterflies dreaming that we are humans, and all the boats, the oars, the coxswains are nothing more than a strange and profoundly beautiful dream in my butterfly life.

In this space each month, I’ll share my exploration of the world of rowing: the ancient beginnings, the grand traditions, the elite athletes — and yes, even the world of everyday rowers (like my father and me) who chase new PRs, feel the burn after an intense endurance-focused session, remember historic races at the Olympics or college regattas, or simply contemplate life while doing a very intense workout. I invite you to join me in understanding how this sport became what it is today, and perhaps find some of my own ambition in the story, even if it remains a tad unattainable (like my butterfly dream of competing in the insanity that is coastal rowing in the most insane country for rowing there is, Australia). But ambition rarely cares about neat attainment anyways.

The An and Earl of

Before rowing became a sport defined by regattas, eights, fours, pairs, and blades, it had a far different raison d'être. The image of human beings propelling themselves through water with oars goes back to antiquity: civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used oared vessels for transport, fishing, war, and ceremony. From those functional origins the idea of racing boats emerged, albeit in rudimentary form: one finds references to rowing contests or waterraces in ancient funerary carvings and classical literature.

As transport and warfare technologies evolved, so did the leisure and competitive uses of rowing. In the Middle Ages and the Early modern era, Italian “regatta” races on canals and rivers became part of carnivals and festivities, offering glimpses of what would one day become a formal sport. By the 17 century in England, rowing — still for hire and transport — developed into professional contests. The river-watermen of the Thames would race barges for prize money and prestige. th

Modern Competitive Rowing Takes Shape

The shift from work-boat rowing to competitive sport emerged gradually. In England in the 1700s and early 1800s, amateurs and gentlemen’s boat clubs began forming. The first organized boat-club-style races, between Oxford and Cambridge and other institutions, date to the early 19th century. One often-cited milestone in the United States: the race between Harvard University and Yale University in 1852, is regarded as the first inter-collegiate athletic event in the U.S. (and it was rowing) by

By the latter half of the 19th century, rowing had evolved into a structured sport with boat clubs, governing bodies, and formal regattas. In the United States, the first national governing body was founded as the National Association for Amateur Oarsmen (1872), which later became the United States

hus, the terrain for modern rowing was laid: the shell (boat), the oars, the race, the team or individual crews, the regattas, and the idea that human power, rhythm, and technique could be harnessed into competition at elite levels.

The Evolution of Technique, Equipment, and Global Reach

As the sport of rowing progressed, not only did the competition grow, but also the equipment and technique evolved. Early boats were heavier, designs simpler, and the oars were less efficient. Over time, the introduction of sliding seats, outriggers (which extend the oar-lock away from the hull), lighter materials, and more aerodynamic shells has all refined the sport.

The spread of rowing across continents, the inclusion of women’s events, lightweight categories, and more global membership in organizations such as World Rowing (formerly FISA) have also changed the face of the sport. Moreover, the physiological demands of rowing— endurance, strength, technique, timing, synchronization (for multi-person crews), and mental fortitude have made it both deeply challenging and rewarding for participants. One writer described rowing as “80% mental” even though the muscles do most of the work.

In our present day, rowing is both elite and accessible. The Olympics, the World Championships, and historic regattas like The Boat Race (between Oxford and Cambridge) carry enormous prestige.

The United States, for example, has earned 89 Olympic medals in rowing since the modern Games began in 1990, including 33 golds.

While both technological and training advancements have contributed to modern rowing, including: ergometers (rowing machines) enabling indoor training, and

Iconic Rowers

To picture rowing is to imagine the required disciplined precision of crews moving as one, the razor-thin margin between first and second place, the pale dawn practices, the fog lifting off the water, the oars dipping in perfect rhythm — and the quiet strength it builds in both body and mind.

Sir Steve Redgrave (U.K.)

Perhaps the most famous male rower in history. He won five consecutive Olympic gold medals from 1984 to 2000.

Elisabeta Lipă (Romania)

ul O’Donovan (Ireland)

A more recent champion, double Olympic gold medalist in lightweight double sculls, and holder of the world-best-time.

The most decorated female rower in Olympic history, with eight medals (five gold) between 1984 and 2000.

Robert Moch (U.S.A.)

The coxswain of the legendary University of Washington eight-man crew that won gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. His leadership exemplified the coxswain’s role as both a strategist and motivator. Learn more about him in the 2023 movie The Boys in the Boat — the 2023 sports film based on a non-fiction novel by Daniel James Brown. The movie shares the story of the working-class students who joined their university’s rowing team as a part-time job. The underdogs quickly rise through the national ranking and go on to win gold in the Olympics.

Closing Thoughts

While rowing may — at first – sound niche or even old-world: long boats, early mornings, water, oars, and perhaps the faint echo of Victorian gentlemen’s clubs, scratch beneath the surface and you discover something living: human bodies pushing against resistance, teams coordinating like synchronized machines, individuals confronting the pain and rhythm of effort, the lake holding every story.

Writing about rowing feels both profound and familiar. Profound because the sport carries centuries of tradition, global competition, elite athletes, and a unique blend of technique, strength, and mental fortitude. Familiar because I feel the boat beneath me, the oar in my hand, the goal of hitting “just ten more meters,” and the ache after a long workout. The “unattainable goal” of a new 2k PR is not really unattainable—it’s the horizon we row toward.

In future columns, I hope to bring you closer to the water’s edge, to the regatta's start line, to the echo of blade on water, and to the human stories behind the sport. So, if you’ve ever found yourself interested in the world of rowing or want to make the unattainable a reality, then perhaps you’ll row alongside me in spirit as we explore “All Things Rowing.” For those of us who’ve grown up around boats, who watch races, and who chase PRs, this sport is not just a sport. It’s a metaphor for the complexities of life; it’s our own Symposium. It’s a chance to see just how far you can go. In essence, I believe there is no phrase more fitting to describe rowing other than Buzz Lightyear’s, “To infinity and beyond.”

MEETINGS: Tuesdays during Panther Time in the dining commons! Join us for brainstorming sessions, editorial planning, snacks, special event planning, and more!

The Writer’s Block Club

The Writer’s Block Club is Seeking: photographers writers artists columnists graphic designers journalists researchers editors proofreaders insomniacs tech-savvy gurus any/all students interested in: making new friends, sharing their talents with the PVI community, leaving a legacy at PVI, and learning how to research topics, interview individuals, write and edit content, and/or design pages for publication

IYLA'S INSIGHT

BY IYLA SHARIFAHMADIAN

'28

Gone are the days of static-y audio and scratches on your disk.

CASSETTES, CDS, DVDS, RECORDS…

These are words you’d expect to hear from a teacher or parent back in the “good ol’ days” where music buffs could actually own their own physical media and movie enthusiasts could either rent or buy their favorite flick. Now, however, it’s as easy as opening up a streaming platform and clicking a few buttons.

Gone are the days of static-y audio and worrying about getting scratches on your disc if you loan it to a friend. You no longer have to camp out in line at the crack of dawn to get your hands on a vinyl LP, because now, when you wake up in the morning, you can just open your app of choice and listen to your favorite album. No need to spend

hours making the perfect mixtape or having to carry around bulky players, because everything you need is available on your phone anytime, anywhere.

It seems like physical media and the concept of “owning” something are long gone, with the age of streaming seeming much more accessible, easier to use (as well as cheaper).

Fifteen dollars a month for a Spotify subscription will get you access to over 100 million songs, while only one album on CD would cost that much. Given, you could always try to burn them yourself, but that’d be much more time-consuming, and you couldn’t get nearly as many songs on a single disc as you could in a playlist.

Physical media seems more of a hassle than a brag these days, and the concept of “owning” art is an idea faded into irrelevancy. There’s no worth in having the rights to “view, sell, lend, and give away” because with a simple subscription, everyone else is able to access that same content. It’s much more convenient now to be able to watch a movie whenever you wish—whether it’s on a Friday night or a rainy Saturday afternoon—than how it used to be, where you’d have to hop on over to your local Blockbuster to rent a movie (if it hasn’t already been rented out!) And once you get your hands on it, the enjoyment won't last for long, because you have to give it back within a very short period, or else the late fees could stack up to be 3x the price of actually buying the disk.

WHY

STRESS YOURSELF OUT WHEN WHAT YOU

WANT

TO WATCH WILL ALWAYS BE

AVAILABLE

ON SOME STREAMING SERVICE?

Netflix's conversion to a streaming service in 2007 was the catalyst for the switch from physical media, like VHS and DVD, to watching shows on streaming platforms. By the 2010s, most people favored these platforms over physical media because of the ease of access to so many titles all in one place. Instead of having to hoard collections of movies and seasons, you could have a wide selection for just a few bucks a month. By the mid-2000s, platforms like MySpace became the optimal way for artists to showcase their music and allow fans to stream. Further, it allowed up-and-coming or little-known artists from more niche genres to get a platform and reach success.

If record stores didn’t carry CDs or records from artists who aren’t mainstream, you could simply go to their MySpace page and listen to it from your computer. These artists could then be recognized by major labels and hop onto mainstream fame. MySpace’s popularity played a pivotal role in popularizing music streaming, and many other platforms borrowed from its model. Spotify was also released around this time (2006), and while it wasn’t popular at first, by 2012, during the “big bang” in streaming following its release in the U.S., it grew to have millions of active listeners and premium users. Despite the many controversies concerning how much they’ve paid artists, Spotify has been one of the main platforms that helped popularize music streaming and led to the death of physical media.

CD sales were already declining around this time, helped along by a healthy dose of illegal downloads. That, paired with the switch in popularity from DVDs, marked the "unofficial death” of physical media. Blockbuster started closing its doors by 2014.

Stores started stocking fewer CDs and DVDs, and even sections dedicated to physical video games started shrinking. Streaming took over anything physical. Besides a small percentage of people who still chose to use good ol’ discs, physical media was a thing of the past.

RIGHT?

Well, in more recent years, sales of physical media have peaked (slightly) back up again. More and more people are getting into physical media again -whether for personal collections or for its intended use. Movies and TV shows, in particular, have experienced a slight jump in popularity. In 2023, “DVD and Blu-ray” was eBay’s third-highest-selling category, and Google searches for “DVD for sale” had also gone higher.

Vinyl sales have also been increasing since 2016, with independent record stores accounting for 45% of sales. According to data by Luminate, 50 million vinyl records were sold in 2023. CDs have been especially popular with younger generations, with Billboard reporting 37 million units sold in 2023. Even if sales haven’t reached their peak, it’s clear that physical media has a newfound popularity, and record stores are still kicking. Even albums-oncassettes, which were considered long extinct, have had a slight peak in popularity, with 436,400 sold in the U.S. in 2023. Even if streaming still dominates music charts, and most people are using apps instead of discs to watch movies, it's clear that physical media is suddenly becoming more popular, and not just something those who grew up on it still appreciate and access.

I’m really glad that physical media is regaining popularity. I’ve always had a particular fondness for physical media and have been building a CD collection for several years. DVDs, too, have perks, like extra scenes, behind-the-scenes content, director's commentary, and interviews with the actors. These are things that are hardly ever available on streaming platforms; you’d be lucky to get a post-credits scene. CDs and vinyl have so much more room for album artwork, and can include additional pages or booklets showcasing things like lyrics, photoshoots, or even comments from the artists themselves. Physical media has charms that streaming can’t replace. And even if sales aren’t booming, I’m glad more people are getting into collecting and using it as a means of entertainment besides streaming.

Overall, despite not being completely mainstream, it’s clear that a revival is going on for physical media, and more people are starting to get into and appreciate it, which is for the better, honestly.

HEAVEN-TUNED:

Uplifting, Inspiring,

and Cool Christian Music...with a Theme

I recently encountered a quote from Oscar Wilde which envisions that “we are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” This is an interesting statement to visualize our positions in life. We live in a world of limitations, but some of us set our minds on what’s out there.

We ask ourselves, “How did I end up here again? One moment, my life seems perfect. The next, I’m losing hope. My expectations are never fully fulfilled.”

But wait!

Remember, Heaven, the context of this life. (I’m thinking of Heaven, the perfect eternal life won for us by Jesus’ Death and Resurrection. I’m thinking of Heaven, the Kingdom we build up through living a life serving Jesus. I’m thinking of Heaven, where life is brought to completion.)

We might hope to live a life of high achievements and good service in order to have the best accomplishments with all the right things and be fully fulfilled at some point in time. We long for perfection, stability, and justice. But we don’t want to be misled. The world will offer less than that. The world will not perfectly satisfy.

I try to get myself to live with Heaven and the Heavenly Father on my mind. I want to stop attempting to fit my idea of Heaven into life on Earth. Instead, I want to fit the concept of my life on Earth into the context of the beliefs in Heaven.

by: Hans Sirotniak '24

I can’t forget about the bigger picture! I think, how can I be of service? Well, sure, I will do things for the good of everyone. I could work a job that would be of great benefit to many. I could make a best-selling product. I could film a video or write a post or coin a phrase that the whole country would know about. But in the end, I can’t really reach everyone. I can’t be that source of everything. My time here is temporary, to be known that I don’t have to hit it perfectly.

In the end, what can I really do to make a difference? I tune a life with that Heavenfocused melody. I don’t just want to describe it as a mindset, but I should call it a stance, too. It might take some jumping around to refocus, but this is the one detail that matters.

Task: I can share this stance and let it be an everyday difference to those I do encounter.

Conclusion: I keep the promise of Heaven on my mind...and I let that hope carry me through my whole life, in how I act, in what I say, in the things that I do.

I hope you would be excited to do the same.

Let’s think of some songs that can help us to keep remembering our hope in Heaven.

*These songs are copyrighted by their respective owners. I attempt to mention songs in accordance with fair use guidelines for commentary and educational purposes. I am not affiliated with any of the artists mentioned.

*All songs featured this month can be easily found on YouTube.

TobyMac sums it up quite nicely... putting Heaven on his mind and reminding us all of something bigger that we live for.

“Heaven On My Mind” “Home” “Homesick For Heaven”

Jay Manwell & Sam Rivera sing of a home planned for us by God and ask God to show them how to live before they get to Heaven.

Phil Wickham proclaims his homesickness for Heaven, longing to be with the saints and the angels to praise God forevermore, in the place where a heart can be satisfied.

“I Know A Place”

Leanna Crawford announces the Kingdom of Heaven, a “place” that we don’t have to wait in line to get to. She invites us to taste and to see the type of life that Jesus has set us up to live.

CAIN tells us not to forget about the place where we are going, Heaven. Our eyes might not see, but our hearts know that we are made to be in the eternal presence of God and that nothing else will ever be enough.

“When We Get There”

“Made for Heaven”

Tauren Wells starts rejoicing about getting to Heaven, somewhere beyond imagination where praises and songs are endless and more than we’ve ever known. And he isn’t living for the “if”... he’s living for the “when.”

Tedashii & Crowder seek out the God of Home, finding God within a world of brokenness, vice, and doubt, on their way to something better. Think about the different types of “home” and “shade” that they might be referencing.

“Jesus

Is Coming Back Soon”

Forrest Frank & Josiah Queen remind us of Jesus’ trip back to earth. As Jesus’ family, we look forward to Jesus coming back soon to pick us up and bring us to Heaven to praise Him forever.

Danny Gokey tunes into the sound of Heaven, the joy above pain and worry that is hard to find in this world, the sound that changes the perceived “color of the sky” and praises God for every single day.

“Sweet Ever After”

“Sound Of Heaven”

Ellie Holcomb cheers us on as we climb up to Heaven. All of us have that potential, with the strength of God, to live our lives with grace and prepare for the “Sweet Ever After.”

Brandon Lake tells us about his essential need to worship God forever. In Heaven, that need can be met!

“Glory Bound”

“Just Like

Eli Gable is charged up with passion and strength to live a life that is bound for Heaven, to be with Jesus and share in His glory.

+ You may also want to check out these Thanksgiving-Season songs!

Ben Rector - The Thanksgiving Song

Brandon Heath - The Day After Thanksgiving

Crowder - Thanks Giver

Matthew West - Gobble Gobble

PASS IN REVIEW

by: Patrick J. Rozmajzl, PhD

Welcome to my column, a Pass In Review. As many of you are likely aware, a Pass in Review is a (mostly) military form of inspection whereby a senior officer, official, or dignitary observes the assembled troops as they march past the review stand.

At times, this and other forms of inspection are purely ceremonial a cursory formality done as a courtesy to the official, while at the same time recognizing the inestimable value and function of those who await the fleeting, evaluative gaze. At other times, inspections can be brutally meticulous and painfully detailed demanding perfection and allowing for no deviation from the standard.

In either case, at its core is the well-founded belief and understanding that there exist objective norms of what is good, right, required, and/or necessary. The process recognizes a whole that is larger than the individual while contemporaneously recognizing the contributions of the individual a whole that is to be celebrated, guarded, and defended. A whole that is worthy of the best we have to offer.

In my PASS IN REVIEW column, I hope to offer my thoughts and observations on what is good, right, required, and/or necessary. To recognize that the whole is to be celebrated, guarded, and defended. That whole that is worthy of our best.

PASS IN REVIEW: Undefeated

The equipment has been stowed…

The lockers have been emptied and the locker room swept out… Thousands of dollars of gear adrift have been placed in the lost and found or outright disposed of… The sounds of after-school athletics continue to echo from the fields…

But I am no longer there.

No more nightly preparing a parcel of athletic apparel to be daily transported to school so that I might hurriedly change for practice after the final bell.

No more frantic racing to the field to take roll and review the practice schedule. No more scouting, practices, game film, developing players, reworking lineups, bus trips or post-game celebrations.

The season is complete. We are 8–0.

Is this what undefeated looks like? Certainly, there must be more. I have ample time to consider the question. I begin perusing the photos taken throughout the season, beginning with the team photo. Shot in the bleachers with all 52 young men smiling. Posing. Beaming in the late summer sun. Is this what undefeated looks like?

No, I tell myself. This is what 0–0 looks like. Hopeful and rife with anticipation. But they have yet to be challenged. Yet to encounter a uniformed opponent sporting a different color jersey who wants nothing more than to defeat them. No, this is definitely not what undefeated looks like.

I move to photos from the myriad games. Photos of sidelines and huddles. Plays, scores, and scoreboards. Is this what undefeated looks like? No, I tell myself. These are but moments in time. These are blocks and routes. Runs and passes. Blitzes and tackles. Each of them is digitally frozen. Meant to recall something greater to be sure. Yet limited.

I sit back in my chair to consider further. Something fills my mind’s eye. It’s also hanging on the wall.

THIS is what undefeated looks like. Battered. Bruised. Betrayed. Dying. And all for a purpose that remains confoundingly elusive to many. The economy of salvation. The God-man on the cross. The world sees humiliation and defeat. The Father sees the penultimate act in a drama of victory over death and eternal separation. Yes!! THIS, paradoxically, is what undefeated looks like!

As I return to the collection of team photos I am struck by one in particular. My heart skips a beat.

Young men on their knees. “Touch ‘em up, boys.” Heads bowed. Praying to The Undefeated. Reaching out. Participating in the sacrifice of Christ through subordination to the will of the Victor. This is the eve of 8–0. And yet the victory has already been won.

Of all the photos, I chose this one.

Yes, this, too, is precisely — prayerfully — by the Grace of God — humbly — what undefeated looks like.

Lanternflies: A Beautiful Bug That Needs to Keep Moving On

by: Avery Thom '27

They cover the pavement, fly into your face, and bump into anything in their way; they are known as Spotted Lanternflies. These insects have spread across Virginia in a dense blanket of infestation, and PVI has not been left out. These little brown, blackspotted, red-under-winged bugs can be seen scattered across campus. Though they may look beautiful to some, they are not only annoying but also destructive, causing the deaths of thousands of trees according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Originally spotted in 2014 in Pennsylvania, Spotted Lanternflies have spread at a tremendous rate across the Northeast and are now spreading westward. The Spotted Lanternfly is indigenous to China and Vietnam; however, it has traveled across the globe and reached the U.S. by hitchhiking on imported products.

The main concern regarding the flies is the harm they are causing to trees. By feeding on their sap, an activity which weakens the tree, the fly strips the tree of its energy reserves and leaves it open to infection. The bugs then excrete a sweet, sticky substance called honeydew that promotes the growth of black sooty mold. This mold grows on top of the tree’s leaves, blocking out sunlight and slowing photosynthesis, which can severely stunt the tree or possibly lead to its death. Feeding in swarms, dozens of flies can feed on the same tree or plant at a time.

Spotted Lanternflies target Trees of Heaven, Maples, Willows, Black Walnuts, River Birches, Black Cherries, grapevines, fruit trees, and more. By destroying these trees, the bugs destroy the habitats of native animals and insects, leading to decreases in the animals’ populations. Even grape farmers are beginning to have serious issues with the pests as their harvests grow smaller. Clearly, these insects will wreak havoc on our campus and across the United States unless they are stopped.

To slow their destruction, it is important to recognize and squish any Spotted Lanternflies in any of their life stages. As their preferred tree for feeding, shelter, and reproduction, a Tree of Heaven is a likely hangout to spot a Spotted Lanternfly. By examining the plant for any flies or any of their eggs, you can limit their spread by destroying them whenever possible. Produced in the fall and hatched in the spring, the Lanternfly’s eggs appear like a greyish brown bump on the tree. Checking your vehicle for flies or eggs before traveling and reporting any notable sightings will be key to limiting their spread.

Please help to keep not only the PVI campus green with trees, but also the rest of the U.S. by doing your part to limit the spread of this invasive insect.

The Panther’s Purpose in Each Play

by: Matteo Anghelone '28

The Panther’s Purpose in Each Play is a monthly column in Crossroads dedicated to documenting key moments and exciting achievements by our Paul VI sports teams. This column will include info and updates of our star athletes on the field and courts; pre-season, mid-season, and post-season Panther sports analytics; and historical stories on Paul VI sports games with miracle outcomes. Each article in every upcoming edition of Crossroads will be an exciting, exclusive look at the athletic side of Paul VI and the impact that PVI sports have on our athletes. This column will become your go-to source for learning about the profound influence of sports at our school. In the next edition of Crossroads, look for an article interviewing PVI’s sports teams during and after the WCAC and VISAA post-season.

From Spain to America, From Madrid to Chantilly

by: Sian Chen '27

With a mix of excitement and nervousness, fifteen-year-old sophomore Jaime Sanchez Fresneda arrived at PVI this school year for a one-year exchange program. Along with some of his favorite clothes, he carried a simple dream to improve his English and experience life across the ocean. He had imagined America as it appeared in movies: loud, energetic, and full of freedom. When he finally set foot on American soil, however, he realized it wasn’t just a movie-like country it was a place rich in diversity and deep cultural meaning.

From the familiar streets of Madrid to the halls of a Virginia high school, Jaime began to see education, tradition, and the idea of “home” from a completely new perspective.

Jaime’s school in Madrid is a private school with about 700 students, ranging from elementary to high school, with around sixty students per grade. Each day consists of six one-hour classes. Unlike the American system, where students move between classrooms, in Spain, it’s the teachers who move, while students stay in one fixed classroom. There are no lockers; instead, books and supplies are stacked inside their desks. By grade ten, students must make an important choice: the Science track, which includes biology, chemistry, and physics; or the Social Sciences track, focused on economics and career training. No matter the path, math, Spanish, and history are required subjects, along with electives such as philosophy, physical education, or public speaking.

“In Spain, school exists for the exams,” Jaime said with a half-smile. The academic year is divided into three terms, each ending with a major test. The Bachillerato stage (grades eleven and twelve) is entirely focused on preparing for university entrance exams. Admission to college depends on both school grades and test scores, and top majors may require a score as high as 14 points—a constant source of pressure. When asked what he thought of Spirit Week at PVI, Jaime laughed and glanced around at the students—no uniforms, bright Tshirts, even “Pajama Day,” when people come to school in slippers.

“In Madrid,” he said with a grin, “if you came to school in pajamas, your teacher would think you just woke

Whenever the topic turns to food, Jaime’s homesickness becomes more vivid. Jamón ibérico, paper-thin and rich in smoky saltiness, tastes like time itself preserved under the Spanish sun. The tortilla de patatas, golden and soft, brings back the warmth of home kitchens on lazy afternoons. Pulpo a la gallega, seasoned with olive oil and paprika, tastes like the sea. “Dinner in Spain is like a nightly ritual,” he said. “The night is long—people eat around ten, sitting together as a family. It’s a beautiful time.”

What Jaime misses most, however, is Semana Santa Holy Week in Spain. Every Easter, statues of the Virgin Mary and Jesus are carried slowly through Madrid’s candlelit streets. The sound of drums echoes like a heartbeat, and the scent of incense fills the air. The procession winds through the old stone streets as the crowd falls silent, praying with closed eyes. “That’s the soul of Spain,” Jaime said softly, his eyes shining. “You can feel history and faith flowing in the air.”

America, on the other hand, has its own kind of passion patriotism. In Spain, there’s no daily Pledge of Allegiance, and you rarely see flags on Tshirts, hats, or pillows. “That’s the most American thing to me!” Jaime laughed. “It’s like something straight out of a movie flags everywhere.”

At PVI, Jaime has gradually found his rhythm. The metro and buses of Madrid have been replaced by cars, something he’s still adjusting to, but his host family’s warmth has made the unfamiliar feel like home. Coincidentally, they had hosted his sister years earlier, and their kindness made him feel instantly welcome. “They’re like a real family,” he said warmly. “They always ask if I need anything and take me to experience American life.” He appreciates how friendly American students are, how teachers encourage open discussion, and how classes feel lively and creative. Still, he misses Madrid’s sense of order, late-night family dinners, and old friends. “It’s like living inside a movie,” he said with a smile. “Everything feels so American — and also so beautiful. I’ll always treasure this time.”

Early September, it began again.

Missy’s Musings: Still

Seen, Still Heard, Still Called

by: Mrs. Gurley

This mystery-sickness of mine took me down, just as it had the year before. Sitting in bed, I crafted a lesson for the sub covering my sophomore theology classes. I wanted to remind my students that every one of them has been made on purpose with a great mission, designed and commissioned by God Himself! Fr. Mike Schmitz’s homily called “Being Great On Purpose” fit the designs of my lesson plans perfectly. I began to review the video. Father spoke of the call for every human person to use his or her gifts to be a gift to others. Living as a gift to others–called “gift of self” or “selfdonation” by Pope St. John Paul II in his Theology of the Body–enables us to live out the great and unique mission given to each one of us by God.

To be honest, I did not feel I was being much of a gift to anyone during these recurrent bouts of illness. Frustration and sadness built because I felt unable to use my God-given gifts! Why would our GREAT GOD take away my ability to teach and to make a difference in the lives of my students? In the midst of my downward spiral, God reached out to me. Unexpectedly, Fr. Mike Schmitz ended his homily by reading a long quote from St. John Henry Newman. Quoting the words of a beloved saint would have probably been enough for me. I love reading the writings of the saints, our big brothers and big sisters in Christ! But our Lord wanted to address all of my sadness, worries, and frustrations–right in the middle of my own lesson planning!

Here are the words of St. John Henry Newman, quoted by Fr. Schmitz:

“God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it, if I do but keep His commandments. Therefore, I will trust Him; whatever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him; in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me. Still, He knows what He is about.”

I broke down in tears as I listened to these familiar words, a long quote my mom had shared with me when I was in high school! Somehow, I had not remembered one very poignant line: “If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him.” Oh my. Then our Lord gently laid His hands upon me in consolation with St. John Newman’s closing words: “He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me. Still, He knows what He is about.” He knows what He is about! He knows! It is not mine to know why I am sick. It is not mine to know how (or if) my gifts are used during my time in my sick bed! It is only mine to TRUST–to trust Him, to trust that I have been made on purpose to be a gift to everyone I encounter. At present, I may only encounter my beloved students in my prayers for them, but I am still striving to be that gift to them. Our GREAT GOD has a profound purpose for everything He designs and/or permits. I need to trust that in my sickness, I still serve Him. I still have a purpose. I am still called to use my gifts to be a gift.

Autism in Classrooms

by: Sylvia Schafer '28

1 in 31 kids in the U.S. is autistic

Every autistic person experiences autism differently.

Definition of Autism

Autism is a developmental disability that affects social communication and involves restrictive or repetitive behaviors, among other things

Appears before the age of 3 and lasts throughout the lifetime

History of Autism

1908: “Autism” first used by Eugen Bleuler to describe social withdrawal

2013: DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illnesses) combined Autism, Aspergers, etc. into ASD

1944: Hans Asperger used Bleuler’s term to describe “autistic psychopathy,” referring to disturbances of affective contact

Teachers Can Help By:

Giving both written and spoken directions

Providing access to plans before class

Allowing for different methods of participation (writing, drawing, speaking, etc.)

Sensory

Many autistic people are extra sensitive to light, sound, or touch

This sensitivity can lead to being overwhelmed in noisy, bright, or crowded classrooms

Respecting communication differences

Asking instead of assuming (“Do you need help?”)

Respecting non-disruptive stemming

While you may not be able to adopt a dog today, you can walk one!

by:

Morgan Watts '29

Just 6.8 miles from PVI, Friends of Homeless Animals is a safe haven for homeless dogs and cats, including abused, abandoned, and senior animals. The shelter provides a comfortable and welcoming stay for dogs and cats until they are connected with their forever homes. Unlike other animal shelters, FOHA’s rescues are nokill, which allows even the oldest of animals to find homes.

Founded in 1973 by Anne Lewis, FOHA has saved and sheltered over 17,000 dogs and cats who would’ve otherwise been abandoned or killed. They make a lifetime commitment to every cat and dog brought into their organization, and offer food, shelter, medical care, rehabilitation, and compassion to the once-homeless animals.

14508-D Lee Road

Chantilly, Virginia

703-263-9073

The Friends of Homeless Animals organization is always looking for volunteers to walk dogs, which is available for teenagers and adults, along with cat snuggling. If you’re over 18, you can walk dogs by yourself, and if you’re over 16, you can snuggle with cats without needing a parent or guardian. They’re also offering volunteer opportunities you can do from home, such as creating enrichment toys for the dogs and cats, or buying a new item at another store and donating it to the thrift shop.

Additionally, the FOHA has an upscale store where every item sold goes back to the shelter to help the cats and dogs that they take care of. The store offers many beautiful treasures, both new and used, including: antiques, collectibles, art, jewelry, seasonal decor, cards, pet supplies (new with tags only), and clothing! Consider doing some of your holiday shopping at their The Treasure Hound Resale Shop in Chantilly!

This is a wonderful opportunity for pet lovers alike to help dogs and cats find loving homes. No matter what you contribute, it will make a difference in the lives of many animals. If you’re looking to adopt a pet as well, they have a variety of different dogs or cats from which to choose. I highly recommend volunteering and showing these pets–whether dogs or cats–some love and affection. It would truly make a difference in a pet's life. All of these opportunities are available to anyone ages 10+, but anyone below the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

atholic Culture:

Two Catholic Customs Involving Meals

by: Roy Wulf '26

The Thanksgiving holiday is truly a wonderful American institution. It is a day that Americans set aside to appreciate our families and loved ones, and we express gratitude to God for all of our many blessings. Being thankful is so important for our overall health and happiness. Of course, at the center of the celebration is a feast, inspired in American history by the harvest feast of 1621, celebrated by the Pilgrim colonists and the Wampanoag tribe. The feast at that time was venison, wild fowl, sweet potatoes, and seafood, whereas today we eat turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Yet, the idea of feasting to celebrate remains the same.

This is why it is an appropriate time of year to think about two Catholic customs involving food that have, to a certain extent, fallen by the wayside in the modern era: saying grace at meals and fasting from meat on Fridays.

As noted, Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful to God for everything He provides, to include our food, but it should be remembered that we should indeed be thankful to God for each meal we eat every day, not just the feast we enjoy at Thanksgiving. Therefore, it has for centuries been an admirable Catholic practice to say grace at meals. Unfortunately, a 2023-2024 Pew Research Center survey revealed that only about one-third (34%) of all Catholic adults in the United States always or often say grace before meals, whereas 41% seldom or never do. This is unfortunate because the practice of saying grace at meals is clearly demonstrated in Scripture.

The most obvious example is at the Last Supper:

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after he had pronounced the blessing, he broke it and gave it to his disciples” (Matthew 26:26). Jesus also gives thanks when feeding the 5,000 (Matthew 14:19), when feeding the 4,000 (Matthew 15:36; Mark 8:6), and when breaking bread with two disciples at Emmaus (Luke 24:30). Similarly, the Apostle Paul is also described as saying a prayer before eating.

In Acts 30-35, we read, “Just before daybreak, Paul urged all of them to take some food … he took bread, gave thanks to God in front of them all, broke it, and began to eat.” Also, it is apparent that saying grace has a connection with the Eucharist feast.

A traditional Catholic form of saying grace is as follows. After making the sign of the cross, say, “Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.” Again, the sign of the cross is made. This prayer takes less than ten seconds to say, but it is an important reminder that God provides for us every day. When at a restaurant or elsewhere out in public, it might feel awkward to say grace where others might observe us. However, note that it is entirely possible to say grace quietly or silently. In addition, if confident enough to say grace aloud, consider that having others witness this might give confidence to others who might feel alone in their faith, who might be faltering, or who might be considering the Catholic Church. This can give people the sense that there are others in the world who are following the Faith. In other words, it is a very simple way to evangelize Catholicism to the world.

As a student at Linton Hall School, I was taught to add the words “ ... and bless the hands that prepare our food” as a way to express gratitude to all the people who worked hard to make our meals at school.

Sometimes, additional words can be added to the prayer before meals. It has also been a traditional practice to use the time of saying grace to offer a short prayer for the souls in purgatory, such as by adding the following: “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; And let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.” In addition, the following prayer (or one similar to it) can also be said at the conclusion of a meal: “We give Thee thanks for all Thy benefits, O Almighty God, who livest and reignest for ever; and may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.” The practice of a prayer after a meal originates in the Old Testament: “When you have eaten your fill and are satisfied, then praise the Lord, your God, for the good land that he has given you” (Deuteronomy 8:10).

In addition to saying grace at meals, another laudable Catholic practice that has fallen sadly by the wayside is that of abstaining from eating meat on Fridays throughout the year. Jesus sacrificed his flesh for all humanity on Good Friday. In order to honor Jesus, it has been Catholic practice for centuries to refrain each Friday from eating meat, not just during Lent. To be avoided on Friday is the fleshy meat of mammals and poultry, which does not include fish. In times past, whereas fish were inexpensive and not regarded as particularly special, meat such as beef and pork were costly and were only eaten from time to time. They were often associated with feasting and celebration, such as in the story of the prodigal son, where the happiness of the son’s return led to the killing the fatted calf. By contrast, abstaining from eating meat is thus a clear way to signify the opposite of celebrating, which is doing penance.

For this reason, the Canon Law of the Catholic Church to this very day still calls for abstinence from eating meat on all Fridays of the year. Canon 1251 states, “Abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Episcopal Conference, is to be observed on all Fridays, unless a solemnity should fall on a Friday. Abstinence and fasting are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.” Canon 1252 adds, “The law of abstinence binds those who have completed their fourteenth year. The law of fasting binds those who have attained their majority, until the beginning of their sixtieth year. Pastors of souls and parents are to ensure that even those who, by reason of their age, are not bound by the law of fasting and abstinence, are taught the true meaning of penance.” However, Canon 1253 notes, “The conference of bishops can determine more precisely the observance of fast and abstinence as well as substitute other forms of penance, especially works of charity and exercises of piety, in whole or in part, for abstinence and fast.”

In fact, the bishops of the United States, while still recommending abstaining from eating meat on all Fridays, determined that, apart from Fridays of Lent, Catholics may substitute another meaningful penance. There is some logic to this. In our modern society, meat is no longer so scarce or expensive, so the notion of abstaining from meat being a particularly meaningful penance may be obscured. However, the requirement that Catholics who do not abstain from eating meat must instead substitute some other significant penance often seems to be overlooked. In short, for faithful Catholics over the age of 14, the Code of Canon Law still requires abstaining from eating meat or some other significant form of penance every Friday, except for Solemnities.

This Thanksgiving, in addition to being a chance to express thankfulness to God, could also be an opportunity to renew the personal devotional practices of saying grace at all meals and abstaining from eating meat each Friday, unless substituting another form of penance or if a feast day happens to fall on a Friday. Let us all have a wonderful Thanksgiving this year and every year!

Acknowledgements

Moderator, Writer Wrangler, Proofreader, and Layout Designer: Ms. Fassinger

Matteo Anghelone '28

Sian Chen '27

Brigid Culipher '29

Leah Cashman '29

Writer

She is a freshman, and she loves to spend her time reading, baking, practicing her violin, and studying.

Gunner Glenn '28

Writer

Seven years of guitar, two years of boxing, and five constant years of usage on my Xbox. And yet, I still don't know what I'm doing half the time.

Charlotte “Charlie” Huly '29

Writer

lie is the writer of “The Book Behind the Cover” she reviews books across all genres. As the content er column would suggest, she is an avid reader. ver, she also enjoys playing music on her piano or , crocheting, and binge-watching her favorite TV . Professionally, she would like to pursue a career er as an author or a musician. A fun fact about her is that she has lived in over six countries.

Taylor Kosin '28

Artist

When she’s not drawing in her sketchbook, you can find her creating awesome full-color images and cartoons on classroom walls! She’s thrilled to create art for each issue of Crossroads this year!

Grace Ortube '28

She loves taking walks with her dog, Bella. She also likes drawing and doing arts and crafts.

Kate Santiagu '29

Writer and Graphic Designer

She is a freshman. She loves traveling to new places and hanging out with her friends! A couple of her hobbies are reading books and watching TV.

Sylvia Schafer '28

Writer and Graphic Designer

Sylvia, a sophomore, enjoys blending her love of creativity and science through writing, design, and engineering projects. In both academic and personal pursuits, she strives to bring structure and imagination together in meaningful ways.

Hans Sirotniak '24

2023-2024 Senior Editor, Communications Specialist, and Writer with Crossroads

Hans graduated from Paul VI in May 2024 and now attends William & Mary. He is currently involved in education and teacher training at Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School in James City County. In addition, he enjoys practicing martial arts and learning about different languages and cultures.

Iyla Sharifahmadian '28

Writer and Graphic Designer

Iyla is one of the writers for Crossroads. Some of her many interests include music, pop culture, and all things history. When not at school, you can probably find her at a concert or doodling away in her room.

Kameron Smith '28

Writer and Graphic Designer

Kameron likes Rubik’s Cubes and is one of the founders of the Panther Puzzlers Club. He decided to write a column on electives at PVI because there are so many unique ones from which to choose!

Tyler Sperow '28

Graphic Designer, Photographer, and Managing Editor

Tyler, a sophomore, has been in The Writer’s Block Club since his freshman year and has enjoyed all the time he gets to spend working on Crossroads. When he isn’t editing an issue, he is practicing for a play or musical. He loves listening to music and does it in all of his free time.

ntonio Tamariz '28

Photographer

Antonio loves watching horror movies, and his favorites are The Conjuring, Smile, Final Destination, and Insidious

Avery Thom '27

Writer, Graphic Designer, and Managing Editor

She is a junior and has been in The Writer's Block Club since sophomore year. She has enjoyed designing different articles and writing some of her own in Crossroads and For Art's Sake. She loves to garden, make art, and spend time with her family in her free time. She looks forward to writing more articles about the natural elements of PVI's campus!

Morgan Watts '29

Writer

She enjoys playing sports such as softball and field hockey. She loves reading and writing both creative and non-fiction works. Some of her favorite classes are history and English, but she mostly enjoys being at home with her family. She has a dog named Luna, and three brothers who all attend Catholic schools. She loves spending time with her friends and looks forward to making more friends at PVI.

Thanksgiving HAPPY