OPINION | Page 5 NDB STUDENTS ARE ADDICTED TO CAFFEINE
www.TheNDBCatalyst.com
the
ARTS & LIFE | Page 8 COMMUNITY SERVICE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
SPORTS | Page 11 THE WINTER SPORTS SEASON BEGINS
CATALYST
THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL
Volume 9, Issue 3
@theNDBCatalyst
1540 Ralston Avenue, Belmont, CA 94002
November/December 2022
Students stress as Powderpuff game returns after four years Blue and Green team defeats Red and Purple team, 12-6 finals approach by Kate Davidson News Co-Editor
As the end of the first semester approaches, NDB students begin to prepare and study for final exams. Many begin creating study guides, meeting with teachers and reviewing past materials as the number of classes before finals diminish. Around the time that final exam season begins, stress within the community increases. “I am definitely feeling stressed going into finals,’’ said sophomore Hailey Degnan. “I think part of the reason for this is because of the amount of work we are getting on top of studying for finals … I’m hoping it will get better.” Although many are experiencing stress about the upcoming tests, students have already begun studying to ensure that they have enough time to review material from the whole semester. “I’m really stressed about finals, especially as a junior,” said junior Izzy Sucre. “I’m preparing by setting apart time each day to review and by setting small goals for myself to accomplish, such as studying for 30 minutes See FINALS| Page 2
ROBERT ROJAS / THE CATALYST
The Blue and Green team celebrates their Powderpuff win as they run off the field. by Eva Nichter News Co-Editor NDB held its first Powderpuff football game in four years on November 17. The last game was held in the fall of 2018, making this year’s the first for all current students. ASB announced that Powderpuff would be returning this year at the end of the Dingbat Day rally on October 31. A form to sign up to participate was sent out to the student body the following day on November 1. Spots on each team were filled by random selection of those who
signed up. The teams were divided into sister classes, with the seniors and sophomores playing for the Red and Purple team and the juniors and freshmen for the Blue and Green team. NDB staffulty were involved in the game as well. The Red and Purple team was coached by Athletic Coordinator Kate Mahoney and the Blue and Green team was led by Track and Field coach Ronald Douglas. Social Sciences teachers Wendy Connolly, Karen Fry and Spiritual Life teacher Douglas Requilman all
served as referees for the game. “I think it’s great we are bringing back the tradition,” said Mahoney. “It is a great sister class bonding event and a long standing NDB tradition … It’s all about creating a fun event that the students will remember years after they graduate.” Practices started on Thursday, November 10 for both teams and continued the following Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday during school lunch hours. Practices were thirty minutes each. During these times, the teams were split
up and each practiced running plays and other drills throughout the week. The game was held during student collaboration on the soccer field. ASB Spirit Director Zeina Zumot and Athletics Director Sophia Rask commentated throughout the game. ASB President Amelia Ailanjian and Activities Director Caitlynn Reynolds choreographed the halftime show for the game. A form was sent out for students to sign up and two students from each class were selected to
els I through IV performed in. The InStep Performance Company performed a jazz piece called “Oh Santa.” The showcase concluded with the Winter
Formal theme reveal led by the CSF and NHS boards. Dance levels I through V and musical theater participated in the reveal, a hip hop and jazz piece called “The Room Where it Happens.” NHS Adviser Jona-
than Tomczak, created a reveal song by writing NDB themed lyrics to the tune of the “Hamilton” song, “The Room Where it Happens.” Dance students from all levels choreographed a dance to the song to assist
in the reveal. All students worked very hard throughout the semester and were excited to show their routines to the NDB community.
See POWDERPUFF | Page 2
Visual and Performing Arts students host holiday showcase by Kate Davidson News Co-Editor On Friday, December 2, the Visual and Performing Arts department hosted its annual holiday showcase in the Moore Pavillion during collaboration. Students from dance levels I through V, InStep and Musical Theater performed various routines for the school community. This event is an opportunity for students to showcase their work from the year, as well as celebrate the holiday season through holiday-themed performances. Dance levels I through V, taught by Coleen Lorenz and senior Ava Marinos, put on a jazz piece called “Underneath the Tree,” and Musical
Theater performed a poem called “Paper People.” “We began practicing for the performance I think in November and we would spend the whole class learning the steps and moves for each song,” said freshman and dance I student Julianna Loar. “I thought the performance went well for the most part. I only messed up a couple times but I had a lot of fun and I found myself smiling the entire time. I’m proud of myself because I wouldn’t consider myself an amazing dancer but I thought I did a pretty good job for never dancing before in my life.” The Musical Theater class, taught by Gary Stanford, performed “Once Upon a December,” a waltz routine and that dance lev-
MEGAN WORRY / THE CATALYST
The Dance I-IV classes performed a holiday-themed dance routine for the showcase.