Unison Vol.1 Nov 17 2025

Unison

Ring Day 2026

Every October, one of Ursuline’s most valued and long-awaited traditions, Ring Day, is filled with beautiful decorations, beaming smiles, and ecstatic energy as the whole Ursuline community comes together to celebrate the seniors and watch as they reach just one of the many milestones that mark their final year at Ursuline. This year, the Class of 2026 was eager with anticipation for Ring Day. Whether they were a sixth grade survivor, arrived freshman year, or began attending Ursuline anywhere in between, each senior was filled with excitement as they came together, united as a class, to receive their rings. The Class of 2027 and members of the Art Department dedicated countless hours into making sure that Ring Day was unforgettable for the seniors as they made Ursuline become Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, filled with vibrant and colorful candy decorations that made the whole school look magical.

Seniors kicked off the special celebration with the Ring Day Liturgy, celebrating the Mass with Father Byrnes. The liturgy brought the class together and strengthened their unity and faith as they sang together, prayed

ASHLING DOHERTY ‘26 AND MAGGIE HYLAND ‘26

together, and finally, got to watch the blessing of their rings.

Following the conclusion of the Mass, seniors were asked to exit the gym and line up outside, awaiting the arrival of the other grade levels. They excitedly ran through a crowd of juniors, traditionally lining the senior path, to the arcade doors, and then into the gym to Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA.” After the sophomores and juniors sang their chosen songs, the seniors began to board the stage while classmates cheered them on. Each senior stepped through the wooden ring which was created by the father of an Ursuline senior in 1940 and has remained central to the tradition since. Dr. Melnyk, the school’s President, waited for each girl on the other side of the ring and placed the rings on their fingers. Once everyone had received their rings, the seniors sang their class song, “Take On the World” by Sabrina Carpenter and Rowan Blanchard. The theme of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was a perfect and beautiful choice for this year’s Ring Day theme. Dr. Melnyk’s speech, which followed the day’s

introductory songs, centered around the boundless imagination this story possesses. This speech highlighted how the fantastical candyland that is Wonka’s Chocolate Factory can inspire us to dream big, have humility, and seek great adventure. The main character of Roald Dahl’s beloved tale, Charlie, can teach an important lesson that students can carry forward into their personal and academic lives. Charlie Bucket is hardworking, humble, and imaginative. Though he doesn’t come from wealthy beginnings, his perseverance and imagination allow him to excel past the other golden ticket recipients. This shows that hard work and a creative mind can make for immense success.

The senior class would like to thank Dr. Melnyk, Ms. Summa, Mrs. Lynch, Ms. Barnett, Mrs. Joyce, Ms. Bellomo, Ms. DiIorio, Mrs. LaBella, Mrs. Stones, Mr. Dapolite and TUS TV, the Class of 2027, and all who made Ring Day not just possible, but spectacular. The day was truly magnificent and unforgettable, bringing the whole Ursuline community together to celebrate such a wonderful and momentous occasion.

The Cereal Effect 2025 Food Drive

OLIVIA

The first two months of school brought with them a flurry of excitement and activity in the Ursuline School community, from Open Houses and Back to School Night, to Ring Day and the Father Daughter Dance. But for the organizers of the 5th Annual Cereal Effect Food Drive, the rush started all the way back in August. For some, the Cereal Effect has been an integral part of their fall traditions and service commitments for years. For others, their first interaction with the food drive was when it came tumbling through the hallways in rows and rows of cereal boxes. Regardless, it has found its way into the heart and soul of the Ursuline community over the past few years to cement a permanent place in the Serviam mission. In honor of that mission, let’s take a moment to reflect on the process and impact of the Cereal Effect!

Managed by a committee of student volunteers, including its cochairs, Riya Buddhavarapu ‘26 and Caitlin Marley ‘27 and Service Coordinator Ms. Jennifer Schassler, the Cereal Effect is an annual fall food drive that has been active at The Ursuline School since 2020. During the months of September and October, students, faculty members, families, alumni, local supermarkets, and local parishes, among others, are invited to donate boxes of any kind of cereal, all of which is brought to the Hope Community Services in New Rochelle to be distributed to families in need. “It was very much apparent to me when I first started the Cereal Effect that we as a school community generally are far removed from the experiences of food insecurity in local communities,” Riya Buddhavarapu ‘26, co-chair of TCE, commented, “but these are problems that we have the power to address. The food drive brings the issue to a more personal level.” This year, the goal was 2,000 boxes, and a whopping 1,587 boxes were collected due to the help of the students, the Cereal Effect Leadership Committee, and volunteers.

We had the opportunity to ask a few of our very own Ursuline students about their involvement in the Cereal Effect. From the perspective of the students involved, the Cereal Effect is a commitment that’s definitely a challenge, but one that’s worth it in the end when they get to see the true impact made by the collective community. “The help from our students and staff and

the participation of our community is what makes the Cereal Effect so special,” said co-chair Caitlin Marley ‘27. Though most of the community is not being exposed to what goes on behind the scenes, there’s an incredible amount of thought and detail being put into every little part of the Cereal Effect, from posters and decorations for the boxes to coordinated advertising and collecting initiatives like contacting grocery stores and morning announcements.

And, of course, there is the grand finale: the Domino Effect, the cherry on top to all of the behind-the-scenes preparation and a celebration of Ursuline’s hard work and determination. The Domino Effect being a part of the yearly Cereal Effect tradition really puts into perspective the amount of support and participation from the Ursuline community, parishes, and beyond. “There’s value in seeing tangible results, proof of what their donation is actually a part of,” Riya Buddhavarpu comments. “It shows the ripple effect of their donation. Look how you contributed to the whole! Having that visual representation is what really helped encourage people to continue to donate next year! It’s inspiring!”

There’s a reason that TCE volunteers come back again and again each year and why alumnae visit Ursuline every year to contribute. That reason goes far beyond the progress bar on the X2VOL page. You can see it in the Middle School Cereal Breakfast, in the Alumni Collection Day, and in the Domino Effect to be sure, but it’s just as visible in every plastic bag filled with cereal organized by TCE volunteers on the gym stage or the cereal boxes strategically placed face-down in the domino lineup to keep the whole line from falling before the big reveal. There is an infectious determination exuded by every volunteer. “What made me stay was the passion that came with it, the energy, the teamwork, and most importantly, the purpose behind it,” said Grace Egan ‘26, a member of the Leadership Committee who organized collections from the Parish of Annunciation together with Caitlin Marley ‘27. “Seeing firsthand that each box we collected was going directly to a family in need made the experience deeply meaningful. It wasn’t just a school service project; it was a reminder of how even small acts of kindness can make a real difference.”

Senior Sister Luncheon

A special tradition at Ursuline is when seniors and freshmen come together for the “big and little sisters,” also known as the senior sisters luncheon event. At Ursuline, the big-little sisters are a fun tradition that is celebrated with every freshmen and senior class. Each year, the freshmen spend time with their senior “big sister” during lunch and flex learning, where they share laughs and get to know each other better. This is a great opportunity to meet new friends and learn more about all the special traditions TUS preserves. This event helps students feel more connected and involved in the Ursuline community and also builds a sense of sisterhood that lasts throughout the year!

On the day of the event, the senior class took time during their lunch period to spoil their freshman sisters. Through thoughtful gifts, heartfelt cards, and fun activities, seniors and freshmen had the chance to get to know one another and build connections. The baskets were filled with candy, beauty products, fluffy stuffed animals, tie-dye t-shirts, and many other gifts that show care and creativity. The seniors also shared valuable advice about classes, extracurricular activities, and ways to get involved, helping the freshmen feel more confident and prepared for the next four years. As the school year continues, the big and little sisters will continue to see each other around campus, strengthening the bonds that began on this memorable day. Not to mention, it’s nice to know that you have an older companion to talk to especially when you need that “big sister” advice.

The big sister, little sister luncheon was a fun, simple way to leave everyone with full hearts and long lasting memories. Having a big sister by their side, especially entering high school, there’s no doubt the freshman will have an easier time branching out for advice, and also a good role model to look up to. Through fun gifts, Ursuline chants, shared stories, and meaningful connections, both the class of 2029 and the class of 2026 came together. This luncheon was one of many special things to come and strengthen the Ursuline sisterhood.

Throwback Thursday:

Mrs. Clarizio on her Ring Day

The Ursuline Community has a long history of amazing traditions, some of the most notable being Ring Day, The Fashion Show, and The Father-Daughter Dance. However, there are some traditions that have been lost along the way. We had the wonderful opportunity to talk to Mrs. Clarizio, who is an alumna and now teaches at Ursuline. We asked her to tell us about her experience as both a teacher and student and how the traditions differ from then to now.

1. What was your favorite Ursuline Tradition?

Mrs. Clarizio: Ring Day!

2. How has Ring Day changed and what was it like when you were in school?

Mrs. Clarizio: So, Ring Day. The first Ring Day I don’t remember. The second Ring Day I was a sophomore and I remember that the sophomores sang to the seniors, and I remember that we had to be in homeroom. We had homeroom before the school day had started and had to practice it. The song we sang as sophomores was “In My Life” by The Beatles. And I remember sitting in the Hall and practicing it. Junior Year was my favorite because I don’t really remember my Ring Day, except through a picture or two, but I do remember being a Junior. I remember our theme was “Safari” and it was to die for, and the entire lawn and campus was full of life size animals created by the Art Department. I remember staying super late at night and working so hard and loving it so much. Then, senior year was different because Ring Day used to be on a Friday or a Thursday, and it was either the night before or the night after, and we had a dance. It was with all of our friends at I think the Larchmont Club or the Athletic Club, and that was so much fun. I don’t remember much more, but I do remember my Ring Day date: It was October 15. I also remember being very excited to wear the green sweater, and we were allowed to wear sunglasses. It was very different, and it definitely wasn’t as crazy as it is now.

3. Are there any Ursuline Traditions that we don’t have anymore that you had?

Mrs. Clarizio: Not many that I can think of. Ursuline is very good at keeping their traditions alive, but one I can remember is the “Senior Path.” It’s not fully there anymore because of the iHub. There used to be doors that went out and led to a path, like a stone path, and that was the senior path. It was closer to where the cafeteria is and you could not walk on it unless you were a senior. If you got caught walking on it, you had to scrub it with a toothbrush.

Thank you to Mrs. Clarizio for all of her insights into Ursuline’s past and on how much it has changed since then! As we look back on Ursuline’s traditions, we are reminded that Ursuline’s spirit continues to shine through our classes year after year. We hope to carry the legacy forward that makes our school so special!

EMMA

Do you recognize any faculty members from the ring day photos below?

The Father Daughter Dance

The much-anticipated Ursuline School FatherDaughter dance recently took place, bringing fathers and their daughters, from sixth graders to seniors, together for an unforgettable night! This beloved conclusion to Ring Week went off without a hitch and was a memorable time for all. The atmosphere was electric as everyone danced the night away together. The event was not only fun but also highlighted the special bond between the girls and the special men in their lives and created lasting memories.

The event, held at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown, New York, began with a welcome from the President of the Ursuline School, Dr. Colleen Melnyk. This was followed by the procession of the seniors and their fathers. The crowd enthusiastically applauded as they welcomed in each senior-father duo, officially kicking off the night. Afterwards, dinner was served, and fathers and daughters alike showed off their moves on the dance floor. On the dance floor, the seniors led everyone in some Ursuline chants to celebrate the Ursuline spirit. Then, it was time for the annual dance competition, where duos competed in various famous dances to win the coveted prizes. After the contest, everyone headed outside the ballroom for the ice cream bar and enjoyed some ice cream with friends. The night ended on the dance floor as everyone gathered together once more. Overall, it was a magical night filled with love, friendship, and fun!

Behind the scenes, the Ursuline Father-Daughter Dance was the result of several weeks of careful planning and collaboration between the Ursuline Fathers’ Club and the administration to ensure that every detail would be perfect for the big night. One Fathers’ Club member, Vice President Jeff Chartier P’28, stated, “It’s actually a lot of work; however, it’s super enjoyable. We got a great crowd of guys to do it.” It’s this dedication and positive outlook that help the dance become a success. According to Co-President of the Father’s Club, Victor Pombo P’27 P’30, the hardest part of planning the dance is seating because “you’re trying to seat almost 600 people and accommodate everyone.” All of this hard work is worth it for the dedicated Fathers’ Club members who want the father figures in our school community to have an unforgettable night with their daughters.

It’s super important for our students to be able to build memories and share this important bond with the important men in their life. The dance is an event that truly highlights this and allows everyone in attendance to have an incredible night. The seniors always have an especially fun night, reminiscing about past dances and memories with their father as senior year plays out and they get closer to the college sendoff. The Father-Daughter Dance is a timeless Ursuline tradition, and we all cannot wait for the next incredible dance!

Your Ultimate Guide To Fall

As the leaves change and the weather cools, everyone knows that fall is officially here. The season is packed with holidays and fun traditions. Even though it’s upsetting that summer has ended, this is considerably one of the best seasons. We encourage you to embrace it and make the most of the wonderful experiences it has to offer. These are a few popular activities that can be done during fall:

Halloween Activities:

Halloween is a highlight of fall! Costume shopping, trick-or-treating, eating candy, and attending Halloween parties are integral to the full experience of the season!

Buy Fall

Scents from Bath and Body Works:

Going to Bath and Body Works during fall is essential! Even if you don’t buy anything, smelling the fall scents can be very relaxing. A great scent to try is “Pumpkin Pecan Waffles.”

Eat Seasonal Foods:

Fall foods are a staple of the season. Desserts like pumpkin, apple, sweet potato, or pecan pies are festive favorites. Pumpkin ice cream, s’mores, and caramel apples are also cherished desserts. Thanksgiving turkeys, mashed potatoes, and stuffings are the epitome of delicious fall foods! PSLs or Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte are perfect drinks to get you in that autumn mood. If you don’t want something pumpkin, try the Apple Crisp Chai from Starbucks.

Go Apple Picking:

Apple picking is a fall must. Just ask the freshman who went apple picking on October 15th!

Visit a Pumpkin Patch:

A fun fall alternative to apple picking is pumpkin picking. With pumpkins, you can make a variety of foods and festive decorations, including Jack-o’-Lanterns, pumpkin pies, and so much more! The Great Jack-o’-Lantern Blaze, located in Croton-on-Hudson, is a fun celebration dedicated to pumpkins and is run as part of the Historic Hudson Valley organization.

AND MOTUNRAYO NUBI ‘28

Hayrides and Haunted Houses:

Haunted houses are beloved traditions of this season. Fright Fest at Six Flags is definitely recommended! Fright Fest is a huge Halloween event with haunted mazes, scare zones, special foods, and live entertainment. Hayrides are also fun, and there are many nearby! The Haunt at Wildcliff Mansion in New Rochelle is a great place to go, and the best part about it is that all proceeds go to charity, which fulfills our school’s motto of Serviam!

Attend a Football Game:

Even though Ursuline is an all-girls school and has no football team, many students attend Iona Prep, Fordham, or other neighboring school games, like the Rye vs. Harrison game on October 25th.

Go on a Walk and Enjoy the Foliage:

The leaves are changing into beautiful red, orange, and yellow colors. Going on a walk in autumn is so beautiful and serene. Go outside and admire nature’s beauty in the local Westchester preserves, national parks, or areas like the Kensico Dam!

Binge-watch TV:

During the fall season, watch or rewatch a favorite film or tv show. Some titles on our tbw (to be watched (and rewatched)) list include Gilmore Girls, The Vampire Diaries, any other 2000s teen drama or cozy fall movie! If you want something new, watch the new installment of Stranger Things’ final season on Netflix, premiering Thanksgiving!

Go Shopping:

Brandy Melville, American Eagle, and Altar’d State are popular stores for sweaters this time of year! Shades of red, blue, and brown are trending for fall (more on that in this issue!)

Go for a Fall-themed Manicure:

New nails are one of the most exciting things about fall. Burgundy or classic apple red, milky white, and light pink are among the most popular colors of the season. For designs, french tips and polka-dot nails are reigning supreme!

Class Trip: Stuart’s Apple Farm

On Wednesday October 15, the Class of 2029 went to Stuart’s Apple Farm. The students were first introduced to an old-fashioned machine that cleaned and shined apples, which also sorted them based on size. The employee who led the girls was informative, nice, and cheerful. She clearly had a passion for the farm and told the girls about the its history. Additionally, she told the class that the development rights on the farm have ended, ensuring it will remain as an apple orchard in the future.

After snacking on the fresh apples, the class visited their bakery that had delicious apple cider donuts and more. There was a beautiful aroma every time the girls went in. Of course, visiting an apple farm meant picking various apples from trees as well, and there are over 20 different types of apples that can be picked. The girls got into pairs, enjoyed the quiet scenery, and productiveness of their day. The class had so much fun, purchasing so many wonderful goodies and plenty of apples!

Athlete Spolight: Keira McDonald ‘27

KATIE KELLY ‘28 AND CLEMENTINE SWEENEY ‘28

Since the moment she joined TUS varsity soccer as a freshman, Keira McDonald has never failed to make a lasting impact on the field. Now, Keira has just finished off her junior season strong; she played impeccable matches at centerback throughout the season and even scored a hat trick in a recent sectionals game against Fox Lane. Her dedication to the sport shines through in everything she does, and her presence on the field is truly a force to be reckoned with. To understand the athlete she is today, let’s take a couple steps back to where it all started…

Anybody who has ever watched Ursuline soccer can see that Keira McDonald is an extremely experienced and talented player. She knows how to read the game like the back of her hand and keeps the ball connected to her foot as though it’s on a string. That being said, it’s no surprise that she has been running around in cleats for 13 years - since she was just three years old - and has been passionate about soccer ever since. “I’ve always just loved it,” she said. “Having the ball at my feet, having that much control over something… It was just so much fun and gave me a feeling of leadership in my life.” The joy she found in the game led her down the road to playing competitive soccer, and eventually, becoming a captain of Ursuline’s varsity soccer team as a junior. Keira earned and maintains this role through her undeniable determination, communication, respect, and work ethic. Two members of the varsity soccer team commented, “On that chilly Sunday morning when no one wants to be at practice, she is the one

Quick fire questions from Keira!

1. What is your go-to hype song before a match? “Switch Up” by Tony Romiti

2. What is your favorite soccer cleats/brand? Nike Mercurial

3. What sport would you play if not soccer? Track or basketball

4. What is your favorite motto:?

“Next play mentality. After a mistake, keep moving forwards. Think about what’s going to happen next; it’s no use dwelling on the past.”

5. What is your playing style in one word? Composed

6. What is your favorite class in school AP U.S. History

7. What is your Jersey number? 13

8. Best piece of advice a coach ever gave you:

“Go out there and have fun. Don’t worry about playing well, just enjoy the game.”

getting us up, moving, and motivated.”

There’s a very special bond that the girls on the Ursuline Varsity Soccer Team share, and to Keira, this is the most rewarding part about playing for TUS. As captain, she aspires to build up her team and help them grow as not only players, but also as teammates and even friends. Winning the league championship last year as a team is Keira’s favorite soccer memory and truly an unforgettable moment in Ursuline history. Student-athletes often struggle with staying organized and finding the balance to excel academically while also fully committing to their sport. “I set a schedule for myself, make to-do lists, and section off my time,” Keira explains. When asked how she deals with this issue, she answered, “By using all my free time in school to complete homework, I have more time after school to workout.” The motivation for the extra hours she puts into training comes from determination, drive, and ambitions for the future because Keira’s journey with the game doesn’t stop when she graduates high school; she is aspiring to take her skills to the next level and commit to a college career.

As Keira wraps up yet another standout season, her commitment to improving as an individual as well as being a team player continues to inspire those around her. Whether she’s defending the goal or lifting up her teammates’ spirits, she represents the true meaning of being an Ursuline athlete: being hardworking, passionate, and driven to acquire success both on and off the field.

Ursuline’s Green Initiatives

Ursuline is becoming greener! Did you know that cosmetic industries produce 120 billion packages each year? And that most of these products can’t be curbside recycled? Environmental & Sustainability Club Presidents Christina Dedvukaj ’26 and Jayden Kenny ’26 are making change with their recycling initiative by bringing Sephora’s The Beauty (Re)Purposed Program with Past Collective to Ursuline. It is a great project to help reduce waste and pollution in our environment. Club members decorated boxes for Sephora empties in their meeting a couple of weeks ago. Any recyclable, empty cosmetics that have been cleaned out can be dropped off there instead of throwing them away. The packages that are dropped off can be downcycled, converted to energy, and mechanically recycled. “What can I drop off?” is a question you may have if you’re interested in getting involved. Here’s the answer!

You can drop off:

Jars & caps

Lipstick & lip gloss tubes

Mascara tubes

Wands & applicators

Eyeliner, brow, & lip pencils

Pumps

Dispensers

Small bottles

Palettes & compacts

Along with the recycling program, The Environmental & Sustainability Club is starting a school garden here at Ursuline. School gardens are known to bring many benefits like community building and promoting healthier habits. Members of the Class of 2027, Zoe Dolman and Emma Dominguez, are leading the incredible initiative and have many plans for it. Soon, the plant beds you see when you pass through the arcade will be flourishing with native wild flowers and vegetables!

Zoe and Emma, along with other club members, will clean out the beds of their current contents in the winter and prep them for the spring. One of the native flowers that will soon be blooming is milkweed. Through the planting of milkweed, our Koala community will definitely see some environmental benefits since they are toxic to lantern flies and support New Rochelle’s monarch population during migration season. Furthermore, the garden initiative plans to set up a

School Farmers Market and sell the produce generated to teachers and staff. They plan to use the money to keep supporting the garden and other environmental endeavors. Embodying the model of Serviam, they also plan to donate a portion of the funds to Hope Food Pantry and the community. To those who have volunteered at Hope, you would know that most of the foods are grains and canned foods. This is important to note as it is known that with lower economic status, it is more difficult to have access to fresh produce. By donating fresh produce to Hope, Ursuline’s new school garden will help provide healthier food options to those in need while nurturing the environment, strengthening community bonds, and reflecting the true spirit of Serviam.

These two incredible initiatives show how students at Ursuline are turning their passion into action, leading the way toward a greener, brighter world!

Fall Places to Shop

As the leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisper, a new cozy feeling blankets the world. Autumn’s arrival signifies the beginning of the school year as well as the holiday breaks that grant students respite. The change in seasons accompanies a change in mood, and more importantly, a change in wardrobe. Shops shift from floral, balmy summer clothing to the more simplistic and almost nostalgic style of fall wardrobes. With so many places to choose from, however, shopping can sometimes feel more stressful than enjoyable, especially when quality and price come into play. For this reason, your fellow Ursuline students have endeavored to compile a list of the top places to shop including pricing, quality, and what to look for at each outlet.

Brandy Melville is well known for their tiny stores and catered downtown-girl aesthetic. Brandy Melville products seem particularly tailored to the fall season because of their abundance of light cardigans and heavier sweaters. Everyone knows about their iconic green and navy striped sweater and their unique oversized pieces, quintessential to the fall look.

Despite rumors concerning Brandy’s tendency to place slightly high prices on smaller or especially larger articles, we would argue they’re actually reasonable (around $32-48 for large pieces like thick hoodies, sweaters, and sweatshirts) and would justify them by placing focus on their amazing compositions of (almost always) 100% cotton! Considering the sorry state of clothing quality, crafted without care for neither longevity nor consumer satisfaction, Brandy Melville is a place we strongly suggest. Whether you’re looking for long-lasting basics or seasonal pieces, Brandy Melville has you covered. Some of our favorite pieces are the Amalie cardigan and the Dana skirt.

Hollister has been a cornerstone brand since the early 2000s. Though it’s definitely past its heyday of Y2K fashion, Hollister remains a staple brand for anyone looking to achieve that vintage “it-girl look.” Hollister has had some complaints directed at the quality of its clothing, with some items being utterly see-through or made with incredibly thin material. Nowadays, many people consider Hollister to be fast-fashion, pumping out poorly-crafted pieces to stay on trend.

Despite their faults, Hollister does have some quality pieces that make it deserving of a place in this article. Their henley tops and babydoll sweaters are classic items that were renowned in their heyday for their iconic and effortlessly fashionable looks, and this still holds true today. While it may not be the best place to shop if you’re looking for a versatile store, you can never go wrong with their originals. Our favorites for fall are the longsleeve square-neck and cable-knit babydoll sweaters

Free People is well known for their devotion to the Boho style, creating many quality pieces you can’t find anywhere else. This sets them apart from other competitors, whose devotion to keeping up with ever-changing trends can

sometimes work more to their detriment than advantage. While Free People is a fan favorite (especially with these authors), they can be pricey–one leather jacket listed on their website goes for $698.00! Notwithstanding their tendency to overcharge, Free People has a good collection of soft, high-quality sweaters for mostly reasonable prices. Specifically, their SoftSpun sweater collection exhibits understated cold-weather pieces that last long and can be worked into almost any outfit. Free People makes an effort to create beautifully crafted pieces without sacrificing their customers’ comfort and possibly for a lower price too. The store discounts a lot of their dramatic items, which could secure you a cherishable addition to your wardrobe for a significantly lower price than usual if you monitor their discounts.

Aritzia is a boutique dedicated to creating high-quality clothing that focuses on proportion, craftsmanship, and style to create long lasting essentials that can be worn endlessly. Aritzia has perfected every aspect of the shopping experience with beautiful, functional in-person locations and a well designed website to reflect it. Ingenuity and confidence guide their unique approach to their craft, creating layerable and natural pieces. Given its status as a boutique, it is going to be on the expensive side, but the quality and fit of its clothes make it worth every penny. Some of our favorites are the Peggy sweater and Esquire trench coat in olive.

Thrifting, the cheapest and arguably most ethical recommendation of all.. Going thrifting is ideal for those searching for vintage relics, discontinued products, or clothing of a high quality, all for a relatively low cost. Though it can take some work, thrifting pays off in the end, with an added bonus that outlet stores can’t provide – by thrifting and donating your clothes, you also help reduce the amount of waste you produce. Some may be reluctant to purchase second-hand clothing, and to that end, we urge you to remember your very own clothes of the 2019 or 2020 era. Have you recently been seen wearing your cow print crop top? Most likely not. Think about flared jeans that were popular in the ‘90s. Most of our readers probably gravitate more towards the thirty year-old jeans than they do the five year-old graphic t-shirt, and not without reason.

Fashion trends are ever-changing, now more so than ever. With the dominance of social media over so many aspects of life, trends shift at an increasingly quick rate – what’s popular right now may not stay popular for very long. By purchasing second-hand and avoiding microtrends, you can easily develop your own style while also supporting sustainability in fashion.

Clothing has been a form of expression since the early ages. It signifies one’s identity, can express heritage, and grants an outlet for artistic and emotional expression. While fall shopping offers no limit of enjoyment, keep in mind that the best choice is often the simplest one available. In conclusion, selecting worn and expressive pieces is the best way to reinforce healthy shopping behavior.

Popular Halloween Costumes

Another Halloween has passed, and in grand Ursuline tradition, the halls were packed with costumes of the seniors and faculty alike, displaying their wonderful creativity, whimsy, and humor! A special shoutout to my fellow Glee Cheerios and cast. Each Halloween is also a reflection on pop culture, and we have the chance to see what has been on trend for 2025. A look back on your Halloween costumes of the past likely include one or more of the following favorites: Elsa from Frozen, Evie from Descendants, Harley Quinn, or maybe even Barbie. This year, the hands-down winner was Rumi from KPop Demon Hunters. Google confirms its popularity, declaring it the most searched costume of 2025. The runners up include both Glinda and Elphaba from Wicked.

However, what is most interesting about this is that over the years, the most popular Halloween costumes have increasingly become female characters. A look back on the past decades, most popular costumes were male-dominated. Starting in the 1950s, the most popular costumes each year were almost always male, including cowboys, Batman, Superman, Tarzan, and Davey Crockett.

In more recent decades, however, the most popular costume of the year has often been a female character. I think we can all be excited to see an increase in female representation with a variety of complex characters that spark the attention of girls both young and old.

SOPHIE PATZ ‘26

Thanksgiving Word Search

Test Your Trivia IQ!

1. Which scientist is famous for developing the theory of relativity?

2. Who was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize?

3. What civil rights leader gave the “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963?

4. What British monarch ruled for more than 70 years before their death in 2022?

5. Who painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel?

6. What planet is known as the “Morning Star” or “Evening Star”?

7. What is the largest planet in our solar system?

8. In what galaxy is Earth located?

9. Which planet rotates on its side, making its seasons last over 20 years each?

10. What was the first human-made object to reach space?

11. What is the only mammal capable of true flight?

12. Which fruit was once so rare in Europe that people rented it to show off at parties?

13. What is the national animal of Scotland?

14. What country invented fireworks?

15. How many bones are there in the adult human body?

16. What sport is known as “the king of sports”?

17. Who holds the record for the most Olympic gold medals ever won?

18. What country hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896?

19. What tennis Grand Slam tournament is played on grass?

20. Who was the youngest player ever to score in a FIFA World Cup?

Ms. Tenore, Mrs. LaBella CO-EDITORS: Maggie Hyland, Ashling Doherty

CO-EDITORS:

Valverde, Caitlin Kirkpatrick