Did Somebody Say Improv?

Improv club usually takes place every last day of the school week in the chorus room. Because of all the days off, it’s hard to make it a certain day. For those of you that do not know, improv, short for improvisation, is when you are given a scenario and you have to come up with something to act out and say. Sometimes it comes out so random that it is just so funny. When you witness the hilariousness that comes from improv it makes you (or at least me) just want to come back every week to hear and participate in this funny and amazing club. Improv club has already had one performance this school year and will have another one before the year comes to a close. I really do encourage you to come out to improv in the chorus room for at least one day (don’t worry; you don’t have to preform).

By: Peter McAuliffe

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Almost Maine!

               Almost Maine, recently been performed by the Aquinas Theater Department, is a comedy about love. Almost Maine, written by John Cariani, is a show about losing love, finding love, and the many aspects that love entails. We watch as nine pairs of people feel, act upon, and find love through each other. The show, comprised of two acts, a prologue, interlogue, and epilogue, is not very long though it does capture the audience through its dramatic and comedic scenes.

               Jacqui Thompson (me) portrays the character Rhonda. Rhonda is a strong female character in her late 20s who has never had any major interactions with love. Rhonda talks about working in the lumber mill, winning arm wrestling competitions since the 5^th grade, and being snow-mobiler of the year. While she is a strong, outspoken women, a woman of love and affection, she is not. But what happens when her best friend for years tries to make a move? 

by: Jacqui Thompson

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Thanksgiving Food Baskets

Start saving, Aquinas! Next week, October 31^st 2016, we will begin collecting for Thanksgiving food baskets. This could potentially help 156 families so please be generous! Collections will go until Thanksgiving break when the families come to pick up the food. Keep the less fortunate in your thoughts this holiday season. God bless!

by: Jessica Holt

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Senior Ball

       It’s that time of the year again to bring out that ball checklist of things to do! Hopefully one thing you already did was purchase your ball tickets. Without them you will not be allowed in, so make sure not to lose or forget your tickets. This year ball will take place at The Memorial Art Gallery on Sunday May, 29th from 8:00 pm until 11:00 pm, with a theme of Puttin’ on the Ritz. Remember to get to the venue no later than 8:30 and then enjoy your time while you must stay until 11:00. Enjoy some appetizers from 8:00 until 9:00 then head on over to either the LED dance floor, or to the themed photo booth! If you get tired of dancing, you can sit at your table and watch the senior slideshow which will be displayed on the TV’s throughout the night. Don’t lose the pictures from the photo booth because you can obviously keep them as a party favor, or put them on the senior memory wall that will be displayed at ball. After you enjoy all of these activities, the ice cream dessert station will be brought out around 10:15! Then, sadly at 11:00 the night will have to come to an end, and hopefully you had an amazing time with all your friends! Seniors, let’s all make sure to have a great time together as a family, as this is one of the only times we will all be together before we graduate in June! If you have any further questions about what is going on with ball, feel free to ask anyone on the senior student council or Mrs. Gionta! Hope to see you all at ball! 

by: Kelsey Brinkel

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Aquinas Boxing vs. Cincinnati High School Boxing

     Aquinas boxers fought hard for a 12-5 win February 13^th when they went head to head against Cincinnati High School Boxing for the thirteenth consecutive year.

     Each February the Aquinas boxing team competes against Cincinnati High School Boxing. The bouts are held in Rochester on even years (like this year, 2016) and in Cincinnati on odd years. This year the fights were held in the Aquinas field house and could also be viewed live online!  Family members from across the country could watch their boxers thanks to the livestream.  You can view the fights here:

http://livestream.com/accounts/17481763/events/4814197?t=1455304921638

     The fourteen boxers who fought in the bouts were joined by Emily Cook from Our Lady of Mercy, Angel Carrasquillo from the University of Rochester, and Henry Kaester an Aquinas Alum who came back as a coach and fighter for the team.  Cincinnati’s team was a combination of both boxers from the University of Cincinnati as well as boxers from surrounding high schools.

     The next big event for the boxing team will be the 84^th annual Mission Bouts held Friday, March 4th. Mark your calendars and save the date for this traditional Aquinas event.

#13-Rujie Zhu-Moore(12) Right

#14-Megan Mantione(11) Right

#1-Caty Collins(9) Left

#12-Mike Robertson(11) Left

#2-Gill Harrington(10) Right

#3-Evan Kelly(11) Left

#5 -Conner Kelly(9) Left

#4-Joe Silvestro(11) Left

#11-Sam Leonardo(9) Left

#7-Bryce Kelly(12) Left

#6-Spencer Ramos(11) Right

#8-Tim McMahon(11) Left

#18-Henry Kaester(Alum) Right

#16-Hugh Chambers(11) Right

#15-Gavin Homer(11) Left

by: Megan Mantione

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Juniors Become Seniors at the 100 Days Mass

        The 100 Days Mass is something that every AQ student looks forward to, some since their freshman year, others since seventh grade. This iconic mass has been a tradition for years, and this year was no different. The entire school gathered in the auditorium, looking like true "Lil' Irish" as many students had dressed down in green for St. Patrick's day. After the chatter settled, everyone took on a prayerful attitude and stood as Bishop Matano walked down the aisle toward the alter. 

        Mass proceeded as usual, with the choir leading the way in song, the Peer Ministers leading the way in the liturgy of the word and in the distribution of the Eucharist, and the rest of the community participating in prayer. Once the mass reached its end, we all listened to a thought provoking senior reflection by Emily Pietropaolo on making the most of our time at AQ. Chris Offerman also contributed to this spirit of prayer as he played an original piece on the piano which he composed to reflect his time at AQ. Needless to say, there were quite a few teary eyed parents and grandparents in the crowd. After Chris's beautiful performance, the Bishop asked the junior class to stand. We all stood together as the Bishop led the community in blessing us in our soon-to-be senior careers. He then blessed the junior class rings.

        Since this was the 100 Days Mass, the Bishop followed Aquinas tradition and asked Mr. Mancini for permission to dismiss the senior class. Of course, Mr. Mancini said yes. The seniors jumped up in excitement. Finally, this was their time. They had been looking forward to this tradition for years and it was finally happening. Once the seniors left in a frenzy of hugs and cheers, the juniors were invited to sit in the senior section (the center section) of the auditorium. This is also an AQ tradition and symbolizes the junior class becoming seniors. Finally, all classes but the junior class were dismissed, and the junior rings were distributed along with a few wise words from Mr. Mancini. 

        He reminded us that we are becoming the head class of the school, where he shines the light to when someone needs an example of an Aquinas student. These words were strange to hear, we are going to be seniors next year.... "Really," Mr. Mancini says, "today is your first day of senior year." He continues to say that we are going to be the role models that the freshman, sophomores, and juniors look up to. We are going to be the leaders of the school. 

        Though this was daunting to hear, I think I speak on behalf of the class of 2016 in saying that we are all very excited. Many of us have dreamed of college life but now it almost seems like it's too close. Our time left has gone down from six years to one, and that seems unbelievable. I remember always looking up to the seniors and even idolizing some of them as a freshman. The first day of seventh grade feels like it was two years ago and now my class is only a few months away from our senior year. My hope is that we grow closer as a class, as a school and as a community during the next year. My fingers and many others' are crossed in hopes that the whole college application process does not take away from our last months at AQ. Ultimately, I feel the class of 2016 can't wait to lead in goodness, discipline, and knowledge and savor the last year of our time at Aquinas.

By: Lina Clifford '16

editor

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Talking with Teachers: Mr. Flood and Video Game Club

“Talking with Teachers” is about getting to know the people that mentor us as teachers, coaches, and club advisers.  This interview was with Mr. Liam Flood, the Earth Science teacher and Video Game Club Moderator.

Q:           Mr. Flood, why did you become an Earth Science Teacher?

A:            I've always had an interest in the earth sciences, originally I was really into Meteorology. From the age of like 5 until 20 I wanted to be a Meteorologist.  Frankly I got a little from Calculus 2 and 3 in college, so I redirected into Earth Science. I've always loved Astronomy, I've always loved rocks, so it seemed like a good connection.  The teaching part came later honestly. The teaching part didn't come until I was probably 22 or so when I was getting near the end of my time at Oswego.

Q:           What do you do in your free time, besides running the games club?

A:            You know I’m into video games, but other than that I like camping a lot.  Most of the time I only get out a couple times a year now, but I love the Adirondacks.  I spent a month straight up there one time when I was in college.  So interesting.  Yeah mostly camping, I like going to movies, normal guy stuff.  Don’t write “normal guy stuff.”

Q:           So you’re getting married soon. How do you feel about that? Are you excited?

A:            What am I supposed to say? “No! No it’s horrifying! Help! I’m being forced against my will!” (Laughing) No, I’m excited.  Yeah, we've been together for a really long time now.  Sort of an inevitability.  That’s really romantic. (Laughs again).

Q:           Games Club is something new this year. Do you have any plans on where you see it in the future, after the founders of Video Games Club graduate?

A:            I’m noticing online that it’s becoming more widespread with other schools in the area. Ultimately it would be cool if we could have competitions with other schools, and you know, common tournaments games.  Like you guys love “Smash Brothers” now, but there are sports games that have common tournament rules that I've seen people play. I've played in a few. So tournament style games and actually interacting with other schools would be really cool down the line.

by: Tony Bacchetta

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AQ's Raffle Fundraiser

     
The Aquinas Raffle is a great way to encourage students to branch out into their community and rally support for their school. When contributing to a fundraiser people want to know where their money is going and what it is being used for. The raffle is a major fundraiser that provides the funds needed to equip classrooms with new technology, including HD smartboards, computers, and necessary lab materials. The money also goes towards furnishing the Wegman Napier Gym and Fieldhouse and it keeps the weightroom stocked full of the highest grade equipment. Adding to the library, replenishing textbooks, supporting extra-curricular activities, and financial aid are just a few of the other things the donations go towards.
I know what you’re thinking. You’re probably asking yourself, “Well helping the school is great and all, but how does that benefit me personally?” Along with helping create an advanced school environment, students can reap multiple rewards from selling raffle tickets. They have the opportunity to win cash prizes as well as items such as an Xbox One, Coach purse, gift cards, movies, IPod, and laptop. Along with the excitement of possibly winning one of these prizes, the top selling homeroom gets to take a limo out to lunch! Now I know Aquinas’ fries are great and all, but I don’t know anyone who would pass up an opportunity like that. On top of all these wonderful possibilities, the most exciting one (for me personally) is the chance to raise enough money to get up to six days of school off! If that alone doesn’t inspire you to sell tickets, well then I just don’t know what will. 
        For ticket buyers there are also multiple incentives. First, they get to provide to a school in their community and help it flourish. Second, they can join in on the excitement of helping a student possibly win a prize. Finally, buyers have the opportunity to win an enormous cash prize. The first place winner is rewarded with $20,000, second place with $5,000, and third place with $1,000! With the purchase of just one ticket worth $5, you could turn it into $20,000. Now that is the best deal I have ever heard of. 
        Each student has a booklet containing four tickets. Each ticket is worth $5 and your name put in once for the raffle drawing. One booklet is worth $20 and puts your name in four times for the drawing. These can either be purchased from a student or online at the Aquinas website, www.aquinasinstitute.com . Rules and regulations regarding the purchase and drawing of the raffle can also be found on the website. The drawing will be held on March 17th after the one hundred days mass. Selling and buying raffle tickets is a fun and easy way to support Aquinas Institute and have the chance to win outrageous prizes.

By: Emma Beach

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Underground Clubs You May Have Heard Of

              There are a countless number of sports and activities to take part in at Aquinas. Some, like football, are much more well-known compared to others. Some clubs at Aquinas you may have never even heard about or maybe you just have never learned much about them. Even though they are not very popular, clubs like these can be excellent opportunities to meet people and to have a good time!

                One underground club at Aquinas would be the Masterminds team. You may have heard of it once or twice, but not many people know what it’s all about. Masterminds is basically trivia. It covers a variety of topics such as pop culture, history, literature, science, movies, and many more. For example, a question may ask, “One activity for this holiday uses a device labeled 'noon,' 'gimel,' 'hay,' and 'shin.' It recalls a victory over Antiochus led by Judah Maccabee, and observers use a (*) shamash to light candles in a menorah on each of its eight nights. For 10 points—name this wintertime Jewish 'Festival of Lights.'"  The answer would be Hanukkah. Masterminds is just a fun trivia game full of questions about random knowledge, so you don’t have to be amazing at any or all subjects to join! Plus, you get bonus points in your math class for every correct answer you get, as well as points for going to competitions!

                Anyone in grades 9-12 can join the Masterminds team, and everyone is welcomed! Practices are usually every Thursday from right after school until as long as you want to stay. At practices questions are read aloud in the group and answered by everyone else. You don’t have to answer every question, and not every question will be answered by everyone; they are all pretty challenging. Practice is in Ms. Sadler's room (321), and she, as the moderator, can answer any questions you may have. There is a meet once a month where teams compete in matches played in a quiz-bowl style where they must ring in and be recognized before answering. Even if you are only slightly interested, checking out Masterminds is a great idea and is a fun way to spend your time after school! If you are interested, stop by a practice and check it out; no commitment required. Masterminds is just one of the many lesser known sports and clubs at AQ, which can all give you great opportunities for fun and new opportunities.

By: Emily Minnich

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Spirit Week at AQ

      Spirit Week is a tradition that has lived on for generations. Many students at Aquinas Institute are the children, grandchildren, and siblings of past graduates.  It is a truth that Lil’ Irish pride runs deep. Spirit Week is one of the most anticipated weeks of the year. Students look forward to this not just for the fun, but for the memories that it is sure to create.

 

      “Spirit Week is a great time for the entire student body and the faculty to come together and be a family because everyone is new. We all come together for one purpose, and that’s to be Aquinas.” – Mrs. Battisti

      Celebrating these five days is no easy task. It takes weeks of preparation. Parent’s closets are raided, old dance and Halloween costumes are resurrected, and even Grandma’s clothes are rifled through.  Themes for the day vary depending on the grade level leading to an interesting and diverse looking student body.

     Friday is the day that everyone is waiting for. Classrooms and hallways are a sea of maroon and white.  Students have saved their best outfits for this occasion. Everyone counts down the minutes until the final bell and announcement issuing everyone to the gymnasium for the pep rally.  This is the finale to Spirit Week. Throughout the day students are buzzing with excitement. Watch out as kids dash to gain that last spot in the competitions. The tug-of-war, dizzy bat race, and potato sack race each cause a roar.  However, the most anticipated event of the rally is the garbage plate eating competition. With a fork and knife, one student from each grade dives into a garbage plate. The first person to “clean” their styrofoam container is declared a winner.  The crowd goes wild. 

      
     The students enter the gym as individuals.  But, now they gather as one, united with their common love…Aquinas.  With arms around each other’s shoulders, swaying back and forth, they raise their voices and sing, “Thou place of rev’rie, praise we and uphold thee….”

By Emma Beach

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