The Back to School Special Edition is a Crusader newspaper first. Released Monday, August 27, 2012.
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Cardinal Gibbons High School - 1401 Edwards Mill Rd Raleigh, N.C. 27607 Volume 12, Issue 1 August 27, 2012 Check us out online at www.cghsnc.org/newspaper and follow us on Twitter @newspapercghsnc Caleb Maloney Executive News Editor Vision emerges Freshmen class met with smiles, cheers On the first day of school on Au- gust 23, students could not help but notice that the new arts/athletics wing now resembles a school building and is no longer just the steel and brick shell it was back in June. The Building the Vision construc- tion project has significantly changed the look of campus over the summer and although many of the changes can be seen from the exterior, many more changes took place in the current building. A sprinkler system was installed in most of the school to bring the school up to code. New LED lights and new tile floor were installed in the cafeteria, and a new interior cafeteria lobby was created in what was an exterior patio on the parking lot side. The old school store was removed and the store is now located in the corner of the cafeteria formerly occupied by the percussion room. Plant Ops was reconfigured to in- clude two new offices and new carpet- ing and LED lights were installed. The addition of new furniture completed the renovation. A new LCD projector and screen were installed in the gym, to be used for assemblies, Mass and other all-school events. This will be important because the theater is inaccessible while the new arts/athletics wing is being com- pleted so all large gatherings will be in the gym this semester. The arts/athletics wing will con- tain a black box theater, auxiliary gym, multi-purpose athletic room, a new weight room, new fine arts rooms, and a new lobby. This wing is being built off the old theater and is expected to be completed by the time Christmas break ends in January, 2013. “The whole wing is going to be completed in December. Then, we can move classes to the new wing,” said Principal Jason Curtis. According to Curtis, one of the key aspects of Building the Vision was to create more gathering spaces for stu- dents, which is part of the reason for the Plant Ops and cafeteria changes. “We created a lot of communal spaces where students can hang out,” said Curtis. One of these communal spaces will be an enclosed courtyard located behind the library, once the academ- ics wing is completed. The academics wing will connect the existing class- room wings, uniting the whole build- ing on both floors. A project of this size obviously comes with many concerns, the biggest being the disturbance the construction might cause students. “We wanted to make sure we would not negatively impact any of our current students,” said Curtis. Along with the chance of impacting students’ school day, Curtis also didn’t want to have to cancel any events in re- sponse to the project. Although it appears to be much needed, very few parking spots will be added as a result of the project. “There is no way in this plan that we can build a lot more parking,” said Curtis. As freshmen pulled up to the front of Gibbons and got ready to be dropped off on their first day of high school, they stepped out to a huge crowd of Gibbons upperclassmen cheering and greeting them. “I felt really welcome here. Every- one’s so excited,” said freshman Liz Berzwell, as she walked into her new school for the first time during Fresh- man Welcome Day on Wednesday. After the students entered the lob- by and received their name tags, they were ushered off to their first school Mass in the gym. After Mass, the group dispersed into small groups led by upperclass- men and headed into individual class- rooms for group activities. Everyone introduced themselves to their new classmates at this time and played sim- ple group games like the name game and versions of musical chairs to help encourage new students to start talk- ing to people and making friends. “[The upperclassmen] made me feel very welcome. They were very helpful,” said freshman Ian Wirth. The classroom groups broke up to take short tours of the school with individual NHS members pairing up with the freshmen. The older students helped their freshmen find their locker and showed them where their classes would be to help prevent confusion for their first day of classes on Thursday. The volleyball team served a pizza lunch to the freshmen in the gym with their new friends and peer leaders. For the final event of the day, the freshmen stayed in the gym for large group games like Snake Tag and met the leaders of the student spirit squad, the Green Army. The “generals” of the Green Army taught the students some cheers for football games and shared a little bit of what “Gibbons Spirit” is all about. Af- terwards, the Redshirt Freshmen were introduced as a resource for the fresh- men. The Redshirt Freshmen are a group of seniors who volunteered to assist freshman during the first weeks of school. They are easily identifiable as someone the freshmen can ask for help by their red shirts with question marks on the back. After the games, everyone was dismissed to go home after a long and busy first day. “I guess I was a little nervous com- ing, but I like it here. I like the environ- ment. It feels like a community,” said freshman Stephen Shank, summing up the day. Sean Feick Senior Staff Writer Freshman Focus kicks off year Marisa Casson Design Editor With almost two-thirds of the in- coming Class of 2016 participating this year, Freshman Focus has evolved from an optional program into the un- official beginning of the school year for many incoming students. “Freshman Focus began as a semi- nar for less than 100 incoming fresh- men, and this year 212 incoming stu- dents attended. Numerous teachers and staff have been involved since the program’s inception,” said English teacher Kendra Burns in an email, who co-directed the program with college counselor Michelle Clayborne. Freshmen practice “The Rollercoaster” cheer with the help of Redshirt Freshmen volunteers, seniors Dom Vellucci (left) and Matthew Harvey, during Freshman Welcome Day on Wednesday, August 22. Green Army generals taught the cheers to the Class of 2016. Photo by Jordan Watkins/Landmark Yearbook See photos and video of the Building the Vision construction progress online at www.cghsnc.org/buildingthevision Back-to-School Special edition Redshirt Freshmen volunteers seniors Savannah Balbe (left) and Melissa Cox greet a freshman with a hug as he arrives for Freshman Welcome Day. Redshirt Freshmen vol- unteers will help freshman adjust to high school for the first weeks of school. Photo by Jennifer Rilley/Gibbons Media
Transcript
Cardinal Gibbons High School - 1401 Edwards Mill Rd Raleigh, N.C. 27607 Volume 12, Issue 1August 27, 2012
Check us out online at www.cghsnc.org/newspaper and follow us on Twitter @newspapercghsnc
Caleb MaloneyExecutive News Editor
Vision emergesFreshmen class met with smiles, cheersOn the first day of school on Au-
gust 23, students could not help but notice that the new arts/athletics wing now resembles a school building and is no longer just the steel and brick shell it was back in June.
The Building the Vision construc-tion project has significantly changed the look of campus over the summer and although many of the changes can be seen from the exterior, many more changes took place in the current building.
A sprinkler system was installed in most of the school to bring the school up to code. New LED lights and new tile floor were installed in the cafeteria, and a new interior cafeteria lobby was created in what was an exterior patio on the parking lot side. The old school store was removed and the store is now located in the corner of the cafeteria formerly occupied by the percussion room.
Plant Ops was reconfigured to in-clude two new offices and new carpet-ing and LED lights were installed. The addition of new furniture completed the renovation.
A new LCD projector and screen were installed in the gym, to be used for assemblies, Mass and other all-school events. This will be important because the theater is inaccessible while the new arts/athletics wing is being com-pleted so all large gatherings will be in the gym this semester.
The arts/athletics wing will con-tain a black box theater, auxiliary gym, multi-purpose athletic room, a new weight room, new fine arts rooms, and a new lobby. This wing is being built off the old theater and is expected to be completed by the time Christmas break ends in January, 2013.
“The whole wing is going to be completed in December. Then, we can move classes to the new wing,” said Principal Jason Curtis.
According to Curtis, one of the key aspects of Building the Vision was to create more gathering spaces for stu-dents, which is part of the reason for the Plant Ops and cafeteria changes.
“We created a lot of communal spaces where students can hang out,” said Curtis.
One of these communal spaces will be an enclosed courtyard located behind the library, once the academ-ics wing is completed. The academics wing will connect the existing class-room wings, uniting the whole build-ing on both floors.
A project of this size obviously comes with many concerns, the biggest being the disturbance the construction might cause students.
“We wanted to make sure we would not negatively impact any of our current students,” said Curtis.
Along with the chance of impacting students’ school day, Curtis also didn’t want to have to cancel any events in re-sponse to the project.
Although it appears to be much needed, very few parking spots will be added as a result of the project.
“There is no way in this plan that we can build a lot more parking,” said Curtis.
As freshmen pulled up to the front of Gibbons and got ready to be dropped off on their first day of high school, they stepped out to a huge crowd of Gibbons upperclassmen cheering and greeting them.
“I felt really welcome here. Every-one’s so excited,” said freshman Liz Berzwell, as she walked into her new school for the first time during Fresh-man Welcome Day on Wednesday.
After the students entered the lob-by and received their name tags, they were ushered off to their first school Mass in the gym.
After Mass, the group dispersed into small groups led by upperclass-men and headed into individual class-rooms for group activities. Everyone introduced themselves to their new classmates at this time and played sim-ple group games like the name game and versions of musical chairs to help encourage new students to start talk-ing to people and making friends.
“[The upperclassmen] made me feel very welcome. They were very helpful,” said freshman Ian Wirth.
The classroom groups broke up to take short tours of the school with individual NHS members pairing up with the freshmen. The older students helped their freshmen find their locker and showed them where their classes would be to help prevent confusion for their first day of classes on Thursday.
The volleyball team served a pizza lunch to the freshmen in the gym with their new friends and peer leaders.
For the final event of the day, the freshmen stayed in the gym for large group games like Snake Tag and met the leaders of the student spirit squad, the Green Army.
The “generals” of the Green Army taught the students some cheers for
football games and shared a little bit of what “Gibbons Spirit” is all about. Af-terwards, the Redshirt Freshmen were introduced as a resource for the fresh-men.
The Redshirt Freshmen are a group of seniors who volunteered to assist freshman during the first weeks of school. They are easily identifiable as someone the freshmen can ask for help by their red shirts with question marks on the back.
After the games, everyone was dismissed to go home after a long and busy first day.
“I guess I was a little nervous com-ing, but I like it here. I like the environ-ment. It feels like a community,” said freshman Stephen Shank, summing up the day.
Sean FeickSenior Staff Writer
Freshman Focus kicks off yearMarisa CassonDesign Editor
With almost two-thirds of the in-coming Class of 2016 participating this year, Freshman Focus has evolved from an optional program into the un-official beginning of the school year for many incoming students.
“Freshman Focus began as a semi-nar for less than 100 incoming fresh-men, and this year 212 incoming stu-dents attended. Numerous teachers and staff have been involved since the program’s inception,” said English teacher Kendra Burns in an email, who co-directed the program with college counselor Michelle Clayborne.
Freshmen practice “The Rollercoaster” cheer with the help of Redshirt Freshmen volunteers, seniors Dom Vellucci (left) and Matthew Harvey, during Freshman Welcome Day on Wednesday, August 22. Green Army generals taught the cheers to the Class of 2016.
Photo by Jordan Watkins/Landmark Yearbook
See photos and video of the Building the Vision construction progress online at www.cghsnc.org/buildingthevision
Back-to-School
Special edition
Redshirt Freshmen volunteers seniors Savannah Balbe (left) and Melissa Cox greet a freshman with a hug as he arrives for Freshman Welcome Day. Redshirt Freshmen vol-unteers will help freshman adjust to high school for the first weeks of school.
Photo by Jennifer Rilley/Gibbons Media
The Crusader 2 AUGUST 27, 2012News
Page design by Editor-in-Chief Ellyson Williams
Gibbons welcomes new teachersTracey Cox
Q: What school did you come from?A: I taught at Athens Drive for a year and a half,
from 2011-2012. Before that, I taught in two different public high schools in California.
Q: How long have you been teaching?A: If I get to count my year of student teaching/
internship, this will be my tenth year.Q: What subject do you teach?A: English 10 Honors, but in the past I have
taught English at all high school levels as well as yearbook and leadership. I also coached water polo and swimming for six years, which I also consider to be a form of teaching.
Q: What are you looking forward to most about Cardinal Gibbons?
A: I am excited to meet my students and be a part of such a special community. Everyone I’ve met so far has been very friendly and welcoming.
Q: Are you new to the Raleigh area?A: I moved to downtown Raleigh in 2010. I
was born in Portland, Oregon and raised in Central California.
Q: How did you learn about Cardinal Gibbons?
A: I have friends who attended St. Timothy’s, where my son is now in kindergarten, and they recommended I check Gibbons out. I also heard great things from some former students of mine and witnessed some amazing Crusader pride at a football game once last year. It seemed like such a special place with a reputation for excellence, and I definitely felt a calling to get involved.
Michelle Giannini
Q: What school did you come from?A: The Franciscan School.Q: How long have you been teaching?A: 2 years.Q: What subject do you teach?A: I will be teaching Drama I, Drama II, and
starting a JV theatre program at Gibbons, while also teaching 7th and 8th grade Performing Arts and running the theatre program at The Franciscan School.
Q: What are you looking forward to most about Cardinal Gibbons?
A: I graduated from Gibbons in 2006 so I am really looking forward to being back! I am most looking forward to getting to know the students and having chances to work with them on school events. I am also very excited to create the JV theatre program for freshmen and sophomores, and find ways for Gibbons students to work with, and mentor, my middle school students at TFS.
Q: Are you new to the Raleigh area?A: Nope! I graduated from Gibbons in 2006 and
UNC-Chapel Hill in 2010.Q: How did you learn about Cardinal
Gibbons?A: As a student.
Samuel Jackson
Q: What school did you come from?A: Most recently, I taught at Trinity School of
Durham and Chapel Hill.Q: How long have you been teaching?A: I have taught for 10 years.Q: What subject do you teach?A: I teach Latin and World History.Q: What are you looking forward to most
about Cardinal Gibbons?A: I am looking forward to getting to know
the people here: students, faculty and staff, and community.
Q: Are you new to the Raleigh area?A: No. I have lived in this area since 2000, mostly
in Durham.Q: How did you learn about Cardinal
Gibbons?A: I first visited here several years ago to observe
the exciting and innovative pedagogy of your Latin department.
Doug Hudson
Michael Bailey
Meet the freshman class moderator: Mr. Kevin Ferguson
Q: What is your involvement with the freshman class?
A: Rogo asked me to [be moderator] right after I stopped teaching [freshmen]. I actually missed teaching them. As moderator I just try to make Gibbons as welcoming as possible.
Q: What are you in charge of?A: The freshman class trip to Busch Gardens
(we don’t go to Carowinds anymore.) Girl’s Gridiron, which we always get killed at. And also I help them get ready to run for class offices because they don’t know what that’s all about.
Q: Where can the freshmen find you?A: First semester, I’ll be teaching in the
Crusader Room so I’ll be there a lot. Second semester, I’ll have an office in the theater.
Q: What advice do you have for the freshmen?
A: Just enjoy it, man. It’s not nearly as scary as it feels like it’s going to be.
Q: Anything about you the freshmen should know?
A: Even though I look like I’m in a bad mood a lot, I’m really not, so don’t be afraid to approach me.
Q: What school did you come from?A: I came from St. Timothy’s School in Raleigh.Q: How long have you been teaching?A: I have been in education for 42 years, 31 of
those as a headmaster. I did teach at least one class each year as a head.
Q: What subject do you teach?A: I teach mathematics.Q: What are you looking forward to most
about Cardinal Gibbons?A: Having been in administration for 32 years
I look forward to being back in the classroom. Teaching has always been my first love.I look forward to teaching high school again. I had a son graduate from Gibbons and have always had fond feelings about the school.
Q: Are you new to the Raleigh area?A: I have been in Raleigh for 16 years.Q: How did you learn about Cardinal
Gibbons?A: From being a resident of Raleigh, I also
worked as a consultant with Gibbons when the school underwent accreditation by SACS.
Photo by Ellyson Williams/The CrusaderPhoto by Ellyson Williams/The CrusaderPhoto by Ellyson Williams/The Crusader
Photo by Ellyson Williams/The Crusader
Photo by Ellyson Williams/The Crusader
Q: What school did you come from?A: My most recent school was St. Xavier High
School in Louisville, Kentucky. It is an all-boys school with over 1,400 students.
Q: How long have you been teaching?A: I have been teaching for over 16 years.Q: What subject do you teach?A: Here at CGHS I will be teaching junior
classes—Morality and Church History.Q: What are you looking forward to most
about Cardinal Gibbons?A: [I look forward to] meeting all the new
students, getting back involved with lacrosse and learning more about this great school. I’m excited [to be] back in the classroom after a year away from education.
Q: Are you new to the Raleigh area?A: Yes, I moved here about one month ago.
Q: How did you learn about Cardinal Gibbons?
A: [I learned from] being in education and ministry for so many years and having the opportunity to teach in several schools in different parts of the U.S. I heard about this school through the grapevine some time ago. I can’t remember exactly when or from whom, but I knew of this school and its excellent reputation. I applied to teach here last year even before there was an opening. I was very excited when I received the call for an interview from [Principal] Mr. [Jason] Curtis.
Photo by Ellyson Williams/The Crusader
Emily WestEmily West will be a part-time Theology teacher
this year. She comes from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Raleigh after serving as the Coordinator of Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry. West was not available for an interview at press time.
Ellyson WilliamsEditor-in-Chief
Check online at
www.cghsnc.org/newspaper
for Emily West’s full interview.
The Crusader is the official student newspaper of Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, North Carolina.
As a school of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Raleigh, The Crusader will not purposefully publish any material that contradicts the teachings of the Catholic Church.
The Crusader will endeavour to publish only the truth, to the best of its ability. The Crusader will not purposefully publish any stories that are libelous or disingenuous nor any images which diverge from the essential truth of the captured image. Only images legally obtained or for which permission has been granted will be published.
The Crusader is the product of class work and as such is subject to prior review by the adviser and administration. Regardless, the commentaries contained herein are the opinions of the newspaper staff only, and do not necessarily reflect those of the faculty/staff or administration.
The Crusader editorial board as a whole will be responsible for determining editorial opinions, which represent the opinions of the majority of the editorial board. No single member of The Crusader will be held responsible for editorial content decisions.
All submissions to The Crusader will be considered for publication either in print or online but may be edited for space and content.
I am very excited to start high school at Cardinal Gibbons. I have only heard good things about this school community which makes me even more excited to start my journey here.
My older brother, KJ ‘12, and sister, Alison ‘09 , attended Gibbons and both had an amazing experience. The stories they have told me about their time here couldn’t have been more positive. They learned so much and met so many people who left an impact on their lives forever. The people my brother and sister met at Gibbons influenced them in such a positive way and helped them in all aspects of their lives—whether it was an administrator, teacher, or friend.
However, of course, I am nervous for this big change. I have gone to St. Michael’s my entire life and it is hard to imagine myself going to any other school.
First of all, this school is much bigger than the school I previously went to. The entire time I was there I had 50 students in my grade, now I will have around 300. That is a very large change, but I am
really looking forward to all the new people I will meet and friends I will make. Although I am nervous about this new chapter, I am just as much excited for the new opportunities that high school brings, especially an amazing school like Cardinal Gibbons.
I know I am going to have an excellent experience here because mine has already started. I am on the cheerleading team here at Gibbons and I have had a great time practicing with and getting to know my team. They are all so kind and welcoming and I feel that it will be the same with the whole school, as well.
There is something for everyone here at Gibbons; if you don’t want to play sports you can join one of many clubs. I am already involved in a sport and speaking from what I have learned from that, I can truly say it has made me feel more comfortable in my experience already.
I hope everyone coming into this school can find his or her own way to make Gibbons feel like more than just a school. I cannot wait to start these next four years at Cardinal Gibbons High School and hope my fellow classmates feel the same!
Jules BrunoContributor
Welcome to high school, class of 2016! You may not realize it, but all of you are a part of a transition period at Gibbons. Your class is the first to experience our Building the Vision project without having memories of how Gibbons was before. You have fresh views on what you think Gibbons should be and we can use that to complete the vision we have.
So don’t be afraid to get involved! High school is a time to figure out passions and interests. Finding your niche in our school will help you make new friends who share your curiosity. High school is an important element in character development, and getting involved in social activities helps develop personality. Don’t be afraid to try anything; you have four years, but it goes by fast—ask any senior.
Upperclassmen are very valuable in giving advice on how to get involved; remember, we’ve all been in your position before. Sophomores, juniors and even seniors really aren’t that scary. If you ask us, we will help you. We want to make your transition into a new phase of your life as comfortable as possible—that’s why so many of us were excited to be here to welcome you on Freshman Welcome Day.
Teachers and staff really aren’t scary either.
Something you’ll notice about Gibbons is the friendliness that comes with just about everyone. Teachers, faculty and administration are here for you; get to know them and don’t be afraid to talk to them either.
So good luck, freshmen! We’re excited to welcome you into our world at Gibbons and hope you enjoy your time here. You all will be a part of our family in no time.
The Spirit Rock has been painted, clothes that aren’t khaki and white have been bought, and another round of college applications has been started. Summer is over which means another class is capping off the high school experience with senior year.
People like to say senior year is easy. A whole new group of students gets to test that theory this year.
Make your senior year the greatest it can be. It’s your last chance to take it all in—take every opportunity you should take—and to figure out what legacy you’re going to leave when you’re gone. Don’t let anything pass you by that you’ll regret later. It will go faster than you think. This is the last chance to be together as a class, so make memories worth remembering.
Set yourself up to be successful after school, too—this is the last opportunity before college. One challenge we face as seniors is completing our high school experience strong. I know senioritis had set in for some at the end of junior year. But we took the summer off; it’s time we collect ourselves for one more round in the ring of high school.
Another challenge is staying smart. Not only academically—socially, too. Senior year is our final year before college where we become more independent and more is expected of us. This leads many people to believe this year is the year to pull out all the stops and do things they haven’t done before. Please, don’t succumb to the pressure to do things you’ll regret later. Just because you’re a senior doesn’t mean you’re invincible.
Good luck to you, seniors! Have fun and take it all in; Mr. Curtis will be handing out diplomas before we even know it.
The Spirit Rock is traditionally painted by the senior class. This year, it was painted on August 12.
Photo by Ellyson Williams/The Crusader
Freshman take on freshman year
Make the most of freshman year Last chance, seniors
I am very proud to present to you this historic Back to School Special Edition.
It’s “historic” because this is the first issue in the 10-year history of the modern The Crusader to come out in August, covering freshman activities and what’s new at Gibbons from the summer.
This is also the first issue of the new school year and the first issue with the new Crusader staff.
The staff worked so hard on this issue and I wish to congratulate all of you who helped create it.
This Back to School Special Edition is not a full issue of The Crusader, however. We focused instead on presenting all the newest information we could, especially information of interest to freshman. We will be updating The Crusader online with new
The words “Made in China” appear on the majority of merchandise everywhere in the Unites States, and it rarely affects the average American’s inclination to buy.
Ninety eight percent of the clothing sold in America today was manufactured in China, and almost nobody believed this to be a problem until the 2012 Olympics neared, and the American uniforms were shipped from across the Pacific.
Some political figures were so against Team USA dressing in Chinese cotton and nylon, that they proposed burning the foreign uniforms.
Most American athletes didn’t feel as strongly about the situation, and seemed quite content marching out at the opening ceremonies in their
The Crusader history in the makingEllyson WilliamsEditor-In-Chief
content in the coming weeks, including fall sports previews, photo slideshows and much more.
This issue would not have happened without the leadership of the returning seniors. We have been working on gathering content since June and we began designing while it was still summer. I’m very grateful the staff willingly came to school on their own time and helped achieve our vision for our first issue of the year.
I’d also like to welcome our new staff members, some of whom even helped with this issue before ever taking a journalism class. I look forward to the rest of the year and issues we do together.
Finally, welcome incoming freshman. I hope you will send us feedback on this issue and even consider joining the newspaper team this year!
Please enjoy this historic Back to School Special Edition!
Americans upset about Olympic wearHaleigh NelsonContributor
patriotic Ralph Lauren attire. Once the games began, the hype died down and
the focus shifted to Michael Phelps and his world record medal collection and Gabby Douglas’ all-around gymnastics gold.
I’m sure most of the Americans angered by the uniform situation have bought Chinese-manufactured products many a time. It’s almost impossible these days to “buy American” all the time, and it seems rather hypocritical to condemn Ralph Lauren for having his designs made in
China. Up until these Olympics and the sudden burst of patriotism, the low-wage manufacturing countries weren’t questioned, which doesn’t seem to add up. In order to be credible when speaking out against this situation, one must explain why it hasn’t been a problem until now, and I just don’t believe that can be done.
Photo
Photo by Matthew Talbot/The Crusader
Staff Writers: Erik Borchers, Rebecca Camak, Brennan Doherty, Guy McDaniel, Andrew Mihok, Preston Moser, Andrew Schnittker, April Smith, Stephanie Todd, Tyler Welch, Emmett Williams, Caroline Young
First Back to School issue has freshman feel
Taking opportunities benefits experience
The Crusader 4 MAESTRO August 27, 2012 August 27, 2012
Page design by Executive Design Editor Marisa Casson
AROUND THE WORLD IN 78 DAYS
Since I was 10 I spent my summers in Maine at an all girls summer camp but in 2011, I aged out as a camper and knew I wanted to do something different the upcoming summer. Something more than just tanning by the pool, babysitting, or getting a summer job. Something that would benefit others in a monumental way. I looked into a couple of different programs through the corporate, Rustic Pathways which connects high school kids from around the world through service, and non-service, trips. I finally chose to spend two weeks in Thailand and two weeks in India.
In Thailand I lived with Thai students in one BIG hut with no electricity, running water, or A.C. Everyday we would walk up the road to the village's school where I spent my days teaching English to the children, running a field day, and painting the school pink. Yes, pink. We built a preschool for a Karen Hill Tribe village, taught kids in a Burmese Refugee Camp, and worked with villagers in the rice fields. I also made a best friend who is a Thai student at the "hut" and we have already Skyped three times in the three weeks I have been home.
In India I stayed on a houseboat for a week and in a hotel for the other week. While I was there I worked with fourth graders at a village school, went to a girls boarding house where I met my pen pal Catherine, built a garden, worked at a co-ed orphanage, and taught English to special needs children.
Working and building relationships with these children was more than inspiring. It changed how I approach life. It's different when you are sitting on your couch, in the A.C., eating more food than you need, watching the news and hearing about lives like the children I interacted with have than when you get to live and experience life with them. It changes your point of view drastically. I am so blessed and so thankful that my parents and friends supported my decision to spend the summer pushing my limits, experiencing new things, and growing more than I ever thought possible. Go see the world from your own eyes! There is more out there then what the news depicts and it is waiting to be explored!
Sarah Reynolds: Thailand and India
This summer I spent 5 weeks in Europe. I have been going to Europe almost every summer since I was 9 for the cultural experience and to practice Spanish.
My first two weeks were in a camp in the northern mountains of Spain. We did many sports and activities. Then I was in Madrid for a week where my cousin got married and I saw many friends and family.
Then my next two week I flew to Bucharest, Romania with a group from Spain. We were there volunteering in an orphanage. We spent our weekdays playing with the 10 kids in the orphanage and helping do some construction on some rooms that were falling apart.
It was one of the most amazing experiences being able to help these kids who have little to nothing.
Lucy Barreto: Europe
The Crusader 5MAESTROAugust 27, 2012
AROUND THE WORLD IN 78 DAYS
This summer I was given the incredible opportunity to travel to New York City and study with the world famous Radio City Rockettes.
I originally auditioned in one of the 15 audition cities back in November and learned that I was accepted into the program 4 months later, along with 4 other girls from my city. I wasn't sure what to expect the first day, but as soon as I received my pass into Radio City Music Hall,
I realized this program meant business. My intensive group of girls ranged from ages 15 to girls in their late twenties. Most of the ladies I danced with had been pursuing a career as a Rockette for years and coming to every audition since they turned 18 years old.
Our days consisted of c h o r e o g r a p h y classes, classic Rockette technique classes, seminars with the Rockettes, and hours of work on their famous eye-high kicks. We all received one-on-one attention and criticism from the director of the Rockette's C h r i s t m a s Spectacular show.
In the end, we all learned a piece of all 16 dances the Rockettes do in the show and performed 3 routines on the stage at NYU's Skirbal Performing Arts Center.
I couldn't have asked for a better experience, filled with tan tights, high heeled tap shoes, black leotards, and blisters. It was extremely hard work, but I realized this is something I would want to do as a career.
Laura Matrazzo: New York City
I was recently given the opportunity to go to Manchester, England from July 29 to August 5 on an all-expense paid trip sponsored by Nike and the ECNL.
I was selected as one of the top 18 girls to go after a week of finals at an identification camp in Portland, Oregon at Nike headquarters. While in England, we played against three women's professional teams such as the Lincoln Ladies, the Doncaster Belles, and the Everton FC Ladies. We also visited the stadiums of Manchester city, Manchester united, and Bolton FC. Nike made it possible for us to attend the USA versus Korea women's Olympic soccer game at Old Trafford (Manchester united stadium) which was such a cool experience.
Not to mention, Abby Wambach, Megan Rapinoe, and Rachel Buehler, all starters the US women’s national team made a surprise appearance on our bus one afternoon. The Olympic atmosphere was present almost everywhere in England, but we were also able to travel into London one day to really get a feel and taste of the 2012 Olympics.
It was unbel ievable.The trip as a whole was amazing and I feel so blessed and fortunate to have been able to go on it. It was honestly the experience of a lifetime and I will never forget it.
Christina Gibbons: England
For most of us, summer was spent going to the beach, hanging out with friends, laying out by the pool, or working a summer job.
But these four students spent summer doing some pretty extraordinary things. Below, each student tells their summer
story with photos to go along.
Page design by Executive Variety Editor Matthew Talbot
August 27, 2012The Crusader 6
Senior year has finally fawned up on us and I’m sure everyone was last minute shopping at their favorite stores looking to buy anything but khakis and white polo’s. So while you’re expanding your wardrobe this fall here are so major trends to look out for!
1: Must have Color: Merlot/Ox-Blood/Chianti/Wine
This color is all over the runways. From Alexander Wang to
Images taken from J. Crew.com, Pinterest, Style.com, and Glamour.com.
The chicest trends for fall 2012
Matthew TalbotVariety Editor
Diane Von Furstenberg to Tommy Hilfiger, this color is major. It’s in
everything from rain jackets, to skirts, to nail polish.
Even menswear showed a lot of this beautiful hue. Honestly, if you don’t have this color in your wardrobe this fall you’re doing something wrong…
2: Must have Print: Polka Dots
S w e a t e r s , shirts, pants—this
pattern is everywhere this season. Big dots,
little dots, colored dots…dots, dots, and more dots are all the rage! It’s a super cute pattern and adds a little pop to every outfit. It’s also a super easy pattern to match, just match the color of the dot to a solid top or bottom; if you’re a little daring, a contrasting color will give you a chic edge. Again, even menswear has this pattern in various shirts.
3: Must have Accessories: Arm Parties
Major arm candy is still super chic, so don’t
you dare put away your Michael Kors
watches and v a r i o u s h a rd w a re ! Keep it handy for the fall, too! The more c o l o r s , t e x t u r e s , a n d d i f f e r e n t types of b r a c e l e t s
the better! You don’t even
have to tone down the colors because bright colors are always
i n . T o ensure you don’t make this “Do” a “Don’t,” m a k e sure you keep only o n e tone of either silver or gold present.
4: Fun Bags: Another must have accessory
of this season is a fun bag! The more
funky the b e t t e r , don’t be shy of any p r i n t ! The sky’s the limit b e c a u s e statement purses are g o i n g faster than hotcakes!
5 : C o l o r e d Pants/ Denim
Don’t just stick t o your typical blue j e a n s and cords this f a l l because the color
possibilities are w i l d ! This goes for
menswear too; the color pool has expanded g r e a t l y for men’s and women’s wear. The colors r a n g e from mustard to emerald to cobalt, to merlot!
GuysGirls
For all things polka dot, J. Crew is your source. They have this
adorable print in everything from sweaters, to blouses, to wrap dresses, to pants.
Chanel has the chicest shades of red nail polish this season: 18 Vamp and 475 Dragon. You can purchase
these shades at chanel.com or
a local department store with a Chanel makeup counter.
Tall Minnie pant in bi-stretch wool in from J. Crew are a must for every day wear. “I own two pairs of Minnie pants and they are my favorite pair of pants
because they are perfect for any
occasion. You can dress them up with Jack Rodgers or just wear them casually with a sweater. They were also voted Oprahs’s
favorite pair of pants,” said Marisa Casson. They have them
in grey, khaki, black, and this season’s must-
have color: cabernet. And for all you tall girls out there they also sell them in tall sizes!
Zara has an amazing menswear collection for every season. Polka dot shirts can add a little pizzazz to a basic pant. They have a wide selection of oxfords for every style and are super reasonable. The only downside is that there isn’t a Zara store in the Triangle area so you have to order online. But they ship for free within the week and are also reliable.
The Broken-In Chino is a personal favorite of mine from J. Crew. They come in a variety of fits including urban slim (my personal favorite), classic, and regular fit. They also come in all different colors including grey, khaki, pink, and the “it” color of this season, vintage cabernet.
Colored pants spice up your day-to-due routine and also add some major color to your wardrobe. Especially statement pants in a trendy color of print. These pants can be any color or material including chino, denim, corduroy, and even leather!
Fall in love with this season’s fashion
The Crusader 7AUGUST 27, 2012 Arts & Entertainment
The Green Agenda To continue the trend of bringing retro things
back, The Crusader has decided to bring back the Green Agenda. The Green Agenda is a calendar full of helpful school reminders, game times and locations, and out-of-school activities such as concerts and movies.
The calendar is color coded; green is for Gibbons events and reminders, blue is for sports, and purple is for anything outside of school. Each issue, the Green Agenda will select a group to focus on in order to help make their month as great as possible.
This issue’s focus is freshmen. On the calendar
we have selected a variety of events that we feel is best suited for the freshman schedule.
Please note that not all sports and concerts are on the list; we chose the ones we feel would be easiest for students to attend.
1
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 29 30 31
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 1 2 3 4 5 6
Freshman Welcome
DayFirst Day of
Classes
Back to School Night
Home Varsity Football Game Vs. Union Pines
@ 7:30
Home JV Football Game vs.
Cary @ 6:30
Brad Paisley with The Band Perry & Easton Corbin @ Time Warner Cable Pavilion
Football: Varsity Men's vs. Chapel Hill (Home) @ 7:30
Spiritual Life Fair @ 3:30
S P I R I T W E E K S P I R I T W E E K
Page design by Design Editor Marisa Casson
The World According to . . .Favorite Olympic
event?
Mary Ann Dinh
Senior
Dianne Scardino
Junior
CooperDuplantis
Sophomore
Michael Phelps or Ryan Lochte?
Favorite movie you watched this summer?
The Watch Michael Phelps Winter
Gymnastics Rock of Ages Ryan Lochte
Winter
Handball/Water polo
Batman Ryan Lochte
Volleyball Hunger Games Ryan Lochte
Summer
Summer or winter?
Boxing
Julianne Peters
Freshman
Summer
Michelle Giannini
TeacherGymnastics
10 Things I Hate About
YouRyan Lochte Winter
The Crusader 8
Page design by Executive Design Editor Marisa Casson
August 27, 2012
Football survives in opener thanks to late flag Brennan DohertyStaff Writer
Gibbons had Clayton just where they wanted them.
Clayton, a team that isn’t used to passing the ball at will thanks to its Wing-T offense, faced a fourth down at their own 38-yard line, trailing 20-15 with just 42 seconds remaining.
The Comets needed 17 yards just to convert, and live to see another down.
Then it happened. But it didn’t.Clayton quarterback Sam May
avoided several Gibbons defensive lineman before scrambling to his right, stepping up and passing deep to senior running back/wide receiver Cedric Harris.
Harris caught the pass, and found his way into the end zone.
It appeared Clayton had taken the lead with just over 30 seconds remaining in the game.
“I literally thought the game was over. We were going to get the ball back with 30 seconds left, and have nothing but maybe a shot or two to just chuck the ball deep. I thought the game was over at that point,” said Gibbons head coach Steven Wright.
But after much celebration by Clayton fans, and great silence by Gibbons fans, everybody except the Clayton band noticed a penalty flag in the backfield.
“I was hopeful that it was on them. I had no idea what the call was initially because I hadn’t watched the line of scrimmage,” said Wright.
The official call was illegal forward pass on Clayton. May had stepped past the line of scrimmage before passing the ball.
The result of the penalty was a loss of a down, and Gibbons took over and kneeled once to run out the clock, dodging a bullet as they won their season opener for the second year in a row.
“We were fortunate that the quarterback had crossed the line of scrimmage before he made the throw. We escaped,” said Wright.
Both teams’ offenses got off to slow starts, and at the end of the first quarter the score was still 0-0, but with Gibbons driving deep into Clayton territory.
On the first play of the second quarter junior quarterback Shawn Stankavage found an open Stephen Boyle in the corner of the end zone for a nine-yard touchdown pass, and Gibbons took a 6-0 lead after a failed PAT because of a bad snap.
For Stankavage, who was making his first start as quarterback for Gibbons, the pass was one that was really special to him.
“I cracked the biggest smile I’ve had in a while. I was pretty happy about that, and that got me rolling,” said Stankavage of the touchdown
pass.Clayton caught a break later on
in the second quarter when senior running back Ben Grazen fumbled on a screen pass, and the Comets recovered, setting their offense up at the Gibbons 31-yard line.
Having to defend deep in their own territory, the Gibbons defense stepped up, and limited Clayton to a field goal, but Clayton now only trailed by three points.
Overall, Wright was pretty impressed by his defense’s performance, as they forced two Clayton turnovers, and held the Comets to just 15 points on the night.
“A couple of times we put them
in some bad spots, but overall I think I was pretty pleased with how they handled it, especially in light of the fact that this is not an offense that we face on a regular basis, and it’s a tough offense to practice for,” said Wright.
On Gibbons’ next drive Grazen made up for his fumble by breaking off runs of 23 and 34 yards as Gibbons drove deep into Clayton territory. Grazen turned in one of his typical performances, running for 136 yards on 18 carries while catching three passes for 26 yards on the night.
From the Clayton 21-yard line, the Clayton defense collapsed on a fake to Grazen, allowing Stankavage to keep it himself, and run for the touchdown putting Gibbons on top 13-3.
The touchdown was the first of two Stankavage would have on the ground for Gibbons.
The Gibbons defense forced a turnover on Clayton’s ensuing possession when senior linebacker Scott Washle recovered a fumble, but Gibbons gave the ball right back to the Comets when Stankavage threw an interception right into the hands of junior linebacker Raleigh Gilbert.
Gilbert returned the interception back to the Gibbons 22-yard line. Shortly thereafter, May threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Anthony Gaskins, cutting the Gibbons lead to 13-9.
Gibbons had one more opportunity to score before the half when Boyle returned the ensuing Clayton kickoff all the way to the Comets 40-yard line. But on the next play, Stankavage was picked off, and the scored remained 13-9 as the two teams went into halftime.
Clayton got the ball first to begin the second half, and the Comet offense kept the ball for most of the third
quarter as they went on an 8:48 drive which ended in a three-yard touchdown run by Harris, giving Clayton their first lead of the night, 15-13.
But Gibbons was quick to respond on their next possession. From his own 42-yard line Stankavage kept it himself on an option play, and scampered down the sideline for a 58-yard touchdown, his second of the evening, putting Gibbons right back on top, 20-15.
Stankavage said his success on the ground could be contributed to how Clayton was trying to keep Grazen out of the action.
“All night long Clayton had decided to take away Ben Grazen from our offense, so I knew when we ran option the first man went with Ben, so it was me, and I kept it,” said Stankavage.
At night’s end, Stankavage completed 10 of 15 passes for 136 yards while gaining 94 yards on 12 rushing attempts. However, Stankavage did have two interceptions, and Wright says that his young quarterback still has a lot to learn.
“He looked great, and then he struggled at times. It was a good learning experience for him, and this is
part of the process of breaking in a new and young quarterback. We’ll get some things ironed out, and he’ll continue to improve,” said Wright.
Gibbons had another opportunity to extend their lead when sophomore linebacker Carson Lydon recovered a fumble at the Clayton 43-yard line early in the fourth quarter, but Gibbons’ offense stalled at the Clayton 25-yard line, and the Crusaders failed to convert on a fourth and five.
After a Clayton punt, Gibbons moved the ball into the Clayton red zone, chewing up a lot of clock while doing so.
But Gibbons faced a fourth and 3 at the Clayton 14-yard line with just 1:44 left in the game.
Wright decided to go for the first down, hoping to put the game away, instead of sending senior kicker Caine Junginger out for a 31-yard field goal.
Grazen was stopped short on fourth down, and Clayton took over at their own 15-yard line.
Wright says his decision to bypass Junginger on the fourth and three had nothing to do with his faith in Junginger’s kicking ability.
“My hesitancy has nothing to do with Caine, it’s just the fact that this is the first game, and the idea of it potentially being blocked was more of the deterrent. It had nothing to do with Caine. I have confidence in Caine. We had bobbled a couple snaps on PATs earlier, and I felt like if we got a 1st down there the game was over,” said Wright.
Wright’s decision to not kick the field goal almost came back to haunt him, but didn’t thanks to the illegal forward pass penalty on May.
With such a dramatic win coming in just the first game of the season, Wright thinks that the experience could definitely help his
team grow, but he knows that they have a lot of work to do before traveling to Cary next week.
“We’ve got a lot to learn. I think this could be a pivotal point for us whether we decide we’re going to put our nose to the grindstone, and do the work that’s necessary to be a championship football team, or if we’re going to exist, and hope we get wins. We’ve got a lot to learn, and we got to do a lot better to be competitive with Cary next week,” said Wright.
Cary defeated Broughton this past Friday night 21-7, and handed Gibbons their only regular season loss last season 19-0.
For the first time, there will be a freshman football team this year at Gibbons. The team will play a four game schedule, facing Ravenscroft twice, Broughton once, and North Raleigh Christian Academy once.
JV football head coach/varsity wide receivers coach Clay Thomas said the need for a freshman team came about from growths in students coming out for football.
“The idea came because our numbers were growing dramatically for the program, and we had a group of talented players who hadn’t had the experience of playing football before. Games would come around, and they wouldn’t get a lot of reps, and this a way to take some of that freshman talent, give them the reps they need to get up to speed, and be able to contribute during their sophomore, junior, and senior years,” said Thomas.
Why has the number of kids coming out for football increased recently?
Varsity head coach Steven Wright thinks he knows why.
“Anytime you’ve got interest in a program, that interest is usually generated because of a team winning. That is a good sign because you get players out there that maybe aren’t sure about football, and potentially discover that they love the game, and that they’re good at it. We’re excited about the numbers that we got in place. We’re excited about what the future holds,” said Wright.
Gibbons indeed has had its share of success over the past few years. The Crusaders went 34-7 throughout the 2009-2011 seasons while going undefeated in conference play each season en route to three straight Carolina 6 conference championships.
Thomas said that the freshman team practices with the JV team, and that the JV coaching staff will coach the freshman team games as well.
“We have coach [Adam] Beasley and coach
[Jared] Hart, the JV offensive line coach, and the JV defensive backs coach heading over there calling the plays, and the rest of the staff will be there to support them,” said Thomas.
Wright said that one benefit of having a freshman football team is that it gives kids that many not further their football careers into their upperclassmen years a chance to gain the experience of being part of a high school football team.
“I think it’s a huge thing, because it does involve them in something that’s bigger than themselves. They get the benefits of being involved in a team setting where they have to make sacrifices to be a part of it. They’re learning how to serve others on that team, and maybe learning how to push themselves beyond their usual comfort zone. I think that there’s just a variety of benefits that you can’t gain outside of a team setting,” said Wright.
The freshman team opened up their season on Wednesday, August 22 at Ravenscroft.
A fresh take on the freshman football team Brennan DohertyStaff Writer
Junior quarterback Shawn Stankavage scrambles against Clayton in the 20-15 season-opening win. Stankavage passed for 136 yards on 10-15 passing with 2 interceptions in his first start.
Photo courtesy of Kristy Shaefer
Check out all the fall sports previews coming soon at
www.cghsnc.org/crusadersports
Check out football beat writer Bren-nan Doherty’s football blog at www.
