The StannerVOL. LXIII NO. I ARCHBISHOP MOLLOY HIGH SCHOOL FALL ISSUE

Seniors Dealing With College Apps: Advice from Seniors to Juniorsby Sadie Lozano-Mieles ‘20 & Olga Mavridis ‘20, Editors-In-Chief

After a lengthy Junior year of taking SATs, APs, participating in community service, clubs, and trying to maintain a solid GPA, the long haul is not over yet. From finding the right person to write recommendation letters to writing the infamous personal statement, senior year is crammed with enough stress to make anyone feel like the weight of the world is on their shoulders. To many of us, it feels as if our futures depend on this sole application process.

Although Seniors begin applying to colleges in mid-October, the journey begins on day one of their high school years. Presenting who you are to a college admissions officer on a few pieces of paper is not the simplest task, but with assiduous work and planning ahead it can be done successfully. From the start of freshman year, Stanners should begin to get involved, discover their passions, and challenge themselves academically. As sophomore year rolls around, Stanners should prepare for their PSATs, commit themselves to clubs that captivate their interests, and begin to browse colleges - whether it is through websites, campus tours, or reaching out to Stanners who have graduated. It is important to know specific college requirements early on: SAT subject tests, ACTs, SATs, and writing supplements. Simply put, being ahead of the college application process is vital.

Junior year is the year to buckle down. After all, as the saying goes, “Junior year is the most important year.”

This is the year to study hard for your SATs. It is often recommended to take these exams in the summer when the workload is lighter, and you can focus on achieving the score you desire. Another important thing to keep in mind is the subject SATs; some schools “strongly recommend” but secretly require them for specific majors. Studying for the subject SATs is similar to studying for the SAT, so make sure you plan ahead and have enough time to study before taking these exams – you do not want to be cramming in all of these exams during senior year.

The last hurrah, or “Senior Year” for many Stanners, came faster than they could have ever imagined. It’s time to finally apply to college, write your personal statement, the most common “Why this school” essay, and keep it together until getting accepted into college. On top of all of this effort seniors are expected to put into their college applications, maintaining an acceptance-worthy transcript, participating in clubs, and community service are also huge priorities and causes of stress. With classes still in effect, and tests and homework due, there is a lot on our plates. AP Comp essay on that short story you haven’t read yet due tonight? Got it. AP Calc test on derivatives tomorrow? Okay. AP Bio Test on the material you haven’t even started reviewing? Of course. Despite all of this, it’s important to remember that Stanners can always seek guidance.

Molloy’s college guidance counselors have been a tremendous help with guiding Stanners through the process, alleviating stress and helping them select the colleges that best suit them. Mr. Ted McGuinness, one of Molloy’s college guidance counselors, stated “when you take responsibility the college process becomes more yours and you can direct your energies to the proper places. College is a chance to start over and reinvent yourself; make the most of that opportunity.”

The most important piece of advice to remember while you’re filling out your applications is that while reflecting back on your high school experience, it’s not going to be the SAT score that you remember, rather the memories you make during your time at Molloy. So yes, while applying for colleges is a crucial aspect of senior year, also be sure to enjoy it. Go to that Senior Encounter, go to that big game everyone’s been talking about, join that club you’ve always been interested in, and make the most of your senior year.

Mr. Esgro, College Guidance Counselor, working with two Molloy seniors. Photo by Jolie Lu ‘20.

It’s official! Molloy has made the switch from single use to sustainable. This year, the administration instituted a new rule allowing students to bring hard, reusable water bottles to school. Any sophomore, junior or senior can recall Mr. Auer’s booming voice screaming “NO WATER BOTTLES!” Long gone are the days when students had to wait until lunch for a drink. Now, hydration is just one sip away.

It’s third period and you’ve finished all your water—Good for you! Stay hydrated!—But what now? Wouldn’t it be convenient if you could refill it? It is reusable after all. You make your way to the second-floor water fountain only to find that...it doesn’t work. You march up the odd staircase to the next fountain, and it’s WARM! Now you’re stuck in the same predicament you were in before the rule was even established.

Not having easy access to a drink during the school day negatively affects student performance. “I got migraines in class from being dehydrated,” says Michael DeVine ‘20. When he was allowed to get a drink from the fountain, he was met with the same unsanitary conditions you have probably experienced: old, broken spouts spewing a tiny stream of warm water. Lucky for everyone, there’s a potential solution: new water fountains.

The current fountains around school are only taking up space and collecting dust since they are basically useless. They need to be either fixed or replaced, just like any standard maintenance repair. The best models offer a bottle-filling option; this way, in addition to promoting hydration, the new fountains would also encourage students to be sustainable. It makes sense to carry a reusable bottle around when it is super convenient to, well, reuse it! I AM Green Co-President Ella McGrade ‘20 says that new fountains would increase the number of students who bring reusable bottles, be more

sanitary, and overall foster environmentally conscious behavior. “Limiting our plastic waste day by day gives us an opportunity to spark the change that should have happened years ago,” says I AM Green Co-President Elizabeth Duran ‘20.

The problem lies in the fact that these premier models can be very pricey. However, if a high-quality version were chosen, the fountains would pay for themselves, as they would last for years to come. They would be well worth the investment. However, how would we pay for them? The Molloy Instagram account (@Molloyhs) announced on November 7, 2019 that the air conditioning installments around the building will be completed during the summer of 2020. The next Walkathon fundraising project could be these brand-new water fountains! This project would directly benefit the students, making their lives easier every day while making Molloy more environmentally friendly.

This would require teamwork on the part of the students. Mr. Auer cited his concerns about even having bottles in the first place. “I’m worried about spills in the classroom and on the iPads.” So, students, listen up! If you want to keep the bottle rule in action, you need to be careful. Cooperation in donating to the Walkathon would also be necessary. If we are really united in this cause, we need to have each other’s backs!

The Stanner staff and I AM Green presidents all hope to see a better future for the Molloy Community and the environment, which includes the addition of new fountains. With this improvement, students would be encouraged to bring their own water bottles from home instead of increasing the amount of plastic waste. As Elizabeth Duran said, “Small actions like this can set an example for generations to come.”

The Stanner Says: Sip Up, Molloy! Students Call For Modern Water Fountains at AMHSby Haley Kirmaier ‘20 & Jade Rivera ‘20

Melissa Mohabir ‘21 fills up her reusable water bottle very slowly. Photo by Stephanie Mohabir ‘23.

A possible solution: the Elkay EZH2O Bottle Filling Station as seen at Hofstra University.

This year, the Walkathon, Molloy’s student fundraiser, made its rounds yet again. With it brought the annual discussion regarding the new t-shirt design, layers of clothing that should be worn, and for the seniors whether they were taking part in the Gameathon, Sportathon, Zumba, or World Trade Center Walk.

The Walkathon is a signature event at the start of every school year. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors alike all share in the two laps as a single student body. Enthusiasm for the Walkathon stems both from the early dismissal and subsequent day off as a result of students reaching the fundraising goal.

The Walkathon has greatly helped

with upgrades to the Molloy building and curriculum. From a new front entrance and lunch tables, to computers and the broadcast studio, the Walkathon has improved student life a lot. This year marks the final contribution from the Walkathon to the installation of the A/C system. For the past three years money raised by the Walkathon has gone toward getting a building-wide A/C system installed. What started as a few classrooms along Main Street now encompasses the front side along Manton Street, and its final phase will now include the rest of the building. By next year the entire building will have an A/C system all controlled by an app.

by Jake Temkin ’20 & James Galeno-Budion ‘20

Stanners Walk For A/C One More Time

A Walk To Remember: WTC Walk 2019 by Andie Ratilla ‘20

Every year, the senior class of Archbishop Molloy High School has the opportunity to choose the activity they want to do for the Walkathon. Recent options consist of participating in the regular walk, Zumba, the Gameathon, and the Sportathon. But a popular event that grows every year is the Walk to the World Trade Center.

The Walk to the World Trade Center was first founded by Br. Leo Richard over 25 years ago. For those who don’t know who Br. Leo is, he was the founder of Something More In Life’s Experience Club, or S.M.I.L.E. for short. Br. Leo would organize and lead Stanners to walk from our school’s campus all the way to the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan. The 12 mile walk gives students the opportunity to enjoy the company and conversation of others at a comfortable pace. It is a chance to make new friends and re-establish the connections of current ones. When Br. Leo passed away in 1995, the S.M.I.L.E. program was continued by the current Chair of Guidance and leader of S.M.I.L.E., Mr. Dougherty. The Walk to the World Trade Center was then made an option for seniors to participate in for the Walkathon in 2004. Today, Br. Leo’s legacy lives on as the number of participants for the walk increases year after year. The Class of 2020 surpassed previous records with 75 students walking, continuing Br. Leo’s legacy.

Some of you may ask, “Why would you put yourself through all that pain of walking when you can do the regular walk instead?” Well, you can hear it from the seniors themselves who went on the walk. Amparo Potenza ‘20 went on the walk and stated, “Though it did get a little tiring and my feet were hurting like crazy, I would have regretted not doing the Walk to the World Trade Center. It was a great experience from start to finish. Walking 12 miles with my friends was really fun and made me realize how much I will truly miss Molloy when I graduate.”

Julia Clarke ‘20 explained, “The WTC walk was like nothing I’ve ever done before. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to just walk with my friends for hours just talking and laughing. Everyone would ask me why I would walk almost 12 miles voluntarily. Honestly, it ended up being something I would love to do again.”

“Going into the walk I didn’t know what to expect. Since the moment we left the cafeteria the atmosphere, mindset, and attitude of everyone seemed to all lift. During the walk it was nothing but smiles and laughs along the way,” said Karolina Bednarowski ‘20.

“The walk was a great experience especially since there were so many people doing it this year. Getting to hear why we were walking and carry out that purpose of simply talking with friends and having an overall nice time was something pure. The view of the World Trade Center at the end was a great way to finish it all off as well,” said James Galeno-Budion ‘20.

Photography Club member and host of the Lunch Table Talk podcast, Daniel Ramirez ‘20, spoke about his experience saying, “Although it’s hard to accept that this is my final Walkathon, I couldn’t have asked for a more memorable experience. I’ve always considered the city to be beautiful in its own way so sharing this final walk with my friends in the greatest city in the world will be an experience I will never forget. It’s a tiring walk for

sure but trust me when I say it’s worth it in every way imaginable.”

One of Doc’s current peer groups leaders, Tudor Radu ‘20, embarked on the journey and expressed, “Though Molloy lost Br. Leo, his legacy still lives on to this day. I have not had the honor to meet Br. Leo, however the stories of him and the memories that many shared are nestled within the hearts of many and especially Mr. Dougherty. Taking on this superb mission of aiding students through a myriad of ways, such as leading SMILE, Mr. Dougherty is too leaving a mark on Stanners’ lives. From the laughter to the slight pain of the 12 miles, the WTC Walk was worth every single step. Not only was I able to engage with many people I have lost my connection to, but probably the most important part was that all the students and faculty came together as one. From sitting down eating pizza with my friends to stretching and to remembering Br. Leo every second was different and unforgettable. Being the largest group to walk to the WTC, it just goes to show how something that was initially started by Br. Leo, with only about 2-5 people in the beginning, developed into something much bigger. I am proud that I was able to embark on this journey and hope that many others will too.”

On a personal note, the Walk to the World Trade Center was such an unforgettable experience that I wish I could relive again. When I first discovered in my freshman year that the WTC Walk even existed, I told myself I would never want to put myself through all of that pain when I could easily just take the E train straight there. But as you start to mature and grow as an individual in high school, you start to realize that you should treasure the moments you share with your friends and take on as many opportunities as you can before it’s too late. The morning of the walk was a pretty rough start for me. I got up late because my alarm didn’t set off, I lost my Metrocard, and the trains were delayed. I was completely annoyed with everything and was not in the mood to walk 12 miles. As soon as the walk started, all my worries and troubles started to fade away. I was living in the moment with my friends, laughing and singing together as a group. It honestly felt that something was in the air that day that made each

and every single one of us feel proud to be Stanners walking to the World Trade Center in honor of Br. Leo. Once we finally reached the World Trade Center, I felt a sense of accomplishment that I walked those long, treacherous 12 miles with my friends together, marking a memory that will last forever. Though the post-walk pain was agonizing the next day, I would gladly do the walk again.

For my freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are reading this, please do consider signing up for the Walk to the World Trade Walk in your senior year. It truly was an experience like no other and I was so fortunate to have done it with my fellow graduating class. So when the time comes, go to Mr. Dougherty and sign up for the walk! You won’t regret it.

Photo by Stephanie Mohabir ‘23.

Pictured: The World Trade Center Walk hits Williamsburg and the Williamsburg Bridge. Photos by Mr. Sommo ‘03 & James Galeno-Budion ‘20.

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“It’s the most wonderful time of the year...” Yes, Thanksgiving and Christmas are around the corner, but there is an upcoming event you can’t miss. Coming to your very own high school, in the Ralph DeChario Theater, the Stanner Players will be presenting the evergreen classic, Little Women.

This fall production will be held on Thursday, November 21 at 2:30pm (for students and faculty only), Friday, November 22 and Saturday, November 23 at 7:00pm, and Sunday, November 24 at 2:00pm. The classic Little Women was inspired by author Louisa M. Alcott’s life. This story shows the life of the March girls, Meg (Erin Mardenborough ’20), Jo (Molly McGuinness ’22), Amy (Keren Elmore ’22) and Beth (Francesca Picarello ’23) while they struggle through the hardships of poverty, await the news of their father’s return from the Civil War, and enjoy the small joys of their childhood with their neighbor Laurie (Adrian Hernandez ’21).

Director Ms. Winters says that “People should come to see the show because Little Women is a classic story and even though it has been told over and over through various adaptations (there is actually a new movie coming out in December!), it still resonates with people. While set during the Civil War, the themes of family and friendship are ones that we all can relate to.” Sophomore

Keren Elmore, who plays Amy in Little Women, says that “I love this cast so much and my fellow March sisters really feel like family. It was so hard keeping a straight face in rehearsals, but somehow we got through it! My character is similar to me because I can be VERY dramatic when I want to be and a little paranoid. It was so much fun playing such a crazy, funny, and a little bratty character like Amy.” Freshman Francesca Picarello, who plays Beth, says that “Everyone not only has many things in common with their character, but it actually feels like a family on and off stage. Even though I’m a freshman and this is my first show with the Stanner Players, everyone is a great friend to each other and honestly I feel like I’ve known everyone in the cast and crew for a long time.” Both girls say that “Ms. Winters is an amazing director and makes the shows so successful and fun to be in.” They also are really excited to perform Little Women for the audience.

Tickets for this wonderful show are $5 for students and $10 for adults. So come down to the theater and show your Stanner support for this show!

See Ms. Winters for more information about reserving tickets, and follow @stannerplayers on Instagram for some behind the scenes action.

The Stanner Players Present: “Little Women”by Nikita Persaud ‘21

B! I! N! G! O! Who would have thought that Bingo, a game invented in 1530, commonly played in nursing homes, could be so much fun? On October 4th, at Archbishop Molloy High School, Bingo met music in an event called Radio Bingo. Molloy had never hosted Radio Bingo previously, however, the night proved to be a big success. Radio Bingo was a fundraiser for the Girls Leadership Scholarships Fund, which will help female students entering Molloy. Around $10,000 was raised!

The event, which was attended by students, family members, alumni, and faculty, involved a night of music, Bingo, dancing, raffles, and prize baskets. Radio Bingo is similar to “Name That Tune.” The DJ plays a song, and you would have to see if you have that song on your Bingo card, which was provided, and check it off. Once you got an entire row of songs checked off, you’d yell “Bingo!” and would receive a prize basket. That’s not all! There were mini games in between or during each Bingo round. For example, during one round, there was a group of attendees who got up and danced the Cotton Eye Joe, and after another round, there was a mini game that was similar to Hot Potato, but with a baton being passed around. Whoever ended up with the baton went up to the front of the stage and competed in a dance competition. One of the lucky people who ended up in the dance competition was Mr. Auer, who danced and was cheered on by Mr. Shannon!

Everyone who made this event possible, such as Ms. Safrey, Ms. Kobinski, Ms. Henning, and all the students and volunteers, did an amazing job and produced a great night. Personally, I had an amazing time, even if I didn’t get a Bingo. The atmosphere was welcoming, and all the activities were so much fun. The dancing, the music, and the people really made the night special. Hopefully Radio Bingo can return to Molloy in the future, and trust me, you won’t want to miss it!

Dance, Dance, Bingo!

Mass Amounts of Spiritby Ariana Spanopoulos ‘22 by Kongit Amaha ‘20 & Justin Batista ‘20. Photos by Daphne Camacho ‘22.

Photos by Ryan Plut ‘22, Sofia Drobinko ‘22 & Stephanie Mohabir ‘23.

Artwork by Abigail Mallia ‘23

This year’s Holy Spirit Mass was a touching experience for students and faculty alike. The Mass took place during the Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of the 3rd full week of school. As usual, the Holy Spirit Mass was a “welcome back” for many of our students and faculty, but was also a first welcome to some. For freshmen, it was their first time at Molloy joining together as a class. For sophomores, it was their first glimpse as to what their second year holds for them, as they start to feel more connected and a part of the Stanner family. For juniors, they were sent off with high hopes for the challenging year that lies ahead of them.

For seniors, it was one of the last times they would be together as a class before graduation and was a reminder to make the most of their last year of

high school. This sentimental Mass was coordinated by Molloy’s Liturgy Committee.

The theme of this year’s Holy Spirit Mass was to exemplify, through the symbol of a flame, the passions that burn within us. Students from every sophomore, junior, and senior homeroom were given the choice to participate in writing a word on drawings of a flame that represented something that inspired them. The flames were then taken up to the altar during the Mass and placed together, representing how, even if our individual passions are not the same, we all have something in our lives that drives us forward and motivates us to be the

best version of ourselves. The poster of a dove, representing peace, could be seen behind the altar during the Mass and served as a reminder that we should be accepting of everyone, even if the things that inspire them are different than our own. It was drawn by Rebecca Donowski ‘20 and Anna Kamienski ‘21. These spiritual symbols established the essence of this year’s Holy Spirit Mass and helped convey the message of finding what makes our own spirit shine.

One of the moderators of the Liturgy Committee, Mr. Sheehan, commented on what the committee wanted the students and faculty to take from this year’s Holy Spirit Mass. “Trust the spirit to meet them wherever they’re at and help them become their best selves.” This could be used to

help students and faculty make the best of their time at Molloy and help our school become an even more unique and purposeful environment.

If you liked the Holy Spirit Mass this year, you can always help coordinate the rest of the liturgies for the school year. Molloy’s liturgies are always a special experience for not only the current students and faculty, but also alumni, who will be seen at the Thanksgiving Liturgy on November 27th. Come and join the Liturgy Committee and help be an essential part of Molloy’s Marist community! Contact Mr. Sheehan ( jsheehan@molloyhs.org ) and Mr. Kramer ( jkramer@molloyhs.org ) for more information.

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In years past, students have used the time during their lunch period to hangout with their friends at their lockers and talk to teachers after class. With this introduction of a new rule, however, this could change.

The administration at Molloy has implemented a new rule that allows detentions to be given to students for arriving to the cafeteria late. The time allowed for students to go from their previous class to their lunch is about 10 minutes. A notice posted outside of the cafeteria says the exact time students should arrive at the cafeteria depending on when their lunch period starts. Although this might seem like a surprising and possibly bewildering new rule to many students, many teachers and faculty members would consider this a breath of fresh air.

According to the faculty, this decision was not an impromptu one. As Mr. Auer explains, “Teachers had been complaining that students were hanging out in the hallways causing disruptions during class.” In addition to this, Ms. Pastore also reiterates that “Students should not be loitering in the hallways when they are supposed to be at lunch. Classes should not be disrupted by noise in the hallways.” When asked whether or not this decision has affected students, Mr. Auer said “So far, we’ve given no detentions for lateness. Teachers also haven’t been complaining, so that’s good.”

Many students are not keen on this new rule. Elias Tirado ’21 argues “Sometimes you need to take that time to use the bathroom or talk with a teacher after class. What happens if you need to do something that is an emergency and you don’t have time to make it to the lunch room?” Although many students are upset with this, could this new rule affect most of them? One anonymous student said “I really don’t think this rule is that big of a deal. People still use their time to use the bathroom and hang out at lockers, without being late to lunch.” Ms. Pastore added “Students will be more mindful about how to use the time they have to get

to lunch,” and that so far, “very few if any late passes have been given.” It could be argued that as the year progresses, more students will start to get detention, but we’ll have to wait and see. For now, students should do their best to avoid detention by getting to the cafeteria as soon as they can.

Jake Temkin is a charismatic, spirited and friendly Stanner and Spirit Leader who has always been successful in all the opportunities he was given. During his time at Molloy he has won an award for Model UN in his freshman year and he was chosen to be a counselor at Freshman Camp since his sophomore year. He also loves leading Esopus retreats and

he makes a lot of fun memories with his friends there. Not only does he enjoy Esopus, he also enjoys leading the Mock Trial Team. Participating in Mock Trial has given him an opportunity to explore his future in law. “Like my grandfather, I have wanted to become a lawyer since I was 4 years old. This is an aspiration that I hope to pursue in my future. Even today, I enjoy leading the Molloy Mock Trial Team and continue to have a strong interest in law.” He hopes to attend Georgetown University and Law School to accomplish his goal. He also is a member of the Stanner Newspaper and Photography Club, Sci-Fi Club, the Stanner Players and Theater Arts and Improv Club. “I enjoy participating in the Stanner Players to embrace my creative side. It is also fun to spend time with the cast and crew and collaboratively put on a great show.” When he’s not busy with Mock Trial he usually trains young kids in martial arts, which he has a strong passion for. Despite the numerous volunteering and service programs he has already done at Molloy, such as, Briarwood Shelter, National Honor Society, and SMCS, he hopes to go with the SMCS to El Paso before he graduates. Jake encourages his friends and Stanners to get involved at Molloy. “Take as many opportunities as possible! You only have four years. Don’t leave yourself thinking ‘what if ?’”

Jomara “Jojo” Voltus is a determined and loving person who gives her absolute best in every situation. She has been a dedicated member of Molloy’s Dance Team since freshman year, and plans to own a dance company one day. Jomara’s biggest inspiration is her brother

Peter, who has been an amazing role model her entire life. Jomara speaks Haitian Creole and is very proud of her heritage. She loves dancing, reading, and writing. Her favorite subject is English, specifically with Mr. McKenna in sophomore year. In his class, Jomara read some of the most exciting books of her young life such as All American Boys and The Glass Castle.“The unique teaching style of Mr. McKenna provided me with lessons and knowledge I can use throughout my life.” Mr. Kilkelly had the greatest impact on Jomara during her time at Molloy. “Mr. Kilkelly used philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche and books like Waiting for Godot to teach us how and why we view life the way we do.” Mr. Kilkelly changed her way of thinking in an unexpected way. He always got his point across in a way that resonated with every student in the class, especially Jomara.

Jomara’s fondest memories at Molloy are performing at the Friday night basketball games. It is something she looks forward to after a long week of school. Molloy has given her the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of people. “Molloy has allowed me to come in contact with various people with different outlooks on life. Molloy has taught me how to use the advantages given to me to succeed in life.” Jomara plans to attend Howard University or SUNY College at Brockport to major in dance or exercise science.

Dear Jomara: Your friends wish you success in your future endeavors. All of the tools you need to prosper in the world have been instilled in you, and you will continue to gain knowledge along the way. You will always have a family at Molloy. This is for life!

Who is Daniel Ramirez-Mendez? Well, he’s the Stanner who hosts Molloy’s podcasts, Lunch Table Talk and AMHS After Hours, and he makes the Highlight Reels on the morning broadcasts. During Daniel’s free time, he brings forth his creative side and edits videos, designs logos, and in general finds

new ways to expand his creativity. Daniel is also a Campus Ministry Leader and a member of the Photography Club, Broadcasting Club, Sci-Fi Club, and Lunch Table Talk (LTT) Podcast Network. He enjoys working with Campus Ministry because it allows him to view Marist culture and the overall impact it has on the Molloy community in a new way. The majority of his favorite memories come from his time at Esopus with his friends. “I remember on my junior retreat I was in small groups in the pumpkin room and we were all telling ghost stories. Out of nowhere Mr. Germano barges into the room to tell us we had 5 minutes left and in the process scared my whole group out of their seats. I joke about this with him to this day!” This November he will be one of the leaders at the Junior Esopus Retreat. Besides being a CML, he enjoys running the LTT Podcast. “It’s just a fun time where I get to sit down with a friend and a faculty member and we have some very thoughtful and interesting conversations. It brings out a side to the teacher that you normally might not get in a classroom setting.” Speaking of classes, Daniel has enjoyed all of his English classes during his time at Molloy. “I still look back fondly of my memories in Mr. Kilkelly’s freshman year English class. In grade school I hated English, but there was something about the way KK taught and interjected real world issues and experiences to help covey his message to the class. His teaching style set the tone for my time at Molloy and I am still very close to him.” Daniel will dearly miss the bonds he has created at Molloy. Before he leaves he would like to go on an I AM Green trip, and he advises his freshman brother and other fellow Stanners to “Use your talents for good and use them to try and help others if they’re ever going through a rough time. One of the greatest compliments I’ve received from everything I do here at Molloy is that I’ve managed to use the talents I have to give back to others. I never wanted to host the podcast or make the highlight reels that I do just for the views or the attention, all I want is to make people happy with the skills I’ve possessed throughout the years. I try and live by the line ‘I hope I made you smile, thats all I ever wanted’ and thats how I want to be remembered, someone who made you smile even if it was for a brief moment.” From coming into Molloy with no clue what to expect, to growing into a proud Stanner, Daniel learned to view the world from different perspectives due in part to the large range of diverse people in the community. “My life would be completely different if I didn’t go to Molloy.” Now, he will take the skills and lessons he has learned and achieve his dream of becoming the head of a marketing division for a company, but after majoring in Marketing and Advertising and minoring in Communications, he wouldn’t mind coming back to Molloy and working in some capacity.

Follow @lunchtabletalkpodcast on Instagram or search it on Soundcloud!

by Kamara Nyahuma ‘21 & Nikita Persaud ‘21

New Lunch Rule: Will It Affect Students? by Tessa Cooke ‘21

Don’t be late to lunch! Photo by Sabrina Piekarski ‘21.

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Ms. Helen Belén-Kelly Where did you study? FIT- Fashion Institute of Technology where I received my B.A in Liberal Arts. What is your job here at Molloy? Administrative Assistant for the Main Office and Guidance Department. Are you involved with any clubs or teams? At the moment no, but I hope to get involved in the near future. What is your favorite thing about Molloy so far? Daily interactions with Stanners. The kids are always well-spoken when they come to the General Office and the students, faculty and administrators have been overwhelmingly welcoming. Ms. Nicole Nowak ‘08Where did you study? Dominican College where I received a degree in secondary education with a concentration in mathematics. What is your job here at Molloy? Teaching

Algebra 1 and Algebra 2. Are you involved with any clubs or teams? I am the head coach of both JV and Varsity Volleyball. What is your favorite thing about Molloy so far? The extremely kind and welcoming students and staff. As a member of Molloy alumni, how does it feel to be back? “I love being back at Molloy for both coaching and teaching. Coaching the sport I loved to play at my high school is a special feeling but now teaching here really makes me feel like I am home.”Mr. Larry Reilly Where did you study? I graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a B.A in Forensic Psychology. Within 2 weeks of graduating, I began serving in the U.S. Army as an I.T. Analyst for high level Generals. I served for four years and am currently at Queens College for my second Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. I also

Q&A With New Teachers by Maggie Kelly ’22

Continued on page 8.

Freshman year of high school may be one of your most challenging academic years, but it’s not impossible. High school is a big adjustment from middle school. Teachers aren’t chasing after you to submit late assignments. It is your responsibility to complete your work in a timely fashion. The workload and curriculum is much harder in ninth grade. Here are a few tips to help you be successful in this first challenging year of high school.

Tip #1: Time management. There are only 24 hours in a day, eight of which you should be sleeping. Six hours are spent in class. Making a schedule is a good way to ensure your time is used wisely. It doesn’t necessarily have to be written down, just allot a specific time for things such as homework and screen time. Always do homework first! You’ll pick up your phone to watch a couple Tik Toks, next thing you know an hour has gone by and you’ve accomplished nothing. Your schedule should be similar to this: come home, do homework, eat dinner, screen time, then study. Don’t use the late hours of the night to catch up on All American or Grey’s Anatomy. You need sleep, it’s your body’s chance to recover from a long, taxing day. There are some nights when you must stay up late studying, but when

you get the chance, go to bed early. Sleep is your best friend, don’t take it for granted!

Tip #2: Balancing school and extracurriculars. Being a member of clubs and sports teams is fantastic, but don’t let it negatively impact your academics. Yes, extracurriculars and volunteer work looks good on your transcript, but not at the expense of your grades. You should be strong in every aspect of school. Don’t obligate yourself to more than you can handle. Being a part of four clubs and two teams is unrealistic if you’re not prepared for the time commitment. Start off slowly, and gradually take on more responsibility. Colleges want the whole package. A well-rounded student who has achieved academic excellence.

Tip #3: Take care of yourself. Don’t stress about things you can’t change. If you didn’t study for a test, try your best and don’t let it happen again. Stress ruins your mood and causes wrinkles you shouldn’t have at fourteen years old. Take a day out of the week to do something for yourself. Watch a movie, hang out with your friends, just do something fun. High school isn’t supposed to take over your entire life...just most of it. If you find yourself in a bad headspace, remember this is only a few years out of your long life. In the end, you will reap the benefits of your hard work. Make sure to put yourself first and do what’s in your best interest.

Tip #4: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you don’t understand something, ask your teacher. Raising your hand in class doesn’t make you appear dumb, it makes you smart. You’re acknowledging your confusion and addressing it. If you don’t understand a subject, secure a tutor. There’s nothing wrong with asking for assistance. What do you think Peer Tutors are there for? President Barack Obama once said, “Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. It shows you have the courage to admit when you don’t know something, and to learn something new.”

If you follow these four tips to survive freshman year, you will be successful. Your Molloy family is always here for you. These four years of high school will go by in the blink of an eye; cherish every moment.

Surviving Freshman Yearby Kamara Nyahuma ‘21

Above: First day of school for freshmen, 2019.Photo by Mr. Sommo ‘03.

At Molloy, there are over 60 clubs, ranging from the Sci-Fi Club to the Spanish Club. However, there is one club that seems to stand out from the rest. After 25 years, this club has been brought back, ready to make its grand appearance. This club is none other than the Speech and Debate Club. This club is a great start for those who are interested in public speaking, politics or law. Not only that, it helps to build up confidence and intelligence. About 2-3 times a month there will be competitions on Saturdays at different schools. For these competitions there are different events, which range from public speaking to debates. One of these events is Public Forum, which is a 2-on-2 debate about a topic that those four people have been given already. Another event is Original Oratory, which is a 10 minute speech about your choice of topic that can be delivered through memorization or by reading your speech on stage. The moderator of this club, Mr. Reilly, is not only well spoken, but is willing to help out the club members with what event they will be doing. Speech and Debate really helps with English, as it challenges you to strengthen your writing and presentation abilities in order for them to be more formal. So, if you want to test yourself through knowledge of facts and speaking in front of an audience, then this club is the right fit for you!

Club Spotlight: Speech & Debateby Ryan Curran ‘22

Have you ever looked through the window of a bakery or pastry shop and wondered: “how are these delicacies made?” Learn how to make various desserts in Molloy’s Baking Club! Members of the club learn how to play around with flavor combinations and make interesting creations. No, you do not need experience to join the Baking Club. You could know absolutely nothing about baking and still participate. The moderator for the Baking Club is Ms. Pastore. If you are interested in joining the Baking Club and haven’t done so already, ask Ms. Pastore for the Edmodo code. She can be found in room 123.

The Baking Club has two competitions after school in the student cafeteria: a Christmas Cupcake Wars and an Easter Cupcake Wars. Apart from the competitions, the Baking Club meets every one to two months to bake around minor holidays like Halloween and Valentine’s Day. Due to the lack of space, there are a limited number of spots regarding the number of people that can participate in both Cupcake Wars and the regular baking meetings. During competitions, faculty judge each team’s cupcakes based on appearance, taste, creativity, and relevance to the theme. The club also occasionally bakes items for special school events. On October 30th, the Baking Club met in the teachers cafeteria to make pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies. Joining the Baking Club is a great way to make new friends and improve your baking skills!

Club Spotlight: Baking Clubby Aaliyah Germano ‘22

The act of volunteerism isn’t something that can be taught, but something that you experience. Molloy offers so many ways to give back, one of our most popular opportunities being Esopus. Mr. Dougherty and Brother Pat Hogan had the idea of taking the passion of service that our Stanners have and taking it beyond our homes of Briarwood and Esopus. The St. Marcellin Champagnat Society has traveled both nationally and internationally making a difference in so many lives. France, Peru, Nicaragua, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, New Orleans, Massachusetts and soon El Paso are some of the places that the St. Marcellin Champagnat Society has offered their services. During these trips the students have built homes, done light construction, worked in soup kitchens and played and bonded with adults and children with disabilities. The purpose of this group is to introduce our Stanners to various forms of service. “It’s also an incredible way to broaden our perspectives while being very Marist” says Mr. Doughery. Although they take international trips they also stay close to home and recently cooked and served meals at the Ronald McDonald House. The house serves as a home away from home for families who have loved ones being treated in the hospital next

door. It’s not always easy for families to access meals while running back and forth from the hospital so the St. Marcellin Champagnat Society provided those meals.

Giving back to those who are in need makes you appreciate what you have so much more. The St. Marcellin Champagnat Society gives Stanners a chance to make a difference in the world around them. This year they are providing their services in El Paso, Texas. This trip is strictly for sophomores and up. During the trip students will be encountering and ministering to migrant, refugee or vulnerable immigrant persons in shelters, guest houses and/or parishes. They also will meet with people and organizations that serve the El Paso region along with participating in workshops on Catholic Social Teaching. And finally the students will participate in personal and group reflections and regular community evening prayer.

It may not seem like much but these small actions will leave an everlasting impact on our students and the people of El Paso. We each get the opportunity to be the change we wish to see in the world. No matter how big or how small, no act of kindness ever goes unnoticed.

SMCS Lends A Handby Cayla Kumar ‘20

THE STANNER - VOL LXIII - NO.1

Editors-In-Chief:

Design Staff:

Moderators:

Publishers:

Sadie Lozano-Mieles ‘20Olga Mavridis ‘20

Esther Kim ‘20Sadie Lozano-Mieles ‘20Olga Mavridis ‘20Nikita Persaud ‘21

Ms. Laura Angotta ‘07Mr. Joe Sommo ‘03

Mr. Richard Karsten ‘81Dr. Darius Penikas, Ed.D

5

by Maggie Kelly ’22

Continued on page 8.

Four hundred nervous incoming Freshmen stepped into Archbishop Molloy as students for the first time ever. Now, almost three months later, these Freshmen feel as if they have been going to Molloy forever.

Grace Murariu, coming from a graduating class of 17 from St. Joseph’s, said that Molloy was the best choice. On the first day of school, she recalls, she had to spend an hour after school trying to figure out how to open her locker. Within a week, she became more adjusted toward classes, teachers, and schedules, and began to recognize friendly faces in the halls. “Molloy has been a huge change, but even within the massive hallways and crowds of people rushing by, it has become a close-knit community/family.”

Charlie Chelstowski, from Our Lady of Hope, graduated with 45 classmates, which was not as dramatic of a change, but a big change nevertheless. He likes his teachers, his schedule, and the food. He does not find Molloy overwhelming, and does not regret coming here. “Molloy is a great experience. There’s lots of opportunities!”

Anthony LaRussa also came from Our Lady Of Hope. He has enjoyed his time here at Molloy. He finds some teachers challenging, but loves the baseball team (he wants to thank his coach, Mr. Laible!). He says, “To quote Lebron James, ‘You have to able to accept failure to get better.’”

Francesca Picarello, who came from a graduating class of 25 at St. Mel’s, says that even though it’s only been two months, it already feels like home. She already feels like doing activities, getting involved, and making friends. Surprisingly, she says, she made friends quickly, including some upperclassmen! “Now I understand why they say ‘Not for school, but for life.’ Molloy is not a school. It’s a family.”

Michael Gevero, who graduated from Holy Family Catholic Academy with 17 classmates. He says he loves the supportive attitudes of the students and the teachers. However, he does admit the cafeteria line is quite long! “It’s only been three months,” he says. “There’s still a lot to explore!”

Meghan O’Malley came from the graduating class at Our Lady of Mercy. Although she finds the work a little challenging, she loves the Molloy atmosphere. She has met many people and very many close friends.

Sasha Vaynberg, from a class of 31 from Irwin Altman Middle School 172, admits the switch from a public school to a private school was a big change. At first, she found it confusing, but within a week, she was fully adjusted. To her fellow Freshmen, she says, “Don’t do anything you will regret.”

As seen from the students above, many Freshmen love their experience at Archbishop Molloy so far. From September 4th to now, the Freshmen think Molloy is a very good environment where you can make a lot of friends. Molloy is a family, so make sure to keep the good attitude going, and don’t be afraid to get involved! Try to make the most of your experience here at Molloy. Remember, Stanners: Non scholae sed vitae!

Freshman Reflectionby Magdalen Saffian ’23

The Stanner is officially Archbishop Molloy’s student newspaper for 75 years and continues to highlight the important stories students need to know, as well as continuing the years of student journalism at Molloy. Even if it means to question the rules, or to report on the good and bad news, The Stanner has been there to do that; however, The Stanner was not always main source of news for students.

It started as a newspaper called “The Academy News” first published in May of 1914 while the school was still known as St. Ann’s Academy. Unfortunately, The Academy News ended in Volume IV of the May-June issue of 1922. Fortunately, it soon became St. Ann’s Monthly. It contained a front-page foreword called “An Appeal” that was written by the students working on St. Ann’s Monthly from the class of 1922. This foreword was written for Stanners to be assured that St. Ann’s Monthly would be an even greater version of what The Academy News was.

St. Ann’s Monthly brought so many different things to the table that made it special. It contained poetry, cartoon strips, jokes, an opportunity in its literary magazine for journalists to critique other high school newspapers, and of course, the news. New Yorkers were encouraged to submit advertisements for their businesses in St. Ann’s Monthly (they did have to pay to do this). These advertisements varied from opticians to even licensed plumbers! St. Ann’s Monthly would go on until Volume XVII when its name was changed to The Beehive. The Beehive was very similar to its predecessor, but it also presented a photograph on the front page of each issue that acknowledged extraordinary faculty members and students. The Beehive’s last issue was published in 1944, but that wasn’t the end of it. In 2010, an alumni newsletter was created and named The Beehive, honoring our roots as well as the original Beehive. The new Beehive is still here and can be found on our school’s website!

With the end of the original Beehive

came the founding of The Stanner in 1944 with its first moderator, Br. Felix, and editors James Flanagan, Robert Healy, and Peter Matthews. The Stanner has decades of articles, with each one being unique. There were humorous articles like the “Frosh Survival Guide” containing tips for innocent freshmen that were written in the first issue of most years, and another article headlined “Molloy Myth Busters,” written by Sarah Rodriguez ’18, and Uma Mohan ’18 in the Winter issue of 2017. It contained the debunking of various myths created by Stanners over the years with one of them including the questioning of ghosts haunting Esopus. Other Stanners felt the need to write restaurant reviews in an article series called “Fooducation” with the end of the article containing a recipe. Some articles welcomed new faculty members including Mr. Penikas becoming Molloy’s new principal in the fall issue of 2015 with the headline, “Stanner High Appoints Mr. Penikas as Principal” written by Peter Maisano ‘16, Sargam Mehra ’16. Other articles focused on politics such as the article “Can American Exceptionalism Be Regained?” written by Alexander Gellos ’20. Writers of the Stanner were even able to interview famous people such as MAD magazine’s publisher, William M. Gaines, in the March issue of 1975, and the anchors Roland Smith and Dave Marash of the local CBS news team in the February issue of 1975. Many other articles written over the years informed Stanners of events such as Walkathons, Freshmen Field Days, and plays by the Stanner Players. The Stanner continues on with this issue with many more articles adding to its vast history.

The Stanner will still be here to exist as a powerful tool for creativity and writing, and as Molloy’s 1944 yearbook states, “The Stanner has succeeded in feeling and recording the trend of student opinion, functions and enterprise.” We, the staff of The Stanner, hope to continue this trend. So here is to another 75 years of The Stanner!

To Another 75 Years!

Better Brinkmanship Than Chickenship

by Kevin Diep ‘23

Left: The Stanner staff in 1944 working on a typewriter. Right: Students reading The Stanner outside St. Ann’s Academy in 1950.

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” - Ronald Reagan

The United States is an exceptional and unique place unlike any other, with a role to transform and better the world. We are inherently different from other nations. Ours is the only nation ever founded on an idea - liberty. We were not founded on a common ethnic or religious heritage, or bound to the whims of an absolute ruler. Our republic is, in Lincoln’s words “conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” The frontier spirit that is inextricably part of our national fabric - that spirit of determination and destiny has propelled every great American enterprise. This is why America is the “land of opportunity” - an unrelenting sense of optimism, individuality, and faith can accomplish anything. The United States is, and always will be the greatest country in the history of the world. So, what should this nation’s foreign policy be? To me, it’s simple. Freedom is the right of every human being. America can, and must, ensure that fundamental truth. The spread of democracy and human rights must be paramount.

Currently, the world and our foreign policy stand in chaos. The current administration has forsaken America’s example to the world, abandoned her allies, and allowed the rule of dictators and march of tyranny to continue unchecked. How can this be rectified?

Strengthening NATO must be our first aim, as it is indispensable for the protection of freedom. Admitting key allies such as Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Israel into NATO should be done as soon as possible.

Our military should be superior, not equal to those of our enemies. Increasing military spending, improving our capabilities, and a policy of peace through strength are essential. While we should continue to shoulder the responsibility of defending peace and freedom, our allies must do their part as well. The free world must be prepared for any eventuality. Russia, one of our greatest enemies, is one example. Vladimir Putin has denied the Russian people their rights to freedom and liberty, annexed the Crimean peninsula and waged a proxy war on Ukraine. Further, he has provided a lifeline to Assad’s murderous regime in Syria. Most importantly, he has attacked our democratic process. Supporting Russia’s democratic movements, imposing sanctions on Putin’s cronies and economy, and deploying troops and nuclear weapons to Europe are only small steps forward, but steps forward nonetheless.

The Middle East has long been the world’s most troubled region. The cornerstone of a successful policy there depends on our support for an important ally, the state of Israel. The only true democracy in the region is under constant threat from Saudi Arabia and Iran. Two of the world’s most totalitarian regimes, they are responsible

for human rights abuses and terrorist support across the world. We must do everything in our power to promote democracy in the Middle East.

Communist China represents perhaps the greatest threat to freedom in this century. One of the world’s most repressive tyrannies, the communists have oppressed the people of mainland China for seven decades. They are suppressing Hong Kong’s demands for liberty. They are waging a genocide against 11 million Uighur Muslims. They threaten our allies, Taiwan in particular. We must recognize Taiwan as China’s legitimate government, not a regime that denies its people their god-given rights through terror and brutality. China has further influeced large companies such as the NBA, Nike and Disney to prioritize business interests over Americanism. As long as communism remains fixated on conquering the world,

the free world cannot rest. America’s role and duty in the world

is subject to our identity: a shining city on a hill, the last best hope of Earth, a beacon of liberty for all the world to follow. Under America’s leadership, the world has enjoyed peace, stability, and progress. When tyrants and dictators perpetuate evil upon their captive peoples, we cannot stand idly by and accept it. We must again become, in the words of Barry Goldwater, “freedom’s missionaries in a doubting world.” The United States has both the strength and the will to defend its values - the preservation, expansion, and victory of freedom, everywhere on Earth.

by Alexander Gellos ‘20

The political opinions expressed on pages 6 and 7 are those of the authors and do not represent The Stanner as a whole.

Political Op-Ed

6

It’s that time of year again. That time of year when everyone comes up with an attempt to once again thwart Trump’s presidency. Those attempts always fail. The Trump presidency has fallen prey to another scandal, which has become a recurring theme for the presidency. The scandal involves Trump’s communications with Ukraine and its president, Volodymyr Zelensky, since it seems like its never good for a Republican, especially Trump, to communicate with another country’s leader.

Trump has early history with the Ukrainian government, since he accused them of assisting Hillary Clinton in her presidential campaign and taking bribes from Joe Biden. The “witch hunt” of Russia and Trump in the 2016 election allowed the Democrats to cover up this new witch hunt? Nice. These communications between Trump and Ukraine were never brought into light, as the US and Ukraine are allies and nothing major was considered to be “scandalous” during that time. But now, people have blown the whistle and everyone in the White House is panicking, as they expectedly call for the impeachment of Trump. The complaints of the whistleblowers surface, in which they say that Trump is soliciting interference from Ukraine in the 2020 election and producing dirt on Joe Biden.

Shortly after this surfaced, the savior of the Democrats, Nancy Pelosi, called for an impeachment inquiry. I credit Pelosi and the Democrats for not giving

up on trying to get Trump impeached, but why would they rather have Pence as president? That should scare them more than a re-election of President Trump. Recently, the transcripts of the testimony by Marie Yovanovitch, former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, and Micheal McKinley, a former top aide to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, were released and supposedly “highlight the ‘contamination’ of American foreign policy by allies of the president.” Yovanovitch accuses Rudy Giuliani, former mayor of New York and now an attorney to Trump, of trying to get her replaced as he and former Ukrainian prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko “had plans to do things.” As Pelosi and Democrats attempt to impeach Trump once again, the inquiry is yet to be resolved as more testimonies occur.

In the aftermath of the Mueller investigation and the cultivation of this impeachment inquiry, the Trump presidency has been the target of “bullying”. There’s no way a president should have to be going through this much controversy and scandals just because people don’t like him. It’s obvious Democrats and others have disliked Trump since he began running for president, and they’ve shown this “Presidential Bullying” by consistently twisting his words, criticizing his policies, and forcing him into situations that he probably shouldn’t be in. I agree with the notion that President Trump has said things that sound a little insane, but his presidency hasn’t

been the worst thing in the world. He’s been beneficial to the country, he has acted

on his words and promises, and he’s done the best he can while undergoing a total war that the Democrats have declared on him. The Democrats are trying too hard on impeaching Trump because they know Biden, Sanders, or Warren would easily defeat Pence. This 2020 Democratic race has been what most expected it to be; Candidates badgering at each other about which policies are best and criticizing President Trump. Joe Biden has the best chance to defeat Trump, because of his vice presidency with Obama, as he gained popularity with that position. Bernie Sanders most likely has the second best chance. He babbles about free college and legalizing marijuana, but his policies create a divide among some Americans. Elizabeth Warren, another notable candidate, is has similar views as Sanders. Mayor Pete, Kamala Harris, Tulsi Gabbard, Cory Booker, etc present challenges, but have no real chance in competing against Trump and formed New York mayor Michael Bloomberg is possibly joining the race as well. I have no comment on this decision.

As yet another possible “witch hunt” gains steam and the Democratic candidates badger each other, Donald Trump is still in Washington D.C.

The Democrats Go Hunting by Sebastian Germosen ‘20

by Max Ortof ‘22

Just for a moment picture a teen who can change the world, what do they look like? Are they confident or athletic? Quiet and nerdy? Do they look like your best friend, your girlfriend or maybe just maybe, you think they could be you? Well you’re probably right but in this case they look like a 16-year-old Swedish girl with Aspergers.

Greta Thunberg has exploded to the forefront as a leader for the youth climate movement. Thunberg gained international recognition when she gave a speech at the UN Climate Summit (which President Trump barely attended and didn’t take even a little seriously) pointing out that the youth shouldn’t be wasting our childhoods worrying we are going to have a ruined environment by the time we are adults. Thunberg’s career began when she won the climate essay challenge for a Swedish newspaper, but she didn’t stop there. Thunberg started the ‘Fridays for Future” movement, where students skip school on Fridays to protest the lack of government action on climate change. From there her career skyrocketed faster than… maybe anyone ever? Thunberg went from a protesting Swedish girl to speaking at the U.N., being nominated for the Nobel Prize and speaking to the Pope. While these achievements are astronomical for anyone, let alone someone our age, Thunberg is far from perfect. The Good: Thunberg has one thing above all else: motivation. According to Thunberg it is too late for debate, we need action. This idea, which has been a common point talking point from climate-concerned politicians like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is exactly what students in Europe are looking for after a record heatwave devastated the European continent. The young activist has also spared no country from her crusade on the climate crisis, even calling out her home of Sweden and the rest of the Nordic countries which often boast they consume less. They don’t. They consume way more than the developed world per capita.

This single-minded drive has made Thunberg excellent at motivating teens. Thunberg successfully mobilized students in over 180 countries for the biggest climate protest in history, as well as leading a climate strike right here in good ‘ol New York, New York. It’s a common stereotype that the youth don’t care enough to leave the house and protest yet Thunberg has an incredible ability to inspire teens everywhere to take action. Time will tell if this will move world leaders to action, but or even if the momentum will keep up but even if it doesn’t the fact that it got this far is a testament to the Swedish Activist’s dedication.The Bad: Unfortunately with that single-minded drive

seemingly comes a lack of problem-solving. Thunberg is essentially the opposite of senator Warren, in that Thunberg doesn’t “have a plan.” Thunberg’s plan has mostly been about that “we have the ability to stop global warming so why don’t we?” As cathartic as that is to hear for an eco-obsessed liberal such as myself, it isn’t true. Not by a long shot, and even if it was it would look radically different then from what most of us on the left would call a utopia, or what anyone would really. We have the potential to drastically reduce pollution of all kinds but we need a plan. This however often sidesteps the biggest problem with climate reform: “what does that mean for me?” It’s often a hard question to find a straight answer let me try to clarify it. The Ugly: The climate crisis is real and man-made whether we like it or not. Instead of taking a look at the reality of the climate crisis, it’s important to take a look at what political action to help the Earth means for you, the average American. First off, yes, reform is going to cause an increase in taxes. Newsflash, that’s how the world works. You want a sandwich? Pay for it. You want a healthy planet? Pay for it. This is an unfortunate but unavoidable reality… in the short-term. In the long-term, moving to renewable energy would be cheaper than oil because we don’t have to make trade deals to harness clean energy, we don’t have to mine it and we don’t have to power giant oil tankers to use it. With more infrastructure renewable energy can be an aggressively cheaper option, but we have to invest in it now if we want to save money in the future, just like a normal investment plan. Nobody wants to pay taxes, but political action is the only way to stop devastating natural disasters from wrecking our globe. Or maybe not.

The most common problem with The Climate Crisis is that it’s treated as a partisan issue; it’s not. We all want clean air, we all want clean water, and we all want to be able to live our lives without worrying about our ecological impact. In America the Democrats have made themselves the climate party and Republicans have been iffy on the issue. Now, I’m a liberal so I want the Dems in power, and maybe you don’t; but this doesn’t mean we can’t fight climate change together. Every issue ultimately comes down to the individual so there are things we can do as individuals to fight it. Plastic in the ocean has been a big talking point recently so if we want clean oceans we need to cut down on plastic, this means we are going to have to stop using straws or try to support brands that package with less plastic, or try to avoid takeout or simply ask for no plastic cutlery or

ketchup packets. If we want to fight the climate crisis we will have to cut down on how much meat we eat and try taking public transport or carpooling or encouraging our parents to switch to solar or buying electric cars. I won’t pretend these will be some easy changes, I have had lots of trouble cutting down on my meat intake, but if we can work together and all change our habits just a little we can have a big impact. Or, better yet. if we do want laws in place we have to ask our Republican lawmakers to work with Democrats and come up with a solution together, instead of Dems bulldozing in a Green New Deal.

The planet is heading toward unparalleled ecological disasters and the oceans are full of our trash, but if it’s not hopeless. It’s never hopeless. We just have to take action. So we can make changes that can benefit both ourselves and the planet or suffer the consequences. Decide for yourself, but I know what I’m choosing.

Greta Thunberg and the Climate Crisis: The Time is Now

Pictured above: Stanners attend a climate rally in New York City in summer 2019. Greta Thunberg served as a guest speaker at this rally.

Political Op-Ed

Political Op-Ed

7

plan to apply for a Masters degree in Teaching. What is your job here at Molloy? Teaching Intro to Computer Science. Are you involved with any clubs or teams? I am the moderator for both Speech and Debate Team and the Robotics Club. What is your favorite thing about Molloy so far? The genuine feeling of family and faith. The teachers and the students have a sense of excitement about what they are teaching and learning and compassion towards each other and the school’s goals. Ms. Julianne Keyes ‘09Where did you study? I received both my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Mathematics from St. John’s University. I also have an Advanced Certificate in Mathematics from Hunter College. What is your job here at Molloy? Teaching Algebra 1 and Algebra 2. Are you involved with any clubs or teams? I am one of the assistant coaches for the Varsity Softball team. What is your favorite thing about Molloy so far? The students who are hard working and the faculty, staff and administration who have all been very supportive as I make my transition back to Molloy. As a member of Molloy alumni, how does it feel to be back? “Being back at Molloy truly feels like being home. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” Mr. John Titone Where did you study? St. John’s University for Mathematics. What is your job here at Molloy? Teaching Algebra 1 and Geometry. Are you involved with any clubs or teams? Unfortunately not yet. What is your favorite thing about Molloy so far? How well the school is run. The staff is friendly and the students are well-mannered and respectful.

Ms. Mary Kate McCaughey Where did you study? I did both my undergraduate and graduate studies at Fordham University. I double majored in Philosophy and Urban Studies as an undergrad, and studied Counseling as a grad student. What is your job here at Molloy? I am a new guidance counselor who has both freshman and sophomore homerooms, as well as being the coordinator for accommodations and special services. Are you involved with any clubs or teams? Not yet but I hope to in the near future. What is your favorite thing about Molloy so far? The traditions and rich history of the school and being part of such a close, welcoming community. Ms. Deirdre Garahan Where did you study? I received my Bachelors of Science degree in Physics and a concentration in Mathematics from the University of Mary Washington as well as a Masters in Secondary Science Education from Marymount University. What is your job here at Molloy? Teaching Honors Physics. Are you involved with any clubs or teams? I coach Science Olympiad. What is your favorite thing about Molloy so far? The students and the administration. They have all been so supportive and welcoming as I get settled here.Señor Bronsen Stoltz Where did you study? I received my undergraduate degree in Spanish with studies in French and German in California during which I studied abroad in Argentina, Germany, and France. I then moved to Bangkok, Thailand and taught Spanish for 5 years at a private Thai University with former Thai Ambassadors. What is your job here at Molloy? I teach Spanish here at Molloy. “I hope that at the end of the year, the students learn not only how to confidently speak, read and write the language but also how to think, feel and most importantly live the language of Spanish.”

Teacher Q&Aby Maggie Kelly ‘22 Continued

“NO!” Percy yelled. “I said the school library!”

“Well, you didn’t specify! How was I supposed to know?” Briar said, exasperated. “Briarwood Library, school library. Same thing!”

Evelyn rolled her eyes, trying to block out her friends’ constant griping. She had a story to write, and she was not going to be distracted.

“Actually, I did . It’s not my fault that you don’t know how to listen.” Percy then turned back to the empty white screen in front of her, glaring at it for a solid few minutes. The trio had been trying to write an article for their school’s newspaper for hours by now, and they had not written a single word down. What was worse was that their first draft was due the next week.

“Whatever, just know that I walked an entire block for you, so be grateful.” She huffed and turned to the quieter girl. “Are you done, Evelyn?” Said girl glared at her. “Don’t rush perfection,” she said, her crisp accent cutting through the silent library.

“I am this close to going back to detention, this close.” Briar pinched her fingers before flopping into her chair.

Percy glanced at the time on the bottom right corner of the computer screen and groaned. “It’s already four thirty, you guys. We should have been done four weeks ago.” Evelyn sighed. “It’s not my fault. It’s Briar’s for getting detention every single day after school!”

“You are just as bad! Always writing that little screenplay of yours. You never help out around here!” Briar retorted.

“ Excuse me? I am currently 78 pages in,” Evelyn shot back. “I think you don’t appreciate my hard work and dedication!” She looked at her friend, who was staring at the blank screen. “It’s Percy’s fault!”

“Yeah, it’s her fault cause, cause…” Briar trailed off.

“Mhm,” Evelyn agreed, “because…well, because… because I said so.”

Whether Percy was paying attention or not or was just completely drained from attempting to conjure up an idea for such a simple article will forever be a mystery.

Evelyn rolled her eyes while Briar snickered, the latter pulling out her phone.

“So,” Evelyn brought out her screenplay, eyes brightening with excitement. “I was thinking that for my plot I should—I should cut my hair.”

Briar looked up from her phone to stare at Evelyn’s already short-beyond-repair haircut.

“You physically cannot cut it any short—” Briar suddenly saw why Evelyn had abruptly changed the topic. “It’s Mr. Wright!” she hissed.

Unfortunately, Briar was never one for subtly, and Mr. Wright heard her. He swiftly changed his course and appeared before the three girls, looming over them. “What are you three doing?” he

drawled. His brown eyes glinted, his smile pinched.

“Um. . . uh. . .” two of the three girls stuttered out. Percy, of course, was defeatedly staring at the absolute nothingness of the computer screen, having been silent for quite a while. “School work?” He asked, but then laughed to himself. “But of course not. You have nothing written. Maybe an article? An article for the Shadow Falls Paper?”

“Well, we totally were not investigating and writing a report about the missing junior, if that’s what you were thinking.” Again, she wasn’t one for subtlety.

Mr. Wright’s face contorted into an almost horrified expression. “I said not to do that one. We need not raise unnecessary panic in the school!” “But it is necessary, the students have to know about this!” Percy protested.

“They do know about it. We just don’t need them turning against one another, pointing fingers, and suspecting each other,” Mr. Wright said. “End of discussion.”

Percy sighed dejectedly—though it was more of a strangled groan—as Evelyn cast her head down. Briar stared off into space, consumed in her own thoughts on the matter. Mr. Wright had turned to leave moments prior, which left the girls to themselves once again.

“This isn’t fair! Something about this. . . about him isn’t right.” Evelyn squirmed in her seat as she waved her hands around, not feeling very comfortable with the strange aura the man had been giving off earlier. “Yeah, no duh,” Percy snarkily replied. Evelyn looked a little hurt at the retort, but the former did not seem to care much. Briar gestured toward the blank document. “Well, let’s list the suspects.” “Mr. Wright,” both Percy and Evelyn said simultaneously.

“You. . . you really think so? I mean, yeah, he’s one creepy dude, but a kidnapper? I doubt it,” Briar stated.

“In my book, creepy dude usually equals the bad guy,” Percy stated matter-of-factly.

“This isn’t some fiction story, Percy, this is real life. So focus.” Evelyn glared at the girl.

“I am focused. And I’m about to take on this case myself if you guys don’t want to work with me.” “I’m in.” Briar jumped out of her seat, eyes gleaming. “This beats detention any day.”

“Ugh, fine, I’ll join you,” Evelyn finally said after an excruciatingly long moment of contemplation. “But only because you guys are doing it, and not because I want to.”

Percy grinned, determination written all over her face. It may not be an easy job, but she knew she was definitely going to solve this mystery once and for all.

“Alright,” Percy began, “let’s start with this. . .” “. . . Who are our suspects?”

The Mystery of Shadow Falls A Continuous Story Stanner fiction by Abigail Mallia ‘23,

Magdalen Saffian ‘23, & Leilani Portilla ‘23

To Be Continued...

STANNER SPORTS: RESULTS• Boys Varsity Soccer – Brooklyn/

Queens Champions & reached the Finals of the State Catholic Playoffs

• Boys JV Soccer – Reached the City Championship game.

• Girls Varsity Soccer – Finalist for the Brooklyn/Queens Championship.

• Girls JV Soccer – Reached the Semi-Finals of the Brooklyn/Queens Playoffs.

• Varsity Volleyball – Reached the Semi-Finals of the Brooklyn/Queens Playoffs.

• JV Volleyball – Reached the Semi-Finals of the Brooklyn/Queens Playoffs.

• Girls Varsity Tennis – Brooklyn/Queens Champions & State Finalist. Team reached the Semi-Finals of the Mayor’s Cup Tournament for the Elite Tennis Teams in NYC. Kaitlyn Mendoza ‘22 reached the finals of the State Federation Championship (Best Players in New York State).

• Girls Varsity Swimming started undefeated at 5-0.

• Boys Freshman Swimming started 2-2.

• Varsity Bowling started at a solid 5-3.• JV Bowling has drawn an even 4-4

start to their season.

8

We want to wish a huge congratulations to the Molloy Girls Varsity Tennis Team for their well-deserved victory at the Brooklyn/Queens Championship against the distinguished TMLA tennis team as well as their advancement to the State Final against St. Anthony’s, and participation in the Mayor’s Cup Tournament to which only 8 teams in New York City are invited to play in.

Despite her excitement over their championship win, Ms. Edward believes that the bus rides were also equally as enjoyable and memorable. She stresses the importance of seeing how each and every individual improve from the season’s start to finish saying, “They made me incredibly proud, not just in the way they played, but also in the way they handled the pressure on and off the court.”

One player, Kaitlyn Mendoza ‘22, went undefeated the entire regular season as well as playoffs, won the entire Columbus Day Tournament, and on November 9th,

established herself as the runner up for New York State. Another player, Dominique Echevarre ‘20, stepped in as a senior and rose to the occasion in numerous challenging matches. Ms. Edward emphasizes that each player displayed unique talent and contributed to every advance. “Everyone on the team had a hand in winning matches throughout the season. That is the incredible thing about this team - they were talented from start to finish.”

What kind of a team did it take to gather all

Varsity Tennis Finishes Great Seasonby Sadie Lozano-Mieles ‘20, Editor-in-Chief

these accomplishments? Coach Mary Edward (Class of 2013) associates the memorable season with a talented team that fought fiercely for every win reached. When asked regarding what the future of the Varsity Girls Tennis

Team holds, Ms. Edward believes this is only the beginning of the accomplishments that the team will achieve. “The future is bright!” she says enthusiastically. “We have a lot of young talent and the desire to win!”