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XavierChristmas

With

Cover design and photos by: Meghan Gerke

December 19, 2013, Volume 16, Issue 7

IndexNewsOpinionStudent LifeMini-FeatureFeatureHealth & LifestyleA & ESportsBackpage

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Xavier High SchoolNews2

The XpressBi-weeklyXavier High School 6300 42nd St. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52411Volume 16 Issue 8

Editor-In-ChiefQuinlan MoranCopy Editor

Katherine BauerPhoto Editor

Meghan GerkePhotographerMaddie BaileyNews EditorMaria Efting

News AssistantAmy Boe

News WritersErin Drahozal

Jeff Frieden

Opinion EditorMorgan NoonanOpinion Assistant

Nic EklandOpinion WritersMaddy Bailey

Tory Brown

Brennan Graeve

Chloe Streif

Ben Valentine

Student Life EditorBrady Hoffman

Student Life AssistantJulie Woods

Mini-Feature EditorsRachel BradyMolly Vipond

Feature EditorsJenna FenskeAnna White

Feature AssistantColette MillerFeature Writer

Lizzy Bailey

Health and Lifestyle EditorHannah Chute

Health and Lifestyle AssistantsErin DrahozalJeff Frieden

Arts and Entertainment EditorEmma Hunt

Arts and Entertainment AssistantAshley Pudil

Arts and Entertainment WritersKayla Thompson

Julie Woods

Ben Valentine

Daniel Vega

Sports EditorShannon Mulcahey

Sports AssistantMorgan Brietbach

Sports WritersKatherine Bauer

Nic Ekland

Daniel Vega

Backpage EditorsJenna FenskeAnna White

Backpage AssistantMary EskerBusiness

Tory BrownDistribution

Brennan GraeveAdvertising

Olivia Rochford

Bob Rice speaks to XavierXavier had the privilege of

hosting internationally acclaimed speaker and musician Bob Rice on December 10. Rice detailed God’s unconditional love through his presentation and songs.

Rice teaches catechetics at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio where he lives with his wife and seven children. When he is not teaching, he gives talks to teenagers and adults, hosts workshops, and performs concerts around the world.

During his presentation at Xavier, Rice began by describing the type of love God has for His people.

“It’s crazy how head over heels, madly in love God is with us,” Rice said. “We hear that God loves us so much that it almost becomes cliché. However, God calls us to an intimate love. Our faith in God’s love can be something deep and personal.”

Rice went on to describe the common stereotypes that are presented about Jesus. He said that throughout his life, he was faced with the belief that Jesus was someone who could not be easily related to. Rice said

that this is what keeps people from falling in love with Jesus.

“We’re afraid of ‘What if I sold myself out for all of this? What would happen?’ We have to get over this.”

A highlight of Rice’s presentation was his analysis of the Bible story in Luke chapter 5, where Jesus helps some fishermen make an incredible catch after an unsuccessful day at sea. In the story, Jesus addresses Simon Peter with the famous words “Do not be afraid. I will make you a fisher of men.” Rice said that this was Jesus acknowledging what Simon loved to do (fishing) and then transforming it into something bigger. Rice used this story to relate how God made everyone unique and has special plans for each person’s life.

“The truth is that God made you the only you that has been made in the history of ever. The world wants you to become a demographic. God isn’t calling you to conformity. He’s calling you to sainthood and calling you to heaven, which is where we’ll find our true selves. Everyone is different due to the glory of God.

God wants to elevate you. He wants to make you a fisher of men.”

Since 1999, Rice has released nine CD’s and has also published a novel “Between the Savior and the Sea.” More information about his talks, music, and published works can be found on bob- rice.com.

Prevent drunk and drugged drivingDecember is a time

for celebration. Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, and Boxing Day create a unique and special season when the year is at its busiest. However, amid the caroling and gift giving, there is a cause that gets buried under the winter blizzard.

This December, people across the country are celebrating National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. Safe driving is key with winter weather storming into town. Even sober drivers struggle on icy roads.

“Never get grumpy or dopey if the weather becomes snow white,” retired Indiana State police Sergeant Tim McCarthy said. He has been preaching safe driving tips after the third quarters of Notre Dame football games for over half a century.

In America, someone dies

every 48 minutes in an alcohol induced car accident. Drunk and Drugged Driving Month is a chance to remind everyone to take responsibility for what they do behind the wheel. This month of awareness seeks to prevent all dangers and distractions from driving under the influences of controlled substances.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one out of every eight vehicles cruising the streets on a typical Saturday night is being operated by a drugged driver. This is the same statistic for the amount of high school seniors who admitted in a survey to driving while stoned in the past two weeks.

The Center for Disease Control has big plans to increase driver safety, calling for sobriety check points and zero tolerance

laws to protect drivers. It wants all states to require breathalyzers to be installed in vehicles owned by drunk driving convicts. These changes would help to fix the epidemic of drunk and drugged driving, but the real solution is for every driver to make smart choices before they hit the streets.

Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month will come and go, but the consequences of a wrong decision could last forever. More than 30% of traffic deaths can be prevented if no one drove while drugged or drunk. A commitment to alcohol and drug free driving will increase the safety of highways and interstates from sea to shining sea.

Maria EftingNews Editor

Tyler TestinHOSA Member

Bob Rice performs one of his original songs for Xavier. Meghan Gerke Photo.

December 19, 2013 News 3

Xavier hosts AnnualAlumni Tournament

Xavier held its annual Alumni Basketball Tournament on November 30 in the Ron Thillen Gymnasium. This event has been hosted by Xavier for six years. The 40 players present were divided into four teams depending on what year they graduated.

Graduates from 1959-1989 were divided into one team, as were the graduates from the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s. They wore reversible jerseys with “Lasalle Regis Xavier Alumni” written on them with the Xavier logo, which they received after signing in. The four-team tournament began with the 90s defeating the 59-89s and the 10s beating the 2000s. During the championship game, the 10s defeated the 90s, which was the first time the youngest group of alumni basketball players won the entire tournament.

“It’s a good opportunity to connect with alumni,” Nick Ireland, Xavier’s Marketing Director said. “Yes, it is a

fundraiser, but it’s mostly about rebuilding relationships with your classmates.”

The money raised by the event will go to benefit the Alumni Association of Lasalle, Regis, and Xavier. This year the fundraiser collected over $1,500 in donations.

“The great thing about these games is that they give all of us a time to reconnect and visit with each other,” Tim Hill, class of 1984, said. “Visiting with these guys and sharing stories really brings back the crazy memories we all had with each other in high school. I look forward to playing in this event for many more years and hopefully in a couple years, be able to play against my son, Frank.”

Although the specific date for next year’s tournament has not been scheduled, the Alumni Tournament is normally held the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Students volunteer for Mary’s Meals

“It’s crazy to think that it costs $16.80 to feed a child for a year when that’s how much we spend on a lunch for two at Panera or Pancheros,” junior Alea Challenger said.

This year, Xavier High School juniors Alea Challenger and Claire Bouchard have spearheaded a campaign to raise money for Mary’s Meals during the month of December. Mary’s Meals is a Catholic charity named after the Virgin Mary that works to help every child receive at least one daily meal at their place of education in third world countries.

Mary’s Meals was started by two Scottish brothers, Magnus and Fergus MacFarlane-Barrow, in 1992 after they saw the result of the Bosnian conflict on T.V. and decided to bring supplies to do what they could to help. From that, the charity Scottish International Relief (SIR) began.

The charity soon flourished, and the men teamed up with Tony Smith, who wanted to start a movement to help ensure school meal programs for the world’s poorest countries. Smith was inspired by the Virgin Mary because she raised her child in poverty. After their collaboration, SIR became known as Mary’s Meals.

Both Bouchard and Challenger attended the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership seminar (HOBY) held in Pella, Iowa this summer, where they first heard about Mary’s Meals.

“At HOBY, a speaker came and talked about how she got involved and raised enough money to build a school,” Challenger said. “Her talk was really powerful.”

After hearing the speaker, Challenger and Bouchard teamed up to bring Mary’s Meals to Xavier.

“At first, our goal was to raise $11,500 to sponsor a school, but we thought that was a little much. Alea and I haven’t talked about our

goal, but we just want to see how much we will raise,” Bouchard said.

Challenger and Bouchard will be selling lip balm from Raining Rose and are hoping to get T-shirts to help contribute to what they raise during the week of December 9th. They will end their collection on December 20th at the Christmas Mass held at Xavier.

With the help and cooperation of others to support Mary’s Meals, the Xavier community will hopefully make a huge impact on the lives of students all over the world. By allowing them to not have to worry about food or where their next meal will come from, students are able to afford the education they need to help them get out of poverty.

To learn more about Mary’s Meals or how else to help, visit http://www.marysmealsusa.org.

Erin DrahozalNews Writer

Amy BoeNews Assistant Editor

Members of the ‘10 basketball team pose after winning the Alumni Basketball Tournament. Photo Submitted.

Students can donate to Mary’s Meals by placing money in the donation cups present at Xavier. Meghan Gerke Photo.

Xavier High SchoolOpinion4

Finding out “Why Am I Catholic?”With the end

of the semester drawing near, first semester classes are also coming to a close. One of my classes this year

was “Why Am I Catholic?” which is mandatory for Catholic seniors. My brother, Greg, had taken the class during his senior year, and I knew he learned a lot about his faith and thoroughly enjoyed the class. The differences between the class then and now are that “WAIC” is now mandatory and that we have iPads. Teachers continuously say to us that this year is a learning process, since the curriculum is the same as always, but has to be taught in different forms. That was the case with my “WAIC” experience.

At the beginning of the year, I looked forward to learning more about my faith and having (to me) two new teachers, Dr. Drey and Mr. Goldsmith.

The class felt like a college lecture hall since all 40 of us sat in the theater together. Our first topic was Scripture and the formation of the Gospels, which led to the believability of Jesus. My excitement dwindled as I found that I disagreed with nearly everything we were being taught. My defiance continued into other areas, specifically the Eucharist and Salvation. I wanted someone, anyone, to prove to me that Jesus’ soul is literally inside that itty bitty piece of bread. I wanted someone to prove to me that there is a Hell, since I believe that no one is inherently evil enough for eternal damnation. But all I got was more Scripture and more Church teachings since we did most of the research ourselves on our iPads.

I was frustrated and confused and even told my mom that I was considering becoming a Lutheran. I dreaded going to class every day, because I felt like I was being judged for my

opinions and looked down upon. Over Thanksgiving break, I

really thought about the Catholic faith (I mean, who doesn’t think about Jesus in their free time). I looked over my notes before completing one of my “WAIC” homework assignments and truly read the Church Fathers’ quotes. I figured then that having my own opinions doesn’t make me a bad Catholic; it just means that I’m trying to strengthen my faith. Questioning something makes me want to do more research on the topic, if only to be proven wrong.

I might not fully agree with some of the Church’s teachings yet, but I’m getting there. I’m putting an effort into learning about Catholicism. “Why Am I Catholic?” is truly helping me understand not only my faith but also myself.

So now every time I walk into class, instead of holding my tongue and screaming “That can’t be true!” in my head, I am opening myself up to the faith. “Why Am I

Catholic?” has taught me so much about my faith, including why the Pope is infallible and why we believe that Mary was a virgin. I’m really glad I took this class, even if I struggled at first. For all of you who have yet to take the class, here is my advice to you: keep an open mind. You might disagree at first, but let yourself understand other viewpoints. You’ll end up enjoying the class so much more and strengthening your relationship with God.

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Embrace Christmas seasonAt some point

in our lives we stayed up super late on Christmas Eve, waiting for the big man with the beard and red suit to bring us various items as

Christmas presents for being good. I would put out holiday cookies and a glass of milk as a treat for him, and many other kids did the same thing. I would fall asleep eager to hear the sound of reindeer hooves on my roof. Sure enough, when I woke up in the morning, the cookies were all eaten and there were brilliant new gifts placed under the tree. These

were the most magical years of my life, and I believe many people could agree with me on that.

This is why I don’t understand how someone could ruin the Christmas magic by being a Scrooge. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t had good Christmas experiences or if you really hate the cold and snow, it can still be enjoyable if you find the right things to do. Christmas music is the fastest way to a good, jolly mood, and I rarely meet people who don’t enjoy Christmas cookies.

Even if you or your family don’t get very into the Christmas spirit, winter is still one of the most beautiful seasons. There’s

so much to do and so many ways to make people smile. Even helping out people in need is a way to embrace the season! If you take a moment to stop and look around at the Christmas lights everywhere and bright, happy decorations, it really is the most wonderful time of the year.

Everyone should have the chance to fully enjoy this holiday, no matter how old you are. No one has the right to take away your Christmas spirit, and you shouldn’t make others feel bad because of the way they choose to celebrate it.

Be considerate of workersIt’s the most

wonderful time of the year! Whether it’s putting up the Christmas tree or digging out that old, ugly holiday sweater, there is a

universal sense of cheer in the air as everyone prepares to celebrate the holiday. One of my favorite activities is to shop for the perfect presents for my family and friends. After wandering around the store until my feet hurt and scouring the shelves until I find the perfect present, I proudly take my future purchase to the registers. I settle on the checkout line that seems to have the shortest wait. It’s only after I put all of my items on the belt that I realize I just walked into a

cashier versus customer argument.Sadly, ladies and gentlemen,

this type of behavior has become part of the holiday season. It ruins my cheer when I see multiple people complaining about their purchases. Shopping is one my favorite things to do at this time of the year. It is supposed to be fun! However, the lack of manners has to stop. I can almost guarantee that you will forget all about the $2 discount you didn’t get when you see your best friend’s face when they love their present.

Every weekend, I put on my bow tie, clip on my name tag, and plaster a smile on my face to help customers at Hy-Vee. All I ask is for customers to try and do the same. The transaction goes much quicker when people on both sides of the register work together to find a

solution to the problem at hand. I think people forget that the young, minimum-wage earning cashier standing in front of them has feelings, too. They go out of their way to make sure that you get what you want and that you’re satisfied when you leave the store that day. The least you can do to thank them is treat them with respect.

As Christmas quickly approaches and you find yourself stuck at the register, take a deep breath. Remember the holidays are supposed to be full of joy. So embrace your inner Tiny Tim and spread the Christmas cheer!

Emma HuntA&E Editor

Julie WoodsStudent Life Assistant Editor

Kayla ThompsonA&E Writer

December 19, 2013 Opinion 5

No more excuses to miss weekly MassI have a

b a s k e t b a l l game. I have to work. I have a lot of homework. I am too tired. Me. Me. Me. But shouldn’t it be

God, God, God? These are some excuses children, teens, and even adults make as reasons for not going to Mass on the weekend.

Are you one of many two-times a year Catholic churchgoers or, as Mr. Thraen likes to call it, a “Chreaster”? Obviously, Christmas and Easter are very important days in the Catholic Church, but we should be taking time out of our busy lives every week for God, the one who gave us life.

Maybe the culture of our time is what contributes to the lack of Mass attendance. According to the National Catholic Reporter

website, there are 20% fewer churchgoers than before Vatican II. We (teens in particular) have been so self-absorbed in our daily activities that we forget we owe everything to God, and we should give Him at least one hour a week to thank Him when we attend Mass. We need to make sure we are not getting too caught up in our materialistic society.As Pope Francis says, “There is a danger that threatens everyone in the Church, all of us. The danger of worldliness. It leads us to vanity, arrogance and pride.”

I understand some people think that just going to Mass is not enough for someone to be called a “practicing Catholic.” It really is not enough, but going to Mass can lay the foundation for struggling Catholics to improve their faith life. Mass doesn’t have to be a boring place where you sit and stare at the

altar, thinking about if you went to Wendy’s twice yesterday, as Coach Schulte would put it. Mass should be a time for you to reflect on your week, receive the Body of Christ, and give thanks for the blessings you have in life.

Stop making excuses! We can take steps to increasing our Mass attendance. Inviting a friend to go with you to Mass one weekend can give you something to look forward to. Maybe, if you don’t participate already, participating more in Mass through singing or following along with the readings can make Mass more meaningful. You really don’t have an excuse for not having enough time. Mass times are posted on parish websites; I’m sure you can find a time you can go. If not, the least you could do for God is to make time. Even if you’re out of town, we have this great thing called the Internet where you can search for

churches and Mass times around the area so you can get to Mass.

To quote Pope Francis again, since you can never quote that man too much, “Jesus teaches us another way: go out. Go out and share your testimony, go out and interact with your brothers, go out and share, go out and ask. Become the Word in body as well as spirit.” You can’t do that unless you are filled with the spirit of the Eucharist and Word of God.

So Saints, I challenge you to make an effort. One day, Saints. It’s one hour we can give back to God, because we have been abundantly blessed.

What the world needs this ChristmasWhat would

the world be like if people lined up in freezing cold weather eight hours before Mass like they

do at retail stores?What would the world be

like if people donated to the church at the same rate that they stockpile material possessions?

What would the world be like if people sacrificed to live in a slightly smaller house or have a less expensive car so that they could send their children to a Catholic School

in order to deepen their faith?What would the world be like

if people found as much time for their family all year round as they do during Christmas?

What would the world be like if people loved God and others as much as their new T.V.’s or iPads?

The answer to all of these questions center around one main concept: the love of material things does not bring fulfillment, but the love of God and others does. As much as we wish the next big purchase is going to fulfill us, it loses its luster after a while. As much as we hope that the promises of money, a big house, and a Mercedes

will fulfill us, they simply can’t. People can trick themselves into believing that these things make their lives better, but they know in their hearts that they don’t mean anything. Now, money and things are not evil or wrong. But the LOVE of money or material things above the love of God and others is what is wrong.

I have seen things that make people’s lives worth living everyday, and they are never material things. The unconditional love that a husband and wife of 50 years still have for each other. The baby that is born who brings joy to a family. The feeling of God’s unconditional

love someone feels after Mass, Reconciliation, or any other sacrament. The feeling of pride a parent has when their child succeeds. The laughter that you have with friends and the time you are able to spend with them. The feeling that you get after doing service or other acts of kindness.

We find very often that it is not the things we have or the money we possess but the people we are with and the faith we share that ultimately brings us true joy. Find true joy in your life and explore things that are fulfilling and true.

Invest in all of the thrills of reading“What did

you want to do love, split his head open? You can’t make homes out of human beings, someone should

have already told you that.” That is one of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite poets,Warsan Shire (shout out to Peyton Rosencrants if you’re reading this.) Call it the writer in me, but I find it so beautiful that grouping words together in a certain way can heal your heart, break your heart, make you laugh, smile, or cry. I have always found reading, especially poetry, extremely healing and important in my life,

and I can’t imagine a world where reading meant nothing to me.

“I can’t remember the last book I read for fun.Who reads for fun?” You’re kidding. That is terribly sad to hear, and I feel like I hear it daily. It is scientifically proven that people who read more often have an expanded vocabulary, better memory, enhanced creative skills, higher levels of analytical thinking, and superior writing proficiencies. As cheesy and motherly as it sounds, reading is fun that is also good for you! I can’t believe I just wrote that sentence, but if you give reading a chance, you will understand!

I’ve been going through a bit of a rough time lately in my personal life, and reading is something

that has helped me. From reading poems and quotes that seem to be exactly what I’m going through, to reading fictional novels that help me escape, reading has been a great comfort to me. If you think reading is uninteresting, dull, or frivolous, you are reading the wrong material. Sure, I have read my fair share of novels or stories that I did not enjoy. (Eh hem! Including some required English class novels, sorry.) But I have also read books and even one-stanza poems that have made me cry. I’ve read short stories that made me remember being a kid or made me forget a mistake that had been sitting in the pit of my stomach for weeks. Reading can do a lot of magical things.

Obviously, what I’m trying to

get across here is that I think you all should read more. I know everyone is busy. Does up to six hours of dance after school sound busy to you? But guess what people!? There is a break approaching. My homework for you all is to read. A poem, an article, a book, anything. Just read something pertinent to your life and enjoy it. I would gladly give suggestions to anyone curious for them. Enjoy entertainment that is also good for your brain this break; be productive. Happy holidays, Saints.

Shannon MulcaheySports Editor

Ben ValentineOpinion Writer

Morgan NoonanOpinion Editor

Xavier High School Mini-Feature 6

History of the Angel Tree

Angel Tree

“I did the Angel Tree because I enjoy helping others, especially during Christmastime. This year, I gave a little boy Legos and an MP3 player.” Maddie Bertsch ‘14

“My family has donated to the Angel Tree since before I can remember. It is always good to give back to those who are less fortunate in our community.”Daniel Richardson ‘16

Xavier’s Angel Tree

• Created by the Salvation Army by Majors Charles and Shirley White in 1979

• Founded in Lynchburg, Virginia while the couple worked with a shopping mall to provide clothing and toys for children during the Christmas season

• Program got its name because the children wrote their Christmas wishes on Hallmark greeting cards, which featured pictures of angels

• Cards were placed on a Christmas tree in the mall for shoppers to select and thus began the Angel Tree

• The first year Xavier participated in the Angel Tree was 2003.

• Angel Tree sponsors the children who live at Tanager Place in the in-patient program. The children and their siblings are served through community based programs and the mental health clinic.

• This year, the giving at Xavier began the first week of November and presents were due by December 2.

Reflecting on this school year’s theme, “Abundantly blessed, humbly we serve,” Xavier organized the 10th Annual Angel Tree as a way for students and faculty members to

give back to the community.

Design by: Molly Vipond and Rachel Brady Photos by: Kara Zwanziger, Rachel Brady and Molly Vipond

“This is my first year participating in the Angel Tree. I am glad I did it, I was happy to make someone’s Christmas better!”Alicia Miltner ‘17

December 19, 2013 Student Life 7

Christmas Past

Most Memorable Christmas Gift

The Sheys

The Zittergruens“Every year, my dad writes a

Christmas card, and two years ago he wrote it as if my family

was a reality T.V. show. He called it “House of Estrogen” because there are six girls in our house and he is the only

boy.”Anna Zittergruen ‘15

Kylie DeWees ‘14 “Every Christmas I wake

up early in my footie pajamas and scurry

downstairs to see what Santa’s elves made me.”

The Beruttis “Marissa and I would sit back

to back because we always got the

same gifts, so it was a competition to see could open the present up the

fastest.” Carly Berutti ‘14

The Drahozals & Breitbachs“We went western for our Church. We are

hard core Catholics.”Nick Drahozal ‘17

The Delaneys“My favorite part of

Christmas was reading the letter Santa wrote

back to us .” Emma Delaney 16’

Taylor Skala ‘15“Christmas has always

been my favorite time of the year, even as a child. My whole family gets into

it. We usually have 4-5 Christmas trees around our

house.”

“When we were little, we always use to get our

own presents and one big present the three of

us could share.”Regan Shey ‘16

Page Design Brady Hoffman Information Collected by Julie Woods and Lizzy Bailey

“My favorite gift was the Wii I got in middle school, because it was something I really wanted.”Claire Van Erdewyk ‘16

“When I was younger, I really liked My Little Pony, so that was always my favorite gift.”Halle Heying ‘14

“I will never forget the Christmas when my parents got me my dog, Abby.”Jay Kortemeyer ‘15

8 FeatureDecember 19, 2013

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD

F E L I Z N A T A L!

G O D J U L!From Sweden

From Brazil

Families in Sweden celebrate the Advent season by attending Mass. The Christmas activities begin on December 13, St. Lucia’s Day. The oldest daughter dresses up in a white gown, symbolizing the “Queen of Light”. On Christmas Eve, families follow the tradition of “dipping in the kettle”. They dip bread into a kettle of thin broth to remember when food was scarce in Sweden. On Christmas Day, candles light up the windows of every building.

Families eat supper together before attending a midnight Mass on Christmas. Children put their shoes out on Christmas Eve and wait for Papa Noel to fill them with presents. It is tradition for Brazilian families to set up a nativity scene during the Christmas season. Fireworks are shot into the sky over the city and a huge Christmas tree made of lights is displayed for everyone to see.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!From the United States

Christmas in the United States is a time for family and gift giving. Catholic families attend Mass on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Children hang stockings above the fireplace and await the coming of Santa Claus. The children leave out cookies and milk for Santa to enjoy while he fills their stockings. Christmas music begins playing on the radio the day after Thanksgiving and holiday movies play on T.V. the whole month of December. Sledding, shopping, and baking are also a large part of the Christmas season.

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLDCHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD

“For Christmas my family goes to my uncle’s house in Illinois and we have an ornament exchange.”

“During the Christmas season my family bakes cookies and watches Christmas movies. We also go my grandparents’ house and have a gift exchange.”

Connor Powers ‘15

Anna Weih ‘17

9Feature Xavier High School

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD

From EthiopiaM E L K A M G E N A!

Christmas in Ethiopia is celebrated on December 7th. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church fasts on the day before Ganna (Christ’s birth). They wear traditional clothing and attend Mass around four o’clock in the morning. The men participate in a game similar to hockey around this time of year. They enjoy foods such as wat, similar to a decorative meat stew.

Christmas in Australia is during the summer, so many outdoor activities take place. A common Christmas event is “Carols by Candlelight” where people light candles and sing Christmas carols together outside. Homes are decorated with palm trees and evergreens. Australians have a traditional midday dinner with their families and friends. During the dinner, whoever finds the favor baked inside the food will have a year of good luck.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!From Australia

圣 诞 节 快 乐From China

Chinese Christians call Christmas, “Sheng Dan Jieh”, which means Holy Birth Festival. Their houses are decorated with paper chains, paper lanterns, and evergreens. Children hang up stockings and await the arrival of Dun Che Lao Ren (Christmas Old Man). Many families go out for a Christmas meal or host a party on Christmas Eve.

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLDCHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLDOver 160 countries around the world officially celebrate Christmas. Many other countries have a day of family or unofficially celebrate the eventful holiday. Check out how these countries around the world celebrate Christmas!

Page design: Jenna Fenske and Colette Miller Photos: Mary Esker, Google Images, and AP Images

“Their mugs are really big!”-Freshman Kiana Stanek

“I can determine the ratio of powder to water.”-Senior Hunter Baldus

“I love the workers and the flavors excite me.”-Junior Evan Bednar

Brief HistoryHot chocolate comes from Mexico. The Aztecs drank the most of it.

Someone had to be very wealthy in order to drink hot chocolate. It was

so valuable people would counterfeit cocoa beans (chocolate beans) the

same way as money.

STAY WARM WITH HOT CHOCOLATEThere are many different kinds of hot chocolate and everyone

has their own preference. Below is a poll of what Xavier students enjoy the most!

Hot Chocolate TrufflesIngredients:

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips1 cup heavy cream1 tablespoon sugar

¼ teaspoon salt2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cocoa powder, crushed candy canes, mini chocolate chips for rollingInstructions:

Melt all ingredients together and cool in fridge until it is possible to make small scoops. Freeze the scoops for an hour, then roll into balls. Add any

toppings. Keep the balls chilled and drop into 1.5 cups of hot milk.

STARBUCKS16%

COFFEESMITHS24%

JAVA CREEK 14%

“Coffeesmiths tastes like Christmas in a cup.”-Senior Emma Barta

HOMEMADE46%

December 19, 2013 Health & Lifestyle 10

Page Design and information by Hannah Chute, Jeff Frieden, and www.pinterest.com. Photos by Jenna Fenske. Survey out of 37 Xavier students.

Survey out of 37 Xavier students.

December 19, 2013 A & E 11

Bookshelf: What to read this Christmas

Movies everyone should see over Christmas break

Julie Woods

A&

E Writer

Ashley PudilA&E Assistant Editor

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Congratulations to juniors Jacob Hansen and Lucy Liu for qualifying

for Honor Band, which performed on December 7.

Catching Fire

As the sequel to the best-selling novel and critically acclaimed movie, The Hunger Games, Catching Fire picks up where Katniss and Peeta left off after competing in the 74th Annual Hunger Games. Under the careful eye of the Capitol, the two embark on a Victory Tour of the 12 districts of Panem. However, their actions spark a sense of rebellion as the next event, the Quarter Quell, approaches. Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson return to the big screen next fall when Mockingjay: Part One premieres in November 2014.

Frozen(PG)

Release: November 27, 2013Disney’s newest animated movie, Frozen, has cinched the top spot at the box office, bringing in $31.6 million in its opening weekend. The movie revolves around the life of Anna, a princess, whose sister, Elsa, has entrapped the kingdom in eternal winter conditions. Along with her companion, Kristoff, the young optimist embarks on a journey to find her sister while encountering many new friends along the way. Actress Kristen Bell plays the voice of Anna, with Idina Menzel as the voice of Elsa.

The Wolf of Wall Street(R)

Release: December 25, 2013Based on the true story and autobiography of Jordan Belfort, this comedy and crime movie follows the life of a wealthy penny stockbroker on Wall Street, who is involved in a massive 1990’s fraud and security scheme. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Belfort alongside Jonah Hill and Matthew McConaughey in this Christmas Day opener.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

(PG-13)Release: December 13, 2013

Martin Freeman returns as Bilbo in the second movie of The Hobbit Trilogy. After maintaining possession of a special ring, Bilbo continues with the Wizard Gandalf and his dwarves to reclaim the Kingdom of Erebor. Orlando Bloom joins Freeman in this promising sequel that will attract audiences everywhere.

(PG-13)Release: November 22, 2013

Also check out these films!Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (R, December 18)

Saving Mr. Banks (PG, December 20)American Hustle (R, December 25)

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (PG, December 25)

Photo Submitted.

Xavier High SchoolA & E12Band, choirs perform in Christmas with Xavier

On Sunday, December 15, the Xavier band and choirs gathered in the Ron Thillen Gymnasium among family and friends to celebrate the holiday season with the annual Christmas with Xavier concert.

The concert was led by choir directors Mr. Matt Walker and Mrs. Jaclyn Hussey and band director Ms. Kelli Swehla. They have been preparing for this concert since the Fall Vocal Music Preview and the end of the marching band season.

The symphonic band performed first, playing “And All the Bells Shall Ring,” “Good King Wenceslas,” and “Russian Christmas Music.” The band closed with the piece “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”

All of Xavier’s choirs, including Bel Canto, Singing Saints, Women’s Chorale, Xavier Chorale, and Voce, performed songs as a collective group to start and end the show, beginning with “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” Then each choir performed their own selections.

Voce performed first, singing “O Magnum Mysterium,” and “Go, Tell it on the Mountain.” Bel Canto sang “Mary Had a Baby” by

Kayla ThompsonA&E Writer

Quiz: How well do you know classic Christmas movies?

Emma HuntA&E Editor

1. “I don’t want to be just introduced to him. I want it to be something strange and romantic

and something I’ll always remember.”

2. “You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down.”

3. “God bless us, everyone.”

4. “Sometimes angels rush in where fools fear to tread.”

5. “When a fellow is surprised to hear about his own wedding, brother that’s when I go to work

with a clear conscience.”

6. “It’s not just Kris that’s on trial, it’s everything he stands for. It’s kindness and joy and love and

all the other intangibles.”

7. “When what’s left of you gets around to what’s left to be gotten, what’s left to be gotten won’t be worth getting, whatever it is you’ve got

left.”

A. Dudley (Cary Grant), The Bishop’s Wife

B. Fred Gailey (John Payne), Miracle on 34th Street

C. Phil Davis (Danny Kaye), White Christmas

D. Ted Hanover (Fred Astaire), Holiday Inn

E. Tiny Tim (Anthony Walters), A Christmas Carol

F. George Bailey (James Stewart), It’s a Wonderful Life

G. Esther Smith (Judy Garland), Meet Me in St. Louis

Match the quote with the character who said it!

Answers: 1, G; 2, F; 3, E; 4, A; 5, D; 6, B; 7, C

Above: Choirs sing “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” under the direction of Mrs. Jaclyn Hussey.Below: Sophomore Austin Havertape, seniors Meredith Diebold and Chad Eichler, and sophomore Jamie Feltes practice their music in the choir room.

themselves, and then were joined by Women’s Chorale to perform “And the Angels Sang.” Women’s Chorale performed “The Coventry Carol.” Singing Saints were next,

singing “The Little Drummer Boy,” and “Sing We Now of Christmas.” Xavier Chorale performed last, singing “Love Came Down at Christmas,” and “Wana Baraka.”

All of the choirs then joined together to sing “Hallelujah Chorus” together as a finale.

The audience was also invited to join the choirs in singing classic Christmas carols inbetween the performances, including “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “The First Noel,” “Silent Night,” and “Joy to the World.”

This is the only concert of the year where the band and the choir perform to showcase their talents as a whole.

“It’s great to have one concert a year where both the choirs and the band perform,” Walker said. “It’s a concert where the community can come and celebrate together. “

The Xavier vocal department will team up with the choirs from Regis, La Salle, and St. Jospeh’s at their next concert on March 3, 2014 for the Metro Catholic Choir Festival in the Ron Thillen Gymnasium. The band will also have a Metro Catholic Festival, which will take place on February 25, 2014.

Meghan Gerke Photo.

Emma Hunt Photo.

A & E 13December 19, 2013

Patrons

Kermit and Florence AlveshereAlan AntonJoan and Peter BaileyBryan BanowetzJim and Judy BauerLinda BauerKenneth and Rosemary BauerDoug and Char BoeSandra BoeDorrance and Shirley BradyMark and Janice BradyScott and Tammie BradyJill BreitbachLora BreitbachHannah BrownLydia and Mike BrownChris and James BryantCassie BuschLarry and Marjory BushawAnna BusseJeff and Michele BusseMonica BusseColleen CampBill ChristiansonMatt and Tracie ChuteMr and Mrs Robert ChuteMindy and Gary ColemanJane and Rob CollinsMorty and Mona Lisa CookseyClark and Kathy CunninghamCarol and Pat DeignanMike and Karen DelaneyDave and Laura DieboldDave and Melissa Dostal

Jan and Mike DrahozalJoe and Kelly DrahozalDave and Polly DrakerNicole DrakerBill and Lu EftingJim and Liz EftingRyan EklandTom and Terry EklandSteve and Kay ElliottCarl and Carol EskerMike and Jody EskerTracie FabianoDoug FeltesJack and Micki FenskeJim and Linda FenskeJenny and Jeff FriedenMike FriedenDick GalliganGene and Betty GerkeJulie and Joe GerkeMichael GraeveTracy GraeveMike and Kathy GravelDiane HansenPaul and Bryn HayesTracie and Brian HazelettDutch and Ock HerrigLaura M HerrigMike and Wendy HerrigJohn and Sasha HoffmanMarvin and Linda HoffmanMike and Courtney HoffmanAllyson HovdaDick and Pam Hunt

Virgil and Carlyn HuntThe Janney FamilyCindy JensenJeanne JoensJohn and Con Inc.Ray and Beth KaminRay and Jan KaminKaty KarasKelli KertonGene and Sally KopeckyAnn and Tim KortemeyerMary LevettPaula and Jim LevettDave and Sharon LoecherDoris LogelDan and Donna LynchMegan LynchJeanne and Gerry MacEachernBrennan McAllisterBill and Mary Lou McCartanKerry McCartanWill McCartanFather Tom McDermottTom and Mary McGivernMaureen and Jason McHughLiz MillerMr and Mrs Duane MillerMobileDemandLeo and Diane MonaghanAnn MoranJulie MoranRegan MoranJohn and Ruth NeuzilBob and Mary Tarbox Nicholson

Makenzie NoonanMike NoonanSteve and Janet NoonanNixie OlderburgDaniel PapeChris and Roberta PetersPowell ChiropracticKevin and Denise PudilRosie PudilAnn and Dave RichardsonJohn RichardsonTom and Dianna RichardsonPeyton RosencrantsDenny and Karan RuzickaMr and Mrs Richard SaundersJoe and Barb SchmallMr and Mrs Jason SchmidtColleen and Randy ScholerMike and Mary Pat SchulteDon and Patricia SimaMaddie SmithHailey SojkaMairlynn SondermanBecky and Brad StovieMarisa and Richard SullivanDave and Karen ThinnesMatthew ThommannaWilma ThompsonScott Thompson FamilyFred and Bev TimkoTom TroesterBev ValantDouger and Amers ValentineMary Lou Valentine

Abbe VegaCarlos and Amy VegaDomingo and Katie VegaMichael and Shelley WaldronMike and Sue WaldronJerry and Betty WeilandJeff and Cheryl WestlundAnne WhiteTerry and Janet WhitneyLynn and Lynn WoellertCorbin WoodsElizabeth WoodsGerald M. WoodsGreg and Nancy WymoreJames and Elizabeth Zook

If you’re interested in receiving The Xpress at

your home, please contact Mrs. Kellie Wagner for

more information. kellie.wagner@xaviersaints.org

Order your 2013-2014 yearbook

NOW!@jostenyearbook.com

$70

Thinnes Law Offices

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Ben Valentine & Daniel VegaOpinion Writer & Sports Writer

Ponder This...

With Ben and Dano

Which shoe brand do you most prefer?

AsicsVansSperry’sNikeAdidasTOMSDCUggs

The kind of shoe you wear can tell a lot about your personality and lifestyle. We wanted to know what kind of shoes people wear the most. We surveyed Xavier students and received 278 responses. Here are the results:

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40

60

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100

“I like TOMS because they are really comfortable, but also stylish.”Freshman Lexi Noonan

Xavier High SchoolSports14Girls’ basketball gives back through service

Fast start for basketball Ickes leads the Saints

The Xavier girls’ basketball team represents themselves not only on the court, but in the community as well. In early December, all of the team members gathered together for one purpose: to serve the community by ringing bells for the Salvation Army.

“It’s really awesome that we were able to do this as a team,” senior Hayley Deutmeyer said. “We are all so blessed, and I think we take that for granted sometimes. It was a great experience.”

The Saints’ commitment to selflessness has been apparent throughout the opening stretch of their season. In a fashion similar to their giving attitude off the court, the girls have displayed a team-oriented style of play.

The Saints started the season with a hot streak, winning four out of their first five games. On December 3, they were able to get

Nic EklandSports Writer

a win in dominant fashion with a score of 57-14 against Waterloo East, holding the Trojans to only two points in the first half.

The team had their first setback on December 6 when they lost 68-49 at home against the class 5A second ranked

Iowa City High Little Hawks. The girls were quick to bounce back against a tough Dubuque Senior squad with a 52-34 win. They suffered a loss December 13 against Dubuque Hempstead 38-31. They struggled to get anything going and were held to just seven points in the first half.

Senior Abby Watson is excited for the upcoming service events the team will do and said, “After all, it’s about everyone but you.”

The team played again at Jefferson High School on December 17. The Xavier girlslook to continue their success as they keep the spirit of giving in full force this holiday season.

With a 56-33 win over Mt. Pleasant, a 58-49 win over defending 3A state champions Waverly-Shellrock, and a 71-48 win over Ottumwa, the second ranked Xavier boys’ basketball team is hot out of the gate with a 3-1 record.

The Saints are led by junior sharpshooter Adam McDermott who is on fire with a total of 59 points in three games. He is averaging almost 20 points per game. The team as a whole is averaging 62 points each game.

“I feel like I’ve gotten off to a strong start,” McDermott said. “Our team is executing plays well. My teammates are setting me up well. I credit our guys that get the

starters better during practice.”The team has balanced

scoring across the bench. Junior Calvin Winker and senior Andrew Bisenius are averaging nine points per game. Senior Matt Nelson has an average of six points a game.

“I feel like we all have the ability to go off on any given night,” Bisenius said. “We have great balance. Especially with Matt in the post and Adam on the outside. It’s nice to be number two. At the end of the year our goal is to be number one.”

The boys had their first setback so far this year when they lost to Dubuque Hempstead, 61-49. However, the bench support is a major factor in the Saints’ success.

“The success is wonderful and I hope we can keep it up,” junior Lou Hasley said. “It’s fun to be around the guys. I enjoy helping the starters get better everyday at practice. It’s nice to see our main guys get better, because we are pushing them hard at practice.”

The boys play again at home against cross town rival Jefferson Tuesday, December 19.

Daniel VegaSports Writer

Xavier senior Sean Ickes has been participating in wrestling for nine years. Four of those nine years has been with the Saints. Ickes has made two state appearances so far and is leading the wrestling team towards its goal of qualifying for state.

“The experience of going to state helps me know the level of wrestling and the dedication it takes to be good,” Ickes said.

Ickes is using his years of experience to become a role model for the younger wrestlers on the team.

“I just want to lead by example and be a good role model to everyone on the team,” Ickes said. “There’s a lot of leadership on the team this year so it’s been pretty fun so far.”

Ickes’ dedication and discipline has benefited him so far this season. He helped lead the Saints to a 66-12 opening season win over Cedar Rapids Washington on December 5.

“As a team, we just want to focus on wrestling hard every match and coming into practice looking to improve every day,” Ickes said.

The Saints wrestled again in a tournament hosted by Independence on December 7. Xavier placed seventh out of 10 teams.

The team then headed to Iowa City West on December 12 to face Iowa City West and Dubuque Hempstead. The Saints lost to Iowa City West, 40-22 and

to Dubuque Hempstead, 39-30. Trying to get back into

rhythm, the Saints beat Beckman 43-18 at the Dyersville Beckman duals on December 14. The Saints also faced Davenport Assumption and Don Bosco, but lost 46-27 and 42-28, respectively. Ickes, senior Cole Turner, junior Michael Maher, and freshmen Josh Gerke and Clint Lembeck all went 3-o in their matches.

“Wrestling has helped me push through mental barriers,” Ickes said. “There’s a lot of times when you want to go easy, but you know that taking days off comes back to bite you. So there’s a motivation to get better.”

The team continues its season against Cedar Rapids Kennedy and Jefferson Thursday, December 19.

Shannon MulcaheySports Editor

Senior Sean Ickes throws Cedar Rapids Washington Keelen Hale. Meghan Gerke Photo.

The girls’ basketball team poses for a picture while they ring bells for the Salvation Army at the Edgewood Road Hy-Vee. Photo Submitted.

Senior Andrew Bisenius shoots a free-throw at the Saints’ first home game. Halle Heying Photo.

December 19, 2013 Sports 15

3905 Center Point Rd NECedar Rapids

(319) 393-3736

Bowlers compete despite numbersThe Xavier boys’ bowling

team has enough members to need bowl offs to decide who gets to compete in the meets each week. This, however, is a luxury the girls’ team cannot afford. In bowling, six players compete, and the top five scores are taken. For the girls, all their scores are taken, because there are only five members. Despite this, the girls are competing and getting along well.

“I have a lot of fun bowling with the other girls,” freshman Tanya Zaugg said. “I think the team is really close.”

The boys, who are a little more fortunate in terms of numbers, are trying to build on last year’s state trip and junior Caleb Miller’s state championship in class 1A. They are off to a good start with a 3-0 record, beating Waterloo East, Iowa City West, and Iowa City High.

“We keep improving our last scores and we’re growing as a team,” said senior Zach Klimesh.

The boys added another win to their record when they defeated Iowa City High in a conference matchup Friday, December 13, at Colonial Lanes in Iowa City by a score of 2773-

Morgan BreitbachSports Assistant Editor

2665. Miller paced the Saints with a series of 438, followed by senior Sam Hart, who rolled a 431. The girls also took on the Little Hawks, losing 2178-1945. Zaugg rolled the high series of 360.

“We’re doing great. We’re currently undefeated and consistently getting better,” said Klimesh.

The girls participated in the Cedar Rapids Prairie Invitational Saturday, December 14, but were eliminated from bracket play. The boys and girls return to the alley again Friday, December 20 at May City Bowl in Cedar Rapids against Dubuque Hempstead.

Meet Xavier’s hockey players

Austin Wille, SeniorCedar Rapids Black Knights

Edward Krouse, JuniorCedar Rapids Black Knights

Jordan Even, JuniorCedar Rapids High School

RoughRiders

“I’ve been playing since third grade, and I will be playing in college. My favorite NHL team

is the Saint Louis Blues. My favorite NHL athlete is David

Backes.”

“I’m a big fan of Don Cherry (a retired Canadian hockey

player) because of his fashion sense. I also admire Gordie Howe for his playing style.”

“I have been playing hockey since I was three. My cousin played hockey professionally.

I’ve gotten a concussion, cracked ribs, and a broken

wrist from playing.”

January 2013 Xavier Sporting Events

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BWL Home

WR @Webster CityBBB Home

BBB @WWGBB Home

WR Home

BWL @ CRWBBBHome

WR @ Linn-MarGBB @ US Cellular

BBB Home

GBB @ CR Kennedy

WR @ CRP

BWL HomeBBB @ DW

WR @ MarionBBB &GBB @ WDMD

BWL Home

WR= WrestlingBBB= Boys BasketballBWL= BowlingGBB= Girls Basketball

Design & Info by Shannon Mulcahey

Design & Info by Shannon Mulcahey and Morgan Breitbach. Maddy Bailey Photos.

Merry Christmas

Thank youfor supporting

The Xpress

WR @ICH

BWL @ CR CenterBBBHomeGBB @ LM

WR @ICH

BBB @CRPGBBHome

BBBHome

WR @WE

GBB @ CRW

GBBHome

Senior Sam Hart practices his technique at a bowling practice. Shannon Mulcahey Photo.

December 19, 201316 BackpagePhotographers in TrainingPhotographers in Training

Amanda Wymore ‘14

Holly Hazelton ‘14

Maria Efting ‘14Madi Nelson ‘15

Page Editor: Anna White. Information: Mary Esker.

Adriana Baca ‘16

Meghan Gerke ‘14

“I started off with iPhone photography when I got my iPhone last Christmas. Then I bought a real camera this summer. I like to find the beauty in other people and capture them in flattering lights. I want to major in photography, hopefully at Columbia in Chicago and eventually work for a major magazine.”

“I have always liked taking pictures. I first got into film photo in 6th grade because of a film workshop. My favorite thing to photograph is urban landscape, and I hope to go into photography in college.”

“I got interested in photography the summer before my sophomore year. I just had a point and shoot camera and would use a free editing website. Junior year, I got really into sports photography and editing with Photoshop. Next year, I’m going to major in photography at Grand View University in Des Moines.”

“I love capturing new places and people. You can control the scene and interpret it in a way you can’t see right away. When I take or edit photos, I don’t notice the time going by. I plan on going to Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo to study photography.”

“I started taking pictures in 7th grade with a Nikon point and shoot that I took everywhere. I like taking photos because it is a great way to save memories. My favorite thing to photograph is silhouettes. Most people think it is strange to have the main focus of a photo to be black, but I think it puts more emphasis on it.”

“My dad has a nice camera and took some photos of families which inspired me to get into photography. I really like taking pictures of people and editing photos of them. I have also taught myself new editing techniques in my independent study.”

Check out more photos at

mariaefting.tumblr.com!

Olivia Grace Photography

Check out more photos at the “Hazelton Photography”

Facebook Page!

Andrea Boller

Andrea Boller Photography