Paw PrintThe

JSerra Catholic High School Volume 36 • December 2015

JSerra Catholic High School • 26351 Junipero Serra Road San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 • (949) 493-9307 • JSerra.org

Special Christmas Issue

Merry Christmas

Staff

Paw PrintThe

Ivan AltamiranoEmily Gloyne

Molly HarmonHanna McCutcheon

Jack MosherJulia SanchezRyan SánchezJadyn Zielinski

Mr. Jeff Kahl, Advisor

Who at JSerra Would You Like to Meet Under the Mistletoe?

by Julia Sanchez

As the Christmas season quickly approaches, people bring out their inflatable Santa, outdoor lights, holly wreaths, and, of course, mistletoe. Over the years, hanging mistletoe in hidden spots to bring two lovers together has been a common tradition. Many strategically place mistletoe in door entry ways to trick their loved ones into a smooch on the way inside. I went around asking JSerra students who they would like to meet under the mistletoe this holiday season. In the words of Molly Harmon, “Everyone needs a Christmas bae.”

“Kayla Zakhour” — Adam Keehn

“Sebastian de la Fuente” — Meghan Wagner

“Molly Harmon” — Armaan Zabihi

“Nikki Font or Noelle Massengill” — Luke Williams

“Hanna McCutcheon” — Chase Brown

“Alison Smith” — Nico Abusaid

“Emily Brady” — Noah Berrios

“Mykayla Giacobetti” — Andrew Burkhardt

“Sofia Anadre” — Tom Corkery

“Maddie Burough” — Jack Hemphill

“Grace Corkery” — Charles Cariello

“Nathan Bowman” — Kelsey Luvisa

“Michael Zabran” — Anastasia Aleman

“Brianna Larkin” — Eli Jefferson

“Andrew Ikalowych” — Samantha Ramirez

“Pat Brook” — Anastasia Ikalowych Skylar Strickland Marissa Rodriguez Julia Sanchez

“Cassidy Williams” — Damjan Kertesz

“Chase Reinecke” — McKenzy Church

“Sophia Cestari” — Andrew Antonius

“Ahnalia Salazar-Hudgins” — Harry Nelson

“Alison Baarstad” — Christian Libutti

“McKenna Ulnick” — Tomas Germann

“Kayla Kmett” — jacob Thomas-Smith

Merry Christmas

What Christmas Tradition Would You Like to See Started at JSerra?

by Jadyn Zielinski

“Decorating a Christmas tree with each of our own ornaments.” — Gianna Calo

“Making Christmas letters for the army as a whole school.” — Taylor Hanna

“I always love cookie exchanges. Every student brings in a dozen baked cookies, we put them in the Center Room and every student has a bag and they take one of every cookie.” — Miss Riley

“Wrap the walls in gift wrap.” — Peyton Hansen

“I think we should have Mr. Meyer, Mr. Stroupe, Mr. Everett, and Mrs. Vandenberg all dress up as Santa Claus for the 12 days of Christmas and sing The Twelve Days of Christmas in the main lobby as students come in, every day, until the season is concluded. No, seriously, in addition to that, I would really like to see us decorate, not only for the secular Christmas, which is fun to do, but I think it would great to have a Nativity scene in the main lobby and to put up some Advent decorations and then to really try to live out the 12 days of Christmas, after Christmas starts, when they’re really meant to be lived out. I think that would be a great way for us to recognize Christ and put Him back in the center of Christmas.” — Mr. Reidy

“Baking cookies or having a holiday special like Thanksgiving like for all the students to come and a bake sale would be cool.” — Casey Paganelli

“Big Christmas tree in the quad.” — McKenna Ulnick

“Christmas-tree lighting in the quad.” — Emily Wagstaff

“Bring back Deck the Halls.” — Lia Dueker

“Playing holiday music in the halls.” — Katherine Bacino

“Christmas trick or treating.” — Kat Outhwaite

“Secret Santas.” — Maddie Banker

“I’d like to hear more Merry Chistmases than Happy Holidays.” — Jordan Brokaw

“Christmas tree in the quad.” — Katy Stifter & Ashley Kempf

“Secret Santas.” — Claire Hunn

“Christmas lights around the school.” — Ivana Parrott

“Wearing pajamas and letting Mr. Plaia have our blankets.” — Rachel Kay

Merry Christmas

Ski Report: December 2015by Julia Sanchez

As we enter December, people switch gears, leaving Thanksgiving in the past and preparing for Christmas and..........snow!!! Commonly nicknamed “Ski Bums,” those who crave the winter have been closely monitoring NOAA’s (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) reports on El Niño and what conditions it will bring us this winter. Hopefuls are saying that, based on their predictions, it’s time to dust off your skis and snowboards and start booking your flights. For those looking to escape the local scene at Mountain High (Wrightwood) or Snow Summit (Big Bear), record-breaking conditions are expected in Big Sky, Montana, Mammoth Lakes, California, Park City, Utah and many other resorts. Predictions came true the first week of November as most areas opened earlier than projected. For those Ski Bums out there alongside me, I only have four words, “Thank you, El Niño.”

Big Sky, Montana Big Sky is gearing up for a harsher winter than they’ve seen in years, and skiers and snowboarders couldn’t be happier. The mountain officially opened November 13

and will stay open until April 17. The first weeks of November have already seen between 2-8 inches of snowfall. The surroundings of Big Sky resort are Instagram-worthy and the locals are welcoming and tolerant of the influx of skiers from around the country. Mammoth Mountain, California Last season in Mammoth, the total snow fall was 100 inches. This year is predicted to almost double that. The historic seasons of 1982 and 1997 set records that no one thought would ever be topped and right now El Niño is threatening them. Winter might also come early to Mammoth because its height and rapidly-

dropping temperatures. Mammoth is very family-oriented, skier-friendly and I can attest to the gorgeous surroundings. Plus, it’s the closest resort to So. Cal. offering “real” snow. If you’re planning a trip this season, start booking now because rentals are going fast. Park City, Utah Starting Thursday, December 3, expect intermittent snowfall throughout the first few weeks. The weather won’t be favorable to those who can’t handle temperatures ranging from 7° to -3°, but the sun will be shining. The mountain will open on Thanksgiving, closing April 19, 2016. The average temperature will be 31.5°. Early in December there will be rain/snow showers in the northern part of the mountain, with heavy snowstorms south. From December 11-15 expect constant snow showers. Predictions for December 16-19 are sunny, but cold. Park City is unique, separating slopes into snowboarders-only and skiers-only, to prevent accidents and conflicts between the different riders.

Merry Christmas

Christmas at Disneylandby Hanna McCutcheon

Go to Disneyland this Christmas season and experience the park transformed! Disneyland celebrates Christmas by completely redecorating their park. From Christmas trees, oversized ornaments, colored lights, and decorated rides, everything in Disneyland becomes a Christmas winter wonderland. All of Disney’s characters dress in Christmas-themed attire. The employees and hotels are decked out as well. Disneyland decorates for almost

every holiday. This past October, Disneyland did the same for Halloween by decking out the park and rides with Halloween decorations. Now this month, its Christmas’s turn. When you think of Disneyland’s Christmas-themed park, most people think of the famous ride “It’s a Small World”. This ride is decked out in colored lights. Another thing many think of when they think of Christmas-themed Disneyland

is main street. It is also impossible to miss the gigantic Christmas tree in he middle of the plaza shining with gold, silver, red ornaments and lights wrapped around its branches. And make sure to sit and watch the main street parade that includes all the popular characters from Disney’s movies and decorated floats. California Adventure also decorates for Christmas. As soon as you exit Disneyland

and walk over to the California Adventure entrance and see the huge letters stripped in red and white. This park has a special viewing of “World of Color” where the show is Christmas-themed with colors, Christmas music, and characters from Frozen. Both theme parks deck out their rides, pathways with garland and red and green, and shows such as “World of Color” and the firework show. Christmas at Disneyland and California Adventure

starts November 13 to January 6, so make sure to go. Go with friends or with your family to experience this special theme that only comes for a short time every year!

Merry Christmas

What Was Your Own “Nightmare Before Christmas?”

by Julia Sanchez

“Santa wasn’t real because I saw my mom putting the presents under the Christmas tree.” — Natalie Walker

I was walking down the stairs and I thought I heard Jingle Bells in the middle of the night and I wanted to go see Santa and I tripped and I fell face-first down the stairs and hit my nose on the tile and got a bloody nose everywhere and it ruined my Christmas.” — Ashlyn Underwood

“When I was younger I was so excited about Christmas that I wouldn’t be able to sleep the night before so I would beg my mom to give me Benadryl and one time, like an hour after she gave it to me, I didn’t think it was working so I went downstairs and drank some more and then I missed Christmas morning because I was asleep.” — Cat Hendrick

“My cousin’s dog attacked my cousin. It was terrifying.” — Sami Darrow

“My dad threw our food across the kitchen last year because he dropped it.” — Claire Hunn

“My dog got skunked.” — Christian Sieck

“Maybe when my dad threw out my sisters presents because he was mad at her and she flipped.” — Jerome Catalino

“Waking up at 5 am for Church.” — Cole Mathews

“It was 90 degrees.” — Chris Mirigian

“Honestly, when my parents split up during my junior year and my dad and I had Christmas by ourselves.” — Señor Williams

“Cooper throwing up Christmas morning all over his toys.” — Keaton Dolan

One of the legs snapping off the tree and the tree falling on me and all the ornaments breaking around me that were glass and cut me.” — Cade Manning

“I got Chicken Pox and Strep Throat before Christmas.” — Michael McAdam

“I was grounded on Christmas.” — Lauren Feldman

“In 1987 I got a Nintendo Entertainment System which was awesome, but I was also given a TV and the TV was black and white, so it never focused, it just kept flipping the picture, kept going on and on and on and it was sad because I had a Super Mario Brothers and I couldn’t play it.” — Mr. Shafayoon

“I dropped my stocking in a fire.” — Kim McWhirter

“Bad report card before Christmas.” — Zeland Tupuola

“We got a Wii for Christmas but my brother exchanged it for an XBox.” — Marie-Therese Chahrouri

Merry Christmas

Which Christmas Movie Mirrors Your Own Life?

by Ivan Altamirano

With the Christmas season in full swing, we tend to enjoy lighting a fire, grabbing some snacks, and watching our favorite seasonal holiday movies. As you watch some of theses movies, certain plot lines can stand out, thanks to similarities of your own life, whether it be through a serious or comedic experience. We went around the JSerra campus and asked students which Christmas movie mirrors their own life.

“Home Alone, since my parents are never home.” — Mary Kaffen

“The Grinch. I am the Grinch.” — Kat Outhwaite

“Elf; Buddy is my role model and I’m short like an elf.” — Maddie McGuill

“Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas, because since Sid the Sloth is my role model.” — Kyle Alvarez

“Elf, because it’s funny and I’m small.” — Pat Sullivan

“It’s a Wonderful Life, because life is wonderful.” — Mr. Plaia

“Rudolph, because I have a huge nose.” — Sophie Isales “Elf, Because I like walking through the city.” -Jerome — Jerome Catalino

“Christmas Vacation, just because my family, my brothers and I, any time we go on trips we kind of make things harder for my mom and dad and its not mishaps to that degree in Christmas Vacation and my grandparents are just like the grandparents in Christmas Vacation.” — Mr. Shafiyoon

“A Christmas Carol. I wasn’t really into the Christmas spirit but then something happened to where I’m all about it.” — Ethen O’Campo

“A Christmas Story, because I hope that miracles really do happen.” — Señor Williams

“Home Alone, I’m constantly fighting off criminals.” — Claire Maiona

“Home Alone, because I was in New York one time and we were rushing to JFK and there was a lot of traffic and we weren’t going to make it and it was bad.” — Rachel Kay

“The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, because I look like Cindy-Lou Who.” — Kelsey Luvissa

“Christmas Vacation, because my family is just as crazy.” — Dylan Cavaricci

“Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, because it was my favorite growing up.” — Corey Pound

Merry Christmas

Christmas at St. Michael’s Abbeyby Ryan Sánchez

The season of Advent is four weeks long, and is the period of preparation for Christmas. Celebrated by Christians around the world, this period is one of the most important in the Catholic Church. While the liturgical aspect of C h r i s t m a s is shared by C a t h o l i c s around the world, no two C h r i s t m a s exper iences are alike. The priests, seminarians, and students at St. Michael’s Abbey are no exception. I had the opportunity to visit St. Michael’s Abbey and interviewed a few of the men there. I sat down with Frater Edmund Page and Frater Emmanuel Aldaba, two of the many seminarians at the Abbey. Both in their sixth year at St. Michael’s, they were eager to talk about their Yuletide activities. They told the Paw Print that, unlike the rest of the world, there are no decorations or outward signs of the season until a few days before the 25th. Instead, the Mass is celebrated differently. The color green is replaced with purple, which represents death and royalty. On the third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday, the color rose (Father Aldaba made a point to distinguish it from simple pink) is used to signify joy and the nearness of Christ’s birthday. A

couple days before Christmas, Frater Aldaba told me they go all out with their decorations, covering the chapel with wreaths, real candles, trees, and a Nativity scene. Finally,

on Christmas Eve, the fathers hold midnight Mass with the lay faithful and then the holy men all c e l e b r a t e together until C h r i s t m a s morning at 6:00 AM, where they hold a private

dawn Mass. Finally, at 11:00 AM, they their hold their public Christmas Day Mass. While the day after Christmas usually marks the end of the season and the beginning of many clearance sales, not so for the men of the Abbey. Father Page said their celebration begins on Christmas itself and lasts until January 1, the feast day of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. This day is known as the Octave, the eighth day after Christmas, and is where thanks are given for the past year and Saint Ambrose’s ancient Te Deum hymn is sung. Finally on January 6th, the Epiphany, the Christmas season is officially over. For those who are interested in learning more about the Abbey or are interested in attending Christmas Mass at the Abbey, talk to Father Damien in the Campus Ministry room in Building 2.

Merry Christmas

My Last Christmas at JSerra

To all current seniors at JSerra, this is officially our last Christmas during high school and before adulthood. When I first thought about it, I felt sad and immediately wanted to turn back the clock to when I watched Disney movies and didn’t drive myself to school. Christmas always makes me feel nostalgic and thankful for my loved ones, and this year is no exception. It is unbelievable to me that, in less than a year, I’ll be living on my own and will only see my family on weekends or holidays. I’m going to have to adapt to a new routine and abandon everything I consider familiar. If I could give one piece of advice to this year’s senior class, it would be to cherish the time you have left with your family and friends. Julia Sanchez, a current senior described this Christmas as, “sad because we’ve spent four years getting to know these people (at JSerra), and this is probably the last time we’ll all be together.” It’s easy to wish that I valued my eighteen years with them more, but it’s not healthy to live in the past. Living in the present is one of the ways to make the most out of this Christmas. On the other hand, many students are excited to get out of Orange County and start new Christmas traditions somewhere else. Many students will be getting their acceptance letters over break, and will probably know where they’ll spend next year’s Christmas. Claire Hunn described her upcoming college Christmases as “exciting.” She also added, “Even though it’ll be hard to leave home, it’s fun to

think about where I’ll be next Christmas and how I’ll be spending it.”

Some of our 2016 alumni will be wearing snow jackets, while others venture to the beach for a bonfire with their new college friends. I do not yet know where I’ll be, but I do know that Christmas will probably still be my favorite holiday. Christmas marks the beginning of the end for seniors. In addition to the Senior Tree Lighting and Movie Night, we begin ordering our cap and gowns. We also brainstorm for our yearbook quotes and daydream about jumping into the

pool after our last school mass. This Christmas season will undoubtedly involve a few nights of looking back at the memories I have made at JSerra. I’ve gained friends who I’ll know for the rest of my life, and have learned more about myself than I could at any other school. I guess this is a “thank you” to JSerra for giving me a life that I’ll miss when next year’s Christmas rolls around.

Cooper, Molly and Damjan

Merry Christmas

The Paw Print welcomes reader feedback. Letters must contain your full name and grade level, or if a non-student, your full name and city of residence. Please e-mail Mr. Kahl at jkahl@jserra.org with a subject heading of “Letters to the Editor.”

Letters to the Editor

The opinions expressed here are those of the student journalist. They do not reflect the views of the JSerra faculty, staff or administration.

As we count down the days until Christmas, millions of children are reflecting on the past year and reviewing their conduct and manners. For those who misbehaved, a stocking full of coal will greet them on the morning of the 25th. While I applaud his efforts to teach children good behavior, Mr.

Claus’s decision to give children such an eco-unfriendly stocking stuffer is unacceptable in the twenty-first century. Coal produces soot when burned, lowering the air quality and damaging the lungs of people and wildlife. This pollution is causing global warming and destroying reindeer and elf habitats in the Arctic Circle. In order to save the environment and prevent the North Pole from going the way of Atlantis, it is necessary that we move away from dangerous fossil fuels and begin using renewable energy sources. I ask Mr. Claus to, instead, give children more

environmentally-friendly fuel sources, such as solar panels, hydrogen cells, or rods of uranium. Millions of children look up to Santa Claus, so his embracing of green energy will help speed up the adoption of this new technology.

Is Santa Causing Global Warming?

by Ryan Sánchez

Why Rush Christmas?

by Hanna McCutcheon

Please, stop putting up Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving. Why is everyone in such a rush to start celebrating Christmas? Of course I love Christmas and I’m very excited for the holiday but there is a time and a place. People need to take time to enjoy each holiday and give each one their own time. Each holiday follows in an order, and selling Christmas decorations

a day after Halloween breaks that perfect order. Why don’t people want to enjoy Halloween, then Thanksgiving, and finally Christmas? Why is everyone so quick to rush the holidays? Take time to enjoy Halloween, and take more time to celebrate Thanksgiving, then start fussing over Christmas. I love the Christmas season but Christmas movies, and elf decorations at the beginning of November, almost ruins it for me. I went to the mall to find it completely decked out in Christmas decorations already, even including lights strung from the ceiling. Michaels is already going full force on Christmas decorations and the Christmas tree is already up at Fashion Island. And, it is only the second week of November. Thanksgiving deserves a little more time to be appreciated without Christmas completely taking over. Thanksgiving only has grocery store sales and a parade in New York, while Christmas rules over America and reigns for weeks. The Starbucks special drinks and cups, the Christmas music playing in stores as you walk in, and the Christmas trees in the malls are amazing and fun, but please, let’s keep it for the appropriate time. Artists should only be releasing their Christmas album during December and ornaments should not be sold before people buy their turkey for the Thanksgiving meal. Christmas is one of my favorite holidays, but I respect the traditions of Halloween and Thanksgiving to not craze over Christmas before those holidays have been properly celebrated and appreciated.

With the start of my senior year, most teachers opened their syllabi by saying they “understand how stressful first semester can be” and that “the application process can be stressful for everyone,” so they wouldn’t assign copious amounts of homework. So far this quarter, that statement has not been backed up. Teachers need to understand that this is not a convenient time to give

six hours of homework per night. The amount of homework and busy work I have been assigned since the start of school is absurd. I can vouch for all seniors that this is a stressful time for all of us. College applications are due, most deadlines being November 1, along with deciding a major, where you’re applying, and if you would even get in; the list goes on and on. Doesn’t the school want us to get in to college? Don’t they want us to have a place to go next fall after graduation? It doesn’t really seem like it. Yes, I know, just because I’m a senior doesn’t mean I shouldn’t have homework. I’m not asking for these classes to be an easy A. I do want to learn new things this year, but I don’t want to go home at the end of an eight-hour school day (excluding any practice time for sports) and be up until 12:30 am. doing homework, studying, and completing applications. There hasn’t been a day when I come to school and say, “I have nothing due...no tests, no homework, nothing.” The past few weeks I’ve had a test, quiz, or project due every day. This is the most I’ve ever colored since the fifth grade. Ironically, in AP class, no homework is assigned. We are told a week in advance when our tests are and it’s on us to study for them. I almost prefer taking one of Mr. Misiow’s giant tests over all the busy work. The most painless way to stop the excessive busy work would be assigning one homework packet on Monday, due Friday, and actually telling us when our tests and quizzes are. Faculty, I’m begging you. I miss sleep.

Merry Christmas

Senior Class Homework

by Julia Sanchez

College Tuition

by Molly Harmon

As I currently apply to colleges, the price tags only get more and more expensive. Some of the universities I’m looking at are as expensive as $60,000. If someone works hard and earns the right to attend a school, finances should not be a hurdle they must overcome. For most students, the amount of financial aid they receive is the top reason for why they choose a

college. If a student gets accepted into their dream school, they should be able to go to that school. Marco Rubio recently revealed in a debate that he only just finished paying off his student loans from college. His total amount of debt was over $100,000, and it took him sixteen years to pay it off. He is a wealthy politician who has a book deal under his belt, successes that are not common among most families paying for college. In contrast. universities in Europe are virtually free. For European Union citizens, a college education is completely free of charge in Austria, Denmark, and Finland. Universities in Germany only cost between 50 to 200 euros per semester. France also only charges around 30 to 650 euros per year. Although these countries use governmental systems different from America’s, I believe that we should borrow their strategies regarding university tuition. Why is a nation that allows us so many freedoms preventing us from receiving an education? I believe that, instead of spending billions of dollars on college scholarships, the government should use that money to modify the education budget. We should make school less expensive so that money can be spent on education facilities instead of towards the tuition. I am grateful to live in a country where I can learn and choose my own career, but I wish I didn’t have to suffer through years of debt in order to do so. The U.S. should make college tuition more affordable, not only to strengthen young minds today, but also, to ensure the education of future generations.

Merry Christmas

Do-It-Yourself: Christmas Gift Editionby Emily Gloyne

Christmas cheer is finally here! Besides the real reason for the season, Jesus, the first things that come to mind when I think of the Christmas spirit are presents and food. Whether the presents are for family, friends, or giving back, a gift always warms someone’s heart. Many times, high schoolers will say that they are “broke” and don’t have enough money to buy Christmas presents with their own money. However, there are plenty of “Do It Yourself (D.I.Y.)” ideas showering the internet. I have found five very useful, helpful, and unique gifts that are easy to make and will leave a big imprint on your loved ones’ hearts this holiday season.

1. Framed Chalkboard WHO: Friends, Moms, Teachers WHAT: A piece of wood, chalkboard paint, staple gun, and open frame. HOW: (1) Paint the piece

of wood with chalkboard paint, (2) paint the frame with whatever color you desire, (3) staple the wood to the frame $: 10-15 dollars

2. Lucky “Charms Only” jar WHO: Anyone who craves only the charms in Lucky Charms, so basically everyone WHAT: A mason jar, box of lucky charms, ribbon, and a note HOW: (1) Fill the mason jar with charms only, (2) seal it shut with a ribbon for decoration, (3) write a note to your loved ones $: Around 7 dollars

3. Picture Coasters WHO: Family & Friends WHAT: Piece of tile (you can get small squares at Lowes), a picture, Mod Podge, and a spongy paint brush, small felt circles HOW: (1) cut and place the picture onto the tiles, (2) use the mod lodge as instructed on the bottle, (3) let dry and place the small felt circles on each corner underneath $: 8-12 dollars

4. Photo Calendar WHO: Family, Friends, Teachers, etc. WHAT: pictures and a computer HOW: (1) Log onto vistaprint.com (no need to make an account), (2) Go to calendars, (3) select layout you prefer, (4) hit customize, (5) upload pictures, (6) check out

$: 16 dollars, however buy early and you can get up to 40% off

5. “52 Things I Love About You” Card Deck WHO: Family and girlfriend/boyfriend WHAT: A deck of cards, a sharpie, cut paper, paste, hole puncher, and clips HOW: (1) write a message on each piece of paper, (2) paste onto card, (3) punch two holes in each card, (4) bind all the cards together $: 5 dollars

Merry Christmas

Do-It-Yourself: Holiday Food Editionby Emily Gloyne

Stuffing your face with home-made food during the holiday season tends to be everyone’s favorite activity. Along with eating the sweet treats, making them is half the fun! Baking during the holiday season is one of my favorite traditions. Holiday treats also make perfect gifts. If you plan to go to a holiday dessert exchange or wish to make sweets at home, these are some perfect recipes to fill you with the holiday spirit!

Christmas Tree Rice Krispies WHAT: A box of Rice Krispies, marshmallows, green food dye, tree-shaped cookie cutters, icing, M & M s , and popsicle sticks HOW: (1) Mix the Rice Krispies with melted green-dyed marshmallows, (2) spread the Rice Krispies onto a baking sheet, (3) use the cookie cutters to shape the trees, (4) place the popsicle stick at the bottom of the treat, (5) use icing to place M&Ms on top to mirror ornaments

Peppermint Oreo Milkshake WHAT: 2 cups vanilla ice cream, 1/2 cup milk, 4 winter Oreos, 1 candy cane,

whipped cream HOW: (1) Place ice cream, milk, Oreos, and crushed candy cane into a blender and blend until smooth, (2) finish the shake off with whipped cream on top

Gingerbread Pancakes WHAT: 1 cup buttermilk, 1 cup oats, 2 egg whites, 2 tbs.low-fat milk, 1/2 tbs. sweetener of choice, 3/4 tsp. ground ginger (dry), 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. Pumpkin pie spice (or nutmeg), 1/2 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. baking powder HOW: (1) Blend all the ingredients together, (2) pour approximately 1/4 cup of batter for each

pancake onto heated griddle, (3) flip and cook pancakes until they turn golden brown

Snowmen Oreo Truffles WHAT: 1 package of cream cheese, 36 crushed Oreo Cookies, 16 oz. vanilla candy wafers, 48 mini, bite-sized Oreos, decorating icing/gel HOW: (1) Mix cream cheese and cookie crumbs together, (2) shape mixture into 48 (1-inch) truffle balls, (3) freeze for 20 minutes, (4) dip into the melted vanilla candy wafers and let cool, (5) decorate the truffles as shown in the picture, (6) refrigerate until firm

Merry Christmas

Winter Is My Favorite Season

by Jadyn Zielinski

California Winters Are the Worst

by Ivan Altamirano

I believe that winter is the worst season in California. Along with the falling of the decaying leaves, the annoying cold begins to set in. The cold here is more bothersome than anything else; it’s a very dry kind of cold since it never rains or snows in Southern California. Throughout this season it seems to rain only two or three days. Compared to other states, what California receives

isn’t even considered rain by their standards. Do you like going to bed at a comfortable temperature but then wake up the next morning feeling as if you somehow woke up in the middle of Alaska? Well, too bad, because that’s what its like to wake up in the winter. Aside from Christmas, the rest of the season is boring, considering that most activities are indoors; believe it or not, Netflix becomes boring after a few days. Since it gets darker earlier, being able to see outdoors becomes impossible past eight, halting the precious time that may be spent being active outside. Also, thanks to the icy water, the beach is no longer an option for spending weekends with friends. From a place where you wear short-sleeve shirts and shorts three seasons of the year, wearing hoodies and jackets everyday is out of the ordinary. Knowing what to wear is strange because you want to wear something warm for the cold morning, but at the same time, you need to plan ahead for when it becomes hotter the rest of the day, then dropping again after the sun goes down. This violent jerk in temperature causes us to feel sick; it’s as if the weather can’t make up its own mind on what it wants to be. Luckily, its only a fourth of the year...a very cold, dry and bothersome fourth of the year.

• • • Point/Counter Point • • •

Winter is, without a doubt, my favorite season. I enjoy winter because of the beautiful snow, cold weather, the clothes, and the many activities you can do. In the winter snow starts to fall and that means you can do a lot of activities. Some activities that you are able to do in the winter is sledding, skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.

In the winter it also gets colder. Many people tend to not like winter because of the cold and there can be snow. However, I see this as an opportunity to see the beautiful scenery. Winter is the season that the days are shorter and the nights are longer. What I like most about winter is being able to see my whole family together. Many holidays happen during he winter season that makes us spend more time with family. Most family members live in different states and it’s during the winter season that we get to all see each other. Even though many people prefer the warmer seasons, winter is my favorite season. Though it’s a cold season, I enjoy everything that comes with it, like the snow, cold, various festivities, and spending time with family and friends.

Merry Christmas

Kids 4 Kids

by Emily Gloyne

Shout Out to Our Religion Department Giving back during the holiday

season is always very rewarding and truly puts me in the holiday spirit. My favorite way to give back during Christmas is through the Kids 4 Kids event held at JSerra every year. I have participated in this event annually since starting as a freshman at JSerra. Kids 4 Kids gives the underprivileged children from nearby elementary school, Kinoshita, the chance

to experience a real Christmas. Each child is given gifts, clothing, a warm meal, and memories they will never forget. Volunteering at the Kids 4 Kids Christmas Party makes me recognize how blessed I am to have a warm home, a family who can provide for me, and generous Christmas presents every year. Sometimes I can get wrapped up in every day life and forget how lucky I am to live such a privileged lifestyle. This event is a great experience for all JSerra students, including myself, to step back from the hype of “what I am asking for Christmas” or “where will I be vacationing this Christmas season.” Kids 4 Kids forces me to remember that all I should want this holiday season is to be with loved ones and to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Even though many of these children come from nothing, that does not wither their holiday cheer. Each and every one of the students are full of happiness, appreciation, and strength. The students who come to this Christmas party inspire me to become a better version of myself. These children mirror Christ with their joyful spirits and warm hearts. I believe students should seek various ways to volunteer during this holiday season. We should be reminded that “Jesus is the reason for the season.” All the students at JSerra are very fortunate to live the lifestyles they do. JSerra students, including myself, should take a step back during Christmas and help spread our privileges to those in need. The most rewarding way to fully experience the Christmas spirit is to reach out to those suffering and make their Christmases a little more warm and cheery.

Be honest: What comes to mind when you hear the words, “religion class?” Or perhaps another question might be, “Why would you ever want to be a religion teacher?” To answer this last question, I spoke to Mr. Reidy, Head of Faith Formation. “I think one of the main things,” replied Mr. Reidy, “is that if you really believe every human being was created by God, we are called to an intimate relationship with Him, no matter what. Deep down we were made to be loved by the one that is love. It’s thrilling to have the opportunity to help people discover that in their own lives.” I then spoke with our beloved Mrs. Crafts and Mrs. Powers (Miss Scotti). Each replied that they initially had no idea they wanted to be a religion teacher. Mrs. Crafts revealed that she was nervous in accepting a job as a religion teacher. Now, she states that she enjoys working with high schoolers because “they’re at a time in their life when they’re finding out who they are and it’s a privilege to help them through that process and follow their faith.” Mrs. Powers agreed—she had no idea that she wanted to be a religion teacher when she first started studying for education. However, she now defines her position as a teacher as “the marriage between (her) faith and wanting to teach.” On a more personal note, I am a confirmed Catholic who has gone through years of confirmation classes. Yet, I had found myself drifting from what I knew because I never really had a firsthand experience with Christ—until I came to JSerra. I’d like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to any and all teachers in the religion department who have helped me reconnect with God and my faith. With your kindness, intellect, and passion for teaching, each student has surely encountered Christ through even the simplest of conversations with each of you.

by Megan D’Souza(Edited and reprinted from last year)

JSerra Catholic High School26351 Junipero Serra RoadSan Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDMission Viejo, CAPermit No. 5724

Merry Christmas

and

Happy New Year!!!

*SAVE THE DATE*Choir and Instrumental Music Christmas Concert December 17, 7:30 PM to 9:30 PMMission Basilica