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The MedallionNotre Dame Academy 1073 Main Street Hingham, MA 02043 April 2009
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In the minds of many, prom is anticipated as the pinnacle of the high school experience: an evening of perfection of divine proportions. Nearly all girls dream of wearing the Disney princess ball gown, complete with elbow length gloves and a diamond tiara, although some may be reluctant to admit it. We see ourselves descending the spiral staircase to a sweet melody set by the cartoon woodland creatures that both custom made our gorgeous dresses and did our hair and make-up for the event. Our handsome prince charming waits at the foot of the stair and his eyes light up when he sees us. The evening continues perfectly, complete with a horse drawn carriage ride followed by a grand entrance during which every one in the ballroom stops to stare at the beautiful girl before them.
Unfortunately, this much-fantasized event rarely lives up to the expectations set forth by idealistic underclassmen and those few seniors who still hold on to the hope that some day their prince will come (and before it is time to buy prom tickets). The sad reality is that no matter how much they wish it, no one will have that dream prom. It starts to rain while you are taking pictures outside, the limo smells weird, the set-up date is a dud, you forget to wear deodorant—the list of cringe-worthy prom moments goes on and on. However, this fact does not mean that prom will not be enjoyable and memorable: quite the contrary. With the right attitude toward these “prom ruining” factors, one will find that these are the things that they will look back upon fondly with their friends for years to come.
Although unconventional, the Notre Dame prom has the potential to be even
Prom 2009Snapshots: NDA Junior Prom
A Glittering Fairytale WonderlandColleen Sharry ‘09
more fun that your run-of-the-mill high school experience, as is true with many things at the academy. What we lack in the prom king and queen department, we more than make up for in goofy dance moves and friendship on the dance floor. Although many of our dates do not know each other and may or may not have been scrounged up at the last minute, we are surrounded by a roomful of our friends. More often than not, you will not end up married to your prom date; however, it is likely that you will stay friends with the girls who ride next to you in the limo and whisper about how cute he is.
To the optimists who disregard my prom attitude and continue to stay true to their idealistic fantasies, I salute you and envy your bright outlook. And to those lucky enough to spend a wonderful evening with their real prince charming in a tuxedo, enjoy your good fortune. To all of those who, like me, will be having a prom that might not measure up to those fantasies enjoy it anyways. You may not magically transform into a Disney princess and step into a glittering fairytale wonderland, but your prom should be a night to remember. (As a disclaimer, I do recommend staying away from woodland creatures and spunky elderly women waving around sticks while getting ready.) Prom is supposed to be fun, not perfect; so don’t hold out for perfection because you more than likely will be disappointed. You may not think that this imperfect prom will measure up to your standards, but it is those imperfections that will make the evening unforgettable.
The Junior Class enjoyed a great night on April 3 at Blue Hills Country Club, complete with dancing and ice cream sundaes.
Every little girl wants to be a princess. Unfortunately, Halloween night is the closest most of us will get to royalty, unless we fall in love with Prince Harry or Prince William. Since this isn’t likely, prom night is a close second to the royal treatment. With your elegant dress, updo, manicured nails, limo, your high school Prince Charming and a decked out room with all your friends, your head may be in the clouds. Here are some prom reminders before you start floating.
Teen drinking and driving often result in fatal car accidents. Prom season is notorious for drinking. According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2007, 219 fifteen to twenty year olds died on weekends during prom season in drunk driver accidents. Don’t make the mistake of drinking or putting yourself in a dangerous situation with someone under the influence of alcohol. You want to remember and enjoy this night.
Alcohol isn’t the only thing that can change your emotional and physical state on prom night. Incidents of date rape may also occur during prom season. 78% of rape is date rape. This is a serious problem in the world, so don’t take the topic lightly. On prom night, you need to be smart and observant. You need to avoid situations that could lead to rape. Avoid risky situations, manage your drink and spend the night with a group of people you know and trust. Make sure you aren’t sending the wrong message to others through actions, dress, or words. Finally, you have every right to say no, and if you say it, say it firmly and make sure body language and voice are saying the same thing.
Since prom is your royal night, you want to look your best. Unfortunately, some of us look like Snow White with pale skin. A quick solution to this problem is an artificial tan. According to the National Cancer Institute, women who use tanning beds once a month are 55% more likely to develop the most deadly skin cancer, malignant melanoma, than women who don’t. Excessive exposure to artificial and natural ultraviolet rays increases one’s risk of skin cancer. Research has shown that spray tans are less harmful than beds, but the best thing is to get sun in moderation at times when the sunlight is less intense.
All of this comes down to being smart, even when your head is in the clouds. You should remember the consequences and dangers of your actions wherever you go, not just prom night. Take care of yourself and keep on eye on your friends, you don’t want to lose them. Hopefully prom will give a glimpse of being a princess apart from the view that your old size 5T poofy dress and cone hat permitted.
Before Your Head is in the CloudsGabrielle Ferro ‘11
NDA @ 2:19
The Cookie CampaignGabrielle Ferro ‘11
The Cookie Campaign’s baked goods gave the lunchroom cookies some competition on March 17 and 18. The cookie campaign was organized and sponsored by NDAid to raise money for Partners in Health (PIH), an organization that works to give the poor the proper health care they deserve as human beings.
NDAid’s main goal this year is to raise money and awareness for the poor and suffering in Haiti. The baked goods and the red, blue and green (colors of Haiti) friendship bracelets contributed to the club’s goals. Overall, the cookie campaign and bracelets raised $1,210. The money was presented to a PIH representative on April 2 at NDA. As asked by NDAid, PIH will use this donation to help the malnourished children in Haiti. Thanks NDA for your support!
Your sixteenth birthday can be pretty exciting, but sixteen and a half is even better. It’s the age of independence and the beginning of the freedom of the open road. But before you can drive off into the cinematic sunset, you have to master the license exam. Don’t start freaking out just yet. Despite the hype, the license exam isn’t horribly tricky, and the examiners don’t wake up in the morning with the intent to go ruin some poor high-schooler’s day. But, to make you feel a little better, here are a few tips to consider before the day of the test.
It is best to make sure you are prepared before the day of the test. Take advantage of your driver’s ed course, as boring as it might be, because the real point of the class is to teach you the rules of the road. The teachers generally repeat the same information you can read in the handbook, but occasionally the teacher will throw out a good hint that will really help you once you get out onto the road, so make sure you pay attention in class. Also, while driving with your permit, listen to advice from your parents and instructors. They’ve been driving for a long time, and they have probably picked up some good tricks and learned some hard lessons over the years that you will not pick up on when you first start driving.
A few weeks before the test, start asking your parents to give you less input while you are driving together. After you take the test, you will be driving on your own, and it can be scary and uncomfortable without the safety net of your parent’s constant advice to fall back on. By asking your parents to act more like passengers, you will feel more comfortable when you actually have to drive on your own. Also, during the license exam, your parents are in the back seat and they cannot be giving you constant guidance; therefore, it’s important that you can make your own decisions as the driver of the car. A week or two before the exam, it would benefit you to drive around the DMV and check out where the speed limit signs are so you are prepared on the day of the test. You will feel more comfortable if you are not searching for the signs or guessing the speed limit.
On the day of the test, make sure you are prepared with the correct forms. Show up about 15 minutes early and be polite to the examiner. A positive first impression will make a difference in the examiner’s perception of you. Make an effort to look presentable and responsible (wear your uniform if it is a school day) and give the examiner a firm handshake when he introduces himself. A good attitude can go a long way. It might also be beneficial to book your appointment in the morning because the examiner will be less worn out. Bring a parent or an instructor from your driving school with you. Make sure you know how to use the car you will be driving. Know how to honk the horn, how to turn on the headlights and turn signals, and where to locate the window defrosters and heat/AC. When you show up at the DMV, the examiner will ask you to back into a special parking space reserved for people taking the exam, so back into a space right when you get there so you don’t have to do it in front of the examiner. This also makes it easier to pull out of the parking space at the beginning of the exam.
When actually taking the test, keep a clear mind and don’t get too nervous. Confidence is important when driving and you will do better if you aren’t worrying the whole time. Remember everything that you have learned in driver’s ed and from your parents. If you make a mistake, try to forget it and move on. The examiner won’t fail you for one mistake and it will illustrate that you are a skilled driver if you are not shaken by one little slip up. The best thing you can do on the day of the license test is relax and have faith in yourself. The examiners want you to pass and if you are confident in yourself, they won’t be able to resist being confident in you, too.
How to Pass Your
Road TestSarah Corben ‘10
Feed The NeedMolly Gorman ‘11
After 40 days and nights of abstaining from our favorite delicacies, ranging from sugarcoated candies to generously frosted chocolate cupcakes, we celebrated on Easter Sunday by devouring chocolate bunnies and perfectly roasted honey-baked ham. However, some families will not even be able to put any food on the table for this festivity and they struggle to feed their families all year round. Hunger is an epidemic that threatens one in five American children. Due to the sheltered and self-centered lives that many people lead due to America’s egotistical consumer-society, many people would be shocked to discover that 1 in 12 households in Massachusetts go hungry for weeks at a time and there are 210,000 children living in poverty in this state alone. Easter is a time to dig deep into our souls and in the words of Mahatma Gandhi, become the change we want to see in the world. The Feed the Need organization is changing the world filling one stomach at a time by supplying food pantries with essential donations.
On Saturday April 11th, Feed the Need hosted their seventh race at Wompatuck State Park in Hingham. Runners donated either 25 cans or boxes of nonperishable food items or $20 to pay the entry fee for the run.
Members of the NDA track team helped out at the race as a team service project. At this year’s race, 4,700 cans of food were collected in addition to $2,000.
Next year, you can be a part of the race. There is no better way to simultaneously enjoy the spring weather, fight hunger in your local community and rejoice in the gifts you have been blessed with than by participating in this wonderful event in the spirit of Easter.
Join the Drama Club for the last production of the year!
Spring One Acts
Hard CandySunday, May 3
2 pm
The play is directed by seniors Colleen McGillvray and Alex Nuesse.
Spring Concert Art and Technology Show
Tuesday, May 57 pm
SportsHow to Gear-Up for the 2009 Red Sox Season For
New to Diehard FansMolly Gorman ‘11
1) Stock up on classic ballpark snacks to munch on while you watch games this season. It’s like bringing a piece of Fenway to your living room by indulging in some of the goodies!
2) Replenish your supply of navy blue and red ribbons, apparel, face paint and beads. The true fan represents Red Sox colors religiously and with pride. No excuses.
3) Keep up with the Sox schedule, peruse the website for some fun facts, check up on your favorite players and keep an eye on the other teams records by visiting the following website: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=bos.
4) If you do not have one already, choose a favorite player to watch. It helps you get into the game and watch that player improve and progress throughout the season. Dustin Pedroia, deemed “the new face of baseball,” is definitely one to keep an eye on, even though he stands at only 5’8”, he makes up for his height in speed and pure skill. He earned league MVP just last year and he is going nowhere but up.
5) Invest in at least one game at Fenway this year. The ticket price is nothing compared to the experience. Bleacher seat tickets are being as offered for as little as $12 for 2009! So get your tickets today and then you can get your peanuts here!
6) If you would rather keep the money in your pocket, the next best thing is to get a bunch of your friends together, snacks, foam fingers, Red Sox spirit and turn on the game. A match-up versus the Yankees, Boston’s long-time rivals, would be especially exciting to watch.
7) Although spring is a busy time of year, keep up with the Red Sox and their record. Nothing eases stresses like kicking back and watching the best team in the world play America’s pastime at its finest.
8) Start your own wiffleball league in your neighborhood or with friends. It’s a fun way to get active and actually experience the sport of baseball instead of always being a spectator. Playing the game will give you a new perspective on how it works and how hard the Red Sox train to consistently perform at the high-level they do. Hopefully, you will gain even more respect for the players, their intensity, and their craft.
9) To graduate to a diehard fan, learn all the rules and regulations of baseball. Your boyfriend or guy friends will be blown away and relieved when you know what is going on in the game and they do not have to explain every call that is made. Nothing is more annoying than a clueless spectator. Get informed! At your local Barnes & Noble you can get your hands on a copy of the 2009 Official Rules of Major League Baseball by Triumph Books for just under ten dollars. You will be fluent in baseball etiquette before the umpire can even say strike one!
JV Tennis 2009Emily Kaczynski ‘11
As the spring season and warm weather begins, so do all of the exciting and fantastic sports! Luckily, this is Notre Dame’s second year having a JV Tennis team. The team is coached by Coach Hagstrom. Due to the number of tennis players that tried out for the Varsity tennis team this season and last season, a JV Team was created for those players who were unable to make the varsity team. This new established JV team allows these hard working tennis players to continue playing, but now on an official team with other girls at their level. Throughout the season, all of the players gradually grow together, and help each other find strengths and weaknesses to improve with each passing day. With practices held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and a total of about eight matches, the passion we all have for tennis increases tremendously. Every time any one of us picks up a racquet, we give it our all and never give up.
On April 2, the Boston Bruins presented the 7th Player Award to David Krejci, who wears number 46 for the hometown team. This award is given to the player who is not a starter, but shows dedication and goes beyond call of duty. This year’s winner won a brand new truck from Dodge. Krejci has been on the Bruins team since 2004. He is twenty-two years old, is six feet tall and shoots right.
The 7th Player AwardGina Stadelmann ‘11
The Red Sox celebrated Opening Day with a 5 - 3 win over the Tampa Bay
Rays.
Upcoming EventsCome support the NDA Cougars at these upcoming games and matches:
May 5 May 7 May 12 May 13Varsity
Lacrosse vs.
Scituate
Ward Street Field
3:30 pm
Varsity Softball vs. Plymouth
South
NDA3:30 pm
NDA Sailing vs. Wellesley
Lincoln Sailing,
Hingham3:30 pm
NDA Track
Catholic Conference
League Meet
NDA 3:30 pm
Varsity Lacrosse vs. Hingham
Hingham High School
3:30 pm
Varsity Golf vs. Hingham
High
South Shore Country
Club3:30 pm
May 15 May 18 May 20 May 23Varsity Tennis
vs. Norwell
NDA Tennis Courts
3:30 pm
Varsity Softball vs.
Pembroke
NDA3:30 pm
Varsity Tennis vs.
Our Lady of Nazareth
NDA Tennis Courts
3:30 pm
NDA Track
Last Chance to Qualify
NDA9 am
EntertainmentSummer Concerts
Kerry McCabe ’11 and Olivia Adkins ’11
Gear up for everyone’s favorite season by purchasing your tickets to one of the many concerts in the Boston area this summer.
O.A.R.Dates: July 27- July 28
Location: Bank of America Pavilion, Boston
Ticket Info: not yet on sale
Jonas BrothersDates: July 17- July 18, 2009
Location: TD Bank North Garden
Ticket Info: tickets available, starting at $80.00
Dave MathewsDates: May 29 – May 30, 2009
Location: Fenway Park, Boston
Ticket Info: limited number of tickets available, starting at $130.00 Coldplay
Date: August 3, 2009
Location: Comcast Center, Mansfield
Ticket Info: tickets available, starting at $65.00
Fall Out BoyDate: April 28, 2009
Location: Tsongas Arena, Lowell
Ticket Info: limited number of tickets available, starting at $50.00
Kenny ChesneyDate: August 15, 2009
Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro
Ticket Info: tickets available, starting at $118.00
Easter BUNNY??Maeve Luken ‘11
The Easter Bunny has roots that go back to pre-Christian, Anglo-Saxon history. The holiday was originally a pagan celebration that worshipped the goddess Eastre. She was the goddess of fertility and springtime. Her earthly symbol was the rabbit. The people began to worship the rabbit believing it to be Eastre’s earthly incarnation. When the Anglo-Saxons converted to Christianity, which was around the same time as Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, the Pagan holiday was combined with the Christian celebration and given the name Easter.
Germany created the first ever edible Easter bunny made out of pastry and sugar in the early 1800s. The Easter bunny was introduced to American folklore by the German settlers who arrived in the Pennsylvania Dutch country during the 1700s. Easter practices included children making baskets out of their bonnets and caps, believing the anthropomorphic rabbit would lay colored eggs in their nest.
Over the years, Easter has developed into a commercial holiday from modernized baskets to piles of candy and presents for children. Also, ads for Easter egg hunts, pictures of giant bunnies and multiple forms of chocolate rabbits have all taken over the familiar holiday. Though some may disagree with this commercialization, it seems obvious that all children have a fascination of Easter and the rabbits associated with it, both in early history and today.
The Good Old ShowsGina Stadelmann ‘11
Today, our Tivos are set to 9 pm on Thursday nights for the latest episode of the Office, or 8 pm on Monday nights so we don’t miss the next scandal on Gossip Girl. Although I enjoy many shows on tv today, particularly Greek on ABC Family, I miss the old television shows from years past. The 90s were filled with great sitcoms and kids’ shows, ranging from Boy Meets World to Recess.
Here’s a list of my favorites:
Boy Meets World Growing Pains Saved By The Bell Full House
The Cosby Show Sabrina The Teenage Witch Smart Guy All That Keenan and Kel Rocket Power Hey Arnold Doug Rugrats Figure It Out As Told By Ginger Braceface Power Rangers The Amanda Show Recess Catdog Rocco’s Modern Life Pinky and the Brain Invader Zim Pepper Anne
Opinion
“I think what he’s been doing shows promise but it’s probably too early to say for sure if he can really pull through on his promises of change.”
Michela Joy ‘09
“I feel like it’s still a little too early for us to tell if Obama has lived up to his slogan for change. It seems like he has been adjusting well and that he has made an impact with everything that he’s done. His economic stimulus plan seems like it should help the economy a lot, since he has put so much effort into it, and maybe after he puts it into action, then we can determine if he has lived up to his slogan for change. Also, he sets a great example for people around the world, which I think will definitely help people decide if he has lived up to the challenge or not.”
Julie Rohnstock ‘12
“I think it’s a little early too early to tell, but I think he’s trying to change things. The couple of times I have heard him speak, I can tell he is intelligent, has good ideas, and confident in himself. We will just have to see if he really does bring change to our country and lives up to his slogan for change.”
Mackenzie Shea ‘11
NDA Voices:Do you think that President Obama is living up to his
slogan of change?
Genocide…Right Now?Kristen Kennedy ‘10
Genocide is something that we have learned about in our religion and history classes. Genocide, as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, political, or cultural group. When thinking about genocides, one may view them as barbaric events of ancient history. Unfortunately, the reality is that genocides are still occurring today. Many of the worst genocides in history were carried out after the turn of the twentieth century.
Currently, there is a genocide occurring in the Darfur region of Sudan. A few months ago, I knew little about the horrific mayhem happening in Africa. I had seen all of the shirts and promotions, but I never realized how horrendous the events taking place in Sudan really are. I later learned that the genocide of Darfur is happening as a result of political greed. Although the government of Sudan denies that they are involved in the massacre, they are the main supplier of weapons to the militia, or Janjaweed. What is the reason for all of this? The Sudanese government wants complete control of the Saharan land occupied by numerous tribes throughout the desert. By killing off all of the tribes in these areas, the government will be able to do as it pleases with the land.
Why do they so desire this arid, dry, desert land in the middle of the Sahara? It is not easy to cultivate and there is very little water in the region, not to mention the absence of electricity. The tribes of people are not harming or threatening the government while residing on this land, so why is it an issue?
As of right now I am not sure what I can do to help with this cause, other than raising awareness and informing people of the issue. Even though we are not directly affected by it, as Christians it is our duty to fight injustice. The genocide of Darfur is completely unjust, without a doubt. As NDA teaches us, we can make a difference in this world. Being aware of injustice is the first step.
From the Editor’s DeskKara Dunford ’09
No one can whistle a symphony.
The brilliant sound emanating from the orchestra is the culmination of the variety of instruments working seamlessly as one to produce music pleasing to the ears.
Over the past eight months, many people have dedicated their time and effort to blend their different styles and ideas and publish eight issues of The Medallion. This year, the newspaper was brought into the world of technology, with six of our eight issues published exclusively online. This gave our work the chance to reach a greater audience of parents and alumni, in addition to doing our small part to help the environment. The content of the paper received a bit of a makeover as well, with the introduction of an opinion section to give more students the chance to have their voice heard.
The writing staff each contributed their own experiences and insight in order to create a newspaper full of unique perspectives. We strived to cover different aspects of life at NDA and encouraged each member of the community to submit their thoughts.
The editorial staff worked tirelessly on each issue, perfecting the placement of each article and tying together all the loose ends. Without the other editors, the newspaper would have been less successful and we would not have been able to publish all of our issues.
I appreciate the dedication of each member of our staff and am thankful that I have been able to work with such talented and creative people over the past year.
I’d like to thank our advisor, Mrs. Pepe, for her guidance and support throughout the year. We are also indebted to the technology department for their help in uploading each issue.
I trust that The Medallion will continue to be a vehicle for the students’ voices, as well as a connection for parents and alumni. It is my hope that more students will get involved in the process of creating the paper, whether it is as a staff writer or photographers, or by writing a letter to the editor. I know there are many opinionated people within our community and I encourage each student to consider expressing her opinion.
As I wrote at the beginning of the year, the education each student is receving at NDA is about helping each student find her own voice. NDA encourages active particpation. It is not enough to simply read about what is going on. Students must embrace their own outlook on the world and share this opinion with others. By taking these opinions a step further, students can take action that will better aid our community, both the school community and the community in the world around us.
I hope our community has enjoyed reading the newspaper as much the staff has enjoyed putting the paper together. I encourage each member of our community to not only continue to read the newspaper, but also to help make the newspaper a true depiction of the variety of opinions within the community by contributing next year.
“I feel like it’s too early in the game to mark any ground with that question. So far, Obama is adjusting to the White House and his new duties, and listening and learning of those objectives is much different than actually living it out and experiencing it. I feel so far, he has certainly not taken his position for granted and still puts his family first, which I think is a wonderful influence and sets a great example for every American family. I still believe Obama is a great role model and that he will provide the change we need in the long run. I don’t think the change will happen over night but overtime we will gain back our strength as Americans with his lead and assistance.”
Stacey Lawson ‘10
Coffee HouseSpring
Molly Gibbons ‘10
There’s a flower in my hair,and in the window of a shop,
and in little glass bottles on thetables where i work.
DrivingMolly Gibbons ‘10
The crows raise their heads by the feet of mailboxes and
stone walls with ice in the crackswater filled petals, not cloth.
Maggie Powers ‘12
Kristen Kennedy ‘10
The MedallionIssue 8, April 2009
Editor-in-chief - Kara Dunford ‘09Editors - Colleen Sharry ‘09 Molly Burke ‘09 Kristen Kennedy ‘10Advisor - Mrs. Pepe
gmail.com