Fall signals one of the most eventfultimes of year here at SBA. We are busywith fall sports, Open House, AutumnClassic, Pink Day, and of course,Halloween. Many high schools do nottake Halloween too seriously. Theymay celebrate Halloween by hangingsome decorations on the walls andwindows or by having students add onsome spooky black and orangeaccessories to their uniforms. On theother hand, here at Basil’s we celebratea little differently. Like most things atour school, we take Halloween to awhole other level - with our one-of-kind SBA spirit.

To start off, every student wearstheir costume to school. Although itsfun to dress up in a costume all onone's own, a large percentage of thegirls take on the challenge of creatingduo or team costumes. At the end ofthe day the whole school files into thegym where everyone shows off theirawesome costumes in the parade. Theparade is organized by grade andcategory, starting with the freshmenand solo costumes and ending with thejuniors and group costumes. Thosewith the best costumes in the paradeare chosen as finalists, and, in searchof a winner, the crowd cheers as loudas they can for their favorites.

One of the most unique aspects ofour Halloween celebration is how allthe seniors wear the same costume andperform a dance in front of the whole

school. This is one of the most favoritetraditions at SBA. The seniorsespecially take great joy in this eventbecause the information on the seniordance and costume is all under wraps.No one finds out what the seniors haveup their sleeves until the HalloweenParade. In years past the seniors havedressed as Senior Sisters, Basils Boys,

and Senior Soldiers.A lot of speculation and rumors

have been circulating around schoolabout what the senior class is doingthis year. All I have to say is that youwill find out on Halloween! Be thereor be scared.

October 30, 2015

Halloween Comes to SBACaileen Dolan '16

Emily JardelA group of girls dressed as "The Breakfast Club" cast won the Halloween2015 school contest for best group costumes!

Time for a Change

The Presidential Election of 2016 cannotbe ignored; the race is on. Whether one isrooting for a Democrat or a Republican towin, we are all wondering: Who will be nextto take control of the White House?

The steps involved in the presidentialelection are: declaring your candidacy,fundraising and campaigning, the primaries,caucuses,delegates, partyconventions, thegeneral electioncampaign andfinally electionday.

So far, wehave fiveDemocrats andfifteenRepublicansofficially runningfor president.Some of the mostwell-knowncandidates

running for the Democratic side are HillaryClinton and Bernie Sanders. Some of thefront runners for the Republican side areDonald Trump, Jeb Bush, Ben Carson, CarlyFiorina and Marco Rubio.

There are many issues involved,including gun control, political correctness,education, healthcare and taxation.However, because we are only at thebeginning of the election process,everything between candidates and theirpercentages in the polls could change very

quickly.Now is the

time to stayaware, informed,and involved inthe candidatesand issues. Whilenot all of us willbe old enough tovote in 2016, wecan and should beinterested in theelection that willshape our future.

Maggie McLaughin '16

Spicing up the Season

When contemplating autumn, one thinksof falling leaves, mazes of corn, andpumpkins, which have grown in popularity,and are good for more than just carving intoJack O'Lanterns.

Within the pastseveral years, pumpkinand pumpkin spiceflavored treats havebecome extremelypopular. From traditionalpumpkin pie to Starbucks’seasonal Pumpkin SpiceLatte, fall has become atime of pumpkin galore!According to Starbucks,they have sold over 20million Pumpkin SpiceLattes each season sincethey released this product back in 2003. Ifthis number equals approximately two-thirdsof the US population, then one third of ourfellow citizens are truly missing out on adelicious fall experience. Besides Starbucks,Dunkin Donuts also produces a popular

pumpkin spice coffee during this time of year.When asked her opinion on the pumpkinspice craze, Sophomore Molly Deal said, “Ithink that pumpkin spice is good, but it isoverrated. I would never choose a pumpkinspice iced coffee over a caramel flavoredone.”

This season a big question comes up:what exactly is pumpkin spice?” The

flavoring is usually amixture of spices suchas cinnamon, nutmeg,ginger, and allspice.

An interesting twiston pumpkin flavoringis Rita’s Water Icepumpkin tasting creamice. When asking aboutthis, I received avariety of answers.Senior GiannaMarrone says, “I love

it! I was going to buy some the other day butI remembered that Rita’s was closed for theseason… then I was sad.”

All in all, it's time to eat pumpkin soup,pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies, and spice upthe season!

Grace Caldwell '16

Paulina Storck '18

Fear TheseFilms

Halloween is quickly approaching, withscary hayrides, haunted houses, and ofcourse, Halloween movies. I have askedsome Basil students what their favorite scarymovies are, and here are their answers.

First, there was an overwhelmingresponse:

“Halloweentown”. This movie revolvesaround a high school student named Marnie.Marnie soon finds out that she comes froma family of witches. The rest of the movieinvolves this adolescent witch trying tofigure out her powers and learn more aboutwhere she came from. Marnie also takes onthe mission of saving the town ofHalloweentown.

Another favorite was "Twitches". Thisfilm starts with two girls who are sisters.However, they have no idea they are evenrelated! Once they meet they soon discoverthat they need to unite to save Coventry,another dimension in which they were born.This movie has lots of exciting twists, goodcomedy, hidden links, and is sure to grabyour attention.

Lastly, while not a movie, strictly-speaking, "American Horror Story" must beincluded in this list. AHS is a terrifying TVshow shown during the Halloween season.It features a different plot and setting withineach season; FX is currently airing seasonfive of this series which takes place in amurderous hotel. Some of the other seasonstook place in an asylum, a circus, and evena murder house.

Make sure to set aside some time to enjoysome of these spooky films.

"I think thatpumpkin spiceis good, but a

little overrated."~Molly Deal '18

DonkeyHoteyA large field of candidates are runningfor President.

St. Basil Academy

711 Fox Chase Road

Vol. 83, Issue 2Basilian Pillar

Jackie Matkowski '16--It is hard to believe that October has already come to a close.Freshmen: You survived your first quarter of high school! You have begun to form relationships that can last a lifetime.Sophomores: With the first quarter over, you will get into a routine and it will become easier. Do not stress out!

Sophomore year is a lot of fun.Juniors: Enjoy every moment while you still can. Remember, you have already survived the first quarter and you will make

it through the rest of this year with ease.Seniors: We celebrated our last Autumn Classic and our last Halloween together. We need to enjoy every moment we have

together. I am thrilled to be able to spend these next few months with my sisters.

Christina Foley '16--As I sit here in Journalism, it’s already the end of October, and most classes and teachers are well into the course-

work.Freshman: Life will start to get easier after first quarter. Keep working hard, and do not let one bad grade scare

you.Sophomores: Now that you are into your second year at SBA, remember to enjoy everything; eventually you will

want sophomore year back!Juniors: Keep studying hard, because this is an important year. Embrace your first year as an upperclassman.Seniors: We still have seven months together, to make memories that will last us a lifetime.

LETTERS FROM THE EDITORSChristina Foley '16 and Jackie Matkowski '16

BASILIAN PILLAR - PAGE 2

AUTUMN CLASSIC 2015

Has Halloween ever creeped up tooquickly, and you forgot about prepar-ing a costume? If this has happenedto you, do not panic. There are plentyof last minute costumes available foryou to wear; you can purchase thematerials at local stores for cheapprices, or from household items!

If you are going for an outra-geous, comical and goofy look, try aKool Aid costume! All you need is ahola hoop, bed foam and felt to getthis creative, silly oversized charactercostume.

If you are going for a low-key,comfortable costume, try dressing upas a cowgirl or farmer. Just gather aplain flannel shirt, jeans, cowboy hat

and some cowboy boots. If you do notalready own these items, they can bepurchased at local retail stores.

Another low-key costume is The

Crazy Cat Lady. Wear a bathrobe andslippers, put your hair in curlers andgather some cat stuffed animals orother pet toys. This costume easilycan be put together at the last minute.

If you are going for a scarythemed costume, just wear an allblack outfit, and paint your face withblack and white makeup. This willhave everyone terrified of you, theGlam Skeleton.

There is no reason to stress ifyou do not have a costume this Hal-loween. There are plenty of great lastminute ideas out there waiting to bediscovered--talk to friends, look on-line, and check your closet!

On November 13-14, 2015, the SBA Dramadepartment performs two plays: “Up theDown Staircase” and "How I Got The Part".The first play focuses on how a new teacherstruggles to help her students. The second playis about student reactions to roles in a play.

The drama students, along with the director,Mrs. Terry Dillinger, have been working hardto ensure a great performance.

The fall play features some returning per-formers, including Senior Amanda Phillips.Amanda has been a part of every SBA pro-duction throughout her four years. In this pro-duction. Amanda said, “I'm so happy that wehave an amazing cast and crew who are all so

supportive and hardworking. I know the playwill be great because of how much effort thateveryone put into the production.

Junior Riley Gayton plays the part of SylviaBarrett, a high school English teacher who getsstuck with a bunch of students who do notwant anything to do with school. Riley is veryexcited for this play, and said, “I'm really ex-cited for the show. It's really serious but it's sofunny at the same time. "

Sophomore Molly McMonagle said,“Drama is so much fun! You get to meet somany new people. It can be tiring sometimes,but we always have a great time. It’s so muchfun to perform with the entire cast!”

The entire SBA community is very excitedto see both mini productions. Be sure to attendon November 13-14 in the SBA auditorium.

“My mission in life is not merely to survive,but to thrive, and to do so with some passion,some compassion, some humor, and somestyle” This quote by famous poet, Maya An-gelou, is especially meaningful when thinkingabout Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The students of SBA participated in an an-nual Pink Day program October 8, 2015, anddemonstrated their unique spirit. First weformed a human Cancer Awareness ribbon onthe front lawn; from a rooftop view it looked in-credible. After a picture of our giant ribbon, weadjourned to the auditorium. There, AmyForkin, Director of Family Outreach, & CaitlinMahon, Development Coordinator of “BringingHope Home” introduced the organization. Theyexplained how families face problems, such asfinancial issues, because of how cancer affectstheir lives, and how this non-profit organizationhelps solve difficulties. By the way, both Amyand Caitlin are 2006 graduates of SBA.

Students also participated in service activi-

ties.Each class was asked about their responseto Pink Day. Freshman Phoebe Mattia said withenthusiasm “My favorite part is the attitude ofthe girls; everyone is very enthusiastic abouthelping.”

Another freshman, Katie Overton, jumpedin, saying, “My favorite part is helping…andgetting a chance to wear pink.”

Each class was given a chance to createsomething for distribution to families helped by“Bringing Hope Home”. The freshman class de-signed cards with messages of hope and sup-port. The sophomore class assembled coloringbook, crayon, and poem packages for children.The junior class made individual survival bagscomprised of useful personal items and an en-couraging message. The seniors decoratedChristmas tree ornaments for families.

Helping families “fight the good fight” indealing with cancer through prayer, encourage-ment, and real gifts, was gratifying. Beyondthat, Pink Day served as a powerful way tostrengthen our SBA community through serviceactivities as part of Breast Cancer Awarenessmonth.

Maura Gilsenan

Characters from The Sandlot- all homemade costumes!

Pink Day Sends aPowerful MessageDalonese Love '19

Have you ever pulled an all-nighter, dancingthe whole time to raise money for childhoodcancer? If so, you probably have participatedin Thon. Thon is a fundraiser which started atPennsylvania State University which supportsthe Four Diamonds Fund, to raise money tosupport families who have been affected bychildhood cancer and to help find a cure.

Thon started at Penn State in 1997 and sincethen has raised more than $127 million. Thon isrecently a new addition to SBA which startedlast year where our goal was $9,000 but we sur-passed it by raising a little over $18,000. Thisyear Thon is only getting bigger with new ad-ditions such as: a 5k walk/run, a powder puff

game between the senior and juniors aroundThanksgiving, and a grade school dance. Theactual Thon is May 20,2016 when once againwe will dance the night away.

With the new additions to Thon we alsohave many more volunteers. Mary Kate Mc-Goldrick and Emily Jardel are on the executiveboard. Emily said “It is important to remembereven if you are not affected by pediatric can-cer, the simple idea that it can happen to any-one should inspire you to fight for the cure.”

Senior Colleen Weston says “I personallylove Thon because it is a chance for our schoolto unite against cancer and have fun will doingit.” The first Thon fundraiser will be the 5k onNovember 1, 2015.

One day we will dance to celebrate the endof pediatric cancer, but until then we will dancefor a cure.

Thon Plans IncludeNew Fundraising Events

Elizabeth Brazukas '16

SBA Drama PerformsNovember 13-14, 2015

Christina Foley '16

Last Minute Halloween CostumesChristina Foley '16

News & FeaturesBasilian Pillar 3

October 30, 2015

Grace Caldwell

Students form a ribbon on the lawn to support Breast Cancer Awarenessmonth.

Enjoy this recipe; itsuits the season!Ingredients:4 tbsp flour1/4 tsp baking

powder2 tbsp granulated

sugar2 tbsp fat free milk1/2 tbsp vegetable oil2 tbsp pumpkin puree1/8 tsp cinnamon1/8 tsp nutmeg1/16 tsp ginger1/16 tsp clovesThis makes one cake.

Directions:1. Combine

ingredients in anoversize microwavesafe mug.2. Mix until the

batter is smooth.3. Microwave for

approximately 1minute and 15seconds.4. Garnish however

you like! (suggestions:whipped cream,cinnamon, ice cream)5. Enjoy! :)

Health & Well-BeingOctober 30, 2015 Page 4

St. Basil Academy

711 Fox Chase RoadVolume 83, Issue 2

Make A Pumpkin Spice Mug CakeJacklyn Matkowski'16

Jackie MatkowskiA delicious pumpkin spice mug cake.

,.

.

BasilianPillar Staff

Co-EditorsChristina Foley '16

Jackie Matkowski '16Grace Caldwell '16

Lisa Toroni '16Staff

Elizabeth Brazukas '16Caileen Dolan '16

Maggie McLaughin '19Guest Authors

Paulina Stork '18Dalonese Love '19

Your Self vs Your SelfieHow often do you find yourself

checking your social media accounts?Once a day? Twice? Maybe three times?According to a survey taken by CNN,teens check their social media accountsanywhere from 25-100 times each day.

Social Media and smart phones havebecome a huge problem today. Sure,phones are convenient when it comes todirections, quick pictures, or texting.However, signs are beginning to showthat our pocket companions are causingmore harm than they are helping. Notonly can social media be a dangerous

place for our youth with predators lurkingand having access to private information,but it can also be extremely deleterious toour self-esteem and confidence. WhenCNN conducted a study on 200 thirteenyear olds and their use of social media,they found that social media often leftteens feeling lonely, depressed, oranxious. This is especially a problem inteens who are at such a vulnerable andimpressionable age.

In addition to crushing our image ofourselves, social media is a huge waste oftime. Time that could and should be spenton studying, hanging out with family andfriends, or even sitting down to read abook is now instead being spent onSnapchatting, scrolling through news

feeds, and taking selfies. Many of ouradolescents have found themselves stuckin these bad habits but, cannot seem tofind a way out. If many of these things aresounding frighteningly familiar, there aresome very simple steps you can take inorder to allow yourself to disconnect.

Turn off your phone! You do notalways need to be in contact with yourfriends. Not every moment needs to becaptured in a picture. Make sure you livein the moment. Stop worrying about whateveryone else is doing. Althougheveryone you “follow” may look like theyare living a perfect life, chances are theyare not. Focus more on your friends,family, and your own happiness.Everything else will fall into place

While it is often easy to focus oneverything you have done wrong in life, it isoften difficult to recognize all of the thingsyou are doing right. In this article we will tellyou how you can boost your self-esteem and

be more content and happy with yourself.To start, identify how you fee, and why

you feel this way. Is there negativity fromsomebody or something? Avoidingnegativity is one way to feel better.

Next, find something positive that makesyou happy, such as a movie or a hobby, todistract you from negative thoughts and

feelings. Maybe you have a guilty pleasure-- like a favorite television show--and thathelps makes you feel better.

Another important way to feel good is tosurround yourself with positive people whotruly care about you, like your family,friends, or just people who say hi in the halls.The more you surround yourself withpositive people the sooner you will feelbetter.

Besides focusing on the bright side ofyour life, figure out whether or not you feelstressed--so you can fix problems that mayexist. Sometimes if you are stressed youtend to put yourself down--but give yourselfsome positive energy, and some credit!Work on getting organized. Keep an up-to-date calendar and note when things are due.

Always prioritize your work so your getthings done on time.

Be healthy. Try to get to bed early so youget a good night's sleep and face the next dayfully rested. Eat well and exercise; if you eathealthy food you most likely will haveenergy to take on each day positively.

Know that life is about perspective--howyou see the world--and that is best done oneday at a time. Take time to breathe, andcommunicate how you feel with people whowill listen to you.

Also, know that you are an importantperson, with friends, family, and SBA sisterswho love you and care about you, and wantto see you happy and well. Nothing is perfectall of the time, but we must be good toourselves.

Elizabeth Brazukas'16

How to BoostYour Self-esteem

Grace Caldwell '16