RIP Shirley Temple

By: Katherine A. '14         

Photo courtesy of disneywikia.com

         On February 10 at the age of 85, former actress Shirley Temple passed away.  Though primarily known for her role in the entertainment industry, Temple also enjoyed long career as a diplomat.  She died of natural causes at her Woodside, California, home. Reps say family members and caregivers surrounded her at the time.

        Temple began acting at the age of 3 and became a huge box-office draw before turning 10 years old, commanding a salary of $50,000 per movie. She was also known as “America's Sweetheart” and “America's Darling” during the 1930’s.

Photo courtesy of sagawards.com

         Shirley Temple was known for numerous movie roles. One of her most famous movies that really caught the world’s eye was Curly Top and Heidi in the mid 1930’s. These hits followed her for years. She became everyone’s idol nationwide.

          Though she retired from show business at the age of 22, Shirley tap-danced, acted, and sang right into everyone’s heart and left a legacy that will last forever. 

Frozen: Movie Review

By: Sarah C. '14

Photo courtesy of disneywikia.com

           The newest Disney movie to hit theaters tells the story of love between families, fitting in, and being yourself. Frozen takes those who watch it through the life of two sisters, who after one's special powers are revealed, are separated. When an eternal winter is cast over the princess's home country, she goes on an adventure to stop the storm. The journey includes an adorable snowman named Olaf and a sassy reindeer called Sven.
            Part of what makes this story so appealing to audiences of all ages is that it doesn't follow the typical Disney movie formula. While there is still a pretty princess, a trusty companion, and a plethora of musical numbers, there is a focus on sisterhood and having confidence in oneself. The musical numbers are catchy and well preformed and will have you laughing until your stomach hurts. While the ending may surprise some, I can guarantee all will love it. Disney did it again with a great movie for children ages 5-95.

Giving Instead of Receiving

By: Kara R. '15

Girls smile while giving blood

       Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” On December 16^th, just in time for the holiday season, NDA students were able to put Churchill’s words into action as they participated in this year’s Blood Drive.  The Blood Drive is hosted annually by the National Honor Society and proudly sponsored by Staten Island University Hospital. Nurses from SIUH were on hand to draw blood and many student volunteers were there to give donors snacks and moral support as they prepared to donate. Students sixteen and older were able to give the greatest gift of all: the gift of life.  For them, giving blood was a way to give back to the community before Christmas. Although many first-time donors were nervous, all of those who participated felt great about being able to donate life-saving blood. Dani Weisman ('14) remarked, “My mom always needed blood when she was in the hospital so it’s a good way to give back to all the people who helped her.” Students waited for their turn to donate in the Arts and Humanities Building as Maura Timmins, the SIUH Blood Donor Recruiter, thanked NDA students for their selfless donations.  Ms. Timmins remarked, “The turnout was absolutely wonderful. It’s a great time of year to have donations because many people are so busy preparing for the holidays. It’s very important for our blood bank to have an adequate supply of blood for the year.” As always, NDA students were very generous with their time and we can be sure that next year will have a just as great, if not better, turnout.

 

NDA Will Cherish the Memory of Mr. Rella

By: Tian R. '14

Mr. Rella’s laugh  brightened the room

This past Christmas break, Notre Dame lost one of its former faculty members.  Though it was known that Mr. Rella’s health was failing, the news of his passing came as a crushing blow, especially to the girls in chorus.  Mr. Rella was not only a beloved chorus and music teacher at NDA, he was also a teacher at St. Joseph by the Sea and St. Peter’s Boys High School.              While only current juniors and seniors in chorus had the chance to be taught by Mr. Rella, his memory will always be cherished by the entire Notre Dame community, for he made a powerful impact on all those he knew.  Upperclassmen in chorus fondly remember Mr. Rella’s dramatic arm gestures, as he directed the Christmas concert, especially his signature flourish at the end of everyone’s favorite song, “Carol of the Bells”.                                                              

Recent alums, Jessica M. (‘13) & Maddie G. (‘13) 

with Mr. Rella on Field Day 2010

 Though I was only a sophomore when Mr. Rella retired, I can still recall his eyes lighting up as he guffawed at one of the senior’s stories. His faith in the chorus’s talents and ability and his subsequent determination to push us to perform at the best possible level enabled the chorus to shine. Furthermore, because of Mr. Rella’s belief in our potential, the chorus was able to hold him in the highest respect and admiration. Mr. Rella poured all of his efforts into the chorus, and in return the chorus responded as a unified group towards improvement: more than anything, we wanted to make Mr. Rella proud of us and show our recognition and appreciation for his dedication and hard work. Under the direction of Mr. Rella, the music program at NDA blossomed and flourished. When I was a freshman, the seniors told us stories about how they started off practicing in the cottage- the message was clear: with the right amount of passion and commitment comes amazing achievements and progress.  Mr. Rella played an instrumental role in cultivating this idea and a passion for music at Notre Dame.  But he wasn’t just an incredible teacher. For many chorus girls he was also like another grandfather.  Seniors in chorus continue to reminisce about the day of Mr. Rella’s renowned “Dump him!” speech.  Samantha R. (’14) said, “Mr. Rella had taught me for my first two years. He had a lasting impact on me that I will carry for the rest of my life.”               

Alum Angela S. with Mr. Rella at Senior Prom 2011

As a way to formally commemorate Mr. Rella, the chorus would like to raise money for a memorial to be placed on Marguerite’s Way.  The project has been organized by Samantha R. (’14), a long-time member of chorus. “My goal is a minimum of $600 for the large stone, but Mr. Rella was an extraordinary man and I would love to honor him in a greater way. Any and all donations are welcome,” Samantha stated.   To make a donation, please make out a check to Notre Dame Academy and write in the memo, “Mr. Rella”. If there are any questions, contact Samantha R. at her email.  The chorus is also looking to raise money in other ways, so keep your eyes out for bake sales and dress downs in honor of Mr. Rella.  Though we know Mr. Rella is in a better place, we will continue to keep his memory alive at Notre Dame.