Throwback Thursday: Footloose! Get Behind the Scenes

 By: Julia B.‘16 and Michelle A. '17

Photo courtesy of notredameacademy.org

And so three and a half months of blisters, sweat, and sore throats comes to a successful close. All of our hard work was poured out into three nights of music, dancing, and applause. Looking back, we have come to one final conclusion, it was worth every second of it! Of course we are talking about Notre Dame Academy’s production of Footloose! We know in our hearts it was a truly exciting and memorable experience for the both of us. This year, being our first show,  made the idea of being on-stage a frightful yet exhilarating one. It all started in August with the audition process. Mrs. Rella made the auditions fun- of course the butterflies still remained. Two days of callbacks followed until finally a cast list was sent out and the journey began…

Photo courtesy of notredameacademy.org

I, Michelle A., started out as your stereotypical freshman. I was shy, overwhelmed, and just ecstatic to be there. When I was cast as Rusty, it was literally a dream come true! I immediately hit it off with everyone in the cast and established friendships to last a lifetime. I love all the NDA girls and working with the guys was hilarious. All the upperclassmen showed me the ropes and made me feel like I belong. Once we started rehearsing after school about four days a week, H-1 literally became my second home. As things started to piece together, the music was sounding better, the dances were becoming sharper, and although it seemed impossible, I think I was finally remembering my lines. Tech week came in faster than I expected and we finally began working on the stage. The stage crew quickly joined the show family I grew to adore so much.
        Under the lights, all dressed up, and standing next to the people I call my best friends, dress-rehearsals were an amazing feeling. Even though the show may have been less than perfect at that point, I felt it in my bones: something great was happening.

Photo courtesy of notredameacademy.org

Before we knew it was Friday December 6, I never thought I would say this but the Math test I took that day was not what made me nervous. It was opening night! I stood behind the curtains, praying, laughing, even possibly crying a little bit.  It was show time. The stage was pitch-black, the full house of people began to quiet down, and that starting beat that had been so ingrained in my mind played. It really was show time. We went out there and performed the perfect show we had been praying for the whole time! Backstage was even more fun with the goofy pictures we took and mess we made.  Bows were my favorite, you run onto the stage to greet the people applauding for the performance you worked so hard to give. On closing night I was so upset. This had been the most amazing experience of my life and it was finally coming to a close. When we all lined up for bows, I squeezed my partner’s hand extra tight as a sign of “We did it!” and most of all, “Thank you”. Footloose was the best experience of my whole life. I’m so glad I got to share it with all of you.    

Photo courtesy of notredameacademy.org

As for me, Julia B., I agree that being in Footloose truly was a great experience. Last year as a freshman, I was still getting used to NDA and did not have time for the play. Now that I am a sophomore and have gotten more comfortable with NDA, I figured why not try it! I would recommend anyone to join the play, no matter how busy you are, because I am so happy that I did! Even with all my school work and other out of school activities, it was never annoying or troubling to have to attend many practices a week.

Photo courtesy of notredameacademy.org

In other words, I never felt forced to go to play practices, I always wanted to. Through the play, not only are you able to become even closer with friends you already have at NDA, you are also able to meet new and amazingly talented people. As Michelle described, it was nothing but excitement from that first audition to that final show day, and we both would not trade that for anything! We both shared so many memories throughout the whole process and now cannot wait for next year!

For more Footloose! pictures check out  

NDA's official Photo Album

RIP Paul Walker

By: Katherine A. '14       

Photo courtesy of foxnews.com

      About a month ago, the Fast and Furious actor Paul Walker tragically passed away and left millions heart-broken. Born on September 12, 1973, Paul has been acting ever since the age of 14. On November 30, 2013 Paul was attending a Charity called Reach Out Worldwide in Los Angeles. Paul loved being a part of charities and lending his help, but that was the last charity he attended. That afternoon, Walker and a friend by the name of Roger Rodas got into a Porsche 50 miles within the charity and crashed violently into a tree. The car immediately burst into flames. Reps say that there were people trying to save them, including Walker’s best friend but it was far too late.    
       The Fast and Furious franchise is what made Walker famous. The directors of Fast and Furious confirmed that the writers of Fast and Furious 7, the latest movie will be rewritten to give Paul Walker a proper and heartfelt goodbye. They will take footage that has already been recorded and exit his character off the series. Fast and Furious 7 will be hitting theaters in July 2014.
     Although he passed almost one month ago, Paul Walker will continue to inspire others by his words of wisdom. He had once said “If one day the speed kills me, do not cry because I was smiling.” He has absolutely made his mark on the world and has influenced many along his way.  He has certainly lived a “Fast and Furious” life, but we will always remember him as person who took the time to help others. May Paul Walker and Roger Rodas rest in peace. 

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire: Review

By: Lauren J. ‘16

Photo courtesy of wordpress.com

         Attention all Hunger Games fans! The Hunger Games was released on March 23, 2012, and got such great feedback. Since then, popular demand sparked the making of a second movie based on the second book of the trilogy by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.  This second movie was released on November 22, 2013, and is still popular in theaters well into December. As of December 12, 2013, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire has earned a total of $342,022,652 in North America and a total of $336,700,000 internationally, which all together is $678,722,652. As you can see, this is an incredible amount of money earned, especially since the movie got these numbers in a little less than a month.

Photo courtesy of filmthrasher.com

In this movie, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson return as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. Other actors such as Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks and Lenny Kravitz reappear as the same characters, as in the past movie. What makes Catching Fire unique and different from the previous movie is that this new movie has a twist. Katniss and Peeta win their victory in The 74th Annual Hunger Games, and they think everything is going relatively well, but they are wrong. As they are going on their victors tour, they start to see a revolution coming into play. They now get news that they have to compete in another hunger games called, The 75th Hunger Games, the Quarter Quell. This Quarter Quell is even more dangerous and risky than the last one, but will Katniss and Peeta survive? You will just have to find for yourself by seeing this wonderful and outstanding movie, with many new twists and turns!  

Christmas Break Ideas

By: Lacey S. '16 and Michelle R. '15 

Photo courtesy of newyorksightseeingtours.com

Who’s ready for Christmas Break? What do you plan on doing for these two weeks besides catching up on sleep? There are so many things you can do during the Christmas season! You can spend a day in the city, go see the tree, window shop on 5th Avenue, ice skate for free in Bryant Park, and finish the day with a warm hot chocolate. Also some new movies will be coming out over the break. Frozen, Delivery Man, and Maeda’s Christmas are all in theaters or coming out soon! Make sure you pick a day and try the new holiday drinks at Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, and Beans & Leaves! You could also go see a play on Broadway, like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. In addition you could come support your gators as they take on other high schools in various sports. There's lots to do over our two week break, so get out and stay warm!  

Christmas!

By: Nazira A. '14      

           As it is celebrated in this millennium, Christmas is a holiday based on hundreds of years of both secular and religious traditions.  It is estimated that over 2 billion people worldwide celebrate Christmas in some way!

           Christmas is a time to get together with our families and friends and give gifts to show how much we value and appreciate each other.  Biblically, Christians believe that some 2,013 years ago, three wise men visited Jesus, who’s birth had been prophesized, to bestow on the newly-born King of heaven and earth the finest gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 

           Some families celebrate only the secular features of Christmas, such as decorating with a tree, Santa, and characters created in the past 50-60 years, like Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer. Christian families sometimes choose to celebrate only the religious aspects including decorating with a nativity scene and angels heralding the news of the birth of their Savior, Jesus Christ.  Still other families enjoy celebrating it all!

            There are some especially Victorian traditions which include Christmas caroling and roasting chestnuts in a hearth burning brightly with a Yuletide log.  The most common traditions can be traced to a generous and jolly, white-bearded portly man wearing red robes, matching hat, and black boots and belt.  The custom of hanging stockings from the fireplace mantle is part of legends surrounding Saint Nicholas, fondly referred to as ole St. Nick and also known as Father Christmas, Santa Claus (Dutch) and Kris Kringle (Austrian/German).

            By whatever name he is called, children the world over anticipate receiving the gifts they asked Santa to bring them on Christmas Eve, toys created by elves in the North Pole and delivered on a sleigh driven by flying reindeer!  With a magical gleam in their eyes, they believe that Santa has a list of good and bad children and that Santa will climb down the fireplace and leave them coal if they had been bad.

            No matter how Christmas is celebrated, it is a season when people are kinder and more generous to the needy.  It is a wonderful season which creates memories to last a lifetime as we enjoy making merry, being of good cheer and hoping for the peace on earth and good will toward man promised by Christ’s birth.    
      

Thor 2 Results in Box Office Blowout

By: Alexandria W. '16

Photo courtesy of papyrus.greenville.edu

    On November 8th, Thor: The Dark World, came into theaters and instantly became the top November film opening of all time in North America. In this second film of the Thor franchise, Thor, played perfectly by Chris Hemsworth, must defend his home of Asgard, as well as the rest of the Nine Realms from the Dark Elf forces, led by the evil Malekith. Thor’s quest is to regain the Aether, a dark and very powerful substance that has found a home inside his love interest, Jane, who is once again played by Natalie Portman. Thor will do whatever it takes to obtain the Aether, and in the midst of all the chaos, he must protect Asgard and Jane from the evil schemes.

    Many Notre Dame Academy students went to see the flick and were truly in love with this wonderful follow up to the Thor as well as the Avengers franchises. “The movie gets better as it goes along,” says Dominique Marinelli, Class of 2014. “It left you hanging, and if you liked the first Thor movie, you will enjoy the sequel.”

    The film was a perfectly blended mix of comedy, drama, and action; it was enjoyed by audiences everywhere. This movie was much darker, as well as more comedic than the first Thor film that hit theaters in 2011, which first satisfied many Marvel fans around the globe. The Dark World also contained several cameos made by other people involved in the superhero world, hysterical scenes and lines (mostly brought about by Tom Hiddleston, who returned to the franchise as the mischievous Loki), sudden and heart-stopping plot twists, and two secret scenes that happen after the credits rolled. Thor: The Dark World truly deserved its place at the top of the box office and will always have a home in the hearts of audiences everywhere.

National Honor Society Welcomes New Members

By: Gabriella S. '15  & Christine G.'15

          On Thursday, October 17th, 70 girls were inducted into the  National Honor Society. Each girl took a pledge to uphold the society’s standards and to be loyal to their school. It is an amazing accomplishment for each and every one of the members to have been accepted. They represent Notre Dame with their achievements in scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Each of the NHS officers spoke about the characteristics required of each member of the society. 

NHS Chorus members sing

          These students have shown diverse  qualities of character, excellent grades, leadership positions, and  have participated in many school and community service activities. Students who have made it into the National Honors Society have worked hard since freshmen year to attain above a 90 average and do their best in exercising the different standards. The two most important qualities to have are leadership and character. Leadership shows that you are responsible enough to handle the problems given to you and that you can be depended on in any situation. Historical figure John Adams once wrote, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader”; such qualities are exactly what the girls in the National Honors Society are displaying by helping others each and every day.  Their character is also very important because they should show cheerful and friendly behavior; this makes it very appealing to engage and willingly participate in activities with these girls. Last but not least, the students should demonstrate an enthusiasm for community service and be happy to help others who are in need. 

Dominique M. ('14) is inducted

           Later during the night, Ms. Courtney Moore (class of ‘88) gave an inspiring speech to the members about her experiences at Notre Dame and congratulated the new members. A special thank-you goes out to Mrs. Jaenicke, Sr. Patricia, Mrs. Spear, and Ms. Farrell for making this night possible! Congratulations girls and keep up the good work!