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.

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.