By Melanie Pineda
Long before there were buildings named “Blaise” or “Piper” or “Bool” on our campus, there was sod – that’s right, green Bermuda grass. Oh, sure, there were also a few structures, some sidewalks, a parking lot, etc.; but amid all of that, the first students and teachers to roam our hallowed halls “pitched” in and helped with planting the sod that gave color and character to our new campus. And just as many of those original vines of Bermuda continue to thrive and add color to our campus, Mrs. Vietri - one of those early “landscaper-teachers” - continues to educate St. Mary’s students to this very day.
Mrs. Vietri started teaching at St. Mary’s in 1987, and when the school moved to its new campus, she and her colleagues helped lay those early slabs of sod. That was an experience she will never forget. “I remember our first In-service day when we were moving onto the new campus…. There was no gym. Piper and Blaise had not been built yet. Students ate lunch at picnic tables under the covered parking in the faculty parking lot. We have come a long way.”
Mrs. Vietri was born and raised in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and she went to Viterbo University where she received a bachelor's degree in math and French. She started her teaching career in public schools in Wisconsin. However, she thought the schools where she taught were too small. When she saw St. Mary's, she liked the size of it and enjoyed the Catholic atmosphere.
Not long after moving to Arizona and starting her career at St. Mary's, she attended ASU she earned a master's degree in secondary education.
In addition to her teaching schedule, Mrs. Vietri is the National Honors Society advisor, the ambassador advisor, and the accreditation chairperson. For 10 years, she also coached freshman volleyball – a sport she played in high school - and she still considers volleyball to be her favorite sport.
Her favorite St. Mary’s memories include winning the state championships in football and boys' and girls' basketball.
Mrs. Vietri loves the St. Mary's community and says that in the future, “the Saint Mary's alumni will continue to contribute to our community in a variety of professions. Many students also contribute to their church communities and parishes in a variety of ways, as priests, sisters, deacons, and in many other ministries.”
Something you might not know about Mrs. Vietri is that you can catch her singing at Mass every Sunday. She has been part of the singing ministry at Christ the King Catholic Church (in Mesa) for more than 30 years.
She also enjoys bowling with her husband. In fact, they even belong to a bowling league.
Mrs. Vietri also enjoys traveling, and she has been to several countries, including France, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, and Italy.
Her favorite movie is National Treasure because the movie involves a lot of history. She also roots for the Green Bay Packers, and she hopes the team will win a fifth Super Bowl someday soon.
Finally, Mrs. Vietri loves the Lord and says the Bible is her favorite book.
By Anyse Gutierrez
Months of practice, commitment, and hard work recently paid off big for the St. Mary’s combined varsity and JV cheer squad when they participated at the two-day state championship at Veterans Memorial Coliseum. (This is the first time is in several years that the St. Mary’s cheer team has made it to the state competition.)
Starting in the opening round on Thursday, Jan. 19, the Lady Knights went up against 10 other schools in the “show cheer” division and ultimately qualified for the finals, which took place two days later.
In the weeks leading up to the event, the ladies responded to numerous challenges, such as scheduling conflicts and the loss of individual team members due to injuries. These problems made it necessary to insert changes into the squad’s performance routine.
Fortunately, no additional major challenges arose in the final days before the competition, so, the team had two relatively “steady” weeks during which they were able to practice as a unit. This period of preparation paid off at the end of the competition when the St. Mary’s squad placed fourth overall in their division.
Behind the Scenes: Twelfth Night
Do you ever wonder what it is like to be behind the scenes during the performance of a play?
Junior Shelby Anderson says, “In engaging in theater, you become a part of something greater than yourself. The cast and crew are a community that has formed and come together to make something wonderful happen. I don’t think I’d be embellishing if I called it nothing short of sheerly magical.”
After spending about nine weeks together doing rehearsals, building sets, tech setups, and preparing for the final show, you begin to see many different talents on stage and off stage. Each cast member has their own way of acting and memorizing. Each crew member has their own way of organizing and their own ways to learn.
This spring, several students participated in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night as their first Saint Mary’s production. During auditions, it was thrilling to see so many new faces in the theater. Evangelina Sai Pan and Eloise Mar took practice during the nine weeks and performed “Dream a Little Dream,” “With Hey ho, the Wind and the Rain,” and “O mistress mine.”
On March 18, the cast and crew held “Cue-to-cue”- an opportunity for the tech crew members who run the lights and sound to rehearse their cues. Traditionally, cast and crew members come early in the morning in their pajamas, bringing games, music, and sometimes homework.
The final days before opening night are extremely busy. Rehearsals run through the whole show and continue until 9pm. Each night, at the beginning of rehearsals, the cast and crew have dinner together and spend time with one another before the show. In the hair and makeup rooms, there is always music playing, and most of the cast and crew members sing along while they get ready. The atmosphere is truly uplifting and exciting.
An hour before the show, actors and crew members make any final touches needed on the sound, lights, costumes, etc. As the theater doors open, the music welcomes the guests. The show begins, lights go dim, and Evangelina begins to sing the first lines of “Dream a little Dream.” The show went on into the night. Although there were missed cues, and skipped lines, no one gave up.
After every show,the cast members gather in the drama room to celebrate together and make memories. After opening night, some cast and crew members went to In-n-Out to celebrate and talk about the play.
The last show is always the best. Although we are exhausted, we still go out and have fun. Every year, after the performance, the juniors put together a senior ceremony, where each junior chooses a senior and gives a speech and a rose to a senior. It’s always emotional for the seniors because you spend a lot of time together, especially being involved for four years. After this, we go to the cast party and celebrate together and read notes the audience has left for the members.
By Aidan Hernandez
What would you do if you had been born with nine lives, but you had already died eight times? The animators behind Puss In Boots: The Last Wish take a look at this “deep” philosophical question while managing to turn out what may be the best animated movie of the past year. Directed by Joel Crawford and animated by DreamWorks Studios, the movie was released into theaters in December.
Early in the movie, Puss in Boots has an encounter with a strong wolf (Wagner Moura) and barely escapes with his ninth (and presumably final) life still intact. After this experience, he decides to go into retirement to escape death.
Soon thereafter, he learns about a magic star that grants one wish to anybody who can find it. So, he and his friend, Kitty Softpaws, join up with Goldilocks and the Three Bears and go out to find the star. While all of this is happening, Puss in Boots is also running from “Death” (AKA the Big, Bad Wolf) who is watching his every move, waiting from for an opportunity to kill him.
The movie’s cast includes an all-star lineup that includes Antonio Banderas (Puss in Boots), Salma Hayek ( Kitty Softpaws), and Florence Pugh ( Goldilocks). The movie features extensive and creative storytelling and messaging, amazing performances, and vibrant visuals and artwork.
In all seriousness, the movie does deal with one very important message: the importance of living your life to the fullest. This movie is a fun time for kids and deals with messages that connect with the entire audience. Overall, Puss in Boots:The Last Wish is a fun time for the whole family and well worth the time and the cost of admission.
By: Tomasa Perez and Mia Ayala
Have you ever wanted to know what it's like to play basketball in a big arena, hearing the crowds cheer as you drive down the same hardwood floor on which dozens of NBA all-stars have played? On Saturday, Jan. 7, the Saint Mary’s girls varsity basketball team had that experience as they battled against the Eagles of Flagstaff High School at the Footprint center . Although they did not come away with the victory, playing in the arena was an exciting experience.
“The girls started off slow but throughout the game they made a big difference and knew how to control the ball” said Coach Patricia Hollerbach.
Coach Hollerbach also complimented the girls for playing hard and plying with patience.
Alondra Reyes, Isabella Soroko, Gwen Carter
This was the second time this season the girls have played at the Footprint Center. Both games were good experiences and gave them the opportunity to play highly competitive teams in a high-profile venue. Additionally, they gained experience playing on a court with no backdrop behind either basket. Sophomore Alondra Reyes led her team to the end as she scored 15 points in the game.
Coach Hollerbach said, “Alondra was able to use her size and IQ to get twelve rebounds and 14 points. She had many assists as well.”
By Alexander Soroko
After beating a highly-ranked Bradshaw Mountain team by a score of 60-56 in round 1 of the playoffs on Feb. 8, the St. Mary’s boys varsity basketball team defeated ALA Gilbert – the number-two seed – by a score of 87-77 on Feb. 10, and entered the “Elite Eight” round of the tournament.
Unfortunately, the Knights’ run in the playoffs ended on Feb. 18 when they faced the Sunnyslope High School Vikings and lost a “nail-biter” in overtime by a score of 62-63.
The Knights’ impressive showing in the playoffs followed an up-and-down season that left them with a 16-13 overall record.
The team was on fire during the midseason, at one point completing a five-game win streak (which included a big victory over Mesquite High School on Jan. 24).
The season started off with impressive victories over Regis Jesuit High School (70-64) on 12/2, Brophy College Prep (69-63), and Marcos de Niza (69-58). The victories featured dominating performances by senior forward Seydou Tamboura who controlled the paint, strong offensive production from sophomore forward Caspian “Cash” Jones and some terrific passing by junior point guard Styles Phipps.
During the same period, the team struggled in losses to Notre Dame Prep (83-77), Gray Collegiate Academy (from South Carolina) (71-61), and the Milton Eagles (73-49).
The Knights then went 2-6 in tournaments with wins over St. Raymond Boys Ravens from The Bronx, NY, and Long Beach Poly Jackrabbits from Long Beach, CA.
Coming off a great game against Flagstaff on Jan. 3, the boys played the 12th best team in the nation – Perry High School. For that game, the SMHS Bool Gymnasium was packed with a huge showing of Saint Mary’s supporters and students. The game was close with Phipps putting up a total of 48 points leading the team in scoring and Tamboura putting up 10 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks when going up in the paint against the third best sophomore in the nation. In spite of the impressive performances, the Knights still fell short losing 70-81. They then lost to the Mesquite Wildcats by two points in a close away game with Phipps putting up a total of 45 points.
On Jan. 12, the Knights put together another great victory over Marcos de Niza, (79-54), with Phipps showing off his great passing vision and impressive vertical with a dunk. The boys then took on Arcadia High School with Phipps and sophomore guard Kenny White accounting for more than half of the Knights’ points in an 80-40 win. On Jan. 20, the Knights traveled to Saguaro High School and put on a good shooting performance (hitting 76% from the free throw line) and came away with an 87-58 victory
Late in the month, the Knights traveled to Santa Ana, Ca., and lost to perennial basketball powerhouse Mater Dei High School on Jan. 28.
Looking back over the season, Coach Damin Lopez said, “We are all real proud of this team, they fought through illness and injuries while competing against one of the toughest schedules in the country. They ended up having a chance in the first Open Championship to advance into the late rounds. We had some unbelievable moments, including beating Brophy, and they all can hold their heads high knowing they competed at a high level for the SM community.”
By Lyla Boozer
What major environmental issue has been threatening everyone on the planet for decades, but is rarely mentioned in daily conversations? The answer: the disappearing ozone layer.
The Earth’s ozone layer is located between 10 and 30 miles above the Earth’s surface. It acts like a shield on the Earth’s stratosphere and absorbs most of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. So, the more complete the layer is, the better it can protect life on Earth.
Several decades ago, scientists began warning that the widespread use of certain synthetic chemicals was leading to the rapid depletion of the ozone layer, and this would soon leave human beings more susceptible to such maladies as skin cancer, cateracts, and impaired immune system function. Additionally, plants and plankton (i.e., the food for most sea life) would eventually find it difficult or impossible to survive with the resulting heavy level of ultraviolet radiation seeping through the atmosphere.
A few years after these initial warnings, a “hole” in the ozone layer was first noticed over Antarctica in mid-1985.
Two years later, an international treaty called the “Montreal Protocol” identified 100 synthetic chemicals – such as the chlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons that are contained in aerosol sprays, refrigeration, air-conditioning, and insulation – that cause damage to the ozone layer. Ultimately, the treaty was ratified by 197 states and the European Union, all of whom agreed to phase out the use of these chemicals.
Recent studies indicate that this agreement has been very successful, as the ozone layer appears to be healing itself.
Saint Mary’s chemistry teacher Mrs. Ferguson recently noted that, “Within your lifetime, if we stop using all those chemicals, the ozone layer should be repaired.”
She also said that fixing the layer will take a concerted effort. “We can’t do it all on our own.”
Scientists now predict that the ozone layer will have completely repaired itself in about 40 years.
By Celia Castillo
What happens when a woman (Viola) who is disguised as a man (Cesario) finds herself attracted to her employer (Orsino) who has enlisted her to assist him in wooing the woman he loves (Olivia) only to find out that Olivia is attracted to Cesario (Viola) who is falling for Orsino. Sound confusing? Just wait until Viola’s twin brother (Sebastian) and Olivia's brother ( Malviolo) get involved. This is the plot of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, which the Saint Mary’s drama department will be presenting in the Wiegand Auditorium (Piper 100) on March 23, 24 and 25. The play is fun, funny, and suitable for all ages.
Of course, with such a confusing plot, the play is one of Shakespeare’s comedies. This production features performances by Saint Mary’s students Shelby Anderson as Viola/Cesario, Ben Combs as Sebastian, Matthew Salasek as Duke Orsino, Rachel Hauer as Olivia, and Daniel Brennan as Malvolio.
What should we expect from this play? “ Hijinks, trouble making, mistaken identities, a lot of singing. Good old Shakespeare; it’s going to be very hilarious” says Ms. Atchley, the play’s director. “I think this will be our best play yet. People should come see it and support their friends and have a good time.”
Javier Perez
Emma Sullivan, Arianna Dominguez, Sofiah Mata
Emma Sullivan
By Javier Perez
For the first time in Saint Mary’s High School soccer history, the Lady Knights made the AIA Division 4 playoffs this year. The girls had a great season finishing with a record of 7-6-1. The team was well-led by captains Ariana Dominguez (senior), Sofiah Mata (senior), and Emma Sullivan (senior). First-year Coach Brian Mcshane and Assistant Coach Donna Heldt helped the Lady Knights to achieve the best record in Saint Mary’s soccer history. St Mary’s goalkeeper, Sofiah Mata said “We started the season with one goal – that was to make the playoffs. We trained hard, and played hard, and at the end we achieved our goal. I’m so proud of my girls.”
The Lady Knight’s first ever playoff game was a tough one against a very good Arizona College Prep squad. The Lady Knights kept the score close early on by only conceding two goals in the first half. In the second half, things didn't go as planned, as St. Mary’s gave up five more goals and finished the game with a score of 7-0. Although, the season ended with a loss, this year’s girl soccer team has set a solid foundation for great success in the future.
St. Mary’s Attends Arizona’s March For Life
By: Mia Ayala
In mid-February, Saint Mary's High School’s entire student body and faculty attended March For Life’s and Arizona Life Coalition’s first gathering since the Supreme Court overturned the Roe v. Wade decision that made abortion legal throughout the U.S. Outside of Arizona’s State Capitol, several thousand people congregated at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza to express their respect for the dignity of all human life.
The main speakers at the rally were (twin sisters) Vangi and Eliana Birnbaum, who gave the prolife talk, and special guest, Senator Emeritus Nancy Barto.
Once the rally was over, the attendees marched around the Arizona State Capitol Building. One student at the event, Javier Perez said, “It was awesome!” after he walked with his friends and teachers; conveying respect for human life. The weather during the event was beautiful and pleasant. The crowds displayed love and peace, which reflects the message of choosing life.
