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Volume 1: Issue 1 August/September 2014

The Upstairs Gets a Face-lift. Aaron Schoaf

Our Newman High School has been sitting pretty right here on West 23rd since 1959, and with

anything that gets old, there are certain areas that need to be repaired or fixed up. You may have

noticed that the light blue on the second floor has turned in to a more welcoming dark tan and

brown. This is due to fundraising, tight budgeting, and other developments. This money has been

set aside for capital improvements, and there is more money being raised for more improvements

as we speak. It is important this is done because our school is aging, and we want to keep it

looking nice. The upstairs being repainted is one of the few first steps that the school is taking to

improving different areas that need it most. Along with this, the gym floors were redone, gym walls

repainted, conference banners added, the roof was fixed to put a stop to water leaks, and there

were new doors added. These are all part of a plan that started in 2007, and will continue for years

to come. Most of the recent improvements were taken care of by companies that are Newman

families or alumni. This helps to keep everything close knit, and done right. There are many more

improvements that are set for the future that will make our school that much better, but even just

repainting the walls seems to add a sort of new feeling, and that can do a lot for student morale,

and even how perspective families view the school.

Above: The newly painted upstairs hallway and the newly installed doors by the gym

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BEHIND THE ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE Ken Ellorando, Alex Buhler, and Connor Knack

On Wednesday, August 27th, Newman faculty participated in the ALS Ice Bucket

Challenge. The mastermind behind it all was our very own cheerful religion teacher, Mrs.

Hannan. Before the water was dumped, however, Mrs. Hannan had taken part in an exclusive

interview with the Comet Chronicle.

Hannan first conceived the idea after viewing several videos on Facebook, but was

specifically challenged by her sister-in-law. After doing research on the disease, Mrs. Hannan

was moved by the effort put forth by the thousands of participants. Instead of doing the challenge

herself, she thought it would be an even better idea to share it with her fellow co-workers and

students. She wanted to make sure that the school didn’t just understand what they were doing,

but why. Anyone interested in dumping a bucket could enter by making donations. Each dollar

donated represented one entry in drawing. The bucket dumpers were then randomly selected.

As popular as the challenge is, very few actually understand the disease itself. ALS stands

for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but is probably better known to the public as Lou Gehrigs

disease. The cells that control a muscle’s movement, motor neurons, are damaged in ALS’s early

stages. As the disease progresses, those cells eventually shrink and cease to work, leading to a

complete loss of muscle control. Research into curing the disease often involves the use of stem

cells, a topic very controversial within the Catholic Church.

After doing research on where the money would be going, Mrs. Hannan decided it would

be best to donate the money to the John Paul II Medical Research Institute in Iowa City, Iowa.

Mrs. Hannan chose John Paul II because of its ethical views in not practicing the use of stem cell

research. With stem cell research being such a debated topic within the Catholic Church, Mrs.

Hannan was determined to find the charity that would be most in line with the teachings of the

Church. Mrs. Hannan called her friend and former Newman assistant principal, Fr. White, to

check in and be assured that the John Paul II Institute would use the money in an ethical and

Christian way. The Newman Ice Bucket Challenge was a huge success, and over $200 was

raised to fight ALS.

Newman staff and

students participating

in the ALS Ice Bucket

challenge

Comet Chronicle is staffed by the Journalism class of Newman Central Catholic High School

Editor: Erin Allen

Adviser: Mr. John Tate

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Inside Meet the Comets Morgan Ely and Mady Ferris

August 23, 2014 marked the date of

Newman’s annual Meet the Comets event.

Traditionally held on the practice football

field, this year marked a new challenge to

event organizers. Due to inclement

weather Meet the Comets was moved into

Newman’s practice facility – the first time

the event has been held inside since its

inception. Despite the storm, Comet fans

kept high spirits and energy as fall athletes

were introduced and the cheerleaders

performed loyalty. In a brush of luck, the

weather cleared and the traditional football

scrimmage took place on Newman’s

practice football field.

When asked what Meet the Comets

signifies, Senior Shayne Allen said, “It

reminds me of how much our football team

means to the community. Seeing all the

support your team will be getting that year

puts everything into perspective for the first

time. It is really cool seeing how much one

team can affect a whole town.” This Meet

the Comets was particularly meaningful for

Allen as he was named a team captain and

received the Chad Law Award. Allen

describes these accolades as “…humbling

awards. It shows how much the team

respects you and needs the leadership. I

was surprised that I got it, but I was very

honored as well.”

Meet the Comets is a classic event

for our school, a time and place for fans,

family, and friends to get together and

support our Catholic traditions and

education. The weather could have put a

damper on the day’s activities but in true

Newman spirit we came together as one to

have fun and support our school.

Above: Senior Regan Todhunter runs the ball

during the annual Meet the Comets scrimmage.

Below: Senior Trevor Bolin prepares to throw

the ball.

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Mrs. Kathy Howard Sean Weir

The Comet Chronicle is proud to introduce Mrs. Kathy

Howard, Newman’s new Dean of Curriculum and Instruction.

Mrs. Howard comes to Newman with a wealth of educational

knowledge both inside the classroom and as an

administrator. As Dean of Curriculum and Instruction Mrs.

Howard will be working with teachers to incorporate new

technology, as well as gathering and analyzing student data

to assist with differentiating education and aligning curriculum

to the Common Core Standards. Mrs. Howard’s goals are to

see that we use technology to the fullest and get students

more involved in their own education by asking questions

and interacting with peers in a learning environment. Mrs.

Howard is happy with her transition to Newman – her first

experience working in a high school setting – and notices

that we are one big, happy family. She looks forward to

working with students and staff and welcomes anyone who

has questions to come and visit her.

Senior Spotlight: Chris Wilson

Seiler Noble and Brady Osborne

Involved In: Football – tight end (#80) Track – shot put and discus B.L.I.N.D. – Senior leader

Favorite Class: Spanish with Mr. Tate

Future Plans: Attend Sauk Valley Community College studying animal sciences and biology to become a veterinarian.

Fun Fact: “I can make a joke about anything!”

Likes To: Watch Newman sports specifically volleyball and basketball.

Favorite Quote: “Dig down, don’t let down”

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Freshmen Retreat Erin Pasley and Jamie Nelson

September 17 the freshman attended the annual freshman retreat in Oregon. Here at

Newman we are a family built on faith and love, and this retreat helped the new freshman

into our family. Facilitated by Mrs. Hannan, Mr. Somers and Mr. Williamson, the eager

freshman participated in several activities, getting to know one another and making new

friends. Freshman, Aubrie Wolf stated, “[The retreat] brought our class closer together!”

After breaking the ice a little bit with the activities, several freshman got to know others

they hadn’t even met before, creating friendships that will last a lifetime. Cade Gorzney

was questioned what he himself liked about the retreat and he said, “I liked all the team

building activities!” It was quite obvious other freshman agreed with him. While this retreat

sadly is finished, the sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eagerly anticipating theirs

coming soon.

Above: Students completing a

team building activity to reach as

far as possible.

Upper left: Freshmen students

look on as their classmate

completes a team building activity.

Left: Students take a break from

the day’s activities for lunch.

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B.L.I.N.D. Maddie Klein and Alani Cook

The students and staff here at Newman hold the successful B.L.I.N.D. program close to our

hearts. B.L.I.N.D. has helped open the eyes of freshman students for the better over the

past 15 years. This program has most importantly helped strengthen the bonds between the

freshmen students between Newman, Dixon, Rock Falls, Morrison, and Fulton High Schools.

On September 11th Newman freshmen attended the B.L.I.N.D. retreat along with Morrison

and Rock Falls High Schools at Westwood’s practice facility.

Drew Henson Freshmen

Haley Verdick Freshmen

Seiler Noble Junior Leader

Lexy Warren Senior Leader

What did you think of B.L.I.N.D.? “It was a good experience to meet others and it makes you realize that others may have problems that you might not realize and that you can help others.”

What did you take from your experience? “I learned how to work together and how to encourage and be encouraging to others.”

What did you enjoy about being a leader? “Being able to meet new people, having fun and the retreats were awesome.”

What did you think of your B.L.I.N.D. leadership experience? “It was lots of fun. I had a great group of girls and I enjoyed hearing their stories.”

Left: Freshmen

Karter Decker

and Baylie

Howell complete

an activity.

Right: Junior

leader Hunter

Webb

demonstrates an

activity.

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Golf

Nolan McGinn

The Newman Comet’s Boys Golf

season is underway. The

Comets have competed in six

meets so far this year. The

highlights to their season have

been placing second against

Bureau Valley and Sherrard and

finishing third of six at the Rock

Falls Invite. The Comet’s team

has an older perspective this year

as a majority of the team is

upperclassmen. “We’ve always

had a young team. It’s good to

have the experience and

leadership of having five seniors

out there to help everybody out,”

Senior Matthew Wagenecht said.

Wagenecht holds the team’s best

shot of the season this year with

a 41 on the back 9 at the Rock

River Country Club. Stay on the

lookout for Wagenecht to have a

successful season along with

fellow seniors Derek Carney,

Jakob Frank, Dillon Gallentine,

and Tucker Shoemaker. All Star Athlete: Logan Whitman

Jake Pitman

Q: What sports do you play?

A: Football, Basketball, Track

Q: What is your favorite professional sports team?

A: Steelers

Q: What do you do in your free time?

A: Hunt, fish, and ride ATVs

Above: The 2014 Boys Golf Team

Right: Senior Matthew Wagenecht

Junior Logan Whitman

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Girls Tennis

Dillan Heffelfinger

The tennis team had a shaky

beginning starting out 0-5 but

ended strong on Senior Night

beating Kewanee to get a tally

in the win column. Coached

by Mrs. Propheter and Mrs.

Vits the girls have created a

tight group who support one

another in a family like

manner. When asked about

the team Senior Maddie Klein

said, “Mrs. Vits and Mrs.

Propheter are both supportive

of the players and of the

team.” Klein, who dominated

her opponent on Senior Night

scoring 6-0 in both matches,

began playing tennis her

Junior year citing recent

graduate Mary Alice Oswalt

as a motivation to come back

out for the sport Senior year.

As the girls tennis season

comes to a close we

congratulate the team on their

dedication and hard work.

Above: The 2014 Girls Tennis Team

Below Left: Junior Emily Long Right: Senior Maddie Klein

All Star Athlete: Kate Ryan

Kalen Smith

Q: What sports do you play?

A: Volleyball and Track

Q: Who is your favorite current Comet?

A: Cate Payan

Q: Who is your favorite all-time Comet?

A: Rachel Hageman (’13)

Q: What college would you like to attend?

A: University of Illinois to study Sociology Sophomore Kate Ryan

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When You Wish Upon A Star… Anthony Garcia

This year’s Homecoming events started on Monday, September 22nd, with a week full of fun

dress up days and activities. The dress up days included the traditional color wars as well as Fairy

Tale Day, Companion Day, and dressing as what students wished to be when they were older.

Traditional Homecoming activities such as boys’ volleyball and girls’ dodgeball were played but new

to the lineup this year was jousting in accordance with the fairy tale theme for the week.

On Wednesday Newman students were given a short presentation by Mr. Accardi and

Genesis Hey, a representative from Ken Nelson, who talked about the importance of safe driving

and to avoid distractions such as texting and loud music while in a vehicle. At the end of the

presentation Ken Nelson provided students with Newman blue license plate covers as a reminder to

always drive safely. Later that night the cheerleaders and Newman choir performed before Seniors

Shayne Allen and Julie Hurd were crowned as this year’s Homecoming King and Queen.

The week rounded out on Friday with the annual talent show which saw 14 student acts of

varying talents. Later that afternoon the Homecoming parade took place with the graduating class

of 1964 as the Grand Marshalls. The Junior class with their Frozen inspired design took away the

prize for best float which left parade spectators humming their favorite Frozen tunes. In the evening

the Boys In Blue played hard and beat the Fulton Steamers 52-6.

Saturday saw the official crowning with last year’s Homecoming King and Queen McKelvey

Olson and Mary Alice Oswalt returning to crown this year’s candidates. DJ Big Boi returned once

again for the dance and Newman students had fun dancing and spending time with each other. The

Comet Chronicle would like to thank Student Council and its adviser Mr. Tate for all the hard work

and planning to make this a successful week of activities.

Left: Freshmen dressed in white for color wars.

Above: Seniors Shayne Allen and Chris Wilson

prepare for Companion Day.

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Above Left: Members of the Junior class pose on their winning float.

Above Right: Homecoming King Shayne Allen and Queen Julie Hurd share their first dance.

Above Right:

Members of the

Class of 1964

pose on their

Grand Marshall

float.

Above Left:

Seniors Maegan

Trygstad and

Rachel

Heiderscheit at

the Homecoming

dance.

Above: The 2014 Homecoming Court