e v Iewebel I

Roncalli High school 3300 Prague Road, Indianapolis, Indiana DECEMBER 17, 2010

REVIEWQuick

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Luke 2:14

WEATHERHigh: 28 F Low: 12 F

INTERNETVisit us online for more stories at www.rebelreview.org@ SPORTS ON DECK THIS DAY IN HISTORY: DECEMBER 17, 1992

RR .org

PG. 2

NEWSWILLY WONKA

FEATURESWINTER FINALS

FEATURES

Theatre productions

class performs Willy

Wonka for South

Deanery grade

school students.

BOYS’ & GIRLS SWIMMING Co. Meet @Nat. - 12/17-12/18GIRLS’ & BOYS BASKETBALL vs Brebeuf - 12/17 @ 6:00 p.m.

in the near future,

study for the

PG. 6

OPINIONYES, RONCALLI

Find answers to

the classic question

-- Is there a Santa

Clause?

WEATHER

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW PG.7TOYS FOR ANNA’S HOUSE PG.8

Indiana weather

has always been

unpredictable, but

this year seems

to have surprised

even experienced

Hoosiers.

"Christmas Carol" opens at Broadhurst Theater New York City for 22 performances

As some prominent schools in the area such as IPS turn to a balanced calendar, schools on a traditional schedule may begin taking a look at

the benefits of changing. Next year IPS classes will run Aug. 8 through June 12 with two-week breaks in October, December and March, allowing eight weeks off for sum-mer. The number of days required of students, 180 days, would not change. While Roncalli currently has no plans to change schedules, principal Chuck Weisenbach does think the concept is growing in popularity. “I do not believe RHS could make this change unless we had all or just about all of our feeder schools making the change as well. Otherwise, the impact on our families to have some schools on a traditional schedule and some on a balanced calendar schedule would not be good,” Weisenbach said. Weisenbach does expect balanced scheduling to stick around compared with other educational trends. “While block scheduling proved to be more of a fad as just about all schools using it have returned to the traditional eight period day, I do see the balanced calendar as a more stable concept and not so much a fad,” Weisenbach said. Warren Township Schools switched to a balanced schedule this year. Sev-eral other schools in the metro area are thinking about doing so too.

Students say one positive aspect that comes from having year-round school is that spring break and fall break are much longer than usual. “A lot of mod-erate length breaks sounds better than one big summer break,” said junior Joe Perr. Another positive aspect of a balanced calendar is that it will prevent students from losing as much knowledge over the summer. “I think we will be more focused and ready to work,” said junior Erika Bridges. In addition, during the breaks, students who have fallen behind or need extra help can receive that additional lift to get them on their feet again. Social studies teacher Mr. Pat Crosley thinks that the good aspects of a balanced schedule outweigh the bad. “I would like to have two weeks off every quarter, that would be sweet,” said Crosley. The number one negative, students think, of a year round schedule is the shortened summer. With the traditional calendar students have a 60-day summer. With the balanced calendar it could be reduced by 30 days. Senior Brittny Williams is not in favor of the balanced schedule, but she does see why people would like it, “People do not want to be in a constant state of mind that they have to work, the break in the summer gives students peace of mind,” Williams said.

Area schools change schedulesMove to balanced calendar possible near futureCAITLIN KENNEDYStaff Writer

A DEDICATION: Freshman Danielle Babb assists Archbishop Daniel Buechlein during the Chapel dedication.

PHOTO BY KRISTEN WEST

ARCHBISHOP BLESSES NEW CHAPELBuechlein celebrates Mass with students and staff last week ALIX RICHARDSONCo-editor-in-chief

PG. 3

PG. 5

Archbishop Daniel Buechlein visited Roncalli’s Father Jim Wilmoth Chapel of the Sacred Heart last week.

The leader of the Indianapolis Archdiocese celebrated Mass with students and staff in the school’s new chapel. Roncalli’s Chaplain, Father Jim Wilmoth, and Nativity’s pastor, Father Patrick Doyle concelebrated, while Saint Jude’s pastor Father Steve Banet was a member of the congregation. Archbishop Buechlein gave the homily at last Tuesday’s celebration, hitting on three key points that reflect the significant nature of the chapel: Jesus’ presence, its call to holiness, and the chapel’s a true symbolism of Roncalli. After Buechlein’s words to the congregation, Wilmoth blessed the stained glass windows, crucifix, and Holy water font with incense. President Joe Hollowell and principal Chuck Weisenbach then prepared the altar for the Consecration and blessing of it by the Archbishop. Students and faculty watched as the vision of having a chapel where students would gather had become a real-ity. A Corporal, candles, and Sacramentary served as the finishing touches to the fully-furnished chapel. After Communion, the iconic “Sanctuary” was sung by students and staff members. The celebration truly represented an accomplishment for the entire Roncalli community.

Jimmy Baker

It has been a busy semester this season in the auditorium. The theatre productions class performed the play Willy

Wonka for all of the South Deanery grade schools. “I’ve been practicing for at least four weeks,” said senior Andy Wanner. He was a part of the class that performed earlier this month. The theatre productions class performs every year for grade schoolers from the South Deanery. A performance requirement might deter students away from participating in the class, but not for theatre productions students. “...it made it much easier because [the grade schoolers] can easily lose themselves in the play. It made it easier on us,” said Wanner. The play consisted of three performances, two for the South Deanery schools, and one later for adults and stu-dents. The play was a blend of new and old Willy Wonkas, but still followed the same story line. Wonka, a paranoid candy maker, decides that it is time to !nd an heir to his candy throne. Golden tickets are given out, and from those an heir is chosen. After the play was all said and done, practice did make perfect in view of the audience. “It was really good. It wasn’t really like a class play!” said senior Emma Schutte after the evening performance.

News IebelRevIewR2 December 17, 2010

Roncalli News IT’S THE CANDYMAN

Theatre productions class performs Willy WonkaBY ZACH TODDFine Arts Editor

BY MICHELLE SCHULTZClubs Editor

Club hopes for more student involvement

Getting students involved is the goal for this

year’s Spanish club.

In order for Spanish Club to create activi-

ties in and outside of school and be involved in

Hispanic-related affairs throughout the communi-

ty, “it needs student ideas and their voices,” said

Spanish teacher and new club moderator, Sra.

Nadia Charcap. She wants the students to have

a greater voice in club decision making.

Seniors Ben Hall, Kelsey Harrington, Alys-

sa Hayes and Kahle Servies are co-presidents

of the group and lead the club with their time,

participation and ideas.

“Alyssa and I both have a lot of ideas, and it’s

our ideas to life for Spanish Club,” said Servies.

In the past years, Spanish Club bought toys,

wrapped and delivered them to families in the In-

dianapolis area. This year the group will instead

donate money to an organization that assists

Hispanic families with necessities of life.

“By donating money to an organization that

provides food, education, shelter and care, we

hope to connect with the Hispanic community in

a powerful and longer lasting way,” said Charcap.

The money donated is from club t-shirt sales.

The club will decide how much of that money will

be used for the organization.

Servies expresses her opinion on the new

Christmas idea. “I do feel that it will get more

more people through the organization we donate

to.”

Another important activity for Spanish club

this year will be Cinco de Mayo. This holiday

commemorates Mexico’s victory over the French

militia on May 5, 1862, 100 miles east of Mexico

City.

Right now, there are around 10 people show-

ing up for the meetings. In order for the Cinco

de Mayo celebrations to happen, students need

to begin planning, organizing and participating.

The last time Roncalli celebrated Cinco de Mayo

was during the 2008-2009 school year. Charcap

taught here and was the club moderator.

Students can join at any time during the

Wednesday afternoon meetings and get informa-

tion from any of the co-presidents or Charcap.

Singing in the snowChoir students enjoy performingBY JAKE BYRDFine Arts Writer

Ithree main groups: theater, band and choir.

Choir is for all of those song birds and

performers who express themselves through

their singing. The teacher and mentor of

these students is choral director Mr. Trevor

Fanning.

“The students work so hard and they are

always outgoing in my class. There is never

a moment where they judge or treat others

bad on their singing or dance,” said Fanning.

He is always working with his students and

encouraging them to be outgoing.

The class is not all just singing and work-

ing on your voice, it is also fun and exciting.

“My favorite part about choir is I get to

meet new people and I love to sing,” said

sophomore Allison Kelly who has been in

choir for two years.

Choir has changed many students over

the years because they feel as though they

can express themselves through song.

“You are never judged directly when you

sing which makes the class so great,” said

Kelly. Even with all of the fun, there is still

hard work that has to be put in by each stu-

dent. They have to watch their pitch, memo-

rize songs and deal with the always normal

stage fright. Singing in front of a couple

hundred people a show takes courage and

Sarah Cornelius

is a student in the advanced women’s choir,

which is a step up from beginning women’s

choir.

“In beginning women’s we had free time,

but in advanced we are always working,”

said Cornelius. The students are always

trying their hardest singing the solos or just

being the back ups.

“There is never a dull moment in choir,”

said Cornelius.

Changes in Spanish club

Students made gingerbread houses for a German project. Seniors Chelsea Mohr, Riley Stenger and Haley Worden show o" the houses they made.

PHOTO BY KRISTEN WEST

UP, UP AND AWAY: The remaining !nalists for the golden ticket travel in the great glass elevator. Shock and awe of such a contraption is apparent of even for Mr. Willy Wonka. Senior Joey Davis, sophomore Tom Arvo, junior Jordan Donica and sophomore Ian Defenderfer shake with the power of the elevator.

PHOTO BY PAIGE PRETTI

Conner Writt hit a game winning 3-pointer to defeat Lafayette Central Catholic 70-67 and snap the Knights 4-year 31-game home winning streak. The game went into overtime on a Ryan Weber tying 3-pointer.

PHOTO BY ANDREA MCHUGH

Ryan Parrott has signed a let-ter of intent to play baseball for University of Indianapolis.

PHOTO SARAH STREVELS

Senior Jennifer Feltman col-lected 2011 cans for this years Can Food Drive. She was the top can collector.

PHOTO SUBMITTEDBABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE: Beginning mixed chorus rehearses for the Tuesday night’s Christmas con-cert. The concert was originally scheduled for Sunday, but was postponed.

PHOTO BY MICHELLE SCHULTZ

Random Rebel

Features 3December 17, 2010

CHRISTMAS BREAK “FINAL”-LYOn the seventh day of Christmas, Roncalli gave to me: seven study guides

BY PAULINE DEARINGSta! Writer

BY MAX BROWNINGCo-Feature Editor

IebelRevIewR

Winter break is a time to relax with friends, share memories with the family and study for finals. Many students com-‐

plain about studying over winter break, while some embrace the chance to brush up on lost knowledge. “I always wait to study until the last week of break so I give my-‐self some free time to relax and enjoy the holidays. By spread-‐ing it out throughout that last week and taking one subject at a time, I do not feel so overwhelmed,” said senior Claire Curtis. Teachers understand that many students will not use winter break as a time to study unless the teacher takes the time to help the students before break. Each teacher aids the students in different ways in preparation for vacation.

“Looking over old tests and taking note of what looks un-‐familiar is one of the best ways to review. A lot of the time, though, they [teachers] will not allow tests to be taken out of the classroom, and that is where study guides come in. Working on those over break can be a good, gradual way to keep the information fresh before school starts again and the real study-‐ing begins,” said senior Abby Koop. Having finals after winter break causes many complaints with the students. Students are just returning from a two-‐week break filled with holidays and fun. Many Rebels try to forget about school during breaks, but finals usually haunt the mind during winter break.

“I try to start studying for about half of my finals over break, but realistically, it doesn’t often get done that way. Typically, I can’t bring myself to drag out the books until the last couple of days before break is over,” said Koop. Finals are not a teacher’s torture tactic to ensue pain in the brains of his or her students, but just a way of figuring out how much information students have retained. While finals are important, they are not a grade breaker. Study, sleep, and a healthy breakfast may just be the three key factors for finals.

“I study social studies with my family and friends. They quiz me on vocab and dates. It’s better to be quizzed instead of studying it alone,” said junior Calvin Goddard.

Social Studies

“If it’s a subject like Chemistry or Phys-‐ics, make sure you know all the equations that won’t be on the test to guide you, and know how they all can be used in different scenarios. If it’s something like Biology or Human Anatomy, study notes and old quiz-‐zes and tests. Vocab probably isn’t a bad idea either,” said Koop.

Science

“I usually study for math by asking the teacher to see old tests and copying down the types of questions that I missed. I try to make sure I understand those, and then I do the study guide if we get one,” said Koop.

Math ¡Sí!“I noticed that studying for Span-‐ish is hard to do alone, so I get help from my parents and my friends. They can quiz you if you have trouble pronouncing words,” said Goddard.

Foreign Languages

“All of my Religion teachers have handed out clear-‐cut study quides before every final. To these study guides, devote time, love, and a little bit of magic, and the final should be a breeze,’ said Rainey.

Religion

English“For vocab, flash cards. The only thing close to scary is the essay portion, and it’s really not that scary. If your teacher gives you an idea of what the essay might be over, make rough plans, and if not, he or she has prepared you for what the essay is going to be over,” said junior Bryan Rainey.

Ben Coons

10 Things You Don’t Know About Me

1

I went to Holy Name Grade School.

2 My middle name is Scott.

4

5

6

7

3

My opinion of year-‐round school is that I

have had it before so

I like it.

One thing people should

know about me is that I play

year-‐round soccer.

The worst Christmas present I ever received was socks.

8 If I could start one club at Roncalli, I would start a mountain-‐biking club.

9 If I could meet three famous people I

would want to meet Will Ferrell, Adam

Sandler, and Pele.

10 The best nickname I ever had was on my grade school kickball team, they called me Soccer Kick.

My favorite Christmas song is

Rudolf the

Red-‐Nosed Reindeer.

My hero is my grandpa.

Features4 december 17, 2010

IebelRevIewR

ChristmasBY JESSIE DEAKSta! Writer

Warm fall turns sharply to frigid winterLong-lasting Indian summer le! its melting mark while winter has suddenly arrivedBY ADAIR DORSETTNews Editor

Winter is here; the warmth is gone and it has just gotten ugly. It’s time to dig up some gloves and a hat and

unload that snowsuit from the closet. Indian Summer: this weather phenomenon is described as an abnormally warm and dry period of weather, which varies in length and arrives in the autumn time of year, usu-‐ally October and November. Indiana, known to have unpredictable weather, failed to surprise residents by remaining warm into the fall. But now that it’s time for the change, winter is foreseen to bring about bitterly cold weather. RTV6 Chief Meteorologist, Kevin Gregory, holds a grip on the predicted weather that the winter months will bring. “With the pattern expected this winter, above average participation is expected. December, on aver-‐age, has seen above average snowfall. However, January and February have had less snow and more rain/snow/freezing rain events,” said Gregory. Above average temperatures are expected, but Gregory

said that, “As you know, that doesn’t mean we won’t have quite cold stretches.” An Indian Summer, known to have some kind of origi-‐nating tie to the Native Americans, surely has its ups and downs. While some have mixed emotions on whether the warm weather carried long over from the summer was favorable, others are set on their likes and dislikes. Senior Michael Donnelly favors summertime but

realizes there is a downside to a prolonged summer. “I like summer better; no one likes to be cold and there isn’t any school. But a downside -‐ fall is cut short. It’s the perfect temperature outside -‐ not too hot and not too cold,” said Donnelly. Senior Mackenzie Reckley would take winter over summer. “Winter is better! The snow makes everything outside look so

beautiful. I love going sledding and ice skating and making snowmen and snow angels.” For all of those summer-‐lovers, it’ll be a while; it’s time for those winter wonders.

Students from other nations share many American traditions and have some di"erent ones too

In the Untied States, Christmas is celebrated in a big way with gifts, decorations and traditions. But other countries celebrate in different ways. It’s the Christmas season and time to spread the holiday spirit around the world.

“The Christmas holiday is my favorite, [we] just eat, hang out with friends, family, go sled-‐ding, and skiing,” said junior Jana Bellanova. Christmas in Slovakia is celebrated with friends and family participating in fun winter activities. Plus, the

Christmas spirit fills the streets with Christmas markets and decorations that are put up in people’s houses. New Years is fun in Slovakia also and for a teenager there are unlim-‐ited way to celebrate such as going downtown to see concerts, dance, and fireworks.

“Most of the teenagers do, it is crazy, but half of the adults don’t celebrate,” said junior Jerry

Zhu. The Christmas season in China is celebrated, but mainly only by teenagers. Kids would buy presents for each other and

celebrate together. The New Years is well celebrated because it’s the Chinese New Year. The Chinese celebrate the New Year by the whole family getting together to eat, give gifts, and to just be together. Also, the family will go to their families graves to pray for the dead.

“Decorate all the roads and streets and play the Christmas songs” said senior Hee-‐chul Shin. In Korea the Christmas holiday is not a big deal, but it is still celebrated with friends and family. The more exciting and well celebrated holiday is New Years. The exciting evening is well celebrated with wearing traditional clothes, eating rice cakes and soup with dumplings, and playing

traditional games.

“We celebrate the arrival of the three kings, [therefore] we receive our gifts in the morning of January 6th,” said junior Javier Cepeda Cabeza. In Spain, they spend three days dedicated to the Christmas season. On Christmas there are no gifts, just hanging out with family and friends. The third day is the Nativity and that’s when they receive their gifts. On New Years they celebrate. On the first 12 seconds of the New

Year, they eat a grape for each second. The grapes are supposed to bring good luck.

“My mom usually makes awesome turkey, bacalao, fondue, and ham,” said junior Nelsy Garcia

Gomez. Good food is one way that the Christmas holiday is celebrated in Mexico. The decorations are a big sign of the season also. During the last few seconds of the New Year, everyone eats 12 grapes and with each one the person makes a wish.

“...above average precipitation is expected. December, on average, has seen above average snowfall.” -- RTV6 Chief Meteorologist, Kevin Gregory

around the world

features december 17, 2010 5IebelRevIewR

It’s December 17, and students are twitching in their seats. the eighth period bell is just seconds

away from ringing, and excitement has filled the air. Finally, the bell rings, and people rush forth, heading for their cars. For the next few weeks, students are on break for the holidays. However, the reoccurring ques-‐tion is what are they going to do for the next two weeks, besides study for finals and open pres-‐ents. A simple answer can be found in a movie night with family or friends. “My family watches the Christmas Story this time of year,” says Junior Hannah Smith. Senior Casey Schoettle agreed, saying “the Christmas Story is one of my favorite Christmas movies.” It’s exciting, interesting, and gives fami-‐lies and friends something to talk about while they wait for Santa to make his appearance. Many families have a traditional movie they like to watch. Junior Peter Molloy said “my favor-‐ite Christmas time move is 8 Crazy Nights, with Adam Sandler.” Other students also mentioned, Elf, Home Alone, and the Grinch are high on the “must watch” list, and there are many others as well, including Rudolph and other original Christ-‐mas classics.

Ready? Set? Action! Four major movies make their appearances in theaters this Christmas breakBY ANDREA RODRIGUEZClubs Writer

One of the dreaded questions parents are asked when a child starts to doubt the existence of Santa

is, “how does Santa get to everyone’s house on Christ-‐mas?” “I used to lay in my parents bed Christmas morn-‐ing and I would hear somebody knock on our door and my parents told me it was Santa,” said senior Brendan

Massing. Parents think of many things to keep the belief in San-‐ta alive for their children, but it is not because they want to lie to their kids. It is because they want their children to experience the joy of having Santa visit them. The belief in Santa gives kids something to look forward to every year and it helps them try to behave well. “[My favorite memory about Santa was] the suspense of whether I’m getting coal or not,” said sophomore Josh

Spalding. Many people at Roncalli say that they were around ages 9 and 10 when they stopped believing. Although some parents tell their children the truth about Santa, many children find out on their own, through their friends or through older siblings. “My brother was mad at me and decided to be mean and tell me Santa was actually my parents,” said sopho-‐more Anne Marie Kappus. With younger siblings who still believe in Santa Claus, It can be a challenge to keep one’s excitement up to match theirs. If the older sibling does not go along with

the idea of Santa coming to visit, then the younger sib-‐ling may start to have some doubts. “I have a younger brother that still believes in Santa, and I just pretend that I still believe that Santa is real,” said junior Kayla Hanley. Although St. Nicholas is supposed to encourage the spirit of giving, the media mostly portray materialism. In the story of St. Nicholas, he only gives to those in need, but in today’s society many children believe Christmas is just about getting. During the Christmas season, giving gifts to others can show how much you care for them. “Christmas is more fun now because I like the idea that my parents spent all this money to show how much they love me,” said sophomore Mark Johnson. Christmas is seen as a cheerful and happy holiday, but finding out that your parent’s lied to you may have a negative impact. It is later that children often realize that their parents were only trying to make them happy. “Christmas was so much more fun when I thought some big fat guy crawled down my chimney just to give me gifts” said senior Connor Writt. Although the existence of Santa Claus plays a promi-‐nent role in the Christmas season, it is important to rec-‐ognize that Christmas is not just about getting gifts, but giving to those in need and to those that we care about. Santa may not be physically real, but he lives on spiritu-‐ally in the hearts of generous and charitable people dur-‐ing the Christmas season.

While some teens lose their faith in Mr. Claus, the spirit of St. Nicholas remains strong

Santa lives onBY KRISTEN MCCARTHYFeature Writer

I walk into the mall the day after Black Friday and the stores are still buzzing with activity. I cautiously make my way to

the far end of the mall where Santa Claus happens to be conveniently located. As I pass American Eagle, I can see the enormous line of kids beside Santa’s chair. With kids screaming, crying, and running around, I patiently waited in line for my share of time with Old Saint Nick. Approximately 45 children later, my turn had finally arrived. The little boy in front of me jumped from Santa’s lap and he turned to look to see who was next. I was not surprised to see his face of shock as a lone 18-‐year-‐old girl was waiting to see him. I can only imagine the thoughts in his head. I began to explain my visit when he cut me off. “Now little girl, what do you want for Christmas?” asked Santa Claus with a huge grin on his face motioning me to have a seat. Well, I didn’t exactly sit on his lap for fear of crushing the frail man so instead I sat on the arm of the chair. “I would like a Pony and a Macbook,” I responded. Who wouldn’t want those things? Santa told me he would do his best and he reminded me to be good and help my mother over Christmas. As I got up to leave, he also mentioned I was not the oldest person to sit on his lap today. I kindly thanked him and made my way to the exit wondering who else sat on his lap that day.

Holly jolly visit

A holiday tradition that never gets old -- sitting on Santa’s lapBY KAELIN DUGANSta! Writer

1.) Adventure/Comedy: Gulliver’s Travels. Lemuel Gulliver takes a trip to Ber-‐muda to write a travel article but ends up on the island of Liliput which is inhabited by people one-‐twelfth the size of Gulliver

2.) Fantasy: Chronicles of

Narnia: The Voyage of the

Dawn Treader. The children of Narnia meet Prince Cas-‐pian for a trip across the sea aboard the royal ship The Dawn Treader.

3.) Adventure: Tron: Legacy. Sam Flynn is transported into a virtual world where his father has been trapped for twenty years. with the help of warrior Quorra, father and son em-‐bark on a journey through a world created by Sam’s father.

4.) Drama/Action: The Tourist. Frank, is an American tourist vis-‐iting Italy to mend a broken heart. Elise is an extraordinary woman who deliberately crosses his path and together the two face both romance and danger.

Believe

Isn’t that mommy’s handwriting?

No Santa

Warm fall turns sharply to frigid winter

Editor-in-Chief: Alix Richardson Photo Editor: Caitlin KennedyEditor-in-Chief: Kristen West Assistant Photo Editor: Jessica DeakNews Editor: Adair Dorsett News Sta! Writer: Jake ByrdOpinion Editor: Gabi Koenig News Sta! Writer: Shelby EnnisCo Feature Editor: Kelly Kern Feature Sta! Writer: Taylor CalhounCo Feature Editor: Max Browning Feature Sta! Writer: Kristen McCarthyCo Sports Editor: James Cook Sports Sta! Writer: Pauline DearingCo Sports Editor: Collin O’Connor Sports Sta! Writer: Kaelin DuganClubs Editor: Michelle Schultz Clubs Sta! Writer: Andrea RodriguezFine Arts Editor: Zach Todd Online Editor: Kenzie Nickell Adviser: Mrs. Julie Albertson

Opinions6

Editorial  PolicyWe  accept  letters  to  the  editor  from  all  faculty,  staff,  and  students.  They  

can  be  e-­mailed  to  jalbertson@roncallihs.org  or  delivered  to  room  

203.  Please  keep  these  letters  short,  roughly  200-­300  words.  They  will  

be  accepted  under  the  circumstances  that  they  are  signed  and  noted  to  

which  article  it  is  in  response.  Letters  that  contain  misinformation  or  

are  meant  to  libel  another  will  not  be  published.  The  decision  to  publish  

these  will  be  decided  by  The  Rebel  Review  adviser  Mrs.  Albertson.  We  

also  accept  photographs  and  articles  written  by  students,  teachers,  

and  staff  members.  Some  material  courtesy  of  American  Society  of  

Newspaper  Editors/MCT  Campus  High  School  Newspaper  Service.  

The Rebel Review Staff

December 17, 2010

ILLUSTRATION BY TAYLOR CALHOUN

words fromPope John Roncalli

“Mankind is a great, immense family... This is

proved by what we feel in our heart at

Christmas.”

OUR OPINION

IebelRevIewR

Yes, Roncalli, there is a Santa ClausIn 1897, an 8-year-old named Virginia wrote a letter to a New York newspaper, The Sun, questioning the existence of Santa Claus. The response to her letter has become the most reprinted editorial; the rereading of the article has become one of the best-loved Christmas traditions. In the spirit of the holidays, here is a re-sponse for Roncalli: Roncalli students, your friends are mis-taken. This world has caused them to be-come jaded high schoolers. Their belief is that “seeing is believing.” They wrongly as-sume that if they cannot wrap their minds around it, it therefore cannot be possible. The truth is, Roncalli, that the universe is something much greater than one could ever comprehend; the intelligence of hu-manity is much too small to grasp the en-tirety of truth and wisdom. Of course, Roncalli, Santa Claus does exist. He is just as present as faith, hope and love, and you as well as I, know that these allow the greatest existence of hap-piness and contentment. Consider how cheerless this world would be if there was no Santa Claus. It would be as depressing as if there were no Roncalli! Without Ron-calli, there would be no dedication, no aca-demics and no service to better humanity. We would have no joy; without these, the

eternal hope from childhood that perme-ates creation would cease to be. Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in anything! You might as well all watch your chimneys on Christmas Eve to capture the big man himself. Even if you did not see Father Christmas, what would that determine? Nobody witnesses Santa Claus, but that is not evidence that there is no Santa. The most certain things in the world are those that we cannot see. Have you ever seen (insert mythical crea-ture here)? Of course not, but that does not prove (it, they, she, he) does not ex-ist. No one can possibly comprehend or envision every wonder there is spotted or unspotted on the planet. You may take apart your iPod to see what makes the music play, but there is a screen disguising the unseen world which not the most matured man, nor the united strength of all creation, could rip away. Only faith, hope, love and joy can move away the screen and see the mystical world beyond. Is it absolute? Roncalli, in the world, there is nothing else as true or enduring. No Santa Claus?! Thankfully, he exists, and he exists forever. Years from now, Roncalli, he will exist, and he will still cre-ate happiness in the hearts of man.

BY GABI KOENIGOpinion Editor

One of Christmas’ long-standing traditions gets a Roncalli twist

With the international counterparts of today’s high school -

ican colleges and universities, educators around the country are discussing ways to amp up the level of education students re-ceive. The traditional school calendar that allows for 180 days of instruction with small breaks throughout and a two and a half month summer break, forces teachers to spend an immense amount of time at the beginning of the year reviewing material taught at the end of the previous year. Some educators insist the best way to eliminate this wasted time would be for schools to switch to a year-round calendar.

-whelmed with school work and say they could use a longer break between the semesters. This would allow for rejuvena-tion of the mind while still retaining information taught the weeks before. With the current schedule leaving small gaps in the calendar for the beloved long weekends, a year-round calendar would erase these in compensation for breaks between the school quarters. The small downside to this method is that it shortens summer break. While summer is loved so much by the students, a shorter break would allow for a more effective start to the school year.

One of the subjects most affected by the traditional scheduling are the foreign languages. Most students do not break out into speaking their language over summer, leaving them very rusty for the next year. Classes like English do not receive the same penalties because students are always reading something, even if it is not some deep philosophical book.

eliminate the hopes of having a family vacation in the summer. However, the summer would still allow for family vacations, just maybe not a giant two and a half month expedition of the world.

the year-round bandwagon may be the group with the most to

periodically placed around the calendar will reduce stress since the teachers will not feel the need to rush in information before every small three-day weekend. The misleadingly-named year-round school system has so

use it. If Roncalli wants to change our schedule, then most of the South Deanery schools will also need to join. It is apparent that not everyone will agree on whether year-round schooling is truly necessary, but people cannot deny the

Balanced calendar could boost learning

Sports7 December 17, 2010

Legendary coach remains involvedCoach Bob Kirkho! continues to be an instrumental "gure in the girls’ basketball programBY PAULINE DEARINGSports Writer

PHOTO BY SARAH STREVELS

IebelRevIewR

When thinking about girls’ basketball, the person that

inevitably comes to mind is Coach Bob Kirkhoff.

As the head coach of Roncalli girls’ basketball for 20 years,

Kirkhoff won nine city championships, four regional titles, one

1986. Despite all his success, he remains a humble man who

truly cares about his players and fellow coaches.

Taking the head coaching job in 1981, Kirkhoff built a

perennially strong program that remains intact today. Through

hard work, fairness, and a positive attitude, he inspired his

teams to be the best they could be.

“As a coach, you have to care about your players individu-

ally and make them realize there is more to life than winning

and losing,” Kirkhoff said.

After 20 years of coaching the Lady Rebels, Kirkhoff felt

like it was time to leave. He then became an assistant coach

at Franklin Central for three years and an assistant coach

at Chatard for one year where he met Sara Riedeman, the

current Roncalli girls’ basketball coach. When Riedeman was

offered the head coaching position at Roncalli, she asked

Kirkhoff to be her assistant coach and he accepted.

“I have loved coaching at Roncalli, the administration

couldn’t have treated me any better,” Kirkhoff said.

Although he does not know how much longer he will be

coaching at Roncalli, Kirkhoff loves being back and thinks

highly of Coach Riedeman.

“She is very dedicated, works hard, and knows the game,”

Kirkhoff said. He also has high expectations for the upcoming

season and believes the team can make a run at the state

championship.

Kirkhoff’s passion and love of the game is still just as

“He gives good advice, is a role model for some of the girls

and is very loving towards his players,” junior Katie Brewer

said.

Being named Marion County Coach of the Year three times,

Kirkhoff shows that he simply loves coaching and helping

players reach their full potential.

His advice for any and all players is, “Leave it all on the

know that you gave it all you had.”

Outside the matRebelettes play a vital role in the wrestling season

FINISHING WHAT HE STARTED:  Coach Bob Kirkho! remains an integral part of the basketball program working alongside Coach Riedeman.

Winter sports update Fall has faded, putting the winter sports teams in the headlines

BY PAULINE DEARINGSports Writer

ATTACKING THE GLASS:  Sophomore Bridget Perry "nishes with a lay up.

Photo by Julie Albertson

TAKING FORM:  Senior Kaylee Pence competes in the diving competition.

Photo by Michelle Schultz

PERFECTION: Senior Josh Kie!er on his way to a 5-0 perfor-mance at the West"eld Invite.

Photo by Julie Albertson

BY COLLIN O’CONNOR AND JAMES COOKSports Editors

The Lady Rebels basket-ball squad began with a 5-2 record heading into

second round action of the Marion County Tournament but took an early exit falling to Perry Meridian 49-42. Injuries and foul trouble were to blame for the tough road loss. “Whenever the team is in foul trouble, it puts more pres-sure on me and the team to play our best and make things happen,” said freshman Kellie Kirkho!. The Lady Rebels face their archrivals, the Brebeuf Braves in the "rst half of the Boys-Girls double header tonight at the Woodshed. The boys basketball team is o! and running in what has proved to be an exciting sea-son. With wins against Perry Meridian, Whiteland, and a 3-point overtime win against Lafayette Central Catholic, the team has made great strides in all areas and will work to dominate opponents in the post. “Myself, Michael [Clements], Cole [Toner] and Nate [Cox] are the key guys down low. As long as we keep playing physically, our post play should be "ne,” said junior David Heckman. The Rebels face the Brebeuf Braves tonight at the Woodshed. The gymnastics team is coming o! another State Finalist season, and is looking to have more of the same happen this year. With a roster that

returns eight members and adds two freshmen, only time will tell how the season unfolds. “We are all working hard to con-tinue bringing a successful program, and hope to make another run at state,” said junior Cassie Schultheis. The team opens its season on January 11th. Coming into the season, the bowl-ing team looked to improve on last year’s promising performance and have not disappointed thus far. “Last year we did [well], but I be-lieve we will make it out of section-als this year,” said sophomore John Bauerle. The team won its "rst four match-es over teams like Southport and Center Grove. Jon Meko and John Bauerle lead with the high scores in almost every match. The girls have tallied up a 2-4 re-cord so far, including wins over New Palestine and Franklin Community. Sophomore Jessica Neu picked up where she left o! last season bowl-ing the high series in "ve of their six matches. The wrestling team started o! with fantastic performances in the Lafayette Je! Invite and the West"eld Invite, going 10-0 and winning both. In the Lafayette Invite, the Rebels achieved three 5-0 "nishes from sophomore Barry McGinley, junior Danny Rojas and seniors Josh Kie!er and Jake Tucker. For the West"eld Invite, sophomore Josh King, juniors Joe Kie!er and Damon Albertson, and seniors Josh and Justin Kie!er all turned in a 5-0 record.They will compete at County on the December 18th. Similarly, the swim team is looking to improve upon last year and become a much better team. “Our goals are to have 100% lifetime bests at the end of the season and "nish in the top ten at sectionals,” said junior Jack Niezer. While the team has lost in each of its "rst four meets, Niezer has kept pace by winning a race at every meet. For the girls, they are sitting with a 2-3 record so far with wins against Indian Creek and Southport. They also placed second against Decatur and Franklin Central. The swim team continues its season the December 17th in the County Tournament.

As the wrestling season begins, wrestlers

suit up and prepare to take on their op-

ponents; however, by the wrestlers’ sides

every step of the way are the Rebelettes

whose important actions are sometimes

overlooked.

“Without the Rebelettes, wrestlers

wouldn’t be recognized or appreciated,”

said Karen Parsons, the moderator of the

Rebelettes.

Showering the wrestlers with cheers and

support, the Rebelettes are a dedicated

group of girls. They are like the cheerlead-

ers of the wrestling team and attend all the

meets.

“We give the wrestlers support and food

after they weigh in. [We also] keep score

and videotape the meets,” said sophomore

Kalyn Lind. Always trying to motivate the team, the

team on.

“They always make us really cool locker

signs before our meets,” said junior wrestler

David Mappes.

Not only do the Rebelettes attend all

meets, but they put a lot of time and effort

into the state meet as well.

“The girls make shirts for the state meet

and make gift bags for all the wrestlers,” said

Parsons.

Participating in Rebelettes allows girls

to be a part of the wrestling team and make

friendships along the way.

“I joined Rebelettes because it’s some-

thing fun and a chance to be with my

friends,” said Lind.

Although many students may be oblivi-

ous to the work of the Rebelettes, the girls’

actions are deeply appreciated by wrestlers.

“They support us a lot and really up the

spirit of the team,” said sophomore wrestler

Daniel Marshall. The Rebelettes were excited and ready for

-

ferson. The team went 5-0 and swept the

-

Always bringing a positive attitude, the Re-

belettes work hard to allow the wrestlers to

have the most successful season possible.

Features8 December 17, 2010

IebelRevIewR

BY KELLY KERNFeature Editor

There are many men and women who will be away from their loved

ones this holiday season, and Rebels look to boost their spirit by sending them Christmas cards. The idea of writing Christmas cards to the soldiers started during the Gulf War. Making Christmas cards for soldiers is an activity that the world language department has been doing for at least 15 years. All the world language classes made these cards during class. Junior Katey Blackwell was able to write to her brothers last year from her French class. “I think it’s a good idea [to write to the soldiers] because I have brothers in the armed forces, [who] can’t be home for the holidays,” said Black-well. Students might not notice the picture frames hanging on the walls outside room 010. Located in these frames are thank you notes from the soldiers. Roncalli alum, Steve Eck-hart, sent Roncalli a special gift after receiving a Christmas card from a Roncalli student. He sent a folded up

saying, “Rebels, thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.” Students say the cards have a positive effect on the soldiers because even though they cannot be home for the holidays, they are still aware that people are thinking of them. “It’s awesome to show [the soldiers] that while they’re out of the country, they’re not out of our hearts,” said sophomore Olivia Curtis. Not only do the students think the campaign is a good thing, but the soldiers and their families are also grateful to receive the letters. “... when a school class or group, such as Roncalli's Foreign Language Department, takes the time to write and remember these soldiers, they are so thrilled to hear from the kids. It

are very compassionate, caring and patriotic young people,” said Jeannie Banich, wife of Col. Joe Banich, cur-rently deployed in Afghanistan. Students from Lawrence High School began making cards for soldiers during the Gulf War and the tradition carried over to Roncalli. “It’s been a positive response [ever

Hundreds bene!t from toy driveNeedy children head to Anna’s house to receive RHS toys

Rebel students create cards for soldiers who will not be home for Christmas

Feature WriterBY TAYLOR CALHOUN

Millions of people living below the poverty level continue to go hungry each year, and often, it happens in front of the world’s

eyes. According to the 2008 US Census Bureau, 12.9 percent of people live below the poverty level in the city of Indianapolis alone. Every November, Roncalli’s annual Canned Food Drive continues to make this number shrink. The amount of canned goods collected by students grows each year, which means more and more families are combatting hunger. This year, 100,629 cans were collected in total; however, students were also asked to donate money to the cause. According to campus minister Mr. Tully, the only kind of food that can be collected is that of the canned variety. “We can’t collect non-perishables because there is no place to refrigerate them. The money collected in the drive is given to St. Vincent de Paul so that they can buy perishables for their clients,” said Tully. Students can physically see the cans that they collect, but they cannot see the families and individuals that the food is given to, which only leaves them to wonder who actually receives the canned goods. First, the cans are organized into different groups, such as peas, green beans, soups and carrots. They are then put into boxes which contain 1,000 cans a piece, called “totes,” and then put on a truck to Saint Vincent de Paul’s Food Pantry. “Sorting the cans takes a lot of work,” said St. Vincent de Paul manager Clarence Hirsch, “but Roncalli always does an excellent job.” Contrary to popular belief, random cans are not just put into boxes and distributed to families. St. Vincent de Paul offers an exclusive point system which allows people who are in need to shop for the food that they would like to eat. A single person is allotted 15 points, while a family of 2 or more gets 20 points. Each can is a point a piece. “This is what is unique about our food pantry. We don’t just give food to people, they shop for it themselves. They don’t always pick out what is best for them, but that’s okay as long as they aren’t hun-gry anymore,” said Hirsch.

Canned food drive helps feed hungry of Central IndianaJourney of Rebel Service

Freshman

Sophomore

Junior

Senior

Faculty and Sta!

Total Cans: 100,629

25,00010,000 20,000 30,000

BY SHELBY ENNISSta! Writer

Cards for soldiers

15,000

29,594

Every year, Roncalli partners up with Anna’s House at the Lord’s Pantry to help supply families in need with

presents for the holidays. Students and faculty donate toys, books and stockings stuffed with a nutritious snack and a small toy during December. All if these items go to families who are in need of gifts for the holidays. For 20 years, Roncalli has been doing a toy drive, asking students to bring in at least one toy to their religion classrooms. Four years ago, religion teacher Mrs. Jan Lauck came up with the idea to have a stocking drive along with the toys.

“Many children do not get stockings and this is a way to get them a nutritious snack along with a toy,” said Lauck. Over 300 children will come on Decem-ber 18 to Anna’s House. They reside in one of the poorest areas in Indianapolis, known as Stringtown. The vast majority of the chil-dren are Hispanic and attend IPS schools 49 and 63, as well as George Washington High School. This year almost 200 families have been sponsored by organizations and generous families. “Although many families are adopted for Christmas, we still strive to see that the children have the best holiday possible,”

said an Anna’s House representative, Julie Molloy. Santa will come to Anna’s House to visit each child, and volunteers will be supply-ing the families with photos of their children and Santa at no charge. Santa will then give each child a stuffed stocking and will then instruct them to choose three or four gifts from the table of toys provided by Roncalli. “This day is made possible by Roncalli and the volunteers who come to serve hot chocolate and cookies, assist the children as they choose their gifts [and] take photos,” said Molloy.

1. Rebels assist in loading last year’s toys for Anna’s House.

2. Junior Peter Molloy helps a child choose from the large selection of toys donated by students and staff.

3. Anna’s House is prepared for children who will be coming to visit Santa and pick out a few toys.

bags with special toys and books donated by Rebel students and staff mem-bers.

1 2

3 4