VJM Journal - March 2019

VOLUME 33 VJM Journal
ISSUE 2

MARCH 2019

“Everybody Cut Footloose!”

by Rose Vizza & Anna Stollsteimer, ’20

This spring, Villa drama will be taking “Footloose” which the cast has worked very understand Ren at the beginning of the
the stage with the Broadway show, hard on with music director Mrs. Nelson. “It show, but grows to become fond of
“Footloose,” on April 5th, 6th, and 7th for a is different from the movie so they should him after she learns the story of his
final production in the gym. “This show is expect that,” Mrs. Holdren states, “But they life in Chicago and why he moved to
very special because it’s our last show in should come ready to hear some of their old Bomont. However, she is held back
the gym and so it’s kind of bittersweet. favorites from the radio. The songs are fa- from pursuing any friendship with him
We’re looking forward to the auditorium miliar so it’s going to be so much fun and because of her controlling boyfriend,
but it’s kind of the end of an era,” says Chuck (David Scott). She is, though,
Mrs. Holdren, the director of the show. they can sing along!” ‘Holding Out for her Hero’ and slowly
With the upbeat songs we all know and In the show, we meet a boy named Ren starts to think it might be Ren. Does
love, the girls can’t wait to cut loose with Ren win the fight to legalize dancing
their incredible dance moves which McCormack (Jacob Jimenez) who moves in Bomont? Does Ariel break free
they’ve been determined to learn for from Chicago with his mother, Ethel (Grace from Chuck and fall for the new kid?
months from their amazing choreogra- Kelly), to a small town known as Bomont. With the show quickly approaching,
pher, Ms. Amanda Page. Director Mrs. After only a few days, he begins to feel out the cast can’t wait for you to find out
Holdren said of her: “This show is just so of place and notices something odd about the the answers. Mrs. Holdren says, “I’m
much fun and I think a lot of that has to do town. It is later explained by three girls, really excited for people to see it. I
with adding in our new chorographer, Ms. Rusty (Madison Buchinski), Wendy Jo think we are now at a point where an
Page. She brings a lot of energy to this (Anna Stollsteimer), and Urleen (Rose Viz- audience would help us since it’s such
show which is very dance heavy.” za), that the town’s Reverend (Shamus a high energy show. It really, now,
Ehresmann) created a law that banned all just needs an audience to feed off of.”
Based on the 1984 movie, this dancing due to an accident that happened Come join the cast on April 5th, 6th,
show consists of commonly known songs years before. Ren then begins his fight to and 7th as they kick off their Sunday
such as “Holding out for a Hero,” “Let’s legalize dancing because he has a passion for shoes in “Footloose”!
Hear it for the Boy,” and of course dance, as he says in his song “I Can’t Stand
Still.” Ariel (Arianna Barricelli) does not

Page 2 News VJM Journal

Science Fair and Beyond by Lia Caucci, ’21

Earlier this month, Villa ware Valley University. Some projects Alex Venth, a sophomore who moved
held its annual Science Fair. A that moved on from the first round fea- on to the second round, said “It was
plethora of experiments were show- tured measuring the flammability of very interesting to interact with the
cased. From testing which acne different materials and observing the judges and an overall great experi-
medications work the best to deter- growth of plants using different fertiliz- ence.” All of our Villa students did
mining whether certain materials ers. amazing this second round. Our very
blocked Wi-Fi signals, there was a own Tara Czekner won first place for
good deal of variety this year. Each During the second round, judg- her experiment involving botany.
participant from the Villa Science es walked around and asked the compet- Eight of our other girls, including two
Fair got to move on to the Bucks itors questions regarding their variables, teams, won second place awards and
County Science Fair held at Dela- materials, inspiration for their project, three other teams won honorable men-
and how it connects to the real world. tion. Congratulations to all of our Sci-

ence Fair winners!

Reinventing the Robotic Wheel by Sarah Shubert, ‘19

Coming from humble with 8 different robots at the PA Eastern Tournament Champions, and the
beginnings last year, Holy Ghost State Championship. Additional acknowl- Amaze award.
Prep and Villa Joseph Marie’s edgements included the Sportsmanship
joint robotics team started. Over award, Robot Skills, Build Award, the The group competed
the past year, the team experi- against 86 teams, and three of the
enced success and growth, gaining teams in the top 20 included Holy
fifteen more students throughout Ghost and Villa’s combined team.
the season including some Villa The team #242A ended in 4th
students. place and made it to the quarter
finals while five out of our eight
The team features An- teams qualified for the elimination
nalais Schuck ’22, Amelia Fisher round. Team #242A was one win
‘20, Lucy Pickersgill ‘20, Grace away from earning a bid to the
Kennedy ‘19, and Nicolette Robotics World Championship!
Tumaz ‘19, who helped lead the The joint Holy Ghost Prep and
team to success at the State Cham- VJM robotics team has made great
pionship last weekend earning progress throughout the past year
them second place. and will continue to do great
things.
The joint team competed

A Jem of a Case by Madeline Marriott, ’20

Villa’s Mock Trial team ‘21 received the Best Advocate Award, Middle School the next night and
was back in full swing this year for and Tara Czekner ‘20 received Best brought home a huge win for the Jems.
its third annual season. This year’s Witness Award for her portrayal of Sal The award for Best Advocate went to
case, featuring a question of wrong- Abbott. Tara Czekner said of the expe- Erin Devine ‘19, and the award for Best
ful death due to prescription of opi- rience, “Joining mock trial has been the Witness went to Kiersten McKenna ‘20
oids, made for an interesting and best decision I’ve made this school for her portrayal of J.J. Teva. This year,
action-packed trial. The defense year. It introduced me to something I we are sad to say goodbye to two our of
team competed against Bensalem truly love to do and to people that I two beloved seniors, Erin Devine ‘19
High School, last year’s regional adore working with. It brought me out and Samantha O’Hara ‘19, who have
champions, and gave an outstanding of my comfort zone, and I can’t wait to both been with the team for three years.
performance, just barely falling return to the team next year.” The Congratulations on a great season, la-
short of victory. Grace Matwijec prosecution competed against Holicong dies!

News Page 3

Spirit Week Highlights

Preeti: the New Agent P? Anna all Flyered up!

Don’t ‘Egg’ Mackenzie on, or you’ll Riley and Keely flying high with Eagle
get taped to a wall, too. Corey Clement

A Night to Remember by Maddie Marriott, ’20

This year’s Winter Formal night’s festivities were the photo Jems cutting loose on the dance floor.
was a night full of great music, deli- booth and awesome door prizes.
cious food, and fun with friends. Over Katie McLaughlin ‘20 said of the
500 students attended this year’s evening, “I had a blast! The crowd
dance, despite the weather-related was super energetic and everyone
postponement. Jems and dates alike was dancing until their feet hurt!”
danced the night away in their elegant Special thanks to Mrs. Quinn, Emily
attire as the DJ played crowd favor- Noone ‘20, and Chloe Niemczak ‘20
ites all night. The gym and main hall- for all their hard work, and to the
way were both beautifully decorated parent, student, and faculty volun-
to match this year’s theme: The Great teers that set up, chaperoned, and
Gatsby. Some highlights of the made the night run smoothly!

One EGGciting Night by Grace Hughes, ’21

February 15, 2019 — The underclassmen. In this intense game, players
annual Chicks with Sticks tourna- Nation against The Kickin Chickens, a gave it their all. Erm’s Nation’s “all” was
ment is a truly thrilling night where senior team.
friends become enemies. This event- not enough to beat out the relentless Chick-
ful night is a chance for the Jems to These teams had to play two ens, though. The seniors came out on top
show off their hockey skills acquired games to determine the winner since the with a score of 3-1.
in Sophomore Gym Class. There senior team had been undefeated
were 9 teams competing this year. Overall, the annual Chicks with
throughout the whole night. In the first Sticks tournament was a success. Although
The night started with tough game, Erm’s Nation won 2-0, and was only one team could bring home the win,
losses for many teams, such as Erm’s very confident in their chances of being every player that night surely had a good
Nation which lost its first round the 2019 Chicks with Sticks Champi- time. Soon, all Villa Staff and Students will
game 3-0. This was not the end for ons. Erm’s Nation team member Jess get the chance to experience the thrill and
these sophomore chicks; they pulled Joslyn says that, “I think we may have excitement of a live game; a select group of
together as a team and made it to the been a bit too confident; after we won Faculty will play against a team made up of
final round. the first game we all assumed we would the MVP’s from the student games. This
win the next game but sadly that did not game is destined to bring intensity and tons
The final game pitted Erm’s happen.” The seniors came out strong of laughter to the crowd and players. Glory
and were determined not to lose to the awaits the victor. Who will win?

Page 4 Profiles VJM Journal

Mrs. McClain by Olivia Glunz, ’20

Pass by the Nurse’s looking forward to next school ward; working with mothers
Office, and you may catch a year, which promises a renovated and newborns was enjoyable
glimpse of a new, smiling office in the Main Hallway. She and rewarding. Most recent-
face. Mrs. McClain just anticipates getting to know fel- ly, Mrs. McClain was em-
joined the VJM staff this low staff members better as well ployed in the Council Rock
year, but she is already confi- as meeting even more students. School District, where she
dent that she loves her new subbed at various elementary
job. Having attended an all- Ever since eighth grade, and middle schools. In her
girls high school herself, Mrs. McClain has aspired to be- free time, she enjoys spend-
Mrs. McClain feels right at ing time with her four chil-
home in this spirited, enthusi- come a nurse. Inspired by a fami- dren, who range in age from
astic community. Her first ly member who studied nursing, 12 to 22. She especially loves
day on the job still stands out attending their sporting
to her: “I felt like I be- she pursued this career because events, including baseball
longed.” She describes the she “always had a need to help games and wrestling match-
excitement of meeting other people.” Mrs. McClain enrolled es. We’re glad to have such a
faculty members and the un- warm, kind-hearted addition
forgettable welcome she re- at the Northeastern Hospital to the VJM community.
ceived. Mrs. McClain is School of Nursing, where she

participated in the Med-Surge
Program. One of her favorite

rotations was in the post-partum

Mrs. Schuster by Alex Venth, ’21

This year, Villa is has taken the reins from Mrs. that she can,” Mrs. Brown says,
fortunate to welcome Mrs. Cunningham and continues to “We piggyback off each other –
Schuster to the staff. Mrs. steer VJM in the right direc- if she needs to leave the office, I
Schuster is the new Executive tion.” Mrs. Brown feels like cover for her and if I need to
Administrative Assistant at they have worked together for leave, she takes over. Whenev-
Villa. She is taking over for years and loves sharing lots of er I have to leave early or take a
Mrs. Cunningham this year, laughs with her everyday. day off, I never worry about the
who retired after this past Mrs. Schuster is not only office because I know it’s in
school year, and who was a known to the faculty and staff great hands.” We are so lucky to
huge asset to Villa for her for her wonderful sense of have this important role filled
many years. Though Mrs. humor, but also for her work by such a capable and caring
Schuster has big shoes to fill, ethic and expertise. “She is so person. We are excited to have
in Mrs. Brown’s words, “She willing to assist in any way

Ms. Sherri Jokic by Olivia Glunz, ’20 Currently, Mrs. Jokic also
works at Council Rock North
Villa is happy to wel- mented her education with a High School. She recently at-
come Mrs. Jokic, our new part- school nursing certification tended their band trip to Hawaii
time nurse. Although she only from Immaculata University and is looking forward to their
works here one day per week, and a Master’s in Nursing Senior trip to Florida.
Mrs. Jokic has really enjoyed from Holy Family University.
getting to know the girls. “You’re Outside of work, Mrs. Jokic
Mrs. Jokic has been
all awesome!” she says. Mrs. employed in a variety of ca- enjoys spending time with her
Jokic was determined to pursue pacities throughout her career:
nursing since elementary school. she has worked at Lower family. She is married with two
She “always knew” that this was Bucks Hospital, a school for
the career meant for her. After special needs students, a drug daughters, 27 and 23. Aside
high school, Mrs. Jokic attended company, and in hospice nurs-
Jefferson University. She supple- ing and home care nursing. from nursing Mrs. Jokic has

many other interests including:

gardening, kickboxing and go-

ing on walks. Welcome!

Features Page 5

The Classics: Total Snore or Give Me More?

by Sara Jacalone, ’20

Here at Villa, our English Sara weighs her literary options floating over the head of a teenage
classes focus heavily on classic litera- reader in 2019.
ture; could a deviation from the com- son gets lost in iambic pentameter and
fort of classics benefit students? It’s page-long sentences. Additionally, the Of course, there is plenty to
widely accepted that classical literature jokes and allusions lose their relevance, learn studying classic literature.
contains timeless insight on the human Novels like Pride and Prejudice, A
condition and can illustrate history in a Tale of Two Cities, and The Scarlet
way that textbooks can’t achieve. Letter have stood the test of time for
While there are certainly many ad- a reason; they offer valuable lessons
vantages to studying literary master- that will forever be applicable to
pieces, ignoring contemporary works mankind. Contemporary literature
can deplete students’ English educa- harbors those same lessons and will,
tion. The answer is a well-balanced in time, hold the same status as the
integration of both dated and modern great classics. I think that reading
literature. more modern novels would benefit
high school students because they
Students respond best to nov- are more likely to be able to under-
els that contain relatable characters stand and relate to them.
and scenarios. The majority of the
classics gained their fame for defying Some examples of im-
social norms or satirizing the quality portant contemporary novels in-
of life of that day and age. To a mod- clude Markus Zusak’s The Book
ern reader, the struggle of arranged Thief , The Giver by Lois Lowry,
marriage doesn’t really strike any and Speak by Laurie Halse Ander-
emotions. Many readers are turned off son. Said works explore powerful,
by the archaic language used in older engaging topics. While the situa-
works of literature. What may be an tions—such as Nazi Germany or a
interesting story with a significant les- utopian society—may not be relata-
ble to modern teens, the themes in-
cluded are universal.

Mrs. Franzzo by Hunter Odias, ’20

Erica Franzzo is Vil- here for 12 years before com- Mrs. Franzzo set up the inter-
new Communications and ing to Villa. view between TV’s Keith
la’s Jones and Keeley Connor.
She was also able to contact
Public Relations Manager. She Erica grew up in South Corey Clement’s manager
is a Villa alum and graduated Philly and then moved to Som- and bring Clement to Villa.
in 2003. While at Villa she erton when she attended Villa.
excelled in math and art. She Interestingly, she actually met
continued her interest in art at her husband at Villa’s Aloha
While here, she
Arcadia University where she dance in her Junior year. The hopes to expand the website
received a B.F.A. with a con- couple have been together and highlight more clubs and
centration in graphic design. ever since. They currently activities. She also hopes to

worked After school she have a two year old son, An- further the marketing at Villa
at Cooke Publishing, a thony Junior, nicknamed AJ. and let more people know
about what a great communi-
small publishing company In the short amount of time ty we have and how awesome
focused on school supplies in her position, she’s done so our school is.
such as textbooks. She worked much. On her second day here,

Features Page 6

Senior Poll Question: How do you feel about the Prom venue this year?

“I am excited that the “I liked the place the “I’m excited to see “I’m super excited to
location has been prom was at last year; a new part of have a new experience “I am very excited for
it was elegant and real- at prom, and I’m happy the new prom loca-
changed this year. I've ly nice so I wouldn't Philly. I am really
stayed at the hotel at mind still being at the excited overall!” it’s on the water.” tion; I can’t wait for
Penn's Landing before the new experience.”
and it was beautiful!” Bellevue, personally.” Geena DeAngelis
Nautica Merritt Camila Drobac
Grace Ridgway Sarah Shubert

She Shoots, She Scores: B-Ball Team on the Rise! by Katie Bruni, ’20

Villa’s Varsity Basketball ward to next year, saying, “This
Team is looking better than ever season has been a lot of fun, and
this year. They may have suffered as it comes to a close I can’t help
some tough losses, but the Jems but think of what next year will
had a better record than last year. bring us.” Jackie Skalski (’20)
This year, Villa showed the league said, “Basketball, for me, is basi-
that they were here to play. De- cally my passion, and it is what I
spite a less than perfect record, the do. There is no other school that I
team had some key wins to high- would want to represent or play
light the season, including a buzzer for. I am blessed to play for this
beater against Nazareth and a win team, and I look forward to next
against Merion Mercy after losing year.” The girls on the team real-
to them in a previous game. ly are like a family. Best wishes
Brooke Morrell (’20) looks for- for next year!

The Villa Cheer Team is Full of Cheer by Nautica Merritt, ’19 Nautica Merritt and Alexa Roth
small but mighty when it comes to had to say their goodbyes, but
participating in competitions and The cheer team in all its glory at a competition. they are hopeful for another
cheering at basketball games. amazing season next year as they
Nonetheless, the dedication and head off to college. Coaches
hard work of captains Alexa Roth Kelsey and Krista Keen are so
‘19 and Jess Peterson ‘20 made it proud of all the hard work the
able for the girls to have a success- girls have faced even during dif-
ful cheerleading season. From the ficult situations. Overall the team
Christmas Pollyanna practice to is appreciative for all the great
Senior Night, the team shared a times they have had together and
very close bond. The girls placed will miss the seniors next year as
second in their final competition at they start a new chapter in their
Lansdale Catholic. Sadly, seniors
lives.

Page 7 Sports VJM Journal

Poll Question: What changes would you like to see in the uniform?

“I wouldn't like the “I would like the uni- “I would like to wear “The white shirts get “I would like to
shirts to be white be- forms to be pink, ditch Sperrys and keep the dirty too easily, so a change skirts to scorts
cause I always stain my the plaid, and have tan band around our shirts darker color would be
shirt, and I don't want to skirts. I also want the better. The shoes need to and get rid of name
look dirty so maybe if girls to be able to wear still.” be changed because they tags. I’d also like
the new shirts were a have no support and they some sort of sweat
darker color that would cute shoes!” Grace Brennan ’20 look like they are for the jacket we can wear
unfashionable elderly.” during the day in a
be nice!” Emme Grasela ’20 dark color like navy .”
Sarah Cahill ’20
Ava Costanzo ’21 Mackenzie Robertson

Making A Splash by Tara Czekner, ’20

Led by captains Caitlin Whalen team successfully qualifying in individ- A new development on the team
and Jillian Reifsnyder, the Villa Swim ual events for Districts during the this year is the ongoing partnership
Team had an intense season, with a League Champs, and they are also en- with Father Judge, whose stellar morale
Villa record for number of wins. The and positive energy is contagious. The
team may have few members but re- joying their qualifying times for relays. two teams have become fast
mains mighty. This year featured a friends. Jill Reifsnyder (‘20) notes just
relay team that made it to States. how hard the swimmers have worked
this year and how incredible their
Not only are the girls of the swim achievements are. “I’m so proud of
team famous for their often hilarious these girls for all the hard work they’ve
pleas for more people to join the team, put in this season, because every dual
they are also known for their unity as meet, everyone was swimming four
a team. The team would often cele- races, usually with only ten minutes of
brate over a group dinner and even rest in between,” she says. She also
attend special events like the formal wants to an extend an invitation to eve-
together, rushing home after a meet to
get ready. The swim team is also sin- ry Villa girl to join the swim team!
gularly outstanding with half of the

Staying on Track by Gabriella DaPrato,

Track is heading into the spring portant for every season, especially iors are still working hard for the
season! In order to hear more about the spring.. Stay after school and you will see meets. Looking forward, Sabrina
ups and downs of track, I sat down with runners warming up or in the act of run- says, “I know with the skills I have
senior Sabrina Rockelmann, to get in- ning. been given in winter track such as
sight into what she does in the winter good form, technique, and stamina I
months. For her, winter track is im- Sabrina gave some insight about get- will be ready for whatever comes my
portant preparation for the spring sea- ting started and shared advice for all of way.”
son; as she said, “My favorite part of those thinking about joining the track
winter track is staying in shape and team: “Honestly, I would tell my fresh- There is no better teacher than
training for spring track. Winter track man self to not be afraid to try something experience, and this winter season
prepares me with the strength I need for new. You don’t know what could come helped catapult the track team ahead
spring track.” Training truly is im- out of something unless you try it.” to (hopefully) even greater accom-
plishments.
Four years later, she and the other sen-

EDITORIAL NOTE Recycling: We Can Do Better

The VJM Journal is a by Alexandra Venth, ’20
student publication. It is
created by the VJM Journal It is unfortunately an all-too-common scene at Villa:
staff along with the unrecyclable materials being thrown into the recycling bin
students of the Media & by those trying to be environmentally conscious and recy-
Journalism class. The clable materials being tossed carelessly into the trash bin.
opinions present in the Villa’s Environmental Club has been making strides to try
paper do not reflect those to improve recycling at Villa by informing people of what
of the student body, staff, should and should not be recycled. In addition, in class-
faculty or administration of rooms, there are specific guidelines of what to recycle.
Villa Joseph Marie High Yet, many still end up utilizing these bins improperly.
School. Letters and
comments should be sent There are a lot of things that we can do - along with
to Mr. Pacenski those we are already doing - to be more environmentally-
E-mail: [email protected] friendly These easy changes will make a big difference in
the long run. For example, you can use a thermos for wa-
Staff List ter, rinse out your yogurt cups so they are recyclable, use a
reusable coffee mug for your Dunkin or Starbucks drink,
Isabelle Anzabi and consider bringing your lunch in reusable containers
Kylie Aquaro instead of a plastic bag or aluminum foil.
Katie Bruni
Lia Caucci Villa, as a school, could be more environmentally-
Ava Costanzo friendly by eliminating styrofoam use. At Villa, styrofoam
Tara Czekner is used for everything from bowls for ice cream cake to
Gabriella DaPrato cups for the occasional hot chocolate. There is a simple
Emme Grasela solution though: biodegredable containers, which, unlike
Grace Hughes styrofoam, will not still be intact, polluting the Earth, millions of years from now in an ever-
Sara Jacalone growing landfill. Ending all styrofoam use at Villa would be a large step in the right direction to-
Jaclyn McDade ward an environmentally-friendly school. Granted, stryofoam is the cheaper option; however, sug-
Erin McFadden arcane biodegredable bowls cost only cents more. This is a small price to pay for a clean future.
Nautica Merritt
Hunter Odias Villa already has some great environmentally friendly programs in place like the donating, reus-
Gabriella Perotti ing, and reselling of used locker works and school blazers. However, Villa and the Environmental
Natalie Puccio Club cannot solve the environmental problem at Villa alone. Every member of the student body,
Grace Ridgway faculty, and staff must help to make Villa a better place by introducing more environmentally-
Sarah Shubert friendly habits into their daily lives.
Anna Stollsteimer
Juliana Tulio Get Enlightened, Not Skinny by Emme Grasela, ’20
Alexandra Venth
Rose Vizza Lent is the six week period leading up to Easter. Abstaining or fasting during Lent, the 40 days
between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday, started as a Christian remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice
Editors during his 40 days of fasting in the desert leading up to his public ministry. Today, people are giving
up things they love for Lent, but is this the best option?
Madline Marriott
- Editor-in-Chief Giving up something for Lent has become more of a dieting custom rather than a remembrance of
and for Christ. People can receive advice on what to give up for Lent on social media, such as organ-
Olivia Glunz izations with no affiliations to religion. For example, Buzzfeed offers a quiz on what to give up for
- Opinions Editor Lent, and PopSugar has a list of unhealthy foods to give up for Lent. Many of the ideas miss the
actual purpose of Lent and focus more on deprivation and guilt. This season is about sacrifice, not
Caitriona Carolan dieting.
- Layout Editor
Instead of taking away something you love, wouldn’t it be more meaningful to add something?
Mr. Pacenski Adding something doesn't only affect you but can also affect others around you. For example, in-
stead of giving up chocolate, give up thinking negatively and start looking for the good in bad situa-
VJM Journal tions. Even just saying good morning to people at school you normally don’t talk to is a nice addi-
tion. Some other things you can add are a set time of reflection, prayer, meditation, yoga, exercise,
etc. into your day.

The point is, giving up something you love is not always the best option. Adding something can
help make you more positive and overall a better person to be around. This will bring you closer to
God unlike just making a spring time resolution. Mr. Dennis, our Theology IV teacher, feels it is not
just about taking away something you love, but adding something that will bring you closer to
achieving inner peace and a better understanding of Jesus Christ.