The Talon The first stand that I approached was the Combat Vets Motorcycle Association. The stand was covered in old motorcycling memorabilia, with two Harley-Davidsons parked to the left. Inside was a group of veterans wearing biking jackets decked in military patches. They were running a raffle in support of their organization. After buying a few tickets, I sat down with Jason Wittenborn to discuss what they do. They host motorcycle runs and have auctions and raffles for charity. It is a support group for veterans as much as it is a charity. The first act was a country group headed by frontman Ethan Carl. His songs were stadium country sounds with a thick classic rock edge. The instrumentation was very enjoyable and overall was a fun band to watch for all people. Ethan Carl really had something for everybody. The group played a southern rock cover of Queen’s “Fat Bottomed Girls” which was an instant crowd favorite. The songwriting prowess of Carl is not something to be ignored. One song played was a scathing animal rights Outlaw country song “More People and Less Dogs on Death Row.” Many songs were played as tributes to veterans and those who have lost their lives in war. While the songwriting was an immediately noticeable aspect of the group’s artistry, the instrumentation is something to not be ignored. Bassist Albert Harrold and Guitarist Jason Herbig played off each other extremely well which led to an energetic and engaging performance. GCHS | BE NOT AFRAID | PAGE 1 I was given the opportunity to have an allaccess press pass to the Songs 4 Soldiers charity event. Through this, I gained a greater understanding of the importance of community and how Monroe County operates as a collective. Starting at the day before the concert, I saw Gibault representation everywhere. When I went to pick up my press pass, I was greeted by veteran, Gibault Men’s Club member, and one of my father’s best friends, Doug Ramey. He is better known as “Best Friend Doug.” After giving Best Friend Doug his best friend hug, we talked about the musical acts coming up, the work both of us were doing, and the charities we were supporting. During our conversation, I turned around and saw him. Ed Winhoff. Better known by myself and people of my age as “The Peephole of Monroe County.” He owned a TikTok account satirizing Monroe County. His online presence depicted him as an eccentric man with a taste for the absurd and irreverent. I was instantly starstruck. I approached him, shook his hand, and introduced myself. After speaking with him for some time, I found out that he was a Gibault graduate. After talking about Gibault, old and new, for some time, I went home, ready for the insanity of the following day. On the first day of the concert, I quickly realized that I had no idea what I was doing. I had my press pass, but no idea what that meant. I asked one of the gate workers where to park, and after driving in circles for a while, I finally found the right place. I walked into the event with no issues. It was four in the afternoon and the sun created enough glare that pictures were largely useless. After taking a few washed-out photos, I decided to talk to some of the charity stands. FOLLOW TO GET THE TALON SENT TO YOUR INBOX GRASPING GIBAULT'S NEWS / SPRING 2023 EDITION #1 Songs 4 Soldiers: A Glimpse into the Heart of America Senior, Brock Murphy Continued on page 2... Photo Credit: Hope Pollman Photo Credit: Hope Pollman
Copyright 2023, Gibault Catholic High School Publisher: David Schauer Editorial Director: David Schauer Digital Content Coordinator: David Schauer Associate Editors: Brock Murphy and Grace Lowe 501 Columbia Ave. Waterloo, IL 62298 618-939-3883 Email: [email protected] The Talon Following this act, I learned that fellow reporter and photographer Hope Pollman was almost here, so I went walking around the venue, saying hello to people I knew. Through this, I ran into Mrs. Knittig who was standing with Ethan Carl and his fiancee Stephanie. Stephanie was friends with Mrs. Knittig’s sister and went to Gibault. When bringing this up to a group of people at lunch while writing this article, sophomore Frank Hart said quietly, “That’s actually my aunt.” The amount of Gibault representation seeping through every facet of the event was something to behold. Gibault grads tend to find themselves in the public eye through individual successes. During this event, I encountered many current Gibault students, recent Gibault grads, teachers, former principals, and grads of years past. Just walking through the event, you can see the Gibault influence and Hawks pride. After the set, I sat down with Harrold and rhythm guitarist Michael Cosentino. Harrold was extremely friendly, and we discussed the bass and music in general. He was playing this beautiful custom Korean five-string nass nicknamed “The Anaconda.” He received this bass from one of his friends who bought it in Korea while enlisted. This was the first gig that he had played this guitar and the first gig with this band. He is from the St. Louis area and usually plays gospel and funk music, but he was happy to fill in for such a good cause. He is also notable for being one of the few people alive with the ability to pull off a fedora. Consentino was excited to talk about music with me. He was playing a massive Martin classical guitar, which he stated was difficult for him because of his finger dexterity. He is trained in classical guitar and was a member of the St. Louis Symphony and studied at the Cleveland Institute of Music with Jason Vieaux. We had a conversation about flamenco and Mexican folk music and hung out backstage for a while. He is a very friendly man who is very passionate about music. GCHS | BE NOT AFRAID | PAGE 2 Continued on page 3... Re-Established in 2023 from The Revolution and The New Revolution www.gibaulthawks.com FOLLOW TO GET THE TALON SENT TO YOUR INBOX Following this act, I was offered food and drinks by the catering staff. They were incredibly kind people who I spent much of the second day of the concert hanging out with. I got to break bread with all of the artists, journalists, and coordinating staff that made all of this happen. They are truly amazing people supporting a great cause and have made over a million dollars supporting veterans. Sitting down at this meal with all of these people, talking and laughing over homemade barbecue reminded me of the importance of community and the amount of support which these people are giving to their neighbors and themselves. The same idea permeated through conversations with the veterans at the table, the idea that they protected us and sacrificed so much to make us free. We owe so much to the veterans of the United States and their families. To serve is truly altruism to the highest degree. After locating and meeting up with Hope and learning that there would only be one press pass between the two of us, despite my best efforts to change that, I convinced the security guard to let us both through, and we got in place to take photos of the next group of talented musicians. The next act was Nashville-based Eureka native singer-songwriter Matt Jordan. His songwriting came with a definite sense of direction. A notable song that jumped out to me was “The Gamble,” the title track of his debut LP. After their set, I sat down with drummer Aiden Fowler. He was an incredibly friendly person who is also a man of faith, so he was very excited to speak to a Catholic school publication. He talked about his experiences working in the massive churches in St. Louis as a drummer and what that experience meant to him. He has a YouTube channel, and I highly recommend checking him out. He was a joy to speak with. GRASPING GIBAULT'S NEWS / SPRING 2023 EDITION #1 The Talon Newspaper Photo Credit: Hope Pollman
GCHS | BE NOT AFRAID | PAGE 3 FOLLOW TO GET THE TALON SENT TO YOUR INBOX GRASPING GIBAULT'S NEWS / SPRING 2023 EDITION #1 After our meal, Hope and I got into place to take photos of North Dakota country act Tigirlily Gold. This set brought with it a sort of pronounced uplifting, almost neighborly, energy and friendliness which is something one can only truly experience in the northern half of the American Midwest. The harmonizing country sounds from sisters Krista and Kendra Slaughbaugh have a level of power to them which is not often seen in mainstream country music. The confidence with which they control the stage is something that has to be seen live. With many country groups, it feels as though the personality of the individual singers is lost in the mix. However, the vocal strength of Tigirlily Gold played off of the songwriting to create this sense of a duet of lead singers. Highlights of the set included self-love anthem “Blonde,” with references to blonde American cultural icons such as Dolly Parton and Marilyn Monroe. One aspect of the Tigirlily Gold live set that cannot be ignored is the impeccable live sound. Even to those who aren’t massive dorks about this kind of thing like I am, there is something to be appreciated by everyone in their sound. Krista Slaughbaugh’s acoustic guitar was a lynchpin to the stirring live sound that the band provided. The lead guitarist played off the rest of the group with his massive Gibson semi-hollow and did an exceptional job at pretending like it wasn’t hurting his shoulders. The crowd was moving with every downbeat and responding enthusiastically to each musical statement made by the band. A wonderful live performance that I highly recommend to check out. With this plan in place, we mentally prepared for the headliner. I was thinking of all the times in my dad’s car as a child listening to the The Very Best of Travis Tritt CD on the way to school, family functions, and Church. I was thinking about these times listening to music with my dad and sister. There was never any fear, anxiety, or pride in the car when we were listening to Tritt. None of us were even passable singers. While my sister and I now have a combined twenty years of music experience between us, my dad to this day cannot clap to the beat of a song unless he is actively watching someone else do the same. Despite his musical inadequacy, the experience of music is something that my father and I have been sharing since I was born. Much of this started with music from artists like Travis Tritt and has evolved to both of us knowing each other’s specific music preferences and talking at length about country music. The art that these greats have provided to myself and people like me has really strengthened the bond that we share with others. After this set, I decided to do some inventory on my camera equipment. I looked through my settings and discovered that I had somehow burned through the nearly the entirety of the two gigabytes of storage allowed by my SD card, and just before the headliner. I had enough storage for maybe four more pictures. It really does make sense though. I was enjoying myself too much at a night of live music experiences with friends for a good cause. A logistical issue was bound to occur. Despite all of this, I am known to be very good under pressure. This is actually how I acquired my nickname “Mr. Clutchington.” Mr. Clutchington immediately panicked and found somewhere to cry in private. After recomposing myself, I met up with Hope and we discussed the situation at hand. She was calm and collected at a time in which I was not, which was extremely necessary and much appreciated. We decided that we would both take photos to start the show, I would finish off my remaining storage, I would get out of the way, and Hope would take the most excellent photos ever. News With this personal connection to the music, I began to get overwhelmed. I was thinking about speaking with the event coordinators, talented musicians, and real journalists. I was thinking about sitting in the car with my dad listening to Travis Tritt. I was thinking about the charity work that everyone was doing for a united cause. I was thinking about my irresponsible use of digital storage. I was thinking about the stories of the good in the community that Songs4Soldiers does. Through all of these thoughts I realized what I had to do when I burned through my final four pictures. I had access to the backstage, the sidestage, the press box, and anywhere that I could talk my way into. But I didn’t have anybody there that I knew. I had to find my friends. I knew that Gibault Juniors Brady Moore, Kaiden Timmons, Kyle Toenjes, and Andrew Donius were at the event. So I texted them, asking where they were. I found them, and after an exchanging of pleasantries, I advised them to stand near the gate to the sidestage so that I could find them quickly after I was done taking pictures. After telling them this, I got in my spot. And from a floor-to-stage viewing angle, I saw him for the first time ever in-person. Country icon Travis Tritt. I had told myself that I would make sure that I got great photos, as I didn’t have many left. This was before I saw one of my childhood heroes. As soon as I saw those million-dollar locks of hair and goatee, I immediately took four poorly composed and out-offocus pictures. Realizing my fatal mistake, I had no choice but to take a step back to see this legendary act from arms length. Continued on page 4... Photo Credit: Hope Pollman Photo Credit: Hope Pollman Photo Credit: Brock Murphy
GCHS | BE NOT AFRAID | PAGE 4 FOLLOW TO GET THE TALON SENT TO YOUR INBOX GRASPING GIBAULT'S NEWS / SPRING 2023 EDITION #1 Tritt obviously gave an electrifying performance. He cut the performance down the middle with a short solo acoustic set. He exuded a feeling of enjoyment for performance that is not something that one would expect from someone who arrived at the gig in an 18-wheeler with his face on the side. He said many things during the set that made me feel like he was genuinely appreciative to the event coordinators for bringing him out there. He had a smile ear-to-ear that did not feel plastered on. He had absolutely massive energy. The set included many covers, from artists ranging from The Eagles to Charlie Daniels. He made sure at the beginning and end of the set to introduce his band. The band included one of the best live pedal steel guitar players I have ever seen. Just an impressive group of musicians and performers. I joined my Gibault compatriots and experienced a set of classic country music with great company. I talked about concert excitements and frustrations with them in between songs and just appreciated this nostalgic music and what it meant to me. It was so important that I had friends to share this with, as this exponentially increased my enjoyment of this experience. We met new friends around us, all excited to speak with me because I had a camera around my neck. We laughed about stories of prior weekends and school experiences and really just enjoyed being around those who can relate to us. These little Gibault communities form anywhere two or more Gibault students or alumni are within a mile radius of each other. This inate ability is almost a sixth sense that only operates to find fellow Dirty Birds in public. The Gibault experience does not get better than that. I confidently strode to the front counter, in a state of shoeless euphoria, unable to consider anything in this mortal plane that exists outside of the Crunchwrap Supreme. Shaking with anticipation, I place my order. I receive a cup for a fountain drink with the potential to hold far more liquid than I can ever fathom consuming. As soon as the set ended, I decided not to stick around too much longer. Kaiden Timmons and I made plans to meet at the Columbia Taco Bell, and I headed towards my car. Traffic was surprisingly painless, and I even saw fellow Gibault student Thomas Schaefer riding with the Columbia Fire Department. After taking a wrong turn which nearly resulted in me crashing my car, I finally got to the Columbia Taco Bell. This experience is how I imagine the gods of Norse myth felt as they rode into the halls of Valhalla. I felt like a warrior awaiting my prize of eternal glory. I had been walking in circles wearing khakis and dress shoes in the heat for close to eight hours. I was physically and socially drained. I parked next to the Taco Bell, opened my door, took one step onto the concrete and my body locked up. I hadn’t sat since three in the afternoon. I couldn’t stand back up. With much determination, I willed myself upright. I thought to myself, “I am tired. I am not nearly hungry enough to warrant this undue movement.” But then I remembered that I had a friend waiting there for me and it would be rude for me to stand him up like this. So, I made a compromise to myself: I would go inside but I would do so barefoot. Taking a page out of Brady Moore’s book, I stepped barefoot into a place that doesn’t usually allow people to be barefoot. I walked into the packed Taco Bell and was immediately stopped at the door, with an employee telling me I can’t be barefoot. After informing him that I will cry if he makes me put on shoes, he allowed me to continue my entitled bout of barefoot behavior lest I throw a tantrum in this fine establishment. News I have never been married. I have never had a child. I haven’t even graduated high school. As long as these life experiences will even compare to a fraction of the joy of the first bite of this taco, I am hopeful for the future. I was in a state of near tears as I approached that Pepsi branded display of gluttony containing what the Greeks named Ambrosia, Tolkian named Lembas, and Americans named Baja Blast. In a daze, I filled my oversized cup as if guided by an unseen hand. I didn’t need a straw. Sippy cups are for children. Save the turtles. I sat down with Kaiden in the very corner. He already had his food. I stared at it like a starved dog. He noticed and offered me some. My mind was telling me no, but my body… my body was telling me yes. I listened to my mind. I sat in quiet anticipation of this meal of mystery meat and pump cheese. Any product that can be described as “pump” is instantly elevated in quality by a factor of four at minimum. Kaiden and I engaged in small talk, talking about social media, mutual friends, motorcycles, rap music, everything under and including the sun. Eventually, I heard it. “Murphy,” called out my liberator. With some effort, I willed my legs to stand the rest of me up and guide me to the beautiful counter which contained the apple of my eye. A brown paper bag with my name plastered upon the side. In this moment, I felt a personal connection with the person handing me my bag. In the moment I wanted to say, “I understand you, even if nobody else does.” But instead, I just said, “Thank you so much.” I sat down with my bag and ripped it in half. Was this action necessary? No. Did it inhibit my ease of cleaning up later? Yes. Did it feel good? Also yes. I saw it in its glory. A soft taco. A Crunchwrap Supreme. For a moment, I was upset that I had to ask for a soft taco. Has the hardshell taco become so ubiquitous with the word “taco” that I have to use an unnecessary adjective in order to get a normal taco? All of these concerns with etymology and usage melted away with the first bite of this taco. Photo Credit: Hope Pollman Photo Credit: Brock Murphy
First and foremost... www.reallygreatsite.com GCHS | BE NOT AFRAID | PAGE 5 FOLLOW TO GET THE TALON SENT TO YOUR INBOX Gibault Catholic leaves lasting impacts on people in various ways, as seen through Dawn Grohmann’s commitment to the Hawk family: “” Dawn Grohmann is recognizable as a friendly face who seems to have an answer for everything around Gibault. Her role as a fifth year secretary and a former Hawk parent has provided her with a one-of-a-kind Gibault experience. Mrs. Grohmann still chooses to stay a vital part of the school after her kids have since graduated high school. Mrs. Grohmann was a Gibault parent for over ten years, until her youngest, Abby, graduated as part of the Class of 2023. “I loved being a Gibault parent,” she comments. “I made a lot of new friends…everybody was always willing to help out. That’s why I’m here.” Even though her own children aren’t attending high school anymore, Mrs. Grohmann elects to continue her secretarial job here. To her, Gibault “feels like home, like a family. I love the kids and the families. I love talking to the parents on the phone and being here when the kids come in and need something.” She also expresses how much she enjoys the difference between being a Gibault parent and working where your kids go/went to school. “I was not working here when my older two [children] were at school here, so I didn’t know all the teachers and the staff. They all seemed good; my kids liked their teachers and their education. But, when I got here, I liked [having] a relationship with everybody and knowing what’s going on and who’s doing what…it is nice to be informed.” Gibault’s size/enrollment is what Mrs. Grohmann really loves most about this school. “I love the smallness and I love that we know everybody.” Being able to form relationships with each family has drawn her back every year. GRASPING GIBAULT'S NEWS / SPRING 2023 EDITION #1 A Front-Office Favorite Senior, Allison Stark News “I really like it here, and I’m here to stay.” Photo Credit: David Schauer Photo Credit: Hope Pollman
News GCHS | BE NOT AFRAID | PAGE 6 FOLLOW TO GET THE TALON SENT TO YOUR INBOX “I’m glad the arts alliance in town is wanting to make it an annual event,” LeSaulnier expresses. This contest is not required in the art program, so the students who did participate volunteered to do so, which shows the dedication of Gibault’s students. Gibault senior, Krona Newton, was able to win first place, which came with a cash prize. Mrs. LeSaulnier and the rest of the school is very proud of the art students and what they have accomplished through volunteering for the festival. This event is very good for Gibault’s art students to participate in, as they get the opportunity to see other highschoolers and professionals share in the same passions they have. In future years, LeSaulnier would, “absolutely” like to make this festival an annual, occurring event for the Gibault art program, such as the pumpkin painting that happens at Fall Festival every year. On September 9th, Mrs. LeSaulnier took six of her students to participate in the Chalk-ALot in downtown Waterloo, IL. The Chalk-ALot is an art contest put on by the Monroe County Arts Alliance, in which people of all ages gather to share their art. Whether amateur or advanced, all are welcome in this family friendly event. Different age groups compete from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, creating their art with provided materials in a six by ten foot space. At the end of this time, judges make their rounds to different categories to decide winners. This family-friendly event included music, food, clowns, and areas for children to draw. LeSaulnier describes the event as a “come one, come all” type of gathering. This was Gibault’s second year attending the event. Six art students brought their talents to share with everyone, providing an exposure of their art to the world. “The festival gets kids out there and making art public, which I think is very important,” LeSaulnier conveys. This festival has been covered in newspapers every year, so it is good publicity for the school’s art program. GRASPING GIBAULT'S NEWS / SPRING 2023 EDITION #1 Junior, Sadie Loless An Opportunity for the Art Program Photo Credit: David Schauer This year, Gibault golf has been successful to a tee. For instance, the girls’ team set a new school record of 180, which had previously been 187. The same team broke said record earlier this season, too, with a score of 183. In addition to team success, several of our Hawk golfers have achieved new personal records. Senior, Lindsay Harget, and junior, Lena Oggero, shot new personal records for this season of 40 on Wednesday, September 20. On Thursday, September 14, the boys’ team shot a season low of 159, with senior medalist, Cohen Jackson, shooting a 37, sophomore, Tim Donius, a 38, and sophomore, Nathaniel Atkinson, a career best 41. As Gibault Golf’s 2023 regular season comes to a close, the team is in high spirits as the players have had a thriving sequence of matches and are looking forward to the playoffs. From breaking school and personal records, to obtaining consistently low scores, the Gibault Golf squad is nothing short of remarkable. Lady Hawk Golfers Set Record Season Senior, Allison Stark
GCHS | BE NOT AFRAID | PAGE 7 FOLLOW TO GET THE TALON SENT TO YOUR INBOX The stage is set, the lights are up, and the curtains will soon open on Gibault’s fall production: The Face on the Barroom Floor. The play is described as “An Astonishing Theatrical Event Illustrating In Words and Action The Evil of Greed and the Triumph of True Love,” and the cast has embraced it wholeheartedly. As a member of the cast myself, I have seen firsthand the actors’ dedication to bringing their characters to life. Knowing how much time and effort each cast member pours into the performances, and seeing these talented people step on stage and embody another personality, never ceases to amaze me. Theater is often an exciting and fulfilling experience for everyone involved with each actor gaining something different in the process from audition to curtain call. Senior Hannah Perjak, who portrays the “high-society” Mrs. Van Cleve, says that theater is a space for her to have fun with friends and “create something special” along the way. Another common sentiment among the actors is that Gibault’s theater department is a welcoming and supportive community. Senior Hope Pollmann, or the operatic Theda Swansong, describes theater as “not only a fun extracurricular, but also as this huge, eccentric family that anyone can be a part of.” Similarly, Junior Alexa Crowe, who portrays the determined Bella Yukon, says that at Gibault, theater is a family of supportive and encouraging castmates who have given her “the strength to act in front of large audiences.” Actors new to Gibault’s theater department have also expressed their love for the stage. Sophomore Saddie Kaiser-Smith, who plays the conniving Roderick Rodent, shares “Theater has always been my passion; it is a powerful way to express myself and explore different perspectives.” The Face on the Barroom Floor is an over-the-top melodrama full of wacky action, throwaway lines, and sight gags all set in an 1800s Western barroom. Although the play was relatively unheard of among the cast, the actors have quickly taken to the play and all of its glorious excess. The cast’s eagerness for bringing this play to life is evident at every rehearsal. They have repeatedly shown their commitment to this performance. Saddie Kaiser-Smith said, “To play a humorous and significant character is a novel experience for me and I believe I can showcase my full potential with this character.” Hope Pollmann shares a similar sentiment, sharing, “I like how [the play] allows us some creative freedom, such as cartoonish movement and over-the-top accents. I feel like my character will be fun to play.” Gibault’s theater department has recently undergone changes with Mrs. LeSaulnier becoming the department’s new director and a permanent stage being built in the auditorium to house the fall and winter productions. On September 17th, members of the Gibault community got together to build the stage deck and, after hours of work, a sturdy foundation was set. These are truly exciting developments, and the actors who have previously worked with Gibault’s theater recognize their significance. Hope Pollmann spoke on these changes and explained how important it is to have a strong, permanent stage deck while running the show. She also shared her thoughts on the department’s new director: “Mrs. LeSaulnier brings fresh excitement to the productions and the actors’/actresses’ performances.” Alexa Crowe and Hannah Perjak have also expressed similar opinions, sharing their thankfulness for Mrs. LeSaulnier stepping up to fill the role of director and her dedication to the drama department’s success. All in all, as the cast members prepare for opening night, they hope to make the most of each performance. The cast’s goals for this year include enjoying every moment, inspiring others to give the stage a try, getting to know new members of the department, and improving their acting skills. Support the theater department by attending the evening performances on October 12th, 13th, and 14th, as well as the Sunday matinée on the 15th. GRASPING GIBAULT'S NEWS / SPRING 2023 EDITION #1 A Sensational Debut for Gibault Theater’s 2023-2024 Season Senior, Elseah Congiardo News Photo Credit: David Schauer
Ms. Hayden is a prime example of what a teacher should be. Her willingness to help last minute and her relationship with students makes students adore her. Mrs. Hayden is always able to brighten someone’s day. She should be honored more for how hardworking she is around Gibault. She is often unrecognized due to her role as a filler for others but being available for other teachers when they can’t be present is a big deal. She needs to have the most flexibility all while making time for students in order to have a relationship with them. She is extremely dedicated to the school’s wellbeing. She always makes us laugh and keeps us focused in class. You can tell she does her job well when she knows the subject in that class. Sometimes it seems like she knows everything. GCHS | BE NOT AFRAID | PAGE 8 Staff of the Month: Susan Hayden FOLLOW TO GET THE TALON SENT TO YOUR INBOX As colder weather approaches, the Gibault turtles prepare for brumation, a state of inactivity specific to reptiles and amphibians. During this time, they will spend their time buried in the soil. Their internal temperatures, metabolic rates, and respiratory rates will all decrease. The turtles will reemerge from their burrows in the early Spring. Until then, the Gibault community will wait eagerly for their return. Currently, more than ten turtles reside on Gibault’s central patio. The Gibault turtle population has increased greatly over the past couple of years, ever since a male turtle was added to the mix. The turtles’ mating season typically begins in the spring and continues until fall. Incubation lasts around three months, with roughly three to eight eggs hatching per clutch. When students walked into Gibault for the 2023-24 school year, they were greeted by a new bale of baby turtles. Students, faculty members, and visitors have taken quite a liking to the turtles. “The turtles on the patio were a heavy influence on my final paper for Science Fiction Literature last year,” noted senior Elseah Congiardo. “I think it’s lovely that we have such a special space for these creatures of God,” says theology instructor Michelle Miskell. The flora and fauna on Gibault’s patio continue to flourish, thanks to Mrs. Karen Asbury, the Gibault Women’s Club, members of Gibault’s National Honor Society, and other dedicated individuals. GRASPING GIBAULT'S NEWS / SPRING 2023 EDITION #1 From Students: Senior, Ling Pace What the Shell?! Features Photo Credit: Ling Pace
Features GCHS | BE NOT AFRAID | PAGE 9 First and foremost... www FOLLOW TO GET THE TALON SENT TO YOUR INBOX .reallygreatsite.com Another student commented on the comfort of the meetings. “It’s not awkward at all. In fact, it’s reassuring to sit quietly while my parents and teachers discuss my abilities and intelligence right in front of me.” The student added, “Really helps me sleep at night.” The established tradition of conferences between parents and teachers has a set date this school year. For two days, October 18th and 19th, the division between home and school blurs. “I can’t wait for my parents to learn about how I act in school,” said one student, who wanted to remain anonymous. Initially intended to serve as relaxed and informal sessions, the conferences have developed into deep explorations into the merits that rigorous education has on teens. “They have really helped me become a better student,” a student commented. “Knowing that my parents and my teachers communicate openly helps the stress melt away.” Teachers eagerly look forward to the event each year, often highlighting the dates on their calendars. “Parents are always excited to discuss their children’s performance in school,” one anonymous teacher said. “They always leave the meetings with smiles, positive attitudes, and eager to get to the next one.” The conferences are often held after school hours to accommodate parent work schedules. “It’s great,” one anonymous parent said. “I have set work hours that never bend. There are hardly any surprises or changes. So, things always go smoothly and I’m always on time.” One parent explained how they balance the meetings with family responsibilities. “It’s never an issue, really,” they said. “The younger siblings are excited to come along and patiently wait through meetings that don’t concern them. And planning dinner around the conferences is a breeze.” Teachers agree with the scheduling. “I love staying at school after the sun goes down,” said a teacher. “It adds to the romance of being an educator.” “I look forward to it as much as Prom,” a student was overheard saying in the hallway. “It’s a shame it’s only once per year.” GRASPING GIBAULT'S NEWS / SPRING 2023 EDITION #1 Excitement Builds Over Parent-Teacher Conferences Satire by Faculty, David Schauer Photo Credit: David Schauer Photo Credit: David Schauer
Features GCHS | BE NOT AFRAID | PAGE 10 First and foremost... www FOLLOW TO GET THE TALON SENT TO YOUR INBOX .reallygreatsite.com Preparations are in full swing for the upcoming Luke 18 retreat in February. In Mrs. Kovarik’s words, a supervisor of the retreat, Luke 18 is, “a retreat for seventh and eighth graders that is designed to have them reflect on their place in the world, their place in their faith family, and their family as they’re preparing through confirmation, end of middle school, high school, and puberty.” There are many changes and challenges throughout that entire age category, so Luke 18 provides a safe space to simply be with God and reflect on one’s faith. Middle schooler’s relationships and interests are actively changing, providing a safe space. There are so many difficulties with school changes, and Mrs. Kovarik expresses, “Luke 18 is a time to think where is my place, what are my constants, how am I developing my relationship with and my faith, guiding light through all of that.” Current disciple volunteers and young adult leaders are already meeting, trying to plan for the retreat and make it a very successful weekend. “It is asking very big, broad questions that I think sometimes are so essentially and important to think about them,” Kovarik adds. More big questions circulate prayer. The retreat is led by and centered around younger people which makes the retreat unique. It is stressed that they are not alone, and they know what their relationship with God is or even that they have a relationship with God. It brings out heaviness throughout difficult topics. She hopes they feel a sense of joy and excitement with faith. One of Mrs. Kovarik’s favorite parts is Saturday night dinner because it comes after a heavy part of the retreat and like all meals, brings people together. All in all, between the current preparations, it is certain that. Luke 18 will be a success. Group leaders and enthusiastic and excited to be able to share their experience and provide guidance to middle schoolers. There is no doubt Luke 18 will be a busy, fun, and faith-filled weekend. GRASPING GIBAULT'S NEWS / SPRING 2023 EDITION #1 A Tradition in Faith and Fellowship Junior, Grace Lowe Photo Credit: David Schauer
Features GCHS | BE NOT AFRAID | PAGE 11 Mental illness is not going to go away, in fact, it will likely get worse. That makes mental health awareness Being aware that you could have a work partner, friend, or family member that has some mental health issue and knowing what to do in a moment of crisis could mean a lot to that individual. Getting mental health information out as much as possible will make a big difference in the awareness endeavor. Mental health is often a topic that is not thought about, ignored, pushed aside, too “taboo” to discuss, or simply not discussed by choice. There continues to be negative occurrences that take place across the United States and the world that are attributed to some sort of mental illness. Yet, there fails to be enough dialogue, information, political cohesion, and funding to inform and help those who are in need of mental health assistance. With suicide being attributed to mental illness and September being Suicide Awareness Month, here is some information regarding mental health. Mental Health can be defined as conditions that impact mood, thinking, and behavior. These disorders may interfere with a person’s ability to relate to others and function daily. Common mental health illnesses (disorders) can be attributed to mood, anxiety, psychosis, eating, impulse and addiction, obsessive-compulsive (ODC), stress, dissociation, phobias, and tics. Anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental illness followed by mood disorders. Anxiety disorders affect an estimated 48 million (19.1%) people in the United States annually, followed by mood disorders at 9.7%. An astonishing part of mental health awareness is statistical data. According to estimates from Johns Hopkins, one in four adults (26%) experience mental illness each year. The National Association for Mental Illness (NAMI) states that one in twenty live with serious cases of mental illness (13.1 million). Nearly 8 million children and adolescents in the U.S. suffer from a serious mental illness. In fact, 90% of Americans who die by suicide have experienced symptoms of treatable mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and other form of serious mental health issues. Researchers also estimate that half of all chronic mental illness begins at the age of 14, and 75% by the age of 24. Even with these terrifying statistics, 50% of people who have mental illness do not seek help. In fact, it takes 11 years for someone to seek help after experiencing early symptoms. How can mental health awareness help yourself and others? The first step is to educate yourself and others about mental health. Having better knowledge will help you understand where others are coming from. The next step is to help break the stigma. To help break the stigma, you can educate your friends, family members, and others you believe need to be educated about mental health. With these two steps, you could also help and promote funding for doctors to do more research into figuring out the secrets behind mental illness. Recently, some new measures have been initiated at Gibault to assist students who may need some sort of mental health assistance. The first change was the addition of a school counselor. This person would be available, as needed, to assist any student in looking for some sort of mental health assistance. A second addition is making Waterloo Gibault faculty more aware of mental health. Teachers are now required to take part in a Mental Health First Aid for students. Both of these resources will have a positive impact on all Waterloo Gibault students. FOLLOW TO GET THE TALON SENT TO YOUR INBOX GRASPING GIBAULT'S NEWS / SPRING 2023 EDITION #1 Mental Health Awareness Senior, Konnor Cartee Photo Credit: David Schauer
First and foremost... www.reallygreatsite.com Features GCHS | BE NOT AFRAID | PAGE 12 FOLLOW TO GET THE TALON SENT TO YOUR INBOX However, his appointment as the new scholar bowl coach is not just about filling a role, it’s about following in the footsteps of Mrs. Hurst so “her legacy and wisdom will continue” and to ensure the scholar bowl team has many more successes. Along with his plans and dedication, Mr. O’Brien is enthusiastic about being the new scholar bowl coach. He believes scholar bowl will show the academic part of Gibault stating, “Showing the academic side of things on what Gibault can do is pretty special.” As the retirement wave sweeps through Gibault, extracurricular clubs find themselves facing a growing need for sponsors and coaches. Like many of the clubs, this was the case for scholar bowl. Former scholar bowl head coach, Patricia Hurst, retired last year after 23 years of service to Gibault. She was an ambitious and dedicated coach who led the scholar bowl team to many victories, such as placing second in the Scholastic Hi-Q televised competition. Stepping into Mrs. Hurst’s shoes was a daunting task, but history teacher, Karl O’Brien, has risen to the occasion to face what he calls “a weighty responsibility”. Mr. O’Brien has been quite experienced in scholar bowl, having participated in it himself when he was in middle school. He excelled in the social studies category and was a key contributor to his team. GRASPING GIBAULT'S NEWS / SPRING 2023 EDITION #1 Senior, Hope Pollman New Scholar Bowl Coach Buzzes In He also is excited to welcome and train incoming scholar bowl members, saying, "It's nice to see where people's individual strengths lie,” and “Not everybody has to be knowledgeable about everything. That's what makes a team.” Most importantly, he wants to be a friendly face in scholar bowl. He describes it as, "Coming into my own in this school," and hopes to be a teacher that gives guidance, tips, and tricks to the team. Since leadership changes have been made to scholar bowl, both incoming members and veteran members alike have commented on the new coach. Freshman, Shawn Michael Stuart, is looking forward to the upcoming scholar bowl season under Mr. O’Brien’s guidance. “Mr. O'Brien has been helping out a lot,” states Stuart, “He’s wise beyond his years.” Not only that, but the members also are ready to work on enhancing their abilities in scholar bowl. “I’ll get in there and do the best I can,” Stuart comments. Senior Ling Pace, a seasoned member of the scholar bowl team, also speaks positively about Mr. O’Brien’s knowledge and his credibility as the new coach. “He participated in the staff versus student scholar bowl match, and he’s very knowledgeable,” Pace recalls. Based on the members’ comments, there is a positive outlook for the future of scholar bowl. From one great legacy to the next, the outlook is bright for Gibault’s scholar bowl team in the hands of Mr. O’Brien. With his enthusiasm and knowledge, Mr. O’Brien is not just stepping into a position, but also into a tradition of excellence. Photo Credit: David Schauer Photo Credit: David Schauer Photo Credit: Hope Pollman
AA RRTTSS O C T O B E R 2 0 2 3 Photo Credit: IzzyFoutch
ART SECTION GCHS OCTOBER 2023 Photo Credit: Brock Murphy Photo Credit: Brock Murphy
ART SECTION GCHS OCTOBER 2023 Photo Credits: SadieLoless
ART SECTION GCHS OCTOBER 2023 Rudeneja by Ling Pace