The Talon The next day, my work began. The ship was scheduled to depart from the port at the end of the week during Evansville’s Shriner’s Fest. It would then deploy the two LCVPs, also known as Higgins boats, and travel a short distance down the Ohio River. Once there, we would recreate a small D-Day event, complete with reenactors and pyrotechnics. This would include swinging open the bow doors and dropping the ramp. We all had to work on various projects around the ship to ensure that all of this would run smoothly. Initially, my jobs involved maintaining the ship’s appearance, such as cleaning and painting. These types of jobs were fun because I was able to spend the day out under the sun, methodically reviving areas of the ship through cleaning and a fresh coat of paint. Before we departed for this event, the LCVPs needed to be lowered from their davits on either side of the ship onto the river and test-piloted to ensure everything was in working order. These trips also served as an opportunity for crew members to take a ride in one of the historic Higgins boats. These boats would have been used to carry a platoon of soldiers from ship to shore during amphibious landings in World War II. Stepping aboard an LCVP and peering over the side as we cruised around the LST was a truly unique experience. I couldn’t help but reflect on the many soldiers who stepped into similar boats to storm Normandy Beach. GCHS | BE NOT AFRAID | PAGE 1 In late June of 2023, I had the opportunity to participate in a ‘Rosie Week’ organized by the USS LST 325. This week allows a female volunteer crew to come aboard the ship and work on various upkeep projects. The LST 325, also known as the ‘Gray Lady’, is one of only two WWII landing ship tanks to be preserved in the United States and is the last fully functional. I am very familiar with the LST 325 and her long and vivid history. I’ve been taking trips across her weather deck before I could walk on my own. My family has been following her around on her annual cruises for over a decade, planning vacations along her route, and taking tours each time we met her. My dad has helped to organize both of her two stops in our hometown of Chester, Illinois and has been participating in the ship’s volunteer workweeks to help with her routine upkeep for many years. I was fortunate enough to take part in the ‘Rosie Week’ of 2023, thanks to my dad’s connections with the ship. I eagerly jumped at the opportunity, and although I was excited to make the most of it, I was nervous. While my dad and I headed to Evansville, Indiana I didn’t know what to expect. Sure, I knew how to weld and didn’t shy away from manual work, but I worried my age might make others doubt my abilities. As uncertainty started to creep in, we pulled up to the ship and drove onto the deck, we unloaded the car and took our bags down to our respective berthing quarters. The familiarity of the ship helped ease my nerves as I reacquainted myself with her weather deck, tank deck, mess deck, and bunks. Soon, I met the other women in the crew and those responsible for setting up the workweek and my apprehension melted away. They all welcomed me, making sure I felt right at home on the ship, and encouraging me to get involved and jump into jobs. FOLLOW TO GET THE TALON SENT TO YOUR INBOX GRASPING GIBAULT'S NEWS / FEBRUARY 2024 EDITION #1 The Gray Lady and Me Senior, Elseah Congiardo The LST 325 has been involved in many historical events in her life, including the Invasion of Sicily in July 1943, and landing on Omaha Beach on DDay to unload men and vehicles and deploy her LCVPs. From June 1944 to April 1945, the LST 325 made forty-four round trips between England and France and helped rescue over 700 men who had been torpedoed off the coast of France. As Shriner's Fest drew nearer, my dad and I went down to the engine room one day to observe how the engines were being tested, and to see how much troubleshooting was needed before leaving port. Despite wearing hearing protection, it was still very loud in that small room, standing between the roaring port and starboard engines. It looked like everyone down there was searching for an air leak amidst what seemed like organized chaos. While standing back and observing, I thought I heard a faint whooshing sound that was barely audible over the engine noise. I pointed it out and it turned out to be the solution to one of the problems they were facing. This observation helped to quickly shift my work priorities from cleaning and painting to helping in the engine room for the remainder of the workweek. Photo Credit: Elseah Congiardo Correction: In the January issue of The Talon, an article on Gavin Kesler’s 1,000 point milestone had a headline of “Fast Break for Boy’s Soccer.” This is an error. The title of the article should read, “Kesler at 1K.” We apologize for the error. Continued on page 2 ...
The Talon The LST is equipped with two massive, 2- stroke diesel engines with 12 cylinders and 900 horsepower each. They require constant supervision when running, often with four people in the engine room simultaneously. During my time in the engine room, I was taught the proper startup and shut-down procedures for the engines, as well as what to look for during our watches. I learned the proper safety protocols for working down by the engines and how important it is to keep a consistent and updated log of all the readings observed. The engine room is full of possibilities for dangerous situations, especially when walking down the narrow shaft alley to note the status of the oil checkpoints along the prop shaft that is spinning at 150-160 rpm. There are also many remnants of the ship’s past down in the engine room and the prop shaft alleys. After her time in World War II, the LST 325 was reactivated from 1951-1961 for Operation SUNAC (Support of North Atlantic Construction) to construct radar outposts along the coast of eastern Canada and Greenland. The operation was specifically focused on supporting construction activities in the North Atlantic region and during this time the LST aided with the establishment of the DEW (Distant Early Warning) Line system which was a crucial network of radar stations established in the northern Arctic region. After this, she was transferred to Greece in May 1964 and was re-named Syros, designated with L-144. She served in the Greek Navy until December 1999 when she was decommissioned. . GCHS | BE NOT AFRAID | PAGE 2 Continued on page 3... ...Gray Lady Re-Established in 2023 from The Revolution and The New Revolution www.gibaulthawks.com FOLLOW TO GET THE TALON SENT TO YOUR INBOX Greek graffiti is scattered all over the ship from the LST’s thirty-five years in Greece. It can be found anywhere from the walls of the prop shaft alleys to the undersides of bunks and carved into the tabletops in the mess deck. One of my favorite jobs aboard the ship was welding and metalwork when I wasn’t busy in the engine room. Throughout the trip, my dad and I worked on various jobs in which we utilized the ship’s onboard metal shop. Along with other women in the crew, we had welding lessons and cut pipe to repair a section of the handrail on the weather deck. It was very rewarding for me to take the time to improve my welding skills. I really enjoyed these jobs taking the different materials and shaping them into something new and functional. On our last day aboard the LST, I was responsible for helping my dad repair a weak spot in the floor, so we carted our welding tools up to the second deck and got to work removing the rusted metal and tacking the new plate in place. This particular welding job was significant to me because I was able to do most of the work, and the welds I made are now a permanent part of the ship. GRASPING GIBAULT'S NEWS / FEBRUARY 2024 EDITION #1 The Talon Newspaper 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] Copyright 2023, Gibault Catholic High School Photo Credit: Hope Pollman
GCHS | BE NOT AFRAID | PAGE 3 ... Gray Lady FOLLOW TO GET THE TALON SENT TO YOUR INBOX GRASPING GIBAULT'S NEWS / FEBRUARY 2024 EDITION #1 During the Shriner’s Fest reenactment, I was part of the crew that went through the start-up procedure and fired up the engines. It was an exhilarating experience to feel the engines roar to life beside me with a deafening sound and the floor vibrating beneath me. Once everything was running smoothly, my dad and I went up to the weather deck and watched the reenactment from the ship’s bow above the anchor. In my opinion, it was a better vantage point than anywhere else on the shore with a perfect view of the two LCVPs carrying reenactors in full uniform as they circled the ship and stormed the shore. Soon after, we pulled up to the shore alongside the LCVPs and the LST drew open her massive bow doors and dropped the ramp, while the deck crew fired propane rounds from her twin 40mm Bofors guns. As I looked out at the Ohio River from the ship’s weather deck, the whole reenactment scene playing out before me, I took a moment to contemplate the vivid history of the ship beneath my feet. Though I had been visiting the LST 325 for over a decade, it wasn't until that moment that everything she had seen and done truly sank in from her travels across America, England, France, Sicily, Canada, Greenland, and Greece, to being brought back across the Atlantic by her "Gold Crew" in 2000 after being acquired by the USS Ship Memorial Inc. The "Gold Crew" that volunteered to bring her home had an average age of around seventy-two. They successfully brought her back from Greece on January 10, 2001, and brought her to Mobile, Alabama where she stayed until being transferred to her current home in Evansville, Indiana. Amidst these thoughts, the monumentality of the fact that at seventeen years old I was the youngest female crew member of the LST 325’s history was not lost on me. The workweek came to an end, and it came time to head back home. As I packed my bags that day, 1940s music began playing over the tinny loudspeaker, and a sense of dream-like surrealism settled over me in the empty bunk compartment. My mind again wandered to all that the LST 325 has stood for, all that she has left to teach, and the many people who have played roles in getting her to where she is today. All those who have traveled with her, walked across her decks, slept in her bunks, and lived on this ‘Gray Lady’ throughout times of war and times of peace. I also reflected on all of the volunteer crew members I’d personally met, all of these wonderful people responsible for keeping the LST’s history alive and running, a group that I can proudly say that I’ve come to know and become a part of. News Photo Credits: Elseah Congiardo Look for Part 2 of Elseah’s feature next month!
Photo Credit: Hope Pollman GCHS | BE NOT AFRAID| PAGE 4 FOLLOW TO GET THE TALON SENT TO YOUR INBOX Each year, Catholic Schools Week creates a buzz throughout Catholic schools across the country. Gibault students enjoy participating in fun games and themed dress down days, which are all put on by the Student Activities Board. For example, on Tuesday, January 30, students from each class played family feud and “twinned” (wore matching outfits) with their friends. On Thursday, several students and Mrs. Noles showcased their talents in our annual talent show. Acts like the Hawkappellas and Mrs. Noles’ Karate routines entertained the student body, giving them an enjoyable break from regular classwork. Catholic education is set apart from public education due to its course rigor and the ability to discuss not just God, but also several morality/ethics topics. Embracing our Catholic education and environment by celebrating it is important because that allows us to fully participate in our education. GRASPING GIBAULT'S NEWS / FEBRUARY 2024 New EDITION #1 s Celebrating our Catholic Education Senior, Allison Stark Photo Credit: Izzy Foutch
Features GCHS | BE NOT AFRAID | PAGE 5 FOLLOW TO GET THE TALON SENT TO YOUR INBOX On Friday, February 2, Gibault’s 2024 Academic Challenge team traveled to SWIC’s Belleville campus to compete in the regional Academic Challenge in Engineering and Science (ACES) competition. As a team, Gibault placed first in Division 300 against Dupo, Marissa, Lebanon, Steeleville, and Governor French Academy. Individually, numerous awards were received throughout the team. In the mathematics category, Brady Moore received first place, with Krona Newton in second. Brady also earned first in computer science, and Annika Fabie placed third. Jacob Lohrberg and Hannah Perjak tied for first in biology, and Lee Vermeulen got third. In chemistry, Darrin Kunkelman and myself tied for third, and in engineering graphics, Krona Newton earned first place. Finally, in English, Brock Murphy and Mia Petruso earned first and third places, respectively. Mr. Parks and the Gibault students have had a track record of doing exceptionally well at the Academic Challenge competitions throughout the years. For example, we placed second in the state last year, and we have been regional champions for five years in a row. The sectional competition will be held at SWIC on Friday, March 1, and the Gibault ACES team has high hopes for another fruitful outcome. GRASPING GIBAULT'S NEWS / FEBRUARY 2024 EDITION #1 Senior, Allison Stark ACES Team Carries on Legacy of Success at Regionals Photo Credit: Allison Stark
The Arts GCHS | BE NOT AFRAID | PAGE 6 Elaine Laws’ theatre experience started in a slightly unconventional way when she was in second grade. Young Elaine Laws was talking to her friend about a story they were reading. Her teacher told her, “Elaine, if you have something to say, you should say it to the whole group.” She further explained how the story they were reading would make a good play, so they should then do it as a play. As if her teacher predicted the future, her teacher said, “That’s a great idea. You’re going to be a director.” Her directing journey didn’t end there. Her directorial debut was in the second grade of the play The Princess Who Would Not Laugh. Elaine was part of a three-student directing team, who put the play together. However, her love for theatre was sparked after watching her first musical, Bye-Bye Birdie! She notes, “This experience really opened my eyes about all aspects of theatre, and I go back to it often.” Since then, her experiences in theatre have only grown. Elaine Laws has taught and directed plays at Althoff Catholic High School for a total of thirty-one years as well as directing plays at her own theatre company, Studio/Offstage Productions. Elaine is also a partner of “because? why not theatre company” located in Saint Louis. She has directed plays and theatre groups such as the following: Looking Glass Playhouse, Clinton County Showcase, Lebanon Community School District, McKendree University, Lindenwood University, Southwestern Illinois College, Assumption High School, Curtains UP, and the Piasaw Players. She also has experience in audio description services for The Fox Theatre and the Muny. Elaine’s favorite part of teaching theatre is, “the entire experience from planning out which show to do to auditions to first rehearsals, to gathering costumes, making the scenery, finding the props, designing special effects, posters, t-shirts, programs, sound, and lights all the way to final rehearsals and opening and closing night-the whole run of the show and most especially the actors’ and audiences’ reaction as the magic all comes together.” Elaine’s love for theatre truly encompasses the whole experience As for her hopes for the new musical, Elaine wants, “the students in drama [to] continue to have a great time learning their craft.” She also wants students to be able to “fully shine” in the spotlight in front of audiences. Her teaching style can be described as, “matter of fact or to put it bluntly-blunt.” Elaine’s fierce passion for theatre is reflected in her teaching style. Laws isn’t afraid to tell students how the show should look, and she wants actors and crew’s help to make that vision come to life. “I see my job as a director simply to provide an opportunity for young actors to figure out what they think Theater is and to carefully help them craft the next generation of storytellers.” The magic of musical theatre, according to her, is so special because of the multiple things going on all at the same time. Conversely to reading a book where the reader has to imagine the voices, scenery, sound effects, color, and much more, “musical theatre brings all of that and then some to the state for a one-of-a-kind event in storytelling…” There is truly nothing like musical theatre, which adds to its appeal and uniqueness. Audiences can experience all of the unique elements come together in one, wonderful experience. She states that what actors do is scary, but also so exciting and fulfilling. She adds, “I love to watch an actor experience the whole gamut…but what I really love, is watching the audience show their enjoyment to the cast and crew at curtain call and as they meet up together after the show. That’s where the real fun for me is found.” The relationships found and nurtured through the experience of theatre truly is something nobody can forget. New Musical Director: Elaine Laws GRASPING GIBAULT'S NEWS / FEBRUARY 2024 EDITION #1 Senior, Grace Lowe Photo Credit: Kanen Augustine Photo Credit: Hope Pollman FOLLOW TO GET THE TALON SENT TO YOUR INBOX
Sports GCHS | BE NOT AFRAID | PAGE 9 Senior, Konnor Cartee performed in the IHSA Edwardsville Swimming and Diving Sectionals on Saturday, February 17th, 2024. Swim Sectionals take place once every year around the middle to the end of February. State usually takes place a week after sectionals. To qualify for state, you have to either get a very difficult time or place first in your swimming event. From my personal experience, I enjoyed the swimming events and memories I have made over the past three years. Getting to compete with other swimmers who have the same passion and joy as I do make the events more eventful. I started my day at the competition with a long warm-up. That warmup consisted of a 600 Free, six 75’s, eight 50’s, and 12 25’s. After that, I had to wait for my events. As the 200 Free came up, I had to stretch and get blood flow going through my body. I was a little nervous because I was swimming against someone from my club team. In the past, this kid usually beat me at practice. However, after a long hard battle, I competed and was able to beat him by half a body length, dropping two seconds from my best time. I got out of the pool and collapsed. After taking a few deep breaths I got up and waited for the award ceremony before my second race. I got sixth in my Sectional. After I received my medal, I ate an apple and got ready for the 100 Fly. My goal for the 100 Fly was to get under a minute. After doing my pre-race stretch again, it was time for my second race. I dove into the water and let out every ounce of energy I had In me. I dropped three seconds from my best time and got exactly a minute. I did not place or get my goal time; however, I dropped three seconds. I was so proud of myself, and my club coach was happy for me. I can say that my senior year experience was the best. In the past, I had a teammate and this year I was all by myself. I was on a mission to prove to my parents that I could compete and go to the next level. Kartee to Swimming Sectionals FOLLOW TO GET THE TALON SENT TO YOUR INBOX GRASPING GIBAULT'S NEWS / FEBRUARY 2024 EDITION #1 Senior, Konnor Cartee Photo Credit: Konnor Cartee
Sports GCHS | BE NOT AFRAID| PAGE 10 FOLLOW TO GET THE TALON SENT TO YOUR INBOX GRASPING GIBAULT'S NEWS / FEBRUARY 2024 EDITION #1 Welcome back, Basketball alumni Photo Credits: Allison Stark Photo Credit: Kanen Augustine On January 27, Gibault had the pleasure of welcoming back some of its former basketball players through an alumni basketball game. Any alumni players were welcome to sign up, and about 15 of them did. One of our current basketball coaches, Trevor Davis ‘17, joined the group as well. Some other familiar faces included Karson Huels ‘19, Eric Shreder ‘20, and Nick Kovarik ‘11. After the game, I had the opportunity to talk to Kovarik about his experience as a Gibault basketball player. To him, the Gibault basketball program is “so important…it’s been a huge part of my life. Coming here as a little kid, and then playing, and now coming back to watch…it’s awesome.” Not only is the game itself valuable to him, but also is his relationship with Coach Rueter. “Outside of basketball, he’s just taught me to be a good person. Second a [basketball] coach, [first] a life coach. He teaches a lot of good values of how to be a good person outside of basketball.” In addition to his Gibault basketball experience, he also touched on how important alumni events like this are to him: “It allows people to know that you’re proud of where you went to school.” Gibault pride is unlike any other. It consistently brings people back to the campus, forms strong connections between people, and provides opportunities like this to reconnect with old friends and teammates. Senior, Allison Stark
SENIOR SERVICE SpecialSection compiledand writtenby Senior,Brock Murphy 2024
Overthefirstfourweeks inFebruary,seniors embarkedontheir annualSeniorService Project.Theannual traditionbeganwitha “seniorsendoff”prayer service.MaryKayDreps gavethe commencementspeech. Shediscussedthe originsofthisinstitution andhowservicehas affectedherpersonallife. Sheencouragedallofus tocontinueourservice beyondourrespective projectsandshowedus howheractsofservice areanexampletousall. Senior Service 2024
Mypersonal experience was extremely enlightening. PAGE1 With the diversity of projects and experiences, it is difficult to pin down a universal experience amongst the seniors. My personal experience was extremely enlightening. I worked at Programs and Services for Older Persons senior center in Belleville. My responsibilities included being a companion to those who used the services provided, aiding and leading various activities, and helping seniors with different skill development programs. In doing so, I gained a greater understanding of the experiences that senior citizens go through. The pervasive loneliness in so many of their lives matched with the overall hope and freedom that they exhibited made me have a greater appreciation for older people.
PAGE2 Comeand viewthe museumfor yourselfsowe canlearn aboutour county’s history. Senior Hope Pollman used her service project to help modernize the Monroe County History Museum. “I made several PowerPoints for the TVs there. I made over 30 QR codes to modernize the museum. I also interacted with a lot of older men. They didn’t really know how to use technology, so I demonstrated how to use the things that I supplied for them. In the real world, there are older people who can impart wisdom, and the newer generation can help older people learn more modern things.” When asked about what she wanted people who are interested in the museum to know, she said “Come and view the museum for yourself so we can learn a bit about our county’s history. Now with new technology, you can scan it and read it later if you want to!
There was nevera dull moment. PAG E 3 Senior Ty Griffin worked as a classroom aid at S.P.P.C.S. in Waterloo. He stated that his service was extremely engaging. “… I helped students with in-class assignments like math, reading, and other assignments. We also helped teachers and supervised kids during lunch. We also played sports with the students during recess. Helping people is a way for us to give back to our community that provided for us. I had a really great time, all of the kids liked us.” When asked about advice for future seniors embarking on their Senior Service, Griffin stated, “S.P.P.C.S. is a good choice for future service projects as well as other schools.” He concluded, “There was never a dull moment. I am ready to do other service!”
PAGE4 It’saplace thatneeds helpand provides forthe vulnerable. There were many other experiences and takeaways from other seniors. Senior Alex Groetecke served at the Violence Prevention Center in Belleville. “I deal with the neverending supply of donations being purses, clothes, other goods, and various items. I would lift heavy things. I did various janitorial duties because I was the most physically able person of the constantly rotating staff. I really enjoyed it and chose to go back last Saturday with my mom. I roped her into that and stayed there for most of the day.” When asked about the importance of his work, Groetecke stated, “It is a place that needs help and provides for the vulnerable. If I just have free time, why can’t I help others instead of doing nothing?”
I’mnow more gratefulfor thethings that peopledo forme. PAG E 5 Allison Stark went to Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School in East St. Louis. “At Thea, all five of us were assigned to different classrooms. Alonzo and Marvin did some PE as well. In the classrooms, I was very busy. I was with first and second graders. I gave them spelling tests and helped them with math and writing. There was one girl who was struggling a lot, but I helped her stay focused. Overall, I would say that this was a positive experience. I am very thankful for the people who taught me when I was very young. I realized that I have taken for granted a lot of basic stuff, like basic math, cursive letters, and spelling. When asked about advice for future senior service participants, Stark said,“It is very cliché but go somewhere that is a bit out of your comfort zone and something that doesn’t necessarily apply to your future. I do not plan on going into education, but this shed a light on its importance, and I am now more grateful for the things that people do for me, big and little.”
PAGE6 ItissoimportantoknowhowtobepatientandunderstandingElseah Congiardo assisted at Gardner Elementary. “I am really glad that I went, and that the opportunity arose as is. I had worked with children before, but never fourth grade. It was a great experience. The kids were so sweet. Hannah [Perjak] and I were put in separate classrooms, but we often interacted with each other. We helped out teachers in workrooms and had a lot of hands-on experiences. I taught a math lesson, which if anybody knows anything about me knows that that is not my forte. I helped with their ‘chain reaction’ project. I spent Valentine’s Day with them and got to participate with them giving out their favorite candy and receiving gifts from the students.” When asked about future plans associated with their project, Congiardo said, “Hannah and I are planning on visiting Gardner to see their fourth grade play and help with their field day at the end of the year. Even though I don’t plan on going into teaching or anything in the education field, it is so important to know how to be patient and understanding with children and that is something that I learned at Gardner. Also, the importance of education was reinforced throughout my time there.”
Our education systemis changing forthe better. PAG E 7 Gabi Coats also worked at a Waterloo Elementary School, Zahnow, “I got assigned as a teacher’s aid and was in her classroom every single day and helped with organization.” Her students were between Kindergarten and first grade. “The kids loved to dress me up as stuff and pulled me over to a corner and put fairy wings and a crown on me. I cursed one student to become a frog and he acted as one for the rest of the class. I forgot my lunch half of the time. My teacher allowed me to take a few Starbursts when I forgot my lunch.” When asked about her takeaway from her experiences, Coats said, “The future generations are being taught important lessons and our education system is changing for the better.”
PAGE8 Weshould takebetter careofour seniors. J.J. Kinsey volunteered at Millstadt Senior Center. “We served food to the seniors who were there and prepared frozen and hot meals for those who couldn’t attend. We also planned a Mardi Gras and Valentine’s Day party. We also helped out with the seniors and played cards with people. We heard about stories. One standout one involved a man’s escapades in New Zealand.” When asked about their takeaway from this experience, Kinsey said, “I learned that we should take better care of seniors and that we shouldn’t just ignore them. There is much to be learned from them, and we need to look after them.”