NCHS Football Already Gearing Up for 2011

By Adam Rutz

Newman Catholic football made school history last fall when they advanced to Level 3 in the playoffs before losing to Randolph. Though they will lose 13 players from last year’s squad, their high-powered offense will be back, as Senior Brad Knoblock plans on leading the Cardinals to more success. “We have a lot of guys who have been working hard in the weight room since the day after we lost to Randolph last year and I think we can do big things,” said Knoblock, who had 1100+ rushing yards last season and 13 touchdowns as a running back.  He will be moving to quarterback for his final season as a Newman Catholic Cardinal.

​A lot of playing similarities are drawn between Knoblock and former Cardinal Anthony Fisher (class of 2009). Fisher, who won the Brockmeyer Award in 2008 (top football player in Wausau), switched positions to quarterback his senior year and also led the Cardinals to their first ever playoff appearance that year. Knoblock has all the tools to be a very successful quarterback next season because with his strong arm and speed on the ground, he will be a force to be reckoned with when the Marawood Conference season rolls around.

Knoblock, the 5'10, 180 pound senior, may not be the ideal size for a quarterback, but he definitely makes up for it in athletic ability. The four sport athlete has been a standout since his arrival at Newman Catholic in 2008.

Knoblock isn't the only offensive weapon the Cardinals plan on using. They will also have seniors John Runnoe and Issak Tauer who will both be key runners in the backfield, along with underclassmen talent in receivers with juniors Nick Janke and Matt Heeg, and sophomore star power in Marcus Gabriel.

With a Paul Michlig led coaching staff, there is no reason the Cardinals shouldn't live up to the hype as they have become a city-wide powerhouse in the past three years. All of the fans of NCHS football can agree that Michlig has been the key to all the success as he led them to the playoffs in his previous three seasons. Michlig is known for his spread offense and utilizes it perfectly; the results are obvious considering all the success it has brought. Stay tuned to the NCHS Red Hat for more news on the Cardinals next fall!

Class of 2012 Pumped Up for Senior Year

By Erin Gassner

It is springtime, and you know what that means! Its graduation time! With all the hubbub over caps and gowns, graduation parties, and finals, the seniors are overjoyed about being done with high school, and they have no problem with expressing their joy. In fact, some underclassmen have been complaining because of the seniors expressing their jubilation so strongly.

The senior class has almost 60 students. The class includes presidential candidate favorite Nick Cornell, musical maestros Marshall Delonay and Maggie Ward, artistically amazing Makayla Heisler,and many other intelligent and talented students.

Will the incoming seniors, the class of 2012, be able to fill their shoes? Most definitely! The current junior class is a close-knit one, a mix of future teachers, doctors, dentists, and other fantastic careers. Every junior is very intelligent and talented and excited about becoming seniors.

When asked about how she felt about being the “top dog”, Maria Legenza said, “I’m so excited! I can’t wait to get ready for the next chapter of my life. I think it will be a positive experience because we are all such great friends!”

Morgan Lukes said, “I’m looking forward to next year and I’m excited for it because we are going to be seniors, the big shots, the upperclassmen. It’s going to be a lot of fun because now all the underclassmen, including new incoming freshmen, are going to be looking up to us. We are going to be the ones that will have to set the example for everyone else. It should most definitely be a year to look forward to.”

Daley Rupar can relate. “I’m ready to be the macho one on campus!”

Julie Klehr simply stated, “It’s about time.”

Cardinals Class of 2011 Athletes Leave Many Memories At NCHS

By Adam Rutz

It started in the fall, when the Newman Catholic football team did something that no other team in school history had done: win a playoff game. They didn't just win one though; they beat Suring and Rio to move to level three in the postseason before being defeated by Randolph. To many, the football team was the highlight of the fall season, however fall was also highlighted by the boys soccer team making it to the state tournament.

Winter came, and the girls basketball team was the defending Division 4 state champions. UWGB recruit Taylor Thomas led them to back to the Kohl Center once again as she capped off her Newman Catholic hoops career with another gold ball to go in the school trophy case. Another highlight to the winter sports season was the Mosinee hockey team, including two Newman Catholic players, making it to the sectional final game before losing to eventual state champion Wausau West Warriors 9-2. Though Nick Bush was the only active Newman student on the roster, he also finished a remarkable four year varsity career including a state appearance as a freshman.

Now, sadly, the NCHS athletics group is losing a big class of very hard-working, talented athletes, but luckily it is not over yet. NCHS has superb boys and girls track and field, baseball, and softball teams who all have great opportunities to do big things this postseason. Track and field won regionals this past Monday in Marathon, and they now move on to Rosholt where they begin Sectional events Thursday. Baseball and softball are entering the playoffs in their respective divisions and with both teams loaded with talent, they should be able to go far.

Make sure you make it out to watch the seniors compete in some of their final days as Newman Cardinals.

Cardinal Capturers Strike Newman Catholic!

The Cardinal stands watch during a pep rally

By Hannah Reeves

A tragedy has befallen the Newman Catholic High School teachers, staff, and students.  Our beloved Cardinal has been kidnapped and taken hostage.  This sounds like the work of a senior prank. 

A few seniors have decided to finish their year off by capturing the Newman Catholic Cardinal.  The Cardinal was brought to recognizable spots around Wausau and pictures were taken of where our Cardinal traveled.  With those pictures, hostage notes have been printed and placed around the Newman Catholic High School hallways, indicating the places of where the Cardinal might be.  Along with a different picture on each sheet of paper, five demands have been issued to the Newman teachers, staff, and students:

1)      Fill the empty cases we receive at graduation with our diplomas - and in doing so, fill our likewise empty heart with never ending happiness.

2)      Unlock the safe, and remove “the precious contents” then transfer all funds into our offshore Swiss bank account.  The account number is 3687685764636432453269696954365953745252.

3)      Divulge the true identity of the man under the alias of “Dr. Michael Matthew Switalski.”

4)      In order to ensure the blessings and happiness for our posterity, we demand that all future students will be granted full access to the rooftop pool.

5)     In order to satisfy the previous demand, it will be necessary for you to install a pool on the roof.

If the seniors do not receive these demands by 7:00 pm on Friday, May 27, our beloved Cardinal will find itself acquainted with Mr. John Deere WC12 wood Chipper.  It is now up to our Newman Catholic family to get this Cardinal back to its respected spot in front of Newman Catholic High School’s front office.

** Do not worry all you Newman Catholic Cardinal fans; Mr. Theiss has approved this senior prank operation and the Cardinal will be returned unharmed.

Seniors' Parting Words

By Makayla Heisler

Throughout high school we make friends that leave imprints on us for a life time. These people are our classmates and peers, and they help shape us into who we are today. This year, like every year before that, the senior class will graduate and move on past high school. Almost all of them will leave behind friends they have made throughout their high school career.

Seniors, having been at school the longest, can give other students very valuable advice on how to enjoy, or just make it through high school. This year’s senior class has a variety of students, all of whom have different personalities and have had different experiences while in high school.  Many of the seniors will miss the underclassmen they have become close to over the past few years. Seniors in the graduating class offer underclassmen and future students excellent advice from their experiences:

“Focus on your classes and build up your resumes for college and scholarship applications, because the only thing high school grades matter for in the grand scheme of life is getting you into college and getting you money to pay for college.”  - Nicole Cornell

“People tell you high school goes fast, and I personally never believed them. But seriously, I blinked and I was a senior. High school is hard, but it can also be a lot of fun. Cherish the good stuff, and the rest of it will all work itself out.” – Maggie Ward

“Follow your heart and enjoy every minute because it goes by fast!” – Andrew Wilke

“Procrastinating is a terrible thing and should be avoided at all costs.” – Brooklyn Kemp

“Don’t be afraid to be yourself.” – Hannah Baumann

“Live like you were dying and just have courage and confidence because life is too short to let any situation pass by.” – Marshall De Lonay

“Don’t ever be scared of standing up for what you believe in. In 10 years, you aren't going to remember the people you were afraid would make fun of you, but you will remember what you fought for.” – Maggie Ward

Publications Staff Says Goodbye

By Hannah Reeves

The publications staff has worked hard this year, from producing an amazing yearbook to writing articles so parents and friends have current updates about what is going on around Newman Catholic High School. The staff has really come together and gone from simple classmates to a team.

The majority of students that make up the publications staff are seniors. During first semester the whole staff was composed of seniors, and in second semester two juniors joined the staff. After a year of hard work, the seniors had their final day of class on Monday, May 24.

The year has been full of ups and downs from almost not finishing the first deadline of the yearbook to having a successful year with a completely digital Red Hat. Of course having to work hard first hour can be a difficulty, but the class managed to pull it off.

The seniors, having worked on the majority of the yearbook, and most of them being in the class for a whole year, are now passing the torch to the Newman Catholic underclassmen. Senior Makayla Heisler states, “I have been in publications for two years, and I can honestly say that this year was the hardest working staff I have experienced. They have all worked well together, and have offered their creativity and I can see that in their articles and in every page in this year’s yearbook.”

We would like to say thank you to all the senior publication staff members,, and good luck in the future.

Newman Catholic Baseball Preps for Postseason

The Newman Catholic baseball team was a force in the Marawood South conference last season, and things this year have been even better. Entering last Monday, the squad was 10-2 overall and ranked 10th in the state of Wisconsin in Division 4. However, the Cardinals couldn't manage to get past Assumption; they lost in extra innings 4-3.

Following the Card's loss, they were able to funnel all the negativety they experienced the previous 48 hours.  After the loss, they were seeded #2 in regionals, even though they had a better record than the team higher than them.  On Tuesday, they were able to go out and beat Pittsville 7-3 on Senior Night.  Newman Catholic ace Luke Prososki pitched a complete game gem as the Cardinals were able to get a key victory against a Pittsville team who was ranked in the top ten in Division 3. Prososki's performance triggered the other pitchers to continue the success later in the week.

MATC Milwaukee recruit Adam Rutz followed up the Pittsville victory by throwing a complete game, one-run outing on the road at Auburndale. Rutz struck out 12, only allowing four hits and two walks, and was aided by a home run from junior Brad Knoblock. Seniors Justin Heeg and Nick Bush also combined for four hits and six RBIs.

Friday rolled around, and Newman Catholic traveled to Assumption for at redemption against the team that beat them on Monday. Sophomore Nick Janke couldn't have given a bigger clutch performance on the mound as he threw a complete game, while Newman Catholic won 11-1 in 6 innings, because of the ten run rule. Janke only threw 40 pitches through four innings and was able to keep his pitch count under 80 by the end of the game, as he used his defense to retire batters.

The Cardinals take on Rib Lake tonight in the Marawood North-South Crossover game at 4:45 at Wausau's Athletic Park. This is the team’s final game before entering playoffs next Tuesday. Admission is free tonight and they hope all can make it to cheer them on and send them off for the playoffs next week as they hope to make a big run this postseason.

Senior Athletic Awards

By Marshall De Lonay

Newman Catholic High School had one of the last awards ceremonies for seniors on Wednesday, May 22.  The ceremony was in honor of all the seniors who took part in athletics during their high school career.  The night was filled with great joys, but also sadness as all the athletes came to the realization that they were done with their seasons.

The night started off with a speaker who is no stranger to the athletes of Newman Catholic: Dale Ryman.  Ryman is the sports director at WSAW News Channel 7 and he has been in touch with many of the athletes at Newman Catholic.  From interviews to covering the state tournament appearances, he touched on just about every aspect of the athletic department through the years.  His most memorable quote of the presentation was, “You may think the shadow of doubt is covering you, but it’s just an angel whose wings are blocking the sun.”

Once he was done speaking, the awards presentation began.  Many of the seniors were recognized for their hard work and dedication to athletics.  Different awards were given out for various achievements, but the awards were not what made the night great.  Rather it was the comradery of the athletes sharing in the joy of their accomplishments. 

The night ended with a slideshow of the seniors in various aspects of their time at Newman Catholic.  Mrs. Mabry put the slideshow together and it was a labor of love for her as she was gathering pictures for four years of all the current senior class.

While the seniors now move on to different parts of the country and move into different parts of their lives, they will not be forgotten.  We wish them all the happiness and joy in the world, and if they decide to continue with sports we pray they stay safe and successful.

Congratulations to the athletes of the class of 2011.

Graduation Week: Moving On

By Jonathon Kraft

As the year winds down, so do the seniors. The 2011 graduates have a lot to look forward to in the coming week. Monday is their last day of school, and they were presented with a spirit day to celebrate their departure. The seniors’ finals fall on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 23 and 24.  As students prepare for this final test of their knowledge, senior Terese Dlobik says “studying for finals is tough, but the end product will pay off.”

           

Dlobik, along with her classmates, will embark on the first step to graduation with the Baccalaureate mass. The mass will honor the graduating seniors. Many seniors are looking forward to this, which marks the end of finals and the beginning of their graduation activities.

           

Many seniors are also looking forward to the graduation ceremony. Senior Bailey Dillon can't wait to get home and get that graduation gown hung in the closet at the end. The feeling may be mutual throughout the class, but they all look forward to ending a chapter in their lives and beginning a new process of higher learning.

           

Even though they will all be leaving the Newman Catholic School doors for the final time, the thoughts and memories of teachers and friends will stay with them throughout the years.

The Final Farewell

By Marshall De Lonay

The Baccalaureate Mass is known as the farewell address to the graduating class.  This year’s graduating class at Newman Catholic High School will be participating in this grand tradition as usual.

The Mass is a celebration that honors the graduating seniors; it is also a ceremony of worship and thanksgiving for those who have made it past a major milestone in their lives.  The graduating seniors at Newman Catholic are more than ready to be leaving and moving into the future, but this is their last hoorah. 

The Mass will be held at St. Michael’s Parish on Wednesday, May 25, 2011.  The service will begin at 7:00 pm and all the families of the seniors will be in attendance.  It will be a night of joy, but also sadness as the parents are letting go of their children and the seniors are moving forward into a new phase of their lives. 

The music will be uplifting and the performers are more than ready to make this a memorable experience.  There will be solos performed by a variety of seniors and also some underclassmen. 

The night will be a joyous one as the seniors move on to another stage of their lives. They will not be forgotten for they have given all of us a brief look into what our Tfuture will be.

Goodbye Seniors and Good Luck!

Beatification of Pope John Paul II

Karol Józef Wojtyła was born in Wadowice, Poland on May 18, 1920; 58 years later he became Pope John Paul II. Pope John Paul II was a very holy person who served as Pope for 26 years. Through this time as Pope, he had threats to his life, and he helped change the church to what it is today, but most importantly he gave the world faith.

Having grown up during some of the world’s most horrible conflicts, he saw true suffering. As Pope, he was a symbol, not only for faith, but for love. He forgave the people who tried to kill him, just like Jesus forgave those who did kill him. In his ministry he not only forgave but asked for forgiveness for the darker times of the Catholic Church; by doing this, he hoped to unite the people of the world and make it a better place.

His death devastated the world in April 2006. Because of his influence on the world, people quickly started associating the word saint with his name. On May 1, 2011 Pope Benedict XVI beatified the late Pope John Paul II in front of 1.5 million people in one of the largest Vatican Masses in history.

When asked about her feelings about the event, religion teacher Mrs. Orozco said, “I think Pope John Paul II being beatified is amazing. He was a great pope who inspired many. I hope in my lifetime I get to see him become a saint. I have no doubts that when he does, he will be one of the greatest saints in the Church.”

Other students have opinions about this subject too.  Senior Marshall DeLoney said that this event was “Awesome!”  Junior Erin Gassner said, “Even though I was in fifth grade when he died, I know from reading about him that he was a great pope, and will be one of the greatest saints of the twenty-first century.”

Seniors Plan Graduation Bash

By Brianna Bratland

The senior class of 2011 is ready to party after graduation, and they put on a fundraiser to help with the finances.  The party will be held at the Weston YMCA on May 27 from 10pm until 2am, with the pool, gym, music, and other activities available to the seniors.  Some of the parents of the senior class are the masterminds behind the party, gathering activities and prizes to make it a night to remember. 

           

A car wash was held on May 7, 2011 at Olson’s Tires to help raise money for the graduation party.  Senior class president Mac Boehm talked about his experience and the success of the event.  “The car wash exceeded my expectations. We raised $1,250.  It was wet and cold, but worth it to make the difference.”  Senior Hannah Reeves also explained her experience at the fundraiser; “The car wash was fun.  It was very cold, but successful.”

           

This party will be the seniors’ last time to spend time together as a class.  Senior Stephanie Thomson talked about her thoughts on the party’s significance.  “It’s sad to think this is the last time we will be together as a class, but we all have to move on to bigger and better things.  This party is a chance for all of us seniors to come together and celebrate our great accomplishments.

New Technology in Classrooms

By Ben Varline and Jonathon Kraft

Since the nearly beginning of the year, we have all been using the new laptops, otherwise known as “COWs” (computers on wheels) in various classes. As you have probably noticed, various classrooms of Newman Catholic High School have also recently had some new additions to them. These additions include SMART boards and projectors. Over Spring break the new additions were installed in multiple classrooms, including Mr. Fry’s, Mr. Fech’s, Mr. Tourdot’s and Mr. Switalski’s. At the beginning of this year Mr. Barbella and Mr. Ebert were the only teachers who had these capabilities, but now many rooms have SMART boards and ceiling mounted projectors.

           

“The SMART board has proven to be useful in my classroom,” said Mr. Switalski.  He also explained, “The students enjoy having it in the room.”  Mr. Fry stated, “The projecter is helpful for giving the students study guides and questions to keep their focus in the classroom. It makes it easier to put various information in front of the students.”

The Teachers at Newman Catholic High School have exceptional teaching capabilities. With the addition of the new learning tools, the doors are opening to new possibilities in learning.

Elections, Elections, Read All About It!

By Hannah Reeves

 

The 2010-2011 school year is coming to a close, indicating that it is time to select the 2011-2012 class officers.  A president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer for each class are needed to ensure that the upcoming year will be successful and enjoyable.  Each student has the opportunity to run as a candidate for office.  When all candidates have been received, students running give a speech to let their fellow classmates know why they would be a good officer.  After speeches are given and students have time to ponder their future officers, they receive a ballet and vote on their favorite candidate. 

 

As the outgoing 8^th graders take their place as the Newman Catholic’s freshman class, it is vital for students to select their officers wisely.  Being new high school students, having good officers helps to ensure that the new environment and new school year will be a successful and pleasurable experience.  

The incoming freshman class is not the only one that needs to make sure its officers are up to par.  The upcoming seniors have critical decisions to make when deciding who they want to represent them as the class of 2012.  Senior year is their last year at Newman Catholic and it is only right for them to go out with a bang.  With good class officers, they will be able to achieve that bang and end their year successfully.

 

These students have been voted into office for the 2011-2012 year:

 

Freshmen - Class of 2015

Jose Larrain – President

Justin Damask – Vice President

Mackenzie Winter – Secretary

Nick Thoreson – Treasurer

 

Sophomores - Class of 2014

Anna McCarty – President

Grace Larrain – Vice President

Abby Connolly – Secretary

Erin Menzner – Treasurer

 

Juniors - Class of 2013

Christina Grunow – President

Brogan Resch – Vice President

Ben Vesel – Secretary

Aaron Roland – Treasurer

 

Seniors - Class of 2012

Matthew Hart – President

Erin Gassner – Vice President

Carolina Larrain – Secretary

Brianna Jehn - Treasurer

Student Council Advisor

Mr. Fech

The 2011-2012 school year has already began for the new officers.  Meetings and setting up of events have already taken place this year to get ready for what the new school year will bring.  Carolina Larrain, class of 2012 secretary, says, “Being a class officer gives me the opportunity to get my fellow classmates input involved in our school’s activity.”  With these new class elections, students are able to know that with their new class officers, their 2011-2012 school year will be an amazing experience and an unforgettable memory.

Softball Team Helps Out a Newman Family

By Stephanie Thomson

On Sunday, May 14^th the Newman Catholic softball team helped out the Brill family.  At Cabin Fever, the Brill family won a three hour period of yard work to be completed by the Newman softball team.  The softball team granted them their prize on Sunday.

The softball team arrived at the Brill house at one in the afternoon.  They did various yard work activities that Mr. and Mrs. Brill wanted completed.  This included raking, picking up sticks, cleaning various yard items, hauling brush, and cleaning up a great amount of tornado damage in the woods.  The team worked until about four in the afternoon.  Senior Hannah Baumann was asked how she felt about helping out the Brill family.  “It felt good to help out a Newman family with their yard work.  It was a way for our team to come together and help out.”

After the work was completed, the Brill family decided to have a cookout for the team due to all of their hard work.  After the team worked for a couple hours, Mr. Brill fired up the grill.  They had burgers and various side dishes for the team.  They also had s’mores for dessert.  The night ended by having fun with family and friends in the Brill’s newly clean backyard.

Newman Catholic Offers Resources

By Bailey Dillon

The end of the school year is near and Newman Catholic teachers are in the process of giving reports and research projects to their students.  This is why students need some assistance to end the year with star grades. 

Newman Catholic is able to help the students with their projects.  Most resources can be found in the Newman Library, which is loaded with Catholic encyclopedias, Bibles, dictionaries, almanacs, maps, occupational outlook handbooks, thesauruses, and of course, the internet.

Newman Catholic also provides online sources like Gale, Global Issues in Context, Badgerlink, and much more.  To receive the password to log in these online sources at Newman Catholic or at home, you need to visit the librarians in the Newman Library. 

Mrs. Kronberger, one of the librarians, is always willing to help the Newman Catholic students, and she also has access to thousands of titles using the WISCAT system.  “This system allows students to find materials from all over the United States, but this will take about two weeks for information to return to the student.” 

“Students are able to use libraries in our local area: NCTC, UWMC, and UWSP.  Some of these locations will not allow you to check books out, but there could be a suggestion.  At UWMC, a student under the age of 18 may have their parents check out materials for them using a community card.  Students are always welcome to use the quiet library on campus during the evening or weekends whenever they are open.” 

As you can see, Newman Catholic provides extra information in the library that many students can use to help them finish a project or report while receiving a decent grade.

Senior Trip and Retreat

By Gaonou Lo and Bailey Dillon

During the weekend of Friday May 13 to Saturday May 14, the majority of the seniors participated in their last field trip together before they graduate in 2011.  The class as a whole voted for the location of their trip and retreat.  This year the seniors decided to go to Chicago, Illinois where they stayed at the Loyola Retreat Center and had a blast at Six Flags Great America. 

On Friday, the seniors’ retreat involved talking about moving on after they graduate and keeping their faith strong in college and never losing faith in God, no matter how bad things get.  The two retreat instructors told the class inspiring stories relating to their faith and becoming closer to God.  They did an activity that brought the class emotionally closer by expressing their deep thoughts that had never been shared until that point. 

On Saturday, the class spent most of the day at Six Flags, but majority of the seniors went to the Gurnie Mall.  It was an experience they will remember the rest of their lives. 



Built To Last: Newman Catholic Baseball

By Logan Gajewski

The first half of the Newman Catholic baseball team’s season has been a success.  Thus far, the Cardinals are 8-2 (6-2 in conference) after a recent victory against the Stratford Tigers.  Junior Bradley Knoblock had this to say about the season: “I would have to give this season an A- so far; we have been competitive in all of our games, and have already grabbed some key wins.”  The Cardinals’ only losses this season have been against marquee matchups; they split games with the Marawood Conference South leading Edgar Wildcats and last year’s Division 3 State Champions, the Marathon Red Raiders. 

When asked about the team’s playoff aspirations Knoblock responded, “Win State.”  This is very possible considering their thrilling walk-off victory against the Red Raiders and their leader, last year’s conference player of the year, Cody Hanke.  In addition to this, the Cardinals sit third in the conference standings, just two games behind Edgar. 

Senior pitcher/first baseman and team captain Adam Rutz has seen a significant increase in playing time this year, and has been making a difference ever since.  When asked about the role the team captains have had, Rutz had this to say: “All captains have done a good job leading this year; we have a good group of guys. You also have to give a lot of credit to our coaching staff.”  The Cardinals are coached by Newman Catholic’s physical education teacher, Dan Smet, who has led the team to a 33-21 record through his first two and a half seasons as head coach.

The Cardinals’ next game is at Northland Lutheran (3-6) this Thursday, May 12^th.  The next Cardinals home game is a non-conference matchup against Mosinee next Monday, May 16^th, at Athletic Park.  Admission is free to all regular season games, so come out and support the team for the remainder of the regular season and the playoff games that are to come.

Students Compete at State Solo and Ensemble

By Gaonou Lo

Newman Catholic has many aspiring students who are musically talented.  Newman Catholic offers both band and choir classes where students are allowed to show their musical skills and creativity.  One of the main competitions that Newman Catholic students take part in is solo and ensemble, and they are often very successful.  Solo and ensemble is a music competition where any students that can sing or play a musical instrument compete against other students. 

Newman Catholic has been known for its talented students that can sing and also play a musical instrument.  State solo and ensemble was on May 7, 2011 in Stevens Point.  All students that received a starred first rating on their class music at the prior solo and ensemble competition in February participated in this event.  Erin Kast, who is a participant, said, “Going to state requires a lot more practice and I have been putting it in for the most part; either way it will be fun and I am looking forward to it.” 

A few of the students participating in state solo ensemble included Nate Martin, Erin Kast, Nicole Cornell, Marshall Delonay, Erin Gassner, Nick Cornell, Scott Clark and others.  Thank you for joining us in support of all our student musicians’ hard work over the past several months!

Math Team on the Map

By Jon Kraft

The newly resurrected in 2010-11 NCHS Mathematics Team attracted 14 students; they participated in mathematics competitions at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Points against about 75 schools from the surrounding area.

From those competing students, Erin Kast, participating in the advanced division, placed 6^th out of 67 students in division 3. Andrew Dushek placed 16^th of 63 students in the algebra II division, while Morgan Lukes earned a rank of 45^th out of 88 students over the course of three meets. In the geometry division, Bradley Miller ranked 4^th out of 62 students taking the exam. Danielle Gorski and Teagan Leitzke also placed high across the three meets, ranking 10^th and 34^th respectively out of 83 students.

Among others, Nicholas Cornell, Nicole Cornell, Nate Martin, Sam McCarty, and Taylor Thomas participated in the advanced group. Emily Coates took part in the algebra II category, while Thomas Kita and Michael Meister competed in the geometry group.

Though the outlook for next year's team is unknown, the driving forces behind mathematics at Newman Catholic High School will surely shine.

2011 Farwell Spring Concerts

By Brianna Bratland

Monday, May 9, 2011 will be the last concert for the Newman Catholic High School band and choir this year, but it will be one to remember.  The band and choir are both performing pieces that will blow the audience away with their beautiful sound. 

           

The Newman Catholic concert choir, under the direction of Mrs. Lynn Ahles, will be performing four compositions: “Cantate Hodie!,” “ Et In Terra Pax,” “Song of Freedom,” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat.”  The choir has perfected the pieces “Cantate Hodie!,” Et in Terra Pax,” and “Song of Freedom” by already performing them at their large group contest.  “You Can’t Stop the Beat” is a fun song for the choir that lets them show off their dance moves, and is entertaining for the audience. 

           

The Newman Catholic High School band will be performing two pieces: “Symphonic Prelude,” and “Light Eternal.”  Band student Marshall DeLonay talks about the themes that the songs portray. “Both songs are emotional.  ‘Light Eternal’ tells the story of a sinking ship, and the emotions that are brought by this sinking.”  The band and choir are also performing a piece together called “Rockin’ Rickie Rocket.”  The band and choir as a whole will be human percussion instruments while Marshall DeLonay pretends to play all the percussion sounds the musicians make.  This will definitely be a fun performance you will not want to miss!

           

On May 2, 2011 the Newman Catholic Middle School completed their last band and choir concert of the year with an outstanding performance.  “They were good and I hope they explore their musical talents further in high school,” said senior Makayla Heisler, who attended the middle school concert.  Hopefully next year we will see a lot of incoming freshman in the high school’s choir and band. 

The Trials and Tribulations of the Track Team

By Erin Gassner

Track, the sport of constant running and sprinting, jumping over hurdles, pole vaulting, and relays, is one of Newman Catholic High School's most popular sports.

The 2011 track team has been doing very well so far this season, taking second in several meets as well as winning first place in the Pittsville meet.

However, the season has not been running (pardon the pun) completely smoothly. With the track not finished, and with the middle school track team now on campus as well, the high school team is struggling to find places to practice. On rainy days they do sprints and other activities in the school hallways and stairs, and on days when the weather is good they practice in the parking lot and parks, lift weights, and run around the city.

Senior Andrew Wilke enjoys participating in many events: the 4 x 200 meter relay, 4 x 400 meter relay, 300 meter hurdles, 110 meter hurdles, triple jump and long jump. He hopes to make it to state in at least three of his events. Wilke says that the best thing about track is making new friends as well as reuniting with old friends at meets. He enjoys working hard in practice to be in shape. He says: “People should join track to make friends and get a good workout in.”

Wilke will compete with the boys track team at Athens High School on Monday, May 9. Both the boys and girls teams will be in action again on Thursday, May 12 for a second meet at Pittsville. Good luck to all the track participants! Have a great season!

Phone Calls for Education

By Gaonou Lo

One of the most popular fundraisers that Newman Catholic organizes is the Phonathon.  The Phonathon is phase two of the Newman Catholic Schools annual fund drive.  Every April, Newman Catholic students gather to make telephone calls to seek support from any alumni, parents, parents of alumni or friends that have not already donated to the annual fund.  The funds raised from the Phonathon are restricted; they are only used to help support those families who may otherwise be unable to afford a Newman Catholic School education for their children.  

Each year over 100 students receive financial assistance from the Phonathon.  Four Newman Catholic High School scholarships, at $2,000 each, are awarded, and approximately 100 Newman Catholic Schools financial aid grants are made available to qualifying families. 

Phonathon signups are held in the registrar’s office and student ambassadors are obligated to sign up and help with this event.  The class that earns the most money receives $100 and the class with the second most earned money receives $75 for their class accounts.  This event is a great way to give students the opportunity to receive a Catholic education.