QuinnfortheWin

ByMr.FrankMeade,01At14yearsold,sittinginsideofthe

TullygymnasiumandlisteningtosomestrangertalktoyouabouttheIonabrotherhoodisnotexactlyinspiring.It'sa

toughcrowd,sotospeak,andatthisstageofyourlife,themessagedoesn'texactlyhithome.Soin1998,likeatypicalteenager,Iignoredthe

messageandmockedandmimickedtheIonabrotherhoodphraseforyears.

Now,at32yearsoldandamemberofthefacultyatIona,standinginthatsamegymnasium,surroundedbyfamiliarfaces,Igotthechancetolistentooneofmybestfriendstalkaboutthissamephrase.Thatnight,theIonaBrotherhoodbroughttogetheranamazingcrowdtosupportoneofmyclassmatesandbestfriends,PatQuinn.Thecrowdwascaptivated.Thegymnasiumwaspackedwithpeoplewantingtoseeagreatcontestbetweentwoexcellentteams,IonaandChristtheKing.Andwhilethisbasketballgameprovedtobejustthat,themeaningofthenight

reachedmuchdeeperthantheactiononthecourt.

Athalftimewhenfansusuallymaketheirwaytoconcessionstandsandsnackmachines,andthetwoteamsruntothelockerroomstomakeadjustmentssomethingveryspecialhappened.Boththefansandteamsremainedintheirseatsandlistenedtoanimportantmessage.PattoldthesilentcrowdthathisfightagainstALShasbeenatoughone,anditisonethatrequireshelp,butheknowsthathecancountonhisIonabrotherstobethereeverystepoftheway.

Hiscourageanddeterminationcontinuetoinspireusall.Hehasraisedmillionsofdollarsfor

thefightagainstALS.Hehasgivenspeechestothousandsofpeoplearoundtheworld.Hehaswonawardsandinspiredpeopletokeepfightingthisterribledisease.ButwhatmadethatnightsospecialwasPatsreturntoaplacewhereagroupof14yearoldsbeganajourneyandbecamepartoftheIonabrotherhood.

IonaPrepsofficialnewspaper.Winter2016

Interview with Leo Liu, 16

byRauldelaGuardia,16

So tell me what you did last summer.

Last summer, I went to Yushu, Tibet to help teach English and Math to the poor in the area and to experience Tibetan culture firsthand.

Why Tibet?

About 4 years ago, Tibet was rattled by a massive earthquake. I remember doing fundraising work to help support people that lived in the poor area of Yushu. I remember raising basic goods and such to help support as many people as we could. So a couple of years ago, when I sought to make a change for the better and do something impactful, Yushu immediately came back to mind. I had met people that lived in Yushu, and I sought out a volunteer job that would let me help others, but also allow me to be independent. Education is one of the greatest gifts anyone can offer, and I was honored to bring that gift to the youth of Yushu. Tibet gave me this opportunity.

Leo Liu in Tibet (continued)

TheStateoftheFountainYoucantturnonyourtelevision,unlock

yourphone,oropenyourlaptopwithoutbeingblastedwiththelatestheadlinesfromthecampaigntrail.Politicalideologiesaside,everycandidatehasideasthatdefinehisorhercampaign.LastMaywhenIranforSFCPresident,minewasawaterfountain.Now,alittlemorethanfourmonthssincethefountainsinstallationwe,asanIonaPrepcommunityhavesavedmorethan4,000plasticwaterbottlesfromlocallandfills.InfourevenshortermonthsIwillbegraduating,butthefountainshallremainasaliteralfixtureofthewallsofthePrepforyearstocome.

Nowyou'remostlylikelywondering(assumingyou'restillreading)whyasecondsemesterseniorwouldspendaparagraphramblingabouthisbelovedwaterfountain,comparingittoFDRsNewDeal,KennedyslunarlandingorTrumpsproposedwall.Welltheanswerissimple;theyreallideas(ifproperlyexecuted)thatdefineourlegacy.WhileIamcontentwithmyfountain,IencourageyoutoleaveyourownmarkonthePrep.Ifyouhaveanidea,bigorsmall,don'tbeafraidtopushforitsimplementation.Betteryet,considerjoiningtheSFCwhereyoucanbethatveryagentofchange.Likealways,ifyouhaveanyquestions,commentsorsuggestionsaboutanything,pleasedon'thesitatetoletmeknow.GodBlessandGoGaels!AugustIorio,16

What sorts of hardships did you face while working there?

The first thing that comes to mind is the elevation. Being in the Himalayan mountains, the altitude really gets to you. I remember the day after my arrival I was barely able to walk and teach because of how thin the air was. The other big issue was the lack of clean water. Most of the villagers relied on a river for their water supply, which was of course extremely dirty. But it was useable, and we were forced to carry water from it to and fro in order to wash.

Where there any sociopolitical issues that you encountered?

The relationship between Tibet and China is still extremely tense, and that was made clear on my travels. As Han Chinese, there was certainly a negative aura that seemed to set some villagers off to me. Han Chinese have a reputation of trying to force the Tibetans to modernize, but once they knew why I was there it was no longer a

problem.

How would you describe the area you worked in?

The most striking thing about traveling to a place like Tibet is the poverty. You see it as soon as you get off the plane. Once I arrived in Yushu, the gravity of the situation became even more clear. In the first world, receiving such basic education at that age would be unheard of. But I would be lying to you if I said these people were not inspired by knowledge. They were immensely grateful for my help, and their powerful message of thanks is something I will always remember. Opportunities to learn are few and far between, and it was clear that these guys cherished what I was offering them. The tears shed as I left nearly broke my heart.

Would you go back?

Absolutely, I would certainly return, and I am planning on doing so!

To see the website of the school where Leo taught, go here: www.dodoschool.net

To see Leos students singing a song he taught them, click the photo below:

Video of Students singing.m4v

OBLIGATIONSFORCATHOLICSDURINGLENT:Fasting&Abstinence:OurobligatorydutyonAshWednesdayandGoodFriday.Abstinence:DonoteatmeatontheFridaysofLent.Treatitasadayofpenance.Confession:CatholicsareobligatedtofulfilltheirEasterDutybyreceivingHolyCommunionatleastonceduringtheEasterseason(fromEasterSundaytoPentecost),thereforetheSacramentofPenanceforanymortalsinsisrequiredpriortothis,andisstronglyrecommendedasaLentenpenitentialpracticeforanyvenialsinspriortotheEasterfeast.

IonaLaxPreviewByGregSpiridigliozzi,16

The2015lacrosseseasonforIonaPrepstartedoffinamannerinwhichnoteamshopestobegintheirquestforastatechampionship:losingthreeofthefirstgamesandoneofthosegamesbeingagainstFordhamPrep.ItwassoonafterthatlosstoFordhamthattheIonaPreplacrosseteamgatheredthemselvesandturnedintooneofthehottestteamsinthetristateareabythefinishingtheseasononatwelvegamewinningstreakonthewaytobeingcrownedCHSAAAAStatechampions. IonaPreplacrosselookstocontinuetheirwinningstreakwellinto2016.Thegoaleveryyearistowinastatechampionship,butthisyeartheprogramlookstoalsotakedownLongIslandPowerhousesinChaminadeandSt.Anthonys.SeniorsZachKryza(Villanova),ChristianMcHugh(Lehigh),CharlieMcAllister(CoastGuardAcademy),andTimPowell(Roanoke)looktoleadtheGaelstoanothersuccessfulseason.

PoliTalkswithMr.SalernoByJustinIorio,16

Every four years one class has the privilege of taking Mr. Salernos A.P. Government class during an election year; the class of 2016 is thankfully one of those. In whats shaping up to be the most interesting and character-filled election in recent history, Mr. Salernos in depth knowledge and genuine love of politics, honed over several decades of teaching, involvement in local politics, and lunchtime arguments, has proven valuable in the classroom, evident in both loud laughs and experienced analysis. Because not everyone is able to experience this first hand in class, I sat down with Mr. Salerno to talk about some of the major candidates and what the next couple months may have in store for them.

Strong on domestic issues and with the most foreign policy experience from her time in the Senate and as Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton is obviously the most qualified candidate. But, as a result of her baggage (in the form of active FBI investigations and other scandals) she's not necessarily the best candidate in

the words of Mr. Salerno. Poor public trust ratings and as Mr. Salerno put it, a sense of entitlement to the office have begun to hurt her appeal and chances of victory. Rather recently, Donald Trumps neutralization of Clintons major campaign asset, the other Clinton, has also proven that any direct conflict with Trump will not end well for Hillary. Besides the Republican opposition, Hillary must also deal with the massive public momentum and support behind Bernie Sanders, the looming threat of New York billionaire and former mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, throwing his hat into the ring or Vice-President Joe Biden deciding to run at the last minute. These are real things the Clinton campaign has to worry about, no matter how unlikely they each seem at the moment. Especially if [Hillary] runs into real trouble, Bloomberg or Biden could easily replace [her] as the Democratic Partys establishment candidate; theyve already got the money and support for it explained Salerno.

One of the biggest and possibly most surprising questions is what Salerno, who admits to

favoring economically conservative, practical, and socially moderate candidates, thinks of the self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist candidate Bernie Sanders, who sends most of red America (and many economists) into a tizzy at the mere sight of his economic platform. I dont think he would be a bad president; a lot of it would come down to how well he could cooperate with (Speaker of the House, Paul) Ryan. But one things for certain, he will never be able to turn the U.S. into a European Socialist country said Salerno with a grin. Hes weak in foreign affairs, but his honesty and authenticity are very appealing to voters. Hes straightforward and he comes off as it. Thats not something voters see in Hillary, and it gives him a real chance against her. Right now, going into the New Hampshire, Sanders has momentum and politics is momentum; people believe the last thing they hear. He was right: later in the day Sanders won New Hampshire, a victory Salerno credits to massive momentum before the primary.

Marco Rubio, first term Senator from Florida, is Salernos favorite candidate. He could beat Hillary, hands down. The key to Rubios success will be in winning the electoral powerhouses of Florida, Texas and even the normally Democratic California. You have to look at whats changed and what makes him different says Salerno. California is now 51% Latino; Rubios name and moderate and pragmatic stance on immigration could give him California and that would really shake things up. Now that Rubio has achieved numerous endorsements from many well respected political figures and with Jeb Bushs recent campaign suspension, things are looking good for Rubios chances. Regardless, this election season is like no other so it will be interesting to see how this all actually plays out and in many ways its anyones guess.

OscarsPreviewand

PredictionsByBillyGerkenand

RauldelaGuardia,16

OnSunday,February28,ChrisRockwillbehostingthe88thAcademyAwards.Thisyearfeaturesalotoftalentednomineesandgroundbreakingfilmsandthishighlyanticipatedeventcreatescareerdefiningmomentsforthoseinthefilmindustry.HerearetheawardpredictionsfromsomeofthewritingstaffRauldelaGuardiastake:BestPicture:TheRevenantAsmuchastheacademylikestorewardfilmsthatdealwithsocialissues,it

hasnotgivenanawardtoafilmregardingsuchacontroversialtopicinyears.However,IalsodonotthinkthatacademywouldwanttogiveAlejandroInarritubacktobackOscarsforbestpicture,despiteThe

Revenantbeingthebestpictureoftheyear.ExpectTheRevenanttostillwinhere,buttheraceforbestpictureiswideopenwithLennyAbrahamsRoomorGeorgeMillersMadMax:FuryRoadbothlikelytopullofftheupset.BestActor:LeonardoDiCaprio(TheRevenant)WhileLeosturnasHughGlassisnotthebestperformanceinthisfilm(thatdesignationinsteadbelongstoTomHardy),theAcademyhasthrownhimasoftballtofinallypickuphisfirstOscar.TheonlyotherperformanceamonghisnomineesthatcansomewhatholdupisBrianCranstoninTrumbo.Longoverdue,expectLeotofinallytakeonehome.BestActress:SaoirseRonan(Brooklyn)WithBestActress,theAcademyhasaverydifficultchoice:BrieLarsonorSaoirseRonan.

Inmyopinion,RonanshinedinafilmIwasshockedtofindmyselfenjoying.Brooklynisa

great,groundedyetfundrama.IdefinitelythinkshedeservestheOscarhere.ButBrieLarsondidwintheGoldenGlobeforherroleinRoom,anddeservedlyso.Itsacoinflip,butonethatIthinkthatSaoirsedeservestowin.BestSupportingActor:TomHardy(TheRevenant)MuchlikeBestActress,thisisatwohorserace.ManythinkSylvesterStallonewilltakethisforhisturnasRockyinCreed,givingittohimasalifetimeachievementtypeaward.ButasanyonethathasseenTheRevenantknows,HardywasflawlessasJohnFitzgerald,andfranklyovershadowsLeonardoDiCaprio.WhilemanyarepraisingDiCapriosperformance,itisclearthatHardycompletelyengrosseshimselfintotherole,practicallybecomingFitzgerald.HardyisarisingstarinHollywood,andbetweenthisandhisstellarworkinMadMax:FuryRoad,theAcademywoulddorighttohonorhimwiththisaward.

BestSupportingActress:AliciaVikander(TheDanishGirl)AsmuchasIdislikedTheDanishGirl(oneofthebiggestexamplesofOscarbaitinrecentmemory),IcannothelpbutandpraisetheperformancesofEddieRedmayneandVikander.Thetwosavedthemovieforme,andbothserveasupsetstoBestActorandSupportingActress.VikanderalsoblewmeawaywithherworkinExMachina,afilmthatwashorriblysnubbedbytheAcademy(thatswhatyougetwhenyoureleaseyourfilminApril).AndwhileWinsletistheclearfavorite,shedidnotstandoutasmuchasVikander.BestDirector:GeorgeMiller(MadMax:FuryRoad)UntilIhadseenTheRevenant,FuryRoadwaseasilymyfavoritefilmoftheyear.Butwhilenotheldupbyinsaneperformances,George

Millersmasterpieceallowsforhistrueknowledgeofactioncinematoshine.Whereotheractionfilmshavebeentooworriedaboutgettingcutewithcomplexstoryelementsorfartooelaboratesetpieces,FuryRoadshinesinitssimplicity.AndGeorgeMillershinesthroughtheperfectblendofvisualstorytelling,excellentcinematographyandbrilliantpracticalevents.Millercertainlydeservestheawardhere.Inarritudoeshaveachancetotakethis,butitwouldbedownrightcriminaltogivebestdirectortoanyoneelse.Finalthoughts:Whilethisyearwasaninterestingoneforcinema,thereareclearlyfavoritestoriseabovetheresthere.AlejandroInarritusTheRevenantisoneofthemostimpressivefilmsIhaveeverseen,whileI

cannothelpbutpraiseGeorgeMillersFuryRoad.ButtherealsleeperbetweenthesetwogiantsisLennyAbrahamsonsRoom.TheRevenantandFuryRoadarestillthetwofavoritestocleanhouseattheOscars,butdonotbeshockedifRoompullsoffsomeupsets.BillyGerkenstake:BestPicture:SpotlightActorinaLeadingRole:LeonardoDiCaprio(TheRevenant)ActressinaLeadingRole:JenniferLawrence(Joy)ActorinaSupportingRole:TomHardy(TheRevenant)ActressinaSupportingRole:RooneyMara(Carol)Directing:GeorgeMiller(MadMax:FuryRoad)

WritingCollegeSupplementalQuestions

ByBillyGerken,16Thethoughtofapplyingtocollegecanbedauntingformost,especiallywhen

reachingthelatterpartofjunioryear.Oneaspectofapplyingtocollegethatisarguablythehardestanddeservescarefulattentioniswritingsupplementalquestions.Supplementsarespecificquestionsaskedbycollegesthathelpthepersonreviewingyourapplicationlearnmoreaboutyou.Thesequestionsfocusonavarietyoftopicsandusuallychangeeveryyear,dependingonthecollegeoruniversity.

InanattempttooffersomeadvicetoIonastudentsonwhatcollegesarelookingforinthesesupplements,wehaveincludedactualquestionsfromsomeoftheworldsmostprestigiouscollegesandanswersfromthe2016seniorclass.Tell us about your attitudes and interactions with multicultural and diverse groups.

Columbia University

For as long as I can remember, multiculturalism has been a part of my DNA. A diverse family and environment, as well as two distinct cultures and traditions have shaped my identity. My mother was born in Chile and my father is Irish-American. I have extended family in Chile and South Africa. I have been raised fully bilingual and bicultural. I feel fortunate to be able to draw from two worlds, languages, and cultures. Values and traditions that are rooted in my Latin heritage are an integral part of who I am today. I have travelled with my family to numerous countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, South Africa, Egypt, and Mexico. During my most recent visit to Chile, I immersed myself in the local social life and culture. I interacted with people my age and noticed a few differences between our cultures. Chileans are more expressive and openly affectionate towards each other. I have grown up in New Rochelle, New York, surrounded by people from diverse cultures and perspectives. Two of my best friends from my childhood are African American and Cuban. I grew up learning about their cultures, beliefs, and experiences. This has given me a broader perspective, I believe, than my peers. My continuous exposure to diversity has made me more open-minded and has inspired me to explore paths that many of my peers may not have travelled. I learned Spanish, attended unforgettable learning experiences, and met people with unique perspectives. At times I take growing up as a part of the new multicultural generation that is fueling the United States for granted. I would like to continue to be a part of a global community that sees the tremendous value of diversity because I believe that having multicultural students like me will only make the university stronger.

If you were given funding for a small engineering project that would make your everyday life better, what would you do? University of Virginia

Since the age of two I have relied on my Cochlear Implant to help me hear. The device has undergone significant modifications over the past fifteen years and it has changed my life dramatically, but there is still room for improvements. With the implant, I am able to hear close to seventy-five percent of what people say when it is absolutely quiet. However, in a typical noisy environment, I am able to hear very little. A Cochlear Implants batteries need to be charged on a daily basis and the device should not be worn when sleeping or taking a shower. I dream of having a Cochlear Implant that is much smaller and fully implantable. I believe that this would have a positive effect when someone meets me for the first time.

If I were given funding for an engineering project, I would research to find a solution to at least one of the above-mentioned issues. Cochlear Americas already has a team of engineers working to improve the device. I would focus my efforts on areas such as battery life and size, which would not only benefit me, but also the lives of the more than 300,000 current Cochlear Implant recipients as well as those who will receive the device in the future. Another benefit of developing a smaller and stronger battery is that this technology could be utilized in other fields, improving the lives of millions of additional people in the world.

Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. University of Michigan

One community that stands out to me is my school community at Iona Preparatory. When I became an Iona Prep Gael, I saw that the students and faculty had a special connection, and I was inspired to become involved.

Being a member of the Iona Preparatory community has taught me many valuable lessons. Our school crest reads "Estote Firmi" or "Be Firm," and throughout my time at Iona I have learned to embody this motto by becoming a leader. For example, I applied to be a Peer Counselor in my junior year. This program offers an opportunity for upperclassmen to work with new students and guide them in their transition into high school. I enjoy giving helpful tips and advice to a group of eight freshmen at our weekly meetings. Looking back on my experiences as a freshman in high school, I recognize how important it is to have an upperclassman to talk to and look up to. I love having the opportunity to be a leader for the students in my group, and I believe that these experiences have helped me tremendously in my growth as a leader and role model.

I am confident that the lessons I have learned while attending Iona Preparatory will stick with me as I enter this next chapter of my life. In attending the University of Michigan I will strive not only to form relationships with my classmates and professors, but also to take an active leadership role in the Michigan community.

Supplementanswerscamefrommultiplesources.

2016VarsityBaseballPreviewByBillyGerken

CoachMahoneysthoughts:

LastSeasoninReview:

Wehadagreat2015regularseason;wewere153intheleagueandlostintheCHSAAsemifinalstoArchbishopMolloy65.Wehadgreatleadershipfromourseniors,andwebegantoreallyutilizetheDotyFitnessCenterandimproveourstrengthandconditioningovertheoffseason.ExpectationsforSpring,2016:

Wehadagreatfallseasonandhavereallygottenafteritintheweightroomalloffseason.TheteamlooksliketheyarereadytogetstartedonMarch5thandeveryoneisexcitedfortheseason.Welostanumberofqualityplayersandhopefullyeveryoneontheteamisreadytostepupforthe2016season.Everypersonhasaroleontheteamandiftheyallbuyin,wethinkitcanbeagreatyearfortheVarsity. KeyReturnersandNewcomersfortheGaels:

Wehaveadeeppitchingrotationreturning:JoeLaSorsaandAnthonyPiccolinoarebothD1LHPwhowilllooktoleadthewayonthemound.AlexDimovski

andMartyDurkinaretwobigRHPwholooktohelpintheirsenioryear.JuniorsRobDeBenedictisandDylanSabiaarefightingforastartingspotintherotation,andtheywillbothseequalityinnings.

ChrisDutra(committedtoDukeU.)lookstoleadthewayoffensivelyandbehindtheplateasthestartingcatcher.TherearespotstowinintheinfieldandSeniorsAndrewMilitieandTimRiordanlooktoanchorthecornerspots.JuniorsMikeGorman,AndrewD'AutilioandJoeIengoarelookingtohelpcomingoffasuccessfullowerlevelcareer.Intheoutfield,seniorSamRoqueandjuniorAnthonyPiccolinosawinningslastyearandintheplayoffsandlooktotakecontroloftheoutfield.Bothhaveaboveaveragerangeandarmstrength,andweexpectthemtohavehighOBP'sandbestolenbasethreatsallseason.SpringTraininginFt.Pierce,Florida:WetraveltoFt.PierceonMarch18thforourannualSpringTrainingtrip.Itisagreattraditionwheretheteamnotonlygetsonbeautifulbaseballfieldsbutalsospendstimebecomingateamonandoffthefield.Wehaveaqualityscheduleversussomepowerhouseprepschools,andwehopetoimproveineveryaspectofthegameandcomehomereadytostartourregularseasonvs.AllHallowsonApril1st.

The Gift of Life August Iorio, 16 There are few acts as selfless as

donating blood. On January 8th the Iona Prep community once again embodied the selfless spirit of Christ and hosted its Annual Blood Drive in the Heffernan Gymnasium. Over three dozen students, faculty and friends of the Prep, donated 34 units of lifesaving blood to the blood bank of New York. Coming from a family that gives blood regularly, I anxiously awaited my first opportunity to start my progress to the Gallon Club . With excitement pulsing through my veins I drank lots of water and had a big breakfast in anticipation for the day ahead of me. After filling out a brief survey, assuring the nice nurse that I've never injected drugs with a contaminated needle nor have I gotten a sketchy tattoo from a back-alley artist, I was ready to go. The nurses were very competent and there was a strong feeling of fraternity among friends in the beds next to mine. The process was painless and although rumors circulated on Snapchat that I had passed out (which for the record I did not) it was nonetheless a very rewarding and enjoyable experience that I look forward to doing again soon.

Due to the success of the event, the Student Faculty Council has teamed up with Boomer Esiasons Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Team Boomer, and will be hosting a second blood drive on April 13th in honor of Pole Vault Coach Jerry Cahills 60th year of life as part of his 60 for 60 campaign. The goal for this blood drive is to collect 60 units of blood. All students 16 and older may participate with consent from a parent or guardian. Please contact Mr. DAlfonso with any questions.

DanceatUrsuline,Friday,February26th

7:3010:30pm

MarchMadnessBasketballTournament Date&TimeTBD

BloodDriveforCoachCahill

April

Freshman/SophomoreDanceatIona April

BackyardSportsTournament

April

SFCTalentShow

GaelforceEditor:WilliamGerken,`16Contributors:AugustIorio,`16JustinIorio,`16GregSpiridigliozzi,`16RauldelaGuardia,16 DamianGarcia,`17Mr.Meade,01TobeapartofGaelforce,contactMr.KavanahorBillyGerken.