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Eye Want You!

By The Eye Staff

Another year has come and gone, but The Eye, the #1 student newspaper at Saint Ignatius, continues. And that means it’s time for recruiting! The Eye is looking for writers, editors, photographers, graphic designers, artists, and so much more! If you can name it, we want it! Everyone is encouraged to join us and bring their unique voice to the team. Complete this Google Form to join The Eye!

In addition to our core team, The Eye wants people who aren’t part of The Eye to be able to contribute as well! Have an idea for an article you want to write? Have an idea for an article you don’t want to write? Then you’ve come to the right place! We want students to show off their “thing” to the school and to voice their unique perspectives. Please feel free to submit any articles or ideas you have to this form!

The Eye is also looking to expand its involvement with other groups on campus. If you’re a club moderator and are interested in having your club work with The Eye, please contact us at [email protected]!

Meet the Candidates: Q&A with the 2024-25 Student Senate Slates

by Dae San Kim ’25

Earlier this month, I interviewed each of the three slates running for Student Senate President and Vice President. Each slate was asked about their specific ideas for how they would lead the student body and why they thought they were the best qualified students for the position. You can see what they have to say about topics ranging from eating off campus to the bell schedule as well as advisory and how to revive school spirit.  As we prepare to cast our votes this week, you can use these interviews to inform your decision. 

(The image to the left shows, from top to bottom and left to right, Alsouss/Bornhorst, Solar/Bender, and Avery/Gibbs.)

Editor’s Note: The Eye neither endorses candidates nor vouches for the accuracy of the candidates’ statements.

What specific new ideas do you hope to bring to the school/senate, or what problems do you want to solve?

Jad Alsouss (P) & Adam Bornhorst (VP):

We want to take student input from all students in all grades to ensure everyone has a say in what goes on. We will also make advisory more entertaining while increasing the amount of places we can go for lunch to include OCB, Mitchell’s Ice Cream and EDDA coffee. We also want to give intramural sports prizes higher stakes with potential cash prizes. Jad is also strongly considering getting a buzz cut if he and Adam are elected.

Evan Solar (P) & Connor Bender (VP):

We want to ensure that we preserve school traditions in the midst of Vision 30 by emphasizing servant leadership and doing all things to God’s greater glory. We will make the student body feel the impact of Student Senate more directly and promote positive change that can be felt by all students. We want our campus to have more liveliness throughout the year with more regularly scheduled events and no dead time for Student Senate.

Edwin Avery (P) & Pearce Gibbs (VP):

One key problem that we would like to solve is a lack of student voice in administrative decisions. Obviously there are some barriers to this, but we feel that students need to have more of a voice in policies/decisions that affect us more than anyone else on campus. One specific area we know students’ voices need to be heard is in the creation of our schedule for next year. Another key problem Pearce and I would like to address is reviving school spirit; we feel that there has been a decline in attendance not only for athletic games but also in our school rallies. We also plan on having more blue and gold dress down days to show a greater appreciation for our school.

Why would you be the best candidate(s) to represent the student body?

Jad Alsouss (P) & Adam Bornhorst (VP):

There are a multitude of reasons why we are running, but ultimately it boils down to two things: 1) we love Ignatius; 2) we want to make it better. As far as why we believe we are the best candidates, Adam and I are super caring for those around us. Whether it be personal guidance or help with homework, Adam and I will always be there for our Ignatius brothers. Additionally, Adam and I are extremely hardworking. Whether it be in the classroom with us succeeding in 12+ AP classes throughout our years, on the sports field, you name it. If there is a problem, you can count on Adam and me to take care of it. Lastly, and very uniquely, Adam and I are extremely ready to take the reins and strive for change. We will make Ignatius students have easier lives, enjoy their time, and most importantly, leave this school knowing it was the best thing that ever happened to them.

Evan Solar (P) & Connor Bender (VP):

We are enthusiastic. We believe in servant leadership and we are personable. Thanks in large part to our Arrupe, L’Arche, and Labre experience, we are easy to talk to, empathetic, fun, high energy, kind and open to growth.

Edwin Avery (P) & Pearce Gibbs (VP):

Edwin: I’m a leader for numerous C.A.T. initiatives on campus, a speech and debate captain, a lacrosse player and ultimately someone who loves the blue and gold; whether it be through leading Labre and L’Arche, playing on the lacrosse team or excelling in the classroom, I take serious pride in being an Ignatian man. My vast experiences as an Ignatius student help to show my ability to represent all of you as your student body president, and ultimately be your voice to the administration.

Pearce: I’m a varsity basketball player, a straight-A student and an Empower Sports volunteer (an organization that strives to create opportunities for disabled people to be included in playing sports). I have been on the student spirit committee throughout my years on Senate and my experience will be hugely beneficial in our hope to revive school spirit.

Edwin: Both of us are very involved in the school in different ways. We are both athletes, high achieving students, and service volunteers. We feel that we each are involved in at least something that every Ignatius student should be able to relate to. Our experiences in the last three years point to our ability to represent your voice and it is of the utmost importance for us to represent each and every one of you.

Make your last pitch: why should students vote for you?

Jad Alsouss (P) & Adam Bornhorst (VP):

Jad has been an elected Student Senator for two years and has been chosen frequently to help lead the younger guys in different events. He leads the Model UN club and is a leader for multiple service initiatives at the school. He is also a Big Brother for a freshman advisory. For athletics, Jad runs cross country and plays tennis. Adam plays football and rugby and has been a mentor and leader for the younger guys to look up to. He has also been an active member of Student Senate for two years, serving as a committed senator and cabinet member. When not busting his butt on the field, Adam is involved with service, frequently going out on Labre and feeding the homeless community of Cleveland.

Evan Solar (P) & Connor Bender (VP):

We believe that we are a prime example of enthusiastic leadership. We are dedicated, goal-oriented and passionate young men with undying positive attitudes. “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.” We believe that we embody this message and have proven so in our academic, extracurricular, and personal endeavors and will continue to live this message if elected Student Senate President and Vice President.

Edwin Avery (P) & Pearce Gibbs (VP):

We are hands down the best candidates in the race. Our vast experiences in the school paired with our genuine desire to lead and represent all of you should never be disregarded. When thinking about who to vote for, we ask that you cast your ballot for a candidate who really resonates with you and in whom you have confidence as being the face of the student body. Thank you.

Fall Play Set to Delight Potter Fans!

By Jackson Kenny ’25

Fans of a certain series of books starring a certain boy wizard are in for a treat this fall, as the Harlequin’s presents Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic. 

Puffs focuses on the misadventures of the Hufflepuffs, following Wayne and his friends as they navigate their own journey through school. 

The cast and crew consists  of students from Saint Ignatius High School, Saint Joseph, Magnificat, and Beaumont. 

Anthony DeBlasis ‘25 plays the eccentric J. Finch Fletchley, a role that has allowed him to experiment with different character traits. “What I love is that [Puffs] allows me to parallel my character with my own personal experiences. There was a lot that I didn’t know about myself that I didn’t realize until I played J. Finch.”

Assistant Stage Manager Jacob Rolda ‘26 will be calling the cues of a show for the first time this fall. For Rolda, working on Harlequins productions has been an educational experience. “Learning about theater in general, from hanging lights to putting together scenic elements, has been really cool,” he says.

Over the weeks, the cast and crew have become a tight knit community, something which Saint Joseph Academy student Lyla Patrick ‘27, who plays Susie Bones, notes is essential to the success of the show. “Interacting with people off-stage makes it more authentic to interact with them on-stage,” says Patrick. “It all ties together on stage at some point.”

Ticketing information for Puffs is available at ignatius.edu/puffs. The production runs November 17-19.

Club Corner – Pickleball Club

By: Zain Abbas ’27

A new sport has captured the interest of athletes all across the nation —  Pickleball. A paddle sport that combines elements from tennis, badminton, and more, pickleball has found its way to courts across the world and even to the gyms of Saint Ignatius High School. 

The Pickleball club here at Saint Ignatius is a fun way for students and faculty to get active after school on Mondays in the Murphy Gym. Those who are interested but have no experience have nothing to fear as the club prioritizes having fun and making sure that all feel welcome. Mr. Barker ‘87, faculty moderator, emphasizes that anyone of any skill level can join and still have an enjoyable time: “Everyone’s out there trying to have fun and win their games, but it’s no big deal if you don’t. Just be patient and you’ll have a good time.” 

The Pickleball Club is new but has been quickly gaining popularity. Daniel Maddox, one of the club’s first members, says that he enjoys his time in the pickleball club: “It’s really friendly and inclusive. If you haven’t played before, that’s fine.” 

Senior Soham Shah is one of the student founders of the club. After getting introduced to the game this past summer, he knew he had to bring a pickleball club to Saint Ignatius: “Once I started I couldn’t stop, and I wanted to bring it to the school.” Shah is excited about the immediate interest in the club and is already thinking about the future: “It’s growing a lot, so we definitely have plans for it going forward.”

Pickleball Club has already begun gaining popularity on campus, and those interested should make sure to get involved on Mondays at 3:15. 

Contact Mr. Barker at [email protected], Soham Shah at [email protected], Steven Tirpak at [email protected], or Charles Bartles at [email protected] for more information. 

 

The Class of 2027 by the Numbers

By: Joshua Gordon ’27

From the Freshman Atrium to the Library to the Mall, the buzz of excitement that fills the campus every morning until 3:05 is palpable as the freshmen of the Class of 2027 begin their journey at Saint Ignatius High School. As they settle into the new year, here is an in-depth statistical breakdown of this vibrant group of young men.

The class comprises 389 students from 107 feeder schools, the top three being Saint Raphael School, Saint Albert the Great School, and Saint Christopher School, respectively. It follows, then, that 66 percent of freshmen hail from Catholic schools.

Students’ homes are scattered throughout Northeast Ohio, occupying a total of 64 cities and nine counties. 53 percent of freshmen are Westsiders, 26 percent are Eastsiders, and 21 percent are Southsiders. The closest a student lives is a couple minutes away while the farthest commute is almost an hour: a 55-mile drive from Rock Creek to the campus.

Other miscellaneous statistics include that 88 freshmen are Ignatian Scholars, 18 percent are taking AP Modern World History, and – most interestingly – 41 percent of the class are legacy students.

While these statistics provide valuable insights, the Saint Ignatius community anticipates the Class of 2027’s future accomplishments during their next four years at the school. In the words of Director of Admissions Patrick O’Rourke ’90, “Some [students] did some pretty cool things in grade school, but let’s see what they do at Ignatius… as we say in Latin, everyone has a tabula rasa, or a clean slate!”

Second Semester Campus Changes

By: Patrick Laudolff ’24

As we are sure students are aware, 2024 will be a big year for Saint Ignatius High School as Carroll Gym is set to be demolished and replaced with a new building that will change the campus dynamic. Until everything is finished — projected for the fall of 2025 —  students will have to deal with the reality of a campus under construction. January 1st of 2024 will have a host of changes that students should note. The Eye sat down with principal Principal Anthony Fior ‘02 to get the scoop on all of the upcoming changes: 

Q: With the Library closing in the second semester, where will students be able to go for a quiet place to study? 

A: The Library will be temporarily located in the current College Counseling Office.  As this space is much smaller than the current library, we will be locating tables, chairs and study carrels in various spots throughout campus to provide students with places to study.  We are also looking at designating certain classrooms for silent study during the Activity periods.

Q: It has also been rumored that college counseling, the athletic office, and counseling services will be moved out of the basement of the Main Building. Where will students be able to find these adults on campus?  

A: College Counseling will be temporarily located in the Chapel Basement (SPA offices); Counseling Services will occupy a mobile office unit to be located in Zivoder Garden, and Athletics will move to the Counseling Conference Room

Q: With the closure of the library comes the supposed closure of what used to be the Math Wing. What will be the fate of the Makerspace? 

A: Makerspace is temporarily relocated to the 5th floor

Q: Part of the new building will be attached to Murphy Gym. Will this affect students’ ability to use Murphy during or after school for the upcoming semester? 

A: Murphy Gym is not affected by our renovation/construction plans

Explanatory note: Murphy Gym will not be touched during the renovation; however, the addition of a hallway from the library connected to the new building will presumably be attached to the wall adjacent to Murphy. 

Q: Carroll Gym and Classroom are set to be demolished. Will the availability of the Back Quad be affected? 

A: The Back Quad will be closed from January, 2024 through August, 2025 during the renovation/construction period.

Final reminders: Wasmer Field will remain accessible during the school day and for after school practice activity. The track, however, will not be available, and there will be no athletic competition events on Wasmer during the construction period.

While the changes will be impactful for students, the bulk of the displacement will affect teachers and other staff members at Saint Ignatius, many of whom will have temporary offices elsewhere. Arguably the greatest loss in the chaos of construction is the Library. Students will have to find a new place to study as the current College Counseling office is nowhere near the size needed to accommodate the number of students that flock to the Library during the activities period. Bringing back the system of designating classrooms for silent study for the activities period is a strategy that originated during the COVID-19 pandemic where students had to have more space to social distance. Some students, however, found sitting in the designated classrooms alone or with a few other students to be awkward, so it will be interesting to see how students adapt to the absence of the Library. 

 

The Eye would like to thank Dr. Fior for his help and willingness to share with the student body on how their campus experience will be impacted over the next two years. 

What is Science Olympiad?

By Dae San Kim ’25

In the depths of the science building lies the home of the Science Olympiad team. Despite the recent season-concluding state competition at The Ohio State University, the room remains lively as ever. This is typical: Science Olympiad is a medium for participating students not only to compete but to socialize and make new connections.

Science Olympiad is highly-competitive but also emphasizes the team over the individual. One team consists of 15 students who all equally share a burden to learn three to four events that range from knowledge-based exams (cell biology, astronomy) to hands-on labs (chemistry lab, forensics) and builds (planes, bridges). Because each person only does their events, it is crucial to be strong as a team to do well at the competitions.

Competitions—called invitationals—are the best part of being in Science Olympiad. These invitationals allow members to test their hard work and celebrate when they earn medals for their events; furthermore, invitationals typically consist of around forty schools, making them a fun and lively environment. Like other academic clubs, the Science Olympiad team often takes overnight trips such as this season’s invitational at Northwestern University. What makes it different, however, are the numerous local invitationals in places like Westlake, Hudson, and Solon that provide more chances for the team members to prove themselves.

Captain Pedro Villa-Forte ‘23 had this to say: “Science Olympiad was one of the best ways to start my SIHS career because it was so easy to meet new people. Whether I was hanging out in the office or going to a Saturday practice, there was really never a dull moment. I’m extremely grateful for having had this experience and for this community, and I’m hopeful that other people will be able to have it too.”

If you would like to join, please email moderator Mr. Bogen at [email protected] or Pedro at [email protected].

Loyola Hall to Be Renovated: Details on the Renovations and the Vision Behind Them

By Jack Brennan ’24

Loyola Hall, one of Saint Ignatius High School’s oldest buildings on campus, is set to have a new interior look for the 2023-24 school year. No longer will the second floor hallway be a crooked, dark corridor; rather, it will be gutted and replaced with a brand new hallway and set of classrooms, complete with a small student common area for studying. The renovations are part of Phase 1 of the school’s Vision ‘30 Project, a project seeking to refresh the campus of Saint Ignatius High School and invest in student education at the school. The renovations to Loyola Hall will include new ceilings, lighting, paint, flooring, as well as new standardized classroom technology and a downscaling of classrooms, from 14 to 12, to make the building feel less cramped while also allowing for more designated common space. Renovation will begin just prior to the end of the school year and will run through August. The new floors are set to be fully functional and holding classes by the start of the next school year. 

The changes also come along with a reorganization of several of the school departments. The Math Department will be moving into the newly renovated second and third floors of Loyola with the goal of being situated in a closer proximity to the Science Department, which reflects a long-term goal of the school. As Mr. Sabol put it in an interview, “The overall goal, that connects with some future plans as well, is to create a little bit more cohesion between departments academically. So specifically for this summer, you’ll have math situated directly next door to science, which is going to set them up for the future for more formal collaborations or even just informal collaborations, and to sort of a STEM side of campus, so to speak.” He went on to explain that this change is being spearheaded by a group of teachers and administrators on campus who have met “to help find ways to better organize our current curriculum, so that we can examine it and find the best opportunities for change and growth, if there are any,” noting that the group is in no way mandating change where it is not needed but trying to find ways to improve areas that need improvement. No major curricular overhauls are currently set to be implemented any time within the next year; however, moving similar departments closer to one another is a step towards the long-term goal of inter department collaboration.

 With the Math Department now taking up both the second and third floors of Loyola Hall, the Theology Department, which currently resides on those floors, will be relocated to occupy the space that is currently the Math Wing as well as parts of the first floor of the Main Building. Along with this, the History Department will be  dispersed around campus with classes being taught in the Durkin Room, the Castell Room, Gibbons Hall, the Chapel Basement, and parts of the Science Building. Dr. Fior explained that this seemingly random placement of history classrooms is purely temporary, and future campus developments will likely see a new, reunified home.

 The renovations are being funded fully through a  capital campaign  with the goal of reinvesting a large sum of school capital into campus renovations that will improve the learning environment as well as providing opportunities for students from all different backgrounds to attend and make the most out of Ignatius. Dr. Fior remarked, “the school is undertaking a massive capital campaign, both for the endowment to make school the tuition affordable and accessible to students, but also to make these capital improvements that are, as many would argue, long overdue in terms of investing significant dollars in the academic program and spaces on campus for all kids, not just a sector of kids.” The campaign itself seeks to shift the focus of the school’s investments directly towards improvement to the academic landscape of the school. “I think that students should be excited,” Dr. Fior added, “Students should be excited that the school is making a significant investment in the academic program of the school —  its teachers, students, and spaces. It’s an incredible investment that the school and the board is doing for students, and it’s all for academics.” Needless to say, the school is set on a robust vision of its future, and the future of its student’s classroom experience and these renovations to Loyola Hall are only the beginning.

Spring Release Review: boygenius

By Finn Ross ’25

The supergroup boygenius, comprised of Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus, has taken 2023 by storm. This spring, their long-awaited album the record came after their 2018 self-titled debut EP, a stunning, impressive album featuring powerful songs like “Me & My Dog” and “Salt In The Wound.” With the 2023 release of the record’s lead singles “$20”, “Emily I’m Sorry”, and “True Blue,” the album’s focus has clearly shifted around strong vocals and bold, melancholic lyrics. 

Not only does the record showcase the band’s maturity and confidence that comes with a sophomore release, but their immense talent as well. boygenius’s depth is heavily influenced by both the nuances and commonalities between each of its members and the talent that comes with their formation.

Julien Baker, standing proud at five feet tall, holds compelling vocals strong enough to fill Coachella, which the band recently headlined, and demanding lyrics to pierce your soul. Phoebe Bridgers, whose popular work is often described as “the-type-of-music-even-your-dad-knows,” brings a solemn voice and heart-wrenching lyrics to the band. Lucy Dacus, well known for her deserving viral hit “Night Shift,” contributes clever songwriting and the natural etherealness of her vocals to the record. 

Each member of boygenius is so independently strong that when they come together, meshing their vocals to create blissful harmonies and killer lyrics, they are a true supergroup on the wavelength of a contemporary Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

the record exudes true modern alternative music. Its sound and lyrics breathe through feelings of pain, recovery, and growth, highlighted on tracks like “Cool About It”, “Not Strong Enough”, and “Letter To An Old Poet”. Ultimately, the record captures the insane talent of boygenius, leaving fans alike excited to see what more is on the horizon for this brilliant supergroup.

2023 Volleyball Playoff Preview

By Seamus Walsh ’24

In its inaugural season as an Ohio High School Athletic Association sanctioned sport, the volleyball squad looks to make a deep run in the postseason. The regular season has been nothing short of eventful. The team fought for wins over Olentangy Liberty, Elder, and St. Edward along with steady victories throughout the season. Inversely, injuries have plagued the lineup: setter Jack Kanzig ‘23, right-side hitter Sean Atkinson ‘24, and outside hitter Sam Brown ‘23 have all spent time getting treated by Ms. Moe. These injuries led to long games with the Cats playing in almost a dozen grueling five-set matches. At the season’s end, the record stood at 13-9, which secured the second seed in the OHSAA regional tournament. Patrick O’Neill ‘23 is confident in the team’s ability in the postseason: “If we can just play Wildcat volleyball for six straight matches, I believe we can beat anyone in the state.”

The Cats will play their first-round matchup at home in Sullivan Gym on May 10th, facing either Springfield or Mentor. If victorious, which is likely, the team will seemingly square off against Firestone on May 13th, a team that the Cats swept in three sets on March 24th. The test will come after this: Jackson, Stow-Munroe Falls, or Brecksville-Broadview Heights will be the next matchup. These teams pose a serious threat to the Cats as all three are scrappy and offensively dangerous. The Polar Bears and Bees have each beaten Ignatius this season. Nevertheless, the Wildcats have beaten Jackson once as well and were injured against Brecksville. Overall, this regional semifinal round could endanger the season, but victory is attainable.

If Ignatius advances to the regional final, they will undoubtedly be squaring off against the one-seeded Hudson Explorers. Boasting multiple first-team honor recipients and the regional player of the year, their 20-0 season warrants commendation. This does not mean the Cats aspire to allow Hudson to maintain this record. In fact, they seek to ruin Hudson’s season and punch a ticket to the state semifinals at Wittenberg University in Springfield. The Cats were swept by Hudson earlier in the season, yet the Cats seek to turn the tables this postseason before advancing to state semifinals and likely facing St. Xavier and Olentangy Liberty among others.

“Our season restarts now, as everyone is 0-0,” notes Head Coach Dominick Adornato ‘11. “We’ll be ready to play.” Five key seniors lead the team: Sean Bingle, Sam Brown, Jack Kanzig, Patrick O’Neill, and Jacob Thomas. Brown received first-team honors with upstart outside hitter Jack Ragon ‘26. O’Neill and Kanzig received honorable mentions. “The team…and relationships are tight,” states Bingle, Jim Skerl Award recipient. The relationships will be tested in a certainly intense postseason, but “If the road is easy, you’re going the wrong way,” noted superfan Mrs. Jennifer Atkinson, mother of Sean Atkinson ‘24. Certainly, the road to a state title will not be free. Each game towards that goal will have to be earned. “Iron sharpens iron,” noted O’Neill. Vying for a state title, the team must find value in camaraderie and ingrained unity. 

State of Extracurriculars pt. 2: Administration Responses

By Patrick Laudolff ’24

In my last article, I gathered student feedback from club leaders to form an assessment of the health of extracurricular life at Saint Ignatius High School and raise some student concerns. This issue of the series brings a response from the administration to questions students have about the decision making process when it comes to the activities period and the state of extracurricular activities as a whole. The questions and responses are listed below.

How does the administration view time before school for clubs? Is it encouraged for students to try to meet in the morning? 

Mr. Sabol: This can also be a good time for activities to meet; though, it can be more challenging for students to arrive in the same numbers as during activities or after school. Still, we find that many clubs will use this time for small meetings like leadership teams. We support clubs that want to meet before school. 

Would the administration ever consider going back to the old schedule from the 21-22 school year?

Mr. Sabol: Largely, we have the same schedule now as we did last year – four  70-minute periods each day, seven  total period slots, seven day rotation, etc. The changes we made to the activities time have decreased the strain on common areas and the kitchen staff, and while they have not addressed all the challenges for clubs meeting during the activities period, we don’t see the need to revert to last year’s lunch structure. 

Is competition among clubs a concern for the administration based on the fact that the majority of clubs meet during school on either Monday or Friday? 

Mr. Martin: For generations of Ignatius students, after school was virtually the only time that most clubs and extracurricular activities would (or could) meet; now with the introduction of the activities period as well as the later start time in the mornings, there are three distinct times during the day that are reasonable for meetings.

Finding the best times for meetings will inevitably look different for different clubs.  That is one of the reasons we created the Master Club/EC Calendar this year, which we shared with the entire campus community in the fall.  Obviously, Mondays and Fridays during the activities period will be popular options since there are no advisories those days, but as the calendar shows, plenty of groups are taking advantage of other meeting times.  Moderators and student leaders are welcome to experiment with different meeting times until they find a schedule that best meets the needs of their club.

No schedule is ever going to free students entirely from the need to make choices about how they spend their time and what activities they will join: that was always clear to those designing the current bell schedule.  We do believe, though, that we have provided more information and more potential meeting slots than at any time in recent memory

How much of a factor was the Activities period in the decision to change the schedule for the current academic year?

Mr. Sabol: It was a major consideration in the sense that we wanted to address the issues raised last year (advisory frequency, strain on common areas and the kitchen) while still providing ample time for intramurals, class meetings, and similar activities. While it’s only 10 minutes, the change in the end time for the school day was put in place in order to better facilitate after school activities.

Mr. Pacetti: The new schedule also provides regular times for various faith formation activities that didn’t exist before.  Having 50 minute advisory/activity periods allows for class liturgies (Masses & Eucharistic Adoration), class meetings, and significant planning time for retreat and service/justice leadership teams (Pallbearers, Labre, Christmas Food Drive, Ignatians for Peace and Justice, etc.) throughout the year.  Additionally, with daily masses each morning and CAT meetings on Wednesdays before delayed starts, it enables all students to participate without class or after school conflicts.

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In summary, the school and administration continue to support the vibrance of the extracurricular scene, which carries a considerable weight in deciding any future schedule changes. What has been noted, however, is the presence and emphasis on the three meeting times that students now have compared to the past. Extracurricular activities now have the ability to meet before, during, and after school —  whichever time works best for the individual club. 

Extracurricular activities this year have occurred  primarily in the Monday and Friday activities periods, leaving a comparative lack of club meetings before and after school. The responses above point to a need to use these other time slots if students want to have the opportunity to attend multiple activities throughout the week. Unfortunately, many students have to make sacrifices as about half of the student body is dependent on a ride to and from school each day. This limitation makes participation in morning activities especially more difficult than the convenience of the activities period. 

Some may also point toward student apathy as a cause of the lack of afternoon and, especially, morning club meetings. Getting up in the morning for school is hard for many, myself included, and if given the choice to go to school early for a club meeting or sleep another half an hour, I would probably sleep nine out of ten times. This poses an understandable problem for the morning activities period that leaves most morning meetings to the most committed of students. 

To offer criticism and not attempt to brainstorm a way to solve the issue would be foolhardy. The most compelling argument – to me – that came from a student responses made by Tyler Craciun ‘24:changing the schedule such that all Advisories meet on the same day. This would free up either the Tuesday or Thursday activities period for clubs to meet, further capitalizing on the convenience of meeting during school hours. Whether or not this is feasible remains to be seen as sources say that there is not enough physical classroom space in the school to have all Advisories meet at the same time.

Regardless of any changes that may or may not be coming in the future to the schedule, to say that extracurricular activities have made a comeback since COVID-19 would be an understatement. While there are still some perennial problems to overcome, this is the healthiest that extracurricular activities have ever been.

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About The Eye

The Eye is the student-led publication of Saint Ignatius High School.

Editors-in-Chief: Kelly Coleman '23, Young Kim '23 & Aidan Oliss '23