By Jamie Noonan '24 

Going to concerts is a memorable and popular activity for everyone, especially teenagers. It is a phenomenon that is unexplainable to those who aren't there. When tens of thousands of people are all in the same stadium, for the same exact reason it creates a vibe that's unrepeatable. Concerts become moments in life that people relive and remember forever. 

There is just something so thrilling about seeing your favorite artist in person and hearing them sing their songs live. Summer 2023 was a huge summer for concerts in Pittsburgh. 

Taylor Swift sold out Acrisure Stadium two days in a row. Her 'Eras' tour has struck the nation and has "Swifties" spending thousands of dollars just to see her live. 

“It was such a magical, fun, and positive environment,” said senior, Kalyda O’Connor, who attended both days of the concert." Taylor Swift is my favorite artist, so it was really exciting to see her live again for the seventh time.

Pittsburghers pulled out their cowboy boots and hats for the Morgan Wallen concert. He performed at PNC Park for two days in August. On his tour he also brought along with him Parker McCollum, Bailey Zimmerman, HARDY, Earnest, and Ian Munsick. This was a show that no country music fan wanted to miss. 

“Country concerts have a completely different vibe from other concerts like Taylor Swift”, O’Connor said. “They are more relaxed and laid back, but still super fun”. 

Although concerts are only a couple hours long, they become an all day event. Getting ready for a concert is a crucial part of the experience. Friends meet earlier in the day before the concert and get ready together. 

“I love getting ready for a concert, especially with all my friends,” O’Connor explained. “It just sets the tone for the day."

By Giovanni Certa '27

Everyone experiences the feeling of being trapped at least once in their life. Whether it is financial, relational, or educational there are times that escaping feels nearly impossible. 

In my experience, being positioned and stuck in a place you hate is draining, and it can easily take a toll on your mental health. 

However, being trapped builds character, and hard times make the strongest people. 

It is easy for some people to lose their personal motivation while being trapped, however, some people channel their frustration, and use it to become stronger during this time. 

Being trapped gives a person a new perspective and can give someone new opportunities.

Temporary hardships do not determine the rest of one’s life.

By Kayla Black '26

In a world where traditional pets reign supreme, a number of individuals are finding companionship in the most unconventional animals imaginable. 

French teacher, Madame Schetley, owns a beautiful 18-year-old spotted python named Zelda. This breed of snake has a life expectancy of 15-20 years. Zelda is a little over three feet long and eats two adult mice every two weeks. 

I own a 2-year-old male chameleon, named Gibby. A panther chameleon has a life expectancy of 5-7 years. He tends to change color during the day, depending on his mood. Gibby enjoys eating insects, but crickets are his favorite food. 

These pets can be hard to take care of, as they are not just your usual cat or dog. They often have special diets and environment needs.

Each unique companion tends to bring its own challenges and love as they enrich the lives their owners. A lot of consideration and commitment are a big part of owning these animals.

Starting on Ash Wednesday, the 6 weeks of Lent begin. Lent is a 40 day season of prayer and fasting to be closer to Jesus. Lent represents the 40 days Jesus spent suffering in the wilderness. During the Fridays of Lent everyone 14 and older are to abstain from eating meat. Catholics also fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and many people choose one thing to give up to help them grow in their faith.

Freshmen Martin Stickney said, “I feel that Lent is a time to grow in our faith and encourage the people around us.”

Our Lenten sacrifice is something that we give up to help us get closer to God. We sacrifice something for Lent so we can relate to Jesus when he had nothing for 40 days. Whether it's giving up something like eating snacks in class or all drinks other than water, small sacrifices can make a big impact. 

It’s not always about giving something up. Sometimes it can mean starting something new, such as praying a decade of the rosary everyday, or texting someone and telling them what they mean to you.

Sean Wolf ‘27 said, “Lent has taught me to be more appreciative of others around me.”

By Kayla Black '26

The morning routine of many students includes the race against the clock that people face as soon as they awake.

Everyone takes a different amount of time to get ready in the morning, as some either spring out of bed, or repeatedly hit the snooze button. 

Junior, Meredith Zendarski said, "It takes me about an hour to get ready in the morning, even when I take a shower the night before."

The students that shower in the morning tend to take longer.  Many students decide to take one the night before, so that rushing is not a hassle for them. 

Some girls tend to spend a decent amount of time perfecting any makeup or hair products. Others keep it simple.

Sophomore, Courtney Mentecki said, "It takes me only 10 minutes to get ready in the morning, even when doing my hair and makeup."

By Emma Blackburn `25

With spring just around the corner, students are preparing for some relaxation and fun activities. This can be a hard time during the school year because Spring break is just around the corner, and students are eager to go on break. 

As the weather gets nicer, students are participating in outdoor sports. One sport that has gained a lot more interest this season is softball, with a handful of returning girls from last season, and a new group joining this year. The team is eager to be back on the field for a new season.  

Some of the freshmen on the roster are excited to be able to become close with all the girls on the team, and are happy to learn the game. 

Freshman Maddalena Frings said, "I am very excited for this upcoming softball season. Even though this is my first season, I'm thrilled to be a part of the team.” 

Spring is not just about outdoor activities and sports, it's also about preparing for Easter and going on spring break to relax and hang out with family and friends.

Khloe Booth '27 said, "I don't do a whole lot, but I spend most of my time with my family, and I enjoy relaxing."

This year there is lots of time to relax with an extended break.  The week following Easter, classes are cancelled while all teachers in the diocese attend the NCEA 2024 Conference in Pittsburgh.  And on April 8 there will be a flexible instruction day due to the solar eclipse. 

Students plans vary throughout break, as some prefer to stay home and relax, while others prefer to go out and celebrate Easter.

Elsie Jannello '26 said, "My plans for spring break are to celebrate my birthday on April 7, go to church on Easter Sunday, and hunt for Easter eggs and baskets while spending time with my family."