Student athletes are considered to have some of the most rigorous and tiring days. Having to wake up early for school and then heading straight to practice for their sport with barely enough time to do homework can be very tiring. Practices, games, and competitions can make student athletes stay up late into the night. On top of that, students have to finish homework and manage to keep their grades and performance in school up to standard. 

“After a while you get used to it. You’re exhausted and tired but you’re immune to it. The same thing goes with pain,” said Isabella Thomas ‘27.

Student athletes' schedules for their sports make them stay up late almost every night. They have weekend practices and potentially have to drive hours to get to a competition or game. With practices ranging from one hour to four hours or more, this makes the students tired and exhausted.

Thomas is a gymnast and she competes during the school year.

“I’m in level eight gymnastics with practices ranging from three to four hours. I also run for about an hour and do a lot of conditioning,” said Thomas.

Usually, student athletes who do their sport for their school have to maintain their grades. Failing a class is not an option because school comes before activities. Having to keep up a grade can give motivation to student athletes because they want to play their sport and to train to become better at it. Homework can be a struggle to complete in the time between when an athlete has school and then practice. You have to have good time management skills.

“I have at least an hour and a half of homework every day,” said Thomas.

Homework can keep students up at night, and with having to wake up early the next day for school, sleep deprivation and exhaustion can set in. Having enough sleep is important for performance in school and for the sport. If a student is too exhausted, grades can start to drop significantly. Students may be too tired to focus during class. Not paying attention in class can cause confusion on the homework and tests. 

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that children aged 6-12 years should regularly sleep 9-12 hours per 24 hours, and teenagers aged 13-18 should sleep 8-10 hours per 24 hours, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

With practices for student athletes being in the early morning or late at night, a lot of teenagers don’t get the recommended hours of sleep every day. 

Athletes also have to rely on energy from food, such as protein, to keep up their energy during rigorous workouts and training sessions.

“I eat half a bagel for breakfast which gets me through the morning. I then eat a salad with chicken for lunch, and then some sort of protein for dinner. Proteins are a big thing for building muscle and having energy,” said Thomas.

Even through all of this, student athletes find a way to keep up their grades, find a job, and perform well in their sport. These athletes are not given enough credit for what they do every single day. They find a way to do it and love their sport.

By Meredith Zendarski '25

On September 20, the senior class started their day with a beautiful sunrise and breakfast in the parking lot. The day was filled with anticipation as the senior class reflected on what is to come this year.

The Class of 2025 arrived at 6:30 a.m. to watch the sunrise together. The morning began with a class sponsored breakfast and lawn games in the parking lot. 

Senior Gia Richter said, "The morning activities were my favorite part of the day. It was fun to eat with everyone after we pitched in and brought the treats."

After breakfast outside, students celebrated Mass in the JPII Center with Fr. Maximilian Maxwell, a Benedictine priest from St. Vincent College. During the homily, Fr. Max rewarded student participation with cash prizes, surprising everyone. 

Afterward, the senior class broke into small groups to choose a scripture verse to guide their year.  The class decided on 2 Corinthians 4:17: "For our present troubles are small and won't last very long.  Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever."

Senior Rachael Schumann said, "The day of reflection helped bring us together outside of having classes with each other." 

The day finished out with letter writing to parents, and a short walk to J&S Pizza for lunch. Letters were mailed out the day of senior sunrise. 

Schumann said, "Senior Sunrise helped us open up to the fact that we’re seniors and graduating soon. It’ll be here before we know it, and we needed the eye opener for that."

By Courtney Mentecki '26

Student council officers are looking forward to making 2024-2025 a school year to remember. 

Senior Class President David Schratz '25 said, "My goal for student council this year is to get more students involved with the ideas.  I want this year to be unique."

One major change in student council compared to last year, is that the council is fully student based. 

Junior Class President Niviah Andree '26 said, "Last year, the students relied on the teacher running the council, but now the students are getting more and more involved." 

As the students are excited for this new year with much planning, there is lots to look forward to.

Sophomore Class Secretary, Jillian Bloch '27 said, "I am most looking forward to making the school year exciting and preparing activities for the students."

The officers are thrilled to help provide for the school and they encourage anyone who has ideas to bring it to their attention. 

The newly elected Class Officers are as follows:

Senior class: 

• President- David Schratz

• Vice president- Veronica McCarthy

• Secretary- Knij'e Middlebrook

• Treasurer- Gia Richter

Junior Class:

• President- Niviah Andree

• Vice president- Ava Roxberry

• Secretary- Bella Graff

• Treasurer- Elissa Mlinarcik

Sophomore Class:

• President- Martin Stickney

• Vice president- Sean Wolfe

• Secretary- Jillian Bloch

• Treasurer- Faith Durci

Freshman Class:

• President- Emma Monaco

• Vice president- Alex Park

• Secretary- Gabby Carvens

• Treasurer- Marissa Heath

Being in a Catholic School makes it harder for students to be able to express themselves with fashion, due to not having their own choices in what they wear to school. But students at SJHS still have their own ways of expressing themselves.

Wearing school uniforms means that students have to find other ways to express themselves.  Many have their own way of doing this, as you may see around the school. Some of the girls style their hair in buns, ponytails, and braids. Students are also seen with dyed hair in colors like blonde, brown, and black to show their individuality. 

You may also see girls in the school with painted nails. Students choose to paint their nails because it enables them to express their personalities through the different colors and designs.  Many girls go to a salon to have their nails done, while others purchase kits with press on nails for at-home manicures. 

Having to wear uniforms, students cannot show their interests, favorite colors, and unique personality. But being able to paint their nails gives them the ability to do these things. It gives them the opportunity to take pride in themselves.

Students express themselves through jewelry as well. Almost every student has their own type of jewelry on. These accessories are seen as rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Being able to wear your own jewelry allows you to show your own interests and style. Uniforms do not have to mean the loss of individuality because accessories allow you to be yourself. 

There are many ways you can design yourself while wearing the school uniform. It’s nice to see the students showing off their personalities and their favorite things. Wearing uniforms can be alright and even convenient at some point, but they also can remove the ability for students to truly show themselves. These different accessories give students the opportunity to be themselves while attending a Catholic school. 

By Kayla Black '26

A new school year has begun, and with it there are more options to learn something new. Annually, students take part in the "Club Fair." Students are able to choose what activity they are interested in during once a month WIN clubs. 

This year, there are both new and returning clubs. New clubs include Health and Fitness, Instrumental Music, Trivial Pursuit, Tutoring, and Vocals. Students and faculty are excited to have these new clubs introduced. A returning club, that many students are excited about, is crochet, which is hosted by teacher, Natalie Brock '11.

Because WIN clubs are built into the regular class schedule, once a month during the school day, every student is able to be a part of a club of their own choosing.

In this year's Outreach Club, we have new teachers hosting it. Laurel Wolfe, and Dominic Oto are taking over this club, which brings a new energy to this service oriented group of students. 

Clubs encourage students to branch out, and participate in activities they would be interested in. Clubs are also a great way to bond with your classmates, and even teachers.

On Thursday Sept. 19, the freshman class traveled to La Roche University for their spiritual retreat. This was a time for freshmen to bond over their Catholic faith and to grow closer to God. 

“The goal of the freshman retreat was to connect the students to their faith, “ said Campus Minister Dominic Oto. 

Each year as a part of the curriculum, the students go on a retreat to grow closer to God and their friends. The students started off their day with breakfast and a talk about how to be a Catholic in this world. 

“Being a Catholic in this world isn’t easy and this talk showed us that we have to work hard to not fall away from God,” said Sophia Ranalli ‘28.

They had time to spend with each other and walk to the cafeteria for lunch. Later in the day, the students headed to the chapel for Eucharistic Adoration. This was a very special time for the freshmen.

“The adoration made me feel like I needed to dig deeper in my connection with God,” said Gabriella Carvens ‘28.

The freshman retreat also helped the students realize they need each other as well. The students were supporting and caring for each other. They became closer as a class and as friends. The students had time to spend together while walking between the different buildings and playing games.

“We were all having fun and joking around. I think we became closer as friends,” said Ranalli '28.

This was also a time for the students to become aware of the world around them. It was a learning opportunity for many. The freshman were able to learn about themselves and their lives. 

The retreat was a time to reflect on their personal faith lives and decide what they want to do with it. Students deepened their faith and others were introduced to their faith.

“It was a great opportunity, and I was excited for all of the freshmen,” said Oto.

On their way back to school, the students were able to relax and talk about their day with one another. The students were also able to be with their friends and in a comforting environment. Retreats are a part of the school year for every class. It was a time for spiritual, personal and friendship growth. 

“I feel closer to God. It made me realize I need him,” said Carvens.

On October 17 the sophomores attended their annual retreat at Saint Emma Monastery in Greenburg to grow in their faith together as a class. 

The retreat started by gathering in the chapel with a talk from Mother Mary Anne, OSB. Afterward, the students broke into discussion groups and spread out around the Monastery, which included the common areas, the dining room, and the kitchen.  Sr. Mary Paul, OSB shared a few stories with the class as well.

Then students took a tour of the shrines and viewed statues of Saint Padre Pio and a large outdoor Crucifix. 

For lunch, students were served a homemade meal of chili and garlic bread while another one of the Benedictine Sisters, Sr. Maria Johanna, OSB shared her vocation story. Afterward, everyone enjoyed ice cream sundaes and cupcakes.

The retreat concluded with adoration and the opportunity to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation with Father Maximilian Maxwell from Saint Vincent College.  It was a blessed day for all.

By Gabby Carvens '28

Saint Joseph High School has been doing the student ambassador program for 26 years. The program was started by Christine Harmon '82, in 1998. She decided to start this program  to give the current SJHS students the opportunity to share their knowledge and love of their school to help bring more students and families into the SJHS community.

“When I shadowed, it was nerve wracking, because I am a nervous person. But once you leave the worries behind and live in the moment you'll have a better experience and a better grasp on what high school life is like,” said Camille Swink ‘28.

Sharon Farrell, admissions office, became the adult leader of the program in 2022. 

"The best part about overseeing the ambassador program is the opportunity to connect with our students. Since I'm not teaching in the classroom, this is my chance to get to know some of our students better," said Farrell.

The opportunity to be a student ambassador or Spartan leader is offered to Saint Joseph students every September. Students who want to become an ambassador have to fill out and submit an application, along with a typed and printed paragraph on why they are a good candidate for this position. 

The Admissions Office seeks student ambassadors who possess strong communication skills, a positive attitude, enthusiasm for SJHS, the ability to collaborate effectively, and good time management skills. While these qualities are important, it is encouraged that all students apply, as there isn't a specific "student ambassador mold" to fit into.

“I think my personality fits because I am cheerful," said Emma Monaco '28. "I am always kind and in a good mood. Normally when you think of an ambassador you think of hard work, so I try to make it fun, while also representing Saint Joseph High School.”

On Saturday, October 19, Saint Joseph ambassadors and Spartan leaders went to school in their full uniform, to tour families interested in the school. 

“When I gave tours at the open house on Saturday, I felt very influential and I could tell that I was having a positive impact on how the guests viewed the school," said Domenic Dellemonache '26.  "The people at the open house were all so kind and appreciative of all that SJHS has to offer, and I think that many of them are recommending sending their children here.”  

Over the summer, student ambassadors organize get-togethers and social events for the incoming freshman, who are attending Saint Joe's each fall. These events included an ice cream social, all boys/all girls social, and even Freshman Orientation. 

“At the socials, I talked with Luca Schiano di Cola and Anthony Zavolta. They were very outgoing. They talked to everybody and were very inclusive. I had a good time,” said Brayden Wilhelm ‘28. 

Student Ambassadors and Spartan Leader's main goal is to welcome and include everyone, so they feel as if they belong. Saint Joseph High School takes pride in their school community and the family-like atmosphere.

“People here are always genuinely welcoming and honest. Everyone is accepting and non-judgmental. It feels like a breath of fresh air,” said Monaco.