Let It Shine! By: ELIZABETH NAIL & OLIVIA MESTASA Fireside chAt with Mrs. KAte Morin

How do you celebrate Christmas? We used to celebrate Christmas Eve as a kid, and then when I had kids we would go to my mother’s house for Christmas Eve. It was a lot about food, cinnamon buns, and cookies at my parents house. Now, this year, my sons will be here, but it’ll just be different. None of my cousins will be there, and normally I make just vats of food, so I’ll have to adjust to making a smaller amount now. My favorite ornament

is this thresh that I had growing up that belonged to my parents, and they let me bring it with me, so I’m looking forward to setting that up. We have some other traditions specific just to our family, that have to do with decorating the Christmas tree. My husband and sons would get the tree and decorate it, and I would make all the cookies. And there’s that scene in It’s a Wonderful Life, where George is getting his ears hit, and it just makes us cry every time- it makes me cry just thinking about it. And then the scene from Miracle on 34th Street, where the little orphan girl goes up to Santa and he starts speaking to her in Dutch and

singing that song- I texted my sons that YouTube clip this year and they all texted me back the lines from the song. It’s just cute stuff like that that makes up my Christmas traditions. Does your faith play a role in your Christmas tradition?Besides going to Mass on Christmas, I do try to reflect about this incredible miracle that happened that we celebrate and that’s so central to who we are. God loved us so much that he was willing to give up his child. And I reflect on the blessings that I have been given. This year, I’m here, and that is a blessing.

December 2015

M A Y F I E L D S E N I O R S C H O O L S T U D E N T N E W S P A P E RTh

e

1 MAYFIELD CRIER December 2015

Star Wars Surprise

On December 1, 2015, a seemingly unexceptional day, Claire Courtney ‘16 woke up to a few subtle abnormalities. Her mom nagging her to wear a nicer sweater. The smell of scrambled eggs downstairs. The insistent admonishments of “brush your hair” and “brush your teeth.” The incessant buzzing of her phone as her dad texted her “How’s your day going? Any news?” What on Earth could be happening? Student Council Advisor Ms. Abigail Shaw had informed Student Council that they would be filmed for a feature about Mayfield at Christmastime. ASB and class officers gathered in the Strub Living Room, when all of a sudden a picture-perfect film crew entered. Head of School Mrs. Kate Morin followed, announcing that a surprise visitor was coming. Immediately, all the girls screamed “SANTA!!” Then, guesses were placed for which teacher would be dressed as Santa. Among the chatter, Keegan Allen, star of the hit ABC Family show Pretty Little Liars, walked in. The room went silent, as a moment of realization flashed upon the students’ faces. This was not Santa. This was a teen heartthrob. The mystery man walked over to Courtney, and like the angel Gabriel, delivered glorious news: in the upcoming weekend, Courtney was invited to interview the cast of the new Star Wars film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens that opens December 18th. Claire is a Star Wars superfan, so this was a fantastic surprise. Allen then returned holding a stack of Star Wars movie posters that he gave to the remaining Student Council members in anticipation for the new film.

Bright and early the next day, Courtney was awoken from her slumber to the sound of hair-dryers and the smell of perfume. She opened her eyes, and there stood before her her own personal stylist. She got her hair and makeup done, and then went to the Los Angeles Convention Center across the street. There, she met her newfound friend Keegan Allen (they are now on a first name basis) and was able to meet some members of the cast, including C3PO, R2D2, and BB-8. What surprised Courtney most about the event was neither the glamour for the grandeur of it all. It was actually quite the contrary. “When I got to the convention center, it was almost pretty bizarre. It wasn’t a large event at all. It was super small, which was unexpected, but also really cool.” Courtney spent time interviewing and taking selfies with the cast. Her favorite part of the experience? “When R2D2 did his famous scream. It was just perfect. It was my childhood coming to life.”

Joy was in the air. What philanthropic strike of glory prompted such a visit? It just so happens that the whole affair was part of ABC Family’s “Pop-Up Santa” program, wherein the network performs company-sponsored random acts of kindness in the community. Courtney handled the situation with a sense of maturity and aplomb that is unusual for a teenage girl -- instead of melting into a puddle, Courtney immediately heading to select an outfit for the day’s proceedings. “That was the hard part, picking out what to wear,” said Courtney. “My style is less ‘teenage girl’ and more ‘grandmother with five children.’”On Friday night, after much anticipation, Courtney checked into the Los Angeles Ritz-Carlton, and met some fellow Star Wars fans in the lounge. “We got to the lounge, and struck up a conversation with some of the guys working there,” said Courtney.” “Turns out they were huge fans [of Star Wars]. We talked for a good long while, and they admitted that they secretly wanted to go to the event, too.”

Mayfield at Christmas TimeBy: KRISTEN MASCARENHAS AND CAMI ARBOLES

Ask a Mayfield student what her favorite time of the year is, and she is likely to say Christmas. Christmas is arguably the most exciting and memorable time at May-field, as the campus is transformed from a peaceful mansion into an ornate holiday wonderland.

The most staggering Mayfield Christmas spectacle is in the Strub landing. There, the masterfully decorated Christmas tree stands, adorned with red and gold orna-ments, flowing ribbon, and topped off by an angel which seemingly guardians the landing from on high. On top of the en-trance of the living room, an intricate sign reads “Mayfield Christmas,” welcoming all to experience the joy of Christmas time on campus. From there, one can also see the cozy living room. The fireplace is con-stantly burning and the many wreaths and Christmas decorations immediately draw you into the Christmas spirit. There truly is nothing like a Mayfield Christmas.

But the magic does not sponta-neously rise with brilliant warmth from nothingness like popcorn to be strung on garland. An amalgam of forces join to unite Mayfield with its infamous Christ-mas aesthetic. If you look closely, you can see Mrs. Connie Peters with her black bob and walkie-talkie. She is the Mayfield Christmas expert, responsible for making the magic happen -- she can be spotted masterfully creating extravagant bows or hanging angels above the living room fire-place.

“The beauty of the campus is spectacular,” said Student Council Advisor and College Counselor Ms.Abigail Shaw. a Mayfield Christmas connoisseur. “And the fact is that the tree is actually decorated primarily by the students, is great. I just pass out the decorations!”

Tylene De VineFavorite

Christmas Song: Silent Night

Frank Karl Favorite Christmas Ornament: Tinker Bell Angel at the

top of the tree

Michelle Gergen Favorite Christmas

Tradition: Big family party

on the 12th day of Christmas

Louise Leddie Favorite

Christmas Movie: Miracle on 34th

Street

Tanya Melby Favorite

Christmas Song: The First Noel

Laura Grimm Favorite

Christmas Gift: Steinway Grand piano from aunt

at age 9

Ron Castelo Christmas Fact: He doesn’t have

a Christmas tree, he has a

Christmas Lantern

Andrew Alvarez Favorite

Christmas Food: A Christmas Ham

Kathleen Costello Christmas

Tradition: Baking Christmas cookies

with her niece

Porter Hodgkiss Favorite

Christmas Movie: Home Alone

By: CARMEN MASCARENHAS

BY: CAMI ARBOLES and KRISTEN MASCARENHAS

2 MAYFIELD CRIER November 2015

The Mayfield Crier is a forum for student expression, written by students for the benefit of

the Mayfield Senior School community. Our goal is to report relevant issues to the best of our ability.

Mayfield Senior School of the Holy Child Jesus 500 Bellefontaine Street, Pasadena, California

Mayfield Crier Editorial Staff

Co-Editors-in-Chief: Cami Arboles and Kristen MascarenhasOp Ed Editor: Bree BarnesAthletics Editor: Bella Gaspar Faculty Advisor: Kimberly Gomez

Reporters: Brooke Brody Caitlin Lee Elizabeth NailJulia NailMikayla O’ReggioEmily PearsonLaura Searcy

Kemi Ashing-GiwaAlison CordanoHolly Helmuth-MaloneCarmen MascarenhasKaterina PlascenciaIsabella Vinci

Photographers:Christine GengAmanda McGloin

Note from the Editors-in-ChiefCAMI ARBOLES & KRISTEN MASCARENHAS

A Shift in Giftin’

Spotlight on the ArtsBy: KEMI ASHING-GIWA

Mayfield is known for its superb artistic traditions. During the holidays, our diverse talents, from the photographic to the thespian to the vocal, truly get to shine. A memorable evening of traditional Christmas melodies and charming musical arrangements will occur during Mayfield’s “Carol Night” on Thursday, December 17th. On this night, the instrumental conservatory will collaborate with the dance and vocal conservatories in performance. Highlights will include a collaborative piece with the dance conservatory and the performance of an original composition by Ellie Parisi, ‘18.

On Saturday, December 12th, Vocal Conservatory had a busy day, performing in a “Sing-a-Thon” at the Westfield Santa Anita Mall in the morning and singing at their formal Christmas concert at St. James Church in South Pasadena in the evening. The Writing and Theater conservatories are busy at work on Mayfield’s second student-crafted play. Characters are being further developed, lines are being refined, and casting is well under way. Be prepared to laugh and cry along with the some of the most famous females in history. “It’s all very exciting to see two strong conservatories collaborating on one project to create something amazing and new,” says Julia Nail ‘18.

By: MIKAYLA O’REGGIO During the many bake sales and events at Mayfield, have you ever wondered where all of your money goes? Even if you haven’t, it always good to know just how much of your money is going to help the club’s charity. “We don’t want our students to feel like they’re just pocketbooks. So the only thing we’re allowing our students to do on campus is to provide a service to the school,” said Ms. Michelle Gergen, Dean of Students. For example, on November 18th, the FIERCE Club had a hot chocolate bar. FIERCE Club publicists Nicole Tacugue ‘17 and Alison Cordano ‘17 explain: “The money from fierce goes directly to the Get on the Bus foundation. They have provided us a list

of items that they need and we will be using the money to buy these items so that the children can go see their families along with sources of various entertainment” In addition to FIERCE’s sale, the Humane Society Club has recently had a bake sale. Club president Amber Flores ‘16, said their sales from their “cookies, brownies,and pastries of that sort”, would be combined with future sale proceeds to give to an organization of the club’s choice at the end of the year. In terms of moving forward with club spending and involvement Gergen is “really hoping that our clubs will not just collect money, bu be involved, hands on and do things in the community.”

MERRY CHRISTMAS!Christmas is the time of giving, but what do you give during the holidays? Do you give time, money, love, joy? While money is perhaps the easiest gift to give, we think the best part of gift-giving is actually giving love. With gifts, it’s the thought that counts. We challenge you to put extra thought into your gifts and actions this season. Give to those in need -- volunteer at a soup kitchen, sing carols at a convalescent home, give blankets to the homeless. Spend time with your family this Christmas. Take time to focus on your loved ones and appreciating the blessings in life. Joan Didion tells us, “Life changes in the instant. The ordinary instant.” Let your ordinary instants be marked with purpose. Decorate the Christmas tree together. Help cook the Christmas meal or do the dishes. Gift your sisters with some quality family time. Turn up the Mariah Carey Christmas album. Spread joy. Kindness is often the best gift: it is free, but priceless in quality.As James Joyce once said, “While you have a thing it can be taken from you... but when you give it, you have given it.” Do not be greedy with your time -- do not let it be taken by mindless pursuits, give it to something worthwhile that inspires you.

OpEd The Call of the Cub

Charity: Where Does Your Money Go?

By: HOLLY HELMUTH-MALONE

We’ve all been there before- it’s the week before Christmas and while you have been studying hard and binge watching your favorite Netflix series, sadly, you have yet to buy Christmas presents. In the everyday student’s hectic schedule, it is always hard to fit in a time for selecting, buying, making, and wrapping presents. However, with these tips, you will be able to save time and make everyone on your shopping list delighted when they unwrap your gift!

PlAn AheAd

Though too late now, an idea to make gift giving less stressful next year is to make a note whenever a friend or family member talk about something they really want. This makes sure that they receive something that they actually would use, and shows them that you listen and care about them!

choosing A giFt

When deciding on gifts, always take characteristics and hobbies of that person into account. If they love cooking, get a customized spatula. If they love crafts, buy stationery and stickers! Instead of a generic iTunes gift card, buy a favorite CD, band tee, or a spotify membership. If you are completely stuck, buying generic gifts like socks, candles, phone cases, and mugs are completely acceptable and super easy to buy last week.

iF You cAn’t BuY it-MAKe it!Inexpensive but also very personal, do-it-yourself gifts can be great. Take your hobbies, mix them with the gift receiver’s interest, and you have an amazing present! The internet is full of great ideas, from Youtube, Etsy, Pinterest, and Tumblr, so get supplies and have a fun time making them! Some really awesome ones are DIY friendship earrings, customized candle holders, and buttons and pins!

don’t Forget the PresentAtion!Now that you have this amazing gift, you cannot forget the icing on the cake-the gift wrapping! You can also incorporate the gift receiver’s personality into the wrapping- if he or she are very eco-friendly, use newspaper; if they love comedy- use funny wrapping paper. Also, make sure to make a homemade card to show how much you care for the person and to really make them feel appreciated!

By: JULIANNE “ANNIE” TIGHE

The annual Open House, which took place on Sunday, December 6th, is not only a phenomenal opportunity for prospective students to learn about the school, but also for current students to represent the school. Current Mayfield students got to experience being tour guides as they shared their Mayfield experience with visitors. Whether it be through sports, arts, academics, or clubs, the Open House allows students to show their school pride. Assumption Elementary School Seventh Grader Julianna Carranza’s interest in Mayfield was sparked by her older sister, Karina Carranza ‘19. Carranza got to experience Mayfield for the first time through Open House. “I enjoyed seeing the art exhibit and all the wonderful creations people have made,” said Carranza. “The science room was also very cool, and I liked the experiments they showcased.”

Carranza said she particularly enjoyed Mayfield’s welcoming atmosphere. “Everyone there was so nice and friendly. It felt good to feel welcomed. And I really liked that mascot!” Another exciting part of Open House is viewing the event from the freshman perspective. Only one year ago did prospective freshmen come to the Open House to expand their knowledge about Mayfield to decide where to spend their next four years. Now, these once-prospective-freshmen are able to talk about their experience from the perspective of being new students. “It was interesting seeing other people’s favorite parts of the school, especially the eighth graders,” said Marie Bland, ‘19. “I remember what it felt like to be a younger student looking at the school. My sister is an eighth grader, so I was really excited for her to have the chance to tour Mayfield.”The Open House is a great opportunity to share the Mayfield community with others.

Open House Showcases Mayfield’s Offerings

By: BREE BARNES It is easy to donate money and items especially during the holiday season. But, a lot of people do not realize the value of giving time. I volunteer at the Pasadena Boys and Girls Club, and they need more tutors For this organization, even going in once a week or giving an hour of your time can make huge impact. Spending time with families, foster children or other people in need could improve the quality of the holiday season. Serving food at homeless shelters will help shelters and other organizations feed more people in a faster amount of time. In order to help as many people as you can this holiday season consider spending time with people in need.

Is Your Time More Valuable than Money?

OpEd The Call of the Cub