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Students Must Never Forget the Tragedy of 9/11

SEAMUS KELLEHER ’11

Do you remember where you were on September 11th, 2001? You probably do because it was a day that reshaped the face of our great nation and the course of history. Our lives and the lives of those to come “

AS EYE SEE IT…

On September 10, Ignatius students gathered for what has become an annual tradition: a flag-raising ceremony to commemorate the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The first flag-raising took place shortly after the 2001 attacks, as students and faculty looked for a way to express their support for the victims and the rescue and recovery efforts underway. Nine years later, we posed the question to two St. Ignatius students: is this a tradition that needs to continue?

Cedric Jenning’s story calls us to confront our own prejudices

By BROOKS BORON ’11
Eye Staff Reporter

From the inner city to the Ivy League, Cedric Jennings is the manifestation of the American dream. This summer the Saint Ignatius school community read the book, A Hope In the Unseen. This dramatic story of a young man from the inner city that overcame obstacles to achieve his dreams offers an important perspective on our own lives.

A Hope In the Unseen was chosen for the school by a panel of teachers that suggested the book to the administration. A teacher on the panel told the Eye: “We found the book exactly what our school needs. The many complex and relatable difficulties that Cedric confronts are similar to all students here at St. Ignatius.”  Another teacher related the book to the school’s on-going goal of combating prejudice. They believed the book would be able to spark an honest and educated debate. The discussion that many  students are taking part in and around campus helps with the problems of prejudice we face as a school.

As a school we have a real problem with prejudice.  But the prejudices at our school do not only encompass race, but also gender and sexual orientation. The goal of the book is to help us to better understand the struggles faced by others, so that we combat our own prejudices. We cannot just sweep those prejudices under the rug and pretend they do not exist. To speak openly and honestly is what is best for confronting the problems head on. It is also the braver thing to do. We can, as a school, confront and defeat the prejudices that we face here at St. Ignatius.

We should feel honored to have been given the privilege of having Cedric Jennings come to our campus.   His personal story about overcoming the barriers tin his life was inspiring.  But he did not come only to inspire us to believe in ourselves.   He also reminded us not to be “dream busters,” and to support each other regardless of our outward differences.

Vending machines dispense lies, minibeverages to the unsuspecting

Caveat emptor.   Students in need of a quick electrolyte fix should think twice before dropping a dime.   Misleading advertising on at least one of the Powerade vending machines in the Rade Dining Hall might leave you thirsty and broke.

The $1.00 Powerade machine, located across from the elevator at the Rade entrance seems, at first glance, to be the best deal on campus.   The machine depicts 20-ounce bottles at a price a full 25% cheaper than nearby options.   But what comes out is not a 20-ounce Powerade, but a 12-ouncer.

In an effort to avoid a class action lawsuit, the Coca-Cola Company has cleverly written “12” in Sharpie marker over the 20-ounce designation on the photo.   But, since many students prefer pretty pictures to reading fine print, more than one Wilcat has been burned by the 12 ounce baby bottle.

A 20-ounce bottle at $1.25 runs the saavy buyer 6.25 cents per ounce;  the 12-ounce mini bottle for $1.00 will gouge you for a whopping 8.33 cents per ounce.    Our suggestion:  borrow the extra quarter from one of your bros and enjoy the refreshing taste of frugality.   Alternatively, water from any of the numerous dispensers located strategically throughout campus will cost you no cents per ounce.

— John Gisser ’13 contributed research to this article.

The Lords of Discipline: Hennessey and Franzinger enjoying new roles

By MATTHEW HRIBAR ’12
Eye Staff Reporter

Batman and Robin. Starsky and Hutch.  Joining these famous partners in crime fighting is a new duo, more dyanmic and fearsome than the rest:  Hennessey and Franzinger.   In June of 2010, Mr. Rory Hennessey was announced as the new Dean of Students, taking over for Mr. Larry Arthur, who held the position from 2005-2010.  Arthur has returned to full time teaching duties.  This is Hennessey’s second stint as the disciplinary dean.   He served as Dean of Students from 1992 to 2005.   Joining Hennessey in the Deans Office is Assistant Dean of Students Mr. Ryan Franzinger ’04.   Franziger is no stranger to the Ignatius campus either.  He has served as an assistant football coach since 2008.     Together, Hennessey and Franziger are now on the lookout for miscreants, troublemakers and loitering students.

Hennessey summed up the team’s approach to discipline. “Regardless of situation, we love the sinner, but hate the sin,” Hennessey remarked. For those who sin, be aware that Mr. Hennessey and Mr. Franzinger are on patrol.  “We’re ubiquitous,” Hennessey wryly remarked before making his morning rounds, clipboard in hand.

Students may wonder what items are on top of Mr. Hennessey and Mr. Franzinger’s agenda in the 2010 school year. “Dress code, dress code, dress code,”  Hennessey says. “Shoes, hair and un-tucked shirts. We’re really stressing the dress code. How you look and how you dress makes a difference. We’re trying to get back to AMDG.”

Franzinger agrees.  “I really hate to see the privilege of going to this school being abused.”

As the school year gets underway, Hennessey and Franzinger are setting the tone and have already made an impression on the student body.  And they seem to enjoy doing it.  “I have the second-best job on campus,” Franzinger joked.  “If you want to know who has the best job, ask Mr. Hennessey.”

So what does Mr. Hennessey have to tell the students? “When we come after you,” Hennessey says, “it’s not that we hate you, it’s because we care for you.” •

Not Doing It for the Glory

Athletes in Under-Attended Sports Find Motivation Within

By GEORGE SULLIVAN ’11
Eye Editorial Staff

Sports have always been a big deal in high school. Athletes train hard just to make a team and then even harder during the season in hopes of making it to a state championship. Many of our outstanding teams such as football, cross-country, soccer, lacrosse, just to name a few, are made up of these devoted competitors. One motivation, other than fame, glory, and a sick ring, is the fans. Some say there is no greater feeling than to have your peers cheer you on to victory. “I wouldn’t know,” says lacrosse superstar Matt Seeholzer. It seems that many “champions” feel this way, myself included. “When I burst out of the water after performing a near perfect triple flip 360 dive and realize that my mom is the only one there, I cry a little inside,” commented dive team senior Sean Arling.

Although we have many amazing teams here at Ignatius, many athletes feel under-appreciated. Golfers, Bowlers, Laxers, and Rowers come to me and ask, “why don’t I have beautiful women come to my events and paint my number on their cheek?”

There just aren’t as many fans at the bowling alley as there are at Browns Stadium. Why? The simple answer is that people don’t know we have these teams. I would like to take this opportunity to list all the sports you didn’t “know” about: Lacrosse, Cross Country, Bowling, Crew, Lacrosse, Baseball, Swim team, Diving team, Volleyball, Tennis, Track and Field, Wrestling, Hockey, Soccer, Basketball, Lacrosse, and (if all goes according to plan) a soon-to-be varsity Fencing Club.

Apparently some of these teams are rather good. David Kloos of the swim team finished 7th in the state last year; the Baseball team was state champs in 2002 and runners up in 2008; Cross Country and Hockey won State Championships last year. The Lacrosse team hasn’t done much, but we are under new management and aiming to please. Goalie John Finucan guarantees a State Championship this season and highly encourages Wildcat fans to come see us. Now that you know all about the “other” sports teams here at Ignatius, you won’t be shocked to hear that we have a soccer team that is “unofficially” ranked #1 in the nation. Oh yeah, we toss around the pigskin every now and then too.

George Sullivan plays on the Lacrosse team, and desperately wants some love from Wildcat nation.

Mass of the Holy Spirit is a tradition shared by others

Jesuit institutions throughout world begin year in same manner.

By ZACHARY ZVOSEC ’11
Eye Staff Reporter

At the beginning of each school year, nearly 1,400 Ignatius students cram themselves into pews of the cathedral, hoping beyond hope that they will not succumb to fainting in the 90-plus- degree heat. Yet there is something beautiful about this particular Mass – not only is it one of the few times during the year when the entire school is gathered together donning blue blazers, but the Mass of the Holy Spirit has a wonderful history that Ignatius students may not realize. Within the opening week of school, tens-of-thousands other Jesuit students are cramming into their own spaces to celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit at cathedrals, local parishes, and school gymnasiums.

The history of the Mass of the Holy Spirit reaches back to the very first Jesuit school established 462 years ago. Jesuit schools have always been acclaimed for their academic prowess. Therefore, according to Father Welsh, the Holy Spirit as the bringer of wisdom is “the perfect fountain of inspiration, to which students might turn to for assistance throughout the school year.” The Mass of the Holy Spirit is celebrated at the beginning of the year so that students might turn to the Spirit’s aid as they prepare to take upon new areas of study.

At St. Ignatius High School, the Mass of the Holy Spirit has been an integral part of our Jesuit heritage. Originally the Mass was held at St. Patrick’s, until the student body outgrew the seating space and moved to the St. John’s Cathedral. Accompanying our Mass of the Holy Spirit is the Freshmen Walk, which has become both an outwards sign of tradition and initiation.

It’s also a visible witness to the community.   Clevelanders recognize who these young men are and what institution and values they stand for. “It feels great to become part of an Ignatius tradition,” freshman Matt Ivancic says.  “Walking alongside my classmates gave me great expectations for the next four years.” While the Mass of the Holy Spirit may be celebrated in cathedrals, local churches, and gymnasiums, one spirit is celebrated and is present in each ceremony. As a Jesuit tradition, the Mass becomes the representation that the Holy Spirit is part of our Jesuit education.

And yes, it is a truly beautiful celebration.

Retreats Challenge Students, Offer a Chance for Reflection

Opportunities for spiritual growth abound for  Iggy  upperclassmen

One of the many opportunities offered by St. Ignatius for its students is the chance to participate in one of nearly a dozen retreat experiences.     While many Catholic high schools require participation in an annual retreat, St. Ignatius’ retreat program is unique in its size and scope.    Juniors are required to select from one of four overnight retreat options as part of their graduation requirement;  seniors may opt to take part in a second retreat.

But retreats are more than just a graduation requirement or a chance to miss class for a few days.    For many Ignatians,  their junior/senior retreat is the highlight of their Ignatius experience.   This month, juniors and seniors made their selections for fall and spring retreats.  Here’s a sampling of the experiences students had to choose from:

Kairos.    The granddaddy of the Ignatius retreat program, Kairos (Greek for \”The Lord’s Time”

Students Return From Mission Trips Ready to Change the World

By BROOKS BORON ’12

\”My daddy is in jail so he won’t be here tomorrow!”

Steeped in History, Charity Game Returns

‘Cats return to Brown’s Stadium, but Charity Game is but a shadow of its former glory. 

by JOE GINLEY ’12
Eye Editorial Staff

For the first time since 1968, the Saint Ignatius football squad played in the Charity Game at Cleveland Browns Stadium. \”There is a lot of excitement in the atmosphere,”

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