Sand Script
January, 2010
Jingle Jam
■ Celebrating the season
———————–———————————
By: Tiffany Cautilli ‗12
Snowflakes, chestnuts, and Mickey
Mouse. There's only one thing that
all of these have in common: Christ-
mas at Hallahan! Hallahan cele-
brated the season early this year with
the ―Jingle Jam‖. The dance was
held on December 4, 2009.
Students and their dates danced to
the music in a gym that was covered
from top to bottom with snowflakes.
Popular songs were heard through-
out the gym such as "The Cupid
Shuffle" by Cupid, "I Gotta Feeling"
Universal Visitation Day
■ Students enjoy beloved tradition
———————–———————————
By: Angela Robb ‗10
On Thursday,
November 19,
2009 8th grade
students from
around the
Archdio-
cese were ex-
cused from
school for the
day in order to
visit Hallahan.
While here, the
8th graders met
their future
classmates and
toured the
school on a fake
roster. They also walked 8th graders watch the Science Department presentation ers 8th Grade
around the gym during an
activities fair and later participated in a
pep rally. For many, this was their first
experience at Hallahan, and for most oth-
Student Ambassadors
■ Become one today!
———————–——————————–—————————–————————————— ———————–———————————–—
By: Angela Robb ‗10
The Hallahan Ambassadors,
led by the Director of the Office of
Institutional Advancement, Mrs.
Dumin-Brosious, have been working
hard all year to help spread the word
about Hallahan. The Ambassadors
have found success in the past couple
of years, nearly doubling enrollment
for the Sophomore and Freshmen
classes by telling visitors about Halla-
han and giving tours around the school.
This year the Ambassadors have been
working harder than ever to help 8th
graders choose Hallahan as their high
school.
So far they have planned and par-
ticipated in activities to promote Halla-
han such as Freshmen Orientation, 8th
Grade Day, Open House for Middle
School students, Open House for stu-
dents from Cardinal Dougherty, Cook-
ies and Carols, and even a scholarship
test. As the school year goes on the
Ambassadors will participate in a 7th
John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School
Inside This issue:
Volume LXXIV
Page 2: Cardinal’s Christmas Party,
NHS Induction
■ Honoring our Scholars
Mummers Parade, and more
———————–———————————
Page 3: Book and movie reviews By: Lena Ma ‗10
by Black Eyed Peas, "Fire Burnin‘'" The Jingle Jam was a memorable What a joy it was for the Wagenhoffer, and Kimberly
by Sean Kingston, and more. dance in which everyone had fun juniors and seniors on No- Sahms. They have all shown
The memorable night ended with celebrating the Christmas season vember 20, 2009. Twelve excellence in academics,
tears during the senior song, together. students from the Class of service, leadership, and
"Remember Me This Way" by 2011 and one from the Class character.
Jordan Hill. When asked what of 2010 were proudly in- The rest of the classes of
she thought of the dance, Terri ducted into the prestigious 2011 and 2010 were given
Larizzo said, "It was a great time organization, the National the opportunity to support
to get into the spirit of the holi- Honor Society. and show their gratitude
days". "It was fun getting all The students honored towards their fellow class-
dressed up with my friends", said were Safiatou Dagnoko, mates. Parents were also
Sara Sheedy. Sara DeSimone, Isabella invited to attend the prestig-
Fidanza, Madeline Lueb- ious induction. The National
bert, Sarah Meyers, Ashley Honor Society encourages
Mosser, Katrina Murray, people to improve them-
Jessica Panieczko, Gina selves even more by being
Salvadore, Christine Sellers, studious and reaching out to
Students pose for a picture at the Jingle Jam Kristen Thomas, Toni change the world.
in the school cafeteria with the other 8th game, gift prizes, and a special routine by
graders. Then they were lead upstairs into Mrs. Gigante.
their homerooms to play games and re- At dismissal the 8th graders said good-
ceive their roster for the day. Throughout bye to the new friends they made and ex-
the day the 8th graders and their Ambas- ited the building. Most seemed to be ex-
sador leaders went around the school, citedly waiting to come back as a student
visiting classrooms and participating in in September.
mock classes and department presenta-
tions. The majority of 8th graders said
their favorite class was the Science
presentation, which involved Hallahan
science teachers and Hallahan student
assistants executing interesting and
elaborate science experiments.
After lunch the 8th grade students
came into the gym for the activities
fair. After a few more classes they
were escorted back to homeroom and
Day was the then into the gym for a pep rally
deciding point that they wanted to start which featured routines by the Halla-
high school in September at Hallahan. han cheerleaders and dance team.
Their day started as they shyly socialized There was also a Hallahan trivia Dominique Brennan and Jonell Bright work the Sandscript table
Door-decorating Contest
■ Christmas around the world
By: Shelley Leung ‗12
Grade Day as well as many other are needed and necessary to keep your It was that time of the year
events. school open for future generations of when every Hallahan home-
Everyone in this select group of young girls. room competed and decorated
students have given up valuable time Being an Ambassador is truly some- their homeroom doors. This
after thing year‘s theme was ―Christmas
school, special around the world.‖ Every
on that you homeroom did a great job
week- should decorating their door at with
ends, not pass Christmas spirit.
and even up. If you A special congratulation
on days are inter- goes to Mrs. Sheetz‘s home-
off to ested in room (C-3) for winning first
help to becom- place. Coming in second place
keep ing an was Mr. Gambone‘s home-
Halla- Ambas- room followed by Mrs. Lafty‘s
han sador homeroom in third place.
thriving stop in Student Council generously
with the Of- took the time to provide deli-
students. fice of cious baked goods for the win-
It's not Student ambassadors assist the 8th grade visitors Institu- ners as prizes.
the volunteer tional
hours or the amount of time they spend Advancement and sign up for an up-
with friends that keeps the Hallahan coming event with Mrs. Dumin-
Ambassadors returning to promote Brosious. You won't regret it!
their school; it‘s the feeling that you
 The Community
The Mummers Parade
■ The beloved Philadelphia tradition continues
———————–————————————————————————————————————————————————————
By: Morgan Calvert ‗11

The Mummers Parade is a tradition that
can only be found in Philadelphia. This
year marked the 110th anniversary of the
parade. People that are not from Philadel-
phia may wonder who the Mummers are.
They are groups, clubs and associations of
men and women who march or ―strut‖ up
Broad St to welcome in the New Year.
There are four divisions of Mummers: the
Comics, Fancy Division, String Bands, and
Fancy Brigades. Each division competes
for first place and the bragging rights that
come with it. From the choreographed
dances to the costumes made with sequins
and feathers each club works very hard and
spends a lot of time getting ready for the
big day.
Many of the men and women in the pa-
rade have been Mummers for most of their
lives. Bob Runowski, first year captain of
Golden Crown Fancy Brigade has been a
Mummer since 1986. His favorite part of
being a mummer is the preparation during
the month of December and the excitement
of being on 2nd street New Year's morning.
Runowski said, ―It‘s more than just a pa-
rade, it‘s about commitment and camarade-
rie.‖ Christi Anderson, Hallahan Class of
1999 is also a member of Golden Crown.
This year was Christi‘s 18th Mummers Pa-
rade. Christy likes everything eighth straight year with
about being a Mummer from their hillbilly theme Feudin‘,
the tradition, the creativity, the Fussin‘ and a Fightin‘. This
friendships and the feeling you year‘s spectacular show of
get when you perform in front music, make up and mum-
of the judges. This year Golden mery is now over. But 2011
Crown placed fifth in the fancy is less than a year away so it
brigades. won‘t be long for the clubs
The 2010 winning clubs in- to start preparing for the
clude first place comics next parade
Murray, fancy division Hog .
Island and the popular South
Philadelphia Vikings in the
fancy brigades. Fralinger took
top string band honors for the
Courtesy of Morgan Calvert

Cardinal’s Christmas Party Texting While Driving

■ Delivering joy to deserving children ■ ―Ain‘t no room for the reckless‖
———————–————————–——————————————- ———————–———————–——————
By: Lena Ma ‗10
Who says Santa Claus
does not exist? On Decem-
ber 17, 2009, children from
all around came to cele-
brate the joy of Christmas
at the Sheraton Hotel. Stu-
dents from surrounding
high schools were also
invited to participate in this
event by graciously volun-
teering to entertain the
guests or play the role of
Santa‘s elves. Upon arri-
val, the children sat pa-
tiently in the lobby to
await the arrival of the
cardinal before beginning
the celebration. Each group
By: Katrina Murray ‗11
brought bags of presents were so happy that this The art of multitask- vote in November. Philadelphia
that would soon be deliv- was a Christmas that ing is once again Police are now issuing $75
ered to the children. The they would never forget. denounced by ―the fines to ―distracted‖ drivers
students from man‖, but this time who put themselves and others
Hallahan and with good cause. at risk on the road. Talking on
Roman were Texting while driv- the phone, texting, or any other
each assigned ing isn‘t multitask- dangerous ideas you may de-
a table to ing at all, it‘s just cide to try are all forbidden.
which they reckless. If you beg "We hope that the citizens
would deliver to differ, you might would abide by the law‖, says
presents.. The find yourself sitting Mayor Michael Nutter in re-
faces of the on the side of the sponse to the new law. Rachel
children were road with a cell Smith, class of 2011, says, ―It‘s
filled with joy phone in one hand a good law…but will it be ef-
when they saw and a hefty fine in fective?‖ Good question, Ra-
these presents the other. The bill to chel…and we shall see.
that they could Cardinal Rigali talks to children at the party ban texting while www.teach-ict.com
not sit still. They Source: thebulletin.us driving in Pennsylvania won a unanimous

Pro-Life Dinner Chess Tournament

■ Support the unborn ■ Checkmate and You‘re Out!
———————–————————–——————————————- ———————–————————–——————————————-
By: Lena Ma ‗10 By: Lena Ma ‗10
On November 21, 2009, the members of and fifteen minutes.
One of the most amazing events of the a group called Live Action, a student group John W. Hallahan‘s Chess Club strolled The members of Hallahan had competi-
year took place on November 22, 2009 at that spreads the undignified message of over to the University of the Arts, in the tors from all around that had had personal
the Sheraton Hotel: the Pro-life Dinner. abortion by showing live action films of freezing cold, for their chess competition trainers and master teachers. Although the
This dinner brought together people what pregnant mothers do on a daily basis. against many others schools from the sur- Hallahan girls did not win all of the rounds,
throughout the community, not just to feast Lila Rose‘s message was so strong and they gave it their all and considering that it
on the delectable cheesecake and sautéed compelling that the audience applauded was their first actual tournament, they had
chicken with the courage to show everyone their skills
parme- every and that they were fearless. Congratulations
san, but sen- Chess Club!!
to engage tence
in mean- that
ingful came
conversa- out of
tions her ——————————————
with mouth. Polled by Tiffany Cautilli ‗12
other She What is your favorite Holiday?
oppo- also
nents of played Valentine's Day
abortion. a video
Through- made
-Laura Fabey, ‘13
out the by rounding Philadelphia area. Arriving at
evening, Live about 8:30am, registrations were just
Christmas
many Action taking place. -Karli Kronmiller, ‘12
speakers of how All of the contestants were focused on
shared even
their opinions of on abor-
Source: thebulletin.us
doctors convince women
their practice games before the bell rang Easter
at 10:00pm to initiate the first round. -Leanna Ashcom, ‘11
tion. Each one had amazing ideas to share to have abortions by giving them advice on Each round was scheduled to last an
and people not only listened, but they re- places to go and what to do. Every person hour to allow each pair sufficient amount
joiced in them as well. present there that night all believe in the of time to strategize their moves. Some Halloween
The guest speaker was Lila Rose, a 21- same idea: babies are meant to be treated as games lasted as short as five minutes -Kimberly Sahms, ‘10
year old student from UCLA who organized gifts, not useless objects. while others lasted as long as one hour
 Arts and Entertainment
TV Book and Movie Reviews
The Twilight Saga Wicked
■ Why it might not be for you ■An
unforgettable theatrical experience
———————————————————–————— —————————————–——————————————————————--———
By: Jonell Bright ‗11 By: Angela Robb ‗10
———————————————————————-
If you‘re into the traditional I'm not the Superhero? What if
vampire who sucks blood, I'm the bad guy?‖ Or ―I was One of the (Glinda), Marilyn setting of a story that we
transforms into a bat, sleeps in unconditionally and irrevocably most popular Caskey (Madame Mor- have loved and grown up
a coffin, and doesn‘t sparkle in love with him‖. Broadway musi- rible), Don Amendolia with since childhood.
and fall hopelessly in love, you To some it's unrealistic and cals of the dec- (The Wizard), David Wicked is truly an
might not be all that interested cheesy but to others ridicu- ade, Wicked, De Vries (Dr Dilla- amazing piece of art. I
in the Twilight Saga. Twilight lously romantic. So if you're entertained sold- mond), Colin Donnell know so many people who
is not of into mov- out crowds at the (Fiyero), Zach Hanna have walked into see the
the hor- ies that Academy of Mu- (Boq), Kristine Reese show, hating it, and coming
ror genre have the sic from January (Nessarose). out a huge fan. Even if you
like most same trite 6, 2010 - January As soon as I lis- say you are not a fan of
other ending as 24, 2010 on one tened to the music and musicals in the slightest
vampire all the of the stops on its read the plot of this you will, guaranteed, come
movies, other second national show I fell in love. out of the theatre feeling
as there romantic tour. When I finally saw something that you never
is little movies The show fol- the musical live it just felt before. Of all of the
action do then lows the story of made my appreciation shows I have seen in my
and this is the Wicked for this show even lifetime Wicked would be at
mostly the Witch of the stronger. Between the the top of my list for rec-
just ro- movie for West, Elphaba, strong and talented ommendations. It is truly
mance. you. If and her friend- cast, the touching mu- something that should not
There is the whole animenewsnetwork.com you like to feel ship with Glinda sic, the beautiful light- be missed.
cliché of falling in love with surprised at the end and watch the Good Witch ing, the elaborate stag-
someone who probably isn't something unpredictable then I of the North. ing, the gorgeous cos-
right for you or is the total op- would suggest going to see a Throughout the tumes, and everything
posite of you, so you think that movie other than this. show their Broadwayworld.com else about the produc-
you complete each other. It's friendship struggles to sur- phaba's reputation in Oz. tion, this show remains one
like watching a soap opera with vive their different person- The cast of this produc- of my favorite shows. The
cheesy lines such as ―What if alities, rivalry over the tion includes: Marcie Dodd story is something we can
same love interest, and El- (Elphaba), Helene York all relate to put into the

The Lovely Bones

■Bestseller
arrives to theaters Sherlock Holmes
———————————————————–— ■Well worth the ticket price
By: Jonell Bright ‗11
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, appearance, though at times it Director Guy Ritchie brings us an envious of Watson who is set to Adler drops in from time to time to
Mark Wahlberg, Rachel seems to break the family adventurous and witty new film star- marry the elegant and pretty Mary, lend a hand to Watson and Holmes in
apart. This book has love, ring Robert Downy Jr., Jude Law, deliberately tries to put their engage- their investigations, while the two
Weisz, Stanley Tucci, mystery and tragedy, charac- and Rachel McAdams, ment into keep getting themselves into
& Susan Sarandon teristics that make for a great called Sherlock Holmes. Downey and ruins. sticky situations. She is there to
This movie is based on the movie. Another great factor is Law portray the legendary Detective Mean- make sure Holmes doesn‘t do
2002 bestseller by Alice Se- that by the look of the trailer Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson while, Irene anything reckless, or is she?
bold. As one of the books the visual effects are very eye in London, England, 1891. This Adler Nonetheless, Holmes, Watson
listed for summer reading, catching. Why the Oscar movie comes with a supernatural (Rachel and Adler will, undoubtedly,
some of you may have read it buzz? Maybe because it's di- twist involving a criminal named McAdams) give you the adrenaline rush in
already. It is about a 14 year rected by Peter Jackson, direc- Lord Blackwood. Blackwood and his a beautiful, this never-ending humorous and
old girl named Susie Salmon tor on Lord of the Rings, and followers have plans to dominate the yet trouble- thrilling movie, and it‘s no sur-
(Ronan) who is murdered and known for great visual effects; world through dark art rituals and making prise as the movie winds down,
watches her family for years it also stars past Academy drinking potions or, as we call it, woman that there will be a sequel. So,
from heaven. The book shows Award winners and nomi- magic! However, as Holmes and comes back what are YOU waiting for? If
how Susie's tragedy affects the nees. This is a great book and Watson send him away to his death, to town for you haven‘t seen Sherlock
whole family, and how her will hopefully make a great Blackwood mysteriously rises from a favor from Holmes, see it now as it is defi-
father Jack (Wahlberg) will film. the dead and continuously murders Homes, her nitely worth the ticket price.
not rest until he knows the people. Holmes, bored and amusingly old flame. editorsguild.com
truth about his daughter's dis-

Twisted Twitter Mania/Phobia

■A
thrilling page-turner ■To
tweet or not to tweet?
——————————————————–—— ——————————————————–———————————————————–—
By: Angela Robb ‗10 By: Stephanie Crossley ‗12

Twisted is a novel by Laurie
Halse Anderson, who is most
famous for writing the novel
Speak. ' Twisted is the story of
high school senior Tyler Miller.
He is unpopular, bullied, and
has a difficult home life and
few friends. As retaliation he
puts graffiti on the side wall of
his school but is caught, ar-
rested, and sentenced to a sum-
mer of community service.
When he returns to school his
peers treat him very differently.
Tyler ignores the thoughts of
his classmates until he gets at-
tention from his crush Bethany
Millbury, and her brother, the
school bully, Chip Millbury.
With so much happening Tyler
feels like he's ready to snap, but
will he really reach the break-
ing point when a scandal at
school erupts involving Beth-
any, the police, and his name all
over the case?
If you liked Speak then you
will love Twisted.
Many, if not all of us, have heard the awkwardness. Twitter has many
of the up-and-coming website called great aspects, such as keeping track
Twitter. It was created solely to tell of your favorite stars. But it is under-
your friends what you are doing and standable if you don't like Twitter
is now used by many to do just that. and it is you choice. Some people,
Along with the fans, however, are while trying to be original, miss out
those who extremely dislike Twitter. on opportunities. Some forget that
Many people use Twitter because people make you who you are and
of its popularity while many others that you shouldn't shut popular
dislike it because of that very fact. I blogs.oracle.com things out without reason. We are
enjoy Twitter because I can express taught to be original, not for the sake
whatever is on my mind; not just to everyone and to make an impact. of originality, but so that we will feel
where I am and what I am doing, but Those of us who are afraid of pub- free to be ourselves, and not fear the
what I want to share with the world. lic speaking can decide exactly what different.
It is simply a way to send a message we want the message to be, without
 Winter Highlights
The Summoning Celebrity New Years Resolutions
■ More highlights from the excitement ■ Vowing to better themselves in 2010
———————————————————————————— ———————–——————————–—————————–——--———
By: Angela Robb ‗10 By: Sarah Mira ‗13

Are you looking for a good fantasy/ troubled teens. During her stay at
fiction novel to read in your spare Lyle House Chloe starts to realize JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE- ―I‘m going to under promise myself for 2010 so if it
time? Are you trying to find a bal- that the other residents are not just goes well I‘ll be like, ‗Oh my God! Such a surprise!‘‖
ance between Harry Potter and Twi- troubled, but also supernatural, and
light? If so, The Sandscript has the that Lyle House holds a dark secret. KIM KARDASHIAN- ― just to spend a little bit more time with my family and
novel for The Summoning my friends and to really kick it up in the workout department and to try to eat bet-
you! It's by is an amazing
called The book to read in your ter. I cannot get it together with it. I eat way too many Oreos.‖
Summoning spare time. It holds a
by Kelley perfect balance of MILEY CYRUS - ― I need to stop talk-
Armstrong. magic, horror, and ing about things I want to do, and just
The mystery in every get out there and do it. That‘s been
novel fol- chapter. Despite the
lows the fictional themes, this my biggest goal recently, especially
life of teen- novel is easily relat- while I‘m on the road.‖
ager Chloe able and keeps you
Saunders on the edge of your BRITNEY SPEARS - ― I
and how seat through the en- would like to stop worrying so much
her per- tire book. Even if you
fectly nor- are not a fan of one of because I worry all the time. And to
mal life the series I previously learn how to be happier, just in gen-
turns up- mentioned, trust me, eral. And to stop biting my nails.‖
side down you will be a fan of
when she The Summoning. FERGIE -― It‘s always the same; to work out more and eat healthier. I‘m trying to
starts see-
ing ghosts. go organic, eat more raw.‘
What
makes this RIHANNA – ― I want to stop shopping, being late, start waking up early, stuff
an even like that. I‘d like too see my mum and grandparents more. I want to learn the
bigger drums and I want to work with Depeche Mode (band) so bad.‖fatigue, if you‘re
problem is
that the not too tired to try.
ghosts can
see and communicate with her too.
After she sees a ghost at school for Allen Iverson Returns to Philadelphia
the first time she is removed and sent ■ Is he ―the answer‖ to the 76ers‘ prayers?
to Lyle House, a group home for ———————–——————————–—————————–——–————————---———
By: Alison Huang ‗12
Most Anticipated movies of 2010 In the season's first sold out game, A downward spiral began early in the twenty-seven year championship drought
■ thousands watched as ―The Answer‖ 2000s as Iverson purportedly fought with ever end?
By: Jonell Bright ‗11 walked onto the court as a Sixer. Without new coaches. His failure to attend prac-
1. Alice in Wonderland hesitation, Iverson bent down and kissed tices did not sit very well with the fran-
2. Twilight Saga: Eclipse the court's logo. In another moment, he chise either; already, rumors about trading
was up again, this time in a huddle with Iverson were surfacing. By late Decem-
3. Harry Potter & The Deathly teammates. Fans cheered. The lights came ber, the basketball player was traded to
Hallows on, and the game against Denver began the Denver Nuggets. Iverson would then
4. Valentine's Day (which ended in a lost, 93-83). go on to play for a brief amount of time
Iverson's career with the 76ers began in for the Detroit Pistons before making an
5. Date Night the late 1990s. From then until December emotional return to Philadelphia.
6. Toy Story 3 2006, Iverson would help lead the Sixers Even now, fans remain divided. By
7. The Last Song into multiple playoff games. Over that some, Allen Iverson is nicknamed ―The
span of time, he would receive the Rookie Answer‖. Others, however, regard him as
8. Dear John of the Year Award in the 1996-1997 sea- a T.O. But all feelings set aside, the 76ers
9. Avatar: The Last Airbender son, as well as MVP for the 2000-2001 still rank fourth in the Atlantic Division,
10. Sex and the City 2 season. at 12-25. Even with Iverson, can the Six- Phillygameday.com
11. The Chronicles of Narnia: The ers manage a good season? Will the
Voyage of the Dawn Treader
The Sandscript Staff
12. Iron Man 2 Editor-in-chief Lena Ma ‘10
13. Arrested Development Student Life Editor Angela Robb ‘10
14. Nightmare on Elm Street Entertainment editor Hannah mira ‘13
15. Saw 7 Sports editor Sarah mira ‘13
Johnny Depp in ―Alice in Wonderland‖
Reporter tiffany cautilli ‘12
The True Meaning of Christmas
■ Reflecting on the holiday‘s true meaning receive ety many of us do not realize Photographer Dominique brennan ‘11
and give this. We only think about Staff morgan calvert ‘11
By: Alison Huang ‗12 each what we will get and beg our Johnell Bright ‘11
While reflecting on the other presents is because its parents to get materialistic
holiday that just passed, ask like a day of giving just like things for ourselves. Keep in Katrina Murray ‘11
yourself: ―What does Christ- how Jesus love us so much mind next Christmas that its Stephanie Crossley ‘12
mas mean to you?‖ Is it the he was willing to give up his not a day where we get what Alison Huang ‘12
presents? The break that fol- life for us. It‘s also a family we want from others, but a Ariana Jones ‘12
lows? Or is it just a day day where we care about day of giving and not expect
where you get all your those around us and express anything in return just like shelley leung ‘12
wishes? Well, the answer is our love by exchanging gifts Jesus did for us. Kathryn Murray ‘12
none of the above. and spending the day with Yvonne Tsang ‘12
Christmas was the day Je- each other.
sus was born. The reason we However, in today‘s soci-
Moderator Ms. Rodolico