Cat Chronicle Winter Edition

Leaf border

Academy of Finance: Thanksgiving Feast

Parchment

During the month of November turkeys appeared outside each teacher’s door. Students and teachers were given the opportunity to purchase feathers to support the Tri-community Food Pantry, which serves food to residents in need from Depew, Cheektowaga, and Lancaster. Last year, this organization provided 60,000 pounds of food to 325 households! Depew raised $186 to help support them. Go Depew!&nbsp;

Chalkboard

We would love for you to join the Cat Chronicle! Please check Wildcat TV for announcements =)

Thanks for reading the Cat Chronicle!

Rainbow paper border

Bring any paper product to the Feb. 3rd Varsity boys white out basketball game to support the local food pantry. Sponsored by: The First Responders Club

The Wildcat Athletic Association is going sledding!&nbsp;:) Come beat the cold &amp; have some fun with your friends!&nbsp;It's good exercise, too!&nbsp;&nbsp; Everyone is warmly welcomed!&nbsp;:) Where:&nbsp;Como Park Sled Hill When:&nbsp;Saturday, February 5 Time:&nbsp;11 AM - 12:30 PM&nbsp; Bring:&nbsp;Dress for the weather &amp; bring a sled if you have one Cost:&nbsp;FREE

Red zig-zag pattern

Our Winner was Mrs. Hatfield Honorable Mentions: Mr. DiRienzo, Mrs. Kacalski, &amp; Mrs. Czosnyka

The Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge

Aubrey Corbett &amp; Sam Radka won the Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge this year. They came in 1 and 2 out of over 600 contestants. They won some amazing prizes and were interviewed on the radio as well!

Bunting border

Congrats to the Class of 2025 Officers!

Challenge 4 Change Thankfulness Shout Outs

Cody Williams Emma Doody Sarah Schenk Jenna Stevens Aleigha Sharpe Naziere Gates Aaliyah Stanton Johnathan Donahue Joey Manna Tim Zehler Anthony Lauricella

This fall, Challenge 4 Change had created a thankful shoutout board. The club had sent out forms for students and staff to either anonymously or directly talk about how thankful they are for their peers and staff. Then, some messages were displayed on Wildcat TV, or written on a board in fall themed chalk markers. Every submission was sent to the person on the receiving end. President of Challenge 4 Change, Stefanie Kowalczyk talks about how " It has been hard and challenging coming back to school for everybody and giving a chance to tell people how thankful you are to them is something everybody needs in their lives."&nbsp; Challenge 4 Change wanted to thank everyone who participated and all of their members who had helped create the board. We hope we were able to spread some positivity and let everyone know how much we appreciate them! Stefanie Kowalczyk

The DHS music students performed at their annual Holiday Celebration Concert on December 13th. The event started off with two pieces performed by the Jazz Band. The Jazz Band incorporates instruments that are not always seen in the bands. Such as, keyboard and guitar. Solos were performed by Savannah Harrington, Lauren Arena, Riley Wentlent, and more! Next to the stage was the Mixed Chorus. This group performed three pieces. Their piece Bidi Bom was conducted by this years student teacher, Mr. Battle. The Symphonic Band took the stage with three beautiful songs ready to go with solos by Taylor Thompson and CJ Kanick. The Jazz Choir dazzled the crowd with their three songs: Let It Snow performed by the entire group with solos by Lauren Arena, Jason Glinski, and Nick Karnyski (drumset). I’ll Be Home For Christmas performed by the women with a solo from Miranda Arena. And, Jing-a-Ling, Ling-Ling, performed by a quartet composed of Miranda Arena, Lauren Arena, Hannah Stocklosa, and Rhegan Zubler. Concert Band performed next with solos played by Mary Grace Bauer, Rhegan Zubler, Audrey Mueller, Riley Wentlent, and all of the senior band members. The Concert Band ended their set with the annual presentation of Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride. Concert Choir was next and performed three pieces with solos by Hannah Stocklosa, Lauren Arena, Percussion ensemble: Nick Karnyski, Tyler Karnyski, Michael Nikonowicz, Shane Russell, and Mr. Randy Czosnyka on cello. To wrap up the eventful night the choirs combined into one to perform the funny song Fruitcake. Accompanied by creative dance moves, Dylan Thomas performed a solo. The last song of the night was that of A Holiday Sing-Along. An annual tradition where each band and chorus member comes together to perform the song. The concert was full of beautiful music and the Christmas spirit. Congratulations to all performers and their teachers!&nbsp;

Proceeds from the event went to purchase Christmas presents for 13 children!

Depew’s Very Own First Responder Club Enters the 14th Annual Lancaster Christmas Firetruck Parade! By:Cody Williams

On Saturday, November 27, 2021, Depew’s First Responder Club decorated Detective Scott’s School Resource Officer vehicle and a firetruck to enter it into the Lancaster Christmas Firetruck Parade. There were 180 firetrucks entered into this year’s parade. The firetrucks came from all over Western New York, Rochester, and even Pennsylvania. Being a part of this amazing experience was like nothing else. I’ve watched this parade for years, but being a part of it was even better! Thousands of spectators lined the streets dressed in holiday attire cheering along with their kids and families. I can’t wait to be a part of this every year.&nbsp;

Pictured Above: Aubrey Corbett, Natalie Witt, Jordan Kanick, Kendall Lepczyk, &amp; Lauren Jaskier. 

Navy zig-zag pattern

The Class of 2023 sponsored a viewing of the ever popular Holiday classic, "Christmas Vacation."

Radial blue

Congratulations to Zack Budzinski for bowling a PERFECT game!!

Green zig-zag pattern

Grey polka dot border

The first ever Depew High School Spike Fest occurred on January 12th. There were two participating teams that faced each other in a match, best of three. The “Buffalo Ballers”, including Ryan Sadowski, Eric Woodley, Nate Mcdonall, Josh Toolen, Jake Falter, and Joey Fatta came out victorious against “Team Jean” including Jermey Kulesz, Jaiden Torres, Devon Ross, Ben Pratt, Gavin Kolb, and Lucky Kurdziel and then went on to face members of the Girls Varsity Team in a close match.

Pink polka dot pattern

It has been about two years since the students of DHS have put on a musical. But, we are back and better than ever! This year’s musical is The Seussical! A show that follows Horton the Elephant as he fights to save the Whos, Jojo the Mayor’s son as he tries to find his place in the universe, Gertrude McFuzz as she follows her heart, The Sour Kangaroo who aims to destroy Horton’s clover, and the Cat in the Hat who helps narrate the stories through song, dance, and her crazy antics!&nbsp; The cast list has been posted and roles are as follows: The Cat in the Hat --- Rhegan Zubler Horton --- Mason Scudday Jojo --- Miranda Arena Gertrude --- Lauren Arena Sour Kangaroo --- Hannah Stocklosa Mayzie --- Emma Minotti Mr. Mayor --- Rome Laury Mrs. Mayor --- Mary Monk Genghis Khan Schmidt --- Jason Glinski Bird Girls --- Niya De’Jesus, Mya Jackson, Jenna Kuhlmey,&nbsp; Jillian Sujka, Lena Tran, Madison Wascak The Grinch --- Elijah Wascak Featured Dancers --- Bailey Barzycki, Melody Edwards High School Chorus Members --- Kay Bartholomew, Abby Blevins,&nbsp;Lauren Czosnyka, Savannah Harrington, Hank Herringshaw, Emily Klima, Emma Lee,&nbsp;Samantha Marzec, Jasmine Penders, Cheyenne Roetzer-Leach, Caitlyn Sosnowski, Sage Stanton, Dylan Thomas, Gabe Ward, Audrey Zielinski Middle School Chorus Members --- Brianna Brooks, Daniella Harhigh, Archie Herendeen, Henry Jolley, Gabriella Kelm, Felicity Lanthier, Emily Leach, Gabriella Maggiore, Teagan Muldoon, Olivia Nagy, Alana O’Hara, Kayla Szuba, Vilus Wolfe

Rehearsals are in full swing both for the cast and for the pit orchestra. The pit is conducted by the fantastic Mrs. Czosnyka! This year, the pit is comprised of: Trumpets --- Riley Wentlent &amp; Tricia Richards Trombone --- Kaitlin Whalen Percussion --- Nick Karnyski &amp; Shane Russell Flute &amp; Piccolo --- Mary Grace Bauer Flute --- Emily Reed Oboe &amp; Tenor Saxophone --- Jordan Kanick Clarinet &amp; Bass Clarinet --- Jaina DelRegno Clarinets --- Katie Manna &amp; Lauren Zubler This year, in order to comply with socially distanced seating, an additional show will be added on Thursday March 17th. The regularly scheduled shows have not changed: a show on Friday March 18th, and two shows on Saturday March 19th. Tickets for the show will go on sale in the upcoming weeks. Questions? Contact Mrs. Lovelace, our wonderful director! We can’t wait to see you in the audience, supporting our music department and the talented students of Depew!

Stars pattern

A Sneak Peek at Depew's Dancing With the Faculty

Finally! Dancing With The Faculty is back! The infamous Depew tradition had taken a break due to the pandemic, but is ready to rock and roll this year! For those who may not know, Dancing With The Faculty is a competition where teams comprised of students and teachers battle it out on the dance floor, just like the hit show Dancing With The Stars. These performances are funny and exciting to watch, so remember to buy your tickets!&nbsp; The competition will take place on Thursday February 10th at 7:00pm. Tickets will be sold for $5 pre-sale and $7 at the door. Masks are required, as always!&nbsp; As an audience member, be on the lookout for some of these awesome song selections: Hips Don’t Lie by Shakira, Cotton-Eyed Joe, Apple Bottom Jeans, and the Chicken Dance.&nbsp; Now for the part you’ve been waiting for… this year's DWTF teams! Ms. Van Harken: dancing with Mya Bush, Natalie Witt, Mia Vanelli, Kaylee Krystoff, Ny’ema Blair, and Jenna Lis.&nbsp; Mrs. Czosnyka: dancing with Jordan Kanick, Rhegan Zubler, Abby Gammel, and Katie Manna. Mrs. Foels: dancing with Matthew Jasinski and Mckenzie Gawel. Mrs. Cartonia: dancing with Jaina Delregno, Lauren Jaskier, Marta Gutierrez, and Ryan Sadowski. Ms. Jeffords and Mr. Bushey: dancing with Savannah Balck and Alana Lucas. Mr. Kolbert: dancing with Yshe Buhion, Melissa Pitrelli, and Cameron Hasse.&nbsp; Mrs. Cacciotti and Mrs. Degnan: dancing with Ben Urschel, Audrey Zielezinski, and Mattie Lafratta.&nbsp; Our judges for the evening will be: Mrs. Bogdan, Mr. Parry, &amp; Mr. Muldoon. We would like to thank the Student Senate and Leadership classes for working so hard to make this event possible. We can’t wait to see you there, cheering on your favorite teachers!

Editors in Chief: Rhegan Zubler Siena-Jane Addesa Makayla Seawood Jordan Kanick

Watercolor texture 2

New Year's Resolutions By Makayla Seawood

It is the beginning of another new year! Welcome to 2022. The new year brings a lot of surprises and changes, but also brings back classic traditions. Something that is a New Year's staple, is making resolutions. This is a fun and easy way to set goals for the upcoming year, but not always reliable. Only 8% of resolutions are kept in any given year. So for 2022, let's make a change. Here are some ways to keep resolutions for the new year.

-Keep trying! It takes 21 days for a new activity to become a habit and 6 months for it to become a part of your personality. It takes time to make changes in your life, so don't give up!

Want to make a resolution but don't really know what to do? Here's some ideas for how to improve your and others lives in 2022

- Be realistic! It's hard to keep goals when your goals aren't realistic or obtainable.&nbsp; - Make a plan! Set up a schedule or plan to carry out your resolutions.&nbsp; - Talk about it! It'll make you more excited and if friends and family members know, you'll be held more accountable.&nbsp; - Reward yourself! When making lifestyle changes, it's important to feel good about what you are doing. Celebrate by doing something that doesn't contradict your resolution but enjoy yourself! - Track your progress! Being able to see your progress and see your change is great! Keeping yourself on track is a great way to hold yourself accountable.

- Unplug from social media for a total of at least 24 hours every month - Read 1 new book every month - Drink more water - Get a full 8 hours of sleep every night - Find a new hobby - Reduce your stress and practice self care - Get better grades - Compliment your peers - Make new friends - Take time to learn something new, even if it's something school won't teach you.

Good luck, have fun, and Wildcat Chronicle wishes you a wonderful 2022!

Purple zig-zag pattern

This year's Snack Off involved a secret ingredient, which was given to four teams. Each team incorporated the secret ingredient, Oreo Cookies, and created a delicious dessert. The winning group was Sasa Nguyen, Makayla Seawood, and Evan Kinderman. Congrats to all winners! And a special thanks to judges Mrs. Kanick, Mrs. Buttino and Veronica, and Mrs. Hatfield!