By Lauren Lezamiz '18 On Nov. 9, 2016, Fontbonne Hall Academy’s “Bonnies for Health” club sponsored a Zumba class in the gym. The class was open to all students and was held right after school at 3 p.m. The class was held to raise awareness and get everyone moving and healthy! The Zumba class was ran by a Zumba instructor, Jaclyn Benaissa.
Benaissa has been teaching zumba for three years. She started going to Zumba when she was in her Master's program (2011) as a way to relieve stress. She would go two or three times a week to Triple Essence dance studio where the Zumba instructor, and former Bonnie Alumnae, Natalie Russell taught the class. She had a great time at these classes. “Fitness has always been part of my life but, not fitness in the "go to the gym and run on the treadmill/lift weights" sense. I always got bored of it. I like to interact with others- be part of a team, and be outdoors. Zumba has given me this ability,” said Benaissa. Benaissa said that the biggest inspiration was that she didn't need to be a size 2, which she says isn’t a bad thing, to lead, or be part of a class. “Having people of all shapes and sizes laughing AND doing something healthy and fun? What more can you ask for!” said Benaissa. Benaissa enjoyed teaching the students and said that they were all wonderful. She explained that their enthusiasm and kindness had left a lasting impression on her and she is looking forward to returning in the future. Because of the huge turnout and how many students participated in the class, Benaissa said the more the merrier! “You were all awesome! Having a big group brings more energy, I loved the crowd!” said Benaissa. Benaissa is a former alumni of Fontbonne Hall. When asked if she enjoyed teaching zumba to the students at FHA she explained that coming back to FHA felt like coming back home. When asked if Benaissa would come back to Fontbonne and teach another class, she explained that she was looking forward to returning in the future. She thanks all that came out and joined her Zumba class.
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By Maria Hatziminadakis '18 Sports Night begins on Feb. 6, 2017. Sports Night occurs on March 26 at St. Francis College, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sports Night is ran annually. It consist of a competition in tumbling, dance, and skit between the four years in Fontbonne Hall Academy. Sports Night is a time for all the years to come together and spread Fontbonne Spirit. “Sports Night means getting together with friends. My favorite sports night memory is when we would practice our song. Sports night is a way that every year comes together to tell a story with dancers, tumblers and so much more. I'm excited to see everything come together for the day of sports night” said Rebecca Kaminski, junior. Every year, Fontbonne students as a year perform a performance they have been working on since February. The event is run by Ms. Barton and Mr. Herron. Falon Veccia stated, “ A time where girls come together in our year. It's the time we are the most united. My favorite sports night memory is when the whip and the nae nae come on and me, Brianna, and Rebecca danced to it. A time to make new friends. It's important for school spirit.” Other students are excited about the Sports Night experience. It is what makes Fontbonne. “Sports Night is time where we can bond with our year. The whole process brings us closer as classmates and friends My favorite Sports Night memory was what happened after we performed sports night for the first time. As we were leaving the St. Francis gym and going upstairs, our whole year was screaming and chanting . It was so much fun. Sports night will be stressful but it's also very fun. It's one of the few fun traditions that Fontbonne has to offer, so work hard and do your best because it will all work out well in the end.I'm excited for the senior performance. They have done very well at sports night for the past 3 years, and I am wondering how they will go out with a bang” said Kirsa Danis. Sports Night practices vary by year and begin in January. By Marissa DeVito '18 As of the 2016 school year, Fontbonne Hall Academy has a Rubik's Cube and Chess Club. The club was created by junior, Spiridoula Hatziminadakis, an avid rubix cube and chess enthusiast.
Meeting every other Friday, the club introduces different mind challenging games. Solving Rubik’s Cubes and Chess are avidly played. These games are not only a fun enjoying experience for members, but they promote the ability to learn and act in real life situations. Many of the games played in the club can help improve logic and algorithm skills. When asked if Rubik’s Cubes, and other mind challenging games could improve logic and algorithm skills Hatziminadakis said “I do think participating in mindset games like solving a cube can help further one's ability to do better. Personally, I am able to concentrate more and finding new methods of solving the cube in the fastest time possible helps me deal with real life situations.” Memorizing can be key in studying, and by applying these skills one may learn from solving the cube, can improve in subjects that may require the.” Rubik's cubes are being incorporated into many school systems throughout the world due to their many benefits. Hatzminadakis said “The idea of a cube can be related to math, and even science. Many individuals can solve a cube, but designing it is another story. Student’s who compete in competitions tend to major in engineering.” Rubik's Cube and Chess Club is a great opportunity for all students to learn new and exciting skills. When asked what students she recommend join Rubik's Cube and Chess Club, Hatzminadakis said “I recommend students who just need a break. A break from all the stress, because even though it may seem complicated to solve a cube, it can become very relaxing once you get used to it “ By Kate Collins '18 When the six girls arrive at CHiPS, they are immediately put to work making produce bags. Fridays are called “produce day” because the people leaving the soup kitchen are able to grab a bag full of apples and oranges. Afterwards, the girls make an assembly line to fill garbage cans with canned foods.
“CHiPS was overall an inspiring experience. The best part of my experience was seeing the smiling on all their faces when they got the food. I am so happy I was able to serve those who need it most,” said Grania Finnegan, a student who attended CHiPS on Friday Dec. 2. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the crowd comes in to eat lunch. There are four different jobs assigned to the girls. The first job is serving food. Two girls help serve the rice, beans, chicken, pasta and salad. Two girls help prepare the trays by putting, dessert, juice and a fork and knife on each plate. As the crowd gets heavier, the girls work hard to fill the trays with full plates of food. The third job is for one girl to bring the platter of food to the “specialty seating.” The “specialty seating” is for those who elderly, pregnant or have a medical reason which makes it hard for them to carry their plate to the table, so the plate is brought to them. The fourth job is the greeter. The greeter greets them at the door and signs everyone in and out. After the rush and madness of the three lunch hours, it is clean up time. The girls wipe down the tables, clean the dishes and put everything back where it belongs. The CSJ message for the Junior year is “service.” One of the ways in which the Junior year pursues their mission of service is every Friday, a group of six girls attends the Soup Kitchen, CHiPS. CHiPS stand for, “Community Help in Park Slope.” CHiPS is a volunteer based soup kitchen open to anyone in need of food. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner for the less fortunate. The girls get to work with others to serve the community. CHiPS is a great place for Juniors to pursue their mission of service. |