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Sunday, May 12, 2013

Paramus Catholic High School Students To Display Talents at Bergen County Teen Arts Festival

Paramus Catholic High School Students To Display Talents at Bergen County Teen Arts Festival

By SYDNEY BLAND '13


PARAMUS, NJ- Approximately 225 students from Paramus Catholic High School will attend the annual Bergen County Teen Arts Festival on Friday, May 17, 2013 at Bergen Community College.

Paramus Catholic High School has been attending the festival for 10 years. Mrs. Lewandowski, a Paramus Catholic High School teacher and liaison for the Bergen County Teen Arts Festival, described a typical first day as one in which students register, pick up name tags and receive information about seminars, workshops, and performances. Mrs. Lewandowski stated, “The students love the festival. They are around like-minded people and are free to express themselves. It’s like a great sporting event for the arts.”

Paramus Catholic’s band and dance classes perform at the festival. The band usually performs one to two songs, while the dance class has one performance. Both groups of students are critiqued right on the spot. Mrs. Lewandowski expressed, “So far, my most fond memory is getting back stellar critiques on the dance performance and sitting on the lawn, listening to various bands and open-mic acts.” 

Evan Cooper, the Administrator of the Bergen County Teen Arts Festival, indicated through an email that there will be 32 different opportunities for students in all areas of the arts. There are 80 separate workshop presentations, which will enable every student to attend several during their day at the festival. All workshops are 50 minutes, unless otherwise indicated. Some workshops returning to the festival include “Mask Making” and “YouTube Cube.”  Last year, over 200 students made their own masks and learned how to create their own videos for the web.

New workshops include, “From Songs to Stories,” where students learn to interpret their favorite piece of music in their own words, and “Improvisation Games,” where students participate in a high energy and hands-on introduction to theatrical improvisation. 

The Teen Arts Festival will provide an educational and memorable hands-on experience for Paramus Catholic High School students. Mrs. Lewandowski commented, “The festival is brilliant. It’s a worthwhile experience and something Bergen County should be proud of.”

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Online Courses Coming to Paramus Catholic


Online Courses Offer New Way for High School Students to Learn


By KAITLYN STERZEL ’14


PARAMUS, NJ – Paramus Catholic High School students may enroll in collaborative, online learning courses for the 2013-14 school year.

Administrators at Paramus Catholic added five full year courses and eleven semester online courses for juniors and seniors.  Students who take these courses will learn with a class of 15 to 25 other students from around the world.  There is no face-to-face instruction and teachers expect their students to work on their assignments during their designated class period.

PC's Associate Principal, Ms. Stephanie Macaluso, said, “We have added these courses for disciplined, self-motivated students to learn about new topics and to connect them with students from other parts of the world.  These classes will also give them a taste of the courses that will be available to them at the college level.”

The full year online courses are AP Music Theory, AP Government and Politics, AP Economics, AP Environmental Science, and AP Calculus BC.  The semester courses are Music: Fundamentals of Composition, Biotechnology, DNA Technology, Genes and Disease Honors, Engineering Principles, Philosophy I Honors, Sports and Society, Twentieth Century Women Authors, Spanish Culture and 20th Century Hispanic Literature, German Language and Culture, and Russian Language and Culture.

According to Ms. Joan Silo, Vice Principal of Academics, “Online collaborative learning is not for everyone, as there is no face-to-face instruction time with teachers.”  She added, “This type of learning requires self-discipline, academic ability, and technical competence.  Students in these courses must be comfortable communicating through modern technologies.”

Students who plan to take these online courses must obtain their guidance counselor’s approval before they can begin the class. Guidance counselors will approve or deny requests for online courses after checking each student’s grades from previous classes and seeking teacher recommendations.

Michael Kenny, a junior at Paramus Catholic, said, “I’m excited to take an online course and challenge myself.  I think I’ll be able to handle an online course. It’s pretty cool that we will be working with students and teachers from around the world, too.”

Paramus Catholic’s Ultimate Frisbee Team looking to shock New Jersey

By Justin Gordnick ’14

PARAMUS, NJ - Sports have earned a place in the spotlight at Paramus Catholic High School this year.  From winning a Group IV state championship in football, to winning a state championship in co-ed cheerleading, to achieving a 27-2 record in ice hockey, Paramus Catholic has been very successful in the sports arena.  Paramus Catholic’s newest sport, Ultimate Frisbee, is looking to join the spotlight.
Senior Team Captain and Maywood resident, Luke Diamond, started playing frisbee competitively last year and is hoping to play at Montclair next year. He said, “I wish I had played frisbee all my life, since I was a kid. Disc is life.”
When asked about expectations for the team, Diamond said, “I expect big things. We’re big, strong, fast, and physical; anything less than a state championship is a disappointment in my eyes.”
Second-year Head Coach, Luke Frangione, is pleased with the team’s ambition. “The kids are passionate for the game. They really love to play,” Frangione stated.
The Ultimate Frisbee team has conditioned all year round, practicing skills with the frisbee, running on the track, and doing exercises to strengthen their forearms.
The team has a roster of 21 and is entered in a few tournaments.  They recently defeated Delbarton 15-1. 
Ultimate Frisbee is played on a 100-yard field and is scored by two halves. Halftime occurs when a team scores seven goals.  The game ends when a team scores thirteen goals. Goals are scored by going the length of a field by passing the frisbee and taking two steps at a time.

Luke Diamond, PC's Ultimate Frisbee Team Captain, makes a dramatic catch.

Paramus Catholic High School Journeys to Italy

Students Study Italian Culture

By SYDNEY BLAND ’13

PARAMUS, NJ - Students and teachers from Paramus Catholic High School boarded a plane and embarked on a 12-day Italy tour and pilgrimage beginning on Thursday, February 13th.  The group was led by James P. Vail, President of Paramus Catholic High School, and the itinerary included visits to many of Italy’s most historical cities: Caserta, Rome, and Florence.
The first five days of the trip were spent in Caserta, Italy. While in Caserta, students spent a day at their partner school, Istituto Salesiani High School, where they visited classes and enjoyed a variety show. A Mass was held in the school chapel later that day. Students from both schools made everlasting friendships during their visit.
On the sixth day, students traveled to Rome, where they spent the remainder of the trip. The group took a walking tour of the River Tiber, Piazza Tribunali, Piazza Navona/Bernini sculptures, Pantheon and Piazza Montecitorio. While on a day trip to Florence, they visited the Academie and had the opportunity to view The David. Some of the trip’s highlights included a visit to St. Peter’s Square, as well as a guided, after-hours tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Pana Patterson, a student at Paramus Catholic High School, stated, “I was allowed a once in a lifetime experience that few can say they had the chance to witness.”
On the last day of the trip, the group was taken on guided tours of St. Peter’s Basilica with seminarians of the Vatican American Pontifical College. They also attended a private Mass with Father Houser, the assistant to Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke, which was held at the tomb of St. Peter beneath the dome and papal altar.
Paramus Catholic President, James P. Vail, said, “I hope this trip opens our students’ vision and desire for future travel, as well as deepens their faith in and love for our Church and its history and traditions.” 
The Paramus Catholic group visited Vatican City at a historic time for the Catholic Church. Pope Benedict XVI had just announced he was resigning, making him the first pope to do so since Gregory XII in 1415.

Monday, December 10, 2012


Review of Beasts of the Southern Wild
by Christian Romero ‘13

The year 2012 has been filled with a myriad of box-office smashes and gargantuan Hollywood productions like The Hunger Games, The Avengers, The Dark Knight Rises, Skyfall, and Breaking Dawn-Part 2. Granted, many of them have proved to be genuinely memorable and worthwhile films. But there are some films that miraculously manage to elude the public eye, arousing only the voracious appetites of film critics who have been waiting for unique independent films to be worthy of their praise. Recently, while perusing my On Demand “Just In” library, I noticed the standout title Beasts of the Southern Wild. I had heard of it before, for it had stirred a considerable amount of buzz at the Sundance Film Festival this past June, winning the Dramatic Grand Jury Prize, the festival’s greatest honor. Looking to see who starred in the film, I noticed an unforgettable name, Quvenzhané (Kwuh-Von-Je-Nay) Wallis. The film’s summary was incredibly brief, only mentioning that it chronicled the story of a young girl struggling to survive in a community on the outskirts of New Orleans. Had it not been for the ecstatic praise of the film and the assertion by my favorite film critic, Roger Ebert, that the movie was “One of the year’s best films,” I would have passed over the film without hesitation. But after watching the first eight minutes of the film, I realized that I had stumbled upon something special.
           Hush Puppy, the film’s protagonist, is a tenacious six year old girl who lives with her father, Wink, in the mysteriously enchanting community known as “The Bathtub.” The community has the outward appearance of a decrepit shantytown lying on the fringes of the Louisiana bayou, but it is a cohesive place held together by a group of interesting characters who enjoy the freedom of living on the fringes of society, able to go about partying and enjoying themselves as they please. In the beginning of the film, Hush Puppy’s “teacher,” Miss Bathsheba, tells her students that a storm is approaching, and when it comes, they better be prepared to take care of themselves. The fantastical element of the film enters with Miss Bathsheba gives an account of creatures that are supposedly trapped in the Antarctic ice caps known as “Aurochs.” They are gigantic boar-like creatures who terrorized and ate the cave men of yesteryear, and, according to Hush Puppy, “If it weren’t for the meteors and the Ice Age, I would have been breakfast.” When the storm does arrive, most residents of The Bathtub leave their idyllic playground and seek protection in the real world behind the levee walls. But Wink obstinately refuses to leave, instead turning his home into a fortress against the prevailing storm. In an attempt to quell the fears of Hush Puppy, Wink runs out into the middle of the storm with a shotgun, pretending to destroy the storm with a few blasts of his gun. Ultimately, the storm leaves The Bathtub underwater, forcing Hush Puppy and Wink to search the ruins for any survivors in their “boat,” which in reality is an overturned truck propelled forward by its engine and metal oars. It is this storm, and the three Aurochs that are released from the Antarctic ice caps due to the sheer force of the storm’s nature, that work to change little Hush Puppy’s life in unforeseeable ways.
            Divulging the entire film’s plot would not be enough to describe its joys and intricacies. It is one of those movies that can only be understood by experiencing it. I was taken aback by the sheer creative force behind the film and its insistence on being something wholly unique. First time director Benh Zeitlin, a graduate of the prestigious Wesleyan University, which has a distinguished film program, was able to wring a captivatingly magical “kingdom”  out of the Katrina ravaged lands surrounding New Orleans. His wise choice in casting unknown stars is one of the film’s greatest strengths. Dwight Henry, who plays Wink, is utterly convincing as a man struggling with a drinking problem, a short temper, and a blood disease. He owned the Buttermilk Drop Bakery & Café in New Orleans while the auditions were being held for the various characters, and, on a whim, auditioned and got the role of Wink. He experienced Hurricane Katrina firsthand in 2005, and the role fit him naturally, allowing him to perform it with utmost conviction. But the breakout star of the film, the little ball of sheer talent that serves as the nucleus of the film’s genius, is Quvenzhané Wallis. She is a natural actress; many child actors are not yet ready to break out into leading roles, requiring instead years of practice in minor supporting roles, but the role of Hush Puppy is completely fleshed out through Wallis. She embodies the character, and I highly doubt the film would have been anywhere near as powerful without her. Praise must also be given to the film’s production designer, Alex DiGerlando, who constructed the unforgettable community of “The Bathtub,” and the film’s composers, Dan Romer and Benh Zeitlin, who composed a score evoking the phantasmagorical essence of the film’s narrative core. Beasts of the Southern Wild tells a story not of beasts but of larger than life individuals who are completely independent of the modern technological innovations of nearby civilization and are free from the constraints of toil and work and adhering to schedules. This is the most original, audacious, stunningly beautiful, wonderfully magical, and lovingly wrought film of 2012, and it possesses a charm that many mainstream films lack. I wholeheartedly urge everyone to experience this film, for it showcases the ingenuity and originality of American art.

My rating: 4/4 Stars

This film has been rated PG-13 for thematic material including child imperilment, some disturbing images, language and brief sensuality.

Sunday, December 9, 2012


The Ticket of a Lifetime!




     The Paramus Catholic Paladins marched into Metlife Stadium Friday evening in front of over 9,000 fans to compete 
against The Crusaders of Bergen Catholic. The Paladins and Crusaders have been long time football rivals. The Paladins' loss to the Crusaders on Thanksgiving day made the Paladins push even harder for the victory that they strongly felt they deserved. At halftime the Paladins had a 
21-14 lead. The game saw the fourth quarter tied at 21-21. The Crusaders took the lead at 21-28. The Paladins knew they had to push in order to win. The 22 yard run by Keyon Washington made the Paladins more motivated as they also completed a 2 point conversion. Steve Shanley threw a 55 yard pass to Tyrone Washington in order to secure the lead with 1:16 left in the game. The final score was 37-34. Both the Paladins and Crusader fans witnessed one of the most competitive games to date.      
     This is the first time the Paladins have won the state title since the 1997 matchup against Delbarton. It is on that team where the now Paladin coach Coach Partridge was a senior player.
      Great job boys. All of the Paramus Catholic family and friends are extremely proud of your grace and spirit!



Associate Principal Ms. Macaluso, Dean of Students Ms. Scarano, and thousands of others of the Paramus Catholic family did not feel the cold or rain, just the presence of mutual respect and admiration for our very own Paladins!
Congratulations to the entire student body of PC.


We are all winners!


Junior players Dejon Harrison and Tyrone Washington celebrate their team's victory.

Alex Reyes celebrates on the Metlife turf with Dean of Students, Ms. Scarano!



Tuesday, December 4, 2012

PC punches their ticket to MetLife

The Paladins defeated St. Peter's Prep Saturday afternoon with a 21-0 victory in the Non-public group 4 semi-final match up. It is  not yet over for the Paladins. They once again take on the  Crusaders this Friday night, December 7, at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.  This marks the first time the Paladins have gone to the finals since 1997 when they won the state title for the first time. They walk into Friday night's game strong and enthusiastic. Good luck in the finals, Paladins. Many PC students say "2012 is the Year of the Paladins."
This is a game you don't want to miss!
Sergio Martinez '14 

Paramus Catholic's Book Club

MISSION:  To foster the love of books and to give members a forum for their creative expression.

Each month there is a specific genre that members are asked to read and discuss, review, summarize at the meetings.  There is no minimum requirement of the number of books members read.  On their own, members are encouraged to write poetry and short stories or to create artwork relating to the books they are reading.  Members have a GOOD READ account and track how many books PC reads.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Paramus Catholic's Model Congress


Paramus Catholic’s Model Congress

Paramus Catholic Model Congress (PCMC) strives to enhance political awareness and responsible citizenship through the study and debate of political issues in an intellectual setting. Founded in 1997, PCMC has promoted these goals by providing high school students with a unique opportunity to participate in simulated sessions of the United States Congress.
Once again, Model Congress is back in full force. Paramus Catholic very own Clare Duda’13 is leading this year’s club. As of now, the seniors and juniors are teaching the underclassmen how to speak aloud, raise good questions, and write great legislation. Our goal, as of every year, is to take twenty students down to the University of Pennsylvania’s Model Congress competition. Three for four days, students from across the nation gather at Penn to confront the most challenging domestic and foreign issues that face America today. By writing their own legislation and preparing for debate, delegates learn to actively engage in contemporary political discourse. PCMC aims to help mold today's youth into tomorrow's citizens and leaders. (Change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. – John F. Kennedy)

Paramus Catholic's Japanese Club


Paramus Catholic’s Japanese Club
Konoichwa! The Paramus Catholic Japanese Club strives to enhance, political, geographical, social, cultural and linguistic awareness of Japan. Class of 2013’s Geena Matala and Thomas Gallagher are this year’s co-presidents. The have meet with their fellow e-board members and have planed up some great events. The Japan Club will take field trip to the Japanese Market Place Mitsuwa in the fall, host a drawing contest, movie night, and a Christmas party, and a lecture on every Friday. All senior and junior members are responsible for making a power point presentation on some aspect of Japan.  A Brief History on Japanese Samurai Warrios, Japanese Mythology, Harjuku Fashion, Top 10 Manga Characters of all Time, The Topography of Japan, and the Current Political Landscape of Japan were just of the few titles that our upperclassmen have presented to their fellow club members. Sayonara and Domo arigotogozaimasu!

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

PC and Taylor Swift

On Wednesday , October 24 , PC registered for & viewed a Live Webcast of Taylor Swift promoting her Read Every Day campaign. she was at a school in New York City. The Web Cast took place in the library and lasted for 35 minutes.  Taylor Swift answered questions from students in schools from different continents. She spoke about how important reading was and still is to her because reading takes her away on adventures and also is an outlet to express problems . She explained how she gets ideas for all the songs she writes & sings  from real life experiences. She said that when she was younger , she was bullied in junior high  & couldn't wait to take refuge in a new book, play her guitar, sing  or write in her journal .  Taylor Swift is an inspiration to our students who attended the Web Cast which was set up through Ms. Devlin's association with Scholastic & with the expertise of Mr. Liddle who made sure that we had  enough internet bandwidth to stream the live video webcast through our PC computer. After the Q&A was over, Taylor sang  a song from her new CD titled Red.  It was a worthwhile educational , inspirational & entertaining event. Thanks to Ms. Macaluso who gave her approval for this new experience to take place.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Paladins win over FCA 37 -20 at Rutgers' High Point Solution Stadium

PC matches with FCA at Rutgers Stadium.
Paramus Catholic's football team, under the leadership of Coach Chris Partridge, traveled
to Rutgers to meet FCA of Washington DC.  The Paladins showed control and skill which resulted in a 37-20 win over FCA.
PC's marching band wows the fans with its Jersey theme. Songs of Bruce Springsteen, Frankie Valli, and Whitney Houston resounded through the stadium. They ended their performance with the perfect formation of an N J in honor of our
garden state.
Following the well fought win, the team regroups to hear words of praise from Coach Partridge
The smiles of the  coaches along with PC President James Vail
are ones that come from hard work, pride, and determination.



Kicker, Matt Gollabek, a new addition to the PC football team, has earned his place among the ranks of the other talented young athletes.
It is all about team work.
Dean of students, Ms. Stella Scarano, congratulating junior Tyrone Washington



Senior Erik Santiago's smile says it all!






Friday, October 19, 2012

Photography teacher Justin Pedrick captures the magic of Paladin Pride.

PC provided 14 buses to carry Paladin fans to Don Bosco Prep to support their team! The Paladins may have lost the game, but they are winners to their fellow Paladins.















                                                       There is nothing like a Paladin!!!!!!


Paramus Catholic's Tennis Coach Ron Zorovich's Kind Words

The varsity tennis team will be saying goodbye to two seniors.  Natalie Cioffari and Brindsi Liberty.  

Our captain and 1st singles player Natalie Cioffari had an outstanding season with a record of 11-5.  She participated in the Ramapo College Fall Classic Tournament and won 5 of the 6 matches played.  She has been part of the team since her freshman year where she started as our 2nd singles player and moved up to 1st singles her junior and senior year. She has been a tremendous addition to our team and has been instrumental in motivating the team to a higher standard of play.  She has received letters of interest from top colleges. (Rutgers, Ramapo, Manhattan). Natalie’s inspirational pre match pep talks of her motto “Never give up” will be missed by her teammates.

Brindsi Liberty started as a freshman doubles player and has moved to first doubles her junior and senior year.  She has been a consistent player, and has shown marked improvement in her game over the last 4 years.  Brindsi was very instrumental in closing our win against Pascack Valley with a third set tie breaker in the dark!  This was a very proud win since PC has not won against them in 9 years!

The remaining team has shown incredible sportsmanship, improvement and courteousness.  Our overall record may not be paper worthy but all the girls have contributed to our wins and played with their heart and soul by showing an incredible love for the game. 

I wish Natalie and Brindsi good luck in college and look forward to training with the girls next year. 

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Praise for PC Students

Have you seen the Bergen Record's article about Tent CIty?
Visit the link below and read about the wonderful students at PC.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.



http://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/174310191_The_Record__Understanding_poverty.html

Former Graduate Represents Saint John's at tonight's presidential debate!!!!!



Najaah Daniels, PC Class of 2011, is one of a few students who was chosen to represent
 St. John's University at tonight's presidential debate. She is St. John's official ambassador and will be able to address the candidates this evening.
If her question does not make television it will be streamed live on ST. John's Web site.

Paramus Catholic and St. John's are extremely proud of her. She will be in our prayers!

PC Pink Outs this month's all school Mass.

Students of Paramus Catholic will be donning pink ribbons at this Thursday's all school Mass. The Cancer Awareness club continues to spread the word about this devastating disease.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Girls' Soccer Team Enters Bergen County Tournament


The Girls Varsity Soccer team defeated Teaneck yesterday (10/2) 8-0.  Goals were scored by Chelsi Nurse (2), Delaney Suarez, Kimmee Mignone, Annalyse Vassallo, Gabby Villar, Kelly Banas, and Julianna Mascelli.

The team improved their record to 7-3 and face Ramsey in the Bergen County Tournament Round of 16 at Ramsey H.S. at 12:00 on Sunday.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Paramus Catholic's student recognized by National Hispanic Recognition Program

Paramus Catholic's own, Nicholas Cruz, has been recognized by the 2012-2013 National Hispanic Recognition Program

National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP)

An Opportunity for Hispanic/Latino Students

The National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP) identifies academically outstanding Hispanic/Latino high school students. Each year, the NHRP honors nearly 5,000 of the highest-scoring students from the approximately 235,000 Hispanic/Latino juniors who take the PSAT/NMSQT®. These students are from the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Mariana Islands and the Marshall Islands, as well as U.S. citizens attending schools abroad. Approximately 200 of the top-scoring PAA™ students from Puerto Rico are also included.
Although the NHRP does not provide a financial reward, being named is an important academic recognition, and this achievement should be indicated on your college applications. NHRP is proud to honor outstanding students and make this information available to subscribing colleges and universities that are particularly interested in communicating with academically exceptional Hispanic/Latino students (collegeboard.com).

Paramus Catholic's Commended Students in the 2013 National Merit Program

 Paramus Catholic High School is proud to announce those students who have been commended by the 2013 National Merit Program: 
Alyssa Carozza, Kevin Degnan, Brigid Fitzpatrick, Jacqueline Grant, Anthony Kasper, and
 Aislinn Keriigan. We are proud of our Paladins! Congratulations to the students and to their families!

Monday, October 1, 2012

Paramus Catholic's Cancer Awareness Club

Paramus Catholic High School's Cancer Awareness Club will be coloring the halls of PC pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In an effort to continue the fight against cancer and to raise awareness of this disease, the club will be selling bracelets for $2.,  pens $1., rings $1, and pins $1.
Pink OUT T-Shirts can be ordered for $10.00 each as well as  pink ADDIDAS draw string bags with zipped pocket for $18.00 each.
If you are interested in ordering either the bag or T-shirt, please call Ms. Gaglione at 201 445 4466 x. 241.
You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the things you think you cannot do.
- Eleanor Roosevelt




PC's Environmental Club continues to give back to the community.

PC students clean up the trailside of  theTenafly Nature Center.

The pond located in the Tenafly Nature Center.


Mr. Mulligan explains the "blow down" of a tree from a storm. Students learn that this occurrance creates new and vital habitats.


Paramus Catholic's Environmental Club

A perfect weather day for PC's environmental club to help maintain nature's beauty.

Clean up along the trail of the Tenafly Nature Center.

Paladin Pride

Paladin Pride! Catch it!
Paladins suppoprt their school at the Ridgewood vs Paramus Catholic football game this past Friday night.

Friday, September 28, 2012

LIVE, LOVE, LEAD...Steve Forrest Rocks the House For Paramus Catholic's All School Retreat!

Paramus Catholic's All School Retreat has PC students engaged and enjoying life!

Paramus Catholic's Students, along with guidance from Mr. Michael Shea get the house rocking with  spiritual music.

 


The Freshman and Sophomore classes certainly are feeling the love in PC's auditorium. 

Steve Forrest spends some one on one quality time with Paramus Catholic students. After leading the students through a touching and inspiring all school retreat, students and Mr. Forrest are still in the mood for more music, more friend time and above all, more God.

Music as prayer, a gift from God.

Steve Forrest on PC's stage sharing through music, personal accounts, and prayer.

PC's student body lived, loved, and learned about leading through the music and inspiration of Steve Forrest.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Paramus Catholic's Social Justice Awareness Group gives voice


The Practice of Baad by Catherine Bradshaw
            As Americans, it can be easy to forget that there are so many hardships and struggles going on elsewhere in the vast expanse of the world. People hear the news, but the news can often feel distant and more like a made up story. However, these atrocities do happen and are happening, and unfortunately, these numerous horrible occurrences do not make it to the front page news or become viral as the Kony video did. Picture this. Your female sibling, cousin, friend, or child is taken away. She did nothing wrong, but is treated inhumanely by her kidnappers. There is nothing the government can do to stop the aggressors, unless the victim comes forward. However, she is scared of retaliation.  Therefore, she must live the rest of her life locked up, with no hopes and no dreams. She has nothing left, but the possibility that maybe someday someone will stand up for her and others like her. Baad, a horrific Afghan tradition of taking girls as reparation for the sins of their family members, must be made known, so that it can end once and for all.
            In Afghanistan, young girls are kidnapped as compensation for their relatives’ misdeeds. This strange custom is known as baad or baadi, and although illegal, it is still unfortunately in common practice in rural southern and eastern Afghanistan (Pashtun areas). Baad is the forcing of a young woman into slavery or forced marriage. (Wikipedia “Baad”) Although this practice is condemned by the United Nations as “a harmful traditional practice,” it remains virtually concealed. It is so secretive because these girls are often given in recompense for the disgraceful crimes of rape and murder, as well as elopement, which is prohibited by custom. Legal action cannot be taken, unless the girl makes a complaint. However, sadly, most of these women do not say anything out of fear and compliance. For the most part, Afghan women do not know their rights and are kept from practicing those rights. Most of these women cannot read and write, and are unaware of the laws or Sharia. Sexism flourishes in Afghanistan, where most men do not see women as equals or understand the terror baad causes. The horrors of baad will not cease until the women are made familiar with their own rights (NY Times Rubin “A Childhood Lost to Pay for the Sins of Others” A1, A10).
            Baad occurs most often in parts of Afghanistan where it is dangerous for citizens to reach out for government support. It remains prominent because Afghans have little faith in their government and justice system, which they believe are corrupt. The problem is rooted deeply in the sexist attitudes of men. Furthermore, the majority of males see baad as a way of stopping family feuds, while more females realize the terrible consequences baad has both physically and mentally on young girls. The idea behind baad, to save clans from even more fights and bloodshed, is a positive one, and the right idea. However, the bad outweighs the good because you penalize an innocent person for the wrongdoings of another. Some say that the women are eventually assimilated into the family, but this is not true. The woman will forever be an outcast in the family, constantly working and beaten by the males of the family. (“Afghanistan: Stop Women from Being Given as Compensation”). These girls lose their future and any chance at happiness. Atrociously, they are treated worse than slaves. Why should an innocent child bear the guilt of others? Every person should pay for his own sins.
            Nothing fully encompasses the cruelty of baad as much as first-hand accounts from girls that lived through it. Shaking, a girl named Shakila told The New York Times her story of being locked in a dark room and filthy room, being tortured, hauling water and firewood, and eating only every other day. On a daily basis, she was put down and cursed at by the males of the family. Scars decorate her face, forever a reminder of the abuse she faced, once, even thrown against a brick wall. After she escaped and went back to her home, she looked like one of those starving dogs seen on a coin jar. She was only a shadow of what she was before being kidnapped. Unfortunately, Shakila’s escape was not the end of this horror story. Her family had to escape from the opposing clan, and live in hiding until this day because the police and government refuse to help. (New York Times, Rubin, “A Childhood Lost to Pay for the Sins of Others” p. A1, A10).
            This gross custom needs to be terminated, but how? The Afghan government has made it illegal with an offense resulting in up to two years in prison, but the practice continues. First, the United States and other countries should send women rights activists to educate, inform, and empower young women in Afghanistan to show them their imminent worth and dignity. They can hold workshops and classes to teach the women to read and write, as well as to tell them their rights as humans. The workshops could include retreats, teaching girls from a young age their self worth, beauty, intelligence, importance, and power. Girls that experience baad will be encouraged to give speeches about their experiences, how their life changed, and what others can do to avoid facing the same situation. Next, the law should be made stricter. Two years in prison for baad is not nearly enough for the torture and enslavement of innocent young women. In addition, the law should be changed so that anyone that knows baad is taking place is required under the law to come forward. This way, baad will be more easily identified and prevented against. There will need to be some sort of funding for this ambitious project. Therefore, organizations such as the Girl Scouts will be asked to think of creative ideas to raise money. Perhaps, a new cookie could be created, where most of the proceeds would go to Afghanistan to educate girls and make their lives safer. Although it will take time, eventually the hope would be that these women gain respect for themselves, and the men learn that these women are made in God’s image and likeness.
            It is scary to think about the number of social injustices that go on around the world everyday. In a perfect world, the good in society would be able to put an end to every single injustice. Sadly, the world is not perfect. However, if we can accomplish solidarity and follow the three steps of awareness, analysis, and action, the world will be forever changed. It is hardly ever easy to accomplish these tasks, but like the girls kidnapped because of baad, everyone must have hope in the future.