2017 Clubs Year in Review

Activities have been an essential part of the Cistercian lifestyle for a long time. While regular classes follow a prepared curriculum which we must learn, during Activities, we have the opportunity to pursue passions both discovered, and passions yet to be discovered. Here, we have prepared a short summary of the nature of some of the activities we have here at Cistercian.

Exodus – Exodus is, as all of you hopefully know, the school’s yearbook. The school year is spent planning, making, editing, and printing the yearbook for the students, faculty, and the various competitions that the book will be entered in. Matt Donohoe, when asked why he joined Exodus, stated that he has “Always liked reading the yearbook, and so I wanted to be a part of making the book that  goes through the entire year!” Matt said that the Freshmen’s main job was to get quotes, but some were in charge of specific pages. Matt was not personally in charge of a page, but fellow freshman Joe Dunikoski was in charge of the Freshman Mixer page. Matt feels that Exodus values Underclassmen (but not as much as the Informer, three out of the top four positions are filled by underclassmen) and that there is always something for them to help with. When asked what we should expect from the Yearbook this year, Matt had a single response: “a lot of Kaosi”.  -Calvin Step

Reflections – Our School’s Literary Magazine, Reflections, works by sponsoring several competitions for writing and artwork throughout the school year. After each of these competitions, this club decides upon winners, and the best entries make it into the annual Magazine. When speaking on why he enjoys being a part of Reflections, Stephan Salhab said “every piece is different” and that he enjoys being in the club because of this. The types of works submitted vary greatly in quality, content, and style. This is what makes this club so interesting. Anyone interested in judging other people’s works should join next year!  -Calvin Step

Robotics – The Robotics team did extremely well this year, despite being a rookie team.  They participated in the First Robotics Competition, which provided an incredibly friendly, yet fiercely competitive environment. There were teams from all around the world, including Brazil and Chile that participated, Some teams were sponsored by NASA and Boeing, as well as many other large companies. Knowing this, a small, parent-sponsored school like Cistercian was not expected to come in first place in qualifications, and third in playoffs. Unfortunately, they did not make it to worlds which was never part of our original goal, but they got very close to going. Nowadays, they can be found mastering the art of constructing with Lego robotics.  If you are interested in Robotics, your presence would be greatly appreciated next year!  -Kyle Blessing

Mock Trial – Mock Trial is a club for those interested in Law. The year’s first competition was a scrimmage. From this scrimmage, Joel Kattady says the team “absorbed the tactics and responses” of some of the top tier teams that they played in the scrimmage. Later in the year, at the largest competition that our Mock Trial competed in, these strategies were used, and the team made it into the 2nd round of competition. And in this round, the team lost in a very close round to Richardson for a spot in the State Competition. Next year, Asim Adhikari states that the team hopes to “work earlier, and be more efficient” so that they are ready and able to defeat Richardson in what will hopefully be an epic rematch.  -Calvin Step

Math Club – Math Club’s name quite clearly describes its purpose.  It’s for people that like math. Joel Kattady describes Math Club as being “for those who want to take their love of math further”.  Various competitions have taken place this year, some at school, and some requiring the struggle of waking up early to get on a bus and be driven to the competitions. The following year will be similar, with various competitions taking place and Cistercian’s math-loving students attempt to win them.  -Calvin Step

Quiz Bowl- Quiz Bowl is the pinnacle of academic competition at Cistercian. Basically, it is team jeopardy with no prize money and lots of adrenaline. During the last two seasons, the program qualified three teams each year for the the High School National Championship Tournament, something that has never happened before. This year’s championship will be in Atlanta, GA in May. Throughout the rest of the school year, the various teams traveled through Texas and Oklahoma for weekend trips and competed at smaller tournaments, to hone their skills. It is always exciting to travel with the team, especially to spend time with Fr. Gregory and Fr. Augustine. If you haven’t thought about it and love trivia, you should join next year.  -Jake Fitzgerald