How the Nature vs Nurture Debate Contradicts Free Will
By Aidan Higgins, Editor
February 27, 2020
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the psychological argument I have alluded to in the title, the nature versus nurture debate is an intellectual conflict that has been waged across various fields of study (including, but not limited to, biology, psychology, and philosophy) since the mid-1800s....
Why Banning Pornography Is Not The Right Solution
By Aidan Higgins, Editor
January 20, 2020
On December 6, 2019, Representatives Jim Banks, Mark Meadows, Vicky Hartzler, and Brian Babin submitted a letter to Attorney General William Barr, beseeching him to follow through with the Trump campaign's anti-pornography pledge, which they fear has long-since been forgotten by the current administration....
A Beginner’s Guide to 5G
By Aidan Higgins, Assistant Editor
January 9, 2020
Unless you rely strictly on the Xavier Kestrel as the only reliable source for world news (a sensible and commendable choice, I would say), you very well may have heard or seen some mention of "5G," the fabled fifth generation of mobile broadband that, according to legend (and the decree of tech moguls),...
Student Spotlight: Luke Lappe
By Sam Rector, Assistant Reporter
October 17, 2019
Just over two weeks ago, Xavier baseball player Luke Lappe committed to the University of North Alabama, a Division 1 school in the Atlantic Sun Conference. As a sophomore on varsity last season, Luke hit Xavier’s only home run and led the team in RBIs. He also garnered SCC All-Quinnipiac honors. As a...
Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Gerardi
By Aidan Higgins and Rob Mullins
October 17, 2019
With Mr. St. George assuming the role of Academic Dean and the departure of French teacher Ms. Lataille, Xavier hired two new teachers in the English and Foreign Language departments for the 2019-2020 school year. The Kestrel received the opportunity to interview Ms. Gerardi, a new addition to Xavier's...
Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Walsh
By Justin Caulfield, Assistant Reporter
October 12, 2019
Xavier High School has a long history of great and extraordinary teachers, each one of which with a different story. Ms. Walsh, from Suffield, recently started her career at Xavier and shared some of her story with the Kestrel. What do you currently teach at Xavier? I teach ninth and tenth grade ...
What I Wish I Knew as a Xavier Freshman
By Aidan Higgins, Senior Reporter
October 3, 2019
1. Experiment with different methods of studying There is a stark difference in the workload of a middle-schooler and that of a Xavier student. If a Xavier freshman wishes to succeed academically, he must compensate for this difference and learn how to maximize the effectiveness of his studying. Personal...
How our Dress Code is Impairing our Academic Abilities
By Eric Myskowski, Senior Reporter
January 24, 2019
A recent study published in the scientific journal Neuroradiology has shown that wearing a neck tie reduces blood flow to the brain by 7.5 percent, something that can lead to a loss in productivity and minor health problems. The idea of wearing a neck tie started in the 1600s, when France hired Cr...
Xavier and Mercy’s Anon(ymous): Captivating and Emotional
By Laurenz Mosquito, Senior Reporter
December 3, 2018
"Where I come from"—these are the words that stick with you after seeing Xavier and Mercy's production of Naomi Iizuka's Anon(ymous). Full of potent imagery and well-placed humor, the play proves to be a relevant commentary on modern issues regarding cultural displacement, immigration, and family,...
A Rebuttal: Why You Maybe Shouldn’t Vote
By Alexander Pralea, Editor
November 4, 2018
Yes, I hear them. Voting is a fundamental aspect of one's civic duty, they say. Voting is the bedrock of democracy, they argue. Voting is the only way to address tyranny, they declare. Voting is fun, they affirm. I beg to differ. In 1921, when Hitler was elected leader of the Nazi party by a demoralizing...
In Defense of Voting and Democracy
By Eric Myskowski, Senior Reporter
November 1, 2018
It is not only true that voting actually matters but it also necessary for the country to function. But before we get to the major impact of one person’s vote, we have to see the impact of voting in general. Voting is the only way for a democracy to function. Voting keeps politicians accountable. It...
Don’t worry about this November’s election
By Alexander Pralea, Editor
October 31, 2018
Regardless of your party affiliation, you have likely been overwhelmed by the onslaught of imploring reporters and fervent politicians highlighting the value of voting, especially considering that millions of people live in countries in which they cannot vote. Desperate to win the election, these politicians,...
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