The beginning of a new year is a time to reflect on the year that has ended. With 2013 having come to a close, El Cid counted down the top-ten most notable stories of the year. From a Twitter account spreading positivity to the departure of beloved administration, El Cid was in-the-know with events on campus.

10. ‘Foundations’ classes to help students find art they love

This past year, new types of VAPA course were made available to students who were indecisive about what type of art they wanted to pursue. These courses included Foundations in Visual Art and Design and Foundations in Performing Arts. The idea behind the addition of these classes was for students to be able to get a taste of all types of art and then choose a specific type of art to practice.

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9. New helmets implemented for new season

Last football season, the team was given the opportunity to test out some new athletic technology built for protection. Riddell chose the CCHS varsity football team as the first school nationwide to use their Riddell InSite Impact Response System to assess its effectiveness in protecting athletes from head injuries. This groundbreaking technology enhanced how the trainers evaluated head-on hits for the players.

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8. My iPad is missing!

It may be true that the stereotypical teenager is neglectful of his or her belongings. This stereotype came into play on campus last year when iPads, phones, and other belongings were being stolen from unlocked backpacks. In 2013 alone, 33 iPads, equaling $17,883.36 in replacements, were stolen on campus. Fortunately, the tech office had some tricks, such as the app “Find my iPhone” and iCloud, to possibly retrieve stolen technology.

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7. Ronan Nelson not defined by wheelchair

2013 saw major progress for Ronan Nelson after his spinal injury during a 2012 rugby game. Throughout the year, Ronan planned on strengthening mobility in his upper body and legs. Niamh, Ronan’s sister, reminded students that he is the same person and Ronan said that he is “only in this chair, not owned by it.”

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6. Tehya Foussat helps homeless while battling spina bifida

In 2013, Cathedral Catholic alumna Tehya Foussat founded Tehyathon, a charitable organization that supports spina bifida patients and families as well as creating Tenderness Totes, packs meant to be kept in one’s car as an alternative to giving money to the homeless. Tehya remained a beacon of hope and positivity as she stayed strong through her experience with spina bifida by maintaining a 4.0 GPA, serving as a cheerleader, ASB President, and Ambassador.

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5. Dons football ends season victoriously

The 2013 Dons football season ended in Cathedral Catholic’s first-ever Division I CIF championship victory. The varsity football team defeated the San Pasqual Golden Eagles for the title in a game that left spectators on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The game ended as the Dons made the last game-winning touchdown in overtime.

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4. Female soccer player joins Cathedral football team

Sophomore girl’s varsity soccer player Dana Dalton crossed boundaries last year by joining the boy’s junior varsity football team. She had been a soccer forward since second grade so field-goal kicking came naturally to her. She is already talking to a number of colleges for her participation in soccer.

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3. Inclusion to help students with ‘intellectual delays’

In June of 2013, the idea of an inclusion program was introduced at Cathedral Catholic. Beginning this coming semester, the idea will become reality and students with “intellectual delays” will join our student body. With experience in working with disabled students since 2006, Mrs. Megan Burton will be teaching the course and is looking forward to working with the students.

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2. Mr. Tubbs says goodbye, ends long history at Uni/CC

This past year, former Dean of Discipline Mr. Robert Tubbs ended a long relationship with Uni and Cathedral Catholic. Being a Uni alumn and Dean of Discipline at Uni and CCHS, Mr. Tubbs’ departure was truly momentous. His favorite part of teaching and coaching was seeing the light in his students’ eyes. His new position is Assistant Principle at Steele Canyon High School.

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1. Mr. Foley says goodbye, works on music career

The end of 2012-2013 school year marked the departure of the beloved CCHS music instructor Mr. Tim Foley. Mr. Foley had been teaching at Cathedral since 2006 and felt that leaving was “bittersweet.” He has since been working on his personal music career and encourages students to keep in touch with him via Facebook.

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