The Student News Site of Xavier College Preparatory

XPress
The Student News Site of Xavier College Preparatory

XPress
The Student News Site of Xavier College Preparatory

XPress
The Student News Site of Xavier College Preparatory

XPress
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During the Kairos 19 retreat, from January 29 to February 1, retreatants watch the sun set on Mount Claret, which boasts beautiful scenery and views. After a long day of getting to know each other, God, and themselves, they relax before eating dinner. (Photo courtesy of Olivia Robinson ‘24)

Debunking the 'mystery' of the Kairos retreat: Is attending worth it?

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Brittany Ecker handles some principal responsibilities before her third period theology class. As teacher, Ecker has cultivated a peaceful and welcoming environment in her Fitzgerald  classroom. 

Continuing female leadership: Brittany Ecker’s role as interim principal

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On Monday, May 6, Xavier administration sent an email stating that Sister Joanie Nuckols would not be returning to Xavier. In her letter within the email, Nuckols thanked the Xavier community and staff for her time at Xavier.

Sister Joanie Nuckols bids farewell to Xavier community

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While at the house outside of Monet’s garden in Giverny, France on April 13, 2023, Sister Joan Fitzgerald sits next to Sister Joanie Nuckols. The significance of this bench holds great memories of the two sitting together while waiting for Xavier students and families to embrace the beauty of Monet’s garden. (Photo courtesy of Brian Mostoller)

Principal of Xavier perseveres for recovery

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In light of the potential ban, Xavier student debates whether she should delete TikTok. She loves watching videos but feels it distracts her from her studies.

From likes to legislation: The Potential TikTok Ban

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News
On Monday, May 6, Xavier administration sent an email stating that Sister Joanie Nuckols would not be returning to Xavier. In her letter within the email, Nuckols thanked the Xavier community and staff for her time at Xavier.
Sister Joanie Nuckols bids farewell to Xavier community
Olivia Garcia, Connect Editor and Best of SNO award-winning writer ♦ May 7, 2024

On Monday, May 6, Xavier College Preparatory announced that principal Sister Joanie Nuckols would not...

Havyn Guyer has collected 32 packs of diapers through donations within the past two weeks. Her goal of 500 packs of diapers has a deadline of next fall.
Working toward a deeper cause: Havyn Guyer supports babies through diaper drive
Charley Fisher and Ellie Hilsabeck
STEMpoweringHER went to the Girls Leadership Academy of Arizona (GLAAZ) on April 5, 2024, to participate in an egg-drop experiment using engineering and physics. The students were split up into groups and given a range of materials, including balloons and sponges, to use in the design and construction of a device that would protect their delicate cargo—an egg—during a fall from a ten-foot stairway.
STEMpoweringHER; high school students help future generations discover STEM
Charley Fisher, News Editor and Best of SNO award-winning writer
MJ Martinez opens her scholarship acceptance box from Amazon. She is one of 400 recipients of this award.
Woman in STEM: Xavier senior receives recognition for proficiency in computer science
Ellie Hilsabeck, Staff Writer
Michael Patterson leads morning drills with the Xavier flag football team. These pre-season practices prepare the team for the 2024-2025 season.
Coach Patterson scores USA National Team coaching position
Chloe Beery and MJ Martinez
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A thank you to XPress
Asiana Guang, Managing Editor and Best of SNO award-winning writer ♦ May 3, 2024

It's been a tremendous honor to serve as the managing editor of XPress. I'm deeply grateful for the guidance...

Senior Reflection
Kate Lum Lung, Faith in Action Editor
An Editor-in-chief’s farewell
MJ Martinez, Editor-in-chief and Best of SNO award-winning writer
On April 3, Isabella Garcia is looking for one of her favorite books in Barnes and Noble. She bought five books, three young adult and two romance novels.
‘We return to books to find words for what we already know:’ A thank you letter to the books that raised us
Olivia Garcia, Connect Editor and Best of SNO award winning-writer
Jessica McClain smiles with Xavier assistant cross country and track coach Vito Perrone. McClain visited the Brophy track on February 14 to speak with current runners following her Olympic Trials success.
From Xavier’s top runner to Olympic alternate, Jessica McClain inspires
Ellie Hilsabeck, Staff Writer
Rowan Ostendorf ‘25 and Maggie Henry ‘25 prepare for their upcoming math test with a study session at Hava Java. Both students are enjoying Hava Java’s famous Frozen Javas.
‘Chains are for bikes’: local coffee shops around the valley
Ellie Hilsabeck and Lucia Sugich
Written on a vintage typewriter are the profound insights on journalism by journalists Natalia Gomez del Campo and Catherine Alaimo. Both have taken the teachings of journalism to the collegiate level and are on their way to fulfilling dreams.
Ink & Impact: The transformative power of journalism
MJ Martinez, Editor-in-chief and Best of SNO award-winning writer
After 25 years of working at Xavier, Polly Fitz-Gerald, Stephanie Brugger and Kelly Fitzgerald celebrate their achievement at a Mass held in their honor. The Mass was conducted by Bishop John Dolan, where superintendent Domonic Salce awarded teachers plaques. (Photo courtesy of Tim Brugger)
Xavier is home: 25 years at Xavier
Lucia Sugich, Staff Writer
Arts & Entertainment
Monica Nitu works meticulously to produce the fourth issue of The Playful Porpoise. She balances this while finishing off her senior year at Xavier College Preparatory.
The Playful Porpoise: by students, for students
Chloe Beery, Arts & Entertainment Editor and Best of SNO award-winning writer ♦ May 3, 2024

Senior Monica Nitu’s love for literature...

In light of the potential ban, Xavier student debates whether she should delete TikTok. She loves watching videos but feels it distracts her from her studies.
From likes to legislation: The Potential TikTok Ban
Lucia Sugich, Staff Writer
The various art pieces hung at Stark Gallery were all created by the Studio Art students. The artwork will stay in the gallery for people to view until May.
Showcase of Opportunity: Nurturing student talent at Art Feast
MJ Martinez, Editor-in-chief and Best of SNO award-winning writer
Xavier students walk the runway representing cross country at the parade of activities in last year's fashion show. The parade of activities is when seniors show off the clubs, sports and activities at Xavier in uniforms.
Xavier prepares for upcoming senior fashion show
Faith Gwati, Staff Writer
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Sports
The softball Gators pose holding up number one shortly after winning the state championship game. With smiles and glitter on their faces, they cheer to celebrate their victory.
Swinging to success: Gators claim softball state title
Lucia Sugich, Staff Writer ♦ May 15, 2024

On Monday May 13, Xavier’s varsity softball team...

Xavier Gators pose in front of the tennis courts on Wednesday following their victory. The teammates celebrate a new championship and are excited for the future of their program.
Xavier tennis secures team and doubles championship
Faith Gwati, Staff Writer
Nine Xavier students from the class of 2024 signed their national letters of intent to play a collegiate sport on February 7, 2024. These students have been diligently communicating with varying universities as early as the beginning of their junior years, and committed to play sports ranging from track and crew to volleyball and softball.
The process of collegiate commitment for senior student-athletes
Ellery Kerrigan, Staff Writer and Best of SNO award-winning writer
Mackenzie Lopez warms up by jumping hurdles at practice on Tuesday, April 16. The team was preparing for the Notre Dame Invitation on Friday, April 19.
Breaking records and completing goals: Runners strive for success
Charley Fisher, News Editor and Best of SNO award-winning-writer
Scoreboard
  • Xavier College Preparatory
    5
    Desert Mountain - State Championship
    4
    May 4 / Tennis (Varsity)
  • Xavier College Preparatory
    9th Place
    Div 1 Championships
    May 4 / Track & Field
  • Xavier College Preparatory
    7
    Hamilton - State Round 3
    5
    May 3 / Softball (Varsity)
  • Xavier College Preparatory
    4
    Higley - State Quarterfinals
    14
    Apr 25 / Lacrosse (Varsity)
  • Xavier College Preparatory
    4
    Hamilton
    1
    Apr 22 / Softball (JV)
  • Xavier College Preparatory
    21
    Hamilton
    4
    Apr 22 / Softball (FR/SO)
Meet the Staff
Ellery Kerrigan
Ellery Kerrigan
Photo Editor

Ellery Kerrigan is a junior at Xavier this year. She is involved in Key Club, Student Ambassadors, Students for Social Action Club, National English Honor Society, Co-president...

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Faith In Action
Xavier's student body sits down for the annual Moving Up Day Mass on April 26. Students switched to sitting in their new grade-level seating areas, while seniors moved to the middle.
A unique experience: Attending a Catholic high school
Mckayla Schmal, Staff Writer and Best of SNO award-winning writer ♦ May 3, 2024

Xavier College Preparatory is the only all-girls...

Xavier juniors pose for a picture after attending their Prayer Day at Mt. Claret on November 10, 2023. The students played icebreaker games, listened to speeches from faculty and students and went to Mass.
Xavier Prayer Day undergoes changes
Ryan Young, Staff Writer
Participants of Xavier’s annual Lourdes pilgrimage walk in front of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary during sunset, which is within the Sanctuary of Our Lady in Lourdes, France. On Easter Sunday, people from all over the world gather here to say the rosary, celebrate Mass and light candles, illuminating Easter night. It is known as the ‘Lower Church,’ and is the last out of the three basilicas in Lourdes to be completed.
Lourdes pilgrimage connects people from all over the world
Kate Lum Lung, Faith in Action Editor
Students and teachers convene outside of the Chapel of Our Lady during lunch. Mass is often offered to students during lunch throughout each week.
What is it like attending a Catholic high school as a non-Catholic?
Grace de Souza, Staff Writer
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