The Standard: All Rise for the Class of 2021

2021-05-18T21:48:35-05:00

By Kevin O’Connell ‘21

Three hundred sixty-five days ago, I wasn’t sure if I would be having a senior year. COVID-19 had ended junior year abruptly, and the future was uncertain. It was a complicated summer, but thankfully, Brother Rice reopened for my senior year–and what a year it’s been.

For some background, I always knew I was going to attend Brother Rice. When I got here, however, it wasn’t exactly what I expected. For my first two or three years of high school, I struggled with anxiety issues that negatively affected my experience at school. If I’m being honest, I questioned whether […]

The Standard: All Rise for the Class of 20212021-05-18T21:48:35-05:00

The Standard: Back to School…in April?

2021-04-02T23:10:04-05:00

By Kevin O’Connell ‘21

For the first time since March of 2020, the entire Brother Rice student body will be in the building. Mr. Alberts and the administration have laid out a plan to allow students to return to full-sized classes. Barring an unforeseen spike in COVID-19 cases, things are looking up.

Students received a notification email last week from Mr. Alberts that said the following:

  1. The week after Easter break, everyone will continue with our current hybrid system. This is due to the number of families traveling over the holiday.
  2. Seniors will return to 100% in-school on Monday, April 19; While the […]
The Standard: Back to School…in April?2021-04-02T23:10:04-05:00

The Standard: Ranking the Harry Potter Books

2021-03-18T23:13:02-05:00

By Kevin O’Connell ‘21

Over the span of ten years, British author J.K. Rowling brought a world of witchcraft and wizardry to life with the Harry Potter series. The adventures of wizarding savior Harry Potter have since become a staple of pop culture and a source of comfort and inspiration in the lives of many. This series is one of my favorite stories ever told, which is why I recently decided to reread all of the books.

As I relived Rowling’s creation in those pages, I started thinking about which book would be my favorite, if I had to choose. While I love […]

The Standard: Ranking the Harry Potter Books2021-03-18T23:13:02-05:00

The Standard: One Year Later, Kobe Bryant Lives On

2021-02-03T21:38:59-06:00

By Kevin O’Connell ‘21

On Jan. 26, 2020, the sports world was shocked by the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and 7 others in a helicopter crash. The loss of the former Los Angeles Lakers guard devastated fans across the globe.

At just 41 years old, Bryant’s time on earth ended far too soon. His legacy, however, will live on for decades to come.

Bryant was more than just a star basketball player. He was a cultural icon, an Oscar-winning filmmaker, an advocate for women’s basketball programs and most importantly, a father. Just four years into retirement at the time […]

The Standard: One Year Later, Kobe Bryant Lives On2021-02-03T21:38:59-06:00

The Standard: Giving Tuesday 2020: A Great Success

2020-12-11T00:20:57-06:00

By Kevin O’Connell ’21

In a year where nothing seems to make sense, one thing remains a constant: the Brother Rice community’s passion for giving. Last week’s Giving Tuesday was a tremendous success and provided some reassurance for the Brother Rice family in these unprecedented times.

Brother Rice raised a total of $126,025 on Dec. 1, shattering the $100,000 goal. Donors such as Ed and Lori McGunn and Dr. Patrick and Maureen Sweeney were instrumental in achieving this number, along with the hundreds of other contributors.

Current students have been expressing thanks over the past week. Senior Jack DeMatteo said, “It’s always nice to […]

The Standard: Giving Tuesday 2020: A Great Success2020-12-11T00:20:57-06:00

The Standard: High School Basketball Season Up in the Air

2020-11-04T20:39:08-06:00

By Kevin O’Connell ‘21

After months of uncertainty regarding high school sports seasons, basketball teams are now faced with more confusion about their future. Last week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker declared that basketball would be played in the spring after moving it from a medium to a high-risk sport. The IHSA, however, stated that basketball seasons would move forward as scheduled.

So which is it? Will basketball practices begin on Nov. 16, or will teams take a break after weeks of contact days?

The decision to play is now left in the hands of individual schools and conferences. The IHSA’s approval of a winter season […]

The Standard: High School Basketball Season Up in the Air2020-11-04T20:39:08-06:00

The Standard: Beasts or Busts? Bears Season Off to a Confusing Start

2020-10-08T14:38:25-05:00

By Kevin O’Connell ‘21

Life as a Chicago Bears fan is never peaceful. Coach Matt Nagy’s first two seasons at the helm were polar opposites, and so far, the 2020 campaign is looking like another wild card.

The Bears’ 3-0 start has been full of nail-biting moments, good and bad. A Week 1 comeback over the Detroit Lions was sealed by D’Andre Swift dropping a surefire touchdown at the last second. The following week, the defense squeaked out a win against the New York Giants in Week 2 after a scoreless second half.

The offensive woes continued in Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons […]

The Standard: Beasts or Busts? Bears Season Off to a Confusing Start2020-10-08T14:38:25-05:00
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