by Posse Scholar Matthew Velez ’ 23
STUDENT REACTION
A POEM
by Posse Scholar Matthew Velez ’ 23
Members of the Fordham Prep faculty and staff wore purple , green , or women ’ s appreciation t-shirts that read “ As Strong As the Woman Next to Me ” on International Women ’ s Day .
McCarrick has also been instrumental in developing increased collaboration between the numerous female members of the Prep ’ s faculty and staff . In preparation for Women ’ s History Month , McCarrick brainstormed with members of the Prep ’ s new Women ’ s Circle — Maureen Martinez , Carol Isabel , Sarah Porter , and Molly Lieberman from the Counseling Department — on ways to foster a sense of belonging for women working in Jesuit schools .
The Women ’ s Circle is a group created by and for the women of Fordham Prep . Inaugurated in December 2022 , the group was formed to find unique opportunities to connect , communicate , and support one another .
The result of the brainstorming session was an International Women ’ s Day celebration during which all members of the faculty and staff at nearby Jesuit schools and offices were invited to show their support by wearing purple , green , or a women ’ s appreciation t-shirt .
In addition to her responsibilities as dean and her work with the Women ’ s Circle , McCarrick teaches Precalculus Honors . She is also a member of the Prep ’ s Diversity Committee , Crisis Team , Academic Committee , and the Benevolent Fund .
“ Claire has been an incredibly welcoming and unifying presence all throughout the school year . The positive and cheerful energy she brings to everything she does is something I myself and others in the building emulate as well ,” said new social studies teacher Gillian Bennis .
McCarrick is one of many faculty and staff members who have appeared as guests on the student-run podcast Ramblin .’
“ I love bringing people together as much as possible . I have such great love , admiration , and respect for the people here ,” McCarrick explained . “ We can only do what we do well if we ’ re in community with each other and a lot of these activities help bring about a sense of community ,” she added .
“ Being a new teacher at Fordham Prep , I appreciate seeing a woman in a position of authority ,” said English teacher Samantha Lala . “ Claire goes out of her way to bring an uplifting and enthusiastic atmosphere to the entire school , for she brightens the day of both the faculty / staff and the students . Claire ’ s leadership and commitment to community are qualities that make her a positive role model for women aspiring to be in leadership positions ,” she continued .
Hustling and bustling on Boogie Down ’ s streets , Each part vital to the rhythmic flow , Just another day in the Bronx , it beats .
Abuelitas roll their rattling carts and meet , Loaded with plastic bottles , off they go ; Hustling and bustling on Boogie Down ’ s streets .
Ruby hydrants burst , extinguishing the heat , And children splash , “ Woah !” Just another day in the Bronx , it beats .
Bodegas are the hearts , it ’ s time to eat . Bacon , egg , ’ n cheese ! ¡ Café con leche ! Hurry up , you ’ re so slow ! Hustling and bustling on Boogie Down ’ s streets .
Abandoned buildings are memoirs , incomplete , Damaged souls sleep in the debris , cold and low . Just another day in the Bronx , it beats .
Pumpin ’ the blood with hip-hop , never obsolete , Got the borough bumpin ’, inspiring to grow ! Hustling and bustling on Boogie Down ’ s streets , Just another day in the Bronx , it beats .
Ramblin ’: A Student Podcast from Fordham Prep ( Season 2 , Episode 4 featuring Ms . McCarrick )
View on YouTube : https :// youtube / E8Ht2vBVDSQ
SUMMER 2023 VOLUME 43 , ISSUE 2
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