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The student news site of La Salle Catholic College Preparatory.

The La Salle Falconer
The student news site of La Salle Catholic College Preparatory.

The La Salle Falconer
The student news site of La Salle Catholic College Preparatory.

The La Salle Falconer
Brooklyn Chillemi

Brooklyn Chillemi, Editor in Chief

Senior Brooklyn Chillemi moved to Oregon from Colorado about five years ago, and loves the rainy weather and vibrant greenery here.

For the majority of her life thus far, she was heavily invested in theatre more than anything else (yes, theatre is spelled with an re, not er, sorry AP Stylebook) — but at the beginning of her sophomore year, she signed up for Journalism instead of Advanced Acting and Production on a whim. 

Since then, writing has slowly absorbed more and more of her life. Now, to fuel her through her morning choir class after staying up late editing, she guzzles an intense amount of Strawberry Açai Refreshers from “Starbies” (Starbucks). 

Outside of The Falconer and school, she plays a templar healer in Elder Scrolls Online with her family, swims recreationally, and writes music for the guitar, keyboard, and ukulele. She also plays Dungeons and Dragons with children at Geeks and Games in her free time. 

After La Salle, Brooklyn plans on attending George Fox University as a part of their Honors Program.

All content by Brooklyn Chillemi
“Everyone is authentically searching for their deeper selves, and connecting with a deeper reality, and to me, I find that fascinating, and incredibly satisfying to do as a career,” Director of Faith and Religious Studies Teacher Dr. Gary Hortsch said.

Closing a 16-Year Career at La Salle, Director of Faith Dr. Gary Hortsch Moves to Seattle, Washington

Brooklyn Chillemi, Editor in Chief
June 1, 2022
“I feel like senior year has really shown me how much I’ve grown since freshman year,” valedictorian Nyah Torbert said. “I think that as a freshman, I was really worried about what other people thought of me. And now, I’m a lot more confident in who I am, and I feel like it shows, you know — people are gonna say things, people are going to do things, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter.”

Valedictorian Nyah Torbert

Brooklyn Chillemi, Editor in Chief
June 1, 2022
Valedictorian Aidan O’Brien is very family orientated, having grown up with two brothers. “Just as a kid we always enjoyed hanging out with each other, you know, playing outside, going to the park, swimming in the summer, and then we attended St. Ignatius School until I came to La Salle,” he said.

Valedictorian Aidan O’Brien

Brooklyn Chillemi, Editor in Chief
June 1, 2022
“I have learned a lot of math and learned a lot of science, and I have grown as a writer, but I feel like I’ve also grown as a person,” valedictorian Mary Loeb said.

Valedictorian Mary Loeb

Brooklyn Chillemi, Editor in Chief
June 1, 2022
This years valedictorians are Reuben De Souza, Mary Loeb, Aidan OBrien, Nyah Torbert, and Seth Wobig, and the salutatorians are Dom Burkhart, Jonny Hortaleza, and Emma Olson.

After Four Years Together, Five Valedictorians and Three Salutatorians Share Their Paths to Earning Their Titles

Avery Rush, Brooklyn Chillemi, Elsie Buczkowski, Anna Waldron, Josephine Robinson, and Andrew Clair
June 1, 2022
“I was pretty shocked, especially at an elementary school,” said freshman Sayre Albert, who attended the walkout on Thursday after reading about the school shooting at Robb Elementary School online. “I just kind of wanted to show my support to the community and to the families that suffered this loss.”

Student-Led Walkout Honors Lives Lost in Texas School Shooting

Lukas Werner and Brooklyn Chillemi
May 27, 2022
Despite the staff shortages in La Salle’s science department this year, “we want to do the best job that we can,” Ms. Coleman said. “At the same time, we only have so much time in the schedule, and that’s what’s getting hard.”

Substitute Shortages in the Science Wing Lead Teachers to Work Overtime

Brooklyn Chillemi, Editor in Chief
May 11, 2022
“Ever since I was little, I would just be all about different sports,” senior Ryley Vickroy said. “I just learned to love it, and I’ve been doing it since.”

Next Level Seniors: Twice Varsity Softball Captain Ryley Vickroy Commits To Pacific University

Brooklyn Chillemi, Editor in Chief
April 27, 2022
Mr. Huelskamp is a parishioner of St. Juan Diego Parish in Northwest Portland.

Mr. John Huelskamp Announced as La Salle’s New President

Brooklyn Chillemi, Editor in Chief
March 16, 2022
Oregon needs a housing tracking system that is available to all.

[Photo] The Pressing Houselessness Crisis in Portland

Kathleen Waldron, Staff Reporter
March 16, 2022
Whether you choose to abandon your mask or not, don’t make your choice based on what everyone else is doing — choose what is right for you.

Make Your Own Mask Decisions

Brooklyn Chillemi, Editor in Chief
March 10, 2022
While participating in track does cut down on his time for homework, senior Murphy Schuster said that “keeping up my physical well-being definitely helps me focus better on homework when I get back home.”

Athlete of the Week: Murphy Schuster

Brooklyn Chillemi and Avery Rush
March 9, 2022
Almost half of voters recognize the potential ulterior motive behind Justice Kavanaugh’s conformation.

[Photo] Acknowledgment Precedes a Solution: The Origins of Sexual Violence

Maya Raphael, Assistant Editor
March 2, 2022
According to Chinese tradition, 2022 is the Year of the Water Tiger.

[Photo] Community and Celebration — Exploring the Asian American Pacific Islander Club and Their Lunar New Year Celebration

Josephine Robinson, Assistant Editor
February 16, 2022
Originally, “high school was not at all on my radar” after working at Christ the King, Ms. Alex Blue said. However, “I have been really pleasantly surprised.”

There’s a New Face at the Front Desk: Attendance Secretary Ms. Blue, Who Helps With “Much More” Than Attendance

Brooklyn Chillemi, Editor in Chief
February 9, 2022
“When I do something, I really do it and I really put my heart into it,” said Ms. Shannon Woodworth, who is the new learning specialist at La Salle.

To Learning Specialist Ms. Shannon Woodworth, Normalizing Learning Differences Is “Good For Everyone”

Brooklyn Chillemi, Editor in Chief
February 2, 2022

Black Student Union Hosts Assembly in Dedication to Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy

Isabella Simonutti, Lukas Werner, and Brooklyn Chillemi
January 19, 2022

Behind the Scenes of The Falconer’s Longest Running Podcast, “Let’s Talk About Cult Classics”

Avery Marks, Stella Rask, and Brooklyn Chillemi
January 19, 2022
More than 1 in 10 public school students are learning from home in the Portland area due to a significant spike in positive COVID-19 tests in Oregon and nationwide.

La Salle Clarifies Its Protocols in Reaction to the Omicron Variant, Striving To Continue In-Person Learning

Brooklyn Chillemi, Editor in Chief
January 12, 2022
“My whole thing is I am here for the students,” college counselor Ms. Maddie Hanley said. “So anyone who wants to talk about colleges and help build a list, they can start doing that freshman year too.”

Q&A: Ms. Hanley Answers Your Questions on the “Changing Landscape” of College Admissions

Brooklyn Chillemi, Editor in Chief
January 5, 2022
In her senior year of high school, college counselor Ms. Maddie Hanley was the pickleball champion, earning a 10-foot-tall trophy full of real pickles from her school. “Now it’s become the rage, like everyone’s playing pickleball,” Ms. Hanley said. She originally learned pickleball when she was 10 years old because her grandparents had a court in their backyard.

College Counselor Ms. Hanley Seeks To Create a “Streamlined” College Application Process at La Salle

Brooklyn Chillemi, Editor in Chief
January 5, 2022
Ms. Mounsey began working at La Salle in the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year.

[Photo] How Ms. Mounsey Is Working To Change the Curriculum Around Racism at La Salle

Anna Waldron, Staff Reporter
December 8, 2021
The boys soccer team erupted into cheers upon receiving their trophy.

The Streak Continues: Boys Soccer Wins State Title for the Second Time in a Row

Brooklyn Chillemi, Elsie Buczkowski, and Ashley Hawkins
November 17, 2021
The La Salle varsity girls soccer team posed with their silver state championship trophy.

Photos From The State Championship: La Salle’s Girls Soccer Team Competes Against Wilsonville

Brooklyn Chillemi, Editor in Chief
November 17, 2021
The girls stood at the sidelines before the game as they waited for the game at 3:30 p.m.

“One Team. One Sport. One Family”: La Salle’s Girls Soccer Team Is Heading To State Championships

Brooklyn Chillemi, Lukas Werner, and Jasmine McIntosh
November 11, 2021
“Taxing the Rich” means taxing the top 2% of Americans according to the wealth tax that President Biden is proposing.

[Photo] Why the Misunderstanding of “Tax the Rich” Is a Problem

September 29, 2021
When Ms. Cha was announced as Educator of the Year, students from her advanced art classes came running down the hallway with cheers.

Helping Students Become “Their Best Artistic Selves,” Ms. Cha Asokan Earns Lasallian Educator of the Year Award

Mary Loeb and Brooklyn Chillemi
September 22, 2021
As of the current semester, the three of us have served a combined total of 13 semesters for The Falconer.

Meet The Falconer’s New Editors in Chief

Avery Rush, Brooklyn Chillemi, and Mary Loeb
September 22, 2021
Senior Will Curran has been playing both baseball and football for almost a decade.

Next Level Seniors: Will Curran Overcomes Uncertainty and Commits To Play Football at University of Redlands

Avery Rush and Brooklyn Chillemi
June 2, 2021
Lets Talk About Cult Classics is hosted by sophomore Avery Marks and junior Brooklyn Chillemi, and new episodes are released weekly.

Let’s Talk About Cult Classics, Episode 21: Season Finale

Avery Marks and Brooklyn Chillemi
June 2, 2021
I have really enjoyed my time over the past four years because I was able to take a hold of every moment, realize that it only comes around once, and make the most out of it. 

[Photo] What I’ve Learned From High School: It’s No “High School Musical,” but It’s What You Make of It

Dakota Canzano, Editor
June 2, 2021
BSU and World Religions Students will host a prayer service on Thursday, May 27 to pray for people of color who were killed at the hands of police in 2020.

[Photo] BSU and World Religions Students Host Prayer Service to Memorialize Victims of Police Brutality

Mallory Middendorff, Editor
May 26, 2021
Lets Talk About Cult Classics is hosted by sophomore Avery Marks and junior Brooklyn Chillemi, and new episodes are released weekly.

Let’s Talk About Cult Classics, Episode 20: “Forrest Gump”

Brooklyn Chillemi and Avery Marks
May 26, 2021
The OSAA recently decided to only consider freshmen, sophomores, and juniors when evaluating enrollment numbers, excluding seniors from this count.

Voter’s Guide: La Salle’s Executive and FSCI Officer Candidates Share Statements With the Student Body

Brooklyn Chillemi, Editor
May 19, 2021
Lets Talk About Cult Classics is hosted by sophomore Avery Marks and junior Brooklyn Chillemi, and new episodes are released weekly.

Let’s Talk About Cult Classics, Episode 19: “The Shining”

Brooklyn Chillemi and Avery Marks
May 12, 2021
An hour before I was lucky enough to hear Dodie live in a concert, colorful pieces of paper were passed down the excitedly chattering line by a couple of fans. During “Rainbow,” we placed the papers on our phones and turned on our flashlights to create a rainbow of lights in the audience to match the lights on stage.

Dodie’s Debut Album, “Build A Problem,” Deserves An Hour Of Your Time

Brooklyn Chillemi, Editor
May 12, 2021
Lets Talk About Cult Classics is hosted by sophomore Avery Marks and junior Brooklyn Chillemi, and new episodes are released weekly.

Let’s Talk About Cult Classics, Episode 18: “Fight Club”

Avery Marks and Brooklyn Chillemi
May 5, 2021
On April 27, students wrote down their thoughts about next school years bell schedule on post-it notes in the library after classes.

We Deserve To Be Listened To: Adjust Next Year’s Bell Schedule

Brooklyn Chillemi, Editor
May 5, 2021
“I learned that feeling silenced is part of a lot of peoples lives right now, especially LGBT students at our school,” junior Hannah Reddick said. “I felt theres times today where I still feel silenced, because of the way that teachers behave in class, or the beliefs of people around the school that go against my very existence.”

[Photo] The Voices Behind a Day of Silence

April 28, 2021
Senior Elvan Ngo works hard to organize fun, COVID-19-safe activities for the Passion and Fashion club.

Student of the Week: Elvan Ngo

Brooklyn Chillemi and Avery Rush
April 28, 2021
“I learned that feeling silenced is part of a lot of peoples lives right now, especially LGBT students at our school,” junior Hannah Reddick said. “I felt theres times today where I still feel silenced, because of the way that teachers behave in class, or the beliefs of people around the school that go against my very existence.”

[Photo] The Voices Behind a Day of Silence

Mary Loeb and Maya Smith
April 28, 2021
Lets Talk About Cult Classics is hosted by sophomore Avery Marks and junior Brooklyn Chillemi, and new episodes are released weekly.

Let’s Talk About Cult Classics, Episode 17: “Beetlejuice”

Brooklyn Chillemi and Avery Marks
April 28, 2021
The early 2000s are known for many things, including fashion and makeup, but there are many fun and nostalgic movies from that era that should be re-watched.

[Photo] Five 2000s Movies You May Have Forgotten About

Payton Horsch, Staff Reporter
April 21, 2021
We need people in our community who will speak up when they see women being directly approached or bothered by men.

[Photo] Women Shouldn’t Have To Live in Fear: It’s Time To Stand Up and Support Them

Dakota Canzano, Editor
April 21, 2021
Lets Talk About Cult Classics is hosted by sophomore Avery Marks and junior Brooklyn Chillemi, and new episodes are released weekly.

Let’s Talk About Cult Classics, Episode 16: “Dirty Dancing”

Brooklyn Chillemi and Avery Marks
April 21, 2021
Lets Talk About Cult Classics is hosted by sophomore Avery Marks and junior Brooklyn Chillemi, and new episodes are released weekly.

Let’s Talk About Cult Classics, Episode 15: “Pretty in Pink”

Avery Marks and Brooklyn Chillemi
April 14, 2021
It might be hard at first, but I can’t wait to see what happens, sophomore Jasmine McIntosh said.

Students Express a Mixture of Concern and Excitement Surrounding New Four-Day Learning Model

Avery Rush and Brooklyn Chillemi
April 7, 2021
Talking about soccer, Erickson said, “I really enjoyed it and I just continued it throughout the rest of my life.”

Athlete of the Week: Bella Erickson

Brooklyn Chillemi, Editor
April 7, 2021
Being an ally to the Asian American community looks like listening, engaging in respectful conversation, educating one another, and advocating for the community by attending peaceful protests.

[Photo] Asian Americans Should Not Have to Live in Fear: We Need To Build a More Inclusive and Safe Society

Dakota Canzano, Editor
April 7, 2021
Lets Talk About Cult Classics is hosted by sophomore Avery Marks and junior Brooklyn Chillemi, and new episodes are released weekly.

Let’s Talk About Cult Classics, Episode 14: “Footloose”

Brooklyn Chillemi and Avery Marks
April 7, 2021
“I’m just real proud of the whole team for coming through and making this happen, senior George Gilmore said.

A “Love Letter From The Students To The School”: Yearbooks Are Looking Different This Year

Brooklyn Chillemi, Editor
March 31, 2021
Protests unfolded across the country in response to the Atlanta spa shootings, with many Americans demanding justice for the victims.

[Photo] Students React to Atlanta Spa Shootings and Share Experiences With Anti-Asian Racism

March 31, 2021
Gender should not play a role in how much you can accomplish in a lifetime, and fighting for your own rights makes you strong. 

[Photo] Women’s History Month Deserves More Recognition

March 31, 2021
Mr. Michael Doran, social studies teacher, is the head coach of the speech and debate team.

Speech and Debate Team Finds Success Despite a Fully Virtual Season

Avery Rush and Brooklyn Chillemi
March 31, 2021
Lets Talk About Cult Classics is hosted by sophomore Avery Marks and junior Brooklyn Chillemi, and new episodes are released weekly.

Let’s Talk About Cult Classics, Episode 13: “The Karate Kid”

Avery Marks and Brooklyn Chillemi
March 31, 2021
Lets Talk About Cult Classics is hosted by sophomore Avery Marks and junior Brooklyn Chillemi, and new episodes are released weekly.

Let’s Talk About Cult Classics, Episode 12: “The Breakfast Club”

Avery Marks and Brooklyn Chillemi
March 17, 2021
Lets Talk About Cult Classics is hosted by sophomore Avery Marks and junior Brooklyn Chillemi, and new episodes are released weekly.

Let’s Talk About Cult Classics, Episode 11: “Grease”

Avery Marks and Brooklyn Chillemi
March 10, 2021
Lets Talk About Cult Classics is hosted by sophomore Avery Marks and junior Brooklyn Chillemi, and new episodes are released weekly.

Let’s Talk About Cult Classics, Episode 10: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”

Avery Marks, Brooklyn Chillemi, and Dakota Canzano
March 3, 2021

La Salle Students of Color Reflect on the Significance of Black History Month

Maddie Khaw, Carlie Weigel, and Brooklyn Chillemi
February 24, 2021
Lets Talk About Cult Classics is hosted by sophomore Avery Marks and junior Brooklyn Chillemi, and new episodes are released weekly.

Let’s Talk About Cult Classics, Episode 8: “Sixteen Candles”

Avery Marks, Brooklyn Chillemi, and Dakota Canzano
February 17, 2021
After not playing high school football for a year due to the guidelines that were set in place, “we are pretty excited that we are finally going to have a season,” senior James Menor said.

New Regulations and Ready To Play: The La Salle Football Team Prepares for Their Upcoming Season

Dakota Canzano, Brooklyn Chillemi, and Alec Willard-Herr
February 11, 2021
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The student news site of La Salle Catholic College Preparatory.
Brooklyn Chillemi