Algonquin Harbinger Volume 27 Issue 2

Harbinger The Algonquin

December 16, 2014 vOL. 27 NO.2

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The Student Newspaper of Algonquin Regional High School 79 Bartlett street, Northborough MA 01532 | arhsharbinger@gmail.com

Who let the (drug) dogs out?

Dan Fishbein

Editorial Board Three narcotic-detecting German shepherds searched the school’s lockers, athletic locker rooms, and parking lot for drug-related contraband on December 5, leading to what school officials described as “very encouraging” results.

Although school officials declined to provide details on what exactly the dogs found, Principal Thomas Mead said that the investigation “didn’t find much of anything,” similar to the results of the two dog searches conducted last school year. Mead said that although a few students were questioned, the investigation showed that drugs were largely absent from school grounds.

“The overwhelming majority of our students understand that drugs don’t belong on campus,” said Mead. “I’m delighted that we have a drug free campus.”

The search, which took place during double-third period, lasted for about 20 minutes. Three troopers from the state police canine unit, each controlling a dog, conducted the search with the help of five town police officers. Mead estimates that the dogs searched about 1500 to 1600 lockers.

According to School Resource Officer Jeremy Trefry, who assisted in the search, the dogs are “multi-purpose”, meaning that they assist in police work ranging from narcotic detection to search-and-rescue and officer protection.

Trefry said that the dogs can detect narcotics including marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, and heroin, but do not detect prescription medications.

According to Trefry, all student discipline resulting from the search was handled by the school. Although police were involved in conducting the search, there was no police punishment.

“My goal isn’t to get kids in trouble,” Trefry said. “It’s to keep people safe.

The goal is not to find drugs; it’s to have a deterrent effect and keep drugs out.”

While in most situations the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution requires police to obtain warrants and probable cause to conduct searches of cars, different rules apply to school grounds. In the 1985 case New Jersey v. T.L.O., the Court ruled that schools need only “reasonable justification,” a lower degree of scrutiny, to conduct searches on their grounds.

Because the search took place on an already-scheduled training day for the dogs, police officers planted marijunana in the school as a test. Upon finding this decoy, the dogs were given a reward for their work. The German shepherd Trefry worked with, Dozer, received a Kong wrapped in a towel as a treat.

When the dogs sensed an odor emitting from a locker, the school opened the locker. Although sometimes there were false alarms – Mead cited dogs detecting clothing that had been worn around marijuana smoke outside of school – school administrators questioned the students of the alerted lockers.

According to Mead, a few students were questioned in situations where the school did not find drugs.

“If there’s an alert on a locker, we’ll talk to the student,” Mead said. “There may be another explanation. We’ll talk to the students.”

Mead instituted dog searches two years ago in order to deter students from bringing drugs on campus. Following police advice, the school held assemblies about the narcotic detecting canines and announced the date of the first search before it took place.

Going forward, Mead hopes to establish dog searches as a fairly frequent routine in order to keep drugs off campus.

“As the administrators of this school, it’s our responsibility to make sure it’s safe,” Mead said. “That includes making sure banned substances aren’t here on our campus.”

Service dog lends school psychologist a helping ear

Harbinger file photo

Nicole Kelly

StaffWriter In her office and strolling the halls, students and staff will find school psychologist Annmarie Choque accompanied by her hearing dog, Brandy.

Choque was born with a hearing loss, and at the age of three she got her first

pair of hearing aids. Last January Choque, who works with many students each day, got Brandy when the dog was one and a half years old.

“The main reason I got Brandy is because I became a single parent and I did not feel confident going to sleep at night and that I would hear everything that I need to hear to keep my children safe,”

Photo Natalie lambert

Brandy, the golden labrador, aids school psychologist Annmarie Choque with her hearing loss.

WHAT’S INSIDE:

Seniors sold at auction page 2

Choque said.

Before Choque got Brandy, the dog was trained through the New England Assistance Dog Service (NEADS) in Princeton, MA. There, Brandy was taught how to alarm a hearing impaired person both when something was wrong or when someone was calling their name.

According to Principal Tom Mead, there have been a couple of other dogs that help disabled students at Algonquin in past years. However, in order for the dogs to be allowed at the school, a policy had to be established.

The “Policy On Animals in School” states that there must be approval from the principal and school nurse, any student or staff member that has allergies to animals will not be in contact with the animal, and the animal has to control itself and cannot be alone roaming around the building.

“I hope [Brandy’s appearance] doesn’t catch anyone terribly by surprise and frighten them; not everyone is a dog lover,” Mead said.

Many students have reacted positively to seeing Brandy.

“I think when people see her, there’s something about dogs and pets that makes people happy,” senior John Leach said.

“It’s almost like therapy for people. I think it definitely brightens people’s day to see her walking in the hallways.”

“It’s cool that the school has Ms. Choque working here with the hear-

Pajama Game proves huge success page 12

ing dog,” sophomore Alex Martin said.

“When I walk by, I smile.”

Choque acknowledged that when people are walking through the halls and see her and Brandy, they are going to be curious and want to say hi. But, she explained, that is not allowed.

“Students should be aware because she’s a service dog they aren’t supposed to interact with her; they’re supposed to pretend she’s not there,” Choque said. “She’s supposed to be invisible; she’s supposed to be like a wheelchair or anything like that, that you just ignore and recognize as a part of a person that’s not really important.”

Choque has lived her life as normally as possible and tries not to let her hearing loss limit her. “[Hearing loss] has [limited me], but I’ve always been that person that ignores my limitations until it slaps me in the face: I pretend they’re not there,” Choque said.

“For the most part, the things I really love to do, I’ve found a way to do them one way or another.”

Choque takes pride in being a strong mother and educator that has worked her way through life with little hearing, and Brandy has helped her tremendously.

“I hope that having Brandy out in the open will help students realize: whether you have a disability or some other challenge that you are working on, that you should do whatever works, and Brandy is what works for me,” Choque said.

Winter sports preview page 20

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News

Page 2

December 16, 2014

Senior Auction: high bids for kids Jen Fox

Editorial Board Senior Steering Committee auctioned several groups of students at the annual Senior Auction Thursday, November 13.

“The Bodyguards” (Matt Tozeski, Tyler Hatton, and Sam Factor) and renowned juggler Garret Maglio, both netted $42, the highest bids of the night.

The “Singing Cookie Men” (Sean Watkins and Chris Lang) were sold for $41.

“To prepare for our performance we wrote a poem; a lot of it was improv, but we rehearsed once or twice,” Factor said. “I had bought seniors when I was a freshman so I wanted to give [our buyers] as fun of an experience as I had.”

The auction, hosted by teachers Nicole Ruffo and Emily Philbin, raised $600, half of which the seniors contributed to the Holiday Giving drive. The other $300 will be kept for the Senior Steering Committee.

The seniors offered bidders an assortment of favors, including serenading the bidders as they walk down the hallway or bringing them food periodically throughout the day. Most groups provided unique services for their buyer, such as having a didgeridoo played for them in the hallways, courtesy of “Brianna Burns and the Didgeridoo” (sold for $25) or having their day narrated for them by “Men in Vests” (Jonny Manousaridis and Andrew Carlucci, sold for $20).

Nate Morrell and his group, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves,” decided they would use costumes and dance inspired by the famous fairy tale to entertain their buyer. photos Clare StRickland “I’m going to come dancing out like a ballerina,” Morrell said, Thursday night (Above) “The Military” performs their routine. (Bottom left) Seniors Chris Lang and Sean Watkins sing a song and before the auction. “Whoever we get play guitar. (Bottom right) Host Emily Philbin amplifies senior Brianna Burns’ didgeridoo. auctioned off to, we buy them breakfast stage. “Because you’re my Guantanamo Other auctioned groups included were groups centered around treats delivand follow them around and play music.” Bae!” “The Cross-Country Girls”, consisting ered periodically throughout the school After the ballet performance, a After promising to carry his buyer of Megan Walsh, Sam Mauro, Beth Wa- day. lengthy bid battle ended with Morrell and up the stairs if they got too tired to climb, ters, Ariana Nodoushani, Olivia Mott, “The Backstreet Boys” (Joe Mchis dwarves (Jocelyn Pietro, Allison Wrin, Gillespie was sold for $21.

Monica Kierney, and Natalie Lambert.

Cuine, Quinn Cohen, Trevor CaselColleen Barry, Mia Partridge, Jess Ar“The Military”, another group being “[Our act] combines two of our fa- lini, Cesar Coelho, Zach Foster, Garrett pino, Alyssa Waterman and Mary Rous- sold off during the auction, were well- vorite things: Taylor Swift and running,” Scholl, and Josh Clark), dressed in classy seau) getting sold for $40. This amount known for their red-wagon “tank”, com- Walsh said. all-white, performed with dancing and lip fell short of expectations for Morrell, plete with paper cannon.

“It’s all about how Megan Walsh is syncing and were sold for $30. who expected to be bought “in the thou“We’re going to offer the person trouble because she’s too fast,” Mauro The lowest bid of five dollars went sands, at least.” who buys us breakfast and lunch, and said. “...We’re hoping to be bought for to John Kelly and Evan Perkins, who reInstead of using music or dancing, we’re going to pull them around in the maybe two million.” spectively wore a rubber horse head and Johnny Gillespie stirred up a storm of tank to their classes,” senior Kate Foster Food was a popular theme for this a rubber unicorn head and guaranteed bidders from the audience with his clever said. “I’d say if we got bought for fifteen year’s auction; “The Daytime Foodies” to commentate their buyer’s entire day pick-up lines. bucks or over, I’d be pumped.” (sold for $15), bakers Alexandra Shaf- wearing them. They were purchased by “Hey girl, are you in prison?” GilExceeding her expectations, Foster’s fer and Allie Ryan (sold for $35), and the senior Cesar Coelho. lespie asked the audience, pacing the group was sold for $30. aforementioned “Singing Cookie Men”

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Sharpen up for midterms...

New year, new policy for midterms Cassidy Wang

StaffWriter The new midterms policies and a new midterm schedule will optimize mid-year testing and reduce stress in students, according to administrators and faculty.

In the past, some courses gave heavily weighted midyear exams that would appear on term-two grades, as opposed to a separate category on report cards; there was no official midterm schedule, so students took tests and attended classes in the same day.

“There was an issue of: if you did give a midterm and put it on a term, what does that do to a student’s overall grade?” social studies department head Brittany Burns said.

According to Burns, a lot of people struggled with the old system because it was so inconsistent between courses that it did not feel fair.

“I want kids to experience a comprehensive exam,”

science department head and chemistry teacher Lorraine Zanini said. “There’s a difference in preparing for a comprehensive exam versus preparing for a single chapter test. I want kids to be prepared comprehensively for the big picture, [and to understand] the overarching ideas that I’ve taught for that first semester.”

Without a clear cut exam schedule, according to Zanini, students stressed the fact that they might have another exam with a different teacher on the same day as a midterm.

To resolve these conflicts, a committee made up of department chairs and school administrators surveyed teachers and concluded from their data that required midterms would prepare students for future heavily-weighted comprehensive assessments in college, measure student growth, and allow teachers to see what material needs enforcement in term three. At the same time, the committee created an open-campus schedule that they decided would benefit students.

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“For finals, [students] will have already been through that process, so [they] won’t feel quite as intense and nervous,” Burns said.

Assistant principal Paul DiDomenico hopes students are productive during the time allotted for midterms, as shorter days for exam periods will provide afternoon time to seek extra help.

Additionally, DiDomenico believes that midterms will not be setting students up for failure. The tests will count for ten percent of a student’s final grade. Numerically, that’s a letter grade’s difference for students who score a 100 percent or zero; whereas in the old system, scores had a higher possibility of greatly affecting final grades.

Junior Gina El Nesr believes the midterm changes will have a positive effect.

“I think the amount of material on midterms will reinforce what we learned in class, and I think that’s important,” El Nesr said, “It will also be a big relief on finals.”

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News Flipping for Technology

Page 3

December 16, 2014

New devices impact learning John Leach

StaffWriter Apple TV and iPad usage has grown in the Algonquin classroom, as teachers use innovative technology to explore new educational methods in the classroom.

From flipped classrooms to interactive lessons, the latest gadgets allow for teachers to transmit knowledge in new ways.

Apple TVs, devices that connect to televisions and projectors and give users access to dozens of apps, have seen increased use in the classroom. Apple TVs also allow teachers to play content from other Apple devices on the screens attached to the Apple TV. “We provide Apple TVs,” Technology Specialist TJ Carron said. “We have quite a lot. And that’s been an easier method for teachers to utilize the iPads of course for projecting. We’ve used them in A125, Mr. Clark’s room, video production.”

Carron also touched on the importance of the new Epson projectors that will soon be installed in more classrooms and their connection with the Apple TVs. “They actually have HDMI which is what Apple TV natively uses,” Carron said.

“So in the case of our old projectors we had to use adaptors to connect it to the Apple T. Getting these new projectors has definitely helped with the Apple TV’s picture and quality.”

The iPads have also become popular in school due to their convenient size and wide range of applications.

Science teacher Daniel Welty takes advantage of the iPads’ numerous capabilities in his classroom to enhance his ‘flipped-class’

learning environment. Welty’s flipped class- the use of technology in her classroom is room involves students having their own former math teacher and now instructional iPad. technology teacher Julie Doyle. Doyle espe“That technology really enhances the cially enjoyed using the SMART Board. whole flipped-learning idea,” Welty said.

“It was a way to have more interactive Welty emphasized the advantages of us- lessons, to have good student engagement, to ing iPads in the classroom for presentations, also make it easier to share my lessons and projects, and other assignments. share them with students digitally if they “Everything we do in class is on the were absent or if they wanted to review the iPads,” Welty said. “If there are practice lessons after they were taught,” Doyle said. problems, those are on the iPads. If there Doyle developed a growing interest for are activities, those are on the iPads. So I’m technology when she came to Algonquin. Alnot photocopying. I’m not using any paper though she is a technology teacher now who except for tests and helps and enjoys quizzes… It goes from using different elecwhere I used to hand out tronics and other Recently purchased paper and they would do gadgets, she feels the activity on paper and that there must be technology equiptment: hand that back to them a balance in the use doing screen casts, mak• 60 Chromebooks of technology. ing video labs, even as “It’s the way of • 120 iPads basic as Keynotes, slide the world and we presentations… so it just need to embrace • 18 Apple TVs leaves a lot more time to it. But I think we be active in class.” need to first just • ≈20 Epson projectors One of Welty’s focus on what we former students, senior want the students to • ≈200 desktop comAlyssa Brady, now stulearn, what skills we puters dent teaches in one of want the students to his classes. While last have, and how can year she was learning we use the technolhow to use the iPads, ogy to help us to get now she helps younger students use them. that,” Doyle said.

“I think it helps them a lot because it’s Doyle also noted that there must be a easier for them to learn how to use the apps knowledge of when to use and when not to when there is someone else there to help and use technology, because although it is helpful, we are using more apps this year so I am still technology is not always necessary. learning different stuff,” Brady said.

Another faculty member that enjoyed

Student panel brainstorms for future

On November 21, students met with Instructional Technology Specialist Julie Doyle, Assistant Superindendent Gregory Martinue, and Director of Technology Jean Tower during the school day to discuss the incorporation of technology in the classroom setting. They debated how the technology should be intergrated and the ethics behind the use of iPads, Apple TVs, and other new devices in classes.

Photos Natalie Lambert

Students take notes as they discuss ways to integrate technology into their education.

Changes revamp Winter Ball, high expectations for success sell out. The past couple years have not showed results nearly as high.

StaffWriter “Back when I went, it was popular, and people Winterball has been renamed to Winter Semi-Fordefinitely attended,” English teacher mal in an attempt to increase attendance John Frederick, class of 1989, said. and popularity.

“Many years “I don’t know if it was a sellout, but The dance takes place on December most of the student body would be 19 at the Best Western in Marlborough, ago, tickets would there.” and representatives hope the new name sell out. The past On a Student Council majority attracts more ticket sales than previous vote, the name was changed and new couple years have years. actions were taken to promote the “This year for Winter Semi-Formal not shown results dance in hopes of raising the attenwe’re trying to appeal to the masses, trydance level. For example, in response nearly as high.” ing to take what we got the most comto claims that there have not been plaints from last year and make it better,” enough activities at the dance, the student council mosophomore representative Max Donahue said. tioned to add a photobooth.

The attendance for the dance hasn’t been what the “To increase popularity is all about the marketing, school has wanted it to be recently, according to student we hope to convey the dance in the best way possible council representatives. Many years ago, tickets would to help people understand this dance is a fun experience brooke suitum

and a great event to attend,” Donahue said.

The dance will have the same attire as previous years, but a different ambience.

“We are decorating the room differently to make it feel a little more like winter and more welcoming,” sophomore student council representative Maggie Shatz said.

The student council has witnessed positive reactions so far and hope to see many more. One student, junior Peri D’Amico, is intrigued by the name change.

“The new name got me and my friends talking, and we decided we would want to go this year,” D’Amico said.

The Winter Semi-Formal is looking to attract many freshmen this year who are interested in what the dance will be like.

“I would tell freshmen that the Semi-Formal is a great way to have a good time with friends at a festive dance hosted by the school,” Donahue said.

SATIRE

It’s Harby Update, with Nick Longo!

I’m Nick Longo, and here are the current top stories:

After the release of the first trailer for the upcoming “Star Wars” movie, many fans have responded with backlash. Common complaints include film critics saying that it seems to lack originality, and Kanye West saying that it seems to lack Kanye West.

the votes. Feminists were outraged that anyone would try to ban the usage of a word that offends some, and after “feminist” was removed from the poll, they were free to return to trying to ban the word “bossy” because it offends them.

Amazon has begun using newly-designed robots in its warehouses that can lift entire racks of products. These robots proved to be especially helpful when I ordered a new set of weights, as I could have the robots lift them for me. Summer 2015 beach body, here I come.

A recent report naming the top destination spots on the rise includes areas of Thailand, Turkey, Japan, and if you’re single, my place.

During a recent poll by Time Magazine of which words should be “banned” in 2015, the word “feminist” garnered about 50 percent of

A recent survey has indicated that the top baby names of 2014 were influenced by the names of characters and actors on top-rated TV shows. On the other hand, thanks to Time Magazine, the number of babies named “Feminist” is expected to drop dramatically by next year.

A Japanese man trekked across Japan while tracking his path with a GPS to spell the words “Marry me” across the continent, in order to propose to his girlfriend. His actions have subsequently inspired me to create a self-portrait out of chicken nuggets that spans the entirety of the cafeteria this Wednesday, and then maybe Stacy will finally notice me.

According to recent statistics, the world championship of popular video game “League of Legends” drew in more television viewers than Game 7 of the 2014 World Series. When asked for their opinion of the world-shaking championship, Algonquin students were quick to respond with “my opinion on the what?”

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News Festive friendships formed Page 4

December 16, 2014

Best Buddies celebrate holiday season

school, a food drive for the student council, and a tailgate at a boys soccer game. On Saturday NovemStaffWriter ber 22, ten club members took part in the Milton To prepare for the upcoming holiday festivities, 5K Best Buddies chapter walk. the Best Buddies club scheduled events including “I chose Best Buddies after doing unified holiday shopping, a Yankee swap, and track,” Koziel said. “Then I gingerbread-house decorating. got to really know some of Best Buddies is an international “I got to really the more non-verbal budnonprofit organization that creates dies and athletes and I reopportunities for one-to-one friend- know some of the ally clicked with them and I ships for people with intellectual and more non-verbal thought that Best Buddies developmental disabilities. Algonquin would be a wonderful way to has a chapter with 72 members that buddies and athletes continue that in addition to meets twice monthly. Holiday fes- and I really clicked the spring season.” tivities are one of the club’s signature with them.”

Senior Sammi Falkowkevents. si, also a club officer, enjoys “The food activities bring out the the learning experience of Lexie Koziel the Best Buddies club. biggest crowd; everyone loves that,” junior Chloe Fay said. “I think that “I have gained a lot of Club Officer [decorating cookies] went really well friends from grades that I because any skill level could really do wouldn’t normally interact that. Even if someone didn’t like the with,” Falkowski said. “I cookies they could just eat whatever candy we have. have also gained an understanding for how to inThat’s definitely one of my favorite activities.” teract with everyone like how you’re supposed to Just three months into the school year, the treat them [the buddies] equally. A lot of people group has been busy making memories with their treat them like kids and you don’t have to, you just buddies and fellow club members. Some of club treat them like their actual age because they are just officer Lexie Koziel’s favorite activities include a like us.” corn maze, a scavenger hunt for candy around the Annie Campbell

Photo Natalie Lambert

Sophomore Katelyn Li and junior Alexis Sokoloff frosting gingerbread cookies.

Students park elsewhere, evade fees are the majority of where parking fees and fines are allocated.

StaffWriter “For regional schools, we are required by the state to Instead of paying parking permit fees, senior Ka- provide, free of charge, transportation to school,” Mead reem Boura has decided to park off campus. said.

Boura parks at Scribbles, a daycare located less According to than a five-minute walk from Algonquin. This lets him “My hope is Mead, this state redrive to school without having to pay for a permit or that they aren’t quirement is based deal with the consequences of fines and suspensions on the idea that stuparking someplace that come with parking illegally. dents would have “Parking there has a lot of benefits,” Boura said. where they aren’t to travel a great dis“It’s a short walk in the morning, and I save on gas, tance on foot or get supposed to be.” time, and money.” driven to school if Although students who do not want to pay there were no buses. the fees have the opportunity to park off campus, the Assistant Prinmel laughton school relies on fee money to meet state transportation assistant principal cipal Mel Laughton mandates. holds responsibilPrincipal Tom Mead shared information about ity in enforcing the state requirements for schools, and explained that they parking permits, as he deals with juniors and seniors in Mark Mshooshian

the upper school office.

“This year we gave a full extra two weeks for students to buy parking permits, and yet we still had close to a hundred people who continued to drive [illegally], and they still continue to drive,” Laughton said.

Fines were given to anyone who drove to school past the deadline to buy the permit, and many received detention because of their decision to drive without a permit.

According to Laughton, there are no possible punishments for students doing what Boura does.

“If students choose to park some place else, my hope is that they aren’t parking someplace where they aren’t supposed to be,” Laughton said.

According to assistant principal Michelle Tontodonato, in addition to paying for buses the school uses permit fees to help offset snow removal costs, as well as costs for parking lot maintenance, upkeep, and safety enhancements.

Relay for Life strives for $50k Katie stassis

StaffWriter The annual Relay for Life walk-a-thon organizers set a goal to raise more money in anticipation of the upcoming 12 hour long fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

Every year, Algonquin sponsors the event, raising money to support cancer research. The event also provides free information and services to cancer patients and the people that help them.

Participants at Algonquin raised around $30,000 last year. According to senior Annie Balunas, a member of the Relay for Life chair committee, the club is aiming to increase this amount to between $40,000 and $50,000 through higher standards for donations and increasing participation to at least 400 people.

The money raised funds research, as well as treatments and organizations that create wigs for those who have lost their hair.

According to Relay for Life adviser science teacher Catherine Burchat, the most meaningful part of the event is the first lap, walked by cancer survivors to celebrate their fight and gradual victory. During the second lap, the Luminaria Ceremony takes place, glorifying the fight and supporting those who continue with their brave fight.

“The opening ceremonies are usually quite nice,” Burchat said.

“We got some of the school musical groups to be involved. The acapella group sung last year. Last year there was a speaker who was incredible talking about his experience with his mother and her fight with cancer.”

Balunas said that the committee is trying to do a lot more activities and to get have more participation throughout the night because usually when it starts to get later participants get tired. Every hour, there will be a new event or activity to participate in.

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OPINION

Page 5

December 16, 2014

Oration Altercation Arguing administrational adornment

PHOTO NATALIE LAMBERT

Is the giving tree festive or suggestive?

PHOTO NATALIE LAMBERT

Cool Nativity Reactivity

Stop Offensive Ornamentation

Nate krinsky

dan fishbein

Columnist

Editorial Board

Each year, the Algonquin chapter of the National Honor Society puts up a Christmas tree in the cafeteria as part of their annual toy drive. Every year I hear the: “Are they really allowed to put up a Christmas tree?” This is invariably followed by the sarcastic response, “It’s not a Christmas tree. It’s a holiday tree.”

Whether or not they mean to, these people are engaging in a nationwide debate over Christmas iconography in American culture. While some argue that the public display of Christmas decorations is exclu“Christmas has sionary, the holiday has already been so ceased to be a ingrained in our soreligious holiday. ciety that hardly anyone could honestly The only thing to be excluded. worshipped every claim Not only do 90 perDecember 25 is the cent of Americans American dollar.” celebrate Christmas, but so do 80 percent of the country’s non-Christian population. Jews, Muslims, and Atheists all participate in annual Yuletide festivities.

Christmas has ceased to be a religious holiday. The only thing worshipped every December 25th is the American dollar.

There is a sizable and vocal group that does advocate for the term “holiday tree” and prefers “Happy Holidays” to “Merry Christmas.” While this attempt towards inclusion is obviously well intended, such political correctness is ultimately useless. These all-encompassing euphemisms do not actually contribute to more diversity - they still allude to Christmas and Christmas alone. “Happy Holidays” is merely “Merry Christmas” hidden by a thin veneer of inclusiveness.

It is impossible to argue that simply displaying a Christmas tree excludes those who do not celebrate the holiday. The National Honor Society is doing a great thing for the community by providing toys to children who would otherwise get nothing. (Disclosure: the author is the treasurer of Algonquin’s NHS chapter) Anyone more focused on the tree is completely missing the point.

There’s no such thing as a non-denominational holiday tree.

In the Middle Ages, a legend started that every frozen tree shook off its ice and snow and became green when Jesus was born. Over time, pop culture has reinforced the idea that this type of green tree that gets decorated around mid-December belongs solely to one religion: Christianity.

To me, a high school having these trees in its cafeteria is not just preposterous, but borderline unconstitutional. Judicial rulings have made it abundantly clear over the years that schools should avoid favoring one religion over another, but this tree directly contradicts that.

Hanukkah symbols include driedels, menorahs, and olive branches. I’m no botanist, but I’m pretty sure that the tree in our cafeteria is not an olive tree. Ashura on December 5 serves “Schools should as day for Sunnis to re- avoid favoring member Muhammad’s one religion over fasting in solidarity and Shiites to remember the another, but death of Muhammad’s this tree directly grandson in battle. To both sects, this holiday contradicts that. ” takes on somber moods, a day for black, not green. Bodhi Day on December 8 reminds Buddhists of Siddhartha Gautama’s vow to sit under a tree and not move until he reached enlightenment. Alas, Buddha sat under a fig tree, not a spruce.

In the 1984 Supreme Court case Lynch v. Donnelly, Justice Warren Burger argued that a Christmas tree had “legitimate secular purposes”.

I just don’t see how decorating a tree in the middle of winter can be described as a “secular” activity. Although the school does not mean any offense with its tree, it’s easy to see how such a symbol may make nonChristians feel excluded. If Algonquin really wanted to celebrate the holiday season, it could decorate with symbols from all religions with December holidays, not just the most predominant one. photo illustration natalie lambert

The problem isn’t midterms, it’s communication this new system. I myself was enraged when I first heard this idea. However, after some reasoning, I decided to approach my teachers about this issue. And their explanation changed my opinion. Our school is not implementing an arbitrary, belligerent exam to An adult’s concept of a student is clouded with misconceptions and prejudices uproot our grades and GPAs. This system is practiced in colleges across the nation. guided by his or her own experiences and “better judgment” for how the adolescent This is preparation for beyond high school. Although 20 percent of a final grade is should govern themselves. a significant portion, it is a reality that such exams exist in colleges.

One blinding aspect of this relationship is the ever-present lack of These four years here at Algonquin are practice for what is beyond the communication. The adult may execute a decision without the effect “Faculty must sheltered schoolhouse walls. I am willing to accept almost any method being relayed to the child with explanation, therefore producing a gap will benefit me. share information that The festering with tension and resentment. This situation applies to the issue remains that students are hearing this altercation through pertaining to the recent change in the midterm exam here at Algonquin. the so-called “rumor mill” which creates confusion and suspicion. FacIn previous years, the “midterm” was a test, scored as any oth- midterm with ulty must share information pertaining to the midterm with students, er exam. It analyzed a student’s knowledge of the first two terms. It and hand them a thorough explanation of the reasons for its existence. was only required of half-year courses while full-year courses could students.”

Though it can appear so at times, we adolescents are not terribly unor could not administer one, leaving this decision to the teacher. This reasonable and most I know will appreciate the practice this midterm year, however, the midterm requirement has been altered. It is now required by all provides. The absence of sufficient communication has plagued the generation gaps classes and counts for 10 percent of a student’s final grade. With the final exam, 20 for years and instilled a hesitation between schools and students. Algonquin must break percent of the final grade will be determined by two tests. this trend, guiding students towards realizing the value of a midterm.

I have not spoken to one student who has exhibited favor or even acceptance to Carey davis

StaffWriter

tHE haRBINGER

OPINION

Page 6

DECEMBER 16, 2014

The pro-pro-pros and cons of early festivities Eileen Moynihan

Stephanie Mcgovern

Editorial Board

StaffWriter

If you see me driving around town anytime after mid-November, chances are, I’m rocking out to Christmas music in my car: and it’s a good possibility that I’m getting most of the words wrong.

I never used to embrace Christmas before Thanksgiving. Like some, I swore off the decorations, music and lights because I wanted Thanksgiving to have a fair chance to shine. As I’ve gotten older, however, the magical feeling of the Christmas season has faded more than I ever expected it to. So, every year, the season seems shorter and shorter. I feel like most of my December is filled with school, homework, and other obligations. Starting early with the music and the decorations makes me feel like I’m giving myself extra time to be merry.

The day itself has never been my favorite part of Christmas: I like the food, and the family, and most of all, the Christmas decorations, lights and music in the weeks leading up to December 25. I love admiring the bright displays in front of the houses lining my street, and smelling warm pine from a decorative wreath when I open our front door.

So, as soon as “O Holy Night” comes on the radio in early November, I am in full Christmas mode. From early November to December 25, the music never turns off, the decorations are pulled out of the attic and strewn about my house, and I shop for gifts like an excited grandmother with coupons.

A lot of my friends and family members can’t stand the idea of seeing anything Christmas related before Thanksgiving Day. The thing is, I don’t understand why. What deters anyone from celebrating early? Is it the greedy behavior during a time when we’re supposed to be thankful? Is it the fear of getting sick of the music before Christmas Day? I don’t see the harm in getting a jump start on the Christmas season. I say, bring on the insane amounts of lights and the delicious Christmas cookies.

I’ve found that, with Christmas in the air, people seem to be happier, maybe even nicer, during the month of December. Starting early with the extravagant celebrations only extends the benefits of the Christmas season. I would think a little extra holiday spirit can benefit anyone.

In some ways, I agree with Scrooge’s famous “Bah Humbug” line.

Don’t get me wrong, I adore Thanksgiving and Christmas, but I feel each should be celebrated separately, and during their own times. It is simply wrong that during the first week of November the malls are decked out in tinsel with every classic holiday song blaring in the background as people shop frantically for gifts.

Spreading the Christmas cheer is great- in December. But we need to make it through Thanksgiving alive with no turkey comas before we plaster our yards with blow up reindeer and line our houses with obnoxious lights for the whole neighborhood to be a fire hazard.

Once mid December comes along and the “The early spread snow stays its pure shade of crisp white for the of the holidays first few snowfalls, the Christmas spirit should be emphasizes the embraced. The whole point of Christmas and the other winter holidays is to give thanks, spend time greediness people with family, and eat until you can’t eat anymore. experience as There is no reason to see Santa’s Village on every mall and street intersection prior to mid Decem- the shopping ber. takes over.”

The early spread of the holidays emphasizes the greediness people experience as the shopping takes over. The actual thoughtfulness of gift giving is supposed to bring someone else joy instead of just finding the best sale at 3am on Black Friday. The mindset of people should be “I’m thankful for what I have and not things I want but don’t need.”

Spread your cheer how you see fit. If you are a Christmas enthusiast then by all means stand under mistletoe, watch every night of ABC Families’ 25 Days of Christmas, and drink egg nog for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy the holiday season, but please, be easy on the tinsel for all of us who prefer a shorter, simpler, and possibly sweeter holiday season.

A resolution comes true: another new year, another old you Clarissa wong & Jessica yin

StaffWriters From weight loss plans to becoming a “better person”, New Year’s resolutions are emptier than a container of Oreo balls after a bake sale.

The common proverb “New year, new you” holds little truth in its entity, as promising as it sounds. Why is it that the moment the clock strikes midnight on December 31, people suddenly find themselves on their way to a new and improved self ?

Ideally, one should be able “Ideally, one to change themselves for the betshould be able to ter without annual holidays as the change themselves sole incentive.

Resolutionists, armed with for the better their list of promises, may be familiar with the struggle of stick- without annual ing to their word. For example, holidays.” many fail to realize that an unhealthy routine, built over a long period of time, will require more than just a bulleted list to expel.

Words written on a piece of paper are meaningless if they do not meet reality. It is a waste of time to think of a list that is bound to be crumpled up in the bottom of your trashcan.

Studies have proven what we already knew to be true. According to studies done by the University of Scranton, only eight percent of people who make New Years resolutions stick to them, and most abandon them after just one week.

So, summon the motivation to become a better person from yourself, and stop marking up your calendars.

cartoon christian Fonceca

Letter to the Editor

Response to popular discontent for “One School, One Book” To whom it may concern: As I was reading the last issue of The Harbinger, I found myself interested in the fact that many Algonquin-goers, students and faculty alike, openly spoke out against the One School, One Book program. If so many people admitted to not participating in and/or not supporting the program, why is it required?

Like many Algonquin students, I am taking multiple AP classes this year. I had a lot of legitimately important material to get through this summer. Admittedly, I did not read “Unwind” because I chose to put the time into assigned books and textbooks with valuable information.

When it came time for me to be assessed on “Unwind” I recruited my freshman brother to tell me the

story. I got an A on my assignment.

From the amount of mindful students who are quoted in the paper as not having read it, I assume that many others got a good grade for an assignment on a book they had not read.

Where is the value in this? If I have time to read an extraneous novel, I would like it to be a book that I enjoy.

Librarian Mrs. Rehill is even quoted as agreeing with this point.

As busy students constantly have one or more assigned books during the year, summer reading should provide an opportunity for pleasure reading. It’s impossible to find a book that the 1,600-plus members of the Algonquin community will all like. Algonquin should scrap the One School, One Book program and let students read

a book of their choice. Papers and projects can be assigned just the same; students will write about the book they chose. There are plenty of opportunities during the year for discussions and essays on communal books.

Reading should not be synonymous with homework. Students have just one chance to stroll the rows of Barnes and Noble and remember why we like to read.

Carly Burstein, senior

tHE haRBINGER

EDITORIAL

Page 7

december 16, 2014

Escaping the Algonquin Bubble When was the last time you saw a serious crime happen in our life experiences most of us have not had adequate experiperson? A legitimate offense against human rights? The flames ences to justify serious positions. of racial tension?

The staff of The Harbinger does not wish to minimize While some may have had these experiences, we here at issues that clearly need attention. Debates on race and human Algonquin, for the most part, live in a bubble. As a student rights deserve a spot in the conversations of every American, body, we are largely isolated from many but we must not pretend that we as a of the headline-grabbing issues that afstudent body understand every underfect our country on a large scale. scoring nuance of such high-profile “Debates on race and The recent cases concerning po- human rights deserve a cases. Many of us have not and will not lice action in connection with Michael ever experience the life of being a miBrown and Eric Garner have served to spot in the conversations nority in large cities, of living below the spark a national debate, but this debate of every American, but we poverty line, of experiencing extreme seems distant to most of us within Al- must not pretend that we as violence in our close vicinity. gonquin’s halls. The issues that these a student body understand As a student population, it must be conflicts center around incite a pasour responsibility to move beyond our sionate personal response in many, but every underscoring nuance own sheltered atmosphere. We cannot most of our student body is far away of such high-profile cases.” change the circumstances from which from such controversies. we come, but we can try to experience We as a population at Algonquin are largely homogonenew life conditions, to give greater respect for those people ous. The average Algonquin student is a white, middle to upthat come from situations different from those which we are per class American, with married parents and at least two cars accustomed to. in the driveway. Our 14 member editorial board is 86 percent Most of Algonquin lives in a vacuum. Try to make it suck caucasian, which is closely parallel to the ARHS student populess by expanding your horizons: read more, learn more, accept lation as a whole. more.

Though such issues as racial tension and police brutality in recent national news should be debated universally, because of The unsigned editorial reflects the views of The Editorial Board.

Letters to the Editor

Harbinger The Algonquin

The student newspaper of Algonquin Regional High School 79 Bartlett St, Northborough, MA 01532 508-351-7010 arhsharbinger@gmail.com www.arhsharbinger.com

Volume 27 Issue 2

Editorial Board Editors-in-chief Clare Strickland & Dan Fishbein

online Editor-in-chief Mairathe Casey

managing editor Brian Barr

Photo Editor Natalie Lambert

Assistant Photo Editor Rafaela Coelho

Sports Editor Sam Piotrowski

Contrasting responses to the Harbinger’s stance on She-Hawks, feminism

Assistant Sports editor Annie Campbell

News Editors

Hi Harb!

thank you wanted to st ju ticle s k aw She-H loved the ar Everyone at in the newspaper! We t of aspects of a lo t out for the shou ks itself. We also lovede part about how we th on She-Haw feminism, especially . We at She-Hawks n er the article o feminism fight togeth ant to everyone, and v e le th re in is sful. m are all that feminis ne in order to be succescurae re ag y el it eryo inac defin ported by ev dress a few must be sup ever, we wanted to ad cle said that “gender How e we , the arti ced. Firstly 9 Bartlett Street.” Whil ent ti o n e w at val at 7 cies th not be as pre n is minimal discriminatio der discrimination mayel that gender bias is en agree that g as in other places, we fe ould not be glossed in u q n s ev, which sh at Algo at Algonquin be heard between classe ning e su is t an v can a rele emea ples of this al women-d over. Exam Bartlett Street. Gener ” is thrown around re 9 ery day at 7 as “bitch” and “who calling their friends ch rd su ea h e e a denb languag ght. Boys ca d meaning such terms in u o th a t u o an with be a female. ttle bitches” “girls” or “li , as if it is demeaning to in has less pressing u rogatory way do agree that Algonq er, even if we were ev w o We H eas. ill look than many arur school, we should st womes su is er d o .A gen equal within mmunity to the world wage as completely e co m te sa ia e ed e th imm beyond our s As in college will makomen earn $0.77 for w rn ea e, o ag . So, to aver an wh ets Cs. On earns a man a full dollar affects g o h w an it am at feminism as me work th doing the sa we can only care about rt sighted. assume that is naive and simply sho clear that She-Hawks us right now dly, we want to make it In fact, most of us Thir code. ace on dress not agree with the re an st a e k ta o h d it e w w e e re il does not code. Wh ys), we do ag are pro-dressbeing distracting to bo nal environment for soning (not of keeping a professio uin. q the message students here at Algon d an teachers der equality, Yours in gen

Dear Harbinger, “She-Hawks”, th ing title for an extra at’s a very intriguhow many young m curricular club. Now will join a club that en do you know that “She” in its title? literally has the word I pose of this club understand the purwhich is to prom gender equality an ot d to take issues wi e th a male dominated so cie should be “The G ty. This club’s name en This name will pr der Equality Club”. omote more male students to join the clu b its audience. In reali because it opens up ty does this group ally want men to jo in and to add a balan reI do not think so. It ce? sided and that is ve is a group that is one This title obviously ry clear in their title. tu going to this grou rns away men from p. I can’t imagine one of my male friends the She-Hawks mee saying, “I’m going to ety people are so cating.” In today’s socicorrect in everythi reful to be politically ng why does this fem they say or do. So inist group get spec privilege to break ial th system? Imagine if e politically correct club came out an a new extracurricular d “He-Hawks”. Ther had the title of the e would be an up ris ing; every female in the school, stude and teacher, would nt be issue. So why is th up in ar ms over the er The club’s name e a double standard? should be change d to “The Gender Equa lit up the doors to m y Club”. This opens ale interest and feeling students taking an comfortable abou joining the club. t Trevor Fuce, senior

She-Hawks

The Harbinger Editorial Policies The Harbinger is the official student-publication of Algonquin Regional High School. The Harbinger has been established as a designated public forum for student editors to inform and educate their readers as well as for the discussion of issues of concern to their audience. The Harbinger is not reviewed or restrained by school officials prior to publication or distribution.

Because school officials do not engage in prior review, and the content of The Harbinger is determined by and reflects only the views of the student staff and not school officials or the

school itself, its student editorial board assumes complete legal liability for the content of the publication.

The expression of opinions by all readers is encouraged through letters to the editor. Letters may be submitted to arhsharbinger@gmail.com.

Letters to editor should not exceed 300 words, must be signed, and must include writer’s email address and phone number for verification.

Concerns about errors published in The Harbinger may be submitted though the Editors in Chief. Staff members will strive to correct errors prior to publication; however, if the editorial board determines a significant error is printed, the board will determine the manner and timeliness of a correction.

Businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in advertising in The Harbinger should contact the editors at arhsharbinger@gmail.com for rates, policies, and deadlines. Advertising that appears in The Harbinger is not necessarily endorsed by The Harbinger or its staff members, editorial board or adviser.

Typography and layout is done entirely by The Harbinger staff. The Harbinger is printed by MassWeb in Auburn, MA. The Harbinger publishes and distributes approximately 1500 copies six to ten times a year to the school community and paid subscribers.

The Harbinger is affiliated with The New England Scholastic Press Association and The Columbia Scholastic Press Association.

Zoe Michas & Eileen Moynihan

A&E Editors Jen Fox & Riya Pujari

Profile editor Sydney Mannion

Style editor Julia Petrillo

Adviser Lindsay Coppens

Contributing Staff Stephanie McGovern, Rachael Berthiaume, Julia Babcock, Carly Sotir, Andrew Laurence, Nicole McWilliams, Nathaniel Nahabedian, Nicholas Perry, Eduardo Santana-Rodriguez, Brianna Burns, Rachel Capra, Matt Cashel, Chris Craig, Rebecca Furgal, Ross Grasso, Nicole Kelly, John Leach, Mark Mshooshian, Paige O’Leary, Alexandra Shaffer, Lauren Speranzella, Katie Stassis, Brooke Suitum, Eric Sweeter, Cassidy Wang, Jared Woislaw, Allie Madigan, Nathan Krinsky, Carey Davis, Nicole Crothers, Will Frank, Michael Winter, Ariana Cyr, Nick Longo, Christian Fonceca, Danny Fier, Neil Nadgir, Brooke Goguen, Kasra Parcheckani, Clarissa Wong, Jesssica Yin, Danielle Gillerin, Ashley Thompson, Baelyn Duffy, Katie Zieminski, Isabella Masciarelli, Parker Lescalleet, Sabrina Schick, Paige Morse, Diana Roy, Grace Antino, Max Donahue, Caroline Beek

Join

uin q n lgo A e Th

r e g rbin

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for Issue Three!

If you are interested in writing articles, taking photos, or designing pages, come to H217 on Tuesdays after school.

tHE haRBINGER

REVIEW MOVIES FOR THE HOLIDAYS Page 8

December 16, 2014

If you are looking for a holiday movie: THE SANTA CLAUSE: BRINGING JOY TO ALL Cassidy Wang

StaffWriter The Santa Clause celebrates two decades of producing joy and spreading the gift of believing to kids, teens and adults everywhere.

Throughout our childhood, the thought of how an overweight old man managed to tumble down chimneys and deliver presents globally in one night wandered into our minds each Christmas. If the 1994 family holiday favorite, The Santa Clause, accomplishes anything, it provides valuable insight on Santa’s maneuverings through suggesting something along the lines of complicated physics concepts.

First off, the holidays are the time of the year where people of all ages indulge in childish classics; the absurdity of holiday movie storylines are excused because these films intend to kindle hearts with bliss. The Santa Clause is no exception, having provided innocent pleasure for two decades, enlivening each holiday season.

Actor Tim Allen (Last Man Standing, Toy Story), not only succeeds in his role of Scott Calvin, but lives up to Santa Claus in the bittersweet ending. As a suc-

cessful marketing agent, divorcee, and dad to an apathetic son, Charlie (Eric Lloyd), life completely changes on Christmas Eve when Scott inadvertently kills Santa. He finds himself filling the role of Santa Claus in order to not dishearten both his son and kids everywhere.

Slowly, Scott morphs into Santa by means of appearance: he craves cookies, becomes overweight, his hair turns white, and his beard rejects staying shaven a unique aspect of the film. The jolly changes in Scott lead his son to favor him immensely. However, ex-wife Laura Miller (Wendy Crewson) and her husband (Judge Reinhold) are not as thrilled, leading Scott to prove the authenticity of what was perceived to be the figment of every kid’s imagina-

Christmas Vacation: family fun and laughs Alexandra Shaffer

StaffWriter

Graphics by Mairathe Casey, Julia Petrillo, and Julia Babcock

National Lampoon’s: Christmas Vacation remains the only movie that my family can agree to watch together during the holidays. Holiday movies always seem to have at least one sad moment in them but with Christmas Vacation “Yule Crack Up” the entire time.

Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) is trying to create the best Christmas possible for his family; however, everything somehow ends up going wrong. His wife and kids have to deal with Clark’s grand ideas by hosting a spectacular holiday in their house.

Christmas Vacation has many hilarious moments, especially when plans of having a “hap-hap- happy” Christmas seem to slip out of reach. All of the events are realistic and could happen to any family. The characters are convincing in their roles and show classic family dynamics.

Who Does Christmas Better Than the Whos? No one!

Annie Campbell

StaffWriter The Christmas movie category is dominated by popular characters like rednosed Rudolph, Frosty the talking snowman, and, of course, the famous Grinch who decided to steal Christmas.

Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2001) is a magical movie adaptation of the popular children’s storybook. The plot follows the story of the Grinch (Jim Carrey), a green hairy man with “a heart two sizes too small”, and a plan to steal Christmas from the Whos. Young Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen) decides she will befriend the Grinch and viewers will follow their relationship as the two of them discover the true meaning of Christmas.

The Casting Director chose the actors and actresses perfectly as they each added their own flare to the characters. The soundtrack portrays the mood of the scenes and adds a magical aspect to the spirit of the Whos. The storyline and setting make the movie best fit for a younger crowd, but this Christmas Classic does not fail to put the viewer in the joyful holiday spirit.

tion.

Overall, the actors live up to their roles, especially Eric Lloyd; with his bright personality, viewers have to refrain from reaching into their TV screen and hugging him.

To be honest, it’s impossible to hate this classic holiday movie. For the most part, the film is downright laughable; no serious implications are intended. Moreover, The Santa Clause puts you in giddy holiday elation; the sensation that sends pleasant jolts down the spine. Although the film boasts fantasy through elves in the North Pole, flying reindeer, and… well, Santa, it still remains enjoyable to all ages, reminding teens and even adults of the magic in believing and the power of an imagination. Furthermore, the 1990’s screenplay culminates in a Christmas classic.

Although The Santa Clause was made solely for entertainment, director John Pasquin manifests the unbreakable bond between father and son and shows how adults and kids alike do not have to see something to necessarily believe in it. The film accomplishes its intention of plastering a smile on both Santa-believers and nonbelievers, all the while permeating hearts with the joy that can only be experienced once a year.

Musical Muppets meet Mr. Scrooge in spirited tale Brianna Burns

StaffWriter The Muppets Christmas Carol is a spirited, family-friendly holiday movie with a fun spin on Charles Dickens’ original work.

The characters are a mix of humans and popular Muppet characters, including The Great Gonzo as Dickens, Kermit as Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit, and Fozzie Bear as Fozziewig.

Michael Caine plays the role of Scrooge, while Steven Mackintosh plays his nephew, Fred. Despite the funny characters and lighthearted fun with the story of grumpy Ebeneezer Scrooge, and the sincerity in Tiny Tim and Bob Cratchit’s relationship, the movie accurately follows the original Christmas Carol story line, through the comic delivery of Dickens as an omniscient narrator.

The soundtrack reflects the mood of each scene, whether that be when there is happy Christmas spirit in the atmosphere, or dark and glum when Scrooge expresses his anger about Christmas, grumbling that famous “bah humbug” line. Caine accurately plays the role of a grumpy, old man who is bitter about the winter season, the holidays, and the cheeriness of those around him. The scenery of the town setting was very realistic: Narrow streets, cobble stone roads, neighboring houses in close quarters, with powdered

snow sprinkled over their rooftops. The entire set depicts a homely, quaint community.

The town’s tight-knit community emphasizes the importance of the holidays and being with family and friends to celebrate, no matter how poor the economic or medical conditions— everyone should be able to celebrate the holidays with their loved ones. The film also shows Scrooge’s point of view, that sometimes the holidays can be the worst time of year for some who are lonely. Fortunately in this movie, common ground is found for those who despise the flashy lights, music, and singing aspects of Christmas with those who look forward to the holiday cheer every year.

By the end of the film Scrooge changes his old bitter opinions about the cold, spirited winter, and learns several lessons as his character changes with the guidance of the ghosts of Christmas-Past, ChristmasPresent, and Christmas-Yet-to-Come.

The spirits teach him valuable, brutally honest lessons, leaving both Scrooge and the viewers filled with emotion at his realizations.

The movie truly put me into the Christmas spirit with its song and cheerful characters. It delivers a positive message about the winter holidays that the whole family can enjoy, while reminding viewers of the true meaning of Christmas.

tHE haRBINGER

REVIEW

Page 9

december 16, 2014

Holiday Eats Special Night Out:

Hometown dining proves superior at Romaine’s John Leach

StaffWriter Local bistros can be a tossup; some entail a menu of overpriced, flavorless food while others shine with their ensemble of quality, hand-crafted meals. One of the more successful hometown eateries, Romaine’s Wood Grill and Bar, provides a wholesome dining experience with genuine American cuisine, premier service, classy décor, and a warm, family-oriented feel.

Upon entering Romaine’s the smell of freshly cooked food makes your mouth water. The dim light, warm colored furnishings, smooth music, and low hum of friends and family provide a

sense of comfort. The friendly welcome that you receive from the hosts at the entrance helps initiate a pleasant night out.

Unfortunately, the popularity of Romaine’s creates a significant waiting period for seating.

On a weekend, guests could wait about an hour, while on weekdays they can be seated immediately. Therefore, make sure you book a reservation if you plan to dine on a weekend.

No matter the day, the service is prompt and thorough.

There is always enough staff to ensure that each table does not have to wait too long. They are open to accommodations to your meal in order to satisfy you, including gluten-free options.

SOME PICKLEHAUS SANDWICH SPECIALTIES

A waiter brought out bread with butter and roasted garlic. This rustic bread had a lot of flavor and a crispy crust. Along with bread, the calamari appetizer that we ordered for eight dollars was served with red and green peppers layered on top for flavor.

Each calamari was breaded with a crispy, light brown crust. Romaine’s cooked them perfectly: not too chewy, yet not overcooked.

For my entrée, I ordered tips and frites for $20. The price was nothing worth fretting over considering. My steak was precisely cooked, not burnt to char on the surface but still maintaining an

authentic grilled taste. The inside was juicy and light red just as I requested. It cut like butter and melted in my mouth. The parmesan fries are nothing like those fast food greasers. They are hand-cut, seasoned works of art.

Since 1999, Romaine’s has proven you do not have to travel far for a quality dining experience.

Romaine’s is located at 299 West Main Street in Northborough. Open Monday to Thursday, 5 to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday, 5 to 10 pm, and Sunday, 5 to 8 pm.

Pastrami, Bacon, Cheddar, Tomato, Mustard on a Bulkie-Roll #2 Roast Beef, Garlic & Herb Cream Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato on a Bulkie-Roll #3 Turkey, Corned Beef, Cole-Slaw, Swiss, Russian Dressing, Lettuce, Tomato on a Bulkie-Roll #4 Chicken Salad, Chive Cream Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato on a Bulkie-Roll #5 Ham, Genoa Salami, Red Roasted Pepper, Provolone, Lettuce, Tomato, Honey Mustard on a Bulkie-Roll #6 Chicken Salad, American Cheese, Bacon, Parmesan Peppercorn Dressing in Pita

For a full menu, go to romainesrestaurant.com.

Pickle Haus: it’s dill-icious Sydney Mannion

Editorial Board

#1

Map Grapic Mairathe Casey Images from MapQuest and Romaine’s

“Would you like a pickle with your order?”

This is a question you cannot say no to when ordering lunch at the Pickle Haus Deli in Northborough. Located at 276 West Main Street, Pickle Haus is a popular destination during fifth period senior study and a great place to stop by in between school and practices.

Walking into the deli, there are always customers. The Haus is big enough to come with a team or many friends, but small enough to share an intimate luncheon with a singular friend or colleague. The fresh cookies, wide array of drinks and chips, as well as the daily specials do their job at teasing your eye and distracting you from the actual lunch menu.

The menu features breakfast (served 7 to 10 a.m.), sandwiches, Paninis, salads, soups, and Pickle Haus specialties. The classic “Number Eight” - once a hidden, Northborough gem - has become a T-hawk favorite. Consisting of turkey, roast beef, bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on a bulkie-roll, it is no surprise that this specialty sandwich has made a name for itself at the Gonk. All specialty sandwiches served with a pickle

are priced at $6.25, a great deal for an even better sandwich.

Now I know what some of you seniors are thinking; you’re excited for what the future holds, but you’re not quite ready to leave Pickle Haus behind once you graduate. Fear not and go out with a bang by having Pickle Haus cater your graduation party!

The sandwich, deli, and roll-up platters offer a variety of healthy and affordable options to make your party the ultimate destination.

Chipotle and Panera have been at the top of the after-school food game for many years now, but Pickle Haus is the not-so-new kid on the block that more recently has made a name for itself.

Try substituting your typical chicken burrito for an Arlington Panini or trade in that basic mac and cheese for an exciting Reuben sandwich. Supporting the local business over the big chain names will help keep our beloved Haus around. As The Spice Girls once said, it’s time to “Spice up Your Life” and pull away from the mainstream Chipotle goers.

So the next time you find yourself driving to Chipotle or Panera, turn around and drive the extra five minutes for the cheaper, healthier, and tastier alternative—you will not be disappointed.

Mediterranean Fix: Aegean Epicurean Delight Nicole McWilliams

StaffWriter The Aegean Restaurant (257 Cochituate Road, Framingham) captures both the appearance of Greek life and the distinctive taste of Greek food. The new Aegean owned by Nicholas and Toula Ntasios is right down the street from their original spot.

When I first walked in my eyes traveled down to a mosaic sun on the floor, blue lighting along the walls, and beige drapes hanging. Walking to our seats, some of the walls created Greek shaped

houses and inside them were colorful vases. I saw that the back of the restaurant was made up of glass panels that allowed you to see the kitchen activity.

The noise level was good along with the acoustics; you could hear your own conversation and no one else’s, even though there’s a lot of people.

The second we sat down, a basket filled with soft pita bread was placed on the table, along with a feta olive oil sauce, which gave the bread a smooth texture.

Soon after ordering, the appetizers were served. First was Horiatiki Pikilia (assorted meats) which came on a long

Images from Aegean

platter with Loukaniko (sausage), lamb make it taste like pumpkin pie, along with ribs, Keftedakia (meatballs), and Ko- two breaded shrimp. Christina, my dad’s topoulo Skaras (grilled chicken). We also girlfriend, ordered the Lamb Souvlaki, ordered Grape Leaves (as Greeks call large, charbroiled chunks of lamb with them Domatas), green beans, and lemon covered in a light potatoes. lemon sauce. The Then it was time Horiatiki Pikilia “Loukoumades [are] for dessert. We orwas tasty, the dered three: Sokolatina, Loukaniko had a fried dough balls a very rich chocolate nice“snap” and a covered in a honey mousse cake; Loukgreat aftertaste, oumades, fried dough sauce, cinnamon the lamb ribs had balls covered in a hona charbroil flavor and crushed walnuts ey sauce, cinnamon and with rosemary (definitely the star crushed walnuts, (defiseasoning, the nitely the star of the Keftedakia were of the night).” night); Rizogalo, rice moist with more pudding covered with of a lamb flavor, cinnamon,which Chrisand the Kotopoulo Skaras “were scream- tina said “it was more on the tapioca side, ing for something,” as my dad put it be- than a rice pudding.” cause they were dry.

Service was attentive, the atmoNext up were the amazing main sphere was comfortable, portions were courses. I got Spanakopita (spinach pie), generous and out of everything, my exwhich came in a huge square, along with perience was incredible. The Aegean is a green beans and lemon potatoes. My dad five star restaurant, and for anyone who ordered the Surf & Turf which included has not tried Greek food before or is inthree generous rack of lamb chops with terested in different cultural foods, this is green beans, yellow rice with a sauce the place I would recommend. flavored with nutmeg and cinnamon to

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Despite little racial diversity...

ARHS embraces cultural values

“I’m proud to be fully Kenyan because it makes me different” -Maureen Kinyanjui

Sydney Mannion & carly sotir

Facing

Student and disc

“I believe that Algonquin is one of the more open-minded and welcoming places I have been” -Nathan Ding

“ [Racism exists] somewhat, in som situations” -Jack Golden

Editorial Board & StaffWriter While Algonquin Regional High School is predominantly white, administration, faculty, and the curriculum attempt to address the value of racial diversity and cultural awareness.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Algonquin Regional High School is 87 percent Caucasian. The remaining 13 percent includes Asian, Hispanic, African American, and Native American students.

According to Principal Tom Mead, the diversity Algonquin does have allows students to learn from many cultures.

“There are other people out there that have different views and different cultures, they have different religions, they have different ways of going about living and it’s important for us to know that,” Mead said.

Mead stresses the importance of realizing how different cultures live differently than others.

According to 116 students surveyed during an extended homeroom on October 23, 95 percent do not feel judged at school because of their race. However, five percent of students surveyed do feel judged because of their race.

The school’s English Language Development teacher, Jennifer Cuker, works with students that have English as a second, third, or even fourth language, many of whom belong to a minority race. Although she is working with these students to gain English skills both in their academic and social lives, Cuker stresses how it is important for them to embrace their own cultures.

“A big goal for my students is for them to hold on to their first languages and their cultures,” Cuker said. “I don’t want them to 100 percent assimilate and just sort of become like everyone else here. I try to incorporate their language and culture a lot in my “Let’s talk about teaching so that they don’t forget the value of getting it, they hold on to along, the value of it, and they value it and keep it with appreciating and them forever.” respecting other Cuker’s goal people’s skin color, is to not only teach her students their culture, their English, but also lifestyles, and where make her students as comfortable at they come from.”

Algonquin as possible.

Although Tom mead Cuker believes that principal her students are generally happy at Algonquin, she notes that there are sometimes challenges.

“They will comment sometimes that they’re fully aware that they look different and sometimes people seem hesitant to approach them and befriend them because of the way they look,” Cuker said.

Some electives directly address racial differences and issues. The Silenced Voices, Holocaust and Human Behavior, and Sociology classes discuss the importance of racial diversity, equality, and human interaction. These classes may help students at Algonquin better understand other races, a goal shared by Mead, who wants to open the conversation on sharing different cultural identities.

“Let’s talk about the value of getting along, the value of appreciating and respecting other people’s skin color, their culture, their lifestyles, and where they come from,” Mead said.

“No, racism doesn’t exist [at ARHS]” -Jacob Crain “Everyone seems really accepting of all races” -Mikayla Fier

Student Racial Makeup at Algonquin

*116 students responded to a survey on race and diversity in homeroom on October 23*

2.7%

1.1% 2.6%

Other

“I e is -P

Q: Does

African American

6.6% Hispanic Asian

87%

White

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Feature december 16, 2014

“[I’m proud of my race] because we have a beautiful culture and tradition” -Sharky Thamrong

ts reflect on racial pride crimination at ARHS

I don’t think serious racism exists. We aren’t shown racst values from a young age” Paul Nardone

Students speak out on racial diversity Sydney mannion & carly sotir

“I think [racism] does exist because most kids here are white” -Kiera James

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Editorial Board & StaffWriter It’s one thing to look at the statistical proof of the school’s racial diversity, but it’s another thing to discover from students what it actually feels like to be a member of a racial minority group at Algonquin.

When 116 students were asked if they thought racism existed at Algonquin, 42 percent of students disagreed, 31 percent agreed, and 27 percent said they weren’t sure.

Many students are passionate about the subject of racial diversity and want their voices to be heard. Mazen Yatim, a freshman, is of Middle Eastern decent. He says that racism exists at Algonquin.

“It may not be as prominent as people physically hurting someone but you hear people insulting someone using racist remarks,” Yatim said. “I get those remarks.”

Attending a school that is 87 percent caucasian, Yatim experiences what it feels like to be looked upon differently.

“I feel judged because of my race because I know when people see my name they think I’m different than everyone else,” Yatim said. “My name isn’t normal and people judge me differently because of that. They think, ‘oh he is different’, he isn’t ‘normal.’”

Some students, including junior Ariel Wilbekin, who is African American, also experience the effects of stereotyping that come with certain ethnicities.

“I’m expected to be better at sports because of my skin color,” Wilbekin said.

Wilbekin also sees the positive side to being a minority race at Algonquin.

“I can get into college by being a minority and being a minority allows me to be different from everyone else,” Wilbekin said.

Although some students may feel like they are direct targets for racism, sophomore Eden Nashnaz, who is Asian, believes her race gives her a way to express who she is as a person.

“This is me and I am proud of my race and my country,” Nashnaz said.

Many students believe in the importance of racial diversity awareness, viewing Algonquin as a place for students to learn from the interaction of different cultures.

“I think it’s important that we encourage diversity in our school in many different ways, not just with the race issue, but I think it’s important how we talk about different cultures and how different cultures intersect with our own,” senior Jillian Rizzitano, who is caucasian, said.

Despite minorities sometimes being misjudged because of their race, Yatim, like many Algonquin students, believes that race is an essential part of his identity.

“I feel proud of my race because it is who I am, and no one can change that,” Yatim said. “It makes me different and unique and I enjoy it. So no matter how much I am judged and misunderstood I will always be proud of who I am.”

“I think [racism]can [exist] but I haven’t experienced it” -Leah Lidsky

Q: I am proud of my race racism exist at Algonquin?

5% Don't Know

Don't Know Agree

27% 31%

42%

Agree

16%

Disagree

Disagree

79%

Photos Rachel berthiaume & natalie lambert graphics sydney mannion & carly sotir

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december 16, 2014

Alumni showcased in art gallery Riya Pujari

Editorial Board Students, parents, and alumni celebrated the opening of the newly designed art gallery that features the works of past graduates on Wednesday, November 25.

By turning the old in-school suspension room into a showcase art gallery, visual arts teacher Danielle DiCiero attracted the attention of students from different classes and former graduates.

“I maybe got just around the corner of the C hallway, and the light bulb went off,” DiCiero said.

“We could turn this room into a gallery; it’s right near our rooms and it’s not being used.”

The gallery presents work from past graduates that dates back all the way to the 1970s. With the combination of the students of fine arts teachers George Hancin, Michelle Sheppard, and DiCiero, there was a large pool of artwork to choose from.

“I’ve been here for twenty years and I’ve had many students that went into art programs,” Hancin said. “We have many selections from those students I’ve known over the years.”

DiCiero had high aspirations for the gallery opening. She hopes it will allow students to grasp the real meaning of art.

“I hope it gives the culture here a better appreciation for the arts,” Diciero said. “Art is part of your everyday life, whether you realize it or not, and everyone should appreciate the art that is out there.”

Sophomore Virginia Hurst, an attendee of the gallery opening, had her eyes fixated on an art piece she called the “Rat Brain.”

“It’s cool and it’s science, but also art,” Hurst said.

Other students, like senior Abigail Furgal, were more attracted to the art because of their ties with the artist. Courtney Daly drew Furgal’s favorite piece.

“I know the artist and I took classes from her,” Furgal explained.

Kiley Labich, the student manager for the gallery, also grew to appreciate the pieces presented in the gallery.

“Everything is very different,” Labich said. “I like how you can see the further the graduate years, how different the art is with the years.”

With the success of the gallery opening, the art teachers hope to inspire current students to pursue art programs and careers after high school. Information about the different art programs that are available after high school can be found at the gallery.

“My hope is that people come to the [gallery] and understand the different directions art can take you,” Sheppard said. “Students can get an idea what art can be beyond an art class here.”

2

6 1

3

Photos Natalie Lambert

5

1. JOANNA BENOTTI, 1997 2. SHELBY JOHNSON, 2010 3. COURTNEY DALY, 2001 4. TAYLOR STAPLETON, 2010 5. MORGAN MCCALLUM, 2010 6. AMY DIETZ, 2011

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Photos danny fier

Cassidy Wang

StaffWriter The Pajama Game cast showcased their musical theater talents on December 4 to December 6 in the auditorium, delivering a powerful message that related to the recent Market Basket strike.

Written by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, the Pajama Game fuses romance with moral courage. The ARHS musical performance has dedicated to honor Market Basket workers and their CEO, Arthur T. Demoulas, for fighting for what they believe in. This summer, Market Basket workers rallied after the expulsion of their beloved CEO, Demoulas - risking their jobs and ability to support themselves. The incident sparked director Thomas Alera’s sense of obligation to create the Pajama Game production, which had a powerful connection to the summer’s commotion as the plot centers around factory workers campaigning for what is equitable.

“This musical, set back in the 1950’s, still resonates today; so I hope they [the audience] see that one voice to many voices can really make a change for people standing up for what they believe in and not backing down,” Alera said.

A Market Basket executive, Joe Schmidt, attended the Friday performance of the play, and gave Alera a donation to help finance future school musical productions.

In all, Alera and the cast are happy with their performances.

“We put a lot of work in, and it definitely paid off in the long run. It’s always a work in progress so we’re always getting better,” senior Chris Lang said, who played Sid Sorokin.

“I think the production went really well; everything came together like it should have,” junior Sarah Milnamow said, who played Babe Williams.

According to Lang, the best part of the whole process was the camaraderie among the whole cast working together.

For Alera, watching the actors grow and slowly understanding the process of theater and how much work it takes to produce a musical was gratifying.

The musical resulted from seven weeks of hard work.

“We had a lot of new people who came into theater; they haven’t really done it before and they’re great workers,” Milnamow said.

Milnamow learned more about loyalty, perseverance, sticking to beliefs and how hard they can be throughout her experience. She also discovered more about herself from stepping into characters and experiencing their thoughts, the trouble Babe faced with Sid, and having to stick with the 7 ½ cents strike.

“It’s just such an enriching environment to be in; it’s so rewarding in and of itself. I enjoy just doing the shows for the shows,” Lang said.

As director, Alera enjoyed watching his vision slowly unfold and become a reality.

“I always have a vision of how I want to do the play and what I want to do with it.” Alera said. “My job is always what’s the story that I have to tell and put it on stage for the audience. So watching this vision come to life was the best part of it.”

Overall, the audience reaction was quite positive.

“The execution of the play was really smooth and I love how the actors had so much passion for what they were doing,” freshman Merry Qian said.

(Above) Juniors Henry Fournier and Bradley Smith, freshman Christina DiMare, and seniors Spencer Cardillo and Sam Deans are “Racing with the Clock” during their performance on December 5. (Below) Junior Sarah Milnamow and senior Chris Lang sing “There Once Was a Man,” professing their love for one another.

OPINION

Winter’s always better when you’re wrapped in a sweater Ariana Cyr

StaffWriter That’s right Algonquin, it’s that time of year - the time to break out the eggnog, the classic holiday music, the cozy socks, the cookies and milk, the hot chocolate, and, of course, the sweaters. Around this time of year I can’t bring myself to say happy holidays, but rather “happy sweater weather!”

Come on, you know the drill. Pull out the old sweaters your mom wore when she was in her early twenties, hit up the thrift shops and buy a comfy colorful sweater that unfortunately carries the putrid smell of mothballs, and don’t forget the leggings.

You’ll toss on your old, but new-to-you, sweater; a pair of almost-too-tight leggings, some off-white or brown or maybe even grey shocks; shove your freezing toes into your mimicking-equestrian-style boots and BAM! You have successfully pulled off

the season’s trend.

Living in New England - freezing cold, snowing, bleak New England - we all know what it’s like waking up to a freezing room only to find that Mother Nature has graced us with a lovely snowfall.

If you are anything like me, you dread the winter. However, over the years I have slowly begun to allow winter to brush its charm on me. Honestly, that’s only because of the sweaters. Whether you choose stripes, patterns, or plain colors, don’t be afraid to strut your style. This time of year only comes once.

So this year I hope you join me and instead of greeting everyone cheerfully with a “happy holidays!” you take the deep consideration and call out “happy sweater weather!”

Just remember the words of the great legend of our childhood, Spongebob Squarepants: “The best time to wear a striped sweater is all the time.”

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Just Give it a Try: A girlfriend’s opinion on video games Zoe Michas

Editorial Board One of the hardest parts about being in a relationship is learning how to play video games.

Honestly, I don’t even like video games. I have always kept far away from them, afraid of their vulgar violence and annoyed by the fact that they aren’t real. Their intensity stresses me out and makes my heart race. I don’t understand the joy in sitting down to engage in virtual warfare. We’re always hearing about violence in society, so why do we need to create more “for fun”? Plus, news flash, video games aren’t real; they make me wish people would put down their controllers and do something productive.

Before I met my boyfriend, Michael, my video game experiences were limited to creating happy families in the Sims and zoos full of cute animals in Zoo Tycoon. But that all changed when we started going out. At first he kept the secret hidden from me, but then the truth came out; he was an avid gamer and Xbox expert.

Initially, I despised the idea that he played video games and scolded him, “Seriously Michael, you don’t need to virtually kill people. It’s a violent waste of time.” Then, one day, I tried to understand things from his perspective by attempting to play Call of Duty.

I picked up the controller and it was a disaster from that moment on. I was so awful; I couldn’t even run in a straight line and I had to create a rhyme to memorize the controls. Michael just laughed and told me that I was “the worst Call of Duty player he’s ever seen.” My failure was actually fun, and Call of Duty became a fantastic opportunity for girlfriend- boyfriend bonding. Never in my life did I think I would know the uses of the buttons on an Xbox controller, or what the words “killfeed” and “Spike Drone” mean. But I know these things now.

The old me would scream at the now-me for shooting harmless pixels on a screen, but I don’t do it for the thrill of playing a video game. I became a “gamer girlfriend” because video games proved to serve as a silly and fun couple’s activity. While learning to play is one of the hardest parts about being in a relationship, it can bring you so much closer in the end.

Pros & Cons of Call of Duty

graphic eileen moynihan

Released on Nov. 3, 2014, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is the newest installment in the Call of Duty video game series that immerses players in the magically violent dystopia of 2054.

An experienced gamer tells his pros and cons of the new video game, and an amatuer tells hers.

Michael Winter

Zoe Michas

Contributing Staff

Editorial Board

Experienced gamer’s pros: 1. New movement system: With the newly implemented exosuit you are able to move about the maps faster and more fluidly than ever before by utilizing the double jump and boost features.

2. Supply Drops: It’s a new way to earn items in Advanced Warfare. When a supply drop is opened it randomly supplies up to a maximum of three items that will be either weapon loot, reinforcements, or character gear, and range from enlisted to elite in rarity.

3. Good multiplayer maps: With the new movement system, the maps include a lot more height as opposed to the comparatively flat maps of previous Call of Duty games.

Amateur gamer’s pros: 1. Cool accessories: Clothes, like exosuits and guns that come in fun patterns, like gold camo.

2. The Campaign Mode: The game actually has an interesting storyline, following Private Jack Mitchell, a one-armed soldier working for a premiere private military contractor 40 years in the future.

3. Jet packs: You can basically fly when you press A, which is super fun.

4. Good source of entertainment: I laugh when I do stupid things, like fall out of a window while on a mission. Plus, when I lose a mission in the Campaign Mode I don’t have to backtrack too far, which is good because I lose a lot of missions.

Experienced gamer’s cons: 1. Laggy servers: Due to Skill Based Matchmaking, you are matched with players from all around the world based upon your skill level as opposed to your proximity, causing large amounts of lag in game.

2. Poor weapon balance: With many of the assault rifles being highly powerful they become the dominant choice of weapon over the other categories of weapons such as sub machine guns, which struggle for power in almost every situation.

3. Underwhelming campaign: With the exception of some stunning cinematic visuals, the single player campaign was an overall underwhelming experience.

Amateur gamer’s cons: 1. Impracticality: The futuristic ideas of the game seem really unrealistic and silly.

The exosuits are cool, but I don’t think people will be flying anytime soon.

2. Violence: It is very violent and I don’t appreciate violence. Your character is constantly shooting people or dying or swearing.

3. Confusion: There are so many different grenades and guns, it’s too hard to keep track of all the names. It’s like learning a foreign language.

Maglio’s juggling club catches on, looks to a bright future Brianna Burns

StaffWriter The juggling club, senior Garrett Maglio’s creation and passion, has grown in numbers while demystifying the challenge of keeping three or more objects in the air.

To Maglio, juggling has become a demanding everyday activity. He started juggling about five years ago, picking up the talent after he saw his sixth grade science teacher juggling in class. He’s displayed his talent through school events such as pep rallies, cultural shows, and the recent senior auction.

“The first time I juggled for Algonquin was at my freshman year pep rally,” Magglio said. “It was a little nerve wracking, but I just went with it.”

As a freshman, Maglio started the juggling club that he has seen gradually grow in membership. The club has provided Maglio with the opportunity to collaborate with other jugglers and teach others the skill.

“It seems like juggling is this really cool, hard, thing, but once you learn it’s not that hard,” junior Sarah Loverso, a juggling club member, said.

Loverso joined the club as a freshman, only knowing the basic mechanics of juggling. With the help of Maglio, she has improved her skill.

Sophomore Tal Usvyatsky had no juggling experience, but similar to Loverso, she learned from Maglio and the other members and has been able to grow as a juggler.

“Juggling is one of those bucket-list things that I guess you like always want to learn to do, and it’s actually really fun,” Usvyatsky said.

Sophomore Zach Youssef joined the club at the end of his freshman year with no idea how to juggle.

“At first I didn’t really know what to expect; I didn’t know how to juggle at all, but then Sarah and Garrett showed me how,” Youssef said. “By just watching them I can see different tricks they’ll do. There are different patterns and ways they juggle that I’ve learned from.”

Usvyatsky and Youssef first showcased their skills in front of a large audience at the Sachem Coffeehouse.

“I dropped them quite a few times, but the Algonquin audience was very kind and cheered me on,” Youssef said.

“The thing about juggling is that the crowd’s reaction to it is great, regardless of how many times you drop everything,” Usvyatsky said.

The club anticipates the Dao Culture show, one of their largest venues. This time, they hope to be bigger and better, with more club members, new tricks, and equipment from recently raised funds. Loverso hopes to juggle with the club’s new LED juggling equipment, while Magglio has worked on mastering both the 6-ball and 7-ball juggling techniques.

As a senior, Maglio is aware that this will be his last year with the club, but he has faith in the future of the club after he graduates.

“I’m fairly positive Sarah and Tal will take over the club, which will be awesome,” Maglio said.

The end of high school will not mark the end of Maglio’s career as a juggler.

“Wherever I go, I hope I start a juggling club or join one in college,” Maglio said.

Photo Natalie Lamberrt

Juggling club creator Garret Maglio demonstrates his juggling skills.

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One act playwrights needed Paige O’Leary

StaffWriter With the January 5 deadline fast approaching, submissions for drama teacher Maura Morrison’s showcase of one act plays are greatly needed.

Instead of having just one big winter play in March, Morrison has decided to have actors perform several one act plays including one or two written by student playwrights. As a former dramatic literature teacher, Morrison is eager to combine dramatic literature strategies with drama and public speaking.

Morrison wants students to submit scripts they are passionate about and she opened up the submission process to anyone that would wish to participate.

“There is something really fulfilling watching someone performs a scene that you wrote,” Morrison said.

Whether a completely fictional piece or from a personal experience, Morrison is open to anything that a student writer is genuinely interested in.

Morrison doesn’t want anyone to feel nervous about the process of submitting and explained that there will be a revision process.

“I wouldn’t imagine that someone would write a script that doesn’t need revisions,” Morrison said. “It’s a difficult thing to do. if I wrote a script I would want all the help I could get.”

Tatyana Dobay, a senior who is currently taking drama, has been writing scripts with a partner in her drama class.

“When you’re writing, what you think in your head and write down is hard to portray in the scene,” Dobay

said.

According to Dobay, when writing a scene to submit, make sure it’s exactly what you want.

“Make sure you perform it to someone or get feedback before you audition or submit your piece,” Dobay said.

Although writing a scene can be difficult, as Dobay said, there is always someone who may be itching to read it and give feedback.

“Get different perspectives and people can build off of different parts,” English teacher Virginia Fitzgerald said. “You have to be fearless and get feedback.”

Fitzgerald had students in her Creative Writing class write scripts, which allowed them to have creative freedom.

Some students have found this process difficult.

“With creative writing, as a writer, I like to write narration. With scene writing, you need a lot of dialogue and I am not a dialogue writer,” Creative Writing student senior Jocelyn Pietro said.

After they were done, the scenes Fitzgerald’s class wrote were performed by drama students to see how they would interpret the scripts.

“It was really cool to see them perceive what we have written,” Pietro said.

The one act play performances are scheduled for March 20 and 21.

For more information on submitting a script, contact Morrison in person or by email.

Ten ideas for a fun-filled winter break to avoid the post-holiday blues!

Eileen Moynihan

Editorial Board

Go see a movie Plenty of films are released during the week of winter break. For an extra treat, hit up the Strand Theatre in Clinton. It’s historic, you can order a whole dinner, and the seats are way more comfortable than the regular theater.

Head into Boston for the day After Christmas sales are rampant at most stores, so shopping is always a good option. Newbury Street is the best. Otherwise, visit some museums (Isabella Gardner Museum, MFA, The Institute of Contemporary Art, the Science Museum, etc), grab a bite at Faneuil Hall, read a book in the Boston Public Library, ice skate on the Frog Pond, or just explore!

Go ice skating North Star in Westborough has public skating from noon to 1:30 during winter break. Admission is $5, renting a pair of skates is $5. Cash only!

Paint some pots at Claytime in Shrewsbury PYOP in Northborough is good too, Claytime is just cheaper. For the girls, they even have jewelry making! For the guys, a “Happy New Year” gift for mom is never a bad idea.

Sledding Granted there is enough snow, you can go somewhere local like Proctor or 135 park as long as you don’t creep out any of the kids and their parents. Or head off to Ski Ward and go tubing.

Netflix marathon For the days when the weather is unruly, a movie marathon with friends is always a good way to go. To add a little extra spice to the day, bake some treats while you’re watching! That way, by the end of the day, you have yummy snacks to accompany your last movie. I recommend investing in a “Forever Lazy” for those cold winter days.

Grab a friend and build a snow fort Once you’re done though, make sure you only use it when someone else is around. A little fun isn’t worth a collapse.

Have a face painting party I know it sounds corny, but it’s a lot more fun than it seems. Pick up a Snazaroo paint set at the local craft store and try your art skills on your friends.

Snuggle up and have a board game day with your family/friends Board games are highly underrated. Some of my favorite memories with my friends are our insane games of “The Game of Life” or “Clue”.

Go be fancy for a night and hit up a Boston Pops concert It might seem boring, but it’s beautiful music and a beautiful hall. Plus, being fancy just for a night can be pretty fun.

Lawrence lights up bland, tepid Mockingjay “Part 1” Will Frank

StaffWriter Another year, another “Part 1” movie. Following in this greedis-good custom beginning with the Harry Potter and Twilight franchises, the last book of Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games trilogy has been split into two films. Typically, “Part 1” movies work as slow, tedious placeholders for the cathartic finales, and, sadly, the third Hunger Games film suffers from the same issues. All’s not lost, though, as this “Part 1” serves as a likeable preamble, which – supported by some fine acting and an enjoyable tactic of propaganda – never becomes a totally cynical cash-in.

The games are over, and our heroine Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) now finds herself in an underground rebel stronghold called District 13. Reluctantly she becomes the symbol of revolution against the dreaded Capitol, who holds her blond beau Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) captive.

It is in crafting Katniss as the model firebrand, the Mockingjay, where the film becomes most entertaining. Her looks, speeches, and politics all must be carefully shaped to persuade hearts and minds. Ironically, Katniss is a poor actress, and the only way to get legitimately moving mo- “‘Fire is ments from her catching!’ is on the battlefield, where she warns can react to the Katniss.

Capitol’s devastating attacks. Agreed, For the most but one part, these scenes are en- wishes gaging, as they it’d catch allow Katniss quicker.” to actually enter into battle and make rousing Joan-of-Arc speeches.

Lawrence does a remarkable job making this dreary dystopian franchise exciting. In a part plentiful with sobbing and hand-wringing, Lawrence manages to remain believable and emanate some much needed light. Unfortunately, the weakest aspects of the cast remain with the awkward love triangle between the lovely Katniss, the miscast Peeta, and the ever-bland Gale (Liam Hemsworth).

When compared to last year’s far superior Catching Fire, it’s evident that Part 1 lacks true dramatic urgency. Drained of personality or any fierce revolutionary spirit, Mockingjay: Part 1 betrays its rebellious theme and makes for an exceedingly dour and colorless affair.

As we await Part 2, this film serves as a moment to let the temperature cool. “Fire is catching!” warns Katniss. Agreed, but one wishes it’d catch quicker.

Grade: B-

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HARRY’S DECEMBER 16, 2014

RESTAURANT AND DAIRY BAR

photos natalie lambert

“When you’re hungry and out in the snow, Harry’s is warm and the place to go!”

149 Turnpike Road (Route 9), Westborough (508) 366-8302 Cash Only ATM Available HOURS: MON-THU 7AM - 11PM FRI 7AM - 12AM SAT 11AM -12AM SUN 11AM - 11PM

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DECEMBER 16, 2014

Boys soccer battles Amherst for Semifinal Stephanie Mcgovern

StaffWriter The Tomahawks fell to Amherst-Pelham Hurricanes in the Division 1 boys soccer state semifinal at Nashoba High School on Tuesday, November 18, losing 3-0 after surrendering three second-half goals.

The T-hawks ended their season with an over“I’m just proud of all record 19-2-1, our team, proud of lead by Coach Ken Morin and how far we made senior captains it, and I’m proud Tyler Morin and Sam Factor. we even got to be “I thought in the semi finals we played a really because that all good first half,” Tyler Morin said. means something.”

“The goal they scored early in Dominic cianci the second half Senior caught us off guard and set us back, but we tried to play our game and even when we went down by two goals we still fought hard till the end.”

Both Tyler Morin and co-striker Dominic Cianci contributed more than 50 goals combined this season.

“I feel like our team had a great season and losing didn’t even mean that much,” Cianci said. “Losing 15 seniors last year, we were surprised to make it this far. I’m just proud of our team, proud of how far we made it, and I’m proud we even got to be in the semi finals because that all means something.”

Coach Ken Morin and his team faced challenging teams all throughout the season.

“We stuck together the whole season and worked

Photo submitted lori mott

Seniors Andrew Carlucci and Tyler Morin toggle for the ball during their Central Mass semifinal win against Westborough on Saturday December 15.

really hard as a team,” Morin said. “We overcame many different challenges and proved so many people around the state wrong by winning the CMASS title, I am proud

of them and I want them to remember the good times instead of being sad about losing one game.”

Varsity cross country sprints to success Nicole Crothers & Clare Strickland

StaffWriter & Editorial Board Through great determination and perseverance, the girls varsity cross country team made it to the State finals on November 15 for the second consecutive year.

Only the top seven runners and three alternates participated in post season competition.

At the District meet, the team was led by senior captain Megan Walsh, who placed 9th overall. A third place finish as a team pushed them into the State competition, where they placed 18th.

Social studies teacher and coach Brian Kellett was

pleased with the team’s success after all the hard work “It was cool to be able to see all our hardwork in the the girls put in. season pay off,” Walsh said.

“It has been a great accomplishment, and it Through bonding, cooperation, and hasn’t happened in twenty years. The girls worked “The girls motivation, the team gave their all for hard and they earned it,” Kellett said. the season. worked hard The team dynamic helped propel the team to and they “The whole team made it to States success. Sophomore and state runner Katelyn Li this year, which was exciting because it’s said, “I feel like this season especially everybody is earned it.” the second year in a row we’ve qualified so close and we all support each other in every race as a team,” Li said. “I am really proud Brian Kellett of the team’s performance this year, and to be the best we can be.”

Despite the ending of the regular season, the Coach not just the top ten. Everybody on the girls continued running together every day after team worked hard and had enthusiasm school to prepare for the upcoming States meet. and we’ve had so much fun bonding.”

Fall Sports Wrap-Up SPORT Boys Varsity Soccer

FINAL RECORD 19 - 2 -1

SPORT

FINAL RECORD

Varsity Football

6-5 5-4-2

Boys JV Soccer

13-1-1

JV Football

Boys Freshman Soccer

7-3-4

Freshman Football

0-9

12 - 7 - 2

Boys XC

2-4

Girls JV Soccer

9-2-3

Girls XC

5-2

Girls Freshman Soccer

2-10-3

Varsity Volleyball

13 - 6

JV Volleyball

6-12

Girls Varsity Soccer

Varsity Field Hockey

15 - 3 - 3

JV Field Hockey

15-0-2

Freshman Volleyball

10-5

Freshman Field Hockey

3-4-3

Varsity Cheerleading

3rd place in Leagues

JV Cheerleading

2nd place Shepherd Hill Inv.

Golf

17 - 0

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DECEMBER 16, 2014

A second installment of an in-depth look at concussions...

Concussions hit close to home Brian Barr

Editorial Board The plight of the concussion is one that has of late enjoyed a regular spot on national news. However, with the issue blown up all across the country, it’s hard to forget that the problem hits closer to home.

The Massachusetts state government has long been associated with progressive health practices in comparison with the rest of the country. In fact, the United Health Foundation currently rates the overall health and health care practices of the state at third in the country.

Thus, on a pertinent national issue like head trauma, it only makes sense that the state would respond with measures to ensure the safety of those most likely to receive a head injury: high school athletes. In a substantial way, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has acted upon increasing concern and legislation by developing a series of regulations that have been impacting the state’s athletic landscape since early 2010.

These regulations are a departure from relatively lax procedures in the years preceding the vast wealth of head trauma research that has emerged over the past decade.

Reforms include instituting programs aimed at increasing knowledge and training regarding head injuries and preventions in students, parents, coaches, and healthcare providers alike.

“There’s a heightened awareness on head injuries and resulting concussions and how to treat those,” school nurse Sheree Caron said. “We’re more involved in the care and recovery, whereas before, there was a time when some considered it just a head injury, and if you didn’t lose consciousness, no big deal, you’ll get through it.”

The most controversial regulations, however, regard

the removal from and graduated return to play that state regulations insist upon.

“After the student athlete has been assessed by me to have a concussion, they are told that they cannot return to play until they are cleared by a physician,” athletic trainer Jon Drisko said. “Return is usually a five step process. If you have any symptoms while you’re doing it you stop, it’s day by day.”

As of October 28 a total of 17 students have beenmonitored for head injuries by Algonquin nurses. Of these, 15 were reported as athletic-related, either in connection with school athletics or through outside of school activities.

During the 2013-14 school year nurses monitored 53 students for head injuries. Out of these injuries, 29 were reported as athletics-related.

According to Caron, reporting concussions to school nurses is not mandatory, but the nursing staff attempts to track concussions through injury forms. “[The reported athletics-related concussions] aren’t necessarily from a school related sport,” Caron said. “The athletics here at ARHS, we should receive one of those forms on each student that’s injured here and report it to the trainer.”

Despite the increased guidelines and response from the athletics department and nurses, the student body cannot solely rely on the health staff for their safety. The nursing staff cannot treat a concussion that they don’t have any knowledge of, and that is where student responsibility comes in.

“A lot of times, concussions go unreported,” athletic trainer Jon Drisko said. “There’s no way to figure out if it’s definitely a concussion, and a lot of times kids aren’t truthful because they want to play, but they’re also not understanding some of the risks of hiding these injuries.”

Skiiers compete outside of school Mountain thrill heightened by club skiing Ross Grasso

StaffWriter To most skiing is a hobby, but to competitive skiiers, it’s a passion they’d sacrifice anything to pursue.

“I couldn’t live without it: skiing is my life,” said senior Kate Nelligan, who finds herself in the gym training, or on the alpine almost every day.

Nelligan often finds difficulty in juggling her priorities.

“To be a competitive skiier you need to be an excellent time manager,” Nelligan said.

Nelligan’s club team travels around the United States competing against other teams from around North America.

“I need to get my school work in advance, and work on it on the plane ride to my next competition,” Nelligan said.

Despite all the time competitive skiiers put in, their season can come down to milliseconds.

“One mistake and you lose, simple as that,” said junior Casey Reynolds, competitive skiier and first place racer for her age group on Ski Ward’s club team.

Photo submitted Kate nelligan

Senior Kate Nelligan races through slaloms at a US Skiing Association slalom race in Bromley, Vermont.

“You need to get in your zone and visualize yourself going down the course or you’ll lose, or worse,” Reynolds said.

In a skiier’s race against time, they’d risk anything in pursuit of the top of the podium.

“My freshman year I was racing at Blue Hills in Canton. I was going pretty fast and lost control of my skis. I ended up skiing straight off the trail, over the fencing and into the woods,” senior Abbie Reynolds said. “I had to been taken off the mountain in an ambulance and suffered a concussion that took me out of school and made it so I could not race in the states that year.”

Abbie Reynolds is a member of the Ski Ward club team and Massachusetts All-state skiier.

“Skiing is a very dangerous sport,” Nelligan said. “I’ve suffered concussions, countless broken fingers, and have serious back problems, I’m very lucky.”

Nelligan has witnessed dozens of major injuries including leg breaks and ACL tears during competition.

Despite the risk, and the commitment, one thing inevitably brings these skiiers back to the top of the mountain.

“For all the risks and time you need to put in you really need to love skiing, thats all it comes down too,” Ski Ward club team member senior Andrew Carlucci said.

Swimming to college Senior athletes commit

Photo submitted drew beland

NAME: Drew Beland SCHOOL: Bates College “Once I met the coach and team, I felt like I fit right in...It has the right balance between swimming and academics.”

Photo Clare Strickland

NAME: Dorian McMenemy SCHOOL: Wagner College “I chose Wagner because it’s in New York City and I want to do business so I’ll have a lot of job opportunities within the city.”

Photo dan fishbein

NAME: Jonathan Batista SCHOOL: Providence College “It’s a good mix of academics and swimming. It’s a D-1 school, and it also has a good business program.”

Girls golf up to par Rachel Capra

StaffWriter The Girls Golf club was started by sophomores Eliene Wen and Jordan Yung to give girls who can’t play on golf team the opportunity to play the sport they love.

Even though there was only a six person turnout at the first meeting on November 13, Wen is optimistic. “[The turnout] was better than expected,” Wen said.

Wen and Yung believe that the team has a bright future and they hope that one day Girls Golf club can become a girls golf team.

“We want to compete with other teams and schools,” Wen said.

There may be some confusion as to why the girls are eager to start a girls golf team while there is already a coed golf team in existence. But they give the reason that while there is no discrimination in the tryouts; boys can naturally hit farther.

“It can be intimidating for a girl to try to join the golf team, so this is a great way for them to get out and play a sport they enjoy,” gym teacher Melissa Fustino said.

Wen and Yung know that even with the intimidation the boys instill, they can be equal to them with hard work.

“There isn’t anything a boy can do that a girl can’t,” Yung said.

Not only does the Girls Golf club make it possible for girls who didn’t make golf team to still partake in golf, but it also lets girls who are involved in other sports play.

“I wanted to join the golf team but I play field hockey and they’re both fall sports,” member of Girls Golf club, freshman Kate Walker said.

According to the fitness instructors of the school, golf also offers health benefits to last a lifetime.

“As you get older sometimes your body wears down and you aren’t able to participate in more active sports and golf is a great way to challenge yourself, get outside and still be playing a sport,” Fustino said.

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december 16, 2014

Junior boards at national competition Allie Madigan

StaffWriter Junior Lili Uchida may not be an Algonquin varsity athlete, but she has garnered regional attention for her snowboarding skills outside of school.

Since seventh grade, Uchida has competed in the United States of America Snowboard Association (USASA) National competition. Last year Uchida qualified for the semifinals.

When Uchida was in the sixth grade she started to snowboard for recreational purposes. Although she did not originally fall in love with the sport, watching snowboarders compete in the boardercross competition at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics Games inspired her to take snowboarding to the next level. She soon began to take up boardercross as a competitive sport. Boardercross is a snowboarding competition in which four to six boarders race down a twisting course and perform several jumps and turns.

“It’s kind of a contact sport because you can crash into other people and it’s allowed,” Uchida said. “I think it’s really fun because you get a mix of air and speed at the same time.”

Although the course initially scared Uchida, she overcame her anxiety through preparation. Uchida trains throughout the year, training both on the mountain and in fitness indoors. Besides practicing her tricks, Uchida does squats, push-ups, and running in order to stay in shape.

“It’s really scary but you have to just count to three and do it,” Uchida said. “Preparation-wise you have to progress towards it. You can’t just say I want to do this and try it, you have to do all the steps leading up to it.

One year I didn’t do that and I just went for it and I got knocked out. I got med-flighted to Boston Childrens.”

As a freshman, Uchida got into an accident on the “It’s really scary slopes, leaving her unconscious for but you have eight and a half to just count to hours. At a practice three and do it.” just before nationals her freshman Lili Uchida year, Uchida lost control of a new Junior trick and suffered a severe concussion.

A helicopter flew Uchida to Children’s Hospital in Boston, where she remembers feeling disoriented upon awakening.

“Something was definitely wrong with me because the doctor asked me where I was,” Uchida said. “My mom, who was there, kept telling me I was saying ‘Here, I’m here.’”

Photo courtesy of vast action

Junior Lili Uchida flies off a 50 foot jump at the 2014 USA Snowboard Association National Championships during the Slopestyle competition.

Uchida has not let her accident deter her boardercross career. Her accident kept her from Nationals that year, but since then she has returned to form.

“I think being knocked out helped because I didn’t feel any pain,” Uchida said. “If I had felt pain I probably would have been scared to go back.”

This coming year will be Uchida’s fifth year competing in both local, regional, and national competitions.

Starting this year Wachusett is sponsoring her, one of Uchida’s proudest accomplishments. This coming year she plans on attending several other competitions, including Nationals and a race in Squaw Valley, California, this coming March.

Last year, in her third time competing at Nationals, Uchida went up against 31 other girls in the age 14-to16 age group. Before she made it to the semifinals, she underwent a time trial run in Cooper Mountain, Colo-

rado. Depending on their time trial results, the girls were then placed in heats, with the top two finishers in each heat moving on to the next round.

“It’s a really long day if you keep making it because you have to wait 30 minutes in between each heat and you have to keep going back up,” Uchida said. “I remember I don’t think I even had lunch that day.”

Uchida has struggled to deal with the costs of the sport, juggling snowboarding with her busy schedule which includes piano lessons and homework, and coping with the fact that Algonquin does not have a snowboard team. She tried to start one, only to find that not enough people were interested in the sport.

“A lot of times people just don’t understand that there’s practice you have to do,” Uchida said. “They think it’s just all recreation, but it’s more than recreation.”

Senior rolls for a strike, closeness with family Alexandra Shaffer

StaffWriter

Public domain photo

Since she was eight years old, senior Rachel Shipp has been striking out in the best way possible: competitive bowling.

Shipp has been bowling on league teams and has plans to continue her bowling career for many years to come.

She started bowling on a youth league in Shrewsbury almost ten years ago.

Shipp initially started competitive bowling as a way to connect with her parents, who also partake in the sport.

“When I was younger, I wanted to be like my parents,” Shipp said. “I bowl just like my dad does.”

Shipp’s father and coach, Mark Shipp, has bowled since he was in college and was nicknamed “Buzzsaw” by his friends. Rachel has adopted the nickname “Junior Buzzsaw”, a fatherdaughter connection.

“Rachel has some solid fundamentals, nothing flashy but no fatal flaws that would limit her potential,”

Mark Shipp said. “[I] can’t wait until she can participate in adult leagues and tournaments so we can bowl together.”

Shipp also regularly competes in tournaments, where she has the opportunity to earn scholarship money.

She views the competition less about beating other people than about trying to meet her personal bests.

“It’s all about beating yourself,” Shipp said. “It would be more interesting if more people participated in it. It gets boring when the same people stay at the top and it’s not as exciting.”

Shipp uses her youth league tournaments as practice. Her coaches, like her dad, watch and tell her what she needs to do differently or how to improve. Her father hopes that Rachel can carry the skills she hones on the bowling alley with her throughout life.

“I am glad Rachel has adopted bowling as one of her favorite activities,” Mark Shipp said. “Unlike many sports played at the high school level, bowling is one you can continue to do pretty much your entire life.”

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Sports December 16, 2014

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

SWIMMING CAPTAINS: Seniors Brooke Ward, Drew Beland BIGGEST COMPETITION: Westboro TRADITIONS: McDonald’s after league meet, dying hair at end of season before leagues, sectionals, and states WRESTLING CAPTAINS: Seniors David Wrin, Nate Morrell BIGGEST COMPETITION: Hopkinton, Nashoba

ALPINE SKIING CAPTAINS: Seniors Andrew Carlucci, Abbie Reynolds BIGGEST COMPETITION: St. Peter Marian TRADITIONS: People dress in costumes for the last race of the season GIRLS ICE HOCKEY CAPTAINS: Seniors Paige Fournier, Nicole Coulombe, Nicolette SanClemente BIGGEST COMPETITION: DCU game against Shrewsbury TRADITIONS: “After every win we say ‘How ‘bout them T-Hawks?!’”

CHEERLEADING CAPTAINS: Undecided BIGGEST COMPETITION: Leagues TRADITION: Board games before competitions BOYS ICE HOCKEY CAPTAINS: Seniors Matt Tozeski, Brian Ward, Paul Luongo BIGGEST COMPETITION: Westboro TRADITIONS: Mohawks for playoffs, sub sandwiches on the bus rides home from away games BOYS INDOOR TRACK CAPTAINS: Seniors Nick DeFeudis, Mark Mshooshain, Paul Nardone BIGGEST COMPETITION: Wachusett TRADITIONS: Pizza party the night before the state qualifying meet GIRLS INDOOR TRACK CAPTAINS: Seniors Sara Stasaitis, Kate Foster, Sammi Falkowski, Serena Hooker, Laura Harrington and Mary Rousseau BIGGEST COMPETITION: Wachusett TRADITIONS: Pizza party at Linguine’s before State meet

PHotos Rafaela Coelho

GIRLS BASKETBALL CAPTAINS: Seniors Julia Insani, Kendyl Finelli, Emily Carens BIGGEST COMPETITION: Wachusett TRADITIONS: Quote book with a quote for each game BOYS BASKETBALL CAPTAINS: Seniors Joe Egizi, Kevin Dorsey BIGGEST COMPETITION: Westboro at home TRADITIONS: Pre-game tunes and chants GYMNASTICS CAPTAINS: Senior Emily Crimmings, junior Allie Wickham BIGGEST COMPETITION: Shrewsbury TRADITIONS: Jello at every meet, Secret Pal COMPILED BY: Mairathe Casey, Zoe Michas, Rachael Berthiaume, Eileen Moynihan, Steph McGovern, Carly Sotir, Julia Babcock, Julia Petrillo, Sydney Mannion, Jen Fox, Rafaela Coelho