Algonquin Harbinger Volume 28 Issue 6

Harbinger The Algonquin

June 2016 vOL. 28 NO. 6

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

Graduates turn tassle toward future Speeches, musical performances mark seniors’ celebration

Top: Seniors throw their caps up at the end of the graduation ceremony.

Bottom Left: Seniors Daniel Fier and Henry Fournier sing the “Friends” theme song during Fier’s speech.

Bottom Right: The class of 2016 files into the A-gym.

Shannon Youngberg

News Editor The class of 2016 tossed their caps into the air, with the bittersweet knowl-

edge that their high school careers had come to a close at the 53rd annual graduation ceremony on June 5.

The favored piece “Pomp and Circumstance,” that is often associated with

the graduation march, played as seniors filed into the gymnasium.

Superintendent Christine Johnson opened the ceremony by welcoming students, faculty, family and friends with an encouraging speech that emphasized the triumphs of all the students throughout their four years at Algonquin.

“Truly, this celebration will remain historical in your life, because no one else can erase your noteworthy achievement of fulfilling, and so often exceeding, the goals and requirements set before you four years ago,” Johnson said. “And in just a little while, you will turn your tassels and toss your caps in jubilation, as we in turn, symbolically tip ours to you.”

Senior class president Natalie Finn then delivered a speech that she hoped would encourage students to recognize the endless opportunities ahead of them.

“We are an ambitious class,” Finn said. “I believe there is no limit to the prosperity of our futures.”

Senior vocalists and musicians performed the upbeat song “September,” which transitioned from Finn’s speech into the lighthearted tone of senior class essayist Daniel Fier’s speech.

Fier made the unique comparison between the class of 2016 and Netflix.

“The Netflix library caters to the interests of everyone,” Fier said. “Our grade too, is much like the Netflix library. We have athletes, talented musicians, aspiring artists, and everyone in between; and that’s incredible.”

Fier concluded his speech with a song, rather than the conventional ‘thank you’ or ‘goodbye.’

Senior Henry Fournier joined Fier on stage to serve as the main vocalist. At

the same time, Fier added his own spin to the classic theme song of the sitcom “Friends”, with some beatboxing.

Following Fier’s speech was the commencement address given by applied arts and technology teachers Nicole Ruffo and Cameron Martin.

Ruffo and Martin’s address initially had the feel of a casual, comedic conversation rather than a typical speech.

“Class of 2016, what were you thinking?”

Ruffo said. “You have decided to seek advice about living a long, successful life from one of Gradution caps crethe youngest ated by seniors Anna teachers in the Dlouha (top) and building, Mr. Adrian Anderson Martin? Come (bottom). on, Mr. Martin just got his driver’s license and braces off like two years ago.”

Ruffo’s occasional jokes were met with Martin’s encouragement to never lose the ambition to succeed.

“The key to life isn’t being smarter than the rest,” Martin said. “The key to life is resilience.”

Graduation, page 5

Two valedictorians share honor for first time Shannon Youngberg

News Editor Seniors Gabrielle Russo and Riley Casey were both named valedictorian of the 2016 graduating class, making it the first time in the school’s history that two students have shared the title.

According to Principal Tom Mead, Russo and Casey had the exact same GPA, allowing no way to distinguish them numerically. Mead described the process of determining the valedictorian.

“It depends on how you count and how precise you are,” Mead said. “There’s really not a good reason to go out to ten thousandths or one hundred thousandths of a place. Out of the far reaches of those decimal places is where it begins to distinguish one person from another.”

Gradution caps creRusso and Casey not only share the same ated by seniors Bella GPA, but they share the same drive that has Alex (top) and Taylor helped them be so successful throughout their Long (bottom). high school career.

“My motivation probably has helped me

Photos Henna Dhingra

What’s INSIDE:

Beloved library aide retires after 15 years page 5

the most,” Russo said. “I always feel an internal desire to want to do my best; it’s not like a pressure from my peers or my family.”

According to Casey, her perseverance and determination have allowed her to perform so well throughout high school.

“I always try to do my best and constantly seek to improve my performance in academics,” Casey said.

Mead hopes that Russo and Casey are able to appreciate the fact that they have been given the opportunity to share something so special.

“I hope they’ll be gracious, and that they’ll be humble, and that they’ll be happy with this Seniors Gabrielle Russo and Riley Casey delightful dual circumstance,” Mead said. pose together before graduation.

Russo is thrilled about this unique experiwork is being acknowledged. ence.

“I knew we were very close but never “I’m actually really excited,” Russo said. thought we would tie,” Casey said. “We both “[Sharing the title of valedictorian] was kind of worked hard, and it’s nice to see both of our efshocking at first because I never thought of that as a possibility; it just doesn’t seem like some- forts throughout high school recognized.” thing that usually happens.”

Valedictorian, page 6 Casey was also initially surprised, yet satisfied with the idea that both her and Russo’s hard

Senior pranks from past to present pages 12-13

Boys’ lacrosse overcomes challenges page 22

tHE haRBINGER

News

2

JUNE 2016

Junior English curriculum revamped

Full-year course with British, World Literature focus for 2016-17

will broaden students to different perspectives, through exposing them Starting next year, Honors and CP junior English to various cultures and courses will be extended to a full year class, with a focus countries.

REQUIR ED WOR on British and world literature. The newly developed curAccording to AlBeowulf KS riculum is a result of the ongoing discussions among a era, the course will inREQUIR ED WOR committee of six English teachers. corporate “other culOne Sha B KS eowulf kespeare tures, countries, and Choice: Tempest The , Macbeth , Othello pieces of literature Full Year, More Consistency One Sha kespeare T h that go beyond just e Rime of A Choice: Tempest Currently, junior English classes at the Honors and The , n Macbeth c ie n e t Marine xcerpt fro , Othello r OR CP level are split into two semester courses, American the Brit-Lit mode.” m Franke n st e in Franken “One of the Literature and British Literature or Romanticism. After stein The Stran ge Case requests by guidance to revise the current junior English things we wanted to of Dr. Je Mr. Hyde The Imp kyll OR The P ortance course to ease scheduling, English Department Chairper- accomplish was to icture of and Gray of Being OR The P D strike a balance beo Earnest ri a n icture of son Jane Betar and English teachers Emily Philbin, Seth Dorian G tween some of the ray Czarnecki, Tom Alera, Matthew Querino, and Sara Stein SUPPLEM ENTAL met as a team throughout this year to redesign and de- classics, maintainWutherin g ing a curriculum Wild Ton Heights, Faust, H velop a new curriculum. gue, Oth o ello’s Occ w to Tame a th el lo upation, TEACHE Novels su In addition to shifting the literary focus, the full year that recognizes Iagoch as: Th R S’ ADDIT ings Fall Short st IONAL C Apart, Pu ories an course will allow teachers and students more time to the value in some HOICES rple Hibis d poetry cus, Pers such as: “S classic British epolis, G hooting sharpen their writing skills.

Dub re Australia liners, “The Head an Elephant,” Th ndel, The Hobb pieces, but also it st e Second n rong His (Aborig “I think having a full year literature course will open Coming, torian,” inal desc e n t) storie New Ze face about how s a and poe land sho up time for paying closer attention to writing,” Betar said.

Nonfictio ms rt storie n essays s such as M Films su “Whereas a semester course is primarily literature with we might pair iranda Tr ch as Rab ap bit Proof Fences some writing thrown in there for kids to do a lot of on them with contemporary pieces, or more voices their own time.”

Besides providing more time to develop her students’ from other parts of the world,” Betar said.

Much of the committee’s work focused on deciding Philbin said. writing, Philbin believes that an extended English course which kinds of texts to include in the curriculum. While will also allow her to plumb deeper into works.

Committee Discussions some committee members desired a focus on mainly clas“I think the biggest advantage to having a year-long Yet, Czarnecki does believe there is agreement across junior English course is the writing aspect,” Philbin said. sic texts from British literature, others saw the curriculum the English department about the importance of incor“In a semester course, there’s a lot of material to cover in redesign as an opportunity to bring in new authors and porating diverse authors into the English curriculum. just two terms. So by being able to have a full year, you’ll world perspectives that currently are not required eleCzarnecki shared that although under extremely unbe able to go in depth into works and really help students ments of the curriculum. likely circumstances, a CP student could foreseeably go “Essentially, there were two camps in our discuswith their writing, which is pedagogically what I believe from their freshman year to the end of their senior year is my most important job: to teach people how to write sion: people who wanted to hold on to the classic British having only read the currently required core texts and not texts and others who wanted to bring a few more conbetter. With a full year, you have more time to do that.” have read a non-white, non-male author. However, many Assistant Principal Paul DiDomenico also supports temporary, diverse voices,” Czarnecki said. “We came to teachers work to incorporate diverse texts into various an excellent compromise in that a full year junior English course, as the junior curriculum starts out at parts of the high school English curriculum. he believes in the value of teach“We wanted to try to address that [possible lack of diits core with classic British texts, ers working for an entire year with “As a former English versity] in some way,” Czarnecki said. “Our compromise and branches out to draw comstudents. around British and world texts really worked to do that.” teacher, when you work mon threads thematically to texts “As a former English teacher, According to Alera, incorporating a number of varithroughout the world.” when you work with a student for with a student for a full ous works also posed challenges.

“The whole point of the a full year, you really get a sense of year, you really get a “What’s really wonderful about [the committee] is course is to use Brit-Lit as the their writing and analytical skills- a that we all have some really powerful pieces of literature foundation, and then to branch off sense of where their writing goes sense of their writing we want to bring into the class,” Alera said. “The question into more contemporary works,” over the course of that year,” and analytical skills- a becomes: how do we take all those great ideas and try to Philbin said.

DiDomenico said.

Philbin is looking forward to make it work for all of us in that year-long class?”

Like DiDomenico, Betar also sense of where their Czarnecki believes that although there were different seeing more diversity among the values the consistency of the new writing goes over the mindsets going into the discussions, committee members works in the curriculum. class, in which a working rela- course of that year.” did an excellent job of creating a course description that “I would especially like some tionship between the student and more female authors and literature met a middle ground which everyone could agree upon. teacher can further develop, as op“One thing I love about the English department is Paul Didomenico from different cultures,” Philbin that we’re all extremely passionate about what we do and posed to waving goodbyes after a said. “I’d like to see it go from a few months with the current curAssistant principal Brit-Lit to a World-Lit, but perhaps how we do it; and everyone in the department has the riculum. more contemporary. Mr. Czarnecki students’ best interests in mind,” Czarnecki said.

“One of the advantages to a “That said, we come at the same goals from different and I have worked directly on year-long course is that you have a angles, and sometimes it’s hard to compromise on that,” full year to work with the same teacher and same class- what we see as our view for the course, still following the Czarnecki continued. “Ultimately, we were able to come course description.

Our view of it is very different from mates, learning and improving your skills,” Betar said. “So up with a cohesive course description and an approach to other people on our committee’s view of it.”

I think the consistency will be helpful.”

For Philbin, incorporating a stronger world literature the junior year curriculum in which many of the students Revisions in the course will also affect the sophoaspect would allow her to use the canon, a group of clas- would have the same experience.” more curriculum.

Although the course is set to go into effect next year, “There’s also a trickle-down effect because junior sic western literature, as a foundation in her curriculum to it still remains a work-in-progress which will be fineEnglish will not be accommodating for American Lit,” explore other works.

“The world is diverse, and while we do owe great debt tuned as the course is taught, as Philbin said, to “see if Czarnecki said. “So most of those texts will trickle down to the canon and to the writers that we wouldn’t have a what in theory sounds like it’s going to work will actually to sophomore year.” literature today without, I think it’s important, personally, work in practice.”

“I think we’ve done a lot of great work, but I think to use those as a jumping off point to go past the past and A Broader Scope of Literature we have a lot of work left to do,” Philbin said.

The revised course will open the curriculum up to to look to see what contemporary writers are doing and Graphic cassidy wang British literature and beyond, including literature that how those things connect to the very world we live in,” Cassidy Wang

News Editor

College

Prep

Honors

New summer reading: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

1.) How might the book be considered satire?

2.) Beneath the surface, is Doublas Adams saying something about society?

Summary: Courtesy hitchhikers.wikia.com/

Author: Douglas Adams Genre: science fiction Pages: 224 Things to think about:

Seconds before the Earth is demolished to make way for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is plucked off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised edition of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy who, for the last fifteen years, has been posing as an out-of-work actor.

Together this dynamic pair begin a journey through space aided by quotes from The Hitchhiker’s Guide (“A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have”) and a galaxy-full of fellow travelers: including Zaphod Beeblebrox—the two-headed, three-armed ex-hippie and totally out-to-lunch president of the galaxy and Marvin, a paranoid, brilliant, and chronically depressed robot. (Summary from Publishers Weekly) According to Amazon, “You’ll never read funnier science fiction; Adams is a master of intelligent satire, barbed wit, and comedic dialogue.”

tHE haRBINGER

News

3

JUNE 2016

Let the sun shine:

District considering solar panels for energy Max donahue

Managing Editor

courtesy algonquin deca

DECA International Career Development Conference participants posed for a picture in Nashville, Tennessee. Senior Darby Foster, junior Olivia Iverson, and junior Maya John placed as finalists.

DECA takes on internationals Matt franks

StaffWriter Algonquin’s DECA chapter took on the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Nashville, Tennessee in April with three finalist placers along with chances to meet new business owners for possible job opportunities.

Thirty three students from Algonquin attended the ICDC trip, which was double the amount from last year. Senior Darby Foster, junior Olivia Iverson, and junior Maya John placed as finalists in their categories, while Christina Iverson and Olivia Iverson received the top test scores in their respective categories.

A group of students also attended a leadership training program where they learned new skills on how to be a leader in their communities.

“Katie Miller is also going to be a Mass State Officer for next year which hasn’t been an accomplish-

ment since 2005,” DECA advisor Patricia Riley said.

Along with Algonquin’s great success at ICDC, they also made memories on the trip. Some of the group’s activities included saloon country line dancing, a boat cruise, a trip to the Country Music Hall of Fame, a visit to the Nashville Zoo, and a trip to Centennial Park for an earth festival.

“It’s worth going even though it’s expensive,” senior Parker Lescalleet said.

“It’s a great, overall, fun experience,” DECA President and senior Dana Lidsky said.

Other events on the trip included visiting Opryland for a concert and a closing event ceremony at Bridgestone arena.

Members of DECA enjoy attending the trip to travel, learn, and experience business opportunities that wouldn’t normally be available to them until college.

“It bonds and brings the chapter together,” senior Alexandra Brilliant said.

“The trip is stressful but exciting with competing against the best of the best in the competition,” Lidsky said.

Students who attend the trip often meet business owners who are willing to give them an opportunity in their business.

Previous Algonquin graduate of 2012 Channing Moreland spoke to the students about her own experience in starting her own business.

Channing is now a CEO of her own business EVAmore because of her experiences on the DECA trip.

As a whole, DECA gives enterprising students interested in business an opportunity to branch out and become heavily involved in the specific type of business they want to do before they enter college.

2016-2017 bell schedule finalized Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

(50)

(85)

(85)

(60)

Period 1 7:20-8:10

After many discussions within the school community throughout the year involving the MA 990 hours learning requirement and the elimination of homeroom, the administration has released the final bell schedule for the 2016-2017 school year.

Period 1 7:20-8:45

Period 2 7:20-8:45

Period 2 8:15-9:00 (45)

Friday

Period 1 7:20:8:20

Period 1 7:20-8:10

Period 2 8:25-9:25

Period 2 8:15-9:05

Period 3 9:30-10:50

Period 4 9:10-10:30

(60)

(50)

(50)

Period 3 9:05-9:50

Period 3 8:50-9:45

Period 3 8:50-9:40

Period 4 9:55-10:40

Period 4 9:50-10:50

Period 4 9:45-10:30

Period 5 L1: 10:45-11:10 L2: 11:15-11:40 L3: 11:45-12:10

Period 5 L1: 10:55-11:20 L2: 11:25-11:50 L3: 11:55-12:20

Period 5 L1: 10:35-11:00 L2: 11:05-11:30 L3: 11:35-12:00

Period 5 L1: 10:55-11:20 L2: 11:25-11:50 L3: 11:55-12:20

Period 5 L1: 10:35-11:00 L2: 11:05-11:30 L3: 11:35-12:00

Period 6 12:15-1:00

Period 6 12:25-1:50

Period 6 12:05-12:55

Period 7 12:25-1:50

Period 6 12:05-12:55

(45)

(45)

(25, 25, 25)

(45)

Period 7 1:05-1:50 (45)

(55)

(60)

(25, 25, 25)

(85)

(50)

(80)

(80)

(45)

(25, 25, 25)

(50)

Period 7 1:00-1:50 (50)

(25, 25, 25)

(85)

(25, 25, 25)

(50)

Period 7 1:00-1:50 (50)

Numerous buildings in the district are being considered as feasible sites for solar panels, with Algonquin set as a primary location for this new environmental and economic venture.

The current proposal was issued in April and called for bids from solar energy companies willing to meet the district’s need for panels while staying within the district’s budget. A feasibility study was conducted to explore potential locations for solar panels by examining roof structure, position related to the sun, cost effectiveness, and other variables that would decide the reasonability of solar panels at the proposed sites in the district. “[The solar feasibility initiative] is a great collaboration between town and school to determine whether this opportunity provides energy efficiencies but also financial benefits,” Superintendent Christine Johnson said.

The bids are currently being processed and the next step is to choose a company that best fits the district’s requests.

“In the end, we’re hoping we can center “It’s our moral around a successful responsibility bid that will allow us as lead polluters to capture the solar power to generate of the planet to cost savings,” Johncome up and be son said.

Human Resource leaders in the Administrator Removement away becca Pellegrino has from fossil fuels, taken the lead on the solar initiative process the movement from within the Sutowards clean perintendent’s office.

“With solar, energy.” there are so many different ways you can Tom Mead approach this projPrincipal ect,” Pellegrino said.

“We’re constantly getting calls from solar venders who can do better for us, or from other communities who have done things differently. I think this approach has been very open, and I think it’s the best way to go for the communities and for the school district as well.”

In addition to potentially saving money for the district and promoting a greener earth, solar panels would provide an educational benefit to students to show the importance of solar energy.

“I think it’s a very important thing for students to appreciate that we recognize the Solar Panels Fun Facts importance of this 1.) Prices of solar panels for financial reahave dropped by 60 percent. sons but also for since 2011. the future,” Johnson said. “It’s ev2.) Buildings with solar eryone’s future.”

The superinpanels are immune to black tendent highlightouts. ed that educational aspects, such as 3.) For the average houseweather stations hold, 16-18 panels would be or solar information centers, have needed to cover the cost of been used in other an electric bill. school districts with solar panels to from UnderstandSolar, help teach students Sol, Clean Technica the value of panels.

Principal Tom Mead shared his opinion on the district’s efforts to go green. “[Acquiring solar panels] would be a step forward I think,” Mead said. “I think it would be a responsible step forward in that regard because… it’s our moral responsibility as lead polluters of the planet to come up and be leaders in the movement away from fossil fuels, the movement towards clean energy.”

“I think eventually we’ll get there, we’ll get to the point where people will be able to say with confidence what they’re doing is not just the tail end of something, but the integral part… of using energy in a way that is respectful of our environment,” Mead said.

tHE haRBINGER

News

4

JUNE 2016

UNICEF club raises money, hope

courtesy Xiaoying zheng

Sophomore and secretary Jyothi Polackal paints a window in the cafeteria for the Unicef fund chart.

Paige Morse

A&E Editor UNICEF, a new club this year meeting every other Thursday, focuses on helping kids in local areas and developing countries across the world by spreading awareness and organizing fundraisers.

The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund

(UNICEF) chapter is led by sophomore presidents Xiaoying Zheng and Jessica Yin and has established a mission to assist children all over the world. “[Our goal] is to fundraise for kids in third-world countries and kids in need in the area,” Zheng said. “We want to help make their lives better, and help them reach their full potential.”

Their ideas are carried out with the help of club members as well as secretary, sophomore Jyothi Polackal,

and treasurer, junior Maddie Rawstron.

UNICEF has planned several fundraisers for the end of the school year, along with events to happen next year. The club sold slushies at carnival on May 20 and ran a badminton tournament on May 26.

“The badminton tournament was very exciting,” Polackal said. “I think everyone had a great time playing, watching the finals, and talking with friends.”

According to Yin, the organization reaches out to all kinds of people from anywhere who are in need of help.

“If you look on the UNICEF website [you can see] that they cover a really broad range of campaigns, such as kids in trafficking, kids involved in natural disasters, kids that need vaccines, kids without clean water, and rights for women and children,” Yin said.

Since the club launched in February, UNICEF has made it their goal to spread information about their cause.

“We try to inform people about UNICEF and what it is,” Zheng said. “We want people to know what they’re helping and what they’re working for.”

“Advocating is just as important as fundraising,” Yin said.

A typical meeting consists of talking over fundraising ideas with club members and planning out how to accomplish the ideas.

“The members help a lot with resources because many of them have different connections that the club can use,” Zheng said. “It’s nice to have a large range of people who want to help the same cause as us.”

UNICEF advisor guidance counselor Pamela Mackey believes that the club officers have been proactive in founding the club.

“They are running this club, and I am just lucky to be along for the ride,” Mackey said.

Meetings, supervised by Mackey, are held in the College Resource Center, but the club is hoping to leave the CRC to help in the area.

“We are starting a volunteering program, where we are going to go to Worcester and help the kids there,” Zheng said. “We are expanding the scope and helping any kids we can find that need help.”

AP students show initiative for global causes for their project.

“We are trying to understand the Copy Editor & StaffWriter problems which lead to people not AP World History students re- being able to obtain vaccines or vacsearched and came up with solutions cines that aren’t as effective as they to current world problems for the an- could be,” Brazer said. nual Global Initiative project.

The project has raised students’ The AP World History curricu- awareness of world issues, as well as lum covers everything from the begin- the scale of these issues. ning of the Agricultural Revolution “[The project] also puts into perto the 21st century. The final assign- spective how effective programs in ment, a Global Initiative project, was the United States are,” Brazer said. a culmination of the year, according “I didn’t know this before, but huge to social studies problems such as teacher Nathaniel the delivery of Uttaro. Students “The goal of this vaccines are due had to tackle glob- project is to raise to problems with al issues and atinfrastructure betempted to solve awareness and cause vaccines rethem, based off of make you think quire so much care research. to transport and in about the privileges “With the the United States AP Exam [fin- that you have.” it’s just so easy to ished], that leaves transport drugs us a month to talk and make them Noah Brazer about the future, available.”

Junior what the future To spread the holds, what interword about their ests you, and how you can do some- cause, some groups created social thing about it,” Uttaro said. “The media platforms, such as Instagram, project is an opportunity for the stu- Twitter, and Google Forms so that dents to really try to get in depth with people could pledge their support to their chosen topic.” furthering their cause.

Topics that students could For Brazer, the biggest challenge choose from included education, the in successfully executing the project drug trade, malaria, human traffick- was informing students of the issues. ing, and many others. Students then “The most difficult thing is to worked at the local level to fundraise actually make a meaningful impact, through bake sales and promote their because anybody can just go online cause through posters and social me- and type their name [to sign a petidia. Groups sent those donations to tion] and not think about it, but I feel an organization of their choice that like the goal of this project is to raise can then make a global impact. awareness and make you think about Juniors Noah Brazer and Annal- the privileges that you have,” Brazer ise Eppen researched immunization said. “I feel like that’s really hard, tryClarissa Wong & Jessica Yin

ing to help other people think about those privileges.”

Eppen hopes that her group continues to stay aware about immunization, though the efforts for the project are completed.

“The most important thing is that [our group] stays passionate about our topic and that we don’t forget about it,” Eppen said. “I’m so into all these different problems now because there are so many issues out there, and I hope that everyone stays involved and keeps spreading awareness.”

Uttaro believes that the most important thing students could have gained from this project is awareness of the events that are occuring around them.

“The key thing is to raise awareness,” Uttaro said. “Algonquin students tend to be a little bit sheltered and they don’t know much about the outside world, so their knowledge is fairly limited in terms of what’s going on in the world.”

According to Uttaro, the ultimate goal of the AP World Global Initiative project was not to focus on the money, but rather to understand problems across the world and to spread that word throughout the community.

“This is a chance for [students] to talk to their peers and talk to their families and really try to raise that awareness. Some of that comes through fundraising, spreading the message, soliciting some donations, then those donations will go to the organizations,” Uttaro said. “The beall-and-end-all isn’t how much money they raise, it’s more about trying to raise awareness.”

Photos Rafaela Coelho

AP World students raise money for global causes such as human trafficking, climate change, and global education while increasing awareness through posters and bake sales the week of June 6.

tHE haRBINGER

News

5

JUNE 2016

Sears checks out after 15 years

Library aide retires, will be missed for service with a smile

Photo Ryan Strobel

Library aide Cindy Sears is a friendly face to students as they study and socialize in the library.

Diana Roy

Opinion Editor Library aide Cindy Sears plans to retire at the end of the 2015-2016 school year after 15 years at Algonquin.

“I was a stay-at-home mom, and then I started volunteering in the schools when my kids were in them,” Sears said. “I never really aspired to be a full time worker, so I have always been lucky to have a job in the school.”

Sears has many plans for her future post-retirement. the software, so we decided the only way to fix it is to “I am very fortunate that I still have both my parents, re-barcode the collection. That’s kind of an above-andso I’m looking forward to spending more time with them beyond requirement of her job.” because they’re both going to be 90,” Sears said. “The Sears’ replacement is yet to be determined. other end is that I have five grandchildren in North Caro“We had some applicants we interviewed, and it was lina, so I want to be able to travel and see them.” a tough decision to make because the candidates brought Sears’ presence in the library has left a positive im- very different sets of skills to the table,” Rehill said. “So pact on those within the Algonquin we’ve gone through the process and community. now we have to wait for approval. The “She’s that smiling face, that shoulSuperintendent will be letting us know der you can cry on when you need it,” “She’s that smiling about that.” librarian Michelle Rehill said. “She’s the face, that shoulder “I want to know [who her replacego-to person; she has everyone’s back.” ment is] because if you sit three feet Sears is most memorable for her you can cry on from each other all day long, then she ability to work well with the students. knows things about my family, and I when you need “She’s the one who keeps track of it. She’s the go-to know things about her family,” library the kids,” Rehill said. “She knows who aide Joann Amberson said. “I’m going does sports and who does what kinds of person; she has to miss being able to have someone that activities, it’s crazy.”

I can talk to.” everyone’s back.”

“I’m always trying to give the kids The presence of a new face in the the benefit of the doubt,” Sears said. library will take some time to adjust to.

Michelle rehill “Sometimes they just need to go to the “I’m not concerned so much with library for a break [or] they broke the librarian the fact that there’s going to be a new rules, but I let them stay because I felt person, but I’m afraid of what knowllike that’s what they needed at the time.” edge Mrs. Sears is going to take away Sears’ main priority as a library aide with her,” Rehill said. “When the new has been checking students in and out, welcoming classes, person comes in, I’m going to sit there and say ‘I don’t and dealing with teacher requests for classrooms or com- know how she did that.’” puters.

Overall, Sears is content with what she has accom“[For the past two years] she’s been going through plished, but is ready to embrace the future. the library collection and pulling things she thinks might “I just hope I made an impact on the students,” Sears be ready to be tossed out, replaced, or kept,” Rehill said. said. “I would like to leave [Algonquin] thinking I made a “The system we use for our online card catalog doesn’t difference in some kids’ lives, and someday down the road like some of our barcode numbers [because] they changed they’ll say ‘Oh, Mrs. Sears, she was alright.’”

English Language Development encourages foreign students to embrace cultural differences, similarities Tess Herdman

Opinion Editor The English Language Development (ELD) class is helping foreign students hone their English language skills and cultural knowledge of the United States.

Students in this program are learning English as a second language, and many speak multiple other languages. “[The ELD program] definitely helps people coming from another country,” freshman ELD student Pieter-Jan Velaers said, who moved from Belgium to the U.S. two years ago. “In the beginning, it’s definitely really hard to adapt to the system, and it helps a lot.”

The ELD students come from all over the world, including South America, Europe, and Africa. The program strengthens students’ reading, writing, and speaking skills, as well as their knowledge of American culture.

The ELD program aims to have its students speak with a native-like proficiency and adapt to a new culture.

“[Moving from another country] is different cultures. hard. You don’t know what is appropri“It’s interesting seeing people come ate,” junior ELD student Iptisam Nzovu from all over the world,” freshman ELD said. Nzovu came from Uganda two years student Felipe Junior Ribeiro said. ago and speaks four other languages.

Ribeiro moved from the U.S. to BraHowever, a key point in the program zil at age ten and moved back to the U.S. is for students to hold onto native lan- after three years. guages and cultures.

Although they “My students may come from differshould not want to as- “I want [the ent places, the students similate,” ELD teacher all share some experiJennifer Cuker said. “I students] to embrace ences. want them to embrace U.S. culture and also “[The other ELD U.S. culture and also students] know how hold onto and cherish hold onto and cherish it feels to come from their home cultures.” their home cultures.” a different place,” VeCuker explained laers said. how her students’ cul“[The ELD class] Jennifer Cuker helps me to feel free tures are similar and ELD teacher talking,” Nzovu said. different to U.S. culture and how students “We all don’t know as can adapt to these changes. much [English], but you feel confident to “I try to incorporate their home cul- talk in [ELD] class.” tures and make comparisons,” Cuker said.

The ELD program also offers an afELD students also have the opportu- ter school club called English Conversanity to learn about their classmates’ many tion Pairs that meets every other Thurs-

day.

“Non-native English speakers and native English speakers talk to each other and have conversations and [native speakers] help [non-native speakers] with English, and we do games,” Velaers said.

Students break up into small groups and are given discussion questions that they can use, although straying from them is allowed and encouraged. Then the group reconvenes to have larger discussions and play games.

“Oftentimes the questions bring about culture and life in general, or their experiences as teenagers. There’s a lot of comparison, and what I think to be interesting questions,” Cuker said.

“It’s fun!” Nzovu said. “You should visit.”

The ELD program has partnered with the Spanish National Honors Society, having Spanish students function as conversation partners. Native English speakers may soon have the opportunity to practice Spanish and French with native speakers.

Graduation from page 1

2016 seniors celebrate new beginnings at graduation ceremony The students who demonstrated this resilience Once all seniors had received their diplomas, valedicthroughout their high school careers were then recog- torians Gabrielle Russo and Riley Casey returned to the nized by principal Tom Mead for outstanding perfor- stage to lead the class in the turning of the tassels. mance in both academics and The class of 2016 then extracurriculars. officially became Algonquin As the 2016 class advisors “We are an ambitious class; I alumni.

Danielle DeCiero and Melissa According to Johnson, Arvanigian stepped on stage believe there is no limit to the the opportunities presented to to present the candidates, the prosperity of our futures.” seniors throughout their high excitement in the gymnasium school careers have in some escalated, with graduates waitways, defined the path that natalie finn their lives will take post-grading intently to hear their name senior class president uation. called.

Northborough-Southbor“Some time from now, ough Regional School Committee Chairperson Kathleen when you reach your future endeavors and successes, you Polutchko awarded the diplomas to the candidates, along can look back on this day and say ‘Yes, this is where my with Mead and Johnson. new beginning started,’” Johnson said.

PHOTO RAFAELA COELHO

After the turning of the tassels, seniors wait to toss their graduation caps into the air on June 4.

tHE haRBINGER

News

6

JUNE 2016

She-Hawks bake sale leads to heated reactions Wage inequities reflected in prices raises awareness

the common courtesies and regard that people should have for one another. If that gets out of hand, then I have a probThe She-Hawks bake sale promoted lem with it.” wage-equality through practicing price Like Abbott, sophomore Ali Saeed discrimination, which simultaneously pro- believes the She-Hawks should have voked both negative and positive reactions spread their message in a manner that did on May 11. not heighten tensions.

“I think they demonstrated the wage The Message gap pretty well, but they could’ve executed While the straight, cis, hetero, white it better because it ended up pissing everymale paid one dollar for a baked good, one off,” Saeed said. “It just seemed like marginalized groups were charged lower segregation all over again.” prices for the same product. Specifically, Yet English teacher Seth Czarnecki the She-Hawks levied lowfelt dissent from students er prices for white women, Abbott and Saeed was “No one’s talking like transgender women, black necessary to spark the diswomen and men, latina about the wage cussions the She-Hawks women and men, and dis- gap because for hoped to create. abled women. The prices “I think that some were representations of one, it probably agitation helps to advance pay imbalances based on doesn’t even exist.” a good cause,” Czarnecki statistical research consaid. “I think that the bake Graphic Cassidy Wang, Piktochart ducted by club members. sale will agitate and open The She-Hawks charged lower prices for white women, transgender women, Harry Abbott people’s eyes to that issue The She-Hawks inblack women and men, latina women and men and disabled women. tended to start a schoolSophomore so that we can advance “You’re literally putting a label on any career, you have to put a dollar amount wide conversation on that cause so we can actupeople, like ‘If you’re this, this, and this, on a person. We’re sorry we didn’t include gender inequality by representing wage ally reach a place where everybody’s paid you’ll pay this, and if you’re this you pay everybody, but we did our best to get as discrepancies women and minorities face based on qualifications rather than their that,’” Saeed said. “We’re all human. Why many stats as we could.” in the workplace compared to white men. gender identity, their sexuality, their race.” not just pay the same?”

“Our main goal going into it is to have Starting the Necessary Conversely, senior Danny Fier, a people talk about the wage gap, which The She-Hawks Response member of the She-Hawks, did not mind Conversations isn’t often discussed, especially in a high Freshman Sydney Rosenthal, a mem- paying more in order to spread the mesFier had hoped the bake sale would school,” She-Hawks president and senior ber of the She-Hawks, believed that dissage. initiate students to be more open to deEmma Cadman said. “But a lot of dissent- senters failed to see the bigger picture.

“As a straight, white, cis male, I was bate and disagreement. The club invited ers don’t understand what our goal was. I “The issue here is people’s livelihood,” more than happy to pay a dollar because dissenters to discuss their opinions at their think a lot of people think that we were Rosenthal said. “It’s supposed to be illegal.

I understand what it’s about,” Fier said. meeting following the bake sale. fighting fire with fire or not proving the That’s the whole point. They were telling “According to societal standards, when “Everybody was all talk. Not a single point. Our goal is to exemplify inequality. us it’s price discrimination. Well, it’s supI’m older, I will be making more. I’ll have person showed up to that meeting,” Fier It’s an optional bake sale, so it’s not like posed to be.” that excess of money to pay it even. It’s said. “Algonquin could benefit from liswe’re enforcing it.”

When people vocalized the inequality supposed to be unfair to illuminate what’s tening to what others have to say instead All profits made from the event were of prices, She-Hawks adviser and English happening in society and to show that it is of trying to assert their own opinions.” donated to the WAGE Project, which teacher Monica Grehoski recognized an a problem.”

Junior Alex Cosentino, a member of stands for ‘Women are Getting Even.’ Ac- irony in the bake sale dissension. the She-Hawks, believed the resulting ancording to the WAGE Project’s website, Not Representing all “People who were upset at the differger equated to a lot of misunderstanding. the organization strives to end discrimina- ence of pricing were very vocal about how Minorities Cosentino wished to have an open discustion against women in the American work- unfair it was and how it doesn’t make any Saeed, who is of Pakistani descent, sion with dissenters to better understand place in the near future. sense and it’s so discriminatory and that’s felt unrepresented on the list of minorities their positions. right,” Grehoski said. “They are violently who were charged lower prices for baked “I want to know what they thought Dissenters agreeing with us, that is the point, that it’s goods. was wrong and how they thought we While sophomore Harry Abbott, a not fair. Imagine if you were making less “I was not on there. I was like ‘What, could have done it better,” Cosentino said. dissenter at the event, was open to discus- money for the same job a man is doing I don’t exist?’” Saeed “And I would want to tell them that this is sions on the wage gap, he disagreed with because you’re a woman. said. “Just not being rec- a problem that affects people everywhere. the way in which the She-Hawks spread Imagine if that’s your life ognized as a person was It’s something that if we’re all knowledge“If you disagree their message. wage and you’re trying to like ‘Are you serious? At a able about, we can make a difference. But “I don’t like it because it was done raise a family and there’s with what we did, school?’” if none of us are knowledgeable about it, out of ignorance, and it was for the most no reason for it and no you should also “It was a smart idea it’s not going to do anything for us.” part racist and done poorly,” Abbott said. valid justification.” to include the other miGrehoski believed some of the dis“They started the wrong discussion and Likewise, Czarnecki disagree with norities; at the same time, sent and lack of communication could did it the wrong way. No one’s talking also believed that the the wage gap.” it just created another have originated from the stigma associated about the wage gap because for one, it event made an abstract isroom for a discrepancy to with the word “feminism.” probably doesn’t even exist. They started sue concrete. happen with another mi“I think using anger to help the moveEmma Cadman more of a discussion on maybe if the “When you hear that nority to be left out,” Fier ment is ideal, but probably not practical, school should have stricter limitations on women make 77 cents to Senior said. especially because feminism is still such an bake sales.” the dollar, you think ‘oh, Cadman recognized offensive term to people,” Grehoski said.

Despite protests, Principal Tom Mead that’s unfair,’ but you don’t really know and apologized on behalf of the She- “Kids will often say ‘I believe in equality, will allow for the bake sale to continue in what to do with that,” Czarnecki said.

Hawks for being unable to represent every but I’m not a feminist.’ They just don’t future years, provided that it remains civil. “But when it actually affects you at the minority facing wage imbalances. want to have that title associated with “I don’t really have any kind of prob- checkout line, I think that makes it more “A lot of people were mad that we them.” lem with what they’re doing, because I real and immediate. So I think it’s an effecdidn’t represent everybody and we’re In the future, the She-Hawks hope to think it is an important question to bring tive technique.” apologetic for that,” Cadman said. “But continue with the bake sale and engage in up,” Mead said. “The noise that’s associ“How do you bring about equality? also the point was to prove that there was other events to raise awareness about isated with that in terms of the response You show people how unjust inequality lesser values, and I think people were mad sues facing minorities. that they get is a welcome sign that they’ve is,” Grehoski said. “That’s the point.” that we put that up there in the first place.

“If you disagree with what we did, made their point. My conditions are really Still, Saeed believed placing price laPeople don’t understand; they thought we you should also disagree with the wage around keeping that argument and debate bels on students and faculty generated unwere putting dollar amounts on people. In gap,” Cadman said. not under control so much as following healthy agitation.

Cassidy Wang & Saloni Kumar

News Editor & Assistant Online Editor

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Valedictorians from page 1

Two valedictorians share title for graduating first in class Russo emphasized that she never payed much attention to how her classmates were doing, but tried to focus on her personal successes instead.

“When I do my work, I want it to be my best effort,” Russo said. “I don’t really care how it does in comparison to other people.”

However, Mead also hopes students understand that how they perform academically in comparison to others does not hold the highest level of importance in the

grand scheme of things.

“We’re trying in some ways to downplay the negative aspects of class rank…I don’t know that we could ever get rid of it or eliminate it entirely, but I don’t think we need to make a big deal about it,” Mead said.

Russo offered some advice to students looking to prosper in their studies.

“Figure out what motivates you, why you want to learn, what you want to learn, and realize the steps to get

to where you want to be,” Russo said.

Casey also provided a few words of encouragement and urged students to make the most of their academic opportunities.

“Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself by either taking a different subject area than you’re used to or signing up for a more difficult class,” Casey said. “If you put in the effort, you may be surprised what you can accomplish.”

tHE haRBINGER

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tHE haRBINGER

opinion

8

JUNE 2016

High hopes for marijuana legalization With limitations, potential fiscal benefits outweigh risks

Permission wikipedia

The Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Initiative was the third question on the 2012 state ballot. If passed, the statue would allow cannabis to be used for medical purposes.

Xander Simon

StaffWriter Imagine paying less taxes while providing better funding to public amenities such as schools and libraries. This could be possible by legalizing marijuana, a natural and benign plant.

A proposed Massachusetts statute on legalizing the recreational use of marijuana for adults age 21 and older emphasises the multitude of reasons to legalize marijuana.

These reasons include the harmlessness of the “drug,”

the money that the government overdose, and it does not kill could save by not enforcing brain cells. marijuana prohibition, the inefThere are two long term fectiveness that effects of maribanning the plant juana, includhas on many ining breathing dividuals, and There has not problems like preventing citi- been a single bronchitis and zens the right to heart case of overdose, increased use a substance rate. This was contradicts our and it does not reported on a entitlements to kill brain cells.

March 2016 arcertain liberties. ticle “DrugFacts: Contrary to Marijuana” on the beliefs of many, cannabis is the National Institute on Drug not harmful to the body. There Abuse. has not been a single case of Breathing problems may

arise by inhaling smoke contain- erning hemp, in 2014 alone there ing Tetrahydrocannabinol, or were almost 700,000 marijuanaTHC (the active ingredient in related arrests, reported Bruce marijuana). This can be avoided Wright on his September 2015 by vaporizing the hemp leaf or article “Marijuana Legalization baking it into food.

2015: US Pot Arrests Increased Increased heart rate can be In 2014 With 1 Every 45 Seccombated by drinking a lot of onds, FBI Data Show.” water to increase blood pressure, This proves that trying to thus lowering the heart rate. enforce marijuana prohibition is The government could useless. Although there are many profit from decriminalizing rec- arrests on marijuana usage, posreational usage as well. session, and distribution, many According to Matt Sledge in disregard the law and commit his April 2013 article “Marijua- these illegal acts anyways. na Prohibition Now Costs The I understand that many beGovernment $20 Billion A Year: lieve marijuana to be a drug that Economist” on causes people The Huffington to be less proPost, the United Legalizing ductive and lack States spends motivation, but more than nine marijuana America is a billion dollars would put taxes free country and annually by enpeople should forcing marijua- to better use or have the right na prohibition. decrease taxes... to do as they This money please as long as is being providit doesn’t affect ed by taxes and could easily be anyone else and the user is safe. transferred to other funds.

There should be limitations Legalizing marijuana would and regulations on the use of put taxes to better use or de- this drug, but generally, marijuacrease taxes in general, and the na should be legal for recreationgovernment could actually make al use of all individuals in Massamoney through taxing the drug. chusetts over the age of 21.

Another 9.5 billion dollars After reading this, ask yourcould be generated through tax- self, should possessing and using ing marijuana alone, according to marijuana recreationally be a libSledge. erty all Americans should have?

Furthermore, prohibiting Or should it be illegal, even marijuana will have a minimal ef- with all of the compelling evifect on a large part of the popu- dence that it would help the govlation. Regardless of whether ernment and the citizens? cannabis is lawful, people will still use it at their leisure.

Even with strict laws gov-

Music, sports offer students equal challenges through play cians maintain healthy respiratory health, just like athletes do when exercising.

StaffWriter Likewise to sports, music enhances learning. Though The whistle blows. The ball is passed from person to you may not be thinking strategically about how to score person. They punt and pant and sprint. The referee keeps the next goal, there are ways in which music benefits cogtrack of the time. The final goal makes it into the net. The nitive skills. Memorization and listening are a huge part of crowd cheers. learning to sing or play an instrument.

The baton flicks. The melody is passed from person Athletes may disagree and say that there is not as to person. They drum and hum and strum. The metro- much tough work and thrill involved. nome keeps track of the time. The final chord is released “I think sports is more adrenaline and music is more into the air. The audience cheers. practice, and so when it gets to performances, it’s not the Sports and music are quite similar to one another, de- same thing,” freshman and soccer player Tyler Potter said. spite being from two very different realms. Yet even with Potter’s assertion, however, is false, as music involves its parallelism at the high school level, music does not re- a profusion of frantic multitasking. You could be readceive attention equal to that of its distant cousin. Music is ing pitches and rhythms, listening to other players, and just as competitive and worwatching the conductor as thy of praise as sports. you change notes on the finMany sports enthusiasts gerboard, shift to different “It [music] is one of the may claim that there is no positions, vibrate your finphysical exercise involved in universal languages that all gers, switch the string you’re music, and the health benbowing, keep your bow in the efits are inferior to those of humans speak. Everybody right position, and use differsports. ent parts of the bow to create listens to music. It’s more It is a mistake to think different tones. universal than sports.” this, as not only can it loosen Even with so many acyour wrists, arms and oral tions taking place while cavity, but it is also highly ha neul on playing music, athletes may beneficial for your mental senior suggest that playing music inhealth. Through playing muvolves little competition and sic, people are able to express teamwork. Teamwork is in themselves and relieve stress. fact very important in music, as it is necessary to work “It [music] keeps me sane sometimes. String Orches- together with many people to perform a piece. tra is one of the only classes during the day when I can “You have to listen to all the people you’re playing just relax,” senior Ha Neul On said, who is the concert- with, you have to breathe together, you just have to stay master of the String Orchestra and a co-captain of the together,” On said. boys’ rugby team.

By performing with many people, music creates a Also, a 1999 paper by Laurence O’Donnell III shows sense of unification between players, singers and listeners that listening to music lowers blood pressure, which mini- that is as powerful as in sports. mizes the risk of heart disease or stroke. On top of that, “It [music] is one of the universal languages that all through blowing through a reed or mouthpiece, musi- humans speak,” On said. “Everybody listens to music. It’s Veronika jaster

Photo kelly slovin

Junior Isabelle Molander and freshman Kiara Ford play the bass during Pops Night on June 1.

more universal than sports.”

So next time you lend an ear to a music concert, respect the musicians just as you would athletes, as they put in the same amount of effort and teamwork to create masterpieces everyone can enjoy.

tHE haRBINGER

opinion

9

JUNE 2016

Rethink grading so we can learn Daphne binto

The grading system is detrimental to student growth

StaffWriter Almost any high school student knows the scenario: multiple nights of little sleep, four cups of coffee, and hundreds of flashcards with copious amounts of information to memorize. There’s a neverending cycle of laboring over schoolwork, all for the elusive yet alluring A. But since when did the ability to cram ridiculous amounts of information into your head become a measure of academic success? In today’s school system, students and teachers alike have lost sight of the true value of education, learning, and this loss has been reflected in the grading process.

The current grading method is fundamentally problematic because it pushes students to work solely for a good grade rather than for knowledge, defeating the original purpose of schooling.

In her 2013 article for The English Journal, Jeanetta Jones Miller discussed a survey she conducted in which all students surveyed reported that they defined success as getting grades good enough for college. This exemplifies how schoolwork has

become a chore done for the grade alone, no insight into possibilities for revision, instead of an activity meant to expand the because they are viewed as the end of the thinking capabilities of the student. assignment, instead of a starting point.

Assessments often only take into acIt would be ultimately the most bencount how much information the student eficial to scratch grades altogether and rewas able to memorize, and have no bear- place them with continual opportunities ing on conceptual understanding. Cram- for corrections; however, this would be ming is useless, as it provides no growth difficult to implement in a school system in the subject and the student will most so accustomed to grades. likely forget the Although information in classes like shortly after In today’s school system, English, grades the test. are often acAny im- many students and teachers companied by p r o v e m e n t s alike have lost sight of the true beneficial commade by the value of education, learning... ments, gradstudent will not ing continues always reveal to be an issue themselves on the next exam because it’s because it still leaves no consideration for on a completely different topic, and the progress made since previous exams. student has not even had an opportunity I understand that grades are supposed to fix their mistakes on the past unit be- to allow teachers, students, and parents to fore moving on. know how well students are understandGrades should be based upon the ing the material, but they are no longer ability to progress, not the ability to pres- effective because they only measure kids ent perfection. The current grading sys- against each other and a rubric standard. tem is detrimental for students, primarily Much like giving a pre-test and a post-test, because it doesn’t help them improve their teachers could administer a variety of aswork. A simple letter or number provides sessments and calculate grades based on

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Sometimes a fib isn’t so bad StaffWriter

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shown improvement.

Approaching grading in this way would allow the students that work hard to be rewarded for that, instead of simply praising the ability to remember information with no real improvement in the subject.

Though it is hard to accept the idea that students could be rewarded for effort and not necessarily performance, effort often leads to better performance. Even in the workplace, those who work hard are frequently the ones promoted, because this leads to them doing their job well. If employees are praised for being conscientious, shouldn’t students be rewarded for that as well?

Educators aren’t the only ones who can make changes here. If we began to revolutionize the current grading philosophy, there would be countless benefits from it: predominantly less stress over school, assurance of edification in classes, and benefits for hard workers. Though the education system is not going to change overnight, now is the time to start rethinking the grading process.

Sometimes it just happens: little white lies to make someone feel better, excuses to explain why the homework isn’t done, or elaborate lies just for the fun of it.

According to a 2002 study by University of Massachusetts, about 60 percent of people lie at least once during a ten-minute conversation. So if lying is so widespread, why is it looked down on so often?

Sometimes people who are frequent liars are seen as untrustworthy. But while it’s true that lying isn’t a very trustworthy characteristic, there are plenty of reasons why it happens.

Speaking from personal experience, I can say that lying isn’t always done with harmful intentions. Sometimes people lie to protect themselves or even to have fun.

During middle school, I lied to my friends and classmates that my best friend Grace was my twin sister. We came up with the story together, thinking it would be a fun joke, and since she didn’t go to my school we figured it wouldn’t be hard to convince everyone.

Our fun idea quickly became an in-depth lie as I told people that Grace was a cancer survivor, and that she was a genius and went to boarding school, which was why no one had ever met her.

We kept the lie up for over a year, but then at the beginning of freshman year my friends finally discovered the truth. I had expected them to find the whole thing funny, but a lot of people were really mad at me. I think the reason

they were so mad was because all of a sudden they felt like they couldn’t trust me anymore.

I can understand why they felt somewhat hurt. Sometimes people do lie to hurt others, and people learn to mistrust lies of any kind. There are times when lying to your friends is basically betraying their trust, and I don’t think that that kind of lying should go unpunished. But this was not that kind of lie. If my lie had actually hurt anyone I would’ve stopped, and that’s the way I feel that all lies should be treated.

Lies that are hurtful for the person telling them or anyone else involved are wrong, but sometime lying is okay and sometimes lies may actually help.

When it comes down to it, I think there are a lot of reasons why people lie. Sometimes it really is to hurt people or be mean, because, unfortunately, that happens. But for some people there really is no other option, or it’s just the easier option, or they are trying to be funny.

Sometimes people lie about things that they think will make them cooler. During a survey by a British film company, 30 percent of the people lied about seeing The Godfather.

Lying can be a difficult choice to make, and it’s even harder to admit that you’ve lied.

So, while I don’t exactly encourage telling an in-depth lie about siblings you don’t have, I also won’t judge people who choose to do that.

I think that when people get mad about others lying they need to remember that lying happens all the time and most people end up lying at some point in their lives.

graphic rachael shek

tHE haRBINGER

Opinion

10

June 2016

Tattoos shouldn’t be taboo for teens anna silver

Assistant A&E Editor Often stereotyped as unprofessional and tacky, perhaps nothing other than a drunken mistake, tattoos have been gaining acceptance as celebrities, parents, teachers, 2 and teenagers have been getting ink. Recently an increasing number of people have been presenting their tattoos proudly like artwork as they should be, for many tattoos hold tremendous meaning.

Millennials are the main source of this new concept of tattoo artistry; according to a 2008 study called “Tattooed Gen Nexters” by the Pew Research Center, 36 percent of 1 Americans aged 18-25 have at least one tatcourtesy seth czarnecki too.

However, getting a tattoo is not a good decision for everyone. There are many peo3 ple who probably should not get any tattoos photos henna dhingra because they would not think it through 1. English teacher Seth Czarenough and end up regretting it. necki has an Old Man and A tattoo of your significant other at this the Sea tattoo on his calf. age will most likely be a mistake, even if you think your relationship is going to last. There 2. While in Ireland, English are too many ex-boyfriend and ex-girlfriend’s teacher Emily Philbin tatfaces and names inked on people's bodies tooed the motto “faith.hope. these days. love”on her foot.

4 In particular, parents often warn that if their children get a tattoo they’ll “regret 3. A bandana wraps around science teacher Nathan Largesse’s calf. it,” citing painful tattoo removal procedures, 4. English teacher Jen Zuba’s ankle tattoo is the Kanji symbol for fate. distorted tattoos in old age, and the fact that people “won't hire them” if they have ink.

While the tattoo removal industry is inHowever, if your parents trust you ingful to them, such as getting an angel for someone they've lost, or an important date deed thriving, it may very well be because enough to let you drive a car, sometimes rein their life.

I think sentimental reasons for tattoo removal can cost up to five times as ferred to as a “weapon” rather than a vehicle, getting tattoos are beaumuch as getting a tattoo; removing a tattoo why shouldn't they trust tiful reminders of somecan cost up to $1000 whereas receiving a tatyou to choose something thing special. too is generally $50 to $100. Some people meaningful to put on I think sentimental Some also choose probably do regret their ink and decide to your own body? And if reasons for getting ink for expressive reaget it removed, which is unfortunate. you apply for a job and sons, seeing the tattoo It's important to remember, however, tattoos are beautiful get rejected because they as artwork that conveys that people regret haircuts, careers, and past think your tattoos are un- reminders of meaning in a way that relationships, too. professional, why would something special. clothes and other fashion While many frown upon tattoos, espeyou want to work at a items simply cannot.

For cially when it comes to teenagers, it's time place that values looks the most part, a tattoo is a permanent markfor adults and teenagers alike to realize that over ability anyway? ing and is one of the only ways to have a times are changing and tattoos are not as big Many people who get tattoos, however, token of something important to you with of a deal as they used to be. get them for a specific reason that is meanyou forever.

Pitbulls get a needlessly “ruff” rap sachusetts rejoiced when the ordinance fell into desuetude.

StaffWriter It claims they have “powerful instincts “In the ’70s they blamed dobermans, for dominance which naturally results in in the ’80s they blamed German shepherds, a proclivity for fighting,” “prey drive,” and in the ’90s they blamed the rottweiler. Now “natural chase instinct.” they blame the pit bull. When will they blame Although pit bulls often have a strong the humans?” dog expert Cesar Millan said. build, they also have strong bonds with their In media, pit bulls are often wrongfully owners and are extremely loyal. portrayed as violent, senseless beasts when Before the media exaggerated the bloodtruly they are impressionable and trainable lust of pit bulls, American pit bull terriers dogs looking for homes. were considered perfect Like any other breed, “nanny dogs” because of pit bulls can be trained by Unfortunately, their friendly nature and their owners; whether a pit dedication to their owners. pit bulls have bull or a golden retriever, Nowadays, it’s diffidogs raised to be violent can been picked as cult to even find a pit bull be aggressive. a home. the fighting dogs, Unfortunately, pit bulls According to multiple have been picked as the the violent ones, studies, pit bulls make up 30 fighting dogs, the violent the relentless and percent to 60 percent (the ones, the relentless and brulargest percentage of any tal killers. In reality, there is brutal killers. In breed) of dogs in shelters. no breed born to fight. reality, there is no My uncle has a deaf Communities including breed born to fight. pit bull named Patches.

Worcester, Massachusetts He’s one of the nicest dogs (in 2011) have passed unreaI know, but my uncle can sonable ordinances forcing never find a dog sitter or a owners to muzzle their dogs kennel that will watch him. in public and pay an additional fee for having I have seen an old labrador express more a pit bull. violence than that deaf pit bull, but that However, Massachusetts passed a law in shouldn’t be surprising.

2012 overriding this ordinance and making The unfortunate misconception surit invalid. rounding pit bulls is built on falsities and exThis new law rightfully states that “no aggerated media exploitations, and is leading dog shall be deemed dangerous…based to homeless pit bulls across America. upon the breed of the dog.”

Pit bull owners in towns across MasMaggie Shoemaker

Permission Public Domain Pictures

At any given time, 30 percent to 60 percent of dogs in shelters are pit bulls, which may be due to popular misconceptions of the breed.

Let’s take a pass on final exams Natalie sadek

StaffWriter Beach days, road trips, campfires: all these thoughts bubble in the minds of most of high school students as they anxiously wait for summer to approach.

Flashcards, cram sessions, latenight anxiety: this is the reality of the last week of school because of a long-standing tradition that needs to be reconsidered.

At this point of the year, most students have checked out of school, with their minds set on upcoming vacation plans, but finals are one last obstacle that stands in the way.

I believe I can speak for a lot of high school students when I say that finals are stressful. It’s one test on everything you’ve learned over five months that counts as ten percent of your overall grade. To make matters worse, within four days you have one of these tests for each of your seven classes.

Not only is this exam a major part of students’ grades, but it takes place during the last week of school. That’s not a good idea because, as I said before, almost everyone is mentally done with school.

It seems as if finals were put in place to keep students engaged in learning, but no matter what, students will gradually get more distracted from school as the summer approaches.

I know that some kind of final exam is necessary, as it prepares us for college, and it’s a good review to make sure students have retained most of the information they were taught, but ten percent of a final grade is too harsh.

A student could work hard all year to get A’s every term, but a bad final or midterm grade completely drops it and they have no time to bring the grade back up. One test can alter how a hard-working student is viewed academically, which, to be blunt, is not fair at all.

Instead of having one test make or break a student’s grade, the school system should have that same test but have it count into a term grade, and have the tests be spread out over several days, with days of no testing in between.

This way, students still review their material and still have an idea of what college finals would entail. The only difference is that the lingering thought of their accumulated grade being demolished is not present. They would also have more time to review as testing is not crammed into four days.

Yes, finals are needed, but it does not stop me from dreading those four days of testing.

So, let’s not completely rid the school system of finals, but give students a chance to pass them without having several panic attacks. That way we can hopefully end the year on a much more positive note.

tHE haRBINGER

EDITORIAL

11

It’s time to cut the cord

Harbinger

june 2016

Parents: step back and let your kids grow

Growing up is tough; everyone can benefit from a protector of some sort to keep them in line prior to adulthood.

Whether it be a parent or legal guardian, those of us who have a watchful eye in our lives should remember how lucky we are.

That being said, sometimes these authority figures take too firm of a grip on their child’s life. A nurturing, yet unyielding guardian is essential to child development, but parental intervention can quickly become overpowering or inadequate.

High school is a time for kids to explore their independence and liberties; it is something they must explore on their own.

The line between just enough and too much parental support can make or break a child’s high school experience.

Overbearing parental intervention can come in many forms, whether it be social or educational pressures. In order to grow to the best of their ability, students must be self-sufficient. Students must experience new social situations and endure

new educational stresses throughout high of self, parenting that is too relaxed can school, and these experiences cannot help produce children who are ill-equipped to students learn if parents are too control- handle everyday life as an adult. If a parling. ent allows the child to Parents need to be ditch chores, they dethere to support their A nurturing, yet prive them of imporkids, but they shouldn’t unyielding guardian tant lessons that will influence their develprove vital once the opment to an extent is essential to child child moves out of the where kids don’t have development, but house. a defined grasp on their Although paidentities and abilities. parental intervention rental pressures can be These strict forms can quickly become useful to keep kids in of parenting can end line, there is a differoverpowering or up harming students ence between helpful by sending them off inadequate. and hindering parentto college without fully ing of high schoolers. preparing them to be on their own.

And in order for students to learn and Without sufficient independence, stu- ease themselves into adulthood after high dents fail to learn essential lessons about school, it is necessary to respect elders, but who they are and cannot develop essential conversely, elders must respect you. understandings about survival.

While overprotective parenting can The unsigned editorial reflects the views of lead to the child having a weak sense The Editorial Board.

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 28 Issue 6

Editorial Board Editors-in-chief Jen Fox & Riya Pujari

managing editors Kayla Morkert & Max Donahue

Photo Editor Rafaela Coelho

News Editor

Shannon Youngberg & Cassidy Wang

Sports Editor

18 year-olds: students or adults? out and the same kids who do will graduate. An open campus policy won’t change the general student body’s motivation in StaffWriter school, but instead it would weed out the ones that don’t have The law states that once you turn 18 in the United States, the desire to go on to college more quickly. you are no longer obligated to attend school and are free to I’m not saying school is bad and that students shouldn’t go drop out without the consent of a legal guardian. So if by law to school. I’m a supporter of education. However, once you you do not have to attend school at age 18, why is it that 18 turn 18, I believe that you are fully capable of making decisions year-old high schoolers aren’t allowed to leave whenever they for yourself regarding when you need to go school in order to want? attain the future you want.

I believe that once a high Giving students a more reaschooler turns 18, he or she should sonable amount of freedom could be subject to an open campus policy. If students have the legal even develop students in new If students have the legal rights to rights to make life changing ways. make life changing decisions such as Students may develop a more dropping out of school, joining the decisions such as dropping out self dependent mindset and time military, and getting married with- of school, joining the military, management skills that they might out parental permission, I don’t see not develop if they had to mindwhy students should be obligated to and getting married... I don’t lessly come to homeroom by 7:20 stay in school. each and every morning to be imsee why students should be If a student feels that he or she prisoned and moved around from obligated to stay in school. is not learning much in a particular cell block to cell block until 1:50. class, or feels that he can do well in Managing your school assignthe school without necessarily going to every single class, by ments accordingly without the obligation to go to school would all means this student should be able to skip school. Students naturally teach students skills that they wouldn’t necessarily should be able to make these decisions for themselves. learn in the classroom.

Some may argue that if reckless 18 year-olds had this kind Being coddled by the school system for all four years does of freedom, graduation rates would drop dramatically. Howev- not set students up to be completely prepared for college or the er, I believe that regardless of whether or not students have to future. 18 year-olds are legal adults and I think that it would be go to school, the same kids that don’t put in the effort will drop appropriate for the school to treat them that way. ethan Mcrae

Emily Smith & Julia Desautels

A&E Editor Paige Morse & Maggie Del Re

Opinion editors Diana Roy & Tess Herdman

online editor Carey Davis

copy Editor Clarissa Wong

Assistant News Editor Elissa Gorman

Assistant Sports Editor Darby Kim

Assistant A&E Editor Anna Silver

Assistant Online Saloni Kumar

Assistant PHOTO Henna Dhingra & Ryan Strobel

Social Media Editor Caroline Elfland

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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

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Contributing Staff Larissa Andrade, Riley Garand, Claire Duffy, Rachael Shek, Kelly Slovin, Taylor Bragg, Jessica Yin, Katrina Liu, Carter Brannon, Michael Belliveau, Celia Nealon, Andrew Federici, Chris Martin, Johanna Casey, Veronika Jaster, Daphne Binto, Amanda Campbell, Anna Clune, Matt Franks, Filipe Galvao, Allie Madigan, Kate Massucco, Ethan McRae, Natalie Sadek, Lily Scearbo, Maggie Shoemaker, Xander Simon, David Tennyson, Ben Weber, Rachel White, Natalia Sadek

tHE haRBINGER

FEATURE Pranks over the years: a tim

12

JUNE 2016

LET NIMAL FIRST A E SCHOOL IN TH LOOSE

According to Dick Walsh, the tradition of senior pranks began in the early 1970s at Algonquin.

1970

The scandalous Class of 2010 not only hosted their own rave between G100 and D100, but dispensed pornographic material down the senior hallway.

PIG

The Classes of the ‘90s had an ongoing tradition of TP-ing trees lining the school’s driveway.

1980

Senior boys and girls dressed as the opposite gender; The Editorial Board only wishes they had photos of this. The 1980s also brought the controversial prank of seniors hanging pig fetuses from the ceiling of the old ramp.

1990

2000

2000 on

ramp ty d l o fe the s a sa

2010 2003

What a crazy class! Dead fish in lockers and ceiling tiles, furniture on the roof, and trashing Mr. Laughton’s office.

a ing s, it w it wa were go n on s a y s n w d i n o k rt.” u d f “As because sliding s get hu p id issue the ram id see k ni d n Zani dow utts… I raine Chair b r r i o e L t th tmen epar ce D n e i Sc

Among other pranks, the Class of 2011 started the trend of zip-tying lockers shut; zip-tying teachers’ scissors shut made it a tricky situation to fix.

2008 Superballs and dodgeballs flew down the corridors; while entertaining, this prank posed a significant safety hazard.

2011

The past, present, and future of senior Jen Fox

Editor-in-Chief

INTRODUCTION

Within recent years, senior end-of-year festivities have escalated from peaceful seniors marching outside the school to some soon-to-be-grads posing safety threats and legal complications for members of the Algonquin community. While some pranks have remained light-hearted, others have magnified into substantial hazards; student injuries have ranged from bumps and bruises to concussions, custodians have put in hours overtime to restore the school’s clean and safe environment, and animals brought into the school have faced physical trauma, mental abuse, and even death.

However, The Harbinger archives, as well as spoken records from faculty and alumni alike, have indicated that in the long term, similar levels of crudeness have traditionally existed in some aspects of senior pranks, from, as The Harbinger reported in 1990, “hanging a dead animal from the ceiling on the ramp” to seniors throwing several live goldfish down the stairs in more recent years. In a rising generation that prides itself on sensitivity and awareness, traditional practical jokes may be perceived as more mean-spirited or distasteful than they were years ago.

What were end-of-year celebratory activities like before problems arose? What will the administration do in the future to prevent out-of-hand senior pranks? And how do seniors know where to draw the line between a funny trick and a serious offense?

BEFORE

Senior pranks have been going on as long as anyone can remember; in a 1990 is-

sue of The Harbinger, Mr. Damore, then a [2003],” Librarian Michelle Rehill said. faculty member at Algonquin, stated that seThe Senior March hasn’t been going nior pranks had “been a tradition for as long on for as long as pranks, but they, too, have as I’ve been here.” developed and adopted new characteristics Dick Walsh, however, after 61 years over the years. at Algonquin, remembers the history of “Honestly, our first March that we ever pranks more specifically than “forever.” had here was the best thing, a wonderful Thinking back to when his daughters were thing,” Assistant Principal Mel Laughton students at the said. “The kids school, he concame in and came FROM THE OFFICE OF sidered the first through the buildPRINCIPAL TOM MEAD seniors pranks ing very respecthe rememfully, celebrated bered. their forthcoming “[Seniors] graduation, and it stole some was a wonderful things from the thing. But every ADMINISTRATION-ACCEPTABLE science departclass thereafter dement and hung cided to add their them up someown mix to it, and where,” Walsh it ended up being said. “I think very dangerous, my daughter scaring people, was in that that sort of thing; class. That was thus, we had to get harming of animals in the sevenrid of it.” ties.”

Senior Marchdestruction of property Upon Hares in recent years disruption of the school have binger investiinvolved gation, Walsh shaving cream You’ve got yourself an confirmed that messes, broken administration-acceptable prank! the stolen items chairs and tables, were pig fetuses and dead fish, leftover from AP Biology dissections, hung mice and rats. from the ceiling of the old ramp.

“When [seniors] stood on the tables and Others who have been members of the chanted [after the March], that was my unAlgonquin community for several years have favorable one,” Walsh said. “They shouldn’t fully realized the effects of some pranks. stand on the tables. They broke a table or “[The worst prank] wasn’t one I saw, it two over the years! Not only did they stand was one I smelled; somebody put a fish in on the tables, but the kids that were eating a locker, a dead fish. That one was pretty got their lunches all messed up.” bad and that was definitely my first year here Last year’s March, which caused such

A RISING SENIOR’S GUIDE TO

SENIOR

PRANKS

NO

an alarming amount of disruption and destruction that all future Senior Marches were banned, interrupted science teacher Aimee Selby’s teaching and left piles of shaving cream outside her door.

“The whole march last year, with the shaving cream everywhere and the mess that everybody made during the whole senior march last year was pretty bad,” Selby said.

NOW

Laughton and Principal Tom Mead agreed that, relative to those of recent years, the festivities and pranks of the Class of 2016 were relatively respectful and acceptable to the administration’s standards. However, unseen by most students, a collection of blasphemous and dangerous pranks occurred behind the scenes.

“There were a few things that happened that never should have happened,” Laughton said.

“There were things “I know that som that people aren’t aware of because es that we stron we took care of it for this year wer before the community even came but we gotta bre together.”

According to some of this stu Mead, a group of seniors put up a “defaming” poster outside the building at the Lower School parking lot, which was taken down before students arrived at the school in the morning. Mead declined to reveal the poster’s contents, but suggested crude, immature ideas.

“There are some [pranks] that I just really don’t want to talk about,” Laughton

tHE haRBINGER

FEATURE meline of senior shenanigans

13

JUNE 2016

2014

2012 Classic, hilarious, and respectful: the Class of 2012’s famous TP-ing of the cafeteria is one-upped only by their handpainted sign, promising to “clean this up” after they finished.

“Absolu tely rem ar this wh ole sch kable- and ool love d it!”

Mel Lau Assistan ghton t Princip al

2014: aka, the Year of the Goat. Three ARHS students and one French exchange student stole Heidi from her home in Marlborough, broke into ARHS through a window, and put her into the boys’ locker room. The prank took the boys from midnight to 4 am to complete. The students received two days of suspension and had to pay for damages to the school.

The spirited Class of 2013 used a blue tarp and lots of white paint to bid an enthusiastic farewell to the rest of the school.

Their Senior March involved instruments, chanting, and of course a megaphone. The 2013 shaving cream war was one of the last to take place at Algonquin.

ed is tinfoil h n e e Betw arannd his s office a d car, Mr. wrappe as a main on w Laught he Class of ft focus o ior pranks! en 2016’s s

2015 marked the first senior class without a Senior March. Despite the limitations to their end-of-year festivities, some seniors used shaving cream to write messages on walls and floors, and rats were released in the cafeteria.

2016

Senior ans shenanig he in t resulted ion trat adminis ay w taking a . all B r Senio

After administrators tried to schedule the sit-in, the Class of 2016 chose their own date to sit and supplemented their rebellious act by refusing to rise until the Senior March was reinstated.

After blocking the hall for nearly a full period, the seniors rose and dispersed.

2015

2013

r end-of-year antics and festivities

said.

A selection of pranks posed a physical threat to members of the school community. This year, mimicking a 2014 prank, seniors attached a trash barrel precariously to the top of a stairwell.

“It’s not fair to do something that can make people fearful and it’s not okay to do something such as tie a barrel over a stairway, which has the potential of falling and hitting someone in the head, which it has done in the past,” Laughton said. “Although, the barrel did not fall this year. Two or three years ago, a barrel fell and hit a girl on the head; she had to be sent to the nurse, had a concussion.”

To prevent injuries, the administration felt they had a responsibility to ban certain festivities and pranks. While the majority of this year’s seniors begrudgingly accepted the administration’s’ restrictions, some members of the Class of 2016 found me of the chang- ways to express their discontent ngly suggested with the restricre not popular, tions on senior eak the habit of traditions prior to their graduation.

“We were beuff.” ing yelled at by a TOM MEAD few raucous memof the Class PRINCIPAL bers of 2016, a few loud ones, who were not happy with the banning of shaving cream, water balloons, and the like,” Mead said. “I know that some of the changes that we strongly suggested for this year were not popular, but we gotta break the habit of some of this stuff.”

“The blockade that they did down on

D100 was not held as planned and it was their way of making a statement that they wished other things,” Laughton said. “As a matter of fact, it was told to me by one of the assistant principals that one of the kids said that they would end it if we gave them the march. In other words, they just demonstrated a lot of petulance and immaturity.”

Class of 1990 Brouhaha

THE FUTURE

The administration will continue to enforce rules on senior pranks and prohibited end-of-year festivities in upcoming years.

“We make decisions that we have to do, and we even made the decision where we had to cancel Senior Ball [in 2015],” Laughton said. “We will do what we have to do to make sure that this building is protected from kids who, for whatever reason, feel that they need to make a statement by doing something negative or scaring the people in the building.”

“Unfortunately, there will never be another senior march. That was done in by kids who just couldn’t play by the rules, do the right thing,” Laughton said.

However, faculty and administration alike expressed enthusiasm for rising seniors to be more creative with their “pranks,” and find a way to leave a more positive mark on the school.

DRAWING THE LINE

“Call it the Holy Trinity- the three things that I would like pranks to not be associated with: knock off the animals, knock off the destruction or the damaging of property, and don’t disrupt the rest of the school,” Mead said.

Mead emphasized his opposition to involving animals in end-of-year celebratory activities, especially after the physical and

The algonquin harbinger archives

Harbinger journalist Peter Bernier wrote about the continuation of the senior prank tradition at the school. His article ran in Volume 2, Issue Number 11 of The Harbinger, released on May 29, 1990. This was the first volume of the paper referred to as “The Algonquin Harbinger,” as opposed to “The Smoke Signal.”

psychological trauma inflicted on several animals, and in extreme cases, deaths.

“We’ve had a goat out there, and we’ve had chickens walking through the hallways; vermin, rodents, mice,” Mead said. “Sporadically over the years, we’ve had a little dose of this and a dose of that. I don’t want any animals involved in a prank.”

Instead of ending senior pranks, Mead hopes that students will get more creative for the future, and find ways to conduct their shenanigans safely.

“I think we’re herding for ideas right now,” Mead said. “There’s a paucity of ideas.”

Laughton, however, offers more specific advice for rising seniors, modeled after pranks executed by the Class of 2016.

“I certainly enjoy it when people come [into my office],” Laughton said. “I don’t know if you know, but there were a couple people who wrapped my car in saran wrap this year. That was outrageous! That was funny, funny, funny!”

For now, underclassmen and faculty members alike can only hope that future senior classes will spare them the angry goats and aim to unify rather than harm.

GRAPHICs JEN FOX GRAphic Info Compiled kayla morkert & jen fox

tHE haRBINGER

Music Reviews

14

JUNE 2016

Twenty One Pilots’ ‘Blurryface’ soars up charts Maggie Shoemaker

StaffWriter Premiering in the top five on more than twenty billboards across the world, it’s impossible to go a day without hearing Twenty One Pilots’ “Stressed Out” on the radio. Unfortunately, the song’s popularity has led to some negativity and annoyance associated with the band, and those with an aversion to “Stressed Out” neglect to experience the rest of their latest beautifully compiled album “Blurryface,” which was released in May 2015.

Together since 2009, Twenty One Pilots have only recently increased in popularity with some of their hits from “Blurryface” including “Stressed Out,” “Ride,” “Tear In My Heart,” “Lane Boy,” “HeavyDirtySoul,” and “Fairly Local.”

Members Tyler Joseph (singer, musician, rapper, and songwriter) and Josh Dun (musician and drummer) have said their music genre includes schizoid pop, indie rock, pop, alternative, alternative hip hop, rap, reggae, indie pop, electropop, ukulele, acoustic; practically all music genres are represented in “Blurryface,” except for country.

As Tyler raps in “Lane Boy,” “honest, there’s a few songs on this record that feel common/ I’m in constant confrontation with what I want and what is poppin’ in the industry.” Although the first half of “Blurryface” veers toward pop/rock/reggae instead of their original poetic raps, nothing about this album is common.

The album itself flows from the most intense, almost dance songs such as “HeavyDirtySoul” to the ukulele-infused, acoustic-vibe, and poetic “Goner.” The songs have increasingly profound lyrics with a slower beat as you near the end of the album.

I find “Goner” to be the best song on the album because of the intensity of the lyrics that contrast with the serene piano. “Goner” is the perfect song to end the al-

permission Alliescool12247

Band members Josh Dun and Tyler Joseph have skyrocketed to fame with new album Blurryface.

bum because it leaves the listeners questioning their own “blurryface,” Joseph’s name for the physical embodiment of their insecurities and the constant battle to overcome them.

In earlier albums such as their self-titled debut, “Twenty One Pilots,” and “Vessel,” Joseph dared to explore his inner conscience and share it with the world in a depressing yet disturbingly catchy way. Some of Twenty One Pilots’ fan base, called the Skeleton Clique (because of the skeleton suits worn by the band during shows),

Deftones prove they are still alt-metal champs

courtesy deftones.com

Maggie Del Re

A&E Editor Alternative metal band Deftones’ latest album “Gore” proves that after 28 years of making music, they rock just as hard as ever.

The album consists of 11 tracks, clocking in at 48:14. The Deftones don’t waste a second of this time, quickly and effortlessly shifting from hardhitting choruses to shoe-gazey verses and then back again.

The first track, “Prayers/Triangles,” comes in cautiously, with quiet vocals and crisp, clean guitar echoing in the background. Soon, the chorus roars with heavily distorted guitar, and lead singer Chino Moreno’s signature angsty, romantic voice takes listeners on a trippy ride into the album.

“Doomed User” has come to be one of my favorites songs off “Gore.” Immediately, thick guitars break in, while Moreno’s high screams make this one of the album’s heavier tracks. The chorus slows down, with Moreno cooing a psychedelic melody and heavy bass pounding in the

background.

Later in the album, the slow and emotional “Phantom Bride” proves to be another show stealer. There’s something colorful and kaleidoscopic about it. Phenomenal guitar work by Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains really makes this track stand out. Even music lovers who don’t like metal may find this track enjoyable; it does not include screams or growls, and it’s an excellent example of great musicianship.

Lyrically, the album veers from themes of love and passion to hate and anger. There is no cohesive story, nor a feeling created, leaving only sound to connect the tracks.

The album’s sound stays true to that of Def- Alternative metal tones’ past releases. Any fans band Deftones’ of their work latest album on the dreamy, alternative 2012 “Gore” proves “Koi No Yokan” that after 28 years are sure to love of making music, “Gore.” While it’s nice to enjoy they rock just as the old sound I hard as ever. love, I’d rather see them take a few more risks on the album. I would also love to see them include more heavy metal tracks like they did on their 2000 album, “White Pony.”

If you have yet to hear anything by Deftones but appreciate bands such as Thursday, Thrice, Bad Brains, Shinedown and He Is Legend, you may dig “Gore” as well.

Overall, I really enjoyed the album. I’d give it four out of five stars, my biggest complaint being that some of the ideas felt recycled from earlier albums, especially “Koi No Yokan.” Despite this, the passionate, romantic, psychedelic masterpiece “Gore” is definitely worth hearing if you like alternative metal and rock.

had an aversion to the rising popularity from “Blurryface”; however, they generally feel a sense of pride for Joseph and the music he started years ago in Columbus, Ohio.

I firmly believe “Blurryface” is one of the best albums from 2015 that holds many hidden masterpieces overshadowed by its song “Stressed Out.” From rave music beats to existential crisis-inducing lyrics, there is something on Twenty One Pilots’ “Blurryface” for everyone.

‘Tangled Up’ sends Rhett into spotlight anna silver

Assistant A&E Editor Newcomer Thomas Rhett’s latest album, “Tangled Up” which was released September 2015, will undoubtedly have you up and dancing to his melodious vocals and cheeky lyrics.

The album has a theme of young love, strife, and struggles, perhaps as a nod to Rhett’s own high school experience where he met his current wife.

Intermixed with upbeat songs demanding to be played at the highest volume level are slow, feel-good songs that balance the intense, louder tunes.

Rhett’s chart-topper “Die a Happy Man” has been featured on both country and pop stations and has been covered by many singers including Nelly; Rhett also recently performed this song with pop singer Nick Jonas. Rhett wrote “Die a Happy Man” specifically as an ode to his wife. This swoon-worthy song will please romantics, with its lyrics depicting Rhett’s more sensitive side: “If I never get to see the Northern Lights / or if I never get to see the Eiffel Tower at night / Oh, if all I got is your hand in my hand / Baby, I could die a happy man.”

“T-Shirt,” another hit on the album, is well complemented by the song’s music video which includes laudable dance moves by Rhett (that far exceed Drake’s dancing abilities in the “Hotline Bling” video).

The song reveals a narrative of a young pair’s gravitation toward

Permission ThomasRhett.com

each other with saucy lyrics like, “You’ve been saying that we’ve gotta quit doing this / So why you leaning in for one more kiss.”

My personal favorite, Rhett’s upbeat “Learned it from the Radio” boasts small-town pride with lyrics such as “How to be proud of that town ain’t nobody heard of / How to make dreams, seventeen, someday how to grow up,” while one of the album’s slower melodies, “The Day you Stop Looking Back,” is still catchy but softens the album’s louder, party songs.

One song on the album, “Tangled,” which inspired the album’s title, is the only song I dislike. It has generic pop-genre vibes and unfortunately lacks the catchy tune and creative lyrics of his other songs.

Overall, the songs on the album effortlessly tease at Rhett’s pop music ties, while at the same time stay true to his country music roots. Thomas Rhett’s “Tangled Up” is the perfect album to kickstart your summer.

tHE haRBINGER

Movie Reviews

15

JUNE 2016

‘Jungle Book’ hits theaters An animated classic roars into live-action

permission slashfilms.com

Daphne Binto

StaffWriter A new version of the animated Disney film, “The Jungle Book,” in theaters now, brings to life the original world filled with exotic plants and animals with no shortage of adventure.

The characters, featuring a “man cub” and incredibly realistic animated jungle animals, find themselves on a quest to protect the young boy Mowgli from the vicious tiger Shere Khan.

Despite the childish aspects of the original, this remake falls barely short of a horror movie, earning it a rating of PG. Filled with twists and turns in every scene, it will keep you on the edge of your seat for the entire two hours.

Besides a few slight plot deviations, the film is very similar to its 1967 version, including all the characters and most of the songs from the original. It will entertain both those who have and have not seen the previous film.

The film crew did an amazing job with the graphics. Most of the movie is created by digital design, including the jungle scenery and the animals that Mowgli befriends along the way. It’s hard to tell what’s real and what’s simply animated, because the effects are so realistic.

The producers were also very clever in choos- It’s hard to tell ing the soundtrack. Along with the traditional songs, it what’s real and includes new instrumentals what’s simply and a variety of sound efanimated, because fects. These aspects complemented the movie well, en- the effects are hancing the mood of each so realistic. scene. The more chilling parts were accompanied by dark, thundering music with heavy beats, while the lighthearted scenes contained music highlighted by flute-like instruments and sounds.

Changes in lighting went right along with the sonic changes.

The emotionally dark moments were shrouded in equally dismal shadows, and the victorious celebrations were flooded with pale sunlight.

All of the actors, including those who voiced the animated animals, were perfectly suited for their roles and brought out their personalities in unique yet subtle ways.

I saw the movie in 3-D which enhanced the already aweinducing aspects of the film.

Overall, “The Jungle Book” was very impressive. I would call it a must see for families with older kids, but not for the younger ones, because it does have some scary moments. However, it was extremely well done and I applaud the directors of the film.

‘Dazed and Confused’ showcases ‘70s high school lifestyle, still relevant today school party scene, which includes a pool hall and a surplus of marijuana and beer.

A&E Editor Watching the interaction between young Before his Oscar win, Matthew Mc- Mitch and the scary upperclassmen is Conaughey played a washed-up twenty- endlessly entertaining. The rest of Pink’s something still hanging out with high night is spent getting stoned and drunk schoolers in the 1993 authentic cult classic with Wooderson (McConaughey) and his “Dazed and Confused.” In one scene Mc- friends, Slater (Rory Cochrane), Simone Conaughey’s character remarks, “That’s (Joey Lauren Adams), Shavonne (Deena what I love about these high school girls, Martin), and Dawson (Sasha Jackson). man. I get older, they stay the same age.”

Meanwhile, seniors Mike (Adam Though the R rated film contains raunchy Goldberg), Tony (Anthony Rapp), and humor and heavy Cynthia (Madrug use, McCorissa Ribisi) drive naughey and his “The older you do get, around town lookcastmates perfectly the more rules they’re ing for fun while capture the teen analyzing life a bit life that director gonna try to get you to too much, endRichard Linklater follow. You just gotta keep ing up at the huge witnessed himself start-of-summer livin’ man, L-I-V-I-N.” in the mid-70s. party. The audi Set on the ence gets an intilast day of school Matthew McConaughey mate look at the in Austin, Texas in party scene dazed and confused teen 1976, the film efduring the imfortlessly follows promptu kegger in the adventures of a group of high school the woods, with beer and weed galore. students as they create mayhem on the The music is what makes the first day of summer. The rising seniors movie. With a soundtrack featuring “Sweet haze the incoming freshmen in the park- Emotion” by Aerosmith, “Slow Ride” ing lot after school, boys spanked with by Foghat, “Tuesday’s Gone” by Lynyrd paddles and girls coated with ketchup and Skynyrd, “School’s Out” by Alice Cooper, mustard. The freshmen begin their sum- and “Rock and Roll All Night” by KISS mer running for their lives. among others, the essence of the carefree Senior and star quarterback Randall ‘70s shines through.

“Pink” Floyd (Jason London) befriends The whole movie can be summed up incoming freshman Mitch Kramer (Wylie in Wooderson’s one line: “The older you Wiggins) and introduces him to the high do get, the more rules they’re gonna try to Paige Morse

Permission Movie2k

get you to follow. You just gotta keep livin’ man, L-I-V-I-N.” It’s no wonder “Dazed and Confused” has such a positive critical response; it has brought laughs and memories to young and old for over 20 years. People who went to high school in the ‘70s can identify with it, and high schoolers now can find clear parallels to present day.

If you’re looking for a lighthearted high school movie to watch with some friends, “Dazed and Confused” will keep you amused.

Graphic caroline Elfland

permission youtube

‘Sixteen Candles’: a throwback worth your time Allie madigan

StaffWriter When most girls think about turning sixteen, they think of bumping parties and gorgeous dresses, but for Samantha Baker (Molly Ringwald) turning sixteen is anything but sweet.

“Sixteen Candles” is a hilarious 1984 comedy that follows Sam Baker’s sixteenth birthday gone wrong. With the excitement of her older sister’s wedding, her whole family completely forgets about her birthday. On top of that, her grandparents take over her room, she has to ride the school bus with a swarm of freshmen nerds, and her crush Jake Ryan accidently finds a sex quiz she took in class.

Characters include senior hotshot Jake Ryan, the most popular boy in school and Sam’s crush, Sam’s ditzy older sister and immature younger brother, a group of nerdy freshmen boys, both sets of Sam’s kooky grandparents, and a bizarre Chinese exchange student named “Long Duk Dong.”

Although the movie takes place in the 1980s, it includes comical high school stereotypes that are still present in films today, such as awkward underclassmen on the school bus, dances in the gym, a house party gone wrong, and embarrassing grandparents. The portrayal of high school is without a doubt over-the-top, but that’s what makes the movie so funny.

“Sixteen Candles” marks the beginning of an era for director John Hughes, as it was his first of many iconic high school movies to come such as “The Breakfast Club,” “Pretty in Pink,” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” Likewise, the film also served as Molly Ringwald’s big break in Hollywood.

The movie was filmed in various suburbs of Chicago, serving as the perfect location for an adolescent based storyline. With 1980s music blasting through the speakers at the high school dance and pepto-bismol-pink puffy sleeved bridesmaids gowns, the movie screams 1980s pop culture in every way.

I would recommend this movie to anyone over the age of fourteen. While the movie is rated PG, movie rating criteria has drastically changed over the years. It should be rated at least PG13, for it includes profane language and sexual content.

I personally did not enjoy “Sixteen Candles” as much as some of Hughes’ other works, but that is to be expected because Hughes had to start somewhere.

I really did like the movie, but it is hard to compare it to “Ferris Bueller’s Day off ” or “The Breakfast Club,” which are two of my favorite movies of all time.

Nevertheless, the movie was still very enjoyable and deserves a four out of five star rating. “Sixteen Candles” was just recently added on Netflix, so make sure to put it on your list if you’re looking for a good laugh.

tHE haRBINGER

A&E

16

JUNE 2016

Advanced Drama Night excites Everyone was very excited about how the audience would respond to this new adStaffWriter dition.

The Advanced Drama class per“I am looking forward to seeing how formed their annual improvisation show the audience reacts to our dancing. It is with a dance twist called Advanced Drama definitely going to be unexpected for an Night on May 19. improv show,” senior Parker Lescalleet This show is traditionally a series of said. improvised scenes and improv games, This dance made the preparation which is exciting grueling because and fun for the cast they had to pracand drama teacher “We were lucky to have an tice often with Maura Morrison. the help of seawesome audience and I But with improv nior Justin Stott, comes the unex- think that we really brought who was a part pected and even the energy to each scene.” of the show and the cast had no choreographed idea what was gothe dance.

Annie Campbell ing to happen “We have before the show been preparing a senior started. lot,” senior Paige “I am always Carney said. “We excited at the unexpected that improv is have had dance classes with our teacher and the possibilities that improv entails,” Justin; he makes us line up on stage and Morrison said. “So [my feelings] are a we do a rigorous lesson of our dance and combination of being always worried maybe do up to 10 runs of it each class. It about something going wrong and hope- has really been hard, but we are getting it ful that students will be able to be in the together. It seems like we’ve been dancing moment and be smart.” our whole lives.”

This year, the cast decided to do All the cast members were happy with something different by adding in a choreo- their performances in front of the vibrant graphed dance to the song “Nicest Kids crowd as well.

In Town” from the movie “Hairspray.”

Lily Scearbo

Martin finds joy in semi-pro singing Anna Silver

Assistant A&E Editor Applied Arts and Technology teacher Cameron Martin performed a solo with his singing group, the Assabet Valley Mastersingers, at St. Mary’s Church in Shrewsbury during the week of May 15.

According to Martin, his group is filled with “semiprofessional singers” that perform in local towns, and although not a religious choir, they also often sing in churches. About 100 people paid to see their recent performance at St. Mary’s Church.

Admitting that he was very nervous before his solo, Martin also said that it may be because he is fairly new with this particular choir.

“I was [nervous], I don’t know why because I sing all the time in front of people,” Martin said. “I think it probably was because I was singing with a new group that I have only been with for two months.”

Martin has always been interested in music and was part of a church choir from a young age.

“I was probably five or six [when I got into singing],” Martin said. “My mom pushed me to join the church choir and then I did, loved it, [and] sang for years with the choir. In middle school I was in several musicals and I did vocal lessons in middle and high school.”

Working his way up, Martin became choir director at his church.

“Eventually I ended up taking over as choir director for my church for three years so I was in charge of all the music ministry of the parish,” Martin said.

While he does not hold this position anymore, Martin still sings at his church and performs with his choir.

A lifelong love of music has enveloped Martin as he continues to utilize his singing talents which he believes has ultimately shaped him as a person.

“Singing and music have always been a challenge for me,” Martin said. “It’s expanded me as a person.

I’ve always found [music] to be really fun and although it’s difficult, I think it’s really good in terms of personal growth.”

Proud of his recent solo, Martin was surprised by the number of laudatory comments he received after his performance.

“I felt like I accomplished something,” Martin said.

“I felt like I was able to move people or get them to feel something.”

Martin concluded that he may not become a famous singer, but he will continue to sing and perform for as long as he is able to.

“If I ever could get bigger, I’d like to, but I don’t think that’ll happen,” Martin said. “But I’ll definitely keep going with my music nonetheless.”

Photo henna dhingra

Seniors perform at the Advanced Drama Night on May 19 in the Blackbox theater.

“I think the show went really well,” senior Annie Campbell said. “We were lucky to have an awesome audience and I think that we really brought the energy to each scene.”

The show also received rave reviews from audience members.

“I loved it,” senior Casey Reynolds

said. “I thought it was incredible workmanship.”

The cast hopes to leave behind a legacy with their unique dance addition to the show this year.

“I hope we raise the bar for advanced drama shows in the future,” senior Jill Furlong said.

Annual Art Show displays year’s worth of student work

Photos henna dhingra

Junior Diana Roy (top left) admires student artwork in the wrestling gym on May 12, the Art Show’s opening day .

Students study masterpieces (top right) created in art classes of all different levels.

Freshman Kate Sullivan, sophomore Caroline Riley, and junior Jessie DeLouis (bottom right) peruse the 3D art displays.

David Tennyson

StaffWriter The annual Art Show opened on May 12 bringing together creations from all art levels and giving purpose to a year’s worth of hard work.

The Art Show, coordinated by art teachers Michelle Shepard, Danielle DeCiero, and George Hancin, is set up in the wrestling gym through May 27 allowing students, parents and teachers alike to view exactly what goes on in the art education program.

“It took about five days [setting up the art show], that included putting mats around all the drawings and hanging them up. It was me, all the other art teachers, and many students,” Hancin said.

“One of the reasons we do art is to show other people; it’s like having a movie, people go to see it,” Hancin said. “What’s the point if no one sees it?”

“The amount of students who take on art classes is relatively small, and other students don’t get to see their work. This allows other students to see it,” Hancin said.

Senior and Art 2 student Adrian Anderson finds that the art show is a way to bring praise to a student and their artwork from new eyes.

“I think the art show is important, because it re-

ally allows your peers to see what you have been working on, and validates your work,” Anderson said. “The art show allows the creative minded people at Algonquin to have their work on the same level as traditional academic work.”

After only one year of formal practice in visual art, Anderson appreciates Algonquin’s art program.

“I think art education is extremely important and I am very thankful we have so many great resources here at Algonquin, so students can really pursue any artistic lane,” Anderson said.

AP Art student and senior Julia DeMattia believes the Art Show is a great way to showcase the variety of different levels in artistic ability. “[Art is] important because it helps define who you really are and activates the creative part of your brain,” DeMattia said.

Freshman and Art 1 student Veronika Jaster appreciates the Art Show as a way of sharing the passions of other students.

“I think the Art Show was to show people who are not regularly involved in art, just how meaningful the subject can be,” Jaster said.

tHE haRBINGER

ACHIEVE ADVISING

17

JUNE 2016

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Reviews

18

JUNE 2016

Sounds of Summer: Courtesy mazda.com

The sleek Mazda 3 cruises down the street, keeping you safe while remaining stylish.

Mazda 3: teenage dream Matt Franks

StaffWriter Your first car is often a big deal and must fill a checklist of factors for it to suit you. Most often factors can include price, safety features, gas mileage, and insurance cost.

A great first car that passes the checklist for the average teenager is the stylish Mazda 3. The Mazda 3 has nearly all the safety features your parents could ask for such as surround air bags, while still looking stylish and sporty with its intense body lines and chrome wheels.

The car comes in two models, the four door sedan or the five door hatchback.

The sedan starts at $17,845 and the hatchback starts at $18,545 for the 2016 year models. While the new year models are great, the older and affordable model years starting in 2005 to 2012 are also a good option. Prices can range from $2,000 to $5,000 for a mid range milage car (about 55,000 miles) in good mechanical condition. Often used, mid-year model Mazda 3s can be found at local dealerships for a comparable price.

The Mazda 3 is a great first car with an average 35 mpg rating that will not break the bank in gas fill ups and seating for five passengers to fit all your friends.

The car comes in a variety of exterior colors and interior materials. With choices of Soul Red, Blue Reflex, Deep Crystal, Jet Black, Liquid Silver, Meteor Gray, or Snowflake White to choose from, you are able to select a color that best fits what you want. The Mazda 3 also comes with a choice of black or sand cloth seats that are well ventilated for hot days, but also keep you warm in the winter.

The car is fully equipped with a high quality stereo system and a sunroof for those nice summer days while jamming out to your music.

The Mazda 3 is also a great first car for its amount of possible upgrades and customization options. From an easily upgradable radio and speaker system for the hard core jammers to a sporty trunk spoiler that will add a “wow factor” to the rear of the car, the Mazda 3 may just be the perfect car for new drivers.

Six must-see concerts for the season Paige Morse

A&E Editor What would summer be without rocking out at open-air concerts on warm summer nights? From rock n’ roll to country, there is something for everyone coming to town this summer, and here are my picks.

Paul McCartney

Before there was One Direction and 5 Seconds of Summer, there was pure rock n’ roll in its first generation. Sir Paul McCartney’s band, The Beatles, changed the face of music but McCartney refused to stop there.

He cemented himself as a rock legend with a successful solo career, and will grace us with his presence on July 17 at Fenway Park.

Billy Joel

Every time Billy Joel comes back to Fenway he blows away his previous performances, and this summer will be no exception. Joel has a quality that makes his music endlessly timeless and engaging. On August 18 catch the original “Piano Man” play hit after hit and nail each one like it is being played directly off its album.

Jimmy Buffett

Don’t go wasting away again in Margaritaville this summer; instead go see the man who made the soundtrack to every beach party and backyard barbecue. From songs like “Cheeseburger in Paradise” to “Margaritaville” itself, you are sure to be swaying to the music at the Xfinity Center on August 20.

Zac Brown Band

Grab some chicken fried and head on down to Fenway Park on August 20 or 21 for a night of singing along to all those country songs you know by heart. After a triumphant

Courtesy Billyjoel.com

Billy Joel peforms at his piano in a legendary Madison Square Garden show.

2-night-stand at Fenway last year, Zac is back and better than ever. Adios and vaya con dios, go get those tickets!

spectacular end to your summer.

Although we live in Massachusetts, there is nothing wrong with enjoying a little southern comfort music, especially the fun catchy songs by Thomas Rhett, my favorites being “Make Me Wanna” and “Crash and Burn.”

Accompanied by country veterans Jason Aldean and Kid Rock at Fenway on September 9 and 10, Thomas Rhett is sure to make a

to the upbeat rockers, Springsteen is the king of live performances. If you missed his concert at the TD Garden in February swing by Gillette Stadium on September 14 for an unforgettable show from a 66-year old who performs like he’s 16.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

Thomas Rhett, Jason Aldean, Would this really be my list if I didn’t and Kid Rock have the Boss on it? From the slow ballads

Deja Vu revives vinyl for low prices

photo Caroline elfland

After a successful day of shopping at Deja Vu, Caroline Elfland is excited to listen to her new records, including classics such as David Bowie’s “Hunky Dory” and Simon & Garfnukel’s “Sounds of Silence”.

Caroline Elfland

Social Media Editor Record stores are rapidly being brought down by stores such as Newbury Comics or Urban Outfitters that sometimes charge up to $40 for newly printed vinyl.

Down the way on 154 E Central Street in Natick is Deja Vu Records, an unsuspecting little shop filled with boxes upon boxes of records for unbelievably low prices.

A trip to Deja Vu is not a shopping trip, it is a scavenger

hunt. The records are separated by genre, but that is where the organization stops. Boxes and crates fill shelves, window sills and even cover the floors.

If you come in with a particular artist or album on your mind, the store’s owner and sole operator, Eleni, usually is able to recall if it is somewhere amongst the piles.

Record collection staples like “Who’s Next?” by The Who or “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” by the Beatles are usually in stock. Sifting through

the boxes I have come across most accessible medium for musuch rare icons as “Are You Ex- sic. You will not find Nirvana or perienced?” by the Jimi Hendrix Pearl Jam or anything made for Experience or “Highway 61 Re- CD. visited” by Bob I recomDylan. mend Deja Vu Deja Vu “A trip to Deja Vu to anyone lookalso has a great ing for some load of singles is not a shopping classic vinyl, or 45”s. Sifting trip, it is a whether that through these be jazz, rock, scavenger hunt.” is an advenclassical, show ture. You never tunes, comedy, know when you may come across anything. Come with an open a “Stairway to Heaven” by Led mind and lots of patience.

Zeppelin or “Hungry Heart” by Bruce Springsteen.

Perhaps the most attractive part of Deja Vu in particular is the pricing. At the end of your visit you bring Eleni your stack of records. She looks at each album and each piece of vinyl to name a reasonable price. The price for an average record in good condition is $3-$5, less for heavily scratched records or singles. A rare or sealed album will increase the price. The highest sale I have ever encountered was $10 for a barely spun Hendrix record. It is a shot in the dark, just be aware of how much is in your arms in the end. I usually walk out with 10-15 albums each visit. photo paige morse It is important to note that the records you will find at Deja It is easy to get lost in the Vu are genuine. These records beautiful maze of records at were printed when vinyl was the Deja Vu.

tHE haRBINGER

Reviews

19

JUNE 2016

Anthony’s perfects pizza coal oven pie” fired with mozzarella cheese, italian plum tomatoes, romano cheese, basil, and olive oil. The ingreAssistant Photo Editor dients were a perfect blend and overall contribute to the When entering Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, you are best pizza slices I’ve had in a long time. greeted by a welcoming staff and a simplistic, but familSoda is offered in bottles that come with a glass of iar atmosphere. Located on Shops Way at Northborough ice. Many restaurants offer fountain drinks with free refills Crossing, just across from Starbucks, the restaurant can’t but Anthony’s takes a different approach, which could up be missed on your way into the plaza. your bill depending on how many bottles are ordered. The The atmosphere is of a classic pizza restaurant with staff was very courteous and friendly and ensured our evan open patio giving the dining room ery need was met. It was apparent a more relaxed feel. It has the capacthe establishment had just opened ity to seat many, which can lead to “Anthony’s Coal Fired as our server had another training loud noise if you visit on the week- Pizza is definitely the waitress shadowing him. end and maybe a small wait. A large next up and coming If pizza isn’t your thing, Anbar on the side of the restaurant has thony’s offers oven roasted chicken views of televisions for restaurant place to eat out.” wings with your choice of portion goers looking to catch a sports game. size, ten or twenty wings. Roast beef The restaurant is suited for anyone from families with and tuna salad sandwiches can also be found on the menu. small children to friends looking for a night out on the Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza is definitely the next up town. and coming place to eat out. The restaurant can be comCustomers are able to chose from a variety of pies pared to Bertucci’s, which may offer complimentary bread including a Philly cheesesteak pizza, topped with caramel- and olive oil, but the pizza does not even compare. If you ized onions and thinly sliced meat, and a mozzarella pizza are in search of a delicious thin crust pizza and a timeless prepared with tomato and basil. I went for the “traditional atmosphere, be sure to check out Anthony’s.

Ryan Strobel

The Civic feeds your fancier side

photo jo casey

Jo casey

StaffWriter As I drove up to a tall, white building overlooking the Westborough Country Club, my hopes that this would be a fantastic restaurant were high. A large sign bearing the name of the new restaurant, The Civic, stood in front of an almost completely filled parking lot.

See more reviews online! at ARHSHarbinger. com

The restaurant’s interior didn’t fail to meet the impressive looks of the exterior. Tall windows lining the grey walls, wooden tables, each with its own small vase of flowers, and a small lounge complete with a fireplace gave the huge restaurant a more welcoming feel.

The wait staff were friendly and efficient, seating us quickly and bringing our drinks served in mason jars, which were used creatively instead of cups. Our waiter was able to answer all the questions we had about the menu, and we were ordering in no time at all.

According to the menu, The Civic uses only ingredients that are locally grown to create all of their dishes.

The appetizer looked delicious as it arrived at our table. Homemade potato chips, baked so that they were crispy, with just enough salt to add flavor, were served with a side of wild ramp onion dip ($6).

Soon after, our main entrees arrived. I ordered a dish called “Chicken Under A Brick”, a flavorful meal that included a roast chicken brushed with spices, roast potatoes,

and a side of rhubarb ($19). It was one of the best meals I’ve ever had in a restaurant. The chicken was well cooked, instead of underdone or too dry, which it can often be at restaurants. The only criticism I have is that the potatoes, while full of flavor, were too soft for my liking. I would’ve liked them better if they’d been more crispy.

My sister ordered the fish and chips ($17), which she enjoyed.

Though she does not usually like French fries, she was happy with the crispy fries made by the restaurant.

After dinner came the dessert, which was easily the best part of the entire meal. A gigantic slice of decadent chocolate cake covered in thick chocolate frosting, chocolate chips, hot fudge, and espresso whipped cream was appropriately called Death By Chocolate ($7).

Overall, The Civic was one of the best restaurants I have ever been to. And while it can be a little pricy, it’s the perfect place for a special occasion. Just remember to make a reservation if you’re going on a weekend- it can get crowded fast.

courtesy sapporobbq.com

Sapporo Korean BBQ serves up adventure Kate Massucco

StaffWriter For those who want to try a new twist on barbecue, look no further than Westboro’s Sapporo Korean BBQ. Sapporo is an affordable and delicious option for unique cuisine.

Upon my arrival, I was waited on promptly and by friendly hosts who explained specifics of the restaurant.

The host told me that before our meals came out that we would receive a platter of traditional Korean side dishes.

While waiting for our drinks, I noticed that Sapporo is much bigger than it seems from the outside. The interior has a cool and laid back vibe, with decorations that suggested both traditional and modern art and decor. All the tables are black marble and added to the laid back vibe of the entire place.

From much of the seating, the sushi bar is visible and dinner guests can observe the sushi chef making anything from maki to sashimi, showing the guests the authenticity of their cuisine.

Shortly after ordering, we got the much anticipated six Korean side dishes including broccoli, kimchi, and potato salad. The waitress was eager for me to try the traditional Korean kimchi. It looked like a dingy green ribbon covered in red sauce, but I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was. Although definitely spicy, it was bursting with deep soy flavors.

My main entree was a bibimbap bowl, pronounced bee-bim-bop ($12.95), which has rice, veggies, korean style beef and is topped off with a jiggly fried egg. The portions are on the larger side, so I felt I got the full bang for my buck.

The food had bold flavors that complimented each other. None of it was too overpowering, but none of it too dull. The korean style beef was my favorite part of the meal. It is beef that has been cut incredibly thin and is marinated in a rich sauce with that gives the meat tones of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame.

From the pleasant and helpful service to the incredible meal, I am hooked. If you are looking to expand your palette, check out Sapporo.

C’est la Vie 30 Main St. Northborough, MA, 01532

The Big Short film review

by Ethan McRae Ashland Ale House restaurant review

by Lily Scearbo The Melting Pot restaurant review

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tHE haRBINGER

A&E

20

JUNE 2016

Pops Night honors Green Amanda Campbell & Cassidy Wang

StaffWriter & News Editor

Courtesy Tom Alera

Good News cast members show off their Best Feautured Ensemble award.

Good News wins at TAMY Awards Caroline elfland

Social Media Editor On the evening of May 22, members of local high school theater gathered at the Mount Wachusett Community College theater for the annual Tamy Awards. The Tamy Awards recognize exceptional performances and productions in high school theater around the area.

Algonquin’s winter production of Good News received ten nomnations, including best production. The football team walked away with one win, for Best Featured Ensemble.

Senior Sarah Milnamow is an avid member of the theater community at Algonquin.

She has been nominated for multiple Tamy Awards, including one this year for her leading performance in Good News. “[The TAMY Awards] celebrate excellence in high school musical theater, so to be nominated for anything is a huge honor,” Milnamow said. “I think it’s really awesome that there is an organization out there that recognizes that and that brings us all together to celebrate.”

“We got ten nominations and I’m thrilled about that,” Algonquin theater director Tom Alera said. “It’s been happening over the last few years which is really nice. The musical keeps getting better and better and bigger and bigger with the kids and nothing makes me happier.”

Two pieces honoring the life and legacy of Eric Green, who passed away suddenly at age 12 in 2012, were commissioned and featured at the Pops Night concert on June 1.

Green was a member of the class of 2017 and his life and death have made a lasting impact on his classmates. In tribute of their friend, Jazz I performed “Kaleidoscope” by Erik Morales and Wind Ensemble played “A Kind and Gentle Soul” by James Swearingen. Morales and Swearingen, two professional composers, wrote the pieces in honor of Green.

“The students who played in the Photo Kelly Slovin Wind Ensemble were in eighth grade The Camerata group sings “Feeling Good” at Pops Night on June 1. when [Green] passed away,” Wind Ensemble director Amy Collins said. it sounds like they are echoing each a particularly tight-knit group,” Waters said. “They really had a sense of this be“They’re seniors now; and they got to other.” “[‘Kaleidoscope’] is a groovy piece ing their last time to perform together play [the commissioned piece] at Pops Night. It touched a lot of people in the that highlights the beauty of the trum- when they’ve been together for so many pets through multiple solos,” junior Bec years.” audience that knew Eric.”

For Collins, The Star Wars pieces One of Green’s classmates, junior Marder said.

Other highlights of Pops Night played by Wind Ensemble stood out esAlex Cosentino, remembers him fondcame from vari- pecially. ly as someone ous numbers “I was exceptionally proud of the who was “aldirected by ColWind Ensemble performing Star Wars ways smiling and “It’s great to see how lins, band direc- this year because it’s a really challenging would always tor Eric Vincent, piece,” Collins said. “They did it justice.” light up a room vast the program is and chorus diWaters particularly enjoyed the Carwith his positiv- and how many kids rector Kathrine ole King medley chorus students perity.” are involved in it.”

Waters. formed.

“He was According “It went through so many periods one of those Amy Collins to Vincent, Pops of her music and it was great because rare people where you ques- Wind Ensemble Director Night serves as a the kids didn’t know anything about her sending-off for before they started and by the time they tioned how they seniors. were done, they just wanted to sing her could be so kind “That’s one of the things that makes all the time and have fun with it,” Waters and wonderful,” Cosentino said.

Morales incorporated aspects of the Pops concerts special; it comes said.

In all, Collins believes Pops Night Green’s life through the use of many right before graduation and it’s kind of trumpet solos, the main instrument the last hurrah for the kids we’ve seen culminates and celebrates everything through the program for 4 years,” Vin- music students have accomplished Green played. throughout the year. “[‘A Kind and Gentle Soul’] is really cent said.

Pops Night also united senior music “It’s great to see how vast the profun,” junior Michael McGlynn said. “I gram is and how many kids are involved think my favorite part is when the trum- students for a final time.

“I feel like this year’s senior class is in it,” Collins said. pets are playing the same parts because

Ray receives national creative writing award

Courtesy Elsa Ray

Freshman Elsa Ray poses at the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards in New York on June 1. larissa Andrade

StaffWriter Freshman Elsa Ray was recently recognized as a regional Gold Key and national Gold Medal winner in the Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards for her historical fiction novel, The Mask.

Ray independently chose to enter the competition as one of approximately 300,000 other entries from students around America.

“I first decided to sign up for the con-

test as an art student upon seeing advertisements for it in the art classrooms,” Ray said.

“I have been interested in writing for a long time,” Ray said. “I’m also a huge reader which goes hand in hand with writing.”

Ray started her 14,825 word novel during the spring of eighth grade for a school free write and finished it in December.

The National Arts and Writing Awards include 29 different categories of art and writing to recognize exceptional works by students in grades 7-12.

“I guess what prompted me to sign up for the event and to submit my writing was the idea of testing myself against hundreds of other writers my age across the country,” Ray said.

“I just wanted to see how my ideas and storytelling would compare to others,” Ray said. “I’m excited to get a chance to read other award-winning stories and hopefully learn from the other writers as well.”

According to the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards site, the organization awards $250,000 in scholarships as well as opportunities to be published in the National Catalog, the Best Teen Writing, The Best Young Writers and Artists in America, Scope magazine, Junior Scholastic magazine, Scholastic Art magazine and New York Times Upfront magazine.

“I didn’t realize how prestigious the contest was until later,” Ray said. “The funny thing is that I turned in my piece right at the deadline; I didn’t think it [my

writing] was even submitted.”

Ray’s novel is split into six different Ray won a Gold Key award along sections, with each set in a different era of with a Gold Medal award. A Gold Key the last century. The Mask centers around designates the very best work submitted a pretty masquerade mask, and how the to local programs. They are automatically mask passes through the hands of differconsidered for national-level recognition. ent people as they experience major world A Gold Medal is awarded to the most out- events. standing works in the nation.

The mask is made in Venice in 1897.

“I didn’t always As time carries on, dream of winning through An excerpt from “The Mask” itthe passes an award for writhands of those ing,” Ray said. “But who were alive at it’s incredibly awe- “The girl closed the book, and the start of World some to be recog- reached into the trunk to retrieve a War One, all the nized for something small velvet box. Inside was a gold way to the equal that I love to do and medal on purple cloth. Awarded rights movement in to be compared to for wounds received in action, read Montgomery, Alaothers at a national bama in 1956. As the printed script. Beneath the box level.”

Ray explained, “The Ray attended was a certificate of death on duty. story can continue the awards ceremo- She stroked the medal lovingly, forever.” ny and workshop in sitting by herself with the album Ray hopes that New York City on on her lap, until something else in her writing abilities June 1-3. can soon help other the box caught her eye. A silver “I think writing, students in the fuespecially storytell- hatbox was nestled in the corner, ture improve their ing, is really cool,” and, by moving the assortment of writing as well.

Ray said. “You can shirts and diplomas on top of it, “I’m taking shape the charac- she was able to lift it out. Carefully, part in the Algonters and their stories she opened the lid. Inside sat a quin Writing Lab however you want, which opens next but it’s even cooler beautiful mask.” year,” Ray said. “It’s when they take on where students who lives of their own.” are strong writers will give writing advice “With the story I submitted, once I and help to anybody with any type of ishad really solidified the characters I felt sue, so it’s good to pick up new skills and like they were the ones telling me the story techniques from people I might meet in and I was just pressing buttons on a key- New York City.” board,” Ray said.

tHE haRBINGER

SPORTS

21

JUNE 2016

Leonard throws javelin to third in New England, breaks school record I didn’t enjoy them as much as I did high school sports, Leonard said. “Algonquin athletics has allowed me to make so many great memories as well as friendships over the past four years. I like the people. I’m friends with a lot of them; it’s like a family.”

A busy schedule is a common side effect for most athletes. However, Leonard believes that sports can even help students become more productive.

“It [sports] really helped me with my time management because I knew I had a certain amount of time to do homework when I got home from practice and that really helped,” Leonard said.

Throughout her hectic high school years, Leonard’s Courtesy caroline leonard family has been encouraging.

Senior Caroline Leonard competes in the State meet for javelin where she placed “They were always very second. Leonard went on to place third in New England. helpful driving me to games, Julia Desautels ten,” Leonard said. “I played state tournament was awe- practices, and making dinner when I got home so I could it all the way through mid- some,” Leonard said.

Sports Editor dle school and all the way Leonard helped lead the do homework right after A competitor since through high school. I also soccer team to the State Fi- that,” Leonard said. “They have been so kindergarten, three varsity started basketball when I was nals where s u p p o r t i ve sport athlete Caroline Leon- really young. I enjoyed that.” they lost a and I can’t “Algonquin ard finished her senior year Basketball and soccer tough game thank them strong with a school record- were Leonard’s favorite pas- a g a i n s t athletics has enough for breaking javelin throw, placed times, but she dabbled in Needham. what they second in the state on June 4, other sports as well.

A s allowed me to have done and third in New England on “I played softball for a point guard make so many for me.”

June 11. while, but when I got into L e o n a r d N e x t “It was at the District high school I didn’t want to led the great memories year, Leonard track meet. My farthest play any more so I joined the girls’ bas- as well as will attend throw was 142 feet 3 inches. track team. I ended up really k e t b a l l Assumption That was a meet record and loving that,” Leonard said. team to friendships College and my personal record for the When Leonard began the district over the past compete on year,” Leonard said. “1976 high school, her basketball, semi-final their track was the last record.” track and soccer careers took game. four years.” and field At the District competi- off. With hard work, she was A l team. tion Leonard placed first in able to help her teams be- t h o u g h “I aljavelin, and on June 6 she come successful.

L e o n a r d Caroline Leonard ways enjoyed Senior placed second in the Team “For the soccer season has played it [sports] Weight Person Pentathlon. we beat Wachusett in the with other so much I Leonard began playing Central Mass finals. That was club teams, she said that would never think of giving it sports at a young age and awesome because they were nothing compared to the became competitive imme- our rival all year, and the past chemistry she had with Al- up,” Leonard said. “It’s good to be competitive in a sport. diately. three years we haven’t made gonquin athletics.

“The first sport I played it past that game. So to win “I did club soccer and I love winning and playing was soccer. I started that that and to move on to the basketball for a few years but with my team so that’s why I keep doing it.” when I was in kindergar-

Girls’ rugby tackles third place in State Tournament

Track Stars Shine

Junior Christina Thebado: placed first at Districts in the 100 meter hurdles breaking the school record with a time of 15.54 seconds.

Junior Everett Pirtle: placed eighth at States in the 400 meter with a time of 49.82.

Freshman Tess Reyes: placed third at States in the mile breaking the school record with a time of 5:18.

Senior Max Michaud: placed fourth at States in the 800 meter breaking the school record with a time of 1:53.48.

Photos By Rafaela coelho & Ryan Strobel Information compiled by emily smith

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Junior Madison Scott prepares to pass the ball to a teammate on May 23 in a game against Lincoln-Sudbury. The team fought hard to finish third in the State Tournament on May 28 at Foley Stadium.

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tHE haRBINGER

SPORTS

22

JUNE 2016

Boys’ lacrosse perseveres through challenges emily smith

Sports Editor After closing the season with a 13-6 record, the boys’ lacrosse team fell short in the Central West Division 2 quarter final playoff game against St. John’s, losing 12-4 on June 3.

The team was hoping to go farther into the playoffs, but looks back on their season in an overall positive way.

“When thinking of the season there are many great moments to reflect upon,” coach Matt Nofsinger said. “The boys lead the league for most of the season and ended up earning a league title. In that run, the boys played many tough programs but one of the most rewarding was beating Acton-Boxborough in overtime for the first time in our history.”

“I think this season was really something special. All the kids really clicked together and played as a team for the whole year,” junior Kevin Hatton said.

Early in the playoffs, the team showed resiliency by beating Northampton 5-3 on June 1, restoring their confidence after losing the last four regular season games.

“I think we did pretty good,” junior Zack Skowroneck said.

“We lost the last four games of our season but I think that was a good wake up call. We went into the playoffs with a full head of

steam.”

Their grueling 18 game schedule brought many challenges such as injuries and tough opponents.

“Every team played us like it was the playoffs and it began to wear us down,” junior Andres Axline said. “At one point, every player on starting defense was injured. We lost our last four games of the season, so I’m glad we could pull out the win against Northampton.”

“We’ve had a lot of heart lately and battled through a lot of injuries, a lot of guys had to step up and it really was a team effort,” junior Ryan Lefebrve said.

Senior captains Mike Martens, Colton King, and Michael Tascione showed their leadership skills throughout the season and really held the team up.

“Mike Martens has not only helped the team with his abilities, but has also had a huge impact on every player individually,” junior Andrew Fierimonte said. “I can’t say I knew him before the season, but as it progressed we all grew to be a family.”

Due to difficult competition, the team had to take their practice and playing to the next level.

“I feel like Jake Kelleher has really stepped up recently. People don’t really realize it because he plays defense, but he never gets beat,” Martens said.

The team stood up for each other through the long

photo kelly slovin

Freshman Ric Carreras runs the ball up the field in a game against Westborough on May 27.

season and became more bonded by the challenges they faced.

“I love these guys so much and it’s sad to have the season come to an end,” Axline said.

“I’m already thinking about how

Girls’ tennis serves out a strong season

photo Henna dhingra

Freshman Darby Kim serves the ball in a match against Sutton on April 26. Led by Kim at number one singles along with freshman Elaine Cho at number two singles, the team made it to the Central Massachusetts Division 1 quarter finals, but lost to Nashoba 5-0 on June 3.

we can bounce back stronger next year.”

The whole program is looing forward to the future and how they can bounce back next season.

“We are proud of the boys and their accomplishments and are looking forward to what the future brings,” Nofsinger said.

Spring Sports Recap SPORT

RECORD

Baseball

15-6

JV 1 Baseball

8-11

JV 2 Baseball

8-7

Softball

6-14

Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse

13-7

Boys’ JV 1 Lacrosse

13-2

Boys’ JV 2 Lacrosse

2-6

Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse

7-11

Girls’ JV 1 Lacrosse

9-6-1

Girls’ JV 2 Lacrosse

3-0

Boys’ Tennis

17-3

Girls’ Tennis

10-9

Boys’ Track

2-1

Girls’ Track

4-0

Boys’ Varsity Volleyball

12-5

Boys’ JV 1 Volleyball

13-3

Boys’ Rugby

3-3

Girls’ Rugby

5-3

tHE haRBINGER

SPORTS

23

JUNE 2016

Boys’ volleyball bumps competition maggie del re

A&E Editor The boys’ varsity volleyball team obliterated competition in the Mid-Wach league, making it to playoffs due to their hard work and dedication. After a strong post-season run, the team lost to Framingham 3-0 in the semifinals on June 3.

“We tried our hardest, but they have some really great players,” junior and captain Dustin Hartnett said. “Hopefully next year we’ll take them.”

The team had a 14-4 record in the Division I Midland Wachusett League. They won almost all of their regular season games, with the exception of a few tough losses against Wachusett.

However in their first playoff game on May 25, the team defeated Wachusett 3-2.

“It was the best game I’ve ever witnessed, no doubt,” Hartnett said. “We had a huge crowd for the first time ever. That really helped us push through the entire two-plus hour game!”

Other than Wachusett, the team feels that the Mid-Wach league fails to provide teams that pose much of a challenge to them.

“For Mid-Wach, Wachusett is our biggest competition,”

Hartnett said. “But other than Wachusett, most schools are just getting started up, while Algonquin has already been a team for a couple years. That gives us a pretty good advantage because we’ve had more experience playing together.”

“We played Westfield Academy [a non-league team] the other day and it was a heck of a game,” Hartnett said. “We lost, but it was very well-played for both sides.”

Although Algonquin players have more experience than most of the other teams in their division, they have to learn to work around some disadvantages.

“We’re relatively young. We only have five seniors out of 14 kids,” captain and senior Mark Dyer said. “We’ve lost a lot of seniors last year, basically our whole starting lineup, so it’s more of a rebuilding year… But this means that there’s time for us to improve.”

“Also, we’re relatively short [in height] when compared to other teams,” Dyer said. “But I have trust in people that when I set the ball, they will hit it. That’s really important.”

Despite these challenges, the team feels they are well-equipped to move up in the ranks and graduate from Mid-Wach to a more challenging league.

photo henna dhingra

Junior Matt Hurley and sophomore Alex Chen jump for a block against Leominster on May 13.

“We’ve been talking to coach to try to get us to a better division,” Hartnett said. “We’ll probably get whooped. That’s the downside… But we feel like, as a program, to move up in the ranks and keep challenging ourselves will make us a better and more well-rounded team.”

For now, the team is focusing on a strong post-season run.

“This is my last year of playing Algonquin volleyball,” Dyer said. “You always want to end off on a high note.”

Team members believe that having the support of the THawk fans really helped them

pull out a win against Wachusett on May 25.

“More people should come to our games because they are really fun to watch!” senior captain Mikie Upton said.

Unified Track dashes to triumph at Leagues, States Team emphasizes collaboration, friendship on a level playing field

photo emily smith

Senior Will Corwin leaps into the sand during the long jump competition.

Carey Davis

Online Editor Unified Track celebrated a successful season, placing second at Leagues and fifth at States on May 16 and May 24, respectively.

“We haven’t done that well at Leagues in a long time so it was a fantastic accomplishment for everyone,” coach Kevin Hausmann said. “We were impressed by the quality of the competition because we had never gotten to compete against the South League as we’re part of the Central League.”

At Leagues, the team came in behind Nashoba with a 296-193 margin. DightonRehoboth won with 247 points at States and Algonquin-Westborough scored 105 points. “[Leagues] was awesome,” captain and

senior Colleen Kaperzak said. “In the past, our numbers held us back because we had such a large team. But this year they set it up differently so that our individual athletes were able to place higher up. So placing second was amazing… it was a special opportunity for everyone to really win and earn that place.”

“It was awesome seeing how everyone could come together and achieve something so great [at Leagues],” captain and junior Shannon Youngberg said. “There were so many teams that were competing and the fact that we were able to get second was really amazing.”

The team is a co-op of Algonquin and Westborough High School with a player base of around 90 students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. The team was initiated in 2012 by Hausmann and is part of the worldwide

organization Project UNIFY. “It’s awesome,” captain and post“Project UNIFY is a very large, inter- graduate Clara Anderson said. “I like national component of Special Olympics,” meeting new people, I like seeing my Hausmann said. “It started quite a while friends, getting to know people; it’s a really ago and started in Massachusetts. It’s now good track team.” across all the states and the idea is that The team, in addition to athletic goals, Project UNIFY is a type of Special Olym- hopes to cultivate awareness and acceppics activity where a student or an adult tance of students with intellectual or dewith typical abilities, who’s called a part- velopmental disabilities within the school ner, a unified partner, works very closely community. with their teammates, not as a coaching re“I think the biggest message of our lationship or a mentoring relationship, but team is that you don’t necessarily have to working together.” run the fastest or throw the farthest to re“So the ‘unified’ aspect is essentially ally feel like you’re a contributing memthat Special Olympics isn’t just for athletes ber,” Youngberg said. “You just have to with disabilities; put in all your effort other people can get to make the team ef“The biggest message involved who don’t fort go the farthest have intellectual of our team is that you it can go, even if we disabilities,” Hausdon’t come in first don’t necessarily have mann explained. every time.”

“Your peers of to run the fastest or “I think Unified any ability can par- throw the farthest to Track is awesome,” ticipate in any sport Anderson said. “We and they’re just as really feel like you’re a support one anothequal as everyone contributing member.” er, we cheer people else, whether they on, we connect to have a disability or Westborough High shannon youngberg School. A lot of not,” Kasperzak said. “What’s great Captain people have disabout unified sports abilities and we are is that it is a level good about it and playing field whether you’ve never done a positive, so people don’t feel bad about sport before or if you’ve done it for years. themselves.”

It’s a team for compassion and friendship Coaches and members are brainand learning.” storming new practice strategies for betMany members not only relish the tering the team for next season. For now, athletic component of Unified Track, but however, the success of this past season also the social setting it offers with people has satisfied the team and coaches. they otherwise would not have met.

“It was a fantastic season and we’re “I’ve definitely learned to embrace going to keep that momentum going,” the differences of everyone and the simi- Hausmann said. larities in us, even if they’re not obvious,” Youngberg said. “I’ve just made so many great friendships throughout this past year, so I’m very happy I joined.”

tHE haRBINGER

SPORTS

24

JUNE 2016

Boys’ baseball brings home league title saloni kumar

Assistant Online Editor The boys’ baseball team triumphantly reflects on their season after coming together as a team to clinch the Midland A League title despite a shaky start.

“The first couple games we were stressed out and getting mad at each other, because we all wanted to win and it wasn’t working out,” junior Alex Pappas said. “As we progressed, you could tell we were playing looser and trusting each other more.”

The team had to re-evaluate their game plan in order to work cohesively as a team.

“We just had to keep everyone positive and make sure everyone was practicing to their potential,” senior Matt Geoffrion said.

“I knew defensively, if we plugged a couple holes in there, that we were going to be solid,” coach Mike Mocerino said.

After making these adjustments, the team made a comeback, winning 15 out of their 20 games and securing the Midland A League title.

“It was just a matter of trying to find ways to be consistent and just coming together and playing well together,” Mocerino said.

According to Mocerino, the team continued to look ahead towards the rest of the season rather than dwell on the past.

“We didn’t panic, we knew we were capable of being a very good team,” Mocerino said.

Senior Nolan Kessinger attributes the team’s success to excellent chemistry.

“We’re all really close,” Kessinger said.

“Definitely closer than we were in years past. Everyone feels close enough where they can get on each other if something went wrong.”

According to Mocerino, one skill

photo kelly slovin

Senior Connor Henderson winds up for a pitch against Nashoba on May 23.

players worked on immensely was hitting.

“I knew that one thing that we were going to consistently have to work on is hitting,” Mocerino said. “We worked hard on the small ball game, we worked hard on squeezes to try to manufacture more runs. We worked on our mechanics and consistency at the plate because we knew that we had to manufacture as many runs as we could.”

Kessinger is glad that the team got

closer to reaching its full potential this year.

“It’s a great feeling to win the title,” Kessinger said. “It’s about the little things.

Overall, it’s a pretty boring sport, but, when the little things happen that excite the guys, like when you get a big hit or big pitch, that’s what everyone plays for.”

According to Mocerino, this year’s team has set a high standard for future players.

“The bar is set high for next year, and I think that the juniors are ready for that challenge,” Mocerino said. “I think the tradition is set that if we work hard and come together as a team, we can accomplish good things. Although it didn’t end on the note we wanted, they can’t hold their heads and I think they need to be proud of the season they had.”

Teamwork rallies boys’ tennis to district final

photo henna dhingra

Freshman Chris Wang and Sophomore Will Koziel compete in a doubles match against Westborough on May 4.

Clarissa Wong

Copy Editor The boy’s tennis team has completed yet another successful season, maintaining a 17-2 record and earning second place in the Central Massachusetts district finals against Westborough on June 9.

Sophomore and second singles player Tyler Zhang believes that the boys’ tennis team has seen much improvement compared to last year.

“During the off season, a bunch of

our veteran players improved and there was the addition of many outstanding freshman, which has helped to build the team we have now,” Zhang said. “This year’s overall performance is better than last year due to our 5-0 victory over St. John’s, who we haven’t beaten in a long time.”

“I would say our team’s performance has improved thanks to a lot of the new freshmen and sophomores who often secure that winning point for our close matches,” junior and first singles player

Ian Kim said.

There are some [players] who boast a quiet Coach Gerald Cushing believes that confidence on the court, while there are the talent and dedication among the play- those who enthusiastically cheer on their ers has catapulted the team to success. teammates.”

“Their abilities have really led them to Kim also appreciates the dedication their success,” Cushing said. “They’re real and perseverance that is a common thread good players, and a lot of them play year- among his teammates. round. They’re a pretty dedicated group “At 1:51 everyday, I see starters and of guys, and when they play, they’re com- bench players practicing hard on the mitted to playing their best,” Cushing said. courts, but having a good time altogethThe tennis team has had many tri- er,” Kim said. “Each player’s commitment umphs this season. to the game is what “We had a makes us success15-2 record durful.”

“There are some ing the regular seaAlthough Kim son and are now in [players] who boast feels that his individthe Central Mass a quiet confidence ual performance has finals against Westnot improved much borough,” Zhang on the court, while since his freshman said. “Also, our first there are those who year, he has no redoubles team [Riyan grets when it comes Farhat and Christian enthusiastically cheer to his decision to Jorgensen] won the on their teammates.” continue to play for Central Mass douthe tennis team bebles tournament.” of the opporIan kim cause “We were all tunity it gives him to junior teach others. pretty excited that our [doubles] team “To be honest, could bring home I don’t feel like my first place against Westborough,” Kim game has completely improved to that said. next level of competitive tennis,” Kim The strong relationships between the said, “But if I ever get to help my teamteammates have also contributed to suc- mates learn something new about the cess on the court. game, it makes my three years on this team “The Algonquin boys’ tennis team has all the more worth it.” always had a strong team bond,” Zhang Overall, the team experience as a said. “Especially this year, everyone has whole has been positive. contributed to the team’s success on and “The team has fun, and I think they off the court.” enjoy what they’re doing...they translate “Our team as a whole has gotten us [that energy] onto the court, and as a through some tough matches,” Kim said, coach, that’s all I can ask for,” Cushing “but what makes us strong is our diversity. said.