Volume 31 Issue 6

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04

06

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Hancin & Wieder say goodbye with retirements

Perceived pressure leads to widespread cheating

Group work is miserable

Improv causes fits of allergic laughter

Girls’ golf takes district title for first time

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opinion

The Student Newspaper of Algonquin Regional High School

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79 Bartlett Street, Northborough, MA 01532

arhsharbinger.com

Awareness stops stigma June 2019 . VOL. 31 NO. 6

Students are not alone in mental health challenges GABRIELA PAZ-SOLDAN & CATHERINE HAYDEN

“

Editors-in-Chief

W

e’re not talking about them,” Director of Southborough Youth and Family Services Sarah Cassell said. “We’re talking about you and me.

We all have brains. In the same way that our heart beats and that we breathe, we all have mental health.”

According to a Harbinger survey of 186 students from May 21 to May 27 through Google Forms, 43 percent of students have been diagnosed with a mental illness by a health professional. Forty-four percent of respondents say they have struggled with a mental illness not diagnosed by a mental health professional, with the most common reasons for not seeking help being “I think I can handle it on my own,” “I don’t know how to ask for help” and “I’m too embarrassed.”

“It really is true that more people out there are strugof students gling or have struggled and believe there found recov- should be more ery than we efforts to raise think,” adjust- awareness for ment coun- Mental Health seling intern Jane Cam- Awareness pion, who Month * has organized efforts in connection to Mental Health Awareness Month in May, said.

68%

What is Awareness?

isolating experience and, unfortunately, I know many people go untreated because there’s a very big stigma attached to getting help and, as a result, people are afraid to share what they’re experiencing,” Cassell said. “It exacerbates their symptoms which just makes the whole thing harder.”

Senior Wolf Kane believes that an understanding of mental health issues could have helped him receive support earlier when he was struggling.

“When I first was figuring out myself, one thing I didn’t realize was how depressed I was,” Kane said.

“I didn’t realize that being in that low point wasn’t a normal thing that ever yone experiences.”

For junior Lauren Hardman, who says she has been diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, depression and highfunctioning autism, awareness helped her gain acceptance.

“Awareness really opened my eyes [to the fact] that it’s

According to Cassell, awareness helps end the stigma of mental illness, which can allow those who are suffering to get help.

“Struggling with mental illness can be a very lonely and

not my fault that I’m goAwareness at ing through these things Algonquin and that it’s normal,” Hardman said.

According to Principal Dr. Awareness also moSara Pragluski Walsh, it is imof students tivated Hardman to seek portant for the school commuhelp and support. have been nity to have an awareness about “I was denying that diagnosed with mental health.

I was having issues for a a mental illness “We do have a responsibillong time,” Hardity to spread awareness about by a health man said. mental health issues because we professional * “I didn’t as a school believe in inclusivity think and supporting the differences that in each other and supporting each other in anybody could help general,” Walsh said. me or anybody could In May, several efforts were organized talk to me through in connection to Mental Health Awareness this stuff, but I Month.

Students in Wellness and Graphic came to a point Design classes collaborated to create postwhere I realized ers on mental health conditions, which that I needed to.” were displayed outside the cafeteria.

Campion be“We wanted to show that it’s not a bad lieves awareness thing to have mental health challenges,” goes beyond senior Eli Cohen-Gordon, a student in the simply knowWellness class, said. ing the textFurthermore, Kane and Campion book definiorganized a collaborative art piece to ention of a mental gage students in a discussion about mental health illness. health.

During all three lunches on May “[Awareness 15, they invited students to write strategies is] digging deeper into what it feels like to for keeping mental wellness on support be a person who’s gone stones. The stones were then glued to a through some of these painting of a tree.

The tree, along with some of the postthings and... trying to have ers, was on display at Southborough Youth some perspective,” Camand Family Services’ “Celebrate Wellness” pion said. event on May 30. Campion plans for the

collaborative painting to be hung somewhere in the school. *According to a Harbinger “My overall goal was to help students survey of 186 students from May 21 to May 27 understand a little bit more and to know if through Google Forms they’ve experienced this, that they’re not alone,” Campion said.

Also on May 15, Southborough Youth and Family Services and Northborough Family & Youth Services provided information about their programs to Algonquin students during lunch periods.

43%

GRAPHIC JASMINE CAI

‘Awareness’ cont. on p. 2

Same schedule for next year due to STEP challenges CATHERINE HAYDEN Editor-in-Chief

Despite efforts to implement a new schedule for the 2019-2020 school year, Algonquin will continue with its current bell schedule due to the additional work needed in planning the Student/Teacher Enrichment Period (STEP) blocks that would come with a new schedule.

After piloting two, week-long trial schedules earlier this year, a second scheduling committee, separate from the one that designed the pilot schedules, was formed. This committee evaluated the logistics of the STEP blocks in Pilot 2.

According to Principal Dr. Sara Pragluski Walsh, Pilot 2 had the most support after

its trial phase.

Pilot 2 had two STEP blocks a week, resulting in 80 steps a year. This aspect posed a challenge for the scheduling committee members, as they wanted each STEP block to be meaningful. “[The Pilot 2 committee doesn’t] really have a plan yet for those 80 STEPs, so we need to spend this coming year kind of figuring out what exactly we’re doing 80 times a year,” social studies teacher and Pilot 2 committee member Gina Johnston said. “The schedule itself works; it’s just those two STEP blocks a week.”

According to math teacher and Pilot 2 committee member Margaret Perreault, STEP blocks were designed to reduce

student stress by providing breaks from normal classes.

“The purpose of a STEP block was to have innovative and interactive time with the teachers and the students, so that students could pursue interests outside of their own classes,” Perreault said.

Walsh believes trying the schedule for only a week did not allow people to understand what it is like having the schedule full time.

“I received some pivotal student feedback from a senior who said it was really hard to understand the impact of switching to Pilot 2 because we never got to live… the schedule [for an extended period of time],” Walsh said.

Though the schedule will remain the

same next year, Walsh says there needs to be a third scheduling committee sometime in the future to make a schedule change a reality.

“The third committee needs a student representative, a community parent representative and faculty representative because all three of those populations will be impacted by [a schedule] change,” Walsh said.

Though some, such as Perrault, are disappointed the schedule will remain the same next year, Walsh believes that taking the time to fully prepare for each part of a new schedule is important.

“You can’t rush change,” Walsh said.

“It’s not healthy.”

2 NEWS The Harbinger - June 2019

Mental health discussion remains relevant ‘Awareness’ cont. from p. 1 Despite efforts, 50 percent of The Harbinger’s survey respondents did not know May was Mental Health Awareness Month.

According to Walsh, awareness about mental health issues is woven into the school’s curriculum in the sciences, PE, Health and Psychology classes, as well as certain guidance workshops.

Sixty-eight percent of survey respondents felt there should be more efforts to raise awareness during May. Only four percent indicated that they were pleased with the efforts, with 12 percent saying they were indifferent and the remaining 15 percent believing the efforts were adequate.

Ending the stigma Of the 44 percent of students who say they have struggled with a mental illness and not seen a health professional about it, 30 percent indicated that it was because they did not know how to ask for help and 21 percent indicated it was because they were too embarrassed.

PHOTO JONNY RATNER

Adjustment counseling intern Jane Campion organized a collaborative art project for students to share ways they keep mental wellness on glass stones.

Adjustment Counselor Beth Mintz hopes the stigma around mental health will vanish. “[My hope is] that people can start to destigmatize mental health and just as you would treat diabetes or you would treat a broken ankle, you would treat mental health with the same care and compassion and non-judgement,” Mintz said.

Junior Brendan Bernier, who has struggled with his mental health, thinks people need to start paying more attention to the issue but solutions exist.

“It’s a fixable problem,” Bernier said.

“I just don’t think enough people really care about it.”

According to Bernier, the school community helping students foster connections could make a difference because “a lot of depression lies in loneliness and not feeling like there’s anyone there for you.”

Cohen-Gordon believes hiring more adjustment counselors, who support students in the building that struggle with mental health, is essential.

“The [adjustment counselors] don’t have time for us, and it’s not their fault,” Cohen-Gordon said. “They care about us very much. The adjustment counselors are the best, but they’re so overworked.”

Mintz believes the school is lucky to have the amount of adjustment counselors it does but recognizes the need for more.

“We have four adjustment counselors, and I think that’s way more than most school districts,” Mintz said. “We’re very fortunate in that respect. I know that the caseloads are really large. I know students try to access adjustment counselors and can’t sometimes because there are large caseloads.”

However, Mintz notes that this need is not limited to the school and extends to the outside community, where professionals are facing high caseloads across the board.

“I think we need more mental health [support] in the schools, but I also think people need better access to counseling outside of school,” Mintz said.

Another step that needs to be taken, according to Campion, is having mental health integrated more directly into the school’s curriculum.

“There are required math, science, history classes, but we don’t necessarily have a required wellness class, psychology, things like that,” Campion said. “But

PHOTO GABRIELA PAZ-SOLDAN

Students in Wellness and Graphic Design classes created mental health awareness posters which were hung outside the cafeteria.

I think it needs to be taken a little more seriously as a real need. To not just have a poster on the side of the school but have it really implemented as programming.”

Mintz believes it would be helpful for teachers to have a greater understanding of mental issues.

“If the teachers had more mental health awareness or understanding, they would be able to help students directly get through the mental health challenges that are getting in the way of them reaching their academic threshold,” Mintz said. “...

But they also have to teach, so they also have a huge amount to do already just managing the academic piece and the relationships and the behaviors in the classrooms, so I don’t know how realistic it is.”

English teacher Virginia Fitzgerald thinks teachers can play a crucial part in helping students but, ultimately, more support is needed.

“There is an obligation as a teacher to let that student know you’re going to talk to guidance or to move that person along in a direction where you can get the help that they need,” Fitzgerald said.

“I don’t think it can stop with the teacher because teachers are not guidance counselors; we’re not psychologists. We’re just hopefully kind people who want to help students learn and help them feel as happy as they can while they’re at school and hopefully outside of school.”

Walsh is looking into school-wide training for educators about awareness and indicators regarding mental health to happen early next year.

Resources According to Walsh, Algonquin has tiered intervention, meaning that mental health support starts with guidance counselors and then works its way up to other support services as needed, like adjustment counselors and the school psychologist. The school also offers programmatic supports and can help students get in contact with outside therapy services.

The four adjustment counselors serve to help students find coping strategies, work with teachers to help them succeed in the classroom and access resources within the school, according to Mintz.

“A big part of what we do is stress reduction with students because so much is going on in school with academics and relationships at home and relationships with friends and all the extracurriculars and social pressures,” Mintz said.

Unless a student may hurt themselves or others or has disclosed abuse, the information a student shares with an adjustment counselor will remain confidential.

Adjustment counselors can also help students get in contact with Northborough Family & Youth Services or Southborough Youth and Family Services for further mental health counseling.

“With support, I think people can find a way to kind of break the barriers that get in the way to help them live a fulfilled life,” Mintz said.

Martineau steps up as new superintendent GABRIELA PAZ-SOLDAN Editor-in-Chief

Assistant Superintendent Greg Martineau will assume a new role as the district’s superintendent on July 1, following Superintendent Christine Johnson’s retirement, fulfilling an aspiration he has held since childhood and hoping to make a difference in students’ lives.

“When I was in fifth grade, I knew I wanted to be a superintendent, which is an odd thing to know you want to do, but my parents were educators, and it’s just something that was my career goal,” Martineau said. “I always wanted to make sure I only ended in a place that I thought I could make a difference. I feel like this school district is a great place to land and a good Greg Martineau fit for me.”

Martineau has had a passion for education from a young age. Throughout his career, he has worked as an elementary school teacher, instructional technology specialist, district technology director and principal, before becoming assistant superintendent in the Northborough Southborough public school district five years ago. “[Education] is noble work,” Martineau said. “I think the greatest resources our country has are its children and

its students. I love the fact that you never can be good in students’ lives and making sure that we’re doing evenough in the field of education. There’s always more to erything we can so that students leave Algonquin feellearn. There’s always improvement.” ing confident and successful and knowing what their next As he takes on a new position and the important re- steps are,” Marinteau said. sponsibilities that come with it, Martineau intends to seek Next year, the district will develop a new five year out others’ perspectives. strategic plan, which Martineau sees as one of his most “In terms of my role for next year and some of my important undertakings. goals, it’s to listen,” Marinteau said.

“Vision 2020, which is our cur“Although I’ve been in the district “I feel like this school rent strategic plan, sunsets after next for five years, I think I’m entering in year, so one of the goals that I have a new role and I want to listen. I want district is a great is reauthorizing our five year strategic to talk to students. I want to talk to place to land and a plan,” Martineau said. “So meeting families and community members. I the stakeholders and identifying what want the opportunity to listen to all good fit for me.” are the priorities that we have enviof the stakeholders and see what they GREG MARTINEAU sioned as a district...reauthorizing the value and what they think our sucstrategic plan is exciting work, but it’s Assistant Superintendent cesses and our areas of growth are.” a big task.”

In order to understand students’ Assistant principal Michele viewpoints, Martineau plans to start student focus groups. Tontodonato believes Martineau is well-prepared for his “I want to have a lot of conversations with students new role. like, are students happy here?” Martineau said. “How do “I think he’s up for the challenge,” Tontodonato said. they feel about their experience? Because I think students “I think his experience here, his years here as assistant can provide a tremendous amount of insight.” superintendent, have prepared him for that just like curMartineau is excited about what lies ahead for him as rent superintendent Johnson was assistant superintendent superintendent. He is optimistic that he will have a posi- before this. That’s how they learn the ropes of it.” tive influence on students and help them reach their poDirector of English Language Education Rhoda tential.

Webb will be taking over as interim assistant superinten“[I’m looking forward to] helping make a difference dent of schools.

NEWS 3 arhsharbinger.com

Hancin retires after painting school with joy ELENA NEILSON Staff Writer

After making an impact on many students and teachers, Fine and Performing Arts teacher George Hancin will be retiring at the end of the school year after 24 years at Algonquin. “[I’m going to miss] all the great memories I’ve had with all the wonderful students and teachers I have worked with over the years,” Hancin said. “There are a lot of sweet memories, and I will hold onto those.”

Hancin’s passion for art allows him to help his students and colleagues exceed their potential.

“There are a lot of times when I’ll have kids painting or drawing in class or National Honor Society, [and] I will reach a point where I don’t know how to tell them to fix that painting any better,” Fine and Performing Arts teacher Michelle Sheppard said. “I just need them to go and see a painter, and the best painter that I can hope for to have across the hall is Mr. Hancin.” “[Hancin] can get kids to paint still lives of apples or squash in ways that I don’t know anyone else can, because he understands the importance of it since he is such a wonderful and accomplished painter,” Sheppard said. “It makes him truly a great

teacher because of that.”

Hancin leaves a lasting impression on the friends he made here and the students he had.

“Mr. Hancin is one of my earliest Algonquin friends...because he was right next door I got to know him a little bit,” Applied Arts and Technology teacher George Clarke said. “We sort of counseled each other frequently on how to work with different students, and how to work within the building [since] we were both relatively new to teaching...We helped each other through the process of learning to be a teacher.”

According to freshman Colleen Mulligan, Hancin is an extremely caring teacher and artist, and will always find a way to help out anyone he can.

“He keeps the class upbeat and makes it fun. He cares about everyone improving as an artist.”

Mulligan said. “He cares about his students beyond the art. He cares about his students personally and gets to know them well.”

Over the years, Hancin has brought a sense of happiness and laughter to Algonquin. He finds a way to make ordinary moments memorable.

“One time Mr. Hancin and I were at a yoga class, and he tried to do a handstand,” English teacher Emily Philibin said with a

PHOTO JONNY RATNER

Fine and Perfomring Arts teacher George Hancin demonstrates a new technique for freshman Colleen Mulligan. After helping many students grow as artists, he prepares to retire. He plans to start helping adults grow as artists, while also focusing on his own artwork.

laugh. “He fell over and took me and four other people out.”

Before Hancin came to Algonquin, he taught adult-ed and worked as a psychology counselor. He also worked in a co-op art gallery.

“Desperation [brought me

here]. I was looking for a college art teaching job, and there was none to be found,” Hancin said.

“I saw this opening for Algonquin, and I applied for it.”

Hancin is looking forward to some down time to work on his own artwork. But since he cannot

Innovating with Initiative Juniors create company to connect students with internships, future job opportunities

MELISSA DAI & CLAIRE BAI

PHOTO JONNY RATNER

Chemistry teacher Ken Wieder’s wisdom and personality will be missed by colleagues and students when he retires after ten years of teaching.

Wieder leaves lasting impression ABBY KEENE Staff Writer

After ten years of sharing his chemistry knowledge with Algonquin students, Ken Wieder will be retiring and leaving his classroom in the D200 hallway at the end of the school year.

“Wieder added stability to our AP Chem courses and solidified the curriculum,” fellow chemistry teacher Gerald Cushing said. “He has been an anchor in the development of AP Chem. Wieder is incredibly knowledgeable, he has a PhD in Chem, and he’s a great resource for teachers to learn from and ask questions.”

Teaching was a second career for Wieder, but he had some prior experience as a teacher before coming to Algonquin.

“I was simply looking for a teaching job,” Wieder said. “Previously I was a research scientist, but I did a little teaching as well.”

Students praise Wieder for his ability to make class fun and exciting.

“He is so funny,” sophomore Jenny Lambert said. “Sometimes in the middle of class, he’ll just randomly sing or scream out songs. Chem can be pretty boring, but he makes it interesting by relating it back to the real world or funny things.”

“I turned teaching into an acting job because I’m really disappointed Hollywood never discovered me,” Wieder laughed. “Teaching really is like acting, or improv; there are no second takes. Every day you have to feel out the mood of the class before deciding what to do next. ” Wieder loves to teach, and his students made his job special.

“I’m absolutely going to miss my students and the relationships built over the years,” Wieder said.

Wieder’s colleagues will miss him as well.

“I’m for sure going to miss the camaraderie and the occasional Friday afternoon trips to the local pub; he’s a really good guy,” Cushing said. “I’m going to miss having a good quality friend across the hall.”

stay away from helping others with their art, he will be teaching adult-ed classes at the Worcester and Boston Art Museums.

“I’m looking forward to having the time to do my artwork in a more focused, intense manner,” Hancin said.

offering several free courses on Google Classroom put together by TII’s Head of Course DeAssistant News Editors velopment sophomore David Gillingham.

“We help students that don’t know how to After noticing a lack of internship opportunities for high-schoolers, juniors Joe Zhang make a resumé or don’t know how to do an inand Oscar Hong co-founded The Internship terview [in these courses],” Hong said.

The rest of the TII team consists of senior Initiative (TII) in October of 2018, striving to help fellow students acquire internships in a Chris Wang as Chief Marketing Officer, junior Kevin Tucker as Head of Public Relations and simple process.

Through the organization, students can Social Media and sophomore Bharathan Sundar connect with companies looking for interns by as Head of Content Creation.

“If you to to our website, you can see the filling out applications and providing other necessary information including GPA and a letter different things that we offer to students and of recommendation, then choosing the indus- how internships are becoming more common tries they are interested in. TII then matches and necessary in this day and age,” Sundar said.

Zhang and Hong, the co-CEOs, began to the students with suitable businesses in their desired industries, increasing both convenience develop the company by exploring the internship market and developing a plan for their and opportunity.

“We pair students and businesses together business.

“We spent two months and get them connected, doing research, talking to and then hopefully, an “We help students many business owners and internship is created,” entrepreneurs around the Hong said. “It’s like a that don’t know how area,” Zhang said. “Work matchmaking service.” to make a resumé or experience is becoming TII was built on more and more important, the foundation of three don’t know how to do so we decided that [internmajor issues: the limited an interview [in these ship assistance] was a good number of available inmarket. Businesses seemed ternships, the need for courses].” interested too, so we crepersonal connections OSCAR HONG ated our business plan.” to attain certain internJUNIOR As time goes on, TII ships and problematic expects to continue growapplications that don’t ing and developing into a highlight high-schoolers’ more widespread organization to help more strengths.

“Our ultimate goal is to help students get students in the area access more internship opany internships they want,” Zhang said. “We portunities.

“Right now, we’re just focused on building want to erase the barriers in a stigma that’s built around hiring high school interns to make [in- momentum,” Zhang said. “We’re focusing on ternships] more accessible to anybody, regard- trying to get it together, raise awareness and get companies to join us… Next year, our main foless of their backgrounds or connections.”

Aside from joining students and businesses cus is going to be on building that critical mass to form potential internships, TII also prepares of students and companies.” high-schoolers for the professional world by

4 NEWS The Harbinger - June 2019

Academic dishonesty widespread

Perceived pressure, competition fuel cheating

KARTHIK YALALA

Assistant Sports Editor

The days where people have cheat sheets are over -- unless of course, you’re an amateur cheater, and it seems few ARHS students are cheating amateurs.

Academic dishonesty is a problem in Algonquin, and in almost any other high school around the nation.

“I think that [academic dishonesty] goes beyond school,” English Department Chair Jane Betar said. “I think it’s a cultural, systemic American problem.”

According to a survey of 70,000 students at 24 high schools in the United States by Dr. Donald McCabe and the International Center for Academic Integrity, 95 percent of the respondents said they have participated in an act of academic dishonesty.

Academic dishonesty includes cheating on an assessment, copying someone else’s work and allowing your peers to copy from you. Even telling your peers what’s on a test is academic dishonesty.

Assistant Principal Andrew McGowan thinks it is important to develop good habits in high school because it will shape who someone will become.

“Barriers that you put up now will mold who you become,” McGowan said. “If you resolve within yourself not to cheat on something as a freshman in high school and you stick to that through your high school career, I think it’s going to make you that much more honest with yourself and with what you do.”

Why do students cheat? It some-

have involvement in all sorts of different clubs? Do you have to have five AP classes?”

Because some students are so busy with packed schedules, which are filled with clubs and sports that seem to be necessities in the race to college, they may find cheating an easy way out from the grind of difficult, time-consuming schoolwork.

According to a Harbinger survey of 186 students from March 28 to April 5 through Google Forms, 73 percent of students feel like they have a lot of pressure to do well in school which contributes to why some students cheat. Some students worry more about how the grade will affect their future rather than trying to learn a new concept.

“These days with the amount of pressure that’s come onto students, grades have become a negative reinforcement in that it’s not like ‘I’m going to earn an ‘A,’ it’s ‘If I don’t do these things, I’m going to lose poGRAPHIC LINDSEY RODMAN times goes beyond “They’re just tential future success,’” junior Senna lazy.” Many students experience the Hahn said.

When students see or think othpressure to do well due to their parers are cheating too, they may ratioents’ high expectations or personal nalize their own behavior. pressure they put on themselves.

“When you are surrounded by Many students at Algonquin are academically competitive which can people who are receiving high grades affect the amount of academic dis- for cheating, it’s hard to not also cheat,” an anonymous survey responhonesty. “[Algonquin is] very competi- dent said.

However, when students do get tive,” sophomore Felipe Guerra said. caught, it is important the students “[Algonquin] is learn from their one of the best mistakes. schools in Mass.

“The idea should be “Any conKids come here sequence is that they are looking forward designed for to getting into competing with an educational really good colpurpose,” Mcthemselves. They leges.”

Gowan said.

Math Deshould just be trying “When it comes partment Chair to plagiarism or to to do as well in a Elizabeth Dore cheating, that’s thinks that stuclass as they [can] something that dents should be administration possibly do.” competing with works directly themselves inwith the teachstead of others.

ELIZABETH DORE ers on.”

“The idea MATH DEPARTMENT CHAIR M c G owa n should be that feels that consethey are competquences are iming with themselves,” Dore said. “They should perative to help students learn from really just be trying to do as well in their mistakes.

“We work with the teacher that a class as they [can] possibly do--it doesn’t really matter what their grade may be involved with it and hopefully make it a learning experience for is if they’ve done their best job.”

Other students think they have the student so that it doesn’t happen to do a lot in high school to get into again, but there are consequences competitive colleges. However, Betar that come with [cheating] too,” McGowan said. questions these beliefs.

Dore also has a similar look on “I’m wondering how much of consequences. what kids believe about college is “[Consequences allow] them to true,” Betar added. “Do you have to see the value in what you’re teaching do volunteer work? Do you have to them,” Dore said.

Cheating stats at ARHS of students admitted to cheating on a test or quiz *

of students admitted to copying someone else’s homework *

of students have admitted to plagiarizing a piece of writing *

88%

of students admitted to NEVER being caught committing academic dishonesty * How much pressure do you feel to do well in school? *

3% no pressure

24% some pressure 73% a lot of pressure *According to a Harbinger survey of 186 students from March 28 to April 5 through Google Forms

See full article at arhsharbinger.com

T-Hawks Respond

What is the top item on your summer bucket list?

Gerald Cushing Science teacher

“To get plenty of rest and play plenty of tennis on clay courts.

It doesn’t get better than clay courts.”

Lizzie Meschisen Junior

“My goal this summer is to be stress free and do things that I normally wouldn’t do during the school year, like be happy.”

Cole Gamache Sophomore

“Cliff jumping.”

Ana Karaban Freshman

“To travel to Bora Bora and drink coffee.”

NEWS 5 arhsharbinger.com

Operation Tomahawk pays respect

During the week leading up to Memorial Day, Operation Tomahawk organized a series of events to honor veterans.

The activities included the Mission 22 Pushup Challenge which took place during period three on May 20, the Wounded Warrior Project which was an assembly on May 24 and the Murph Challenge on May 26.

“A lot of this is awareness and fundraising,” Operation Tomoahawk adviser Gina Johnston said. “We have students who join the army and veterans who live in our community. This is a way to thank them because they are doing things that most of us can’t imagine doing.” by Aaliyah Yan

Memorial Day assembly highlights veterans’ lives LIZA ARMSTRONG Online Editor

“The purpose of Memorial Day is to remember those who raise their hands, who swore to defend this country from all enemies both foreign and domestic,” Dan Miller, a veteran who regularly speaks on behalf of Wounded Warriors said. “Those individuals that have put on a pack and picked up a rifle and went forward into combat, knowing very well that they might not come home.

They didn’t do it with a smile on their face, but they did it with their heads held high, and they moved forward to the sounds of the gun and they fought for what they believed in. The rights that we hold so dear in this nation.”

His words echoed across a crowd gathered in the JFK auditorium for Operation Tomahawk’s “It takes really little second annual Memoto remember those rial Day assembly. The assembly, with a purwho served.” pose of raising awareTYLER MCBROOM ness of issues veterans STAFF SERGEANT face at home, featured speeches from Miller and Staff Sergeant Tyler McBroom.

McBroom spoke first, keeping his speech short and simple, starting with the importance of Memorial Day to him and fellow soldiers.

“Every day we think about the sacrifices they give and I urge you to do the same,” McBroom said. “It takes really little to remember those who served.”

After McBroom’s speech, Miller, the main speaker, took the stage to tell his story. Miller decided to join the military straight out of high school because he felt it would be the best way to make a difference. Shortly after, he was deployed to serve in the Gulf War. After his time in active duty came to a close, Miller enlisted in the reserves and became a police officer in his home city of Chicago. His reserve unit was then called into active duty to Iraq in 2007. According to Miller, they were deployed to an area dubbed the Triangle of Death.

In that deployment, Miller lost 16 members of his troop, which to this day has affected him.

“There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about them,” Miller said. “Memorial Day happens for me every day because every day I think about them. I think about the fact that these young men, their life was cut short.”

PHOTO GABRIELA PAZ-SOLDAN

Junior Sequoia Truong does a pull-up during the Murph Challenge. Operation Tomahawk organized the event on Sunday, May 26 at the Dick Walsh football field to raise awareness for soldiers who died in combat.

Murph Challenge raises awareness for veterans GABRIELA PAZ-SOLDAN Editor-in-Chief

Students, faculty and community members gathered at the football field on Sunday, May 26 to participate in the Murph Challenge in honor of Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy, who died in Afghanistan in 2005.

The event, which occurs across the United States, was hosted at Algonquin by Operation Tomahawk.

Its goal is to raise money for the Michael Murphy Education Fund and

spread awareness about the soldiers who give their lives for the country.

“There are so many people who sacrifice their lives in order for us to have the freedom to do what we want with ours,” member of Operation Tomahawk and senior Juliana Ellsworth said. “Raising awareness and showing our appreciation for the people who do sacrifice so much, for example, Mike Murphy...is important.”

Participants in the challenge ran a mile, followed by 100 pull-ups, 200

push-ups, 300 squats and then another mile run: a workout Murphy routinely performed in a 20-pound vest while he served in Afghanistan. “[Murphy] was awarded the Medal of Honor because he sacrificed his life in order to call in support for his team,” Operation Tomahawk president and senior Allan Bramhill said. “He’s an outstanding human being, and [the challenge] is a good way to honor him...It’s a way to show kind of what he went through too.”

See full articles at arhsharbinger.com

Jordan prepares for final horse hurrah at mustang competition CARTER BRANNON Staff Writer

Senior Gabby Jordan is competing in the Extreme Mustang Makeover, a horse training competition which will be held at Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky in June.

Since February, Jordan, an aspiring horse trainer who has worked with horses for many years, has been training and taming Foxy, the wild mustang she was given for the competition.

Jordan works with Foxy at Symphony Hill Farm in Uxbridge, and both will be returning to Kentucky in June.

The June competition in Kentucky is one of four 2019 Extreme Mustang Makeovers taking place across the United States. In May, another occurred in Ocala, Florida, and the others will be held in Los Angeles, California in August and Fort Worth, Texas in September.

The competition was created by a nonprofit organization called

the Mustang Heritage FoundaJordan also has experience tion (MHF), which has partnered training horses. with the Bureau of Land Man“Throughout my life, I’ve agement to manage wild horses worked with a lot of young horson public land and remove them es [and] less experienced horses from the wild. Many of these because those are the horses that horses are trained in the Mustang are typically cheaper or other Makeover competitions.. people don’t want to ride them or “Having the more quirky too many [hors- “...they create these horses,” Jordan es] on the land is said. bad for the land, competitions for Last year so they create trainers to show Jordan bought these competiher first horse, a tions for train- off the versatility then 8 year-old ers to show off of these horses and off the track the versatility thoroughbred of these horses their trainability.” named Jax. and their train“I’m new GABBY JORDAN ability,” Jordan to owning horsSENIOR said. es, but I’ve been Jordan has working with over 10 years of experience with horses for a long time,” Jordan horses. said.

“I’ve been riding horses Jordan has been posting upsince I was five, so I’ve been do- dates about her two horses on ing this for a long time,” Jordan her Instagram (@gjequestrian) said. “I work with a lot of dif- since May 2018. ferent trainers of different disciJordan was one of about plines.”

65 trainers selected for the Ken-

tucky competition after applying for the program and undergoing a criminal background check to ensure the horses’ safety.

The competition involves three classes of evaluation: a handling and conditioning class, a basic maneuvering class and a trail class.

The handling and conditioning class is done “in hand,” which means the trainer is on the ground leading the horse through a course.

“You need be able to show that [the horse] can act like a normal, civilized horse,” Jordan said. “You need to be able to lead them, brush them, put them on a trailer, all the different stuff that you might have to do with a horse day to day.”

The second maneuvers class is to demonstrate the horse can perform basic maneuvers such as walking, trotting, stopping and more. This is done “under saddle,” which means the trainer is riding the horse.

The trail class is an like an

obstacle course. After these, the top 10 will compete in freestyle with the winning trainer earning $25,000 in prize money and a belt buckle.

Jordan has been documenting her Mustang Makeover experience through social media and video for her Innovations class. This class, taught by science teacher Dan Welty, allows students to choose projects based on their passions to improve themselves and the world.

“Hopefully her work can help out the next riders who do that challenge,” Welty said. “They can learn from her.”

Jordan says she has enjoyed the experience so far.

“I’m starting to get nervous about the competition and sad that it’s going to be over soon, but I’ve definitely learned a lot,” Jordan said. “I’ve had to really change my thought process throughout and how I go about things.”

6 OPINION The Harbinger - June 2019

Group work fails with no teamwork

GRAPHIC KYLA PELHAM

MELISSA DAI

Assistant News Editor

When we hear the term “group project” in class, we think of working together with a cooperative group to contribute to a final product where everyone learns and demonstrates their knowledge, right? Wrong.

When I hear it, I groan because I know that I’ll probably be doing most, if not all, of the work in my group, especially if I can’t choose who I work with.

No matter what subject they’re in, most group projects are currently inefficient and require changes to ensure that they accomplish what they’re meant to do: encourage teamwork and strong work ethic while displaying students’ knowledge.

When done properly, group projects can be beneficial; they can build responsibility and help facilitate learning. Sometimes, they can even be fun. However, that is usually not the case, especially when group members have varying levels of work ethic, which often results in an unequal division of labor.

Don’t get me wrong, I understand that teamwork is a crucial life skill that will be applied in the “real” world, but the concept refers to when teams are actually collaborating with one another and sharing the workload.

Let’s be real. That rarely happens in group projects.

In my experience, the majority of the workload is usually taken on by one or two students striving for good grades while the others get to sit back, relax and enjoy the benefits of a mutual grade to which they contributed very

little to achieve.

Being the one who usually does the work meant for a whole group, I can easily say that this situation is extremely frustrating.

Members of a group who don’t contribute to the project are basically allowed a hall pass when one person does all the work, demonstrating the lack of individual accountability in group projects. It’s also unfair to the students who don’t do their share because they miss out on a learning experience that would teach them responsibility and diligence along with the educational content.

Aside from lacking incentive for personal responsibility, group projects also aren’t as academically effective as some teachers believe them to be.

According to a 2005 study from the University of Denver, group projects are not as productive as individual projects in terms of educating students; students from the study working in groups learned less than the students working individually. In fact, research has shown that group work somewhat restricts the process of learning.

Additionally, group projects aren’t ideal for demonstrating students’ knowledge because they do not reflect the skills of every member, but only of those who did the work.

I’m not saying we should stop doing group projects altogether. They are definitely crucial to do in school to prepare for life because sooner or later, everyone will have to work in groups. However, there are better ways to implement them: teachers should strictly specify the tasks for each group member, allow students to choose their groups, or divide students up based on similar skill and knowledge.

Meanwhile, students who normally don’t contribute should begin actively participating in group projects and encouraging others to do the same. They should pull their weight instead of using group projects as an excuse to get a free grade and expecting others to do their work for them.

All members must work together to carry out the true purpose of group projects: learning how to work with others to create a finished product. After all, teamwork makes the dream work, right?

Misconceptions can kill the defenseless

Vaccines promote public safety, ensure individual health

110,000 80%

CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 5 DIED FROM MEASLES DURING 2017 GLOBALLY*

DROP IN MEASLES DEATHS BETWEEN 2000 AND 2017 WORLDWIDE DUE TO VACCINATIONS* GRAPHIC LINDSEY RODMAN

PATRICK LI Staff Writer

Dozens of men, women and children lay in beds, their entire bodies smothered in large, oozing bumps. When colonists set foot in America, they spread the lethal smallpox virus to Native Americans.

These are the symptoms of the viral infection smallpox. With the itches and blisters come the likelihood of death. In the past, when there was no immunization for this disease, the rate of death as a result of smallpox was up to 95 percent.

There seemed to be no cure, until the concept of the vaccine was developed. By introducing a weak version of the virus into a healthy person, they became immune to the regular virus.

Smallpox was eradicated in 1980 and

measles was deemed eradicated in 2000 thanks to the extensive use and improvement of vaccines, but recently some people are beginning to forget or deny the importance of vaccines. Known as “antivaxxers,” they believe that vaccines do not work and cause side effects such as autism and sudden infant death syndrome.

Often the stance against vaccines results from children getting one of these “side effects” shortly after a vaccination and their parents blaming it on the vaccines. This false and dangerous belief, often fueled by emotions, that vaccines are more harmful than helpful is risking the lives of innocent children and causing a comeback in these previously eradicated diseases.

Currently, 47 states allow “religious exemption” for vaccinations. Although

vaccines may be against the religious be- datory vaccination was implemented, nulliefs of some people, their decision not to lifying “religious exemption.” As of May be vaccinated puts other people at risk.

26, the National Vaccine Information People living with medical conditions Center still states the following on New that prevent them from being vaccinated York residents: “This section shall not are protected with what is known as “herd apply to children whose parent, parents, immunity.” Herd immunity prevents the or guardian hold genuine and sincere respread of contagious disease if a certain ligious beliefs which are contrary to the threshold of the population is vaccinated. practices herein required, and no certifiWe can easily achieve this threshold if ev- cate shall be required as a prerequisite to eryone who is able to be vaccinated does such children being admitted or received so, which is why mandatory vaccination into school or attending school.” should be enforced.

Measles was declared eliminated in The anti-vaxxers do not have scien- 2000, but it has made a comeback thanks tific evidence backing them up. Accord- to the increasing number of anti-vaxxers. ing to the National Institute According to the Cenof Health, the effectiveness ter for Disease Conof vaccines ranges from 98 This false and trol and Prevention, to 100 percent. In five studies dangerous belief, there are already 880 from 2002 to 2007 involving cases of measles this over one million children, the often fueled by year as of May 26― a researchers concluded that emotions, that record number of in“there was no relationship fected people since between vaccination and au- vaccines are more 1992. Assuming that tism.” However, anti-vaxxers harmful than the number of meacontinue to ignore studies sles cases grows at the that disprove the connection helpful is risking current rate, there will between vaccines and autism, the lives of be almost two thouciting a retracted 1997 study sand cases by the end by discredited doctor Andrew innocent children. of the year.

Wakefield, involving only 12 As we have seen children. for the past twenty According to the New York Depart- years, anti-vaxxers are not going to change ment of Health, an outbreak in New York their minds anytime soon. Instead of tryinvolving 535 cases of measles in Brooklyn ing to argue with them, we should instead and Queens is mostly attributed to mem- pass laws that will end this issue once and bers of the Orthodox Jewish community, for all such as requiring vaccination to ateven though leaders in Jewish community tend school. Public safety comes before have stated that vaccinations are not for- personal beliefs. *According to the World bidden in Jewish law.

Health Organization There would be no such risk if man-

OPINION 7 arhsharbinger.com

Womens’ bodies, womens’ choice

Waves of state laws restricting abortion violate womens’ rights AVA AYMIE A&E Editor

On Tuesday, May 14, a room of 25 out of 35 members of the Alabama State Senate voted to pass the most oppressive abortion bill in the country. There was not a single female amongst the 25 members that voted in favor of the law, according to CBS News. Twenty-five men voted on a life-changing decision that is irrelevant to their own bodies. Looks like Alabama is not a “sweet home” for women’s rights.

Governor Kay Ivey still signed bill 25-6 into law creating a near total abortion ban. Although a woman herself, she still decided to sign off on a bill that takes away the right of individuals of her own gender.

The new law states that women are forced to carry out a pregnancy, no matter the circumstance, and the only exceptions for abortion are “Only those determined to be necessary to prevent a serious health risk to the

unborn child’s mother” according to Alabama state law.

This means that any female who has become pregnant through rape or incest must go through with giving birth to the baby. I say females rather than women because abortion restriction applies to every girl, despite her age.

Although not as severe as Alabama’s new bill, states such as Ohio, Kentucky, Mississippi, Georgia, Utah and Arkansas are passing abortion restrictions as well. With more and more states taking away a woman’s right to an abortion, which was protected by the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court trial, I fear that more states could start passing laws such as Alabama’s.

According to CBS News, an 11-year-old rape victim will no longer be able to get an abortion because of the “fetal heartbeat law” restrictions in Ohio. Based on the Ohio State Law they are “effectively banning nearly all abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detectable”. A fetal heart-

GRAPHIC LINDSEY RODMAN

beat is detected within 6-7 weeks.

When I was 11 I was just learning about “growing and changing” in school, nevermind what sex is and how it works.

Now, this 11-year-old victim must go through with this unwanted pregnancy and give birth to her rapist’s child. Since she is so young she could possibly die from carrying the baby to term.

In what world is that okay? Oh, wait...Ohio and Alabama.

The Alabama State Law states that committing an abortion is charged as a Class A felony. This means that if a doctor performed an abortion on a rape victim, they could face up to 99 years in prison. That is more time in prison than the rapist could be charged with, which is about 10 years depending on what class felony it is according to Alabama’s sexual assault laws.

Rather than moving forward, we just went back decades with these new laws restricting abortion. Forcing women to have an unwanted pregnancy is cruel.

There are no laws restricting

what a man can or cannot do to his body, so why are we forcing laws controlling what women can or cannot do?

Banning abortion won’t get rid of it as a whole, all it does is get rid of safe abortion. In the past, women have found other ways to abort a child and they will find these ways again. According to Planned Parenthood “In 1965, illegal abortions made up one-sixth of all pregnancy-related deaths.” Now that abortion rights are becoming restricted, we can expect to have more illegal abortions which will result in more pregnancy-related deaths.

Men should not be telling women what is right for their bodies. Making laws that limit what a woman can or cannot do to her body is absurd, especially when men seem to be the ones with the most say in it when it comes to passing these restrictive laws. A woman should have the right to do what she pleases with her own body. These new abortion laws are an attack on all women.

King James dethrones Jordan as greatest baller JONNY RATNER Photo Editor

Ever since Michael Jordan stepped onto an NBA court, he was considered the greatest NBA player of all time, however, that all changed when the Cleveland Cavaliers selected LeBron James with the first overall pick in the 2003 draft. It’s time that we recognize LeBron as the king of basketball and that he has officially dethroned Jordan.

The problem that arises when comparing NBA players from different time periods, like Michael Jordan and LeBron James, is that often the person who watched Jordan play in his prime will say something like: “How can you argue that if you never saw Jordan play?” or “How can you compare two players from two completely separate eras?”

The most important thing to understand when making a case for either one is to note just how incredible both players are. Players like LeBron, Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Russell are all among the greatest legends to ever touch a basketball, but I believe one stands out as the greatest, and that is four-time Most Valuable Player, LeBron James.

The most accurate way to compare these legends from different time periods is to look at a few things: their overall basketball skills and abilities, their physical attributes and their consistent excellence that was above the rest, even when the odds were completely stacked against them.

Drafted out of high school, LeBron was surrounded by the most pressure and hype any basketball player had ever experienced, and he took it and ran. In the 200304 season, LeBron’s rookie year, he already was looking like a future star and everyone watching knew he was special, but he did not know just how special he would become. If there was any player who had surpassed the hype or at least met the expectations of being the next face of the league from day one, it was him.

The closest comparison in the conversation of the greatest player of all time is Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan.

Although Jordan was one of the greatest

to ever play, the areas LeBron excels in more than Jordan are ones that are simply more important to consider when comparing these two, such as leadership, unreal physical attributes and an overall ability to achieve more from any part of the court while still remaining consistent at a high level.

Overall, LeBron has more pure ability and physical attributes than Michael Jordan. LeBron can play all five positions as well as defend against all five at a high efficiency and effectiveness. At his size, LeBron has unmatched court vision and the ability to always find the open teammate.

On every team he has played for, LeBron has made the people around him better, and some have even reached their full potential when on the court with him. LeBron will finish his career with more total points, rebounds, assists and blocks than Jordan, as well as a higher total shooting percentage.

Yes, Jordan does have six championships while LeBron only has three, but many factors went into winning these championships. One of these factors is that the teams Jordan beat in each of his finals were, for the most part, nowhere near as good as the teams LeBron has beaten in the finals.

In his six finals championships, Michael Jordan and the Bulls faced five teams (facing the Utah Jazz twice) consisting of seven total Hall of Famers. These teams had great players, but the only team that’s considered to be even comparable to the teams LeBron has faced was the Los Angeles Lakers in 1991.

LeBron has undoubtedly had to face some of the best teams to ever be assembled in the NBA. In LeBron’s three championship titles (two with Miami Heat, one with Cleveland Cavs), he has had to face a total of at least ten players locked in to be Hall-of-Famers. Most recently in 2016, LeBron completely carried the Cavs past the Golden State Warriors after coming back from being down 3-1 in the series.

LeBron James is the best basketball player ever, as his physical ability accompanied by his overall basketball IQ and consistent level of greatness combine to earn him the name of “King” James.

GRAPHIC DEJI SOBOYEJO

BY THE NUMBERS

Michael Jordan

6 Finals Appearances 6 Finals Wins 5 MVPs 30.1 Av. Points per Game 32,292 Total Points 5,987 Total Playoff Points

LeBron James

9 Finals Appearances 3 Finals Wins 4 MVPs 27.2 Av. Points per Game 32,543 Total Points 6,911 Total Playoff Points

8

OPINION

The Harbinger - June 2019

Boy Scouts of America sexual assault scandal betrays values Eagle Scout Riley Garand is left disillusioned by hyprocrisy in the organization he loves RILEY GARAND Staff Writer

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has existed since 1910 and is based on the motto “Be Prepared.” This motto, along with slogans, oaths and laws as well as the organization’s history of constant humanitarian work and community service has always made me proud to be a Boy Scout.

Abuse and sexual misconduct and assault have surrounded BSA for decades. In a sexual misconduct trial in Oregon in 2010, BSA “Perversion Files” were used as sealed evidence and released in 2012.

When I first read about this scandal, my first question was what exactly are “Perversion Files?” The BSA uses it like a blacklist. These perversion files are defined as a database that keeps track of adult leaders, parents or individuals who have been accused of sexually assaulting or abusing Boy Scouts. In theory it’s a good idea, but the BSA fails to

GRAPHIC KARMYN SHREEVE

track these blacklisted members and notify the public.

Attorney Tim Kosnoff has compiled data surrounding acts of abuse in Scouts. Kosnoff lists on his website that “analysis of the internal files reveals that the Boy Scouts have been dismissing scoutmasters for sexual abuse at the rate of one every three days for the past 50 years.” BSA is in talks of filing bankruptcy due to the sheer amount of individuals suing them.

Yes, you read that right.

As someone who has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, highest rank of Boy Scouts, I am utterly saddened with the organization I have always been proud to be part of. My troop, fellow scouts and leaders made my journey an unforgettable and lifechanging one. Sadly, it’s time to realize that not everyone within this national organization has been so lucky.

The fact that BSA had never released the names of some of these abusers to the public is not only alarming, but calls into ques-

tion the intentions of the leader- around the fact that how people ship of the organization itself. who run an organization I trust BSA can claim they’re sorry and and leaders within the organizathat they believe sexual assault tion are bad people? survivors. However, they continWhen you’re young, you ue to contribute to the problem look for the best in the world, by preventing but as you get the truth from older there is coming out fula time where When you’re ly. The Perveryou have to young, you look sion Files was step back a good idea, and question for the best in the but the failure what is real world, but as you to release all and genuine. of the names Sadly, one get older there is to the public is must learn a time where you a huge misstep. that not every have to step back My question adult and not is what else is every organiand question what BSA hiding? zation is who is real and genuine.

My issue or what they with accepting say they are. the reality of While I unBSA’s hypocrisy runs deep: the derstand that these abuses don’t groups that perpetuate this abuse reflect what the groups as a are also ones that demand indi- whole represent, these scandals viduals to follow rules on how to only further prove that there is be the moral person. Many times darkness in some aspects of life it’s individuals in leadership posi- you trust and believe in. tions that allow and contribute to I will always be proud of beabuse. How do I wrap my mind ing an Eagle Scout and having a

sense of faith, but some aspects of my identity, ones I had before, seem destroyed. My memories in Scouts are ones I cherish but others across the country have been silenced by the organization. As I go onto college and other life endeavors, I will look to these uncoverings and my realizations as a learning experience. They’ve made me realize that finding your own faith and way of doing things is important. I will be sure to remember that my values and morals are what’s most important, not those of the groups I belong to. I will also remember that those who seem perfect and those who expect perfection in others may not always be perfect themselves. I advise readers to do the same. Take a hard look at what you believe in and find what makes up your identity.

See full article at arhsharbinger.com

Stop spreading rumors, instead tell your own stories LINDSEY STONE Staff Writer

“This guy threw up at the soccer game yesterday.”

“I heard that so and so hooked up last night.”

“She’s on her period; just ignore her.”

“He’s gay.”

Rumors like these have been spread numerous times this year and have caused pain or discomfort for students in our school. Whether or not these stories were correct, they were told without any known authority for their truth and cause pain to kids where there was no need to.

Our school feeds on rumors. Just a walk down the hallway and so many stories can be heard about him at a party or her attitude towards this. Not many would think that someone being talked about is now crying in the bathroom or feeling hate because of something they never did.

We all know high school is no walk in the park, so why make it harder on ourselves by telling these lies about each other?

I know we may gain pleasure from others’ pain and embarrassment, and I understand that many of us can easily get sucked into the drama and gossip. However, not enough of us stop to think how hurtful theses actions may be.

Rumors may seem innocent. They are such little lies

GRAPHIC LINDSEY RODMAN

that we think we can just brush them off. Now, I am not saying I have never helped spread rumors. In fact, I have been part of many either through friends or because I was just trying to fit in. But the more I think about this subject the more I realize that the gossip and rumors aren’t helping anyone.

In the end, rumors are just simply lies. We may think they are true, but if we have no evidence of that, then it is unfair to the people being told and the person it’s about, to tell it.

I understand that these rumors can make a pretty

good story; and who doesn’t want something to talk about to that new crush you have in history class or that group of friends you’ve been trying to get close with?

But these “stories” aren’t ours to tell.

Now, I’m not saying to go around and get written evidence of what everyone has done. But if you hear or have told a rumor, I suggest going to the person it’s about and simply talking to them about what you heard. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to them, then you definitely don’t have the right to talk to someone else about it.

It is also better to believe the person who the rumor is about because even if that person is lying to you, at least it was their decision to tell a lie about themselves and not someone else’s.

Another way to avoid telling rumors about other people is to just simply tell your own story. We all have unique lives and if you’re talking with someone they probably want to learn more about you than other people.

Not every rumor causes pain to someone. Some might be a story or a painful trait and others might just become a harmless idea that doesn’t hurt anyone. My hope is the ones that do cause pain will stop being told and stop hurting people for no reason.

I urge people to become more aware of what they say and think about how a little word or story can affect someone. That little change in thought can make our school and community a better place.

EDITORIAL 9 arhsharbinger.com

Open discussions about mental health help us all

GRAPHIC LINDSEY RODMAN

It is hard to walk down the halls and not overhear students talk about their mental health with their friends, yet students are still reluctant to openly discuss it without making it a joke.

The purpose of mental health awareness is to let people know they are not alone in their struggles. While what they are going through is terrible, it is not uncommon.

Awareness is meant to foster

support for our peers who struggle. However, once the week, month or even day of support is over, we return to silence.

Although dumping problems onto unsuspecting acquaintances is not the way to go, we need to have more open discussions about what mental illness looks like and how it impacts daily life.

We need to have more discussions about how it is normal

to not have perfect mental health.

We need to publicize resources for those that need them.

Society is moving towards talking about mental health in a positive way, but awareness can only spread if we have open discussions. If we want this change to happen, we need to check in not only with those in our lives, but with friends too. However, once we are done, we fall back into our own daily routine.

This is not okay.

The world isn’t perfect; it’s full of ups and downs. Living in our bubbles doesn’t help. Bottling up our feelings and struggles only leads to greater stress down the road.

Mental health issues are common. There is no other way to normalize issues if they are not openly talked about, and mental health is no exception. We can’t dismiss mental health as a made up illness. It is just as serious and real as physical health. While it may not be visible, it must be talked about as if it were a physical ailment.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but mental health needs to be talked about more than just one month a year. To end the stigma surrounding mental health, awareness needs to be continuous, not just an annual occurrence.

The unsigned editorial reflects the views of The Harbinger Editorial Board.

Harbinger The Algonquin

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

Volume 31 Issue 6

Editorial Board Editors-in-Chief

Catherine Hayden & Gabriela Paz-Soldan

Online Editor Liza Armstrong

Photo Editors

Olivia Battles & Jonny Ratner

News Editor Laura Anderson

Sports Editor Jenny Lambert

A&E Editors

Ava Aymie & Macey Poitras-Cote

Opinion Editors

Aaliyah Yan & Cristina Stassis

Assistant Photo Editor Annabella Ferraiuolo

Assistant News Editors Claire Bai & Melissa Dai

Assistant Sports Editors

Karthik Yalala & Colleen Mulligan

Assistant A&E Editors Amy Sullivan & Brianna Tang

Assistant Online Editors Olivia Kelly & Caroline Warren

Social Media Editor Cecelia Cappello

Graphic Coordinators

Sofia Abdullina & Sharada Vishwanath

Mission Statement

The Harbinger is a student run publication which strives to:

Adviser

Lindsay Coppens

Photo Adviser Michelle Sheppard

• Report in a legal, objective, accurate and ethical manner • Entertain and start conversation • Be fair and impartial in its coverage

• Accurately portray the culture of the student body • Give voice to the students of Algonquin • Maintain professional standards

Editorial Policies

The Harbinger is the official news publication produced by Algonquin Regional High School students. The Harbinger has been established as a designated public forum to inform 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, its editorial board assumes complete legal liability for the content of the publication.

The expression of opinions by readers is encouraged through letters to the editor. Letters should not exceed 300 words, must be signed, and must include the writer’s phone number for verification. Letters may be submitted to arhsharbinger@gmail.com.

Organizations interested in advertising in The Harbinger should contact editors for rates and policies. Advertising that appears in the publication is not necessarily endorsed by The Harbinger or its staff members.

Concerns about published errors published may be submitted to arhsharbinger@gmail.com. Staff members strive to correct errors prior to publication; however, if a significant error is printed, editors will determine the manner of a correction.

Typography and layout are done entirely by the staff which distributes approximately 1500 copies to the school community and paid subscribers six to eight times a year. The Harbinger is printed by School Paper Express.

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

Contributing Staff Riley Garand, Abby Keene, Elena Neilson, Grace Campbell, Nina Dworakowski, Elena Grinblatas, Heather Hodgkins, Patrick Li, Colleen Mulligan, Elizabeth Rice, Mike Spataro, Lindsey Stone, Jaiden Wilde, Connor Lawless, Deji Soboyejo, Lindsey Rodman, Kyla Pelham, Karmyn Shreeve, Shakila Sivarajan, Andrew Roberts, Maggie Del Re, Elissa Gorman, Natalie Sadek, Maria Tand, Ben Weber, Darby Kim, Sean Neusch, Katrina Liu, Mariam Ibrahimi, Annemarie Wood, Jasmine Cai

Silver Crown, 2019 Gold Crown, 2018 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Newspaper & Online Pacemaker, 2018 National Scholastic Press Association All-New England Award, 2016-19 New England Scholastic Press Association

10 FEATURE The Harbinger - June 2019

This year at Algon

The editorial board reflects on the moment

PHOTO JONNY RATNER

Sophomore Joe Kearney works intently on his final project for World History on a Chromebook he borrowed through the Bring Your Own Device program.

The Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program was rolled out in November to allow technology to be incorporated into the curriculum more readily.

Under the BYOD program, students have a device, whether school-issued or their own, with them at school every day.

The school provides anywhere from 60 to 90 day loaners per day and has 50 longterm loaners. “[The loaner program] went very well,” librarian Kimberly Honey said. “...There was this misconception that students would be late to class because they have to wait for a chromebook, but we actually timed how long it takes for a student to walk through the door and check out a chromebook and it takes less than 90 seconds. We got the check-out and check-in system down really fast.”

According to Instructional Technol-

ogy Specialist Brian Calnan, the program has been an overall success.

“I think there was definitely some hesitation at the beginning,” Calnan said.

“Just people weren’t sure what it was going to be. Was it going to totally change what their classes would look like? Were they just going to be on computers all day? But I think it ended up being a lot smoother than a lot of people expected.”

Looking forward, Calnan hopes that teachers continue to think about designing lesson plans that make use of the technology now at every student’s disposal.

“I don’t want students to have to carry around a device and use it once a day and I don’t want them using it seven periods a day either,” Calnan said. “[The school should be] finding that balance and just consistently using it as it becomes integrated into part of [the students’] learning.”

BYOD

PHOTO ANNEMARIE WOOD

With performances on December 6, 7 and 8, Chicago the Musical impressed audiences with its Jazz era drama and comedy.

Chicago Students came together to put on a production of “Chicago the Musical” in December.

The show, set in the Jazz era of the 1920s, featured the trial of Roxie Hart, played by freshman Sarah Boush, who struggles to escape a prison sentence after murdering her secret lover Fred Casely, played by senior Nick Giurleo. The show’s comical element set it apart from previous musicals directed by Fine and Performing Arts teacher Maura Morrison.

“It’s so awesome to hear when an audience is laughing,” Boush said. “You remember how funny the show actually is and it’s an amazing feeling.

Swim and Dive States

SUBMITTED JANICE HATTON

Boys’ golf League Champs The boys’ golf team won both the League and District Championships, with five out of the top six spots of the League Championship dominated by Algonquin players.

Algonquin finished with a score of 321, beating out second place Westborough

by nine strokes.

“I was more proud of this team than I’ve ever been,” senior captain Nick Hatton said. “The way we came out and played as a team against some of the best teams in Central Mass was unbelievable.”

With a 12-0 undefeated season, the swim and dive teams were both league meet champions and Midland Wachusett League Champions. The teams also competed at states, where junior Lizzie Meschisen placed third in diving and senior Ray Cerro placed third in the breaststroke.

Diving for only Photo Connor Lawless about three years, Meschisen is proud to Sophomore Hikari Torikai swims freestyle on her see herself improve at meet on Jan. 18.

States, getting eleventh place her freshman year and sixth place her sophomore year.

“Getting third in the state [for diving] means a lot to me because the girls who got first and second are seniors, and they’ve been diving all their lives,” Meschisen said. “The fact that I was able to come close to them means a lot to me.”

Cerro also placed sixth in the 50 free and broke school records in both of his events, now holding 58.13 for the backstroke and 21.99 for the 50 free.

As freshman Alex Karaba focuses on the hoop dur

Boys’ ba CMAS

The boys’ basketball tea made it to Division 1 Centr Final, where they lost 53-41 Acton-Boxborough.

“You always want to go far as you can, but this is back back District Finals for us, an that hasn’t happened at Algo quin ever in Division 1,” coac Brian Doherty said.

For senior captain Sean Cu len, it was a memorable season “I’m satisfied [with the se son] because throughout the ye

String O Symph

submitted karmyn sh

The String Orchestra formed at Symphony Ha May after earning Gold at Massachusetts Instrume & Chorus Conductors A ciation’s (MICCA) festiva April.

At MICCA, the ensem was judged on tone quality, ance, blend and expression panel of college professors professional musicians.

COMPILED LAURA ANDERSON, JEN

FEATURE 11 arhsharbinger.com

nquin: a look back

ts that marked the 2018 - 2019 school year

PHOTO JONNY RATNER

an looks to add points to the board, he ring a free throw.

asketball SS Finals

am ral to

as to nd onch

uln. eaear

it was about more than just basketball,” Cullen said. “I created some friendships and bonds with kids I wasn’t as close with before which will last forever, and I created memories with the team whether during games or practices or just hanging out with them outside of basketball.”

The team hopes to claim the District Championship next year.

PHOTO MARIAM IBRAHIMI

Sophomore Matthew Semmel and junior Kaley Somers participate in an introduction to weaving STEP block.

Algonquin tested two pilot schedules in December to search for a possible replacement to the current one. Although a new schedule will not be implemented this coming year, the two week trial period sparked conversations about schedules in general and especially the inclusion of Student/Teacher Enrichment Period (STEP) blocks, which were tested out in both of the pilots. “[The scheduling committees] were hoping that we could relieve stress for students by giving them a couple of breaks during the week [with STEP blocks] and also give them an opportunity to do something that inter-

ests them,” math teacher and Pilot 2 committee member Margaret Perreault said.

Creative STEP blocks such as weaving, art workshops and friendship bracelet making were offered in addition to more academically oriented ones, like engineering challenges, trivia and quiet studies.

Freshman Shannon Hill enjoyed the STEP blocks, but doesn’t think it would be practical in the long-run.

“It was really fun to have the STEP blocks, but if we have less time for regular class periods, there would be more work jammed into one period,” Hill said.

STEP

Orchestra at hony Hall

hreeve

perall in t the ental Assoal in

mble , baln by a s and

“Stepping out onto the stage was like ‘wow,’ you could feel the difference between standing on the Algonquin stage and Symphony Hall,” freshman violinist Srishti Kaushik said.

It was the ensemble’s first time playing at Symphony Hall.

“I feel very grateful for this opportunity because I’ve never played at such an impressive venue before even though we didn’t have much of an audience,” senior first chair cellist Veronika Jaster said. “I’m especially grateful for Ms. Collins to have prepared and guided us so far.”

PHOTO JONNY RATNER

The gymnastics team celebrates at the State Championship on March 2 where they placed sixth.

Gymnastics at States

For the first time in seven years, the gymnastics team qualified for States. They placed sixth with a final score of 143.05.

“We did really well at States,” senior Tessa McAndrews said. “I think a few of our scores were definitely lower than they should’ve been which was really frustrating and unfair, but it happens to everyone...The goal wasn’t to win; it was just to go out there and have our

best meet.”

At the Individual State Championships, freshman Lizzy Debroczy became Algonquin’s first all-around champion.

Coach Jordan Mcstay believes there is a bright future ahead for Debroczy.

“In three years, I see Lizzy still holding the allaround Individual States Champion position as well as making the senior national team and representing Massachusetts down in Florida,” Mcstay said.

Proof SUBMITTED KEVN HAUSMANN photo maria tand

The winter play’s four-person award-winning cast tackled heavy issues with “Proof,” a show about relationships, mental health and loss.

“It gave student actors an opportunity to do something that they don’t sometimes get, and that is deal with a really challenging piece, a really mature piece, and get the experience of finding characters that are dealing with real-life problems,” co-director and science teacher Brian Kelly

said.

Senior Nick Hatton enjoyed the majority of the play, noting that it covered heavier topics than any other he’d been in before.

“It was definitely a challenge playing someone that is in their sixties and was a genius and was schizophrenic,” Hatton said.

On March 1, “Proof ” won an ensemble award at drama festival The Massachusetts Educational Theatre Guild.

National Unified Champion School Algonquin was one of ten schools in Massachusetts to receive National Banner Recognition from Special Olympics.

The award recognized the school for its inclusivity and the opportunities they offer students of all abilities through organizations such as unified sports, unified

choir, the DECA unified program and Best Buddies.

According to science teacher and Best Buddies adviser Kevin Hausmann, this distinction shows that the school is a leader when it comes to seeing people for their abilities and challenging them to lead with their abilities.

NNY LAMBERT, CATHERINE HAYDEN, GABRIELA PAZ-SOLDAN, MAGGIE DEL RE, DARBY KIM, BRIANNA TANG, LIZA ARMSTRONG, COLLEEN MULLIGAN, BEN WEBER & JONNY RATNER

12 A&E The Harbinger - June 2019

Harbinger’s Summer Playlist As vacation kicks in, Harby staff members came up with songs to rock your summer.

A SUNNY WAKE-UP:

“Good Morning”- Kanye West “The Sound of Sunshine”Michael Franti and Spearhead “Every Morning”- Sugar Ray “I Will Buy You a New Life”Everclear

BEACHSIDE:

“The General”- Dispatch “Buffalo Soldier”- Bob Marley “Doin’ Time”- Sublime “The Prophet”- Slightly Stoopid

review

Yung Pinch provides perfect summer tracks Michael Spataro Staff Writer

Yung Pinch’s album “4EVERFRIDAY SZN TWO” is the album to listen to with the cold weather winding down and the sun coming out. The tape presents 12 songs that are all worth listening to and will raise the spirits of any listener.

You may have not heard of the upand-coming rapper Yung Pinch, but if you have, it is probably through one of his hits such as “Rock With Us,” which has gained almost 10 million views on YouTube. He has also appeared on the songs “I Know You” and “Nightmares” with popular rapper Lil Skies.

Yung Pinch was born and raised in California, and it shows in his music, as he has that very relaxed and beachy vibe. He is not your typical “soundcloud rapper,” most of his music involves him singing over more relaxing beats.

Yung Pinch’s album on one of the album’s “4EVERFRIDAY SZN highest energy songs.

TWO” should be mixed into The album also has your summer playlist as you 03 Greedo featured on could sit back and relax to it the song “Wake Up.” at the beach or by the pool.

The 03 Greedo and Yung The beach vibe isn’t the only Pinch combination works style Yung Pinch brings to very well as the two are the tape. able to match each othThis isn’t just a one man er’s energy, creating a show from Pinch. He feasong that is relaxing yet tures a wide variety of other up tempo.

INSTAGRAM @YUNGPINCH artists, big and small. All of I would rate this althese artists seem to feed off bum a 4 out of 5. Even each other’s energy, creating though Yung Pinch has a a great flow to the songs. “4EVERFRIDAY big fan base (over 3 milThe biggest and most no- SZN TWO” lion monthly Spotify listable feature is on the song teners), this album could “Big Checks” featuring YG. push him into bigger Rappers Thouxanbanstardom. None of the fauni and Guapdad 4000 appear on the album’s songs disappoint and they could song “Insecure.” These two, even though be mixed into almost any type of playllesser known, work very well with Pinch ist.

Yung Pinch

Hip-Hop/Rap

Pops Night showcases students musical talents

GOOD OLD CLASSICS:

“Summer of ‘69”- Bryan Adams “All Summer Long”- Kid Rock “Sugar Magnolia”- Grateful Dead “Paradise City”- Guns N’ Roses

SOUTHERN VIBES:

“Tequila”- Dan+Shay “Simple”- Florida Georgia Line “Chicken Fried”- Zac Brown Band “Drink a Little Beer”- Thomas Rhett

PARTY TIME:

“Marmalade”- Macklemore (feat. Lil Yachty) “Champagne Shower”Future “UCLA”- RL Grime “Magic in the Hamptons”Social House (feat. Lil Yachty)

ROAD TRIP:

“Fruit Punch”- Kaiydo “Limelight” (NGHTMRE Remix)- Just A Gent “Erase Me”- Kid Cudi “Sunday Best”- Surfaces

MAKING MEMORIES:

“Kids in the Summer”- Kid Quill “Postcards”- James Blunt “Radio”- Hot Chelle Rae “Sugar”- Maroon 5

See full playlist at arhsharbinger.com COMPILED ELENA NEILSON

PHOTO JONNY RATNER

Sophomore Miranda Slingluff passionately sings her solo part of “Respect” by Otis Redding and Roger Emerson as part of the Camerata Singers’ performance during “Pops Night” on Wednesday, May 29 in the gymnasium. Twelve other music groups performed and sang fun, light hearted music to celebrate popular music. The music community also celebrated coming together for the last performance of the school year.

review

Firefly’s combines friendly atmosphere, tasty barbecue Amy Sullivan

Assistant A&E Editor

Your next barbecue oasis is waiting for you at Firefly’s BBQ restaurant, where you will have an excellent meal and a dining experience with a positive twist.

Located in Marlborough, Firefly’s has a multitude of choices and accommodating menus. They have won the barbecue award from the Best of Boston, and were rated four stars by The Boston Globe.

When my family first arrived at Firefly’s, they accommodated our request of sitting in the main dining room, as the renovation section of a new bar area seemed bland without the fun atmosphere. Our waiter was welcoming, and the upbeat music added to the positive vibe.

Once we were seated, five minutes passed until another friendly waitress arrived at our table and got us our drinks.

We ordered fried pickles ($8) as an

appetizer which came out shortly after ress said they were just starting my mothordering. The fried part around the pickle er’s meal. Her food came 20 minutes after had just the right amount of crispness. ours did, which was a major drawback.

They were hot and enjoyable. Also, the The waitress was apologetic and acportion size was generous. commodated the mistake by giving us free I ordered the pulled pork sandwich dessert and excluding my mom’s meal ($12). As my sides, I chose fries and on our bill. However, my mom did not substituted macaroni enjoy her meal, as her and cheese for $1 extra. salmon felt overcooked.

My food came within a The macaroni and We ordered the Carly & speedy 13 minutes of or- cheese was very Rachel’s Cookie Sundae dering. as our free dessert. The My fries were hot and creamy, making cookie and hot fudge had a crispy texture. With it a delicious side nicely complimented the large amounts of cheese, rich, vanilla ice cream. the macaroni and cheese dish.

Later, the manager even was very creamy, making called my mother and it a delicious side dish. The pulled pork gave her a $30 gift card because of the insandwich was cooked well with loads of convenience. pork oozing out, and their original BeelzeSo even though our meal had a blip, bar BBQ sauce added to the savory taste. Firefly’s clearly cares about their customUnfortunately, well the rest of us en- ers’ experiences. If you are a big barbecue joyed our food, my mother didn’t. Almost fan, you should stop by Firefly’s and enjoy 10 minutes after we were served, the wait- their authentic, award-winning barbecue.

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13

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14 REVIEWS The Harbinger - June 2019

Seasonal Allergies brings humor

Improv teams battle for laughs in skits, games AVA AYMIE & MACEY POITRAS-COTE A&E Editors

This year’s “Needs Improvement” cast put on a humorous show, Seasonal Allergies, by capturing the essence of Algonquin through their skits on May 16 and 17.

We arrived at the show more than 45 minutes early, and there was already a line eagerly waiting to enter the Black Box Theater.

Comically, each year the group chooses an underlying theme for their two opposing teams of cast members.

This year the cast chose to incorporate the seasonal struggle of allergies, through Team Zyrtec and Team Allegra.

The cast entered the Black Box with enthusiasm, dancing back and forth across the stage, hyping up not only each other but the whole audience.

The opening skit was “Wild Wild West” in which two men inside a western bar did a blindfolded horseshoe toss, fighting over a woman. The most standout performance was junior Michael Cowdry’s interpretation of a sheriff. He wore oversized jeans and talked

in a wacky country accent. The audience cracked up when he entered barreling down the aisle.

The following skit was a scene dedicated to the common struggle of finding a prom date, yet everything went wrong. Junior Joe Greene began by ranting to his guidance counselor about his five promposals that all got denied.

This resulted in Dr. Walsh, played by senior Annalise Loizeaux, assigning prom dates through a Canvas compatibility quiz. Everyone ends up hating their dates and resenting Greene. The most laugh-out-loud prom date pairing was played by senior twins Riley and Shea Garand, and the skit ended with the two slow dancing.

Despite being the longest scene of the night, there was never a dull moment in “The Battle of the Boro’s.” The scene began with two freshmen from opposing towns colliding at freshman orientation and falling into a forbidden love. The two lovebirds were played by seniors Nick Redden (Northborough) and Jeanie Kirk (Southborough). This skit was the perfect twist on what we all felt entering Algonquin: the pressure of being cool, fitting in and figuring out which borough is superior, and established in the skit it’s definitely not West-

borough.

The “Dear Mr. Hancin” skit was a musical parody of the play “Dear Evan Hansen”. The heartfelt song captured Fine and Performing Art techer George Hancin’s quirks and left the audience heartbroken over his upcoming retirement. Although the song’s lyrics were a perfect tribute to Hancin, we had trouble hearing every word and wish the singers projected were able to project more.

After a brief intermission, the second act was the “Improv Smackdown,” a series of improv games between the two spirited teams, Allegra and Zyrtec.

One game that stuck out was the musical improv game played on the first night. Senior Katherine Moffa and sophomore Miranda Slingluff battled out as two moms with ex-best friend daughters. They were able to think of and perform catchy songs right on the spot in front of a large audience, which takes a lot of talent.

The popular improv show lived up to the hype. The cast, teachers and live house band involved in “Needs Improvement” produced a hilarious show.

In fact, we don’t think they need much improvement at all.

PHOTOS JONNY RATNER

Top left: As tensions rise, members of Northborough and Southborough clash and insult the opposing town.

Top right: Junior Mike Cowdrey steps up during the “I object” exercise and passionately argues his position.

Bottom: As the show opens, senior Nick Hatton jumps over senior Colin Hartnett during the opening dance.

AJR provides unique production, lyrics on ‘Neotheater’

AJR

Courtesy AJRBrothers

“Neotheater”

Alternative/Pop LIZA ARMSTRONG Online Editor

Few artists today make an album that can be listened to from start to finish, and even fewer can compile songs that compliment each other. But AJR’s third album “Neotheater” proves that the art of the album is not dead.

AJR, made up of brothers Adam, Jack and Ryan Met, gained a sizeable fanbase after the release of their sopho-

more album “The Click” over two years ago. Since then, the band has become known for writing lyrics that comment on societal norms, and while “Neotheater” claims to be completely different from previous work, the album is almost completely made up of songs that continue to discuss these truths of living in the modern world against a backdrop of mutated, almost alien instruments.

The most political song on the album by far is “Birthday Party,” sung from the perspective of a newborn baby, lyrics like “I bet my country’s nice to immigrants” and “I bet I’ll see a female president” are paired with the repetition of a distorted clarinet in the background. While some may argue that it is not a musician’s place to comment on politics, I found it refreshing. The fact that they are not afraid to put their controversial ideas into a song and take a hard stance is not seen in much of today’s music.

Authenticity through hard truths is seen through the majority of the songs on this album. "Karma," my favorite song, is sung by Jack Met, the lead singer, from a hypothetical therapy session. He talks about his bad luck despite his intentions to make the right choices in the world.

While the lyrics themselves are relatable to all, it becomes evident that they connect personally with Met within the last 40 seconds of the song where he completes his verse in one breath. This effect is meant to show that while the session is winding down because of time constraints, he still has many unanswered questions.

Other songs, like "Dear Winter” and “Turning Out, Pt. ii,” focus on generic topics that the band typically stays away from, but they bring a new twist to these topics. "Dear Winter" is sung to a hypothetical son, Winter, about the relationship Jack Met hopes to form with him, but what makes it generic is the fact that he has to find the kid’s mom, almost turning it into a love song with lyrics “I gotta find a girl who won’t mind that I’m inside my head a lot.” “Turning Out, Pt. ii” is AJR’s take on a love song, this time about an ended relationship where the singer, in this case Ryan Met, says “I think I probably wasn’t in love with you/I think I probably loved the idea of you.” Both of these songs add a much needed dose of sorrow to the album in order to bring listeners on an emotional journey from start to finish.

Besides the thought-provoking lyrics, the band revealed through social media that every song contains a piece of another song from the album. This adds to the already complex layers of each song and forced me to listen to each song at a more focused level, and while I did not pick up on every “easter egg”, I did find more meaning in the songs or even a new sound that I did not hear before. For a first time listen, set aside 45 minutes so you can take in the album all at once. I promise, you will be instantly hooked.

See full review at arhsharbinger.com

A&E

15

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Laptop Sticker Match-Up

1

With the introduction of the Bring Your Own Device policy, students began expressing themselves creatively through laptop stickers. Match the face with the laptop images below to find out which laptop belongs to which person.

A

review

Efron transforms into charming, terrifying Bundy in Netflix film CECELIA CAPPELLO Social Media Editor

2

B

Sophomore Lauren Hartnett

C

3

Sophomore John Dugan

4

D

Junior Lizzie Meschisen

5

E

Junior Ben MacNeil COMPILED AVA AYMIE, ELENA NEILSON, JONNY RATNER, MACEY POITRAS-COTE, ABBY KEENE & LIZA ARMSTRONG

See more laptop matchups on arhsharbinger.com Answer Key: 1)E 2)A 3)D 4)C 5)B

Sophomore Robert Scharpf

Who doesn’t love a movie starring Zac Efron? The answer is: pretty much no one... until he stars as Ted Bundy.

Director Joe Berlinger’s exceptional film, “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile” transforms this childhood heartthrob into one of the most famous serial killers, Ted Bundy.

Berlinger’s film examines Bundy’s life without scenes of his crimes, but focuses on his relationship with his girlfriend Liz Kendall (Lily Collins), and the deception Bundy takes on during his life.

The movie begins in the late 1960’s in Seattle where Ted Bundy and Liz Kendall are strangers at a bar. The young pair dance by a jukebox, and Bundy ends up staying the night and making her breakfast the next morning at her house.

They go on to get engaged and plan a future together, when suddenly, Bundy gets pulled over with ropes, trash bags and a wrench in his car. He goes to trial and prison where he escapes from both and attempts to convince Liz that he is innocent.

The film compliments Berlinger’s documentary about Bundy, “Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes.” However, the documentary and film have contrasting focuses. Instead of filming scenes of the horrific killings that Bundy committed like in the documentary, the movie focuses on Bundy’s deceptions of the people closest to him.

The movie does an exceptional job at examining Bundy’s manipulation and how his charm and good looks keep him safe for years, until he is finally caught.

As an actor, Efron has never disappointed and that stays true in this film. In scenes in the courtroom, while speaking to the judge, Efron matches the persona of Bundy; a smooth talker with stone cold eyes.

Bundy’s charm affects his girlfriend Liz the most. To Liz, Bundy is the man who loves and cares for her and her child. I felt for Liz, she struggles with her emotions and abuses alcohol to cope with loving a killer. She portrays Bundy’s lover and her self conflicts terrifically.

In a few scenes, Berlinger included clips of college aged girls who attended the trial, similar to Bundy’s victims, who said they thought Bundy was “dreamy.” These girls accurately represent the disturbing charm that Bundy had on young women. At some points in the movie, I thought Bundy was really innocent, until I snapped back into reality.

Berlinger’s concept was definitely accomplished in my opinion. I was able to see a serial killer make people laugh, smile and be happy.

Berlinger showed how Bundy used his charm and good looks to his advantage.

“Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile” shows us how close you can be to evil and not understand it. I appreciated the perspective that the movie showed: Bundy as a funny, charming young man who had a lot of secrets.

In my opinion, this movie is definitely worth two hours of your time. If you’re interested in crime shows, childhood heartthrobs and an old-fashioned retro setting, grab some popcorn and learn about Ted Bundy’s deceptive life and how easy it may have been to be caught under his spell.

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SPORTS 17 arhsharbinger.com

Girls’, boys’ track compete at All State Championship JENNY LAMBERT Sports Editor

Boys’ and girls’ track competed at the MIAA All State Championship at Westfield State University on Saturday, June 1.

Boys

Matt Madamba

Senior captain Matt Madamba placed sixth in the 400 meter with a time of 49.66 seconds.

Alex Lemieux

Senior captain Alex Lemieux placed fifteenth in the 200 meter dash in 22.63 seconds.

Alex Rybarczyk

Senior captain Alex Rybarczyk ran the 400 meter hurdles in 57.82 seconds. He finished in thirteenth place.

Alex Lemieux, Alex Rybarczyk, Tom Haugen, Matt Madamba

The 4x400 meter relay team of senior captains Alex Lemieux, Alex Rybarczyk, Matt Madamba and sophomore Tom Haugen placed sixth with a time of three minutes and 24 seconds.

Day Ruffo

Girls

Sophomore Day Ruffo placed sixteenth in the 200 meter dash with a time of 26.15 seconds.

Tess Reyes

Senior captain Tess Reyes got seventh place in the 1 mile with a time of five minutes and four seconds.

Kaitlyn Desio

Sophomore Kaitlyn Desio placed twelfth in the 2 mile. She finished in 11 minutes and 23 seconds.

Grace Madden, Day Ruffo, Christina DeFeudis, Danielle DeFeudis

The 4x100 meter relay team of sophomores Grace Madden, Day Ruffo, Christina DeFeudis, and Danielle DeFeudis placed thirteenth with a time of 50.69 seconds.

Shannon Judge, Kaitlyn Desio, Anna Long, Julia Kardos The 4x800 meter relay team of sophomores Shannon Judge, Kaitlyn Desio, Anna Long, and junior Julia Kardos placed eighth with a time of nine minutes and 41 seconds.

Girls’ golf wins district title for first time in program history

“We’ve qualified for districts and states before, but this is the first time we’ve actually won and brought home the trophy. It feels great to say we’ve beat all the teams in the district and we actually have a chance in beating a lot of the stronger teams in the state.”

The girls went in with a 14-2 record, both of the losses to Wellesley, who went in with a 16-0 record. Wellesley won the state championship last year, and the girls were shocked when they saw they beat them by eight strokes (382-390).

“I think the high was winning it,” Armstrong said. “I think we were all really shocked and when we saw Wellesley’s low was 91, we were like ‘Okay, SUBMITTED GRACE TANG we’re good,’ so that was nice.”

Even though they defeated WellesThe girls’ golf team with their trophy from Districts. The team won by defeating ley, the team is persistent in doing the Wellesley with a combined score of 382 strokes despite torrential downpours. same thing at States on Monday, June 3. still enough to win the sectional title.

“I am confident in saying that JENNY LAMBERT “Torrential downpour affects golf Wellesley was not scared of us for disSports Editor in more ways than one,” Armstrong tricts.,” Tang said. “I think they thought For the first time in program his- said. “You usually don’t put a raincoat we were an easy team that they could tory, girls’ golf won the MIAA North/ on because it restricts you, so you’re easily beat. But after this, they’re defiCentral/West championship by out- soaked and cold. nitely going to be beplaying the defending State champi- Also, the ball usuhind us and coming “For me personally, ons, Wellesley, at the Country Club of ally moves slower after us [at States].” because the ground it felt like one of best Greenfield on Tuesday May 28.

At States, the Despite the cold, torrential down- is wet. But it affectteam placed thrid pours that worsened throughout the ed everybody, so things in my life.” with a combine score competition, making the greens nearly that’s the nice thing.

GRACE TANG of 386 behind Sandunplayable, the girls won with a com- It wasn’t just you or JUNIOR wich High School bined score of 382. The scores that your team that was (370) and Duxbury counted towards the win were shot by struggling.”

High School (382).

In all six seasons of girls’ golf at Alsophomore Chay Maloney (91), junior Nevertheless, the team is happy Liza Armstrong (99), sophomore Elise gonquin, this was the first time the team about their win at districts.

Arvanigian (103) and Westborough ju- had won districts. Junior captain Grace “I was really happy [when we won],” Tang was overjoyed by the team’s vic- Arvanigian said. “Being the first time in nior Hailey Lee-Burke (89).

According to Armstrong, because tory. all 19 seasons of girls’ golf where we’ve “For me personally, it felt like one won districts while dealing with the of the weather, their scores were not as low as they had hoped, however, it was of best things in my life,” Tang said. weather was pretty crazy.”

Hausmann wins Coach of the Year SOFIA ABDULLINA & ANNABELLA FERRAIUOLO Graphics Coordinator & Assistant Photo Editor

Unified track head coach Kevin Hausmann was named Unified Track Coach of the Year for Massachusetts.

“I was completely shocked,” Hausmann said. “Someone had nominated me and I just care a lot about this sport, and I always have but it’s not really clear who had nominated me.”

Hausmann was chosen out of 65 other coaches in the state. This award acknowledged Hausmann’s love, dedication and tremendous time commitment that he has shown for years to this program.

“I work very hard at it and it was just a complete honor to have that effort be recognized,” Hausmann said.

Hausmann participated in track and field in high school, and he wanted to continue to spread his knowledge to unified track athletes. He began coaching the team about seven years ago and included students from Westborough High School too. This is the first year that Westborough students are not a part of the Algonquin team. He has many leadership experiences, such as coaching lacrosse, and is currently the adviser for Best Buddies.

“I saw [Unified Track] as a great way to have students that I knew from Best Buddies to represent the school as athletes,” Hausmann said. “I try to share my love of competition, friendship and seeing people for their abilities and their strengths.”

One of the most memorable moments for Hausmann was getting to

PHOTO JONNY RATNER

Unified track coach Kevin Hausmann shows a unified track member how to correctly throw the javelin. The MIAA awarded Hausmann Unified Track Coach of the Year.

compete against Westborough at a meet.

The unified track team was originally made up of Westborough and Algonquin students, so getting to compete against them was a fun time for both the coaches and the athletes.

Unified champion schools have grown tremendously since Hausmann started the team with Algonquin and Westborough. Unified champion schools are the schools that offer unified sports and other inclusive activities and programs.

“I have tried to take my strengths as a coach and as someone who understands what unified champions schools are about to help other schools get started,” Hausmann said. “I’ve helped newer

coaches learn some great strategies for organizing a team.”

The attention that the team gets is one of Hausman’s favorite parts of coaching.

“The photographers that are roaming around [during the meets] capture these moments of like a hug after a race or a high five,” Hausman said. “These moments all happen because the students reach out to each other which is definitely the best part of unified track.”

Being the first and only unified track coach at Algonquin for the past seven years, Hausmann hopes to stay involved with unified sports in the future and continue to grow the number of members on the team.

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The Harbinger - June 2019

Girls’ tennis slams Central Massachusetts JENNY LAMBERT & MACEY POITRAS-COTE Sports Editor & A&E Editor

Senior captain Elaine Cho and sophomore Yasmin Lee won the Central Massachusetts doubles girls’ tennis championship title on Sunday, May 19 at St. John’s High School.

Later in the day, freshman Olivia Almy claimed the Central Massachusetts individual girls’ tennis championship crown.

Cho and Lee beat sophomores Erin Shenk and Lama Chmaysem from Wachusett Regional High School, and Almy defeated sophomore Kirsten Hailey from AMSA. All three were happy to win, and are determined to continue their success at the State Semifinal on June 15 at St. John’s.

Freshman Olivia Almy: girls’ tennis Central Massachusetts singles champion

Senior captain Elaine Cho, sophomore Yasmin Lee: CoCentral Massachusetts girls’ tennis doubles champions How did you feel when you won?

Is it more nerve-wracking when you are by yourself?

Lee: “We’re really happy, but we want to win States a lot more.”

Cho: “It felt pretty awesome to win.

Being a senior it was especially great because it’s something I’ve wanted to do for the past four years. It’s just satisfying to see all of our hard work pay off.”

“Playing singles is super nerve-racking for me. Being alone means all the pressure is on me and if I lose there is no one else to blame.”

What do you hope to accomplish in the future of your tennis carreer?

PHOTO JONNY RATNER

Freshman Olivia Almy uses her backhand swing to return the ball back to her opponent. Almy defeated her opponent from Nashoba 6-0 in the first set, and 6-1 in the second set in the quarter finals of the MIAA girls’ varsity district tournament on June 4.

How did you feel when you won?

“I felt happy and relieved the CMASS tournament was over. It was such a long build up that finally finishing it felt great. It felt good to win it for Algonquin and add to the success we have had this season.”

“I look forward to playing on the Algonquin team for all my high school years. After this I hope to go to a top D1 or D3 tennis school and play on the team.”

How did you feel going into the tournament?

“I, of course, felt very nervous. You would think after years of competing I would be used to it, but I am not.”

PHOTO CONNOR LAWLESS

As she reaches high to serve the ball, sophomore Yasmin Lee is determined to win the match. She won both her sets 6-1 and 6-0 with her partner, senior Elaine Cho in the quarter finals of the girls’ varsity MIAA district tournament against Nashoba on June 4.

How did you feel going into the tournament?

Lee: “I’d say we were pretty confident going in because we had already played all the people in it and we knew what to expect. We also had already beat the second seeded team so we felt pretty good about that.”

Cho: “We felt pretty good going into the tournament. We had already played a majority of the teams in the bracket ,so we knew what to expect and adjusted our preparation accordingly.”

Is it less nerve-wracking when you’re competing with someone else?

Lee: “Yeah, I like it a lot more when I play with someone else because then you have someone to talk to before you play.”

Cho: “It is for sure less nerve-wracking when competing with someone else. When you’re playing alone it’s all on you and it can really mess with your mental game. Having a partner relives some of that stress because they’re always supporting you regardless of what happens.”

What made you guys work so well together?

Lee: “We’re pretty good friends so that helps a lot. We have opposite styles of playing so it blends together well. We’ve known each other since last year and we also played volleyball together in the fall.”

Cho: “Yasmin and I are good friends on and off the court which definitely helps our chemistry.

We’re always talking in between points even if it’s about something random, which I think makes a big difference.”

opinion

Bring in equal support for boys’, girls’ sports

PHOTO JONNY RATNER

At a boys’ basketball game at WPI, Algonquin students filled every seat to cheer on the team. Staff writer Heather Hodgkins believes girls’ teams should recieve the same amount of fans.

HEATHER HODGKINS Staff Writer

It’s a Saturday night in the middle of winter. As you stroll past the parking lot, you see a flood of people. As you walk into the freezing rink, you pay $5 to go

into the packed stands. This is typical for a boys’ ice hockey game. Switch around the same situation but for girls, and the stands are barely filled.

As a girl and a two season varsity athlete, I get let down at every game when I see almost no fans from Algonquin in the

stands. There are a few parents and young- “contact” or the boys can jump higher and er siblings, but no student supporters. run faster, but for almost all sports, the Both boys and girls typically publicize rules and conditions are the same. their games, putting them on their InstaI strongly believe the difference in the gram stories saying, “Come to the home number of fans at boys’ games and girls’ game at 6:10!” and games is an issue that yet the whole school needs to be addressed As a girl and a seems to show up to and brough to people’s the boys’ games rather attention. The amount two season varsity than the girls’. of fans girls get at their athlete, I get let Sure, it may be games is ridiculous comdifficult to attend pared to the enormous down at every game some games because crowds and cheering fans when I see no fans of transportation, at the boys’. It is unfair homework or school. to the prepared, excited from Algonquin in But if people are free and talented girls to go the stands. to travel ten minutes out and see no support to a boys’ home game from kids at Algonquin. on a Saturday night, I believe students at why aren’t they willing Algonquin need to make to do the same for a girls’ game? a greater effort to attend more girls’ games When I asked several people how when they have the chance. I also believe many boys’ games they’ve attended this T-Hawk tweets needs to make a greater efyear at Algonquin, the majority said be- fort to tweet equally about girls’ and boys’ tween eight to 10, or in some cases, even sports. T-Hawk tweets has the ability to more. When asked the same question but spread more awareness about upcoming for girls’ games, the majority said one to games and events. Girls’ games can be just three. as entertaining as boys’ games and they Some may argue that boys’ sports are can lead to a good time especially if you more “entertaining” because there’s more choose to bring your friends.

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arhsharbinger.com

Fiore dominates Crossfit competitions JENNY LAMBERT Sports Editor

With a passion for Olympic weight-lifting, junior Simone Fiore enjoys spending time training hard as a CrossFit athlete.

Fiore has been doing CrossFit since her mother found Pennant CrossFit in Southborough when she was 12 years old. She believes anyone is capable of training there.

“A lot of people think it’s hardcore, body-builder kind of stuff, but it’s kind of a mixture of everything,” Fiore said. “You could do abs, cardio or strength. Also it’s not just for really strong people. We have an elderly class that comes in and does workouts.”

The more challenging the classes became, the more Fiore enjoyed going to Pennant.

“I started off with a teens’ class, but I thought it was too easy,” Fiore said. “When I got bumped up to a high school class it became much more challenging, and I started doing it more consistently. Over the summer I went every day to work out.”

No matter how hard the workouts get, Fiore continues to work hard every time she goes to Pennant.

“I really like challenging myself every day,” Fiore said.

“I can always get better. There’s never a point where I’ve ‘done everything’. I can always lift more or run faster.”

Fiore is also interested in Olympic weight-lifting: a type of lifting with more advanced techniques.

“I really like doing Olympic weight-lifting,” Fiore said. “I’ve taken classes for it before, and I want to get back into that because that is something that’s really fun for me.”

There are two Olympic lifts: first is the ‘snatch’, where the athlete lifts the barbell from the ground to overhead in one continuous motion. The second is the ‘clean and jerk’ where the athlete lifts the barbell first from the floor to the shoulders, then from the shoulders to overhead. Fiore can lift 120 pounds in the snatch, and 156 in the clean and jerk. She can also deadlift 265 pounds, which is where the barbell is only lifted to the hips.

Recently, Fiore competed with her sister in the adult division at the “CrossFit Firewall Team Throwdown” and came in first. The competition was held at CrossFit Firewall in Holliston and anyone could compete in it. “[When my sister and I won], it was pretty cool,” Fiore said. “I had some knee problems and she had recently had back surgery, and we thought we were going to do

PERMISSION RICK SAVOIA

Junior Simone Fiore does a “clean and jerk” Olympic lift as her peers observe her. She has been doing CrossFit since she was 12. Now, she competes at CrossFit events and strives to win each time.

terrible, but we ended up destroying the competition.”

According to Fiore, the emotional relationships she has developed at CrossFit are just as wonderful as the physical health benefits.

“The main thing about CrossFit that’s different from an average gym is that it’s such a community,” Fiore said.

“I’ve met so many inspiring people and some of my closest friends. It’s really cool to hear everyone’s stories.”

One of the friends Fiore met at Pennant is sophomore Kathryn Gowdy, who has been doing CrossFit since September 2016.

“CrossFit is actually how I met Simone,” Gowdy said. “I remember meeting her at my very first CrossFit class, and from then on we became closer and closer as friends. It was so fun because she always pushed me to be my best.”

Like Fiore, Gowdy enjoys the self-motivation involved in CrossFit. “At CrossFit, everything is designed to make you the best you can be, no matter where you start,” Gowdy said.

“You can compete against the clock, yourself, or others, but in the end if you end up dead on the floor, you know you did it right.”

Overall, both Fiore and Gowdy appreciate the sense of community in CrossFit, especially at Pennant.

“The CrossFit community is so fun to be a part of,” Gowdy said. “People from all ages and athletic abilities come together and do the same workout, while cheering each other on and pushing each other to go faster. Overall it’s just fun to have other people that feel the same pain you do after a workout!”

Spring Sports Records: Season in Review Girls’ Golf

14-2

Boys’ Track

5-1

Girls’ Track PHOTO JONNY RATNER

Junior Matt Keller has his eyes on the ball as he jumps to serve during a boys’ volleyball game. The team’s record is 10-3 as of June 4.

Boys’ Lacrosse

16-2

Girls’ Lacrosse

13-5

5-1

Boys’ Rugby

1-7

Boys’ Tennis Girls’ Tennis

15-2

17-0

Baseball

Softball

13-7

4-15

Boys’ Volleyball

5-1

Girls’ Rugby

1-5

* Records as of June 4 COMPILED JENNY LAMBERT & KARTHIK YALALA

A&E 20

Spring Art Show

PHOTOS JONNY RATNER

For the first time, art show entries were judged by a panel of artists.

Awards were given out in different mediums; judged for technique and originality. .

arhsharbinger.com

Juried Show Winners Student Showcase Painting

Senior Elsa Ray

Drawing As he looks at the art displayed in the middle of the room, junior Alex Cheney admires the work of his peers.

Senior Elsa Ray

Photography Junior Kayla Dantz

3-D Arts Senior Lillian Blatchley

Technique Painting Seniors Leah Grinblatas and Faith Cosentino share how retiring Fine and Performing Arts teacher George Hancin has improved their experiences in art at Algonquin.

Cole DeCiero, son of art teacher Danielle DiCiero, points at a piece of art that catches his attention.

Senior Shriang Sane

Drawing Junior Victoria Haskins

Digital Arts Freshman Claire Deans-Rowe

Photography Sophomore Kate McNeil

3-D Arts Senior Ray Cerro

Originality Painting

Senior Josephine Wyble

Drawing Senior Maggie Andrews

Digital Arts Freshman Ryan Divitto

Photography Multiple students admire and discuss one of the pieces that was on the display. The art show was open from May 14 to May 24 and had its best turnout for opening night ever.

Senior Connor Lawless

3-D Arts Senior Julie Edson

Portfolio Collection Senior Leah Grinblatas

Emerging Artists

Fine and Performing Arts teachers Michelle Sheppard and George Hancin speak with former Algonquin student, Arianne Del Rios.

Junior Sydney Cerro and senior Ray Cerro speak with art teacher Danielle DiCiero as spectators flood into the art show.

Sophomore Luci Reuter Sophomore Annabella Ferraiuolo Sophomore Isabelle Shakespeare Junior Danicka Frey Junior Toranit Jaisamut

Art show honors, showcases students’ achievements LAURA ANDERSON News Editor

Friends, family and art lovers stopped by what is usually the wrestling gym, but was temporarily transformed into an art gallery, to admire students’ work in the annual art show.

The art show, which had its best turnout ever for opening night, was shown from May 14 to May 24 and featured work from all five disciplines offered at Algonquin: painting, drawing, 3-D arts, photography and digital arts.

“It’s so much work to hang the [art for the] show, to collect the work all year and to ask the kids to be without their work,” Fine and Performing Arts teacher

Michelle Sheppard said. “To see so many people come in and enjoy it is so fulfilling.

It’s like living the dream, just living the art teacher dream.”

During the art show’s opening night, they announced the National Art Honors Society new inductees. This was the first year awards were given out at the event as well.

“I’m super psyched because this is the first time we’ve [given out awards], so we were really nervous,” Sheppard said after the ceremony went smoothly. “We knew [we] couldn’t plan everything and make it perfect.”

Twenty awards were given out in 15 different categories based on emerging artists, originality, technique, series/portfolio

and showcases. Artists from the community and local elementary school art teachers judged the work of the students.

Many of the students feel as if the art show brings the school together.w “Every year the art show kinda just gives me chills because I’m just proud of the school itself,” senior and National Art Honor Society president Leah Grinblatas said.

“I love it because you can see people coming in throughout the day whether they do sports, drama, good at math, science, whatever their thing is, they all come to the art show,” senior Faith Cosentino said. “Everybody enjoys it.”

This year Cosentino and senior Sophia Walker were inducted into the Na-

tional Art Honor Society. In order to be inducted into the honor society, Cosentino and Walker started a paint night to accomplish the goal of developing a new way to bring more art to Algonquin.

“I honestly had a great time,” Cosentino said. “I actually felt like I brought more arts to the community.”

Through the art show, light is shedded on the students’ hard work from throughout the year in a way which brings it all together.

“I think a lot of time a lot of the art that goes on here is underrated or goes unnoticed, and I think this is the one time of year that it’s all together and it’s just really cool to see it,” Grinblatas said.