18 minute read
School News
2020 SuPERSTAR Chloe K. Frabotta of Northbridge was recently named valedictorian of the Northbridge high School Graduating Class of 2020. In addition to Chloe’s many outstanding academic achievements she was class Treasurer for 4 years, co captain of the softball and field hockey teams, and placed in the top five at DECA State Competitions for each of the past three years qualifying for International Competition. Chloe will attend Boston College this fall where she will study biology.
BVT’s Summer Learning Series is a virtual success
Advertisement
With many summer camps and programs canceled due to COVID-19, Blackstone Valley Tech successfully launched and ran its free Summer Learning Series in July, offering twenty-two online courses specifically designed to motivate its student's minds with a daily dose of creativity, exploration, and shared learning.
With all the comradery and social benefits of staying connected with friends and classmates without going to an in-person summer camp, it allowed its STEAM enthusiasts an engaging, fun, and structured experience. From art-making and language to science, history, and technology tricks and tips, there was a little something for everyone.
Participating was easy and optional, with each session starting at 10:00 a.m., running July 6th through August 6th, and no class on Friday. BVT students eagerly signed up to attend via Zoom as many one-hour live course sessions on the offered designated topics that interested them. "The concept for our Summer Learning Series organically developed from our collective desire to help our students grow socially, emotionally, and academically," explained Mr. Edward Evans, Academic Curriculum Coordinator. He also credits a conversation with Biology Teacher Elizabeth Grimes in sparking this endeavor. "In launching our series this summer, our goal was to offer our students' course options to keep their minds open, active, and freshly prepared and excited for the next school year and grade-level."
“When I first spoke with Mr. Evans, we agreed that our students would only benefit from additional support over the summer. Providing them with the proper tools in their "toolbox" to continue to be successful online learners was a key component behind this initial concept,” said Elizabeth Grimes. In her Science Study Strategy session, Grimes offered students study strategies for science and preparation tips for MCAS utilizing fun study tools and games, encouraging students to experiment with the various ways to study and prepare for a Science MCAS, AP Exam, and any assessment or science course.
“I thoroughly enjoyed teaching my session,” said Grimes. “It was awesome to have more than twenty students attend. I was thrilled to hear the positive feedback. Most students had participated in all of the workshops offered before mine and said it helped them. I am fortunate to be a part of a community where new ideas are welcome and given the administrative support to take that idea and make it happen to support our students, even during the most unprecedented times. I would eagerly sign up to teach again next summer.”
The well-attended series concluded on August 6th with a virtual orientation session for its freshmen. It was an opportunity for those new students to speak directly with members of BVT's National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society. They welcomed the Class of 2024 virtually, shared their perspective on what it was like being a new student at BVT, and fielded questions from the curious new students.
Over 460 students and teachers had a boatload of fun successfully participating in the Summer Learning Series. About Blackstone Valley regional Vocational Technical High School: Blackstone Valley regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton, and Uxbridge. Located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, BVT creates a positive learning community that prepares students for personal and professional success in an internationally competitive society through a fusion of rigorous vocational, technical, and academic skills. The school’s website is www.valleytech. k12.ma.us.
Horwath earns degree from WSU
Parents Jim and Christine Horwath are very proud to announce the graduation of Baron Horwath, of Uxbridge, with a Bachelor’s degree from Worcester State University.
Baron earned Dean’s List Honors for his final two semesters.
DOGGIE DAYCARE / BOARDING / TRAINING
DAY TRAINING / BOARD & TRAIN *FREE DOGGIE DAYCARE* Voted Best Pet Services
BVT exceeds $5 Million in scholarships for graduates
With big plans for the future, seniors often wonder how they can afford to take the next step and make it all work financially. BVT's newest graduates enjoy remarkable, if not unlimited, opportunity with the valuable assistance of scholarships and awards exceeding $5 million in total renewable value. They are well prepared to pursue any path they choose with financial confidence to invest in their futures and build upon the diverse learning techniques of applied vocational-technical instruction.
BVT graduates can choose to continue their career training on a variety of pathways, including employment, postsecondary education, apprenticeships, or military service. Some students choose to utilize financial aid to cover tuition at colleges or universities, while others want to purchase new tools, clothing, and equipment to launch their careers. Consistent with its career and college preparatory mission, BVT has responded to that need.
Thanks to the remarkable level of scholarship support from its community of parents, alumni, and business partners who continue to donate and invest in BVT’s annual scholarships, its graduates are inspired to further their education and launch their careers. Deserving recipients have brighter futures with the financial support of scholarships that help offset costs associated with continued education and career training.
BVT is pleased to help its students garner scholarships and award money to be fiscally sound when pursuing their future goals. "The pursuit of supplemental financing is a skill we strive to impart on our students. Congratulations to this year's recipients," said Superintendent-Director Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick. "It is an honor to educate and support our students as they take their next step. We are excited to see what their futures hold."
For more information, please visit www.valleytech.k12.ma.us/scholarshiprecipients.
READy FOR DuTy - Pictured at right: This Class of 2020 Practical Nursing graduates from Blackstone valley Tech recently achieved a 100 percent pass rate for first-time test takers for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX -PN) in 2020.
Hendricks AUTO BODY
Nursing Graduates achieve 100% Pass Rate
BVTs Practical Nursing (Posthard work and dedication of our stuin Massachusetts. Its adult students Secondary) 2020 graduates recently dents, faculty, staff, and stakeholders develop the knowledge, skills, and achieved a 100 percent pass rate for who all work together to support the strategies to integrate safety and qualifirst-time test takers on their National growth of our students into nursing ty into nursing care. It proudly serves in Council Licensure Examination-Pracprofessionals through education." District, out of District, and out of state tical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The Practical Nursing program at adult learners. They are accepting
Ask anyone in the nursing industry, Blackstone Valley Tech, known for applications for the fall of 2021. For and they will tell you that passing the launching nursing careers, consistently more information, visit www.valNCLEX-PN takes hard work in the ranks among the best nursing programs leytech.k12.ma.us/practicalnursing. classroom and hours of preparation studying. Obtaining a perfect pass rating for the NCLEX-PN at any nursing educational institution is a significant University of Maine posts accomplishment for an entire class. "This achievement speaks volumes Spring 2020 Dean's List about our PN program and the quality of nursing education they received here The University of Maine recognized Dean’s List, 2,769 are from Maine, at BVT," said Practical Nursing 4,210 students for achieving Dean’s 1,333 are from 41 other states and 108 Coordinator Joann Monks, MBA, MSc, List honors in the Spring 2020 semesare from 43 countries other than the rN-BC. rMA. "It is a tribute to the ter. Of the students who made the U.S. Please note that some students have LAW OFFICE OF requested that their information not be released; therefore, their names are not W. Robert Knapik, P.C. included. MASSACHUSETTS STUDENTS Civil Litigation • Corporate Law (by County/Town) WOrCESTEr COUNTY Estate Planning • Probate of Estates Mendon: Shannon Dowd, Real Estate • Land Use Permitting ryan Schmitt, Julie Watson Milford: Tim Bloomer, Molly Bogner, 508.234.3301 Ariana Covino 1279 Providence Rd., Whitinsville, MA Millbury: Amanda Fay www.knapiklaw.com Millville: Nathan Carroll
“Proudly serving our clients in the general practice of law since 2005” Northborough: Alyssa Johnson, Deven Moroney, Maxwell Petrie, Madison Tatten FLANSBURG PLUMBING Northbridge: Peter Dupuis, Ciara Larence Oxford: rachel Bonney,
New Homes • Remodels Alyssa Singer Sutton: Peter Natali Upton: Kyle Bernero, Meg Leacy, Additions • Repair Megan McElreath Uxbridge: Jeanette Eichelroth, Jon - Douglas, MA Dylan King Whitinsville: Mina Helinski MASTER LIC. 11969 Worcester: Jess Hamilton, rhakim Williams
(508) 341-3779
Spring 2020 Dean's List at WSU
The following local students have been named to the Worcester State University Dean's List for Spring 2020. Dean's list honors are awarded to matriculated undergraduate students who have earned a 3.5 GPA or higher. Full-time students must have earned a minimum of 12 credits and part-time students must have earned a minimum of 6 credits. DOUGLAS: Kirsten B Ballou, Amanda L Bara, Amanda J Bowker, Sydney C Connor, Kayla r Finnegan, Sara A Finnegan, Meghan L Foley, Maureen L Grady, Ethan C Guertin, Margaret E Gurney, Alexandra M Hebert, Hanna r Kearney, Bethany M King, ryan J Klenk, Melissa E Landry, Austin K Lemire, Santina M MacGregor, rachel J Maciejewski, Isabel M Mazzarella, Ian J Murphy, Justin T Pineo, Laurel M Schultheiss, Hailey K Skowronski, Erin S Theroux, rebekka L White MANCHAUG: Ana Paula DeCarvalho NOrTH UXBrIDGE: Jacquelynn K rondeau NOrTHBrIDGE: Nicole M Ballard, James W Blair, Grace O Demers, Zachary J Grenon, Connor M Loando, Megan M Mattox, Michael D Mattox, Sean C Otoole, Cameron J richards SUTTON: Ayla M Allard, Lily G Brooks, Haley r Brown, riley J Brown, Evan T Culross, Jillian M Dombroski, Maeve C Donovan, Andrew M Girouard, Sydney K Howe, Julia Jennison, Ashley Lavoie, Aidan Lucey, Megan r Mahoney, Kerry K McGrath, Sydney M McKinlay, Matheus M Montenario, Erin C Murphy, Alexis M Nevalsky, Brenna K Perry, Natalia O romeo, Sarah E Stafinski, Haley J Thurber, Madison F Troy UXBrIDGE: Corrine Bianco, Joel N Buabeng, Sara Budic, Allison E Colella, Kristen N Connors, Sean P Creighton, Felicia T D'Ambra, Mikala M Davis, Angelo B DeMalia, Nathaniel I deVries, David S Echavarria, Lucas P Horan, Baron V Horwath, Matthew r Johnston, Jessica L Kollett, Ellie C Lapan, Sara G Lesack, Jade S Letendre, Bruce Marchand, Hannah M Muggeo, Cara M Parker, Victoria L Picotte, Madison L Poirier, Keely r rancourt, russell S Wise, Jillian r Zinkus WHITINSVILLE: Nicholas D Billington, Elizabeth r Bisaillon, Tyler J Brodeur, Meighan A Casey, Courtney L Delaney, Michael V DePolo, Olivia K Gould, Emily D Heldenbergh, Abigail J Karns, Christopher M Kirwan, Marisa L Lortie, Madison A Malone, Jennifer J McLaughlin, Dylan D Murray, Alexandra Orn, Melissa A Prudhomme, Jared r richardson, Michael A Santurri, Kaitlyn r Stewart
Scouts Virtual Events Series prepares girls for Kindergarten
Girl Scouts of Central & Western Massachusetts (GSCWM) and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is launching a free “Make New Friends” virtual event series to ensure that all girls are prepared to start kindergarten with confidence. The COVID-19 pandemic and transition to virtual learning and activities has disrupted important educational milestones, particularly for children entering kindergarten this year. Social and emotional learning is important for success in kindergarten, and as the experts on girls’ leadership and development, Girl Scouts is uniquely poised to lead fun and impactful events that help girls make new friends while boosting their social skills, self-confiquinsigamond Community College has raised $109,070 for its Student Emergency Fund and repurposed $53,000 in grant awards to assist over 700 students in need. In a show of strength and solidarity to support its student body, qCC’s Foundation and the College banded together to respond to the COVID-19 health crisis by setting up a Student Emergency Fund for students in significant need and hardship due to the pandemic.
In March, the Foundation jumped in to help qCC students and allocated $25,000 that created the Student Emergency Fund. Knowing there was a much greater student need to be met, the Foundation began an aggressive fundraising campaign with donations coming from qCC’s faculty, staff, directors and trustees, alumni, foundations, banks, corporations, private donors and grants. To date, the Fund has assisted 526 qCC students to help with rent, food, medical services, childcare, other basic life and educational necessities. Students typically received anywhere from $100 to $250. Additionally, several repurposed grant awards provided 200 students with lapdence, and experience in a classroom or virtual setting.
One of the largest girl-serving organizations offering social and emotional kindergarten readiness programming, Girl Scouts has designed a specialized, engaging four-part virtual event series that is free and open to all girls who are entering kindergarten. Girls will: • practice interacting with other girls, exploring new ideas, and gaining the courage to ask questions about what they see; • explore emotions and learn how being persistent can help them achieve their dreams; • use their senses to process the world around them while practicing reasoning top computers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A survey done by the college found that of those who applied and received aid, 52% did not qualify for other aid, 47% had lost their jobs, 72% had reduced working hours, and 33% had out-of-pocket medical expenses. Most students said they used the aid to help with rent, mortgage, groceries, utilities, transportation, credit card bills, student loans, books and healthcare, due to the economic impact of the pandemic. The survey also showed that of those who received assistance, 81% were women, 63% were minorities, 43% were immigrants, 66% were parents, and 32% were enrolled in adult learner and work force programs.
“The Student Emergency Fund solidifies the Foundation’s mission of eliminating barriers that prevent student success,” qCC Foundation President Dr. Linda Maykel said. “The many generous individuals, corporations and local foundations that recognized the needs of our student body and stepped up to assist has been overwhelming and heartwarming. However, the need is great and there is much more that must and problem-solving skills; and • learn how to listen to a story, identify key characters, follow a plotline, and then share what they learned. Dates include: Tuesdays, September 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th; 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Thursdays, September 10th, 17th, 24th, and October 1st; 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Mondays, September 14th, 21st, 28th and October 5th; 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 16th, 23rd, 30th, and October 7th; 6:00 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.
Many in-person kindergarten readiness and pre-K programs have been cancelled or modified due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including opportunities to meet teachers and classmates be done to help our most vulnerable students from the hardships incurred by the virus.” To date, 76% of the Student Emergency Fund has been used, and while many students noted the difference the financial assistance has made, many others noted the ongoing financial struggles they were incurring.
While all colleges and universities nationwide received Federal CArES Act funding, many students were exempt from receiving this aid because of citizenship, residency or enrollment status. qCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja and to try out a classroom activity. Knowing that social and emotional learning and development are some of the strongest predictors of academic success and healthy relationships, Girl Scouts has designed fun activities for girls to meet these critical milestones. Events will include activities for girls to explore the solar system, create an inspiring drawing to represent their dreams and remind them to be persistent, and much more. For more information contact: Dana Carnegie, dcarnegie@gscwm.org, 413-584-2602, x7122
Enter your zip code to sign up for GSCWM’S Make New Friends event
Quinsigamond C.C. raises over $109K for students in need
series at www.girlscouts.org/ready.
noted the positive repercussions the Fund has had on students, particularly those who otherwise would be ineligible for aid.
As the Fall semester gets underway soon, the Foundation and College will continue with its efforts to help students in need.
To learn more about the college’s Student Emergency Fund or qCC’s enrollment opportunities, visit www. qCC.edu. For more information about qCC, contact Josh Martin, Director of Institutional Communications at 508- 854-7513 or jmartin@qcc.mass.edu.
CA$H FOR YOUR JUNK CAR OR TRUCK L N abelle
MULCH • WOOD CHIPS • COMPOST SAND • STONE • LOAM " $ !#$ $" 508-278-2628
BACHELOr OF ArTS Northbridge: Bradley D. Curving, Zachary J. Grenon, Michelle D. rivas (M) Sutton: Gregory M. King, Matthew J. McNickles, Katrena M. Pecci Uxbridge: Hannah M. Muggeo Whitinsville: Nicholas G. Gies, Jordan N. Johnson BACHELOr OF SCIENCE Douglas: Amanda J. Bowker, Kaylee M. Klenk (C), Austin K. Lemire, Timothy J. Mesite, Davis M. Parella East Douglas: Sarah E. Cross (S), rachel E. Sutton (M) North Uxbridge: Jacquelynn K. rondeau (M) Northbridge: Thomas J. Mulgrew, Patrick D. Sweeney Sutton: Michael P. Campanale, Sydney E. Cortes, Carter J. Craft (M), James S. Denesha, Julia Jennison, Kinsale K. McGrath, Parker B. Nellis, Alexis M. Nevalsky, Emily E. Perry, Brendan J. quinlan, Michael T. quinn, Kevin T. rothermich (C), Lisa M. Sciannameo, Haley J. Thurber (S) Uxbridge: Corrine Bianco, Troy V. Butler, Amanda L. Gentzler, Jennifer S. Jutras, Jessica L. Kollett (M), Sara G. Lesack (M), Andrea J. Plichta, Elizabeth A. rondina, Samantha M.
CALL NOW for a FREE Exterior Estimate
Wise, Nathaniel I. deVries (S) Whitinsville: Meighan A. Casey (M), Anthony A. Dequattro, Courtney M. Fisher, Olivia K. Gould, Melanie P. Hamm (C), Christopher M. Kirwan (C) MASTEr OF EDUCATION Linwood: Jessica I. Jane Sutton: Sarah M. Kane MASTEr OF OCCUPATIONAL THErAPY Sutton: Anne D. quinlan Master of Science Douglas: Edmond J. Peladeau Linwood: Tracy r. Levy Sutton: Katelyn E. Adams Whitinsville: Jacquelyn M. LyonsHeffernan
Students graduating with honors must attain the following cumulative GPA based on all credits earned at Worcester State University (minimum 48 credit hours for transfer and second degree students). (C) Cum Laude 3.50 – 3.69 (M) Magna Cum Laude 3.70 – 3.89 (S) Summa Cum Laude 3.90 – 4.00
Interior & Exterior Painting FREE ESTIMATES • $0 DOWN Licensed & Insured 978-660-0398 www.boninabrothers.com
General Masonry ~ All Types ~
• Stonework • Sidewalks • Chimneys
Built, Repaired & Lined
Bob Latimore NORTH UXBRIDGE
(508)
The following is a list of 2020 Graduates of Northbridge High School: Hailey Nicole Alicea, Marcus Alexander Babiy, Matthew Joseph Ballard, Hailey Elizabeth Banas, Lauren Nicole Barrows, Thomas Keiry Baselious, Codey Ayden Battista, Emily Marie Bergeron, Jenna Lee Berkowicz, Hailey Arden Bober, Madison rae Boermeester, Meghan Elizabeth Boermeester, Mariah Carol Boulris, Adam Joseph Briand, Savanna Marie Brooks, Madisyn Correy Burdick, Desirae Marie Calnan, Morgan Michelle Carroll, Luke Wilson Casey, Samantha Margaret Chrabaszcz, Ezra Terrance Coles, rianne Elizabeth Cooney, Patrick richard Corkum, Sebastian Correa-Marin, Isabelle Fern Croteau, Nicholas Cuba, Francis John D’Agostino, Alan Francisco Delarosa Arriaga, Emil Javier Delarosa Arriaga, Noah Kurt Dennis, Ella Lyn DiFinizio, Joseph Luka Domenech, Thomas John Dowd, Sawyer Millan Eagleson, Aidan Lee Fair, Chloe Kathryn Frabotta, Matthew Cole Frappier, Joshua Alex Fung-AFat, Cora Catherine Gauthier, Cassidy Elizabeth Gies, Matthew Anthony Giuliano, Isabel Faye Go, Tyler Francis Gonynor, Colin Andrew Gosselin, Jonathan James Gouin, Kimberly Sarah Grazulis, Emma Louise Grilli, Noelle Elizabeth Haas, Tia Bella Anne Haroutunian, ryan Wayne Harris, Jacob Edward Hashey, Tessa Grace Hatfield, Zachary Peter Hayes, Kelly Jean Heffernan, Trevor Nathan Hoffman, Owen Daniel Hogan, Emma Violet Holtz , Elizabeth Kate Hubbard, Marco Joseph Iarussi, Cody richard Johnson, Colby ryan Johnson, Lauren Hope Johnson, riley Elise Keene, Isabella Denise Kerr, Megan rose Kessler, Jibran Atta Khan, Eryk Shea Kinney, Olesya Jade Kyrychok, Mary Elizabeth Lacombe, Nicholas Joseph Lavigne, Dylan Luke Lewis, Luke Broderick MacNeil, Jacob Enoch Malkasian, Marisa Catherine McComiskey, Caitlin rose McHale, Kellen Doyle McMahon, Sophia Loren Merian, Shelby Lane Montville, Emily Shay O’Bannon, Megan Lee O’Meara, Jacob Michael Oosterman, Joseph ryan Pajala, Michael John Paulhus, Ethan Hamilton Phillips, Kevin Donald Pierce, Teo Michael Pizzirani, Sara Margaret Pohlman, Cassandra Lorraine Pryor, Zachery robert Pryor, Madison Taylor riordan, Anastasia Marie robinson, rafael Antonio rodriguez, Maverick D Sanderson, Trystin David Sansone, Addy Elizabeth Schofer, Lindsey Ann Sessa, Darius David Silva, Guilherme Cesar de Paiva Siqueira, Jacob Henry Stuczynski, Christopher John Sullivan, Bartholomew Szymanowski, Hattie Kane Tauson, Phoenix rae Taylor, Madison rose Tougas, Maxwell raymond Tougas, Grace Lee Verra, Caleb George Visbeek, Abbey rose Wallace, Christopher James Wells, Katelyn Ann West, Sarah Grace Wildfeuer, robert Francis Zanca.
Beware EEE is here!
On August 11th, a mosquito sample from Douglas tested positive for EEE. Be sure to spray on that repellent when you’re out and about. It is important that all residents take precautions to protect themselves against mosquitoborne diseases. To see the state’s mosquito sampling results, visit the town of Uxbridge page online at uxbridgema.gov.
To learn more about mosquitoborne illnesses, visit the Uxbridge Board of Health Mosquitoborne diseases webpage. Source: uxbridge-ma.gov.
