Spotlight Volume 99, Issue 2 | Winter 2019

SPOTLIGHT South Hadley High School’s student-run newspaper since 1919 Volume 99, Issue 2 | Winter 2019

SPOTLIGHT

Spotlight, currently in its 99th year, is South Hadley High School’s student-run, open forum publication. Students create all content and make all editorial decisions.

Inside this issue Volume 99, Issue 2 | Winter 2019

6 New to School and Town

12 Special Olympics

Spotlight staff Abby Authier Morgan Flynn Ari Gouger Gracelin Lerch

7 Profiles

14 Tiger Hockey

Mercedes Lingle Caroline Pare Jorjia Tsilibocos Karlee Zuhusky

Adviser Mr. B-G

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2 ABOUT | Spotlight | Winter 2019

10 Opinions

17 Features

A note from the staff We are pleased to bring you the second edition of Spotlight for the 2018-2019 school year.

As always, you can get regular updates from the Spotlight social media, listed on the left. Our Snapchat account, @Spotlight1919, is our newest social media offering, and is updated with pictures from school events and sports games.

Spotlight would love to publish your work, so if you’re interested in working as a reporter or photographer, please let any Spotlight staff member or Mr. B-G know. We welcome opinion pieces, reviews,

poetry, artwork, comics, photography, videos - whatever your talent or interest is, we want to give it an audience.

We’re happy to help you write a news or feature story if you’d like to attend a sporting event, concert, or other performance. We also welcome reader feedback and editorial letters, which may be sent to spotlight153@gmail.com.

A special thanks goes out to our sponsor Easthampton Savings Bank, our advertisers, and our high school’s administrative team for their ongoing support of scholastic journalism.

Calendar of Important Events April-June

April: April 22 : Home Girls Softball Game April 23 : Home Boys Lacrosse Game April 24 : Home Baseball Game April 26-28 : Little Shop of Horrors Production

May: May 1 : Away Unified Track Meet May 5 : Cinco de Mayo May 8 : Home Boys & Girls Track & Field Meet May 12 : Mother’s Day May 18 : Senior/Junior Prom May 22 : Home Girls Lacrosse Game May 27 : Memorial Day

June: June 7 : Graduation Ceremony at Mt. Holyoke College June 17 : Last Day of School

Winter 2019 | Spotlight | CALENDAR 3

Upcoming Events Spring 2019 MAY:

Prom 2K19

This year, South Hadley’s junior and senior prom will be held at the Log Cabin on May 18. The event will begin at 6 and last until around 10. Dinner is provided for all attendees, as well as a small dessert. According to ticket sales, Prom 2k19 is predicted to have a bigger turn out than the proms in the past three years.

“I’m really looking forward to prom,” says Jorjia Tsillibocos, a junior going to prom for the first time. “I’m really excited to get dressed up and have a fun night out with my friends.”

Sophmore Mercy Lingle is also looking forward the event.

“The past few years I’ve watched my sister head out to prom,” Lingle said. “This year, it’s finally my turn. I’m so excited!”

JUNE:

Graduation

The graduation of the class of 2019 is scheduled for June 7, beginning at 6 p.m. It’s being held at the Richard Glenn Gettell Ampitheater at Mount Holyoke College.

Two well-known senior teachers shared their thoughts about the graduating class: “Congrats on completing the easiest part of your life,” said history teacher Travis Chaput. “I really enjoyed our time together. I will miss you guys more than you know.”

“It’s a fun group,” said science teacher Matt Benoit. ”I’ve taught most of them, and they seem to be a group of well-matured, good, and friendly people.”

Service trip to Guatemala for Spanish students

After successfully fundraising and advertising for months, the Guatemala service trip, led by Spanish teacher Paula Lonergan, is finally planned. From June 24th to July 3rd, the 17 students going on the trip will be volunteering in primary schools and studying Spanish in an immersive learning environment. These 17 Spanish students have been raising money to help finance the trip since December, and have made over $2,000 that will be used to lower the cost of the trip for individual students. “One thing most of us are really loking forward to is working in the schools, mainly helping the kids get the most from their education,” Lonergan said.

- Compiled by By Gracelin Lerch 4 UPCOMING EVENTS | Spotlight | Winter 2019

Kelly shoots her way to 1,000 points

By Arianna Gouger As Mia Kelly steps up to signs in support. great player and can score 20 the line to shoot her first free “I felt accomplished and points or grab 10 rebounds throw, the audience holds its relieved I got it out of the way, on any given night,” said breath. Kelly lets the ball go and I could just continue on Assistant Coach Jessica Neland it bounces on the backwith the game and the rest of son, “What makes me most board once before proud to be one of falling through the her coaches, is how net. good of a person The clock stops and teammate she at 2:17 until halfhas been these last time. The gym at four years.”

Hampshire ReBy the end of the gional explodes game, Kelly had with cheers, as scored a career high Kelly becomes the 37 points, which fourth girl in South helped clinch a Hadley basketball 65-61 win against history to score Hampshire.

1,000 points.

“She is so good Kelly, a senior, at all aspects of has been playing the game. She also basketball since has so much faith kindergarten, and in everyone on our has been on high team,” said teamschool varsity for mate Paige Marjansall four years. ki.

“The thought of Kelly secured the 1,000 points has win with two layups always been on the and four free throws. back of my mind, As to making her Photo by Doug Steinbock but I was never 1,000 points at the really sure whether STEPPING UP: Senior Mia Kelly scores her 1.000th point on Hampshire game, it was going to hap- the free throw line, very much like 2017 alumna Sophie Gat- Kelly said, “I didn’t zounas, who currently plays for the Navy basketball team. pen or not,” Kelly really feel pressure said. going into the game She didn’t know how close my season,” Kelly said. because I knew if I didn’t get she was to the goal until her After Kelly scored the moit there, I would get it eventeammates on the court em- mentous 1,000 points, she tually. It was just a matter of braced her, and the student hit two 3s to close out the time.” section from South Hadley first half of the game. burst into cheer and waved “We all know that she’s a Winter 2019 | Spotlight | NEWS 5

Who let the dogs out? Dog park coming this fall to South Hadley

By Morgan Flynn and Abby Authier

Imagine a place where your dog can run around freely and legally - a place to meet new people as well as their pups. Well, in October of 2019, you don’t need to imagine anymore. A new dog park is opening on Mulligan Dr. near the Ledges. Now, our four-legged friends can play freely with each other right in our town!

Bob Berwick, president of the Friends of South Hadley Dog Park, is overjoyed about the idea of a dog park opening up in the town of South Hadley. The committee received a grant from Staton Group last month in the amount of about $21,500 for the design of the park. The dog park is going to be placed in a two-acre area on Mulligan Drive, right near the Ledges Golf Course and PVPA. Berkshire Design Group will be designing the park and hopes to have finished by the fall.

This park will be open to everyone, not just residents of South Hadley. “It will give dog owners a central location for dog owners to go with their dogs,” said Jennifer Wolowicz, Assistant Town

Administrator.

This all started about a year ago with a meeting where some of the residents expressed interest. Previously Berwick had also talked about it in a different meeting. The organization that started all of this is, Friends of the Dog Park, wasn’t around at the time. The funding they received-along with the money from the grant- will help with the building process. Berwick says he will be thrilled once the park is finished and open to the public.

The committee really did an aggressive job getting it out there for the public to hear about. There are 1,700 dogs registered, 1,200 letters, 300 emails to dog owners and 100 letters to local businesses to help donate. Donation are still needed, if you would like to donate to help with the funds of the dog park, check out this website: SouthHadleyDogPark.org.

Berwick said he wants dogs to be able to run and play off leash with other dogs. The town’s leash law has made that hard, but with the opening of the

Contributed photo by Berkshire Design Group

WAG ON DOWN: Pictured above is the expected design of the dog park.

park it will prevent that all together. It’s not only a place for dogs to meet, it’s a place for people to meet.

It’s a place to be able to come and relax knowing your dog is also getting their exercise and will be nice and sleepy later that night.

Career center educates students on resumes

By Gracelin Lerch

The high school is living up to its reputation of preparing students for their future independence and responsibility. And, with the help of a new career center, they are now equipped to prepare their students for joining the workforce.

The center was started this year, after the guidance staff noticed a lot of students were coming to them with questions about jobs and applications.

The career center has its own private space, with around-the-clock guidance staff. It was designed to be a place to help students find jobs, complete applications, spruce up their resumes, and prepare for interviews.

“Our goal is to help kids prepare them for their careers and open up their opportunities,” said guidance intern Anna Campetti.

The career center doesn’t provide work permits for younger students. They send you to the main office where you can get one, and tell you how to answer the questions.

6 NEWS|Spotlight|Winter 2019

Most students who visit the career center are older students, 16, 17, 18 who can drive and want a job but are not aware of where to search for one. They go to the pages posted on the window of the career center that hold information for businesses and restaurants that hire high school students. All of the pages have phone numbers, hours, addresses and the types of jobs each location is offering.

Most students who visit the career center find that is it easier to find a job after talking to the guidance staff because they’re more prepared for interviews. After practicing and running through questions a few times, students said they felt more confident and excited.

“The interviews were the biggest challenge for me, because I didn’t know how to handle them and I got anxious,” said junior Oscar Cruz, “But after I talked to one of the counselors, I felt more ready.”

The career center staff said they have

Staff photo by Gracelin Lerch YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE: Pictured above is the career center entrance located in room 301.

a lot more presence with students than most people believe. They say that lots of kids come with quick questions during lunch and stay for a few minutes, or stay after school for more help. For some students, the only interaction they have with the center is taking a few pictures of the pages on the window. Either way the staff are happy to be helpful to students that are learning or looking to work.

Harvard ski coach becomes history teacher

By Arianna Gouger Hard work pays off. This was Maddie Wendt’s while she loved her jobs after college, and working answer when asked what was the biggest lesson she with kids, she did not feel intellectually challenged. has learned in her life. For this particular history/psy- She decided that working as a teacher would be a chology teacher, it certainly has proven to be true. good mix of the two.

As a child, Wendt looked up to her father as a role Wendt said choosing this career path has been one model. “He is very smart, and very, very hardworkof her biggest accomplishments. She likes being in ing, but fun too,” Wendt said. “He would always play the classroom and working with teens because, “they games with us.’’ are a fun age, sort Wendt has taken of adult, but still after her father in childish. I love how all these characterthere are conistics. Sophomore stently intellectual Colin Foley said she challenges and is one of his favourite puzzles, and that teachers. you have to use ‘’She made learnyour brain all the ing, like, actually fun. time.’’

I went to that class Wendt is very and enjoyed learning enthusiastic about for once,’’ Foley said. her job, and it As a student, shows. Principal Wendt said she had a Diana Bonneville small group of friends acknowledged that also were foWendt’s energy cused on school, and and creativity in very hardworking. the classroom. ‘’Getting good grades ‘’Ms. Wendt is was more important very passionate to me than hanging about her job, her out with people,’’ students, and psyWendt said. chology. She is alStaff Photo By Morgan Flynn As a child, Wendt ways doing somewanted to be a nurse, GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT: History teacher Maddie Wendt explains the finer thing new, and points of the Treaty of Versailles to her freshman class then an artist. In keeps the students high school, politics on their toes.’’ sparked an interest for her, but she could not figure Wendt’s dad and boyfriend, also both teachers, out what job she wanted to do in that realm. have had a big influence on her career. She someWendt went to Williams College because it was times steals her boyfriend’s lesson plans, who also both a good academic school, and had a good ski teaches history. team, which she was often with.

All in all, Maddie Wendt says she is satisfied with After college, Wendt worked at a nonprofit organiher life. The only change she would make would be to zation that helped underprivileged kids. She did that have taken more science classes in college, although for a year, and then helped coach the ski team at she noted she was satisfied with her choice of maHarvard. jors, political science and psychology.

She finally decided to become a teacher because,

Winter 2019 | Spotlight | PROFILES 7

Don’t take the 2021 class president for GRANT-ed By: Mercedes Lingle When Grant Petrosky was in third grade, his teacher Mrs. time with Johnston noticed that he had an aptitude for math, and children who had serious illnesses, trying to bring some hapthe want for success to back it up. She had him take an piness and lighthearted joy into their lives. advanced math route, and since then he has taken difficult So, why class president, when there is already so much math classes for a student of his age each year. Now, he is going on in Grant’s life? When he was asked about his mothe class president for the class of 2021, and just as he took tivation for running during his interview, he had a couple of on the challenge of advanced math, he has taken on the reasons. The first of which being that he simply thought he challenge of class president. could do a good job, and he genuinely wanted to be a good As student president, he represents the opinions of everyleader and representative for his class, meaning that he one within his grade. There are some people who have opinwould put forth his best efforts to create positive change in ions that differ greatly from the high school. He also had Grant’s, so he must be careful some inspiration from his elwith his words, as to give everydest brother, Evan. When Evan one fair representation. was a student at South Hadley In the high school, High, he was the president for Grant is known for his fohis class. cused-on-schoolwork but Even though his intentions upbeat view of school life. He seem good, sometimes the is part of numerous clubs and way many people act in front of teams, such as culture club, cameras can greatly contrast environmental club, and posiwith how they act at home. tivity-sub-committee, while he Although a school election may is also heavily concerned with appear less intense in comhis academic success. He even parison with national politics, manages to find time to work this truth can still be relevant. on his relationships with his Nevertheless, Grant’s older friends and family. brother Luke can vouch for the When asked what he likes fact that even at home, Grant to do for fun, Grant shared is a kind person. about his love for the newly “As a brother, G (a nickname trendy drink, used by Grant’s family membubble tea. Bubble tea rebers) is a source of inspiration. fers to iced tea with tapioca or He is funny, compassionate, popping boba,which are small and intelligent. I appreciate the circular “bubbles” of flavor. many times each day when he

“We [Grant’s makes me laugh”, says Luke, a friends and himself] really like senior at South Hadley High. bubble tea. We go to Lime Red Grant’s classmate and Contributed photo by Grant Petrosky friend, Philip Wegman, com[a teahouse in Amherst and Northampton] quite a lot.” mented on Grant’s reliability, LEADER ON AND OFF THE FIELD: Grant Petrosky leads the While not everyone uses another important aspect of Tigers as one of three sophmores on the starting lineup. the term “bubbly” to describe holding the responsibility of him, Grant is generally viewed by his classmates as a friendly class president. and peaceful member of the social climate, according to him.

“Grant is perfectly reliable, if you ever need him to do He was asked why he thought most people were so friendly something, it’ll be done in a day.” towards him, and his answer offered some insight.

Grant is also a member of the student council, a group of “I just try to be kind to everybody, so, hopefully that means students in South Hadley High who plan many events and they’ll be kind to me in return,” he said. confer about important decisions for the school. The council His personal philosophy seems to line up with the ancient is made up of 32 students, eight from each grade. Ms. Foley, proverb of “treat others as you would like to be treated”. an English teacher, is in charge of the council. When she was Grant is often busy with one practice or another, being questioned about Grant’s involvement with the council, she part of both soccer and track teams. He is also involved with had only good things to say. student council, and often volunteers his time for community “Grant is great on StuCo! As a sophomore member I am service projects. Once, for the weekend, he volunteered at impressed with how outspoken he is, a quality which has defia camp called the “Hole in the Wall Gang Camp”, located in nitely developed over the last two years. He has a lot of good Ashford, Connecticut, with his brothers, where he spent his turn to PETROSKEY page 19 8 PROFILES| Spotlight | Winter 2019

Winter 2019 | Spotlight | 9

Student Opinons Tigers’ triumphs deserve higher divison

Extended break would benfit students

By: Abby Authier

Students should be able to have a longer break.

Currently at the high school, break starts at 9:26 and ends at 9:34. This gives students only eight minutes to leave their second period class, get a snack, go to the bathroom, get a drink, etc.

While eight minutes might seem like enough time to do these things, when you have five hundred students trying to do that in eight minutes, it can feel like a much shorter amount of time.

Additionally, there is an excessive amount of students who arrive tardy to their third period class due to reasons that would not be a problem if break was longer. If break was fifteen

Soccer. Basketball. Track. What do they have in common?

They’re all in the same division. At our school we love our athletics, but because of the size of school we’re excluded to the lowest division of high school sports. This will be the second time our girls basketball team has gone to the semifinals. The girls volleyball team went to the Western Mass Semi-finals.The girls soccer team won Western Mass and went to the state championship. Our girls track team won Western Mass. The Hockey team made to the playoffs with a 13-6 record.

Yet, when you mention our school to other kids about us winning they always say it’s because we're in Division 3. The constant effort of trying to prove that we are actually good at sports instead of only winning because we're playing teams below us gets annoying. It seems every year one of the teams is trying to change their division. This also shows in some of the practices and coaching techniques. The constant hover of not being good enough and only winning because the other teams are just bad, really shows on the teams. In my opinion I think with a little bit more effort we would be able to become a Division 2 school.

By:Karlee Zuhusky

Photo from shhs.girlssoccer instagram BIG WIN: The girls soccer team celebrates an important victory against Black Stone Valley.

minutes long as opposed to eight, I believe that not only would students be happier, they would have more time to do things and wouldn’t have to worry or stress about being tardy.

A longer break would give students time to socialize with their peers. For teenagers in high school, peer relationships are very important and valuable. Having good social skills is essential for a successful career after high school, and for the rest of your life.

If break at the high school was extended, the everyday lives of students would benefit from less stress and better time managment.

File photo by Spotlight staff

HITTING THE HALLWAY: Students scattered in the corridors during the morning break time.

‘Let’s talk about sex... Maybe?’

By: Mercedes Lingle In a world where having sex at a young age is becoming more socially acceptable, it is vital to the health of our youth that we provide the most accurate information about the topic. It is unrealistic to hope that teenagers will remain chaste until after they graduate high school, and honestly it would be more helpful to assume that everyone is sexually active, so that everyone can have access to equal protection.

Since we were students at the middle school, sex education has been a dreaded and squeamish topic for everyone involved. Our teachers herded us into separate rooms (because, of course, girls and boys cannot handle learning about puberty whilst in the same classroom) and showed us complex diagrams that were difficult to understand, or frankly, visualize.

The fifth graders would giggle to themselves and hesitate to speak aloud the labels on their diagrams, and every so often there would be one brash student who would exclaim an expletive, leaving everyone both shocked and impressed.

I believe that I learned more from the graffiti on the 10 OPINIONS | Spotlight | Winter 2019

after-school bus than from any of the long hours I spent in sex. the health room. As my classmates and I progressed into The lack of sexual education becomes even more our later years at the middle school, relevant when it comes to LGBT the quality of sexual education did not youth. According to the writers at improve. In eighth grade, our class sat advocatesforyouth.org, 46% of high down in the cramped cafetorium and school students are sexualy active, watched a 10-plus-year-old video of a and the percentage increases to woman giving birth to a blood covered 62% for high school seniors. While baby, an experience which most stuthe majority of high school students dents suffered through with covered may not identify as LGBT, there are eyes. still many people who do, and only Later that year, the eighth grade 5% of high schools offer LGBT sexuclass also watched a video of a 40-yearal education. old woman lecturing high school Teachers and educators should students about the wild dangers of be more concerned with how cluesex. She spoke of STIs, STDs, and the less high school students can really untimely pregnancies which can result be when it comes to sex. As high Staff photo by Mercedes Lingle from unsafe sex. Rather than teach schoolers, we experience a lot of us how to prevent such things, the “firsts.” Our first party, our first KEEP IT WRAPPED: Health/P.E. teacher Shane Harwoman instead told horror stories to prom, our first real relationship. rington displays a baggy of condoms in his classroom. scare the high schoolers away from It can be hard to balance every-

thing going on in our lives and still make good choices. It is probable that a “good” kid could end up at a party, get tipsy, and find themselves in a very confusing and new sexual situation with another person. It is improbable that they will remember their seventh grade health teacher lecturing them about STDs. Frankly, the only thing to do is be open and repetitive when it comes to sex. We should be taught that sex and puberty are normal, and a part of growing up. It is unhealthy for students to grow up thinking that sex and puberty are taboo; this can lead to dangerous situations. If a student has sex and something goes wrong, but they are terrified to talk about it, then they might have a serious disease or infection which they do not even know of.

Parents need to do their job as parents, and teach their children about puberty and sex; however, parenting situations can vary, and the information that needs to be taught to adolescents is not always taught to them. This is why the school system must step in and teach students the information about sex and puberty which they need to know. It is essential to the safety of all students.

Winter 2019 | Spotlight | OPINIONS 11

Special Olympics portray South Hadley’s unity, resilience The annual Special Olympics was held at our school this past March. Ten schools from across Western Massachusetts participated, including Granby, Palmer, Easthampton, and more. Students participating in the Special Olympics could shoot hoops, bowl, play catch, and other activities. At the end of the day, all South Hadley volunteers stood in two lines and cheered on the athletes as they received medals from members of the South Hadley police and fire department.

This event is important to our school because it supports unity in our school community. Both the volunteers and athletes were smiling all day and having a good time. Many athletes have disabilities that can create challenges in their daily life. Celebrating their achievements at the Special Olympics brings everyone in the school together.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS BRINGS OUT THE BEST: The celebration of athletics put a smile on both the volunteers and the participants at this year’s event, held last March inside the high school gym.

12 EDITORIAL | Winter 2019 | Spotlight

Evidently, the Special Olympics is a great event and should continue to take place annually.

However, we should also create more opportunities in the school community to not only honor special education students, but everyone, including other students and faculty. Considering the success of the Special Olympics, imagine the love, fun, and unity that more events like the Special Olympics would create. We are all valued individuals and we should all celebrate each other.

Photos by Spotlight Staff

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Winter 2019 | Spotlight | 13

Co-Ed Hockey Team Reflections on the season, on and off the ice

Contributed photos by Mcclement photography ROLL SH PUCK: Players get rowdy as they hit the ice for the second period of the playoff game against Easthampton.

By Jorjia Tsilibocos The South Hadley Boys hockey team dominated this season. They won the majority of their games, and made it to playoffs. The record throughout the season, was 12 wins, 2 ties, and 7 losses. The team worked collaboratively throughout the season to achieve teamwork and sportsmanship. Will Ortyl, who is a senior and team captain, said that “Next year, we’ll have a good group of guys and a good core of leaders.”

He also adds that “As long as the boys continue to put their trust in each other, as everyone did this year, I’m positive they’re going to be a force in the league next year.” Alex Dyer, another player on the team, talked about how he felt this season went, commenting, “I really loved the season. We all tried our best to win Western Mass but next year, I hope we go farther in playoffs.”

14 FEATURES | Spotlight|Winter 2019

Sophmore Thenis Tsilibocos said that “We are all really close as a team, and I think that’s the key to winning. More than having skill, which is important, being able to communicate within your team is just as important, and I feel we did just that this season.

I wish for next season, we have the same mindset and kill it in playoffs.”

It was amazing to see how supportive our school really is. For playoffs, the “fan section” created a theme to show how crazy and loud they were willing to get for our hockey team. Overall, the season was nothing but successful. Even though the team suffered some devastating losses, the support from the coaches, fan section, and the teammates themselves made the losses non existent. We all can’t wait for next season! GO TIGERS!

CELEBRATION TIME: The boys

hug it out after they score a hardearned goal.

New “Egg and I” location serves same great food with childhood nostalgia

GETTIN’ EGGY WIT’ IT: The new “Egg and I” restaurant serves scrumptious meals one by one.

Staff photos by Caroline Pare and Mercedes Lingle, featuring sophomore Ella Francis in top right photo.

By Caroline Pare with Mercedes Lingle When I was a little kid, I remember my dad taking my older brother and me to the Egg and I restaurant in the South Hadley Falls almost every Saturday morning. It is a memory I will cherish forever. I haven’t been there in years, so I was brought back to my childhood when my friend Mercy and I walked into the new Egg and I, on Newton Street, and we were greeted with the smell of fresh coffee and warm home fries.

We choose a booth on the leftmost side of the restaurant, closest to the kitchen. That way, we were closer to the source of food! Almost immediately, a waitress with a pencil in hand and small white apron tied around her waist greeted us, and asked for our drink order. I ordered a large hot chocolate with whipped cream, a personal favorite, and Mercy ordered an orange juice.

As we waited, we noticed a stack of trivia cards to the side of the table. It was a great way to kill time while we waited for our drinks.

A couple of minutes later, our waitress returned with our drinks and two well-loved, but clean, menus. My drink

was mouthwatering to look at, with a heap of swirly cream and an array of rainbow sprinkles on top of the steaming mug of cocoa.

I took a glance at my menu and ordered two chocolate-chip pancakes with a side of home fries. Mercy, who wanted a lighter breakfast, ordered the “Light Fair”, which was two slices of toast and a veggie omelet, accompanied by salsa.

The menu offered a variety of choices, and one is guaranteed to find an option that they like. There is even a lunch menu, which offers classic choices like sandwiches and cheeseburgers.

The service was speedy. Our food was brought to our table seven minutes after we ordered. Fresh from the depths of the kitchen, our food had steam floating off of it, and heavenly scents surrounding it. The pancakes were the center of the show (although Mercy’s toast and omelet looked devourable as well, they simply could not rival every chocolate-lovers dream), with countless chocolate chips hidden under golden batter.

I drowned my plate-width pancakes

in maple syrup and took a bite. They were stuffed with chocolate and had a gooey texture-just how I remembered it from when I was a kid. Mercy, who chose the healthier option, seemed to be enjoying her meal as well, even though it wasn’t filled with chocolaty-goodness.

“This is just what I needed this morning,” said Mercy. “There’s nothing like the taste of tomatoes and eggs wrapped up in warm provolone cheese.”

We dug into our meals with the force of one who hasn’t eaten in days! After we finished eating, stomachs full and food-coma growing, we received our checks, both of our meals costing $9. I hadn’t expected the price to be excessively high, but $9 for a generously sized hot chocolate, home fries, and two gargantuan pancakes was certainly a steal for the ages. We give this restaurant 4 Paws- Pounce on It! If you’re looking for a delicious meal in a homey restaurant with good service, the Egg and I is a great choice.

Spotlight | Winter 2019 | REVIEWS 15

‘Chicago Fire’ is a steamy, hot drama

Chicao Fire images from NBCUniversal Media

FIREY: Things are heating up with the ‘Chicago Fire’ cast inside Firehouse 51.

By: Abby Authier

Chicago Fire is a show about firefighters and paramedics whose drama filled lives are tested every shift.

This show is centered around Firehouse 51, located right in the heart of Chicago. The drama illustrates the twisted minds of politics where corrupt politicians are trying their hardest to take down the station and/or one of the members.

Captain Matt Casey, played by Jesse Spencer, is just one of the heartthrobs of the show who always seems to have trouble coming his way.

He’s ex-fiance Hallie ended up dying in one of the episodes in the earlier seasons leaving his flirty-yet-friendly relationship with other co-worker Gabby Dawson on the table. Things don’t go very smoothly for the couple, even though they love each other. It just seems nothing can ever go their way. They break up and get back together at least three times, with Casey almost dying twice during all of this.

In the newer seasons, the pair finds out they’re expecting a baby, but things go ary when Gabby has a miscarriage. They try to adopt a sweet little boy, Louie, after Gabby runs into him on a call for a mother who’s overdosed on drugs.

Dawson and Casey decide to get married so they can officially adopt Louie as their own, but just after their marriage, Louie’s biological father comes into the picture and takes him back. Daw16 REVIEWS | Winter 2019|Spotlight

son is so distraught and done with sitting on the sidelines that when she is offered a job in Puerto Rico, to help with the aftermath of the hurricane, she eagerly signs up.

The two later get a divorce when the actress Monica Raymund, who plays Gabriella Dawson, ends up leaving the show. One of the other heartthrobs of the show is Lieutenant Kelly Severide, played by Taylor Kinney. Severide and Casey are close friends, but tend to butt heads when it comes to quick decisions on calls.

Severide has been through a lot on the show as well. Losing his best friend and fellow co-worker, Leslie Shay, on the finale of season three.

There was a great explosion, and a metal pole struck her in the head, instantly killing her.

Severide doesn’t cope very well with that, and he ends up going on a drinking bender for a little bit of season four, trying to wrap his head around her death.

Later in the show, Severide must also deal with the death of his father and his girlfriend. Some of the many other characters whose lives are featured on the show include: Stella Kidd, Joe Cruz, Christopher Herman, Mouch, Ottis, Chief Boden, Sylvie Brett, and many more. The reason I love this show is the constant drama and the amazing story lines.

Check your bags and privilege at Sutton High

By Mercedes Lingle with Caroline Pare “If you can breathe, you discussed our sessions. I observed stuThursday, March 14 was more than need to be an activist”, said Dr. Love. She dents having lively conversations, looking just “Pi Day” for a group of students at played a song by Kendrick Lamar, called around the crowded cafeteria.

South Hadley High School. Nine students, “Alright”, and concluded with a powerful Soon it was time for our second session. including myself and Caroline Pare - along catch phrase; “We gon’ be alright.”

Caroline and I wanted to go to one about with others from various grades - attended After she was done speaking, we all female equality, but got lost in the school Sutton High School’s “Connections Conferwent to different workshops scattered and stumbled into the nearest classroom ence,” hosted by their Connections club. throughout classrooms in the school. we could find. It was a workshop dedicated The Connections Conference was the Caroline and I decided to go to one about to make us all aware about our privilege. idea of Sutton High’s senior student, microaggressions, since it was a topic We headed to the gym and did an activity Sophie Briggs, and it was made to bring called a “privilege walk”. We had to hold unity and social awareness within their own neither of us knew much about. The room hands with the people school, and schools in next to us and had to the surrounding area. take a step forward or There was one keynote backward depending speaker, Dr. Bettina on if any statement Love, and twenty-six applied to us. By the workshops all happenend, no one was holding in the high school. ing hands with each After an hour long other and some peodrive, the nine of us ple were at opposite students along with our ends of the gym. chaperones, Ms. Scully, The idea was that Ms. Ragno, and Ms. Cole those at the back entered Sutton High to were less privileged be greeted by tens of than those at the students wearing light front. I was in the green t-shirts, to signify middle toward the their participation in front, and Caroline Sutton’s connections was a few steps in club. We were asked front of me. Although to write our names, I thought the idea pronouns, and school on was interesting, I small name tags, which Staff photo by Mercedes Lingle found this workshop to I found very helpful and MAKE ART NOT WAR: Sutton High School displays powerful artwork in a collage. be somewhat flawed. inclusive of the connecWe did not learn how tions students. to help those less privileged than We were led into a large auditous, instead we simply shared our rium where we took our seats and feelings about the walk. Afterwards, later listened to the melodic voice Caroline and I discussed how we felt of the speaker, Dr. Love. She is a about the exercise, and Caroline felt professor of educational theory that although it was eye-opening, she and practice at the University of had about 15 people, most of whom were felt like it made those of us who are more Georgia. Her keynote speech centered teachers. Our speaker was very well-spoken “privileged” feel pity for those who were around the idea that one must understand and taught us how to recognize microag“less privileged.” the people they are advocating for to be an gressions and how to stop using them. We Sutton High School certainly made an activist. She herself was a black woman also watched a series of short MTV videos ambitious attempt at a social justice and who knew that her ancestors came from that shed light on the issue of microaggresawareness conference. Personally, I got Ghana, on slave ships. She spoke in short, sions. a lot of new ideas from the knowledge I concise sentences, so as to not evoke pity, The director of the session, Dr. Phil gained at the conference, and I know that but rather pride-in and awe-of the African Fogelman, asked us questions to make us the majority of the South Hadley attendees people who were slaves. ponder the concept of microaggressions; felt the same. English and special educaDr. Love was very passionate about her “Do you think the impact of implicit bias is tion teacher Tara Cole has even planted the cause, and she is what some might call less hurtful because it is not intentional?” seeds for a social awareness club for our “woke” about the need for social reform in he asked. Questions like this helped us own high school, inspired by the conferthe world today. She believes that progto form our own opinions about bias and ence. ress is being made, but it is nowhere near microaggressions.

The slogan of the conference was “Ally complete. She also believes that if everyWe had a half hour break after our is a verb,” and I believe that this is an one were to alter their views of their fellow first session to eat lunch, which was pizza important idea for everyone to dissect, so I humans just a little, more progress would provided by the school. All the South Hadley appreciate the connections club for showbe made than any march or protest could students sat around the same table and ing it to me. ever bring.

‘If you can breathe, you need to be an activist.’

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PETROSKY continued page 8 -nitely developed over the last two years.

He has a lot of good ideas, and he brings an interesting perspective which often challenges the normal perspective that other students have,” said Ms. Foley.

Being a good president is certainly based off of what a person is like at their core; what their personality is really made of. All of the people who commented about Grant, his brother, his friend, and his advisor, let us see into his personality.

While Grant certainly seems to be the kind of person that his classmates can trust to represent them to teachers and the other

grades class officers, he also acknowledges that he cannot do it alone.

“Sometimes I don’t ask for help when I should, and try to do it all myself,” said Grant. “Some of the other class officers are better at brainstorming new ideas than I am.”

Grant does think that he and the other class officers do a good job at managing their class’s budget, as some of the other classes are indebted to the school, and will have to pay senior dues, while the sophomores are currently not indebted. Grant says that he is usually on top of everything,

and that he plans meetings for all of the officers to check in with each other as frequently as possible.

With everything that goes on in the day-to-day life of the average American teenager, it can be hard to find time to care about one’s school, and the well-being of every student and teacher within. It seems that Grant still finds this time, even if it is easier on some days than others.

The sophomores at South Hadley High can rest assured that they have a reliable class president representing them in office, if they did not happen to know this already.

Spotlight| Winter 2019| 19

Student Life

Winter 2019 Students at SHHS have fun taking part in many activites: playing their instruments, shooting hoops, creating sculptures in art class, and even taking biology notes!