Monday, Aug. 30, 2021
What was your go-to Dairy Queen order this summer?
East Lyme High School
THE
BACK PAGE
30 Chesterfield Rd.
East Lyme, CT 06333
Volume 54 Edition 1
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Viking Saga
30 Aug. 2021
WELCOME BACK, ELHS “Cookie Dough Blizzard because it’s a classic.” - Sophomore Lilly Poletto
“S’mores Blizzard because of the graham crackers and Hershey bits.” - Sophomore Beck Schultz
“Oreo Cookie Jar Blizzard!” - Junior Hailey Denucci
“Cherry-dipped vanilla cone because I’ve been getting that since I was 5.” - Sophomore Aidan Hadley
“Cookie Dough, brownie, and Oreos... My own creation since I work there.” - Junior Julia Locklear
“Nestle Toll House Blizzard because it literally has real cookies in it.” - Senior Mariah Riley
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“In Tennesse I fell off a boat while white water rafting into freezing mountain water.” - Senior Greta Schwartz
WHAT’S INSIDE...
Pg. 3
More ELHS Summer Vacations...
“St. Croix! We saw sharks when we were scuba diving.” - Senior Simone & Sophomore Zane Cappon
Here’s to the 2021-2022 school year! - The Viking Saga Team
“Wisconsin. It’s home.” - Junior Emma Treptow
www.vikingsaga.press
What Being an Ally Truly Means
Pg. 4
Teachers Organize Summer Book Club
Pg. 9
Basketball Summer League Scores for EL
Pg. 12
Student Band Grows Audience
Exemplifying allyship to encourage building a community of changemakers
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OPINION
Monday, Aug 30, 2021
A Welcome from the Editors-in-Chief Noelle Avena
noelleavena.saga@gmail.com
Hey legends! I am Noelle Avena, and I welcome you back to The Saga. I’m excited to be continuing as an Editor-In-Chief this year and bringing trustworthy reporting and fresh takes to our school the best I can. It will always be my goal that this paper will deliver content without watering down the truth, no matter what form it comes to us in. We are here to support and amplify voices, from the first to last edition, uninhibited. I love to tell people that I’m a direct descendant of Martin Luther, the monk who started the Protestant reformation. Writing rebellion is in my blood! I will be channeling that energy into opinion pieces as always. East Lyme, continue to stay engaged and open-minded as we report our way through another year. It’ll be an honor to spend my senior year on the Saga staff. #goodvibegoodtribe
Jennie Sherwood
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Skew’s Big Debut
Band’s first album gets over 10,000 streams on Spotify RUBY MCMAHON
Becoming a musician is everyone’s dream. Rocking out on the guitar, singing and racking in thousands of streams. This dream is not viable for many, but for seniors Will Phimister, Tommy McGrath, Cooper Florio, and Dylan McKee, music is their reality. The band’s roots begin four years ago when the friends first started playing together. The band became official last year as they started writing, producing, and releasing songs.
Welcome back, ELHS! I am excited to return as an Editor-in-Chief again for this school year. As a senior in this role, I am determined to continue to make The Viking Saga a welcoming place for all of our readers. I am looking forward to encouraging a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, just as this year’s mission statement outlines. I will continue to take charge of page design and editing, as well as being the Back Page Editor. Our team is looking to keep doing amazing work while welcoming new editors into the sections, and I can’t wait for the ELHS community to witness and participate in what we do! If you didn’t already know, I play the piano and teach ukulele lessons. My dad also went to ELHS, and rowed with our current head coach and English teacher Scott Mahon. So thanks Dad for getting me into rowing. jenniesherwood.saga@gmail.com I hope you enjoy The Viking Saga this year as much as we enjoy creating it! #govikes
Mikayla Stahl
mikaylastahl.saga@gmail.com
Hello, Viking Saga readers of 2021! I am Mikayla Stahl, one of your Editors-in-Chief and the Opinion editor for a second year. A little bit about me: I am a rower, I eat a lot of ice cream, and I love to ski and scuba dive. I am a senior and want to make my last year on The Saga count. I pledge to cover a variety of issues, groups, and people with integrity and an open mind. I want to learn about and connect with others at our school and in the community. I hope The Saga keeps the ELHS community informed and stays true to our mission statement. I also look forward to getting the student body more involved in the opinion section. The importance of student voices cannot be stressed enough and I will provide a platform for others to be heard. #sagalove
(From left to right) Cooper Florio, Tommy McGrath, Dylan McKee, and Will Phimister on debut album cover
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said Phimister. Over the course of the summer, most songs off of Skew’s self-entitled album have reached 1,000 streams. As the listener count continues to grow, so does Skew’s love of music. “Listeners can expect more music soonmost likely a few singles first, but another album eventually,” said McGrath.
Hi! I’m Ruby and welcome to the Arts and Entertainment section! This year, I’m looking forward to highlighting a variety of art forms in the ELHS community. I will cover student body fashion trends, the music programs, book and movie recommendations, theater productions, and more. Through these topics, I hope to showcase the talent and creativity within our school community. I’m especially looking forward to celebrating self expression through music, film, and clothing styles this year. I hope by this effort, other students will be inspired to explore their own forms of self expression, as voicing interests is a significant aspect of the high school experience. One fun fact about me is that I ugly-cry to every Disney-Pixar movie ever made. I literally cannot watch ‘Brave’ without a hankie. It’s an issue I hope to resolve this year with the help of the fabulous Viking Saga team.
as well as support those who stand up for others. We will exemplify this through action and storytelling as your school newspaper. We hope everyone has a great year, and we encourage all students and teachers to get involved in the change we are making. Viking Saga Print 2021-2022
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photos:SKEW
Skew band members jam out at “Rock the Vote” event- one of numerous venues that the band played.
Meet the Arts & Entertainment Editor: Ruby
Saga Mission Statement 2021-2022
The Viking Saga publication is “By the Students, for the Students’’ and our goal is to report news that reflects our school community with balanced perspective, integrity, and honesty. We strive to represent and include all voices that wish to be heard and will promote creating change when needed. This year, we challenge our readership to be strong allies
All while managing their junior year as well as the stress of the pandemic, the Skew band members hung out every weekend, creating their debut album featuring nine songs, some of which solely produced by McKee. “We didn’t really time manage. When we hung out, we would all cooperate on a song and that’s how we were able to record. It took a little bit longer with school to record and release, because we usually would work on a song a few times after having recorded it,” said Phimister. Creating a sound with little technology is no easy task. Skew’s musical inspiration is from artists such as The Beatles, Mac DeMarco, Radiohead, Weezer, and The Strokes- all artists who had the help of a recording studio to produce the music. Even with limited resources, the band has already met many impressive goals, such as the album drop, the 10,000 stream milestone, and numerous performances. “It was really crazy to have ‘if you leave, then what?’ hit 10,000 streams. We were just happy that people enjoyed our music,” said McGrath. Recently, Skew performed at a “Rock the Vote” event where they, as a band, learned about the preparation before performing. “We have performed at a few similar venues before. We hope to perform more original music as we start playing for more shows,”
I hope you enjoy this section as much as we do! Saga love, Ruby McMahon: Arts & Entertainment Editor
Monday, Aug. 30, 2021
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Monday, Aug. 30, 2021
OPINION
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Summer and Fall 2021 Style Guide A break down of summer and back-to-school fashion trends and ideas RUBY MCMAHON
COLORS
PATTERNS
Playing with colors that don’t necessarily “match” will make an outfit pop. Some fun color combinations to try this year are red with green, lavender with yellow, orange with blue, pink with brown. These colors can brighten any outfit and can make anyone look put together easily. Also, creating a personalized color palette for an intended wardrobe can help narrow down a select style and prevent over-consumption of clothing.
Throughout the summer and going into fall, clothing trends are playing heavily into patterns. Pattern mixing is a fun way to try to show off personal style while also incorporating colors and textures into an outfit. A fun yet simple outfit to try out is a graphic T-shirt with pattern pants. Whether the pants are animal print or plaid, this uncomplicated outfit is effortlessly stylish. If this is out of a comfort zone, try switching up plain colored shirts for floral patterns.
Opinion of: MIKAYLA STAHL If you walked into a Target in June, you were likely met with a barrage of rainbow and pride apparel, flags, and accessories in celebration of Pride month. Wearing a rainbow t-shirt to show you support the LGBTQ community is a start, but alone will not end the discrimination and injustice that occurs. Members of the LGBTQ community across our country face extreme persecution and even physical harm. Only 19 states have laws to prevent discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in issues of employment, housing, and public accommodations. In states without these
protections, it is common for LGBTQ people’s rights to healthcare, adoption services, foster care, or just being a patron of a local business are challenged. In 2021, there have already been over 30 trangender people fatally shot or killed. Rainbows and messages of kindness alone are not enough to improve the lives of the LGBTQ community. To be an ally, one must do the work of continuously educating oneself on the issues facing the LGBTQ community. There are countless sources, organizations, books, and documentaries, such as The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson, readily available to get you started. Then look locally and nationally to find organizations such as the National LGBTQ Task Force or OutCT, based in New
Meet the Web Team Check us out: www.vikingsaga.press
Jamie Kim
TEXTURES To spice up any outfit, play with textures. Throw on a leather jacket or shoes to elevate the outfit. There is no harm mixing textures too! Try adding a crochet top with corduroy pants for a retro look. Silk midi skirts are comfortable, classy, and the perfect breathable texture. If this seems too advanced, start off simple with a jean jacket.
LOOK BOOK:
LAYERING Layering, especially as it transitions to cooler weather, is multifunctional by being comfortable as well fashionable. A turtleneck underneath a strap dress is a great option for modesty. Vests can also be used purposefully for layering as well and as comfort in the cold. Lastly, use shirts to layer constantly. T-shirts add dimension to an outfit when layered underneath a crew neck to add color or underneath a button up.
Following my intentions from last year, I will continue in my goal to spread awareness of racism and microaggressions of the underrepresented minorities. As a minority myself, it is my duty to shine light and provide perspective for others, in order to reach a better sense of community. As the Web Editor-in-Chief and with knowledge as the former News Editor, I strive to instill cohesiveness and unity among members of both web and print teams.
Ethan Hibbard I joined journalism as a sophomore, hoping to learn skills to become a sports journalist. Now, I’m applying to college as a Digital Media major where I will gain expertise in writing, photography, and videography. In my final year of journalism, I’m hoping to expand the website’s range of content. Along with blog style articles, I look forward to viewing podcasts, interviews, photo galleries, and much more. When I graduate, I hope to leave the website behind as the central hub for all things ELHS.
Jasper Wright It’s my third and final year of journalism at ELHS and I couldn’t be happier to be part of the saga web team. This year’s website is sure to be The Saga’s most extensive and interactive web platform. From photo galleries to captivating interactive web articles, I’m hoping to introduce new forms of media and further intrograte the saga in the ELHS community.
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Monday, Aug 30, 2021
London, already making an impact. Allyship may take many forms. Perhaps you will take an activist role and join a rally, or follow legislation and write to your representatives, or maybe your allyship will be a financial donation to a vetted LGBTQ organization. Sometimes an ally just needs to have the courage to share what they have learned with a family member or friend who just doesn’t get it yet. Effective allies listen and learn from LGBTQ voices and use that knowledge to be role models for others. Students at ELHS have an opportunity to be great allies by joining the GSA Club, being a role model, or correcting misinformation. Discrimination doesn’t end with silence. Speak up. Stand up.
SAGA STAFF Editors-in-Chief: Noelle Avena (‘22) - Articles Jennie Sherwood (‘22) - Back Page Mikayla Stahl (‘22) - Opinion Editors: News: Eve Slemp (‘23) Features: Kennedy Holsapple (‘23) Sports: Alex Brown (‘23)
Entertainment: Ruby McMahon (‘23)
Reporters: Stay tuned for a new group of reporters joining our staff! Web: Jamie Kim (‘22), Ethan Hibbard (‘22), Jasper Wright (‘22) Advisor: Jeff Beale (‘92)
GET INVOLVED Check out our Instagram @elhssaga for daily updates on coming games, events, and more! All articles, pictures, and videos are posted on our website: www.vikingsaga.press For student article submissions, email thevikingsaga.elhs@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram.
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NEWS
Monday, Aug. 30, 2021
Summer Reading Gets an Upgrade
Librarian Ms. Barber opens opportunities for booklovers over summer with new book clubs EVE SLEMP As school winds down, there is more time to enjoy the moments of summer and curl up on the couch with a captivating book. Former assistant superintendent Amy Drowne came up with the idea of summer book clubs, and ELHS Librarian Jeannie Barber brought this idea to life as she made reading an engaging experience during summer. Through get-togethers and discussions with friends and teachers, students enjoyed reading from a different perspective. “I wanted to do summer reading differently this year. It should be more organic than summer reading in the past, which used to be mandatory,” Ms. Barber said. In past years, summer reading was required for students, then evolved into reading competitions and even lotteries and raffles. This year, Ms. Barber added a new twist to the annual reading. ELHS teachers volunteered to lead various clubs at ELHS and gave students an opportunity to bond over their love of reading. “I figured if I’m going to read all summer anyway, why not do a book club?” Chemistry teacher Lori Singer said. Ms. Singer and guidance counselor Christy Bryant held two book clubs together From
July 12-16, Ms. Singer and Ms. Bryant hosted a book club with “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott and another August 9 to 13 with “The Spring Girls” by Anna Todd. Other book clubs throughout the summer were run by Special Ed. Teacher Cortney photo:JSYLVESTER Kargusang, Jillian Sylvester with Toni Morrison’s ‘Beloved’ for Ms. Science teacher Buckley’s book club. Samuel Harfenist, English teacher school. The books were read ahead of time. Nanette Trusler, and English teachers “There was no pressure to answer any of the Kimberly Buckley, and Julie Teixeira. questions; it was just a fun discussion about “I’ve always felt that ‘Little Women’ is a the books I read and loved,” senior Jenny book about feminism and the right to choose Guo, who participated in Ms. Singer and Ms. the path that is best for you. We talked about Bryant’s “Little Women” book club said. how those paths were perceived then and During the school year students’ schedules now and the unique challenges that each of get filled quickly leaving little time for reading those paths presented,” Ms. Singer said. for pure pleasure. The conversations held during the week“I find during the school year that I barely long book clubs brought interesting stories have time to read the paper; spending time and new perspectives to the students who reading a book is just not likely to happen,” participated. The clubs were held over zoom Ms. Singer said. “Reading helps me to stop and in person depending on the teacher. Ms. obsessing about how last year went and Singer and Ms. Bryant’s club was held over worrying about all the work I need to do for zoom and at the middle school. Similarly, next year and instead escape into someone Ms. Buckley’s club was held at the middle else’s life for a while.”
Meet the News Editor: Eve Slemp your pic
SPORTS
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Summer League Revived in 2021 East Lyme basketball team destroys the competition at Summer League ALEX BROWN Nothing but net this summer as players from the ELHS boys basketball team participated in a summer ECC Basketball League. The league occurs every year, however, due to the pandemic, this was the first time in two years the league ran. It’s essentially organized pickup basketball games, allowing players to jump right into the action with less structure of a formal season The Day created a video covering summer league this year, highlighting how Keith O’Brien, a local celeberty sports commentator for The Day (also known as the “sports doctor”), stepped in as the coach for EL this year. “Summer league is essentially like riding a roller coaster with no line,” EL senior and varsity basketball shooting guard Riley Walsh said. “Usually you have to work your butt off in many practices, or wait in line, in order to be able to compete in games, but summer league is all games, which is admittedly my favorite part of basketball.”
EL did pretty well this year in the league, having a record of 5-4. One goal of summer league is for the participants to bond more as a team and get to know how each other plays before the season starts. This way, the team can work out any kinks so that they do not translate into the winter. “Not only does it prepare us physically with endurance, but we gel as a team and develop a bond with each other,” junior and varsity shooting guard John Bureau said. This summer program is also a great way to get players who are new to their school teams exposed to playing against more experienced players. This way, they’re better prepared for their upcoming season, as they then have both more confidence and a wider skill set. It also helps to prepare the older players get in some reps for their next season, as it keeps them playing in a real in-game setting throughout the summer. “Our team definitely benefited from this,” Riley Walsh said. “The younger guys gain a feel for the strength required to play on varsity while the older guys gain confidence with their pragmatic play being more effective with their experience.”
‘Summer league is essentially like riding a roller coaster with no line.’ -Riley Walsh
Girls and Boys Soccer
Coaches: Ms. Redding (girls), Mr. Christensen (boys), Contacts: Rachel.Redding@ELPSK12.org, Paul.Christensen@ELPSK12.org Start Date: August 26 Tryouts: Yes
Football
Coach: Mr. Bagos Contact: Rudolph.Bagos@ELPSK12.org Start Date: August 21 (contact) Tryouts: None
Field Hockey
Coach: Mrs. Behbehani Contact: Kristy.Behbehani@ELPSK12.org Start Date: August 26 Tryouts: Yes (but everyone makes it)
Girls Swim/Dive
Coach: Mr. Bouchey Contact: robert.bouchey@elpsk12.org Start Date: August 26 Tryouts: None
Girls Volleyball
Coach: Mr. Biggs Contact: Jack.Biggs@ELPSK12.org Start Date: August 26 Tryouts: Yes photo:THEDAY
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Coach: Mr. Flynn Contacts: coachflynn1118@yahoo.com Start Date: August 26 Tryouts: None
Coach: Mrs. Taylor Contact: @EastLymeCheerLeading (Instagram) Start Date: August 23 Tryouts: Yes
The Viking Saga is the voice of the students and we want to hear yours.
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Girls and Boys Cross Country
Fall Cheerleading
Hi I’m Eve! I’m a “try-hard” violinist who loves to run and drink chocolate milk. Welcome to the News section! I’m looking forward to writing and bringing you news from our community and world. I promise to publish trustworthy, reliable, and equitable pieces for you. I plan to bring new perspectives, national coverage, and create a community of allies. It is important to report on a variety of issues such as what’s going on in the EL community, country, world, and people’s minds. I’m excited to be your News editor, your voice, and your ally this year. I’m always looking to connect and learn with you, so feel free to reach out to me or any of the other editors.
With Saga love, Eve Slemp: News Editor
Get to Know the Fall Sports!
The Sports Doctor coaches EL basketball team during their Summer League.
Monday, Aug. 30, 2021
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SPORTS
Monday, Aug. 30, 2021
ShOcking MOments frOm 2O21 Olympics
World-renown gymnast Simone Biles removed herself from the team finals for vault, uneven bars, and floor events this year, as she was undergoing mental struggles that would make it hard for her to execute her near-impossible gymnastic routine. Biles said that the reason she withdrew is that she was suffering from a mental block known as the “twisties,” in which it is difficult for a gymnast to grasp their position in the air as they are performing. She did return, however, to win bronze on the balance beam. “I think that in this sport, protecting mental health is extremely important because no one wants to get hurt doing these huge skills like Simone does even if she is the best in the world,” senior and gymnastics athlete Kate Abbey said. “It’s really easy to get lost in what you’re doing if you are not right in the mindset.” The Norwiegian team for handball was fined this year for not playing in bikinis, with no explanation as to why they need to wear them by European Handball Association’s Disciplinary Commission. The team did receive a lot of support from other people as a result of this, which led to a rise in questioning this sexist rule’s existence in the first place. “As far as the Olympics go, I think the only uniform requirement they should have is wearing their jersey/number combo that the officials need to identify them. I would absolutely not want to play in a bikini, it’s revealing and probably uncomfortable, along with probably making athletes more selfconcious about their bodies,” said senior volleyball player Ella Freed. Kevin McDowell won a silver medal for the Triathlon Mixed Relay, achieving the best ever showing in this event for the U.S. male. And the most impressive part? He did it only months after winning his 10-year long battle with cancer. The Olympics Triathlon Mixed Relay is an intense event, as participants must bike, swim and run on a shortened course, on top of having smooth transitions between teammates. “Growing up as a very successful junior triathlete, Kevin was expected to be fighting for the Junior World Championship title,” senior and triathlete Luke Anthony said. “ To be able to fight cancer, return to the sport, and then place as the the highest U.S. male we’ve ever had in triathlon, it shows true grit and determination.”
Meet the Sports Editor: Alex your pic
I’m Alex Brown and welcome to the Sports section of the Viking Saga! Some of my favorite hobbies include hiking, fishing, and just chilling with my friends and family. However, one of my favorite activities is writing, which is why I’m looking forward to keeping all the students and staff at ELHS engaged with what’s going on in the sports world, both on a local and national level. This year, I will do my very best to ensure all voices are heard, and give every sport a chance to be in the spotlight. It is my belief that every sport and its athletes deserve an equal opportunity to have their stories shared, which I hope to provide to them with the Sports section of the Saga. I will also make sure the articles in my section are relevant and timely. I love to jump out of my comfort zone, which is why I’m really excited to explore the many sports our school participates in and report on all of the many students in EL who are extremely talented at their sport(s). Saga Love, Alex Brown: Sports Editor
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#BookTok Got Its Own How #BookTok Table at Barnes & Noble
NEWS
TikTok sensation, #BookTok, rose in popularity on social media as well as in bookstores
Jane Eyre. Thousands of TikTok videos have been created similarly to Wilson’s. EVE SLEMP The emotional rollercoaster of reading a TikTok is a platform full of copious dances, heart wrenching book full comedy, music, and communities for people of romance and conflict all over the world. Communities collect and actually seeing the individuals of various interests and create emotional impact on their own section, or “side”, of TikTok. the reader makes young “Because BookTok told me to,” was a common phrase many book lovers and women want to read and ‘BookTok’ TikToks depicts booklove’rs’ favorite reads. TikTok users have said while stacking the experience that book for check-out counter at Barnes & Nobles with themselves. The TikToks TikTok is becoming a popular platform to books like “Red White & Royal Blue” and titled, “Books that Had Me Sobbing at 3AM” are prone to strike a chord become more vulnerable and connected “The Song of Achilles”. But what exactly is in users’ hearts, along with a rise in TikTok with one another, especially thorugh a love BookTok and how did it get its own table at video views. of books. Barnes & Noble? These creators are unafraid to be open TikTok influencers, such as Kate Wilson BookTok is a community which erupted and emotional about the books that make and the Lee sisters, Mireille and Elodie, @ on TikTok this past year, especially during them cry and sob or scream or become so alifefliterature, have gained interest from the COVID-19 pandemic. It is full of angry they throw it across the room, and it publishers and authors. Publishers contact primarily young women in their teens and becomes this very emotional 45-second video users with big followings to offer pay or books 20s who create that people immediately in return for publicity. short videos connect with. “BookTok is exciting, with its short, expressing their ‘It’s that thing of Barnes & Nobles have caught entertaining videos bringing a new, powerful love of books. onto the trend of “BookTok opportunity to reach and engage nonFrom crying bringing the pages Books” and even set up readers, to create more book lovers. These sessions, book to life, showing what their own table, recognizing ‘snapshot’ visual trailers are making books trailers, reviews, TikTok’s bestsellers. cinematic in a way that publishers have been and point of you get from a book “Publishers are fascinated trying to do with marketing book trailers for views (POVs), beyond words. ’ with the effect TikTok users a really long time. But the way TikTok users #BookTok has have on book sales. Books are creating imagery inspired by what they become one - Kat McKenna that came out six years ago, are reading is so simple and so clever. It’s that of the most such as “We Were Liars” by thing of bringing the pages to life, showing popular trends E. Lockhart are now trending what you get from a book beyond words,” Kat on TikTok with on the bestsellers list again,” Shannon DeVito, McKenna, a marketing and brand consultant over 16.8 billion hashtags as of August 2021. director of books at Barnes & Noble told the specializing in children’s and young adult In August 2020, a 16 year old TikTok user, New York Times. books told “The Guardian”. Kate Wilson, started her BookTok success TikTok wields a unique kind of power, when she posted quotes on TikTok from her favorite books. These quotes depicted the unlike other media platforms. WELCOME NEW FACULTY! “We haven’t seen these types of crazy sales, scenes of “I love you, without actually saying I mean tens of thousands of copies a month, I love you.” Ms. Julie Shvetz with other social media formats,” DeVito said. Some examples include: Assistant Principal Adam Silvera’s 2017 novel, “They Both “You have been the last dream of my soul,” Die at The End”, has gained popularity this from A Tale of Two Cities, “Whatever our Ms. Ashley Fiore - Special souls are made of, his and mine are the same” past year as TikTok users film before and Ed Teacher from Wuthering Heights, and “Every atom of after reading the book,typically sobbing uncontrollably afterwards. As a generation, your flesh is as dear to me as my own” from
Monday, Aug. 30, 2021
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FEATURES Remembering Mr. Costa 1953 - 2021 David Antone Costa passed away May 28 earlier this year at the age of 68. Mr. Costa was a beloved East Lyme Middle School guidance counselor for more than 39 dedicated years. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and his master’s degree from Boston University. Mr. Costa was and still is known for his caring tendencies and attentiveness for each student he interacted with. He had a passion for music advocacy and played the guitar for a great deal of his life. His kind and gentle manner makes him a memorable figure for all students he helped, including many of our own at ELHS.
Students remember Mr. Costa from days at East Lyme Middle School.
Monday, Aug. 30, 2021
Little Islands Make for New Adventures STUDENT SUBMISSION: ELLA CHIASSON
to call it, ‘one happy island.’ As far as activities, we went to the beach almost every day - it was a three minute walk. We went jet skiing and tubing in the beautiful waters. We went on a snorkeling cruise which was awesome. I thought everyone was so kind and helpful. Everything just felt so safe and it really did feel like a nice little happy island.
We hadn’t really traveled at all last summer due to COVID-19, and we had heard amazing things about Aruba. My family had never been on a huge vacation like this, so it was just something really new and exciting for us. We went in late June for six days; looking back, we should have gone longer. We were able to walk to many places, like the beach and the grocery store. We used a shuttle bus and a cab for longer rides. Basically just about everyone there spoke English, but since it is a Dutch territory there was a heavy Dutch and Carribean influence on the citizens in Aruba. We were able to communicate with everyone there. I also thought that they were very COVIDsafe. There were many precautions put in at the airport in order to enter Aruba such as a negative test. Even though the mask mandate in Aruba was lifted, all the workers and employees were wearing one anyway. It just felt really safe both COVID-wise photo:ECHIASSON and as far as crime. It was a really safe Ella Chiasson and her little sister Lila had a environment and as they themselves like lot of fun snorkeling in Aruba.
FEATURES
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COVID-19 Can’t Cancel Culture!!
Senior Bayla McCaffrey travels to Israel with group to experience Jewish cultrure KENNEDY HOLSAPPLE Once the world started opening back up this summer, people started seizing opportunities to get out of the house and do one thing the nation arguably missed most - travel. For one ELHS senior, she took this thrilling experience to the max. Senior Bayla McCaffrey and nearly 40 other Jewish teens across the country took this opportunity to visit Israel. They traveled with BBYO Passport, an organization for Jewish teens and families to travel and become more connected to their culture. “Before the trip, I honestly didn’t think it was going to happen,” McCaffrey said. COVID-19 and dangers in the Middle East were factors to be considered, but she was able to travel safely. “The drivers aren’t like the United States - they aren’t as nice, so there were a lot more horns honking,” she said. Thankfully, her group used a tour bus to take them around the country. Otherwise, driving and transportation is relatively similar to the US. The language barrier posed a few difficulties, as the most popular language in Israel is Hebrew.
“All the signs there are in English, Hebrew, and Arabic,” McCaffrey said. “Most everyone knows how to read Hebrew and can say it, but doesn’t know what it means.” English and Hebrew have different characters, but McCaffrey and other teens on the trip had learned the characters in Hebrew/Sunday school. Others grew up with parents who taught them, or learned in school where Hebrew was a language option. She recalls often using Google Translate to communicate or asking counselors to translate. Israeli citizens that happened to know English were also a help. Perhaps the most impactful part of McCaffrey’s trip was the people she met. No one she traveled with she had met in the past, so it was an entirely new community for her. “Most of the teens in my group don’t believe in God or the stories in the Bible but still identify as Jewish and celebrate Jewish culture which is really amazing to me,” said McCaffrey. She was able to learn about the different Jewish traditions her counterparts celebrated and how traditional or modern their festivities were. “Being Jewish in the only Jewish state in the world is always so special,” she said. “Especially when you come from a Jewish minority in your hometown to come to Israel where everyone understands your traditions and is so welcoming to all Jews.”
Meet the Features Editor: Kennedy your pic
Hi! Welcome to the Features section! My name is Kennedy Holsapple. I’m a distance runner and I have an unhealthy obsession with goat cheese. I’m looking forward to an amazing year full of captivating articles and diverse stories. This year, I aim to shine light on overlooked, yet relevant and meaningful groups of people within ELHS. Advocacy and representation will be a crucial part of the features section, as I hope to educate our community on new and underrepresented ideas. I will include a mix of serious, heavy pieces, and lighthearted, fun pieces in this section to cater to the interests of everyone in the ELHS community while keeping the Saga mission statement integrated into every edition. I am beyond excited for you all to enjoy the Features section this year!! photos:BMCCAFFREY
Saga love, Kennedy Holsapple: Features Editor
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McCaffrey and her BBYO Passport group visited many locations during their time in Israel. She was eager to capture the experiences with her new friends and share what she learned with the EL community.
www.vikingsaga.press
Monday, Aug. 30, 2021
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