The Rebellion January 2020

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Walpole High School

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Film Photography

Star Wars

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Girls’ Basketball

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Matt Ferraro wins DAR Good Citizen Award

Ferraro demonstratesto helpleadership and a positive attitude in and out of WHS By Renée Abbott other people are recognized Photo/ Matt Ferraro

News Editor

The Aaron Guild Chapter awarded senior Matt Ferraro the Good Citizen Award at the historic Morse House. The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) has been hosting this award since 1934 and in the past, has awarded various Walpole seniors, while also awarding surrounding students from Norfolk County Agricultural School and Norwood High School. “This award recognizes and rewards individuals who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism in their homes, schools and communities,” the DAR website stated. To win this award, a student must first be nominated by their peers, then pass a teacher board voting on the nominees. At the ceremony, Ferraro was awarded a flag that was flown over the US Capitol and a plaque commemorating the ceremony. Ferraro also has the opportunity to apply for a scholarship through DAR, and he will be recognized during the WHS graduation. “I was honored to receive the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award. Not only was I recognized as a leader by my classmates, but the faculty as well. It is nice to know that students who look

for their hard work,” Ferraro said. Ferraro is a student representative for Student Council, the event coordinator for the Green Team, an active member of National Honor Society and a captain for the swimming and diving team. Outside of school, Ferraro is involved in Boy Scouts, volunteering his time to lead programs once a week, and he also teaches swim lessons. “He always comes to our events and is always looking to help out,” Student Council adviser Kerry McMenimen said. “When he sees something that needs to be done, he does it.” In the summer going into his senior year, Ferraro participated in a month long international medical service project in Ghana, where he encouraged health practices and engaged in community service. This trip inspired him to pursue more medical projects, as he plans to study nursing in college. “Because I am going into nursing, I am looking forward to helping treat people everyday,” Ferraro said. “With my skills and degree, I may join the Peace Corps and continue to help others.” Ferraro is also an active member of the Green Team, serving as the event coordinator during his junior and senior years. Ferraro dedicates time and effort into leading the various clubs he

Ferraro spends time with young children in Ghana, where he spent this past summer.

is a part of and works towards bettering his community in any way possible. Additionally, he strives to incorporate community service into his weekly routine by joining the community service club, attending Veteran’s Day ceremonies and placing flags at veteran’s graves. “Last year, [Ferraro] almost single-handedly ran a coat drive here at WHS. He contacted a dry cleaner who would collect [the coats] and dry clean them for free. [Ferraro] hauled all of the coats down there by there by himself,” Green Team adviser Karen Baumgartner said. “[Ferraro] was also part of a group of students who put together an excellent presentation

on recycling and presented [it] to the Town Council. He was well spoken.” Ferraro is looking forward to continue to help others throughout college and into adulthood. Specifically, he wants to draw inspiration from his service trip in Ghana and use his nursing education to better the lives of people in need. “[Ferraro] is an extremely well rounded young man. I feel that he gets involved with things, not because it will look good on a transcript or résumé, but because he truly cares,” Baumgartner said. “[He] wants to work to improve things for the betterment of people, the environment, whatever [it may be].”

Crisp offers takeout and catering to Walpole community

Speciality pizza, seafood, salads and more are now available in Walpole center Photo/ Chloe Patel

Restaurateur

Robert

Carnes

opened

new

By Renée Abbott News Editor The Walpole community will soon welcome high-end takeout and dine-in restaurant Crisp, owned by restaurateur Robert Carnes. Crisp will be offering pizza, seafood, steaks, pasta dishes, salads and more. The official opening is Jan. 15, and Crisp is looking forward to engaging with the customers through their culinary specialties. “We are going to have pizza [and] seafood on our menu, so we can appeal to people from eight years old to people who are 80 years old,” Carnes said. “It does not have a target

Walpole

restaurant

Crisp

on

Jan.

15.

demographic like some restaurants might because the menu is big, and it really does have everything on it.” Carnes began his restaurant experience at the age of 16, working at Venus Café in Whitman, MA, and he later went on to open and own the restaurant Robert’s Pub in Taunton, only to sell it afterwards to pursue family life. Since then, Carnes has worked at Sysco Wholesale Company, Performance Food Group and Reinhart Distribution. “I have been ignoring this itch to open a restaurant for about 15 years, and I finally decided that it was time to give it a shot again,” Carnes said. After much outreach from the

Walpole community, Carnes is planning on applying for an alcohol license from the town. The menu is not limited to pizza, seafood and other popular recipes, as Crisp will also be creating Hawaiian Poke dishes and providing vegan and gluten free options. Montillio’s Baking Company and Pizzeria will also be supplying Crisp with Italian pastries, cookies and cakes daily. While Crisp plans on operating a steady takeout and delivery business, it also will offer catering. Carnes will use his connection with Reinhart Distribution to supply the restaurant with catering necessities. “We have vegan and gluten free options, and we just want the community to let us know what they want. We want to be involved,” Carnes said. Crisp will be offering a meal replacement service, where fully prepared meals will be available for customers to pick up. A takeout window will also be in service during spring and summer, and customers will be able to pick up and order food from outside. Roughly 30 seats will be inside the restaurant, and 25 to 30 seats will be outside in spring and summer. Crisp is located in the center of Wal-

pole, which is a walkable distance from WHS. Students can easily walk in and grab food before or after a club, school event or sports practice. “A big part of what we are going to do is [takeout], where people can literally walk in, grab an outstanding meal, and all they have to do is heat it up,” Carnes said. Carnes currently lives in Norwood, and he places importance on getting to know the community, along with developing relationships with students, citizens and other businesses in Walpole. By maintaining an active Facebook, Twitter and Instagram account, Crisp has been hosting daily prizes such as “Twelve Days of Crispness” on Facebook to encourage future business and customer relationships. Carnes recently donated Celtics tickets to the Fisher PAC auction, where the winning family was able to go onto the court and meet some of the players. “[Crisp is] doing a lot of advertising on Twitter and Facebook,” WHS senior and future employee Catie Martin said. “I think that they are putting themselves out there, so when they open, they will get a lot of people to go.”

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Volume XXIV, issue III WALPOLE, MA 02081

Snacking In Class

January 2020


News

Page 2

January 2020

Community Service Club organizes a food drive Students

use

the

By Danielle Dentremont Online Managing Editor During the season of giving, Walpole High School’s Community Service Club gave back to the community in the form of a food drive. The goal was to collect a vast number of non-perishable items for donation to the Greater Boston Food Bank. To prolong the success of this initiative, club members decided to extend the food drive—which began in early November—to Dec. 13. Some of the key organizers were senior presidents Angelina Zagami and Karma Sampson who attached an incentive to the project by creating a competition between homerooms. Science teachers Susan Wick and Samantha Fallon were also integral in overseeing the project. “I chose to help with the food drive because I realized that there are many people in our society who are not as fortunate as myself, and I felt that it would be a great way to give back,” junior and club member Cecilia Doherty said. “I know this is true for other members of the club who are eager to participate in something bigger than themselves.” In light of the holiday season, members of Community Service Club felt that it was crucial to provide aid to local community members who cannot afford sufficient meals on the daily, which renders the holidays especially challenging. The Greater Boston Food Bank collects donations from places

holiday

season

as

that collect at least 500 pounds of nonperishable food items and, once WHS reached this amount, the Walpole Food Pantry handled the transfer of donations to the Greater Boston Food Bank. “I know that for everyone in the club, it is a humbling feeling to know that our efforts to engage our community will in turn help those less fortunate in the Boston area,” Doherty said. The Food Drive was only one of many initiatives that the Community Service Club has recently undertaken for humanity’s betterment. One day in December, Community Service Club members were spotted wearing placards around their necks marking their solidarity with the Day of Silence. “We created the Community Service Club after the trip to Tanzania, and we really wanted to make an impact locally, as well as internationally,” Sampson said. “Our main goal was to do something that could get the whole community involved in.” The Day of Silence was intended to spread awareness about children throughout the world who do not have access to education. Club members have also been coordinating with local soup kitchens in hopes of organizing times during which elementary and middle school students could engage in volunteer work at these kitchens. In alignment with their holiday spirit, the club spent time wrapping other people’s unwrapped gifts in exchange for a donation to a women’s shelter. “[Sampson] and I are the

an

opportunity

to

give

back

Photo/ Instagram

Beside side

the other

donations, Doherty, club members

Zagami McKayla

presidents of the Community Service Club, so we are constantly trying to find ways to give back to our community locally, nationally and internationally. The two of us purely started this

and Preto

Sampson and

pose Matt

alongFerraro.

club and participate for the enjoyment of helping other people,” Zagami said. “We are all so fortunate to have everything we do, so the best thing we can do is help people who aren’t as lucky.”

Massachusetts flavored vape ban goes into effect

Baker’s

Act

Modernizing

Tobacco

Control

attempts

to

Governor

Baker

reduce

teen

vaping

Photo/ WBUR.org

Photo/ Boston Herald

passed

the

new

By Lauren Celardo Staff Writer Massachusetts’ new law on vapes and e-cigarettes went into effect on Nov. 27. The fall’s temporary ban attempts to restrict access to vaping devices by banning flavored vapes and limiting the sale of other tobacco products. Back in September, Governor Charlie Baker announced a public health emergency due to the recent vaping epidemic. He passed a controversial ban on the sale of all vape products scheduled to last three months. This three month total ban expired in December, but on Nov. 27, Baker signed a bill with the Public Health Council to specifically keep flavored tobacco products illegal permanently. Although many products have returned to shelves, flavored pods and vape liquids, as well as menthol cigarettes and flavored chewing tobacco are not available. This limits access to the products put in vapes more than the devices themselves. Massachusetts is the only state to

vape

bill

in

Boston

on

Nov.

27.

ban these products, making it the strictest state in vaping regulation. This Act Modernizing Tobacco Control went into effect immediately for vaping products, but flavored cigarettes and chewing tobacco will not be phased out until June. Although stores cannot sell flavored products, users may still buy them at “smoking bars”: licensed establishments for smoking. As for unflavored vape products, those with less than 35 milligrams of nicotine per millimeter will be returned to circulation; otherwise, only licensed tobacco outlets can sell products like JUUL pods to individuals over 21, rather than 18. The pods of liquid for the popular JUUL devices fall into this category, so the unflavored varieties are still inaccessible to teenagers under 21. Stores have to keep nicotine products behind counters and with posted signs warning of the risks. Baker was motivated to change the law largely because of the risk vapes pose to young people. Teenagers are more prone to choose the

Flavored pods, vape liquids and other vape products are no longer available in MA.

flavored liquids and become addicted to the nicotine masked in a sweet taste, and vape companies such as JUUL have been accused of marketing specifically to underage people for revenue. By removing the enticing flavors and establishing a 75% excise tax, the goal is to reduce the number of teens vaping. Baker cited widespread concerns about the unknown side effects of vaping, such as lung diseases. Three people have died of vaping-related causes, a part of the 47 recorded deaths nationwide reported by the CDC, with over 2000 falling sick. “With the number of young people using e-cigarettes spiking, it is not only critical that there is research into nicotine addiction treatments for this population, but it is imperative that we continue efforts to prevent youth from ever using nicotine,” American Medical Association President, Dr. Patrice Harris, said in a recent statement. Many business owners oppose the law—complaining of its short notice, warning of black market sales and questioning why these same

actions are not being taken against flavored alcohol. Despite protests including two lawsuits for lost sales, the new law will continue indefinitely, and businesses found violating it will be fined or otherwise punished. “The bill goes a long way toward restricting access to the most addictive kinds of nicotine products. Longer term, the bill will keep kids and teenagers from getting their hands on vaping products, especially flavored products,” Baker said. Marijuana based vapes and cartridges, including medical marijuana products, are not impacted, but they were also temporarily banned in November by the Cannabis Control Commision and remain so indefinitely to allow for more research. “The legislature created a series of restrictions around access to vaping products, especially for kids, and gave the Department of Public Health some pretty broad latitude to regulate the product and make sure people understand the risks going forward,” Baker said.


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January 2020

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Opinion

Page 4

January 2020

Students should be allowed to eat snacks in class Eating

in

class

can

promote

students’

learning

and

productivity

By Danielle Abril Opinion Editor Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In order to last a few hours before snack and avoid being hungry, one should be fueled by eating a full meal early in the morning. However, when students stay up late on a school night, they require a few more minutes of sleep in the morning to try and make up for lost time. The issue is that now, there is no time to eat a full meal and snack is not for another two blocks. Snacking in classes should be allowed. For most students, there is not enough time in the morning to eat a whole meal. Others may wake up not hungry but become hungry within the early hours of the school day. Restraining the time in which students eat demonstrates a belief that their bodies need to be energized and well fed is less important than feeding the brain with knowledge. Many students experience feelings of stress, angst or even anger when unfed. If students eat and become happier, learning would be more efficient, as students would feel content and more ready to learn. Students would also be able to focus more, as they would not be distracted by waiting for snack time to come around. Eating snacks is not harmful. In fact, many teachers have snacks with them that they eat between classes. If students did not have to change what class they are in, similar to most teach-

Graphic/ Charlotte Clarke

If

students

are

hungry

ers, then they could eat a snack during passing time. But eating in the hallways is stressful when walking amongst many others going in all different directions. Despite the belief that snacking is distracting and can lead to an unproductive class, the grumble of one’s stomach and the embarrassment that may arise from loud noises outweighs that. Although there is hesitation due to students with allergies and messes afterwards, students in high school have to be responsible

during

class,

they

may

enough to recognize the foods that they are allergic to and clean up after themselves to prevent further issues. As snacktime at Walpole High School is 10 minutes and lunch is around 25, there is seemingly enough time for students to purchase a snack and eat it. However, there are always large lines that deduct from the time given, and there is always a congestion of students in the hallway right outside the guidance offices and flowing into the cafeteria which takes away time as well.

become

easily

distracted.

In conclusion, eating a snack should be permitted unless a teacher specifically asks for snacks to be put away due to a conflict. There are circumstances in which snacking can be deemed as a distraction. Many teachers have different viewpoints on when or what students should be able to eat, but teachers must also recognize that students are busy and eating a simple snack is not as easy as it seems. However, when a student needs to eat, they need to eat.

Is “innocent until proven guilty” really still true? Americans may be losing one of its greatest virtues: the presumption of innocence Graphic/ Charlotte Clarke

The saying goes, “innocent until proven guilty,” but in the modern age, society seems to have nearly completely inverted it.

By Grace Manzo and Danielle Abril Staff Writer and Opinion Editor One of America’s greatest virtues is its legal system. All who enter the criminal justice systems are presumed innocent unless there is clearly demonstrated proof of wrongdoing. Any wrongdoing must be proven in a fair process that protects the rights of the accused. This cardinal value, the presumption of innocence, is slowly but surely falling out of vogue in the eyes of Americans, and nobody seems to care. In 2018, Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh was questioned

by the Senate Judiciary Committee after Senator Dianne Feinstein revealed she had received a letter written by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford alleging that Kavanaugh and another man had sexually assaulted her in the early 1980s. Once news of the accusation surfaced, many people rallied support for Ford and scolded others for their failure to blindly follow suit. They demanded Kavanaugh’s nomination be overturned before he ever got to tell his side of the story. “I put his denial in the context of everything that I know about him in terms of how he approaches his cases,” Senator Marie Hirono

said. Hirono referenced Kavanaugh’s judicial decisions, which she felt disfavored a women’s reproductive choice rights as one of “many indications of his own lack of credibility.” Because Hirono disagreed with Kavanaugh’s professional opinions, she was disinclined to believe he had not assaulted Ford. This is a dangerous view—if society conditions the presumption of innocence on the political, professional or personal views of the accused, any pretense of an impartial system or due process is abandoned. Now, the Kavanaugh case is not a bullet-proof example. To say

that Kavanaugh was presumed innocent, but the evidence presented by Ford was enough to overturn that presumption is a completely defensible position. Also, with a political case involving such a prominent individual and such serious accusations, the confirmation hearing was necessary. It is not the fact that the hearing happened, it is the fact that the popular attitude toward the trial possessed an ad hominem slant against Judge Kavanaugh. However, a situation when a judge is all but convicted in the court of public opinion based on an accusation without corroborating evidence shows how society may be beginning to weigh accusations more seriously than due process and the presumption of innocence. In 1995, former Buffalo Bills quarterback OJ Simpson was acquitted of all charges for the double murder of his wife and her coworker. Many people refuted this verdict because they believed he killed the victims, even though his defendants proved him unlikely guilty. This is unfair, as he went through the lawful process and was acquitted of crimes. To reject the official verdict and cite one’s own opinions and second-hand investigative work as evidence is unproblematic when contained. But, when it becomes a justification for public humiliation and years of conspiracy around a person, there is no denying the popular ignorance of authority in favor of expediency. The saying goes, “innocent until proven guilty,” but in the modern age, society seems to have nearly completely inverted it. There’s another saying too, though—“things change.”


January 2020

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Page 5


Opinion

Page 6

Cold-calling negatively affects students

Randomly calling on students can have an adverse impact on one’s school day Graphic/ Charlotte Clarke

Students may experience angst in class.

By Amy Gordon Staff Writer

It is not uncommon in school that a student might find themselves suddenly being called on instead of the other classmates who actually have their hands raised. When the teacher calls on them, the student is plunged into a state of shock. They can feel the whole class staring at them as they desperately look for the answer that they do not have. Meanwhile, other students who know the answer disappointedly put their hands back down and wait for the isolated student to respond. Cold-calling. It is often used in business regarding unsolicited calls made to sell products, but in school, it includes calling on students and forcing them to spit out an answer when they

have not raised their hand. This technique requires that every student be ready with an answer for the teacher’s question and prepared to share their thoughts, which can be embarrassing for a student who does not know the answer. It can encourage participation in the class and keep students on their toes, but for some, it creates tension in the classroom and only adds to the stress that is guaranteed to come with school. For some students, coldcalling is their biggest nightmare and often the anxiety takes over their ability to think or even attempt to form an answer. The fear of embarrassing oneself in front of their peers and failing to impress the teacher is enough to make one forget what class they are in. This unnecessary stress falls onto a student’s shoulder, along with the many other concerns and tasks that they have to cope with in one day. Although teachers may try to lessen the worries a student faces, for some, it only increases the anxieties they feel. However, it is not only the fear that leaves a student unable to answer the question they have been presented with, but sometimes, they really just do not know. All teachers are aware that no student is perfect, but it can feel as if they are being punished for not having an answer. Even though they never had their hand up in the first place, they now have to admit their unfamiliarity to their whole class and their teacher. Cold-calling can also make a student feel as they are being represented

poorly in the classroom, although it may only seem like a minor interaction. This technique, however, can work in a comfortable classroom setting and can benefit a student. When one is having a class discussion and the teacher is not searching for a right or wrong answer, calling randomly might be a better way to hear from those students who are too nervous to raise their hand. This helps them to participate and share their thoughts on a particular subject without the fear of being incorrect and scolded for it. The problem is that most of the time, the classroom does not feel forgiving or comforting. When a teacher asks a question with a specific answer, more pressure falls on the student to answer it correctly. Although cold-calling can be beneficial, and in some cases it can truly help a student, the negative aspects outweigh the positives. Making a student uncomfortable and putting them on the spot is enough to not only discourage them from participating when given the opportunity to raise their hand, but also make them anxious before class, hoping that they do not get called on. Having a constant fear of one class is enough to make a student miserable because they have to attend it every day. If teachers stop using this method as often or only used them in comfortable conversations about a topic, then students may feel less stressed about this technique.

Citizens must stay informed about impeachment How this impeachment impacts the President and his re-election campaign Graphic/ The Washington Post

Described in the above graphic, the impeachment process is now in the Senate.

By Harry Murphy Staff Writer On Dec. 18, the House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald Trump, making him the third U.S. President to have been successfully impeached. What does the President’s future look like? In order to comprehend the process, one’s goal should be to understand the process and politics behind this particular impeachment and why impeachment does not mean removal from office. In 2016, when Trump won the Presidency, the House of Representatives and the Senate were also won by the Republican Party, giving the Demo-

cratic Party little power in the realm of impeachment. Despite this, Democrats believed it was their duty to impeach Trump for his phone call with the President of the Ukraine. In 2019, the Democrats in the House of Representatives convicted him of “Obstruction of Congress” for not cooperating with Congress despite being a separate entity of the government, along with “Abuse of Power” for his phone call with the Russian President, in which many believe he attempted to bribe the president. Every single American needs to stay informed about this impeachment process, because it will likely influence the way in which people cast their ballots in 2020. Many people

believe that because Trump was impeached, he will be removed from office. This is all but true. After the House of Representatives votes on the impeachment, it is then handed off to the Senate, where they decide whether or not to remove the President from office. Due to the fact that the Senate has a Republican majority, it is extremely unlikely that Trump will be removed from office. In the House, the vote on impeachment was very clearly along party lines, and it most likely will be that way in the Senate as well. Many Senate Republicans, such as Senator Lindsey Graham, have been very outspoken in regards to supporting the President throughout the impeachment process, and would never consider voting to impeach him. For Republican voters, this further exemplifies how determined the Democrats are to undo the results of the 2016 Presidential Election; for Democratic voters, this shows that regardless of his impeachment, he will most likely stay in power due to the Republican majority. Whichever way one may cast their ballots in 2020, everyone has an obligation to stay informed, as this impeachment process will certainly influence the election. If Trump is re-elected, but Democrats maintain their majority in the House and gain a majority in the Senate, he is as good as gone. However, if the Republicans keep their Senate majority and the White House, while also managing to flip the House of Representatives, Democrats are going to have to deal with Trump until at least the 2022 midterms.

January 2020

THE

REBELLION

Staff

Walpole High School’s newspaper is committed to informing the public, reflecting the students’ views, creating a public forum and serving as an educational medium.

Editorial Board Editors-in-Chief Ashley Kuropatkin Sarah St. George

Newspaper Managing Editor Chloe Patel Online Managing Editor Danielle Dentremont Business Manager Sydney Scales Website Editor Chloe Patel News Editor Renée Abbott Sports Editor Catie Martin Assistant Sports Editor Sarah Ball Feature Editor Erin Foley Opinion Editor Danielle Abril Entertainment Editor Katerina Gebhardt Lifestyle Editor Catherine McLellan Layout Editors Caroline Applin Shannon Jordan Graphics Editor Charlotte Clarke Social Media Directors Giovanna Anello Rachel Stanton

Staff

Second Year Writers Casey Ball Colleen Barry Lauren Celardo Amy Gordon Grace Gorman Elizabeth Hinton Brooke Lanchester Grace Manzo Harry Murphy Abigail O’Brien Anna Smith Gregorias Tsougas First Year Writers Isabella Agahigian Mackenzie Bourque Christian Brownsword Laine DiMartinis Timothy Flynn Isabella Gauthier Nolan Geer Katherine Gillis Samantha Goldman Joslyn Hanson Kathryn Maclean Cara Morris McKayla Preto Catherine Stanton Lynsey Tashjian

Send a letter to the Editor. Letters should be 200 words or fewer, and can be emailed to Send a Letter to the Editor. Letters Should be 200 Words or fewer, w a land p ocan l e ber eemailed b e l ltoi owalpolerebellion@gmail.com n@gmail.com


January 2020

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January 2020


Lifestyle “Existential” : How to maintain New Year’s resolutions

Page 9

January 2020

the word of the year for 2019 By Danielle Dentremont Online Managing Editor

Dictionary.com declared that “existential” was the word of 2019 for its encapsulation of the year’s focus on all things related to existence. Greta Thunberg, a Swedish 17-year-old, was named TIME’s Person of the Year and is best known for her vehement concern for climate change. Faced with existential fear amidst unprecedented heat waves and wildfires in Sweden, Thunberg began her crusade in favor of reducing carbon emissions with her sights set on a sustainable environment. Thunberg’s apprehension of fossil fuels led her to found “Fridays For Future,” which began with the teenager taking days off from school to protest the Swedish government’s inaction in regard to climate change. Prior to her viral speech before the 2019 United Nations’ Summit, Thunberg led an immense climate change rally of millions who united behind her declaration that “our house is on fire.” In other words, Thunberg metaphorically articulated her fear for Earth’s fate. Among Google’s most frequent searches of 2019 was the Area 51 Raid in Nevada on Sept. 20. The premise of the raid was built entirely upon the belief that aliens exist, which derived from conspiracy theories of UFO sightings. As humans, existence is taken for granted and, consequently, non-existence is truly perplexing. Hurricane Dorian was another event that highlighted the fragility of existence. Beginning with tornadoes in North Carolina on Sept. 5 and culminating into a Category 5 hurricane—the highest classification on the Saffir-Simpson scale—this storm brewed existential fear. Winds sustained 185 miles per hour in the Bahamas. The damage that Hurricane Dorian caused was unprecedented with at least 70 fatalities and around three billion dollars worth of destruction; as a result, the National Hurricane Center and the World Meteorological Organization are likely to retire the name “Dorian.” Most recently, videos of panic-struck koala bears have surfaced on the Internet. Such koala bears faced the truly imminent danger of wildfires. Australia suffered from an outbreak of bushfires that rendered the air unbreathable and devastated ecosystems with the estimated loss of one billion animals. 2019 was a year of existential crises more so than other years. High school itself seems to be an existential crisis at times, as the goal of a high school education is to prepare students for their futures; however, the future is nebulous and full of existential questions.

Four tips for making a resolution and keeping it throughout the year By Catherine McLellan Lifestyle Editor Every year, many people fixate on their New Year’s resolutions, as they hope to create a better version of themselves going into the new year. As the hype around the phrase “new year, new me” quickly dies down, most resolutions do not see past the end of January. Often, New Year’s resolutions are vague goals such as to lose weight, to exercise more or just to be a better person. These general concepts do not design a specific enough path to follow for a goal, which reduces motivation as one cannot see themselves completing their objective. This, along with other flaws in resolutions, is one of the reasons why many people do not follow through with their New Year’s resolutions. One way to make more attainable resolutions is to start small. If the goal is something that one can actually stick with, they will have more success in completing their goal throughout the year. Say one’s goal is to go to the gym more often. If they go to the gym zero times a week in 2019, it is highly unlikely that they will keep up with going to the gym six times a week in 2020. Instead of this unreasonable number, think of something more achievable, such as three times a week. Another way to stay motivated to a resolution is to keep track of the progress towards that aspiration. Once the goal has been identified, keeping a list of how to accomplish that goal will be very rewarding, especially when crossing off all that has been achieved. Using a calendar can also be beneficial.

Graphics/ Charlotte Clarke

New

Year’s

resolutions

can

become

Marking the days a step has been made towards the resolution will increase motivation to continue working for the goal the next day, and the following days. Take commitment to another level with StickK. This app works to help people achieve their goals by making a “Commitment Contract”— an agreement that holds the user accountable for following through with their goals. After the user defines a goal and creates their plan to follow through with it, StickK aids them by providing services such as a “Referee” who verifies the user’s progress, communities with users who have similar goals and a “Commitment Journal” where the user can track their progress and invite family and friends to

more

attainable

when

starting

small.

view and post encouraging comments. It is also important to stay motivated with a goal and continue working towards it despite slip-ups. Yes, it may seem as though punishing oneself for forgetting to go to the gym or breaking a diet would help with motivation for another time, but this is not the case. Associating a resolution with punitive behavior is toxic and counterintuitive, as it will decrease motivation. It is better to focus on making progress towards the goal, rather than only seeing the mistakes. New Year’s resolutions are, indeed, hard to keep; however, it is not impossible. By staying committed to a goal, one can have hope to continue their resolution throughout the whole year.

Students repopularize Polaroid cameras

Ways to give modern photos a vintage look with trendy cameras By Catherine McLellan Lifestyle Editor

With all of today’s modern technology, it would seem counterintuitive that many people still rely on trends of the past to get the perfect photo. However, Polaroid and disposable cameras have become very popular with Generation Z for their retro vibe. Forget the Instagram feeds filled with countless selfies taken on an iPhone and edited with innumerable filters— the overexposed, grainy, saturated and light streaked photos produced by old-school disposables have taken over social media. With their finite number of shots, disposable cameras have become commonplace for teens endeavoring to capture candids of their memories. Celebrities have also been seen snapping pictures with disposables. Models Gigi Hadid and Adesuwa Aighewi opt for the more authentic disposable camera at fashion shows. Social media star David Dobrik has built a brand around disposables with his Instagram account @davidsdisposable and app with the

same name. Dobrik’s app allows the user to take disposable-style photos on their phone, with the option to order and print the photos in their home. Disposable cameras are not

the only vintage device that have seen a recent uptick in popularity. Polaroid cameras are popular for their instantprint feature and retro look similar to that of disposables. Many people also create photo walls with their Polaroid pictures because these instant photos create great reminders of past memories. In Urban Outfitters, a plethora of film products—including Polaroids, disposables and even vintage film cameras—can be found. For both disposables and Polaroids, one popular brand is Fujifilm. With their promise to satisfy new photographers as well

as traditionalists, Fujifilm’s products comprise of lenses, film and cameras. Although these trendy cameras can be expensive, many photo editing apps are able to create the same effect. A similar app to Dobrik’s, Huji Cam makes iPhone pictures look like they were taken on a disposable. These pictures are complete with light streaks, saturation and even time stamps. VSCO, a very popular app, offers many filters and editing elements along with a social media aspect where the photos can be posted. There are even apps that have borders so photos can look like they were taken on a Polaroid. Another affordable option is an actual 35mm camera, which can be bought for more costeffective prices and found on Ebay or thrift stores. Film for these cameras can be purchased on Amazon or Urban Outfitters. For many, it is not just the photo that has a vintage feel, but it is the feeling of unpredictability that comes with the experience of using a disposable or instant-film camera. These popular appliances can be used to capture memories from vacations, prom or just a fun night in with friends. As cell phone addiction is on the rise in today’s generation, these convenient cameras are a fun alternative when trying to disconnect, but still get those shots for Instagram or a photo wall.




Page 12

Exploring How

to

the

ensure

Lifestyle

the

validity

of

purchase

of

online

fashion

authentic

and

Graphic/ Charlotte Clarke

Graphic/ Charlotte Clarke

Websites

including

Zaful,

Shein

By Anna Smith Staff Writer As teenagers, high schoolers are desperate to keep up with the latest and most popular fashion trends—without spending all the money in their bank accounts. In addition to their low budgets, many teenagers have to maintain very busy schedules. With these struggles, it is hard to find time to go shopping; as a result, online stores serve as an easy and convenient way to shop.

and

Romwe

are

trendy

However, like most things posted on the Internet, it may be troublesome to trust websites for the authenticity of what they sell. Some of the most popular and respected websites include Zaful, Shein and Romwe: all trendy fashion stores based in China. Each website is quite similar, as they have colorful advertisements, several categories of products—from clothing, shoes, accessories to random items— and almost always have large sales. Immediately, customers are drawn in not only by the products, but by the prices

and

affordable

online

stores.

and guaranteed sale on most purchases. As perfect as it sounds, products—especially from online companies—can often compromise authenticity and quality. In order to prevent making fraudulent purchases, one of the most important steps in purchasing is to research everything to know about the product. Check to see reviews of how true-to-fit the sizes are; the listed “small, medium or large” may not be the perfect indicator of what would fit every body type. The type of material may also affect its quality over time.

January 2020

truthful

stores

products

Certain materials such as acrylic, polyester or rayon are notorious for their cheap quality. Buying clothes made from these materials may easily become damaged, shrunken or have an uncomfortable fit. Going to stores in person is a good way to guarantee the desired product, but buying products online may be risky as the item advertised is not always true to the real item. Sometimes, clothes look cute and fashionable on these sites, but the package does not tell the same story. For example, one shade of the color blue may appear totally different online than it does in person. Try to verify the actual color by looking at the reviews of real customers, especially the photo reviews. With many downfalls to shopping with these companies, there is one thing that can always be promised: an affordable price. Zaful and Shein are very popular for their reasonably priced bathing suits and summer clothes. There are several hundred styles of clothing items to choose from, which will not necessarily break one’s wallet. Most websites charge ridiculous prices for clothes of the same style, but these cheap, online stores offer great dupes to combat this issue. While quality and longevity of products may lack, these websites offer fashionable outfits for little money. They are a great option if teens make sure to research their purchases to spend their money carefully.

Investigating and escaping the toxic group chat Texting

with

several

people

at

once

may

be

efficient,

but

has

By Danielle Dentremont Online Managing Editor

Society condemns toxic relationships, especially because the MeToo movement has brought to light the vastness of sexual misconduct in the workplace. Likewise, WHS has localized this movement against toxic relationships in the form of Domestic Violence Ended (DOVE) in order to educate students in identifying the precursors to abuse. As progressive and necessary such endeavors are, there is a lack of awareness in regard to toxic friendships. Toxic friendships thrive in group chats where friendships may become forced or contentious. For many purposes, group chats are necessary and useful. Group chats are helpful for making plans, coordinating times to meet and may even unite people of different cliques. However, responding to messages in a group chat may become a chore that leaves one with over 100 messages that he or she feels obligated to read through at the end of a busy day. Following a story or rumor in a group chat that has little relevance to oneself only facilitates the spread of gossip. Undeniably, there is a degree of intrigue attached to gossip, but implicating several people in another person’s gossip—whether it is true or not—is problematic. Group chats are ultimately more divisive than they are unifying. Cyber cliques form as several people turn to the group chat to share news and seek information; however, such cliques do not always extend into real life. Many would agree that it has become commonplace in the 21st century

its

flaws

Graphic/ Charlotte Clarke

Group

chats

add

to

the

to converse with people online but avoid or ignore the same people in person. Yes, this does seem counterintuitive, but it is a reality. Altogether, group chats occasionally breed “fake friendships.” The action of removing oneself from a toxic group chat may seem impolite, but the gossip mill can be unbearable. One way to disconnect from group chats is to temporarily mute the messages. Listed under info on iMessage, there is an option

stress

and

pressure

that

high

to hide alerts—one can still view their text messages, but will not hear the sound of the alert. Snapchat issues a timestamp when someone views a message, so, to avoid the temptation of opening unwanted messages, people should turn off notifications for Snapchat in their phone settings. Attempting to complete homework alongside a phone that is constantly reminding students of the conversations they wish to evade or feel

school

students

already

face.

obligated to take part in is challenging. However, making the definitive decision to remove oneself from a chat may be perceived as harsh and offensive. Thus, group chats are healthy in moderation—like most things—and toxic in excess. The simplest solution to escape a group chat is regularly power off phones and reserve time for self-care as neglecting a handful of text messages is not detrimental to a person’s social life.


January 2020

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Page 14

January 2020

Skywalker saga ends in “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” Episode

IX

By Katerina Gebhardt Entertainment Editor

brings

the

sequel

trilogy

to

a

satisfying

close

Photo/ Inverse.com

Since 1977, the world of “Star Wars” has delighted fans from all across the globe, and it is with much sadness and nostalgia that the final saga came to a close in December 2019. “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” ended the sequel trilogy, and while the “Star Wars” community is once again divided over the movie, it brought the saga to a satisfying close. “The Rise of Skywalker” finds its heroes in a dire struggle against the First Order and Supreme Leader Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). Left with few fighters and even fewer allies, the Resistance, led by General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), faces new opposition in the return of Sith Lord Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), who has risen a fleet of destroyers that he calls the Final Order, with intent to rule the galaxy. Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) and C3PO (Anthony Daniels) must travel to the planet Exegol to stop Palpatine. In the midst of all of this, Rey and Kylo Ren must try to work out their struggle between the light and dark sides. The movie is a whopping two hours and 45 minutes long, and there is a great deal of exposition, new characters, conflict, another conflict and yet another conflict to get through. Unfortunately, the pacing of the movie is flawed, at some points moving far too fast and at others struggling to keep the audience awake. However, it manages to keep the audience up to speed on all of the many storylines, and ties them together well at the end of the film.

The

Skywalker

saga

comes

to

Additionally, the movie’s plot is based around unused footage from the previous two films, since Carrie Fisher passed away in 2016, shortly before the release of “The Last Jedi.” The filmmakers of “The Rise of Skywalker,” along with Fisher’s family, wanted to use as little CGI and special effects as possible to portray Leia. Overall, director JJ Abrams effectively weaved the story around old footage while being respectful to the late actress. Much to the surprise of fans, “The Rise of Skywalker” featured a kiss between two women, the first ever in the “Star Wars” universe. However, this kiss was only between two very minor characters at the end of the film, and was very much in the background of all the action. Many

an

end

in

“Star

Wars:

fans had hoped to see a relationship between Finn and Poe Dameron, and the two previous films had been hinting at it for some time. Unfortunately, their relationship remained platonic, denying “Star Wars” a canon gay relationship between two main characters. At the end of a saga, especially the end of the Skywalker storyline, all character arcs must come to an end, and “The Rise of Skywalker” successfully finishes (almost) all of them. Of course, with any movie, there are many questions left unanswered. For instance, there are many things left out about Finn’s background, and the movie completely neglects Rose Tico’s (Kelly Marie Tran) storyline. However, the most successful arc finish is that of both Rey and Kylo Ren, as Abrams ties their in-

The

Rise

of

Skywalker.”

terwoven storylines together in a poignant and satisfying way. While “The Rise of Skywalker” did not take as many risks as some of its predecessors, it did not need to, as its job was to close out the saga in a way that felt fulfilling and genuine. Even though it did not end with a bang as many had predicted, it brought everything together in a way that felt familiar and true to the “Star Wars” story that so many have fallen in love with. The legacies of Luke Skywalker and the Jedi have been safely upheld by “The Rise of Skywalker,” preserving the message of hope that has been passed from movie to movie. In conclusion, “The Rise of Skywalker” will live on in fans’ hearts as a beautiful close to a timeless story that has captured generations.

Justin Bieber announces comeback to the music industry Bieber

welcomes

2020

with

a

new

single,

album,

documentary

and

Photo/ Twitter

“Yummy,”

tour

Photo/ YouTube

Bieber’s

new

single,

By Ashley Kuropatkin Editor-in-Chief At the end of 2019, Justin Bieber announced his return to the music industry as a solo artist after a brief hiatus. Despite not releasing an album for five years, Bieber maintained his strong reputation; he continued to collaborate with other artists on a variety of popular songs, some of which include “I Don’t Care” with Ed Sheeran and “10,000 Hours” with Dan + Shay. Recently, Bieber flooded his social media accounts with posts regarding his upcoming work, using the slogan “Bieber 2020” to emphasize his plans for the new year. He posted three dates—

was

released

on

Jan.

3.

Dec. 24, Dec. 31 and Jan. 3—to foreshadow his announcements. On Dec. 24, Bieber made the official announcement regarding his comeback: a new single, album, documentary series and tour are in store for 2020. On Dec. 31, Bieber released the official trailer for his new documentary series, entitled “Seasons.” The series will highlight Bieber’s private life, as it will give viewers insight on his marriage along with recently announced news of Bieber’s past battle with Lyme Disease and other illnesses. Finally, on Jan. 3, Bieber released his first solo single in five years: “Yummy.” The longawaited song is a blend of pop, rap and R&B, and in the song, Bieber

Bieber

used

the

hashtag

“#Bieber2020”

makes many references to his wife, Hailey Baldwin. Aside from promoting his newest release on his other social media platforms, Bieber also created a TikTok account to give “Yummy” exposure. For the most part, the new single has been very successful since its release, earning a top spot on the iTunes and Billboard charts. The song has been played on many radio stations and has been increasing in popularity on a variety of streaming services. However, some fans dislike Bieber’s new sound and reminisce on his older songs. Nevertheless, fans remain supportive of Bieber during his comeback, and are excited to experience his upcoming work.

to

promote

his

upcoming

work.

Regarding the newest album, Bieber has not officially set a release date, but fans should expect the album sometime within 2020. Bieber feels that his upcoming music is different from his previous works, as his personal life has also changed. In the trailer for his new documentary series, Bieber stated “I feel like this is different from the previous albums just because of where I’m at with my life.” Bieber will also be embarking on a tour in the United States and Canada from May to September. International dates have not been posted, but fans anticipate that Bieber will release more tour dates soon. On Sept. 17, Bieber will be performing at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro.


January 2020

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January 2020

Gerwig’s radical adaptation reinvents “Little Women” Fans

fall

in

love

once

again

with

the

classic

tale

on

Photo/ IndieWire

Watson,

Ronan,

Pugh

and

By Catherine McLellan Lifestyle Editor Although there have been many renditions of “Little Women,” director Greta Gerwig’s new adaptation truly captures the essence of Louisa May Alcott’s world. While the film authentically encapsulates the 19th-century setting, it also adds a 21st-century twist to the novel. Gerwig’s film is a box office hit, and has grossed over $107 million worldwide since its Christmas Day release. Additionally, the film earned six Academy Award nominations for the upcoming Oscars ceremony. The movie introduces the March sisters as young women living in Concord, Massachusetts. The rest of the film follows a non-linear meth-

Scanlen

portray

the

four

sisters

od, switching back and forth from the characters when they were younger to their lives as adults. Throughout the film, the audience sees the underlying story of Jo’s writing aspirations, which give subtle hints to Alcott’s life. Using this artistic license, Gerwig showcases each character’s growth through parallels between the March sisters’ playful teenage years and their more somber, serious futures. By cutting from devastating scenes of Beth’s (Eliza Scanlen) funeral to Meg’s (Emma Watson) wedding, Gerwig shows the different events in the March family’s life that contribute to their coming of age. Likewise, the film’s art direction conveys the change between childhood and adulthood as the past

from

Alcott’s

“Little

Women.”

scenes have warmer lighting and a comforting feel, whereas the scenes set in the present have cooler tones which create a more solemn aura. Another difference is that Aunt March plays a much larger role in the 2019 film than in the novel. Instead of someone who is talked about, but rarely seen, Aunt March (Meryl Streep) provides comic relief while also helping the sisters make important decisions. Throughout the film, Gerwig effectively sets the scene of 19thcentury Massachusetts. The costumes, props and scenery are all visually stunning, and every scene is rich in detail with nods to Alcott’s hometown. The warm, inviting interior of the March household effectively encapsulates the whimsy of childhood, while Jo’s

the

big

screen

harsh, uninviting New York apartment demonstrates the realities of adult life. Along with an enchanting set, the star-studded cast brings the story together on the screen. In her portrayal of Amy, Florence Pugh makes the brat of the family a more likeable character and the heroine of her own story. Pugh showcases Amy’s character growth by giving her relatable motivation behind her actions, which earned her an Oscar nomination for her work in the film. Additionally, while Beth has a small role in the novel, Scanlen’s performance as the ailing brings depth and emotion to the film. After previously acting opposite one another in Gerwig’s 2017 film “Lady Bird,” Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalamet return as best friends Jo and Laurie. Their chemistry is undeniable—Gerwig describes the pair’s energy as “bonfire” to People Magazine. As friends, their charsima is infectious; however, their friendship complicates as the two grow up. The scenes between Jo and Laurie are beautiful, yet heartbreaking. In addition to its heartwarming and tear-jerking scenes, this adaptation presents a feminist take on Alcott’s story. When Jo declares, “I’m sick of being told that love is all a woman is fit for,” she addresses a principal theme in the film: women have more to offer the world than marriage and motherhood. The film suggests that while the March sisters may want different things in life, they are all valid in their decisions. Therefore, Gerwig skillfully captures the heart of the beloved story while updating it for a modern audience, proving that Alcott’s classic story is relevant centuries later.

True crime podcasts satisfy the curiosity in everyone

Three accessible podcasts entertain listeners with a variety of crime related topics Photos/ Podcast app

These podcasts are on the Podcast app.

By Renée Abbott News Editor From notorious serial killers to unsolved cold cases, true crime stories have seen a surge in popularity. There are many opportunities to listen to a podcast, whether it is on Spotify or on Apple’s Podcast app. These three crime podcasts have interesting stories for all listeners. Crime Junkie Every Monday, hosts Ashley Flowers and Britt Prawat take listeners on a journey inside a fascinating true crime case. They cover serial killers, missing persons, murders, infamous cases and conspiracy theories from the 20th and 21st centuries. Listeners can enjoy the friendly banter between the two hosts as well as relatable interjections about life, dogs and personal safety. Fans—dubbed crime junkies—have access to more

episodes on Patreon, in addition to merchandise and contact with the hosts. Crime Junkie explores cases in the shadows of the public view and acknowledges many differing theories, sources and suspects, giving readers the full story of the case. Suspenseful pauses and passionate defense of victims, as well as full insight on any court case drama allow listeners to become immersed in the story. Each episode is a new case, and each episode is categorized by crime to allow readers to find the cases they are most interested in. Crime Junkie is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and their own website. Thin Air The Thin Air podcast documents true missing persons cases on a biweekly basis. With recorded interviews and audios correlating with the story, this professional podcast fully explores the victim’s life and

Crime Junkie engages with listeners weekly.

Thin

Air

covers

missing

persons

cases.

their disappearance, as well as the theories associated with the case. Each case is unsolved, forcing the reader to ponder the perplexing interviews and mystery long after the podcast is over. Told from a personal investigative standpoint, hosts Jordan Sims and Daniel Calder engage readers as they explain their process in unraveling the story. Sims and Calder devote their podcast to reigniting the discussion and investigation of cold missing persons cases, frequrently referencing the national database for missing persons under a website called NamUs.org Thin Air is available on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Generation Why Since 2012, Generation Why podcast immerses listeners in all sorts of true crime cases from unsolved murders to serial killers to conspiracy theories. Hosted by two friends, Gen-

eration Why consistently provides listeners with all the necessary details to the case and adds personal insight and opinions about the case. Like Crime Junkie, Generation Why is conducted as a conversation between two people interested in true crime and allows listeners to hear the straightforward facts of the case. For new podcast listeners, or listeners with shorter attention spans, Generation Why is not ideal because of the slow and somewhat monotone tone of voice. If listeners would prefer to dedicate time to one complete case, other podcasts series such as Serial explores one complete case over the span of one season. Many people can take advantage of these podcasts, or hundreds more, to make the menial dayto-day tasks much more interesting. Podcasts are a viable and fascinating entertainment option for everybody.

Generation Why explores a variety of crimes.


January 2020

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Sports Oliver Vil named as new boys’ varsity basketball coach Page 19

January 2020

Former

Easton

and

King

Philip

coach

welcomed

to

WHS

Athletic

Department

By Rachel Stanton Social Media Director After math teacher David St. Martin stepped down from his position as head coach of the boys’ varsity basketball team, Walpole High School wanted to find someone who would bring the same levels of enthusiasm and success that he brought for years. In the fall of 2019, Athletic Director Ron Dowd welcomed Oliver Vil as the new head coach. “[WHS] has always been one of my dream coaching spots. It’s a great sports town with great community support. So, when the position opened, I didn’t think twice to apply,” Vil said. Vil has been involved in basketball for the past 30 years, whether it be coaching or playing himself. After playing throughout high school and college, he took on a new role on the sidelines, as the eighth grade boys head basketball coach at Easton Middle School. After his successful season, Vil was appointed head junior varsity coach at King Philip High School for one season, but he ultimately decided to return to Easton as the assistant varsity coach at Oliver Ames High School. As a coach, Vil has worked to motivate his team by instilling his confidence in each player. His main goal at WHS is to change the culture of basketball through positivity and hard work. “Everyone on the team loves the staff and what they do for us,” junior captain Jack Connell said. “Although our record might not show it, his constant belief and confidence in the team

Photo/ Rachel Stanton

Vil

coaches

one

of

the

varisty

has got us through our rough patch.” Vil believes his team has all of the necessary qualities to be both competitive and successful in the Bay State Conference. “I am excited for the future of this team because of the willingness of each player, their dedication to improve and the hard work they have put in so far,” Vil said. With only three returning players, the boys believe that by prac-

boys’

basketball

games

during

ticing together more, they will see the results they are looking for. The coaching staff hopes that while working with the new athletes, they can fully implement a new system that fosters understanding of the game and success. “We all haven’t played a lot of games together, so it took some time getting used to the different play styles of everybody,” sophomore Ryan King said. In the future, the team hopes to clinch a spot in the MIAA Division

his

first

year

at

WHS.

2 South Sectional Tournament, something the boys’ basketball program has not done since 2018. With this end goal in mind, the team hopes to focus on each game individually as a stepping stone towards their final target. “Coach told us in the beginning of the year that our goal is to make playoffs,” King said. “This means that every game matters, and we all have to put in everything we got into each game to achieve that goal.”

Girls’ basketball defeats Brookline Warriors 62-25 Rebels continue their chemistry while trying to make a final push for the postseason Photos/ Chloe Patel

Hurley jumps for the initial tipoff to start off the game versus Milton on Jan. 14.

By Chloe Patel Newspaper Managing Editor and Website Editor Girls’ basketball defeated the Brookline Warriors 62-25 at home on Jan. 14. Their season record is now 8-3. “Tonight was a good team win. Offensively, I think we did a good job fast breaking and using our speed to our advantage and our defense throughout the game was great,” senior captain Elisabeth Roche said. “That being said, I think our passing could have been better, as we had many passes deflected.” The Rebels gave up just four points during the first quarter. Their strong defense continued, and they went down to the locker rooms at the half leading 30-12. Many players also made key baskets that al-

lowed the Rebels to extend their lead. “After any player hits some important shots, the game starts to change,” senior Paige Brooks said. “We all become motivated to keep scoring and to create a bigger lead against our opponent.” The offensive play continued throughout the second half and the Rebels scored 16 points in each of the remaining quarters, while only giving up 13 to the Warriors during the entire second half. “In the beginning of the season there definitely was a divide between the seniors and underclassmen,” Roche said. “However, we have become much closer as a team through playing together on the court and hanging out outside of basketball, and I’m sure it will continue as the season continues.”

Griffin shoots a free throw, earning one of the six points she scored in the game.

The Rebels only lost one starter from last year, and the remaining four—sophomore Natalie Griffin and senior captains Ainsley Dundon, Sydney Scales and Roche—have maintained their chemistry from last year. Even further, they have extended that chemistry with first time varsity players, including the fifth starter, Catie Hurley. “I’m still learning a lot about how [the other starters] play together,” Hurley said. “They help me so much though because it’s so easy to ask them questions.” In terms of postseason hopes, the Rebels only need to win two more games to qualify for playoffs because of their 8-3 season record. “Two more wins to get into tournament is our first goal,” head coach Dave Wall said. “Our second

goal, as always, is to compete for the league. We can’t do the second without getting the first, so we’re focused on getting two more. Then we will kind of reset and try to put ourselves in a position to compete for a league title.” As the team prioritizes winning those two games, they will play a couple of key matchups within the Herget against Needham on Jan. 21 and Natick on Feb. 2 prior to the end of the season. “Every player on our team plays an important role. Whether it’s on the bench or the court, everyone is supportive of each other, which makes the game more exciting and gives the players on the court the confidence to drive to the net or take shots,” Brooks said. “In addition, all three captains are great leaders and role models for the underclassmen.”


Sports

Page 20

January 2020

Walpole High School’s Athletes of the Decade

The

Rebellion

reflects

By Catie Martin Sports Editor The past decade has been an exciting time to be a Rebel. As the 2010s come to a close, Walpole High School sports continue to excel as an overall program. In the last 10 years, WHS has built athletes of strong ability and character. Winning countless achievements, awards and championships, WHS Athletics is run by Athletic Director Ron Dowd. With recommendations from Dowd, here is Walpole Athletics’ decade wrapped. TEAMS OF THE DECADE Boys’ Hockey Super 8 Run: 2017 Coached by Dowd, Walpole finished the 2017 regular season with the best record in school history of 210-1. Walpole qualified for the Super 8 Tournament for the first time in program history as well as the Bay State Conference Herget Division. Adding to the competition of the Super 8 Tournament, Walpole was up against six other private school recruiting teams. After beating Catholic Memorial High School in a play-in game to determine entry to the Super 8 Tournament, Walpole was one of the best eight teams in Massachusetts. Walpole advanced to play their first series against Boston College High School. After beating BC High in game one, BC High then defeated Walpole in the final two games of the series to advance in the tournament. Captained by goalie James Corcoran, Pat Donovan and Owen Hunter, Walpole’s 2017 boys hockey team made school history. Field Hockey Wins State Championship: 2013 Coached by Marianne Murphy, the Porkers completed their regular season with another historic record of 23-0-1. The first half of the Porkers’ season was completed with an 11-0-1 record, while only letting up three goals against and scoring a total of 50 goals. Captained by Caroline Feeley, Brooke Matherson and Ashley Waldron, the Porkers defeated Longmeadow in the State Finals. Caroline Feeley totaled 25 goals and 35 assists in her Porker career, along with earning Bay State League All-Star and MVP, before continuing her athletic career at Amherst College. Brooke Matherson totaled 41 goals and 13 assists with the Porkers, while also receiving many awards such as the Bay State League All-Star and the Boston Herald/Globe All-Scholastic, before continuing her career at Boston College. Ashley Waldron totaled three goals and 25 assists with the Porkers also while receiving many awards such as the Bay State League All-Star and the Boston Herald All-Scholastic, before continuing her career at Brown University. Together this award-winning trio made Porker history and started their competitive reputation. Boys Baseball Super 8 Run: 2019 Coached by Chris Costello, the Rebels were seeded third in the Super 8 Tournament. The 2019 season marks the furthest the program has advanced in the Super 8 Tournament in school history, surpassing the 2018 season’s run that ended the first round as the Rebels were seeded eighth. The Rebels defeated sixth-seeded Braintree 4-1, which advanced them to round two. The Rebels were then defeated by second seed St. John’s Prep in the second round of

on

the

best

athletes,

the Super 8. Captained by Matt Falvey, Cam Schlittler who continued his career at Northeastern University, and Matt Donato who continued his career at Tufts University, the Rebels made history twice in the span of two years. FEMALE ATHLETES OF THE DECADE Sydney Scales: 2016-2020

teams

and

programs

also making the Boston Globe AllScholastic Team—the first-ever in program history. There are high hopes for Tosone’s athletic career as she begins her first season with the Minutemen. Melanie Weber: 2013-2017 Photo/ Aidan Chariton

of

the

2010s

Ian Fair: 2012-2016 Photo/ Ali Fair

Photo/ Tim Hoffman

As a three-sport athlete, Sydney Scales has been a varsity player for all three sports—field hockey, basketball and lacrosse—since her freshman year of high school. Scales captained her senior season of field hockey and has been a captain since her junior year in both basketball and lacrosse. Scales will play Division I lacrosse next year for Boston College. In her junior year, Scales won First Team Bay State League All-Star in all of her sports. Scales also was named the Bay State League MVP and the Boston Herald and Boston Globe All-Star for lacrosse. Finishing off her junior year, Scales was named the EMASS All-Star, All American and the Under Armour Underclassmen All-American in lacrosse, all while leading her team to a state championship runner-up title. In her senior year so far, Scales has doubled the number of awards she has received in past years for field hockey. Scales was named the Bay State League AllStar and MVP, Best of 60 Star, Boston Herald All-Scholastic, Boston Globe Player of the Week, Team Best Offensive Player of the Year and Sue Rivers Holiday Classic MVP. Currently, in season for basketball, Scales looks to finish off her senior year strong. Audra Tosone: 2015-2019

Melanie Weber was also a three-sport athlete and played on a varsity team for 12 seasons of field hockey, basketball and lacrosse. She was a lacrosse captain her senior season and captained her other two sports both junior and senior year. Weber led her field hockey team to two state championship titles in 2013 and 2016. Additionally, the Boston Globe awarded the Field Hockey Player of the Year Award to Weber for her performance in the 2016 season. In 2017, Weber led the WHS girls lacrosse team to an Eastern Mass title. She was a six-time Bay State Conference All-Star, a two time Bay State Herget Division MVP, on the Boston Herald All-Scholastic team for field hockey three times and twice to the Boston Globe’s All-Scholastic team for field hockey also. Weber was also awarded the John B. Turco Award for her performance here at WHS. Finally, Weber was honored with the Doug Flutie award after graduating to recognize her dedication, sportsmanship, leadership and character. Currently, in her third year at Northeastern University, she plays Division I field hockey. MALE ATHLETES OF THE DECADE Johnny Adams: 2009-2013

Photo/ David Moser

Photo/ Tim Hoffman

Audra Tosone, another dominant athlete in all three of her sports, graduated last year and is attending the University of Massachusetts Amherst to play Division I lacrosse. Tosone played field hockey, ice hockey and lacrosse at the varsity level throughout her four years at Walpole High School. Tosone was named Bay State League All-Star and MVP for lacrosse during her senior season. In her high school lacrosse career, Tosone led her team to two Herget Titles, two Bay State Titles, a Division 2 East Sectional Championship and a runner-up finish in the Division 2 State Championship in 2017. Tosone was named the Bay State League All-Star for ice hockey, while

Johnny Adams played both varsity baseball and basketball, and he was a captain for both his senior year. During his baseball career at WHS, Adams was a three-time firstteam Bay State League All-Star, the Bay State League MVP, and Walpole’s 2013 Male Athlete of the Year; additionally, he earned first-team All-State Honors, Rawlings Northeast All Regional second-team accolades in 2013 and made the USA Baseball North Atlantic team roster in 2011. Adams played Division I baseball for Boston College, where he became the starting shortstop as a freshman. Adams also played for the Harwich Mariners in the Cape Cod Baseball league, where he was awarded the Manny Robello Tenth Player Award and Harwich’s MVP award. In the 2017 MLB Draft, Adams was drafted to the Seattle Mariners. Adams currently plays AA Minor League for the Modesto Nuts. Adams was a very successful player during his time at WHS and Boston College.

Ian Fair played both varsity baseball and soccer since his freshman year of high school. During his senior season of soccer, Fair battled an injury up until the start of his baseball season. Fair persevered and was named the Bay State League All-Star in his senior baseball season, as well as the Bay State League MVP in both of his sports. Fair plays Division I baseball at Northeastern University where he continues his success. Cam Hanley: 2009-2013 Photo/ Greg Salvatore

Cam Hanley played both varsity baseball and football, and was a captain for both his senior year. In football, Hanley received the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award and led his team in tackles, dethroning twotime All-Star Dave Conroy. Starting his freshman baseball season, Hanley had one of the highest batting averages in the Bay State League, and he batted .375 as a senior. Hanley was also a two-time Bay State League AllStar. After graduating, Hanley played Division I baseball at Northeastern University, where he was named to the Colonial Athletic Conference allrookie team as a freshman and started 21 games. Finding success throughout his college baseball career, Hanley is recognized as one of the top athletes to come out of Walpole High School. PROGRAM OF THE DECADE Walpole Girls’ Lacrosse Coached by Mike Tosone, the Walpole girls’ lacrosse program has continued to make its presence known in the Bay State Conference. Beginning their tournament appearances in 2015, the team lost to Medfield in the SouthSectional Final. In 2016 and 2017, with a 42-7 record and back-to-back state championship appearances, Walpole girls’ lacrosse established itself as the top program in Division 2 over the span of two years. After an MIAA realignment, Walpole was bumped up to Division 1 for the 2018 season. Captained by Emily Curtis and Celia Walsh alongside junior Audra Tosone, this trio helped their team to enter the playoffs with their first undefeated season in program history. After making a third consecutive state championship appearance against Wellesley in 2018, Walpole then finished with a state semi-final appearance in 2019, against Notre Dame Academy of Hingham.


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