Westford Academy GHOSTWRITER Vol. XXVIII No. 1 December 2017 Priceless Vapes bubbling to the surface The Lo Rising vaping trend takes Westford Academy by storm down: Mehul Shrivastava Features Editor bathrooms, but in other parts nicotine, another made up of “[Parents] don’t want & of school as well. honey butane oil, which is their kids to start smoking Derek Lo Alisha Sabnis Ravi Patel, an associate at extracted from marijuana, and cigarettes because they know Print Manager Madvapes in Westford, has those who prefer unharmful the chemicals in the cigarettes, in JSA similar views and sees minors vapor use water. the tar in the cigarettes, are not Varshini Ramanathan Over the last couple vaping as a social trend. The state age restriction for good,” Patel said. Co-Managing Editor years, Westford and several "It used to be just trying to purchasing vapes is eighteen In Westford Academy, the On Tuesday afternoons, neighboring districts have vape in the bathrooms. Now and older, but Westford has first time a student is caught had more and more students some of the school's most kids are vaping in classrooms, a bylaw that restricts anyone vaping on campus, there is politically active students vaping at the high school level. a $100 fine, along Members of administration gather in Room 103 to argue with a day of in- current events. No matter the have been making efforts to school suspension, reduce the amount of vapes subject, the room is always and parents or alight with opinions, and used on campus as well as to guardians are educate parents and students of these voices, one stands notified. out: senior Derek Lo, who about what vapes are and what The second they can do. has achieved the prestigious violation leads position of Northeast State Vapes were originally to a $200 fine meant to be a no-tar substitute Governor for the student and two days organization, the Junior State for smoking, but since of in-school smoking has drastically of America. suspension. It is rare to find a student decreased across the The third country, one would expect the so transformed by an time, the fine extracurricular as Lo was by same from vaping. However, increases high schools have surprisingly JSA; it has shaped not only his Photo by Anthony Cammalleri Photo by to $300 and two experienced an increase, WA future plans but his personality, days of out of his skillset, and his approach being one of them. school suspension, Detective Geoffrey Pavao to life. along with a "Serving the state has stated that more and more meeting needed students are vaping nowadays really changed who I am as a for the student to person," Lo said. to feel the rush from the enter school again. nicotine, as well as due to peer The Junior State of they're vaping WA student enjoys e-cigarette off-campus. For student athletes, MIAA America, or JSA, "allows for pressure. In an effort to prove in gym class, guidelines apply: the first what they can get away with, an exchange of ideas through lunch rooms," offense takes the athlete out stimulating student debates, students often look to social Pavao said. under the age of twenty-one. of the student for 25% of the media to show what they can thought talks, problem-solving, According to Patel, vapes "In this location, the age season, and then any further and a variety of simulations," do. and the liquids that come with of our customers is more than violations take them out for “People are also posting according to its website. That them are currently not FDA thirty or thirty-five." Patel 60% of the season. is, students who are passionate this on social media such regulated in the US, but they said. as Snapchat and Instagram, about politics are able to are in Europe, where vaping Many students are express their opinions while making vaping into a has been deemed a healthy obtaining them through their competition,” Pavao said. gaining experience in debating alternative to smoking. own parents, according to Continued on page 4 and current events knowledge. As a result, students not There are three types Patel and Pavao. only continue to vape in The organization is primarily of liquid: one that contains run by students, and as such, its student leaders take on a significant load. They plan WAGS narrowly misses state championship D'Anna reflected on the and carry out all conventions, Ben Walker managed to score the game was still an impressive one. team's run and how they conference proceedings, and Co-Editor in Chief winning goal, capturing the The girls took down Haverhill, approached each game. political events. "We just took it one game Lo, who ran for JSA On Saturday, November at a time and we played for Governor of MA in the spring 18th, WA Girls' Soccer's each other. We clicked this of his junior year, began historic playoff run came to an year," she said. preparing for his campaign end after losing a close MIAA D'Anna also in December of 2016. He Division I state championship commented on the announced his participation in game to the Wachusett closeness of the group, February of the following year Regional Mountaineers. The and how all the seniors in Washington DC at the NES final score was 2-1 in double on the team were used to Winter Congress, and after an overtime. playing with each other. intensive six-week campaign, For two forty minute "This season was he was elected to his position halves the girls on both teams amazing, all eight seniors in April. battled to achieve that state have been playing The roots of his dedication title, but by the final whistle, together since fourth to JSA go back to 2014 when the game was tied at one goal grade, so it’s been really he was a freshman attending apiece. special just getting to the Westford Academy's WA’s goal was credited Anthony Cammalleri Photo by play with everyone. Our activity fair. Lo had always to senior captain Rebecca team is so close, […] it’s been interested in politics and D’Anna, after a scrum in front just been a bunch of friends current events and saw JSA as of the net that resulted with playing soccer together,” she the perfect balance between the ball in the back of the net. said. a less competitive, debate- However, although D’Anna Furthermore, Head Coach focused organization that also was given credit, there was The girls pose with their trophy at the Division 1 Championships. Tracy Capone acknowledged had political elements to it. some confusion as to who got the great season the team had. He was chiefly inspired, the final touch. “We set goals early on and though, by the fact that the The game went into Division I state title. Brookline, Central Catholic, every goal we [achieved], organization was largely overtime and eventually into Although they came and King Phillip on their way we reset. We knew we had a student-run. a second overtime. Wachusett up just one game short of to Saturday's game. special team,” Capone said. Continued on page 5 winning it all, the WAGS run

Sports Humans of WA New Teachers Commitments Page 5 Pages 6 and 7 Page 11 Page 2 opinions December 2017 Mr. President: please Gun Control: Firearms require

stay in yourAmerica own in the firstlane place. As regulation on a federal level Andrew Friel Mehul Shrirastava a beacon of freedom, we all Gun violence in America twenty-one and sixteen Co-Editor-in-Chief Features Editor need to be tolerant of all non- is at its peak, and some respectively, is required. Dear Mr. President, sort of reform is necessary. Firearm sales are reported and violent forms of protest, even Gun regulation has been I detest that people do if we find them inappropriate A number of lives are registered by the state. On not stand for our anthem, a popular and controversial lost yearly to firearm the other hand, in a state such or disrespectful. Freedom of subject in America since and as a result disrespect our speech is not limited by topic incidents. If the law stays as Texas, there is no waiting troops and anyone else who related incident started to as is, it will be detrimental period for purchase or any of discourse, but only by the become more common. has fought for our freedoms, presence of violence, and any to citizens and society. registration for firearms. They but the fact remains that they After the tragic shooting in So why not ban firearms do have a few regulations protests that do not result in Las Vegas that killed almost have the freedom to do this, violence must be allowed. if they are such a hazard? and laws but are lenient in and this is what makes this sixty people and injured That was my thought until I comparison to other areas. The fact that you, Mr. close to five hundred, as country so great. Conversely, I Trump, must remember, happened to figure out that Gun laws are mostly have the right to tell someone wellas the tragic Sutherland 1,801 reported incidents enforced by states as long is that our society thrives Springs shooting, people are why I think it’s wrong to sit on allowing private of gun violence out of the as they follow the Second for the anthem. However, the having increasingly heated 54,641 incidents of gun Amendment, so states are businesses to choose how arguments on the topic. President of the United States they conduct themselves use so far in 2017 had been pretty much free to handle of America. cannot just act I have had multiple for self-defense. When that it whatever way they feel is and how their employees discussions with people like a standard citizen such conduct themselves. We comes in, banning guns is best. That’s what needs to as me, sounding off on every concerning this issue often also banning the right to self- change. States should have may sometimes forget, in my experience, I have issue with little consequences. but the NFL has complete protection for many people. the right to some decisions His words hold far more heard one of two opinions: Granted, that is not a very regarding firearms, but the autonomy, and may make ban guns entirely, or keep weight than the regular pundit. any policies they wish to. high number compared to the federal government should This country was founded gun laws the way they are. overall number of incidents, have more restrictions to The market will respond Originally, I was on an on many principles, and accordingly, but it is not the or some of the other statistics. ensure the safety of all two of them were violated extreme side as well. I wanted However, I have always seen citizens without completely President’s job to dictate guns to be banned entirely by you in just a few tweets these decisions; consumers firearms as a means of self- infringing on their rights. and a speech to a rousing for a safer environment. defense, and I know many Other countries that have will do this themselves. However, after some research, crowd. In a few sweeping As I hope is very clear, people share that opinion. federal regulations regarding statements, you, Mr. Trump, I was able to get a more With this information, I firearms have been successful I am utterly appalled by the informed scope on the issue. called for the violation of these behavior you displayed last do not believe guns should be in reducing incidents regarding players’ First Amendment As of November 20, 2017, banned, and I do not believe guns. For example, Japan weekend. As a candidate there have been 321 reported rights, and also, your actions who vowed to bring that Second Amendment has allowed gun possession as the President of a mainly incidents of public shootings, Rights should be eliminated. for government officials and together the country in its including mass shootings, in free market economy, you time of need, you are doing However, reformation members of law enforcement. strongly suggested to a private 2017. There have also been of the law is necessary. In order for a civilian to the complete opposite. 2,893 teenagers injured or company that they need to fire So, I say again, Mr. Gun laws vary by state. own guns, they can only employees for legally protesting killed by firearms. The number In Massachusetts, a License apply for a specific reason, President: Do your job and of reported instances of gun during the national anthem. mind your own business. to Carry (LTC) or Firearms such as hunting, athletics, Our freedom of speech violence between the police Identification Card (FID), collections, and more. as Americans is the reason and suspects reached 2,108. which can be obtained at Continued on page 8 many people yearn to come to Pay for, don't #prayfor No education without sanitation Kavya Desikan from hardship comes when Alisha Sabnis Social Media Manager Print and Advertising mind spending money on eight restrooms had no soap people donate money. After Manager Chromebooks, phone pockets, in the dispensers. Three of the Over the past two years, all, money doesn’t grow on and vending machines. restrooms had a few bottles anytime a tragedy happens trees and hurricane-stricken Throughout the years I have Senior girls have of soap that were brought in Twitter, Instagram, and islands don’t repair overnight. been at Westford Academy, one also expressed their by the students themselves. Snapchat become filled with It’s time to take problem has stuck With the flu hashtags like ‘#Prayfor____’. responsibility for our prayers, out the most - no season in full Whether it be a terrorist attack to force them into action. We soap in the restrooms. "How are we supposed swing, I hope that or a natural disaster, the top need to begin pushing our It has come to WA replenishes trending hashtags on Twitter prayers into action by sending the point where girls to wash our hands and on its sanitation ask us to #Prayfor whoever money and supplies, by calling and other samaritans supplies. I do not falls victim to tragedy our elected officials so we are leaving bottles be clean without soap?" expect the school and to #PrayfortheWorld. vocalize our want for change. of soap in the restrooms for frustration over the filthy to be administrating flu shots It’s great that people are Imagine how much money others to use. Is it not the conditions of the restrooms. every year but the least it paying attention to others in Puerto Rico would have school’s job to supply us with "How are we supposed to could do is not contribute times of strife and showing if everyone who tweeted hygiene products to ensure wash our hands and be clean to the spread of germs. some form of compassion. #PrayForPuerto donated five we have a clean environment? without soap? That’s gross. After writing this, I feel the But, are they really? d o l l a r s t o a l o c a l n o n - p r o fi t . We need to maintain a We have some nice people need to thoroughly wash my Praying is great, and I know that for high safe and clean environment who buy soap but that’s sad, hands because I really do not times of strife often test our school students especially, where students cannot be we should not be responsible know how many of my peers relationship with religion. it’s hard for us to send money worrying about catching the for supplying the soap," have gone to the restroom However, there comes a we don’t have. Despite flu after not being able to wash senior Maya Kapur said. without using soap. It is really point where prayer can grow that, there are still things their hands in the bathroom. I went and inspected a disturbing thought and I ineffective. When we pray we can do to aid the cause. While the school may the girls’ bathrooms on the hope administration fixes this for these people and places, not want to splurge on some first and second floors and problem before I graduate. we pray that they find relief Continued on page 8 soap, it certainly does not uncovered that four out of from hardship. Often, relief hostwriter staff Ghostwriter Mission Statement AndrewG Friel Dan Allison The Westford Academy Ghostwriter is a student-run Editor-in-Chief Staff writer newspaper at Westford Academy located in Westford, Ben Walker Bella Barreto taff writer Massachusetts. At Westford Academy Journalism is Editor-in-Chief S offered as a class, in addition to our weekly after school Oliver Davey club.The Ghostwriter strives to inform, entertain, and Anthony Cammaleri staff writer address the issues in the Westford Academy community Managing Editor with integrity. It is our mission to accurately deliver Erin Killpatrick relevant news, represent the voice of the students, to Varshini Ramanathan staff writer celebrate the successes of the school, and to engage the Managing Editor Athena Lewin community in debate and discussion. Staff Writer The Ghostwriter, as a student newspaper, keeps in mind Mehul Shrivastava Features Editor these goals: Garret O'Connor Staff Writer -To increasingly utilize aspects of multimedia in stride Chloe Morbelli with current trends in professional media and journalism Arts and Entertainment Editor Josh Rosenstein -To deliver fair unbiased coverage of school and Staff Writer Scan with your community news and events Mahi Kandage smartphone to see -To keep integrity, respect, and ethics at the forefront of Sports Editor John Vassiliou waghostwriter.com our reporters’ and editors’ minds. Staff Writer Kavya Desikan ony acavone Letters to the Editor Social Media Manager T Y Submissions are welcome from all WA students and Staff Writer Alisha Sabnis faculty. All submissions must be signed, but we will publish Janet Fonden and rint and dvertising anager anonymously by request. Ghostwriter reserves the right to P A M Jack Holbrook edit submissions.for length and clarity. Contact us at west- Advisers [email protected]. xchange tudents December 2017 E S Page 3 Reicela Petravica Bienvenuto Versari from Italy Chloe Morbelli and has to attend school on and friendly. Arts & Entertainment Saturdays. “I understand [in my classes]. takes on WA Editor “We don’t really talk during It’s more like trying to adapt Kavya Desikan as she is a cheerleader and a A world traveler at just lessons or ask questions, we to the other type of teaching, Social Media Manager member of International Club. seventeen years old, Cecilia take notes and then discuss the interactive lessons, and “We talk about the culture Versari has come to Westford them at home […] I like the understanding that I can ask Junior Reicela Petravica of different countries, as it is Academy from Italy to interactive classes [at WA]. I questions,” Versari said. is the only Latvian exchange all exchange students from experience what life is like as like that I can ask questions,” Overall, Versari had a student here at WA, and will Italy and Germany. We get an American. For the 2017- Versari explained. few words to summarize her be spending an entire year along well together, and now 2018 school year, Versari is a Forlì has multiple high experience so far in Westford. here. Petravica transferred in we are making a rocking new addition to WA’s junior schools that students must “It is different, really partnership with the American chair," Petravica said about class. Cultured, intelligent, decide between based on different,” she said. Field Service, an intercultural International Club. and charming, Versari spoke their academic interests. At With her host family, the program used to send students Outside of WA, Petravica eloquently about Hendls, Versari abroad, and chose to travel to is getting along with her host life in Italy and feels welcomed and the US. family, the Flanagans, and is her experiences at home. She has “I chose the States because getting to know them while as an exchange picked up horseback student. riding from her host American sister and enjoys Field Service, making dinner with also known her host family. as AFS, is the Versari described international with a smile when program that she cooked her allows Versari favorite kind of to study abroad. pasta, carbonara, Versari is not for her American

a stranger Athena Lewin Photo by family. to traveling, As for her having studied younger sister in England, and parents back Australia, and in in Italy, Versari the U.S. before. will not see them Coming Cecilia Versari from Italy until the end of the

Photo by Kavya Desikan from the exchange in June. Northern Italian town, Forlì, the beginning of freshman AFS is strict when it comes Massachusetts is a new year, Versari decided on to leaving her host family, not destination for her. Forlì the humanistic track which allowing her to visit during I wanted to improve my Junior Reicela Petravica differentiates from Westford focuses on history, philosophy, holidays. English skills, that’s why exploring in its environment, being a literature, Latin, and Ancient “Imagine you start living a I chose a country that would Massachusetts. city on the coast versus a Greece. Other options were new life here. Friends, family, help me improve my speaking “They are so nice and suburban town. based more on math, science, a new routine, and then you go skills,” said Petravica. kind, I am very grateful [that] Although Versari is already or linguistics. back home. Then you have to Reicela has been enamored they are my host family seventeen years old, she is a At WA, Versari takes the say goodbye to your friends, with America and American because we are getting along junior rather than a senior at same core classes as other parents, family again, and then culture since her last visit to very well together. [Because WA due to the Italian school juniors and ties in her interest start again your life here. I mean the U.S. of this] I am not feeling so system. In Italy, high school for humanities through her it’s just too hard. It’s mentally “I came to New York last sad about home and feeling is five years instead of four, electives. She enjoys her just too hard,” Versari explained. year in December. I had a lot homesick, despite the time delaying the college process psychology and criminal Regarding the rest of her of fun, and it was then that I difference," she said. by one year. minds classes, and her prior stay in Westford, Versari looks was sure that I wanted to study By the end of the year, Versari's Italian school knowledge from school in Italy forward to future experiences. in the US. It was amazing, with Petravica hopes to improve differs greatly from WA in engages her interest. American culture such as all the lights and the snow. I her English and challenge most aspects. Her school does After studying English for football games, cotillion, and loved it,” she said. herself. not offer extracurriculars eight years, Versari is articulate prom are new and exciting for When it comes to Westford “I want to change myself like sports, theatre, or clubs. while speaking. Her Italian her. Academy, Petravica has dealt and try new things I haven’t Classes are lecture-based, accent is the only boundary “The better way to learn with a little culture shock: done before,” she said. where students sit in the between her sounding like a a language is by going to the her hometown high school same room as teachers rotate native English speaker. She country it is spoken [in]. It’s in Saldus has only half the throughout the day. Versari does not find difficulty in the not just about the language, students as WA. Despite that, remains in the same class material or language barrier it’s the culture, it’s meeting she has integrated into the from eight in the morning in her classes and finds her people and experiencing real Westford Academy culture until one in the afternoon teachers at WA to be helpful things,” Versari said. Anna Roetzer comes from Germany to Westford Varshini Ramanathan to another country, meet of the differences she sees the marching band. This is in adapting to the new Co-managing Editor new people, make as many between the United States and far from an inconvenience to setting, but asserts that she is experiences as I possibly Germany. Due to the size of her; in fact, one of the main comfortable with her situation. Sophomore Anna Roetzer reasons she chose to come to “Honestly, I didn’t have has an insatiable hunger for can,” said Roetzer. her school, students cannot Roetzer attended school choose their subjects, and so the United States was because fears. It was kind of difficult new experiences, and it is that of its flexible school system because all the people I knew adventuring nature that brought at the Johannes-Nepomuk- upon coming to WA, Roetzer Gymnasium Rohr (JNG Rohr) embraced her newfound and its range of after-school were [in Germany], everything her from Langquaid, Germany activities. was completely new to me […] to Westford Academy for the in Langquaid, a municipality freedom. She is currently in the eastern state of taking Sociology, Psychology, She also praises the wide It’s sometimes a little difficult 2016-2017 school year. diversity of students that at the beginning to integrate The idea of a yearlong Bavaria. This state, home and other electives that she would not have comes with having a large yourself, but I think I’m doing exchange is not new to population, and comments that fine," Roetzer said. Roetzer; she has been been able to at "I really want to do this, home. the array of flags in the Flag In fact, her opinion of considering studying abroad Lobby surprised her. the United States has been since 8th grade. When her I really want to go to This attitude extends outside “I think, in general, we overwhelmingly positive. teacher mentioned that have more variety here, and Beginning with her first night her daughter was doing an another country, meet new of school—she participates in a that’s really nice, because you in the country when she was exchange trip abroad, Roetzer get to know so many different easily able to connect to other took to the Internet in order people, make as many wide variety of extracurriculars, kinds of people,” she said of foreign exchange students to to find out how she could do WA. her first few months at school, the same. experiences as I possibly such as Marching Band and The high-achieving nature Roetzer has no complaints Eventually, the of the students here also of the country. She calls the opportunity came to her can,” said Roetzer. WAccapella. Roetzer’s old suits her. She explains that people “open-hearted” and through the American Field in her school in Germany, willing to help. Service (AFS), a private to the Oktoberfest as well school ended at 1:30 three as other staples of German times a week and at 4:00 accomplishing something In general, it is Roetzer’s organization that coordinates often causes one to be called wholehearted enthusiasm and host families and exchange culture, is often generalized twice a week, but although as representing the whole the schedule is roughly the “streber”, or nerd, but that go-with-the-flow attitude that students. After an application, simply doesn’t occur at have allowed her to put herself interview, and decision about country, and Roetzer explains same at WA, her school life that is one of the most now continues after the bell Westford Academy. in new situations and succeed what country to study in, Roetzer is surprisingly in “[making] as many new Roetzer boarded a plane to common misconceptions rings. She finds that even people have about Germany. her weekends are more nonchalant about the ordeal experiences as possible.” New York City, and the rest of traveling to the United “I’m a happy kid,” said was history. Her school was fairly packed than she is used to, small, with 400 students for in part because she attends States, even though it is her Roetzer. “[I said] I really want to first time in the country. She do this, I really want to go grade 5-12, and Roetzer feels all football games as part of that this contributes to many acknowledges some difficulties Page 4 Arts December 2017 Art Calendar back for 2018 Oliver Davey Vaping continued Westford Academy, and only put a lot of time into it,” Hardy Staff Writer continued from page 1 fourteen entries will make the said. Over seventy pieces of calendar (12 for the months, For teachers like Hardy, According to Pavao, as one pack of cigarettes. art tok over the Flag Lobby plus another two for the front favorite pieces come down to over fifty percent of The other ingredients in the at Westford Academy in cover and back cover). taking time, and the details. WA students have had liquid are glycerol, propylene October. This means the Art teacher Ed Hardy “I think when students take experience with vaping, glycerol, natural oils, extracts, art calendar is back, an art explained how the competition the time to put in the details on and he has caught over a flavor, and benzioc acid. As competition that has been factor increased excitement things like bricks and stones dozen students on campus of now, JUUL only makes taking place and foliage since the beginning of the nicotine cartridges. They are at WA since they usually school year. He has talked smaller than other vapes, and the 1983- stand out to to resource officers from prices range from $20 to $30 1984 school me,” Hardy other school districts, and on average. year. said. they are facing the same "The reason people use Fourteen problem as well. them is because of the size. It's pieces were Creativity "Everyone has them, very discreet," Patel said. voted by of the or has a friend who has One of WA's nurses, Kathy faculty and pieces do them," Pavao said. Bordeau, believes students find staff to play a part A notable cause for this vaping as a new trend, and with represent according is that vapes are getting that mindset, ignore what it is WA in the to Ila both smaller and more actually doing to them. art calendar. Jagannath, affordable. Vapes started “Everyone thinks [vaping] Top voted a junior off being the size of a is a clean kind of smoking but students whose stapler for in a sense, were Emma piece will anywhere it’s still Hill and be in the between chemicals. Audrey "[People]

Photo by Oliver Davey calendar $200 to It’s Sequeira. this year. $300. probably an The art “I tried to Now, they are doing it addictive calendar just choose are small behaviour, was started something enough to You’re in 1983 by Senior Emma Hill's drawing for the art calendar. that no one conceal as a trend still adding a teacher named Joan else was doing because and are toxins Longobardi, who wanted a with the art students. everyone’s doing their dog and available to your way to raise funds for the “The kids really get excited they can’t just put fourteen dogs for $20 to and they’re system. art club. The calendar still about the competition because in the calendar, right?” said $30. [People] raises money for the art club not many of our assignments Jagannath. At not really are doing it today along with Along Madvapes, as a trend money for a with dogs, vape and they’re field trip for art popular cartridges thinking aboutnot really students to New places cost thinking York. to draw between about what Students included $30 to $35. what they’re they’re from various art parts of The liquid actually classes spend WA, the used is an inhaling,” about a month J.V. Fletcher additional actually Nurse in class, and Library, The purchase Kathy anywhere from Westford of around inhaling” Bourdeau several to fifty Museum, $20. said. hours outside Parkerville, However, Several school working and liquids are also made at seniors also expressed their on pieces to Kimballs. home. Vegetable glycerin disapproval of vaping, be entered. No matter is often a main ingredient especially on campus. The drawings what they and can be bought in most “I’m sick of people leaving are started in decide to grocery stores. class to vape. Don’t abuse

September and Photo by Oliver Davey draw the A brand of vapes the bathroom pass,” senior finished in mid- Sophomore Audrey Sequeira's illustration of a pair of shoes. process is known as JUUL has Kristiana Gulliver said. October. the same. Students been gaining popularity “Just sit in class and learn,” The pictures are of places have a competitive component take one to two weeks to find in particular due to their senior Jessica O’Neil said. in Westford, or just pictures to it, and so when there is one, a good picture. From then on, smaller size as well as the Pavao finds it more of student’s hobbies, pets, or the kids get both nervous and they fold the picture into one by fact that there is a lower understandable when people a picture of something they excited. But they all have fun one inch squares and then make battery power, which use vapes without nicotine as feel very excited about. Hill in the end,” Hardy said. the drawing in three by three leads to smaller amounts a way to quit smoking, but drew a picture of a horse The competition was inch squares doing each square of nicotine being inhaled. otherwise, he only sees vaping while Sequeira drew a picture heightened for kids in individually. Pavao sent out a letter as a form of harm for students. of shoes against a wall. In the advanced visual art classes. Hardy said the process is to parents to provide Businesses can claim oils and beginning of the calendar’s This was in part because they one that takes quite some time, information on JUUL liquids are made in controlled history, photos were done in know what to expect and have especially on a large piece of Vapes. The information environments, but the lack ink only, but as technology gone through the process paper with pencil. Jagannath included is also accessible of FDA regulation makes it for printing improved, in earlier visual art 1 and 2 also echoed Hardy’s words on the JUUL website. very hard to prove that is true. pictures were done in a dark classes, as art teacher Kelly talking about how the process A JUULpod contains Along with that, cartridges are graphite pencil called ebony Fitzsimmons explains. took a long time. 0.7 milliliters of liquid made of plastic, so when they pencil. “They kind of know what The calendars will be able with a 5% nicotine are heated, those chemicals are The art calendar is also to expect, and they really want to be purchased at the Holiday by weight. This is being inhaled as well. the only art competition at to be in the calendar so they Bazaar at WA on December approximately the same 2nd. took a bit of a backseat until outbursts and fits of anger the last two episodes of this with ease. What he really does Stranger Things season 2 returns season, which may be a sour well, though, is the undertone point for fans of his uniquely of fear he incorporates into all Varshini Ramanathan wrong. In season one, a young I was initially drawn Managing Editor empathetic character. Although his actions. Will’s conviction psychic-powered girl named to Stranger Things not because this development is logical that something will go terribly After striking gold with Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) of the premise, but because considering that many of his wrong is what convinces the the hit Stranger Things in opens an alternate dimension of the characters. Mike (Finn actions in season one were audience that something will October 2016, Netflix has upped in the process of escaping the Wolfhard), Dustin (Gaten driven by the now-missing go terribly wrong, even before the stakes and the suspense for lab where she was raised. The Matarazzo), and Lucas (Caleb Eleven, it is still jarring to have the horror reveals itself. its second season. Although monster that emerges kidnaps McLaughlin), Will’s three best the plot largely taken out of Other than the boys, Brown featuring the same core cast the young Will Byers (Noah friends, were the ones moving his hands. In the scenes that he continues to portray Eleven’s and premise, Stranger Things Schnapp) and throws the lives the plot forward in season one. does have, though, Wolfhard character with convincing self- 2 capitalizes on the audience’s of his loved ones into chaos. Their acting remains superb shines through with consistently discovery and angst, and Steve familiarity with the series to By the end of the season, in season two, as they balance sensitive and often heart- (Joe Keery) comes in with delve into a more sinister plot Eleven disappears after an awkwardness which just rending acting. the character redemption of a from the very first episode. ending the monster while screams ‘middle school’ with Will’s role in Stranger lifetime. New characters such Comprising nine episodes Will is recovered from the a slowly growing maturity Things 2 is immense compared as Bob (Sean Astin) and Max averaging 45 minutes other dimension. After one and awareness for the world to in Stranger Things – although (Sadie Sink) don’t detract from each, Stranger Things 2 follows year, everything seems to around them. Dustin and the first season revolved around the show’s high acting caliber, the residents of the small town have returned to normal – Lucas, who at times seemed him, he was present only in but felt pointless until the latter of Hawkins, Indiana, in 1984 except that Will continues to like Mike’s sidekicks in the occasional flashback. He is half of the season. – one year after supernatural have visions of the alternate season one, come to the fore integrated seamlessly into the horrors plagued the town due dimension, and he knows with clear-cut motivations and plot of season two, though, and to a federal experiment gone something is coming for the character growth of their own. Schnapp handles his emotional town. That being said, Mike December 2017 Features Page 5 Humans of WA Anthony Cammalleri Co-Managing Editor

Liam McCarthy (above) Junior "Truthfully, I am just living my life as a high school student; I go to school, I do my schoolwork, I hang out with my friends, and I make good memories [...] I'm proud of surviving this long. I feel like there have just been many times in my high school career where I could have just given up. I came to WA, and I knew absolutely no one because I came here from Chelmsford, and I just didn't want to go through with it. Eventually I made a lot of friends, and I became a lot more confident. I feel like I'm ready to graduate in a couple of years now." Christopher Selway (above) Custodian "I would like to see people have a little more responsibility for looking after themselves. Too often nowadays, I think that people have a tendency to lean on other people, and I'm into looking after oneself. I understand that that's not always possible, but I think that we can make the world a better place. [...] it can be hard sometimes. You can put yourself out and work very hard at something, but it doesn't necessarily work out. Sometimes all that effort can work against you. People need to have a true understanding of what life is, and then Adele Rouanet (above) learn to appreciate it for what it is." Senior "It's the little things that make life better. I work at Dunkin Donuts, and I smile at people when Katrina Lackner (above) I give them coffee because it's easier to smile than to be mean every day. It all starts with little French teacher frustrations, you know? You get stuck at a red light, and then you get frustrated, so you don't feel Q: What is your biggest regret in life? that great, so you hide your smile, and things build up, and then you get angrier, and then things A: "I haven't yet installed a bigger coffee pot in room 131." blow up. All of those little microagressions add up and make a big aggression."

“Especially after I lost votes from across the region. registering chapters for the open-minded. You really need the election [for mayor] I Although initially hesitant to upcoming fall state convention to be open-minded,” he said. Derek Lo realized I have to actually get reach out to his audience and in Boston, and carrying out Lo hopes to maintain Continued from page 1 out there, meet people, talk voters, he eventually grew reforms to both the cabinet that quality when it comes A rather reserved freshman, to others,” he said. “I tended more comfortable with the and the state constitution. All to the changes he and the Lo at first tended not to not to pre-script my speeches process. in all, Lo puts in about 20-25 rest of JSA’s student leaders participate in class discussions as much, I would kind of go After his win, though, was hours a week into his duties at are planning to make to the and would only attend the in with a few bullet points. I when Lo’s responsibilities JSA. organization. His key goals chapter meetings, choosing not tried to make sure to reach out truly began. The summer The increased workload include improving participation to attend conventions. to everyone in the audience.” following the election, he certainly contributes to his rates, seeing as they have “I was kind of just staying As such, in his junior attended the Montezuma stress levels, especially as gone down in recent years. within a bubble, in a sense,” he year, Lo college applications He also strives to increase the says of his past self. decided to deadlines loom, organization’s transparency However, once he began participate but Lo reflects that and accessibility, especially to attending conferences and in another his experiences at low-income students. conventions, he began to see election due JSA have prepared “A number of students the scope of JSA that reached to his past him for time come from low-income far beyond his local chapter. experience management. Even areas in the city, so we want His interest in the organization with beyond school, to make sure, through the mounted, and he considers coordinating he has learned scholarships, that JSA is the end of his freshman conferences what it is like to accessible. Oftentimes, JSA year to be when he began and be responsible is the only place, when they to become serious about the campaigning for others. come to these conventions, that organization. for an “With they can really be able to have This newfound dedication election. schoolwork, their perspectives and opinions was marked by his decision His support you’re heard,” he said. to run for regional cabinet at team accountable to Lo’s sense of responsibility the end of the school year, numbered just yourself. for others is what prompts and he secured positions as around 20, With JSA, I’m Boddu to call him dedicated consisting accountable to and meticulous as well.

the New England Regional Ramanathan Photo by Varshini of a several hundred According to her, he goes Conference Coordinator and the Senior Derek Lo Westford Academy Conference campaign people across the above and beyond his duties Coordinator for his sophomore manager from Connecticut as National Leadership Summit. Northeast,” he in the chapter to ensure that year. well as support from all three He had gone as a delegate said. his chapter is functioning at its For Lo, the spring of his states in the region he was from the Northeast when he According to Westford best. sophomore year was to be a running for -- Connecticut, was entering his junior year, Academy’s chapter “He’s probably one of the transformative experience as a Massachusetts, and New but now took on the role of president, Harini Boddu, most dedicated people to the member of JSA, as he ran for York. He ran against the other mentor and role model rather Lo succeeds in living up organization, and everything mayor of his region and lost. Northeast State Convention than trainee. to those expectations. She he does is so dedicated to JSA. The loss shook him but did not Coordinator, Holden Higgins, However, his favorite part calls him collaborative and He will go out of his way not deter him. On the contrary, it who attends a school in New of being the State Governor open-minded, saying that he only to make sure that the state forced him to reevaluate his York City. is working with other student does not put his ideas first. is doing well, which is his speaking style and improve Lo put in tremendous leaders, Lo seconds that statement, role, but our chapter, where himself for his campaign for effort during those six weeks, “I’ve been really enjoying considering that being he doesn’t have to -- it’s not state governor. He described it attending five out of six working with the cabinet and receptive to others is the only his responsibility, but he still as “bittersweet” to come back to campaign events across all the other elected officials,” he real key to success in JSA. makes sure that happens,” she an elected position after his loss three states. He not only had said. “I don’t think there’s a said. the previous year, but reflected to gain support within his This includes reviewing specific skill set you need [to “He just bleeds JSA,” she that the failure had shaped his chapter but had to reach out cabinet applications, of which be successful at JSA] but one added. newfound success. to chapter leaders and lobby there were 60-70 this summer, big thing you need is to be Page 6 Features December 2017 Mark Soo: Welcome to WA Sears arrives at WA posters, they looked at the lab Oliver Davey A: This is my first year masters in education. John Vassiliou supplies, they found there’s Staff Writer teaching as a full time high Q: What do you think of Staff Writer a mannequin with clothes on Westford Academy? lying on the cabinets for one school teacher. I was a stu- Q: How long have you dent teacher in the fall. I’ve A: I think the school is one Q: Are the more athletic of the forensics classes, which been teaching? of the best I have ever been in. students in your class more we won’t be using, but it’s got other teaching experi- A: This is my first year ence in other contexts, so I’ve […] I have never been around proficient with the material? the sort of thing that sort of teaching. kids that were this polite to A: I think that one of the attracts people’s attention and taught the BC marching band Q: What classes are you for the last three years. This me. […] Everybody in the great things about being a anything that makes people teaching this year? staff has been so nice to me. student and an athlete is that interested in the class is a is my fourth year doing that. A: I am teaching freshman I was a teaching assistant in Q: Has anyone in you sort of have that level good thing. world history and US particular helped you this of discipline and I think that Q: If you could add one college level classes while I sophomore, US I. was at Boston College as a school year? that does translate [well] in thing to the classroom to Q: Are you excited for A: I have a mentor because some cases. There are some make it better what would student. I tutored for the past this year? year in organic chemistry, cell this my first year, so my people who’d rather be doing you add? A:Very excited, yes. mentor is Heather Carney. something else which is com- A: I haven’t come across biology at the college level, Q: Is there anything so I’ve got a fair amount of She [Carney] has been really pletely fair. But I specific? helpful. really appreciate teaching experience, A: I’m excited to teach but this is my first time Q: Do you have any the students who subjects I have never taught favorite subjects inside the have that level teaching as a full time before. […] To teach kids to high school teacher. curriculum? of you know “I’m love history as much as I do. A: I really like European here to do a job. Q: Where did you go Q: As a history teacher, for college and what history so medieval to I’ve got a pur- who is your favorite renaissance history. […] I like pose, something did you study? I need to do” A: I got two degrees and I think that from Boston College, that does in many I have a bachelors in cases translate science and biology. really well in the I did my undergrad— classroom. Photo by John Vassiliou just straight biology, Q: Do you with a focus on mo- think that the lecular and cellular classrooms have everything Mark Soo in his classroom bio, so that’s my back- they need for the lessons? anything so far. I’d love like ground, and then after doing A: Yeah absolutely. I a set of bones or something a few years of research I went back and I got a masters in

was really struck when I in this classroom that I could Photo by Oliver Davey came here by just the sheer stick around in different science teaching. amount of “stuff” that’s ly- places. I know that there are Q: What is your favorite ing around the classrooms other teachers that have like thing about teaching? and I think that’s great from a moose skull and moose ant- A: I like getting asked a science teacher’s perspec- lers. I imagine it’s a teacher questions. If somebody asks historical figure? Kimberly Sears me a good question I get a ancient history […] tive. Because we always want thing- you see something A: That’s hard, but How the history and events to make sure that we have interesting and you collect chill, and I find that really probably JFK. satisfying. So yeah, that’s impact what’s being written your lab supplies, things for it you know? So carcasses Q: What are your past and what’s being made into demonstrations, interesting things like that, not something probably my favorite thing. experiences? Do you have Having someone ask a good art. things just sitting around that that’s going to like smell and any degrees? Q: Do you think with the you can take a look at. One stink but like the bones so question that goes beyond just A: I have a bachelor’s the stuff that goes on in class, political climate it is hard to of the first things I did with you’ve got an example to go in history […] I had always talk about current events? my bio classes this year was to when you talk about “oh I really like that. wanted to be a historian but A: It is hard because there I had them stand up and look here’s the skeletal system” so I didn’t get the idea to be a are a lot of opinions, and around the classroom and tell something like that I think is teacher until I was already rightfully […] I think I have me what they thought we’d really cool. getting my bachelor’s in an obligation because of what be doing with some of this Q: How long have you history. […] After that I went is going on. stuff. So they looked at the been teaching? to graduate school and got my Madolyn Kendall steps in Shirley Tan at WA rin illpatrick E K A: There are definitely so far so good. The girls are Dan Allison Academy compared to taff riter S W some things to learn, there’s really great. Staff Writer schools you have taught in a learning curve but for the Q: What made you before? Q: How did you come most part everyone’s been interested in coaching the Shirley Tan is a freshman A: A lot of students here, across Westford Academy/ really great, everyone’s been field hockey team? math teacher in her first even the students on the the job opening here? really helpful so it’s been a A: I’ve coached in the year teaching at Westford more challenged level work A: I grew up in the area pretty easy adjustment. past, mostly cheerleading and Academy. She answered really really hard and you so I was quite familiar with Q: What made you want I think it’s really important to questions for us to find out a all try and do not give up Westford Academy and I was to work in student support get involved with the school little more about her. and that is one thing I enjoy. just ready for a bigger school, services? as a teacher to be able Q: Why did you become Everybody seeks help here a change in my career to see students out of the a teacher? rather than in my other and the job happened to classroom and doing A: I just enjoy math and schools where I had to hunt open up and I thought what they love. It shows a I also enjoy helping people. kids down to give them that would be great. The different side of students Helping students to learn help. Students advocate for kids are amazing that I and I really enjoy that math and I know a lot of themselves which is a helpful get to work with. part of it, you know kids struggle with math and tool to have for college. All Q: What college did kind of less rules and I like helping them learn to of the ninth graders come you go to? regulations, where you understand. I feel like if I from the middle school where A: I did my can have more fun. And I have a way to make math fun they are told to this and that, undergrad at Boston like the middle school age then I should share it with yet they have shown they can University and I did my group for that reason. Photo by Erin Killpatrick the students. speak up for themselves and masters at Rivier. They were looking for Q: What do you enjoy that is very unique to WA. Q: How do you like a field hockey coach and I about teaching at WA? Q: What are your goals Westford Academy? thought about it and I said Madolyn Kendall A: I enjoy the culture, the for this year? A: I love it here, it’s great. sure why not that sounds like support you get from the A: My goal for them is of Q: Did you go to Westford A: So I started off as a fun. parents and administration course to learn math and be Academy? history teacher and I found Q: What are some of the plus the students here are strong with basic math most A: No I didn’t, I like it so myself just really wanting biggest differences working really great. The students importantly because I am far it’s a big difference from to work in just small groups here than where you’ve here love to learn and they teaching ninth graders. I want where I’ve worked before. of students and really help worked before? are very polite as I would say them to enjoy math and to see Q: Is this your first job students so I think it’s just a A: The size. This is the thank you to the parents for math in a different light, when working at a high school? natural fit and I thought it biggest school I’ve ever raising such good kids and they say you can apply math A: No, this is my third. I would be a great career move worked at. So just getting administration for showing in many ways of course you was at Innovation Academy so I went to that. used to that. Just the physical the students the ropes of can because you are solving in Tyngsboro for 2 years and Q: So do you coach field building itself, I think I’ve how to behave. I have never the problem with math but you I worked at Chelmsford High hockey? mastered the first floor so taught in a district where are also solving the problem School and I did my student A: Yes. I am the Blanchard maybe the second floor by, they say thank you at the end with life. Sometimes math can teaching at Arlington High Middle School field hockey you know, next year. But of the class until now. be very challenging but so is School. coach. I’ve never played field definitely the size, there’s a lot Q: Is there anything life, so might as well have fun Q: Is it hard to get used hockey before, so that’s also a of kids and a lot of teachers different about Westford with it [...] to working at a new school? new learning experience, but and faculty around. December 2017 Features Page 7

AmyAthen a MooreLewin A:in I did, for I have actually Ablondi police officer. BrownBella Barre checksto here different in from your last Staff Writer worked in the medical field Q: Do you enjoy what Staff Writer job? my whole life. you do/working here? A: It’s very different, it’s Q: What are your Q: How did you discover A: I love it. Absolutely, it’s A welcome to WA’s staff taking a little bit adjusting, responsibilities at WA? WA? my favorite job I’ve ever had, new addition, Ms. Karin but we are getting there. A: I am the assistant A: My husband actually so far. Brown. So far she likes WA Q: What kind of impact to all the deans and […] graduated from here back in Q: Where did you go to and the people she has met. do you want to put on WA? I update all of the student 1987 […] [my] kids are in the school (college)? A: I just want A: UMass Lowell, to adjust for criminal justice and here first, but psychology. I want to Q: Do you have goals put a kind for this year? What are impact they? where A: I’ve had many goals people can this year, and I’ve checked just come them all off as I’ve gone. I to me if recently ran the marathon they have

in this past April , Boston Photo by Bella Barreto problems marathon. My other goal or if they Photo by Athena Lewin Photo by [was] to get into this school Karin Brown just want system and it happened. Q: How is it like at someone to talk to them, I’m So now it’s just picking Westford Academy so far? here. away at getting to know A: So far it has been Q: What is it like being everybody and my goal is to amazing. The people here are the secretary after Ms. Ma- Amy Moore call everybody by their first absolutely phenomenal. They honey retired? information within the school system and I love it. name, by the end of the year. are super friendly and super A: It’s a little bit scary, websites, [and] the calendar Q: Did you always know Q: Is there anything else helpful, and can count on filling in someone’s shoes, information. […] Basically this is what you wanted to I should know? anyone. especially after working here I’m just their right hand girl do? A: I grew up in Lowell […] Q: Where did you work for that long, but I’m hoping and whatever they need I try A: Nope, I always wanted I love sports […] [the things last? that I can be as good as her, to help them out so things go to work with kids but didn’t that go on outside]. A: I use to work at Citizens and I hope that the kids and smoothly for you all. really know how to do it. I Bank, where it was kind of staff here, treat me the same. Q: Did you have another went to school for criminal bland and a little bit boring. as they would Ms. Mahoney. job before here? justice. I was going to be a Q:Is the environment and not a new teacher, but Danielle Trouve becomes new WA business teacher Josh Rosenstein students is […] better if I can things over the classes, so I cross between organizing with it, which to me was Staff Writer say that. Everyone’s a little had a hard time getting kids to what you think the students something fantastic. I’m not bit more engaged with the enroll, that’s why I came out should know versus what particularly athletic, I wasn’t Q: How long have you topics, I see a lot more class with fashion, but then that’s the curriculum says they particularly a straight A been teaching? participation, the school is yet again why I’m not there should know, so I try to pull student, so for me that was A: This is my fifth year kept in way better repair, anymore, because we didn’t out topics that I think will somewhere where I was like teaching business specifically. like I have enough desks for have enough kids interested in help you guys in the real ‘Wow, I excelled at something, Q: And what classes will all the kids, and nothing’s any programs. Bottom person world depending on my I did something, like that’s you teach this year? broken or sticky which is on the totem pole… that was experiences. I mean I also so cool’. Like I got a trophy A: This year I have great. Everyone’s been so me. teach five different subjects, [and] I didn’t have any entrepreneurship, Social helpful and welcoming. I Q: Has anyone specific trophies, that was a Media Marketing, had the hardest time finding helped you get accustomed “Everyone’s a little cool one. And then just Management, Marketing I, the microwave, so I ate cold to the school? from that feeling that […] and then next term I have lunches for the first week. But A: I think John Rogers has bit more engaged that gave me, there a Microsoft Office course. beyond that everyone’s been been in here every day at least are so many students Q: Have you taught any really helpful, and it’s been a five times a day… every day. with the topics, I that might not like other subjects in the past? good experience so far. […] And he’s really helped sports or academics, A: I have, so I started Q: What have been your me with all of those little see a lot more class but there’s a category off as a preschool teacher. experiences teaching at questions, like how do I get or something that I taught preschool for other schools? the morning announcements participation [...].” probably interests six years, so all different A: […] I taught at to turn on? I didn’t know them in DECA. […] levels. […] And then Algonquin Regional in it turned on automatically. I’m not an expert in any one And that’s what sparked it for when I started teaching, Northborough, and that He set up my projector for of them, so trying to make it me, so that’s why I wanted to I started teaching intro to reminded me a lot of this me. Anytime I told him like I sound like I know all of the do it. And I thought teaching business, Microsoft office, school. Parents put a high wasn’t sure what to do in any topics in all of everything can fashion would be the coolest and marketing, but I’ve regard on business education, class, he’s brought literally be difficult. You guys write a job ever. also taught subjects like the kids were excited to learn, binders of materials over. So lot, so reading all of it and Q: Do you have any advanced mathematical I was teaching subjects that he’s gone above and beyond grading all of it is kind of hobbies, or is there anything decision making, I’ve taught hard. But I think that you’re passionate about financial planning, I started that being able to outside of school? and developed a fashion and interact with high A: I’m a bit of a busy retail marketing course that I schoolers is kind of person. So, I still choose to taught at Chelmsford for two the most fun part work part time at daycare, years, and that was a big hit, about this job, it’s the same one that I had been and I tried teaching business engaging because working at, just because I law; wouldn’t want to do that you learn just as enjoy the difference between again. much from each working with high schoolers, Q: Is there anything other as you do but I do get sick of you guys specific you’re excited from me which I after a while. […] And then for this year at Westford think makes this I go to the daycare and I get Academy? job easier than the new kindergartners off A: […] I don’t know other grades. […] the bus, and they just want specifically, just getting to Q: What drove to, like, play marbles, and know the way that the school Photo by Josh Rosenstein you to become a color, and give me a hug, works, all the different people teacher? and read books, which is and classes, I have a great A: It was probably great … until one of them department, as you’ve seen, the great business like poops themselves, and who have been very helpful, teachers that I then I’m like ‘Okay, send me but just getting to know the had. I didn’t get back to the older kids again’. culture of this school. Danielle Trouve involved in taking […] I’m a part time general Q: I know you’ve only I enjoyed. Chelmsford, business classes until I was fitness manager for a gym in been here for a little bit, I loved Chelmsford, it’s any expectation that I had a sophomore in high school. Bedford, next to the daycare. but what do you think of where I came from, so it for somebody helping me get […] And I just found it to be […] And I love cats, I have Westford Academy so far? was almost easier for me started. really interesting. I joined two, Charlie and Anthony […] A: I think it’s very nice. to blend in with the culture Q: What do you think is DECA when I was a senior I love cats. I loved the school I was at there because I was aware the most difficult part about which I regret -- I should before. I taught at Chelmsford of it, but business wasn’t a being a high school teacher? have done it as a freshman and graduated from there, priority at that school. It A: The most difficult -I competed in a written so leaving there was hard, wasn’t a requirement, kids part… […] that’s a good category, I wrote a business but just the caliber of the were encouraged to take other question […]. I think it’s a plan, and I went to nationals Page 8 Club Features December 2017 NOWA promotes mental health awareness Chess Club andrevived wondering [about] the Ben Walker do to spread information to on the organization. Erin Killpartrick Co-Editor-In-Chief Staff Writer sizes and also collecting all and help students who are Also, Redman says two the information. [They were] A new year at WA also marks struggling with mental illness. more big focuses of the club As the new school year signing up for online games, the start of new sports seasons, Additionally, Redman says are to fundraise through started, so did chess club. chess games. So I think they school activities, and clubs. that the club wants to create different methods, like pins With around 15 people coming are providing a lot of support to This year, WA has introduced “Beacon of Hope” stickers and bracelets, and to get to the first meeting and the new members,” Aleman said. a brand new club to students, for classroom doors at WA. people to take a pledge to stop number staying the same Each week about 15 No One Walks Alone (NOWA). ”[The stickers would the stigma on mental illness. each week since then, chess students come to learn about The club, started by junior say] ‘Hey, I’m a teacher, Finally, Redman stressed club has had a strong start. chess and also play the game. Isabel Redman, promotes good and if you need someone the importance of recognizing “It’s good, I think, “I have a deep interest in mental health among students to talk to you can come mental illnesses in Westford for rebirth of the club; chess and I wanted to learn at WA and and for it’s a good sign,” club more about it,” sophomore around the people to adviser, Jose Aleman said. Vagmi Bhagavathula said. community. "Mental health is becoming be more Although Aleman helps by The students in chess club According sensitive advising, the club runs because take the end of the hour to go to Redman, and of the students. Marcos against each other in games. she was so much more known and supportive Acosta and Ishan Bansal, “They have a roster inspired to those the club co-captains, are the where one student below can to start who need founders of the club. The two challenge one student two steps the club help. She students approached Aleman ahead. They call it a ladder. All after living more people have it than you referenced asking him to be adviser. the names are there, classified through her her personal “They didn’t have a and you challenge. The last brother’s story venue and they approached part of the hour is challenge. struggles think.” with her me last year before the end And it’s a real game with time with brother’s of the year and they said, and everything,” Aleman said. mental illness. talk to me,” Redman said. struggles, and the resources ‘if we move this initiative, The members of the "I wanted to start something According to Redman, that they didn’t know would you be willing to club have not initiated any were we could get information club membership is really were available to help be the advisor?’ I said, ‘of competitions themselves out to people and let people up to the individual. They with their struggles. course.’ Ishan was my student nor do they have definite know that they’re not alone and are accepted into the club As for the future, the last year so I knew him. I plans to compete. However, that all these things are available if they want to attend just a club has more events that knew he was responsible, they have been contacted to help them, so that we can few meetings or if they want they are looking to organize, caring, honest,” Aleman said. by Lowell High School on help students before they reach to attend every meeting. including a walk to raise “I know they are the subject of a competition a breaking point,” she said. "What the club [serves awareness for mental illnesses. responsible and they care and they would enjoy To start the club, Redman as] is a basis where people The club meets every for students who want competing with other schools. talked to people interested with the same goal can work other week and has a to play and to improve “They want to have some in the cause and also talked together to support each other Facebook page to receive their game,” Aleman said. sort of -- if not matches to school psychologist Steve to achieve the goal,” she said. weekly updates on what they Chess club is -- exchanges. And we are Cuhna, as well as school social However, currently, are currently working on. very student-driven. looking forward to invite worker Micaela Violette, who the club is focusing on ”Mental illness is becoming “They [Acosta and Bansal] speakers to give us teachings are co-advisers to the club. the upcoming WA Bazaar. so much more known and organize themselves to bring on specific moves, plays or Redman says that at their They hope to have a booth more people have it than you chairs and tables from the just keeping us up to date meetings they discuss events at the event and hand out think,” Redman said. room next door. They do their on chess,” Aleman said. and activities the club could brochures and pamphlets own paperwork too. They Chess club meets every with important information were talking about the t-shirts Wednesday in room 107 from 2:00 until 3:00. Gun Pay for, don't #prayfor Stranger Things returns Control Continued from page 4 Continued from page 2 Continued from page 2 she could not have found hashtags are great for without leaving Hawkins. awareness, they are also Stranger Things 2 is The soundtrack acts as a For example, Japan has bigger and badder than the allowed government and law a great cause for apathy. constant (and very obvious) We can organize People feel so aware and original show, although it reminder of the show’s time enforcement officials to own fundraisers and donation has enough sense to keep guns. For a civilian to own fulfilled when they spread period, featuring everything drives, we can phone bank word to their followers on the lighthearted character- from the original Ghostbusters guns, they can apply for a and call others to action. focused scenes that were a specific reason, such as hunting, social media that they don’t theme to The Police’s We can also organize think about actually aiding hallmark of Stranger Things. “Every Step You Take." athletics, and collections. As a events to spread awareness. However, the second season result, firearm-involved crime those who need the prayers. These peppy 80s numbers Things like phone banking This is not bashing religion forgoes quiet horror and characterize the happier is lower than in the U.S. We are especially powerful suspense built from negative had 11,000 homicides involving scenes while the original space to opt for more music, composed by Kyle guns in 2011, while Japan had terrifying visuals, gore, and 8. The American government "Prayer is powerful, but Dixon and Michael Stein, uses ear-shattering screaming. sparse instrumentals and eerie should look at such examples The addition of more to form their own guidelines. rhythms to create a distinct so is money for those in traditional horror elements feel for the supernatural and To start with, all gun owners was a little disappointing should be licensed to operate horror scenes. The soundtrack since the franchise seemed effectively contrasts the two any firearms, along with need and so is activism for to be headed more in special permits if the need sides of the show, and, coupled the direction of science with the frequent scene cuts, for bumpers or extensions fiction, so those who hoped comes up. Renewal should those unhappy or affected highlights the duality of the to see more exploration main characters’ lives: normal be frequent, somewhere of alternate dimensions around every three years. life goes on in Hawkins by government and and psychic powers will while sinister things slowly Also, all gun owners should p r o b a b l y b e d i s s a t i s fi e d . go through annual physicals, emerge from the periphery. The pacing remains This duality is really what including mental health checks. legislation." largely the same, cutting The bottom line is that sets the Stranger Things for people like us, who and prayer, this is simply a frequently between the franchise apart from anything many opinions about gun don’t have a formal say in main storylines without control are extreme, which is request for those who pray. else in its genre. The casting, government. Phone banking If we have the capability to ever fully resolving one or cinematography, acting, and understandable with the events allows you to call people to the other. This style, while taking place today. However, push our prayers into action, soundtrack are all geared action and spread awareness we should. Prayer is powerful, at times frustrating, is what towards creating a convincing extreme opinions are harmful as to the people who can vote allows all the plot points to they take away one’s ability to but so is money for those in small-town world, with and influence government. need, and so is activism for interact without being clunky closely-knit characters and take the other side’s reasoning Donation drives are especially and awkward, especially into account. Offending firearm those unhappy or affected by budding romances, that acts as important because they give government and legislation. considering its ensemble the centerpiece rather than the users are more commonly seen people the resources they cast. The only time this in the news than law-abiding It’s time to fight couch plot device for the supernatural need faster and at no cost to activism and awareness, it’s changes is in the seventh aspects of the show. Our ones, but not everyone who them when supplies are low. episode, “The Lost Sister”, owns a gun is a bad person. time to become the generation attachment to these characters’ By creating and organizing that mobilizes to begin the which received controversy relationships and dreams is Gun violence is getting out to help causes like this, for completely breaking of hand on a national level, and change we want to see. It what ultimately makes Stranger you not only help others on doesn’t matter what you the setting and mood of Things 2 not necessarily scary something needs to be done. your behalf, but now give the show. I personally State laws are not ineffective, believe, it matters how you but terrifyingly emotional, people a reason and way to act on your belief. It’s time to enjoyed the change of pace, and although the horrors they but if federal restrictions and help others in times of need. and thought it solidified regulations are put in place, the practice what we preach. face are wildly unreal, they As positive as #PrayFor Eleven’s character and still manage to hit home. country as a whole would be gave her motivation that much safer. 9/10 December 2017 Reviews Page 9 Wonder debuts strong Blackbird Cafe exceeds expectations Erin Killpartrick struggles of raising a child Mahi Kandage grab a coffee, tea, or a pastry. The ratio of bread to chicken to Staff Writer who requires so much Sports Editor We ordered our food at the pesto was slightly off, giving Wonder, directed by Stephen attention and care. When Located on Acton’s Great counter, where a wide array of an overpowering taste of pesto. Chbosky, was released on August is going off to school, Road, Blackbird Cafe is the pastries and snacks were on However, the melt was the November 17. Based on the his mom says, "Please let newest addition to the Acton display. A large menu written more filling of the two orders. book Wonder by R.J. Palacio, them be nice to him." Roberts Woods Plaza. The rustic cafe, on a chalkboard was posted Both dishes were served with this is an emotional movie that really portrays the worry and which opened its second on the wall above the counter, potato chips on the side, which touches upon real issues such hopefulness of a mother well location in Acton this summer, but as the font was small, we neither enhanced nor took as bullying and acceptance. It in this scene. is the ideal place for breakfast, found it easier to refer to the away from the main dishes. sends a very powerful message Jacob Tremblay, who lunch or brunch. small, paper handheld menus The cannoli we ordered about overcoming differences plays August Pullman, has The cafe was beautifully the barista offered us. for dessert was extraordinary, and the importance of kindness. to wear a lot of makeup decorated inside, with the with a crunchy, sweet shell, Wonder is the story of a and prostheses to get the walls a creamy young boy named August look of August. These were painted filling, and it born with facial defects due to well done and looked very warm, was topped a rare genetic condition. His realistic. Tremblay does a earthy with a good facial defects make him look wonderful job playing August shades of amount different from others and have by showing strong emotions red and of dark led to many surgeries. The throughout the movie, crying mango chocolate movie shows the perspective or yelling and also showing paired chips. of August, his sister Olivia, real happiness. Tremblay's with black. However, August’s friend Jack, and portrayal of these emotions is There are a it was Olivia’s friend Miranda. Each of spot-on. few tables slightly these kids struggles in his or her Some parts of the movie outside expensive, own way and learn how to deal were a bit sappy. For the cafe considering with life's problems. example, there is a scene outfitted the size. in the lunchroom where The movie is different with Photo by Mahi Kandage from the book in some ways, Summer, played by Millie umbrellas, In terms but the scenes that were Davis, sits with August and but outdoor of breakfast, omitted focus to the parts of he doesn't believe that she seating the cafe the book that they did include wasn't forced to sit with him is not in serves a wide and made the storyline of by the principal. They have a an ideal variety of the movie clearer. small, corny argument, then location, Blackbird Cafe's interior sandwiches, Even though the movie make up and move on. being just a couple feet from omelettes, pancakes, waffles sends a strong message, it is There are also many the parking spaces and close to Our order of a pesto chicken and eggs. There is also a lighthearted with a lot of jokes. cartoon-type drawings of a busy intersection. melt and an Amigo wrap was separate catering menu with Owen Wilson, a popular comic August dreaming of himself The eatery was surprisingly delivered to our table in just various entrees, salads, and actor, plays August’s dad. His being an astronaut to take spacious and open. The walls a few minutes. The plastic breakfast combos. character's humor adds to the himself out of a situation were vibrant and covered trays lined with Blackbird The eatery is very lighthearted atmosphere. One when he would rather be with local artwork on sale, Cafe paper on which the food accommodating for those witty exchange between son and somewhere else because, giving the space an authentic was served were efficient and with food restrictions such as father consists of August's dad for example, someone is and unique feel. It was quite charming. vegetarians, vegans, and those saying he can't walk August into being mean to him or he busy, especially for 2pm on The Amigo wrap was with gluten or other allergies. the school because parents aren't is being stared at. These a Saturday, past lunch and the far superior of the two In terms of pricing, the cool. "But you're cool," August creative images help one feel brunch. dishes, with a cold, fresh breakfast options are very replies, to which his father says, connected to August's drive to The cafe’s farm-to-table taste and tangy flavor. affordable, and the lunch menu "I know, but technically most chase his dreams. philosophy ensures that all The wrap consisted of a is slightly more expensive, but dads aren't." This brightens the By watching this movie, the food is fresh and locally perfect balance of spinach, definitely within the budget of stressful situation of August the audience learns that it grown from various farms in guacamole, cucumbers, and a high school student. going to school for the first is what on the inside that is the Acton-Concord area. Open red peppers. The chipotle aioli Overall, I would give time. important. Some parts of the from 6 am – 4 pm, Monday and provolone cheese tied the Acton’s Blackbird Cafe a rating Julia Roberts does a movie may be a bit corny, but through Saturday, and 7 to ingredients together perfectly. of 8/10, for its aesthetically great job as August's mom, overall, this heartwarming 3 on Sundays, it is a fairly The pesto chicken melt pleasing interior and fresh, and effectively portrays the movie deserves an 8/10. convenient place to stop and was slightly less satisfying. tasty food. Westford cannot escape the fun Tequila's impresses Alisha Sabnis in which Boston teams' Although it has only been John Vassilou de gallo and crema with queso Advertising & Print Manger championship rings have been open for a couple of months, the Staff Writer sauce, the Chori-Pollo was stolen and we were to recover Escape Room is more than half After years of being known Tequila's is a new more than just satisfactory. The them in the culprit’s home. filled most of the time. There Mexican restaurant that tomatoes and onions it came as the home of Kimball’s Farm, We were then led to a room are about 20-25 rooms booked a Westford has a new attraction: opened in Chelmsford less with were fresh and delicious, that is designed as a common week and Nicholas is currently than a year ago. Though and the chicken was cooked to The Escape Room. This new looking for setting has not the biggest building, perfection. On top of all of that, another location it was more than capable the queso sauce that covered live and to expand. interactive of providing a nice dining it acted as a sort of glue that I Overall, the experience that was up to par could mix in with my food to puzzles for Escape Room anyone to with any food establishment. keep the burrito together as I is an excellent I walked into Tequila’s picked away at it. It was so big solve and it place to go with surpassed my starving and in anticipation that I couldn’t finish it and I friends or of a delicious meal. It had to bring it home. expectations. team The Escape was cold outside, and All of the food was members to unfortunately their heat was delivered to the table no Room is a build family run broken, but that didn't stop longer than ten minutes after business, the food from being enough ordering. The great cooking owned by to warm me up. I started staff got our appetizers out in Chris Nichols. with the Ancho Chile Wings, less than seven minutes, and His son, Jacob which had a sweet and spicy the entrees came out so early, Nichols, a WA Alisha Sabnis Photo by taste and gave me a good we were barely able to finish graduate from kick in the mouth with both the guacamole in time for the relationships. heat and sweet tangy flavor. plates. The waiting staff was the class of I highly 2013, is the To cool off I asked for a glass friendly, kind, and patient. The recommend of Horchata, a sweet sugary skill that one of the waitresses game master sports teams to and aids drink which was strongly demonstrated in her guacamole go. The puzzles reminiscent of a vanilla making cart which was people during ensure everyone the adventure milkshake. brought right to the table was Boston apartment. We were works together and are a fun We also ordered queso astounding. in solving the puzzles. It is given an hour to complete the way to get off addictive cell located on Route 110 on the dip and guacamole. The The restaurant had mission and escape. phones for a while. queso was delicious, but we a pleasant and friendly Westford/Littleton town line. It The puzzles throughout the “It’s amazing how many is $27 a person and worth the had to ask for more chips to atmosphere. Families were simulation were very intricate friendships are formed as a finish off the huge dish they happily eating their food and time and money. and cleverly made. I do not result of working together,” There are two rooms in the brought it in. Next we had engaged in conversation, think the three of us would have Chris Nichols said. guacamole, which was made while others found enjoyment Escape Room, the Titletown made it as far as we did (we Full disclosure: the Escape Ring Thief (deemed the harder right in front of us, and tasted watching one of the few TVs were not successful) without Room will be donating tickets fresh, with crisp tomatoes at the bar. Overall, Tequila's of the two) and The Lost City the generous hints that Jacob to the WA Ghostwriter to be of the Monkey God. I was able and onions. is a wonderful restaurant with Nicholas gave. I recommend auctioned off at the Holiday Finally, as an entree, I a pleasant waiting staff, great to try the Titletown Ring Thief to go with a group of at least Bazaar. with two other people. ordered the Chori-Pollo food, and good atmosphere, five people to complete the Burrito. Filled with grilled and I definitely know that I will Before entering the room, Titletown Ring Thief. we were given a crime scenario chicken, chorizo, beans, pico be returning in the future. Page 10 Advertisement December 2017 December 2017 Sport Commitments Page 11 Dias keeps swimming Dolan running to Bryant University Ben Walker Andrew Friel Co-Editor in Chief school for him. Co-Editor-In-Chief median starting salary. I think I “I liked [Bryant’s team] Every year, WA sees a Dias is looking forward to would do good,” Dolan said. Senior Jason Dolan has and the coaches and what they On a final note, Dolan was handful of talented athletes joining a still relatively new spent the entirety of his high were all about,” Dolan said. commit to continuing their team next year, as she hopes appreciative of his experiences school career running for a When it came down to his at WA and prior with several athletic careers at a range of she can have an impact in her variety of school track and final choices, Dolan noted that universities. Whether it be first year there. coaches to get him to the point cross country teams. The amount of merit and athletic that he has reached now. soccer, basketball, lacrosse, or ”I’m really excited [...] I hard work throughout four scholarship money he received another sport, we often see a can help build up the team “I’ve had some of the same years has finally paid off, from Bryant was enough to coaches since 6th significant number of athletes and I can help the dive coach with Dolan officially sign to play at their schools. [...],” she said. grade […] They’ve all signed up to run at been great helping However, in recent years at WA, As for getting to know her Bryant University. commitment for diving has not future teammates, Dias says me improve as Dolan toured a a person and a been as common. that the both the divers and variety of schools WA Dive team captain Ashley the swimmers have their own runner,” Dolan and narrowed his said. Dias will continue her diving dorm wings at Duquesne, list down to three career at Duquesne University helping the teams get to know One of Dolan’s schools he could run long time coaches, in Pittsburgh, PA. each other. In fact, the teams at, than made verbal According to Dias, the process are able to do weight training Scott Hafferkamp, commitment just a had high remarks all began for her last spring and some of their respective few weeks prior to the when she filled out a survey practices in the same area. for the senior signing. runner and his

for the school and later ended She says she chose the Courtesy of Jason Dolan “I felt very impact on WA cross up in contact with Duquesne’s school because she felt more achieved just swim coach. Along with the connected to the swimmers country. because I’m going “There was diving program itself, Dias says and divers at Duquesne, to be able to run for Jason Dolan running at a meet she was also attracted to the compared to some of the other literally no one who another four years and it just could beat him this year. While school because of their nursing schools she considered. felt like a big relief. It’s been help him make his decision. program. ”A lot of [the swimmers Jason is a talented runner, a long process trying to figure Noting the moment he much of his success can be In June, she met with the and divers] are going into out where I wanted to go,” decided, Dolan spoke of a time swim coach when she visited medicine or nursing, so I felt attributed to his work ethic. Dolan said. when he told his parents he He was meticulous this past the school and stayed in contact like I would fit in, whereas Whilst taking his first tours wanted to make the decision with him throughout the other schools that I toured, summer with his training, of schools, Dolan decided right then and there since and he shows up everyday summer. Recently, Dias was they were [mostly] business to look at the schools as a Bryant’s scholarship offer flown out by the university in majors [...]. I just felt really to practice ready to give whole rather than evaluating expired on November 5th. 100% effort,” Hafferkamp September to get a more in- welcomed there,” Dias said. them as running programs. As it pertains to his post depth look at the school and In the end, Dias is looking said, Eventually, he needed to look college plans, Dolan has not “He’s been a strong leader their program. forward to having a head start at the programs themselves in committed to a specific major ”I met with a nursing when it comes to making new on our team, and he helps order to narrow down his list at this point, but notes that he to keep his teammates loose adviser, an academic adviser, friends at a new place.“I’m of local colleges. wants to work in the financial and I also met the entire [dive excited that I’m going to with a nice mix of humor to With Bryant on his world. accompany the intensity he team],” she said.When she gets college already knowing a final list, Dolan went on an “Bryant has a good to the school next August, Dias bunch of people and you displays with his training.” overnight stay at the campus, graduate school so that’s Overall, Dolan is excited will be joining a still new dive already have your group of interacting with the coaches definitely an option, but also team. In fact, next year will be people in your family, that’s about the future as it comes to and team members in order I want to go right into work. college and his future. the team’s second season, as exciting,” she said. to get a feel for the program. They have a really good this year is the inaugural year of “I think it’s a really cool Following this visit, Dolan program for getting you a job opportunity,” Dolan said. Duquesne’s dive team. felt confident he had found the and they have a really high Page 12 Sports December 2017 Arnold commits to Hamilton Riley Rohlfs reflects Ben Walker Oliver Davey Rohlfs' all-around game and Co-Editor-in-Chief Staff Writer how he doesn’t have any real overnight visit at Hamilton As for the future, Arnold After four years playing is looking forward to both weaknesses on the course. and agreed to apply early Riley Rohlfs, a junior at “He drives the ball well, varsity basketball for WA, decision to the school. playing college basketball, but senior captain Elizabeth also college itself. WA, has just wrapped up he putts well, he chips well. Additionally, Arnold says his third season as a Varsity He's got a pretty good, well- Arnold has decided that she that she was able to go to the "I'm looking forward to the will continue her academic college experience in general Golf member. One of the top rounded game,” DeLong September visit along with golfers at WA, he proved said. "He doesn’t have any and athletic career at Hamilton her two friends from her AAU and meeting new people," College, located in Clinton, Arnold said. he could not only compete real weaknesses.” basketball team, who also in just team matches but at Rohlfs also competed New York. eventually committed to play Furthermore, although According to Arnold, since she is excited to play college a sectional and state level at the north sectional golf at Hamilton. individually. tournament at Bass Rocks it is a Division III program, "It's kind of nice knowing basketball, Arnold is also the process of finding a school looking forward to the Rohlfs played for WA Golf Club, qualifying for that I know people already during the 2017-2018 the tournament by shooting to play at starts later in high and I do have friends [there]," educational opportunities that school. Arnold says that she will be exposed to so she season against various four over or better in half she said. teams and on various his matches. He shot a 74, although she emailed coaches Also, at her overnight can get a better idea as to what throughout her sophomore and she wants to do in the future. courses in 9-hole golf which is five over par, and visit to Hamilton, Arnold got matches. During the season, tied for 6th place, qualifying junior years, the process did a chance to meet the other "I can pursue a bunch of not pick up until the spring of different things and figure out he averaged 17.5 points him for the state individual girls and the team and get a per match, as the matches tournament. her junior year. first impression on her future what I want to do with my life. Also, I'm just are done in a point format. At the state individual Arnold really 18 points would be par on tournament at Haverhill says that "Elizabeth has been a fantastic excited every hole which is about 14 Country Club, Rohlfs the rule to learn strokes better than what an shot a 78 (eight over par). with player for WA since she made the new average golfer would shoot This earned him a tie Division things," for 9 holes, so needless for 20th place out of 38 III varsity team as a freshman, and I Arnold to say, his performances golfers. Rohlfs got these schools said. positively affected the team. scores despite not being is that Her Rohlfs was a DCL All- used to playing the courses, athletes am certain she is going to be an head Star, Team MVP, and will be and having the tees moved still have coach recommended to be Lowell all the way back, which can to apply excellent Division III basketball for all Sun All-Star. However, he make playing the courses to the fours still thinks he can improve. much harder. school player at Hamilton College." years “I did okay individually, Although the team they on WA but I could have done was not able to make the Girls' better,” Rohlfs said. team North Sectional teammates. She noticed that Rohlfs not only Championship, Rohlfs and committed to. However, the the girls were enthusiastic Basketball, Russell Coward, team will save them a spot spoke highly of Arnold contributes to the golf team the team hope to be back about the idea of Arnold in matches, he is also a next year. on their squad and offer them attending Hamilton. and is confident she will be their support in the application successful at Hamilton. leader. This has been taken “We kind of struggled as "They're all wicked nice note of by Varsity Golf a team but I think we will process. and really excited about the "Elizabeth has been a "I actually [toured] the fantastic player for WA since Coach Dave DeLong. do better next year,” Rohlfs school, and they were really “He’s a leader, he shows said, “I think we can [make school in [November 2016] to excited about us thinking she made the varsity team as look at the school itself, so it a freshman, and I am certain the other guys how to the championship] next about going there and they approach the game. He’s year.” was already on my list. Then I were wicked nice about she is going to be an excellent reached out to one of the two Division III basketball player more 'lead by example' Individually, Rohlfs is answering any questions I rather than a guy that will hoping to keep improving coaches [...] They gave me an had, so that was definitely at Hamilton College," he said. offer in August," she said. stand up and yell,” DeLong and hopefully play college something that sold me on the said. golf after his senior year. A month later in school," Arnold said. September, Arnold did an DeLong also mentioned