BRIEFS Rain takes toll on building ATTENTION TEACHERS By RYAN ABBOTT which is a base of concrete. On the concrete are inch of rain made its way into his classroom. The annual W.S. Police Dept. vs. W.S. Fire the walls and water can travel under the cracks in “The whole floor was covered with water,” said Dept. charity basketball game will be played Featured Writer these walls. This is how the flooding occurred, Math teacher Ms. Moore. th with the water from the rain the night before, on Saturday, April 9 at 7 p.m. This year, est Side High may look the same to combined with the melting snow, traveling down due to retirement and injury, there is a graduates from the past as they drive the hill and seeping through a crack in the wall. Continued on page 3 shortage of police and firemen participating by the building, but inside evidence of W According to Math teacher, Mr. Hill, at least an so the departments are taking on WS the wear and tear of the past 64 years is clearly teachers and coaches. The basketball game noticeable. When the school was built in 1955, the will be held in the WSHS gymnasium and students could probably smell the fresh paint, look all proceeds from the game will go to the at the shining new floors and see the perfectly Soupy for Loopy Foundation. If interested aligned ceiling tiles. Now more than ever, the high contact Stan Svec ([email protected]) or Steve school is in need of a new building. Svec ([email protected]) to sign up for the A major reason a new school is needed is due to team. the interior and exterior conditions of our school. Most of the harm comes from weather which can WEST SIDE KEY CHAINS FOR take a toll on a building after many years, both SALE! inside and out. Some places that are in very bad The key chains are $1 each and are a perfect condition include the lockers in the hallways and the locker rooms. Some of the lockers around the gift for any Terrier supporter. See Mrs. Harder school are literally coming out of the walls. Also, in room 139 if interested in purchasing a key many lockers, specifically in the boy’s locker room, chain and supporting the senior class. do not close or lock. Therefore, any valuables are not as safe. In addition water damage has taken its SAT TEST DATES toll on the ceilings and cabinets. Holes in the ceil- SAT tests and deadlines: ings around the whole building expose the pipes th th May 7 test, deadline April 8 and rotting wood. th th June 4 test, deadline May 6 In its current state, the building can’t handle If anyone wants to register for the SATs, Mother Nature’s forces. So on March 7th, after a simple registration is online at heavy downpour the night before, severe flooding collegeboard.com or see your guidance took place in the school. Students gathered in the counselor for more information. auditorium and in the gym while custodians, staff Photo by Terrier Times Staff and town workers franticly tried to clean up the Caution tape surrounded areas of the building affected by the flooding TROOP CARE PACKAGES damage due to water that had seeped into class- Attention all students. Interact Club’s troop rooms and hallways. Our school is built on a slab care package will be held from March 7th up to April 1st so bring in as much food into school as possible (trail mix, oatmeal, granola bars, deodorant, etc.) for a chance to win Students reflect on dropout decision prizes in a raffle drawing and a chance to By GRACE SLAWSKI had, and which classes he had passed, he was work. show our troops how much we appreciate floating between 10th and 11th grade. After much debate, Schmidt caved, and he no their services. Bring the goods to Mr. Opinions Editor Schmidt explains his status as a student at longer felt the need to go to school. Ballentine in room 132 or in the cafeteria WSHS by saying, “I got 100’s on every test, I got After dropping out, he moved around a lot In most cases, the decision to drop out of high during all three lunches. advanced on the MCAS, but you couldn’t pay and lived in numerous houses. He lived with his school is not considered a very wise one. Yet each me to do our homework.” parents, but then he went to live at his friend’s year students do make the choice to dropout of He preferred the shop classes which required house, and then later moved back in with his JOIN GUITAR CLUB school. According to the National Center for Edu- more hands on work. But doing math equations parents. The Guitar Club meets every Thursday cation Statistics, in 2008, a total of 8% of students or writing English definitions was not his forte. Schmidt has also bounced around between jobs. after school in room 203. Everybody is between the ages of 16 and 24 were not enrolled in As a result, his teachers were not fond of him, His most significant employers have been 6 Flags welcome. Amateur or experienced players school, while not having yet earned a high school and more often than not, his grades dropped. and Burger King. He was working over forty can join in on the fun of playing a variety of diploma. West Springfield High School had a rate “I was completely against dropping out to be hours a week for no overtime pay. Schmidt felt songs with Mr. Steve Svec. It is a learning of 3.4 % students who dropped out in the 09-10 honest,” Schmidt confessed, yet in the end he he was being overworked and undervalued, and experience for all and a great way to get school year. I had the opportunity to talk to a few still went through with it. Ironically, he was en- he quit both of his jobs. involved! teenagers that did drop out of school during the couraged by his parents to drop out, both of He currently is unemployed. Although he has past few years. KEY CLUB FASHION SHOW whom are high school graduates. been applying to places, but as of now, most em- These are their accounts: All students are invited to the KEY Club’s When he told me this, I am sure I had the ployers have not called him back. Jake Schmidt annual Fashion Show for Charity on most quizzical look on my face that one could Schmidt plans on receiving his GED, and I walked into the public library in order to find Thursday, April 7th at 7pm. Come see your ever imagine. Schmidt looked at me and gave a moving on to a school like Porter and Chester to Jake for the interview. After looking around, I fellow classmates fashion clothes donated light-hearted laughed. He said he got that look become a mechanic. However, in order to get a glanced towards the door, and he was casually walk- a lot, and sometimes it is hard for even him to GED, Schmidt would have to go to a commu- by local companies in an effort to raise ing in from outside. While sitting down with him, believe that his parents wanted that for him. nity college, most likely Springfield Technical money for charity. Tickets are sold at the it was hard not to recognize the gauges in his ears His parents told him that he should just drop Community College (STCC). This costs door, come support your classmates and or the tattoos adorning his right arm. But as he out and stop wasting his time. They felt it would money—money that Schmidt does not have. staff! spoke, it was not only with a sense that he has been be more worthwhile for him to enter the Schmidt does not even have enough to use his through hardships, but with a sense of reassurance. workforce, as opposed to staying in school and car at the moment. He dropped out during the 08-09 school year. fighting with his teachers about missing home- At the time, based on the amount of credits he In This Issue Continued on page 4

See how one pair ot teachers have Read about how the 2011 Oscar Awards Find out why the school coffee bar was Learn about the newest face to the affected our town over the year and turned out, and movies that won our own shut down and how students feelabout it. school’s athletic staff. many years to come. Page 5 one-of-a-kind awards. Pages 8-9 Page 12 Page 14 2 Terrier News March 2011 From the Editor’s Desk... The quest to find the perfect burger

If you’re looking for a good burger joint, we’ve In Feeding Hills, 911 Rescue Burgers and Dogs wings, onion rings, milkshakes, and local ice cream. found it. Well, let’s be honest, who hasn’t heard of definitely has the best burgers in Agawam. Not For all this great food, the price is right. A pound Five Guys Burgers and Fries? For those who haven’t, quite as good as White Hut, but it’s a nice change of wings is just $7 and the burgers range from $5 this is for you. Although Five Guys is a bit of a of scenery. Located on North Westfield Street, to $10. Also a plus, on Friday and Saturday, they drive (the nearest location is in Enfield, CT), it’s this hometown restaurant is known for their are open until 3am. worth the time. For about five bucks, you can get friendly owners and tasty food. Other than burgers If you’re feeling courageous, you could hit up the best burger of your life. Five Guys has any and hot dogs, 911 offers milkshakes and grilled McDonald’s and try the McGangBang. This kind of burger imaginable. They are made fresh, fries. Although there is limited seating inside, there burger is a McChicken inside a McDouble. En- and you can add anything to it. are picnic tables outside, which is perfect for the joy your McHeartAttack! To find a good burger without the drive, we upcoming spring weather. Make sure you check out all of these burgers have just the place for you. West Side’s best burger If you’re ever in Northampton, you have to try and let us know what your favorite is. Or go on place is White Hut, located on Memorial Av- the Local Burger. As the name suggests, all the your own Burger Quest and let us know what enue. They make the burgers right in front of you. ingredients are found locally. The burgers have burgers you find. Until next time, bon appetite! or this month’s editor’s desk, I had a Fast, cheap (about three dollars for a burger) and names such as the “Amherst Burger,” the “Juicy little help from Erin Ormsby and delicious. Their burgers will always be a favorite to Lucy,” the “Teriyaki Burger,” and our personal fa- FEmily Taylor. In the words of Emily everyone in West Side and I’m sure everyone’s vorite, the “Westhampton Burger.” In addition to Taylor, we went on a “Burger Quest” to find the been there enough times for me to move on to the amazing burgers, they offer hand-cut sweet best burgers in a 30 minute radius. Here’s what the next burger on our burger quest. potato fries, as well as regular fries, fried pickles, we found.

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Terrier Times Staff West Springfield High School 425 Piper Road, West Springfield, MA 01089

Editor-in-chief...... Marina O’Toole ‘11

News Editor...... Ben Sawicki ‘12

Sports Editor...... Emily Taylor ‘12

Entertainment Editors...... Stefanie Manzi ‘11 and Gina Mattina ‘12

Features Editor...... Jenna Trinchini ‘11

Opinion Editor...... Grace Slawski ‘11

Illustrator...... Shane Talbot ‘11

Adviser...... Melaina Corduff

Featured writers for this issue: Erin Ormsby ‘11, Emily Cimino ‘12, Ryan Abbott ‘12, Gina Battista ‘12, Bri Diaz ‘12, and Julia Mosijchuk’12

Opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the entire staff. While the Terrier Times staff encourages letters of oppos- ing viewpoints, letters must be signed. Names will be witheld upon request. All letters to the editor become property of the Terrier Times, which retains the right to edit letters as necessary. March 2011 Terrier News 3 High divorce rates impact students By JULIA MOSIJCHUK riage has its own reasons. Still, no matter how one that stuff,” said Dupre. Statistics indicate that by Junior Natalie Berwald remembers she felt looks at it, marriage has changed substantially. the third marriage, the divorce rate goes up to the same way when her parents got divorced in Featured Writer “Fifty years ago marriage was sacred, but now it’s 70%. As wearing a white dress and a tux are be- 2001. “It was hard because I was so young and I more of a luxury,” said junior Nate Glidden. It’s coming less and less meaningful, children are, didn’t understand what was going to happen,” bout 2 million marriages, which is about clear that over this past century marriage has, for many times, thrown in the middle of the chaos said Berwald. 60% of the population, occur in the S many, changed in every way. and forced to deal with the stress jumping from Divorce is hard to deal with, but especially Aevery year. These statistics are seemingly “Back then it was like a ritual. Now it’s like, ‘Let’s house to house. when the child is old enough to remember it high compared to the large population. However, go to Vegas, get drunk, and get married,’” said jun- As the divorce rates in America rise, children happening. another high statistic is the divorce rate; half of all ior Tori Lyne. It’s clear that over this past century who are used to growing up with both parents “The hardest part was seeing my parents move marriages in the past decade have ended in di- marriage has, for many, changed in every way. suffer. And, in many cases, there are siblings who on from each other and see them start new,” she vorce, with the number constantly growing. This The high-divorce rate is on display when we stand have different experiences with the divorce. Alexis said. By taking it day by day, Natalie also eventu- statistic stands true in West Side when out of 24 in line at our local supermarket, too. The front pages and Briell Stone are only two siblings who have ally moved on and got used to her new life. students were asked, 11 of them had parents who of many publications tell of the latest celebrity di- dealt with divorce here at the high school. Their When both parents raise a child, the child is were divorced. learning different things from each parent Marriage is a relationship and developing their own personality by get- when two people have pledged ting traits from them. themselves to each other, but “My mother is a really good mom, but my it is true for some that this dad doesn’t care and has no rules,” said Alexis pledge does last; for more than Stone. Similarly, Briell commented that her half of married couples, the dad, “is more laid back” than her mom and promise of marriage isn’t kept. she has more freedom when she stays with For some it’s simply because him. Briell also commented that it’s hard for they have rushed into the part- her to jump from house to house because nership without understanding each parent had their own set of rules they how marriage means being expect her to follow. with the same person for the For Berwald, it’s hard to jump from house rest of their lives. to house for a different reason. “Whenever “People are getting married I’m at my mom’s house I need something at without thinking, getting mar- my dad’s and vice versa.” ried too young and too soon Another hard obstacle to overcome dur- after they meet. Some people ing divorce is the feeling of being stuck in the aren’t getting married for love middle. “I feel like I’m caught between them anymore,” said junior Naomi because most of the time they go through Dupre. me to talk to each other. I just hear both of By rushing into marriage at their complaints and the problems they have times the love can fade and a with each other,” said Berwald. partner can change, exposing Briell Stone also feels the same way at the faults that weren’t visible in times. “I feel like I’m always in the middle the beginning. The marriage and sometimes I feel like I have no idea what can turn into a short-term love to do. I try to please both parents but it’s rather than an endless love. For hard.” others, being married makes them realize that the vorces and separations. Stars seem to have the men- parents got divorced when junior Alexis was just As time goes on the confusion slowly fades, commitment that comes with being married is tality that if one marriage fails, they can just try a baby, so she was too young to remember much and it gets easier to handle and the experience too much to handle. again in the future. The result may be that average about the split. Senior Briell Stone, though, has a can even teach a few things. Said Berwald, “It’s Another important factor could be constant couples develop the same mentality. much different experience. taught me that when you want to spend your life fighting that sometimes leads to abuse. These are “Celebrities have almost set a trend, they make it “I remember being confused as to why I went with someone, make sure it’s someone you’ll al- just some reasons for divorce; every failed mar- seem like it’s perfectly normal to be going through back and forth between houses,” she said. ways be in love with.” Building structure continued from front page The water entered through Mr. Wile’s school unaware of what had happened over placed throughout the building to catch the The new building is scheduled to be con- room, Mr. Hill’s room, and Mr. Hansberry’s night. water that drips from the ceiling on every structed within the next three years and will room and spread into three floors of the school. However, this was not the first time water level of the building. The ceiling tiles often be designed to fit the needs of students of Little was damaged in their rooms because has entered the school. Back in the 1990’s, the fall in classrooms or hallways exposing gap- the 21st century. While our current building the flooding did not happen due to a leak in roof had leaking spots but they were patched ing holes and exposed pipes all of which make was state of art when it was built, the new the roof. This meant water did not leak onto up and fixed. However, this was only a tempo- students and faculty eager to see a new build- building will be equipped for the years any papers or technology of any kind. rary replacement. When it rains, buckets are ing constructed. ahead. Longmeadow and Minnechaug are However, some minor damage was done currently under going the same pro- in the network administration office located cess in building a new school creat- in the 100 basement wing of the school. ing a 21st century learning environ- The sand box servers got wet but thank- ment. fully they are replacable. The water came When it is destroyed, old school’s in the room from down the ramp to the structure will be 90 percent recycled. basement and through the ceiling and was The new building that will take its cleaned up as fast as possible. “The direc- place will be approximately 64 acres tor of maintenance was on the job right (279,000 square feet). away,” said computer administrator The new school will be designed Suzanne Santoni. In the end no severe to fulfill student’s needs once an up- damage was done and the room got cleaned to -date learning environment is in the process. built. “Every room will have a smart Early that morning the custodial staff board,” Robert Ballentine said, an was called into action and worked diligently English teacher at our school. for over an hour vacuuming up the water Ballentine said unlike our current that had seeped in the classrooms. For their school, our new building will be com- fast paced and hard work, the whole cus- pletely green. This means using todial staff was awarded the Employee of more natural lighting, different types the Month award for their efforts. of insulation and possibly the use of Students waiting to get to their classes solar panels. This process will cost that morning expressed some frustration. over 90 million dollars to complete “We should have stayed home. It is bad in which up to 80% is paid by the that our school is not able to hold off the state. The rest of the project will cost rain from coming in. We should not have the town about 20%, meaning had to get up early to just sit in the audito- higher taxes for the residents of rium,” said junior Malyssin Houle. West Side. However, in the end it “It was a waste of our time sitting there will benefit everyone because the and doing nothing,” said sophomore Casey Photo courtesy of Howard Bernard new West Side High School will pro- Della Giustina. This delay was confusing Custodians work hard to clean up water in science hallway vide a safe and better working envi- for students and teachers. They came to ronment for the students and staff. 4 Terrier News March 2011 Dropouts continued from front page... It is due for repairs, but the cost of insurance I was not in the least bit surprised, and I was ting her GED, she plans on continuing into a col- trying, so he dropped out towards the end of and maintaining the car is more than Schmidt legitimately angered by her. It was all I could do to lege education at a veterinary technician program. 2010. can afford at the present time. smirk and walk away with the faith that Schmidt To her knowledge, she would be attending school Already Koshechko had a construction job He has heard that it is fairly hard to earn a in fact is a good man. for a range of two to three years, and the cost of with his cousin that he has kept to this day. His GED. However, the level of difficulty can vary Kelly Riordan education is estimated between two and three thou- work is migratory, as he works on projects as depending on how naturally inclined a person is While I have met Kelly on numerous occasions sand dollars. But she is looking forward to the whole they are requested. He has been earning above in learning fundamental academics as well as the in the past, unfortunately, I did not have the chance process, and feels it is right for her and her needs. minimum wage, and he was satisfied with this ability to take tests. Schmidt believes he is just as to speak to her in person for this interview. Both a “I think its going to be a lot better for my sched- source of income upon dropping out. capable as anyone else to get his GED. It is just student and a mother, Riordan did not have the ule because I will be able to do it on my own time However, his parents were not enthralled in money that is the issue. means to dedicate her time in person with me, as and won’t have to worry about finding a baby sitter,” the least bit, as he claims they were far from Although when he was in middle school he this interview had to be conducted via Facebook. Riordan told me. impressed experimented with numerous types of narcotics, Riordan dropped out of school when she was in But even as she with his deci- Schmidt is now drug free, and he has maintained 10th grade; she was sixteen at the time. Riordan’s has benefitted “You have to put the past sion. this condition for some time now. . main concern was that she suffers from serious from her decisions, While When asked if there were ever days where he social anxieties that were triggered when being at she still advises that behind you, it’s done and Koshechko ever wished he was still in high school, he said, “ I school. those considering was not com- wish that I had the chance to go back to get my Her phobias are legitimate, and they posed se- dropping out over with.” pletely indif- high school education, but I would not go back rious concerns to her mental stability. Riordan’s should not go ferent to his to the building.” concentration on school work suffered as a result. through with it. -Nikita Koshechko parent’s opin- Naturally, I asked for some elaboration in terms To put it bluntly, dropping out seemed to be the “Unless staying ion, he was of what he meant by “the building.” Schmidt best answer for her problems. at the school will not suddenly wishes more than anything that he had just bit his After all, the rumors that Riordan was facing put you in any physical or mental damage, just stick inspired to second-guess his decision. He saw his tongue and continued onward with school, even were cruel and virulent. When she dropped out, with it. It’s only four years of your life and it’s going dropout status as being a way to help his social if he did not want to. word was spreading that she was pregnant and to help out big time. Life is already hard enough,” status. But at the same time, Schmidt feels like high addicted to cocaine. While she did become preg- Riordan warned. To clarify he explained that after he had been school was not right for him at all. He believes nant after she dropped out, this was far from the Nikita Koshechko held back in school, he was losing touch with his the administrators treat students like delinquents. truth upon her decision to leave the public school A few weeks ago, Koshechko heard a knock at friends who had graduated from high school. The organization of students reminds him of system. his door. A professional woman was staring at him He felt lonely in the high school, and likewise, he how cliques in prison would form. He feels like Riordan was not emotionally stable, and her from the doorway, a woman he had never seen be- saw dropping out as a way to not only make the administrators would parents recognized the prob- fore. Without warning, she told him that she worked more money with his job, but to spend ample not trust him, and their lems that she faced. Her fam- for the West Springfield public school system, and time with his friends, whom he really cared about. school-wide policies did ily has been supportive of her she has been sent to offer him enrollment at the Yet over time, he began to have second not sit well with him. decision from the get go, and high school—a second chance. thoughts about his choices regarding education. Schmidt wishes that the have not been judgemental I sat with him and his best friend, senior Tyler After all, Koshechko would have been the first administrators would have towards her at all. Kelley, at Panera. His demeanor was very laid-back member of his family to receive a high school had more faith in him She currently is living with and casual. He was attentive to my questions; his diploma. And now he is still living with his par- when he was in school. He her family, and they are help- answers were very simple and not over-thought; he ents living paycheck to paycheck. felt that both teachers and ing her manage both being in was honest and did not beat around the bush when Koshechko began to realize that in the future, school officials put a label school and raising her daugh- responding to my questions. he wants to have a wife and family. That being on him as a troublemaker. ter. As of now, Riordan is in Initially, Koshechko dropped out of high school said, he began to reconsider his mentality and his Schmidt felt that he the process of obtaining her during the 09-10 school year when he was in 11th life as a whole. would have been more GED. grade. He was 19 at the time, as he had already He commented on his wages by saying, “ [This motivated to participate in As a whole, she feels like stayed back once during his time in grade school. type of salary] can only get you so far...I can’t live class if the teachers had the workload towards receiv- Koshechko had understood the content of most on this for the rest of my life.” applied different teaching ing her GED is average and of his classes, and passed majority of the tests. He As of now, Koshechko has not started work- methods. As one can tell manageable. Her only con- was not receiving straight 100’s on his exams, but he ing towards a GED or another form of educa- by now, Schmidt is not a Photo courtesy of Jake Schmidt cern is that she has always passed with relatively decent marks. tion. So when he got the knock on his door from traditional student. Again, struggled with math, and even What did him in was a mixture of homework informing him of his second chance to go to he prefers hands-on work. He hopes that in the now she is facing some difficulties with the class. and tardiness from class. He did not feel any neces- school, he has put this into serious consideration. future, classrooms can become more engaging, Riordan has not mentioned or considered the idea sity to do his homework because he knew that he She told him that he should mull this chance and keep students more interested in the subject of dropping out from getting her GED, which could pass the tests without doing it. Likewise, he over for a little while before making a decision. material both in the short and long term. demonstrates her determination to stick out the claims that even though most teachers do not count If he were to ultimately return to school, he would Now a days, he has grown to accept that he is difficulties that she is experiencing. homework more than tests and quizzes on the final have to talk to Mr. Richard for approval of his a dropout. Typically, his friends do not pass judge- If anything, having her child has been one of the grade, not finishing homework will almost guaran- decision, and to work out the details of his return ment on him. However, he has experienced the best miracles that she could have ever been granted. tee a failing grade for the class. to school. Customarily, he would also work with feeling where successful adults have looked down The responsibility of raising a child has been one It was also common for Koshechko to arrive to the guidance department as well. upon him for dropping out. that has made her grow up, and fast. class late. Whether it be thirty seconds or three But she told him that he has to be absolutely Overall, he has never felt too down upon him- “It has been a lot harder trying to find time to minutes, he was often late to class, especially first certain about his choice before returning to school. self for the decisions that he made. However, there get any type of schooling done, but if it wasn’t for period. He estimates that he had a total between “If you give me the chance, I’ll actually do it was one instance where Schmidt was really upset my daughter I don’t think I would be pushing 150 and 200 tardies overall. Three tardies is the [the school work],” Koshechko proclaimed. for making the choice to drop out. myself to get all these things done. I want her to equivalent of one unexcused absence. Do the math, Koshechko’s aspirations are to enlist into the “What killed me was going to the graduation have the best life possible and in order to do that I that’s roughly between 50-70 unexcused absences. airforce as an airforce police officer. He would with my friend’s parents, and seeing all my friends have to find whatever time I can to get through He lost credit for many of his classes, even after he need his high school diploma or a GED in order graduate,” Schmidt commented. school,” Riordan confirmed. had tried appealing his case to the administration. to become accepted into the program. In his Schmidt wants to go to STCC and be with a But even with the help that Riordan has been Koshechko was told that he would have to stay mind, a high school diploma would be better to diverse group of students. He does not miss the blessed to have, life after high school is not what back for a second time, which would postpone his have, and more fulfilling, than a GED. drama that is notorious in high school. He is a she had anticipated. Bombarded with medical bills, graduation date until 2012. After receiving his accredited education, he free spirit as a whole, and wants to be in an rent, utilities, car payments, groceries, prescrip- To a certain extent he is at fault for some of his would have to attend boot camp for basic train- environment where he can ultimately express him- tions, clothes, and everything her daughter needs, problems. Koshechko and Kelley both were break- ing for eight to ten weeks. With that completed, self. there is a lot on ing into fits of he would then professional training school for But he advised to people considering to drop her shoulders laughter back and his speciality. . out to just not do it, ever. Schmidt looked me that she has to forth about how Koshechko wants to move past his decision of square in the face, and I knew that he meant his deal with in the Koshechko had dropping out and assure a career for himself for words. real world on a tricked Mr. the future. “As soon as I dropped out, it would feel like I regular basis. Dougherty. His Because in all sincerity, he really feels that high hit the ground and took off,” Schmidt had earlier Riordan english class was school is suitable for his needs. He just fell be- predicted upon initially dropping out. wishes that the during fifth pe- hind, and as a result, his motivation to stay in But he did not anticipate the hardships he school system riod, and he had school faltered as well. would face. He was convinced that he would have had provided told him that he He would just hope that for the future, the a steady job, and earn enough money to sustain with her more had to leave at administration would not be quick to judge. He himself. Yet he has not caught much of a break as opportunities to the second half of felt that because he got in trouble once for smok- of now, and he is reaping in the difficulties of his learn about these class to go take ing cigarettes on campus, he could never do any- situation. To him, the success that a person typi- regular day ex- classes at the col- thing right in the eyes of the administration. He cally has after dropping out relates to who one penses and regu- laborative school. hopes that with his return, he can prove to them Photo courtesy of Kelly Riordan knows, and what connections a person has to lations that she In all actuality, that he is a good person. employers. Since he had none, it has just been has to cope with, Koshechko did “You have to put the past behind you, it’s done him, essentially out to face the world. such as bills, school, and jobs. not take classes at the collab, as instead he would and over with,” Koshechko assured. When the interview was over, I noticed this Despite the struggles that have played a part in skip the rest of fifth period. When the administra- All of these people have demonstrated to have older woman reading a newspaper behind us. Riordan’s decision to drop out, she is still optimis- tion found out he was doing this towards the end of steady heads on their shoulders, and they have a When he started to walk towards the exit, she tic about her future. In five years, she envisions the year, his mind was already checked out of school. promising future ahead of them. gave him the dirtiest look. herself entering the veterinarian field. After get- Essentially, Koshechko was fed up, and sick of March 2011 Terrier News 5 Dynamic Duo impacts classroom By BEN SAWICKI the Chicopee Job Corps, where he worked Channel 15. Al- for a number of years. Eventually, Pettengill though many News Editor was hired back to work in West Side. Al- fans enjoy or years upon years, dynamic duos have though, by that time, Svec had transferred watching wres- played a large role in pop culture, from to the Middle School in order to save his job tling matches, Fthe ever-popular Batman and Robin from budget cuts. But, regardless, the dy- according to combination to the best of friends like namic duo had officially taken off. Svec, when Spongebob and Patrick. And who can forget Svec and Pettengill still had the opportu- some can’t at- about childhood favorites Winnie the Pooh nity to joke around on professional days or tend, they tune and Tigger. at department meetings. Svec defines a ma- in to listen to Bob Pettengill and Stan Svec are not a fic- jority of their conversations as “intelligent their banter. tional pair; they are real life. A walking, talk- joking.” They both know facts about cur- They have ing, and even sometimes, a shouting pair. Go- rent events, and find ways to poke fun at broadcasted at ing far beyond the classroom, their friendship both the events and at each others’ opin- least a few is one to be admired. ions. matches every year since then, and have also began expand- ing to basket- Photo by Terrier Times Staff “ I’m a little bit country, ball, baseball, Svec and Pettengill are colleagues and friends who take and volleyball. teaching history to the next level. Svec and he’s a little bit rock-n-roll. Pettengill are rewriting the definition of Dy- academic histories and athletic pastimes, namic Duo. “I love Mr. Pettengill!” said jun- the two have a relationship that exceeds -Mr. Pettengill ior Alex Ricco. “He’s sarcastic but it’s the limits of the classroom. This type of funny.” relationship is what helps students get ex- Coming from similar family backgrounds, cited about history. The duo began in 1982 when Svec was a A popular topic of these jokes is the fact senior captain of the men’s gymnastic team Svec and Pettengill are on opposite” sides of here at the high school. At the time, Pettengill politics. “I can tolerate his conservative poli- was the head coach of the wrestling team. tics,” Pettengill said. Pettengill in his earlier years had wrestled for “And he respects my Westfield High School and Springfield Col- liberal points of lege. After a gymnastics practice one day, view.” which ended before wrestling practice began, Anyone who has a friend of Svec’s, Jimmy Bowler, had intro- been to a major West duced the two. Side sporting event “He had impressed Jimmy,” Svec said. “Af- will have seen these terwards, I found out Bob was a history two huddled behind teacher.” a camera, one sport- Svec, after graduating from West Side, pur- ing a polka dot hat, sued an Art and History major at Westfield the other wearing his State. Having a love of athletics and history dress pants and but- was the basis of the brewing friendship. ton down shirt, After losing touch with each other for a which he seems to number of years, the two had reconnected never stray from. when they both began substitute teaching at Svec has been the high school. This was the first time they trained in the town’s seriously had a chance to talk and get to know Comcast Cameras, each other. and after Pettengill “I took a liking to Stan right away,” Pettengill was hired at West said. “We were both young teachers just start- Side, Svec offered ing out.” They subbed for a few years to- him the job of co- gether at the high school. When subbing hosting his television could not go further, Svec was finally hired presentations of here in 1989. West Side Wrestling Unlike Svec, Pettengill had been hired in on Local Access Modern revolutions on the rise This year so far has seen its share of while others claim acts like these are inevitable the past? By SHANE TALBOT revolutions already. Countries such as Egypt in a modern era world. For more insight on SVEC: “Personally, I don’t think there is a Illustrator and Libya have been testing their might against revolutions we caught up with West Side’s lot of difference. Throughout history, usually eccentric historian and teacher, Stan Svec, in an a group gets together and the leaders spread their governments for a more free life. Some exclusive interview. the word and it gets around until the turning hen thinking about a revolution, claim these new revolutions arose from modern point is reached: Revolution!” images of famous paintings, songs, technology such as Facebook and television, Wand historical T.TIMES: How are revolutions started? T.TIMES: Do modern revolutions stand a figures pop into mind. SVEC: “Revolutions chance in the new era of advanced technology Throughout history happen because a and heavily supplied armies? revolutions have shaped the particular group SVEC: “I used to think the nuclear bomb world we know. The age of reaches a boiling point would stop and end all uprisings and our forefathers spread and has nothing left to revolutions, but after the fall of the Soviet democracy and views of lose and is also willing Union and other events that have taken place freedom across the globe. In to risk everything for after this since 1991, I believe with the year 1775, the American change.” determinination and the willingness of the Revolution had sparked a T.TIMES: What does people to fight for what they believe in, democratic flame that spread a revolution need to be enough support and a little bit of luck, they across the Atlantic like wild successful? will prevail.” fire. Shortly after, other SVEC: “Well, again if In the coming years or even months new countries, such as France, they have a strong uprisings in countries will face difficult and began protesting their enough cause and lengthy trials to answer the outcome of their governments and cries for a outside support with cries of freedom. With violent protests and more free world. These great a willingness to fight strong military opponents, these groups will movements have withstood for as long as it takes, test themselves to see if a revolution is really the test of time, and even then that group can be worth their blood, sweat and tears. If history though they are long over, successful.” holds any truth as long as these groups keep they still influence modern T.TIMES: How does combating their opposing government with protests and revolutions in a modern revolution their fight for freedom the time will come for a today’s age. differ from others in change. gg

March 2011 Entertainment 7 Tough production; not so tough crowd By GINA MATTINA While the message of the Drama Club’s fall pro- Dougherty. it. These boys aren’t afraid to do things that the Entertainment Editor duction of The Laramie Project was a solemn one, Chicago is a play with many male roles, and play requires, even if others may poke fun at them. Chicago promised to be more lively and entertain- filling them was no easy task. Mr. Dougherty “I know it took more courage to sign up for the t six o’clock on a Thursday night at ing. recruited boys from his English classes, and some play than it will for people to sit and watch it,” WSHS, things may look a little different “I think that a musical is always so different that he knew had dancing talent or could possi- said Drama Club member Matthew Swanson. Athan you would think. The only sound than doing a play. It’s a lot more upbeat than bly sing. Some spots were filled with ease, how- Courageous is a great word to describe boys filling the halls is the janitors fulfilling their tasks Laramie was,” said Casey Coen, a freshman mem- ever, since there are many boys in our school joining in on the effort to pull off an outstanding of vacuuming and opening trash bags. That is, ber of the Drama Club. who put their interests before what their friends show, and an outstanding show is what Chicago until the auditorium doors swing open to reveal In fact, Chicago is different in many ways, not think of them. turned out to be. the chaos that is a practice for our spring musical. just with the energy. A musical requires many things “I’m not afraid of what my friends will think The Drama Club always puts forth an extremely The Drama Club’s president, Megan Banks, a regular play does not. First, students who are of me because I don’t really care what they think. dedicated effort, and it always seems to work out has the floor and isn’t wasting it. She uses it to not only talented in acting, but singing and dancing This [dancing and acting] is what I like to do,” for them in the end. This spring’s musical is no speak sternly to the boys in the cast about pick- as well, are a must, as well as a translation on said Bryan Ruddy, a senior member of the Chi- different. After rounding up all of the cast mem- ing up their tuxes before the play, as well as speak- music scores, directors for different aspects of the cago production. bers, accepting donations, choosing a play, and doing ing about t-shirt fund-raisers. It may seem odd play, elaborate sets, and sometimes, like in the This takes a lot of courage for a senior boy to the million other little steps, the play was pro- since the group of kids is so small, yet it’s so case of Chicago, a live music player. say, especially if his friends are not the type to duced, and it was a hit. Somehow, their efforts completely silent. Once she’s done, the chaos com- “I think it’s so different because there are many get involved in the Drama Club, never mind watch always amount to a giant success. mences. Kids scramble in all different directions, different aspects of it [a musical]. There’s an act- music is cued, a few directions are called out, the ing director who has a lot tougher of a job since spotlight hits, and the magic begins. there’s a vocal score and a conductor’s score and What about musicals is so different than the you have to make sure they both match up and usual plays the Drama Club performs? It seems sometimes they’re similar, but sometimes they’re like fewer people join the effort to put on the very different. They’re always hand-written and play, yet the turnout during the performances are sometimes hard to read,” said Dougherty. so much greater. The Drama Club works extremely For those of you who aren’t exactly music- hard to produce plays such as this spring’s Chi- savvy, a score is a written sheet of music. Not cago because they understand all of their dedi- only is reading these difficult, but so is getting cated work will be well worth it by the end of music to fit the score and creating choreography. their last performance. These extra things make musicals a lot more work “With musicals they tend to be more expensive than a regular play and essentially require extra since we have to get the rights first before we practice and harder work. perform since many musicals are still on Broad- Also, recruiting people for a musical is always a way. It cost us $2,500 to get the rights to Chicago tough thing. Getting up on stage in front of your as opposed to the six or eight hundred we paid for fellow students, staff, and friends takes a lot of The Laramie Project,” said musical director Mr. confidence, and not all students here at the high Dougherty. school possess that quality. Not only is finding The Drama Club’s budget is used to pay for the students to participate in a show pretty tough, rights, so a lot of fund-raising is done to help with but what’s even tougher is finding males to partici- all of the additional costs of a musical. Many pate. companies also help out in multiple ways, from Boys, especially teenage boys, often times re- placing advertisements in the programs, to donat- gard theater as a feminine past-time, and may think ing thousands of dollars in wood to build sets. A it’s a “gay” activity to participate in, which they lot of the money from ticket sales also helps to do not want to be associated with. cover the cost of the rights to a play, so seven “It’s tougher to recruit the boys than the girls. Photo by Terrier Times Staff dollars is hardly much to ask of the attendees of I guess it would be because they’re embarrassed From left to right, Kiki Craig as Mama Morton and Casey Coen as Velma Kelly the play. But why spend so much money on one and afraid of what their friends will say, and many discuss important matters. The dram club performed Chicago March 24, 25 and 26th. show? don’t believe that they can sing or dance,” said Controversial series only skin deep By GINA BATTISTA other shows didn’t even come close to touching leader that is always right; Abbud, the wise Mus- gets the ratings MTV desires. Featured Writer upon. The show reveals the lives of eight teens as lim who can’t really come out of his shell; and Crashing an exclusive party and destroying your they go through their junior year of high school Chris, the party boy who will stop at nothing to dad’s car with no consequences, complimented by rowing up in the twenty-first century is together. When people tuned in to watch the most have a good time. Not only are the boys a mess, parents who are completely oblivious, add to the hard enough, especially as a teenager. anticipated show of 2011, jaws dropped. No one but the girls don’t fall short either. Then there are appeal of the show, but are not the reality of teen GStress, drama, along with the popular was expecting so much sexual activity or this many the girls: Michelle, Tony’s girlfriend who is brain- life. combination of sex, drugs, and alcohol, consume inappropriate antics from the characters. washed by his “love” for her; Cadie, the rehab- However, these unrealistic scenarios are often your life. Shows about teenage life and struggles Skins, the British original and now MTV’s re- bound girl who always has to have some kind of balanced by the real life problems experienced by have been notoriously produced from the MTV make, is the latest update on how teens live their drug in her body; Tea, the confused lesbian; and teens. Episodes thus far in the season have cap- network. From the popular shows about teen preg- lives. It takes eight friends immersed in the daily last but not least Daisy, the overachiever who tured love triangles, rape under intoxication, and nancy like Teen Mom and 16 & Pregnant, to shows normality of high school life and documents each always has to pick up the pieces after something the search for self discovery that occurs during the about everyday life, like True Life and MADE, the one of them individually every week. The male goes wrong. teen years. Skins flip flops when it comes to being station has something for all viewers. characters, who seem to be falling apart, include All these friends have one thing in common, a show that truly captures the essence of teenage At the start of 2011, a new show aired on MTV Stanley, who is a complete mess, and only can their lack of self dignity, hidden behind the smoky life. that exposed the underground lives of teens that think about losing his virginity; Tony, the ring haze of the drugs they are exposed to on a daily Skins has not yet failed to entertain audiences basis. with its wit and dry humor, but it also brings up In the first episode alone, viewers wit- many questions involving what the real life of a nessed intense partying and drug use teenager is like. This eight friend fantasy world backed by sexual acts almost too graphic isn’t anything without the wacky cast and inter- for television. But, as the commercials ad- esting plot. They are all beautiful people living vertised, Skins is a show about the lives of perfect little lives, getting whatever they want and “average” teens. Sneaking out at late hours having oblivious parents. Some teens of this cen- of the night, partying until dawn, and hav- tury would kill to have the life like portrayed in the ing scandalous relationships with teach- show, staying out until whenever they want or ers was all exposed. That’s when the con- having parents who just don’t care, etc. What teens troversy hit. Not only did viewers think don’t realize is that the lifestyle shown is hardly that the show was a little outlandish but equivalent to the average teenager. also a little exaggerated. As the season progressed, suspense within each “The first time I watched Skins I was character grew in a significant way. Tea is lost in shocked. My mom hates when I watch her sexuality; Michelle gets a taste of betrayal from it,” said junior Natalie Berwald. her boyfriend, Tony, who cheats on her multiple The drama seems to stereotype groups times, which of course is kept quiet. Begging for in high school and portrays their lives in a attention from one another, the characters struggle one-dimensional way. This often rein- to keep their friendships alive. forces negative stereotypes and unrealis- This emotional roller coaster confuses viewers tic situations. For example, a teacher show- in the objective way. There is no thinking the show’s ing public displays of affection with bad- plot is wrong or that it’s exactly right. The series boy Chris. Teacher-student relationships flirts with the line just between right and wrong. Photo courtesy of imtwelve.com would not be as tolerated in real life, but You can either love it or hate it, and by the looks of According to hitfix.com, MTV is still undecided about renewing Skins for a second season. they are on the show and that’s why it it, nobody can seem to get enough of it. 8 March 2011

The 83rd Academy Awards took place on February 27 at Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre airing on televisions everywhere on ABC. One billion viewers worldwide tuned in to the glitz and glamour of Oscar Night while actors, actresses, directors, and other stars alike graced the red carpet on Hollywood Boulevard. For this issue’s Oscar Special, we’ve reviewed four of the nominees for the Best Picture category, including the winner of the Oscar, The King’s Speech. We’ve also created our own categories for movies that may not have won anything at the Academy, yet we think may have deserved 28 carats of pure Oscar gold in these special categories anyways. - Terrier Times Staff ‘Fighter’ film drops jaws By GRACE SLAWSKI Opinion Editor dent, Micky attempts to stick up for his brother, not live without one another. No sole adjectives stubborn thick-headed Massachusetts residents; but through all of the chaos, a policeman smashes can describe this intimacy because well, this is all the viewers can recognize them as real human a nightstick on top of Micky’s hand, breaking it. the intimacy embedded inside all siblings. It is so beings. An underdog story is instantly recognizable Dicky is sent to jail, and Micky is left with little dark and jaw-dropping, but warm and kind- And speaking of Massachusetts, the attention when watching a movie’s previews. hope. hearted. It is the core of all sibling relationships to detail that the movie crew held dearly in the Usually based on a true story, there is a per- The movie takes a creating the setting of the film son that loves to do an activity; a person who turning point when an was uncanny. Having lived in has unfortunate circumstances; a person which HBO documentary Massachusetts all of my life, tries to overcome a problem; a person who fal- about Micky is re- it was an out-of-body experi- ters a few times, and eventually succeeds. There leased. The documen- ence to see the neighborhoods, is a certain attraction and appeal to these feel- tary is about the nega- houses, roads, bridges, and ge- good movies, and well, I was suckered in. tive and real life affects ography native to our state. Es- I went to watch The Fighter with hopes that it of cocaine. The heart- pecially since Lowell is a mill would not be some sappy movie that would leave wrenching piece causes town, there were certain scenes me feeling unfulfilled and not surprised or en- Dicky to have a change that based on appearance re- thralled. Nevertheless, I was hooked on the real- of heart, and the minded me instantly of istic situations and plot line that the movie cap- wounds of the Ward Holyoke’s factories and land- tures. family begin to heal. scape. The Fighter stars Mark Wahlberg as Micky The Fighter is a tre- The Fighter has a unique Ward, an up-and-coming Irish boxer from Lowell, mendous tale that dem- sense of storytelling that I re- Massachusetts. He is managed by his mother, onstrates courage and alized from the setting and plot Alice Ward (Melissa Leo) and his brother, Dicky persistence against all line. Original movies may be Ward (Christian Bale). Micky’s boxing career fal- odds. Micky Ward is harder and harder to find these ters from the rather tumultuous activities of his the mediator of the days. I mean, unless it is pos- brother. A one-time boxing champ, Dicky copes century, as he con- sible to consider movies with with his loss of fame by living in a dope house, stantly has to try and sheerly slapstick humor or and ultimately having a serious addiction to co- solve problems that aliens as original, then by all caine. While Dicky provides Micky with incred- arise between his stub- means, counter my claim. And ible moral support and training regiments, the born family and equally I can see how people from first drug addiction causes family relationships to be stubborn girlfriend. glance would not consider The split. But by the movie’s Fighter having much original- After a seemingly embarrassing defeat, Micky conclusion, Micky is ity. Courtesy of imdb.com is offered an opportunity to be trained by pro- reunited with a sober But it does, and that is the fessionals in Las Vegas. However, family pres- and attentive brother, Ex-boxer Dicky Ward, played by Christian Bale, helps his brother, Mickey beauty of the movie. It is so sure makes Micky almost throw in the towel, and together Micky Ward, played by Mark Wahlberg, win a World Boxing Championship after complex in its problems and and give up boxing altogether. and Dicky reach the overcoming a cocaine addiction. fights that it represents all of But with support from his girlfriend, Charlene fame and success that our lives in one way or an- Fleming (Amy Adams), Micky finds motivation they both worked so hard to achieve— together. that any viewer can relate to, boxers or not. other. Because whether we want to admit it or to start boxing. However, he makes this decision The sibling relationship that Wahlburg and Bale And even aside from the main characters at not, we are all human, and we all live in some sort with the intent of firing his family as his manag- portrayed in this film is one that is complicated, hand, the integration of all the characters was of chaos. The Fighter is more than an underdog ers. Micky’s entire family develops anxiety but in a good way. Often, we want to put labels realistic. Whether it be the awkwardly passion- story, it is a story that shows how there are against Charlene for “corrupting” Micky with on the main characters develop their relation- ate love of Micky and Charlene; the mother of solutions to all of our problems both personally her “prestigious” attitude, which creates a con- ships with one another. Micky and Dicky are shallow moral value decrepit by the broken home and with others. siderable amount of tension. both peas of the same pod and different bulbs on she cannot keep together; the grumpiness of The movie’s climax occurs when Dicky is the Christmas tree. They fight and hate one an- Micky’s aunts who only increase bickering; or caught and arrested by the police. In this inci- other, yet deep down they know that they can- the screaming and swearing between a bunch of Sequel captures meaning of friendship By STEFANIE MANZI other toys towards the attic stairs, but as he being the only skeptical one. Once the toys ar- edges of their seats. Entertainment Editor helps his sister Molly (Beatrice Miller), he leaves rive at the daycare, they realize Molly’s Barbie Toy Story 3 is definitely the best sequel to the the bag lying next to the stairs. doll (Jodi Benson) has been donated, also. beloved trilogy, and it for sure deserved winning ee Unkrich’s Toy Story 3 concluded To Woody’s horror, Andy’s mom thinks Andy After the toys arrive at the day-care, they meet Best Animated Feature Film at the Oscars. With the Toy Story trilogy, and what an end left the bag out for trash, so she brings the bag many new toys. Two of these new characters a surprising, yet touching ending, it truly cap- Lit was. When I went to see this movie, out to the curb. But, the toys escape from the involve Lotso the Bear (Ned Beatty) and Ken tures the essence of childhood creativity as well I was not expecting to feel every emotion. I was black bag before the garbage truck can take them the doll (Michael Keaton). But Woody, being the as innocence. The toys teach a lesson of matu- happy, mad, uncertain, surprised and not to men- away. As this was happening, Woody jumps out smart cowboy he is, senses something off about rity and growing up when Andy leaves for col- tion, upset. It was almost as if I was a part of the the bedroom window and encounters all the toys. Sunnyside Daycare. Of course though, the toys lege and effectively shows viewers how to de- gang of toys: my emotions matched theirs. He tries his hardest to convince the other toys are mad at him and don’t listen to his warnings, cide who their true friends are. The memories Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), and that they were mistaken for trash, but they refuse which creates the overall plot of the film. Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang have shared all of the other toys team up to go on another to listen to him, thinking he is in denial. When the The toys get stationed in the Caterpillar Room are the ones that will stay with them forever. adventure. This adventure is the last for the toys toys don’t believe Woody, it is really frustrating at the day-care and they experience some scary They’ve adapted as Andy’s toys and go through as Andy’s toys. It’s sad to say that Andy (John to viewers. I know that I was gasping and sighing things…let’s just say the kids in the Caterpillar changes on their last adventure, some of which Morris) is going away to college and it’s even when they were rude to him when he was telling Room give the toys nightmares. But they aren’t are rather overwhelming but does justice to the sadder to say he’s leaving behind all of his toys, the truth… even though they will wish they lis- wimps and suck it up; some toys can’t take it trilogy. who, as a kid, essentially became his best friends. tened to him later in the film. and want to escape, but Lotso is definitely onto This was definitely the best animated film since His mom suggests he pack up his room, so After relentless attempts to make the toys them. Lotso and the other day-care toys are per- Toy Story and will be hard to beat in future years. Andy puts all of his toys, but Woody, in a black believe the truth, Jessie (Joan Cusack) ignores sistent in keeping Andy’s toys at the day- Toy Story 3 also earned four nominations on Feb- bag, which is meant to be left in the attic, while him and notices a box in the trunk to the family’s care…forever. After a while, though, they even- ruary 27th at the Oscars, including Best Picture. Woody is placed in a box marked ‘College.’ Woody car; the box is going to be donated to Sunnyside tually escape from the day-care. All the while then sees Andy take the black bag with all the Daycare. All the toys jump in excitedly, Woody they are trying to escape, viewers are kept on the March 2011 9

‘King’s Speech’ touches close to home By JENNA TRINCHINI with a stutter in a Hollywood movie, Features & Design Editor the character is usually used as comic relief. In The King’s Speech, n an exceptionally turbulent time in global and national however, King George dealt with a news, a time of revolution in the Middle East, budget very realistic issue: his speech im- Idebates in Washington, and devastating natural disasters pediment. The film touched close worldwide, the story of a British monarch’s fight to overcome a to home for many, not only specifi- debilitating stutter won the Academy Award for Best Picture. cally to people enduring a speech There were no dazzling special effects or dramatic chase scenes problem, but to anyone who has and the stars were not the hottest of Hollywood A-listers. In ever had a fear, or faced a fear and fact, on paper, it is quite undeniable that the plot of The King’s overcame it. Speech looks… well… dull. At its heart, the story is about The King’s Speech is an inspiring film about George VI’s reluc- friendship, respect, and conviction tant appointment to the throne shortly before World War II. – timeless themes that are delivered Colin Firth plays a timid king with a distressing speech stutter, in outstanding performances by ev- not to mention other remnants of a difficult childhood. With the ery actor and actress in the film. support of an unconventional yet confident speech therapist, Filled with humor and history, played by Geoffrey Rush, the king overcomes his past while the The King’s Speech is about being two build a very strong bond throughout the film. powerless over personal flaws and So, why did the public love the movie so much? How did a how dealing with a problem, how- movie about a monarch plagued with a speech impediment win ever big or small, can define a per- the Oscar for Best Picture, the most hailed award of all Oscars? son in history. After watching this Although this plot may not sound very entertaining to our cur- film, it reminds us all that even kings rent generation of moviegoers, this film is truly a masterpiece. need help, and with the help of a The King’s Speech has been analyzed and praised by hundreds of friend, we are all capable of achiev- critics, and to millions, the theme of overcoming fear must have ing the impossible. It is ultimately resonated deeply to win as grand of an award as Best Picture at the feel-good movie of the year, and the Academy. Courtesy of imdb.com deserved its Academy Award for Anyone who has ever had to grapple with public speaking can Best Picture. easily relate to this movie and King George VI of Great Britain’s King George VI gets ready to deliver his morale-lifting radio address in hopes to struggles.Usually, when it comes to the portrayal of someone inspire his people, uniting them in battle. We like ‘The Social Network’ By MARINA O’TOOLE Editor-in-Chief created Napster years before, and wanted his fifteen minutes of fame to be extended a s the opening scenes of The Social Network start roll little longer. He introduced geeky Zuckerberg ing, I honestly expected it to be almost a documentary to the LA nightlife and even convinced him Aabout Mark Zuckerberg and how he created Facebook, to give him part ownership in Facebook. I wasn’t expecting to be entertained. But I was pleasantly sur- Today, Parker still has a 6% share. Parker prised. Harvard student Zuckerberg, played brilliantly by Jesse was the driving force behind Zuckerberg be- Eisenberg, is immediately portrayed as an arrogant and extremely traying Saverin by diluting his shares. uncomfortable jerk while on a first date. But instead of being Basically, by the end of the movie, you annoyed with him and feeling sympathetic for his date, you feel probably won’t like Justin Timberlake any- sympathetic with Zuckerberg. This theme remains common more, if you ever did. He just got involved throughout the movie. No matter how arrogant, snobby, and awk- where he wasn’t needed. The only good ward Zuckerberg is, you will always be on his side. thing Parker ever contributed to Facebook The film won three Oscars at the 2011 Academy Awards, and was the name. He told Zuckerberg to change was nominated for five other awards, including Best Picture. What it from it’s original name: “Thefacebook.” makes the movie so likeable is that it is based on a true story. The My favorite aspect of the movie was how real-life Mark Zuckerberg was not supportive of the movie at they kept following up with the girl first, but recently appeared on Saturday Night Live with Jesse Zuckerberg was on a date with in the open- Eisenberg, this being the first time the two had met. The way ing scene, Erica Albright. Okay, he was a Eisenberg played Zuckerberg so well without knowing him at all jerk to her on the date and ended up blogging will amaze viewers. some pretty personal stuff about her for The plot is simple. Zuckerberg is in the midst of two lawsuits: the whole world to read. But then later he one against Eduardo Saverin and another against Cameron and regretted it, and ran into her at a restaurant. Tyler Winklevoss. Saverin, played by Andrew Garfield, is He tried to make small talk with her and Zuckerberg’s best friend who helped him create Facebook and told her about Facebook, right before it gained come up with the idea for FaceMash (Zuckerberg’s inspiration for popularity. She basically laughed in his face Facebook). Saverin is suing Zuckerberg because his percentage of and made a comment about his “little share in Facebook was diluted from almost 35% to 0.02%. website.” The next day, pretty much every- The Winklevoss’, played by one actor, Armie Hammer, are one in the Boston area had a Facebook, in- suing Zuckerberg because they claim that they invented Facebook, cluding her. The movie concludes with him and that Zuckerberg stole the idea. What actually happened, as checking his personal Facebook and search- you see in flashbacks, is that the Winklevoss’ heard about FaceMash ing for Erica Albright. He friend requests and came up with the idea to have a Facebook just for colleges in her and refreshes the page several times the Boston area. They recruited Zuckerberg to do all the work, like waiting for her to accept him. pulling all-nighters to program the site, while they took the credit. Overall the movie was a refreshing change Zuckerberg cleverly made Facebook without them knowing, and of pace. The dialog was fast-paced and witty. launched the site, blindsiding the Winklevoss’. Though they do The film doesn’t exactly fall into the com- have a case because they told Zuckerberg about their idea, they edy category, but Eisenberg’s awkward na- were inspired by Zuckerberg’s original creation. It is a sticky situ- ture definitely added a funny element. I hate ation and they end up receiving a large settlement. to say the movie was very easy to relate to, The real entertainment, however, comes from the ups and downs but it was. I mean, not everyone has a bil- Courtesy of metafilter.com of Saverin and Zuckerberg’s friendship. Saverin’s goal was to make lion dollar company and two lawsuits against money, where Zuckerberg just wanted to be well-known and a them, but the friend betrayals and successful computer programmer. The disagreements started early backstabbing was, and everyone has had a A still-image from the official movie trailer, which received over six million and never stopped. A huge wedge in their partnership and friend- Winklevoss situation in their life. views on YouTube. ship was Justin Timberlake’s character, Sean Parker. Parker had 10 March 2011 And the Oscar goes to... The following Oscar categories were brought to you by the Terrier Times Staff

Most likely to make you appreciate your The show Jackass has been around for the cast realizes just how important family Whether it be grand theft auto, “intense” sibling- Charlie St. Cloud years. Nearly grown men performing crazy and good friends are in life. This comedy is fighting scenes, or even a dancing scene, Charlie loses the closest person in his life. and pointless stunts, raunchy acts, and sure to make anyone want to never grow this movie made me laugh the entire way After his little brother Sam was killed in a simply making a fool of themselves just for up, and will make you realize what’s through...and I was sick when I watched it, car accident, Charlie cannot seem to let go entertainment. 2010 was the year for 3D important in life. so that’s saying something. of the memory of his brother. Charlie, movies, but when fans packed into the though, has an everlasting bond with his movie theater to see the comedy, jaws Most Anticipated Movie- Harry Potter and Most likely to make you feel like you’ve brother; he can see him. So, every night, dropped. People were obviously expecting the Deathly Hallows Part 1 been shot with a horse tranquilizer- Buried rain or shine, Charlie meets up with Sam to some weird things to happen, but in 3D? It Calling all Potterheads! After fourteen years, Ryan Reynolds played Paul Conroy—a U.S. play catch and talk. After several years, was almost too much to handle. Obscene seven books, and six movies, the long- contractor working in Iraq. The entire two Charlie has become accustomed to this objects and bodily functions were thrown awaited seventh and second to last hour movie was filmed in the coffin/ box. It nightly routine, until he meets Tess. Charlie in the faces of every movie goer and were installment of the Harry Potter franchise was exhausting to see only one actor in one loves his brother, but as he begins to love meant by disgusted groans and shocked premiered November 19th, 2010. This part area. Throughout the entire movie, the Tess, he must choose between keeping a comments. The rated-R film should have focuses on the first half of the seventh and setting never left the coffin scene and promise to his deceased brother or going thought twice before they premiered the final book in the Harry Potter series. It Reynolds was the only actor seen. For this after the only girl he loves. movie where you didn’t want to look, but follows Harry and his cohorts as they set disappointment of a movie you would be you just couldn’t look away. out to find the last of formidable Lord better off just watching the trailer instead Most likely to make you never want to go to of wasting your time and money on the real the Grand Canyon- 127 Hours thing. 127 Hours was a movie like no other. It’s the true story about a nature-loving hiker Worst Ending- Inception whose hand gets trapped between two The science fiction film Inception, starring rocks. After trying everything to free himself Leonardo Di Caprio and Joseph Gordon- and stay alive, he cuts it off to survive. Levitt, hit theaters thus summer, racking in James Franco takes up the role brilliantly a total $62.7 million its first weekend. The and he makes it seem as if he’s actually plotline is a confusing yet intriguing twist cutting off his own arm. This movie not only of events and circumstances. Dom Cobb (Di makes you grateful for your hands, but it Caprio)and his partner Arthur (Levitt) are shows how the will to survive can asked to perform corporate espionage by overpower anything. Even though, at times, entering the subconscious of a man set to the movie got a bit dry and repetitive, the inherit his dying father’s empire, and meaning behind the film is real and planting the idea to break this empire up. worthwhile. The stakes are high, Cobb is promised a safe return to the United States if he is Most likely to teach you how to rob a bank- successful, where his children live and also The Town where he is a convicted murderer. Anyone The Town takes place in Charlestown, who enters someone else’s subconscious Boston and was directed Ben Affleck, who brings with them a totem, a one-of-a-kind also had a starring role. It tells the story object that no one but the owner can predict about the issue of the frequent bank the movement of. This way, they can robberies that take place in the area, with determine if they are in a dream or reality. some fact-based information. The film, filled Cobb’s totem is a spinning top, which spins with drama, action, and romance, had a good unceasingly in dreamland. After about 150 balance of the three. However, the clear and minutes of nail-biting drama and action, detailed description of how to successfully Cobb is successful and returns home to greet rob a bank was quite fascinating. So many his children. As they run to meet him, Cop times in the film the bank robbers were places his top on the kitchen table and it almost caught, but they acted calm and spins. The movie ends with the top still smart, constantly getting out of a tight spot. spinning. When I saw this movie, the By bleaching down the scene, collecting all theater was filled with shouts of “It was the cell phones, having a vehicle switch- going to fall! I saw it wobble!” The real off, and other crime-scene cleanup kicker of this happy ending is that no one strategies, it was clear that Affleck did his knows if it is only a dream. Although research before directing the film. Inception received 8 Academy Award nominations, it certainly had the worst Worst movie to see on Valentine’s Day- The ending of any 2010 movie. Lovely Bones Most people picture Valentine’s Day as Best movie with no recognizable plot something special, a time to show your Voldemort’s horcruxes and destroy him for whatsoever- Alice in Wonderland loved ones how much you care for them. Most likely to make you never want to grow good. In addition to saving the wizarding Even though director Tim Burton is unable The movie The Lovely Bones has a setting up- Grown Ups world, Harry, Ron, and Hermione also have to channel much suspense or awe, the film that creates the exact opposite. This movie Any movie including Adam Sandler, Chris to battle normal teen issues like first love is a whimsical, visual delight. It all adds up will bring nothing but pain and awful Rock or David Spade is bound to be a hoot. and jealousy. Harry Potter fans have long to a mildly enjoyable adventure, yet sadly thoughts. Don’t get me wrong, I understand When all three are combined, along with been noted for their devotion to the Boy lacking in a sensical plot. Although the point that many people might like it because it is a other popular comedic actors such as Kevin Who Lived and his friends. of this Tim Burton film was nonexistent, it mystery movie that has to do a lot with crime James and Rob Schneider, the laughs won’t was surely fun to look at. The movie isn’t and how to unravel a case, but it is still a stop. In Grown Ups that is just what The Underrated Quotable Comedy- The your typical remake of the original 1951 movie that will get you thinking about your happened. The movie is based around a Other Guys version. The characters are actually vastly safety and the safety of others and the good high school basketball coach passing away, Sure, everyone this year seems to be talking different from the ones we can recall from or bad things crimes can do. If you want to and the group comes together for his about The Hangover, but there are other the childhood book or even the early 20th see a movie with a happy ending for you ceremonies. They all stay together at a lake comedies that need to be seen. The Other century film. Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle- and your loved ones on Valentine’s day house complete with basketball court, lake- Guys, starring Will Farrell and Mark Dum dress like they can be two of the then this is not the movie you would want side real estate and no cell phone service. Wahlberg, play two cops of polar opposite Addams Family children; Alice isn’t a kid; to see. They keep busy by playing basketball with personalities that are not recognizd in the the queen isn’t grotesquely overweight; old high school rivals, rope swinging and police force for anything special. As they and the Mad Hatter isn’t a buck-toothed Film to make the biggest jackass out of visiting water parks, although their bodies are forced to suddenly investigate a case happy man with a funny speech itself- Jackass 3D are not in the best shape for it. Not only are no one wants to be involved with, these impediment, he’s just Johnny Depp. there plenty of laughs, it hits home when two cops have to rise to the occasion. March 2011 A Month in Review 11 The Drama Club’s musical performance: “CHICA“CHICAGO”GO”

The Great Flood of West Springfield High School

March 14, 2011

St. Patrick’s Day Road Race

Congratulations, Colleen Sara Stewart!

bump! set! spike!

The Big Jim Volleyball Tournament 12 Terrier Times Opinion March 2011 Learning Commons cafe cut short By EMILY CIMINO was it shut down? was a violation of this policy, and was under- eteria only has 15% real juice, and the lemon- Featured Writer The district-wide wellness policy, enforced standably shut down. Touching as it is that the ade has 10%. The Gatorade being sold has since 2006, was implemented to assist schools in director of food services is so concerned with none. The policy also states that schools nyone expected to solve algebraic prob monitoring the nutritional values of cafeteria foods. student’s caffeine intake, the coffee bar was per- should strive to provide “nutritionally-equiva- lems before 8 a.m. is certainly entitled to It lists “beverages containing caffeine” as not al- haps the least offensive violation of the wellness lent nondairy beverages” for students who can- Aa caffeine boost. No, I’m not talking not consume milk. I was downright shocked about the lowest drink on the health totem when I read the policy, because it seemed like pole, the energy drink, but a slightly healthier it was written for a different school district. option, coffee. The chips and ice cream sold in our vending For one short week, students could be seen machines hardly comply with health regula- carrying steaming cups to classes, and every- tions, which was an issue for 6 students earlier one was asking, “Where did they get the cof- this week, when they were refused the wraps fee?” No, there isn’t a Starbucks concealed in they had been waiting in line all of lunch for the bomb shelter, but the next best thing: a because the bell had rung. A friend of mine was coffee bar in the library. Students quickly stuck with the choice of eating a nutritionally- warmed to the readily available hot beverages. deficient vending machine lunch, or going hun- “I think the coffee bar was a great way to gry. She chose the latter. It doesn’t seem fair keep us awake in the morning, it was some- that all kinds of junk food are sold freely in the thing to look forward to. It’s too time con- cafeteria, yet coffee is prohibited. suming to make it at home,” said junior Nicole Perhaps the cafeteria drinks have slipped Bouchard. This idea was met with enthusi- under the radar simply because they aren’t as asm by many, and it quickly began to turn popular as the coffee bar, but why is that? profitable. One fruit drink sold in our cafeteria contains The coffee bar also had an educational com- more sugar than a pack of Pop-tarts, yet they ponent, as it was run by special-needs stu- continue to sell. dents involved in the food lab program. “They As a high-school student, I can testify that made spreadsheets, counted money, and took it’s exhausting to get up at 6 a.m. and sit through inventory each day,” said librarian Mrs. hours of classes before heading off to do home- Stenburg. The money made from the coffee work and practice for a sport. That’s not to bar was intended for refurnishing the learning say that we all need to be caffeine-dependant commons, something that every student to get through the day, but who wouldn’t ben- would be able to enjoy. efit from an afternoon pick-me-up? One cup I write in past tense, because shortly after of coffee a day certainly doesn’t have the same the coffee bar was established, a directive to affect on someone’s body as a daily serving of close up shop was issued. Unfortunately, it came lowable in schools, (the entire policy can be read policy in our school. I’ll elaborate; the very same nachos. Perhaps a sign should have been put on the very same day a water pipe was installed on the school website). Of course, that prohibits guidelines that forbid the coffee bar also ban “fruit- up next to the coffee bar, “Warning, may cause in the library to speed up production. So if the the school sale of coffee or tea. Although it was based drinks that contain less than 50% real fruit you to actually stay awake and learn some- coffee bar was such a seemingly good idea, why established with good intentions, the coffee bar juice.” The cranberry-apple juice sold in our caf- thing.” Wrestling coach crosses lines of comfort North Andover coach of twenty-five years gets caught with child pornography

By GINA MATTINA interact with you in a manner that is efficient for students are a little freaked out from news stories Schools put their own rules into regulation as both of you. If they know from your personality similar to the one about the coach from North well, such as our school with the aforemen- Entertainment Editor that you crack under pressure, then maybe they’ll Andover. Taking that into account, you can see tioned rule about female students sitting in view go easier on you when it comes to deadlines. If why some students flinch at even the slightest of the doorway when staying after with a male ocal news is usually a bearer of bad news they know you’re a star player on the varsity touch of a teacher’s hand. In this case, I think teacher. and tragedies, ranging from house fires to field hockey team, maybe they’ll understand when teachers need to understand the comfort levels of Contrary to what most people assume about Lmurders, all happening in your area. Re- you didn’t finish your homework the day after all students before making that sort of judgment. these types of relationships, some students cently, the string of bad news brought forth a play-offs. To have this social interaction is healthy It would be a terrible thing to pat a student on the may willingly try to create relationships that story that caught my attention. and normal. back for a job well done and then get hit with a are considered to be more than friendly with The words “coach of twenty five years” and If your phone rings really late at night and it’s sexual harassment law suit the next month. their teachers. This is frowned upon in society “child pornography” were enough to make any your teacher asking how you did during your There are many rules and regulations that teach- today for countless reasons. A teacher is to be viewer listen a little more intently. The report field hockey game, and asking about what you ers have to follow to prevent any conflicts aris- a mentor, or a source from which students ac- that followed that odd pair of phrases could only stress about all the time and if there’s anything ing between the comfort level between teachers quire knowledge that they can utilize later in be described as disturbing. A well-liked and suc- they can do for you, this is where things get a and students. For instance, I’ve heard that if a life. They are not meant to create relationships cessful wrestling coach at North Andover High little weird. Things like a friendly conversation female student is staying after with a male teacher, that are romantic or even close. Creating a rela- School was arrested on charges for child pornog- during class time as opposed to a late night phone she must sit in a seat where she can be easily seen tionship as such may create an unfair advan- raphy. The North Andover Police Department call are on opposite ends of what is appropriate by passers-by in the hallway. Though schools tage for a certain student in the classroom, cre- had received complaints from female students and what is not. I think at this point in time, should be confident in the staff they are hiring, ates an awkward classroom environment for saying they felt uncomfortable with the sixty- students should know when a relationship has sexual assault cases still arise, and this rule isn’t that student’s peers, and would just be plain year old coach peeping around their locker room. an unreasonable one to ask immoral. He had been seen entering their locker room to of the student or teacher. A Some students feel obligated to form roman- retrieve a video camera which he had stashed simple choice on where to tic relationships with their teacher in order to there earlier in the day. This led to a search of his “How can we oppose sit after school can make a comply with teacher’s orders. After all, in the house, where his stash of child pornography was big difference in the lives of classroom we are meant to follow teachers’ found. Reported were many inappropriate shots a single teacher or student. orders, correct? There are some teachers who of girls who were unaware they were being pho- behaviors that some be- Rules such as these are a abuse this power and tell students that they tographed. That isn’t even the worst of it. When positive thing that keeps won’t pass a course or a grade if they do not police began to search his attic, they reported lieve are socially accept- this line clear to any who pay them in sexual favors. This abuse of power that he was growing nervous, and asked his daugh- may think about voiding it. shouldn’t even happen in schools, but since it ter to leave the kitchen. That’s right, his daugh- There are laws to pro- does, rules should exist that prevent this. Stu- ter…. able while defending be- tect inappropriate relation- dents who have been victims of such behavior While the wrestling coach quite obviously ships, but many of them should also not be afraid to speak up and should crossed the line that is invisibly drawn between aren’t federal, so the city understand that a course grade doesn’t rely on students and their mentors, not many understand haviors that some believe and town laws vary de- favors, especially not ones done outside of the what exactly crossing this line means or what pending on the place you classroom. precautions are taken to keep mentors from cross- are not?” live. Federal laws aren’t as While teachers, coaches, and mentors should ing this line. So how can we make this line appear much involved in these all be people that can be trusted, there are al- so that it is crystal clear? How can we oppose types of cases as much as ways exceptions. Some take their power a little behaviors that some believe are socially accept- become too personal and inappropriate. local laws. However, there are general laws pro- too far and use it in ways that belittle students able while defending behaviors that some believe When physical interaction comes into play, I tecting students. For instance, if a teacher has a in an unsuitable manner. It should be clear to are not? It shouldn’t be that tough of a question. feel this line is a lot harder to distinguish. A pat on sexual relationship with a student, it is simply everyone – parents, students, teachers, fac- To feel comfortable around a teacher, you need the back, a high five, or even a little smack on the considered statutory rape, as it is for any overage ulty, and other mentors – what really is inap- a little bit of personal interaction. If a teacher head when a student is sleeping in class is com- adult, regardless of their profession. If a student propriate and what is not. This line should be doesn’t know things about your personal life or mon for many teachers. The problem isn’t the complains about inappropriate touches from their one that is easily defined, and hopefully never your personality, they won’t understand how to teachers in this case, it’s the students. A lot of teacher, it is simply considered sexual assault. crossed.

13 Terrier Times Opinion March 2011 Hatred within the walls of West Side By MARINA O’TOOLE & Swastikas drawn in the bathroom, sometimes tak- feel the need to add on to someone else’s racial ing up the entire door of the stalls and on the graffiti. Based on the few responses that other RYAN ABBOTT ceiling, and phrases such as “White Power” have students wrote before the comments were washed Grace Gets Editor-in-chief & Featured Writer been appearing in a couple of the school bath- off, most people were offended by the anti-Semitic rooms. In our years at this school, we have never comments and nobody agreed. n America, there are 93 different ethnicities, seen racism and hatred against a religion at such a If the person or people who did this think that Global according to www.Mongabay.com. Many serious level. Honestly, we can’t even recall an- they are being funny or just joking around, it’s not people don’t take the time to realize how other incident involving racism. It’s just ridicu- funny at all. Anti-Semetic views are very serious. By GRACE SLAWSKI I lous that someone or a group would write some- Maybe you missed the units on the Holocaust in many different ethnic groups walk the halls of West Side. It is amazing how far America has thing like this or even think something like this. every single history class isince elementary school, Opinions Editor come to get to this point in history in which so “You can’t let this stuff stay on the walls, be- but ten million people were killed in the Holo- Take Captain Hook and keep his boat, but many ethnic groups can come together within a cause it festers, and it grows,” said Officer caust, six million of them being Jewish people. trade in his sword for grenade launchers. Be- society. However, there are always people who LaFrance. The school resource office has been This was only about 50 years ago. But this isn’t lieve it or not, pirates like this do exist off of the can easily make racial jokes that others can mis- monitoring the situation and has talked to several just about the Holocaust. There are so many dif- coast of Somalia. They are feared by many, and interpret. This is how hatred makes an appear- students who may have been involved. Since they ferent ethnicities that have to endure constant hate yet they consider themselves the unofficial ance within our school. first appeared, they have not reappeared. in today’s day in age. As a school, we need to try coastguards of their country. Hatred can be expressed in many different Many of these comments were seen in the boys’ our best to be as accepting as possible and repre- Like most countries, the history of Somalia ways. In our school it is stated more often Terrier House bathroom and other second floor sent West Side in the best possible way. is a fairly complicated one. European imperial- through the internet or writing, rather than ver- bathrooms. These are the most commonly used We are not the only ones who feel this way. ism, to no surprise, is the culprit for forcing bally. One website that can make it easy for stu- in the school mainly because these are one of the Every student we’ve talked to agreed that this is groups of unfriendly clans together under the dents to make fun of other kids is Facebook. only two areas in which the bathrooms are not inappropriate. same government. After the country united as a What many teenagers don’t realize is how much locked. Unfortunately many of the other bath- “It hurts my feelings when I see stuff like that republic in the 1960’s, the peace did not last. As others can take offense to the sexual and racial rooms are locked during the school day due to the on the walls of West Side,” said freshman Chris of 1991, not only has the republic essentially “jokes” that are written on the walls of Facebook, comments and graffiti. Motta. dissolved altogether, but Somalia has not has a and the walls of West Side. One appearance that Bathroom walls are a popular common ground Junior Jake Dal Zovo suggested that the bath- stable central government. The condition of So- is seen more frequently in West Side is the hurt- for hateful comments. Perhaps it’s because the rooms should be painted black to make it more malia is not necessarily anarchy so much as it is ful comments written all over the bathroom stalls. bathrooms are really only for students as the difficult for students to write on the walls. just a bunch of minority factions fighting for “Part of my routine is to check the bathrooms teachers have their own bathrooms. Perhaps it’s Even though all these hateful remarks are im- power. for graffiti,”said Joe LaFrance, West Springfield’s because the amateur artists get a sense of superi- mediately cleaned from the walls people should With no government school resource officer. Once the janitors see ra- ority when talk about other people on a bath- realize that making fun of anyone is wrong. Also set in place, it is obvi- cial comments, gang symbols, or inappropriate room walls. Or maybe it’s because this is the only take a chance to notice the different races with in ous that chaos would graffiti anywhere in the school, they immedi- place where they might get away with saying our school because everyone deserves respect and run amuck— that ately report it to the administration. Once they something like this. to be treated the way you would want to be treated. should be pretty obvi- are fully aware of the situation, Officer LaFrance Many teenagers do not take into account the You might not realize the damage you could cause ous. However, takes pictures of the graffiti and then they are amount of hurt it can cause others when a com- others through writing so be careful in how you Somalia’s noteworthy cleaned off the walls as fast as possible. ment is posted criticizing your ethnicity. This is choose your words because you never know who geographic location is A recent incident that is particularly hurtful is why the administration tries their best to get rid will see your comments. Lets make West Side a crucial in order to un- the anti-Semitic graffiti on the bathroom stalls. of the writing on the walls so that kids will not better place for students. derstand the piracy problems. Somalia’s northern coast is bordered by the Gulf of Aden. This Abstinence not always reality body of water is the pathway towards the Suez Canal, a.k.a. the oil passageway of the world. Institute. Under abstinence-only education, more comfortable asking a health teacher certain By EMILY CIMINO The gulf connects to the Red Sea, which travels these teens would be at a greater risk for becom- things than I would my parents. Anyone who’s up the eastern coasts of Sudan and Egypt into Featured Writer ing pregnant or contracting an STD, because had Mr. Palmer will remember his box where stu- the Suez Canal. According to the International they were not taught how to keep themselves dents could write down any embarrassing ques- On March 15, the Ineffective and Incomplete Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited safe. tions and find safety in anonymity. At WSHS, we Abstinence-Only Program Funding Acts bill was (ITOPF) about 11% of the world’s crude oil is What conservatives have been shouting for have a highly informational sex ed program, that introduced to the House of Representatives and shipped through these bodies of water. years is that when schools teach students how covers both abstinence and contraception. Stu- Senate. This bill is designed to cut funding for That being said, since this waterway is of to have safe sex, they are promoting promiscu- dents learn that the only sure-fire way to be safe abstinence-only sexual education in public great significance, I cannot begin to fathom the ity. But turn on the television, listen to any popu- from pregnancy and STD’s is by refraining from schools, which during the last 15 years has cost amount of traffic prevalent off of Somalia’s coast. lar song, open a magazine; sex is everywhere. In sex, but this is not presented as the only option the government over $1.5 billion. Known as House Then because it is no secret that Somalia’s in- what movies does a sex scene include a pause to for remaining sexually healthy. Any misconcep- Bill 999, it is currently being reworked to include frastructure is nonexistent, more often than not, fumble for a condom? The beautiful girl next tions students may have about sex are addressed, provisions for how health classes will be taught, Somalia also has its fair share of dealing with door will never get pregnant, but Hollywood is and nobody is left wondering how to stay safe. I and whther classes are to be gender-segregated or corrupt trades traveling through its waters. When not real life. Granted, there are shows such as was never previously aware that programs like co-ed. I say trades, I mean ships containing narcotics, “The Secret Life” that are a little more realistic. ours are a minority throughout the U.S., and am Currently, only 21 states require that both weaponry, and other miscellaneous weapons. They provide a discussion-starter for parents frankly quite surprised. Sex is becoming less of a abstinence and STD education are to be provided Often, the items being carried are meant to and teens, which often turns into a parental spiel taboo subject than ever before, and in today’s day to students. The content of 11% schools’ sex ed be sold in Kenya, who has had serious conflicts that ends with the high-schooler fleeing the room and age it is quickly proving necessary for teens programs is left up to that district, and only 14% with Somalia over the past few decades. A lack in embarrassment. to be knowledgeable about the risks involved with of school districts currently have policies that of any government intervention has created law- So how much of sexual education is the par- sexual activity. After all, a student who has no teach both contraception and abstinence compre- lessness between the two countries. ents’ responsibility? “The Talk” that parents idea how to protect themselves during sex will hensively, as reported by the AIDS Research In- And this is where the pirates come into play. give their kids in middle school most often dis- likely get pregnant the first time, even if it is only stitute of the University of California, San Fran- Somalia has been plagued by a lack of accor- pels the notion that babies come from the stork, time. Teaching safe sex in schools is not compro- cisco. dance in recent history. Many Somalian natives but does not cover all areas of sexual activity. mising good old American family values, it is sim- Abstinence-only education focuses less on could only watch their country become overrun What parent is going to sit down with their 13- ply being more realistic about the sexually active sexual relations, and more on building healthy by crime and poverty. These pirates have made year-old and educate them about chlamydia or demographic. It is time for teaching methods to relationships. It promotes self-esteem, and teaches an attempt in their efforts to control over fish- homosexual relations? Personally, I would feel evolve along with the population. teens to value themselves and to expect the same ing and illegal trades off of their waters. respect from their partner. It Most pirates admit that they want money does not, however, detail how and money only from these tradesmen. They sexually active teens can keep do not want to have unnecessary carnage. But themselves safe, because it ad- these pirates are certainly well-equipped. Typi- vocates that sex is not an op- cally, a team of pirates consists of: computer tion in high school. Abstinence specialists, navigators, and fighters. These pi- programs are much less here, rates use all of their talents to successfully tar- take some condoms and use get threats with their technological savviness, them, and more “Don’t have traverse over the high seas, and then finally at- sex, you’ll get pregnant, and tack their opponents. you will die.” The danger in The pirates are practically considered roy- this sort of education stems alty in their country. With the levels of poverty from its failure to acknowl- being as high as they are, the pirates are one of edge teens who do not wish the richest factions in the Somalian government. to remain abstinent. The So are they vigilantes or villains? United States has the highest I need not repeat the news—time and time rate of HIV and AIDS of any again innocent passerbies are killed by Soma- industrialized country, where lian pirates. It seems that the pirates may have both are highly preventable become trigger happy, and anxious of their diseases. The reality is, not power. everyone wishes to remain It seems clear that the pirates are a sign of abstinent in high school, and Somalia’s lack of political structure. The mur- few make the conscious deci- derous acts accomplished by these pirates are sion to refuse sex until mar- inexcusable, but under their circumstances, I riage. In fact, 7 out of 10 teens can’t say I blame them either. To put it bluntly, will have had sex by age 19, Somalia needs a government, and sooner rather according to the Guttmatcher than later. 14 Terrier Sports March 2011 Serious head injuries hit atheletes hard By RYAN ABBOTT any minor kinks or sores they have, trying at all varsity basketball player, as four players had potential health risks that a concussion poses, costs to avoid being benched. This being said, if their brains rattled this winter. For sophomore playing in a game with your injury is most defi- Featured Writer you experience any concussion symptoms, you Jess Taylor, her resulting headaches not only kept nitely not worth it. Possibly the worst thing that can happen to a Because concussions in high school are so fre- high school athlete is an injury. Some injuries are quent, the MIAA has recently decided to take more serious than others, though not all are taken action. Recently, the association invited coaches are taken as seriously as they should be. Concus- and sports staff to a concussion seminar in order sions are fairly common in high school athletes, to inform everybody of the symptoms, causes, and because of their frequency, seem less severe. and treatments for concussions. But because concussions are head injuries, they Not only are high schools raising awareness, are more than just a minor setback. but so are the big dogs. Due to new discoveries For many of us, when we think of concus- about the repercussions of head injuries that have sions, we think of a blow to the head that will have recently surfaced, professional sports are begin- you warming the bench for a couple weeks. No ning to take notice. Last month, the NFL’s Head, big deal right? Wrong. Concussions are also known Neck and Spine committee announced that it will as mild traumatic brain injuries, because they are implement a new standard concussion test. With just that - brain injuries. new guidelines, it should be more accurate in diag- Your brain is surrounded by a substance called nosing head injuries on the sideline of the most cerebrospinal fluid, which is designed to act as a hard-hitting sport out there. cushion between the brain and the skull. Think of The NFL’s new protocol was most likely in your head as a package - your skull is the box, the response to research that linked concussions to bubble wrap is the fluid, and your brain is the item major mental health issues that emerge later in inside. The fluid basically prevents your brain from life. According to statistics collected by the Los rattling inside your head. Yet that is what happens Angeles Times, over half of NFL players say when you get a concussion - the force is too strong they’ve suffered a concussion, and about a quar- for the fluid to cushion. In turn, the parts of the ter of them say they’ve suffered three or more. brain that experience forceful physical contact From that, one in every five of the “multiple suf- undergo damage as well. ferers” has also dealt with depression. That’s three Common symptoms of concussions include times the rate of players who haven’t experienced headaches, weakness, numbness, dizziness, sen- a concussion in their pro career. And as far as sitivity to light, decreased coordination or balance, illness goes, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia have confusion, and nausea or vomiting. So if you’re in proved to be much more common in players than a collision and get what seems to be just a bump not. Even if a former player does have one of and a temporary headache, get checked out any- those conditions, it is still likely that they will way. Our trusty athletic trainer Kevin Auffrey experience some sort of unnatural memory loss. can do a test to be sure it isn’t serious. “The big- Even the most simplest of concussions is extremely Yes, us teenagers aren’t being roughed around gest problem is the lack of reporting them,” said Photo courtesy of: Time Magazine. January 31st, by 350-pound linebackers everyday. Neverthe- Auffrey. “The kids don’t think they have a con- 2011 less, concussions still pose a threat to us, too. cussion, just a headache and they don’t report it The thing about concussions is that they often to an athletic trainer or coach.” go unnoticed or unreported. But they are already should be evaluated immediately before playing her off the court, but also out of school for a few The only thing worse than getting a concussion more dangerous to begin with, causing far more again to avoid further possible damage. Think of days. “It’s the worst feeling because you feel like is getting another before symptoms of the first damage than other injuries. You can fix a broken it this way - the sooner the problem is identi- there’s nothing wrong with you so you want to one subside. Characterized by confusion and for- bone, but you cannot reverse brain damage. So fied, you get back on the field. play, but then you try to move and your head getfulness, Second Impact Syndrome can set in don’t take the chance - check yourself before you The average recovery time for a concussion- kills,” said Taylor. where effects can worsen. wreck yourself! stricken athlete is 2 to 4 weeks. And what a long Though we can all agree that sitting out is not The majority of athletes prefer to play through 2 to 4 weeks that can be. Just ask a girls junior at all fun, it is the only fix for it. And with the New baseball coach steps up to the plate Arnett at an interview a few weeks ago. winning,” said Black. Black is ready for the chal- Coach Arnett will be changing the way that By ERIN ORMSBY “[I can tell you that] he is a drill Sergeant. But lenge and excited for yet another devoted and the boys play baseball. He has much to offer and Featured Writer I think he’s a great guy, fun, yet serious about talented baseball coach. brings new things to the table. “Things will be a ”Bob was a cap- lot different. He has a new young crew as well as fter 23 years of coaching baseball, 12 years tain of mine on my new drills, new practice routines, new everything of which were here at West Side, first West Side team really,” said Black. Avarsity baseball Coach Paul Taylor has de- in ’99, and helped us “He knows the game really well and brings a cided to hang up his baseball glove. Bob Arnett, make the tourna- lot of intensity,” said senior Evan Culver, “The last year’s assistant coach and previous assistant ment. He will do a atmosphere will change a little because their coach- coach at WNEC, will be taking on the position of great job,” said ing styles are a little different.” Although things head baseball coach this season. Coachwill be different this season, both Arnett and the ”I have mixed feelings about [Taylor leaving], Taylor. According to players seem ready. I’m going to miss the coach that gave me my first Taylor, Arnett al- Arnett believes that this season the pitching opportunity as a sophomore, but I am also excited ready possesses the and defense will be strong, but the team may lack for a change in my senior year,” said senior DJ organizational, tech- the speed and power that they had in previous Black. nical, and motiva- seasons. This year, Arnett sees South Hadley and “Mr. Taylor is a great coach and we’re all going tional skills that are East Longmeadow as the biggest competition. to miss him,” said junior Brendan Martin. Although required of a good For this season, the team has the highest antici- the players are going to miss their old coach, they coach. pations in mind. Black thinks that the team needs are excited for the change in pace and the new “Coach Taylor to focus on playing good defense and the runs things that are coming. and my coaching will come. Arnett assisted Taylor at West Side in 2001 , philosophies are “Obviously I hope we do well. We’re going to and again in 2010. He is very experienced with very similar. I will be be short in pitching and lack power in the baseball; having coached at many places such as very intense and de- bat...however, we will be one of the quickest head coach at Wilbraham American Legion, where mand the same from teams. It should be interesting,” said Black. he led his team to a 20-5 record in 2006, further my coaches and play- “Hopefully we have a very successful season, taking them to the semi-finals in the state tourna- ers,” said Arnett. He win a lot of games, and make a run for the Western ment. He was also the AIC Basketball Strength hopes that the play- Mass title,” said Culver. Brendan Martin also re- and Conditioning coach. ers will quickly lays his hopes of making it to playoffs. Before coaching, Arnett had won several awards, adapt to his new To end his baseball career, Coach Taylor leaves including the National Collegiate Athletic Asso- program, that way with this, “I am honored to have been the coach ciation Student Athlete Award as a member of the they can achieve the last 12 years here at West Side, and will miss Westfield State College baseball team. their goal of winning it. However, it is time to do something else with “He seems very motivated; passionate about at least ten games and the springtime, and one of those things is to be a coaching and about the game of baseball,” said Photo by Terrier Times Staff getting into the Dad - going to my daughter’s activities and focus- freshmen baseball coach Ryan Dunphy, who met Coach Arnett is in his first season as the West Side baseball coach. postseason. ing on them, instead of on my pitching rotation.” March 2011 Terrier Sports 15 Terrier Times Spring Sports Preview By EMILY TAYLOR Taylor, Coach Arnett sometimes has to move their practices to They are lead by captains Josh Gagnon, Bobby is taking the reins. Mittineague Park across town. But the girls Spano, and Brendan Boss. Coach Charles Sports Editor Returning pitchers don’t let this get in their way. “We do what made a point that hard work as well as an in- D.J. Black and we can with what we have,” said Stef crease in their lacrosse IQ and having each Brendan Martin will Manzi. Last year they won against hard- player play to their full potential will be what Girls’ Lacrosse prove to be key this hitting Holyoke and Central and are hop- puts this team over the top. “Anything is pos- Head Coach: Shannon Feeley, 2nd year, as well as the ing to make tournament this year. sible with those three things,” said Coach. Season play of Evan Culver 2010 Record: 4-15 behind the plate and Boys’ Volleyball Boys’ Track Dan Jonah in the Head Coach: Iain Head Coach: Peter Gillen, outfield. Playoffs Bradbury, 2nd Season 6th Season are the goal this 2010 Record: 8-9 2010 Record: 6-1 season, as Coach Under the leadership of first year coach Arnett looks to Iain Bradbury, the boys had a remarkable “instill a winning season, just missing the playoffs. In their mentality” into his final regular season game that would have team. And for him, success on the field qualified them for the postseason, the Ter- also comes hand in hand with academic riers fell to Ludlow in a hard fought 5 achievement. “The kids are going to work matches. Nevertheless, the 2011 team is very hard everyday, both in and out of the ready to capture that playoff berth this year. classroom. They will make good decisions, “We want to hit the books, and practice like we play,” win, plain and said Arnett. “We have to take care of the simple, though The 2011 girls’ lacrosse squad is fired up for a little things, and the big things will take care more impor- new season. With their sights set on playoffs of themselves.” tantly [we for this year, these girls are bound for a great want] to have year. Senior captain Carrie Davis says the key a cohesive In spring 2010, local outdoor tracks were for this season is their optimism. “We’re stay- team,” said alive with extraordinary performances from the ing positive and hoping for the best. Everyone’s Girls’ Softball Coach boys’ track team. And it is expected to happen working hard and maybe we can pull out more Head Coach: Deke Bradbury. Dis- yet again. Last year, the boys were league run- wins and get league champs this season,” said Pillsbury cipline and ner-ups. They also did exceptionally well in Davis. Having graduated nine seniors from 2010 Record: 18-4 hard work the postseason, sending 19 runners to the Di- last year, the team may be a bit short of the The 2011 softball girls are ready to play. combined with vision 1 Championship Meet, and 14 to the experience it is used to having. “We will be In an unforgettable 2010 season, the team persistence will Western Mass Finals. This season the team relying on the leadership of our two returning advanced to the Western Mass Champion- prove to carry will go without Ben Perdue, Dan Smith, and seniors Gina Orlando and Carrie Davis,” said ship game under the leadership of long time the team far this spring. The squad is lead Mike Whalen - all of whom currently run track Coach Feeley. “After losing 9 seniors to gradu- coach, Deke Pillsbury. Coach Pillsbury cur- by Alex Taganov, Alex Blokhin and Vitaly at the collegiate level. Despite losing those three ation, we’re going to need the underclassmen rently has 500 wins to his name, and the Sergeychik. That being said, every player outstanding seniors last year, the boys’ future to step up to play in a very competitive league.” team is eager to augment that number. The will fulfill keys roles in the team’s success looks promising. The team returns a number of A competitive league it is, with West Side hav- roster this season while see a few changes this season. Coach Bradbury said their goal key competitors this season. Among them are ing to face solid teams in South Hadley, though, as the Terriers saw four impact play- is to not only win, but to represent West distance runners Alex Wright, Tim Shea, Zack Westfield, and Amherst, as well as regional ers graduate. Not only that, but star pitcher Side honorably. “Our reputation is critical Sullivan, Adam Stokowski, and Melvin Torres, power Longmeadow who just missed clinch- Annie Pitkin trans- and at the end of the day, we expect to as well as high jumpers Ryan Kennedy and ing a state title last spring. This year’s plan of ferred to Suffield have learned and tried until we have suc- Joe Plante and throwers Connor Hovey and attack says Coach Feeley: “Playing simple clean Academy after a stel- ceeded.” Stefan Davis. Senior Alex Wright qualified for lacrosse - hard passes, consistent catches, and lar sophomore year. the All-State meet last season, while Joe Plante accurate shots.” Despite this, the girls also qualified for it in indoor competition this are out to prove that Girls’ Track winter. Coming so close to winning a league Boys’ Tennis they can continue to Head Coach: Matt Griffin title last time around, they are determined to Head Coach: Mike Cookish, be among the region’s It’s that time of year again, the middle clinch one, and having a simple plan for doing 6th Season elite. “The biggest school track is getting some use as the girls’ so. “We’ll work hard and try to execute on meet 2010 Record: 7-7 thing this season is to and boys’ track teams begin practicing. Al- days,” said Coach Gillen. The boys’ tennis team is back and at it again. keep a positive atti- though the girls were sad to see coach Mike In 2010, they tude and prove to ev- Atkins leave, they are excited to see what posted an out- eryone that we can go their new coach, Matt Griffin, has to offer. standing 7-7 just as far,” said senior Some of the girls already knew him from record, a huge captain Amanda indoor track, but a new face on the outdoor improvement Butler. From the past track is refreshing. Runners Grace Slawski from previous success of the softball and Sabrina Kalil as well as thrower Julia years. And program, the girls Mosijchuk competed in the Western Mass having lost know that a high meet last year, and are ready to do it again. only one senior work ethic is key to attain this goal. “It’s my Captains this year are Slawski, a senior, and to graduation, senior year so I’m going to work hard and I junior Melanie Bellefleur. The girls look for- the future expect my team to work just as hard,” said ward to a successful season, as they are all looks bright. senior captain Tiffany Thompson. “I want to striving to improve personally. “Track is very The team fea- have fun, and I want to win.” Like past years, personal,” said Slawski. “What you put in tures a solid defending sectional champion Amherst and is what you get out.” By bettering them- returning squad, including Captain Mike “The rival Agawam are expected to be the team’s selves individually, the team will surely Machine” MacRae, Connor Twaddle, and Petr toughest competition. thrive. “We want to win more meets and Vitkovsky, who look to be the singles players become a more closer-knit family,” said for this year. The boys were just three wins sophomore Gayla Neffinger. away from clinching a postseason curve in 2010, and have made it their goal to appear in Girls’ Tennis Boys’ Lacrosse playoff contention. According to Coach Head Coach: Melaina Head Coach: Jacques Cookish, dedication to the sport of tennis, as Corduff, 5th season Charles, 7th Season well as some help from the girls tennis team 2010 Record: 17-2 with fuel their success this season. 2010 Record 6-9 Prepare for total domination. This It’s tennis season! The Lady Terriers are spring the boys plan to tear up Clark Baseball returning most of their team, with the excep- Field and have yet another stellar sea- Head Coach: Bob Arnett, tion of five seniors, which included last year’s son. Hosting the Western Mass Semi- 1st Season top two singles players and two doubles play- finals, the Terriers fell to Longmeadow 2010 Record: 9-11 ers. The 2011 round-up will be lead by se- in overtime last year. So it is obvious After losing a whopping 11 seniors last sea- niors Gianna DiClementi, Steph Roy, Stef that this crew is out seeking revenge. son, you can count on seeing quite a few new Manzi, and Taylar Trohon. Returnees are Looking to repeat as Valley League faces taking the field this spring. After win- excited to get out on the court after months champions for the third straight year, the ning a league title and advancing to the West- of offseason indoor practice, with a competi- guys are also hungry for a Western Mass ern Mass Semi-finals in 2009, the boys re- tive season ahead of them Unfortunately, due title. turned in 2010, just barely missing playoffs to the poor condition of our courts, all of their In 2010, the team lost six key seniors with a 9-11 record. And they’re back again, matches, as well as those of the boys team, to graduation. Despite that, they are ex- under new management. After playing for and are played away. Because there is only one pected to advance just as far this year. assistant coaching under former coach Paul playable court here on Piper Road, the team March 2011 Terrier Sports 16 Terriers finish out season strong By RYAN ABBOTT Central, who knocked us out of the tournament ter final game played here on campus at good thing and improve it. During their practices the Featured Writer last year,” said senior guard Hannah Cawley. ‘ole Doris B. Hayes gymnasium. The energy girls were pushed to try and improve on the court. The team this year was lead by a total of five of the crowd contributed immensely to the in- Through everything this team has been through seniors. Britt Gage and Hannah Cawley, who tensity of the girls’ play. They won the game, really built up team chemistry. “We have come a he girls varsity basketball team has have been varsity players since they were fresh- which sent them to face Longmeadow at AIC long way from when we first came together as a shown a great amount of energy and team man, served as team captains. “The senior cap- in the sectional semi-finals. Although they were team. When I started playing varsity two years Twork over the course of the season com- tains were our models and the best players on favored to win, a close overtime loss meant the ago I saw our team as my teammates. Now they ing away with a 19-3 record for the season. Their the team. So all our heart and how hard we end of a magical run for the team. are my sisters. This year we had two great team- passion for the game and high intensity led them worked, we followed and learned from them lead- You certainly can’t forget about the man mates added to our family, Hannah Beane and to their first Western Mass semi-finals appear- ing us to almost winning it all,” said sophomore behind it all. The girls look up to their head Libby Patruski,” said Jessie Theulen, one of West ance since 2007. The girls always knew how to guard Emily Calabrese. Anastasia Walker, Karen coach Paul Taylor. He has been coaching the Side’s junior basketball players. This just goes to finish close games and come away with the win. Birkner, and Carrie Davis were also the queens team for eight years and plans on coaching the show how much the girls care for each other and The girls have come quite a long way since last of the court as Walker and Birkner were critical girls team for many years to come. Taylor en- with that comes wins and accomplishments. season. Finishing 9-11 in 2010, the team just missed down low, while Davis was key as a small for- joys the the team chemistry that his team shares Over the course of the season, West Side was qualifying for playoffs. It came down to able to showcase its many tal- their final regular season game against ented players. Among the most Central High School, put they were not talented in the area is point guard able to pull off the win. That marked the Dana Theobald. Dana led West- first time in 7 years that the Terriers ern Mass in scoring this season, would miss out on the postseason. racking up a total of 517 points. Though it was a heartbreak, that bit- She also reached the 1,000 point ter ending may have been the best thing milestone this year. There are that happened to the team. The girls used only four girls that have accom- that disappointment as fuel for the up- plished this very honorable coming season. “Losing last year defi- achievement. The last girls’ var- nitely motivated us to work harder be- sity player that has made the cause we didn’t want to have that feel- 1,000 point club was Rebecca ing ever again,” said junior guard Dana Wise in 2006. Wise made 1,031 Theobald. Photo by Steph Roy points at the end of her high In the dawn of the 2010-2011 sea- The West Side girls’ basketball team finished with a 19-3 record and advanced to the sectional semi-finals. school basketball career. How- son, a turnaround was certainly noticed. ever, Theobald is still a junior and Right from the get-go, West Side estab- has all of next year to keep on lished their place among the best in the region. ward. Last year the team featured zero seniors, and pushes everyone to do their best in any piling up her points. At the rate she is going now, They started the season with a 9-0 start, falling to so these girls have lead the way since then. given situation. “If the kids do their best then she might have the most points out of any girls Amherst Regional in their 10th game by only 3 These five seniors have promising futures we have reached out goals,” said Taylor. Tay- varsity player West Side has seen by the end of points. In fact, the Terriers’ two losses came by a ahead of them, also. Four out of the five are lor has high hopes for the future and is looking her career. As far as college plans go, Theobald has total of 5 points, as they lost at Holyoke High by playing college sports. Brittany Gage will play forward to coach for many more seasons. He made verbal commitment to play at Boston Uni- just a basket. for Nichols College next year, while Anastasia was impressed with how well his team worked versity in 2012. This season both Theobald and Not only did the girls finish with such an out- Walker and Karen Birkner will compete as together and ended with a great record. The teammate Emily Taylor were selected for The Re- standing regular season record, but had the best Holyoke Community College Cougars. Carrie coaching staff also included four assistants to publican First Team All-Western Mass. record in their league. They compete in arguably Davis will not play collegiate basketball, how- Coach Taylor. Returning yet again were Coach Aside from these juniors and the seniors, sev- the toughest league in the state, facing long time ever, she will play lacrosse at American Interna- Deke Pillsbury, as well as Coach Doug Hill, eral underclassmen contributed greatly to the team’s powers in Northampton, East Longmeadow, Cen- tional College. who also headed the freshman girls through a success. Returnees Jessie Theulen, and Emily tral, Holyoke, Minnechaug, and Ludlow. For the As next year comes around, their presence successful season. The junior varsity team was Calabrese, along with newcomers Hannah Beane first time since West Side saw the likes of Amanda will be missed on the team. The veterans on the led by Coach Gerry Calvanese, who is in his and Libby Patruski were role players for the Ter- Santos and Becky Wise in 2006, the girls claimed team helped in acquiring the top seed in the league. 3rd year, and Coach Chelsea Barnicle who was riers. the Valley League title. Though they co-champi- In fact, Holyoke and West Side were dead even new to the program this year. Their tireless The girls’ basketball team has come a long way oned it with the Holyoke Knights, that takes noth- with the same record that a coin toss had to be efforts made it that much easier for the girls to since the beginning of the season up to the very ing away from the great accomplishment. “Hold- done in order to decide the top seed and with focus on winning. end in Springfield during the semi-finals. This is ing spot in the best league in Western Mass, [win- some luck West Side won the toss. At times in the season the girls made it look not the end of the road though, as the girls have ning the] league title was the icing on top of a West Side went on to face East Longmeadow, easy. However, the team saw every day as a high hopes for next winter. perfect season, especially after clinching it against the defending Western Mass champions in a quar- challenge and an opportunity to work on some- Spring Sports Schedule GIRLS VARSITY SOFTBALL BOYS VARSITY BOYS VARSITY LACROSSE GIRLS VARISTY LACROSSE *All home games are played at VOLLEYBALL *All home games played at Clark *All home games are played at Clark Field Mittineague *All home games are played in the Field Apr 15, 3:30 vs. Westfield Apr 4, 4:00 vs. Northampton high school gym Apr 15, 3:30 vs. Westfield Apr 18, 3:30 vs. Longmeadow Apr 6, 3:45 vs. Chicopee Mar 31, 4:00 vs. Dean Tech. Apr 18, 3:30 vs. Longmeadow Apr 25, 6:00 vs. Agawam Apr 8, 4:00 vs. Ludlow Apr 11, 6:30 vs. E. Longmeadow Apr 25, 6:00 vs. Agawam Apr 29, 6:30 vs. Northampton Apr 13, 4:00 vs. Cathedral Apr 13, 4:30 vs. Chicopee Comp Apr 29, 6:30 vs. Northampton May 2, 4:00 vs. Amherst Reg. Apr 27, 4:00 vs. Belchertown Apr 14, 5:30 vs. Agawam May 2, 4:00 vs. Amherst Reg. May 10, 6:30 vs. Cathedral May 4, 3:30 vs. Longmeadow Apr 18, 5:00 vs. Minnechaug Reg. May 10, 6:30 vs. Cathedral May 20, 7:00 vs. East Longmeadow May 5, 3:45 vs. Westfield Apr 25, 5:00 vs.Belchertown May 20, 7:00 vs. E. Longmeadow May 27, 7:00 vs. Belchertown May 11, 4:00 vs. Amherst Reg. Apr 28, 5:00 vs. Ludlow May 27, 7:00 vs. Belchertown May 16, 3:30 vs. Agawam May 4, 5:00 vs. Central May 18, 3:30 vs. Minnechaug Reg. May 6, 5:00 vs. Athol May 9, 4:45 vs. Westfield BOYS VARSITY BASEBALL *All home games are played at Boys and girls tennis Mittineague matches are all away, Apr 1, 3:30 vs. Minnechaug Reg. Apr 7,4:00 vs. East Longmeadow but try to make it to a Apr 13, 4:00 vs. Northampton few to root on the Apr 25, 4:00 vs. Belchertown Terriers! Apr 27, 4:00 vs. South Hadley Apr 29, 4:00 vs. Chicopee May 2, 4:00 vs. Central *Track & Field May 3, 3:30 vs. Longmeadow schedules are not May 9, 4:00 vs. Amherst Reg. yet available May 11, 4:00 vs. Agawam May 20, 4:15 vs. Holyoke Congratulations, Serves You Right, Boudreau Volleyball Tournament winners