A Forum For Student Opinion THE ADVOCATE April 2014 Volume 53 Issue 5 Jonathan Law High School Milford, CT Free “She was a bright light...” Maren Sanchez was a beloved friend and classmate who was taken from us far too soon. We will never forget her infectious smile, her generosity, and her love for life. Her spirit will live on forever. “Maren was one of a kind. No one could compare to “She was a beautiful girl with a big smile, a big “When someone you love becomes a memory, the how beautiful, smart, brave, talented, pure, personality, and an even bigger heart.” - Casey LaScola memory becomes a treasure.” - Leslie Terres kind-hearted, and amazing she was. She was a friend to everyone, and no matter where she is, she’ll always “Maren was an amazing person. She was always “You’re still hoping. You’re still wishing. And you’re be the life of the party.” - Amanda DeLeo smiling, laughing, and making jokes. She genuinely staying strong, fighting with the tears in your eyes.” cared about everyone.” - Raeven Grant - Alexia Escaleira “Maren was one of the most genuine people I have ever met. She was so kind to everyone and her smile lifted “Maren was the greatest person you could find. “I’ll never forget all of our good times in middle school. up others. She will forever be an inspiration to me.” She was understanding, caring, We’re strong buddies forever. I’m going to miss - Alyssa Paladino and so generous.” - Hayley Sanchez you greatly.” - Hailey Ashcroft “She was sunshine contained in a girl.” “Maren was an angel in disguise, walking amongst “Keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most - Kellie Muldowney the Earth, but she was out past her curfew importantly, keep smiling because life is a beautiful and she was summoned back home” thing and there’s so much to smile about.” “She was my inspiration and my role model. - Cara Richardson - Tia DiBiase She changed me for the better.” - Colleen McMurray “Cherish each and every day.” “Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us “She was just always happy. She always had a smile - Karissa Talamelli everyday, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, on her face.” - Rebecca Golden stilled missed, and very dear.” - Kyle Hartnett “Words seem pointless to express the sorrow I feel. “She was easy to talk to and was always there She will always be loved.” - Storm Saulnier “Maren was and is and always will be part of the for everyone.” - Danica Wens Drama Club family.” - Vicky Toth “Be strong because things will get better. “Maren was the happiest and most genuine person It may be stormy now but it never rains forever.” “Maren was the sun that made our days shine.” I’ve ever met.” - Jake Miller - Niamh Nelson - Anthony Falcon “Maren was the epitome of the perfect girl. She will “Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. never be forgotten as long as I live. I will continue to “Maren was an angel in all of our eyes. She just went home.” - Mikaela Gray You are loved beyond words and missed beyond love her forever.” - Cori Kalafus measure. Rest in paradise. I love you so much. We all love you so much.” - Brie Williams “Maren was the most beautiful person I have ever “She taught me to live life to the fullest and always be yourself.” - Melissa Hanania known. She was kind, caring, loving, trusting, and “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the genuine in everything she said and did. She was triumph over it.” - Maddie Murphy everything I aspire to be.” - Kira Topalian “Appreciate the little things in life.” - Caitlyn Zawadski Page 2 THE ADVOCATE EDITORIAL Jonathan Law HS April 2014 THE ADVOCATE Avoid Senioritis Jesiree Carrera Advocate Staff Reporters Editor-in-Chief At All Costs Christina Macaluso Ryan Axtell, Colleen Bogucki, Hope Cupole, Hayley Sanchez Laura Gonzalez, Emma Grace, Kway Ellison, The symptoms are all News Editor Casey Finn, Morgan Hennessey, Darby Hudd, here: laziness, procrastination, Colleges compare and a lack of determination; Ismar Junuzovic, Emily LaLuna,Taylor Loughlin, the beginning of the Jesiree Carrera everyone has been infected Editorial Editor Nicole Macchio, Haley McNulty, Jeremy Melita, with it: Senioritis. school year to the Frank Musante, Kayla Patrick, Carol Phillips, April break has come and results at the end Ben Buczek Michaela Pounds, Mariah Root, Aaron Tejada, gone, AP testing is about to of the school year. Michael Vaccaro Matthew Tighe, Joshua Weizel start, and finally, graduation Entertainment Editor is closing in. Their studies at Futhermore, they can Jonathan Law will soon come deny a student after Meaghan Sollitto to an end as they progress onto Megan Fitzsimons furthering their education at acceptance if they The Advocate is the official student-run publication Columns Editor other institutions or following did not live up to the of Jonathan Law High School. The opinions their dreams and aspirations. Stephanie Cameron presented in The Advocate are solely those of the They stop caring about college’s standards. Richie Dow students. As journalists, the members of The their classes with the mentality Sports Editor Advocate staff are committed to upholding the core of, “Why does it matter? I’ve Senioritis hasn’t just begun Bryan Creevy of our code of ethics: objectivity, integrity, and truth. already gotten into college,” to affect the senior class, though. Alumni Columnist The staff endeavors to report the news but they must realize that the It also influences juniors, without editorializing, include a diversity of opinions end of the year is especially sophomores, and freshmen in Mr. Kulenych in our coverage, and present sound, corroborated important. their school work as well. The Advisor information. We welcome letters to the editor as well Colleges tend to compare years leading up to senior year the beginning of the school are important as well. Colleges as issue-based commentaries. If you are interested year to the final results at look at the progress that’s in contributing, please submit your writing to: The the end of the school year. occurred, especially during Advocate, Room 129, Jonathan Law High School, Futhermore, they can deny students’ junior years simply to 20 Lansdale Avenue, Milford, CT 06460. a student after acceptance if see the challenges that they may they truly did not live up to the have overcome or significant college’s standards. improvements made during That, however, isn’t the their schoolings. Jonathan Law High School Mission Statement only concern that should be Even with the end of Jonathan Law High School is a community that exists to maximize the kept on mind. Seniors need to CAPT testing in the state and intellectual, the social, and the emotional growth of each student in a safe, stable, have taken a certain amount the initiation of SBAC tests, supportive environment. We believe that a positive, collaborative atmosphere fosters of credits and passed a certain juniors need to begin caring high expectations and recognizes individual differences. number of classes, otherwise, more about their grades and In partnership with students, parents, and the community, we are committed to they will not be able to efforts in school to ensure that graduate due to the standards they will have the best futures developing the skills necessary for educational, career, and life choices. set. possible. Some have slacked There are many positives on the SBAC tests, but they to keeping your grades up may not realize that everything and putting as much effort as they do now and the results can THE ADVOCATE possible into schoolwork. For highly effect their graduation instance, seniors that keep a and their lives as well. ONLINE EDITION B-plus average or better in It’s time to start caring, their classes at the end of the about grades, school, and year will not have to take their futures. Students shouldn’t just finals; this could mean more pass off the end of the year sleep during the day, more simply because it’s close to time to relax with graduation summer. Jonathan Law should and other senior activities, and get over the infection and stop jlawadvocate.wordpress.com just plainly, more fun. senioritis in its tracks. ‘College Confidential’ Helps Students With Applications Carol Phillips What is needed to do first Staff Reporter when first on this website? To There are many It is important that juniors start off, on the top bar, there colleges that offer focus on their future this year. is a button that says “college anything and Not many people want to do search.” If this tab is clicked this, however it is necessary on, there are other tabs about everything for to start college research. In different qualities a college students. But which the upcoming year, juniors has. For example, it will ask are going to be looking into about what location the student A good amount of colleges Once someone has chosen one is the right fit? colleges, going on college prefers or what school size at this point will pop up on their top five colleges from The best place to start visits, and actually applying would work best with the the screen. This is when the this list, it is recommended to off is with “College for these colleges soon after. student.This narrows down the student needs to look at the visit them. Even if the college So where to start? There colleges from all around so the information provided to see search matched someone up Confidential.” are many colleges that offer ones that fit best for the student which best fits their interests.