Northfield Mount Hermon School Winter 2011 UB Scholar’s Digest

Director’s Notes...

Greetings! Anna Rigali, our Holyoke advi- UB MISSION sor will be heading to Washing- It has been a very ton D. C. for the Council for Our mission is to provide snowy winter at Opportunity Policy Seminar UB Attends Food and the skills and motivation UB! We are catch- with the hope of learning more for low-income and first ing our breath after about the legislative process. She Justice Summit in Boston generation youth to be a week of exciting events and is part of the Massachusetts successful in high school trips, including our annual Ca- delegation which will be engag- and to be able to enter reer Day and a trip to Boston ing our representatives in discus- On Saturday, Feb. 26th, UB staff and over 50 freshmen, and succeed in college. for a Food Justice Conference. sions about the future of Up- Alumni Heather Hume and sophomores and juniors at- ward Bound and other TRIO tended the 2011 Northeast Food Omar Williams joined us and programs. Like all federally and Justice Summit at North- shared their insight and experi- In this issue . . . funded programs, Upward eastern University in Boston. ences in their respective fields of Bound is feeling the pressure of The conference offered a pleth- transportation and accounting. ora of food justice-related work- UB Attends Food Justice 2 proposed cuts. It is more impor- shops that helped UB kick off Summit in Boston tant than ever for all of us to Our seniors are beginning to its spring enrichment and Sum- continue to communicate the Staff Spotlight 2 get good news from colleges and mer Academy food justice value and success of our pro- theme. College and Career 3 we are getting to know our new grams. Please share your success Exploration students through our afterschool stories and speak out! Students participated in interac- Legislative Forum for 3 programs. tive and informative workshops, Youth Gisele Litalien including sessions on farm Photo Collage: High- 4 workers’ rights, the truth behind lights from February fast food, gardening, multicul- tural food traditions, the impact New Student Orienta- 5 of food systems on the individ- tion, Experiences College and Career Exploration Continued on page 3 ual, environment and commu- Senior Spotlights 6 After wrapping up an intense change the world. They also nity, ―slow food‖ preparation, season of SAT preparation, UB learned about the importance of corner store ―makeovers‖ and College Acceptances 7 students embarked on a new grades, GPA and academic rigor examining the food chain from chapter of after-school enrich- in the college application process ―seed to plate.‖ Alumni Updates and 8 Spotlights ment this January: college and and how financial aid can help career exploration. During en- make college affordable. (continued on page 2) Beast Point Events 10 richment, students learned about

balancing personal and profes- In February, students gathered at

Parent Corner 10 sional values, researched careers NMH for the annual UB Career online, explored college majors Day, where 10 pro- Leadership Spotlight 11 and brainstormed how they could

fessionals – including

Beast Point Challenge 12

Left: students write poetrythe in “Poetry and Story”your workshop. UBAbove: scholars Northeasternexplore University. THE UB SCHOLAR’S DIGEST SCHOLAR’S UB THE

by Isabel Allende.by Isabel Meatless Mondays general.in For them to push For themselvesto them the to edge Getting to know to Getting know kids! new And working a in Island Island Beneath the Sea — it takes like 20 years. The snow that The snow sticks on trees. And going on walks

bundling my newborn up

not not

Brattleboro, VT Brattleboro, corner and stores bodegas im- pact a community’s access to healthy food and the steps they can takeaddress to issue the of deserts.‖―food The workshop entitled People―The Behind Food‖ the presented informa- abouttion the legal and societal contributefactors that the to exploitation of farm workers, anotherin while workshop, stu- dents talked theabout connec- tion activismbetween and food justice. talked ―We civilabout rights, Gandhi’s Salt March, the Greensboro sit-ins and the Black Renaissance Panthers,‖ junior Tim Flavin reported. In and―Youth Good Food,‖ stu- dents considered impactthe of McDonald’s on our food system and discussed cor-stop ways to porate abuse of food. The conference gave also UB astudents chance explore to the Northeastern University campus heartthe in of Boston. Long Island, NY Island, Long (continued from page 1) 1) page from (continued Turners Falls Academic Advisor; Assistant Director Director Assistant Advisor; Academic Falls Turners

Sharon Gralnick Sharon Hometown: town: Current Position: (Recommended me to by Gisele!) What’s your favorite part about the winter? atDefinitely night. What do you enjoy about your new role at UB? new community.new What goals do you have for your students this year? What is your favorite food from Alumni Dining Hall? of of their comfort zone and to work become to best the of who they are. What is the last you readbook that you loved?

UB Scholars attend Food Summit Summit in BostonUB Scholarsattend Food The The concept of food justice ais broad one, with many andaspects perspectives to consider. The workshops at the Summit re- flected multi-facetedthe of nature issuethis and helped introduce UB staff and to students some basic information while helping everyone understand relevancethe of food justice in our lives. ―FoodIn Justice 101‖, students learned rights workers’ about is- sues and how to be a more in- formed consumer when making foodpersonal choices. The work- wasshop presented by youth from ininterns The Food Project, a Boston-based movement. In ―Healthy Corner Store Make- studentsovers,‖ discussed how

Winter 2011 Staff Spotlight: New Role at UB Staff Spotlight: New Role UB Scholar’s Digest

College and Career Exploration (continued from page 1)

UB alums Heather Hume and The next few days in mid- Omar Williams – gave presenta- February were busy ones for UB tions about their careers. students! On Tuesday, a group of students visited Stonehill This year’s event featured speak- College in Easton, Mass. and ers in the fields of video game Wheaton College in Norton. On design, allied health, criminal Wednesday, another group justice, public transportation, toured Fairfield University in accounting, information tech- Fairfield, Conn. and Connecticut nology, neonatal nursing and College in New London. Thurs- engineering. UB students took day’s trip was to UMASS Dart- advantage of the opportunity to mouth, where sophomores and learn about so many different juniors toured the campus while career paths; they asked insight- seniors applying to the school ful questions and some even interviewed and tested for the connected with the professionals College Now program. Visiting afterward. Holyoke High junior colleges also gave UB students a Naiomi Robles and Renaissance chance to reconnect with freshman Leila Melendez each alumni; they met up with Vianca spoke to presenters about find- Ramos, (Holyoke High 2010) a ing internships in their commu- freshman at Fairfield University nities in the fields of forensic studying accounting, and Julian psychology and criminal justice. Jiminian, (Renaissance 2010) an engineering freshman at UMASS After the presentations, the stu- Dartmouth. dents enjoyed a delicious meal in Alumni Dining Hall and split up UB students enjoyed the chance to participate in fun group ac- to see new places, ask questions, tivities ranging from yoga and picture themselves on college Thriller-dancing to basketball, campuses and consider new board games and watching a possibilities for their futures. movie. Work hard, scholars — one day you’ll be giving tours yourselves!

UB Students Participate in Legislative Forum for Youth

an open dialogue with legislators UB scholars and GHS students Yasmin from Massachusetts state and Forbes, Cheyenna Woodard, Rahul local government. Among the Malik and Manisha Malik attended the forum. Woodard, a freshman, participated in legislators in attendance at this discussions with Sen. year’s forum were Senator Benja- Downing and [the DA]. ―I min B. Downing, Representative asked Sen. Downing why In January, several UB students partici- Denise Andrews, Sen. Steve the state had to close the pated in the 9th [?] annual Franklin Brewer, Berkshire Rep. Gail elementary school and why County Legislative Forum for Youth Cariddi, Greenfield Mayor Bill the building is just sitting there; why can’t they open held at Greenfield High School. The Martin and District Attorney it again?‖ Woodard said she David Sullivan. In two roundta- event, organized by YouthServe Ameri- enjoyed hearing what her fellow students Corps members and the DIAL/SELF ble-style sessions, students asked had to say and hearing the responses from program, presents high school students the legislators questions about the legislators, affirming that she would like with a unique opportunity to engage in issues and laws affecting their to attend the forum again in the future.

THE UB SCHOLAR’S DIGEST February Event Highlights

Wheaton College Stonehill College

UMASS Dartmouth

Career Day Activities Winter 2011

New students gear up for Upward Bound

At the New Student Orientation Ambassadors Summer Forcier, at NMH on Saturday, Jan. 15th, Alex Carlo, Aliona Olaru, UB staff, Student Ambassadors Nidhi Malik, Katherine and current UB scholars wel- Casado and Rosa Oliveras comed new students and their introduced new students to UB’s families to the program. ―No Diss‖ policy and led ice- breakers to help everyone get to Director Gisele Litalien and know each other. academic advisors from Holy- oke, Springfield and Franklin After lunch at Alumni Hall, Am- County introduced freshmen, bassadors led new families and sophomores and their families students on tours of the NMH to the goals, expectations and campus. The entire UB commu- culture of Upward Bound. nity is excited to welcome its newest members! New students shared their ex- citement and apprehension with the group and discussed their academic goals with their fami- lies and new advisors. Student

New Students Talk about the UB Experience

Tynayko (Ty) Melendez, fresh- Manisha Malik, freshman, man, Springfield Renaissance Greenfield High School: ―I like that if School: ―It’s fun! The people are you need help you can come after nice and it helps me in school. My school to get it. They keep you on goal is to get on the Honor Roll at track and help you know how to go least once; I’ve never been on it be- to college. They tell you about GPA fore.‖ and grades; I didn’t know before that GPA was so important, and now I Tameka Hebert, sophomore, know that every grade matters!‖ Greenfield High School: ―I like how we go off into groups, do work and compare our work to others’. This Paraskeva (Pary) Felogloy, fresh- year I want to get a B or higher in man, Greenfield High School: ―I’m pre-calc. I’m looking forward to looking forward to meeting new peo- checking out different colleges and ple and figuring out which college I meeting new people.‖ want to go to. My goal: get good grades!‖

Briana Brennan, freshman, Holy- oke High School: ―I like getting help with my homework. My goal this year is to do the best I can!‖

THE UB SCHOLAR’S DIGEST Winter 2011

SeniorSenior Spotlight:Spotlight: HighlightingHighlighting outstandingoutstanding UBUB ScholarsScholars Springfield Renaissance School

How did it feel to receive How has UB helped? When I and making decisions for my- your first college acceptance look at my peers, they’re strug- self. letter? For Elms, I saw that gling to apply to two or three huge envelope in the mail, and places and I’m already done. What advice do you have for I knew what it was from the UB gave me a head start; before students just starting UB? movies. I opened it and I was our school was even thinking Come into it with an open Ziggy Hopper-Collins by myself at the time, so the about senior year, we were ap- mind. It’s true what the seniors Hometown: Springfield, MA only one who saw me scream- plying to college after months say: you will love this place. My College Acceptances: ing and jumping was my dog. I of research. I can’t name an- first year, I was not a fan, but Bridgewater State College, called everyone – I was so other free program that offers now I can’t say goodbye. Framingham State College, happy. I feel like a number one as much as UB. Shout out to Westfield State University, draft pick; everybody wants me! Breyana! Would you rather be able to Worcester State College, Elms fly or breathe underwater? College, Roger Williams Uni- What was the most challeng- What are you looking for- versity, Salem State College Both! When times got bad, I’d ing part of the application ward to in your college ca- fly above the whole world, sing- process? Choosing a college. reer? Studying health and ing songs to bring people to- Once you choose a college and physical therapy, and maybe gether. Then when they got you know you want to go there, math (there’s a demand for it). you work hard to do everything better, I’d go back underwater I’m looking forward to getting you can to get accepted. That’s with Spongebob and take clari- to a major, being happy with it, why I chose so many – I ap- net lessons with Squidward. plied to nine colleges. and officially being on my own

Greenfield High School

What was challenging about How did UB help? ing what I did to succeed. I can the college application The financial aid part. My mom get there; I have a lot of people process? hadn’t really done it before, and rooting for me! Actually, I thought it was really if I’d had to do it on my own, easy! Chris guided us; it’s not we wouldn’t have had a lot of What advice do you have for that difficult if you stay open- guidance. UB also helped me students just starting UB? minded. Writing the essay was choose realistic colleges to ap- Don’t stress! The world’s not Yasmin Forbes going to end if you get a bad the hardest part. You want ply to that my family can afford; Hometown: Queens, New them to see who you are and grade. But don’t slack; give it York UB gave me a reality check. your all so that in the long run everything you’ve been through College Acceptances: you know you tried your hard- UMASS Dartmouth, and try to put it into 500 words. What do you look forward to est. Try not to give up! Worcester State College, doing in your college career? Westfield State University What was fun about it? Getting my degree! Being able If you had to pick one food Picking what college I wanted, to say that I did what no one to eat for the rest of your life, getting a feel for the place on else in my family could, know- what would it be? Mac and college visits. Seeing if a college ing the stereotypes people have cheese because it’s so good – was a place I’d feel comfortable of me aren’t true of me. I look and healthy! My grandma makes in. forward to looking back, know- it and it’s delicious.

THE UB SCHOLAR’S DIGEST Winter 2011

SeniorSenior Spotlight:Spotlight: HighlightingHighlighting outstandingoutstanding UBUB ScholarsScholars (continued from page 5) Holyoke High School

How does it feel to be fin- How did UB help? They last minute you may want to ished with the application made sure I knew what I was apply to a competitive program process? doing every step of the way. that doesn’t offer many spots. It felt great to be done with all They triple-checked my essays. my applications, I felt like I had What superpower would you a big load lifted from my shoul- What are you looking for- rather have: invisibility or Caitlin Anable ders. I felt excited when I heard ward to studying, doing or seeing into the future? Hometown: Holyoke, MA from the first college; I knew I experiencing at college? I I would choose invisibility be- College Acceptances: had a great safety school in case want to major in physical ther- cause if I knew what is going to Westfield State University, I did not get into any other apy. I am looking forward to happen in the future, I could DePauw University, Bay Path college. have free time, to relax and do change it so it wouldn’t be like College, UMASS Lowell things I enjoy doing. what I originally saw. It also What was the hardest part would take the surprise out of about applying to college? What advice do you have for life. For example, if I could see Submitting the applications! students just starting UB? into the future to find out what Even though I triple-checked Listen to what Upward Bound schools I got into or not, I everything, I felt as if they still has to say, they know what wouldn't get as excited when I were incomplete and not good they’re talking about.. Work see the letter! enough. hard in school because at the

College acceptances to date . . .

Anthony Adorno: Westfield State Katie Cutting: UMASS Dartmouth, Adrie Murray: Fitchburg State Col- University, Wheelock College, Guilford MCLA, Lasell College lege, North Carolina Agricultural and College, Roger Williams University Technical State University, Springfield Keren Fernandez: Holyoke Commu- College, UMASS Dartmouth Caitlin Anable: Westfield State Uni- nity College, Westfield State University versity, DePauw University, Bay Path Tyrone O’Banner: Bridgewater State College, UMASS Lowell Yasmin Forbes: UMASS Dartmouth, College Worcester State College, Westfield Nick Beaulieu: UMass Dartmouth, State University Kathie Rivera: Chatham University, UMASS Lowell, Clarkson University MCLA, Bridgewater State College Chanel Garcia: American Interna- Anna Bocharnikova: Massachusetts tional College, Westfield State Univer- David Suriel: Westfield State Univer- College of Liberal Arts, UMASS Am- sity sity, Framingham State College herst Ziggy Hopper-Collins: Bridgewater Hector Carasquillo: Westfield State State College, Framingham State Col- University, American International lege, Westfield State University, College Worcester State College, Elms College, Roger Williams University, Salem State Sarah Crowell: Bridgewater State Col- College lege, MCLA, UMASS Dartmouth, UMASS Amherst Congratulations UB Seniors!

THE UB SCHOLAR’S DIGEST UB Scholar’s Digest

Class Notes from UB Alumni

Amy Bernardo, Holyoke High 2007, Mitchell College Adriana Lara, GHS (year,) Franklin and Marshall

I am currently in my last semester at I will be graduating this May from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancas- Mitchell College and will be graduating ter, Pa. It has been a rigorous and rewarding four years and I’m sad to see in May with a Bachelor of Arts in it come to an end. I had originally planned to go straight into graduate Criminal Justice with a concentration school but have decided to work instead. I am currently looking at UB- in Programs and Treatment. I also just like programs, like the National College Advising Corps, where I would sent in my application to Westfield be working with high school seniors and helping them with the college State University for the Master’s in application process. I can’t wait to see where the next year will take me. Social Work Program. I am sitting anxiously and in anticipation of their decision, which I will not receive until April! Adriana (center) with

This semester I have to complete a 120 fellow UB alums Gordon -hour internship and I am completing Burnett (left) and Yogesh it at the Southern Council for Alcohol Malik at the UB Bowling and Drug Dependency (SCADD) in Reunion in Holyoke this New London, CT. I am striving to past December. become a drug and alcohol counselor, possibly with convicted felons. I love every minute of college and it is going to be difficult at graduation when my friends and I go our separate ways.

Some advice for the esteemed UB Scholars would be to not be hasty about making decisions, as they decide your future! Alumni Spotlight: Highlighting Outstanding UB Alums

Jennifer with husband Jon Golych at decided to get my Master’s felt like an exploration; now, their wedding. On left, UB alum Degree in teaching English. I bring that into my class- Heather Hume (Holyoke High (I recently found out the room as much as I can. 1999) principal of my school, I got my undergraduate Steve Perry, was in the I don’t know if I could have degree in English literature NMH UB program 10 years gone to a four-year college if and currently teach English before I was!) not for UB. I’m still close at the Capital Preparatory friends with some of the Magnet School in Hartford, I really enjoy my students people from UB. When I Connecticut. Before that, I and totally love teaching. was in high school, thought I wanted to be an One of the good things Greenfield was a lot less elementary school teacher about being in education is diverse than it is now. I used Jennifer Golych and did observation hours at that there are other things I to joke around that I would- Greenfield High School Westfield. While working could do from here – men- n’t know any Puerto Rican 1998, Westfield State other jobs after college, I toring or administration. people if not for UB! I University 2002, started tutoring and loved it! wouldn’t have met so many Smith College 2006 I enjoyed the level of com- I recently came across a types of people from other munication I could have couple folders from my time countries and all kinds of with high school students. I in UB; they had articles and really cool backgrounds.

THE UB SCHOLAR’S DIGEST UB Scholar’s Digest

Alumni Spotlight: Highlighting Outstanding UB Alums

Tavares Austria where I played and coached Brewington American-style football and traveled Turners Falls High throughout Europe. Upon returning School 1995, from Austria, I began work at the College of the Holy law firm Nixon Peabody LLP. Since Cross 2000, Boston joining the firm, I co-founded, and College 2004 currently serve as co-chair of, the Associates for Civil Rights, a sister Tavares (far right) was selected as one of only seven associates in the Greater organization of the Lawyers’ Com- Boston area to receive LCCR’s first-ever “Civil Rights Recognition Award.” mittee for Civil Rights (LCCR) and co-authored an amicus brief on a I credit the Upward Bound award, as well as the college’s 2008 U.S. Supreme Court decision Program with helping to pro- Davitt Award for outstanding lead- involving the constitutionality of vide me with the ability and ership and athletic performance. voluntary school desegregation motivation and ability to attend Following college, I attended Bos- plans. In 2009, I became a member college. I attended the College ton College Law School where I of the LCCR’s Subcommittee on of The Holy Cross in Worces- earned a JD. While in law school, I Racial Violence and Police Brutality. ter, Mass., where I earned a worked as a law clerk for the Mas- Currently, I am an Assistant United degree in psychology. While at sachusetts Attorney General in the States Attorney for the District of Holy Cross, I was a member of administrative law division. After Massachusetts. In this role I work the varsity football team. I re- graduating from law school and closely with federal, state and local ceived the National Football passing the Massachusetts Bar law enforcement agencies to prose- Foundation Scholar-Athlete Exam, I traveled to Klangenfurt, cute the violation of federal laws.

UB Alum Alex Morse Running for Mayor of Holyoke

in Urban Studies from Brown Youth Career Counselor at University in Rhode Island. As a CareerPoint in Holyoke, where he student at HHS, Alex founded the helps young people access em- school’s first Gay-Straight Alli- ployment and education. As a ance. He was also the founder of mayoral candidate, Alex seeks to Holyoke For All, the city’s first improve education, economic LGBT non-profit organization, development, public safety and and for three years he sat on the city pride in Holyoke. For more Massachusetts Governor’s LGBT information on Alex and upcom- Commission. He served as Presi- ing campaign events, visit dent of the Holyoke Youth Com- www.morseformayor.com. mission, where he brought the National Kids Vote Program to Holyoke and started a basketball league for out of school youth in Alex Morse partnership with the Holyoke Holyoke High School 2007, Parks and Recreation Department Brown University 2011 and the YMCA.

This past January, UB alum Alex Alex worked at City Hall in Provi- Morse announced his campaign dence, RI, where he was men- for mayor of Holyoke. Morse, a tored for three years by former Holyoke native and the first in his Providence Mayor and current family to attend college, will Congressman David Cicilline. Alex and his mom at his official campaign graduate this spring with a degree Since 2007, Alex has been a kick-off event in Holyoke this January.

THE UB SCHOLAR’S DIGEST Winter 2011

UB Scholars Continue to Beast!

Despite the cold weather, UB Points. In December, current scholars were on fire this winter, students and alumni from Holy- collecting Beast Points in their oke, Springfield and Franklin schools’ tutoring and enrich- County reunited for a night of ment sessions. Students are bowling and pizza in Holyoke. awarded Beast Points for partici- In January, three Franklin pating in games and activities, County students were rewarded showing leadership and achiev- for their beasting with a field ing personal and academic goals trip to UMASS Amherst to see a week after week. live dance performance of the Balé Folclórico da Bahia, a Several fun incentives were of- world-renowned Brazilian dance fered this season for students company. Congrats, UBeasts! with high numbers of Beast

orary UB scholar Ardazan also Parents’ Corner pitched in.)

Holyoke High students helped The Franklin County PAC make and sell baked goods at a held a movie fundraiser in Nov. 14 fundraiser at Our Lady of Greenfield in early March and Guadalupe Church in Holyoke. the Springfield PAC is cur- Proceeds from the sales support rently selling tickets for a 50/50 scholarships for UB seniors. Left raffle fundraiser to be held April to right: Sam Lawson, Cassidy 14. Melendez, David Suriel, Tyree Dennis, Jordan Avelino-Matos Thanks to all the effort and Josue Lafountaine (front). and contributions of UB (Tyree’s younger brother and hon- parents and students!

THE UB SCHOLAR’S DIGEST Winter 2011

LeadershipLeadership Spotlight:Spotlight: HighlightingHighlighting OutstandingOutstanding UBUB LeadershipLeadership inin thethe CommunityCommunity

student and brother of a current gangs involved in Pito’s death He continued, ―The teachers Renaissance student, was shot may come to City Hall or could don’t know how it is, how scary and killed in a dispute between pose a threat to anyone con- it is for kids to walk home from rival gangs. When Carrasquillo nected with the march. ―The school at night, and go home returned to school, Principal police didn’t want anyone else to where they’re down with gangs Mahoney gathered the seniors to get hurt … they informed us to or their parents are in gangs. tell them the news. ―You could let things die down.‖ Plans for Now that I’m a senior, I can tell see the Van Sickle administra- the march were halted, but them: this is how it is.‖ tion had been crying,‖ he re- Carrasquillo said he hopes to membered. continue his efforts in the He said that his ability to act as Hector Carrasquillo spring. both a leader and liaison be- UB Senior, Springfield He continued, ―There was a tween teachers and students has Renaissance School counseling session where they made him feel confident. In asked us questions. I was the addition, his role in these events only senior and brought up the “What happens in has further highlighted the skills ―Last year, I was at my friend idea that something should be he hopes to bring to future ca- Steph’s house when I heard the done.‖ Referencing the deaths our city affects reers. news.‖ Hector Carrasquillo de- of Ralfie and Connor, Carras- scribed watching TV and learn- quillo demanded, ―What would everyone.” ―I want to be a counselor in ing that Rafael, an old 8th grade we have done if it was a Renais- school, and to do that you need friend, had been shot and killed sance student? Gathered for one to understand other people; you in gang violence. ―Ralfie,‖ day and then nothing? What When asked what he thought have to know how to speak. I Carrasquillo said, had been in- happens in our city affects eve- could be done about gang vio- have this voice, this power, it’s volved in the gang culture while ryone.‖ lence in Springfield, he replied, great and useful. I might do the two were in middle school. ―We’re doing all we can. All we administration too; as an admin- ―I was involved in that stuff as At a subsequent school assem- can do is learn from what we do. istrator you can actually counsel well, but by the end of 8th grade bly, Carrasquillo gave another We can’t expect this to stop just kids, not just suspend them or I didn’t want any part of it,‖ speech and again referenced the because of a march. We talked take them out of school.‖ Carrasquillo recalled. pattern of violence their com- about opening a Community munity had seen in recent years. Center, an afterschool program Carrasquillo concluded, ―I know A couple months later, another ―I said that something will be where kids can go, but these for a fact that I want to work incident of gang violence oc- done; it’s unfair to live in these cost money, money that we with teenagers.‖ He added, curred in Springfield. This time, conditions. It was as if the kill- don’t have.‖ Despite the obsta- ―Maybe I’ll be a UB advisor one the victim was a teenager ing was getting closer and closer: cles in the path toward attaining day.‖ named Connor who died in an first a kid in the city, then the a safer community, Carras- attempt to break up a fight brother of someone at our quillo’s leadership around this among gang members. Several school. Next thing you know it issue has not gone unrecog- months later, Renaissance Prin- could be a kid in the school. I nized. cipal Stephen Mahoney pulled said if we have to march in the students together to address the streets right now after the as- ―I’ve gotten a lot of people tell- recent events. Carrasquillo gave sembly, we’d do it.‖ ing me that I do an amazing job a speech at this assembly. ―It public speaking,‖ he said. hurt me to know that I just left Carrasquillo met with the princi- ―Teachers have been thanking Ralfie in the dirt because I didn’t pal and other administrators to me for opening up their eyes. want to be part of that lifestyle brainstorm ideas to organize an The things that students see, the anymore,‖ he said. ―So I talked anti-violence march to City Hall teachers don’t see. They didn’t to the school. I wanted them to a few days after Pito’s funeral. grow up in this place; a lot of do something, but nothing hap- Together, the team picked a date them don’t live here. They won- pened.‖ and scheduled the march. Then, der why students act this way in Carrasquillo said, there were class, why they use the language In early December 2010, vio- rumors of retaliation. they use – that’s the way it is lence struck the Springfield here. Kids don’t recognize their community again. Pito, a former The Springfield Police Depart- better selves, because they don’t Van Sickle Middle School ment warned the school that the know how to act.‖

THE UB SCHOLAR’S DIGEST

Beast Point 1 Beast 1 Beast Point Point

Challenge Kenny says: “Mmmffmphmmphff!” Translation: Hey UB scholars! Check out the Beast Point Challenge below! Match the WoW (Word of the Week) with the correct definition for 5 Beast Points. Definitions and ex- ample sentences for all WoWs can be found on the UB blog, www.upwardbound.nmhblogs.org.

1. superfluous a. (v) to pay close attention; to listen carefully 2. grapple b. (adj) very generous 3. penchant c. (v) to come to terms with something challenging 4. equivocate d. (adj) having a sharp, strong smell or taste 5. heed e. (v) to strengthen or support 6. dearth f. (n) a preference or fondness for something 7. munificent g. (adj) highly eager or excited 8. agog h. (adj) extra; more than what is necessary 9. bolster i. (n) a lack, absence or deficiency 10. pungent j. (v) to be purposefully vague or unclear

THE UPWARD BOUND PROGRAM at NMH is a federally funded (Department of Education) initiative designed to provide low-income students with the skills and motivation needed to succeed in college. The students are usually the first in their family to go to college. UB scholars receive tutoring, advising, enrichment, a rigorous, six-week summer program and intensive assistance with the college and financial aid application process.

Upward Bound Staff Gisele Litalien, Director NMH Upward Bound Program Sharon Gralnick, Assistant Dir., Turners Falls Academic Advisor One Lamplighter Way Breyana Roman, Springfield Academic Advisor Chris Lievense, Greenfield Academic Advisor Mount Hermon, MA 01354 Anna Rigali, Holyoke Academic Advisor Phone: 413-498-3416 Patricia Corrigan, Office Manager Fax: 413-498-3415 Rachel Evenson, AmeriCorps Member www.nmhschool.org/ upwardbound Striving for the future, each and every day! www.upwardbound.nmhblogs. org