he hieftain TMontville High School Oakdale ,C CT 06370 Issue #6 2014 NHS Tutors MHS Tech Ed gets MakerBot By: Meagan McAdams The MHS National Honor Society (NHS) is offering tutoring to any students in need of help. NHS consists of 22 students, all seniors in the top 15% of their class. “NHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character (www.nhs.us).” The advisors of the club are Mrs. Clifford and Ms. Halsey. The club is led by president, Emily Dodson. Students who want help in any subject may contact a member of the club, and arrange a time for tutoring. Teachers may also recommend that a student see one of the tutors. With such a large club, students can receive tutoring in any The printer’s latest creation, a life-like skull. photo by: Alex Winakor subject they need. The club wants the students of By: Isabel Orbe MHS to know that it is ok for them to Montville High School has yet, the 3D printer gives the students ask for help. NHS Members would rather recently acquired an innovative piece an opportunity to test their designs and a student come to them and get tutoring, of technology: a MakerBot 3D printer. improve on them. The process the printer than continue to struggle in a particular This device uses a modeling software to undergoes to build the various products subject. “We are not scary people and it design an object digitally then, once sent can be time consuming, depending on isn’t a big deal to ask for help if they need to the printer, it builds layers of plastic to the size of the desired object. The larger it,” says member, Cory Meigs. create the desired final product. Three- the item, the more time it takes to create. With such a large group there is dimensional printing is revolutionizing For example, a plastic nut and bolt took usually someone available for whatever fields like prototyping, architecture, and the printer about 15 minutes but a plastic time a student wants to meet. education and is now available to the model of the human skull took around 20 The NHS students are required to students of MHS. hours. complete 8 hours of community service Students are learning how to use MHS invested in this 3D printer every quarter. So with a few tutoring Computer-aided Design (CAD) in certain last June; it cost about $1,800 which sessions they are helping themselves as technology education courses and are was paid for with grant money. “Our well. creating their own products using this goal is to obtain 6 more printers so that However, the tutoring has yet software. They are now able to see, touch, more students can use them because it is to take off. Few students have requested and use their products with the help of the such a long process to print one object. tutoring sessions. Even those who did 3D printer. “This gives the kids a greater Right now, it’s like one kid a day,” said arrange to meet with an NHS member understanding of the prototyping industry Blanchette. did not show up to the meeting. When and allows them to view a possible The technology students seem to asked, few students in the school knew career choice,” said David Blanchette, a really enjoy being in on this innovative that NHS had these tutors available. Some technology education teacher. Students new process. The 3D printer brings students blamed the lack of knowledge on have been designing tools to amplify numerous opportunities to MHS students the little amount of advertising. The club the music on iPhones or iPods, while and everyone is excited to see what the is remaining optimistic that word will get none of them have been very successful students will come up with. around and they will be able to tutor soon.

Page 1 The Chieftain MHS SPORTS Montville Football Dewaine Goes to Maine Overview By: Kyle Marsh It is apparent that the Montville High School football team is a brute force, however, it seems to take them some time to get rolling. The Indians football team started their season slow with a loss against Windham at home. Jordane Virgo had the only two touchdowns for the Indians, while Windham put 25 on the board. Montville came back strong the next week beating Waterford 49 to 34. Jon McCray had an outstanding performance with 6 touchdowns and Chance Collier had a 90 yard Punt return touchdown. The following week, the Indians played host to the Bacon Academy Bobcats. Once again the Indians came out slow, falling behind 16 to 6 in the Buddy Dewaine fields the ball during a game this past spring. photo by: Art Rich Photography first quarter. However, the Indians roared back, not letting the Bobcats score for the By: Jordan Zeppieri remainder of the game. The Indians ended Buddy Dewaine Jr. has recently his junior year. He took all classes that with a 59 to 16 lead. committed to the University of Maine and would impact his GPA in a positive way. Montville cruised past Woodstock has received a 97% athletic scholarship On the last day of school of the 2013-2014 getting a landslide victory 40 to 0. for baseball. UMaine wants Dewaine to year good news came in and Dewaine The next week was not easy for the be a two-way player, which means that he found out he was eligible. His hard work boys. They were on the road at Stonington. will pitch and play in the field. Dewaine in the classroom and between the lines It ultimately came down to the last thirty is very confident in his abilities. When of the baseball field had finally paid off. seconds of the game. Stonington scored asked if he wished to play professionally, Dewaine knew what he was capable of off a run by the quarterbackto pull within he responded, “Duh.” This response is not from a very young age and knew that one. The Bears went for two and Chance in any way conceited. Dewaine has high as long as he kept working hard that he Collier deflected the pass to clinch the win expectations for himself and is not afraid would accomplish the goals in which he for Montville. to let everyone know. had set out for himself. Week six the Indians hit another Dewaine throws around 90mph The University of Maine is bump in the road. They played host to and last high school season batted .410, another stepping stone towards his Ledyard. The game was a shootout from stole 10 bases in 13 stolen base attempts, ultimate goal of playing professional the start. The score was 21 to 13 at the and scored 37 runs in 25 games played. baseball. For now, he is undecided about end of the first half. Ledyard began to He has also received All-State, All-Area his major and will begin his freshman pull away in the second half. The Indians Norwich Bulletin, All- Area New London year undeclared. His next goal baseball- earned their second loss of the season 48 Day, and First-Team All-Conference wise is to be drafted from Maine. When to 19. Honors in his junior year at 3rd base. asked what he is looking forward to the If Montville wishes to make the As a junior, Dewaine had to most, Dewaine responded,” I’m looking state playoffs, they will have to win the overcome an obstacle in the classroom forward to getting better every day and rest of the games on their schedule. This to become eligible to play Division 1 to attend the University of Maine Hockey brings a whole new meaning to their baseball. Due to a subpar freshman and games.” season motto “perfect.” sophomore year he had to play catch up

Page 2 The Chieftain MHS SPORTS Girls’ Cross Country Success By: Isabel Orbe Montville High School’s Girls’ season. In addition, the returning members, team this season. Presently, lead runners Cross Country team is starting the 2014 like seniors Laura Commons and Taylor for the team are: Laura Commons, Taylor season on the right foot with an overall LaVallie, have helped lead their team LaVallie (seniors), Suzanna Fitzgerald record of 4-2 and is currently undefeated to a good position for the ultimate goal (junior), and Karishma Chanhan 3-0 in the ECC Medium Division. Mr. of winning the ECC Medium Division (sophomore). Egan, the Cross Country head coach, Championship. Fitzgerald commented, “It commented, “We have had a good would be amazing to accomplish that goal summer of training and are focused on because Montville Girl’s Cross Country improvement.” hasn’t done that in decades. If we all work When asked about new obstacles hard enough, it could be a very rewarding for this season, Egan responded, “We are a season.” small team so we need to stay healthy and Looking forward, Egan said, “We we need contributions from everyone.” need to beat Waterford and Stonington to Suzanna Fitzgerald, a third year veteran, put ourselves in the driver’s seat going explained the challenges of having “less into the ECC open meet in October.” The people to push you to get better during Girls’ team needs to beat 3 more teams practice.” Although the Girls’ Cross to qualify for the ECC Medium Division Country team is relatively small with only Championship. “Small, but tough and 8 participants, this allows all the athletes focused,” were the words Egan used to to become a tight-knit family early in the describe the MHS Girls’ Cross Country photo by: Patrick Caron Derek Jeter Finishes His Historic Career By: Van Heller Yankee Captain Derek Jeter the Orioles, Jeter hits the game-winning ready; I was ready for my career to be ended his 22 year major league career at run ending the Yankee’s losing streak, and over…” Sunday’s game was when Jeter Fenway on Sept. 28. Jeter’s career for officially ending ‘The Captain’s’ home swung his 3,465th hit and his last at bat in the past two decades has deemed him career. At the end of the game Jeter tipped professional baseball. such titles as ‘most popular Yankee’ some his cap to his fans, the stadium and the Sunday’s game was also the first fans goes as far as, ‘the greatest Yankee game he’s known all his life. time in 20 years both the Red Sox and ever’ while other team’s fans might have Next, the Yankees headed to their Yankees didn’t make the Playoffs. The different interpretations of the player. rivals Red Sox in Fenway Park. The first Red Sox are also the first baseball team in After being officially knocked out of the game against The Sox, Yankees won 3-2 MLB (Major League Baseball) history to playoffs by the Orioles, The Yankees with Jeter out of commission the entire become last place to first place to back to planned on playing The Boston Red Sox game after having and emotional final last in 3 consecutive years. It was amazing the following weekend. Due to weather, game in New York just the night before. to some fans at the game how much however, there was a scare that Jeter Saturday Jeter did play, but left early, with respect each teams’ fan showed each almost wouldn’t take his final bow in the the Yankees losing to Boston 4-10. Then other. Everyone in the Fenway realized city that has been his home for over 20 on Sunday Yankees won over the Sox whether Bostonians or New Yorkers that years. officially ending Jeter’s career 9-5. Jeter they were witnessing history. No one wants to end his last said after the game, “I felt like the time season with a record of 84-78, and a 2 was right,” he continues, “My emotions game losing streak; but Jeter made the were so all over the place on Thursday most of it. After the third game against in New York, and when I got here I was

Page 3 The Chieftain ARTS AND CULTURE Life of Pi Marching Towards Success Book Review By: Gerald Aquino The “Life of Pi” is a tale about a young boy from the town of Pondicherry and his voyage across the Pacific Ocean. The protagonist, Piscine (Pi) Patel, is overwhelmed with issues related to spirituality and practicality. While dealing with those, Pi’s family is forced to move to Winnipeg, Canada. During their voyage on a large cargo ship, a storm knocks it over. Pi’s family drowns and he ended up on a lifeboat, escaping the near-death experience. He passes out and wakes up the next day seeing a hyena, orangutan, an injured zebra, and a Bengal tiger with him in the lifeboat. The scenes where Pi wanders the sea are some of the best in the book. Author, Yann Martel, paints spectacular Drumline getting ready to perform. photo by: Michael Lopez images of the vast ocean and its colorful habitants. “The Dorado did a most By: Ashley Kolasa extraordinary thing as it died: it began to First year MHS music teacher opportunities of my life to be one of flash all kinds of colors in rapid succession. Jeffrey Ventres has now taken charge of the drum majors. I’m really proud to Blue, green, red, gold and violet flickered the marching band. When asked how this have the opportunity to lead a group of and shimmered neon like on its surface as season was going, Ventres said, “My first really talented people. It’s an honor.” it struggled. I felt I was beating a rainbow year here at Montville is going very well. Radgowski is a junior and would like to to death.” I’ve been welcomed into the community continue music and engineering when he Martel describes Pi’s maritime and have felt support of the parents, graduates. Sophomore and trumpet player experience in a manner that pleases the students and faculty. As busy and chaotic Morgan Gilland says, “ I look forward eyes and minds of readers. Overall, the the first year in a new position in a new to knowing that the hard work, blood, plot proves to be more significant than the school can be, I wouldn’t have it any sweat, and chapped lips all go towards stereotypical sea story. The book draws other way.” Ventres has big goals for his the competitions and the amazing feeling the reader in with a pool of themes. These students. “I look forward to the progress of knowing I kicked brass , (it’s a pun) vary from the importance of storytelling we make in all of our ensembles and seeing out there on the field. Also, I like when to the nature of religious belief and finally, how we make it through the new year and you see our competitors drop their jaws the will to live. being able to push our music abilities to when they hear us play.” Morgan wants In the final chapters of the book, Martel the next level. Also, I look forward to to do DMI (Drum Core International) and/ includes a surprising twist, giving the being able to see where we go in the future or be a part of a professional band after reader the opportunity to draw his or and how much we push ourselves.” The high school. Senior saxophone player her own conclusion as whether or not to band rehearses 2 1/2 hours before football Katelynn Kolasa says, “I look forward believe in “…the story with the animals or games and competitions as well as every to knowing what the show is about, like without.” MHS Senior Thomas McDaniel Tuesday and Thursday. this year we did classic rock, and also the reacted to the ending saying, “I was a The students are also excited competitions.” She wants to do marching whirlwind of emotions, to be honest.” for this year. Drum major and trumpet band and concert band at Louisiana State Martel’s work is an excellent player Shaun Radgowski says, “It is University when she graduates. piece of fiction and a must-read for those one of the greatest and most rewarding who want to sit down and read “…a story that will make you believe in God” Page 4 The Chieftain (author’s note). ARTS AND CULTURE The Happenings of Harmonies By: Brianna Riordan Selected students from MHS one extended break for lunch, Seidel choir were invited to join choir director, enthusiastically says that it was “Amazing, Mr. Cushing, and school choirs across great singing with kids all across the state Connecticut in a music festival, hosted by who are just as passionate about music the American Choir Directors Association as you.” Seidel particularly enjoyed the (ACDA). The ACDA provides choir experience of the rehearsal most of all directors and singers educational because she was exposed to familiar and opportunities in music. This festival was new techniques that the director taught a chance for both students and choir them. directors to work hard and grow in their While the singers were rehearsing musical careers. for the concert, the choral directors Arriving at 8 a.m., at Central attended workshops of their own. These Connecticut State University, MHS workshops were to give directors a chance came prepared. Melissa Seidel, a senior, to improve their “jack of all trades” skills explained that after registration “you necessary in successful direction. This sat down and went right to work.” After was the first ACDA led music festival that learning four songs with students they Montville has attended. They received have never worked with, the temporary positive feedback from both students and choir was expected to put on a concert at directors. 6:00 p.m. Despite all the work and only photo by: Taylor Montminy A Cappella Preview By: Ashley Kolasa and Staff Editor The MHS a cappella choir is set for the group. “I truly love how Mr. Students are eager for this year excited for a new year and a lot of hard Cushing puts extra time outside of school and have set high goals for themselves. work. Joshua Cushing (head of the a to help us get better and have fun.” Radgowski said, “It’s definitely one of cappella program for 6 years and MHS The choir is performing music by my favorite things to be part of. It’s a choir teacher) said, “This year, my goal is Bill Hozier. “If you haven’t heard of him great dynamic and we are all held to a for a cappella to do at least 2 arrangements before I guarantee you will like at least high standard.” When asked about his by themselves. I want them to do, like, one of his songs from his new album,” personal goal, Radgowski commented, a more college level a cappella, like Cushing stated. The 2 songs they chose “My personal goal is to make it exciting arranging songs by themselves. Also, to were “Work Song” and “From Eden.” for the new people, and to bring out our perform out more, like at the senior center A cappella was successful last year, but skills to a whole new level.” Sophomore or the mall.” Shaun Radgowski, a junior Cushing has new hopes for this year’s Steven Bollinger, tenor, joined a cappella tenor who has been a part of the choir for group. “What I hope to do better this year this year. When asked why, he said, “My 3 years, commented, “It’s cool that we are is for the ensemble sound to be enhanced, sister wanted me to go for it so I can Beat able run ourselves at performances and like balance the music better because we Box for the choir, but I’m looking forward each performance gets better and better; do pop music so the students get excited to Beat Box next year.” Because it is his so I’m excited to hear how things will and try to do like their own thing, so that’s first time in a music department, Bollinger sound this year.” Senior Mia Gambone, what I am focusing on more. But what I wants to learn how to read and make who moved from alto 2 to soprano 2 and look forward to is who actually steps up music by the end of the year. has been a member of a cappella for 4 to be a solo vocalist because we had a lot years, enjoys the challenges Cushing has of strong voices graduate last year.”

Page 5 The Chieftain OPINION A Lunch Wave Alternative #Doomed By: Nina Costa Social media hasn’t always been as harmful as it is today. Back in 2005, even sites like Facebook were barely popular. In fact, I remember it being more of a “parent thing” that no kids had at all. It wasn’t until a few years later that sites like Twitter and Instagram came into play. It then became essential to have these accounts to keep updated on what everyone was doing at all times. Facebook became more of a blog, or a diary, to all of us to keep up on the most recent drama as opposed to what the site was actually designed for. A couple of years later, when Twitter was introduced, the situation just got worse. Teenagers learned that hiding behind a computer or phone screen was acceptable, and they took full Students during one of the lunch waves at MHS. photo by: Taylor Montminy advantage of it. Cyberbullying suddenly became an issue for kids, their parents, By: Kaylee Kingston and Staff Editor and eventually, schools. According to Everyone always enjoys lunch, comfortable at all times in school. NoBullying.com, 25% of teenagers from freshmen to seniors. The only Lunch should be controlled and report they have experienced repeated downside is the schedule. There are 3 not out of hand. It’s one time to socialize bullying via cell phone or on the internet, different lunch times: the first lunch starts without getting in trouble for talking, and 52% of teenagers report to being the at 10:36, the 2nd one starts at 11:16, and laughing or just relaxing. victim of cyber bullying (2014 statistics). the last one is at 11:59. This in itself is The other advantage to my system Unfortunately, it is common that some of not bad. Unless you’re a freshman with is that it will cut down on the number of these attacks ultimately lead to suicide. But no friends in your lunch wave. bells that ring during the lunch blocks (3 because this kind of bullying has become I think Montville High should and 7). I’ve noticed that students always such a common event in our everyday have two lunches, one for 9th and 10th look at the clock and away from the focus lives we are beginning to overlook it all. graders and the other with juniors and of the class with every bell that rings. Not Overall, studies have shown that seniors. Most freshmen feel imitated by to mention how noisy the halls get every our generation is slowly becoming more the seniors, they’re so much older and time a group leaves lunch and the next and more dependent on social media. We taller than they are. The 9th graders get group goes to lunch. are becoming less motivated and losing pushed and shoved out of the way by A lot of people agree with my any sense of connection with the “real many older kids in school. But freshmen opinion, especially teachers that are world” that people of earlier generations do interact with sophomores because of teaching and getting interrupted by had before. The more we let these earlier years in middle school. This might bells and kids getting excited about the accounts dominate our lives, the more help with the common drama and chaos. time. Distractions prevent students from we are dooming upcoming generations. Ideally, we should also be able learning, and the anxiety that lunch alone Even young children are familiar with to have one friend in our lunch, so no brings makes some students want to skip iPads and iPhones. Who knows the sites one person has to sit alone. Sitting by out on lunch. they’ll be exposed to by the time they’re yourself at lunch makes a lot of people teenagers? Instead of denying the issue at feel unwanted and unloved. The students hand, our generation should open up our of Montville High School should feel eyes before future generations grow up even worse than we have. Page 6 The Chieftain OPINION What is True Feminism, My Dear Watson? By: Brianna Riordan The word feminism has developed magazine article, Sorry, Emma Watson, a bad connotation. Former Harry but HeForShe Is Rotten for Men, believes Potter film star, and now UN Goodwill that, “…feminism in its present form has Ambassador, Emma Watson, addressed too often ignored sexist biases against this in her speech at the UN HeForShe males, and sometimes actively contributed campaign, saying, “And the more I have to them.” If this is the case, then it is not spoken about feminism, the more I have true feminism. Feminism is an advocacy realized that fighting for women’s rights for the equal rights of both genders. has too often become synonymous with Watson imploringly invites men to join man hating.” in this gender equality campaign. Gender Let’s bring feminism back to equality is not just an issue dealing with its original definition: “the advocacy of women, but also men. If someone thinks women’s rights on the grounds of political, that they are not an advocate for feminism, social, and economic equality of men.” they better think again. Anytime you felt Feminism is not the degradation of men treated unequally, that injustice you felt that people believe it to be, it is simply inside is gender inequality at work. It’s about gender equality. I never really time to rethink the issue of feminism and understood feminism, but listening to look at what it stands for, aside from just Watson’s speech showed me that feminism being an uncomfortable word. doesn’t deserve all the flack it gets. TIME Educational Technology By: Ryan Turney The calculator on our phones, refresher or for practice on topics they educational niche in order to have a more the health kit now used on iOS8, the don’t understand. This should be pushed enjoyable and effective experience. Also, organizational apps we can download to across all spectrums of teaching as well a site called Connexions allows students help us plan our week-- all of these tools as learning because interactive learning to personally build their own learning on our devices can be integrated into the is one of the most effective learning environment through videos, diagrams, classroom and can aid our educational styles for any student. Being able to have examples, etc. to be able to share or environment more than we realize. We also access to more information is the way of practice a certain topic in the comfort of can’t forget about the constantly evolving the future. This will allow kids and teens their own home. These are the types of educational sites that more than half of the to not only explore what the teacher is sites that teachers should assign on the schools in the nation don’t use effectively. teaching, but what they want to learn and side for students to visit on their own time The amount of useful information on the how they want to expand their horizons on for extra practice as well as be exposed internet that isn’t thought about for the a certain topic. to different teaching techniques. The classroom is astounding. Engagement is also key to students are practically on the devices that One useful website used by a successful learning. Through technology can access these types of sites every day, majority of students around the globe and interactive sites, you begin to engage so why not use it as a tool to also be able (not just for elementary schools but for the student in a familiar area that will acts to teach outside of the classroom? With a high schools as well) is Khan Academy. as a filter for extensive possibilities for little push in school systems around our This non-profit organization puts up learning and teaching. Kahn Academy nation, technology and educational sites tutorials and videos online that allows takes a guided approach to achieve this, can expand our educational environment students of all ages to use for a general allowing the student to pick out his/her in a variety of ways

Page 7 The Chieftain LIFE Self-Driving Car is Right The Walk to End Alzheimer’s Around the Corner By: Stefanie Szot In the past year, there were 34,080 car related deaths in the United States. Believe it or not, all of those could be avoided with Google’s new self-driving car. The cars are equipped with $150,000 of equipment; this includes the $70,000 light radar system and the Velodyne 64- beam laser range finder which creates a 3D map for the car to navigate itself. The car has been a success so far with only 2 accidents that were caused by manual drivers, not the car. California, Nevada, Florida, and Michigan have been impressed with the success and have already passed bills to allow autonomous cars on the roads. Europe, Germany, Netherlands, and Spain Flowers were raised out of recognition for Alzheimers patients. Photo By :Alex Winakor passed laws as well. Google recently had its first By: Ashley Weekly passenger, Steve Mahan. Mahan is 95% The Alzheimer’s Association held of fighting against Alzheimer’s, yellow blind, making him legally blind. During their annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s in meant that a person was currently caring for his drive, Mahan went to small places New London with more supporters than someone who suffers from the dementia, like the dry cleaner and a drive-through ever. More than $86,000 was raised at the purple flowers were for everyone who had to pick up tacos. These small trips seem event. The money raised goes to several lost a loved one to Alzheimer’s, and blue useless for most drivers, but had a serious different services from the Alzheimer’s was for anyone who was diagnosed with impact on Mahan who tells that without Association. Most of the association’s the disease. Once participants had their the Google car, he would have never been efforts are pointed towards the research flower(s), they could use markers to write able to go to those places himself. Google and development of a possible cure and a dedication, and then stick the flower in adds to this by saying, “Steve’s outing is treatment. This includes treatment centers the “Promise Garden” on the beach to be more than just a carefully programmed where patients, with their, caregivers collected after the walk. At the end, Teresa test drive, it’s the realization of a science plan out therapy, and make their lives as Berry, the announcer of the event, left the fiction dream and an opportunity for fulfilled as possible. The association also supporters with one of the association’s technology to impact the lives of millions offers a 24/7 hotline for patients and loved well-known sayings, “Everyone has a of people…We hope these experiments ones in case they need advice or help. reason to end Alzheimer’s, and everyone unlock new possibilities for our users— The walk was held Sept. 20 at can do something about it.” even if it’s something as simple as picking Ocean Beach. Participants started by Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th up tacos.” heading to the t-shirt table where they most frequent cause of death in the United The autonomous car not only collected 1 shirt for each team member States. It targets the mind of the affected unlocks opportunities for individuals, that raised more than $100. Pinwheels person, and slowly starts to break down but companies as well. Companies like in the shape of flowers were given out. the relationship between the brain and the Walmart are pushing for the release Each flower had different colored petals rest of the body. Although there is no cure because they can get an edge on bigger depending on the participant’s relationship now, the Alzheimer’s Association hopes companies like Amazon that have fast to Alzheimer’s disease. An orange flower to see one soon. shipping. meant that a person supported the cause Toyota, Lexus, and Audi have jumped into the project, giving some of Page 8 The Chieftain their cars to Google to test. LIFE Humans of MHS: Lara Huapaya By: Michael Lopez What was the saddest moment of your open. In Spain, I didn’t have lockers. I that ‘Worst Driver’ or ‘Class Flirt’ were lifetime thus far? know Jenn Hester was the one that helped inappropriate, but in Spain, the teachers me.” would not step in and stop that kind of “When I moved here from Spain in 8th thing. I guess the teachers are more open grade, I had to spend 6 months without my What were the other differences between minded there.” parents! That was definitely the saddest your school back home, and the schools moment of my life. They couldn’t come with here? me because they had to wait for someone to rent our house. Thankfully, I had my “Well something I didn’t like was that I had aunt here to spend the summer with and to wake up earlier here. School started at had her help to practice English.” 9:00, so school starting an hour earlier was kinda (sic) hard. Also, in Spain we Was it hard to transition from the Spanish didn’t switch classes at all. We stayed in speaking to society with little English, to 1 classroom all day, so I liked going from almost all English here? class to class here. “Here the teachers and administrators “It was a little hard. I just had to get used are stricter on policies and rules. For to it. “When I got to school, I definitely example, the teachers there wouldn’t didn’t feel like I fit in. I remember the first have taken away superlatives. Here, day of school; I couldn’t get my locker teachers and administrators thought photo by: Michael Lopez America Gets Support Against Isis and Khorasan By: Van Heller French fighter jets attempted security.” This pack of nations has created the guerrilla personnel who were killed, their first air strikes toward the terrorists an alliance with America to stop ISIS. several civilians also perished from this group ISIS on September 15. France’s Obama has also claimed over 40 countries attack from other U.S. led strikes. General president, François Hollande, hoping to have agreed to stand with America as allies Lloyd Austin, commander of the U.S. weaken the extremist group by following to fight the terrorist group including the Airstrikes, confirmed that all U.S. targets America’s lead, tried to liquidate the group Arab and French forces who have already were hit as expected. and their plots to create harm to civilians. taken action in stopping the catastrophes. These terrorist groups have been John Kerry, U.S. Secretary of State, has The president also spoke to leaders in acclaimed as the most dangerous and stated that the U.S. welcomes France’s Congress and was excited to hear that profitable extremist groups the U.S. has engagement with ISIS. Along with the there was a bipartisan agreement to his ever encountered. France and Arab nations French helping to end the group’s terror, plans to stop ISIS and Khorasan (another have all stepped up with America to help 5 Arab nations have also taken a stand terrorist group). “America is always the war on terror, but so many nations and started to fight against the militants stronger when we stand united,” Obama have yet to physically support the issue. by using multiple types of aerial assaults said at the conclusion of his speech. Although many have verbally committed on the terrain on over 20 different targets Among some of the attacks were to an alliance with the U.S., the question located in the Syrian territory. the explosions in Raqqa, Syria which remains who will step up next to help stop President Obama stated on the is known to be almost a headquarters to these extremists? White House lawn, “America is proud ISIS extremists. The attack killed over to stand shoulder to shoulder with 120 militants in the attempt to stop and these nations on behalf of our common weaken the group. However, along with

Page 9 The Chieftain MHS NEWS

Teachers Limbering up More than Kings and Queens Before the Weekend By: Van Heller The bell rings at 2:05 Friday afternoon ending another week of school at Montville High. Most students either hurry to their buses or get ready for an after school sport or activity, but if students keep their eyes peeled they may see something interesting. Students may see a teacher or faculty member strolling down the hallways holding a cushioned mat or even a pair of yoga pants. These teachers have been participating in yoga sessions for the past 2 years. When asked how these sessions began, Mrs. Mathieu (science teacher) replied, “The yoga sessions started about 2 years ago when Mr. Hayes used to drive up to Norwich Tech because his wife was doing yoga there. So then I started going Peter Pescatello, Hannah Myers, and Jenn Hester during Homecoming. photo by Alex Winakor to Norwich Tech to do yoga, and finally I surveyed our faculty members to see if we By: Stefanie Szot wanted to have yoga classes here instead The day itself was dreary. It wished more students came. There were of driving up to Norwich Tech. The felt as if rain fell all day. But the mood also mixed reviews on the music. The instructor from Norwich needed at least 5 in the MHS gymnasium was completely majority favored the DJ who they said teachers to attend each yoga meeting and different as students danced the night played music that kept people dancing. we’ve exceeded 5 teachers every class.” away at the annual Homecoming Dance. Others thought that the music choices Some yoga classes have gotten so Compared to previous years, this were inappropriate or flat. many teachers that they couldn’t have the year’s Homecoming was a success with The night was special for the 8 session in Mathieu’s room. They have had over 260 students attending. This increase MHS students who were crowned during to do yoga sometimes in the auditorium can be attributed to an unprecedented Homecoming Court. The winners of the or other large-spaced areas throughout the senior participation. According to night were freshmen Sarah May and Alex school. freshman Jessica Stronach, she would Quidgeon as Lord and Lady, sophomores When asked about the benefits never have gone if upperclassmen didn’t April Weeman and Auggie Cornish of these yoga sessions, Mathieu said, “I promote the event as much as they did. as Duke and Duchess, juniors Kiera get peace and solitude and relaxation and “It’s up to future classes to keep up the McCarthy and Kevin Murtha as prince a sense of calmness, and I guess I would participation,” said senior, Hannah and princess, and seniors Jessica Hatch say being re-rooted and making my mind Meyers. Other students also credited and Chance Price as 2014-2015 reigning more centered. Yoga is all about centering the increase in advertisement for their King and Queen. what is most important in your life by participation. For the third year in a row, Mrs. using movement and breathing techniques Overall, Students gave positive Walsh (English Teacher) won Empress. to focus your mind to the present.” reviews for the dance. Senior, Laura Coach Grove (Social Studies) regained Mathieu concluded with Commons, went as far as saying, “I’ve his title of Emperor. Walsh and Grove explaining how yoga helps her mentally been here (Homecoming) all 4 years and were crowned during the pep rally prior to and physically when the difficult poses this is the best one.” While some said they the dance. are done properly. She has even passed on would change nothing, others saw flaws. some of her yoga practices to her students Even though attendance doubled, many by implementing breathing exercises for a calmer class. Page 10 The Chieftain MHS NEWS We Got Spirit, How ‘bout You? By: Nina Costa Spirit Week in high school is the they look at it as a fun way to bring the Black Day” and “Class Color Day” are the week that many schools look forward to class together and a way to not always two most popular out of the whole week. participating in. This tradition dates back have to be sensitive like things have MHS Spirit week has proven to be an to centuries before. It lasts 4 days, each become. Overall, having their last spirit awesome way for students to show spirit day getting its own topic to dress up for. week of their high school careers, all together. This year the days were; Turn Back the seniors said it made them very upset since Clock Day, Holiday Day, Class Color Day, they always looked forward to dressing up and Orange and Black Day followed by a funny and coming together as a class to try pep rally. The Friday of Orange and Black to win “Most Participation” at the end of day holds a special part just for seniors. the week. Most freshmen reported spirit This is where the Senior Superlatives week as being “so much fun!” But, they are presented. When interviewing a few all were a little nervous for the Pep Rally, seniors, their opinion on these superlatives naturally. Overall, the common excuse as seemed to all remain the same. They to why some students didn’t participate believe that we should still have the same was that they couldn’t find the right colors ones that all the other classes in the past or just simply because they said being new have had such as “Worst Driver,” “Class a freshman, they didn’t know how serious Flirt,” and “Most Pessimistic.” Although it was. It was difficult to find anyone who some of these could be looked at as actually did not have any type of orange “insulting” in certain cases, seniors said and black on, that Friday. “Orange and photo by: Alex Winakor Stewart takes on Ohio By: Nina Costa Senior year comes with quite a lot “Actually, it takes a lot of stress off. I don’t the scholarship given to her and to stay set of decisions to make and responsibilities to have to worry about as many deadlines.” in the nursing program. take on. Along with applying to colleges, When applying to colleges, deadlines can Deciding on which college to is committing to colleges. This means make or break a student, and this causes attend after graduation is already stressful fully deciding on a college and keeping lots of anxiety. Students have to keep on its own, but committing to a college up all requirements that the school needs. on top of each and every deadline of the at the beginning of senior year gives a This also usually requires keeping up schools being applied to. If a student whole new meaning to stress, for some. certain grades to maintain the scholarship fails to pay attention to said deadlines, Although it’s very common to commit to or grant awarded. there’s no second chances in applying. It schools for sports and academic reasons, Carly Stewart, a senior at MHS, is very common for many students to send it isn’t always the easiest process. More has already committed to the college out numerous applications to different often than not, students choosing to do of her choice just a couple months into colleges. Doing this gives students this. In fact, 51% of high school seniors the school year. Although this is a little choices and better feelings about being commit to a 4 year college and 26% to a uncommon, she is confident in her accepted to at least one. This also isn’t 2 year college today in Montville High decision. Interested in the nursing field, cheap. Applying to colleges isn’t free. School. The thing is, these acceptance Stewart has decided to attend Ursuline The average fee is about $43, but there letters don’t usually come in until around College, a small, primarily female school are schools that charge much more. With March and students don’t usually make in Pepper Oike, Ohio. Unlike others, she this already off Stewart’s shoulders, all their final decision until May. Therefore, disagrees with the belief that committing she has to worry about now is keeping her Stewart taking on this commitment is rare early is stressful. Stewart informs, grades up to A’s and B’s in order to keep for Montville High School.

Page 11 The Chieftain THE BACK PAGE Guess the Teacher By: Helena Sun Last issue’s Guess the Teacher outside (a great horned owl lived in his fast food for a year from 1 restaurant, it was Mrs. Brooks, English teacher. This front yard). He believes an important would be Wendy’s. His first memory is his issue’s teacher has always wanted to quality a teacher must have is patience. Batman themed birthday party at age 3 or pilot a plane. His favorite neon color His hobbies include tennis, golf, hiking, 4. A time period he would go back to is the is orange. The phone service he uses biking and skiing. In high school, he Renaissance. is Verizon Wireless. He can skip rocks was part of the soccer and baseball team, well. At 10 years old, his biggest obstacle played in the jazz band, and hiked on the was the writing section of the CMT. He Appalachian Trail. His dream destination thinks the biggest flaw in public education would be a return to the Kenai Peninsula is that, “We are in such a rush to prove in Alaska. He likes wasabi. For him, the that we are moving kids along without hardest part of the day is decompressing 100% following up with the kids and at the end. “I have to take my time at the [seeing] if it is transferring to real world end to rest at night and not think of all application.” He likes horizontal stripes the things I have to do.” He prefers wood better than vertical ones. His least favorite floors over carpeted. He can watch the holiday is Valentine’s Day because, “… movie The Avengers over and over again. it’s becoming Hallmark Day.” He cannot He believes his spirit animal would be execute a cartwheel well. When he was a wolf. “I could see myself working in young, he had a nightmare that an owl a pack, leading others, but also running would come in and grab him to take him the track as a lone wolf.” If he had to eat A clue to the teacher’s identity Photo by: Taylor Montminy HONY Transformation By: Ryan Turney The art behind Humans of New in partnership with the United Nations, stated, “The point of the trip is not to ‘say’ York (HONY) is the sharing of an intimate supported by the Secretary General’s anything about the world. But rather to perspective of subjects in such a large city. Millennium Development Goals (MDG) visit some faraway places, and listen to What Brandon Stanton (photographer Advocacy Group (according to the HONY as many people as possible.” Stanton has for HONY) is doing is something that blog site).” There were 8 fundamental visited many faraway places and talked to transforms the whole foundation of portrait MDG that the UN agreed upon. These a variety of people, but what his stories’ photography. He has recently traveled goals include eradicating poverty and effects are going to achieve in the long run overseas to 11 countries in 50 days to hunger, achieving universal primary go beyond his temporary visit. gain insight on cultures he is not familiar education, promoting gender equality Stanton isn’t only known for his with. The adventure that Stanton took and empowering women, reducing child focus on adult subject, but also the unique showed everyday problems and miracles mortality, improving maternal health, opinions of children with eye-catching people encountered in various cultures. combating HIV/AIDS and other diseases, outfits. His recent publication of Little The series of stories and portraits portray ensuring environmental sustainability, and Humans shows the excitement and heart- war-torn communities, love, and inspiring globalizing partnerships for development. filled joy each child holds along with the truths on real-life situations. Stanton said, It’s no mystery that HONY’s eye pleasing styles that each calls their “’In many of these countries, the level pictures have become renown works all own. This new spin on HONY shows the of tragedy is much broader and deeper over the world, but this trip seemed to diverse culture of New York City on all than in New York (quote found on The empower everyone involved because of “smaller” spectrum. Guardian).’” his active participation to bring attention This ‘worldwide’ tour was, “… to struggling parts of the world. Stanton

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