Redcoat Review December 2018 / Issue 2

In this issue... politics, music and more! Mr. Smith: Teacher, Coach, Friend By Justin Lamoureux closest bonds with students were forged Redcoat Review Writer on the tennis court. Tristan Simard, a sophomore who had Mr. Smith as a The Adidas king. Mr. BHS. Grandpa tennis coach last season, remembers how Rex. These are just a few ways staff and Mr. Smith energized his new team and students at Berlin High School choose to prepared them for the season ahead. “He remember Mr. Rex Smith. stood by his car to make us nervous,” Mr. Smith passed away on Wednesday, Simard laughed. November 7th following a short illness. Students learned more than just He taught math at Berlin High School math from Mr. Smith; he provided them for thirty-eight years, during which he with advice they could carry with them instructed thousands of students, and, in throughout their lives. “He taught the the process, touched thousands of lives. whole student -- not just math,” notes Mr. DelGiudice, who taught Mrs. Thurston, who was good friends alongside Mr. Smith for over thirty years, with Mr. Smith. “He wanted to get to recollected one year when they shared a know every student and make a classroom and each taught a class in there difference in their lives.” during the same period. That same year, The outpouring of tributes and the pair had a student who did not want condolences that came in the days to attend school because he missed his following Mr. Smith’s passing served as dog. “[Mr. Smith] said, ‘just bring your a reflection of the truly immeasurable dog to school,’” Mr. DelGiudice recalled, impact he had on their lives. noting that he allowed the student to pull Though everyone has a different Photo submitted by Mrs. Thurston up to the window with his dog in the car story to tell about him, every memory The Berlin High School community will and introduce him to the entire class. demonstrates the same notion: they miss but never forget Mr. Rex Smith. “After that, the boy always came to prove that Mr. Smith was more than school.” just a teacher. He was a beloved coach, a regardless of how they came to know In addition to teaching math, Mr. mentor to countless students and him, can agree on one thing: Berlin Smith coached the Berlin High School colleagues, and, above all, a good friend. High School will not be the same tennis team for many years. Many of his Everyone whose life Mr. Smith touched, without him. Joe Clifford Returns to BHS as Visiting Author By Samantha Goode Redcoat Review Writer

On October 19, author Joe Clifford, a 1988 Berlin High School graduate, came back to his hometown to talk about life as a published author and about his personal life. Clifford is the author of many acclaimed stories, such as the memoir Junkie Love and the Jay Porter mystery series. Clifford demonstrated clearly how Berlin has played a significant role in his books and his writing career. He talked about how a former BHS English teacher told him that he “had a fine flair for writing,” which heavily impacted his confidence. It had been the first time that Photo credit: Mrs. Rice a teacher told him that he was good at Berlin High School graduate and author Joe Clifford speaks to students about the writing something. The idea stuck with Clifford process during his visit on October 19th. for many years, motivating him when going through hard times. mystery novels. things that can pull you out of that type Clifford also described his first book, Clifford told of his struggles of home- of life, and learning is one of them. Lamentation as “a love letter to Berlin.” lessness on the streets of San Francisco Now he is a full time author and has The book takes place in New Hampshire after he flunked out of CCSU. That’s been nominated for many awards, but has plenty of similarities to the town. when he got mixed up with drugs. His including the Anthony Award for The book mentions parallels with aspects recovery included many unsuccessful Best Novel. He currently has a family ranging from Upbeat to the Dairy Queen attempts at rehab until he decided that and teaches writing classes. He writes on Farmington Ave. He says, “Where he would finally turn his life around. In mostly mystery novels because he knew you grow up defines you for better or for his mid-thirties, he went back to CCSU drugs, crime, and convicts and how worse,” and he feels that growing up in and “dedicated [himself] to education.” a small town really helps him craft his Clifford said that there are a few Continued on page 2 Redcoat Review • Page 2 Unsurprisingly, Democrats Take the House By Justin Lamoureux stand to hold a 53-47 majority in the next that Trump is not as well-liked in Redcoat Review Writer Congress. battleground districts with the swing What do these results mean about voters who will likely be instrumental in The Democratic Party surprised the two major parties and where they deciding the results of the next no one when they gained control of the stand with voters? Not as much as one presidential election. House of Representatives in the might think. The House results do not The Democrats did manage to retain Congressional Midterms, which were necessarily mirror President Trump’s Senate seats and win governorships in held in early November. What was equally unpopularity with the electorate, and Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania unsurprising, however, was that the the Senate results do not exactly endorse -- three states that played a pivotal role Republicans not only retained control of him, either. This is because it is in electing Trump -- by decisive margins. the Senate, but they also built on their commonplace for voter discontent to Though the Republicans remain in power majority. harm the president’s party in Midterm in the Senate, the Democrats have made The polarization of such results runs elections. And, in many cases, said significant gains in the House. Prior to the deep: according to Politico, the Democrats disenchantment is more evident on the election, CNN predicted the party would gained 41 seats in the House, effectively local, rather than the state level. need to gain 23 seats to have a majority in securing a majority of 235 seats. (For The Senate results tell us that Presi- the House. Nearly a month later, after clarity, there are 435 seats in the House.) dent Trump remains popular with his several extremely close races and Meanwhile, the Republicans gained 4 core base; remember, with the exception elongated recounts, they have gained Senate seats (which were previously held of Florida (which is considered a nearly twice that number. These results, by Democrats) in Indiana, Missouri, battleground state), every seat the GOP though not conclusive of any one North Dakota, and Florida. Previously, managed to gain in this legislative body meaning, suggest a considerable shift in the GOP had a slim 51-49 majority in the was in reliably Republican states, which demographics, which could pose a Senate; however, having lost two seats voted decisively for President Trump in significant threat to the President’s (one in Arizona, another in Nevada), they 2016. However, the House results suggest re-election prospects. Clifford works with students on writing continued from page 1 When it was difficult to relive his struggles while writing his memoir, he there is more to them than just went more into depth about writing the jurisdiction. whole truth and how oversharing is just Not long ago, Clifford’s brother, Josh, something that comes naturally to many another BHS alumni and star wrestler, writers, despite it being hard to look back passed away due to drinking problems. on bad times. Without this quality, many He talks about how he used his book stories can become one sided and lacking Lamentation as a way to talk to his in depth. All aspects of a story are impor- brother since Josh was too far gone while tant to include, especially in memoirs like Joe was writing this book. He said that his, and that is a point that he wanted to Josh was extremely supportive of being a leave behind. character in Joe’s book and that he never “There are a lot of great things [about told Joe he couldn’t write about anything, Berlin] you don’t get to appreciate the first Photo credit: Mrs. Rice which brought him into the idea that you time around,” says Clifford. “It’s something BHS graduate Joe Clifford has written have to write the whole story. Joe I’ve gotten to cherish as I have gotten several novels, including a series with many mentioned that this idea was an impor- older.” As he said earlier, where you grow references to places in Berlin. tant piece of advice he wanted to pass on up defines you, and we should all feel very to aspiring writers and authors. lucky to grow up in Berlin. Fan of Fantasy? Check out The Name of the Wind

By Samuel Turgeon childhood surrounded by incredible the arcane. Kvothe hopes that access to the Redcoat Review Writer actors, musicians and wizards. He resources at The University will help him becomes proficient as both a musician to solve the mystery of who murdered his Patrick Rothfuss’s fantasy novel The and scholar. One day, while Kvothe is family. Name Of The Wind is an incredibly well off in the woods gathering supplies, his I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as written story that troupe is attacked. Kvothe returns to well as the sequel The Wise Man’s Fear. The is deserving of find his caravans in ruins and his entire Name Of The Wind reminds me of a much praise. The Name troupe dead. When he approaches, he darker, more sinister Harry Potter. Of The Wind is told finds a group of mysterious men who Rothfuss includes beautiful descriptions by a man named claim to be the murderers; for some of the incredible characters as well as the Kvothe who is unknown reason they leave Kvothe alone setting, which make his fantastical world retrospectively and depart. truly come to life. recounting all of Now alone, Kvothe walks numer- Kvothe is a character who is the adventures that ous miles to the nearest city where he marvelously relatable, and Rothfuss’s he has endured. lives for the next few years, surviving on unique take on first person perspective The story begins nothing more than his own ingenuity. allows the reader to better understand the when Kvothe is At around age fifteen, Kvothe decides main character. All in all, Rothfuss’s skill very young. He that he wants to head to The University. and distinct style of writing make his book and his parents The University is the most prestigious a wonderful page turner that is sure to are members of school in the world, and they teach both keep readers on the edge of their seats. the Edema Ruh, a well esteemed travel- practical classes such as mathematics and ing band of entertainers. Kvothe spent his language as well as classes in magic and Rating 8.5/10 Redcoat Review • Page 3 Low Teacher Pay Plaguing America educated professionals. This ‘teaching never judge me. Her classroom is a sort of OPINION PIECE penalty’ has increased significantly in safe haven for me. Teachers like her are the past 20 years – from approximately what make our school as amazing as it is 2% in 1994 to 19% in 2017.” It shocks me and embody the essence of what a teacher By Gina Scalaro that the people who are the ones set- truly is -- an educator, a confidant, and For the Redcoat Review ting up students for their future careers, finally, someone who can change your life college, and lives don’t get the proper for good. If I feel this way about teachers, Without teachers, you wouldn’t be payment they deserve. Some then other students around America must able to comprehend what you’re about teachers are still struggling to pay off too. to read. Without teachers, I wouldn’t be their student loans years after What some people simply fail to realize able to educate you on one of America’s graduation, pay for transportation to is that the work of a teacher is never most prominent and from work, and pay for the general finished. Many of these misinformed issues. The day to day items they need simply be- people believe that a teacher only works bottom line is cause they aren’t being paid enough. from 7 AM to 2 PM for five days out of that without For me, teachers are much more than the week and nine months out of the year. teachers, we people who have taught me my A, B, Cs Those who believe these ideas about the wouldn’t be able and my 1, 2, 3s. They are the ones that field of education are completely wrong. to function in can completely alter my outlook and the Teachers dedicate their own personal our day to day ones that help mold me into the young time before and after school to helping lives. adult I am today. Every school year, struggling students. They dedicate their It has recently there has been one teacher who was able weekends to grading papers, barely getting been brought to to impact my life drastically and make a moment to breathe because they are my attention how important the problem me want to push myself harder the next engulfed in a mass of assignments. They regarding how little teachers, in year so I can succeed more. spend part of their summers planning particular, public school teachers, are Last year, in particular, was when I out their lesson plans for the upcoming paid and how little they are appreciated. met one of the most influential months. Teachers work day in and day out As I looked deeper into this issue, I found teachers in my life. This teacher was, and trying to be the absolute best they can be that the average high school teacher’s still is, there for me throughout for their students, but they still don’t get salary nationwide is $59,170 a year as everything that I do. When I needed to the proper acknowledgement of all of their of 2017, according to the U.S. Bureau stay after because I was worrying about hard work. of Labor Statistics. This number seems a test, she would come in early or stay Another crucial part of a teacher’s job so miniscule when compared to what later so I could feel better about how I that the majority of people criticize is the people in similar careers get paid. would do. She gave me the confidence grading process. It seems as if everyone According to the National Education and courage that I now have in myself forgets how much time and effort Association, “comparable profession- that has helped me succeed in many most teachers put into grading their als with similar education [to teachers] aspects of my life. She is one of the very students’ assignments. If teachers don’t earn higher salaries. Nationally, teachers first people I go to with news, whether it get something graded instantly upon its earn 19% less than similarly skilled and be good or bad, because I know she will submission, they have to face the wrath of impatient students and are viewed as a lazy teacher. If said students don’t like the grade that their teacher gives to them, the teacher has to deal with angered parents and is viewed as an inadequate teacher. These misconceptions must be broken. Everything a teacher does is backed up by a clear reason and purpose. One teacher of mine says that we should expect that it will take just as much time for her to grade the assignment as it took for us to complete it, and I couldn’t agree with this more. Maybe if all students understood this reality, teachers wouldn’t feel as much pressure as they do now, and they would get the respect they deserve. Photo submitted by Abby Ferland So, to the students reading this, I hope Members of Berlin High School entertain the audience during a performance. you have a better understanding of what a teacher’s job really is and the challenges that your teachers face on a day to day Lights, Camera, Action! It’s the Cabaret basis. Be kind to your teachers and try to put yourself in their shoes. By Abby Ferland raised a record-breaking total of nearly And to the teachers of BHS reading Redcoat Review Wrier $3,000 through a bake sale and silent this, well, I want you to remember the auction, which will be used to fund the following things during some of your most The Berlin High School musical spring musical. difficult times. You are the ones who have program kicked off the year with their The night concluded with the helped make our success possible. You are annual Cabaret on Saturday, November long-awaited announcement of the 2019 the ones who we look up to. You are the 4th. Students from all grades had the op- Spring musical: Shrek. Mr. Tyler Boyle, ones who have the ability to set the entire portunity to perform any musical theater the school’s musical director, is excited to course for our lives. There is always a song as a solo, duet, or small group. perform this extravagant show, but noted student who respects you. There is always Members of the Cabaret cast that it is going to take a great deal of time a student you have impacted, even if you performed group songs from the and dedication. don’t know it. And lastly, I want you to musicals Hairspray, Cabaret, and the This fun, comedic musical will be per- know there is no amount of money that recent movie The Greatest Showman. formed the second weekend in March. can express how grateful the students of Families and friends in the audience Stay tuned! BHS are for you. Redcoat Review • Page 4 One Listener’s All Time Hip-Hop Draft By Jake Holmes Hop. Pac delivered on every song/album STILL lingering today. Yet, most of the Redcoat Review Writer he was on making him a top 5 rapper time it is just 50 clowning on Ja. 50’s busi- of all time. However, he usually did not ness outside of rap is also booming. His This draft will include 6 rappers for pay attention to the business aspect of lucrative revenue stream is thanks to his two “teams” (3 each). The criteria for his music, which endorsement deal with Vitamin Water. 50 each draftee will be based off records, allowed him to get Cent has also produced and starred in the lyrics, how long their run was, their busi- caught up in a few popular show Power. Memorable Lyric: ness outside of rap, and their impact on bad deals that hurt “Ja you’s a window shopper Mad at me, the rap game. This draft has no his business image. I think I know why Jada you’s a window correlation with where these rappers rank Still, Pac tried to shopper In the jewelry store lookin’ at s*** on the ¨All Time Rapper¨ list. make an impact with you can’t buy Joe you’s a window shopper the power he gained throughout his run. In the dealership tryin to get a test drive Team 1 Before Tupac Shakur was shot and killed Nas you’s a window shopper Mad as f*** First pick - Eminem. Slim Shady has on September 13th, 1996, he shared his when you see me ride by.” made his way back into the Redcoat opinions with the world on several oc- Review for another predictable reason. In casions. On songs like “Brenda’s Got A Third Pick - Drake. It was clearly stated the eyes of many, Baby,” Pac depicted his view of the cor- before, THIS DOES NOT Eminem is the ruption of street life and social injustice. CORRELATE WITH THE ALL TIME greatest rapper Pac also demonstrated his confidence RAPPERS LIST. It should be very very all of time, pos- with his rap beefs. Pac ignited the flame clear that Drake is not a top 6 rapper. sibly due to the of East Coast Versus West Coast rap by However, his fact that he has calling out superstars like Biggie Smalls. domination in an astonishing Pac is by far the most memorable rapper the “Pop” rap 151 awards and of all time and these are several reasons game is out 340 nomina- why. Memorable Lyric: “Grab ya glocks, of this world. tions, including when you see Tupac Call the cops, when The number of 15 Grammys and an Oscar, which leads you see Tupac, uh Who shot me, but ya streams, me to my next reason for the number punks didn’t finish Now ya bout to feel billboard charts, one pick. Eminem has made a name for the wrath of a menace, I hit em’ up” nominations, and awards Drake has pulled himself-- and not just in the rap game. in cannot be touched by any other rapper. Throughout his run of being a top 5 rap- Team 2 Drake has now been placed on the Hot per of all time (which spans more than First pick - Jay Z. Also known as Hov, 100 for an incredible nine consecutive two decades), Slim made a blockbuster this artist has been prominent in the rap years, and he’s nowhere near done with movie. That boosted Slim’s business and business game since 1994. Jay has his impressive run. Drake’s run took off in outside of rap and set himself up for demonstrated his gangster background 2006 and he has shown no signs of slowing plenty of opportunities. Memorable lyric: in his music and even his own family life. down. Drake remains the streaming king. “He’s nervous, but on the surface he looks Fans of Hov have seen his life “God’s Plan” streamed more than 14 mil- calm and ready To drop bombs, but he progress and change simply by listen- lion times in a day, breaking the worldwide keeps on forgetting What he wrote down ing to his mu- Apple Music record. In the U.S., the track The whole crowd Roars so loud” sic. He literally has now exceeded 82.4 million streams has dominated in total and 127,000 downloads since its Second pick - Nas. Like Eminem, Nas everything he release. is a top 5 rapper of all time. However, has gotten into, This is unprecedented for the rap Nas does have whether it be rap community and proves that Drake is truly somewhat of beefs, different dominant. Drake’s business aspect must an advantage beats, business, or anything a human be doing fine since he came in at No. 5 over the other can think of. Jay Z is the owner of 40/40 in the last Forbes Five list of the richest two. In 1994, he Club sports bar and co-creator of the artists in hip-hop, with a wealth of $90 released what clothing line Rocawear. As a member million. Yet, this does not include Drake´s many consider of Roc Nation Sports, Hov himself is a latest tour where he pulled in a million the ¨greatest rap licensed sports agent. Jay Z is worth over dollars a night. Drake also partakes in album of all time,¨ Illmatic. It is not even 800 million dollars. (Yes, you read that acting and entrepreneurship; his deals a question that there is an album that correctly.) Memorable lyric: “I’m not a with Apple, Nike, and Sprite bolster his can be compared to Illmatic. Nas’s rap is businessman, I’m a business... Man” business. Memorable Lyric: “Shout goes very intense, lyrical, and meaningful. Nas out to NIKE, checks all over me / I need a has also dominated some opponents in Second pick - 50 Cent. 50 completely FuelBand just to see how long the run has the rap game, including Jay Z. However, changed and dominated the rap game been” he has not been in the business aspect in the early 2000’s. Since then, 50 went to the same extent as Eminem or Jay Z. through an iconic run in rap. He has Memorable lyric: “Your arms too short been most known in “street” rap for his Meet Our Staff to box with God I don’t kill soloists only mixtapes. He was able to kill squads fame went to they head so claim the top spot in the The following students contributed now it’s, ´F*** Nas´ yesterday you begged rap game without drop- to this issue: Sophomores Nick Spinali, for a deal today you tough guys I seen it ping an album, which Samuel Turgeon, Samantha Goode, Abby coming soon as I popped my first bottle has never been done. Ferland, Gina Scalaro and Tyler Rice; I spotted my enemies tryna do what I do Three years into his run, Juniors Justin Lamoureux and Jake came in with my style so I fathered you.” he dropped his hit debut album Get Rich Or Die Holmes; and Seniors Joanna Sobilo, AJ Third Pick - Tupac. Team One’s last Tryin’, which included Kahn and Jennifer Mouser. selection goes to the one and only: Tupac songs like, “In Da Club,” “Back Down,” We welcome new contributors. If you Shakur. When most people think about and “Many Men.” 50 Cent has also are interested in joining or would like Hip-Hop, the name Tupac inevitably ended careers in rap beefs, making him more information on the Redcoat comes to mind. This is because of Pac’s very prominent in rap history. His rap Review, please contact Mrs. Rice or short yet extremely dominant run in Hip- beef with Ja Rule that started in 1998 is Mrs. Glass. Redcoat Review • Page 5 I Can’t Vote: Politics in A High School Setting

juxtaposition with a foot in both worlds. Takoma Park’s increase in number is im- OPINION PIECE Yet despite this, adults often neglect to pressive and needed. The more individuals acknowledge teenagers and their vote, the more that an office will reflect the potential for political thought and query. true desires of its constituents. Whether By Jennifer E. Mouser According to Associated Press- or not sixteen years old should vote is a Redcoat Review Writer NORC Center for Public Affairs Research separate matter, but it is certainly one that at the University of Chicago, 81% of teen- demonstrates the political fervor has A Colombian, a gay man, and a agers find America to be in the center of trickled down to the youth. Republican walk into a Starbucks, as if the a great divide over important So how can the teenager, able to beginning of a raunchy joke, in order to issues. This realization is well identify with a party, unable to vote in talk politics. The decision isn’t documented through news and statics state and federal matters, and impassioned intentional. Politics has a way of as the divide between Democrats and by ideas and beliefs, exist in a world being leaching into the Republicans on key issues widens -- increasingly shaped by political most innocent issues like gun control, immigration, and involvement despite constantly being of conversations. government size. However, adults retain distanced from it? This question has One moment we the ability to vote and support eluded me for ages, but political are conversing individuals that can lean in whichever activism does not inherently and solely about our classes, direction they lean. This ability allows for mean the ability to vote. Teenagers, like and the next we them to contribute with a direct impact adults, are capable of peaceful protests have moved on to on who remains in office. But for and marches, like the March for Our Lives discussing current teenagers, this ability is lacking, and done nationally throughout America. events and news of without this facet of political activism, In addition, teenagers can volunteer the White House. they are left dejected. not just for grassroot organizations but to And, somehow, we The voting age of eighteen is given to get involved in their community to help. end up speaking on potential presidential us by the Twenty-Sixth Amendment, and 71% of teens have volunteered and 61% candidates for the 2020 elections. Names currently, some explore the idea of have raised money for a cause they care are being thrown out throughout our back lowering the age. In November 2016, about, according to AP NORC. Clubs and forth banter. One moment my friend San Francisco’s Proposition F, if passed, like Upbeat and Interact and Habitat for is defending the likes of Ben Shapiro, a would have allowed sixteen year olds Humanity and Red Cross all exist within Harvard Law alum, a well-known author, the ability to vote in local elections. Berlin High School to allow those with and a stark conservative. The next, I’m The proposition failed but supported a interests in helping and improving our arguing in defense for Kamala Harris, series of conversations on the matter. country start with more local matters. Democratic Senator of California, and as Are teenagers mature enough to vote? Empowered and impassioned, we drain our peppermint mochas, we have This controversial topic is one that leaves teenagers now possess the same vigor and people divided. In two Maryland cities, come to a consensus of mutual intensity that adults possess. They have the disagreement and understanding. To Takoma Park and Hyattsville, similar same desire to change the world, to stand some, the idea of conversing about who legislation exists, letting sixteen year olds up for beliefs and to make a difference. will throw their bid for presidency sounds vote in local matters, and both have seen Ultimately, this is still our country at the incredibly dull, a conversation meant for surprising results. adults at a dinner party or for political In Takoma Park, according to end of the day. We are all still citizens, and science students crammed in a lecture Huffington Post, 8.5% of eligible voters we are all capable of expressing beliefs, hall, but I see it differently. In a day and who were eighteen years or older showed should we so choose. age where America has been placed in an up to the polls on November 2013, but it So if you agree or disagree with the incredible divide due to varying was the sixteen and seventeen year olds direction of our country, if you identify ideologies, teenagers are just as capable that shined with 17% of eligible voters as Republican or Democrat proudly, if of being affected yet are often counted under eighteen casting ballots. The turn- you have strong thoughts and beliefs, act out. Underestimated and unable to be out, on its own, is incredibly impressive. on them, because you may be unable to involved fully in the political conscious When it comes to local elections, turnout vote but you can still help and contribute, yet capable of individual thought and full is often slim with senior citizens statis- because you can still make a difference no of experience, teenagers act as a walking tically being the largest demographic, matter how old you are. Spirit Week Hallways Worth the Effort By Abby Ferland in the student body. The sophomores Redcoat Review Writer placed third with the Disney movie Lilo and Stitch, and in fourth place was the In accordance with tradition, Berlin freshmen with a carnival theme. High School´s annual ¨Spirit Week¨ ran While many students can easily from October 15-19 and brought forth an classify this as the most exciting day of outpouring of school spirit from students the school year, it is also among the most of all ages. stressful. The months of preparation all For Color Wars, each grade decorated come down to this exciting school day, a hallway with a theme of their which ends with game competitions choosing. The seniors ascended to between the grades including tug of war, victory with the theme of Stranger Things, basketball shooting, and even pie followed by the juniors, who were faced eating. The seniors won most of the with the significant challenge of their color events, but the formidable junior class being white. Luckily, they pulled off their emerged victorious in the tug of war theme of the television series event. The Office, placing actual desk furniture in Although the games get immensely Photo submitted by Mr. Rudy the hallway and including many references competitive, at the end of the day, Members of the Senior class celebrate their to the show, which is well-liked by many Continued on page 6 first place finish in the Hallway competition. Redcoat Review • Page 6 SPOTLIGHT ON ART Cross Country Finishes Strong By Nick Spinali Redcoat Review Writer

The Berlin High School Cross Coun- try team wrapped up their season on a high note with an appearance in the CIAC State Open Championship on November 1st. The team participated in meets at Windham High School, Winding Trails Center, and Wickham Park before making their final stop in the State Open this year. Representing Berlin were Michael Par- zych, Juliana Cancellieri (both grade 11), and Megan Perrotta (grade 10). In order to qualify for the race, each team needed runners to place in the top-12 in the CIAC Divisional XC Championship meet. Senior Josh Ladd narrowly missed a spot in the Submitted by Mrs. Miller race, finishing in thirteenth in the Divi- Photographed from the back row left to the right are Nick Gendron, Emma Klepacki, sional meet. As for Parzych, Cancellieri Ben Labadia, BoDehm Wicklund and Marcel Wolanin. Second row from left to right and Perrotta, all three finished in the top are Lillian Bierwirth, Ishanee Patel, Rachel Fitzsimons, Annie Sznaj and Matt Bacon. 90 in their respected State races, which is Front row from left to right are Stephanie Boice, Meghan Fox, Emily Mazzotta and the top 53 percent. Sofia Sierra. The teams were led by captains Cancellieri, Ladd, Jimmy Grieco, Gianni Fanelli, Colin Asklar, and Audrey BHS Participates in Memory Project Jankovich. Of those six, Grieco, Fanelli, Asklar and Ladd will all be departing from By Mrs. Miller Afghanistan were shipped to Berlin High the team after this season as graduating Special to the Redcoat Review School. When the photos arrived from seniors. Of the impact that all of the the Memory Project, I laid them all out seniors had on the team, sophomore Cole At the end of last year, our ECE on a table for the students to choose Primo stated that “they had a very heart- UConn Drawing Class participated in which child they would like to draw. warming impact, and [he’s] definitely the “Memory Project.” The Memory It was wonderful to see how our going to miss them when they leave.” Project is a program that bridges the gap students felt empowered by making a The teams finish a season filled with between American high school students difference in the life of a child from close friendships and countless memories. and underprivileged children from Afghanistan. Our students drew their “Very out there and fun,” said Primo of around the world. portraits which were shipped back to the the many team occasions, especially the The Memory Project mission is to organization who had hoped to deliver regular pasta dinners. “They weren’t just cultivate global kindness by creating the photos in June and July but it was too regular- you go there, eat pasta and leave… portraits for children around the world dangerous. I will always remember being with all of who have faced substantial challenges, In August, a total of 2,600 photos the seniors, bonding and having a good such as violence, war, extreme poverty, were delivered along with a donation of t i m e .” neglect, and loss of parents. $4,000 to put toward their education. Fourteen photos of children from Thank you to all for your support. Art Around Town Pep Rally, Homecoming Dance and Football Game Cap Fun Spirit Week Continued from page 5 As a team, the Redcoats tallied 151 yards the pep rally day is made to foster on the ground while also holding RHAM camaraderie amongst the school to 170 yards through the air. community and Purpose, passion and pride are celebrate the well-known words within the Berlin homecoming High School community, and spirit week football game and is a way to display this pride we have for dance. On Friday, our school. October 19, the Between supporting the Redcoats passionate BHS football team and defeated RHAM students coming together for some with a final score of 41-35. Photo submitted by Mrs. Miller Leading the Redcoats were senior friendly competition during the pep quarterback Kevin Dunn, who threw rally, it’s safe to say that this year’s spirit Students in Mrs. Miller’s art class have their art for 267 yards and 4 touchdowns. Alex week was a success. work on display in various locations around Halkias and Larry St. Pierre headed the The student body is grateful for the Berlin. Here is Matthew Bacon’s work on team on the ground, as the two rushed class officers that put many hours of display at Suburban Bike on Farmington Ave. for a total of 92 yards and a touchdown, work for the purpose of giving the BHS studens also have art on display at the with Halkias adding a receiving score. students an enjoyable spirit week. Board of Education. Stop in and check it out!