he hieftain TMontville High School Oakdale ,C CT 06370 Issue #1 2017 Black Lives in Trump’s America Love is in the Air. Wallet By: Natalie Wright Black History Month is here and the nation is celebrating African Americans. The achievements people celebrating include the abolishment of slavery in 1865, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the continued fight for equality. Those who don’t stand with President Trump criticize his racist remarks. They call attention to the message they say he is putting out, and question what it means for the minorities he has offended and neglected. Some focus has been put on African Americans in the midst of the “” movement; they fear for themselves and where they stand in Trump’s America. When addressing the African American community Trump said, “You Tearing up a paper heart. . Photo By: Jessica Stronach live in your poverty, your schools are no good, you have no jobs, 58 percent of your By: Abigale Houser youth is unemployed. What the hell do you 53% of women say they would This is one way for women to own being have to lose?” (washingtonpost.com) The end their relationship if they didn’t single on a couple specific holiday. What problem people have with this statement get something for Valentine’s Day is ridiculous is the average consumer is the way Trump carelessly generalized (statisticbrain.com). Girls in relationships spends $116.21 on Valentine’s Day, most an entire race, implying that all African can’t wait for Valentine’s Day so they likely because of the pressure being put Americans are jobless and poor, when can upload pictures of the chocolates, on men to get their girlfriends the perfect that is not the case at all. Most African flowers, and gifts their significant others gift. There is a lot of men buying women Americans aren’t living in poverty. By bought them. Single girls tend to avoid the gifts, possibly because the holiday isn’t broadcasting to such a harsh stereotype, internet by staying offline and eating the directed at women buying men gifts. Trump has encouraged the totalizing one-dollar box of chocolate their mother Valentine’s Day is supposed to be of minorities instead of acknowledging bought them while watching Netflix a day to celebrate the love people share the real problems in their communities. alone. with one another. It’s not about who gets Many of Trump’s supporters are accused Despite the fact that Valentine’s the most expensive presents from their of being racist. a wide division has been Day is a couple’s holiday, we can all partner. It seems that people lose sight of especially prevalent in the “Black Lives come together, single or not, and laugh the purpose of holidays like Christmas, Matter” versus “All Lives Matter” fight. at these statistics collected by Valentine’s and just focus on the presents or what is There were reports of supporters shouting Day Consumer Intentions and Actions going to benefit them. Valentine’s Day racist comments at black men during Survey. The average annual Valentine’s should be celebrated with a loved one in rallies, there were rumors that some Day spending is $13,290,000,000 and the whatever way you want to spend it. Maybe beatings occurred. top three gifts given during Valentine’s ask yourself, if I weren’t getting presents, Day are cards 52.1%, candy 47.5%, and would I be excited for Valentine’s Day? If flowers 34.3%. the answer is no, then maybe you’re a part 73% of all flowers were purchased of the 53%. by men while 14% of women send themselves flowers on Valentine’s Day.

Page 1 The Chieftain SPORTS Sager’s Saga

Make Your Winter Wild By: Andrew Petherick The NBA and many others are mourning over the loss of Craig Sager, who died December 15, 2016 due to acute myeloid leukemia (cancer). Sager had fought off the cancer in 2014 during the NBA playoffs, but Sager announced in March 2016 that the cancer had returned. Sager was a class act to his family, friends, and his co-workers. Sager may have been known for his flashy suits, but he was more than just that. Dennis Rodman, former Chicago Bulls standout, had come out a few days after Sager’s death and credited Sager for stopping him from committing suicide in 1993. Rodman said that Sager had convinced him by telling Rodman “how stupid that would be.” Rodman had a gun Snowboarding at Mt. Snow. photo by Naiel Fisher when Sager was talking to him. Sager was a man that valued By: Van Heller family and relationship bonds. One of his Many people aren’t fans of the away to go?” Well, to avoid the cost of coworkers, Donald Slouffman, can vouch winter months. The days are short and the ski tickets, riders from all over travel to that Sager was a family man. Slouffman air goes from being crisp and refreshing to Mohawk Mountain in Cornwall, Conn. recalls Sager always having a suitcase with chilling gusts of wind. People tend to wait with their snowshoes and skis for some a picture of his wife and 5 kids with him. out the cold inside their homes, instead backcountry shredding. Sager even tried to influence Slouffman to of trying to find some remedies for the Conn. is home to a number of have a kid (which he did). Slouffman also winter doldrums. trap rock formations and granite cliffs said that Sager made Slouffman a part of There are so many activities that that makes a playground for ice climbers. his family and even treated Slouffman’s can keep people busy during this time Ascent Climbing (Climbing Company) daughter as his own. Sager’s heart was as of the year. A popular activity when the can help any novice climber learn tips to generous as they get. flurries start to fall is snowshoeing through charge up any rock face in the state. Ironically, two days before Sager nature. Bluff Point in Groton, Conn. is Another common winter activity died, he was inducted into the Sports ideal for this activity. Right over the Gold entails grabbing a fishing rod and a hand Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Sager’s Star Bridge people come from all over the saw. Once the fresh water freezes over in monumental award was not earned easily. state to enjoy the scenery of The Long Conn. it’s ice fishing season. Across the Sager attended Northwestern University Island Sound. Not only do people use state, anyone can find a fishing spot, from in Illinois, where he was the team mascot. Bluff Point in the winter for snowshoeing, Beach Pond in Voluntown, to Tyler Pond Young Sager tried to walk-on to the but also Cross Country skiing and fat tire in Goshen. football team and basketball team, but mountain biking. Due to the lack of snow Curling up by the fire is a great had no luck. Shortly after graduating in in years past, however, these activities way to spend the nights during Wintertime, 1973, Sager found himself a job with a might not be available. but during the day it can include any type local cable network in Florida, and then Bluff Point is a common of adventure. Missouri. In 1981, he was hired by CNN destination for plenty of locals around where his fame grew. Sager leaves behind this part of Conn., but that brings up the his five children and wife along with many question, “is there anywhere a little farther others. Rest in Peace.

Page 2 The Chieftain SPORTS The Positive Effects of High School Rifle Clubs By: Ashley Weekly High school marksmanship rifle team said, “[Rifle] helps me relieve programs all over the are in stress. Just focusing on shooting clears danger of being disbanded, and students my mind of unwanted thoughts.” Gigi are not happy. The sport has become a Rodriguez, a returning junior on the team, very controversial subject in schools added, “It takes my mind off of things. because people don’t understand what it Breathing helps me calm down in between actually entails. shots.” The students who participate in Students on the MHS rifle team riflery dedicate a lot of time and energy are worried about other peoples’ reactions to improve their skills. Good shooters to their sport. Rodriguez said, “It’s not fair, have to have complete control over their but it is understandable. With everything muscles and breathing, which takes a lot going on, I can see why people are afraid. of practice. Eventually, a shooter can tell But it’s the person behind the gun that what problems he or she has based on controls what they do.” Tanner Driscoll, a where each shot goes. Shooters with years returning sophomore, added, “Why aren’t of experience can tell where a shot went schools worried about football? [Football as soon as the shot is taken. players] hurt people and they think it Learning how to shoot better is is fine. We are just shooting rifles for actually very calming for some shooters. competition and we don’t harm anyone. Brittany Andrews, a junior on the MHS What’s the problem?” Stock Photo The End of Thursday Night Lights By: Van Heller The talk of discontinuing Thursday Longtime NFL coach and NBC and CBS’s contract with Night Football has been circulating the broadcaster, John Madden, voiced his Thursday Night Football is still valid until NFL for years now. Players, coaches, opinion about Thursday Night. “…It just the end of 2017, which means the NFL and fans are sick of subpar performances. doesn’t work in a recent interview. It’s not could eliminate the program altogether or Unlike Mondays and Sundays, Thursdays only a fan thing; it’s a team thing. It’s a start a new contract with the networks and limit the amount of recovery time for NFL safety thing. It’s a competitive thing. It keep the spectacle alive. The League has teams. A week of healing turns into four doesn’t work.” Madden continues, “What not shown any sign that they are ready to days, and players face a greater chance happens is there are not a lot of good give up on Thursday Night Football just of injuring themselves because of fatigue teams, and they have too many windows yet, however. and soreness. Players may not “give it to put these games in. When you think of The league hasn’t stated anything their all” on Thursdays because of these an early Sunday window, a late Sunday regarding actions that could be put in conditions, thus dissapointing fans with window, a Monday night window, a place for Thursdays, but one thing that is poor play and boring games. Thursday night window, they all want obvious is the lack of viewer interest in Thursday Night Football has been good games, and there’s not enough good these games. part of the NFL for more than a decade, so teams.” (Wasington Post) the move to eliminate the program could Every team is required by the alter much more than scheduling. If the NFL to play one Thursday Night game a league decides to remove Thursday Night season. This sometimes leads to bad team Football, the possibility of reducing the matchups, which leads to lower ratings, number of games in a season may result. and of course less revenue for the NFL.

Page 3 The Chieftain ARTS AND CULTURE On-Line Challenges Take Over The Truth About Our Water By: Brooke Dominello Chesapeake Bay’s hypoxic low- oxygen zone is nearly large enough to fill 2.3 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. It is equivalent to 1.58 cubic miles. The anoxic zone is estimated to be .28 cubic miles. Unsustainable agriculture practices contribute to high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus found in the Bay. Large-scale animal farming, such as egg farming, is a major cause of dead zones. On average chickens produce 45 pounds of manure per year. The manure is either spread on a cornfield to fertilize or it is piled elsewhere on the farm. At a glimpse, it would seem that the manure is being repurposed, however once it rains, the manure enters the Chesapeake Watershed. Watching a video of the Mannequin Challenge on a smart phone. Photo By: Fernanda Reyes In turn phytoplankton grow causing an algae bloom. Bacteria levels explode By: Arianna Velázquez to consume the algae and waste while Students gather around enormous lips) and The Running Man depleting the oxygen. Without oxygen, the classroom, picking different poses Challenge (a viral dance performed to My there is stress put on the organisms in the and faces to hold still for the five minutes Boo by Ghost Town DJs). ecosystem resulting in a fatal outcome. it takes to play Black Beatles by Rae Other popular challenges have Perch, crabs, oyster and other creatures Sremmurd. The Mannequin Challenge, conjured up inspiration amongst users in the Bay either flee or suffocate in the has taken over the halls of MHS, along of , and have caused the hypoxic water. The process is known as with the phone screens of its students. It students of MHS to recreate these eutrophication, which ultimately results in was the last viral Internet craze of 2016 activities. Students have participated in ecosystem degradation. and there are definitely many other trendy the #HuhChallenge, the ALS Ice Bucket There are thousands of miles challenges that not only sweep through Challenge, the Charlie Charlie Challenge, between Connecticut and the Chesapeake MHS, but also gain millions of viewers and many more. However, the most Bay, yet over 15 states contribute to the around the world. popular trend to sweep the halls of MHS pollution. Due to streams running off into Online challenges were not always is definitely the Mannequin Challenge, large rivers on the East Coast, the pollution around. It wasn’t until The Cinnamon including a school wide video of many works its way into the Chesapeake Water. Challenge when people actually started students acting like statues. The largest rivers in the watershed to partake in these entertaining “games.” Although there is currently a include: the Susquehanna, Potomac, Famous like GloZell and the pause in the world of Internet challenges, Rappahannock, York, and James rivers. Janoskians uploaded videos of themselves there will certainly be a new phenomenon With over 100,000 streams, creeks and doing the painful activity, helping it to to take over the world sometime in 2017, tributaries streaming off of these rivers, gain popularity. Other challenges then and surely plenty of students will be polluting the Bay is inevitable unless we began to evolve and snowball off of this, participating in these new viral Internet work together and discontinue our habits. creating viral trends like the Kylie Jenner crazes. Small things such as recycling or picking Lip Challenge (a dangerous activity in up the trash can save the Chesapeake Bay. which one places a cup over his lips and Restoring the Bay may take decades, but sucks the air out, causing you to have it’s definitely not impossible.

Page 4 The Chieftain ARTS AND CULTURE The Real Superbowl Entertainment: Gaga & the Ads Draw Viewers By: Nicole Funk It’s the time of year again to not Doritos’ ad, “Ultrasound,” the infamous focus on the football aspect of the Super NFL ad, “Super Bowl Babies Choir,” and Bowl, but instead on the entertainment Wix.com’s ad (superbowlcommercials. behind the big event! The 2017 halftime co). This year, a list of ads was released show and commercials have some big that viewers can’t wait to see try and top shoes to fill from last year. Although last last year’s. Some of the commercials year’s halftime show wasn’t too much on this list are Budweiser, Wix, BMW, of a hit (Coldplay and Bruno Mars, Snickers, Mountain Dew, and Skittles. Beyoncé, and others). According to The Super Bowl commercials are 10 Best Super Bowl Halftime Shows by always outrageously expensive, weighing Billboard.com, Lady Gaga still has some in at a hefty $5 million for a 30 second halftime shows to beat— Prince’s 2007 commercial in 2016 (ftw.usatoday.com). performance, Madonna’s in 2012, and However, that doesn’t seem to faze the Beyoncé’s in 2013. big-name companies— in 2016, 52 A Huffington Post poll shows companies, such as Coca-Cola, M&M’s, that in 2016, 26% of people aged 18- PayPal, and Jack in the Box purchased 30 preferred Super Bowl commercials airtime to advertise for their new products. rather than the game itself. The top rated As the 2017 Super Bowl approaches, keep commercials from 2016 include Hyundai’s an eye out for Lady Gaga’s halftime show ad, “The First Date,” starring Kevin Hart, and these awesome commercials. Photo By: Fernanda Reyes

The National Museum of African American History and Culture

By: Ashley Seldon “This place is more than a favorite. Visitors gain knowledge of perspective of centuries of discriminatory building. It is a dream come true”— African American food, language, behavior and unacknowledged existence. President Barack Obama. Seven creativity, and movements. There’s Especially with today’s modern thousand official guests stood to watch beautiful photography hung in nearly controversies, the new museum may be history unfold, parents brought children every corridor, with some of the strongest more influential than ever before. to witness the empowering moment messages behind each image. People can If the rich history isn’t enough to when the National Museum of African experience African American resilience at spark some interest, then maybe the Sweet American History and Culture finally a time when black people were denied by Home Café will do the trick. Enjoy some opened. Crucial leaders representing society and challenged the Jim Crow laws. notorious soul food featuring buttermilk the strength and advancement of the A must- go stop is the changing America fried chicken, cornbread, crawfish gumbo, modern black race were hosted, among exhibit; it highlights stories from 1968 candied yams, and so many more southern them were Will Smith, Oprah Winfrey, on. Here one can learn about the impact delights. Dave Chappelle, and Rashida Jones. The MLK had on the country and President Despite the museum’s amazing museum represents the timeline of black Obama’s two successful election runs. content-including 36,000 artifacts like oppression and achievement. A visitor can The Discovery of Hip-Hop to Black is James Brown’s electric organ and Michael stroll through slavery, civil rights, all the Beautiful is an exhibit so packed with Jordan’s 1996 finals jersey--things could way to the Black Lives Matter Movement exclusive details that it’s one not to miss. impossibly improve thanks to Lebron missing no cracks in between. This phenomenon isn’t just James’ generous $1,000,000 contribution. The museum features 12 exhibits. something for African American people, The cultural expressions section is a it’s time that everyone understood the

Page 5 The Chieftain OPINION Van’s Culinary Corner: Electoral College: Really? Cuckoo’s Nest By: Ashley Seldon The United States was built on the foundation that every voice is to be heard. However, these morals are being violated by America’s current voting system— the Electoral College. The Electoral College dates back to 150 years ago. Before slavery was abolished, the politicians wanted to protect it. Direct vote would not make sense because the North would have outnumbered the South and then they’d push for slavery to end. Therefore, the politicians decided to count a slave as two-fifths of a person and create a system where a popular vote wouldn’t be possible. The fact that America still continues to practice this is simply disgusting and brings shame to the country. There is The Cuckoo’s Nest Stock Photo no reason that 26 million people should negate 37 million. By: Van Heller People can argue all they want In this addition of VCC I’m taking Mexican coleslaw, sliced avocado, pico de about highly populated states like New my culinary excursions to the town of Old gallo (salsa), chipotle sauce, yellow and York controlling the vote, but little do they Saybrook. There I’ll be going south of the black beans, and fried plantains. That’s a know, the 2016 election really took place border to The Cuckoo’s Nest Mexican hefty meal if I’ve ever heard one. When in just 4 states. Why should swing states Restaurant. the waitress arrived with the plate I was like Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania be This restaurant is a fan favorite excited to see what I had gotten myself the only ones to determine presidency? for Mexican food lovers in the area, with into. The election is so predictable nowadays; an endless selections of tacos, fajitas, and The tacos were so flavorful and president-elects won’t even pay attention anything with a little kick to it. I decided well-seasoned and I was overcome with to certain states already knowing what to get the calories rolling with a thick the contrast of flavors between the spicy the vote will be. People feel as if their bowl of Queso Dip. Now the Queso may shrimp, and the tender steak. The side vote doesn’t even count in these states. not be my appetizer of choice, but my dishes helped counter balance the hot Connecticut will always be democratic. colleague said that the dip is worth every flavors of the chipotle sauce, and the Atlanta will always be democratic, but the penny. The cheese sauce was rich and the plantains incorporated a sweet melody of rest of Georgia will remain republican; smooth texture complimented the tortilla tastes. Overall, if you’re not a picky eater, Chicago will be blue, yet the rest of Illinois chips. I recommend ordering this meal. It might will be red. I believe the Electoral College After washing down the melted be a long drive for all those young drivers should be terminated for the shocking cheese, I moved over to my main course. reading this, but try it out. The Cuckoo’s reason it was introduced, and the fact that I try to avoid ordering similar meals with Nest in Old Saybrook, with its rustic the U.S. has failed to put the more-liked every issue, but one meal that will always Mexican vibe and friendly service why person in office. Hilary Clinton won the be a top pick of mine is soft shell tacos. wouldn’t you try it out? I mean come on popular vote with 2,860,000 more votes To avoid sticking to one standard meal, I people, it’s Mexican food, How can you than Donald Trump, making her the most chose the Surf and Turf Tacos. go wrong? popular candidate to ever lose. The meal consisted of two tacos (one grilled shrimp and one steak) with

Page 6 The Chieftain OPINION The Truth About Valentine’s Day By: Emmiley Genua Bright red roses, heart-shaped aren’t in a relationship, but you have a chocolates, and oversized teddy bears are friend in mind and they’re single, it’s nice back in stock. It’s the time of year when to get them a thoughtful gift to show your couples spoil each other. I’ve thought appreciation. about why we only use one day to celebrate If you think about it, every time our love for our significant other and I an important holiday comes around we don’t think it’s right. It isn’t right to have do special things. For example, near only one day designated to showing love Christmas we do Adopt A Family and we and affection for someone. Appreciating make donations to many charities. How and caring for people throughout the year come we aren’t generous like that all the is better. It gives one a reminder of true time? Why is it that near the holidays we feelings. always have to be giving? I mean don’t Valentine’s Day is for couples get me wrong I still think giving to people to swap gifts with one another and have around the holidays is a wonderful idea, a day of romance. However, we can’t but it’s not enough I think that there are forget about the people that are single people everywhere that need more than for Valentines Day. Around this time just gifts given to them every now and of the year single people get down and then. I think people should start giving even depressed because they don’t have more to people in general and not just someone to spend the day with. If you around the holidays. Photo By: Jessica Stronach Mandela Effect By: Ashley Seldon A new trippy There’s an explanation for all shirts, mugs, and posters? It doesn’t exist. has taken social media by storm— of this craziness— parallel universes. In history class, students are taught the the Mandela Effect, named for the “Remember when the world was hypocrisy behind Hitler where the “ideal” revolutionary philanthropist and politician supposed to end in 2000? Some people race would be made up of humans who Nelson Mandela. Many people believe think that the world did end and we went were white with blonde hair and blue eyes that the world is built up with numerous into a parallel universe,” Shane Dawson, when his own were brown. Check back parallel universes, and basically when YouTube conspiracist, explains. Everyone anywhere and you can clearly see Hitler’s the world “ends” we slip into a different also believed the world was going to end blue gaze. universe each time. The name stems from in 2012. This would help prove older I believe in this theory because Nelson Mandela because a significant theories like the “Berenstain” book one these examples conflict with my own number of people vividly recall him dying versus newer evidence like Chic-Fil-A or personal beliefs. It goes far beyond in prison in the 1980s, prior to his actual Chick-Fil-A. simple spelling errors or a bad memory, death in 2013. This is just the beginning— the world is changing little by little due One prime example of the Mandela there are so many other mind-boggling to the interaction between these parallel Effect is the “Berenstain Bears.” Many examples. For instance, does anyone universes. I genuinely don’t think that people remember the childhood books remember the famous quote “mirror, all of these people are misremembering being spelled “Berenstein,” however the mirror on the wall” in Snow White? It information. I can understand how some name can clearly be read as “Berenstain” never happened. What about the notorious examples can be labeled stupid, but I and its said that no book under the name line from the Star Wars production “Luke, feel others should seriously be taken into “Berenstein” was published. I am your father” plastered on fandom tee consideration.

Page 7 The Chieftain LIFE Montville Union Baptist Church 90s Trends Food Bank By: Natalie Wright Choker necklaces, mom jeans, and Tommy Hilfiger— the 90s have been seeping into the new generation for quite some time now. 2016 was seemingly the year that 90s fashion was back in full swing. Over the last few months, today’s style has gone full circle and we as a society have decided that less is more again—minimalism is key. Animal print club dresses have been traded for slips that double as party attire, or they’re worn casually over a t-shirt— something teens and young adults were notorious for two decades ago. Some people consider the ‘90s to be a messy time period for fashion. For example, jelly sandals and jeans that have legs wider than the waist. Along with Non-perishable food items at the food bank. Photo By: Fernanda Reyes those fashion mishaps came trends that prevailed even through the transitioning By: Abigale Houser generation. The best part about the holidays commented, “We gladly accept donations Several fads that were popping is eating until one can’t eat another bite, of food.” in the ‘90s claimed their spot on 2016’s but what about people who can’t afford You can reach someone from list of most popular trends. These include enough food for their families? Montville Montville Union Baptist Church at (860) slouchy jeans with excessive rips along Union Baptist Church has a food bank that 848-3570 and the church is located at 279 the legs, velvet choker necklaces often has been running for more than twenty CT-163, Montville. The church welcomes pulled together with a simple charm, years that offers families enough food to all who are in need of food to come to crop tops, dark lip colors, and countless get through the holidays. their food bank at the designated times. others. On top of miscellaneous clothing Mary Mowan, member of the The only requirement is that you fill out items, brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Montville Union Baptist Church explained a self-declaration of income form once a Champion, and Calvin Klein have also that the food bank is open on every second year. made big comebacks this year. and fourth Saturday of every month from The Food Bank is designed to Some notice that not only are nine am to eleven am. When asked how help others and if one is in need, don’t these trends reoccurring, but when looked many families come to get food during the hesitate to get food at the church. The at more closely, it’s clear that most of them holidays, Mrs. Mowan stated that during people are respectful to individuals and never really left the fashion world. All Thanksgiving there are 150 baskets filled their families. If however, you have plenty throughout the 2000s and into the last six with trimmings, turkey or chicken. All of food, please donate to the church’s food years or so, crop tops, choker necklaces, baskets are given away. During Christmas bank and do your part of helping others. and oversized clothing have been a thing, there are no baskets, but they do have food No one should go without food when they just weren’t as popular or considered in bags that are given out. Montville Union Baptist Church gives to be the biggest trends for fashion at the One doesn’t have to be a member food to families! time. Those who wore them in the past, of the church or join the church to receive or knew of the trends when they weren’t food. Mrs. Mowan states, “Anyone in as widely accepted, know that certain fads need will receive food.” Mrs. Mowan also from the ‘90s never really left.

Page 8 The Chieftain LIFE The Syrian Civil Defense: The White Helmets By: Van Heller Imagine a helicopter flying team of rescue workers, who helped save overhead in your neighborhood, and in victims buried under the debris caused the distance you hear an explosion with by bombs. Some of the victims that have shrapnel flying past you. To most, this been rescued by the White Helmets had situation is a scene from a movie, but to their entire bodies covered under the the citizens in the cities like Aleppo, this is rubble and were invisible besides the tops a common phenomenon. The Syrian city of their head or maybe a couple of fingers. has been bombarded with airstrikes by the Majd Khalaf and Rady Saad have Syrian Dictatorship of Bashar al-Assad been a part of the White Helmets for and their Russian allies, in an attempt to three years, “We feel as if we’ve brought destroy the rebellion forces. The attacks that person back to life. The joy at that have destroyed entire neighborhoods and moment is indescribable.” They explained killed countless civilians. in an interview with CBS. People across Syrian people have These men were shopkeepers, banded together to help relieve some of doctors, or teachers before the airstrikes the atrocities that have been committed by started. After every successful rescue they the dictatorship. They call themselves the shout praises to God, its’ hard to think that White Helmets (due to the white helmets that is a grateful moment, but then again they wear on every rescue mission) and this doesn’t happen in my neighborhood. are part of the Syrian Civil Defense. These Stock Photo volunteers have started out as a ragtag New Year, Same Mission By: Brooke Dominello During the new year non-profits go. Everyone here is so full of heart and the stalls of the stable and the hearts of across the country receive support from works so hard, every soul comes here for the volunteers. Ponies such as Birdie and millions of Americans. According to the a reason,” a ROLF representative stated. Wick can spend their final years roaming National Center for Charitable Statistics, Also referred to as the Land Of Misfit the pastures and loving life just as a horse there are more than 1.5 million registered Toys, ROLF is the final destination for should. Of course, the donkeys Ivy, Maud non-profits in America; among these, many animals, however there are several and Denver keep the silence at bay. You’ll Connecticut has 30,321 recognized non- animals available for adoption year round. be sure to hear their brays the second the profit associations. Not too far across the town main gate opens. Ray of Light Farm (ROLF), border in Salem is Mitchell Farm Equine A few other mentionable rescues Located in Old Lyme, works with Retirement (MFER). Founded in 2004 by include Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue, neglected, abused and abandoned animals Dee Doolittle and fully accredited by the Forgotten Felines and The Critter of all species. Known for saving Premarin Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries Connection, a guinea pig rescue. Millions horses and animals from all walks of and the Thoroughbred Aftercare of animals find themselves in bad life, ROLF breaks their backs to help Alliance, MFER’s mission is to provide situations due to no fault of their own. The rehabilitate every animal that walks a comfortable retirement for aged horses. consequences of others’ poor decisions through their gates. Taking in all sorts Home to 25 horses and 3 donkeys, MFER should not decide the fate of the innocent. of equine, fowl and other unique species gives permanent homes to equines that This new-year keep animal welfare in such as Fancy Pants, a Zedonk (a horse- are deemed unplaceable. Whether the mind. zebra hybrid). ROLF leaves no animal equine has reached its golden years, or behind. “It’s different from anywhere you is unsound to ride, it can find its home in

Page 9 The Chieftain MHS NEWS Wide World of Indoor Gianpierre Aquino Eagle Project Sports By: Emmiley Genua Wide World of Indoor Sports (WWIS) has been opened for sometime now in Montville, CT. The sports complex has many activities to offer such as soccer, lacrosse, flag football, baseball, softball, field hockey, and wiffleball “It’s very convenient since it’s right in Montville. And the fact that there are four fields is great as well because, more than one sport can be play[ed] and at different times, but all together the facility is really nice and I enjoy going there,” said junior, Ethan Rose. Many students that attend high school and play sports attend the indoor sports complex. Athletes play at the complex because during offseason they can have something to do and can practice Eagle Scout Giannpierre Aquino. . Photo By:Fernanda Reyes and play their sport. Also, this indoor sports complex keeps a lot of kids busy By: Lilly Pastrana and keeps them active. There’s probably no better Currently, Aquino is a Life Scout, which There are many things to enjoy feeling than selflessly offering to help is the second highest rank in Boy Scouts at WWIS. The mezzanine allows parents shape a better community. Gianpierre before he moves up a rank to an Eagle and other players to overlook the fields Aquino, MHS senior, participated in the Scout. The troop that Aquino participates and see every sport being played, which Boy Scouts of America project, the Eagle with is based from troop 93 and is ranges from soccer, lacrosse, baseball, Project. The goal of the Eagle Project located in Uncasville. The scouts meet on softball, and even flag football. It doesn’t was to build and paint wooden benches Thursday nights from 7:00 to 8:00. matter which season it is at the Wide World to provide for customers and guests at the Aquino has been a scout since of Indoor Sports complex because the Humane Society in Waterford, as a place 2011 and plans to remain in the Boy climate is always controlled. If one gets a for people to sit and accommodate their Scouts of America program in Uncasville little hungry and would like to enjoy some pets. Aquino chose to do his Eagle Project after high school. “Yes, I plan to obtain food, there is a concession stand right by for the Connecticut Humane Society in the Eagle Palms which are awards the door when they first walk in. Waterford. beyond Eagle Scout, he stated.” The The sports complex holds Aquino stated, “The process for me to Eagle Palms is obtained through helping tournaments a few times a month. To stay rank up to become an Eagle Scout requires the community and taking on leadership active, people can sign up with a group of an Eagle Project, but I felt very positive roles. “It’s more community service friends and they can compete. The prices about participating in the process; I felt and leadership positions that make up may vary due to how many people you like I was giving back to the community the Eagle Palms and when you obtain a have with you in your group. in a great way and I felt very proud of the certain number of positions and hours of Many students and their parents work that was done.” There is no prize community service, you get them in order enjoy going to this sports complex to stay given for one wooden bench; the entire of Bronze Palm, Silver Palm, and Gold active. process is based on the team effort of Palm,” Aquino said. The purpose of being the ten other participants. “It gives you an Eagle Scout is to positively impact good moral and increased knowledge in the community, which is what the Eagle leadership in the end,” stated Aquino. Project accomplished.

Page 10 The Chieftain MHS NEWS Humans of MHS: Noah Cook By: Andrew Petherick How much work did it take you to What will you miss most about the get the prestigious NSCAA All-New Montville High School Soccer Team? England Region Team? Every weekend we would get together. You know it is not all about the accolades We would do the 2 A.M weenies and and the awards and what not. It is really have a bunch of fun. No matter what we about going out there every day and were doing. [I will] Definitely miss the having fun. Everything else follows. Just sleepovers the most. go out there and work hard. It is as simple as that. How stressful was/is applying to college? What is your top choice for college and It was stressful. You know deadlines, why? can’t miss those. Especially if you are The Coast Guard Academy in New applying to the Academy (Coast Guard). London, Conn. It is a long shot. The main You have to do the PFE stuff, letters reason I want to go there is because I of recommendations, and letters from want to serve my country. If I do not get Congress. into there (Coast Guard) I will be going to Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont for the army. Photo By: Jessica Stronach

YAC Club By: Arianna Velázquez Students who are members of environment.” April Weeman, YAC Club and their main purpose is for students to MHS’s YAC (Youth Action Council) President, also spoke about the club’s anonymously tip administrators about Club have been working hard to make our activities, saying, “When we were still certain issues in school that makes them community a better place for everybody. run through the youth center, we would feel uncomfortable or unsafe, as well The club was originally started at the do a penny drive every year and that as complimenting certain things in the Montville Youth Center, but it has moved money goes towards something different school that should be recognized. up to the high school so students can each time. One year we raised money Mr. Alves, YAC Club Supervisor, participate in helping those in need while to buy iPads for the children’s hospital, said, “I think the club is mainly about raising awareness for important issues. another year Nicole and I facilitated to get healthy relationships, improving our Mr. Alves is the club’s supervisor and benches for the town, and last year we did school environment, and looking at he works diligently to make sure that all the ‘Montville Says No More Day,’ which school culture in order to see our school members get involved. was against dating violence.” as it’s own community in order to make Nicole Scovish, YAC Club Vice This year, members are working it a better place. The pipeline is a way President, elaborated on some specific on a penny drive that will be split so that for students to voice their concerns in activities that the group is planning on half the proceeds go to homeless war our community to change our culture doing as well as things they already have veterans and Paws in the Classroom (an and make the school a happier and safer done, “This year, we’re raising money organization focused on helping people place.” YAC Club continues to make through a penny drive for two different handle their dogs correctly). YAC also changes in our town while making efforts charities and overall we just want to supports and promotes the pipelines that to better our community. make our school and community a better are seen scattered around the school,

Page 11 The Chieftain THE BACK PAGE Guess the Senior By: Christine Zhu Last issue’s Guess the Senior was Nicole any famous person, he’d eat with himself Funk. This issue’s Guess the Senior does because he’s amazing. For that dinner, not collect anything. His worst year in he would eat rice, bacon, eggs, steamed high school was his junior year because buns, and dumplings. His favorite fast he doubled up on science. He took both food place is McDonald’s. physics and chemistry. His greatest The academic class he does best accomplishment was becoming vice in is AP Computer Science Principles. president of class council. His favorite The one class he regrets not taking is ECE season is autumn because temperatures Maritime. The hallway he is in the most are fair. If he ruled a country, the first law during school is the 400s hall. He took he’d pass would be free bacon for the French for a language class. He prefers entire country. The activities he does in sunny days over rainy days. The color school are tennis and class council. he wears most frequently is orange. His His favorite quote is “risk it for favorite vegetable is green beans. His the biscuit.” He takes morning showers. favorite time of the day is the afternoon. He has his license. If he had the choice His favorite highlighter color is pink. He to only be able to lie for the rest of his prefers coffee over tea. He does not think life, or only be able to tell the truth for the his handwriting is neat. When he’s eating rest of his life, he’d choose to only be able pizza, he usually eats as many slices as to lie. His favorite breakfast food is eggs possible, which is typically six. He usually Photo By: Fernanda Reyes and bacon. If he could have dinner with orders munchkins at Dunkin Donuts. Winter Blues By: Maddy Dawley The “winter blues” disrupt or being disturbed while sleeping. People clock”. This makes the “internal clocks” all of the exciting activities one could who have SAD often crave starchy and out of sync with the “external clocks”, participate in from October to April, or sugary foods, which can cause them to which messes up someone’s original sleep even a little longer. Seasonal Affective overeat and gain weight. They also avoid and wake rhythms. Disorder (SAD), better known as the social contact as much as possible. One of the most well known “winter blues”, can cause one to feel A reduced level of sunlight can treatments for SAD is phototherapy, or differently than they would during the cause SAD. It affects the amount of bright light therapy. This suppresses the spring or summer months. serotonin in someone’s body, which is brain’s secretion of melatonin. Bright light Symptoms of SAD are a neurotransmitter that affects mood. therapy has helped about 85% of diagnosed depression, anxiety, mood changes, Lower levels of serotonin are often linked cases of SAD (drew.edu). Another choice sleeping problems, feeling lethargic, to depression. Brain scans have proved of treatment is antidepressants, which overeating, social problems, or sexual that people with SAD often have higher may come with side effects. To prevent problems. When suffering from SAD, levels of serotonin transporter protein, SAD, one can begin light therapy in the one has no interest in doing anything and which removes serotonin. Melatonin, a early fall, increase the amount of light may lose self-esteem. People are unable sleep-related hormone secreted by the in their house, spend more time outside, to tolerate stress, have extreme mood pineal gland in the brain, is also linked exercise more, or use meditation or stress changes, and feel very tired. One’s sleep to SAD. Melatonin affects sleep patterns management techniques. schedule can be disrupted. Some factors and moods and is produced at increased that contribute to an interrupted schedule levels in the dark. Melatonin also affects include oversleeping, waking up too early, a person’s circadian rhythm or “biological

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