the

Volume XXV Number 2 Manchester Essex Regional High School 36 Lincoln Street Manchester, MA 01944 November 13, 2018 Restructuring proposal TEACHER HALLOWEEN CONTEST aims to address student behavior, school athletics Admin. position to be letics and leadership,” she said. split into academic After the athletics review, an athletics task force identified that behavioral dean, an area to address was the role of athletic director the athletics director, Puglisi said. “The Task Force Commit- By Sirine Benali INDEPENDENT EDITOR tee has determined that the Ath- letic Director at MERSD must By restructuring the current be a full-time professional…The role of the assistant principal/ Committee considers this recom- athletic director, into two posi- mendation the number one priori- tions—an academic behavioral ty for the athletics program…The dean and an athletic director—the wide array of leadership, man- administration is aiming to ad- agement and day-to-day duties dress certain needs in both the involved demands a professional athletic and behavioral areas, with full time devotion,” the Ath- Principal Patricia Puglisi said. letics Task Force report said. “[The restructuring] has been Additionally, the athletic direc- in progress, in terms of thinking tor would teach some sections of about the need, for a long time. gym and wellness. Last year, we had the athletic “Currently, we have gym class- review, which really reflected es spanning from 27 students to some needs to change our prac- 35 students. That’s not conducive tice in athletics and to provide a to really developing those well- COURTESY OF FACULTY structure that will give kids more ness traits that we are looking for, Teachers Mary Buckley-Harmon dressed as Dora the Explorer; Erin Fortunato as Salt Bae; Abigail opportunities and a stronger pro- so the position that we’re Donnelly, John Mullady, Lauren DuBois, and Jennifer Coleman as versions of Michael Scott; Daniel gram to develop educational ath- RESTRUCTURING, page 3 Koughan as three-hole-punch Jim; Kristin Umile as Flo; and Amanda Frithsen as Lorelai Gilmore.

Mock election Boosters implement able to raise a significant amount fundraisers, of money through advertisements gives students for a program booklet for all fall increase school spirit sports. The booklet has been dis- real voting tributed to fall sports teams and is By Olivia Turner available in the main office and INDEPENDENT STAFF experience the canteen. Dwindling school spirit has A Boosters Club membership By Mia Cromwell spurred the Manchester Essex drive charged a $25 joining fee to INDEPENDENT EDITOR Athletic Boosters Club to find fund several $1,000 scholarships new ways to fundraise and in- for the Class of 2019. These As a way to civically engage crease Hornet pride in the 2018- scholarships were not available students, the AP U.S. Govern- 19 school year. for the Class of 2018 due to a lack ment and Politics class hosted a Since the release of a 2017- of funding. mock election through the Na- 2018 athletics review, an athlet- To aid fall team spirit, the tional Student Parent Mock Elec- ics task force has Boosters worked tion program, AP U.S. Govern- MIA CROMWELL PHOTO been implemented with Jungle Inc. to ment and Politics teacher Jennifer Senior Eve Feuerbach voted at a booth the AP U.S. Government to improve sports ‘The goal is to create an online ap- Coleman said. and Politics class set up for the mock election held on Nov. 2. programs. develop pride in parel store for the The mock election took place Principal Pa- our school and teams. Proceeds on Nov. 2 during U block and from this election: the Senate dents created a 30-second to one- tricia Puglisi said from purchases lunch. The voting booths were set Race, Massachusetts’ 6th Con- minute radio or TV ad, a poster members of the to show that made on the web- up in the main hallway during U gressional Race, Massachusetts’ or digital poster, and a candidate task force have pride through site help fund the block and outside of the cafeteria Governor Race, and Ballot Ques- handout, Coleman said. aided in the re- fall sports. during lunch, and students voted tion 1, Coleman said. These three works were dis- emergence of the things like spirit “The goal is to using electronic ballots on iPads, AP U.S. Government and Poli- played around the school, posted Boosters. The wear.’ develop pride in she said. tics student senior Lena Brzez- on a website created for the elec- club works col- our school and to - PATRICIA PUGLISI This election simulated the inski said students researched tion, and sent to parents and the laboratively with show that pride midterm elections that took place either the candidates’ background community through Principal Pa- the school to en- through things like on Nov. 6. or Ballot Question 1 in order to tricia Puglisi’s weekly email, she sure equitable funding for school spirit wear,” Puglisi said. “If we AP U.S. Government and Poli- learn all the information about the said. sports and provide equipment that can expand it beyond athletics as tics students were put in groups of topic. This gave the public access, the district may be unable to af- they’re doing with some of the three and four and were assigned Once they thoroughly re- through an electronic ballot, to ford. other clubs, it will bring a more to focus on one of four issues searched the candidates, the stu- MOCK ELECTION, page 3 Puglisi said the Boosters were BOOSTERS CLUB, page 3

“ News Features Opinion Sports Arts Humanitarian League Tower Gardens GMOs Fall sports Abby Spinney -page 2 -page 4 -page 7 -pages 9-10 -page 11 Night of Stars Alumni Abroad Khashoggi’s Murder Chorus/Band -page 3 -page 5 -page 8 -page 12 2 The Independent Volume XXV #2 November 13, 2018 NEWS

News Brief Green Team scholars grow school sustainability American Western Literature class Junior, senior attends “The Sisters use projects to Brothers” English teacher Debra improve school’s Isensee’s American Western literature class environment attended a screening of By Hannah Freeman the new film “The Sisters INDEPENDENT EDITOR Brothers” on Oct. 18, following their study As a part of their capstone of Western literature projects, Green Team scholars ju- throughout first quarter. nior Nils Taylor and senior Annie The film, based on a Martin worked to create oppor- novel by the same name, tunities to promote sustainability which was published in within the school. 2011, follows two brothers, Since the beginning of her Charlie and Eli Sisters, sophomore year, Martin has been portrayed by Joaquin working toward the goal of pro- Phoenix and John C. viding the school with greenhous- Reilly, on their journey es in order to extend the growing through the frontier season in the school garden. Northwest United States as “Without this project, having they work as assassins. the gardens wasn’t working suc- After reading the novel cessfully because the summer as a part of the outside was the only time we were able to reading list for the course, grow vegetables, and school isn’t the students were able in session then,” she said. to use the film to draw The project, which cost a total HANNAH FREEMAN PHOTO comparisons not only to of $20,000, was funded through On Nov. 9, sophomore Lars Birkeland and Green Team adviser Keith Gray helped plant apple, the novel on which it was grants from the Spaulding Educa- pear, and plum trees outside on the lawn between the middle and high school. Junior Nils Taylor based, but to others they tion Fund, Whole Kids Founda- said this project will provide the cafeteria with fresh fruit. have read throughout the tion, the Hooper Fund, and the quarter. Cape Ann Community Founda- zen,” Green Team adviser Keith project that will similarly impact far away,” Taylor said. Isensee said she enjoyed tion. Gray said. the school community, installing The trees were installed on showing the students the The greenhouses will be in- Gray said he hopes the green- apple, pear and plum trees on Nov. 9 by various students on the film because, despite still stalled during the second week of houses will provide the school the lawn between the middle and Green Team, after Taylor secured being set in the past, it Dec. by The Works, a local con- with more growing opportunities high school. $2,000 in grant money this past modernizes the story and struction company owned by Jes- and will help provide more food He said he hopes that the trees year from the Spaulding Educa- allows students to better se DeBenedictis that has offered for the school cafeteria. will help the community by pro- tion Fund. The classes worked to comprehend all works of to work on the project for free. “[The greenhouses] will al- viding the school with fresh fruit plant trees in boxes throughout the literature about this period. “[Jesse Benedictis] has been low the school to serve fresh to serve in the cafeteria. day. Principal Patricia Puglisi generous to help us with this vegetables further into the school “I think this project...will pro- “We have been working to in- said learning opportunities project. It’s ideal to get this proj- year, which will be really great,” vide students with fruit grown on stall them into the boxes by col- such as this help students ect done before winter break, so he said. property in the cafeteria rather laborating with all the Green Team both in and out of the the ground isn’t completely fro- Taylor has been working on a than fruit that is shipped in from classes,” Taylor said. classroom. Informational Humanitarian League raises meeting discusses student safety money, items for Andover, Manchester and Essex police departments Lawrence gas explosion victims partnered with the high school for a district informational meeting to Students create food drive competition educate parents and partner with the community to between U blocks for Salvation Army ensure kids are making clothes, toiletries and monetary “safe and healthy By Julia Kaper donations. They also raised $130 decisions,” Principal INDEPENDENT EDITOR by having a bake sale at the boys’ Patricia Puglisi said. After its first meetings of the varsity soccer game on Sept. 21, Manchester Chief of year, the Humanitarian League she said. Police Ed Conley said has delved into new projects, in- This drive lasted until Sept. 28, the school should add a cluding raising after which they school resource officer to money for gas took the items strengthen district safety. ‘The group is really explosion vic- to the Salvation ELIZABETH KLEBART PHOTO He said this position tims and having good at being self- Army in Law- Junior Genevieve Young and seniors Sophie Larson, Clara Davis, would be the next step to a food drive for sufficient. I really rence, Koopman and August Kahle raised $130 at a bake sale the Humanitarian improving school security. the Open Door said. League held at the boys’ varsity soccer game on Sept. 21. They are Attendees at the meeting don’t have to go Food Pantry, Along with holding a food drive between U blocks from Nov. 5 to Nov. 25. further discussed internal Humanitarian to any of their holding drives and external safety League Presi- and supporting between U blocks, and the class don’t have to go to any of their problems relative to meetings because dent Annika local causes, that brings in the most food will meetings because they’re self- students in the school, Dahlin said. they’re self- Dahlin said earn a free journal entry, Dahlin starters, and they’re always look- specifically involving use On Sept. 18, starters, and they’re they will also be said. ing for something to do,” she of drugs. the Humanitari- raising aware- Koopman also said that one said. Conley said his biggest always looking for an League began ness for a spe- of their goals this year is to col- Throughout the year, the club concern was easy access to collecting items something to do.’ cific issue every laborate with the GSA, since ad- will continue to support local illegal substances. Parents for the victims month. vocating for LGBTQ rights is a causes, focusing on bettering the should try to avoid keeping - DEBRA ISENSEE of the gas-leak For example, humanitarian issue. community in any way they can, drugs and alcohol at home. fire that - oc the Humanitar- Humanitarian League adviser Dahlin said. Reaching out to parents curred in Andover and Lawrence, ian League is conducting a food Debra Isensee said that the group Koopman also said students and the community would Dahlin said. drive from Nov. 5 to Nov. 25, is extremely self-driven, coming can still join the Humanitarian promote and reinforce the Vice president Natalie Koop- which will benefit the Open Door up with ideas and organizing the League. “Anyone who wants to school’s opinion on drugs, man said they placed a box in Food Pantry in Gloucester, Dah- details all themselves. help promote causes that would alcohol and other issues. the lobby, in which they were lin said. “This group is really good better our community should re- collecting non-perishable goods, The food drive is a competition at being self-sufficient. I really ally join the group,” she said. NEWS The Independent Volume XXV #2 November 13, 2018 3 Night of Stars displays local students’ talent, raises $28,500 for Spaulding Education Fund 10th anniversary various clients. I enjoy helping to organize [Night of Stars] each year. It is a fun way of fundraiser includes to use my professional expertise to support my greater community,” she said. variety of acts, abilities Davis said the talent show raised $28,500 this year; this amount includes ticket sales By Charlotte Pick as well as donations from sponsors. This INDEPENDENT EDITOR money will be used to fund Spaulding Edu- cation Fund grants this fall. With Spaulding Education Fund co- “The show this year was a great suc- chair Tracy Davis returning to organize the cess,” Davis said. “We were in awe of the fundraiser, the Night of Stars Talent Show incredible talent, and as usual we greatly held the performance appreciated the com- that marked its 10th an- ‘We were in awe of munity’s support of the niversary. show.” Since 2008, the the incredible talent, High school teacher Spaulding Education and as usual we Erin Fortunato has also COURTESY OF KJ CARVALHO Fund has run the talent greatly appreciated been involved in the Junior Molly Brady, who has performed for nine years in the Night of Stars talent show, which gives stu- stage-managing aspect show, and senior Ryan O’Connell perform a duet of “Revenge” by XXXTentacion. dents from Manchester the community’s of the show. and Essex a chance to support of the show.’ “It has been great to grades,” she said. Keys while also playing the guitar. Brady showcase their abilities see the show evolve This year, the show presented 32 acts, has participated in Night of Stars for nine on stage. - TRACY DAVIS throughout the years,” which included a performance from the years, and during this time she performed Davis has been work- she said. SoundWaves and a presentation by the both singing and dancing acts while also ing with the Spaulding Education Fund for Fortunato said the show gives students robotics group. The team programmed a helping back stage for one performance. five years, and throughout that time she has an outlet and opportunity to showcase a va- robot to put on a brief performance which “I think because Night of Stars is open been closely involved with the planning riety of talents. was followed by a question and answer to people of all ages, it allows for a variety and organization of Night of Stars. “Although I wish more high school stu- session between the team and the audience. of different performances and for people to “For my real job, I produce large-scale dents were involved, I think it is also a One of the acts this year featured junior perform whatever talent they want,” Brady events and handle public relations for great opportunity for students in younger Molly Brady who sang “No One” by Alicia said. 3-D printers to foster new learning methods in STEM classes

By Anton Kozyrev two-dimensional space … [and] they can be applied to other areas, such as the im- “I’m psyched about the Maker Space. INDEPENDENT EDITOR apply this in a 3-D form with the printer. provement of interdisciplinary learning, Mr. Cogger has done a fantastic job of try- This kind of tactile learning is really im- Cogger said. ing new ideas in the classroom like mak- With the aid of the Spaulding Education portant,” he said. In particular, he envisions a “Maker ing more authentic experiences, partnering Fund, the school has acquired seeral 3-D Cogger said he hopes students will be Space” in which students and teachers with other classes, and reaching out to uni- printers in order to allow STEM students to better equipped to understand how their from other classrooms can use the 3-D versities for support,” she said. better understand the connection between code can translate to the real world and printers to augment learning in their own The addition of the 3-D printers is one computer code and the physical result, that students will realize how objects can classes. of the numerous non-budget programs STEM teacher Steven Cogger said. have physical mistakes and flaws. “Interdisciplinary learning starts with through which Spaulding supports learning The school has acquired several 3-D When objects are printed using a 3-D the idea of a Maker Space. Lots of colleges in the school, Puglisi said. printers with the aid of the Spaulding Edu- printer, mistakes and errors are physical have them. The idea is you could be a non- “Spaulding has been a tremendous sup- cation Fund to give STEM students a better and easier to spot, junior Isaac Notte said. engineering student, but you might want to porter of MERHS. They’ve provided for understanding of the connection between “As soon as you 3-D print something, make something – and 3-D printing allows so many projects – different tools for bio- computer code and the physical result. it becomes much easier to spot your mis- you to do that,” Cogger said. technology, hydroponic towers for Green “[What] I wanted to do in CAD was to takes and find something to improve Principal Patricia Puglisi expressed sup- Team, and they helped with the develop- make it so students could build their parts upon,” he said. port for the Maker Space and said it is im- ment of the library into the learning com- – CAD is designing on a computer in a The 3-D printers’ capabilities can also portant to foster interdisciplinary learning. mons,” she said.

CONTINUATIONS sitive to that…[n]ot just academically, but MOCK ELECTION terests toward government issues. RESTRUCTURING also emotionally,” she said. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “I think it benefits our school because CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Regarding the academic portion of the vote in the mock election using informa- it gets kids active. It gets kids to be more proposing will include two sections of proposed position, Puglisi said, “We need tion from the students’ projects, Coleman attentive to what’s happening in our state,” P-E/Wellness so that we can reduce those really strong leadership in terms of pro- said. Kiernan said. sizes,” Puglisi said. moting transformative education and re- Brzezinski said her group sided with The other component to the restructur- ally creating an atmosphere, again, for yes on Ballot Question 1, which was about BOOSTERS ing would be the position of the academic student opportunity and student learning.” whether nurses should have patient limits. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 behavioral dean, which would help address Paul Murphy, who held the assistant The results of the election showed 283 focused celebration of our school.” changes in behavioral health such as rising principal position for 21 years, and de- people participated, which Coleman said Puglisi said the Boosters will make an- depression rates in teenagers. clined to comment, took on the dual role was a high voter turnout. other store for winter sports, adding oth- “[K]ids are coming to school with sig- of assistant principal and athletic director Charlie Baker won the Governor Race er extracurriculars like DECA, Debate, nificant social and emotional concerns… in 2015. with 69.3 percent of the vote, and Eliza- Green Team, SoundWaves, and band. Having the behavioral side of the dean “That’s a lot for one person to do, I beth Warren won the Senate Race with As part of the changes, the Boosters would provide…supports to students think,” Brabson said. 53.9 percent of the vote. have organized caravans to grow atten- where interventions can happen prior to Both the proposed academic behav- Seth Moulton won the 6th Congressio- dance and spirit at some sports games. there being a significant concern with ioral dean and athletic director would nal Race with 63.7 percent of the vote, and “We are doing the best that we can to try kids…We have an adjustment counselor hold 10-month positions, meaning they Ballot Question 1 failed with 73.9 percent to get the people and the kids that are par- who works very, very hard and meets with wouldn’t work during the summer. The of the votes against it, according to Cole- ticipating [in sports] to come and cheer on students non-stop all day,” Puglisi said. proposal won’t add to the budget, Puglisi man. their buddies and fellow students,” Boost- High school adjustment counselor Holly said. She said this mock election allowed stu- ers member Donna Furse said. Brabson said such social and emotional “We’re looking district-wide to be able dents to learn the significance of voting. On Friday, Sept. 21, the Boosters invited concerns can have an impact on how stu- to support the financial component of this “[Students] are the next generation of all students to meet outside of the school. dents perform at school. change within administrator funds avail- American voters, so I think it’s really im- More than 20 students and parents painted “When [students] do experience, some- able and within the teaching sections that portant for students to practice being civi- faces and decorated five to eight cars with thing—whether it’s a loss of an important are available,” she said. cally engaged so then when they become chalk before departing for Rockport and person in their life, a divorce at home, a Puglisi said “every person can be con- 18-years-old, they’ve already had that Essex Tech to watch the girls’ varsity soc- conflict with a friend they’ve been with sidered” for the proposed positions. practice, and they’re prepared to be par- cer and football games. forever, a breakup in a relationship, or The specific job descriptions are- cur ticipants in our democracy,” Coleman said. Furse is encouraged by the effects the cara- coming out and not getting the support that rently being written but first need to be AP U.S. Government and Politics stu- vans appear to have had on Hornet pride. they need—sometimes we see that in the approved by the School Committee before dent Finn Kiernan said the election was “All in all, it’s looking like ME spirit is grades, too. As a school, we need to be sen- they are released, Puglisi said. beneficial because it attracted students in- coming back,” she said. 4 The Independent Volume XXV #2 November 13, 2018 FEATURES AP Environmental Science GUESS students build their own WH sustainable food systems TEACHER/STAFF EDITION? How long have you been a teacher here? Class uses 20 years Where did you grow up? tower Born in Lynn, Mass., but grew up in Topsfield, Mass. What is your favorite place you’ve visited? gardens, Argentina What is your favorite thing to watch on TV? grows kale, Boston sports teams Who is your favorite music artist? basil, lettuce Ani DiFranco and Beck By Katherine Fitzgibbon What is your favorite type of food? INDEPENDENT STAFF Seafood Students in AP Environmen- What is your favorite breakfast food? tal Science (APES) are cur- Bacon rently investigating a sustainable method of agriculture known as What is your biggest pet peeve? aeroponics, a plant-cultivation “The four-way stop sign when people don’t take turns, and the technique in which the roots BMW thinks that they can go ahead of you and not wait their hang suspended in the air while turn.” a nutrient solution is delivered to them through a fine mist. Are you messy or organized? Led by science teacher Keith Messy Hartan, students have built two What scares you the most? Tower Gardens, which are verti- cal growing systems, and are cur- Losing family rently growing basil, lettuce, and What is your favorite thing to do on a fall day? kale. The class started this proj- COURTESY OF KRISTIN UMILE Hike ect at the beginning of the school Seniors Max Hahn and Jake Donovan are helping to grow kale, year and will soon be growing lettuce, and basil in tower gardens in AP Environmental Science. What word describes your personality the best? tomatoes and microgreens as The class will soon grow tomatoes and microgreens. Extroverted well. Both systems were the result of a Spaulding grant. problems, weed overgrowth, or put the plants inside. Answer can be found at the bottom of Page 12 Tower Garden can grow up to diseases. Hahn said he has enjoyed the 20 vegetables, fruits, herbs and The tower is sold as a kit that project so far, as it teaches stu- flowers. Using aeroponics, the includes a germination tray, dents how plants are able to grow same technology NASA uses, rockwool cubes, vermiculite, and how different factors can they grow plants with only water net pots, seed starter kit, pump, either help or hurt their growth. write a report about what’s going the students are currently study- and nutrients rather than dirt. The timer, drain tube, plant food, “It’d say it’s a pretty exciting on with them, she said. ing, Hartan said. system can be placed indoors or pH test kit, pH adjusters, and a project. It’s fun to see all of the Teacher Keith Hartan said the “It addresses the recycling of outdoors. measuring cup. plants growing and check out plants are being used for both nutrients, important nutrients, The growing system re- Senior Max Hahn said the AP their progress,” he said. scientific investigation and hu- like nitrogen and phosphorus,” quires sunlight (or grow lights), class was evenly split between Senior Molly Field said each man consumption. he said. “It addresses primary electricity, water, and less than builders and people collecting week a new group is assigned for “We’ll probably make a salad, productivity, which is the ef- three square feet. The tower uses data. Hahn, who was one of the the plants. The students have to but the idea is that we would ficiency by which plants convert a closed-loop system technol- eight people who helped build measure the pH, and they have donate [the vegetables] to the light energy to chemical energy. ogy to recycle all of its nutrients the Tower Gardens, said it took to measure the water level to the cafeteria downstairs,” he said. It also addresses food production and water. Plants grown in this 20 minutes to build the tower top of it, and then they have to The Tower Garden project ap- and sustainable food produc- system do not suffer from pest structure and 20 more minutes to take pictures of the plants and plies to several different subjects tion.”

also getting necessary commu- Bourbon said guidance Junior volunteers at nity service hours. director Beverly Low helped Dr. Steven Gillespie, a psy- her organize this volunteering Addison Gilbert Hospital, chiatrist with whom Bourbon opportunity. volunteers with, said experiences Low said many hospitals and like this are vital for students other organizations, looking learns about nursing career who want for student to work in volunteers, Student helps nurses and doctors, the medical ‘I think [volunteering] is reach out industry in a good way to immerse to her and experiences hospital environment their future. myself into the hospital the other “It’s so guidance By Sofia Gillespie patients and talk with them; I do important to environment... I hope counselors. INDEPENDENT EDITOR whatever I can to help,” she said. get a feel for to learn about how the She said it is Bourbon said she hopes this experiences important for Junior Madison Bourbon, who experience will expose her to like this be- doctors and nurses do students to said she hopes to pursue a career how the medical field works. fore commit- their jobs every day.’ be exposed SOFIA GILLESPIE PHOTO in nursing, volunteers at the se- “I think this is a good way to ting to such to opportuni- - MADISON BOURBON Junior Madison Bourbon said nior adult unit of Addison Gilbert immerse myself into the hospital a demanding ties that can she finds helping patients at Hospital in Gloucester, once a environment… I hope to learn career… help them Addison Gilbert Hospital to be week after school. about how the doctors and nurses I also think it’s nice for our understand potential careers. a rewarding experience. She said she helps at the unit do their jobs every day,” she patients to see a young, energetic “Whenever possible, we try to by talking with the patients and said. face in the hospital helping out; connect students to opportunities figured out what they like and helping the nursing staff with Bourbon said she enjoys the young volunteers always seem like this… Students who come what they are good at tend to do what they need. experience and finds it reward- to make the patients happier and to college with a little bit of real better and be more successful,” “I basically just sit with the ing to help patients in need while more relaxed,” he said. work experience or who have she said. FEATURES The Independent Volume XXV #2 November 13, 2018 5

ALUMNI ABROAD Charlotte Freed experiences different culture during semester in Dakar, Senegal New experiences Europe. I am traveling to Spain next semester to study, so I in non-western wanted to have two contrasting cultural experiences,” she wrote society teach in an email. In Senegal, Freed said she alum patience, is interning with a group called flexibility, open- Réseau Siggil Jigéen, which translates to Network of Em- mindedness powered Women in English. This groups works to empower By Paige Swanson Senegalese women and provide INDEPENDENT EDITOR for their health and security. Charlotte Freed, a 2016 Through her internship and graduate and a junior at Hamil- the time she has spent in Sen- ton College, is currently studying egal, Freed said she has learned abroad in Dakar, Senegal, and a lot about the culture and has will travel to Spain for her next come to appreciate it. COURTESY OF CHARLOTTE FREED 2016 graduate Charlotte Freed chose to study in Senegal during her first semester in order to have a semester. “Since [Senegal] is a devel- unique experience that would further develop her French language skills before going to Spain. Freed said she hoped to study oping country, there aren’t the abroad since she was in high same amenities that I would ex- some aspects of it are hard for right,” she wrote. ments at the door,” Freed wrote. school because she wanted an pect in America. The water and her to accept. Living in a developing coun- Although Senegal is drasti- experience that would help her electricity does not always work, “There is definitely an try has also taught Freed to be cally different from America, develop her language skills. which is definitely a challenge interesting gender dynamic easy-going and non-judgemental, Freed said encountering new “Senegal is a French-colo- because of the heat. I could write here. Women are expected to do she wrote. experiences is one of her favorite nized country and few people a long list of all of the ways the cooking and cleaning, and “I have learned that patience, parts about studying abroad. speak English, so it was an Senegal is different—culturally, Islamic law allows men to have the ability to adapt and be flex- “My favorite part of study- opportunity for me to immerse politically, and in day-to-day life, up to four wives. Homosexual ible, and being open minded is ing abroad is having the op- myself in French and also learn but, in the end, it is an extremely acts are illegal, and I know a lot an important part of studying portunity to meet new people the local language, Wolof. Out of welcoming country with a very of students on the trip have had abroad, especially in a country and explore things that we don’t all the French-speaking coun- friendly population, and I have to hide their sexuality from their that isn’t Western. Coming from have in America. I love going tries, I decided that I wanted to really enjoyed being in such a families. It is important to respect America, where expectations are to fabric or food markets… and push myself and go to a country warm culture,” she wrote. the culture, but there are defi- very high and everything tends to having the opportunity to learn that would give me a differ- Although Freed does like nitely some parts of the culture work smoothly, I had to learn to from Senegalese professors,” she ent experience than if I went to the culture in Senegal, she said that I personally do not think are leave my expectations and judg- wrote.

Zack Even travels to Kyoto, Japan, through Columbia University

By Paige Swanson at a very low level, I can still re- INDEPENDENT EDITOR late to them and form some kind of bond,” he said. Zack Even, 2016 graduate and In addition to being able a junior at Brown University, to make connections with the is studying Japanese language, Japanese people, Even said he religion, and film at Doshisha has been able to get to know the University in Kyoto, Japan, students he is studying with, who through the Kyoto Consortium come from all around the coun- for Japanese Studies, which is a try, which is one of his favorite Columbia University program. parts about studying abroad. Even said he wanted to study “Everyone in the program abroad in order to take advan- came to Japan for different rea- tage of the opportunities he had sons, so it’s a really interesting in college to pursue a semester group,” he said. in another country. He said he Even said visiting a monkey chose to travel to Japan because COURTESY OF ZACK EVEN park was another one of his of his ongoing interest in Japa- 2016 graduate Zack Even lives in Kyoto, Japan with a host family, which has allowed him to favorite parts of the semester. nese food and culture. experience Japanese cuture and apply knowledge he has learned in his classes to his life in Japan. “I really like monkeys, and “I knew I wanted to go abroad a mother and father in their 60s, adjust, Even said living with his That aspect is really cool. With there’s this park a little bit out- going into sophomore year, so I their 20-year-old son, and their host family has allowed him to the Japanese religion class, I’m side of the city. You hike up a bit, decided to take Japanese because two 30-year-old daughters, one experience Japanese culture. living in Kyoto, and in Kyoto and then there are monkeys all I thought it of whom just gave “I enjoyed going this little there are tons of shrines and around. It’s almost like a reverse would be really birth. farmers market outside the city temples, so walking around I’ll zoo because you can go inside cool to go to ‘Even if I can’t Living with in Nara. My host mom was just see things that I learned about in this house, and they’ll climb Japan. I’ve communicate with a host family finding me all these things to class,” he said. over all the windows so you can always liked people... I can still has helped Even eat, and it was cool to be in that Outside of academics, Even feed them... That was definitely a Japanese cul- adjust to Japanese environment, which I definitely said he has been able to learn highlight,” he said. ture and Japa- relate to them and culture, he said. would not have been in if not about Japanese cooking. He said The ability to travel within nese food, but form some kind of “It hasn’t been for the fact that I’m living with a he has made a few meals with Japan is something Even said he I’d never been too difficult to host family,” he said. his host family and has helped is thankful for. [to Japan], and bond.’ adjust. I’ve only Even said another helpful fold Gyoza, which is a type of “I’ve been able to travel in I wanted to go -ZACK EVEN spent a year learn- aspect to learning about Japanese Japanese dumpling. the area a little bit, and we have somewhere that ing the language, language and culture has been The most important thing a lot of three-day weekends was dramati- so my Japanese his ability to use the information Even said he has learned is about which is nice because we have cally different definitely still has that he has learned in his classes how easy it is to make connec- a lot of class during the week, from the U.S. and what I’m used a long way to go, but I’m living in everyday life. tions with others, regardless of but that gives us some freedom. to,” Even said by phone. with a host family that is very “I get to practice Japanese so the language barrier. One three-day weekend I visited Even said he is staying with a welcoming and easy-going,” he much outside of class, so with “Even if I can’t communicate Hong Kong, and we have fall somewhat unconventional Japa- said. everything I gain in class, I can with people, which is often the break coming up and I’m going nese family, which is made up of In addition to helping him communicate a little bit more. case because my Japanese is still to Bangkok,” he said. 6 The Independent Volume XXV #2 November 13, 2018 FEATURES School store will provide DECA Freshman Augusta Taylor: students with real business experience “I like walking my dog outside Store will likely open in the fall because it’s very before holiday break relaxing.”

By Mia Cromwell INDEPENDENT EDITOR

In order to integrate the functions of running a business Freshman Teddy Delisio: into the curriculum through a “My favorite outdoor fall activity hands-on approach to learning, is picking apples because it’s the DECA program plans to cre- fun.” ate a school store, DECA teacher Dean Martino said. The store will be located in the current athletic closet, at the corner of the main and dining Sophomore Josef Vytopil: room hallway, where it will be MIA CROMWELL PHOTO “My favorite thing to do outside built into a fully functioning The school store will be created in the current athletic closet. in the fall is running for cross- retail operation with new floors, plans on hosting a survey to find hours or voluntary work, and country. There’s nothing that walls, display racks, counter out from the students what mer- they will be able to utilize their space, lighting, and a register chandise they want to sell. DECA skills through a real- fun about it, but something just system, he said. Oettinger said the store will world example. makes me want to do it.” The administration and the be a platform for student entre- “I think [the store] is going to building facilities staff will de- preneurs to display their own help the business classes a lot termine the construction process clothing designs. because then they can actually once DECA creates a formal She also said students will be apply what they learn to an ac- plan, Martino said. able to rent out calculators, com- tual business,” Mitrano said. Sophomore Kendall Carvalho: He said the classes’ goal is to puter chargers, phone chargers, All proceeds from the store “I like going to corn mazes in complete the school store before batteries, and other necessary will fund DECA’s expensive the fall because you get lost the holiday break. school supplies for a cost of a tournament costs, Oettinger said. with your friends, and it ends DECA chapter officials Jake few dollars per day. Martino said the store will up being really fun.” D’Ambrosio, Hannah Oettinger The store will run similarly to give future student an interactive, and DECA president Olivia a small retail company because real-life business experience. Mitrano are attempting to finance the store will apply the functions “The school store is a perpe- the store through fundraising, of starting a business, including tuity model of learning. This is Martino said. all the features of management, just the beginning. The infancy D’Ambrosio said the store Martino said. of the venture, and the efforts of will sell lanyards, T-shirts, and Mitrano said DECA students this year’s students will serve as other apparel items created will run the store during school a legacy of learning opportunity What is your through the companies Jungle events or their free blocks during for those students that follow,” and Custom Ink, and DECA the day for community service he said. Studentfavorite outdoor fall activity? Partners in Development organization uses whole life transformation model to impact lives around the world Speak By Sirine Benali INDEPENDENT EDITOR Junior Nils Taylor: Pushing people out of extreme “My favorite outdoor activity poverty in Guatemala, Missis- is playing tennis because it’s sippi, Haiti, and Peru, Partners in Development (PID) is a non- something I’ve been doing for profit organization in Ipswich a while, and it’s really fun.” that uses a whole-life transforma- COURTESY OF ALLIE McCORMACK tion model to improve the lives Partners in Development from Ipswich, Mass., raised $50,000 in of those around the globe. October to help people living in impoverished communities. “Our role is to help people living in extreme poverty to be PID also offers a Social Jus- Maeks-Anderson said. Junior Claire Gendron: able to use particular services tice Program to those living in Either through the annual “My favorite outdoor fall that we provide so that they can extreme poverty that is open to benefit, the programs, or service activity is picking out pumpkins get out of extreme poverty to anyone who wants to learn about trips that PID offers, there are have an entirely different future social justice, said Rosita Maeks- many ways to become involved and then getting apple-cider for their kids and for their fam- Anderson, former office manager with the organization and its donuts.” ily,” said Gale Hull, president and currently involved with cause, said Tali Marcelin, assis- and co-founder of PID. PID’s programs abroad. tant director. PID helps such populations “Social justice addresses the “I know that a lot of people through a set of programs ad- political and educational systems like to give back or help out, Senior Jake D’Ambrosio: dressing education, economic that are the reason why we have but they don’t know how to “I like leaf peeping.I love development, safe housing, and people living in these conditions get involved. PID has so many driving through the countryside medical care. These programs in the first place. While it is won- different ways that you can get and seeing all the beautiful combine to form the whole-life derful to have a charity helping involved….When people call and leaves and the different colors. transformation model, according the lives of those today, it’s so ask, it sometimes ends up being a to PID’s website. important to address the system,” perfect match,” she said. I also love haunted houses “When we put all of those she said. PID is always looking for because I love a nice, little [programs] together, we end up To fundraise for all the new volunteers that can positive- scare!” seeing people that came into programs, PID held their 18th ly help the impact of the organi- our program eating four meals a annual benefit on Oct. 20 and zation, Maeks-Anderson said. week to having kids that gradu- raised $50,000, Maeks-Anderson “We’re really looking for ated from university, own their said. committed and passionate stu- Senior August Kahle: own house, and own their own “[A] purpose of the annual dents who are looking to make “I like going to the haunted business that is totally separate benefit is to…make sure that all a difference and learn about corn maze because I can go from Partners in Development… those who donate or participate extreme poverty…If you’re with my friends, and it’s a Our goal is to give people tools in our offerings, such as service someone who genuinely wants to so that they can use them and get trips, have a place to gather, get help and make a difference, it is really good time.” out of poverty,” Hull said. together, and be excited about possible to do that at Partners in Taking it one step further, Partners in Development,” Development,” she said. OPINION The Independent Volume XXV #2 November 13, 2018 7 GMOs Are genetically modified foods a better alternative? Pro Con Eli Heanue Julia Kaper Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are living structures such Due to their negative impact on the environment and the lack of evidence regard- as fruits, vegetables, and other plant products that have undergone ing their long-term effects on humans, genetically modified organisms must be change artificially in order to alter their physical properties.These avoided. changes improve them and make them a healthier alternative to GMOs are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially non-GMOs. manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering. According to GMOs are commonly thought of as unhealthy because they nongmoproject.org, more than 80% of all genetically modified are not natural; however, in a study done by Stanford University, crops grown worldwide have been specially engineered for there was no strong evidence showing either GMOs or natural herbicide tolerance. plants as more likely to carry health risks for people that consumed Using these herbicide-tolerant crops has allowed them. farmers to switch from traditional herbicides to glypho- “The researchers found little significant difference in health ben- sate, which is categorized as a probable carcinogen by efits between organic and conventional foods,” said Michelle Brandt in the World Health Organization. a review of the study, an associate director for Stanford Medical School’s The use of glyphosate may also lead some weeds Office of Communication and Public Affairs. to develop a partial resistance to herbicides over time, In fact, some genetically modified plants have been engineered to according to the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and contain higher amounts of certain nutrients such as calcium, protein, or Sciences. folate in order to make them healthier. These weeds would require higher amounts of glyphosate “There is no nutritional difference between GMOs and their non- and other herbicides to keep them in check, and consequently, it GMO counterpart unless the nutritional content of the genetically would lead to an increase in the use of herbicides, which would adverse- modified crops has been intentionally modified,” gmoanswers.com ly impact the environment. writes. According to nongmoproject.org, the use of toxic herbicides is 15 GMOs have also reduced the use of pesticides by creating stronger, times as great as it was when GMOs were first introduced. more durable fruits and vegetables that are more resistant to insects. Additionally, genetically modified crops also are responsible for the According to the website gmoanswers.com, GMOs have lowered pesti- emergence of “superweeds” and “superbugs,” which can only be killed cide spraying over the last two decades by 8.1 percent. with even more toxic poisons such as 2,4-D, according to the Harvard Farmers prefer GMOs because they produce a higher crop yield due to Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. their ability to survive in harsher environments and their durability for New GMO seeds have been developed to be resistant to 2,4-D while still being transportation. glyphosate resistant. The EPA approved these seeds in 2014, but 2,4-D has been “Because GMOs can be created with specific traits, farmers can ac- linked to an increase in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and many neurological cess seeds that can succeed in their unique environment,” said Diego disorders, according to research in the International Journal of Environmental Flammini, a news writer, on the website farms.com. Research and Public Health. GMOs are also a potential solution to the problem of food waste. While the creation of GMOs was not intended to increase the use of According to fooddialogues.com, genetically engineered food herbicides, it did result in an increased use of glyphosate, 2,4-D and other products can be designed to resist bruising during shipping and toxic herbicides, which not only damage the environment, but they may handling. This allows GMO foods to have longer shelf lives, which also negatively impact human health in the long term. prevents stores from continuously throwing away rotting unhealthy While it would be possible to conduct more extensive and conclusive fruit and buying more. research on the long-term health effects of GMOs in humans, it would GMOs also serve as hope for malnourished people in third world require expensive decades of study of hundreds of thousands of GMO countries. Because genetically modified plants have a higher crop consumers and their non-GMO counterparts. yield and a longer shelf life, implementing them into poor Due to the apparent negative impact on the environment, we must avoid countries would feed many more people. SOPHIA LARSON ILLUSTRATION GMOs, at least until their effect on humans is clearly known.

US must invest in new infrastructure

According to theguardian. improvement or success with the Intelligent com, Sweden is focusing on technology because the con- energy efficiency by testing out struction process is lengthy. The electrified roads and is aiming to Colorado Department of Trans- highways have a fossil-fuel-free infrastruc- portation estimates the building ture by 2030. Energy would be will last from July 2018 to 2022. pave way transferred between rails in the New infrastructure and intel- road and cars. Each car would ligent highways can improve pay for the amount of electricity the world’s environment. They to future they used which is monitored by would allow for fewer fossil By Domino Morris the system. fuels to be emitted. According INDEPENDENT STAFF In addition to to the United creating pave- States Environ- More money and effort should ment to charge Improving mental Protec- KOMUNEWS/COMMONS.WIKIMEDIA.ORG be put into improving new cars, the Chinese the nation’s tion Agency, The U.S. government currently has plans to make the I-70 infrastructure in the U.S., such are developing infrastructure is the more than 55% highway in Denver, Colo., an intelligent highway, but the process as intelligent highways. They are photovoltaic of nitrogen is lengthy, so there has been no sign of improvement so far. the next big step forward. pavement which next step towards a oxides emitted China, Sweden, and the acts as a road successful, safe and in the U.S. are accidents in 2016 in the U.S. highways. He tweeted, “The only U.S. are beginning to develop made of solar due to transpor- When an accident occurs, the one to fix the infrastructure of intelligent highways. The main panels to charge less polluted future. tation. technology can explain what our country is me,” yet his $200 priority of an intelligent highway street lights and Besides being happened. billion plans have not yet shown is to increase safety and energy traffic lights, ac- beneficial to the Because of this, intelligent significant improvement. efficiency. New components such cording to www.atimes.com. environment, intelligent high- highways can keep the traffic The benefits of intelligent as solar panels for energy and According to The Den- ways also improve safety. flowing continuously and help highways are reason enough to magnetic sensors to keep cars ver Post, the U.S. is currently According to a report done avoid accidents. invest more into it. Improving in line would be added to the developing a project in Denver by the National Highway Traffic President Donald Trump has the nation’s infrastructure is the pavement, according to www. to create an intelligent highway, Safety Administration, there recognized the need for new next step towards a successful, electronicdesign.com. but there have been no signs of were a total of 7,277,000 vehicle technology such as intelligent safe and less polluted future. 8 The Independent Volume XXV #2 November 13, 2018 OPINION STAFF EDITORIAL Trump’s lack of reaction to Khashoggi murder threatens democracy Freedom of the U.S. is incapable of protecting democracy globally. speech depends In a blow to the idea of a free press, Trump has suggested that on presidential it may not be worth risking the United States’ arms deals with response Saudi Arabia over Khashoggi’s murder. to Saudi actions According to Fortune Maga- President Donald Trump has zine, the $110 billion Saudi recently addressed the mur- arms deal that Trump mentions der of Saudi journalist Jamal is eclipsed by deals even with Khashoggi by stating that the nations as relatively small as culprits will be held responsible, Switzerland. but he refused to blame Saudi Trump’s touting of the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed for deal seems to be merely an at- the murder. tempt to justify his inaction. This is a big mistake. This displays a desire to simply Trump must properly ad- maintain a particular quantity of dress this extrajudicial killing deals at any cost, without any and silencing of free speech by regard for implications regard- confronting Prince Mohammed. ing the First Amendment, which If he does not do so, the conse- guarantees protection of the free quences could be dire. press. Most alarmingly, Saudi Arabia According to the Washington was not truthful to the United Post, other nations such as Ger- States, which is one of its closest SOPHIA LARSON ILLUSTRATION many have chosen to halt their allies. deals with Saudi Arabia – send- Saudi officials had repeatedly it was on the orders of one of democracy abroad, and an attack if Saudi Arabia is found guilty ing a strong message in favor of said that “[Khashoggi] left the Prince Mohammed’s closest on the free press is an attack on of this heinous murder, to which democracy. consulate alive” and that they did military officials, unbeknownst democracy itself. Allowing this Saudi officials have pledged to It is imperative that President not know his whereabouts. to Mohammed. to go unnoticed will only serve “respond with ever greater ac- Trump put aside the issues of However, the rhetoric has Such a lack of transparency to embolden anti-democratic tions.” partisanship and instead focus on since changed – now, the does not bode well for the main- sentiments. Allowing for Saudi Arabia to performing his duty as president Saudi government claims that tenance of trust between allies. According to ABC News, prevent the U.S. from maintain- of the United States – protect- Khashoggi was indeed killed The United States must also Trump initially suggested “a ing democracy in the world sends ing democracy and freedom of in the Saudi consulate, but that protect the fundamentals of method of severe punishment” a message to other nations – that speech.

Art classes also give Art classes foster creativity, students an opportunity to be creative and express them- self-expression; should be new selves, whereas many required classes, such as math classes, requirement for graduation have limited opportunities for students to be creative. By Sofia Gillespie INDEPENDENT EDITOR rounded candidates. Art teacher Tamera Burns An art class would not have said she would support an art High school students should to be limited to classes focused requirement for all students. be required to take a minimum on drawing and painting; it could She said it is important for of one art class during their high include any class ranging from students to understand art and school years as these classes music theory to digital design. its history because it is so encourage types of creativity Classes that allow for artistic prevalent to all other realms of that other classes don’t. expression and creativity would education. Currently our school does be sufficient for a requirement; “If you don’t have arts in not have this requirement, but this would allow for students to the mix, you’re missing an many high schools have imple- be more creative instead of being enormous opportunity to have SOFIA GILLESPIE PHOTO mented it. Many colleges require forced to take one specific art more well-rounded individuals… Freshmen Isabel Lundstrom and Lily Zschau work on that applicants have taken at class. I want students to appreciate art printmaking and graphic design in Art Lab class. Art classes least one or two semesters of an Research by the College in all of its possibilities and to foster creativity and better cognitive reasoning in students. art class, and even if art classes Board has indicated that students become sensitive individuals,” are not directly required in the who have taken art classes statis- she said. similar backgrounds and similar will help them to have a greater application, students applying tically tend to perform better on Exposure to art and its his- socioeconomic statuses. perspective and to have op- to a specific college with one or standardized tests, and they also tory would benefit students here Even if students are initially portunities to be creative; some more art classes on their resume tend to have higher academic because many of them come not interested in taking an art students may even end up enjoy- can help them to seem like well- grades. from a privileged community of class, being exposed to the arts ing it.

Editors-in-chief Sirine Benali Manchester-Essex Regional High School Staff Austin Woodman-Paré the 36 Lincoln St, Manchester MA 01944 Jenna Cirella News Editor INDEPENDENT 978-526-4412 [email protected] Thymen de Widt Mia Cromwell online at http://www.merhs.mersd.org/domain/702 Isabella DiPasquale Katherine Fitzgibbon Features Editors The Independent is published monthly throughout the school year. It is a product of the Manchester-Essex Eli Heanue Hannah Freeman Regional High School Journalism class. Madeline Lai Sofia Gillespie Editorial space is available to all MERHS students, faculty, and community members. Domino Morris Paige Swanson All submissions must be signed and put in the newspaper mailbox in the front office of MERHS. Olivia Turner Opinion Editors The Independent reserves the right not to print letters and to edit the content for clarity and length. While letters Julia Kaper can be critical of an individual’s actions, they cannot slander or libel. Faculty Adviser Anton Kozyrev The staff editorial may be considered the opinion of the staff of The Independent. Mary Buckley-Harmon By-line opinions are written by individual staff members and should not be considered representative of the entire Arts Editors staff. Follow us on Twitter: Sophia Larson The Independent staff hopes that all Manchester and Essex citizens will take advantage of this forum. The paper @MERHSjournalism Charlotte Pick is meant to serve the school community, and we are open to suggestions to help it better serve its purposes. SPORTS The Independent Volume XXV #2 November 13, 2018 9 Sophomore, seniors lead team to successful season Cromwell, Bowen, O’Brien, Hase emphasize sportsmanship on field

By Thymen de Widt it. We have had some tough INDEPENDENT STAFF games, so I am very proud of the With an overall record of team as a whole,” he said. 15-3-2, the girls’ soccer team Sophomore Elizabeth Loring won the Cape Ann League title said that Cromwell and O’Brien and fought their way into the have led by attitude throughout Division IV state the season. tournament led “I think that by senior captains both Jade and Jade Cromwell, ‘The [girls] have Claire have been Claire O’Brien, worked very awesome lead- Jillian Bowen, hard, and they ers this season. and sophomore They [promoted] Dasa Hase. definitely deserve positive energy This is the it.’ during games and COURTESY OF ALEX HASE first year that the practices,” she Sophomore Dasa Hase is a key player during games throughout their season. She has been one of the team has won the -LUKE COSGROVE said. team’s leaders for scoring and has contributed to the team’s success, said coach Luke Cosgrove. Cape Ann League Cosgrove championship. agreed that the Cromwell said that she tries ers for the team, have been key Bowen said the team has They also made two have shown her best to have a good influ- players in games throughout the worked very hard as a whole it to the North Finals for the great sportsmanship and attitude ence on the team by getting them season, Cosgrove said. and has improved a lot since the second time, losing 1-2 against on and off the field. motivated. “They are both excellent play- beginning of the season. Amesbury. “They have definitely been “We have had some tough ers and have scored about half “We had a great season [this Coach Luke Cosgrove said the leaders on the field. Even when matches, and I try to stay as posi- of the season’s goals. When one year]. The team has played team has had a fantastic season. we are down, everything is tive as possible, even when we scores a goal, the other one sets very well overall, and I am very “The [girls] have worked very positive, everything is uplifting,” are losing,” she said. it up. They definitely feed off of excited that we won the CAL hard, and they definitely deserve Cosgrove said. Hase and Bowen, also lead- each other,” he said. championship!” she said.

if you go into a match not ready Seniors work hard, to play, like getting scored on early, he gets us ready and pre- pared to play. He always gets us motivate team into the right mindset,” Bilsbury said. Leaders Strack, hard,” senior Atticus Takayesu Bilsbury also said Strack is the said. “best communicator” the team Wilson encourage Coach Robert Bilsbury said has had. both Wilson and Strack demon- “It really helps that he is teammates, push strate “great communication” on the center midfielder position and off the field. because he is able to communi- players to success “I think the team has been suc- cate at both ends of the field. He By Austin Woodman-Paré cessful because of the leadership connects the defense to the attack INDEPENDENT EDITOR we have on the field. Besides the by communicating, and he does captains, Strack and Wilson help it really well,” he said. With a record of 9-3-4, the the team work so well together. Wilson said he and Strack are boys’ soccer team won the Cape I have never had a team that two seniors who are extremely Ann League Championship un- communicates with each other so AUSTIN WOODMAN-PARÉ PHOTO vocal but are not captains on the der the leadership of two seniors well,” he said. Senior Dylan Wilson is a motivator for the team because he team. Dylan Wilson and Atticus Strack. Strack said the team is excited spreads positivity on the field, said coach Robert Bilsbury. “Atti has a really loud and The team lost with a score of to win the Cape Ann League powerful voice that really helps 4-3 the first round of the Divi- Championship for the third year seniors, and we know how to player who is always encourag- direct the boys. He’s really good sion IV tournament against Lynn in a row. work with each other. We work ing his teammates. at telling players where to be and Tech. “Our season went really well on holding the ball defensively “He gives [the team] pep talks, what to do,” Wilson said. “It was a hard loss for us this year because we were all so our strikers are able to score,” gives the entire team energy, and Strack said Wilson is a “huge because we made it farther in the communicating together. Our he said. he gets each player to where they motivator for the team” and said tournament last year. We fought team is made up of a lot of Bilsbury said Wilson is one need to be. He is so right in, that he is always spreading positivity.

3-5-0, winning three weeks in a that teams have to plan for every Impact row, the team has their last game week,” Hutton said. on Thanksgiving against their Rawson is proud of how players help rival Georgetown. dedicated his teammates have Hutton is very proud of all been this season. team prepare of the players on “I’ve really the team and said had to step up my for annual that because of ‘The team has performance as a the low numbers, needed me to play captain this year. Thanksgiving everyone has to The team has contribute to the well, and I’ve needed me to play team. given my all on well, and I’ve game “Our three given my all on [senior] captains, every play and it every play and it COURTESY OF CATHY GLASS By Jenna Cirella Senior captains Ryan O’Connell, Noah Rawson, and Bobby INDEPENDENT STAFF Ryan O’Connell, is paying off.’ is paying off,” he Beardsley have impacted the team by always cheering their Noah Rawson, said. - NOAH RAWSON teammates on, said coach Jeff Hutton. Led by senior captains Ryan and Bobby Beard- Hutton said O’Connell and Noah Rawson, sley, were pretty O’Connell is the rah guy,” Hutton said. his teammates this season. the football team continues to good at their posi- emotional support O’Connell said he has “The guys wearing these prepare for the annual Thanks- tions this year. If I had to choose and the energy of the team, keep- enjoyed playing on the team for jerseys are the guys you want to giving game, despite their elimi- one guy, Rockport senior caption ing the team positive, even when the past four years and hopes he have bonds with for the rest of nation from the playoffs due to Noah Rawson would be the most the odds were against them on can keep the energy of the team your life. If they can have your forfeiting their first three games, impactful player on the team. the field. strong through the rest of the sea- back with the numbers we have, varsity coach Jeff Hutton said. He is so good on offense and “Ever since he was a freshman son. He said he is very thankful they’ll have your back for the With a current record of defense and would be someone and sophomore, he was the rah- for the bonds that he created with rest of your life,” he said. 10 The Independent Volume XXV #2 November 13, 2018 SPORTS Five field hockey players win Cape Ann League All-Star awards

Captains, key players include senior captains scoring goals and giving momen- Annika Dahlin and Christina tum to the forward line,” Crovo players help team Calandra, juniors Christina Bull- said. ock and Bridget Twombly, and Dahlin and Calandra identified through positive sophomore Lily Athanas. one another as key players on the “[Christina] came up with big team. mindset in saves this year, and her stats are “[Annika] does a really great reflective of job on the weak games, practices that; she was side of the field, By Charlotte Pick player of the ‘Sometime spirit and she does a COURTESY OF VICKI DONNELLAN INDEPENDENT EDITOR year for our and attitude are nice job tackling conference,” and pushing Junior Bridget Twombly had a major impact on the team through After five players won Cape Crovo said. more important people away her ability to score goals as an offender, coach Kara Crovo said. Ann League All-Star awards, the She also than your skill.’ from the inside,” nior Isabell Amigo, Bullock, and players have been very enthusi- girls’ field hockey team ended said Dahlin Calandra said. Athanas exhibited great sports- astic and positive throughout the - KARA CROVO the season with a 0-1 loss against and Athanas Crovo said in manship that stood out through- season. Watertown during the finals of were strong on addition to strong out the season. “I don’t feel like there is the Division II playoffs; the team defense and in skill sets, sports- “[Isabell and Christina] have anyone in particular here or there ended the season with a 15-1-5 the midfield this year. manship is also essential during really stepped up as leaders this [with the best sportsmanship]. I record overall. Other league all-stars Bullock practices and games. season and also talked more think it comes in waves, so when Varsity field hockey coach and Twombly won their awards “Sometimes spirit and attitude during our games and circles,” someone’s feeling down because Kara Crovo said the players who for their performance on the of- are more important than your Dahlin said. they made a mistake, someone received awards had a large im- fensive line. skill,” she said. When describing the team as is always there to pick them up,” pact on the team this year. These “They did a really nice job Calandra and Dahlin said ju- a whole, Crovo said all of the she said. Influential players contribute to golf team’s attitude, performance Key team members help boost morale mance, even though he was new to the school and team this year. through enthusiasm, sportsmanship “[Stephen] has played a lot of golf in his life and it shows—he By Sirine Benali nice to see a team that is good, was our strongest player this INDEPENDENT EDITOR balanced, and having fun regard- season and, more importantly, Even though the golf team less of the record,” French said. he was a great teammate and ended with a record of 4-9, French said the matches that leader….He was a great all- they had a outstanding season the team lost were very close, around teammate in every sense with the new but the team’s of the word,” he said. and return- ‘It is a great team with attitude was Even though this year many of ing players still positive. the senior players will graduate, contributing a lot of good spirit. Junior captain junior captain Ian Taliaferro said to team spirit The team’s attitude Mason Pac- there is potential for the team. and perfor- was really good this cone said “We didn’t perform like we all mance, head sophomore thought we would, and our team coach Hollis season.’ Charlie didn’t do the best we possibly French said. -HOLLIS FRENCH Gendron’s HOLLIS FRENCH PHOTO could. But, next year I think that “It is a positive at- Coach Hollis French said sophomore Charlie Gendron has helped we’ll have a pretty good team. great team, titude helped the team with his ability to cheer up the rest of his teammates. Our sportsmanship, attitude, and with a lot of good spirit and the rest of the team maintain this enthusiasm was really good this camaraderie. The team’s attitude positive attitude. down… [He] keeps his head up keep a positive attitude for the year, which is a good thing since was really good this season. “[Charlie] is a good spirit and tries to cheer everyone up,” team was Stephen Curcuru, I feel like we are all now moti- Nobody seemed too high or low player. He just keeps everyone Paccone said. whom French said was also vated to succeed next season,” when we won or lost, so it was happy even when we are playing Another player that helped influential for the team’s perfor- he said.

Carter. He works very hard; Seniors Feuerbach, Carter everything that he’s done he’s worked for,” he said. contribute leadership, skill set Carter also said his time spent on the team allows him to be a to cross country team better leader. “I’ve been running for a long By Sophia Larson as a leader is shown in his will- time, and I think I am respon- INDEPENDENT EDITOR ingness to work hard. He wants sible as a leader,” he said. to be at practice to get the most Also a leader, Feuerbach is Throughout this cross coun- from his the number try season, senior captains Matt workouts, one girl in Carter and Eve Feuerbach have and he is ‘Although we have a terms of time proven to be valuable assets to usually the smaller team, everyone and is plan- the team through their leadership one to get ning on going and perseverance, co-head coach the ball roll- puts in the work, to college for SOPHIA LARSON PHOTO Mark Dawson said . ing during shows up ready to running, she Seniors Eve Feuerbach and Matt Carter have contributed to the Although the team does not a practice,” he run and tries their said. team through their leadership and perseverence. have winning record, the girls’ said. When going team with a record of 1-9-0 Fel- best, and I think that into a race, to visualize the course which my other people,” she said. and the boys’ team with a 4-6-0 low team is something that Feuerbach coaches say is helpful,” Feuer- Team motivation is a major record, they are more focused on member, has a method bach said. focus in practices, and Feuerbach specific individual improvement, sophomore makes this team so to keep her During practices, Feuerbach helps the team come together he said. Will Kenney, competitive.’ nerves in con- remains self-motivated while through tough losses, Dawson Carter aids in this individual also attrib- trol and to run also motivating her fellow team said. - MARK DAWSON improvement and leads the team uted Carter’s her best race, members, she said. “Her stability has helped other by example and is always enthu- leadership to she said. “I put in a lot of effort into athletes put perspective on their siastic during practice, Dawson his demonstrated work ethic. “I try not to think about [the [team] workouts, and I don’t give performance and running, as said. “He’s a veteran on the team, race] too much because I psych up. During workouts I try to stay well as how to cope with difficult “Matt is quieter, but his style and everyone looks up to Matt myself out sometimes. I also try as positive as I can and cheer on outcomes,” he said. ARTS The Independent Volume XXV #2 November 13, 2018 11 AP studio art students reflect on summer work during class Critiques help artists improve, create strong portfolios

By Isabella Dipasquale summer work is a great way to INDEPENDENT STAFF exercise one’s artistic ability and get the mind thinking. AP studio art students com- “It’s not as tedious as some pleted six pieces over the summer people may think because a lot of in order to expose them to a broad the time I would find myself out in range of styles. the world and just recording what High school art teacher Tamera I saw onto paper and just bringing Burns said that during the school that into my art,” Pappas said. year, students will be expected Senior Haley Wolfe said the to complete 36 pieces of art, so summer work was a great creative summer assignments help take outlet. the pressure off of students when “I was happy to have an excuse producing the pieces needed for a to do art because I don’t think I successful portfolio. would have done nearly as much Burns said AP studio art sum- art over the summer if I didn’t mer work is essential in order to have summer work,” Wolfe said. ISABELLA DIPASQUALE PHOTO prepare for the AP exam at the end Wolfe said she enjoys message Senior Haley Wolfe often uses cartoons to convey a message in her artwork. One of her summer of the year. She noted that some pieces and finds that cartoons are a work pieces, “Class of ‘82,” depicts an array of random, mishapen heads drawn using a sharpie. students prefer to work from direct quick and easy way to get a mes- observation, while others choose to sage across. often gets inspiration for her art several weird dreams that I’ve had “[When critiquing work] you work from memory. Over the summer, Wolfe com- from dreams. One of her favorite because it had a solid plot to it, learn that you are not alone; you “It’s always really interesting pleted a piece called, “Class of ‘82 pieces she created this summer which I thought was really weird,” know, everyone struggles and for me to see the choices they Reunion,” a cartoon that depicted was a watercolor painting based Franklin said. hates their work sometimes, and make, and I am always really ex- random, misshapen heads. off a dream she had in which she Part of the AP studio art course they don’t know what to do when cited to see what they do,” Burns “I tried to add a little humor to was in an abandoned playground, students find helpful is critiquing they’re stuck, but once you get in said. it,” Wolfe said. next to a woman with fox mask. each other’s art. Students are able to that small group, it becomes your Senior Brianna Pappas said Junior Naomi Franklin said she “I found it unique among the share work and receive advice. little family,” Pappas said.

Star Cosmetics, Morph, Lime Junior pursues career Crime, Fenty Beauty, and An- astasia Beverly Hills,” she said. as makeup artist Junior Maria Xhalia said she asked Spinney to do her Spinney hopes 100 followers. I hope the account makeup because she loved her will help me increase my follow- previous looks. to become social ers. I put hashtags under all of “It is obvious that Abby is my photos, hoping that people extremely talented. I never media influencer will come across my posts and could do my own makeup like through Instagram follow me,” she said. that, and trying to do makeup Spinney said she learned all of COURTESY OF ABBY SPINNEY AUSTIN WOODMAN-PARÉ PHOTO on someone else is extremely By Austin Woodman-Paré her techniques through continu- Pictured above is a blue holo smokey eye by junior Abby Spinney; difficult. It only took her an INDEPENDENT EDITOR ous practice as well as watching she uses a variety of makeup brands to complete her looks. hour to do my makeup. I don’t After spending years going beauty guru tutorials on You- know how she does it,” Xhalia through her mother’s and her Tube. influencer. My inspiration, Jeffree School of Beauty in Rhode Island said. grandmother’s makeup, junior “I am fully self-taught. I start- Star, is an internet influencer who for college. They also have one Junior Sam Cawley said Abby Spinney hopes to use ed doing glam styles on myself does makeup reviews, tutorials, in Boston that I want to look at as Spinney will likely succeed social media to become a beauty last year because I never had the and he even has his own makeup well,” she said. because of her constant deter- influencer. right kinds of products before. line. If he can do it after he Spinney said she is able to mination. Spinney said she created an Since I’ve gotten new materials, started from the bottom, I can do make money because she charges “I’m really happy that she is Instagram account and a You- my looks have improved. I’ve it,” she said. $20 per look. following her passions. I can Tube channel to post videos and also practiced doing more subtle Spinney said she plans on go- She has also spent over $1,000 tell that she has a drive that I pictures of makeup looks she has looks on my friends and other ing to cosmetology school in the on makeup products over the don’t see in other people. She done on her friends and herself. clients,” she said. future. years. has a talent and passion for “Right now my Instagram Spinney said she wants to be- “I hope that being a makeup “I use drugstore and high end makeup, which I think will ul- account, which has the username come a social media influencer. artist will be my career. I am makeup. My favorite brands are timately allow her to succeed,” abbyspinneybeauty, is nearing “I want to become a reliable looking into the Paul Mitchell Misfit Beauty Cosmetics, Jeffree she said.

State conference groups at their schools like the Green Team,” Meek said. provides insight The officers are planning to for NAHS chapter use recycled materials, collected by the Green Team, in order to By Hannah Freeman create a collective art piece that INDEPENDENT EDITOR will be displayed in the school, he said. National Art Honor Society This was the school’s first (NAHS) officers attended the time in attendance, and the of- Massachusetts NAHS State HANNAH FREEMAN PHOTOS ficers said they hope to attend Conference at Braintree High NAHS officers seniors Haley Wolfe and Belle Graves and junior Spencer Meek attended the state again to gain insight and ideas School on Oct. 20, an event that conference for NAHS chapters across Massachusetts; they were able to obtain advice and new ideas. for the future. brought chapters from through- “It was a really reward- out the state together to discuss inspired, and to look at how we “During the brainstorm- reinforced by the positive experi- ing day. To see all the students new ideas. can improve things within our ing sessions, students got to ences other students said they had working together and getting Senior officer Haley Wolfe own chapter,” she said. brainstorm ideas and help form with similar projects. excited about art was gratifying. said the conference helped both The event was organized into new ideas to apply within their “We have been discussing It was the first time attending her and the other officers, junior two breakout sessions, which own chapters, which was really working on a project with the for the three board members that Spencer Meek and senior Belle allowed students to interact with beneficial for us in considering Green Team. The conference... went, so I think they were pleas- Graves, set goals for this year. chapter members and advisers in future projects and policies of really helped us with this idea, antly surprised and got a lot out “We met with other schools smaller groups, NAHS adviser NAHS,” she said. as other students said they had of the experience, so I’m really to discuss what they do, to get Tamera Burns said. The officers also had ideas success collaborating with other proud of them,” Burns said. 12 The Independent Volume XXV #2 November 13, 2018 ARTS ‘Alias Grace,’ uses mystery to create psychological thriller

Period piece tells house, the house where she would allegedly murder two story of convicted people, Grace’s recollection of events becomes more erratic. murderer, reveals The audience mirrors the role of Dr. Jordan, who has to rec- failings of mind, oncile the gaps in Grace’s story truth, character with the wise, likeable person she has constructed herself into. By Sophia Larson Through the use of first per- INDEPENDENT EDITOR son narration as Grace recounts events from her past, the audi- Based on true events and the ence is left to wonder whether novel by Margaret Atwood, the Grace is the person she appears Netflix mini-series “Alias Grace” to be, whether she is telling her is a psychological thriller which own version of the truth or is makes use of the mysteries of the simply serving her own self- mind to demonstrate the elusive interest. nature of truth. The story is not told from the “Alias Grace” takes place in point of view of an omniscient Canada in 1858, 15 years after NETFLIX.COM camera, but from the word of the murders the main character Netflix released the series “Alias Grace” on Sept. 27, 2017. The Netflix Original delves into the the characters. Grace (Sarah Gadon) is a con- mysteries of the mind and of truth where physical evidence is limited due to the time period. This form of storytelling is victed of committing. It follows completely reliant on whether Grace as she recounts her life and living with her abusive After her best friend Mary Grace before passing out again. the character is telling the truth leading up to the time of the father. When Grace’s father kicks dies due to complications with Here the audience begins to or not. Moreover, it is com- killings, which she mysteriously her out, she is forced to work as an abortion, she begins to hear truly realize that Grace may be pletely reliant on whether the cannot remember, to a psycholo- a maid. Mary’s voice whispering to an unreliable narrator in the story narrator is sane or not. gist named Dr. Simon Jordan It is in this period of her life Grace to “let me in.” of her own life. The audience is “Alias Grace” shows the (Edward Holcroft). when the first mystery of Grace’s Then, Grace faints and is left to read between the lines of viewer that the truth can be a When her story begins, Grace mind is revealed and thus the unconscious for three days. When Grace’s memory and presentation subjective and malleable thing is a young Irish immigrant deal- idiosyncratic nature of recollec- she wakes, she believes she is of her character. and, sometimes, to determine it ing with the loss of her mother tion and truth. Mary and frantically searches for When Grace moves into a new absolutely is impossible.

“There is a good mix of stu- Chorus, band prepare dents from all four grades and a lot of promising young talent,” O’Neill said. for performances in the band is preparing for performances in the season. upcoming winter season “The band has played at two of the football games and we By Eli Heanue “The most important part for are going to play at six basket- INDEPENDENT STAFF the students is their own pieces. ball games this winter,” band In an effort to feature young The children are extremely teacher Joe Janack said. talent in the North Shore area, excited for the concert,” O’Neill Janack said the band mem- the Cape Ann Symphony Holi- said. bers have been working hard day Pops have invited the Cho- O’Neill said the chorus held leading up to their performance rus to perform in their concert, extra rehearsals on Halloween at the winter concert. Chorus teacher Donna O’Neill and one after school to prepare “The students are probably said. for the symphony. most excited to a song called “The Symphony really Junior Breno Santos said he ‘Christmas’. The song features wanted to add something new to is excited for the concert and a narrator and tells a story of enlighten the audience about the said the chorus is determined ELI HEANUE PHOTO Krampus, who is similar to the importance of music education,” to perfect their music for the Band director Joe Janack leads the high school band during opposite of Santa,” Janack said. O’Neill said. performance. rehearsal. The band works in preparation for events this winter. Senior Will Russo gave his The chorus will be performing “We practice songs again and opinion. the songs “Do You Hear What I again during chorus to make sure O’Neill we know how hard we all also preparing for their upcoming “The songs we are working Hear” and “E Pluribus Unum,” we refine the littlest parts of the worked to make the songs sound performance. on are very interesting pieces, which is Latin for “out of many, piece to make sure it’s the best it great,” Santos said. O’Neill said the SoundWaves and we’re mainly doing a lot one,” and they will also join the can be. A lot of the time people The SoundWaves, and the cap- currently have 11 members, eight of local performances,” Russo orchestra for a piece afterwards. won’t notice but to us and Ms. pella group run by O’Neill, are of them new. said.

prevents people from getting the habit of checking their phone Cell phone distracted by other apps with a so often. virtual tree that grows over time. Sophomore Jessie Miller uses apps help If the user cheats and attempts to the Forest app frequently in order log back into any apps that are to increase her efficiency and users increase off-limits, the tree dies. productivity after school. On the Forest “[Forest] helps productivity app preview, ‘It keeps me from me do my home- the developer work and focus on By Madeline Lai getting distracted INDEPENDENT STAFF Seekrtech Co., studying. It keeps Ltd. writes, by Instagram, me from getting dis- By combatting cell phone ad- “The sense of Snapchat, and tracted by [apps such diction with apps and features that achievement and as] Instagram, Snap- help to set screen time limits or responsibility VSCO.’ chat, and VSCO,” FORESTAPP.COM temporarily block distracting apps will encourage - JESSIE MILLER Miller said. On the Forest app users can plant a tree, which grows as the user productivity can be increased. you to stay away There are more refrains from using other distracting apps on their phone. One of the apps on the market from your phone, than a few options that can help to keep people off and will help you make better use on the market designed for people habits of cellphone dependence release announced on June 4, their phones is Forest, which of your time.” who are looking to resist their cell by setting time at night when cer- 2018, users can make more allows the user to set a timer for This app also provides motiva- phone addiction, such as the new tain apps are off-limits or tracking informed decisions about how a certain amount of minutes. Dur- tion to increase productivity with Screen Time tools that are now users’ screen time and setting they use their devices, and the ing the set time, all other apps are a reward of virtual coins at the available for Apple product users restrictions on the amount of time tools are great for everyone to off limits. end of the allotted time, which with the iOS 12 update. each app is available per day. better understand and manage

The app, which costs $1.99, can help cellphone users to break These features assist users with According to the Apple press their cell phone usage. Guess Who: Robert Bilsbury Robert Who: Guess