SA BRE' S ED GE THE VOI CE OF SCHALM ONT

June 2021 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Class of 2021 ...... 1-2 CLASS OF Senior Formal ...... 3 2021 "Unmasked" # 1 ...... 4 "Unmasked" # 2 ...... 5 Book Review ...... 5 "Unmasked" # 3 ...... 6 Drama Club ...... 7 Podcast Review ...... 8 This year, the Senior class has had to overcome many challenges Your Voice ...... 9 that the COVID pandemic brought. In the Fall, they faced new school The Marathon ...... 9 policies that included mask wearing, sitting 6 feet apart, hybrid learning, and only seeing half of their class; that is, when they "Unmasked" # 4 ...... 10 weren?t quarantined. Because of this, they also didn?t get to have Bookface ...... 10 many of their traditional fall activities such as a Spirit Week, Ronald McDonald House ..... 11 Homecoming games and dances, pep rallies, or the beloved Powder Puff football game. This could have ruined their Senior experience. From Our Editors ...... 12 But our Seniors persevered. They made their Spring activities as fun and memorable as possible. They designed and made their Senior IMPORTANT DATES T-Shirts, took a field trip to Rollarama, had a beautiful Senior Formal at River Stone Manor, planned and took part in a Senior Spirit Week, and in the last few days of school will do a graduation walk-through June 16: Last Day of Classes at Jefferson Elementary and have their Senior Send-Off event. June 25: Last Day of School These Seniors have proven their resilience and dedication to their June 25: Graduat ion! academics and school community by taking everything in stride and trying to make the best of a very difficult year. To the Seniors: It?s been an honor to be part of your time at Schalmont, to have taken this journey right along with you. From our (continued p. 2) CLASS OF 2021 first Homecoming booth selling apple cider donuts, to Schalmont Idol, and everything in between, we have all learned and grown together during the past four years. We could not be more proud of the young adults you have become! We wish you all the best in your future endeavors. It?s been great to be part of your class as your Class Advisors, and we won?t ever forget this experience. You?re an incredible group of individuals, and we can?t wait to see what you accomplish next. Congratulations! ~ Mrs. At t anasio and Mrs. Croft

Class of 2021 Advisors pose with faculty chaperones at the Senior Formal. Pictured from left to right: Mrs. Toas, Mrs. Attanasio, Ms. Bornhoft, Ms. Litz, Ms. Crone, Mrs. Williams, Ms. Kaufman, and Mrs. Croft.

Seniors at Rollaram a! On April 22, the Class of 2021 went on a field trip to Rollarama. After gathering together at the high school, we took the bus to the skating rink. There, seniors swapped out their shoes for roller-skates and began skating. Overall, there were 25 students and 4 teachers in attendance. While many were new to roller skating, just about everyone gave it a try - even the teachers! And all found it to be fun! ~ Riley Carlone

SENIOR FORMAL 2021

Even in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, Schalmont managed to put together one last prom for our graduating class of 2021. The event was held at the River Stone Manor, and nearly 80 seniors attended dinner, backyard games, and . All the students attending were able to show off their stunning attire during a featured Facebook live video for family and friends (abiding by Covid restrictions!). The night was filled with amazing music from DJ Ketchup, yard games, and fun Karaoke group performances. Seniors were happy to see their classmates from the other side of the alphabet. Overall, It was a memorable night for the graduating class to take with them in their years after high school. ~Marianna Sant abarbara MS. WILLIAMS - "UNMASKED"!

Where did you grow up? I was born and raised in Scotia. What w as a highlight of your childhood? One of the many highlights of my childhood was spending summer breaks with my siblings. Have you t raveled anyw here? In my early 20?s, I traveled across Europe and made a lot of memories. I also got to see a new part of the world when I studied abroad. Where did you go t o college? I was an undergraduate at Suny Plattsburgh, and went on to UAlbany for my graduate degree. What m ade you w ant t o pursue t he career you are in now ? One of the main reasons was that I wanted to be an advocate for people who did not have a voice, especially for students who are worried about reporting or seeking help for themselves. What is your favorit e part of your job? I love everything! One of the things I like most is seeing students succeed. I also love when students come to me for help and show trust. Even the difficult moments are positive. What is t he w orst part of your job? The worst part is seeing a student give up on themselves. Every student has great potential and they just need to see it and believe in themselves. What are som e differences you have not iced w it h educat ion now and educat ion w hen you w ere a st udent ? Things have changed a lot. Technology has increased and advanced. I notice very negative impacts from social media. Also, mental health issues have increased a ton, and are very common now. Have you accom plished your biggest life goal yet ? My biggest life goal is to always be at peace. It is daily work, but everyday is a blessing. I am always striving to find a balance. Who inspires you t he m ost ? My mother. She's the most intelligent woman I know. What is t he best piece of advice you could give t o ot hers? The best advice I could give is to only focus on things you can control, don't be afraid to put yourself and your priorities first. ~ Madison Fiske

THE LIBRARY NEEDS YOUR HELP!

With all that?s happened over the last year and a half, a lot of library books have gone astray. These sad and lonely books are languishing under beds, in closets, and on dressers all over the Schalmont school district. Please help them find their way home! Return your library books to the library, your ELA classrooms, or to the Main Office. Let?s get them back on the shelves for next year!! ~ Ms. O'K :) PMOSL.I BTRICINADL CISAI R- "TUONOMNASSKED"! BOOK REVIEW

Where did you grow up? Ellen Foster by In Whitesboro, NY Kaye Gibbons Have you part icipat ed in shines a light on sport s? If so, w hich ones the trauma kids and for how long? Yes, I can have from have participated in field being in foster hockey for six years, as well care. This book is as and softball written in Ellen?s for eleven years. voice as she looks Where did you go t o get back on her life. She had a terrible your college degree? childhood. She tried to protect her What did you m ajor in? sick mom from her abusive dad. After her mother died, she had to I attended Siena College and majored in Mathematics and Computer Science. live with her father on her own. He would rarely come home and when Do you have a specific t ravel dest inat ion you w ould like he did, was most likely mean and t o go t o som eday? I would love to go to Greece and visit Italy as well. These places have always seemed so beautiful to me drunk. and made me want to go there! Ellen still went to school every day, What is your favorit e m ovie? Safe Haven mostly to go to her art class because she loved art so much. It wasn?t until What has been t he m ost int erest ing t hing about being a her father showed up at her school t eacher so far? So far, the most interesting thing would have ready to kill her that she was able to to be experiencing the various personalities in the classroom move in with a teacher she loved and seeing how students interact with each another. dearly. What are your favorit e hobbies? I enjoy golfing, cooking and baking, exercising--specifically running! The overall message of the book is that kids need a stable, safe home in How has t he Covid pandem ic affect ed your first year of order for them to grow. Without t eaching? The Covid pandemic has taken quite a toll on my that, they begin to make bad choices first year of teaching and has forced me to adapt to new ways and worry about things such as of teaching that I never thought I would do before. As a result , food, and how to keep of this pandemic, I have learned to balance remote students, themselves safe. They aren't able to hybrid students A-L, and hybrid students M-Z. This pandemic focus on the things they should be has also had a few classroom changes including smaller class focusing on, like school, playing, and sizes, posting every assignment/resource online, and overall planning everything in advance. just being a kid. Even with all the sexual abuse, neglect, alcoholism, What is one t hing you w ant st udent s t o know about you? poverty, and cruelty, Ellen continued My favorite number is 2 which is only because Derek Jeter is to strive for a better life, always my all-time favorite baseball player and I am a huge Yankees trying to find her ?forever home.? I fan! recommend this book. ~ Dina Sant abarbara ~ Magan Wood MRS. MATTICE - "UNMASKED"!

W here did you grow up? I grew up in Glens Falls, then senior year moved to Lake George. Where did you go t o college? Bachelors and Masters at Saint Rose. Did you alw ays know you w ant ed t o be a High School English t eacher? I always wanted to be a teacher, for a while I wanted to teach elementary, then thought about sociology and . I finally decided on high school English senior year of high school. How do you separat e your hom e life from your w ork life? I keep a sticker with the word "balance" on my computer to remind myself that I need to be able to blend the life of school and the life of home and make sure one is not getting more of me than the other. What is your favorit e book? My favorite book to teach is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. What is your favorit e w ay t o spend a day off? If the weather is nice, wake up and have an early morning, a hot cup of coffee, and spend time with my kids. Also just be outdoors. What is an act ivit y t hat inst ant ly calm s you from st ress? Reading, listening to music, and being up at my family camp on Sacandaga. Where is your favorit e place t o t ravel? I am mainly a homebody, but I do really look forward to one day traveling to Ireland. Would you consider yourself an int rovert or an ext rovert ? Extrovert, but I appreciate alone time and downtime for myself. What w as your first ever job and did you enjoy it ? I worked at the Friendly's restaurant in Queensbury and it was always full of tourists so I made really good money scooping ice cream and serving food. I also babysat a lot. What advice w ould you give t o st udent s and t eachers st ruggling during t his part icular school year? Be present. Show up and do the best you can. At the end of the day, if you can say everything may not be perfect, but I did the best I could today, that's all that matters. ~ Grace Iovinella

THEN & NOW ...

Taylor Funk and Mya June have been friends since the 2nd grade. They are shown here at their final elementary school dance (4th grade), and at the Senior Formal, their final high school dance! THAT'S A WRAP!

The Schalmont Drama Club just completed their second show of the year - an amazing feat in the face of all the challenges and obstacles of COVID-19. While the usual grandios spring musical production was limited by time constraints and health guidelines, the club stepped up to the challenge, and produced two smaller shows instead. The Odd Couple, written by Neil Simon, follows the story of Felix and Oscar, a pair of strangely paired roommates, played by Riley Carlone and Max Schaffer and featuring many comical characters and scenes by Drama Club members. The Artisan Revue was a compilation of songs, dances, and monologues from a variety of hit Broadway shows including Wicked, Anastasia, Chicago, and High School Musical. Students also submitted videos of poetry readings and their own songs (that they would typically perform at Java Jive). Everyone poured time and energy into these shows, with passiona and fevor despite the difficult circumstances we faced this year. The two productions were filmed multiple times, compiling the videos into what is sure to be an amazing, movie-like sequence. The videos will be shared on the district website in the coming weeks. As a , a small outdoor show took place on June 2 in the front courtyard of the high school. A portable stage and audience chairs were placed in the grass, and cast members were allowed to invite two people to catch a sneak preview of both shows. Opening with the musical number ?Day by Day? truly demonstrated the attitude of the Drama Club in facing adversity this school year. Short scenes from The Odd Couple sparked interest in the show amongst audience members as they laughed at the witty jokes and irony sprinkled into the easy dialogue. The preview closed with the high-energy dance, ?We?re All in This Together.? Students dressed in Schalmont colors and gear to show their school spirit and camaraderie, something all students have had to rely on this year. The 2020-2021 EHS and drama seasons have ended with a promising outlook for next year in hopes to get back to filling the auditorium with students and community members to show off the Drama Club productions and a LIVE Java Jive acoustic music and poetry event. For now, you can support our literary community and enjoy some entertainment through the arts by watching the shows online. And that's a wrap! ~ Brigid VanHaverbeke A PODCAST REVIEW: "GETTING CHEATED ON"

In the episode ?Getting Cheated On '' from the podcast Teenager Therapy, two of the five teenage producers/creators ? Thomas and Gael ? sit down and talk about their past relationship, and the hurt they endured after one cheated on the other. Using a real-life couple who come face to face and speak about their breakup is powerful. Through raw emotion and tone of voice, the two boys, Gael and Thomas, show the hardships they went through. As Thomas talks about this experience, he begins to cry. He talks about how the relationship with Gael impacted his life. Before he and Gael started to date; he explains the situation between him and his family, about coming out and them not accepting him. He was very depressed because of this, and when he went into middle school, his depression got worse. But when he met Gael this changed. As the podcast goes on, listeners quickly learn their story. They met in eighth grade and began dating. Thomas says, ?I would define the first few months me and Gael started dating as the happiest time of my life.? He talks about how amazing it felt to have someone there who accepts and loves you for who you are. Then he tells listeners about how he found out Gael had cheated on him, and how mentally draining this was for him. Although Gael said he didn?t cheat on Thomas out of hate (he called it an ?accident?), Thomas felt he wasn?t good enough for anyone, and his depression got worse. But Thomas did forgive Gael, and their relationship was on and off for the rest of their high school years. They both go on to say that, even though they were so young, they had so much love for each other. Now, they are no longer together and, although Thomas still feels the pain, it has gotten better. He explains how his mental state got so low at some points that there were some ?close calls.'' Now, even though the pain comes back at times, he is okay. I would recommend this podcast to anyone going through a hard time, who might be helped by hearing other people?s stories, and relating them to their own experience. Gale and Thomas?s story could appeal to anyone going through a situation like theirs, but it would mostly appeal to teenagers because it speaks about real life problems that many teenagers experience on a daily basis, such as cheating, relationships, and depression. The conversation between the teens shows how different sides and points of view always play into relationships. Their story can also remind teenagers that if they are going through a hard time, they have the ability to get through it and they aren't alone. As a high schooler myself, I am intrigued by this podcast and want to continue listening to it because of how relatable it is. I am interested in hearing others' life stories and connecting them to my own life. ~ Madison Fiske PYOOLUITRI CVAOLI CCEARTOONS THE MARATHON

Education is such an important part of our life. It shapes and There are some people that have defines our personalities, habits, and, most importantly, our a problem with race future. At a young age, we are introduced to a vast array of Acting like it is one, trying to come information; we build on it every year until we graduate, moving in first place forward to finally answer the question we are asked in elementary, middle, and high school: What do you want to be It?s an issue that has been around when you grow up? I am now at the point of exploring what I for some time would like to do with my future, and I wish I could give my And it really should be considered younger self some advice. a crime In elementary school, life was simple and we had not a care in Hating on people just based on the world. It seemed like all my older family members had so their skin much work in high school, but it was easier for us. As we moved on to middle school, being that young fifth grader was Why? It?s not like there?s frightening, but also exciting. Everything went by in a blur, and something to win before we knew it, we were graduating eighth grade. While Even if there was, would it be terrified of what lay ahead in high school, it was still exciting. worth the price? When I got there - and I'm sure it was the same for many others - I realized middle school had been great! Grades were easier to If you think that it would be, you?d maintain, friendships were made left and right, and it felt safe. better think twice When you walk through those high school doors as a freshman, So what?s with the hating? It?s such the work begins right away. You have to prove yourself and a disgrace show that you?re capable of going to college or pursuing It?s hurts people daily, all over the whatever career you choose. It is harder to manage your time, place unlike middle school where everything is laid out and organized for you. Being independent and relying on yourself is a big part So please, try and stop all this of high school and growing up. Friends change, you change, and unneeded hate, you start to create and build your own personality that will If we all work together, it might guide you on a successful path you never thought was possible. not be too late. If you are reading this and are scared about what high school is ~ Gabriel Unser like, please don?t be! Make the most of it, create memories, join clubs, be a leader, try things outside your comfort zone. It is a ? According to the Social Justice great time to try different subjects or VOTEC - everything will Resource Center, ?There are help you find your future path. The most important thing is to typically around 6,000 hate crimes be true to yourself and enjoy all the friendships that you build every year, with about 60% of and the memories you create. It's hard at times, but it's what them racially motivated or related helps us become young adults and the best version of to ethnicity / national origin bias.? ourselves. ?According to DoSomething.org, Education is a stepping stone to your dreams, answering the ?In New York City, 88% of police question: What will you be when you grow up? Next year I will stops in 2018 involved Black and be ready for my senior year and all it has to offer. I plan to Latinx people, while 10% involved cherish it, make the most of what I learn, so I can follow my white people. (Of those stops, dreams in college. 70% were completely innocent.)? ~ Gabriela Am oroso PMOSL.I KTIACUAFLM CAANR T- O"UONNMSASKED"! BOOKFACE ...

Where did you grow ... Where Art up? Poughkeepsie, New m eet s The York Library! Where did you go t o The artists are: college? I went to the University of Albany for undergraduate and Sage for graduate school. Right: Morgan What w as your m ajor Harris & Brody in college? Psychology Galvin.

What are your hobbies and int erest s out side of w ork? My hobbies and interests are spending time outdoors, walking my dog, hiking, kayaking and traveling. What do you envision your life t o be like in 5 Left: Morgan Harris years? In 5 years, I will be working here at & Sarah DeRossi Schalmont as a school counselor; I will be the class advisor to a new class. Below: Brody Galvin If you could t ravel anyw here in t he w orld, & Sarah DeRossi w here w ould you go? Hawaii and Greece What are your favorit e TV show s? This Is Us, Grey's Anatomy, The Bachelor and The Bachelorette What is som et hing int erest ing t hat not m any people know about you? I am allergic to bananas and avocados. What are your favorit e foods? My favorite foods are Italian food, sweet stuff and cheese. What are your favorit e m em ories from w hen you w ere in school? My favorite memories are playing softball with my best friends and hanging Left: Cassidy out with friends in my neighborhood. Welch and Abbie Sellnow What is t he best piece of advice you have for st udent s? The best advice I have for students is that high school is the time to take safe risks, go out of your comfort zone, try a bunch of different things and do not be afraid to ask for help. ~ Kaylie Locke SABRE STUDENT SPEARHEADS $2,000

The Ronald McDonald House serves as a place of comfort, hope, love and support, helping to keep families together while battling serious health challenges. Justina Spezza, a sophomore at Schalmont High School, held a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House at the South Schenectady Fire Department in April this year. At this fundraiser, she sold pickup pasta dinners donated by Ruggerio?s, and held an onsite bake sale. Wendy Spezza, Justina?s mother and inspiration for this task, started hosting the fundraiser around 10 years ago. Now Justina hosted the event and followed what she learned from her mother. ?Over the years, I watched my mom put together these elaborate fundraisers and I wanted to try it out myself,? said Justina. When people take on the task of large fundraisers, a lot of time, effort, and attention to detail must occur to make it a success. ?Taking charge and planning ahead have always been easy for me,? Justina said. She was very impressed with how everyone came together during this pandemic to make this fundraiser a success. But this event is more than just a fundraiser for her. ?This is a cause that is near and dear to my family's heart,? Justina wrote in a Facebook post where she discusses her connection to the Ronald McDonald House. ?When my mom was younger she badly her leg in a sledding accident. She was staying at Shriners Hospital to get her leg lengthened and straightened for about 3 months. My grandparents stayed at the RMDH every weekend to visit her.? Justina recognizes the importance of helping others in a time of need and, with her peers, she made this happen. Schalmont student volunteers were Alexa Knapik, Aubree and Skylar Marano, Gianna Angelozzi, Angelina and Mariana Riccio, Lorenzo Tiscione, Kaylie Locke, Delia Dicarlo, Emily George, Dina Santabarbra, Kristin Surin, Grace Iovinella, and Christian Groulx. ?While it wasn?t always easy, I had great helping hands along the way,? said Justina. ?Some helped sell meals and others donated baked goods.? Thanks to the efforts of those involved, and paired with Justina?s ambition and drive, the fundraiser was able to sell around 150 dinners, which raised $2,458. For more information on how to support the Ronald McDonald House visit https://rmhcofalbany.org/.

~ Krist in Surin and Skylar Marano PFORLOIMTIC OAULR C EADRITTOOORSN .S..

Lila Mont gom ery ~ Mairead Abbenda ~

I started my journey editing for The Sabre's Edge last year with Paige Meshcon, who was an amazing mentor and inspired me to live up to the wonderful work she did last year. This year, starting without her I was a little bit nervous, but with the help of Ms. O?Keeffe, Ms. Cohen, and Mairead, I had nothing to worry about. They encouraged me to get creative and take risks with writing different pieces, and it has been a completely positive experience. As you can see from the length of this issue of the newspaper, the passion in the Schalmont community for art, literature, and creativity is still as strong as ever, even throughout the pandemic. I have been so inspired and blown away by the excitement and I joined The Sabre?s Edge as an editor this enthusiasm that people have shown for contributing year alongside Lila Montgomery. I initially to the newspaper. Although I?m sad and nervous to joined because I will be completing a leave and continue my journey, I most certainly have journalism minor in college, but throughout faith that The Sabre?s Edge will continue to flourish. the year I really developed a passion for Next year I plan to attend SUNY New Paltz and will writing. I loved that the newspaper gave me hopefully major in Psychology, but I definitely plan to an outlet to share what I have to say, and I continue to incorporate writing and English into am thankful that I was given this aspects of my life. opportunity. I have really enjoyed working with Lila as well as Ms. O?Keeffe and Ms. I can't wait to hear Cohen. They have all been incredibly helpful who edits the and inspiring. newspaper next year, it is certainly This year has been different for me, as I an activity that I have been a fully remote student for the would recommend! entire of the school year. While I of course have had some bad days, I am very proud of Good luck to myself for pushing through. Thank you to all everyone next year who have been by my side through this and I will miss you time. all! My plans for the coming year are to work towards my degree in English with a minor in journalism at UAlbany on the path to becoming an English teacher. I hope to eventually work towards a master?s degree.