MATES Messenger Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science Volume 10 - Issue 1 MATES Messenger Wednesday, November 30, 2011 Principal’s Message MATES Student Summit Fall 2011 by Udara Fernando and Dylan Everett Perhaps one of the most important observations I have This year’s Clean Ocean Action Student Summit took made while walking through our halls is the sense of em- place on Thursday, October 6 at Island Beach State Park. powerment that comes from being connected to someone or Approximately 300 students representing middle schools something and being a productive member of that group. I throughout southern New Jersey came to learn about the see that come to fruition on a daily basis in my role as prin- coast, our ocean and its species. Students spent 12 minutes cipal of MATES. You are encouraged by your teachers and at each learning station, answering workbook questions. your peers to find your passion and make the connection. Each station focused on various topics, including inverte- With a wonderfully committed faculty and the variety clubs brates, the enviroscape, Project Terrapin, recycling, shells, and opportunities provided at MATES, there is something horseshoe crabs, and beach sweeps. MATES seniors were for everyone. in charge of teaching at these stations. The middle school What continues to impress me the most is the maturity students held terrapins, seashells, invertebrates, and horse- you demonstrate by recognizing that your school communi- shoe crab shells while learning about them. This interactive ty is a microcosm of “the real world.” It is understood that learning experience is a unique characteristic of the Student mutual respect is of paramount importance to be able to Summit. work and coexist together in peace and harmony. Everyone involved seemed to enjoy the day. Ms. Held As you approach the end of the semester, please take commented, “As always, the senior MATES class did an- stock of the progress you have made. Whether it is academ- other outstanding job at this year’s Student Summit. This ic or social/emotional growth, take time to celebrate what day has always stood out and been a highlight for me as an you have accomplished. Goals for any kind of success are educator. I get to see our students passionate about the powerful motivators - they remind us of how far we have chance to educate and outreach to their younger peers about come and how far we want to go! It is very gratifying to see the importance of protecting our world’s oceans and its you progress; we are all very proud of what you have ac- inhabitants. I get to see the excitement on the younger chil- complished thus far and look forward to working with you dren’s faces as they get to learn about invertebrates and for the remainder of your high school experience. Our mis- terrapins and those that enthusiastically wonder and ques- sion is to educate each and every student to better prepare tion because they have never stepped foot on a beach be- him or her for the world beyond MATES; the work we do fore. On that day I get to witness our students as the next here each and every day ensures that you will be well pre- teachers of environmental sustainable education, which in pared. turn is ultimately passed down to the youth and teachers of tomorrow.” (Continued on page 3) Have a wonderful holiday season! Allison L. Carroll Principal Seniors Marissa Parker and Sapna Syal instructing students at the Student Summit What’s Up at MATES Page 2 MATES Messenger Wednesday, November 30, 2011 To Surfing Day 2011 National Honor Society Coat Drive by Meredith Foor & Rachel Paul by Dylan Everett On September 21, 2011, the junior class went surfing This year, the MATES chapter of National Honor Socie- with Mr. Coen, Mr. Holland, Mr. Sprague, Mr. Bixler and ty is running a winter coat drive. Students can place new or Mr. MacDonald. When the juniors first arrived at Long gently-used coats (along with other items such as gloves, Beach Island, Mr. Coen gave a quick lesson about how to hats, and scarves) in the donation box located in the en- navigate the board through the waves and divided the stu- trance of the school. Children’s coats will be given to ele- dents into six separate groups. Immediately following the mentary students in need of winter clothing in Lacey, and lesson the first group grabbed their surfboards and got in anything that cannot be used by the elementary school will the water. After each group had surfed, everybody went to be donated to Southern Ocean County Hospital. Dr. Wnek, lunch at the pizza parlor down the block. the advisor of NHS, said, “It’s a shame that some people “It was a really excellent day for everyone in- don’t have jackets when they are so important in the winter, volved. There were some students who had never been in so this is a great opportunity to make sure that people have the ocean who stood up on a surf board,” Mr. Coen said. the necessities for the winter.” Mr. Coen was not the only one who had positive feedback Michelle Predi, the president of NHS, feels that “this is about the trip. Luke Parsons, a student who was able to a great way for the members of our school to benefit the stand up on a board said, “I had a lot of fun. I’m so glad we community!” NHS will be accepting donations through got to go on our class trip.” Others were not quite as lucky early December in order to ensure that the coats get to and did not get to stand up, but that did not keep anyone those who need them as soon as possible. If you have any from enjoying themselves. Neha Syal sat with a smile on spare coats, hats, gloves, scarves, et cetera, get them in her face while she reminisced and spoke of the class trip, soon. Thanks. “It was a dream come true to me when Mr. Coen inspired me to stand up three-fourths of the way on the surfboard.” The junior class trip of 2011 was a great success that left every student with wonderful memories of their day spent at the beach! The NHS coat drive collection box Members of the Junior class surfing What’s Up at MATES Page 3 MATES Messenger Wednesday, November 30, 2011 (SUMMIT continued from Page 1) questions. The funniest award went to freshman Dan Schwindinger, who was a narwhal, one of nature’s most As the most experienced MATES students, the seniors creative animals. Freshman Lucy Kosty won the school shared the knowledge they have acquired over the past spirit award for dressing up as a turtle-loving zombie. Fi- three years. Senior Sapna Syal said that the summit “was a nally, freshman Khari Harper won most original for dress- great way to educate students about the coastal environ- ing up as a funky 70s character. The titles were well- ment and how to protect it.” Overall, everyone involved did deserved and the four winners received a lot of applause a great job, including the MATES senior class, Clean from the audience. Ocean Action, Ms. Held, and Dr. Wnek, who wanted to Ms. Minnier was the advisor of the dance, and she did a thank the class of 2012: “Thanks to the seniors for making fantastic job. “I just love the Halloween Dance! All of our the middle school students so attentive. students looked wonderful, and they are so inventive when Senior Sapna Syal said that the summit “was a great way to creating their costumes,” Ms. Minnier responded when educate students about the coastal environment and how to asked about the dance. This year’s Halloween Dance was protect it”. Overall, everyone involved did a great job, includ- an entertaining night for everyone, and hopefully more stu- ing the MATES senior class, Clean Ocean Action, Ms. Held, dents will come next year to celebrate in the Halloween and Dr. Wnek, who wanted to thank the class of 2012: spirit! “Thanks to the seniors for making the middle school students so attentive and ready to learn!” Halloween Dance Happenings by Stephen Zuckerman The Halloween Dance was an awesome night for all who attended. It was guaranteed that this year’s dance would be a success from the intense planning made by the Junior Class Council. Many of the attendees arrived dressed for the occasion. Students wearing wacky and cre- ative costumes were a frequent sight. Needless to say, peo- ple were in the Halloween spirit and ready to dance! Ready Kelsey Lardiere, Nick Zebrowski, and Stephen Zuckerman in the to get everybody moving on the dance floor was the DJ, costume contest none other our than our very own Omar Mohamed. He played only the finest music, including the classic “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, which had the whole room dancing! “The music is very catchy. Omar is a great DJ” said sophomore Parker Milkosky. Towards the end of the dance, the costume contest was held. There were four categories: scariest, funniest, most school spirit, and most unique. The contestants all stood in a line and were voted by the crowd’s level of applause. Winners (and there could be just one!) for each category won a certificate and a Wawa gift card (certainly a popular reward). The scariest costume award went to sophomore Stephen Zuckerman for dressing up as a “pop quiz” with mock A shot of the freshman attendees What’s Up at MATES Page 4 MATES Messenger Wednesday, November 30, 2011 Molelympics chemistry problems event.