The Badger Pause Volume 10, Issue 7 14510 N. Cheshire Street, Burton, Ohio May 2015 Val & Sal 2015: A Neck and Neck Battle by Zak Martinjako, BP Staff Writer As the school year enters its final few weeks, it is valedictorian or salutatorian as of yet. This is due Yes, in a class that is known to many students and again time to make preparations to say farewell to to a few factors, one of which being that, with the staff as a battle ground of academic prowess (okay, this year’s senior class. Graduation day looms on the aforementioned new Shadow Project, the Senior maybe I’m being a bit over-dramatic here), the race horizon, and many seniors are preparing to leave the Edition of our newspaper is being released earlier for the top has been brutal, and whoever ends at that school a few weeks early in order to participate in this year. What seems to be the biggest factor, how- number one spot has fought hard to get there. There the new Senior Shadow Project. The Badger Pause ever, is that the competition is just too close to call. is, currently, no definitive answer or even solid basis is saying its own goodbye with this Senior for prediction. The best that we can Edition paper, and as per tradition we are give you is the top two prospects. including an article about the valedictorian So, without further commentary, let and salutatorian of the graduating class. me introduce you to the two main com- That task is not as simple as it seems. As petitors for the top of the class and the some may have noticed, there has been no titles of valedictorian and salutatorian: official announcement about this year’s Megan Arnold and Zakari Martinjako. Zakari Martinjako Megan Arnold

The student placed second in the class, ketball and volleyball throughout high again at the time of writing, is Zakari school, and served as a varsity captain Martinjako, otherwise known as me. on both teams. Oh, and she’s also a peer Which means I’m about to sound hor- tutor and a volunteer at Burton Congre- rendously conceited, so I’d like to apol- Pictured to the right is Zak Martinjako (currently ranked second in the class) gational Church. Did I mention she’s ogize in advance. and to the left is Megan Arnold (currently ranked first). held a couple jobs? Admittedly, I’m quite well known school for me has been homework, Megan Arnold is, at the time of writ- (If your head is spinning from the for my grades, and from seeing other especially projects, due to the sheer ing, the student currently ranked first in sheer amount that she’s done and been people’s reactions there really isn’t amount of time they consume. I like to the class. To those that know her, this involved with, it’s okay, mine is too.) much surprise that I’m a contender for get work done as fast as possible so that probably doesn’t come as a surprise. According to Arnold, the hardest as- valedictorian/salutatorian. I’ve taken it’s out of the way, but I also want it Arnold has consistently challenged pect of high school for her was time some considerably challenging courses to be done exceedingly well. Add that herself throughout high school, taking management. It’s pretty easy to see throughout high school, including Hon- to my propensity to procrastinate, and it upper level classes such as Calculus, why. On the topic of difficult classes, ors/AP English, Calculus, Honors Alge- doesn’t end well. Physics, Honors/AP English, and AP she said the two that stood out to her bra II, and AP Biology. I generally took Looking back, I believe the two most Chemistry. Yet despite the challenge the most were Honors English III, due the highest level courses the school of- difficult classes I took were Honors of her course load, she has maintained to the leap in workload from previous fers for required classes. Electives, on English III and Honors Algebra II. an incredible standard for her grades. years, and Calculus, because of its chal- the other hand, I chose more for my My reasoning is much like Megan’s, On top of her challenging coursework, lenging subject matter. On the flip side, interest in them. Outside of class, I’m English III was just a huge spike in Arnold also has an impressive reper- Organic Chemistry was her favorite involved in CARE Team and have been workload, and Algebra II had difficult toire of extracurricular involvement. class “because it’s not a HUGE work- inducted into National Honor Society subject material. My favorite class was Throughout high school she has been load and I can just learn chemistry and and Spanish Honor Society (in which definitely Creative Writing. It was nice a member of student council as well as enjoy it. Going at a slower pace in an in- I serve as the treasurer). As for sports, to get to write artistically (not much the class president. She’s been inducted teresting class makes it more enjoyable. well, I haven’t really been one for ath- room for that normally, and no, essays into both the National Honor Society Plus the labs were intriguing.” letics since elementary school. do not count), plus I loved reading other and the Spanish Honor Society. Addi- Arnold will be attending Allegheny (I’m not quite as impressive as Megan, people’s work. tionally, she’s a member of both CARE College to study Chemistry and Pre- I’m afraid.) I will be attending Hiram College to Team and Actively Caring for People. Medicine. The most stressful aspect of high study Computer Science. On top of all of that, she played bas- Once again, it’s important to remember that this information is not finalized. It will all come down to the grades in these final few weeks. As one of the competi- tors, I would like to say good luck to Megan Arnold, and may the best man, or woman, win. The Senior Editors’ Last Will and Testament Check out these articles! Curiouis about The seniors bid Senior you all a fond Superlatives? farewell on See them on the page 4! back page!

Oh the places Saying you will go! goodbye to our

Our three editors (Carolyn Mayer, Christin Dornback, and Anna Carlson) have See the benefits super-librarian, some last requests before they leave. of travel on Mrs. Arnold, on Read it on page 9! page 5! page 6! 2 Sports May 2015 Berkshire’s collegiate athletes by Emily Shantery, BP Staff Writer Of the many talented athletes graduating from Berkshire this spring, few are going on to play college athletics. Playing at the next level in sports can be nerve-racking yet also very exciting. It takes a special kind of person not only to make it onto a college sports team, but also to love a sport enough to com- mit to it on an even higher level. In light of this, The Badger Pause would like to recognize some of the best athletes from the Class of 2015.

Suzanne Koziol Christin Dornback Katelyn Luther Suzanne Koziol has Katelyn Luther is a Christin Dornback will committed to Youngstown Berkshire runner who be attending Arkan- State University where she will continue to run sas State University in will run track and cross throughout her college the fall, and she will country. During track she career. Katelyn, known major in Marketing will focus on the 3k stee- as Cluck by her closest with a minor in Com- plechase. Although she friends and fellow run- munication. Dornback has been running since ners, will run cross coun- will continue to run the seventh grade, Suz, try and track at Walsh track and cross coun- as she is affectionately University where she try there, and her track called, hasn’t always wanted to run in college. will be majoring in pre- events will most likely It wasn’t until she realized the opportunities it physical therapy. For track, Katelyn will be fo- be the 800 and the held for her financially and with traveling that cusing on long distance events such as the 1500, 1500. Dornback stat- she decided to run at this level. Suzanne plans to 3k, 5k, 6k, and possibly 10k. Katelyn has been ed that her favorite athletes are Craig Rupe, Eric major in dietetics and is most excited for meet- running track since the seventh grade, and cross Rupe, and Julie Cole. While she hasn’t always ing new people and experiencing new things. country since the eighth grade. She says that she planned on running in college Dornback said that She also stated that she doesn’t have a favorite has always wanted to continue running in college. she decided to because “it’s definitely advanta- athlete, but that “runners around the world are Cluck is mostly excited for having more freedom geous financially, but at the same time running is a all super cool and inspirational, and the running and independence as she prepares for her fresh- big part of my life, so I don’t think I could give it community is a huge inspiration.” man year as a Cavalier. Her favorite athletes are up and be happy with myself.” Alexi Pappas and Jordan Hasay.

David Pelletier David Pelletier is yet another Berkshire Ben Blechschmid runner who will continue his track and Ben Blechschmid will be at- cross country career at the college level. tending Baldwin Wallace Univer- He will attend Cedarville University, and sity this fall. He will be a running he will be in the Allied Health Program back for their football team and there in order to become a chiropractor. His majoring in Sports Management. events will consist of long distance and the Blechschmid started playing foot- steeplechase. David has been running since ball when he was only six years the seventh grade and says that he has al- old, and he mentioned that he has ways planned on running collegiately. He is always wanted to play in college. looking forward to hanging out and getting Blechschmid also said that he is to know the guys cross country team at Cedarville, but he will miss most excited to be living away from home, and that his favorite athlete the camaraderie and the bond he has with his Berkshire team. More and biggest inspiration is Reggie Bush. His favorite moment of his senior specifically, David will miss man nights every weekend and forking season was tying the scoring touchdown record at Berkshire. people’s lawns with the team.

Rebecca Porter Nick Paul has been playing Nick Paul golf for 12 years and has always Rebecca Porter has had a different planned on playing collegiately. kind of high school sports experience Nick will attend John Carroll being the only swimmer to represent University where he will major in Berkshire for most of her high school Accounting with a minor in Span- career. Porter has decided to swim for ish. Nick says that he is very ex- Allegheny College where she will be cited about his freshman year at double majoring in English and Art. Her events at Allegheny will be the 200 breast- J.C.U. He is specifically looking stroke and the 400 I.M. (Individual Medley). Porter has been swimming since she forward to being independent and was seven years old and has thought about swimming in college on and off through- making his own decisions. Nick out her life, but she has always gone back to it. Porter is excited for having a real also mentioned that his favorite team as she approaches her freshman year of college because she never really had athlete who inspires him most is one in high school. Rory McIlroy.

Berkshire’s own athletic director, Mr. Hiscox, provided some words of wisdom for these future college athletes. Being a former baseball player at Ot- terbein, Hiscox is excited for what the next four years hold for these students. Hiscox advises that “you need to be able to manage your time...practices are going to fluctuate. Secondly, make sure you get enough sleep. Know that you’re there to get an education first and foremost.” Hiscox went on to say that “to be a college athlete takes a specific skill set and a specific mentality. Everybody that we have going to play at the next level never gets too high and never gets too low during a game. That is a big thing if you want to be successful at anything that you do. They are all hard-working kids, and they don’t want to be average. All of them have the [drive] and want to be the best that they can be.” Best of luck to all of the soon to be college athletes in continuing their careers at the next level! May 2015 Sports 3 Girl’s Golf: Baseball: Boy’s Cross Country: Carolyn Mayer Connor Dudinsky Adam Thompson Coach Bomback chose Carolyn Mayer as the Connor Dudinsky is the baseball team’s standout senior athlete. Coach Cole chose Adam Thompson as the standout senior athlete for the girls’ golf team, “It is the 3rd year with Con- standout senior athlete for the boys’ cross saying “She conducts herself with poise and nor and seeing him mature in country team. She says Adam “stood out be- is one of the most “sportsman-like” athletes I baseball has been of great joy cause, as a senior, he set the goal to qualify have ever worked with. She looks out for her for me and my coaching staff. for the state meet. He showed quite a bit of teammates and always gives her best effort. He has made his way into being personal growth and determination to make it Carolyn is a model golfer and will be sorely our leadoff hitter the last couple happen.” Adam has been running cross since missed next year, years and has done a very good 7th grade, has four varsity letters, and was co- for her leader- job. He has been a leader on the captain this year. He’s qualified for state and ship and work field and a good role model for was awarded 1st Team CVC. ethic.” Carolyn the younger kids on the team,” has played golf says Coach Smetana. Connor for four years has been playing baseball since and has four var- he was three years old, and will sity letters. She have three varsity letters when was awarded this season is over. He was 2nd Team All awarded Honorable Mention CVC for outfield his sophomore CVC and was a year, 2nd Team CVC for outfield his junior year, and he’s hoping captain this year. to receive 1st Team this year.

Girl’s Soccer: Standout Everyone Coach O’Brien was so impressed with this year’s senior soccer players that she could not choose one that stood out beyond the others. Softball: She says “When it comes to the girls soc- Senior Samantha Cannella cer team I cannot say that there was just one Samantha Cannella is Berkshire’s one and standout senior player. Each one of my 8 se- only senior softball player. Her coach, Shannon niors led in a specific way that was very vital Moore, says “Samantha is a standout senior to the team success and personal success. The Athletes softball player because she is always cheering seniors were not only standout players on the To honor some of Berkshire’s grad- and motivating her fellow players. She is the soccer field they were exceptional leaders in first player to scream out encourage words dur- the classroom and in the community. The se- uating athletes, the coaches of all ing a game or keep the girls heads up during niors had a combined GPA of 4.32. They are practice. She is energetic and knowledgeable active in many clubs, extra curricular activi- sports were asked to select a stand- about her position. Sam takes control and leads/ ties, and 4 are a part of national honor soci- directs the outfielders during games.” Sam’s ety.” The soccer team’s eight seniors are Anna out senior athlete and explain why first year playing softball at Berkshire was her Carlson, Alivia Alfredo, Grace Noce, Han- junior year, so nah Bucholtz, Ashley Curry, Alexis Johnson, he or she stood out. she will have two Abby McDermott, & Vanessa Zelle. by Kayla Hadlock, BP Staff Writer varsity letters after this sea- son. She’s been Football: playing softball/ Cheerleading: Alex baseball/tee ball Frank Kaschalk Berman since she was Coach Josh Deweese chose Alex Berman was chosen five years old Frank Kaschalk as his stand- by Coach Pam Pfiester as the and is a captain out senior football player. He standout senior cheerleader. this year. went into detail on why Frank “She is a great cheerleader, Boy’s Basketball: stood out, saying “In look- she has stuck with the sport ing back at this past football many years, always a great Girl’s Basketball: Mitch Freeman season Frank stands out as a role model, represents the Alexis Johnson Mitch Freeman was chosen by Coach Cla- leader on and off of the field. school in the best possible pacs as the standout senior basketball player. On the field he worked tire- manner, juggles activities ef- We already know that Alexis Johnson is He says “Mitch is the only senior in the pro- lessly to perfect his craft. Off ficiently, and does everything a phenomenal athlete, considering she won gram that played all four years. His dedication of the field he was always with a smile! Wears purple most athletic for senior superlatives, and now and love for the there for his teammates in high and gold with pride, and will she’s been chosen by Coach Lory as the stand- team are second and low times. He also set the be missed,” says her coach. out senior athlete for basketball. “Alexis prac- to none. Mitch bar high for what was ex- Alex has cheered three years ticed and played all year with a severe injury to showed unbe- pected out of his teammates.” in high school in addition to her right hand which is her shooting hand. So lievable determi- Frank has played football all cheering in junior high and she basically played all year one handed. Her nation and tough- four years of high school and elementary school. She has leadership and practice habits never wavered ness in enduring was captain this year. He re- two varsity letters and was even though she was in a tough situation. She some difficult ceived several awards includ- captain of the cheerleading worked as hard as anyone and was at her best in losing seasons ing First Team County, First squad this year for both foot- the games that without experi- Team CVC, and Honorable ball and basketball. counted the encing much suc- Mention All Ohio. most,” says her cess coming into coach. Alexis his senior year. has been play- Mitch’s faith and ing basketball effort never wavered as he worked extremely since 7th grade hard to help turn our team around.” Mitch and has two helped lead his team to a 12-11 record and varsity letters. winning the CVC Valley Division Champion- She was cap- ship. He’s been playing basketball for seven tain this year years, has three varsity letters, and was award- and was award- ed Honorable Mention All-League. ed CVC Honorable Mention. 4 Goodbye Page May 2015

who has helped me through many existential crises. by far my favorite. I hope that you always keep your When I go to college, I know that I’ll be prepared sense of humor, fabulous style, and adventurous A fond farewell: because of your AP English class. I will never forget spirit! I will miss you dearly, and I can only hope the Europe trip two years ago, and I’m really look- that one day I can be half the inspiring individual Senior editon ing forward to the trip this summer. Soon, I’m going that you are. Stay golden!” By: Clare Lynn, BP Staff Writer to have to leave my home in Room 204, but I know that I will always be welcomed back with open Clare Lynn: “ Dear Mr. Deweese, over these past arms. You’re the bomb.” two semesters you’ve created a learning environ- ment in which I thrived. I was able to openly voice Corey Mraz: “Dear Mr. Higgs, your classes were su- my opinion. Loudly. And you often supported both per interesting, especially History of the War on Ter- Grace’s and my opinions. I’m glad that Grace and ror. I wish that class could’ve been two semesters I were able to entertain you for so long. Remember instead of one. I wish the best for future classes, and that time Josh talked about corn casserole the entire learning about the War on Tera (inside joke). From period, and I told him to shut up about it? Ah, good your friend and student, wishing you the best.” times. I guess to sum up how I feel about you in a single word, I’d have to say that you were pretty David Pelletier: “Dear Mr. Lester, you made math chill.” class not only bearable but even fun. I regret not taking AP Calculus because I miss you.” To all the teachers who were not personally said farewell to in this article, do not fret. The seniors Ryan Zeitler: “Dear Mrs. Maske, goodbye. You will make their gratefulness for having you as a Carolyn Mayer poses with her favorite teacher, Mrs. were a chill teacher. Also you’re a very lovely and teacher known, afterall, graduation is right around Hull. energetic person in the morning after your cup of the corner. Adios! Farewell! It’s been great, truly. The coffee.” school year is dwindling down fast and it’s time for the seniors to say their goodbyes before leaving the Zak Martinjako: “Dear Mrs. Koler, creative writing lovely nest of Berkshire High to seek employment, was the best class I’ve ever taken. I really wish I head off to college, or watch anime in their mother’s could’ve taken Mythology. Goodbye, I’ll miss your basements. Seniors, for the first time, have the classes.” chance to spread their wings and fly... or crash and burn. Not only will fellow seniors be leaving their Jessi Simon: “Dear Mrs. Hunter, hey, thanks for be- tiny town of Burton, and their relieved parents, but ing cool and not lame. I’ll miss you.” also the teachers that they’ve become close to over the school years. Berkshire students seem to create Gwen Losasso: “Dear Senora Rea, I am not even special bonds with their teachers, and so, unsur- sure where to start, except to say that you have prisingly, many seniors wished to personally say taught me so much. Not just about writing and goodbye to their favorite teachers. Here are some of conversing in spanish, but also about outlooks on those goodbyes. life and how to be a better and more well rounded person. I can be easily distracted and a lot to handle Carolyn Mayer: “Dear Mrs. Hull, you’ve made my sometimes, but you always seem to keep me moving high school experience one that I’ll never forget. forward in the right direction. I always enjoy hear- You supported me when I was a measly sophomore ing your opinion on things, but hearing about your in Journalism and now you are my favorite teacher family and where your adventures have taken you is Mr. DeWeese will be saying goodbye to Clare Lynn. Teachers offer words of wisdom for graduating seniors As seniors take the leap from high school to the real world, some teachers have a final lesson for them By: Jessi Simon, BP Staff Writer

Ms. Bomback Mr. Guthrie Mr. Lester Ms. O’brien I cherish the time we had Don’t waste your energy Always believe in your- We all have finish lines in our together. I wish you the worrying about things self and always search for lives. What matters is not so perspective to apreshiate you cannot control, but new opportunities. much when we cross them, but this special moment in strive to always improve that we keep running the face your lives. yourself toorrow. towards them.

Seniors: get your senior pictures into Mrs. Arnold ASAP! Everyone: Order your yearbook! There will be no extra copies! May 2015 Opinions 5 Open your mind, travel the world by Lauren Peterson, BP Staff Writer times it’s for work, sometimes it’s for to solve our most difficult family; but mostly, we travel because problems while sitting on It has long been said that travel ex- we want to, because the annoyances edge of the fountain at the pands the mind. Travel has not only been of getting through the airport are out- Louvre in Paris. proven to make you smarter, but more weighed by the thrill of being some- Travel changes you. open-minded and creative as well. The where unfamiliar. Travel is a basic It changes the way you experience of another culture provides human desire; we are a migratory spe- see things and the way us with a valuable open-mindedness cies – to put some distance between you think. “Travel is fatal which allows us to recognize that a sin- ourselves and everything we know is to prejudice, bigotry and gle thing can have multiple meanings. a natural craving. But is this urge to narrow-mindedness. And Open-minded is defined by dictionary. travel a worthwhile compulsion? Yes. many of our people, right com as “having or showing a mind re- Pleasure is not the only consolation of now, need it sorely on ceptive to new ideas and arguments; travel. It’s about the those ulant of originality. When we get back unprejudiced; unbigoted; impartial”. act itself, putting “The world is accounts”, accord- home, everything is still the same. But Not only does the experience of travel some space between ing to Mark Twain, something in our mind has changed, force you to be more open-minded, but all you know. The a book, and it makes you a and that changes everything. Thus, it’s impor- unfamiliar is an es- those who more tolerant, open- travel. Or don’t. Just think for yourself tant to go sential practice of minded person. It and keep an open mind. Everyone will into the effective thinking. don’t travel removes your preju- have their own experiences with travel- experience Travel and the un- dice and makes you ling; there’s no right or wrong way to willing known can be ter- only read one appreciate the small do it. to accept rifying; being open- page.” similarities that ev- new ideas minded does not eryone across the – I can- necessarily mean -St. Augustine planet shares. The not stress you lack fear of the world is a melting the im- unknown, but rather have a tolerance pot of ideas and beliefs, travel is about portance of the unknown. When we escape from seeing life through those alternative of this the places we spend most of our time, points of view. Earth becomes smaller enough. our mind is suddenly made aware of when you travel. Why do all those wayward ideas we have sup- So, again, why do we travel? We we travel? pressed – we begin thinking of ob- travel because we need to, because dis- Some- scure possibilities. Our mind is likely tance and difference are the secret stim- Memories worth making: A bucket list for college bound seniors

by Lauren Peterson & Suzanne Koziol, BP Staff Writers The majority of the senior class has been a part of the changes that are about to happen. But on the of the Berkshire School District since kindergar- flip side, spending quality time with your family ten, that’s almost thirteen years, the majority of our will be something you won’t regret. We know it lives! But as we leave to begin our exciting new doesn’t seem like a big deal now, but remember that lives we need to remember that we will miss high you won’t be seeing them every day. As much as you school. Everyone has a favorite teacher, subject, hate to admit it, you’ll miss them. or just an aspect of school that they will eventually Do something you’ve always been too afraid to start to miss. So in order to truly make these last few try. Whether it’s telling that special someone how months before college truly count, try to check some you feel or skydiving, just do it! Time is running out of these little things off your “senior bucket list.” - you may not have this chance again. Let go of your fears and do the things that you’ve always wanted to do. Nothing will ever be exactly the same as it is in this moment. Carpe Diem. Go on an adventure! Get in your car and drive without a set destination, stop and take in the scen- ery of an unfamiliar place. Go to a concert and ex- perience the exhilarating feeling of the music racing Finally, say goodbye. Say goodbye to your friends through your veins and the bass bumping in your that you’ve seen every year since kindergarten. chest. Spend time outdoors, breath in the fresh air, Say goodbye to your family, your pets, your teach- and let the cool breeze wash away your worries. ers; anyone who you feel deserves a real goodbye. Tell them how they’ve impacted your life and why you’re going to miss them. Tell them everything! First of all, take a lot of pictures! Take pictures Just let them know that they’re important and will be with your friends. Take pictures with your family. missed more than they think. College is full of fun, Take pictures of the places you go. Take pictures new people, and new experiences. The opportunities of mean people from bad angles. Just take pictures. you will be given can, and will, change your life. Memories will fade but pictures will help them last Lastly, don’t forget where you come from. Although a lot longer. Burton is a small town in the middle of nowhere, big Another good idea is to try to go a day without things happen in this little community. This place is technology. Leaving the world of social media and what made you who you are. Don’t disregard the ex- expensive gadgets will help you to actually connect periences of your past, but continue to look forward. with your friends and yourself; you may be surprised by how much fun you have. Technology is a huge distraction. Forget about it for a day and you’ll no- tice all of the little things that you’ve been miss- ing. Next, take a day out for yourself. Set aside at least one day for you and you only. It is important to connect with yourself and come to terms with all 6 Editorials May 2015

Goodbye, Mrs. Arnold by Jessi Simon, BP Staff Writer Thespian Director and Class Advisor. be good enough. I have known Mrs. As much as Mrs. Arnold has given to Arnold for thirteen years, and she is this school over the years, Berkshire a very important figure in my life. has given back. In fact it is in this There are no metaphors, allusions, building that Mrs. Arnold found her or phrases that can bring to light husband, the equally as wonderful, what an incredible human being Mrs. Mr. Arnold. Together, they have two Arnold is. It was hard to write about children- Brian and Megan Arnold. this huge change in not only my life, Going around talking to teachers but also the life of Berkshire. This and students and hearing their sincer- being said, I know that we all wish est compliments about Mrs. Arnold her luck, and will miss her dearly. is more of a testament to her than anything that can be put in to words. When they hear that I want to talk about Berkshire’s greatest treasure leaving, their shoulders slink down, their smiles fade away, and for many people, tears are brought to their eyes. This just shows what kind of person Mrs. Arnold is. She’s been a friend and someone to look up to. Mrs. Arnold inspires people to be Mrs. Arnold is always attentive when students asked questions. better, help others, and make the best out of every day. done so many things for Berkshire’s This article was the hardest thing After 30 years, Berkshire says good- students and staff such as being I have ever had to write for many bye to everyone’s second mom. The the Advisor for Student Council reasons. Not only did I have to take beloved Mrs. Arnold is retiring at the and Yearbook, and the Head of the frequent breaks because it’s hard to end of the 2014-2015 school year. English Department. Over the years type with tears blurring my vision, This teacher-turned-librarian has she has also worn the hats of the Mrs. Arnold smiles in the last school picture but because I worried that it wouldn’t she will ever take. An open letter to Mr. Higgs by Zak Martinjako, BP Staff Writer [Note to other teachers: by no means cause of it, I’ve got a bone to pick them more than once. History of the ics, they only have the opportunity is this an act of favoritism, all of you with you. You simply do not teach War on Terror (or HotWoT as many to spend one more semester in your are awesome!] enough classes. I burned through affectionately call it) does not, and, room EVER. For those that take Ho- Mr. Higgs, every class you offered in a year! like many of the best classes, is only tWoT sophomore year (like me) are Hey there, it’s been awhile (years, even more out of luck, they only get in fact). The last time I was in your one year out of four with you! classroom was sophomore year. Your The answer to this problem is, of classes remain among the most en- course, that you need to teach more joyable that I have taken at Berkshire. classes. Maybe a class that covers Government and Economics were another culture/religion of interest essential topics to cover in order to (similar to HotWoT)? An expansion become a responsible person and citi- of Government, focusing on foreign zen. Of course, many would also con- governments (as opposed to just sider those topics to be unimaginably American government), perhaps? Re- boring, yet you were able to inject ally, there’s just so much potential. some much needed fun and vitality Sure, it might take a bit of creativity into your classes. with the scheduling and a little bit of You also have the awesome His- finagling with the schools system of tory of the War on Terror class, which breaking up Government and Eco- I have personally recommended to nomics, but I think it’d be worth it. many people. The information stu- Oh, and I suppose it’d probably in- dents learn in this class is, in my crease your work load as well... But opinion, vital in forming an accurate hey, if it’s fun, it’s not really work, understanding and informed opinion right? on terrorism and the United States Sincerely, government’s efforts to combat it. Mr. Higgs, a cherished instructor, always teaches his American Government classes with energy Zak, on behalf of every senior who Plus, learning about such a vastly dif- and charisma, making even the American Constitution interesting. wishes they could’ve had another ferent culture is truly fascinating. Other electives, such as Journalism one semester long. Once someone class with you. Despite all of this, or rather be- and Current Events, allow you to take passes Government and Econom- May 2015 Advice 7 In the beginning it was difficult for me many friends you’re missing out on.” seeing all my friends go off to school Sell added, “I think there will always Hindsight is 20/20 but in the end this was the smart op- be social groups and sometimes it is tion for me.” Options such as attend- unintentional. After college I have re- ing some or only taking classes at the alized that you shouldn't [have] seclud- Advice from Berkshire alumni Geauga branch can be very beneficial ed yourself off to one social group, and by Kaitlyn Moses, BP Staff Assistant Editor and save a lot of money. that it is important to be friendly with Siblings Kaileigh and Chase Rowell everyone. After high school and col- Graduating and transitioning to life people, it's your decision. Go out there took a different path. Chase explained, lege sticking to one social group is not after high school can be an exciting and view your options. Take the tours. “after graduating I took eight months going to get you very far in life.” Mo- time albeit a bit frightening for those Check out tech and trade schools and off to do freelance graphic design. In ses spoke about his experience as well: participating. But never fear! There community colleges. You are paying that time my sister and I decided that “I think the graduating classes of 2012 are some who have already made it for your education and it's important to we wanted to become hairstylists, so and 2013 were actually pretty nice. I through, some of Berkshire’s alumni think about where you want to spend we enrolled into the Brown Aveda don't think I ever really fit directly into offer a bit of helpful advice, relevant that money. If college is what you want Institute. It was one of the best deci- a clique myself; I kind of scratched the regardless of what path you choose to to do, ensure that you are ready, it's not sions I've ever made because it was a surface on several different groups, walk after high school. just high school anymore, it's real. You new kind of art that forced me to be- which I enjoyed because I had a decent Adapting to the change in schedule can make a career out of anything as come more social. Now I get to work amount of friends my senior year.” is a difficult task to conquer for many long as you have a passion for it. I wish with people and create art every day! When asked if he’d like to share any after Berkshire. Brooke Sell (Class of I would have known that it doesn't mat- I love it! I'm also the lead designer additional advice, Moses replied, “I ‘13) said the hardest part of being out ter what you choose to do as long as for a tee shirt company, so I still do a wish I would have known how impor- of school is transitioning from “the it's what you truly want. For me, I felt lot of graphic design.” He works with tant good grades were at the start of my routine of going to school everyday to a lot of pressure to choose a school Greater United Front, a company some college experience. I'm now playing a now being able to create my own sched- and a career when I had no idea what Berkshire students have modeled for. catch up game and its beyond stress- ule and work everyday.” Chase Row- I wanted. Don't be afraid to do what Kaileigh also loves what she does. For ful. You don't need a 4.0 in every class, ell who graduated the same year said, you really want, even if it's not the tra- her it started when she went to Brown but don't take anything lightly.” Sell “the hardest part for me was having too ditional way of doing things.” Chase Aveda to become a nail technician; it would like to add: “Don't be reluctant much control. It was the same routine adds, “the best advice I could give for was a backup job she planned to have to live at home while attending college. almost every day for twelve years, so life after high school is don't be afraid while in school, but fell in love with It saves money and allows you to focus going from that kind of confinement to to express what you really want. Do and decided to go back for her cosme- on getting ready for the future. I was total freedom became overwhelming. I what you're passionate about, even if it tology license. She adds, “I still love it! embarrassed as I am sure most kids had to create a new routine for myself sounds crazy and unachievable. And if Best decision I ever made.” are but after getting over that I have just to stay sane.” Perhaps scheduling you don't know what you're passionate In high school there are cliques and realized it was the smartest decision I your day out in order to manage work, about its okay; your journey will lead groups, barriers appear to exist and could have made.” Kaileigh ends with, school and life could prove helpful. you there! Listen to yourself and don't seem relevant to many, but those are “enjoy it! Graduating and your senior Leaving high school means leav- worry about the opinions of others. As torn down and abandoned after gradu- year is so much fun! Don't stress too ing many friends, teachers, and memo- long as you're happy and successful ation. Kaileigh said, “when you look much about the future, everything will ries. Kaileigh Rowell, who graduated with what you do, no one can tell you back at it, it just doesn’t make sense; work itself out and end up the way it's in 2012, said, “I honestly do not miss that you made the wrong choice.” they don't mean anything. If you can supposed to.” high school, I miss the people and the After attending Berkshire, Moses and look past the cliques you realize how teachers but I have the memories and Sell took classes at the Kent Geauga I'm glad to be moving on and doing branch. Moses says, “the most difficult new things.” High school can’t last thing I had to cope with at first was go- forever and when it is time to move on, ing to the Kent Geauga branch instead it’s nice to feel like you’ve made your of the main branch. I now realize that peace with it and can start a new chap- not only did I save about $15,000, but ter of your life. it was also a great transition from high That new chapter could mean col- school to college. I didn't do as well as lege or work or something else en- I could have in high school because I tirely. Tyler Moses, who graduated didn't take it seriously. Needless to say, alongside Kaileigh, advises, “college college was a big eye opener.” He then is not for everyone, don't waste time moved on to the main branch where he and money on doing something you is majoring in accounting. Sell stayed feel forced into. Whatever you do, do at the Geauga branch and is graduating it to the best of your ability. Respect is this spring with her Associates Degree earned by being passionate about your in Business Management Technology. actions.” Kaileigh agrees as she says, She says, “I will be taking Real Estate “when choosing what you want to do classes in the fall. I am very happy you have to think about where you with the choice I made because I was Chase Rowell, Kaileigh Rowell, and Tyler Moses (left to right) offer the graduating want to be. Don't worry about other able to save money and work full time. seniors of Berkshire some friendly advice about their futures.

Be your best self: You don’t need an excuse to be a better person by Gwen Losasso, BP Staff Writer The problem with “starting over” ing back, I am not sure why this is great time to start, it follows a simi- college is not a way of completely by Gwen Losasso, BP staff writer except for the plain and simple fact lar plan to the new years’ resolution. starting over. Although you can use A small pet peeve of mine is people that I did not want to change. The “new year, new you” montage it as a way to surround yourself with saying “I can’t wait for college. I’m Now, I understand the idea of only gets you so far. After a while, more positive people, or make goals so ready to start over.” I’m not quite needing something new, and believe you slip back into your old habits to do your homework on time, the sure why this gets on my nerves as me when I say that right now I am and everything goes back into the only way that these things will ac- much as it does, but I know that it definitely feeling it. I regret to say same old routine you had been liv- tually happen is if you make them has something to do with the idea of that this is not something that col- ing in before. The college version happen. So then, I argue, why not starting over. lege will automatically relieve. of this idea is the “new school, new make them happen now? Why not For a bit of background, this idea Sure, college will undoubtedly be you” or “better school, better you”. increase your positivity? Why not of starting over is not something a new experience, however that Sorry fam, but this isn’t reality. Your go for a jog after school, or study in- that I am a stranger to. My family does not mean that you won’t be closet doesn’t automatically update, stead of going to the mall? Going to has moved multiple times, in and used to it after a year (or even just you don’t become highly sophisti- college or starting a new job doesn’t out of different states throughout my a couple of months). The person cated, and those highlights or that change your mindset. You do. Stop childhood. With each move came that has to keep things intriguing gold MacBook Air doesn’t get you putting your goals off until next new neighbors, a new school, and a and holding on to that new feeling is all the popularity and positivity you year, or your next school, because new me if I wanted it, I guess. The YOU. Only you can keep your- need. I mean honestly, not even the your life doesn’t restart. So seize only problem was that I didn’t want self interested and occupied, while university sweats will make you feel the day, follow your dreams, and go it. Although everything changed also maintaining and optimistic atti- better about yourself or eat healthier. tackle your goals folks! around me, I did not change. Look- tude. Although college seems like a The reality of the situation is that 8 Features May 2015 Blast from the past Back in the Day... by Abby Carlson, BP staff assistant editor by Lauren Peterson, BP Staff Writer What was going on in the world when the class of 2015 en- Populars, geeks, jocks, homework and tests. but also during the week. Instead of spending tered kindergarten in 2002? After quite a bit of research, here High school has been around for years, but its hours pouring over math, it was common for is what I found. constantly evolving. the girls to watch American Bandstand and the Popular children’s toys of 2002: Pat Klag, a 96 year old Troy High alumni, guys to help out on the family farms. Both Don gives us a glimpse of what high school was and Judy recall high school to be a fun expe- like back in 1937. When asked what classes rience, with plays, band performances, and a · UNO Attack she took in school, she answers with a mini- Prom hosted in the school’s gym . · Hot Wheels Cars mal list. You do have to realize this was nearly Judy says, “we were allowed to be kids, and · Play-doh Activity World 78 years ago, and some aspects of high school we weren’t trying to be adults”. This caught · Barbie “Shop With Me” Cash Register life and classes have been forgotten. However, my attention immediately. Too many times, I · LEGO: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets she does recall taking Geography-her favorite think, teenagers in high school are expected · Slush Puppy Maker class- American history, American literature, to act like adults. I’m not saying it’s negative · Diva Starz Doll Home Economics, Algebra, and Geometry. all the time, because we do have responsibili- · Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Cards Popular video game con- Not too many, but you must also take into ac- ties that require maturity, but too often we - · Care Bears count that her graduating class only consisted and the adults that surround us- seem to forget soles: · Quantum Leappad of seven kids, so having a large variety of that we are still kids (although we won’t be classes and electives would have been rather much longer). We should be able to enjoy it · Crayola Crayon Maker · Nintendo GameCube difficult. Similar to the class variety, sports today too, instead of stressing out because we · Xbox were also lacking in numbers. The school only have three tests, an essay, and two worksheets · Game Boy Advance offered basketball and baseball, which means due the following day. Don’t get me wrong, 2002 pop-culture: · Sony’s PlayStation 2 no friday night football games! Instead, Pat I love a good challenge, but staying up until and her friends would go back to each oth- one or two in the morning finishing homework · MTV reality show, The Osbournes, debuted in 2002 ers houses to play croquet and baseball, fish, seems a bit extreme, doesn’t it? Especially for · Kelly Clarkson won the first season of American Idol swim, or munch on popcorn. She also men- high schoolers. Basically, high school is 1960 · Rosie O’Donnel came out to the public as a lesbian tions a club where boys and girls would meet consisted of fun times, memories made, low- Sports: and craft. stress classes, poodle adorned skirts and saddle · Super Bowl XXXVII champions: Tampa Bay Buccaneers During the school day, Pat and her class- shoes. · 2002 World Series champions: Anaheim Angels mates received an hour in the morning and an Jump ahead about 25 years and it’s 1985, the · 2002 NBA champs: Los Angeles Lakers hour in the afternoon (not including lunch) to year of big hair-do’s. After an interview with · U.S. Open Golf Winner: Tiger Woods socialize with friends in between their classes. Nancy Carlson, graduate of 1985, a clear pic- For lunch, they almost always went outside, ture of what high school was like formed in my partially due to the fact that Troy had no caf- mind. Nancy’s high school life was more simi- · Stanley Cup champs: Detroit Red Wings eteria, but also because they wanted a healthy lar to our’s than Judy’s, Don’s, or Pat’s. She · NCAA Football champions: Ohio State dose of Vitamin D and fresh apples from trees had many of the same classes we do today ex- · NCAA Basketball champions: Maryland near the school. Besides lacking a Cafeteria, cept her choices included Astronomy, French, · World Cup champions: Brazil Popular movies released the school didn’t have the luxury of indoor Single’s living, and Typing I and II. She says Popular video games: in 2002: bathrooms, which could be rather inconve- that she distinctly remembers having a great nient in the winter time. Pat says that when the english department, -nothing has changed · Tony Hawk ProSkater 4 Lilo & Stitch weather turned cold and grey, and snow began there! Nancy also mentions that the pressure · Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Ice Age to fall, the students would still go outside dur- in school was not nearly what it is today, but · Pac-Man World 2 Stuart Little 2 ing the lunch period, and have snowball fights. the workload might have taken a little more · Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Hey Arnold: The Movie How awesome would that be? time to complete than Don and Judy’s. Yet it Adventure Spider-Man (which was So far, it definitely seems that high school in still didn’t keep her up until the early hours · Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly the 2002 box-office block- 1937 was a bit less stressful than it is today. of the morning to complete. According to her, buster!) Pat says that everyone loved going to school. it wasn’t nearly as hard to get accepted to a Harry Potter and the Sadly, this does not hold true now. I don’t college as it is today. Since then, they have re- Chamber of Secrets Popular songs released in 2002: know about you, but my nights usually con- ally raised their standards for entry. As far as My Big Fat Greek Wed- sist of multiple hours of homework and a large sports go, everything was as it is now, except ding How You Remind Me / Nickelback serving of frustration on the side. Berkshire didn’t have soccer, and had only Lord of the Rings: The Foolish / Ashanti Fast-forward 23 years, and high school has just gained softball when she was a freshman. Two Towers Hot in Herre / Nelly changed quite a bit from the time of outdoor Nancy also recalls many more fans appearing A Beautiful Mind (2002 U Got It Bad / Usher plumbing. After an interview with Don (grad- at boys’ basketball games than girls’ games, Academy Award winning The Good Stuff / Kenny Chesney uate of 1960), and Judy (graduate of 1959) which sadly, hasn’t changed. film of the year) Starr, I instantly started to picture scenes from For lunch and senior study hall, Nancy and the cherished movie, Grease (set in 1963). the rest of her peers were allowed in the court- Technology: World News: Similar to high school in 1937, school in yard. Yes, you read that correctly, Berkshire Social networking 1959 and 1960 varied greatly from what it used to have a courtyard where the offices now really hit its stride with U.S. and Afghan troops launch Op- is now. First off, they had no enforced dress sit. How awesome would having a courtyard the launch of Friendster in eration Anaconda against Al-Qaeda code, but the girls generally wore dresses of in your school be? On the weekends, it was 2002. Myspace, LinkedIn, in Afganistan on March 2, 2002. the time period. Classes also had greater limi- pretty common for everyone to hang out at and and Facebook followed tations than they have today. Berkshire offered walk around the mall, or catch a movie at the years later. Unemployment rate: 5.8% Algebra I and II, Geometry, Chemistry, Phys- theatre. I’m not sure how common the whole · Apple released the ics, and Government, just to name a few of the mall walking thing is anymore, but I know G4 iMac Computer. Average price of gas: $1.34 more prominent courses. However, there was movie theatres still make a killing on Berk- · Apple released the no such thing as AP or CP classes, so everyone shire High’s student body. Nancy also recalls, second generation iPod. took the same courses. that for her class’s senior prank, they released This could hold up to 4,000 songs. Not only were classes limited, but sports a greased pig in the school. Brilliant! · Apple launched the iTunes Music Store with 200,000 were too, especially for the girls attending Our school has gone from a graduating class songs at $0.99 each. Berkshire High. They only had the opportunity of seven in 1937, to no AP or CP classes in · Popular cells phones of 2002 include: Nokia 3510(i), to play basketball, cheerlead, and run track, 1959/1960, having a courtyard in 1985,and Sony Ericsson P800, Nokia 6100, and Sanyo SCP-5300. unlike the guys who had football, golf, basket- finally, to what it is today. High school is an ball, wrestling, track, and baseball. Don claims important part of many people’s lives, and just Well, there ya have it, folks; all the fads of 2002. It’s that practices were pretty much the same as like it is important to know the history of the crazy to look at what was popular then versus what’s they are now and generally lasted about two world, it is also important to know the history popular now. You may remember hearing some of those hours. After friday night football games, ev- of your school. Plus,it’s interesting stuff! songs while riding in the car with your mom on the way erybody would go to The Junction -Junction to school, watching those cartoons on Saturday morn- Auto- , grab a bite to eat, and hang out with ing, or begging for those toys for Christmas. It’s fun to friends. The students had the chance to spend think back on the memories of kindergarten, and see how time with each other not only on the weekends, much the world has changed in a short 13 years. May 2015 Seniors Remember 9 Senior pranks of years past Sure, classes may be remembered by their high academics, ed balloons. Seniors have either filled rooms or halls with inflated by Alex Sanda, BP Staff Writer amazing class trips, or maybe their intense spirit week antics, but balloons. Everyone is perfectly fine with this...until it gets noisy the student body remembers them by their senior class prank. from the all popping. Graduating classes come and go, but the memories Unfortunately, sometimes pranks can go too far. of their senior pranks remain in the halls of Berk- A joke that puts anyone in harm's way pushes the shire much longer. limit. As long as the joke isn't dangerous to any- A notable practical joke involved crickets. Mrs. one or anything and isn't vandalizing property, it's Hunter, the junior English teacher, believes that A-OK. For instance, a while back there was a class "the most memorable was when they put the crick- that decided to get the stairs in the school soapy. ets in the lockers." A few years ago, the senior class Bad idea. Students ended up slipping and getting released dozens of crickets in the school; in fact, hurt. students and faculty heard chirping for weeks. Af- The biggest reason some seniors don't do the terwards, as revenge, Mr. Reedy put crickets in the prank is because they're afraid of consequenc- class's scapegoat's car. es. The fear of not walking on graduation day is Many years ago, there was a class that put a enough to stop many class clowns. large horse statue (about the size of the one that's Safe prank ideas are all over the internet, so get in Burton during the Ox Roast and the county fair) to it, seniors. You can put Post-It notes all over the on the roof. Mrs. Arnold calls this prank "one of the Photo courtesy of imgkid.com walls, place cups of water throughout the hallways, best year's." Shoving sticky notes on walls and the surfaces of furniture is hide alarm clocks everywhere in the school, flip all Popular pranks over the years have often includ-a popular, yet painstaking senior prank. of the chairs upside down, or put petroleum jelly on Last will and testiment continued from front page Three years later, and we’re writing our last words, putting down our pens, and leav- ing…for good. After three years of rants, interviewing, and perhaps too much alliteration, Seniors confess it is with great dismay that we hand off a figurative torch to the incredible staff that has backed us since the beginning. With that, we thank you for reading our articles, accepting the occasional typo, and for enduring our overly excited, absolutely opinionated rants and musings. and express We, the Badger Pause Editors, Anna Carlson, Christin Dornback, and Carolyn Mayer, be- by Lexi Sell, BP Staff Writer ing of sound mind and body do hereby bequeath the following to whom we leave behind. As the seniors move on to the next adventure, they leave behind To the brave Lexi Sell, we leave Coke runs. May you face the daunting hallways with the most embarrassing moments and confessions of high school for the money in hand and courage in heart. rest of us. It's safe to say reading through these surveys, that Berkshire To the courageous few who dare to be senior class officers, may you have souls of steel Seniors have definitely had enough embarrassment to last a lifetime, and level heads. but I guess we were all seventh graders at one point falling down stairs To Kaitlyn Moses and Abby Carlson, we leave the Staff Editor titles. May your break- and believing stories of that infamous Berkshire pool. downs be frequent, your telomeres short, and your tempers even shorter. Mazeltov. Confessions: To Mrs. Hull, we leave our distaste for Melville, Valentine’s Day flowers, a lifetime of thanks, and a fence. (For the precipice.) Connor Dudinsky: "Peeing out the window of the upstairs bathroom." To Mrs. Hunter, matches to actually build a fire and all the sinners in the hands of an (Let everyone know, he says) angry God. Becca Porter: "Drawing a little turtle in the far left-hand corner of the To Mrs. Koler, we leave Ritter, red pens, and endless cups of morning coffee. computer wall behind the Kleenex in Hull's room." (Have a look for To Mrs. Kiczek, Honors classes that will be as awesome as ours was. (Fingers crossed.) yourself.) To the entire English department, may your skirts be long, and berets all match. David Pelletier: "I stole a tardy slip so I could write my own and get To the upstairs girl’s bathroom, may you always be too hot, and perfect for breakdowns. away with it." To the athletes, may the weight room too dirty, the gym heaters never work right, and the Carolyn Mayer: "I convinced Jessi Simon that my grandmother is the track always be perfect for the stray cat. queen of England in ninth grade Health." To Miss T, we leave the tank tops, the ripped jeans, the yogas, studded cardigans, and let- ting the seniors finally get away with all of the above. Anonymous: "I've written papers for people for money." #nomoralsno- To Junior High, we leave the deodorant aisle at Walmart, and self-esteem. (You need problem both.)

Vince Noce and David Pelletier: “Sleeping in the library; having some- To the journalism staff, we leave our passive aggressive article writing skills, love for writing, and hatred of layout week. one hold the door so I could go to my car and not be buzzed in.” To someone, we leave Jessi’s humor. May you find your laugh and let it sound through Embarrassments: the building. To Mr. Keller, we leave dad jokes, manic Mondays, the ability to always be sidetracked Luke Byler: "Walking into a door while in the hallway." by a group of teenagers, getting Rick Rolled, and a toupee.

Melissa Koziol: "Dropped my tampon wrapper and it went into the To Mr. Lester, may Mobi never let you go. stall next to me, where a teacher was using the restroom." Awkward... To Mrs. K, may Visorgogs turn all of your students into chick magnets.

Ben Bresnahan: "When I tripped on the steps at an assembly, tried to To Mr. Higgs, Alexis Johnson. catch myself on the person in front of me, and brought them down To Mr. Guthrie, not Alexis Johnson. too." To Mr. Reedy, faster reflexes so you can catch the next fainting student. Anonymous: "Accidentally wore my shirt backwards all day." To Mrs. Arnold, overheard lunchtime topics, laughing fits, crying fits, and eternal -pa tience. Jake Sedivy: "Getting beat by Mr. Hiscox in front of the softball team." To Sherbondy, we leave leniency, reassuring smiles on bad days, letting us go get “inter- views” and coming back with food, and locker combo look ups. David Pelletier: "I thought it was pajama day and wore my pajama pants to school. Spirit week was the week after..." To guidance, Anna’s soul. We gladly pass on the unbearable fluctuations of temperature in this school, hiding from Alexis Johnson: "Every time I got caught dancing hard-core in the Miss T, and the comfy chairs in the library, perfect for studying, socializing, but most usu- hallways." ally, procrastinating. So now that you have had a taste of what the seniors were able to get Its been six long years of growth and misery, but we promise it wasn’t all bad. Here’s to away with, know that you should never do these at school. And for the you, Berkshire, may the rest of your years be as memorable as ours were. embarrassing moments, well, I'm sure we can all relate to a few. SIGNED AND DECLARED by Anna Carlson, Christin Dornback, and Carolyn Mayer on this day to be their last will and testament. 10 The weird and wacky May 2015 Weird things from the halls of Berkshire by Melissa Braun, BP Staff Writer

Let’s all be honest here, “The lobby bathrooms.” “The broken bathroom we all know that Berkshire “Youngen’s mad dodge- “The time Mr. Youngen -That’s definitely all that can be a little weird at times. doors.” ball skills.” told my gym class that we needs to be said about that, Everyone can think of at least ruined the economy.”- It who knows what horrors one time where something “In between classes one was definitely the baby happened in school, whether have been in there. time, some underclassmen “There is a little turtle boomers, not us. Thanks, it be whacky, embarrassing, ran through the halls scream- in the far left corner of the grandpa. “We have our own badger funny, or just plain strange. ing with his hands up.”- computer wall in Hull’s bug… who even started that?” Because of incidences like School probably doesn’t get room, behind the kleenex”- Others mentioned were “too - I don’t know, but at least I this, Berkshire should have its much stranger than that. This is no lie, there’s actu- much purple” but the halls and haven’t seen it yet. It’s kind own definition of weird. ally a turtle really there. ceiling aren’t painted purple of funny that most of the But we’re not here to yet. Visorgogs, Toga Day school knows about this in- listen to what everyone has to famous bug and notes how “When Mr. List talks like say about the weirdest experi- “Anytime I heard an under- gross it is but no one knows Ron Burgundy.”- Oh Mr. ences, most definitely not. No, classman speak.”- WHAT? what it really is. List, only you would do this is all about the seniors, that. How crazy is that? after all it’s their time to shine and share some weird things “The fact that it ranged and more little quirks they’ve “Track and Cross Country Clare demontrates her best thought of or seen through the are the most successful, yet from 38 degrees to 99 de- WTF face years attending Berkshire. So we don’t even have a track.” grees in Higgs’s room Junior and Tractor Day are definite here it is, some insight to what year.”- We all know Berk- Berkshire quirks. The most the Senior class of 2015 has to shire wouldn’t be Berk- commented answers were the tell; “The body odor of the Ju- shire without the problems unidentifiable school lunches The infamous Berkshire bug nior High halls.”- *Shud- with the heat and lack of and the smell that will always “Sleeping through the bell “Junior ‘camo clan’ on a ders because of the smell.* air conditioning. stick with us. Certainly this is and waking up with another daily basis.”- We all know an end to the seniors’ rule of class around you.”- Yeah, I who those people are! And the high school, but the weird could see how that could who are you camouflaging “When [someone] stole my quirks and strange experi- be a weird experience. yourselves from anyways? “There are actually differ- jacket with my name on it.”- ent climates per classroom.” ences from Berkshire High Probably not a case of mis- school will never go away, “Half of the conversa- “When a bird flew into taken identity, that’s just “The entire school is and will be remembered by all tions held with Mr. De- the cafeteria.”- Fly little awkward. quirky.” - Yeah, pretty after they pass through Berk- shire’s halls for the last time. weese.” birdie, FLY! much.

Thank you to our patrons! “My dog ate it” just won’t cut it Silver Patron Gold Patron by Lexis Sell, BP Staff Writer Belinda Fagan Lisa Porter tors who seem to disappear from the classroom. So, you know those Maria Koler The recent skipping Dorothy Moses days when you had a of classes has become long weekend of fun a more common way to Laney Higgs and then just happen procrastinate in the last Robin Mayer to remember you had two years, demonstrated Betsi Gardner an assignment? Well, by the self-proclaimed Jack & Jackie Arnold our own seniors are drivers of Berkshire. I here to elaborate on myself have skipped a Amanda Kotrlik their most common period or two trying to Aimee Green excuses they use get that excused absence Lynn Hunter when trying to get to finish up a dreaded Paul Lynn out of an assignment paper. that seemed to slip Nichole Kiczek Advice for the upcom- Kim Giel their minds. ing students is to “just do Now that the se- your homework, that’s The Lunardi Family niors are ending their all you need to do in high Hannah Bomback final year of school, school to pass,” both Nancy Sherbondy they have decided to Jessi Simon and Lau- Miss Timmons expose their quick ren Peterson explain. If fixes for senioritis or you miss an assignment Mrs. Musacchio absentmindedness. Jessi Simon says her excuse here and there it’s not a biggie, just don’t make a Stephen S. Reedy is “simply senioritis, and that’s enough said,” habit of it because that’s when it will definitely Janet Sherman while some of the other seniors come up with affect you and your grades. Berkshire teachers The Cannella Family more elaborate fibs. “Well, see, I was on a ladder are pretty lenient when it comes to assignments this weekend and fell really hard on my ankle (especially when you talk to them). If anything, Kim Fiest leaving me unable to participate in gym today,” your score will drop ten percent which is fully Clare Lynn said, showing she’s one of the more Platinum Patron understandable. So underclassmen, if something Jennifer Ambrose creative storytellers of the graduating class. slips your mind, don’t worry. We all forget! Just A few of the more generic excuses used by the remember, saying “my dog ate my homework” Julie & Randy Randolph seniors hails from the famous self exemption list: will never work (except if you’re Alivia Alfredo). J. Britten Shroyer M.D. “I sent it to you,” (knowing they had enough time Nor will anything else along the lines of a high Katherine Mayer to scrape up something C quality and blame it on school cliché. The Guthrie Family the Internet’s connection), the old saying of “my mom threw it away, she thought it was trash,” The Losasso Family and the one we have all probably used “it’s in The Paul Family my locker,” hoping and praying the teacher will Bill & Jeannie Hawkins say to bring it in tomorrow rather than having us Lillibridge Family go get it, knowing full well it’s not in there, nor Hastings Dairy will it ever be. Scott & Nancy Carlson It’s not a surprise to teachers we have made up a few harmless lies during a our time in high The Maxwell Family school. Thankfully, there are always a few cases The Martinjako Family when you can get out of something clean...or at Walter Peterson least that’s what they want us to think. As for the The Wiggins Family excuse makers there also comes the procrastina- May 2015 Books & Pinterest & Seniors, Oh My 11 Senior College Dorm DIYs For those of you who are graduating seniors heading off to college- firstly, Book congrats- secondly, good luck if you’re living on campus in a dorm! Dorm life probably isn’t too bad, although stories about evil roommates, cramped spaces, and strange smells continue to circulate. The showers are horrifying, but many Picks people consider dorm life the best time of their lives. If you’ll be living in the by Erin Wiggins, dorms in a few short months, here are some handy tips for organization and BP Staff Writer decoration (the most important aspects of a room) you should know for making the most out of your freshman year. After many years of summer read- ing and in-class reading assignments, it 2015 senior class. Some of the other is an understatement to say the seniors favorites include of Mice and Men by Organization: are experts in SparkNotes by this point. John Steinbeck. Jessi Simon stated Just hearing them talk about it is com- that she liked it “because it’s a highly parable to pretentious country club go- referenced book.”Adam Thompson and ers deciphering which overpriced wine Rob Deans both said that to have with dinner that night. Seniors they really enjoyed their math text are the connoisseurs of procrastina- books as well. Another class favorite tion. Every so often, however, there was Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Sa- Use ice cube trays or paint palettes are those books, those diamonds in the linger. Quentin Caponi declared, “The to organize little items like pins, rough, that people just seem to plow book has had a lasting impression on through and actually enjoy. These are me, and it was enjoyable to read.” paperclips, or even jewelry. the books that cause a frustrated cho- A large amount of people from the Metal baskets can be hung side- senior class also really appreciated Kaitlyn Moses rus of sighs when the class is assigned ways from the wall to double as a study guide, disrupting the natural books from the class, Modern Novels. Dorm Room shelving. Plus, it adds that indus- progression of the story. Teachers will Modern Novels is a course offered here trial look to any room. go to great lengths to confiscate certain at Berkshire, and can be best described people’s books (*cough*Anna Carlson) as a book club that you get a grade for. because someone always keeps reading Class consists of reading, answering Kaitlyn Moses ahead. study guide questions, and having dis- Dorm Room An overwhelming amount of se- cussions about the books we read. The niors said that this book for them was curriculum changes every The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. year so you can take it more than once Katelyn Luther said it was “actually (except it’s only one semester *sad interesting and modern.” This book is face*). Some of the class favorites in- part of the sophomore year english cur- clude The Glass Castle by Jeannette Old drawer handles prove great riculum and highly appreciated by the Walls and Vanishing Acts by Jodi Pi- for holding scarves, keys, and coult. I know my personal favorite was chords. Vintage ones look best. The Curious Incident of the Dog in They’re a common find in thrift the Night-Time by Mark Haddon, but it is definitely a love it or hate it kind stores and at garage sales. of book. Its told from the point of view Kaitlyn Moses of an autistic teen, so if you go in with Dorm Room some appreciation and background in- formation of the way the narrator’s mind works, it’ll be one your favorites as well. Cork boards are really useful: I’ve always been a reader, that’s not hang calendars, necklaces, just a secret. In fact, the first article I wrote about anything! for journalism was a book review ear- lier this year, so it’s only fitting that my If your dorm doesn’t allow candles, last article ever be about books as well. Kaitlyn Moses use an alternative. There are electric Throughout school I always got really Dorm Room lights that look just like candles, and stressed out and would get worked up fairy lights always look cool. about projects and homework, some- Having a magnetic wall strip can times amounting to full-fledged panic keep many of those little pieces from attacks. The one thing that always re- Kaitlyn Moses Decor: disappearing like hair pins, paper laxed me and let me escape my world clips, and nail clippers. Dorm Room for a bit was reading. Reading was, Hanging a patterned rug, blanket, and still is, my little force-field against or tapestry from the wall helps cozy Kaitlyn Moses all of the bad or stressful things in my up a room and can fill wall space. Dorm Room life. If I was having a good day I would read, but if I had a bad day I would re- lentlessly read. I might be a loser for saying this, but it’s probably the hard- est “drug” I’ve ever done. I think my quick fix for any situation is Harry Pot- ter; it’s my old reliable because I know it’s going to make me feel better every time. Some other books I recommend if you’re having a bad day would be Freak by Marcella Pixley, The Help by Kathryn Stockett, Miss Peregrine’s To make your room feel homey, use a Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom knit or a fuzzy throw to cover chairs Riggs, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Mason jars can be used to make or hang across your bed. These can Betty Smith, The Pact by Jodi Picoult, lights, as a vase, and even look cute be found for cheap at a thrift store, War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells and seriously you need to read The Glass Posters are a cheap and easy way to filled with stones or keepsakes. They but they’re also available at Big Lots Castle by Jeannette Walls, like right cover hideous paint or to personalize can be bought in bulk or individually for upwards of twenty dollars, (don’t at Walmart. worry, they tend to be discounted). now. What I’ve learned throughout my a room. Here is Lexi Sell’s room! years at school is that a little escapism can be a good thing. Just remember to Kaitlyn Moses Kaitlyn Moses Kaitlyn Moses Dorm Room read responsibly and do your school- Dorm Room Dorm Room work first. 12 Fun Senior Stuff May 2015 Senior Common school phrases you can ‘catch’ these seniors saying: MATCHING GAME Superlatives by Sam Hargis, BP Staff Writer by Suzanne Koziol, BP Staff Writer RJ Maxwell “Get out, as fast as possible.” Best Smile: Lauren Peterson and Luke Byler Dustin Conley “If you can’t dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bull.” Best Hair: Gwen Losasso and Jo- siah Sawyer Kelli Briggs “Geting my Berkshire edgjmiacatin.”

Best Dressed: Connor Dudinsky and Maddie Cannella Nikki Reid “Yee, yee.”

Most Spirited: RJ Maxwell and Sam Jackson Hannah Bucholtz “Ugh...why?”

Best Friends: Bobby Bair and Kyle Kevin Detweiler “Oi!” Storm, Grace Noce and Alivia Al- fredo, Vince Noce and Ryan Zeitler Nic Parrish “That’s unfortunate” Most Changed: Tommy Fabian and Katelyn Luther Seniors Dustin Conley and Kevin Detweiler. Karah Toth “Hey, it could be worse” Most Likely to Stay in Burton: Kelli Briggs and Paul Davis Gwen Losasso “I can’t tell you what I learned in school, but I can tell you a story or two.” Cutest Couple: Luke Byler and Grace Noce Zack Martinjako “Keep calm and copy Nick Paul (he’s the only reason I’m a senior).” Most Likely to Take Over the World: Nate Walker and Abbey Mc- Nick Paul “I can’t, I’m going to the barn.” Dermott

Most Likely to Be on America’s Most Wanted: Blaire Freeman and Sabrina Flaherty

Most Athletic: Kyle Storm and Alexis Johnson

Best Car: Andrew Cook and Alex Berman

Most Likely to Succeed: Anna Josiah Sawyar and Gwen Losasso Carlson and Adam Thompson with their amazing hair. A spirited RJ Maxwell and Sam Jackson displaying their school spirit Lauren Peterson and Luke Byler showing Most Artistic: Becca Porter, Steven off their pearly whites. and David Stotlar

Friendliest: Megan Arnold and David Cheung Clare’s (last) Comic Corner Order your yearbook now to see by Clare Lynn, BP Staff Writer more pictures and other fun senior activities!

Berkshire’s cutest couple poses ador- ably for the camera.