Senior Meghan Mamlock earns Iron Raider Award. Insight ...see pg. 18 Volume 48, No. 5 Barnstable High School, Hyannis, MA 02601 June 2013 P Summer R Reading Changes O By Emma Gauthier “liked the whole book group idea” Staff Writer but thought it lacked orderliness. English Curriculum Coordinator Michael Wojkowski Barnstable High School said he hopes this year’s new plans to undergo yet another plan will bring more relatable M change to its summer reading book selections, a more efficient program; this year, each grade evaluation system, and a new level will be designated one book perspective on summer reading, to read, with planned in-class while still continuing book discussions, and projects during discussions. Wojkowski believes the first few weeks of term one. that students will have more in 2013 The previous year’s depth discussions given they will discussion groups met mostly have a longer time to work with logistical problems amongst the book in their English classes. students and staff. Many students “It’s not fair to a student hoped for better book choices and to discuss a book they read all a more systematic way to evaluate photos by Claire Sawayanagi summer for 30-40 minutes,” their work. “The book choices Wojkowski said. Seniors Johnny Dray (left) and were limiting,” said junior Jackie This summer’s book Will Moore (right) accompany Beynor, “and the discussions selections were completely Kayla Crook as they make were pretty unorganized.” revamped, featuring only their grand entrance to the Ve- Other students, like contemporary works. The new gas-themed prom on May 31. sophomore Picabo Miskiv and titles include: Red Kayak by Crook was later named Prom senior Henry Ramage, enjoyed Priscilla Cummings for freshman, Queen. reflecting on the book in groups. Something About Hope by Shawn Ramage said, “The discussion For more prom photos see groups are very productive. They page 15, and like us on Face- give an opportunity to connect Continued on pg. 10 book. with peers that you may not have seen the whole summer.” Miskiv Discovering the Pathway By Cian McEneany Plato, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Staff Writer Rosa Parks, all of which have been donated to BHS by various people, groups and clubs. The You may have started next addition to the pathway will to notice the back right corner be Abraham Lincoln, making the of the Cobb Astro Park coming headcount 10. These are not just to life with some familiar faces random figureheads thrown on a throughout history. This is pedestal; each one has it’s own because that area is the most meaning and reason for being out recent modification to the Astro on the pathway. Park and it has been dubbed the Jackie Robinson was “Pathway of Discovery” by none donated in memory of Sean Allen other than astronomy teacher who passed away in 2011 from Mike Gyra. cerebral palsy. Sean graduated “My wife and I thought from Barnstable back in 2002 and it would be neat to have a was a baseball fanatic. He spent pathway of ‘game changers’, who his summers playing with the not only changed our country, but Cotuit Kettleers in the Cape Cod the world,” said Mr. Gyra about Baseball League, and was the the pathway. manager of the varsity baseball The Pathway of team at BHS following his Discovery is an ongoing project in graduation from school. the Cobb Astro Park that displays Robinson seemed fitting marble busts of historical figures for the memory of Sean Allen that have influenced the world in due to his influence on American their own way. There are currently culture and to the game of photo by Cian McEneaney nine busts displayed out on the baseball. Not only was he a literal Jackie Robinson, decked out with a baseball bat and uniform, is proudly on display alongside the pathway: William Shakespeare, “game changer” in baseball but Pathway of Discovery. Pablo Picasso, Charles Schultz, his influence was felt around the Louis Armstrong, Jackie donated in memory of Anthony away this February due to the flu. student here at BHS. world. Robinson, Albert Einstein, Beverly who tragically passed Beverly was 15 years old and a Continued on pg. 10 Louis Armstrong was Inside Insight: Belize Trip pg. 9 Retirements pg. 12-13 Summer Movies, Concerts pg. 22 2 opinion Best and Worst of 2013 Substitutes: There is no better feeling than walking into a class to find one of Barnstable High School’’s finest -- a substitute teacher-- standing at the front of the room. We would like to give a thumbs up to the subs of this year for their kindness, humor, and helpfulness. Their great attitudes brightened up our days. Courses: Despite the loss of the community service program, we are excited about the new courses being added both this year and next year. Classes include A.P. human geography and marine biology. Also, new classes like financial algebra and Chinese teach skills that will be useful in the “real world”. The new courses have added a little color and variety to the already expansive course offerings at Barnstable Illustrated by Alexandra Devine High School. Assemblies: From the “smart, safe, sober” speakers to “Credit For Life,” we give a thumbs up to all the positive programs this year. The Do What You Love drunk driving assembly, or “Intervention” as it came to be known, was alarming yet effective. The Credit For Life program, new this By Rebecca Nydam are taking them, a multitude of this extra effort just to get into a year, helped get seniors thinking about their futures. These programs Contributing Writer them will shrug and say, “I want college that will take you decades emphasized the importance of making good decisions, a message to get into a nice school.” Which to pay off going to? I managed is perfectly fine and dandy, until to get into my dream school only we hope hit home. Also, they brought more “real life” education to Good grades, getting you think about it. having taken two AP courses, two students, teaching lessons that focused on issues and situations that are enough sleep, and having a social You have kids who are courses I loved taking. important beyond the classroom. life. Pick two. taking AP classes just to say they Do what you love. If Also add in sports, are taking AP classes. There is no what you love is playing lacrosse, Sports Teams: Barnstable High School was a force to be reckoned drama club, community service, passion and enthusiasm for what play lacrosse. If you love physics, with in the realm of sports this year. Not only did our football team having a job, taking care of your they are learning about. Sure, it take AP Physics. If you love make it to Gillette, but many of our other teams also made it to the younger siblings and driving will help you get into a high-rated drama, try out for a play. You are championships, including boys’ hockey, girls’ volleyball, and girls’ hours. Are you overwhelmed yet? university, but what does that only in high school once, and you gymnastics. More than one of those teams went on to win their state Which of these options did you really matter? Is hyper focusing are only around your friends for title. We would also like to congratulate the Red Raiders on having the ditch? With AP exams and finals, four years of your life trying to a short amount of time before best fans out there. Through every win and every loss, the stands were most people that surround you are get into a college worth it? you go your separate ways. full with red and white. the product of all-nighters and are I am not dissuading Homework and getting good living by the motto, “I’ll see my those who are passionate about a grades should be high on your friends in school, I’ll talk to them subject from taking higher level priority list, yes. MMSI/ “AP For All”: We appreciate the motivation there.” courses, in fact I am encouraging However, sometimes behind the push to take A.P. classes, to “raise the bar”. However, as a senior it! If you love English, by all hanging out with your friends We want Barnstable HIgh School to be the best it can who will be attending her top- means take AP English Language actually is more important than be as well. Our biggest problem was the MMSI Saturday sessions. choice college next year, I can or Literature. If you love science, studying. You probably won’t WIth the exception of the practice test, the sessions were ill-attended tell you that it can wait. Go out take AP Bio or AP Chemistry. find out who you want to be while and not particularly helpful. It was a lot to ask of students to come to to dinner with your friends, Go nuts. The problem lies where doing a study guide for chapters school on Saturdays, especially those taking more than one A.P. class. watch your favorite TV show, you see kids with schedules that 21-25 for AP Environmental Also, we think that the “A.P. for all” message should be expanded to your homework will be there sound like a death sentence: AP Science, but you just might while include students who don’t already take A.P. classes. when you get back. High school Chemistry, AP Literature, AP talking with your best friends is more and more being seen as a Calculus, AP Music Theory, AP at the table of your favorite BHS Bistro: If you have ever walked past the 1400s and at lunch time stepping stone, as something you Government and AP French.