HE HIEFTAIN TMONTVILLE HIGH SCHOOL OAKDALE ,C CT 06370 ISSUE #4 2012 NHS Makes Difference Drop in, Help Out By: Rachael Orbe In the spring of 2012, twelve juniors took a promise to succeed academically, to be active in their community, and to be leaders at MHS. The Montville High School chapter of the National Honor Society is a highly selective group of individuals who strive to make a difference in the world, one project at a time. Last year, the NHS, led by President Kim Bigelow and advisors Mrs. Clifford and Ms. Halsey, had several large projects including collecting goods for the Women’s Shelter, which was greatly appreciated as the organization doesn’t receive many donations. However, the NHS Class of 2013 has made significant strides to have an A collection of student made soup bowls for the Empty Bowls fundraiser. even larger impact. One of their major projects is to start a tutoring program, By: Lacia Japp which will start at MHS and hopefully Wheels whirl, brushes swirl, and your group could get involved! spread to the middle school and possibly students smile every Tuesday after school Volunteering aside, some students the elementary schools. The group has at Art Club. The club gratefully welcomes just enjoy the relaxation of creating art. already seen a great interest, as some anyone, artist or not, who wants to have “I just like making it pretty,” confided members have begun helping other fun, hang out until three o’ clock, and do Rena Wu as she put the finishing touches students at the high school. some creative community service – no on a sapphire soup bowl, “I’m better at In addition, there are many sign up or obligation required! painting than making bowls.” upcoming smaller projects. Recently, “It’s a pretty casual club, but At Art Club, everyone uses their a majority of the NHS members were we do get a lot of work done,” states the own talents to help out. Some enjoy the present at Back to School Night to club’s supervisor Ms. Olczak. hunt through shelves for that perfect shade volunteer as guides and greeters. In the Part of that work this year will of vermillion red or fairy blue. Others near future, they are hoping to have a Hat be participating in the national event, prefer to get down and dirty on the wheels Day in order to raise funds for a charity, Empty Bowls. This year, the Art Club where hands, sponges, faces, aprons, and organization, or potential project. Also, as hopes to make and paint at least 100 wheels are all covered with soggy tan fall is here and winter is fast approaching, bowls to sell at a local event tentatively clay. they held a coat and jacket drive, which scheduled for January 31st. On that day, In the words of Kenzie Savage, “I benefited the Women’s Shelter and Senior the Culinary Club will also sell three types come when I can...I just do whatever...it’s Center in Montville. And the group is of soup complemented with scrumptious fun.” The wheels are ready to whirl and planning on giving to the local food artisan breads. Last year, the Jazz band the kiln is hot; drop by Art Club to work on banks, participating in the Big Brother/ volunteered to play several pieces and projects Sister program, and adopting a family for a few Thespian Drama members roved of your the holidays. as wondering minstrels. This year even own, or Keep your eyes peeled for posters more clubs are invited to join the cause. throw a and listen for announcements, so that you All proceeds go to Montville’s local soup bowl for can help the National Honor Society make kitchen, so see Ms. Olczak to find out how charity! a difference! Page 1 THE CHIEFTAIN MHS SPORTS Jeffrey Tryon: Juggling it All ECC Champs By: Natalie Smith On November 5th with Hurricane Sandy and the four day break over, the Boys soccer team celebrated a victory over Bacon on the Montville High School turf. The Boys soccer team defeated Bacon 3-2, giving them a 17-1 record. Although no points were scored by the Indians in the first half, the second half proved to be a fantastic comeback. The team was down 0-2 going into halftime, and the undefeated Bacon team seemed to be on top of this game. However, the boys pulled together and scored three goals in the second half. Jeff Tryon and Connor Leeman were two of the top scorers in the game with two and one goals, respectively. Coach Colin Delaney said, “Connor and Jeff are two of Jeff Tryon in the State Semi-Final game. the better players in the state, I can’t say enough about how hard they’ve worked Mallory Tassone in the last four years. It’s unmatched. For most high school athletes, a to be the beginning of a long career for They’re our two horses and we rely on sport is just another activity to fill their Jeffrey. them. At the same time we have 15, 16, 17 already busy schedule. However, for Jeff has tentative plans to play guys around them who make them better.” Jeffrey Tryon soccer has been a major Division I soccer in college for the Junior Gabe Diaz’s efforts are part of his life since the time he could University of Hartford as an undeclared also to be noted, as he played the game walk. Tryon, a senior, started playing major. He plans to make the decision as with a contusion on his leg. “Defense was soccer when he was three years old and he progresses through school, “It’s tough our project,” said Coach Delaney. That has become a well-known athlete not only to figure out what you want to do with certainly paid off as after Bacon’s two to Montville, but throughout Connecticut. the rest of your life; I feel too young to early goals the Indian’s defense, including Jeffrey has been an asset to the decide that already.” Regardless of when Gabe Diaz, was able to block any other high school soccer team, standing out in a and what his declaration of a major ends goals from being scored in the second talented pool of players. The atmosphere up being, Jeffrey will certainly succeed in half, keeping goalkeeper Jake Sorenson that surrounds the high school team is the balancing of school and the rigorous unoccupied. ideal for Jeff, who enjoys playing with schedule of Division 1 athletics. The boys continued their winning his friends. The team gets a lot of support Jeff finds it much easier to streak on November 10th against Granby in from students who attend the team’s home complete his school work after practice or the second round of the state tournament games, giving them an audience to play games because he is better able to focus on with an end result of 3-1, Indians. This for. When asked about the team chemistry, his work. While many students find trying made Montville’s record 18-1. The boy’s Tryon said, “Our team has great chemistry. to balance between school and athletics to soccer team was seen in action again in We’re like one big family, including all be a struggle, Tryon has found his stride. the quarter finals of the CIAC tournament of the coaching staff. I personally love Jeffrey’s advice to other student athletes on November 13th against Ledyard. This playing for the team and the atmosphere is, “Always put school first and try to get was an exciting game, as the boys had on game days is just amazing. Love it.” all your work done before practices or already faced Ledyard twice in the regular While good things must usually come to games because it will make everything a season. Both teams came ready to play but an end, the coming year will likely prove lot easier.” Montville was victorious. Page 2 THE CHIEFTAIN MHS SPORTS Balancing High School + Sports: Samantha Iler By: Paul Hanrahan On the sports field, players are other activities, but has helped her to grow her high school years. “It’s hard to get fighting for the dignity of the team. In the with successful characteristics and habits. everything done, but that doesn’t mean it’s classroom, those same players are fighting “Being on a team requires a level of not possible. Everything deserves 100%.” for their own dignity. For a high school loyalty and commitment that I would not Samantha continues to work hard on the student, it can be tough to find the balance have otherwise acquired, which I like to soccer field and in school. As a senior between schoolwork and sports. think would make me a better friend, sister student athlete, she shows leadership and For Samantha Iler, this balance and daughter.” Sports encourage good determination both in the classroom and is something she has to find every day. character, and so it can be a necessary part outside of it. Samantha plays Varsity soccer, is a of a high school student’s life. Varsity level equestrian, and also manages Sports are a large aspect of to excel academically. The girls’ soccer Samantha’s high school schedule, but team did very well this year, and they she is also doing extremely well in the can attribute this to their successful team classroom. She received AP Scholar chemistry. Sam comments, “A lot of the with Honors her junior year, along with girls are good friends with each other and CAPT Scholar and the Principal’s Award.