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Vamp up Valentine’s Day
February 12th, 2011by Anna Raboin
Co-Editior-in-Chief
Valentine’s Day is literally around the corner, this Monday, February 14th. This means romantic ideas and trying to impress that one special person. Most couples feel like they have exhausted every tradition. For high schoolers, what other choice is there than dinner and a movie? Teenagers have to keep ideas relatively cheap and easy, leaving little inspiration for creativity. Here are some simple and affordable date and gift ideas for this Valentine’s Day.
Date Ideas:
1. Make each other dinner and dessert.
This is a fun way to spend time together and work on some culinary skills. Pick something simple to make: spaghetti, hamburgers, paninis, etc. Make dinner together, set the table nicely, and enjoy. Then, after dinner, dip strawberries in chocolate or buy sugar cookies at the store and frost them together.
Your ice skating experience might not be as romantic as this, but an indoor rink will do.
2. Classic movie marathon.
Rent some classic romantic movies (Casablanca, Dirty Dancing, Gone With The Wind) and spend the night eating popcorn and cuddling on the couch. Add hot chocolate and marshmallows to make it even more cozy.
3. Make Valentines together.
Go to Dollar Tree and buy some bright paper, stickers, glitter, doilies, etc. Spread out on the kitchen table and make Valentines for each other and friends to give out on Monday. It’s just like you’re in elementary school again, and it’s fun to get creative. To make it even more romantic (or funny,) write your own poems on your Valentine for your significant other.
4. Go ice skating.
Hitch a ride to a local rink (like the Chelmsford Forum) and rent skates. Help each other out if one of you doesn’t know how to skate. Ice skating is fun no matter how old you are, and you’ll have an excuse to hold hands and get close.
5. Have more time?
Create a scavenger hunt for your boyfriend or girlfriend. Hide clues around the house, yard, or neighborhood ultimately leading them to the perfect gift. Don’t have the perfect gift? Get some ideas from the list below.
Gift Ideas:
1. Valentine jar.
Get a hold of a jar (from home) of any size. Cut out pieces of bright paper and write a message on each. You can use quotes, your favorite things about your significant other, or memories. Fill up the jar and decorate it with a ribbon (anywhere from $3.50-10.00 at Target) or stickers and present it to them on your date. Tell them to read one message every day. It’s a personal and almost free gift that they will enjoy for a long time.
Use scissors, stencils, and paper to create fun pages like this.
2. Scrapbook.
Either purchase a small scrapbook (anywhere from $12.00-$30.00) or make your own from construction paper and string. Take your favorite photos from the time you’ve spent together and glue them on the pages. Write your memories and sweet messages underneath the pictures.
3. A classic.
Yes, chocolates and roses are always a go to gift, but it’s a pricey and typical solution. So to mix it up a little, buy a single rose and treat her to something more thoughtful than just boxed chocolates. Take the time to get her favorite candy and do something creative with it. Put it in a box you decorated yourself to make it more meaningful.
4. Something cozy.
Everyone loves playing in the snow. Get your significant other warm gloves, a hat, or scarf ($15.00-25.00 at American Eagle) to keep them warm.
5. A coupon book.
You can buy these in stores, but it’s more fun to create your own coupon book. String together some pieces of paper with favors or promises written on them for your boyfriend or girlfriend. Some ideas could be, “A date to your favorite restaurant,” or “I promise to watch the big game with you, even though football isn’t my thing.” Simple ideas that you can both appreciate are best.
Any of these ideas are sure to impress that special someone.
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Teachers go tropical
February 11th, 2011by Anna Raboin
Co-Editor-in-Chief
On Wednesday, February 9th, several members of the Westford Academy community came to school dressed in Jimmy Buffet-style attire. They did so in response to an email sent out by superintendent Bill Olsen declaring a state-wide tropical spirit day.
According to the email, the tropical spirit day was created to keep warm feeling alive and snow at bay. The massive amount of snow that New England has received this season has created a hassle for all Massachusetts schools. Debates on how to make up for lost hours of education discuss holding classes on Saturday, February or April vacation, or cutting even further into the summer.
Hopefully the tropical vibes emitted by teachers were enough to repel any future NorEasters; few students knew about the spirit day. When asked why they did not dress up, most students declared that they were not aware of a spirit day. In contrast, the cafeteria staff sported leis and the librarians decorated the front desk with grass skirts along with several teachers wearing Hawaiian t-shirts.
The librarians transform the front desk into a tropical getaway.
Science Department members Mr. Beningson and Mr. Haight show their spirit.
Faculty even decorated their classrooms and doors.
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College for Dummies: Freshman Fears
January 6th, 2011by Anna Raboin
Co-Editor-in-Chief
Hello Freshmen.
The year is half-way over and midterms are fast approaching. This is a perfect time to tell you to not panic. As you’ve undoubtedly realized, Westford Academy stresses the importance of college and the college process beginning the first day you walk through these doors. Guidance counselors you barely know (for now) tell you that your GPA starts immediately; grades carry over and any one thing can bring a 3.4 down to a 2.8.
I hate to break it to you, but that C in history or algebra is going to seem insignificant in a year or two.
The first fact I can offer to ease your little fears is this: Colleges look for improvement, not complete perfection all four years of high school. Freshman year should be focused on getting used to high school. It’s your time to make an adjustment and get warmed up for more difficult things in the future. No one is expecting you to master anything yet.
If you have a rough freshman year, you have time to make up for it. My freshman year resulted in a 3.14…better than some others, but not stellar. But, with the help of only two (yes, only two) Honors classes in junior year, I emerged with a 3.57. These, averaged with my sophomore year GPA, gave me an accumulative 3.4. No too shabby.
Freshmen always stress about Honors classes. As I said, I was only taking two Honors classes in my junior year (as well as my sophomore year,) and I only took Honors German as a freshman. My second piece of advice I strongly believe in is it is not a good idea to take more than two advanced classes during the first year of high school. Taking more than two results in over-stimulation…too much information for you to handle while you’re adjusting to a whole new part of life.
I know this advice for current freshmen came too late, but please, pass it on.
Yes, the guidance counselors say that the college process starts now, but I wouldn’t worry about too much this year. Just focus on getting used to the high school pace and culture. Then in a year you can start worrying about your stoichiometry and Lord of the Flies test.
Last thing that I should mention (and what better time to do that?) is midterms. Teachers purposefully scare freshmen in to thinking that midterms are the hardest thing they will ever attempt to conquer in their lives. And granted that there are those teachers that genuinely create tear-your-hair-out exams, you will survive. Study, but do not over-study. By the time finals come in sophomore year, you will have a perfect rhythm and personal strategy.
So, freshmen. To recap, remember that colleges look for improvement, (not instant mastery,) you have time to make up for some mediocre grades, and most of all, study but don’t over-study. You are going to do fine. Good luck.
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Christmahannukwanzika?
December 23rd, 2010by Anna Raboin
Co Editor-in-Chief
Political correctness is hotly debated all the time, especially during the holidays. News stories constantly report on faculty and students getting in trouble for saying the wrong thing to the wrong person. Is it wrong to say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Kwanza” instead of “Happy Holidays?”
Obviously there are extremes on both sides of the debate. Some force their beliefs on others, getting offended by and correcting holiday greetings that don’t pertain to their religion. Others claim that it is not right at all to greet an individual with a religion-specific phrase, or for a teacher to give Christmas cookies to a class.
Should this be the new all-inclusive holiday greeting?
The majority of Westford students celebrate Christmas, Diwali and Hanukkah. But many of these students still celebrate parts of Christmas. Some exchange presents with friends and family, have Christmas trees, or have family parties on Christmas day. If cultures are so combined, are students still careful about their greetings?
Both seniors Ben Roberts and Anant Verma say that they believe only a small majority of people get offended at a wrong holiday greeting, but using the phrase “Happy Holidays” is a safe bet.
“Happy Holidays just encompasses everything,” says Verma.
Apparently the all-inclusive greetings have worked at Westford Academy.
Dean Bob Ware says that administration has not experienced any complaints from teachers, students, or parents who have been offended by a holiday greeting. “Westford Academy works hard to make sure that we celebrate holidays with respect to everyone’s religious beliefs,” Ware explains.
Ware also states that the administration is in possession of a calendar marking all significant holidays of the religions represented by Westford Academy students. This enables the school to accommodate any and all celebrations.
So, to include all possibilities, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Diwali, Happy Kwanza, Merry Christmas, and Happy Festivus to all.
Get geared up for Boys’ Ice Hockey
December 16th, 2010by Anna Raboin
Features Editor
Winter 2010-2011 brings hockey back to Westford Academy.
It’s hard to deny that hockey is a favorite of many students. The games are crazy; chants, ice, blades, and insane fans always make the atmosphere explosive and overwhelming.
Tryouts for the boys’ varsity team took place November 29th, 30th, and December 1st this year. Coach Bob Carpenter and assistant coaches Mark Kaplan and Doug Rogers had the hard job of picking out the best of the best players from WA to form this season’s team.
Both rookie and recurring players attended tryouts.
Freshmen Cam MacDonald and Jay Drapeau were accepted onto the team.
Among the returning players, seniors Steve Burgoyne and Ryan Sullivan were made a captain, along with junior Pat Houghton.
The team’s first game happened on Wednesday the 15th. Westford Academy played against Masconomet Regional High School at Skate 3 in Tyngsboro, and tied 2 – 2.
The boys face off with Masconomet in their first game of the season.
The first period started with two 1-minute penalties against Westford. The Ghosts’ goalie, Steve Burgoyne, prevented at least 6 shots taken by Masconomet. But at about halfway through the period, Masconomet scored. Westford responded with a goal only seconds after, made by Justin Pawlowski, with the help of Matt Brett and Pat Flanagan. The period ended with the score at 1 – 1.
The second period resulted in no scoring, but was exciting nonetheless. Both Westford players MacDonald and Drapeau were working to score a goal, but Masconomet interfered and both freshmenh slid into the net. Powerful slapshots were made by both juniors Matt Brett and Houghton. Junior Cam Tetrault fell and hesitated getting up for a few seconds, but eventually walked off the ice. He came back strong in the third period.
In the final period, the team pumps up for the last seconds of the game.
The third period opened with a goal scored 17 seconds in by Westford’s Jake Mercier, with the help of passes by senior Ryan Sullivan and Ian Speliotis, putting Westford in the lead 2 -1. Burgoyne continued to impress with many quick saves. The majority of the period was frantic; many close attempts at goals on both sides kept the spectators cheering and on the edge of their seats. With only 33 seconds left, Masconomet scored tying the game 2 – 2.
After the game, Coach Carpenter said he was proud of the team’s game and was happy with the result. He said that Masconomet High is a tough team, and that Westford stayed strong.
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College for Dummies: the Process
December 10th, 2010by Anna Raboin
Features Editor
The first word you hear at Westford Academy is “college.” Guidance literally sucks the little freshman into their system and spits them back out as a senior walking across the stage with a diploma. But in a loving way.
So, with that in mind, I would like to introduce a new column all about the college process. Each edition will talk about a step of the process or piece of advice that I deem useful.
This wonderful column will inform all you underclassmen (and maybe even upperclassmen) how a real, live student handled everything…and how, if you follow some advice, everything will turn out fine.
I didn’t do everything right. My college process happened in short bursts of too much stress, and then long periods of me saying, “Oh yeah, I should probably do that.” If I could go back in time and do it all over again, this is what I would do.
Your best friends for the next two years
1. Don’t start freshman year already worried about college. No exceptions.
2. Don’t start worrying in sophomore year either.
3. Grades do matter, but getting a C- on your vocab quiz won’t keep you out of Harvard.
4. You don’t need to know what you want to do for the rest of your life, even when you arrive at college. So don’t worry about it now.
5. SAT’s…enough said.
6. Start college searches small: websites, word-of-mouth, brochures, etc.
7. Embrace Naviance and accept that your guidance counselor is a magical person.
8. Visit campuses!!
9. Your “Colleges I’m Thinking About” list must be created during junior Year.
10. Enjoy your high school years and don’t waste them stressing over the college process.
It’s really not that scary when you break it down and talk it out.
Ready?
Go.
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Update: Operation Beautiful Continues at WA
November 22nd, 2010By Anna Raboin
Features Editor
This morning in the math and science hallway bathrooms, there were Operation Beautiful messages on the mirrors. These notes are apparently a continuation of the effort to raise girls’ self-esteem.
Try it someday; it’s easy. Write a simple note saying, “You are beautiful” and put it up on a bathroom mirror. It might make a world of difference for someone.
It’s really nice to look into a mirror and immediately read “You’re Gorgeous!” It brings a smile to your face and makes you wonder who would have taken the time to be positive.
Why can’t every girl have that attitude towards each other in day-to-day interaction?
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WA Trustee Celebrates 90th Birthday and Shares History
November 21st, 2010By Anna Raboin
Features Editor
Last Wednesday, long time Westford Academy trustee Bette R. Hooke celebrated her 90th birthday in the History Office. Hooke has been a long-time member of Westford’s community and has greatly contributed to WA’s well-being. She is also a member of several heritage organizations and knows a great deal about Westford’s history.
Trustee Bette R. Hooke comes back to Westford Academy to celebrate her 90th birthday and share some of Westford's history.
For those who do not know what a trustee does, they are extremely important to our schools. Trustees ‘invest’ in the school, and use the profits of their investments to provide grants, scholarship money and requested supplies for the school. Ever used a Computer on Wheels? Thank Westford’s trustees for that.
Hooke taught at WA from 1955 until 1976 as head of the history department. After retiring, she was nominated to be a trustee and, shortly after, became Westford’s first woman trustee. She has continued as one for 35 years.
Teaching in the 50′s, Hooke was a part of a different Westford Academy. She taught when Abbott School was used as the high school, and later moved into the “new” Academy. At the current Westford Academy, Hooke experienced the addition of an entire wing to the school. After retiring, Hooke became a trustee and also became the town clerk.
Hooke has not only seen changes in Westford Academy’s location. Obviously the years have brought new technology and have changed the way students learn.
Hooke said, “The students today have many more advantages. They have a wider variety of courses, and I’m very pleased.”
In order to aid in the expansion of courses and variety, the trustees’ goal is to give donations to the department that they believe will blossom the most with their help. The music department has received recent grants.
Hooke is extremely proud of her history, and is a member of eleven heritage organizations. Hooke is a Daughter of the Revolution. Hooke’s distant relative fought in the American Revolution and even rode with George Washington as an oarsman across the Delaware River.
Along with the heritage organizations, Hooke is involved with several other committees and organizations. She became Westford’s town clerk, is on the school committee, and was chairman of the finance committee. She was also on the bicentennial committee, helping refurbish the first WA building from a firehouse to the Westford Museum on it’s 200th anniversary.
“I’ve tried to be a part of the community,” explains Hooke.
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Phantom of the Opera takes the Cake
November 6th, 2010by Catherine Pears
Editor-in-Chief &
Anna Raboin
Features Editor
Westford Academy’s production of Phantom of the Opera was literally unprecedented. Not only was the performance spectacular, but it set the bar for future renditions throughout New England. As the rights to produce Phantom of the Opera were recently released, Westford Academy is the first company to perform it in New England.
Because Westford Academy was the first educational theater program to present Phantom, the cast had to be monumental. And it was.
The infamous Phantom was played by senior, Caleb Cedrone. Cedrone embodied all of the Phantom’s many layers and transported the audience into his dark mind. Originally, Cedrone was not planning on being cast as the lead role.
“I never thought it was going to happen. I had my mind set on a different role altogether, as the reach role. I thought, maybe I could get this one. I never even thought about [Phantom] at all,” said Cedrone.
Sophomore Jillian Frankel played Christine Daae. The auditorium was silent while listening to Frankel’s beautiful voice during her first number, “Think of Me.” Frankel’s voice was both soft, and powerful, as she sang to prove that she was more than a chorus girl.
“I’m the first Christine of New England, it’s amazing,” Frankel reflected.
Perhaps the most impressive cast member was freshman Nick Nudler, playing the role of Raoul. Nudler held his own as one of the lead roles and sang in harmony with Frankel.
When asked about auditioning for Phantom, he humbly stated that every male was his competition, and that they all did a great job.
“Frankly, it’s a lot of pressure, but it’s an amazing experience just getting to dive right in to WATA,” said Nudler on playing a lead role.
There is no doubt that the premiere of Phantom of the Opera was impressive and the cast will continue to work hard for their final performances. If you haven’t already, make sure to go see Phantom of the Opera. The cast will perform five more shows, Wednesday, 11/10, and Thursday, 11/11, at 7:30 p.m., Friday, 11/12, at 8 p.m., and Saturday, 11/14, at 2 and 8 p.m.
Senior Spirit?
October 26th, 2010Anna Raboin
Features Editor
School spirit is vital to unifying a class and carrying on the traditions of the upcoming Spirit Week. Usually, the senior class beats out all other grades in participation of Spirit days and the Spirit Rally. But, this senior class seems to have an unusual lack of spirit…
The Class of 2011 doesn’t have the best reputation for class spirit. The class rarely, if ever, wins any competitions involving fundraising or school spirit.
Seniors are supposed to raise the most money, dress up the most during Spirit Week, and win the majority of the games during the Rally. Seniors have the most spirit. It’s the way things are at Westford Academy.
There is no doubt that some students feel an immense amount of spirit as the class of 2011. Many of them dress up every day during Spirit Week and always put money towards fundraisers for their class. But you can’t ignore the significant number of students that say they don’t care enough to show spirit.
Now that the students of the Class of 2011 are on top, what can we expect from them next week?
In response to being asked about the student’s spirit (or lack of it,) Class of 2011 Advisor Sean O’Leary said, “I think our spirit is just fine…but now that we’re seniors, people will see just how much spirit our class has.” He also says this year we’ll see a “Senior Sweep.”
Sarah Goode, Student Council President and Senior, says she thinks that the class of 2011 hasn’t shown spirit due to the fact that they had no motivation. After she added, “I think this year, ’cause we’re seniors, we’re gonna represent. Come back from behind.”
Despite the positive outlooks from the class leaders, a lot of students remain skeptical.
The student leaders of the class of 2011 are busy trying to recruit peers to participate in the Rally activities and distribute senior t-shirts. Will they get enough participation to compete in all the activities and show the classic, overwhelming spirit seniors always have?
We are just going to have to wait and see if the Class of 2011 delivers the senior spirit we all know and love.
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Facebook: the fatal facts
October 18th, 2010By Anna Raboin
Staff Writer
With the release of the film Social Network, it is a perfect time to reflect on the Facebook phenomenon. Years ago, sitting in his dorm room at Harvard University, Mark Zuckerburg probably had no idea how far his idea would travel.
There is no doubt that Facebook has become a major part of virtually everyone’s daily routine. The network has over 500 million members. If Facebook were a country, it would have the 3rd largest population in the world. Anyone at Westford Academy with a Facebook account is a part of this massive global network.
A few years ago, the power of being connected was not abused and privacy was not our concern. The world’s addiction to social networking has become a life-altering factor in the lives of teens.
Through Facebook, people have been reconnected with long-lost parents, siblings and friends. People can instantly spread word and gain support for an issue that needs to be solved.
Yes, Facebook has done all these things and more. But it has also enabled the cruel harassment of peers.
We’ve all heard about the death of Phoebe Prince, the 15 year-old South Hadley freshmen who hanged herself after relentless bullying from girls at her school in person and through social networks. Rutgers student Tyler Clementi jumped off the George Washington Bridge after live video of him having sex with another boy was streamed on to the Internet.
Formspring, MySpace, Twitter: they all play a role. However, Facebook is emphasized because of its popularity here in Westford and how influential it has become.
Administrator Adam Goldberg does acknowledge that Facebook can be a positive and powerful thing, but he has seen the ugly side of social networking.
“…I have seen some horrific examples of cruelty and intimidation and demeaning and condescending types of things written about people on Facebook. Students have come in and they’ve handed me print-out transcripts. It’s very disturbing, some of the things I’ve seen written about people,” says Goldberg.
The fact that kids are always connected and never face-to-face makes harassing easier. Teens that are experiencing cyber-bullying often feel even more hopeless than those that are bullied at school. Attackers over the Internet are anonymous, relentless, and can always find ways to access your account.
Those who use social networks need to question whether the social network itself is out of control, or whether it is just the people on them. Students here at Westford Academy and all around the world need to reflect on the Facebook craze.
Without a doubt, Facebook can be a positive thing. However, students cannot ignore the individuals who have had fatal experiences with social networking.
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Inside: the new cast of WIT
September 29th, 2010By Anna Raboin
Staff Writer
It’s another season for the Westford Improv Troupe, nicknamed WIT. This group that keeps everyone laughing for little or no money is back again this year with new faces and new talent.
For those at Westford Academy who aren’t familiar with WIT, it’s Westford Academy’s improv troupe. Many times during the year, the group of students in WIT put on a show in the black box theater after school, and they always cost $2 or under. The shows feature scenarios similar to those shown on the popular show “Who’s Line is it Anyway?” and the cast also includes their own improv games. Always on their toes, the WIT cast has a lot of talent and a lot of surprises.
On September 22nd, this year’s auditions for a spot in WIT took place. Seniors Rachel Weinstock, Paul Perrone, and Mark Fingerhut chose the cast out of many who auditioned. According to Fingerhut, close to twenty freshmen auditioned, and choosing which to cast in WIT was extremely difficult. “…they were all really good,” explained Fingerhut, “…but we had to pick 2 or 3 of them.”
Nick Nudler was one of the lucky freshmen that was cast by Weinstock, Perrone, and Fingerhut.
Nudler said, “It’s really cool…just getting into [WATA]…it’s fun.”
Nudler has had extensive experience in improv before WIT. He has participated in improv troupes from Arlington and Boston, but he thinks that Westford’s has a more professional feeling to it. In addition to improv, he’s been a part of several theater groups from many places in Massachusetts.
“I just gotta be random and spontaneous, and just think on my feet. And I feel like I’m kinda good at that,” says Nudler.
Christie Basinas, a senior, first auditioned for WIT as a freshman. The summer before her first audition, Basinas took classes and experienced improv at SSPA, the summer school for kids involved with WATA. Her interest was sparked, and now she is still a performing with WIT as a senior.
“Before the show, all the players come together…sometimes we’ll do warm-ups,…sometimes we’ll just take total zen moments. Then for the show…we play Party Quirks…other times we’ll switch it up; we go with complete freestyle,” says Basinas.
Basinas says that the shows are so cheap because the money is only used to profit the members of WIT.
“You can honestly go around at lunch, go around to 8 different people. Be like, ‘Can I borrow a quarter?…Can I borrow a quarter…?’” said Basinas.
In summing up what it takes to be a part of WIT, Fingerhut said, “You can’t be afraid of being in front of people, and that’s pretty much it. You don’t really have to be anything special.”
