Volume 21, Number 16
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Thursday, June 8, 2017
Valedictorian embraces new beginnings
All-night grad party planned Berlin High School seniors will get to celebrate their graduation this month with a party at the Groton submarine base, thanks to community donations and fundraisers throughout the school year. “The town came together and the school has been so supportive,” said Deborah Reed, co-chairwoman of the all-night graduation party committee. “It’s a wonderful experience.”
By Ashley Kus Citizen staff
Valedictorian Jessica Jha is looking toward the future as she prepares to leave Berlin High School and attend Northeastern University in Boston in the fall.
The committee held several events to raise nearly $35,000 for the party. The fundraisers included pie and butter braid sales, two clothing drives, local restaurant give-back nights, and Mr. BHS.
“Everything we’ve known is coming to an end,” she said. “People should really embrace new beginnings.” The valedictorian enjoyed her time in high school from her many advanced place-
Jessica Jha is Berlin High School’s valedictorian for | Courtesy of Jessica Jha See Jha, A20 2017.
The party begins a few hours after graduation on Sunday, June 18. The commencement will be held at 1 p.m. at Welte Hall at Central Connecticut
Berlin High School’s all-night graduation party is always lively. This year’s event will take place June 18. | Deborah Reed, Contributed
State University, New Britain. foam dance party, a gaming area, and an ice cream At night, graduates are bused sundae station. Later, there from the high school to the will be a mentalist and magic submarine base in Groton. show, followed by a street There, teens can go from one carnival with midway games section of the base to the and a carnival buffet. Bowlother for activities including a Hawaiian luau, paintball, a See Party, A5
Berlin High unified theater to hit the stage Friday The first performance of the new unified theater club at Berlin High School will take the audience around the
“It really is student-inspired,” said Tara Gallagher, special education teacher and advisor of the club.
More than 20 students, both those with disabilities and general education students, will act in the first Berlin unified performance, called “Around the World.” Several skits and songs make up the production.
High school junior Marissa Pettinelli recruited students at the beginning of the year to join the club. “It’s a good opportunity,” Pettinelli said. “We’re all human, we’re all equal and we’re all the same.”
Pettinelli grew up attending unified theater productions in West Hartford where her mother is a special education teacher. West Hartford’s program inspired Pettinelli to start a similar club in Berlin. See Theater, A12
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By Ashley Kus Citizen staff
globe this Friday with student-created skits, choreography and props.