Graduation special by The Newtonite

Newtonite ◆ Wednesday, June 5, 2013 • Volume 92

Newton North High School, 457 Walnut St., Newtonville, Mass. 02460

Class of 2013 graduates, celebrates Amanda Hills Today, the last group of students to have experienced both the old and current school buildings graduated, becoming the 152 nd graduating class of this school. The ceremony began with the singing of “America the Beautiful,” lead by Family Singers. Senior Nora Elghazzawi then sang the National Anthem while senior Dominick Boyd signed the anthem in American Sign Language alongside her. After principal Jennifer Price’s welcome remarks, seven English Language Learning (ELL) seniors greeted guests in their native languages in recognition of this school’s diversity. Rashid Amanya spoke in Lugandan, Hui Chen in Chinese, Yu Chen in Cantonese, Anthony Lee in Korean, Gabriela Morales-Rivera in Spanish, Jankee Patel in Hindi, Galina Sofronova in Bulgarian, and Natsuko Yamagata in Japanese. Senior Thomas Chappell signed the remarks, representing the EDCO program. Senior David Demarest spoke on behalf of his class, congratulating his classmates on their achievements. Beginning the awards portion of the ceremony, Price presented the Principal’s Plaque to the Newton Rotary Club, which helps provide humanitarian services to the community and promotes high ethical standards. The group received an engraved tray. Students then received awards presented by their peers. The Charles Dana Meserve Fund Award, the recipient of which Price selected, went to Malini Ghandi and was presented by Felege Gebru. Ghandi received an engraved tray and scholarship for her outstanding academic record and significant contributions to this school. The Senior Cups were awarded to David Oluwadara and Katie Wu. These awards are given to students whose character, scholarship, and involvement in the community all represent the ideal Newton North student. Faculty members nominate students for this award and the senior class then votes on the nominees. by

Paulina Romero

Last moments: Class of 2013 cheer as the clock turns to 0:00, marking the end of the students’ high school career, during Senior Countdown Friday. Both Oluwadara and Wu received engraved bowls. Kristian Sumner presented the gift to Oluwadara, and senior Adrian Alonso-Taveres presented the gift to Wu. Senior Winnie Chen presented Winston Huang with the Phi Beta Kappa Award certificate and scholarship in recognition of his academic achievements. Brendan E. Ryan was the

recipient of the Dickinson Memorial Award engraved bowl. Each year, the athletic department chooses a male who has displayed great improvement in athletic competition, sportsmanship, character, and skill to receive this award. Carla Forbes received the the Helene Breivogel Award engraved bowl, presented by senior Elvin Montoya-Leins. This award

recognizes the same attributes as the Dickinson Memorial Award, but it is given to a female. Senior Anna Nemetz received the Gary Elliot Prize from senior Miguel Sanchez. Nemetz received a certificate and scholarship in honor of her commitment to the performing arts. Senior Jill Zwetchkenbaum presented Mike Safran with the Margaret South Award engraved

bowl to recognize his courtesy, courage, enthusiasm, and unselfish service. This award is based on teachers’ nominations and seniors’ votes. Safran also received the Newton Rotary Club William Rockwell Memorial Career and Vocational Technical Education Achievement Award plaque, presented by senior Gianna Romanelli. The Lenny Zakim/PTSO Human Rights Award went to Winnie Chen and Michael Denaro for their pursuit of a greater understanding and appreciation of peoples’ differences. Senior Jankee Patel presented them with this award, and they each received a certificate and scholarship. Several other seniors received awards that were not presented at graduation. Emory Holmes received the Charles Brown Award, given to a senior who most typifies former superintendent Charles Brown in his or her energy, open-mindedness, and dedication. Next, T.J. McNichols was awarded the Barbara Killion Award for his dedication to this school’s ideals through his participation in sports and other school organizations. The Beverley Logan Award went to Ryan Gallagher. This award is given to someone who has utilized the school’s resources and has shown positive growth, becoming a great asset to this school. Kristian Lundberg received the Newton Alderman Award for his interest in politics and his extensive involvement in student and community government. The James Marini Award for strong worth ethic and academic growth was awarded to Vanessa Battista for her care for others and appreciation of diversity. Madeline Murphy received the Helen Ryan Award. This award goes to someone who demonstrates the former housemaster and English teacher’s energy, spirit of involvement, and investment in the school community. At the end of the ceremony, seniors received their diplomas, officially concluding their four years at this school.

Seniors paint mural in cafeteria, donate to One Fund Connor Vasu Two is better than one. This year, the Class of 2013 has two senior gifts. All seniors will help paint a mural that will hang over the cafeteria doors, and the class will also donate to One Fund Boston, a charity dedicated to helping the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings. “We feel the mural gets the whole grade involved,” said Safran. “We will all contribute to its creation, and it will become a wonderful addition to the school.” Each student will place one handprint on a canvas, and the handprints will fill up most of the canvas. The handprints will outby

line the word ‘Tigers,’ according to Safran. The canvas will then be hung above the cafeteria doors. The mural will be named Paws on the Walls: Leaving our Mark. “This might become a tradition among future classes, to make their own murals, to literally leave their mark on the school walls,” he said. The senior class officers came up with the mural idea, and the officers and Barry housemaster Aaron Sanders thought of the donation idea, according to Safran. The class will donate $1,000. Sanders believes that the donation is a great idea. “We have an opportunity to make a contribution to people in need. This

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act of kindness demonstrated by our seniors confirms for me how fortunate I am to have been the housemaster for the Class of 2013,” he said. Safran said, “While this is not the typical gift, since it doesn’t add a physical decorative landmark to the building, it will certainly add a profound, symbolic landmark to the school.” “The gift symbolizes the class coming together to donate money to a cause working to help those close to us. That, to us, is a better gift than any superficial decoration to the building,” he added. A plaque will be placed in the school to commemorate the donation, according to Safran.

Leah Budson

Graduates: Seniors celebrate the last seconds of high school during Senior Countdown Friday.

Newtonite.com

opinion

2 ◆ Newtonite, Newton North

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Be thankful for our educaiton “You might think folks in Newton are obsessed with education,” reads the opening line of Money Magazine’s evaluation of Newton, which ranked Newton the fourth best city in the country to live in.

This assessment is spot on. For starters, this district spent nearly $200 million on a single school, making it the most expensive in the state. But the city did not stop there, passing an override to allow for the construction of two more schools within five years. In short, this city is indeed obsessed with education. As students within this city’s public school system, we have access to an unprecedented spectrum of classes, ranging anywhere from Oceanography to Fashioneering to Black Voices. Massachusetts, as a state, spends more on its students than many other states. According to a 2010 Census report on public school spending, Massachusetts spent an average of $14,350 per pupil between 2009 and 2010. In comparison, Utah spent just over $6,000 per student. Now, we all love Utah, but the fact that Massachusetts spent more than twice as much per student solidifies this area’s reputation as an educational mecca—a mecca

that we are fortunate enough to live in. Within Massachusetts itself, families are especially drawn to Newton for its public school system. Out of all the students in Newton, 82.6 percent are enrolled in this city’s amazing public schools, a number that reflects parents’ confidence in this city’s outstanding teachers and educational opportunities. Deputy superintendent Sandra Guryan told the Newton TAB that this school system added 248 students last year, during a time when other school districts in the state are facing decreasing enrollment. Furthermore, Newton maintains a 95.5 percent four-year graduation rate, well ahead of the state’s 83.4 percent. Yet Newton’s commitment to education extends past traditional education. In fact, Newton’s graduation rate for limited English proficiency students is more than 20 percent higher than that of the state. A number of today’s graduating seniors have spent 13 years in this city’s top-notch public school system, while some have just arrived this year. All students, however, should be proud of their accomplishments in this city’s rigorous educational system and give thanks to the City of Newton and this community for helping to foster them in their years of growth.

Jared Perlo Dear Class of 2013, Congratulations, you did it! Somehow, every one of you managed to run the gauntlet of high school and finish your senior year. That is a significant accomplishment in and of itself, but the friendships and bonds you’ve made during your time at this school make this moment all the more poignant. Now that you’re graduating, it is worth taking a look back on your four years and savoring the memories you have made as a Tiger.

Remember back to when you were a little wide-eyed freshman transferring out of middle school. Remember that time when the cafeteria flooded with sewage or when steam in the locker rooms caused a fire alarm to go off before school had even started for the day. Remember those all-important moments when you first met your friends. In short, pause and cherish the four-year journey that has led to this very moment. But do not let the journey stop here. Venturing off into the “real world” next year, chances are

editorial

Paulina Romero

Twenty-two years: Physical education teacher Kirsten Tuohy is leaving this school for Alabama after 22 years of teaching at this school.

Venture into the world, do not be complacent

Newtonite The Newtonite, founded in 1922, is the news source of Newton North High School, 457 Walnut St., Newtonville, Mass. 02460. Editors in chief — Leah Budson, Samantha Libraty Managing editors — Ryan Condon, Peter Diamond, Amanda Hills, Julia Oran News editors — Maxwell Kozlov, Connor Vasu Sports editors —Jacob Gurvis, Jonny Levenfeld Arts editors — Douglas Abrams, Maddie Griswold Features editors — Alex Feit, Elena Schwartz Opinion editor — Jared Perlo Freelance editors — Nicky Kaufman, David Kwartler, Andrew Mannix Talk of the Tiger editor — Robin Donohoe Photography managers — Robin Donohoe, Cheyanne Jackson,

Paulina Romero Graphics managers — Julia Moss, Maria Trias Advertising managers — Camille Bowman, Adam Rabinowitz Business manager — Philippine Kugener Technology manager — Alex Potter Chief cartoonist — Julia Moss Advisers — Tom Fabian, Derek Knapp, Amanda Mazzola News staff — Ned Martenis Features staff — Meriel Hennessy Sports staff — Isaiah Blakely, Kirk Stuart Arts staff — Maya Abou-Rizk Blogs staff — Aneesh Anand, Nicholas Choi, Molly Dalzell, Jennifer Price, Jacob Schwartz, Samantha Taylor, Harry Watson

The Newtonite staff does all its reporting and photography to post content daily to its website, theNewtonite.com. They make all content choices. Sign up for the Newtonite’s weekly email newsletter on its website. In addition to the print graduation special, the Newtonite will publish a special on the first day of school. To place an advertisement in the online or print version of the Newtonite or to contact us by phone, please call 617-559-6273. Readers can also reach us at thenewtonite@gmail.com.

Letters The Newtonite serves as a designated forum for student opinion. Readers are invited to submit guest articles and letters to the editor. Letters should be put in the Newtonite box in the main office or emailed to thenewtonite@gmail.com. The Newtonite reserves the right to edit all letters, which must have the writer’s name and a student’s class and homeroom.

you will experience a different perspective on life. With today’s graduation comes an end to the nurturing environment that Newton North provides.

column Whether you are jetting off across the world to defend our country, staying local and getting a job, or spending the next four years of your life buried in textbooks, it is now up to you to take the initiative and push yourself to become better at

whatever you strive to achieve. When you part ways with Newton, you will be leaving a bubble of sorts. Granted, spending four years on a college campus may not exactly be a huge difference from life here in suburbia, but you will nevertheless be exposed to drastically different opinions from all over and outside of the country. The same applies for any one of you diverging from the trodden path; no matter what you go on to do, always try to exceed expectations. Your time in Newton has

prepared you for your future adventures, whether you serve in the Marines or become a marine biologist. Yet, no matter which path you choose to follow, do not pick the path of complacency. As many writers argue in this issue, you should not become satisfied with the status quo. Instead, opt for challenges that force you to confront your misgivings and become an enlightened person in the process. That’s all the preaching I can muster. Go throw your hats and celebrate your time at North.

Refuse to let terror define us Jared Perlo Although Marathon Monday’s unconscionable bombings shook the race’s finish line over a month ago, the blasts reverberated further than Copley Square. The attack brought worldwide terror into the Newton community. For over a decade, the War on Terror has raged with little direct impact on this school’s student body. Reports of violent horrors overseas have infiltrated the local media from time to time, but it seems as though most teenagers became numb to the recurring horrors abroad. Bombings that kill or maim dozens of Iraqis or Afghans raise little local concern, and news that American drones kill 50 civilians per every terrorist has continued to cause little reaction. The Marathon bombings, however, mark the first truly local tragedy in the current age of terrorism. President Obama’s trip to Boston for an interfaith memorial service marked his fifth visit to a community rocked by mass violence during his presidency—his visits ranging from shootings like Newtown and Aurora to bombings like Boston. That statistic—five post-vioby

lence visits in five years—does not represent the American ideal of both a free and safe society. We are extremely fortunate to live in such an open society as the United States, but this recurring national scramble to stand in solidarity with shaken communities is all too common.

column It is an unfortunate fact that any entity set on terrorizing the peaceful majority can do so in a free society like America. Until the United States becomes a utopia rid of evildoers, we are left more-or-less helpless to simply display our patriotism after the fact. Nevertheless, this school pulled together with extraordinary compassion during the trying time—a sentiment that President Obama encouraged hours after the incident, saying that he was “supremely confident” that people “will pull together, take care of each other, and move forward.” Some students went to the city’s official memorial service for the tragedy. Others collected money for One Fund, a charity for the bombing’s victims. Several North students were

separated from the blasts by mere seconds. Seniors Nick Mariano and Bridget McLaughlin were at mile 26.1, just one turn away from the finish line, when the bombs went off. Thankfully, both had paused earlier in the race—a pit stop that may have saved their lives. We should count our blessings and be elated that Mariano, McLaughlin, and other Newton North runners were able to escape harm’s way. As a wider region forever laden with the memory of that terrible day, we must rely upon the unique pride and resilience that define this part of the country to perservere through this tragic time. We must not fight hate with hate, but instead follow in the footsteps of those runners who, after having trudged 26.2 miles, managed to run the extra blocks to Massachusetts General Hospital to donate blood. We must mirror the courage of the first responders who ran towards the explosion instead of shying away. In the end, this event should serve as a reminder to cherish the school and its students, as we remain thankful that such mindless attacks are so rare in our tightly-knit community.

retirements

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Newton North, Newtonite ◆ 3

Donna Johns fosters a love of reading, learning Douglas Abrams “Sometimes reading can become homework. I try to say that reading is not homework, but soulwork—it feeds the soul,” said librarian Donna Johns, who is retiring this year after a decade of work at this school. According to Johns, reading has always been an integral part of her life, shaping her career and interests. “I have been told by friends that when I was eight or nine I would set up books on a picnic table and loan them out. I guess I have always wanted to be a librarian but didn’t know it,” said Johns. She said that when growing up in Waltham, she did not have much money, so she naturally gravitated towards books to “experience the world.” “All my life I was a scholarship student—I’ve always had financial constraints. I didn’t get to travel. I could have had a narrow world, but I never felt that way because the world was wide open with books. Libraries are there for kids like me, and adults like me, to have life experiences.” Johns graduated from Waltham High School in 1966 and went to Upsala College in Orange, New Jersey. After that, Johns worked at the Library of Congress as a librarian technician. “I realized, in my head, that I wanted to be a librarian when I was working there. It helped me financially to get a Master’s in Library Science,” she said. Johns completed her education at the Catholic University of America, earning a library science degree, and at Cambridge College, where she earned a Master’s in Education. Throughout her long career, she has worked at nine separate by

libraries: the Library of Congress, the Fairmont Heights Library, the New Carrollton Public Library, the Bladensberg Community Library, the Watertown Public Library, Clancy Systems International Inc., the Memorial Spaulding Elementary School Library, and the library at this school. Johns said that she began working at this school because she missed teenagers. “I loved it when my children were teens, and my kids were growing up, so it seemed like the right thing to do,” she said. Johns began working at this school, around Sept. 11, 2001. “I can remember standing in the back room watching the towers come down and figuring out how we would let the students know the news that had come out,” said Johns. Even though one of her first experiences at this school was filled with sadness, she admired how calm everyone was, according to Johns. “No matter what’s going on, no matter how stressful, people are calm,” said Johns. “That’s one of the best things about this school.” One of Johns’s coworkers, librarian Kevin McGrath, said that she “is a veteran teacher who is one of the best I’ve worked with. She’s great at designing lessons with every student in the class in mind. She’s very creative and sets very high standards for herself and her students.” Former vice principal Deborah Holman, who worked with Johns for much of her time at this school, said that her legacy will be the work she has done bringing the library into the technological age. “Early in her tenure at North, she began to understand the

Paulina Romero

“Libraries are there for kids like me, and adults like me, to have life experiences,” said librarian Donna Johns. transformation of libraries that was occurring in the early 2000s. This transformation meant that libraries were places that would provide both digital and printed text,” said Holman. According to Johns, she loves her job here because “there is no routine. You come in and you never know what will happen. The only routine that we have is that we open at 7:30 every day and close when we close.” Additionally, Johns said that she enjoys her trips with McGrath to buy new books for the

library. She also said that in May she took juniors from this school to the New England Mobile Book Fair and gave them 100 dollars to buy books for the library. Vice prinicpal Midge Connolly said that Johns “is a very passionate librarian who knows much about literature and has strived to share her love of literature with the students of Newton North.” Johns said, “Ms. Cronin stopped me earlier this year and said that ‘your legacy is going to be creating a community of

readers,’ and I guess that’s true. I’ve absolutely seen a change in community. If you walk through the library, there are many kids reading books not for school— that means they’re readers.” Another one of John’s coworkers, English teacher Lyn Montague, said Johns has helped to create a culture of reading at this school by matching up students with the right book. “I’ve never met anyone else who can do what she does, she has an extraordinary ability to get students to read,” he said. Similar to Cronin, McGrath said that Johns has “inspired countless students to love reading.” According to Holman, a former history teacher, Johns taught “the best library lesson” that she ever took her students to. In the lesson, Johns started with an online photo of a Harvard baseball team from the 1910s. Donna led them on an “inquiry-fest,” making them ask more and more questions about the players, the time period, Harvard, and the major leagues. They questioned until they arrived on a research topic of the integration of major league baseball. “The great thing was that she showed them how curiosity can originate in a picture, then lead to generative questions, then lead to a research topic of interest,” said Holman. “She made a daunting task fun and less intimidating. This was great teaching,” she said. Although Johns is retiring from this school, she hopes to continue her career as a librarian. She said, “Teaching the love of reading is my passion. Who knows where I’ll pop up.”

Steve Litwack serves as school’s ‘security blanket’ Alex Feit For many who are unfamiliar with the inner workings of running a school with nearly 2,000 students, the behind-the-scenes work completed in the less-travelled corridors of the building can often be overlooked. Yet, with the retirement of school psychologist Steve Litwack at the end of this year, this school will be losing an important problem-solver who, for 16 years, has helped coordinate the multitude of services that have increased the well-being of thousands of students, according to Riley housemaster Mark Aronson. “He’s been a security blanket at this school,” Aronson said. “Whenever people here make important decisions, we want him involved. He’s the real deal.” Litwack grew up in Milton where he attended and graduated from Milton High School in 1967. There, Litwack said he was a “respectable student,” but he preferred participating in extracurriculars such as his synagogue youth group and sports. Afterwards, Litwack attended Brandeis University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 1971. Originally, when Litwack was applying for graduate programs at Brandeis, he intended to pursue a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology. However, Litwack said that the university accidentally sent him a brochure for the school psychology program. After perusing the course list, Litwack said that he became interested in the area, and he eventually earned a Ph.D in School Psychology from Syracuse in 1976. by

Cheyanne Jackson

“There is always some step that can be taken that can lead to a resolution,” said school psychologist Steve Litwack. Litwack first became a counselor at Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School before transferring to Brookline Public Schools. He worked as a psychologist there for 18 years, until former principal James Marini hired him in 1997, he said. As head psychologist at this school, Litwack helped supervise psychoeducational testing, which is used to craft specialized programs and services for students who may be having difficulties in class. Directing a team of faculty in the psychology department, Litwack would help issue Individual Education Programs (IEP) and accommodation plans. “My job is to problem solve, but we all have to work together

as a team to effectively meet students’ needs,” Litwack said. Litwack’s adept ability at solving problems in various circumstances caused the administration to put him in several important positions. For example, as a member of the city-wide crisis committee, Litwack was tasked with handling emergency situations within the Newton Public Schools. “I received two to three calls a month about special emergency situations involving students. Sometimes it was about students who needed counseling, others times it was about finding specialized services,” Litwack said. After he retires this year, Litwack will have worked for 37 years as a psychologist in the

public sector. In general, Litwack describes his approach for helping students with personal problems as proactive. “I don’t consider myself a know-it-all in coming up with the right solution, but I always say, ‘Let’s try this’ and meet to see how it worked out,” Litwack said. “There is no single formula for doing so, but there is always some step that can be taken that can lead to a resolution. The task is just finding out what that exactly is.” Colleagues of Litwack agree that his approach with students’ welfare has made him an indispensable figure to those in the administration. “There is no one better at what he does,” said special education department head Walter Lyons, a co-worker of Litwack for 16 years. “Both the quality and sheer quantity of his efforts have been absolutely irreplaceable on staff.” School psychologist Colleen Meigher, who has known Litwack for over 12 years, said, “Many people in the school don’t realize what Dr. Litwack’s does, let alone who he is. But people who know him feel safer in many ways because he is here.” She said, “He is so dependable, so available, and we know that he will always be there for us. He gives so much for this work which he loves.” According to Aronson, his desire to help students translates outside the classroom, such as when he volunteered to chaperone the Sophomore Sleepover for many years. “He would be there until two in the morning making sure that everyone who wanted cotton candy got it,” Aronson noted.

On the less formal side of their relations with Litwack, many noted his passion for timehonored staples of American cuisine. “He likes bad Chinese food. That, and good barbecue ribs,” Lyons said. Litwack concurred, saying that their perceptions of his tastes were accurate. “I do have this reputation for not eating fancy food. I don’t have that many hobbies either—I have no one area of specialization. I do a lot of different things, such as going to ballgames or going to the theatre,” Litwack said. Looking back on his experiences at this school, Litwack cannot pinpoint one specific event that summarizes his relationship with his job. Rather, Litwack believes that his job at this school was something that was continually enjoyable based on his daily routine. “My day involves a diversity of activities, and everything is entirely different and unpredictable. In all, it’s proven to be a positive experience,” Litwack said. “Newton North is just the icing on the cake for my career. It’s a nice place to end my public education experience, but it’s been a very good 37 years overall,” he added. Still, Litwack does not see his retirement from this school as an end to his working career either—work is what continually motivates him. Litwack currently plans to work in some capacity at the school next year. “I plan to work. In reality, retiring from here is the right thing for me to do, but I’m still not ready to stop working altogether. Not yet,” Litwack said.

retirements

4 ◆ Newtonite, Newton North

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Montague emphasizes ‘individualized instruction’ Elena Schwartz English teacher Lyn Montague’s classroom, distin guished by desks wedged between shelves full of countless books and Christmas lights strung across the walls, is unlike any other room in the school. Montague himself is equally distinctive, with a reputation for being “all about individualized instruction,” according to English department head Melissa Dilworth. Montague is retiring after 43 years of teaching at this school. He has seen three buildings and thousands of students, and has managed to forge a unique relationship with each one of his classes. Montague grew up in Springfield, Pennsylvania, and attended Springfield High School, graduating in 1965. Montague earned his Bachelor of Arts in English at Davidson College and graduated in 1969. He earned his Master of Arts in English at Middlebury College in 1972. Surprising for one who has devoted his life to teaching, Montague did not describe education as a career he actively sought. At the end of college, teaching was simply “the only door that opened.” Hired by then-English department head Mary Lanigan, Montague’s teaching job at this school was his first job. Each week, he meets with each of his students and goes over their current writing assignments. Montague called his weekly meetings with his students his favorite part of being a teacher. “He values human connection above everything else,” said Dilworth. “His primary goal is to understand the differing strengths, limitations, obstacles, achievements, and overall needs of each student. He encourages students to create both personal and academic goals, and he by

Leah Budson

Student conferences: English teacher Lyn Montague meets with freshman Jonathan Krauss, discussing Krauss’s essay. works tirelessly with students to help them achieve those goals.” English teacher Mike Fieleke expressed a similar sentiment, saying, “I would say Mr. Montague views his role as more of a coach than other teachers, who focus on leading a class. He meets kids individually; they suggest projects and he offers guidance.” Dilworth said, “Mr. Montague manages to make every conversation with every student equally important. He focuses like a laser. He’s not distracted by the previous conversation or lesson he just had. He’s not distracted by the huge To Do list all teachers have. He’s not distracted by his own needs or his life outside of Newton North.” “He’s nurturing,” said Fieleke. “He shakes everyone’s hand going in and out of class, and he greets people eye to eye.” Montague is also singular in

the extent of his commitment to his job and his students, which goes well beyond being present during classroom hours and at X-block. “It is common to see Mr. Montague working with students before, during or after school— his teaching isn’t confined to the classroom, the class period or even the school day,” said Dilworth. “The hours he puts in are impressive,” agreed English teacher Nick Grant. “He’s here before school, after school. He comes a lot in the summer, and does thinking, planning, and preparing for the next year,” he said. This level of engagement sets Montague apart, says Grant, as do his unique methods of teaching. “From my perspective, there’s a certain mystery and magic to Lyn’s teaching, almost

like Yoda,” said Grant. “He has very specific reading and writing systems that he has developed and uses almost exclusively to get what he wants,” he continued. “He is representative of the old North in the best way possible. There’s a little bit of genius in his work that can’t be replicated by others. He does his own thing and he does it well. “It seems that often, students who don’t necessarily do well in other classes thrive and grow in his class,” said Grant. “Mr. Montague is incredibly thoughtful,” said Fieleke. “He recognizes the complexity of learning and doesn’t try to boil it down to a formula. He’s teaching the heart of writing, instead of just asking students to mimic certain skills, and that’s incredibly rare.” In Fieleke’s office sits a frame given to him by Montague. Inside the frame is a handwritten note that reads: “Frame #1: Teachers as students. It was a typical verbal free-for-all in a class of (mostly) over-achievers who had been left by their teacher to complete an ambiguous task with only their own thoughts to guide them.” When questioned about its meaning, Fieleke explained, “Once, after a faculty meeting, I asked Mr. Montague to ‘reframe’ what happened for me. ‘I’ll get back to you on that,’ he said. The next day, he gave me this. He’s got a great sense of humor, and it’s very subtle.” It was this sense of humor and friendly personality that led Montague to form connections with people outside his departments, as well as with students and fellow English teachers. World language department head Nancy Marrinucci called Montague “an honorary member to the world language department. “Mr. Montague is very special to the world language depart-

ment,” she said. According to Marrinucci, he brings refreshments to department meetings, and “he supports department members who are ill or facing some challenge through kind words on the card we send them or contribution to a gift, and he attends our social gatherings when he can.” Marrinucci continued, “He is a wonderfully kind and compassionate human being who seems to always have all the time in the world if you want to talk to him. He will indeed be missed by this department and by me.” There is no doubt that this school, and education as a whole, has changed a great deal since Montague came here 43 years ago. However, Fieleke said, “If he senses a movement in education, he’ll look at it and say, ‘That’s not all bad, but it misses the complexity of what learning is about.’ “What is transformational learning? It’s deeper than copying a certain skill set. He does things that appear to be against the grain,” he said. “Students in his class sometimes wonder if they’re learning what they’re ‘supposed to be learning.’ They’re learning something equally important: what they care about. “The way he works is suspect because of the standardization movement,” Fieleke said. “He’s an example of what we might sacrifice for the sake of standardization. We need more people like him in schools.” Montague’s devotion to his job and to this school is apparent to anyone who knows him. When asked what the most meaningful lessons this school has taught him, Montague’s response, as thought-provoking as he is, was, “Shakespeare is readable but children are infinite.” Next year, Montague will return to teach one block of a senior class, Different Voices.

O’Neil helps students achieve goals, be successful David Kwartler Special education secretary Jackie O’Neil, who graduated from this school in 1968, when the school was simply “Newton High School,” and has witnessed the change between three buildings over her thirty year career at this school, is now retiring. She recalled her times in the old school as being very different from current times. “The Riley housemaster, Ms. Johnson, would see girls walking down the hall and measure their skirt, and if it was not adequate she would staple a paper hem around the bottom of it,” explained O’Neil. According to her, the school had classes with a clear direction of either college-preparatory courses or businessownership courses, and she did well in school and prepared for a future in business. She remembers using typewriters where she had to “swing the bar back” manually, rather than the carts of Macbooks used in classes today. After graduating in 1968, she attended various courses to prepare herself for a career in banking. She worked at Newton Waltham Bank and Trust, and later at the State Street Bank in Boston in the Inheritance Tax Department, which she said, “was so totally different from what I do now,” she said. After beginning a family, she soon reached a turning point once her youngest child was in kindergarten. She applied for by

a job at this school, despite not having previous experience with special education, as it was a “relatively new concept in public schools” at the time. The principal of this school in 1983, Dr. Marya Levensen, gave her a giant binder of material to read about the department, and hired O’Neil after her second interview. In 1968, there was no special education department at this school. If someone was not doing well, they would be “in school one day and gone the next, and nobody knew why,” explained O’Neil. “Today, the role of the department is to help kids,” she said, citing that helping students to define their learning profile and help them to achieve and be successful is an invaluable tool for the school community. O’Neil has worked as an administrative assistant in charge of all paperwork that the department must complete, as well as adhering to guidelines from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary education. The special education department handles PILOT, Academic Support, and Connections, as well as other programs. She helps the two school psychologists, the department head, and between 60 to 70 special education teachers to keep their paperwork in order, which she calls a “hefty job.” She handles students who need academic reevaluations scheduled to determine their specific learning style, or who

Paulina Romero

“I wouldn’t have stayed for 30 years if I didn’t work with the best people you could ever be with,” said special education secretary Jackie O’Neil ’68. must fill out forms to receive an IEP for extra time on SAT tests. “The reward of all the hard work is being able to see the kids,” she said. Over 30 years, O’Neil has met hundreds of kids, who she calls “truly the best part of my day,” and enjoys assisting them in learning. She wishes she had more contact with the students, as she claims getting to know a student personally with any issue is the best part of her job. “I wouldn’t have stayed for 30 years if I didn’t work with the best people you could ever

be with,” she explained. “She is one of the smartest people I know,” said Susan Rosenzweig, special education teacher. “She can figure out any problem and remember information from 10 years ago.” According to Rosenzweig, O’Neil’s “loyalty and dedication” are her strongest attributes. She recalled how, “once I didn’t follow her advice, and got into all kinds of problems, so that never happened again, believe me! “She is wonderful with kids and can handle many things at one time. She has so much information in her head that it

will be hard to live without her,” said Rosenzweig. “No matter how busy she was, she never forgot that we’re really here for the students.” O’Neil said, “I call the school warm and fuzzy now. There is a more personal, strong community here.” Looking back at the grade 10 to 12 school she attended, she said, “The diversity of the whole school has increased. With 897 students in my graduating class, I could see how housemasters would have a hard time knowing everyone,” but now it is different. “When I attended Newton High School, if I didn’t get in trouble, nobody would have known my name,” she said. She recalls a sense of inhospitality in the school. “When I attended high school, it was do what you have to do and go home,” she explained. The most important value of this community is “the fact that the staff and faculty know students so well,” said O’Neil. “I’ve learned how successful a school can be when people work together,” she said. “I’ve made lifelong friends that I’ll remain friends with,” said O’Neil. After retiring this year, she plans to help her son and his wife take care of their two children, as well as travel with her husband. “When people in the community remember me, I feel like I’ve helped them learn,” she said. “I’m sad to leave, but you know when the time is right.”

retirements

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Newton North, Newtonite ◆ 5

Math teacher also creates artwork, music Peter Diamond “On the darkest and coldest mornings in the middle of February, Mr. Stanley still looks genuinely happy to be here and excited to get about the business of preparing the day’s lessons,” said history teacher Brian Goeselt, describing math teacher Eric Stanley, who is retiring after teaching at this school for 16 years. According to Goeselt, Stanley brings a special gift to this school’s community as a creative math teacher, musician, and artist. “Mr. Stanley stands out as a unique individual in a faculty that is characterized by individualism,” he said. “He is profoundly creative in his teaching and his artistic pursuits. “Although he is a math teacher by profession, Mr. Stanley is also an accomplished musician and artist. He has produced many CDs of his performances on the piano and guitar, which he has generously shared with me and other faculty throughout the years.” Goeselt also commends Stanley for adding his artistic creativity to his teaching. “Mr. Stanley literally brings his artistic passions into the classroom, using music to explore math and composing designs for the halls of the new Newton North,” he said. As Goeselt said, Stanley’s artwork is displayed in the hallway in front of the math department offices. Goeselt and Stanley quickly became friends, as they tend to arrive to work at the same quiet hour. “He is often the first or second person in the building, and I remember many days coming by

in at 5:30 in the morning just in time to taunt Mr. Stanley for his ‘late’ arrival ten minutes later,” said Goeselt. Stanley’s passions for music and art became apparent to him during his childhood in New Jersey, where he began playing in a rock band in seventh grade. “Music’s been an unbelievable passion my entire life,” said Stanley. Senior year of high school, Stanley left home and travelled the country for a year, he said. During this time, he camped in front of the White House to protest the Vietnam War and picked oranges in California for $3 per day. Then, he settled in Boston to study music. “I had gone to prep school before and kind of got fed up,” he said. “But I grew up playing rock and roll guitar, and afterward I studied music privately for six years: piano and composition.” During this time, he also taught himself to paint, got married at 22, and began having children at 25, he said. After dedicating a few years to raising his kids and teaching piano lessons, Stanley began studying mathematics at UMass Lowell, where, in addition to being a father of three, he received his master’s in 1991. After completing his education, Stanley taught mathematics part-time at his alma mater. After actively searching for a full-time teaching job, this school hired him in 1997. “Newton was in search of a diverse faculty at the time,” said Stanley. As a white male stay-athome father, he was a minority compared to many others in his field. “I think the freedom that North teachers have to run their own show is great,” said Stanley.

Paulina Romero

“I think the freedom that North teachers have to run their own show is great,” said math teacher Eric Stanley. He takes pride in teaching unconventionally. His methodology is untraditional; for example, he does not check homework. He has also been known to regularly provide his students with crackers. “I have a very liberal teaching style,” he said. “I like to be able to play music in class, and lately I’ve been showing short films on occasion.” In his 16 years working at this school, Stanley has taught math 502, 511, 513, 514, 516, and AP (Advanced Placement) statistics. “I think that the students I’ve

Eliza From 7th Street to Sargent Street From Children’s House to Newton North From nursery rhymes to torch songs It’s been a fun and fabulous adventure Congratulations! We can’t wait for the next chapter! With love and pride, Mom, Dad, and Natalie

gotten to know are a bunch of very interesting people, both in terms of math ability and other things,” he said. Over the years, his students have responded positively to his teaching. For example, sophomore Celia Gittleman has enjoyed being in his 502 class this year. “Mr. Stanley’s energy during class is contagious and helps to motivate my whole class,” said Gittleman. “He always knows what we need to stay focused or if it’s the right time to take a short break. “He has been teaching long

enough to know how to treat his students as people rather than just kids. He will be greatly missed.” One of Gittleman’s classmates, sophomore Sammy Marcus, echoed Gittleman’s sentiments. “From watching a short film after a difficult test to occasional cracker breaks, Mr. Stanley has created a fun environment in the classroom,” said Marcus. “His eagerness to meet one-onone and to increase a student’s grade shows his true love for teaching.” Stanley looks forward to focusing more on his musical and artistic passions during his retirement, as well as spending time with his three grandchildren. “I would consider this more of a change of orientation than a retirement,” he said. “I certainly am not going to stop learning and growing, but any work in my future will be of the entrepreneurial sort.” In fact, he is not closing the book with regards to mathematics either. “I see a wonderful opportunity to create visual art unlike any other that has come before. “I’ve just started working on some computer artwork based on mathematics,” he said. Stanley’s undying enthusiasm and creativity will be missed at this school, according to Goeselt. “He takes a strong personal interest in the well-being of his students and is incredibly generous with his time and talent,” said Goeselt. “He has a relentlessly positive and upbeat demeanor,” he said. “I’m really going to miss him, and I wish him a long, happy, and creative retirement.”

6 ◆ Newtonite, Newton North

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Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Aloha from Hawaii

Celebration 2013 Thanks the Donors...

Celebration 2013 thanks Newton North parents and the Newton community for their financial support*: Charleen Kress Elaine & Jack Bradley Linne & Marc Zwetchkenbaum Peter & Marcea Rosenblatt Dan & Tammy Sweeney Laura Streichert Peter & Elizabeth McKelvey The McInnes Family Jennifer Harris Heather Campbell & Vin Miles Dian Bohannon Annette Seaward Andy and Kim Gluck The Finelli Family Suzanne Bird & Robert Joseph Jo-Ann Suna Elizabeth Bosco Marion Golin Mary Beth McIntyre

Margaret Cabot Jill & Michael Fischer Peg & Joe Larkin Tesfaye Frehiwot Tina Mishol Linda & Frank Bilotta Dana Davis Susan Kalish Pam and Eric Diamond Mandy & Jeﬀ Bass Gloria Gavris Lisa Lynch & Fabio Schiantarelli Colleen Herlihy & Henry King Jane & Ken Malieswski Janet & Victor Milione Amy & Jeﬀ Wolfe Alison Conant Bob & Jill Hogan Alexandra Turner

Kirsten Feldman The Phillips-Kaupp Family Bonnie Hersh Sachiko Isihara Anne and Tim Swager Wanchin Chou Paola Maciocia Rose Cortina Lauren Paton Leslie MacDonald Mark Wenneker Strom Thacker Arnold & Vandana Sodder Barbara Huggins The Pancerella Strayer family Jennifer Haas Lisa Lynch Helen Quigley Andrea & Doug Plotkin

Valerie Shulock & Rebecca Segal Doug Adams Allison Donelan The Anderson Family Leslea Noble Carol Cohen Claudia Wu Meryl and Mitch Applebaum Helen MacIntosh Kristen Lucken Christine Testa Mary Webster Cynthia Mapes Jeﬀrey Kaplan Kerri Torres Rebecca Matthews Cynthia Golus Steven Bellerose Lynne LeBlanc

The Romanelli Family Marcea Rosenblatt Karen Axelrod & Bruce Brumberg Carolyn Judge and Bob Leaper Jim and Franca Morgan Isaac & Joan Sadovnik Julie Youdovin Helen MacIntosh Katherine Nimkin Allison Donelan Junko Shibuya James & Lori Sylvia Christine McLennan Katharine Barnes John Balder and Victoria Stein Bela and Paul Labovitch Michele and Thomas Loftus

Let’s thank and support our local businesses and civic organizations for contributing money to the post-prom party*: Benefactor

Contributor

Village Bank

Newton Masonic Associates, Inc. R.L. Tennant Insurance Agency Inc.

Donor Supporter Newton Fireﬁghters Association Nonantum Children’s Christmas Party Assoc. J&S Mobil Kaplansky Insurance Agency

Food and Raffle Prize Contributors*: Alainn Hair Salon Anna’s Taqueria Antoine’s Bakery Bertucci’s Corner Cleaners Costco

Gray’s Grist Mill L’Aroma Cafe Morning Silver Newtonville Pizza O’Hara’s Putting on the Knitz

Riverviewgems Russo’s Saltwater Canvas Shaw’s - Newtonville Star Market - Auburndale Super Stop and Shop - Pleasant Street

Super Stop and Shop - Watertown Street Wally’s Wicked Good Ice Cream West Newton Pizza and Grill Whitson’s Food Service *All listings as of May 22, 2013

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

senior statements

Newton North, Newtonite ◆ 17

Experiment, find one passion to cultivate On the first day of freshman year, I heard a teacher reminding a group of seniors that it was their last first day of school. This happened in another building, in a classroom long since demolished. At the time, I registered the comment with the illusion that that date was years and years away. Now, in the spring of my senior year, this date has clearly passed, and because so much has embellished these years, I scramble to distill my ramblings into useful advice. Here is one point: find something that you really love. Undoubtedly, the high school years promise a balance between the ample leisure but limited opportunities of middle school and the enormous opportunities and

heavier stress (or so I assume) of college. Thus, embrace the chance to experiment, given all the different options and extracurricular activities available. To this end, attend Club Day. As a freshman, I walked into the cafeteria with a list of clubs I wanted to join. In the process of wandering through the maze of booths, I signed up for a few more. I attended a few meetings, but gradually, I differentiated between what I loved and what mildly interested me. Over the years, my number of extracurricular activities has diminished to half its original size, and I neither regret my experimentation nor my ultimate reductions. R e a l i s t i c a l l y, g i v e n t h e

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Christina Chen amount of work in high school, balancing a crammed schedule of activities requires either the willingness to sleep less or an invulnerability to procrastina-

tion. I admit that I do not possess either. But here is another point that remedies this: do not fear being lopsided (although not too lopsided that you tilt and fall). Nurture one passion; practice it to refine it even when the practical side of life recommends you to relinquish it. Understand it. For me, that one thing was math. Once, the desire to do everything for the sake of doing everything tempted me. (Occasionally, it still does.) If there is one thing that I can conclude from my high school experience, it is that being well-rounded is (just slightly) overrated. Having a passion sometimes furnishes unexpected benefits. Suppose you are studying genetics late and the material

congeals your brain. What do you do? Solve some math problems to stimulate your mind. Suppose you are depressed by a poor grade on a test. Solve some harder math problems to salvage your self-esteem. It is better to relinquish sleep for something you love than for memorizing lines from the Aeneid, right? Granted, there will be moments of intense frustration and anger, but I like to reason that the road to perfecting something you love must contain its peaks and troughs like a sine wave. On that note, here is one final piece of advice that in no way contradicts my words above: join the math team. —Christina Chen

Practice good time management, join Theatre Ink A common phrase I’ve heard among my friends this year has been, “Can you believe it’s been four years since freshman year?” Not to destroy the sentimental value of this, but my answer is undoubtedly “yes.” But hold the phone, this isn’t because high school has dragged on; it’s because these four years have been a growing process. I feel as though I have almost abandoned my freshman persona. I thought I was cool because I listened to cool music. I thought I was sly because I would sneak off campus during lunch (freshmen, don’t try it. It was much easier in the old building). And finally, I thought my life was complete because that senior I idolized said “hi” to me in the hallway. I chuckle at the list above

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Chris D’Agostino because none of it matters anymore, or has ever really mattered. I just thought it mattered

at the time. It was all part of the process of finding my identity, something I need to worry less about now. I’m more content. Maybe it’s because my taste in music no longer reflects who I want to be on the outside, or perhaps it’s because I can now walk off campus with no repercussions. Either way, I’ve made it. And you can, too. Here are some tips to get there: Time management. Yeah, your mother probably yells at you about it. Mine too, and for good reason. To have the most fulfilling high school experience, work on separating fun and work early (call me King Hypocrite. I’m still atrocious). There is no worse feeling than coming home late from rehearsal/practice and discovering you have an essay due. It sucks.

Value personal relationships I now realize that there is one thing that made the last four years of my life a blast: relationships . . . with everyone. My experience at Newton North was a headlong dive into the discovery of myself and into relationships with classmates, teachers, teammates, singers, my little brother (from Big Brother Big Sister), you name it. Some think of high school as kind of a drag, but for me it was an adventure. I have no regrets that the spring of 2013 is my twelfth sports season here at North. Every day, I am launched into healthy, stimulating activity. A team provides both fun and fitness—two things that every high school student perpetually needs. The discovery of my own niche has been gratifying, but even more gratifying was the sharing of enthusiasm with kids my age, most of whom I now consider to be friends. In addition to the cross country, track, and ultimate teams, I have made friends in the chorus rooms, as well. I must say, the artsy kids are pretty different from the athletes, but I have found myself wonderfully compatible with both types. The artsy kids always got me laughing and groovin’, and they certainly brought out the chatterbox in me, too. We never got tired of talking, being nervous together, and singing at the top of our lungs during performances. One of my favorite activities was chowing down at Bertucci’s with my Jubilee bass brothers.

The discovery of a second niche brought an increase in both quality and quantity of relationships. All the fancy shmancy extracurricular activities I participated in that North provided were great and all, but relationships that were formed from class meant a lot to me, too. Most teachers experience the admirable ambition of wanting a profession that enables them to connect with youth and make a difference in young lives, but then must tolerate the disappointment of receiving cynicism in return, so pay them a favor. Whenever I had an available X-block after school, my temptation would be to get a little pre-run nap in before practice started, but sometimes I would bump into a teacher instead. In the end, sacrificing some energy (even if much needed) for exposure to great wisdom and intelligence was always worthwhile. Anyway, the point is: Try everything! To any underclassmen that may happen to be reading this, that’s what I have to say. Join a club, a team, a chorus, a musical, do community service of some kind, talk with a teacher after school for a while one day. Do something that involves being with other people. In the end, those are the relationships that you will remember, even more so than when you got an A in your toughest class. The laziness of not wanting to open up your mind is seductive, but it must be pushed aside.

And sure, there will be nights when you’ll have to finish your biology at 2 AM; that’s inevitable. Just don’t make it a habit. Something else that’s inevitable: you will be tempted to look at some of the brilliant students here and ask yourself, “Why can’t I manage twelve AP classes, get straight A’s, excel at extracurriculars, and look sane after three hours of sleep?” If you have these thoughts, here’s my advice: as hard as it is, push them aside. There’s no use worrying. Focus on your progress rather than another ’s. And who knows, maybe these people are just as zombie-ish as you are after three hours of sleep. They just hide it. Theatre Ink. Do it. Seriously, if you have any interest in be-

ing in theatre either onstage or offstage, there is no better outlet. The working environment here is like no other, and Adam Brown and Mike BarringtonHaber push their students beyond their known limits. To preach even more, audition, audition, audition. When it comes to being cast, though, be patient. And please, get feedback. I wouldn’t have grown as an actor if it weren’t for the feedback from the seven unsuccessful auditions I’ve had during my time here. I would say that this letter/ statement neatly wraps up my high school experience, but it doesn’t. As of this writing, I still have to ask a date to prom. And yeah, I have someone in mind. Wish me luck. —Chris D’Agostino

JPE “It is unimaginably hard . . . to stay conscious and alive in the adult world day in and day out. Which means yet another grand cliche turns out to be true: your education really IS the job of a lifetime. And it commences: now. [We] wish you way more than luck.” -DFW, 2005

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David Demarest Home is only where you eat, sleep, bathe, and do homework. The life of a Newton North student mostly belongs at the school where all the relationships are. And please—do not take grades too seriously! Work as hard as what satisfies your selfesteem and well-being at the same time, and if one of these is not being satisfied, you are doing something wrong. Newton North can be a brutally challenging school; it can sometimes seem like a dungeon of stress and exhaustion, but your salvation from it is, in actuality, the very dungeon itself. And on a totally completely different note, after several years of being a teenager, I feel safe to preach: friendship before romance. Always. Figuratively, literally, chronologically, whatever. Trust me, that’s what does the trick. —David Demarest

Congrats on it all. Sure proud of you. “Way to go, Ohio”

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18 ◆ Newtonite, Newton North

senior statements

Overcome difficult obstacles Learn to navigate world in front of you Even though I learned a considerable amount in my three years at Newton North, nothing compares to one fateful day in first grade at Peirce Elementary School. Everyday after school I would meet my siblings right outside school to wait for our mom to pick us up. It had become routine for we had done it every day for almost two years. One day, however, I was running late from class, and as I walked out of the building, I saw my mom’s car driving away with all of my siblings inside. I immediately broke down and started crying because I thought my family had forgotten me. I then came to the seemingly more realistic conclusion that they had abandoned me; I would have to live for eternity in the school to which I was oh-so ill disposed. After considering all the reasons why I was left at school, my survival instincts set in. I took off after my mother’s car. I sprinted down the street, wanting to reach her more and more with each stride I took. After two or three houses I was fatigued and incapable of continuing my pursuit, so I slowed down to a more contained walk-

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Frank Donato

ing pace. I had the route home memorized. It was the distance that intimidated me: one full mile uphill. I cleared my mind of all negative thoughts and continued my trek through the daunting streets of West Newton. Everything that seemed safe and easy quickly turned into endless obstacles: crossing busy streets, walking around all of the landscaping trucks. Walking home was no easy task. Twenty to 30 minutes later

I arrived safely at home. The problem was that no one else was there. Again, I could not contain my fears; my family had surely moved to a new house leaving me here in Newton. I started thinking about how I would survive, possibly building a tepee in my back yard while hunting wildlife. It was difficult to focus, though, knowing I was abandoned. I lay down in my front yard, depressed. Moments later I heard the sweetest sound I may have ever heard: the loud screech of a loose belt in my mother’s car. My mother stopped the car and ran out to give me an enormous hug. Her first question was, “What are you doing home?!” After telling my mom what I had been through she went on to tell me that it was Tuesday, and I was supposed to stay after school for chess club. Because of this event in my life, not only am I more skilled when it comes to navigating my way home, but I am also better at remembering what I have scheduled during the day. It is safe to say that I never forgot about the chess club again. —Frank Donato

Don’t hesitate, try everything School gives opportunities to shine You know the saying, “so much to do, so little time”? That is how I see our school; at Newton North, there is always something new to try, but only so much time to do it. It has been a quick four years here, and if I have learned one thing, it is that if an opportunity presents itself to participate in something, do it. No hesitation. Just do it. You may love it, you may hate it, but you will be able to say that you tried it. Whether it be a sport, a Theatre Ink show, an interesting club, an elective, or the Newtonite, there is plenty to do at this school. I think we take that for granted. For many of us, the countless opportunities provided at our school may feel like norms that

every high school must have. The reality is that we are very lucky to be students here at Newton North, with all of these fun and exciting activities presenting themselves around every corner. Only at Newton North will you find academic excellence, combined with athletic stardom, spectacular acting, innovative clubs and electives, and groundbreaking student writers. Newton North gives these students the chances to shine and be whoever they want to be. That is what is truly great about this school: the opportunities given to everyone. As they say, learning sustains the human spirit. There is much to learn and plenty to do in your time here, so don’t waste a minute of it.

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Mike Safran Try everything you can; you’ll be glad you did. —Mike Safran

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Friendships make school worthwhile Coming to Newton North I thought I knew everything about myself. I knew who my friends were, I knew what I liked to do, and I knew I was ready to be a high school student. After my four years I have learned a lot. Not only have I learned a lot in the classroom but more importantly, I have learned a lot about myself. I am ending high school with friends who I never knew before Newton North. I tried classes I never would have thought to take before high school. Realizing that everything happens for a reason helped me to value things in life more than I did before. Every year you take an assortment of classes with different students. That means every year I was given the opportunity to make new friends. I made many friends and met lots of different people who have tons of different interests. I have friends from swim team, graphics, and just from the hallways. All of these people have left footprints in my life and good memories for later. In 8th grade there were two words I heard from high school students: Get involved. As an athlete I thought, “I’ll be involved with swimming. That’s all I like anyways.” As my freshman year went on, I learned there were so many more opportunities here at North. During my four years I tried a variety of clubs, got involved with sports, learned sign language, majored in culinary, and then in graphics. I became a lifeguard and a swim lesson instructor; I got a job working at the pool, and a summer internship with graphics at school. The opportunities are endless and now that my time here is done, I almost wish I had another year to take advantage of all the wonderful things I didn’t have time for. Junior year, I learned I was afraid to talk on the phone. Who would have thought that graphics would get me over my fear of the phone? Graphics taught me many valuable skills and also helped me to take pride in my work, and to be confident with myself. I not only learned a lot about

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Niki Lew graphics but I learned how to communicate better, be responsible, and work with deadlines and clients. I plan to take all of what I have learned and use it for the rest of my life. One thing that everyone has in common is that one teacher who you don’t like. You can’t like all your teachers; that is not how life works. That teacher who gives you too much homework, that teacher who gives hard tests, that teacher who makes you write too many essays—THAT teacher was given to you for a reason. They were given to you as a challenge. They were put in your life to show you that you’re going to struggle sometimes. They were there to show you that you can do it. You can overcome any problem in your life. High school wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t always fun, but it was totally worth it. When you struggle you realize there are people in your life who really care. I made friends who comforted me after getting a bad grade. I was given teammates to help me get through a tough loss and over a long and stressful injury. I found teachers who I can trust with all my problems. I have coaches whom I can go to talk to about anything. When it seems like nothing is right, and when all you want to do is quit, they are the people that make you realize you can’t stop here. Those are the people who make the whole experience worthwhile. —Nicole Lew

Get involved in extracurriculars, broaden horizons Throughout my time at North, I've learned many things and have remained clueless about even more. For example, I know that custodians and house secretaries are some of the best allies to have in the school, that the student Charlie Cards are really worth getting when they can actually be found (the supply magically disappears sometime after first term), and that no matter how enticing it may seem, taking naps at 10 p.m. instead of starting my mountains of homework is never a good idea. Some of the most perplexing things about North that will forever remain a mystery to me are why half the stalls in every bathroom don't lock correctly, what lacrosse is, and why the underclassmen refuse to stop wearing Uggs. One thing about my time in high school that I am 100 per-

cent sure about is that my experience would not have been the same had I not participated in some of the many extracurricular activities North has to offer. Our options of school-sponsored after-school activities rival those of some colleges and expose us to new teachers, experiences, and friends. As a freshman, I became involved with music and theatre since those were already familiar to me, and those are the two areas with which I have stayed throughout high school. One of my biggest regrets about my high school experience is not getting involved in any activities outside of the arts wing of the building, such as clubs and sports. Whether it be watching "The Office" during lunch or raising money for charity, being involved in clubs at North is a great way to get involved in something that interests you

and meet people who share those interests that you otherwise might not have spoken to. And even if you have zero hand-eye coordination and claim walking in heels to be an athletic talent like I do, there are still many ways to get involved in sports, such as managing a team or even just going to a game. Sports and clubs are classic parts of the American high school experience that everyone should expose him or herself to at least once, even if they seem scary or confusing (like is it a tennis match or meet? And why do they switch sides of the court in basketball? I'll never understand). That being said, all of you should get involved in music (especially if you're a percussionist, since we need those) and theatre (they have the best places to nap in the entire building, and the student producers will give

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Shereen Sodder you candy if you're lucky). The people you'll meet there are some of the most strange and wonderful ones at North, and they'll teach you so many new things via their references to plays and musicians you've never heard of (which you’ll

Google on your phone when they're not looking). Getting involved in extracurricular activities isn't about looking good for college, it's about trying new things and finding out what you like to do. I love music and theatre, and that's why I never tried anything else, but now I'll always wonder what my life would've been like if I had. And having too much work to do isn't a good enough reason not to get involved; in fact, focusing the mind on non-academic and hands-on activities can actually help your performance as a student. So there. You now have no reason not to join a club or audition for a show. Broaden your horizons with these activities; there's so much to try and not nearly enough time to fit it all in. Better get crackin'! —Shereen Sodder

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

senior statements

Keep running over hills of high school

Live in the moment, relax, try to find a balance in life Even looking back at September of senior year, I would never have guessed where I would end up. There are people I met freshman year whom I’m so glad to have in my life to this day, and the same thing with people I’ve met sophomore year, junior year, and especially senior year. Coming into high school, I told myself that friends aren’t the most important part of school. I wanted to get good grades, go to a great college, and worry about friends once I was out of high school. However, after freshman year that wasn’t a priority. Balancing friends and academics can be more difficult for some than others, or near impossible, but I’ve experimented with

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Kristian Sumner

this balance, and during my last months here at North I’ve thrown it out of the window. Now that I’ve been accepted

to college, I’ve stopped worrying about grades and tests and started living in the moment and loving the people I’m with. Letting loose wouldn’t be the same or as fun if I didn’t have the previous years of hard work behind me. I never imagined myself to be the one who stops trying academically in the last two months of school, but I don’t regret it. I wouldn’t trade my high school experience for anything. The people I’ve come to love, the tests I’ve failed, and the late nights I’ve spent in Newton have led to this overwhelming moment where I realize I have my whole life ahead of me, and it can only get better from here. —Kristian Sumner

Have a drive for life, success Continue reaching for the challah Growing up in a Jewish home, you learn to acquire a taste for certain foods such as gefilte fish, lox, and matzah brei, but there is one Jewish food that needs no acquired taste: challah. Almost everyone I have met, Jew or non-Jew, loves it. Even my dog, Molly, loves challah. When Molly was younger, she had not learned that she was not allowed to have food from off the counter, so she would jump up, grab the challah, and walk away right in front of us. We chased after her around the coffee table until either my brother, Teddy, or I caught her. After taking the challah from her and lightly bopping her on the nose as punishment, we hoped she had learned her lesson. Eventually Molly, being the sly dog that she was, figured out a new tactic: take the challah when no one was home. Since we buy challah on Fridays, the weekend was usually prime challah-snatching time.

On multiple occasions, I returned home Saturday afternoon to find an empty chewed Rosenfeld's Bakery bag on the living room floor with crumbs sprinkled everywhere and no Molly or challah to be found. Frustrated with the mess, I would search for that challahsnatching dog. First: the TV room. A few crumbs there. Off to her second favorite dining spot: Teddy's bed. A few crumbs there. Then, finally, to her favorite dining spot: not her bed, but mine! There she was, on my sheets eating the challah off of my pillow, her new placemat. She looked at me impishly, realizing that her deed had bought herself a bop on the nose. Molly cannot live without challah. She truly loves it. We now have learned to stick it way back on the counter behind the Kitchenaid beyond her reach. But I have to admit, sometimes, we forget and leave it on the open counter. Molly does not care about the punishment as long as she

Newton North, Newtonite ◆ 19

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Ellie Wenneker gets her Jewish bread. (Even during Passover, she jumps up to grab the mediocre Passover rolls, her kosher-for-Passover replacement for challah.) As I go forward in life, I hope to have the same drive Molly has for challah, but for success in my future. I will keep reaching for it, no matter how difficult it gets. —Ellie Wenneker

‘It’s about the journey to the finish,’ not the finish “Go, go, go! Tiger pride! Yeaah North!” I looked back and saw two gawky teenage boys cheering me on as I struggled up the last of the infamous Newton hills. I quickly recognized them as North students. I grinned back, my speed quickening. The journey from freshman year to graduation is a lot like the trek from Hopkinton to Boston. Dotted with valleys, steep climbs, and sharp calf-burning drops, high school really is a marathon. Sprinting from calc class in the 470s to the SOA for gym, typing Junior thesis drafts late into the night, and juggling APs with theater—high school students need stamina, persistence, and grit. But now, Class of 2013, we’re in the final stretch. We’ve just made that right on to Commonwealth Avenue and we’re finally down to single digit miles. Look up from the pavement and you’ll see so many familiar faces in the crowd—your teammates, teachers, and friends— all cheering you on. These are the people that will get you up those hills, through those final terms, straight to graduation. Your classmates have been with you the entire way. They’ve agonized over the same chem problem sets, final exams, and Chinese character sheets. Your parents have always been your personal cheerleaders. They’ve tracked your race from the start—watching you cross each mile marker, knowing that you can get to the next checkpoint. When you think you’ve hit “the wall,” look up, and realize that with the support of those

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Sejal Vallabh around you, there’s no way you could stop. Look ahead. Soon we’ll be leaving Newton, entering Boston, and then the world. Yo u ’ r e s u d d e n l y a l o n e . You’ve never run the full distance, and are banking on your hours of training to get you through these new miles. It’s the practice tests, highlighted review books, and late night study sessions that have prepared you for this. By the time you see the Citgo sign your sneakers are scuffed and your legs are shot. But my, how many miles you have come. Unexpected events kept me and thousands of others from finishing the Boston Marathon this year. But boy, the 25.5 miles that I did run were some of the best. Now that I’m at the end of my high school career, I’ve realized that it’s not all about the finish. It’s about the journey to the finish, the muscle you put in, and the people who cheered you along the way. So for those still sweating it out in the early miles, just take a second to look up. Because it’ll be over before you know it. —Sejal Vallabh

20 ◆ Newtonite, Newton North

senior statements

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Explore the unfamiliar, embrace the uncomfortable

‘Find your own little tidal pool in the large sea of the unfamiliar’ Oh man, Class of 2013. This is it. Way back when our high school lives were all about where we stood in relation to colored bricks and how quickly we could navigate damp, snaking hallways, I was granted the greatest gift of all: uneasiness. Everything about the old asbestos-infected building screamed unfamiliar: the thunderous echo on Main Street at 7:45 a.m., the huge square table in the collegiate-looking library, and the way the temperature could drop twenty degrees from room to room. Yet even when our high school walls were transformed from brick to glass and the definition of Main Street morphed several times over, high school remained a sea of unknown faces and hidden social taboos. In the new building, we were freshmen all over again.

Sounds miserable, maybe. Yet I ask you to entertain the thought because perhaps this is what life is all about—finding the comfortable in the uncomfortable. In short, maybe life is all about being The Freshman, feeling the discomforts, and growing into the unknown. It’s something I hate to do. I like to feel safe, secure, wanted. I like to trust, and I like to be trusted. I dread unfamiliarity’s baggage—the fear of embarrassment, rejection, and discomfort. Yet, perhaps it is this discomfort which has made me grow. So, to the freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors: I urge you, in your time at North and beyond, do not be afraid of feeling uncomfortable. Allow yourself to shake with fear before a race, knowing that the water or track will be

cold and your competition will be tough and your legs will be burning. Allow yourself to plunge into a political debate with your friends, not knowing whether there will be tears or personal enlightenment or both. Allow yourself to step under the blinding lights with hundreds of pairs of eyes on you. Allow yourself to be vulnerable. Because that is what you will remember. And perhaps even more rewarding, you will remember the moment when suddenly the uncomfortable isn’t uncomfortable any more. You will find your own little tidal pool in the large sea of the unfamiliar—the friends you trust, the teachers who inspire you, and the passions which drive you. Suddenly the “hospital walls” of the new building will begin to look a little less bleached, a little bit cozier.

To survive high school, forge relationships, join SPARC If you asked me four years ago if I thought I would make it to graduation, I would have told you with complete confidence that I would not. I didn’t see an end in sight; I didn’t believe that these four years would ever really come to an end. Yet here I am, typing my own piece in the 2013 Newtonite graduation edition, and I couldn’t be more elated to say that yes, I actually have done it; I actually have completed these four long and dramatic high school years. But I’m not just writing this piece so I can brag to everyone that I did it, I am writing because I want to help anyone who thinks they can’t. I have five survival tips for you that will get you through however many years you may have left: 1. Ask for help. I was surprised to learn that almost every adult or teacher in the building, whether you know them or not, is always willing to help out a student. Once, I was having trouble with science, and I just marched into the science office and found a random teacher to help me. I got an A on my test that day. 2. Your teacher isn’t your enemy. Forge relationships with any teacher or adult you see, because you never know,

one day you really may need something. (Cough cough...a recommendation.) 3. Talk to a few new people a week. Just like the teacher thing, you never really know when or what you’ll be needing at a certain time. Some of those kids may end up being really cool, or having the exact knowledge needed to help you with homework you can’t do. And even just giving someone a smile a day can make a huge difference. 4. Don’t talk badly about people if you really don’t have to. I’ve learned this the hard way. Truthfully, we really don’t know who our real friends are in high school until we leave. People can be fake, and it is a harsh reality every person has to deal with, but I understand now that there is no reason to badmouth people behind their backs, and it is something I will always regret. If you have a problem, instead of complaining, get it fixed. 5. When you are a senior, do SPARC. This is my most serious piece of advice. SPARC is an internship opportunity that allows you to finish your classes early and do a cool internship instead. I have loved every second of my SPARC experience. I am going totally out of my element and working with children in

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Katie Wu The emerald fields will suddenly have a personality (but only because you are beginning to find your own) and the students will look younger and shorter. The stage will look smaller,

the audience friendlier, and the lights a bit less blinding and a bit more invigorating. And comfort can only last so long. Soon it will be time for us to once again be The Freshmen in life beyond high school—to plunge ourselves into the unfamiliar and unknown. The cycle continues, and, while I hope I can meet the unfamiliarity with more confidence than four years ago, to be honest, the thought of walking out onto the field at graduation for the last time terrifies me. But for now: freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, I envy you guys. Cherish the awkwardness, the feelings of vulnerability, and the discomfort. Because before you know it, everything will start to feel comfortable and familiar again, and it’ll be time to move on to the next chapter. —Katie Wu

To read more, visit: theNewtonite.com

Congratulations

Captain Carl We are so proud of you and

your great achievements at NNHS. file photo

Jill Zwetchkenbaum poorer parts of the city and state and helping them get active with Reebok. This is the last chance in my life I will be able to do something like this, and I am so appreciative Newton North offered this to me. Who wants to go to class senior spring anyway? Kidding.

And those are my top five things I’ve learned here, everyone.

I hope each person that reads what I have to say can take something away from it. And finally, I want to congratulate each and every ’13-er who has taken this crazy fouryear journey with me. Thanks, and good luck to everyone! —Jill Zwetchkenbaum

The BEST is yet to come at URI and beyond! With all our love and admiration, Mom, Dad, Tori, Amanda, Douglas, P and your entire family!! NNHS Class of 2013

s n o i t a l u t a r Cong David We are so proud of you!

Love, Mom, Dad, Brian, Sarah, and Julie

191 Summer Street Newton Centre, MA 02459

real estate services Eleanor Shea Mannix

Sales Associate

mobile: 617.910.6234 office: 617.244.2755 fax: 617.244.252 eleanor@thinkres.com

Congratulations Jessie! Live beautifully! Dream passionately! Don’t let anyone dull your sparkle! I am so proud of you!

www.THINKres.com

MOM

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

editors’ columns

Newton North, Newtonite ◆ 21

Growth takes ‘couscous’ effort I’ve hoped that I would be asked to write a senior statement since I joined the Newtonite freshman year. Since then, I’ve read and edited hundreds of statements, ranging from strings of clichés, to heartfelt advice, to forced analogies, to long lists of adjectives. You’d figure that by now I’ve had enough time and experience to write a decent senior statement, but you’d be wrong. After all, it is true that no one (myself obviously included) has ever handed in a senior statement on time. This failure may be due to the fact that it is impossible to capture high school at Newton North in a mere 300-600 words. Or in any word count for that matter. Today, our long-awaited graduation day, is a time to look back to who we were when we entered the smelly, rainbowpainted old building. We played on freshman sports teams, couldn’t drive, were lowly newspaper staff writers, and consistently cut through the art room to get to the fourth-floor Tiger’s Loft. Over the last four years,

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Hilary Brumberg we’ve managed somehow to transform ourselves from an awkward group of Bigelow, Day, and private school alumni to the somewhat unified Class of 2013. I attribute this to a combination of maturity and the natural following of advice from previous senior statements (such as the classic “get involved” and “strive to be the best you can be”). Now that we’ve mastered high school, most of us will find ourselves as new kids on the

block again next year, whether it be as college freshmen, firstyear employees, novice travelers, rookie soldiers, or whoever we become. We will be the ones who congregate awkwardly in the center of hallways, accidentally substitute “couscous” for “conscious” in an article about drunk driving, and who don’t know how to use a cash register. All the changes we have gone through from freshman to senior year don’t just happen. Instead, we make a “couscous” effort to change, to become the people we want to be. You can follow advice from these senior statements, or you can set your own goals, whether it be graduating from college with honors, being promoted at work or in the military, learning to spell, or winning an international miming award. Regardless of our specific goals, we can all look forward to becoming better future versions of ourselves. And to the members of the Classes of 2014, 2015, 2016, and beyond who will be fortunate enough to write senior statements, you’d better start now! —Hilary Brumberg

Capitalize on all opportunities Four years ago, when a shorter, more awkward version of myself was features editor of the Bigelow Beat, one of my friends (a certain Ms. Hilary Brumberg) made a Venn diagram for the paper, comparing high school, middle school, and elementary school. In quite simple bullet notes, she described Newton North as a bigger school with more work and more responsibilities, but also as an institution with more choices and opportunities than middle and elementary school. (She obviously forgot to mention that this school has a much better newspaper that, unlike the Bigelow Beat, consistently capitalizes the first letters of its bullet notes.) Stylistic errors aside, although my friend wrote nothing groundbreaking in her diagram, she was right about high school. At Newton North, there are more classes to take, more clubs to join, and more friends to meet than at any other place I’ve seen. And as high schoolers, we are old enough to take on new responsibilities and to take advantage of the opportunities that our school provides. One way I immersed myself

in high school was by joining the Newtonite. As a squeaky-voiced freshman, I was shy. However, through the Newtonite I was able to rack up the courage to talk to unfamiliar people about topics from tennis to concussions to sleep deprivation, and I was able to laugh at my mistakes along the way. One day, I answered the phone, “Jay, Newtonite speaking,” instead of “Newtonite, Jay speaking,” making for one hilariously silly mistake. (My sleep-deprived self that day must have wished he had read my article on sleep habits.) If I hadn’t joined the Newtonite, I would have missed out on the combined learning experience and tight-knit community that defined my high school experience. I don’t think I would be friends with the people I have grown so close to in high school. So, if I made a new Venn diagram to include college, as well as elementary, middle, and high school, I’d have to say that college has even more opportunities (if everything I’ve been hearing on college tours is true). And if the trend continues, I’d

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Jay Feinstein be able to add another circle to tell readers that after all schooling, opportunities increase again (although I’m not sure how to draw a five-circled Venn diagram). As promised by Hilary’s Venn diagram, high school was great, and I’ve learned so much inside and outside of the classroom. It was better than anything that came before. But high school is only a stepping stone to what’s to come afterward. —Jay Feinstein

Julia Moss

Mixing it up: Jacob Schwartz began writing ‘This Week in Headlines’ last fall on theNewtonite.com.

‘Life moves pretty fast,’ take chances When I emerged from the cocoon of middle school and first walked through the big, scary doors of Newton North High School, I was short, freckly, and scared. Now, while I continue to be somewhat short and have plenty of freckles, I have tried not to be so fearful. I know what you’re thinking: “Jacob, that sounds like a pretty clichéd beginning to your senior statement.”And I admit that you are most certainly right. But here’s my point: Don’t worry so much. “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.” This classic line from the 1986 masterpiece “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” summarizes my philosophy on North well. I found everything always turned out better in the end when I didn’t think “what if something bad happens,” and just tried new things without worrying too much. For example, I’ve thought about joining a singing group at this school for a very long time, yet it took me until the spring of senior year to even audition. I guess I was just scared. Maybe I was worried that my voice would crack, or afraid that I just wouldn’t make the cut. In retrospect, though, those fears seem pretty silly and completely unnecessary. Sometimes it feels like your struggles at North will never end. It can be frustrating when you think you can see some light at the end of the tunnel, but then you get closer and it’s just some kid with a bright flashlight. The best way to get past this feeling is to switch up your pattern and try new things. After a couple of years covering sports teams for the Newtonite, I knew it was time to switch things up, so my friend and I began a satirical blog. I can’t objectively say whether

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Jacob Schwartz it was actually funny or not, but I can say that in making the blog, we laughed and we cried. Say singing groups and satirical blogs are not your cup of tea. There are still about 20 trillion great ways for you to get involved in the way that you want to! Another necessary note for a satisfactory high school experience: Don’t compare yourself to others, gradewise or for any other reason. If you know you’re giving it your all, it doesn’t matter if someone else has a slightly better math grade than you. Besides, even if they are better at math than you, you can still be the one living up your high school experience, taking advantage of all it has to offer. Also, perhaps you noticed that I haven’t mentioned the word “college” until now. That’s because I know you will be fine in that department, whether you worry about it or not. Gee, that sure was a mouthful. But, anyways, it’s time to take a nice deep breath, get your feet wet, and relax. It’s all going to be okay; in fact, it’s going to be great. —Jacob Schwartz

Extracurriculars make high school more fulfilling Above all else, I leave behind a letter addressed to Mr. Jay Feinstein, Ms. Hillary Brumberg, and “Mr.” Perrin Stein. This letter, from the Disney Corporation, said the Newtonite could not use the names “Nemo,” “Dumbo,” and “Eyore” on our Volume 91 sweatshirts without being sued. I am fairly certain that this letter will remain tacked on the Wall of Shame, which holds the Newtonite’s long history of amusing and egregious mistakes, long after I graduate. Beyond the Disney letter, there is nothing tangible that will remain in this school reminding future students that I, like them, spent four years here occasionally learning and frequently hoping for cancelled classes. Although I will leave nothing tangible behind, like it or not, I

will always have my memories of this school. For instance, I will always be able to recall Lee’s Burgers on press night (a memory I’d rather forget), Newtonite radio (Beach Boys, anyone?), and all (yes all) the miming jokes. In reflecting on these memories, it is clear that the most valuable thing I did in the last four years was join the Newtonite. During this time (some of which was spent watching “How High Schoolers Imagine the College Admissions Process” on YouTube), I had the opportunity to meet students and faculty and to learn about the goings-on of this school. I enjoyed the Newtonite because it had a purpose and importance far more tangible and immediate than integrals and poetry explications.

For me, school is monotonous (maybe because it’s senior spring). Nothing I do is ever my own because classes come with assignments and rubrics. However, on the Newtonite, the editors make up the expectations and the deadlines. In this self-directed setting, I was able to apply my knowledge and find something I could call my own. In general, it is important to find activities that do not come with an instruction manual or with clear expectations. Therefore, it seems like a waste to spend high school going home promptly after school every day. Instead of sitting at home doing schoolwork, perhaps join the Newtonite or the lacrosse team or the Asian Culture Club. (Just don’t feel compelled to join all the clubs, sports, and Theatre

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Perrin Stein Ink productions.) After all, schoolwork can be done later. In the end, I am guessing that extracurricular investments

will be infinitely more memorable than a history essay on the causes of World War II or a chemistry problem set on acids and bases. Over the last two years, I have read many of these senior statements, and a lot of them boil down to the message “get involved.” (Just like this one.) This message says two things about this school: It has a lot of opportunities, and school isn’t an inherently fulfilling experience. Extracurricular activities bring life and importance to classroom learning. They reveal that, perhaps, the work we do in school isn’t important in and of itself, but what is essential is the way school teaches us to problem solve and the way it teaches us to teach ourselves. —Perrin Stein

fine and performing arts

22 ◆ Newtonite, Newton North

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Theatre ink shows Spanish teacher directs farcical comedy ‘Rumors’ Peter Diamond Directed by Spanish teacher Daniel Fabrizio, “Rumors,” a farce by Neil Simon, ran Nov. 1 through Nov. 3 in the auditorium. “Rumors” tells the comical story of four affluent couples who arrive at a party, only to find that the host, the deputy mayor of New York City, had just been shot in the ear and the hostess is mysteriously missing. “Neil Simon’s presentation of four upper-class couples whose marriages are in varying states of dysfunction can get a bit exaggerated and outrageous,” said Fabrizio. “Yet it reminds us how other people’s perceptions of us can inform how we function in our daily lives.” The actors effectively conveyed unique dynamics within the couples. Seniors Eliza Burr and Sam Raby, playing Claire and Lenny, respectively, demanded the audience’s attention from the moment they entered with their humourous portrayal of an affluent couple and their brilliant comedic timing. Juniors Jake Ezzell and Kelsey Fox, playing Cookie and Ernie, respectively, highlighted the eccentricities of a quirky elderly couple with their playful banter. “As always, the students here never cease to amaze me with the energy and enthusiasm they bring to the creative process,” said Fabrizio. “I can’t help but marvel at the inner-workings of Theater Ink, which puts such an emphasis on the learning aspect of theatre.” by

‘Coastal Disturbances’ displays exceptional comedic acting, unique set

Leah Budson and Peter Diamond “Coastal Disturbances,” a comedic play by Tina Howe, ran Dec. 5 through Dec. 8 in the little theatre under the direction of seniors Jack Reibstein and Nick Rodriguez. “The show revolves around conquering the uphill battle of loving someone, whether it be a mother and a son or a budding relationship,” said Reibstein. Junior Ezra Dulit-Greenberg played Leo, the protagonist. From the get-go, Dulit-Greenberg proved to be a versatile actor, as he delivered comedic oneliners and sensitive moments alike with fantastic honesty. He and junior Deedee Elbieh, who played Leo’s romantic interest, Holly, worked well together in scenes with dialogues driven by a mutually controlled energy. The visual aspects of the play also stood out. Senior Amalia Sweet, the scenic designer, transformed the little theatre into a charming New England beach in which a lifeguard chair and boardwalk stood in front of a beautiful mural of a cloudy sky. The entire stage was covered in sand in order to mimic a beach. “I was excited about every aspect of this show, from the performances to the costumes,” Reibstein said. by

‘True Colors’ centers around theme of self-expression

Leah Budson Freshman Cabaret echoed its title, “True Colors,” by showcasing the acting, singing, and dancing talents of each cast member. Directed by sophomores Liv Berlin, Ashley Campbell, Leah Moskowitz, and Elena Rodriguez, the show ran Dec. 13 and Dec. 14 in the auditorium. In the scenes, the actors conveyed the essence of their characters without making them ridiculous or overdone, their subtlety and confidence adding to the natural humor of the pieces. Many of the songs in the show combined acting and singing instead of focusing only on one discipline. While featuring powerful singing, cast members used their movement and expressions to show their characters’ emotions, making the pieces more interesting to the audience. One example of this trend was in Jackson Bunis and Rowan Morrissey’s by

rendition of “My New Philosophy” by Andrew Lippa from the musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Beginning with a dialogue that established the characters’ relationship, the actors remained in character throughout the song, truly combining singing and acting. Morrissey’s performance was particularly impressive, as the bubbly, naïve nature of her character was evident not only in her singing, but also in the way she bounced around the stage. “Everyone in the show had something different and unique to offer, and once all the individual talents were meshed in one production, it was a fantastic array of the freshman talent as a whole,” said Rodriguez.

Frank Loesser ran March 14 through March 17 in the auditorium. Following J. Pierrepont Finch, played by junior Ezra Dulit-Greenberg, the musical tells the story of the ambitious young man’s rapid climb up the ladder of success. With humble beginnings as a window washer, Finch is guided by a small yellow book to weasel his way into the inner workings of World Wide Wickets, a company full of promise for the aspiring businessman. “It truly was great,” said Borowka, describing his time directing the musical. “This is a really special high school. This experience was more professional and inspiring than some of my other high school experiences.”

Cabaret Troupe showcases contemporary showtunes

Spontaneous Generation provides hilarious improv

By Leah Budson and Maddie Griswold “Reasons to Run,” this year’s Cabaret Troupe show, ran Jan. 10 through Jan. 12 in the auditorium. This year’s show explored the sense of security of being home and the risks and potential benefits of leaving it, according to junior Juliet Roll, who directed the cabaret with sophomore Peter Diamond. An annual Theatre Ink production, Cabaret Troupe’s performance is a contemporary musical theatre cabaret, consisting entirely of music written in the last decade. The theme of this year’s show was relevant to teenagers’ lives, according to Roll. “A lot of contemporary music theatre centers around young people who are moving on to new and exciting things in their lives, like leaving home,” she said. “These things require them to take risks.” During her time as a director, Roll said, “I loved getting to further explore contemporary musical theatre.” Diamond, senior Chris D’Agostino, junior Danny Thibeault, sophomore Jonathan Gomolka, and freshman Ethan Smith shined in the final showstopper of the night, a clever uptempo song called “Epiphany” from “Altar Boyz” by Gary Adler and Michael Patrick Walker that kept audience members at the edge of their seats. As the boys harmonized perfectly, Gomolka’s commitment to his role as the flamboyant and fabulous student and his impressive riffs truly stole the show.

‘Translations’ explores themes of internationalism

Peter Diamond and Maddie Griswold Directed by English teacher Timothy Finnegan, “Translations” by Brian Friel ran Feb. 6 through Feb. 10 in the little theatre. “Translations” takes place in an Irish town called Baile Beag while Ireland is under British imperial rule. “It tells the story of a small group of local tenant farmers who are unwittingly being forced to give up their land rights under the façade of ‘mapping’ by the English government,” said Finnegan, hinting at the international themes in the play. “We probably take it for granted, but for some, the ability to speak the language we know and love is not always an option.” Tensions arose as the play progressed, as both Manus, played by sophomore Nico Krauss, and Yolland, played by junior Simon Wolfe, departed from Baile Beag. To the village’s horror, Captain Lancey, played by junior Hiroki Shibuya, threatened eviction and the shooting of all livestock if Yolland was not found. “The actors taught me new things about what it means to ‘put on a show’ every day,” Finnegan said. “I am overcome with joy to know that we have a school that allows things like this to happen on a regular basis––for both faculty and for students.” by

Musical features talented performers, humorous satire Maddie Griswold Directed by theatre educator and director Steve Borowka, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” by by

Peter Diamond and Maddie Griswold Spontaneous Generation, this school’s improvisational comedy troupe, performed its annual showcase April 3 through April 6 in the little theatre, directed by seniors Sam Raby and Nick Rodriguez with sophomore Elena Rodriguez as assistant director. Reibstein performed with the troupe for his third and final time. “We got better and better all year,” he said. “All the members brought something different. We formulated a group mind, which is something we talked about all the time.” Opening with a full-cast puppet show, cast members sat on the knee of their so-called puppet master, displaying their acting chops in the only scripted portion of the night. The exaggerated facial expressions of cast members drew laughs from the audience. Elena Rodriguez especially shined, as she ad-libbed the comedic storyline before brother Nick Rodriguez stormed in, declaring the “end of the cheesy jokes” and the start of the show.

Actors from this school, South perform Shakespeare

Douglas Abrams and Leah Budson With detailed costumes and a unique ’60s spin, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” this year’s Shakespeare collaboration between this school and South, was nothing if not humorous and out of the ordinary. The show, directed by local actor and director Ross MacDonald, ran May 9 through May 11 at South. The play’s plot centered around a group of fairies portrayed as bell bottomwearing hippies, who were using magic to create love triangles among four Athenian youth. A stand-out fairy, sophomore Jane Maunsell, provided one of the biggest surprises of the play: hardcore acrobatics. In the first encounter with the fairies, Maunsell dizzily moves onto the stage, tumbling from handstand to feet effortlessly. The fairies’ liveliness was contagious among the actors in the love triangles. Specifically, there was strong chemistry between sophomore Peter Diamond, who played Lysander, and South sophomore Rebecca Williams, who played Hermia. Juniors Mackenzie Dreese and Hiroki Shibuya, who played Helena and Demetrius, respectively, completed the love story. All four matched each other’s confidence on stage, all four were in perfect unison, all four played off each other to a tee. by

‘Blood Relations’ features chemistry betweeen actors Maddie Griswold The psychological murder mystery “Blood Relations” ran May 22 through May 25 in the little theatre. Directed by seniors Anna Nemetz and Sam Raby, the thriller followed the crime of Lizzie Borden, who murdered her parents in the early 19th century, and the drama of a dysfunctional family. “The whole cast was amazing,” said Nemetz. “We were really privileged to have the cream of the crop. They were ready to learn and grow as actors.” The exchanges between Lizzie and by

the Actress, played by junior Juliet Roll and sophomore Natalie Tereshchenko, respectively, were a highlight of the entire performance, giving the audience a terrifying glimpse into the mind of this alleged murderer. The conversations between the two talented actresses were truly psychotic, a glint of insanity in their eyes. Abigail Borden, the classic evil stepmother, played by junior Deedee Elbieh, displayed a clear distaste towards Lizzie that only accentuated the alleged murderer’s rage. As her family members began to leave her alone in the house, all that was on Lizzie’s mind was death. She deserves to live, but why should her wicked stepmother? “Some lives are more valuable than others,” Lizzie says ominously.

Preview: Nitrous Oxide to use energy from audience Douglas Abrams “Nitrous Oxide,” a student comedy group, will be performing tomorrow and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the little theatre. Unlike many other productions at this school, the sketches are “100 percent student written,” according to junior Alex Shames, who is an actor in the group. Junior Ezra Dulit-Greenberg, who is a director of the show with junior Jack Reibstein, said that he is excited to show the community all the sketches that they have worked on. “I really want people to see and appreciate sketch comedy,” said DulitGreenberg. Junior Will Champion, who is another actor in “Nitrous Oxide,” said that above all, students should come see the show because it is funny. “The humor is quite modern and some of it is specific to students.” Champion said that he is excited to perform in front of an audience because it will “energize the cast and bring the sketches to a new level, especially some of the more physical ones.” Tickets are $7 and are being sold on theatreink.com and at all lunches. by

Preview: Playwrights to provoke emotions in plays

Douglas Abrams Playwrights Festival, a platform for student-written plays, is set to go up Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. in the little theatre. Junior Kelsey Fox, who is directing Playwrights Festival with sophomore Peter Diamond, said that “students should come see the show because there is a real variety of plays. Sometimes you’ll laugh hysterically. You’ll gasp for air because it is so uncomfortable. Other times you’ll really feel for the characters. It’s like getting to see seven shows for the price of one.” Junior Maddie Waters, who is codirecting “Fasten Your Seatbelts,” a comedy written by juniors Rachel Brown and Lee Moriarty, with junior Dan Minahan, said that “students should come see the festival because it has a variety of comedic and dramatic plays.” According to junior Adina Kruskal, who wrote and directed “Fall,” a play that takes place in a piano bar, she is excited for all the new actors that are performing this year. “It’s an absolute joy to work with my actors. The rehearsal process has been a great learning experience for me so far, since I have no prior directing experience,” said Kruskal. “It is great to see plays go through the editing process. By the time we’re done, some have stayed the same and crystalised, while others have done a complete 180.” Tickets are $7 and are being sold on theatreink.com and at all lunches. by

For more, visit: theNewtonite.com

fine and performing arts

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Jazz ensembles perform at Harvestfest for first time

Leah Budson Harvestfest, one of this school’s three seasonal concerts, brought together vocal and instrumental ensembles to perform diverse and exciting pieces, ranging stylistically from traditional to contemporary. Nov. 14 and Nov. 15, eight of this school’s ensembles performed in the auditorium for their first concert of the year. Harvestfest I began with Jazz Ensemble’s first-ever performance at a Harvestfest. The ensemble started the night strong with “Shiny Stockings” by Frank Foster. This standard was upbeat, filling the auditorium with cheer and excitement for the numbers to come. The first night of the concert series ended dramatically with Wind Ensemble’s rendition of “Mekong” by Robert W. Smith, a piece based on American involvement in the Vietnam War. The piece began in complete silence which was eerily broken by the sound of rainsticks and ocean drums. The number continued to escalate until it finished as it had begun with the wistful song of a flute, the sound of rain sticks, and finally complete silence. Harvestfest II began with Tiger BeBop’s rendition of “The Nearness Of You,” words by Ned Washington and music by Hoagy Carmichael, in the choir’s first performance at a Harvestfest. In the piece, the group’s sweet voices overlapped beautifully in the slow love song. Concert Choir joined Family Singers for the last song of the concert, “Psalm 150” by Louis Lewandowski. Parts of the choir sang crisp staccato “hal-le-lujah”s, which were complimented neatly by smooth melodies. The song ended powerfully with a full, rich note. “When Concert Choir and Family are combined, it is a much larger group, and it is nice to have a wide variety of ages and experience,” said music teacher Adam Grossman, the conductor of Family Singers. by

Singers, instrumentalists perform Winterfest concert Leah Budson and Andrew Mannix Winterfest featured two opposite sides of a spectrum with small chamber groups of around five students performing in Winterfest I and over 200 students from this school and South performing one large work in Winterfest II. Despite this contrast, both nights featured the same fantastic array of music and skill. Winterfest I, Jan. 30, began with performances by six separate chamber groups, in which all members played the same type of instrument. The Percussion Ensemble, directed by then-Berklee student Kevin Farrell, played “The Entertainer” by Scott Joplin, a playful and upbeat piece of ragtime. The Symphonic Band, directed by Farrell and music teacher Richard Labedz, ended the night with three songs. The highlight of the three was the finale, “The Lords of Greenwich” by Robert Sheldon, the energy of which filled the hall. Jan. 31, Winterfest II, which is also known as the Ray Smith Memorial Concert, consisted of one large-scale work, “Mass in Time of War” by Joseph Haydn. Concert Choir, Family Singers, the Orchestra, and musicians from South performed the piece, which was split into six movements. One movement, “Gloria,” consisted of three different sections. In “Gloria in Excelsis Deo,” vocalists and instrumentalists alternated, adding a unique and interesting element to the work. The string players began the final movement of the night, “Angus Dei.” Other musicians joined in shortly after, the piece fluctuating in volume, showcasing its dynamic range. Fine and performing arts department head Todd Young shared his thoughts on the piece’s length: “It is a great piece. However, it is a ton of work. The kids took on the challenge very well,” he said. by

“It was a great opportunity for many of the students because they do not get the chance to perform something this big very often.”

Vocalists shine at annual Springfest concert series Maddie Griswold and Andrew Mannix Every spring, music groups at this school join together for Springfest, held this year April 9 and 10. In Springfest I, Honors String Ensemble, directed by music teacher Adam Grossman, began the night with a fivepart Baroque piece, “Concerto Grosso” by G. F. Handel. The smooth tones of violins and cellos were projected throughout the hall as bows bobbed up and down in unison, playing intricate melodic lines. After a short intermission, the Orchestra, directed by Grossman, began with “Overture to Il Signor Bruschino” by Gioachino Rossini. In this upbeat piece, instruments accelerated into intense melodies that were contrasted by the violinists’ upbeat tapping col legno of their bows. In Springfest II, Concert Choir, directed by fine and performing arts department head Todd Young, began their set with “Down to The River to Pray” by Alison Krauss. This song started with only half the chorus singing, though the other half quickly joined in. The rest of the song alternated between different sections of the choir singing, adding interest to the piece. “I think this will be good for the students because they will get a little bit of everything,” said Young beforehand. The hard work and energy of musicians and singers alike made the Springfest a memorable experience for all. by

This school’s jazz musicians collaborate with South

Peter Diamond and Andrew Mannix For the first time, North and South jazz musicians performed together for North’s second Jazz Night of the year. April 30 in the auditorium, this school’s Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Lab Ensemble, and Tiger BeBop performed alongside South’s Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Lab Ensemble, and Jazz Combo. The first Jazz Night had been Jan. 16. The Lillian Radlo Resident Artist Fund sponsored this event with a grant to promote the arts in Newton. In order to the receive the grant, the music department needed to come up with this idea, apply, and have it accepted. Music teacher Richard Labedz said that as part of the grant, six professional musicians came to perform at the end of the concert, finishing off the night. “It’s been a vision of mine because there is so much talent in Newton,” said Labedz. “South has a strong jazz program, and we have a strong jazz program. It was an effort to connect not only the student community, but the jazz community.” During the first Jazz Night of the year, Jazz Ensemble performed “Moanin’” by Charles Mingus, arranged by Sy Johnson. Senior Nick Roberts on baritone saxophone began the piece with a deep, full melody that continued throughout the song. The ensemble ended the night with “A Song for Horace” by Michael Philip Mossman, the bouncing drum beats and electric guitars adding a unique rythm and undertone to the upbeat piece. by

Musicians showcase popular music, receive awards Douglas Abrams and Peter Diamond Each of this school’s music ensembles played a piece of popular music at the annual Pops Night, May 16. Describing the event, fine and performing arts department head Todd Young said, “Pops Night is a great way to celebrate a fantastic year.” During the concert, one especially memorable performance was the Concert Choir’s rendition of “Some Nights” by

by Fun. The modern-pop flare of the performance was energetic and lively. Throughout the song, soloists stepped to the front of the chorus to sing a few lines, adding variety to the rendition. Another memorable vocal group was Jubilee Singers, who sang “If You’re Out There” by John Legend. The group featured seniors Samantha Chan and Mikey Jimenez, clearly seasoned performers. After the concert, students received awards for achievement in music. The most prestigious award is the Henry Lasker Music Award, which senior Sam McCall received. “The award goes to a student who has really embodied the total picture of the music department,” said Young in an interview last year. “I’m a big believer that that means so much more than playing your instrument well.” This year, senior Alyssa Lujares received the award for Orchestra, senior Emma Walters received the Tom Ledard Music Scholarship, senior Zach Balder received the Class of ’54 Reunion Music Scholarship, senior Ari Gillman received the Raymond Smith Award, senior Katie Wu received the Nathan Robinson Memorial Music Award, and senior David Oluwadara received the Martin Rossman Scholarship.

Newton North, Newtonite ◆ 23

Jubilee Singers celebrate diversity, black history Peter Diamond and Maddie Griswold Jubilee Singers performed two concerts of their own this year, one last Saturday and one Jan. 26 in the auditorium, conducted by music teacher Sheldon Reid. Reid explained a benefit of Jubilee having a concert to itself: “Because there are fewer transitions, it really allows you to tell a story to the audience and take them from beginning to end,” he said. “You have a little more control of the atmosphere.” According to Reid, the Jubilee Singers attempt to represent the diversity of the African diaspora with a variety of songs, recognizing the struggle, while celebrating the culture. The Jan. 26 concert opened with the rousing “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round,” arranged by Alexi Paraschos. Junior Aajia Freeman gave life to the piece with an impressive solo to start it off. The song gave voice to a fiery protest of segregation during the Civil Rights Movement and the time of Martin Luther King, Jr. Throughout the remainder of the songs, the chorus’s passion was infectious, and their voices carried the piece’s strength, as well as the dynamic harmonies that were produced. by

Art department showcases prints, masks at library Leah Budson and Peter Diamond During the fall, prints and masks scattered throughout display cases in the Newton Free Library showcased student talent with their unique techniques and themes. Made by last year’s art major I’s, the masks’ subjects varied from candy to tree spirits. Some could be functional as a mask, with holes for the eyes and mouth, while many others, such as “Hand and Face” by sophomore Perry Miller, were more abstract. The prints in the exhibit also varied in theme, with subjects such as butterflies and human faces. According to art teacher Shannon Slattery, the library began showcasing student work about two years ago. Thereafter, this school and South have alternated using the gallery space, with this school displaying artwork in the fall and South in the spring. “I think that this is a great opportunity for these kids to show their work in a place where a lot of people will see it,” said Slattery. “The library gets a lot of traffic. In fact, I get a lot of comments from people from the art world in Newton.” by

Boston Globe awards student artists, writers Leah Budson and Peter Diamond This year, numerous students from this school won Boston Globe Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, awards given by the Boston Globe to high school students for achievement in fine arts and writing. Senior Audrey Derobert won a Gold Key, the award’s highest honor, for a photography project in the form of a public awareness poster tackling the subject of self-harm. “It’s something easily hidden and covered up despite the fact that it’s so alarmingly prevalent amongst teenagers,” said Derobert. “In a way, it’s a call to pay attention, because you don’t know what you might be missing. Senior Malini Gandhi won an by

award for the second year in a row. This year, she won three Silver Crowns for writing, two for poems and one for a short story called “Before the Rain was Gone” for which she won the Roland Heintzelman Award last year. “I definitely felt very honored and excited,” said Gandhi. “I think the Scholastic Awards are a really nice way for artists and writers to put their work out to a larger audience and receive recognition for their pieces.”

Artists, photographers show work in Art Morning by Peter Diamond and Maddie Griswold

Art Morning, an annual exhibition of works created by art students, took place May 10 in the art wing. The showcase consisted of at least one piece from each participating individual. Visitors first saw various senior boxes, some arranged by theme, others giving a general overview of the student’s art career at this school. Next, viewers entered a world of ceramics in room 127. From bowls to vases to busts of Morgan Freeman’s head, each piece of student artwork brought its own individual flair. A standout group of pieces by senior Vanessa Pojidaev—depictions of famous rappers such as Macklemore, Biggie Smalls, and Snoop Dogg—stood on display. In room 129, the main focus was photography, featuring collages from photography students. The students’ range of abilities was captured in the form of humorous pictures as well as dramatic perspectives. “Art Morning is a celebration of each individual artist, and I take great pride in seeing students have confidence in their work,” art teacher Cindy Massoff said. “I’m so psyched and honored to be part of this.”

sports

24◆ Newtonite, Newton North

Wednesday, June 5 , 2013

Fall teams rise above tough competition Boys’ cross country places second at States Elena Schwartz Boys’ cross country, 10-1, had a successful season, becoming the Bay State League champions. The Tigers placed second in the Division I State Meet and 10th in All States. A turning point in the season was when the team lost by one point to Wellesley. “We knew we had to step it up,” said coach Jim Blackburn. The team’s performance improved, and it went on to win the League Championship and qualify for the State Meet. The highlight of the season was beating Brookline 33-32 for the first time in eight years on Brookline’s own course Oct. 23, according to senior David Demarest, a captain with senior Jonny Long. “We had some setbacks, but there was great support and team chemistry, and in the end we came through,” Demarest said. Junior Gabe Montague was named league MVP. Long and juniors Jared Freedman and Mike Schlichting were named Bay State Conference All-Stars. Next year’s captains will be Freedman, Montague, Schlichting, and junior Max Brandl. by

Boys’ soccer struggles early, improves late in season Charlie Rao Boys’ soccer, 2-11-5, faltered this season, according to head coach Roy Dow. The Tigers failed to make the playoffs despite a strong second half of the season in which the team improved greatly. Having lost 17 Varsity athletes from the previous season, the team was quite young, Dow said. Senior Rob Morgan, a captain with senior Mike Gavris, said “It was a great experience, because we had a young team with people from all grades. We got along, matured, and played better as the season progressed. I just tried to be a good example for the younger players.” According to Dow, “the turning point in the season was spurred by staff motivation.” Morgan was a first team Bay State Conference All-Star and junior Stanley Alves was named a second team Bay State Conference All-Star. Next year’s captains are to be decided. by

Dance places first at States Khloe Webb Filled with the ambition to succeed, fall dance team placed first in its division at States, according to senior Audrey Derobert, a captain with senior Caroline Nunberg. “Winning States was a huge achievement and was extremely exciting for all of us,” she said. The team began its season with a success by winning first place at the Beverly Invitational. “I’d say the Beverly competition was the turning point. “Having a strong performance at that competition was a morale booster, and it was a jumping-off point for us to strengthen our competitiveness as a team and individuals,” said Derobert. Next year’s captains are to be decided. by

Field hockey qualifies for States, wins league title

with an incredible work ethic, a desire to become better, and a determination to improve,” she said. Senior Bridget Gillis, a captain with junior Lizzie Reid, said, “The highlight of the season for me was definitely winning a regular season game in overtime.” Gillis, senior Madison Beatrice, sophomore Nicole Quinn, and freshman Rachel Hamilton were named League All-Stars. Gillis was also named Carey Division MVP. Next year’s captains are to be decided.

Football tops Brookline in annual Thanksgiving game Bella Rao Football, 5-6, finished the season strong with a 21-0 win against Brookline in the annual Thanksgiving game. “It was great—the best way we could have ended the season,” said senior Jackson Wells, a captain with seniors Axl Castaneda, Chris D’Amore, Joey Mariano, and Mike Sullivan. The season also began with a win against Waltham. “The two wins sandwiched the season,” said coach Peter Capodilupo. “It was those moments that made for great excitement.” Despite some losses in between, Capodilupo said he was impressed with the commitment and hard work that was put in overall. “Our main goal is to have a winning season, and when you don’t, it can cast a shadow. However, I was pleased to see such emotion among teammates and that the seniors embraced younger players.” Next year’s captains are to be decided. by

Girls’ cross country qualifies for States, shows dedication Evan Reifsnyder Girls’ cross country, 10-1, had a very successful season, placing second in the Bay State Conference, according to coach Brandon Mogayzel. The team also qualified for the All State Meet for the first time in eight years, where they finished seventh overall, according to Mogayzel. One highlight of the season was the girls’ close 29-28 loss to Needham, a highly ranked team in the state. “Although we lost to Needham, the fact that we were able to compete so well against by

Meriel Hennessy Field hockey, 12-5-2, had a successful season, winning the Bay State Carey Division and competing in the State Tournament. The team went to the second round of the tournament before losing in overtime to Masconomet, according to coach Lauren Baugher. “This was the first year that I was varsity coach, and the kids worked very hard. They came to practice every day by

file photo

On the attack: Senior Robert Morgan attempts to dribble around a defenseman against Brookline Sept. 6. them gave validity to the fact that we were a state-level team,” said Mogayzel. “Our 31-26 win over Weymouth was definitely a highlight,” he added. According to senior Kaylee Spitaels, a captain with seniors Meghan Bellerose, Caroline Loftus, and Julia Schlossman, “my fellow captains and I were blown away by the dedication and hard work of all the girls.” Senior Meghan Bellerose, junior Evie Heffernan, sophomore Sonja Jampel, and freshman Leah Metzger were Bay State All-Stars, and junior Maeve Greeley received an honorable mention. Next year’s captains are to be decided.

Girls’ soccer falls in second round of tournament Rachel Schnitman Girls’ soccer, 11-5-2, had a strong season, according to coach James Hamblin. The Tigers made it to the second round of the tournament before losing to Lincoln-Sudbury, according to Hamblin. According to senior Jordyn Matthews, a captain with seniors Taylor Chinitz and Madison Nadeau, the team was particularly strong in its second game against Needham, winning 4-0 on its home field. “We were all playing to our full potential and working together in a way that we had been striving for the whole season,” Matthews said. Hamblin said that the team’s goals were “to be effective in front of the goal and to be excited going forward.” The team accomplished its goals, scoring more points this season than in the previous five seasons, he said. Juniors Christina Callahan and Shannon Fitzgerald were named Bay State Conference All-Stars. Next year’s captains will be Callahan and juniors Leah Howard and Amelia Williams. by

Girls’ swim and dive modifies training, improves Peter Sheen Girls’ swim and dive had a successful season, and showed much improvement with slight modifications of dryland training this year, according to senior Katie Wu, a captain with senior Niki Lew. “We trained once a week and I think overall those workouts were incredibly beneficial in getting times down and by

diving scores up. As usual, the team was really supportive, and I’m proud of the way we were able to come together during tough meets and practices,” said Wu. Next year’s captains will be juniors Monica Kieff and Irina Rojas.

Girls’ volleyball goes far, falls short in state finals Jackson Wade Girls’ volleyball, 21-3, finished second in the state and was undefeated in the regular season, according to coach Richard Barton. Though they fell short in the State finals, senior Deanna Cortina said, “getting to the finals was an accomplishment in itself.” According to Barton, this season may have been the best this school has ever had. “My goal as a coach was to bring this team to be on a college level of play and we certainly accomplished that,” Barton said. Next year’s captains will be juniors Michaela Cohen, Talya Feldman, Alana King, and Infiniti Thomas-Waheed. by

Golf shows consistent play, makes state tournament Sean Vasquez-Solis Golf, 8-6, qualified for the State Tournament, according to coach Bob MacDougall. The Tigers enjoyed a triumphant win over Needham at home Sept. 19, and MacDougall said he was extremely proud of how the team approached Needham without fear. “They are hard workers and you have to play hard to beat us,” he said. The team was consistent and achieved its goals, but the Tigers always aim as high as possible, MacDougall said. The main goal is to contend for league title, he said. “We have a lot of seniors who are graduating and are proud of what we have done. The next group has big shoes to fill, and I hope the players can keep the standard that the seniors have set,” said MacDougall. Senior Mike Kurson and junior Charlie Goldberg, a captain with seniors Brendan Ryan and Mark Vrahas, were named Bay State Conference All-Stars. Next year’s captains are to be decided. by

For full articles about teams, go to

theNewtonite.com

sports

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Newton North, Newtonite ◆ 25

Winter teams consistently finish strong Alpine sees improvement, no postseason without snow Ryan Condon Alpine skiing had a very successful season, according to junior Julie Chan, a captain with senior Mark Vrahas. “The season went better than I could have imagined,” Chan said. “A turning point was when the new members started to get a feel for how alpine racing works, and they really started to improve.” There was no postseason because of a lack of snow on the mountain, said Chan. Next year’s captains are to be decided. by

Boys’ basketball falls in tournament, manager plays Jonny Levenfeld Boys’ basketball, 18-3, had a very successful season, according to coach Paul Connolly. The team lost to North Quincy in the South Semifinals. Connolly said that senior Ryan Gallagher’s three point shot on Senior Night was a major highlight this season. Gallagher is the team’s manager. “That was a defining moment. Not only for the team or the season, but for this school,” Connolly said. Sophomore Tommy Mobley was the Bay State Conference MVP, and senior Korey Mui was a first-team Bay State Conference All-Star along with Mobley. Mobley was also named a Globe and Herald All-Scholastic. Senior Seamus Bruno and junior Jack Boucher, captains with senior T.J. McNicholas, were secondteam All-Stars. Next year’s captains will be Boucher, Mobley, and junior Liam Bruno.

All-Stars, according to Blackburn. Whitham finished first in shot put in New England, Fofana was the State Champion in pentathlon, and Lucken finished second in New England for the 300 meter, according to Blackburn. Next year’s captains are to be decided.

Boys’ gymnastics qualifies for States, beats Braintree

Dance places second at States, fourth at Regionals

Jonny Levenfeld Boys’ gymnastics finished the season 1-5 and qualified for the State Championships, according to senior Billy Cohen, a captain with junior Eric Weiss. Cohen said that “the biggest highlight of the season was when the team beat Braintree for the first time in a long time. They were the State Champions two years ago.” Coach Steve Chan also noted that “the team was 0.3 better than Braintree at States, despite missing its best gymnast.” At the State Championships, junior Gabe Bibuld placed sixth in the AllAround and freshman Vitaliy Kates placed sixth on the vault. Next year’s captains are to be decided. by

Boys’ hockey falls short of qualifying for playoffs Jonny Levenfeld Boys’ hockey, 6-13-1, fell short of the postseason despite winning five of its last eight games, according to coach Tom Ryan. Senior Brendan Ryan, a captain with seniors Phil Biancuzzo, John Hogan, and Ryan Quinn, said the highlights of the season were beating Needham and Wellesley. Coach Ryan said that the Tigers met their goals of beating Bay State Conference rivals Needham and Brookline in the same season, and “improving everyday,” which he said led to the Tigers’ late-season success. Junior Anthony Calabro was a unanimous selection for All-Bay State Conference, and Ryan was an All-Bay State Conference honorable mention, according to Ryan. Next year’s captains are to be decided. by

Boys’ track remains strong, has another undefeated year Kirk Stuart and Isaiah Blakely Boys’ indoor track, 6-0, had its 16th consecutive undefeated season, according to coach James Blackburn. The team accomplished its goal of having yet another undefeated season, according to senior Carl Whitham, a captain with seniors Jonny Long and Daniel Swain. Senior Ryan Lucken was the Bay State Conference MVP, according to Blackburn. Senior David Oluwadara, Whitham, and juniors Nick Fofana and Gabe Montague were named Bay State Conference by

Paulina Romero

Stare off: Junior Maddie Bledsoe defends against Dedham Friday, January 25. The Tigers went on to win, 51-37.

Ryan Condon Winter dance team had a successful season, placing fourth at Regionals, after having qualified by placing second at States, according to senior Caroline Nunberg, a captain with seniors Georgina Miles and Piper Sharkey. “We worked harder than ever to place near the top in all of our competitions, and we did,” Nunberg said. According to coach Stephanie Hubbard, the team accomplished its goal at Regionals. “We wanted to score higher than the team that had beat us at States, and we did,” she said. Nunberg was named a Bay State Conference All-Star, and Sharkey was an honorable mention, according to Hubbard. Next year’s captains will be juniors Anna D’Alleva, Jenna Hogan, and Kim Newton. by

Girls’ basketball earns top seed, defeated by South

Jacob Gurvis Girls’ basketball, 19-1, had a successful season, making it to the first round of the tournament as the top seed. Unstoppable during the regular season, the team earned a bye for the preliminary round. In the first round, they lost 49-45 in overtime against South. Senior Madison Beatrice, a captain with senior Gemma Lurie, said, “A highlight was having the best record of all time at North for girls’ basketball.” The team was a Bay State Conference Co-Champion, and Beatrice, Lurie, and junior Infiniti Thomas-Waheed were named Bay State Conference All-Stars. Thomas-Waheed was also a Boston Globe All-Scholastic and received a Gatorade Player of the Year Nomination. Next year’s captains are to be decided. by

Girls’ gymnastics struggles with injuries, finds success By Camille Bowman Girls’ gymnastics, 7-2, placed second at the Bay State Championships and 12th at South Sectional Championships. “This was a tough season because of several significant injuries to key gymnasts,” said assistant coach Jessica Dzyak. Despite the injuries, the team advanced to Sectionals for the third year in a row. According to Dzyak, the Bay State

Championships was the highlight of the season. The team earned their highest score, and “every girl showed how much they cared for the sport and the team as a whole,” said senior Lili Margolin, captain with seniors Allie Hurwitz and Rachel Vasilyev. Hurwitz won the team’s Sportsmanship Award. Next year’s captains will be juniors Jen Davis and Julia Wang.

Girls’ hockey recovers from slow start, makes playoffs By Jacob Gurvis Girls’ hockey, 11-6-1, had a successful season, making it to the first round of the MIAA Tournament. According to coach Bob MacDougall, a highlight was “our tournament win versus Shrewsbury. I was unsure how the girls would respond to the pressure of the game, and I was very happy with the way we played that game.” After starting the season 0-4, the team won 11 of its last 13 games. Senior Marisa Gilardetti, a captain with senior Ashley Smith, said, “making the tournament for the first time in five years was a major accomplishment.” Junior Hannah Gallogly was named a Bay State Conference All-Star, and sophomore Caitlin O’Hanley was an honorable mention. Next year’s captains will be Gallogly, O’Hanley, and junior Leah Howard.

Girls’ track is undefeated, wins State Championship Jacob Gurvis Girls’ indoor track, 6-0, had a successful season, winning its third straight State Championship. “Winning the state title was a highlight because the team did it without Carla Forbes,” who was out with an injury, said coach Joe Tranchita. Tranchita added, “Winning our fourth consecutive state relay title showed that we were real contenders at the state level and helped to test them for bigger meets to come.” Senior Meghan Bellerose, a captain with Forbes and senior Maeve Larkin, said, “The dedicated, caring, and supportive coaches of the girls’ track team were a huge part of this team’s success.” Junior Michaela Smith was a Boston Globe All-Scholastic. Next year’s captains will be Smith and juniors Maeve Greeley, Evie Heffernan, and Sunny Lehmann. by

Nordic accomplishes goals Ryan Condon Nordic skiing’s season went “extremely well overall,” according to senior Yarden Gavish, a captain with seniors Rosanna Gessel-Larson, Nick Roberts, and Julia Schintarelli. “We had amazing performances by all by

skiers,” Gavish said. “We accomplished most of our goals. The girls did not win the league championship, however, which was a goal in the beginning of the year,” she said. The highlight of the season was States, according to Gavish, where sophomore Sonya Jampel won the State Championship and went on to Nationals. Senior Julia Schiantarelli, junior Rafi Razzaque, and sophomore Sonya Jampel were Boston Globe All-Scholastics. Bay State Conference All-Stars were Roberts, Schiantarelli, senior Carina Wallack, Razzaque, juniors Tommy Hodgson, Ned Martenis, Brewster Taylor, and Jampel. Next year’s captains are to be decided.

Swim and dive has winning record, qualifies for States Adam Rabinowitz Boys’ swim and dive, 5-3-1, had a successful season, earning a winning record for the first time in five seasons and making it to States, according to senior Felix Xu, a captain with seniors Ryan Campbell and Cody Chan. Xu said, “The season went really well. We had a bunch of great swimmers.” Coach Ryan Rich said, “I really think beating Reading gave us confidence that this year would be different,” Campbell, Chan, Xu and seniors Cassidy Bastianelli and Austen Young were named Bay State Conference All-Stars, according to Rich. Sophomore Lucas Radouch and freshman Bowen He were also named Bay State Conference All-Stars. Rich was named one of Boston Globe’s Coaches of the Year. Next year’s captains are to be decided. by

Wrestling finds success, sees new players contribute Adam Rabinowitz Wrestling, 11-10, had a successful season, making it to the New England Tournament in Providence, RI, according to senior Nick Mariano, the captain. “We had a really good season. We had a lot of young guys step up, and we wrestled hard in matches and in practice. It was truly great to be a part of this team,” Mariano said. According to coach John Staulo, the team had seven students qualify for States, two qualify for All-States and Mariano qualified for the New England Tournament. “We had a nine-year streak of winning seasons, and last year it was broken because of two key injuries. It was nice to get back to a winning record,” he said. “We really felt like we could have won every match. It didn’t happen, of course, but it was a great feeling,” Staulo said. Mariano was named a first-team Bay State League All-Star. Seniors Steve Paton and junior Scott MacDonald were honorable mentions. Next year’s captains are to be decided. by

sports

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Wednesday, June 5 , 2013

Spring teams succeed despite struggles Boys’ baseball succeeds in spite of captain’s injury Jacob Gurvis Boys’ baseball, 16-3, had a successful season, according to coach Joe Siciliano. According to Siciliano, the Tiger’s biggest strengths were pitching and hitting. “Our record speaks for itself. We’ve been very successful. Our hitting is outstanding, and we have hitters who battle and understand situational hitting,” said Siciliano. Senior Hector Coscione, a captain with seniors Brendan Ryan and Daniel Swain and junior Alex Joyce, believes the team’s resilience and leadership contributed to its success. “One of our strengths this year is that we don’t give up. We trailed in numerous games, but we knew how to face adversity when things didn’t go our way. The team also has great leadership, not only from captains, but from everyone. You don’t only see seniors helping out sophomores and juniors, but also sophomores helping out upperclassmen,” he said. Early on, a season-ending injury to Swain hurt the team. “We lost our best player, and we had to move on. He came to practice every day, despite his injury. He worked as hard as anyone,” said Siciliano. “One of the most important things was starting the season with a win over Walpole. We’re the only team to beat Walpole. That gave the kids confidence. Then we beat Xaverian, last year’s state champions, and it gave the kids a lot more confidence,” he said. Coscione noted the team’s 10-0 start as a highlight of the season. by

Boys’ lacrosse complete solid season with 12th seed Ryan Condon Boys’ lacrosse, 13-5, finished the regular season with a 12th seed in the state tournament, according to coach Bussy Adam. Adam said that he is happy with the team’s seeding, which came with a strong regular season. Some early losses to Thayer and Hingham “helped to identify some strengths and weaknesses,” he said. “We developed our team’s defense and worked on minimizing our turnovers. We also dedicated a lot of time to improving our shooting,” Adam said. Going into the tournament, Adam said, “We are less concerned about our opponents and more focused on what we need to do to improve and play to our potential.” There were four areas that the team needed to improve in, according to Adam. Controlling faceoffs, execution on offense, communication on defense, and shot selection will be key in the tournament, he said. by

Boys’ tennis keeps high level of intensity, focus Jacob Gurvis Boys’ tennis, 12-4, had a successful season, improving from last year, according to coach Phil Goldberg. Senior Kris Labovitch, a captain with senior Max McKee-Proctor, said that the team’s focus was essential. “Our success is due to the intensity that every single member of our team has when they step onto the court,” said Labovitch. The Tigers have faced some adversity this season, with an injury to sophomore Alex Leighton, according to Goldberg. Leighton sprained his ankle during the regular season. Goldberg said that the team’s depth was a strength. “After the first few players, everyone is pretty comparable, so if we need to fill in because of injury or health issues, we don’t fall off that dramatically.” In addition to depth, Labovitch said that the players’ comradery is also an asset. “Our strengths lie in unconditional support for each other as well as good chemistry at doubles,” he said. The Tigers had a few matches that were especially important this season, according to Goldberg. “Brookline, Wellesley and Needham by

Team huddle: Students from the softball team huddle before their game begins Wednesday, April 10. were probably the most important for determining the league champion, which was Brookline. We split with all three and had a decent chance to win a couple that we lost,” he said. The Tigers qualified for the playoffs, and according to Goldberg, the team is looking to stay healthy going into the tournament. “The main goal is to get Alex Leighton healthy and to stay match tough,” Labovitch said.

really glad that we’ve matured as one of the top teams in the state.” Mui said that the team will be focused on gearing up for a successful postseason run. “We’re a young team with not a lot of experience, and I think playing the last few games against strong teams will definitely help,” he said.

Boys’ track continues long string of undefeated seasons

Adam Rabinowitz Boys’ track and field, 7-0, had a successful season, finishing undefeated for the 12th year in a row and winning States. According to senior David Demarest, a captain with seniors Jonny Long, Ryan Lucken, David Oluwadara, and Carl Whitham, the team accomplished its goals this year. The new members of the team from this year have contributed more than was expected of them, according to Demarest. “The new members are looking pretty strong. We have a few people in particular who are upcoming stars, and we’re confident they will contribute greatly in the future,” he said. “Winning the league title is what we expect from ourselves every year, so for us, it’s just another season, so far,” he said. Blackburn said, “We have been undefeated for 12 years, but what happens at states and what comes after is what will separate us from other years’ teams.” by

Boys’ volleyball positioned well for state tournament Jonny Levenfeld Despite a couple of bumps in the road this season, boys’ volleyball put itself in prime position to land a high seed in the state tournament by achieving a 14-4 record, according to senior Korey Mui, a captain with seniors Robert Anderson, Seamus Bruno, Kevin Fitzgerald, Andrew Leaper, Randy Tow, and David Wolfe. Mui says that the team could expect to have a seed between two and five in the South Section, but seeding does not concern him. “We can beat any team in the section,” he said. Overall, Mui was pleased with the course of the season. “It’s had its ups and downs, but I’m by

Girls’ lacrosse faces tough season with young players

Ryan Condon Girls’ lacrosse, 6-11, faced a challenging season as a young, inexperienced, but talented team, according to coach Kim Hamilton. With only four juniors and five seniors, “this year was more of a struggle to keep a positive record,” Hamilton said. Although the team is young, Hamilton said that the players are all talented. “They are all very strong athletes and learn to adjust quickly,” she said. Hamilton said that draw controls and groundball pickups were key going into the last three games of the season. Although the team had a chance to qualify for the tournament by winning all three, a loss to Norwood May 16 eliminated them from contention. “I have a lot of faith in this team, because they all work so hard and really care about their improvement,” Hamilton said. “It has been awesome to watch how much they have learned in just one short season.”

Girls’ softball qualifies for postseason, seeks long run Camille Bowman Girls’ softball, 14-6, ended its season Wednesday, May 22 with a 3-0 win at Norwood. The team was young this season, according to senior Bridget McLaughlin, a captain with senior Madison Beatrice. However, coach Lauren Baugher said that the freshmen and sophomores on the team were strong competitors. Beatrice said the newcomers “got more used to the team’s intensity and definitely kept up.” The Tigers qualified for the postseason tournament. “We always want to make tournament,” said McLaughlin, “but also to win our division.” The team, she said, “always had a lot to work on this season, but we’ve always been good at keeping our heads up when we’re down.” Baugher said, “Our goal is always to have a long run in the tournament and by

Paulina Romero

to win the Bay State League championship.”

Girls’ tennis improves, looks ahead towards tournament

Ryan Condon Girls’ tennis, 7-6, qualified for the playoffs with a strong showing this season, according to coach Stephanie Krauss. “I saw a huge improvement with all of the players from the start of the season,” Krauss said. Standout players of the season include the team’s first doubles team, seniors Sejal Vallabh and Tatiana Yugay, according to Krauss. Both Krauss and senior Danielle Handler also noted the exceptional performance of sophomore Taylor Lord, the team’s third singles player. Krauss said that her primary goal going into the tournament was to motivate the team, as well as to improve the players’ training and conditioning. “They each bring a different set of strengths and abilities to the court, and I am trying to focus their strengths at this point in the season,” she said. “We plan to work extra hard in the upcoming week to continue everything the players have learned and to give it their best shot. I expect all the girls to play with the same heart and determination that they have exhibited throughout the entire season,” Krauss said. by

Girls’ track finishes strong season tied with Weymouth Jonny Levenfeld Girls’ outdoor track completed yet another successful regular season, finishing undefeated for the 13th consecutive year, placing first at States, and capturing the state relay championship for the fourth year in a row, according to coach Joe Tranchita. A 68-68 tie against Weymouth in the Tigers’ last meet resulted in a shared league title between the two teams. This was the team’s 23rd title in the last 25 years, according to Tranchita. Tranchita noted that consistency across the board was vital to the Tigers’ success this season. “Having balance among all 16 events has been a key to our dual meet success.” Tranchita still had several goals in mind for his team for the last weeks of the season. He hoped that the Tigers could post a high score at the Division 1 State Meet at Andover Saturday and qualify as many members as possible for the State finals. by

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

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