Graduation Special

Newtonite ◆ Wednesday, June 6, 2012 • Volume 91, Special

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

Ceremony celebrates Class of 2012 Hilary Brumberg This school’s Class of 2012 celebrated the end of its high school years by graduating tonight.

During tonight’s ceremony, the graduating class demonstrated the breadth and depth of its talent.

Family Singers began the graduation ceremony with “America the Beautiful” by Katharine Lee Bates, a member of the Class of 1876. Senior Maria Bracciale sang the National Anthem and senior Jamie Moore interpreted it into American Sign Language.

Principal Jennifer Price then welcomed attendees, and graduating EDCO and English Language Learning students greeted the audience in ASL, Farsi, French, Karen, Korean, Kyrgyz, Mandarin, Pashto and Spanish.

Next, mayor Setti Warren, superintendent David Fleishman, School Committee vice-chair and parent Matt Hills and aldermen and parents Ted Hess-Mahan and Greer Tan Swiston spoke to the graduating class.

Senior class president Jon Paul Roby presented the senior tribute and senior class gift to special education teachers Nicole Franchi and Grace Nicolazzo, the class advisers.

Senior Lena Golick spoke for the graduating class and history teacher Betsey Scharlack, a retiree, spoke for the faculty.

Price presented the Principal’s Plaque, an engraved tray, to the Village Bank. This award is for a person or group of people in the Newton community who have made outstanding contributions to the students, faculty and programs at this school.

Price said she was pleased to honor the Village Bank after all of the “incredible support” the Village Bank has offered the Innovation Lab. Seniors then presented awards to their classmates to honor their achievements.

Manuel Lopez presented Pamela Chen with the Charles Dana Meserve Fund Award engraved tray and scholarship money. The award honors an outstanding scholar who made significant contributions to this school.

Chen’s academic achievements include being a National Merit Semifinalist and winning

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the Yale Book Award and a gold medal on the National Latin Examination. She also co-directed “Pippin,” Forté and “Freshman Cabaret,” and she has won numerous awards for her print and musical accomplishments.

Andressa Pesarini presented the Boy’s Senior Cup engraved bowl to Luke Westman, and Jeremy Marks presented the Girl’s Senior Cup bowl to Maggie Heffernan.

The Senior Cups honor a boy and a girl who best represent the ideal student at this school in terms of character, personality, scholarship and involvement in the community.

A superb athlete and student, Westman won the Dartmouth College Book Award and was a captain of varsity soccer, basketball and volleyball.

Heffernan played varsity soccer, was a captain of varsity indoor and outdoor track and was very involved in her church.

Kevin Wu won the Phi Beta Kappa Award for academic excellence, and Ilana Greenstein presented him with the certificate and scholarship money.

In addition to having one of the highest GPAs in the graduating class, Wu founded this school’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter and the Measures for the Future non-profit organization. He was on varsity swim and the Newton Education Board.

Patrick Bryson presented the Dickinson Memorial Award engraved bowl to Westman.

This annual award honors a boy who demonstrated the greatest improvement in athletic competition, sportsmanship, character and skill.

Emma Weisberg presented the Gary Elliott Prize for the Performing Arts certificate and scholarship money to Emily Paley and Graham Techler.

Paley acted in many Theatre Ink productions, was the vice president of Team PACT, team captain of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Newton—Brookline founder, director of A Cappella for a Cure and producer and director of the City of Newton Teen Summer Concert Series.

Techler performed in 16 The-

Jay Feinstein

Final seconds: Seniors Katja Hamler and Jane Naugler and the other members of the Class of 2012 celebrate their last day of high school during Wednesday’s countdown. atre Ink productions; was an officer of the improv club; and co-directed “Spontaneous Generation,” “Nitrous Oxide,” “The Cripple of Inishmaan” and Northern Lights.

To acknowledge her improvement in athletic competition, sportsmanship, character and skill, William Spiro presented the Helene Breivogel Award engraved bowl to Katie Caruso.

Caruso was a captain of varsity ice hockey and varsity softball and helped teach middle school students with special needs.

Jared Masinton and Stephanie Vitone won the Margaret South Award for courtesy, courage, enthusiasm and unselfish service.

Maleeka Person presented them with engraved bowls.

Masinton was a speaker for A Promise to Adam and a captain of varsity basketball, and he writes and produces music.

Vitone was a captain of varsity

field hockey and ice hockey and played varsity lacrosse. She also received the Connecticut College Junior Book Award.

Kellynette Gomez presented the Newton Rotary Club William Rockwell Memorial Career and Vocational Technical Education Achievement Award plaque to Amanda Derby.

Derby was a student representative and did various jobs for Graphic Communications.

She also ran indoor and outdoor track.

Veronica Ingham won the Wendell R. Bauckman Award for performing outstanding public service to the community, and Nathaly Lopera presented her with the certificate and scholarship money.

Ingham founded the sailing team, was captain of varsity swim and was an officer of Mentors in Violence Protection club.

Michela Salvucci presented

the Lenny Zakim/PTSO Human Rights Award certificate and scholarship money to Jon Paul Roby and Michael Thorpe. The award honors students who improve this school by promoting greater understanding and appreciation of human differences.

Both of his upperclassmen years, Roby was class president.

He was also a leader of the Guidance Aide program and Jubilee and performed in 16 Theatre Ink productions.

Thorpe was a co-captain of varsity basketball and volleyball, played varsity football and was a leader of the Black Leadership Advisory Council.

Principal Jennifer Price said that she is proud to call the members of the Class of 2012 Newton North graduates. “The class represents all that is Newton North,” she said. “It is a diverse group of students that has excelled in a wide variety of ways.”

Graduates present customized topiary as senior gift Amanda Hills Overlooking the multi-purpose field are bushes that say “NNHS.” The Class of 2012 funded the installation of the bushes in order to leave its mark on this school, according to senior class president Jon Paul Roby.

“I think they are a great addition to the beauty of this school,” he said. “It showcases the pride we all have to be students at this school, and it is a gift that everyone will like.

“There was nothing on that hill, and many people see that hill because it is the backdrop for all games that take place on

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Perrin Stein

School pride: The Class of 2012 donated bushes, which spell “NNHS.” The topiary is located next to the multi-purpose field.

Check out our daily website

t he

the multi-purpose field and all graduation ceremonies,” he said.

Vice president Stephanie Brown thought of this idea, according to Roby.

Vice president Ivan Wolyniec said that the class officers had to get approval from the Newton Public Schools to make sure that there would be no issues about the project’s upkeep and that it would not be disruptive to this school’s neighboring houses.

Special education teacher Nicole Franchi, a senior class adviser with special education teacher Grace Nicolazzo, said that the bushes are comprised of

50 individual shrubs.

She continued that the City was concerned that the funding for the bushes would run short, so the class drew up a plan in which each graduating class is encouraged to put aside $500 to contribute to the maintenance of the bushes. This will not necessarily count as each class’ gift.

“The bushes are a really good idea and they show how well the Class of 2012 works together,” Franchi said.

Wolyniec concluded, “All in all, we hope that our gift will be a sight to inspire students for many years to come.”

Newtonite.com

opinion

2 ◆ Newtonite, Newton North

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Explore options besides college At this school, the majority of students leave for college after senior year. However, students should consider less-traveled roads of postgraduation choices.

editorial Some of these roads may include community service, military service, full-time work or personal exploration. These paths can be just as valuable or even more valuable than college.

Some students take a year off between high school and college, the gap year.

Students spend gap years in a variety of ways, many of which are beneficial.

Harvard recommends students take a gap year before college, which shows that gap years can be valuable.

According to a Harvard admissions article, after a gap year, “Many come to college with new visions of their academic plans, their extracurricular pursuits, the intangibles they hoped to gain in college and the career possibilities they observed.”

One program, City Year, targets students right out of

high school. According to its website, those enrolled in the program help teach in inner-city schools and “organize and lead activities, celebrations and projects to improve the community and school environment.”

This program is a valuable endeavor, one that students should think about.

Besides a gap year, students can join the military.

Helping defend our nation is an important undertaking. As citizens of the United States, we owe everything to our military, and joining it is rewarding, valuable work.

Some students work fulltime instead of going to college. After majoring in a Career and Vocational Technical Education course, some graduates enter immediately their chosen field while others begin apprenticeship programs.

These can be even more helpful than college because work gives students real life experience and skills.

After graduation, students have many options, including college, which can help them learn, grow and experience the world in new ways.

Julia Moss

Some students have reservations about going off to college after graduation.

Seniors recall favorite memories of this school

Connor Vasu Graduation is a time to look back and reflect on four important years of one’s life. Members of the Class of 2012 do just that by recounting their favorite memories and experiences.

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symposium Laura Cooke said, “My experience has been great.

“My upperclassmen years were better than my first two years because I got involved in sports.

“I also got to know a lot

of people as the president of the school orchestra and that helped.”

I l a n a Greenstein said, “North was difficult because the classes were hard, but has been formative because I Newtonian am now ready Ilana to go out into Greenstein the world.”

Alyssa Kaplan said, “My experience at North has been great. The old

Newtonite

building had a ton of personality because people had been adding to it for all the years it existed.

“Even so, in the new building, the technology is amazing, and the Library Learning Commons has a great atmosphere.”

Ben Kaufman said, “Newton North has let me do anything I want to do, and it has encouraged me to get involved in extracurriculars, such as music, which something I really enjoy.”

Ian Mark said, “The transition to the new school went pretty well, and the lack of substitute teachers is awesome.

I also love the unnecessary in-

Editors in chief — Hilary Brumberg, Jay Feinstein, Perrin Stein News editor — Amanda Hills Sports editors — Ryan Condon, Jacob Schwartz Arts editors — Leah Budson, Peter Diamond Features editors — Malini Gandhi, Gloria Li, Julia Oran Freelance editors — Douglas Abrams, David Kwartler Opinion editor — Connor Vasu Talk of the Tiger editor — Julia Moss Associate editors –– Samantha Libraty, Kristian Lundberg Photography editors — Maliha Ali, Nina Kaplan Production manager — Jordan Robins Advertising managers —Naomi Cherenson, Philippine Kugener Business manager — Philippine Kugener Circulation manager — Eyob Gizachew

Online editors — Alex Feit, Nicky Kaufman, Alex Potter Advisers — Tom Fabian, Derek Knapp, Amanda Mazzola Production adviser — Tom Donnellan Publications adviser –– Kate Shaughnessy News staff — Jared Perlo Features staff — Isatou Marenah Sports staff — Sam Jones, Jonny Levenfeld, Liam Wilcox-Warren Arts staff — Kristina Zagame Opinion staff — Asya Grozdanova, Bennett Kaplan, Cyrus Vaghar Talk of the Tiger staff –– Charles Attisano, Eli Bock, Rosanna Gessel-Larson, Rachel Kronberg, Carina Wallack Art staff — Artem Aleksanyan, Arielle Conti, Rin Rogers, Izzy Rosenblatt Photography staff –– Amelia Goldstein, Lizzie Kenslea, Madeleine Lundberg, Lizzie McCarty, Daniel Shy

The Newtonite staff does all the reporting and photography to post content daily to its website, theNewtonite.com.

Sign up for the Newtonite’s bimonthly email newsletter on its website.

In addition to the print graduation special, the Newtonite will publish a print club special on club day and a print special at the end of semester I. 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 or at http://thenewtonite.com/contact.

said, “Newton North has provided me with a nurturing environment where I have been able to learn and grow both academiNewtonian cally and as a Ben Salwen person.

“I have had amazing teachers who not only challenged me to think, but were really cool people as well. I’ve made friends that I know I’ll have for the rest of my life and memories that I know will never fade.”

Make effort to change world Connor Vasu As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” As the Class of 2012 graduates amid a turbulent time, this quotation rings true.

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The Newtonite, founded in 1922, is the news source of Newton North High School, 457 Walnut St., Newtonville, Mass. 02460.

teractive white boards in every room. The technology, in general, is nice.

“I think the best thing is how tolerant everyone is, no one really gets bullied.”

Katharine Norris said, “I really enjoyed my experience at Newton North.

“I found that I was able to integrate myself Newtonian into the comKatharine munity well.”

Ben Salwen Norris

column The only way the world will change for the better is if citizens like us put in a little bit of effort.

So, Class of 2012, plant a tree, go for a jog or vote in next year’s presidential elections.

The environment could be preserved if every person on the planet consciously does his part to save it.

Yes, most of us know what “global warming” is. And a good deal of us high schoolers have watched An Inconvenient Truth, which warns viewers that the world will go up in smoke and flames in a few generations.

To prevent an untimely demise of the Earth and to ensure that our great-great-greatgrandchildren will still be able to step foot outside, we should help out the planet.

For example, when many students walk by litter, they im-

mediately turn their head and pretend it is not there. Instead of averting your eyes, pick up the trash and toss it in the recycle bin. Your great-greatgreat-grandchildren will thank you for it.

Or, do something as simple as voting in the next presidential election. In the 2008 presidential election, only 51 percent of eligible young adults voted, according to The Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE).

However, that number lags behind the national average of 57 percent, according to Infoplease.

In the 2010 midterm elections, only a quarter of young adults voted, according to CIRCLE. Even taking into account that the president was not on the ballot, that is still a dismal number.

Class of 2012, go out and vote.

One vote for one candidate may not make a difference, but a burgeoning number of young adults voting will.

Get off your iPods, your iPads and iPhones and instead serve

the community. Community service helps the less fortunate and is even beneficial to the participant.

According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, “Those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer.”

To change how the world works, we need every citizen to help out the environment, community and country in every way they can.

Graduating seniors, start positive trends. The world will be a better place because of it.

Letters 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, class and homeroom. The Newtonite serves as a forum for student opinion.

retirements

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Newton North, Newtonite ◆ 3

James D’Orazio loves school’s unique atmosphere Douglas Abrams “School is like a river, things come and go, kids, technology and teachers,” said Adams housemaster James D’Orazio.

After working at this school for 29 years, D’Orazio said he is ready to start “part B” of his life, but, if he could, he would relive all of the ups and downs of his career.

Born in Albany, New York, D’Orazio graduated from Shaler High School in 1971 and went to Boston University, where he majored in education.

In 1975, D’Orazio got his first teaching job as a substitute teacher at this school.

Then, in 1977, he got his first job as a full time teacher at Day. “I moved up to Newton North in 1983 when the ninth grade moved from the middle school to the high school,” said D’Orazio.

T h r o u g h o u t h i s c a r e e r, D’Orazio said that he has been inspired by one man: Harold Qualters, a teacher who he had when he was growing up.

“I saw what a difference he made in the lives of students that he taught, and I wanted to do that too,” he said.

“Now that I think about it, he was a really great teacher because he was the kind of person that you would want to talk to.”

D’Orazio also said that he is inspired by the teachers at this school.

“What I love most about this school is the passionate teachers. At some schools, teachers do not care about the students as much as the teachers at North do,” said D’Orazio.

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Furthermore, D’Orazio said that he is most proud of the overall experience of working here.

“I have traveled the country, and everywhere I have gone, people have heard of Newton North, so I feel really proud to have worked here.”

According to D’Orazio, who teaches English in addition to being a housemaster, his first day at this school was eye opening.

He was stunned by all the great teachers he saw around the school and in the English department.

English department head Melissa Dilworth has worked with D’Orazio since 1998. “He made me feel welcome immediately and offered constructive and effective advice throughout that first year. His guidance since then has been consistent. He has acted as an official mentor to me for the last 14 years,” said Dilworth.

Additionally, Dilworth said that D’Orazio is dedicated to his job as both a housemaster and as an English teacher.

“He has an unwavering commitment to education,” she said.

In order to make sure he does everything he can for his students, D’Orazio said, “everyday I get to school at seven in the morning to prepare for class. I am surprised by how hard the teachers here work.

“There are some real legends at this school, and I feel lucky to have been able to work with them.”

Beals House administrative assistant Cheryl Stover, who has

worked with D’Orazio, said that she has great respect for him as a teacher and as a person.

“I think that he has really made a difference,” said Stover.

“I feel that he is an exemplary teacher.”

Stover said that D’Orazio has many positive attributes that make him a good teacher. “He is really approachable. It makes him easy for students to talk to.”

Additionally, Stover said that D’Orazio will leave a mark on this school. “The kids he taught will be his legacy,” she said.

Lorene Shapiro, Adams house administrative assistant, has worked with D’Orazio for eight years.

Shapiro said that one of D’Orazio’s best traits is that he is an excellent problem solver.

“There was one time, on my way to school, I backed out of my garage and broke the side mirror. At school, when I told him, he got on the internet and found a replacement,” said Shapiro.

Additionally, Shapiro said that D’Orazio is an excellent housemaster because of his effective way of communicaing with students.

“He listens to them and then applies his knowledge and experience to find a solution to the situation,” said Shapiro. “ I w i l l r e m e m b e r M r.

D’Orazio’s energetic spirit as he dashes around the building.

Working with him has been the most pleasurable and rewarding experience because of his sense of humor and expressions of candor,” said Shapiro. “I start my day by seeing his smiling

Nina Kaplan

“I have traveled the country, and everywhere I have gone, people have heard of Newton North, so I feel really proud to have worked here,” said Adams housemaster James D’Orazio. face and hearing his ‘good morning’ greeting.”

D’Orazio said that one of the highlights of his career was winning the Meserve Award in 1999, which is a prestigious award for exemplary teachers.

He said it was a “humbling experience to be in a category with such incredible teachers.”

“I really did not expect to win it. It felt great to win such an elite award,” he said.

D’Orazio said that he has learned much from teaching.

“Teaching is a learning experience.

“Whenever you mess up, you do the same thing differently next time and improve.”

Hilda Karp adds energy, wisdom to Language Lab Malini Gandhi Rarely is one both a bold, constantly moving firecracker and a person of quiet kindness, but long-time Language Lab coordinator Hilda Karp is an exception, according to world language department head Nancy Marrinucci.

On the one hand, Karp is a “thinker,” a “fighter” and a “bundle of energy and personality,” a woman who proudly and meticulously managed the Language Lab for decades with a steel back and spunk, according to Marrinucci.

Yet in addition to her fiery personality, Marrinucci said that Karp, with her treasure trove of Yiddish sayings and wisdom, has a quiet way of listening and a deep awareness of people that is humble and honest.

“She would look you in the eyes when you talked to her,” said French teacher Suzanne Putzeys.

“I think I will remember that about her most of all. She was always there, always paying attention, a constant presence that listened and thought everything through as if what you were saying was all that mattered.”

Karp—the listener and the fighter—retired in October after seeing three different school buildings and after over 30 years of work in this school’s Language Lab. Karp grew up in Brooklyn, New York in a family of all boys.

She said that from an early age, she knew that she wanted to go into teaching.

“I had a feel for teaching, even in high school. My classes were rigorous, and my teachers were wonderful, and I always believed in academics,” Karp said. “In my day girls didn’t go to college, but I had very supportive parents, and they gave me the same opportunities as all of my brothers.”

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Maliha Ali

“I loved when students came up years later after they were in college. I could see that this school had given them such a good background in life,” said Language Lab coordinator Hilda Karp.

And so, after graduating from James Madison High School in 1942, Karp did what few girls in that era did—she traveled to Cambridge, Massachusetts and began studying at Radcliffe College. She then transferred to Sargant College at Boston University and graduated in 1945.

After completing college, Karp returned to New York where she got a job teaching in the science department at her high school and went to Columbia at night for her Masters in Education.

“I seemed to fall right into teaching. I’d always loved learning,” Karp said.

After marrying, Karp travelled to Massachusetts, and was hired in 1974 to run the brandnew Language Lab. Karp said she “immediately fell in love with the students and

faculty at North.”

“I looked forward to every day,” Karp said.

“I loved the wonderful atmosphere of the faculty, and I loved when students came up years later after they were in college. I could see that this school had given them such a good background in their life, and I loved that.”

Karp described her role in the Language Lab with a string of short, automatic sentences, as if the protocol was second-nature.

“In the Language Lab, learning was number one. No fooling around. No gum chewing. Respect the room. My job was all just making sure everything was clean and running smoothly.”

But while Karp’s description of her job was modest, sparse and matter-of-fact, her colleagues’ descriptions of her

role in the Language Lab were far from emotionless.

“Hilda was extremely educated, bright, strong—and that Language Lab was her turf. It was the oldest running lab in the country, and she was the only one who knew how to run it,” Putzeys laughed.

According to Marrinucci, Karp’s dedication and diligence to her job were astounding.

“Ms. Karp took care of the lab from the day it opened, and thirty years later, all of the equipment was still working.

“She took care of it conscientiously, meticulously. I used to say the lab was held together by duct tape and paper clips, because the equipment had lasted for so long,” Marinucci said.

“Students sometimes complained that she had a very strict protocol, but I remember my predecessor telling me before I became department head, ‘You will never have to worry about the Language Lab—Hilda will take care of it.’ And she did.”

Even with the switch to the new building, when the Lab was refurbished with speedy, high-tech equipment, Karp maintained eagerness and determination, Marrinucci said.

“Here she was, in her mid80s and not a tech person, but bustling from place to place and learning how to work all the new technology with her

characteristic fiery energy,” Marrinucci remembered.

According to French teacher Alieu Jobe, Karp’s firm, fiery spirit was coupled with a comforting kindness and wisdom.

“I learned life lessons from Ms. Karp. I learned patience, I learned love for my job. Often if I was upset, Hildy would look at me and ask, ‘Why worry?’”

Jobe said.

In the drawer of Jobe’s desk, he keeps a tattered yellow sticky note with words reading: “Hilda Karp, 05/03/06: Every day there’s something to be sorry about. So let it go.”

Smiling and touching the sticky note fondly, Jobe remembered, “I wrote this down years ago, and recently, I showed it to her.

“Her eyes widened and she waggled her finger at me, and I remember she said, ‘Oh my god, you kept it. Oh you.’ But really, she has guided me in my life.

Whenever I’m in a mess, I think of Hildy, and how she always said ‘let it go.’ I think that Hildy would see the positive.”

Jobe said that the entire department will “miss Hildy immensely.”

“She was diligent, strong, wise and comforting, all at the same time. Today. I go to the Lab, and it’s like she’s still there, somehow. Hildy is here. Hildy is there. Hildy is the Lab.”

Ben, You are the greatest! Congratulations!

Spread your wings and fly.

We love you, Mom, Mama, Olivia and of course, Rylie

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Congratulations Class of 2012 We wish you continued success through life’s journey

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

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retirements

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Newton North, Newtonite ◆ 5

Cheryll Lane gives individual attention to students Julia Oran “I really loved school––the academics, the sports and the traditions that made each school unique.

“I felt proud when I wore my school uniform. I had some wonderful teachers who inspired me. I just always wanted to teach,” said math teacher Cheryll Lane, who retired in December.

Lane began teaching at this school in 1999, after moving to Boston from South Africa.

She was born and raised in South Africa, and she attended Girls High School in Queenstown, graduating in 1974.

Lane graduated from Rhodes University in Grahamstown in 1978 with a Higher Diploma in Education, the equivalent of a B.A., in zoology and mathematics.

Straight out of college, Lane began teaching at the Collegiate High School for Girls in Port Elizabeth.

Soon after, she married and had two children, Alan and Julie.

From 1988 to 1990, Lane and her family lived in London, England for her husband’s job. Lane took a break from teaching, but resumed after moving back to South Africa.

Once again, Lane and her family moved for her husband’s job, but this time to Boston.

Former math department head Mary Sapienza hired Lane.

Lane said, “When we had our department meeting on my first day at this school, it struck me that there were as many teachers in the math department alone as there were faculty members in the entire school where I taught in South Africa.

“The size of the school made me feel very nervous. The first year was a steep learning curve

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courtesy Cheryll Lane

“I will miss the camaraderie, kindness and support of my colleagues,” said math teacher Cheryll Lane, center. In the above photo, she poses with math teachers Tracy Stewart and Smitha Sahadevan. for me in many different ways.”

Since 1999, Lane has taught math to all four grades in all curriculum levels.

However, she said, “I really enjoyed my advanced placement math classes because the students and I were all doing what we loved.”

After reflecting on the changes in students through the years, Lane remarked that “the biggest difference between my generation and this one is what modern technology has to offer and how it affects students on a daily basis. It comes with both benefits and challenges.”

Math teacher Elisse Ghitelman shared a classroom with Lane for the last five years, and

they had neighboring cubicles in the old building.

Ghitelman said of Lane, “She was patient and dedicated to helping students. After school, there were always lots of kids, but she took the time to sit down and help each one individually.”

Ghitelman added, “She really thought about how each student could learn and made sure that there was a system in place, so everyone could succeed and worked hard to make sure each person learned.”

Similarly, assistant superintendent for secondary and special programs Cindy Bergan, former math department head, said, “Lane’s knowledge of mathematics is very broad

and deep.

“She loves math and takes great pride in her ability to teach her subject to her students.”

Lane said, of her teaching philosophy, “All parties need to be willing to make a sustained effort, be held accountable, earn and show respect. These are the things I have always aspired to in my career.”

Bergan mentioned, “Lane was one of the most organized and thorough teachers I have ever known. Even her handwriting was beautiful to look at. Her materials were perfect.”

Math teacher Smitha Sahadevan said she, too, misses Lane very much because “she was my mentor for 10 years.”

Lane was hired two years before Sahadevan, so Lane showed her how to teach effectively.

Sahadevan said that because both teachers emigrated from another country, Lane was able to relate to her and give constructive advice.

Sahadevan said, Lane “puts everyone else’s needs above her own.

“I could go to her about a problem any time of day, and she was always willing to help.

She was so responsive and able to help me problem solve.”

She added, “Lane is just an awesome person.”

Lane said, “I will miss the camaraderie, kindness and support of my colleagues. I will miss hearing the friendly ‘Hi Mrs. Lane’ greetings from students every day.”

However, Lane said in her retirement, “I plan to enjoy having more time for my hobbies.

“I am going to enjoy having more time to spend with my family and friends. I am going to make an effort to keep fit and be healthy.”

Lane mentioned, “I love gardening and reading,” and said she has already recently completed a professional florist training course.

She also said, “My husband and I love walking and nature and visiting new places. My children are my greatest joy.”

Overall, Lane said she wanted to leave this school with “simply the feeling that I have tried my best.”

She added, “Many students have thanked me for my patience and understanding when they have been facing life’s challenges or just simply trying to understand the math. That’s something I would be happy to be remembered for.”

Ron Morris shows a commitment to photography Julia Oran “The first thing I noticed was that he had more pairs of shoes than I do,” said art teacher Shannon Slattery.

“He has really cool shoes, really cool watches and cool objects that he collects like clocks and cameras,” she said.

Slattery was talking about when she met photography teacher Ron Morris 14 years ago.

Morris admitted he has never been the typical high school teacher and would like to be remembered at this school as “being different.”

He said, “I’m afraid of adults,” so he always identified more with the students.

“I’ve been a teacher all my life, but I never thought in my wildest dreams I would want to teach a bunch of crazy high schoolers,” Morris said.

Growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, he attended Flaget High School, a Catholic school that closed shortly after he graduated in 1965.

He then attended the University of Louisville. Originally Morris said he wanted to be a college English teacher, but changed his mind while in college, and switched to photography.

He received a B.A. in art history and photography, and minored in French.

After graduating from college in 1970, Morris served two years in a hospital for conscientious objector service, instead of being drafted into the army, and became involved in politics, especially the anti-war movement against the Vietnam War. Following that, he worked

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at various adult education centers in Boston and taught at a number of colleges including Massachusetts College of Art, Art Institute of Boston, Emerson College and an art center in Cambridge.

He also worked as a freelance photojournalist.

Then, in 1982, Morris received his master’s degree in photography from Massachusetts College of Art. Morris was first hired at this school in 1985 after teaching for a semester at Brookline.

Morris said he thought this school was a good school and a great place to teach with a good darkroom and talented students.

Soon after, he was laid off because there was no longer a photography class, but then in 1992, he was rehired when the photography program was reinstated.

In the past twenty years, Morris has taught a few art minor classes, but he has mostly taught photography classes.

The second time he was hired, he said the previous teacher had been “easy and lax,” but Morris brought in a new attitude.

“I’m known as a mean teacher,” he said. He paused, laughed a little and added, “I’m just kind of joking.”

As Morris said this, the five or so students in 102 piped up and said he was not mean, but all agreed they had been frightened of him when they first started photography.

Senior Sam Schwamm commented, “He has no tolerance for people messing around.”

Morris agreed that was true

and said an old saying among teachers was “don’t smile until Christmas.”

Morris continued to banter with his students as they shared their first impressions of him.

Even though students said they were initially scared of Morris, he said that he was terrified when he walked into the classroom on the first day of school.

“If you want to be really scared, stand in front of a bunch of high schoolers,” he said.

According to Fine and Performing Arts department head Todd Young, Morris has “an unwavering commitment to photography. It has, in a very real way, been his life and livelihood.”

Young added, “His ability to get students to not just talk about a photograph, but truly ‘think the photograph’ is fascinating.”

His students consistently produce college-level work and have in depth knowledge of both analog and digital photography.

Similarly senior Jackie Comstock said, “He speaks his mind.

He makes sure that you don’t do a bland project and that everything is creative.”

Morris commented, “Most of my classes are my favorites,” but he said the students in majors are the most serious.

He added that he has had a number of really great students, some of whom he is still in touch with.

When asked about anecdotes from his classes, Morris responded, “Ones that I can tell?

There are some I can tell my students, but not to the public.”

The ones that he could tell

Jay Feinstein

“This school has been a great place, and working with high school kids has been great. I love them all,” said photography teacher Ron Morris. included that in the old building, the photo room used to flood quite frequently, leaving a stain on the overhand entrance to the building. He also said that there used to be a teachers’ smoking lounge, “which shows how long I’ve been here.”

Next year, he will teach four periods a week, but said he is looking forward to having more time to do some of his own photography and travel.

“I have a fantasy of moving

to interesting places for a few months, such as Paris or Santa Fe,” Morris said.

He added, “I’m pretty lazy, so it will be nice just to get up and have a second cup of coffee. It sounds like heaven.”

Overall, “this school has been a great place, and working with high school kids has been great.

I love them all.”

Morris recalled a time when he said to a class, “I hate teenagers, but I love you guys.”

retirements

6 ◆ Newtonite, Newton North

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Bill O’Neill inspires student culinary achievement Alex Feit When he first arrived at this school in 1977 as part of the then technical and vocational education department, culinary arts teacher Bill O’Neill said he was scared, lost in the halls and stairwells that commonly proved difficult for many newcomers to the old building.

Now, after 36 years of teaching culinary arts and worked at the Tiger’s Loft Bistro, O’Neill is ending his career as an institution at this school, one that has proved inspirational to hundreds of students that have been through his culinary program.

O’Neill was born in East Hartford, Conn., although shortly after, he moved to Quincy.

When he was 12 years old, O’Neill moved to Woburn and attended school there, he said.

Around this time, O’Neill’s grandfather, a woodworking teacher, and his father, an art teacher, helped inspire him to become a culinary teacher, he said.

“They both brought me into classes at different times, and I remember how kids reacted with them and I saw how much fun they had teaching and learning with them at the same time in a vocational type situation,” O’Neill said.

“In high school, I just knew that I wanted to do culinary and teach it,” he added.

Although O’Neill was interested in learning culinary arts, his teachers would not let him into the foods lab “even though all I wanted to do was cook,” O’Neill said.

“At that time it wasn’t open to boys,” he said.

After graduating from high school in 1971, O’Neill attended Essex Technical Institute in Danvers to study culinary arts, later earning a bachelor’s de-

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gree at Framingham State, he said.

Later, O’Neill earned his Chapter 74 certification at UMass Boston, allowing him to become a vocational teacher in Massachusetts.

In 1976, O’Neill began teaching home economics at Arlington until being recruited to this school by Dan Malia, the then director of the technical and vocational education department, and Carolyn Woodbury, the then department head of home economics.

The following year, while teaching home economics, food and nutrition classes, O’Neill and Robert Chalmers, the then head of the special education department, applied for a $5,000 grant from the Department of Education to start a culinary program at this school.

The department approved the grant in September 1978, and the two used the money to purchase kitchen equipment for a room on the fourth floor of the old building.

Several months later, Feb. 2, 1979, O’Neill began teaching the student-run Tiger’s Loft Bistro, he said.

Teaching his students and watching them learn new skills has always been what has fueled O’Neill as a teacher, he said.

“When I’ve taught something to a student and I see them applying their learning to help another student, I take pride in that,” O’Neill said.

“My students’ success has always been the measure of my success.”

When the Tiger’s Loft Bistro was shut down for a short period of time earlier this year, O’Neill was devastated because students’ spirit was down, he said.

Regardless, a “typical day of

teaching and learning,” is what has inspired O’Neill to come to this school each morning, he said.

Some students and colleagues have also taken note of O’Neill’s dedication to the culinary program.

“We’re losing an icon—someone who has been part of this institution. You would not know that this man is getting ready to leave at all,” said Lisa McKinney ’81, a co-teacher of culinary arts and a former student of O’Neill’s.

When organizing for a surprise retirement party for O’Neill, McKinney said that there were people attending that were “calling me back, sharing different stories, tidbits from their lives about him, even wanting to bring spouses and kids and feeling like they were coming home.

“When students talk about his impact, it is profound, even from those who had him in his first class in 1977,” she said.

Culinary arts teaching assistant Lisa Marzilli said that O’Neill “really enjoys what he does, and it shows in his work everyday.”

“The school will be losing a great teacher who strives everyday to be a great teacher. It will be a great loss, and it’s going to be hard to replace him,” she said.

Senior Ben Conescu notes how O’Neill relates to his students by being a reality television show snob.

“He loves his reality television shows. He always comes in fist pumping the day after Jersey Shore is on. It’s how he keeps his youth,” Conescu said.

Many of O’Neill’s students have also moved on to becoming successful in the foodservice industry, becoming restauranteurs

Leah Budson

“My students’ success has always been the measure of my success,” said culinary arts teacher Bill O’Neill. and culinary arts teachers as well, O’Neill said.

For example, O’Neill’s former student, Evan Deluty, ’87, a successful restaurant owner in Boston was recently named the “Sausage King of Boston” for his cooking in a competition, he said.

In retirement, O’Neill plans to spend more time with his five grandchildren because he sometimes feels that he has spent too much time with his students and not enough with his own family, he said.

He also plans to work on landscaping and gardening, as well as going to Hampton Beach, New Hampshire frequently.

Yet if he had to take his job at this school again, O’Neill said that he would do it “in a heartbeat.”

“I’ll miss everything about this school,” he said.

“I’ll miss the people who I work with, the students first and foremost, the camaraderie. It’s a great place,” O’Neill said. “I’ll miss it all.”

Betsey Scharlack enjoys learning from her classes Gloria Li History department head Jonathan Bassett remembers history teacher Betsey Scharlack as his second hire.

After he advertised the position, Scharlack showed up for an interview. However, when she arrived, the history position that she had applied for was no longer available.

“I informed her of this, and asked her if she still wanted to do the interview. She said that she might as well since she was already here, so we did it,” Bassett said.

He said that at the interview, Scharlack’s presence was strong.

Soon thereafter, Bassett was surprised to discover that he could hire a part-time employee.

Within a week, he called Scharlack to inform her of the opening and to offer her the position.

Scharlack immediately accepted the part-time position, which soon evolved into a fulltime one when the history department received funding to increase its staff. She held the position for eleven years.

Prior to being a high school history teacher, Scharlack was an art historian. She worked in museums and taught college courses.

After being born in Miami Beach, Scharlack’s family moved to New Jersey when she was one-year-old. In New Jersey, she attended elementary, middle and high school before entering Wellesley College.

Upon graduation from college, she earned her bachelor’s degree cum laude.

Scharlack recalled that “the

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Jay Feinstein

“The students generally were, and continue to be, wonderful, enthusiastic, conscientious and fun to have in class,” said history teacher Betsey Scharlack. people at Wellesley were very serious about learning, and that was a part of their culture that I enjoyed.”

Thereafter, she attended the University of Michigan, where she finished all the requirements for a doctorate except for the dissertation.

She also attended Babson College and Boston College where she received a Masters of Business Administration and a Masters in Education, respectively.

Based on her education experience and her career, Scharlack said she has come to realize that “there is no direct correlation between degrees and income.”

Nevertheless, there are rewards in pursuing higher education.

Scharlack said that she has “always found a great deal of satisfaction in learning and teaching.”

According to Bassett, “She carries copious knowledge about history and architecture.”

Scharlack is “well-travelled” and suits her position, he said.

In addition, she has many artifacts and stories that enrich her teaching, Bassett said.

Over the last eleven years, Scharlack has taught East Asia studies, World History I and Economics.

To teach well, Scharlack said

she always tries to bring history and the ideas she presents back to students’ lives.

A comprehensive, in-depth interest in Asian history evolved approximately nine years ago, she said.

In order to teach East Asian Studies effectively, she took a number of courses at Primary Source in Watertown and went on study tours of China, Korea, Vietnam and Cambodia.

She said these tours were eye-opening and fascinating, so she went on to learn more through reading, research and additional programs at Indiana and Colorado universities.

“When I was younger, I was only exposed to western and American history but never to Asian history,” she said.

In the course, students learn about four Asian countries, go on field trips and work on independent research projects.

Scharlack said, the project is her favorite part of the course because “I always learn something new myself.”

History teacher Dan Willbach praised Scharlack for creating a popular senior elective that many students take.

He attributes the class’ success to the unique opportunities she offers students, such as teaching them how to use brushes and ink to write Chinese calligraphy.

Willbach said that Scharlack is “a warm and outgoing person whom students seem to like and appreciate.”

In addition, he said that she “has boundless energy when it comes to teaching.”

He cited the numerous field trips she plans for her students

as an example of the effort she puts in to help her students learn.

In East Asian Studies, she takes students to many museums in order to help them truly understand history, he said.

Looking back at her time at this school, Scharlack said she remembers her first few days here as turbulent.

“My start at North was not very auspicious,” she said because September 11, 2001 occured during her first full week of teaching.

“On the day after the twin towers fell, we had a bomb scare at the school and spent several hours outside on the crumbling steps of the old stadium,” Scharlack said.

When people asked her whether she liked her new job, she said she had to confess that she did not know yet. She did note, however, that her time here improved significantly after the first week. “ The students generally were, and continue to be, wonderful, enthusiastic, creative, conscientious and fun to have in a classroom,” she said.

As she reflects on leaving this school, Scharlack said she will miss her colleagues as well as the students that she has come to know and love.

“The people I work with are, and have always been, committed to students and teaching.

They’re also fascinating in their diverse interests. And they consistently make me laugh,” she said.

Most of all, Scharlack said she will miss the energy and the challenges that this school has provided for her.

retirements

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Newton North, Newtonite ◆ 7

Ann Snow holds numerous positions at this school Malini Gandhi From organizing “Girl Talk” chats over popcorn with the female special education students to working as a history aide, for over two decades, Ann Snow demonstrated her ability to engage all students, according to history teacher Brian Goeselt.

She was able to “get kids who don’t ‘get’ school, to look at them with her tough, traditional, yet deeply compassionate gaze and understand where they are coming from,” Goeselt, a longtime colleague, said Snow retired this past June after serving as “an integral part of the special education department,” Goeselt said.

According to Snow, she grew up in Ireland and “absolutely loved school as a child, though it was so much different from what it is here.”

Snow immigrated to the United States when she was 18 and attended Framingham State College, where she majored in history.

Immediately after completing college, in 1991, Snow was hired to serve as a teaching assistant at this school.

Early in her teaching career, Snow was a teaching assistant in the Cluster program and in Graphics.

Over the next twenty years, her role expanded to cover a huge breadth of positions at this school that “all revolved around the focus of special education,” according to Snow.

During this time, Snow went

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back to school to become a certified history teacher.

She then returned to this school to work as a health and sexuality teacher for eight years.

While at this school, she also acted as a substitute English teacher, an aide in a history classroom and a facilitator in the Connections program, a high school neighboorhood inclusion program, which provides “individualized services, programming and instruction to students according to their needs,” according to the school’s guide to special education programs.

Snow was initially drawn to teaching because she “loved learning and loved teenagers.”

In addition,“the special education students I worked with taught me so much. They taught me that young students are a lot smarter than we think they are; that most kids love to learn; and most of all, not to judge people too quickly, which I think we tend to do.”

It is this ability to view students without judgement and to maintain an unshakable patience and faith in them that Goeselt said he admires most about Snow.

For years, Snow served as an aide in Goeselt’s curriculum II world history I class, and Goeselt said that he “learned so much from her” about how to teach and view students.

“She had a real sense of where kids were,” he said.

“When I was a new teacher and would give a lesson for the first time, I remember sometimes she would come up to me afterward and say, very effectively but courteously in her slight Irish accent, that my lesson had completely overshot the class.

She was smart, focused and caring, and she understood kids so well,” Goeselt said.

According to Goeselt, Snow was able to “bring students such a long way,” and he will miss her “compassion and caring.”

School psychologist Colleen Meigher, who worked with Snow in Connections, also said that Snow’s “funny, studentfocused” personality and ability to understand kids were incredible.

“She was hip,” Meigher laughed.

“I think the female students especially felt comfortable with her. They could talk with her, and she would really understand them.”

Meigher cited Snow’s “Girl Talk” sessions, in which a few selected girls in Connections would sit around, talk and eat popcorn, as emblematic of Snow’s role at this school. “‘Girl Talk’ was relaxed, comfortable and supportive as opposed to a formal lecturebased class. It was her style,” Meigher said.

A c c o r d i n g t o M e i g h e r, Snow’s actions taught her “how important a sense of humor is to connect with students.”

“I will miss her dry sense of

Malini Gandhi

“The special education students I worked with taught me so much,” said Ann Snow, a history aide and the Connections facilitator. humor, and her ability to find humor in a challenging situation,” Meigher said.

In the end, it was the experience of watching her students progress and seeing the positive impact of her work that made her career rewarding, Snow said.

“One of my strongest memo-

ries of teaching is when I was teaching a very important unit in a health and sexuality class and one of the girls looked at me afterwards and said, ‘I never thought about that before,’” Snow said.

“I felt like I had given her something important. That is what it was.”

Dan Willbach loves sharing historical knowledge David Kwartler “Newton North is a truly special place,” said history teacher Dan Willbach, who has taught at this school for over ten years.

According to history department head Jonathan Bassett, “He is a thoughtful scholar of history, who cares deeply about students and about the discipline of history.”

Willbach was born in Brooklyn and grew up in Mount Vernon, New York. He attended Mount Vernon High School and graduated in 1961. He graduated from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio in 1966.

“I always liked teaching,” said Willbach. He received his PhD in History from University of Michigan and taught college in Albany, New York for five years. He also taught part-time in a New York state prison.

He attended the School of Social Work at Simmons College in Boston and received his Master’s degree in Social Work.

He worked as a psychotherapist for 20 years. “I did therapy with individuals, families and children,” said Willbach.

Throughout the 1990s, he worked at the Newton-Wellesley Hospital psychiatric unit and taught in Boston area colleges, such as Curry College, as a social worker. However, in the late 1990s, he decided to become solely a teacher.

“The mental health field was shrinking, so I was both pushed out and pulled towards teaching. I realized I could teach psychology, which brought it all together, so that was great for me,” said Willbach.

In 1999, Willbach began to teach at Wayland. He also taught at Mansfield, before finally coming to this school in 2001. Bassett hired him to teach history to juniors and psychology to seniors.

“He has been an especially valuable member of the department because of his ability to teach so many courses. He has

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Leah Budson

“Part of my job is not just giving information, but getting people interested in the subject matter,” history teacher Dan Willbach said. taught psychology and history, has served on the Kennedy Prize Committee and has been involved in several schoolwide groups dedicated to improving the overall Newton North experience for students,” said Bassett.

According to Willbach, he

sought to make students feel connected to history.

“I like to use imagination and believe it’s important. It’s about going past the facts,” said Willbach.

He explained that “once you have the facts you have to imagine what it was like in these

time periods.”

By using imagination to set the scene, students connect with the curriculum and better understand what life was like during those time periods, according to Willbach.

He also worked to expand his students’ interest in the curriculum. “Part of my job is not just giving information but getting people interested in the subject matter. I am interested in the subjects, but everyone else might not be,” said Willbach.

Trying to make his classes interesting for students and “getting a good classroom rapport with the students” helps to increase interest in the discussion, activities and the subject matter itself, according to Willbach.

He said the most difficult part of his teaching career is the time spent grading work, especially the junior theses.

However, he describes “the interaction with students and the classroom environment” as one of his favorite things about the job.

History teacher Betsey Scharlack, who shares an office with Willbach, said, “He is always ready to help students.

He spends a good deal of time conferring with them and helping to shape their thoughts and their writing, especially noticeable with the seemingly endless meetings for the junior thesis.”

Bassett said, “He is particularly tenacious with students for whom history does not come

easily. He does not accept substandard work and pushes all students to achieve.

“He contributes insightfully to department meetings, usually expressing his opinions clearly and strongly, and with civility, humor and respect.”

He describes some of his best experiences at the school as those involving the Kennedy Prize Committee and Model United Nations, where he can contribute to the school outside of the classroom.

“This school is a very different teaching experience than other high schools,” said Willbach.

He said he believes the students have a passion and drive to learn that is not found at other schools.

According to Willbach, “Seeing students change and develop over time is very rewarding, and I love to watch my students at graduation,” he said.

He said he enjoys watching his students mature into young adults with promising futures ahead of them.

Although Willbach will miss his colleagues and students, he will look forward to being able to finally relax during retirement, he said.

“I have many different plans.

I want to do some writing, learn to play the piano and travel.”

Scharlack said, “He is a good friend and will be missed for his kindness to all of us.”

Lauren Congratulations to all seniors and good luck in the future

DREAM Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars!

8 â—† Newtonite, Newton North

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Wednesday, June 6, 2012

community statements

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Try to better world To the Class of 2012: Thank you for all that you have given to Newton North.

You are a class that has set an impressive tone for this school.

You are a class that has added so much to our vibrant school culture whether on our athletic fields and courts, our stages, in our classrooms or in our halls.

I have personally so appreciated your presence in our school over the last four years.

I am going to miss you!

Graduation is a time for people to give you advice.

My advice...take the lessons you have learned over the last 18 years and try to make each future situation that you enter better than you found it.

I know that you have made this school better than you found it.

For that we are grateful.

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Jennifer Price Good luck in all of your future endeavors.

—Jennifer Price principal

Take time to reflect on past To the Class of 2012: I am pleased to offer my congratulations to each of the students graduating this year.

The occasion of your high school graduation is a worthy cause for celebration, and I am excited to share this very special day with you. This is truly an important milestone in your life, and I hope you will take a moment to reflect on the significance of this achievement.

As you embark onto the next phase of your life, I hope you will build on the solid educational foundation you have received from the talented and dedicated teachers,

Look forward to future pursuits

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Lorene Shapiro

administrative assistant

Never forget school Continue to take on challenges Class of 2012, You are the river that flows through the institution of Newton North, and now, it is your time to start your journey into the delta of life. Four years ago, you entered the old building meandering the halls as freshmen.

Together as a class, you have navigated the twist and turns of sophomore MCAS, junior SATs and now as seniors, graduation.

You have made your legacy as a class. You are united and passionate and caring.

As great rivers do, you have great momentum, carrying the tide of your collective years of education and experience.

On the athletic fields, in the theatre or in the career and vocational technical education classrooms, you have left Newton North a better place because you were here.

Never forget where you came from; it will help guide you to where you want to go.

Commencement is a beginning. As you enter the great ocean of life, balance the prevailing currents that direct you with those of your own.

administrators and staff of the Newton Public Schools.

Here in Newton, we take great pride in our school system and are proud to offer our children a world class education.

I hope that the education you have received here has prepared you for the challenges ahead. I urge you to embrace whatever you do in the future with vigor and confidence, knowing you are prepared with all the tools you need to continue your successes.

Congratulations again, and best of luck in all your future endeavors.

—Setti Warren mayor

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Setti Warren

Remember experiences here

Enjoy life’s journey Congratulations to the Class of 2012!

It’s amazing how quickly four years have passed.

May the memories of your friends, class celebrations and school activities at North bring you joy and pride.

Take the initiative and create the life you want to live.

Decide what you are best at and what you like to do, and pursue those ideas with all your passion.

I wish you a happy, healthy journey as you begin your next adventure!

—Lorene Shapiro Adams House

Newton North, Newtonite ◆ 9

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David Fleishman

Dear Class of 2012: Congratulations on what I hope was a meaningful and rich educational experience in the Newton Public Schools.

I hope your thirteen years in school have been a time for both academic and emotional growth.

While you have had the privilege to attend school in a beautiful building over the last two years, I expect you will also remember the teacher that sparked a passion, the adult in the building that helped you through a difficult time or the individual who pushed you to accomplish things you never deemed possible.

I also hope that you had the opportunity to interact with others who bring backgrounds and perspectives far different from your own.

As you transition to the next stage of life in this ever changing world, I hope you continue to have opportunities to learn in ways tht allow you reach your potential.

Many of you have also helped to make the school and the City of Newton a better place.

I expect that you will continue to positively impact communities and institutions as you move forward.

—David Fleishman superintendent

Congratulations to Lizzie and Miller and the Class of 2012!

You're all winners!

The McCarthy-Tuohy and Weisman-Prokop families

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James D’Orazio Know where you want to go but don’t miss opportunities that will help guide you when you need direction. Continue on your journey doing what you do best: Great Things.

P.S. On a personal note, it is an honor and privilege to be leaving with your class.

Together, we sail on.

—James D’Orazio Adams housemaster

Alison Berkowitz, Congratulations on all your achievements!

Love, Mom, Dad, and Matthew

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10 Newtonite, Newton North

Alessandra Denaro We are very proud of you and we love you more than words could ever say!

Wishing you all the best at BC and a future ďŹ lled with all that is good in life.

All our love, Mom, Dad, Angela, Michael Joseph, andVictoria

Tim,

Never let go of your dreams!

Love, Dad, Mom, Pat and Anne

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

community statements

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Newton North, Newtonite ◆ 11

Appreciate success, Work to try all opportunities never fear failures Congratulations on this wonderful day! You are graduating from one of the best high schools in the country, and many of you have gone through all 13 years of elementary, middle and high school in the Newton Public Schools. I hope that you feel proud of your accomplishments and excited about your future.

I hope you can appreciate how hard you have worked to get to this important milestone.

Our schools have put serious demands on you, and graduating from Newton North means that you are leaving a high school with high expectations and a rigorous curriculum, regardless of the programs or courses in which you have enrolled.

You have formed relationships that will be with you for the rest of your lives. Many of your friends today will be your friends forever, and you have no doubt been able to appreciate our many wonderful teachers who have been able to inspire you and draw out your special talents.

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Matt Hills You have hopefully felt comfortable exploring the unknown, taking risks, appreciating success and not fearing failure.

Most of all, I hope that are leaving our school system filled with curiosity and with passion for moving forward in your life.

—Matt Hills School Committee vice-chair

Continue to achieve

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Sally Brickell

Lynne LeBlanc

Dear Class of 2012, We are honored to join the chorus of those wishing you success as you continue on your journey to adulthood.

You have handled gracefully the experience of spending your high school years in two buildings, and you have made the new school your own.

The walls of Newton North have been enriched by signs of your many activities: clubs, athletics, theatre, art and music, to name just a few.

Growth happens in many ways. Your friends, parents and teachers have all helped you

grow as a person.

You have also grown intellectually with your daily academics at Newton North and with experiences like “Two Schools, One Book.”

You will carry what you have learned in all capacities as you continue your life journey.

We wish you well in the future beyond the walls of Newton North High School.

You have made us, and the parents/guardians we represent, proud. Congratulations!

—Sally Brickell and Lynne LeBlanc PTSO co-presidents

Congratulations Jennifer You’ve done a terrific job

Love, Mom, Dad and Rebecca

Four years ago, when Emily entered NNHS, this school felt so large and, yes, frightening. Coming from the relative safety of a small Jewish Day School, I was not convinced that this was the best environment.

But Emily was certain and, as always, confident. And, as is typical, she was right!

What a fabulous four years it has been.

NNHS is big: big in opportunities and big in support.

The possibilities are endless for those students who choose to become involved in whatever sparks their passion.

And the teachers and administrators are highly skilled professionals who truly care.

That comes straight from the top: I cannot imagine a more engaged principal than Jennifer Price.

My experience with NNHS comes not only as the proud mother of a graduating senior, but also as Community Relations Officer of The Village Bank.

Our support of the school takes many forms, from the presentations we make regularly to Rob Kane’s fabulous business classes, to the buses we have donated to the Innovation Lab that will allow students from all over the City to take advantage of Steve Chinosi’s exuberant leadership, to our support of Theatre Ink and the magic that Adam Brown inspires, to the sports teams, to the creative community collaborations forged by Diana Robbins, to advertising

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Susan Paley here in the Newtonite and more.

To the graduating seniors, I hope that you all have jumped in with both feet and sampled it all!

To all of those that I have gotten to know through Emily or through Theatre Ink, Mr. Kane’s classes or the Innovation Lab, I am so impressed by your enthusiasm for learning, your confidence and your maturity.

Life will be filled with rich choices as you move on. It is my hope for Emily, and for all of you, that you take in all of your options, taste everything that life has to offer and make enlightened decisions.

This school, with its caring, enthusiastic and bright faculty and staff, has built for you a microcosm of the world that you are now ready to enter.

I hope that each and every member of this Class of 2012 is moving on to someplace that will allow you to learn and grow

into yourself, whether that place be college, a gap year, travel, work or something entirely different.

Newton and its schools have taken some lumps and bumps over the past few years as budgets have been strained and criticism levied about our new building.

The fact is that the quality of the teaching and learning, and the commitment has, I believe, remained as strong here as it was when my husband graduated from the old, old building so many years ago, when it was called simply Newton High School.

I cannot let this opportunity pass to thank former Newton Mayor David Cohen for his vision in bringing the new, new building to fruition.

Now, the physical plant can properly reflect the excellence within.

As Emily and friends move on, it is a comfort to me to know that my “separation anxiety” will be eased by The Village Bank’s involvement in this incredible school.

I’ll still be visiting regularly and will not miss a Theatre Ink production!

Somehow, in my house, everything always ends up referencing musical theatre!

So, here goes…to paraphrase Sondheim, I say to the Class of 2012: “It’s YOUR time, breathe it in. ….worlds to change and worlds to win.”

Your school has prepared you well!

—Susan Paley

Congratulations, Mira, on all that you’ve accomplished over these past four years at Newton North!

We’re so proud of you.

Love, Mom, Dad and Leah

parent

12 ◆ Newtonite, Newton North

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Wednesday, June 6, 2012

AN IMPORTANT MESSSAGE FOR CHRISTIAN ANDREW AMARAL Dear Christian— In honor of your graduation, I wanted you to know just how much I care. So I thought about what would be the perfect gift.

I went and found the most adorable German Shepherd puppy. I left him sleeping in your room and went outside. There I started tying the $50,000 I removed from my life savings to a small tree I had bought at Home Depot. I thought we could later plant the “Money Tree” together—a mother/son bonding, if you will. Then I noticed your puppy using your computer as a “Piddle Pad.” Who could have known that while you left the music playing, he would have had such a reaction to “Who Let The Dogs Out?” So after yelling at Tinkles (hope you don’t mind that I named him), I proceeded to clean up said mess. The smoke is almost gone and that burning smell will go away...eventually.

As I finished, I heard an amazing amount of bird chirping and noticed an entire family of turkeys outside. I went out to see what they were up to and found they had eaten almost all of the money off your tree. Not to worry, the sparrows got the rest and used it for nesting material.

While I was outside venting my frustration by cutting the new tree into firewood, I looked and saw Tinkles had decided to use your new Tempur-Pedic foam mattress as a chew toy. As I chased him, I renamed him Jaws. He ran like the wind (with a substantial chunk of mattress in his mouth) right outside. As luck would have it, traffic was just getting a green light as he hopped into the bed of a pickup truck and was whisked away.

I decided there was nothing left to do but set out your sleeping bag and throw out your partial mattress.

I then thought, Christian would love a fancy bedroom door! So back I went to Home Depot. I came back with a lovely new door and proceeded to install it. Nowhere on the door did it state that it was not secure in the door jamb. How could anyone possibly know that while it was being leveled, it could swing open at approximately the same speed as a nuclear missile? I watched you save your money in order to buy yourself that new TV. I really hope you don’t mind watching everything on a “split” screen?

Well, I then walked to the driveway where your new Mustang—(Shelby Cobra) was parked and noticed the squirrels…they like to hide their food for later. They were all over the car, so I leaped like a gazelle into the front seat in order to drive it away from the little furry-tailed rats. How could I have known the stack of acorns went all the way up the tailpipe? How could I have known that the food processor like sound coming from the engine wouldn’t last forever? How could I have known the insurance didn’t cover flooding from the hose the firefighters used to put out the towering inferno?

But amazingly, I saved the best gift for last! Your absolute favorite thing in the world—a fine dinner provided by your magnificent mother. You even get to choose—Lucky Charms, Reese’s Puffs or Froot Loops?

Your Loving Mother P.S. I am so VERY PROUD to call you mine! I love you (MORE) my little pea in a pod!

Mums

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

faculty statements

Newton North, Newtonite ◆ 13

Use courage to attain dreams Learn something whenever possible Class of 2012!

Congratulations! Can you believe you are graduating?

In so many ways I feel like we were all just beginning our time at Newton North. You were the class I began with as freshmen, and thus you are the first group of seniors I have had the privilege to work with for four consecutive years.

Yo u h a v e u n d o u b t e d l y learned many things while at North, simultaneously teaching and inspiring others (both knowingly and unknowingly).

Continue to follow your heart and your “inner voice.”

The next several years hold so many opportunities and possibilities. While it is natural to second guess yourself, chal-

lenge yourself to believe you really do have the answers to what is best, for you.

You just need to pause and listen to the decisions your heart and head come up with when they work together.

I have thoroughly enjoyed working with you and watching you evolve into the outstanding young men and women you are today.

Have the courage, patience and faith to believe in yourselves as you pursue your future endeavors.

As a wise man once said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” (MLK, Jr.) —Kyra Bateman counselor

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Kyra Bateman

Keep working hard Learn from mistakes, successes

Jay Feinstein

Jerry Etienne

Class of 2012, congratulations on crossing the finish line.

Your journey now begins, and you are in control of where and when you reach your destination.

Remember the many lessons you have learned and experiences you have encountered, good and bad, that have led you to this point. You have accomplished so much.

Continue with the good and learn from your mistakes.

Enhance your strengths and

strengthen your weaknesses. It has been great working with you throughout your high school career.

I wish you all the best of luck!

As Dr. Seuss said, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own.

And you know what you know.

You are the person who’ll decide where to go.”

—Jerry Etienne counselor

Never lose sight of passions To the Class of 2012, I have some advice and a thank you.

But first, a brief digression.

I recently heard an interview on the radio with author Robert Caro. He’s spent much of the last three decades researching and writing a (so far) four-volume biography of Lyndon Johnson.

Now, at age 76, he says there’s still one more volume to go.

He still goes to his office every day to keep plugging away.

In the interview, he sounded excited about the book he just finished and the new one he’s working on.

It got me thinking: What could make a person work for more than thirty years on the same project?

Clearly, he loves what he does.

So my advice is this: Do what you love. It’s great advice, but easier said than done.

The world is a competitive place, and no doubt you’ve seen your fair share of that competition here at North. Compete to win on the athletic field.

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Peter Hamel Compete for the affections of another. Compete to win at the Science Olympiad. Compete to get into that top-ranked college.

Compete to get a job.

All that competition can blind you to what you love.

“Winning” can become an empty, joyless goal. Don’t let it.

Engage in competition, sure.

Set goals and work hard to achieve them. Earn a living.

But keep your eyes open to the things that bring you joy.

It might take a while, and you may not find something that you want to do past your 76th birthday.

Even once you’ve found something you love, there will be times when life throws barbs at you, and it’s hard to remember why you love it.

That brings me to my thank you. I am grateful to you for keeping me grounded, for reminding me why I love what I do.

Whenever the crush of this responsibility or that piece of paperwork has started to blind me to the love, I have had an interaction with one of you that returns my focus.

You’re a wonderful group, and I’ll miss you. Feel free to come back any time to give me one of those reminders and let me thank you again.

—Peter Hamel science teacher

Celebrate accomplishments !Enhorabuena! Congratulations Class of 2012!

High school is almost over, and you are about to begin a whole new phase of life.

Now is such an exciting time for you, a time for new beginnings, new horizons to explore and discover—nuevos horizontes y nuevas vistas para descubrir!

It is also a bittersweet time when you will be leaving your favorite teachers, making new friends y amigos, leaving all that is familiar.

For you are now young adults, full of hopes and dreams about your future and the future of the world.

Change is coming your way so fast that you can’t even stop it, so let your emotions and your passions lead you toward new paths as you embrace and

remember all those who have helped you come this far in your life.

And enjoy this precious time of transition and change, feeling proud that you have come this far. You deserve this time to celebrate your accomplishments.

May you follow your dreams, may you discover new roads, new cultures, new languages, new meanings in your life, where so much lies ahead.

May your journey ahead be filled with adventure and new reflections of who you are and how you can help to change this world for the better.

Keep up the spirit of courage and strength of the “Tiger—Tigre” your whole life. Dream big and never give up, no matter what challenges you may face.

Wishing you all the best of luck and happiness. Os deseo todo lo

Nina Kaplan

Jose Sancho mejor, suerte y felicidad.

—Jose Luis Sancho Spanish teacher

Find out what is truly important, and then live your life that way…drink tea…feel the sun on your skin…listen to a piece of music all the way through without it being in the background…watch minor league baseball games a n d playground basketball…find pleasure in small things…understand how power works…be able to recite a poem from memory…splurge on food…pay attention… know what it is to love and to be loved…have empathy… go to concerts…apologize… know how to change a tire… fall in love…make brownies from scratch…when you see or hear something beautiful, stop and see about it…find an idea that is bigger than you and wonder about your place in it…be careful of pride and know what it looks like…if you are in college, take an art history course…thank people…be wary of filtering the world through merely your own experience…go to Congo Square in New Orleans and 1520 Sedgwick Ave. in the West Bronx…put the damn screens down…have a conversation…open doors for folks…know that the price of love is grief…learn how to make an omelette…know the names of things…watch yourself with credit cards…study verbal magic, but watch what you say because you’ll attract it…be something all the way…know that when your

Jay Feinstein

Peter Goddard heart has been broken, you have joined the human race… listen to Billie Holiday when your heart breaks… read… when you are able to move out, move out…know what it is to work…be careful of jealousy and know what it looks like…play music constantly… take the train/subway/bus in whatever city you’re in… smile more…know the saying, “this, too, shall pass”…say no to “meh”…watch sporting events because they are more unpredictable than fiction… take the damn headphones off sometimes…never stop studying, even if you’re not in school…show up to things… come on by and visit, I’ll put the kettle on.

—Peter Goddard English teacher

Accept challenges, have positive effect on surroundings To the Class of 2012: I have known many of you for much of your high school careers. I have seen you stumble, I have seen you challenge yourselves, and I have seen you grow.

You are a class that has inspired me, and when I may have found myself tired or frustrated from the demands of a hectic school day or overwhelmed by stacks of papers to grade, you have always reminded me why I have chosen teaching as a profession.

You have been exceptional in your desire to learn, not just about the ideas in our classroom, but also about the world around you.

You have questioned, you have pushed and you have blossomed.

Whether in class, in the hallways, during club meetings and shows or during shared free blocks, the conversations we’ve had are ones that I have cherished.

They have made me a better teacher and better person, in general, and I will carry them with me always.

As you leave the halls of Newton North, please remember this: what lies ahead will be a time for you to continue discovering what’s important to you and to understand even better the impact you will have on the rest of the world.

I urge you to find a balance in life—whether it’s balancing what you want of yourselves with what others might expect

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Michele Leong of you; whether it’s juggling your desire to accomplish great things with the need to take time for yourselves; or whether it’s standing firm to your beliefs while figuring out how to question what you see happening around you.

Activist Yuri Kochiyama once said, “Remember that consciousness is power. Consciousness is education and knowledge. Consciousness is becoming aware. It is the perfect vehicle for students…. Tomorrow’s world is yours to build.”

With these words, think about how, in this new and exciting phase in your life, you can make the world a better place.

Thank you for these great years together.

I wish you all the best.

—Michele Leong English teacher

awards

14 â—† Newtonite, Newton North

Wednday, June 6, 2012

Senior awards, scholarship recipients Margherita Acchione Scholarships Kayla Farina Anthony Mariano Diane Antonellis Childcare Scholarship Marly Bresler Jeffrey M. Banks Memorial Scholarship Maleeka Pearson David Barboza Memorial Scholarship Grace Rolfe Ron Barndt Scholarship Caroline Ellison Sandy Bartzak Award Patrick Bryson Carlos Berrera Memorial Scholarship Kellynette Gomez Edward Beatty Book Award Kellynette Gomez Celia Betts Award Jorge Velazque Irene Bickelman Award Barry Santana Charles E. Brown Scholarship Award Ellison Abbott Lt. Stafford Leighton Brown Memorial Scholarships Michael Bradley David Burakovsky Ryan Chan Yiyuan Dong Aaron Yip Marjorie Byers Scholarship Courtney Cox Cambridge Savings Bank Charitable Foundation Scholarships Courtney Cox Allison Wu David Casavant Culinary Arts Scholarship Awards Benjamin Conescu Courtney Cox Alex J. Castoldi Memorial Scholarship: Career and Vocational Technical Education Danielle Wasson

Hilary Brumberg

English Awards: Senior Mary Emma Searles receives the Original Voices Portfolio Award from her English teacher, Charlene Beh. Alex J. Castoldi Memorial Scholarship: Theatre Ink Aaron Siegel Chaffin Educational Fund Scholarship Awards Samin Akbari Panahi Abbas Bhatti Bonnie Chen Courtney Cox Rydell Cox Iain Donovan Eh Eh Robyn Esytwick Danayt Gafo Kellynette Gomez Ilana Greenstein Robert Grinshaw Paige Grody

Mohammad Haq Kristen Ho Robert Howell Neha Jain Tiana Jordan Lauriane Kamenetsky Lawrence Lamisere Valerie Lamisere Allesandro Leone Nathaly Lopera Manuel Lopez Andrew Mastromattei Kayla McMillen Artur Milgrom Denis Nalbantov Katharine Nash Thomas Nash Janellen O’Connor

Tereza Pinkhasova Mikayla Ross Johanna Saikai Arian Santo Bethany Schubert Hanna Stubblefield-Tave Rachel Taylor Ka Po Tang Michael Thorpe Greg Chan Scholarship Fund Nellie Robinson Robert Chernis Dram Awards Sam Bell-Gurwitz Caleb Bromberg Adrian Colasacco Memorial Scholarship Iain Donovan Grace Rolfe

David Costanzo Award Wyatt Wells Caroline Costello Memorial Scholarship Paige Grody Theresa L. Cram Scholarship Denis Nalbantov Mary Cunningham Award Alison Berkowitz Seth Daigle Memorial/PTSO Scholarship Michael Thorpe D.A.R. Good Citizenship Award Stasja Drecun Andrew Dealy Memorial Scholarship Courtney Leahy Bobby Donahue Scholarship Fund Award Swardiq Mayanja Gary Eliot Performing Arts Award Emily Paley Graham Techler Robert Faulkner Career and Vocational Technical Education Student of the Year Scholarship Melissa Ruttan W. Eugene Ferguson Math Award Eh Eh Howard Ferguson Memorial Scholarships Katharyn Caruso Thomas Clarke Peg Festinger Memorial Award Ilana Greenstein Haskell C. Freedman/NTA Scholarship Fund Aiden Verre John Fuller Second Church Scholarship Alexandra Pini Meredith Ghattas Scholarship Bonnie Chen Graphics Communications Community Service Award Kristin Ho Golden Hammer Award Grace Rolfe

awards

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Newton North, Newtonite ◆ 15

Senior awards, scholarship recipients Guidance Aide Awards Emily Paley Jon Paul Roby Rev. Howard Haywood Scholarship Nayome Cawthorne Kathleen Henighan Child Studies Achievement Award Mark Gately Charlotte Howard/ Claflin School Scholarship Bonnie Chen George Jessup Scholarship Young Guang Elizabeth Jewett World Language Scholarship Sarah Bolden Abe Jellinek Scholarship for Assistance & Computer Technology Purchase William Spiro Jubilee Alumni Award Mia Bracciale Lanna Kelley Memorial Scholarship Julianna Law Stephanie Vitone Barbara Killion Award Swardiq Mayanja Luke Westman Max Lyman Kolb Memorial Award Melissa Ruttan Edward Lareau Scholarship Achievement Award Thomas Harrington Henry Lasker Memorial Music Award Emily Paley A. Peter Leary Memorial Scholarship Brendan Fagan Deborah E. LeBovidge Scholarship Manuel Lopez Thomas Leonard Music Scholarship Emily Schacter Baron Hugo Lira Memorial Music Scholarship Ellison Abbott Beverly Logan Scholarship Barry Santana Adam London Memorial Scholarship Christina Caira Ryan Fanning Barbara Sulkin Lourie Memorial Scholarships Juliana Farina Robert Howell Clarence Wong Polly Yang Richard H. Lovell Scholarships Andrew Mastromatti Devante Maxwell Rachel Taylor Jorge Velazque Susanne McInerney Real Estate Internship Scholarship Maleeka Pearson Donna Mandatori Scholarship Award Eleanor DeVol V. James Marini Scholarship Robyn Estwick Massachusetts Elks Scholarships Ryan Fanning Brian Lenihan Richard Mechem Award Jon Paul Roby Miriam Meyer Award Emmett Greenberg Robert Mitchell Scholarship Michael Dinsmore Mitchell Nathanson Memorial Award Ilana Greenstein National Merit Scholarships I-Ping Chan Pamela Chan Shelton Cochran Michael Dinsmore Caroline Ellison Evan Harris Abigail Holtzman Melissa Levy Nellie Robinson Andrew Walsworth Allison Wu Kevin Wu Newton High School Scholarship Fund Calvin Zhao New TV Scholarship Diana Seldin Newton Aldermen Award

Nina Kaplan

Accomplishment: Robotics and engineering teacher Scott Rosenhahn gives senior Thomas Harrington the Edward H. Lareau Achievement Scholarship Award.

Michael Dinsmore Newton Centre Women’s Club Scholarships Katja Hamler Corey Hess-Mahan Newton Educational Secretaries Scholarship Alessandro Leone Newton METCO Academic Achievement Awards Lesley-Ann Boyce Courtney Cox Rydell Cox Tiana Jordan Claudel Laurent Nathaly Lopera Maleeka Pearson Newton METCO Academic Excellence Award Kristine Cheun Newton METCO Ruth Batson Social Justice Award Courtney Cox Newton North High School Photography Award Aaron Siegel Newton North High School Honor Roll Scholarship Nellie Robinson N e w t o n Po l i c e M e m o r i a l Scholarship Timothy Annese Newton Rotary Community Scholarship Veronica Ingham Newton Rotary William Rockwell Scholarship Amanda Derby Newton Rotary Scholarship and Tool Awards Michela Salvucci Hannah Schindler Newtonite/Helen Smith Scholarship Meredith Abrams Gabe Dreyer Dorothy Novack Memorial Scholarship Awards Brian Lenihan Manuel Lopez Zachary Wolff Oak Hill/Nonantum Children’s Memorial Scholarships Alexandra Pini William O’Brien Scholarship Fund Brooke Goldstone Phil Ochs/Alan MacDougall Award David Buzby Orr Foundation Awards David Buzby Paul Keith Jamie Moore William Spiro Calvin Zhu Outstanding Achievement in Arts Management Certificates Danielle Campbell Katharine Norris Outstanding Achievement in Directing Certificates Caleb Bromberg Charlie Beers

Nicole Bunis Pamela Chen Sonya Douglas Abby Holtzman Katharine Norris Jon Paul Roby Graham Techler Emma Weisberg Outstanding Achievement in Technical Design Certificate Aaron Siegel Peltier History Award Abby Holtzman Perkins History Prize Zlata Temkin Rosanne Perlmutter Scholarship Lauriane Kamenetsky Mitchell Nathanson Memorial Award Ilana Greenstein David Phelan World Language Award Lia Mitchell Christopher Polci Memorial Scholarship Daniel Sabetti Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation Scholarship Neha Jain Ellen Raphael Award Alyssa Kaplan Nathan Alden Robinson Memorial Math Award Jacob Shearman Nathan Alden Robinson Memorial Music Award Nellie Robinson Martin Rossman Scholarship Matt Moss-Hawkins Giovanni and Louisa Rossi Scholarship Fund Tereza Pinkhasova Susan Rosenzweig Scholarship Jessica Broussard Miguel Rivera Helen M. Ryan Award Clarence Wong Chuck Sakakini Scholarship Award Aidan Keyes Mary Sapienza Math Award Boshan Mo Thomas Schaefer Award Katharine Norris Clinton H. Scovell Fund Scholarships Alison Berkowitz Marly Bresler Jessica Broussard Patrick Bryson Miriam Caniz Katharyn Caruso Abigail Dalzell Gabriel Dreyer Brooke Goldstone Sam Green Emily McLaughlin Shannon McNeil Srujana Peddada Lior Percher Tereza Pinkhasova Bethany Schubert Mei Sirdevan

Cora Spillman Jeremy Tibbetts Aiden Verre Katerina Villano Kayla Wong Tiffany Wong Vivian Yee Ellen Silk Scholarship John Fitzgerald Frank Simmons Award Marlon Rainville Leslie Solomon Scholarship Nathaly Lopera Raymond Smith Music Award Pamela Chen Melissa Weikart Reginald E. Smith Memorial Award Brooke Goldstone Social Science Club Award Robyn Estwick Gail Stein Scholarship Maleeka Pearson Saul Stern Music Award Laura Cook John Temperley Graphic Arts Award Michela Salvucci

Richard Thompson EDCO Award Kellynette Gomez Marcia Tyman Memorial Scholarship Award Janellen O’Connor Daniel Uberti Memorial Scholarship Michael Uberti Alice M. Warren Scholarship Awards Lior Percher Mei Sirdevan Rachel Taylor Tiana Jordan Maleeka Pearson Hanna Stubblefield-Tave Vollin B. Wells Business Scholarships Ralitza Dountcheva Justin Keefe Waste Management Company Scholarships Samin Akbari Panahi Madeleine Aqualina Artur Milgrom Whitson’s Culinar y Group Scholarships Jeremy Marks Lydia O’Connor Philip J. Wolfe Theatre Awards Nicole Bunis Danielle Campbell Mira Netsky Theatre Ink Award of Special Recognition/Certificates Charlie Beers Sam Bell-Gurwitz Mia Bracciale Caleb Bromberg Nicole Bunis Danielle Campbell Maddie Cetlin Pamela Chen Sonya Douglas Sam Green Abby Holtzman Johnny Medlar Marina Miller Gabbi Morgenstern Mira Netsky Katharine Norris Emily Paley Lida Richardson Nellie Robinson Jon Paul Roby Zane Roth Mary Emma Searles Aaron Siegel Graham Techler Melissa Weikart Emma Weisberg Allison Wu

Steven, We are very proud of you.

Love and congratulations, The Michael Family

16 ◆ Newtonite, Newton North After graduation, the members of the Class of 2012 will go their separate ways and will have new experiences.

The following is a list of the paths each current senior will take next year.

The list comes from students’ submissions to Naviance. Students with blanks accompanying their names either did not submit information to Naviance, or they requested that their information not be included in this special.

A

Abbott, Ellison––U. Southern California Abbott, Robert Abed, Maggie–– Boston Architectural College Abrams, Meredith––NYU Adelsheim, Rachel––NYU Aguilar, Edgar Akbari Panahi, Samin Alessi, Kyle Amaral, Christian Amen-Ra, Sephorah Ames, Margaret––Merrimack Annese, Timothy––Norwich U. Antonellis, Nadia––Bryant Aquilina, Madeleine––Oberlin Arsenault, Kimberly Arstamyan, Arthur Ashley, Eliza––Colorado College Au, Lawrence––Suffolk

B

Bach, Thao––Mount Holyoke Bader, Emily––Evergreen State Bajwa, Sarah–– UMass Amherst Barry, Katrina––Boston University Beatty, Theo Beers, Charles–– U. Maryland at College Park Bell-Gurwitz, Samuel Belmore, Savannah— Notre Dame of Maryland U. Bemis, Eliot Benjamin, Alexander Bensetler, Jesse––Providence College Benson, William Berkowitz, Alison–– Olin College of Engineering Bernstein, Benjamin––UNH Bhatti, Abbas––Suffolk Bolden, Sarah––UMass Boston Boudreau, Morgan––UMass Lowell Bouritsas, Vasili Boyce, Lesley-Ann Bracciale, Mariana––Salve Regina Bradley, Michael Brady, Danielle Bresler, Marly––undecided Bromberg, Caleb––DePaul Broussard, Jessica––Mount Ida Brown, Julian–– Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology Brown, Stephanie––Dartmouth Bryson, Patrick Bukenya, Hassan Bunis, Nicole Burakovsky, David––Brandeis Buzby, David––Syracuse Byrne, Ryan–– Worcester Polytechnic Institute

C

Caira, Christina––Assumption Camilli, Daniel Campbell, Danielle––Ithaca Caniz, Miriam–– Boston Architectural College Cardona, Daniela Cardona, Juliana Cartwright, David––Roger Williams Caruso, Katharyn–– Southern New Hampshire U. Caspi, Maya–– Mass. College of Art and Design Castro, Carlos––work Cawthorne, Nayomi Cetlin, Madeline––Duke Chan, Emily––Hamilton Chan, I-Ping––Northeastern Chan, Ryan––Villanova Chen, Bonnie–– Mass. College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Chen, Pamela––Harvard Cheung, Kristine––UNH Cho, Ki Chu, Angelica––Suffolk Clarke, Thomas–– North Carolina Wesleyan Close, Alexandra–– Penn. State at University Park Cochran, Shelton––Amherst College Comstock, Jacqueline–– U. California at Santa Barbara Comstock, Richard––U. British Columbia Conescu, Benjamin––Johnson and Wales

Wednesday, J Cooke, Laura––Vanderbilt Couch, Cameron Cox, Courtney––Johnson and Wales Cox, Rydell Crochiere, Karina––Mass. Bay

D

DaConceicao, Bruno Dadmun, Austin––UMass Dartmouth Dalzell, Abigail––Williams Davis, Samuel––Roger Williams Dekel, Keren––Lasell Del Campo, Andrew Denaro, Alessandra––Boston College Derby, Amanda––Lehigh Desir, Timothy DeVol, Eleanor––Gordon DiDino, Domenique––Bridgewater State Dimitrov, Valeri––Newbury Dimond, Kathryn––Trinity Dinis, Alexandre––Boston College Dinsmore, Michael––U. Chicago Dix, Elliot––U. Connecticut Don, Shahar––UMass Amherst Donahe, Jason Donahue, Robert Dong, Yiyuan–– Rochester Institute of Technology Donnellan, Luke Donovan, Iain Doolin, Clare–– Worcester Polytechnic Institute Dorfman, Sarah––Boston University Douglas, Sonya–– Worcester Polytechnic Institute Dountcheva, Ralitza Drecun, Stasja––U. Toronto Dreyer, Gabriel––Fordham Dube, Christine––Ithaca Durkin, Brendan––work Duvall, Benjamin–– Rochester Institute of Technology

E

Eastman, Hannah––Becker Eh, Eh Ellison, Caroline––Stanford Esparza Martinez, Francisco Esparza Martinez, Gerardo––year off Estwick, Robyn––Northeastern

F

Fagan, Brendan––UNH Fanning, Ryan––Lasell Farina, Juliana––U. Delaware Farina, Kayla––Babson Feinhaus, Isaac–– Worcester Polytechnic Institute Ferguson, Zachary––UNH Ferrey, Curran––Boston University Fitzgerald, John Fleischmann, Shoshana––military Fuller, Alexandra

Enthusiasm: The senior “6th Man” section cheers on the Tigers in a home game T

Congratulat Class o

G

Gafo, Danayt–– Rochester Institute of Technology Gant, Sophia––Haverford Garcia, Caroline Garcia Lucero, Joselin Gately, Mark–– Maple Woods Community College Ghosh, Emily––Boston University Golden, Evelyn––Smith Goldstone, Brooke––U. Arizona Golick, Lena Gomez, Kellynette––Gallaudet Green, Samuel––UMass Amherst Greenberg, Emmett––Brandeis Greene, Leah––Syracuse Greenly, Savannah––Northeastern Greenstein, Ilana––Barnard Grigoli, Lucia Grimshaw, Robert––Mass. Bay Grody, Paige––MIT Guang, Young––Boston University

H

Hall, Koran Hamann, Timothy–– Montana State at Billings Hamilton, Jenny––Tufts Hamler, Katja––U. Delaware Han, Richard––Northwestern Haq, Mohammad––Lasell Harrington, Thomas–– Georgia Institute of Technology Harris, Evan Haver, Serena––Colby Hedenberg, Hunter––Macalester Heffernan, Magdalene––Haverford Hemingway, Itavius Hess-Mahan, Corey––Lesley Hewett, Abigail––St. Lawrence Hills, Benjamin––American Ho, Elizabeth––Stony Brook Ho, Kristen––Fitchburg State Holder, Thomas––Widener

Hollenberg, Eric––Harvard Holtzman, Abigail––Swarthmore Horowitz, Tia Houston, Matthew––Mass. Bay Howard, Benjamin––Hamilton Howard, Jeffrey Howell, Robert––Brandeis Hunter, Claire––U. Vermont

I

Ingham, Jack Ingham, Veronica––College of Charleston

J

Jain, Neha–– Rochester Institute of Technology Jamsri, Wendy Jereza, Rebecca Marie–– Rochester Institute of Technology Jordan, Tiana––Virginia State Joseph, Reginald–– Rochester Institute of Technology Joyce, Robert

K

Kafka, Adam––Lehigh Kamenetsky, Lauriane––UMass Amherst Kane-Gerard, Abby––Ithaca Kane-Gerard, Samuel––year off Kang, Hui Rak––Northeastern Kaplan, Alyssa Kaufman, Benjamin––Dickinson Kaufmann, Eve––Boston University Keefe, Justin––U. Richmond Keith, Paul––UMass Amherst

Kelly, Patrick––U. Hartford Keltchev, Ridvan Kenslea, Timothy––Fordham Kerr, Cole Kervin, Katrina––U. Rhode Island Keyes, Aidan––Boston College Kim, Deborah Kineip, Nicholas Kisembo, Olga–– Mass. College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Knaian, Nicolas––Northeastern Kugener, Tiphaine––U. Virginia Kwan, Matthew

L

Lamisere, Lawrence Lamisere, Valerie Landman, Eli––Elon Latanowich, Noelle Laurent, Claudel––Lasell Law, Juliana––UMass Lowell Lawless, Kelli––U. Rhode Island Lawrence, Lawrence––work Lawson, Anthony––work Le, Jason Leahy, Courtney––Plymouth State Lee, Jason––UMass Amherst Lee, Vivian Lehman, Amanda––Bryn Mawr Lenihan, Brian––Westfield State Leone, Alessandro Levy, Melissa––Johns Hopkins Lin, Jasmine––U. California at San Diego Lloyd, Hannah Long, Jordan––U. Miami Lopera, Nathaly––Stonehill

Newton North, Newtonite ◆ 17 Ordorica de la Torre, Jesus––McGill Orlov, Nathan––Mass. Bay Otten, Michael–– Rochester Institute of Technology

P

Paez, Nahir––Wheelock Pagan, Hector Page, Matias––U. Vermont Paley, Emily––Muhlenberg Paola, Michael Park, Hans Parmenter, Madeleine––Macalester Pearson, Maleeka––Salem State Peddada, Srujana––Carnegie Mellon Percher, Lior––year off Perlo, Sarah––Tufts Perreault, Claire––Franklin and Marshall Pertman, Zachary––Mass. Bay Pesarini, Andressa––UMass Boston Pettiglio, Ryan Phillips, Alexandra––Colby Phinney, Ryan Pini, Alexandra Pinkhasova, Tereza Pinney, Sasha Polonsky, Natalie Precopio, Renee––Bridgewater State Prior, Kayla––Ithaca Proctor, Glenn Jr––military Puka, Elefteria

Q

Quinn, Maura––Salem State Quinn, Thomas

R

Rabb, Renae–– Coastal California U. Rainville, Marlon––Cornell Ramirez, Alexia Ravech, Jamie Redd, Autumn––Franklin and Marshall Redmond, Andrew Regan, Kaitlin––Hobart and William Smith Reid-Dotson, Malik Resnick, Genevieve––Tulane Reyes, Karina Richardson, Lida Rivera, Miguel––Mass. Bay Robinson, Lillian––U. Vermont Robinson, Nellie––Brown Robinson, Robert Roby, Jonathan Paul––Syracuse Roger, Katherine––Cornell Roldan, Alexander–– Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology Rolfe, Grace––Simmons Rolfe, Molly––U. Vermont Romero-Creel, Maria–– Rochester Institute of Technology Rosenberg, Haley––U. Michigan Rosenfield, Emma––Colby Ross, Micayla––UNH Roth, Zane––Tulane Rourke, Erin Ruttan, Melissa––Johnson and Wales

S Lopez, Manuel Lukoff, Braden

M

MacDonald, Bruce––Wheaton MacKay, Christopher Mackowski, Andrew––Syracuse Mamon, Molly––UMass Amherst Mariano, Anthony––Salve Regina Mark, Ian––NYU Marks, Jeremy––The Gunnery Martinez-Tran, Davio Mashtaler, Anastasia––Simmons Masinton, Jared––Berklee College of Music Mastromattei, Andrew Maxwell, Davante––Mass. Bay Mayanja, Swardiq––U. Rhode Island McCarthy Tuohy, Miller––U. Alabama McCormack, Michaela––Hofstra McCusker, Austin––Holy Cross McGoldrick, Hannah––U. Rhode Island McKay, Sarah––Mount Holyoke McKenzie, Monica McLaughlin, Emily––Bryant McLean, Molly––Colby-Sawyer McMillen, Kayla––Lasell McNeil, Shannon––U. Vermont McSally, Bernard Meaney, Michela––Assumption Meigs, Isabel––Reed Meigs, Stoddard––Trinity Menninger, Nathaniel––Hamilton Michael, Steven––Brown Michaely, Doron Milgrom, Artur––UMass Boston Miller, Greta Miller, Marina––McGill

Miranda, Damian––UMass Dartmouth Mitchell, Lia––Washington U. Mkaya, Mwambanga Mkaya, Mwamburi Mo, Boshan Monbouquette, Luke–– College of Charleston Moore, Jamie–– Rochester Institute of Technology Morgenstern, Gabrielle––Macalester Moss-Hawkins, Arthur––Seattle U. Moss-Hawkins, Jackson––Hamilton Moss-Hawkins, Matthew––Bates Mullarkey, Adam Murray, Laura

N

Nalbantov, Denis Nash, Katharine–U. Vermont Nash, Thomas––Columbia College Naugler, Jane––Providence College Netsky, Mira–– Kenyon Ngan, Wainy Norris, Katharine––Smith Nugent, Alyssa––UNH

O

O’Brien, Dylan O’Connor, Adriana––Boston College O’Connor, Janellen––Keene State O’Connor, Lydia––U. Maine Offenstine, Adam Offenstine, Marina––Coastal Carolina U. Oliveria, Alexander–– Hobart and William Smith Olson, Eli––Saint Michael’s

Sabetti, Daniel––Westfield State Safarizadeh, Sanaz Saikali, Joanna––Boston College Salem, Nader––Bryant Salvucci, Michela––Merrimack Salwen, Benjamin––Tulane Samaha, Joumana––U. Chicago Santana, Barry Santo, Ariana––Suffolk Sapashnik, Diana––Tufts Saporta, Leo––Landmark Sarid-Segal, Yaelle Sayakbaeva, Ayzhamal Scampoli, Diana Schacter, Emily––Tufts Schatz, Leah––U. Michigan Schindler, Hannah––Quinnipiac Schubert, Bethany––Franklin Pierce Schwamm, Samuel––Vassar Schwartz, Jonathan–– U. Wisconsin Madison Seamans, Shawn Searles, Mary Emma––UMass Amherst Seldin, Diana––NYU Serrata, Stephanie––Bay State Shale, Sydney–– U. Maryland at College Park Shea, Brendan Shearman, Jacob––MIT Sheikh, Faris––Bentley Shore, Henry––Tulane Shore, Kayla––Williams Shy, Daniel Siegel, Aaron Silva, Nicholas Silva, Quinn––Stetson Simmons, Leo––UMass Amherst Simon, Benjamin Singleton-Kahn, May

Sirdevan Mei Smith, Lauren––Florida State Sokolov, Rosemary Solomon, Matthew Sorensen, Christina––year off Sorensen, Marianna––Boston College Sotoloff, Ian––Nichols Spillman, Cora––Ohio U. Spiro, William––U. Vermont Sposato, Anthony–– Wentworth Institute of Technology Stanger, Shoshana––year off Stanton, Timothy Stearns, Brooke––George Washington U. Steinberg, Charles Stoll, Gwendolyn––UMass Amherst Stolper, Aaron––Bunker Hill Stubblefield-Tave, Hanna––Columbia U. Svikhart, Augustus––Skidmore Swiston, Parker––UMass Amherst Szafran, Holly––Brandeis

T

Tang, Ka Po–– Mass. Institute of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Tavolieri, Mario––Suffolk Taylor, Nicholas Taylor, Rachel Taylor, Sean–– Rochester Institute of Technology Techler, Graham Temkin, Zlata––UMass Boston Thorpe, Michael––Emerson Tibbetts, Jeremy Tiernan, Carter––UMass Amherst To, James––Boston University Toll, Benjamin––Humboldt State Trammell, Gordon Trammell, Tatiana Trayner, Rebecca––Saint Michael’s Tripathi, Jesse––Tufts

U

Uberti, Michael

V

Velazque, Jorge Veroff, Parker––Connecticut College Verre, Aidan––U. Delaware Villano, Katerina Villena, Enrique Vitone, Stephanie––Boston College

W

Wagner, Orion––Plymouth State Walsh, Micaela––Sarah Lawrence Walsworth, Andrew––Duke Wasson, Danielle––U. Rhode Island Weikart, Melissa Weinfeld, Jeffrey––U. Rochester Weisberg, Emma––Connecticut College Weisman, Elizabeth––U. Pennsylvania Wells, Wyatt––Indiana U. at Bloomington Westman, Luke––Colby White, John Winograd, Daniel Wishnie, Jennifer––Smith Wolff, Zachary––Lyndon State Wolyniec, Ivan––Michigan State Wong, Clarence––UMass Amherst Wong, Kayla––Cornell Wong, Tiffany–– Mass. College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Woolf, Joshua––U. Arizona Wu, Allison––Williams Wu, Justin Wu, Kevin––U. Penn.

X

Xie, Yi––Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Xu, Winber––Boston College

Y

Yanachkin, Christopher––Champlain Yang, Hansen––Brandeis Yang, Polly––Boston University Yee, Vivian––Amherst College Yip, Aaron––UMass Amherst Yoffie, Elana––Hobart and William Smith Young, Kyle––military Yu, Wenchi

Z

Zagame, Kristina––U. South Carolina Zaidi, Fatema––Boston College Zhao, Calvin––Boston University Zhu, Calvin––Boston University Zhu, James Zubieta, Samantha Hilary Brumberg, Alex Feit, Eyob Gizachew, Amanda Hills, Nicky Kaufman, Jordan Robins and Perrin Stein

coordinated by

18 ◆ Newtonite, Newton North

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CONGRATULATIONS, ERIC!

MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE. WE COULDN’T LOVE YOU MORE. NATE, ADAM, MOM & DAD

Congratulations, Jasmine!

We are so proud of you!

Love, Mom, Dad, Jade, Coral, Ahma Huang, Ahma Lin and Ahgong Lin

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

senior statements

Newton North, Newtonite ◆ 19

As senior, help younger students find their places Since I was a sophomore at North, I’ve claimed that I was ready to leave high school. I’ve always had my sights set on what was to come after graduation—moving out of Newton and going to college.

To say the least, senior year has felt transitory, and I have felt jaded towards these halls. Now that my time here has come to a close, I realize that the last few years have actually been a period of drastic change, not one of stagnation. Without realizing it, I’ve grown up, or something.

You see, I’ve become the senior I was afraid of as a freshman.

It seemed impossible at the time. I clearly recall entering the dark room as a Photography Minor I both intimidated by the shadowy figures mixing chemicals and confused by Mr. Morris’s dry humor. The seniors were tall, well dressed and lived

in the darkroom. They seemed like the pinnacle of cool in my fourteen-year-old eyes. They were so comfortable moving about the photography facilities, and I was so unsure of my every move.

Later in the year, these same seniors trained me to be a workstudy student. I listened and watched and made mistakes that resulted in losing gallons more developer than was necessary. The seniors fixed my gaffs as I cowered in a corner.

Despite my discomfort, when they made conversation with me, I felt infinitely better. These impossibly awesome seniors were asking me about my photo project? I made sure to hide my excitement and not to seem too eager, but I’m sure they could tell it made my day.

As an upperclassman, I took Photography Major and did work study. By now, I’ve trained

Hey, here is yet another attempt to not bore people to death by giving them hackneyed advice about how to better their high school experience. I will make an effort in making this piece worth your while, but I shall make no promises.

I, like most other graduating seniors, will leave North with a diploma and a stash of regrets buried in my locker. (You won’t find anything illegal, if that’s what you’re thinking.)

Some of my regrets include not pulling the showers in science rooms (probably a good thing that I didn’t do it), not putting enough effort into a class I could get an A in instead of an A- and not staying awake during a few interesting lectures (sorry, Joel).

However, one of my biggest regrets, if not the biggest, is not contributing enough to North’s (somewhat) diverse student body.

I am Vietnamese, not Vietnamese-American, not Chinese or Korean, just purely Vietnam-

ese. I am also the only Vietnamese student in my class. Looking back as a senior, I realize that I could have taken the clear opportunity to enlighten people about Vietnamese culture, but instead, I steadily snuck back into the white fog.

Until now, I still can’t understand why I felt hesitant in showing my Vietnamese pride.

Part of it must have been me not wanting to be treated differently.

I remember a certain Chinese student in my World History II class who had a very thick accent, and whenever she began talking, kids in the back would rudely giggle and make fun of her accent after class.

I transferred to North in the beginning of sophomore year, already equipped with an American accent from living in California for a year when I was five. Dressing like a J.Crew catalog and speaking in an American accent didn’t exactly scream “VIETNAMESE.” I had my identity hidden from most people, and I let their as-

rounds of freshman to do work study, and I have noticed their diligence when I enter the darkroom.

I realized first year photo students never protested when I turned up my music or turned down their music. When I asked them not to leave their prints in the sink, they scurried to fish them out. One day this winter it dawned on me: Oh, they might think I’m scary.

I realized how I’ve transformed at North from a confused Photography Minor I to the confident work-study student who treats the photo room like an extension of my house— a place where I can spend free blocks napping and where I can drink tea out of mugs stored near the sink.

It wasn’t until I came into the role of a senior that I was ready to graduate. To those of you underclassmen who feel

like you have outgrown North already—trust me you haven’t.

Hold on, you have a job to fulfill, a student body to slightly frighten, but mostly lead.

Here are my “words of wisdom” to North students. To the freshmen, look at the senior who leads an activity you wish to be successful in. It may be the track team captain, play director, the skillful artist or editor of the newspaper. Aim to inherit that role. You’ll be the seniors one day, and there will be a freshman who needs you to be their experienced role model.

Finally, to the Class of 2013, you are the seniors. You are entitled to your moments of seeming effortless to underclassmen.

It is flattering. Soak it up and feel superior. But remember to offer friendship to the younger teammates or cast members or to the kid who really wants to join jazz band.

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Madeleine Aquilina Soon, as the circle turns, many of you will be the freshmen again at a new place. Funny how that works.

—Madeleine Aquilina

Enjoy high school, try not to worry about regrets

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Thao Bach sumptions about my nationality go wild. Only when I was asked directly that I would tell them I’m Vietnamese. Otherwise, I let them assume whatever they want, which was something I shouldn’t have done.

I should have been more outspoken about being Vietnamese, or a citizen of a communist

country, during the Vietnam War unit in junior year U.S. history.

More specifically, I should have clarified the fact that Vietnam is not run by a dictator like Kim Jong-il in North Korea.

I don’t know much about the politics in Vietnam, but if I can go back to my years of being an underclassmen at North, I would at least tell people how different the education system at North is compared to that of my school in Vietnam.

For example, I think we are all guilty of taking advantage of even the simplest pleasure of asking questions in class.

When I was in Vietnam, very few people dared to raise their hand and ask questions because it would be announcing to everyone that they were stupid (absurd, but true).

It is also fair to say that we are guilty of taking advantage of having experiments in science classes. In Vietnam, one of the rare experiments I had was dissecting carp fish in biology.

My instructor was so enthu-

siastic about the dissection that she told us to catch our own carp fish while she lay back and watched us struggle to cut open the fish.

At the end of the experiment, she excitedly pulled out a can of canola oil and a dozen frying pans for us to fry our fish on the spot, just so we would not waste food. So yeah, we had our experiment for lunch that day.

This experience showed me that some teachers do their jobs because they get paid, rather than because they want to give students the opportunity to perform an experiment and to gain knowledge of biology.

As I make my way to end this ridiculously long piece, I want to leave you with this parting thought: Kids, if you don’t end high school with a lot of regrets, there is something seriously wrong with you.

Do what you can to get rid of them (as long as it’s not pulling the showers in science classrooms).

—Thao Bach

Take advantage of this school’s greatest features Advice From a Senior: The following is a series of things that I wish I had known earlier. It is my gift to you. I know it’s easy to ignore, or write off this advice, but if you do, by the time you’re a senior, you’ll look back at this article and go, “Holy crap, he was totally right!”

Trust me.

1. Do not take Newton North for granted.

This school has an absurd amount of incredible programs, electives and activities. So many, in fact, that we outdo several of the colleges I visited this year.

Do not let those programs go to waste. There is so much you can do here so there’s no excuse for just going home every day after school.There’s no reason you should be bored. Ever. Just try things, seek out opportunity, and encourage others to do the same.

2. Never stay up past midnight doing homework.

I know, I know, it’s always fun to make yourself miserable and then, complain about it the next day in class.

Well, don’t. If you ever have to stay up past midnight doing work, just go to sleep and tell your teacher, “Sorry, I decided not to sacrifice my personal well-being for an assignment that makes literally no difference in the end.”

Seriously though, I’m not joking. Unfortunately, the only

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Caleb Bromberg exception to this rule is the junior thesis.

3. Make friends with faculty, especially administration.

Go out of your way to be friendly to people like Nicole, Ms. Price, your secretary, your housemaster, etc.

These people work in a school for a reason: they like it. Otherwise they wouldn’t be here.

If you are friendly with them, they will take notice, and they may return the favor when you’re in a sticky situation down the road.

4. Don’t smoke weed during school.

That’s it. Just don’t do it. It’s

not worth getting suspended because if you get suspended you have to tell colleges about it, and that totally sucks.

5. Do not overload yourself with AP and Honors classes.

Yes, they look good to colleges; however, speaking from experience, it is not worth making yourself totally and completely miserable for an entire year (RISING JUNIORS, PAY ATTENTION) just to have a bunch of AP classes under your belt.

The AP classes here are great, but they’re NOTHING like you’re going to get in college, so don’t lie to yourself. I promise it’s not worth it.

6. If you can’t go out at least one night on the weekends, you’re doing something wrong.

Seriously, don’t overload yourself with work. Not worth it.

7. Always keep deodorant, chapstick, an umbrella, a sweatshirt, and an extra pair of socks in your locker.

You will need every single one of these things at least five times per school year, and you’ll wish you had brought them with you. Just keep them in your locker in a bag until you need them.

8. When you’re a senior, do Senior Year Project.

It’s literally the best decision I ever made. Also, Jen Price loves SYP, so you’re automatically in her good book.

But seriously, SYP is an opportunity to explore yourself and the world around you in a way that no other school will let you. Do not miss out.

9. Get a student Charlie Card from your house office at the beginning of the year.

Even if you don’t ride the T that much, it’s always a good idea to have one of these be-

cause it gives you an automatic discount on the train.

10. Be aware of yourself and your friends.

High school is a tough time, and the only way you’re going to get through it alive is with people who trust and love you.

Make sure you trust and love them as well.

—Caleb Bromberg

Dear Holly, Congratulations on all of your scholastic and athletic achievements! You make us all so very proud!

We wish you all happiness and success at Brandeis University and beyond.

You deserve it!

Good luck playing soccer for the Judges!

WE LOVE YOU!!!!

Mom, Dad, Amy and Dylan Szafran

20 â—† Newtonite, Newton North

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Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Congratulations, Class of 2012!

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Burr Elementary School Cabot Elementary School Franklin Elementary School Horace Mann Elementary School Lincoln-Eliot Elementary School Peirce Elementary School Ward Elementary School Williams Elementary School Underwood Elementary School Bigelow Middle School Brown Middle School Day Middle School Newton Teachers Association 46 Austin Street Newtonville, MA 02460 (617) 244-9562 NTAPresident@newtonteachersassociation.org

Strive for Excellence

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

senior statements

Newton North, Newtonite ◆ 21

Withhold judgments, look for best traits in others High school is a strangely transient four years. Not too long ago, I walked in nervous loops around the brick maze of the old school, I still called Brown “Mr. Brown” and I said the American “um” instead of the French “euh” in front of M. Jobe.

Since then, I’ve learned to walk quickly in the hallway (take note, freshmen), write analytical papers, set up labs and do just enough of my homework to make it seem like I made a valiant effort (pretend I didn’t say that, freshmen).

These were the easier lessons to pick up at Newton North, and they are definitely useful life skills; nevertheless, the discoveries I made about others and about myself here have become the most valuable part of my education.

Something North taught me unexpectedly was to look for the best in people. This school is filled with incredible people

with an amazing diversity of talents and virtues. Give people second chances and let them surprise you.

I still remember when one of my classmates I barely ever talked to stood up for me during the Day of Silence and when another classmate spent much too long helping me study and de-stress before an exam.

We tend to judge too harshly based on superficial appearances and stereotypes, and these misunderstandings are opportunities lost; write your thesis about a person after you gather all your evidence.

This principle applies to your teachers, as well. No teacher is purely sadistic or mean-spirited, however much it may seem so on a bad day. They’re human, and, at least in my experience, almost always rational and compassionate and often genuinely inspiring.

Of course, you don’t have to become best friends with every-

one you meet; I’m not saying that. But, if you expect to find something to learn from and admire in other people, you will.

And of course, North has taught me the importance of looking for the best in yourself, as well.

Too often in high school, we get caught up in self-doubt; we don’t do things we want to do because we’re too scared to try and potentially fail or too scared of being judged as “weird” or “stupid” or any of those other lovely teenage epithets.

Even though it might seem clichéd, it’s true: “Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.”

Find your passions and pursue them. Dare to be confident and dare to ask for help. Honestly, going in for extra-help is never a sign of weakness; if anything, it’s a sign of selfinitiative and responsibility. Bite off more than you think you can chew, and watch yourself rise to

the occasion. If something is described as “nearly impossible,” (APUSH) take a deep breath and tell yourself, “Challenge accepted!”

North is a learning environment after all, with dozens of academic, extracurricular and social opportunities, so believe in yourself enough to push your own limits.

Believe in yourself enough to know that there’s always room for improvement.

Sometimes, I look around a class and try to imagine everyone as 40-year-olds. It’s an amusing way to entertain myself, yes, but it’s also quite sobering.

We’re at that unique point in our lives where we want independence and Disney marathons, driver ’s licenses and mom’s cooking. We want to grow up, but not quite yet.

Sometimes, high school can feel like a checkpoint in the increasingly competitive stam-

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Pamela Chen pede toward a college or a career, towards the “future,” but, periodically, slow down in the race, thank your teachers, hug your friends and just appreciate this moment. These four years only happen once.

—Pamela Chen

Try many different activities Create friendships with faculty, peers We are completely blessed to go to Newton North. I know that multiple people will tell you this, but it’s true, and I hope that you realize this before you graduate.

I know that most people will say this because of the amazing academic opportunities here, but on top of that, what you should really take advantage of here are the countless quirky niches.

I know that I am graduating having never met not only the majority of the school, but even some of the members of my grade.

Even so, I’ve met some of the most interesting people that I know here, and I never would have met them if I hadn’t tried things that I had never even heard of.

My freshman year, I went out for cross-country skiing, never having skied or really ever heard of it before, and it was one of the best experiences I’ve had.

Not only did these experieces teach me how to win a snowball fight on skis, but they’ve taught me that it’s okay to wear the brightest, wackiest spandex on the course and that it’s entirely socially acceptable to wrestle a stranger to the ground when playing lap tag.

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Abby Dalzell Cross-country skiing is just one example of many; there’s poetry club, microcredit club, Ultimate Frisbee, the list goes on.

It doesn’t matter what it is.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve done it before.

To borrow from Nike: “Just do it!” You’ll meet people in your grade that you might not know otherwise, and you’ll meet people in other grades that will be invaluable resources.

No matter what you do, I guarantee there will be upperclassmen there that will give you some of the most useful advice

you can get. They know what you’re going through, and they’ve done it before, so put yourself out there and introduce yourself! Find someone you look up to and ask for help! It’s not creepy; I promise.

I wish that someone had told me the following when I was a freshman: ask upperclassmen advice on course selection. Knowing this as an underclassman would have saved me from some questionable choices.

I encourage you to put yourself out there not just at North, but anywhere. I know I certainly will wherever I am next year.

In my last few weeks here at North there definitely are things that I regret missing out on.

I wish I had gone to more jazz concerts and that I had known it’s okay to wear truly crazy team spirit to school, but most of all, I’m thankful for what I did get to take advantage of.

So, if you do anything with your time here, try something that pushes you outside of your comfort zone. You never know what you will get out of it, and chances are you will get more out of it than you ever expected.

—Abby Dalzell

Take time to pursue interests Advice to my freshman self: Don’t listen too closely when someone tells you what classes you should or shouldn’t take.

You probably know yourself better than they do.

You’ll learn a lot at North, but you’ll learn more outside of school.

Take weekend classes. Apply for academic summer programs. Do online courses and actually stick with them. Learn Indonesian or C++.

Spend hours on Wikipedia, clicking on one link after another until you feel slightly dazed, arming yourself with useless facts to slip into conversations.

Read, even if you think you don’t have time. Read a wide variety of things: nonfiction, classic novels, newspapers, A Song of Ice and Fire. You’ll enjoy it, and you’ll feel more interesting afterwards.

Work on talking to people. It may seem unpleasant now, but I promise it gets easier with practice. The people who intimidate

you may turn out to be the most worth talking to.

Join math team.

I’d tell you not to procrastinate, but I know you’ll do it anyway. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Never let college become the focus of your life. Do well for yourself because you want to.

Let go a little. Turn an assignment in late or don’t turn it in at all. Watch New Girl online instead of doing your homework.

Stay up late on Gchat and zone out in class the next day. It will never be the end of the world.

Work hard and do things you can be proud of and feel good about, but don’t base your self-esteem on your outward accomplishments alone. If you don’t develop an innate sense of worth, removed from others’ opinions, high school will be difficult.

You’re probably confused about a lot of stuff. You don’t know what you want or who you’re supposed to be. That’s okay: you have the next four

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Caroline Ellison years to figure it out.

You won’t finish high school with all the answers or even that many more than you started with.

But somewhere along the way it won’t seem like so much of a problem anymore.

—Caroline Ellison

There are two different ways to describe seniors in high school.

They are either trying to soak up the last few months of being a high school student and reflecting on their precious memories, or they are racing to the finish line.

If you know me, then you know that I am in the race.

At the moment, it is hard to know whether or not I will regret rushing through senior year, or if I will miss high school in the upcoming months.

However, I know that Newton North is truly a unique place, and I will miss being a part of this community.

When I received the letter asking me to write a piece on my experience at Newton North, I was super excited. It felt great knowing that I was one of the few seniors chosen to write for the Newtonite.

The feeling didn’t last too long. I realized I was being forced to look back on the past four years, which was something I was trying to avoid.

Of course, now sitting here I realize how great my four years were, and I’m thankful that the Newtonite gave me this push to look back on my experiences.

I don’t meant to be cheesy, but it really is nice to slow down and reflect on all the things you have done and remember the people who helped you along the way.

I entered high school thinking that I was going to be an average student. I didn’t think I would receive awards or that teachers would notice my extreme greatness.

I didn’t know I would be president of a club or that I would have conversations with the principal and vice principal.

I didn’t even think, as dorky as it may sound, that I would develop extremely strong bonds with teachers to the point where I consider them my friends.

Earlier I mentioned that Newton North is unique and that is because of the teachers and the system.

This school gives you a chance to be heard if you want to be.

When hiring new staff members, students often get to give their input.

When students get to pick first hand who they want to teach them, it is obvious that

Hilary Brumberg

Robyn Estwick the teachers are all going to be great.

I know all the advice the nonseniors get. I was there once, and it is all the same.

Don’t get me wrong; you should definitely listen to it, but it is nowhere near as important as the advice I’m about to share with you.

I believe that the most important thing you can do here at Newton North is become friends with a faculty member.

The teachers make the school, and these teachers make this school great.

Find a teacher and become his best friend. He will help you.

I cannot even list the many ways different teachers have helped me over the past four years.

Teachers want to help you.

They do not hate you, regardless of what you may think.

If you sit in a department office for 10 minutes, I guarantee you will become friends with a teacher.

The best part about teachers is that they have friends (shocking, I know), and their friends may have the same interests you do. I don’t need to tell you what that means.

This opens up the types of teachers you talk to because the teacher doesn’t have to teach the subject you like for them to be able to help you.

I had a great experience at Newton North. I know it is not hard to have a great experience here, unless you don’t try, but there is no real reason not to try.

I hope everyone can enjoy his experience here, and I wish everyone good luck with their future.

—Robyn Estwick

senior statements

22 ◆ Newtonite, Newton North

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Strike balance between academics, clubs, sports

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Young Guang

A certain math teacher always said,“It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey,” and while he was talking about limits at the time, he’s right. Now, that is incredibly cliché, but clichés are clichés, well, because they’re true more often than not.

We all end up at the same place, walking at graduation to receive our diploma, but we all got to this point in different ways. Everyone’s journey is personal and unique. I personally have enjoyed my journey through Newton North.

So what is the key to surviving high school? Well, there isn’t one key really. Anyone who tells you that there is is straight up ly-

ing to you. Everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another.

With that said, here’s what worked for me: 1. Make lists. I suck at writing (if you haven’t noticed already), and lists are great ways to organize thoughts and can even serve as pseudo-writing if you take out the numbers.

2. Try to find balance, whether that be a balanced breakfast or a balanced schedule. It took me a while to strike the right balance in my high school life between extracurriculars, schoolwork, and my social life.

Finding that right balance was the best thing to happen to me during high school, and I wish

that I had found this balance earlier.

3. Roll with the punches.

Things don’t always go your way. They certainly didn’t always for me, but things have a way of working themselves out.

4. Get involved. This was the very first thing my homeroom teacher told me when I walked in on step-up day. North has so much to offer, and take advantage of that. I don’t mean to say get involved with a million clubs or be in every Theatre Ink production. Go to some sports games and cheer on your team.

Find some way to just get involved. Who knows, you might just have fun along the way, which brings me to my last piece

of advice.

5. Have fun. Honestly, just enjoy your time. You’re not going to enjoy anything unless you’re having fun. You really get out what you put in. Don’t get me wrong—I am looking forward to my life after North.

The uncertainty that lies before me both excites and scares me a little bit.

Before I wrap this up, I’d like to congratulate the Class of 2012 for finally making it through four years of high school. I hope you all find success and happiness wherever you end up.

Goodbye Newton North.

Thanks for the memories. I’ve been proud to walk your halls.

—Young Guang

As life moves forward, take time to reflect on past I’d like to talk about a piece I never saw by an artist I’ve never heard of in a museum nearby enough to be reviewed in The Boston Globe. The piece is a blank sheet of paper hanging on a wall. It is called “Nine Melting Snowflakes.”

Knowing what I do about the properties of snow and the temperature of most art museums, I am fairly confident in reporting that this piece of paper is quite empty. I am equally confident, however, in saying that it holds a certain truth.

There are a lot of things that seem to be leaving, right about now. Like: the past. Like: us.

There are also a lot of things that seem to be sticking around, but not in really obvious ways.

Like: memories. Like: a faint imprint on the family couch, the void from the lack of our voices at breakfast, an unwritten claim over a certain part of a school hallway.

It’s hard, though, to believe in

things that we can’t see.

It’s like me having a hard time imagining my neighborhood going on without me once I’m gone, with its dog-walkers and light snows.

It’s like David Foster Wallace, in one of his essays, remembering leaving a room as a child and worrying that everything in it has just disappeared, dependent on his attention for survival.

It’s like in Memento when Leonard, the protagonist with short-term memory loss, says at the end of the film, “I have to believe in a world outside my own mind. I have to believe that when my eyes are closed, the world’s still there.”

Believing in things outside our perception is difficult, certainly, but it’s also easy. We do it all the time—make things up. Create something out of nothing.

We do this because there are a lot of things we don’t and can’t know, not just as question-filled

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Abby Holtzman minors, but as humans.

For instance, imagine trying to sit down and tell another person everything there is to know about you that will allow them to understand you fully.

You will begin by describing your first pair of socks, like the

thumbs of mittens, and even if the words never stop coming, and you have forever, you will never know enough about yourself to succeed.

The awesome part of being human and wildly ignorant, though, is that we never stop trying to know these things, to live examined lives. And the way we do this is by filling in the blanks, by creating art, whether it is slightly pretentious abstract musings on ephemerality or the way that we construct ourselves and our world.

There’s a reason the word for “history” and the word for “story” is the same in most languages (think histoire in French). We actively create meaningful pasts for ourselves by using our imaginations. We create selves out of conjecture and will. We create the memory of these four years in a light, either warm or dim.

So, if you ever find yourself in this unnamed museum, facing

this unknown artist’s hopeful thinking nailed to the wall, nod thoughtfully. Squint until you can almost see their little arms, those invisible crystals.

We know, all of us, by now, that the most important things, the ones we are holding on to– memories, identity–are not usually visible. Not until we engage in that act of creation, art at its most basic.

Because it turns out that they were right all along, the ones who have been saying for years and years that we are all “special, individual snowflakes.”

Our process of evaporation is almost complete. We are gone, but not really. And our years as children are gone, but not really.

And that ambiguity, that vague optimism, comes from art, that act of creating something out of nothing, saying look. Saying here they are, lined up, nine of them. Maybe more. Saying remember.

—Abby Holtzman

School welcomes all students Utilize resources I have really liked my last four years at NNHS. I have autism. In some places, I would have had to go to a special school but not in Newton.

In Newton, kids without disabilities and kids with disabilities go to our neighborhood schools together. So, after Bigelow, I came to North.

Going to Newton North was something I was excited about.

My sister went to North, and I was happy to be going here.

I have cousins at North, and most of the kids from my middle school and my elementary school go here too. I have also made a lot of friends.

I have participated in a lot of different things at North. I make the morning announcements on the P.A. on Wednesday mornings. I sometimes do ushering for Theatre Ink. I go to afterschool activities like cooking club and Tiger Friends, and sometimes, I go to plays on the weekends. I went to the junior prom, and I’m looking forward to the senior prom too.

So, remember to get involved!

There are lots of opportunities.

At North, I take some special

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Nate Orlov education classes and some general education classes and that works for me.

I really like having so many different classes available to me. I have taken many different classes in physical education/ health and wellness, as well as in Career and Vocational Technical Education. I found some things I liked and some things I didn’t like, but I was always excited to try new classes.

We're putting the GABE into the GABElli School of Business!

Congrats and Love, MN, MJ, G&G, GF

I have also had jobs at North and, with North’s help, at City Hall, to help me get ready for when I become an adult.

I worked in the city permit department, doing data entry.

I want to be able to work in Newton after high school so North is helping me learn about possible jobs.

Another great thing about North is that North students are used to me and kids like me, so if I am having a hard time with something, it’s no big deal.

I never get bullied at all because the students have known kids like me since preschool.

North students are used to people with autism and other disabilities and that makes it a comfortable place for me.

Newton North is a very special place for everyone; you’ll notice that even more when you go out into the world.

I’ll be here another three years as part of the Connections Program, but when I leave North, I’ll always remember how special it is. Every student here, no matter what, should remember that too.

—Nate Orlov

Check out our daily website

the Newtonite .com

Community serves everyone My high experience as a Tiger is more than just being a student at Newton North High School.

There is a certain spirit that comes with the students, faculty and staff that just makes this place an amazing school for opportunity and success.

The members of the school community helped me through all my conflicts and frustrations regardless of whether they were big or small.

Peers, faculty and staff always jumped in to help me when I was struggling in my Spanish class, when we weren’t seeing much success on the athletic field and even when I didn’t know what to get for lunch. This feeling of being in a community is always a good feeling.

One of the smartest things I did during my time here at North is being friendly with the faculty that I knew I would have as a teacher.

Making friends with the nurses has really helped me through those days when a cup of tea and a quick nap was all I needed. And the brownies and cookies they baked are also a perk of which I am very appreciative.

The custodians are always happy to open the locker rooms and the S.O.A. for the students they like and trust.

The food service workers

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Swardiq Mayanja

are very willing to give an extra scoop to the kids who appreciate the work they do.

And being friendly with the athletic staff really gets you ahead of the game when it comes to equipment, getting an injury looked at or even when you are just craving some pretzels.

These are the people who made my time here at Newton North much easier, and I am truly grateful.

What I noticed very early during my time at Newton North was that every adult in the building has a certain expectation for all of their students. They expect 100 percent effort and nothing less.

Thank you!

—Swardiq Mayanja

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

senior statements

Newton North, Newtonite ◆ 23

School orchestra teaches many important lessons After “carefully” considering the Important Life Things that I’ve learned at North, I realized that basically all of them I learned in school orchestra.

This, I concluded after some thought, is because orchestra is a metaphor for life. Here are the reasons why: 1. You have no control about time passing; all you can do is keep going and deal with it.

This seems obvious, but hear me out. It means that you have to think ahead, preparing yourself for that weird key change coming up—but wait a second, you really, really need to stay in the present because you just missed the four notes right before it. Okay then, learn from your mistake. Next time you play those four notes, remember that they’re off the beat.

But still don’t dwell on your mistake too much, because it won’t change anything; all it will do is distract from the notes

you’re currently playing.

2. Converse to what the college admissions process would like you to believe, life is not all about being a leader. Converse to what high school would like you to believe, life is not all about being a follower.

You will need to do both at different times; the key is knowing which to do at the moment.

If the principal player is in the wrong place, don’t follow him or her. If no one is playing except the solo glockenspiel, you should not be a leader/martyr and play that really loud chord that you think you have.

This could also be summed up by saying: use your brain to make your own decisions, and question everything everyone tells you. Including this advice.

(Whoa, meta.)

3. It’s about the entire ensemble. Not you.

No one cares if you nailed those 32nd notes if they’re sup-

posed to pianissimo (that’s Italian for “barely audible”) and if the first violins have the melody.

Let other instruments have their chances to shine (and even support them! *gasp*); maybe your section will get a solo later. (And if you play viola and therefore your section’s solo is two eighth notes... well, you better enjoy them.)

Because the most important thing is what the audience hears. Hopefully the audience hears an entire orchestra of sound, not lots of individuals who each want to be heard.

Which brings me to my next point: 4. How to play in an orchestra: listen. (Or, more generally, pay attention.)

Even if you’re an excellent player, you can’t simply ignore everyone because you “know” what you’re doing. You need to be constantly aware of everyone around you—not just their

Milestones give life meaning When I was a freshman I remember sporting a shaggier haircut, wearing collared shirts that were too small for me and having a bunch of seniors in my life that introduced me to new levels of cool. To me, they were pictures of model humans.

And I kept saying, “just give me a couple of years, and when I graduate, I’ll have worked things out for myself, just like those guys.” Yes, there was an element of hero worship there.

And yes, as a result, I had a maybe too neat four-year plan for growing up.

Because recently, when I looked in the figural mirror, I found I didn’t feel like a senior whatsoever. Just a tall freshman is all I am.

Even after talking to some friends who felt the same way, I couldn’t help but feel a little let down, like I didn’t make it in time. (This is about to get playfully nihilistic for a bit, so bear with me.)

This brought me to the sobering realization that we’ll never

Hilary Brumberg

Graham Techler really cross a finish line, or at least feel like we have. There is no point Z. But can you imagine how awful it would be if that wasn’t the case? If there’s anything I’ve learned from these four years that have culminated in this bizarre ceremony, it’s that

if all goes well, we never have to stop being our playful, driven, limber, youthful selves, no matter how old we get.

And who wouldn’t want to be us? Remember when Mike hit 1000? JP in “Pippin?” Abby’s Gold Key? Jeremy’s beard?

We’re amazing. We just have to keep moving.

So try not to think of graduation as an ending or as a beginning. It’s neither of those things.

And while it might be idealistic of me to suggest that graduation is just a single point on an exponential curve, I believe it’s true.

We’re seniors, whether we feel like it or not, and we have the spirit and accomplishments to back it up. But ‘senior,’ the name I worried over for so long, is just that: a name. And pretty soon it won’t be there anymore to bring us all together.

So let’s make the most of it while we can, before we even start to think about the next milestone. Go out and play, you crazy kids.

—Graham Techler

Every student shapes school After four years, I realize how lucky I am to be a part of this community. It is one of the most competitive schools in the region academically; however, much of my experience here has been shaped by athletics.

Since my freshman year, I have played on teams at all levels, from freshmen to varsity. I have been on teams that were contending for a state championship and teams that are simply fighting to get a single win.

I will skip the talk about all of the lessons I have learned while playing sports and instead focus on the people I play them with.

There are some very impressive individuals at Newton North that I have been lucky enough to befriend through sports. I have friends who speak foreign languages fluently or play an instrument or can run a twominute 800-meter.

But I am equally impressed with the hundreds of other kids walking the halls that I have never talked to before in my life.

Each kid at Newton North has some unique skill or insight to share with you.

For me, I first realized this after going to see “SponGen” during my freshman year. I knew one person in the show by name and the rest I had merely seen between classes roaming the halls. During the entire show I was laughing out loud.

I never knew that these people who walk silently through the halls were capable of making me laugh so hard.

Since then I have gone to two or three theater productions, including the spring musical at Newton North every year. Each time I recognized a person that I see walking around the hall, and each time, I am blown away by what this previously nameless face could do on stage.

When I first started at Newton North as a freshman, I had a very narrow-minded approach to school because of the role sports played in my life; there were student-athletes, then there were other students.

Now, as a senior, I know that the most important part of high school is to experience all that the kids at Newton North have to offer whether it be a musical performance, a theater production or an athletic event.

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Luke Westman My one piece of advice to underclassmen is to take advantage of all that is available to you because you may never have opportunities like this again.

—Luke Westman

Aloha Ben. Congratulations on a job well done!

Looking forward to the years to come when we won’t be an ocean away.

Here’s to the return of happy ‘ohana’ holidays together!

Love, Katelyn and Auntie Katharine

pitches and rhythms, but their articulations, their dynamics, their bowing—because you need to be constantly adjusting to them, to the conductor (hi Mr. Grossman) and the group as a whole. Have an open mind.

Life is more interesting when you think about things that did not originate between your own ears.

5. When you play a piece of music, there’s no end product.

Other things have end products: you try hard in school so you can get a good grade, you get a job so you can get money, you exercise so you can get in shape.

Finishing a piece of music does not get you anything except a few seconds of obligatory audience applause at the end; the point of orchestra is to enjoy the process of playing music.

Therefore, just like life and limits (as x approaches a value), orchestra is about the journey,

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Nellie Robinson not the destination.

6. One last life lesson I learned from orchestra: there are certain times when one must not text.

—Nellie Robinson

Take many risks, gain knowledge through mistakes I entered high school four years ago as an optimistic freshman, eager to explore all of Newton North’s opportunities, and I’m glad to say I can leave having explored many of them.

It would have been impossible to discover, let alone try, all of the opportunities here, but that’s part of what makes North so special—there will always be a new person to meet, a new event to attend, a new topic to learn about and a new mistake to make.

I made a lot of mistakes in high school, far more than the average high schooler, I’m willing to bet. It may sound strange, but I wish I had made even more.

There are many years ahead during which you will have to make monumental decisions that will affect yourself and others. So while you have the chance, take risks and make as many potential mistakes as possible.

You might as well make and learn from mistakes now, so you’re better prepared when those monumental decisions come around in the future.

Some mistakes won’t actually turn out to be mistakes in the long run; in fact, they may be the best decisions you ever make. For me, it’s these decisions—whether it was not standing up for something I believed in or taking on too many responsibilities—that led to some of the best friends I made and most valuable experiences I had here, and they’ll be what I remember about North.

There’s another reason you should make mistakes now: the Newton North community is a strong support

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Allison Wu system built into the high school experience for you.

An environment like this is the ideal one for messing up because the people here, both students and adults, will help you bounce back.

High school can be an unpredictable four years; some would even argue that they’re the hardest four years of your life. But we’re all living it, we’re all celebrating the snow days and trying to survive being teenagers.

I can’t promise these four years are easy (in fact, I personally know they aren’t), but I can promise you that as you take risks and make mistakes, you will have an incredibly supportive community cheering you on both when you fail and when you succeed.

Mistakes don’t hurt success; they’re actually an important part of it, and if you push yourself to make mistakes, you too will have a rewarding experience.

—Allison Wu

From Beijing to Boston (and back again?)

Congratulations Ben on your graduation!

We love your smile, your music, your quick wit and your big heart.

Good luck at Dickinson!

Love, Mom and Dad, Molly, Nick and Guo-Guo

24 ◆ Newtonite, Newton North

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Congratulations Brian,

Emma Weisberg

We are so proud of you!

“Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition…

Stay hungry.

Stay foolish.” ~Steve Jobs

Love, Mama and Papa Congratulations Brian!

We are so proud of everything you have accomplished at Newton North and look forward to your continued success in college.

Love, Mom, Dad and Megan

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Congratulations on your graduation from Newton North High School!

We’re so proud of you and all of your accomplishments.

We love you very much!

Mom & Dad Grandma Aunt Martha & Uncle David Auddie, Mark, Rachel & Adina Chili, Bugg & Chelsea

Congratulations, Class of 2012!

Looking for ways to show your Tiger Pride?

Get involved with the Tiger Athletic Booster Club (TABC)! The purpose of the TABC is to: • • • • •

help promote good sportsmanship throughout the Newton North community and BUILD OUR FAN BASE BACK UP encourage student athletes to participate in the athletic program encourage the involvement of parents to enhance and enrich the athletic program at NNHS assist the athletic department in providing a safe environment for student-athletes help provide financial support for athletic programs

We are currently seeking volunteers and committee members to work on various initiatives, including team liaisons, concessions (food as well as merchandise), website and events.

Have a good summer!

Tiger Athletic Booster Club 457 Walnut Street Newtonville, MA 02460 tigerathleticboosters@gmail.com

editors’ statement

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Newton North, Newtonite ◆ 25

Publication, friendship give meaning to time here If there were one message that we could give to our peers at this school, it would be the classic line from the 1986 film, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off; “life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Since sixth grade English class at Bigelow Middle School, we have spent a lot of time together both inside and outside of school.

We ran the Bigelow Network News in seventh and eighth grade, and we also ran lights for the drama program.

These activities took up a lot of our time (we never did much homework), and when we arrived at North in September 2008, we knew that we had to find something new to do at school.

We have always tried new activities, whether it was swim team, Orchestra or Culinary Arts. We are lucky to have found an extracurricular that we both enjoyed and that challenged us to demonstrate our full potentials.

Starting in Ben’s sophomore year and Gabe’s junior year, we were production managers on the Newtonite.

Through the numerous hours (probably 22 hours per week) spent together at the paper, we

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Ben Hills had the tendency—sometimes— to avoid our work; we preferred to have a good time.

The following is a list of the typical excuses and expressions we used to make, which drove everybody crazy, except us.

Disclaimer: This is not an apology but more of a reinforcement of our antics after these last few months of being off the newspaper.

We call them, in reference to our jobs, “Productionisms.”

(At 3:30 pm on a press night) “Kate, can we order Lee’s now?”

(At 5:30 pm) “Gabe did you forget the special sauce?

(The day after photos are due) “Hey, I just got back from basketball. It looks like they weren’t at practice. We’ll just have to get their game next week on press night.”

(So we can blast our own music [Usually “Check it Out”

by Nicki Minaj]) “Alright guys it’s quiet hour turn all your music off.”

“Hey Kate is it okay if we don’t come in tomorrow for C-block? We have D -block free, and we’re trying to go to lunch…”

(At the end of school) “Okay guys,we’re going to move our cars to Elm Street from Newtonville…be back in an hour…”

“Kate we know that all the photos look dark on the computers, but they’ll print fine.”

“Whatever you do don’t click Apple + A, Delete, Apple + S.” Since we have so unashamedly expressed our severe lack of regret for our crazy antics (we know everybody loved them), we want to assure you that we are not horrible human beings.

So for our lovely editors-inchief and terrific adviser, thank you for dealing with us and taking everything in stride.

We feel that it is important to have had an experience such as

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Gabe Dreyer the Newtonite under our belts.

We did not need to join a dozen clubs to list on our college applications.

We recognize that quality is more important than quantity and that we will always strive to rise to the top at whatever we do.

As we came up with ideas for our senior statement these last few weeks, we reminisced about our time on the paper as the best times we shared together, both with each other and with the other staff members.

We realized how incredibly

important those 1:30 am press nights were to our friendship and to who we are as individuals, even if we drove everyone else nuts.

We hope that any underclassmen reading this understands how important the Newtonite was to us, and we hope that they can find something that has a similar (if not more profound) effect on them.

High school is not the greatest four years of many people’s lives, but having a small group of truly close friends can go a long way in making one’s experience great.

It is here in our statement that we wish to give a “shoutout” (Twitter-style) to our boys, in alphabetical order: @Ben Conescu, @Dylan O’Brien, and @Leo Simmons. #Goodluckgentlemen and #weloveyou.

We feel that our four years flew by, but that they have been successful, interesting, and formative.

Newton North has certainly given us some of the tools we need to be successful in our future pursuits.

To the Class of 2012, all of our teachers, faculty, friends and underclassmen peers, good luck and thank you.

—Gabe Dreyer and Ben Hills graphics manager, editor in chief

Not to worry, we’ll still be best friends in 2022

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theNewtonite.com

And congratulations to the Newton North High School Class of 2012.

Congratulations Eli!

Our best wishes, Mom, Dad, Dan and Matt

With love from Mom, Dad, Tom, Grandma, Grammy and Fio

Congratulations Andrew!!!

sports

26◆ Newtonite, Newton North

Wednesday, June 6 , 2012

Fall sports succeed against tough teams During the fall season, “every game was played as if it were a championship game,” said athletic director Tom Giusti.

“We did not get discouraged when mistakes were made. We just came back harder on the next play. Our seniors played from the first whistle to the final play, always trying to make something happen,” he said.

The Tigers had a collective record of 73-41-18 and a winning percentage of .553. Eight out of ten teams made the postseason.

—Jacob Schwartz

Cheerleading places fourth in State Championship Meet

Leah Budson Cheerleading not only achieved its goal of reaching States, but it also placed fourth there, a feat unprecedented at this school, according to senior Domenique DiDino, a captain with seniors Katja Hamler and Micayla Ross.

However, the team’s triumphs did not stop there. The Tigers were also Bay State Conference champions, a highlight of the season, according to DiDino.

Coach Amanda Costa said, “The team’s chemistry is what brought us so far.”

At Invitationals, the team placed second, then first, two times. Advancing to Regionals, the team placed fourth. In doing so, the Tigers achieved a bid to Nationals, according to DiDino, though the team could not attend due to other commitments and monetary issues.

DiDino was named a Bay State Conference all-star, and Ross was awarded an honorable mention. “We went from a team who planned to go out and hope for the best to a team who was determined to win,” DiDino said.

Next year’s captains are to be decided.

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Boys’ cross country shows dedication, running skills

by Isatou

Marenah Boys’ cross country, 9-2, lost only to Walpole and Brookline, the defending State Champion.

At the start of the season, the team had high hopes for the postseason and later on made it to the Division I State Meet.

There, the team placed seventh, two spots away from qualifying for All-States.

“Like any other sport, some obstacles got in the way, like various minor injuries, which made it hard to pull together in the end,” said senior Justin Keefe, a captain with senior David Buzby “I have plenty of faith in them next year, though—they are young and have a lot of room for improvement,” he added.

Coach Jim Blackburn said, “Our runners were extremely dedicated. It was a great group of runners.”

Senior Justin Keefe and sophomore Gabe Montague were named Bay State Conference all-stars.

Next year’s captains will be juniors David Demarest and Jonny Long.

Girls’ cross country defeats Walpole, accomplishes goals

Cyrus Vaghar Girls’ cross country, 5-6, had a strong season, according to senior Becca Trainer, a captain with seniors Allie Phillips, Rosie Sokolov and Melissa Weikart.

“We had a lot of new members on the team that improved throughout the season and were very impressive,” Trainer said.

The highlight of the season was beating Walpole, Trainer said. “It was a difficult obstacle.”

Phillips, Trainer and juniors Meghan Bellerose, Julia Schiantarelli and Kaylee Spitaels qualified to compete in Division I Class A this year.

“This team competed against some of the best teams in the State, and I’m proud that they were a quality team that would challenge all opponents,” coach Brandon Mogayzel said.

Sophomore Evelyn Heffernan also advanced to All-States. Heffernan and Trainer were named Bay State Conference all-stars.

Next year’s captains will be Bellerose, Spitaels and juniors Caroline Loftus and Julia Schlossman.

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Field hockey beats Needham Nick Hansell Field hockey, 7-7-2, won the Carey Division of the Bay State Conference

by

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Precision: Senior Sarah Perlo passes the ball during girls’ soccer’s first tournament game Monday, Nov. 7 against Beverly. The Tigers would go on to win the match 2-1 and advance to the second round of the tournament. before losing to Chelmsford in the first round of the State Tournament.

“One highlight of the season was beating Brookline on the road. The passing downfield was unbelievable, and we came together,” said senior Alison Berkowitz, a captain with senior Danielle Wasson and junior Stephanie Vitone.

Berkowitz added, “The highlight of the season was our senior day win against Needham. The weather was horrible, but we played through it and beat them.” The Tigers won 6-0.

According to coach Celeste Myers, the captains led the team in a “hard fought season.” Myers said she was proud of her players for going as far as they did.

Berkowitz and junior Bridget Gillis were Bay State Conference all-stars.

Next year’s captains will be Gillis and sophomore Lizzie Reid.

Win against Framingham highlights football’s season

Liam Wilcox-Warren Football, 4-7, was “always ready to play and try hard during every game,” according to coach Peter Capodilupo.

“It was a tough season, but the win against Framingham was definitely the highlight,” Capodilupo said.

“They were a strong team, and we did well early to come away with a win.”

According to senior Swardiq Mayanja, a captain with seniors Michael Bradley, Brendan Fagan and Pat Bryson, “It was a rough season, and that caused a lot of havoc, but to the credit of everyone on the team, anytime someone went down, there was someone else ready to go.”

Bryson was named a Bay State Conference all-star as a defensive tackle.

Next year’s captains are to be decided.

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Golf molds first-time players

Ryan Condon Golf, 7-7, developed its players while finishing 10th in the State Tournament.

This year, there were many new players on the team, according to coach Bob MacDougal.

“I am very pleased with the improvement of the newer players,” he said.

“They are all very good golfers, but it took some time for them to get accustomed to the pressure of playing in competitive matches.”

Next year, the team hopes to work on its consistency, according to MacDougal.

Sophomore Charlie Goldberg, a captain with senior Jeff Howard and junior Brendan Ryan, said that goals for next season are to continue this year’s intensity and to become more accustomed to competitive golf.

by

“I hope that everyone on the golf team can play in a tournament or two before the season ends to really prepare ourselves for competitive golf,” he said.

Goldberg was named a Bay State Conference all-star.

Next year’s captains are to be decided.

Boys’ soccer’s season ends in first round of postseason

Jennie King Boys’ soccer, 6-6-6, achieved its goal of making the postseason, but lost to Brookline in the first round of the Sectional Tournament Saturday, Nov. 25.

According to senior Tim Stanton, a captain with senior Luke Westman, one of the highlights of the season was the Kicks for Cancer game Saturday, Oct. 1, in which the team beat Brookline 2-0.

Coach Roy Dow said, “From day one, the first day of preseason, to losing to Brookline as a team, we gained a lot of maturity and learned many lessons.”

Stanton received First Team AllLeague, Eastern Massachusetts all-star recognition and co-team MVP. Westman was also named First Team All-League.

Senior Matt Moss-Hawkings took home co-team MVP and the Ucal Award.

Junior Matt Callahan received Second Team All-League recognition and senior Carter Tiernan was named the most improved player.

Stanton and Westman were named Bay State Conference all-stars.

“Things don’t always bounce our way, but at the end of the day, we put our best foot forward and really tried to improve as individuals and as a group,” Dow said.

Next year’s captains will be juniors Mike Kaye and Rob Morgan.

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Girls’ soccer progresses to quarterfinals of tourney

SeungWan Kang Girls’ soccer made it to the quarterfinals in the State Tournament this year, ending 13-2-3 in the regular season and 14-4-2 overall.

The season was “the most successful in six years,” said coach James Hamblin.

“Most of our goals were met.”

According to senior Sarah Perlo, a captain with seniors Katie Regan and Lauren Smith, the team “wanted to score more goals, and we definitely did score more goals than last year. We had several games where we scored more than three goals,” Perlo said.

Besides reaching the quarterfinals in the postseason, a highlight of the season was “beating Newton South,” Perlo said.

The Saturday, Sept. 18 road game ended in a 4-0 victory.

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Perlo and senior Holly Szafran were named Bay State Conference all-stars, with junior Christina Callahan as an honorable mention.

Next year’s captains will be juniors Taylor Chinitz, Jordyn Matthews and Madison Nadeau.

Swimmers beat Brookline

Jacob Schwartz Girls’ swimming and diving, 7-4-1, defeated Brookline 104-77 Tuesday, Oct. 11, in what senior Veronica Ingham, a captain with senior Hunter Hedenberg, called a high point of the season.

“They always make shirts poking fun at us that say ‘Cats can’t swim,’ but we beat them this year, which was nice,” Ingham said.

According to Ingham, the team’s annual health problems were worse than usual this year. “One of the things that happens with the pool is that sickness travels quickly,” she said.

“We usually have just one awful week, but it was worse this year. We were just kind of unlucky in that sense.”

Coach Kirsten Touhy said underclassmen stepped up this season to help the team achieve a solid record. “We had a very strong freshman and sophomore group,” she said.

Next year’s captains will be juniors Niki Lew and Katie Wu.

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Girls’ volleyball improves, makes Sectional Semifinals

Jonny Levenfield Girls’ volleyball, 19-2, was the top seed in its division for the postseason and had a successful season, according to senior Meredith Abrams, a captain with the rest of the seniors. The Tigers advanced to the Sectional Finals before falling to Brookline in five-set thriller.

A highlight of the season for Abrams was when the Tigers hosted the Warriors Friday, Sept. 23.

“It was really exciting to beat them at home, and it was a really intense game,” she said.

Abrams added that the team also accomplished its goal of capturing the Bay State conference title.

According to coach Richard Barton, the team accomplished its goal of “beating every team we faced––including two State Champions––at least once.”

Abrams, juniors Keane Brazda and junior Deanna Cortina and sophomore Alana King were named Bay State Conference all-stars. Brazda was also a Globe all-scholastic.

All of the seniors on next year’s team will be captains.

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sports

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Newton North, Newtonite ◆ 27

Winter sports show steady improvement “I would like to say thanks for a job well done,” said athletic director Tom Giusti, “and whether you realize it or not, you have continued the athletic excellence that is a tradition for the black and orange from Newton North.”

The Tigers had a collective record of 66-52-5 with a winning percentage of .526. Nine out of 13 teams made it to the postseason.

“Many of our teams and individuals competed in MIAA events and never failed to bring excitement to their fanbase,” Giusti said.

—Jacob Schwartz

Boys’ basketball wins league, falls to Brockton in playoffs

Jacob Schwartz Boys’ basketball, 19-4, had a successful season, making it far into the postseason, according to senior Jared Masinton, a captain with seniors Mike Thorpe and Luke Westman.

The Tigers finally lost to Brockton, 49-45, in the Division I Sectional Semifinals, unable to complete a second-half comeback.

Coach Paul Connolly said, “It was incredible that we were able to make the game that close after that first half.”

The Tigers achieved their goals, Masinton said.

“Our goal every year is to play the game the right way. I think we definitely did that, and we were successful,” he said.

Thorpe was named a Boston Globe all-scholastic, and Thorpe and Westman were named Bay State Conference all-stars.

Next year’s captains are to be decided.

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Team chemistry, new coach lead girls’ basketball to excel

Kristian Lundberg Girls’ basketball’s season ended in the same way it did last year: a loss in the squad’s second tournament game.

What a difference a year makes.

Although the Tigers, 15-7, lost in the second round of the State Tournament, the end result was a strong first season under coach Linda Martindale after former coach Hank DeSantis retired.

Despite having lost four starters from the previous year’s team, the Tigers finished second in its conference.

“The kids and the coaching staff are really proud of how we handled ourselves on and off the court,” Martindale said.

A highlight of the team’s season, according to senior Gracie Rolfe, a captain with senior Kayla Farina, was the team’s comeback victory over ninth-seeded Stoughton Wednesday, Feb. 29.

“It was exciting to have a playoff game at home; that was a really cool experience,” said Rolfe.

Next year’s captains are to be decided.

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Dancers place fifth at States

Ryan Condon Winter dance capped off an extremely successful season Tuesday, March 13 with a fifth place finish at States, according to senior Hanna Stubblefield-Tave, a captain with senior Maura Quinn.

The team placed second at the Bay State Conference Championship Thursday, Feb. 9, and brought home first place and Grand Champion trophies at Emmanuel College Sunday, Feb. 12.

“This season was absolutely a success,” said Stubblefield-Tave. “We had great energy as a team, and we worked hard every practice.”

Next year’s captains are to be decided.

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Cross-town win highlight for boys’ gymnastics’ season

Jacob Schwartz For boys’ gymnastics, 1-6, defeating South was a memorable moment, according to senior Isaac Feinhouse, a captain with senior Curran Ferry.

South’s squad holds its practices at this school, alongside the Tigers.

“We had a close relationship with South’s team,” Feinhouse said.

Coach Steve Chan said the team’s hard work paid off in the meet against South.

However, Chan said that he hopes the team will be able to gain more experience next season.

“Overall experience was a weakness this year, but next year we’ll have more

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Nina Kaplan

Nordic skiing: Senior Matt Moss-Hawkins skis Wednesday, Jan. 4 in the team’s first meet at Weston Ski Track. returning players, so that should help,” he said.

Next year’s captains are to be decided.

Girls’ gymnastics succeeds, places second in League Meet

Ryan Condon Finishing second at Bay States and qualifying for Sectionals, girls’ gymnastics capped off another successful season with an 8-1 record, according to junior Allison Hurwitz, a captain with senior Lena Golick.

An injury to junior Ariana Paone ended any chance of making finals, according to Chin.

“Ariana had been working hard preparing for the meet and trying to stay healthy, and I know she was devastated,” Chin said.

Hurwitz said she expects an even better season next year.

“We will have some talented girls joining us next year, so I think we will definitely come into next season strong.”

Next year’s captains will be Hurwitz and juniors Lili Margolin and Rachel Vasyliev.

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Boys’ hockey boosts offense, comes back against Walpole

Jacob Schwartz Boys’ hockey, 6-12-3, improved its offense this season, according to coach Tom Ryan. “Our ability to score goals was a strength,” he said.

Ryan said that there were multiple highlights of the season.

The first, he said, was a tie at Walpole Wednesday, Dec. 21. The Tigers came back from a 4-1 deficit in the third period to tie Walpole 4-4.

For senior Mike Bradley, a captain with senior Ryan Fanning, another highlight was the team’s 10-1 win at Brookline Wednesday, Feb. 8.

However, the team had trouble with executing in big games, according to Ryan.

Next year’s captains are to be decided.

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‘Tight-knit’ girls’ hockey fights off injuries, illnesses

Ryan Condon Despite a record of 2-12-1, girls’ hockey had a successful season, according to senior Courtney Leahy, a captain with seniors Katie Caruso and Stephanie Vitone.

“This team was the most tightly-knit team in the four years I’ve been here,” Leahy said.

The team didn’t catch any breaks this season, with injuries and sickness playing a major role, Leahy said.

According to coach Bob MacDougall, the team fought hard in its games, “but we just couldn’t play three strong periods on a consistent basis,” he said.

Caruso was named a Bay State Con-

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ference all-star.

Next year’s captains will be juniors Marisa Gilardetti and Ashley Smith.

Alpine improves technique

Alex Feit For a team that only practices twice a week, alpine skiing has made progress, accoring to senior Katie Regan, a captain with senior Parker Veroff.

“I think that everyone’s technique has improved and everyone’s times are getting better in general,” Regan said.

Regan and junior Mark Vrahas qualified for the State Tournament at Wachusett Mountain Tuesday, Feb. 28.

The team hopes to add more practices for next year in order to improve overall performance, according to Veroff.

“Our goals should be to have more kids in the top 20,” Regan said.

Next year’s captains are to be decided.

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Nordic improves in standings

Jay Feinstein Nordic skiing had a successful season, according to Tom Clemow, who coached the team for the first time this season.

The girls placed fifth in the State, and the boys placed 10th in the State, both improving the team’s State standings this year.

According to Clemow, an exciting part of the season was the girls’ competition with Dover-Sherborn, the perennial Mass. Bay East League winner.

“Our girls skied with determination, but we finished second,” he said.

The team lacked snow for a major part of the season, but according to senior Abby Dalzell, a captain with seniors Tiphaine Kugener and Isabel Meigs, “we kept going.”

Junior Julia Schiantarelli was named a Boston Globe all-scholastic and a Bay State Conference all-star.

Next year’s captains will be juniors Yarden Gavish, Rosanna Gessel-Larson, Nick Roberts and Julia Schiantarelli.

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Hard work, improvement bode well for boys’ swim

Ryan Condon Boys’ swimming and diving, 1-5-1, “showed great improvement over the course of the season,” according to coach Ryan Rich.

The season was all about improvement, Rich said.

According to senior Ryan Chan, a captain with senior Ben Salwen, the team’s record did not reflect the hard work it put into the season.

“The team is definitely headed in the right direction,” he said.

Chan was named a Bay State Conference all-star.

The captains for next year will be juniors Ryan Campbell, Cody Chan and Felix Xu. by

Boys’ track wins All-States

Gloria Li Boys’ indoor track, 6-0, experienced a memorable moment when it won AllStates, according to senior Young Guang, a captain with seniors Justin Keefe, Swardiq Mayanja and Nate Menninger.

“I’ve been on track for four years, and you really can’t get much better than winning a State Championship,” Guang said.

Mayanja earned titles at the Division I Stae Meet, All-States and New England meets, missing the school’s shot put record by three inches.

Keefe placed third at the Division I State meet and sixth at All-States in the 1000-meter.

Throughout the season, the team focused on the 4x400, according to coach Jim Blackburn.

At the Division I State Meet, the team placed second.

Next year’s captains will be juniors Johnny Long, Ryan Lucken, Daniel Swain and Carl Whitham. by

Undefeated girls’ track, 6-0, wins league title, State Meet

Ryan Condon With “one of the best teams in the history of our program,” according to coach Joe Tranchita, girls’ indoor track, 6-0, won the program’s 20th league title in 24 years.

The team also won the State Relays and the Division I State Meet, as well as All-States. “We had tremendous individual talent and team chemistry,” said Tranchita.

Senior Kayla Wong, a captain with senior Maggie Heffernan, said “the girls worked extremely hard all season long.”

Heffernan, Wong, juniors Meghan Bellerose and Carla Forbes and sophomore Madison Nadeau were named Bay State Conference all-stars, and Forbes was named a Boston Globe all-scholastic.

Next year’s captains will be Bellerose, Forbes and junior Maeve Larkin.

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Wrestling makes playoff run

David Kwartler Wrestling, 8-9, ended its season after an impressive playoff run Saturday, Feb. 25 at All-States.

Despite having a losing record for the first time in 10 years, the team gained valuable experience. Coach John Staulo said, “We had inexperienced and injured wrestlers at times, but we did well.”

Three wrestlers progressed to Sectionals. Senior Jordan Long, a captain with seniors Pat Bryson, Zach Ferguson and junior Nick Mariano, competed in All-States after competing through Sectionals and States.

Long was named a Bay State Conference all-star.

Next year’s captains are to be decided. by

sports

28 ◆ Newtonite, Newton North

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Seniors play in last season at this school Kristian Lundberg Spring Athletic Awards Night brought out the usual congregation of student-athletes dressed either in orangish team spirit shirts or, for those more fashionably inclined, semi-semi-formal button-downs and khaki shorts.

Judging by the attire, the event was a night for celebration, and indeed there was much to celebrate.

The spring teams had compiled one of the strongest seasons in recent memory, earning a 98-35-2 record for an astounding winning percentage of .726.

All nine teams had advanced to the postseason, including a state championship for both

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track squads. And, perhaps most saliently in the minds of some in the audience, there were approximately 15 hours left in the seniors’ high school career.

So for the 50 or so senior student-athletes in attendance Tuesday, May 29, this Awards Night was going to be their last. Considering that less than 10 percent of all high school athletes go on to play in college, according to NCAA estimates, for many seniors 15 years’ worth of organized sports were essentially culminating with this ceremony.

To its credit, this Awards Night valiantly attempted to

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Senior Day: Senior Claire Doolin delivers a pitch and junior Madison Beatrice looks on at first base in the Tigers’ home game against Needham. The Tigers defeated the Rockets 8-1.

bring closure to four years of athletic achievement by the Class of 2012. Principal Jennifer Price and athletic director Tom Giusti both spoke about the mark the seniors would leave on the school. A plethora of scholarships and individual awards were handed out.

Seniors were brought on stage, honored and wished well in their future endeavors.

But meanwhile, the scent of unfinished business percolated throughout the auditorium.

By no means was the spring season over—yet. Boys’ volleyball, boys’ lacrosse and girls’ lacrosse had a tripleheader of home playoff games Wednesday.

Softball started its postseason campaign Saturday, baseball traveled to Lexington Thursday boys’ and girls’ tennis played their respective first round matches Friday and Saturday. Giusti ended his introduction of all but the track squads, whose state championships were already won, by encouraging the audience to watch the upcoming games.

Though it was still a night of celebration and reflection, joy had largely superseded sentimental tears as the emotion of choice. Instead of looking back, the student-athletes recognized during this event were, for now, gazing straight ahead, anticipating their next contest. The finish line was briskly approaching, but it could be delayed for as long as there was another date circled on the calendar.

Today, the seniors were rightly celebrated for their contributions to the school community and their achievements throughout their athletic

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At home: Senior Jon Schwartz, a midfielder, cradles the ball in the boys’ lacrosse season opener against Weston. careers.

Tomorrow, they have work to do.

For earning at least seven varsity letters, plaques were given to seniors: ◆Alison Berkowitz ◆ Michael Bradley ◆ Stephanie Brown ◆ Katie Caruso ◆ Jacqueline Comstock ◆ Kayla Farina ◆ Isaac Feinhaus ◆ Leah Greene ◆ Lucia Grigoli ◆ Young Guang ◆ Jenny Hamilton ◆ Maggie Heffernan ◆ Ben Howard

◆ Justin Keefe ◆ Swardiq Mayanja ◆ Isabel Meigs ◆ Nate Menninger ◆ Sarah Perlo ◆ Allie Phillips ◆ Kayla Prior ◆ Marlon Rainville ◆ Katie Regan ◆ Michela Salvucci ◆ Lauren Smith ◆ Parker Swiston ◆ Michael Thorpe ◆ Rebecca Trayner ◆ Miller McCarthy-Tuohy ◆ Luke Westman ◆ Stephanie Vitone ◆ Kayla Wong ◆ Allison Wu

Congratulations Glenn, Love you Mom “Dad” Ashley Grampa and Gram Kenny Jilli & Teddy

retrospective

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

{

MEMORY

Newton North, Newtonite ◆ 29

LANE

}

When the members of the Class of 2012 walked off the stage today, diplomas in hand, their high school careers officially ended. As seniors look to their futures, they take the opportunity to reflect on their past. The following is a look back at the policies, events and programs that shaped the school community during Class of 2012’s four years at this school.

School focuses on improving student life Hilary Brumberg Over the last four years, this school’s administration has instituted various policies that have shaped the school community. It is sometimes difficult to remember what this school was like before these rules and regulations were instituted.

For example, when students see one of their teachers’ names on the absent faculty members list, they gleefully rush to the cafeteria to sign in. Many upperclassmen make a beeline to the Library Learning Commons or Newtonville, while freshmen and students who do not have open campus privileges begrudgingly sit in the cafeteria under campus aides’ watchful supervision.

However, the cancelled class policy has not always been this way.

Until the 2008-2009 school year, this school funded daily substitutes for absent teachers. When a Proposition 2½ budget override did not pass in the spring of 2008, this school eliminated daily substitutes as a cost-saving measure. From that point on, students were required to report to the cafeteria when their teachers called in absent.

Also during the Class of 2012’s freshman year, the Student Faculty Administration had ongoing discussions about the N-rule, many of which focused on how the elimination of substitute teachers affected the rule.

The debate culminated in May 2009 with the final draft of the N-rule, which emphasized consequences for unexcused absences and eliminated the rule that three tardies amount to a cut.

Until the beginning of the current senior class’ sophomore year, students were required to take physical education/health and wellness for seven of the eight semesters of their time here.

In 2010, the physical education/health and wellness requirements were lowered from seven semesters to five as a result of budget cuts.

In the fall and winter of 2009, there was a dramatic increase in trash left on Main Street during lunch block. To combat the increasing trash problem,

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Tiger’s Loft: Seniors Alyssa Kaplan and Emily Paley enjoy lunch in the Tiger’s Loft Bistro. This April, the Tiger’s Loft began serving students again after it closed to students for three months as a result of contract complications.

Main Street was closed November 12 and November 13, 2009 during lunch block.

Posters reminded students to clean up after themselves, and administrators threatened to close Main Street during lunch blocks again if students did not resolve the problem by December break.

“Students are just not taking care of their trash,” Riley housemaster Mark Aronson said at the time. “I understand the occasional chip that falls on the floor, but there’s no excuse for trays, bottles, bags, half-eaten sandwiches and things like that being left on the ground.”

With the move to the new building, students are allowed to eat only in the cafeteria and the Tiger’s Loft Bistro.

Many iPods, iPads, laptops and cell phones mysteriously disappeared from backpacks and classrooms in 2010. That June, the School Committee instituted a security policy that allowed this school to install surveillance cameras as a de-

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Under surveillance: Zach Grannan ’11 and senior Aaron Siegel talk below a surveillance camera outside the old building.

terrent to crimes, including theft and assault.

The cameras were placed in “public areas such as hallways, athletic areas, large public gathering spaces, parking lots and public walkways,” principal Jennifer Price said at the time. The tapes can only be viewed by the superintendent and other authorized personnel, she said.

Until January 2011, an in-house department of school municipal staff ran the Newton Public Schools’ lunch program. However, the NPS’s lunch program had run an annual deficit of $1 million for two years, so to eliminate the deficit, the NPS contracted all food service operations to Whitsons Culinary Group.

February 7, 2011, Whitsons reinstated the breakfast program, which the School Committee had cut earlier that year due to the budget deficit.

Budget woes continued into the class’ junior year when the School Committee passed a budget that included nonathletic school-sponsored extracurricular activity (club) fees, drama fees and increased school-sponsored sports fees at the high school level.

Starting with the members of the current Class of 2012, seniors are required to take full-year English classes. Previously, seniors took two semester-long English electives, which were open to sophomores, juniors and seniors.

English department head Melissa Dilworth said the change was necessary because “while all other years of English classes at this school have clear structures, themes and core texts, the senior year did not. We had what some deemed ‘regular’ English classes coupled with electives.”

Starting this year, the use of Google Docs became more widespread at this school because the NPS Instructional Technology department set up educational Google Docs accounts for all stu-

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Litter: Trash left on Main Street, such as this bagel, was so problematic that administrators closed Main Street during lunch for a few days in 2009. dents and teachers in the system.

“Google Docs give all students the same tools despite different equipment, so they are a big equalizer,” K-12 instructional technology coordinator Missy Costello said at the time. “Students can collaborate at home with the same tools and work on projects at the same time.”

This school continued to transition into the digital age third term this year by distributing report cards, warnings and attendance records online. Families can access this information through the online system ParentCONNECT. During much of this past winter, the Tiger’s Loft was closed to students because of complications regarding federal regulations and the City’s agreements with its contractors, according to career and vocational technical education director Diana Robbins.

In April, NPS administrators and Whitsons’ management were able to reach an agreement that allowed the Tiger’s Loft to begin serving lunch to students again, according to Cynthia Bergan, assistant superintendent of secondary education and special programs.

retrospective

30 ◆ Newtonite, Newton North

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Programs create learning opportunities Hilary Brumberg This school is constantly shifting and growing to accommodate the interests, skills and needs of the current students and faculty. Over the last four years, this school adopted a variety of new programs and classes in order to help guide students through their high school careers and better prepare them for life in the 21st century.

The Ligerbots, a coalition of students and faculty from this school and South, was founded in 2008 to “make science and technology as loud and fun as NASCAR, a rock concert or a sporting event,” former South information technology specialist Greg Poulos said at the time.

After a successful pilot week in June 2009, Safe Rides began a year-long program. The Safe Rides program offers students a free taxi ride home Friday and Saturday nights with the purpose of providing a safe, reliable ride if a student is caught in an emergency situation, according to Nancy Holczer, chair of The Newton Partnership’s Safe Rides Task Force.

Newton Central High opened in the fall of 2009 as an alternative high school for students who require a small and stable educational environment. “For years we have had to send students out of the City to a school where they can work better, but we felt we could do a better job here and save money,” said Walter Lyons, special education department head and administrator of Central.

That same fall, this school launched

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At the Boston Regional Event: Ligerbots team mentor Nate Duchman, Benji Nitkin ’11, South technical education teacher Jen Stephens, juniors Ross Stanley and Owen Weitzman and Eli Glick, South ’11, stand with mascots next to their robot.

the Peer Tutoring program, through which upperclassmen tutor underclassmen who are struggling in a particular subject.

Newton’s Lab, the Newton Public Schools’ Innovation Laboratory, launched its three-year pilot project in November 2010. The innovation lab “acts as an incubator, consultant, advocate, and networking/resource manager” for students and faculty who have innovative ideas, English teacher and chief innovation officer Steve Chinosi explained at the time.

Beginning in September 2011, this school held four extended homerooms and two school-wide events as part of the new anti-bullying curriculum it adopted in accordance with new state laws.

“With this curriculum, we are trying to strengthen this school’s environment, to positively affect students and make the school a safe place,” according to Beals housemaster Michelle Stauss.

“Two Schools, One Book,” an annual summer reading initiative, began this past summer. All NPS students read Zeitoun by Dave Eggers. The initiative culminated with a day-long, schoolwide program October 14, 2011 featuring 10 discussion panels.

This school adopted Keys to Success, an incentive-based program, in November 2011. Each month, faculty members nominate students who performed random acts of kindness and/or have increased their academic standing to select from a variety of prizes.

School responds efficiently to unplanned incidents Hilary Brumberg As is expected in an active, vibrant school community such as this one, there are occasionally unplanned incidents.

October 8, 2008, someone attached a bomb-threat note to the Hull Street door of the old building, delaying the start of school by 10 minutes. The police searched the school for the alleged bomb and deemed that “it was not a credible threat,” according to principal Jennifer Price at the time. It had been the fourth bomb threat in three years, she said.

Between January and March 2009, multiple incidents of vandalism were reported, ranging from molasses spread on Pilot doorknobs to graffiti in English classrooms to raw chicken strewn across the cafeteria. Senior custodian Tim Keefe explained at the time that although the the various acts of vandalism did not physically harm any individual, the cleanup was “a pain in the neck.”

All students ate lunch on Main Street

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Response: A police cruiser parks in front of the theatre entrance during the lockdown December 13, 2010.

November 3, 2009 because the cafeteria was closed due to flooding.

This school went into lockdown December 13, 2010 after a student’s butane lighter was mistaken for a handgun.

Although it was the first time this school used its lockdown procedure in the new building, at the time, Price commended students and faculty for their “amazing response.”

After a foul odor was detected wafting through the building and Newtonville October 24, 2011, this school was evacuated. According to Mark O’Hare, a spokesperson for the Newton Fire Department, the gas was identified as mercaptan, a substance frequently added to usually odorless gases to easily detect leaks.

Administrators and the police investigated a threatening statement a student posted on Facebook before Transgender Bisexual Gay Lesbian Awareness Day, which was Wednesday, March 7.

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Wet floor: Water flooded the floor of the cafeteria in the old building November 3, 2009.

Community remembers deceased faculty, student

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Lori Borden

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Thomas DePeter

Perrin Stein Over the past four years, nine current and former faculty members and one student passed away.

Bacon housemaster Helen Ryan worked in Newton High and in the old building until Bacon House was closed in 1981. She died October 8, 2008.

Tech secretary Donna Mandatori ’67 worked in the Newton Public Schools for 39 years and died November 1, 2008.

Former English teacher and lacrosse coach Thomas DePeter died May 15, 2009. In memory of Mr. DePeter, this

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Adam London

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Donna Mandatori

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Ucal McKenzie

school and South compete in an annual lacrosse game dubbed the DePeter Cup. After battling cancer, Latin teacher Robert Mitchell died May 27, 2009. Former English teacher and current Newton Teachers Association president Michael Zilles praised Mr. Mitchell as “the best high school teacher in the world.”

Thirty-two year old counselor and soccer coach Ucal McKenzie died of heart failure May 30, 2009. Former English teacher Inez Dover said Mr. McKenzie was “a unique presence and an unsung hero.” To celebrate McKenzie’s life, this

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Robert Mitchell

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Helen Ryan

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Mary Sapienza

school held its first annual McKenzie Friendly, a commemorative soccer game, at Warren Field September 3, 2009.

July 11, 2009, former English teacher Lori Borden died. According to former English department head Mary Lanigan, Borden was a “model teacher.”

Former English teacher Sheila Zolli died July 28, 2010. While at this school, Mrs. Zolli helped establish the Student Faculty Administration and directed three Theatre Ink productions.

Adam London ’11, died when his car crashed into a tree August 23, 2010.

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Norm Walker

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Sheila Zolli

London was passionate and thoughtful, according to his mother Barbara Spivak. To honor London, Newton parents started “A Promise to Adam,” a pledge that encourages students to observe safe driving habits.

Former math department head Mary Sapienza died August 27, 2010. Lichtman praised Mrs. Sapienza for her creative teaching style.

August 22, 2011, former English teacher and football coach Norm Walker died. He was “very thoughtful,” said former English teacher George Bower.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

retrospective

Newton North, Newtonite ◆ 31

MEMORY LANE

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Out with the old, in with the new: During the seniors’ four years here, they witnessed the demolition of the old building and the erection of this building.

City contracts, builds award-winning building Perrin Stein When the Class of 2012 was in kindergarten, the City began to discuss ideas for renovations to both high schools.

Over the next decade, renovation plans evolved from reconstructing portions of the old building for $39 million to creating an entirely new building for $197.5 million. The new building is the most expensive school ever built in Massachusetts.

In 2000, former mayor David Cohen proposed renovations to this school and South that would occur while school was in session.

Three years later, Cohen came before the public to announce that this school, unlike South, could not be renovated with students inside. In response to this problem, the former mayor created a committee to explore alternative reconstruction ideas.

The committee reported that a hybrid school, which is a school that includes both new construction and portions of an original building, would cost $94 million, and a new building would cost $108 million. With this information, the City focused on creating plans for construction of a new building.

In 2005, the City hired renowned architect Graham Gund to design the new building. Gund was not given a price limit, according to the Newton Tab. Two years later, in January 2007, the final design plan was brought to the public in the form of a referendum. Sixty percent of voters approved the plan, so the construction process began.

Over the next year, the new building’s cost rose from $141 million to $170 million to $184 million. The increased cost resulted from a variety of factors, including excavation of underground remnants of Newton High School, according to the Newton Tab.

By September 2008, when the members of the Class of 2012 were freshmen,

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57 percent of the structural steel for the new building was in place.

By February 2008, Cohen said the final price tag of the new building was to be $197.5 million.

When the final steel beam of the new building was placed December 12, 2010, the City celebrated with a “Topping off Ceremony.”

The new building earned a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold Certificate for a host of reasons, including energy-efficiency during construction, lights sensitive to daylight, windows that prevent heat escape, lowflow faucets and the usage of rainwater in toilets.

Throughout the winter and spring of 2010, former art teacher Sandra Truant led an effort to photograph and catalogue the murals that adorned the old building. Two large murals were saved to be placed in the new building. One currently hangs on Main Street, and the other is in storage, awaiting restoration.

The Naming Committee, a group dedicated to naming important locations in the new building, such as the auditorium, began accepting suggestions for names in February 2010. The Committee planned to look through the submissions and to send the best ones to the School Committee, which would make the final naming decisions.

Instead of using the Naming Committee’s proposal, this spring, the School Committee approved the Newton Schools Foundation’s campaign to sell naming rights in order to raise up to $5.7 million for technology for the NPS. Before the fundraising campaign can begin, the Aldermen must decide whether or not to create a revolving fund for the money earned from the sales.

To help with the 100-foot move to the new building, vice principal Deb Holman and the Move Committee organized approximately two dedicated “purge days”

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Cutting the ribbon: Principal Jennifer Price, mayor Setti Warren, superintendent David Fleishman and Molly Doris-Pierce ’11 ceremoniously open the new building August 31, 2010.

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Library Learning Commons: Senior Gwendolyn Stoll uses an iPad. After moving into the new building, this school invested in new technology. a month, which began in February 2010 and ended in June 2010. Work study students spent those days helping teachers throw away materials they would not need in the new building.

During the final weeks of the 20092010 school year and throughout the beginning of the summer, faculty and students packed everything that was not “purged” into bins, which would be moved to the new building.

About half of the furniture in the old building could not be moved to the new school because “it is damaged, broken or its quality is poor, or it does not meet the standards of the fire code,” principal Jennifer Price said at the time.

In August 2010, during abatement, the demolition crew discovered hidden polychlorinated biphenyls, asbestos and mercury. Some of these hazardous materials had been removed years ago.

The discovery of additional hazardous materials pushed the demolition date back from early spring to mid-summer, according to chief operating officer Bob Rooney at the time.

The demolition cost $11.6 million, six percent of the entire project.

Mayor Setti Warren, superintendent David Fleishman, Price and Class of 2011 president Molly Doris-Pierce cut the ribbon to officially open the new building August 31, 2010. After the ribbon cutting ceremony, incoming seniors were allowed to tour the building before it opened to the rest of the student body.

With the change in building, came a loss of some of the characteristics of

the old building, such as lunch on Main Street and posters hanging in every hallway.

Due to fire safety codes, in the new building, students are no longer allowed to post flyers wherever they desire. In October 2010, the school ordered bulletin boards, so students could post flyers outside the cafeteria and in other central locations in the building.

The new building includes much new technology including iPads, interactive whiteboards in every classroom, a document camera in every classroom and movement-sensitive lighting.

In October 2011, two Samsung 46inch LED flat-screen televisions were installed in the cafeteria. Campus aides and housemasters control the channels.

In December, a 110-space parking lot bordering Lowell Avenue opened for faculty members. Their old spots on neighboring streets were delegated to students.

The following month, the Boston Society of Architects gave this school a 2011 Award for Design Excellence.

This winter and spring, the Student Faculty Administration designed and implemented a student union in the cafeteria as a spot for students to spend free time. The student union was created in response to a concern that students use the Library Learning Commons as a hangout spot rather than as a quiet study space.

The fields that will stand where the old building once did will be ready for use next fall.

32 â—† Newtonite, Newton North

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Wednesday, June 6, 2012