The Newtonite V95 Graduation Special

The Newtonite ◆ Wednesday, June 8, 2016 • Volume 95

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

Class of 2016 celebrates commencement

Maya Metser This afternoon, the Class of 2016 concludes its senior year, becoming the 155th graduating class of this school.

The graduates took their seats as instrumentalists from the Wind Ensemble played “Pomp and Circumstance” by Edward Elgar, conducted by music teacher Richard Labedz.

The ceremony began with Family Singers, conducted by music teacher Adam Grossman, singing “America the Beautiful,” by Katherine Lee Bates, a member of the Class of 1876.

Senior Swabira Mayanja sang the National Anthem while senior Asma Sheikh signed it in American Sign Language.

After interim principal Mark Aronson welcomed guests, English Language Learning and EDCO seniors greeted attendees in American Sign Language, Azeri, Farsi, Georgian, Hebrew, Korean, Mandarin, Norwegian, Pashto, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.

Next, Mayor Setti Warren, superintendent David Fleishman, school committee members Margaret Albright and Diana Fisher Gomberg, and councilor-at-large James Cote spoke to the graduating seniors.

Senior Calley Dias gave a speech on behalf of the Class of 2016, and special education teacher Mary O’Malley spoke for the faculty.

Aronson presented the Principal’s Plaque to the Center for Civic Engagement and Service co-founders and directors Claudia Wu and Terry Yoffie. The award is given to a person or group of people in the Newton community who have made outstanding by

Josh Shub-Seltzer

The Class of 2016 celebrates during the final seconds of senior year at countdown in the SOA last Tuesday morning. contributions to the students, faculty, and programs at this school. The two received engraved trays.

Seniors then presented awards to their classmates.

Ruby Mayer presented the Charles Dana Meserve Fund Award engraved tray and scholarship to Natalie Co-

hen. The award honors an outstanding scholar who has made outstanding contributions to this school.

Mark Colomba presented the Girls’ Senior Cup to Sophie Tavolieri, and Masha Levit presented the Boys’ Senior Cup to Nathan Hollenberg.

The Senior Cups are awarded for char-

acter, scholarship, involvement in the school community, and personality.

Faculty members nominate students for this award and the senior class then votes on the nominees.

Both Hollenberg and Tavolieri received engraved bowls.

Michael Gately presented Jade Lin

with the Phi Beta Kappa Award certificate and scholarship for academic excellence.

Hollenberg received the Dickinson Memorial Award engraved bowl from Jackson Eckenrode. For this award, the athletic department chooses a male who has shown great improvement in athletic competition, sportsmanship, character, and skill.

The Gary Elliot Prize was awarded to Jennifer Gately by Sonia Joffe.

Gately received a certificate and scholarship for her dedication, creativity, talent, and love for the performing arts.

The Helene Breivogel Award was presented by Tyler Albayrak to Rachel Hamilton. The award is given to a female who improves in athletic competition and demonstrates character, skill, and sportsmanship.

Sonia Ferré presented Michael Gately with the Margaret South Award engraved bowl to recognize his courtesy, courage, enthusiasm, and unselfish service.

Jaclyn Mehrez was awarded the Newton Rotary Club William Rockwell Memorial Career and Vocational Technical Education Achievement Award plaque, which was presented

by Edwin Alvarado.

Nicole Algarin Mojica presented the Lenny Zakim/PTSO Human Rights Award to Mirabelle Espady.

The award honors students who pursue a greater understanding and appreciation of human differences.

Espady received a certificate and scholarship.

At the end of the ceremony, seniors received their diplomas, marking the end of their time at this school.

Seniors donate eco-friendly water bottle fillers Samantha Fredberg After four years of hard work and dedication at North, the senior class is leaving behind large shoes—large, green shoes. As the Class of 2016 says goodbye, they will be giving a gift that will help North for many years to come.

According to senior class president Perri Sucoff, the Class of 2016 will be giving the school five water bottle filling machines with the intention of making an eco-friendly impact on the lives of future students.

Sucoff explained that the machines were chosen because of their green and useful elements. “It will be a good way to fill water bottles, reduce plastic waste, and keep kids hydrated,” said Sucoff. “Everyone can use it.”

The water bottle fillers are supplied by the BeCause Water Benefit Corporation, a company that helps fundraise and install water bottle fillers in schools.

Senior Jonathan Halpern brought up the idea of the machines.“Two years ago the SFA had the idea to get water bottle fillers but never really acted on it,” Halpern said. “This year, when we brought it up again, by

I thought it would be cool to finally get them.” He then reached out to BeCause Water and the PTSO for a grant.

According to BeCause Water, tap water is not only more eco-friendly, but also safer from bacteria than bottled water. Tap water is tested for bacteria more frequently than bottled water, and tap water producers must report violations to regulatory agencies, but bottled water companies do not need to.

Water bottle fillers allow the user to fill their water bottle easily without tipping it to the side, which regular water fountains require. Regular water fountains can save the same amount of plastic as water bottle fillers, but the convenience of the machines will encourage more students to bring reusable water bottles to school.

Sucoff explained that she hopes the gift will be useful and make an impact on present and future students of North. She said, “the machines will represent sustainability. We can’t fix our waste, but this little step of adding five machines will make one more student bring a water bottle just because they have a place to fill it.”

Check out our online newspaper:

Josh Shub-Seltzer

Tiger spirit: Students in the 12th Man pose for a photo while cheering North to a 23-7 victory during the Friday Night Lights game against Framingham Oct. 23.

Scan the barcode on Snapchat to see more photos of countdown on

thenewtonite.com

opinion

2 ◆ The Newtonite, Newton North

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Cultivate leadership skills in high school With a variety of clubs, over 30 sports teams, and encouraging faculty, students have the chance to seize leadership opportunities and enact change at this school. North’s positive learning environment allows students to develop their leadership skills and exercise them in a productive way.

editorial Through several calls for change this past school year, North students have been able to achieve what they advocate for by asserting their voices within the community.

Many students expressed outrage after a series of racist, sexist, and anti-Semitic events in Newton Public Schools earlier this year. A similar reaction from the community at large prompted mayor Setti Warren to call a town hall meeting. Among an audience of adults who seemed incapable of listening to one another, North students contributed mature and rational voices. At one point in the meeting, while several adults demeaned other cultural groups, insisting only on their own issues, North students were able to politely acknowledge the validity of all victims of hate speech in the community. In an article about the meeting, the Boston Globe quoted one Newton resident who commended the young people in attendance. She said, “For them to confront the disrespect shown by some of the adults was really courageous.”

Those courageous voices became VOICE—Voices of Inter-Cultural Engagement and

Empowerment. This newly founded organization fosters collaboration among various affinity groups at this school in order to encourage open communication.

Last spring, it appeared that the recycling system in this school was flawed. Overworked custodians did not have the time to empty both trash and recycling into respective bins. Concerned North students formed the Recycling Club and reached out to custodial staff who allowed them to begin collecting recycling bins from classrooms. In addition, they presented about the initiative and proposed solutions to students, faculty, and administration.

Now, every Tuesday, the Recycling Club continues to make rounds throughout the entire building to collect classroom bins and has created plans to implement a permanent recycling system.

Earlier this year, the administration designated one genderneutral bathroom on the fourth floor in response to student and parent concerns. Feeling that the facilities afforded to transgender community members were not sufficient, members of the Gender-Sexuality Alliance and Student-Faculty Administration met to discuss their unease. The two groups are currently working with the administration to push for more accessible genderneutral bathrooms.

These three groups prove how student-led initiatives can effect change within our large community. Their actions have gained the respect of faculty and

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

Editors in chief — Jackie Gong, Maya Metser Managing editors — Rose Bostwick, Blake Krantz, Amy Morrill, Emily Moss, Josh Shub-Seltzer, Jacob Sims Speyer Arts editors — Nour Chahboun, Hannah Liu Features editor — Lucy Lu Freelance editor — Wendy Li News editors — Tali Falk-Judson, Samantha Fredberg Sports editor — Jonathan Cohen On Campus editor — Maya Waldman Opinion/Blogs editor — Adam Clements

Talk of the Tiger editor — Laura Schmidt-Hong Photography manager — Wendy Li, Devin Perlo Graphics manager — Valeria Dountcheva Advertising and Business manager — Ophelia Baxter Technology manager — Michael Tang Advisers — Tom Fabian, Derek Knapp, Amanda Mazzola Staff — Alisa Caira, Will Kharfen, Derek Krantz, Nathan Persampieri, Cate Waters

The Newtonite staff does all its reporting and photography to post content daily to its website, thenewtonite.com. They make all content choices.

Sign up for The Newtonite’s weekly email newsletter on its website. In addition to the print graduation special, the Newtonite will publish a special on the first day of school, a club special, and a midyear special.

To place an advertisement in the online or print version of The Newtonite or to contact us by phone, please call 617-559-6273. Readers can also reach us at thenewtonite@gmail.com.

Letters The Newtonite serves as a designated forum for student opinion.

Readers are invited to submit guest articles and letters to the editor.

Letters should be put in The Newtonite box in the main office or emailed to thenewtonite@gmail.com.

The Newtonite reserves the right to edit all letters, which must have the writer’s name and a student’s class and homeroom.

Josh Shub-Seltzer

Costume night: The Sixth Man poses for a photo in their outfits during a 70-47 win over Dedham Jan 22. students alike.

While it may be typical for adults to take charge of difficult situations, especially in situations like those that have occurred this year, North’s administration has valued the power of student voice in times of controversy, to allow them to better the community and grow as leaders.

The amount of freedom the

student body has in regard to self-expression must not be taken for granted. A foundation of leadership in high school enables students to take risks, problemsolve, and self-advocate later in life. These skills are vital in creating a more tolerant, equitable society. Equipped with engagement in the community beyond the classroom, North graduates are prepared for success.

This year, The Newtonite highlights a variety of paths that North students take after high school. With encouragement from a supportive community to become leaders, they graduate with faith in their ability to effectively express their opinions and concerns, helping them to make real change in the world.

Adam Clements Nationwide debates over transgender rights have recently garnered unprecedented levels of attention.

The conversation has largely focused on whether or not transgender individuals have the right to use bathrooms corresponding with their gender identity.

Transgender members of the North community are currently free to use the bathroom in which they feel most comfortable, and such freedom is quite significant compared to what is afforded to students in other parts of the country. While it would be ideal to have a more accepting environment, the reality is that there are still transgender people at North who feel unsafe because of transphobia within the community.

An additional problem with the binary nature of North’s bathrooms is that not everyone identifies as either male or female. Because of this, easily accessible gender-neutral bathrooms ensure a more inclusive environment.

There is currently only one gender-neutral bathroom, located on the fourth floor and requiring a key for entry. Obtaining a key requires a ten dollar deposit, which is given back at the end of the year when the key is returned. While the existence of this bathroom is progress, the cur-

rent solution does not fully respect and recognize the challenges that transgender people face.

Finding sufficient space for gender-neutral bathrooms has proven difficult, but North’s administration has been working with the Gender-Sexuality Alliance and other concerned students to find a solution. Plans are in place to install an unlocked gender-neutral bathroom on the first floor in the near future. This plan is the next step in recognizing and respecting the rights of all of North’s students.

It is being implemented thanks to strong leadership and effort from students and cooperation from the administration.

In The New York Times op-ed section, transgender woman Meredith Russo described being harassed in the men’s bathroom in her Tennessee workplace after being forced to use it by her boss. Men who encountered her in the bathroom often mistook her for a woman who had accidentally entered the men’s room and were angry about her presence.

The stress and discomfort of the situation eventually caused Russo to stop using the bathroom at work altogether, which proved detrimental to her health.

The transgender community in Massachusetts is fortunately at much less risk of being subject to such discrimination, thanks in part to the recent passing of a transgender rights bill. As residents of a generally progressive state regarding social issues, the North community should take advantage of that tolerance and continue to challenge existing discriminatory practices.

How to be a more inclusive community is an ongoing conversation, and solutions are not always clearcut. However, North’s attempt to address these concerns through collaboration between administration and student activists is commendable and should serve as a model for how communities across the country handle the issue.

Conversation, effort needed to continue fight against transgender discrimination by

column Elsewhere in the country, the road to civil rights for transgender Americans is far more tumultuous.

North Carolina has come under intense scrutiny for House Bill 2, its recent law banning legislation against LGBTQ+ discrimination and requiring people to only use bathrooms that correspond with the sex on their birth certificate.

Meanwhile, transgender people who are forced to use the bathroom of their biological sex regularly experience harassment and humiliation.

retirements

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Newton North, The Newtonite ◆ 3

Holczer admires students, builds community

Laura Schmidt-Hong Social worker Nancy Holczer’s work for the school district has shaped her philosophy that students and teachers alike should strive to be as giving, unselfish, and hardworking as possible. Holczer is retiring this year after working for the Newton Public Schools since 1982.

“We talk about being lifelong learners, but we also have to be lifelong givers,” said Holczer.

Holczer began working for Newton Public Schools running Newton’s One-to-One program, more commonly known as the Big Brother Big Sister program.

When Holczer first began working with the program after having children and working for the PTSO, “it was kind of falling apart,” she said. “When I took over the program that started in 1982, it was quite small, and it was my job to put it back together and build it back up again.”

The fact that Holczer was able to keep the program running has brought her great pride. “There were a couple of times when, due to a lack of funding, I really fought hard to keep the program alive, especially during the economic downturn of 2006 and back in 1996,” she said.

English teacher Kate Shaughnessy, who participated in the Oneto-One program as a student at North, said that “hearing and seeing, to this day, how passionate she is about the program is inspiring.”

She noted that, although Holczer’s position has been cut back over the years due to budget cuts, “she never let that interfere with the quality of the program.”

Through the One-to-One program, Holczer hoped to encourage students to become more open by

to new experiences. “They have to take a risk because they really go out there on their own.” She described how, “in this program, students learn unanticipated life lessons because they think they’re just going to hang out with a kid and not have to handle any challenges.”

Each student will also know “how to be assertive, how to be more responsible, and how to stop procrastinating,” said Holczer.

Shaughnessy expressed similar sentiments, explaining how Holczer helped both the children and teenagers “grow as individuals,” going “above and beyond.”

Holczer’s belief that students “need to learn to be other-centered” and learn about “how good it feels to help others” has also become an integral part of her career as a social worker. “It’s something that we need to strive for,” she said.

The students in the program have made her especially proud, primarily “because they’re giving back to their community.”

She also noted how proud she is that “there are a lot of kids who go on to be mentors in college and in life.”

Born in Toledo, Ohio, Holczer attended high school at DeVilbiss High School. After graduating, she went on to the University of Michigan to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, then obtained her master’s degree in social work from Boston University.

Holczer first worked for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children to aid families that were dealing with domestic violence and neglect. She went on to work for the Quincy Public Schools as a social worker with special needs preschoolers and elementary school students.

Starting in 2012, Holczer has

also been the elementary social worker at Countryside Elementary School and “worked with kids, parents, and staff to help kids handle stress.” From 2006 to 2008, she worked for the Turnaround Program at South, which supported atrisk teenagers.

In addition to being the program director of the One-to-One program, which was her only position from 1982 to 1997, Holczer was also the Parent Education Specialist from 2008 to 2012 for the Newton Partnership, a federallyfunded project of Newton Public Schools. She organized parenting workshops that covered topics such as anti-bullying and child development information. Holczer also spent time as a community service learning specialist for the Newton Public Schools from 1997 to 2006.

In that position, she supported the piloting of community service learning projects, in which “teachers organize a curriculum project where students are learning via making a community impact,” she said. Holczer not only helped educate the professional staff about the benefits and rewards of hands-on learning, but also organized a community service learning celebration where the “great works the students did” were on display for the community to see.

After her 34 years working in the district, Holczer said that she hopes she retires confident that the One-to-One program will “always be here for Newton North students and Newton South students and that they’ll have the opportunity to have this experience because it is so valuable to their self-growth.”

In a way, “a little part of her will live here even though she’s moving on,” said Shaughnessy. “I think there are a lot of clubs and

Josh Shub-Seltzer

“A little part of her will live here even though she’s moving on,” said English teacher Kate Shaughnessy. programs that come and go over the years.” The One-to-One program, however, has “stood the test of time.”

Shaughnessy added that Holczer’s name at North “has become synonymous” with the One-to-One program, which is “a really high compliment because it’s a program that everybody knows, values, and respects. So when she is so entrenched in it, it’s not just something that she does. I think it really defines who she is and her legacy

here.”

Once she leaves North, Holczer hopes to pursue her interest in the arts, golf, traveling, and volunteering in the community.

Ultimately, Holczer has experienced “a really strong sense of community here at Newton North.” She said, “I think it’s been a wonderful environment. Even though I’m an independent operator, I really feel like a part of the professional community here. It’s a great institution that I’ll miss being a part of.”

retirements

4 ◆ The Newtonite, Newton North

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Tate transforms library into welcoming home Lucy Lu After more than 20 years at North, retiring librarian Annette Tate has made a lasting impact through her commitment to represent the diversity of this school and make the library an essential part of North’s community.

Working at the North library was a special experience for Tate as “students have freedom to come in and out of the library,” she said.

“At this school, the library is an important place to students, and they want to be here.”

Through the transition from the old North building to the new one, Tate preserved ideas and experiences with her from the old school to implement into the new, and this knowledge has defined her success as a librarian and has proven to be helpful to her colleagues as well.

“Everything I’ve learned about Newton North was from her and her institutional knowledge,” said librarian Erin Dalbec. “She knows everything about the history of this school, and I owe her a great deal, as she was my mentor.”

In the library, Tate strived to keep a book collection that represents students of all backgrounds and cultures. She received the Distinguished Human Rights Award in 1998 for the library’s attempt to reach out to all students.

“I’ve always loved books and literature,” she said. “I was intrigued by the notion of connecting people to a book they would enjoy reading.”

Tate was born and spent her early years in Durham, North Caroliby

na, where she went to public school all her life, graduating from Charles E. Jordan High School in 1970.

Later, she attended Wake Forest University where she majored in a medley of subjects from chemistry to math and finally English.

In 1977, Tate began her career as a librarian at local elementary schools in the rural North Carolina mountains. Tate often moved to different schools and consistently took on part-time jobs, but she persisted in finding a job in a school library.

In 1993, Tate came to Newton as a part-time librarian while also working at Lexington High School, later becoming a full-time librarian at North. She was promoted to department head for the school librarians from 2004 to 2010 during the transition to the new Library Learning Commons.

She met with architects to design the library and go over blueprints, a unique experience she had never had before. “I would come in and see where everything would be in a few months,” said Tate. “It was exciting to know that it would be a place that many students would enjoy.”

A strong proponent of public education, Tate believes in everyone’s right to a good quality education. “Public education is extremely important to our country,” she said. “I’m always proud to say that I work here at Newton North.”

However, Tate’s role in education as a librarian is very different from that of a classroom teacher because even though she teaches research classes in the library, the

Josh Shub-Seltzer

“Ms. Tate made the library less of a place to go work and more like a home and my personal niche,” said senior Marisa Ng. majority of her interactions with students are one-on-one.

“We get to interact with students in a different way because we see them during their down time,” said Tate. “I’m more of an introvert, so I especially enjoy working with the same students year after year and getting to know them.”

Senior Marisa Ng, a member of the Student Library Assistants Club (SLACers) since freshman year said, “Ms. Tate made the library less of a place to go work, and more like a home and my personal niche.”

Although she has experienced

many positives as a school librarian, Tate has also faced recurrent challenges, saying she often felt the need to “justify the importance of the library program to students, the importance of having enough library teachers, and constantly publicize to administrators.”

Through it all, Tate stayed true to what her colleagues often call her relaxed Southern sensibility.

“Every week, no matter what, she brings in cookies that she bakes herself for the SLACers program,” said librarian Lauren Italiano. “She loves young adults and is surrounded by them all day long but never

seems to grow tired of it.”

An idea Tate has always held onto is her teaching philosophy of equality of access and freedom of information that has driven many projects throughout her career.

Parallel to her philosophy, Tate launched a mission in 2000 with EDCO students to close-caption all the VHS tapes in the library, going through the entire collection with students.

“Working with hearing-impaired students made me conscious of all the diversity that we have here at North,” Tate said. “We have students who are very wealthy as well as students who don’t have access to much.”

Upon retirement, however, Tate plans to move to her house in North Carolina with her husband and sees herself volunteering at a nearby library or helping out at a friend’s therapeutic riding school for kids with special needs.

“I want to stay flexible so that I can travel a lot,” said Tate, “But one thing I know for sure is that I will be doing a lot of baking and just things I haven’t done before.”

Although during her years as a department head Tate was instrumental in implementing key aspects of the library from the old school into the new one, upon reflecting on her legacy, Tate said she is not certain what that is just yet.

“I guess time will tell. But I’m not interested in leaving such a strong legacy because the world is so fluid and changing so fast that we constantly need to keep moving on from the past.”

Janet Cottens embraces positivity, sense of community

Josh Shub-Seltzer

“Ms. Cottens’ energetic kindness was an asset in the main office,” said history teacher Ty Vignone.

Rose Bostwick Within the chaotic world of class selection and erroneous transcripts, administrative assistant Janet Cottens, who retired this past fall after 16 years at North, played a crucial role in ensuring order in student schedules and grades.

Despite this massive undertaking, Cottens still made it a priority to “come into work every day with a smile,” she said.

In 2000, Cottens began working in the administration at North.

She originally took the job because she believed Newton had a “great school system” that she wanted to be a part of.

During her first year, Cottens adjusted quickly to her job and had many “great experiences” working with both colleagues and students.

After taking the job, Cottens tried to enjoy every single day of work by

by forming friendships with various people in the building, she said.

“I looked forward every day to seeing the other administrative assistants, faculty, and students,” Cottens said. “I knew I was there to help, whether they were having a good or bad day.”

When she was not cheering others up, Cottens worked behind the scenes and spent most of her days collaborating with others to correct scheduling errors, input and fix grades, and perform other administrative tasks in the main office.

According to Cottens, the daily work she did involved “helping students, talking to students, and answering different questions” while figuring out complicated student schedules and making corrections in the scheduling process.

“I took a big role in the scheduling department, and the job

was very fulfilling,” Cottens said.

“Coming to North, I’ve learned so many things that will be valuable to me for the rest of my life.”

Registrar Nancy Batt worked with Cottens for almost her entire time at North. “She helped me fit in, and she helped anybody fit in.

I miss starting my days with her,” Batt said. “She was always a good person.”

Batt also added that Cottens has a “heart of gold.” She said that when Cottens was confronted with a bad situation, she always made an effort to stay positive and to see the good in everything and everyone.

“She taught people humility and that you always have to get to know a person,” Batt said.

History teacher Ty Vignone, also a friend of Cottens’, had similar thoughts. “Her energetic kindness was an asset in the main office,” Vignone said. “She always took care of everybody and looked out for everybody’s best interests.”

Additionally, one of her main strengths was “making people feel welcome,” according to Batt.

Whenever somebody came into the office, Cottens would be the first to talk to him or her, never judge someone on how he or she first appeared.

“She took everybody in,” Batt said. “She believed that there was good in everybody and always tried to see things from the other side.”

Vignone recalled that Cottens’ specialty was remembering birthdays and added that, “she always made sure every staff member was acknowledged for different tasks.”

Cottens’ involvement with Newton has a long history, stretching back to 1969 when she graduated from Newton High School. Cottens then worked in the accounting department at the Brae Burn Country Club in West Newton.

Throughout her career, she said

that she was always excited to go to work every day. “I never really had a down period,” said Cottens.

“I was there to help people, and it came easily to me.”

Cottens also formed close bonds with the preschool students at Plowshares and “acted as a kind of grandmother,” to them, according to Batt. Now that she has retired, “there are no little kids coming in from Plowshares to give her a hug.

The main office is really quiet now.

It’s lonely without her.”

In addition to making friends with the younger children, one of Cottens’ favorite things about working at North included forming close bonds with the students and faculty as well as watching people grow and develop.

“Students have been so successful over the years,” she said. “I feel so proud watching all of them.”

Another one of her personal highlights of the job was “watching the North community come together” to support each other in times of need or joining each other in celebrations, she said, adding, “it has given me an improved outlook.”

Cottens, who currently lives in Southborough, MA, now plans to pursue her hobbies of reading and exercising.

She said she will also spend time with her family, including her threeyear-old granddaughter. In addition, she plans to start volunteering helping out at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

Looking back, Cottens said of her career at North that she “wouldn’t change any of it,” adding, “I felt that being around everybody became such a positive part of my life.”

retirements

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Newton North, The Newtonite ◆ 5

Silverstein values, builds student connections

Wendy Li In her time at North, special education teacher Judi Silverstein strived to form meaningful connections with her students. She is now retiring after 11 years working at this school.

Silverstein is primarily an academic support teacher, connecting with her students through “humor, getting to know their interests, what they do outside of school,” and most importantly, “what makes them happy,” she said.

Because academic support students stay with their teachers for

four years, Silverstein typically creates longstanding relationships with her students that continue throughout their high school careers.

“That is a special kind of situation, to be able to watch a kid from age 14 though age 18,” said Silverstein. “I still keep in touch with probably a half a dozen students over the years. It’s wonderful.”

Silverstein says that her relationships with her students are crucial to her work because she often works with students’ Independent Education Plans (IEP). They allow her to help them “be as successful

as they can,” she said.

“If they’re not going to trust me and be comfortable with me, then I’m not going to get them to be able to achieve their best,” said Silverstein.

“Academic support is a little unique, since it’s not teaching a content subject. It’s helping kids do the best they can,” she added.

In doing so, Silverstein accepts students’ many strengths and learning abilities, helping them achieve high standards.

Silverstein’s former student Avital Lewis ’13 said Silverstein was always there to help. “Ms. Silverstein greatly impacted my North experience by pushing me to my limits and helping me become the most successful student I could be,” she said.

Before working in education, Silverstein studied history, worked in business, and spent some time with computer systems consultation.

Encouraged by her high school history teacher in her senior year at Boston Latin Academy, previously known as Girls’ Latin School, Silverstein was inspired to earn an undergraduate degree in general history at Northeastern University.

Silverstein continued her education at Bentley University, where she earned an MBA. She began a career in business, while working in computer systems consulting at the same time.

Silverstein’s career in education did not start until after she left her job in business and spent time rais-

Laura Schmidt-Hong “Putting in honest effort” is the true route to success, according to English teacher Wendy Richardson, who is retiring this year after working at North for 31 years. “It’s tiring, but it’s necessary. To just lie down and say ‘I can’t do it’ is just not enough.”

Over the years, Richardson’s belief “that everybody can get the material” depending on “how it’s packaged” has become her teaching philosophy. She explained how she believes that all students can learn the information presented to them when teachers “take into consideration the right approach and all the support material. Curriculum levels are not a hindrance.”

Seeing students who did not believe they could do something ultimately finding themselves successful has also become one of the happiest moments of teaching for Richardson. It is gratifying to see students “come running around the corner to share with you that they’ve had a successful moment,” she said. Her experiences watching students “who doubted that they could do things at last turn around” let her know that she is “doing something right.” She added, “More likely than not, you will succeed, and it makes you feel good about yourself.”

“North has such a richness of things to offer,” Richardson said.

“I have seen their patience and the willingness to support others to work at their own speed. I’m just really impressed with their kindness.” The students are also “very well-mannered and open and playful and serious at the same time,” she added.

Science teacher Karen Tokos, who shared an office with Richardson in North’s old building and got to know her well, noted Richard-

son’s sincere interest in each individual. She explained how her time with Richardson and the connections they made, as well as observing how she connects with students who drop by her office, revealed to her Richardson’s genuine care for others. “She is always interested to know what each person is passionate about,” Tokos said.

Besides bonding with Richardson through sharing stories about her family, Tokos has also learned from Richardson “that there’s always time for conversation.” She added, “I should never be too busy to stop and have a quiet conversation with my colleagues or my students no matter how busy the demands of the day.”

Tokos also noted Richardson’s comforting presence, adding, “I think I’ll just miss knowing that she’s nearby.”

Born in Sharon, Massachusetts, Richardson attended high school at Fontbonne Academy in Milton, Massachusetts and graduated in 1965.

Richardson earned her bachelor’s degree, as well as a graduate degree in Shakespearean studies, from UMass Boston. She went on to Harvard University, where she earned a master’s degree in theology, then returned to Harvard for her third graduate degree in children’s literature.

While attending college, Richardson worked as a nurse’s aid for ten years to “help pay the bills.” She described it as “a humbling experience,” adding, “I met some wonderful people who have remained my friends.”

Richardson was primarily an “at-home mom” before arriving at North, though she taught English for a few semesters at junior colleges in Massachusetts. Her professors at Harvard encouraged her to teach

full-time, which ultimately lead to the start of her teaching career at North.

When she first arrived at North, Richardson’s training as a teacher at Cambridge Rindge and Latin, a “very physically big school,” prepared her for the size of North, which “was not quite as big as Rindge. A lot of people get confused by building size, but if you’ve trained at Rindge, you get used to long halls and stairs.”

Richardson’s daily routine at North has not changed drastically during her time here. She described how “you meet different people; teachers come in and out, retire, move on.” However, “the regimen remains the same. Preparation and delivery remains intensive, because the clientele has growing demands and needs.”

Though she taught world history for one year at North, Richardson primarily taught English to grades nine through 12. Myth, Folklore, and Science Fiction has been her favorite class to teach. She described how it was introduced to her at UMass Boston graduate school by a professor “who was excited by it” and steered her in the right direction as far as how to explore it.

“A lot of kids had background in it, especially at the science fiction end. They have a lot of interest in building their knowledge base, so they bring more to it because they understand more” of the subject matter in the class because “graphic novels are a central part of the study of mythologies,” said Richardson.

The increasing demands on students to “be willing to work in groups, not independently,” to write “clearly” and “effectively,” and to “use research tools to find information” are a change from Richardson’s first years of teaching.

Josh Shub-Seltzer

“I always loved going into her classroom because it was like walking into a familiar home,” said former student Avital Lewis ’13. by

ing her kids. “I never thought I’d end up in education,” she said.

Without any previous experience in education, Silverstein accepted an opportunity to work with at-risk adolescents by helping grow the new Springboard program at the Newton Education Center.

Silverstein’s eight years at the Springboard program prepared her for her academic support classes at North, which she views as “a source of joy and pride.”

It was at Springboard where Silverstein met the program director Pat Vello. According to Silverstein, Vello most influenced her teaching.

“I learned from her the importance of student connections in the learning process.”

Silverstein’s favorite teaching philosophy from an old co-worker stays true to her values. “It may not be that a kid remembers the Pythagorean Theorem or the French Revolution, but the most important message is to know that somebody cared about them,” she said.

According to Lewis, Silverstein always demonstrated kindness towards others. “She was always easily approachable, and I always knew she would help me in any way she could,” said Lewis. “I always loved going into her classroom because it was like walking into a familiar home where you felt welcomed and accepted by her kindness and dedication.”

History teacher Peter Turner, with whom she team taught a ninth grade world history class this year, admires Silverstein’s ability

to “form meaningful relationships with struggling students.” He also added that “she’s really good at being able to exude a kindness that makes it clear to the students that they’re going to get the support that they need.”

Reflecting back on her career as an educator, Silverstein said, “I enjoy it. It’s satisfying, it’s fun, it makes me happy, and I love giving back to kids. I like seeing them be successful.”

Silverstein hopes to “relax” post-retirement. “I don’t want to have a structure to begin with,” she said. Her plan is to take the summer off and just enjoy it. “I don’t know what will come next, and I’m looking forward to that,” she added.

Among many hobbies, Silverstein wants to spend her free time exercising, running, cooking, making art, and practicing yoga.

Silverstein looks forward to creating art the most. “I have not taken a formal art class since high school, and that’s something I really want to get back into,” she said.

Overall, Silverstein has enjoyed her time at North and valued the connections that she has made.

“That’s one of the special things about working in special education.

You really get to work with everyone in the school,” said Silverstein.

Lewis said she is “forever indebted to the kindness, compassion and care” that Silverstein has shown to every student. “She has been such an asset to this school, and its students. I know she will be greatly missed.”

Richardson guides students on road to success by

Josh Shub-Seltzer

“She is always interested to know what each person is passionate about,” said science teacher Karen Tokos.

Nonetheless, “the goals seem to be consistent: they do want to do well and continue on beyond Newton North,” she said.

Though she is leaving North, Richardson plans on teaching in parochial schools in Boston because “there’s so much activity” involved with teaching, and “it’ll be a different atmosphere and different stimuli. Hopefully it’ll excite me to want to talk and share with students.” She said, “I have no intention of going home and tending to my rosebushes or something,” adding, “I’ll do it for as long as I can.”

Richardson said she hopes that she leaves North having done her job successfully. She added, “Hopefully I got a few kids excited about going on to learn more.”

On a day-to-day basis, Richardson will miss “some really good friends” in North’s faculty. However, many of her friends have retired, and she has “missed them in the time they’ve been gone” and

plans to see them more often after she retires.

In her free time, Richardson enjoys reading, particularly graphic comics, which she has “a great admiration for” and collects. The graphic novels and the films that are developed from them are especially interesting to her. She added, “My dream job would be to work for Barnes and Noble as a bookseller” because of her love for reading.

Richardson also enjoys critiquing television series and films and has “a very, very large collection of movies,” which she is constantly expanding. She has even spoken at conventions across the country and in England.

Working at North is similar to “stepping into a younger version” of the world, said Richardson.

“You stand in one of the doorways of my classrooms, whether at the old building or this new building, and the whole world walks by.”

retirements

6 ◆ The Newtonite, Newton North

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

O’Malley leaves lasting impact on community

Josh Shub-Seltzer

“She helped us work collaboratively to create an environment that would best support our students,” said academic support teacher Carolyn Fertig.

Cate Waters “Newton North has really evolved into an inclusive school and people are being accepted for who they are,” said special education teacher Mary O’Malley, who will be retiring at the end of this year after spending nearly her whole life learning and teaching in Newton.

Being a special education teacher, O’Malley enjoys being able to by

have one-to-one interactions with her students as well as teaching larger classes.

“Over the years I have done team teaching but I have also done academic support classes, where students come to work on their IEP goals. I like the mix of both. I get to work with small groups, but then I get to go out into the classroom with more students,” said O’Malley.

Some of her favorite classes to teach are co-taught. These classes have two teachers which allow for more individualized help. Throughout her time at North, O’Malley has co-taught English, history and math. This school year she cotaught three English classes.

Academic support teacher Carolyn Fertig noted that O’Malley is “very passionate about team-teaching and brought that enthusiasm to all of us and supported us with her initiative.”

After the academic support and learning center programs merged several years ago, O’Malley was one of the leaders who helped make the transition as seamless as possible, said Fertig.

“She helped us work collaboratively to create an environment that would best support our students,” she added.

As one of the managers for the academic support program, O’Malley has spent her time at North “going to meetings, talking to people, working with the whole academic support staff, and being a support for them,” she said.

“In her leadership role, Mary always listened first and then problem solved with her colleagues. If she could not help with the situation, she would guide us to a person who could help,” said Fertig.

North students have always impressed O’Malley, especially through their evolution as young adults.

“Students currently at Newton North are the most respectful bunch,” said O’Malley. “Over the years I can honestly say they are respectful of each other and respectful of teachers. I have several

students who, when they leave the classroom, say thank you on a daily basis. That was not always something that happened. That kind of respect is very noticeable.”

After many years at North, O’Malley is in- spired by the inclusion she sees everyday.

She added, “I like seeing students with special needs being included in things at North, and it is not unusual; it’s the norm.”

O’Malley’s teaching philosophy has changed over the years as the students and her own life has changed. “As I had my own children I think it became easier to understand children,” she said.

O’Malley said she always carries around a tattered, old magnet that reads: “Children need love especially when they don’t deserve it.”

Her favorite part of her job is “helping students recognize it is okay to ask for help. To see them accomplish what they accomplish in four years is amazing. These students become independent learners.”

Fertig has seen how O’Malley treats her students and said she “always put her students first and is a great problem solver and works countless hours to make sure her students are well supported as well as her staff.”

English teacher Liana Kish, who team taught with O’Malley, said, “Mary is a great listener and always finds a new way to consider a problem or situation. When I need advice about teaching, parenting or even marriage, she is one of the first people I go to.”

O’Malley was born and raised in Newton. She attended Davis Elementary School, Day Middle

School, and Newton North High school, where she graduated from in 1974. At the beginning of her senior year the North students transitioned into the “new” Newton North building, which opened in 1973.

O’Malley returned to North after spending four years at Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts and graduated in 1978 with a degree in Elementary Education. She was hired by the head of the Career Readiness Program, Bob Chalmers, and returned to North as a special education teacher.

O’Malley was not planning on being a high school teacher.

“I just always liked working with children,” she said. “I originally thought I was going to be an elementary school teacher, but then I ended up getting this job, and I love it.”

In her first four years of teaching O’Malley attended Boston College to become certified as a teacher in Moderate Special Needs students in grades five to 12. She completed her studies in 1982.

“I will miss her warm smile and laughter. She is good at reminding the people around her to have some fun,” said Kish.

O’Malley is saddened by her retirement and will miss “the support, the staff, and the students” but admits “it’s the right time.”

Once she retires, O’Malley plans to exercise, garden, and spend time with family and friends.

While reflecting on the past 38 years of teaching at this school, O’Malley explained, “If I had to do it all again, I would do everything the same.”

Caps and gowns surround One special face in the crowd Your future awaits!

Kate

We've loved hearing all the music, every single note--can't wait to see what you'll do next!

We're so proud of you and we love you very much.

Dad & Mom & Ned

We love you Liza. Good luck next year at Keene State!

XOXO Mom, Dad, and Lucia

retirements

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Newton North, The Newtonite ◆ 7

Aronson motivates students to love learning Amy Morrill Interim principal Mark Aronson embodies the spirit of support and kindness towards every student at North and leaves behind a legacy of always putting students first. He is retiring from the Newton Public Schools after 34 years of teaching.

“Mr. Aronson has a way of making people around him better, and people around him want to be better for him, which I think is an important quality as a leader,” explained physical education teacher Lauren Baugher, who was Aronson’s assistant housemaster at Riley for seven years. “He is someone that people know that they can talk to, and he also has a very high emotional IQ, meaning that he is able to make connections with kids.”

Baugher, who describes Aronson as one of her “closest friends” added that during his time at North, he always had the “best interest of the kids in the building and the school” in mind.

Aronson was born and raised in Newton Highlands and attended South. After graduating, he attended UMass Amherst, earning a degree in early childhood education. He went on to earn a master’s degree in education, with a concentration in mathematics, from Cambridge College in Massachusetts.

After college, Aronson spent his time coaching basketball at South while managing his family’s jazz club. It was only when his father retired and sold the club that Aronson decided to start teaching.

Initially, Aronson started teaching “to keep coaching, and in order to coach I needed school teacher hours.” by

Like many teachers, Aronson started out as a substitute. “Ironically, my first class was as an assistant principal, filling in for Jimmy Marini at F.A. Day Junior High. I went in and taught a math class,” he said.

Aronson taught a mixture of seventh, eighth, and ninth grade math at F.A. Day Junior High, which is now a middle school. Additionally, he coached boys’ and girls’ volleyball, lacrosse and basketball at South.

He described being surrounded by a group of “legendary teachers” while working at Day. They taught him many important lessons for teaching and mentored him, shaping him into the educator he is today.

“I can still remember the conversations, even thirty years later, where they would pull me aside and say ‘What are you doing? That is not the way to do it,’” said Aronson. “I consider myself fortunate because those people invested in me.”

As time passed, Aronson’s attitude towards teaching changed dramatically. At first, he had considered teaching “ridiculous,” and as a result, described himself as having “no feel for the job whatsoever” and being “awful.”

It was only when he changed his mindset that he began to improve.

“I got to a place where I tried to put myself in the student’s position,” he said. “It became about taking care of students and helping them.”

He said, “I was a coach who taught, and then eventually I became a teacher who coached.”

In 1996, Aronson was hired at North as a full time math teacher.

When he arrived at North, Aronson remembers feeling awed by the size of the school, which “was a great experience in the sense that it didn’t make me lack confidence, but it made me raise my game.”

In 2001, Aronson became an assistant housemaster of Riley House, and by the next year he became housemaster.

Aronson describes not totally wanting to become a housemaster, at first thinking to himself, “I don’t think so,” when asked to consider.

“I went home and talked to my wife about it, and the next day I said, ‘What the heck, I’ll try it and see how it goes,’” he said. “It just sort of grew on me. While I taught, I loved teaching. I loved being a dean. I loved being interim principal this year.”

The title of housemaster was changed to dean earlier this year.

For Aronson, the times that stood out were when he watched students graduate whom he had been able to help.

“Students who find school to be a challenging place need to know that their teachers, deans, and even their principal, understand,” said Aronson. “I actually get a little emotional when I think about the students that I made a difference with. The converse is that they made a difference in my life as well.”

Guidance counselor Tom Sheehan, who worked with Aronson both at Day and at North, described him as a “genuine, caring person, who is always willing to take time to listen.”

Josh Shub-Seltzer

“His legacy will be that he empowered students and staff to have a voice,” said guidance counselor Tom Sheehan.

While Aronson affected his students, he also influenced his colleagues.

“He helped me to be a better school counselor and person by challenging me to get outside of myself, and to look at a situation or student from a different view,” said Sheehan. “His legacy will be that he empowered students and staff to have a voice.”

As he moves on from North, Aronson is unsure of what he will do but is looking to explore new options.

“Honestly, I could keep going,” said Aronson. “I love it. I’m not retiring thinking ‘Oh, I’m done.’ It’s

more about seeing what else is out there.”

He plans to travel and volunteer, as well as take rides on his motorcycle.

“One of the things that will be nice is in the fall, when people are in school, I’ll take rides to see the foliage,” said Aronson.

He is leaving North feeling very lucky to have gotten the opportunity to work here.

“People just saw something in me, maybe something I didn’t even know was there. I never in a million years thought that this is where I would end up, so I consider myself very fortunate,” said Aronson.

Robbins inspires students, encourages perseverance Maya Waldman “Finding my way into teaching has been an absolute joy,” said Career and Technical Education department head Diana Robbins, who is retiring after teaching for 13 years at North. “I can honestly say that I have loved every single day that I have worked in my life.”

Robbins began working at North in 2003, as the Career and Technical Education department chair. After a year and a half, she became the director of the Vocational programs for the entire city of Newton. “I was excited when I first came here. I was really excited,” said Robbins. “I have worked by

with seven different school systems, so it was a big, exciting change.”

Early Education and Care teacher Michelle Ramsdell, who began teaching at North a few months after Robbins, said that her “first impression of Robbins was that she was a smart, educated leader, very dedicated to her work, very knowledgeable, and despite all those things, she was still very much on an equal level as me, despite all those labels.”

Ramsdell described Robbins as a hardworking, supportive person, and conveyed the positive influence her dedication and commitment had on the Career and Technical

Josh Shub-Seltzer

“Robbins was always very caring, energetic, and positive,” said TV Production teacher Scott Dunlop.

Education programs. “She was sort of like a mom to me, especially at the beginning of my time here, because she was that person to look up to. Having that person that feels almost like a family member is what I’m going to miss most. That peer support that she has provided has been really wonderful,” added Ramsdell.

According to TV Production teacher Scott Dunlop, “Robbins was always very caring, energetic, and positive.”

Robbins was always keen on being attentive toward other faculty members. “During my first week in Newton I asked the teachers in the CVTE Programs to tell me the things that were important to them.

One was for their peers to recognize the value of vocational technical education,” said Robbins. “Working together as a team, we have accomplished this. I am very proud of the teachers and the students—we share this accomplishment.”

She said, “the reward, and I can’t emphasize this enough, is when I’m in that classroom, and I experience the moment where a student really understands and connects to what he or she is learning.”

Robbins said she thinks it is important for teachers to have the courage to expand their own learning and to allow their students to expand their knowledge at the same time.

According to Robbins, her first source of personal inspiration was her fourth grade art teacher. “He was ahead of his time, and I was a kinesthetic learner. I learned by doing things, by being in motion. He helped me understand my own capacity to grow and develop across the academic fields using my art as

a lens. He was the first one to tap into that awareness and that connection, followed up by my art teacher in high school.” Robbins added that art was always her favorite class and credits her art teachers for the many life lessons that they taught her.

“My art teacher in high school was the one who suggested that I follow design because he really saw that creative side of me, it just came naturally and it was something I enjoyed doing, but I never thought of it as a career pathway,” Robbins said. “My art teacher’s response when I handed in work was always ‘This is really good… And I know you can do better.’” She added, “So I learned that every single time, you needed to work a little harder and dig a little deeper.”

When she was in high school Robbins had always enjoyed working with young people and wanted to become a physical education teacher. “I wanted to teach, I wanted to play sports, so it made sense for me to become a P.E. teacher.” said Robbins. While her love for students endured, she later decided against teaching physical education.

After attending Copenhagen School of Fashion and Design, Robbins began working at Buxton’s Incorporated in the field of retail marketing, a job that aligned with her previous studies. It was not exactly what she was looking for because it didn’t include a lot of interaction with people. “As a designer you are in one spot and the rest of the world is in another spot, and I really like to communicate with people, so that job wasn’t the right choice for me,” Robbins added.

In choosing her career path, she

wanted to take what she was passionate about and reflect that in the pathway she chose. “I realized that teaching was the calling, and I would be able to do that through my design training,” said Robbins.

She studied at UMass Amherst to complete her bachelor’s degree then attended Westfield State University to earn her master’s degree in education.

After teaching design at the Adult Education Program for the City of Springfield in Massachusetts, where she was born, Robbins later received a vocational teaching license. She was later hired by Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative where she taught fashion design and retail marketing for 18 years and eventually became involved with administration.

Ramsdell said that she will miss Robbins very much. “She had a huge impact on the school, and a huge legacy on the Career and Tech-Ed department,” added Ramsdell. “She pushed and pushed and pushed, and we need to keep pushing this department forward.”

“Ms. Robbins has helped TV Production grow into an actual program with four class levels.

She's been a good friend who has given advice, support, and shown concerned for my personal life and well being,” added Dunlop.

Robbins explained that her work always improved the most when she was told it wasn’t good enough, because she then worked a little bit harder. “The message is, if you try hard enough, and you make that effort, and you’re willing to make the changes you need, everyone has the capacity to do great things.”

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8 ◆ The Newtonite, Newton North

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Nicole Algarin Dear Petty,

Graduates, we’re sad to see you go.

Graduates, we’re sad to see you go.

But we have classes for your But siblings we have classes for your too! younger and parents younger siblings and parents too!

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Congratulations THEATRE INK SENIORS! We would especially like to thank the following students for their passion, commitment, dedication, and love of theatre. Without their talent, energy, and drive, THEATRE INK WOULD NOT THRIVE! Love, Mr. Brown, Ruth, Jay, Mike, and Mr. Fabrizio Aaron Schwartz Alex Weylman Alexandra Hoffman Alison Forman-Katz Amanda Kuo Carly Thayer

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“Every Exit is an Entrance”

community statements

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Build on your strong education for success To the Graduating Class of 2016: I am pleased to offer my congratulations to each of the students graduating this year. The occasion of your high school graduation is a celebratory time, and I am excited to share this very special day with you.

This is truly a significant moment in your life, and I hope you will take a minute to appreciate all you have done to get yourselves here and everyone who helped you along the way.

As you embark onto the next phase of your lives, you have the opportunity to build on the strong foundation you have received from the talented and dedicated teachers, administrators, and staff of the Newton Public Schools. We all take great pride in our school system here in Newton, and I know that the lessons, skills, and knowledge you have received have helped prepare you for the challenges ahead.

I urge you to embrace your next

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Reflect on inspiring events, advice

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Dear Class of 2016, Please accept my congratulations as you complete your voyage in the Newton Public Schools. I hope your educational experience has been a time of both academic and personal growth.

As you reflect on your high school experience, may you remember the teacher that sparked a passion, the adult in the building that helped you through a difficult time, or the fellow student who inspired you to accomplish things you never deemed possible.

I hope that you had the opportunity to learn from others with

backgrounds far different from your own and to view life from a different perspective. This will no doubt serve you well as you begin your journey beyond the Newton Public Schools.

As you embark on the next stage of your life, I know that you will build upon what you have learned in Newton, as this is only the first step on a path of lifelong learning.

Best wishes as you begin the next chapter. ­—David Fleishman Superintendent­­

Do not be afraid to learn from failures file photo

steps with vigor and confidence, knowing you are prepared with all the tools you need to succeed.

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

—Setti D. Warren Mayor of Newton

Improve through hardships Dear Class of 2016, We are honored to join the chorus of those wishing you success as you continue on your journey to adulthood.

You have had the privilege of spending four years in the new Newton North! You may have started out with trepidation, but you have gained confidence and a sense of ownership during your time in the school. With a growth mindset, you may have experienced failures as you attempted new things. You will learn from these setbacks and from opportunities to revise your work and change course. Newton North has been enriched by signs of your engagement; your participation in clubs, athletics, academics, volunteer efforts, theatre, art, and music, among others, will serve as a testament to your good citizenship

Newton North, The Newtonite ◆ 9

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and strong growth. We hope that you have grown in your ability to make good decisions through your friendships and through guidance from parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, and counselors. We also hope that the Just Think: Teens Making Smart Choices expos and events have helped you realize that there is always a community of support at your disposal. We know that you will carry with you 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 and guardians we represent, proud. Congratulations!

—Sally Brickell and Rex Clark Newton North PTSO co-presidents

Newton North seniors, as you head out into the world, I encourage you to FAIL. That is right…

I’m encouraging you to fail. That is because I do truly believe in the power of learning from your mistakes. Engineers and scientists will tell you that you must fail before you can succeed. If you participated in the marshmallow challenge in 9th grade physics you may remember that the best towers were built after testing and breaking many structures and designs. Waiting until the end, and hoping for success, led to many “uh-oh” moments.

Only after learning from failed designs, could you develop the tallest structures. Many successful people also comment on the importance of failure. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India and a renowned aerospace engineer said, “If you FAIL, never give up because F.A.I.L. means ‘First Attempt in Learning.’ END is not the end; in fact E.N.D. means ‘Effort Never Dies’. If you get NO as

Devin Perlo

an answer, remember N.O. means ‘Next Opportunity.’”

When you make a mistake, or something doesn’t go as planned, try to keep these acronyms in mind.

Think of a “failure” as a learning opportunity and look for that next opportunity when someone says no to you. The ability to rebound from mistakes, and be stronger, will carry you far in life, school, and work.

Once you are able to accept failure as a learning opportunity, I encourage you to take risks, try new things, and be willing to accept imperfection. Risk-taking can increase the number of failures but will also exponentially increase the number of opportunities and successes. The two go hand-in-hand.

Lastly, I leave you with an interesting piece of recent brain research. Jo Boaler, author of Mathematical Mindsets, shares in the Times that “MRI scans show that when you make a mistake, synapses fire in your brain… because it’s the time when your brain is struggling and challenged. That is the time when brains are sparking and firing.” So, struggle through some mistakes and get that brain to make new connections. New connections, and a new way to look at the world, will make you stronger.

—Amy Winston Vice Pricipal

Push yourself to achieve potential in life, do not let disappointments obstruct goals

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Congratulations to the Class of 2016!!

I have watched many of you as you have navigated your high school years—both with disappointments and great successes—all part of life.

The disappointments, while heart wrenching at the time, have made you stronger and more resilient while the successes have fostered confidence and a determination to go even farther. Whatever path you have chosen for the next phase of your journey, my hope for you is that you will continue to grow, have new experiences and try to make the world a better place.

Always push yourself and strive

for your best. You may not always succeed at first, but don’t give up.

Try one more time. In the years ahead, remember these words from the great UCLA basketball coach John Wooden: “If you’re not making mistakes, then you’re not doing anything. I’m positive that a doer makes mistakes.” Be a doer. Have new experiences. Learn. Grow.

And find what you love to do. It may take some time but never give up trying. And don’t forget to enjoy yourself along the way!

—Jean Wood Co-Chair, School Council

CONGRATULATIONS SENIORS!!

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10 â—† The Newtonite, Newton North

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Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Congratulations on a job well done!

It seems like yesterday you were starting Kindergarten - where has the time gone?

We are enormously proud of all that you have achieved and know you have a wonderful future ahead of you.

Lots of love, Mom, Dad, Harrison and Aidan

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

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Newton North, The Newtonite â—† 11

CONGRATULATIONS CHARLIE! We love you.

Mom and Dad, Jacob, Alex, Ben, and Leo

12 ◆ The Newtonite, Newton North

faculty statements

Your accomplishments show incredible growth

Josh Shub-Seltzer

Congratulations, Class of 2016! I have really enjoyed the past four years, working with you and your families. There are many wonderful aspects of being the Adams House Dean, but without a doubt, developing

relationships with all of you has been the most fulfilling part of this experience. The collective growth of your class has amazed me. You have acquired a great deal of knowledge and skills in the classroom, and your civic and social-emotional learning has been equally impressive. So many of you have increased your selfconfidence and self-awareness, improved your ability to advocate for yourselves, learned to cope with hardships, and increased your desire and capacity to help other people. While I am sad to say goodbye, I am also excited to watch you embark on the next chapter of your lives.

I wish each and every one of you well, and hope you keep in touch.

All the best, —David Turcotte Dean of Adams House

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Trust your moral compass, learn from past experiences Congratulations on graduating today! This is a huge accomplishment. Celebrate with your family, friends, and teachers. This is your moment!

Or so you’ve been told.

But it’s also more than a moment. Starting today you get to drive not just your parents’ car: you get to drive your future. Exciting!

But also scary. You, not some high school exam or some essay, are in the driver’s seat. No one can tell you what to do next (as hard as we may try). It’s a moment of newness that is liberating and frightening.

Yet don’t fool yourself that today you’ve reached a summit, that today marks the end of something old or the beginning of something new. It’s both and neither. The irony of today is that when you wake up tomorrow morning (or afternoon), nothing and everything will have changed. You’ll still have doubts

and ideas and creative impulses.

But they’ll feel different and exist in a different space. Everything will be the same and different at the same time. Just wait—you’ll see.

So, in this moment I have one piece of advice: follow your inner voice. Some of you know that voice—it speaks loudly in you. For others, that voice speaks just above a whisper and you may not yet recognize it. But if you’re quiet and honest to yourself, you’ll be able to hear it. Just listen.

And once you hear that voice, trust it. Recognize those moments when your heart skips a beat: as you admire a painting at a museum or spend that extra hour at the basketball court. During those moments that voice is talking. Don’t let the noise of life, the expectations of “success” or popularity, deafen yourself to your inner voice. Instead carve out quiet moments for

Negotiate deals to save more money I wish someone had provided the words “Don’t Ask, Don’t Get.” when I was a high school senior.

Life is about finding value in what you buy, what you do with what you buy, where you go shopping, how you spend your money, and why you spend your money. My simple advice is this: every day, find a deal and save some money.

As I have learned firsthand, sometimes the deal is right in front of you when a store puts something on sale. Sometimes you have to use a coupon to save a few bucks.

And sometimes you have to ask for a discount. A good friend said to

Wendy Li

me long after I graduated from high school, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Get.” I thought for a short period of time what he was talking about and immediately said, “I get it.” He didn’t even have to tell me how to do it, where to use it, and how to use the phrase. So I feel honored to share the advice I learned with 2016 graduating seniors.

No matter what you do and where you go, you can always work a deal. Confidence is what will get you a deal that you will look back on and say, “I just saved myself $1, $20, $500, or more.” So when you buy your first car, let the salesman give you his spiel and then come back and say the deal is not good enough. I want another $1,000 off.

In turn, they might knock off $500 and meet you halfway. Had you kept your mouth closed, you would not have saved a cent. So remember the famous words: “Don’t Ask, Don’t Get.” Another real life example is when you go shopping to a store like Macy’s or Home Depot or TJ Maxx. Every store needs to sell its merchandise to create space for the new items.

When stores get to a few items left, they will move items to the clearance rack. If an item is 35 percent off, ask for 50 or 75 percent.

What is the worst the clerk or man-

ager can say? No. In fact, as I have learned, it is all about timing. Asking for a deal on a Friday or Saturday night usually works better than asking mid-week. Come see me or send an email; I can give you all my stories about finding deals by asking for them. My list is long and includes car purchases, real estate, clothes, appliances, electronics, home improvements, financial aid, plus more. My friend who I mentioned above told me, “Stores want to make money, don’t get me wrong, but we as consumers need to save money every single day.

Don’t ever be afraid to ask for a discount.”

In conclusion, everyone should have a financial goal in mind when shopping. When you buy that first car, your goal should be to save a certain percent off the sticker price.

Because as we all know, percents lead to dollars saved in our pocket.

If you always think about percent savings and always ask for an additional discount, your bank account will grow in your favor. Next time you go shopping, say to yourself ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Get.’ It might not work the first time, but I can guarantee you it will work eventually. The more you do it, the more likely it will work. Good luck!

—Robert Kane Business teacher

that voice, allow it to speak.

When you hear that voice, act on it. Granted, that voice will likely send you on a meandering journey.

But if you listen to your voice it will nourish you along your journey in life. Follow your voice one step at a time, and trust that those steps will lead to new and unexpected places of joy and meaning.

What does this have to do with high school graduation? Your past four years at North are part of your identity. You are filled with echoes from Newton North: lessons from your favorite class or teacher, new friendships, the time you scored in the soccer game, the photograph you took, your failed history test.

Remember what those moments taught you. Not the details and not the facts (those are secondary), but what they taught you about who you are and what you desire.

And after you gather your diploma, after the kisses and hugs and congratulations, you’ll go home tonight, or you’ll wake up in late August, or you’ll hang out with high school friends next winter break, and you’ll reflect on your past and future. And your experiences here at North, from today as you cross the stage, from your junior year thesis, or from your first days as a freshman, will serve as guideposts for the rest of your life. You just need to learn how to listen to them.

And if you do, you’ll be more than just fine: you’ll flourish.

—David Meshoulam Science teacher

file photo

Demonstrate kindness

Josh Shub-Seltzer

YOU ROCK! Congratulations Class of 2016!

Where did the year go? It has been an amazing year, and it has been my pleasure to have spent your senior year with you. As you leave Newton North in pursuit of your next adventure, continue to be respectful and treat others with kindness. I wish each of you happiness and success in your journey. Go forward with a positive attitude and ROCK THE WORLD! —Helen Wong Adams HouseAdministrative Assistant

Pursue education over your lifetime, maintain emotional sincerity What an honor to be able to write to you, the graduates of the NNHS Class of 2016! The occasion of your graduation is also the occasion of my graduation from high school exactly 50 years ago!

The confluence of these events takes me back to my own high school days.

I went to James Madison High School, a large public high school in Brooklyn, New York. Our school was so large that we had three shifts.

The seniors started at 8 AM, the juniors at 9:30, and the sophomores at 11 – their day ended at 5:30 PM. There were 1200 students to a class and class size averaged 35.

Graduates of James Madison in this era included Bernie Sanders, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Chuck Schumer, Carole Klein (Carole King), Judith Blum Sheindlin (Judge Judy) and Norm Coleman (a former U.S. Senator from Minnesota who graduated in my class),

among others. The assassination of JFK, the burgeoning civil rights movement, and the British invasion (the Beatles!) were the pivotal events of my high school years. In those days, applying to college was

Josh Shub-Seltzer

about as difficult as signing up for membership at the Y. I don’t think I appreciated the stuff I learned in high school until much later on. I loved geometric proofs but I never imagined that one day I would use the principles of proofs to write a good argument, make a case in law class, or sell a car. Just like you, we also asked how what we were learning in school would ever be useful in life.

Our principal, Henry T. Hillson, offered these wise words in my high school yearbook: “Try to imagine living in a world in which all knowledge of literature and history and foreign language and mathematics had disappeared. For this is exactly what would happen if we stopped our studies of all the things that at the time seemed to have no relation to the outside world.” This translates into my first lesson for you: Be a life-long learner.

Some others: Find the best teachers and take what they teach. Someone once told me this, and it stuck. In college I took classes in art history with Barbara Novak and in world religions with Reinhold Niebuhr. I knew nothing of either subject, but the teachers were masters and my life has been forever enriched by their lessons.

Travel to learn about other people who are different from you, to gain respect for other cultures and ideas. Travel will shake up your world-view like nothing else. You should begin by listening to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s 19-minute TED talk, “The Danger of a Single Story.”

Get involved, whether it’s with a political campaign, a humanitarian cause, or a community group.

Be true to yourself. Consider the opinions of others but don’t be ruled by them. A sensitive and bril-

liant high school friend penned this reminder in my yearbook: “Emotionality is something to be proud of, and sincerity something to be met with courage.” I memorized his words and have tried to live by them ever since.

Strive for excellence, not perfection, and expect disappointments.

As Sarah Livesy said at Kindness Day this year, when something bad happens, don’t wail, “Why is this happening to me?” Rather, think, “Why is this happening for me?” I had many disappointments in life, and at least two different careers before I started teaching. You just have to make the most of the opportunities that present themselves, and try not to look back.

You’ll have plenty of time for that at your 50th high school reunion. ­—Audrey Prager Math teacher

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

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Newton North, The Newtonite ◆ 13

Congratulations Eduardo!

You dreamt it, and you did it.

We are so proud of you and can’t wait for the next chapter of your life to begin! This is only the beginning, the best is still before you.

Best of luck at University of Pennsylvania-Wharton School of Business.

We love you, we will miss you, but we couldn’t be more excited for you!

Love, Mom, Dad, Carolina and Thank you to Newton teachers, coaches, and administration for all you have done for Eduardo and all you continue to do for Carolina.

awards

14 ◆ The Newtonite, Newton North

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Students receive scholarships, awards

Josh Shub-Seltzer

Celebration: Boys’ ice hockey celebrates a 3-1 first round playoff win against King Phillip Academy March 2.

Catherine O’Reilly Margherita Acchione Liz Costa Delfino ’65 MemoChaffin Educational Fund rial Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship Awards Kristen Arsenault Wensley Wissing Fagan Sharif Aliyev Isabella Fierimonte Caroline Costello Memorial Attila Albayrak Diane Antonellis Childcare Scholarship Nicole Algarin Mojica Scholarship Sophia Al-Shwauva Catherine O’Reilly

Auburndale Women’s Club Marina Vachon

Jeffrey M. Banks Memorial Scholarship Jill Panica

David Barboza Memorial Scholarship Tyler Godfroy

Agnes Barry Nursing Scholarship Quynh-Chi Nguyen

Bryan Max Bernfeld Theatre Ink Prize Amanda Kuo

Sandy Bartzak Award Bo-Louis Pellegrini

Edward Beatty Book Award Juan Rodriguez

Irene Bickelman Award Ellen Batutis Taylor Schertzer

Celia Betts Award Isaiah Damelio

Coach Jim Blackburn Track Scholarship Elmer Acuna

BNI Newton Connector’s Scholarship Eliza Bresler

Stephen Bottomley, Murray Road Annex Award Attila Tyler Albayrak

Charles E. Brown Scholarship Award Nadav Konforty

Lt. Stafford Leighton Brown Memorial Scholarships Cuba Birnbaum Jordan Freeman Jackie Ho Dante Leone

Marjorie Byers Scholarship Bryan Richardson

Robert W. Calabro Football Scholarship Jackson Eckenrode

Cambridge Savings Bank Charitable Foundation Scholarships Maxwell Kozlov

David Casavant Culinary Arts Scholarship Awards Jill Panica Mikayla McGlashing

Alex J. Castoldi Memorial Scholarship: Theatre Arts Olivia Truslow Samantha Notick Alison Forman-Katz

Alex J. Castoldi Memorial Scholarship: Career and Vocational Technical Education

Layon Araujo Ana Aroshidze Shawn Ashby Christopher Axon Luiza Barreto Sydney Beatrice Adam Benivgy William Bonaventura Ashley Brogan Yonas Butler Dexter Chan Anthony Coc-Martinez Ashley Coc-Martinez Kayla de Melo Marisa Correia Reed DerMarderosian Jared Fier Jordan Freeman Isabella Fierimonte Emily Hermann Jackie Ho Nicholas Johnson Kevin Joyce Martin Nicholas Juan Jill Latanowich Dean Lee Sophia Ly Trevor Martinez-Tobin Mikayla McGlashing Sabrina Ng Quynh-Chi Nguyen Davio Pena Joyse Pereira Elizabeth Pierce Alexa Pina David Reiss-Mello Nikita Riabov Brenai Rosa Marchaina Roscoe Yasmin Sayouty Talia Shabanian Asma Sheikh Tong Shen Mariel Vahar Dayna VanKooiman Adriella Vasquez Fiona Yang Natasha Yunen

Greg Chan Scholarship Fund Eric Chen Nicholas Johnson

Robert Chernis Drama Awards Jackson Bunis Caroline Kaler Elise Hausman Ellen Batutis

Adrian Colasacco Memorial Scholarship for Automotive Isaiah Domelio

Adrian Colasacco Memorial Scholarship for Carpentry Tyler Godfroy

David Costanzo Award Brandon Altieri

Natasha Yunen

Seth Daigle Memorial/PTSO Scholarship

Adriella Vasquez

JT Dedication Award Jessica Hiltz

Lanna Kelley Memorial Scholarship Ana Aroshidze Antonia Irving

Barbara Killion Award Nathaniel Roldan

Samuel LeBrasseur

Max Kolb Memorial Scholarship & Book Award

Thomas Joyce

Edward Lareau Scholarship Achievement Award

Alexandra Hoffman Gloria Singleton-Kahn

Henry Lasker Memorial Music Award

Michael Gately

Deborah E. LeBovidge Scholarship

Andrew Dealy Memorial Scholarship Tom DePeter Memorial Scholarship Bobby Donahue Scholarship Fund Award Robert Faulkner Career and Vocational Technical Education Student of the Year Scholarship Catherine O’Reilly

W. Eugene Ferguson Math Award Kathleen Martenis

Howard Ferguson Memorial Scholarships Michael Gately Gabriella Vachon

Haskell C. Freedman/NTA Scholarship Fund Kathleen Martenis

John Fuller Second Church Scholarship Brenai Rosa Bo-Louis Pellegrini

Meredith Ghattas Scholarship Asma Sheikh

Graphic Communications Community Service Award Lauren Mariano Sean Regan Dayna VanKooiman

Golden Hammer Award Solomon Douglass

Rev. Howard Haywood Scholarship

Deanna Giglio

Robert Lew

Kathleen Martenis

Rainieris Lovera

Thomas Leonard Music Scholarship

Lal Senyurt

Intrepid Drafter of the Year Award Daniel Deodato

George Jessup Award Jill Latanowich

Elizabeth Jewett World Language Scholarship Rebecca Wishnie

Abe Jellinek Scholarship for Assistance & Computer Technology Purchase

Newton METCO Pacita D.A. Hayes Memorial Leadership Award Elijah Beech Desiree Miranda

Elmer Acuna

Barbara Sulkin Lourie Memorial Scholarships Maria de Camargo Gross Quinn Voccio Ryan Voccio

Richard H. Lovell Scholarships Mikayla McGlashing Miriam Senin

Donna Mandatori Scholarship Award Bradley Trepanier

V. James Marini Scholarship Rebecca Wishnie

Massachusetts Elks Scholarship Analisa Fazio

Richard Mechem Award Zoe Hecht

Mitchell Nathanson Memorial Award Young Hoon Oh

New TV Scholarship Everett Gilpin

Newton Centre Women’s Club Scholarship

Joyse Pereira

Tariq Longsworth Bryan Richardson Juan Rodriguez Marchaina Roscoe Carissa Stots Erika Virgil

Newton Nor th Television Award

Adam London Memorial Scholarship

Catherine O’Reilly

Charlotte Howard/ Claflin School Scholarship

Newton METCO Helen and George Bresnahan Academic and Cultural Award

Newton North High School Honor Roll Scholarship

Newton City Council Scholarship

Horlick Educational Fund/ ELL Award

Tariq Longsworth Desiree Miranda Bryan Richardson Juan Rodriguez Marchaina Roscoe Carissa Stots Erika Virgil

Nicholas Johnson

Yohanna Georgis

Kathleen Henighan Child Studies Achievement Award

Excellence Awards

David Reiss-Mello

Everett Gilpin

NNTV Producer of the Year Award Marchaina Roscoe Samuel Shereda

Newton Police Memorial Scholarship Alexa Pina

Newton Firefighters Association Scholarship Megan Lenihan

Anthony J. Bibbo Newton Rotary Community Scholarship Yohanna Georgis

Nonantum Neighborhood Association Scholarship Analisa Fazio

Nonantum Neighborhood Association Awards Sean Buonomo Michael Hart Raffaele Leo Dante Leone Bo-Louis Pellegrini

Benjamin Cole

The Newtonite/Helen Smith Scholarship

Bowen He Nelson Ly

Dorothy Novack Memorial Scholarship Awards

Sandy Stover Memorial Newton Educational Secretaries Scholarship Martin Nicholas Juan

Newton High School Scholarship Fund Elizabeth Pierce Katherine Zhou

Newton METCO Academic Achievement Awards Elijah Beech Myles Jordan Roxann Wint

Newton METCO Academic

Maria Trias

Evelyn Bryson Sean Buonomo

William O’Brien Scholarship Fund Daniel Ho

Phil Ochs/Alan MacDougall Award Samuel LeBrasseur

Mary O’Malley Award Elmer Acuna Tova Bittner Kendal Holland

Orr Foundation Awards William Bonaventura

awards

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Newton North, The Newtonite ◆ 15

Orr Foundation Awards (con’t)

Natalie Bohm Geoffrey Cole Mirabelle Espady Naomi Forman-Katz Jennifer Gately Lily Gomberg Alexandra Hoffman Sonia Joffe Nadav Konforty Kathleen Martenis Swabira Mayanja Claire McEwen Henry McEwen Rowan Morrissey Sophie Pels Jessica Pullen-Schmidt Julia Roman Aaron Schwartz Samuel Shereda Ethan Smith Elizabeth Strayer Alexander Weylman Natasha Yuen

Bruno Panedigrano Angelo Sellitto

Liv Pangburn Memorial Art Award Adriella Vasquez

Peltier History Award Alex Weylman-Farewell

Perkins History Prize Kenneth Brown Mark Colomba

Rosanne Perlmutter Scholarship Nicole Algarin Mojica

David Phelan World Language Award Camille Bowman

Nathan Alden Robinson Memorial Math Award Benjamin Roover

Nathan Alden Robinson Memorial Music Award Julia Ansolabehere

Thornton Swain Thomas Poetry Award

Martin Rossman Scholarship Samuel Lam

Giovanni and Louisa Rossi Scholarship Fund

Eva Bod

Richard Thompson EDCO Award

Gina Joseph Yan Zhang

Asma Sheikh

JT Tranchita Leadership Award

Susan Rosenzweig Scholarship

Cristina Galvagno

Melissa Fier Siddharth Nizamuddin

Rotary Club of Newton President’s Award Henry Groves

Rotary Club of Newton Bell and Flag Scholarship Mikayla McGlashing

Helen M. Ryan Award Sophia Ly

Chuck Sakakini Scholarship Award Trevor Martinez-Tobin Louis Yarmolinsky

Thomas Schaefer Award Maxwell Kozlov

Michael Scheller Memorial Scholarship Moira Orr-Mullane

Clinton H. Scovell Fund Schol-

Josh Shub-Seltzer

On the mound: Senior Gabby Vachon attempts to strike out a Walpole batter in a 3-0 win Thursday, May 26. arships Francesca Ainger Kenza Barros-Brown Elijah Beech Bonnie Chan Eric Chen Isabel Daley Alexandra Hoffman Margaret Huston Phillipe Jamsri Gina Joseph Robert Komarovsky Ionie Simms Shuming Sun Maria Trias Victoria Yong

Congratulations

Will!

We’re so proud of you!

Emily Zhu

Ellen Silk Scholarship Samuel Eastman

Frank Simmons Award Nathan Hollenberg

Leslie Solomon Scholarship Cuba Birnbaum Maison Thomas-Eudy

Raymond Smith Music Award Ellen Batutis

Social Science Club Award Rowan Morrissey

Gail Stein Scholarship Adriella Luna Vasquez

Saul Stern Music Award Claire McEwen

Henry McEwen

Robert B. Swett, Jr. Fund Awards Julia Dwyer Sophia Ly Jacob Roll Bersabel Yifru

John Temperley Graphic Arts Award Jaclyn Mehrez Gabriella Vachon

Theatre Ink Special Recognition Awards Nicole Algarin Mojica Julia Ansolabehere Samntha Barbero

Marcia Tyman Memorial Scholarship Award Matthew Shifrin

Daniel Uberti Memorial Scholarship Jared Kreppein Lauren Buckminster

Maria Libera Vallone Italian Cultural Scholarship Bruno Panedigrano

Alice M. Warren Scholarship Awards Yasmin Sayouty Naarah Cox Sophia Marinelli

Village Bank of Auburndale Scholarship Brandon Altieri Michael Butera Analisa Fazio Eduardo Gutierrez Jonathan Halpern Kathleen Martenis Jaclyn Mehrez Isabella Perruzzi Sean Regan Tonino Sarandrea

Vollin B Wells Business Scholarships Jake Jauregui

Waste Management Company Scholarships Alison Forman-Katz Naomi Forman-Katz Dean Lee Marisa Ng

Whitson’s Culinary Group Scholarships

Mom, Dad, Charlie & Archie

Allesandra Bianchi Justyn Huber Sophia Korber

Philip J. Wolfe Theatre Awards Naomi Dulit-Greenberg Carly Thayer Dina Shulman Kayla Tynes

Alena Rose, We are so proud of the young woman you have become and love you very much.

OX - Mom, Dad & Adam Should your blankets be torn May your breezes blow warm May your treasures be what you find May the burdens you bear like your bounties be shared May you leave something good behind Would the sky and the land rise to your command May your senses cut like the knife Live in peace with the earth As in death as in birth May you prosper and have a good life

Women’s Club of Newton Highlands Isabella Perruzzi Bo-Louis Pellegrini

Compiled by Jackie Gong and Maya Metser

Scan this barcode on Snapchat to visit our website!

senior plans

16 ◆ The Newtonite, Newton North

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Congratulations Class of 2016

The following is a list of the graduating students’ plans for next year. Students with blanks accompanying their names either did not submit information or requested that their information not be included in this special.

A Abbott, Gregory—U.

New Hampshire, Durham Abelenda, Nicolas Abou-Rizk, Maya—U. Maryland Acuna, Elmer—Worcester State University Adamsky, Rachel—Skidmore College Adler, Eytan—U. Michigan Ainger, Francesca Aktas, Mitti—Cornell College Al-Shwauva, Sophia—Boston College Albayrak, Attila—Newbury College Algarin Mojica, Nicole— Bridgewater State University Josh Shub-Seltzer Aliyev, Sharif—Emmanuel Phloat your boat: Seniors Caroline Kaler and Alex Slocum race Jared Prior and Perri Sucoff in the senior physics College boat races May 26.

Altieri, Brandon—U. Scranton Alvarado, Edwin De Camargo Gross, Maria— Furman, Jean—Case Western University Ambrosio, Nicholas Drexel University Reserve University Bresler, Eliza—Bentley Ansolabehere, Julia— Decina, Paul—Framingham University Northwestern University State University Brightbill, Cole—Drexel Antonakas, Peter—Stonehill DeFlorio, Christina—Sacred University College Galatsis, Kristina Heart University Britton, Bayleigh—UMass Araujo, Layon Galvagno, Cristina —UMass Demelo, Kayla—Becker College Lowell Aroshidze, Ana—Regis College Lowell Demko, Madeline—U. Brogan, Ashley—U. Vermont Arsenault, Kristen—U. New Gao, Katherine—U. Chicago Connecticut Brown, Kenneth—Salem State Hampshire, Durham Gardner, Owen Deodato, Daniel—Wentworth University Ashby, Shawn—Newbury Gately, Jennifer—UMass Institute of Technology Brown, Noah—Purchase College Amherst College State University of DerMarderosian, Reed— Attisano, William Bridgewater State University Gately, Michael—Framingham New York Axon, Christopher—McGill Dias, Calley Elizabeth—Boston State University Brusilovsky, Joshua—DePaul University Geffen, Liam—Case Western College University Azadian, Melika—Suffolk Reserve University Bryson, Evelyn—Westfield State Ding, Edward Cheng—U. University Genzelev, Daniel—Emory Toronto University Azzarto, Elena—Quinnipiac University Buckminster, Lauren—Syracuse Don, Danna—U. Vermont University Georgis, Yohanna—Tufts Dorfman, Eliza—Boston University University University Bunis, Jackson—U. Michigan Gershkowitz, Alexa—Tulane Douglass, Solomon—Oberlin Buonomo, Sean—Framingham University College State University Gibbs, Elizabeth—Vassar Downie, Ian—Emerson College Burdick, Nora—U. Vermont Baker, Derek—Northeastern College Butera, Michael—Southern New Dudkin, Sophia University Giglio, Deanna—Lasell College Dulit-Greenberg, Naomi— Hampshire University Barbero, Samantha—Boston Gilpin, Everett—Emerson Mount Holyoke College Butler, Yonas—Work University College Dwyer, Julia—Agnes Scott Baron, Brett—Indiana Gizatullin, Timur— College University, Bloomington Massachusetts Bay Baronowski, Peter—UMass Cabrera, Miguel Community College Amherst Caplan, Eliana Gjerasi, Nicholas—Boston Barreto, Luiza—Temple Chan, Bonnie—New York Eastman, Samuel—McGill University University University University Gleckman, Georgia—UMass Barros Brown, Kenza—Regis Chan, Dexter—Wentworth Eckenrode, Jackson—Syracuse Lowell College Institute of Technology University Godfroy, Tyler—Becker College Batutis, Ellen—Columbia Chen, Eric—Dartmouth College Eggert, Samuel—U. New Golberg, Olga College Chicago Choa, Sabrina—UMass Amherst Hampshire, Durham Goldfinger, Paul—Skidmore Beatrice, Sydney—Plymouth Clarke, Julianna—Queen’s Elgart, Sophie—U. Toronto College State University University Espady, Mirabelle—Hampshire Goldman, Rebecca—Boston Beckingham, Sarah—U. Coc-Martinez, Anthony— College University California, Santa Barbara Suffolk University Etheridge, Vonnah—School of Goldstein, Samantha—Kenyon Bedoeva, Madina Coc-Martinez, Ashley—Suffolk the Museum of Fine Arts College Beebe-Center, Henry—U. University Gomberg, Lily—Brandeis Vermont Cohen, Natalie—Harvard University Beech, Elijah University Greeley, Brian—Pennsylvania Belmore, Cassidy— Fabry, Jonathan—Wesleyan Cole, Benjamin—Tufts State University Massachusetts College of University University Green, Ranen—Pitzer College Liberal Arts Fallon, Jake—Syracuse Cole, Geoffrey—Dickinson Greenberg, Alexander—U. Benivgy, Adam University College Connecticut Bevis, Benjamin Farina, Michela—U. Vermont Greene, Ann—St. Lawrence Bianchi, Alessandra—Westfield Colomba, Mark—Work Faulkner, Katherine Connors, Jacob—Rutgers University State University Fauman, Charles—Rensselaer University Greene, Holden—U. Michigan Bibuld, Jonathan Polytechnic Institute Cooke, Rachel—Smith College Gubert, Tristan—Concordia Bickford, Sarah—Boston Fava, Giovanni—Tufts Correia, Marisa—Wagner University, Montreal University University College Gurvis, Jacob—Boston Binnall, Robert—Year off Fazio, Analisa—Boston College Cox, Christine—U. Maryland University Birnbaum, Cuba—Suffield Fernandez, Lucas Cox, Murphy Gutierrez, Eduardo—U. Academy Ferré, Sonia—U. Connecticut Cox, Naarah—Colby-Sawyer Pennsylvania Bittner, Tova—UMass Ferreira, Alena—Clark College Dartmouth University Crystal, Evan—Northeastern Black, Kyanna Fier, Jared—U. Vermont Blakely, Isaiah—St. Bonaventure University Fier, Melissa—U. Maine Halpern, Jonathan—U. University Fierimonte, Isabella—Suffolk Michigan Blay, Jack—UMass Amherst University Hamilton, Rachel—Tufts Bod, Eva—Middlebury College Daley, Isabel—Regis College Fontanez, Karlos—Pace University Bohm, Natalie—Tufts Damelio, Isaiah—Massachusetts University Hammer, Laura—High Point University Bay Community College Forman, Henry—U. Pittsburgh University Boloyan, David—Bentley Daniel, Katherine—Winthrop Forman-Katz, Alison—U. Hao, Wendy—UMass Amherst University University Vermont Hart, Michael—Keene State Bonaventura, William— David, Samuel—Massachusetts Forman-Katz, Naomi—Smith College Northeastern University Bay Community College College Harte, Christopher—Quinnipiac Bosworth, Julie—UMass Davis, Bradley—New York Foster, Callie—U. Maryland University Amherst University Franklin-Reece, Tyriq—U. S. Hartwick, Linnea—UMass Boucher, Owen—Ithaca College Davis, Michael—Indiana Marine Corps Amherst Boule, Matthew—U. Vermont University, Bloomington Freeman, Jordan Lamont— Haslam, Alexander—U. New Bowman, Camille—Johns Davis-Morin, Matthew— Franklin Pierce University Hampshire, Durham Hopkins University Denison University Fuller, Grace Hass, Matthew— The Ohio Bradley, Allison—Bryant

G

B

C

E

F

H

D

State University Hattis, Zev—Tufts University Hausman, Elise—Northwestern University Hazan, Tal—Israeli Defense Forces Hazan, Yuval—Israeli Defense Forces He, Bowen—Carnegie Mellon University Healy, Olanne—Bucknell University Hecht, Zoe—Oberlin College Heimlich, Ethan—U. Toronto Hennessy, Meriel—Clemson University Hermann, Emily Hernandez, Max Hiltz, Jessica—U. Rhode Island Ho, Daniel—Boston University Ho, Jackie Hoffman, Alexandra—Rhode Island School of Design Hoffman-Larson, Hope—U. California, San Diego Holland, Kendal Hollander, Nicholas—Year off Hollenberg, Nathan—Harvard University Howell, Tasker Huang, Amy—U. Chicago Huber, Justyn—Johnson & Wales University, Providence Huggins, Ilana—Lesley University Huie, Alyssa—Simmons College Huston, Margaret—Connecticut College

IIrving, Antonia—Westfield

State University

JJacobs, Moriah—Tulane

University Jamsri, Phillipe Jauregui, Jake—Syracuse University Jensen, Finn Jewett, Cliff Jia, Ruthie—U. California, Los Angeles Joffe, Sonia—Connecticut College Johnson, Nicholas—Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Jones, Andrew Jordan, Myles—Westfield State University Joseph, Eliza—Keene State College Joseph, Gina—Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Joseph, Westly—Colorado College Joyce, Kevin—Westfield State University Joyce, Renee—UMass Amherst Joyce, Thomas—Merrimack College Juan, Martin

K Kadar, Griffin—George

Washington University Kahane, Leah—U. Michigan Kaler, Caroline—New York University Kaplan, Nathan—Amherst College Karasik, Aaron—Northeastern University Kates, Vitaliy—Massachusetts Bay Community College Kervin, Kassidy Keyes, Colin —U. Vermont King, Maya—Babson College Klein, Jailee Grace Koch, Emily—Harvard University Komarovsky, Robert—UMass Amherst Konforty, Nadav—Hamilton College Korber, Sophia—Champlain College Kozlov, Maxwell—Brown University Krauss, Jonathan—Clark University Krentzman, Jennifer—Wheaton College

senior plans

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Newton North, The Newtonite ◆ 17

Tavolieri, Sophie—Merrimack College Teasdale, Catherine—Occidental College Tharaud, Jessica—Bryn Mawr College Thayer, Carly—U. Vermont Thomas Eudy, Maison—Berklee College of Music Thompson, Emmanuel Travis, Stefan—U. Maine Trepanier, Bradley— Massachusetts College of Art and Design Trias, Maria—Champlain College Truslow, Olivia—Ithaca College Tynes, Kayla—Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Kreppein, Jared—U. Denver Kugener, Eleonore— International School of Boston Kuo, Amanda—U. Michigan Kusiak, John—Bucknell University Kuvin, Sylvie—Cornell University

L Labbe, Chloe

Labovitch, Deven—Bentley University Lam, Samuel—UMass Amherst Lanciloti-Stark, Logan— Stonehill College Larkin, Conor—Villanova University Lassiter, Ednaija—U. Rhode Island Latanowich, Jill—Goldey- Beacom College Laughlin, John Le, Joanna—Brandeis University Leav, Sofia—U. Pittsburgh LeBrasseur, Samuel—George Washington University Lee, Dean—UMass Dartmouth Lee, Lawrence—Purdue University Lenihan, Megan—U. New Hampshire, Durham Leo, Raffaele—U. Utah Leone, Dante—Merrimack College Leone, Samantha—Boston University Levit, Maria—UMass Amherst Lew, Robert Libraty, Andrew—McGill University Lightfoot, Andrew Lin, Ethan—Regis College Lin, Jade—Northeastern University Lo, Evan—U. Rochester Long, Jack—U. Colorado, Boulder Longsworth, Tariq—Denison University Lopez, Celeste—U. Hawaii, Manoa Lovera, Rainieris Luce, Emma—UMass Lowell Lujares, Alexis—Ithaca College Lundberg, Nicole Lutwack, Davis—Washington University, St. Louis Ly, Nelson—UMass Dartmouth Ly, Sophia—UMass Amherst Lynch, John—U. Maryland

U Ud Din, Burhan— Josh Shub-Seltzer

Cheering them on: The Sixth Man supports boys’ basketball at a 77-73 loss against Catholic Memorial March 11.

University Mejia, Carina Melendez, Tomas Mendelsohn, Frank—Bryant University Metzger, Leah—Middlebury College Miller, Gabriel—Merrimack College Minkin, Jonathan—George Washington University Minsky, Geetanjali—U. California, Santa Barbara Miranda, Desiree—Bridgewater State University Moncreiff, Christopher—U. Vermont Montague, Alexander— Dartmouth College Montes Soza, Nicolas—UMass Amherst Morgan, Michaela—U. Vermont Moriarty, Lauren—Colby College Morrissey, Rowan—College of William and Mary Murphy, Benjamin

N Neal, MeiRose

Ng, Marisa—Simmons College Ng, Sabrina—Suffolk University Nguyen, Quynh-Chi Cuu Nichols, Sean Nizamuddin, Siddharth— Skidmore College Norton, Jeremy—U. Vermont Norwitz, Gabriella—U. Michigan MacLellan, Michael—Dalhousie Notick, Samantha—Arizona State University University Mah, Eric—Bowdoin College Malmberg, Oscar—DePaul University O’Connor, Livia—Boston Mannix, Andrew—American College University O’Donovan, Sarah—Quinnipiac Mannix, Emily—U. Delaware Mariano, Lauren—Keene State University O’Reilly, Catherine—Elon College University Marinelli, Isabella Obeid, Soraya—Pace University Marinelli, Sophia—Suffolk Oh, Eugene—Harvard University Martenis, Kathleen—Lawrence University Oh, Young Hoon—Boston University College Martinez-Tobin,Trevor— Orduña, Andrea—New York Merrimack College University Mastroianni, Paola Orr-Mullane, Moira—UMass Mayanja, Swabira— Boston Massachusetts Bay Ortiz, Yarieliz—Massachusetts Community College Bay Community College Mayer, Ruby Mazzapica, Olivia—U. Colorado, Oyler-Castrillo, Miguel Anthony—Bowdoin College Boulder McAuliffe, Alexa—U. Texas, Austin McAuliffe, Oliver—Keene State Panedigrano, Bruno— College Bridgewater State University McCarthy, Michelle Panica, Jill McEwen, Claire—Brown Pankov, Robert—Norwich University University McEwen, Henry —Lawrence Pantuhova, Lily—U. Vermont University Pellegrini, Bo-Louis— McGann, Hannah—U. New Merrimack College Hampshire, Durham Pels, Sophie—Emerson College McGlashing, Mikayla— Pemstein, Jonah—Johns Massachusetts Bay Hopkins University Community College Pena, Davio—Bridgewater State McKee-Proctor, Kenneth— University Hamilton College Pendergast, Erin McLaughlin, Erin— Penny, Ethan—Lawrence Pennsylvania State University University Pereira, Joyse Meang, Sojung Perides, Alexia—UMass Mehrez, Jaclyn—Tulane

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Amherst Perrin, Andrew Perruzzi, Isabella—Emmanuel College Picklesimer, Hannah—Lesley University Pierce, Elizabeth—Bentley University Pilon, Darisa—Framingham State University Pina, Alexa Pinnolis, Noah—Ringling College of Art and Design Plaster, Camilla—Year off Poole, Silas—U. Colorado, Boulder Prince, Ellen—Occidental College Prior, Jared—Bowdoin College Pullen-Schmidt, Jessica—Bard College

Q Quigley, Christian—Quinnipiac University Quinn, Allison—U. New Hampshire, Durham

R Rabinowitz, Adam—Rensselaer

Polytechnic Institute Randall, Tori—U. New Hampshire, Durham Ranta, Robert—UMass Boston Regan, Sean—Wentworth Institute of Technology Reiss-Mello, David—Columbia University Riabov, Nikita—Year off Richardson, Bryan—Champlain College Rizzo, Joseph—UMass Amherst Roberts, Daniel—U. Washington Rodriguez, Juan Rodriguez-Thompson, Gavril— Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rojas, Rafael—UMass Amherst Roldan, Nathaniel—U.S. Marine Corps Rolfe, Henry Roll, Jacob—Cornell University Roman, Julia—Goucher College Roover, Benjamin—Tufts University Rosa, Brenai—Westfield State University Roscoe, Marchaina Robyn— University of the Arts Ross, John—Bridgewater State University Rozhansky, Roie—UMass Boston Rozier, Allen Ruben, Annika—U. Vermont Ruben, Zachary—U. Colorado, Boulder Rubino, Angela Ruisi, Vincent—Framingham State University Rus, Alexander—Worcester Polytechnic Institute Ryals, Jacob—Indiana University, Bloomington

State University Scheff, Sapphire Schertzer, Taylor—U. New Hampshire, Durham Schwartz, Aaron—George Washington University Senin, Miriam Senyurt, Lal—Boston University Seto, Makayla— Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Shabanian, Talia—U. Vermont Shale, Benjamin—U. Michigan Sheikh, Asma—Rochester Institute of Technology Shen, Tong—UMass Amherst Shereda, Samuel—Emerson College Shifrin, Matthew Shinde, Omkar Shnitman, Rachel Shulman, Dina—Loyola University, Chicago Simmons, Samuel Simms, Ionie—Lesley University Singleton-Kahn, Gloria Sjoberg, Emma—Johns Hopkins University Skerlj, Lilly—George Washington University Slack-Watkins, Aidan—Western University Smith, Amanda Smith, Emily Smith, Ethan—Tulane University Solovyev, Nikita—Boston University Solovyeva, Maria— Massachusetts College of Art and Design Speed, Alexis Spensieri, Nina —High Point University Spitaels, Victoria—UMass Dartmouth Steenstrup, Alexandra—Smith College Stein, Samuel—American University Stomberg, Jarrod Stots, Carissa—UMass Lowell Stots, Kevin Straughan, Matthew— Wheelock College Strayer, Elizabeth—Skidmore College Streeter, Ari—Marist College Streeter, Nate Stuart, Kirk—UMass Dartmouth Sucoff, Perri—U. Texas, Austin Sun, Shuming—Washington University, St. Louis Sundheim, Thomas Svedloff, Victor—U. Connecticut Swiston, Kayla—Worcester Polytechnic Institute Sylvia, William James—Bates College Syssoev, Nikolai—U. Southern California Syunyaev, Rauf—Rhode Island School of Design

T S Takaoka, Lina—UMass Sarandrea, Tonino—Stonehill Amherst College Savitz, Joel—Work Sayouty, Yasmin Schaefer, Brenna—Pennsylvania

Tambascia, Samantha—Suffolk University Tang, Alexander—UMass Amherst

Massachusetts Bay Community College

V Vachon, Gabriella—Southern

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W Wade, Jackson—U. Richmond

Waldor, Emma—Brandeis University Wang, Jonathan—U. California, Berkeley Wayne, Samuel Weinfeld, Robert—Quinnipiac University Weylman-Farwell, Alexander— Vassar College Williams, Sarah Wilson, Kaitlyn—Northeastern University Wint, Roxann—Assumption College Wishnie, Rebecca—Middlebury College Wissing Fagan, Wensley Wittrup, Thomas—U. Wisconsin, Madison Wolfe, Julie—U. Alabama Wong, Xiao Yue Wood, Matthew—Villanova University Wu, Di—Tufts University Wyse, Caroline—U. Denver

Y Yang, Fiona—UMass Amherst

Yarmolinsky, Louis—U. Colorado, Boulder Yifru, Bersabel—Brown University Yong, Victoria—Becker College Young, Peter—Massachusetts Bay Community College Yunen, Natasha—The New School

Z Zagame, Gianna—U. Tampa

Zagarella, Melissa Zhang, Yan—Case Western Reserve University Zhao, Ian—Northeastern University Zhao, Kevin—Northeastern University Zhou, Katherine—Tufts University Zhu, Emily—New York University Zwetchkenbaum, Charles— George Washington University compiled by

Samantha Fredberg

18 ◆ The Newtonite, Newton North

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Congratulations!

Max Kozlov We’re proud of your accomplishments and the person you’ve become.

Good luck at Brown.

With pride and love today and always, your family.

Congratulations Madam President.

You continue to amaze, impress and delight us!

We love you - Hook ‘em!

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Congratulations Elizabeth!

We are all so proud of you!

From your loving family!

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

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Newton North, The Newtonite â—† 19

Thank you to the NNHS seniors who helped with our ONE NIGHT OUT!

Congratulations and good luck in your future adventures!

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Wednesday, June 8, 2016

20 ◆ The Newtonite, Newton North

Newton North, The Newtonite ◆ 21

Life Beyond the Horizon

Work Blake Krantz and Emily Moss To many Newton high school students, the workplace can seem a world away. The core goal at hand, students often believe, is to gain admission to college, and everything after college—jobs, paychecks, even parenthood—remains far on the horizon.

Yet for a handful of students at this school—and many more across the country—work constitutes an immediate step after high school.

“I was always hands-on, so I knew that going directly into the field was a better option for me at the time, especially financially,” said Marco Delicata ’11, who works in construction. “I feel like I made a good choice by not going directly to college.”

Delicata began a job in construction during his time at North and now works to support his three-year-old daughter. He said he would advise other students to “focus on school,” but that in certain cases, “If you already know what you want to do for your career and you already know what you are best at, then it makes the most sense to jump right into it.”

Carpentry teacher Garrett Tingle also suggested that experiences in the workforce provide valuable lessons for young high school graduates planning to pursue higher education later on. “I think that you have to be emotionally mature and ready to go to college,” he by

Untold possibilities lie ahead for North students after high school Through the various activities and interests North students take up during their high school careers, they graduate with the resources necessary to accomplish the goals they set for themselves.

The perceived college-oriented mindset at this school may make it seem like life after North is predetermined, and other career paths may not feel as openly accepted. Despite this perception, graduates have a world of opportunities.

Some students choose to enter the workforce, some take a year off, and still others serve in the military. The stories

presented below do not represent all of the myriad possibilities available to those who pursue such options. While only four categories are highlighted on this page, The Newtonite recognizes there is an inevitable overlap among these posthigh school plans.

Finally, the future that graduates of the Class of 2016 currently envision will likely alter in the years ahead. However, their opportunities to provide service and learn leadership while at this school can benefit them regardless of the paths they choose as they journey beyond the horizon.

Drawn by Alisa Caira and Valeria Dountcheva Designed by Valeria Dountcheva

said, adding that having a job can help teach “the value of hard work and the value of a good education.”

Spencer Bronk ’15, who works at Brewer’s Coalition, expressed similar feelings about the relationship between work and preparedness for college.

“I decided to work because I really wasn't ready for school yet, financially or mentally,” said Bronk. “Work puts money in my bank for later expenditures, like college next year or an apartment... and that's invaluable.”

Tingle also added that work experience allows a person to develop a “thick skin.”

“It’s not an easy pathway—it’s tough to be 18 years old and working at seven in the morning,” he said. “It’s definitely different, but it’s another way for somebody to work towards success.”

Bronk added that he finds his job fulfilling.

“I get to interact with hundreds of people every week, and that's always something that I’ve enjoyed,” he said. “We have a bunch of regulars that I know by name, and I've developed extensive relationships with some of them.”

Tingle said, “Everyone is just looking for a good, middle class existence in this country.

The more diverse options that we have for young people, the better off we all are. It’s just another way to become successful and to become marketable.”

Year Off Lucy Lu Gap years are an experience that an increasing number of seniors decide to take between high school and their freshman year of college to provide them with greater insight and fresh perspectives.

Kaija Gahm ‘15 and Peter Diamond ‘15 both spent this past year on different gap years dedicated to their personal interests.

Heading to Yale University in the fall, Gahm spent the majority of her gap year studying birds, traveling to the Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Minnesota, a tourist lodge in Belize, and the Hastings Natural History Reservation in Carmel Valley, CA. In between birding, Gahm traveled to France through Workaway, a site that allowed her to work as an au pair for a host family.

Before heading to Oberlin College, Diamond has balanced waiting tables at two by

restaurants, writing poetry, acting in a play, and leading meditation with working for two nonprofits, one that teaches kids theatre classes and one that combats climate change.

When they reached the end of their senior year, Gahm and Diamond both said they yearned for an opportunity to pursue their own interests outside of school.

“Classes weren’t that interesting to me anymore, and I was having trouble staying focused,” said Gahm. “The prospect of four more years of schoolwork made me dread September.”

Diamond was driven into his gap year by a similar desire for novelty. “Transitioning immediately from high school to college seemed motivated by a process I was used to, not by a driving desire,” he said. “It felt like something I planned to do

because everyone else was doing it.”

Without the burden of schoolwork and with her occasional loneliness from a lack of time with people her own age, Gahm said she learned much more about herself.

“It’s only when you move to a totally new situation that you can determine which aspects of your personality are really you and which ones are just functions of the environment you’ve gotten so used to,” she said. “For so long, I have had my life planned out for me, and this gap year has forced me to live a little more spontaneously.”

Grocery shopping and cooking for herself was a big highlight for Gahm, who reflected on her kitchen adventures in some of her blog posts.

“This [was] my first time living away from home,” she said. “A lot of my adventures [were] taking place

not on the count platform but in the kitchen.”

Upon accepting uncertainty and adopting a new “sense of self-worth based on more than grades and extracurriculars,” her gap year has prompted Gahm to start asking herself questions about her future and lifestyle that she had never considered before.

Diamond similarly believes the break from academics is a beneficial one. “I think that the pressure and chaos of being a student came in conflict with self-improvement,” said Diamond. “Simply, the experience of freeing your mind from academics for one year before continuing may prepare you better than a sharp, immediate transition.”

College Emily Moss Reveling in the glory of graduation, many seniors wield their caps and gowns with the sense that they have reached the finish line.

Their courses are long over. Their grades are sealed. The leadership positions in teams and clubs have passed into the hands of the next class of seniors.

Yet for those planning to attend college in a few short months, a vast new academic world awaits, brimming with opportunity.

“I'm most looking forward to being able to make my own choices, like choosing classes that I want to take, and living on my own time frame,” said senior Sonia Joffe, who will attend Connecticut College. “I'm also excited for the new people I'll get to meet.

But on that same subject ... it just seems so daunting to have to recreate a friend group and find a whole new place where you fit in by

Military Emily Moss Many forward-thinking American students believe that higher education will equip them with the tools necessary to give back to their communities. College and graduate degrees, they believe, will empower them not only to advance their own careers but to serve the greater good.

However, for other young men and women, serving the interests of the public—while also achieving personal growth—means enlisting in the military.

“I decided to enlist so that my family doesn’t feel danger,” said senior Nathan Roldan, who will join the Marine Corps after graduation. “I want them to live a good life.” by

Shane Grewell ’09, who recently completed his military service, said that his experience in the armed forces provided “ample opportunity to better myself and serve my country.”

“My experience being on active duty really broadened my horizons and helped me figure out a whole lot about myself, and what I wanted out of life,” said Grewell. “It taught me how to make my own decisions and how to live every moment to the fullest. I decided to set goals for myself, and I have accomplished every one since I set them in place.”

Noah Carlen ’15 had similar feelings to Roldan and Grewell when he decided to apply to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he is now studying to become an

officer in the United States Army.

“Coming to West Point seemed like the best way to serve,” said Carlen. “It has a reputation both for producing wonderful officers and solid public servants after their time in the military.”

Unlike Grewell and Roldan, Carlen has not yet been deployed and will receive a bachelor’s degree from West Point.

His daily regimen consists of a mixture of academic work and physical work, from studying and attending courses to participating in mandatory corps-wide accountability formations and drill practices.

“There are so many opportunities available, and it really can give some valuable insight

and experience in leadership and service,” said Carlen. “I know Newton is not a big military culture, so people don’t consider it an option as much… but I promise it is a very worthwhile experience.”

Retired guidance counselor, Larry Allen, who has long counseled North students planning to join the military, added that young adults who enlist “learn how to take responsibility for difficult and challenging tasks at a relatively young age.” They also “learn how to work with people that are different, because typically they form a camaraderie with a diverse population.”

On the whole, Grewell called his choice to enlist “the best decision of my young adult life.”

and feel accepted.”

As college-bound seniors such as Joffe prepare to make the transition, what advice do current undergraduates have to offer?

Terry Altherr ’14, who is a student at American University in Washington D.C., acknowledged that the transition to college “can be intimidating.” He noted that “in high school, you know how your k-12 system works, and you have a home you're familiar with,” whereas in college, “you are still getting used to the system, and your new home may be… hardly what you imagined at first.”

Nevertheless, Altherr says he now greatly enjoys college. “These last two years have

taught me how I should approach college life and what I need to do to succeed both academically and socially,” he said.

MacKenzie Silvia ’15, a student at Syracuse University, said her transition to college was not nearly as difficult as she expected it to be. “I thought being in a different state would come with a lot of homesickness and sadness, but I adjusted pretty quickly and have been having an amazing time,” said Silvia.

She added, “I think being so far from home has almost helped me adjust more quickly than some people do because I don't have the option to go home as frequently as people who are super close. I really had to make myself feel comfortable and at home here.”

Addressing students who have yet to complete their careers at North, Silvia said she feels that a student’s sense of inner drive in high school can help ensure his or her preparedness for college. “For me, I tried to

be as independent as possible in high school and rely on myself for motivation and being able to get my work done,” she explained. “In college, you are completely on your own and don't have your parents and teachers there to make sure you're doing your work.”

Even beyond coursework, college comes with a great deal of freedom and independence, according to Altherr. He encouraged incoming freshmen to “explore places, ideas, and professions.”

Silvia said that incoming freshmen should not blame themselves if they feel nervous about starting college. “Everyone is going through the same thing.”

22 ◆ The Newtonite, Newton North

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Newton North High School

Class of 2016

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senior statements

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Newton North, The Newtonite ◆ 23

Appreciate constants Establish your own identity during difficult climb

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Dr. Seuss said in his book, Oh The Places You’ll Go, “You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting, So... get on your way!”

High school is one big mountain that is a constant upward climb.

Sometimes you hit an easier spot to walk, and other times you feel as though you will never make it to the top. We all started freshman year at the bottom of the mountain, and each one of us was a bit nervous and scared of the four-year journey ahead.

Since freshman year, our hike has been filled with ups and downs.

Some memories will stick with us forever, and other memories we

wish to forget. There have been challenges that have blocked our goals, and, as a result, each of our paths has been different.

Although everything has been changing since we started ninth grade, a few things have remained constant: our friends, families, teachers, coworkers, and teammates. In short, everyone involved in our lives. They have walked along side us and helped steer us in the right direction to great places.

Whether it has been in a sporting event, in a Theatre Ink show, in the classroom, or doing something that we take pride in, we have all been to great places. Our entourage has supported and helped us to be where we are today and where we are off to next year. For all that they have helped us with, we owe them more than a thank you.

There were plenty of days when we just wanted to be left alone or be completely independent, but everyday someone was there showing us that no one can live a life without the support of others. We need to remember those who have helped us to climb our mountain and create our trail because, quite frankly, we couldn’t have made it without them.

We have come so far and have reached this summit, so today is our day. Before we conquer the next mountain that is awaiting us, let us enjoy knowing we completed a very rewarding four-year journey and thank those who have helped us to succeed.

—Rachel Adamsky

Express your inner self

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It’s the first day of freshman year. You think about what clothes you’re going to wear, how to act around your new classmates, what kind of person you will be for the next four years. Throughout the rest of high school, you try your hardest to become that kind of person. Every morning before going to school, you painstakingly build a facade around your personality, filtering out any character flaws before painting the final touches on a porcelain mask. Maybe snap a selfie and post it to Instagram after ten shots at different angles and twenty minutes of choosing exactly the right filter and caption.

Freshman Katherine built a brick wall around her character and painted the outside with the colors of everyone else’s personalities. I had been careful to tread with one foot carefully in front of the other, to fit in and be accepted somewhere. Afraid of casting too large a shadow, afraid of stepping outside of social norms, I spent my first days of high school living in a shell.

Over the last four years, however, I came to realize that it doesn’t matter how you act, what clothes you wear, or whether or not you fall inside social norms. I learned to seize opportunities as they came and take as many risks as possible, for life’s too short to live inside a shell.

Seniors, as we head off to start a new chapter of our lives, I’d like to ask you to take a moment to reflect on whether or not your facade still exists, and how much of it remains.

Going forth from today, cast off that facade. Smash it into pieces and let your raw, unfiltered personality spill out. From now on, rather than striving to be a certain kind of person, be the person you are. Let yourself be comfortable in your own skin. Rather than living in fear of judgment and stepping the wrong way, live up to your flaws and own them. The world is your stomping ground, so make the most of it. Be weird, be quirky, be ambitious, be You. —Katherine Gao

Going into freshman year, I was a mess. I was overwhelmingly anxious about how I would make the transition since my best friend had just transferred to a private school. The first couple of days I was lost, both physically and emotionally. As I walked through the cafeteria, every table seemed to be filled with groups of friends having a great time, and no one looked familiar. When I saw one of my friends on Main Street through the glass doors, I was able to breathe a sigh of relief. I squeezed a chair in next to her at a table of new faces, but I only opened my mouth to

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eat. My discomfort was not limited to the cafeteria. I found myself walking in the hallways quickly and quietly, rushing to get to the next classroom full of more people who seemed to know each other better than anyone knew me. On one of the first few days of school, my math teacher told us to find a partner to complete our problem set. I frantically looked around the room for someone I knew in order to not be the only student left without a partner. That first week of high school felt like a year, and that year I was walking on eggshells, simply trying to avoid social catastrophes.

As I developed connections within the school, I slowly began to gain confidence. Being a part of the cheerleading team allowed me to have a group of girls that I could fall back on whenever I needed them. My outgoing personality began to break through my anxiety.

With my more frequent conversations came friendships. Through the many opportunities presented

by Newton North and the community, more new interests emerged and through those I found more

people I could relate to. I quickly found a home in the graphic communications room and discovered a different network of people to connect with. With every friend I made, good grade I received, and each new activity, my confidence rose.

Upon entering high school, I felt very vulnerable and all I wanted was to blend in. Somewhere along the line, I stopped trying to fit in and became my own person with my own interests, opinions, values, and voice. Instead of altering my personality to fit the expectations of the people around me, I began to surround myself with people who genuinely shared my perspectives and interests. With most of us going to new places within the next few years, I’m glad I had Newton North encouraging and supporting me in establishing my own strong identity. So in the fall, walking into my first class at Syracuse University, I will let the butterflies in my stomach flutter, but I will not lose sight of who I am.

—Lauren Buckminster

North community encourages growth It’s crazy to think that the selfconscious, uncomfortable, and scared freshman I knew four years ago is now leaving North as a confident, independent, and strong eighteen-year-old. Walking into North freshman year, I was intimidated by the loud, spirited environment, but this has truly shaped me into the person I am today–a leader, and a proud Tiger. Before my time at North, I could never do anything on my own; I was incapable of being independent. I relied on the people around me to hold my hand every step of the way whether it was my teachers, parents, or friends. It wasn’t until I was exposed to the different options that North had to offer that I truly started to make a name for myself and grow beyond any expectations.

One specific example of growth was demonstrated as a freshman. I found the courage to try out musical theater and join freshman cabaret. I have always loved singing and dancing, but, as most of you may know, I am a horrendous singer.

Despite this setback, I made two of my best friends to this day during the experience.

The sense of warmth that the group of people made me feel during Freshman Cabaret inspired me to join the dance team. Three

years later, during my junior year, I was selected to be a captain for the dance team. I’ve always been extremely dedicated to this team and the responsibility has helped me become a leader, role model, and an overall spirited Tiger.

Being a part of a community, whether it was sports or theater, was such a rewarding experience, that when I was a sophomore, I decided to try out for the tennis team.

Although (like my singing) I was not good at the sport, the experi-

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ence as a whole exposed me to a different scene. Tennis showed me that it doesn’t matter if you’re an amazing player or if you’re just out there to have fun. What truly matters is whether or not you put in the effort to be the best you can be.

The sense of community at North is very special to me, and the Tiger pride will always have a place in my heart. It is for this reason that as a sophomore, I decided to run for vice president of my class. Realizing that this entailed speaking in front of 550 students, which was terrifying to me, I debated dropping out of the race. With motivation and a lot of practice, I stood on the stage, took a deep breath, and stared into the eyes of my classmates.

My mom once told me, “Do one thing a day that scares you.” Every day, this quote reminds me to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. I am confident that this would not be possible at any school other than Newton North.

This school has a place for everyone, it is just a matter of how you make a title for yourself and how you embrace your Tiger within.

With this thought in mind, I proudly gave my vice president speech, and won the election as vice president of my class. As a senior about to graduate, I am forced to spread my wings out and soar into adulthood. I feel prepared to do this, and I owe my confidence and independence to the Tiger community, and the countless experiences that I was able to be a part of at Newton North High School.

—Lexi Gershkowitz

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24 ◆ The Newtonite, Newton North

senior statements

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Treasure community, Leave legacies, make positive impacts discover your ‘niche’

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As Lazlo Bane once said (or more accurately, sang), “I can’t do this all on my own. No, I know, I’m no Superman.” Other than being a cliché life lesson and the tagline of my favorite show, Scrubs, I believe this is an essential mantra for high school students.

I can vividly remember sitting in the Newton North auditorium on the first day of my freshman year, as then-principal Dr. Jennifer Price welcomed us, the Class of 2016.

She promised that before we graduated, we would each leave a distinct and vital print on Newton North.

As I listened, I looked around the vast auditorium, wondering how this enormous group of people, who barely fit in all the seats, was only one-fourth of my new school.

During that assembly we also heard from Adams dean, Mr. Turcotte. He shared advice for how to succeed at North, using an acronym that I admittedly do not remember.

What I do remember, however, was one particular letter: “N.” And no, he was not talking about the “N rule,” (at least not at that particular moment), but rather the importance of finding our niche at North.

At the time, I shrugged this off as obvious advice. Four years later, I can now appreciate how right he truly was.

As someone who did not play a sport or an instrument at school, I wondered where my niche would be. Though looking back, it was really quite obvious where I would end up: the newspaper.

As a former member of The Peirce Press and The Daytime, it was only a matter of time before I found my place on The Newtonite. I was enrolled in Journalism I, and was looking forward to learning more about the field I had already decided would be my life path. I loved that class, and eagerly accepted the first opportunity to join the paper. I never looked back.

Joining The Newtonite was not only significant for my continuing development as a writer and journalist, but it was crucial for me socially as well. I made close friends, learned more than I thought possible about my enormous school community, and most importantly, I found a home at North.

From late nights laying out our print specials, to trips to New York, and the many hours spent writing and laughing in the Newtonite room, I had found my niche. I had a strong community of peers and advisers to support me, and help guide my journey as a growing writer and person.

As a graduating senior, I cannot underscore the importance of this community to my years in high school. I wouldn’t trade my time on The Newtonite for anything.

In Scrubs, main character John Dorian (“JD”) finds himself in a big and scary hospital, and struggles to survive at first. As he quickly discovers, though, he needs a strong support system and group of friends to help him get by.

The same thing can be said about high school. Sure, the building and sheer number of people will seem intimidating at first. But I can attest, and I’m sure my classmates would agree, that if you find your niche, you’ll be just fine. Because as Mr. Turcotte and Mr. Bane said, you can’t do this all on your own. And you don’t have to.

—Jacob Gurvis

Embrace discomfort, find new sources of happiness Every year of high school is different, and there are many moving parts of the high school experience.

People are growing at different rates, and friendships and relationships are prone to changing within

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a short period of time.

Throughout my years at Newton North, I struggled to excel socially. When I realized that the social scene was not for me, I began to accept myself for who I am.

Instead of spending anymore time on the social scene, I channeled my energy into women’s rowing. Once I started rowing, it felt incredibly liberating. Practice served as a great escape from the social pressure at school, and I was able to let my inner self shine through. I felt as if I could be myself without being judged by anyone. My self-esteem rose as I grew both inside and outside the classroom. As my passion for the sport grew, I was able to have something to call my own.

Looking back, I realized how women’s rowing had always been there for me, through thick and thin. So to all the incoming freshman and current students of Newton North, find something to call your own-whether it be music, art, athletics, socializing, or some other activity. If you find your passion, everything else will follow.

—Olanne Healy

“Leave North a better place than you found it,” were some of the first words I heard in this school. As a petrified 8th grader in June of 2012, I sat in the auditorium amongst a sea of anxious faces looking up at Dr. Price’s welcome speech for our future class, for step-up day. “Find your place, or places. Leave your legacy,” she said, “And even if it’s the smallest improvement, if every student leaves North a tiny bit better than we found it, imagine what this school could become.”

Since that fateful day I have taken those words and ran with them. It has become one of my main goals as a student to embody those words I heard four years ago.

It was hard for my fourteenyear-old self to do anything other than panic as my freshman year started. I thought I could go through high school under the radar. Now, it is rare that anyone could ever achieve this level of invisibility because it is just so hard to hide at North, which is one of the best parts about it.

As I soon found out academics are not the only thing high schoolers participate in, I fell in love with Theatre Ink and with the beauty of creativity through performance as well as costume design. I had completed step one for myself and Dr. Price subconsciously: find my place. As time went by, my immersion in Theatre Ink allowed me to make some of the strongest friendships and bonds that I have made in my life thus far.

Just as well, I became a pio-

neer in the creation of a strong and ever-growing community within the costume department for Theatre Ink, along with several other talented current seniors.

I was part of the first generation of costume designers that helped bring Theatre Ink’s shows to a quality of production not seen before. When I think of my time in Costumes, I can’t help but feel overwhelming joy and pride for the department I am leaving behind into the hands of future artists.

I had found one of my communities at North and left it a better place than I had found it. Though I won’t be around to see the heights Theatre Ink will reach personally, my heart will feel wonderful knowing that I contributed in laying the groundwork that, in one form or another, helped improve a part of the school.

Not only this, but I found

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through my time in the Leadership in a Diverse Society class the importance of speaking up and doing what’s right. In the midst of this turmoil-filled year for North regarding issues such as racism, sexism, homophobia, anti-Semitism, and more, I have discovered my love for activism, causing me to become an outspoken voice in the community.

Though our community has experienced several ugly incidents of hate and pain throughout the year, I have been inspired by the several teachers and, especially, students who have stood up and spoken out against intolerance, in the hopes of creating a safer, more accepting, loving, diverse, and thriving community that we know we are and can be.

So, to my fellow peers of NNHS, leave North a better place than you found it. Whether you change the greater North community or a more nuanced aspect of it, I urge you to make an effort to make a positive change in this school, or any community you are a part of, for its future members. It is impossible to go through North without having had it change you in some way, or vice versa. So make sure the impact you have on North is a positive one, and you will be a part of making this community just a little more perfect. Leaving a legacy is like planting seeds in a garden you never get to see; but at least you will know that the flowers that will bloom will make the garden that much more beautiful in the future.

—Nadav Konforty

Pursue genuine interests by seeking life’s pleasures, accepting spontaneity Since the moment I walked through the doors at Tiger Drive as a freshman, upperclassmen have always told me to find a healthy balance between academics, extracurriculars, and hanging with friends while getting enough sleep. But if there’s anything that I’ve learned from North, it’s that actually finding that balance is nearly impossible.

And in striving to find that balance, I have learned one important thing that I will take with me to college and beyond, which is that one should never be afraid of spontaneity. Not everything you do has to have a specific purpose, nor does it have to lead you down a certain path in life. Not everything you do has to be about getting into undergraduate/graduate school or landing a job. There should be some things in your life that should just make you happy.

My best high school memories come from being spontaneous and not critically analyzing situations for any and all consequences. I randomly chose to sit with a group of students freshman year, and now I’m thankful to be able to call them my best friends. I joined the swim and dive team on a whim, and now

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I’ve met so many inspiring girls that will go on to do amazing things who have inspired me to do the same. I ran for SFA sophomore year (by running around and getting all the nomination signatures the morning of when they were due), and now I’m planning on studying political science in college. I’ve made random plans on school nights, and even though my workload kept me up those nights, I’ve never regretted any of those decisions.

If you have an ounce of inter-

est in something, go and do it. You never know just how much it will impact your life until you try it out.

Interested in a sport, club, organization that your friends might not be too interested in? Sign up and you’ll for sure meet people who share the same excitement that you do. Interested in a career path but you’re unsure of how it fits into your plans?

Look into it, take a class or two in it, and who knows? It might just carve out a different and better life plan for you.

I can’t stress enough the importance of living in the moment and living in the now. We’re not going to be any younger than we are currently and more and more challenges will be heading our way, but don’t let that discourage you from being adventurous. Approach uncertainty with confidence and know that whatever the outcome, it will positively impact you because you’ll learn more about yourself in the process.

From here on out, I ask you to remember one thing, and that is to stay happy and spontaneous because you’ll never know what opportunities are out there until you make an effort to find them.

—Sophia Ly

Salon Joie De Vie 55 Lincoln street, Newton Highlands, MA, 02461 617-527-5544 10% discount with proof of school ID

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

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Newton North, The Newtonite ◆ 25

“History has its eyes on you.” -- Lin-Manuel Miranda

Congratulations Michael We are so proud of your accomplishments and the person you have become.

Alex Weylman-Farwell

You went from Bridge School (and knowing pumpkins don’t have to be orange) to being the new 4th grader at Underwood.

At Bigelow you grew into a star student and tried on your Malloy magic. Over these past four years at North, you have found your way to the hardest courses and an amazing medley of involvement and achievement. With school and with life, you rose to each challenge (conquered The Crease and mastered The Post), accepting flaws and randomness in the flow of your game and succeeding with grit and radiance.

We know your next steps at Vassar will bring even more delight!

With much love, Anna, Nichol, Mike, Henry, Mom, Franklin & Hooka

Continue to exercise your mind, body and soul. Best of luck on your new journey at Indiana University We love you CHAMP! We love you, Mom, Dad and Elizabeth

Congratulations Laura & Caroline It’s easy to see that you are the truest of friends. Even

though you’ll be apart next year, we know that you will be friends forever.

We love you both. Love, Linda, Brad, Liri, Bob, Drew and Jon

Olivia, We are so proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished.

Ithaca here you come!

Love Mom, Dad and John

26 ◆ The Newtonite, Newton North

senior statements

Do not hesitate to accept challenges, take new risks Walking into this school as a wee old freshman not so long ago seems like a dream. I have had many family members come and go through Newton North, and that gave me a bit of comfort, but also assured me that I would live under my older siblings’ shadows.

That somehow changed my perspective on a new school; in a way it made me happy to finally be in the school they called home, but made me fear that it would never be a home to me.

It took me a long time to figure out that even though my brothers have carved their success into the school, if I just live and experience high school while taking care of my grades, I could possibly achieve what they had not too long ago.

With that mentality in mind I, Swabira Mayanja, can proudly say that I have left the school with something of my own that not only made me who I am but also carved my existence in this school.

Though I know I owe a ton of my success to my brothers, I know that it also had something to do with my achievements and that nothing is really a coincidence, and the fact that always having a heart to try new things will get you far.

Trying new things will forever be an unregrettable moment, whether it’s good or bad, you always learn something from it.

I would have never joined Jubi-

‘Be the protagonist’ in your own life by actively pursuing happiness In the months following the publication of his book The Pickwick Papers, Charles Dickens traveled to Yorkshire to see the county’s boarding schools. What he found were abusive teachers who used their students as free labor. Dickens then wrote about this in his novel The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby. After the book was published, and the schools were exposed, nearly all of them were shut down permanently.

So here’s the lesson—take on the world. Did Charles Dickens have any inhibitions? No, he did not. So be like Charles Dickens. Do you know how he figured out how bad these schools were? He snuck around them, like a spy. Be a spy.

Write things down. Be hardworking, and be kind.

When I look back at my time at North, the best experiences I’ve had were ones when I was watching. At North, there is so much to do, that we don’t leave a lot of time for seeing. So be a spy. Go to the places you wouldn’t go. Go to a new club meeting, see a show or sports game.

Watch for a second. And if someone approaches you, introduce yourself. Be a friendly spy.

Secondly, write things down.

Remember what you’re proud of, no matter how small it is. Save the doodle you drew in math class.

Take a selfie in that outfit you like.

Charles Dickens had lots of pictures of himself in spiffy clothes.

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lee if I didn’t audition for Freshman Cabaret. I was waiting for rehearsal one day and was just singing in the hallway when Mr. Reid overheard me and asked, “Are you auditioning for Jubilee Singers,” and I said, “No, I wasn’t planning on it.” If I didn’t take a risk and try something new that very next day, I definitely would not have been where I am today.

To all you freshman, sophomores, juniors, and even seniors, I encourage you all to try new things and to never overlook the coincidences in your life, for they may be the path you’ve been looking for; I know for a fact mine was.

—Swabira Mayanja

Explore your interests, find one to call home As a former member of The Newtonite, I’ve edited and read senior statements for three years now. Yet when asked to write one, I had absolutely zero clue on what I should write. So here’s my seniorslumpy version of some advice to the younger readers.

The advice people always give to you freshman year is to join a bunch of clubs so that you have something to put on your college application. What they don’t tell you is that 1) colleges don’t care about what clubs you were part of, but what you did in those clubs, and 2) that you’re going to want to have fun in your clubs, since many of us can agree that Newton North isn’t exactly a relaxing place.

My twist on the club advice is that the best thing to do when you walk into Club Day during freshman year is to find a club that you want to call your home.

The best thing about finding a club like that is that for everyone it’ll be different, and that you can join a club whenever you want, and the officers probably won’t care.

Heck, if it’s a small club, they’d probably love another member joining their club.

The best thing about clubs at Newton North? There are so many that chances are you’ll probably be a part of too many, like I was, but that’s perfectly fine. What you want to do is to find one that you can call your home so that when times are rough, you always have something to look forward to. For me, that became the Debate Team.

From freshman year when I was a

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

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nobody on the team to senior year when I was captain, I always felt like I could come to practices or tournaments and I wouldn’t be bothered about anything other than debate. Everyone came there to enjoy themselves and have fun, and that’s what we did.

Is this a little shameless selfadvertising? Maybe. But the point I’m trying to make is for everyone to find a club that will become what Debate became for me. And don’t forget, you can also create your own club. That’s the beauty of going to North: within reason, the school has the resources to let you do basically what you want.

—Adam Rabinowitz

Remember the good things so that when the world is too much, you’ll have something in your pocket to help.

Work hard. Work hard at everything. Work hard at making sure you’re okay. Look at where you are, and if you don’t like it, make sure it changes. And be kind. Be kind to older people and be kind to younger people even if they don’t always understand you.

This all seems so easy to say, but I know it’s not. I haven’t always taken my own advice. I’ve been scared and anxious, and I’ve often decided to not face the world. But then I remember that Yorkshire schools stay open and I stay unhappy if I decide not to be the protagonist in my own life. When I step up, I end up having incredible experiences. I help others and help myself become more confident and happy. And, I meet amazing people who have shaped me into the person I am.

I know I am not alone in wondering how my life will change when I go onto college, who I will become, and how I will fare without the people who are so important to me now. But I only need to listen to Charles Dickens for that one; he figured it out. He said, “The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again.”

—Sophie Pels

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Create lasting mark by leading clubs At Newton North, the large majority of clubs are managed almost entirely by the students, with the faculty administrator taking care of the paperwork. While this system might be more challenging for students, it’s an amazing educational experience. In high school, I have had the opportunity to be the captain of the debate team and various parts of the science team.

Although having these leadership positions has often been incredibly challenging, I have also learned a lot about how to manage a club.

Given that many underclassmen might be managing a club for their first or second time next year, I felt like a good use of my senior statement would be for me to discuss some of the lessons I have learned.

Firstly, it’s important to understand what makes a club succeed.

Elon Musk loves to say, “A company is a group organized to create a product or service, and it is only as good as its people and how excited they are about creating.” A club can be thought of in the same way. A club’s success will be determined by its people and their enthusiasm. So if you’re trying to start a new club or strengthen a pre-existing one, recruit and unite a group that loves being around each other and working on the club’s main goal. Once you have that core group, everything else will fall into place.

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Secondly, whenever you’re put in a leadership position, come up with a specific legacy you’d like to leave behind, and try to constantly make decisions that relate to that legacy. Although all of the clubs that I have participated in were competition based, this also applies to interest based clubs. Trust me, I love winning (really, ask any of my friends); however, sometimes winning a competition isn’t the right legacy to leave behind. It might be to simply start the club and make sure it survives when you’re gone.

It might be to recruit people and create a unified team. It might even be to help everyone master a new skill. No matter what it is, it’s ex-

tremely important that your teammates know what you want it to be and that it’s always in the back of your mind when you’re making decisions.

Thirdly, make sure you have a great working relationship with your advisor. Yes, sometimes the restrictions they impose are incredibly annoying, but in reality they are your biggest ally. There is no law in the student handbook that forces teachers to advise clubs. They are advisors because they want to help the club succeed. Difficult situations will undoubtedly arise, so having a good relationship with your advisor will allow them to better help you navigate difficult situations. I would like to give a huge thank you to Ms. Winston and Mr. Klem for dedicating so much time to the science team and debate team respectively.

And finally, be confident. Want to start a new club? Do it. Want to leave a legacy centered around team building instead of winning? Do it.

Want your first leadership position to be at a national competition, but you’re not sure if you can fundraise $2,000, deal with all the paperwork, and prepare for the competition all at the same time? Just do it. You won’t regret it.

—David Reiss-Mello

Charlie Z! We are so happy for you and excited about your new chapter ahead at GW! We are incredibly proud of you, always there for you, and love you so much!

Mom, Dad and Jill

senior statements

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Newton North, The Newtonite◆ 27

Live with open heart We started together 4 years ago Over 500 freshmen that we didn’t know.

Walking the halls seeing seniors with beards Getting trampled during dismissal was something I feared.

Who would I eat with, how would I make friends?

Walking by the perch, I would not recommend.

When’s X-block, what’s long block and when do we eat?

What do you mean in this class we have assigned seats?

What’s the deal with homeroom, you mean you have to attend?

Let me keep my head down and maybe I’ll just blend.

All of the questions, uncertainties file photo were gone within weeks As we all gained more confidence at the opportunities we would seek.

Some of us joined clubs, orchestra, or theatre would be our call, While others tried the newspaper, Tiger’s Loft, graphics, or played basketball.

Whatever you chose you jumped in with both feet Tiger pride boosting you–no challenge you couldn’t meet.

Teachers along the way, some you would leave but most you would take Inspiring you, motivating you only to leave them all in your wake.

NNHS spirit is all about supporting each other Always looking out for and lifting up one another.

Memories of victories, triumphs and accomplished goals Pretty much ready to launch, you’ve got it all under control.

Don’t forget how you got here, it was hard work, dedication and fun And we can’t leave out family, for they are second to none.

Whether you’re off to college or work or just chillin’ around There is the orange and black tiger to which we are all bound.

“Challenge Yourself ” “Make an Impact” “Dream Big” “Embrace Mistakes” All of the graduation clichés you will hear until you’re ready to break.

But listen with open ears and especially an open heart And be thankful for these past four years, because you’re ready to start!

Graduating is bittersweet, but to you all I proudly raise a glass It’s been an honor to serve as president of this year’s amazing senior class.

—Perri Sucoff

Aaron Schwartz

Seeking comfort: North welcomed its very own comfort dog in the nurse’s office this past school year. Visit Bailey Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Act on opportunities Man, I am going to miss this place. As an incoming freshman, I remember that I was anxious to go to high school because that meant it was the start of something new.

New people, new teachers, new building, new coaches, and new friends. I remember the first day of school on September 4th, 2012.

Butterflies filled my stomach as I slowly made my way around such a beautiful building. Looking back, I can’t believe that I was once scared to enter such an amazing place that offers so many different opportunities to everyone.

To deal with my fears of entering a place that seemed so foreign to me, I decided that I should get involved. One of the many advantages of Newton North is its size. The school is huge, and has so much to offer, allowing everyone to thrive in their own individual ways. I took advantage of that because Newton North provides numerous classes, electives, clubs, theatre opportunities, and sports teams, where anyone like me can find their niche.

From freshman year to senior year, I had the honor of meeting incredible classmates and students, creating relationships with my teachers, trying out for sports teams of

Congratulations Megan Lenihan We are very proud of you and all you have accomplished in High School.

We are looking forward to your continued success at UNH. Love, Mom, Dad, and Brian

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my choice, showing Tiger Pride to the best of my ability, and figuring out how to leave my mark on the school.

Newton North is a second home to me. I love it here. Getting involved in wherever life takes you is the best approach to take. Keep that in mind, because the next step in our journey is our future after high school. It is crazy to think that after June 8th, the Class of 2016 will be considered alumni.

Way to go Lauren!

Love, Mom, Dad, and Lee

—Sophie Tavolieri

Congratulations,

Emma!

We are so proud of you!

Love, Mom, Dad, and Maya

torontodegenerates.com

28 ◆ The Newtonite, Newton North

senior statements

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Despite constant change, remember Indulge in your happiness to enjoy your high school experience

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As a freshman, I hated high school and couldn’t wait to graduate. Fast forward three years, and I don’t want the journey to end. The past four years may have been a struggle filled with countless hours of doing homework, completing assigned projects, and preparing for quizzes and tests, but I’ve survived the gauntlet, and so will you. Like me, you, too, may want it to end, but I am so thankful that I decided to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

I mean, what’s the rush to grow up?

Don’t waste your time hating high school; instead, take advantage of the opportunities given to you. Join clubs, go to football and basketball games, see a play or two, create relationships, step out of your comfort zone, and challenge the norms.

High school is a safe place where you can make mistakes, learn about yourself, and decide who you want to be as a person. Along the way, I learned how important it is to not focus on the friends you’ve lost, but rather focus on all the new friends you’ve made. People grow and change, and sometimes that means leaving some old friends behind.

It wasn’t easy, but it was important because to be the best person you can be, you must focus on surrounding yourself with people that will bring you up, not put you down. Life is all about growing and adapting, so don’t be afraid to grow and adapt, too, no matter how hard it might be.

In what seems to be a blink of an eye, you will be in your senior

year attending senior softball, taking part in college apparel day, and celebrating at countdown. However, don’t forget to enjoy the ride.

Take advantage of no homework weekends, participate in Be Kind Day, and leave no regrets because once your name is called and you’re shaking the principal’s hand, there’s no going back.

For seniors, we’ve been going to school with some of the same people for 13 years. So at graduation, look to your left and then to your right and embrace the moment because this will likely be the last time you will all be together at one time. Don’t be sad; enjoy that moment and know that you are not alone. Entering the real world can be scary, but we’ve all been well prepared and also have each other to lean on. Have faith in your abilities and try your hardest, for we are the Class of 2016, and we can do anything.

Sometimes you forget how great you have it. I have been the Senior­- Center­- Hanger­- Outer, the protester and Buzzfeed poster, the no­friender, the quiet kid in class, and the loudest kid in class.

At most times, a high school environment seemed pretty darn unforgiving for someone experiencing identity crises every couple weeks or so. Wandering aimlessly through cafeteria spaces, theatre wings, hidden sections of the library–finding someplace to claim or people to clutch onto.

Who knew you would be a part time student and social experimentalist?

The great thing about my time at Newton North was that I was not held back from being these people. Yes—it is important to try as many things as you can and meet as many people as you can. However, you must find your constants. ‘I have allowed myself to be these people

—Roxann Wint

Take advantage of life, do not deny your education out of pure laziness

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I have a confession to make: I didn’t read Pride and Prejudice. Like many well into the swing of senior slump, I instead decided to use the literature summary site Shmoop as a replacement for actual reading. With detailed summaries filled with witty banter, spoon-fed indepth analysis, and the knowledge that the rest of my AP Lit class was doing the same, I felt content to save myself the time and effort

required to read Jane Austen’s 19th century literary masterpiece.

In fact, I felt so content with this decision that it didn’t register to me that I was missing anything at all.

With help from Shmoop, my classmates and I secured passing grades on reading quizzes and were able to fib our way through class discussions on the book, all while cracking jokes about how little we had actually read.

This trend continued for the whole length of the novel, until one Tuesday in April, a night before the last ten chapters of the novel were to be due. That night, with little else to do, I did something radical: I opened up my paperback copy and began reading.

I was shocked by how much I actually enjoyed the novel. It was filled with smart, funny satire and contained a very genuine, relevant critique of greed, marriage, and first impressions. After I finished reading, I felt a sense of disappointment for having allowed myself to miss out on such a surprisingly great reading experience. I promised myself, from then forward,

that I wouldn’t again deny my education and learning out of simple laziness; I would never Shmoop again.

With that, I urge all of you to take full advantage of what life, and your school, has to offer. In school, especially at Newton North, it always feels like there are a thousand obligations to fulfill, whether they are academic, extracurricular, or to your family and friends. What’s more, there never seems to be enough time to complete all these obligations. To give yourself some rest is one thing, but I would never recommend allowing yourself to Shmoop your way through your education. Whether this means organizing your time better, procrastinating less, or identifying what your priorities are, I urge you to not let go of what could be a formative academic and life experience by simply not doing something. Identify what you love to do and do it.

Give it your all. Don’t leave behind regrets, and don’t shmoop your way through life.

—Alex Weylman

Congratulations to our 2016 graduate - Callie Foster!

You have worked hard and prepared well for this amazing achievement.

Your integrity, talents, determination, and most of all your selfless spirit will make this world a brighter one!

Shine bright, Callie!

We love you!

With great pride ... Mom, Dad, Dylan, Jax, & Jessie

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and try these things, but what makes me happy?’ And I’m telling you, baby, hard work is that constant. Give things your time and attention and treat them with care. It is the best reward.

Being all willy­nilly is all good, but your hard work follows you.

But beware! Good grades and good jobs are only your surface work. Don’t turn a blind eye to your youth and enjoy your high school experience with those around you. It’s okay to “stop and smell the flowers”–and make them into shampoo if you need to! And although sometimes it doesn’t feel like it, I am privileged. We are privileged.

Years ago, I moved from South Florida during my teens, and I wonder everyday how I would have turned out if I stayed there.

Newton North has an unspeakable amount of resources available that some schools just do not have. Work hard, and use this. They are there for a reason. Thank the teachers and staff and let them guide you (for me). Thank you Newton North for helping me roam through the comforts and discomforts of growing older (as I am sure there will be many more).

Work hard to be the person you want to be. This is only the beginning! Tasha Out *drops mic.*

—Natasha Yunen

s n o i t a l u t a r g Con Julie We are so proud of you!

Love, Mom, Dad, Brian, Sarah, and David

Don’t let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity. It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all out can with it, make it the life you want to live.

– Mae Jemison We love you!

Mom, Dad and Naomi Bobie & G’pa Berol, Grandma & G’pa Lou And the rest of your crazy mischpucha

Congratulations, Kaitlyn!

You did it, and we are so very proud of you.

Love, Mum, Dad, & Thomas.

“Always remember, you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you’ll ever know.”

- Christopher Robin

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Wednesday, June 8, 2016

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Newton North, The Newtonite ◆ 29

Congratulations David!

We are so proud of you!

Love, Mom, Dad, Lucine and Anna

To Our Darling Graduate, Gabriella ….

Here’s to all the great new adventures and happy times that await you in Ann Arbor.

You are so very loved!!!!

Dad, Mom, Nick, and Sammy

editors’ column

30 ◆ The Newtonite, Newton North

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Attempt new things, expand the scope of your accomplishments

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An excerpt from my Common Application personal essay: “I can still remember it: voices rushed toward me as darkness clouded my eyes and pulled me in.

With a crackling noise, two antennae and four more legs pierced the

flesh of my body as yellow and black hair sprouted from pores across my skin. My eyes split into thousands of photoreceptors, straining to read the wall as I shrunk down to the ground. Now nature’s pollinator, I flaunted a deadly weapon along my back and a set of wings instead of arms.”

Yes, I literally turn into a bee in my essay. That’s the very essay I sent to all the college admissions representatives—who happen to decide where I spend the next four years of my life—of all the colleges I applied to. That’s not all though.

Oh, it gets better. A lot better.

One autumn day in the midst of the college application frenzy, a few days before the Early Decision deadline, I had a meeting with my college counselor, Ms. Hoffman.

She graciously read through

some of my application materials, and she suggested I include a picture of myself volunteering. Now, for all of you who know Ms. Hoffman, she is so enthusiastic and energetic about her job and loves to crack jokes. I ended up leaving the meeting to work on the rest of my application materials, not really quite sure if she was joking or not about attaching a photo of myself.

Her suggestion stuck with me as I prepared to hit that large maroon button I had been waiting to press for so long. I frantically searched for a place to upload pictures onto the Common Application. I don’t quite know what I was expecting— why would the Common Application ever have a place to upload images? So, I decide to do what any reasonable person would do. I insert the picture into a word document and upload it as my resume.

When I went down to my college’s admitted students day, I had the opportunity to talk to the admissions counselor who read my application. As soon as he saw my name, he exclaimed, “So you’re the bee kid?” Apparently, I was known as the “bee kid” to the admissions committee.

The point of this statement is not so you can find the silliest photo of yourself and attach it to your resume or give it to your professor on your first day of classes (although you should totally do that and report back to me). Rather, go beyond what is “normal,” and certainly don’t be afraid to be silly.

And, for all of you who are curious, go ahead and feast your eyes: http://tinyurl.com/imabeeliever.

No explanation—just a picture of sophomore-year-me in a giant bee costume, with a giant bee hive towering behind me.

Alright, I suppose I should include some important context about my essay. My entire essay wasn’t just a long ramble about how the bee is my spirit animal and how much I’ve always wanted to be the size of a paper clip. I talk about how I put on a bee costume and buzz around the Discovery Center at the Museum of Science in order to educate children about how bees make honey and the social structure of bees. And yes, I do throw in the obligatory metaphor (I’m sorry, I had to) about how I “still go from flower to flower, bringing the pollen—the knowledge—of one flower to another while fulfilling my insatiable hunger for honey and the hunger of those around me.”

—Maxwell Kozlov

Undertake difficult tasks by creating opportunities for yourself

file photo

You hear the same advice repeated endlessly in high school: get involved, find what you like, make an impact.

And yes, you should find what you like and pursue your passions.

But, in addition, and even more im-

portantly, we should, at least once in our high school careers, pursue something we don’t like, something we aren’t good at.

Whether this is working harder in your worst class, going out for a sport you’ve never played before, or even speaking up more, there is so much to be gained and learnt and improved by doing what you don’t yet do well.

For me, I found this in dance. I have been dancing since I was two, so long ago that I cannot remember a time when I didn’t attend classes at my studio. As I got older, I began to realize that I was not one of the best dancers in the class; in fact, I tended more toward being one of the worst.

Why did I stick with it? Because most of what I have gained from my years and years of dance is the humbling and enlightening experi-

ence of being one of the worst.

No one enjoys being the worst.

It can be humiliating to constantly feel less successful than your peers.

It’s frustrating to feel as if your progress is inferior or negligible.

But being the worst also opens you up to many opportunities. It removes the pressure to succeed, because you yourself do not expect a positive outcome.

It provides freedom to experiment, to fail, and to grow, because you have created only expectations of your failure. It allows you to appreciate seemingly small successes, and gives more meaning and weight to your improvements.

Your low expectations mean that you can only meet or surpass them. And when you do surpass them, it’s a wonderful feeling.

Most times in life we build things up to unattainable propor-

ments in college force us to take a class that we dislike or a job forces us to interact with others in a way we don’t feel comfortable, at some point we will all have to face our weaknesses.

It’s best to look upon this as a wonderful opportunity for personal and emotional growth, and maybe some improvement in the skill.

It’s best to appreciate these opportunities for unfettered growth and for surpassing expectations.

So try something you’re not very good at. Put yourself in the uncomfortable position of having to learn from your peers. Surprise yourself with a possible new passion, a renewal of confidence in your own resilience and abilities, new friends and an expanded life view, or even just some great stories to tell later.

tions, our expectations far surpassing most probable realities. But expecting to be the worst opens us up to becoming more than that, to becoming better than that.

I was lucky enough to get this important experience in a supportive and friendly environment. I was lucky enough to have friends to laugh with me when I messed up and to celebrate when I didn’t.

Try now, try in high school, where everyone is still sifting through the endless options to find those one or two that they actually enjoy. Open yourself up to finding a community to which you never thought you would ever belong and to finding a pursuit you never believed you would try.

In addition, we will all at some point be expected to do what we are not good at.

Whether distribution require-

­—Camille Bowman

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Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Congratulations, Ellie!

“I want to know— therefore I go.

Dream big and dare to fail.”

Analisa Ulloa Fazio We love you, are very proud of you, and will be with you always.

Next stop, BC!

We are so proud of you and your accomplishments at Newton North!

We are so excited for your next adventure!

Dream big, believe in yourself, keep making art, and be happy always!

With much love, Mom, Dad and Abby

Congratulations to Jonathan!

Congratulations Nathan!

Luv you with all of our hearts, Mom, Dad, Nina and Chester

We are all so proud of your hard work and accomplishments.

You are one of a kind We all love you, Your favorite MOM Kyle, Zack, Mazie Grandma Uncle Dave, Emily and Jenny.

You have touched all our lives and so many more!!

GOOD LUCK!

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

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Congratulations Class of 2016!

34 ◆ The Newtonite, Newton North

fine and performing arts

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Theatre ink shows ‘Junie B. Jones’ brings beloved, whimsical childrens’ book to life

Theatre Ink began the year with “Junie B. Jones and the Yucky Blucky Fruitcake,” a play based on the Barbara Park book of the same name. Directed by Melissa Bernstein, the show ran Sep. 18 and Sep. 19 in the Little Theatre.

Each year, Theatre Ink collaborates with members of the Newton Theatre Company to create a cohesive play.

Freshman Maddy Ranalli played kindergartener Junie B. Jones, the protagonist. Junie B. was a ball of energy, vivacious, stubborn, and loud—the type of kid who has a meltdown when she does not receive what she wants.

“She was such a crazy, elaborate, high-energy character, and I had a lot of fun finding that in myself,” said Ranalli.

From the acting to the dialogue to the costumes, Theatre Ink’s production of “Junie B. Jonces and the Yucky Blucky Fruitcake” successfully brought a beloved childhood book to life.

‘An Ideal Husband’ stuns with witty dialogue, historic plot A creative depiction of upper-class life in Victorian London, Theatre Ink’s production of Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband ran Nov. 5 through Nov. 8 in the auditorium.

The show was “a period piece that still manages to be relevant in the modern day,” according to junior Charlotte Thornley, who played Lady Chiltern.

Directed by Spanish teacher Dan Fabrizio with the help of assistant director, senior Ellen Batutis, the play told the story of Sir Robert Chiltern, a respected government official who attempts to cover up questionable actions from his past, without sacrificing his relationship with his wife when threatened by a blackmailer.

According to Thornley, the show covered “discrepancies between public and private life that are just as important and relevant now as they were when it was written.”

“An Ideal Husband” was not “a copy of any other production,” according to Batutis, but was instead a “truly artistic take on the show.”

‘Into the Woods’ takes audience on magical journey with music

Well-known fairytale figures including Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Little Red Riding Hood came together for a magical journey through the forest in Theatre Ink’s production of the Stephen Sondheim musical “Into the Woods.”

The show, directed by seniors Jen Gately and Sonia Joffe, ran Dec. 9 through Dec. 13 in the Little Theatre.

The plot expanded on each character’s fairytale “by showing us what happens after the happy ending when everyone is forced to deal with the consequences,” according to junior Gabe Jasper, who played the baker. “The characters become three dimensional and dynamic in a way that completely contrasts the first half of the story.”

For Joffe, directing the musical opened her eyes to the “immense” and “unseen” amount of work done by the stage and costumes crew.

“They all pour their heart and soul into their designs, and it’s so beautiful and impressive to watch.”

Freshman Cabaret showcases incoming talent in ‘I Got You’ Over seventy freshman took the stage for “I Got You,” this year’s Freshman Cabaret.

Featuring uplifting skits, songs, and dances, the show ran Dec. 17 and Dec. 18 in the auditorium and was directed by sophomores Clare Donohoe, Nora Geffen, Emma Richmond, and Rachel Stoia.

According to Richmond, Freshman Cabaret was an entertaining performance that was a “good showcase of the new talent that The-

atre Ink has to offer.”

One of the show’s exceptional singing performances was Vance Joy’s popular song “Riptide,” sung by freshmen Aliana Ralph, Maddy Ranalli, and Maya Waldman with a well-executed version of the familiar tune.

Later, the entire cast came together for the finale, “I Got You,” from the musical “Bring It On.” A fun piece which had difficult vocal parts, synchronized dancing, and a strong message about supporting one another, the song displayed both the various talents of the freshman performers and the hard work that went into the performance.

According to Stoia, the “different experience levels and all the different sorts of talents that the new class has to offer” made Freshman Cabaret an “interesting and unique show.”

Improv Jam displays comedic versatility, creative humor Improv Jam, a performace full of improvisational comedy and spontaneous jokes, was a fun night for all. The show ran on both Jan. 14 and May 18 in the Little Theatre and was hosted by seniors Jen Gately and Aaron Schwartz.

“It’s a show comprised of a series of high energy improv related games to create a light environment and an enjoyable comedic time for the audience,” said sophomore Will Marsh, a cast member.

While the members knew how to play the games before the show, the content was completely improvised.

According to sophomore Ian Reid, a cast member, every night was “an original and pleasing experience in a good way.”

Nitrous Oxide thrills audiences with original sketch comedy Nitrous Oxide, North’s sketch comedy troupe, kept audiences laughing throughout their performances Feb. 3 through Feb. 5 in the Little Theatre. The show was written and edited by cast members, each of whom had the opportunity to submit original sketches.

It was directed by seniors Julia Ansolabehere and Jackson Bunis.

“It is the only show specializing in sketch comedy,” said junior Annabelle Tocco, a cast member. “We write all our own material and then perform it like a North Saturday Night Live.”

This year’s show centered around the fictional Oxy Awards and was hosted by Ansolabehere and Bunis. Cast members performed in a variety of hilarious sketches, competing to win awards which were to be given out at the end. However, in a ludicrous twist, the Oxy Awards turned out to be fake—there were no awards to distribute—sending the cast into a perfectly executed uproar.

The cast of Nitrous Oxide formed a “strong bond” according to Ansolabehere.

“You really get to know the people you’re working with and their senses of humor, and in the end you get this really great result.”

‘Oliver!’ has powerful message, breathtaking set, costumes

Directed by English teacher Bradley Jensen, Theatre Ink’s production of “Oliver!,” based on Charles Dickens’s novel Oliver Twist, ran March 17 through March 20 and followed the journey of a young orphan attempting to find his true home.

Oliver was “a star-studded show,” said sophomore Jonathan Champion, who played Fagin. According to Champion, every department of Theatre Ink including “costume, makeup, and tech crews” worked hard to “make the show look phenomenal.”

Through elaborately choreographed song and dance numbers, actors told the classic story of Oliver, played by sophomore Sarah Vernovsky, finding an unlikely home, following the theme of staying true and finding the place one belongs.

According to Jensen, the production included “something for everyone,” from

Josh Shub-Seltzer

A Night of Comedy: Senior Elise Hausman and junior Andrew Hastings improvise a scene during Spontaneous Generation. people who enjoy the “iconic characters and infamous songs” to those who were “experiencing the show for the first time.”

Spontaneous Generation thrills with improvisational comedy Improvisational comedy troupe Spontaneous Generation, directed by seniors Jen Gately and Aaron Schwartz, performed their annual show April 6 through April 9 in the Little Theatre.

The show opened with a celebration of Spontaneous Generation’s 18th anniversary.

Actors began listing all of the advantages turning 18 brought to the troupe such as being able to purchase lottery tickets and legally buy porn.

The show was a mixture of witty improvised scenes, hilarious musicals, and amusing dances. To enhance the show’s spontaneous quality, the troupe gained inspiration from audience participation.“Stories come to life as we take audience-given ideas and turn them into scenes,” said Gately.

According to senior Alex Hoffman, a member of the troupe, no part of the show was “contrived or expected” because every moment was “spontaneously generated.”

Hoffman said, “being in this show has instilled a new confidence in me to do and say things I never would have before.”

Actors from North, South come together in ‘Romeo and Juliet’

North and South students performed together to bring Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” to life May 12 through May 14 in the auditorium. The production was directed by South drama teacher Sam Richert.

For freshman Jacob Brockman, who played Paris, being in the play after reading “Romeo and Juliet” in English class was a unique, fun experience. He added that it “really brought the story to life, and I understood both individual lines and characters better than I did just reading it.”

According to sophomore Evelyn Chedekel, a cast member, teenagers’ performances of Shakespeare “always yield unique interpretations of the text” and bring out “Juliet’s flirtatiousness, Romeo’s impulsiveness, and the Nurse’s signature sex puns.”

“The cast definitely had a lot of personality, and it was actually present on stage,” said Chedekel. “The cooperation and closeness of the cast members gave the show a certain fluidity and elegance.”

‘Ascension Day’ showcases themes of love, relationships “Ascension Day,” directed by seniors Caroline Kaler and Amanda Kuo, is a coming of age story that takes place after World War II at a Lutheran summer Bible camp. Actors showcased the beautifully heartfelt play May 25 through May 27 in the auditorium.

“The story touches on love, friendship, family, abusive relationships, religion, and

life before and after the war,” said Kuo. The play questions the meaning of having beliefs, following nine teenagers as they explore this idea and develop unbreakable connections.

According to Kuo, “The biggest concept that the play focuses on is how we deal with life when our beliefs are questioned and what it means to believe in something or someone.”

“It is exhilarating and incredible to watch something that I created grow into an incredible show,” said Kaler on being director. “I absolutely love this experience and I want to follow it for the rest of my life.”

Cabaret Troupe entertains with comedic, dramatic performance Home is the recurring theme in this year’s Cabaret Troupe performance, which will feature a variety of contemporary musical songs from the past decade, including both comedic and dramatic numbers.

Directed by senior Elise Hausman and junior Zoe Jasper, the production will run June 9 and June 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium.

“I’ve loved being part of this show,” said senior Sonia Joffe, a cast member. “I’m excited to close out my senior year with it because it’s a show that means a lot to me.”

According to sophomore Martha Bennett, a cast member, the piece “One of These Nights” is a highlight of the show because the full cast is brought together.

“Being part of Cabaret Troupe for four years has given me insight on how cool and unique this show is,” said senior Ethan Smith, a cast member.

Hausman added, “It’s full of happy, sad, and funny songs, and everyone should come see it because everyone in it is incredibly talented.”

Students write, act, direct own shows for Playwright’s Festival

Playwright’s Festival, North’s annual student-written production composed of a series of ten minute plays, will run June 10 at 7:30 p.m., and June 11 and June 12 at 2 p.m. in the Little Theatre.

Senior Alex Hoffman, who is directing one of the plays, described the “explosion of creativity and wit” that she’s seen in this year’s playwrights.

“I can’t emphasize enough what innovative and hard workers the cast members of this show are,” added Hoffman. “Everyone, especially the playwrights, have worked tirelessly, and it shows.”

The audience will experience a range of plays, from comedies to dramas and everything in between, according to sophomore Gaby Avelino. “Playwright’s is unique because of how independent of a show it is,” she said. “Every single aspect is designed and managed by students. It’s such an amazing experience, and everyone should come see it.”

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

fine and performing arts

The Chief Musician,” by Gabriel Hardeman as members sang with purpose and enthusiasm.

The energy of the music rose to an amazing crescendo, showing praise for the “Chief.”

Overall, meaningful song choices and passionate singers made the Jubilee concert an entertaining night.

Jazz Night showcases variety of groups, original compositions

Josh Shub-Seltzer

Spreading cheer: Senior Swabira Mayanja performs a solo with the Jubilee Singers at the holiday concert Dec. 22.

Harvestfest opens fall season, includes various music styles

Harvestfest I and II, the first concerts of the year that combine all music groups at North, showcased the talent and hard work of student-musicians. The two-day concert took place on Nov. 18 and Nov. 19 in the auditorium.

Harvestfest I included Tiger Bebop, Jazz Ensemble 1, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble, all directed by music teacher Richard Labedz, and Jubilee Singers, directed by music teacher Sheldon Reid. Harvestfest II included Concert Choir, Family Singers, Orchestra, and String Ensemble, all directed by music teacher Adam Grossman.

Labedz explained that as the first big concert of the year, a lot of “nervous but good” energy went into the performance.

According to sophomore Martha Bennett, a member of concert choir, the most interesting part of preparing for Harvestfest was “learning the music with the people around you and getting to know everyone involved.”

Many musicians enjoyed participating in the concert because of the sense of community it created between different music groups.

“Harvestfest is by far my favorite night of the year,” said senior Swabira Mayanja, a member of Jubilee Singers. “It’s a first look at what the music department has worked on since the beginning of the year.”

Winterfest celebrates winter season, displays musical talent

Winterfest I and II, an annual two-part concert honoring the winter season, took place Jan. 27 and Jan. 28 in the auditorium and showcased the hard work and talent of

North’s music ensembles.

Winterfest I featured Chamber Ensembles, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble, all directed by music teacher Richard Labedz. A highlight of the concert was Ceili, a Scottish and Irish folk music group formed by North students. Ceili played several upbeat and energetic songs in their first-ever performance at Winterfest.

Winterfest II, which featured Concert Choir, Family Singers, and Orchestra, all directed by music teacher Adam Grossman, along with guest violinist Lynn Chang, began with Orchestra playing “Summer (from the Four Seasons)” by Antonio Vivaldi. The piece was broken up into three movements, accompanied by sonnets read by senior Ethan Smith.

For sophomore Sophia Vito, a member of the Woodwind Ensemble, Winterfest was a great concert because everyone who performed was able “to show what they have been working on throughout the whole year.”

Jubilee Singers join with sister choir in passionate performance

“Total Praise,” Jubilee Singers’ annual winter concert, showcased beautiful voices and featured both the Jubilee Singers and their sister choir, the Harambe Gospel Choir from South, on Feb. 7 in the auditorium.

“We lift our hands. We lift our voices.

We lift our hearts together. United is how we stand,” sang the Jubilee singers in a cheery, upbeat tone, as they introduced the concert.

Later, displaying their take on the song “Total Praise,” by Richard Smallwood, with emotion and passion, Jubilee contrasted Harambe’s tone with a more soulful, dramatic sound.

The highlight of the show was the piece “To

Jazz ensembles from North and South came together to perform in spring Jazz Night April 6 in the auditorium. They were accompanied by special guest band, the Brian Thomas and Alex-Lee Clark Big Band (BT/ ALC Big Band) and together created a night of unforgettable music.

The South and North performers joined together for the triumphant finale, “The Everyday, The Everyday…,” an original piece written by Clark.

The performance featured seniors Sam Eastman on bass, Jonathan Fabry on baritone sax, Paul Goldfinger on first drums, Griffin Kadar on trumpet, and Benny Roover on piano, all of whom played with incredible vivacity.

“I was happy that I was ‘going out with a bang’ from Newton North jazz, and that we sounded tight, but also kind of sad that this was the end of my tenure as a high school musician,” said Eastman. “Knowing that I’ll never be performing with this specific group of people again is tough since I feel a great dynamic with them.”

The BT/ALC Big Band brought the show to a close with several original, smooth jazz pieces. “Keep At It,” featuring music teacher Richard Labedz on the saxophone, contributed to the upbeat and animated feel of the piece, and provided a fitting close to a night of great music.

Springfest features wide range of songs, groups, performers

Springfest I and II, North’s annual two day concert to celebrate the coming of spring, showcased a variety of talented musicians from every music program at North and took place on April 11 and April 14.

Jubilee Singers, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Ensembles, and Tiger Beebop were all featured in Springfest I, performing songs ranging in style from classical to jazz.

One of the highlights of the night was Jubilee’s outstanding performance of “I Opened My Mouth To The Lord,” by Julius Fucik, produced by sophomore Samidio DePina. The singers showed their strength and confidence onstage, cheering and clapping as they sang.

Springfest II featured Honors String

Newton North, The Newtonite ◆ 35

Ensemble, Family Singers, Orchestra, and Concert Choir, directed by music teacher Adam Grossman.

Notably, Orchestra’s performance featured multiple soloists, including seniors Julia Ansolobehere and Claire and Henry McEwen, all of whom played their parts with assured skill.

Senior Henry McEwen, who played a cello solo, said, “My favorite part of performing is trying to reconcile what’s going on in the music with what’s going on in my life–it makes the piece much more real and allows for a lot more emotion during the performance.”

Pops Night proudly finalizes year for North music groups

North’s many music groups wrapped up the school year with Pops Night, a departmentwide concert featuring a medley of studentarranged songs and playful humor, May 19 in the cafeteria.

Conducted by senior Kate Martenis, Tiger Bebop performed an acapella version of “Blackbird,” by The Beatles. The troupe’s voices blended into a cohesive, angelic sound.

Exquisite notes were also sung and echoed with beautiful harmonies.

“It was a really great night and a lot of fun to hear all the groups perform,” said Martenis.

The concert ended with Concert Choir, Jubilee, and Family Singers performing “Seasons of Love,” from Rent. The groups joined together for a glorious grand-finale. The song expressed a sense of unity and truly celebrated the year that had passed.

According to sophomore Martha Bennett, a member of Concert Choir, “Seasons of Love” was her favorite part of the concert because “there was a great sense of community.”

Pops Night was an all-inclusive concert that showcased the students’ hard work throughout the year. It was a success due to the students’ enthusiasm and sophisticated skills.

Jubilee Singers excite audience through powerful, upbeat songs

Jubilee Singers, North’s gospel choir, performed their annual spring concert June 4 in the auditorium.

According to senior Swabira Mayanja, a member of Jubilee, the show was a “really fun concert” that included many “upbeat” songs.

According to junior Molly Devine, another member, the concert was enhanced by the group’s movement and choreography. For example, senior member Verona Simms choreographed movements to the song “Everybody Clap Your Hands,” by Joshua’s Troop.

Mayanja added that, “The songs are very expressive, in that the lyrics are really meaningful. With the help of the instruments, they made the audience stand and dance.”

Students showcase year of visual art creations in Art Morning exhibition Parents and students alike were welcomed to view student-made art, photos, and ceramics on display at Art Morning, May 19.

One interesting photograph was taken by sophomore Katelyn Nguyen and featured an image of a girl wearing a horse head. According to Nguyen, the picture’s lively imagery and creative pieces were inspired by Alice in Wonderland. “I took Hawaiian lights and a horse hat to intensify the element of wonder,” said Nguyen.

Elsewhere, ceramic pieces inspired by various types of rocks were on display, sculpted by freshman Ben Borhegyi. His

collection included a dragon decorated with intricate details and a smooth, shiny finish.

Another collection of photos, by senior Vonnah Etheridge, featured teenagers at a run-down house, a laundromat, and in Chinatown. She described the series as “youth in action.”

Senior Leah Metzger displayed a painting of three identical faces and the message “to have another language is to have a second soul.” The faded portraits indicated that the person possessed three different souls because of their multiple languages, which brought the message to life.

Another highlight of Art Morning was a

Shannon Slattery

Artistic ambitions: Students draw a nautilus in the courtyard during Art Morning large, colorful representation of a nautilus, inspired by Georgia O’Keefe’s paintings, made using only chalk. A student favorite, the piece was a memorable part of the morning, as students were able to help create the chalk drawing. It was a magnificent

school-wide collaborative piece.

Art teacher Cindy Massoff said, “I love seeing all the artwork displayed, the kids’ smiling faces, and how proud they are of all of their work.”

Pages 34 and 35 compiled by Rose Bostwick, Nour Chahboun, Hannah Liu, and Amy Morrill

sports

36◆ The Newtonite, Newton North

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Fall teams overcome obstacles, bond together Boys’ cross country achieves goals, reaches personal bests Tali Falk-Judson Boys’ cross country, 7-4, had a good season despite failing to qualify for the All-State Meet, according to senior Alex Montague, a captain with seniors Siddarth Nizamuddin and Victor Svedloff.

Montague explained that one of the team’s goals was to “beat Weymouth at the league meet,” a team that the Tigers were “frustrated about losing to earlier in the season.”

The highlight of the season also came during the league meet, during which multiple Tigers ran their personal bests, according to Montague.

Coach James Blackburn added that, “the boys played admirably and with a lot of passion” this season.

Montague said that the final results of the season were positive. “We didn’t qualify for the All-State Championship as a team, but we had a few important runners out with injury, so we weren’t really hoping to,” he said.

Sophomore Andrew Mah was named a League All-Star for the Tigers.

Next year’s captains are to be determined.

by

Boys’ soccer defeats its rivals, embraces young talent on team Jack Armstrong Boys’ soccer, 5-12-1, was able to “raise the competitiveness and physicality” this season, a “great achievement,” according to Coach Roy Dow. The Tigers did not advance to the State Tournament this season, but Dow explained that it was a “really big deal” to see the team “scrapping for wins and being able to keep some shutouts” this season.

According to Dow, the highlights of the season included beating rival Natick 3-1 at an away game, and defeating South 1-0 under the lights.

Senior captain Alex Haslam was named a First Team All-Star, and junior Matt Mackowski earned an honorable mention.

Next year’s captains are to be determined.

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Cheerleading places second at exciting Regionals competition Blake Krantz Cheerleading finished fifth at the Bay State Conference competition, second at Regionals, and eighth at States this season and was able to “reach so many team and individual goals” according to senior Lauren Buckminster, a captain with seniors Marisa Correia and Ally Quinn.

Buckminster said the Tigers were able to “overcome many obstacles” in their first season in the coed division, and every person on the team was “working extremely hard” on the Tigers’ routine on a consistent basis.

Buckminster cited Regionals and the Tigers’ second place finish in the team’s first

competition as the highlight from this season.

“Getting that wooden trophy was a feeling like no other,” she explained.

Next year’s captains are to be determined.

Dance surpasses expectations with first, second place wins Wendy Li Dance finished second at the New England Cheer and Dance Competition and at States in the fall season and first place at the Bentley Competition in the winter season, a successful year according to senior Sonia Ferré, a captain with senior Lexi Gershkowitz.

“I think every competition is a highlight for us,” Ferré said, “this season we didn’t mess up on one dance or one move. It was all in sync.”

She added that the Tigers’ goal for this season “had a lot to do with team bonding.”

According to Ferré, the lack of bonding “kind of threw our dynamic off,” but eventually the team recovered and was “able to go on.”

The team did not compete in the postseason, but Gershowitz and Ferré were both named Bay State All-Stars.

Next year’s captains are junior Ariel Alford and sophomores Justine Pavia and Danielle Sharon.

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Football maintains productive mentality, achieves objectives Hannah Liu Football, 5-2, “came together” as a team this season, according to coach Mike Coppola. The Tigers accomplished their goal of making the playoffs, but lost 14-9 to Brockton in the first round.

The team finished second in the Carey division this season. On the year as a whole, senior Cuba Birnbaum praised the team’s mindset.

“We kept our heads high,” he said. “We had great morale.”

Seniors Jackson Eckenrode, Mike Gately, Kevin Joyce, Thomas Joyce, Trevor MartinezTobin, and Ben Murphy and juniors Bryce Adam and Jimmy Hodgson were named as Bay State Conference All-Stars for the Tigers this season. Senior Robbie Ranta received the NNHS Athletics Sportsmanship Award.

Next year’s captains are juniors Bryce Adam and Jimmy Hodgson. Two more captains are to be determined.

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Girls’ cross country has strong comeback, meets striking goals Jane Alandydy Girls’ cross country, 7-4, finished fourth at the Division 1 State Meet and tenth at the All-States Meet this season.

The team suffered losses early in the season to Wellesley and Walpole before a win against Weymouth the following week that “validated” the Tigers as “one of the top teams,” according to coach Brandon Mogayzel.

“We wanted to be competitive in Bay State Conference and qualify as a team for the Allby

Josh Shub-Seltzer

Powering through: Senior Trevor Martinez-Tobin barrels through four Brookline defenders during the 27-12 Turkey Bowl victory this past Thanksgiving Nov. 26.

State Meet,” he said. “Any team that qualifies for the All-State Meet has had a great season.”

Senior Victoria Spitaels and sophomores Einat Gavish and Rose Teszler were named as Bay State All-Stars for the Tigers. Senior Leah Metzger received an honorable mention.

Next year’s captains are juniors Kayla Hreczuck, Nalini Khurana, Holly Notartomaso, and Amanda Powers.

Field Hockey bonds as a team, qualifies for State Tournament Wendy Li Field hockey, 11-9, qualified for the State Tournament for the second year in a row to cap off a winning season, according to senior Rachel Hamilton, a captain with junior Olivia Ferry.

The team lost 4-1 to Needham in the first round of the State Tournament despite some success this year.

According to Hamilton, coach Nate Coolidge “definitely helped everyone improve a lot skillswise” this year, a season in which the Tigers “bonded and came together well as a team.”

Hamilton and senior Amanda Smith were named Bay State first team All-Stars for the Tigers.

Next year’s captains are to be determined.

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Girls’ soccer maintains resilient spirit to overcome hardship Ophelia Baxter Girls’ soccer, 4-9-3, had a tough season with lots of injuries, according to senior Eliza Bresler, a captain with seniors Katie Daniel and Maya King.

Bresler also commended the fact that the girls showed amazing resilience throughout the year.

“A goal for our team was bonding and commitment. The team had amazing chemistry that really made the season memorable.When girls went down with season-ending injuries, people stepped up,” Bresler explained.

Coach Alicia Carrillo added that one of the best moments of the season was when two starting field players “both volunteered to split time in goal” after the Tigers’ starting goalkeeper suffered a season-ending injury.

“Coaches didn’t even need to ask for volunteers. They both just stood up and took care of the situation and took care of the team,” Carrillo said. The team will be well prepared and has lots of potential for next season, according to Carillo.

Next year’s captains will be juniors Kira Matthews and Alexandra Nugent.

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Girls’ swim and dive finishes season strong, emphasizes unity Blake Krantz Girls’ swim and dive, 10-2, finished second at the State Meet and benefitted from “constant energy, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship” this season, with many “incredible” freshmen such as Maia Alberts, Rachel Donnellan, Kat

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Josh Shub-Seltzer

Breaking away: Freshman Annie Tobin eludes a Framingham player as she dribbles down the field in a 3-0 victory Oct. 22.

Filipova, and Claudia Flint aiding the team, according to senior Elizabeth Gibbs, a captain with seniors Sophia Ly and Lauren Moriarty.

Gibbs emphasized unity as a highlight from this year.

“It was awesome to see the team meld together and step up to be the best they can be at any time and in any event,” she said.

“Everyone really contributed to the season in their own way, and I think the same idea goes for seasons to come.”

According to Gibbs, a large part of the team’s winning formula revolved around upperclassmen helping underclassmen improve, and vice versa. “Veteran swimmers will always have things to teach the newcomers and the newcomers have things to teach the veterans,” said Gibbs.

Next year’s captains are juniors Rebecca Arango, Erin Claflin, Logan Gallagher, Madison Schaefer, and Elizabeth Wu.

Girls’ volleyball earns winning record through teamwork, unity Blake Krantz Girls’ volleyball, 19-3, finished third in the State Meet, a successful record and final result that senior Erin McLaughlin, a captain with seniors Samantha Tambascia and Sophie Tavolieri, attributed to the “closeness of the team” this season.According to McLaughlin, the Tigers’ chemistry was still evident after the season ended.

“Our Newton North Volleyball group text is still active,” she said. “We still get to see each other at boys’ volleyball games and practices and in the hallways” she added, emphasizing the close relationships that helped the team succeed throughout the fall.

Seniors Naarah Cox and Sophie Tavolieri and junior Emma Brown were named Bay State All-Stars for the Tigers this year, accomplishments indicative of the Tigers’ varying contributors and “how far” the team was able to go this season.

Next year’s captains are juniors Emma Brown, Abby Donnellan, Lily Marcus, Sofia Perez-Dietz, Liana Reilly, and Anna Zucchero.

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Golf achieves objectives, ends season with winning record Rose Skylstad Golf, 10-3, met its goals this season, according to physical education teacher Bob MacDougall, coach.

“Our goal was to qualify for the State Tournament, and we did,” MacDougall said, adding that the Tigers were “focused on getting better” over the course of this year.

The team won its first three matches on the road including two at Walpole and one at Wellesley, an accomplishment that MacDougall has “never seen” before.

Junior Dan Kurson qualified individually for the State Finals for the team, and Senior TJ Melendez was named a Bay State Conference All-Star.

Next year’s captains are to be determined. by

sports

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Newton North, The Newtonite ◆ 37

Winter teams embrace triumph, achieve goals Alpine has successful season, many underclassmen stand out Blake Krantz Alpine enjoyed a “really good” season overall this year, with a large team with many new freshmen, according to senior Christine Cox, a captain with senior Callie Foster.

These underclassmen were the highlight of the season, according to Cox, and “earned a good amount of varsity points” throughout the year.

Cox also added that it was “fun to interact with people from all ages” during this season as a whole.

Next year’s captains are to be determined. by

broke 57 seconds in his 100-yard backstroke, and sophomore Will Riley broke one minute and three seconds to qualify for States. The Tigers now “have a very promising future medley relay,” according to Cole.

According to Pemstein, among the major highlights from the season for the Tigers were the meet against Chelmsford and the “improvement” that swimmers were able to make at Sectionals.

Pemstein added that the team’s “good swims and spirit” in these meets stood out as highlights from the season.

Cole also commended the Tigers’ “cheering and general spirit” this year.

Next year’s captains are Riley, Sims Speyer, and junior Henry Eckhouse.

Boys’ basketball enters Sectional Finals with high energy, intensity Boys’ track finishes undefeated,

by Blake Krantz first in Bay State Conference Boys’ basketball, 22-4, fell to Catholic Memorial in the South Sectional Finals of the State Tournament this season, a contest that senior Nate Hollenberg, a captain with senior Mike Gately, described as “incredible” and a “high-intensity game that nobody will ever forget.”

The second-seeded Tigers defeated Xaverian, Taunton, and B.C. High before falling to CM. Despite coming up short, Gately was proud of the final result.

“Going into the season a lot of people questioned how good we would be,” Gately explained. “We ended up proving any doubters wrong.”

Sophomore Ethan Wright was named conference MVP and an All-Scholastic player in addition to senior Michael Davis. Hollenberg, Davis, and Wright were first team All-Stars this season and senior Joe Rizzo was an honorable mention.

Next year’s captains are to be determined.

Boys’ gymnastics wins State Championship, goes undefeated Blake Krantz Boys’ gymnastics, 6-0, won the Massachusetts Gymnastics League and the State Championship this season for the second consecutive year, successes that senior Nicolas Montes Soza, a captain with junior Isaiah Milgroom, attributed to the team’s ability to work hard and persevere throughout the season.

“We trained six days a week and even during winter break,” Montes Soza said. “Besides practicing the form for each technique, we dedicated a lot of time to conditioning and that showed at States.”

Montes Soza mentioned contributions from the team’s underclassmen as a highlight from the season, explaining that “they were all able to compete” at meets this season and that this dynamic was “rare” in previous years.

Next year’s captains are Milgroom and junior Noah Gilman. by

Boys’ ice hockey has successful season, heads off to States Blake Krantz Boys’ hockey, 14-7-3, qualified for the State Tournament for the second straight season and advanced to the third round before falling to Franklin 3-0—the longest run for the Tigers in 20 years—and one that was “much farther than expected” for the team, according to senior Thomas Joyce, a captain with seniors Mike Hart and Dante Leone.

Joyce added that a few highlights for the team included the Tigers’ double overtime victory over Braintree in the second round of the tournament and the team’s victory over Framingham during the regular season.

“It was the first time we beat Braintree in almost 20 years, and Framingham has been the best team in the league for a while,” Joyce explained.

Next year’s captains are to be determined. by

Boys’ swim emphasizes team bonding, sees personal records Blake Krantz Boys’ swim, 2-5, had some “really good swims” at the Sectional and State Meets this season, according to senior Jonah Pemstein, a captain with seniors Benji Cole and Bowen He. As Cole explained, junior Josh Sims Speyer by

Blake Krantz Boys’ indoor track, 5-0, finished first in the Bay State Conference for the 18th consecutive year, success that senior Eddy Acuna, a captain with seniors Jonathan Minkin, Alex Montague, and Jared Prior, attributed to the Tigers’ motivation to “be the best” and extend the undefeated streak this season.

The Tigers took second at States, although the team “didn’t do as well as expected” despite “some good individual performances,” according to Minkin.

Acuna won the State and New England Meets in the shot put, and Prior took second place in the long jump at the State Meet, individual highlights for the team this season.

Acuna praised the Tigers’ coaches in helping the team reach its “best ability” and pointed to its positive mindset.

“Everybody practiced hard every day after school and on Saturday mornings,” he said.

“Everybody had the same goal, so we came together as a team.”

Next year’s captains are to be determined. by

Girls’ basketball reaches second round of State Tournament Blake Krantz Girls’ basketball, 14-6, lost to Braintree in the second round of the State Tournament this season, a “really close game,”according to senior Sydney Beatrice, a captain with seniors Moriah Jacobs and Jill Latanowich.

According to Beatrice, the ninth-seeded Tigers beat Marshfield before falling short against Braintree in the second half.

Beatrice said the Tigers’ game against New Mission was a highlight. Sophomore Kelly Barbieri tore her ACL in the first half, but the Tigers still played “pretty well” without Barbieri in the one-point victory.

Latanowich, junior Sayawni Lassiter, and sophomore Elizabeth Davis were named first team All-Stars for the Tigers, and Beatrice was an honorable mention.

Next year’s captains are to be determined. by

Girls’ gymnastics achieves third place at Bay State Championship Will Kharfen Girls’ gymnastics, 6-3, placed third at the Bay State Championship against “really tough competition” this season, according to senior Calley Dias, a captain with seniors Rachel Adamsky and Sofia Leav.

A highlight of the season was an away win against Weymouth, Dias said. “We had a lot of injuries that week but everyone pushed through. It was a true team effort,” she explained, as the the team won by a few tenths.

Coach Jim Chin won Bay State Coach of the year this season after 30 years of coaching in the league, another positive for the Tigers from the year.

Dias also commented on the team’s unity in its success. “We had a small team but everyone did a great job contributing, and we became really close by the end of the season,” she said.

Next year’s captains are juniors Naomi Adamsky and Carolyn Kolaczyk.

Josh Shub-Seltzer

Lay-up: Senior Jacob Riles shoots a basket against Milton High in a 82-56 victory Dec. 18. years this season despite “finishing strong,” according to physical education teacher Bob MacDougall, the coach of the team.

Senior Megan Lenihan, a captain with senior Alexa McAuliffe, also cited the end of the season as a positive for the team.

“We came together for the last few games, which we ended up winning,” she explained, adding that the team was happy that it “did it for the seniors.”

Lenihan pointed to the Tigers’ abilities in “moving positions around and playing with new lines and new players” as a highlight from this year.

The team was also able to overcome the absence of senior goalie Livi O’Connor on the Italian exchange during the season, with senior Rachel Hamilton stepping in and doing “great,” as Lenihan explained.

Next year’s captains are juniors Paige Dobies, Natalie Ferry, and Olivia Ferry.

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Girls’ ice hockey finishes season strong, misses State Tournament Blake Krantz Girls’ hockey, 6-12, did not qualify for the State Tournament for the first time in four by

Nordic overcomes challenges, competes at State Tournament Wendy Li Nordic ended the season with girls finishing thirteenth and boys finishing eleventh at States, according to senior Eleonore Kugener, a captain with senior Kate Martenis and juniors Isaac Appel and Elinor Graham.

Kugener sees a positive future for the Tiger skiers. “We have a lot of new skiers who show a lot of promise,” she explained, adding that a highlight from the season was seeing “all the new skiers and everyone race.”

According to Kugener, the team’s biggest challenge was “getting everyone to races and having races” with a lack of snow, but the Tigers overcame the obstacle and reached the top seven tiers at Weston Ski Track in the post-season.

Several members also went on to represent Massachusetts in races around New England.

Next year’s captains are to be determined. by

Girls’ track wins Division 1 State Meet, Bay State Conference as result of ‘positivity,’ motivation Wrestling surpasses school record

Blake Krantz Girls’ indoor track, 4-0, won the Bay State Conference and the Division 1 State Meet this season with a “new and young” group, according to senior Annie Greene, a captain with seniors Cristina Galvango, Olivia Mazzapicca, and Carissa Stots.

Greene pointed to the Tigers’ undefeated record as a highlight from this season, and that victories were aided by the team’s mindset.

“The positivity from the coaches and teammates really helped us strive to be a competitive and well functioning team,” she said. “We all wanted to win and we all tried to make each other happy and spread that positivity everywhere.”

According to Greene, the team was a “little more nervous than usual” going into meets at times, but they were able to consistently succeed.

Next year’s captains are juniors Kayla Hreczuck, Sydney Hurwitz, and Amanda Whitham. by

Blake Krantz Wrestling, 19-2, finished thirteenth in the state with one of the best records in school history this year.

The Tigers’ first match and win of the season against Catholic Memorial was a highlight victory that let the team know that this year was “going to be different,” according to senior captain Tristan Gubert.

He added that everyone “got along and worked hard, and it paid off ” this year.

Gubert also mentioned the Tigers’ senior night match against Dedham as another highlight of the year for the team.

“They were ranked higher than we were and it was down to the last two or three matches,” Gubert explained. “The feeling in the gym was like no other.”

Sophomores Michael Mariano and Kyle Randall were named Bay State All-Stars for the team.

Next year’s captains are to be determined. by

sports

38◆ The Newtonite, Newton North

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Spring teams perform well, dominate league work hopefully coming to fruition down the stretch, Cox said.

According to Cox, the team’s match against Brookline was a rewarding victory and a highlight from the season.

“It was a very long and intense match, but our team stayed focused and was ultimately able to win,” she said. “It was an awesome feeling, especially against one of our biggest competitors.”

Cox also added that the Tigers are getting “better every single day,” a positive trend towards the end of the season.

Next year’s captains are to be determined.

Girls’ track maintains seven year streak with win at States Blake Krantz Girls’ track, 5-0, “really came together” this season with its victory at State Relays for the seventh straight year, according to head coach Joe Tranchita.

Tranchita labeled State Relays as a turning point for the Tigers’ this year, a meet that allowed the team to “become a part of, and contribute to, the legacy that the program has become known for.”

Senior Alexia Perides, a captain with seniors Cristina Galvagno, Annie Greene, Jess Hiltz, and Sylvie Kuvin, pointed to the victory as a highlight for the Tigers as well, in addition to the team’s undefeated record.

“There was a lot of competition, and it came down to the last event,” she explained of State Relays. Greene added that the victory at the meet was “surreal,” and that the team saw “great and outstanding performances” from many different Tigers that day.

Next year’s captains are juniors Camille Baxter, Katie Blake, Sophia DeNucci, Sydney Hurwitz, and Amanda Whitham.

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Josh Shub-Seltzer

Running to victory: Junior Paige Dobies runs the lacrosse ball through defenders down field during a 17-4 win against Brookline May 3.

All wraps are current as of press time. Please see thenewtonite.com for updated post-season results and awards.

Baseball heads back to Super 8 for their third consecutive year Blake Krantz Baseball, 14-7, qualified for the Super 8 Tournament for the third straight year and is “looking to win it all” this season, led by an “excellent” pitching staff that has allowed the Tigers to compete in every game, according to senior Eric Mah, a captain with seniors Mike Gately and Thomas Joyce.

“We have a solid shot at winning it all,” he added.

Mah explained that the Tigers have benefitted from team chemistry throughout this season.

“It has allowed us to pick each other up when something is not going our way,” he said. “We trust each other to get the job done.”

According to Mah, the team’s seven-run inning in its 9-2 victory over BC High was the highlight from the season, during which the Tigers had four extra-base hits that “sparked” the offense in the following weeks.

Next year’s captains are to be determined.

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Boys’ lacrosse finishes season strong, proud of improvement Blake Krantz Boys’ lacrosse, 12-3, has qualified for the State Tournament and has been able to “improve steadily throughout the year,” according to senior Mike Hart, a captain with senior Dante Leone and juniors Bryce Adam and Teddy Yerardi.

Hart commended the Tigers’ ability to “carry a very good record” throughout this season, while adding that the team looks to “make a deep push into the tournament” in the coming weeks.

According to Hart, a highlight from this season was the team’s victory over Weston in the middle of the year.

“We were able to go out and give a lot of energy throughout the game,” he said.

Moving forward from this point, the Tigers will look to “get ready for big games and focus on the smaller things,” as Hart explained.

Next year’s captains are to be determined.

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Boys’ tennis achieves goals for team, exceeds expectations Blake Krantz Boys’ tennis, 9-6, qualified for the State Tournament with a “really young team” in a season in which the Tigers “did a lot better than expected,” according to senior Charlie Zwetchkenbaum, a captain with junior Ruben Trauba.

Trauba also commented on the team’s youth, explaining that part of this season was about “seeing how the team worked together well and what the team dynamic was.”

He also added that the Tigers were “re-

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ally focused this season” with the desire to improve.

Zwetchkenbaum cited the Tigers’ match against Brookline as a highlight from this season, a match in which the team lost but was able to find encouragement in a doubles victory. According to Trauba, the team’s match against Wellesley was also a “memorable moment” with the Tigers playing under the lights with “a lot of people watching” in a great atmosphere.

Trauba is a captain for next year. Additional captains are to be determined.

Boys’ track finishes undefeated season, shatters school records Blake Krantz Boys’ outdoor track, 5-0, won the Bay State Conference, placed first in State Relays, and set a school record in the sprint medley relay, accomplishments that helped the Tigers realize that they “had a shot at winning the All-State Meet” this season, according to Senior Alex Montague, a captain with seniors Eddy Acuna, Jonathan Minkin, Siddharth Nizamuddin, and Jared Prior.

Montague labeled the team’s victory over Needham, a team that defeated the Tigers last season, as a highlight from the year.

“We had a big win this year,” Montague explained of the Needham meet, adding that the team did not have “any close meets” throughout the season.

Montague said that throughout the season, having “so many people working hard” on the team helped the Tigers “fill the places in events” better than other teams could this season.

Next year’s captains are to be determined.

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Girls’ lacrosse revels in high scoring victories during season Blake Krantz Girls’ lacrosse, 10-8, qualified for the State Tournament and has been successful this season, according to coach Kate O’Leary.

O’Leary explained that “everything seemed to come together” for the team in its 16-3 victory over Winchester, with the Tigers playing “team defense” and senior Eliza Bresler “making incredible saves in the net” throughout the contest.

Senior Rachel Hamilton, a captain with Bresler, cited the Tigers’ 11-0 victory over Dedham as a highlight from the year, a game that clinched the team’s spot in the playoffs this season.

The Tigers will play Natick in the first round of the tournament, a team that the Tigers have defeated this year. She said that the team will hope to “move on to the next round and make some noise” in the upcoming weeks following the game against Natick.

Next year’s captains are to be determined.

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Girls’ tennis prides cohesiveness following ‘awesome season’ Blake Krantz Girls’ tennis, 11-4, qualified for the State Tournament and had an “amazing team dynamic” in an “awesome season” overall this year, according to senior Christine Cox, a captain with juniors Melanie Chien and Rachel Leighton.

The Tigers look to make a deep tournament run in the coming weeks, with the team’s hard by

Softball takes full advantage of talent on team, goes on to States Blake Krantz Softball, 15-4, qualified for the State Tournament this year because the team “took the season one game at a time,” according to junior Elizabeth D’Agostino, a captain with senior Gabby Vachon.

D’Agostino added that throughout the season the Tigers had a “lot of really talented girls who play outside of school,” and that they were able to “channel that talent into every single game” on their schedule.

Coach Lauren Baugher explained that the team has been “playing well” and that it has “played good games against the best teams in the state” this season.

According to D’Agostino, the highlight of the season was the Tigers’ game against Framingham, a game that she cited as the first time that the team “really focused and played to the best of its ability.”

Next year’s captains are to be determined.

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Boys’ volleyball sets goals for States after successful season Blake Krantz Boys’ volleyball, 13-3, has qualified for the State Tournament this season and hopes to make a “long run” and win States, according to senior Nate Hollenberg, a captain with seniors Jake Connors, Sam Eggert, Jake Fallon, Aaron Karasik, Larz Lee, Ethan Smith, and Gavril Rodriguez Thompson.

Hollenberg added that the Tigers lost twice to Framingham and once to Needham this season in close matches, two teams that they will look to defeat in the tournament.

Despite the loss, Hollenberg cited the Tigers’ second game against Framingham on senior night as the highlight of the season.

“We had a huge crowd at home, and we were missing two injured starters,” he said.

“We still battled Framingham to the brink,” with a 24-22 loss in the fifth and final set.

According to Hollenberg, it has been a “really fun season” for a team with nine seniors, who are “really close friends and experienced players.”

Next year’s captains are to be determined.

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Josh Shub-Seltzer

Pumped up: Senior Cliff Jewett of boys’ volleyball celebrates after winning the first set in a 3-2 loss against Framingham May 20.

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Wednesday, June 8, 2016

“The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remains as your legacy” Kalu Ndukwe Kalu

Felicidades, TJ! Te queremos mucho!!!

Newton North, The Newtonite ◆39

Congratulations Thomas.

You are, and always have been, a star. We love you!

Mom, Dad, Audrey, and Poppy

40 â—† The Newtonite, Newton North

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Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Congratulations Class of 2016!

743 Washington Street, Newtonville, MA 02460 617-964-9200 www.cabots.com

An old fashioned Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant Serving Newton since 1969 One scoop at a time...

Newton Schools Foundation congratulates the class of 2016 and wishes all graduates the best of luck in the years to come!

It's taken 13 years to reach this day.

Show your appreciation to the Newton educators who helped you along the way by giving in their name to Honor Thy Teacher.

Your donation will help future generations of Newton students reach this milestone.

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