The Eagle | Issue 4 | May 2022

Pages 2 and 3

Pages 4-7

School News Parcellin’s First Graduating Class Junior and Senior Prom

Get Involved Lady Locker ALICE Training

Songwriter's Club True Crime Club

Page 8

Page 9 Page 10

New at North

After North

Sports

Holocaust Speaker Peru Trip

Cost of College Social Media Careers

Spring Sports Playoffs

The Eagle

41 Obery Street, Plymouth, Massachusetts

Issue 4: May 2022

Plymouth North High School

Equity in Education

The Herren Project

Photo Credits: Plymouth Public Schools

The Future of Advanced Placement Mock Exams By: Parker Maslowski “The grant that was in

Chris Herren’s Story and Its Impact On Students By: Riley Dever “I believe Herren’s story is Chris Herren is a former basketball player who played for multiple teams in the NBA, including the Celtics, as well as teams overseas. He has struggled with substance abuse and is now a motivational speaker and wellness advocate.

Chris Herren spoke at PNHS on Tuesday, May 10th, telling the story of his career and overcoming his addiction.

Born in Fall River, Herren excelled at basketball in high school. He started playing at the college level at Boston College before transferring to Fresno State in California. His struggle with addiction started in college and would continue as he played for several teams in Denver, Boston, and internationally. With support from the people around him, Herren has been sober since 2008 and now travels around the country to share his story as a motivational speaker.

Physical education teacher Mr. Perry has been working towards bringing Chris Herren to speak at Plymouth North. He has heard Herren speak before and believes that his message is powerful and will have an impact on students. “[Herren] delivers a powerful message to students,” said Perry. “Even if his message impacts only one student, then the presentation was worth it.”

Mr. Perry’s initiative has garnered a lot of praise from fellow staff members and students throughout the school.

“We were very lucky to have Mr. Perry take on the vision and work behind securing Chris Herren to come speak to PNHS students,” said PNHS principal Peter Parcellin. “His message is one of overcoming obstacles which I expect will be pretty compelling for all our kids at North.”

English teacher Mrs. Meg Matthews even established a book club where students have been reading Herren’s memoir. She believed that students having a deeper understanding of his backstory would give them more insight during the assembly, as well as a deeper understanding of him and his struggles.

important because it reflects real-life issues that happen within our families, community, world, and to a wide range of people. He speaks a lot about addiction and I think it’s important for kids to see that addiction is widespread and can affect people from all walks of life,” said Mrs. Matthews. “I hope that [the book] opens up minds and dialogue about issues that can often be unpleasant to talk about, like addiction, but that are very real.”

The book club has also had an impact on the students who have participated.

“I wanted to learn more about Chris and meet him, especially since I play basketball,” said freshman, Nelson Thevenin.

Fellow freshman Audrey Murphy adds to that, stating “I thought it would be a good experience…a lot of people go through this stuff and they can get inspired by it.”

Even before the assembly, Herren’s story has been shared with students throughout the school. In health classes, students have watched a documentary on Chris Herren's career, addiction, and his road to recovery.

Students who are familiar with his story, such as sophomore Eliza Terman, have already been impacted by its message.

“To see a story like Chris Herren’s, it shows that you can overcome [challenges] and that you have an ability to get through it and know that you aren’t alone,” said Terman.

Many, many people of all ages, throughout the country, struggle with addiction. To see such a prominent figure and successful athlete struggle with and overcome addiction shows people that recovery is possible.

Chris Herren acts as a role model for so many people. His story, motivation, and perseverance inspires nearly everyone who hears it. The intention for him speaking here is that his story highlights the true impacts of substance abuse, as well as learning to overcome challenges, a lesson that will speak to all students.

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For students in Advanced Placement classes, mock exams exist as an indicator of a year’s worth of progress in class. During mock exams, students test their knowledge and skills learned throughout the school year, as well as receive crucial feedback on how they can improve their abilities for upcoming exams. For students whose lives have been profoundly affected by the pandemic, having the safety net of a mock exam can alleviate some of the stress of taking an AP class during an unparalleled time in their life.

Beyond the school year of 2021-2022, teachers will no longer receive pay for proctoring mock exams on Saturdays. The grant that was established to pay teachers for Saturday exams expired, and the Plymouth Public Schools system decided that the best option for students and teachers was to allow exam prep to happen during class time only.

In recent years, AP students have benefited from extending their class time to include a mock exam. Allocating time on a Saturday or after school enables educators to reorganize lessons and focus on the subjects students struggle with the most.

Although AP mock exams have supported students as a cornerstone of their academic progress, some students may find themselves unable to access mock exams for a multitude of reasons.

Transportation, accessibility, and other inequities for students produce barriers between growth and comprehension.

Dr. Stacey Rogers, Assistant Superintendent in charge of Administration and Instruction, supervised this change as a dedication to Plymouth Public Schools’ mission of equity and fairness for all students in the district. Her job requires creating a personalized curriculum and learning that is developmentally appropriate for individual students’ needs.

“The grant that was in place to pay teachers on a Saturday to proctor AP mock exams has expired so there are no funds allocated for this purpose,” said Dr. Rogers.

“However, the equity issue is the primary reason that prompted this change.”

As Dr. Rogers explained, offering mock exams is not a stationary topic but a dynamic balance of student and teacher necessities. Although the premise of a mock exam may appear an overall convenience, its existence was not meant to last continually.

“Mock AP exams were never intended to be in place forever,” said Dr. Rogers. “The intent was to assist Plymouth in moving toward promoting more students to take AP classes and exams that were in place prior to my becoming Asst. Superintendent.”

The Plymouth Public Schools Office of Administration and Instruction is responsible for weighing curriculum evaluations, district policies and procedures, and grant development and supervision. After the grant that paid teachers for proctoring mock exams expired, Dr. Rogers and the Office of Administration and Instruction researched and concluded that significant inequities existed in the placement of mock exams.

place to pay teachers on a Saturday to proctor AP mock exams has expired so there are no funds allocated for this purpose”

- Dr. Rogers "Upon researching this practice I discovered that some teachers opt to come in on Saturday and others do not. This creates access issues between the high schools and between any student who is in an AP course,” Dr. Rogers said. “In other words, depending on your teacher you may or may not have the option to take a mock exam. Also, offering an exam on a Saturday that is school-sponsored assumes all students have transportation to and from the exam on Saturday.”

Despite her best efforts, Dr. Rogers cannot determine whether or not teachers will offer exams in the future: “Due to the teacher’s contract, we cannot mandate that teachers proctor the exam or come in on a Saturday to proctor exams.”

Students worrying about whether they will lose the potential for a mock exam entirely should not worry about that happening assures Dr. Rogers.

She has worked with the schools and principals to create the best possible environment for students and teachers: “Mock AP exams will continue to be offered during a teacher’s contracted time. I have met with both high school principals and have offered options for teachers such as offering mock exams during class time or during the last block that could extend to after school so that all students have the same opportunity to access the exam.”

“While I know all AP teachers do practice during class time for the AP exam, taking a full AP Exam at once is an opportunity that truly helps students,” said Shelley Terry, AP English Language and Composition teacher. “During a 78-minute period I can only offer one essay practice. The Saturday AP mock exams allow students to sit down and experience what the true exam day will be like. It helps kids to understand how it feels to write three essays in two hours. During class, you aren’t able to do that.”

Junior Faith Studholme, a current AP student, worries about the possibilities of exam limitations in the future.

“Taking the mock exam refreshes my memory as to what areas I need to improve on,” said Studholme. “Removal of teacher pay would, if anything, affect how teachers interact with their students since they would not want to take a day out of their weekend to provide and grade exams.”

AP Calculus BC teacher and Mathematics Department Head Mrs. Kesha Nielsen has offered mock exams since she began teaching at Plymouth Public Schools. She has seen the growth and development of her students to the stamina required for the multiple hours-long exams of many AP classes.

“I have taught AP Computer Science Principles, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, and gave mock exams to all students in the past for these classes and can attest that my students have improved their performance,” said Nielsen. “All of that being said, I have always been grateful for being reimbursed for my time spent administering a mock exam for my AP students and thought of it as a gesture of recognition and appreciation from Central Office.”

The commitment of AP teachers to their students’ education is evident. Teachers will be sure students feel prepared for their AP exams, but teachers will have to create that confidence without the opportunity of conducting a full 4 hours AP exam mock exam.

ALICE: A New Protocol for Safety at North

Prom Season Is Here!

Find all the prom information you may need below!

Insight into student and staff experiences throughout the ALICE training implementation process.

By Nicole Ryttel

Since 2018, there have been 114 school shootings in America.

In recent years, there has been a growing concern towards school attacks throughout the nation. More frequently than ever, schools have put focus on the implementation of effective school lockdown protocols. The Plymouth Public Schools District has chosen the ALICE model to protect its students.

ALICE is an acronym that stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate. Each of these terms represents a step in the lockdown process. Based on information given to teachers regarding an intruder, school members are given a choice as to how to react to the threat.

Students and teachers must decide whether to fight the attacker, barricade their classroom doors, evacuate the building, or do anything else that they believe will help them survive a potential attack.

“The ALICE protocol uses research from actual incidents nationwide to help set up a protocol that is most likely to ensure staff and student safety in the course of an incident,” Mr. Peter Parcellin, principal, said. “The goal is to give people a maximized chance to avoid a threat based on information and adjusted protocols.”

The ALICE model greatly differs from the district’s previous protocol. In the past, students and teachers were directed to sit in a corner of their classroom with the lights off, doors closed, and blinds shut.

Ms. Cayla McCarthy, English teacher, said that “The old model felt very vulnerable, not very proactive, and kind of helpless.”

In 2020, before the start of Covid-19, Plymouth decided to make a change. Teachers experienced their first round of ALICE training. Staff performed a lockdown drill in realtime, and were given a chance to reflect when the drill was over.

“The goal is to give people a maximized chance to avoid a threat based on information and adjusted protocols.”

Mrs. Jennifer Figlioli, Marketing teacher, said, “It gave me an opportunity to think of things that I would do if it [an attack] were to happen and, when we were able to do the training with the students, how I reacted a little bit differently by being able to have one training with just the staff beforehand.”

Ms. McCarthy said, “It was really nice to be able to talk to each other about what worked and what didn’t.”

Due to national quarantine and other Covid-19 restrictions, implementation of ALICE protocol at Plymouth North High School was halted after this staff session. However, on March 30, 2022, students and teachers were finally able to practice the drill in a relatively realistic setting.

Emily Goulian, sophomore, was in her marketing theory class when the drill was performed. She said, “During the ALICE lockdown drill, I was definitely a little scared because it’s always scary when you’re doing a lockdown drill…but honestly I think everyone handled it pretty well…it was very well done and organized.”

Adam Halperin, junior, said, “It is a lot more intense. You are more active in it than the original stay in place drill.”

Throughout varying staff and student emotions, Plymouth North was able to successfully complete its first ALICE drill.

Classrooms throughout the building acted calmly whilst collaborating with one another to bring themselves to safety in the most effective way possible.

“The drill represented what we hoped: that the school community would remain alert and responsive to make decisions that will be more likely to get them to safety or deter a threat,” Mr. Parcellin said.

With the implementation of ALICE protocol at Plymouth North, students feel a sense of maturity and empowerment.

Staff feels secure and confident in their protective abilities.

Instead of sitting and waiting for the inevitable, members of the Plymouth North community will act proactively during a worst case scenario. Throughout a long process of preparation, education, and conversation, Plymouth North High School is fully prepared to handle a rare, yet destructive, school attack.

June 1st, 2022

A ockdown L nform I C ounter E vacuate lert

May 27th, 2022 6-10 PM

6-10 PM Granite Links

Lake Pearl

Quincy, MA

Wretham, MA

Ending Period Poverty: The Lady Locker

By Hannah Flockton

-Peter Parcellin

Parcellin’s First Graduating Class After four years, what has changed, what was taken away from the time, and what will be remembered By: Skyler Wodzinski Since Principal Peter Parcellin has arrived at Plymouth North, he has experienced three graduations, two of them occurring during a pandemic. Upon his arrival, the current seniors of Plymouth North were just starting their high school years. Four years later, those freshmen are planning their futures and getting ready to graduate.

Principal Parcellin’s first ever full four year graduating class is hitting the stage on their way to graduate.

Parcellin has changed and grown along with the senior class.

After four years, it is such an important thing to recognize the difference that Parcellin has made on the student body, and the difference that the students have made on him.

As principal, he must grow alongside the student population. He makes strides to understand what is going on throughout the school. With this knowledge, he acts as a role model, who works on shaping the future for the students at the school and making sure they get a beneficial education.

Kathryn Tocci is a senior at Plymouth North High School and is the president of the student council executive board and works closely with Parcellin.

“He has allowed me, alongside my student council members, to bring the unknown and life into the school in the toughest of times. It has made so many people realize that he is here to leave a mark on the school,” Tocci said. “The most important thing Mr. Parcellin has taught me is that if you keep on trying, you will reach success.”

That is something that he strives for, and it is something that he has helped so many seniors achieve.

Parcellin has reached out and attended to all different groups of students. Through his informational letters, his friendliness in the hallway, and his open door policy, he tries to make Plymouth North a very inclusive place. Students don't need to feel alone because he is always open to talk, and there is always a friend nearby. He is willing to listen and make students feel important.

His willingness to be himself is something that anyone can be impressed by. It is such an important thing to find out who you are, and Parcellin does an amazing job at helping students discover that in themselves. He is not afraid to be himself and is incredibly outgoing and charismatic.

The graduating senior class is incredibly thankful for all that he has done to make the school a better place, and making their last four years, ones to remember. He has taught the class so much through their four years.

Senior Max Westberg said, “Mr. Parcellin has made it a priority to make every student feel appreciated. Whenever I see him he greets my friends and I by name and with a positive energy that brightens our day.” Hannah Ferro, a senior at North, is involved in the Visual Performing Arts program. Throughout her time in high school, she has performed in a wide array of stage performances. She would act in the school's musicals and sing with North's A cappella group Northern Lights. At all the concerts, Parcellin would make an appearance. He shows so much respect for every single kid at North.

“He is such a supporter. Not only does he care about the logistics of running a school, but he cares deeply about the people who populate it, and it shows,” Ferro said. “Him just being there has taught me so much. It's taught me how to be there for others and make them feel special when nobody else will.”

There has been a new addition to all of Plymouth North Girls' bathrooms. Free menstrual products have been placed in bathrooms to be made accessible for all students with the help of a student-led project called The Lady Locker.

The Lady Locker was started by a Plymouth North sophomore Emalee Duggan and her mother. They started the project to allow for kids to have greater access to menstrual products.

“Being a girl myself, I just really wanted to help out and reach out to the community to allow others to feel comfortable and cared for in their community,” said Emalee Duggan, co-founder of The Lady Locker.

Through product donations and monetary donations, The Lady Locker is entirely funded by the community and businesses.

With the new freshman coming in, and a new wave of fresh faces, Parcellin must take what he learned through his time being principal and put it to use.

Chloe Sylvester is a freshman at Plymouth North high School. Being her first year, she was very nervous about what was to come, but Parcellin really helped her get over her fears.

Sylvester said, “He has dug a path in his district for me, and all these other students, and it has made me feel safe and welcomed in and out of school.” With the 2021-2022 school year coming to an end, the seniors reflect on their four memorable years. Parcellin is ready to encourage and support the upcoming students with what he has learned since becoming North's principal With the guidance of Principal Peter Parcellin, the seniors are ready to take on whatever the world throws at them.

The seniors will always remember him as making such an impact on their lives and the school. Even though he is not leaving the school, the impact he has already made is sure to encourage every upcoming student.

With support from local community members and institutions such as the Sunrise Rotary Club, Tech-Etch, and State Representative LaNatra. Support and funding for their project have grown considerably.

Donations can be made through their online portal, Amazon wishlist and Venmo. With this money they are able to buy menstrual products for students to supply their operation.

Community members are also able to get in touch and provide donation of products directly.

“The most valuable lesson I have learned from all of this is that it takes a village! We are building relationships and really getting the whole community involved. Since we rely 100% on donations, spreading awareness is a huge part of what we do,” said Jenn Kiely, Emalee’s mother and Cofounder of The Lady Locker.

Duggan, her mother, and their partners work to supply not only North but Pilgrim Academy, The Plymouth Boys and Girls Club and South Shore Early Education, Plymouth South High School, the Plymouth recovery center, South Shore Community Action Council, and soon Silver Lake Regional Middle school and High School.

Within Plymouth North, Lady Locker delivers to our school nurses. Mrs. Plant works to distribute products throughout the school to each bathroom to ensure easy access for all.

“I think the availability to our female population is key, they like not having to come all the way down to the health office for supplies,” said Mrs. Wilson, Nurse at Plymouth North.

Community donations can be sourced through many avenues that can be reached on their social media on Instagram @the.ladylocker and Facebook @TheLadyLocker.

Resupplying donation sites every 2-3 weeks, nurses distribute the product to girls bathrooms throughout the school. Outside of North The Lady Locker has helped many students and families on the South Shore have access to free products.

“Many kids may not have access to hygiene products at home. So I think it is important to allow students to have an accessible way to get what they need,” said Annalise Lopes, a sophomore student at Plymouth North.

In the future, The Lady Locker plans to expand its project to include more communities and other personal care products like deodorant.

ALICE: A New Protocol for Safety at North

Prom Season Is Here!

Find all the prom information you may need below!

Insight into student and staff experiences throughout the ALICE training implementation process.

By Nicole Ryttel

Since 2018, there have been 114 school shootings in America.

In recent years, there has been a growing concern towards school attacks throughout the nation. More frequently than ever, schools have put focus on the implementation of effective school lockdown protocols. The Plymouth Public Schools District has chosen the ALICE model to protect its students.

ALICE is an acronym that stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate. Each of these terms represents a step in the lockdown process. Based on information given to teachers regarding an intruder, school members are given a choice as to how to react to the threat.

Students and teachers must decide whether to fight the attacker, barricade their classroom doors, evacuate the building, or do anything else that they believe will help them survive a potential attack.

“The ALICE protocol uses research from actual incidents nationwide to help set up a protocol that is most likely to ensure staff and student safety in the course of an incident,” Mr. Peter Parcellin, principal, said. “The goal is to give people a maximized chance to avoid a threat based on information and adjusted protocols.”

The ALICE model greatly differs from the district’s previous protocol. In the past, students and teachers were directed to sit in a corner of their classroom with the lights off, doors closed, and blinds shut.

Ms. Cayla McCarthy, English teacher, said that “The old model felt very vulnerable, not very proactive, and kind of helpless.”

In 2020, before the start of Covid-19, Plymouth decided to make a change. Teachers experienced their first round of ALICE training. Staff performed a lockdown drill in realtime, and were given a chance to reflect when the drill was over.

“The goal is to give people a maximized chance to avoid a threat based on information and adjusted protocols.”

Mrs. Jennifer Figlioli, Marketing teacher, said, “It gave me an opportunity to think of things that I would do if it [an attack] were to happen and, when we were able to do the training with the students, how I reacted a little bit differently by being able to have one training with just the staff beforehand.”

Ms. McCarthy said, “It was really nice to be able to talk to each other about what worked and what didn’t.”

Due to national quarantine and other Covid-19 restrictions, implementation of ALICE protocol at Plymouth North High School was halted after this staff session. However, on March 30, 2022, students and teachers were finally able to practice the drill in a relatively realistic setting.

Emily Goulian, sophomore, was in her marketing theory class when the drill was performed. She said, “During the ALICE lockdown drill, I was definitely a little scared because it’s always scary when you’re doing a lockdown drill…but honestly I think everyone handled it pretty well…it was very well done and organized.”

Adam Halperin, junior, said, “It is a lot more intense. You are more active in it than the original stay in place drill.”

Throughout varying staff and student emotions, Plymouth North was able to successfully complete its first ALICE drill.

Classrooms throughout the building acted calmly whilst collaborating with one another to bring themselves to safety in the most effective way possible.

“The drill represented what we hoped: that the school community would remain alert and responsive to make decisions that will be more likely to get them to safety or deter a threat,” Mr. Parcellin said.

With the implementation of ALICE protocol at Plymouth North, students feel a sense of maturity and empowerment.

Staff feels secure and confident in their protective abilities.

Instead of sitting and waiting for the inevitable, members of the Plymouth North community will act proactively during a worst case scenario. Throughout a long process of preparation, education, and conversation, Plymouth North High School is fully prepared to handle a rare, yet destructive, school attack.

June 1st, 2022

A ockdown L nform I C ounter E vacuate lert

May 27th, 2022 6-10 PM

6-10 PM Granite Links

Lake Pearl

Quincy, MA

Wretham, MA

Ending Period Poverty: The Lady Locker

By Hannah Flockton

-Peter Parcellin

Parcellin’s First Graduating Class After four years, what has changed, what was taken away from the time, and what will be remembered By: Skyler Wodzinski Since Principal Peter Parcellin has arrived at Plymouth North, he has experienced three graduations, two of them occurring during a pandemic. Upon his arrival, the current seniors of Plymouth North were just starting their high school years. Four years later, those freshmen are planning their futures and getting ready to graduate.

Principal Parcellin’s first ever full four year graduating class is hitting the stage on their way to graduate.

Parcellin has changed and grown along with the senior class.

After four years, it is such an important thing to recognize the difference that Parcellin has made on the student body, and the difference that the students have made on him.

As principal, he must grow alongside the student population. He makes strides to understand what is going on throughout the school. With this knowledge, he acts as a role model, who works on shaping the future for the students at the school and making sure they get a beneficial education.

Kathryn Tocci is a senior at Plymouth North High School and is the president of the student council executive board and works closely with Parcellin.

“He has allowed me, alongside my student council members, to bring the unknown and life into the school in the toughest of times. It has made so many people realize that he is here to leave a mark on the school,” Tocci said. “The most important thing Mr. Parcellin has taught me is that if you keep on trying, you will reach success.”

That is something that he strives for, and it is something that he has helped so many seniors achieve.

Parcellin has reached out and attended to all different groups of students. Through his informational letters, his friendliness in the hallway, and his open door policy, he tries to make Plymouth North a very inclusive place. Students don't need to feel alone because he is always open to talk, and there is always a friend nearby. He is willing to listen and make students feel important.

His willingness to be himself is something that anyone can be impressed by. It is such an important thing to find out who you are, and Parcellin does an amazing job at helping students discover that in themselves. He is not afraid to be himself and is incredibly outgoing and charismatic.

The graduating senior class is incredibly thankful for all that he has done to make the school a better place, and making their last four years, ones to remember. He has taught the class so much through their four years.

Senior Max Westberg said, “Mr. Parcellin has made it a priority to make every student feel appreciated. Whenever I see him he greets my friends and I by name and with a positive energy that brightens our day.” Hannah Ferro, a senior at North, is involved in the Visual Performing Arts program. Throughout her time in high school, she has performed in a wide array of stage performances. She would act in the school's musicals and sing with North's A cappella group Northern Lights. At all the concerts, Parcellin would make an appearance. He shows so much respect for every single kid at North.

“He is such a supporter. Not only does he care about the logistics of running a school, but he cares deeply about the people who populate it, and it shows,” Ferro said. “Him just being there has taught me so much. It's taught me how to be there for others and make them feel special when nobody else will.”

There has been a new addition to all of Plymouth North Girls' bathrooms. Free menstrual products have been placed in bathrooms to be made accessible for all students with the help of a student-led project called The Lady Locker.

The Lady Locker was started by a Plymouth North sophomore Emalee Duggan and her mother. They started the project to allow for kids to have greater access to menstrual products.

“Being a girl myself, I just really wanted to help out and reach out to the community to allow others to feel comfortable and cared for in their community,” said Emalee Duggan, co-founder of The Lady Locker.

Through product donations and monetary donations, The Lady Locker is entirely funded by the community and businesses.

With the new freshman coming in, and a new wave of fresh faces, Parcellin must take what he learned through his time being principal and put it to use.

Chloe Sylvester is a freshman at Plymouth North high School. Being her first year, she was very nervous about what was to come, but Parcellin really helped her get over her fears.

Sylvester said, “He has dug a path in his district for me, and all these other students, and it has made me feel safe and welcomed in and out of school.” With the 2021-2022 school year coming to an end, the seniors reflect on their four memorable years. Parcellin is ready to encourage and support the upcoming students with what he has learned since becoming North's principal With the guidance of Principal Peter Parcellin, the seniors are ready to take on whatever the world throws at them.

The seniors will always remember him as making such an impact on their lives and the school. Even though he is not leaving the school, the impact he has already made is sure to encourage every upcoming student.

With support from local community members and institutions such as the Sunrise Rotary Club, Tech-Etch, and State Representative LaNatra. Support and funding for their project have grown considerably.

Donations can be made through their online portal, Amazon wishlist and Venmo. With this money they are able to buy menstrual products for students to supply their operation.

Community members are also able to get in touch and provide donation of products directly.

“The most valuable lesson I have learned from all of this is that it takes a village! We are building relationships and really getting the whole community involved. Since we rely 100% on donations, spreading awareness is a huge part of what we do,” said Jenn Kiely, Emalee’s mother and Cofounder of The Lady Locker.

Duggan, her mother, and their partners work to supply not only North but Pilgrim Academy, The Plymouth Boys and Girls Club and South Shore Early Education, Plymouth South High School, the Plymouth recovery center, South Shore Community Action Council, and soon Silver Lake Regional Middle school and High School.

Within Plymouth North, Lady Locker delivers to our school nurses. Mrs. Plant works to distribute products throughout the school to each bathroom to ensure easy access for all.

“I think the availability to our female population is key, they like not having to come all the way down to the health office for supplies,” said Mrs. Wilson, Nurse at Plymouth North.

Community donations can be sourced through many avenues that can be reached on their social media on Instagram @the.ladylocker and Facebook @TheLadyLocker.

Resupplying donation sites every 2-3 weeks, nurses distribute the product to girls bathrooms throughout the school. Outside of North The Lady Locker has helped many students and families on the South Shore have access to free products.

“Many kids may not have access to hygiene products at home. So I think it is important to allow students to have an accessible way to get what they need,” said Annalise Lopes, a sophomore student at Plymouth North.

In the future, The Lady Locker plans to expand its project to include more communities and other personal care products like deodorant.

Get Involved at Plymouth North!

Chess Club

All are welcome!

Best Buddies Want to help make inclusive friendships for people with intellectual &developmental disabilities? Join PNHS Best Buddies! Meetings the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month! All are welcome!

Anime Club Do you like playing chess? Join chess club on Tuesdays in room 322 with Mr. Hales to meet new people and have some fun competition!

Do you like watching or drawing Anime? Come join Anime club! Anime club meets every Thursday in room 329 after school!

GSA Be a part of the Gay Straight Alliance Club at Plymouth North! Meetings on the first Thursday of every month at 2pm in room 241 with Mr. Cardoso and Ms. Velino.

Art Club Are you passionate about making art?

Art club meets every Tuesday after school in room 125!

Songwriting Club Are you looking for an outlet for your musical creativity? Join Songwriting Club Mondays after school in 142A. All genres and experience levels welcome!

Games Club Do you like playing games? PNHS Games Club meets Thursdays from 2-4 in Room 108 with Ms. Carrozza!

ALSO Join us for Dungeons and Dragons on Tuesdays afterschool!

Spotlight: Rowan Freidus An inside look to the future of music artists through the work of one talented student By: Hannah Flockton With great thanks to the VPA and newly founded Songwriter’s Club, young artists have an avenue to express themselves through all types of music.

Although there are many students in Songwriter’s Club who are experienced in writing their own songs, there is one who sticks out.

Rowan Freidus is a junior at Plymouth North, and she spends her time singing and writing songs. She currently has three songs out on SoundCloud and her songs are unique and relatable.

Freidus works very hard on her lyrics when writing songs, which is why they flow smoothly and are easy to relate to as a teenager. She writes songs about her feelings, boys who have broken her heart, the stress of school, and a number of other things.

“I started writing music freshman year, but ever since I was in elementary school I would always write poems and I would journal my feelings and emotions, and I think that doing that for so long really helped me have the skills to put together songs and lyrics,” said Freidus.

Although some parts of her songwriting strategies come naturally, Songwriter’s Club has just as big of an influence on her writing as well. She learned how to do things that were different from what she was used to, for example, using synth sounds in a song as opposed to just a guitar or piano.

Dominick Sorensen, who is also a junior at North, works in conjunction with Freidus with her songwriting process. They are currently working on a song together, featuring both of their voices.

“I met Rowan this year through listening to her songs in Songwriter’s Club and she’s very talented. She’s not shy with her music and I’m envious of that. Her songs are very personal and her voice being so great makes you feel the music, rather than just listening to it,” said Sorensen.

Not only have her peers been excited by Freidus’ work, but Mr. Grossman, the advisor of Songwriter’s Club, also has experience working with her from a teacher standpoint.

“Rowan definitely has a curiosity about music and how it works, and has always explored that. She's great at asking questions, and those questions have led her to a better understanding of chords, what notes 'work with each other,' and that's led her to making music that flows more smoothly and lets the listener focus more on what's being said. Rowan is pretty brave and blunt in her writing. She knows what she wants to say and will just say it in a song, which is a lot harder to do than people may realize,” said Grossman.

Some of her song lyrics include situations she has been in or experiences she has had. For example, one of her songs He Picked Me Flowers, includes lyrics about one of her experiences with someone she used to love. On the other hand, Take Me Home is another one of her songs that expresses what she has been through in her home life and with her family.

Freidus’ repertoire will continue growing in the future, and possibly into her future career as a singer and songwriter. Her songs can be found on SoundCloud under Rowan Freidus.

Get Involved at Plymouth North!

Chess Club

All are welcome!

Best Buddies Want to help make inclusive friendships for people with intellectual &developmental disabilities? Join PNHS Best Buddies! Meetings the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month! All are welcome!

Anime Club Do you like playing chess? Join chess club on Tuesdays in room 322 with Mr. Hales to meet new people and have some fun competition!

Do you like watching or drawing Anime? Come join Anime club! Anime club meets every Thursday in room 329 after school!

GSA Be a part of the Gay Straight Alliance Club at Plymouth North! Meetings on the first Thursday of every month at 2pm in room 241 with Mr. Cardoso and Ms. Velino.

Art Club Are you passionate about making art?

Art club meets every Tuesday after school in room 125!

Songwriting Club Are you looking for an outlet for your musical creativity? Join Songwriting Club Mondays after school in 142A. All genres and experience levels welcome!

Games Club Do you like playing games? PNHS Games Club meets Thursdays from 2-4 in Room 108 with Ms. Carrozza!

ALSO Join us for Dungeons and Dragons on Tuesdays afterschool!

Spotlight: Rowan Freidus An inside look to the future of music artists through the work of one talented student By: Hannah Flockton With great thanks to the VPA and newly founded Songwriter’s Club, young artists have an avenue to express themselves through all types of music.

Although there are many students in Songwriter’s Club who are experienced in writing their own songs, there is one who sticks out.

Rowan Freidus is a junior at Plymouth North, and she spends her time singing and writing songs. She currently has three songs out on SoundCloud and her songs are unique and relatable.

Freidus works very hard on her lyrics when writing songs, which is why they flow smoothly and are easy to relate to as a teenager. She writes songs about her feelings, boys who have broken her heart, the stress of school, and a number of other things.

“I started writing music freshman year, but ever since I was in elementary school I would always write poems and I would journal my feelings and emotions, and I think that doing that for so long really helped me have the skills to put together songs and lyrics,” said Freidus.

Although some parts of her songwriting strategies come naturally, Songwriter’s Club has just as big of an influence on her writing as well. She learned how to do things that were different from what she was used to, for example, using synth sounds in a song as opposed to just a guitar or piano.

Dominick Sorensen, who is also a junior at North, works in conjunction with Freidus with her songwriting process. They are currently working on a song together, featuring both of their voices.

“I met Rowan this year through listening to her songs in Songwriter’s Club and she’s very talented. She’s not shy with her music and I’m envious of that. Her songs are very personal and her voice being so great makes you feel the music, rather than just listening to it,” said Sorensen.

Not only have her peers been excited by Freidus’ work, but Mr. Grossman, the advisor of Songwriter’s Club, also has experience working with her from a teacher standpoint.

“Rowan definitely has a curiosity about music and how it works, and has always explored that. She's great at asking questions, and those questions have led her to a better understanding of chords, what notes 'work with each other,' and that's led her to making music that flows more smoothly and lets the listener focus more on what's being said. Rowan is pretty brave and blunt in her writing. She knows what she wants to say and will just say it in a song, which is a lot harder to do than people may realize,” said Grossman.

Some of her song lyrics include situations she has been in or experiences she has had. For example, one of her songs He Picked Me Flowers, includes lyrics about one of her experiences with someone she used to love. On the other hand, Take Me Home is another one of her songs that expresses what she has been through in her home life and with her family.

Freidus’ repertoire will continue growing in the future, and possibly into her future career as a singer and songwriter. Her songs can be found on SoundCloud under Rowan Freidus.

Get Involved at Plymouth North!

Environmental Club Are you concerned about environmental issues? Join PNHS Environmental Club to make a difference and spread awareness in our community. Meetings are every other Thurday during K Block room 339.

Did you know?

PNHS Newspaper is always looking for new writers and graphic designers.

Talk to Mrs. Terry about joining!

Crochet Club Do you like to crochet, or do you want to learn? Join us after school for crochet and cupcakes! Next meeting on Thursday, June 2

Student Council

Friends Without Borders Form friendships, enjoy food, and make arts and crafts!

Meetings every other Tuesday at 2:15 in room 230

PNHS Student Council is always looking for new students who want to make a positive impact in their school. Help promote school spirit, plane events, and share your voice!

Meetings every Friday during K Block in the Lecture Hall!

Amnesty Club Do you want to join the movement for protecting human rights? Join PNHS Amnesty club! Meetings in room 219 every other Monday during K Block.

Philosophy & Debate Club

Want to talk about important controversial issues? Joing Philosophy and Debate Club Thursdays after school in room 339!

PNHS Literacy Magazine

Plymouth North's literary magazine club! We create a magazine that compiles student artwork, photography and writing pieces!

Meetings every Friday during K block in room 224!

French and Spanish Club Come explore the fun and exciting aspects of the French & Spanish Culture!

Meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of the month in room 338 and room 339!

True Crime Club Do you like solving and learning about true crime cases? Join us for meetings in room 208 afterschool on the first and third Thursday of every month.

Plymouth North’s New True Crime Club

By Madeline Dayie April marked the beginning of the new True Crime Club, which looks at all aspects of real crime, both famous and obscure. In addition to its subject material, the club is made unique by its level of student-facilitation.

“The club is student-run so we have to … make all the different Google slides of all the different cases and different aspects of psychology. Next week we’re doing the difference between socioand psychopaths,” said Freshman Gabbie Sidman, the creator and President of the club.

Sidman explained that she took the initiative when there were no clubs at the school that interested her.

“I like true crime and I know a lot of people like true crime but we didn’t have anything like it at school besides forensics,” Sidman said. “I went to my Biomed teacher Ms. Raymond and I told her that I wanted to start a club, and she took care of all the logistics of it.”

Teachers Elizabeth Robbins and Mary Raymond act as the advisors for the club, but they admit it’s mostly student-driven.

“Some of them are in the Biomed program, and others were Forensics students,” Robbins said. “It was their idea to start the club and Ms. Raymond and I were really excited to be a part of it.”

Strong student involvement didn’t stop at the club’s conception, however. Robbins says that the teachers act as “a soundboard for [the students’] ideas, and

bring the snacks,” but the dialogue is led by Sidman and other members.

The topics can range from the more psychological aspects of crime to infamous figures and how they were caught to even unsolved cases, which are debated in a Socratic style by the club after they’ve been presented with the evidence. “[Students] take turns presenting a case,” Robbins said. “The first one was a case to be solved, based on real evidence and trying to piece together what happened … and the second one, one of the students wanted to present the story of Richard Rameriez, who was a serial killer who was captured in California, so talking about the evidence and the case and how it was solved.”

“It’s a fun place to talk about criminal psychology,” Sidman said.

“You can just talk to people with a similar love for true crime and understand it and learn it and I think everyone in the club right now wants to do something involving criminology when they’re older, so I guess it’s a place to talk to people who want to go into careers like that.”

Robbins - who whole-heartedly agrees - said, “It’s just a place where students can come that either have an interest in the events of crime or maybe want to pursue a career in the criminal justice field. They can come together and talk about cases and work on problem solving by trying to figure out cases.”

As a new club, True Crime is still flexible, and is interested in several other different activities to diversify, from podcasts to solvable crime kits.

True Crime Club is open to everyone and meets the first and third Thursday of every month. Contact Elizabeth Robbins or Mary Raymond if interested.

Get Involved at Plymouth North!

Environmental Club Are you concerned about environmental issues? Join PNHS Environmental Club to make a difference and spread awareness in our community. Meetings are every other Thurday during K Block room 339.

Did you know?

PNHS Newspaper is always looking for new writers and graphic designers.

Talk to Mrs. Terry about joining!

Crochet Club Do you like to crochet, or do you want to learn? Join us after school for crochet and cupcakes! Next meeting on Thursday, June 2

Student Council

Friends Without Borders Form friendships, enjoy food, and make arts and crafts!

Meetings every other Tuesday at 2:15 in room 230

PNHS Student Council is always looking for new students who want to make a positive impact in their school. Help promote school spirit, plane events, and share your voice!

Meetings every Friday during K Block in the Lecture Hall!

Amnesty Club Do you want to join the movement for protecting human rights? Join PNHS Amnesty club! Meetings in room 219 every other Monday during K Block.

Philosophy & Debate Club

Want to talk about important controversial issues? Joing Philosophy and Debate Club Thursdays after school in room 339!

PNHS Literacy Magazine

Plymouth North's literary magazine club! We create a magazine that compiles student artwork, photography and writing pieces!

Meetings every Friday during K block in room 224!

French and Spanish Club Come explore the fun and exciting aspects of the French & Spanish Culture!

Meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of the month in room 338 and room 339!

True Crime Club Do you like solving and learning about true crime cases? Join us for meetings in room 208 afterschool on the first and third Thursday of every month.

Plymouth North’s New True Crime Club

By Madeline Dayie April marked the beginning of the new True Crime Club, which looks at all aspects of real crime, both famous and obscure. In addition to its subject material, the club is made unique by its level of student-facilitation.

“The club is student-run so we have to … make all the different Google slides of all the different cases and different aspects of psychology. Next week we’re doing the difference between socioand psychopaths,” said Freshman Gabbie Sidman, the creator and President of the club.

Sidman explained that she took the initiative when there were no clubs at the school that interested her.

“I like true crime and I know a lot of people like true crime but we didn’t have anything like it at school besides forensics,” Sidman said. “I went to my Biomed teacher Ms. Raymond and I told her that I wanted to start a club, and she took care of all the logistics of it.”

Teachers Elizabeth Robbins and Mary Raymond act as the advisors for the club, but they admit it’s mostly student-driven.

“Some of them are in the Biomed program, and others were Forensics students,” Robbins said. “It was their idea to start the club and Ms. Raymond and I were really excited to be a part of it.”

Strong student involvement didn’t stop at the club’s conception, however. Robbins says that the teachers act as “a soundboard for [the students’] ideas, and

bring the snacks,” but the dialogue is led by Sidman and other members.

The topics can range from the more psychological aspects of crime to infamous figures and how they were caught to even unsolved cases, which are debated in a Socratic style by the club after they’ve been presented with the evidence. “[Students] take turns presenting a case,” Robbins said. “The first one was a case to be solved, based on real evidence and trying to piece together what happened … and the second one, one of the students wanted to present the story of Richard Rameriez, who was a serial killer who was captured in California, so talking about the evidence and the case and how it was solved.”

“It’s a fun place to talk about criminal psychology,” Sidman said.

“You can just talk to people with a similar love for true crime and understand it and learn it and I think everyone in the club right now wants to do something involving criminology when they’re older, so I guess it’s a place to talk to people who want to go into careers like that.”

Robbins - who whole-heartedly agrees - said, “It’s just a place where students can come that either have an interest in the events of crime or maybe want to pursue a career in the criminal justice field. They can come together and talk about cases and work on problem solving by trying to figure out cases.”

As a new club, True Crime is still flexible, and is interested in several other different activities to diversify, from podcasts to solvable crime kits.

True Crime Club is open to everyone and meets the first and third Thursday of every month. Contact Elizabeth Robbins or Mary Raymond if interested.

Peru: Land of the Inca

The Student Loan Debt Crisis

Plymouth North students will be given the opportunity to go on an international education trip Cherry Peru is home to some of the greatest wonders in the transfer that By: moneyAmanda to my brother who is going on the trip,” Students will witness a weaving demonstration, visit local

Exploring the issue which has sparked national debate that hits close to home for many collegebound students By: Donald Proctor

-Peter Parcellin

world. The country is full of life, culture, and traditions and it contains rich history and beautiful architecture. Located in the western portion of South America, Peru houses part of the Amazon Rainforest, the colonial city of Cusco, and famously, Machu Picchu, the ancient Incan city.

In 2023, Plymouth North students will have the amazing opportunity to travel to Peru and experience these wonders themselves. Students will learn about Peruvian culture and witness the land of the ancient Incas first-hand.

Mr. Alexandre Cardoso and Ms. Nicole Jalbert are the trip’s organizers. They began planning two years ago. The excursion was originally planned for the 2020-2021 school year, but due to Covid-19, major restrictions were put on travel all over the world.

“We had just done the recruiting meeting and we had just gotten students interested in signing up, but shortly after we were made aware of the pandemic and we put a hold on the trip,” said Cardoso.

Senior Peyton Cohane signed up and put down a deposit for the original 2021 Peru trip during her sophomore year. “I was originally supposed to go on the trip to Peru, but since it’s happening next year when I'll be in college, I can't go. I put down an $800 deposit and they said I can

Photo Credits: Mr. Alex Cardoso

said Cohane.

The potential Peru trip wasn't the only excursion canceled. The Plymouth North students who signed up for the 2019-2020 exchange trip to Spain were never able to travel because it was put on hold and subsequently canceled due to the pandemic.

In September of 2019, twenty-one students and two teachers from the Spanish school IES García Morato traveled from Madrid to Plymouth for their portion of the exchange program with Plymouth North students. With the pandemic resulting in major shutdowns of all travel plans, the Plymouth North students never got a chance to go to Spain in April of 2020.

Senior Kayla Dunner was one of the Plymouth students who was unable to travel to Spain her sophomore year.

“Emotionally, it was very sad. There were some tears because we thought we were going to see all the kids again.

We made such good friends, and then to figure out we weren't going to see them again was very sad,” said Dunner.

In contrast to the 2020 Spain trip, the Peru trip is a complete excursion rather than an exchange trip with a Hispanic school.

“With an exchange trip, you are staying with a host family, whereas with the trip to Peru, students will be staying in their own hotel rooms,” said Cardoso. “We are also possibly only visiting one school in comparison to an exchange trip where students attend classes for the entire week.”

The Peru trip is still dependent on certain Covid-19 protocols. With the impending Covid-19 pandemic, travel restrictions are slowly going away, but as of right now, nothing is for certain. Cardoso said, “Right now, I believe a negative Covid test would still be required to travel, but I'm assuming those restrictions will be dropped in a year from now.”

As of right now, there are no restrictions on what the group can and cannot do when it comes to health and safety protocols. If all goes according to plan, travelers will go to the country’s capital, Lima, and learn about colonial heritage as well as immerse themselves in the food, language, and ways of life in Peru.

“The highlight will obviously be Machu Picchu. We will be visiting other ruin sites such as Sacsayhuaman and salt Maras ponds. We will also be doing some different cultural activities,” said Cardoso.

Holocaust Speaker Op-Ed By: Connor Curow Ronnie Hirschhorn, a Holocaust educator, visited Plymouth North on April 27th.

Through my English class with Ms. Hildebrand, there was an opportunity to go and listen to Hirschhorn's lecture in place of our A1 class, and I signed up.

Much has been said concerning the Holocaust and its horrors, which is a disturbing truth we all need to know about. However, Hirschhorn focused on something different from anything I'd read. She spoke about resistance during this time, an interesting topic we don't hear often, though one that is important to know about. Not all Jews went without a fight; quite a few resisted either through violent or passive means. Women who were part of a resistance group smuggled food and weapons to Jews to help them resist.

It is vital that we recognize the efforts made by those who dared to resist, while also remembering those who lost their lives and those who lived through this atrocity. Events like this are crucial.

People need to be educated on the Holocaust so they can understand the suffering of others, learn the impact this had, and help prevent things like this from happening again.

Hirschhorn came to speak in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day, observed on the 27th and 28th of April every year. I am grateful to Hirschhorn for choosing to visit and share her knowledge with Plymouth North students.

Page 6

markets, and learn about local llama and alpaca farms as well.

Sophomore Merlin Ladd is planning on traveling to Peru.

“I’m really excited about learning about new cultures and how people live their lives differently. I’m also really excited and looking forward to all the places we’re gonna see,” said Ladd.

The 2023 trip to Peru will surely be a momentous occasion for all those involved. “I think it’s really important for students to go on trips like this to really see real-world values and how everything isn’t so glamorized,” said Ladd. “I think students can gain a lot of stuff from these trips on how everything is not the same everywhere and how different everything is from the people to everyday lifestyles to some of the landmarks”.

The total debt owed in student loans in America today has surpassed 1.6 trillion dollars. This absurd figure has been steadily rising for decades, with much uncertainty for the times ahead.

This ordeal has been exacerbated by a number of factors; including hikes in staffing costs at colleges, lessening of state subsidies for higher education, and rising interest rates on loans. The resounding question with this issue, that seems out of the control of students and families, is how can it be regulated to ensure that this class of college-bound students aren’t doomed to lingering debt that hinders them for years down the road?

With all of those underlying factors, the solution around lessening the blow of these costs is no walk in the park. Schools that may provide a more enriching experience in the eyes of a prospective attendee may seem impossible with a lofty price tag.

Seemingly, it has been getting worse,

From 2006 to 2021 the average sticker price for attending a private college went from 44,580 dollars to 55,800 dollars.

“If you get the opportunity to do an exchange trip or to study abroad, do it because I had a lot of fun in that short period of time,” said Dunner.

“This type of trip can be very eye opening. The students can see how there is a whole world out there that is different from what they are used to. Hopefully this is the kind of experience they need to make them more responsible citizens and to appreciate differences of people with different cultures,” said Cardoso.

There was an informational meeting held on April 6th regarding the trip, but it’s not too late to sign up if you haven't already. If you are interested, please contact Mr. Cardoso or Mrs. Jalbert.

Thank you to our...

Reporters: Amanda Cherry, Connor Curow, Madeline Dayie, Riley Dever, Hannah Flockton, Ryan Healy, Maggie Ladd, Parker Maslowski, Donald Proctor, Nicole Ryttel, and Skyler Wodzinski

Photographers: Maeve Campbell, Brooke Finlay, and Brenna Guiliani

Layout/Copywriters: Avary Bond, Maeve Campbell, Hannah Caple, Connor Curow,Ava Galindo, Maya Galindo, Brenna Guiliani, Lilli Hanlon, and Madde Tassinari

That’s a drastic 25% increase, never mind the hikes in tuition at public schools seen in all 50 states during the ten-year span of 2008 to 2018, according to reports from the College Board and Center on Budget & Policy Priorities.

This problem in itself is a multi-pronged situation with many causes. States are being forced to allocate more of their funds towards necessary healthcare and poverty assistance programs, which leaves historically low amounts being shelled out to schools that kept tuition rates comparatively low in the generations before today. This in turn leaves families relying on loans to pay the difference federal aid and scholarships don’t cover.

In the current economic state of the world coming out of the pandemic, interest rates are rebounding after the end of COVID era freezes that could be easily amplified with today’s rate of inflation. Students and families cannot wait for these high interest rates to get pumped out of the markets and are left with debt that slows them down in pursuing independence after college.

What solutions have been given to students to deal with these issues? The concept of canceling student loan debt has become a roaring outcry from left-leaning politicians and constituents, but those on the other side of the table have disparaged idea as utopian.

If the plans proposed in recent years came into fruition, such as the movement to forgive $50k in loan debt per

capita proposed by a group of Democratic lawmakers led

by Senator Elizabeth Warren, the average annual benefit to each household would be over 26 thousand dollars to serve households that make an average of 76 thousand dollars per year, where only 7 percent of which fall below the poverty line.

To put that in perspective, that 26 thousand dollars could provide food stamps to the average recipient household, of which half are below the poverty line, with those benefits for ten years according to The Brookings Institution.

Generally, the best thing to do for high school students is to get ahead and get informed about the best practices in saving for college and mitigating the amount of loans that have to be taken out.

“What we start asking kids to do, even as early as freshman and sophomore year is to start exploring colleges and looking at net price calculators to keep a realistic dialogue about what these costs will entail,” said guidance counselor Ms. Andrea Norton.

Other resources encouraged by the guidance office are the financial seminars they host twice a year, and exploring what the Massachusetts Educational Financial Authority (MEFA) has to offer in terms of helping students. 529 plans have proven themselves as valuable, these state-sponsored saving accounts allow students to put away money which is tax-deferred to be used on college spending. Not all hope is lost in the fight against increasing student debt, saving early and thinking practically about where to go are guidelines for success.

“A big part of why I chose Bridgewater State was the financial appeal. I can reap a solid education out of a state school that I’m financially equipped to handle,” said future Bridgewater State student and current North senior Ryan Slaney.

Maintaining accountability and responsibility for one’s own education are important values to keep in mind when thinking about the payment for those valuable years of schooling.

Following a Passion for Media PNHS Students have been pursuing their love for media in all forms by creating their own businesses

By Maggie Ladd Everyone has had a photography account at one point in their lives but it is fewer who actually create an opportunity for themselves by starting a business. Plymouth North has always been a place where students can pursue their passion in all forms of media with classes such as photography, Fiction and Film, and Broadcasting courses.

In the ever present world that social media now thrives on, media accounts are gaining in popularity. Everyone wants to have their picture taken or watch a video about their favorite sports team. It is a booming field that is hard to break out into unless you put in the work.

Currently two PNHS Seniors, Ryan Healy and Hannah Caple, have created accounts in order to expand their passions. Both seniors are expanding their presence on social media with having fellow students supporting their business.

Hannah’s account @coasttocoastdesignco is a platform that she uses to promote her company and share her work. Caple said, “The media I create is mostly my graphic design and photography work.”

Caple this past year has taken senior photos for some fellow seniors that have features on their personal accounts and in the school yearbook. She hopes to keep expanding her business with pursuing a degree in graphic design at Roger Williams University.

Healy runs a mainly sports photography account found on Instagram under @rhealy_produced. He edits all his pictures to each of the different teams' requests and has them featured on personal Instagram accounts as well as in the Yearbook. Ryan is a member of PNN and Yearbook which allows him to build his portfolio even larger and the quality of his work.

“I’ve always loved technology and so this is the avenue that I’ve seemed to go down. I also do it because … I want them to be able to see themselves, their team, and be able to look back on it,” Healy said.

The ability to capture a moment and make it last forever is the drive for most people to take photos. The love for media can go way beyond high school for some PNHS graduates, Eric Chase is one who is still running his media account, @e.r.i.cmedia. Regarding the growth of his account over time, Chase said, “ I

don’t promote anything as much as I should but organic growth has done me wonders and I’m only still getting started in my mind.”

Page 7

Peru: Land of the Inca

The Student Loan Debt Crisis

Plymouth North students will be given the opportunity to go on an international education trip Cherry Peru is home to some of the greatest wonders in the transfer that By: moneyAmanda to my brother who is going on the trip,” Students will witness a weaving demonstration, visit local

Exploring the issue which has sparked national debate that hits close to home for many collegebound students By: Donald Proctor

-Peter Parcellin

world. The country is full of life, culture, and traditions and it contains rich history and beautiful architecture. Located in the western portion of South America, Peru houses part of the Amazon Rainforest, the colonial city of Cusco, and famously, Machu Picchu, the ancient Incan city.

In 2023, Plymouth North students will have the amazing opportunity to travel to Peru and experience these wonders themselves. Students will learn about Peruvian culture and witness the land of the ancient Incas first-hand.

Mr. Alexandre Cardoso and Ms. Nicole Jalbert are the trip’s organizers. They began planning two years ago. The excursion was originally planned for the 2020-2021 school year, but due to Covid-19, major restrictions were put on travel all over the world.

“We had just done the recruiting meeting and we had just gotten students interested in signing up, but shortly after we were made aware of the pandemic and we put a hold on the trip,” said Cardoso.

Senior Peyton Cohane signed up and put down a deposit for the original 2021 Peru trip during her sophomore year. “I was originally supposed to go on the trip to Peru, but since it’s happening next year when I'll be in college, I can't go. I put down an $800 deposit and they said I can

Photo Credits: Mr. Alex Cardoso

said Cohane.

The potential Peru trip wasn't the only excursion canceled. The Plymouth North students who signed up for the 2019-2020 exchange trip to Spain were never able to travel because it was put on hold and subsequently canceled due to the pandemic.

In September of 2019, twenty-one students and two teachers from the Spanish school IES García Morato traveled from Madrid to Plymouth for their portion of the exchange program with Plymouth North students. With the pandemic resulting in major shutdowns of all travel plans, the Plymouth North students never got a chance to go to Spain in April of 2020.

Senior Kayla Dunner was one of the Plymouth students who was unable to travel to Spain her sophomore year.

“Emotionally, it was very sad. There were some tears because we thought we were going to see all the kids again.

We made such good friends, and then to figure out we weren't going to see them again was very sad,” said Dunner.

In contrast to the 2020 Spain trip, the Peru trip is a complete excursion rather than an exchange trip with a Hispanic school.

“With an exchange trip, you are staying with a host family, whereas with the trip to Peru, students will be staying in their own hotel rooms,” said Cardoso. “We are also possibly only visiting one school in comparison to an exchange trip where students attend classes for the entire week.”

The Peru trip is still dependent on certain Covid-19 protocols. With the impending Covid-19 pandemic, travel restrictions are slowly going away, but as of right now, nothing is for certain. Cardoso said, “Right now, I believe a negative Covid test would still be required to travel, but I'm assuming those restrictions will be dropped in a year from now.”

As of right now, there are no restrictions on what the group can and cannot do when it comes to health and safety protocols. If all goes according to plan, travelers will go to the country’s capital, Lima, and learn about colonial heritage as well as immerse themselves in the food, language, and ways of life in Peru.

“The highlight will obviously be Machu Picchu. We will be visiting other ruin sites such as Sacsayhuaman and salt Maras ponds. We will also be doing some different cultural activities,” said Cardoso.

Holocaust Speaker Op-Ed By: Connor Curow Ronnie Hirschhorn, a Holocaust educator, visited Plymouth North on April 27th.

Through my English class with Ms. Hildebrand, there was an opportunity to go and listen to Hirschhorn's lecture in place of our A1 class, and I signed up.

Much has been said concerning the Holocaust and its horrors, which is a disturbing truth we all need to know about. However, Hirschhorn focused on something different from anything I'd read. She spoke about resistance during this time, an interesting topic we don't hear often, though one that is important to know about. Not all Jews went without a fight; quite a few resisted either through violent or passive means. Women who were part of a resistance group smuggled food and weapons to Jews to help them resist.

It is vital that we recognize the efforts made by those who dared to resist, while also remembering those who lost their lives and those who lived through this atrocity. Events like this are crucial.

People need to be educated on the Holocaust so they can understand the suffering of others, learn the impact this had, and help prevent things like this from happening again.

Hirschhorn came to speak in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day, observed on the 27th and 28th of April every year. I am grateful to Hirschhorn for choosing to visit and share her knowledge with Plymouth North students.

Page 6

markets, and learn about local llama and alpaca farms as well.

Sophomore Merlin Ladd is planning on traveling to Peru.

“I’m really excited about learning about new cultures and how people live their lives differently. I’m also really excited and looking forward to all the places we’re gonna see,” said Ladd.

The 2023 trip to Peru will surely be a momentous occasion for all those involved. “I think it’s really important for students to go on trips like this to really see real-world values and how everything isn’t so glamorized,” said Ladd. “I think students can gain a lot of stuff from these trips on how everything is not the same everywhere and how different everything is from the people to everyday lifestyles to some of the landmarks”.

The total debt owed in student loans in America today has surpassed 1.6 trillion dollars. This absurd figure has been steadily rising for decades, with much uncertainty for the times ahead.

This ordeal has been exacerbated by a number of factors; including hikes in staffing costs at colleges, lessening of state subsidies for higher education, and rising interest rates on loans. The resounding question with this issue, that seems out of the control of students and families, is how can it be regulated to ensure that this class of college-bound students aren’t doomed to lingering debt that hinders them for years down the road?

With all of those underlying factors, the solution around lessening the blow of these costs is no walk in the park. Schools that may provide a more enriching experience in the eyes of a prospective attendee may seem impossible with a lofty price tag.

Seemingly, it has been getting worse,

From 2006 to 2021 the average sticker price for attending a private college went from 44,580 dollars to 55,800 dollars.

“If you get the opportunity to do an exchange trip or to study abroad, do it because I had a lot of fun in that short period of time,” said Dunner.

“This type of trip can be very eye opening. The students can see how there is a whole world out there that is different from what they are used to. Hopefully this is the kind of experience they need to make them more responsible citizens and to appreciate differences of people with different cultures,” said Cardoso.

There was an informational meeting held on April 6th regarding the trip, but it’s not too late to sign up if you haven't already. If you are interested, please contact Mr. Cardoso or Mrs. Jalbert.

Thank you to our...

Reporters: Amanda Cherry, Connor Curow, Madeline Dayie, Riley Dever, Hannah Flockton, Ryan Healy, Maggie Ladd, Parker Maslowski, Donald Proctor, Nicole Ryttel, and Skyler Wodzinski

Photographers: Maeve Campbell, Brooke Finlay, and Brenna Guiliani

Layout/Copywriters: Avary Bond, Maeve Campbell, Hannah Caple, Connor Curow,Ava Galindo, Maya Galindo, Brenna Guiliani, Lilli Hanlon, and Madde Tassinari

That’s a drastic 25% increase, never mind the hikes in tuition at public schools seen in all 50 states during the ten-year span of 2008 to 2018, according to reports from the College Board and Center on Budget & Policy Priorities.

This problem in itself is a multi-pronged situation with many causes. States are being forced to allocate more of their funds towards necessary healthcare and poverty assistance programs, which leaves historically low amounts being shelled out to schools that kept tuition rates comparatively low in the generations before today. This in turn leaves families relying on loans to pay the difference federal aid and scholarships don’t cover.

In the current economic state of the world coming out of the pandemic, interest rates are rebounding after the end of COVID era freezes that could be easily amplified with today’s rate of inflation. Students and families cannot wait for these high interest rates to get pumped out of the markets and are left with debt that slows them down in pursuing independence after college.

What solutions have been given to students to deal with these issues? The concept of canceling student loan debt has become a roaring outcry from left-leaning politicians and constituents, but those on the other side of the table have disparaged idea as utopian.

If the plans proposed in recent years came into fruition, such as the movement to forgive $50k in loan debt per

capita proposed by a group of Democratic lawmakers led

by Senator Elizabeth Warren, the average annual benefit to each household would be over 26 thousand dollars to serve households that make an average of 76 thousand dollars per year, where only 7 percent of which fall below the poverty line.

To put that in perspective, that 26 thousand dollars could provide food stamps to the average recipient household, of which half are below the poverty line, with those benefits for ten years according to The Brookings Institution.

Generally, the best thing to do for high school students is to get ahead and get informed about the best practices in saving for college and mitigating the amount of loans that have to be taken out.

“What we start asking kids to do, even as early as freshman and sophomore year is to start exploring colleges and looking at net price calculators to keep a realistic dialogue about what these costs will entail,” said guidance counselor Ms. Andrea Norton.

Other resources encouraged by the guidance office are the financial seminars they host twice a year, and exploring what the Massachusetts Educational Financial Authority (MEFA) has to offer in terms of helping students. 529 plans have proven themselves as valuable, these state-sponsored saving accounts allow students to put away money which is tax-deferred to be used on college spending. Not all hope is lost in the fight against increasing student debt, saving early and thinking practically about where to go are guidelines for success.

“A big part of why I chose Bridgewater State was the financial appeal. I can reap a solid education out of a state school that I’m financially equipped to handle,” said future Bridgewater State student and current North senior Ryan Slaney.

Maintaining accountability and responsibility for one’s own education are important values to keep in mind when thinking about the payment for those valuable years of schooling.

Following a Passion for Media PNHS Students have been pursuing their love for media in all forms by creating their own businesses

By Maggie Ladd Everyone has had a photography account at one point in their lives but it is fewer who actually create an opportunity for themselves by starting a business. Plymouth North has always been a place where students can pursue their passion in all forms of media with classes such as photography, Fiction and Film, and Broadcasting courses.

In the ever present world that social media now thrives on, media accounts are gaining in popularity. Everyone wants to have their picture taken or watch a video about their favorite sports team. It is a booming field that is hard to break out into unless you put in the work.

Currently two PNHS Seniors, Ryan Healy and Hannah Caple, have created accounts in order to expand their passions. Both seniors are expanding their presence on social media with having fellow students supporting their business.

Hannah’s account @coasttocoastdesignco is a platform that she uses to promote her company and share her work. Caple said, “The media I create is mostly my graphic design and photography work.”

Caple this past year has taken senior photos for some fellow seniors that have features on their personal accounts and in the school yearbook. She hopes to keep expanding her business with pursuing a degree in graphic design at Roger Williams University.

Healy runs a mainly sports photography account found on Instagram under @rhealy_produced. He edits all his pictures to each of the different teams' requests and has them featured on personal Instagram accounts as well as in the Yearbook. Ryan is a member of PNN and Yearbook which allows him to build his portfolio even larger and the quality of his work.

“I’ve always loved technology and so this is the avenue that I’ve seemed to go down. I also do it because … I want them to be able to see themselves, their team, and be able to look back on it,” Healy said.

The ability to capture a moment and make it last forever is the drive for most people to take photos. The love for media can go way beyond high school for some PNHS graduates, Eric Chase is one who is still running his media account, @e.r.i.cmedia. Regarding the growth of his account over time, Chase said, “ I

don’t promote anything as much as I should but organic growth has done me wonders and I’m only still getting started in my mind.”

Page 7

A Final Push For a State Title Plymouth North sports teams hope to cap off a successful year with a State Championship By: Ryan Healy

Athletics are a highlight for many high school students. The experience plus the overall health benefits make it worthwhile, but the dream of winning a state championship doesn’t always come easy.

This year, Plymouth North High School has had a very successful year all around in terms of school sports. Girls' and Boys' soccer teams were highly ranked in their state divisions and went deep into the playoffs as well as the boys' hockey team who won their first playoff game in years. Now, Spring sports teams are trying to make the final push for a state championship trophy to cap the year off.

The Boys' Tennis team, Softball, and Girls' Lacrosse teams look especially exciting this spring season with some dominating wins so far in their seasons.

Boys' tennis coach Bob Cooney is confident in this year’s squad which features three senior captains, Robby Cooney, Jack George, and Max Westberg, as well as some young talent including freshman Danny Stephenson.

“The team looks great, very solid all around…They all love the sport and are working very hard every day,” Coach Cooney said.

“As for the singles we have three very dedicated and competitive guys who want to win, and for doubles, they work well together and have very good chemistry.”

Although Coach Cooney is not concerned with how well the team does in the playoffs, he knows the potential is there.

“I’m not worried about what happens with the playoffs but I think if these guys really want it they have the ability to accomplish anything, ” he said. “We’ll see what happens, I just want them to get the most out of their season,” Cooney added.

Girls' Lacrosse started the season very well scoring 14+ goals in several of their games. Senior Captain Ava Whiting is very passionate about the sport and the team, and she is optimistic about where the team will finish this season.

“We were a little worried at the start with so many new people but we have a lot of really athletic freshmen and sophomores who have picked up lacrosse very quickly and are helping to rebuild the team,” Whiting said.

“We have a really great group of coaches who do everything they can to teach us and constantly help us improve. I also think we have great leadership throughout the program and team chemistry,” Whiting said. “I think we can definitely make it to the playoffs this year. Where we may lack in stick skills we make up for it in effort and can put up a fight against more challenging teams. Hopefully we can make it past the first round because that hasn’t been done in years.”

Optimistic for the future, Whiting said, “What is starting this year will influence the program for years to come. I’m very optimistic because of the amount of effort every player in the program puts in every day. I know even if we don’t make it far in the playoffs, we still have a great program that is going to continue to grow regardless.”

After a very successful year last season, Softball looks to dominate the Patriot League yet again. With a perfect start to the season the girls hope that the Patriot League isn’t all that they will win this year.

Senior Captain Megan Banzi believes that the softball team can win it all. “I think we can do it. I know we have the ability, we just have to put it together,” she said. “There’s been some conflicts but we are able to put that behind us and win games.”

With high expectations for Plymouth North spring sports, hopefully, players and coaches can block out the noise and enjoy themselves no matter how things end up. Roll birds. Let’s lift a trophy.

Photo Credits: Girls' Lacrosse: Merlin Ladd; Baseball: Maggie Ladd; Boys' Lacrosse/Ultimate Frisbee: Ryan Healy; Tennis/Unified Track: Mrs. Fraser