The Eagle | Issue 3 | May 2023

Issue 3 - May 2023

The Eagle Plymouth North High School Newspaper

Page 2

Page 3

Page 4

Page 5

Page 6

Page 7

Get Involved

Class of '23 Senior Project Senior Hypnotist Night

Current Events

College Out of State Colleges Beyond College

Summer Happenings

Athletics Unified Track and Field Ultimate Frisbee

Amnesty International

Robotics Mathletes

Junior Prom Dresses Super Mario Bros.

Movie Review

Volunteering Hobbies

Eagles Leave the Nest: A Trip to Panama

A look into the preparation, obstacles encountered, and cultural experiences of PNHS’s trip to Panama

By Gabby Lopes

Plymouth North Eagles have left the nest and travelled to Panama this April break. During their travels, students had not only observed Panamanian customs, but participated in numerous cultural events as well.

PNHS teacher Mr. Alexandre Cardoso continues his missions of global exploration as the head advisor for the educational trip. His travel experience had prepared him for the inevitable unexpectancies that come with travel.

Months prior to the spring trip, the destination was abruptly changed from Peru to Panama.

“We had to change our location from Peru because the government was shutting down after an attempted coup,” Mr. Cardoso said.

However, the Plymouth North trip advisors had led a smooth transition of destination, and decided that Panama was the safest option for travellers that still offers rich cultural exposure.

“It’s a part of travelling – you have to be open to anything out of your way, or out of your control,” said Mr. Cardoso.

Despite these changes, students and faculty had prepared months ahead for the excursion. Outside of their monthly meetings, students practiced Spanish phrases and terminology on the app Duolingo. By doing so, students were encouraged to become familiar with Panamanian culture prior to the trip itself.

Plymouth North travellers also got to virtually meet Mrs. Kaelin JenkinsBrown’s aunt, a Panama citizen.

Through the call, students were allowed to ask questions about the country, customs and experiences.

Finally, the group had developed collaborative skills by taking a mini field trip to the JFK Library and walking the Freedom Trail in Boston.

Comfortability with public transit and correspondence with the travel group were both vital components of a successful trip.

After months of preparation and planning, PNHS travellers arrived in Panama City on Saturday, April 15th.

The moment they stepped foot into the capital city, they were on a tight schedule for the next nine days.

Students explored the heart of Panama City, Casco Viejo, on the second day of the trip. Also known as ‘old town’, the historic district includes the top restaurants and shopping sites that are popular among tourists.

Travellers also became immersed in cultural activities such as mud hut building in Cubitá, also known as la junta de embarre. Once the wooden frame for the building was set, students and instructors participated in the practice of stomping clay and mud. In Spanish, the term “junta” means “together.” Plymouth North travellers were given the opportunity to celebrate the activity with Panamanian locals, together.

On the final day of the trip, students had been patiently waiting to visit the Panama Surf School. Located in the tropical San Carlos District, travellers met with experienced instructors to learn a new skill. “It was definitely thrilling, but a little difficult to pick up,” said Serena Ball, junior at Plymouth North.

Mr. Cardoso recalls that the surfing lessons were one of the trip’s highlights, and the most looked forward to on the itinerary.

After nine days of experiencing Panamanian tradition, new food, and local life, travellers departed on Sunday, April 23. However, their sunburns are not the only thing they have brought home with them.

Students have returned to Plymouth with a newfound appreciation for Panamanian culture, and are showing interest in future trips.

“We stepped out of our boundaries and gained memories with our fellow travellers. It was an unforgettable experience,” said junior Ava Galindo.

Plymouth North students and advisors have not only learned about a new country, but their months of preparation have made them more well-rounded in Central American culture. New perspectives and experiences being brought home to Plymouth better represent PNHS, and the community as a whole.

Amnesty International A closer look into this fascinating club here at Plymouth North By: Eliza Terman When it comes to the clubs and extracurricular activities at Plymouth North, there are many that most students aren't aware of. One of those clubs here at North is Amnesty International.

“Amnesty Club is equally a service club and an information discussion club. We generally talk about human rights and abuses throughout the world and we try to think of local and global issues,” said junior Nicole Ryttel.

The Amnesty International Club is unlike other clubs at school. It provides lots of information about international and domestic issues and shines a light on human rights.

After talking with Plymouth North teacher Ms. Perlow, I learned why this club is different from other clubs at school and why it is an important club.

“This club is different because it is student-driven and does a lot of fundraisers and drives in our school itself to bring human rights awareness to our school,” Ms. Perlow, history teacher, said.

It is clear to see that many students are not aware of this club.

On the other hand, many students at Plymouth North think Amnesty International is a very intriguing club and a good way to spend their K-block.

The Amnesty International Club meets every other Monday during directed study in room 319, Ms. Perlow’s room.

A typical Amnesty meeting is run by three seniors, Maggie Buckley, Liz Meader, and Kelly Palmer. They first introduce the people that are presenting. One group presents information about an international issue and one group does the same with a domestic issue. After each presentation, there is a discussion held.

In these discussions, club members talk about if they've seen this happening in their community, what they can do about it, how they have seen this portrayed in the news and media, and more.

At the end of the meetings, new people or groups volunteer to create presentations on the topic of their choice for the next meeting.

Mathletes of North Plymouth North students have been competing in the math world, taking their skills outside the classroom By: Liam Husband Many high school competitions are thought of as taking place under the lights on a Friday night.

However, some of North's other competitors have been taking down schools on paper, with a pencil and some calculators.

Plymouth North's math team is a coalition of seventeen North math experts, led by Mrs. Kesha Nielsen, the Math department head.

“They are a community of students who enjoy and excel at math and compete in the Southeastern Massachusetts Math League Meets,” said Mrs. Nielsen.

They compete against schools such as Duxbury, Marshfield, Pembroke, Plymouth South, and Silver Lake.

Similar to other teams, the Math team features two varsity teams consisting of five students. “Anyone who enjoys math is very much welcome to come. If students do not compete on the "varsity" team then they compete as alternates during every round at our division meets,” said Mrs. Nielsen.

The math team is no stranger to success as they were able to win the division last season, and compete competitively throughout this year.

This success doesn’t just come from the leadership of Mrs. Nielsen, it also comes from the adaptable minds of the team.

“The math you do is very abstract and it requires an open mind to try and solve,” said senior team member Aidan Lennon.

In addition to being able to work through solutions, teamwork is essential as a math team is all about collaboration.

“Math team is a team club, so it is nice to have teamwork skills. Still, even if you are not a person who is extroverted or good at speaking to and with people, everyone on the team is extremely nice, so you will quickly learn how to work with and be a part of a team,” said sophomore team member Chelsea Ohiwa.

“The team is very upbeat and close and therefore the comradery adds a very fun atmosphere to the team,” said senior member John Driscoll.

They start in September to fundraise, and compete from November through February. With competing they must lock in, in order to maintain a high level of focus.

“The hardest part of Math Team, at least for me, is the mental battle of not being pressured by the timer

ding during meets. Solving the problems, whether it be one at a time or jumping around to each problem to get as many right as I can, is what matters.” said Ohiwa.

Although this group competes at a high level with an intent in winning, many other lessons are learned throughout the team's season.

“I think the lessons learned from operating on a team in an academic pursuit such as math is an essential lesson to prepare the next generation of change-makers,” said Driscoll.

Each month the team is challenged to figure out the six new competition topics that are given out. They compete against other schools within these topics.

To help prepare for the competitions they meet weekly to go over all the topics and work through practice problems.

These six topics are very broad and can cover lots of mathematical concepts that are left out of a high school curriculum.

“You get to learn a lot of discrete and abstract math skills that a normal class doesn't have the time for.

These skills will greatly benefit your success in future math and science classes, particularly in college,” said Driscoll.

We wish these mathematical-minded Eagles the best of luck as they push the boundaries of what's possible in the mathematical realm of high school.

Robotics Team Students go above and beyond, using new technology to compete and win

By Ethan Hogan Plymouth North High School has a thriving Robotics team. This year they took on a task they had never done before.

Over the years, the team has competed in many different competitions starting in 1994 since they joined the First Robotics Competition. From these, they’ve expanded to other competitions, such as Battlebots, MateROV, Vex, and others.

“At the beginning, we took a poll from the students to see what competition they would be most excited for. From that, we decided we could split the group and have them work on the robot that interests them more,” said Mr. Carl Nielsen, engineering teacher at Plymouth North.

Dividing the team is something that has never been done before by the Robotics team. Vex Robotics Competition and MateROV were the two competitions the group decided to compete in this year.

The Vex Robotics Competition this year was called VRC Spin Up. The goal of the game is to get the most foam disks into your high or low goals to score the most points.

The process of creating the robot for this competition had many steps to it. A timeframe of about 3 months, from January to March, was all the time they had to design, create, and test the robot.

“We first went through a brainstorming phase, understanding our objectives, creating prototypes, and then picking the design we liked the most,” said Plymouth North Senior Aidan Lennon.

Students worked after school every Tuesday and Thursday during that 3-month time period.

As a result of all the hard work put in by this group, they placed 14th and received the sportsmanship award when they competed on March 25th.

The other half of the group worked on underwater robots, competing in the MateROV competition.

The MateROV competition aims to find ways to combat climate change in our oceans using ROVs, or Remotely Operated Vehicles.

“The team had to complete various challenges like releasing simulated fish into the correct habitat, moving various underwater objects, and identifying underwater hazards,” said senior engineering student Lucas Lacerda.

This group went through the same process of designing and creating and competed on April 22nd at Mass Maritime Academy.

“The robot didn’t perform as well as we hoped. We had some issues with controls, but it was still a great experience,” said Carl Nielsen.

Overall, the Robotics team had a great year full of meaningful experiences. They will continue growing and getting stronger in the next coming years.

Owen Mayo and Advisors Speak to the Senior Project Class A school year’s worth of work is coming to an end, but the results are well worth it.

Owen Mayo worked on his website to display artists from North for his senior project, and gives us an insight into how it came about. Advisors give more information on the class that reveals the benefits it offers.

The senior project class is offered to seniors at Plymouth North for those interested to explore and create a project of any interest.

This class, taken for Honors credit, is self-instructed.

The students use one period, along with K block, to work on their assignments related to their given project. Students frequently check in with their advisors, who provide direction for them throughout the duration of the project.

A handbook is provided at the beginning of the year to the students with the assignments and due dates so the students can plan accordingly.

Owen Mayo – a senior currently enrolled in North’s senior project initiative – created a website called “Made by the Sea” located at www.madebythesea.org, for artists from Plymouth North to display their artwork. Artwork can include music, which Mayo has created from his very own laptop.

Prior to pursuing his website, Mayo composed a musical portfolio, adding the filmed process of him creating an instrumental song. After editing his video, he felt like it was not a year’s worth of work.

Mayo said, “I wanted to perfect this project and the best way to do this is to benefit my peers, and have a place for other artists to display their art.” He not only wanted to distribute his music, but provide the

A Look into the Boisterous Fun of Senior Hypnotist Night

By Parker Maslowski For the past several years, Senior Hypnotist Night has been a staple of the ‘Senior Spring’ for Plymouth North students. As an event for seniors only, Senior Hypnotist Night is an exhilarating experience where students can watch each other be mesmerized by a hypnotist comedian. For the class of 2023, Senior Hypnotist Night will surely be an evening to remember.

On Wednesday, May 24th, Senior Hypnotist Night will happen at 7 PM at Plymouth North High School.

The event will feature renowned hypnotist Jim Spinnato, who has entertained high school students for over a decade with his unique blend of comedy and hypnotism. Jim Spinnato is known for his hilarious ability to captivate the audience with outrageous scenarios and entertainment in his “Hypnotic Hysteria” show.

Although the event stopped abruptly due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, Senior Hypnotist returned for seniors in the class of 2022. As the event always had been, the night burst with boisterous laughter and incredible surprises. This year, Senior Hypnotist Night promises to be a unique and memorable event for Plymouth North seniors in the class of 2023.

Senior Class Advisor Mrs. Kimberly Wolcott and Student Council Secretary for the class of 2023, Jordan Sherman, have been tasked with organizing Senior Hypnotist Night. Due to the successful revival of the event last year, Wolcott and Sherman are thrilled about this year’s experience.

“Seniors are surely in for a treat,” said Wolcott. “I can’t remember when I started it, but I do know that every year we’ve had Senior Hypnotist Night, it’s been a blast.”

As one of the seniors who have helped schedule and plan for Senior Hypnotist Night, Sherman is eager for students to experience the comedy of Jim Spinnato.

“He’s an exceptionally hilarious person,” said Sherman. “I know Senior Hypnotist Night will be a huge hit for our class since we have a ton of characters.”

Despite the highs and lows for the class of 2023 due

opportunity for others.

Putting in hard work also came with many struggles.

Alongside having to expand the impact of his project, Mayo had to become comfortable with technology.

Mayo said, “New softwares like Adobe Premium for film and Squarespace the website builder were hard to maneuver, and editing videos was also a challenge.”

Overcoming obstacles is a skill learned in this environment, making each and every senior project notable and memorable for them and their senior year at North.

“I'm maintaining the website and making changes to add artists, especially those who attend Plymouth North who also want to be a part of it,” Mayo said. Plans after high school include keeping up with his project.

Many artists do not have a place to express their passion. Even though the website does not have a name, Mayo plans to include information about the art and the artists themselves, allowing the audience to explore even deeper than just the art.

The teachers behind this class provide guidance and adult supervision so their projects are successful. CheckIns are held with the students to help challenges become resolved.

Each advisor has students to look over and creates a bond found outside of the average classroom.

Mrs. Allen, gym teacher and girls' hockey coach at North, noted that, “Anything that shows passion from the students" are the types of projects that have inspired her.

"Since the sky's the limit, seeing what the students can bring along with passion. Independent work comes from the students willing to create their project,” she adds.

As senior Owen Mayo wraps up his senior project, he notes on the inner workings of his creative independent program By: Annalise Lopes Each project is created from the student's own individual idea which is built up from their personal interests.

Mr. Loughlin, a teacher within the history department, said, “Anytime students get to choose and learn from their experience expresses ahad the experience to create a children’s book that interacts with the department of children and families.

Another student built an acapella program at PCIS and had them run performances. Students several years later benefited from her project at the middle school.” meaning. A student worked with a social worker and Working alongside others to create a meaningful project is another skill gained by these students.

The ability to reach out and communicate with programs is not found very often amongst high schoolers.

Mr. Loughlin also highlighted the self-motivation and independence that creates these projects.

Despite all the great benefits of this course the number of participants has dropped sufficiently.

“In the years past, 60-70 students attend this class, but numbers have been down since Covid. In 2019, 54 people across the building participated, but only 8 students in the 2022-2023 year,” said Loughlin.

Lack of information is to blame for this decrease in attendance, and self-determination to follow.

The students and advisors suggest this class to anyone, so see them or your guidance counselor with any questions!

Hypnotist Hijinx to the turbulent events of the past few years, Sherman is confident that Senior Hypnotist Night will send seniors off with smiling faces. “We’ve been together for four years now, and a pandemic,” said Sherman. “If anything, I’m most excited to see how my friends react to being hypnotized. It’s a chance for us to enjoy ourselves even during the stressful times of graduation practices and figuring out our futures.”

Former seniors from the class of 2022 are also excited for their friends to experience Senior Hypnotist Night.

“Senior year is a special time that only happens once,” said Hannah Ferro, a past senior in the class of 2022.

“Senior Hypnotist Night is a great way to make memories with your classmates and have some fun before graduation.”

Ferro is especially excited for current seniors to experience Spinnato’s antics. “The hypnotist was hilarious,” said Ferro. “He had us all laughing throughout the entire night, and his sarcastic humor added to the overall entertainment of the night.”

“One of the things the hypnotist did to my friend was make her perform Thriller by Michael Jackson,” said Ferro. “She was 100% under and to this day she literally remembers none of it. I wasn’t really excited and I was skeptical until he started really making people act crazy.”

“Although his entire set is a comedy act, the hypnotist was very professional and made sure that everyone felt comfortable during the night,” said Hannah Caple, another former senior in the class of 2022.

“Senior Hypnotist Night was one of the highlights of my senior year. A couple of friends went as a joke, and it turned out to be a night that I will always remember.”

Jim Spinnato is also excited about his appearance at Plymouth North. As a frequent visitor to the high school, Spinnato can’t wait to build a rapport with the senior audience each year. “I have to say that I love performing for high school crowds,” said Spinnato. “They tend to be very rambunctious and give off the best laughs.

“Comedy is an integral part of what I do,” said Spinnato. As a performer who has been hypnotizing audiences for over a decade, Spinnato believes laughter is the most powerful tool for a hypnotist. “When people are laughing, they are more open to suggestions and more likely to have fun,” said Spinnato.

Turning something as mundane as people sleeping into an entire comedy show is part of the fun for Spinnato, who said that he enjoys the challenge of hypnotizing skeptics. “I love it when people can see a skeptic fall into a trance after saying they wouldn’t be hypnotized,” said Spinnato. “It’s also fun goofing around with the class clown.

“I find that a mix of both skeptical and interested is ideal,” said Spinnato. “A completely skeptical audience can be challenging because they may resist going under hypnosis and fully participating in the show. On the other hand, an audience that is too eager to believe in the ‘magic’ may not challenge me to be as creative in my performance.”

To an experienced comedian, hypnotist, and magician, keeping the show fresh and exciting for different audiences is all part of the job. For high school students, Spinnato hopes to create memories that last a lifetime. “I believe it’s a great way for high school seniors to let loose and have some fun,” said Spinnato. “The final year of high school can be stressful and emotionally draining with all the college and future talk. So, having an entertaining and interactive event like a hypnotism show can be a great way for them to bond and create memories.

“For any type of school, seeing your typical jocks dancing to ballet is a riot,” said Spinnato. “As a comedian hypnotist, I’m not just performing a scripted show, I’m also responding to the energy and reactions of the audience. If I have a good connection with my audience, it’s much easier to control the show.”

As the time counts down to Senior Hypnotist Night, seniors should look forward to an unforgettable experience for all who attend. With the hilarious and mesmerizing skills of Jim Spinnato, seniors will enjoy a night full of laughter.

At only $1 for entry, it is an affordable way to spend one of the last few nights together before graduation. Don‘t miss out on this hypnotic opportunity on Wednesday, May 24th, at 7 PM, and prepare to be enchanted by the power of hypnosis!

Amnesty International A closer look into this fascinating club here at Plymouth North By: Eliza Terman When it comes to the clubs and extracurricular activities at Plymouth North, there are many that most students aren't aware of. One of those clubs here at North is Amnesty International.

“Amnesty Club is equally a service club and an information discussion club. We generally talk about human rights and abuses throughout the world and we try to think of local and global issues,” said junior Nicole Ryttel.

The Amnesty International Club is unlike other clubs at school. It provides lots of information about international and domestic issues and shines a light on human rights.

After talking with Plymouth North teacher Ms. Perlow, I learned why this club is different from other clubs at school and why it is an important club.

“This club is different because it is student-driven and does a lot of fundraisers and drives in our school itself to bring human rights awareness to our school,” Ms. Perlow, history teacher, said.

It is clear to see that many students are not aware of this club.

On the other hand, many students at Plymouth North think Amnesty International is a very intriguing club and a good way to spend their K-block.

The Amnesty International Club meets every other Monday during directed study in room 319, Ms. Perlow’s room.

A typical Amnesty meeting is run by three seniors, Maggie Buckley, Liz Meader, and Kelly Palmer. They first introduce the people that are presenting. One group presents information about an international issue and one group does the same with a domestic issue. After each presentation, there is a discussion held.

In these discussions, club members talk about if they've seen this happening in their community, what they can do about it, how they have seen this portrayed in the news and media, and more.

At the end of the meetings, new people or groups volunteer to create presentations on the topic of their choice for the next meeting.

Mathletes of North Plymouth North students have been competing in the math world, taking their skills outside the classroom By: Liam Husband Many high school competitions are thought of as taking place under the lights on a Friday night.

However, some of North's other competitors have been taking down schools on paper, with a pencil and some calculators.

Plymouth North's math team is a coalition of seventeen North math experts, led by Mrs. Kesha Nielsen, the Math department head.

“They are a community of students who enjoy and excel at math and compete in the Southeastern Massachusetts Math League Meets,” said Mrs. Nielsen.

They compete against schools such as Duxbury, Marshfield, Pembroke, Plymouth South, and Silver Lake.

Similar to other teams, the Math team features two varsity teams consisting of five students. “Anyone who enjoys math is very much welcome to come. If students do not compete on the "varsity" team then they compete as alternates during every round at our division meets,” said Mrs. Nielsen.

The math team is no stranger to success as they were able to win the division last season, and compete competitively throughout this year.

This success doesn’t just come from the leadership of Mrs. Nielsen, it also comes from the adaptable minds of the team.

“The math you do is very abstract and it requires an open mind to try and solve,” said senior team member Aidan Lennon.

In addition to being able to work through solutions, teamwork is essential as a math team is all about collaboration.

“Math team is a team club, so it is nice to have teamwork skills. Still, even if you are not a person who is extroverted or good at speaking to and with people, everyone on the team is extremely nice, so you will quickly learn how to work with and be a part of a team,” said sophomore team member Chelsea Ohiwa.

“The team is very upbeat and close and therefore the comradery adds a very fun atmosphere to the team,” said senior member John Driscoll.

They start in September to fundraise, and compete from November through February. With competing they must lock in, in order to maintain a high level of focus.

“The hardest part of Math Team, at least for me, is the mental battle of not being pressured by the timer

ding during meets. Solving the problems, whether it be one at a time or jumping around to each problem to get as many right as I can, is what matters.” said Ohiwa.

Although this group competes at a high level with an intent in winning, many other lessons are learned throughout the team's season.

“I think the lessons learned from operating on a team in an academic pursuit such as math is an essential lesson to prepare the next generation of change-makers,” said Driscoll.

Each month the team is challenged to figure out the six new competition topics that are given out. They compete against other schools within these topics.

To help prepare for the competitions they meet weekly to go over all the topics and work through practice problems.

These six topics are very broad and can cover lots of mathematical concepts that are left out of a high school curriculum.

“You get to learn a lot of discrete and abstract math skills that a normal class doesn't have the time for.

These skills will greatly benefit your success in future math and science classes, particularly in college,” said Driscoll.

We wish these mathematical-minded Eagles the best of luck as they push the boundaries of what's possible in the mathematical realm of high school.

Robotics Team Students go above and beyond, using new technology to compete and win

By Ethan Hogan Plymouth North High School has a thriving Robotics team. This year they took on a task they had never done before.

Over the years, the team has competed in many different competitions starting in 1994 since they joined the First Robotics Competition. From these, they’ve expanded to other competitions, such as Battlebots, MateROV, Vex, and others.

“At the beginning, we took a poll from the students to see what competition they would be most excited for. From that, we decided we could split the group and have them work on the robot that interests them more,” said Mr. Carl Nielsen, engineering teacher at Plymouth North.

Dividing the team is something that has never been done before by the Robotics team. Vex Robotics Competition and MateROV were the two competitions the group decided to compete in this year.

The Vex Robotics Competition this year was called VRC Spin Up. The goal of the game is to get the most foam disks into your high or low goals to score the most points.

The process of creating the robot for this competition had many steps to it. A timeframe of about 3 months, from January to March, was all the time they had to design, create, and test the robot.

“We first went through a brainstorming phase, understanding our objectives, creating prototypes, and then picking the design we liked the most,” said Plymouth North Senior Aidan Lennon.

Students worked after school every Tuesday and Thursday during that 3-month time period.

As a result of all the hard work put in by this group, they placed 14th and received the sportsmanship award when they competed on March 25th.

The other half of the group worked on underwater robots, competing in the MateROV competition.

The MateROV competition aims to find ways to combat climate change in our oceans using ROVs, or Remotely Operated Vehicles.

“The team had to complete various challenges like releasing simulated fish into the correct habitat, moving various underwater objects, and identifying underwater hazards,” said senior engineering student Lucas Lacerda.

This group went through the same process of designing and creating and competed on April 22nd at Mass Maritime Academy.

“The robot didn’t perform as well as we hoped. We had some issues with controls, but it was still a great experience,” said Carl Nielsen.

Overall, the Robotics team had a great year full of meaningful experiences. They will continue growing and getting stronger in the next coming years.

Owen Mayo and Advisors Speak to the Senior Project Class A school year’s worth of work is coming to an end, but the results are well worth it.

Owen Mayo worked on his website to display artists from North for his senior project, and gives us an insight into how it came about. Advisors give more information on the class that reveals the benefits it offers.

The senior project class is offered to seniors at Plymouth North for those interested to explore and create a project of any interest.

This class, taken for Honors credit, is self-instructed.

The students use one period, along with K block, to work on their assignments related to their given project. Students frequently check in with their advisors, who provide direction for them throughout the duration of the project.

A handbook is provided at the beginning of the year to the students with the assignments and due dates so the students can plan accordingly.

Owen Mayo – a senior currently enrolled in North’s senior project initiative – created a website called “Made by the Sea” located at www.madebythesea.org, for artists from Plymouth North to display their artwork. Artwork can include music, which Mayo has created from his very own laptop.

Prior to pursuing his website, Mayo composed a musical portfolio, adding the filmed process of him creating an instrumental song. After editing his video, he felt like it was not a year’s worth of work.

Mayo said, “I wanted to perfect this project and the best way to do this is to benefit my peers, and have a place for other artists to display their art.” He not only wanted to distribute his music, but provide the

A Look into the Boisterous Fun of Senior Hypnotist Night

By Parker Maslowski For the past several years, Senior Hypnotist Night has been a staple of the ‘Senior Spring’ for Plymouth North students. As an event for seniors only, Senior Hypnotist Night is an exhilarating experience where students can watch each other be mesmerized by a hypnotist comedian. For the class of 2023, Senior Hypnotist Night will surely be an evening to remember.

On Wednesday, May 24th, Senior Hypnotist Night will happen at 7 PM at Plymouth North High School.

The event will feature renowned hypnotist Jim Spinnato, who has entertained high school students for over a decade with his unique blend of comedy and hypnotism. Jim Spinnato is known for his hilarious ability to captivate the audience with outrageous scenarios and entertainment in his “Hypnotic Hysteria” show.

Although the event stopped abruptly due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, Senior Hypnotist returned for seniors in the class of 2022. As the event always had been, the night burst with boisterous laughter and incredible surprises. This year, Senior Hypnotist Night promises to be a unique and memorable event for Plymouth North seniors in the class of 2023.

Senior Class Advisor Mrs. Kimberly Wolcott and Student Council Secretary for the class of 2023, Jordan Sherman, have been tasked with organizing Senior Hypnotist Night. Due to the successful revival of the event last year, Wolcott and Sherman are thrilled about this year’s experience.

“Seniors are surely in for a treat,” said Wolcott. “I can’t remember when I started it, but I do know that every year we’ve had Senior Hypnotist Night, it’s been a blast.”

As one of the seniors who have helped schedule and plan for Senior Hypnotist Night, Sherman is eager for students to experience the comedy of Jim Spinnato.

“He’s an exceptionally hilarious person,” said Sherman. “I know Senior Hypnotist Night will be a huge hit for our class since we have a ton of characters.”

Despite the highs and lows for the class of 2023 due

opportunity for others.

Putting in hard work also came with many struggles.

Alongside having to expand the impact of his project, Mayo had to become comfortable with technology.

Mayo said, “New softwares like Adobe Premium for film and Squarespace the website builder were hard to maneuver, and editing videos was also a challenge.”

Overcoming obstacles is a skill learned in this environment, making each and every senior project notable and memorable for them and their senior year at North.

“I'm maintaining the website and making changes to add artists, especially those who attend Plymouth North who also want to be a part of it,” Mayo said. Plans after high school include keeping up with his project.

Many artists do not have a place to express their passion. Even though the website does not have a name, Mayo plans to include information about the art and the artists themselves, allowing the audience to explore even deeper than just the art.

The teachers behind this class provide guidance and adult supervision so their projects are successful. CheckIns are held with the students to help challenges become resolved.

Each advisor has students to look over and creates a bond found outside of the average classroom.

Mrs. Allen, gym teacher and girls' hockey coach at North, noted that, “Anything that shows passion from the students" are the types of projects that have inspired her.

"Since the sky's the limit, seeing what the students can bring along with passion. Independent work comes from the students willing to create their project,” she adds.

As senior Owen Mayo wraps up his senior project, he notes on the inner workings of his creative independent program By: Annalise Lopes Each project is created from the student's own individual idea which is built up from their personal interests.

Mr. Loughlin, a teacher within the history department, said, “Anytime students get to choose and learn from their experience expresses ahad the experience to create a children’s book that interacts with the department of children and families.

Another student built an acapella program at PCIS and had them run performances. Students several years later benefited from her project at the middle school.” meaning. A student worked with a social worker and Working alongside others to create a meaningful project is another skill gained by these students.

The ability to reach out and communicate with programs is not found very often amongst high schoolers.

Mr. Loughlin also highlighted the self-motivation and independence that creates these projects.

Despite all the great benefits of this course the number of participants has dropped sufficiently.

“In the years past, 60-70 students attend this class, but numbers have been down since Covid. In 2019, 54 people across the building participated, but only 8 students in the 2022-2023 year,” said Loughlin.

Lack of information is to blame for this decrease in attendance, and self-determination to follow.

The students and advisors suggest this class to anyone, so see them or your guidance counselor with any questions!

Hypnotist Hijinx to the turbulent events of the past few years, Sherman is confident that Senior Hypnotist Night will send seniors off with smiling faces. “We’ve been together for four years now, and a pandemic,” said Sherman. “If anything, I’m most excited to see how my friends react to being hypnotized. It’s a chance for us to enjoy ourselves even during the stressful times of graduation practices and figuring out our futures.”

Former seniors from the class of 2022 are also excited for their friends to experience Senior Hypnotist Night.

“Senior year is a special time that only happens once,” said Hannah Ferro, a past senior in the class of 2022.

“Senior Hypnotist Night is a great way to make memories with your classmates and have some fun before graduation.”

Ferro is especially excited for current seniors to experience Spinnato’s antics. “The hypnotist was hilarious,” said Ferro. “He had us all laughing throughout the entire night, and his sarcastic humor added to the overall entertainment of the night.”

“One of the things the hypnotist did to my friend was make her perform Thriller by Michael Jackson,” said Ferro. “She was 100% under and to this day she literally remembers none of it. I wasn’t really excited and I was skeptical until he started really making people act crazy.”

“Although his entire set is a comedy act, the hypnotist was very professional and made sure that everyone felt comfortable during the night,” said Hannah Caple, another former senior in the class of 2022.

“Senior Hypnotist Night was one of the highlights of my senior year. A couple of friends went as a joke, and it turned out to be a night that I will always remember.”

Jim Spinnato is also excited about his appearance at Plymouth North. As a frequent visitor to the high school, Spinnato can’t wait to build a rapport with the senior audience each year. “I have to say that I love performing for high school crowds,” said Spinnato. “They tend to be very rambunctious and give off the best laughs.

“Comedy is an integral part of what I do,” said Spinnato. As a performer who has been hypnotizing audiences for over a decade, Spinnato believes laughter is the most powerful tool for a hypnotist. “When people are laughing, they are more open to suggestions and more likely to have fun,” said Spinnato.

Turning something as mundane as people sleeping into an entire comedy show is part of the fun for Spinnato, who said that he enjoys the challenge of hypnotizing skeptics. “I love it when people can see a skeptic fall into a trance after saying they wouldn’t be hypnotized,” said Spinnato. “It’s also fun goofing around with the class clown.

“I find that a mix of both skeptical and interested is ideal,” said Spinnato. “A completely skeptical audience can be challenging because they may resist going under hypnosis and fully participating in the show. On the other hand, an audience that is too eager to believe in the ‘magic’ may not challenge me to be as creative in my performance.”

To an experienced comedian, hypnotist, and magician, keeping the show fresh and exciting for different audiences is all part of the job. For high school students, Spinnato hopes to create memories that last a lifetime. “I believe it’s a great way for high school seniors to let loose and have some fun,” said Spinnato. “The final year of high school can be stressful and emotionally draining with all the college and future talk. So, having an entertaining and interactive event like a hypnotism show can be a great way for them to bond and create memories.

“For any type of school, seeing your typical jocks dancing to ballet is a riot,” said Spinnato. “As a comedian hypnotist, I’m not just performing a scripted show, I’m also responding to the energy and reactions of the audience. If I have a good connection with my audience, it’s much easier to control the show.”

As the time counts down to Senior Hypnotist Night, seniors should look forward to an unforgettable experience for all who attend. With the hilarious and mesmerizing skills of Jim Spinnato, seniors will enjoy a night full of laughter.

At only $1 for entry, it is an affordable way to spend one of the last few nights together before graduation. Don‘t miss out on this hypnotic opportunity on Wednesday, May 24th, at 7 PM, and prepare to be enchanted by the power of hypnosis!

A Look into Junior Prom Preparations Junior girls hunt for the perfect prom dress By: Maeve Campbell

While junior prom is a one-night event, many people don’t realize how early the preparations start.

Some may compare the planning leading up to prom to many weddings. The infamous promposal, hunt for the perfect dress, hair and makeup appointments, and limo rentals are just some of the great lengths high school juniors are going to in an effort to make the perfect night.

Finding the perfect dress seems to be the top priority for most high school girls. The process of finding a dress takes place months before the actual prom.

“ I started looking for a prom dress in February, so did most of my friends,” said junior Annalise Lopes.

A top priority is to not have the same dress as another student.

The prom dress Instagram account helps ensure there is no drama over dresses. These accounts have been tradition for Plymouth North for many years, and are popular among many local high schools. These accounts are spaces for girls to post their prom dresses, ensuring no one else will get the same dress.

This tradition has been going on for almost a decade, with accounts dating back to 2015.

"I started the page when I heard the first few people started to get their dresses at the beginning of January,” said Abigail McGaughey, current prom dress account coordinator. This is a private account that is open to anyone going to North’s Junior prom, even if they don’t go to the school.

“People will DM me a picture of their prom dress. Then I post it and tag them so people know who the dress belongs to. Most people send all angles of their dresses so everyone knows what the entire thing looks like,” said McGaughey.

Many junior girls have found comfort from this account. “I really appreciated having the account because I bought my dress from a popular boutique and could look at it to make sure no one had it before I bought my dress,” said Lopes.

Another trend that has been seen on Instagram is the reselling of prom dresses. Girls will post their old prom dresses on their story for a lower price than purchased, asking if anyone is interested.

Senior Megan Hanna has found a way to repurpose her old prom dress. “I spent a lot of money on my prom dress last year, and I figured I’d never wear it again so I might as well sell it. I ended up selling it to a junior at North this year,” said Hanna.

Buying secondhand has been a recent trend too. Girls typically buy from boutiques like Alexandra’s Boutique in Fall River or Margaret’s Boutique in New Bedford, but these boutiques can be pricey.

Senior Olivia Lennon found her dress at Twice as Nice in Pembroke. “I bought my dress at a consignment store last year. It was in great condition and I liked knowing that the dress was very unique so someone else wouldn't have it,” said Lennon.

“Most dresses I have seen have come from a variety of places and have very different looks. It’s great to see people so excited about their dresses,” said McGaughey.

These special dresses will debut on May 26th at Lake Pearl in Wrentham, MA.

A Small Club with a Big Mission Plymouth North's Interact Club is Committed to Making Change Written by: Jordan Melville

Plymouth North has many opportunities to get involved and teachers highly encourage students to do so. One club encourages its members to get involved even beyond North’s doors by practicing community outreach.

Interact club is a club uniquely focused on community-service. Interact Clubs are international and connected to Rotary Clubs, both of which have the mission of service above self for the betterment of the community. The club’s goal is to empower students to identify issues, plan and then act to bring about positive changes and impacts on various communities students at North are a part of.

Learning how to be positive community members is a skill that Interact Clubs hope to impart on all students, not just those who are members. Students in the club are very passionate about helping others and getting involved. Junior member Maggie Kusmin really appreciates all the club has to offer.

“I love the Interact Club because it gives me the opportunity to reach out to the community and support an important cause. As well as giving me the opportunity to plan out events and meet new people and reach out to sponsors,” said Kusmin.

The Interact Club is advised by PNHS French teacher Mrs. Lewison, however, she credits students involved for much of its success. At one of their September meetings, members of the

Interact Club got together and brainstormed issues that they were most interested in increasing support for.

Pediatric cancer came out to be on top of their lists.

“So, when we decided we wanted to proceed with a benefit show, we knew that we wanted all proceeds from the event to go to an organization involved with pediatric cancer treatment and care,” said Lewison.

In support of Lucy’s Love Bus the club hosted a benefit show to raise money. The show was a talent show of sorts and it was really successful when they had a benefit show in the past which is why they decided to do it again.

The benefit show they hosted not only helps to raise money for important causes but it also gives students an opportunity to showcase their talents when they might not have otherwise had the opportunity.

The benefit show went great. We had multiple great acts performed by very talented performers. We had a wide variety of acts from dance, comedy, to singing,” said Kusmin.

Proceeds from ticket sales, concessions, individual and business donations will all go towards benefiting Lucy’s Love bus. This year the club raised just over $6,500 significantly surpassing their original goal of $4,000.

"We ran a bake sale with local businesses and sold baked goods made by them and many other talented bakers. The bake sale was a hit, and we will definitely be doing a bake sale during our next Benefit Show,”

said Kusmin.

Lucy’s Love Bus seemed to be the perfect pairing for Plymouth North's fundraiser because of their similar dedication to helping the community and their commitment to interact with clubs.

“Interact Clubs are an awesome way to get involved in the local community and make a huge difference! Lucy was only 11 when she founded Lucy's Love Bus, and her friends and her sister's friends helped fundraise and build Lucy's Love Bus into what it is today so that we can help lots of kids with cancer!” said Lucy’s Love Bus representative, Jackie Walker.

It's wonderful to see students and teachers so passionate about causes that are important to them.

Kusmin also mentioned that she hopes next year the club increases publicity around the show and bake sale to hopefully raise even more money for important causes.

For anyone looking to get involved, the club meets on Thursdays during K block in MMrs. Lewison's room, so stop by if you have a chance!

SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE REVIEW By Sebastian Demerjian The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a 2023 animated movie released by Illumination Studios and Nintendo as a collaboration based on the popular video game character Mario, created by Shigeru Miyamoto, and his world. This review works as a non-spoilers summary of that movie and overall thoughts on both how it works as a standalone and how it adapted source material. So I watched The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and I thought it was solid!

I’ve always been a movie lover over a video game enthusiast, but of course, I know Mario, and he’s course a beloved character with a simple story that was never

adapted to film, as long as you forget the live-action one. So this seemed like an exciting endeavor with quite a few different directions it could go, and the movie is definitely good at keeping you entertained.

With fast pacing and colorful animation, this is about what you’d expect from a Mario movie for kids.

The shortcomings, to me, come with some of the characters. It’s unfortunate that Mario, Princess Peach, and Toad are all separated from Luigi and Bowser, as I believe Luigi and Bowser are very strong characters and fun to watch, while the rest are much more basic and average,

meaning I was sometimes waiting for the scene to cut away from what’s actually the main plot. However, the three still had their moments, and I didn’t fully dislike any of them, so this was not a huge negative.

Besides that, there is a loss that comes with this movie being very ad-like, which somewhat takes away from the magic of a Mario movie. In the end, some parts felt like an Illumination movie with Mario references and characters, which was pretty hard to ignore. With all these pros and cons put together, I’d give the Mario movie a solid 7/10, and I would

recommend it if you are just hoping to see Mario on the big screen. Thanks for reading, and I would like to note that the soundtrack for this one is for some reason full of ‘80s rock and pop hits?

What?

“It is very heavy-handed in its references, but it is still a fun movie.” – Jason Case

Why Are More Students Going Farther Away For College?

In recent years, there has been an increasing trend among high school graduates. More students than ever are attending college farther away from home, across the United States.

Students getting far away from their hometown for college is nothing new.

For as long as there have been institutions of higher education, there have been students who use it as an opportunity to live in a new place. But there has been a profound increase in students going far from home for college, and this trend is also common for Plymouth North.

“When I started in the field, I would guess that 90% of my students stayed within 100 miles of their high school.

Now I am seeing more and more students looking at colleges in places like the Carolinas, Florida, and California,” said Mr. Mark Furman, PNHS Guidance Counselor. “I think students and parents are more openminded about seeking new experiences,” said Furman.

One common reason for this desire to travel and live farther away is because of the experiences of living through COVID-19

The reasoning behind this recent development among high school graduates across the country

by Seeger Creane Having spent much of their high school experience during a pandemic, students are left wanting to leave. Spending so much time stuck at home certainly sparked some students' desire for exploring and traveling across the world, rather than staying close to home.

“COVID definitely played a part in me leaving the Northeast. I feel like having so much time in Plymouth during high school made me want to go anywhere but here,” said Travis Coveney, a PNHS graduate in the class of 2022, and current freshman at the University of Oklahoma.

This explains part of why this trend of moving has ticked upwards in the last few years, as there have only been a few high school graduating classes who had the pandemic as part of their high school experience.

However, COVID-19 isn’t the only reason some high school graduates leave the area.

Some students feel comfortable moving away because they want the freedom to

explore themselves as individuals and push themselves to go out of their comfort zone by living in a new state.

There are several other reasons why students are choosing to leave New England.

“I think I always planned on going to college in another part of the country,” said Lindsay Dyer, a freshman at Loyola University Maryland who graduated from Plymouth North last year.

“Part of the college experience is putting yourself out there and getting out of your comfort zone. I’ve always wanted to get away from home for college,” said Dyer. Additionally, this search for finding independence and immersing themselves in a new location is greatly due to the influence of today’s technology.

Technology, more than ever, provides a variety of ways to stay in touch and is making it easier to be far away from your family and friends, even if they are thousands of miles away.

Social media and applications such as FaceTime can make students across the country or even the world feel closer.

“Honestly, I think I really might have struggled being so far away in a different time. But being able to talk to my parents, or my friends, or anyone from home on such a consistent basis almost makes it feel like I never left,” said Christian Davis, a Marshfield High School class of ‘21 graduate and current sophomore at the University of California San Diego.

Although it’s hard to pinpoint exactly one reason for this, current college students seem to agree that the extended time spent at home due to COVID-19, a search for independence, and the ease of staying close with loved ones despite being far apart, has helped boost the percentage of students who leave home.

There is no doubt that this hunger for travel and independence beyond Plymouth has led them to unique experiences and opportunities around the world and is shaping them into the individuals they are today.

College is Not the Only Path to Success Not every senior at Plymouth North chooses to be college-bound Written by: Lucy Woomer

Once seen as the only path to success, a college education is now becoming only one of the many ways students can prosper after high school. Although a large percentage of Plymouth seniors will enroll in college in the fall, many seniors are taking a different path.

Whether it is work, the military, a gap year, an apprenticeship, or another choice, students now feel empowered to approach life after high school on their terms.

Sean Madden, a senior at North, has chosen not to go to college and instead signed up for an apprenticeship program.

“I am going to be an electrical apprentice and work my way to become a master electrician. I don’t want to have student loans to pay off, and you don’t necessarily need a higher education to become successful, depending on what path you choose,” said Madden.

Copy Editors: Connor Curow Nicole Ryttel Ava Galindo

Photographers: Avabella Tassinari, Ava Galindo, Ethan Hogan, Bella Piekarski, EdTV

Jonathan Nammour, also a senior at North, has a different plan after graduation instead of college.

“The step I'm taking to pursue my career after high school is to join the army as a military police officer. All that law enforcement experience definitely helps with jobs outside the military,” said Nammour.

Most students have grown up with the expectation that they will go to college someday in order to be successful and create a career. Because of that, most do follow through with what is expected of them even if they are unsure of that route.

“I definitely think people who are going to college view others who aren’t going to college somewhat different to a degree. They might think that it’s the wrong choice to not go to college or maybe they just couldn’t imagine choosing any other route,” said Nammour.

Andrea Norton, a guidance counselor at North, helps students navigate their posthigh school plans every day.

“I think that the world still values college and that's great. However, in this day and age, people understand that you can make a great living by doing other things as well, like taking a gap year, volunteering, learning a trade, enlisting in the military, or going right to work,” said Norton.

According to the “Condition of Education in the Commonwealth 2023,” college enrollment in Massachusetts has dropped 10.4 percent since 2015, while the number of people joining the workforce has increased nearly 5 percent since 2019. This drop in enrollment is due in part to the increase in college costs and students' reluctance to take on a lot of debt.

The Eagle

Plymouth North High School's Student Newspaper

Writers: Ethan Hogan, Eliza Terman, Maeve Campbell, Dylan Capozzi, Seeger Creane, Brenna Guiliani, Jordan Melville, Liam Husband, Parker Maslowski, Lucy Woomer, Gabby Lopes, Ivan Freyermuth, Sebastian Demerjian, Annalise Lopes, Connor Jepson

"College is expensive, and I find more and more kids are really trying to think about what is best for them in terms of setting themselves up the best that they can for a successful future,” said Norton.

“That may include college, or it may not.

But for the most part, I see people being more open to alternative options and having less stigma attached to a noncollege route.”

Nammour shared some advice for students who might be considering a non-traditional route after high school.

“If a student thinks they might not want to go to college, I would tell them to do whatever they feel makes the most sense for them. A lot of people feel like they have to go to college right after high school, and that’s really not the case,” said Nammour. “People can create great lives for themselves without ever going to college, but I would say definitely play around with your options and really try to understand them as best as you can to make the right decision.”

Contact: plymouthnorthnews@gmail.com

Faculty Advisor: Michelle Terry

Layout Editors: Ava Galindo Bella Piekarski Mya Boyd Avabella Tassinari Lilli Hanlon

A Look into Junior Prom Preparations Junior girls hunt for the perfect prom dress By: Maeve Campbell

While junior prom is a one-night event, many people don’t realize how early the preparations start.

Some may compare the planning leading up to prom to many weddings. The infamous promposal, hunt for the perfect dress, hair and makeup appointments, and limo rentals are just some of the great lengths high school juniors are going to in an effort to make the perfect night.

Finding the perfect dress seems to be the top priority for most high school girls. The process of finding a dress takes place months before the actual prom.

“ I started looking for a prom dress in February, so did most of my friends,” said junior Annalise Lopes.

A top priority is to not have the same dress as another student.

The prom dress Instagram account helps ensure there is no drama over dresses. These accounts have been tradition for Plymouth North for many years, and are popular among many local high schools. These accounts are spaces for girls to post their prom dresses, ensuring no one else will get the same dress.

This tradition has been going on for almost a decade, with accounts dating back to 2015.

"I started the page when I heard the first few people started to get their dresses at the beginning of January,” said Abigail McGaughey, current prom dress account coordinator. This is a private account that is open to anyone going to North’s Junior prom, even if they don’t go to the school.

“People will DM me a picture of their prom dress. Then I post it and tag them so people know who the dress belongs to. Most people send all angles of their dresses so everyone knows what the entire thing looks like,” said McGaughey.

Many junior girls have found comfort from this account. “I really appreciated having the account because I bought my dress from a popular boutique and could look at it to make sure no one had it before I bought my dress,” said Lopes.

Another trend that has been seen on Instagram is the reselling of prom dresses. Girls will post their old prom dresses on their story for a lower price than purchased, asking if anyone is interested.

Senior Megan Hanna has found a way to repurpose her old prom dress. “I spent a lot of money on my prom dress last year, and I figured I’d never wear it again so I might as well sell it. I ended up selling it to a junior at North this year,” said Hanna.

Buying secondhand has been a recent trend too. Girls typically buy from boutiques like Alexandra’s Boutique in Fall River or Margaret’s Boutique in New Bedford, but these boutiques can be pricey.

Senior Olivia Lennon found her dress at Twice as Nice in Pembroke. “I bought my dress at a consignment store last year. It was in great condition and I liked knowing that the dress was very unique so someone else wouldn't have it,” said Lennon.

“Most dresses I have seen have come from a variety of places and have very different looks. It’s great to see people so excited about their dresses,” said McGaughey.

These special dresses will debut on May 26th at Lake Pearl in Wrentham, MA.

A Small Club with a Big Mission Plymouth North's Interact Club is Committed to Making Change Written by: Jordan Melville

Plymouth North has many opportunities to get involved and teachers highly encourage students to do so. One club encourages its members to get involved even beyond North’s doors by practicing community outreach.

Interact club is a club uniquely focused on community-service. Interact Clubs are international and connected to Rotary Clubs, both of which have the mission of service above self for the betterment of the community. The club’s goal is to empower students to identify issues, plan and then act to bring about positive changes and impacts on various communities students at North are a part of.

Learning how to be positive community members is a skill that Interact Clubs hope to impart on all students, not just those who are members. Students in the club are very passionate about helping others and getting involved. Junior member Maggie Kusmin really appreciates all the club has to offer.

“I love the Interact Club because it gives me the opportunity to reach out to the community and support an important cause. As well as giving me the opportunity to plan out events and meet new people and reach out to sponsors,” said Kusmin.

The Interact Club is advised by PNHS French teacher Mrs. Lewison, however, she credits students involved for much of its success. At one of their September meetings, members of the

Interact Club got together and brainstormed issues that they were most interested in increasing support for.

Pediatric cancer came out to be on top of their lists.

“So, when we decided we wanted to proceed with a benefit show, we knew that we wanted all proceeds from the event to go to an organization involved with pediatric cancer treatment and care,” said Lewison.

In support of Lucy’s Love Bus the club hosted a benefit show to raise money. The show was a talent show of sorts and it was really successful when they had a benefit show in the past which is why they decided to do it again.

The benefit show they hosted not only helps to raise money for important causes but it also gives students an opportunity to showcase their talents when they might not have otherwise had the opportunity.

The benefit show went great. We had multiple great acts performed by very talented performers. We had a wide variety of acts from dance, comedy, to singing,” said Kusmin.

Proceeds from ticket sales, concessions, individual and business donations will all go towards benefiting Lucy’s Love bus. This year the club raised just over $6,500 significantly surpassing their original goal of $4,000.

"We ran a bake sale with local businesses and sold baked goods made by them and many other talented bakers. The bake sale was a hit, and we will definitely be doing a bake sale during our next Benefit Show,”

said Kusmin.

Lucy’s Love Bus seemed to be the perfect pairing for Plymouth North's fundraiser because of their similar dedication to helping the community and their commitment to interact with clubs.

“Interact Clubs are an awesome way to get involved in the local community and make a huge difference! Lucy was only 11 when she founded Lucy's Love Bus, and her friends and her sister's friends helped fundraise and build Lucy's Love Bus into what it is today so that we can help lots of kids with cancer!” said Lucy’s Love Bus representative, Jackie Walker.

It's wonderful to see students and teachers so passionate about causes that are important to them.

Kusmin also mentioned that she hopes next year the club increases publicity around the show and bake sale to hopefully raise even more money for important causes.

For anyone looking to get involved, the club meets on Thursdays during K block in MMrs. Lewison's room, so stop by if you have a chance!

SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE REVIEW By Sebastian Demerjian The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a 2023 animated movie released by Illumination Studios and Nintendo as a collaboration based on the popular video game character Mario, created by Shigeru Miyamoto, and his world. This review works as a non-spoilers summary of that movie and overall thoughts on both how it works as a standalone and how it adapted source material. So I watched The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and I thought it was solid!

I’ve always been a movie lover over a video game enthusiast, but of course, I know Mario, and he’s course a beloved character with a simple story that was never

adapted to film, as long as you forget the live-action one. So this seemed like an exciting endeavor with quite a few different directions it could go, and the movie is definitely good at keeping you entertained.

With fast pacing and colorful animation, this is about what you’d expect from a Mario movie for kids.

The shortcomings, to me, come with some of the characters. It’s unfortunate that Mario, Princess Peach, and Toad are all separated from Luigi and Bowser, as I believe Luigi and Bowser are very strong characters and fun to watch, while the rest are much more basic and average,

meaning I was sometimes waiting for the scene to cut away from what’s actually the main plot. However, the three still had their moments, and I didn’t fully dislike any of them, so this was not a huge negative.

Besides that, there is a loss that comes with this movie being very ad-like, which somewhat takes away from the magic of a Mario movie. In the end, some parts felt like an Illumination movie with Mario references and characters, which was pretty hard to ignore. With all these pros and cons put together, I’d give the Mario movie a solid 7/10, and I would

recommend it if you are just hoping to see Mario on the big screen. Thanks for reading, and I would like to note that the soundtrack for this one is for some reason full of ‘80s rock and pop hits?

What?

“It is very heavy-handed in its references, but it is still a fun movie.” – Jason Case

Why Are More Students Going Farther Away For College?

In recent years, there has been an increasing trend among high school graduates. More students than ever are attending college farther away from home, across the United States.

Students getting far away from their hometown for college is nothing new.

For as long as there have been institutions of higher education, there have been students who use it as an opportunity to live in a new place. But there has been a profound increase in students going far from home for college, and this trend is also common for Plymouth North.

“When I started in the field, I would guess that 90% of my students stayed within 100 miles of their high school.

Now I am seeing more and more students looking at colleges in places like the Carolinas, Florida, and California,” said Mr. Mark Furman, PNHS Guidance Counselor. “I think students and parents are more openminded about seeking new experiences,” said Furman.

One common reason for this desire to travel and live farther away is because of the experiences of living through COVID-19

The reasoning behind this recent development among high school graduates across the country

by Seeger Creane Having spent much of their high school experience during a pandemic, students are left wanting to leave. Spending so much time stuck at home certainly sparked some students' desire for exploring and traveling across the world, rather than staying close to home.

“COVID definitely played a part in me leaving the Northeast. I feel like having so much time in Plymouth during high school made me want to go anywhere but here,” said Travis Coveney, a PNHS graduate in the class of 2022, and current freshman at the University of Oklahoma.

This explains part of why this trend of moving has ticked upwards in the last few years, as there have only been a few high school graduating classes who had the pandemic as part of their high school experience.

However, COVID-19 isn’t the only reason some high school graduates leave the area.

Some students feel comfortable moving away because they want the freedom to

explore themselves as individuals and push themselves to go out of their comfort zone by living in a new state.

There are several other reasons why students are choosing to leave New England.

“I think I always planned on going to college in another part of the country,” said Lindsay Dyer, a freshman at Loyola University Maryland who graduated from Plymouth North last year.

“Part of the college experience is putting yourself out there and getting out of your comfort zone. I’ve always wanted to get away from home for college,” said Dyer. Additionally, this search for finding independence and immersing themselves in a new location is greatly due to the influence of today’s technology.

Technology, more than ever, provides a variety of ways to stay in touch and is making it easier to be far away from your family and friends, even if they are thousands of miles away.

Social media and applications such as FaceTime can make students across the country or even the world feel closer.

“Honestly, I think I really might have struggled being so far away in a different time. But being able to talk to my parents, or my friends, or anyone from home on such a consistent basis almost makes it feel like I never left,” said Christian Davis, a Marshfield High School class of ‘21 graduate and current sophomore at the University of California San Diego.

Although it’s hard to pinpoint exactly one reason for this, current college students seem to agree that the extended time spent at home due to COVID-19, a search for independence, and the ease of staying close with loved ones despite being far apart, has helped boost the percentage of students who leave home.

There is no doubt that this hunger for travel and independence beyond Plymouth has led them to unique experiences and opportunities around the world and is shaping them into the individuals they are today.

College is Not the Only Path to Success Not every senior at Plymouth North chooses to be college-bound Written by: Lucy Woomer

Once seen as the only path to success, a college education is now becoming only one of the many ways students can prosper after high school. Although a large percentage of Plymouth seniors will enroll in college in the fall, many seniors are taking a different path.

Whether it is work, the military, a gap year, an apprenticeship, or another choice, students now feel empowered to approach life after high school on their terms.

Sean Madden, a senior at North, has chosen not to go to college and instead signed up for an apprenticeship program.

“I am going to be an electrical apprentice and work my way to become a master electrician. I don’t want to have student loans to pay off, and you don’t necessarily need a higher education to become successful, depending on what path you choose,” said Madden.

Copy Editors: Connor Curow Nicole Ryttel Ava Galindo

Photographers: Avabella Tassinari, Ava Galindo, Ethan Hogan, Bella Piekarski, EdTV

Jonathan Nammour, also a senior at North, has a different plan after graduation instead of college.

“The step I'm taking to pursue my career after high school is to join the army as a military police officer. All that law enforcement experience definitely helps with jobs outside the military,” said Nammour.

Most students have grown up with the expectation that they will go to college someday in order to be successful and create a career. Because of that, most do follow through with what is expected of them even if they are unsure of that route.

“I definitely think people who are going to college view others who aren’t going to college somewhat different to a degree. They might think that it’s the wrong choice to not go to college or maybe they just couldn’t imagine choosing any other route,” said Nammour.

Andrea Norton, a guidance counselor at North, helps students navigate their posthigh school plans every day.

“I think that the world still values college and that's great. However, in this day and age, people understand that you can make a great living by doing other things as well, like taking a gap year, volunteering, learning a trade, enlisting in the military, or going right to work,” said Norton.

According to the “Condition of Education in the Commonwealth 2023,” college enrollment in Massachusetts has dropped 10.4 percent since 2015, while the number of people joining the workforce has increased nearly 5 percent since 2019. This drop in enrollment is due in part to the increase in college costs and students' reluctance to take on a lot of debt.

The Eagle

Plymouth North High School's Student Newspaper

Writers: Ethan Hogan, Eliza Terman, Maeve Campbell, Dylan Capozzi, Seeger Creane, Brenna Guiliani, Jordan Melville, Liam Husband, Parker Maslowski, Lucy Woomer, Gabby Lopes, Ivan Freyermuth, Sebastian Demerjian, Annalise Lopes, Connor Jepson

"College is expensive, and I find more and more kids are really trying to think about what is best for them in terms of setting themselves up the best that they can for a successful future,” said Norton.

“That may include college, or it may not.

But for the most part, I see people being more open to alternative options and having less stigma attached to a noncollege route.”

Nammour shared some advice for students who might be considering a non-traditional route after high school.

“If a student thinks they might not want to go to college, I would tell them to do whatever they feel makes the most sense for them. A lot of people feel like they have to go to college right after high school, and that’s really not the case,” said Nammour. “People can create great lives for themselves without ever going to college, but I would say definitely play around with your options and really try to understand them as best as you can to make the right decision.”

Contact: plymouthnorthnews@gmail.com

Faculty Advisor: Michelle Terry

Layout Editors: Ava Galindo Bella Piekarski Mya Boyd Avabella Tassinari Lilli Hanlon

Volunteering in the Summer

Unified Track and Field Team Breaking Down Barriers

Who, Where, & How

The Unified Track Team promotes inclusion through practice and competition and allows athletes to compete and make lifelong friendships

By: Ivan Freyermuth

As the school year comes to a close, those struggling to find volunteer hours should look no further than right beside our own school: The Center for Active Living (CAL).

Summer allows for more open schedules and warmer weather, and is the perfect opportunity to rack up volunteer hours for resumes, college applications, and more! However, finding a place to dedicate your time can be stressful, especially when you don't know where to start. That’s why in this article, we will be highlighting a volunteer opportunity, as well as who to talk to, where to find it, and how to start.

The Center for Active Living is a community that provides activities & entertainment for the elderly, and operates from the hours 8am-4pm Mon-Sat, with some students volunteering Tuesday nights 4pm7pm. Margaret Martin, Volunteer Coordinator, gladly spoke with me about her experience of working at the Center.

“Depending on the time of year, we can have anywhere between 3-6 student volunteers. Student volunteers

need to be flexible as they can be asked to do something different each time they come in. CAL is a place where active seniors come to participate in a variety of events and programs.” With work varying from data/tech support and helping custodians to working with the residents, different experiences are frequent, allowing the students to see and work with everything.

Acknowledging that even with no school, there can still be work, sports, or hobbies taking up your time, the lenient work days are custom to whenever you’re free, allowing you to volunteer as much, or as little as you’d like!

“The majority of our student volunteers come in one day each week (M-F) from 2-4 pm. We also have student volunteers that help on Tuesday nights from 4-7.”

Hearing from experienced volunteers can make the difference, and help possible volunteers see & hear their impact.

Long-term student volunteer, Gabby Lopes, shared her experience with the

Center.

“I initially began volunteering in late January for the National Honor Society, but I still continue to volunteer after meeting my required hours. I genuinely enjoy showing up every week and seeing all the women in the center.

What makes this such a positive service experience is that I can tell that everyone truly enjoys their job.” A friendly atmosphere and welcoming environment is guaranteed. Curiosity and questions aren’t neglected, as the attentive staff and coordinators are here to help.

“The work environment is extremely positive and uplifting. Our volunteer coordinator, Margaret Martin, is great at giving instructions and assisting me with the work. Everyone is actively collaborating and helping to create an energizing atmosphere.”

Isabella Bletzer, a more recent volunteer, can share the process of what it's been like for her.

“So far I have never had any bad experiences with the elders, and the staff is very kind and treats me like more than a volunteer. They really do appreciate my help, and it makes me want to keep volunteering there.”

A stable and healthy environment is the key for enjoying your time spent, and the Center is ready to offer that & more.

The impact that students have is not only noticed by the coordinators, those who attend the services and participate in events have been appreciative of their work as well!

Attendee Carl Freyermuth had a few words to say about the work he sees as he goes for his classes in the mornings.

“Those students are always hard at work, it’s great to see how much they do for our community here.”

Volunteering at the Center will be as mentally rewarding as it is literally, allowing students to see their impact in their workplace.

If interested, student volunteers should first come in or call Margaret Martin the Volunteer Coordinator. If a day is decided on when the student can come in, they will complete a short application with a CORI/SORI in it, which will then take 2 weeks after going through HR! “We are excited for the summer, and even more excited to greet any new volunteers!” said Mrs. Martin.

New Hobbies for the New Season It can be seen as a rather invigorating time as the weather climbs to the sixties and seventies at the start of May. For some, feelings of restlessness may amplify as the last big push of the school year climaxes and free time increases. There are many places to begin with what activities to try as Spring flourishes, and so it is important to not be overwhelmed by options and for students to focus on the activities that seem most easy for them.

“I think some great activities outside when the weather warms up would be pickleball, walking, golf, pick-up basketball to name a few. I think it's personal preference on doing solo exercises or a group setting,“ said Mr. Riley Fleck, physical education teacher.

Already plenty of options are present, whether they be group activities or solo games, which are easy participation for students.

Walking and golf are two physical activities that require little more than a place and a time, while pickup basketball and pickleball are two increasingly popular opportunities for students to spend time with friends and burn some calories.

Sometimes context is what matters more than activity, too.

“Sometimes exercising with other people can be more motivating, so group activities are a great choice as well. Either way, getting exercise is important!” said Mr. Fleck.

Each exercise method can have great value, beyond the simple notion of exercising.

What sort of activities to try as spring gets warmer

By Dylan Capozzi Whether it be taking some time out for yourself and your own health, or using your free time to bond more with others, either way it can be a helpful and useful exercise.

What sports are leisurely fun for this time of year? Mr. Fleck has some suggestions as well. ¨I find myself playing a lot of pickleball and golf during the spring season,” he said. Simple sports like the leisurely golf and the lowintensity pickleball are available nearly always through recreational clubs.

However, not all individuals are inclined to sports. There’s plenty of outdoor activities for students themselves that might help their peers.

Avid outdoorsman and Plymouth North senior, Jonathan Zupperoli, has some perspectives to share.

“Swimming is a great source of a full body aerobic exercise and it can be performed in a pond, lake, river and ocean,” Zupperoli said. “It is very fun to swim on a hot day, and it's a life skill I think everyone should possess.”

While the weather is still warming up

by May, there’s plenty of time to go for a swim, starting in the month and continuing all the way through the Spring and oncoming Summer.

“In addition, canoeing and kayaking is a fun activity which can be included in other activities like fishing, swimming, or even birdwatching,” Zupperoli said.

Perhaps the strongest and most versatile of spring activities are

indeed ones that can be used as vehicles for others - combining canoeing with swimming, or fishing, or birdwatching can create an entire day’s worth of exercise and adventure.

Yet not everyone may find themself particularly inclined to said waterbound activities. In this case, Zupperoli has other options.

“Cycling is a fun activity because it’s doable wherever a road is. You can go in the woods or on the beach as well.

Hiking will also provide beautiful views of forests and ponds,” Zupperoli said.

Bicycling and walking can be more than simple methods of travel - they themselves can be fun and engaging exercises all of their own. Hiking the woods and watching the flowers bloom, or cycling the roads and seeing the growing trees, can all be very enjoyable activities for the oncoming season.

Statistics back up Zupperoli’s valued nature activities. According to a survey conducted in March 2022 by the Massachusetts Audubon, three quarters of all surveyed Massachusetts residents find interest in traversing nature trails. Hiking is growing in popularity, and correlates with 68% of residents viewing the seas and wildlife of Massachusetts as needing perspective. In addition, twothirds of residents viewed wildlife watching as another appealing activity, while slightly under half of all Massachusetts

residents viewed canoeing and swimming as appealing activities.

Rating the values of nature on a 1-10 scale, residents reported reduced stress and better physical & emotional health, all at least scoring an 8.8 out of 10.

These values are high and are an essential piece in understanding how our post-pandemic lives are impacted by nature.

The most important piece to keep in mind when seeking an activity to try that fits for you is that you will need to find something for your individual self. Not everyone will seek out regular activities, and not everyone has time to pursue them, either.

Sometimes, the most you can manage is a simple, yet active, daily routine. That is the case for Plymouth North senior Maggie Weaver.

“I love going for morning walks with my dog and spending time in the sun reading. Nothing beats the smell of freshly cut grass, and sunshine-filled days,” said Weaver. It’s normal for the best time outside to be simple pleasures and appreciation.

Perhaps for some, the best way to spend time outside this coming Spring is simply to spend time doing what you love, and allow exercise and fun to blend naturally into the day.

With the suggestions and routines of Plymouth North’s students and staff in mind, as well as the statistical backing of Massachusetts Audubon, there is clear physical and emotional benefit to engaging in the outdoors.

Of course, another essential is, simply put, to have fun.

By: Brenna Guiliani As the season kicks off for spring sports, one team, in particular, embodies the spirit of sports at Plymouth North. The Unified Track and Field Team is bringing athletes of all abilities not just to compete but demonstrate the importance of inclusion by building relationships and memories that last a lifetime.

Inclusivity and kindness run deep at Plymouth North, which is why the Unified Track and Field Program was started just a few years ago. Its ability to bring students of all backgrounds and skills into a supportive and fun environment has made the sport rapidly gain popularity around the United States. Unified Programs are a stem of Special Olympics that ensures every athlete of any ability has a chance to compete.

"The ability to provide students with and without intellectual disabilities the opportunity to work together in a team setting helps to improve self-esteem, builds new friendships, and through this process enhances the school culture at Plymouth North," said PNHS Athletic Director Justin Domingos.

In Unified Track, athletes are paired to compete in various track events. Events include sprints, jumping, throwing, distance running, and relays. This design encourages exercise and the importance of

teamwork, communication, respect, and sportsmanship.

Whether running, long jumping or throwing, these athletes work hard to improve themselves and each other.

This allows athletes to develop different athletic and social skills to compete in a fun and supportive environment.

The team has around 20 participants and practices Tuesdays and Thursdays for an hour, and starting at the end of April, they compete in meets on the divisional and state level, about once a week. They face off against other local schools where the athletes truly shine and showcase their abilities and sportsmanship.

"We all have the same goal that we do the best we can and work together as a team no matter what," said junior captain Abby McGaughey.

The Unified Track team has created a positive school culture that promotes acceptance and school spirit by focusing on inclusion and sportsmanship. Coached by Ms. Allen, the team has proved to be a powerful experience for everyone involved and has created a true sense of community.

"We always support and respect one another while showing our competitive side. Our focus is on teamwork, sportsmanship, and encouragement," said Coach Lauren Allen.

Last year, the team was recognized at the divisional championship with the state Team Sportsmanship Award, a considerable honor undeniably deserved by the Blue Eagles. At the same time, the team also did well in many of their events, with many athletes meeting at both the divisional and state level. But more than winning, it's about the lasting friendships and opportunities they make.

"I enjoy being on the unified track team because of all the joy it brings to everybody involved. Unified sports are important because they provide so many opportunities to work as a team and make lifelong friendships with those who may not be given those opportunities otherwise," said junior athlete Molly Flynn.

The athlete's ability to use their passions of competitiveness and inclusion has provided them with an unmatched life experience. Creating a fun and supportive environment for everyone to compete has broken barriers between students of all abilities.

The sport's meaningful impact on the lives of its participants shows just how important having inclusive activities at Plymouth North is. The Unified Track team has weaved inclusion into Plymouth North's fabric and created a positive school culture that values and promotes empathy and acceptance.

Plymouth North Unified Athletes compete in 100 meter relay

"It shows everyone that no matter who you are, there is something for you to do no matter how athletic you are. It includes everyone, and that's why it's so important," said Abby McGaughey.

If you get the chance to see a Unified Track team, you will always see pure excitement and happiness from its participants. That joy is shared with their teammates, and lives are brightened with a fun opportunity to compete and make lifelong friends.

Taking the Sport By Storm: Ultimate Frisbee

The unique sport of Ultimate Frisbee is fostering community on and off the field for North’s Ultimate Frisbee Club By: Connor Jepson Plymouth North’s Ultimate Frisbee club, run by Mr. Dana Perlow, is not your average after-school club. It is not an official sport at Plymouth North, but a club that brings students from any grade together to play the unique and exciting sport.

Unlike any sport you have ever played, Ultimate Frisbee replaces a ball with a flying disc to combine the sports of football, basketball, and soccer.

This fast-paced sport, which has gained popularity worldwide, has made its way to Plymouth North through an unconventional club.

Mr. Perlow, a history teacher at Plymouth North, started this club hoping to create a new tradition.

“I started this club a few years ago to create organized games for my students. Every year, more and more students have seemed to join and our team keeps improving. It’s a great time,” said Mr. Perlow.

Although it is a sport, it is not recognized as an official sport for Plymouth North but as a club. This is because most participants of Ultimate Frisbee play other sports in the spring. Since this occurs later at night, students can participate in this fun activity while still playing another sport.

“We practice a couple of times a week and usually have games once a week against other high school teams in the area. It’s much more laid back than typical high school sports, and it’s so much fun getting to play at night with your friends,” said senior Kelly Palmer.

This sport is not unique because of its use of a flying disc but its emphasis on teamwork and communication. In these thrilling games, the players must jump, run, catch, and throw to move the frisbee down the field to earn points. The team typically plays a couple of nights a week on the

softball field after school sports are over. Mr. Perlow connects with other local high school teams to schedule fun-filled games.

“What’s so exciting about Ultimate Frisbee is that you are constantly in motion and working with your teammates. I love that we get to have fun with each other while also staying active,” said senior Paxton Melleby.

Although this sport is unconventional, there are many other high school teams in the area. As Plymouth North faces a new team every week, it is no surprise that this sport is growing in popularity, as it allows students of all skill levels and grades to come together to have fun.

The sport has fostered a unique community at PNHS, and North’s tight-knit team is full of spirit.

“I have made so many friends because of Ultimate Frisbee, we are always laughing and having fun, and I’m so happy that I decided to join,” said Kelly Palmer.

Although it is not an official sport, the sportsmanship and teamwork of Mr. Perlow’s “club” has allowed

students of all grades and abilities to come together to build friendships that will last on and off the field. It continues to teach students the importance of teamwork and other life skills.

This opportunity to stay active, have fun, and play an exhilarating sport is unmatched and continues to grow in popularity each year. Mr. Perlow and the members of the Ultimate Frisbee team have created a tradition of true teamwork and spirit that will continue for years to come.

Volunteering in the Summer

Unified Track and Field Team Breaking Down Barriers

Who, Where, & How

The Unified Track Team promotes inclusion through practice and competition and allows athletes to compete and make lifelong friendships

By: Ivan Freyermuth

As the school year comes to a close, those struggling to find volunteer hours should look no further than right beside our own school: The Center for Active Living (CAL).

Summer allows for more open schedules and warmer weather, and is the perfect opportunity to rack up volunteer hours for resumes, college applications, and more! However, finding a place to dedicate your time can be stressful, especially when you don't know where to start. That’s why in this article, we will be highlighting a volunteer opportunity, as well as who to talk to, where to find it, and how to start.

The Center for Active Living is a community that provides activities & entertainment for the elderly, and operates from the hours 8am-4pm Mon-Sat, with some students volunteering Tuesday nights 4pm7pm. Margaret Martin, Volunteer Coordinator, gladly spoke with me about her experience of working at the Center.

“Depending on the time of year, we can have anywhere between 3-6 student volunteers. Student volunteers

need to be flexible as they can be asked to do something different each time they come in. CAL is a place where active seniors come to participate in a variety of events and programs.” With work varying from data/tech support and helping custodians to working with the residents, different experiences are frequent, allowing the students to see and work with everything.

Acknowledging that even with no school, there can still be work, sports, or hobbies taking up your time, the lenient work days are custom to whenever you’re free, allowing you to volunteer as much, or as little as you’d like!

“The majority of our student volunteers come in one day each week (M-F) from 2-4 pm. We also have student volunteers that help on Tuesday nights from 4-7.”

Hearing from experienced volunteers can make the difference, and help possible volunteers see & hear their impact.

Long-term student volunteer, Gabby Lopes, shared her experience with the

Center.

“I initially began volunteering in late January for the National Honor Society, but I still continue to volunteer after meeting my required hours. I genuinely enjoy showing up every week and seeing all the women in the center.

What makes this such a positive service experience is that I can tell that everyone truly enjoys their job.” A friendly atmosphere and welcoming environment is guaranteed. Curiosity and questions aren’t neglected, as the attentive staff and coordinators are here to help.

“The work environment is extremely positive and uplifting. Our volunteer coordinator, Margaret Martin, is great at giving instructions and assisting me with the work. Everyone is actively collaborating and helping to create an energizing atmosphere.”

Isabella Bletzer, a more recent volunteer, can share the process of what it's been like for her.

“So far I have never had any bad experiences with the elders, and the staff is very kind and treats me like more than a volunteer. They really do appreciate my help, and it makes me want to keep volunteering there.”

A stable and healthy environment is the key for enjoying your time spent, and the Center is ready to offer that & more.

The impact that students have is not only noticed by the coordinators, those who attend the services and participate in events have been appreciative of their work as well!

Attendee Carl Freyermuth had a few words to say about the work he sees as he goes for his classes in the mornings.

“Those students are always hard at work, it’s great to see how much they do for our community here.”

Volunteering at the Center will be as mentally rewarding as it is literally, allowing students to see their impact in their workplace.

If interested, student volunteers should first come in or call Margaret Martin the Volunteer Coordinator. If a day is decided on when the student can come in, they will complete a short application with a CORI/SORI in it, which will then take 2 weeks after going through HR! “We are excited for the summer, and even more excited to greet any new volunteers!” said Mrs. Martin.

New Hobbies for the New Season It can be seen as a rather invigorating time as the weather climbs to the sixties and seventies at the start of May. For some, feelings of restlessness may amplify as the last big push of the school year climaxes and free time increases. There are many places to begin with what activities to try as Spring flourishes, and so it is important to not be overwhelmed by options and for students to focus on the activities that seem most easy for them.

“I think some great activities outside when the weather warms up would be pickleball, walking, golf, pick-up basketball to name a few. I think it's personal preference on doing solo exercises or a group setting,“ said Mr. Riley Fleck, physical education teacher.

Already plenty of options are present, whether they be group activities or solo games, which are easy participation for students.

Walking and golf are two physical activities that require little more than a place and a time, while pickup basketball and pickleball are two increasingly popular opportunities for students to spend time with friends and burn some calories.

Sometimes context is what matters more than activity, too.

“Sometimes exercising with other people can be more motivating, so group activities are a great choice as well. Either way, getting exercise is important!” said Mr. Fleck.

Each exercise method can have great value, beyond the simple notion of exercising.

What sort of activities to try as spring gets warmer

By Dylan Capozzi Whether it be taking some time out for yourself and your own health, or using your free time to bond more with others, either way it can be a helpful and useful exercise.

What sports are leisurely fun for this time of year? Mr. Fleck has some suggestions as well. ¨I find myself playing a lot of pickleball and golf during the spring season,” he said. Simple sports like the leisurely golf and the lowintensity pickleball are available nearly always through recreational clubs.

However, not all individuals are inclined to sports. There’s plenty of outdoor activities for students themselves that might help their peers.

Avid outdoorsman and Plymouth North senior, Jonathan Zupperoli, has some perspectives to share.

“Swimming is a great source of a full body aerobic exercise and it can be performed in a pond, lake, river and ocean,” Zupperoli said. “It is very fun to swim on a hot day, and it's a life skill I think everyone should possess.”

While the weather is still warming up

by May, there’s plenty of time to go for a swim, starting in the month and continuing all the way through the Spring and oncoming Summer.

“In addition, canoeing and kayaking is a fun activity which can be included in other activities like fishing, swimming, or even birdwatching,” Zupperoli said.

Perhaps the strongest and most versatile of spring activities are

indeed ones that can be used as vehicles for others - combining canoeing with swimming, or fishing, or birdwatching can create an entire day’s worth of exercise and adventure.

Yet not everyone may find themself particularly inclined to said waterbound activities. In this case, Zupperoli has other options.

“Cycling is a fun activity because it’s doable wherever a road is. You can go in the woods or on the beach as well.

Hiking will also provide beautiful views of forests and ponds,” Zupperoli said.

Bicycling and walking can be more than simple methods of travel - they themselves can be fun and engaging exercises all of their own. Hiking the woods and watching the flowers bloom, or cycling the roads and seeing the growing trees, can all be very enjoyable activities for the oncoming season.

Statistics back up Zupperoli’s valued nature activities. According to a survey conducted in March 2022 by the Massachusetts Audubon, three quarters of all surveyed Massachusetts residents find interest in traversing nature trails. Hiking is growing in popularity, and correlates with 68% of residents viewing the seas and wildlife of Massachusetts as needing perspective. In addition, twothirds of residents viewed wildlife watching as another appealing activity, while slightly under half of all Massachusetts

residents viewed canoeing and swimming as appealing activities.

Rating the values of nature on a 1-10 scale, residents reported reduced stress and better physical & emotional health, all at least scoring an 8.8 out of 10.

These values are high and are an essential piece in understanding how our post-pandemic lives are impacted by nature.

The most important piece to keep in mind when seeking an activity to try that fits for you is that you will need to find something for your individual self. Not everyone will seek out regular activities, and not everyone has time to pursue them, either.

Sometimes, the most you can manage is a simple, yet active, daily routine. That is the case for Plymouth North senior Maggie Weaver.

“I love going for morning walks with my dog and spending time in the sun reading. Nothing beats the smell of freshly cut grass, and sunshine-filled days,” said Weaver. It’s normal for the best time outside to be simple pleasures and appreciation.

Perhaps for some, the best way to spend time outside this coming Spring is simply to spend time doing what you love, and allow exercise and fun to blend naturally into the day.

With the suggestions and routines of Plymouth North’s students and staff in mind, as well as the statistical backing of Massachusetts Audubon, there is clear physical and emotional benefit to engaging in the outdoors.

Of course, another essential is, simply put, to have fun.

By: Brenna Guiliani As the season kicks off for spring sports, one team, in particular, embodies the spirit of sports at Plymouth North. The Unified Track and Field Team is bringing athletes of all abilities not just to compete but demonstrate the importance of inclusion by building relationships and memories that last a lifetime.

Inclusivity and kindness run deep at Plymouth North, which is why the Unified Track and Field Program was started just a few years ago. Its ability to bring students of all backgrounds and skills into a supportive and fun environment has made the sport rapidly gain popularity around the United States. Unified Programs are a stem of Special Olympics that ensures every athlete of any ability has a chance to compete.

"The ability to provide students with and without intellectual disabilities the opportunity to work together in a team setting helps to improve self-esteem, builds new friendships, and through this process enhances the school culture at Plymouth North," said PNHS Athletic Director Justin Domingos.

In Unified Track, athletes are paired to compete in various track events. Events include sprints, jumping, throwing, distance running, and relays. This design encourages exercise and the importance of

teamwork, communication, respect, and sportsmanship.

Whether running, long jumping or throwing, these athletes work hard to improve themselves and each other.

This allows athletes to develop different athletic and social skills to compete in a fun and supportive environment.

The team has around 20 participants and practices Tuesdays and Thursdays for an hour, and starting at the end of April, they compete in meets on the divisional and state level, about once a week. They face off against other local schools where the athletes truly shine and showcase their abilities and sportsmanship.

"We all have the same goal that we do the best we can and work together as a team no matter what," said junior captain Abby McGaughey.

The Unified Track team has created a positive school culture that promotes acceptance and school spirit by focusing on inclusion and sportsmanship. Coached by Ms. Allen, the team has proved to be a powerful experience for everyone involved and has created a true sense of community.

"We always support and respect one another while showing our competitive side. Our focus is on teamwork, sportsmanship, and encouragement," said Coach Lauren Allen.

Last year, the team was recognized at the divisional championship with the state Team Sportsmanship Award, a considerable honor undeniably deserved by the Blue Eagles. At the same time, the team also did well in many of their events, with many athletes meeting at both the divisional and state level. But more than winning, it's about the lasting friendships and opportunities they make.

"I enjoy being on the unified track team because of all the joy it brings to everybody involved. Unified sports are important because they provide so many opportunities to work as a team and make lifelong friendships with those who may not be given those opportunities otherwise," said junior athlete Molly Flynn.

The athlete's ability to use their passions of competitiveness and inclusion has provided them with an unmatched life experience. Creating a fun and supportive environment for everyone to compete has broken barriers between students of all abilities.

The sport's meaningful impact on the lives of its participants shows just how important having inclusive activities at Plymouth North is. The Unified Track team has weaved inclusion into Plymouth North's fabric and created a positive school culture that values and promotes empathy and acceptance.

Plymouth North Unified Athletes compete in 100 meter relay

"It shows everyone that no matter who you are, there is something for you to do no matter how athletic you are. It includes everyone, and that's why it's so important," said Abby McGaughey.

If you get the chance to see a Unified Track team, you will always see pure excitement and happiness from its participants. That joy is shared with their teammates, and lives are brightened with a fun opportunity to compete and make lifelong friends.

Taking the Sport By Storm: Ultimate Frisbee

The unique sport of Ultimate Frisbee is fostering community on and off the field for North’s Ultimate Frisbee Club By: Connor Jepson Plymouth North’s Ultimate Frisbee club, run by Mr. Dana Perlow, is not your average after-school club. It is not an official sport at Plymouth North, but a club that brings students from any grade together to play the unique and exciting sport.

Unlike any sport you have ever played, Ultimate Frisbee replaces a ball with a flying disc to combine the sports of football, basketball, and soccer.

This fast-paced sport, which has gained popularity worldwide, has made its way to Plymouth North through an unconventional club.

Mr. Perlow, a history teacher at Plymouth North, started this club hoping to create a new tradition.

“I started this club a few years ago to create organized games for my students. Every year, more and more students have seemed to join and our team keeps improving. It’s a great time,” said Mr. Perlow.

Although it is a sport, it is not recognized as an official sport for Plymouth North but as a club. This is because most participants of Ultimate Frisbee play other sports in the spring. Since this occurs later at night, students can participate in this fun activity while still playing another sport.

“We practice a couple of times a week and usually have games once a week against other high school teams in the area. It’s much more laid back than typical high school sports, and it’s so much fun getting to play at night with your friends,” said senior Kelly Palmer.

This sport is not unique because of its use of a flying disc but its emphasis on teamwork and communication. In these thrilling games, the players must jump, run, catch, and throw to move the frisbee down the field to earn points. The team typically plays a couple of nights a week on the

softball field after school sports are over. Mr. Perlow connects with other local high school teams to schedule fun-filled games.

“What’s so exciting about Ultimate Frisbee is that you are constantly in motion and working with your teammates. I love that we get to have fun with each other while also staying active,” said senior Paxton Melleby.

Although this sport is unconventional, there are many other high school teams in the area. As Plymouth North faces a new team every week, it is no surprise that this sport is growing in popularity, as it allows students of all skill levels and grades to come together to have fun.

The sport has fostered a unique community at PNHS, and North’s tight-knit team is full of spirit.

“I have made so many friends because of Ultimate Frisbee, we are always laughing and having fun, and I’m so happy that I decided to join,” said Kelly Palmer.

Although it is not an official sport, the sportsmanship and teamwork of Mr. Perlow’s “club” has allowed

students of all grades and abilities to come together to build friendships that will last on and off the field. It continues to teach students the importance of teamwork and other life skills.

This opportunity to stay active, have fun, and play an exhilarating sport is unmatched and continues to grow in popularity each year. Mr. Perlow and the members of the Ultimate Frisbee team have created a tradition of true teamwork and spirit that will continue for years to come.