The Barker

Volume XVI Issue 3

Friday, April 4, 2014

Flipped Classroom Proves Successful

BY ALEXANDER BERARDO Editor-In-Chief

This year, the science department put on a new teaching method for its science classes. It completely revolutionized the way science classes were taught, especially on chemistry.

Last year science was taught in a classics method. The teacher taught at the front of the classroom and distributed notes while the students attentively listened to the lecture. The notes would be followed by practice problems and reinforcement with a cumulative test at the end.

Many teachers noticed students were losing interest or having trouble

retaining content. They wanted to make science more hands on so the students would be able to visually understand the concepts and see them in action.

Ms. Utley, head of the Science Department, wrote two grants. Both the NEA which stands for National Education Association, and ACS which is the American Chemical Society, provided funding for the new curriculum.

The new style is best described as blended classroom. It combines elements of a flipped class, a self- motivated class and a project- based learning style. The blended class is a radical change from the traditional

teaching method. The teachers have set up a carefully structured list of assignments, each with important skills for students to grasp. Each cover sheet l, as the list is called, embodies a major theme, and is broken down into sections of different topics relevant to the overarching theme.

To check student progress and to ensure understanding, “Do Nows” are in place at the end of each topic.

Do Nows are similar to a quiz yet students are allowed to use their notes.

While some people may see this option as an unfair advantage, Mr. Hooper explains, “the students are assessed on their critical thinking skills and therefore we want them to have

the resources to think critically and succeed.”

When asked if he has noticed a change in student ability, Mr. Hooper replies he has noticed growth in three areas: retention, critical thinking and time management. With the new curriculum students must “apply what they know to solve problems,” and Mr. Hooper accredits this necessity as a reason for better retention of skills.

Evidence of an increase in these lifelong skills has been found in assessments and especially the midterm.

The questions required students to connect different topics and think outside the box. The scores were bet-

ter than in previous years.

Although some students have expressed concern in gaps, the science teachers are working to close them.

Mr. Hooper stated it was difficult to comment because it was the first year of the blended classroom yet they have already made changes to fix some of the gaps. In the last month the chemistry classes switched to a live binder which has improved organization. “The live binder makes chemistry accessible to the students at all hours of the day and allows them more freedom and flexibility.”

Students have mixed feelings on the program. Sophomore Charlotte Andrus enjoys the way “teachers are

MOCK CAR CRASH AT WHS DRIVES HOME REALITY OF DRUNK DRIVING

incorporating self-taught principles,” and feels she is getting more out of her studies. “With a more hands-on classroom, my classmates and I are able to look at lessons differently and learn dynamically.”

However, not all students like the change. Junior Kyra McCormick feels there was a lack in content. “With the change in curriculum I feel as if Honors and CP have been bridged and the Honors class has lost rigor and content depth.” McCormick also went on to say she feels the problembased learning to have gaps and questions her readiness for upper level

See Science on page 8

Six Flags, New WHS Senior Tradition

BY CLIFFORD SMITH Copy Editor

Photo by Ms. Waranis.

Students from SADD pose in front of one of the cars used during the mock car crash. The demonstration was designed to bring the reality of the danger of drunk driving, to WHS while showing that it can happen to anyone.

VAASA Prom Promise

BY MICHELLE HANSSEN Staff Reporter

Walkie talkies roared with alarm and distress, while flashing lights lured in a curious audience. Emergency crews were called to the scene of a deadly car crash in the bus loop at Westerly High School involving a number of students, some devastatingly wounded, and others irrevocably deceased.

Juniors and seniors watched as their classmates were wheeled away on stretchers to the nearby ambulances, hearing only a survivor’s echoing cries of anguish, which seemed to drown out the methodical chaos of the emergency rescue teams.

The culprit behind the haunting scene was regrettably alcohol. So the tragedy, caused by impaired judgment, stupid decisions, and drinking

and driving could have easily been avoided.

Fortunately, this car crash was not real; merely a simulation of that which emergency rescue teams across the country have to face on a daily basis.

The assembly during advisory which brought the upperclassmen outside to witness the reality of a drinking and driving crash was planned by SADD, a student organization against substance abuse, and the students involved in the mock car crash were all volunteer actors.

Unfortunately, these types of disasters still occur all too often. Perhaps the message does not get through to people, or perhaps people who continue to drink and drive truly believe they are some sort of indestructible superman, but such incidents occur every day. In fact, statistics show that

See Prom on page 8

Photo by Mrs. Waranis

VAASA student althletes pose after “Dead Day,” an event they used to bring attention to the dangers of drinking and driving.

As the school year winds down, most students begin to develop “senioritis.” This condition has become prevalent not only among the soon-to-be-graduating individuals, but also in every grade in our school system.

Let’s face it, as students dream of the long summer freedom ahead, teachers and faculty also wish for their vacations. No matter what age, every day off from normal life at this time of the school year can feel wonderful.

Recently, the senior class took a trip to Six Flags New England, a trip which most students will remember, and after four years of learning, a day off was well deserved.

The thrill rides at Six flags include Bizarro, The Dark Knight, and many more. These are a perfect way for students to experience an adrenaline rush and forget about the normal stresses of school. There are also exciting yet milder rides for those lacking the taste for the extreme.

Whatever rides were ridden, everyone enjoyed the trip. It certainly appealed to most seniors to spend a day with their friends, away from home, and in a theme park.

Pouncing upon the offer, most seniors waited with great anticipation for the day to come. But now, debate over a trip for next year’s senior class has begun. The class officers are pondering repeating the trip for a second year in a row, and continuing this potential tradition.

There are, of course, several benefits to a trip of this kind.

For one, the opportunity could be used as a fundraiser, to make money for prom and senior week. Every senior wants a low cost prom, so students may as well have fun while reducing the cost of future activities.

Also, the trip gives students a mental break from school and home life. The end of the final year of public schools is perhaps the most stressful point in a student’s academic career. Before AP testing, senior presentations and graduation, students must have a day to unwind before loading more work upon them.

It also hails as a celebration of the hard work thus far, and serves as a reminder as to how hard work in the future can pay off.

Also, a day of fun will be remembered for the rest of anyone’s life. When a student looks back to their senior year in high school, the trip can easily be remembered. In that moment, the student will remember the joys of their final year in public

See Six Flags on page 8

SUMMER EVENTS IN WESTERLY

BY ALEXANDER BERARDO Editor-In-Chief

During the summer months, seaside towns like Westerly come to life with festivals, concerts, and shows that fill up people’s calendars and draw large crowds. The summer of 2014 will be no exception for the Westerly area, as local events promise to spark high attendance among Westerly natives and tourists alike.

As the site of the Westerly’s state and town beaches (as well as numerous restaurants and clubs), Misquamicut is

one of the town’s hotbeds of summer fun. After kicking off the season with Springfest in May, which featured a flash mob filmed for a Westerly tourism video, Misquamicut will continue to host various events throughout the summer break.

One of Misquamicut’s best traditions, “Tunes on the Dunes,” is a summer concert series featuring mostly local artists and bands performing at the Westerly Town Beach pavilion. The 2014 edition of the concert series occurs twice a week under two branches: Monday Night Jams, held every Mon-

day in July and August, and Blues on the Beach, held every Wednesday in July and August. All events in the concert series are free, performed to the public on the beach.

A more recent addition to the Misquamicut calendar of events is the Misquamicut Drive-In Movie Night, which will occur throughout the summer. In June, the films will be shown on Fridays at 9:00 pm; in July and August, on Thursdays at 9:00 pm; and in September and October, on Fridays at 8:00 pm. All movies are shown in the parking lot adjacent to Water Wizz on At-

lantic Avenue, embracing an old-fashioned drive-in atmosphere by the ocean. However, a fee of $10 per car is required to view the drive-in film.

New to Misquamicut, the Electric Eve 5K run combines the healthiness of a run with the excitement of a rave.

Described as a “pulsating kaleidoscope of light and sound” on the event website, Electric Eve is a specialized 5K in which runners will wear illuminated neon outfits, fitting right in with matching buildings covered in neon lights along Atlantic Avenue. The event will be held on Friday, June 27, with family

festivities (including a costume contest) beginning at 7:00 pm.

Rounding out a fun-filled summer in Misquamicut, Fallfest will be held during the weekend of September 1214. A popular choice among high school age students, Fallfest brings much the same mix of carnival, food, and music as Springfest to the parking lot at Misquamicut State Beach.

Misquamicut isn’t the only location in Westerly to feature summer events.

Some of the best-publicized and most prominent events of the entire region occur in historic Downtown Westerly

during July and August.

Perhaps most famous of all, The Chorus of Westerly’s Summer Pops draws thousands to Wilcox Park in the heart of Downtown Westerly for stunning vocal and orchestral performances. This year, the Summer Pops will occur on Saturday, June 21, 2014, beginning at 8:00 pm. Famous for its fireworks and cannons finale with the Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, the event frequently makes lists of top Rhode Island events in publications such as Yankee Magazine.

See Summer on page 8

Fashion

Arts & Entertainment

Sports

Opinion

Future of Online Magazines

Godspell Rocks WHS

Spring Sports Wrap

Free Speech and College Campuses

p. 4

p. 5

p. 6

p. 7

School & Community

2 The Barker Friday, April 4, 2014

CLASS OF 2014 COMES TOGETHER OVER SENIOR WEEK ACTIVITIES

Photo by Gianna Brimlow

Prom Theme Decided, to be a Magical Night

Photo by Gianna Brimlow Top Left: Students pose outside the gym foyer during Senior Activities Week.

Above: Westerly seniors and juniors, outaide of the Ferderico Gymnasium form teams for the Laser Tag Competition hosted by the senior class, held on May 31.

BY GIANNA BRIMLOW Photo Editor

As graduation nears, senior activities are a great way to make lasting memories and unify the graduating class. There are many exciting activities in place for the 2014 seniors. Most of these activities have become tradition, but a new activity this year is laser tag hosted by the senior class officers.

The new Laser tag event was meant to replace the senior Halloween dance that was cancelled back in October. Laser tag will take place in the Federico Gym

joining seniors from other schools at the Holiday Hill Resort in Cheshire, Connecticut.

At the senior picnic students can take part in activities such as swimming, horseback riding, rock climbing and so much more.

One of the most exciting and memorable events senior year besides graduation is senior prom. This year’s senior prom will be hosted at the glamorous Viking Hotel in Newport, Rhode Island. After much consideration, Bon Voyage will be the prom theme for this year and will hopefully top last year’s theme of A Gatsby Gala.

from 7 to 10 pm on Friday, May 31. Teams of 6 to 8 people will compete in the double bracket elimination tournament and the last team standing will win the grand prize.

About 94 juniors and seniors have signed up to take part in this event. At ten dollars per player, Mr. Zemanek, senior class advisor, explains, “The money from the tournament should break even, but if there is money left over it would go towards senior prom and the senior gift.”

Other senior activities include the traditional senior picnic, where WHS seniors will be

The Barker is a publication of the Westerly High School, 23 Ward Ave. Westerly, Rhode Island, 02891, USA. Publication offices are in Room W219 in the Ward Building.

Serving the needs of the student population since 1999.

Published quarterly during the school year and subject to prior review by the school’s administration.

Printed and produced in conjunction with The Westerly Sun. All material contained herein remains the property of The Barker.

Barker Staff Editors-in-Chief

Columnists

Emilio Guido Hannah Heidtman Bennett Lanni Ainslie Meyers Jillian Schreier

Alexander Berardo Catherine Montalto

Section Editors

Elizabeth Castaldi Jacob Gross Ruedi Hauser III Amanda O’Brien Erica Terranova

Reporters

Ryan Algiere Heather Chipperfield Olivia Ferraro Charlott Gross Max Kreckel Betsey Matczak

Copy Editors

Jennifer Algieri Jessica Algieri Hannah Heidtman Kip Smith

Director of Photography Gianna Brimlow

Director of Video Julianna Morrone

Advisors

Mrs. Tallardy Mr. Zemanek

Special Thanks to

Mr. Ruscito The Westerly Sun

Senior class officer Olivia Obertello explained more of the inside details going into this year’s senior prom, stating that“it’s going to be an international theme, so each table will be a different country and we will have all the different flags presented on each table. We are also planning on having some of the big iconic international things like the Eiffel Tower and The Statue of Liberty to decorate the room.”

Out of all the senior activities most seniors are looking forward to prom. Eliza Woodman, senior at Westerly High School, explains, “Besides graduation,

I’m most excited for prom. I think senior prom is one of those events in your life that you always look back on and I can’t wait to experience it.” WHS senior, Haley Nix, agrees with Eliza and adds, “I can’t wait for prom but I’m also really excited for laser tag too.”

Olivia Obertello disagrees and explains, “I’m really excited for the senior banquet because it’s there for the seniors to enjoy. I feel like everything else is just for show, graduation is for show and the baccalaureate is just for handing out scholarships. But the senior banquet is when everyone comes together

and realizes this is our last time together.”

Overall, the cost of senior week will come to eighty dollars per student. Mr. Zemanek explains, “Compared to last year’s class, eighty dollars seems a lot but when you consider how much the average senior week costs, it’s very good.” The senior class has really stepped it up this year in raising money through many successful fundraisers, like Mr.WHS, and the Hypnotist show. While the end of the year comes quickly to a close, the festivities and memories are only beginning for this year’s seniors.

BY BETSEY MATCZAK

time with friends. Each team has a senior captain and the rest of the team can be from any grade. This event will take place on May 30th in Federico Gym at the high school.

The junior class has had a successful fundraiser in selling snow cones for the past couple of years with the intent on continuing doing so. They are sold the first two weeks of school and the last two weeks after school outside of the ward foyer after school.

The junior class officers will be selling snow cones soon so be sure not to miss out on this cool summer treat!

The sophomores have also held successful excursions to raise money for their class, such as hosting the Snowball

Dance. Another way the class of 2016 raised money this year was the Uncle Bucks Stand, present during the pep rally and other events at the high school this past year.

The freshmen also created a way to raise money for their class by having a dodge ball tournament. An invitation was extended to both students and faculty in an attempt to bring the school community together to have a fun evening playing dodge ball.

With a group of eight team members you can play until elimination or victory! At only twenty-five dollars per team and three dollars per player anyone would have a grand time at this event hosted by the class of 2017.

WHS FUNDRAISERS BENEFIT CLASSES FOR THE FUTURE Staff Reporters

Each year the classes at Westerly High School have fundraisers which raise money for each class. The seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshmen class officers have to come up with ideas to raise money for whatever needs each class may have.

This year, the seniors held multiple fundraisers for the end of year events they have.

The seniors’ upcoming fundraiser, designed to be a hit with the student body, is the laser tag event in the gym.

For this event groups of students form teams of eight to compete while having a good

School & Community

Friday, April 4, 2014 The Barker 3

Capitol Trip, Petty Offense

BY MATTHEW PERINO Staff Reporters

On the last night of the sophomore annual field trip to Washington, D.C., a group of Westerly High School students was found to be in possession of an illegal substance.

According to the Fairfax County Police Department of Virginia, an arrest was made in the area of 8500 Leesburg Pike for an unspecified drug offense.

The event, which was posted to the Fairfax County police department’s website, was

recorded at 1:24 A.M. on the morning of May 4th. Those attending the Washington Field Trip stayed at an Embassy Suites hotel located at 8517 Leesburg Pike.

Due to the nature of the infraction and the age those involved, Westerly High School administration could only provide limited information. Principal Steven Ruscito, when asked for comment, provided the following statement: “I received a call from chaperones. We discussed school policy, disciplinary code, and reaffirmed that the policies of the district are in

place off campus as the trip is an extension of the classroom, and therefore all school rules apply.”

Westerly High School policy, which can be found in any student handbook, lists the use of, possession of, or selling of alcohol, drugs, or drug paraphernalia as an infraction that may result in an out of school suspension. Additionally, the same infraction may result in referral to a Juvenile Hearing Board and/or the Police Department.

Opinion about the Class of 2016 and the incident has been varied. Connor McGill, a sophomore who attended the trip, be-

lieves “I think it was a group of individuals who do not represent the class of 2016.”

Mr. Ruscito echoed these comments, adding, “We know better than to characterize one class based on the alleged acts of individuals.”

Jaclyn Schroth, a sophomore who also travelled to Washington D.C., felt differently. She feels, “it [the incident] reflects poorly on the Class of 2016, as it portrays us in a bad manner.”

As to the future of the Washington Field Trip, many sources have confirmed it will run next year. Tony Lementowicz, head of

the Westerly High School Social Studies Department and lead coordinator of the trip, affirmed, “We do not believe any incident jeopardizes the future of the D.C. trip.” Mr. Ruscito restated this position, adding, “No effect on future trips will be had.”

However, some changes to trip for next year have already been made.

Mr. Lementowicz confirmed some changes to the itinerary for the trip have been made, in order to maximize student learning and safety. Mrs. Carmela Sammataro, dean of students at

Westerly High School, added, “Changes to the itinerary will avoid places that are not providing additional educational value to the trip.”

The incident casts a shadow on an otherwise outstanding field trip for the Class of 2016.

Mrs. Sammataro, who attended the trip this year, noted, “The students were well behaved, very engaged, respectful, and one hundred percent enjoyable.”

She added, “It is one of the most memorable and exciting trips we offer as a school, and I hope it continues for many years.”

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

I learn so much from student work and interaction. I grow in my writing from their writing, and in my knowledge from their knowledge. It’s a symbiotic relationship.

How has your curriculum changed?

We work with unit plans now, and while some parts of the plan involve things I used to do, not all of the parts do. I have had to rethink what is purposeful to student learning. If it no longer seems purposeful, it definitely needs to be evaluated.

ability to reflect. If you can reflect on yourself or something you have read, you can learn and grow. Be self-aware, and know that in your self-awareness, learning will never stop.

MEET MRS. OLIVEIRA, WHS ENGLISH TEACHER What is your favorite topic to teach and why?

It’s twofold – literature and writing. I love them both for very different reasons. With literature, I can discover some thing new in a book even 15 years after the first read, and with writing, the more I work with kids’ writing, the better my writing gets.

Photo by Alex Berardo

B.Y.O.D. ACTUALLY A G OO D THING?

BY ERICA TERRANOVA Opinion Editor

tract them from learning, and they use the “Bring Your Own Device” rule as an excuse.”

When asked about the Bring Your Own Device policy, Mark Fidrych, a sophomore, replied, “I think it has its pros and cons. Some students do use their devices for school-related work, but the majority uses it for texting, music, and games.

However, I think it is good to have in school.”

Regardless of their overall opinion, those interviewed above did admit that students at times had issues with using their electronic devices for things other than schoolwork.

A student has the ability to use their phone to tweet or send messages during class time allotted for what’s supposed to be schoolwork.

Not only that, but many students can sometimes evade punishment by getting rid of the evidence – opening a new tab, or closing the page they were on.

Despite the ways people can abuse this policy, there are a number of up-sides.

Many other students and even teachers agree that those who do use these devices responsibly reap many scholastic benefits.

More and more teachers allow their students to take out their phones and other personal devices in order to study for tests and re-

See BYOD on page 8

How do you feel about the new Common Core curriculum?

I think it has a lot of merit, and a certain amount of inflexibility. There are some valuable pieces to it, but sometimes it seems a little too inflexible.

What do you believe the study of English/literature can offer students?

It offers them insight into themselves and into others, personal growth, awareness of time periods, cultures, psychology, sociology, and the beauty in language. Reading is the most important skill – and that is not an original thought. Even now, I take my time reading so I can appreciate the beauty in the metaphors I read.

What would you say is the most valuable knowledge/information you bring to students?

This answer changes over the years. Now, my answer is the

Book or E-reader? Why? I prefer print books. I just don’t like reading off of a screen. Also, I think there’s something about turning a page, or a bookmark or a paperclip, that shows how far you’ve come.

I feel a sort of accomplishment when I look back at old notes I’ve written in my books.

Favorite book? Why? I have many favorite books – The Great Gatsby, To Kill a Mockingbird, and some Shakespeare are all up there – but the one that I keep coming back to is Fahrenheit 451. It has such beautiful language, and there are so many powerful allusions in the book as well.

94280R

This school year, Westerly High School implemented a new policy: the “Bring Your Own Device” Policy, or Policy #2302.

According to this policy, “…students at Westerly Public Schools may bring their own technology devices to campus in accordance with elementary, middle school and high student handbooks respectively.”

Overall, the official Westerly High School Handbook links this rule and other rules on personal technology, stating that, “A student may possess an electronic communication device (ECD) (including but not limited to cellular phones) in school provided that during school hours the device remains silent/turned off.”

However, there are exceptions to this rule, the primary one being that an “ECD” may be used when teachers allow it, or when students are “given permission in a supervised common area.”

These “supervised common areas” seem to include during crossing times, and lunch. Before the rule was in place, students were asked to keep their devices away during these times.

In the past, students were often asked to put away their devices during these times.

While the rules have let up a little, consequences for the violation of

these rules remains the same – confiscation and some form of “disciplinary action,” including, but not limited to detention.

Now accustomed to the rule, students were asked for their opinion on the policy, and its outcome.

Riley Brennan, a freshman, commented, “In class, students use their phones whether they have permission from their teachers or not. I think you should be allowed to use your own devices, but only when it is necessary.”

A slightly more optimistic opinion was shared by Morgan Harris, a senior this year. She added, “Overall, I think the policy is a very good thing because it allows students to learn in a way that doesn’t step out of the boundaries of their comfort zone. It utilizes something that we are all familiar with using in our everyday lives.”

Harris also made the point that students do use their devices “for things unrelated to schoolwork,” but that it isn’t a problem among most students. “It does happen with at least one student in all of my classes,” she remarked.

Kim Odell, a junior, however, expressed a different opinion. “I think students are taking advantage of the rule, but students have always had their phones out regardless of the rule,” wrote Odell. “[I think the policy is] a bad idea. Students continuously use their phones for non-educational purposes, which dis-

How have you seen teaching change throughout your career?

I think there are many more bells and whistles now. Fifteen years ago, group work was great; kids interacted with each other well. We’re trying to incorporate a lot of technology now to keep kids engaged, and it seems to me that kids need to be engaged more now than they used to be.

Why did you become an English teacher?

I am one course shy of being a social studies teacher. Instead of taking that last history course, I chose to take a literature course instead – literature won me over. However, I still think history is also a very important story to be told.

What do you enjoy most about teaching here at WHS? I have developed so many meaningful relationships over the years with students – in fact, all our teachers here have. It amazes me how willing kids have been to let us into their lives, it’s so profoundly special here. Even after they leave, they keep in touch with their old teachers here at WHS.

4 The Barker Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Fashion

Ready...Set...Prom!

PROM #OOTD

BY LIBBY CASTALDI

THE FUTURE OF ONLINE MAGAZINES

BY KERRY TIEDEMANN

fashion editor

Westerly High School or The Grammy’s? These dresses belong in a fashion magazine because they are so stunning! Teachers who attended along with any other spectators said that the class of 2015 stood apart from any other class due to our classy, grown-up gowns and behavior. Looks like WHS is sticking to our motto and “keepin’ it classy.”

I saw a few different distinct trends; lace, pastels, black, and higher necklines than ususal. The classic satin prom dress is no longer the norm. Thank God! I really enjoyed scrolling through Instagram and Facebook to view everyone’s dresses, tuxes, hair, and makeup!

From my observations I noticed that hairdos mostly consisted of braids and curls which was a really pretty trend. Nails were all sparkly or French manicures, which will never change. Lastly, makeup was tasteful but striking.

As a so-called fashion guru, I am extremely proud of our class for presenting ourselves as elegant adults and really proving how fabulous we can be.

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What is the name of an online magazine that is more popular than Vogue? Anyone?

I was asked the same question by Nancy Alusick, a former accessories editor at Harpers Bazaar Magazine. She asked the question to my classmates and I at a Pre-College Workshop at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. No one had an answer, and no one even raised their hand to attempt a half-guessed answer. When the dead silence in the room changed to awkwardness, she continued, “There is none.” We all stared back, blankly and patiently awaiting an explanation.

“Vogue does not have any online competitors, and in fact, I couldn’t even come up with an online magazine myself.” She went on to explain that if anyone wanted to be the next Anna Wintour (Present Editor in Chief at Vogue), you would have a better chance by creating your own online fashion magazine,

than competing with thousands of other girls for that SINGLE intern position.

Even then, your chances of a promotion aren’t guaranteed.

Let’s face it, as much as I love Anna Wintour, Grace Coddington and Tonne Goodman, they are pretty old and close to retirement. In addition, once an editor at Vogue retires, there are replacements lined up for twenty plus years.

Nothing is impossible, but the chances of becoming a successful Vogue editor comes awfully close. In this day and age, EVERYTHING is online.

Unfortunately and fortunately, teenagers are more comfortable using technology than performing tasks by hand. That’s just the reality.

Nancy instilled hope by saying that one of us could be the Editor in Chief of a brand new online fashion magazine and put Anna Wintour and editors alike out of business.

(OK, one must be extremely confident to think they could

achieve such succession, but it’s a lot more possible than one would think.)

Personally, when I imagine what the future will be like, I don’t see fashion magazines being mass produced onto paper. I see them being electronically downloaded onto laptops, tablets, and phones.

No more paper cuts from turning the pages of Vogue or the tedious task of placing sticky notes on the top of pages to keep tabs on that Chanel clutch you’ve been eying.

An online fashion magazine isn’t completely unconventional but it hasn’t been done yet. So what are you waiting for? Maybe it’s time to focus less attention on becoming an editor at Vogue, Marie Claire, or Harpers Bazaar and more time coming up with ideas for a brand new, online fashion magazine, where you could, virtually, be the next Anna Wintour.

MENS FASHION TRENDS

BY JACOB GROSS

Summer is upon us at last.

With the heat this season, it’s important to know how to keep yourself cool, which we all know can be a challenge in the half of WHS. Staying comfortable doesn’t necessarily mean wearing less clothing, it’s more about the type of clothing that you wear.

Fabrics and textures play a big role in staying cool.

Many trends this summer are pointing to denim, but not in the traditional idea of denim work jeans. Rather, a thin, lightwashed denim button down.

This could easily be paired with a thin tweed blazer that’s a light sandy color with a coral pocket square and some loafers.

For the cooler days in June and late-night dinners on the beach, dress to impress with a pair of black chinos , a shocking

yellow sweater with a coral button down and a navy blue blazer. Throw on a watch and some Ray-Bans and you’re all set for your date.

Fashion usually originates from the runways of Paris, Milan, and New York and evolves into clothes that someone could wear in everyday life.

These clothes are then manufactured by companies like J. Crew and H&M where everyday guys shop.

Because the clothes we buy are derived from high fashion, the seemingly ridiculous trends that we see during fashion week or in the September issue of Vogue are expressed in the clothes we wear every day, which allows us the opportunity to be truly fashionable.

Some of the most interesting fashions are derived from the

convergence of runway fashion into clothes marketed by companies like those I mentioned earlier.

One of the big looks targeted at people our age by clothing stores this season are graphic tees. However, these may not be the average T-Shirts that you’re probably thinking of.

Rather, the tees that the are marketing have a solid printed block-shaped image in the middle of the shirt and white lettering.

OBEY was the designer company that pioneered this trend, and while it was popular then, companies suchas H&M, Hurley, and Volcom have begun manufacturing similar tees.

Stay cool and trendy this summer, and we’ll see you in September.

Arts & Entertainment

Wednesday, June 11, 2014 The Barker 5

Godspell Rocks WHS

BY HANNAH HEIDTMAN Copy Editor

It was a success! Once more, the Westerly High School Theatre Scrapbook Company has truly put on an incredible show, and has left the public eye with a thirst for more. The excitement for next year’s show is already in the air after the closing of Godspell following their successful stint on the Westerly stage.

The Westerly High School Theatre Scrapbook Company has always been upheld to a high standard to produce quality performances, and transform our fellow peers into wonderful singers and performers.

After the successful productions of Les Miserables, Sweeney Todd and last year’s Cabaret, expectations were even higher this year. The 2014 production of Godspell did not disappoint. Fueled with happy tunes and ringing ballads, the musical was powerful and full of rich voices.

Harrison Svhila in the lead role as Jesus was impressive. Erica Terranova and Erica Johnson were breathtaking, especially in their multiple duets. As a whole, the production lived up to its standard of quality.

Throughout the perfomance the entire cast remained on stage listening to and acting in other members stories.

Hannah Ornburn, Mary Hurley, and Jalisa Burdick were just a few among the cast and company of Godspell. Jillian Deperry and the rest of the females in the cast charmed in bright colors and various flower headbands. The cast, donning bright colors and a variety of different neon and patterned clothes, eloquently represented the Godspell theme of clowns.

Godspell itself is based off the Gospel of Matthew, retelling its parables in a new way, leading all the way up to the crusification of Jesus. The Scrapbook Company’s retelling of the Crucifixion scene may have stolen the entire show, producing a new and intense feeling in the room through the red flashing lights as Jesus hung from the netting and his followers cried and tore at it. The show was worth seeing just for that scene alone which was performed so well by the cast of Godspell that it was practically chilling. It was followed by the tragic scene of the cast carrying Jesus’ body through the aisles.

Jill Surdyka, a 97’ graduate of Westerly High School, served a brief stint as a Broadway.com critic and professionally reviewed shows that took to the stage in New York City. After seeing Godspell, she had nothing but good reviews to give. “It was great…Mr. DeAngelis did a great job of working all the

different voices and talents together to create something awesome,” she said.

Even from an actor’s perspective, Godspell was magnificent. Not only do many of the cast already miss rehearsals and performances, Erica Terranova stated that despite how weary she was she “loved every minute of it. Everyone was pushed out of their comfort zone. I grew closer with this cast than any other cast in my three years in Theatre Scrapbook Co., which is so instrumental to the show.”

The Theatre Scrapbook Co. has put on a truly unforgettable show to top off their current run. In fact, they can only be expected to one-up themselves again next year. A fan favorite is predicting the show for next year. After the 2013 Cabaret, the announcement for next year’s show was Guys & Dolls.

However, due to a smaller cast than expected, the show was changed to Godspell to accommodate the smaller cast.

After the production they put on though, I don’t think anyone is complaining.

Even those who couldn’t find an opportunity to make it to the full show raved about the sneak preview the student body got to experience the Wednesday before the show pre-

See Godspell on page 8

Jacob’s Picks

Top Tens

Rad Tunes

BY JACOB GROSS

BY BENNETT LANNI

Arts and Entertainment Editor

Staff Reporter

BY AINSLIE MYERS Staff Reporter

1. Santa Fe

1. Good Girls

1. Tides

2. San Franscisco

2. Problems

2. Tessellate

3. New Slang

3. Fancy

3. Tangerine

4. Breezeblocks

4. Am I Wrong

4. Holland, 1945

5. I Believe in a Thing Called Love

5. Rude

5. Let Her Go

6. Wiggle

6. Paper Trails

7. All of Me

7. Windshield Smasher

Beirut

The Mowgli’s The Shins Alt-J

Branches

6. First Day of My Life Bright Eyes

7. Grace Kelly MIKA

8. Sydney (I’ll Come Running) Brett Dennen

9. The Walker

Fitz and The Tantrums

10. Pursuit of Happiness Lissie

5 Seconds of Summer

Ariana Grande Iggy Azalea

Nico & Vinz MAGIC!

Jason Derulo John Legend

8. Turn Down For What

The XX Alt-J

Led Zeppelin

Neutral Milk Hotel Mac DeMarco Darkside

Black Moth Super Rainbow

DJ Snake

8. Hi

Pharrell Williams

9. Fifty Four

Calvin Harris

10. I Want You

9. Happy

10. Summer

Warpaint

Sea Haven

The Beatles

Godspell ran from May 8-11th in the Ward Auditorium

The Chorus of Westerly Goes on Tour

BY JACOB GROSS Arts and Entertainment Editor

Summer 2014 is going to be a monumentous time for The Chorus of Westerly. Not only do they have Summer Pops in the near future, the organization is getting ready to embark on an Eastern European Tour.

Announced in 2012, the Chorus plans to travel to Prague, Budapest, and Vienna from July 12th to the 22nd.

While there, the Chorus will be performing Antinin Dvorak’s “Stabat Mater” in three major venues in each city, such as the Smetana Hall in Prague.

The Chorus has performed “Stabat Mater” three times in it’s history. In preperation for the upcoming trip, the 220 members of The Chorus of Westerly performed Dvorak’s work for their May classical concert, wrapping up their indoor 2013-2014 season.

In November, Executive director Ryan Saunders took the

ten day trip in four days in preperation for the arrival of 220+ excited chorus members.

Saunders kept a blog of his trip which is made available through ACFEA, the same company who will be providing the trip for The Chorus of Westerly.

Ryan Saunders published his information to assist the singers and “camp followers” who will also be attending the tour.

Although there is over six

months until the departure date, excitment was instilled in all according to chorus members who had read the blog.

As the tour date apporaches, the chorus will hold several rehearsals after Summer Pops to refresh the music before they arrive in Europe and work with two different orchestras.

This tour is a momentus occation as it is the first tour the chorus has taken since 1995.

Smetana Hall, Prague

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6 The Barker Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Sports

AND THAT’S A WRAP...

Westerly’s Kevin Paige and Kurtis Rathbun defend the net during a home volleyball game.

BY OLIVIA FERRARO Staff Reporter

With the conclusion of another year of sports, Westerly’s spring sports teams are concluding very successful seasons.

The girls’ lacrosse team greatly improved this season over last.

While the team only won one game last year, they went to the playoffs and finished at 4-8, an accomplishment that they had not reached last season.

Coach Paisley is optimistic, saying “[The girls] are definitely more competitive this year,” considering their losses usually have a difference of only a couple of points.

The boys’ lacrosse team continues to have a successful season as they also headed to playoffs. The team began its season with an equal amount of

wins and losses, but the team went on a four-game winning streak, which allowed them to qualify for playoffs as well.

Just as the lacrosse teams close out their seasons, the golf team ends its own year as well.

The golf team had a nearly even distribution of wins and losses in their record. However, team members have a positive opinion of their team, noting that even new players have contributed to a successful building season.

The team did not qualify for the state tournament after their playoffs on May 21.

With a season full of hard work and triumphant games, Westerly’s baseball team claims a division championship win.

Ending the season at 12-4, Coach Sorensen noted the team’s trip to Myrtle Beach,

South Carolina in April allowed plenty of team bonding.

The team has proven to be very competitive and determined, leaving incoming underclassmen with big shoes to fill as a large portion of the team’s most successful players prepare to graduate in June.

Although Westerly did not win the championship on May 21, the team ended with a highly successful season.

The boys’ volleyball team unfotunately lost their senior night game.

Although the team had a “rough start” this year, the Bulldogs made a strong comeback, standing at 8-9. Captains Kenny Xie, Kevin Paige, and Kurtis Rathbun lead their team to playoffs this year as well.

Westerly’s sailing team unfortunately began late in the season

due to unusually low temperatures, but the team has grown significantly from last year, especially in number of skippers.

And, with the weather finally beginning to warm up, practices have been more frequent than in the previous year.

Since sailing lasts longer than most other spring sports, the team still has upcoming races left in the season, but practices have been running well in preparation for these matches.

Although the girls’ outdoor track team finished eighth out of ten at their southern division championship, Westerly athletes took home a number of wins.

With Jackie Burr in first place for the 1500-meter race and Charlotte Andrus in first place for the 400, the team prepares to head to the state meet.

The boys’ outdoor track team

prepares to complete another successful season, after winning a fair number of meets in the start.

However, they ranked in sixth place at their championship meet, with North Kingstown taking first place.

Along with sailing and golf, the tennis team has put forth plenty of hard work and effort throughout the season even though their practices take place off of our school’s campus.

This season unfortunately was not as successful as the team may have hoped, but they showed certain improvement from last year.

As the spring sport’s season ends, many successful athletes are preparing to graduate Westerly High School.

Mike Johns had a great soccer and track season. His ab-

sence will be felt next year on the field and in many sprinting and jumping events. Johns broke numerous jumping records in his time at WHS. Swimmer Logan Hellwig will continue his career at Saint Bonaventure in New York.

While swimming at the high school, Hellwig set many new school and state records.

Cross- country and Track runner Jackie Burr will attend the University of Rhode Island in the fall. She will be running for the Rams.

Many other outstanding athletes will continue to excel on the playing field in college.

Westerly wishes them luck and hopes they never forget their Bulldog Pride and Dawg Pound Spirit.

The Mane is Gone!

BY COOPER FERRIERA Staff Reporter

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You see him around school.

You see him out on the track.

We all know Jon Jacobs and his luscious locks. A few weeks ago, however, he was almost unrecognizable.

The sports seasons are now coming to an end but something very special happened at the first outing of the track team.

Westerly went up against rival Stonington in a practice dual meet to kick off the season.

All competitors, from runners to jumpers to throwers, were ready to smash their opponents from across the river.

One competitor in particular was extra ready to prevail over all others. So ready, in fact, that this thrower from Westerly

made a bet with the team that he will not only win but throw a new personal record. If he failed to PR in his event, Jon agreed to let the track team shave his head and donate the hair to charity.

After a long cold meet, the results were tallied. Jacobs’ throw was only a few feet short yet he still acknowledged his end of the deal. As soon as the last race was over, the clippers came out.

Julia Wicklund began to tame the wild mop by straightening Jacobs’ long hair. Two combs were lost in the process.

A solid half- hour later, three track team members each braided a section of his long

locks. The three braids each measured in at a length of 14 inches.

Next came the buzzers.

Coach Fed helped trim, finish and shave the remaining hair on Jacobs’ scalp. The buzzers almost broke, yet Fed managed to finish off Jon’s new hairdo.

The braids were donated to Locks of Love and will be used to make wigs for cancer patients who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy treatment.

In one afternoon, the once bouncy fro of Jon Jacobs became a shaved head. Yet, Jacobs’ small sacrifice will make a huge impact in the lives of those afflicted with cancer.

Opinion

Left vs Right

“College campuses today: places of free speech or intolerance?”

BY HANNAH HEIDTMAN

BY JILLIAN SCHREIER

Left

Right

The free world today is transforming.

With the technology revolution and the quick transition from a conserved to a fairly liberal world, the change is taking its toll on places of worship as well as schools and college campuses.

As the world continues to evolve, the recent events concerning college campuses are becoming more discussed and debated.

As a liberal, I lean towards the premise that these college campuses are being tolerant.

Despite disapproval, these college campuses have not restricted a majority of acts in recent history.

For example, a few weeks ago, a “Black Mass” was scheduled at Harvard.

The “Black Mass” is quite literally a satanic event, centering on what becomes a parody of Catholic religion.

Churches in the Harvard area protested the event, beginning a petition.

When it was obvious they weren’t going to win, they rescinded and instead hosted a holy hour during the event.

Harvard president Drew Faust stated that based on Harvard policy, he wasn’t allowed to stop the event but he wasn’t condoning it.

Basically, even though participating in a “Black Mass” isn’t exactly on top of my personal checklist, I won’t condemn anyone for participating.

In fact, students participating in the events preferred to remain anonymous, however, they released statements and quotes, discussing their ability to explore religion and “experience the history of cultural purposes…to learn.”

If this “Black Mass” is truly a way to learn about different cultures and beliefs, then I say go for it.

Who are you to stop them from trying to learn, even if it is unorthodox?

Another recent event was the Ray Kelly shout-down.

Ray Kelly, in fact, was shouted and heckled off a stage at Brown University.

For anyone that doesn’t know, Ray Kelly is the head of the NYPD, who went to speak at Brown about the Stop and Frisk policy that is instituted.

As an advocate against the Stop and Frisk policy, I have to agree with the students on this one.

Ray Kelly needs to look around and see the racism in the policy, and the students are allowed to speak out against Kelly’s intolerance and police brutality.

There has been a spike in police brutality ever since the policy was instituted, especially against those with darker skin, who are being targeted more often.

Afterwards, the Stop and Frisk policy was reviewed and appealed.

Although booing Kelly off the stage may not have been the most civil act in the world, they are allowed to disagree with the man and express this against him.

Although the President at Brown did agree to speak with the student body about the actions against Ray Kelly, the students were allowed to speak against him.

In fact, the students were allowed to take it almost too far, shouting Ray Kelly off the stage and forcing the university to reschedule his lecture.

The students were not stopped from speaking out against the injustice, nor should they have been.

Their freedom of speech precedes and trumps social standards and allows for the protest to take place.

Rutgers University experienced a recent protest against Condoleezza Rice, who was invited to speak at a commencement.

Labeling Condoleezza Rice as a war criminal for her association with Iraq, students and professors alike protested this woman’s rights as a suitable speaker for a commencement.

As a matter of fact, Condoleezza Rice experienced so much negativity in terms of her commencement speech that she returned her invitation and asked for her spot to be filled.

However, after she declined the invitation, she managed to upset a whole new group of students and faculty by doing so.

All of them were looking forward to hearing Condoleezza Rice speak.

Although a minority of campus opposed her speech, she still declined the invitation to avoid the opposition.

In this way it was almost offensive but in my opinion, Rice is right.

The commencement is supposed to be about coming together, not about political opposition and controversy.

Despite the many events that transpire on college campuses, nothing has ever been shut down or rejected.

College campuses are becoming welcoming and open, and by allowing protests and “Satanic” rituals to take place, I can’t see college campuses as oppressive.

The United States prides itself on freedom of speech and expression. However, the bounderies of freedom vary and range as the nation continues to grow and develop.

In recent news, colleges have brought great attention by testing and limiting said bounds.

One would expect universities to lack bias and to open their doors to freedom of expression.

Nevertheless, recent stories have brought question to how extreme a student can express oneself within these institutions.

A prime example includes the conflict of the “black mass” at Harvard University.

Harvard University, known for its original religious foundation, has evolved from a strict Christian institution to an open atmosphere for a variety of students.

Regardless, a great debate appeared at the college when a student-lead group, the Harvard Extension Cultural Studies Club, proposed holding a Satanic mass at the university.

After expressed fear from several of the university’s officials and students, the group, at first, decided to move the mass off campus before eventually cancelling the event altogether.

An alternative mass was supposedly held by the Satanic Temple at an undisclosed area that same day.

It was the group’s decision to cancel the mass, not Harvard’s.

In fact, Drew Faust, Harvard’s president, agreed the group had the right to perform the mass, even in the face of controversy.

According to the article “Amid Outcry, Black Mass at Harvard is Called off,” by Travis Anderson and Derek J. Anderson, Faust “called the student group’s sponsorship of the black mass ‘abhorrent,’ but said she must protect the group’s right to free speech.”

Despite disagreeing with the overall manner of the mass, Faust understood the right for expression.

Since Harvard is a private institution, the university had every right to put a stop to the mass, especially considering the college’s original foundations.

Regardless, the university recognizes the importance of freedom of expression and speech.

The group decided against the mass due to the disapproving opinions presented by Harvard’s community.

However, just like the students have a right to express their interest in the Satanic ideology, the community members have the same right to express their disapproval.

To Christians, specifically Catholics, the “black mass” is a hateful parody of their religion.

Even if the group’s members meant no harm or insult to the religion, the followers still have a right to express their dislike of the ritual.

A double standard cannot be held concerning who gets to express their opinion and who does not.

Regardless, the university officials themselves allowed and gave the group full expression without intolerance, even if the event contradicted most of their beliefs.

Additionally, Harvard is not the only college found recently in the news dealing with the bounds of the certain freedoms.

Rutgers University, a school located in New Jersey, faced controversy when announcing Condoleezza Rice’s appearance to speak at the graduation.

The former Secretary of State and National Security Adviser under the Bush administration rejected the invitation after great campus protest.

The protesting students and facility disagreed with the decisions made by Rice concerning the Iraq war while in the secretary position.

Regarding the decline, she stated, “Commencement should be a time of joyous celebration for the graduates and their families. “‘Rutgers’ invitation to me to speak has become a distraction for the university community at this very special time.”

Rice wanted to avoid great controversy during such a significant time and respected the voice of the Rutgers’s community.

While the university still stood behind its invitation, Rice declined anyhow.

Protesters were angry at the university’s determination to withhold their invitation, arguing how their opinion should be officially acknowledged by the college.

However, while the students had the right to express their disapproval, the university also had the right to exhibit its opinion.

Since both parties have the right to expression, neither side should be penalized for doing so.

The university allowed students to express their viewpoint, permitting peaceful protests at the office of Rutgers University’s president, but also stood by their original decision.

No intolerance to expression was shown by either side.

The amount of freedom found within colleges has changed drastically from when some of the first schools were established.

The amount of freedom often depends on the situation.

Although the students and facility have a right to express their freedoms, the same rights are given to the officials of the universities, especially private institutions.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014 The Barker 7

Editorial: Prom Promise an Important Part of a Healthy Prom Initiative This year, VAASA (Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse) initiated the Prom Promise. The Prom Promise was a new initiative among concerned WHS students, encouraging juniors to sign a pledge to stay sober, especially on prom night. This was an excellent initiative and step in the right direction; we hope the Prom Promise will continue for future proms.

In an attempt to assess the effectiveness of the Prom Promise, the Barker polled eighty-nine juniors following Junior Prom on topics such as signing the Prom Promise, keeping the pledge, drinking on prom night, driving on prom night, and drinking at after parties. The complete results of this poll can be found on the back page of this issue.

Out of the eighty-nine students surveyed, 91% attended prom. Of the students who attended prom, however, only 51% of the students signed the Prom Promise. In other words, about half of the promattending juniors participated in the Prom Promise. The rate at which students held themselves to the promise was high: 93% kept it, while 7% broke it. While the percentage of students who signed and kept the promise was very high, the actual number that

the 93% figure translates into is 38 students.

Since information can sometimes be lost in the dry statistics, it is important to keep in mind that not everyone surveyed signed Prom Promise. Again, the data we collected states that roughly half of the juniors who attended prom agreed to the pledge. Additionally, the data demonstrates that of the roughly one-half of juniors who attended and agreed to the pledge, 93% followed through.

In conducting this poll, the Barker also asked about drinking in general on prom night.

We found that many juniors did not drink, regardless of whether they signed the pledge. According to the results, 72% of juniors did not drink at all on prom night, and 28% did drink. We also polled juniors to understand the number of students who drove on prom night. Interestingly, 72% did not drive, and 28% drove. It must be noted that the identical percentages resulting from the two questions are only coincidental; it cannot be assumed that the same 72% of juniors who said they did not drink were the same 72% who did not drive.

Another aspect we covered

was the number of students who attended an after party with alcohol. Of the eightyone students surveyed, 33% did attend a party with alcohol. The other 67% of juniors did not drink at an after party. As earlier data showed 28% of students did drink on prom night, it stands to reason that a large portion of the 33% consumed alcohol at after parties, where it was available to them.

In many aspects, the 2014 Prom Promise initiative was a success. There were no major alcohol-related incidents or injuries, including drunk driving. Coupled with the mock car crash shown to juniors and seniors, it seems that Prom Promise succeeded in spreading awareness for the dangers of alcohol consumption on prom night.

Even so, with one-third of all prom-attending respondents having access to alcohol, and 28% apparently consuming alcohol, the WHS community cannot let Prom Promise pass as a one-year-only fad, especially given the fact that the drinking age is 21.

If we are to ensure that our juniors and seniors attending prom are as safe and alcohol-free as possible, we

See Promise on page 8

Talking Heads The Barker asked, “Do you think WHS should get a new turf field?”

“I disagree with the turf field.”

- Louis Graeve, Senior

“The money could be spent on the arts or the sciences.”

- Kip Smith, Junior

“Skip the turf field and give me the money!”

- Justin Senior, Sophomore

“It would be nice for sports, but the money could be for books.”

- Alex Toscano, Freshman

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BARKER POLL 8 The Barker Friday, April 4, 2014

Science from page 1

The Barker asked 81 juniors who went to the junior prom:

Did you sign the Prom Promise?

science.

When asked if the blended classroom will continue, Mr. Hooper gave an enthusiastic affirmation. He along with the other Chemistry teachers have noticed enough changes and improvements in their stu-

dents to continue with problem- based learning. “The curriculum, like most, is a work in progress,” states Mr. Hooper. “We are continually readjusting and fixing problems for an efficient and effective learning experience.”

school, not only the work.

Finally, young adults need to have fun once in a while too. As Stephen King states “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” If children and adults don’t receive a mental break once in a while, serious changes can occur. For example, creativity could decrease, mood could become more depressed, and overall energy could decrease.

The trip to Six Flags New England hosts several benefits, and is under consideration for next year.

Of course, students want to go to spend time with friends and be free from home lives for one day. But trips of that volume

require months of planning. The decision will come down to the willingness of the entire class to participate in the trip, and the officers of the current junior class to execute travel plans.

Overall, students and teachers deserve a day off. As students find graduation fast approaching, a class trip to Six Flags may seem like a good option.

The stresses of school work may need to be relaxed for one day of fun. After all, less than two months exist between the trip and graduation. Spending time in an entertaining way will certainly make the best of short time.

every fifteen minutes one person dies because of an alcohol related crash.

In fact VAASA, a varsity student athlete organization against substance abuse run by Mrs. Waranis, depicted this statistic one week before the mock car crash. That Wednesday, every fifteen minutes throughout the school day, one volunteer member of VAASA was briefly taken out of class to have his or her face painted white, and to be given a sign reading “Today I died, and I never got the chance to tell you…” These students represented the victims of the alcohol related incidents, and were not al-

lowed to talk for the rest of the school day.

The mock car crash, the assembly, and the “dead” day were all part of a Prom Promise to get students attending prom to stay safe and sober. During lunches, VAASA members encouraged fellow classmates to sign the Prom Promise, by entering the names of all those who signed the prom promise in a raffle to win prizes, such as free flowers or a manicure. VAASA succeeded in getting most of the students attending prom to sign the prom promise.

So I could give you all the statistics, how alcohol related crashes are the leading cause

Wilcox Park also serves as the location of Shakespeare in the Park, another annual summer event. Performed by the members of the Colonial Theater, this year’s performance will be “Twelfth Night.” Shakespeare in the Park runs Tuesday through Sunday from July 30 to August 17, starting at 8:00 pm. Admission to this event and to the Summer Pops is free.

On August 9, one of Westerly’s most unique festivities will begin as the sun sets.

River Glow, inspired by Providence’s WaterFire, features over 30 floating bonfires in the Pawcatuck River serving as a backdrop for

live music, family activities, and downtown shopping, beginning at 7:00 pm.

Two other concert series occurring in the Westerly area also draw large summer crowds: the Donahue Park Summer Concert Series, held on the Pawcatuck side of the river, and the Watch Hill Summer Concert Series, held at the small park along Bay Street and Watch Hill Harbor.

There will be no shortage of events this summer in Westerly, appealing to a wide variety of tastes. With numerous concerts, festivals, and performances in the fine arts, the Westerly area draws large numbers of tourists

search for essays and other assignments.

This certainly comes in handy, especially when the library and computer labs are booked, or the Internet is down on the computers.

Those in language classes, for instance, are encouraged by some teachers to study and learn new vocabulary using a free online program called “DuoLingo,” which uses games to help people learn and prac-

tice language skills.

The program can be used on phones, kindles, IPads, and other devices.

Some students can even use their device as another planner, adding upcoming tests and due dates into their digital calendar.

Thanks to advanced technology, students can learn and get organized in a totally new way.

miered. Junior Bradley Alicchio was regretful of his decision to not make it to the full performance that weekend after seeing the preview.

Even weeks after the show, Taylor Kmetz, stage crew, can’t stop gushing about how well it all came together. It has dominated lunchroom conversations and class-

rooms. After Godspell’s success, nothaving seen the show was regretful. If you missed the Theatre Scrapbook Company’s show it this year, make sure you get to their show next year! The company is due to outdo itself, as it continues to do year after year.

As the new freshman class comes in, it brings with it new talent and actors, and

Six Flags from page 1

49%

Prom from page 1 51%

If you signed it, did you keep it?

7%

Summer from page 1

BYOD from page 3

93%

Regardless of if you signed the Prom Promise, did you refrain from drinking?

Godspell from page 5

28%

Sneaks from page 4 must strengthen this message year after year. With a targeted message to accompany the overall pledge, such as the consequences of social host violation in serving alcohol

72%

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