g i n el u d sfi cl i n er st h et po
W
NewiNgtoN
d
towN CRieR Friday, June 20, 2014
Newington native making a difference overseas in Paraguay By ERICA SCHMITT STAFF WRITER
As students in Newington High School’s Class of 2014 are propelled into the world this week each will have their own impact, and one school alum is demonstrating what it means to make a difference as a volunteer overseas. A Class of 2008 graduate of NHS, Jenna Scanlon applied to the Peace Corps in December 2011. She received her assignment in October 2012 and left for Paraguay in February 2013. Now at age 24, she’s been in the country for one year and four months. As a community health volunteer, Scanlon lives and works in a housing settlement 30 minutes outside Asunción, capital of the South American country. In her time there she has worked on Volume 54, No. 25
Free
a variety of projects facilitating healthy living, child-raising, sexual health and nutrition. She has led cooking classes, yoga and Zumba classes, and given presentations on sexual abuse and health with the non-governmental organization (NGO) the Dequení Foundation, which helps local children. She also worked on a deforestation project, helped to form a neighborhood committee, and worked in the Corps’ Health Post to educate doctors on community issues. Additionally, Scanlon has taken on her own projects with the kids, teaching them dance therapy and yoga. “The unique aspect of the Peace Corps is that you do not have 9 to 5 work, but your life is your work,” she said this week in an email, since phone service and internet are available intermittently in the settlement. “You live where you work and thus are always working,” Scanlon continued. “Visiting families, having kids over to play and learn, See WORKING, Page 3
Erica Schmitt | Staff
Moving on From left, Allison Estey, Emily Evon, and Chelsey Ezete, before graduation Tuesday.
Newington High School graduates 337 Tuesday By ERICA SCHMITT
diplomas Tuesday night 337 These words — originally Newington High School grad- imparted by a sociology teachBefore they walked across the uates were encouraged to “chase er to push students to embrace stage at the Oakdale Theatre that feeling” by Wiktoria Bis, one their youth and passions See STUDENTS, Page 9 in Wallingford to receive their of two class valedictorians. STAFF WRITER
no
ling w sel
ry
jewel
becker’s estate jewelers oF west hartFord
now b
uying
jewel
ry
now in
newington
Becker’s has a great selection of Vintage, Estate and Contemporary jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets. You will be surprised at the savings as all items are
half the price of new!
3311 berlin turnpike between target & best buy Mon-Fri 10-6, sat 10-4, sun 11-4
OF
WEST
HARTFORD
1-888-BECKERS | www.beckers.com