by Katie Jochems
On March 29 the junior class had to take a pilot MCAS US History exam. I, for one, thought it was a complete waste of a day. I took the AP US History exam a few weeks ago, and I had to endure a few hours of random, and sometimes embarrassingly easy questions by the state of Massachusetts just because they wanted to see how well we would do. Massachusetts, if you are listening please do one thing for me, go back to the times when only the fourth, eighth, and tenth grades took MCAS; Where it was only the core subjects and not things like US history, biology, and chemistry.
The only reason I slightly tried to do well is because Mrs. Lynch, whom I greatly respect, asked us to, not only for her, but for the entire history department. More than half of the students in my classroom finished far before the half way time was called, wasting most everyone’s time. I could have definitely used those three periods to help prepare for my finals in those classes. Instead I was stuck in a classroom with nineteen other kids who couldn’t care less about the silly MCAS US History test. Thanks for making me spend one of my last eight days of school doing something that will never count.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Darfur
by Ryan Hennigan
Immediately following Christmas Vacation, Ms. Sauders, an English teacher, came up with an idea. She was aware of the violent on goings in Darfur and proposed to her period 3 class to help make a change after she educated her students on the issue. The students made posters and took direct action to attempt to make a positive change.
Many months later President Bush has finally taken action on the issue. He spoke of the issue and made a promise.
"I promise this to the people of Darfur: the United States will not avert our eyes from a crisis that challenges the conscience of the world," the president said.
He followed this up with fact.
"The world has a responsibility to put an end to it," Bush said.
Proposals have been made and they will be decided upon at a latter date. But one thing that is for sure is that the U.S. will no longer let the genocide that is taking place in Darfur continue.
Immediately following Christmas Vacation, Ms. Sauders, an English teacher, came up with an idea. She was aware of the violent on goings in Darfur and proposed to her period 3 class to help make a change after she educated her students on the issue. The students made posters and took direct action to attempt to make a positive change.
Many months later President Bush has finally taken action on the issue. He spoke of the issue and made a promise.
"I promise this to the people of Darfur: the United States will not avert our eyes from a crisis that challenges the conscience of the world," the president said.
He followed this up with fact.
"The world has a responsibility to put an end to it," Bush said.
Proposals have been made and they will be decided upon at a latter date. But one thing that is for sure is that the U.S. will no longer let the genocide that is taking place in Darfur continue.
Sex in sports
by Ryan Hennigan
The other day I was watching an ESPN program that was looking into the factor of sex appeal in sports. The program was interesting and it made me realize that sex and sports are more related than one would originally believe to be. This is true maybe even more so than most other professional jobs.
The program talked in-depth about the clear fact that old fashion knowledgeable man television sport reporters are disappearing. These men who are good at their jobs and know their facts about sports are rapidly and entirely being replaced by attractive young women who read what they say off of a screen behind the camera. And what ESPN found was that not only does what they say happen to be frequently wrong, that when they say something wrong the men do not really care. For example, at a game if there are two men who spot an attractive reporter, most likely they will not listen to what she is saying, rather just look at her.
This is a problem in sports, but the issue does not involve just women. Good-looking professional men who play sports usually make a lot more money than unattractive men with the same talent if they sell themselves. This is true as their faces and bodies are all over the marketing business such as in commercials. This can be seen with men such as Alex Rodriguez, Andre Agassiz, and Tom Brady. The worst case is when players who are not that good make a fortune just because of the fact that they are attractive. This is evident for Anna Kournakova who has made a lot of money just from marketing herself.
A further issue in sports is the reluctantcy of men sport players to admit that they are gay while playing. The first player to do this was David Kopay and there has not been an additional player to admit to being gay while he was playing ever since him. This may be due to the image of sports players as lady’s men, as there have been many to come out after they retired, but all were too proud to admit when they were playing.
Although most of these issues aren’t of great importance to high school sports, they are important to the high school sports players who have dreams of sports for their futures. High school players that go on to become sports reporters or players will come to know and deal with all these issues.
The other day I was watching an ESPN program that was looking into the factor of sex appeal in sports. The program was interesting and it made me realize that sex and sports are more related than one would originally believe to be. This is true maybe even more so than most other professional jobs.
The program talked in-depth about the clear fact that old fashion knowledgeable man television sport reporters are disappearing. These men who are good at their jobs and know their facts about sports are rapidly and entirely being replaced by attractive young women who read what they say off of a screen behind the camera. And what ESPN found was that not only does what they say happen to be frequently wrong, that when they say something wrong the men do not really care. For example, at a game if there are two men who spot an attractive reporter, most likely they will not listen to what she is saying, rather just look at her.
This is a problem in sports, but the issue does not involve just women. Good-looking professional men who play sports usually make a lot more money than unattractive men with the same talent if they sell themselves. This is true as their faces and bodies are all over the marketing business such as in commercials. This can be seen with men such as Alex Rodriguez, Andre Agassiz, and Tom Brady. The worst case is when players who are not that good make a fortune just because of the fact that they are attractive. This is evident for Anna Kournakova who has made a lot of money just from marketing herself.
A further issue in sports is the reluctantcy of men sport players to admit that they are gay while playing. The first player to do this was David Kopay and there has not been an additional player to admit to being gay while he was playing ever since him. This may be due to the image of sports players as lady’s men, as there have been many to come out after they retired, but all were too proud to admit when they were playing.
Although most of these issues aren’t of great importance to high school sports, they are important to the high school sports players who have dreams of sports for their futures. High school players that go on to become sports reporters or players will come to know and deal with all these issues.
Stupid rule
by Ryan Hennigan
What bitter man died and made the absolutely ridiculous rule that students can’t wear hats to school. Honestly, I don’t see the harm in them. And what good comes out of this rule? If anything, principals and teachers snatching off the hats of students and keeping them in the office is invasion of privacy and theft.
Although most regard the rule as clear-cut dumb, let’s consider the opposing point of view on the subject. The guess as to why the rule was put into place is that some older people regard hats being worn in school as disrespectful. Others say that they are distractions, causing students to snatch them off each others heads and doing other inappropriate things with them. Another obscure theory is that students may by accident hit each other with the bills of their hat when they are walking in the crowded hallways.
The last statement is downright out of the question, but the others are in need of some consideration. The myth that hats are irrespective is bogus. The people that believe this are usually old fashion and they don’t understand that that kind of child stuff is out of date. The spectrum of items that one can wear without being considered disrespectful has increased way beyond hats. Students can now be seen in school wearing clothes with fishnets, minnie-skirts, chains, and spikes. A lot of them even die their hair colors such as pink or green and put their hair into mohawks. These things now symbolize personality, no longer disrespect. As for hats being distractions, this is also a weak argument. Although it is true that some immature students trying to cause trouble can always snatch a hat and play a game out keep away, there are two strong arguments to go against this. The first is that if one was to attempt to steal something off a student as a joke, one could go to by other means also. One could, for example, snatch a barrette or a hair band off a girls hair or take a pin or sticker off someone’s shirt. Hair bands and shirt pins are both acceptable items to wear to school as decided by the school’s authoritative figures, yet they both could be disruptive just as much as a hat could be. Also, we are in high school, and to not trust us by suspecting that we would do these immature deeds is saying that we aren’t the young respectful adults as the majority of us are. To take away our right to wear hats because of a few immature derelicts is irresponsible of the school.
Others schools around Pembroke allow their students to wear hats, such as Whitman-Hanson and Marshfield, and they don’t have a problem with it. This, and all the other reasons, proves that it would be a good idea with a positive effect if students were allowed to wear hats here at Pembroke.
What bitter man died and made the absolutely ridiculous rule that students can’t wear hats to school. Honestly, I don’t see the harm in them. And what good comes out of this rule? If anything, principals and teachers snatching off the hats of students and keeping them in the office is invasion of privacy and theft.
Although most regard the rule as clear-cut dumb, let’s consider the opposing point of view on the subject. The guess as to why the rule was put into place is that some older people regard hats being worn in school as disrespectful. Others say that they are distractions, causing students to snatch them off each others heads and doing other inappropriate things with them. Another obscure theory is that students may by accident hit each other with the bills of their hat when they are walking in the crowded hallways.
The last statement is downright out of the question, but the others are in need of some consideration. The myth that hats are irrespective is bogus. The people that believe this are usually old fashion and they don’t understand that that kind of child stuff is out of date. The spectrum of items that one can wear without being considered disrespectful has increased way beyond hats. Students can now be seen in school wearing clothes with fishnets, minnie-skirts, chains, and spikes. A lot of them even die their hair colors such as pink or green and put their hair into mohawks. These things now symbolize personality, no longer disrespect. As for hats being distractions, this is also a weak argument. Although it is true that some immature students trying to cause trouble can always snatch a hat and play a game out keep away, there are two strong arguments to go against this. The first is that if one was to attempt to steal something off a student as a joke, one could go to by other means also. One could, for example, snatch a barrette or a hair band off a girls hair or take a pin or sticker off someone’s shirt. Hair bands and shirt pins are both acceptable items to wear to school as decided by the school’s authoritative figures, yet they both could be disruptive just as much as a hat could be. Also, we are in high school, and to not trust us by suspecting that we would do these immature deeds is saying that we aren’t the young respectful adults as the majority of us are. To take away our right to wear hats because of a few immature derelicts is irresponsible of the school.
Others schools around Pembroke allow their students to wear hats, such as Whitman-Hanson and Marshfield, and they don’t have a problem with it. This, and all the other reasons, proves that it would be a good idea with a positive effect if students were allowed to wear hats here at Pembroke.
Summer is here
by Ryan Hennigan
If one were to look up and down the school hallways, it would seem, as we approach the end of the school year, as if summer has made an early arrival. This is apparent as there has been an evident transformation of morale around the school that has most all its occupants acting differently. The same change seems to happen every year at about the same time, and it seems to have hit hard this year.
For some unexplained reason, at the end of the school year at a certain point the school atmosphere changes from gloomy to celebrative. Maybe this date is after Memorial Day long weekend, or perhaps preceding the final MCAS testing. The pattern seems to be that it starts around this time at a small level and gradually increases in level of happiness as the days unwind. Currently, Memorial Day has just passed and I have heard several teachers even boasting about the end of school and the arrival of summer.
“Ahhh, summer’s here, baby! No denying it,” proudly exclaimed Mr. Turley as he stretched out in joy.
And Mr. Turley is not the only teacher consumed in this near reality.
“Just a couple more days and it will be all over. It’ll be over sooner than we all think,” explained Ms. Saunders.
For whatever reason, a switch has been flicked and now we all seem to be on the easy cruise to the end of the year.
If one were to look up and down the school hallways, it would seem, as we approach the end of the school year, as if summer has made an early arrival. This is apparent as there has been an evident transformation of morale around the school that has most all its occupants acting differently. The same change seems to happen every year at about the same time, and it seems to have hit hard this year.
For some unexplained reason, at the end of the school year at a certain point the school atmosphere changes from gloomy to celebrative. Maybe this date is after Memorial Day long weekend, or perhaps preceding the final MCAS testing. The pattern seems to be that it starts around this time at a small level and gradually increases in level of happiness as the days unwind. Currently, Memorial Day has just passed and I have heard several teachers even boasting about the end of school and the arrival of summer.
“Ahhh, summer’s here, baby! No denying it,” proudly exclaimed Mr. Turley as he stretched out in joy.
And Mr. Turley is not the only teacher consumed in this near reality.
“Just a couple more days and it will be all over. It’ll be over sooner than we all think,” explained Ms. Saunders.
For whatever reason, a switch has been flicked and now we all seem to be on the easy cruise to the end of the year.
A Shock for Anti-Life Jacket Wearers
by Nicholas Papadopolous
Patriot’s Defensive Lineman Marquise Hill was found dead yesterday following a Jet Ski accident on Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans. Hill and a fellow woman were riding Jet Ski’s after dark without wearing life jackets when they encountered difficulties and they fell off the Jet Ski into the water.
The woman was rescued that night (Sunday) and when the rescuer went to save Hill, he had disappeared into the darkness because of the strong New Orleans’s current. Hill’s family reported that Hill was a good swimmer, but the girl couldn’t swim very well.
Why weren’t they wearing life jackets?
Since the woman wasn’t able to swim well, I think they were being rather careless by not wearing life jackets. I think of Jet Ski’s as motorcycles on water, they are both exhilarating and highly dangerous…And much like motorcyclist, some Jet Skiers refuse to wear the necessary safety equipment.
I think it should be a law in all states that anybody riding a jet ski must wear a life jacket. If that law was in effect, Marquise Hill’s life might have been sparred.
Patriot’s Defensive Lineman Marquise Hill was found dead yesterday following a Jet Ski accident on Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans. Hill and a fellow woman were riding Jet Ski’s after dark without wearing life jackets when they encountered difficulties and they fell off the Jet Ski into the water.
The woman was rescued that night (Sunday) and when the rescuer went to save Hill, he had disappeared into the darkness because of the strong New Orleans’s current. Hill’s family reported that Hill was a good swimmer, but the girl couldn’t swim very well.
Why weren’t they wearing life jackets?
Since the woman wasn’t able to swim well, I think they were being rather careless by not wearing life jackets. I think of Jet Ski’s as motorcycles on water, they are both exhilarating and highly dangerous…And much like motorcyclist, some Jet Skiers refuse to wear the necessary safety equipment.
I think it should be a law in all states that anybody riding a jet ski must wear a life jacket. If that law was in effect, Marquise Hill’s life might have been sparred.
Famous attraction tumbles to the ground due to cold hearted vandals
by Lauren Mulkern
Have you ever heard of T. Rex’s toppling to the ground in this day of age? Well on April 8, 2007, the famous orange T. Rex got toppled to the ground by cold hearted vandals.
This famous attraction for this miniature golf course has stood tall since 1960. Kids of all ages have gone to the course to admire this wonderful attraction.
Although the T. Rex was toppled to the ground, it will still recover from its current injury and rise again. However, this will mean that the owner will have to pay for lifting the huge dinosaur up with a crane and repairing the “broken bones” the dinosaur experienced.
So why would somebody vandalize such a wonderful thing on Easter Sunday? It is not uncommon for this vandalism to occur.
Ever since Pembroke High School has begun completing the high school, people find it necessary to vandalize the school. Why would people vandalize something that is getting completed for them? For example, students find it “cool” to urinate all over the bathroom walls. Another common thing is writing inappropriate messages on the walls. Well needed money is getting wasted on trying to repair the vandalized material.
So what do faculty members do to try to decrease the amount of vandalism? Teachers can’t be at every area of the school at every moment. One way to decrease the frequent vandalism is by installing video cameras in areas that are targeted for vandalism. Another solution is setting up a system where students can leave messages with information that they have.
Hopefully people will realize how many people they are hurting when they vandalize. These solutions will be a baby step to eliminating vandalism but it will be a start.
Have you ever heard of T. Rex’s toppling to the ground in this day of age? Well on April 8, 2007, the famous orange T. Rex got toppled to the ground by cold hearted vandals.
This famous attraction for this miniature golf course has stood tall since 1960. Kids of all ages have gone to the course to admire this wonderful attraction.
Although the T. Rex was toppled to the ground, it will still recover from its current injury and rise again. However, this will mean that the owner will have to pay for lifting the huge dinosaur up with a crane and repairing the “broken bones” the dinosaur experienced.
So why would somebody vandalize such a wonderful thing on Easter Sunday? It is not uncommon for this vandalism to occur.
Ever since Pembroke High School has begun completing the high school, people find it necessary to vandalize the school. Why would people vandalize something that is getting completed for them? For example, students find it “cool” to urinate all over the bathroom walls. Another common thing is writing inappropriate messages on the walls. Well needed money is getting wasted on trying to repair the vandalized material.
So what do faculty members do to try to decrease the amount of vandalism? Teachers can’t be at every area of the school at every moment. One way to decrease the frequent vandalism is by installing video cameras in areas that are targeted for vandalism. Another solution is setting up a system where students can leave messages with information that they have.
Hopefully people will realize how many people they are hurting when they vandalize. These solutions will be a baby step to eliminating vandalism but it will be a start.
Violence in Movies
by Nicholas Papadopolous
Saw 3, Hostel, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre; The Beginning, there are so many choices of horror films in today’s society with such amazing special effects that it is impossible not to enjoy the films.
Over the past year, or since I have taken a liking to horror films, I have noticed an abundance of violence in movies. Violence in movies doesn’t bother me, but the graphic displays in today’s theaters have several fans upset about the amount of blood and gore permitted in movies.
With many new films coming out that contain graphic violence, I wonder; Why do people like violence in their movies? The answer comes from the Greek Philosopher Aristotle, who said that people like catharsis, or the build up then release of tension, in their cinema.
It is apparent that fans in the U.S. do love catharsis, because the movies keep on coming. Hostel 2 is coming out June 8th 2007 after its predecessor Hostel came out in 2005 and grossed $78,477,326. The Hills Have Eyes 2 came out March 23rd 2007 and has already grossed $16,458,461 after the first Hills Have Eyes came out in 2006 and grossed $41,778,863. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre; The Beginning came out in 2006 making $39,517,763, after its predecessor was remade in 2003 and grossed $80,390,022. Finally, Saw 3 came out in 2006 grossing $80,238,724, while Saw and Saw 2 came out in 2004 and 2005 making $55,185,045 and $87,025,093 respectively.
However, there is an opposing side to my point of view. The graphic displays that can be shown today are somewhat disgusting. With special effects as real as they are, torture scenes can be made to look extremely life-like. Often times at Patriots Cinema, I see people leaving the theater because of the displays that movie’s can show.
Yet, I believe that if you enter the theater buying your ticket (hopefully), you should be expecting torture if the previews say “Rated R for brutal scenes of torture and violence”. So, I believe violence in movies is perfectly acceptable as long as it has the correct rating.
Saw 3, Hostel, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre; The Beginning, there are so many choices of horror films in today’s society with such amazing special effects that it is impossible not to enjoy the films.
Over the past year, or since I have taken a liking to horror films, I have noticed an abundance of violence in movies. Violence in movies doesn’t bother me, but the graphic displays in today’s theaters have several fans upset about the amount of blood and gore permitted in movies.
With many new films coming out that contain graphic violence, I wonder; Why do people like violence in their movies? The answer comes from the Greek Philosopher Aristotle, who said that people like catharsis, or the build up then release of tension, in their cinema.
It is apparent that fans in the U.S. do love catharsis, because the movies keep on coming. Hostel 2 is coming out June 8th 2007 after its predecessor Hostel came out in 2005 and grossed $78,477,326. The Hills Have Eyes 2 came out March 23rd 2007 and has already grossed $16,458,461 after the first Hills Have Eyes came out in 2006 and grossed $41,778,863. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre; The Beginning came out in 2006 making $39,517,763, after its predecessor was remade in 2003 and grossed $80,390,022. Finally, Saw 3 came out in 2006 grossing $80,238,724, while Saw and Saw 2 came out in 2004 and 2005 making $55,185,045 and $87,025,093 respectively.
However, there is an opposing side to my point of view. The graphic displays that can be shown today are somewhat disgusting. With special effects as real as they are, torture scenes can be made to look extremely life-like. Often times at Patriots Cinema, I see people leaving the theater because of the displays that movie’s can show.
Yet, I believe that if you enter the theater buying your ticket (hopefully), you should be expecting torture if the previews say “Rated R for brutal scenes of torture and violence”. So, I believe violence in movies is perfectly acceptable as long as it has the correct rating.
Schindler’s List
by Kerry Richards
The junior class watched "Schindler’s List" as an in school field trip. This movie is a horrific, detailed account of one man during the Holocaust. This film brutally depicts what happened to those who lived during this time period. However, you would never know this by listening to the audience. Giggles were often dispersed through the audience.
I understand that clearly teenagers have no perception of reality some times but this was a little much. If you didn't want to watch the movie, you didn't have to. Students could have easily opted out. If you just wanted to miss class, it would have been nice if you had just napped or something. Some people actually wanted to know what was happening in the movie. Although this was made hard by Pembroke High School’s inability to obtain a copy that didn't skip.
However, overall, the movie was a good experience for most. I feel as if I truly grasp the horrors of the Holocaust as best as I can now. It is one thing hearing about it and quite another seeing it play out in front of you. The movie, although quite long, did what it could to captivate and engage the audience. I would highly suggest that Pembroke High continue this tradition for next year’s juniors.
The junior class watched "Schindler’s List" as an in school field trip. This movie is a horrific, detailed account of one man during the Holocaust. This film brutally depicts what happened to those who lived during this time period. However, you would never know this by listening to the audience. Giggles were often dispersed through the audience.
I understand that clearly teenagers have no perception of reality some times but this was a little much. If you didn't want to watch the movie, you didn't have to. Students could have easily opted out. If you just wanted to miss class, it would have been nice if you had just napped or something. Some people actually wanted to know what was happening in the movie. Although this was made hard by Pembroke High School’s inability to obtain a copy that didn't skip.
However, overall, the movie was a good experience for most. I feel as if I truly grasp the horrors of the Holocaust as best as I can now. It is one thing hearing about it and quite another seeing it play out in front of you. The movie, although quite long, did what it could to captivate and engage the audience. I would highly suggest that Pembroke High continue this tradition for next year’s juniors.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Is it over yet?
by Katie Jochems
School is almost out, finals are coming, and two more major college tests are waiting. May and June may just be the death of me. Not only am I completely ready for summer, but I have almost no motivation to finish the concluding work at school. I don’t remember the end of May being this stressful, but man I just want it to be over!
I’m at that stage where I can see the finish line, so I slow down, and then I get passed by the others, but never actually attempt to pick up the pace. It’s an awful feeling, like I’m being weighed down and don’t know how to release some of the burden, so instead I’m just waiting until I finally pass through the finish, even if I am last. Maybe its anticipation of have a few months off, or maybe it’s how junior year has killed my spirit. Hopefully, I can come back next year much better than I am now.
School is almost out, finals are coming, and two more major college tests are waiting. May and June may just be the death of me. Not only am I completely ready for summer, but I have almost no motivation to finish the concluding work at school. I don’t remember the end of May being this stressful, but man I just want it to be over!
I’m at that stage where I can see the finish line, so I slow down, and then I get passed by the others, but never actually attempt to pick up the pace. It’s an awful feeling, like I’m being weighed down and don’t know how to release some of the burden, so instead I’m just waiting until I finally pass through the finish, even if I am last. Maybe its anticipation of have a few months off, or maybe it’s how junior year has killed my spirit. Hopefully, I can come back next year much better than I am now.
Best Buddies
by Lauren Mulkern
When I entered middle school, I considered what clubs I should start to participate in so when I got to high school, I would have and idea and experience of what I wanted to do.
This is how I first heard of the club Best Buddies. At this point, I only knew that it was a club where you get matched up with a fellow student who has disabilities. I was interested in this club so I decided to join in eighth grade.
It was the first year that Pembroke Community Middle School was open from a recent split from Silver Lake so the club was just getting together.
Even though we only had about seven consistent people who showed up, we had a very successful year where we hosted a talent show and a dance.
I had a fantastic time with the group of people that I wanted to continue participating in the club while in high school.
This year, I am a sophomore and I was chosen to be a peer buddy for a second year in a row. However, I was nervous because my buddy was different from the one that I had when I was a freshmen.
My new buddy’s name is Kelly Jacobs. I think that Mrs. Parrella did an excellent job choosing the pairs. We are both very friendly. Both my buddy and I enjoy hanging out and spending time with each other. We brighten each other’s day when we see each other at lunch or in the hall. The fact that we are so close and understand each other perfectly makes our friendship very successful.
Our friendship has many important aspects. One of these aspects is that we support each other. If one of us has a bad day, we will pick the other one up. This has been very successful throughout the year because we have so much support for each other. We care about each other’s feelings and we help each other when we are having a difficult time. Also, we spend some time each week listening to each other about things that are happening. We connect on a personal level when we discuss how our weeks are going with each other. There are many great aspects of our relationship.
My relationship with Kelly has benefited her so much. Kelly now has a person who she can depend on. When she is feeling sad or is just having a tough time she can discuss the problems with me. She is not afraid to talk to me. She was shy at the beginning of the year when I was first getting to know her and she has opened so much. She is comfortable to come to me and talk about anything and this is what helps her. She feels confident that she has a person to depend on.
Most importantly, this relationship has benefited me. I now understand when people are having difficult times and I am a person that they can talk to. When I am listening to them, I understand where they are coming from. This has helped me because I don’t judge people. Instead, I understand their situations. Also, I have gained patience. Now, I realize that the buddies in my chapter need extra time to talk and complete tasks. This is different from what I am used to. This patience has helped me because I am now a person who people won’t have a difficult time working with on a task. Instead of focusing on the differences that I have with Kelly, I focus on the common interests that we have. This is another thing that has helped me when it comes to judging people. This has been a great thing that has benefited me so much. I appreciate all the new qualities that Kelly has brought out of me.
Best Buddies has been a wonderful opportunity for me to realize that differences are not important, common interests are.
Our Best Buddies chapter is very successful and we do an excellent job making sure everybody is involved. We deserve some recognition for all the hard work that we have done.
When I entered middle school, I considered what clubs I should start to participate in so when I got to high school, I would have and idea and experience of what I wanted to do.
This is how I first heard of the club Best Buddies. At this point, I only knew that it was a club where you get matched up with a fellow student who has disabilities. I was interested in this club so I decided to join in eighth grade.
It was the first year that Pembroke Community Middle School was open from a recent split from Silver Lake so the club was just getting together.
Even though we only had about seven consistent people who showed up, we had a very successful year where we hosted a talent show and a dance.
I had a fantastic time with the group of people that I wanted to continue participating in the club while in high school.
This year, I am a sophomore and I was chosen to be a peer buddy for a second year in a row. However, I was nervous because my buddy was different from the one that I had when I was a freshmen.
My new buddy’s name is Kelly Jacobs. I think that Mrs. Parrella did an excellent job choosing the pairs. We are both very friendly. Both my buddy and I enjoy hanging out and spending time with each other. We brighten each other’s day when we see each other at lunch or in the hall. The fact that we are so close and understand each other perfectly makes our friendship very successful.
Our friendship has many important aspects. One of these aspects is that we support each other. If one of us has a bad day, we will pick the other one up. This has been very successful throughout the year because we have so much support for each other. We care about each other’s feelings and we help each other when we are having a difficult time. Also, we spend some time each week listening to each other about things that are happening. We connect on a personal level when we discuss how our weeks are going with each other. There are many great aspects of our relationship.
My relationship with Kelly has benefited her so much. Kelly now has a person who she can depend on. When she is feeling sad or is just having a tough time she can discuss the problems with me. She is not afraid to talk to me. She was shy at the beginning of the year when I was first getting to know her and she has opened so much. She is comfortable to come to me and talk about anything and this is what helps her. She feels confident that she has a person to depend on.
Most importantly, this relationship has benefited me. I now understand when people are having difficult times and I am a person that they can talk to. When I am listening to them, I understand where they are coming from. This has helped me because I don’t judge people. Instead, I understand their situations. Also, I have gained patience. Now, I realize that the buddies in my chapter need extra time to talk and complete tasks. This is different from what I am used to. This patience has helped me because I am now a person who people won’t have a difficult time working with on a task. Instead of focusing on the differences that I have with Kelly, I focus on the common interests that we have. This is another thing that has helped me when it comes to judging people. This has been a great thing that has benefited me so much. I appreciate all the new qualities that Kelly has brought out of me.
Best Buddies has been a wonderful opportunity for me to realize that differences are not important, common interests are.
Our Best Buddies chapter is very successful and we do an excellent job making sure everybody is involved. We deserve some recognition for all the hard work that we have done.
Roger Clemens
by Ryan Hennigan
Who died and made the rule that MLB players have to retire by the age of 40, or else they will be worthless? From my observations, the moment a player hits the big four-oh his value immediately sky dives down. This is true for all players no matter how talented they are, as major league clubs no longer want to trade for them, to sign them to big multi-year contracts, or play them as much as the players with youth. And even if they are Barry Bonds, Curt Shilling, or Roger Clemens, their team and the media is always underestimating them and labeling them with question marks as to how they will perform.
To me, and anyone who has had the honor of watching them perform, this question of age that lingers around some of the best players in the majors is ridiculous. The management of clubs that have these players have no need to worry, and here is why.
Players 40 or over have been putting up huge numbers ever since the game began. For example, at the age of 41, Ted Williams hit 29 home runs in only 310 at bats with a .316 batting average in his last year of play, 1960. Even before him, also at the age of 41, Ty Cobb hit in 93 RBIs with a .357 batting average.
Players of today put up similar numbers in their later years and also prove against the 40 year old limit. At the age of 41, Barry Bonds hit 26 home runs last season. He is now 42 and is 9 home runs short of breaking the all-time home run title held by Hank Aaron. Curt Shilling is now 40 and last season he won 15 games. The last two seasons, at the age of 41 and 42, Randy Johnson stacked up 17 wins each. In conclusion, these players are more than able to perform (maybe even more qualified than younger players), and furthermore their leadership abilities make them even more valuable.
Who died and made the rule that MLB players have to retire by the age of 40, or else they will be worthless? From my observations, the moment a player hits the big four-oh his value immediately sky dives down. This is true for all players no matter how talented they are, as major league clubs no longer want to trade for them, to sign them to big multi-year contracts, or play them as much as the players with youth. And even if they are Barry Bonds, Curt Shilling, or Roger Clemens, their team and the media is always underestimating them and labeling them with question marks as to how they will perform.
To me, and anyone who has had the honor of watching them perform, this question of age that lingers around some of the best players in the majors is ridiculous. The management of clubs that have these players have no need to worry, and here is why.
Players 40 or over have been putting up huge numbers ever since the game began. For example, at the age of 41, Ted Williams hit 29 home runs in only 310 at bats with a .316 batting average in his last year of play, 1960. Even before him, also at the age of 41, Ty Cobb hit in 93 RBIs with a .357 batting average.
Players of today put up similar numbers in their later years and also prove against the 40 year old limit. At the age of 41, Barry Bonds hit 26 home runs last season. He is now 42 and is 9 home runs short of breaking the all-time home run title held by Hank Aaron. Curt Shilling is now 40 and last season he won 15 games. The last two seasons, at the age of 41 and 42, Randy Johnson stacked up 17 wins each. In conclusion, these players are more than able to perform (maybe even more qualified than younger players), and furthermore their leadership abilities make them even more valuable.
Students are getting anxious about the end of school
by Chelsey Monks
With the school year coming to an end , classes are starting to finish up and students are getting anxious about the end of school. However with all of the talk of summer plans its hard to focus on the very last thing that students must finish…finals. how can a student possibly focus on 10% of their grade when they are tied up thinking about summer and the next year to come. Students are fooled when they think that school is over, but really they have four days of finals left. on June 8th classes stop on a Friday, it kind of seems like school would be over, but on Monday everyone has to come back for a few hours to take extremely long tests that you want to bomb because you are ready for summer to begin. After four long days of tests, school is finally over and the summer can finally begin. Time for concerts bonfires, friends and parties. Then at the end of august its back to school to be another year older and be another year closer to graduation, what everyone is looking forward to.
With the school year coming to an end , classes are starting to finish up and students are getting anxious about the end of school. However with all of the talk of summer plans its hard to focus on the very last thing that students must finish…finals. how can a student possibly focus on 10% of their grade when they are tied up thinking about summer and the next year to come. Students are fooled when they think that school is over, but really they have four days of finals left. on June 8th classes stop on a Friday, it kind of seems like school would be over, but on Monday everyone has to come back for a few hours to take extremely long tests that you want to bomb because you are ready for summer to begin. After four long days of tests, school is finally over and the summer can finally begin. Time for concerts bonfires, friends and parties. Then at the end of august its back to school to be another year older and be another year closer to graduation, what everyone is looking forward to.
Test dates too close together
by Katie Jochems
SAT’s, SAT II’s, ACT’s, MCAS, etc. All of these major tests for High Schoolers happen around the same time every year. Between the end of the school year and multiple major exams, May and June are some of the most hectic months of the year.
It seems that every major junior year test happens each Saturday in May and June. I can’t stand that they put every test one after the other when they clearly should spread them out more. Who cares if we have to take some tests at the end of June? I’d much rather have them during summer than week after week for one month straight.
College Board and whoever else has the authority of test date setting, please listen here. Spread them out and save hundreds of juniors across the country the anxiety and break downs that you put upon them.
SAT’s, SAT II’s, ACT’s, MCAS, etc. All of these major tests for High Schoolers happen around the same time every year. Between the end of the school year and multiple major exams, May and June are some of the most hectic months of the year.
It seems that every major junior year test happens each Saturday in May and June. I can’t stand that they put every test one after the other when they clearly should spread them out more. Who cares if we have to take some tests at the end of June? I’d much rather have them during summer than week after week for one month straight.
College Board and whoever else has the authority of test date setting, please listen here. Spread them out and save hundreds of juniors across the country the anxiety and break downs that you put upon them.
Red Sox Dominance
by Nicholas Papadopolous
The Boston Red Sox have been playing stellar baseball as of late. They are currently 8.5 games ahead of the Yankees who are in second place in the AL East.
The success in the team has been in their pitching. Curt Schilling has been leading the staff with a 4-1 record and a 3.63 ERA. Daisuke Matsuzaka, the Japanese rookie, has performed admirably and has a 5-2 record to show for it. Currently the best pitcher on the staff has been Josh Beckett. He has an amazing 7-0 record and a miniscule 2.66 ERA. Both Tim Wakefield and Julian Tavarez have been average, but are among the leagues top number 4 and number 5 pitchers in the league.
The sox bullpen, which hasn’t been near the top of the league in the past few years, has been doing great. Closer Jonathan Papelbon has been dominate and has saved 10 games in eleven chances. Fellow Japanese rookie Hideki Okajima has shut done hitters with a 0.48 ERA. The Sox are also eagerly anticipating veteran Mike Timlin’s return from the DL.
Once the Red Sox hitting heats up, the Red Sox will be nearly unstoppable. David Ortiz has been leading the offensive charge with 9 HR and 33 RBI’s while batting .313. Manny Ramirez has been having his usual slow start, batting .248 with 6 HR. Utility infielder Alex Cora has been the surprise of the year, coming through in clutch situations and batting .392.
All in all, the Sox are looking forward to the playoffs where they hope to win their 2nd World Series in 4 years.
The Boston Red Sox have been playing stellar baseball as of late. They are currently 8.5 games ahead of the Yankees who are in second place in the AL East.
The success in the team has been in their pitching. Curt Schilling has been leading the staff with a 4-1 record and a 3.63 ERA. Daisuke Matsuzaka, the Japanese rookie, has performed admirably and has a 5-2 record to show for it. Currently the best pitcher on the staff has been Josh Beckett. He has an amazing 7-0 record and a miniscule 2.66 ERA. Both Tim Wakefield and Julian Tavarez have been average, but are among the leagues top number 4 and number 5 pitchers in the league.
The sox bullpen, which hasn’t been near the top of the league in the past few years, has been doing great. Closer Jonathan Papelbon has been dominate and has saved 10 games in eleven chances. Fellow Japanese rookie Hideki Okajima has shut done hitters with a 0.48 ERA. The Sox are also eagerly anticipating veteran Mike Timlin’s return from the DL.
Once the Red Sox hitting heats up, the Red Sox will be nearly unstoppable. David Ortiz has been leading the offensive charge with 9 HR and 33 RBI’s while batting .313. Manny Ramirez has been having his usual slow start, batting .248 with 6 HR. Utility infielder Alex Cora has been the surprise of the year, coming through in clutch situations and batting .392.
All in all, the Sox are looking forward to the playoffs where they hope to win their 2nd World Series in 4 years.
But is it all really necessary? But is it all really necessary?
by Kerry Richards
This is the time of the year for juniors when test after test is being thrown at us. All promise to give us a better future. They promise to help us get into college or earn college credit. But is it all really necessary? This year alone I have had to take three three-hour long AP tests, the SATs, and upcoming I have the ACTs and the SAT IIs. All of these tests seem to stretch on for hours upon hours. Hours I will never get back. I feel like I could be getting so many better things accomplished in this time. After all, how effective are these test? I spent two years of my life preparing to take the AP US History Exam and all this boils down to three hours. To how well I can answer multiple choice questions and write a few essays. This just doesn't seem fair. None of the work I did over the past two years has any bearing on what comes out of it. Sure it was preparing, but in the end, the test and papers I had been writing seemed useless. As for the SAT and ACT, can one test really measure everything? I know this argument feels like it has been beaten to death, but it’s a valid question. These two tests are designed to give the best score. They supposedly measure different kinds of intelligence so a person can do well on one and not so great on the other. So how can these tests even begin to be compared to each other? Honestly, it doesn't seem to make much sense. Overall, its basically a sham. These tests are just one measure of how smart someone is. It doesn't seem fair to put so much reliance on three hours of ones life. Although I'm sure the College Board isn't complaining about the unbelievable sums they pull in each year.
Baby dies after becoming center of life support debate
by Mary Polleys
19 month old Emilio Gonzales died on May 20, 2007 after becoming the center of an ethical and legal debate: who should decide when life sustaining treatments are ceased?
Gonzales was believed to have Leigh's disease, a progressive illness which destroys brain functions and has been on respirators since December of 2006. While doctors sought to take him off the life giving machines insisting that there was no chance for recovery, his mother fought in court to maintain his medical care.
Because of this kind of situation, doctors want to invoke a state law (in Texas) allowing the hospital to stop life support after a 10-day notice for patients deemed medically futile.
Gonzales did not have his life support machines turned off due to a judge’s temporary decision to block the hospital’s move to end life support in April, but sadly he died anyways, only a month later.
While it may seem insensitive to even suggest to a parent that their child be taken off life support apparatus, the truth is that they are merely taking a human out of its misery. Someone, young or old, who has lost all cognitive function and can no longer move or do normal tasks on their own and has no chance for recovery should not be kept alive by a family member that is just not willing to let go.
Hospitals should have a policy and process they go through with each case that has the potential for being a similar situation to Gonzales. Guidelines should be established and followed and once certain facts have been established, the family of the person should be given a generous date. Either the family decides to take off the life support on their own before the date arrives, or the hospital will proceed on that date while making the proper arrangements.
19 month old Emilio Gonzales died on May 20, 2007 after becoming the center of an ethical and legal debate: who should decide when life sustaining treatments are ceased?
Gonzales was believed to have Leigh's disease, a progressive illness which destroys brain functions and has been on respirators since December of 2006. While doctors sought to take him off the life giving machines insisting that there was no chance for recovery, his mother fought in court to maintain his medical care.
Because of this kind of situation, doctors want to invoke a state law (in Texas) allowing the hospital to stop life support after a 10-day notice for patients deemed medically futile.
Gonzales did not have his life support machines turned off due to a judge’s temporary decision to block the hospital’s move to end life support in April, but sadly he died anyways, only a month later.
While it may seem insensitive to even suggest to a parent that their child be taken off life support apparatus, the truth is that they are merely taking a human out of its misery. Someone, young or old, who has lost all cognitive function and can no longer move or do normal tasks on their own and has no chance for recovery should not be kept alive by a family member that is just not willing to let go.
Hospitals should have a policy and process they go through with each case that has the potential for being a similar situation to Gonzales. Guidelines should be established and followed and once certain facts have been established, the family of the person should be given a generous date. Either the family decides to take off the life support on their own before the date arrives, or the hospital will proceed on that date while making the proper arrangements.
Now I am going to be an upperclassman
by Luren Mulkern
It seems like yesterday when I took my first steps in high school. I was a freshman transitioning in to a brand new building that was totally different from the middle school. I went from being in every club in the middle school to having no idea what clubs were offered at the high school.
It is hard to imagine that it was two years ago when I took my first steps in high school. I am basically now considered a junior but it has not hit me yet because it seems like it was yesterday when I was one of the underclassmen. Now I am going to be an upperclassman. I am the student who incoming freshman will be looking up to.
Now that the seniors are gone, the eighth graders are considered freshman, sophomores are juniors, juniors are seniors, and seniors are going into the real world. Some may choose college, or some may choose going straight in to a career. Whatever they choose, they are now in the real world.
I am now a junior and I have to start looking in to the certain colleges that interest me. I thought I had some time but in reality, senior year will come before I know it.
Two years of my high school career have gone by and I only have two more left. I now realize how little time I have left to enjoy high school before it is gone and I never get it back. I will soon be in the real world so I have to enjoy all high school has to offer.
It seems like yesterday when I took my first steps in high school. I was a freshman transitioning in to a brand new building that was totally different from the middle school. I went from being in every club in the middle school to having no idea what clubs were offered at the high school.
It is hard to imagine that it was two years ago when I took my first steps in high school. I am basically now considered a junior but it has not hit me yet because it seems like it was yesterday when I was one of the underclassmen. Now I am going to be an upperclassman. I am the student who incoming freshman will be looking up to.
Now that the seniors are gone, the eighth graders are considered freshman, sophomores are juniors, juniors are seniors, and seniors are going into the real world. Some may choose college, or some may choose going straight in to a career. Whatever they choose, they are now in the real world.
I am now a junior and I have to start looking in to the certain colleges that interest me. I thought I had some time but in reality, senior year will come before I know it.
Two years of my high school career have gone by and I only have two more left. I now realize how little time I have left to enjoy high school before it is gone and I never get it back. I will soon be in the real world so I have to enjoy all high school has to offer.
Last Day for Seniors
by Chelsey Monks
Today was the last day of school for seniors. They ran round, signed yearbooks , and reminisced with friends all day. Jealous of the fact that they got out of all of their classes, I started to think to myself about how in two years I’ll be in the same position. It’s scary to think that in that short period of time I will be visiting colleges, writing admissions essays, waiting for acceptance letters, and taking the SAT’s. Not looking forward to the most ridicule year of high school, junior year, I’m anxious to be a senior. I want to have it all over with, I think everybody does, I want to be accepted and know where I’m living for college and have a job on campus. It’s getting there that is the hard part. A little hard work now will make all of the essays, letter, and exams easier when I have to take them , so its worth the hour long homework in the end.
Today was the last day of school for seniors. They ran round, signed yearbooks , and reminisced with friends all day. Jealous of the fact that they got out of all of their classes, I started to think to myself about how in two years I’ll be in the same position. It’s scary to think that in that short period of time I will be visiting colleges, writing admissions essays, waiting for acceptance letters, and taking the SAT’s. Not looking forward to the most ridicule year of high school, junior year, I’m anxious to be a senior. I want to have it all over with, I think everybody does, I want to be accepted and know where I’m living for college and have a job on campus. It’s getting there that is the hard part. A little hard work now will make all of the essays, letter, and exams easier when I have to take them , so its worth the hour long homework in the end.
Graduation Requirements
by Kerry Richards
Graduation is fast approaching and it seems time to reflect on graduation requirements. Pembroke has the basic ones, passing four years of English, not flunking out, etc. But Pembroke also does something else, they require forty community service hours. By doing so Pembroke hopes to live up to its mission statement and improve the student body’s sphere of influence. They want their students to become involved in their community. Many students complain about this requirement. They feel like they shouldn't be forced to help out in their town just to graduate. They don't see it as necessary to an educational institute. Many also raise the point that it’s not really charity if it’s forced. However, I think this is a good requirement to have. It wouldn't even occur to the average highs schooler to volunteer, not because of a cruel viewpoint but because of an ambivalent one. By being “forced” into helping, it really is expanding the world teenagers know. It exposes people to a world they may not have known about, whether it be one of poverty or abuse or merely something simpler, like a possible career path. It also helps the community. It introduces a whole new slew of volunteer workers. Many places requiring volunteers are understaffed and teenagers are a welcome addition to the crew. The community benefits in every way. Overall, for many teenagers it may be a pain to spend forty whole hours helping others, but in the end, it does so much
Graduation is fast approaching and it seems time to reflect on graduation requirements. Pembroke has the basic ones, passing four years of English, not flunking out, etc. But Pembroke also does something else, they require forty community service hours. By doing so Pembroke hopes to live up to its mission statement and improve the student body’s sphere of influence. They want their students to become involved in their community. Many students complain about this requirement. They feel like they shouldn't be forced to help out in their town just to graduate. They don't see it as necessary to an educational institute. Many also raise the point that it’s not really charity if it’s forced. However, I think this is a good requirement to have. It wouldn't even occur to the average highs schooler to volunteer, not because of a cruel viewpoint but because of an ambivalent one. By being “forced” into helping, it really is expanding the world teenagers know. It exposes people to a world they may not have known about, whether it be one of poverty or abuse or merely something simpler, like a possible career path. It also helps the community. It introduces a whole new slew of volunteer workers. Many places requiring volunteers are understaffed and teenagers are a welcome addition to the crew. The community benefits in every way. Overall, for many teenagers it may be a pain to spend forty whole hours helping others, but in the end, it does so much
Spidey Returns
by Kerry Richards
One of the most eagerly anticipated summer movies came out this past Friday: Spiderman 3. However, the anticipation might not have been worth it as this movie was, in short, disappointing. There was too much plot, which is usually unheard of for an action movie. Each tiny part of plot made up about a half hour before a whole new plot was introduced. It seems as if the writers could simply not decide what they wanted this to be, an action movie, a romance, or a somber tale of revenge.
The movie's first plot was that of Mary Jane's, Spiderman's girlfriend's, failed attempt at being on Broadway and her dealing with her jealousy over Spiderman's popularity. Quickly her jealousy shifted from being about careers to being about love. This plot introduced Gwen Stacy, played by Bryce Dallas Howard. Howard managed to pull off quite a remarkable performance despite the little screen time she was allowed and the fact that no one ever bothered to develop her character beyond stock status.
Inner demons were the next conflict of the movie. Peter Parker, after being affected by some sort of never explained black slime, becomes cocky and overly sure of himself. This plot was merely used to make Tobey Maguire as annoying as possible. I fail to understand why the writers decided to turn us against our hero. However, this did lead to the next plot of Parker becoming jealous of Mary Jane and his friend Harry Osborn's new relationship. James Franco, as Osborn, pulled of the best performance of the movie making a somewhat annoying character into one that everyone rooted for.
Finally, the action kicked in with Venom, Topher Grace's Eddie Brock now being infested with the black goo, and Sandman, Thomas Haden Church, kidnapping Mary Jane. However, this action sequence wasn't even that interesting and by this time I had given up caring about what happened to any of them.
Overall, this plot was too much. It was convoluted and overdone. If the writers had simply chosen one plot and ran with it, this movie could have worked. If they had provided a back story for the new characters or kept them on screen long enough for the audience to see them as more than stock, this movie would have worked so much better. Luckily, the actors were charismatic enough to make the very weak plot somewhat bearable.
One of the most eagerly anticipated summer movies came out this past Friday: Spiderman 3. However, the anticipation might not have been worth it as this movie was, in short, disappointing. There was too much plot, which is usually unheard of for an action movie. Each tiny part of plot made up about a half hour before a whole new plot was introduced. It seems as if the writers could simply not decide what they wanted this to be, an action movie, a romance, or a somber tale of revenge.
The movie's first plot was that of Mary Jane's, Spiderman's girlfriend's, failed attempt at being on Broadway and her dealing with her jealousy over Spiderman's popularity. Quickly her jealousy shifted from being about careers to being about love. This plot introduced Gwen Stacy, played by Bryce Dallas Howard. Howard managed to pull off quite a remarkable performance despite the little screen time she was allowed and the fact that no one ever bothered to develop her character beyond stock status.
Inner demons were the next conflict of the movie. Peter Parker, after being affected by some sort of never explained black slime, becomes cocky and overly sure of himself. This plot was merely used to make Tobey Maguire as annoying as possible. I fail to understand why the writers decided to turn us against our hero. However, this did lead to the next plot of Parker becoming jealous of Mary Jane and his friend Harry Osborn's new relationship. James Franco, as Osborn, pulled of the best performance of the movie making a somewhat annoying character into one that everyone rooted for.
Finally, the action kicked in with Venom, Topher Grace's Eddie Brock now being infested with the black goo, and Sandman, Thomas Haden Church, kidnapping Mary Jane. However, this action sequence wasn't even that interesting and by this time I had given up caring about what happened to any of them.
Overall, this plot was too much. It was convoluted and overdone. If the writers had simply chosen one plot and ran with it, this movie could have worked. If they had provided a back story for the new characters or kept them on screen long enough for the audience to see them as more than stock, this movie would have worked so much better. Luckily, the actors were charismatic enough to make the very weak plot somewhat bearable.
Lunch With Lynch.
by Mel Nogler
All 175 seniors have a chance to eat lunch with Mrs. Lynch.
During your lunch block you get to have lunch with Mrs. Lynch and talk about anything you want, what is wrong with our school, what can we do to get better? How can we change the school for the seniors for next year?
She gets into to know you a little more. Mrs. Lynch and I have had our ups and downs to the point of her kicking me out of school, just because my behavior was not much fun.
I did not like being a junior, and I never liked that “one” teacher who always picked on me, and never really helped me out, and she gave me nothing but grief. So I have enough.
That’s When Mrs. lynch stepped in and said look, I have the power to have you removed from this school and NOT graduate. Or have you stay in this school for ever how long.
This frightened me a lot. So I drastically took measures. I thought about my education. I am the only one who can make that choice. So I began getting better, my “snotty” attitude changed, I stop being someone who I wasn’t. I thought I could make people laugh while I was trying to be the “big bad tough guy”; well I am not the class clown. And I will never be. I tried too many times to impress people that just didn’t care.
I turned into this student who didn’t care about anything. But I made a huge mistake by falling out of place, why do people care? Why do people need to know this? Its because I changed my ways, I look at all these immature freshmen, sophomores and SOME juniors,
And I realized that I was one of them, and that the way that they act, I acted. I think its pretty stupid and funny, because I neglected to care. Then I realized if people want to treat me like an adult, I have to act like one, I see most teachers (whom I’m going to keep anonymous,) favor students, yell at them, tell them that they are a “waste” of time, and that they should NOT stay in school, ive seen this, it really upsets me, that, that Teacher will not have the guts to Help that student who is struggling, and I just think that teachers used to treat me like that in my Marshfield school, and said that I was a Nobody, and that I shouldn’t graduate, and that school is a waste for me. And that is what stuck in my head, that that teacher tried to rule me, and make me give up on something that was REALLY important. I know that some teachers are only here so they gave a excellent paycheck, and not really help the students, and that they treat them like nothing.
That is why I gave up on school in my freshmen year. And again in sophomore year until I said to myself, that I have to get out of this place to better myself with better education.
And then junior year was a struggle for me, I did not want to try, I didn’t want to do anything. Until that day Mrs. lynch came up to me and tugged at my shirt and she gave me a bit of …. Things to say... that’s why I changed and im really glad Mrs. Lynch pushed me a lot more. Without her id be lost in this world. Im glad mrs lynch gave me a choice to eat with her. =)
All 175 seniors have a chance to eat lunch with Mrs. Lynch.
During your lunch block you get to have lunch with Mrs. Lynch and talk about anything you want, what is wrong with our school, what can we do to get better? How can we change the school for the seniors for next year?
She gets into to know you a little more. Mrs. Lynch and I have had our ups and downs to the point of her kicking me out of school, just because my behavior was not much fun.
I did not like being a junior, and I never liked that “one” teacher who always picked on me, and never really helped me out, and she gave me nothing but grief. So I have enough.
That’s When Mrs. lynch stepped in and said look, I have the power to have you removed from this school and NOT graduate. Or have you stay in this school for ever how long.
This frightened me a lot. So I drastically took measures. I thought about my education. I am the only one who can make that choice. So I began getting better, my “snotty” attitude changed, I stop being someone who I wasn’t. I thought I could make people laugh while I was trying to be the “big bad tough guy”; well I am not the class clown. And I will never be. I tried too many times to impress people that just didn’t care.
I turned into this student who didn’t care about anything. But I made a huge mistake by falling out of place, why do people care? Why do people need to know this? Its because I changed my ways, I look at all these immature freshmen, sophomores and SOME juniors,
And I realized that I was one of them, and that the way that they act, I acted. I think its pretty stupid and funny, because I neglected to care. Then I realized if people want to treat me like an adult, I have to act like one, I see most teachers (whom I’m going to keep anonymous,) favor students, yell at them, tell them that they are a “waste” of time, and that they should NOT stay in school, ive seen this, it really upsets me, that, that Teacher will not have the guts to Help that student who is struggling, and I just think that teachers used to treat me like that in my Marshfield school, and said that I was a Nobody, and that I shouldn’t graduate, and that school is a waste for me. And that is what stuck in my head, that that teacher tried to rule me, and make me give up on something that was REALLY important. I know that some teachers are only here so they gave a excellent paycheck, and not really help the students, and that they treat them like nothing.
That is why I gave up on school in my freshmen year. And again in sophomore year until I said to myself, that I have to get out of this place to better myself with better education.
And then junior year was a struggle for me, I did not want to try, I didn’t want to do anything. Until that day Mrs. lynch came up to me and tugged at my shirt and she gave me a bit of …. Things to say... that’s why I changed and im really glad Mrs. Lynch pushed me a lot more. Without her id be lost in this world. Im glad mrs lynch gave me a choice to eat with her. =)
Teens pushed too hard blog
by Katie Jochems
Teenagers are expected to do way too much for the amount of time in a day. The average teen gets up around six in the morning to get ready to catch the bus around seven. They go to school for six hours, learning, testing, and teaching each other. For the older teens who have vehicles, it is after school that they must work and make money. Personally, I have over $500 in bills each month, so I have to work every day after school in order to be able to pay them. It is after work that the teens have to go home, try to find to eat something, then do their homework. There is little time to relax seeing that they are up until almost 10:00 at night finishing the work teachers send home with the students. Teens then have to go to bed and rise approximately seven hours later to do it all again. Compared to some adults, teens do more in one day then they do in three. Between school, work, homework, and trying to keep up a social life, teenagers are some of the busiest people one can find in this country.
Teenagers are expected to do way too much for the amount of time in a day. The average teen gets up around six in the morning to get ready to catch the bus around seven. They go to school for six hours, learning, testing, and teaching each other. For the older teens who have vehicles, it is after school that they must work and make money. Personally, I have over $500 in bills each month, so I have to work every day after school in order to be able to pay them. It is after work that the teens have to go home, try to find to eat something, then do their homework. There is little time to relax seeing that they are up until almost 10:00 at night finishing the work teachers send home with the students. Teens then have to go to bed and rise approximately seven hours later to do it all again. Compared to some adults, teens do more in one day then they do in three. Between school, work, homework, and trying to keep up a social life, teenagers are some of the busiest people one can find in this country.
Friday, May 11, 2007
6 Days and counting
by Melissa Nogler
As a senior my last days are down to 6 days and counting.
Starting Monday, May 14 I along with the other 176 seniors will be having “senior week”
until Friday, May 18. Friday is our last day of school, but May 11 is our last day of classes. We come back May 21-25 and prom is May 31. I am really excited. I cannot wait.
What I'm going to miss the most when I look back is writing for the Pembroke High School Sentinel and working with everyone and sometimes being a brat about my stories.
But looking back at my 3 years at this school changes. I used to be this young punk kid who didn’t care about school and now I'm 2 weeks away from graduating. It gets to you.
Most people say, “Oh I hated school, but being a senior was fun...” and that is how I looked at it. It is scary going out into the real world. Next fall I will be going to the University of Maryland to major in Criminal justice and Journalism. I can’t wait to be successful. My dream is to at least make it on 7 News. I would love to be a reporter. I love to interview people. I like to talk about current events. I just do not like talking in front of millions of people. But I would love to have that chance, or also write for the Patriot Ledger. I met a woman who writes for it, and she interviewed me after my friend Brittany died, and she said if I ever need to get started in journalism outside of high school to give her a call. That made me really happy. I have achieved my goal.
Others might say its “stupid” but I believe out of 176 seniors graduating, I will be the most successful, I'm meaning it in a bad way but I know what I want and im going for it.
My senior week will be worthwhile. I know I can't do senior skip day or I will lose credit. Senior week is better than that anyways. I have shared so many memories being at this school.
As a senior my last days are down to 6 days and counting.
Starting Monday, May 14 I along with the other 176 seniors will be having “senior week”
until Friday, May 18. Friday is our last day of school, but May 11 is our last day of classes. We come back May 21-25 and prom is May 31. I am really excited. I cannot wait.
What I'm going to miss the most when I look back is writing for the Pembroke High School Sentinel and working with everyone and sometimes being a brat about my stories.
But looking back at my 3 years at this school changes. I used to be this young punk kid who didn’t care about school and now I'm 2 weeks away from graduating. It gets to you.
Most people say, “Oh I hated school, but being a senior was fun...” and that is how I looked at it. It is scary going out into the real world. Next fall I will be going to the University of Maryland to major in Criminal justice and Journalism. I can’t wait to be successful. My dream is to at least make it on 7 News. I would love to be a reporter. I love to interview people. I like to talk about current events. I just do not like talking in front of millions of people. But I would love to have that chance, or also write for the Patriot Ledger. I met a woman who writes for it, and she interviewed me after my friend Brittany died, and she said if I ever need to get started in journalism outside of high school to give her a call. That made me really happy. I have achieved my goal.
Others might say its “stupid” but I believe out of 176 seniors graduating, I will be the most successful, I'm meaning it in a bad way but I know what I want and im going for it.
My senior week will be worthwhile. I know I can't do senior skip day or I will lose credit. Senior week is better than that anyways. I have shared so many memories being at this school.
Spring is here
by Lauren Mulkern
Take a second right now to stop and breathe. Once the warm weather comes, people seem to have a lot less time to relax. It is go, go, go, because the warm weather is finally here and people want to do the wonderful things that they have missed during the winter. However, we are doing so much that it seems like the spring has flew by.
Varsity sports are well into their seasons even though it seems like we have just started. Seven weeks have already gone by for the spring sports. For softball, we only have three weeks left as of right now. However, this can change if they make tournament.
The point of this is to show you that spring sports go by so fast that you don’t even realize the season is close to ending. One reason we don’t realize is that they come up so fast. This is due to the fact that the spring sports begin before “spring” gets here. Another reason is the rain. This year, there was approximately about ten days that sports were postponed due to the rain. Then once the beautiful sun comes out, all these postponed games are rescheduled and teams have about four games a week which makes the time go by so fast.
Enjoy the last few weeks of spring sports because before you know it they will be over and your seniors from your teams will be graduating and you will start to look forward to the next season that is a year away.
Take a second right now to stop and breathe. Once the warm weather comes, people seem to have a lot less time to relax. It is go, go, go, because the warm weather is finally here and people want to do the wonderful things that they have missed during the winter. However, we are doing so much that it seems like the spring has flew by.
Varsity sports are well into their seasons even though it seems like we have just started. Seven weeks have already gone by for the spring sports. For softball, we only have three weeks left as of right now. However, this can change if they make tournament.
The point of this is to show you that spring sports go by so fast that you don’t even realize the season is close to ending. One reason we don’t realize is that they come up so fast. This is due to the fact that the spring sports begin before “spring” gets here. Another reason is the rain. This year, there was approximately about ten days that sports were postponed due to the rain. Then once the beautiful sun comes out, all these postponed games are rescheduled and teams have about four games a week which makes the time go by so fast.
Enjoy the last few weeks of spring sports because before you know it they will be over and your seniors from your teams will be graduating and you will start to look forward to the next season that is a year away.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Senioritis
by Jennifer Bayliss
I wish I were an Oscar Meyer wiener, that is what I’d truly like to be. ‘Cause if I were an Oscar Meyer wiener, everyone would be in love… oops.
Sorry about that, I’m a bit distracted now that the sun is shining and the weather allows me to wear short sleeves without freezing my derrière off.
Anyway…
Senioritis. Every senior gets it at some point. Everyone knows what it is. Even my spell check on the computer is accepting it as a word. Underclassmen even look forward to use the senioritis excuse. It’s such a great one… teachers even understand it.
We’re done. We have about 16 days left. If you have AP exams to take, you only have about two weeks. None of us want to be here. The weather has been becoming nicer and more spring-like, we’re ready to hit the beach. We’re tired of being in school and the teachers are becoming weary of our lackadaisical ways.
Some of the seniors in the school have suffered senioritis since mid-winter, it truly is an illness. Most have pulled out of the slump to muster enough effort together to do the last few pieces of coursework that they’re given. Others, well… they have continued to slack off, not a care in the world, and somehow seem to scrape by.
And now, I have fallen victim yet again to this illness known as senioritis.
I wish I were an Oscar Meyer wiener, that is what I’d truly like to be. ‘Cause if I were an Oscar Meyer wiener, everyone would be in love… oops.
Sorry about that, I’m a bit distracted now that the sun is shining and the weather allows me to wear short sleeves without freezing my derrière off.
Anyway…
Senioritis. Every senior gets it at some point. Everyone knows what it is. Even my spell check on the computer is accepting it as a word. Underclassmen even look forward to use the senioritis excuse. It’s such a great one… teachers even understand it.
We’re done. We have about 16 days left. If you have AP exams to take, you only have about two weeks. None of us want to be here. The weather has been becoming nicer and more spring-like, we’re ready to hit the beach. We’re tired of being in school and the teachers are becoming weary of our lackadaisical ways.
Some of the seniors in the school have suffered senioritis since mid-winter, it truly is an illness. Most have pulled out of the slump to muster enough effort together to do the last few pieces of coursework that they’re given. Others, well… they have continued to slack off, not a care in the world, and somehow seem to scrape by.
And now, I have fallen victim yet again to this illness known as senioritis.
Breaking In Blog
by Katie Jochems
A few weeks ago a Pembroke Student, whom I will keep anonymous, made copies of one of the school’s master keys after stealing it from a gym teacher. He was caught with the keys and was punished for his illegal activity.
It is kids like this that ruin it for everyone. The school had to spend the little money they have to get completely new locks for the entire school and maintenance men had to work extra days to put them all in.
I used to wonder why the school couldn’t just trust us and not lock every door after leaving the room, but now I can see the reason; stupid people who think that it’s funny to take a key and make copies of it.
It’s scary to think what that idiot could have done and thank goodness the key was found before he could, especially with recent going-ons at Virginia Tech, school security is a major issue and its all because of untrustworthy fools trying to do something “cool.”
A few weeks ago a Pembroke Student, whom I will keep anonymous, made copies of one of the school’s master keys after stealing it from a gym teacher. He was caught with the keys and was punished for his illegal activity.
It is kids like this that ruin it for everyone. The school had to spend the little money they have to get completely new locks for the entire school and maintenance men had to work extra days to put them all in.
I used to wonder why the school couldn’t just trust us and not lock every door after leaving the room, but now I can see the reason; stupid people who think that it’s funny to take a key and make copies of it.
It’s scary to think what that idiot could have done and thank goodness the key was found before he could, especially with recent going-ons at Virginia Tech, school security is a major issue and its all because of untrustworthy fools trying to do something “cool.”
VT
by Lauren Mulkern
On Monday 4/16/07, a student at Virginia Tech. murdered a total of 27 students and 5 teachers. This student was originally from South Korea and moved to the U.S. due to financial difficulty in South Korea. Classmates of this student mentioned that he was a very quite man.
ON the day of the massacre, he shot two students two hours before killing the other 30 people. During this two hour period, he prepared a package of photos and a video. Also in this NBC studio was a written statement. NBC released these disturbing photos, videos, and statements to the public.
The decision that NBC made to release items from this package, sparked a controversy. People are now arguing if this was the right thing to do.
The ultimate purpose of the newspaper/news studio is to make a positive change. Releasing devastating photos, videos, and statements to the public is a positive change? Personally, I believe that releasing photos that have guns pointing at you is horrific. Why does something that was so tragic to many people have to have things to show you what the 32 victims went through? These things show what the victims were looking at before the passed away.
On 4/19/07, I walked into a store to purchase the Boston Herald and Patriot Ledger. As soon as I looked at the newsstand, I was horrified. I had multiple guns pointing right at me. Of course they were not literally there but it was still horrifying. The Boston Herald decided to send a photo from the package with the murderer pointing a gun right at the camera on the front page. I personally don’t see the positive change in this situation. All I see is terrible images. NBC should have spent more time considering the consequences of releasing packages.
On Monday 4/16/07, a student at Virginia Tech. murdered a total of 27 students and 5 teachers. This student was originally from South Korea and moved to the U.S. due to financial difficulty in South Korea. Classmates of this student mentioned that he was a very quite man.
ON the day of the massacre, he shot two students two hours before killing the other 30 people. During this two hour period, he prepared a package of photos and a video. Also in this NBC studio was a written statement. NBC released these disturbing photos, videos, and statements to the public.
The decision that NBC made to release items from this package, sparked a controversy. People are now arguing if this was the right thing to do.
The ultimate purpose of the newspaper/news studio is to make a positive change. Releasing devastating photos, videos, and statements to the public is a positive change? Personally, I believe that releasing photos that have guns pointing at you is horrific. Why does something that was so tragic to many people have to have things to show you what the 32 victims went through? These things show what the victims were looking at before the passed away.
On 4/19/07, I walked into a store to purchase the Boston Herald and Patriot Ledger. As soon as I looked at the newsstand, I was horrified. I had multiple guns pointing right at me. Of course they were not literally there but it was still horrifying. The Boston Herald decided to send a photo from the package with the murderer pointing a gun right at the camera on the front page. I personally don’t see the positive change in this situation. All I see is terrible images. NBC should have spent more time considering the consequences of releasing packages.
JV Sports in a Varsity World
Nicholas Papadopolous
The affairs of varsity sports are widely known throughout the halls of Pembroke High School, while the jv and freshman sports are under the radar and are underappreciated.
An example of the breach in the support is apparent at several of the sports games. In hockey, the jv games are usually played an hour before the varsity plays, yet nobody can be found in the rink other than the few parents spread out through the bleachers. However, as soon as the jv players finish undressing and step back out into the rink, the place is so crowded that it is difficult to get to the exit. And once you do manage to get to the exit, there are still people in line waiting to pay $5 for a ticket to the game.
Another example is the football teams and their fans. For jv games and freshman games, there are usually more players on the field than there are in the stands watching. But when the lights come on and varsity steps onto the field, the bleachers are overflowing with fans hoping that the Titans will pull through.
The only reasons that fans only attend the varsity games are that the players are older and the talent is better. Let’s face it, everybody knows the senior athletes Mike Daniels and Paul Chiampa, but only the freshman and a few others are going to know the Jack Bandera’s and Pat West’s of the school. Not to mention that everybody will know about Rocco DeVincient’s last-second goal but nobody will hear about Ryan Hennigan’s 3-run Home-run to win the jv a game in extra innings. Also, the talent level is far superior at varsity games than at jv games.
Despite that, I think that Pembroke students should show more of an interest in the sports played by the younger student-athletes. After all, they are the future of PHS.
The affairs of varsity sports are widely known throughout the halls of Pembroke High School, while the jv and freshman sports are under the radar and are underappreciated.
An example of the breach in the support is apparent at several of the sports games. In hockey, the jv games are usually played an hour before the varsity plays, yet nobody can be found in the rink other than the few parents spread out through the bleachers. However, as soon as the jv players finish undressing and step back out into the rink, the place is so crowded that it is difficult to get to the exit. And once you do manage to get to the exit, there are still people in line waiting to pay $5 for a ticket to the game.
Another example is the football teams and their fans. For jv games and freshman games, there are usually more players on the field than there are in the stands watching. But when the lights come on and varsity steps onto the field, the bleachers are overflowing with fans hoping that the Titans will pull through.
The only reasons that fans only attend the varsity games are that the players are older and the talent is better. Let’s face it, everybody knows the senior athletes Mike Daniels and Paul Chiampa, but only the freshman and a few others are going to know the Jack Bandera’s and Pat West’s of the school. Not to mention that everybody will know about Rocco DeVincient’s last-second goal but nobody will hear about Ryan Hennigan’s 3-run Home-run to win the jv a game in extra innings. Also, the talent level is far superior at varsity games than at jv games.
Despite that, I think that Pembroke students should show more of an interest in the sports played by the younger student-athletes. After all, they are the future of PHS.
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