carpe diem JANUARY 2014 // THORNTON ACADEMY
[your way]
SEIZE the DAY BEST
SACO, MAINE
TIPS FOR DRIVERS ED P. 8 FRIES in MAINE P.41 NEW MOVIES & MUSIC P.44
^ PILOT, ANIMAL FOSTER & COSTUME DESIGNER BY STUDENTS FOR STUDENTS VOL. 4 // ISSUE 1//WINTER 2014
[2] To the students and faculty of Thornton Academy,
Sincerely, Carpe Diem Editors Sarah Beth Campisi and Sydney Curran
TIME IS“ENVIOUS while we speak
(and running away from us)
Seize the Day ” --Horace 65 BC
FALL CARPE DIEM STAFF// ALEX PICKERING, PETER DANTON, SARAH BETH CAMPISI, JACQUELINE PINKHAM, BRITTNEY MONDOR, SYDNEY CURRAN, VALERIE NAUMANN,ELIZAVETA PALY, JESSICA PEARSON, BAYLY LABRIE, HANNAH AVERY, GRACIELA RAGGIANI, KATHERINE WILLIAMS, QUINN BACHIOCHI (Missing: NICOLE BOIVIN, LAUREN LESKOWSKY)) ADVISER: MRS. HALL
[contents]
LIFE CULTURE SPORTS
ARTS
30 18 4
LOVE BY HANNAH AVERY SURVIVOR STORIES BY SYD NEY CURRAN & BRITTNEY MONDOR 7//FOSTERING ANIMALS BY JAC QUELINE PINKHAM DRIVING BY KATHERINE WIL LIAMS LAPTOP REVIEWS BY KATHER INE WILLIAMS BOVE’S FARM BY HANNAH AVERY MODELING BY ELIZAVETA PALY SECOND JOBS BY HANNAH AVERY VISITING SPEAKERS BY KATH ERINE WILLIAMS & VAL NEUMAN TEEN PILOT BY PETER DANTON
21
HISTORIC SPORTS MOMENTS BY LAUREN LESKOWSKY SURFING MAINE BY ALEX PICKERING SURVIVING ACL TEAR BY LAUREN LESKOWSKY NORDIC SKIING BY ALEX PICKERING NO I IN TEAM BY SARAH BETH CAMPISI NIGHT GAME BY SYDNEY CURRAN
40 41
28 46
COSTUMING BY NICOLE BOIVIN DANCE & DRAMA BY SYDNEY CURRAN COFFEE HOUSE PICS BY GRA CIELA RAGGIANI MUSIC BY QUINN BACIOCHI DANCE COMPANY BY GRA CIELA RAGGIANI
FOOD BY VALERIE NAUMANN TEACHERS IN TRAINING BY JESSICA PEARSON COLLEGE FRESHMEN BY SYDNEY CURRAN WALK AGAINST BULLIES BY SARAH BETH CAMPISI INK BY HANNAH AVERY FLASH MOB & GREAT FOOD BY VALERIE NAUMANN & PETER DANTON SPIRIT BY SYDNEY CURRAN & SARAH BETH CAMPISI ENTERTAINMENT BY STAFF TUMBLR BY JESSICA PEARSON
[4]
Portland Joins in the Newest World Tradition [Story & Photos by Hannah Avery]
5dates
to make Valentine’s memorable
(NO SIGNIFICANT OTHER REQUIRED)
This year Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday. How about taking your date to Friday Night Skate at the Biddeford Arena? Or go with friends...who knows who you might meet there!
The Fences of Love started in
Portland February 13th 2013, first a joke by three local women. Although similar displays have been around since the year 2000, Maine joined in this beautiful tradition this past year. Kristel Hayens, a 40-year-old social media consultant, was one of the first people to place her lock on the fence. According to the Portland Press Herald, “... tradition calls for throwing the key into a nearby body of water or over a cliff, Hayes disposed of her key in the trash, an environmentally conscious gesture, although somewhat lacking in romantic flair.” As of November 20th, there are roughly 250 locks scattered across the once blank fence, and that number is quickly increasing. Portland seems to appreciate the beauty, joining in on this tradition. Although not everyone is a fan of this new Portland site, Nicole Clegg, the director of communications for the city, promised that the fence will continue to stand, and she encourages people all around to contribute. She also wishes for the people who started it to come forth and get in touch with the city. For now, the Fences of Love will
stay, causing tourists and even locals to stop and take in the personality of Portland’s more than 66,214 residents. Soon, the Fences of Love will be a part of many lives, hopefully spreading smiles and joy to the people who interact with it. Maine couples, families and more will now have a place to spread their love and admiration or each other.
Local residents admire the various locks on the fence.
1 2 3 4 5
Head to the Old Port and put a lock on the Fences of Love for your parents and then send them a picture saying you are happy they are such a good couple. Then head to Bard Coffee and warm up with a fancy latte. Drive up to New Gloucester after school and rent cross country skiis at Pineland. Then explore their trails, (plenty of fun hills). Go to L.L. Beans in Freeport with a few other couples or groups of friends. (Did you know it’s open 24/7 every day of the year!) Do a photo scavenger hunt. Ex.: The cheapest item in the store, two people in a tent with a lantern pretending to sleep...the rest is up to you. Bring treats like flowers or chocolates to folks working on Main Street Saco. The best way to feel the love is to spread it around!
[life]
Fight Like A Girl [Story by Sydney Curran]
On May 25, 2012, freshmen Sarah Couture was sent to the doctor on her mother’s suspicion of Couture having diabetes. Around noon of the same day, Couture and her family were called with the news that Couture did not have diabetes, but was at a risk of having leukemia or aplastic anemia. “That whole weekend I had to stay in Maine Medical where I got tests done and had my first surgery done, which was a bone marrow biopsy,” Couture recalls. Even though both tests and surgery showed no signs of cancer, Couture still endured tests and frequent bone marrow biopsies throughout the summer. However in late July of the same year changed Couture and her family’s lives. “I got another bone marrow biopsy in late July and that showed that I had aplastic anemia with pre-leukemic cells. I went through another biopsy in September to confirm [I had aplastic anemia].” Couture was sent down to Boston’s Children Hospital, where she was admitted as the first girl to be diagnosed with aplastic anemia. Aplastic anemia is a rare potentially life-threatening failure of bone marrow being unable to produce new blood cells. According to Patient.co.uk online medical journal, the annual incidence of aplastic anaemia is about two cases per million population. Aplastic anemia mostly surfaces between the ages of 15 years and 25 years. Couture was only 13. Couture stayed in the hospital from November 1st to December 15th. “I had a bone marrow transplant on November 9th and my sister Katie was my donor. She saved my life.” Couture looks back on her experience not with dread like most would expect, but as an eye-opener about how you should be grateful for what you have. “Without my sister I wouldn’t be here today and I’m really lucky that I got a second chance.” Couture has a been a cancer survivor for over a year now, but after the celebratory dinner with her family Couture still has to go down to Boston Children’s Hospital to get yearly checkups. Couture looks back at her time at Boston Children’s fondly, especially when she was gifted with a soccer ball. “I was the first person to ever dribble a soccer ball in the Sixth West unit. They let me sign it and they put it up on a shelf.” Couture is doing very well in recent days, only having six scars as a reminder of the fight she battled through. Couture was a part of the First Team soccer team, is currently a member of the Freshmen Girls’ basketball team, and will be participating in outdoor track in the spring.
[6]
TEENS living large despite
Finding Hope and Wisdom
CHRONIC ILLNESS [Story by Brittney Mondor]
Being a teenager juggling the stress of school, work and sports can be difficult. But it’s even harder when you’re living with a chronic disease, that can dictate or even run how your day will go. Chronic diseases which affect teens include but are not limited to: diabetes, asthma, cancer, epilepsy, and Crohn’s disease “Instead of digging into pizza, or any meal, I have to test my blood sugar with a finger prick; then dial in the carbs on my insulin pump. Before I was on the pump I had to give myself insulin through a syringe,” said senior, Amy Houser who was diagnosed with type one Diabetes at nine years old. Houser said she vividly remembers the day she was diagnosed with type one diabetes. “I was in art class learning the colors of the rainbow, and trying to find a way to memorize them in order. Right before Mrs. D was about to tell us the secret mnemonic device, the phone rang like an alarm clock on an early morning.” It was the office calling her down, where she met her mother Michelle, who had “a glued smile to her face, as if she cut it from someone else’s face from a magazine.” Michelle told Houser that they were going to see Santa at the North pole, but “Santa was a doctor, and the North Pole was the Maine Medical Center Emergency room.” “Since then, I have realized each color represents the order in which my emo-
Houser’s testing kit and insulin pump
tions and stages of life came at me. Red is anger, orange is perplexity, yellow is calmness, green is going on living differently, blue is gloomy, indigo is ‘in-the-needles-go’ and just like a field of the flowers, violet is endless. Endless possibilities and endless opportunities,” said Houser. Houser carries all these colors around with her depending on the day to varying degrees, but most of her friends and teachers only see her warm engaged smile. While most teenagers look healthy, looks can be deceiving. Diseases are sometimes elusive to the naked eye; on the outside they are invisible but they are far from being nonexistent. Junior, Brianna Roberge was diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta at a very young age. “Osteogenesis Imperfecta is a disease that causes my bones to be fragile. I’ve broken 18 bones,” said Roberge. “When I was younger I would get so angry because I wasn’t able to do the same things as other kids in fear I might break a bone. Now that I’m older, I fully understand my disease and how to prevent breaks.” Houser and Roberge are not alone. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states one in four hundred juveniles will develop type one Diabetes, and thirty thousand juveniles will be diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta before their infant years are over.
So how do teens cope with the demands of a chronic disease and the rest of the stress that comes with being a teenager? “I cope by accepting it, it’s a part of me now, and ultimately it’s life or death,” said Houser. “To be completely honest, some days I do feel like giving up,” said Houser. “But every time I feel this way, I remind myself of those who love and support me.” “I try not to think about it too much,” said Roberge, “I want to live a normal life like any other teenager.” Roberge seems increasingly at peace with her diagnosis, “There was a point where I’d be so angry I couldn’t do what other kids were doing, but now it’s easier.” Sometimes with struggle comes hard won wisdom. “Having type one Diabetes isn’t a death sentence, it’s a chance to prove to yourself and the world how strong you really are,” said Houser. “I accept that I’m different, it makes me who I am,” said Roberge. While dealing with a new diagnosis, may mean putting life on hold temporarily while a person deals with what it will mean in their daily life, ultimately, it can become part of life which still leaves room for the other things. Houser never found out what the secret to learning the colors of the rainbow was until she entered high school and finally asked her mother Michelle.
Brianna Roberge, 15
[life]
Save a Life
Lily Hutchinson & her fostered kitten Special Education teacher Ms. Folker began fostering cats a year and a half ago. Her cat, Ashley, had just died and she was devastated. After owning her for 16 years, she wasn’t sure she could emotionally take a leap to making a lifetime commitment to another cat. When she called her friend to talk about the passing of her cat, her friend suggested that she try fostering animals. Folker has fostered seven adult cats, and 24 kittens. By the time this is published, the number will have likely grown! “They’re always hard to give back, it’s hard to see their little faces and not know where they’re going. I’m always hoping they’ll go to a good home, because I’m all they’ve known.” Although she’s very sad when she returns them to the shelter, she knows she’s doing an important job. She fosters cats for many reasons. Some have medical problems, sometimes a foster is needed because of overcrowding at the shelter, and other times pregnant mothers need a quiet place to birth their kittens. “When kittens come in without a mother, it’s a sad yet happy moment because I get to be their mother while they are with me.” Folker said, “By taking in the ones that are sick and making sure they get their medicine, the shelter can get the healthier cats adopted out.” Ms. Folker believes strongly that, “People should always go to the shelter!” Senior Lily Hutchinson started fostering kittens in 2004 after her family adopted their dog, Cleo, from the shelter in Kennebunk. “We were told about the opportuni-
Be a Foster
[Story By Jacqueline Pinkham]
ty to foster and jumped on it. We absolutely love it,” Hutchinson said. “I am so proud to say I have taken in over 100 kittens and sent them to loving homes.” Hutchinson remembers one especially sweet tricolored, long-haired fluff ball named Noel, who she became extremely attached to over the 12 week course of her foster stay. “I almost got my dad to adopt her, but our other cat wasn’t as fond of her as we were.” A few months back Hutchinson had a healthy family of kittens. There was one runt which they called Pinky, who just wasn’t the same as the rest of them. “Over time he got an infection in his eye and when we informed the vet, they ended up removing his eye. We were afraid no one would want him,” Hutchinson said. Hutchinson said her mother, “as always” posted pictures of the kittens on Facebook. Unbelievably, no one wanted the fluffy healthy kittens, they wanted the poor helpless kitten that had one eye. “That’s the kind of thing that I love about fostering.” Most of the animals Lily takes in are kittens and they get brought to the shelter because the owners don’t fix their cats and they can’t take care of their offspring. “It’s sad to see people not taking care of their animals but through this experience were learning and spreading the word around to hopefully lower the rate of strays,” she said. “It’s also great when friends and relatives adopt our kittens because then we know they’re going to good homes.” Although cats and dogs are the most common animals in shelters, there are
also often a number of larger and more unusual animals looking for homes or a foster situation. According to the Humane Society of the United States, from 19702010, the number of dogs and cats in homes has increased from 67 million to an estimated 164 million annually. Even with this increase, the annual number of dogs and cats euthanized in shelters has decreased from 1220 million, to an estimated 3-4 million. This is largely due to the work of shelters like the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland & Kennebunk Animal Welfare Society, as well as the help of animal lovers like Folker and Hutchinson who are willing to lend a hand. There is still, however, work left to do. The Humane Society reports that an estimated 2.7 million healthy pets are not adopted each year. Only about 30% of pets in homes come from shelters or rescues.
Joan Folker & a fostered kitten
[8]
License get their license .
[Story & Photos by Katherine Williams]
Senior Sable Sands, ready to take on the road.
Senior Sable Sands exhales deeply and opens the car door. She steps inside, sinking down into the bottom of the driver’s seat. She feels a whirlwind of emotions suddenly take over her body. Her mind turns to mush and her legs feel like jello. She knows that driving will be a new gateway to freedom, her license marking the beginning of her adulthood. As her instructor enters the car, she swallows nervously and clenches her sweaty palms together. She takes in her feelings and faces them head on. “The first time I drove I was a little nervous and excited,” Sands explained. “I was nervous because I was worried about what the driver instructor was going to say about my driving. But I was excited because I was finally getting to drive. It took me awhile to get comfortable, but after a couple of minutes I felt fine and was no longer nervous.” Although Sands handled her nervousness well, a lot of others let their nerves get the best of them when they drive for the first time, or when going for their driving test. In an article on teen driving, USA Today states that 42% of teens don’t pass their license test the first time because of accidents due to anxiety. Learning to drive has always been a source of stress for teens, especially because it is an important rite of passage. Most parents can relate to their teen’s anxiety. “When I went for my driving test the first time, I was anxious,” special education teacher, Ms. Bullard said. “The guy who was testing me was really mean, and for some reason there was a cute boy sitting in the back. What freaked me out the most though is that all of this was happening in the middle of a snowstorm.” Bullard continued on, “when I was driving through the snowy mess I could feel my car start to slip, so I put on my breaks. We started going sideways, and all of a sudden a huge amount of snow from the roof crashed down in front of me, so I couldn’t see anything! It came down so hard and loud
that I jumped out of my seat. My mean instructor was suddenly screaming at me, begging me to pull over. The cute boy was laughing hysterically.” She looked down and smiled. “I was really embarrassed. Unfortunately, I didn’t pass the test that day.” Today she is supporting her teenage kids to go for their licenses, but hopefully they won’t have the same story she did. Driving instructor Joey Hamilton from Hamilton’s Driving in Saco has endured many driving trips with students that ended up in disaster, but he will never forget one story in particular. “A couple of summers ago I was driving with a student on her first lesson who was having trouble all around with her driving,” Hamilton said. “I had her take a sharp right into a motel near Old Orchard Beach. She started too far to the right side leaving herself no room to round out the turn. She then made a very wide turn, which brought her a little in the oncoming lane.” “She went into panic mode because a trolley was coming closer to our car. She turned the wheel all the way to the right to move out of the way as quickly as possible. She then went to slam on the brake because of how much she over steered. But instead of putting her foot on the break, you guessed it, she pressed the gas pedal! Now we were facing the sidewalk with the gas pretty much floored all the way down! All the while, there was a man walking up the sidewalk with his Subway sandwich in one hand and his soda in the other.” “I was completely ready for it and had my foot on my driver-ed brake the entire time. So picture this, a car pointed at a pedestrian on the sidewalk with the engine revving full bore, however the car is not going anywhere because I have the brake fully engaged. The man on the sidewalk jumped out of the way!” “He fell over, lost his sandwich and his soda. My student was almost in tears from embarrassment and I was almost in tears because I couldn’t help but laugh at that
[life]
poor guy who was just trying to enjoy his lunch.” Despite the horrors of driving with a new student, Hamilton loves his job as a driving instructor. He says it requires him to have a lot of patience and determination, but he wouldn’t trade his job for anything. “I love teaching the kids and I have fun doing it,” Hamilton said. A recent study in USA Today shows a significant decrease in the number of permitted/licensed teens from 1980 to 2010: 17-year-olds went from 66% to 45%, 18-yearolds from 75% to 61%, and 19-year-olds from 80% to 70%. In Maine the stats have gone down drastically in these years, and it is currently the worst rate of licensed drivers since 1980. USA Today suggests that this happening for a number of different reasons. Technology plays a big role in society and is now the top priority for teens, who are often amused in a world of their own at home, and don’t feel as motivated to get their license. “I decided to wait until the end of July to go for my permit because I really had no reason to get it before,” stated Sands who didn’t begin the process of drivers education until she turned 16 in her senior year. “I could just text my friends or talk to them on the computer. There was really no point. But when I saw my friends were starting to take the driving course in the summer, I knew it was time for me to go as well. I had waited long enough.” Money also plays a big role of teens delaying in getting their license or permit. The average cost of going to driving classes in Maine is roughly around $500. In a survey of twenty students from TA, seven of them paid for driving school on their own. The other 13 had their fee paid by their parents or guardians. Hamilton believes that teens wait to get their license for two main reasons. In his five years of teaching Hamilton has noticed that the students who wait a very long time to get their license, do so because they have
not been able to build a big enough bank of driving hours on their permit to qualify. Hamilton said, “The parents don’t make them drive enough and thus do not posses the skills to be on the road by themselves.” “Nerves play a big role as well. The way I look at it is if a permitted driver is still nervous behind the wheel, they don’t having enough driving done. The more they drive the more the nervousness will go dissipate.” Hamilton believes that the only thing to do to get over the nerves is to just keep practicing. “There is no secret to driving, one must put in the time to become a good driver. The more one drives, the better they get.” Although the number of licensed/ permitted teens has gone down in recent years, some teens work hard from beginning to end to get their license. They have a reason to drive and a will to make it happen. The Washington Post states that 55% of students who get their permit try to go for their license 7-10 months after they’ve received their permit. “I feel like I’ve slacked off enough,” Sands smiled. “I don’t think I’m an expert driver yet, but I’ve definitely come a long way from where I was when I started. I practice very often, driving home after school, and really any time I get the opportunity.” “I’m actually planning on sending out for my license this week. I think by the
Joey Hamilton and senior Ryan Naylon, prepare before a driving lesson.
time I have the test date figured out, I’ll be more than ready. All I know for now is that I’m going to practice driving a lot more than usual until I hear about the date.” Hamilton explained that the current driving test consists of parallel parking, straight line backing, yielding to pedestrians, making complete stops and showing a good knowledge of the rules of the road. “To pass the test, you must pay full attention to the road with no distractions what-so-ever. Your brain can only do so much at one time, and if you’re focused on too many things you won’t be driving to your full potential.” The Society Of Physics Students reports that in their first year on the road, teens are almost 10 times more likely to be in a car crash. To be a good driver, they suggest as Hamilton does to get rid of distractions, work hard, and keep the focus on task. No one ends up being a great driver right away, but after lots and lots of practice the skills needed to be an accurate, and safe driver will be earned. “I can’t wait to get my license,” Sands said enthusiastically. “When I take the test and pass it with flying colors, I’ll finally be able to drive on my own. I can’t wait.” When Sands gets her license, on her first drive she plans to meet her friends at a fancy restaurant.
Purchasing Guide For Your New Laptop Exploring the Best Options for College [Reviews By Katherine Williams] In the hustle of adjusting and getting ready for college, many students prepare for the school year by buying supplies such as laptops to make sure their school work will be done. What once was a luxury for students is now a necessity while entering college. According to Consumer Reports, 55% of students in the United States own a laptop, compared to 40% in 2010. Having a laptop is not needed only for school work, but it is also a means of communication between teachers, friends and family. In a survey of 10 college students, all 10 of them bought laptops before entering their freshman year in college, and 55% of them bought the Macbook Air. Of the 45% who did not buy a Macbook Air, two people bought a Sony, one bought a Macbook Pro and another bought an ASUS. “I ultimately chose to buy the Macbook Air because it is well known everywhere. I trusted that it would work great for school and play, and it hasn’t let me down yet,” said Mary Williams, an Old Orchard Beach High school alumni who is currently a sophomore at The College Of Saint Rose. Tori Lands, who graduated from TA last year and now attends U Maine Farmington is very pleased she bought a MacBook for college. “I like Apple and have never had any problems with my computer. Plus, I don’t have to worry about downloading virus protection.” Below is a list of the top five laptops to buy for college based on style, price and the running system. Taking a look at the advantages and price will hopefully help you decide what fits your own needs.
THE TOP CHOICE: Macbook Air (11.6 Inch) $1,200 Sleek/stylish, easy to figure out, 10 hour battery life, 64 GB flash storage, automatically loaded with apps and games, can be used just about anywhere. Apple offers an automatic student discount of $100, and can continue to discount up to $200. Best deals at: Staples, Best Buy, Amazon and the Apple Store.
4
cool
[10]
APPS you need in 2014
HP Pavillion Sleekbook 14 $550 Comes with the basic gaming/work needs, an HD display screen and webcam, a removable battery, crystal clear audio and an automatic “air conditioner” for when the computer overheats. Best deals at: eBay, Amazon and Walmart.
RunKeeper// Staying Fit part of your New Years Resolutions? Why not stay motivated with this iPhone app which uses GPS to track your jogging and cycling routes, and estimate your pace and calories burned. Activities can be shared online, and treadmill runs and other exercise details can be entered manually.
ASUS S56CA-WH3 $419 Slick, weight-light, uses Windows 8, runs fast, good for someone who is just looking for a laptop with great school work options. Best deals at: Best Buy, Walmart and Amazon.
Dictionary.com - Dictionary & Thesaurus//Perhaps you are interested in feeding your brain more of the good stuff in 2014. It wouldn’t hurt to download this app which puts over two million
Toshiba Satellite C55-A530 $230 Crisp display screen, comfortable keyboard, runs fast and is able to run many apps at once. The greatest “you get what you pay for” laptop. Best deals at: Best Buy. Samsung Chromebook $250 Made specifically for web-based operations, this laptop only allows access to the internet and apps. Cheap and gives a good range of work options. Best deals at: Staples, Best Buy and Amazon.
Comics// Craving some action? Comics works best on an iPad, but is among the best available for free for iPhone. It provides dozens of downloadable comics - and once you run out of those, many more are available to buy. Touch Closet//Perfect for the fashionista who wants a style planning tool. This app that lets you add clothing items from your wardrobe, organizing and creating a kind of inventory. Use it when shopping, planning a night out or to check what you wore the week before.
[life]
A Lifelong Dream
Owning and Caring for Barnyard Animals
“What do they mean to
you?”
[Story & Photos by Hannah Avery]
Senior Jessica Pearson says her seven year old Maine Coon cat Peanut, “is like a part of the family; my baby.”
Bove feeding her bunnies their favorite treats. On a cool fall evening, Bove tends to her animals, the leaves rustling as the calm wind blows them. The small barn stands tall, the sunlight caressing itself against the hay-covered floor. She has been working for the school for 11 years, beginning her career as a teacher when she was 35. But she has always had a second passion. Since a young age, she had an interest in owning animals, mostly influenced by her grandfather’s dairy farm. Bove has had these unique animals for over eight years, now owning seven in total. The family of two have two donkeys (Clayton and Mabel), a sheep (Hazel), two bunnies, a rooster and a hen. When asked what she believes her favorite part of her experience is, Bove replied, “Every day when I drive in the driveway, I look out there and they’ll either call to me or I hear them, and I think, you know, it feels very homey to me. Something about that just screams, ‘You’re home!’”
She says it’s been an amazing learning experience for both her and her husband, explaining to not be intimidated by the hobby. “Do it!” Take it from someone with the desire to change her pets lives: it’s very rewarding. Bove is one of those who feels bad only wanting the baby animals, so she takes anything that needs a new home. Looking in those animals eyes, there’s a true sense of happiness.
Senior Sarah Beth Campisi says about her dog Fenway, “My dog is like a little hero. When my mom was recovering, he’d jump up on her lap and care for her. He’s very comforting.”
TA Alumni Lindsey Avery states, “It’s like he knows when something’s wrong, and he sets out to cheer you up. He’s so funny and truly loves us.”
Senior Daegen Prince says, “My cat means everything to me. He is just the funnest animal you will ever meet. We have conversations all the time.”
[12]
BACKSTAGE OF MODELING [Story by Elizaveta Paly]
When we imagine the life of a model, we see an elegant woman walking on the runway, all eyes on her. She is shining in chic dresses like a diamond, posing for the best photographers from all over the world. We see the flashes of cameras, celebrities, fame, perfect hair, skin and body. However, in reality not everything is this perfect for a model. Only a few people know what happens behind the scenes. In this feature, three models lift the curtain and tell about difficulties they have faced, why they choose modeling, and how they became successful in this work. Senior, Amanda Hogg remembers watching Miss USA pageant on television and thinking, “I need to be a part of that.” The only problem
was she didn’t know how to get started. It is a big competition on a field called casting, where girls with angelic faces are willing to do the most unseemly acts to win a place on the runway. In this business, each centimeter is important. According to industry standard you should be 172 cm tall and have hips no bigger than 90 cm. A model must keep her physical parameters the same during contract time. There are some contracts, which allow the employer to fine the girl, if her size changes even one cm. According to a new study by the Model Health Inquiry, as many as 40% of models may currently be suffering from some kind of eating disorder. Young and time-tested designers exhibit their art and their vision on fashion. Runaway is a show, during which
designers struggle to impress the audience, but behind the scenes models are working hard to turn these visions into reality. Their hardship is seldom seen by the public. Models fall on slippery runways because of uncomfortable shoes, dye their hair extravagant colors and do everything that comes to the creative mind of the artist, even when it seems ridiculous. The most famous “model failure” was Naomi Campbell’s fall from a height of extravagant 15-centimeter platform heals at the Vivienne Westwood Fashion Show in 1993. Hogg has never fallen in a pageant, her worst experience was waiting for her name to be called to see if she made the cut as a semi-finalist. “Nothing I’ve ever felt before is comparable to it. Take your most anxious moment and multiply it by a thousand!”
[life] One Russian model and actress, now living in LA, recently earned a role in the movie “Pain and Gain“ and is the face of eye wear brand Oliver People. Bar Paly, who is also my cousin, said that it’s a hard job. She says models have to always perform - even if they are sick or tired, they have to be professional and deliver good photos. Also, they shoot winter clothes in the summer, summer clothes in the winter and it’s very cold to shoot swimwear in a freezing ocean in January. Many young girls are turning a blind eye to hardships and devoting their lives to modeling. Why do they do it? Many girls dream of being model, even without possessing the necessary information. Models create a dream, a standard of beauty, an unattainable ideal. First of all, it’s of course a fame fac-
tor. Paly said, “Having people appreciate my job and the effort I put into a role is very nice and gratifying. Having fans that support me and my work is a great experience and I love them all .” If you are one of the lucky few to reach the top of this profession everyone will know who you are. Your face will open many doors. Hogg loves being on stage and putting her best foot forward. She is all about the spotlight, and the glamor of being a model and pageant queen. She says, when a little girl comes into the modeling business, she becomes a selfconfident woman. Seeing finished photos make girls realize how glamorous they can look until they’ve
participated in a professional shoot. Amanda agrees that the self confidence that she gets from doing a pageant makes it all worth it whether she wins or loses. Lindsey Hall, a junior, who is also a model, said, “Pageants completely made me have a lot more confidence in myself and improve my public speaking skills. I am now not afraid to meet new people or speak in front of big crowds.” Moreover, models travel all over the world to many exotic locations and learn new culture. They even live abroad. During long stays, usually they are housed with other models, so it is a very social life, because you meet a lot of new people. Paly said, “Positives are that I get to travel a lot, negatives are that I travel a lot. Seriously I have a constant jet lag.” One time she was over
“Fashion to me is fantasy, and it’s nice to be a part of fantasy world.” Paly
advertise clothing and goods. But the business is very critical, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t start right away. Give it time and keep trying. Models are not born. They don’t “wing it” at shoots. They study their poses, know their angles, understand lighting and know how to work their expressions. They know that if you bring your shoulders up you’ll lose your neck. They know that you need to keep your fingers together and make sure your hands look relaxed. Models always have to be prepared. They have to work out and take care of their body to keep it looking and feeling as best as it can at any given moment. Paly tries to eat healthy, drink lots of water and hits the gym at least two times a week. She believes the most important thing is feeling good and happy, “A happy girl is a beautiful girl.”
booked so much that she had to go Modeling, like every job straight from a photo shoot in Los has its pros and cons, but the one Angeles, to the airport to fly to Paris important thing is that you should for another job. She would land in love your work. Bar Paly encourages rush hour and would have to shoot students to never give up on your immediately, the client sent a motor- dreams. She says whether it’s modcycle to pick her up from the airport eling, teaching, or doing something so she didn’t get stuck in traffic and else you like, don’t give up on it. could make it in time to the studio Modeling takes time, but she says if in Paris. Paly says that was a pretty you wait it out the experience is awecrazy experience. “Here I am, land- some. ing after a 13 hour flight and getting on a back of a Harley Davidson, cutting through traffic in beautiful Paris to save some time...Born to be wild indeed.” According to vocationary. com, between 2008 and 2018 teen modeling jobs will increase by 16%. There is a need for more teens to
[14]
A Day In the Life Marston’s Marina Thrives with the Hard Work of Eric Marston [Story & Photos by Hannah Avery]
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tudents find it hard to imagine their teachers lives outside of the classroom, but often times they work hard beyond the walls of the school, working other jobs in addition to their responsibilities as an educator. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, one in every five teachers has a second job, earning themselves extra salary. Whether it be to make cash to pay the bills or just for fun, there are a bunch of teachers who really take their second priorities to heart. From Hope and Chris Hall, who run a Nigerian dwarf goat dairy farm year round, to Mike Verrier, who manages Palace Playland during the summer, to Josh Delcourt who captains a whale watch boat, many teachers have interesting jobs in addition to their already busy lives as educators. Mr. Marston has been teaching history for fifteen years, and his positive attitude almost radiates through the room. He greets his students with a bright smile, as is customary in his class, and prepares for the day. Often, however, his mind slips to
the number of responsibilities he has almost three miles away at Marston’s Marina. In addition to the teaching of 140 students this year alone, he also juggles a second job. Marston has worked at his family’s marina since the young age of thirteen, and took partial ownership approximately sixteen years ago. Marston’s Marina has space for 125 boats at a time. It hasn’t grown much in the over 50 years its been operating, but that’s the way his family likes it. The marina is open from May to October, and the workers there do as much as they can in terms of helping with customers problems, building new docks, pumping gas, and taking care of the grounds. “We’re there to help them make that experience good for them,” Marston said. With all the hard work down at the marina, Marston sometimes worries it affects his teaching, but he does his best to juggle his ownership at his family business, a full time job as a history teacher, and coaching girl’s basketball during the winter.
“The marina is kind of a blessing and a curse,” he said, chuckling the statement off. Marston explained that his two young children are interested in the marina, and are always excited to visit, although he says it takes some work to get them to leave as they are often disappointed to leave the waterfront. Marston’s first job is teaching, and when asked if he had any advice to give students who wish to proceed a career as a teacher, he reflected back to his own reasons for becoming one. “If I can inspire, you know, even one or two kids a year, I feel like it’s probably the most rewarding professions there is.” He also says that one should go into teaching for the right reasons, not just because they get the summers off. From working six months at the marina, to the year-round duties of being a teacher, Marston seems very content with all the responsibilities he takes on and doesn’t wish to change things any time soon.
MORE THORNTON ACADEMY HARD WORKERS
Mr. Amoroso works at Lens Crafters.
Mr. Carbone takes care of this daughter.
Ms. Rausch works for Nutritionjobs.com
[life]
US Soldier Seamus Garrett
[Story by Valerie Naumann & Photos by Alex Pickering] Seamus Garrett, who spent more than two years living and fighting in Afghanistan, came to TA on November 22 to talk about the daily life of US soldiers, Afghan culture, and his personal experiences in the war. Afghanistan is a male dominated country located in South Asia with a comparable size to Texas. Because of the lack of technology life is in accordance with 19th century living in the US. The tribal and xenophobic society gives Westerners a hard time and many times social norms of the area are interrupted accidentally, leading to troubles and misunderstandings. In Afghanistan the literacy rate is less than 50%. “Getting an education - even a basic one - can be a matter of life and death. Education is the key to any modern society,” Garrett said. But being in school is dangerous, schools are targeted for attacks, like car bombs, suicides, or bombers. Instead of going to school many children search for food or work to earn low wages and win the fight
for survival. The soldiers’ daily life is determined by Afghan culture. They get their food on base, mostly processed food, which is meant for efficiency and not to enjoy. In addition, US soldiers living in one of the combat outposts have to adapt to the mountainous terrain, the variation of the weather and the thin air. The gear soldiers have to carry consists out of a body armor, supplies, and ammunition, and weighs 78-80 pounds. Garrett made the experience that trust is one of the most valuable qualities during war, “Nothing is stronger than the bond between soldiers. I’m handing my life to them, and they’re handing their lives to me.” The 150 students listening were impressed. “I liked how he was not only showing us the hardships of being a soldier on war, he also showed that when you join the army its like being adopted into another family, which in my mind is extremely honorable,” Junior Sarah Proctor said.
Out of this World! Astronaut Gives Memorable Lecture Senior Mohamad Karim was one of many students who felt privildged to have the chance to meet Captain Rick Hauck, a retired astronaut, who came to TA to present about his experiences in space on Wednesday, January 22nd. Hauck has a wealth of experience. NASA selected Hauck as an astronaut candidate in January 1978. His career began as pilot for STS-7, the seventh flight of the Space Shuttle, which launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on June 18, 1983. Mission duration was 147 hours. Hauck was also spacecraft commander of Discovery on STS-26, the first flight to be flown after the Challenger accident. The mission launched on September 29, 1988. In his career, Hauck logged more than 5500 flight hours, 436 in space. Captain Hauck concluded his military active duty on June 1, 1990.
Canadian Spoken Word Poet Erin Kirsh Visits Maine [Story By Katherine Williams]
Poet Erin Kirsh visited in December. She holds many poetry titles, such as 4th place in the Vancouver Poetry Slam contest. Thornton Academy was her last stop on her poetry tour. In her workshop, she shared several of her own poems including “I Don’t Know What To Put On My Resume Anymore,” a poem which talks about her observations and experience as a local bartender. “The good thing about bad jobs is good poetry,” says Kirsch. She also worked with students to help recognize the poet within themselves and held “The Hyper Bole” competition, in which two contestants shared their own hyperboles and a vote was taken for which one would be named the winner. In sharing her own poems and workshopping with students, Kirsh brought the importance of spoken word to TA students.
[16]
News clippings of teen pilot Jayden Boudreau hang on a bulletin board in the lobby of the Biddeford Municipal Airport, where he is known to be a bit of a local star for his early accomplishments as a pilot.
Teen Pilot Finds His Wings [Story and Photos By Peter Danton]
Many students have exciting talents, from Hattie Simon who plays Jazz at local venues, Jordan Dube who races cars, to Alex Pickering who surfs. The teen years are a time of striving to find what you love and what will define you as an individual. Junior Jayden Boudreau is actively defining himself as a pilot. He’s only 16-years-old and has been flying for five years. On his 16th birthday he had the thrill of doing his first solo flight. It was November 17th, 2012. He had been working on getting all the requirements to do his solo flight. He finished all of his requirements a few days before his birthday. That morning there was a cold frost, and a low cloud ceiling at Biddeford Airport. Cold air is bad for flying as it can disrupt the flight and the clouds are of course bad because of visibility issues. When Boudreau thought all hope was lost, the temperature poked right above 32 degrees and the clouds started to part, allowing Boudreau to go for his first ever solo flight. He said, “The experience was amazing! The feeling of being alone above the world.” He loved the view of the city below. On his third time around before returning to the airport, he did a
low pass over TA. He flies about three times a week, which is, “not as much as I would like.” He said he wishes he had more time to fly. Most people say that the hardest part about flying is landing. In fact, that is how most people die in airplane accidents, but Boudreau said, “the hardest part about flying is talking to traffic control.” He’s a new pilot and he wants to read back their instruction correctly the first time, and “there are commercial airline pilots on the frequency so you want to impress them a little,” Boudreau said. He has had many amazing flights, but one of his favorite was October 17th, 2013 flying from Oxford to Bethel. He passed over Spruce Mountain Wind Farm. According to the Air Transport Association, the median age of airline pilots in the USA is about 38.7 and the average age is 41.2, so to be flying as early Boudreau, at 11-years-old is rare. Despite this he said, “I never get scared.” He is always too amazed to be afraid, and says his favorite part of flying is getting a chance to see “the views you can’t see on the ground.” He used to fly from Maine to Indiana, while his mom was dating someone there. That man also bought
Boudreau a flight simulator that got him interested in flying even more. He misses those long flights, but now feels lucky to have his step father who is a pilot in Maine. His step-father, Ron Fleurent is a 737 first officer for United Airlines based out of Los Angeles. He has been flying since he was in high school. He used to fly private planes and was a flying instructor. Fleurent said, “Jayden is very easy to teach. He is one of the most gifted pilots I’ve ever worked with.” Boudreau flies two planes owned by Fleurent, that are kept at the Biddeford Airport. One is a 1964 four seater Hyper Cherokee 140 and the other is a 1946 Cessna 120. Boudreau eventually wants to become a commercial airline pilot for either United Airlines or Alaska Airlines. To get a commercial license, pilots need to have 1,500 hours of flying under their belt. Boudreau got a pretty big head start he said, so he hopes to reach the 1,500 hour land mark before he turns 21-yearsold. In his free time, he loves to fly in the summer time. When he’s not flying he is either using his flight simulator or he’s studying aviation. “My whole focus is flying,” Boudreau said. “It’s my whole life.”
[sports]
Historic Athletic Events of 2013-2014 Seasons
OFF TO A POWERFUL START...So far in the 2013-2014 swimming season, the Thornton Academy Girls’ Swim Team is 4-2 and the boys are undefeated 6-0. This is the best start for the Thornton Academy Boys’ Swim Team since 1998-99 season. (Pictured above left to right): Front Row: Valerie Pendleton, Morgan Gooding, Katie Kirby, Katie Lord, Victoria Madden, and Lily Hutchinson Back Row: Chi Long Tse, Bartu Erim, Jake Steva, Ryan Lozeau, and Alex Pickering
SETTING GOALS, FOR CHARITY...The Field Hockey team raised over $2,020 from their annual Stick It To Cancer games. Pictured above are members of all three teams presenting a check to the Hospice of Southern Maine, which helped Heather Edborg, a former wellness teacher at Thornton Academy, and her family towards the end of her life. Many faculty, staff and students bought ink T-shirts to support the team’s effort.
For more quick stories and photos like those above, visit TA’s Facebook Page!
Trojans Silence the Lions [Column By Lauren Leskowsky & Photo by Jeff Christenbury] McAuley High School has been the Girl’s Class A State Champs for the past three years, a goal for all basketball teams in the SMAA who every year dream of winning the gold ball, a dream that has motivated teams and made them hungry to do the impossible: beat the McAuley lions. “We’re hungry” said junior, Abigail Strickland prior to the big game on January 7, 2013. While the fans of both teams were uncertain what would happen, most fans had already concluded that McAuley’s 56 game streak would be 57 at the end of the night, except it wasn’t, and the win shocked the high school sports world. Athletic Director, Gary Stevens reported that there were over 254 paid spectators at the game and it would be easy to argue that the McAuley game was the most significant regular season game that’s been held at Linnell Gymnasium in recent years. For the girls, it’s more than the win. Captains, Olivia Shaw and Katie McCrum play with many of the McAuley girls during spring travel season and are friendly with most of them, so they have been striving to defeat the lions for many years. Other teams came close to beating McAuley before the girls got the chance to battle again. “We wanted to be the first to beat them,” said Shaw. Before going out on the court, Coach Marston said, “We all know who the
better team is, there’s a lot of hype for this game and they will want a fight. You can play with anybody and play with confidence. Protect our gym.” Looking back on that night, one will remember a series of moments: 1. Freshman, Isabella Robinson who knocked down 14 points in perfect timing to get the team back on track and as Coach would say, “chip away” when TA was down by a fifteen point deficit after halftime. 2. Shaw who drained a three-pointer as the buzzer went off to lead into the fourth quarter only putting the team down by a basket. 3. And the end! The fourth quarter was back and forth, each team taking the lead, then having to get the lead back. McAuley was on the foul line at the end of the fourth quarter. The lions gained two points putting them in the lead by one. Thornton’s ball. Hannah Murphy brought up the ball looking for an open shot to end the game. When she pulled up for a jump shot, it was blocked by McAuley. “I knew I had to get the ball if we wanted to win, so I did,” said McCrum. She dove for the loose ball and threw it up to draw the foul and go to the line. “It was nerve racking, but it was do or die for us, I had to make them both.” And she did, putting TA up one point with 1.3 seconds left in the game. It wasn’t enough time for the lions to throw up one last shot, which ended the McAuley streak at 56 and resulted in a historic win.
[18]
Surfing the cold winter waves of Maine: An obscure sport at Thornton Academy
Exploring the little-known winter surf scene in southern Maine [Story by Alex Pickering & Photo by Tom Gilpatrick]
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hen the snowflakes fall, whitening the sandy teeth of the beach and creating feelings of Christmas and hot chocolate by the fire, most Mainers hole up in a cozy living room. During a storm like this, however, a select few are called away from their living room, towards the roaring sea. The waves pound the sand with ferocity, looking beautiful, clean and angry at the same time. The wind is blowing light offshore, calling hard core New England surfers to the beach. The white bar of wax slides across the surface of the board, creating a scraping sound unheard over the froth. Tom Gilpatrick exhales, breathing the white mist into the air. He is head to toe in black neoprene. Just a face is seen from underneath the rubber. The snow continues to fall, disappearing into the sea, being eaten by the heaving ocean. It definitely doesn’t feel inviting, but Gilpatrick doesn’t wait for an invitation. His black booties hit the sand as he runs down the slope of the beach. Kicking up snow, he jumps into the 34 degree water without hesitation, paddling out, oblivious to his numb face, cold hands, cold everything. When he comes back in, it’s all smiles through the snow. “No better feeling in the world,” he says. “It’s magical out there.”
Ancient Hawaiians used surfing as a spiritual connection to the gods, giving thanks for each wave while they rode. Nowadays, things may be a little different, but not as much as one might expect. People still pray for good surf. People still give thanks after a wave, maybe by yelling or hooting instead of praying, but the idea is the same. There’s wet suits and surf wax, fiberglass and epoxy boards instead of the old wooden boards that more closely resembled trees than surfboards, and people surf all over the world now. But as soon as you hit the water, you and that Hawaiian in 1500 are just waiting for that one wave. The waves are here, rarer than Hawaii, maybe, but they’re here. The surf in the winter time in Maine gets very good, despite its reputation. The waves turn from choppy and small, bumpy and hard to ride in the summer into something perfectly smooth, glassy faces forming into barrels as they break onto the sand. Maine doesn’t get enough storms to produce large swell in the warmer months. In the winter it is a different story. Winter is when we get serious storms, and when we get waves. Here in Maine, when the words “yeah, I surf,” come out of your mouth people are just confused. You surf? Where? You can’t surf in Maine. There’s
no waves. Not to mention the fact that the weather average is below 40 for half of the year, and the water temperature is the same. Skiing, people understand. But surfing? It’s too cold to imagine even for the heartier among us. Not for senior Katie Lord, who has been surfing for nine years. “I can’t think of anything that would stop me from going out, except maybe a shark. I’ve been out in freezing rain and snow. Then it got colder and started to hail, but I stayed out. The waves were good.” Lord says she would love to surf where it’s warm, like Hawaii, but she’s here and the waves come in the winter, so that’s when she goes out. “My favorite session of all time was before school, in the middle of winter. It was very cold, but bright and sunny, and the water coming through the waves was sparkling like hundreds of rainbows. I went right on a wave, and it felt like I was flying, being carried as a school of small fish darted away from my board. It didn’t matter that my face was numb, it was absolutely amazing,” said Lord. When the waves come, you can “feel it”, said Biddeford High School senior Gilpatrick, who has
[sports]
Surf the Quiet
Maine Coast
been surfing in Biddeford Pool his whole life, although he is the first and only person in his family to take up the sport. “When the swell is good, and everyone’s down here, it’s like an energy in the air. It’s contagious. All I can do in those moments is paddle out.” Jackson Marshall, another Biddeford High School surfer from Biddeford Pool, isn’t quite as dedicated. He says it’s not always about the actual surfing, he loves it because “I love just being out in the water, even though I’m terrible,” said Marshall. Even in the winter everyone is out there just to have fun. The “magic” is the feeling of riding a wave, the gliding, flying feeling that surfers do all that they do for. There’s nothing like that in the world, and there are no true words to describe it, although many try. A good description is being carried but you are in control, standing on your board while you soar. Katie Lord describes it as flying on a big, really quiet boat. But for someone just learning, this magic may be tough to find. “I mean, it sucks when you’re learning,” says Kali St. Germain, a recent graduate of Gorham High and a first time surfer this summer. “I’ve been out more times than you can count and I’ve only gotten one real ride. But that [ride] is what keeps me going back. It felt like
I was flying, I don’t even know how to describe it.” She says getting out beyond the breakers is the tough part. “You feel like you’ll never make it and just keep getting pushed back in.” “It’s like learning a new language, you just have to be immersed in it,” says St. Germain. “The more I get out there, the better I’ll be without even noticing it. The first time I stood up, I was more surprised than anything.” It’s not only the surfing that draws her to the sport. “I love the whole culture, just the idea of a noncompetitive, lazy sport is perfect for me. The people are nice too. I’ve never met a mean surfer, although some are very serious about it.” For a sport that originally was designed for complete leisure and relaxation, people have evolved to be very serious about surfing. It’s expensive; a good short board costs about $600 and a long board up around $1000. You almost have to be serious about it. Hitting the water, though, means surfers are in a good mood no matter what, unless there’s no waves. Waves equal happiness. The drug of curling breakers is more addictive than a black market narcotic. And you can surf for free!
Fortunes Rocks
(Top left) Fortunes Rocks has great waves, and the two mile long beach gives you plenty of space to get away from the crowd that sometimes gathers at the spot closest to the road.
Goose Rocks
(Straight above) The picture above is
an empty winter wave at Goose Rocks beach in Kennebunk, Maine. This is an unusual wave, as it only breaks rarelyusually after a storm or huge swell. When it breaks, however, the beach is home to one of the longest and best waves in Maine.
Higgins Beach
In Scarborough, the most well-known spot in Maine. The waves can be very good, but there’s always a crowd who can be very territorial to non-locals.
[20]
Torn Knee; Torn Dreams [Story & Photos by Lauren Leskowsky]
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ith less than two minutes on the clock remaining in the girls basketball playoff game against Bonney Eagle in 2011, freshman Hannah Murphy hit the ground. Grasping her knee, she shouted and cried in pain. The athletic trainers rushed over and carried her off the court. At this point, ‘the end’ was the striking statement for both events. An athlete’s worst nightmare is to find themselves patiently waiting in the emergency room. Now a senior, Murphy has been there not once, twice, but three times. Each time with the same heartbreaking news, for the same problem, tearing her ACL. There are four crucial ligaments that connect the femur to the knee joint. One of which is the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). It can easily be over-stretched or torn by rapid change of motion and sudden stops. Women are two to eight times more likely to tear the ACL than men, but it is a dreaded injury for all athletes. Murphy’s story is one among numerous accounts of young athletes who have had to deal with this injury. It can happen to anyone, from a recreational skier to a professional football player. Among those struggling with ACL injuries is Andrew Libby, a senior football player whose well publicized season ending injury hasn’t kept him from keeping a positive attitude around the whole ordeal. Before going into surgery, he said, “I have no reason to complain. I will play football again, and ev-
erything will be alright.” This resilience and positivity is rare. In Murphy’s case, it was a continuous struggle and emotional battle every time. Murphy’s passion for basketball started when she was very young. Although she has always been the shortest on her team, standing only five-foot-two, she had a dream to play basketball in college. Despite her limited time on the court, she’s still known for her talent and great leadership. “She is a great ball handler and great [play] creator,” said teammate Katie McCrum. Besides the recreational running that she has undertaken recently, she didn’t play any other sport because she would play basketball year round. Basketball is still her favorite sport and her life would be very different without it, but her relationship to the sport certainly has been different ever since her freshman year when she torn her ACL for the first time. Murphy chuckled when recalling the incident and said, “I had no idea what an ACL even was. At first I actually started laughing. I was so shocked because it didn’t seem real.” At this moment of disbelief, Murphy swore she would be back on the court in no time. “Once it actually sunk in that I wasn’t going to be playing for six months, I was just scared that I wasn’t going to be able to play the same ever again,” she added. Her team knows her by the nickname, “Murph.” She has a special bond with her team because they have seen her battle through multiple surgeries and recoveries. They have seen the heartbreak and the hard work she has put her body through to get back on the court. They’ve motivated her to keep going in hopes that one day she would play on the team again. Teammate and good friend Olivia Shaw said, “I’m excited to see her play again because I’ve been [playing] with her since middle school and she loves basketball more than anything! Also I’m nervous because she’s torn it three times and it’s scary watching her cut and drive through lanes.” Murphy added, “When I started playing again I wasn’t worried about tearing it again at all. When it happened the second time I felt like it was all my fault or I did something wrong because it wasn’t supposed to happen twice in a row.” The team was devastated, by not only losing a teammate, but were crushed to see a friend have to go through the battle
again. When asked if she ever felt that giving up would be easier she confidently said, “yes!” and added, “especially right after each surgery it was so frustrating but I still wanted to play… it was worth it.” Shaw’s goals for Murphy for this upcoming season are for her to, “enjoy her senior season and have fun. She’s a very competitive person so I hope it can be a successful season and we can get Murph to play in the Expo because she didn’t have that opportunity these past years!” Her teammates are excited but also nervous for her senior comeback. McCrum said, “I love seeing her back on the court and I want her to be careful, I don’t want her injured this year.” Murph’s team, family, and friends all agree.
[sports]
Senior Earns a Chance to Take a Swing at Division 2 Softball
Caption & Photos by Lauren Leskowsky On Friday, November 18th, senior Erin Brayden signed her letter of intent to play softball at the Division II level for Stonehill College, accompanied by her family, coaches, and peers who gathered in the atrium to witness and support her. It takes commitment and drive to be among those in the division II level and it’s a great honor for Erin who not only performs on the softball field, but in the classroom, proven by her involvement in the National Honors Society. Breaking News! Senior Carly McKenna is also going to sign with a Division 2 school! Her plan is to play lacrosse at Merrimack College in North Andover Massachusetts.
Mitch Harris racing at his favorite mountain in Rumford, Maine.
Mitch Harris athlete profile [Story by Alex Pickering]
Mitchell Harris, senior at Thornton Academy and heir to the legendary Harris Farm in Dayton, Maine, doesn’t just milk cows and bale hay. As Harris farm is also a cross country skiing center, people flock from all over Southern Maine to ride the trails surrounding the farm. Mitchell is an avid cross country ski racer, and has been doing races since his freshman year. “The first time I was on skis was when I was 2. Living at the center, it’s just something I’ve done and loved my entire life,” said Harris. “When I started racing freshman year, I knew I wanted to continue this sport to college and maybe beyond.” The course is 5 kilometers, or 3.1 miles and a good time would be around 17:00. Right now, he is skiing the High School circuit and east coast circuit, trying to qualify for Junior Nationals. “To be in Junior Nationals, you have to make it in the top 15 of the East Coast
circuit three times, a feat I have not accomplished. Yet.” Harris also says he wants to continue his skiing at Montana State University in Bozeman, but maybe not next year. “I want to take a post-grad year at Maine winter sports center, so I can train a lot and get noticed and hopefully get a scholarship.” The training is brutal, over 450 hours a year. According the Mitchell, the hardest training occurs in the spring and early summer, when his average is up around 18 hours a week, training on roller skis on the road. In season, it’s closer to 11 hours other than the actual races. He skis on fischer carbon lites, one of my the most popular skis on the market today. “My favorite place to race is Black Mountain in Rumford, Maine, because it has a lot of hills. Hills are definitely my strong suit, most people don’t like them but they are easier for me, maybe because of the hilly terrain of my land where I grew up skiing.”
[22]
Junior Haleigh McKechnie celebrates her love for TA Cross Country.
No “I” in Team [Story and photographs by Sarah Beth Campisi]
The muddy hill, littered with tree roots and wet leaves, glares down at her ominously. Her knees protest as she pushes her limbs up the incline, and her lungs retain the heat of the Sahara Desert. The cheering off in the distance echoes in her ears, ordering her toward the finish. Appearing over the top of the hill, she can feel the intensity growing in her mind. Her friends are screaming encouragements, jumping up and down as her foot touches the finish line. One week later, junior Haleigh McKechnie is standing beside a path bordered by plastic flags. The crowd is roaring, but none louder than McKechnie. As the daisy yellow jerseys of her teammates advance around the final turn, her lungs are burning with a dif-
ferent kind of fire. It’s the passion she feels for her team, so intense it can’t help but shout its way to the tired runners. McKechnie participated on the TA Cross Country team in the fall seasons of her freshman and sophomore years. Each year, she was plagued with injury. McKechnie’s first season ended before it could start, sustaining an injury in her knees during preseason practices. In her sophomore year, McKechnie overcame her injury for the annual SMAA Relay Race, and for three regular season 5K races. Sitting on the bleachers, waiting for teammates to get back from their runs, would not appeal to most people. It was never the act of running, however, that made cross country so important to
McKechnie, but instead, it was the sense of family that the team had. “A lot of injured athletes are just sitting on the sidelines and they’re missing out on inside jokes, but I was still included. I still felt like I was part of the team,” McKechnie said. “You never lose that. You never lose being part of the team unless you let yourself. And I never let myself do that, even this year when I’m not actually on the roster.” Unfortunately, the tendonitis existing in both of McKechnie’s knees stopped her from participating in her third consecutive year of cross country. Had she been perfectly healthy, she would have had to make the choice between staying on cross country, or being a part of the TA Player’s fall play, “Much Ado About Nothing.”
[sports] to the intensity of McKechnie’s cheerleading. “She’s enthusiastic. And loud,” Demin said. “During our cross country races, we would know who was cheering for us before we even saw her. She was always the loudest, and it made the race a little less agonizing.” There are injured athletes in every sport, unable to play or compete because of broken bones, tendonitis, torn ACLs, and all sorts of other obstacles holding them back. According to McKechnie, these difficulties are not opportunities to lay down and give up. “Keep going and be with your team because they need you. Despite popular belief, despite what you think,
Choosing one of the two activities proved very difficult for McKechnie. “It was heartbreaking, I felt like I was choosing between two families. If I gave up cross country, I was giving up running. Even if I suck at it, that’s another passion, I love running. I was also giving up my cross country family. In the end, my knees were so bad that in my pre-season training I could only run a mile. It had just gotten so bad that it wasn’t even a choice anymore. The choice was made for me by my body.” McKechnie’s eccentric personality was not forgotten by the team. When she returned to watch a home meet this fall, her old teammates fell upon her, asking why she hadn’t come back for her third season. “I felt so awful about the fact that I was actually missed and it was astonishing. I didn’t come back to help them, I was the cheerleader and I didn’t come back to support them. It just broke me in two.” Senior Liz Demin can attest
you are needed on a team. There’s no ‘I’ in team, you need other people and they need you. You are a strategic element. You are not done. Stay with it and keep working to get better.” “Be the cheerleader if you have to be. If that means you’re still part of the team, do it. You sprained your ankle, you had an asthma attack during a race, guess what? You keep breathing, you’re still pumping oxygen through your lungs. Just keep going.” McKechnie will keep going. She plans to return to physical therapy, and work hard to become healthier in order to run in the TAXC 2014 season.
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Friday Night Lights
Moment Captured Before the Start of the Historic Game [Column By Andrew Libby & Photography by Sydney Curran] It is a beautiful Fall evening, a great time to play a game of football. Our team suits up and begins to make the walk over to the stadium. Two by two, hand in hand, the maroon and gold team moves as a mass past the tailgaters who welcome players with applause and cheers which grows louder with every step closer to the stadium. While we wait to enter the tunnel, the butterplay. Then the coach gives his speech. The team gets on a knee to pray and thank the ones who brought us here. Suddenly, in excitement the team jumps up hits the picture of the quote on the wall (a tradition) and goes into the tunnel for the chant.
The team crashes through the poster with 2,500 fans at their backs cheering them on. for the coin toss, a woman named Esther Anderson joins in the honor. This was a very rare and magical moment, you see about 79 years ago, a similar crowd Thornton used large lights mounted to the ladders of there for both games. ready to compete under the lights.
[sports]
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Teens Bring Costume Design To Center Stage [Story & Photos by Nicole Boivin]
Allison Eddy working on Sam Saucier’s costume for her character, Beatrice Senior Allison Eddy is the costume designer for this fall’s Shakespeare play, Much Ado About Nothing. Eddy says she was never properly taught to sew, but she has always loved fashion and costume design. Samantha Butler, a freshman at Connecticut College, was in charge of the costumes for last year’s one act, Macbeth, and taught Eddy how to thread a needle and how to “get fabric to somewhat stay together.” “Luckily the amount of sewing that goes into the Much Ado costumes is very little. The majority of the costumes that we are using are taken from the costume loft, already sewn and ready to wear, unless they need to be altered. That is where my sewing skills would be needed,” Eddy said. Eddy doesn’t do much planning before she begins a piece, because she has never created a full outfit before. Much Ado is her first time designing a look that will hopefully be worn on stage. There are male roles being played by women, tasking her with creating a look that can show off the power of the character, while still remaining feminine. She also says she needs to take the time period and
the social class of each character into consideration. Eddy’s goal with these costumes is to make them look as historically accurate as possible. Codirector Mr. Hanright has been helping her with correctly portraying the time period. Eddy is also inspired by each character’s personality, instead of just considering their rank in society. “I think that costuming plays a significant part in a show and can increase the audience’s understanding of not only the setting but also the characters. I want to show them something that they couldn’t get just from the dialogue.” The first outfit she ever helped create was a pair of pants for one of the murderers in Macbeth. It was her first time sewing and it wasn’t her best sewing job, but the theme was post-apocalyptic, covered in punkish wire and bolts, so she wasn’t too concerned about it being overly tidy. “They ended up looking awesome on stage,” she said. Now, Eddy is the most experienced designer associated with the show, and has a significant amount of creative control over
what these costumes look like. She runs her ideas past Hanright to get his “yay” or “nay” and goes from there. Eddy has learned most about costume design from Butler. Butler has taught her a lot about creativity and designing outfits for certain settings. “I loved having the opportunity to be creative and independent. The Arts Department at TA is really supportive of that. I was given a lot of freedom, which was a little scary at first, but it turned out to be a great thing because I really got to figure things on my own and develop and entire piece of art that I could be proud of. I got to learn how to be a leader, to delegate and trust others,” said Butler. Butler says she worked with Eddy for a long time, and she continually proved herself incredibly competent and independent. “I remember whenever I was stressed with too much to do for one of the shows, I could always go to Ally and ask her if she could stand in for me. She was always up for any challenge.” “I have complete faith in Ally and I am extremely excited to see what she puts together for the shows this year.” Butler hopes TA continues to encourage student costuming and makeup design, because it was an invaluable and inspiring experience for her. Eddy says, “ I love fashion and I think it’s a wonderful way to express yourself.” Next year she will be passing the torch to her partner this year, sophomore Emilee Wermenchuk.
Cast members Katie Spagnolo, Jake Buttarazzi, Sabena Allen and Luk O’Connor modeling their characters’ costumes.
Dancing Through Life
[Photography and Story by Sydney Curran]
[arts]
Much Ado About Nothing [Photography by David Hanright]
This fall, the Thornton Academy Players put on a fall production of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. The comedy centers around the reluctant blooming of love between Beatrice and Benedick while Don John intends to spoil the pure true love between Hero and Claudio. The pictures below not only capture the artsy put into the theater department, but also the heart the actors put into their characters.
Sophomore Sabena Allen’s mornings start off with her alarm blaring in her ears. It takes her awhile to fumble to find the snooze button, still exhausted from staying up too late studying for today’s biology exam. The dogs are barking while her mother and stepfather talk over breakfast in the kitchen. Thankfully, today’s outfit is already laid out for her when she convinces herself to get out of bed. While she gets dressed, she runs through the schedule for the day: Today is a maroon day so she needs to pack dance blacks, English notebooks, biology book, and treble choir folder. Her hands mindlessly start packing her bag as her mom calls up to gives the usual 10 minute warning. As she rushes out of the door she only has time to grab a protein bar for breakfast. Not everyone can juggle a heavily weighted course with a full extracurricular schedule, but Allen has already become a master juggler. Performing arts is a major component in Allen’s daily routine, but none more important than dance. “My mom put me into [dance] when I was four years old. It was not my favorite thing until eight grade when
I started to enjoy it immensely.” Allen hopes she to continue her dancing at a professional level. Dedicated member of the TA Players, Allen’s love for acting was born from another of her favorite pastimes-storytelling. “I started doing storytelling when I was in fourth grade as a part of a gifted and talented program. I realized in sixth grade that I was really good at it. It wasn’t really until I went to see Phantom of the Opera both in New York and here, that I really got into theater.” Allen will be starring as Hero in this fall’s production of Much Ado About Nothing. Allen will always have a story to tell. Whether it’d be a trip to London for a birthday week or a crazy moment backstage trying to keep the poof in her Macbeth hair . With so much experience and wellrounded life, Allen will keep on dancing through her daily routine.
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coffee house [6]
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COFFEE HOUSE CAPTURED Great Big World//3-Billy Xiong playing a piano piece//4-Anikah Young singing a song by Asking Alexandria//5-Saffron Courtney and Ian Beals, singing a duet//6-Nick Roberts playing a piece on the Alto Saxophone //7-Sydney Curran and Rhiannon Johnson performing “When Love Arrives” by Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye//8-Lexus Flaherty singing “Valerie” by Amy Winehouse//9-The light board and sound board//10-Sarah Beth Campisi and Devin McGrath-Conwell singing “Baby It’s Cold Outside”
[arts]
The Effects of Music on the Brain [Story By Quintyn Bachiochi]
So we all know that the brain is a mysterious cluster of tissues and nerves all connecting some way or another inside your head. But could it be possible that the genre of music you listen to could be affecting your personality and your overall view on life? OF COURSE IT CAN. Music gets many people through the day. The songs you listen to everyday definitely define who we are as individuals. An article by Elizabeth Landau revealed that the effects of music on the brain is already a popular topic of study among brain scientists. Daniel Levitin a Psychologist who studies neuroscience of music at McGill University in Montreal said, “The promise here is that music is arguably less expensive than drugs, and it’s easier on the body, and doesn’t have side effects.” And he’s right. Perhaps it’s about time we started looking at music as a possible cure for all the ails us. Sure you can spend quite a bit of money on albums from your favorite band in stores as the release, but you also have the alternative of listening to it free on the internet. So there’s no reason not to try music therapy. One blog called Meditation Music explores how music can help stroke victims learn to talk, or can actually benefit your immune system. Everybody knows that if you listen to your favorite song when you’re feeling low that you will naturally start feeling happier. Music can do much more than improve your attitude. People with a stutter can actually learn to speak fluently by singing their sentences. The power of music is much larger than we’re lead to know, it’s just up to us to use it for justice. Fox News posted a moving video about music therapy helping a
stroke victim who was in a coma for three days. Everyone assumed that he would never walk or talk again, but three years later, he’s jogging and talking as if it never happened. This is extremely interesting. Who would have imagined that music could do so much for a condition so serious? The implications to education should be considered. Maybe teachers should let their students listen to music while they’re taking a test or working on class work if music can help students think more clearly and stimulate their brain to work better. This could be EXTREMELY beneficial to students who have trouble in school. Music could be the “missing link” between failing students and students who are passing, even by a little bit.
Feeling the Stress This Winter? (Info from eMedExpert.com) 1. Physical relaxation. Music can relax tense muscles, allowing you to release some of the tension you carry from a stressful day. 2. Aids in stress relief activities. Music can help you get “into the zone” when practicing yoga, can help you feel energized when exercising, and help dissolve the stress when you’re soaking in the tub. 3. Reduces negative emotions. Music, especially upbeat tunes, can take your mind off what stresses you, and help you feel more optimistic and positive.
Holiday Concert 2013
This month there were 5 days below zero and 13 days below the average expected temperature. While battling a dark, cold winter music helped warm our hearts. Without our holiday concert, our campus would not have been as full of cheer and joy throughout the month of December. Above, in school meeting, the choral performers gave a preview of the upcoming concert in hopes to bring more students to the doors, which sells out of tickets every year!
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ONE PASSION: 23 DANCERS TADC
[Story by Gracie Raggiani]
-DELAINEY WESCOTT - CAMDEN LOESER- TAYLOR SANTOS- LUCAS GOING- ELIZABETH LESTER- SABENA ALLEN- EMMA CLARK- LUCY CHENKELSEY GAMAGE- ZACH ROBINSON- GWEN HILL- JESSICA PATE- MICHAELA COURTNEY- ETHAN HOGLE- PEYTON DILL- ABBY CHELATEFRANCESCA PETRUCCI- GRACIE RAGGIANI- SUKI CHAU- ABBY ROBINSON- BROOKE NADEAU- TARA LEVY- SAMANTHA PALMER-
A visitor to campus this fall might be drawn in by the bass of the music coming from the newly constructed dance studio. What used to be the locked door of a technology office is now a glass paneled door framing dancers wearing all black. Anyone lucky enough to walk through those doors is quickly welcomed by a group of crazy dancers who come here every day to do what makes them the happiest. Over the years, the interest in dance at TA has grown tremendously. These students are drawn to the dance program for many different reasons. According to Claude Fortin MD, it has been demonstrated that dancing reduces stress, increases energy levels, improves strength, increases muscle tone and coordination. One can have a miserable, stressful workday, feel tense and uptight, all of which magically melts away within 30 minutes of dancing. This effect is caused by endorphin levels in the brain which are increased by physical activity. Dancing actually results in a chemical change in the brain that causes that “feel good” state dancers come to depend on. “Dance impacts my life in every possible way. It is my constant rock,” says Delainey Wescott, one of the two senior leaders of Dance Company. Sitting in the audience of dance show you see the confidence and expression of the dancers, but before the red curtains open and the lights turn on, every dancer has their own special way of cooling their nerves. “Someone told me that you only get nervous for things that you care about, and I really care about dance.... I have my own pre-performance routine before each show. Doing crazy dance moves and singing super loud with my fellow dancers always helps to relieve excess tension,” Wescott says with a big smile on her face. Every dancer has their own reason that they started dancing and continue to every day. Some do it to escape the real world for a couple hours, some do it for the feeling they get when they can choreograph according to their current emo-
Delianey Wescott, Michaela Courtney, and Jessica Pate getting ready to perform at the Informal dance show.
tion, some do it for the feeling they get after and while performing, and some do it for all those reasons combined and more. Wescott dances for every reason there is. “Without dance I definitely would not have met the wonderful people that I am fortunate to call my friends. I also would not have this creative outlet to counterbalance school work... I love to perform. I feel as though I am on top of the world. The emotion powered adrenaline kicks in, and it is the most amazing feeling.” Wescott has been dancing since she was two years old, starting with ballet and blossoming into a dancer who has strengths in almost every style of dance. Many experienced dancers like Wescott started dancing at a young age, but that isn’t always the case. Camden Loeser, the other senior leader of Dance company, just started dancing about a year ago. “Before then my entire life revolved around musical theater, so I had been exposed to just simple choreography...When I joined Dance Company it hit me how incredibly exhilarating dance was. I hadn’t ever experienced the intense adrenaline rush that I felt while performing movement in front of people for the first time. It was like an explosion went off inside of me. From then on I knew that dance was not only a new hobby of mine, but
[arts]
A select group of TA Dance Company members performing “Animals” at the Homecoming pep rally.
it was probably going to be what I did for the rest of my life.” The passion seen behind Loeser’s dancing is truly amazing. Most if not all the dancers feel similarly lucky to have found something they’re so passionate about, and use their passion as an escape from the real world. “But dance is not just for fun, it takes extreme dedication,” Loeser says. “With the mentorship of Ms. Arenstam, I have grown as a dancer, learning new techniques every day. I have dedicated myself to an endless schedule of Thornton Academy Dance, ballet, and various other styles of dance, such as hip hop, lyrical, and jazz. The most spectacular experience came when I performed as Rum Tum Tugger in Cats, where I was able to combine my long lasting love for voice and acting with my newfound desire to dance nonstop.” Loeser, like many others, wasn’t too sure about what career he wanted to pursue after high school, but that all changed so quickly for him. “I put my mind to my goals and perform choreography I never knew was possible for me. In the spring I will be auditioning for dance programs at colleges. My life has taken a completely different path than I expected, but I couldn’t ask for a better way to express myself.” “I first started dance when I was way younger, but I really got into dance when I started taking classes at TA and had Emma Arenstam as my teacher. She really inspired me to want to improve my dancing,” said senior Dance Company member Peyton Dill. Emma Arenstam-Campbell is the dance teacher at
TA. She has been teaching here for about three years now. All the dancers have grown so close to her over the past few years and she is many dancers role model. She has taught many of us what we know today, not just about dancing, about life. Many of the members of Dance Company would consider her as a second mom. She has so much love and support for all the dancers, she has faith that every single one of her dancers is going to succeed. There are so many different types of dancers in our TA Dance Company, but we all share the same passion. “ If I didn’t have dance I don’t know who I would be. I feel dance is such a big part of my life and it’s who I am. If I didn’t have dance I would probably be sitting on the couch eating a ton of food all day while watching reruns of full house,” says senior Dance Company member Elizabeth Lester. Dance can affect our lives in such a positive way. “When I dance I feel alive. I feel powerful. I feel like I can truly give myself to the audience. Camden Loeser and I am able to convey things I could Elizabeth Lester rehearse never convey in person when I their duet before the am just trying to talk to people. performance starts. When I perform I forget everything, nothing else matters. I am in the moment and my heart and soul is put into every performance I do,” says Lester. Having such a strong passion for dance, occasionally dancers experience life changing moments or feelings that come over them when they’re dancing. “I went through a really rough and devastating event my freshman year and that was the year I became really passionate about dance because it helped me get through what I was going through. From that moment on I have always turned to dance.”
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food & culture F
ood is an essential fuel for human survival, but beyond meeting a physical need, what we eat also plays important emotional and cultural roles. Wether a person eats with their friends in the school cafeteria or with their family at home, meals are always a good opportunity to get together and take time for each other. One of the biggest adjustments international students face when arriving in Saco are the huge changes to their daily meals. An American Medical Association study published in February of 2009 found that many new immigrants who come to America gain weight, especially in the first decade they are here. The prevalence of fast food and different ways of cooking are in part to blame. However, many teens who come to the United States to work, study or live cling as much as they can to their old ways of eating, in part because they are comforting while acclimating to a new place. This is true for many of the 110 dorm students and 20 homestay students who come to Thornton from around the world. Seven a.m. The alarm goes off, and a new day starts for freshman Pim Jaidee from Thailand. She heads from the girls dorm to the cafeteria to grab a quick breakfast, usually egg, bacon and home fries with chocolate milk. This would be the time when she normally eats rice, eggs and vegetables for
tasting the world
[Story & Photos by Valerie Naumann]
breakfast in her home country, before she has to go to school. In her homeland, the next meal would be a school lunch of noodles or rice with her friends at 12:10. Dinner Jaidee says is meant to be eaten with the family and her family enjoys rice and pork mixed with chili. In Thailand people eat only with spoons and forks, knives are not used at all. In the eastern part of Thailand people eat just with their fingers. Traditionally the oldest family members start the meal, and after they have begun, the younger ones are allowed to eat. Some typical foods Jaidee misses from home include tum yum kung, which is a spicy shrimp soup, or Somtum, which is papaya salad. On Thai new year on April 1315 the people eat kao chae, which is a meal consisting of rice soaked in ice water mixed with chili. “Here in America I eat a lot of french fries. The food is yummy, but not spicy. That is what I miss the most: spicy food,” Jaidee said. When talking about her food in Thailand, she remembers one day in her school last year. Thai students are not allowed to eat anywhere else than in the cafeteria, so Jaidee and one of her friends met in the restroom during one class to have a secret snack consisting of spicy glass noodles, rice and pork. “We were eating and laughing when we suddenly heard a teacher coming.” The two girls were afraid, because it is not uncommon in Thailand for teachers to hit their students.
The teacher came and found the girls, he yelled at them and they got detention. “At that moment it was scary, but my friend and I always have to laugh when we talk about it nowadays,” Jaidee said smiling. Sophomore Alex Ituarte from Mexico starts the day in his home country with breakfast at seven a.m. which he eats with his younger sister and his dad. Because he has to go to school and doesn’t have much time Ituarte normally eats just fruit or a quick sandwich. The sandwich is similar to the “American sandwiches”, sometimes it is replaced by a bagel. In his hometown of Queretaro the rhythm of the school day is different from here. It starts with 3 blocks, each 45 minutes long, then there is lunch at 10 am, where the students eat something small like vegetables. After two more blocks is the recess, which is a larger lunch. Students can get chicken or other meat, but the main meal in Mexico is at three p.m. This is a time where people meet their family at the table, talk about each other’s day and exchange news. The day ends with dinner at nine p.m. which is a small snack and tea. When you compare these eating habits to the American ones you can see that the meal times are different, as a result, Ituarte is often hungry at night. Therefore he goes to Rite Aid across campus and buys something to eat, which he then cooks in the microwave at the boys dormitory. As he realizes that the fast
[culture] food he buys at the store is not so healthy he tries to vary between buying cups of noodles or prepared food and fresh fruits. This is Ituarte’s first year at TA, of course he misses Mexican food, especially traditional food served at cultural festivals like Christmas or Mexican Independence Day on September 15th when families enjoy tacos, enchiladas, chilaquiles, cecina or barbacoa. But he knew what to expect. “I’ve been in the States before so I knew how the food is like,” Ituarte said, “ The only thing I had to adjust to was the schedule of the meals here in school, which is still a little bit strange for me.” The culture in Spain is totally different, because of the warm climate people stay up longer to avoid the afternoon heat. Their dinner is often not eaten until 9:30 p.m. and consists mainly of pasta. At home, sophomore Mafalda De Almeida Gomes told us she has cereal with milk for breakfast at eight in the morning. Lunch is at two and it always varies. Most of the time she eats some kind of meat like steak with chips. “I love to eat snacks. In Spain we are snacking all the time: sometimes yogurt, fruits and of course cookies,” De Almeida Gomes said. Here she eats a lot of fried chicken nuggets and rice, but she tries to watch what she’s eating since she knows this fried food is less healthy than for example the most traditional Spanish food paella. Paella is a meal consisting of rice mixed with seafood, vegetables, chicken, sausages or anything else. The food De Almeida Gomes misses the most is a big Spanish salad. “To be honest I’ve never tried the salad in the school cafeteria, but the salad I’m talking about includes native Spanish olives, chicken and crispy onions that taste like caramel. It is usually made just with vinegar and oil.” The dorm parents and their children deal with the eating habits of the international students everyday. Overall they observe that diets in the US are more grain and meat heavy than the diets of most other countries, in particular Asian countries. They also understand that it is not always easy for the students to get used to the American food.
“What we consider normal, everyday food items might seem strange to people from another country.” “I think sometimes people don’t realize what an adjustment it is to come to
another country and get used to that countries food. What we consider normal, everyday food items might seem very strange to people from another country,” Mrs. Paradis, the head of the dorm parents, said. The daily contact with the different cultures has made her and her children more willing to try new food. In her opinion food is an important aspect to make a person feel comfortable in a new place and therefore it is essential to be willing to try new things. If you get interested in food from different countries, try it out! Eat something that you’ve never eaten before; it will be a new experience that maybe changes your point of view and opens your own world up to a new culture.
A PEEK INSIDE THE DORMS
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Pim Jaidee
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Alex Ituarte
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Mafalda Gomes
1: Playing Pool 2: Volunteering at Trolley Museum 3: Happy Halloween 4: Playing ping pong 5: BBQ in front of the dorm
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ASPIRING TEACHER JOIN THE RANKS [Story by Jessica Pearson & Pictures by Hannah Avery]
[culture]
G RS
On an online poll, teaching as a profession ranked high on the list of childhood dream jobs...
When a person asks a small child “what do you want to be when you grow up”, the all too typical answers one might receive would be, “an astronaut”, or, “a princess”. Sometimes, there are even more outrageous answers, such as, “Iron Man,” or, “A Ninja Turtle”. In an online article addressing percentage rates of adults reaching their dream jobs when they are of age, (taken from the online poll of the professional network LinkedIn), only 30% of adults reach their goals and obtain the career they were looking for as children, and 36% say that they are either in a job that is similar in nature to what they wanted to pursue, or they are still waiting for their time to come. Most women, when asked what their dream jobs were as children, had answered with, “teacher”, while a lot of men had answered with, “Olympic champion”. Michelle Henaire is one of those students who always wanted to teach, and credits her past and present teachers with helping her to apply herself and work toward making her dream a reality. Henaire, a Thornton alumni and sophomore at the University of Maine in Farmington, is currently studying pre-education and standing in as a student teacher in a few schools. “I always wanted to be a teacher even as a kid,” Henaire said. “I have a letter written to myself from the 4th grade, that my 4th grade teacher had us write and she mailed it to us when we graduated. In it, I wrote ‘when I grow up I want to a teacher.’ So it’s always been something I was interested in.” Henaire is currently majoring in secondary-ed history, and is double majoring in history with the plan of teaching grades seven through 12. “It definitely feels surreal. I’ve always boasted about wanting to be a teacher and here I am, my sophomore year, doing practicum [pre-student teaching] and creating units, rubrics and eventually I’ll be creating lessons! It’s like out of a dream,” Henaire stated. Many current students are headed on a similar path, including senior Neva Middleton, who hopes to study education and become a high school teacher some day. Middleton stated that her desire to teach sprouted between her sophomore and junior year, taking root and settling in the subject of social sciences. She had said that when she was studying psychology in her junior year she really held a grasp on the subject and found it intriguing and inspiring. Middleton also said that she’s always had a desire to show people new things, and feels at home when she’s providing people with information unknown to them. There are also students who are a bit further off from the college process, with their hearts set on their futures in education. Sophomore Katelyn Pearson talked about her own plans for the future. Despite her struggle with the stress of school and home-
“I always wanted to be a teacher even as a kid.” -Michelle Henaire Class of 2012
work, she has a thirst for knowledge and an urge to teach others what they do not yet know. Pearson’s school of choice is the University of Maine Farmington, which, as stated above, is Michelle Henaire’s current educational location. As many are aware, Farmington is well known for its pre-education programs and classes for students studying education. There are several teachers currently employed by Thornton who graduated from UMF with degrees in education, including Mr. Sharland and Ms. Lasante. Farmington also has a high freshman return rate- at about 70-75%, with roughly 160 students graduating with a degree in teaching. A go-to school for teaching, as well as other studies. Students are becoming teachers, and are going back to the place where it all began. A place that some hate, some like, and others love. Many question the logic behind returning to school and dishing out what was served to them, and others see it clearly. It’s to change the world, and to mold young minds with the idea of a better future along the horizon.
Neva Middleton Class of 2014
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Where Are They Now? [Story by Sydney Curran]
Harding University. It seems like once students receive their diplomas and set off to college, underclassmen are only left with memories and Facebook statuses showing glimpses of college life. Do you ever wonder what it’s really like to pack up and move into a dorm room? Do you ever want to ask if you’ll be able to continue with extracurriculars? Or simply what your departed students and friends are up to these days? In this article, you will hear from three newly graduated Thornton Academy students about their transition from high school to college and advice they want to leave for this year’s senior class. Teens believe that the most exciting aspect about college is moving away from home and freedom, but when asked about the process of packing up for their dorm rooms freshmen in college Karen Jacques, Ashley St. Amand, and Curtis Dupuis all agree the process was bittersweet. “It was exciting because you got to plan out your new space and it meant college was even closer, but it was hard to plan for something you had no idea about,” said Jacques, a new student at Dartmouth. Students worry that the stress of choosing a college will carry over into college life from choosing your ma-
jor to packing up for your dorm room. Both Jacques and St. Amand also commented on how stressful it was to pack just enough for their small dorms. “The hardest part about it is deciding how much of everything you need to bring. For instance, I was placed in an expanded triple, which means they added another bunk to a double room,” St. Amand said, who is attending Simmons College. The biggest part of the college process is picking the college that has both your desired major and desired location. Most of us dream of traveling far from home to really experience our newfound independence. St. Amand and Jacques stayed relatively close to home, but Dupuis is currently attending Harding University in Arkansas. “I would highly recommend going away for college and getting out of your comfort zone. College is a time to try something new and staying in New England may not give you that,” advises Dupuis. In a survey conducted by “The Chronicle of Higher Education,” 20% of their respondents stressed that proximity to home was important in their college choice. “Now that I’ve started it’s nice knowing I’m pretty close to home if something goes wrong, but at the same time I know I’m independent and on my
own,” Jacques said. Everyone has their take on what the biggest transition from high school to college is going to be. Jacques believes that independence was the biggest obstacle for her. “I know in high school we have a false sense of independence, but in reality our parents, coaches, and teachers are all keeping a close eye on us and watching out for us. In college everything is on you.” Many students also wonder if they are able to balance extracurricular activities and course load successfully. St. Amand was a major part of the TA players from her freshmen year to junior, but when asked if was being a part of any programs she replied, “ I don’t exactly have much time on my hands to commit to a certain program just yet, but I’m definitely thinking about joining the French club or something like that.” Now, that does not mean that athletes and artists alike should panic about sacrificing their activities. St. Amand and Jacques agree that the key to a well-balanced college lifestyle is time management. “You really need to block out time to study, because unlike high school thirty minutes of studying isn’t going to cut it,” said Jacques. Parents and teachers alike tell
[culture] A science lab at Harding University.
us numerous tips on how college should be planned out and handled, but frankly most students don’t take their words to heart. However, students are most likely to listen to their friends and newly graduated seniors who are willing to give words of advice to the class of 2014. “Follow your passions. Don’t go for a school just because you think it sounds good. College is great, but it is also a lot of work so if you have a passion somewhere else don’t think you have to go to [a certain college] because that’s what a lot of [other] people do,” advises Jacques. St. Amand believes that students shouldn’t stress themselves out, but should aim high when going through the college picking process. “Most of all, be studious and have fun! There are endless possibilities.” Those endless possibilities are opening up for the class of 2014 this fall. This article is a sneak preview on what students who plan to go onto any postsecondary education has to prepare for. Grades and weighted GPA can only get you so far if you don’t have good time management or if you stress out over every little thing. Everyone is rooting for you to make the best life after high school you can achieve, but you can’t forget to root for yourself.
Karen Jacques’ dorm room at Dartmouth College.
Curtis Dupuis at Harding University.
Katie St. Amand (right) dropping her sister Ashley off at Simmons College.
Freshman orientation at Dartmouth.
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Hope in Numbers [Story and Photos by Sarah Beth Campisi]
On a gloomy Sunday morning on October 6th, members of Saco’s community stood outside of Thornton Academy Middle School with one goal in mind. The rain could not extinguish the sense of passion each person felt: the passion to raise awareness against bullying. This is much needed awareness, as in 2008, according to maine.gov, 516 students from across Maine transferred to other schools due to being mentally or physically bullied. Crossroads Youth Center’s Unite Against Bullying ME Project holds multiple walks throughout the state of Maine each October, National Bullying Prevention Month. The UAB ME Walk-Run or Roll was created to be a series of annual events spread across Maine to be a fundraiser to support the Project. Following the walk, each event has activities and guest speakers to educate those in attendance on the harms of bullying. One musical performance that occurred after the UAB Walk was The Veayo Twins, two sisters attending their senior year at Hall-Dale High School in Farmingdale. Kristen and Katherine Veayo played covers of popular songs, such as Jesse J’s, “Price Tag,” and original songs like “I’ll Survive,” about their own struggle with bullying. “The event was very powerful,” Kristen said. “By listening to the different acts, and participating with the public it was evident that the cause was very serious to everyone there. It made me think twice about how I can sound to other people, and inspired me to be even more careful with my words and actions.” “No one deserves to be bullied. It’s something that really needs to be stopped and addressed more often. Sometimes it can cause a death. I want to eventually stop bullying as a whole and have a better, peaceful place for people where they don’t feel judged,” Katherine said. As part of the post-walk activities, local businesses and Thornton run groups held booths inside the gymnasium at the post-walk activities. Reducing Sexism and Violence Program, a well-known anti-bullying group at TA, spent their time at their booth handing out free Blow Pops. Each lollipop had a purple ribbon tied around its end, the awareness ribbon for bullying prevention. School counselor and RSVP advisor, Ariana Hadiaris, said she and fellow advisor, Lauren Durkee, were pleased to take part in the event. “Why not use the chance to get our name out there and show the community we’re here and we’re dedicated on preventing bullying at TA?” Hadiaris said. Among the others booths was TA’s Anime Club, represented by seniors Hannah Avery, Jessica Pearson, and Sam
Hemenway. Avery said, “It gives me hope that the kids that are here today will carry this in the back of their minds so when they become high schoolers and beyond they will treasure this experience.” Each of them were passionate on the importance of teaching children at a young age the effects of bullying, so they themselves do not adapt those behaviors later in life. It is not necessary to be bullied in order to understand how hurtful it can be. “It doesn’t resonate with me personally but I feel like it gives me hope for the children who are going through really rough times,” Pearson said. “Children are uniting against bullying and hopefully we can progress to a world where people can be themselves,” said Hemenway. The UAB Walk was effective in raising awareness for bullying prevention, with 200 people in participation. Every step of each Unite Against Bullying Walk can take the community closer and closer to a safe, bully-free atmosphere. Junior RSVP member Kelsey Kehoe, reads a spoken word poem about her experience with bullying.
[culture] The Veayo Twins performing, left, Kristen, right, Katherine.
“I feel very passionately about people’s rights to come to school and be in a safe environment.” -Myra Boissonneault, President of RSVP
English teacher and RSVP advisor, Lauren Durkee
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Poet’s Corner
[Story & Photos by Hannah Avery]
Unwanted Muse
The bell rings on a Friday afternoon, students file out quickly to get home as soon as possible, but English teacher Ms. Barklow remains in her classroom as INK students file in to take their seats. Each person picks out their laptop, logs into their accounts and starts working on the online art & literary magazine. “We care about the humanities, you know, I think anybody who does could find a home in it,” Barklow explained about the now two year old organization. INK is based solely at Thornton Academy, coming on and off the radar for six years, showing off the talents of the students around school. This unique magazine shows work such as photography and writing to music videos and movie reviews, preparing students for the newly interactive version of INK to come. “It gives a home to a group people who are alike in different ways,” she said, believing it’s another source of creativity on campus. “Just a friendly place where we get together on Friday after-
noons.” There will be a lot of changes; more technology friendly so more people can get to it easily. They will be using a new website that will make the magazine interactive. This enables students to add music, video, and animated text to ring in the modern era of technology. If interested in joining, INK meets every Friday afternoon in room 42 with Ms. Barklow. With any further questions, email her at [email protected].
Senior Season Huang works hard on her article.
Staring blankly at a page, Prolonging my art for many an age, But then my remorse of our reality claws at my heart, And I write with a sudden start, Your void knows no bounds, no limits, or ends, And I know my mind will descend, The face that used to spark a thrill, Now threatens my temporary comfort with an ice chill, I want to you to flash your pain so it is shown, So I don’t feel like I fight this battle all alone, You once made me so warm and calm inside, For that I refuse to hide, I’m selfish and sly, Because I don’t want you to be the sun in someone else’s sky, I’d rather keep you as a dead star, That I could watch without leaving far, No thought was put into this, Always know we would dismiss, Your broken heart gives way to your discovery, But your scent is still here in my place of recovery! ~Submitted by Iza LoBue
[culture]
Try These Hot Spots for Fries & More [Reviews by Peter Danton]
Harvest Festival Flash Mob [Story & Photos by Valerie Naumann] Flash Mobs have various intentions, they can serve as a way to bring awareness to issues, as an entertainment, as a protest, or even as a marriage proposal. Sometimes they can promote new businesses and bring families and friends together, as was the intent of the Flash Mob on Main Street during the Pumpkin Harvest Festival on October 26. At 1:30 p.m. around 50 participants appeared on Main Street and performed a dance to the song “Monster Mash”. Jennifer Bourgeault, who is the owner of Collective Motion Arts Center, planned the whole flash mob together with one of her dance teachers. They announced it to the studio families and to Facebook, one rehearsal was held during which the entire dance was taught. “We encour-
aged everyone to participate from trained dancers to friends and family members. The more the merrier. It was all about moving and having fun.” Bourgeault was very happy about its outcome. “It was more than successful,” she said. “It brought the studio together that created new bonds of friendship through dance.” The participants had so much fun that they requested to do another flash mob. One of at least five Thornton participants, sophomore Camille Ridge, heard about it from her sister who takes dance classes at Collective Motion Arts Center. “It was a fun experience and I would definitely do it again,” she said. If you want to see the flash mob, check it out with the link below h t t p : / / w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=SuPwHvwHuLE
Duck Fat Portland Duck Fat was opened in 2005. It’s owned by Nancy Pugh and Rob Evans. Even Though it’s been open for a short time it’s gotten a lot of publicity. It’s been noticed by Oprah, Esquire, Martha Stewart and many other prestigious food critics. You can get a large fries for 6.50, a milk shake for 5.00 or a ham and cheese Panini for 8.50. These prices may not sound cheap but its high quality and worth every penny. Ordering tip: Get their sauces on the side of the fries Pier Fries Old Orchard Beach This is a little seasonal shop in down town Old Orchard Beach. Over three million people walk by ever year. I have to say it’s really hard to walk by and not buy some. You can buy a large for 6.00, a medium for 4.00 or a small for 2.00. Ordering tips: a large is a box and medium is a pint and a small is a cup Rapid Rays Saco Rapid Rays is a little burger shop in Pepperell Square. It opened in 1953 when a man named Ray Camire started selling hamburger out of an old bread truck. A hamburger is 2.30, a hot dog is 1.85 and a large onion ring is 3.05. Insider tips for ordering: A double cheeseburger is a “big one,” chocolate milk is a “choc,” and a hot dog is a “dog.”
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Homecoming Twin Day
Sami Gardner and Sydney Curran
y l l a ot
s ’ 0 8
Costume Day
Rhiannon Johnson and Chance Warren
T
Visual Arts Teachers Jesse Paradis and Sophia Morin
Lauren Durkee
[culture]
Spirit Week Team Dances
Dance Company performance.
Senior Field Hockey Players.
Varsity Girls’ Soccer and Varsity Football Homecoming dance.
Football
Varsity Volleyball Homecoming Dance.
[44]
WINTER RENTALS
you won’t regret
[Reviews By Katherine Williams]
that everything on the screen wasn’t actually happening, because it really did look and feel all too real.” With a product budget of $100 million dollars, the movie was directed by Alfonso Cuaron (who also directed Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban,) and the visual effects were supervised by Oscar-nominee Timothy Webber (who is known for visually directing The Dark Knight and the 2009 version of Avatar.) According to IMDB, Gravity has the biggest October opening of a of being in theatres, in North American ticket sales alone it made $55.55 million dollars. As of December 3rd, 2013 the movie has made a domestic total of $250,000,975. Worldwide it has reached a total of $615,600,975. “Gravity is totally a movie worth seeing,” says Silva, “By the time the move is over you will have
Gravity Genre: Drama Rating: PG-13 On DVD: Estimated around January 2014
at some points. No matter what your reaction is, this movie will shock to pick your jaw up off the ground.”
In Gravity, Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) is a successful engineer who is planning to go on her panied by Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney,) a veteran astronaut who before he retires. As they lift off and start to settle into space, disaster strikes. Their shuttle is destroyed, leaving Stone and Kowalsky stranded in pitch darkness. With hardly any oxygen left, they must venture into the terrifying depths of space in order to get back to Earth. “I loved Gravity,” says sophomore Brian Silva. “It was really intense, especially in Imax 3D. I had to constantly remind myself
About Time Genre: Romantic Comedy Rating: R On DVD: Estimated around February 2014
In About Time, Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) discovers on the night of his 21st birthday that all of the men in his family can travel through time. One day in a new town, Tim meets the love of his life, Mary (Rachel McAdams.) They quickly fall in love, but because of an unfortunate time travel accident it seems that he never met her all. Tim must constantly go back in time to win Mary’s heart, and even save his family and friends. “I was so impressed with About Time that I would even rate it above The Notebook.” says Leah Kaliher, a senior at Endicott College. “It has all the elements that make a great movie. It is romantic but also hysterical and focuses not just on love but life as well.” Filmed in London, England, the movie has been nominated for two overall awards, and out of them one win. It was nominated for Best Film in New York Film Festival, and it won Best European Film in the San Sebastián International Film Festival. The movie was directed by Gary Curtis (who is known for writing Bridget Jones’s Diary, Notting Hill, and directing Pirate Radio and Love Actually.) Mojo, on opening weekend About Time made $4,758,070. As of December 9th 2013, it has domestically made $14,991,000. Worldwide it has reached a total of $63,291,000. In ticket sales, About Time ranks #118 in the Top Movies Of The Last 365 days. “I would recommend this movie to anyone that loves Rachel McAdams,” say Kaliher. “Or anyone who feels like their life is composed of many awkward moments!”
[culture]
FEEL THE MUSIC Artists you should be listening to in 2014 [Reviews By Hannah Avery]
‘Immersion’ by Pendulum
‘Immersion’, created by the Australian band Pendulum, is filled with 15 songs, each giving a unique sound and exciting beats to this electronic rock album. Released on May 24th 2010, this slightly older album definitely redefines music as we know it. Each song is specifically made and placed on the album in purposeful order, some songs linked together by the music. ‘Immersion’ is composed of various genres, including dubstep, electronic, death metal and electro rock, so there is something in this CD for everyone. A number of songs are also instrumental, such as “Genesis”, “Salt In the Wounds” and “The Island” (part I and II). This CD topped the UK charts the first week it was released, sending the bands fans into a frenzy. This amazing album has the ability to make people loose themselves in the music, unique instruments and rhythms causing those fans to fall in love with Pendulum even more. The oceanic feel of the music captures the cover beautifully, raising no questions why this topped the UK chart right at its release.
‘Night Visions’ by Imagine Dragons
‘Artpop’ by Lady Gaga
This next album is very easy listening, each song relatively short. 14 songs make up this CD, currently extremely popular in the U.S. Each song gives a different meaning, giving this alternative rock band high ratings in over 12 countries. More famous for their hit singles “Radioactive”, “Demons”, and “On Top of the World”, Imagine Dragons have quickly bloomed into many teenagers’ favorite indie group. Strong lyrics also make this particular band popular, including wellknown themes in their music. “I raise my flags, don my clothes. It’s a revolution, I suppose. We’ll paint it red to fit right in.” This band has a very apocalyptic feel to ‘Night Visions’, obviously appealing to a large fan base. Imagine Dragons is currently in the middle of their “Into the Night” tour, scheduled to be finished in March of 2014. They will be visiting most of North America, so grab your tickets as soon as you can. The world will definitely be hearing more from this group, hopefully bringing along great music.
Lady Gaga is at it again! After a brief rest time to recover from her hip surgery, this inspirational pop star released her third studio album. ‘Artpop’ is produced by some well known artists, such as will.i.am, Zedd, and David Guetta. This CD featured two singles: “Applause” and “Do What U Want”. With popular beats and meaningful lyric, Gaga explains that this largely personal to her. Her new album shows her views on many different subject, including feminism, love, and self-empowerment. “When you touch me I die just a little inside. I wonder if this could be love. This could be love.” Lady Gaga is great at making everyone feel included in her albums, singing songs that reflect the teenage mind, world issues, and gay pride. In her eyes, every single person should be equal, no matter what race, sexual preference, or gender. Lady Gaga’s music does an amazing job at expressing these themes. This is a highly recommended album, spreading a great message for years to come.
[46]
tumbling
[Feature By Jessica Pearson]
into
a caring ONLINE community
Tumblr is a relatively old website (it’s been around for about 8 years), is free and welcome to people of all ages (more commonly used by towards teenagers and young adults). Isis Guignard, Emily Beals, Saffron Courtney all have found a space on the site to land their thoughts and interests. Sophomore Isis Guignard (url: http://hanging-with-the-horrorterrors.tumblr.com) decided to get a Tumblr because she had read a lot about it online, and wanted to see what all the excitement was about. “My Tumblr is like my place to get excited about what I want to get excited about without having to worry about being judged. It has all of the things I enjoy, and it lets me be myself without worrying about what others think.” She spends most of her time on the fandom blogs on Tumblr where she feels very much at home. “I have met so many beautiful, hilarious, and talented people on Tumblr. I am very glad to be able to call them my friends. Tumblr in a way is like my home away from home, even though I’m actually in my home on a computer. If that makes any sense.” Sophomore Emily Beals (url: http://queerpunkprincess.Tumblr.com) made
Now she can not imagine not using the site. “Honestly, Tumblr means so much to me. It’s where I’ve met some of my best friends, people who have literally saved my life, and it’s helped to make me a better and less judgmental person. Also, because a lot of the users struggle with mental health issues, it gives me a support system of people who get what I’m dealing with, which I don’t get as often in ‘the real world.’ Tumblr has broadened my horizons and given me resources for handling life, and I’m extremely thankful for it.” She feels lucky to be growing up with the support of online communities where there are no limits on “who you can be friends with and the experiences you can have.” She credits friends made on line with helping her through hard times. “They really are like my family, even though I haven’t met the majority of them in person. I know more about them than a lot of people who see them every day, and it goes both ways. It’s just easier to share things with people when you don’t have to say it out loud, at least for me.” Beals feels making a Tumblr was one of the best decisions she has made in her teen years “because of the people and ways of thinking it’s introduced me to.” Saffron Courtney, also a sophomore, shares this feeling that Tumblr can provide teens with a support system which is often missing in a busy life. Courtney (url: http://bakku-shaan.Tumblr.com) learned about Tumblr from her peers as well. She
on Tumblr which make her feel “super at-home with the people I interact with.” Teens Bond with Online Communities a larger trend worldwide. A 2010 international study, authored by Dr. Vili Lehdonvirta, a researcher at the Helsinki Institute for Information Technology (HIIT) and Professor Pekka Räsänen from the University of Turku, Finland, surveyed 4,299 teens in the United Kingdom, Spain and Japan and found that “teenagers identify with an online community in a manner almost as powerful as their family relationships.” All three nationalities yielded similar results.
[culture]
Thornton Academy Then and Now! [Story By Quintyn Bachiochi]
What once started as a single building now stands as 4 (5 if you count the middle school) tall buildings full of students filling their minds to the brim with information. Many supporting teachers are willing to help any one with any problems they may have in class. Also each year there are many new classes and topics for students to apply themselves to. Back in the day (1811), there used to only be fifty total boys and girls ranging from ages 11 to 27. The tuition was $3 per quarter, plus boarding for those not living in the immediate area. There was also class room responsibilities such as the boys tending to the stoves and ringing the bells, as the girls swept and dusted. As of October 2013, 1,578 students were enrolled, around 140 of who are international (boarding/homestay) students. The tuition international students at its highest is $12,500 for day students and $42,000 for boarding students. We’ve came quite a way from the original quarterly $3.
Who are we Now? T.A. by the Numbers. [Stats collected by Peter Danton]
at TA.
[Every end is a new beginning; a fresh opportunity to CARPE DIEM]