rameses #5 - Augusta Schools

RAMESES
CONY HIGH SCHOOL
Inside:
CW Wrap-up
Retirement Coverage
Cell Phone Hallway
Red Sox Blues
Substitute Teachers
By Nicole Liyange-Don
VOLUME 5
Room 101 Special
Science News
Scheduling
International Dinner
Cony’s Own Survivor
S.A.T. YES!!
Cony can be a wonderful
place. It has many successful
programs and students, not to
mention Chizzle Wizzle. There is a
problem, however.
Some statistics support
Cony students’ declining academic
performance. What forms the
foundation of such alarming
statistics?
SAT scores.
Maine, the only state that
requires all juniors to take this test,
uses the results
to assess the
quality of its educational system.
Scores of exams taken by previous
classes indicate that Cony High
School’s educational system is,
ostensibly, deteriorating. What can
we, as students, do to improve such
an unsatisfactory and illusory
reputation? Attend – and excel at –
the SAT.
If a school’s scores are
deficient, it reflects poorly on
the student’s school,
administration, curriculum,
teachers – and the student
himself.
College-bound students
obviously recognize the importance
of taking (and scoring well on) this
Cony Writers Sweep Essay Contest
crucial exam. Most students who aspire
to attend this type of secondary education
are aware that their SAT scores are not
only a requirement mandated by the
majority of universities, but also a means
of determining which students colleges
will accept into their incoming freshman
class.
However, many students are
oblivious to the fact that, when applying
to college (and thus, sending in one’s
SAT scores), “students are also required
to attach a sheet with comparative SAT
results of your school, the state, and the
nation,” informs guidance counselor Ms.
Renko.
Please see SAT pg. 2
Recently Cony writers fared well
in an essay contest sponsored by
the Kennebec Valley Medical
Association. Out of 107 essays
submitted by four local high
schools (Gardiner, Erskine,
Maranacook, Cony), the following
students received recognition
(and money):
First Place ($500): Kate Laplante
Second Place:($250): Sydney
Lerette
Honorable Mention ($100 each):
Tressa Loiko
Allyson Drummond
Dylan Cheever
Zoe Heath
Heather Leet
Cont. from SAT pg. 1
If a school’s scores are deficient,
it reflects poorly on the student’s school,
administration, curriculum, teachers –
and the student himself.
Let us make our parents,
teachers, and mentors proud. Do it
for you. Do it for your favorite
teacher. Do it for Cony.
This was, unfortunately, the case for
last year’s junior class. The SAT results
of 2010 were lower than both the state
and national averages. The nation-wide
SAT averages of the critical reading,
mathematics, and writing sections were,
respectively, 501, 516, and 492. Maine’s
averages were even lower, with the mean
results being, respectively, 468, 467, and
454. Cony’s averages, however, were
lower: 456, 451, and 429, respectively.
These scores are an obvious reminder of
our school’s tarnished reputation and
what we students must do to negate such
a disreputable status.
Not only are they (students
who do not try) damaging the
school’s reputation, but they are
also directly damaging themselves.
Students who are not planning on
attending college, may very well be
tempted to “blow off the test”, as some
students resolutely intend to do. If so, not
only are they sullying our school’s
already precarious reputation, reflecting
poorly upon their favorite teachers, and
suggesting the inferiority of the entire
student body, but they are also directly
damaging themselves.
Even if a student intends to attend a
college that does not require SAT scores
(such as UMA, Farmington, or a
technical college), the admissions board
of such a university will still review
students’ results in order to determine
whether they are prepared and
knowledgeable enough to complete that
particular college’s courses. If not, a
student with insufficient scores will be
required to take the ACCUPLACER™.
This costly exam determines whether a
student is intellectually equipped to take
a certain university’s courses. If a
potential student’s scores are low, one
will be forced to take remedial courses in
math and English – expensive classes
which guzzle precious college semesters.
If 82% of students are seeking
higher education, it is obvious that
the student body needs to take – and
score well on –the SATs.
For those students who plan to defer
college attendance in order to enter the
workplace, then pursue secondary
education, SAT scores are still an integral
facet of your future. One’s SAT scores
remain valid for 5 years subsequent to
taking this exam. Thus, it is crucial to
perform well on the SATs. Furthermore,
as of 2010, 65% of students were
planning to attend a 4-year college, and
17% were planning to attend a 2-year
college. If 82% of students are seeking
higher education, it is obvious that the
student body needs to take – and score
well on –the SATs.
Yoda, Rocky, and attentiongrabbing red letters constantly
encourage the junior class to
attend and perform well on the
SAT.
It is impossible to pass through the
hallways without being bombarded by
this reality. Yoda, Rocky, and attentiongrabbing red letters constantly encourage
the junior class to attend and perform well
on the SAT. It is clear that the
administration is pulling out all the stops
to ensure the presence of the junior class
on that much-awaited Saturday; it is
offering a complimentary mass excused
absence the following Monday, free
breakfast, regularly-scheduled bussing,
the possibility of winning four $25 iTunes
gift cards, and a chance of receiving an
iPod Touch.
All well-intended bribery aside, the
majority of students view receiving an
exemplary score on the SAT as primarily
a selfish gain – one that promises college
admission and an abundance of
s c h o l a r s h i p s . H o w e v e r, s u c h a n
accomplishment would also be a victory
for the collective: our school. Student
morale has certainly waned in terms of
school pride. By attending – and acing –
the SAT on May 7th, let us refute the
erroneous notion that Cony is “the stupid
school.” Let us restore our reputation as
an intelligent student body. Let us make
our parents, teachers, and mentors proud.
Do it for you.
Do it for your favorite teacher. Do it
for Cony.
Pg. 2
The Comeback: Cony’s
Salad Bar
By Amanda Jennings
Cony’s salad bar is returning
due to popular demand. “It will reopen
May 4th,” according to food service
manager Brenda Whitney. This will give
students and teachers another lunch
option and will be “located in the
service area.”
The original salad bar was
removed not only because of “lack of
room and space” but also because “it
was abused.”
“I’ve missed the salad bar. It
will make our meals well-rounded
and more healthy.”
-Senior Chelsea Tibbets
The staff liked having it.
Whitney informs, “They’ve always
wanted it.” It appears that people will
be satisfied with this decision. Student
Chelsey Tibbetts feels, “I’ve missed the
salad bar. It will make our meals wellrounded and more healthy.” Senior
Michael Jacques adds, “It’s a shame we
seniors will only have this option for a
month.”
The salad bar will have multiple
choices. “Regular bar items, tossed
salad, at least two or three mixed salad
greens, trail mix, and mixed fruits. It
may have ten to fifteen items, depending
on availability or staff.” The cost will
be $2.00, and is included with hot lunch.
The options for lunch will
increase because of the return of Cony’s
salad bar. It’s exciting to know the
choices just got healthier.
GO CONY
JUNIORS!!
GOOD LUCK
ON YOUR
S.A.T.’S
Pg. 3
Leaving Cony “Magna
Cum Laude”
another job.” His chiropractor’s wife passed
on the news that the private school was
interested in finding a new Spanish teacher
By Corey Lim
for next year. Equipped with an impressive
Resentment, dismay, and resumé (eight languages), Brackett felt like
confusion are just some of the emotions he would be “a good fit for Kents Hill.”
students experienced when they
“And at the end of the day, we are
discovered that one of the school’s most
all happy for him.”
admired educators is making a
departure from Cony High School to
-Latin 4 Student Evan Nedik
Kents Hill. Even though Dr. Michael
Dr. Brackett will receive multiple
Brackett has been teaching at Cony for
benefits
from his new employment,
only seven years, and “it was [his] first
including
a
significant increase in pay and
real job out of college” he has made his
free
housing.
Commenting on Brackett’s
mark.
improved abode and better salary, Latin 4
student Evan Nedik feels that, “although it is
“The whole thing was a bit of
a great loss for Cony, ultimately the change
a surprise, since I was not
is better for him and his family. And at the
looking for another job.”
end of the day, we are all happy for him.”
Dr. Brackett will be teaching
-Dr. Brackett
Spanish
1 and 2 next year, as well as helping
Brackett did not plan on
to
coach
both the fencing team and
transferring to Kents Hill. In fact, he
intramural
tennis.
(Hopefully he will invest
reflects, “the whole thing was a bit of a
in
some
sweatbands
that match his trademark
surprise, since I was not looking for
black blazer.) There is also the
possibility for him to teach a French
section in the future. If Kents Hill
adds Latin to its curriculum, Dr.
Brackett will teach this as well. For
now, though, “it is too early to tell
exactly how they will use [him]
there.”
Upper-class foreign language
students, especially those who take
Latin, are so distressed by this news
that many will not continue. Melissa
Petersen, second year Latin student,
is even considering starting a new
language next year because “no one
can compare to Dr. Brackett’s
enthusiastic style of teaching.”
Reacting to this news, Brackett
“cannot help but feel flattered that
[he] personally has been instrumental
in some students signing up for
Latin.”
Please see Brackett on Pg. 9
A Fond Farewell
By Katie Beach
As with any stage in life
whether it graduation, a new job, or
retirement, it is always bittersweet.
Retirement is no exception and this
year Cony is losing three of its
cherished faculty members to
retirement: Mrs. VanHorn, Mrs.
Morrison, and Mrs. Niles.
The Social Studies department
will be losing Mrs. Vanhorn who has
spent the past 25 years teaching at
Cony High School (39 years in the
system) and will now move on to her
next step.
“Space needs to be made for
new people and new faces.”
Mrs. VanHorn
NETFLIX
Dr. Brackett (and his pet iguana) will be missed.
Artwork by Kristi Pottle
When reflecting on her time
as a teacher at Cony, Mrs. VanHorn
says that she will truly miss Cony.
“When anyone retires they will miss
the kids and miss the people you work
with,” but according to this popular
teacher, “space needs to be made for
new people and new faces.”
Her
favorite memories of her time at Cony
include Chizzle Wizzle and being a
class advisor. And although she has
taught just about every subject, she
says that her favorite is World History.
Please see Van Horn on Pg. 4
The Next Adventure!
By Cody Coron
As many staff members and
much of the student body have just
discovered, Mrs. Niles will be retiring
after 35 years of teaching in the Augusta
School District. Her career began
teaching English in Buker Middle
School. She then joined the Hodgkins
faculty, and recently moved to Cony,
where she will end her tenure.
One could only imagine the
friendships she has created.
Although she is leaving, there
will certainly be fond memories of her
time dedicated to our school district. She
says she will “miss the people: both staff
and students. I have known many of
them for a long time.” One could only
imagine the friendships she has created
and the memories that she will take with
her.
As for post-retirement plans, she
cares not, as long as they hold the
possibility for adventure. She says she
doesn’t really have any big plans for her
retirement, but is “looking forward to
some new adventures.”
After 35 years of hard work,
commitment and dedication, we say
goodbye to Mrs. Niles. The staff and
students will fondly remember the times
they had with her just as she does with
all of them. Thank you for all you have
given to our community and good luck
with your next adventure.
Continued from Van Horn
When asked about her career
Mrs. VanHorn shared that she doesn’t
think that she’s done teaching, but she
is done with this chapter of it. She
believes that the hardest thing about
education is that philosophies are
always changing. “They say the cycle
will bring it back around, but I don’t
think I’ll live that long.”
As far as the future goes, Mrs.
VanHorn doesn’t have any definite
plans. She believes, “if you don’t make
plans then you’re not disappointed”.
She will stay on her farm and “play in
the dirt,” ready and willing for anything
that comes her way.
Pg. 4
We’ll Miss You Mrs.
Morrison
By: Haley Smith
Jennifer Morrison is one of
the most important teachers at
Cony. She teaches many different
art courses and heads the art
department.
In her years of teaching
Morrison has made a large impact
on many of the students aspiring to
be artists. “When we ask her for
help she doesn’t do it for us; she
teaches us how to do things
ourselves, and how to do things
differently which helps us
improve!” Sophomore Lindsey
Kalloch said after taking her
drawing class last quarter. Morrison
has definitely done her part to help
the students at Cony high school,
and after the many years of her
helping, she sadly has decided to
retire.
“I refuse to believe she’s
actually leaving.”
- Emily Simonton
Many students feel sad at
the news that she’s not going to be
teaching next year. “She’s not
leaving,” Morrison’s homeroom
student Emily Simonton claims. “I
refuse to believe she’s actually
leaving.”
Morrison says she “won’t
be teaching,” but that she “might
substitute” for Cony next year
sometimes.
“She’ll says ‘Pop quiz!’ and
then take a basket of lollipops
and passes them out to the class
room.”
- Megan Turner
She will be remembered as
the zany art teacher with
unconventional teaching methods.
“She’ll says ‘Pop quiz!’ and then
take a basket of lollipops and pass
them out to the class room.” Art
student Megan Turner says. In
Morrison’s room swears are
forbidden, and if a student says
“shut up” it must be followed with a
“please.”
Students haven’t been told who may
be replacing Morrison but everybody knows
that no one will ever be able to truly
“replace” her. “I can’t imagine homeroom
without her” Simonton says. The students
here at Cony will miss Jennifer Morrison
very much.
Inside Substitute Teaching
By Morgan Jones
It is a fact that working in a school
environment exposes a person to many germs
and diseases, so teachers get sick and
substitute teachers become an integral part of
the school community. Some replacements
are becoming familiar sights here at Cony.
Though we rarely get to know them during
the short class periods when they “take over
our learning,” there is more to them than their
friendly smile.
Mr. Dennett, who has been subbing at
Cony for the past 2 years, enjoys “chatting
with the students the most.” Lately, he often
can be found subbing as a security guard, but
prefers teaching Mr. Dejongh’s Anatomy
class the most. He feels, “sometimes it can be
hard to keep busy while the students are
doing their work,” but overall he truly
“enjoys working with the kids.”
Another familiar sub that has been
working here for “a very long time” is Mr.
Hathaway’s who has “a ten-year tenure at
Cony.” Like Mr. Dennett, he enjoys getting to
know the students. “I like hearing about their
interests, and involvements in the school,”
and “prefer working with seniors.” He has
chosen to sub at Cony because “it’s easier to
work at just one school. After a while, you
get to know the teachers and the students.”
Overall, his favorite thing
is witnessing students “grow
from bratty freshmen to mature
seniors.”
The only part of subbing that Mr.
Hathaway finds “challenging” is working
with students who misbehave. “Sometimes
not knowing students, or them being
unfamiliar with me, makes it hard to deal
with them being disrespectful.” The only
other problem he encounters is “Security
Guard Vach, giving [him] a hard time,” he
jokes.
Overall, his favorite thing is
witnessing students “grow from bratty
freshmen to mature seniors.”
Substitute teachers are always a part
of the Cony family. They help keep the Cony
community running smoothly.
Pg. 5
CW ’11 Wrap Up
Chizzle Wizzle: Student Run?
By Dylan Cheever
One hundred and twenty years ago,
the Cony football team needed to raise money.
So students started a fundraiser in a small
theater called Meonian Hall on Water Street.
They sang and told jokes for the community.
Little did they know, they started a tradition
that continues to this day: Chizzle Wizzle, the
longest student run production in the country.
But as time passed, the show evolved into the
event we know it to be today. Between then
and now, kids have begun to feel that it’s no
longer a “student run” shindig.
I’m here to tell you guys that it’s
okay – Chizzle Wizzle is still our thing! We
just need some adult help on the many facets
of theater production.
These adults provide something that we
students can’t: experience.
Many adults have been helping us
kids run Chizzle Wizzle for years; in fact,
some were helping when your parents were
acting. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to
know that these helpers have seen many
shows. They’ve directed productions from
scratch dozens of times. They know the tricks
of the trade. And they provide something that
we students can’t: experience.
They can help us choose how the acts
fit into the theme, how the stage will look,
how the lights will change for each skit or
song, how to make raw, jumbled ideas into an
outstanding high school production. Imagine
only students trying to do all these things and
then some! I didn’t even mention rehearsal
times, costumes, makeup, stage crew, ticket
sales, advertising or class booths. Where
would we be on our own?
Chizzle Wizzle is still our thing!
It may be easy to feel like the
directors and managers are making the final
decisions. And that’s because…well…they
are. The executive committee’s say is very
important and holds a great deal of weight.
But imagine that on one side you have a
seasoned veteran in theatrics. On the other
side you have a group of kids who –most of
the time—
Please see Student Run pg. 7
Chelsea Begin prepares a students make-up for the minstrel show!
What You Don’t See
By Michael Jacques
What the audience at the Viles Auditorium sees during the Chizzle
Wizzle show is not all that is going on. Those people who run around
behind the curtains do just as much hard work, but don’t get the glamour
and fame.
There are three people that have been putting in countless hours
without getting much recognition at all. Kristen Pietri (Producer’s
Assistant), Anne Buxton (Stage Manager), and Nicole Savoy (Stage
Manager) had to make everything come together during the show. They
had to: make adjustments as the show was being run; remember every
curtain call; get people to where they needed to be on time; and keep their
eyes open for anything that could possibly go wrong.
Anne Buxton claimed that her job was to, “make sure the kids are
doing their jobs.” She added that “it is very stressful because if things
aren’t set up it holds up the show” and that would be “embarrassing.”
Savoy added that this pressure is tough because if they make a mistake
Producer Lindsey Morin would yell at them. Pietri agreed, saying her job
was “beyond stressful [because] a lot of people are hard to handle.”
Often times, students don’t listen to one another because they think
other students don’t have the authority of adults. One night before the
show Morin addressed this situation by telling the whole cast to give every
student executive committee member the same respect she receives.
So how did the show go this year? Savoy claimed that she
personally didn’t mess up but “the crew has.” Pietri added that it “could’ve
gone better,” but she acknowledged that minor mishaps are to be expected
when hosting such a big event. When Mrs. Buxton was asked what her
biggest fear was, she claimed that her “nightmare” is the backstage crew
not showing up because “the kids run the show.”
Pg. 6
Photo Collage by Perrin Cody
A Chizzle Wizzle Exclusive
Who’s Behind That
Curtain?
By Chelsea Tibbetts
Who held the remote to this
year’s Chizzle Wizzle Minstrel Show
Who was in charge of “touching that
dial?” With minimal Chizzle Wizzle
experience under her belt, Marcia
Gallagher has once again made our
program a great success.
“I was sort of thrown into
directing (or under the bus!!) by
my very good friend, Mrs.
Beaudoin….
She also likes to work with high school
age students, “it has been several years
since…working at that level.”
When looking back on this year’s
production, Gallagher gives an
affirmative response: “Loved it, and the
students were the best ever, as Mr. Ayotte
said Friday [the last show].” In regards to
critiques, she added “we had some
technical difficulties this year, which was
frustrating for me after all the work that
went into the show. Hopefully for the
students benefit, that won’t happen next
year.”
Our Minstrel Director expresses
her gratitude at such an opportunity,
“without Mrs. Beaudoin’s acumen from
years of producing and directing the
show, I wouldn’t have been as prepared
as I am.”
- Marcia Gallagher
Two years ago, Gallagher was just a
newbie director. She reflects, “I was sort
of thrown into directing (or under the
bus!!) by my very good friend, Mrs.
Beaudoin. The first year was like, just get
through it, so you can see what is going
on.” Apparently, she “never even
watched the show that much,” so her role
as director was a true immersion into the
aura of Chizzle Wizzle.
Gallagher caught on quickly and
adopted the various tasks with ease,
“helping pick the theme and choosing 10
songs…having to choose eight people to
be ends…” and the countless hours of
rehearsal in preparation to the show. She
has creatively implemented her own flare
to the show by writing a script and
arranging songs to go with it. She muses,
“I get a kick out of hearing the audience
chuckle at lines I wrote for that purpose.
Sometimes it works, sometimes it
doesn’t, but it doesn’t hurt to take a
chance.”
I get a kick out of hearing the
audience chuckle at lines I wrote
for that purpose.
-Marcia Gallagher
Gallagher finds that there are
many enjoyable elements to the duty of
Minstrel Director. She delights in the
opportunity “to know the students
involved…or [be] reacquainted with
them from having them as students [at St.
Michael’s].” Gallagher says it is one of
the most satisfying aspects of the job.
Cont. from pg. 5 Student Run
exercise good judgment, but it’s hard to
without the experience that adults have.
To be fair to the executive committee,
they may not have that foresight. Why is
that? Because they haven’t been involved
in the art of stage production for decades!
Plain and simple, we need that vision and
leadership. No question.
We need those adult
figureheads to orchestrate the
where’s and when’s. We need
them to properly put on a
production.
All you have to do is picture the
chaos that would ensue with strictly
student leadership: Revolt. Mutiny.
Tardiness. Bickering. Fighting. Politics.
We need those adult figureheads
to orchestrate the where’s and when’s. We
need them to properly put on a
production. Is it still student run? You
bet! The actors, the skits, the musicians,
the dancers, the student administration…
it’s our show. We just need to get it off the
ground.
And that’s what the directors are
there for. So cut them some slack –
they’ve helped us in more ways than we
can ever count.
Pg. 7
Commentary: Chizzle Wizzle
You Never Know If You
Don’t Try
by Colin McKee
As Luke Duncklee and I pulled into
the Cony High School visitor’s parking lot
on the evening of March 22nd, I started to
get butterflies in my stomach. Being an
athlete, this is a feeling I have become
accustomed to. That night, the only
difference was I wasn’t pulling in to
baseball tryouts or a playoff basketball
game. I was actually two hours away from
my first ever Chizzle Wizzle performance.
Regretfully so, it took me
until my senior year to
participate...
I can remember enrolling at Cony
four years ago, having only heard of
Chizzle Wizzle. I had not seen the show in
years past as many of my classmates had,
and in fact, I didn’t even know what it
was. Because of this, I didn’t get involved
and really didn’t care to.
After seeing the show my freshman
year, however, it became apparent that it
was a much bigger deal than the typical
talent show I was anticipating. Regretfully
so, it took me until my senior year to
participate, and looking back, had I known
as a freshman what I know now, I’d be
four years deep in Chizzle Wizzle
experience.
I know it sounds cliché, but that
entire week, my friends and I
were literally so excited that we
couldn’t sleep.
For the past three years, I was
exposed to the excitement that surrounds
Cony High School the week of the show,
but was never truly able to be a part of it.
It is one thing to work the booth on Friday
night, but it is a whole different feeling to
stand in the ‘Senior Line’ just minutes
before the final show. It is also one thing
to sit in the auditorium and turn to your
friend in awe after an act, but it is a whole
different feeling to stand on the stage in
front of a clapping audience. The
excitement isn’t limited to the hours the
show is being performed either. I know it
Please see “Regrets” pg. 8
Behind the Door of Room
101
Pg. 8
By: Amanda Jennings
The life of room 101 is the
people that teach in it. The four ladies
that work there are incredibly
committed to having their students
succeed in everything they do. They
help them become the best people they
can be, and no less.
These selfless, committed
women work hard everyday, to make
sure students have the learning
experience they all deserve. These
teachers are passionate in helping their
students. The members of the room 101
team are: Tammy Roberts, Lindsey
Morin, Heidi Goggin, and Rachel
Laferriere.
These selfless, committed
women work hard everyday, to
make sure students have the
learning experience they all
deserve.
Students are excited about their
teachers “They’re all nice. They give
help if needed.” Room 101 students
work hard, and all have unique
personalities. They all feel the same
about their teachers. “They’re
wonderful, and have helped us a lot.
They’re all extremely awesome.”
The Head Honcho is Ms.
Tammy Roberts. She truly loves her
work. “I’ve been working here 29
years. I love the people, the teachers,
and the students. I rely on the people I
work with, and feel it would be more
costly to not help our students. Here,
we prepare them to be independent
Cont. from “Regrets” pg. 7
sounds cliché, but that entire week, my
friends and I were literally so excited
that we couldn’t sleep. While the
exhausting practices may seem
excessive, there is no doubt that the
feeling of ecstasy involved with Chizzle
Wizzle is well worth it.
I never expected to walk through
the doors of Cony High School and look
forward to makeup in the band room. I
didn’t realize I would deeply miss
holding the hands of absolute strangers
as we circled up in the gym. I never
once thought that the anxiousness prior
The Happy Family in Room 101
workers after they graduate. We work
hard to keep to the budget. We’re
aware of budget issues and we work
real hard to not waste any time or
resources. We all help them learn.”
Mrs. Laferriere truly enjoys
her work. “I like working in 101,
because I enjoy helping students.
We’re here to help our kids learn and
grow for the future.” She also stated, “I
enjoy working in Ms. Robert’s room.
She cares for her students greatly, and
is a selfless woman, along with the all
the ladies of 101.”
Mrs. Morin also likes being a
member of room 101. “I enjoy working
to taking the stage would be so
enjoyable. And more than anything, I
had no idea I would find so much joy
in dancing in front of an audience.
Honestly, the overwhelming
sense of family is unlike any
sport
The one characteristic that truly
defines Chizzle Wizzle, and makes all
of these feelings possible, is
c a m a r a d e r i e . H o n e s t l y, t h e
overwhelming sense of family is
unlike any sport, extracurricular
activity, or get-together I have ever
been a part of.
in 101. It’s taught me a lot about patience.
Though it’s rough at times, it’s been quite
an eye opener.” Lindsey also stated, “Mrs.
Roberts is benevolent, and I greatly
respect her, and all that she does.”
Mrs. Goggin loves to teach, and
learns from her students. “I’ve been
working here for 11 years. It’s a constant
learning experience, Not only do I teach
my students, but they teach me as well.
Everyday is different but that’s what
makes it fun.”
Room 101 - a forgotten little room
with a lot of spirit. It’s where it doesn’t
matter what you look like or what you do;
In 101 smiling faces are looking at you.
Over the last four years, I have been
involved in many things here at Cony. Along
the way I have made memories that I will
never forget, be it in the classroom, with my
friends, or on the athletic field. My fondest
memories, however, will be always be from
that one week in late March.
When students make the decision to
come to Cony High School, they bless
themselves with a unique opportunity. They
open the door to become a member of the
longest running student production in the
nation. Unfortunately, many students fail to
take advantage of Chizzle Wizzle and all that
it has to offer. Take my word for it, because
until this past year, I was one of those
students.
Pg. 9
Science at Its Best
By Natalie Hallak
On March 24, room 117 was
plastered with posters surrounded by excited
students. The members of Mr. DeJongh’s
Anatomy class were unveiling a unique
assignment. On that day students were
presenting information about a myriad of
different medical topics. The assignment?
Choose any interesting subject in the medical
field, and report the findings to the class.
“The whole point,” says DeJongh,
“is that these are things I don’t have time to
teach. By the time this is done, the students
will become ‘mini experts’ on their topic.”
“They will know more
about medicine from what they
did, without me even having to
teach it.”
-Mr. Dejongh
To stimulate class participation, it
was required for each member of the class to
come up with three possible questions for the
presenter. This left everyone with a general
knowledge of each topic, helping accomplish
DeJongh’s goal. “They will know more
about medicine from what they did, without
me even having to teach it.”
A myriad of topics were presented,
ranging from stem cell research to recent
Continued from pg. 3 Brackett
He is encouraging them to continue
taking it because “the study of Latin not only
gives students direct access to the voices of
the past, it also prepares them for the study
even the most daunting languages this world
has to offer.” He firmly believes that it is both
“challenging and fun.”
There are a number of things Dr.
Brackett will miss here at Cony. “I will first
and foremost miss my students. I have been
extremely lucky over the years to have some
of the kindest, most highly motivated
students to pass through Cony High School.”
Dr. Brackett will also miss the faculty
of Cony.
He feels that he has been
“privileged to work with the most
hardworking, dedicated, thoughtful, generous
people one could ever meet.
Students Morgan Jones and Chase Shostak listen attentively to a
science presentation
issues in the biomedical field. Students seemed to know their topics well and
were genuinely interested in them.
John Hall, a senior taking the class, commented that this was “a good
way to learn about a whole bunch of different things that we, as students, are
interested in. There was freedom in it, which is cool.” Melanie Guzman, a
junior, added, “Everyone did a good job.”
Mr. DeJongh was so impressed with the final result that he invited a
member of the Kennebec Journal to witness these future scientists.
An important question (at least
to his students), is: will the classic tales
of Dr. Brackett (particularly the iguana
story) continue to live on at the private
school? Dr. Brackett responded by
addressing a few misconceptions.
Students and faculty alike will
lament over Dr. Brackett’s
“Let me be clear about this
once and for all; my bludgeoning an
iguana to death with a Maglite
flashlight was a mercy killing, one that
did leave me briefly teary-eyed. It is
difficult to understand this if you’ve
never seen a tropical lizard ravaged by
gangrene…”
Brackett feels, “Students might
forget most the subject material, but
will remember the stories and little
pearls of wisdom contained therein. An
occasional story makes students reflect
and fosters a more holistic approach to
education.” Jade McGuire describes Dr.
Brackett’s stories simply as a “new
twist on learning.”
Kents Hill will benefit from
his fervor for foreign languages.
Students and faculty alike will
lament over Dr. Brackett’s departure, as
he is a unique individual who is hard to
forget. Kents Hill will benefit from his
fervor for foreign languages.
He is more than a teacher to
Cony High School – he an iconic figure
– one that will be sorely missed.
Don’t Be Late For
Class
cut. Some rumored on the chopping block
were: Theater, Teen Issues, Journalism,
and even the CATC class of Graphic
By: Haley Smith
Design.
These classes are
considerable favorites to
After students returned from
some, but others haven’t
February vacation, they were all given a
even heard of these
packet containing information on all the
choices.
Cony classes being offered, and a piece
of paper to sign up for them. While some
While some of these were just
eagerly started planning their classes for
“rumors”
there were a few classes that
the upcoming years, some brushed the
were
seriously
considered. These classes
paper aside with a “whatever” attitude.
are
considerable
favorites to some, but
This has become a problem for the Cony
others
haven’t
even
heard of these
staff.
choices.
So far “only 80% of people have
Maybe this is why there’s such a
turned their papers in” Head of guidance
delay
on
students passing in their class
Helen Renko says. That’s not a bad
registration
forms because they haven’t
number, but for the guidance, it’s not
taken
the
time
to see what the school has
accurate enough.
to offer them.
Students really need to start to
Without the students passing in
p
a
s
s
s
chedules in. Particularly
their requests for schedules, the
competitive
classes are figured out earlier,
Augusta school department won’t
making
it
harder
for students who sign up
know which classes they need to
late.
Hopefully
guidance
will be able to
assign.
give out the schedules in June, on Step Up
Day.
The schedule committee is
always busy this time of year. Why?
Because this isn’t just one student
Commentary: Transferring Schools
requesting to drop a class and pick up
another; it’s the entire school, asking for
schedules to be planned out for them,
before they leave for the summer. This is
an important job, and it requires a lot of
planning, in a small amount of time.
By Alana Winslow
Without the students passing in
their requests for schedules, the Augusta
Changing schools has become an
school department won’t know which extremely difficult process. In order to
classes they need to assign. “I’ve always transfer a student needs to make
passed my papers in on time, and I never appointments, receive paperwork, talk to
had any problems,” sophomore Lindsey teachers, return books, laptops, and much
Kalloch says.
more.
The Transfer Blues
[Not signing up on time] is
a main source as to why
electives are getting cut.
This proves to be quite
problematic, and is a main source as to
why electives are getting cut. “If there
aren’t enough students who sign up for a
particular elective, they make the
decision- probably around Spring breakwhat they’re going to offer, so that
decision will already be made by the
departments,” Renko explains the process
in which classes are cut.
Last year rumors spread like wild
fire as to which class electives were being
Depending on the difference
in schedules, it can complicate
things.
Transfer students are required to
tour the school they will be transferring
to. Depending on the difference in
schedules, it can complicate things. At
Cony they follow a 4x4 schedule when
most schools have an every other day
block schedule. It makes credit transfer
nearly impossible.
Changing schools at the
beginning of the year, is easier. In this
scenario, a student just picks right up
where they left off. If changing from a
Pg. 10
4x4 to an every other day schedule,
transfers have all of their classes yearly
instead.
If changing mid-year, students
have the concern of falling behind,
although it’s most likely that they are at
just about the same place as the students
at the new school. Normally, they will be
able to catch up with few problems.
Because of the massive
difference in schedules, each
case must be handled
individually.
Changing at the end of the year
(at the beginning of fourth quarter) is a
real challenge for transfers. Depending
on their Cony schedule, they can find
themselves in many different situations.
They might possibly be ahead in credits,
or even behind. Because of the massive
difference in schedules, each case must
be handled individually. Credits often do
not match up.
There are many options to
consider when transferring to a school
with a block schedule. When transferring
to Skowhegan High School, a freshman
Cony student will take two block classes
in the morning followed by two study
halls. This is because she has too many
credits as a freshman. It’s not only
confusing, but impractical.
Want
Your
Privileges?
Focus on
Your
S.A.T.
Pg. 11
ESL Dinner
By Natalie Hallak
In a whirlwind of exotic cuisine,
the annual ESL (English as a Second
Language) Pot Luck Dinner took place on
Wednesday, May 6th, from 5:30pm to
7:00pm.
Now, it is a gathering of
large proportions, a testament
to Cony’s diversity.
“It’s an opportunity for ESL
students and families to come together and
bring food from their respective countries,”
says Sra. Livingston. “It’s a celebration of
all the different languages and cultures in
our school system.”
Originally, the dinner started with
only ESL families, mostly Vietnamese and
C a m b o d i a n s . M r s . Wi l k i n s o n , t h e
coordinator of both the dinner and ESL Mrs. Roberts and Mrs. Renko enjoy the many choices of ethnic specialties.
Club, says it was so “they could connect to
each other and the school.” Twenty years
ago, it expanded to include all of the
Now, it is a gathering of large proportions, a testament to Cony’s
language clubs.
diversity. Nathalie Hyunh, the International Club President, says, “It’s great
because everyone gets to talk and hang out with their friends, and maybe even
make some new ones!”
“It’s great because everyone
Piñata-smashing took place at the end of the dinner, the last event until
gets to talk and hang out with their
next year. People from every origin are encouraged to come and support not only
friends, and maybe even make some
these ESL students, but to celebrate their own heritage!
new ones!”
-Natalie Hyunh, Club
No Panic Over Seas
By Jake Dyer
Despite radioactive leakages
and $310 billion dollars in damages (the
most costly natural disaster in history),
Japan seems to keep its cool. No panic,
no trepidation.
Different scenarios pop up
every day, most recent plutonium being
discovered in the soil outside one of the
nuclear plants. The tsunami was
recorded at 77 feet at its peak. 11,000
bodies have been found and officials
estimate to find nearly 18,000.
But none of the negative events
seem to faze anybody.
The giant wave obviously
caused great damage to the nuclear
plants resulting in dangerous
contaminations in the local vegetables, raw
milk, and tap water. Residents that lived
within 12 miles of radioactive spills were
forced to move to different locations. With
things getting worst and worst everyday (it
seemed) three men had been reportedly
drenched in radioactive water, despite
wearing 'waterproof' suits. But none of the
negative turnouts seem to faze anybody.
owners kept their doors open to people to
supply them with the very little food and
water they had. Lines coming out the doors
are longer than your average wait to get on
your favorite rollercoaster at Six Flags.
But none of the negative
turnouts seem to faze anybody.
One example of no panic stands
out: A shop had all windows and doors
busted out; there was an unguarded ATM,
After the huge quake
and rumor had it no one stole anything
electricity in Japan was shut off
from the store.
(with few exceptions), shop owners
Despite the fear of a meltdown with
keep their doors open to people to
the
nuclear
plants that could possibly
supply them with very little food
happen,
the
people
of Japan kept their
and water.
composure.
Maybe the United States should
With rations of water and food take lessons from Japan on how to stay
being given out there has been no riots, no calm and relaxed during times like these.
fear in the eyes of the people in Japan.
After the huge quake, electricity in Japan
was shut off (with few exceptions), shop
Pg. 12
What is Radiation?
By Kristin Lapointe
Contrary to popular beliefs,
radiation is not a sickness, poison or
mutated substance. It isn’t, in a
regular day, even that dangerous.
Natural radiation comes from nearly
every object in the world: people,
the sun, space, technology, animals,
and even plants and trees. That
radiation is considered “a small
amount,” and it is called background
radiation. This radiation is actually
essential to life
So why does everyone fear
the word ‘radiation’?
Think of x-rays.
Even human beings produce
radiation; however, most humans
don’t know this because it isn’t
important to our every day lives.
The radiation that we are concerned
with is called ‘ionizing radiation’.
Ionizing radiation is a type that
produces ions, or charged particles.
These ions are produced by unstable
atoms. Unstable atoms are those
with an unstable nucleus, meaning
that the number of protons and
neutrons in the atom does not
balance out. These elements, in
order to give off the extra mass that
they contain, release emissions of
light and energy in motion. Those
emissions are called radiation.
So when does radiation become
harmful?
Think of x-rays. When
someone or something has an x-ray
taken, the x-ray machine gives off a
small amount of radiation that
penetrates the tissues and organs of
the human or animal. These
emissions of radiation usually are
not harmful; however, many people
have related the radiation to an
increased risk of cancer. No studies
have confirmed this belief.
So when does radiation
become harmful?
At about 100 rems (roentgen
equivalent in man), there are effects
on the human body. First affected is
the bloodstream, when the lymphocyte
cell (a type of white blood cell that
found in the immune system) count
decreases and the person is more
likely to become sick.
These symptoms may mimic
the flu. At 200 rems, the exposed
person(s) hair quickly, in clumps. Any
exposure over 1000 rems, can, or will,
result in the death of the exposed
person(s). The likelihood of dying
from radiation if the exposure is less
than 1000 rems isn’t common.
We wouldn’t be alive without it.
It’s no wonder that people
relate radiation to death and suffering.
However, it is important to know the
different types of radiation. Ionization
radiation is harmful to both humans
and animals – think atomic bombs and
nuclear power plants. Uranium-235 is
the element found in both which is
extremely unstable and gives off lethal
doses of radiation. Background
radiation (the every day life radiation)
is harmless. We wouldn’t be alive
without it.
Commentary: Libya
It’s A Mess
By Raven Berce
In 1969 Muammar Gaddafi
gained control of Libya in a coup of
the monarchy. Now it would appear
that the U.S. is trying to do the same
thing to him.
In the end, it was United
States of America who led
Operation Odyssey Dawn.
Obama called for Gaddafi to
step down, and of course he refused.
Before this, France and Britain
campaigned for military interference
in Libya. In the end, it was United
States of America who led Operation
Odyssey Dawn. It was dubbed a
“humanitarian intervention” to
protect Libyan citizens from Gadhafi.
The operation consists of a
series of Tomahawk missiles, fired
against Gadhafi’s forces. Why then
was a civilian airport, among other things,
struck by the coalition?
“The trophy of this war is oil…it’s
oil and gas…”
- Michel Chossudovsky
As the allies continue to bombard
Libya, I question the reasoning. Other
countries, (that don’t contain 3.5% of the
world’s oil as Libya does) have absolute
dictators but I don’t see us going to this
extreme to remove them. Could the goal be
oil?
Or is defeating Gaddafi an excuse to
gain control of Libya?
Michel Chossudovsky, the director
of the Center for Research. stated “…the
trophy of this war is oil…its oil and gas…it’s
not a humanitarian war and you don’t come
to the rescue of civilians by bombing…”
Seventy- four percent of Americans
are against what Obama is doing over in
Libya, and that includes Congress. They
claimed they were blindsided by Obama’s
actions and say he lacks constitutional
authority. They would like some answers.
Perhaps the most important question that
needs answering is who’s going to cover the
one-million-dollar-a-day cost of Odyssey
Dawn, because America’s plunging economy
certainly can’t handle it.
American citizens are not the only ones
shaking their heads at Obama’s actions.
We spend more money on foreign
aid than we do on our own children. They
have cut back on vital needs for foster
children. They have cut back Medicare. They
have laid off teachers.
B u t i s A m e r i c a ’s e c o n o m y
irrevocably damaged? “Oh we’ve got money,
I think that’s what this adventure in Libya
shows. It’s just that we don’t have the right
priorities…” stated Derrick Crowe, Political
Director of Brave New Foundation, when
questioned in web article Obama: Gaddafi
must go!
To make matters worse, American
citizens are not the only ones shaking their
heads at Obama’s actions. Russia and her
allies want the coalition attacks to stop. But
it is America that Vladimir Putin, the
Russian prime minister calls out. He accused
“…the use of force in international affairs. In
the U.S. policy it's becoming a dangerous
tendency…” Granted, it’s easy to talk when
you’re not in the hot seat.
Dialing Dictators
Coady Collins
Cell phone dictators, or just doing
their job? This year at Cony, some of the
staff, (in one particular hallway at Cony –
rooms 101 through 110) have waged war
on cell phone use. Mrs. Buxton, Miss
Tripp, Mr. Dostie and occasionally Mr.
Morin, are having a cell phone snatching
frenzy.
To many students, it’s
understandable why teachers
get so upset about cell phone use
in classrooms.
While waltzing down that
hallway students better turn off their cells
in their backpacks or these teachers will
Cony Survivor
By: Haley Smith
Survivor is a reality TV show that
started 11 years ago, and has made it
through 22 seasons with the support of
many excited fans across the U.S. The
latest seasons is called “Redemption
Island” and not only are there several
talented people, using the skills they’ve
learned to survive, but one of them is
Ashley Underwood, former Cony student,
and basketball star.
Who would have thought, that a
little girl from Benton would grow up to
be such a star? Before the show started
Ashley attended the University of Maine
on a full basketball scholarship. She
played for the Black Bear’s, and was one
of the top-ten scorers to ever play for the
team. She graduated from the University
of Maine with a degree in nursing. Maybe
these things will help her out in the long
run.
Ashley claims that she will be the
soul survivor because she is “mentally and
physically strong” traits she had picked up
from playing basketball and other sports
her entire life. But who was it that
coached this girl into the basketball champ
she is today? None other then coach Paul
Vachon.
Students know him for his famous
motivation speaking, and passionate
coaching, but who would have guessed he
would be the guy that helped this former
Cony student find her way to fame?
snag them faster than they can text
“What’s up” to a friend. And don’t try
to think of any excuses, because they
don’t work; even the infamous “it’s my
mom” falls on deaf ears.
“I was sick and tired of students
walking and texting at the same
time, and not paying any
attention where they were
walking.”
- Mrs. Buxton
To m a n y s t u d e n t s , i t ’ s
understandable why teachers get so
upset about cell phone use in
classrooms. It’s a distraction that
detracts from the learning atmosphere.
In the hallways, however, it’s
just as big as a concern for some. Mrs.
Buxton laments, “I was sick and tired of
students walking and texting at the
“Everybody loved Ashley, and she
always had a smile on her face, and
she would always come to practice just regular practice- and really, her
ability to be liked by her peers, is,
something that will probably come up
on the show.” Coach Vachon believes
Ashley will do well in the show, after
many years of working on many
different teams.
Pg. 13
same time, and not paying any attention
where they were walking.”
Some students feel once they get
out of class and into the hallways, they
should be allowed to use their cells. They
feel that they actually have important
phone calls to make, especially seniors.
Receiving phone calls from colleges and
even employers is a reality.
There are numerous consequences
for students using their cell phones: losing
it during a class period, losing it for the
entire school day, and having to pick it up
at the office later in the day.
Teachers in the hallway feel that
their strict policy can work throughout the
school. All the faculty needs to do is to put
up a few signs and most importantly
reinforce the rules.
Ashley is confident she’ll succeed on
Survivor based purely on her personality
“I’m strong, competitive, and athletic and I
have the ability to think under pressure.”
People who are aware of Ashley’s former
position on the Cony basketball team are
very excited about her being on Survivor
“Who would have thought someone from
Cony would end up on television”
sophomore Megan Turner says. Students at
Cony will be watching proudly and cheering
Ashley on throughout the game.
One of the
many teams
that
participated
in the scooter
races last
month!!
SPORTS
Commentary: On Spring Sports
Baseball Blues
By Luke Duncklee
As the Red Sox wrap up spring
training in beautiful Fort Myers,
Florida, Cony’s spring sports season
has finally kicked off – all three weeks
of it! Now, last time I checked,
baseball was not played in a gym. But,
that’s the sad truth here in Maine.
During the first week of practice, it
snowed three out of five days!
...there’s just
something depressing
about playing America’s
pastime in nothing more
than a large room.
Confined to the dark recesses
of the auxiliary gym, baseballs whiz by
camouflaged by the white background,
with the occasional silent assassin
Commentary: Boston Sports
Why Do We Do It to
Ourselves?
striking an unknowing kneecap or
stomach. In this prison, where the
inmates are tempted by the warm
weather and snowmelt seen through the
narrow window slits, players and
coaches try to stay positive. But, there’s
just something depressing about playing
America’s pastime in nothing more than
a large room.
The key is to make the most
of the time you have because
most every other school is in
the same situation.
So why do we go through this
torture? It might be due to the 6 inches
of snow on the fields, or the sub freezing
temperatures in the middle of the day.
Oh, and the 8 to 15 inches projected for
t o m o r r o w d o e s n ’ t h e l p e i t h e r.
Whichever way you look at it,
Maine weather is fickle… The ugly
truth is that every single year, we will be
spending part of our spring sports
season indoors.
1972 and the Celtics lost Larry Bird due
to injury when he should have still been in
his prime. Then there was the Patriots…
not much to say about them because they
were terrible, making it to the big game
only twice before 2001.
This roller coaster ride
we call Boston sports is
most evident with the
Red Sox.
N o w, d u r i n g m y l i f e t i m e
(especially
the last 10 years) it has been a
By Michael Jacques
different story and this answers my earlier
Growing up in a family of New q u e s t i o n . T w o W o r l d S e r i e s
England sports fans I have been Championships, three Super Bowl Wins,
exposed to the ups and downs of our one NBA title, and even the Bruins are
beloved teams my whole life. It raises starting to see the light. Life seems to be
the question: Why do we do it?
pretty good these days and it all started
Before my time there was of when “Pretty Boy” Tom Brady took over
course the Bucky Dent homerun and for Bledsoe.
the famous Billy Buckner disaster
This carried through Curt Schilling’s
(although the plays the followed were bloody sock and the best comeback in
not his fault). Then of course the Bruins sports history as the Red Sox won a seven
have not won the Stanley Cup since game series against the Evil Empire after
Pg. 14
But wait! There’s more. Even when
the dastardly snow melts away, it leaves us
with an equally evil enemy to deal with.
Mud.
To the untrained eye, what looks to
be a clear field is in fact a slippery quagmire.
It gums up the cleats, ruins the baseballs, and
destroys any happiness. There’s nothing
quite like trying to throw a 14 pound leather
water balloon to your teammate across the
diamond. Soaked polyester baseball pants
sticking to all parts of the leg is also not very
enjoyable. And of course the slightest spring
rain falling on the super saturated field will
send us packing back to the gym, almost like
we violated parole.
The key is to make the most of the
time you have because most every other
school is in the same situation. The teams
that have efficient and purposeful practices
no matter the conditions are the teams that
will be best prepared come opening day.
While almost every player is
stricken with cabin fever, they push on in
hopes that the grass will be greener on the
other side, literally.
being down 3-0. Of course, everyone knows
they went on to sweep the Cardinals to win
their first World Series in 86 years! All the
while, the Patriots won 3 out of 4 Super
Bowls and the term “Dynasty” was being
tossed around every night on Sports Center.
Even the Celtics brought together another
“Big Three” to win The Finals, but in very
recent years championships have been hard
to come by. New England has seen no
champions since 2008, but the Patriots did
go 18-1…
... people stick with the Boston
because when they did finally
win the World Series it was
the most celebrated victory in
all of sports.
This roller coaster ride we call
Boston sports is most evident with the Red
Sox. My grandfather lived in New England
his whole life. A Red Sox fan the entire time,
Please see “Boston” on pg. 15
Cont. from “Boston” pg. 14
he never saw them win a World Series.
Why… Why would he stick with a team
that long? It’s because the good
memories far outweigh those few bad
ones. My grandfather was at the game
when Carlton Fisk hit perhaps the most
clutch homerun in baseball history! (Yes
that was game six and yes they did lose
game seven, but still, it was awesome!)
Every game at Fenway
Park since May 15th
2003 has been sold out.
Also, people stick with the
Boston because when they did finally
win the World Series it was the most
celebrated victory in all of sports.
Millions of fans lined the streets of
Bean Town to see their beloved
champions hold the Trophy. Then, when
they added a second victory in 2007,
millions more became hooked for life.
(Oh by the way… 32 out of 45 so-called
“experts” of the national baseball media
are picking the Red Sox to win the
Word Series!)
Like it or not, Boston sports
fans are unlike any other. Through the
good times and the bad, we’re here and
we always will be. Every game at
Fenway Park since May 15th 2003 has
been sold out.
Sports Are
Fun
But
SAT’s Are
Important.
Good
Luck
Cony
Rams!!
Pg. 15
Lance Armstrong Retires
By Kristin Lapointe
The seven times Tour de France
winner, cancer survivor, and founder of
the Lance Armstrong Foundation, is
retiring… Again.
Although having retired and
coming back once before, Armstrong has
made clear that he is done with it for
good.
Armstrong became a
major celebrity the moment he won
seven consecutive Tour de France races
(1999-2005). “Armstrong’s bona fides as
a superstar athlete are well known highlighted by his unprecedented sevenconsecutive victories in the Tour de
France,” says a writer for the iPinions
Journal.
However, something even more
outstanding for such an athlete happened
before his races. In 1996, Armstrong was
diagnosed with testicular cancer. It can
be fatal, but it can also be treated if
caught early. Unfortunately Armstrong
did not see the warning signs. Against
the odds (less than a 40% chance to
survive, his doctor had told him),
Armstrong managed to defeat cancer
because of his good health from his
strong career in addition to the treatment
that aided him in battling his cancer.
Before being treated, he had
won two, non consecutive, Tour de
France races.
It is no doubt that Lance
Armstrong has worked a long, hard
career, however, there are some people
who say he has taken a drug, or a
steroid, and that is the reason why he has
won so many Tour De France titles.
There are other reports from all
over the world that suggest many
bicyclists, especially those who win and
do well in races, are taking drugs
(steroids). In most cases, there is no
proof to these claims, and the claims
themselves are made mostly because of
jealousy or poor sportsmanship of other
bikers and fans.
In fact, Floyd Lance won a Tour
De France race in 2006; however, he
was discovered to have been under the
influence of performance inducing
drugs, and he was revoked of his title in
2007. Floyd Lance tried to accuse Lance
Armstrong and bring him down as well.
His cycling ability isn’t all that
makes Lance Armstrong as public figure.
After his recovery from cancer, Armstrong
became a major advocate for cancer
research. Now that he is retired he hopes to
spend more time and work on his foundation
assisting the many thousands of people
fighting cancer today.
After many successful and
sometimes unsuccessful years and races, and
battling groundless claims of drug abuse,
Armstrong says he is settling down for good.
After his recovery from cancer,
Armstrong became a major advocate for
cancer research.
Adventure Race
Strategize, Search, Score
On Saturday, May 14th, at Bradbury
Mountain State Park, the second annual T3
Maine Adventure Race will be taking place.
This orienteering footrace is similar to an
outdoor scavenger hunt and is open to all
high schoolers. Teens will be asked to form
teams of 2-3 people and strategize with the
use of maps, compasses, and clues in order
to locate as many checkpoints as possible.
This orienteering footrace is
similar to an outdoor scavenger
hunt and is open to all high
schoolers.
Registration is free as long as each
contestant raises a minimum of $20 to help
support high school Outing Club. By
registering, each person will receive entry
into the race, a free lunch, door prizes, and
will be entered into a raffle if they raise more
than $40.
Other great prizes will also be
awarded to the contestants with the wackiest
outfits, those that travel the farthest to
participate, the person who raises the most
money, and more!