The Spartan Times - St. Mary`s School

The Spartan Times
March 10, 2014
"The Lunar Effect"
or Just Bad Behavior
By: Christianna Caseletto, senior
Water essential for living, fun to
swim in, and 75% of what makes us, us.
The moon correlates with water, controlling
tides. However, the combination of full moon
and water results in “the Lunar Effect”.“The
Lunar Effect” is the belief that there is
connection between the lunar cycle and
behavior. Because the moon affects large
bodies of water, it
seems almost clear that it would have
similar effects on humans.
However, various studies have
contributed to this apparent myth. One of the
more obvious arguments to this theory is the
amount of water we are made up of. While
oceans and seas have noticeable change in
tides, a large lake is barely affected, never
exceeding more than 2 inches.Does this
means tides don’t exist on smaller scales?
Or just that they aren’t as effective?
Who Did You Become?
By: Alexandrea Bozarjian, Senior
Prompted by a simple biography
assignment seniors are asked to reflect
on the person they have become at SMH.
The SMH yearbook requires each
graduating senior to submit a short bio
that will be placed below their picture in
the yearbook. The assignment seems
rather small and insignificant but it really
challenges each and every senior to look
inside themselves and wonder, “am I
ready to graduate?”
It is a simple question with a
complex answer. What students can
expect from senior year is, “learning to be
comfortable with who they are,” says
Dianne Costa a guidance counselor at
SMH. It is 100% a year of transition and
one that is overwhelming and exciting at
the same time.
Photo by:Alexandrea
Bozarjian, Senior
Within school walls, behavior is always an
issue at large. On a normal day, student
behavior varies, according to Nurse Lisa Morin
Plante. In the nursing office, Mondays tend to be
busiest while Fridays are much more low key.
There also apparently tends to be more
behavioral problems on Monday's because
they’re after weekends and issues from then are
taken to school. So this leads to the next
question is it the time of the week that triggers
these behavioral issues?
LUNAR, page 8
Graduation
Photo by: Alexandrea
Bozarjian, senior
Jennie Mucciarone, a senior at SMH and
captain of the basketball and soccer team feels as
though this assignment has assisted her in
evaluating goals that she has accomplished and
ones that she wishes to accomplish in the near
future. She went on to say,” I didn’t think I was going
to be ready to leave and move on but I realize now
that four years was enough.” She is ready to take on
a new chapter of her life, Mucciarone has committed
to Tufts University for basketball.
No matter which senior you talk in the halls at
SMH all have the same thing on their mind. They all
are anxious to know who they will be and where they
will end up. Allowing them to reflect on their time at
SMH gives them the chance to see the person they
have become, and how SMH contributed to their
growth.
When those yearbooks are printed come May,
these seniors will take pride in who they are and
what they have accomplished. Dianna Costa
believes that even by the middle of the year you can
see a change in every senior’s face, “you can see
that they are ready.”
Features
Prom Preparation – and
why it does or doesn’t
matter
By: Christianna Casaletto, Senior
Prom – the word that girls obsess over
while most guys dread. For girls,
Prom night is an evening filled with glamor,
sparkle and dancing. For guys, it’s all of those
things. But what guy really likes glamor and
sparkle?
Prom is a staple High School event that
is said to have been around since the late
1800’s. Whoever invented said event was a
genius,providing an opportunity for dress shops
and designers to make major every spring time.
Prom should be considered less a night of fun
and more of an expensive investment. Visa
recently produced a survey that found the
regional average of prom costs in 2013. The
Northeast (that’s us!) took the lead with an
astounding average spending of $1,528.
The South had an average of $1,203, the West
$1,079, and the Midwest trailed behind with an
average of $722. So what would possess teens
to spend this kind of money, or more
importantly, why their parents allow it?
Unless your dad happens to be Donald Trump
or you’re a Kardashian, this kind of spending
seems absurd.
Most young girls have the same dream at
one point or another – the dream to be a
princess. This is why women often have such
strong feelings toward their wedding day. More
often than not I’ve been caught in the act of
looking at wedding dresses online. Maybe it’s
the big poufy dress, the scent of Roses and
Hydrangeas, the frosted perfection known
only as cake, glorious cake. Maybe girls care so
much about Prom because it’s like the opening
act to the main event – their impending
wedding.
Prom
Photo By:
Christianna
Casaletto,
senior
The next generation of girls
preparing for Prom 5 years in
advanced as opposed to the
5 months 2014 seniors have.
Photo by:Christianna
Casaletto
Perspective of Prom goes further than just guys
and girls; it also varies among ages. I recently
did a survey with a group of freshman
containing 6 boys and 3 girls. I asked them a
simple question – are you excited
for/anticipating prom? Not one of the 9 students
answered yes. So what does this tell us? Has
the glimmer of Prom faded within the last few
years, and if so, why?
Last year I was able to attend my first
prom. I’m not sure if it was the never ending
upward slope of escalators, the mediocre food,
my less than enthusiastic date or the lack of
variety in the music, but my experience did not
live up to expectations. It seems that Prom in
the last five years or so has just become a night
of stress, drama and expense. This fatal
combination could be the factor that is turning
so many away from Prom.It seemed only
necessary to get other perspectives on Prom,
and interviewing a variety of students to tell me
about their opinions on the subject was helpful
in determining the significance of the event.
These individuals include a female sophomore,
a female senior, and a male graduate. Each had
a different view and each had reasons for them.
During your years as an underclassman you
look up to the upperclassman and look forward
to the years to come. When you’re a part of the
older population in the High School you have
more opportunities and a much more exciting
agenda of events; one of these events being
Prom.
The female underclassman expressed
her hopes for Prom in the years to come, even
describing what her ideal prom dress,
hairstyle and makeup would be. She also
explained why girls have more of a connection
to prom than guys saying, “Prom is so
important to girls because that day is all about
you. You get to dress up and look beautiful. I
think boys view prom as just another stupid
dance. This is because boys do not get the fun
experiences of getting their nails done or picking
out a dress.”
2
Entertainment
With ground breaking
incentives, Boston has
increasingly become the prime
film production
location. Throughout New
England, Massachusetts has
specifically received large tax
breaks for movie production in
the surrounding cities.
According to the “Economic
Impacts of the Massachusetts
Film Tax Incentive Program,”
Massachusetts provides
filmmakers with numerous tax
incentives, such as a 25%
payroll credit for any movie over
$50,000. This incentive program
is managed by the MA
Department of Revenue and
encourages movie productions
and cameras rolling in the area.
Recently, the current box
office smashing hit “American
Hustle,” directed by David O.
Russell, makes filmmakers
hopeful of the benefits from the
city of Worcester. According to
A.A. Film Operator Andrea
Ajemian, “I think David O.
Russell's film will really open the
door to bigger budget movies to
come to Worcester."
While shooting was
underway, actor Christian Bale
enjoyed his free time spent in
MA, taking time out of his
schedule to scooter around
Boston with his family.
According to the study of
“Economic Impacts of the
Massachusetts Film Tax
IncentiveProgram,” since the
taxbreaks that came to MA in
2006, employment has
increased by 46% and jobshave
gone from 1,630 in 2006, to
2,380 jobs in 2011.
The Swampscott Patch
stated that their landmark
restaurant Hawthorne by
Pause for the Applause
By: Alyse Diamantides, Senior
Sea and Lynn's infamous
Christie's Restaurant were
incorporated into “American
Hustle” because of their ‘70s era
appeal.
Senior Diandra Pezzano
enjoyed watching "American
Hustle" because she noticed
some surrounding cities and
"loved the accents” from all of the
famous stars. She even stated
that the acting performances
from Jennifer Lawrence and Amy
Adams were "fab!"
Filming even took place in
Downton Salem, MA with
production trucks and big name
stars circulating the streets. Many
iconic scenes were captured on
the big screen, including some
historic building fronts from
Washington Street.
SMH senior Alexandrea
Bozarjian had a more comical
approach in her reaction to film
production in the area. "I haven't
personally been asked to be in
one of the movies...haven't spent
any time with the stars!"
Therefore, she is unaffected by
the numerous movies filming in
her home town of
Salem. However, she feels it is,
"Cool for the city."
According to Russell from
Item Live, “There are places
there that you can’t find in the
New
York area that are untouched
from the ‘70s,” He went on further
to sat that, “There are parts of
Massachusetts — Medford and
Worcester — that haven’t really
changed since the late ‘70s.”
Live, “There are places there
that you can’t find in the New
York area that are untouched
from the ‘70s,” He went on further
to sat that, “There are parts of
Massachusetts — Medford and
Worcester — that haven’t really
changed since the late ‘70s.”
Not to mention the numerous
filming locations in Worcester,
Russell even brought some of the
filming of “American Hustle” to
Lynn, Ma. In response to feelings
of movie production in the area,
SMH senior Kayleigh Galvin had
a positive attitude. "I think it's
good for the publicity in the area."
The historic quality and
essence of New England is
forever in its favor as many films
are seeking primary filming
locations in the vicinity. MA
citizens should be proud that
Hollywood Film Associations are
so interested in nearby places for
their multimillion dollar movies.
Russell was not a novice to
the great settings of MA. Before
“American Hustle,” he also filmed
in the greater Boston area of
Lowell, with the production of the
2010 film, “The Fighter.”
Over the years, numerous
movies have gone down in
Boston history, like the 2006 film
“The Departed,” starring Matt
Damon and Mark Wahlberg. Not
to mention the benefits of
production shoots and job
opportunities, filming also attracts
tourism in the area.
Tourism plays a major role
and offers great perks for local
businesses. Downton shops and
restaurants become mobbed with
people hoping to catch a glimpse
of one of the stars. With the
production of “Grown Ups” in
2010, many locals auditioned and
even got to meet some of the
actors, including Adam Sandler
and Kevin James.
3
His next project, “Here Comes
the Boom” in 2012. According to
James, “This was perfect for
what we
wanted, just the feeling of it. We
wanted it to have that East
Coast, Boston feel.”
In addition, the MPAA also stated
that the construction of New
England Studios; which is a
state of the art film and television
production facility, supported 440
fulltime
jobs, which generated over
$35.6 million in personal income
and $62.3 million in economic
output for the Commonwealth.
The 2010 film, “The Town,”
brought an all too real reality to
the citizens of Charleston.
Directed by Ben Affleck, Jeremy
Renner played the role and truly
got into the spirit of the Boston
accent. “Accents can be a great
tool to tell a story… I don’t want a
polished accent. Once I got to
Boston I was hanging out in bars
and there was information for me
everywhere I looked,” quoted
Renner from The Wall Street
Journal.
“[The] study reconfirms that
incentivizing productions creates
jobs and generates enormous
economic return for local and
state economies,” said Motion
Picture Association of America
Chairman and CEO Senator
Chris Dodd. He further went on
to say, “Massachusetts is the
latest example of a state that is
benefiting tremendously from a
thriving local film industry. The
steady stream of Massachusetts
production means more jobs for
entertainment industry workers.”
In 2003, “Mystic River” was shot
in Boston, making history by
revitalizing Boston’s cinematic
production. More classics include
the 1997 release of “Good Will
Hunting,” depicting Matt Damon
commuting from Southie to MIT
every day via the subway.
Because of recent events, Massachusetts as a whole “Is
moving to be a larger part of the film industry…with regular
filming taking place, business and local talent has grown to
support the industry, thus making it easier to film in the Bay
State,” according to Andrea Ajemian, from A.A. Films.
Indeed, movie production greatly improves MA economy
and provides employment positions for people in the area.
The chance of a glimpse of the stars, increase in tourism,
and creation of jobs makes film production a must in the
state of MA.
AMC Theater, Danvers Ma., has numerous theaters filled with
all the "Number One Movies of the Year." Sales kept increasing
and food accommodations were forever pleasing to the many
audience members. Photo Cred: Alyse Diamantides, Senior
4
Sing a New Song!
By: Jacqueline Lavin, Senior
School choir is spreading its
wings and moving in a new
direction! First year religion
teacher, Michael McDuffee, is
now the co­director of the choir
with Patrick Caulfield and has
many plans for it.
McDuffee commented that he
desires to bring new styles of
music into the group. “Mr.
Caulfield has a really good
repertoire of traditional Catholic
music. I have a wider
understanding of more
Contemporary Christian music.”
With this, he plans to work with
Caulfield to turn the choir into a
music ministry that is very
centered around Christ.
Along with a music ministry,
McDuffee also supports the idea
of the formation of an A Capella
group, especially since he
founded the first men's A
Capella group at Assumption
College.“An A Capella group is
something that I feel I can
definitely help with. I think it's a
great idea, and as long as there
is interest, I'm definitely willing to
pursue it.”
He also said that he is
inviting kids who play
instruments to join the choir. “I
would love to see the music
ministry go beyond just singing
and guitar. I would love to see it
go into a full worship group. That
is what I built at my parish, and I
would love to see that happen
here as well.”
Senior choir member,
Rebecca Hart, is also a strong
supporter of where the choir is
going. When she found out that
Michael McDuffee was going to
be directing the choir, she was
very excited. . “I knew that he
was very good with
Contemporary Christian music. I
Best of Both Worlds
just knew it would be a great
experience with him. He would be By: Julie Donahey & Alyse Diamantides
Seniors
leading us into the new
If you are looking for a
evangelization.”
theatrical home that
Hart believes that Christian
music can open the door for many encompasses drama, acting
and singing, come to the
people to bring them deeper into
Theatrical Program. A variety of
their faith. She appreciates
McDuffee's plan for the choir to be students, ideas and styles are
encompassed into this Musical
centered around worship when
and Drama program.
singing at Church.“When we're
Our new head of the Drama
singing at Mass, we're not singing
Program, Mary Jo LaPointe, has
for ourselves. We are singing for
God. That is our purpose for being new plans for this year. This
years play is, The Audition, and
in choir,” said Hart.
Rebecca also enjoys the idea of auditions have already begun.
LaPointe is making an
the choir doing things outside of
organized plan for Drama this
church, and she believes that it is
year. She h sent an
in good hands. “It's awesome. I
really like where it is going, and I'm email to those who showed
happy that after I leave, it will be all interest, and asked them to fill
set. I trust that Mike will do a good out forms about their theatrical
experience.
job with it.”
Beginning on Oct. 3, the
Drama Fest is picking up speed.
This club offers students a
chance to partake in acting,
stage crew, makeup department
or technical support to make this
year's play a success. Typically, a
Drama Fest play consists of one
40 min. act. However, if the
school passes this round, they
progress further in the
Heavenly Singing!
competition and compete on a
Photo by: Diandra Pezzano,
regional level.
senior
“This is my first year and I'm
very excited to be a part of the
theatrical program," says senior
Diandra Pezzano about her
expectations for beginning
Drama. Along with Rebecca
Heart, the two seniors will take
charge of the Theatrical Program
by organizing meetings,
fundraisers and provide a
welcoming environment for the
new dozen freshmen.
Drama!
Photo by: Rebecca Brackett,
junior
5
Underestimating
the
Power
of
Social
Networking
By: Alexandrea Bozarjian, senior
We are currently in a digital age where everything is
at the click of a button or swipe of a
fingertip. Everything is shared via social media sites
like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. These social
media sites consume all of our time and we do not
even realize it. According to a study done by NBC
news the United States spent 121 billion minutes on
social media in July of 2012 alone. That means that
the average person was spending six and a half
hours each on social media. To put things in
perspective that is the equivalent to the length of an
average school day.
According to Statisticbrain.com, 98% of 14­18 year
olds use social media. If you consider that
percentage that tells you how if something is on the
internet for all to see and share than 98% percent of
teens are seeing it. This is why adults constantly
caution teens to watch what you put on the internet
because in retrospect you have no idea what a mass
volume of internet users there are. Social media use
has sky rocketed, it has become a form of
communication for young people and a way to share
their lives with people countries away. Not only is the
ability to share information increased but this is where
all our time is going. Devices like Apple’s iphone and
ipad allows us to receive direct notifications from
social Medias such as twitter. You can tweet from
wherever you want whenever you want. It is the
ultimate side tracker. On average 7.1 hours of our
time each month is going to social networking. It is
hard to see that as a good thing when the average
user is within the 14 to18 age range. These are
crucial times in a person’s life and among some of the
hardest years. Not only are kids being scrutinized in
school but over the internet as well. Given its vast
popularity kids have looked at social networking as an
outlet to say and be whatever they want. This breeds
problems such as cyber bullying and the spread of
elicit material. It’s hard to correct this problem when
there is such a generation gap. The only way a parent
or teacher can really understand is by becoming tech
savvy themselves. You can’t provide guidance or set
limits if you do not understand the social media world
which is part of the problem.
Zuzu Haefner, a senior is taking a
quick twitter break
Parents and teachers don’t really not what their
kids are up to.The appeal of social media is all
stemmed around “connection” teenagers have to
feel connected to everything and everyone. We
thought gossip in school was bad but social
media is the high school rumor mill on steroids.
According to Roiworld’s Teen and Social Network
study done in 2010, 90% of teens in the United
States said they have created an online profile for
a social networking site. The numbers don’t lie we
are currently in social media take over mode. It
essentially runs the average teens life. In the
same study it said 48% of teens admit they spend
too much time on the internet. This does not even
include those who aren’t even aware of their
problem. The effect of social media is both good
and bad, you can’t argue that just because it is
being used more frequently than ever it’s a bad
thing. Studies done by psychologist have showed
that frequent social media use can lead to
narcissism but others show that the more friends
we have on the Facebook the less likely we are to
be depressed. It is argued that social networks
can help teens develop empathy for people out in
the real world and others say it inhibits
communication skills. This issue is a fairly new
one because based on research the good
outweighs the bad which is contrary to what most
6
people may think.
News
Is School Starting Later
Beneficial?
Tick Tock By Diandra
Pezzano
By Casey Knowles, senior
School now starts 15 minuets earlier and many
students are not happy with the new change.
Studies have shown that if schools started later in
the day, students would preform better
academically. A Today.com poll that interviewed
students across the country said that 78% of
students would prefer school to start at a later time
compared to the 22% that said they would like to
have an earlier start to the school day. United
States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan also
suggested that a later start time would benefit high
school students.Furthermore, a study by the
University of Minnesota showed that students who
started at 8:40 AM scored better on tests and
missed fewer classes compared to students who
started school at 7:30.
According to the Trends in International
Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), the
United States has the highest number of sleep
deprived children. When asked about the new
start time, some SMH students voiced their
frustrations." It's very aggravating that we have
to start at 7:40" said Mattie Durgin, a junior from
Lynn. Cameron Byrne, a senior from
Swampscott said "I'm not down for having to be
in homeroom so early, I liked the previous years
schedule better".In addition to the Today.com
poll, Many SMH students themselves believe
that school should start later. A conducted
around school that included 20 SMH students
revealed that 85% of SMH students think school
should start at a later time whereas 15% are
content with the new start time. Overall,
students prefer to start school later in the day.
Numerous studies show that it is beneficial to
start school later not only academically, but for
the students' health as well.
LUNAR, page 1
The full moon that occurred on October
19 (Saturday) provided some interesting
observations. Various faculty reported that on
that Friday students were “more active” and
that there was a significant amount of
“class disruptions”. Keeping in consideration
that Fridays are “laid down days”, many would
associate these behaviors with the full moon.
When multiple individuals of the SMH
community were asked about predictions for
the November 17 full moon, the majority had
very similar answers. Because the full moon
would occur on a Sunday and a school
day would follow many predicted that there
would be more behavioral issues.
It is evident though that anything that
affects us physically affects us emotionally.
Morin Plante puts it simply saying, “The moon
affects water, we are water”. And although
various studies dismiss the mysterious “Lunar
Effect” theory, it’s hard to ignore all the
connections made between the moon, water,
and us.
7
The Blue Truck
By Brennan Pramberg
For some time now there has been a blue
Ford Ranger truck parked in the back of C
Building now known as "Student Parking."
The truck never moves and does not belong
to any student, teacher, or faculty member
at St. Mary's High School. The blue Ford
Ranger truck has been parked in the same
student parking spot as far back as last
year. All the spaces outlined by yellow paint
are owned by SMH and are reserved for
parking only by students, teachers,
and faculty of the school. These parking
spots are not reserved for residents of St.
Mary's Plaza, a low income housing
complex located on 30 Pleasant St.
Bob Calef and David Giarusso are in charge
of maintenance at the school and were the
only people aware of who the truck
belonged to. Calef said that he thought it
belonged to a women living in St. Mary's
Plaza who he had had some issues with the
truck before in regards to plowing the
school parking lot.
In an interview with Sarah Calland
building manager of St. Teresa House
and St. Mary's Plaza, Bob Calef and
David Giarusso it was confirmed that
the owner of the blue truck was living
at the housing complex. According to
Calland resident were not allowed to
drive stating, "We don't supply
parking here." By parking in the
school parking lot the owner of the
blue Ford is breaking both school
rules and St. Mary's Plaza resident
rules. Calland was firm in her
statement that none of her residents
can park any car on our campus or
theirs.In regards to the truck being an
issue of campus security, Calland
statedthat "We want to be on the
same page if something happens."
However in an interview with Doctor
DiFabio, the school principal, he said
that he did not view the truck as a
serious issue for campus security but
that he did not know enough about it
to make any decisions
When I asked Calland what should be done about the
truck she said, "I don't tolerate the
parking nonsense." Calef suggested the truck should be
moved to a different spot so that it is out of the way of the
snow plows, and Calland responded "No, it's got to go and
it will be towed."DiFabio also stated that the new set up on
student and teacher parking had little to do with security
and more to do with "everyone having a spot." He also
said that though the school is still looking into the use of
parking permits to make sure that everyone parking on the
school campus is accounted for. So far, no decision has
been made on the
matter.Calef said that the truck will be towed on monday
November 4, 2013.There was also a red car that was
parked next to the truck but when the owner was asked to
move it, she did so. Calland said that she had had
incidents in the past with the same tenants in regards to
following rules.When the owner of the blue truck was
asked to move it she caused problems according to
Giarusso and therefore it will be towed. It is unlikely that
there will be future problems with St. Mary's Plaza
residents parking in school parking now that Calland has
been made aware of this incident.
True Blue
Photo taken by Alyse Diamantides
8
Contributing to a Healthier
Community
By Courtney Curry
As many of you approach your senior year you will
realize how important community service is. As a
senior now I started filling out my college applications
realizing how much service they look for. Community
service is a good thing to get involved in throughout
all your years in high school. Not only is it important to
college but it is also our duty to help others who are in
need. Now as you keep that in mind recently National
Honor Society has met with
Amanda Rzepkowski, who is from AmeriCorps and is
volunteering at Lynn Food and Fitness Alliance. She
came and talked to us about the volunteer options
with the Lynn Food and Fitness Alliance. She also
explained to us how important it is to make healthy
choices in our lives.
This is a volunteer option that will hopefully peak your
interest, and hopefully you will come take part in
making Lynn a healthier place. The Lynn Food and
Fitness Alliance is a group of High School student
from Classical, English, and SMH who meet once a
week to work of service projects to help make Lynn a
healthier environment to live in.
When Amanda came to talk to us she told us about
the recent project that they are working on, this is to
bring healthy food into corner stores in Lynn. She
gave the example of Dunkin Donuts, they now sell
bananas and after every morning they are sold out.
Healthy food does sell fast; it is just that it is not in a
lot of stores that people stop into on the go. The Lynn
Food and Fitness Alliance is working to bring about
healthy food like yogurt, fruit, cheese nuts, etc. to
stores like 7 eleven. We took a vote during our NHS
meeting on who would buy healthy food if it were
available to them for breakfast on their way to school;
almost everyone voted they would.
According to presidential council on fitness, statistics
show how important it is that we get more people to
join in on living healthy lives. One statistic is that
Obesity­related medical conditions cost our nation
nearly $150 billion every year and account for 16 to
18 percent of our total healthcare costs (1 in every 6
dollars spent). This shows how much money our
country could save if obesity wasn’t a problem in our
country. If we saved all the money that was being
used to pay for the complications due to obesity, we
would be able to help many people in the world who
are dying from hunger. We need to limit ourselves
and give to others who do not have enough to support
themselves. We need to help our community become
a healthier place.
Another statistic I found, according to the NSW
Schools Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey
was that about one­third of young people did
not eat breakfast every day. Breakfast is our
most important meal and with the help of this
project healthier breakfast foods will be
available to us in convenient stores for the
purpose of grabbing a quick breakfast in the
morning. We need to help to teach others how
important eating healthy is by setting examples
and having these foods available for them.
According to a study done by The Journal of
the American Dietetic Association,By eating at
least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits a day,
you can reduce your risk of stroke and heart
disease by 30%, lose weight, and enhance
your immune system so you don’t get sick as
often. This shows how much of an impact
healthy food can have on our lives. Many
people do not realize how much food can affect
the way we live. Food does have a major
impact on our lives and we need to be cautious
of what we eat everyday.
For this project they are working to recruit
storeowners who are willing to put healthy food
in their stores. This is where we come in; we
are needed to help get these storeowners on
board. We would be going around to different
stores and advertising our plans for making a
healthier environment. They also need people
to help with the marketing aspect of the project.
If you think you might not be sociable enough
to go around to the stores this would be the
perfect place for you! They need help designing
posters, coming up with marketing ideas, and
doing work behind the scenes.
This is a great way to get involved with our
community and you can add it on to your
college resume. It is also great to get involved if
you have an interest in the health field.
Colleges will look at the places you have
volunteered, and it is good to have some
experience in the field you are looking to go
into.
Healthy!
Photo by:
Courtney
Curry
9
Features
A Day in the Life of
Doherty
Straight out of room B17 comes an
"outgoing, garrulous" English
teacher, Mr. Larry Doherty.
As most students recognize him for
his sarcastic attitude but only
"sarcastic in a good way" gives
him his own recognizable
personality everyone has come to
know and love.
When Doherty was younger he
aspired to be a teacher and
attended Boston College to live out
his decision. As a freshman at BC
he majored in English and minored
in education. "Theres a
fine line between teaching and a
juvenile entertainer", said Doherty.
In a normal day in the classroom
consists of Doherty trying to enliven
the class and motivate
them to succeed. He makes sure
they're working and strives to make
sure it's "a no fun class",
Doherty said with great sarcasm in
his voice.
In continuing the interview
Doherty was asked to describe
his students. "Look at these
people.. How would you describe
them", Said Doherty again with
sarcasm in his voice. He then
goes on to say the students are a
pleasure to teach. They are
inquisitive, enthusiastic, but
sometimes they need a little
boost.
Doherty said that the students
improve they're work ethic
everyday and take a step closer
to being good students.
Doherty's goal is to continue
teaching. After his career in
teaching he hopes to retire and
travel.
Doherty told the newspaper that
when he travels you will see him
sitting in an Irish Pub. At the end
of the interview Doherty was
asked if there was anything else
he wanted to say. He responded
by saying he is glad to support
the newspaper.
When asked about what he thinks
about teaching Doherty responded
by saying it's enjoyable,
rewarding and challenging. He
expresses his fondness in seeing
young people succeed.
Doherty works to "model a good
work ethic for the students and
prepare them for life after high
Larry the Legend
Photo By: Gabriel
Ayers, senior
10
Camp Sunshine
Also any type of sport, computers or
go to the waterfront where we could
The ride was about 2 hours
long headed to Casco, Maine with 7 canoe, kayak or use any other water
things. At 12:00p.m. we would have
of my classmates, Sarah McVann,
an hour to have lunch and the kids
Melissa LeFave, Gianna Iantosca,
would go back with their families. I
Tatiana Doucette, Alexis Mango,
would normally eat with the family I
Bryan Nerich, Ryan Boiselle and
first had dinner with. Then we would
our teacher,Doug Lowe. We were
return to our age groups again
going to Camp Sunshine, a camp
around at 1:00pm. At 5:00pm the
for terminally ill children and their
kids parents would pick them up
families.
and it was time for dinner. After
When we first arrived we
walked in and someone greeted us dinner from 6:00­10:00pm the whole
camp would gather together, if they
at the front desk. We got our room
would like, to attend things that
keys and our yellow volunteer t­
were planned. Every night there
shirts. We went to our rooms and
put all of our stuff away. Right away was a different activity like a
comedy show, a talent show, group
we had an introductory meeting
bonfire, a dance party, celebration
with all of the volunteers to meet
everyone. We were told about what show and a wish boat ceremony.
we should expect and what we will We got to connect with the whole
camp, not just our group.
be doing for the next few days.
Since Camp Sunshine is on a
Then, we got assigned what group
we were going to be working with. I lake, one day we had a fishing trip.
There was expert fishers and they
was put with the 9­12 year olds. I
got showed around the campus so I would take around two kids and one
knew were I would be and met the volunteer on the boat. I went on the
boat with the expert fished and two
other volunteers in my group and
of the kids in my group. We were
the leaders.
out on the lake for about an hour but
At around 4p.m. the word
did not catch anything. The last
around camp was "the buses are
night of camp we had the wish boat
here!", everyone rushed to the
parking lot. We helped the families ceremony. Every child from camp
made a little boat with a candle
bring the luggage to their rooms.
Every volunteer was given a family during their arts and crafts session.
The camp gathered in the cafeteria,
to have dinner with on the first
turned the lights off, light the boats
night. The family I got to eat with
was a mother, father, and two girls, candle, and played a song that was
written specifically for Camp
one 3 years old and one 9 years
Sunshine. When the music was
old. I became so close with this
turned off all kids blew out their
family that I still keep in touch with
them! So the next day was the first candle and made a wish.
Normally the wish boat
real day of camp. We got up, went
ceremony's are held on the lake and
to get breakfast and went to our
the kids would launch their boats.
age groups rooms. We went
Right before ours it started raining
outside and played ice breaker
so we had to do it in the cafeteria,
games with the kids to help them
but it still had the same effect.
get to know each other. Everyday
After the wish boat ceremony
from 9:00a.m­12:00p.m. and
we all set up chairs in front of the
1:15p.m. to 5:00p.m. we would
stage and watched the big screen
have activities. The things we
lower. A slide show with all the
would do consisted of going to the
pictures from the week was played.
indoor pool, playing mini golf,
archery, and arts and crafts.
We got to see all of the pictures
that were taken and see all of the
activities each group had
participated in. Camp Sunshine
holds 40 families each session with
no expense, it holds 1,200 families
a year, houses 65­75 volunteers,
and is in operation all year round.
I became so close with
people in just a matter of 4 days
and I still talk to the family that I ate
dinner with the first day! It was
such a great atmosphere and
seeing smiles on everyone's faces
was amazing. Seeing all these
brave kids made me so happy,
realizing how strong they are.
Spending just a couple days with a
bunch of kids was truly one of the
happiest times in my life. Anyone
who has the chance to volunteer at
Camp Sunshine should definitely
do it because it really gives such a
positive outlook on life.
Camp Sunshine relies on
fundraisers and donations to keep
going and they are a non­profit
charitable organization. They have
numerous sponsors some with big
names such as The Coca Cola
Company, Dunkin' Donuts,
Hannaford, jetBlue airways, Market
Basket, Walmart, and so
many more. Camp Sunshine is a
place to provide support and joy to
families going though very tough
times. It serves as a retreat for the
people involved.
The infamous, yellow, Camp
Sunshine volunteer shirt.
Volunteers range from age 16­80
11
years old.
Cam Byrne's Claim
to Instagram Fame
One of Cam Byrnes favorite
sunset pictures found on
instagram. Picture with 171 likes.
Cam Byrne's passion for
photography is relatively new, but
his picturesmake it seem like he
has been doing it for years. From
nature to skiing,Cam Byrne
captures it all.The SMH senior
began using Instagram at the end
of his sophomore year. For those
who don't know, Instagram is an
app that allows users to upload
different photos to their profile. At
first, Cam did not take pictures
seriously, but as his interest in
photography grew, so did the
quality of his pictures.
" My iPhone let me get very
creative with taking pictures and
editing, also, Instagram allowed
me to let others see my work", said
Cam. Instagram currently has 20
different filters that users can
select from to enhance their
pictures.
Currently, there are 150
million Instagram users worldwide.
Launched in 2010, Instagram has
quickly become one of the most
downloaded apps of all time.
However, many people did not
start using Instagram until about
two years ago.
Cam Byrne likes to
photograph many different things,
but nature is what he likes to
photograph most. On why he takes
pictures of nature, Cam said, " I
like taking pictures of nature
Cam has uploaded 747
pictures to date and he gets over
100 likes on almost every picture
he uploads. On what he thinks
about getting so many likes, Cam
responded " it's a great feeling
knowing that people enjoy my
work, and I want to keep improving
my photos as I continue to upload
them." Some people believe that
you need an expensive camera to
be a good photographer.
Cam began his Instagram
career taking pictures with his
cell phone. " My iPhone was a
great camera to start out with."
said Cam, who recently received a
Canon T3I camera for Christmas. "
the camera I got is really great, it's
going to allow me to take better
pictures and make my pictures
look more professional."
One of Cam Byrne's famous
pictures taken off of his instagram.
Picture comes with 161 instagram
likes.
Cam also said that when people
"like" his photos, it gives him an
incentive to post more pictures.
Most Instagram users
average about a couple of hundred
followers on their account. Cam
Byrne boasts 1,575 followers. Most
people would consider this to be a
lot of followers, but Cam doesn't let
it get to his head. " I wouldn't say
I'm 'Instagram famous' at all. I do
have more followers than your
average instagrammer, but they are
mostly people that I know."
Cam also said that sunsets are his
favorite things to photograph. " I
like to photograph sunsets because
of the amazing color."
Cam enjoys taking pictures
during the summer at Camp Rotary
and also when he goes skiing
during the winter. Cam will be
attending Endicott College next fall
and will major in Business
Administration and minor in
Photography. Cam was awarded
Endicott College's Presidential
Scholarship which is worth up to
$20,000 over his four years at
Endicott.
Cam's hometown also gives
him a unique advantage among his
fellow Instagram users. Cam lives
in Swampscott, a seaside
community with a total population of
about 14,000 people. " I love
Swampscott because King's Beach
provides me with a great landscape
to take pictures", said
Cam.
Giving advice is something
Cam loves to do as well. For those
of you who want to up your
Instagram game, Cam has a few
tips. " I would recommend not
posting more than once or twice per
night. I would also find the right
time to post, I usually upload my
pictures around 8 pm because that
is when I get the most likes.", said
the Swampscott native.
12
Sports
the SMH team is already off to a
good start, says Hanlon. “Three
people on our team have
alreadyqualified for states and 10
people are ranked in the top ten in
the league in their race.”
Rachel Hanlon:
Running circles
around the
competitors for Indoor
Track.
At any SMH meet you can watch
By: Christianna Casaletto
When asked what her favorite
memory with the basketball team,
Rudolf lit up with excitement.
Winning the state title freshman
year was her response, and she
seemed to relive it in that moment.
"It was so exciting, I was just so
excited." Said Brianna.
Hanlon participate in the 600 meters,
The basketball team has set some
4x400 meter
For natural born runner Rachel
serious goals for this season.
Hanlon, her senior season of winter relay, and the long jump. “I think I am
the best at the 600 meters because Ultimately, they want to win as most
indoor track as
games as they possibly can. On
captain is something she has been it is what I train the most for. Also, I
Dec. 18 the team left for Florida, in
train for both speed and stamina
preparing her whole life for.
which is required in order to do well order to play in the KSA Classic
in the race.” Hanlon always pushes tournament. They hope to win the
Rachel Hanlon has participated in
tournament and they are well
both winter and spring track with the herself to finish a race strong. “I am
able to push myself knowing that if I prepared. Of course the team, as
SMH teams since
run out of stamina, I only let myself well as the rest of us Spartans,
the 7th grade. But for Hanlon,
would love for the girls to take the
training began much before middle down and let the team down less
state title trophy once again.
school. “My mom was an avid runner than if I messed up in the relay.”
and ran in several marathons, road
In response to my question
races, and triathlons. She put me in
regarding preparations for her final
children’s races when I was younger
basketball season at St.Marys,
and grew up running.”
Brianna said, "To prepare for the
season we've ran more than the
However, not all her talent comes
St.Mary's star shooting guard,
previous years we've been coming
naturally. Hanlon trains hard to stay Brianna Rudolf, has accomplished
into practice with the mind set to
in shape all year round. “To get in
many goals during her high school make each other better, we use our
shape, I run a lot. Some days I run career. Brianna has received a
main goal of
longer distances to build up my
scholarship to play basketball at
winning the state title as a
stamina and other days I run sprints Umass Lowell next fall. "Getting this
motivation to work harder than ever
in order to build my speed.” She also scholarship was like a dream come
before."
has a few preparations before each true. I've always wanted to play
meet. “I eat pasta to give me energy college basketball!" Said the
Brianna Rudolf is an extraordinary
and get my uniform and shoes ready basketball star.
role model. She maintains good
for the next day.”
grades and balances her time
Multiple factors contributed to
wisely. When Rudolf gave the verbal
This year is different than Hanlon’s Brianna's decision to attend Umass
commitment to the River Hawks she
past 5 years with the SMH team
Lowell. Considering Brianna's
became the first St.Marys basketball
because she is now
charismatic personality, I had
player ever to accept a Div. 1 full
one of the 7 captains. “Being captain already assumed that she had a
scholarship.
is different because you try to help variety of friends, including myself.
improve others along with your times The location played a large roll in
and running abilities. It is similar in this choice because staying local
the way that I am pushing myself to meant that people could come watch
do the best that I can in my races.” her play. Rudolf also told me that
she is interested in criminal justice,
Along with helping her team mates so she was glad to find out they had
improve, Hanlon has some goals this a good program for it. "The style at
season not only for herself but also Umass Lowell fit me. I liked how the
the team. “My goal for this season is coach ran things," Brianna stated
to place in every meet, and hopefully during our interview.
13
come in the top three of the league
meet at the end of the season.” And
Brianna The Super
Star
Run to Save Your Life
By:Tiana Foglietta
Running is known as a fun,
competitive sport, but little do
people know running helps keep
you happy and healthy. Whether
you run for fun, fitness, or for a
competitive edge you are reaping
the many benefits running has to
offer. If you are not running
hopefully this article will sway you to
take up running and add it to your
daily routine.
According to the University of British
Columbia, running provides a
reduction in premature death and
proved a 20% to 50% reduction rate
in individuals who ran two miles per
day. This means that by running
only two miles a day you can
lengthen your lifespan, and save
your life.
brittle bones, or Paget's disease.
However, many young people
develop poor bone health from lack
of exercise and can experience
these symptoms at a very young
age. Even more of a motive to get
up and get moving!
finally set that personal record or
finish a high mileage race there is
no better feeling in the world
because it all came from your
endurance and your dedication."
Running is an overall beneficial
exercise that not only affects your
Running is also known to be an
health, but your brainpower and
immunity booster for people who run mood. Taking up running is no cost
for at least an hour a day. Compared at all and supplies you with many
to inactive people, it reduces
ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
infection of the upper respiratory
So pick up your sneakers and get
tract by 18%. As an immunity
running!
booster, it minimizes the chance of
developing certain cancers. Due to
the high physical impact of running,
it is known to help prevent colon and
breast cancer.
Now if health and diet isn't enough By: Michael Hayward & Dave
to convince you to become an avid Cosenza
runner, running also affects your
95 years ago was the last time the
mood. Running is a known stress
Red Sox won the World Series at
reducer and can leave you feeling Fenway. In 2013, 95 years later the
refreshed with a clear mind.
day gas coke again and the Sox are
Running, along with other physical champions.
exercises is known to release
endorphins in your brain. This
In 2012 the Red Sox ended the
chemical is released when a person season being onto of the worst
becomes happy, making them more teams in the MLB. In the offseason
energetic and elevating their mood. Ben Cherrington made a lot of good
Red Sox Win 2013
World Series at
Fenway, First Time in
95 Years
Running is proven to increase
cardiac health. This is done by its
ability to lower LDL (bad cholesterol)
and to increase HDL (good
cholesterol). In fact, by running 16
miles per week it can stop the
advancement of cardiovascular
decisions by adding good players,
disease, and running 22 miles per
Mike Cerulli, a SMH cross country and a great coaching staff. John
week can reverse the effects of
runner, explains"When I'm having a Farrell, the formal pitching coach for
developed cardiovascular disease.
bad day the best thing for me to do the Sox back in '07, came back to
is to go for a run, look at the
Boston to be the new manger in the
Along with a balanced diet, running
scenery, and when I'm done my
2013 season. However, with all
can help you capture your weight
mind is cleared and I'm in a better these changes it turned out to be a
loss goal. Running can help you
mood."
season that no one will forget.
maintain your weight, or help you
lose weight on the basis that mile
Running and racing allows a person Throughout the season the Red
for mile you burn around 100
to set goals. When people set goals Sox played great and did
calories. It is also an effective fat
it makes them happy, rather than not remarkable things that no one
burner, and will get you results
having any aspirations. When a
expected them to do. The team got
faster than it's counterpart, walking.
person achieves their goal, it makes along very well and played their
them happy and encourages them to hearts out every time they stepped
The resistance your bones
set more goals to accomplish. This foot onto the field. Thin Farrell loved
encounter as you run makes your
can then lead the same person to
this group of players, thought they
bones strong. Therefore, running
set goals in everyday life, and not be were something special, and hey all
builds up bone health, and is
afraid of failure.
contributed in many ways to the
scientifically proven to be more
team.
effective than other aerobic
Chris Foglietta, an avid runner and
exercises. Bone health is important
marathoner says, "Accomplishing a The Red Sox finished the season
to maintain because as you get
goal takes more than one try, you
with the best record going into the
older your bones weaken and you
don't achieve it without hard work,
14
become at risk for Osteoporosis,
self­ discipline, and heart. When you
playoffs 97­65, tied with the St. Louis World Series is life changing.
Cardinals. Getting to the World
Series wasn't an easy task, they had Mrs. Festa is a huge Red Sox fan
to face the Rays and the Tigers, both that works at our school, and she
who were both great teams with
had some great things to say about
outstanding pitching. The Sox found the Red Sox. " from going from last
a way to battle and win both series, place to first I was out of my mind,"
and found themselves on the way to said Mrs. Festa when asked about
the World Series against the St.
how she felt that the Red Sox went to
Louis Cardinals. The American
the World Series. When asked about
League won the All­Star game so the game 6, "I was elated, I was tired but
Red Sox had home field advantage I still stayed up for the game." When
in the World Series.
asked about Big Papi's game four
speech in the dugout, "He's a
In game 1 of the World Series the
presence on the team and everyone
Red Sox shocked everyone and
has respect for him.
gave the Cardinals a beating and
went on to win the game 8­1. The
Cardinals were able to steal game 2
A shot of Fenway Park after the
at Fenway, and the series shifted to
Boston Red Sox won the World
St. Louis for game 3. Game 3 of the By: Patrick Scanlan
World Series had a crazy ending with Chris Price has been playing hockey Series.
an obstruction call that has never
for 13 years. His position in hockey
happened before in World Series
is a defenseman. I asked him what
history. The Cardinals went on to win motivated him to play hockey. He
Game 3. After it seemed like all the said “My brother started playing and
momentum was with St. Louis, but
it got me interested and also
Big Papi brought the Red Sox
because I grew up in a family who
together as a team and they came
played hockey.” So naturally he
out and won games 4 and 5 and
would want to strap on those skates
played great. The series shifted back and start making some goals.
to Boston for game 6 at Fenway.
Now a senior at St Mary’s High
The Red Sox came into game 6 with School, he has been selected to be
the momentum on there side. Game one of the co­ captains of the
was here and the Red Sox came to hockey team. Along with Co­captain
play and it was a crazy game to
Jordan Manthorne, Coaches Mark
watch. The Red Sox struck first and Lee and Gerard Festa the 2013
went onto win the game 6­1, and
hockey team appears to have a very
were crowned the2013 World Series successful future. When I asked
Champions. Winning the World
Chris Price how he was selected to
Series was a huge thing for the city be co­ captains, his response was “I
of Boston, especially after the
got voted by my fellow teammates
tragedy that happened, and the city the prior year.” This just shows how
needed something like this to
much respect they have for Chris
happen for the community, Boston
Price but also how much faith they
Strong!! First time in 95 years that
have in him to run this team
the Red Sox won the World Series at efficiently.
Fenway, last time was in 1918. Big
Papi won the MVP of the series and Although he doesn’t run the
played unbelievable.
practices or the plays during the
game, his leadership skills and work
I (David) was lucky enough to
ethic come into play with the other
witness Game 6 in person, and it
15
was one of the craziest nights of my
life. To see the Red Sox win the
Bright Star Who
Leads The 2014
Hockey Team To
Victory
members of the hockey team. Chris together”? Price said that “The
said “I lead the team on and off the defense has been our strong point
ice, take care of the younger kids, and because of them we have been
help them out sometimes because able to defend our goal posts more
they might not know certain things efficiently and score more goals. We
and if there is a practice change I also got a lot faster and more
might be asked to tell the others on developed. We are top ten in the
state/” The last thing I asked Chris
the team. He is also involved in
Price was “how do you secure a spot
organizing community service
in the super eight.” Price said “By
projects by the hockey team.
winning our league and winning the
rest of our games in the season.”
The St. Mary’s hockey team’s
ultimate goal is to make it to the
Super Eight Tournament. The Super Thus stated back in this article the
boys hockey team were not able to
Eight is a regional playoff
tournament where the top eight high make it to the Super 8 tournament,
but made it to the Division 1 playoffs.
school teams within Division 1
compete. The two finalists play at
Boston Garden. Two seasons ago
St. Mary’s hockey team played in
the Super Eight tournament and
made it to the semi­finals.
Unfortunately though the boys
hockey team was not able to seed
in the Super Eight Tournament.
However they claimed the number
one seed in Division 1 North. On
Wednesday Feb, 26 the boys
hockey team defeated Whaltham 2­
1 in first round of the playoffs.
Chris would like his fellow
teammates to learn the
Chris "Chrii" Price in Trig
fundamentals of hockey.” To
Photo by Gabby Ayers
prepare for the games, Chris tries to
give the players “pep talks” for
motivation, encourages them to do
their best and no matter what have
fun”. St. Mary’s hockey team looks
like it’s in good hands and has a
very bright future this year.
The St.Marys Spartans ended the
season 14­4­2, which gave them
the number one seed in the Divison
1 North. When I interviewed Price
earlier in the season, I asked who
has improved on the team. Price
said “we have gotten better and in
the last 13 games we are 11­1­1
and our team’s hard work and
dedication is starting to pay off.” I
also asked Chris “is there any
improvement with certain individuals
or has the team improved all
16
Opinion
By: Alexandria Fisher, Senior
Athletics is a popular activity among high school students
around the world. For some, it is a way to become more involved
in the school and to broaden their horizons. For others, it is more
serious and they plan to carry their sport to the collegiate level.
No matter what the reasoning, athletics is a great way to
stay in shape and to make friends. At SMH, each sports team is
like a family. Practicing together every day really allows you to get
to know someone. As high school students, it can be hard at times
having to deal with cliques and bullies. Being a part of a sports
team is like a built in group of friends who will always be there for
you and will always have your back.
Athletics is a great form of exercise. We can become so
caught up in other things that our personal health and fitness can
be put on the back burner. Athletics is a great outlet for exercise
because it is an activity that people enjoy to do.
With today's technology, students can get caught up in their
cell phone screens and miss out on what is going on in the real
world. Athletics is a great way to stay active and put yourself out
there. The amount of children choosing to stay inside glued to a
computer screen rather than getting outside and running around is
becoming a pressing issue. Athletics provides a fun, social way to
get outside and make something of yourself.
Not only does athletics improve the physical health of
people, it also instills lessons and morals that cannot be learned
anywhere else. Athletics teaches you that winning is not
everything. It is more important to try your best and put in hard
work rather than simply winning a game. Athletics also teaches
sportsmanship. Nobody likes a sore loser. It is important to win
and lose with class. Being a part of a team is the best way to teach
teamwork. Children and adolescents learn teamwork on sports
teams and then carry that into their school work and careers.
NBA star Michael Jordan has said, "I've missed more than
9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've
been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed
over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
This exemplifies that athletics teaches you to learn from your
mistakes. You cannot dwell on something that you have done
wrong because you cannot go back in time and change it. All you
can do is learn from it and try to do it better next time.
Tufts Girl's Basketball commit Jennie Mucciarone said,
"Athletics have been a major part of my life. Basketball has helped
form me into the person I am today. I think it is good to have a
balance between athletics, academics, and a social life. The
athletics aspect has always played a major role and basketball is
something I have always enjoyed playing.
Staff
Editor­in­chief : Alyse
Diamantides
Copy editors:
Casey Knowles
Jackie Lavin
Christina Mignosa
Jennie Mucciarone
News stories:
Diandra Pezzano, ed.
Brennan Pramberg
Helio Meirelles Neto
Julie Donaghey
Casey Knowles
Features:
Gabby Ayers, ed.
Christianna Casaletto
Courtney Curry
Lindsey Moran
Brittany Gear
Opinion/Editorials:
Tia Foglietta, ed.
Kennedy Boyd
Amanda Pustorino
Pat Scanlan
Sports:
Michael Hayward, ed.
David Cosenza
Alexandria Fisher
Jennie Mucciarone
Garrett Molea
Entertainment:
Meghan Buckley, ed.
Alexandrea Bozarjian
Zuzu Haefner
Christina Mignosa
Jackie Lavin
Layout and Design
Team:
Alyse Diamantides
Alexandrea Bozarjian
Diandra Pezzano
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The Spartan Times Policy Statement
In collaboration with the
administration of St.
Mary’s, The Spartan
Times encourages a
positive exchange of
ideas. The official
newspaper of St. Mary’s
High School has been
established to inform and
educate its readers, as
well as for the discussion
of issues of concern to its
audience. The Spartan
Times is a tool in the
learning process of
journalism. The staff of
The Spartan Times is
comprised of members of
the Journalism class.
Though the administration
declines its legal right to
review or restrain prior to
publication, the
administration requests an
open dialogue with the
editorial staff of The
Spartan Times.
Student journalists may
use online media to report
news and information, to
communicate with other
students and individuals,
to ask questions of and
consult with experts, and
to locate material to meet
their newsgathering and
research needs.
The Spartan Times
staff will strive to avoid
publishing any material
determined by student
editors to be unprotected,
that is, material that is
libelous, obscene,
materially disruptive of the
school process, an
unwarranted invasion of
privacy, a violation of
copyright or electronic
manipulations changing
theessential truth of a
photograph or illustration.
The editorial board has
the right to determine
content of official student
publications. Content of
The Spartan Times,
therefore, represents only
the views of the student
staff and not school
officials. Although the
advisor of The Spartan
Times has the authority to
review the student medium
prior to publication, the
advisor does not act as a
censor or determine the
content of the paper. The
advisor will offer advice
and instruction. By not
interfering with the content
of The Spartan Times,
neither school officials nor
the advisor are liable for, or
responsible for, content.
The Spartan Times
editorial staff as a whole
will be responsible for
determining editorial
opinions, which represent
the opinions of the majority
of the staff. No single
member of The Spartan
Times will be held
responsible for editorial
content decisions.
As a forum for student
expression, The Spartan
Times will accept letters to
the editor, guest articles
and suggestions from any
reader. Letters, guest
columns and reader
suggestions can be
dropped off at the high
school main office or room
B16.
The Spartan Times will
make every effort to
publish all letters to the
editor, provided they are
300 words or less and
contain the author’s name,
grade level, homeroom and
school email address.
Letters will only be
published if they are
verified with the author. No
letters will be printed
anonymously. The editorial
staff will review guest
columns and reader
suggestions prior to
publication.
Letters and/or columns
may be withheld and
returned to the reader for
more information if it is
determined that the letter
and/or column contains
items of unprotected
speech as defined by this
policy. Letters and/or
columns will be edited for
spelling and grammar and
checked for verification.
Should a letter and/or
column be too long or
contain errors in fact or
excessive grammatical
errors, it will be returned to
the author for
resubmission.
Staff members will strive
to correct errors prior to
publication; however, if the
staff determines a
significant error has gone
to press, a formal
correction will appear in the
next issue.
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