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Bunnell High School * 1 Bulldog Blvd, Stratford, CT 06614 * Friday, June 12, 2015 * Volume LIV, Issue 6
Black Tie Affair Brings Classy Back to Prom
Hannah McGettigan, Staff
Reporter
Nora Turner, Editor
Prom is iconic for being the
last hurrah before the end of
high school. Friends gather in
their best outfits to dance, laugh,
and say goodbye before summer
comes and everything changes.
This year’s “Black Tie” prom on
June 5 at the Stamford Marriott
was no different as the graduating class of 2015 gathered for one
last dance before they head off to
their future endeavors.
As students and their dates arrived, a quick “cocktail” hour was
held in the lobby with lots of hors
d'oeuvres and excited chatter.
Everyone snapped last minute
selfies and discussed what was in
store for the night. Guests were
shown into the dining room at 7
p.m. which was an elegant space
with round tables and dimmed
colored lighting. As students
found their seats, each table was
decorated with gold and black
stars, glitter and white rose flower
arrangements. The entire room
felt classy, and it was one of Bunnell’s best dance venues.
“Prom was awesome, it’s weird
growing up… you see movies
about prom and now you’re
here. I liked seeing everyone all
dolled up, it’s so nice,” said senior
Students attending BHS prom: (left) Ricky Belizaire and Stephanie Kaesmann, (right) Aniya Smith, Tony Palmer and MacKeisha Williams.
Photo Credit: Hannah McGettigan and MacKeisha Williams
Giovanni-Marie Roper.
Shortly after students found
their tables, dinner was served.
Students were able to chose from
salad, turkey, steak and pasta,
while refreshments included soda
and shirley temple’s. Even though
the food was delicious, students
quickly ate their meals to enjoy
the rest of their night.
As soon as the night began,
students rushed towards the
dance floor with their friends and
dates. The DJ played popular hits
from the past year, and music
that brought a thrilling vibe to
the dining room.
There were ravishing dresses
and tuxedos worn to the event.
The majority of the dresses had
lots of bling and sparkle that
were sure to stand out among the
crowd. The styles of dresses were
typically long and represented
every color in the rainbow. The
tuxedos were mostly black, but
some students were daring by
wearing white and even a shorts
suit.
“It was upbeat and very fun,
but I’m definitely excited this is
the end [of high school],” said
senior Kayleigh Ross.
The senior class council;
Pres. Belizaire, V.P. Mariana da
Gama, Sec. Nicole Trudeson, and
Treasurer Lindsey Brown, along
with their advisor Ms. Record,
were the group responsible for
planning and organizing this
entire event.
“[The class council] were really organized, all the centerpieces
got done early. It’s so exciting to
see [the seniors] so happy to be
here and knowing I’ve helped
plan an event they’re going to
remember forever,” said Record.
Belizaire said that the council
had been working on prom for
almost the whole school year,
but it was no doubt that their
tireless work paid off. The event
was seamless and absolutely
gorgeous.
“The prom [was] amazing,
I didn’t think it would turn out
this well. I’m so happy… I didn’t
know how it was going to turn
out, [but] once you’re here in this
moment, everything paid off,”
said Belizaire.
After prom ended, students
left the Stamford Marriott and
attended the post-prom at the
Shelton Sports Center.
“Post-prom was really fun. It
was nice to be with everybody
and relax. I went to the driving
range and played mini golf,” said
sophomore Angelina LaMonica.
This year’s prom was a huge
success. The class of 2015 brought
class and style to the dance floor,
and showed their bulldog pride.
Students eat their dinner during prom night at the Stamford Marriott.
Photo Credit: Hannah McGettigan
Latin Club Lets Students Rock EMS Honors Marino
Melanie Russell
Freelancer
The first BHS Battle of the
Bands occurred on Tuesday,
June 2. This event was organized
by the BHS Latin Club and it
opened with advisor, Mr. Connor, explaining to the crowd why
he wanted to start the tradition
of hosting a Battle of the Bands at
Bunnell High School.
“Growing up, we had one at
my school, and it was always really cool to watch the bands come
out and show us what they could
do,” said Connor.
He wanted to allow BHS
students the same opportunity to
share the talents that they have,
just like he did when he was
young and an aspiring artist. Six
bands played at the event and
represented a variety of music:
from Portuguese classics to hardcore punk.
The BHS Latin Club planned
the whole night. Junior Bridget
Grover and sophomore Chad
Schroeder put in so much time
and effort into making this night
run smoothly for everyone. From
organizing the bands, to making
sure the event ran smoothly, the
night turned out to be a major
success. These two did not plan it
alone though; the Latin Club was
there whenever they needed help.
With the combined team effort
from everyone, they were able to
plan an amazing event that will
hopefully work as for years to
The musicians of the first annual Battle of the Bands stand together on
the BHS stage after their performance on June 2.
Photo Credit: Jon Carson
sophomore Jarvis Lynch, rapped
come.
their hearts out on stage. They
The six bands came out of noshowed no fear and thoroughwhere and bands like Defensive
ly impressed the crowd. With
Carpet had the crowd eating out
of the palm of their hands as they only their voices, they showed
everyone that they did not need
sang “Uptown Funk” by Bruno
anything but themselves was all
Mars. The lead singer, Teddy
they needed. The received second
Sheridan was a natural on stage.
place, and a gift card to Guitar
Sophomore base player, CooCenter.
per Shea, was not much of the
Letters to Luna killed it with
performing type until the night
their smoother jazz music.
of the show.
Shea said, “I really enjoyed the Junior Luana Braganca Gama
chance to be up on stage with my lead with her elegant voice and
friends. It was a great experience. her amazing band matched her
perfectly. She even sang a song
I’m glad that I got to experience
in Portuguese. It was no surprise
it with them.”
that they won first place. Letters
These boys had such chemto Luna received four hours of
istry between all of them that
recording time in a music studio.
the music came so naturally and
The night was a huge success
worked well together. If there
were a third place, this band
with the support from the Latin
would have taken the prize.
Club and Connor’s guidance.
Second place went to Jakk the
The first Battle of the Bands was
Free Mind. Seniors Kevin Camp- amazing, and Bunnell is looking
bell and Jelanie Bille-Soto and
forward to next years already.
Hannah McGettigan
Staff Reporter
The well respected BHS health
teacher and Stratford EMT, Ms.
Karen Marino, was recently announced the recipient of the Paul
Winfield Smith Award by the
Department of Public Health of
the Office of Emergency Medical Services. This award is given
to those who have displayed
educational excellence as an EMS
instructor and have devoted their
time to EMS through education.
The Paul Winfield Smith
Award was given out during EMS
week which was May 17-23. In
order to receive this award, an
individual must be nominated
and chosen by the DPH Office
of Emergency Medical Services. Marino was one of three
Stratford EMS nominees for
the award, and she won due to
her dedication in teaching and
instructing EMS members.
Marino was nominated because she is constantly driven and
dedicated to the success of
students in the Stratford community. Marino was able to help
declare Stratford as a HEARTSafe
Community by teaching CPR at
BHS and EMS, teaching EMR
classes, and teaching EMT classes
at night which has allowed
students to receive credit by the
Board of Education.
Marino has been a part of
EMS for 20 years and has been
an instructor since 1998. While
teaching, Marino has made sure
students get discounts or have
free courses. In order to do so,
Marino teaches these courses for
little or no pay.
Growing up, Marino had an
interest in anatomy and physiology. Although Marino had
her heart set on nursing, she
knew that a nursing career took
extreme maturity which was hard
to gain at a young age.
“I take things very to [the]
heart. I was going to go into
nursing, but my father said ‘Karen, you will cry every night when
a patient dies.’ As I got older, and
knew I could handle it, I became
an EMT,” said Marino.
In the 1990’s, Marino was a
physical education teacher at
elementary schools in Bridgeport
and Norwalk. While receiving
her Masters degree in physical
education human performances,
Marino decided to take an EMT
class which would help her
secure jobs in several medical
professions.
“Ms. Marino is good with
teaching first aid and CPR training. She has been really helpful,”
said Stratford High sophomore
Nicole Richards and junior Jae
Lee.
Not only does Marino teach
students, but she teaches town
employees, coaches, and teachers.
This has allowed many Stratford
citizens to be CPR certified and
continued on page 9
Page 2
Upcoming
Events
June 9-12
Final Exams
SENIORS ONLY
June 13
Girls CIAC Lacrosse
Championships
BHS Turf Field
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
June 15
Creative Writing Workshop
Stratford Library
6:30-8 p.m.
June 15-18
Final Exams
Underclassmen ONLY
June 18
Graduation Commencement
Ceremony
June 19
End of Fourth Marking Period
June 19
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
NEWS
Seniors Cherish Final Days at BHS
Doralis Ceballos
Staff Reporter
After a long school year filled
with college applications and
tough decisions, the class of 2015
has finally had the chance to
enjoy their last few weeks as Bulldogs together. While activities in
the past have included senior picnics, senior skip day and pranks,
this year there were not as many
opportunities.
On Thursday, May 21, almost
exclusively seniors and a few
select juniors in good academic
standing, were able to visit the
Bronx Zoo in New York City. Initially, the trip was only available
to AP Biology and Anatomy/
Physiology classes, but it was
eventually opened up to other AP
students, the National Honor Society, and the senior class council
officers.
“I really enjoyed the trip, especially the baby gorillas. I took
a selfie with the pregnant mother
gorilla. It was a good trip to end
the school year with such great
people I won’t get to see every
day next year,” said senior Joe
Catapano.
The trip was organized by
Dr. Wrubel, and the chaperones
included staff from BHS.
Wrubel said, “As almost
always, there is never just one
favorite part to the trip. Though,
one year it was a student coming to the rescue of another and
another time when students rode
the camels. Yet, I would say, every
year I enjoy seeing how excited the students get seeing the
animals up close and in person,
appreciating their beauty and
splendor, and being in awe of the
variety and diversity that they
can see in one place.”
Students and chaperones left
Bunnell just after 7:30 a.m. and
got to the Bronx Zoo before 10:00
a.m. They toured as much of the
zoo as possible, and then got on
the bus back home at 2:00 p.m.
“This trip was really fun
because the trip happened to be
on my 18th birthday! My favorite
exhibit was probably not even an
exhibit, but it was the petting zoo
portion of it. It was a really great
June 20-21
Relay for Life
Bunnell Turf
2 p.m. to 8 a.m.
June 22
Report Cards Issued
July 2
Fourth of July Fireworks
Short Beach
9 p.m.
Seniors snack on Rita’s Italian Ice on June 3 in their last Advisory class.
Photo Credit: Giovanni-Marie Roper
OOPS!
Here at the Scribe we take great
care and pride in trying to accurately report the news. We regret
the following errors that were
printed in the May issue:
We mistakenly said sophomore
Anthony Ramos was a freshman.
in our article about the Wizard
of Oz.
June 2015
Seniors gather at the Bronz Zoo for a photo on May 21.
Photo Credit: Dr. Wrubel
time,” said senior Liz Kimball.
Senior skip day occurred on
May 22, the Friday before Memorial Day. This is a school tradition
that happens annually.
Some seniors carpooled to Six
Flags New England in Agawam,
Mass. and it was definitely a day
of excitement.
“I went to Six Flags and I rode
one of my first ever real roller
coasters. I went on Batman, Mind
Eraser, the 40-story swings, and
the Bizarro all with my friend
Katerie. It was a great day, and I
finally got over my fear of rollercoasters and heights,” said senior
Jasmine Darlucio.
On June 3, during the last
advisory class of the year, the
class of 2015 was brought out to
the courtyard by the café to be
awarded with Rita’s Italian Ice.
“It was a perfect day for Rita’s
and everyone really enjoyed it.
After the stressful few weeks
leading up to graduation, it was
nice to just chill out and hang
with everyone,” said senior
Giovanni-Marie Roper.
Senior Kaily Gruttadauria also
enjoyed the surprise. She said,
“Having advisory in the court-
yard was a great way to see all
my senior friends at once during
school while enjoying Rita’s delicious Italian Ice!”
The excitement continued
as the seniors enjoyed a lavish
evening at prom on June 5, at the
Stamford Marriott, and PostProm, at the Sports Center in
Shelton.
While the seniors originally
did not plan a prank, they decided last minute to pull something
together. On the final day of
classes, Friday, June 12, the seniors organized a senior “picnic”
out in the BHS courtyard after
sixth period. Students hung out,
played with frisbees and had
a great last day of high school
together.
Senior class council president, Ricardo Belizaire said, “I
must admit it was very stressful
planning the senior activities, but
I was very dedicated to getting
stuff done for my class. I love
them all and it’s going to be hard
to say goodbye. We’re one of the
best classes in my opinion that
Bunnell has ever seen. We are all
different people, all of us, which
is really something special.”
The Bulldog Briefs: From All Four Corners
Nora Turner
Editor
The Scribe is happy to congratulate Dr. Nancy Dowling, Bunnell’s new principal. We thank
her for reading and editing every
issue we have published this year
and always believing in us!
The Scribe also wants to congratulate the Class of 2015 valedictorian, Julianna Sharp and saluditorian, Tyler LeComer. Sharp
will be heading to the Cleveland
Institute of Music, and LeComer
will be attending Harvard Univeristy in the fall. Great job guys!
Congratulations to Mr. Dylan
Connor for being named the
2015 Stratford Teacher of the
Year! His hard work and dedica-
tion to Latin and musical arts in
Bunnell High School are invaluable.
The VFW Post 9460 of Stratford
held a Memorial Day essay contest. The three BHS winners were
juniors Alyssa Cooper, David
Junga and Maria Volonte.
Senior Scholarship Night was
held on Monday, June 8. Several
students received awards which
collectively amounted up to
about $130K.
BHS students attended an event
on Saturday, June 13 called “Rising Stars” at the Stratford Public
Library. The event was held from
12-5 p.m. and featured music,
poetry, pose, and art displays
from the students.
Ms. Gould’s English class enjoys the fresh air in the outdoor classroom.
Photo Credit: David Junga
Editor: Nora Turner
Staff Reporters: Doralis Ceballos, Liridona Egriu, Briana Keys, Julianna Koonitsky, Hannah McGettigan
Freelancers: Alexis Awad, Michael Castelot, David Junga, Melanie Russell, Nelson Tejada, Jordan Wilson
Advisor: Mrs. Dena Kelly
The Scribe, the official, student run newspaper of Bunnell High School, is published as a product of the journalism course at Bunnell
High School. These publications welcome submissions from the student body and staff of Bunnell High School. However, the views
expressed in the Scribe do not necessarily reflect the views of the district, administration, students, or staff of the Scribe. Letters to the
editor are welcomed; letters must be signed but names will be withheld upon request. Students interested in enrolling in the journalism
program for the 2015-2016 academic year should contact their guidance counselors, or see Mrs. Kelly in D5 for more information.
The Mission of Bunnell High School: Students will acquire content knowledge, strengthen higher order thinking, and develop character
in order to address 21st century challenges.
June 2015
NEWS
Seniors Popping the Big Question
Liridona Egriu
Staff Reporter
Prom season is a time of
excitement and BHS seniors
have taken on new and classic
ideas for asking their dates to
prom. “Promposals” can vary
from comical and over the top,
to romantic and simple. Students
and teachers enjoyed watching
students come up with creative
ideas and seeing each student
become so excited for the event.
Promposals are a special and
memorable way to ask someone
to prom. This year, they have left
their own mark on BHS history.
Senior Chris Acosta asked
his girlfriend of three years,
senior Britney Sierer, to prom
by jumping out of a huge pink
box in Mr. Covino’s room one
morning. Acosta was expecting
quick announcements, but it was
a 15 minute wait to jump out of
the hot, dark, and lonely box to
ask Sierer to prom.
As soon as Covino said, “Alright lets get this class started,”
Acosta knew that was his cue.
“As my heart was pumping
and my adrenaline was rushing, I
popped out the box, with flowers
and a gift of course,” said Acosta.
Astonishment and awes
immediately filled the room
as Acosta searched for Sierer.
Sweaty and stumbling over his
own words, Acosta managed to
ask Sierer the question everyone
already knew. With little thought,
Seirer said, “Yes.”
“Chris asked nicely, he was
really genuine about it and it was
a lot of fun,” said Covino.
Promposals are a fun way to
request another students presence at prom, but this year it
seems like it is more popular than
in years past. Students were also
posting their promposals all over
social media.
Another senior, Sam Domingos, asked his girlfriend,
sophomore Katie Boyle to prom
through his YouTube channel.
He decided it would be sweet to
ask her by making a video and
posting it to his page. He taped
a scene with family and friends
that focused on practicing what
he was going to say when he
asked Boyle. Diem also sang her
favorite song, “Flightless Bird.”
With one more surprise in
store, Domingos filled Boyles’
room with balloons and a bouquet of flowers. When she got
home and opened up her room,
Domingos was there to finally
ask the question. Boyle agreed to
go with him.
Promposals are all about
having fun throughout the whole
process. Senior Alyssa Deleon
had an unique idea of placing
sticky notes all over junior Juan
Velasquez’s car and on the hood,
it was sticky noted “Prom?”
“It was cool how the plan
worked out...John Alverez took
Promposals are becoming a new right of passage in high school. (pictured left) seniors Matt Kratochwil and Stephanie Cadley, (right) seniors
Bella Zurita and Marcus Walker.
Photo Credits: Matt Kratochwil and Bella Zurita
my birthday,” said Zurita.
my car keys and they moved it
Senior Matt Kratochwil also
and sticky noted the car,” said
promposed to senior Stephanie
Velasquez.
Cadley. Kratochwil bought CadSenior Julia Fredericks told
ley a stuffed bear and made a sign
the Scribe the story of seniors
Bella Zurita and Marcus Walker’s that said, “It would be ‘beary’
cool if you went to prom with
promposal:
me.” and the two went as friends.
“Our friends called me, and it
“I felt nervous because I never
was a secret because it was Bella’s
really promposed anyone before.
birthday, so I had to pick Marcus
The first promposal I saw was
up. I just told Bella that we were
on Twitter, and the guy wrote
just going to hang out at the
‘Prom?’ in pepperoni on a pizza.
beach. When we got there, MarAt first it made me feel hungry,
cus and our friends were setting
up. I drove her down the seawall, and then I realized one day I
wanted to do a promposal,” said
and our friends were holding up
Kratochwil.
letters that spelled out ‘Prom?’
There has been some pretty
Marcus was holding up a sign
neat promposals this year at
that said, ‘I’d be a lucky fella to
take Bella,’ and he was holding up Bunnell. Graduating seniors were
a soccer ball that said ‘Prom?’”
ready to leave a legacy behind
“I didn’t know he was going
and take some amazing memoto ask me. I was surprised and
ries with them.
happy, especially because it was
at least one genetically modified
crop ingredient.
One of the main reasons why
GMOs exist is because they can
be produced in mass quantities.
Power companies threaten the
business of farmers across the
nation because they are unable to
keep up with the rapid speeds of
foods being produced.
Not only do GMOs help
produce large amounts of daily
used foods, but they help sustain
a longer shelf life and make the
foods appear more attractive by
growing larger, fuller, and riper.
Genetically modified foods are
also grown to be resistant to an
herbicide called glyphosate which
is used to kill weeds that are
known to compete with commercial crops around the world.
The truth is, GMOs threaten
our environment, food security,
and agricultural system. Most
genetically modified crops on the
market today are sprayed with
large amounts of herbicides, such
as glyphosate, which pollute our
land and water and get into our
food.
Animal research points to
serious health risks from eating
genetically modified foods,
including infertility, immune
system problems, gastrointestinal
problems, organ changes, and
tumors.
According to Dr. Blaylock, no
long-term studies support the
safety of GMO’s, therefore there
is no definite answer to what
types of consequences they may
have over time. He also discovered that the main root causes
of many diseases can be found
in foods that been genetically
altered, foods that retain residues
of herbicides and pesticides,
and foods that contain harmful
chemical additives.
Also according to Blaylock,
the World Health Organization
only requires 90 days of testing to
claim that foods are safe, however lab rats were fed 33 percent
of a GMO diet over their entire
life span which is typically 30
to 36 months, life threatening
diseases showed up as early as
four months, and in extremely
high numbers between 18 and
21 months. In human years four
months is about age ten, and 18
to 21 months would be ages 40
to 50.
GMOs are not labeled on food
items despite the fact that a 2012
Mellmam Group poll found that
91 percent of American consumers wanted GMOs labeled. This is
according to the Non-GMO Project, an organization that works
to protect the non-GMO food
supply, and to give consumers an
informed choice about what they
taking into their bodies.
“Even if it is not really
harmful, I still think it should be
labeled,” said sophomore Erin
Hanna.
America’s food industry wants
the right to call GMO products
“natural.” The Grocery Manufacturers Association claims that the
nation’s food-labeling laws give
consumers all the information
they need to make good choices, and that adding irrelevant
information on labels would only
confuse them. However, confused or not, many people argue
“GMO’s” or genetically
modified organisms, have been a
controversial topic in the United
States since the 1990’s. Food
industries started genetically
manipulating DNA makeup in
crops by taking the genes from
one species and inserting them
into another to obtain specific
traits. This is done to the seeds
of common crops and animals
to increase food production and
heighten sales.
Genetically modified foods
were first approved in 1994 by
the U.S. government, and by
2003, they were in wide use with
63 percent of United States crops
being genetically altered, according to retired neurosurgeon, Dr.
Russell Blaylock. Blaylock has
focused much of his career on the
negative health effects of genetically modified organisms.
There are a variety of foods
that are genetically engineered.
Today, large food industries that
genetically modify foods are
DuPont and Monsanto.
Monsanto alone produces 90
percent of the global transgenic
crop, however both industries
are the leading manufacturers
of GMOs, which represent 75
percent to 95 percent of America’s biggest crops. These crops
include corn, soy beans, potatoes,
squash, vegetable oil, papaya,
sugar beets, and even farm raised
salmon. According to Colorado
State University studies, it is
likely that a majority of processed
foods in grocery stores include
Bulldog
Buzz:
What are your plans for this
summer?
Briana Keys
Staff Reporter
Truth About: GMO’s
Julianna Koonitsky
Staff Reporter
Page 3
that labeling GMO products is
about making sure Americans
know what they are buying.
“If you are going to eat wisely,
you should be educated as to
what you are putting in your
body. I always look for labels as a
consumer. I want to know what
I am eating and putting into my
body. If the item is not labeled,
you should consider it genetically
modified,” said Mrs. Tait.
The general public are
consuming an abundance of
genetically modified foods and
are unaware of the potential
dangers that are hidden within
them. The only reason why most
people have been eating GMOs
is because they do not even know
they are.
It is difficult to avoid GMOs
because they represent such high
percentages of the country's food
supply, and foods that are organic
are much more expensive. It is
suggested to buy foods that are
organic foods if consumed daily
and if anything, buy GMO foods
if they are not eaten on a daily
basis.
“If all you did was to stop eating processed food, you’d shield
yourself automatically from most
GMO’s,” says Vani Hari, author of
The Food Babe Way.
GMOs have been an issue
in the U.S for over a decade. It
has been proven that corporations care very little about
public health, but more people
are becoming educated to make
conscious decisions of a healthier choice for their own bodies.
Hopefully more GMO foods will
be labeled for the future.
Tyler Diaz
“I am going to Puerto Rico for a
month for a MMA Tournament.
Also to go see the scenery and
jumping maybe cliff diving.”
Amanda Williams
“I am going on a road trip to Il.
with my family for two weeks.
I am excited to explore the unknown. I am [also] going to visit
colleges like Boston University
and places in NYC.”
Max Garber
“ I am going to my brothers
wedding in Chicago and preparing for soccer next season. I am
going to Pa. to visit my family
and visit colleges.”
Damien Soler
“I am going to Fl. for a week in
July, and I am going to all the
amusement parks. Then after that
into August I am going to Block
Island, Cape Cod, and Cedar
Point in Sandusky, Ohio.”
Page 4
SENIORS
June 2015
Who Let the Dawgs Out?
Nora Turner
Editor
Albertus Magnus College
Ryan Pittman
American Musical and
Dramatic Academy
Terra Frye
Anna Maria College
Shannon Hofmiller
Art Insitute of New York
Gerial Jones
Becker College
Anthony LiDestri
Bentley University
Sarah Gilbertie
Gateway Community
College
Julia Barbee
Serwhat Khan
Jazmine Khantikone
Joseph McMahon
Tashawna Medows
Joyce Proano
Marcus Walker
Jake Wilson
Hampton University
Marjae Jackson
Harvard University
Tyler LeComber
Housatonic Community
College
Central Connecticut State Chris Acosta
University
Jeanie Cameron
Gregory Bendolph
Molly Ditoro
Eric DiCicco
Kyle Haray
Matthew DiNardo
Christina Hardacre
Shawn Gertie
Matthew Herrera
Rachael Merritt
Davis Jaekle
Phillip Miklovich
Tymon Johnson
Lucas Mola
Elizabeth Kimball
Juan-Jose Salazar
Joshua Lampo
Daniel Scharn
Giovanni Lopez
Brianna Scott
Joseph Marrero
Matthew Sharnick
Mariah Marter
Sebastian Smaga
Dillon Mott
Dat Nguyen
Cleveland Institute of
Alex Nieves
Music
Tony Palmer
Juliana Sharp
Gustav Peterson
Elizabeth Pinto
Eastern Connecticut State Sylvia Piwowarczyk
University
Gloriemar Rivera
Diana Carroll
Jocelyn Rivera
David Delaney
Angela Rosado
Ahyiana Morris
Shalaja Rudder-Wilson
Shannon Netter
Rachel Steinberg
Charlene Plavnicky
Celeste Stewart
Karen Tavarez
Emmanuel College
Whitton Taylor
Jessica Tartaglio
Jireh Preparatory School
Endicott College
Quadry Bines
Matthew Smarz
John Jay College of
Fairfield University
Criminal Justice
John Minopoli
Kenneth Shafer
Damien Soler
Johnson and Wales
Fairleigh Dickinson Uni- Tyler Federici
versity
Nicolas Guerra
Ricardo Belizaire
Johnson C. Smith
Framingham State
University
University
Aniya Smith
Aaron Rios
Lincoln Tech Institute
Full Sail University
Nyasia Leon
Tyler DeCilio
Zachary Seamster
Long Island University
Melissa Buzan
Keene State College
Amanda Miakos
Simmons College
Brianna Villa
Kings College
Hope Caliendo
Southern Connecticut
State University
Emily Acuna
Madeline Anderson
Jason Bociek
Lindsey Brown
Jaydon Caban
Ana Cardenas
Courtenay Carrano
Alexus Crudup
Christian Cruz
Tahid Davis
Angel Diaz
Victoria diBenedetto
Sarah Doce
Ruvens Exantus
Julia Fredericks
Natalie Grib
Isaiah Hennig
William Lesko
Cassandre Marcel
James McNeill
Mildred Morales
Kadian Morgan
Robert Noel
Lukman Obisesan
John Patron
Trevaun Ricketts
Christopher Sinise
Hailey Smith
Tommy Smith
Idongesit Udo-Okon
Marc Van Etten
Hannah Vitale
Isabella Zurita
Marywood University
William Chonka
Massachusetts College of
Pharmacy and Health
Sciences
Jasmine Darlucio
Monroe College
Destiney Duncan
MacKeisha Williams
Mount Saint Mary
College
Kaily Gruttadauria
Nichols College
Blake Norton
Northeastern University
Katerie Boursiquot
Norwalk Community
College
Joseph Caro
Shenique Leslie
Pace University
Marisa Decker
Paul Mitchell Schools:
North Haven
Samantha Hernandez
Pratt Institute
Thalia Hernandez
Providence College
Monica Gorton
Sacred Heart University
Rebecca Jean-Pierre
Quinnipiac University
Ruth Bernadel
Matt Bull
John Castellanete
Martin Dermastja
Kayla Meyers
Nicole Terrizzi
Nicole Truedson
Ricci’s Academy of
Cosmetology
Andrew Velazquez
Sacred Heart University
Monica Montanez
Jillian Pastor
Kathryn Sullivan
School of Visual Arts
Sarah Wiegand
Springfield College
Samuel Leventhal
University of Connecticut
Hannah Caldwell
Stephanie Camp
Laura Caserta
Armando Dominguez
Timo Fischer
Deja Fonseca
Olivia Hayes
Mbuyi Kalemba
Alice Lam
Rachel Mudre
Susmitha Rayakota
Ronnie Rossomando
Bryan Santana
Jordan Sells
Brittney Sierer
University of
ConnecticutStamford Campus
Linden Higgins
Stephanie Kaesmann
University of Delaware
Stephanie Cadley
University of Hartford
Thomas Petrahai
Kasey Ryan
University of Maryland
Tamya Olufowobi
Joe Catapano
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Justin Lasko
Benjamin Stein
St. Lawrence University
Audrey Law
University of New Haven
William Alberti
Henry Guasp
Michelle Petrino
Giovanni-Marie Roper
St. Petersburg College
Amber Cheatham
University of Scranton
Jade Neverson
Texas Christian
University
Jacqueline Williams
University of South
Carolina
Sean Craven
Lily Mudre
Tufts University
Brady Shea
United States Army
Bria Baker
Brandon Mehlhouse
United States Marine
Corps
Evan Murdoch
United States Navy
David Matty
Hunter Williams
Vincennes University
A’hsantay Manning
Western Connecticut
State University
Daphney Jean-Pierre
Aaron Samuel
Western New England
University
Brian Valeriano
Wheelock College
Neileauna Medley
June 2015
SUMMER FUN
Page 5
Fill Your Summer With Adventure and Excitement
Julianna Koonitsky
Staff Reporter
Summer is right around the
corner and BHS students and
teachers are anxiously waiting for
vacation to begin on June 19. The
majority of BHS already has their
summer planned with all kinds of
fun activities and vacations, but
unfortunately, some people have
trouble thinking of ideas for how
to spend their summer days.
Whether it is staying local,
going on a road trip, or taking
a plane ride, there are endless
places to visit in the world.
Many people tend to go to the
beach during the warm summer months, however it may
get boring after a while of doing
the same old thing. There are a
multitude of different activities to
try at the beach this summer that
many people most likely never
even consider doing. The best
part is that students do not need
to leave Stratford to do it.
Try looking for crabs, just
dig where the water washes up
to the sand and search for small
“V” shaped marks in the sand.
anywhere else.
Another place for people
looking for sporty activities more
locally is the Sports Center which
is located at 784 River Rd. in
Shelton. There are many sports
including mini golf, ice skating,
bowling, laser tag, and batting
cages. There is also an arcade for
people looking play games and
get prizes.
Moreover, the Mystic Seaport
Aquarium is another local place
to visit for anyone looking to observe the sea life. Many exhibits
include the African penguins,
Beluga whales, Californian sea
lions, tropical fish and so much
more.
Concerts and fairs are also
a great idea and a lot of fun.
The alternative band Imagine
Dragons will be playing at the
New York City Theater, on June
29. Pop singer, Ariana Grande
is performing at the Mohegan
Sun Arena on August 2. Hip
hop sensation, J. Cole, will be
preforming his new album, Forest
Hill Drive at the xfinity Theater in
Hartford on August 8. Country
singer, Brad Paisley will also be
performing part of his Crushin’ it
World Tour at the xfinity Theater
on July 25.
There are also a ton of local
fairs held in Conn. every year,
and can be found at ctagfairs.org.
“I am going to a Fall Out Boy
concert on June 26 and I am very
excited,” said sophomore, Maria
Terrizzi.
Other students may prefer taking a trip outside of the country
to experience different cultures,
food, weather, or most importantly, visiting family.
“Every summer my family and
I go to the Dominican Republic
to visit our relatives. We always
look forward to having a good
time in the islands,” said freshman Justin Almonte.
The reality is, there are many
different things to try this summer. Wherever it may be, there
are many places that offer an
abundance of opportunities for
students with certain interests.
Try spicing your summer up this
year with an open mind rather
doing the same old thing.
cream connoisseur,” said senior
Audrey Law.
As an alternative to ice cream,
frozen yogurt has been gaining
popularity like crazy over the
past few years. Some fro-yo shops
are self-serve, so customers can
mix their favorite flavors and add
their own toppings. This can get
expensive because the price of
the yogurt is based on its weight.
At 16 Handles in Fairfield, they
have a vast selection, including
flavors like Red Velvet Cake,
Green Tea Vanilla and Cotton
Candy. There is something for everyone, and it is definitely worth
the trip.
In Stratford, Zack’s Frozen
Yogurt features flavors like Salted
Caramel and Peanut Butter.
While they are not self-serve,
they offer more affordable prices
without any sacrifice for flavor, as
DQ’s Blizzards are one of the most
popular summertime treats. Photo
Credit: Google Images
well as great sugar-free and lowfat options.
“My favorite summertime
treat is cookie dough ice cream,
any will do. I love it because raw
cookie dough is so delicious…
my favorite brand is Friendly’s,”
said junior Olivia Belliveau.
There is nothing that screams
summer more than frosty, delicious Frappuccinos at Starbucks.
Their newest flavors, Caramel
Ribbon Crunch and S’mores,
resemble ice cream shop milkshakes, just with a splash of
their iconic coffee. Starbucks
also just released their new Fan
Favorite Frap flavors which are
ones that people used to create
on their own by ordering their
drinks with different syrips. They
include Red Velvet Cake, Cinnamon Roll and Caramel Cocoa
Cluster. Starbucks now also sells
the mini-size Frappuccino that is
a little more affordable or a good
option if someone wants to try
two different flavors.
So be sure that this summer to
cool off with all of these awesome
treats, and gather with friends
and family and share!
Justin Panther
Junior
1. GloryLil Wayne
2. Rollin’Lil Wayne
3. Keep It Goin’Young Thug
4. With ThatYoung Thug
5. CommasLil Wayne
Giovanni-Marie Roper
Senior
1. Lean OnMajor Lazer
2. LatchDisclosure
3. Rather BeClean Bandit
4. Bonfire
SPZRKT
5. Collide
SPZRKT
If this does not work, wait until
low tide, then walk out and dig
in the sand banks. Some might
find starfish when looking under
those mossy rocks that are closer
to the shore.
Other activities at the beach
are: fishing, flying kites, boogie
boarding, having a picnic with
friends, or taking the time to read
a good book.
Grab some friends and play
some beach volleyball or bringing another game along, such as
football or Frisbee. Sometimes
going for a jog is a refreshing way
get a good workout and take in
the beautiful scenery of the coast.
“I am looking forward to run
a half marathon with my friend,
Isabella Puzzo,” said freshman
Hannah McLaughlin.
Amusement parks are always
a thrill and a really fun way to
bond with friends and family.
Lake Compounce is a water and
“dry” amusement park located
in Bristol, Conn. There are tons
of rides including rollercoasters,
free falls, and other thrilling attractions. There are also free soda
stations set out all throughout the
park for a sweet refreshment.
Six Flags New England is
another fantastic theme park in
Agawam, Mass. The park is filled
with many rollercoasters, and
classic rides like the carousel,
bumper cars, and toboggans.
They also have a water park
called Hurricane Harbor, which
offers everyone’s favorite wet
rides: the lazy river, water slides,
wave pools and more.
For those looking for a
refreshing outdoor experience
should visit Brownstone Exploration in Portland, Conn. and The
Adventure Park at the Discovery
Museum in Bridgeport, Conn.
The Brownstone park offers
some thrilling activities like,
cliff jumping, zip lining, scuba
diving, snorkeling, rock climbing, kayaking, rope swinging,
wakeboarding and hiking. For
teens between the ages of 13 and
17 years old, they also hold an
Outdoor Adventure Sports Training Series program that educates
participants about specific outdoor sports that are rarely taught
cake. Their newest addition is the
Jurassic Smash Blizzard which is
vanilla soft serve mixed with peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip
cookie dough, peanut butter, and
chocolate chunks. This decadent
and over-the-top treat is perfect
after a long day of hard work in
the sun.
While both Carvel and Goody
Bassett's both serve scoopable
hard ice cream, Goody Bassett's
definitely has the edge. This adorable shop has quaint local charm,
and is located right in the heart
of Stratford on Main St.
“[My favorite ice cream] is
Turkey Hill mint chocolate chip
all year round. [When I go out, I
get] a Dairy Queen vanilla cone
with chocolate chip or McDonald’s M&M or Oreo McFlurry
if I don’t feel like going down
to Dairy Queen… I am an ice
Zidanie Richards
Sophomore
1. Dreams and NightmaresMeek Mills
2. Again
Fetty Wap
3. Don’t ILil Durk
4. CheckMeek Mills
5. RealMeek Mills
Sweeten Up Your Summer With Icy Treats
Nora Turner
Editor
Once the temperature heats
up and school closes its doors,
summertime has truly begun.
Along with the lazy days lying in
the sun, traveling to new destinations and working comes some
of the best foods, most of which
are signature to this time of
year. From luscious ice cream to
frozen iced coffee, summer is the
time to cool off and sweeten up.
During the summertime, most
people reach for ice cream when
it comes to dessert because of
its sweet and cold qualities. If
one wants to go out, there are a
ton of local options in Stratford
like Dairy Queen, Carvel, and
Goody Bassett’s. Dairy Queen is
best known for their Blizzards,
which is soft serve ice cream
blended with candy, cookies or
The Bullpod: Top Five Songs on Your iPod
Briana Keys
Staff Reporter
Caitlyn DeCilio
Freshman
1. Trap QueenFetty Wap
2. Hotel CaliforniaEagles
3. SanteriaSublime
4. FlawsBastille
5. SublimeSanteria
Mr. Studley
Math Teacher
1. Where the Streets Have No
NameU2
2. Fall On MeR.E.M.
3. Achin’ To BeThe Replacements
4. Big Audio DynamiteRush
5. Just Like ThemThe Cure
Page 6
PARTING ADVICE
June 2015
Parting Advice to the Class of 2015
We asked the faculty of Bunnell what they believe the Class of 2015 should know before they leave high school. Here are their responses:
Doralis Ceballos
Staff Reporter
Dr. Orr
Principal
Mr. Darcy
Administrator
Dr. Dowling
Administrator
Mr. Johnson
Athletic Director
Mrs. Kulenych
English Teacher
What do you hope seniors will
take away from their experience at
Bunnell?
“What I hope that seniors will
take away from their expericence here at Bunnell is that they
should treat people with respect
and dignity for the rest of their
lives, under all circumstances.”
What will you miss most about
this class of seniors?
What advice do you have for
seniors entering the work force?
What is the hardest part about
leaving high school?
“I will miss the leadership they’ve
shown to the rest of our students.
This class has a collection of
young men and women who will
be leaders in whatever career
path they choose. The junior class
has some big shoes to fill.”
“Be on time, be a team player and
always strive to improve
whatever you’re doing. Find a job
that you love.”
“For most students, the hardest part is leaving that security
blanket and leaving your comfort
zone with your friends and family and just venturing off into the
unknown/uncertain. High school
is a friendly, safe place, but it’s
just a part of life and the learning
process.”
What do you wish you knew
about life before you left high
school?
“What I wish I knew about life
before I left high school is that
the best times are ahead of you.”
Ms. Record
Science Teacher
Mr. Koch
Administrator
Ms. Priddle
Business Teacher
Ms. Magdon
Social Studies Teacher
Ms. Lewsey
English Teacher
What advice do you have for the
seniors’ first year in college?
What advice do you have for the
senior’s first year in college?
What advice do you have about
time management in life?
What advice would you give about
studying tips in college?
“Keep in mind that sometimes
your best friends don't necessarily make the best roommates or
best project partners. Also, take
advantage of your professor's
office hours - get to know your
professors as people and help
them get to know you. Don't wait
until you need a reference letter
for a job, internship, or graduate school - start creating those
relationships early so you'll stand
out! Your professors want to
get to know you, but it's on you
initially to make that happen.”
“Learning how to manage your
time, activities, and commitments can be hard but doing so
can make your life easier, less
stressful, and more meaningful.
Here are a couple of tips:
When you manage your time, decide which tasks and activities are
most important to you. Knowing
what's important helps you decide how best to spend your time.
There are three parts to time
management: prioritize tasks and
activities, control procrastination,
and manage commitments.”
“The advice I would give to seniors about studying in college
is to complete all reading assignments in a timely manner. It is
not uncommon to have a 50 -100
page reading assignment in some
courses. Don't look it over, read
some of it, or wait until the last
minute! Congratulations and
Good Luck!
Mr. Navara
Physical Education Teacher
“During your high school career,
you have demonstrated the
capacity to grow as individuals
and as a result, each of you has
a reason to be especially proud
today. On a personal note, it has
been a pleasure to get to know so
many of you and I am proud to
say that you have left an indelible
mark on the Bunnell community
for years to come. As you take
the next step on a new journey,
whether it be higher education,
the military or the workforce,
remember to take along all the
important lessons you’ve learned
here at BHS. Congratulations
and best of luck in all your future
endeavors!”
Mr. Connor
Latin Teacher
What advice do you have for
athletes to remain active?
“If your aim is to continue with
a team sport in college, there are
usually intramural or club sports
you can join if you can’t make
the commitment for the college
team. If you prefer to workout
solo, there will always be a fitness
center on campus to utilize. Build
‘workout time’ into your schedule
so you actually make it happen.
Finding any way to stay involved
with a sport you loved or athletic
activity provides you with a great
outlet to stay active and reduce
stress.”
Mrs. Kelly
English Teacher
Mrs. Ahlstrom-Nasry
French Teacher
Mr. Pagliarella
Spanish Teacher
What is your favorite parting
quote?
What is your favorite parting
quote?
What is your favorite parting
quote?
What advice do you have for the
seniors in college?
What advice do you have for
seniors going into college?
“May the sun shine always upon
your face and your shadows will
fall behind you.”
“Follow your bliss.”
“Let life happen to you. Believe
me: life is in the right, always,”
(Rilke).
“Some time in college you should
study abroad, regardless of what
it’s for. You really learn more
about what it is to be American
by looking at everything through
a different perspective.”
“My advice is to always be true
to yourself. Don’t try to reinvent
yourself and be someone that
everyone wants you to be. Be true
to you, work hard.”
Page 7 ADVERTISEMENT
June 2015
June 2015
RETIRING TEACHERS
Page 8
Saying Goodbye: Honoring BHS Retirees
Dr. Orr
With a future of sunny Ca.
in site, Dr. Dudley Orr is sadly
retiring from his position as BHS
principal. Orr has finally made
the decision to retire after 42
successful years in the education
field and helping people in need.
Orr has been a part of the
bulldog family for the past nine
years, beginning in 2006. Before
coming to BHS, Orr was principal of Central High School in
Bridgeport, Cloonan Middle
School in Stamford, and Apache
Junction High School in Az.
Orr was also the district head of
special education for Stamford
Public Schools and superintendent of the Albertson, NY school
district.
Orr’s down to earth personality has allowed him to gain much
respect from his students because
of his caring nature.
“When I first came to Bunnell,
I was least intimidated by him
out of all Administration,” said
senior Jade Neverson.
Orr’s fascination in human
psychology influenced him to
build an interest in the applied
behavior analysis field, which
also led him towards working
with autistic children in an applied behavior analysis program
in NH. After gaining experience
in there, Orr set up a private
residential treatment facility for
autistic kids in Framingham, Ma.
which is now known as the New
England Center for Children.
“By the time I got out of college I was interested in psychology, and was particularly intrigued
by applied behavior analysis. All
of the kids we had in the applied
behavior analysis program were
from Mass., so my partners and
I decided to set up our own business closer to home,” said Orr.
Orr attended New York University for his Bachelor's degree,
Boston University for his Masters
degree, and Harvard University
for his Doctorate degree.
When Orr first came to Bunnell, he instantly felt a connection
with the school.
"I had applied to a couple
different places when I was first
looking for a job. I was invited
to come to Bunnell High School,
and I remember half of the
lockers in the B-wing were decorated for things such as sports
and birthdays. Right off the bat I
knew that Bunnell was a special
place where people cared about
one another," said Orr.
Orr has experienced tons of
Mr. Johnson
Mr. Johnson has been the Athletic Director at Bunnell for 34 years, but
he is finally retiring so he has the chance to spend more time with his
family. Photo Credit: Liridona Egriu
Mr. Dave Johnson has played
a major role towards building
and improving the BHS Athletic
Department. After years of hard
work and commitment, Johnson
has decided to retire after being
a part of the BHS family for 34
years.
Johnson had an interest
in sports because both of his
parents were Sports All-Stars.
Johnson wanted to follow in their
footsteps and pursue athletics.
Johnson may not have been an
All-Star in sports, but he has
been an all-star as an Athletic
Director. He is always there to
assist students anytime they are
in need.
“Mr. Johnson was always
helping... he helped [me] with
anything and everything,” said
senior Aaron Samuel.
Johnson is retiring this year
because he wants to get out into
the world and do things he has
not gotten a chance to do while
he still has his health. Family is
very important to Johnson, and
plans on moving to Gettysburg,
Pa. to be closer to his younger
son. Johnson also wants to spend
more time with his other children and siblings. Being a civil
war and history buff, Johnson
is looking forward to getting
the chance to explore different
historical sites, too.
“I’m really proud of Bunnell
High School. Everything is in a
really good place. I have done everything I wanted to accomplish
here,” said Johnson.
Johnson will work with the
South West Conference in an
administrative role, become
involved with the State Athletic
Association and possibly work
at a college or university and is
hoping to get a chance to volunteer at the possible 2024 Boston
Olympics. He also plans on being
in and out of Bunnell, until the
new athletic director, Ms. Pacelli,
gets used to the new position.
“When I first became Athletic
Director and started coaching,
we used to be in the NBAC, we
had never made it to states then
in any sport. I remember when
we would go to state track meets
and people would be like, ‘Bunnell? Never heard of that before.’
Today people would say ‘Oh your
memorable moments during his
time at Bunnell. These include
performing in a chicken suit on
stage and being able to witness
the 2006 football and 2015 boys
basketball State Championships.
“Coach Bruno [of the 2006
football team] said, and I agree,
that the 2006 state championships was one of the most amazing high school football games
ever played. It was incredible,”
said Orr.
The biggest challenge Orr
faced throughout his years as
principal was staying organized,
managing the expectations others
had of him, and remembering to
fulfill all of his many responsibilities.
During his retirement, Orr
wishes to continue being with
students in the classroom environment.
Eventually, Orr will be moving to Ca. in the San Francisco
area to be closer to his son,
daughter-in-law, and granddaughter.
“I’ll be taking my granddaughter to kindergarten every other
day, and will take her out to ice
cream in the afternoons,” said
Orr.
Besides working in the education field, Orr is also interested
in helping homeless people and
basketball team…your dance
team…amazing rifle team…and
so on.’ People know that Bunnell
has a really positive reputation,”
said Johnson.
Johnson has been able to
improve and upgrade Bunnell’s
sports facilities, which has helped
athletes and coaches in tremendous ways.
“He has gotten a lot done. I
really appreciate it that he got the
tennis court re-done here and at
Flood,” said senior Blake Norton.
Daily interaction with kids is
Johnson’s favorite part of his job.
He does not find this challenging
at all, with any student he comes
across. Johnson will miss the
students’ spirit and the interaction with students and faculty.
Johnson feels very lucky to have
worked with Bunnell and in the
Stratford Public School District.
“I’m going to miss the support
Mr. Johnson gave to all the
Bunnell teams,” said freshman
Andres Flores.
Bunnell will be getting a new
Athletic Director, English teacher
and girls basketball coach, Ms.
Pacelli. The BHS community will
be losing someone very important and extremely helpful and
Ms. Pacelli will have some big
shoes to fill. As a community,
BHS is excited to see what she
has in store for the Athletic Department. The Bulldogs wish Mr.
Johnson the best of luck with his
plans for after retiring, and they
will miss him dearly.
“I coached for Mr. Johnson
for 16 years and in that time I
came to find out how fair and
consistent he was compared to
other coaches. He is the most
professional and hard working
individual in Stratford. Bunnell
is going to be a different place
without him,” said Mr. Jockle.
Hannah McGettigan and
Liridona Egriu
Staff Reporters
Dr. Orr is retiring after 42 years in education and is planning to move to
California. Photo Credit: Liridona Egriu
working with those just released
from jail. Orr would like to work
with disabled individuals too.
“It’s sad to see him retire, but I
want to congratulate him on such
a great career. I [have] learned a
lot from him, and hope to have
a career just as impactful as his,”
said Admin Mr. Darcy.
When asked what advice he
would give the up and coming
principal Orr said, “Thank your
lucky stars you got this job. It’s
such a great job, I giggle every
morning on my way to work.”
Although Orr may be leaving Bunnell, he will always be
a bulldog. The impact that Orr
has made on students and staff
members at BHS will last for a
lifetime.
“I’ve loved Bunnell every
minute I’ve been here. I love it so
much. It’s a great school and the
best place I’ve ever worked. I feel
sad about leaving, I will miss a
lot,” said Orr.
Mr. Rooney
Mr. James Rooney, BHS chemistry teacher, educates students to
be honest, fair, and have integrity.
Rooney is one who can really
reach out and teach students, but
he can learn from them as well.
“Mr. Rooney brings an element and a quality to the school
that just can't be replaced...you
can’t always find someone to
teach others what it means to be
honest and fair at all times and
that's what he does,” said fellow
colleague and friend, Mr. Jockle.
Rooney has been a part of the
Bunnell family for 30 years, and
he has been teaching for a total
of 37 years. After teaching in Il.,
Rooney has stayed at Bunnell for
the rest of his teaching career.
Although Rooney raised his
family in Guilford, Conn., he did
not mind traveling to Bunnell
every day to see his fellow colleagues and students.
Rooney’s decision to retire was
a tough one, but the dedication
he has put into teaching throughout the years has led him towards
finding the most appropriate time
to leave the classroom behind.
“My daughter has one more
year left of school, and I’ve been
teaching for 37 years. I’m done,
and it’s time for me to go,” said
Rooney.
After graduating high school,
Rooney joined the military.
Shortly after, Rooney had an
interest in coaching and found
teaching as a way to do so. At
age 23, he attended Miami Dade
Junior College and developed his
passion in the education field.
Rooney also attended SUNY
Cortland and Southern Connecticut State University.
Rooney will be leaving students with the memory of his
caring and humorous personality.
Students who have had Rooney
remember him with a smile on
their face.
“Mr. Rooney is funny, and we
will definitely miss his jokes,” said
junior Cole Davis.
Mr. Rooney has enjoyed every
minute he has had at Bunnell.
Rooney coached boys and girls
sports teams including basketball
and baseball, and he has created close friendships with many
teachers.
A unique way that Rooney
has created teacher-student
relationships are by his thought
cards. Rooney asks his students
questions regarding their personal lives and feelings, and students
answer by writing on pieces of
paper known as thought cards.
This has allowed him to get to
know his students on a personal
level.
“His thought cards were cool;
I will miss those,” said junior
Chris Lowhen.
During his retirement, Rooney
plans on simply being in the sunshine and away from the harsh
New England winters. There is
also a possibility of returning to
Bunnell to substitute.
As Rooney moves on to the
next chapter in his life he wishes
to tell the next chemistry teacher
that the students are normal
teenagers who need discipline,
honesty, respect, and care. As the
world is constantly changing and
evolving, current students will be
no different than students from
the last generation. Rooney will
be truly missed as a kind and
warm-hearted teacher of Bunnell.
June 2015
NEWS/OP-ED
Page 9
Online Learning Brings Opportunity Stairwell of Mystery
Nelson Tejada
Freelancer
Online learning is becoming very popular, and it is now
another resource for student
learning in today’s day and age.
There are many benefits to taking
online courses and students
should use it to benefit their high
school career if they have the
opportunity.
Online courses will be a part of
the educational program because
it can help students in many ways
by either getting ahead, making
up a credit, or taking a class the
school does not offer.
One main reason many students take online courses would
be to get ahead, so they can have
college credit prior to walking
into their first college course. If
there is a level of math or science
one wants to skip, online classes
can be helpful by taking them
over the summer.
Freshman Allyson Lazarre
who is taking Algebra 2 Honors
this summer says, “I want to further my education and become a
better student. It will teach me to
budget my time which will help
since I will be taking AP Statistics
as a sophomore.”
To get involved, the process
is fairly easy. Choose the course,
whether it is regularly leveled,
honors, or Advanced Placement
that the school does not offer.
Speak with the principal who can
help find an online school that
has the course. After signing up,
students can take it over the sum-
mer. Many schools have summer
programs that teach a condensed
version in eight weeks, but the
class makes sure to cover everything the student would receive
in the regular school year.
“Taking an online class helps
a lot because it gives you the
upper hand. I wouldn’t be able to
take AP Physics right now...” said
senior Damien Soler.
There are many schools out
there and some options would
be Vermont Virtual Learning
Corporation, Brigham Young
Independent Study, APEX, and
plenty more.
“I think it was a good choice
[to take an online class] because
if I hadn’t I wouldn’t have been
able to take APUSH. It also
added flexibility to my schedule
that I wouldn’t have had if I took
regular classes,” said junior Olivia
Belliveau.
Other reasons for taking an
online course would be to take
a class of interest that the school
does not offer. This helps students
because if they show a strong
While online learning can be non-tradional, it can lead to a wealth of
knowledge. Photo Credit: Google Images
Marino Honored
continued from page 1
Photo Credit: Dr. Dowling
citizens to be CPR certified and
well educated on basic first aid.
“Ms. Marino is a trusted
friend and the kind of colleague
who always goes out of her way
to help others in any capacity.
She truly cares about her students
and dedicates countless hours to
help them achieve success. I am
very proud of all of her accomplishments. We are very lucky to
have her as a part of the Bunnell
community,” said health teacher
Ms. Signor.
Marino has had a strong
impact on her students’ lives and
careers. Many of the students
that Marino has taught in EMS
have moved on to careers in the
medical field.
“Ms. Marino has helped
me from when I first became
interested in EMS. She taught
my EMT class and continued to
provide support while I started
volunteering at Stratford EMS.
I am now in Paramedic School
interest, they are more likely to
succeed in the course. Online
courses are usually taken in the
summer, but sometimes they are
taken in the school year if there
is a scheduling conflict where
a class does not fit. Taking an
online class during the summer
will require a lot of self-motivation since students work independently for the entire course.
Junior Amanda Williams
said, “I wouldn’t want to take an
online class because it’s a lot of
pressure to stay motivated and
actually learn if you don’t have
a teacher in front of you helping
you along the way.”
Students should be certain
they want to take the class, but it
can also help students who learn
better themselves. If it is learning
at two in the afternoon or 3 a.m.,
this can help a student who is
more of a night person. Online
courses are becoming more and
more popular and many students
are starting to take advantage of
the benefits they offer.
and love hearing from her,” said
EMT and Bunnell graduate Steve
Kennedy.
Students have acknowledged
Marino’s hard work and passion.
Members of the Stratford EMS
have idolized Marino’s accomplishments, and continue to
strive for the same passion she
has for the program.
“Ms. Marino has one of the
biggest hearts I know. When she
steps on an ambulance, you know
she will do her best to make sure
that the person they are about to
help leaves the truck with their
heart still beating. People like
Ms. Marino are the reason why
I’m a part of the Stratford EMS
Explorer Post,” said sophomore
Elizabeth Liquori.
Congratulations to Ms. Marino for winning the Paul Winfield
Smith Award and for the years of
dedication towards making Stratford a safe and better community.
Jordan Wilson
Freelancer
Have you ever walked past the
gym and noticed there was another stairwell in B wing? It is the
Mysterious Stairwell of Bunnell!
The regular staircase leads to the
second floor, but where else does
it lead after that? If you have ever
wandered up the stairs, you may
have noticed that the next flight
of stairs is gated off. Why? Many
students and faculty were asked
what they felt was up there, and
why they think it is closed off.
Senior Jake Wilson thinks
the stairwell is closed off because it leads to the school’s
roof. He thinks the stairwell has
been closed off since the school
opened up to the public.
Senior Angel Diaz said, “The
stairwell leads to the roof.” Diaz
thinks the area has been closed
off for ten years and that access is
only granted for teachers to hang
out.
Junior Jaylon Eggleston said,
“The area has been closed for
almost ten years because [maybe]
students drowned [in a pool] up
there.” He feels students should
be allowed to investigate the area
to spark curiosity and finally
answer all of the questions.
Junior Juan Velasquez also
agrees that there is a pool, yet he
thinks the swim team practices
up there, and they are the only
ones with access.
Junior Qua’von Williams,
thinks that it is haunted with the
sounds of young kids. Williams
said, “You can hear screams and
Bunnell’s Mysterious Stairwell
leads to the third floor.
Photo Credit: Jordan Wilson
cries if you go up there.”
Mrs. Hubler, the school librarian agrees with our juniors and
said, “There's a pool and also a
sauna only available to teachers.”
Other think there is another hallway up there with unused and
unneeded classrooms.
Freshman Javan Barrett and
John Grib also agree there is just
a roof up there.
Admin. Mr. Darcy thinks it
is closed off to keep it exactly
what it is, a mystery. He thinks
the stairwell being closed off
adds “character and charm” to
Bunnell. When he was hired here
at Bunnell he was told there was
a pool up there, and people go
swimming every day. He said,
“Students shouldn't be allowed
up there. We need to keep the
mystery going forever.”
There is no telling what could
be held up there. Many students
feel they should be able to know
the many unknown areas of BHS.
Maybe one day it will! Field trip
anyone?
Fighting Cancer While Having Fun
David Junga
Freelancer
On Saturday, June 20 and
Sunday, June 21 from 2 p.m.
to 8 a.m., Relay for Life will
be held at the Bunnell High
School track. Relay for Life is a
non-profit charity that aids in
cancer research with the help of
the American Cancer Society.
Relay for Life not only funds
cancer research, but also spreads
awareness regarding the effects of
this heinous disease. Participants
in the event are sponsored by
friends and family to walk laps
on the track, and local businesses
donate to the teams in support of
this charity.
For the first time ever, Bunnell
Student Government has a team
participating in the Relay. The
aptly named “Bunnell Student
Government” team was open to
any Bunnell student who would
like to aid in the battle against
cancer. Although it is too late
to join the BHS team, it would
be wonderful to see Bunnell
students and staff come support
this event.
The theme for the relay is, “A
Night at the Movies,” and the
Bunnell team’s movie theme is
Disney’s “Up.” Look out for the
blue canopy donned with an ample amount of bright balloons!
The opening ceremony will
begin at 7 p.m. Throughout the
night, there are many exciting activities that keep participants and
visitors engaged. The fan favorite
Zumba will be making another
appearance this year along with a
movie, a dance competition, and
even blind makeovers.
In addition to the events, there
are numerous laps around the
track that have their own theme.
These laps include: the Pajama
Lap, the Crazy Hat Lap, and the
Red Carpet Lap.
Those who are worried about
eating have nothing to fear! Two
food trucks and an ice cream
truck will be parked close to the
track throughout the event, and
Relay For Life’s message is one of hope and perseverance.
Photo Credit: Google Images
welcome all midnight snackers.
Maybe the most rambunctious part of the entire Relay for
Life happenings is the bounce
house, which is open from 2 p.m.
to dusk; however there is a rumor
that it may be reopened at 2 a.m.
Junior Dhruv Gowd said, “I
was already excited to participate
in Relay for Life, but now that I
know there’s a bounce house, I’m
even more excited!”
With all of the thrilling occurrences on the night of Relay for
Life, it is important to remember
the real reason for this event. The
money raised will save lives and
be used to find more efficient
ways to defeat cancer.
Junior Michael Pham said, “As
a future medical professional, it
is imperative for me to be a part
of this experience. I have seen the
devastation that cancer causes,
and I hope to be a part of its end.”
The entire Relay for Life
experience is one that instills
hope into individuals and brings
the community together. Special
laps are dedicated to survivors of
cancer and those who have been
caregivers to those with cancer.
Junior Sarah Pickel said, “I’m
looking forward to this experience. I’ve never participated before, but I’ve always heard about
how beautiful the ceremonies are.
I know I will make some special
memories that night.”
All students and faculty are
welcome to come support this
event. Help students make Relay
for Life a successful event that
can be continued at BHS.
June 2015
SPORTS/NEWS
Lacrosse Making History
Liridona Egriu and Briana Keys
Staff Reporters
The BHS boys lacrosse team rallies together.
Photo Credit: Robert Taylor
Spring sports have come to a
close, but all the BHS teams have
had some remarkable wins and
seasons to remember. The 20142015 sports season has been
one for the history books. Many
teams qualifyed for the SWC
tournaments or the CIAC state
championships. The boys and
girls lacrosse teams have made
their seasons this year ones to
remember forever..
Boys varsity lacrosse made
history by winning the SWC
Division II for the first time ever
against Masuk High School. The
boys also made it to the CIAC
Class L tournament, but lost their
first roundt game to Wilton, 4-18
on Saturday, May 30. The girls
varsity lacrosse also qualified
for the SWC tournament for the
first time ever, but they lost to
Pomperaug. Both teams played
a memorable season from the
beginning, winning thier first
games, and ending their season
on a high note.
The two teams were striving
all season to be their best. Each
team played well and tried to
perfect their plays for every
game. For this sport, dedication
and diligently practicing skills are
a must.
At practice, the teams focus on
individual skills a lot. They start
from ball handling to defensive play. They work as team on
offensive and defensive tactics
to discover where they need
improvement. They work on
power plays like man-up offense
or man-down defense.
“We have a bunch of pretty
good players who are working
hard,” said boys lacrosse coach
Dick Cerrone.
The boys lacrosse ended their
season with a record of 11-7, and
completed their goal of beating
their record from last season.
The boys had their work cut
out for them this season. They
played great game against Old
Lyme on Saturday, May 2, with a
score of 16-13.
“It’s been a great year... better
than last year, because we’re
working together as a team,” said
senior Captain Jason Bociek.
The girls finished off thier
season with a 6-10 record, their
best ever. They had notable wins
against Stratford High, beating
them twice in one season. They
are keeping their eyes on the
prize though, and hope to break
this record next year.
Every year, the team has tried
to qualify for the SWC tournament, but have never actually
made it. This was the first year
they ever qualified.
“This is our year first year we
made it to SWC’s. The program
[the school has] is working really
good,” said defensive player junior Melissa Hernandez.
For the girls, feet coordination
and stick skills are important to
the girls. Practices are intense
and it takes a lot of focus and
hard work to be a part of the
team. When the girls play games,
they play as a team. Everyone
must come prepared for the
games. They plan on beating
their new school record for next
year. They missed qualifying for
the CIAC Championships by one
game, so they hope to achieve
that next years.
The Lady Bulldogs held a
fundraiser at Rita's Italian Ice on
May 18. The boys team held a
fundraising event at the Restaurant 99 for the team on March
12.These fundraisers helped
them raise money for expenses of
the team.
The girls and boys strove to
be the best this year. They played
difficult teams and to tried to
improve their skills for every
game. There was no doubt that
the teams would make it to SWC
tournaments, and they reached
their goals. With seniors graduating, both teams will need new
players next year. So consider
taking up lacrosse, which is a
great sport that focuses on dedication and skill.
Page 10
“The Dig”
Nora Turner
Editor
Baseball: ended their season
with a 20-7 record with wins
against Trumbull, McMahon,
Pomperaug, Notre Dame-Fairfield, Stratford, Immaculate, Joel
Barlow, Bethel, Weston, Masuk,
and Newtown. The team competed in the semi-final round of
the CIAC Class L championships
against East Lyme on June 10, but
unfortunately lost, 4-5.
Softball: ended their season with
a 7-13 record with wins against
Pomperaug, New Fairfield, Bethel, and Stratford.
Boys Golf: ended their season
with a 1-13 record with a win
against Notre Dame High School.
Girls Golf: finished their season
with a 4-12 record with wins
against Stratford High and
Masuk.
Boys Tennis: last game was
against Trumbull, at home with
a loss of 0-6. They ended their
season with a record of 6-9 with
wins against
Girls Tennis: ended their season
with a 7-11 record with wins
against New Milford, Stratford
High, Immaculate and Newtown.
Boys Outdoor Track: finished
their season with an 8-5 record.
They placed second in the SWC
Championships on May 26 at
Weston High School with firstplace finishes from senior Ruvens
Exantus in the 110 meter hurdles
(15.55), long jump (20-07.25)
and triple jump (45-00.00) and
from junior Jack Ferrara in the
pole vault (11-06.00). The boys
track team also competed in the
CIAC Class MM Championships
on Monday June 8, where they
finished seventh overall. Notable
wins from the state tournament
were a first place finish by Exantus in the triple jump.
Girls Outdoor Track: closed out
their season with an 8-5 record.
The team placed fifth in the SWC
Tournament on May 26, with first
place finishes from juniors Rose
Myambayi, Paige LeComer, Tamara McCrobie and Sirette Vincenty in the 4x100 relay, senior
Kharycia Morris in shot put and
LeComer in long jump. The team
finished 13th in the Class L State
Championship, with a third place
finish from McCrobie in the 100
meter hurdles, a first place finish
for LeComber in long jump, a
third place finish for Morris in
shot put.
Boys Lacrosse: won the SWC
Division II Tournament against
Masuk on Thursday, May 28, 123. It is the first ever boy lacrosse
conference title in school history,
and ended the regular season
with an 11-7 record. The tournament MVP was junior Corey
Auten, who scored four goals,
along with senior Nick Guerra
who scored five.
Girls Lacrosse: lost their SWC
Division II semifinal game
against Pomperaug on Thursday
May 28, 17-9. The girls broke the
school record for this season,
finishing at 6-10. This season,
they beat Stratford High twice,
and won against Watertown and
Notre-Dame.
Unlearn Week Teaches Students Lessons of Life
Alexis Awad
Freelancer
For almost ten years Bunnell
has been hosting an assembly for
the students called “Unlearn.” Its
purpose helps raise awareness
about the world outside of the
classroom walls.
Along with inspirational
speeches and stories told by a
number of people who have faced
many challenges, the English and
Creative Writing departments
work together each year to build
a magazine full of poetry, short
stories and morw written by the
students and staff of BHS.
“Unlearn is an excellent outlet
for students. We are so proud of
the submissions we receive and
respect the students who are willing to share their stories. They
enable others to see that they are
not alone,” said Mrs. Kulenych
who teaches Creative Writing.
In this current generation,
negativity is easy to come across,
especially with today's easy
online access, so it is important
to be kind to everyone because
people never know what someone is going through.
Unlearn is a way to tell people
they are not alone in the world
and there is always a person you
can reach out to. It allows
The cover of the 2015 Unlearn
magazine. Photo Credit: Scribe
students to almost “erase” the
hatefulness one may face during
everyday encounters by slowly
creating a more positive and
respectful society for the school
environment and beyond.
"I think the Unlearn assembly
was a great way for students to
know they are welcome and that
they’re not alone in the world,”
said sophomore Cooper Shea.
One of the speakers, Ace
Ricker, shared his motivational
story of living his life as transgender. He explained the struggles
of how it felt being an outcast
in high school as a teenage girl
and all of the mistakes he made
in order to feel “normal” or
“accepted.” It gives students who
have not entirely found themselves a reason to be positive and
optimistic for the future, and to
be wary of where the wrong path
may take them.
“When it came to the month
of May I always looked forward
to going to the Unlearn assembly
and hearing about people's lives,”
said senior Hope Caliendo.
Most high school students
would agree with the fact high
school is not always a very positive and welcoming place, so with
the help of dedicated students
and teachers, Bunnell has given
a place for any person to release
their thoughts and feelings
appropriately and share those
feelings with other students.
Courage and confidence are not
given freely, so hearing personal stories or thoughts can help
increase confidence and courage
in anybody.
“Unlearn is an opportunity
for students to learn and connect
with real people dealing with reallife issues and experiences. The
program promotes knowledge,
empathy and understanding for
others. Students feel empowered
to make healthy life choices going
forward,” said Ms. Signor.
Stepping out of the classroom
and into the real world is hard
for everyone, but when surrounded by positivity and the
kindness of others it can be made
just a little bit easier, making
life that just more enjoyable for
everyone.
Sanity
By: Alyssa Cooper
Sanity, is far from me
Sanity, is all I need
Compos mentis, sweet state of
mind
To reach nirvana, is a blatant crime
I shall conquer, I shall scream
I shall claim what’s right for me
Until I achieve sweet, sweet sanity
Ten Years
By: Alyssa Cooper
We were at war
And it killed me inside
To see the light,
Leave your eyes.
You tried and you tried,
Until the moment your last breath
left.
Draining from your body,
I could barely think.
Now it’s ten years down the road,
And you’ve been absent from your
shell.
But your presence is whole,
And I feel it in my soul.
By: Charisma Diaz
Is there no such thing as compromise?
Is there no such thing as looking in
the eyes without the lies?
IS there no real love?
Is there a time when I am not
feeling used
Abused
Confused should I give it distance?
Just for an instant I wanted something different
Is there no such thing as a time
when I am not feeling blue over the
thing you do?
I’m so misconstrue, how can we be
like we used to?
Is there a way out of falling love?
Dodging the lust, ignoring the rush
that made you blush, flushed from
the cosmic dust
Is there no such thing as trust?
Can we discuss a way to adjust the
tension between us?
I push through the falsify just for
those eyes, the windows to what
you feel inside
The love you must hide, but why?
Can you realize that through all the
rough rides I was by your side?
When people cried, you hide
Confide in me
Is it that easy to misguide me?
I tried to give you everything plus
me
Is there no such thing of a thank
you?
If it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t know
where I’d be.
June 2015
SPORTS
Scribe Honors Senior Sports All-Stars
Page 11
Dorlis Ceballos, Liridona Egriu,
Briana Keys
Staff Reporters
Michael Castelot
Freelancer
Ronnie Rossomando
Baseball
First team All-State and First
Team All-Conference
Jason Bociek
Boys Lacrosse
Second Team All-Conference
Rachel Mudre
Girls Lacrosse
SWC Honorable Mention
Katerie Bousiquot
Girls Indoor Track
Ruvens Exantus
Boys Outdoor Track
First Team All-State and First
Team All-Conference
“My favorite part about sports
here at Bunnell is all of the talent
we have. I think that we are
considered to be a highly recognizable school when it comes
to sports and it just makes me
proud to be a bulldog. I will be
playing baseball at the University
of Connecticut, that is, unless I
get drafted to an MLB team right
out of high school.”
“I’m going to miss all the good
memories and great times that I
had with my team. We won the
first SWC Championship ever
for this school and it makes me
proud to say that I was a part
of the run. I won’t be playing
lacrosse in college.”
“My favorite parts about Bunnell
sports were all the great times
that I had with my team and all
of the great memories that will
last a lifetime. I can’t believe that
my high school career is actually
over and I’m never going to forget all of the friends and memories that I’ve made over these
past few years. I will be going to
UCONN next fall, but I will not
be playing lacrosse.”
“I’ll miss most this year’s team
bonding... everyone was supporting each other in the end.”
“My favorite part about track
was winning the Class MM State
Championship my junior year.
I think that when we won, that
kind of made a statement to
everybody who didn’t believe in
us and we proved all the doubters
wrong. I’m definitely going to
miss all my coaches. My coaches
were like family to me and they
taught me everything that I know
about track.”
Hannah Caldwell
Girls Soccer
SWC All-Colonial
Ryan Pittman
Boys Basketball
First Team All-State and First
Team All-Conference
Melissa Buzan
Softball
Tyler LeComer
Boys Indoor Track
First Team All-Conference
Lily Mudre
Rifle Team
First Team All-State and
First Team All-Conference
“My favorite part about soccer
was all the intense games we’ve
had and all the memories that
will last a lifetime. Without
sports, I don’t know what I’d do
and it was honestly one of the
greatest experiences that I’ve ever
had.”
“The best part of my career here
at Bunnell High School was
winning a state championship.
We made history by winning that
state title and not many people
get to say that they’ve held a state
championship trophy before.
I will be playing basketball at
Albertus Magnus College.”
“I’m going to miss my amazing
coaches because they helped
me in my softball career and my
teammates because they are a
great group of girls.”
“My favorite part about track was
definitely all of the good friends
that I’ve made over the years and
all of the close meets that we’ve
had. I’m definitely going to miss
all my coaches because they
taught me right from wrong. I
will be running track at Harvard
University.”
“My favorite part about Rifle
team is when I was awarded
All-State. I’ve worked so hard
during these past four years and
to know that all of the hard work
and dedication pays off, it lets
me know that I can accomplish
anything that I put my mind too.
I will be attending University of
South Carolina.”
Senior Sports All-Stars not
pictured:
Justin Lasko- Baseball, All-State
and All-SWC
Will Lesko- Boys Soccer,
All- SWC
Aaron Samuel- Boys Basketball
Donte Peeler- Boys Basketball
Laura Caserta
Girl’s Swimming
Sebastian Smaga
Football
First Team All-Conference
“The best part of my athletic
career was honestly being able
to carry the team on back senior
year and beating Stratford for the
31st year in a row.”
“To me, football isn’t just a game,
it’s a lifestyle and it teaches you
valuable life lessons throughout your career. All the wins,
losses, and special moments that
we had over the season, there’s
really nothing that beats it. It was
special beating Stratford High
School every year for the four
years that I played football here. I
will hopefully be playing college
ball at a small Division II college”
Jacqueline Williams
Girls Volleyball
First Team All-Conference
“My favorite part about volleyball
was all of the great games we had
and all of the great tournament
runs that we made. I’m going to
miss all of my teammates and all
of my close friends that I’ve made
over these past few years. I will
be attending TCU next fall.”
Shannon Hofmiller
Girls Basketball
SWC All-Colonial
“My favorite part of sports here at
Bunnell is how much pride that
our school has and how every
one of our students is proud to
be a bulldog. I truly believe that
there is no better school than
Bunnell and I wouldn’t want
to play basketball at any other
school in the whole world. I’m really going to miss all the joy that
Bunnell sports gave me and all
the smiles that it put on my face.”
A’hsantay Manning- Boys Cross
Country
Nicole Terrizzi- Girls Cross
Country
Susmitha Rayakota- Girls Tennis
Blake Norton- Boys Tennis,
SWC Championship, 2 time AllState
Kharycia Morris- Girls Outdoor
Track, SWC Champion in Shot
Put
June 2015
RETIRING TEACHERS
Page 12
Saying Goodbye: Honoring BHS Retirees
Ms. Cline
Ms. Cline, a teacher well
known to students all around
the building and leaving a great
legacy behind has decided to
retire. Known for her strictness
and changing students for the
good, Cline is not totally leaving Bunnell as she she plans on
staying close to Stratford School
District. Cline has worked at
Bunnell for 15 years. She wants
to have the chance to see her two
granddaughters grow up before
the years pass by. She is also retiring for health reasons. Cline has
worked her magic on students for
15 years, following generations
will be missing out on a great
teacher.
Cline wants to come back and
volunteer for Bunnell as well as
being a substitute here.
“[Cline] has definitely had
an impact on kids and that's
something we won't forget,” said
sophomore Hannah Mott.
From the first day of school,
Cline sets down the laws in her
room. The rules were as followed:
“I am not going to change, you
are. You are going to need to
study every night and pay attention in class, you will not be able
commit it to memory. And get
front row seats now because later
on in the year you will want to
be paying for one.” Sure enough,
Ms. Cline is retiring from Bunnel after 15 years of teaching science at
Bunnell. She is looking forward to watching her grandchildren.
Photo Credit: Hannah McGettigan
all of her students have changed
due to her, and everyone learns
to grow and become a better
student.
“She actually teaches. You
learn how to study in her class,”
said junior Lizzy Grznarik.
Cline is well known for her
“look” which is an eyebrow lift,
a glare, and the, “I am not going
to change you are,” saying. Cline
will give her students the “look”
to signify that she is teaching or
that they are in trouble.
“I will miss her sass, no one
will ever replace that evil eye,”
said sophomore Robert Arse-
Mr. Pagliarella
Mr. Pagliarella will retire from BHS, but continue to work at St. Joe’s.
Photo Credit: Scribe
Mr. Carmen Pagliarella, or Mr.
P. for short, is the widely known
Spanish teacher that the BHS
faculty and students have grown
to love throughout the past 35
years. Although Pagliarella will
continue teaching at St. Joseph
High School in Trumbull, Conn.
he will always be a bulldog at
heart.
“Mr. P is the greatest teacher of
all Bunnell history,” said senior
Will Witkowski.
Pagliarella has worked in the
Stratford school district throughout his years in the education
field, starting from Wooster
Middle School and eventually
Bunnell High School. Pagliarella
has been teaching for a total of 38
years, and he has been at Bunnell
for 35 years.
Pagliarella’s interest in teaching developed soon after he
became interested in coaching
high school sports. The best way
for Pagliarella to pursue coaching was through teaching. This
has led him to coach basketball,
soccer, volleyball, and swimming.
He currently coaches bowling
and girls tennis at BHS.
“I’ve always wanted to be
a coach, and the best way to
do so was to get involved with
education. I had to decide what
I wanted to teach, and since I
was pretty good with Spanish I
decided to teach and major in it,”
said Pagliarella.
Pagliarella attended Fairfield
University for his undergraduate
years and Southern Connecticut
State University for his masters.
One of the most memorable
moments of Pagliarella’s Bunnell
experience was being able to
witness the 2015 boy’s basketball State Championship win.
After years of improvement and
success, Pagliarella was ecstatic to
finally see the boys win the title.
Students who have come in
contact with Pagliarella are sure
to remember his caring and
loving personality. Students who
were in his Spanish classes or on
his sports teams will cherish all of
nault.
Cline has set the high bar for
her students. She wants them to
rise up to the occasion. She feels
that lowering the bar would be a
disadvantage to them, learning
wise. Cline has always wanted
her students to not give up. She
knows her students will always
go above and beyond in their
work. Anything that came from
her teaching was out in play for
any tests.
“It was all fair game.” said
sophomore Olivia Sage.
Cline has one fascinating life.
Cline was born in the U.S., but
the memories made throughout
the years.
“Mr. P was always there when
you needed him. He is the most
determined person I know and
never lets us down,” said freshman Jeana McNeil.
Pagliarella’s joy in teaching
comes from the students and
teachers that have surrounded
him during his years at Bunnell.
All of the sports that he has
coached are also considered to be
one of his greatest accomplishments during his time at BHS.
“Coach P is a great [tennis]
coach. He helped me improve my
serve and my ground strokes by
giving me tips and making sure I
do them over and over again. He
is really funny, but when it's time
to get serious he did. Tennis is
what I look forward to everyday,”
said sophomore Saira Ordonez.
In September of 2015, Pagliarella will continue to teach
Spanish at St. Joseph High School
in Trumbull, Conn. Pagliarella
plans on retiring from St. Joe’s to
spend time with his family in the
future.
One of the biggest difficulties that Pagliarella will have at
St. Joe’s is having to face new
challenges, and seeing if his new
students can meet the same standards that he has started at BHS.
Pagliarella wishes to tell the
next up and coming Spanish
teacher to have lots of patience,
and to always love your students.
“If you love your students, it’s
a very easy job. Always demand
respect and give respect,” said
Pagliarella.
Liridona Egriu and Hannah
McGettigan
Staff Reporters
she spent a lot of time in Europe,
because she went to school there.
Later in Clines’ life, she came
back to the U.S. but she did not
know she would soon become a
teacher at Bunnell High School.
Past and present students she
teaches go into her class when
ever they get the chance.
“I won’t be able to share a nice
cuppa now,” said sophomore Neil
Murdoch.
Cline has always loved to travel. She plans on continuing her
plans of seeing the world. Places
she would like to go see are,
Spain, Portugal, and Greece.
When Cline started college
she did not think of becoming
a teacher. Her love for teaching
grew as she started volunteering at her childrens schools and
watching the teachers interact
with the students. From there,
Cline knew that teaching was
something she was going to do
for a while. Cline started off her
college career at Mt. St. Vinces in
New York. After doing some of
her studies in New York, Cline
went to the University of Vienna
in Austria. Then , she got her
Master’s right at Southern Connecticut State University.
Cline has shared her memories and good times with her
classes, which some are astonished to learn. Cline always talks
about her grandchildren and
her own children, along with a
few discussions about Mr. Cline
himself. Students were stunned
to find out Cline was not always
the skinny and small girl she is
now. Students always loved the
fact that she wore sparkled jeans,
and they always had a good laugh
with her. Cline has had her fair
share of good times with students
and faculty. For example, when
Dr. Wrubel had the whole cafe
sing happy birthday to her this
year; “That was one of the best
presents I have ever received,”
said Cline.
While seeing herself spending
more time with her grandchildren and children of her own.
Cline will miss the students at
Bunnell, especially past students
of hers. Cline has left her mark
on the Bunnell Bulldogs and
hopes to make more impact on
the people she comes in contact
with.
“Mrs. Cline was my favorite
teacher. I feel bad that the following classes won't get a chance
to shave her as a teacher,” said
junior Luana Gama.
Bunnell well be losing a
teacher who assists her students
to grow and learn with her help.
The person taking Clines’ room
and postion will be Ms. Tait.
Ms.Tait will have some pretty big
shoes to fill. The Bulldogs will
miss Mrs. Cline and wish her the
best of luck.
Ms. Diane Houghton has only
been a part of the BHS family for
two years, but she has already
made a strong impact on her
student’s lives. Houghton’s divine
teaching techniques have prepared her students for challenging math courses during the rest
of their high school careers and
for the future.
“Ms. Houghton has helped me
a lot, especially from 8th grade to
9th grade. She was very welcoming and helped me in ways that I
could understand the math. I feel
prepared for Algebra 2 next year
because of what she taught me
freshman year,” said sophomore
Erin Hanna.
Houghton has wanted to
become a math teacher since she
was just a little girl. She attended
Kent State University, Ashland
University, and the University
of Akron. Houghton eventually
went into the education field and
pursued her dreams of becoming
a math teacher.
“I’ve wanted to become a math
teacher since fifth grade. I went
into education in college knowing that this is what I wanted to
do and I’ve loved it since,” said
Houghton.
Houghton was a math coach
to teachers in the Cincinnati public schools and taught in the West
Clermont, Cuyahoga Falls, and
Woodbridge public schools.
Throughout Houghton’s BHS
experience, she has enjoyed the
school spirit and support that
the students have. One of the
best parts of her day is seeing the
amount of pride that students
have for BHS.
“Ms. Houghton is amazing.
She’s one of my favorite teachers,” said sophomore Shannon
Mullings.
Outside of the classroom,
Houghton challenges herself by
running marathons and completing Half Ironmans. A marathon
is a 26.2 mile race while a Half
Ironman consists of a 1.2 mile
swim, 55 mile bike ride, and a
13.1 mile run.
Houghton will be leaving
BHS to become the Shelton High
School math department head.
In the future, Houghton would
like to be in an administrative
position. Although Houghton
would like to work outside the
classroom, she still wants to have
a direct impact on students and
the teaching environment.
Advice that Houghton would
give to the next math teacher at
BHS is to be patient, meet the
needs of students, and create
student-teacher relationships for
better understanding.
“Be patient. It takes time
to develop relationships and
to teach the content. Create
relationships with each student
so you get to know them,” said
Houghton.
As Houghton moves onto
the next chapter of her teaching
carer, She wishes to use her leadership skills to make an imporvement towards the education
of students. Houghton’s new
position as the math department
head will allow her to make a
strong impact on student academics.
Ms. Houghton