Issue 1 - October 18, 2013

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The
Beacon
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify
your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Volume 13, Issue 1
August 26 – October 18, 2013
New year, new people, new changes
By Ciara Jordan-Sanders, Merypaula Lara, Paola Mendez, Eden Perozo, Soniel Valentin, and Astrid Wendth
A new year brings new and exciting
changes to Greater Boston Academy. This year
finds increased enrollment, new faculty
members,
facility
improvements,
and
classroom rearrangement.
more than 60 percent. As a result, the fourth
graders have moved in with the fifth graders,
and the sixth with the seventh, and conjoining
the eighth graders with the academy.
Any way you count it, the numbers add
up to success. “If I had to say it in one word, it
ENROLLMENT INCREASE
would be ‘wow,’” Mrs. Walton says. “The
GBA’s enrollment for 2013-2014 has benefits of having increased enrollment are
increased by over 16% thanks to recruiting many. Of course we can bring more people to
e f f o r t s
b y
Christ. On top of that,
administration,
having more students
faculty, staff, board
means having more
and church members,
resources to improve
and even students.
our school, and more
According
to
diversity. I”m truly
principal
Angela
excited
about
the
Walton,
enrollment
diversity
and
increased
in
the
opportunity increased
elementary grades by
enrollment brings.”
20 at press time, and
The number of new
more students may
students
can
be
still
r e g i s t e r.
attributed mostly to
Registered students in
word
of
mouth
academy grades 9 - 12
advertising
and
increased as well, up 2
recruiting efforts. Mrs.
from last year to 38 for
Walton says many
this year. Though that increase may seem people were instrumental in
small, consider that last year’s graduating “getting the word out.” “Mr. Walton and I
class had 13 students, one of the largest in preached in many churches; Mr. Silié did a lot
over a decade, while this year’s senior class of work recruiting, and our teachers and staff
has just 6 members. Since the incoming members got out to churches, too,” she
freshman class adds 12 students, and several explains. “Board members, parents—lots of
transfer students have signed up as well, the people worked together. It was truly a whole
total number is higher overall.
school effort.”
This increase in enrollment has affected
The whole school effort also involved
more than just numbers. The third grade class senior and Student Association president
has expanded the most of any, from 12 Rodney Bruno, who added “Student
students last year to 19 students this year, up Recruitment Director” to his many jobs over
“If I had to say it in
one word, it would be
‘wow.’ I’m truly
excited about the
diversity and
opportunity increased
enrollment brings.”
August 26 – October 18, 2013
Photo: Paola Mendez
Principal Angela Walton is excited about
increased enrollment and other changes she
helped bring about for the 2013-2014 school
year.
the summer. Bruno helped plan several trips
to local schools last year and followed up on
contacts made at churches and schools.
Mrs. Walton expects strong enrollment
throughout this school year and plans for
GBA’s numbers to continue to rise. Her goal
for next year is to increase the same amount
for the elementary next year and retain or
increase the numbers for academy.
FOR MORE, SEE PAGE 4.
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Winnekeag trip recharges spirituality
By Regina Dumont and Paola Mendez
Freshman Luis Abreu, junior Soniel Valentin, sophomore Jamal Allen, and freshman Olivier Louissaint enjoyed old and new
activities at Winnekeag.
GREATER BOSTON ACADEMY’S annual trip
to Camp Winnekeag gave students and staff
an opportunity to recharge their “spiritual
batteries” over three days in September.
According to new Chaplain and Bible teacher
Fabio Ayala, who planned most of the trip’s
activities, the goal for Winnekeag this year
was for students to draw closer to God and to
one another.
The experience measured up to
expectations. In addition to enjoying
traditional popular activities like gym night,
outdoor volleyball, kayaking, and water
tubing, students participated in team
challenges, themed worship services, and a
foot washing ceremony. Main speaker Fabio
Ayala, along with guest speakers Pastor Josue
Feliciano and Pastor Cesar Perozo, delivered
powerful messages about spiritual identity,
Ayala’s major spiritual theme for the school
year.
The team challenges incorporated fun
into a spiritual message of cooperation. One
challenge had students constructing structures
as high as possible using only marshmallows
and raw spaghetti sticks. Some students began
to argue with each other because they each
wanted to construct the tower in their own
way, rather than cooperating with each other.
Our spiritual walks can be similar, Mr. Ayala
reminded us. We sometimes like to listen to
ourselves, but we need to remember that we
need to work together in order to reach higher.
Another challenge had students divide
into four groups and stand on a blue tarp. We
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were challenged to stay on there for ten full
seconds. At first it was easy, but after each
victory, we had to fold the tarp in half. It was
hard to fit everyone onto the tarp when it was
barely the size of one person. “We had to be
creative and communicate well with each
other in order to fit,” junior Eden Perozo
Photo: Randy Barros
explained. Junior Regina Dumont added,
“Some of us even had to climb up on top of
each other to get all of us to fit! It was a lot of
fun.” Junior Sarah Logan-Cruz suggested the
spiritual moral of this challenge is that though
sometimes our spiritual journeys can be
inconvenient, uncomfortable and even
Photo: Randy Barros
Sophomore Renata DaSilva, seniors Kervins Jean-Baptiste and Alben Mendes, junior Herby JeanBaptiste, freshman Angie Carmen, and sophomores Ben Louissaint and Jamal Allen grew closer to
God and to each other during the spiritual retreat.
August 26 – October 18, 2013
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Q: What’s your favorite Winnekeag memory?
Photo: Soniel Valentin
Photo: Soniel Valentin
I enjoyed the team building
challenges.
– Christopher Barros, Senior
The Grape Ceremony,
because I got to mend some
broken bonds.
– Alexandra Ulrich, Freshman
turbulent, it’s worth it to achieve a worthwhile
goal.
Students experienced humility firsthand
by washing their classmates’ feet. Pastor
Perozo reminded us that practicing humility is
an essential part of understanding Christ’s
identity and the spiritual identity we should
all strive for.
Mr. Ayala followed the foot washing
ceremony with a reconciliation ritual he called
the “Grape Ceremony.” Students and staff
were invited to take a grape from a bowl
overflowing with the fruit, and then give it to
anyone with whom they wished to make
amends, or someone with whom they wanted
to start a new or renewed friendship. “It was a
good way to overcome some trials that I had
been through with friends,” senior Karim
King said.
Students appreciated the messages shared
by the speakers, and the spiritual tone of the
entire retreat. “The spirituality was very
Above: Chaplain and Bible teacher Fabio Ayala planned a weekend of fun
activities with a spiritual emphasis on identity. Here, he tries to distract
junior Eden Perozo off the “path of righteousness.” Right: Juniors Soniel
Valentin, Regina Dumont, and Paola Mendez work together in a team
challenge.
August 26 – October 18, 2013
Photo: Regina Dumont
The gym night, because I got
to bond with lots of different
students.
– Randy Barros, Junior
moving,” senior Chris Barros said. “It gave me
peace. The guest speakers were really
amazing.”
Most of the students at GBA that were
asked how they enjoyed the retreat to
Winnekeag gave positive answers. “If there
was one thing I would change, it would be to
make it longer,” Freshman Jewel Soares said.
“I loved every single thing about it!”
Photos: Randy Barros
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Changes, continued
from front page
NEW TEACHERS
The influx of elementary students
necessitated change for faculty members.
Mrs. Noemilia Cristian and Mrs. Michelle
O’Geare are two new faces “upstairs.”
Mrs. Cristian took over for Mrs. Purba,
and Mrs. O’Geare for Mrs. Daniel in the first
and second grade classrooms, respectively.
Mrs. Shawna Cook is now teaching a full
classroom of third graders, and Mr. Gowasack
has the fourth and fifth grades. Ms. Keturah
Hughes joins the faculty as the sixth and
seventh grade teacher, and Mr. Byas is the new
homeroom teacher for the eighth grade class.
Finally, Mr. Ayala has taken over the chaplain
position and teaches the academy Bible and
Spanish classes, as well.
GBA’s administration has changed as
well. Mr. Silié has rejoined the faculty as the
new vice principal and athletic director, while
Mrs. Tulloch is the new assistant to the
principal.
Photo: Paola Mendez
New Eighth grade homeroom teacher Willis Byas, far left, poses with his enthusiastic and welldressed students.
Andy Van explained, “although it will be
harder for fundraisers since they won’t be
there to help us.” The other 8th graders agreed
8TH GRADE CHANGES
that with the fundraisers, class trip, and fall
Greater Boston Academy’s 8th grade class festival coming up soon, they definitely will
has undergone more changes this year than have a lot on their plate.
Fortunately, the students also have a new
most, including having a homeroom instead
of a classroom. Instead of sitting at desks with homeroom teacher, Mr. Willis Byas, to help
storage spaces lined up in a classroom, the 8th them. The 8th graders all love him, saying he’s
graders now sit around seminar-style tables in strict but very funny.
One of the biggest changes for the 8th
the computer lab, and they have lockers and
grade is the incorporation of a new uniform,
uniforms with ties for the first time.
The students like the fact that since they which distinguishes them from both the lower
are no longer paired with 7th graders, their elementary grades and the academy. It is
new classroom isn’t crowded and is much befitting, says principal Angela Walton,
quieter. “It's definitely better,” 8th grader because the 8th graders are being prepared for
their next academic stage. 8th graders wear
white dress shirts, ties, and navy sweaters in
place of navy polo shirts. It’s “different,” they
say, “but cute.” Eighth grader Cailen Silveira
(pictured above third from left) says she loves
the new uniform because it’s more classy and
it makes her feel older. Wolfgang Angulo,
however, (pictured above, 5th from left) says
he would much rather wear the polo because
it’s “more of a comfortable look.”
Though the 8th graders might disagree
on many topics like the uniforms, Mr. Byas is
happy to say he's never met a group of kids
quite like the 8th grade class. "When I look at
the 8th grade class, I see a special group of
students with endless possibilities,” he
explains. “To me, the 8th graders are my
family, and I have their back and would even
take a bullet for them if need be. I plan to lead
them as best I can to the Promised Land."
It looks the like this year's 8th grade class
is very blessed to have such a caring and
wonderful teacher The best of luck to them
and we wish them a refreshing and amazing
year!
FACILITY CHANGES
Photo: Robert Boismier
Mr. Gowasack teaches his fourth and fifth graders in his air conditioned new classroom on the
right side of the modular.
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Students returning to GBA this fall found
a variety of building and classroom changes
waiting for them.
The biggest changes involved classroom
assignments. Whereas last year the modular
buildings were used primarily as the Bible
and English and History classrooms for
grades 9 - 12, they now house the 6th and 7th
graders with Ms. Hughes on the left side, and
the 4th and 5th grades with Mr. Gowasack on
the right. New Chaplain and Bible teacher
August 26 – October 18, 2013
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Ms. Katurah Hughes, the new 6th and 7th grade teacher and 9th grade
English teacher, has the classroom on the left side of the modular.
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Well attended Corn Roast a
highlight of September
By Randy Barros
Photo: Randy Barros
Fabio Ayala moved into Mr. G’s old room at the end of the hallway on
the left, and Ms. Wendth returned to the room next door where Mr.
Ayala had the 8th graders last year.
Increased elementary enrollment challenged teachers of many
grades to move their classrooms in a relatively short time between
when the rooms were rented and used by the Stoneham Theater and
pre-session meetings began. Despite the added work, though,
teachers are happy for the change. Mr. Gowasack, for example, says he
thinks the move helps his students because they have fewer
distractions from the hallway. He also appreciates having air
conditioning.
Academy teachers are even more enthusiastic. “I am so happy
with my room,” Mr. Ayala explains. “The best part about moving to
this classroom is that I could really make it my own. I could decorate
it the way I wanted and make it meaningful and welcoming. And I
like being next door to my colleagues, like Ms. Wendth, whom I
practically never saw last year.”
Having the Bible, Science, English/History and Math rooms all
near each other has improved staff communication and rapport. “I’m
excited to be able to pop over and see Mr. Gaynair when I need to, or
share supervision with Mr. Ayala,” Ms. Wendth says. “I’m between
Mr. Ayala on one side, and Mr. Byas on the other. I’ve gotten to know
them both a lot better, and we help each other out. I loved my old
room, but I like being closer to my colleagues, the photocopier, and
the office. Location is everything!”
GBA’s principal is pleased with the classroom changes as well. “I
am so impressed with what the academy looks like since we’ve
moved the classrooms back to one place,” Mrs. Walton says. “It has
really boosted the academic atmosphere. Just walking down the
hallway and being able to look into classrooms and see all the
students working together diligently in one area makes me proud.”
Some classroom changes are less obvious than others, but are still
very welcome. The math and English/History classrooms and
computer lab have new carpet, and Mr. Ayala’s room has new paint. “I
loved being able to choose whatever color I wanted,” Mr. Ayala says. It’s hard not to feel that the classroom changes were meant to be. After
getting the paint on his classroom walls, Mr. Ayala realized that the
creamy color he chose is called “Heavenly.” On Thursday, September 5th, students, parents, faculty and staff
came together to enjoy Greater Boston Academy’s annual Corn Roast.
Though the Corn Roast has been a staple of Greater Boston Academy’s
event calendar for many years—even Mrs. Maloney, a GBA staff
member for 26 years, isn’t sure when the tradition started—several
recent changes have made it even more enjoyable.
Administrative and marketing from Mrs. Walton plus volunteer
support from Home and School director Michelle Moore brought
together record numbers of parents, as well as school board, church and
community members. In addition, while originally the meal consisted
of only roasted corn and salad side dishes, thanks to generous
elementary and faculty members, hot dogs, rolls, and condiments now
round out the meal. Cheryl Wilkins, GBA’s food service director and longtime corn
roaster, noted that the corn roast “felt better” this year.
“I was more organized this year!” Wilkins said. “Plus it was a
beautiful day. I told God to not send rain after 7 o’clock, and he didn’t
send any! A lot more people came, and I had people helping me. And
the food was really good.” Wilkins added “I felt a different vibe this
year that I didn’t feel last year.”
Students new and old appreciated the time to mix with friends
and family as well. “I had a good time,” new academy junior Eden
Perozo said. “The food was good, and there were a lot of people there.
It wasn’t just students; it was the students and their families there. It
was nice.” Returning senior Kevin Jean-Baptiste added “It was fun to
sit and relax with your teachers and friends at the same time.”
Faculty enjoyed the Corn Roast as well. “It was the best one yet,”
said Fabio Ayala. “Because of the numbers. The food was great, and
best of all, we had a lot of parent support.”
Nirvana Walton, sophomore, goes against the grain and roasts
marshmallows at the annual Corn Roast and Open House.
Photo: Randy Barros
August 26 – October 18, 2013
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Uniform
by Astrid Wendth
If you happen to wander onto GBA’s
campus this year and are startled to see 40
students in blazers and ties, don’t worry:
that’s the way it’s supposed to be.
This year Principal Walton and I worked
very hard to solidify a uniform policy for
academy students that everyone at GBA can
be proud of, and I’m happy to say that I think
that by making sure the students put it on, we
have finally pulled it off.
Uniform policy is always a controversial
subject, but few can deny that the uniform
GBA students wear this year is attractive and
professional. Students in grades 9 - 12 now
sport blazers with school crests on them from
school uniform supplier Land’s End, and grey
dress slacks or skirts. Burgundy ties round out
the look that we’ve been working on tying
together for some time now (pun intended).
Seniors are allowed to wear special striped
ties.
Of course, the students have opinions
about the uniform, but overall, they have been
pleasantly compliant. “I don’t like having to
wear a uniform,” freshman Kleber Hernandez
explains, “but I think it looks really good. To
be honest, even people outside of school treat
Photo: Robert Boismier
Senior Rodney Bruno, Sophomore Sinthia Bonilla, Junior Hassan Kambon, Freshman Ruth Perez,
Senior Chris Barros, and Junior Regina Dumont show off their new blazers.
me better when I wear it. People call me ‘Sir.’
That’s pretty cool.” Sophomore Renata
DaSilva chimes in, “People totally look at me
differently. It’s like I get more respect.”
From a teacher’s perspective, the uniform
has additional benefits. My students are better
behaved and more attentive in class, and they
carry themselves with more maturity.
Please visit GBA’s website, or stop by and
see me, for more information about the
uniform and about how to order and purchase
uniform items.
Panther Perspective becomes The Beacon
by Beacon Staff
One of the changes at GBA this year is in
your hands right now. The Greater Boston
Academy student paper, over the years
known as Panther Prints, Panther Pause, and
most recently called Panther Perspective, is now
The Beacon.
New paper advisor Astrid Wendth
explains that the name change coincides with
the changes taking place at GBA overall.
“We have new leadership, both at the
administration level and in the board, and we
have a renewed spiritual emphasis,” Ms.
Wendth says. “We want the paper to reflect
the place that GBA is and is becoming.”
The new name and logo symbolizes the
light spread in the Stoneham community and
to alumni and churches. The beacon logo
reminds us of our role spreading the Gospel.
Students are enjoying some changes at
the production level, too. Journalism students
have “press” passes and use worksheets to
construct stories.
“We’re still working on writing good lead
sentences, using the inverted pyramid
structure, and of course, editing,” Ms Wendth
says. “But so far I think it’s going well.”
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Photo: Robert Boismier
Journalism students use “press” passes to move freely around campus in search of stories.
August 26 – October 18, 2013
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ODB: Spiritual identity
By Ciara Jordan-Sanders
Our Daily Bread, or ODB, is a regular
devotional thought written by GBA students.
Students at GBA may wonder whether
our school really has what it takes to order
for students have a true connection with Jesus
Christ. Yes, they may say, students here are
Christian, but are they really living it?
When I was a freshman, the spiritual
atmosphere here was fun, but sort of weak at
the same time. I’ve seen spiritual growth
since my first year here three years ago. Now
that I’m the Junior Class Pastor, I hope to see
even more spiritual improvement. So far, I
think we have a good beginning.
Art: Vladstudio
Since my freshman year, students here
have been on many trips, telling about and
sharing the gospel of God.
The school has taken us on many
spiritual-focused trips, like the Dominican
Republic Mission Trip and the Wellness/
Music Clinic in New York City last year, to
name just two.
We have learned this year at Camp
Winnekeag about humility and spiritual
identity. At our spiritual retreat, we got to
speak to other about our feelings, and washed
each other's feet. I have to say that it was
emotional. Many people were crying and
giving each other hugs, and praying with
each other.
Throughout this year, Mr. Ayala is
helping us focus on our spiritual “identity.”
Junior Herby Jean-Baptiste told me he
believes that the spirituality here at GBA is
good, and that he’s glad our principal Mrs.
Walton and faculty members plan activities
and field trips for us to learn more about God.
Another member of the junior class said she
thinks that the spirituality at the school is
getting better.
Overall, we as Christian teenagers need
to learn how to have better view of
Christianity and all that comes with it. By
focusing on our own spiritual identity, we can
make sure we have what it takes to have a
true connection with Jesus Christ.
Dead Sea Scrolls
By Eden Perozo
Photo: Randy Barros
Vice Principal Edwin Silié is also GBA’s athletics director and
gymnastics coach.
Silié directs athletics
By Herby Jean-Baptiste and Kervins Jean-Baptiste
Mr. Edwin Silié is Greater Boston Academy’s new Athletics
Director. Silié, who also worked at G.B.A. from 2008 to 2013, accepted
the Athletics Director job in addition to several other roles because he
“wanted to see a change in GBA.” Mr. Silié leads the gymnastics
program this year as he did before.
“I’m expecting a lot from the students this year,” Mr. Silié says.
He believes sports can motivate students to do well in school, and he
wants them to focus on their school work so they can get the grades
they need to participate in sports. Silié also hopes that the sports
program will help students earn scholarships for the sports they work
hard to play.
“I think gymnastics can make a big impact to GBA’s sports
program this year,” Silié says. He’s already making a difference. “I
LOVE gymnastics practice!” sophomore Renata DaSilva explains. “Mr.
Silié makes gymnastics fun and safe, and he makes it easy even for
people who have no experience whatsoever.”
August 26 – October 18, 2013
GBA’s freshmen and sophomores took advantage of a once-in-alifetime opportunity when they visited the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit at
the Museum of Science in October. Mr. Ayala orchestrated a lastminute miracle and found a way to take his freshman and sophomore
Bible class and Ms. Wendth’s sophomore World History class to the
Museum of Science on very short notice. “There was no way I was
going to miss this,” he said. “I prayed about it. I’m so glad we were
able to make it happen.”
The students, along with Mr. Ayala and an excited Ms. Wendth,
viewed fragments of the famous scrolls along with hundreds of
priceless artifacts from the time of the second temple and even earlier.
They also saw an omni film on the history or Jerusalem and its three
major religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Sophomore Renata DaSilva's favorite part of the trip was seeing
the scrolls, which for her was a reminder that God is still here.
Sophomore Jamal Allen also loved seeing the scrolls. "I was actually
really surprised that they were found in the first place,” Jamal said.
“They were especially important to me because it showed me that the
Bible really did exist back in the old times."
Sophomore Sarah Cabral was “really impressed” by the trip. " I
was so close to [the scrolls], I felt I got to witness a part of history."
Photo: Astrid Wendth
The Dead Sea Scrolls can’t be photographed, but visitors could take
photos of items like these iron spear heads from ancient Lachish in
Judah.
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Donation box helps GBA give back
By Sarah Logan-Cruz
Got books? Got some you’re not using?
Donate them at GBA! Thanks to senior and
Student Recruiter Rodney Bruno, GBA has
collaborated with Got Books, Inc. to raise
money for the school and help people in need.
Here’s how it works: if you have any
items such as books and clothes, bring them to
the big gray box on GBA’s campus, right
inside and to the left of the parking lot
entrance. Donated items will be brought to the
Got Books, Inc. headquarters in Wilmington,
Mass. Once there, the items will be processed,
and GBA will be awarded a percentage of the
estimated total value.
Donating items helps more than just
Greater Boston Academy. Clothing articles are
distributed to people in local communities
who need them, and books in good condition
will be resold at the Got Books Inc.’s used
book superstores in a variety of locations,
where teachers receive a discount on top of
already low prices.
Bruno thought of using Got Books while
working at GBA over the summer. “I knew
there had to be a way to get rid of the huge
amounts of books that were piling up as the
school was being reorganized,” he says, “So I
started looking around online and found the
Student Association President Rodney Bruno
poses with the drop box he made possible
outside of GBA.
Upcoming Events
Lunch Menu
The Beacon
October 18-20:
"
Alumni Homecoming
October 21:
"
Grilled cheese "sandwiches
"
Tomato soup
Volume 13
Issue 1
October 25:
"
GBA Illumination Vespers
October 22:
"
Fri-Chik and gravy
"
Potatoes
"
Peas and carrots
October 27:
"
Fall Festival
November 4-8:
"
Fall Week of Prayer
November 7:
"
Parent Appreciation
"
Night
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company. I didn’t want to just throw the books
out; that would be a waste, so this was a
perfect solution.” Bruno says that the
donation program has many additional
benefits, as well. “The best part is that no
items are thrown away; everything is recycled.
Even clothing that can’t be used to give to
people in need is used as insulation in
buildings, and books that the superstores
don’t sell are given away.”
Got Books, Inc. gives our school
community the opportunity to help those in
need and support our school community at
the same time. Don’t forget to take a visit to
GBA’s donation box and do your part, and
visit a local Used Book Superstore.
October 23:
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Haystacks with fixings
October 24:
"
Pizza
"
Salad
October 25:
"
Grinders
"
Chips
Lead Editor
Paola Mendez
Layout/Copy Editor
Regina Dumont
Photo Editor
Randy Barros
Staff
Herby Jean-Baptiste
Kervins Jean-Baptiste
Ciara Jordan-Sanders
Hassan Kambon
Sarah Logan-Cruz
Merypaula Lara
Jing Mu
Eden Perozo
Soniel Valentin
Advisor
Astrid Wendth
August 26 – October 18, 2013