Soundwaves Spring 2013 - Locust Valley Central School District

Official Newsletter for the
Locust Valley Central School District
Soundwaves
Locust Valley
Visit us on the Web: http://www.lvcsd.k12.ny.us
Spring 2013
Senior Named National Merit Finalist
Locust Valley High School is proud to announce that one of its students has been
named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Doug Edwins achieved this honor based on
his exceptional performance on the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test. The College
Board bestows this honor upon less than one percent of high school seniors nationwide
each year, yet this is the fourth consecutive year that Locust Valley High School has had a
finalist.
Earlier this school year, Locust Valley students Emma Gugerty and Theodore Kahn
were named National Merit Commended Students for their performances on the same
exam. Doug was named a semifinalist, making him eligible to become a finalist.
The PSAT was taken by 1.5 million high school juniors in 2011. Of those students,
Doug is among an elite group of 15,000 finalists nationwide.
The College Board shares the names of students who earn these distinctions with
colleges and universities. As a finalist, Doug is now eligible to receive scholarships of
$10,000 towards his college education. These scholarships can come from the National
Merit Scholarship Corporation, corporate sponsors or the universities the finalists attend.
Locust Valley Central School District congratulates Doug on this elite accomplishment!
Success in TOSHIBA ExploraVision Competition
Three fifth-grade Locust Valley
Intermediate School students have
been recognized as regional winners
in the Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision
competition. The team of Hana
Glavin, Michelle Hsu, and James
O’Connell were honored for their
project, “Triple C: Carbon Capture
for Cars.” These students came up
with an innovation that would reduce
carbon emissions from cars. This team
was coached by Librarian Anne Joyce
and mentored by high school physics
teacher Alan Stella.
Out of nearly 15,000 entries, Hana,
Michelle, and James were among
only 24 regional winners. Toshiba
ExploraVision is a science competition
for students in kindergarten through
12th grade, in which participants are
encouraged to imagine and research
what technology could look like in the
future.
Eight teams from Locust Valley
Intermediate School participated
in the competition. Six teams
from Bayville Intermediate School
participated, one of which received
honorable mention. Coached
by Bayville Intermediate School
librarian Paige Coppola, the team of
Christopher Bartell, Bradon Chabrier
and Anthony Scicutella, proposed
BCDC, a cream that would detect
breast cancer at a very early stage and
therefore save lives.
Eleven teams at the high school
and six teams at the middle school
participated in this year’s Toshiba
ExploraVision competition.
Congratulations to all of the district’s
students that participated in this year’s
competition.
LVHS Scientists Advance to LISEF Finals
Locust Valley High School Seniors
Emma Gugerty and Stephanie
Bousleiman advanced to the final
round of the Long Island Science and
Engineering Fair (LISEF). These young
scientists, who are the Class of 2013
valedictorian and salutatorian, competed
against more than 500 Long Island high
school students. They are among only the
top 25 percent of competitors advancing
to the final round.
Emma and Stephanie’s project,
“A Comparison of the Diel Vertical
Migration Patterns of the Oceanic
Whitetip Shark – Carcharhinus
Longimanus – to Those of Other Species,”
utilized satellite telemetry data in a joint
project with graduate students from Stony
Brook University’s School of Marine
and Atmospheric Sciences. Data from
three different tagged white tip sharks
was compared to the data of three other
species of sharks and two species of bony
fish. The graduate students tagged the
fish off the coast of the Bahamas.
LISEF is the regional fair of the
International Science and Engineering
Fair. Science research coordinator Chris
Hoppner said the girls worked tirelessly
inducted 130
Locust Valley High School
,
iety
Soc
r
on their project. “Emma and Stephanie
Hono
students into the National
the
in
ents
spent endless hours on their research
recognizing their achievem
National
Honor Society
Induction
ship, service
areas of scholarship, leader
inductees join
and character. The newest
olding these
their fellow members in uph
their time and
principles by contributing
l and local
talents to better the schoo
eer activities,
community through volunt
nce to the
civic involvement and adhere
ics, morality
highest standards of academ
and ethics.
ire described
Principal Dr. Kieran McGu
criteria for
these traits, which are the
iety, and
admission to the honor soc
he was of
told the group how proud
nity and their
their actions in the commu
ics. “Thank you
dedication to their academ
piration and
for providing us with the ins
successes.”
example of your efforts and
Dr. Anna
Superintendent of Schools
of Education
F. Hunderfund and Board
addressed
President Suzanne Sgueglia
emony, which
the students during the cer
dle lighting
included the traditional can
lit a symbolic
ceremony. Each inductee
h, promising to
candle and recited the oat
the National
live up to the standards of
Honor Society.
her
Dr. Hunderfund expressed
s
ent of this
pride for the accomplishm
and women.
elite group of young men
who you are,
“Congratulations for being
s in so many
for distinguishing yourselve
pride of
ways and for truly being the
said.
she
Locust Valley High School,”
uctees!
ind
Congratulations to the new
and their efforts paid off. Their project
is impressive even for someone beyond
the high school level,” he said. He added
that the project taught them important
research skills and scientific methods
which will greatly benefit them in their
post-high school educations.
Good luck in the finals, Emma and
Stephanie!
National Junior Honor Society
The Locust Valley Middle School’s National
Junior Honor Society welcomed more than 75
new members during an induction ceremony held
in front of a proud audience of classmates, family,
Board of Education members and school faculty.
Induction of new members into the society is
one of the most memorable traditions associated
with joining NJHS. The event included a candlelighting ceremony, a string concerto, a welcome
from Locust Valley Middle School Principal
H. Thomas Hogan and Board of Education
President Suzanne Sgueglia. The ceremony
concluded with inspiring remarks from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Anna F.
Hunderfund.
Mr. Hogan told those in attendance that the NJHS induction ceremony is one of
the most special evenings of the year. “This one is extra special because this honor
recognizes all the effort - the blood, sweat and tears - of the students who constantly
strive to do the best they can do in all facets of life. It is merit at its best, and every
one of these children being inducted tonight earned our respect and admiration. I
would also like to thank the parents because they were supportive every step of the
way.”
Membership in NJHS is intended to create enthusiasm for scholarship,
stimulate a desire to render service, promote leadership and develop character
in middle and high school students. The NJHS honors students who have
demonstrated excellence in the aforementioned areas, and these characteristics have
been associated with membership in the organization since their beginnings in the
1920s.
Congratulations to Locust Valley’s newest members of this elite club!
2
Section VIII Awards
Congratulations to the following student-athletes on their outstanding
accomplishments during the winter athletics season:
2012-13 Nassau County Winter Section VIII Athletic Awards
First Name
Ryan Ray
Brooke
Sammy
Marissa
Marcella
Grace
Tessa
Corinne
Nick
Sam
Kevin
Kevin
Kevin
Bryan
Hunter
Mike
Jordan
Yamique
Joey
Pat
Dan
Brian
Sam
Erik
Alec
Jason
Last NameGrade SportAward
Paniagua
12
Boys Basketball All-Conference
Catala
11
Boys Basketball All-Conference
Spallino
12
Girls Basketball All-County
Altimari
12
Girls Basketball All-Conference
Reyes
12
Girls Basketball All-Conference
Applewhaite 12
Girls Basketball All-Class
Murphy
12
Girls Track
All-County
Tarantino
12
Girls Bowling
All-Conference
Montell
10
Girls Bowling
All-Conference
Casella
10
Wrestling
All State 2nd Place 113 lbs.
Ward
10
Wrestling
All State 5th Place 132 lbs.
Rieger
12
Wrestling
News 12 Long Island Scholar-Athlete
Rieger
12
Wrestling
NIAA Section VIII Scholar-Athlete
Rieger
12Wrestling
All-County
Coll
10
Wrestling
Division II County Champion 99 lbs.
Dusold
8
Wrestling
Division II County Champion 106 lbs
Dusold
10
Wrestling
Division II County Champion 145 lbs
Formicola
11
Wrestling
Division II County Champion 160 lbs
Webb
10
Wrestling
Division II County Champion 170 lbs
Bressingham11 Wrestling
All-County
Briody
8Wrestling All-County
Casalino 12Wrestling
All-County
Drews
11Wrestling
All-County
Farren
11Wrestling
All-County
Villalobos 11Wrestling
All-County
Chiappone12Wrestling
All-Conference
Henris
12Wrestling
All-Conference
The following winter 2012-2013 teams achieved New York State scholar-athlete team
recognition:
cheerleading 95.53134; girlsindoor track 94.069; boys bowling 93.196; girls bowling 92.593; girls
basketball 92.058; wrestling 91.708; boys basketball 90.306; kickline 90.0
TEAM ACHIEVEMENTS
Girls basketball: Nassau County Class B Semi-Finalist
Wrestling: Division II County Champions
Wrestling: Eighth-place Finish in New York State Tournament
Wrestlers Go to States
Congratulations to seven Locust Valley wrestlers who competed at a high-level of
competition at the State wrestling qualifiers.
Five of these wrestlers advanced to the quarterfinals: Nick Casella, Hunter Dusold,
Mike Dusold, Jordan Formicola and Sam Ward. Bryan Coll and Yamique Webb
wrestled tough in wrestle-backs. Nick and Sam both advanced to the semifinals on day
two of the tournament. This was the highest number of place winners for any Nassau
County Division II school in this tournament.
Sam fought hard and placed fifth overall in his weight class, qualifying him to earn
All-State honors, while Nick advanced to the state finals for the second year in a row,
placing second and also earning All-State honors.
As a team, Locust Valley finished in eighth place out of 120 Division II schools in the
state of New York.
3
Senior Named
News 12 Scholar
Athlete
LVHS senior Kevin Rieger has been chosen as
a News12 Long Island Scholar-Athlete. He is one
of only 30 high school students on Long Island to
receive this honor. This is the third consecutive
year that Locust Valley High School has had a
News 12 Long Island Scholar Athlete.
Kevin is a three-sport athlete, playing football,
wrestling and baseball. He is a two-time AllCounty award winner in football and the team
captain. As a junior, Kevin’s tremendous ability as
an offensive and defensive lineman sparked one of
Locust Valley’s most successful football seasons as
the team finished 7-1 and in first place in regular
season-play. As a senior, Kevin was instrumental in
helping the team advance to the playoffs once again. Kevin earned All-Conference honors in
wrestling. On the varsity baseball team he is a
starter, the team captain, a pitcher and a third
baseman. He is also the male recipient of the
Section VIII Athletic Administrators Association
Scholar-Athlete Award.
“Kevin is a talented and driven scholar-athlete;
most importantly he is a gentlemen,” said Locust
Valley Director of Physical Education, Health and
Athletics, Mark J. Dantuono.
Kevin’s academic success rivals his athletic
accomplishments. He is an International
Baccalaureate Diploma candidate and member
of the National Honor Society, French National
Honor Society and the Model United Nations. He
has achieved scholar-athlete status and made high
honor roll every year.
Kevin participates in multiple community
service activities, including volunteering at Cancer
Center for Kids and participating in Relay for Life
and Athletes Helping Athletes.
Guidance counselor Jillian Celli described
Kevin as a true gentleman who possesses a strong
set of core values. “Kevin is consistent and reliable
in all aspects of his life and possesses an uncanny
ability to put things in perspective,” she said.
Jesters Create Magic
The Locust Valley Jesters entertained
packed audiences with a “tale as old as
time” with their production of Disney’s
“Beauty and the Beast.” The singing,
acting, and set design proved that the
Jesters can put together a performance
that w
Th
and K
chara
pomp
Prasad
Student Teachers as Heroes
Students at Ann MacArthur and
Bayville Primary Schools were taught by
some very special visiting teachers – Locust
Valley High School students. Through
a program called “High School Heroes,”
about 50 high school students became
teachers for a day, providing lessons on
community and business to children in
kindergarten through second grade. Now
in its third year, High School Heroes
previously took place at the Intermediate
Schools and this year was brought down to
the Primary Schools for the first time.
The program, a partnership with Junior
Achievement, was intended to inspire and
prepare elementary school children to
succeed in a global economy, while at the
same time providing high school students
an opportunity to become leaders in the
community. Through training provided
by the Junior Achievement organization,
lesson plans are used to help the “teachers”
provide valuable, educational lessons to
their classes.
Locust Valley High School Assistant
Principal Rebecca Gottesman said the
program provided the younger students
with a unique opportunity to learn about
the business world from teenagers, a group
that they look up to and admire.
The heroes themselves gained
experience planning lessons, teaching, and
learning to be leaders. Ms. Gottesman
said the collaboration was very successful.
“Many of the high school participants
ended the day feeling as though they had
helped the community, encouraged young
children, and learned about themselves
throughout the process,” she said. Some
of the students are interested in pursuing
a career in teaching after thoroughly
enjoying the experience, she added.
Breaking News for MS Reporters
Members of the middle school newspaper recently became journalists for the
Kidsday section of Newsday. Sixth-, seventh and eighth-graders met with the
Kidsday editor to discuss topics and wrote articles that were published in Newsday.
Several middle school reporters also participated in special events and interviews.
Melissa Cooney and Kristina Lollo traveled into New York City and learned how
to make chocolate at the Perugina chocolate factory. Joyce Kim, Faith McQuiston,
James Rose and Isabel Ryan were invited to the media opening and press
conference for the new Metropolitan Museum of Math in Manhattan. Finally,
Melissa Cooney and Kristy Jahchan listened to a soundcheck and interviewed
members of the bands Outasight and The Ready Set before their New York City
concert. This real life experience is invaluable for the budding young reporters.
4
would impress the harshest critics.
he show featured Frances Raynolds
Konrad Matthaei as the title
acters. Ernest Scheiferstein was the
pous and villainous Gaston, with Ishan
d as his sidekick, Lefou. Richard Kihm
was Belle’s eccentric father, Maurice. Also
featured were Joseph Palumbo as Lumiere,
John LaMere as Cogsworth, Julia Vezza as
Mrs. Potts, Daniel Criblez as Chip, Jensine
Schneekloth as Babette and Victoria
Sedlak as the Wardrobe. Singing and
dancing to help break the spell were 50
talented Locust Valley students. Working
behind the scenes to create the magic
were the many dedicated members of the
Locust Valley stage and lighting crew.
Spreading Happiness
Sending Love Near
and Far
For students at Bayville Elementary School,
Valentine’s Day was about spreading the love
to those who need it most. At Bayville Primary
School, Kindergarten students in Carolyn
Sumcizk’s class created original Valentine’s
cards for veterans. At Bayville Intermediate
School, students wrote and drew Valentine’s
cards for children in Island Park who were hit
hard by Superstorm Sandy.
While helping to brighten Valentine’s
Day for others, these young students were
learning at the same time. Using their art
skills, penmanship, spelling and creativity, the
children incorporated their curriculum into
the project while also learning compassion.
“It makes them feel good to do something
nice for others,” said Ms. Sumcizk. “They were
very excited to make these cards and to know
someone would smile when they received it.”
Third-grade teacher Christine Arthur
organized the project at Bayville Intermediate
School. She said that many classes
participated, creating a large number of cards
to distribute. Mrs. Arthur added that her class
was writing personal messages to the children
from Island Park. ‘They are creating greetings
that will remind the recipients that there are
people who care about them.” She added that
her third-graders were using important skills
for the project such as creative writing.
In the end, while the Bayville
students gained so much from these
projects, the real winners were those
that received the cards.
Sending Love…
Right at Home
Two Locust Valley High School
students enriched the spirit of the
community this past Valentine’s
Day when they anonymously posted
Valentine’s messages on every single
student’s locker in the high school.
The messages were inspiring and
uplifting, putting smiles on the faces
of students as they approached their
lockers that day. Without getting
credit or asking for anything in return,
these secret admirers may have made a
difference in how someone viewed his
or her day.
Principal Dr. Kieran McGuire wasis proud
to note that this act represents the generosity
and kindness of the student body. “These are
the types of young men and women that grace
our halls,” he said. “These are students who
do for others, and ask nothing in return – not
even a thank you. They are quite happy to
have brightened the faces of their peers. “
5
The messages were handwritten on
colorful sticky notes and stuck to the outside
of lockers. They included messages such
as “Wake up everyday with an idea that
something wonderful is going to happen.
You’re Beautiful.” Many of the messages
had hand drawn hearts at the bottom. Their
actions embody the caring atmosphere that
our community treasures.
Robotics Teams Rule at Competition!
Seven robotics teams have advanced to the finals in the FIRST Lego League robotics
competition. The teams, from the middle school and Bayville and Locust Valley Intermediate
Schools, were coached by parent volunteers and supervised by high school science teacher and
robotics coach Alan Stella.
The theme of the event, “Senior Solutions,” charged teams with the task of exploring the topic
of aging and how age may affect a person’s ability to maintain his or her lifestyle. After identifying
challenges to aging, such as the inability to get around, the teams were responsible for solving these
issues with an invention. Teams also built, tested, and programed an autonomous robot using
Lego Mindstorms® to solve a set of missions on an obstacle course.
Congratulations to the following participants:
Bayville Intermediate
Caizzo, Alex Giankakis, Joseph
Keebler, Isabella McGlone, Joseph
Valli, Zach Watson, Alex Wyslowski
(6th Grade), Ethan Dessner,
Jeremy Mastrodomenico, Jordan
Mastrodomenico
Locust Valley Middle School
Locust Valley Intermediate
LEGO-letes - 2nd Place –
Research Project
Anthony Bonadonna, Daniel
Glavan, Hana Glavan, Lucas
Johnson, Matthew Klein,
James Long
Robotic Falcons - 1st Place –
Project Presentation
Chris Chiu, Tim Chiu, Salvatore
The Medicine Bottles -1st Place –
Mechanical Design
Nils Coffey, Danny Dessner
The Crazy Racing Robots - 2nd
Place - Inspiration Award
Elizabeth Flory, Ryan Maselli,
Ezra Pietrafesa, Noah Pietrafesa,
Julia Sabitino, Alexandra Weilert,
Raymond Weilert, Chase Williams
Team #624 LV Lego Technix 2nd Place - Innovative Solution
Award
Diana Bianco, Brian Chasanoff,
Giulia Maida, Daniel Schraeter,
Danielle Sisson, Michael Sisson, Baybots - 1st Place – Robot
Performance Award & 2nd Place
Strategy and Innovation Award
(The Baybots earned the highest
score of the day with 345 points).
Bridget Bianco, Grace Carreccia,
Charlotte Creedon, Rebecca Finke,
Mackenzie Henris, Jaye Liantonio,
Ella Paz
Vectors - 2nd Place –
Programming Award
Matthew Boutros, Joe Cantore,
Keenan Herlich, Alex Lawton, Mike
Keshle, Charles Saventti
Bayville Students Show Off Creativity
Bayville students created impressive visual arts artwork, musical
compositions, literature, and photography for the National PTA
Reflections Program. The program is sponsored by the national PTA and
student submissions that win at the Bayville level move on to the county
level, with the opportunity to advance to the state and national levels.
Bayville Primary and Intermediate School children may submit
original works, which are judged blindly with the winners moving on
to the next level of competition. The program is intended to encourage
children to explore the arts and to express themselves through creativity.
Submissions must represent the theme, which changes each year. THis
year’s theme was “The Magic of a Moment.”
“The Reflections program allows children to explore their own
creativity and to interpret the theme in their own way,” said Bayville
Elementary Principal Scott McElhiney. “Every child participating
is recognized for their efforts, promoting positive self-esteem and
confidence as well.”
Bayville PTA member Susan Spampinato is the Reflections
chairperson and organized the event and the entries. “All of the children
worked hard on their submissions and deserve recognition,” she said. ix
of this year’s submissions will move ahead to the county level. Those
pieces include artwork by Micaela Arana, grade 2; Abigail Dunne, grade
4; Lizzy Flory, grade 5; Lindsay Hogan, grade 3; David Hower, grade 4;
and Robert Lederer, grade 2.
Congratulations to all the participants!
Around the World With Food
The Locust Valley Elementary Parents’ Council held the first annual
International Food Festival, an event that exposed young students to foods
and cultures from around the world. Held in the middle school cafeteria in
order to accommodate a large crowd, the smells of homemade foods from
many countries filled the room and welcomed students and their families.
High school foreign language students volunteered to serve the foods
that were donated by families. Participants shared foods from their own
backgrounds, enhancing the international flavor.
LVEPC members Hayley Byron and Tina Mehta organized the event
with the hope that the LVEPC could enhance the elementary school
curriculum while providing some fun family time. Loretta Pisciotta was
instrumental in making the event a success as well, including coordinating the
high school volunteers. The price of admission to the event raised $220 for
the North Shore Inn Soup Kitchen in Glen Cove. Leftover food was donated
to Jones Manor on the Sound in Bayville. With so many people benefiting,
next year’s event is already being planned.
6
Foreign Language
Enhances Curriculum
Curriculum Brings
Colonial Times to Life
Dressed in Colonial costumes and playing the part of typical
Colonial tradespeople, LVMS seventh-graders presented research
on Colonial times to judges in the middle school mini-theater and
library. Artifacts were used representing the particular trade each
student researched, including elaborate displays to depict the work
of fur trappers, medics, fisherman, candlemakers, shoemakers,
tailors, and more.
The Colonial Jobs Fair is an annual culmination of the Colonial
Times unit of study, which is part of the seventh-grade social
studies curriculum. “The jobs fair allows students to showcase, in a
creative manner, the information they have learned during class,”
said social studies coordinator David J. Ethe. “Conducting the fair
enhances the curriculum by having students intensely examine the
political, social, economic and geographic life faced by Americans
during Colonial times.”
Students worked hard for several weeks, utilizing various skills
such as research, public speaking, appraising historical perspectives,
writing and teamwork. When putting together their final projects,
judges were very impressed by the creativity students displayed.
Students at Locust Valley and Bayville
Intermediate Schools are learning that foreign
languages can be fun! Through the Foreign
Language in Elementary School program, students
are introduced to the cultural aspects and some
language from various foreign countries.
With the help of parents, assemblies bring
foreign culture to life, with decorations, native
foods and slideshows. Children enjoy monthly
events that provide them with a wonderful
foundation for the foreign language curriculum
that begins in the middle school.
Locust Valley Elementary Assistant Principal
Amy Watson said the FLES assemblies enhance
the curriculum and are a fun way to introduce
students to cultural differences in our society.
“These are wonderful lessons, but the children
just think they are having a great time,” she said.
“They remember everything because it was so
much fun.”
Bayville Elementary Principal Scott McElhiney
said the FLES assemblies also help with diversity
education. “As children learn about various
cultures, they become more accepting of the
differences that make each of us unique.”
Math Test Brings Skills to a New Level
Locust Valley High School
mathematicians competed in an
intense national math competition that
helped them sharpen their math skills
and required them to think out of the
box. The American Math Competition
is sponsored by the Mathematical
Association of America and includes
more than 220,000 students from
around the world.
Performing at high levels in the
AMC can lead to participation in
even more selective math contests,
including the International
Mathematical Olympiad, the premier
international high school-level
problem-solving contest. The AMC states that the
problems in the contest are hard, but
designed to be within reach. They
add that participation alone in
the contest should provide a sense
of accomplishment because these
problems are meant to be more
challenging than those routinely
encountered in mathematics courses.
District math coordinator Robert
Teseo said the AMC is an excellent
experience for students. “For students
7
who achieve in mathematics, the AMC
allows them to apply these skills in a
creative manner, similar to how they
might apply their knowledge to a unique
situation in a college or career situation.”
While it is an extraordinary
accomplishment to sit for this exam,
several students should be recognized
for earning the highest scores of any
Locust Valley student. Isaac Park was
the high scorer for the AMC 12 and
Jack and Quinlan Ferrante were tied as
the high scorers for the AMC 10.
Congratulations to all!
Locust Valley Central School District
22 Horse Hollow Road
Locust Valley, NY 11560
Superintendent Dr. Anna F. Hunderfund
*****ECRWSS*****
Postal Customer Local
NONPROFIT
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 22
Locust Valley, NY 11560
Spotlight on Creativity
Some of Locust Valley High School’s most creative students performed at
Spotlight Night, providing a variety of entertainments from exciting musical
numbers to poetry readings. The high school mini-theater was transformed into a
cozy performance space with the atmosphere enhanced by paintings, drawings, and
sculptures created by student-artists.
This student-produced fundraiser is organized annually in support of Perspective,
the LVHS literary magazine. LVHS students of all ages performed original songs and
poems, interpreted favorite standbys, and even wowed the audience with an Irish step
dancing number and an inspirational trumpet solo.
Noting that the program is a wonderful opportunity for the students, English coordinator, Ted Cannone said, “Spotlight Night
is always so much fun because the students get to show family, friends, and schoolmates just how talented and creative they are.”
Mr. David Coonan, the “Perspective” adviser provided the student-organizers with guidance and supervision as they planned the
coffee-house style event.
Students Write, Direct,
Perform – and Enjoy!
LVHS students are given the
opportunity twice each year to
write, direct and perform their
own monologues and play scenes,
and the students who participate
gain more than they expect.
Students in grades 9-12 are
invited to join the Writer’s
Workshop. Advisers Adele
Bolitho and Larry Lynch said the
students choose their own topics
based on one common theme.
Students can write their scripts
based on personal experiences or
write fiction.
Mr. Lynch said the workshops
give students an opportunity
to explore their creativity, from
writing to acting, as well as
emotions they otherwise may not
share. “The students really come
out of their shells and support
each other,” he said. “It can be a
powerfully cathartic experience
for them, and one which they
value immensely. In this time
of tests, exams and essays, the
workshop provides a vital and
vibrant outlet for our students.”
Ms. Bolitho and Mr. Lynch
guide the students throughout
the process, editing scripts and
offering direction for the live
performances. “The students do
the work, but we give them the
support and encouragement they
need,” Ms. Bolitho said. “We
encourage them in their writing,
in their directing and in their
performances to be the best they
can possibly be.”
8
Lending a Hand to
Diversity Education
High school art students used various mediums
to
represent diversity in honor of Black History Mon
th
and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Melanie Mooney’s
art
classes studied how hands, whether they are black
and white or full of color, work together to make
diversity work.
The hands can be seen in the art display in the
high school lobby.