Green Horn

April 29, 2011 Volume 31, Edition 5

The Award-Winning Student Publication of Springfield High School and the Tech Center

9th Annual Arts Festival Floods

Springfield High School with Creativity
By Vicki Kopidakis

R
igorous classes, a large amount of work, and af- to 7:30 PM, is a product
ter school athletics make it easy for high school of the CATS Academy.
students to become a little self-involved. With Each year, members of
full plates, students sometimes forget to look around at the academy decide on
their surroundings and appreciate the magnitude of talent a theme for the festival
possessed by their peers. The ninth annual Springfield and classes begin work on
High School Arts Festival, held on Tuesday, March 15, projects a month prior to
served as a reminder for students and community mem- the exhibit. This year, the
bers of the artistic skills and hard work of Springfield chosen theme was water.
High School students. “We try to pick
The arts festival, which displayed from 5:00 a theme that every subject
area can relate to,” said
art teacher Lisa Murray.
“And one students can be
creative with.”
Indeed they
were. Advanced Art stu-
dent Vicky Jacobs chose
to create an Octopus for
her assignment of a life
size sculpture. Made of The completed Poseidon keeps a watchful and watery eye
plaster craft and paint, over the 9th Annual Arts Festival on the ides of March.
Jacobs decided on this sea
creature “because I thought no one else would pick it. water taken by photography classes, and a mosaic
Senior Max Messier builds Poseidon It would be unique.” Her large sculpture was placed completed as a collaboration project by the advanced
among smaller fish creations. placement art students.
before the festival. Other projects included mixed media paint-
ings of water done by the painting class, pictures of See Festival page 21

What’s Inside:
Graduation Is Sneaking Up
on Seniors
Prom goes to
Hollywood, By Shelby Reardon
p. 5

A
fter 740 days, 18 teachers, 109 classmates, and
a hint of carpel tunnel, the class of 2011 is ready
Once Upon to graduate. Their journey through Springfield
High School began four years ago when they were
Mattress hits freshmen. Some took their first steps into the lobby
the SHS stage, wide-eyed and fearless, while others bolted towards
p. 12 the nearest corner as a means to avoid upperclassmen.
Soon these seniors will be taking their first steps into
the real world.
Graduation occurs on June 11th. All seniors
Trash talk and seemingly love the day they leave high school. The
sports, ceremony, though, is viewed differently by each student.
p. 16 “It’s nice to have a ceremony to celebrate success,” Nick
Chlebak said. “But it’s not a big deal.”
Senior Matt Aiello thinks graduation is
See Graduation page 20 a celebration of mediocrity.
 . ACLU Director
Green Horn Interview By Kelsey Christensen

Allen Gilbert Reflects

on Free Speech
I
n early March, Springfield High School students
listened to Vermont American Civil Liberties Union
Director Allen Gilbert. Gilbert administered a sur-
vey about the First Amendment, discussed the Westboro
Baptist Church decision, which dictates that the radical
church can protest at military funerals, and talked about
the rights of high school students. After Gilbert's pre-
sentation, the Green Horn caught up with Gilbert and
asked him to talk about the ACLU, free speech, and high
school presentations.
Why did you decide to work for the ACLU?
Because I was a plaintiff in an ACLU case. In my school
district, I was the chair of the school board. It was part
of the Brigham School Funding Case, decided in 1997. I
Are there any times where you feel ambivalent about
a case working for the ACLU?
There are positions the ACLU takes that I, as an in-
dividual, might not take. But I still respect what the
ACLU believes. Everyone argues about an issue all the
time, so no issue is taken up without a lot of thought
going into it.
What are the rewards of working for the ACLU?
I think working with people in the ACLU who re-
ally believe in the importance of the Constitution is
a reward.
Why is it important to talk to classes in this way?
have a right to express their viewpoint.

"Civil liberties don't just happen. People need to learn their
liberties, and they need to learn to protect them."
was from the town of Worcester, Vermont, and our kids
didn’t have the same educational opportunities as kids
in other towns and we thought that was unfair. So the
ACLU put together a lawsuit, and my town was part of
the lawsuit. So I became very active in advocating for
education equity.
What challenges does your job present?
Well, everyday I have to learn something new because
lots of different issues come up. And another challenge
is lots of people don’t like the ACLU because we de-
fend people who might be unpopular. My challenge is
explaining why we do some of the things we do.
Because civil liberties don’t just happen. People need
to learn their liberties, and they need to learn to protect
them.
What is you message in these presentations?
To challenge people.
Can you speak to any current issues of free
speech?
The Westboro Baptist Church decision comes to my
mind. It was the correct decision that protects free
speech, even if it’s speech that we don’t want to hear.
As offensive as the church’s signs might be, they still
In the presentations today, you passed out a survey
about free speech. Can you speak to those?
I pass out a short survey about the First Amendment.
Students answer questions about free speech and free-
dom of religion. The questions come from a national
survey, and I want to see if Vermont kids are more
aware of the First Amendment. So far, the results have
been that Vermont kids are more knowledgeable about
the First Amendment.
How did your presentations go?
Students have been interested and have had really good
questions, and that gets me excited.
Any drawbacks to the presentations?
The long drives on a snowy highway. And, it’s always
hard for me to know what kids are interested in.

GREEN HORN STAFF

S am Benton......................... Layout Editor/C0-Editor
K elsey Christensen............... C0-Editor
M aria Stern.......................... Co-Editor
L aurel Porter....................... Photo Editor/Co-Editor
C ourtney Downing.............. Sports Editor
----------------REPORTERS---------------
Nikka Bactad, Andrew Bladyka, Tabitha Celani, Justin Derosier,
Alexis Esposito, Liza Fontaine, Lauren Fountain, Sarah Gray, Jessie Haskell,
Chelsea Howland, Holly Hooke, Alexandra Johnstone, Vicki Kopidakis,
Alexis L0cke, Angelina Mei, Cooper Naess, Jill Rushton, The New Timer
Jennifer Stein, Olivia Thayer, Sarah Vredenburgh, and Long-term substitute teacher Scott Hafferkamp hands out
Michael Whittemore copies of Thriteen Days to his 20th Century class.

pg  G r e e n H o r n
 Tech Center
RVTC Up
Close
By Chelsey Harmer

M
any students at Springfield High School are
unaware of what lies behind the set of double
doors that lead to the River Valley Technical
Center (RVTC). Many are missing out on the opportuni-
ties and experiences that each program provides.
School officials feel that countless students
could benefit from taking a class in the unknown world
of the tech center and use it to their advantage.
The tech center houses 15 programs ranging
from Industrial Trades to Hospitality and Recreation
Services. Level I students, consisting mostly of juniors,
have class 1st, 2nd, and 3rd period. Level II students,
mainly seniors who have completed level I, attend dur-
ing 5th, 6th, and 7th period.
One might think having a class for three
periods would be difficult. However, Erin Hunter, who
teaches the carpentry program, doesn’t think so. Keep-
ing her kids focused for three periods is not something
she has to worry about. Because it is a program of
choice, the students are interested in the content. “They
want to be here,” Hunter said about the students in her
classes. This makes her job easier and allows learning
to be a lot more fun for students.
Students find some bonuses when they take
an RVTC class. For example, embedded credits are
given in many courses. A math credit is included if one
completes the carpentry class. The River Valley Technical Center Atrium, with its impressive high ceiling and
“It’s really a win-win,” Hunter said. “Car- architectual pleasures, attracts students and staff. The Campus Connection,
pentry is a springboard into other types of education.
Jason Farnsworth, a 1999 SHS graduate, which sells school supplies and snacks, is located in the Atrium.
believes the tech center has helped him significantly.
“Because I took a class at the tech center, I went to college in that field of study,” he said. Farnsworth lar view about gaining experience in his field and being
completed the level I and able to use that knowledge to get a job.
II horticulture program “It got me a job at VTel,” said senior Matt
with John Harmer and Aiello, who is currently enrolled in Gail Fletcher’s
now works as a forester Hands On Computer systems level II course. “It teaches
for the U.S. Army Corps me things I need to know for the career I want,” Aiello
Engineers. However, he said. “I don’t need to know about Charles Dickens’
comes back to visit with childhood to be a computer engineer.:
his old teacher as one of If a student is interested in enrolling in a tech
his advisors and helps center program but is unsure about what to take, intro
out with class about once classes are available for almost all programs. Trying
a month. them out for one quarter is recommended by school
Some feel that officials before making the switch to three periods a
taking a course at the tech day. “If you take an intro class," said Eglintine, "you
center builds a foundation can start to get a feel for the program."
for one’s career. Accord- Another unique feature of the tech center
ing to Hunter, “It [RVTC involves students working with new peers. The tech
instruction] teaches you center takes in five neighboring school districts: Bellows
not just how to get a job,” Falls, Black River, Fall Mountain, Green Mountain, and
she said, “but how to keep Springfield. Hunter describes this diversity as a bonus.
a job.” Students get to meet new people and make friends with
Sophomore kids who share their interests.
Erin Hunter teaches carpentry to RVTC students. Gordon Eglintine, an “I strongly recommend the tech center,”
RVTC student, has a simi- concluded Jason Farnsworth.

G r e e n H o r n pg 
News
Senior Trip 2011
Cape Cod and Maryland?
By Angelina Mei

T
he senior trip. An adventure many seniors in
high schools across the country look forward
to. Such trips are the result of fundraising ef-
forts that span the years of high school. However, the
senior trip at Springfield High School has not quite been
determined yet.
Many ideas have been suggested for the
2011 senior trip. The first involved a 3-day 2-night stay
in Florida. When the price was too high for most of the
seniors, the trip was reduced to a 2-day 1-night stay in
Florida. With a minimum of 25 participants and $125
down payment the trip would have been a success but
These French exhange students there weren’t enough students who wanted to partici-
pate.
enjoyed the American classroom Senior co-advisor Ruth Haskell is now sug-
experience in February. gesting a day trip to Ocean City, Maryland, that includes

French Tour
a tour of New York City, dinner at Medieval Times, a
trip to Six Flags Amusement Park and a 2-day 1-night
stay in Ocean City. The total cost of the trip would be
$450 including a $125 down payment.

Springfield
“We [the class advisors] had the seniors take
a survey on what trip they wanted,” said senior co-advi-
sor Kristen Aiello (Tech support staff). “The majority of
the class chose Florida and most of them said they’d be
willing to pay up front,” she continued, “but that didn’t
work out.”
By Seth Gammon Class president Maria Stern has suggested a
trip to Cape Cod as an alternative. The trip has not been
2011 class president Maria Stern

I
t happened in spring of 2006. Springfield High fully planned but would cost around $350. “Supposedly suggested Cape Cod as the
School French teacher Diane Root established con- there are 35-plus seniors interested in going to Cape destination for the senior trip, an
nections between SHS and Lycée Paul Louis Courier
school in Tours, France. The first exchange was made See Trip page 23 option that makes Max Blake happy.
and a golden idea was established.
Friendships and memories that will last
forever were made possible through this exchange. "We
even had a boy recently visit his host family from the
first exchange," Root said.
Now SHS students find themselves in 2011
and the exchange is still very much alive. But it appears
to be just about over. Root is retiring and French will
no longer be offered to new SHS students. However,
French will continue for students still in the program.
Though this French exchange will no longer
exist in its current form, there is still hope for the future.
"I would like to see the exchange continue," Root said.
"It wouldn't have to be a French exchange. It could just
be a foreign one."
Though this exchange is a great opportunity Listen to My Heart
for students to acquaint themselves with another culture, An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) has replaced the payphone,taken off
it benefits language classes. "Some of the kids even
know fluent Spanish," said Root.
the wall in the corridor alongside the cafeteria after many years of service. The
Twenty-two French exchange students ar- defibrillator had been located in the cafeteria, but was moved to allow easier
rived in Springfield in February, though hosts from SHS access for school nurses during a health emergency. The AED provides pads
and the town numbered much less. "Some families won't that can be placed on a person's chest. The AED determines heart activity and
host because they have vacation plans, or feel their house
is too small" Root said before the visit.
advises whether the health care professional should shock the person to restart
Most think the exchange is a great opportu- the heart or perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The defribrillator
has been used once during the 2010-2011 school year.
See French page 23

pg  G r e e n H o r n
 News
A Little Bit of Hollywood
A Whole Lot of Prom
By Sarah Collins

E
veryone remembers those middle school dances.
In fact, each May or June, Springfield High
School juniors host a prom either at Riverside
Middle School (RM) or Springfield High School (SHS).
This year, however, the prom will be hosted elsewhere. A
Face Book chat with juniors Olivia Thayer, Katlyn Daly,
and Liza Fontaine revealed much about the 2011 Prom,
which will be held on May 21st from 7:00-11:00 pm.
“Prom is going to be completely different
this year," Thayer said. “The major difference is that it
will be held at the Hartness House instead of RMS or
SHS.”
This year’s prom theme is Vintage Hol-
lywood. “Prom used to be held at the Hartness House
all the time, but space became an issue,” Thayer said.
“This year it will be in an outdoor permanent tent that
the Hartness House built last year.”
The owners of the Hartness House have
been helping to make the prom more classy. In past
years, parents supplied a lot of the food and the juniors
had to pay for items like tables, chairs, tablecloths, and
silverware, set-up, or clean-up. The Hartness House is
providing all this. “We will be offering an array of snack
foods ( small sandwiches, cheese and crackers, fruits and
veggies) but also a desert bar and a drink bar,” Thayer
said.
Thayer added, “Since we don’t have to pay
extraordinary amounts for the tables, chairs, and all that
go with that, we’ve been able to focus our money on
more fun aspects of prom.”
Photo stations will be set up in and around
the Hartness House where students can go and take
their own pictures. A star map will lead them to these
locations.
“Since the Hartness House is so beautiful and
goes with the theme,” said Thayer, “we saw no need in
spending money on a cheap background.”
Other changes may occur as juniors continue
to plan. They, in fact, are open to any suggestions that
seniors and other classmates have. “Our goal this year
was to make prom so that people would want to be there,
and remember it as a positive high school memory,”
said Thayer. The main goal is to make sure the seniors,
above all, enjoy themselves on May 21st.
The junior prom committee will purchase a
red carpet to emphasize the theme of the prom. “We’re
planning on asking people ahead of time what kind of
music they would like to hear at prom,” Fontaine said.
“There will be more of a variety.” The theme of Vintage
Hollywood will fit in with the Hartness House decora-
tions, which means the students won’t have to spend as
The style, swoosh, and glamour of past proms, reflected in these Green Horn file
much money on decorations. This will save the class
money for their senior trip. photos, should be surpassed this May when the prom moves back to the
Katlyn Daly believes this year’s prom could Hartness House. The 2011 prom, with a theme of Vintage Hollywood, will
be an unforgettable one. “Prom 2011 is going to be include an outdoor tent and photo stations. Juniors have worked to make the
See Hollywood page 21 prom more accessible and more memorable for participants.

G r e e n H o r n pg 
News
Amanda Frank Returns
Takes the Helm in
Biology and Yearbook
By Jenn Stein
theme song, written and performed by Jon Sebastian,
went, “Welcome back, we always could spot a friend.
Welcome back, and I smile when I think how you
must have been, and I know what a scene you were
learning in. Was there something that made you come
back again."
Springfield High School biology and year-
book teacher Amanda Frank was welcomed back from
maternity leave in early March and immediately threw
herself into her classes and getting the yearbook finished,
since the publication is behind schedule.
Frank stayed home from the beginning of
Winter Break, December 23rd, until the beginning of
March, to take care of her newborn daughter Susanna
Impi Frank. During her 2 ½–month maternity leave,
Frank’s students continued learning the expected biol-
Amanda Frank gave birth to Susanna
ogy curriculum, since Charlie LaRosa, a former biology
Impi Frank on December 23rd. teacher, filled in for Frank.
SHS Principal Bob Thibault said that he is
Frank enjoyed her leave and is delighted
with her new daughter. Now she is caught up in teach-
ing biology. “It’s a different adjustment,” Frank said
about coming back to SHS. “I’ve set a completely new
normal [getting used to being a mom].” What used to
be school and home life for Frank has now permanently
changed with the addition of Susanna. Frank said that
her number one priority is balancing her job as a mother
and a teacher.
“I think that the students are just where I
want them to be [in the curriculum],” Frank added.
“I think it’s so great,” said sophomore biol-
ogy studen Bailey Williams concerning Frank’s return.
“We missed her so much.” Other students agreed that
they liked having Frank back.
“She cares about her students and wants to
see them succeed,” said Belinda Hathorn, SHS science
teacher and science team leader, in an email. “She puts
in countless hours planning valuable lessons for her

W
elcome Back, Kotter, was a sitcom that ran
on televsion from 1975-1979. The show was
about a teacher who returned to his old high
school to deal with an unruly class of students. The
pleased to have Frank back. “Mr. LaRosa was a good
fill-in,” said Thibault, “but no one could replace Mrs.
Frank.” Besides being a little behind with the yearbook,
Frank was up to date in the curriculum, Thibault said.
students that not only meet the Vermont Grade Expecta-
tions, but are also relevant to them as well.”
See Frank page 21

Baby Ballou Eyes

Language Teacher
Back from Maturnity Leave
By Samuel L. Benton

O
n November 26th, 2010, the number of Ballous
in Vermont was increased by one. On that icy
day, Russian and German teacher Yuliya Bal-
lou and her husband, Raymond (who works at South
Royalton School) welcomed their newborn daughter,
Daria “Dasha” Milanya Ballou, into the family.
“We wanted a name that would work in
both American and Russian,” Ballou said of the young
Ballou’s name. Daria is a popular Russian name, and
Milanya was the name of Ballou’s Ukrainian paternal
great-grandmother. Ballou and her husband are raising
Daria to be bilingual, with Ballou speaking to her in Rus-
sian and her [Daria’s] father speaking only in English.
“It was quick,” Ballou said about the birth, “I
can’t complain,” good-naturedly adding, “every woman
in the building will probably hate me for it.”
Ballou, who has worked at Springfield High
School for eight years, returned from her maturity leave
on February 17th. Ballou is happy to be back to teaching
but always misses Daria. “I wish I had a longer maturity
leave,” she said. “Longer maternity leaves would lead
to healthier children and happier mothers.”
When asked how she juggles school life
and motherhood, Ballou said, “One step at a time. I
wish there were two of me." But while there remains
one Yuliya Ballou, her husband and his father (Daria’s
grandfather) help relieve the load. Ballou and her
husband share the responsibilities of baby-care and
housework when they are home, while Ballou’s father-
in-law watches Daria while they are at work. Language teacher Yuliya Ballou's
On a regular week day, when Ballou gets daughter, Daria Milanya Ballou, was
back to her house in South Royalton, she likes to take
Daria outside (if the weather permits) for fresh air,
born on November 26th.
hoping that she will fall asleep in her carriage, allow-
ing Ballou to do some of her housework. She usually
reserves weekends for schoolwork. See Ballou page 21

pg  G r e e n H o r n

Hurry Up. Quick.
Time for Lunch.
By Tabitha Celani
D
oesn’t eating school lunch feel desperate and
urgent? I know it does for me. Why is that?
Well, it’s because students at Springfield High
School have only 27 minutes to eat. This might seem
like a nice amount of time to eat a sandwich, apple, and
sip on your chocolate milk. But think about it. How
much time do you really have?
I decided to time myself one day. How long
would it take me to get from Mr. Janiszyn’s room on the
3rd floor, down to the cafeteria, and back again?
I left Mr. Janiszyn’s room at 11:00 am ex-
actly, the beginning of first lunch. I reached the cafeteria
and got in the deli line at 11:02 and began my wait. At
11:17 I received my sandwich and was out of the deli
line by 11:18. I returned to Mr. Janiszyn’s room at 11:20,
which left me with seven minutes to eat, talk, and relax.
Personally, I feel that is not enough time. Seven minutes
goes by much faster than you think, and I often have to
finish my meal in my next class.
School officials seem to have it stuck in their
heads that teenagers inhale their food in a matter of
seconds. Time? Who needs it? Certainly not ravenous
teenagers, according to some adults.
Just kidding. Most of us like to savor and
enjoy our food. Plus, it’s really not healthy to scarf down
your food in a hurry. Studies in Greece and Great Britain
have shown that eating food in a rush releases different
kinds of hormones in your body, and you feel less full
when you wolf down your food rather than when you
G r e e n H o r
eat slowly. Also, earlier studies have shown that taking
time to chew food thoroughly and enjoy a meal results
in consuming fewer calories than when the same size
meal is eaten in haste.
It’s pretty ridiculous how much time at
Springfield High School we don’t have to eat, and I
know it’s not just me that feels this way.
Jeremy Moore, a Springfield High School
sophomore, believes that he spends more time waiting
in line than eating. “The amount of time spent getting
our food leaves us with not enough time to eat,” said
Moore.
SHS Junior Kristen Cook shares Moore’s
ideas. “I kind of feel rushed,” she said, “because some-
times you’ll stand at the end of the line, and by the time
you sit down you have about five minutes to eat.” Cook
stated that if she had any say in the matter, lunch would
be extended to at least 35 minutes.
Moore believes that once the block sched-
ule is in place next year, we may have a longer lunch
period.
“I think a longer lunch period would be cool,
maybe up to 45 minutes,” Moore said.
Science teacher Courtney Brooks thinks the
SHS lunch periods are a little short. “If you bring your
own lunch you have plenty of time,” said Brooks, “but
for those kids who have to wait in line, they’re a little
See Lunch page 23
Science teacher Courtney Brooks
thinks waiting in the lunch line
consumes a lot of lunch time. Junior
Kristen Cook feels rushed during
lunch. Sophomore Jeremy Moore
believes the block schedule will resolve
problems with lunch. All are in favor
of an extended lunch period.
n pg
Features
English teacher Jen Dodge feels that
her job goes outside the building.
Teaching
It Never Goes
Away
By Maggie Stevens
N
o one really likes the classroom setting: the
screech of the chalk on the blackboard, the
required silence when all you want to do is
talk, the way the clock seems to move backward. But
at the same time, this is the place where memories are
made, friendships grow, and the foundation of who we
are now, and what we will become, forms.
We all know that most students feel this way
at one time or another, but how do the teachers feel?
Sometimes the same way, believe it or not.
It becomes almost a habit, English teacher
Jen Dodge said. "Even when I'm not physically in
the building, I feel like I am," she said. "I become so
involved with the group, that even when I'm not in
school, I'm worrying about certain students and what
goes on."
Molly Stevens, a Special Education teacher
at Union Street School, shares this feeling with Dodge.
"It's hard, especially with my group of kids, to relax
outside of school," Stevens said. "I worry about them.
I think about them."
But what do they worry about? Leslie Fry, a
4th and 5th grade teacher at Union Street School, says
that it's the kids she can't do anything to help. "Kids who
I know are in danger at home, who aren't supported with
school work. That's the worst," she said. "Lots of kids
come to school sick, tired, dirty, or hungry--not ready
to learn."
But Fry wasn't done. "There are also kids
who I know have potential, and who could do the work
I give, but could care less," Fry said. "The testing we
have in school doesn't show how smart the kids I teach
really are, either."
Molly Stevens agrees. "The amount of
emphasis on testing is ridiculous," she said. "There are
too many meetings, and too many times where I'm be-
See Teaching page 23

Feature
For some, SHS
a Family Affair
By Siera Lavin

I
n close quarters, family members can’t help but
tread on each other’s every nerve. Thus, parents
and students alike find solace when they get on that
big yellow bus or hop in their car to travel to school or
work. For some relatives, though, that oasis disappears
when school happens to be where they all spend their
weekdays.
“I love it,” Joanna Coleman states on teach-
ing next to her father, Michael Janiszyn. “One reason
I started teaching [at Springfield High School] was
because my father was already here, and I wanted to
work with him.”
Coleman went to SHS as a student. Now she
teaches every day in a room adjacent to her father’s.
“My dad is an excellent teacher,” she said. “Being in
close proximity to him allows me to observe him. He’s
a mentor to me.”
Many children get enough of their parents
just by being with them at home every day, let alone
having to see them several times at school or work.
Coleman, however, seeks projects and ways to be able
to be with her father, leading to such collaborative work
as a successful grant they wrote to the Department of
Education for a broad-
cast news program across
the schools. Out of this
came Park Street News
and Green Horn Live.
Coleman re-
flects on her high school On any given day, three Chlebaks are in the house: senior
career in the mid-90s with
Nick, 9th grader Erin, and music teacher Jim.
her father. “His expecta-
tions were reasonable but
very high,” she said. “He always knew when I had home- Erin Chlebak, a freshman at Springfield
work to do.” At the beginning of Coleman’s high school High School, offers another view of the child-parent
career, having a parent on the faculty was beneficial. She relationship in school. Chlebak’s father, Jim, teaches
knew many teachers already, and they introduced her music at SHS. “Most of the time, people do think I’m
to other students. Coleman lived in Bellows Falls when graded unfairly because my dad is a teacher,” she said.
she was in ninth grade, but as Springfield was a better “But in reality, there’s just more expected of me.”
high school than Bellows Falls Union High School, she She regards her father as a teacher when
chose to transfer to Springfield. However, she didn’t they’re in school, though she calls him dad. Since Erin
know anyone in her class. Chlebak has her father for two classes every day, she said
No one questioned Coleman’s grades or that sometimes having so much time together puts them
assumed she was getting special treatment because her on edgy terms. However, it’s nice to see him throughout
father was on the faculty. “They respected my dad too
much,” she said. See Familial page 23

Joanna Coleman and Alaina Orth both
put up with the discrimination
associated with left-handedness.
Affliction, Discrimination
The Plight of Lefties
By Angelina Mei
learn are similar, the hand one chooses to write with
is one's choice. Right or left. It shouldn’t make a dif-
ference, right?
This left-handed reporter comes from a fam-
ily of right-handers, a difference that first became ap-
parent in pre-school, according to a former teacher who
recalls the recognition of left-handedness. As with many
left-handers, a recognition of this difference prompted
worries from other family members that something was
wrong.
Others share this anxiety about being left-
handed. “The most traumatic experience for me as
a left-handed child was in kindergarten, “said SHS
English teacher Joanna Coleman.“ [My teacher] Mrs.
Heslop assigned some sort of project in which we had
to cut out shapes. I was given the same rubber-handled,
round-tipped scissors as my classmates and when I
tried to cut the paper, I just bent around the blades. I
was embarrassed to ask for help cutting, so I carefully
ripped along the lines instead of cutting.”
centuries being left-handed was a crime and people
were beaten as part of a cure and a punishment. Earlier
in the Middle Ages, being left-handed was punishable
by death. Discrimination against left-handed people is
easily identified in the Bible, where the people who end
up on God’s left hand go to hell and the people on God’s
right hand go to heaven.
There are advantages to being left-handed,
as seen in the sport of baseball. “Left-handers have
won more batting titles than right-handers, and typi-
cally hit for higher average,” according to livestrong.
com. “Left-handed batters can see the ball better if the
pitcher is right-handed. Lefty batters will be able to see
a curve ball better from a right-handed pitcher because
the pitcher isn't releasing the ball from the same side
the hitter is standing.”
However, left-handed people are more likely
to have allergies, migraines, and insomnia. Lefties are
also more likely to stutter and have dyslexia. Although
this reporter suffers with a few allergies (cats, hay, pol-

W
hen we’re children we learn many things.
We learn the alphabet, numbers, and writ-
ing. Although the letters and numbers we
Coleman is part of the sad historical tale len, etc.) and stutters occasionally, the feeling is that
See Lefty page 21
that afflicts lefties. Left-handed people have faced
discrimination for centuries now. In the 18th and 19th

pg  G r e e n H o r n

The Gamers Club
AO and M out. Fun in.
By Justin Derosier
T
he Gamers Club was formed this past fall at
Springfield High School. The group allows a
place for kids to gather who enjoy playing video
games and board games. The group normally meets ev-
ery other Thursday in the cafeteria from 2:45-4:00 pm.
SHS math teacher Jennifer Fribush and SHS guidance
counselor Heather Toth are co-advisers of the club.
“We hope to get more people to join us once
a week every other Thursday,” said SHS Guidance
Counselor Heather Toth.
At the beginning of each meeting Gamers
Club members decide when to have the next meeting
and what to bring for snacks and games.
“We’re having fun,” said freshman Gamers
Club member Dagan Warner. “But we would like more
people.”
Right now the club mainly uses a game
console called the Wii that Fribush brings in for the
club. The club would like to have more game systems
but face the problem of needing more televsions since
they currently have only TV to service the group.
Electronic Student Rights
By Dagan Warner
Sophomores Taylor Mackenzie Knoras
and Kelsea Edwards think students
should be able to use electronics during
the school day.
G r e e n H o r
Guidance counselor Heather Toth
co-advises the Gamers Club with math
teacher Jennifer Fribush.
See Gamers page 23
S
pringfield High School is full of computers, lap-
tops, and iPads. But the cell phones and iPods
that students carry are not allowed.
“It feels like jail now,” said sophomore
Taylor Mackenzie Knoras. “I think that we should be
able to use them during lunch.”
Kelsea Edwards, another sophomore, adds
that students should be able to use cell phones during
passing time or study hall. “I use my phone, but not
to text or call,” she said, “but to check what time it is
because some classrooms don’t have clocks.”
However, some people say that it’s a good
thing that cell phones and iPods are not allowed this
year at Springfield High School. “Cyber-bullying is a
big problem, and we should be penalized for doing it,”
said Jenn Kollman, freshman class president.
Junior Alec Benoit offered a different view
on the cell phone topic. “We have enough rights with the
technology we’re allowed to use,” Benoit said. “Things
would get out of hand if we get more.”
Edwards agrees, but she sees a bigger picture.
"We should have more rights with everything in the
school,” she said, “because the administration should ask
for our opinion before they do something, like changing
to block scheduling.”
However, many students feel they should be
able use iPods. “We should be able to use them when
See Technology page 21
n pg
Features
Graffiti
Art or Trash?
By Jeremy Moore
P
otty mouth. A fitting word for the language you’ll
find on the wall of a school bathroom. Though it
ranges from “Tom waz here” to filthy, ignorant
statements, vandalism--represented by graffitti--is ev-
erywhere. It is found in the stalls of bathrooms, etched
into the desks in classes, and in the hallway.
But what is there to gain from this formless
defacing of school property? Is it a message from a
tortured soul? Or just an outlet for teenage angst? The
students of Springfield High School think, quite plainly,
that it’s garbage.
“I think it’s stupid,” junior Dylan Patrie said.
“It has no message. I think if you’re going to vandalize
something, you need to have a message.” A message is
exactly what the vandalism of Springfield High School
lacks, Patrie insists. Instead of being poetic or, at the
very least, clever, this graffiti is nothing but words of
hatred and immaturity.
“I think it's terrible,” said junior Richie
Thomas. “Why would you want to ruin the property of a
place that you go to everyday?” Thomas finds vandalism
to be trashy. “It just shows that kids in our school don't
care,” he said. “Why even show up to school if you're
just going to create a bad environment for the kids who
actually want to learn?”
And it isn’t merely the existence of the
graffiti that bothers people. The ridiculous language,
bad spelling, and awful grammar personally offend
Thomas. Not all graffiti, just those examples found at
SHS. “Some people do graffiti as a form of art,” he
said. “Like they even get jobs for how skilled they are
with it.”
When graffiti is full of meaning and thought,
it can be enjoyed as an artful masterpiece. “When I
step into the boys bathroom and I see a creative piece
of art work [graffitti] I am pleased when it thoughtfully
represents a public presentation of creative ability,” said
senior Forest Jade. But when students write words full
of hate and prejudice, Jade described it as “disturbing
See Graffiti page 21
Senior Forest Jade thinks that any
prejudice in graffiti is disturbing.

Feature
Underage Drinking
Remains a Problem
and the National Institute
on Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism. Many ado-
lescents drink alcohol be-
cause it is easy to obtain,
makes them feel better,
and involves risk. While
underage drinking hap-
pens in all high schools,
it certainly affects Spring-
field High School.
A celebration of inebriation. The intoxicating message of a SAP Director
Bud Bowl ad appeals to the human fascination with alcohol. Danielle Dulaney teaches
students about drinking
By Cooper Naess
“Kids who drink under the age of 9-13 can become
addicted in 5-15 weeks and kids from the age of 13-18
can become addicted in 5-15 weeks and 5-15 years as
an adult.”
Based on the Student Health Risk Survey and
the Department of Liquor Control in Vermont, underage
drinking presents alarming statistics, which makes it the
most abused drug among youth: 71% of Vermont teens
say that it is easy for them to obtain alcohol and 50% of
Vermont senior students have had alcohol in the past 30
days. At SHS, 53% of students have consumed alcohol
and 20% have consumed alcohol before the age of 13.
Although these are high percentages they have decreased
since 2007.

U
nderage drinking has been a problem in the and its effect on teens. “I think that it’s a problem in Sophomore Michael Muther thinks that
United States for years. In America it is the #1 every community and it is very accessible. I think underage drinking has an effect on SHS students. “It is
youth drug problem and causes an estimated American society has normalized it and I think people affecting a lot of people’s lives and kids rely on drinking

Learning to Write Cursive

5,000 deaths in people under the age of 21 each year, ac- who live in an environment with people who drink and
cording to the Department of Liquor Control in Vermont are in bad living conditions drink more,” Dulaney said. See Drinking page 21

Portal to the Soul, Door to Personality

By Andrew Bladyka

L
et’s go back to the 3rd grade. What was your between handwriting and
most painful memory? Maybe it was learn- psychology. Depending
ing multiplication and division. Maybe it was on one’s slant, size, pres-
splitting owl pellets. Or maybe you had the same sure, word spacing, and
horrendous trouble as everyone else: learning to write even page margins, writ-
cursive. With the advent of technology and the option ing can apparently tell
of word-processing, cursive, or handwriting, seems to quite a bit about a person
be an on-its-way-out art. Hand-writing is fading and its . Slant to the
quality is deteriorating. right indicates response to
Cursive isn’t just another way to com- communication, upright
municate, some of penmanship scientists say. It’s a indicates independence,
portal into one’s soul. Although melodramatic, it’s and left slant shows ten-
true. Handwriting is the very door to personality. To dency towards emotion
highlight the importance of this art, it is impressive that and reserve. Large writ-
graphology, the study of handwriting, has been popular ing means extraversion or
for thousands of years. 3000 years ago, the Chinese an outgoing personality,
immersed themselves in graphology. and small size can show
During the Golden Age of Western Civi- uneasy social tendencies.
lization, Aristotle wrote "Speech is the expression of Heavy pressure in one’s
ideas or thoughts or desires. Handwriting is the visible writing conveys com-
form of speech. Just as speech can have inflections of mitment or even uptight Aristotle described handwriting as the visible form of speech,
emotions, somewhere in handwriting is an expression behavior. Light pressure an expression of the emotions underlying the writer's
of the emotions underlying the writer's thoughts, ideas, shows sensitivity, em-
or desires." pathy, or lack of vitality.
thoughts, ideas, or desires. Such speech is on the wane.
Elaine Quigley, a psychologist and past Word space relays feel-
Chairman of the British Institute of Graphologists, ings of space or desires to have a partner.
has published findings concerning the connection Many students in Springfield High School See Cursive page 22

pg 10 G r e e n H o r n
 Editorial
A Balancing Act Amid Great Pressure
Recent Suicides a Warning to Teens
T
wo Vermont teenagers, 16-year-old Leah Short,
a former student at Brattleboro Union High
School, and 15-year-old Conner Menning, a
former student at Mt. Mansfield High School, commited
suicide at the beginning of January. Both were remem-
bered as spectacular athletes and loyal friends. Both
dealt with the everyday pressures of being a high school
student while suffering with depression. Both planned
to make a difference in the world. Those dreams were
shortened when they took their lives. Both left behind
the grief of their teammates, families, friends and an
anxious feeling that there could have been something
to prevent their deaths.
16-year-old Leah Short seemed to have the
perfect life: popularity, straight A’s, and a spot on both
the Division I Brattleboro varsity soccer and basketball
teams during her freshman year. She had visited the
Netherlands with her soccer league Storm in 2008, and
was a member of the Windham County Baptist Church.
Leah had planned to travel to Haiti this summer to assist
needy children and orphans. However, the plans ended
on January 18th when Leah was found dead in her home
from a self-inflicted shot.
Just 36 hours later, another student, 15-
year-old Connor Menning of Hunnington, Vermont,
and a student at Mt. Mansfield Union High School,
shot himself in the school bathroom at the beginning
of midterms. Connor was a devoted lacrosse and foot-
Bullying and Harassment
A School-Wide Problem
I
n public schools around the country, students deal
with the everyday stress of school: tests, homework,
teachers, friends, passing and failing classes. But
according to bullyingstatistics.blogspot.com, 77% of
students also deal with the stress of bullying. Many stu-
dents don’t report bullying, fearing they will be labeled
an informer, leading to more abuse and bullying. In
most cases, there are three
people involved in bully-
ing: the bully, the victim, “Bullying is like an iceberg; 90% of it is underwater.”
and the bystander.
“Bullying is like an iceberg," said Springfield
High School Principal Robert Thibault. “90% of it is
underwater.”
Bullying is defined as treating someone in
an overbearing or intimidating manner. A bully is a
person who is habitually cruel or overbearing, especially
towards smaller or weaker people. Many people are
G r e e n H o r
By Jill Rushton
Danielle Dulaney says suicide often results from clinical depression. Amelia
Thomas deals with pressure in high school by having fun and being more social.
ball player, who had dreams of being a Vermont State
Trooper after college.
With balancing the pressures of getting good
grades, sports, family, jobs, bullying and relationships,
high school is a minefield for teens. With these problems,
many young people fall into depression, wjocj causes
them to feel sad, lonely, and frustrated. These themes
threaten many teens and some choose suicide to relieve
the pressure and pain.
“In high school there is a big pressure with
doing well [academically], and being accepted by
By Justin Derosier
degraded or bullied because of their sexuality, height,
weight, or personality.
“I consider bullying to be excessive name
calling,” said freshman Ryan Moorhead. “And anything
that bugs you, and people keep doing for a reaction.”
According to multiple websites, victims of
bullying are normally kids who are different from others
and do not conform to the unspoken rules of their peers.
Bullying affects both the bully and the victim. “For a
victim, school can be stressful,” said SHS guidance
counselor Heather Toth. “They also feel like they don’t
belong.”
For some students, life is just too much to
handle with the extra baggage of their fellow peers
n pg
peers,” said sophomore Amelia Thomas. “I think jug-
gling sports, grades, and relationships adds on to the
pressure a little. I deal with it by having fun and being
social whenever I can.”
With the death of the two Vermont teenagers,
some Springfield High School educators worry about
the pressures of high school, and seek to prevent teeen
depression. SHS Students Assistance Program (SAP)
counselor Danielle Dulaney is planning to lower the
See Suicide page 22
taunting them on a daily basis. Bullying can lead to
depression, which in the worst cases leads to suicide.
For example, in the autumn of 2010, 15-year old Irish
immigrant named Phoebe Prince living in South Hadley,
Massachusetts, committed suicide after being relent-
lessly bullied by at least nine upper classmen. Her death
has led to numerous lawsuits. Though suicide is not the
most common reaction of
victims of bullying, bully-
ing often brings on depres-
sion, which can affect a
person's relationship with others.
Though much research has been carried out
to determine why people bully others, no one specific
reason can be identified for such action. Toth believes
that people bully because it gives them a sense of power.
See Bullying page 22
11
Features
Texting
Where Do We Go?
By Kaylee Haskell
C
ell phones allow people to stay connected while
on the go. Many devices offer Internet and tex-
ting in addition to calls, which often seem a thing
of antiquity. Texting, by far, is the popular vehicle of
communication between teens. Teens often fail to realize
the concentration required causes problems when paired
with driving, and once something is sent it can never be
taken back. There are also concerns of physical harm
caused by texting. The repetitive motions of typing cause
aliments such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
“I send 4700 [texts] a month,” said Spring-
field High School 9th grader Gabby Ruggiero. Fellow
ninth-graders Kendra Dana and Kelsey Hildreth send
about 100 and 200 messages a day respectively. These
messages make up entire conversations.
Texting is the primary use of cell phones for
teens. These messages are quick and don’t require face-
to-face contact. “I don’t use all the texting abbreviations
like LOL,” said SHS 9th grader Chelsey Harmer. These
abbreviations are often criticized by the adults, manyof
whom believe that this form of communication could
lead to the deterioration of grammar skills.
In order to accommodate thousands of outgo-
ing texts, and the equally plentiful incoming messages,
cell phone users seek a plan that won’t break their
bank.
We'd Like to Teach the World to Sing
Laurel Porter leads the chorus as Princess Winnifred in Once Upon a Mattress,
a musical adaptation of The Princess and the Pea. Once Upon a Mattress was
performed on from March 25-March 27 in the SHS Auditorium.
pg 12
“My plan has unlimited texting,” said
Harmer. “I chose unlimited over Internet because I don’t
really need Internet. I only use my phone for texting. I
don’t call anyone either.”
“Talking on the phone is for our parents and
people that don’t have texting,” said Hildreth.
In fact, SHS Health teacher Ruth Haskell is
a parent who would like to learn how to text. “I feel like
I have to learn,” she said. “I want to be able to casually
communicate with [my daughters].”
However, Haskell is concerned with both the
social and physical effects of too much texting. “[Kids]
definitely need more actual, physical contact,” she said.
“More face-to-face interactions.”
“Everyone is going to get neck problems in
20 years,” Haskell added as she considers the hunched-
over position typically associated with texting.
Jeff Lavin was the advisor for the now
“Texting is better than face-to face [conver- inactive GSA. Kyrstie Parker gives a
sations],” said Hildreth. She believes confrontations that thumbs up to the possibility of
end in violence are less likely with the distance provided re-establishing the GSA.
by text messages.
GSA Is
But maybe the last word on texting and
electronic communication has to do with a sense of
urgency. “In 7th grade I got my phone for my birthday,”
said Harmer. “I felt like I had to have a phone. Everyone
M.I.A.
else had them.”
By Kelsey Christensen
A
ccording to the USA Today article “Youths,
adults sign on to wear purple, support gay
teens,” by Marisol Bello, published in October
2010, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT)
students are four times as likely to commit suicide as
straight teens. With this in mind, the climate of high
schools for LGBT students is on the minds of many.
At Springfield High School, however, the
organization that helps to raise awareness about LGBT
students, the Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA), is inactive.
Last year, the GSA operated with only three
members. The GSA was responsible for the posters
seen around the high school advocating messages like
“straight but not narrow.” However, without more sup-
port, the group fizzled.
“We didn’t have a lot of members,” said
former member Kyrstie Parker. “None of them were
straight or male.”
Though GSA is not operating this year, some
hope for a return of the Gay/Straight Alliance. “I’d like
to see it get started with a bunch of new members,”
said Parker. Parker would like to see a wide variety of
students--gay, straight, male and female--represented in
the Gay/Straight Alliance.
See GSA page 22
G r e e n H o r n

Oscar Fashion
Sequins, Color, Lace Are the Winners
T
he Oscars. A day to celebrate film, performance,
and the entertainment industry. Yet as the years
pass, this momentous day has become about
something more: the fashion.
The Academy Awards Red Carpet has be-
come an event fashionistas around the globe live for.
Beautiful gowns, elegant up-dos, and fabulous footwear
parade across the carpet every year and encourage view-
ers around the world to emulate the breathtaking looks
of the celebrities.
Yet while walking the halls of Springfield
High School in a ball gown may be a little far fetched
---but hey if you can pull it off, then more power to
you—one can incorporate elegant Oscar fashion into a
daily wardrobe.
One of the most popular trends of the 2011
Academy Awards involved sequins. Amy Adams, Halle
Berry, and Mandy Moore walked the carpet in sequined
gowns. But sequins aren’t simply for the stars. Stores
Amy Adams Hallie Berry
Haliee Steinfeld
G r e e n H o r
By Vicki Kopidakis
like Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe provide shoppers
with affordable options when it comes to this style. A
Sequin Mesh Tank ($16.50) at Charlotte Russe can be
worn dressed down with jeans for an every day look.
A Forever 21 Dazzling Sequin Mini Skirt with a simple
tee and flats can also be an ideal glitzy option. These
choices are just a few out of the many that can help one
feel like a star.
Another trend, also perfect for the upcom-
ing spring season, is a pop of color in an otherwise dull
ensemble. Jennifer Hudson arrived at the Academy
Awards in a tangerine halter gown. While a gown
may be excessive, students can model this trend with a
bright-colored wrap ($12.99), which can top a range of
outfits, like those sold at Target in shades of pink and
yellow.
If students admired the romantic look mod-
eled by Mila Kunis and Scarlett Johansson, they can
channel the stars by incorporating the popular spring
Jennifer Hudson Scarlett Johansson
Mandy Moore Jennifer Lawrence
n pg
Fashion
trend, lace, into their daily look. A simple headband with
lace detailing like the Chiffon Lace Floral Headband
($3.80) sold at Forever 21 is an easy and affordable way
to look as if one had just stepped off the red carpet.
An individual can achieve an Oscar look
through clothing, accessories, and through celebrity-
inspired hairstyles. Jennifer Lawrence’s relaxed waves
can be duplicated by utilizing a 2-inch barrel curling
iron—an easy process with glamorous results. In ad-
dition, Hailee Steinfeld’s up-do can be replicated by
twisting hair into a high bun and topping off the polished
look with a thin headband. And finally, Nicole Kidman’s
ponytail can be reproduced by teasing hair for volume
and then tying hair just above the nape of one’s neck.
No matter the method one chooses, reproduc-
ing Red Carpet fashion is easy, affordable, and possible
for any imaginative individual. So go ahead, make the
high school halls a personal red carpet—but maybe
refrain from striking a pose.
Nicole Kidman
Mila Kunis
13
Columns
F
eminism may not be radical or new, but this gen-
der perspective is widely viewed as obnoxious.
This being the case, many women who feel they
may be asserting their equality often quickly back off
from their defiant statements and disassociate them-
selves with feminism. To ward off critics, they say:
I’m not a feminist or anything, but…
Are you upset that men have No-Shave No-
It's A Fact...
I Closed The Book
By Alexis Esposito
I
have been Facebook free since February 18, 2011,
and it has been wonderful. I cut myself off from the
technological world. I closed The Book.
As a senior in high school, not having a Face-
book is unheard of. I’m trying not to be so dependent on
technology. I mean the technology that has taken away
from our social lives; we don’t even know how to talk
to people face to face anymore. It’s always over text or
Facebook.
Facebook has severely altered our social
society. Kids’ social skills have dropped, and we’re
scared of face-to-face confrontation. What happened to
the good old days where you could just pull someone’s
hair and that would be the end of it? We’ve instead
graduated to hiding behind computer screens and writing
nasty things on each other’s Facebook walls.
It’s gotten pretty ridiculous. People kill
themselves over what someone wrote in a little box
that says "what’s on your mind." Let's just think about
that again. People kill themselves because of Facebook.
pg 14
Colloquial Critique
I'm Not a Feminist, But...
By Kelsey Christensen
vember, while women who do not shave are ridiculed,
called ugly, or labeled a dyke? Well, maybe you can say
so, but only if it’s clear that you’re not a feminist.
Does it offend you to be called a bitch even
though many people view it as a harmless, every-day
curse? You don’t want people getting the wrong idea.
So, before you voice your uppity perspective, be sure
to set the record straight by declaring that you are not a
feminist.
Feeling like womens’ sports should be as
respected as mens’ sports? That right there is a clear
feminist perspective. If you’re going to associate with
it, verbally disassociate from being a feminist first.
It’s the Pink Scare and you may be black-
listed for being a feminist.
Few informed people in the year 2011 would
disagree with the merits of feminism. The American
Heritage Dictionary defines the movement as “a doc-
trine that advocates or demands for women the same
rights granted men, as in political or economic status.”
Or, a quick-hitting and classic feminist slogan reveals
the reasonable point of the philosophy: “Feminism is
the radical belief that women are human beings.”
The question these days involves the rele-
vance of feminism. Original feminist Susan B. Anthony,
the ill-named Suffragette, and advocates for birth control
This is disgusting. People
take Facebook so seri-
ously. Facebook is noth-
ing special. It’s become a
dark cloud over the entire
world.
When you step away and actually think
about it, Facebook is top-notch creepy. You can find
out where anyone is on any given day, what they’re
doing and who they’re doing it with. You can find out
their phone number, email, even address. You can read
their life story and watch all their favorite movies to see
what kind of person they are. I don’t need everyone to
know what I’m doing with my life 24/7. If people are
genuinely interested in me and my life they will ask me
what I’m doing instead of stalking me on the internet.
I’ve had someone call me – only hours after
I deleted my Facebook – and ask if I was okay. They
were worried I was going to do something drastic. Is this
really what the world has come to? I can’t even delete a
G r e e
like Margaret Sanger, have already taken care of the big
issues, right? So women who obsess about modern-day
sexism could be viewed as picky, excessive, or even
verging on their own brand of sexism.
This is the near-universal perspective, spo-
ken or not. Feminists suffer a harsh stigma. Any woman
who has cried out about gender inequality in public – in
a class, in a speech, in a column-–probably has been met
with sarcasm, skepticism, and criticism.
People seem to believe that feminists are
man-hating militants. Or, worse, they may be labeled a
bitch or a dyke, or another reprehensible word employed
to keep women silent. The message through all of this is
clear: it’s not acceptable for a woman to stand up about
things that may be considered sexist. We’d like to feel
that as a society, we’ve risen to the point of equality,
but the cliché that women should be seen and not heard
retains an uncomfortable note of truth for us today.
Thus the linguistic safeguard: “I’m not a
feminist, but…" With this clause handy, a shrewd and
cautious woman can express a opinion without being
savaged by wary bystanders.
“I’m not a feminist, or anything” is probably
the worst way to start any sentence. What you’re actually
See Colloquial page 23
meaningless social network site without people thinking
I’m going to kill myself? It’s gotten a little ridiculous.
How many times has someone said to you,
“Did you see on Facebook…?” It’s a constant topic of
conversation. That’s how people know what’s going on
with each other. As much as everyone says they don’t
have Facebook drama they definitely do. Whether it’s
getting in fights with your boyfriend because another
girl wrote on his wall, someone disagreeing with your
status, or just stalking someone you don’t like to see
what they’re doing (which, by the way, if you don’t
like them then why are they even on your friends list?).
See Fact page 23
n H o r n

Going Out in Style
(Dropkick Murphys; 2011)
By Samuel L. Benton
M
assachusetts-based Celtic punk band the
Dropkick Murphys have been around in some
arrangement or another since 1996 (only one
of the founding members is still in the band), blending
their heavy guitars and growly vocals with Irish instru-
ments and themes from their heritage. They have gained
a great deal of popularity since their sophomore record,
The Gang's All Here was released in 1999, steadily
climbing up the charts until they received critical and
commercial success with 2007’s The Meanest of Times,
which reached number 20 on the Billboard 200. 2011’s
Going Out in Style greatly surpassed its predecessor,
reaching number 6 on the charts and proving that the
band has become even more popular in the four years
between the albums.
Going Out in Style is a concept album
centered on the life and times of fictional Korean War
veteran and Irish immigrant Cornelius “Connie” Larkin.
The band takes great care not to let on that Connie is
fictional; the liner notes to the album feature an obitu-
ary written by Irish-American author Michael Patrick
MacDonald (he died on New Year's Day this year),
numerous photographs of an old gentleman I think we
are to believe is Connie, and even a link to the Dropkick
Murphys official site, where promises of more Connie
Column
W
hen most people hear the word therapy,
they think of uncomfortable couches, men
or women with clipboards, and the repeti-
tion of the tiresome phrase "and how does that make
you feel?”
G r e e n H o r
stories await. I didn’t care enough to inspect the web-
site.
“How can one summarize the life and lineage
of a man that lived such a full and robust life in just 13
songs?” the liner notes ask, and the answer is apparently
not well. Only a few songs on the album really seem
clearly connected to the concept of honoring Connie’s
life. Most are reserved for lineage, probably because it is
a lineage the band shares as well. Only the title cut, “The
Hardest Mile,” and “1953” can be clearly connected to
Connie Larkin; the title cut about him gathering all the
people in his life for one final bash (I assume his wake),
“The Hardest Mile” about his immigration to America,
and “1953” about his wife (although that connection
can only be made from reading about her in the false
obituary).
Most of the remaining 10 tracks are about
Connie’s lineage, or perhaps more accurately the Drop-
kick Murphys’ lineage. Songs like “Cruel,” “Memo-
rial Day,” and “Broken Hymns” all praise their Irish
background (exception: lead singer Al Barr, who is of
Scottish and German descent). Further adding to this
acknowledgement of lineage are the two covers that end
the album, “Peg O’ My Heart,” and “The Irish Rover,”
both well-known Irish traditional songs.
Dreaming By the Panorama
Therapeutic Artistry
By Tabitha Celani
However, the majority of the population
would never think of art as involved with therapy. Al-
though visual expression has been used for healing for
centuries, the profession of art therapy didn’t come about
until the 1940s. Around this time, psychiatrists began to
be more interested in the artwork of their patients with
mental illnesses, and educators were discovering that
children’s artwork reflected emotional, developmental,
and cognitive growth.
Along with traditional therapy sessions,
clinics, hospitals, and rehab centers began to recognize
the beneficial properties of art as a means of assessment,
communication, and treatment.
The first time I read about art therapy I was
deeply intrigued. I have always personally felt that
uninhibited self-expression is a perfect way to vent
and release negative feeling. I was elated to find out
art therapy was a legitimate field of medicine. I may
be biased, but I believe art is a fantastic means of com-
munication and healing.
n pg
Music
The Dropkick Murphys take it down a notch
on Going Out in Style. The songs aren’t as hard as the
tracks on The Meanest of Times. In fact, some of them
are even pretty tame, such as “Cruel” and “Take ‘Em
Down." The latter doesn’t even feature the Murphys’
signature heavy and loaded guitars. Actually, all of the
songs seem to feature the guitars more as background
instruments, with traditional Irish instruments used to
drive the songs. By the end of the album I found that
the tin whistles and bagpipes that were used so well
and amusingly in The Meanest of Times became more
a nuisance more than anything else and I hoped they
would bring the guitars back to the front.
The highlight of the album is its two love
songs, original “1953” (again, supposedly about
See Murphys page 22
As defined by americanarttherapyassocia-
tion.org, art therapy is “the therapeutic use of art mak-
ing, within a professional relationship, by people who
experience illness, trauma or challenges in living, and by
people who seek personal development.” Art therapists,
who are trained in both art and therapy, believe that art
therapy can increase awareness of self and others, help
patients cope with stress and traumatic experiences, and
offer other constructive strategies to heal people.
Children benefit a great deal from this kind
of therapy. Younger children may not be able to verbally
express what they’re feeling, but they can draw or paint
their ailments. An example of art-related activities that
children may find in art therapy could involve the fol-
lowing scenarios posted at arttherapyforchildren.com:
“Draw a picture that portrays the things you like
about yourself. Draw a picture that shows what you are
good at doing. If you could teach the world one thing
See Panorama page 23
15
Sports
Get Used to the Ground
Trash Talk in Sports
By Maria Stern

G
et used to the ground.” These words are spit
over the line of scrimmage in a football game
before the ball is snapped. Trash talk such as
this has found a home in high school sports.
“It takes you out of your game,” said Spring-
field High School Assistant Field Hockey Coach Ruth
Haskell. “The main reason for them to trash talk is to
get in your head.”
Young athletes realize the intentions of trash
talk. “It’s mainly to attack you, to throw you off, to get
your head out of the game so you play with anger, not
smarts,” said SHS junior Aaron Wallace, who plays foot-
ball, basketball, and baseball for the Cosmos. Attacks
include vulgarities, insult of skill, or insult of physical
appearance.
While some may find trash talk hurtful and
unnecessary, many athletes that don the green and white
disagree.” It’s part of the game,” said Cosmos senior
football player Max Blake. “You need every advantage
you can get, physical or emotional.”
Cosmos senior Mike Pianka, who partici-
pates in soccer, basketball, and track, is motivated by
trash talk. “It’s what gets your adrenaline pumping,” he
said. “The more aggressive the sport, the more it hap-
pens.” This statement is verified by junior cross-country
runner Olivia Thayer’s experiences in competition, but
in that sport the talk between runners is positive.
“In girls cross-country it’s supportive,”
she said. While Thayer runs with a competitor, she
exchanges words of encouragement such as “good job,”
“keep going,” “you’ve got this,” and “don’t let me beat
you.”
Senior snowboarder Forest Jade often feels
supported by his competitors. “Each person is out there
independently for themselves,” he said. He also believes
that the snowboarding community is more accepting
of obscenity than with other sports. However, he feels
that the environment becomes more hostile during the
snowboardcross competition when four people are
competing at a time with full body contact.
“I love trash talking,” admits senior field
hockey and softball player Jessie Haskell. She finds trash
talking a better alternative to physical fighting when
playing a rival school that has an equal skill level.
With trash talk it takes two to tango. “If I
receive, then I give,” said Pianka who feels that while
playing soccer he is most in tune to the player in the The University of Michigan of Fab Five brought trash talking into college
position opposite him. basketball to motivate themselves. SHS track star Mike Pianka concedes that
Blake trash talks in a different way. He
trash talking gets the adrenaline pumping. Field hockey coach Ruth Haskell,
prefers to psych out his opponent by telling him what’s
going to happen next. who encourages athletes to ignore such palaver, suggests that trash talking is
Sports are organized to control trash talk. used to get inside an athlete's head and throw them off their game.
There are officials whose job it is to keep the game
clean. However, Cosmos athletes think officials rarely ally cried to my mother a couple of times,” he said. “They [professionals] don’t encourage trash
catch trash talk. “The refs don’ t really hear anything,” “It’s a culture,” said senior soccer player talk, but they don’t tell us it’s not okay,” said Wallace.
said Wallace regarding football. “It goes on constantly, Ben Sidler. In fact, a recent documentary that aired on While trash talking occurs in the game, there is often an-
especially between rival schools.” ESPN claimed that the Fab Five, five Michigan standout other version of trash talk happening on the sidelines.
Junior football player Jake Patoine has been
See Trash Talk page 23
basketball players, introduced trash talk into the game
on the receiving end and finds it intimidating. “I’ve actu- as a way to motivate themselves.

pg 16 G r e e n H o r n

Athletic Daric Barton
A Springfield Cinderella Story
Oakland Athletics starting first baseman Daric Barton, now in his 4th year in ma-
jor league baseball, was born in Springfield, Vermont. Matt Wright, who has met
Barton, believes that Barton sets a goal for Springfield athletes. Cameron Blais,
who also plays first base, says that Barton inspires him in his athletic career.
H
igh school athletes are constantly faced with the
cold, hard fact that the chances of becoming a
pro are slim to none. The phrases "academics
first" and "think about your realistic future" seem to be
driven into their skulls. Therefore, student athletes look
to professional players for their Cinderella stories.
Some Springfield High School baseball play-
ers look to Daric Barton, first baseman for the Oakland
Athletics. Barton has one thing in common with many
G r e e n H o r
By Siera Lavin
people in Springfield: he was born in the town.
“It’s pretty awesome to think that someone
from around here could make it that far and play in the
MLB [Major League Baseball],” said freshman player
Cameron Blais. “He inspires me. We play the same posi-
tion and were born in the same town. That’s a connection
that no one else in the league [MLB] can match.”
Barton debuted for the Oakland A’s in 2007
at 22 years old, and finished his rookie year of 18 games
n pg
Sports
with a .347 batting average and 4 homeruns.
He was stymied in the 2009 season with a
neck and head injury that moved him down to triple-A.
When he came back to the A’s starting lineup in 2010,
he finished the season with a batting average of .273
and 152 hits in 159 games.
Springfield High School varsity softball
coach Andy Bladyka played baseball at SHS with
Barton’s father. “He was a solid player, but average,”
Bladyka said. “Not pro level.”
Bladyka thinks that Barton arrived at the
level he’s at partly because he grew up in California,
and had more opportunities. Bladyka wishes more
Springfield athletes would reach their full potential, and
a story like Barton’s shows anything can happen.
Springfield High School English teacher Ed
Wilkins agrees. Wilkins coached Barton’s father when
he was in middle school in the 70s. “His dad was an
average player,” Wilkins said. “But he loved baseball
so much, I can’t imagine he’d be anything but thrilled
with Daric’s success.”
Wilkins watched the Boston Red Sox play
the A’s in Oakland last summer and observed Barton in
person. “[Barton’s] a good, solid first baseman,” Wilkins
said. “He had 3 or 4 hits and good defensive plays.”
Barton’s family is still connected to some
people in Springfield. Riverside physical education
teacher Larry Partridge met Barton at when his grand-
mother died in January of 2010. Partridge’s wife’s
stepmother is Barton’s great aunt.
“He was quiet and cordial,” Partridge said.
“It was a very relaxed atmosphere, almost like sitting
and just talking about everyday stuff. It wasn’t a big
deal.”
Partridge thinks Barton will have a long-term
career in the MLB, and his hard work will help him
excel. “My rookie card will be worth a lot of money if
he does,” Partridge said.
Sophomore Matt Wright said meeting Barton
was amazing. “He’s short,” Wright said. “He was fun to
talk to, but I was in shock. I tried to keep it cool.”
Wright thinks Barton sets a goal for Spring-
field athletes. He was drafted directly out of high school,
which drives student athletes to meet their full poten-
tial.
“Before I found out [about Barton], I just
played to get outside,” said Wright. “Now that I follow
him, it gives a different perspective on how far you can
get when you try to be your best.”
Barton was one of only two players in the
MLB in 2010 to have more walks than strikeouts, the
other being Albert Pujois, a superb first baseman for the
St. Louis Cardinals.
"Whenever I hear people talking about our
need for an upgrade at first base, I chuckle," said the
A’s general manager Billy Beane in a media interview.
See Barton page 21
17
Sports
Track Season Begins
Cafeteria, Hallway Training
By Nikka Bactad

Senior Michael Pianka clears the high
jump at a track meet held at
Brattleboro on Thursday, April 14th.
A
s the snow melts and the weather becomes
warmer, some students think of summer.
Some think of graduation. But others think
about track practice after school for the remainder of
the school year with coaches Josh Dikeman (sprinting
coach), Kevin Spaulding (jumping coach), and Tim
Wallace (throwing coach).
The track season started on March 21st this
spring in the Springfield High School Cafeteria and
adjoining hallways. These early-season practices are
used to get everyone back in shape for the season. Once
athletes get moved to the track, the practices become
more focused on techniques and more event specific
workouts.
“What I like about track is that it requires you
to be strong and fast,” junior Devan McCarty said when
asked why he chose track for his spring sport. “This
means practices consist of work-outs that strengthen
your body and increase your speed.”
Until the snow melts, the track team uses the
high school gym as a space to warm up. This allows
them to run laps, stretch, and go through plyometrics
as a team. But due to the leak in the gym roof, athletes
and coaches have adjusted their workouts.
“I'm not sure how that will work this year,”
said coach Josh Dikeman, “but we'll make the best of
what we have.”
This year there has been another change
to the track season. After an absence of 10 years, the
event of the pole vault will be reintroduced to SHS
track athletes this spring. Pole-vaulting is a field event
where the athletes try to clear a high bar with the use of
a flexible long pole. Through fundraising, the track team
was able to raise enough money to put in a pole vault pit
by the soccer scoreboard. Nearly $4000 was raised for
the pole vault pit by two car shows at Riverside Middle
School. Labor was donated by Springfield citizens to
build the pole vault pit.
“This is the first big step toward hosting large
meets because now we can contest all of the events,”
said Dikeman. “It will also give our guys a chance to
compete in the decathlon.” The decathlon is a two-day
meet that requires the male athletes to participate in 10
events, including the pole vault. In recent years, in order
for Springfield to participate in the decathlon the boys
would have to travel to a different school to practice
pole-vaulting.
“I’m definitely looking forward to this
upcoming track season,” McCarty said. “We look like
we’re going to have a strong team and we have enough
strong players to cover most of the events, which could
lead to more team points at the meets.”

Pole Vault Back After

Fundraising, Restoration
By Maria Stern & Holly Hooke

T
he Springfield High School track and field team
has struggled with winning meets due to the
absence of a pole vault. The last time the Cosmos
had a pole vault was in 2001. However, after ten years
this event will return for the 2011 season.
“They changed the regulations of the pit
size,” said track coach Josh Dikeman, a 2000 SHS
graduate who pole-vaulted in the decathlon. “It’s bigger
than it used to be.”
The track team began fundraising in the sum-
mer of 2009, hoping to purchase a pole vault pit. The
team held a car show in August of 2009 to begin fund-
raising. The profit from the first show raised $2,500.
To assist with the restoration of the pole
vault pit, Dikeman received an email from Milton High
School in northern Vermont. Milton resurfaced their
track and purchased new pole vault mats. The Yellow
Jackets offered to sell their used mats to the Cosmos
for $7,500. After talking with former Athletic Director
Michael Hatt, SHS administrators, and Superintendent
Frank Perotti, Dikeman decided that this was an op-
portunity he could not pass up.
“It’s a used set, but it’s in really good condi-
tion,” said Dikeman.
To accommodate the new mats, the old pole
vault runway was shortened. The team worked together
on the construction process. The Milton High School
track coach came to Springfield and helped the team
prepare for the new equipment.
The coaches also needed to receive training
in the new event.
“We have to be certified to coach pole vault,”
said Dikeman. To meet this demand, he and Coach
Kevin Spaulding took an online course. “It’s mostly
safety stuff online,” Dikeman added.
The Cosmos raised $1,300 more for the
pole vault restoration at the 2nd Annual Car Show on
August 14, 2010. This money was used to cover the
cost of coaching clinics and other equipment. The team
then needed to purchase new poles, which were chosen Pole vault equipment, covered during
based on the weight of competitors.
With the addition of a pole vault SHS will an April rainstorm, awaits the start of
the 2011 track season.
See Pole Vault page 22

pg 18 G r e e n H o r n

Granola Girls
The Dangers of the Sun
By Alexis Locke & Maria Stern
A
lexis: Hey, prom is coming up. A lot of girls
have been tanning for this special event. What
are your thoughts about this?
Maria: I, for one, with my pale skin and freckles, can’t
tan. You are pretty fair skinned as well.
Alexis: Yeah, despite wearing sunscreen on my family
vacation to Mexico, I still managed to get pretty burned.
Which can get very dangerous. The burn lasted longer
than just being in the sun. It felt as if it was on me the
whole time.
Maria: You were really close to the equator [Mexico]
where the UV index is really high. But, it can get pretty
high up here too. You can find the ultraviolet rating daily
from sources such as The Weather Channel. This tells
you the strength of the sun’s rays on a scale of 1 to 11+
so you can plan accordingly.
Alexis: The day that I was burned the most was cloudy.
I didn’t feel the need to put sunscreen on because the
Joe Ankuda will play soccer at St.
Joseph's College in Rutland next year.
Michael Pianka has been courted by
UVM and the University of Rhode
Island.
G r e e n H o r
sun was not visible. Little did I know it was still doing
just as much damage.
Maria: It is always important to wear sunscreen. I was
just reading an article online about this. Wait, let me
quote it for you, it’s from housecallmd.com: “UV radia-
tion is a carcinogen; it causes mutations in your DNA
that your body has to repair before new cells are made
in order to prevent cancer from developing. When the
skin is exposed to excessive amounts of UV radiation
(with frequent sun or tanning bed exposure), the body
can’t fix the mutations fast enough and skin cancer can
develop.”
Alexis: Skin cancer is scary. This cancer afflicts more
people in the United States than any other cancer. There
are approximately 11,790 deaths from this form of
cancer annually. On the up side, skin cancer is easily
prevented.
Maria: I like to wear SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 70.
Actually, I just learned that there’s a difference between
College Sports
School Still Comes First
By Cooper Naess
S
ome student athletes at Springfield High School
who participate in sports are coming to the end of
their high school careers. Some consider playing
in college. In fact, some Cosmos athletes hope to be
awarded sports scholarships to compete in college.
Last year’s graduating class was full of
student athletes who went on to play college sports.
John Kendall (Castleton), Lindsay Bolduc (Emmanuel),
Ryan Brady (Emmanuel), James Karkowski (Westmin-
ster), and Derek Graham (Suffolk) played soccer this
fall, while Brandon Boyle (Castleton) and TJ Wallace
(Castleton) played football. All of these students have
been successful in college sports.
James Karkowski attends Westminster
College in Utah and plays defense for the soccer team.
“Playing sports in college does require some discipline.
You need to stay caught up on work so that you can still
play and so that when you go away on trips you do not
get behind,” Karkowski said in an email. “Practice takes
up a lot of time and it is the athlete’s responsibility to
stay caught up on work and even skip practice if there
is school work that needs to be done. School definitely
comes first.”
Although some SHS students play more than
one sport, most have one sport they specialize in. For
example, senior Joe Ankuda plans to play college soccer.
n pg
Health
Neutrogena sunblock spray is more
effective against the sun than other
brands of similar SPF.
sunscreen and sunblock. Sunblock blocks more UVA
and UVB rays than sunscreen and needs to be re-ap-
plied less often. Sunblocks are physically thicker, and
therefore block more rays than sunscreen, which com-
bats penetration of the sun’s rays with chemicals. The
See Dangers page 22
“I want to play college soccer so I can be a superstar.
And I love the game,” Ankuda said. “I will work out
and practice and will watch a lot of soccer games and I
am excited to attend and play for St. Joseph’s College
in Rutland, Vermont.”
Senior Desmond Dana also wants to play
college soccer. “I love soccer and I don’t want my soc-
cer career to end,” Dana said, “I plan on just playing
over the summer and practicing a lot and working out
and staying fit.” Dana is currently undecided about her
college although she has been accepted at the University
of New Hampshire, the University of Vermont, and the
University of New England in Maine.
Senior Michael Pianka wants to go to college
and compete in track and field. “I have a good time with
it [sports] and it will help me with scholarships,” he said.
Pianka is known for his jumping ability and holds the
record of 6’ 5.25” in Division III high jump and 6’ 6” in
nationals. “Colleges really started looking at me after I
won the New Balance Nationals," Pianka said, "and the
University of Vermont and University of Rhode Island
have told me that they want me on their track team.”
Pianka is currently undecided about his col-
lege, although he has heard from both UVM and Rhode
See Recruting page 22
19
Sports
McAllister and Perham Recognized
with Post-Season Honors in Basketball
By Liza Fontaine

“It went better a team that dressed seven underclassmen.

than the first time we played
them,” said senior forward
Billy Wheeler. “We played
better defense and more as a
team which made it more of
a game than the first time.”
After the season,
some of the Springfield
boys were recognized for
outstanding performances.
Junior guard Kirk Perham
and senior guard Ethan
McAllister were named to
the 2nd All-Marble Valley
League squad. Perham led
the team by averaging 14
points per game. McAllis-
ter, also a key player for the
Ethan McCallister was named was invited to join in the
Cosmos, averaged 12 points
Vermont Division I & II all-star game. per game.
“It feels good
“This was more of a rebuilding year,” said
Wheeler, “to get the younger guys more experience for
next year.”
Although the team ended their season on
March 8th in Martin McDonough Gymnasium in
Rutland,the year didn't end for senior Ethan McAllister.
On March 20th, McAllister received the phone call he
had been waiting for. He was invited to join a team of
15 talented senior from southern Vermont to compete in
Vermont’s Division I and II senior all-star game, known
as the North-South game.
“I was so excited,” McAllister said about the
honor. “I felt like a little kid on Christmas.”
To qualify to play in the senior all-star game,
McAllister was placed on a ballot sent to boys' high
school coaches in Vermont to determine the players
who would be invited to compete. Southern Vermont
players included athletes from Middlebury, Fair Haven,
Spaulding, and Rutland. To prepare for the big game,
the team practiced at St. Joseph’s College where they
learned two plays. Coached by Mike Wood of Rutland,

E
ight wins, twelve losses, talent, and disap- to receive an award,” said Perham. “It means my hard the South team defeated the North, 111-102. McAllister
pointment. On March 8th, the Springfield boys work paid off in the end.” contributed 3 points, 5 rebounds, and Cosmos pride, for
basketball team finished their season at 8-13. 8th Before the season started, the Cosmos set he was the only Springfield player to participate in the
ranked Springfield was paired with 5th ranked Mount numerous goals: to beat top rivals Fair Haven and Wind- game.
St. Joseph (MSJ) in their first playoff game and lost to sor and to travel far through playoffs which conclude the “It was weird at first [to play with my op-
the Mounties 72-40. Though the Cosmos had already season. The Cosmos succeeded in defeating the Windsor ponents],” said McAllister. “but, in the end it was just
lost to MSJ earlier in the season, players and fans were Yellow Jackets 54-43 at Windsor in early January and a bunch of guys playing basketball.”
hoping for an upset. gained much experience, an important achievement for

Graduation from page 1

On the other hand, Matt Aiello has a stronger
opinion. “It is a celebration of mediocrity,” he said. “It’s
a bunch of kids being congratulated for what is expected
of them. [Graduation is] just like any other day except
it reminds me that my free ride is over.”
Both view graduation quite differently, but
they will both attend college. Chlebak wants to pursue
a career in music composition, while Aiello hopes to
become a computer engineer. Perhaps their first day in
college will bring back memories of their first day of
high school.
While students prefer to forget that dreaded
first day of freshmen year, many remember in great
detail how the event unraveled.
“My mom was there one year before me
so she knew the teachers,” John Errair recalled. “I
had been up to the high school throughout my middle
school years so I pretty much knew where everything
was located.”
Despite his situation at the time, Chlebak’s
first day was equally nonchalant.
“It was interesting,” Chlebak said. “I was still
sleeping in a hotel because we had moved last minute
[from Canaan, VT]. The first day was like every day so
far. From day one it was the same.”
While Chlebak and Errair thought entering
high school was not intimidating, Laurel Porter’s first
steps involved a bit of a downfall. “I had social studies
with Dave Slivka first,” Porter said. “I walked in and I
tripped.”
Porter may still be clumsy, but her view and
other’s view of high school have changed. Chlebak felt
that many students place high school at the center of
the universe. He has learned otherwise. Matt Aiello has
simply ‘gotten used to it.’
“I have figured out my boundaries,” Aiello
said. “What I could get away with.”
Seniors may feel that they can get away with
anything, but they cannot afford to waste their remaining
time at SHS. College applications are due, remaining
credits must be fulfilled, and graduation is just around
the corner. Seniors have no time to stress. Every task
piles into the next. Campuses get jumbled in their brains,
recommendations are needed, and that English essay
seems more impossible every hour. Laurel Porter took
the term over-achiever to new heights. She applied to
numerous colleges, including three Ivy League schools.
She was thrilled that her interviews went smoothly.
Looking back at the past four years may not
be the best use of time either. Yet every senior appears
to be doing it. From freshmen to senior, they have had
unique ups and downs. Though the years seem to run
together, each student has that one moment that sticks
out. Aiello described the highlight of high school
simply: “Cross Country and the time spent in the Tech
Center.”
Porter’s favorite memory is a bit more
detailed. She remembered a day a few years back in
which she sat in Susan Fog’s social studies class. Porter
distinctly remembered her teacher’s piercing gaze as she
was told the legend of Eleanor Aquitaine. Aquitaine had
learned of her husband’s affair and forced him to make
a decision. Aquitaine handed her husband a knife and a
bottle of poison. “You can kill yourself with either but
when I come back you must be dead,” Aquitaine told
her husband, as Porter recalled the legend.
“It was the coolest moment,” Porter said.
As summer creeps closer, the time comes for
senior pranks and yearbook signings. Seniors will begin
to think of how they want to leave SHS. Will their exit
be dramatic and flashy? Or will they simply focus on
walking off that stage without tripping? The thought
may remain a mystery until that final day. Some seniors,
though, like Aiello, know exactly what they want to
leave behind.
“A legacy of badassery,” he concluded
about his final view of his legend at Springfield High
School.

pg 20 G r e e n H o r n
Graffiti from page 9
or agitating.”
Graffiti is really a two-sided coin. It can
be used for the greater good by relaying profound
messages. On the other hand, it can be a vehicle for
pigheadedness and ignorance.
When asked if more meaningful graf-
fiti would be more acceptable, Patrie said, “I would
definitely accept it if it had a message.” But would all
SHS students? In an informal poll conducted by this
reporter, six out of 15 students admitted that they had
contributed to school vandalism. This suggests the
potential popularity of graffiti.
Most seem to agree that graffiti can be beauti-
ful and deep, when used correctly. It can change how
one thinks. It can motivate. But the angry scribbling of
confused teenagers does little more today than occupy
space near the urinals. “I wouldn’t even call what’s in
our bathrooms garbage,” says Patrie. “It’s just morons
with sharpies.”
Technology from page 9
appropriate, like between classes, during lunch and study
halls,” Kollman said. Edwards, Benoit, and sophomore
Sky Lucero-Keniston agree.
“Mrs. Root (Diannne, French and Spanish
teacher) lets me use my iPod during study hall,” Lucero-
Keniston said.
Junior Aaron Wallace feels that iPods didn’t
hurt anyone, in his opinion. “I don’t use my phone
because I’m too afraid it will get taken away,” Wallace
said, “and then I have to deal with my parents.” Knoras
also shares Wallace’s fear.
Some people believe that technology at
SHS helps students to be successful, even though these
electronic devices can distract them. “Some students
multi-task,” Benoit said, “but they still get their assign-
ments done.”
Wallace, however, believes the distractions
from technology can overwhelm learning. “Some kids
use the computers for uneducational purposes,” he
said.
Edwards, however, feels technology should
not obscure other problems at SHS. “The administra-
tion spends too much money on technology,” she said,
“when we need it to fix the ceiling of the gym and the
bathrooms.”
Visit past
editions of the
Green Horn at
www.ssdvt.org
G r e e n H o r
Hollywood from page 5 Festival from page 1
amazing,” she said, “ I feel like our class is really going “The artwork was enchanting,” said art
to make this different from the proms this school has teacher Anne Katomski. “It made the atmosphere very
seen in the previous years. We are really excited about tranquil and peaceful.”
it. The people at the Hartness House have been very Not only did student’s artistic creations
helpful, offering the idea to throw the prom in a large contribute to this atmosphere but also performances
tent made to hold 250 people, just like they do with from the Springfield High School dance team and the
wedding parties, and other events.” chorus and madrigals varied the evening entertainment.
"Other than that, I don’t want to give too Dancers performed their jazz routine while the choir
much away. I feel the location change will set a very entertained spectators with a water-themed song, “Water
different atmosphere and scenery that will give that clas- Come A Me Eye.”
sic Hollywood esque vibe,” said Daly. “ Think Marilyn “It was a great opportunity to show the com-
Monroe or Audrey Hepburn.” munity all different types of art offered at Springfield
These three junior members of the prom High School,” said dance team member Lauren Foun-
committee say so long to the days of the Riverside tain.
Gym, home to middle school dances with nervous boys, These various art forms presented at the
sweaty palms, and caffeine-fueled chatter most would festival came together on the 15th to make the show an
like to forget. And they say hello to a classy, grown- up impressive exhibit of Springfield High School talent.
night to remember. “It was a great opportunity to showcase to the
community what our school is capable of,” concluded
Murray.
Barton from page 17 Frank from page 6
"We're perfectly happy and very pleased. His defense, Sophomore biology student Briana Condon
in our opinion, is among the best at the position in the said that LaRosa was less strict about getting the work
game, his on-base percentage is good and both are done, and as a result she learned less with Frank out. “I
getting better. He's a championship-caliber first base- like how she walks through everything,” said Condon.
man." “[Frank]’s always cheery and in a good mood.”
Many baseball commentators, managers, and Not only did LaRosa substitute for Frank’s
officials are predicting a breakout season for Barton in science classes, he also took over as the yearbook advi-
2011. sor. Yearbook students said their process was slowed
“Maybe he’ll become an all-star,” said down, but they are positive the yearbook will still be
Cameron Blais. “He’s thought of as one of the better great. “I’m so excited that she’s back,” sophomore
first basemen in the league.” yearbook student Lauren Bolduc said. “Hopefully the
Barton was drafted into the major leagues yearbook will be pounded out now that she’s here.”
directly out of high school, proving once again his Frank also missed five SHS faculty changes,
superb talent. some staff discussions, winter carnival, and a chance to
Springfield natives will be proud of Barton share her ideas at school meetings. “She contributes so
throughout his MLB career. “We still consider him one much to her colleagues,” Thibault said.
of our own,” concluded Bladyka. “She wants to do what is best for her students
and the school,” added Hathorn. “I value her opinion
and the ideas that she brings to the department.”
Drinking from page 10 As for Frank’s new role as a mother, she is
excited to take part in raising Susanna. “Susanna was
to have a good time rather than just hanging out with colicky for about six weeks, but luckily got over that
friends,” he said. before I came back to school,” Frank said in an email
Freshman Jacob Molten feels the same about about her daughter. “Now she's a smiling, happy little
underage drinking among Springfield High School girl who loves to lie on her changing table and babble
students. “I don’t think a lot of people do it,” Molten at the butterflies in the mobile that hangs above.”
said. “But it’s a problem for the high school and I think While Frank is at school, Susanna’s grand-
it affects peoples' lives.” mother and dad are taking care of her. “Being a mother
Underage drinking includes many grim is the most wonderful experience I’ve ever had,” Frank
stories and one SHS student who wanted to remain concluded. “I would never wish it to anyone who wasn’t
anonymous, has one. “I went to see my friend in col- prepared.”
lege,” this student began. “I was at a party and one of
the girls drank so much that she passed out and threw
Lefty from page 8
up and stopped breathing so we had to call for help.”
Ballou from page 6
it comes from a genetic code and not from the fact of
lefthandedness.
But, no doubt about it, other drawbacks exist
Sleep deprivation is the biggest challenge
for lefties in the world. “It’s really hard to play World
Ballou has to overcome. “I’m used to being relatively
of Warcraft and to drive standard,” said SHS junior and
rested,” she said. “Now I get about 5 hours of sleep
fellow lefty Alaina Orth.
a night.” How does Ballou keep going? “I think it’s
Lefties may face countlesschallenges, big
adrenaline,” Ballou says, smiling, “and a sense of re-
and small. However, make no mistake about it, left-
sponsibility.”
handed people love being left handed. “I feel great about
“Being extra efficient is the new goal,” she
being left-handed,” concluded SHS English Joanna
said, in reference to both teaching and parenting.
Coleman. “We live longer and are much smarter than
right-handed people. Obviously.”
n pg 21
Dangers from page 19
stereotypical image of a lifeguard with zinc oxide on
their nose is an example of a sunblock. I typically use
sunscreens labeled as “sport” because it is both water
and sweat proof.
Alexis: I agree. Did you know that Neutrogena, a major
brand name in skincare products, makes a sunblock
with an SPF of 110. I found online that you divide 1
by the SPF to determine the percentage of rays that
are blocked. For instance, if you wear SPF 30, 96.9%
of rays are blocked. The Neutrogena product blocks
99.1% of rays.
Maria: There are also many other ways to prevent ex-
posure to the sun. The sun’s rays are strongest between
the hours of 11 and 3, so clothing like hats can shield
the sensitive skin on the face.
Alexis: Will all the dangers that accompany exposure
to the sun, why would someone want to put themselves
in artificial light? There are so many alternatives to get
a sun kissed glow. There many quality self tanners and
lotions that you can get at your local drug stores, if you
desire this dark tone. It is safe and most importantly
it will not damage your largest most delicate organ,
skin.
GSA from page 12
Lavin thinks the GSA could be part of a
larger anti-bullying group, with more initiatives, such
as airing a Public Service Announcement on SAPA,
implementing a Day of Silence for closeted students,
and staging educational awareness activities. “There’s
been a lot of progress," said Lavin. “But we have a long
way to go.”
Questions remain about whether or not the
school needs a GSA. “The goal of fostering respect has
become so accepted that people think there’s no need
[for a GSA],” Lavin said.
Some students agree with this notion. “I
have friends that are [LGBT],” said sophomore Julie
Bombria. “And they don’t get picked on.”
But former members indicate that LGBT
students still need support. For example, students still
use the word gay as a derogatory term. “We’re past the
point where people express open hostility [toward the
LGBT community]” said Lavin. “But in the hallway and
cafeteria, students still use gay and fag [as insults].”
Also, some gay students feel repressed by
public opinion. “I’ve had people say that my girlfriend
and I shouldn’t be affectionate in public,” said an
anonymous gay student.
Another anonymous gay student supports
the alliance. “Any LGBT student can use that support
group,” she said. “Even just to know that it is there.”
Another pertinent issue may be the number
of students bullied not for being openly gay, but for be-
ing suspected of being gay. “I feel sorry for someone
who would feel badly to be called gay,” said Lavin.
“When we get to the point where a student can be called
‘gay’ and respond with ‘So what?’ we know we’ve
progressed.”
SHS may not feel safe enough, to some, for
gay students to come out. “Somewhere between 5-10%
of the population is gay,” concluded Lavin. “I would
guess there’s some discomfort. Otherwise more students
would be out.”
pg 22
Footprints from page 24
glad she did.
Dad always says that without Nichole, I
wouldn’t be where I am today, and I agree 100%. She
has been, without a doubt, my biggest supporter, and I
will always appreciate and love her for that.
So to my parents, I would like to say thank
you. Your lessons will go with me forever, along with our
memories. Everything you have done, is and always will
be, appreciated. Thanks mom and dad. I love you!
Pole Vault from page 18
now become a more competitive team. They can also
host more home meets, and eventually the Division III
State Meet. SHS male athletes can now train to compete
in the decathlon, which includes the pole vault as one
of the ten events the challenge encompasses.
At the 2010 Division III State Meet the
Cosmos finished 3rd on the girls’ side narrowly miss-
ing a trophy position. If the Cosmos had a pole vault
competitor, more points could have been attained.
“It’s one more event we have an opportunity
to score points in,” said Dikeman.
“Our meets will be larger, more teams will
want to come,” said Errair. “Hopefully more people will
come out for the team.”
Bullying from page 11
Both Toth and Education.com believe that there are
family risk factors that contribute to people becoming
bullies. Education.com believes that risk factors such
as a lack of supervision, harsh physical discipline, and
also a lack of warmth and involvement on the part of
parents contribute to the growing problem.
The final person involved with bullying
may be the bystander. The bystander is any person that
views the incident between the bully and the victim.
Many bullies bully their victim in front of others which
makes everyone witnessing it a bystander. However,
bystanders are too afraid to say anything to an adult
for fear that they will be singled out as well. Thibault
believes that many cases of bullying are made known to
school officials because a bystander has intervened and
helped the victim. Many victims rely on a bystander to
not only tell others but also to befriend them.
“Bullying goes away when the bystander
gets involved,” said Thibault.
Many feel that the only way that a commu-
nity such as Springfield High School can partially rid
itself of bullying is if we all stand together and help out
those in trouble. “We have to look out for each other,”
said Thibault. “We are a community.”
Cursive from page 10
choose not to write in cursive or simply do not know
how to write in cursive.
“It’s sad that students don’t know cursive,”
SHS English teacher Joanna Coleman said. “Seniors
don’t know how to write in cursive and can’t sign legal
documents. I think that you can’t connect anything to
writing these days. There is no time for their own style
to develop. It’s a mess.”
Elm Hill English Teacher Terry Carter also
spoke on handwriting in an email, “I don't [think that
cursive should be enforced]. I think students should be
able to write legibly by then if they received consistent
instruction K-5. If they haven't received instruction it
may be necessary to teach it at those levels.”
G r e e
Recruting from page 19
Island.
Senior Maria Stern would also like to com-
pete at the college level with field hockey. “I play in
the USA Field Hockey Futures program which is the
Olympic Development Pipeline. I play for Upper Valley
Blizzard, which is a club team out of Grantham, NH,”
Stern said, “I've gone to a bunch of camps and clinics
at colleges and also a few showcase tournaments."
She added, “I want to play in college because
I think I would be miserable if I only went to school
for classes. Plus, it's always been my dream [to play in
college].”
Stern is still undecided about her choice of
college although she has applied to the University of
Vermont, St. Michael’s College, Siena College, and
Dartmouth College.
Murphys from page 15
Connie’s wife, though at this point I left Connie and
his concept in the dust) and traditional “Peg O’ My
Heart.” “1953” is an incredibly sweet song, surprising
considering I’d imagine the Murphys’ singing (growling
rather) about drinking or fighting any day over writing a
love song of such sincerity. “Peg O’ My Heart” draws
its greatness from one source: The Boss. Yep, Bruce
Springsteen shows up (granted for a measly two verses
in the 2:21 song) and pays tribute to his Irish lineage
along with the band. Apparently all it took to get him
on the record was an e-mail.
The real concept behind Going Out in Style
is Irish heritage. The band tried to create Connie Larkin
as an instrument to express their love for Ireland, ap-
parently unaware that the ones in their hands are doing
it for them. It’s a fun record, but if you are looking for
a real good time, I’d stick with The Meanest of Times.
Suicide from page 11
amount of teen depression by going around classrooms
and discussing to SHS students about cyber bullying.
“The main reason [why teenagers commit suicide] is
because they are clinically depressed. That’s common
in about 80% of all people who commit,” said Dulaney.
“Poor interpersonal relationships, the loss of a loved one
or friend, bullying or being bullied, if there has been sui-
cides in the community, and poor academic performance
are all reasons why teens commit suicide. There’s an
overall general hope or no vision of the future.”
According to www.livestrong.com, every
100 minutes another teenager will commit suicide, and
suicide is the second leading cause of death among teen-
agers. A study taken by the CDC showed that twenty-
percent of high school students had “thought seriously”
about committing suicide within that past year; eight
percent had actually tried killing themselves.
If you are thinking about committing suicide,
or if you know of a person who is thinking about taking
their life please talk to one of your guidance councelors
or a doctor and get help. You may also log on to www.
afsp.org, (American Foundation for Suicide Preven-
tion) which is dedicated to advancing our knowledge
of suicide and our ability to prevent it.
“The way students should relieve their stress
is by getting proper rest, eating healthy foods, and cre-
ate positive experiences,” concluded Dulaney. “Talk a
doctor if you’re depressed if you can’t shift from that
depression. By spending time with friends and family,
and not using alcohol and drugs you can shift from
that.”
n H o r n
Panorama from page 15
what would it be? Draw a picture of this.”
These types of questions associated with art
therapy help build a child’s self-esteem, an essential step
for children who have been abused or bullied.
I’m fascinated by the fact that you can tell so
much about what is going on inside a person’s mind by
what they put down on paper, or an easel, or create on
a pottery wheel. Creativity is truly a glimpse into the
soul. We, as a society, should feel proud to be able to
help those souls who need it most.
Colloquial from page 14
saying is “I don’t demand that women have the same
rights of men or anything, but…”
The only antidote to this foolish stipulation
is for people to stop believing the stereotype of a femi-
nist as an provocative agitator or troublemaker. And
that reality is not on the horizon. For now, that leaves
feminists offering “I’m not a feminist or anything...” as
an apology every time they say something reasonable.
Ladies, consider this: the need for feminism is undoubt-
edly intact so long as women are uncomfortable even
being a feminist.
French from page 4
nity for students from different countries to meet and
learn a foreign culture. Through this exchange, they
establish friendships, connections and deeper experi-
ences. In late February, after the teary display at the
French exchange students' departure, one thing seemed
certain: the students of SHS are looking forward to
visiting their friends in France, from April 7th-21st, to
continue the exchange one more time.
Lunch from page 7
short on time.”
SHS English teacher Kevin Coen makes due
with the time he’s given, but he would be frustrated if
the lunch periods were any shorter.
“A couple of kids have [eaten lunch in
class],” Coen said. “I try to give kids who come back
late from lunch a little leeway, because if you’re mid-
sandwich it’s a bit of a burden to stop eating, pack up,
and finish your lunch up here.”
Brooks, however, doesn’t allow her students
to eat in class. They know to make sure they finish their
lunch before coming to her room.
The issue of time for lunches at SHS is not
simply an idea proposed by one student. It’s a real issue
that even teachers are aware of. It’s pretty important.
People need time to relax and digest, and this should not
have to be a luxury. Let them eat cake --or a sandwich,
pizza, or maybe spaghetti--and give them the time to do
so.
Gamers from page 9
The group is allowed to play games that
have ratings other than AO (adults only) and M (ma-
ture). These are games that feature excessive display of
vulgar language, sex, and violence. Games with these
ratings have to be approved by the SHS Principal Bob
Thibault.
Gamers Club members are aware of the steps
necessary to get one of these games approved. But their
bigger issue involves membership. “We hope to get more
people to join us once a week every other Thursday,”
said SHS guidance counselor Heather Toth.
G r e e n H o r
Fact from page 14
When I had my Facebook, I deleted people all the time. I
deleted people I don’t talk to, people I don’t like, people
I’m not interested in reading about, and rarely accepted
friend requests. If I don’t talk to you in real life, I don’t
add you as a friend on Facebook. I deleted my friend
group down to 64 friends at one point. The people who
have above 500 friends, really? No, you don’t know 500
people. Totally unrealistic.
It hasn’t been hard living life without a
Facebook. Deleting my page felt like a weight was be-
ing lifted off my shoulders. It’s like I broke up with an
annoying boyfriend. It feels great. I’m not saying this is
a forever change in my life. I’m just going to take it day
by day for now. I’m sure next year when I get to college
I’ll want Facebook back (if I don’t have it by then), but
to be completely honest I think college would be fun
without Facebook. Boys will actually have to talk to me
instead of just adding me on Facebook and Facebook
chatting me up.
Just try deleting your page for a day or even
a couple of hours, just to see what it’s like. Odds are
that no one will notice your lack of presence from their
newsfeed, and you’ll find other things to keep you oc-
cupied. I present the idea t you. Now all you have to
do is challenge yourself. Here’s to kicking the habit.
Stay Fly.
Familial from page 8
her day.
Learning Center teacher Elizabeth Goddard
rarely sees her fiancé, SHS English teacher Kevin Coen,
during the school day. “I see him no more than anybody
else,” she said. Goddard reflects that faculty and students
treat her differently because of her relationship with
Coen.
“People always think we know what the
other is doing,” Goddard said. “He’s my fiancé, but it’s
a totally different relationship at school.”
Most people find strolling a public high
school hallway to be a difficult trip. But a relative along
for the journey can be beneficial, though sometimes
more difficult. Such relationshiips also enhance one’s
appreciation for the underpinnings and the gears that
turn a school.
Trash Talk from page 16
“Some fans get way too into things,” said Wallace.
“They start a lot of things they shouldn’t be starting.”
“It [trash talk] will get you in more trouble
if you’re in the stands,” said Haskell, citing the tension
that builds between opposing fans.
Jade agrees. “I disapprove of the energy
[created by hostile fans],” he said.
“There’s always that one crazy fan on
the other team that tries to beat someone up,” said
Haskell.
Coaches are more familiar with rules set
forth by the Vermont Principal’s Association to define
unsportsmanlike conduct than their athletes. The VPA’s
policies say: “Taunting in all sports is a flagrant un-
sportsmanlike foul which will result in a game ejection
as outlined in the student/coach ejection policy (Section
1: General Rules (M).”
Ruth Haskell prepares her team to prevent
unsportsmanlike conduct. “If we’re coming up against
a team that trash talks I remind my team that we’re from
Springfield High School, we’re wearing green and white,
and we’re representing our school,” she concluded.
n pg
Teaching from page 7
ing pulled out of the classroom to teach the information
they need to do well on such large amounts of tests. I'm
lucky in teaching Special Education where I only have
a small group of kids, but they need my attention, and
I can't give it to them when I'm being pulled out of the
classroom to go to meetings."
Agreeing with Stevens's worry about being
pulled out of the classroom, Fry stated that it seems like
she never has all of the kids in the class at once. "Some
are always being pulled out for special appointments like
speech, OT, counseling, etc.," she said. "We do things
that aren't the best for the kid's learning because it's
easier for adults. We know that little kids should have
to go to school from 7-2 o'clock, and older kids go from
9-4 o'clock, but we don't because of sports, and it's the
way it's always been."
"There's almost a second part to my job aside
working with the kids," Stevens said. "Writing IEPs and
going to tons of meetings. That's the part that's really
hard."
Of course it's not all hard. All teachers
seem to agree that the best part about their job involves
working with the kids. For Leslie Fry, sometimes the
connection goes beyond the classroom. "It's the ones
who are willing to work, to have fun, to learn," she said.
"Even when they don't get it at first, the part where it
clicks, and they go AH-HA is awesome."
Stevens agrees that the AH-HA moment is
what she strives for. But it's not just the students that
are learning. "I'm always amazed at what the kids teach
me." she said.
"Their patience, resilience, and insightful-
ness is often ispiring," Fry adds. "I can relate to some
of them. I was a dork. I had a hard time fitting in. Math
made me cry. But I work with kids who like me for who
I am, and math is what I guess I teach best. I love being
successful now at something I had a hard time with at
first. I love watching kids grow up to be all that they
can be. It makes it all worth it."
But to do that, a connection with the kids, and
their families, is a crucial thing. Dodge and Fry say that
having kids for longer than one year helps with that.
"I had one group of kids for almost five years,
after working with them in the summer of their 8th grade
year. Though some may shudder at that thought, it was
really great," said Dodge. "I love to see them mature
and to change. I feel like a part of that."
Though teaching and learning has its ups
and downs, the ups seem to make it all worthwhile for
the teachers. Sometimes, the joys for one person aren't
the same as the joy for others, though. "Don't forget the
new tattoo ideas that I get from the kids," concluded Fry.
"Those always make my job interesting."
Trip from page 4
Cod,” said Stern. Hopefully this trip won't cost more
than $350 and there will be something for everyone.”
There is no specific deadline for completing
plans for the senior trip. Each suggestion for a senior
trip has to be planned about 2-3 weeks ahead of the trip
date. Therefore suggestions can be made to the Class of
2011 with enough time to make a final decision, since
senior trips traditionally occur in June.
Many seniors, despite the confusion sur-
rounding the senior trip, relish this activity. “I’m look-
ing forward to one last hurrah with my best friends,”
concluded senior Max Blake. For many, whatever the
senior trip ends up being, it will be a blast.
23

SHS Speaks Out
N
ext year, all students at Springfield High School will be required to complete community service in order to graduate. Aside from this mandatory volunteerism,
service activities have been on the rise in past years as a method for building community and encouraging selflessness. In this spirit, the Green Horn asked staff
and students: What do you do as community service, or what one good deed would you do if you could do anything in the world?
Freshman Chelsey Harmer
I would try to end world poverty.
Freshman Nathan Barbour
I would grab some trash bags and go around and clean
up the whole town.
Column
T
here are two people who have been there for me
all my life. We’ll call them mom and dad. My
parents have been my biggest support system
for my entire life. Together we’ve gone through the
good times and the not-so-good times. While we have
recently grown apart, they are still there for me, and
me for them.
My first memory of my parents together is from
their wedding day. My dad had been dating my (step)
mom, Nichole, for a while and I loved her. She always
pg 24
Sophomore Keith Destromp
I would help Japan. I wish I could have a family stay
in my house or volunteer my time to help rebuild.
Freshman Jed Duquette
I would give kittens to the world.
Footprints in the Sand
Thanks to the Parental Units
By Courtney Downing
played with me, and with me being five years old, if you
played with me, you were in. But back to my memory:
they had just finished the wedding ceremony and were
about to walk down the aisle. I was standing there in my
flowergirl dress just watching them, and all of a sudden
she had stopped walking. I was so confused. She let go
of my dad’s arm and came over to me. She gave me a
kiss and told me she loved me. It was from then on that
she had an extra special place in my heart.
Before my dad met my mom, it was just him
and me. At the time they met, dad and I were living in our
own house. Before that, we lived with Grandma Linda,
and oh boy did I love that. One of my earliest memories
I have with my dad is from my birthday at Grandma
Linda’s. I’m not sure how old I was, but I had gotten a
Red Radio Flyer wagon, and really wanted to try it out.
So dad bundled me up, put me in the wagon, and took
me outside to try it. I loved that wagon. It was one of the
winters without snow in the middle of January.
G r e e
By Laurel Porter
Freshman Dmitri Freeman
I would use a helicopter to bring food to people who
don’t have food.
Health Teacher Ruth Haskell
I try to help one person every day. If someone comes
across my path who needs something or asks for my
help, I try to give it to them.
However, the days of laughing and playing
seemed to come fewer and farther between as I got older.
Playing with friends and going to the movies seemed
more important than family time. Little did I know, that
I would some day live to regret not spending as much
time as I should have with family. I know that they
didn’t mind me hanging out with my friends, or giving
me a few bucks to get ice cream. I just wish that I had
appreciated it more.
While I often miss the days that it was just
dad and myself, there will always be the memories
that we made and shared. Like the trips to the store or
getting our Christmas tree down the street. He pulled
me in the sled the whole way, while dragging the tree.
Or there were the trips to Grandma Weezy’s. It didn’t
really matter what we were doing as long as it was dad
and me. Then Nichole came into the picture, and I was
See Footprints page 22
n H o r n