HAWK HEADLINESVolume XIV Issue II Since 2001 | HawkHeadlines.net | @WRHSmedia | hawkheadlines | wrhsmedia

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run for a REVOLUTIONWho is your hero(ine)?

News A2News A3sports B1sports B2 sports B3lIfestyle C1

Lauren Charette: Kicking Like a Girl

New SuperintendentMichael Yamin

#Jackstrong

Since the summer, a school improvement project has been taking place at Laurel Ledge Elementary School in Beacon Falls. The project includes installations of corridors to connect buildings, new roofs, new bathrooms, a new art room, as well as other things to improve the school. Corridors being built in the school will connect the buildings to create a unified campus. “It will keep the students dry on rainy days, and warm on snowy days too!” said Murzak. Throughout the summer, Turner Construction worked double shifts to complete portions of the project before students arrived for the new school year. With school in

session, Turner Construction has changed their working hours to from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and will be focusing on the courtyard. The construction work at Laurel Ledge is being done for two main reasons, according to Principal Regina Murzak, safety and loss of learning time for students due to the time that students take to put on their coats, hats, scarves, etc. during the winter, just to go to another building. “With connected buildings, the students

will no longer have to be outside when going to different parts of the school,” noted Murzak.Though construction goes on throughout the day, it does not keep the students from learning. Murzak noted that classrooms surrounding the courtyard, nearest to the construction, will have blinds closed to limit

distraction to students. Students are excited about the changes just as much as the staff is. “I am ecstatic about the changes,” said Murzak who joked, “the teachers are getting a lot of exercise walking around the building this year to get from one place to another.” The construction at the school is said to hopefully be finished by the start of the 2015 school year.

On the first day back at school after summer break it is not unusual to see an unfamiliar face in the hallway. There are always new students and sometimes a few new teachers. And this year was no exception. Among these new faces in the halls on the first day was the new superintendent of Region 16 schools, Mr. Michael Yamin. The Region 16 Board of Education appointed Yamin to the position of Superintendent of Schools in August, after former superintendent Tim James resigned for health reasons. Yamin got his start in education in a unique way. While studying for his masters, he taught for a year and a half at a school called Winchester one, a classroom at Yale New Haven Hospital for hospitalized children. “I’ve always has an interest in working with kids,” Yamin said. “When I was younger I worked at youth camps in the summer and in college at UConn I did some volunteer

work at local middle schools, which definitely fostered my desire to go into education.” After earning his degree and some in the classroom experience at Winchester One, Yamin began teaching in the Waterbury Public

School System, where he has been an educator for the past 23 years. After 6 years in the classroom, Yamin spent 17 years as an administrator in various schools throughout Waterbury. Most

recently he was the Principal at John F Kennedy High School and the Director of Special Education for the Waterbury Public School System. “When the position for Region 16 opened, I decided I was at a point in my career where I felt like a Superintendent position would maximize my ability to make a difference,” said Yamin. “I felt like it was a great fit for me because my core values match those of this community.” One of the first things that Yamin wants to do in his new position is to become an active member in the community. “I want to build a relationship with the students, with the schools and with the community,” said Yamin. “Then I want to build a shared vision for education.” Yamin is also eager to get involved with building committees of the new elementary school in Prospect and also renovating other schools in the district. “ I think I’m most looking forward to just getting involved,” said Yamin. “I want to go to events and talk to parents and kids. I want to be as hands on as possible.”

NewsA2

Woodland Regional High School

135 Back Rimmon Rd.Beacon Falls, CT 06403

Unless signed by the Hawk Headlines Staff, pieces that appear as Commentary are intended to reflect the views of the individual author.The staff however, does accept and encourage Letters to the Editor in response to any published articles. Submissions can be edited for grammar by the staff but not for content. Letters are encouraged to keep to a maximum of 250 words.

If you would like to submit a letter to the editor, please send it to Woodland Regional High School, Attention: Journalism Department.

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Journalism Staff

Journalism Director- James AmatoManaging Director- Katie DrewryDirector of Print- Katie MinutilloDirector of Online- Julia CarusoDirector of Media- Jennifer DaSilva Adrianne YacavoneKrista DeTulioTaylor AmoreSydney PattersonErin MascoliSabina KicaChristina VlamisOlivia DelmonicoCarly EricksonThomas BucciferroAlexandra CiancioloJullie DaSilvaJessica FoxVeronica DergachevChloe AriolaVictoria IannoneVictoria Skehan

WRHSmedia @wrhsonline.net New Superintendent Michael YaminKATIE DREWRY

New Superitendent Michael Yamin meets with parents at the WRHS open house.

KatieDrewry/HawkHeadlines

Laurel Ledge: A Better, Safer School for GenerationsVERONICA DERGACHEV “It will keep the

students dry on rainy days, and warm on snowy days too!”

-Regina Murzak, Laurel Ledge Principal

A simple children’s book inspired Alicia Rafferty to greatness. She was first introduced to the picture book, entitled “A Thirst For Home” by Woodland teachers Megan Geary and Lisa Olivere. The book is about a young girl from Ethiopia who is adopted by an American family. It focuses on many of the issues that the young girl faces in Africa compared to her life in America. The book is based on the true story about the author, Christine Ieronimo’s adopted daughter. After reading the story, Alicia decided that she wanted to make younger children aware of the problems that kids their age face in other parts of the world. “My older sister is also currently living in Ethiopia as a member of the Peace Corps, so the idea of the story is one that connects to my personal life too,” said Rafferty.

With help from Mrs. Geary and Mrs. Olivere, Alicia decided to hold a Passion for Pure Water Project at Algonquin and Laurel Ledge elementary Schools. On September 24th and 25th, Christine Ieronimo read her book to third and fifth graders. “Christine is a local author and a friend of Ms. Olivere, so she was more than happy to come to the event,” said Rafferty. After the story reading, the students did several different activities that go along with the story. Rafferty lead a group where the kids did a writing activity about their reflection and who they see themselves as. They will also learned more about the culture and issues of Ethipoia. “I really want the kids to learn about how lucky they are to live where they do,” said Rafferty. “I’m also hoping that we can inspire them to become activists and show them that even though they are young, their help can still make a difference.”

NewsSenior Project Spotlight:

Alicia Rafferty’s Passion for Pure WaterKATIE DREWRY

BOTTOM-LEFT: Alicia Rafferty poses with author Christine Ieronimo and Woodland World-wide advisors Mrs. Geary and Mrs. Olivere. RIGHT: Christine Ieronimo reads her book to elementary school students at Rafferty’s Passion for Pure Water Project.

Model United Nations at WoodlandERIN MASCOLI

You walk on campus with a folder full of information and a position paper. A clear view of what you want for your country is set in your mind. You’ve been prepping for days and your head is full of ideas on a resolution for your country. You may not be the real delegate, but this is Model UN. Katie Drewry fell in love with this atmosphere and feeling last year at Fairfield University when Mrs. Flaherty’s CWI class took a trip to the college’s annual Model UN conference. This trip gave Drewry the idea to give other kids a chance to get that same feeling by starting up a Model UN club at Woodland for

her senior project. “We’re planning on having meetings twice a month,” said Drewry. “At one of those meetings we’ll be learning model UN procedure and then at the second one we will practice debating in a formal setting.”The chapter also plans to attend at least two Model United Nations conferences throughout the school year. Drewry stressed that students do not need any former experience or knowledge of foreign relations to join the club. “All you need is a desire to learn something new,” she said. MUN members boast a greater understanding of the world and what is going on around them. Drewry encourages anyone who is looking to broaden their horizons to come to their first meeting on Thursday September 18 in room 231.

Check out the Morning Minute w/Jenn DaSilva

NewsGuatemalaTrip Cancelled

ADRIANNE YACAVONE

For the past few years the Woodland World Wide program would raise money to send a few of their alumni on a trip to help in a program that would give back. Instead of supporting the scholarship this year they decided to put the money into a trip for their current students. But, unfortunately the trip has been canceled. They picked Guatemala to work with two programs, one being Starfish One by One which is a program that works with ingenious Mayan girls. This program is a very progressive service and Woodland World Wide planned on learning a lot of things from them as well. The people in the program help in serving for job training, empowerment training, and education for the Mayan girls. The other program was a service called the walking tree, which pair’s native people with high school students. This was so the students could get a feel for what it is like to experience the way that these people live. Hatch wanted the trip to be a learning experience for the kids. “We looked into a lot of different things to do there,” Hatch stated “but a lot of it would have been experiencing the day to day life of these girls, and helping them in anyway that we could.” However, Guatemala is experiencing some civil and politically unrest. As well as the trip costing $2,000 per person. Guatemala suffers from a lot of poverty and oppression and Hatch didn’t feel that it was a safe place to send her students. Since they are not considering rescheduling the trip Hatch was thinking about doing a domestic trip so many of their students could attend in the near future.

Woodland Gets Security UpdateJULIA CARUSO

More school shootings are reported everyday and Woodland is fighting back. Woodland received the third highest security grant than any other district in Connecticut and it is using every penny to keep their students safe. “With today’s school environment it’s important we secure the schools and make them as safe as possible. Yesterday there was two more school shootings, we can never let our guard down,” explains head of Woodland security, Fred Smith. Woodland is upgrading its entire security system. Ninety-five new cameras ,bullet resistant glass, new digital radios, and security will have access to every camera in the building through their iPads. The glass in the hallway leading to cafeteria, front door entrances, cafeteria walls, and almost all of the lower level have been or will all be replaced with plexy glass by the end of this June. Plexy glass is a thermoplastic that is often used for shatter resistance. If a bullet is shot through the window, it will penetrate and go through but the window will stay intact. If worst comes to worst and an intruder attempts to shatter the glass and enter the building, his progress will be impeded. Several schools around Connecticut have also updated their security system in the last few years. Schools in Milford, Derby, Naugatuck and dozens more have

received large security grants within the last two years. Although Woodland takes numerous precautionary measures, tragedy is always a possibility. “We can make the school ninety-nine percent safe, but you can’t take away the human element. If someone really wanted to get into this building,

they probably could,” said Kurt Ogren, Principal of Woodland. “This adds another layer of protection. It provides a sense of comfort and security, and we’re getting just a bit closer to that one-hundred percent.” The new security measures will also be added to the new middle school being built in Prospect.

PHOTO CREDIT: CARLY ERICKSON

Last year, the idea to bring Rachel’s Challenge to the district was presented to the Region 16 Prevention Task Force by district staff and parents who had heard about the program. Trish Spofford, a member of the Task Force, streamlined the process of bring Rachel’s Challenge to the district. “I helped organize a presentation that we did for the Board of Education,” explained Spofford. “Once the Board

approved funding the project, it was just a matter of working with Rachel’s Challenge to organize the event.” A Rachel’s Challenge presentation will be given in each school during the school day. The presentation is modified for each grade level, but each one is based on the concepts of a 5 step plan to initiate kindness and compassion to spark a chain reaction. After the presentations, Rachel’s Challenge provides each school with supplies to start a Friends of Rachel(FOR) Club. The FOR clubs will work to keep the chain reaction started from the

presentation alive in their school. Two variations presentations will also be open to members of the community. There will be a presentation at Woodland on October 7th at 6:30 and another presentation on October 9th at Long River at 6:30. The goal of the event is to unify our individual schools, but as well as the district and the community. “I”m hoping that this event will really empower young people,” said Region 16 Superintendent Michael Yamin. “I think it will be used to build a more emotionally intelligent, compassionate and caring student body and community.”

Rachel’s Challenge Comes to WoodlandKATIE DREWRY

Zero. That’s the number of girls that have ever played Woodland Football. Until now. History was made when Lauren Charette became the first girl to ever be a part of the Woodland Football team.As it does every so often, this history happened sort of by accident. Charette originally planned to join the soccer team, as she had done the previous year. But when she missed the tryouts because of a family vacation, her sister, suggested she fill the position of kicker on the football team. “My sister actually spoke to Coach Phipps about me trying out,”

Charette said. “and he invited me to come to a practice.”At the practice, Charette impressed the coaches with her kicking and was asked to join the team. “It’s an honor to be on the team,” said Charette. “But I know its not going to be easy and I’m going to have to be mentally and physically strong.”Woodland has been abuzz about the newest addition, students have been extremely curious. One of the most common inquiries is, “How does the football team feel about this?” The answer:

they couldn’t be happier. When questioned, the team as a whole agreed that she was a fantastic kicker, a hard worker, and sure to assist them in winning more games.

When asked about her kicking ability, Charette says that the best she has ever kicked is from the thirty five yard line. Her athletic ability is not her only impressive aspect, Coach Phipps also spoke very highly of

her character;“She’s one of the most polite people I’ve ever met, she’s a very honest person, and she’s an excellent communicator. Having that type of person

on a football team is great for morale.”Although he said that so far the entire football team, staff, and student body has been completely supportive and positive about her joining, there is still the concern that other teams will not be as respectful. Charette knows that being a great female athlete in a primarily male sport will make her a target, and comprehends that other teams may be rude or say nasty things to her. Even though she may have a challenging season ahead, it is apparent that the team will make sure she does not feel alone in enduring any challenge she faces along the way. As put by Coach Phipps, “We support her, the coaches support her, and the team supports her, and we have her back no matter what.”

sportsB1

Lauren Charette: Kicking Like a Girl

JENN DASILVA & TINA VLAMIS

“I know its not going to be easy and I’m going to have to be mentally and

physically strong.”-Charette

sports

JOE POETA Years Varsity: 2

Post win celebration: Hang out with boys in the locker room

Actor that would play him in a movie: Tom Cruise

Favorite team moment: Semi-finals win

Jersey number: 20

JAKE LALIBERTEYears Varsity: 3Pump up song: EminemFavorite athlete Robert Griffin IIIPost game: Water upJersey number: 70

MAX MCSPERRINYears varsity: 3Post game snack: BananaActor that would play him in a

movie: Bill CosbyFavorite team moment: Going to

statesJersey number: 56

ABBEY ROSATOYears Varsity: 3Pump up song: Can’t Hold UsActor that would play her in a movie: Jennifer LopezPost win celebration: cheerful bus ride home Catch phrase: [wagging finger] “No, no, no, not today”Jersey number: 14

ANNA KHALIDYears Varsity: 2Pump up song: TrophiesPost game snack: McDonald’sCatch phrase: “She said no”Jersey Number: 29

SARAH REILLYYears Varsity: 1Pre-game snack: Dunkin DonutsActor that would play her in a movie: Abigail BreslinCatch phrase: “Bang, Bang”Jersey number: 7

O, CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAINS!

FOOTBALL VOLLEYBALL SOCCERBOYSCROSS COUNTRY

JEFF GIUSTOYears Varsity: 3Pre-Run ritual: Husker PrayerPost win celebration: nice day drillsFavorite athlete: Mo FarahPump up song: HeadbandFavorite team moment: When team comes together for NVLSFavorite number: 2Catch Phrase: noneActor that would play him: Liam Neeson

STEPHANIE KILEYYears Varsity: 4Pre-Run ritual: Carb up night before staying focused the whole dayFavorite pre/ post run snack: Pre: carbs Post: ice creamPost win celebration: none does not like to put the other teams downFavorite athlete: Derek JeterPump up song: noneFavorite team moment: Winning NVLS her junior yearFavorite Number: 3Catch Phrase: When you think you can’t run anymore, run harder

THOMAS BETHINJersey Number: 1Years Varsity: 3Favorite Team Moment:: Naugatuck GameFavorite Athlete: LeSean McCoy

SAM MERRIMANJersey Number: 4Years Varsity: 4Favorite Team Moment: Winning an NVL championshipFavorite Atthlete: Robinson CanoCatch Phrase: “Lets Get It”

MATTHEW SPOFFORDJersey Number: 16Years Varsity: 3Favorite Athlete: Rob GroncowskiFavorite Team Moment: Tying Naugatuck sophmore year

DAN LECLERCJersey Number: 14Years Varsity: 3Team Moment: Going over time with Naugatuck

O, CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAINS!sports

ERIKA LUGOYears Varsity: 2Pump up song: BeyonceActor that would play her in a movie: Mila KunisFavorite team moment: Rap battle at cheer campCatch phrase: “Dude”

MARINELA GENEROWICZYears Varsity: 4Post game snack: Hot chocolateFavorite athlete? Maddie GardenerCatch phrase: “Ya know”Team moment: Dinner after competitions

ROSEMARY DONNELLYYears Varsity: 4Post game snack: McDonald’sPump up song?: All About that BaseActor that would play her in a movie: Taylor SwiftTeam moment: Sharing embarrassing memories at cheer camp

DANCECHEERLEADINGSOCCERGIRL

S SWIMMINGSARA FOWLER Years Varsity: 4 Post win celebration: Singing Christmas Carols

Favorite athlete:Ryan LochteCatch Phrase: “For the Ship!”

KILEY SOULIER Years Varsity: 4Post win snack: goldfish

Actor that would play her in a movie: Jennifer Lawrence

Favorite number: 11Catch Phrase: “Let it be Loud!”

EMMA SARDINSKAS Years Varsity: 4Pump up song: 300 violinsActor that would play her in a movie: Emma Stone

Favorite team moment: bus ridesCatch Phrase: “Let it be Loud!”

KATHERINE DREWRY Years Varsity: 4Pump up song: Lose yourself

Actor that would play her in a movie: Kate Middleton

Favorite athelte: Missy FranklinCatch Phrase: “Ugh”

KRISTEN CULLENLucky number: 6Actor that would play her: Anne Hathaway

KAYLA RAFFERTYLucky number:4 Actor that would play her: Kim KardashianPost football game celebration: Friendly’s

UNIFIED SPORTS

MARISA MACEKYears Varsity: 4Pump up song: “Till I Collapse” -EminemFavorite Athlete: Derek JeterCatch phrase: “Play our game”Jersey Number: 15

ALEXA CASMIROYears Varsity: 3Pre game ritual: Always wears hair in a braidPost game snack: WaffleCatch Phrase: “Success through Sacrifice”Jersey Number: 17

ROSALINA SANTOS Years Varsity: 3Pre game snack: Honey Nut Cheerios Catch Phrase: “Take it to the crib”Favorite Athlete: Alex MorganJersey Number: 7

SAVANNAH AVIZ Years Varsity: 4Post win snack: goldfish

Actor that would play her in a movie: Jennifer Lawrence

Favorite number: 11Catch Phrase: “Let it be Loud!”

When most teenagers hear the term “binge watching,” most of their faces light up in recognition. Some will immediately blurt out their most impressive binge watch, “I watched all of Gossip Girl in three weeks” or “once I stayed in my bedroom for eight hours just watching Orange is the New Black.” It is not surprising that students know what the term means or are eager to share about their experiences. Binge-watching, the act of watching multiple episodes consecutively, is a phenomenon that has become insanely popular in the past year. Usually using a source of instant online streaming, commonly Netflix, episodes are available to be viewed in immediate succession rather than spread out of the course of a

week. The appeal of binge-watching shows is the same of any sort of binging–immediate gratification of getting what you crave (and more) without having to wait for it. In a world where we are constantly waiting for something, it is incredibly refreshing to have several seasons of your favorite series at your fingertips, ready to watch whenever you are. Binge-watching is popular with people from all demographics; there is truly a show for everyone. However, does the content of the show effect it’s binge-watching appeal? Although every genre has the potential to be binge-watched, suspenseful shows such as American Horror Story and Breaking Bad are extremely popular to binge-watch because viewers cannot wait to see what will happen the next episode. Sabina Kica watched all of American Horror Story, one of the most suspenseful

series on Netflix, in a month. In nine days, James Amato breezed through the political drama House of Cards. That’s not to say that sitcoms are not

popular choices too. Funny, twenty-minute shows such as Modern Family or 30 Rock can be just addicting as suspenseful one-hour dramas because they are a fantastic stress reliever. As fascinating as the whole concept of binge-watching is, the most interesting aspect of the epidemic is that the lack of

shame that comes with it. When someone watches a whole series in a short (and quite frankly, concerning) amount of time, they do not feel disgusted with themselves; they feel proud. People take to social media outlets to brag about their binge-watching adventures. For instance, after this reporter watched five seasons of Parks and Recreation in a week, the first thing she did was fire off a tweet to make everyone aware of the “accomplishment.” Binge-watching can be entertaining and an efficient way to catch up with a show, but make sure that you are binge-watching responsibly. Get up for food breaks and occasional social interaction, and do not start an engrossing series the night before a huge test. If you keep your general well-being in mind (and don’t feel too disgusted with yourself), joining the trend can be an enjoyable experience you can tweet about the next day.

lIfestyle C1

Prayers for Jack Walsh #jackstrong

When Hawks migrate, they travel in flocks. Flocks of hundreds and thousands of Hawks come together with one goal. They help each other soar higher, move faster and get where they need to go. They support each other. And the Hawks at Woodland Regional High School do the same. Earlier this year, fellow Hawk, Jack Walsh was diagnosed with cancer. Instantly, the Woodland community was on their feet, determined to help Jack and his family soar once again. Organizations in and around Woodland have come together with a common goal of gaining support. On September 3rd, 2014 the town of Beacon Falls and Prospect came together to offset medical expenses for Jack Walsh and his family. The Prospect Police and Recreation Department held a pasta dinner at the Prospect Fire Department,

complete with donated desserts and many different raffles. The Woodland sports teams came together that night to help out with cleaning up plates and selling raffle tickets to the community. As well as signing posters for Jack, a video camera was set up so the teams could send him videos wishing him well. The amount of people who came out to support his cause was incredible. Everyone in attendance wished Jack could have seen how these two small towns came together to help raise money for him. But the pasta dinner was just the beginning. At Woodland Worldwide's annual Run for Revolution, students, staff, and community members ran and walked in honor of Jack on team "Jack Strong." A football game was held on October 17th in honor of Jack as well. The student section participated in a "Gold Out" where they wore gold t-shirts that read "#JackStrong." Like Hawks in the wild, we want to help each other. This community may be very small but our hearts are much bigger.

“Binge Watching” Becoming More Prevalent With Increase of Access TINA VLAMIS

KATIE DREWRY &ADRIANNE YACAVONE

Binge-watching: the act

of watching multiple episodes

consecutively

Nancy Manning is a true role model for all students at Woodland. It took

vigorous amounts of editing and revising, but after a dedicated twenty

years Manning finally published her master piece, Undertow of

Silence. It was inspired by

her sister and their struggles though out childhood. The novel is based on a teenage, high school girl that faces abuse. You follow the girl through her journey of struggles and wish for relief. It is dark,

suspenseful, and truly powerful. Manning’s novel helps people relate to the character and allow them to see things can get better. Her book resonates with all kinds of people. Including her own students. “I know domestic

violence is headline news today, which is what the book is about, and I hope it inspires a student that is going through a tough life at home. That things will get better and there will be a silver lining,” Manning said. Manning explains how her students are very supportive, always encouraging

her to keep writing and giving her positive feedback. Manning is known to be the number one supporter with all sports, going to their games, high fiving them in the halls and encouraging players to do their best. So when “Momma Manning” does something she really loves, all of her students support her just as strongly.

Practicing what she Preaches...

Manning Pens NovelSABINA KICA

I hope it inspires a student

that is going through a

tough life at home.

English teacher. Tennis coach. New York Giants super-fan. Hawks sports fanatic. And now published author.

- Nancy Manning

New Spaces, Fresh Faces:lIfestyle

Becker Alissa Becker, new English teacher, has returned to Woodland Regional High School from Long River Middle School with high hopes and new ideas for a productive school year. Becker left Woodland in 2003 and returned again until 2009 when she took the seventh grade English position at Long River Middle School. Becker is now very happy to be back at Woodland taking the place of former eleventh grade English teacher, Joelle Kilcourse. This new opportunity will be used to help her eleventh grade students through this important year in their lives. She plans on helping these students prepare for college and their SAT’s as well as encouraging them to “think critically.” The group of students have been helpful with the transition so far and Becker thinks very highly of them. She also admires the spirit and sense of family demonstrated at Woodland. “It is a wonderful building to come to every single day,” said Becker. Becker’s new sophomore advisory has also adjusted well to her transition. Because Becker keeps in contact with Kilcourse, she had heard a lot about the group and knew they would be supportive. “She is really friendly and has made an effort to get to know all of us,” said Vanessa Adams, a student in Becker’s sophomore advisory. Becker’s heart belongs at Woodland and looks forward to a successful year with both students and faculty.

A teacher, someone who causes or helps a student to learn. Robert Murdy, history and psychology teacher at Woodland, takes the meaning to a level few could understand. Murdy has always had a passion for history. After attending college at The University of Connecticut he began teaching at Arch Bridge School, a school that specializes in helping students with emotional and psychological difficulties. Murdy knew it would be a difficult task but he wanted to help troubled children. He worked with students who needed serious support to become successful in and out of the classroom. “I had to be very gentle. It was a lot of caring and understanding. No one’s has ever heard their side or believed in them, ” Murdy explains. He encouraged these students to see their self-worth and showing them their life’s direction and purpose. He recalls students telling him, “I would not be here without you.” Murdy helped them in ways no one else could. He brought them to achieve their goals and find happiness. These students changed Murdy as well. “They helped me become a better person and teacher. They showed me that anyone can overcome what life throws at them. It was very inspiring to see someone come from an unimaginable and horrifying past, and to thrive and be happy. Everyone needs someone they can come talk to,” says Murdy. He hopes to bring the lessons and skills he learned at the eight years from Arch Bridge to Woodland. He explains that he feels he fits in at Woodland and the transition has been smooth. Although Woodland is very different type of school, all students can struggle with similar issues and need someone that can be relied upon for help. Murdy is focusing heavily on incorporating abnormal psychology that he witnessed at Arch Bridge into his psychology classes at Woodland. Woodland or Arch Bridge, Murdy will always be there for his students. Murdy explains, “Everyone from staff to students has been very welcoming. This is an awesome place and I am very blessed to be apart of this team. I am hoping to continue being a person that people can come talk to and helping students in any way that I can.”

After 13 years in Europe and twenty years of teaching, French teacher Emily Wentworth, better known as “Madame Wentworth” is tackling a new challenge-teaching Woodland students. Although this is Wentworth’s first year teaching at Woodland, she worked for 20 years

in the field. She spent 10 years teaching French at Trumbull High School and has split 10 years among Hamden, Haddam, Killingworth, and Yale University. “At Yale, I had taught over 17 courses from beginning to advanced French,” explained Wentworth. In earlier years, Wentworth majored in English while attending Mt. Holyoke in Massachusetts. She pursued English and Medieval studies in Scotland for one year while living in St. Andrews, “a beautiful medieval town,” as Wentworth describes it. “For two more years I worked in a print shop in Edinburgh, Scotland which was run by the Scottish Arts Council.” After being in Scotland, she wanted to stay in Europe as a professional artist, so she moved to Paris. Wentworth only took one year of French in High school but after moving to Europe she was able to learn the language. “I lived the language.” says Wentworth. As an independent artist, she worked in the same atelier (studio) as some major artists of the 20th century, such as Picasso, Chagall, and Miro. “It was a fascinating experience,” says Wentworth, “being able to touch the wall and say “Picasso leaned up against this wall,” was so surreal.” Wentworth’s artwork was unlike any other. She specialized in etching and engraving, an art form she first learned about as a child. “Years ago, when I was little, I went to Williamsburg Virginia and visited the blacksmith shop. I saw the blacksmith engraving metal decorative pieces for the butts of rifles. It was so interesting!” she explained. After her time in Europe, Wentworth moved back to the states and studied for obtained her in French at Yale University. Now she is ready to put her skills to good use teaching Woodland students the art of the French language.

Murdy

After last year’s exodus of fellow Region 16 Teachers of the Year, Joelle Kilcourse (2014) and Deborah Flaherty (2013), it looked like those big shoes would be hard to fill. But these new hires are up to the task.

Wentworth

Four albums. Four years. One boy band. One Direction. One Direction started in 2010 on the X-Factor. Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, and Louis Tomlinson all auditioned as solo artists, with nothing but a passion for singing. The members did not make it through the “Boot camp” round of the competition as individuals. But Simon Cowell, one of the judges, made a last minute decision to group the five boys into a band together. In the last rounds on the X-Factor, One Direction was awarded third place winners. Although they did not win first, they already had a huge fan base all around the world. Their debut single “What Makes You Beautiful” came out in 2011, and was breaking records in the UK and Ireland before it was released in the United States. In 2012, their first album “Up All Night” broke even more records and they signed with the American company, Columbia Records. Then they set on their first global tour. In February of 2013, they navigated the world yet again for their “Take Me Home” tour. This album was a personal favorite for many people because the development in their voices was noticeable. The amount of work put into the album was tremendous. One Direction is currently on their third global tour, “Where We Are”. They are performing songs from their previous albums, as well as the songs from their new album “Midnight Memories.” Midnight Memories was released on November 25th, 2013. Their album was making its way to number one, and all the tickets for the tour sold out in minutes. I was privileged enough to go to their show on August 7th, at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The show began at 7pm, three hours away from my house. Minutes before we were supposed to go, I realized that my father had misplaced the tickets. As he ripped apart the house looking for the tickets, I was on the verge of tears. All our problems were not solved when he finally found the tickets. We faced terribly traffic on our way to the show, we got there LATE. Walking in to the show, I was having a breakdown. But when I finally arrived sat row 8 of section C, on the floor, I was hyper. Fortunately, I only missed about two of the

songs of the opening band, 5 Seconds of Summer. When they disappeared back stage, I was anxiously waiting in seat 14 to the boys in the pictures on my bedroom walls in real life. Nothing compared to the crowds of screaming girls that could be heard from a mile away, when Niall, Liam, Harry, Zayn, and Louis all ran onto the stage. As they started singing their first song of the night, “Midnight Memories”, I of course sang along and took endless photos and videos of One Direction. When they said their final goodbyes to the crowd at the end

of the night, I was a little sad, but ecstatic that they saw their idols live. As we drove home, I had “concert depression” already, but I was not too depressed because I knew that I had a night that I would remember forever. But my concert depression has since faded. The boys have just announced that they will be releasing their fourth album FOUR on November 17th. Direction have been together for four years, and created three albums, soon to be four, hence the name of their new album FOUR. The album will also feature the single “Steal My Girl” coming out on September 29th, 2014. Twelve tracks are on the standard album, and fourteen to sixteen songs will be on the deluxe album. FOUR will feature their single “Fireproof” which was available for free on their website for 24 hours dedicated to fans, like Lauren Fowler. “I think that One Direction’s new album will be a little different than the other three albums,” said Fowler. “The style of their music will be different, and you will hear more of their own style of writing in the tracks,” I agree with Lauren. And nothing will stop me from staying up until midnight to download the album, FOUR.

CARLY ERICKSON

One Girl’s One Love: One Direction

As we drove home, I had “concert

depression” already, but I was not too

depressed because I knew that I had a night that I would

remember forever.

lIfestyle

PHOTO CREDIT: VANESSA ADAMS & CARLY ERICKSON

Who is your hero? Do they inspire you? Push you to do your best? Love you unconditionally? A hero can be anyone or anything, and on Sunday, October 12th, hundreds of people saluted their real-life heroes by honoring them through the Run for a Revolution. The morning started early as members of Woodland for Women Worldwide scattered orange and white balloons throughout the right side of the building. Starbucks coffee was served and the racers began to arrive. Tammy Dragon of Live, Love, Dance, provided an up-beat Zumba class to get the runners excited and stretched. The participants suited up in bright orange capes and were waiting at the starting line by 10:00 am. They were given the option to run a three-point-two mile race or walk two miles. Several contestants took up the challenge and racers were coming in with times as low as twenty minutes. When the last hero had raced across the finish line, drinks and snacks such as Ami’s bagels and yogurt were provided and awards were given out. Pictures were taken of each team that honored a hero(ine), including the Jack Walsh, Nigel, and several others, infront of the Who’s You’re Hero(ine) banner that was later signed by each contestant. The Run for a Revolution is an inspiring and enjoyable experience for all ages and will continue to give the community an opportunity to honor their hero(ine).

Woodland Worldwide’s

Run for a Revolution

PHOTO CREDIT: JULIA CARUSO & ADRIANNE YACAVONE

“It is our dream to bring everyone together and to harness the power of the community to help affect change in the world.”

-Geary & Olivere