Sophomore Emily Vella (Photo courtesy Nathan Galicinao)

By Ella Franzman – Editor-In-Chief & Editorial Editor

The Jonathan Law girls soccer team has had a very successful start to the season, shutting down Foran, Branford and West Haven. The team has outscored their opponents 12-2, with half of their goals coming from Sophomore Emily Vella. Vella has had two hat tricks, one, coming from their season opener against Foran and the other from their most recent win, West Haven. Advocate Editor-In-Chief and Editorial Editor Ella Franzman interviewed Vella about the team’s accomplishments so far. 

Ella Franzman: How has the team adjusted with the addition of new members and loss of last year’s seniors?

Emily Vella: I feel that the addition of our new teammates has been very impactful because we have had 2 clean sheets out of our first three games with freshman goalkeeper Gabby Rodriguez.  

EF: What is your favorite part of being a part of the Law girls soccer team?

EV: My favorite part of being a part of the Law girls soccer team is becoming friends with people outside of my grade.

EF: How did you prepare in the offseason? 

EV: In the offseason I was away a lot, but I tried to stay active by going to the field and playing soccer with friends.

EF:What are your goals and aspirations for the season? 

EV: My goals for the season are to help my team making it to the quarterfinals of states and my personsl goal is to beat the goal record of our school and also have a decent amount of assists.

EF: How do your teammates impact you?

EV: My teammates impact me by always helping me stay out of my own head and being encouraging no matter what. 

(Photo courtesy @HelpersJLHS)

By Chloe Edmonds – Staff Reporter

This year, the Natural Helpers Club held a “De-stress Fest” to help students de-stress for final exams. Advocate Staff Reporter Chloe Edmonds interviewed Advisor Ms. Smuniewski about the event.

Chloe Edmonds: What was the role of the Natural Helpers in planning and running De-stress Fest? 

Mary Smuniewski: The Natural Helpers Club was in charge of running the event. Club members are scattered throughout the various rooms and activities to help whatever is happening in that room or area run smoothly. 

CE: What is the goal of the De-stress Fest?

MS: The De-Stress Fest is after-school event where students can engage in a variety of activities designed to help them unwind before final exams.

CE: What types of activities were available to students to help them de-stresss?

MS: This year, we had therapy bunnies join us in the TLC during the school day. After school, we had a “cozy room” with movies, snacks, and arts and crafts, we had a karaoke room where students could belt out in song, an open gym for students who wanted to shoot hoops, and an ice cream truck where anyone could grab a sweet treat! 

CE: Will there be a De-stress Fest next year?

MS: Yes there will be. 

CE: Will there be any changes to next year’s event?

MS: Overall, we were pleased with how the event ran this year! If we could do it over, we might have made a promotional video or something to help advertise the event.

(Photo courtesy ultracleanair.net)

By Michael Merchant – Staff Reporter 

Senior internships are in full swing and Brian Goglia has landed his internship at Ultra Clean Air, a company that specializes in keeping the air in homes clean and free from contaminants. Goglia learned more than just how to clean dryer vents and air ducts, he learned perseverance. Advocate Staff Reporter Michael Merchant interviewed Goglia about his senior internship. 

Michael Merchant: What did you do during your internship? 

Brian Goglia: I am interning at Ultra Clean Air which is an Air Duct cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, air quality testing and mold remediation business. Since I was new to the whole business I was just helping them by bringing supplies in but over time they taught me what to do. 

MM: Was there anything difficult about your internship?

BG: Some things that were difficult were knowing the names of all the supplies like the drill bits, and machines.

MM: Based off of this internship, if you could have another internship would you do it again?

BG: I would do another internship because it taught me more than just how to clean air ducts and dryer vents. It taught me how to communicate to customers, time management and if you fail then you have to figure out a way.

MM: What was the best part about your internship?

BG: The best part about this internship is going to all the different houses of clients. It shows me all of the different ways of living. I’ve been to a couple huge homes and it’s crazy to think that people grow up in these houses.

MM: What was the schedule like? Did it work out well? 

BG: The times and dates of this internship worked out really well because it usually ends around two hours before my baseball practices. Love never once had a conflict with the times of my internship and baseball. I also got this internship done in three weeks which is pretty fast. 

(Photo courtesy Jack Bretthauer)

By Alex Rodriguez – Staff Reporter

Captain Jack Bretthauer is currently wrapping up his senior spring track season. Bretthauer qualified for SCCs and States this season and will be continuing his track career next year at Iona University. Advocate Staff Reporter Alex Rodriguez interviewed Bretthauer about the season.

Alex Rodriguez: What were your goals this season for the team?

Jack Brethauer: My goal for this season for the team was for us to have a lot of qualifiers for States and for team to overall just have a really good record we were able to accomplish.

AR: What were your own personal goals this season?

JB: Coming off an injury, my own personal goals. We’re just to get back to the place that I was in the shape I was in all while still being able to compete at a very high-level at states.

AR: What has been your favorite part about this season?

JB: My favorite part about the season has been the team itself. This is the closest team I’ve ever been on in my whole track career and I think we were all able to have a lot of fun with each other. 

AR: What are you going to do to prepare for your first college season?

JB: Some of the things I’m going to do to prepare for this college season is overall just work really hard during the summer. We have a rigorous training program and I’m just working on my conditioning so I’m able to be in a great position going into my first year of competition.

AR: What are your goals for next season?

JB: My goals for the next season, which would be my first season at the Division I level, is to make all conference and hopefully make the conference podium along with making my team relays and overall having a ton of time drops.

(Photo courtesy Sophie Kalagher)

By Sophie Kalagher – Staff Reporter

Mrs. Evans is a freshman English Teacher at Jonathan Law. This is her first year teaching Law after coming from the Oxford School District. She is very well liked among her students and participates in the school community by being the Staff Advisor for Courage Club and the Multicultural Club. Advocate Staff Reporter Sophie Kalagher interviewed Evans about her experience at Jonathan Law this year. 

Sophie Kalagher: What has been your favorite memory so far at Jonathan Law?

Mrs. Evans: Oh, gosh. So many. We’ve laughed a lot in my freshman classes. I think the times when I say something ridiculous and I get called on it – those have been classic. I really enjoy discussions with my students. I’m hopeful that they learn as much as I do in those moments. One class, in particular, when some no-named boys in my class(es) were making light of situations they shouldn’t have. That is a memory I will never forget. (Apologies for the vagueness, but I’d rather not get anyone in trouble.)

SK: What unit or topic have you had the best experience teaching this year?

ME: I enjoy teaching argument with students because anything argument-related creates space for students to agree or disagree. I think all students appreciate having their voices heard and it’s really fun to listen to students argue their side. Often, they have substantive and cool things to say. Students had fun with poetry and I liked teaching the one-hundred word narrative and open letter. It was especially lovely when someone asked if I knew Edgar Allan Poe. 

SK: How would you describe your experience at Jonathan Law so far?

ME: Jonathan Law is rife with super fun(ny) students. I enjoyed getting to know all of my students – and even ones I don’t have in class. My colleagues have been warm and welcoming. Year one has been fabulous. 

SK: What are your plans for the upcoming school year, are you hoping to continue teaching freshmen?

ME: Frankly, I hadn’t taught freshmen in years and that was purposeful on my part. This year’s freshman class has totally changed my view on teaching freshmen. I loved them. The coolest part about teaching freshmen is the tangible change you can see in them – both academically and personally. There is visceral growth and I really appreciated watching that happen. So, yes, I hope to teach freshmen again. 

SK: What is the biggest takeaway you have from your first year here at Law, how does it compare to last experiences at other schools?

ME: Students are great to be around no matter what district you teach in. My Oxford crew of students were a special lot, but I already feel the same about students here. 

(Photo courtesy Abby Liscinsky)

By Alexa Rosati – Staff Reporter 

Senior internships have come to an end and it’s time to reflect on the important experiences of the interns – specifically Abby Liscinsky, who had the opportunity to complete her senior internship at Orange Avenue Elementary School. During her time therem Liscinsky gained knowledge about the education system and developed essential skills while working with and helping the students. Advocate Staff Reporter Alexa Rosati interviewed Liscinsky about her internship.

Alexa Rosati: What were your roles and responsibilities as an intern at Orange Ave Elementary School? 

Abby Liscinsky: Some of my roles and responsibilities at Orange Ave included, making sure students stayed on task and were respectful, reading with students during reading time, and supporting students in their academics. 

AR: What motivated you to do an internship at an elementary school?

AL: What motivated me is that I love working with kids and thought it would be the most fun to work with them in a classroom rather than a camp like I’ve done previously.

AR: How has this internship impacted your understanding of the education system?

AL: This internship experience impacted my understanding of the education system because it showed me everything that goes on behind the scenes in order to give students the best education possible.

AR: Have you come across any challenges during your internship?

AL: Some challenges I encountered were when my class teacher wasn’t there. I would have to move to another class and usually another grade with students I didn’t know so it was an adjustment especially because I didn’t know specific students’ learning needs. 

AR: What was one memorable moment while interning at Orange Ave? 

AL: My most memorable moment when interning at Orange Ave was definitely when I finally got to play the around the world adding and subtracting game and I was the first to make it around the world and all of the kids were super happy and excited. 

(Photo courtesy @JLHSBand)

By Layla Alogna – Staff Reporter

Mr. Pelaggi is the Band and Orchestra Director at Law. This year, the program has gone on multiple trips and performed in many concerts. Although faced with a couple of challenges and obstacles, the band and orchestra has performed about 20 times over the course of this past year. Advocate Staff Reporter Layla Alogna interviewed Pelaggi about the the school year.

Layla Alogna: What are the highlights of the band and orchestra program this year?

Mr. Pelaggi: The biggest highlight from this year was our trip to New Orleans. This culturally immersive experience was something our students will never forget. Some other highlights were our winter and spring concert performances, our parades, Friday night football games, and our collaborations with our middle school students.

LA: In what ways do you think the band and orchestra have improved over the year?

MP: It is always amazing to see the growth of our students. Our most growth always comes from our freshmen. This freshmen class has surprised me with their passion, engagement, and willingness to improve on their own. They are very committed to our music program.

LA: What are your plans and goals for next year?

MP: Our goal in every one of my ensembles is to take it day by day. Get a little better every day and you will get a lot better over an extended period of time. We have not decided on many goals for next year besides our constant commitment to improvement.

LA: Were there any challenges the band and orchestra faced?

MP: Of course! We flew as a group for the first time this year. From an airline losing one of our tubas to students forgetting music for performances, we’ve encountered all types of challenges. There are always challenges in live music, which is one of the things that makes it so beautiful and fun. Our kids do a great job preparing themselves for the performance so when they get there, they can deal with unforeseen challenges organically.

LA: How were all your concerts and performances?

MP: Everything has gone well! We have performed about 20 times throughout this year between all our events. Our spring concert is always our biggest concert of the year with the most challenging music. I feel our students rose to the occasion very well this year. I appreciate all their hard work and dedication. I can’t wait to see how they grow next year.

(Photo courtesy Christina Ayala)

By Gabriella Coffin- Staff Reporter

Christina Ayala is a current senior at Jonathan Law High School who is doing her internship at Selleck’s Woods Assisted Living in Darien. Ayala’s main jobs include taking patients’ blood pressure, going over medication concerns, and taking action on further health concerns. Advocate Staff Reporter Gabriella Coffin interviewed Ayala about her experience.

Gabriella Coffin: Why did you decide to do an internship? 

Christina Ayala: I thought it would be a good opportunity to see what it’s like in the medical field first hand. I also think it’s going to be a nice thing to add to my resume. 

GC:  How is your internship going? 

CA: My internship is going really well, it’s fun but I also never know what to expect.

GC: How does an internship benefit what you want to do in the future?

CA: My internship has a little bit of everything I’d be interested in doing like patient check ups and research. 

GC: Why do you think internships are important? 

CA: I think internships are important for experience and to solidify an opportunity for your future. 

GC: Any advice you would give people hoping to do an internship in the future? 

CA: I would 100% recommend doing an internship. I would advise reaching out to multiple people or companies rather than betting on one to agree to host you as an intern.

(Photo courtesy Mr. Healy)

By Cindy Bone – Staff Reporter

Mr. Healy teaches English and Creative Writing classes to multiple grade levels at Law. Advocate Staff Reporter Cindy Bone interviewed Healy about his school year.

Cindy Bone: How was your school year and is there anything you would like to improve on for next school year?

Mr. Healy: This was a great year. It really comes down to the students. Each class is unique, but it only works if you all bring good energy, and all of my classes were positive, funny, and enjoyable. I would love to improve how I deal with phones, and with Chat-GPT/AI. 

CB: What classes are you teaching next year?

MH: I taught English 2 and Advanced Creative Writing this year. I just learned that there will be no Advanced Creative Writing next year but hopefully we can come back strong in 2025-26. As far as I know, I’ll still be teaching English 2.

CB: What was your highlight of the year?

MH: Definitely publishing our fifth book in Advanced Creative Writing and taking that class to New York City last week. That class and working with young authors will always be special to me. 

CB: Anything in particular you are looking forward to next year?

MH: I love being a teacher because we are the only profession I can think of that gets a huge reset every year. I can look at what I’m doing as a teacher with fresh eyes after a long break and try something new. So each year brings a lot of fun, new possibilities. Also, by the end of next year I’ll have my educational leadership degree, so that’s pretty cool. 

CB: What is one piece of advice you would give to all your students you have had in the past year?

MH: Just be positive. To yourself, to each other, to your family, your friends, etc. Be a good person. Being positive doesn’t mean being delusional or ignoring problems, it’s just a habit you can build. Remind yourself things are not too bad,  things often seem worse than what they are, and our brains are very good at focusing on the negative. So put in practices of positivity in your life. I don’t know, we’re all relatively lucky here at Law. We need to remind ourselves of that. 

(Photo courtesy Nathan Galicinao)

By Ryan Nobles – Staff Reporter

Junior Faisal Karzoun is a member of the Law boys outdoor track team. Advocate staff reporter Ryan Nobles interviewed Karzoun about the season.

Ryan Nobles: Which one of your events is your favorite and why?

Faisal Karzoun: My favorite event has to be the 400 meter dash. It’s a fun event that is very entertaining to watch and fun to run. This is my first year running it and I love it so far.

RN: What is it like to be on one of the relay teams?

FK: I think all my relay teammates are great and make track a blast to run.

RN: How does your coach and teammates push you to be better?

FK: Coach Beler really motivates me to work my hardest at every single practice, it has made me a better runner and overall has significantly improved my times and motivation.

RN: How do you feel you did this season and why?

FK: I feel like I did really well and I made new friends and tried new events. It was a great overall season and I will always remember it thanks to the times I had individually and with my teammates and coaches.

RN: What are you hoping and looking forward to for yourself and the team for the next outdoor track season?

FK: I’m looking forward to helping the new people who decided to join the track team, just looking to help in any way. I’m also looking forward to getting better at my events and trying to get the best times that me and my relay teams possibly can.

(Photo courtesy @JLHSTrack)

By Chloe Edmonds – Staff Reporter

Freshman Emily Vella recently took third place in the 4x100M relay at the SCC Championships and made states for the Jonathan Law track team. Advocate Staff Reporter Chloe Edmonds interviewed Vella bout his firat track season.

Chloe Edmonds: What events do you run?

Emily Vella: I run the 4x400M, the 4x100M, the 100M, and the 200M.

CE: What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome this season?

EV: I think the biggest challenge I had was my arms. I worked really hard on fixing my form as a whole all season. 

CE: What have you improved upon the most?

EV: I improved on my form mostly. 

CE: What are you looking to improve on next season?

EV: I really want to work on my starts, especially in blocks since starts are extremely important to a race. 

CE: Whats your biggest accomplishment this season? 

EV: My first accomplishment was third place (in the 4x100M relay) at SCC Championships and my second would be being the top seed for states. 

(Photo courtesy Reinaldo DeCarvalho)

By Quinn Willett – Social Media Editor 

Members of Law’s Class of 2024 have recently started their senior internships. Advocate Social Media Editor Quinn Willett interviewed Reinaldo DeCarvalho about his internship experience.

Quinn Willett: Where are you doing your internship?

Reinaldo Carvalho: My internship is at the West Haven Fire Department. 

QW: What are your goals to accomplish during your internship?

RC: My goal is to get a little experience on what it is like to actually be a fireman. 

QW: How will your internship help with your after high school plans?

RC: My internship will help with my future plans by giving me a look to see if I really want to become a firefighter or not.

QW: What are you doing during your internship?

RC: During my internship we are assigned to a truck and we go on any injury or fire that the truck I’m assigned to gets. They also teach us some of the basic things on being a firefighter like suiting up and shows us everything in the truck. 

QW: Why did you pick this as your internship?

RC: I chose this as my internship because I hope to be a fireman in the future and a internship at the firehouse will give me some early experience and will be good for me on my resume.

(Photo by Alexis Kirby)

By Alexis Kirby – Staff Reporter

Mr. Sweeney, a Health teacher at Jonathan Law, is preparing for the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year. Advocate Staff Reporter Alexis Kirby interviewed Sweeney about his year.

Alexis Kirby: What was your favorite lesson of this school year?

Mr. Sweeney: My favorite lesson to teach this year was the growth mindset unit because it’s a huge part of everyone’s live to be positive and develop as a person and it’s used outside of school and in our daily lives.

AK: What was your biggest challenge while navigating through this school year? 

MS: My biggest challenge of the year was trying to navigate the ePass system. Overcoming it was a process but I became more efficient with the system as the year went by. 

AK: How do you make your students feel welcomed into your class?

MS: I listen to concerns, help out when I can, and make sure everyone in heard. When they are slacking I give them a push, every individual in this school is deserving of guidance and support. 

AK: What is your favorite thing about teaching?

MS:  My favorite thing about teaching is the student interaction that come with it. I enjoy conversations and getting to know everyone in between lessons.

AK: What was the most rewarding thing that you received this year?

MS: The most rewarding thing I received this year was the staff shout-outs. It made me happy to be recognized and I appreciate how well our community is here at Law.

(Photo courtesy Hailey Russo)

By Courtney Russo – Staff Reporter

Like most members of the Class of 2024, senior Hailey Russo is currently doing an internship. Advocate Staff Reporter Courtney Russo interviewed Hailey Russo about her experience so far.

Courtney Russo: Where are you doing your internship? 

Hailey Russo: I’m at West Shore Middle School.

CR: What made you choose this internship? 

HR: I want to be a teacher at a middle or high school when I grow up.

CR: How has it been working hands-on with the kids? 

HR: It’s been interesting. It’s weird looking back and seeing how much has changed from when I was in middle school to now.

CR: What has been the best part so far?

HR: The best part of working with the middle school choir class and getting them to really see their true potential.

CR: What do you hope to gain from this?

HR: I hope to gain teaching techniques and learn the things I would like and not like in my classroom.

(Photo courtesy yearbookavenue.com)

By Molly Lynch – Staff Reporter

Sophomore Nadia Nuzzo is a player on Law’s girls lacrosse team. Advocate Staff Reporter Molly Lynch interviewed Nuzzo on her experience on being a part of the team.

Molly Lynch: What do you like most about being on the lacrosse team?

Nadia Nuzzo: My favorite thing about being on the lacrosse team is being able to have a group of people that are always there for me. I love all of our silly little jokes and fun times we have. Our coaches are also so great to have.

ML: What position do you play and how do you impact the team?

NN: I play defense and I think I make a good impact on the team. I’m always there when help is needed whenever, and can easily shake a bad play.

ML: How do your teammates impact you?

NN: My teammates impact me a lot by always being there to make me smile. We have a lot of fun all the time and they’re always supportive.

ML: What is a valuable lesson you learned from being on the team?

NN: The most valuable lesson I have learned from being on this team is to stick together. Like any sport, we need to become one so always having each others backs and being supportive helps us on and off the field.

ML: Why did you decide to join the lacrosse team?

NN: I decided to join the team because I wanted to try out lacrosse. It always looked like a fun sport and I wanted to give it a shot.

(Photo courtesy Helen Chizmazia)

By Aislyn McKernan – Staff Reporter

Helen Chizmazia is a senior captain of the Law girls lacrosse team. The team improved its record by four games this season and qualified for States thanks to the leadership of Chizmazia. Advocate Staff Reporter Aislyn McKernan interviewed Chizmazia about the season.

Aislyn McKernan: What was your biggest accomplishment this season?

Helen Chizmazia: Our biggest accomplishment was definitely making states. We weren’t necessarily expecting to make it this year but our grit definitely paid off throughout the season. 

AM: How was it being captain?

HC: My favorite part about playing a sport at Law has always been being a part of a team. Leading the team mostly came from my attitude and willingness to support others.

AM: How do you think Law’s team did this year?

HC:  Overall, we had an excellent season. We beat our last year’s record by four wins so that was definitely a super rewarding feeling. 

AM:  What is your favorite memory of the season?

HC:  We all became super close throughout the season so even practices were something we enjoyed going to every day. 

AM: What is your favorite part about playing lacrosse?

HC: Building new friendships and getting to know my teammates is my favorite part about lacrosse. Luckily, I also love playing the sport because of the intensity and there are always new things to learn about it.

(Photo courtesy Avery Granger)

By Isla Concepcion – Staff Reporter

Junior Avery Granger recently finished her CNA class Law, which included completing 60 hours of clinicals. Advocate Staff Reporter Isla Concepcion interviewed Avery Granger about her CNA class. 

Isla Concepcion: What do you think is the most difficult part about clinicals? Why?

Avery Granger: The most difficult part of CNA is seeing people pass away and seeing residents being alone.

IC: Do you plan on pursuing a career CNA in your future?

AG: Yes, I am taking my test in June for me to be a CNA. Once I pass, I plan on working as a CNA while I study nursing in college.

IC: How much have you grown between now and the beginning of the year?

AG: I’ve grown a lot, I’ve learned how to use time management especially for being out every Tuesday for clinicals during a three month span.”

IC: Where do you do your clinicals?

AG: I do my clinicals at Civita at West River. They have long term, short term care, a rehabilitation center, and they do hospice.

IC: What are clinicals like?

AG: In the beginning of clinical, I give out meal trays for breakfast, and I assist any residents that need help eating. After that I’ll give out water and change any unoccupied beds. After that, I’ll wash residents and get them out of bed if they aren’t already. Then around that time it’s lunchtime and I give out meal trays and assist them with eating and then I leave.”

(Photo courtesy Lily Baird)

By Charlotte Rascoll – Staff Reporter

This year, a new club was introduced to Law with the goal of raising awareness for teen dating violence – the Courage Club. Junior Lily Baird is President of the club and put lots of her time and effort throughout the school year into making it successful. Staff reporter Charlotte Rascoll interviewed Baird about the year with the club.

Charlotte Rascoll:  In your opinion, how did the first year of Courage Club go?

Lily Baird: It was a great first year for the club and I’m really proud of what we were able to accomplish.

CR: What is the main goal of the Courage Club?

LB: The teens for Courage Club aims to raise awareness in the Law community surrounding relationship violence and emphasize warning signs to look for. Our motto is “stop the violence before it begins.”

CR: What events or activities did the club plan this year?

LB: This year we held a week of awareness in honor of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month during February. We also collaborated with the SAVE Promise Club to raise awareness for National Youth Violence Prevention last month. The club also organized a sock and underwear drive during winter time and all donations were made to the local foster care center.

CR: Were you successful in achieving the goals you had for the club this year?

LB: I believe it was a very successful year as we have just over 30 members, all who actively participate in activities and events, and continue to spread our message.

CR: What are you looking forward to next year for the club?

LB: The club is very excited for next school year, as we are currently planning an informative school assembly. We also hope to eventually interact with other Courage Clubs as well as grow the club as a whole.

(Photo courtesy Mrs. Blude)

By Ella Franzman – Editor-In-Chief

Mady Bull, a junior on the Law softball team, recently recorded her 100th career hit at Law in just three seasons. The following game, Bull also recorded her 500th career strikeout at Law, another huge achievement in just three seasons. Advocate Editor-In-Chief Ella Franzman interviewed Bull about her accomplishments.

Ella Franzman: What was the feeling of getting your 100th hit like? 

Mady Bull: I want to get a hit every time I am up, so I really don’t think about the number; but I am very excited to have accomplished this in my junior year. 

EF: How did it feel to get your 500th career strikeout?

MB: It was super exciting to be able to hit this milestone especially in three years. It’s also exciting because I was able to hit two big goals in back to back games. 

EF: How did your teammates, family and friends help you achieve this goal?

MB: I think having support from everyone is very important in this game. This game is set up for failure.  So knowing that people have your back is vital in anyone’s success. 

EF: What is your favorite part about playing softball?

MB: My favorite part of playing softball is even when you are not at 100%, through hard work mentally and physically, you can get right back into it.

EF: What are your future hopes for playing softball after high school? 

MB: I plan on playing softball in college and making a definite impact wherever I go. I still have my senior year of high school which I want to focus on, because I feel there are a lot of things I still want to accomplish. 

(Photos courtesy Madi Black)

By Madi Black – Staff Reporter

The 2024 Senior Prom and Post Prom took place on Saturday, May 11. Law parent Julie DeProfio was on the Post Prom Committee which helped organize fundraisers and set up beautiful decorations for Post Prom. Advocate Staff Reporter Madi Black interviewed DeProfio about the event.

Madi Black: What were some of the events that you had set up at the Shelton Sports Center for Post Prom? What was your favorite?

Julie DeProfio: We had so many events for the kids – ice skating, arcade games, laser tag, mini golf, driving range and bowling. My favorite was mini golf. I loved watching the kids compete against each other and having fun.

MB: What were some of the raffle items? How did you fundraise money for them?

JD: We had a multitude of raffle prizes including TVs, laptop computers, iPad, Apple watches, a Segway scooter and so much more. We held many fundraisers for the event – Back to School Social, Comedy Night, Yankee Ticket Raffle, Mixed Bags sale and the Sip & Social.  All were great events for the parents and members of the community to come out and help raise money for a safe event for our students.  We also received many generous donations from businesses in the Milford community.

MB:  How was it to see all of the kids having fun? Did the adults join in by playing any games?

JD: It was so awesome to see the kids having so much fun. All the hard work of the Post Prom Committee paid off.  It gave us all great satisfaction that we had worked so hard to make a fun safe event for our kids and that they enjoyed it so much. So many kids on the way out were thanking us for our hard work and telling us how much fun they had. That made it all worth it.

MD: How many people showed up to help?

JD: We had a committee of eight moms that planned all the fundraisers.  We had a great time working together. We also had a bunch of families volunteer for the fundraising events and come out to help. 

MB: What were some of your favorite decorations that were set up?

JD: Our decorations committee was amazing!  They printed all the senior photos and hung them in the lobby of the Sports Center. It was a great way for the kids to come in and see themselves represented as members of the senior class. That was a huge hit and my favorite decoration.

(Photo by Ava Grippo)

By Ava Grippo – Staff Reporter

Mrs. Scarpa has been a school counselor at Jonathan Law for 16 years. Advocate Staff Reporter Ava Grippo interviewed Scarpa about her career and the past school year. 

Ava Grippo: What made you want to become a school counselor? 

Mrs. Scarpa: After I graduated from college, I was working for the Yale Child Study Center as a research assistant.  It was during that time that I decided that I wanted to go into school counseling so I could be an advocate for students.

AG: What is your favorite part about being a school counselor? 

MS: After I graduated from college, I was working for the Yale Child Study Center as a Research Assistant.  It was during that time that I decided that I wanted to go into school counseling so I could be an advocate for students.

AG:  What do you think you did best this year when it came to helping students?

MS: I think this is hard to answer but I try to create a welcoming space for all students.

AG: Do you think school counseling has improved over the years?

MS: The mindset around school counseling has changed drastically since I was in school or your parents were in school.  Many years ago, people felt like their “guidance counselor” would not be supportive of their long term goals and “guidance counselors” really focused on just post high school planning.  Since then, school counseling has changed to have a focus on mental health in addition to academics and post high school planning. 

AG: What are you most looking forward to as the school year comes to an end? 

MS: I love the end-of-year activities every school year.  After a year of everyone working hard, it is so nice to be able to celebrate students through activities like the honors breakfast, awards night, dances and senior class activities.

(Photo courtesy Mrs. Francisco)

By Fiorella Gargiulo – Staff Reporter

Mrs. Francisco teaches math to various grades at Law along with being the girls soccer head coach. This is her sixth year teaching at Law and she has made a big impact on the school’s community, including leading the girls soccer team to SCCs and States in the fall. Advocate Staff Reporter Fiorella Gargiulo interviewed Francisco about the school year at Law.

Fiorella Gargiulo: How do you think this school year went?

Mrs. Francisco: This school year flew by. Looking back, soccer season felt like forever ago but strangely also just yesterday. 

FG: How was this year as a math teacher and soccer coach?

MF: Being a math teacher and soccer coach is busy but FUN! I love being able to start the school year with my soccer players, they always put me in a good mood at the end of the day. My math classes this year challenged me in good ways. They kept me on my toes to try to keep them engaged and have interesting lessons. Most classes were super friendly and I loved getting to know them as humans as well as math students. 

FG: How was the Senior Prom?

MF: The senior prom was a success! The seniors were on the dance floor all night, took a bunch of photos in the photo booth, looked FABULOUS, and seemed to have a great night. 

FG: What makes the Class of 2024 special?

MF: The Class of 2024 has so much personality. There are standouts at every event – students getting into Ivy League schools, going to play their sport at the collegiate level, their creativity is evident in the hallways and at performances and we are excited to see their name in lights. There are also so many students who we have seen mature over the last four years, overcome trauma over the last four years, keep a smile on their face over the last four years, and just light up the hallways over the last four years. They are a special class and we will hate to see them go. 

FG: What are you looking forward to next year?

MF: I am definitely looking forward to next soccer season. I have high expectations that I know my team can meet. I am also excited to teach a few new classes next year and accept new challenges with my new students. 

(Photo courtesy JT Nelly)

By Cesar Mendez – Sports Editor 

Members of Law’s Class of 2024 have recently started their senior internships. Advocate Sports Editor Cesar Mendez interviewed JT Nelly about his internship experience. 

Cesar Mendez: Where are you doing your your internship?

JT Nelly: My internship is at Stonebridge Restaurant in downtown Milford.

CM: Who are the people you work with?

JN: I work with Phil Conine and Brandon and Jon who are all my managers.

CM: What are some of the things you do?

JN: I am interning as a manager so I am learning a lot of things that a manager does in a typical day.

CM: What do you hope to gain from this experience?

JN: I hope to learn leadership abilities as well as general knowledge of how to manage and lead others

CM: What has been the best part about interning so far?

JN: The best part of interning so far has been the double meals at Stonebridge.

(Photo courtesy Gabby Caruso)

By Avery Moulton – Staff Reporter

Sophia Scarpa is a sophomore and the starting catcher on the Jonathan Law softball team. The team is finishing up the regular season and looking forward to playing in SCCs and States. Advocate Staff Reporter Avery Moulton interviewed Scarpa about the season.

Avery Moulton: How is the regular season going for the softball team this year?

Sophia Scarpa: The regular season has been pretty well. We had a bit of a rough start but we have leveled off and we are playing our best game right now.

AM: What goals did you have?

SS: My goal is to beat Cheshire and Amity in SCCs and make it back to the State Championship again this year.

AM: How are you preparing for the upcoming States and SCC games?

SS: With States and SCCs coming up, it’s so exciting but we as a team have been working hard in preparing for the game. We have been working on really strengthening our bond within the program and I hope that the team reciprocates the trust I put in them. I myself have been working on my physical strength and strengthening myself not only physically, but mentally as well.

AM: How has the season been different from last year?

SS: This past year, we lost four starters on our field. They had a huge role on and off the field and so when they left, we had big shoes to fill. Our freshman Julia Scibek and Lily Stankevich did not disappoint on offense or defense. Junior Madison Bull has been pushing through a tough season and I am proud to see what she has achieved through her hard work. Even though we lost many, we have worked and are just as strong as last year. 

AM: What is your favorite part about playing for the Law softball team?

SS: My favorite part of Law softball is the competitiveness. Everyone works so hard and it shows when we have the opportunity to play good teams and challenge our ability. I love working with the mental pieces of the game and that’s how the competition gets so much better.