(Photo courtesy youtube.com)

By Kennedy Silvester – Staff Reporter

Mrs. Murphy is an art teacher at Jonathan Law and has taught Ceramics and Pottery for 30 years. Advocate Staff Reporter Kennedy Silvester interviewed Murphy about the class.

Kennedy Silvester: What are you currently teaching students in Ceramics and Pottery?

Mrs. Murphy: We are currently giving students the option to make a fairy house or a bird house in Ceramics and Pottery. 

KS: Why did you choose to teach Ceramics and Pottery?

MM: Ceramics and Pottery because it’s her favorite course to teach. I love seeing my students take a piece of clay from the Earth and create masterpieces.

KS: What is your favorite project that you have taught this year?

MM: My favorite project is probably the coil and design base because students roll coils and transform them into design elements to build functional vases.

KS: Describe your classroom management structure.

MM: My students work independently on their projects and are so focused every single day. They manage studio routines all on their own. 

KS: What’s your favorite part about the class? 

MM: I just love teaching any form of art to high school students. They amaze mw every single day with their creativity and work ethic. 

(Photo courtesy Samantha Burns)

By Harshitha Kothapalli – Staff Reporter

Jonathan Law seniors have started to wind down their high school careers by transitioning into internships. Senior Samantha Burns has been interning at a Physical Therapy Clinic in Milford. Advocate Staff Reporter Harshitha Kothapalli interviewed Burns on her work there.

Harshitha Kothapalli: Where are you interning?

Samantha Burns: I am interning at Prolete Physical Therapy 

HK: How is your experience working there?

SB: My experience working there has been great so far. Everyone is very nice and welcoming. I am also able to observe and be hands-on with patients. I have learned a lot already in just my first few days. 

HK: What’s your everyday agenda normally look like?

SB: My everyday schedule is usually 7:30-12:30. I am in the gym with the physics therapist and I get to watch them all treat their patients. I was shown all the equipment and taught what it is all used for. I get to chat with patients and am there to help therapists when they need it. 

HK: What’s your favorite part of your internship?

SB: My favorite part of my internship is getting to learn how PTs treat certain injuries. 

HK: How will this internship help you in the future?

SB: This internship will help me in the future because I am getting a lot of real-world experiences. I am more comfortable making small talk with patients and coworkers. Also, since I was to be a physical therapist this internship will allow me to experience what a private practice setting will be like. Now before starting college I already have a better understanding of the career I want to go into.

(Photo courtesy yearbookavenue.com)

By Tanner Matchett – Staff Reporter

Junior pitcher Hunter Hoxie had a successful spring baseball season, earning him All-SCC First Team honors. Hoxie will continue and finish his high school baseball career next year at Law, before pitching at Rutgers University where he has already committed. Advocate Staff Reporter Tanner Matchett interviewed Hoxie about his baseball career. 

Taner Matchett: How do you feel you performed this season?

Hunter Hoxie: This season definitely was a big step up from last season. I pitched about 30 innings with 45 strikeouts and a 1.30 ERA. I definitely have improved as a pitcher and a person in general. A few of the games I could have done a better job being focused and fully locked in. 

TM: What were some of your goals for this season and did you meet them?

HH: My goal for this season was to put my team in the best possible situations to win the games we had with our tough schedule. For the most part I believe I have met this goal, throwing a few games with less than 4 hits allowed. 

TM: How did you feel receiving First Team All-SCC? 

HH: I feel very honored to receive First Team All-SCC, and I definitely could not have done it without my teammates and the defense behind me to back me up.

TM: How excited are you for the next step in your career pitching at Rutgers?

HH: I am extremely excited to step on campus and play at the next level and see what it’s like. It will definitely be a huge step and a big challenge for me. 

TM: How will you prepare for next season?

HH: Going into this off season will mainly be building a lot of strength and putting on more weight and increasing velocity. I hope to come back way better than I was this season, and hopefully have another successful season for my last year as a Lawman. 

(Photo courtesy Zoe Johnson)

By Kaitlyn Goldberg – News Editor 

Zoe Johnson, a junior on the girls lacrosse team, recently scored her 100th career goal. News Editor Kaitlyn Goldberg interviewed her about her accomplishment. 

Kaitlyn Goldberg: How does it feel knowing you’ve scored 100 goals? 

Zoe Johnson: It feels amazing to have scored 100 goals. I am ecstatic to have achieved this goal of mine in my junior year.

KG: What were you thinking about when you scored your 100th goal? 

ZJ: In the moment, I had not yet realized it was my 100th goal until I heard it announced on the loudspeaker and everyone ran towards me celebrating. I was filled with so much joy and excitement. 

KG: What have you done to prepare for this? 

ZJ: I have been preparing for this by playing all year round and with the help of Coach Kevin and his motivational quote, “One shot at playing high school girls lacrosse.” 

KG: Are there any other goals you have for lacrosse? 

ZJ: Some other goals of mine are to score 250 points by the end of next year.

KG: What is your favorite part about lacrosse? 

ZJ: My favorite thing about being on the lacrosse team is my teammates. 

(Photo courtesy Dominic DiFederico)

By Will Smith – Entertainment Editor

Senior Dominic Difederico is part of Law’s senior internship program. DiFederico wants to be an electrician and is interning with the custodial staff at Law. Advocate Entertainment Editor Will Smith interviewed him about his experience. 

Will Smith: Where are you interning?

Dominic Difederico: I am interning with Chris Burton (the head custodian) at Law.

WS: What do you do there?

DD: I follow Chris around and do as I am told. Some of the things that I have done check out the basement, drive the golf cart, and drive the chariot (a mechanical mop that you ride on). 

WS: How has your internship experience been?

DD: My internship has been fun.

WS: What do you think you’ll get out of the internship?

DD: I think that will become a harder worker and a better understanding of how a building runs. 

WS: What’s been the best part so far about your internship?

DD: The best part of my internship is learning from Chris how to manage a building.

(Photo by Ella Franzman)

By Chloe Konareski – Staff Reporter

Jonathan Law Dean of Students Mr. Ragaini stepped up this year to become the Interim Athletic Director for the remainder of the school year after Mr. Sarullo took the AD job at Staples High School. Advocate Staff Reporter Chloe Konareski interviewed Ragaini about his experience. 

Chloe Konareski: What was it like having to adapt to being the new Athletic Director and being the Dean of Students at the same time?

Mr. Ragaini: It wasn’t easy. However, I had a much support from VJ (Sarullo) even though he had his own tasks to complete at his new school. We had Google Meets often and many, many texts messages each day where he would answer a plethora of questions. 

CK: If you could have run anything differently, what do you wish you would have done?

MR: That’s a tough question. I do not think I have an answer for this one.  With all of the support from our Law administration and their assistants, our head coaches, and the custodial staff, I feel like everything ran pretty smoothly.

CK: What was one of your favorite experiences while being AD?

MR: I really enjoyed the Senior Sports Banquet. I had the opportunity to learn about the senior student-athletes and what their most memorable moment as a Law athlete was.

CK: How has being AD changed your views on being an administrator at Jonathan Law? 

MR: The Athletic Director’s position at Jonathan Law is not an administrative position; however, filling in has opened my eyes on the amount of work that goes into job.

CK: For the limited amount of time, did you enjoy being AD?

MR: I thoroughly enjoyed covering as the AD at Jonathan Law. I always thought of finishing my career in that role. This gave me a good opportunity to get my feet wet and see what it was like.

(Photo courtesy Demiana Boutros)

By Caden Simpson – Social Media Editor 

Jonathan Law seniors recently started their internships, ending their time in high school. Many seniors have chosen to work either with family, friends, or with an outside organization or business. Senior Demiana Boutros is doing her internship at Prolete Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine to pursue her passion for physical therapy and to prepare her for her major. Advocate Social Media Editor Caden Simpson interviewed Boutros about her experience.

Caden Simpson: What will a day at your internship look like?

Demiana Boutros: A day at my internship site starts with going in and seeing what patients we are seeing that day. Then I sit in on some appointments and observe the PT to see what they do, day to day”.

CS: What will you take away from this experience?

DB: This experience is allowing me to see the PT field firsthand. It will allow me to understand the field and know what to expect when I get a career of my own.

CS: How will this prepare you for your major in college?

DB: This will prepare me for college because of all the communication I do throughout the day, and it will educate me further to prepare for my major.

CS: What are you most excited for?

DB: I am most excited to learn more skills in the field so I can help more later in my internship.

CS: Do you believe this internship will help you in the future, in and out of the PT field?

DB: I’ve already met several people from many walks of life and just practicing simple conversation will help me in the future. I believe that this experience will get me to where I want to go and prepare me for life in any career I end up working, PT or not.

(Photo courtesy Caroline Doyle)

By Maya Markowitz – Staff Reporter

Many Jonathan Law seniors have started their senior internships in the past few weeks. Senior Caroline Doyle just began her internship at the Mayor’s office in Milford. Advocate Staff Reporter Maya Markowitz interviewed Doyle about her experience so far.

Maya Markowitz: Where is your internship? 

Caroline Doyle: My internship is at the Mayor’s office.

MM: How did you choose your internship? 

CD: I chose my internship because I’m planning on pursuing politics in college and in my future career, so I wanted to get a better understanding of local government.

MM: What is your favorite part of this program?

CD: My favorite part of this program is my ability to choose how my day is set up. I pick my own hours, and I never do the same thing at my internship every day. We have a lot of freedom and that makes it really exciting. 

MM: What do you hope to get out of this experience? 

CD: I hope to get a better understanding of local government, but also find other areas of politics that I could potentially be interested in.

MM: What kind of tasks are you typically doing daily?  

CD: Daily, I usually attend different meetings ranging from chamber of commerce meetings, planning and zoning, or even health department meetings. I also do lots of research on behalf of the office, whether it’s on grants, events in Milford, or otherwise.

(Photo courtesy Eric Relucio)

By Alana Pires and Hannah Engel – Staff Reporters

Junior Isabella Gecaj is the #2 singles player on the Jonathan Law girls tennis team. Advocate Staff Reporters Alana Pires and Hannah Engel interviewed Gecaj about the girls tennis season.

Alana Pires: How has the season gone for you so far?

Isabella Gecaj: The season for me and the team has gone great. We have 11 wins, which we will continue to add to within the next week.

AP: What were some of your goals for the season?

IG: Some of my personal goals for the season were to make states as a team but also individually and to work on my mindset in games. Last year, my season went great but it could’ve been better had I not been so hard on myself, so this year my main goal was to have fun and just play in the moment and not worry about the result. So long as I put in the effort then I’ve done all I can.

AP: What has tennis taught you?

IG: Tennis has taught me many things such as patience and communication. I was never the most patient person and tennis has really helped me with pacing myself and taking things step by step. But also with communicating with teammates, cheering them on and talking in the middle of the game for doubles matches. That way me and my partner have a strategy and don’t have any built up frustration, be it from our opponents or our own mistakes.

AP: How have you grown since when you first started?

IG: I think I’ve grown a lot since when I first started on the team. I played doubles that year and was a nervous freshman and was far from a confident player. Now, I play singles and am a lot more confident. Not because I think I am better than my opponent, but because I have trust in my skill and that’s all I can rely on going into a match. I also communicate a lot more with my teammates. Even though my games are solo, they are great supporters and always know how to push me to play even better.

AP: What are some of the goals you and your team have achieved?

IG: Some goals our team has achieved is that we are going to states. We are super excited to play against other schools and see how far we can go. And we also beat Lauralton Hall, a Tier 1 school that Law girls tennis has never beaten before. That was super cool and I’m grateful to have been a part of that achievement.

(Photo courtesy @jlhs.dramaclub)

By Maddy Gaillard – Entertainment Editor 

Sofia Mazzella is a senior and is the president of the Jonathan Law Drama Club. She has participated in numerous productions. Advocate Entertainment Editor Maddy Gaillard interviewed Mazzella about the recent play, High School Musical. 

Maddy Gaillard: What was your role in the play? 

Sofia Mazzella: I was so lucky to play the role of Ms. Darbus In “High School Musical.” I am also the President of the JLHS Drama Club.

MG:  What is the process of putting together a musical?

SM:  The process of putting together a musical consists of rehearsals in which actors are focused, and have a positive attitude. We rehearse four days a week, Monday-Thursday from 4-7 p.m. Tech week rehearsals are the rehearsals that we have the week of the show. They are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4-10 p.m. At first, we all rehearsed with our scripts. Each rehearsal is different. Some days we will learn choreography, some days we learn vocals, some days we focus on acting, and most days we do full run-throughs in which we run through the entire show. Eventually we are off book, and we are able to rehearse everything without scripts. The process to put together our musical typically takes between 3-4 months. It seams like a lot, but once the show comes together, and everyone is comfortable and has found their inner character, it becomes the most rewarding process of all.

MG: How do you think the cast (as well as the crew) has grown over the past few months?

SM: Our cast and crew has grown so much, and has molded into beautiful, strong and ambitious performers. For example, we have so many new freshmen that came in, and were a bit anxious at first, but with encouragement from the older kids and directors, they were able to practice, pace themselves, and develop a firing confidence that has caused them to succeed beautifully. As for the rest of the cast, they have been able to take skills that they already acquired, and use them to discover even more parts of their creative boundaries, causing them to further their talents, and become strong and confident performers. Our crew kiddos grew by learning the boundaries of the stage, and learning which props go where, and eventually became pros who can change the props and set pieces with their eyes closed. I am so proud of everyone I could cry!

MG: How would you say the play went on both opening night and the day after?

SM: If I could, I could write you a whole Harry Potter series expressing just how astronomically incredibly spectacular the show went. There were lots of nerves and insecurities, but the minute we stepped on stage, we performed the night away, and had so much fun with it. No performance was stronger than the other. Everyone put equal effort into all three, and wow…they were just amazing. Crew moved everything smoothly, and the actors put in 1000% effort, and expressed themselves creatively. it was precious, and I miss it. 

MG: As a senior, what is the best advice you would give to someone who wants to be involved in drama? 

SM:  If I can leave anyone who wants to get involved with theater one piece of advice…I would say to go for it. Go where you’d never thought you’d go. Go be brand new, and be the person that you’d never thought you’d be, and you’ll see that anything is possible in the theater…you can be literally anyone you wanna be. Allow yourself to risk. We only have one life, jump into the fire, and be a force of nature. I promise you, theater is the place where you can take a step out of reality, and explore so many creative parts of your personality. I understand the nerves, and the insecurities, as an actress, I went through all of it. However, once you get on that stage, all your worries will evaporate, and turn into strong endless possibilities, and you will feel this firing confidence within you that will make you ever so happy. Do not let the hesitation stop you from reaching for the stars. You are the star, so be it, and discover the part of you that you will grow to love, and never want to let go of.  

(Photo courtesy Jack Bretthauer)

By Bobby Black – Sports Editor

Jack Bretthauer is a member of the Jonathan Law Class of 2024. Advocate Sports Editor Bobby Black interviewed Bretthauer about upcoming class elections.

Bobby Black: What position are you running for?

Jack Bretthaur: I am running for the treasurer position for the Class of 2024. 

BB: Why did you want to become the class treasurer?

JB: I wanted to make a difference in the school community and improve the financial status of the junior class. 

BB: What do you need to be able to run for that position? 

JB: We needed recommendations from some of our teachers along with 25 signatures from students. We also have to meet GPA requirements. 

BB: What changes will you make for the upcoming year?

JB: I will expand our fundraising so that every event is cheaper and more affordable.

BB: How will you work with the other members of the students council to ensure that the financial needs of the class are being met? 

JB: I am going to prioritize the financial needs of the class by scheduling meetings and asking for advice and suggestions to help enhance the financial situation for the Class of 2024. 

(Photo courtesy Mrs. Murphy)

By Kaitlyn Goldberg – News Editor 

Law’s AP Art class recently went on a field trip to the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford. News Editor Kaitlyn Goldberg interviewed senior Laura Sansur about her experience on the trip.   

Kaitlyn Goldberg: What was your favorite part about the trip? 

Laura Sansur: The Baroque Europe gallery at Wadsworth has to be my favorite experience from the trip. The artwork, architecture, and presentation were all quite lovely. Particularly the museum’s layout. Being able to maneuver through it was a lot of fun.

KG: How do you think it was beneficial to your art class? 

LS: I believe that all our art students benefited greatly from this experience. It’s crucial to be able to study the master’s methods in order to develop a solid foundational understanding of the principles of drawing and design. So it was a really wonderful experience to be able to go to a museum and see these primary sources.

KG: What did you learn about while you were there? 

LS: Our group studied a lot about each artistic era. Baroque, impressionist, abstract, Colonial, and modern were the art movements we studied. We studied each era and some of the art that was produced during it. The fact that many artworks represented issues of the time they were created in was among the most intriguing things I discovered. Our group spent a lot of time studying one particular surrealist piece. This particular collection of work was made up of a “melted” chaos (pertaining to the tragic bombings) that portrayed the time of World War II.

KG: How was it combining with Foran? 

LS: Combining with Foran was certainly fun. It was interesting seeing other artists who were working towards their AP Art & Design Portfolios just like I was. We were able to converse about some of our ideas and thoughts on the artwork in the galleries.

KG: What were some other parts of the trip you enjoyed? 

LS: Overall, I found Wadsworth’s collection of marble statues to be quite captivating. These intricately carved marble monuments featured valiant men and women, historical religious concepts, and brave soldiers who lost their lives in battle. I advise people to visit and explore some of the Wadsworth galleries.

(Photo courtesy ZAM Photography)

By Zack Sulkis – Social Media Editor

JT Nelly is a junior captain of the Jonathan Law boys outdoor track team. He competes in long jump, triple jump, discus, and the 4x100M. Social Media Editor Zack Sulkis asked Nelly about how the season has gone so far. 

Zack Sulkis: How do you feel the track season has gone so far?

JT Nelly: The track season has gone great so far, the postseason has started now and I am excited for what we will accomplish.

ZS: How do you feel the team has done overall this year?

JN: I feel like our team has competed to its best level this year, and we are developing many young competitors to lead this team in the future.

ZS: What are your goals going into the postseason?

JN: My goal going into the postseason is to watch our 4×800 go to the SCC finals, and for our 4×100 to make it to New England’s.

ZS: What’s your biggest track goal?

JN: My biggest track goal this year is to receive All-State, not just for myself but all other members on the 4×100 team with me.

ZS: Where are you still trying to improve? 

JN: I am still trying to improve my speed. I just recently have started competing in more sprinting events and I owe it to my team to not be the weak link in the relays.

(Photo courtesy Multicultural Club)

By Helen Chizmazia – Social Media Editor

The Multicultural Club is currently planning the first ever Multicultural Night at Jonathan Law. Members are working to have tables set up for each culture to be showcased and celebrated. Advocate Social Media Editor asked Secretary Sarah Ahmed about Multicultural Night. 

HC: What is your position for the Multicultural Club?

SA: I am the Secretary of the Multicultural Club 

HC: What are your duties during Multicultural Club meetings?

SA: During the meetings we usually do presentations on different countries and cultures. Sometimes we even do pot lucks. My job is to make sure to jot down everything that was discussed when we are planning an event.

HC: How have meetings been this year?

SA: I would say that the club is going pretty well. We were able to do much more with the club this year, I’m so excited for what next year will bring.

HC: What events do you currently have planned? 

SA: We are in the midst of planning our Multicultural Night for May 26th.

HC: What impact do you believe the club has on the school?

SA: The Multicultural Club prioritizes showcasing the diversity that we have here at Law. We love to learn about new cultures, learn their history, enjoy the food and learn the traditions that come from them. 

(Photo courtesy nimbleneedles.com)

By Reilly Hungerford – Entertainment Editor

The Crochet and Knit Club is a new club at Jonathan Law. It is run by juniors Toni Cepalia and Natalie Morrell and is advised by Ms. Bouchard. Advocate Entertainment Editor interviewed Cepalia about this new club.

Reilly Hungerford: What do you do in Crochet and Knit Club?

Toni Cepalia: In Crochet and Knit Club, we plan on teaching individuals how to crochet and knit, as well as create projects (hats, blankets, gloves, stuffed animals, etc.) to donate to those in need.

RH: What made you and your co-president, Natalie, want to make the Crochet and Knit Club?

TC: Natalie and I decided to start the club because we both have a passion for crocheting and knitting and we wanted to share it with others.

RH: What are your plans for the future of Crochet and Knit club?

TC:  We plan on hopefully making some form of banner to represent Jonathan Law’s Crochet and Knit Club. Then, as stated, we will be donating our creations. We also hope to create a patchwork piece of art containing work from each member of the club!

RH: When does the club meet?

TC: We meet on Fridays.

RH: Where does the club meet?

TC: We meet in Room 231.

(Photo courtesy Kyle Chy)

By Lana Hanania – News Editor 

Senior Kyle Chy is a part of Jonathan Law’s Senior Internship program. Advocate News Editor Lana Hanania interviewed Chy about his internship.

Lana Hanania: What is your internship about? 

Kyle Chy: I start my internship on May 15th with OMNI Physical Aquatic Therapy. 

LH: How do you think the internship will benefit you? 

KC: I think the internship will benefit me by allowing me to learn about the body and the different parts and how things work and what to do when they don’t work properly. 

LH: What are you most excited about? 

KC: I am most excited about learning about the body and how it works as well as what to do what certain injuries occur.

LH: What influenced you to take part in this internship? 

KC: What influenced me to take this internship is that I am going to be majoring in Biological Sciences with a Pre-Med track so I wanted to learn about the body beforehand and I had worked with my internship site before as he was the one who helped the football players with recovery if we got injured.

(Photo courtesy stonebridgerestaurant.com)

By Olivia Hudak – News Editor

Senior Jack Aliberti is a part of Jonathan Law’s Senior Internship program. Advocate News Editor Olivia Hudak interviewed Aliberti about his internship experience.

Olivia Hudak: Where are you doing your internship?

Jack Aliberti: I will be attending my internship at the Stonebridge restaurant.

OH: What made you want to do it?

JA: I wanted to be able to get out of school earlier and take advantage of learning about different career pathways.

OH: What will you be doing at this internship?

JA: I will be learning about how the restaurant is run from the inside and out. This includes salaries, buying supplies, creating pricing, and being able to advertise it.

OH: What do you hope to gain?

JA: I hope to gain a general idea of it because it involves some things I could be interested in later in the future.

OH: How will this prepare you for classes or jobs in the future?

JA: I think having some of this knowledge will at the very least help me with jobs like at other restaurants. This can help by getting to learn how they are run, which I think will be very beneficial.

(Photo courtesy Katie Servas)

By Gemard Guery – Editor-In-Chief and Editorial Editor

Katie Servas is a senior at Jonathan Law. Recently, she began her senior internship at a local radio station.  Editor-In-Chief Gemard Guery interviewed Servas about her internship thus far.

Gemard Guery: Where are you interning?

Katie Servas: I am interning at Connoisseur Media, a company that owns radio stations, Star 99.9, WICC 600AM, WEBE 108, 99.1 PLR, 95.9 The Fox, 94.3 WYBC.

GG: What do you do there?

KS: I’m working on WICC 600AM which is a talk show radio station that has three different show hosts. I’ve been working on Mornings with Melissa” which is a morning talk show that shares updates on local news, has a wide variety of guests each day, and shares the work of local organizations and the community events they may host. The show is on air from five o’clock in the morning to ten o’clock in the morning. 

GG: How has your internship experience been?

KS: My internship experience has been amazing! I’ve enjoyed every second of it and I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to intern at WICC! It’s definitely given me a better idea of the work that goes behind a radio show and has allowed me to explore my interest in radio and podcasting.

GG: What do you think you’ll get out of the internship?

KS: The best thing I’ll get out of this internship is definitely a real-world experience, as well as connections with some of the most incredible people! I’ve been enjoying my first few days and have already learned so much about the radio broadcasting career. I hope to learn as much as I can and absorb everything like a sponge so I can get the most out of it!

GG: What’s been the best part so far about your internship?

KS: The best part of my internship so far would have to be the people I have the privilege to work with. I get to work with two of the most amazing individuals, Melissa and Chris, and they have already taught me so much! Some of the work they’ve had me doing includes reaching out to potential interviews, searching for news stories, and even having the chance to go on air! I’ve been loving my internship and I’m excited to learn more in the coming weeks.

By Katie Servas – Editor-in-Chief

Jonathan Law Choir Director Ms. Jones was recently named Teacher of the Year. Advocate Editor-in-Chief Katie Servas talked to Jones about her award and her reaction when receiving it.

Katie Servas: Why did you start teaching? Why do you continue to teach music at the high school level?

Ms. Jones: I started teaching because of my junior high middle school band director. He was the one who encouraged me to join the band and it was so clear that through his passion and care for his content area he made a huge impact on so many students. His impact on me was profound and life altering and I wanted to have the opportunity to possibly have that same impact on even one individual. I specifically enjoy teaching at the high school level because, for the most part, the students choose to be there and in return for as much as I give they give back. So, it doesn’t matter what kind of day I am having making music with them fills me with so much joy!

KS: What was it like receiving this award and being recognized for your teaching? 

MJ: To be honest, it was extremely embarrassing. I don’t actually like being in the spotlight even though that happens a lot in my content area. But, when that happens it’s focused on the students and this was on me and so that was overwhelming. But, my feelings certainly evolved as the shock settled in. I know I am not the best teacher and not even the best teacher in this building. But, I do LOVE what I do and to have people reach out and share kind words and support to me that might not have done so otherwise has been humbling and something I will forever cherish. Most importantly, I am thankful for this award because it highlights our amazing music program. I wouldn’t be anything if it weren’t for them!

KS: What was this moment like for you? How did you respond to the news?

MJ: Well, I tend to be emotional so I certainly shed a tear, or two. I was super thankful to be in class with many of my choir students so we could share the moment together. To be honest, their reaction to the news and all of the other students that went out of their way to congratulate me was so touching and meaningful. 

KS: What work have you done with the JLHS Choir that is different from years prior?

MJ: This year we applied to be a Showcase Ensemble at the CMEA All-State Convention and through our blind audition we were one of two high schools in the state selected to perform. This was a huge achievement and endeavor but it was so meaningful and it truly improved our ensemble in so many ways that I think we won’t totally understand it’s impact until the future as their success will motivate future students! We also are working on concert repertoire at a mch higher difficulty level this year because of the dedication and drive of the students we have. Which certainly makes for exciting musical moments!

KS: Moving forward, what are some goals you hope to achieve within the coming school year?

MJ: I am just looking to get to the end of the year, haha! We have many things on the list to perform at but I cannot wait to keep pushing our program to grow and achieve so that they will always remember that it doesn’t matter who they are or where they are coming from…their potential is limitless!

(Photo courtesy sandyhookpromise.org)

By Ella Franzman – Sports Editor

Jonathan Law’s SAVE Promise Club recently put together a week of different activities to show support for National Youth Violence Prevention Week. Club members appeared on Eagle Eye News each day from April 24-28 to announce the day’s theme and the club also sold SAVE Promise T-shirts to show support towards NYVPW. Advocate Sports Editor Ella Franzman asked club President Aislinn Burns about NYVPW. 

Ella Franzman: What went into planning National Youth Violence Prevention Week?

Aislinn Burns: As a club, we planned National Youth Violence Prevention Week together. Our ideas committee came up with the activities and names for each day, our fundraising committee took care of our fundraiser shirts & design and our social media committee took care of the graphics.

EF: How did you plan what each day of the week would look like?

AB: We planned each day of the week by first looking at the message we wanted to send to the school community but also at what our students needed. We had two days focused on self-care/de-stressing because of AP exams, and we had other easy awareness activities like the ribbons as a visual representation of how important violence prevention is.

EF: What day were you looking forward to this week?

AB: The day I was most looking forward to was Statistic Tuesday as another member on the Youth Advisory Board did it at their school and when I heard about it, it was such an easy yet effective activity. I think the visual representation of the statistics of Americans impacted by violence was much more powerful and moving.

EF: What is the idea behind National Youth Violence Prevention Week, what do students learn from it?

AB: The idea behind National Youth Violence Prevention Week is a time for youth to lead communities on strategies to prevent violence. Each day is either a challenge for the community or an activity to help students become more confident in being an advocate for themselves/others. Students learn how important and powerful their voice is as well as how necessary it is to focus on preventing violence.

EF: Where will the money from the T-shirts go and who will benefit from it?

AB: The money from the t-shirts goes to our club as it was our club fundraiser and it is used in many ways. One of the biggest things is helping get our members to leadership conventions like the one earlier this year, but it also allows us to buy materials so we can do more activities for the school.

(Photo courtesy Caden Simpson)

By Caden Simpson and Olivia Hudak – Social Media Editors

The Junior Cotillion was held at Grassy Hill Country Club in Orange on April 21. The dance was held from 6:30-10 p.m., with food and dessert served throughout the night. Students were able to enjoy a DJ and photo booth and all in attendance had a great time. We asked Junior Class President Ike Opayemi about the event:

Caden Simpson & Olivia Hudak:  How much went into planning the Cotillion?

Ike Opayemi: For cotillion we spent quite a few months planning for what we were going to have there and how the dance was going to work. There were a lot of council meetings and Google Forms sent out to the class to gauge the opinions of the actual class and decide as a council what we wanted the environment to feel like.

CS & OH: “How successful would you say the dance went and what contributed to it being so?”

IO: I feel like Cotillion was pretty successful. Beforehand we got great feedback from the junior class which I think contributed a great amount to the dance’s success. The decorations and the 360 photo booth made the dance really fun for a lot of people as well.

CS & OH: Did you and the other students enjoy the theme? How was the theme executed?

IO: If I’m going to be honest, the theme was executed within the decorations, but if I had control I probably wouldn’t do it again. There was just a lot of disagreement on it and many didn’t go along with it (which I’m personally fine with, but then there’s really no point in having a theme in the first place).

CS & OH: Is there anything you would change if you had the chance to plan Cotillion again?

IO: I probably would have had more interactive activities. Because of spring break we really just didn’t have the time to have these activities take place, but in the future hopefully. I would also probably work on a more general theme based on colors just so it’s easier for people to stick to it.

CS & OH: What would you say the highlight of the dance was?

IO: I think the photo booth was a highlight for a lot of people and contributed to people having a lot of fun. Overall, so glad that cotillion was a success and super glad that people enjoyed it.