By Shania Sanchez – Staff Reporter 

Law’s Be The Light Bible Club was started four years ago by graduates Max Akuffo and Sarah Ahmed.

Akuffo and Ahmed approached Advisor Ms. Blude to start the club back up after its previous hiatus. The current Club Presidents are seniors Abby Jenkins and Hailey Stephen. 

The club meets every Wednesday after school in Room 49, Mr. Batson’s room. 

“Be The Light Club is a space where people who are or aren’t Christians can come and bring up any questions that they may have about Christianity for discussion in a judgment-free zone,” Stephen said.

Be The Light brings a kind, lively, and welcoming energy to its meetings. It intends to follow through with its name, to bring a strong light to Jonathan Law.

“The goal of the Be The Light Club is to bring students of faith (and even those questioning faith) together in a safe place, hoping to be a light of hope in our school,” Blude said. “It is so great bringing together students of different ages, ethnicities, and spiritual denominations together because they love Jesus.”

A goal of the club is for all to come and feel safe and to be a light of hope at the Law. 

“The atmosphere at the club is definitely very loving and very kind,” senior member Amaya Lewis said.

Be The Light is also participating in ALPHA, which is an event that begins on September 22 and lasts for eight weeks. It takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday nights in Room 49. It’s open to all who are interested and to those who are confident in their faith, and to those who are struggling with their faith.

“It’s honestly to help people who want to understand their faith and people who don’t know where to start,” Senior Secretary Meghan Velasquez said.

Another member of Be The Light shared what keeps them motivated to participate in the club.

“I really like learning and educating myself more about God and how I can move on with my life because I realized that I don’t have much guidance and I don’t have a light really,” senior member Harley Davidson said. “Going there and educating myself about God makes the light brighter and makes me focus on a more straight and focused path.” 

Members said Be the Light is accomplishing its goal of being a safe space and a light for those who wish to get closer to God. 

“I would describe the meetings in a word as supportive, but if I had to touch on other aspects, I would certainly mention the community there being supportive,” junior member Jeremiah Dos Santos said.

Anyone with questions about joining Be The Light can contact Mrs. Blude. 

By Aleah James – Staff Reporter

The Drama Club at Jonathan Law is more than a group of performers – it’s a creative community.

Members rehearse, design, build, and bond through shared work, laughter, and the spilled McDonald’s fries backstage. They attend professional productions, compete in award shows like the Halo Awards (last year’s team won for Best Costumes/Execution and received seven nominations for “The Lightning Thief”), and offer a place for students to grow.

Senior Drama Club President Christopher Serrano said he hopes to create a space, where every member feels valued and supported, whether they are on stage or behind the scenes.

“Drama is about collaboration, and the best experiences come when you commit fully and trust your fellow members,” Serrano said.

The group’s first meeting was Monday, September 23, where they did a full read-through of the show their strengths as a cast.. The production will run for three nights in the school auditorium, which the team is transforming into a magical setting.

The play picks up 19 years after the original Harry Potter series, focusing on Harry and his son Albus as they navigate identity, legacy, and the power of choice.

Senior Ross Dejusti was chosen as the lead role for Albus Potter.

“I didn’t choose the lead role,” Dejusti said. “I had initially auditioned for the role of Scorpius, Draco Malfoy’s son, but I was also open to any male roles. I do love Albus’s character, though, and definitely opened up to the idea of playing him during callbacks.”

Dejusti added that while last year he shared a co-lead role, this time he’s ready to step into the spotlight.

“I think the best part of leading roles is how much involvement you have in rehearsals and being able to really focus in on your character,” Dejusti said.

Though he’s not planning to pursue acting as a career, Dejusti said Drama Club has still left a huge impact on him.

“Drama Club and our productions give me a sense of purpose and belonging,” Dejusti said. “Nothing is more exciting than seeing everything come to fruition once the show is on.”

Janelle Dimya, a returning sophomore member, said that being in Drama gave her a strong sense of belonging.

“When I hit a high note or finally nail the choreography, I get the overwhelming feeling that this is where I’m supposed to be,” Dimya said. “Drama is a place where you can really let go and own your talent. Everyone is extremely kind and appreciative of each other’s talent. That encouraged me to try new things and take risks with my role.”

Dimya also reflected on the community she’s found.

“I’ve met some of my best friends through Drama,” Dimya said. “We bonded over McDonald’s trips before rehearsal in the rain, stolen backstage chatter, and inside jokes about questionable lyrics. I encourage anyone who’s interested to join because seeing us all grow our confidence and skills is such a reward, and of course our productions are always amazing. If you don’t join, you can support us by coming to see our performances.”

She said the club is always looking for new members to join.

“We’re always looking for new people, especially crew members and boys,” Dimya said. “We have a strong backbone of dedicated people, but having more guys and people in the crew would be so valuable for us.”

Carter Elliott, a three-year member of the club, agreed.

“Being in Drama is basically like being in one giant family,” Elliott said. “People get along with each other so well, I can always go to anyone in the club if I ever needed to.”

Elliott hopes more people will join the club this year — especially guys and backstage crew.

“Even if you don’t act, there’s something for you,” Elliott said. “Tech crew, lights, set building… it’s fun and chill, and you get to be part of the show in a different way.”

Tickets for “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: High School Edition” will go on sale in early November.

By Joeliz Gonzalez – Staff Reporter

The Jonathan Choir is ready to blow the roof off each performance this school year.

The Choir recently performed at Law’s first Pep Rally of the year, singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” They also practiced singing the National Anthem by going on a field trip to UConn and singing with the UConn choir the day before.

Choir Director Ms. Jones said she tries as hard as she does so that students can see the beauty she first saw in music during her middle school days. 

“I just put my flute down and thought to myself, this is what I am going to do for the rest of my life,” Jones said. “And I realized at that moment, the reason I hated it before was because the teacher didn’t love what she was doing.”

The Choir Board Leaders are striving to set goals for the entire Choir, hoping they can be accomplished with effort and dedication. 

“I think our biggest goal this year is to have a successful and strong community for singers,” Senior Manager and Board Member Lexi Velez said. “So we feel confident in the way we perform so we can be successful for our upcoming concerts and competitions.”

Students said what makes Choir so special is how strongly they connect as a community and how seriously they take competition. This dedication only makes the choir sound and perform better.

“The Jonathan Law Choir community is one big family,” Junior Advanced Vocal Ensemble member Analiyah Velez said. “We all work together to make everyone feel included. There are many different personalities and backgrounds that come together to create this community that everyone feels welcome and safe to be in.”

The Choir has several significant events coming up, including a Bottle and Can Drive, the Choir Breakfast Club, the Winter Concert, and CMEA Auditions. 

“I’m most excited about the Winter Concert because I want students in Law and their family members to see how great of a choir we really are,” junior Concert Choir member Leia Fidalgo said. 

First-year members already love what Choir brings to the table, and they are quickly adjusting to the community. They seem to grow stronger and stronger every performance.

“I’m excited for all the concerts and making connections with everyone,” junior Concert Choir first-year member Analiese Ponce said.

By Kaylanii Albert – Staff Reporter

Every Monday, the Jonathan Law Science Club meets after school to build, test, and prepare for their upcoming competitions. 

Science Club allows students to meet new people, make more friends, and compete in Science Olympiads.

“My favorite part of Science Club is how it combines teamwork, competition, and hands-on learning,” President Siya Patil said. “I enjoy diving into topics beyond the classroom, preparing for events with my teammates, and then putting our knowledge to the test at competitions.”

A Science Olympiad consists of 23 different events, and the first competition is usually in January or February at various universities.

The competitions can be very competitive and stressful, but very rewarding and worth it in the end. 

The Olympiads are always held at a different college or university, including UConn. The Science Club at Law has competed at Yale, Brown, MIT, and Harvard.

“The events are all at different times and locations on the college campus,” Science Club Advisor Ms. Turcotte said. “so they are all running around campus to the various locations to meet with their partners for each event.”

At a Science Olympiad, members from each 15-person team are assigned to multiple events. The events are focused on a variety of topics, including astronomy, anatomy, chemistry lab, forensics, robotics, and more.

“Many of our students over the years have placed in the top three for various events,” Science Club Advisor Mrs. Gagnon said.

This year the Science Club is hoping to compete at Princeton.

“It’s very competitive and other schools put a lot of effort into their projects,” senior Aryan Sikhinam said. “But the satisfaction of going up on stage and taking home a medal is unmatched and makes everything worth it.”

Science Club offers a supportive environment where students can explore their interests in science. It’s a place to learn, grow, and make lasting friendships.

“Since I was a freshman, I wasn’t feeling comfortable meeting new people at first,” sophomore Ziad Elsayed said. “But later on in the year, I made new friends in the science olympiad, and it was a great and memorable experience meeting new people.”

Science Club can give students the opportunity to try new things, challenge their learning, and step out of their comfort zone.

“Participating in the Science Club provides students with an opportunity to explore and learn STEM topics that may not be covered in their classes,” Turcotte said. “They also get to meet and work with other students who share their interests.”

By Robert Vercellone – Staff Reporter

Now in its fifth year, Law’s student-run Help Desk includes eight juniors and seniors who fix Chromebooks and offer the Law community technology assistance.

Students troubleshoot broken screens, system errors, and connectivity problems. They work independently or in pairs while managing live help tickets.

“The Help Desk gives students hands-on technical training while keeping the school’s tech running throughout the day,” Library Media Specialist and Help Desk Supervisor Ms. Mundy. “They manage hundreds of devices and are scheduled during class or study hall, covering nearly every period for on-demand tech support.”

The program started with three students and has grown steadily.

“With hundreds of Chromebooks and classroom devices in use every day, the school relies on the Help Desk to keep things running,” said Ms. Mundy. “Students solve real-time issues while building practical skills they can use beyond the classroom.”

This year, the Help Desk covers every period except seventh period. Students and staff can access tech help almost any time during the day. The Help Desk is housed in the TLC, making it very convenient for students to access.

Freshman Joey Amaro went to the Help Desk when his Chromebook wasn’t working and said the services were great.

“When my chrome book wasn’t turning on, the Help Desk made sure I got a new Chromebook that worked,” Amaro said. “The service was quick.”

Mundy recruits Help Desk students through AP Computer Science classes and interviews. Applicants also need teacher recommendations to qualify. Technology teacher Ms. Corriveau also helps evaluate applicants during the selection process.

“I accept juniors and seniors who have an interest in computer science careers,” Mundy said. 

Students leave the program with a competitive edge in tech. Many land campus IT jobs as freshmen or qualify early for tech internships.

Junior Rithvik Muthyapu made sure to prepare to work at the Help Desk in advance.

“I made sure to take at least one AP Computer Science class and made sure I had a study hall open,” Muthyapu said.

Junior Abdulla Faial enjoys hands-on learning at the Help Desk the most.

“My favorite part about working in the Help Desk is learning about the hardware of the Chromebook,” Faial said.

Junior Hailey Stephen first learned about the Help Desk in 10th grade.

“When I entered my junior year, I filled out a form and joined,” Stephen said.

Help Desk students also assist the BIDS department with more advanced problems. This gives them real insight into professional tech systems and operations.

“They learn skills with me and with the BIDS department,” Mundy said. “It also helps me by taking Chromebook swaps off my plate.”

Help Desk is more than student tech support – t’s a stepping stone into the IT world. Students graduate with real-world skills, confidence, and a strong head start in tech careers.

By Jackson King – Staff Reporter

The Jonathan Law Senior Leaders put together the first Spirit Week of the year from September 15-19.

The Spirit Week consisted of five themed days: Dress Like The First Letter Of Your First Name, Anything But A Backpack Day, Sports Jersey vs. Jersey Shore Day, USA Day, and Law Gear Day.

“Spirit Week encourages students to work together because the more you are connected to our school, the better students do academically and socially,” Law Principal Mr. Darcy said. “Spirit Week is meant to bring the entire school together.”

All week long, students and staff took part in themed dress-up days, and the celebrations wrapped up with a Pep Rally in the gym with all four grades.

“It’s fun because it’s different and it only happens every once in a while,” junior Tyler Stankevich said.

The participation across grade levels was another highlight. 

“I think it’s very fun and gives people a chance to be creative and show what they have,” junior Matthew Witteman said.

Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors all contributed in different ways, creating an environment where everyone felt involved.

“My favorite day this week was anything but a backpack because it’s creative and raises school spirit,” freshman Stash Kamykowski said.

For the Pep Rally on Friday at the end of Spirit Week, students participated in games such as musical chairs and other games and competitions. There was also a performance from the choir and band. 

The goal of Spirit Week is to bring the school together and increase pride, energy, and school spirit through fun activities. 

“Spirit week helps build school spirit and community by everyone getting together and participating together throughout the school,” junior Alex Konlian said. “We have a great community, and most of our school participates in Spirit Week.”

Teachers also noted the positive energy flowing through the building. Many said that the excitement carried over into the classroom, helping students feel more motivated.

Spirit Week reminded everyone at Jonathan Law that school pride is strongest when the whole community comes together.

By Calder Costantini – Staff Reporter

Jonathan Law High School hosted its first Pep Rally of the year on September 19.

The Pep Rally was held in the new gym. It featured games such as musical chairs, rock-paper-scissors with beads, and more. The event also tied into Save Promise Week, a national campaign promoting kindness and inclusion in schools across the country.

“Our first pep rally of the year, especially paired with Save Promise Week, is really to create a fun and welcoming environment for all of our students,” Pep Rally Advisor Mrs. Francisco said. “We had some fun competitions and activities that some students may have seen in the past while they are new to others.”

The Pep Rally kick-started school spirit at Jonathan Law this year. 

“School spirit RUNS the pep rallies,” Law Principal Mr. Darcy said. “The senior class leaders made sure to incorporate the whole school, the best they could.” 

Many dedicated senior student leaders work hard to keep spirits high and keep the whole school involved in fun upcoming events, sports, clubs, and more.

“I was looking forward to getting all the classes involved and all the games we have organized for the Pep Rally,” Senior Leader Yeiden Nieves said.

The event also built momentum for that evening’s varsity football game, where Jonathan Law clinched a narrow 28–27 victory at home against Xavier.

“My class enjoyed this whole event,” freshman Stanley Kamykowski said. “The games were very well put together, and it seemed everyone was looking forward to the rest of the year.”

This Pep Rally kicked off a year full of school spirit and fun activities for the whole school.

“Hopefully we can increase participation little by little,” Pep Rally Advisor Mrs. Jones said. “School spirit is an underrated aspect of a school community.”

As the Pep Rally began, student leaders united the school by leading a chant throughout the entire gymnasium, motivating students to cheer loudly and bring the energy.

“The Pep Rally was great,” Nieves said. “The classes really brought the energy, and the games were electric.”

By Sarah Hammad – Staff Reporter

Law’s Teaching and Learning Commons holds a variety of resources that are available to help both students and staff. 

Within the TLC, students can get help on schoolwork in the Support Center from teachers specializing in Math and English. There is also a tutor, Mr. August, to help students make an organized plan to help them study. 

“The TLC is a great place to access everything you need to be successful in school,” Library Media Specialist Ms. Mundy said. “From the Support Center, to tech support, to research support, to collaboration spaces, the TLC can help you out.”

Students can go to the TLC website to get resources to help with their research papers and more.

“Getting book recommendations from Ms. Mundy has been very helpful,” freshman Nadia Cepeda said. “I hope to utilize the TLC English and Math Support Centers, especially during Midterms and Finals.”

Students are allowed to go to the TLC during their study hall or advisory period, as long as they notify their teachers beforehand.

“The TLC offers students help in almost every academic area,” Journalism teacher Mr. Kulenych said. 

Both English and Math Support Centers are available for students during their free periods. 

“Between the Math Support Center, the English Support Center, the Student Help Desk for tech issues, and Media Specialist Ms. Mundy, there are teachers and staff available to help students every period of the day, and students should take advantage of these resources,” Kulenych said.

Students can also check out books with genres appealing to everyone.

“I got a book there, and I’m sure I’ll need the staff’s help in the future with things like tech issues or homework,” freshman Mihika Dabhade said. “I think it’s great that we have a support center that helps so many students.”

Overall, the TLC is a great way to get help with homework and upcoming projects.

“You can use the TLC to your benefit by utilizing the in-school tutors,” sophomore Dania Fermin said. “You can usually come by during your study hall to get help with subjects like math.” 

By Ryan Woods – Staff Reporter

Jonathan Law Spanish teacher Mr. McPartland is not only making an impact in the classroom but on the court and on the diamond as well.

McPartland is the head basketball coach and assistant baseball coach at Law and the leader of the Spanish Honor Society.

“My top priority is to support my students to the very best of my ability and help them grow into the kind of people they and their families can be proud of, McPartland said. “I’m also deeply committed to supporting the goals of our World Language Department.”

This year, McPartland is starting his first year as the basketball head coach after a year as an assistant coach at North Haven, a year as assistant coach under Mr. Dooley, and eight years as assistant under Jamie Anderson.

McPartland can’t wait for the season to start.

“Our pre-season weight room and conditioning work begins this week, and that time is so important for us,” McPartland said. “I believe that when we take on tough challenges together, we grow stronger and grow to become better prepared for whatever comes our way.”

Law senior captain Ryan Nobles is excited to get going with McPartland.

“I believe that when we take on tough challenges together, we grow stronger and grow to become better prepared for whatever comes our way,” Nobles said. “He has helped me personally become better on and off the court”.

Besides McPartland’s commitment to basketball, he also makes an impact on the baseball team as an assistant coach.

“He makes practice fun, so we can get better and it’s not too serious. That’s how I think a JV coach should approach it,” sophomore Dylan O’Neil said. “He still helps us improve but interacts with us keeping it a fun sport to play while still helping us improve.” 

When McPartland isn’t making an impact as a coach, he’s doing so in the classroom. McPartland is the leader of the Spanish Honor Society where they promote and study the diverse Spanish language and culture.

Between all of his roles, McPartland has made a widespread impact on the Law community.

“I can honestly say that I love coming to work at Law every day,” McPartland said. “The students are the heart of what I do, and they make this job truly meaningful. On top of that, the support I receive from my colleagues and our administration is second to none.”

By Tiana Rosiak – Staff Reporter

Science teacher Mrs. Spicer begins her second year teaching at Law this school year.

Spicer is currently teaching Physics, AP Physics, and Astronomy. Despite teaching science-based classes, she did not always want to teach the subject.

“Originially, it was kind of how I did in high school that determined it,” Spicer said. “Physics was the topic in science I did the best in.”

As a teacher, there are different aspects of the career that can be rewarding. For Spicer, her favorite thing about teaching is working with the students.

“The spark when kids get it is just wonderful,” Spicer said. “I like getting kids to like science.”

Since arriving at Law last year, Spicer has had to adjust to teaching at the school. Law Principal Mr. Darcy feels that Spicer was a great fit for the Law family.

“Mrs. Spicer fit in with the Science Department and Law staff immediately last year,” Darcy said. “She is someone who cares about the kids, is a master of her craft and goes above and beyond to support all her students.”

Spicer shared her favorite parts about teaching at Law. 

“The staff and the kids,” Spicer said. “It’s the people that make the school, so it’s a really nice environment.”

Spicer said the most important thing about teaching is the type of impact a teacher makes on the students: whether it’s about a subject or about life, it’s the effect they have on students that lasts. She reflected on her hopes for what students will take away from her classes.

“To continue being curious no matter where life takes them and to be analytical.” Spicer said.

Spicer’s students enjoy her daily lessons – even if the subject matter is challenging.

“Physics has been hard for me, but I think I will learn things,” junior Avery Oliveira said. “I think she’s nice.”

Junior Leilani Torruellas agreed.

“She’s a great teacher,” Torruellas said. “She’s able to teach the concepts well and has made the AP class quite fun.”

Junior Josef Kremer has enjoyed his first month in Spicer’s class.

“She’s a good teacher that is very helpful and kind,” Kremer said.

By Zach Hyatt – Staff Reporter 

Jonathan Law students and staff are very excited as they prepare for this year’s Homecoming dance on Friday, October 17. 

The dance will be held in the new gym and will take place from 7-10 p.m. Homecoming is always one of the biggest events of the year at Law – it’s not just a dance; it’s a time when the whole school comes together.

“I enjoy the students all coming together as one JLHS family,” Law Principal Mr. Darcy said. “Homecoming is an event where we will have students from grades 9-12. That is what makes it unique and special, where our other dances are based on the class you are in.” 

Homecoming is one of the few events that freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors can all enjoy. The Student Council helps plan Homecoming each year. 

“The biggest goal I have for this Homecoming is for as many people as possible to come and have a great time,” Senior Class President Layla Alogna said. “I think Homecoming is a great way to bond with new friends and meet new people.” 

Many are also excited for the time before and after the dance, where they will hang out and take pictures with friends

“I’m looking forward to seeing my friends and pictures before the dance,” Freshman Joey Amaro said.

Students who have attended previous Homecoming dances are excited for this year’s event.

“I had a great time last year,” junior Eli Fernandez said. “I’m excited for the after parties to watch movies, eat food, and hang out with all of my friends, making memories together.”

To get into the dance, students will need to purchase tickets for $20. Darcy sent an email to all parents with information about how to purchase tickets.

Just like last year, everyone who goes will not be able to leave till the dance is over at 10 p.m.

One of the hardest parts of the homecoming dance is definitely the setup, which is organized by Geometry teacher Ms. Russell. 

“Setting up Homecoming takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work,” Russell said. “Balancing schedules, decorations, and making sure everyone has a good time is harder than people realize.”

With so much planning and excitement, this year’s Homecoming is looking like a night Jonathan Law students and staff will not forget.

By Molly Lynch and Ava Grippo – Advocate Editors

Law’s National Art Honor Society held its first meeting of the year on September 17.

The club meets every Wednesday after school and has been providing national recognition and opportunities for students who show great talent in visual arts for over 50 years. Students part of the NAHS receive benefits such as artistic recognition, leadership opportunities, scholarships, college and career preparation and being able to connect with excelling artists around the world. 

Senior Co-President Gleidson De Souza said the main goal of the club is to promote creativity. 

“It’s a society of talented people and a place where people can not only be creative, but also bring creativity into their communities, alongside expressing themselves and supporting the idea of innovation,” De Souza said. 

Senior Co-President Sabine Roberts said her role in the club is to help members generate ideas.

“We are there to maintain an organized schedule for carrying projects both efficiently and thoughtfully,” Roberts said. “We are also there to encourage the ideas from our members and listen rather than control.”

To be accepted into the NAHS, students must have completed one full credit or two half credits in an art class. Students must maintain a grade B or higher and send in an application that includes some of their art pieces. 

The advisor for the NAHS is Art teacher Mrs. Murphy.

“The goals for the NAHS are recognition of artistic excellence, promotion of art education and appreciation, community service through the arts, leadership and character development, artistic growth and enrichment, scholarship and career opportunities,” Murphy said.

Senior Social Media Chair Cindy Bone shared her goals for NAHS this year. 

“Some goals we have this year are to spread awareness about our club and help introduce art into our community more at Law,” Bone said. “We also want to create more projects this year and really get involved with the students and staff at Law.”

The club as a whole aims to complete one major project each quarter, along with a few smaller ones on the side. 

“My favorite part of the NAHS is working with my friends to create art that brings joy to the law and Milford community,” Junior Secretary Ava Daniele said.

By Mihika Dabhade – Staff Reporter 

Law’s Future Business Leaders of America Club is starting the year with new goals and opportunities for students in leadership and business. 

FBLA is the largest high school business organization in the country, helping students prepare for college, competitions, and future careers. It allows members to compete in events like public speaking, finance, and more, while also participating in field trips, fundraisers, and other school-wide activities.

“FBLA is a club that helps students explore the world of business, leadership, and tech while building real skills for the future,” junior Co-President Ayaan Ahmed said. “Whether you’re interested in just business or not, FBLA is a place where you can challenge yourself and prepare for college and careers.” 

This year, the officers aim to expand membership and boost participation in competitions. Fundraising is also a major focus to help students get to the national level. 

“Last year, we didn’t have as many members as we would have liked, so this year we’re trying to turn it around and get a lot more people to join,” Ahmed said. “We also want to up our fundraising so students who participate in competitions can advance to the national level of competition with our club sponsoring them.” 

Senior Co-Vice President Sophia Wang added that there are many ways to get involved this year. 

“Our goal as a club is to get people involved,” she said. “We have many exciting upcoming field trips, such as the Total Mortgage Arena: Bridgeport Islanders and Radio City Music Hall. We also want to encourage as many people as possible to participate in the annual state leadership conference.” 

FBLA plans to continue competing at both the state and national levels.

“Last year was the first year students attended Nationals,” club advisor Ms. Israelite said. “Every year since the club started at Jonathan Law, students have competed at the state level and qualified for Nationals. We hope to compete at both the state and national level this year.”

The club has many different goals for the year, including membership growth. 

“The club has consistently grown over the past four years, and I hope it continues to grow with members who are passionate about leadership and learning about business,” Israelite said.

The club is welcoming new members, as they, too, are excited for the chance to enhance their business and leadership skills.

“I hope to become more comfortable with public speaking and see different ideas that people come up with for the March competition,” freshman Sarah Hammad said. 

With its mix of competitions, trips, and leadership opportunities, FBLA is ready to provide students with skills, confidence, and experiences that will prepare them for both college and future careers.

By Tyler Lilly – Staff Reporter 

The Jonathan Law Model U.N. Club is accepting new members to simulate the United Nations and solve complex issues.

Students in the club role play as delegates of an assigned country and come together to discuss issues such as war, poverty, and global conflict. Model U.N. Club meets in Room 79 every Friday right after school.

“Students should join the club for many reasons – it is fun, academically enriching, and allows students to meet peers from all around the world,” Model U.N. Advisor Mr. Evanko said. 

Students generally appreciate the wide variety of people they meet in Model U.N. and enjoy learning about global issues. 

“My personal favorite thing is the people you get to meet, because you don’t just meet people from your state, you meet people from around the world, so they all have their different experiences and they all, with the country they represent, they all have their own day of debating their country, so it’s really interesting to see everybody’s different approaches,” Vice President Layla Alogna said. 

Model U.N. attends a conference in New York in March, meeting up with other students to discuss issues on a larger scale. This is a highlight of the school year for many, as it is a different setting from Jonathan Law.

“I think my favorite thing is definitely just being in New York with your friends,” senior club member Surya Gautham said. “And obviously meeting new people from different countries, that’s pretty cool.” 

The Model U.N. Club should not be confused with the Model U.N. class. The key difference is that the club attends one large conference in New York, while the class attends two smaller conferences, one at the University of New Haven and the other at Parsons in Milford.

“I joined Model U.N. because I think it’s really good for learning how to public speak, and learning how to say, like, negotiate certain things with people, like different countries who don’t really necessarily believe the same thing you do, and learning how to cooperate with that and adapt to certain conversation is really something you need to learn how to do,” Vice President Natalie Rendon said.

By Evelyn Rossi – Staff Reporter

Jonathan Law’s Raffles For Wishes Club helps raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 

This club is a nonprofit where tickets are raffled off for $5 to families in the community, and the winner (ages 4-14) gets to participate in a Varsity sports team, at Jonathan Law, for a game. All proceeds made from the raffle go to the Connecticut Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“The best part of this club is the impact it has,” Club President Layla Alogna said. “Other students should join if they want to make a difference in a Wish kid’s life and in the life of the local kid who wins the raffle.”

Alogna, along with Vice Presidents Harshitha Kothapalli and Kayla Markowitz, says their goal for the year is to expand their club and raise more money for the cause. They also hope to raise about $800-$1,200 this year. 

“Other students should join if they want to make a difference in a Wish kid’s life and in the life of the local kid who wins the raffle,” Alogna said. “The more help we get with our club, the more it can grow.” 

Anyone interested in joining this club should know that they meet on E Days in Mr. Beler’s room, Room 43, though the frequency may vary. It is also possible to join their Google Classroom for updates. 

“This club has given me connections, but most importantly, it has shown me the amazing things Make-A-Wish does,” Kothapalli said. “We were invited to Connecticut’s Make-A-Wish headquarters, where we were walked through exactly how a kid’s wish is granted and their experience with Make-A-Wish.” 

The student leaders of the club appreciate and love their roles and reflected on how the club has benefitted them. 

“Raffles for Wishes originated at Daniel Hand High School,” Alogna said. “The founder there was looking to expand, so she reached out to the surrounding schools. We found the message and idea of the club really interesting, so the following school year, we put it into action.”

Raffles for Wishes Advisor Mr. Beler shared his favorite part about Raffles For Wishes. 

“I love the fact that students at Jonathan Law want to give back,” Beler said. I like being involved with motivated leaders, and the three (Alogna, Kothapalli, and Markowitz) that are doing it for such a great cause, I couldn’t say no.”

The club and its leaders do great things, not just for the community, but for those in need.

“This club has made me realize how much we can have an impact on communities and the power of our youth to inspire each other and help people’s dreams come to life,” Markowitz said.