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. 

By Breana Aquino – Staff Reporter

The one and only French teacher at Law, Madame Evans, is ready to take on the new school year.

Madame Evans has begun her fourth year at Law, teaching various French Language and Culture classes.

“I’ve been teaching here for 33 years, and this school is BY FAR the greatest place I’ve ever worked,” Evans said. “I love the students, my colleagues, the administration, the staff, the building, my classroom… everything.”

Evans began teaching at Law in 2022 yet she only taught first period and was at Foran for the rest of the day. As of this school year, she currently teaches French 1, 2, 3, 4, and a combined French 5, AP, and ECE class.

Despite being the only French teacher at Law, for the many years she has been teaching, she has always been the only French teacher wherever she worked.

“Since French programs tend to be smaller, it’s common to only have one teacher teaching all five, and sometimes six, classes,” Evans said.

Law Principal Mr. Darcy praised Evans for her teaching prowess.

“Her work ethic is second to none,” Darcy said. “She is a life-long learner who works on her craft each day for the betterment of her students and our school.”

Other staff at Law, like Evans’ fellow language teachers, agree that she is a great addition to the school community.

“Not only are we colleagues at work, but I consider her a great friend,” Spanish teacher Mr. McPartland said. “She is a dedicated teacher, and I truly value the positive energy and ideas she brings to our department.”

Both Evans and McPartland have created a working relationship built on mutual respect and collaboration.

In addition to teaching French at Law, Evans is also the advisor for the French Club.

“French Club is an awesome opportunity for all Law students, not just French students, to make friends and have fun making crafts, watching French-language movies, listening to French-language music, and eating yummy food,” Evans said. “It’s a cozy place for students to share their love of the French language and French culture.”

Senior French Club President Delaney Hanley is excited to work with Evans in both French Club and the AP French class she is taking this year.

“She’s a very understanding teacher, and is always there to support her students,” Hanley said. “I’ve been her student every year that we’ve been at Law, and I’m happy to have gotten so involved with French here.”

Aside from working with Evans in class, Hanley has many aspirations for French Club.

“This year in French Club, we’re going to do a lot more fundraising,” Hanley said. “Our major plan is to save up money for a trip in the spring.”

With a trip in mind, Hanley also wants to make French Club more prominent in the Law community.

“I’d also like to make the club more known throughout the Law community, by appearing on the news more, and holding more events,” Hanley said. “Any means to grow the club with devoted members.”

Evans’ students admire her cheerful personality and teaching in general.

Sophomore Vanessa Messina took French 2 Honors last year as a freshman. She is currently taking French 3 Honors, continuing her French journey with Evans.

“Having Madame Evans as a teacher is a really fun experience,” sophomore Vanessa Messina said. “She is a great teacher and the way she has us learning with constant practice is really beneficial.”

By Alexandra Oliveira – Staff Reporter

Jonathan Law’s UNICEF Club is continuing strong after a successful first year.

The goal of the UNICEF Club is to bring awareness to global issues, specifically ones impacting children in humanitarian crises. The club has many upcoming events that educate others while doing it in a fun way.

“For October, we’re doing Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, where members collect small change donations using those TOT UNICEF boxes,” Junior President Doreen Lin said. “And in November, we’re planning a clothing or food drive to support people in need.”

The UNICEF Club’s officers are hoping to gain more members to help bring awareness to their cause.

“My main goal is to raise awareness about global issues impacting children and to take meaningful action through advocacy, fundraising, and education,” Junior Officer Anushka Vajrala said. “I also want to grow our membership this year, and increase participation in volunteer events so that more students can contribute to UNICEF’s mission of protecting children’s rights worldwide.” 

The club meets biweekly on Tuesdays after school in Room 79.

Due to the fact that the club was founded late in the last school year, there weren’t many events. Still, the club raised about $300 from a bake sale. 

“I’d like to continue spreading awareness through more fundraisers,” Vajrala said. “Definitely want to do more bake sales, information tables, attend more meetings, and overall just more volunteering.”

Joining UNICEF provides volunteer hours from the fundraisers and community activities.

“Most of our events count toward the 200 hours you need to graduate with distinction, and a lot of people want that graduation cord,” Lin said.

As a newer club, the officers and members of UNICEF take the lead to make long-lasting traditions at Jonathan Law.

“I have always enjoyed advising new clubs at Law, and UNICEF is no different,” UNICEF Advisor Mr. Evanko said. “It is very student-run; our officers and student members have done so much work already, and I am really proud of them.”

The UNICEF Club stands out due to its focus on international issues rather than just those concerning Jonathan Law or the United States.

“I am excited to help children in need locally and globally,” junior member Avery Oliveira said.

The UNICEF Club helps to empower high school students to advocate for children’s rights and well-being.

“I wanted to make a positive impact on others, and I like the idea of helping the community,” freshman member Mya Corris said.

By Madi Black – Social Media Editor-in-Chief 

Jonathan Law welcomed a new Special Education teacher this year, Ms. Willams. 

Wiilliams previously at Parsons and at the Academy in Milford before joining the Law community. 

“Before starting here at Law, I worked first at the Academy in Milford and then at Parsons,” Williams said. “This will be my 11th year as a teacher in the district.”

Williams is looking forward to the school year ahead with her new coworkers.

“I am loving Law so far,” Williams said. “Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful, I can’t thank them enough.”  

One of her students, senior Zach McWaters, is grateful to have her as a teacher and loves how she’s making the class fun. 

“I love how Ms. Williams takes us out in the community,” McWaters said. “We’ve already had so much fun and did so much. She’s the best.”

Williams can’t wait to see what all of her students can do. She loves meeting her new coworkers too.

“I am excited to get out in the community with the LAW PGTA (Post Graduate Transition Academy),” Williams said. “I also love getting to know the staff and students at Law better. It;’s like one big family here.”

By Adrian Vitale – Social Media Editor

The Milford Public School District recently blocked YouTube on students’ school-issued devices.

The YouTube ban was issued due to safety and privacy concerns, according to Law Principal Mr. Darcy.

“First, Google has changed their policies and now require parental consent for YouTube use for anyone under the age of 18,” Darcy said. “This would be very difficult for any school to manage safely. In general, YouTube and other sites can be valuable in education in given circumstances so staff still have the ability to use YouTube videos in their Google Classroom along with their classrooms when it’s applicable and appropriate.”

Law English teacher Ms. Smuniewski had mixed feelings about the ban.

“I think that the district’s decision to ban YouTube on student Chromebooks is bittersweet,” Smuniewski said. “While students are sometimes distracted by YouTube, I’ve also seen many use it to their advantage (examples: learning more about a specific topic, watching instructions on how to do something, watching experts in the field talk about their subject, etc).”

While students can not access YouTube on their own, teachers do have the option to upload YouTube links to Google Classroom. All YouTube videos on Google Classroom can be viewed in school.

“The YouTube ban doesn’t really affect us as teachers since we can still post school approved videos from YouTube through Google Classroom,” Chemistry teacher Mrs. Turcotte said.

Students had different opinions about the YouTube ban. Many students enjoyed the open access they previously had to YouTube on school-issued devices. 

“I no longer have access to some of the helpful resources I had on YouTube, like helpful videos with math or science,” sophomore Sean Sula said.

Sophomore Vincenzo Mannino said he previously has used YouTube for homework help.

“I enjoyed the easy access to YouTube as a student for helpful material,” Mannino said. “Though as long as you listen and take notes in class to check back over, it shouldn’t be too big of an issue.”

By Ava Grippo – Entertainment Editor

Mrs. Van Peck is a new Spanish teacher at Jonathan Law. 

This is Van Peck’s eighth year teaching and she came to Law from a small charter school in Bridgeport. 

Van Peck is excited to be working at Law. She said the school gives off strong family vibes and the teachers and students are both very welcoming. 

“My hopes for the school year are to create some great connections with the staff and students. I look forward to being a part of the family community here at Law,” Van Peck said.

Van Peck also shares her goals for the 2025-2026 school year.

“My goals for this school year are to spread positivity and my love for the Spanish language and culture,” Van Peck said.

Van Peck encourages students to say “Hola” to her in the halls. She would also love some restaurant recommendations in Milford.

By Madi Black – Social Media Editor in Chief 

Jonathan Law welcomed a new Culinary teacher this year, Ms. Hawie. 

Hawie had been teaching at Harborside Middle School and is looking forward to joining a new community and lifestyle. 

“Before coming to Law, I taught Social Studies at Harborside,” Hawie said. “Teaching at a new school means I’m doing a lot of learning right now, but it’s really exciting.”

Hawie is adjusting to :aw and is looking forward to the school year ahead with her new coworkers and new students. 

“I’m loving Law so far – every single staff member has been so welcoming and helpful,” Hawie said. “The students are great and there’s a real feeling of community here.”

One of her students, sophomore Grace French, is grateful to have her as a new teacher and loves how she’s fitting in. 

“I love how Ms. Hawie teaches,” French said. “You would never know that it was her first year if you just walked in the room, she adjusted so well and so fast.”

Hawie can’t wait to see all the after school events at Law and can’t wait to share some of her favorite things with her new students. 

“I’m looking forward to sharing some of my favorite recipes with my students and seeing them take pride in what they create in the kitchen,” Hawie said. “I also can’t wait to see the JLHS Drama performance of ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,’ because I’ve been a big fan of the Harry Potter series since the very beginning. I’m just excited to get to know new people, watch the students learn and grow, and be part of all the positive things happening here.”

By Ava Grippo – Entertainment Editor

Mrs. Duggan is the new Social Worker at Jonathan Law. 

Duggan came to Law from Guilford High School, where she was working as a Community Social Worker. She is also a Guilford High School graduate. 

Duggan said that she is enjoying working at Jonathan Law and that teachers and students have been incredibly welcoming. She believes that Law is a great community to be a part of due to the positive energy and welcoming environment. 

Duggan hopes that she will be able to help students and collaborate with other teachers. 

“My biggest hope is to build positive connections with both students and staff,” Duggan said. “I want to be someone students can rely on and staff can easily collaborate with. I also hope to help create an environment where everyone feels supported and encouraged.”

Duggan shared her goals for the year as the new Social Worker. 

“My goal is to meet students where they are and better understand what works best for them,” Duggan said. “I want to provide support that benefits both students and families whether that means helping set goals, working through challenges, or connecting them with resources. My focus is on being consistent and approachable so students at Law feel supported.”

By Anwita Puttam – News Editor 

The newest group of Jonathan Law freshmen recently began the first few steps of their high school lives. 

Members of the Class of 2029 are learning how to navigate themselves through high school, exploring different opportunities that surround them.

Law Principal Mr. Darcy has some advice for the newest members of our school.

“I’ve had a chance to be in classrooms, lunches and in class meetings with our 9th graders and I’m thrilled they are part of our JLHS family,” Darcy said. “They seem happy, supportive and engaged in our classrooms and I’m excited to see what the next four years will bring.”

Other teachers at Law agreed with Darcy’s statement about the freshman and said they are a very enthusiastic group of kids.

“They’re a really friendly, enthusiastic group, and I’m excited to get to know them better,” English teacher Mrs. Anderson said. “Everything is already off to a great start—I think it’s going to be a fantastic year.”

Darcy said it is important for freshman to try to get involved in the Law community.

“My advice is to get involved,” Darcy said. “Join a club, play an instrument, join Drama, or play a sport. The more involved you are in your school community, the more connected you are and the better you perform academically as well.”

Many of the freshmen have taken this advice, or are planning on following it in their future days at Jonathan Law. Most have joined clubs and sports, or are planning on trying them out and joining our extracurricular groups.

“I do like the teachers; they’re pretty nice and they don’t give much work for now at least,” Freshman Nina Hernandez said. “I like my cross country team. They’re all super nice and welcoming” 

The staff and students at Law have also helped make the freshman feel welcomed and comfortable in this new school. The people around them have helped his new group of highs choolers feel like Law is a safe environment.

“Every single student is so welcoming and all the teachers are so friendly,” freshman Vanessa Chen said. “On my first day of school, I immediately felt so welcomed and comfortable by everyone around me.”

Freshman Yunxi Ren agreed with Chen.

“So far Jonathan Law has been an amazing school for me,” Ren said. “The students here have been very helpful and nice.”

By Cora Aitkenhead – News Editor

Jonathan Law’s female student-athletes held an Athletic Clinic this summer to introduce incoming freshman to each of the fall sports Law has to offer. 

Law fall sports for females consist of: Soccer, Volleyball, Cross Country, and Swim and Dive. Organized by senior Girls Soccer Captain Fiorella Gargiulo, the event walked through a small activity for each sport that would give them a feel for what drills, stretches, workouts, that sport contains during the season. 

“The freshman girls got to experience each fall sport, no commitment, to get a taste of what type of player they envision themselves to be,” Gargiulo said. “Even committed upperclassmen got to see what a practice may look like for a sport they have never played before, which allowed them to get a deeper understanding and appreciation for our peers that may not be our teammates.”

For cross country, the freshmen were each paired up with an upperclassmen to go for a quick run. For soccer, freshmen were walked through a few drills focusing on footwork as well as finishing and scoring goals. 

For swim and dive, the group of girls sat in a circle and swim captains ran the group through a small workout that they do. For volleyball, the group headed to the gym to do some passing drills. 

“It was a great day to get our feet wet, so to speak, by getting a taste of every sport,” freshman Olivia DeSimone said. 

The upperclassmen running this event have shown great commitment to their sports over the last two to three years, but have also become great role models and friends to the incoming players. 

“The upperclassman created and led each activity,” Law Girls Soccer Coach Mrs. Francisco said. “They had to think of the level of the athletes participating, what would be a fun and engaging activity and how to best implement them.” 

The freshman not only learned a little bit about new sports, but learned why being a part of a team – especially at Law – is a special opportunity. 

“It really stuck in my mind that high school sports are so much more than just practicing and playing the game,” DeSimone said,.“It’s community, building relationships with people, and finding a group that you can be a part of because there’s something for everyone here at Law.”

Junior Alivia Bogert spoke on how her experience with Law sports had led to more involvement, friendships, and even potential opportunities even past what Law has to offer. 

“Law female sports is a great way to connect with the school,” Bogert said. “You can make so many new friends, and there are many sports scholarships if you want to play past the high school level.”

To conclude the event, the upperclassmen opened the floor allowing for questions, and spoke of what each team likes to do for team bonding, practices after school, and any other information important to the sport. 

By Henry Smith – Sports Editor 

Mrs. Bradford joined the Law community this year as a new History teacher.

Bradford is teaching Modern World history and AP Macroeconomics. She comes to Law from Foran High School where she taught Humanities and Model UN.

“My transition to Law has been relatively smooth except for figuring out where classrooms are,” Bradford said. “I feel a little like a freshman.”

Bradford’s arrival to law has been met with excitement from Law Principal Mr. Darcy.

“When I first met Mrs. Bradford I could easily see that she was kind, caring and passionate about her job,” Darcy said. “All of those attributes will allow her to have a lasting impact in the Law community.”

Bradford hopes to help students do their very best and learn along with her students.

“My goals for this year are to help my students do their very best and learn AP Macro (my first year!) along with my students,” Bradford said. “I am looking forward to getting to know everyone better as the year progresses.”

Law has been a very welcoming and positive environment to Bradford.

“I really like the vibe of Law,” Bradford said. “Everyone seems really friendly – staff, students, and teachers. It does feel like a family.”

As the year goes on, Bradford hopes to grow alongside her students and make a lasting impact on Law.

By Dylan Gaillard – Sports Editor 

Key Club is one of the most popular clubs at Jonathan Law.

The community-service-based club has many goals for the 2025-2026 school year.

“Key Club is an international high school community service program,” Senior District Bulletin Editor for New England Harshitha Kothapalli said. “There are many different levels to Key Club, such as Divisional, District, and International.”

Kothapalli said the club is aiming to increase membership and to continue to serve the community as the year progresses.

“One of my personal goals is to publish five editions of the district publication, The YanKey,” Kothapalli said. “As a club as a whole, our goals are to increase our membership, raise money for different charities like Camp Sunshine, and incorporate service projects into our club meetings.”

Key Club is open to anyone who attends Jonathan Law High School.

“Our first meeting is Wednesday, September 10, in the TLC at 7 p.m.,” Senior President Kayla Markowitz said. “Everyone is welcome to join us.”

Key Club is hosting many fun and exciting events during this school year.

“I’m most excited for the annual Kickball Tournament that all students can participate in,” Senior Treasurer David Guery said. “That is always fun to watch and host.”

Members said that Key Club has endless benefits.

“Currently, I am a member of Key Club, filling in many of the open positions and volunteering opportunities,” sophomore Yusuf Genc said. “The hours you get from this volunteer work are really beneficial for graduation, it stacks up every year, and also helping the community and boosting the future is a win for me.”

Key Club also has new events that they are hosting this year. 

“We would also love to plan more service projects like Trick or Treat for UNICEF,” Markowitz said. “We are hoping to start a new event this year, which would be a Walk-a-Thon for Camp sunshine.”

DECON is one of the main events that the club attends at the end of the year.

“DECON is a conference where we congregate with all the other key clubs in the New England Bermudan district,” Guery said. “They teach you leadership, and you are also awarded for your club’s accomplishments from the past year.”

The main goal of Key Club is to build community – at Law and beyond.

“First of all, the people you can meet are just amazing, it’s a fun space where you can meet new people,” Genc said. “The warm community key club offers is just unbelievable, and you never know whose story you will see next.”

By Molly Lynch – Editor-In-Chief

The SAVE Promise Club held its first meeting of the new school year on September 8 after school in Room 125.

The goal of the SAVE Promise Club is to empower youth to take a role in increasing school safety and violence prevention.The club has many exciting events coming up that bring a fun way to raise awareness on violence prevention and mental health.

“Some events we are planning on doing is a SAVE x Morgan’s Message Football game theme,” Senior President Sarah McCann said. “We would like to educate the school on how SAVE and Morgan’s Message are major mental health organizations, specifically Morgan’s Message with athlete mental health and what better place to spread the message than a football game.”

Mrs. Bregoli, one of Law’s special education teachers, is SAVE’s new Advisor this year.

“I wanted to take over as Advisor this year because I believe every kid should have someone to turn to, whether that’s a friend, teacher or trusted adult in the building,” Bregoli said. “No one should ever feel alone and I want to help spread our positive, friendly supportive mission to our community.”

Joining SAVE helps spread awareness about the global issue of mental health.

“People should join the club because it is a great way to spread awareness about mental health and it is such an important topic worldwide,” Senior Vice President Melissa Servas said.

The club goes on numerous field trips and hopes to create lifelong memories for its members.

“Some of my favorite memories are going to the Save Summit in Philadelphia and the hot cocoa carts we do every year,” junior Aislyn McKernan said.

SAVE Promise Clubs around the world come together to help provide a safe and inclusive environment for students and members of the Law community.

“The club works with organizations across the school, state, and nation that have a positive impact on students here at JLHS,” Law Principal Mr. Darcy said. “The club provides a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for every student and member of our school community.”

By Sebastian Beltran – Social Media Editor  

Jonathan Law Health and Safety teacher Mr. Sweeney teaches students how to think about their futures and make the correct decisions.

For more than 25 years, Sweeney has been teaching Health and Safety at Law. In his classroom, students don’t just learn facts for a test; they learn lessons they can carry into their futures.

“I chose to teach Health and Safety because I believe it provides students with the knowledge and skills that have the most immediate and lifelong impact,” Sweeney said. “Health education equips young people to make informed decisions about their physical, mental, and social well-being—choices that affect their daily lives both inside and outside of school.”

Sweeney said that he hopes his students learn lessons in Health and Safety that extend past the classroom.

“For me, it’s about more than just covering topics; it’s about empowering students to take responsibility for themselves, to recognize the importance of prevention, and to build habits that promote resilience and success,” Sweeney said. “Health and Safety also opens the door to important conversations about relationships, self-awareness, goal-setting, and making safe decisions that help students develop confidence and life skills.”

In class, Sweeney also talks about his life and teaches students how to make the best decisions. He believes that by talking about these important issues, students can better prepare for the challenges of adulthood.

Students in his classes agree that the lessons go beyond and really connect to their lives.

“Mr. Sweeney teaches us about things we will actually need after high school, like how to handle stress and make smart choices,” senior Jack Lefevre said. “It makes me feel more prepared for real life, not just school.

Sweeney hopes that each student leaves his class with something that makes positive decisions in their life – not just in high school, but throughout their lives.

“Mr. Sweeney always finds a way to connect what we learn in class to real life,” senior Samuel Porzelt said.  He wants us to think about our choices and how they will affect our future.

By focusing on skills such as decision-making, goal-setting, and life-saving techniques like CPR, he continues to give students the tools they need to succeed in high school, in their personal lives, and in the future.

“The most important skill by far is the CPR AED unit, because it provides first aid and life saving techniques,” Sweeney said.

By Aislyn McKernan – Social Media Editor-in-Chief 

The Morning Briefing aired its first episode of the year on September 8. 

Law’s morning news show serves as a daily report for all things happening in Law. It is a way for students to learn more about Law and keep updated on upcoming events.

“I would tell the freshmen class to watch the news daily because it has important information to help them get involved in the Law community,” Advisor Ms. Kelly said. “It also usually includes hilarious and incredible content created by our seniors that should inspire them to be on the news one day.” 

The Morning Briefing features announcements about events, clubs, lunches, activities, dances, and more. Each episode also features interviews and other student-produced stories and projects.

The show is produced live daily by Law’s Broadcast Journalism class. It also stars different seniors each day. 

“I wanted to take Broadcast this year because I think it’s a great way to produce content that really gives people an idea of all the great things going on at Law,” senior Kayla Markowitz said. 

Kelly and the Broadcast class have many goals for this year.

“One of my goals for the year is to highlight more content on the morning news,” Kelly said. “I want to help promote all of our incredible clubs and get our students involved.”

Senior Harshitha Kothapalli said the class is already brainstorming several new ideas for the show.

“Our goals for the Morning Briefing this year are for it to be a place that students can rely on for important information while also creating a sense of community at Law,“ Kothapalli said. “From recording ‘Man-On-The-Street’ videos to promoting our sports teams, it should be inviting students to get more involved.”