Senior Captain Kacey Pagaduan (Photo courtesy Maureen O’Connell)

By Cora Aitkenhead – Staff Reporter

Senior Kacey Pagaduan is a captain on the Law girls tennis team. Advocate Staff Reporter Cora Aitkenhead interviewed Pagaduan about her season this year. 

Cora Aitkenehad: What makes the Law tennis environment different from others?

Kacey Pagaduan: The Law tennis environment is different from others because of how easily we are able to become like family. Last year, we lost starting players, but we were welcomed with some many new faces for this season. From the beginning, most of the new players were shy, but as the season went on, we saw their personalities shine out through tennis. As a team, we were able to grow closer with one another whether it would be after our away matches or simply cheering each other on.

CA: How has being a captain given you more opportunities on and off the court to get to know the team and strengthen your leadership?

KP: Being a captain this season gave me plenty of opportunities to get to know the team. Since I coach tennis during the summer, I was able to use those skills and help out our coach, Mr. K., because of the large size of the team. We were able to split them into two groups and see their abilities during drills. Another way is when others may not be as comfortable talking to Mr. K. first, they ask me or the other captains. This way, I am able to grow closer and help ease them to feel more comfortable. It strengthens my leadership through understanding how each player is and being an example when needed.

CA:What is one thing you have learned from your tennis career at Law that you hope to carry with you after high school?

KP: One thing I learned from my tennis career is to always have a strong mindset. During my matches, I used to be so doubtful of myself, but I soon realized that having a positive attitude on the court creates a big difference. I was able to win so many matches with this mindset and constantly tell my team this in hopes to realize the difference it makes. I hope to always carry this mindset in anything I do, and I hope that my team does too.

CA: How was Senior Night a special event for you, all of the other seniors, and the team as a whole?

KP: Senior Night was special to me because of the amount of effort the underclassmen put into making it special! As the person who led the Senior Night last year, I envisioned how much they did. From the other seniors and I, we felt super-celebrated. It was such a special day and a great way to end the night with a win as well. Senior Night made me realize that I am super lucky to have a team that makes saying goodbye so hard. 

CA: What was your favorite memory from this season?

KP: My favorite memory of the season was the Sacred Heart home match. My doubles partner, Brianna (Madelung) and I won a third set match. Despite losing the first set by tie break, we were able to win the next two sets 6-2, 6-2. I never expected to play a three-set doubles match, but I was glad because that was also the day our team finished with a final record of 14-5. Since it was our last match of the regular season, it was bittersweet and to have some many people come support.

Senior Lucca Venditti (Photo courtesy Lucca Venditti)

By Amilio Venditti – Staff Reporter

Senior Lucca Venditti recently began his internship at the Milford Vascular Institute. Advocate Staff Reporter Amilio Venditti interviewed Venditti about his experience.

Amilio Venditti: What are your main responsibilities during your internship at the Milford Vascular Institute?

Lucca Venditti: My main responsibilities are to watch the various procedures and ask as many questions as I can. I will also be tasked with taking in patients. This involves asking them why they are here, when they feel their symptoms, and their past medical history.

AV: Why did you choose to intern in the medical field, specifically in cardiology?

LV: I want to become a doctor. I thought cardiology would be an interesting field to intern in, it also has a strong surgical aspect to it.

AV: What inspired you to pursue a career as an anesthesiologist?

LV: I really enjoy chemistry. I look forward to learning all the different types of pharmaceuticals, most especially anesthetics.

AV: What has been the most interesting or exciting part of the internship so far?

LV: Seeing a stent procedure. Watching the doctors thread a stent into an artery through an X-ray machine, then seeing them inflate a balloon in a stent to expand it. This was all done while the patient was under anesthesia.

AV: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

LV: I see myself graduating from college and medical school. Then I will pursue an anesthesia residency. At the end, I see myself working at Yale New Haven Hospital. 

Senior Dalton Evans (Photo courtesy @shotbyben)

By Yeiden Nieves – Sports Editor

Senior Dalton Evans is a player on the Law baseball team. Advocate Sports Editor Yeiden Nieves interviewed Evans about the season.

YN: How did the regular season go?

DE: The season hasn’t gone has expected, but we recently clinched States with a win over Sheehan and we’re going to try to make a deep run in the playoffs.

YN: What are the team’s strong suits?

DE: Our fielding is definitely our strong suit. We have great pitching and we’ve got great depth at every position.

YN: What does the team need to work on for States?

DE: We need to work on our hitting. Our defense is great and is what is keeping us in games but we need to also be able to hit at a high level.

YN: What was your favorite part of the season?

DE: Beating Hand was definitely my favorite moment during this season. They were ranked in the Top 10 so beating them definitely helped us gain momentum during the season.

YN: What are you looking forward to for the remainder of the season?

DE: I’m excited to make a run in the State Tournament. We open up with Joel Barlow in the first round but I’m excited to play them.

Sophomore Dylan Maselli (Photo courtesy @edits.by.ethan)

By Ella Hopkins-Gianotti – Staff Reporter

Sophomore Dylan Maselli is a player on the Law boys tennis team. Advocate Staff Reporter Ella Hopkins-Gianotti interviewed Maselli about his season this year.

EH: How has your season gone so far?

DM: I play Doubles 1 with Sean Luxeder, and our record so far is 13-5. We are hoping to end the season with a record of 15-5. Sean is a great partner, so I am confident that we will be able to achieve our goal.

EH: How long have you been playing for?

DM: I have been playing consistently for two years and practice at Milford Indoor before the season starts. Although I have been exposed to tennis throughout my life. My sister Sophie played on the Law girls tennis team a few years ago.

EH: What aspects of your game have you worked on this season?

DM: This season, I have been working on my consistency to be able to hit it over the net and keep the ball in. I have found that consistency is one of the most important things in tennis. If you work on not making mistakes, your opponent is more likely to do it before you.

EH: What was your favorite experience this season?

DM: My favorite experience this year was going together for food after our match. Since the tennis team isn’t very big, we are all friends on the team. It is very fun to go out with the team just to talk and hang out with each other without the pressure of a match over us.

EH: What is something you are looking forward to?

DM: I am looking forward to seeing how far we are going to be able to make it in States this year. Our team is very strong with a record of 12-6 so far. I think we will be able to go farther than we went last year, which will be a big accomplishment for our team. I am also looking forward to seeing the future of our team next year. With two of our seniors leaving next year, we will have some spots open. I can’t wait to see who will fill in their shoes.

(Photo courtesy Ella Franzman)

By Courtney Russo – News Editor

Senior Ella Franzman recently began her internship. Advocate News Editor Courtney Russo interviewed Franzman about her experience.

Courtney Russo: Where is your internship?

Ella Franzman: I’m currently interning at WTNH News 8 in New Haven, where I primarily work with the sports team, including Erik Dobratz and John Pierson.

CR: What are your main goals within this internship?

EF: My main goal during this internship is to get the most out of every opportunity I’m given. I’m really trying to immerse myself in all aspects of the station and explore everything I can. I’ve also been focusing on networking and connecting with people from different departments. So far, it’s been an incredible experience. I’ve had the chance to work on several hands-on projects, and it’s truly been such a valuable opportunity for me.

CR: What is a typical day like?

EF: Honestly, every day is different, which is one of the things I love about it. When I arrive at the station, the first thing we do is look over the rundown for the 6 p.m., 10 p.m., and 11 p.m. shows. We assess how much time we need to fill and then check what ‘local’ professional sports are happening. For example, if the Yankees or Knicks are playing, we know we’ll include a 20–25 second segment on those games. Erik or John usually have a feature package prepared — like a recent one on sisters playing softball for UCONN, or another about a player on the Mets Double-A team who graduated from Masuk High School in Monroe. Next, we look at the local high school and college sports schedules around the New Haven area to decide where we can go and film. So far, we’ve covered boys lacrosse, boys volleyball, and we’re planning to film girls lacrosse and softball soon. After returning to the station, we put together highlight packages for the evening sports segments. We then typically go live at 10:50 p.m. and 11:50 p.m. for the final 10 minutes of the show.

CR: What have you enjoyed the most about your internship so far?

EF: What I’ve enjoyed the most is the networking. It’s been amazing getting to meet so many people and build relationships throughout the station. Everyone has been incredibly friendly and welcoming — from producers and reporters to the meteorologists. I really feel like everyone is supportive and has my best interest in mind. In the next few days, I’ll be going out with one of the reporters who’s also a Jonathan Law graduate, which I think will be a really cool experience. I also appreciate how much trust John and Erik have in me. Early on, they let me use a camera to film clips at a lacrosse game, and they’ve recently asked me to create a News 8 Sports Team Instagram account, which I’ll be working on over the next few weeks. It’s just been a great feeling to take on real responsibilities, and I know the experience will have a meaningful impact on me moving forward. 

CR: What advice would you give to someone looking to do an internship?

EF: The best advice I can give is to choose something you’re truly passionate about. Especially with unpaid internships, you don’t want to feel like you’re dragging yourself there every day. If it’s something you’re interested in and might want to pursue in college or as a career, it’s going to be more enjoyable and worthwhile. Plus, you’ll build a stronger resume and gain experience that can really set you apart from others in the future.

Senior Taylor Coretti (Photo courtesy Paige Kantor)

By Abigail Merenda – Staff Reporter

Senior Taylor Coretti is currently doing her internship at West Shore Middle School. Advocate Staff Reporter Abigail Merenda interviewed Coretti about her internship. 

Abigail Merenda:  What made you choose this internship? 

Taylor Coretti: I wanted to do this internship because I thought it would be a fun way to spend the last month of school. Mr. Maxwell, who is the gym teacher at West Shore, reached out to me saying there was a spot open if I wanted to do it and I’m glad I did. 

AM: What do you do day-to-day at your internship? 

TC: For my internship, I help the gym teachers set up different sports we are playing that day and I also join in and play with the kids if they need extra players. 

AM: Has there been anything difficult in your internship? 

TC: There isn’t anything that has been difficult during my time yet. We have been playing hockey and going outside to play kickball, so by doing the activities, there isn’t anything that has been very difficult to do. 

AM: What was the best part of your internship? 

TC: The best part of my internship is being able to spend my time doing something outside of school. It keeps me busy and lets me do something I enjoy to see if I would want to do something with it in the future or not. 

AM: What was one memorable moment from your internship? 

TC: A memorable moment in my internship so far was playing kickball with different classes. There was one day that was very nice outside, so every class we went outside and most of the kids played kickball. The other interns and I joined and we had a lot of fun. 

(Photo courtesy milfordbank.com)

By Dylan Gaillard – Staff Reporter

Alex Rodriguez is currently completing his Senior Internship. Advocate Staff Reporter Dylan Gaillard interviewed Rodriguez about his internship.

DG: Where are you interning?

AR: I am interning at the Milford Bank in the downtown branch.

DG: What are your day-to-day responsibilities?

AR: I watch and see how things are run and help out with paperwork and filing when I can.

DG: How has your internship experience been so far? 

AR: It has been very enjoyable getting to help out and learn about banking.

DG: What valuable experience are you getting out of this internship?

AR: I think I’m getting valuable experience getting to see how the bank runs and getting a look at all the different jobs that are in a bank.

DG: What’s been the best part of your internship so far?

AR: The best part of my internship is getting to do some work for the bank and getting hands-on experience.

Senior Will Smith (Photo courtesy Will Smith)

By Henry Smith – Staff Reporter

Members of Law’s Class of 2025 have recently started their senior internships. Advocate Staff Reporter Henry Smith interviewed senior Will Smith about his internship.

Henry Smith: Where are you interning?

Will Smith: I’m interning at West Haven Police Department.

HS: What do you do there?

WS: Everyday is a little different with what I might be doing there. Some days I’m helping out with paperwork or other monotonous tasks. Other days I’m observing an officer on a ride along, so there is a good variety of things to do.

HS: How has your experience been so far?

WS: My experience has been really good and I’m enjoying my time there.

HS: What are your goals for your internship?

WS:I would say my main goal of my internship is to see if this is something I enjoy doing. Another goal I have is to learn as much as I can about this career path.

HS: What is your favorite thing about your internship?

WS: My favorite part of my internship is doing ride alongs because you never know what you’re going to encounter.

Senior Kishal Shah (Photo courtesy Kishal Shah)

By Anwita Puttam – Staff Reporter

Senior Kishal Shah is currently interning at Yale New Haven Health’s Park Avenue Medical Center. Advocate Staff Reporter Anwita Puttam interviewed Kishal about her internship.

Anwita Puttam: How is your internship going so far?

Kishal Shah: So far, I would assess my time at the internship as very informative, and a positive experience. I have learned so much about the importance of communication and about being present and aware of patients and your surroundings. An instance of this was when a patient had just woken up post-op and was recovering in the PACU, and I had a few minutes of downtime to scroll on my phone. The patients had quietly mentioned to Natalie, the nurse who was checking their vitals that she wanted ginger ale and a muffin. I saw that Natalie was a little busy, so I went over to the fridge and grabbed a ginger ale and got a muffin in a plate for the patient and brought the food over to the nurse to give to the patient. This instance has taught me that patients are your first priority in healthcare, so even when you have free time, you should still pay attention to your surroundings and tune in to your patients needs.

AP: How exciting is it to get to work hands-on in a hospital?

KS: It is so exciting to work hands-on in a hospital because I get exposure to a medical setting and I get to learn from professionals in the field. 

AP: What do you think is the best part of working in the medical field?

KS: The best part of working in the medical field is the patient interactions. So many people can be academically gifted in stem, and research is very important to furthering our understanding of medicine, but the one thing that makes working in the medical field so unique is that you get to interact with patients and learn about their lives and perspectives

AP: What do you enjoy most about working with patients and other hospital employees?

KS: I love interacting with patients because my favorite memories at the medical center is of the bedside interactions or the conversations I would have while discharging the patients! I also like working alongside the other hospital workers because I am surrounded by a positive teaching environment so that even when I mess up, the nurses and doctors redirect me and help me learn, which I appreciate. 

AP: What goals do you have for your career in the medical field?

KS: The goals I have for my career in medicine is to become a surgeon. The steps I will be taking to achieve this are studying to graduate from Boston University with a BA/MA in Biology with a specialization in Neurobiology. Later, I plan to take my MCAT, gain clinical experience, and apply to Medical School before matching into a residency for my specialty.

Sophomore Abby Scanlon (Photo courtesy yearbookavenue.com)

By Madison Krauss – Staff Reporter

Sophomore Abby Scanlon is a midfielder for the Law girls lacrosse team. As Law’s regular season comes to a close, Scanlon is wrapping up a great individual season. Advocate Staff Reporter Madison Krauss interviewed Scanlon about the season. 

Madison Krauss: What was your sophomore season like on the girls lacrosse team?

Abby Scanlon: My sophomore season has been filled with hard work and the ability to step up to challenges when needed. 

MK: What did you enjoy most about this season?

AS: This season I enjoyed playing with everyone on the team. They are all so supportive and dedicated to girls lacrosse. 

MK: How have you grown since joining the team your freshman year?

AS: Since my freshman year I have grown into a better player with the help of my coaches and teammates.

MK: What goals did you and the team set for this season?

AS: This season the team and I set personal goals. The team goal was that we really wanted to play hard, work together, and be a good cohesive team.  An individual goal was to play my best and be a good teammate on and off the field. 

MK: As this season comes to a close, what’s one goal you’re setting for next season?

AS: Next season, I hope we continue to have strong leaders, a healthy team relationship, and strive to win more games.

Senior Captain Michael Merchant (Photo courtesy Nathan Galicinao)

By Aiden Ramos – Staff Reporter 

Law senior baseball captain Michael Merchant is currently batting .346 and has an ERA of 1.56. Staff Reporter Aiden Ramos interviewed Merchant about his senior season so far. 

AR:What has been your most memorable moment so far this season?

MM: My most memorable moment so far was our team upsetting Daniel Hand and having a very good team win. 

AR: How does being a hitter along with a pitcher change your approach on the mound?

MM: When I am up to bat I am looking for certain pitches and locations and that helps me on the mound because I know what I would be thinking as a hitter in the moment.

AR: What advice would you give to younger players who want to succeed?

MM: Something I would tell younger players is don’t stop practicing and keep doing the work and also never take a game lightly no matter who it is.

AR: What are you most excited (or nervous) about when it comes to playing at the college level?

MM: Something I am very excited about for college baseball is the amount of work I have to put in and how much time I will spend with my new teammates.

AR: Looking back at your high school career, what do you hope your teammates remember most about you, not just as a player, but as a leader?

MM: When I leave Law, I hope the younger players remember me as someone you can come talk to and help out no matter what it is.

Senior captain Joey Richardson (Photo courtesy Joey Richardson)

By Taylor Mola – Staff Reporter

Senior Joey Richardson is a captain of the Jonathan Law outdoor track team. Advocate Staff reporter Taylor Mola interviewed Richardson about his final year of track and field in high school.

Taylor Mola: How does it feel to break the school record for pole vault?

Joey Richardson: It honestly felt amazing to break it. Clearing 12 feet was a long time goal of mine that I really wanted to achieve, and being able to finally do it honestly made it feel like it was all worth it. All the time and effort put in, but even all the frustration and trouble I went through, it was all worth it after setting a new record for Law. In the back of my head, I was always thinking this was my last season to try and achieve this goal. I definitely feel like a lot of skill went into it but I also think there was a little luck that day that just helped boost me a little higher and I honestly couldn’t be more thankful for it. It was so fulfilling at the end of the day  to be able to celebrate with my friends and teammates and even my other competitors because pole vaulting is one of those communities where you’re not competing against each other, rather you’re cheering each other on, hoping that we all progress and get better. 

TM: How did you take on the responsibility as captain and coach for pole vault while still improving yourself?

JR: It’s honestly been quite a difficult task to do because it’s hard to decide if I should do what’s best for myself or what’s best for my team. It’s a constant battle of back and forth of where I put my time and effort. I find it best that it helps to try to lead by example when in my scenario this way I still get to practice and improve, but I can offer advice and reference my own jumps and experience, but also find time to help everyone individually as I feel like everyone should get their chance to improve. As long as they try and give it their all, that is the most I could ever ask for. 

TM: How do you feel you have improved, and what were some struggles you faced this season?

JR: I feel like my biggest struggle that I’ve faced this season is that, on paper, I haven’t improved at all. I’m kind of stacked and I feel I’ve plateaued, and I’m just consistently stuck at this one height. Since I’m getting quite good at pole vaulting, there aren’t many big changes that I can make so a lot of the things I have to do to improve are like fine tuning my jumps and how I compete. That’s a way I’ve improved this season, though. I’ve made a lot of little changes that are helping, and I’m hoping that they are starting to add up. I’m hoping to hit a big breakthrough soon. Along with them, I feel like I’ve improved the most as a captain and coach. This year, pole vaulting has been more popular than all of my previous years so it’s amazing to be expanding such a great community and being able to lead so many people. It’s something I’m super passionate about, and I really think I’ve developed as a leader for the people I help and for those who look up to me.

TM: What are some goals you have set for yourself as you continue track in college? 

JR: As of right now, the only real goal I have is just to fly higher. I don’t quite know what the college experience will be like but I plan on giving it my all and trying my hardest to keep improving as much as I can. I want to focus more on what I can do to achieve greater heights and just work on a lot of self improvement when it comes to pole vaulting.

TM: What advice would you give to younger members coming up in the program?

JR: One of the biggest things I tell my pole vaulters that I think can apply to everywhere in life is “confidence is half the battle.” As scary as things might seem and as hard as things get, stay confident in yourself. Also, going along with this I often tell them to run hard and jump harder, and any progress is good progress because it goes back to the mentality of everything. Sometimes you just have to commit to something and just go for it but always remember that no matter how small of an improvement you make, any progress is amazing and it’s a great thing to remember whenever you’re feeling frustrated. 

Junior Brady O’Neil (Photo courtesy @shot.by.ben)

By Logan Thomas – Staff Reporter

Junior Brady O’Neil is a outfielder currently batting .310 for the Jonathan Law baseball team. Staff Reporter Logan Thomas interviewed O’Neil about the team and his season. 

Logan Thomas: How have your three years on the Jonathan Law baseball team been so far?

Brady O’Neil: My three years have been pretty eventful and exciting so far. I was able to enter the program at a time with a lot of experienced upperclassmen, and got to experience the State playoffs as a freshman and sophomore. I was able to learn a lot from them and apply their advice into my game on a daily basis. Now as an upperclassmen myself, I’m looking to become a leader and help my team surge into the playoffs and make a deep run.

LT: What are your favorite parts of being on the team?

BO: My teammates and I are all super close and have been on the team for a long time together, so it’s nice to have a group that has been close for a while.

LT: What goals are you going to set for next season?

BO: I want to hit over .450 batting average which will put me in a good spot to make the transition into college. It will also break my dad’s batting average record. He has held that record for 20 years. I also want to make All-State or All-SCC, something my dad also did.

LT: What has baseball taught you?

BO: Baseball has taught me that my mental health is more important than anything and maintaining a good mindset is the key to success.

LT: How do you think the team improved from last year?

BO: We can hit this year – that’s our strong suit. Our defense has improved massively. Our base-running is emerging as a big weapon for us.

Junior Avery Moulton (Photo courtesy yearbookavenue.com)

By Sebastian Beltran – Staff Reporter

Junior Avery Moulton is a captain of the Jonathan Law outdoor track team. Advocate Staff Reporter Sebastian Beltran interviewed Moulton about how she is going to prepare for upcoming CIAC State Tournament. 

Sebastian Beltran : How are you going to prepare for State?

Avery Mouton: To prepare for States, I’m going to push myself in practice and make sure to also give my body some rest. On the weekends when we don’t have practice, I will be training hard myself.

SB: What are your goals for the CIAC meet?

AM: My goal for the CIAC meet is to get placed in the Top 3. I would also like to PR and break 2:30 for my 800M.  

SB: Have you faced any challenges this season, and how did you overcome them?

AM: This season I have faced a few challenges. I suffered with two injuries which caused me to miss practices and meets. I took time off to rest my body and came back stronger to get that PR for my 800M.

SB: What motivates you to keep running during the race?

AM: What motivates me the most is the end result. During races it’s hard to stay in the right mindset and keep running for a long period of time. I always remember the feeling of PR and how it feels to finish a race you worked so hard in.

SB: What’s the most memorable race you’ve run so far?

AM: The most memorable race I ran was the first race this season. In the 4x800M relay, we were losing by 200M. I was the anchor and was able to beat the girl by 150M. I remembered pushing myself, getting cheered on, and qualifying for States and SCCs.

Junior Sophia Scarpa (Photo courtesy @edits.by.ethan)

By Dani Kotansky – Staff Reporter

The 2025 Jonathan Law softball regular season is coming to an end and junior Sophia Scarpa has proven to be a key player in the lineup, whether it is catching or batting. Advocate Staff Reporter Dani Kotansky interviewed Scarpa about her season. 

Dani Kotansky: What has your approach at the plate been like this season? 

Sophia Scarpa: My approach to the plate has been to look for my pitch and do what I do best. I try to get deeper into counts and I work with what I am given. I am always looking for a way to get on base and I am willing to do whatever it takes, it doesn’t always have to be the big hits to do whatever needs to be done.

DK: What were some goals you had for yourself this season? 

SS: My goal coming into this season was to be aggressive in all aspects of my game. I worked on everything to try and be the best player I can be consistently.

DK: What did you work on this offseason to prepare? 

SS: My main goal in the offseason was to get stronger and work hard on everything. I was in the gym three times a week and practiced every day despite working through an injury. Obviously an injury limits what you can work on but that never stopped me from doing what I love to get better.

DK: What is your best piece of advice for underclassmen?

SS: My advice for the underclassmen is just work hard. If you love the sport, do it for yourself and for the team. The team aspect is the best thing in life and being able to do whatever you love with a great group of people is great.

DK: What has been your favorite memory from this year? 

SS: My favorite memory from Law softball is the rapid fire bunting drill when we had indoor practice. I love competing with my team and being able to have a good laugh.

Sophomore Aiden Ramos (Photo courtesy @shotbyben)

By Aaryan Doshi – Staff Reporter

Jonathan Law sophomore catcher Aiden Ramos is having a great baseball season so far with a .417 batting average and 15 hits. Advocate Staff Reporter Aaryan Doshi interviewed Ramos about his eason. 

Aaryan Doshi: How do you think you are doing right now, batting-wise and catching-wise? 

Aiden Ramos: I think I have been hitting the ball pretty well recently. I’ve been getting a lot of barrels, and I’ve been feeling very comfortable in the box. I think that this season is the best that I have been defensively. I’ve been throwing the ball very well, along with my blocking and receiving.

AD: When in the batter’s box, what is your approach before the pitcher pitches the ball? 

AR: I try and keep my approach simple, sit back, stay relaxed, and let the ball travel.

AD: How do you feel you have improved from last season?

AR: I feel that I have tremendously improved from last season. During the offseason, I worked hard in the weight room and worked on my catching and hitting, and I’m really seeing all the hard work show.

AD: What goals have you set for yourself this season?

AR: My goal for this season is to stay batting above .400 and to get better in some aspect every day.

AD: What’s your favorite part of being on the baseball team at Jonathan Law?

AR: My favorite part of being on the Law baseball team is being able to play with teammates that I have been playing with my whole life, and being on the same team with them since Coach Pitch.

Freshman Nick Vancho (Photo courtesy Jackie Rivera)

By Reid Moulton – Staff Reporter

Nick Vancho is a freshman on the Law boys track team. He has already shown many signs of a great future ahead, proving himself as one of the best underclassmen on the team. Advocate Staff Reporter Reid Moulton interviewed Vancho about his freshman season.

Reid Moulton: How did your freshman year go on the track team and what were you able to accomplish?

Nick Vancho: My freshman year on the track team had many challenges. I experienced both success and setbacks in some of my events, but ultimately, I developed and matured as an athlete. I was able to accomplish new personal records in my events and go up in the ranking.

RM: How have your teammates helped you with your success this season?

NV: My teammates have really helped me out with this season. They push me to get better each practice and we all support each other. It’s a great environment to improve in.

RM: What were your favorite parts of being on the team?

NV: Being able to compete alongside and against teammates and other athletes is great or the same level as me. Also being able to bond when we would have long bus rides and the experience of home and away meets.

RM: What goals are you going to set for next season?

NV: Next year, I’m aiming to improve my personal records in all my events, consistently place in the top three in competitions, and maybe be able to make states as a sophomore with as many events as I could.

RM: What was the biggest change from middle school track to high school track?

NV: The biggest change was the strength and the speed of the opponents. It was a lot more challenging and difficult to go up against, but it just helps me push myself harder knowing that the kids are faster and stronger than middle school.

Mrs. White was named Law’s 2025 Para of the Year. (Photo courtesy @JLHSPrincipal)

By Aislyn McKernan – Social Media Editor

Jonathan Law Paraprofessional Mrs. White was named Law’s 2025 Para of the Year. Advocate Social Media Editor Aislyn McKernan interviewed White about receiving this honor. 

Aislyn McKernan: What does being Para of the Year mean to you?

Mrs. White: Being Para of the Year is very special because I know all the paraas work very hard every day, and it is an honor to be chosen.

AM: What do you love about being a para at Jonathan Law?

MW: I love being a para at Jonathan Law because coming to work is like going to my second home. Everyone is like family. We all support one another and work together.

AM: What are some ways you build relationships with the students?

MW: Some ways I try to build relationships with students is by talking to them and getting to know them, and how they learn best. 

AM: How do you handle challenges in the classroom?

MW: I handle challenges in a classroom by giving the student choices, whether it be with work or a problem they are having, and then seeking out how to best help them.

AM: What is something students might be surprised to learn about you?

MW:  I am not sure I can say anything that the students don’t know about me already. We share a lot, but one thing is that I was a Girl Scout leader and had four troops at one time.

Mrs. Anderson is Law’s 2025 Teacher of the Year. (Photo by Kayla Markowitz)

By Kayla Markowitz – Editor-in-Chief

Jonathan Law English Teacher Mrs. Anderson was recently named Jonathan Law’s Teacher of the Year. Advocate Editor-in-Chief Kayla Markowitz interviewed Anderson about receiving this award. 

Kayla Markowitz: What does being Teacher of the Year mean to you?

Mrs. Anderson: I was so surprised and honored to be Teacher of the Year! I feel lucky to work with and learn from my coworkers who are also some of my best friends. Their influence made me the teacher I am today.

KM: What do you love about teaching at Jonathan Law?

MA: The students and the faculty. Jonathan Law is special.

KM: What are some ways you build relationships with your students?

MA:  I try to build relationships with my students by really getting to know them as people. I pay attention to what they’re involved in outside of school, ask about their interests and families, and try to remember the little things they share with me. At the start of the year, I have them do a lot of personal writing so I can start learning who they are right away, and I try to build on that all year long. I want every student to know that I really care about who they are as people. 

KM: How do you handle challenges in the classroom?

MA: I try to remember that everyone has bad days. I don’t take things personally and I don’t hold a grudge.

KM: What’s something your students might be surprised to learn about you?

MA: If we raced, I would probably win.

Senior Captain Evan Nash (Photo courtesy yearbookavenue.com)

By Logan Mullarkey – Sports Editor

As the spring season heats up, eyes are on the Jonathan Law lacrosse team, and at the heart of it all is Senior Captain Evan Nash. Known for working hard on the field, Nash has become a key figure in shaping the team’s culture, energy, and determination this year. With a combination of athletic talent and a team-first mindset, Nash is determined to help Law Lacrosse take a big step forward this season. Advocate Sports Editor Logan Mullarkey interviewed Nash about the season

Logan Mullarkey: What does it mean to you to be captain of the lacrosse team?

Evan Nash: It’s a huge honor. I’ve been playing at Law since my freshman year, and I’ve looked up to the captains before me. Now that it’s my turn, I just want to lead by example. It’s about being someone the younger guys can look to, and also keeping the team focused and motivated.

LM: What’s the energy like on the team this year?

EN: The energy’s different but in a good way. We’ve got a mix of older and new players, and everyone’s working. Practices are intense, and guys are pushing each other. We’ve been underdogs in the past, but we’re not backing down from anyone this year.

LM: What’s your favorite part of being on the lacrosse team at Law?

EN: It’s the bond with my teammates. We push each other every day, and that brings us closer. No matter the outcome, we’re in it together. And getting to represent Jonathan Law is an honor.

LM: What are some goals you’ve set for the team this season?

EN: We want to finish the season with a winning record and make a strong run in the season. But more than anything, we want to earn respect. That means competing every game, no matter the opponent.

LM: What advice would you give to younger players coming up in the program?

EN: Don’t take it for granted. Four years go by fast. Show up and work hard, don’t be afraid to step up. Effort and attitude matter more than anything.

Sean Luxeder (Photo courtesy Sean Luxeder)

By Tim Firla – Entertainment Editor

Sean Luxeder is a senior on the Law boys tennis team. Advocate Entertainment Editor Tim Firla interviewed Luxeder about the spring season.

Tim Firla: When did you start playing tennis? 

Sean Luxeder: I started playing tennis when I was 7.

TF: What are your goals for this season?

SL: My main goal for the season is to make States and also grow closer as a team.

TF: What are you looking forward to most this season?

SL: I am most looking forward to being able to get out on the court and play while also hanging out with my teammates.

TF: What is your favorite part about tennis?

SL: My favorite part about tennis is the accountability and dedication it takes to play.

TF: Why did you start playing?

SL: I started playing because of my amazing grandfather. He would take me and my brother out to the courts every summer so he had people to play with. 

Brayden Hancock (Photo courtesy Brayden Hancock)

By Cesar Mendez – Sports Editor

Brayden Hancock is a senior captain on the Jonathan Law track team. Sports Editor Cesar Mendez interviewed Hancock on the new track season.

Cesar Mendez: What are you most excited about for your last season?

Brayden Hancock: I’m most excited to be out on the track with my teammates one last time before it’s all over. 

CM: What are some of your goals for the season?

BH: I definitely want to PR in each of my events. i also want to make it far into SCC Championships and States. 

CM: What’s the best part about being on the team?

BH: The best part about being on the team is all the new relationships i’m able to make with all of the other schools we compete against. 

CM: What does being a captain mean to you?

BH: Being a captain means a lot. It means being a role model and being a leader on the team. It feels good knowing that all my work has paid off to become a captain.

CM: How do you feel you have improved from last season?

BH: I feel I have improved keeping my pace up for longer so I could get shorter times on my races. 

Senior Addy Barber was named a SCC Scholar Leader. (Photo courtesy @JLHSPrincipal)

By Harshitha Kothapalli – Editor-in-Chief 

Senior Addy Barber recently was named a Scholar Leader by the Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC). Barber is captain of the girls volleyball team and works hard to balance her student-athlete life. Advocate Editor-in-Chief Harshitha Kothapalli interviewed Barber on the honor. 

Harshitha Kothapalli: What does it mean to be a Scholar Leader?

Addy Barber: Being a Scholar Leader means that you are someone who gives 110% on the field and in the classroom. I was very honored that my name was a part of that conversation and that I was chosen.

HK: How do you represent the SCC values in your sports as captains and players?

AB: I feel like I embody the values by showing up every day ready to work hard and also being an example for my teammates while being approachable and helpful.

HK: How does it feel to represent Jonathan Law as a Scholar Leader?

AB: I was very honored to be chosen to represent Jonathan Law as a Scholar Leader because I felt like my hard work had not gone unnoticed. Hearing about all the other successful scholar leaders from the conference also made me feel like I had earned this spot.

HK: How do you balance both school and sports?

AB: I always allocate time for my schoolwork if I have assignments due the next day and use my study hall time in school to get assignments done so I can have a clear mind for practice.

HK: What is your favorite part of leading a team?

AB: My advice for other student-athletes is to just focus on getting a little bit better every day and to be a leader regardless of your title on the team.