(Photo courtesy twitter.com)

By Hayley Sanchez – Editor-in-Chief           

Jonathan Law seniors Dana Laufer and Jeffrey Eng recently won Outstanding Arts Awards.

Each year, the Connecticut Association of Schools hosts its Annual Arts Recognition Banquet to honor high school visual and performing arts students.

Laufer and Eng attended the recognition dinner at the Aqua Turf Club on April 6 along with Law principal Mr. Thomspon. Two seniors from each high school in Connecticut were represented at the dinner.

Laufer and Eng both received a plaque for excellence and distinguished service for their school.

Laufer won the award for Excellence in Visual Arts and for her leadership in her art class. She was chosen for the award by the art department at Law.

“I was really surprised that I got an award like that,” Laufer said. “I did not think I would get an award like that.”

Eng won the Outstanding Arts Award for his outstanding performance in the school band. He was chosen by the music department teachers.

“I really appreciated getting this award,” Eng said.

Each member school of the Connecticut Association of Schools selected two seniors who are outstanding in the areas of performing and/or visual arts. Some of the programs honored include art, dance, drama, or music.

(Photo by Emily Carroll)

By Emily Carroll – Staff Reporter

Sophomore Melissa Chodziutko got to be “Fran for a Day” at Law on April 10.

This year’s “Principal for a Day” contest was held as a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club. Students purchased tickets for $1 and over $200 was raised for charity.

“(This was) more about the cause than the event,” principal Mr. Thompson said.

While Thompson was following Chodziutko’s B Day class schedule like other students, Chodziutko and her dog Rocky were equipped with a walkie-talkie. She said that the walkie-talkie helped her find teachers and organize her day.

Chodziutko said she loved being “in charge” of the school.

“Everyone started referring to me as ‘Principal’ or ‘Miss Chodziutko’,” Chodziutko said.

Chodziutko learned that being principal is a busy job. She had to take notes, make observations, and stay focused.

“It’s not exactly easy, but it is fun,” said Chodziutko.

As Chodziutko patrolled the halls, Thompson took notes in class – and even took a math test.

“He (math teacher Mr. Hoggatt) saw me later in the day, shook his head, and said, ‘You took a math test and didn’t put any numbers for answers’,” Thompson said. “What can I say? I’m an English teacher.”

Thompson was dressed like a student and was following classroom rules, but Chodziutko decided to make the day fun by taking away his phone and sending him to the ISS room for a period.

“I wasn’t crazy about being sent to ISS but she was the boss,” Thompson said.

Some staff members thought the switch of positions between Chodziutko and Thompson was a nice change.

“School has never been run more efficient with Melissa at the realm, with Mr. Thompson in class, and Mr. Cavanna off on maternity leave,” joked Dean of Students Mr. Ragaini.

At the beginning of the day, Chodziutko made announcements introducing herself, wishing staff members a happy birthday, and most importantly, introducing Law’s newest student, Fran Thompson.

As much as Thompson hoped to get a student who had all English classes, he took over for a student who loved science. Since Chodziutko usually goes to Aqua in the afternoon, Thompson had half a day to change roles.

Overall, the day for fun for all involved.

“I am hoping Mr. Thompson can have (Melissa) cover in the future when he is out of the building for meetings,” Ragaini said.

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By Laura Gonzalez – News Editor

Law’s Science Club discovered just how much it has improved while competing at the 2015 UConn Science Olympiad on March 28.

Science Club members and advisors agreed the club has made unprecedented progress throughout the course of this year. They recently placed 35^th at the MIT Invitational and then jumped to 15^th place out of 40 teams at the UConn Science Olympiad.

The team won first place the “Mission Possible” event thanks to seniors Alessandra Alling and Rasheeda Samih.

“We had two first place medals so we didn’t go home empty. Last year and the year before we were totally blanked, we didn’t win anything,” said Law physics teacher and co-advisor of the club Mr. Stanton.  “And in other events, even those we didn’t place in, we got some fourths, eighths, and elevenths. So you figure there are about 40 teams, anytime you do above 20 or 21, you’re pretty much in the top half. It looked like in almost all the events we moved up a bit, or actually quite a bit. I would hope that next year we could find ourselves moving up to the top 10.”

Law chemistry teacher co-advisor Ms. Turcotte said competing at the MIT Invitational allowed members to gain the confidence, experience, and motivation that allowed them to compete with schools such as Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youths, The Taft School, Amity Regional High School, Richfield High School, Miss Porter’s School Home at the UConn Invitational.

“At the UConn Invitational we were more prepared since students got to learn from their mistakes at MIT and fix them for the Olympiad,” Turcotte said. “Especially for some of the building events, because they were given some feedback and they also got to what other more experienced teams were doing.”

Senior Sravya Jaladanki, the founder and third-year president of the Science Club described leaving the club as a “bittersweet” prospect, since it is a project she has put so much effort into.

“I try to stay on top of things as much as possible, whether it is communicating with Olympiad directors, sorting out trip logistics, or just being there as a source of moral support for my teammates,” Jaladanki said. “[Science Club] has been a huge part of high school for me and I’m really going to miss the team and the competitions. But I’m excited for college, and also can’t wait to see what the future has in store for the club.”

Alling and Samih also said leaving would be sad but they are excited to begin their college careers with all the experiences and knowledge they gained in the club. Of course, they are happy to leave on such a positive note.

“We were called up for having first place at the award ceremony at the end of the day. We were super excited about it,” Samih said.

After the MIT Olympiad, at which senior Kavita Rana placed first in the “Bungee Jump” event, and Alling and Samih took fourth place in “Mission Possible” they redesigned their machine to include two more energy sequences and while they were optimistic, first place seemed out of reach.

“I was cautiously optimistic. I was hoping we would place, but I really didn’t believe we would get first, just because all the teams there are so good. I was ecstatic when they called our team for first place,” Alling said.

As the club bids farewell to nine seniors, they hope that with their recent accomplishments will come more success and new enthusiastic members.

For the remainder of the year the club will be recruiting, planning for next year, and holding elections.

(Photo by Carol Phillips)

By Carol Phillips – News Editor

Law’s Badminton Club has reopened for the spring season.

The club stopped meeting for the winter due to winter practices being held inside both school gyms.

The goal of this spring is to gain more members so the club can finally have tournaments. These tournaments will be held with teams within Law’s club.

“It’s a great sport that brings people together,” Badminton Club president Nick Lawrence said. “We want to get more members, and we will not stop until most of Law has attended at least once.”

The club will meet on Tuesdays after school in the old gym. However, once May starts, the meetings will be on Fridays.

“We want to leave a legacy on this school in a fun, positive way,” senior club member Alberto Principe said.

Everyone in the club is very excited to start up the year again, especially the club advisor, Mr. Kravecs.

“I have immense trust in Nick with this club, and when he asked me (to be the advisor for the club), I said ‘yes’,” Kravecs said.

The Badminton Club’s main goal is to create a relaxing environment where students can escape the stress of school. Anyone who wants to join can, whatever day they want.

“It’s a good way to let off steam and with the rising stress levels, any way we can help is good,” Lawrence said. “It’s a casual-competitive fun, just a little fun with friends.”

By Ian Hugo – Staff Reporter

Jonathan Law junior Jaret Petrie has recently been named as a finalist in a national photography contest.

There were over 17,000 entries in the contest, which was sponsored by Photographer’s Forum Magazine.

“I was ecstatic when I found out that my entry was a finalist considering the number of entries,” Petrie said.

Petrie’s photo will be published in the book Best of College & High School Photography 2015, a compilation of the work of winners, honorable mentions, and finalists published annually after the completion of that year’s contest.

Petrie cites his photography teacher, Mrs. Romanowski, as a driving force behind his photographic success.

“Mrs. Romanowski has helped me become a better photographer by critiquing my pictures in class,” Petrie said.

Romanowski’s critiques and Petrie’s hard work have gone hand in hand towards Petrie’s photographic success.

“Jaret works really hard to improve his photography skills and it shows,” Romanowski said. “I am so proud of him.”

Petrie’s photo, a silhouette of a fisherman wading in the water, is truly impressive and shines, just as the waves do in the reflection of the sun in Petrie’s photo.

“I had to wait for the sun to set so I could capture the silhouette of the fisherman,” Petrie said. “It was taken at Gulf Beach at around 6-7 p.m. when the sun was setting.”

Petrie says that the photo was not staged and that taking it was a process. It took Petrie multiple pictures with different settings to get the perfect shot.

As for the fisherman in the photo, Petrie says he doesn’t know what the man’s name is or who he is.

“I saw him fishing and I had to get the shot,” Petrie said.

This comes as no surprise, as Petrie says his favorite part about photography is taking pictures and capturing moments when he sees them.

As for next year, Petrie plans on entering this contest again but is also looking forward to entering the Spring Contest sponsored by Photographer’s Forum and already has one or two photos he plans on submitting.

Petrie hopes to continue photography throughout his life as a hobby or side job and pursue a minor degree in photography in college. He also plans on attending the New England School of Photography after he attends college and has a career.

In addition to this contest, another one of Petrie’s photos is currently being displayed at the SCC art show in New Haven.

“My advice is to just always have your camera with you because the perfect picture can be anywhere at any time and you should have your camera to capture the moment,” Petrie said.

Petrie cites his artistic influences as RiFF RAFF and Lil B from the Pack.

Petrie’s photo is pictured above. Visit pfmagazine.com for more information on this and upcoming photography contests such as this one.

(Photo courtesy birminghammaple.com)

By Malena Araujo – Staff Reporter

Law’s Gay-Straight Alliance is hosting a Day of Silence on April 22 – the first Wednesday after spring vacation.

The goal of the Day of Silence is to bring awareness to and to memorialize victims of anti-LGBT bullying/harassment, homophobia, and transphobia. Students interested in participating must see GSA advisors Miss Kowalsick in Room 143 or Mr. Evanko in Room 193 for guidelines. A list of the participants will be sent out to the faculty.

“I think it’s very important that we address bullying in our school community especially those that are directed at gender and sexual minorities,” Evanko said.

The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network created the Day of Silence and the official date for it this year is April 17.

This is the first time in many years that Law has decided to partake in the Day of Silence. The day will be recreated on a school day to encourage all students to get involved.

“We feel the GSA should be active in the school,” Evanko said.

Some club members felt it was important to participate because they have seen an increase of reported harassment and suicide in the LGBT community and wanted to bring recognition to it.

“Though it’s been a serious problem for years, this year there seemed to be an increase of news coverage around violence and suicides involving LGBT people, especially transsexual people,” junior club member Casey McDonald said. “It just seemed like something that we needed to bring awareness to, since it’s so prevalent.”

Although there has been some coverage, some members feel that people don’t understand the severity of homophobia and transphobia because there is lack of representation in the media.

“People typically don’t hear about these sort of things,” senior club member Victoria Millican said. “I want people to know that there are people out there dealing with a lack of tolerance, who don’t feel safe in their own home just because they want to change their gender.”

Also, the Day of Silence represents the silencing of the LGBT community in today’s society.

“People seem to forget that we don’t have complete equality yet,” sophomore club member Simone Fletcher said. “We are still discriminated against and there are a lot of social restrictions placed upon us.”

Participants feel that the campaign will brings awareness and they hope to make the Day of Silence an annual event at Law.

(Photo courtesy Leslie Terres)

By Leslie Terres – Staff Reporter

Law was well-represented at this year’s Leprechaun Leap which took place on Monday, March 23.

“Leapers” of all ages collected donations from family members, co-workers, and friends and jumped into the ice cold ocean water for charity.

“The water was freezing but I had a lot of fun,” junior Gege Romero said.

All proceeds collected by “leapers” benefit The Literacy Center of Milford. Donations of any amount could be submitted. Many participants raised at least $30 and received a complimentary T-shirt.

“We had great participation from Law as usual,” Key Club advisor Mr. Boynton said. “The water was cold but refreshing.”

There were a variety of different awards participants were eligible to win, including Best Costume, Most Enthusiastic, Best Group Theme, Largest Group of Leapers, Most Individual Pledges, Highest Group Pledges, First One In the Water, First One Out of the Water, Bravest Junior Leaper, Favorite Literacy Leaper, Best Leprechaun Costume, Best Tailgate Party, and Best Civic Organization.

“The water was so cold, but it was funny seeing everyone’s reactions,” junior Niamh Nelson said. “I really had fun at the event.”

Participants raced into the water, but because of the almost freezing water temperatures, many quickly ran right out.

“I really enjoyed the event, especially because a lot of my friends participated,” junior Joe Coury said. “Out of all the years I’ve participated in the event, this year the water was definitely the coldest.”

Many leapers dressed up in costumes to show their enthusiasm for the event. From normal bathing suits to duck and leprechaun costumes, everyone at the event really went all out.

“I had a lot of fun,” sophomore Nia Cordero said. “It was a good experience because I’ve never done it before. I plan on doing it again next year.”

The after-party was held at the Bridge House restaurant. All participants were welcomed to come socialize and eat following the leap.

(Photo courtesy Ms. Turcotte)

By Michaela Pounds – Entertainment Editor

Law’s National Honor Society inducts new members each year who display the qualities of scholarship, character, service, and leadership.

NHS recently held their annual induction ceremony. The new inductees included juniors Michael Capobianco, Gianna Laezzo, David Patrick, David Carelli, Nicole Macchio, Kavita Rana, Maxwell Caserta,       Vishal Manglani, Amita Sastry, Laura Gonzalez, Leo Merturi, Kelly Scianna, Jenelle Grant, Ireoluwa Opayemi, Emma Shea, Veolette Hanna, and Alyssa Paladino. The senior inductees were Jeremy Doucette, Mathilda Hill, and Annie Khamhoung.

“I’ve been looking forward to being in NHS since I was a freshman, and now that I’m finally inducted, it was everything I expected it to be,” Sastry said. “We all work well together and love what we do, so it’s always fun going to meetings. I loved getting involved with the Brain Bowl and can’t wait to get started with all of the other events they do.”

The NHS advisor is Law chemistry teacher Ms. Turcotte. She has been the advisor for the past five years. Sofya Calvin is the National Honor Society president, Ming-Yeah Hu is vice president, Sravya Jaladanki is treasurer, and Raeven Grant is secretary.

“We have a great group of kids taking over for next year and it’s always exciting to see what type of ideas they will come up with for the club,” Turcotte said.

The induction ceremony began with all existing NHS members entering with candles. The new inductees then walked in and Calvin and Hu gave speeches about the four characteristics that each new member needs to be in the club.

Law principal Mr. Thompson also gave a speech about the new inductees. Each new inductee received a stole and a pin and then got to sign their name into the National Honor Society book. They then shook hands with Turcotte.

In order to qualify for National Honor Society, the grade point average needed is a 3.6, but the grade point average differs and adjusts each year. The student needs to be involved in clubs and have leadership positions and needs to receive recommendations from their teachers to show that they are qualified for the club. Volunteer hours are also required.

“National Honor Society is a great group to belong to because we give back to our community through volunteering,” senior Kelsey Kopazna said. “I’m excited to see what the new inductees offer the club.”

(Photo by Carol Phillips)

By Carol Phillips – News Editor

The Jonathan Law Key Club hosted its annual blood drive on Wednesday, March 25.

Over 40 people donated this year despite the fact that there was a field trip held the same day.

“The turnout wasn’t quite as large due to the college fair that occurred (that day), but we appreciate everyone that came out to donate,” Key Club advisor Mr. Boynton said.  “Overall it was still a huge success.”

The Red Cross is an international organization whose main goal is to connect to people and help those who need it most.

The American Red Cross is the largest blood collecting organization in the country. This organization provides for more than 40 percent of blood and blood productions used in the nation.

“I donated because I know with it, I could be saving a life,” senior Nelson Vazquez said.

The blood drive occurred all day in the old gym, where throughout the day 17 Key Club members helped run the event and make sure it went smoothly.

“The Key Clubbers arrived around 6:15 to greet and set up for the Red Cross. They set up and broke down the drive,” Boynton said.  “The support for the blood mobile was overwhelming.”

The nurses were very happy with the enthusiasm of the people who donated and with the number of people who donated.

With one pint of blood, up to three lives can be saved.  The blood is used for transfusions, accident victims, cancer patients, and many more situations. Since blood is always in demand, it is important to consider donating.

“I donated because I had the ability to. I was able to help someone, so I did,” senior Sean Berg said.

Jeremy Doucette, Sofya Calvin, Milford Mayor Ben Blake, and Ming-Yeah Hu. (Photo courtesy Ming-Yeah Hu)

By Emily Carroll – Staff Reporter

Law Principal Mr. Thompson presented this year’s Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents Awards to seniors Ming-Yeah Hu, Sofya Calvin, and Jeremy Doucette in a ceremony at Law on March 12.

“Each (of these students) has incredible leadership credentials,” Thompson said.

The ceremony was hosted by Milford Superintendent of Schools Dr. Feser and honored students from all of Milford 14 schools. At the high school level, the CAPSS Award honors members of the Top 10 of the senior class for their academic, leadership, and service accomplishments.

Hu, Calvin, and Doucette are a part of the National Honor Society at Law, are involved in sports, and have over 200 hours of community service which allows them to graduate with distinction.

All three agreed that time management and late nights are what helped them to earn the CAPSS Award.

“I’ve managed to survive by tracking my assignment pad to keep track of homework,” Doucette said. “My mom helps me out with remembering things, too.”

None of the three Law honorees knew such an award existed until they were notified that they were selected to receive it themselves.

“I get involved because I genuinely want to, as opposed to just getting awards, recognitions, and everything else that goes with it,” Calvin said.

Law science teacher Mr. Koorejian, who teaches all three students, said he “doesn’t know when they all sleep.”

Making sacrifices to spend more time with family and to hang out with friends is a big part of how all three they keep their mental sanity.

The recognition of their hard work by the superintendent and the teachers at Law has shown these three students that they have the potential to achieve the goals they have set for themselves.

“This award made me feel recognized for my hard work and made me realize that people actually acknowledge my accomplishments,” Hu said.

Doucette said that the honor was a nice reward for working hard in and out of school. He also offered some insight into his mindset about school.

“If you set your mind to something, you are no longer limited to what you think you can’t do, but rather you can tackle and accomplish anything,” Doucette said.

(Photo courtesy snoc.net)

By Valeria Araujo – Staff Reporter

Law’s students and staff are campaigning to stop the use of the R-word in school.

During all lunch waves on March 30, students and staff members will be encouraging people to sign a poster to show support for the “Spread The Word To End The Word” campaign. They will also be giving out free bracelets to those who sign the poster.

Law’s Unified Sports Team also recently sold T-shirts for the campaign.

Mrs. Daniels, a special education teacher at Law, started the campaign three years ago when she heard about it at a Unified Sports tournament.

“One of our previous students – her mother, was very involved in the R-word campaign in other areas of Connecticut,” Daniels said. “She kind of put the bug in my ear and that’s what made me decide to start one.”

The campaign has grown every year with continued support from the students and staff at Law.

Mr. Winebrenner, a special education teacher at Law, also believes the word should be abolished and joined the campaign to help.

“I hope the campaign makes everyone realize how hurtful the R-word can be and that the R-word has an effect on people,” Winebrenner said.

Winebrenner said the R-word has no place in society and that it hurts not only the people who are called the R-word but the people who care about them as well.

“I’ve been working, in my classroom, for the last 10 years and my students are part of my family,” Winebrenner said. “I love them and any word that can hurt them would obviously hurt me. I would never want anything to be said to them that would hurt them, they are my children – you don’t say mean things to your kids.”

The campaign is also being heavily run this year by Law students.

Senior Emily Fetter said that stopping the use of the R-word is a “good example for the younger classmates.”

The students involved are all very passionate about the R-word campaign as well.

Senior Kristin Connolly said she “encourages students to not use the R-word and to support their cause.”

Junior Richard Anderson said, “(Someone being called the R-word makes me) sick.”

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By Laura Gonzalez – News Editor

Law history teacher Mr. Zuraw and senior Josh Weizel were recently recognized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars for their dedication to politics and democracy.

Zuraw received the VFW Teacher of the Year Award for his nine years of service to Law teaching Government and Politics, Survey 20^th Century America, Crime and Violence, and others. Weizel received his award for his Voice of Democracy essay.

The Teacher of the Year Award nominees were teachers who promoted civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism. Zuraw fulfilled these requirements daily during class by using different activities to get students interested in American history and politics. He and history teacher Ms. Burns also organized a day for veterans to visit and speak to Law’s students about their wartime experiences.

“That’s the best part about [teaching], it’s the challenge of teaching teenagers because the last thing they want to do is sit in a class for a 181 days and learn about government,” Zuraw said. “I think that is my favorite part about it, getting them to care about something that they don’t really care about.”

Zuraw has stepped up to that challenge and has provided students with the necessary support and motivation to do well in class and on exams even with the intense schedule of Advanced Placement classes.

“I noticed throughout the year how thoroughly Mr. Zuraw reviewed content, regardless of how little time we had, and always made sure we understood it,” former AP Government and Politics student Alyssa Paladino said. “I think that’s why the class wasn’t so hard for me. Also, no matter how boring the topic we were learning was, Mr. Zuraw always found a way to make us laugh.”

Weizel fulfilled his requirements by writing a powerful essay on the importance of veterans to the nation’s history and to its future.

“The topic for this year’s Voice of Democracy contest was the importance of our veterans, and that got me thinking about just how significant a role they have played in our survival as a free and thriving nation,” Weizel said. “I have come to realize that not every individual in the world enjoys the liberties that we have in the United States and so I have a strong passion for the sacrifices of veterans who made helped preserve our freedoms.”

While both Zuraw and Weizel were pleasantly surprised to find out about their awards, Zuraw experienced a slightly greater surprise since he was unaware that he had been nominated for the award.

“With so many things going on in school the last thing on my mind is winning awards, but of course I was excited and honored,” Zuraw said. “Teachers don’t get recognized that much so it was a nice moment.”

Although Weizel received the news with less surprise, he received it with just as much enthusiasm, and excitement to be able share his passion with VFW members, the Patriot’s Pen contest winners, and the middle and high school Teacher of the Year Award recipients at the awards luncheon.

“When I found out I won the contest I had a great moment of realization where I decided I can go as far in life as I want,” Weizel said. “There was a small group of people at the ceremony, but I felt very optimistic giving my first public speech as I have always had a strong interest in history and politics and have always stood up for what I’ve believed was right. “

Zuraw said he will continue to entertain students while teaching them about government. Weizel said he plans to continue publicly advocating for different issues he believes in and will soon be joining the Students for Liberty organization.

(Photo by Taylor Loughlin)

By Taylor Loughlin – Entertainment Editor

A few months ago, Law opened its doors to a new school counselor, Mrs. Dunnuck.

Dunnuck is the new director of the school counseling department. She replaced Mrs. Reeves, who retired in December.

Before working at Law, Dunnuck worked at Derby High School and Trumbull High School. At these schools, she worked as a counselor as well, helping students and getting them ready for college. Dunnuck has been a counselor for nine years and is prepared to take on her new director position.

“Everything that the counseling department entails, which is a lot, I am in charge of,” Dunnuck said. “First and foremost, I advocate for my students.”

Prior to coming to Law, and even before she became a school counselor, Dunnuck worked at the Kennedy Center in Trumbull and ran their Opportunities Unlimited program. Opportunities Unlimited specializes in supporting kids from the ages of 3-21 with socialization and education programs run by volunteers usually recruited from local high schools and universities.

When asked what she does in her spare time, Dunnuck replied with a laugh.

“I have three small children that are under the age of three,” Dunnuck said. “They are what I do in my spare time. I’m a full time mom.”

(Photo courtesy Morgan Hennessey)

By Morgan Hennessey – Columns Editor

This year, Jonathan Law High School has started its own chapter of the National Art Honor Society, and thus far, it has been a major success.

With Miss Main, one of Law’s visual art teachers, as the chapter’s sponsor, and senior Mathilda Hill as President, the society has many plans for the near future.

“The National Art Honor Society recognizes students with outstanding artistic ability,” Main said. “We specifically focus on the discipline of visual art.”

The chapter currently has 12 members composed of 11 seniors and one junior. They hope to reach higher participation in years to come.

All 12 members were inducted February 24 during an intimate ceremony involving families and friends in Law’s media center.

“The Art Honor Society is a really great opportunity for the students in this school who want to pursue art as a career or are just interesting in beautifying the community,” senior Katie Frawley said.

Frawley is also the Chair of Awards and Ceremonies, and spoke at the induction.

Their initial project was setting up a display of the members’ personal artworks in the school’s lobby. There are currently paintings, drawings, and sculptures on display.

“One of my favorite things we have done so far is putting up our display case,” Hill said. “I love seeing me and my friends’ artwork up for the entire school to see.”

The members are currently working on projects to enter in the Unified Arts Council Student Show and other art shows in the area

With artistic intentions, the National Art Honor Society involves themselves in community service projects schoolwide and citywide to promote art everywhere.

They will be helping out in all ways they can during the “Peace, Love and Music From Maren” celebration, which will take place on April 25.

“The members are all really looking forward to it,” Main said.

Although they are only in their first few months, the members have put their heart and soul into their society with the overall hope in promoting art around Law and around Milford.

“I am so overly impressed with the hard work and dedication of our art students,” said Main. “And I am so proud to be the faculty advisor of the Jonathan Law High School chapter of the National Art Honor Society.”

Key Club president Max Slusky greets a Kiwanis Club member. (Photo courtesy Max Slusky)

By Carol Phillips – News Editor

The Jonathan Law Key Club is heading into the spring with a busy schedule.

The club recently finished several successful events and fundraisers and members are now looking forward to the upcoming events that lead up to convention.

One of the biggest fundraisers Key Club was a part of this year was the Salvation Army. The club raised funds from after Thanksgiving up to Christmas.

“Salvation Army was a great experience for the fact that I helped raise money for people who need it and it was fun to do,” senior Key Club member Brittany Bajerski said.

Recently, the club has been involved in the Unified Sports Tournament that was hosted at Law, a fundraiser selling cookie dough for the Kiwanis Club, and an induction banquet for new members of the club.

The club also ushered for the last school play called “Steel Magnolias,” collected jeans for the “Teens for Jeans” fundraiser, and raised money for leukemia.

“We have had a great year and I’m proud to be a part of Key Club,” senior Key Club president Max Slusky said .

The club is looking forward to volunteering at the “Minds in Motion” event at Law on March 7. This event is a fun, activity-filled event where children from kindergarten to eighth grade can learn about a variety of different topics, including science and the preforming arts.

“I did it (Minds in Motion) last year and had a lot of fun doing it and loved seeing the classes that were being offered to the kids,” sophomore Key Club member Tyler Chavez said. “The teachers I talked to were really cool and they had things being taught in so many different fields and subjects.”

The Key Club will also be walking with the Kiwanis club in the Milford St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 14.

One of the bigger events later this month is the Leprechaun Leap. Club members will raise funds for The Literacy Center and jump into Walnut Beach on March 21. The Key Club annually has both members and its advisor, Mr. Boynton, jump into the water along with other members of the community.

In April, the New England and Bermuda District Convention will be held. This event is from April 10-13, and is in Springfield, Massachusetts. The convention is where all Key Clubs in the district go and have meetings, share ideas on fundraising techniques, and meet new people who have the same interest in volunteering.

The second night of the convention is Awards Night, and for the past few years, the Law Key Club has represented well. The goal for this year is to do as well as in years past and to learn some new skills to help enhance the home club.

“I love going to convention because it’s such a great way to meet other Key Clubbers from all over New England and Bermuda,” senior Key Club secretary Haley Palmer said. “It’s fun to talk to people who have such a strong passion for volunteering like our club does.”

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By Laura Gonzalez – News Editor

The Unified Sports team’s ninth year at Law has been full of exciting news for its coaches and members.

Head coach and co-founder Mrs. Daniels was named Coach of the Year by the Connecticut High School Coaches Association and the team itself received the Spirit of Life Award from the Special Olympics.

“I didn’t even know [the award] existed so I was very surprised to receive the letter, but I’m excited,” Daniels said.

The Unified Sports team brings together many groups within the school – special education students, regular education peer partners, teachers, and coaches.

“We all work as a cohesive unit and it all works out really well, everyone watches each other’s back … and of course the peer-partners are there to help with training, keeping students on track, and modeling,” Daniels said.

The team members are active all year practicing every Monday and Thursday and competing for their five sports: soccer, basketball, bowling, volleyball, and track. Daniels said they receive amazing support from other athletes during practice and from students and faculty at tournaments.

The Unified Sports team is currently in its basketball and bowling seasons. The team held a five-school basketball tournament on February 19 that featured a large crowd, the Law cheerleaders, and plenty of fun for all involved.

For this year’s athletes, the team is about more than just sports. It is also about having fun, spending time with other people, and getting that extra motivation.

“I like seeing my friends play every day, and I like when people come to cheer me on,” Unified Sports team athlete Jennifer Gill said. “It’s really fun.”

Unified Sports athlete Luigi DeCastro said that “everything and everyone” on the team holds a special place in each athlete’s heart.

“The people involved are my friends, and we have a lot of fun together. It feels good to help out,” said junior Michael Capobianco, a peer-partner for Law’s Unified Sports. “My uncle has Down Syndrome, so this is part of my family. What Unified Sports means to me is not something I can really put into words.”

Law paraprofessional Mr. Hayden said that this “cohesive unit” is extremely proud and grateful to Daniels for all her hard work.

“She’s a nice woman,” Hayden said. “She runs the program really well. My brother loved being a part of Unified Sports and my [one-on-one] student does too, so I really appreciate what she does and how hard she works to set up tournaments and get a good amount of teams to come.”

The Unified Sports team is looking forward to supporting Daniels at the awards banquet this March.

“It’s a well-deserved award, and I’m very proud of her. We are so excited to be there cheering her on when she received her award,” said Law paraprofessional Mrs. Aranda, a seventh-year Unified Sports coach.

(Photo courtesy specialolympicspa.org)

By Leslie Terres – Staff Reporter

Law’s Unified Art Club has been a rousing success at Jonathan Law so far.

The club, which started in 2009, is open to special education students and regular education peers. Law is one of 12 schools to pilot the program in Connecticut.

Unified Art holds its meetings every other Tuesday.

“The students’ favorite part of each meeting is probably painting,” Unified Art coordinator Mrs. Daniels said. ”And snack time, of course.”

Students create pieces of artwork using different materials at each meeting.

“It’s always nice when they complete their artwork and we’re able to display it throughout the school,” Daniels said.

The club is hoping to create a calendar by the end of this year. Calendars would be filled with artwork and will be sold to anyone in the school that would like to purchase one.

Students who volunteer to help the special education students with their artwork find it to be a very rewarding experience

“It’s fun helping other students out;” senior Emily Fetter said. “The club is awesome.”

This year, Unified Art will be participating in the Play Unified Project. Special Olympics launched the campaign to encourage young people to make a difference and to help create more unified communities.

“The event should be a great experience for them,” Daniels said.

For the Play Unified Project, Law’s Unified Art students will be creating a big red ball with the Special Olympics logo on it that will be displayed at the Special Olympics at Southern Connecticut State University this year.

The project will be funded through a grant that Daniels received from the Milford Education Foundation.

Anyone who is interesting in joining Unified Art is welcome.

“It’s a great way to connect with the kids and have a fun time,” junior Tyler Papallo said.