By Kayla Markowitz – Editor-in-Chief 

The Jonathan Law National Honor Society Halloween Costume Contest will be held on October 31. Advocate Editor-in-Chief interviewed NHS president Kris Shastry about the contest.

Kayla Markowitz: How much does it cost to enter and where does the money go?

Kris Shastry: It costs $2 per person to enter the contest and the money goes towards brain cancer research for children, so more donations are greatly appreciated.

KM: What are the categories?

KS: Best Single, Best Duo, Best Group, Funniest, and Best Department costumes.

KM: What is the goal of the costume contest?

KS: The goal of the costume contest is of course to raise money for the brain cancer research, but we also want to use it as a chance to liven up school spirit and an opportunity to have fun with our peers and staff.

KM: Why should people participate in the contest?

KS: To contribute to a wonderful cause while also just bringing back more fun to Halloween

KM: What is your favorite part about the contest?

KS: My favorite part of the contest is how me and the officers are going to have the best costumes because we love winning. In all seriousness, my favorite part is the chance to raise money for a great cause while having a good time during the school day.

By Matthew Sanchez – Staff Reporter

Senior Matthew Berendt has competed in outdoor track, indoor track, and cross country during his four years at Jonathan Law. His main events are the 800M and the mile. Advocate Staff Reporter Matthew Sanchez interviewed Berendt about his track career.

Matthew Sanchez: What is your favorite event for track and why?

Matthew Berendt: My favorite track event is the mile because I feel like it is the perfect combination of speed and distance, and the challenges that come with balancing both.

MS: What are your plans after high school academically?

MB: After high school, I will be attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute in the fall where I will be majoring in Computer Science.

MS: What are your plans after high school for track?

MB: I plan on continuing my participation in running by participating in road races and joining WPI’s running club.

MS: What made you do track and field for high school?

MB: I decided to join track in my freshman year after participating in cross country in the fall. The cross country community is very welcoming and supportive, which led me to continue running in high school.

MS: Do you have any words of inspiration for future runners? 

MB: Some words of inspiration I have is to not compare yourself to others. Everyone progresses at their own pace, and you should focus on your own personal achievements first.

By Vaughn Kraynak – Staff Reporter

Sophomore Pierce Marini is a varsity starter for the Law boys tennis team. Advocate Staff Reporter Vaughn Kraynak interviewed Marini about his 2025 season. 

Kraynak: How did your season go?

Marini: Our season went well. I think the team and I all improved a lot. Nobody expected us to make SCCs after losing so many seniors but we played better than last year. 

VK: How do you think you improved this season?

PM: I think I improved my in-game decision making a lot during the season. It helped me play way better than I had previously been. 

VK: What was your favorite memory this season?

PM: My favorite memory from this season was when we beat Notre Dame-West Haven at our home courts. It showed how much our team had improved and proved that we could hang with the best. 

VK: What are you looking forward to for SCCs and States?

PM: I’m excited for the opportunity to play the best competition in the state now. I’m hoping the team can make a run and go deep as one of the lower seeds.

VK: What are you looking forward to in the future?

PM: I’m looking forward to seeing my teammates and the incoming freshmen next year to continue developing and making the team stronger every year. 

By Connor Ryan – Staff Reporter

Julia Ryan is currently completing her Senior Internship. Advocate Staff Reporter Connor Ryan interviewed Ryan about her internship.

CR: Where are you interning?

JR: I am interning at the Surgical Center of Fairfield County. It is an outpatient center where patients go for specific procedures and surgeries.

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

JR: My day to day responsibilities mostly consist of shadowing the nurses and doctors and seeing what their schedule looks like. I spend time in pre op, post op (PACU), radiology, procedure rooms, sterilization and the operating room.

CR: How has your internship experience been so far?

JR: My internship experience has been very enjoyable and eye-opening as I get to do it with my friends Ellie, Alex, Eshanika, and another student from Amity.

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

JR: I am getting really good experience for my future career in nursing. As I learn more and more everyday I get a sense of what my life would be like after nursing school if I decide to work at an outpatient center as a PACU or OR nurse.

CR: What has been the best part of your internship so far?

JR: The best part of my internship has to be observing/scrubbing in on all of the surgeries. I have seen a wide variety of cases ranging from orthopedics, (example – a torn rotator cuff repair) to plastics, (example – breast implant removal).

By Brady O’Neil – Staff Reporter

Mr. McPartland was recently promoted to Head Coach of the Jonathan Law boys basketball team. Advocate Staff Reporter Brady O’Neil interviewed McPartland about the 2025-2026 season.

BO: How does it feel to be named Head Coach of the Jonathan Law basketball team?

CM: It’s an incredible honor that I most definitely am not taking lightly. Coach Anderson has certainly left some big shoes to fill, but I am so thankful for everything I have learned under his tutelage. It is in large part because of having worked with him that I feel prepared to take on this new role. 

BO: What are your main goals for the program in your first year as Head Coach?

CM: Everyone’s goal is to be the “last team standing” at Mohegan Sun in March. However, we know for that to happen, we need to break that long-term goal down into bits and pieces. Ultimately, our goal is to focus on getting better every single day – to focus on the process, not the product. The more we focus on the end goal, the more we lose sight of what it’s all about. 

BO: What are you most excited about for this upcoming season?

CM: I am most excited about continuing to improve and strengthen the already strong relationships I have with the coaches and players. I believe this happens best by overcoming difficult citations and challenges together. As such,I look forward to the daily grind and to getting after it with the team. 

BO: Can you describe your coaching style or philosophy?

CM: On the court, I am a big believer in playing a fast-paced style of hoops – we are going to look to make things happen both offensively and defensively as opposed to waiting and seeing if they happen. We will continue to build upon the culture of accountability, discipline, hard work, and that “UBUNTU”, “I am because we are” mentality that Coach Anderson has established. I am looking forward to helping our student-athletes develop both on the court as players and off the court as humans, compete at a high level, and represent Law with pride 

BO: What impact do you hope to have on your players beyond basketball?

I hope that our players learn something from the game of basketball that will ultimately change their lives for the better. Whether that’s the importance of punctuality, doing the little things every single day, or the importance of having discipline in their lives, there are lessons we can all learn from having played sports that can be incredibly impactful. Most importantly, I hope our players know that I will always be there for them and that so much of life is about the relationships we have with others. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

By Madi Black – Social Media Editor

Sophomore Courtney Russo is the #2 singles player on the Jonathan Law girls tennis team. Advocate Social Media Editor Madi black asked Russo about the girls tennis season.

Madi Black: How has the season gone for you so far? 

Courtney Russo: This season has gone pretty well so far. I’m 1-1 for singles as of right now and I recently beat a player that I played last year and lost to. The team has a lot of chemistry this year and we all treat each other with respect and we obviously have a lot of fun together

MB: What are some of your goals for this season?  

CR: My goals for this season are to work on my second serve percentage and having a more powerful and accurate second serve. I also want to work on reading my player earlier in the game and understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and where they are going to hit.

MB: What has tennis taught you so far? 

CR: Throughout my time playing tennis I’ve learned a lot of good lessons on and off the court. I learned what it’s like to have a very supportive and hopeful coach. On the court I’ve learned how to place my balls better and how to set myself up for a good serve. I also learned what it’s like to really enjoy doing something. It taught me how to become and stay motivated and how to treat my opponents with utmost respect.

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

CR: When I first started playing, I was indoors and it was a very fun experience. I started with summer camps and I made some of my closest friends within those times. When I started doing clinics I didn’t have much confidence. I didn’t feel myself getting any better so that really set me back when playing. When I came to law tennis, the team was really supportive and made me feel amazing. When I started varsity my first match it was really a confidence booster and helped me grow as a player

MB: What are some of the goals you and your team have this year? 

CR: Every year, our team meets together and we all write down our goals. One that we all write down is that we want to make States. Last year, we made it to the second round of States which really brought us close as a team. We fought through really hard matches to make it there. This year, we are aiming to also make States.

By Molly Lynch – News Editor

The Law girls track team recently began its spring season. News Editor Molly Lynch interviewed Junior Captain Avery Moulton about her thoughts on the season. 

Molly Lynch: What are you most excited about for this season?

Avery Moulton: This season I’m most excited for the meets and to pr in my events. I’m also excited to make new connections with new faces on the team.

ML: What does being a caption mean to you?

AM: Being captain means having a leadership role. As captain, it means a lot to me to be seen as a leader and someone people can look up to. I enjoy people coming to ask me questions when they are confused or when they come to me for advice.

ML: What is your biggest goal for this season?

AM: My biggest goal for the season is to break 2:30 for my 800M. I am currently at 2:31 and would like to hit 2:28.

ML: How will you accomplish this goal?

AM: I will accomplish this goal by completing workouts to help with it. I will work hard at practice and during meets, pace myself and also push myself.

ML: How do you think the team has improved since last year?

AM: The team is  quicker than last year. We have all put in the work and pushed ourselves to get better which has led to immense improvement in many.

By Courtney Russo – News Editor

Junior Emily Roos is one of the captains of the Law softball team. Advocate News Editor Courtney Russo interviewed Roos about the start of the season.

Courtney Russo: How has the season gone so far?

Emily Roos: This season has started off strong for us as a team. We opened with two big wins against Lauralton and North Haven, and our team dynamic and energy had helped us get there.

CR: What are your goals this season?

ER: My goals this season are to improve my skills in the outfield as well as the plate but most importantly to continue to build to connection between the team which can hopefully lead us back to a State Championship.

CR: As a captain, how have you helped the underclassmen?

ER: As a captain, I along with Haley (Stroffolino), Charlotte (Doyle), and Mady (Bull) have worked with the underclassmen all winter to prepare for our season. We taught them the expectations and customs of the Law softball team and have made the team feel welcomed and supported through the team this season.

CR: Who are your biggest competitors this season? 

ER: Our biggest competitors have always remained the same – Foran, North Haven, and Cheshire.

CR: What are the team’s biggest strengths?

ER: Our biggest strength this year is our team dynamic. We all work well together on and off the field and know that if we miss a ball or strike out, someone is always there to pick us up and keep going.

By Haley Stroffolino – Social Media Editor-In-Chief 

Senior Chloe Konareski is a captain of the Jonathan Law girls lacrosse team. Konareski will continue her lacrosse career next yea at UConn. Advocate Social Media Editor-In-Chief Haley Stroffolino interviewed Konareski about the lacrosse season.

Haley Stroffolino: What are your goals for this season?

Chloe Konareski: My team goals for the season are to keep building on team culture and continue to keep the atmosphere positive while hoping to make it to the postseason and improve our record from last year. My personal goals are to make all SCC and All-State.

HS: How do you build team chemistry on and off the field?

CK: We build team chemistry by holding pasta parties and getting food after games or practices. Simple things like driving the younger girls to or from practice when they need a ride definitely helps in making connections and becoming closer with the girls.

HS: What motivates you the most when playing lacrosse?

CK: What motivates me the most is always thinking about the future and the next steps, wanting to make an impact right when I get to college.

HS: How do you balance school, sports, and everything else? 

CK: I balance school sports and my life outside of everything by planning out my week on Sundays, writing down my goals and everything I need to do prior.

HS: What are the team’s strengths and weaknesses? 

CK: Our team’s strengths are getting together on the field quickly and trusting each other. Our weakness is the lack of girls that play outside of just the high school season which I believe is important but we work through it and look to improve every day.

By Aislyn McKernan – Social Media Editor 

Jonathan Law math teacher and National Math Honor Society (NMHS) Advisor Mr. Ruzbarsky is helping the club its annual April Math Month. Advocate Social Media Editor Aislyn McKernan interviewed Ruzbarsky about the month’s activities. 

Aislyn McKernan: What is April Math Month? 

Mr. Ruzbarsky: April Math Month is hosted by the NMHS. April Math Month, officially called Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month, is an annual event in April that promotes public understanding and appreciation of mathematics and statistics. It aims to highlight the importance of both fields in various aspects of life, from daily tasks to STEM careers and beyond. It is also Financial Awareness Month.

AM: What does the NMHS hope to achieve this month?

MR: This month is all about awareness of mathematics and statistics. Our goal is to present a financial fact of the day (to help raise awareness of mathematics in other fields) and a problem of the day for our community to jointly talk about and spread the joy of math.

AM: What is your favorite activity this month?

MR: My favorite activity this month is the facts. It is always good to get to know personal finance a little better by little facts that might help you make better choices later on in life.

AM: Why did you decide to host April Math Month?

MR: This is something NMHS does every year.  Each chapter does it their own way, and this was the way we chose to do it this year.

AM: Will the activities continue beyond April? 

MR: This is only for April since it’s part of our honor society commitments as a chapter.

By Ava Grippo – Entertainment Editor

The Jonathan Law Kew Club annually attends DECON, a conference held this year in Portland, Maine. Advocate Entertainment Editor Ava Grippo interviewed Key Club Vice President Kayla Markowitz about the trip. 

Ava Grippo: What is DECON?

Kayla Markowitz: DECON is a educational convention for the Key Clubs all around New England to come together and do service and leadership workshops. We also get to participate in some contests and receive some awards for our hard work throughout the year. 

AG: What did you do during DECON? 

KM: During DECON we participated in a lot of workshops that helped us gain some leadership knowledge. Throughout the weekend we also got to make blankets for a service project for those in need. 

AG: What was one highlight that stood out from DECON?

KM: A highlight was seeing so many officers receive awards for everything they’ve been doing this year was super rewarding and inspiring. I was super happy to receive Outstanding Vice President because it made me feel like my efforts paid off and I love seeing that the work I’m putting in can make a difference in a community. 

AG: Overall, how did DECON go? 

KM: DECON went great. We did have some losses but we had more great wins and I think we have a lot of potential to win more contests and awards next year. 

AG: What are you most looking forward to for next year’s DECON? 

KM: I’m definitely looking forward to getting more awards next year to celebrate our new officers and officers who have been doing so much for Key Club these past couple years. I’m also excited to see some of the friends I’ve made in prior years and make more friends.

By Will Smith – Entertainment Editor

Harry Fisher is a senior on the Jonathan Law varsity golf team. Entertainment Editor Will Smith interviewed Fisher about the golf season.

Will Smith: What are you excited for the most this season?

Harry Fisher: I’m excited to play some golf with my teammates. I’m also excited to play in some matches and have a great season.

WS: What are your goals for this season?

HF: My goals are  to work hard and to get better every day. I also want to shoot my personal best score. My goals for the team is to win as many matches we want to win the mayors cup against Foran and qualify for the state tournament

WS: How have you prepared for the golf season this year?

HF: I spent a lot of time in the offseason working on my swing and my short game. To get better at golf you have to play it a lot. That’s what I try to do is to play golf a lot. Everyday I try to do something to help improve my game.

WS: What is your favorite part about playing golf?

HF: My favorite part about playing golf is I get to play with my teammates. All of us have good relationships not just on the course but off it as well. So I always love going out there and playing golf with my teammates and we all have a lot of fun and I think that is what has helped us become a stronger team.

WS: Are there any challenges that you are anticipating this season?

HF: I would say some challenges are we’re going to play some difficult courses. We’re also going to be playing against some great golf teams with some really good players that are in our division. Also, some matches we play in, the weather will be a factor. It will be windy and it might rain which can make things difficult.

By Kayla Markowitz – Editor-in-Chief 

The Jonathan Law National Honor Society is preparing for the annual Brain Bowl on Friday, April 11. Advocate Editor-in-Chief Kayla Markowitz interviewed NHS President Madelyn Baranowsky about the event.

Kayla Markowitz: What is Brain Bowl?

Madelyn Baranowsky: Brain Bowl is a fun trivia-style competition between the grades and faculty at Law.  All of the money raised and donated leading up to the competition is given to Avery’s Little Army, an organization that supports pediatric brain cancer research.

KM: Why should students participate and donate to Brain Bowl?

MB: Not only should students be involved because it supports a great cause, but also because it is fun.  

KM: What is the purpose of Brain Bowl?

MB: The purpose of Brain Bowl is to raise money to donate to pediatric brain cancer research.

KM: How did NHS prepare for the Brain Bowl?

MB: Lots of time and effort go into preparing for the Brain Bowl. We need to design flyers, T-shirts, make a promotional video, and make a preliminary test to see who makes the teams. Then there is the setup on the actual day and making the questions we will be using for each round. Everything said and done, it’s super rewarding when we see how much we are able to donate.

KM: What is your favorite part about having The Brain Bowl annually?

MB: My favorite part is that every year we get to bring together students and staff to do something important and meaningful, while also getting to have fun.

By Ella Franzman – Editor-in-Chief & Editorial Editor

The Junior Cotillion will be held on April 11 from 6:30-10:30 p.m. at The Patterson Club in Fairfield. Advocate Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Editor Ella Franzman interviewed Class of 2026 President Layla Alogna about the dance. 

Ella Franzman: How many students do you think/hope will go to Cotillion?

Layla Alogna: I’m hoping that most if not all of the grade shows up. It’s a really fun event to hang out with friends so I hope we get a big crowd. Everyone’s really excited for it.

EF: How has the planning process been for the dance and what role did the Junior Class Council play in organizing it?

LA: The planning has been pretty smooth. Our advisors booked us a beautiful venue. The council and I got the choice of decorations and food. Then we were also in charge of advertising tickets.

EF: What can students expect from this year’s junior Cotillion?

LA: This year students can expect delicious food, enjoy a beautiful venue, and just an overall great experience with all their friends.

EF: How do you think this year’s Cotillion will stand out compared to past years?

LA: I think this year will stand out from past Cotillions because of the amount of people who will show up and this is our first year at the Patterson Club which has beautiful decorations and high quality food.

EF: What are you most looking forward to at the dance?

LA: I’m most looking forward to dressing up and having an exciting event to end a long week. I hope everyone has a great time.

By Courtney Russo – News Editor

Tim Firla is a senior on the Jonathan Law varsity lacrosse team. Advocate News Editor Courtney Russo interviewed Firla about the upcoming spring season.

Courtney Russo: What are your goals this season?

Tim Firla: The team’s goal this season is to make the State Tournament and score double digits in each game.

CR: Do you plan on continuing lacrosse after high school? If so, in what ways?

TF: After high school, I might play some summer lacrosse or join a league. It all depends.

CR: How has the team improved since last year?

TF: We’ve improved in numbers and more efficient practices with no time going to waste.

CR: How have you helped the new team members this year?

TF: The upperclassmen and I have been working hard to set examples for others to work off of on and off the field. 

CR: What are you looking forward to this season?

TF: I am looking forward to all the games, hanging out with everyone, and doing our best.

By Sebastian Beltran – Staff Reporter

Faisal Karzoun is one of the captains of the Law boys outdoor track team. Advocate Staff Reporter Sebastian Beltran interviewed Karzoun about the season.

Sebastian Beltran: Which events are you planning to compete in this season?

Faisal Karzoun: I’m gearing up for an intense and rewarding season as I plan to compete in the 100M, 200M, and 400M dashes. In addition to these individual events, I’m also looking forward to running on the relay teams, though we still have to wait for the time trials to determine who will make it. There’s a lot of anticipation surrounding the relay teams, but I’m confident that my hard work in practice will prepare me to compete at my best.

SB: What are your personal goals or records you hope to achieve?

FK: One of my main goals this season is to make it to the state openers. I know it won’t be easy and it will require all my effort and discipline to achieve it. But I believe in this, and I’m working hard, staying consistent. I’m doing the work necessary to achieve it, no matter how difficult it may be. 

 SB: How have you been training to prepare for the season?

FK: It’s going to take some work, but I think if I can work my hardest at practice and listen to the coaches I can do it. I have been trying to get to the track as much as I can. I am also coming off a successful indoor season, so that will definitely help me.

SB: What are the biggest challenges you expect to face this season?

FK: There is definitely lots of competition this year on the team. I love having competition because it truly does motivate me. But one of the biggest challenges is making a relay team. That will be a challenge for everyone considering the competition.

SB: Which meets or competitions are you most excited about? 

FK: I’m very excited for the first competition of the season, which will be at home. I’m really looking forward to returning to the outdoor season. It will be a very competitive season, and I hope to do well this year. It will be my last year, and I will do my best to achieve my goals.

By Ava Grippo and Molly Lynch – News Editors

Senior Sage Sonsini is one of the captains for the Law girls lacrosse team. Advoacte News Editors Ava Grippo and Molly Lynch interviewed Sonsini about the upcoming spring season. 

Ava Grippo and Molly Lynch: What are you most excited for in this season? 

Sage Sonsini: I’m most excited for the team bonding that the team is going to do. With so many new players I can’t wait to rebuild and strengthen our team chemistry. 

AG and ML: What are your goals for this season? 

SS: For me, a team goal is to create a better environment for the team and a personal goal is to get more shots off and get more active on attack. 

AG and ML: What do you contribute to the team? 

SS: I believe that I contribute a supporting role for the girls. Being able to help them with quick questions and help them get better as well as lend them my broad knowledge of the sport. 

AG ad ML: What got you interested in playing lacrosse? 

SS: I actually started lacrosse because of my friends in cheerleading in fifth grade. To me it was a sport I have never even heard of and it really caught my attention big time. 

AG and ML: What has been your favorite moment so far during your time playing? 

SS: Being able to hang out with the team just in general. I personally love pasta parties and team bonding events. One special highlight being our field day we had with water balloons and watermelon, ending our day in a game of wiffle ball and lots of laughter. 

By Molly Lynch and Ava Grippo – News Editors

The Law softball team is preparing for its upcoming season. Advocate News Editors Molly Lynch and Ava Grippo interviewed one of the three softball captains, junior Charlotte Doyle, about her goals for the year. 

Molly Lynch and Ava Grippo: What are you most excited about for this year?

Charlotte Doyle: Something I’m excited for this season is to see how far our improved team from last year will take us in both the SCC and State Tournament.

ML and AG: What are the team’s goals for this year?

CD: Our goal as a team this year is to work as one unit rather than as individuals. Once we have that bond, we will be unbreakable.

ML and AG: How do you contribute to the team?

CD: My contribution to our team is playing my part during games. But on another level, as a captain and upperclassman, I am constantly pushing my teammates and myself to strive for excellence on and off the field.

ML and AG: What inspired you to play softball?

CD: Something that inspired me to play softball was having my father around who was a successful baseball player in college and he always wanted me to play softball.

ML and AG: What has been your favorite Law softball moment so far this year?

CD: So far this year, my favorite moment was team bonding every month where every time I got to learn more about my new and current teammates.

By Yeiden Nieves – Sports Editor

Junior Marcus Townes is looking to make an impact for the remainder of the Jonathan Law boys basketball season. Advocate Sports Editor Yeiden Nieves interviewed Townes on how his season is going so far.

Yeiden Nieves: How do you think your season is going so far?

Marcus Townes: We are definitely struggling a little but we have shown many flashes of great play. We just need to start stringing it all together and we will get right back on track. 

YN: What are your goals for the remainder of the season?

MT: We have four wins right now and we need to get to 8 to qualify for the state tournament. Every game is winnable so we just need to hone in our focus and pick up at least four more for the win column.

YN: What are some challenges you have faced throughout this season?

MT: As a team, we have struggled in the third quarter, especially the first 2-4 minutes. When we go on these negative runs at that point in the game it becomes hard to come back.

YN: What do you enjoy the most about basketball?

MT: I value how close we have gotten as a team. Games and practices become a lot of fun because everyone bonds so well with each other.

YN: What are you most excited about going in for the remainder of the season?

MT: Continuing to win games and working hard with my teammates to push for our goal of making the state playoffs.

By Haley Stroffolino – Social Media Editor-In-Chief

Senior President Deepika Chitirala co-founded the Science National Honor Society at Jonathan Law. Advocate Social Media Editor-In-Chief Haley Stroffolino interviewed Chitirala about SNHS.

Haley Stroffolino: Why did you join the Science National Honor Society?

Deepika Chitirala: I co-founded SNHS because I wanted to create a place for people to explore their scientific interests in a stress-free and collaborative environment.

HS: What do you enjoy most about being President? 

DC: My favorite part about being President is seeing the vast interests of the members and watching them explore the parts of science they love (especially through their passion projects).

HS: What kinds of activities, or events does SNHS do?

DC: We have monthly meetings with fun science- related activities (like slime, oobleck), and a symposium to showcase our passion projects at the end of the year.

HS: How has being part of SNHS influenced your interest or knowledge in science?

DC: Being a part of SNHS has definitely broadened my knowledge of science and just how diverse the fields are.

HS: Do you think SNHS has helped with college or career preparation, and if so, how?

DC: SNHS has helped with college prep because it gives me experience being a leader and planning activities while collaborating with other officers and members.

By Molly Lynch – News Editor

Senior President Sana Joshi and the Law Environmental Club are holding a school-wide notebook drive to donate notebooks to the Green Good Guardians organization. Advocate News Editor Molly Lynch interviewed Joshi about the notebook drive. 

Molly Lynch: What sparked the idea of holding this notebook drive?

Sana Joshi: A few of my good friends started an organization called Green Good Guardians where they repurpose used notebooks to create new ones for those who are less fortunate. They had asked if I was interested in contributing to the organization so I decided to bring the idea up to my friends in the Environmental Club. Everyone agreed that we should make this a community drive so we created a donation box that is out front in the lobby for anyone interested in donating their used notebooks.

ML: What does this impact the Law community?

SJ: This notebook drive allows students to be involved in something that is greater than the Law community itself. The notebooks are given to a good cause, so each and every student that donates should feel a sense of pride knowing they helped a less fortunate student carry their own notebooks.

ML: Where are these notebooks donated?

SJ: The notebooks are repurposed into new ones and are donated to those who are unable to afford their own. 

ML: How long is this notebook drive going for?

SJ: This notebook drive will be carried to the end of the year.

ML: What other events is the club planning on doing this year?

SJ: We have a flower sale for the faculty coming up in May.

By Tim Firla – Entertainment Editor

Senior Faisal Karzoun is a student in Mr. Beale’s Power Tech 1 class. Advocate Entertainment Editor Tim Firla interviewed Karzoun about his experience in the class.

Tim Firla: What made you want to take Power Tech?

Faisal Karzoun: I decided to take it because of my interest in engines and automobiles.

TF: What is the most challenging part of the class?

FK: Being able to remember all the parts of a small engine and putting it all together.

TF: What is your favorite part of the class so far?

FK: My favorite part of the class is connecting with the smaller class, working all together, joking around and having fun while learning.

TF: What are you looking forward to most the rest of the year?

FK: I look forward to learning more about engines and how they work as well as gaining knowledge and experience.

TF: Is this a class you would recommend to other students?

FK: I would definitely recommend the class, especially if your interested in engines, taking them apart, and making them work.

By Logan Mullarkey – Sports Editor

Junior Chris Serrano’s love for theater started in elementary school with an after-school Drama program run by Pantochino. Since then, he’s been performing for over 10 years. Now, as Drama Club President, he helps organize rehearsals, plan events, and keep the club running smoothly. From exciting opening nights to the friendships made backstage, Serrano has played a big role in the club. Advocate Sports Editor Logan Mullarkey interviewed Serrano about his experience in Drama Club.

Logan Mullarkey: What got you interested in Drama?

Chris Serrano: What got me interested in doing Drama was doing theater in elementary school. A company called Pantochino would come to our school twice a year and hold an afters-school Drama Club, where we would perform original shows they wrote. After that, I was hooked. Now I’ve been doing theater for a little over 10 years. 

LM: What’s been your favorite role or moment in the Drama Club?

CS: My favorite moment during my time in the Drama Club was our opening night to “Mean Girls”. We had to delay the show for about 10 minutes, because we had a line out the door of people wanting to see the show. This just feels really rewarding as a club because of all the hard work we put into the shows during the year.

LM: How do you prepare for a performance?

CS: Getting ready for a performance takes time and teamwork. We start with rehearsals to learn lines, blocking, and choreography, then fine-tune everything as the show gets closer. Tech week brings in lights, costumes, and sound, making it all feel real. It’s a lot of work, but nothing beats the excitement of opening night.

LM: What impact have you had on Drama Club as President?

CS: As President, I’ve focused on keeping our Drama Club organized and running smoothly. From scheduling rehearsals, coordinating events and communicating with members and our director, I’ve worked to make sure everything stays on track. I’ve also taken on the responsibility of managing logistics, problem-solving, and making sure everyone has what they need to succeed. I hope I’ve helped create a structured and efficient club for years to come.

LM: What will you miss most about being part of the club?

CS: I’ll miss the sense of community the most. There’s something special about working together on a production; spending long rehearsals laughing, problem-solving, and creating something we’re all proud of. The friendships, the inside jokes, the backstage chaos – it all makes the hard work worth it. Being part of this club has given me a second family.

By Ava Grippo – Entertainment Editor

Eight members of the Jonathan Law Choir recently performed at the CMEA Southern Region Honors Festival at Naugatuck High School. Advocate Entertainment Editor Ava Grippo interviewed senior Reilly Hungerford about the experience.

Ava Grippo: What was the setup for Regionals? 

Reilly Hungerford: We came together with other people who also auditioned and got into Regionals.

AG: How were the members of the different Choirs organized for the performance?

RH: The Choir section was split into two Choirs, the Treble (Alto and Soprano only) Choir and the Mixed (all voices part) Choir. We prepared music and practiced together. 

AG: What was the goal of Regionals?

RH: The goal of the Regionals is to come together and put on a concert with people you don’t know and a director you also don’t know to familiarize yourself with Choir experiences outside your own.  

AG: How would you describe the experience? 

RH: It went really well. I felt like our Choir was very prepared to go. 

AG: What was your favorite part of Regionals? 

RH: My favorite part was making new friends. I love meeting new people who are as dedicated to music as I am.

By Madi Black – News Editor

Senior Captain Tessa Piselli is a member of the girls basketball team who has a record of 9-4. Piselli is also a member of the girls soccer team. Advocate News Editor Madi Black interviewed Piselli about the season.  

Madi Black: How have you improved from last season? 

Tessa Piselli: I have improved from last season by getting shots up before practice and working harder in practice by pushing myself to get better. 

MB: What has been the key to the team’s success so far this season?  

TP: The key to the team’s success so far this season is working together as a team and not focusing on ourselves during games.

MB: If you can describe the team in three words, what would they be? 

TP: I would describe the team as resilient, confident and fun.

MB: What do you enjoy the most about the girl’s basketball team? 

TP: I enjoy the relationships I’ve made with the girls on the team the most because it makes celebrating the wins even better.  

MB: How is the season going so far?

TP: The season is going very well this year and we are all working very hard to keep it going that way.

By Cesar Mendez – Sports Editor

Will Smith is a senior captain for the Law wrestling team. Advocate Sports Editor Cesar Mendez interviewed Mendez about how the season has been going so far.

Cesar Mendez: How’s your season gone so far?

Will Smith: My season is going well right now. Currently I’m aiming to keep up the momentum and finish out the season on a good note.

CM: What’s been the highlight of your season?

WS: The highlight of my season is getting 3rd at the tournament in Berlin. 

CM: How did you prepare for the season?

WS: I prepared for the season by wrestling off season with Team Tugman. 

CM: What do you do to help lead the team?

WS: I back up our other captain, Brayden Hancock, and help try to keep our team out of trouble. 

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

WS: Some of my goals going forward are to place at Class Ms and at SCCs

By Courtney Russo – News Editor

Talia Hagan is a sophomore member of the Law indoor track team. She also participates in outdoor track and girls soccer. Advocate News Editor Courtney Russo interviewed Hagan about the indoor track season thus far.

Courtney Russo: How has the season gone so far?

Talia Hagan: The seasons have been great. There has not been as much improvement as I wanted, but overall, the team has been good.

CR: What were your main goals this season?

TH: Mainly to break my 300M record that I set last year and make it far with our SMR team.

CR: How have you grown as an athlete this season?

TH: Just my mental space like improving my mental state before a meet or race to help me.

CR: Describe the track team in three words.

TH: Motivated, family, and entertaining.

CR: Who has been your main influence as an athlete?

TH: Although she’s not on the team anymore, Hailey Russo, who graduated last year, has been the most influential for me. She helped me through my freshmen year and has continued to show up for me and help me through every race even though she’s graduated.