Wapiti Weekly May 1, 2020 - Faculty of the Week - The Winchendon School
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Wapiti Weekly
May 1, 2020
Faculty of the Week
By: Sarah Irenshtain
.As she finishes up her 19th year as a part of the Winchendon community, the Wapiti Weekly is pleased to report that this week's faculty of the
week is Ms.Claude. Ms.Claude has taught all levels of Winchendon’s English as a Second Language program (ESL), as well as classes in
Composition and Rhetoric 1 and Beginner French. She has participated, aided with, and created numerous colLabs on a variety of topics. An
especially popular colLab among Winchendon students has been the Yoga, Mindfulness, and Plant-based colLab. Ms.Claude described her
interest in the topic by saying, “this connected to food and health, are two topics I am highly interested in. Nutrition is a topic I am passionate
about because so much depends on a healthy diet, and yoga and mindfulness help improve our brain functions and our connections to others, so I
can become a better teacher by coming to class with a calm mind!” Ms.Claude’s versatile passions are shown thoroughly in every classroom she
enters and her knowledge on the subject of personal well being is impressive and extensive. Sofia Rodriguez ‘22, a student who participated in
this colLAB said, “The Yoga and Mindfulness colLAB with Ms.Claude taught me how to relieve stress and become strong mindfully. I really
enjoyed the activities we did like going to hot yoga and making smoothies!“ When asked about her favorite event at school Ms. Claude explained,
“Mountain Day...because everyone is involved, and since it is early in the school year, we see students getting to know new schoolmates and
teachers and helping one another reach a goal. Not everyone is happy, but everyone is pushing their limits to achieve a common goal.” Ms.
Claude has done an excellent job at motivating students to be their best selves academically and healthfully.
Where Are They Now?
By: Ephraim Boamah
After graduating from The Winchendon School in 2018, Liam Cunningham has continued to explore and hone the skills he developed and
leaned. During his tenure at The Winchendon School, Liam Cunningham co-founded the robotics teams which has gone to become extremely
successful due to his hard work and quality leadership skills. As an athlete, Liam recalls the car rides to lacrosse games and playing golf on the
golf course as being some of the highlights in his experience at the school. Currently, Liam Cunningham goes to Quinnipiac College where he
had found himself taking up on projects such as growing the Quinnipiac Car Club to make it a well-known car show in Connecticut. There,
Liam majors in Entrepreneurship and small business management.
Although cramped with school work, Liam Cunningham is excited for what the future has installed for him. In five years, Liam hopes to be
working and create a business. He outlines his goals as becoming an entrepreneur and owning a mall business management dealing with
excavation. In hard times, Liam Cunningham turns to the words of Frank Ocean: “Work hard in silence, let your success be your noise.”
Service Learning Continues to Support Winchendon and Surrounding Communities
Despite the Shift to Remote Learning
By: Emma Landry
Winchendon’s flagship Service-Learning program is committed to supporting the town of Winchendon and the surrounding community in a multitude of
social justice avenues, all aimed at bridging the existing inequities that exist in the community. North Central Massachusetts, like most other regions in the
United States, are being impacted in all facets of life, as businesses remain closed, schools are remote, and many people are out of work. Although the
Winchendon School has transitioned to remote learning for the remainder of the school year, service-learning leaders have remained devoted to serving their
communities, adapting their service projects to support COVID-19 efforts.
The Art for the Future group has established a program for kids in elementary school all the way until college to use their passion for the arts to support
those impacted by the coronavirus. Student leaders Trisin Heap’20, Kennedy Macary’21, and Ava Barry’21 send participants weekly art project ideas and
display the finished results to inspire and strengthen the community as we all collectively handle the adversities that have come with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Veterans Outreach group has coordinated an effort to send weekly letters, written by Winchendon faculty and students, to local veterans and healthcare
workers, thanking them for the sacrifices they have made, and continue to make, for the safety and wellbeing of our community. Theatre for Change, led by
Teagan McGuire’20, Andy Hong’20, and Lauren Donovan’21, continue to offer weekly performing arts classes to local elementary children through the Zoom
platform. For elementary-school children who may not find their niche in the performing arts, the Big Brother Big Sister service-learning leaders have
connected with the children they typically mentor in the classroom through Zoom, offering continued mentorship for students who may be facing academic and
emotional hardships with the remote learning styles.What Obstacles Will the Class of 2021 Face in the Near future
By: Lauren Donovan
With the rise of this pandemic, we are left to sit in our homes and attend school lessons through online conferencing calls. Our Winchendon
school community has sadly closed, along with other public and private schools, for the rest of the academic year. Seniors are currently wrapping
up their final high school year as well as completing the remainder of their college selections, but now juniors are making strides to do their
research and accumulate their materials for college, but it is easier said than done. While yes, a life-changing decision such as the college process
is hard; however, the class of 2021 is facing some unfair disadvantages due to the situation, but there are surprisingly some benefits to these hard
times. With the negatives of the virus, there are some scholarships that are taking into consideration the situations of families that have had their
income affected heavily. Analyzing the current setbacks and advances, the class of 2021 will be facing many obstacles that they must overcome
with persistent hard work.
One of the first objectives that are advised by either parents or counselors is to apply for the SAT, ACT, or even both. Usual methods of
testing to receive the best score includes studying in advance, but also some advise others to take the test a few times to get your best score to
send into your colleges of choice. Students are also encouraged to take AP classes and gain credits towards their college of choice. The testing
taking itself can be very stressful, but now testing has been delayed for months. The next SAT test date is in August, the next ACT date is in
June, and AP tests are luckily being kind and making the process easy to do at home in May. Other than the AP tests, the postponement of the
other tests will provide fewer chances for juniors to take them to find the best score amongst the bunch and there are chances that these dates
could be further delayed depending on the situation. Most colleges are being considerate of the class of 2021 and they are going as far as to not
require testing for students' applications, including some of the top liberal arts schools. Few colleges aren’t stopping at being kind to only the
upcoming juniors, but extending their no test requirement for two to three years. Unfortunately, some colleges and universities are not being quite
as considerate as others and they are maintaining their test requirements. While it is definitely good news for some that their dream universities
are now test optional, those who do still intend to take these aptitude and achievement tests face a bittersweet outlook. With later test dates,
students will have much more time to study and prepare; however, it will also limit the amount of test attempts that one may be able to take.
Overall, new testing requirements and setbacks will present itself as challenges for those who still plan on taking the available tests to get into the
university of their dreams.
While many concerns for testing are present, the process of selecting a college has become even more difficult. Selecting a perfect college out
of those one gets accepted to or even to find a selection of potential universities is hard enough as it is, but now juniors are restricted as to how
most hope to explore their options: in person. Usually students partake in tours on campuses with a guide as well as staff that can answer their
questions about the school. With social distancing orders and college campuses evacuated, these in-person tours are longer an option until it is
safe to be amongst people again. Fortunately, online options have been made available to potential students, some of which have already been
available to others and some options that have been newly introduced to colleges individually. These options include virtual tours of campuses,
online conferencing calls with current students and faculty facilitators to answer questions, and virtual college fairs so see some options that have
not yet been discovered by students. Innovations such as these have been extremely helpful to aid students in overcoming the difficult selection
process in these current times; however, some students may not gain the same experiences as one would in person. In general, moving students'
education completely online has been difficult in terms of transitioning to a new platform. Moving personal interactions to being exclusively
online does not hold the same comfort as it would be for some. Speaking to people who will convince you and help you to lean towards one
college can be extremely impactful upon one’s decision, but a discussion online could not be as impactful as it would be in person. Moreover,
with more available options, there is the question of if there is the same quality of the options or if there is more quantity than quality in these
online options.
Even though colleges are closed along with other schools consisting of the lower grades, we are soon to return to these locations of learning,
but many worry about the dates of which we will be returning. Definitive dates are not within our grasp at this current time as the situation is
continuously evolving; however, with such inconsistent changes, there are many doubts as to when schools will return to their usual settings. For
many, Charlie Baker’s announcement of schools being closed for the remainder of the year was disheartening for all students and especially
current seniors. An announcement of the next school year being cancelled for the juniors would be absolutely devastating, as the start of the year
for the class of 2021 would be behind a computer screen. Not only will this ruin the overall high school experience for the next year of seniors,
but it will also be damaging to their credentials that most would submit to colleges. As colleges desire all-around type students who excel in
many areas, online learning restricts this level of participation. Sports are clearly not an option, and that ruins the chances for athletes to be
scouted as well as have near to no chances to show off their improved performance. Some extracurriculars are available such as theater and the
school newspaper, but maneuvering how they flow can have their own difficulties. Overall, the delay of when we return to school next year will
make the experiences of all students much different and somewhat lacking for some.
The worries for juniors and other high schoolers are on their minds, but this time more than ever it is encouraged that we seek out the positives
of the situations and take advantage of the time we have now. The later test dates give students much more time to study, the extra time at home
opens up the availability to explore colleges by researching online, and experience of being online has made everyone more aware of their
current situations which then leads to the desire to further improve themselves. Times are extremely overbearing, but these times of reclusion
have made us much more aware of ourselves and given us time to reflect on how we plan to maneuver our college exploration.What to Bake Pt.1? What to Bake Pt.2?
By: Yamuna Turco By: Teagan Harbor
It is no secret, for those of us who have been staying inside and
Are you sick of eating the same packaged cookies, dry muffins,
following social distancing and lock-down guidelines, the days seem
and boxed macaroni and cheese during quarantine? Or, are you
to drag by. So far in this section of the newspaper, we have not had
searching for something to do during this dull time period? If you
many food-related ideas and activities to occupy a bit of time and
answered yes, then you should try making something homemade!
inspire you to create something of your own.
Baking is an enjoyable activity that fills time, and you get a baked
There are dozens of great websites that have recipes for all different
good out of it! Some personal favorites of mine include chocolate chip
kinds of sweets and desserts. AllRecipes, Betty Crocker’s, and
cookies, warm brownies, or a confetti cake. The best part is, baking
Delish, to name a few, all have hundreds, if not thousands, of cookie,
doesn't have to be perfect or challenging. Yes, it does require precise
cake, brownie, and cupcake recipes! In addition to these more
ingredient measurements, but another option is the pre-made boxed
mainstream websites, there are so many smaller blogs that can have
dry ingredients. These life-saving boxes are useful if you aren't
treats that are just as tasty. For any vegans reading this, they have
experienced in the kitchen. By simply adding in the liquid ingredients
websites that are vegan and for food-restricted diets too!
to the boxed base, you will have a baked good in about an hour!
LoveandLemons, Minimalist Baker, and A Couple of Cooks are all
Another fun way to bake is making items by scratch, though this
websites that have vegan recipes. I encourage all of you to, if you
may be harder than the boxed mixture. If you use a recipe book or
have an interest in baking, to research websites and blogs that have
send all the ingredients in the bowl, it is still time-consuming and
recipes that interest you. If you want to go the more traditional route,
entertaining. More items that may interest you include; cinnamon
recipe and cooking books are also a great resource. Although most
buns, bread, pies, doughnuts, or a coffee cake. Additionally, fun
people associate recipe books with only savoury cooking, most
options such as food coloring or sprinkles can be added to make a
actually have recipes for appetizers, entrees and desserts.
design in a cake or cupcakes! Also, if you are feeling creative, there
If you have not given baking a try during quarantine (or have never
are many baking videos or step by step decorating ideas that can be
tried before at all!), and are wanting to experiment with something
watched on Youtube or Pinterest. Good things come to those who
new, baking is a sure way to spend a few hours and finish them off
bake!
with sweet treats that can be shared.
What to Do During Breaks and Free Periods? What to Watch?
By: Julia Brennan
By: Sarah Irenshtain What to Watch:
Your exhausting, education-packed thirty-minute Zoom class Stuck at home, there’s only so much you can do to keep yourself
comes to an end. These short but precious fifteen minutes offer the entertained. So, of course, we turn to our screens, whatever they may
opportunity to get a surprising amount of tasks done. Firstly, it is a be. Despite our adoration of Friends and the Office, there’s only so
good time to grab a snack and probably some water, especially if it's many times we can re-watch Rachel tell Ross they were on a break and
one of your first classes and you didn't wake up early enough for Jim put Dwight’s stapler in Jello. Here are a few picks to add to your
breakfast. Snack on some fruit or a granola bar, but make sure you're late-night watches!
finished eating before class so as to not be distracted or disruptive. If
you did, however, wake up early and are not yet hungry from your -Never Have I Ever- Take a step into the life of Devi, a quirky,
recent breakfast, try stepping away from your screen and stretching intelligent, Indian-American sophomore who wants to climb to the top
with a little yoga. Find a ten-minute youtube video for calming of her high school’s social pyramid. What could stop her? Follow Devi
movement or even meditation. If you possess the ability, that is as she navigates the ups and downs of high school with some pretty
desired, to fall asleep at any given time, take a fifteen-minute power great friends, and a nagging mother, by her side.
nap to refuel. Disclaimer: only do this if you're an easy waker and -The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez- In this chilling documentary, watch
trust yourself with the ability to bounce right back after sleep and as the case of the callous murder of an eight-year-old boy unfolds. This
come to classes more energized than before! Another great idea is to short series reveals the flaws in CPS and the weaknesses in the human
exercise your brain in a more creative way by pulling out a logic soul. Watch to find how justice is finally served in the name Gabriel
puzzle or riddle and use this time to step away from your technology Fernandez, and how his story has brought to light issues within the
screens. Looking for a super productive option that doesn't require system.
your intellect? Clean your room! Tidying up for just a few minutes -Cheer- You’ve seen the short skirts and the pom-poms in every cliche
will make a huge difference in your productivity and will barely put American film, but have you ever thought about what it takes to be a
a dent in your schedule. There are lots of options for you to spend cheerleader? Join the Navarro cheer squad, one of the tops in the
this time so don't waste it snapping people or scrolling through United States, as they work to compete for the National title. In this,
TikTok. raw, heartwarming documentary, watch as some of the most talented
athletes in the country tackle their demons and band together to take
home the gold.College Sports News and the NFL
By: Julia Brennen
All around the world, sports have been at a standstill, with their fans and players waiting patiently to see whether the season will be canceled, or
whether it will continue. While much of these decisions remain up in the air, here’s what we do know about the possible return of sports in the
U.S. and elsewhere. It has been reported that the NHL will look to the finish, at least part of the 2019-2020 season, anywhere from 2-4 isolated
rinks. The date on this return has not been released yet, as none of the teams have returned to individual training. As for the NBA, the league
has issued a memo saying that the players are allowed to return to practice facilities on May 8. No date has been released as to when the season
will resume. However, it is rumored to pick up again at some point in July. America’s favorite pastime, baseball has recently devised a plan
that, if approved, could get the season up and running by the end of June. The MLB has proposed to create three new divisions, based solely on
location, that will limit travel, yet still allow the teams to compete against several different organizations. The games would be played without
fans but would allow for a complete, 100+ game season. Finally, soccer has been a mixed bag, with some leagues hoping to return, while others
have been canceled. France’s Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 have been canceled for the remainder of the 2019-2020 season. However, the Bundesliga is
set to return to training on May 9, with hopes that their season will continue this summer. With increased testing and fewer restrictions, the
world hopes to see their beloved sports up and running once again.
Today in 1932- First Female Olympic Athletes
By: Kylee McCumber
On May 1, 1931, the first program for women athletes to participate in the 1932 Olympics for track and field was approved. The trials to
participate in the Olympics games did not commence until July 16, 1931. One of the women known from these events is Mildred Didrikson.
She won three of the five Olympic qualification events, as well as three of five of the additional AAU events. Didrikson took part in all of the
trial events; she was the only woman to do so. Several of Didrikson’s events are considered world records; however, she did not set any of these
records during the trials in 1931. During the Olympic Games in 1932, Didrikson claimed two gold medals, one in javelin and other in hurdles.
Eighty-nine years ago, women were finally starting to gain their equality, and Mildred Didrikson is a perfect example of women’s
empowerment.
NCAA Taking Steps to Allow Student-Athlete Compensation for Endorsements
By: Emma Landry
On April 29th, the NCAA announced that it will be taking steps to allow student-athletes compensation for endorsements and promotions,
an unprecedented ruling in the history of the NCAA. The rule changes would allow for student-athletes competing in all divisions of the NCAA
to be rewarded for their third-party endorsements, whether they be of athletic nature or not. Some common endorsements among student-
athletes would include social media campaigns, personal appearances, and businesses the student-athlete starts.
The NCAA Board of Governors are still very much in the working-phase of these policy changes, but their implied intentions would be to
allow for student-athletes to identify themselves by school and sport in their endorsements, but they would not be permitted to use conference
or school logos, trademarks, or other such brands. Additionally, it would still be a violation of NCAA rules for a college or university to pay
student-athletes for their name, image, and likeness activities. The proposed rule changes will be examined in the near future by each of the
NCAA’s three divisions, and if approved, would be put into place by the 2021-22 academic year. Val Ackerman, the commissioner of the Big
East and working group co-chair, commented on the inclination of the organization to change its policies as an effort to “ further support
student-athletes within the context of college sports and higher education.”
As the NCAA further progresses through uncharted territory, they remain committed to safeguarding the nonemployment status of student-
athletes and upholding the clear distinction between college athletes and professionals that is fundamental to their operations.Kindness and Joy in Hospitals
By: Lauren Donovan
Hospitals all around the world are overflowing with patients that have either contracted the coronavirus or for other illnesses and injuries. In
times like these, we all face our struggles to keep ourselves and others positive, but Massachusetts hospitals have taken the initiative to
brighten up the grim atmosphere. With the Baystate Medical Center in Springfield starting the trend #CodeRocky, healthcare workers play
the renowned Rocky theme song, from the Rocky movie series, and they then all of the staff that are available flood the hallways with
applause any patients who have successfully recovered from the virus and are happily discharged. Patients are wheeled out as health workers
give their cheers for their recovery and send their love and support. After one celebration of a patient's miraculous recovery, a post was made
on Facebook that sent ripples throughout the healthcare community. The short one minute video shows the staff conducting the Code Rocky
as they wheel out one of the recovered patients, but the thunderous applause and cheers left the music to be nearly inaudible. Seeing this post
has brought up the spirits of all those who watch, either for those at home or the healthcare workers on the front lines of this pandemic. With
the positive trend going about on social media, the hospital’s administrators have plans to perform the #CodeRocky in its four other locations
within Massachusetts while the coronavirus pandemic continues to plague the world and its people. With this as inspiration, other hospitals
continue to find ways to bring positivity to recovered patients that are just as impactful as #CodeRocky!
Tragic Outbreak at Home for Veterans
By: Hayden Flick
There has been a coronavirus outbreak at a veterans’ home in Holyoke, Massachusetts. So far around 80 people have died and 43 more veterans
have been hospitalized. Another 80 veterans and 81 staff have been diagnosed with coronavirus. The virus spread throughout the nursing home
very quickly due to the veterans home being understaffed. A section of the nursing home has been closed off due to a shortage of staff and that
forced all the veterans to be in closer proximity with diagnosed veterans being put with healthy ones. Most of these veterans are 90 years of age
or older putting them at high risk of death from the coronavirus. Governor Charlie Baker and Attorney General Maura Healy have started an
investigation into finding out the start of the outbreak. In March the veterans home contained 230 residents with only 106 remaining. This
outbreak has been noted as the largest outbreak at a “long term care facility in the US.”
Massachusetts Universities Using Their Resources to Help in COVID-19 Efforts
By: Ephraim Boamah
These past few weeks have brought about contention on the reopening of states. As the governors of Georgia, Kentucky, and Iowa (among
fifteen others to reopen their states), Governor Charlie Baker of Massachusetts made it clear that the state will not be reopening soon. Through
his two weeks extension of stay-at-home orders for non-essential workers, the governor made clear of his intentions and sympathy: “I get the
fact that it's hard ... and it's especially hard if you're out of work or if your business isn't able to operate.” However, in order to prepare for the
reopening of the state, Governor Baker created a Reopening Advisory Board dedicated to drafting a guideline on the safest approach to
reopening Massachusetts. The primary concern of state officials in avoiding premature decisions revolves around erring on a judgment capable
of costing lives and unravelling any sort of progress made by current orders. With pressure building upon small business owners, as seen
throughout in the country, financial concerns are growing steadily across Massachusetts and an extension seems to be unideal for them.
Encouragingly, Massachusetts is seeing the virus plateau as the states flatten the curve bringing a sense of comfort to its civilians.Inhumanity in Early Opening of the Economy
By: Yamuna Turco
The lives of millions of Americans have changed over the course of just two weeks when news of the spread of COVID-19 to the States was
announced. It is terrible and tragic, as thousands have died and thousands more are infected. Many have -- thankfully -- recovered but that is not
what this article is about. This is about something inanimate and not living, though many seem to feel it is more important: the economy. The US
Economy closed overnight as infection rates increased. Many American states, as we enter May, have already begun the re-opening process, but
the economy will not be set to re-open nearly as quickly. The economy is made up of a complex and heavily tangled web of companies and
industries. While some are calling for the opening of the economy, there is the question of whether all will open or only a select few. Many
factories that are a part of companies either laid off or entirely fired people, which has unfortunately driven up the unemployment rate and the
rate of those who live below the poverty line. South Carolina, Alaska, and Georgia are among the first states to re-open businesses. In mid-April,
the White House released a plan to slowly open the economy again as certain public health criteria were met, but experts say it is easier said than
done. The plan is said to only be a rough outline, with many details not yet answered; those details are going to determine whether the economy
Oil in the Time of COVID
By: Steven Soos
As predicted, the market growth we saw over two weeks ago has officially lost steam. Stocks and other equities have traded lower as the S&P
500 is down a mere 0.4% since last week. With company earnings released recently, it is evident that there aren’t many winners. It is also worth
noting that during this time, Zoom’s stock (ZM) has doubled in value since February. Nevertheless, the word on ”The Street“ (Wall Street, that is) is
futures, crude oil futures. Crude oil futures contracts hit historic lows, and on April 20th, the price of oil on the West Texas Intermediate Futures
Market plummeted into the negatives for the first time in history. This meant that you got paid to buy oil. However, May’s oil futures contracts
expired the next day, which said that if you were to purchase fuel and fail to trade the futures contract within 24 hours, you are legally obligated to
pick up the thousands of gallons of oil you got paid for in Cushing, Oklahoma. The cause of the price drop was an extreme oversupply of oil in the
world and low demand caused by the COVID-19 crisis. Low oil prices have created instability and have negatively impacted oil companies, and
there may be bankruptcies or mergers. The good news is, oil prices can only go up from here.
New York Cancels State Primary
By: Anthony Agnelli
New York has become the first state to cancel its primary election for the 2020 presidential race. The primary was canceled due to concerns
over the coronavirus outbreak. The cancellation is largely contributed to Senator of Vermont, Bernie Sanders, ending his campaign. This left
former Vice President Joe Biden unopposed. Douglas Kellner, a Democratic commissioner for the New York State Board of Elections,
comments, “At a time when the goal is to avoid unnecessary social contact, our conclusion was that there was no purpose in holding a beauty
contest primary that would marginally increase the risk to both voters and poll workers.” New York commissioners of the Board decided to
remove Sanders’ and other candidates who ended their campaign from the ballot. Sanders’ former campaign staff scrutinized this decision. His
former campaign advisor, Jeff Weaver, said the decision was “an outrage… to American democracy”. He has suggested that New York went
against the delegate selection plan and should have their delegates revoked. The Democratic National Convention has not taken any action on
these claims. DNC spokesperson David Bergstein said that before anything else can be done the case must “be reviewed by the DNC's Rules and
By-Laws Committee” Another member of Sanders’ staff, former campaign co-chair Nina Turner said that New York’s actions are taking away
the people’s right to vote for “no reason.” The Chairman of the New York Democratic Party Jay Jacobs says that this decision was a “necessary
move...to protect voters amid the coronavirus pandemic”.Separatists Declare Self-Rule in Yemen
By: Yamuna Turco
On April 26th, Separatists in southern Yemen declared autonomous rule. By declaring self-rule, they have broken a peace deal that was
signed in November of 2019 with the temporary (but internationally recognised) government. Aden is the capital of the country. The Southern
Transitional Council (STC), based in Aden, has declared a state of emergency in response to the declaration. The STC is supported by the
United Arab Emirates (UAE). Saudi Arabia issued a warning, stating that conflict and divide could be catastrophic; the country supports the
current and standing government of Yemen. The United Nations described the deal that the North and South had previously come to was of
great importance toward the ending of the civil war that has been continuous in Yemen.
In August of last year, the STC took over the temporary capital in Aden. It was claimed that the temporary government was mismanaging
and the administration did not manage to carry out its duties properly. There are a total of eight southern governances; six out of those eight
have rejected the self-management of the STC.
This has caused great tension between Saudi Arabia and the rest of the UAE. The UAE is the main supporter of the STC when Saudi Arabia
stands firmly behind the Yemeni Government. Many fear that given time (and not too much time at that) the tensions between the Yemeni
Government (with help from Saudia Arabia) and the STC could escalate into further and more violent attacks and threats that could prove
deadly.
By: Bradley Bigelow
Last April, a fire tore through the historic Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, France. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but officials have
determined criminal activity was not involved. The cathedral, a popular location for tourists, was vowed by President Emmanuel Macron to be
rebuilt within five years. It is now being rebuilt, although slightly behind the proposed schedule. The current global Coronavirus pandemic has
put construction that was scheduled for the 23 of March on hold for over a month. Those working on the cathedral will be provided extensive
sanitation, showers, meals, and lodging at nearby hostels if they are from distant areas. In return, they must first make the worksite comply with
social distancing regulations. The first step in the restoration of the building is removing melted on metal from the scaffolding that had been
destroyed in the fire. Although the massive spire and roof were completely destroyed by the fire, the rest of the building is still intact. This is not
the first setback to restoration efforts; toxic lead originating from the blaze as well as harsh winter storms have been past delays. Coronavirus has
torn through France, with around 125,000 confirmed cases and 23,000 deaths according to the BBC. However, just as the US is feeling economic
hardship from lockdown, so is France, laying off “10 million private-sector employees” and relying on the government for their paycheck. This
adds to the more than 250,000 who “registered as jobless in March, when the lockdown measures were brought in”. (BBC, 4/27/20)
Kim Jon Un and His Heart
By: Teagan Harbour
As some of you may know, Kim Jong Un has been said to be in a vegetative state since his possible heart surgery on April 12th. Though we
don't know if it is true or not, Kim took on a big cardiovascular surgery after collapsing in the countryside. He was last seen publicly on April
11th, and rumors stirred when he hadn't attended the country's biggest celebration of the year, his uncle's birthday on April 15th. With this
unconfirmed case, reports have said Kim's surgeon's hands were shaking badly, as anyone would be with the leader of North Korea in the
operating room. Additionally, other rumors have been progressing about Kim's health and absence at events. Some have the opinion that he has
been out because of a minor medical injury like a sprained ankle, or has tested positive for COVID-19. Alongside this, people are eager for
answers, yet North Korea has been secretive on this traumatic topic.This Day in History
By: Jonathan Roman
On this day, May 1, 1789, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart performed the renowned Opera of Figaro in Vienna Austria in which he conducted that
evening. Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria, on January 27, 1751. By the time he turned 11, he had composed his first opera as well as being a
famed musician. Mozart composed the Opera Marriage of Figaro in a series of collaborations with librettist Lorenzo da Ponte. The opera was
inspired by the French play Barber of Seville. The opera was about is Figaro the head servant to Count Almaviva, who was supposed to marry
the maid Susiana, but the count tries to marry her. In the end, the count marries someone else, and Figaro and Susiana marry. Although the music
wasn’t a big part of the opera, it did create that scene of the hilarity of the play. However, the opera was initially banned in Vienna for its
cynicism towards aristocracy. Later on, with Ponte’s political connections, it was able to be performed in Vienna in 1789. This was seen as a
controversial play since it was making aristocrats look bad. Because of its controversialness, the opera became even more enjoyed by the people
of Vienna. Along with that, the opera was another one of Mozart’s pieces that are still being performed today by various modern symphonies
across the world.
Riddle
By: Bradley Bigelow
What runs around a whole yard without moving?
Last Riddle
By: Jonathan Roman
A man sees a boat that is full of people. And yet there isn’t a single person on the boat. How is this possible?
Answer:
Fun Fact
By: Teagan Harbour
The longest wedding veil measured about 22,843 feet long.
Student Editors: Kylee McCumber and Emma Landry
Faculty Directors: Mr. Church and Ms. Reid
Project Positivity
By:Anthony Agnelli
The Professional Association of Diving Instructors is working with Rash’s, a
sportswear company to make face masks out of recovered plastic ocean pollution.
Face masks have been in high demand amidst the Covid-19 outbreak. One mask
with five extra filters is being sold for $20.40, which just covers the cost to make
them. The company has received 15,000 preorders, which is helping recycle more
than 1,300 pounds of plastic. This story is another way in which businesses and
organizations are showing their genuine concern for the well being of others and
their desire to help without the motivation to turn a profit.You can also read
