Advisory was first introduced to Mt. Abe high-school students at the beginning of the school year in 2007. It was initially met with mass disapproval by the student body, and while things have calmed down a bit, it still remains a topic of heated discussion among students and teachers alike. It is the continual bickering about advisory heard in the hallways that inspired me to get the general consensus. I presented a set of questions to 100 students to find out how they feel about advisory.
When asked if they enjoy advisory, 80% answered no. Somehow, this did not come as a surprise. 32% of students said that they feel like they do fun activities at least sometimes in advisory, while 68% do not. 64% of students interviewed said that they have skipped advisory at least once, and 42% said that they go to other advisories often because they are not content with their own. 71% of students said that they do not even get along with their advisors, and 51% of kids said that they feel as though their advisor doesn’t even enjoy the time spent in advisory. Of course that isn’t an accurate representation of how many teachers do or do not enjoy advisory, but is merely the way the student body perceives the attitude of their advisors during advisory. When asked if they would prefer not to have advisory, 85% answered yes.
The dislike for advisory appears to remain as strong as it did when it all began. That leaves me with one question; why do we continue to use a system that clearly is not working?
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Decline In Students Causes Budget Problems by Ryan Sullivan
The administration has had to slash several of the schools department budgets because of a decrease in population of Mt. Abraham students and it is affecting staff members and students alike. Many departments are having to downsize their budgets because of lack of currency to support them. The school gains about $1,000 to $1,200 per Mt. Abe student (multiplied by approximately a 3.5% increase per student), and some staff members are troubled by the decrease in population. In order to save money the school is cutting student and staff members to bring the budget back in order. Students who worked in the school, through Horizons were cut as of January 2009, or any other department that had students under employment.
The senior and junior classes are the largest at the moment," says Steve Jarvis, a computer technician for the school, "and you take a look at the middle school classes and below... and they’re just tiny." Steve is part of the IT (Information Technology) department of Mt. Abraham, which provides the school with all of its computers and networks. Steve is only allowed to have two students work under him this summer to assist him with all of the computer work. This work requires moving all of the computers out of every room and computer lab and into designated destinations. When the school year comes around, he will move all of the computers back to their appropriate location. On top of that, there are computers in the school which are around 10 years old that are still in use and because of the IT’s budget, they are not able to provide and upgrade the schools computers.
I spoke with Bill Connor of the Horizons office. He told me that jobs would still be provided for students through Horizons, but would only be offered out in the community. "It’s a way for students to learn work ethics, customer service, respect, and responsibility. It’s also a job for them to make a little extra money doing," said Mr. Connor.
Reg Wedge, the head custodian of Mt. Abraham, shared Mr. Connor’s views on student work. Wedge had a student working under him that he was forced to let go, but luckily for that student the job will be back soon if he is interested. Several teachers may lose their jobs because of the budget cuts. It all comes down to the number of students enrolled and we won’t find out how it’s going to look until the next generations of Mt. Abraham students arrive in the future. Hopefully, it will be a larger class.
The senior and junior classes are the largest at the moment," says Steve Jarvis, a computer technician for the school, "and you take a look at the middle school classes and below... and they’re just tiny." Steve is part of the IT (Information Technology) department of Mt. Abraham, which provides the school with all of its computers and networks. Steve is only allowed to have two students work under him this summer to assist him with all of the computer work. This work requires moving all of the computers out of every room and computer lab and into designated destinations. When the school year comes around, he will move all of the computers back to their appropriate location. On top of that, there are computers in the school which are around 10 years old that are still in use and because of the IT’s budget, they are not able to provide and upgrade the schools computers.
I spoke with Bill Connor of the Horizons office. He told me that jobs would still be provided for students through Horizons, but would only be offered out in the community. "It’s a way for students to learn work ethics, customer service, respect, and responsibility. It’s also a job for them to make a little extra money doing," said Mr. Connor.
Reg Wedge, the head custodian of Mt. Abraham, shared Mr. Connor’s views on student work. Wedge had a student working under him that he was forced to let go, but luckily for that student the job will be back soon if he is interested. Several teachers may lose their jobs because of the budget cuts. It all comes down to the number of students enrolled and we won’t find out how it’s going to look until the next generations of Mt. Abraham students arrive in the future. Hopefully, it will be a larger class.
Barney and Leo's Epic Tale
On a rainy may day, while in the over heated; stress driven computer lab, doing spins until our stomachs curled like that of week old milk left on the counter. We had a sub and were being locked up in the lab. The decision was made to experience the epic journey of rollin’ through the halls of Mt. Abraham.
After regaining stabilization, Leo and Barney took a once in a lifetime ride with the relaxation and comfort of a five-wheeled beast powered by the oldest engine known to mankind.
After James Bonding it out of the room came the first challenge--getting through the horde of middleschoolers, about to make their way to one of the day’s envious moments: lunch! Undermining the difficulty of the challenge, the woes of the middleschoolers ended in laughter as we induced a large mob to follow us down the halls.
Upon answering questions of curiosity and comical states, the towering ego known as next year’s principle approached. "Barney and Leo, what are you doing with the chair?" Without hesitation we broke the first commandment of the "TREAT" policy.
"It’s broken, Batman, we’re makin’ our way to the janitor’s office."
"Oh, ok", he responded before briskly going on his way. Laughing at the ease of deception of a future principal, we rounded the corner to the bumpy road of the lobby. Exiting the mail room was long time sub and student-parent, JFK.
She raised her head with a smile, and in a soft-indulging way asked, "What are you doing?" As we jumbled our words to get the answer there arose a blinding light. Upon further investigation, it was the reflection off a balding middle-age skull of Sergey Bubka. JFK leaned in, breaking the stare-down that would make Butch & Sundance stay in the house, whispering, "I’ve always wanted to do that!"
"WHAT?" the puzzled balding man asked. Knowing what his one-worded question pertained to, we told the story of how the chair was broken and deceived yet another gullible science teacher. passed the office.
Wheeling down the lobby, we saw the oncoming Dean of Students, running out of excuses we detoured to the elevator. When appeared the shadow of Gary Nolan the Judge, Jury and Executioner. Fearing that Nolan would make Leo ride the pine, we pressed the button more times than Desmond Hume in the Hatch. Once the door finally opened, we dodged into the cramped space, and shut the doors in the nick of time.
Making it safely to the second story, we cackled our way out of the elevator, and all the
After regaining stabilization, Leo and Barney took a once in a lifetime ride with the relaxation and comfort of a five-wheeled beast powered by the oldest engine known to mankind.
After James Bonding it out of the room came the first challenge--getting through the horde of middleschoolers, about to make their way to one of the day’s envious moments: lunch! Undermining the difficulty of the challenge, the woes of the middleschoolers ended in laughter as we induced a large mob to follow us down the halls.
Upon answering questions of curiosity and comical states, the towering ego known as next year’s principle approached. "Barney and Leo, what are you doing with the chair?" Without hesitation we broke the first commandment of the "TREAT" policy.
"It’s broken, Batman, we’re makin’ our way to the janitor’s office."
"Oh, ok", he responded before briskly going on his way. Laughing at the ease of deception of a future principal, we rounded the corner to the bumpy road of the lobby. Exiting the mail room was long time sub and student-parent, JFK.
She raised her head with a smile, and in a soft-indulging way asked, "What are you doing?" As we jumbled our words to get the answer there arose a blinding light. Upon further investigation, it was the reflection off a balding middle-age skull of Sergey Bubka. JFK leaned in, breaking the stare-down that would make Butch & Sundance stay in the house, whispering, "I’ve always wanted to do that!"
"WHAT?" the puzzled balding man asked. Knowing what his one-worded question pertained to, we told the story of how the chair was broken and deceived yet another gullible science teacher. passed the office.
Wheeling down the lobby, we saw the oncoming Dean of Students, running out of excuses we detoured to the elevator. When appeared the shadow of Gary Nolan the Judge, Jury and Executioner. Fearing that Nolan would make Leo ride the pine, we pressed the button more times than Desmond Hume in the Hatch. Once the door finally opened, we dodged into the cramped space, and shut the doors in the nick of time.
Making it safely to the second story, we cackled our way out of the elevator, and all the
Losing One of the Best by Ethan Mitchell
Joanne Fuller came to Mount Abe at the beginning of the 2004-2005 school year. She immediately took on the hefty responsibility of Yearbook Advisor and has been turning them out with incredible creativity and dedication ever since. Although many students don’t know, Joanne has been committed to education for eleven years and running. Before coming to Mount Abe, she taught for four years at Wilder Middle School in Henrico, Virginia and three years at Deep Run High School in Richmond.
Since Joanne started teaching at Mount Abe, she has been involved with various committees including the democratic schools committee, the advisory steering committee, and the Amazing Sophomore Race committee. She has proven to not only care about the education of her students, but their general well being as well.
Over the past four years, she has built valuable relationships with her students and many of her co-workers. She has become a valuable addition to our school, teaching English 10, Creative Writing, Yearbook, and more recently: Journalism. We could have never put these newspapers together without her guidance and encouragement.
It is sad to say that Ms. Fuller has left the Mt. Abe community to pursue her masters in English at the University of Vermont. Along with her daughters Cordellia and Miranda, and her husband Ithiel, Joanne will be moving to Brattleboro in the near future to start a brand new chapter of her life. We can only hope that she will continue to inspire all those she comes across, and continue to educate the youth. Ms. Fuller, we thank you for all that you’ve done for us here at Mount Abe; as a teacher and a friend.
Since Joanne started teaching at Mount Abe, she has been involved with various committees including the democratic schools committee, the advisory steering committee, and the Amazing Sophomore Race committee. She has proven to not only care about the education of her students, but their general well being as well.
Over the past four years, she has built valuable relationships with her students and many of her co-workers. She has become a valuable addition to our school, teaching English 10, Creative Writing, Yearbook, and more recently: Journalism. We could have never put these newspapers together without her guidance and encouragement.
It is sad to say that Ms. Fuller has left the Mt. Abe community to pursue her masters in English at the University of Vermont. Along with her daughters Cordellia and Miranda, and her husband Ithiel, Joanne will be moving to Brattleboro in the near future to start a brand new chapter of her life. We can only hope that she will continue to inspire all those she comes across, and continue to educate the youth. Ms. Fuller, we thank you for all that you’ve done for us here at Mount Abe; as a teacher and a friend.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Radical Rodents by Aliza Rudinski
It is not hard to notice the intelligence of rats, especially when you spend as much time around them as I do. Sure, some of you may be squirming in your seats at the thought of even nearing such a critter, but I assure you they are not so bad. Rats are some of the most clever and loyal pets there are to (legally) own.
My love for rats began two years ago, when I adopted my first. Zoe, as I decided to call her, would grow to defy so many of the misconceptions there are about the species. Since the adoption of Zoe, I have gained three more precious rodents. Each rat has a noticeably different personality and temperament, creating unique relationships between them and myself.
Rats make such great pets, because of their persistence in pleasing their owners. Similar to dogs, rats will pick up new behaviors and tricks fairly easily. They enjoy having power over things, and will often hoard food or take charge of a specific space within their confinement. Rats are also extremely social, and have very complex relationships with their cage-mates. Their relationships, not only with their mates but with their owners, are such an important part of their lifestyle that they can actually die from social stress. If there is a drastic change in social surroundings, say, the death of a companion,
a rat will often starve itself to death. They are also extremely affectionate animals. They show their affection towards people and their cage-mates with their persistent licking and grooming. When they are especially content, they will grind their teeth until their eyes appear to be vibrating. This is called "bruxing". Rats love to be petted. They enjoy being rubbed
behind their ears or scratched on their shoulders. Some rats will roll over on their back so their owner can rub their tummy. When feeling playful, they will wrestle with your hand just like a kitten.
Rats are some of the cleanest animals there are.
They can be seen constantly grooming themselves and each other, and will typically bathe themselves more than six times a day. Believe it or not...they don’t smell, either! I have been fortunate enough to have rats that will actually do their business in a litter box, with very little training. The absolute best part about them is that when it’s time to come out and play, they tend to hold off on the excrement until they are back in the cage. This is because rats are very private animals, and prefer to go in their own personal area.
In the two years I have owned rats, I have never been bitten. In fact, rats rarely bite, especially if they are handled regularly and properly cared for. Typically, when a rat bites, it’s because it presumes you are holding food. Rats will bite when feeling threatened, obviously, as any animal would. Rats really aren’t such nasty vermin after all. They deserve the love and respect that any other animal receives, and it’s a shame that they are looked down upon in the manner that they are. More people should get to experience owning them as pets, and get to see what amazing creatures they really are.
My love for rats began two years ago, when I adopted my first. Zoe, as I decided to call her, would grow to defy so many of the misconceptions there are about the species. Since the adoption of Zoe, I have gained three more precious rodents. Each rat has a noticeably different personality and temperament, creating unique relationships between them and myself.
Rats make such great pets, because of their persistence in pleasing their owners. Similar to dogs, rats will pick up new behaviors and tricks fairly easily. They enjoy having power over things, and will often hoard food or take charge of a specific space within their confinement. Rats are also extremely social, and have very complex relationships with their cage-mates. Their relationships, not only with their mates but with their owners, are such an important part of their lifestyle that they can actually die from social stress. If there is a drastic change in social surroundings, say, the death of a companion,
a rat will often starve itself to death. They are also extremely affectionate animals. They show their affection towards people and their cage-mates with their persistent licking and grooming. When they are especially content, they will grind their teeth until their eyes appear to be vibrating. This is called "bruxing". Rats love to be petted. They enjoy being rubbed
behind their ears or scratched on their shoulders. Some rats will roll over on their back so their owner can rub their tummy. When feeling playful, they will wrestle with your hand just like a kitten.
Rats are some of the cleanest animals there are.
They can be seen constantly grooming themselves and each other, and will typically bathe themselves more than six times a day. Believe it or not...they don’t smell, either! I have been fortunate enough to have rats that will actually do their business in a litter box, with very little training. The absolute best part about them is that when it’s time to come out and play, they tend to hold off on the excrement until they are back in the cage. This is because rats are very private animals, and prefer to go in their own personal area.
In the two years I have owned rats, I have never been bitten. In fact, rats rarely bite, especially if they are handled regularly and properly cared for. Typically, when a rat bites, it’s because it presumes you are holding food. Rats will bite when feeling threatened, obviously, as any animal would. Rats really aren’t such nasty vermin after all. They deserve the love and respect that any other animal receives, and it’s a shame that they are looked down upon in the manner that they are. More people should get to experience owning them as pets, and get to see what amazing creatures they really are.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Exam Stress by Ellen V.
For many students, there are two weeks which compete for the “Worst Time of the Year” title – the week of midterms in January and the week of final exams in June. It is the time of year when high school students are stretched to their highest extent, are constantly working under an enormous amount of stress and sleepless nights are taken for granted. Ironically, this is the time when academic performance is expected to be at the highest.
Mount Abraham Music Department’s 2008 Winter Concert by Yuki D.
On December 16, Mount Abraham Union High School’s Music Department had their annual Winter Concert.
The High School Concert Band, Sweet Transition, High School Jazz Ensemble, and High School Performing Chorus all performed winter themed songs for the surrounding community.
Members of the Music Department decorated the lobby and stage beautifully, with tinsel, twinkle lights, poinsettias, snowflakes, and spray painted stars.
First to perform was the Concert Band. To start their program, they played a season-appropriate, upbeat song, “Winter Holiday.” They then proceeded to play a slow song, “Abide with Me” and a moving, grand piece, “Choral and Shaker Dance II.”
Next was the a cappela group, Sweet Transition. All members were whimsically dressed, with Santa hats, tutus, matching scarves, and ski goggles.
The first song they performed was the “Carol of the Bells,” a typically Christmas-time song. Next, the group sang, “And So It Goes,” by Billy Joel, with solos by Gloria Kamencik and Ryan Conant. Then, they sang, “Everything” by Michael Buble. Choral teacher, Megan LaRose, and junior Shanna Gebo arranged this song, and it featured wonderful solos by Maren Granstrom and Jon Martin, acting in love. Sweet Transitions last song of the evening was “Can Can” from the Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld. This was a very fun piece with lively choreography by Mt. Abe alumna Christi Kroll, including fake bass plucking and a kick-line.
Third in the program was the Jazz Ensemble. Instrumental music teacher, Matt Tatro, introduced them, saying that they had worked on a variety of music which requires a lot of effort and skill.
The first song they played was a mellow piece, “A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square.” This featured a solo by Dan Thompson on the trombone. Following that, the vocalist, Hannah Miller, came up to perform “Stormy Weather.” Next was “Moanin,’” a contemporary jazz piece featuring intentional chaos and an overall intense atmosphere. Teacher Matt Tatro on the baritone saxophone and Toby Salas on tenor saxophone were both featured with solos. The piece was very well done, and the audience thoroughly excited. For the final piece, “Orange Colored Sky,” Hannah Miller sang again, portraying her bright self in an upbeat song.
The last to perform was the Performing Chorus. They began their first song, “Winds of Change,” by singing in a round while walking up the rows and onto the stage. Next was “The Sleigh (A la Rousse),” a cheerful and lively song. Then, they performed “Longer,” a piece from the seventies. When they started to learn this song, tons of stories came back from parents, saying that “Longer” was their wedding song. Megan LaRose dedicated the piece to those in love. The piece started with solos from Morgan Doane and Nathan L'Heureux. For their fourth piece, the chorus performed Mozart’s “Lacrymosa (from the Requiem).” This was a beautiful piece, featuring sophomore Ellen Vitercik on the violin. The final piece of the night was the famous “Hallelujah Chorus (from the Messiah).” Any alumni in the audience were welcomed up to the stage, most of which were highly involved in the music department.
It was an enjoyable concert, and each of the four ensembles played wonderfully. This was a practice performance for a competition the department is going to in April in Annapolis, Maryland. There they will be able to work on something that will provide to the larger community.
The next concert for the department is the Pops Concert, a themed concert featuring snacks and a silent auction. This will be happening on March 12th.
The High School Concert Band, Sweet Transition, High School Jazz Ensemble, and High School Performing Chorus all performed winter themed songs for the surrounding community.
Members of the Music Department decorated the lobby and stage beautifully, with tinsel, twinkle lights, poinsettias, snowflakes, and spray painted stars.
First to perform was the Concert Band. To start their program, they played a season-appropriate, upbeat song, “Winter Holiday.” They then proceeded to play a slow song, “Abide with Me” and a moving, grand piece, “Choral and Shaker Dance II.”
Next was the a cappela group, Sweet Transition. All members were whimsically dressed, with Santa hats, tutus, matching scarves, and ski goggles.
The first song they performed was the “Carol of the Bells,” a typically Christmas-time song. Next, the group sang, “And So It Goes,” by Billy Joel, with solos by Gloria Kamencik and Ryan Conant. Then, they sang, “Everything” by Michael Buble. Choral teacher, Megan LaRose, and junior Shanna Gebo arranged this song, and it featured wonderful solos by Maren Granstrom and Jon Martin, acting in love. Sweet Transitions last song of the evening was “Can Can” from the Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld. This was a very fun piece with lively choreography by Mt. Abe alumna Christi Kroll, including fake bass plucking and a kick-line.
Third in the program was the Jazz Ensemble. Instrumental music teacher, Matt Tatro, introduced them, saying that they had worked on a variety of music which requires a lot of effort and skill.
The first song they played was a mellow piece, “A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square.” This featured a solo by Dan Thompson on the trombone. Following that, the vocalist, Hannah Miller, came up to perform “Stormy Weather.” Next was “Moanin,’” a contemporary jazz piece featuring intentional chaos and an overall intense atmosphere. Teacher Matt Tatro on the baritone saxophone and Toby Salas on tenor saxophone were both featured with solos. The piece was very well done, and the audience thoroughly excited. For the final piece, “Orange Colored Sky,” Hannah Miller sang again, portraying her bright self in an upbeat song.
The last to perform was the Performing Chorus. They began their first song, “Winds of Change,” by singing in a round while walking up the rows and onto the stage. Next was “The Sleigh (A la Rousse),” a cheerful and lively song. Then, they performed “Longer,” a piece from the seventies. When they started to learn this song, tons of stories came back from parents, saying that “Longer” was their wedding song. Megan LaRose dedicated the piece to those in love. The piece started with solos from Morgan Doane and Nathan L'Heureux. For their fourth piece, the chorus performed Mozart’s “Lacrymosa (from the Requiem).” This was a beautiful piece, featuring sophomore Ellen Vitercik on the violin. The final piece of the night was the famous “Hallelujah Chorus (from the Messiah).” Any alumni in the audience were welcomed up to the stage, most of which were highly involved in the music department.
It was an enjoyable concert, and each of the four ensembles played wonderfully. This was a practice performance for a competition the department is going to in April in Annapolis, Maryland. There they will be able to work on something that will provide to the larger community.
The next concert for the department is the Pops Concert, a themed concert featuring snacks and a silent auction. This will be happening on March 12th.
What Happened to the Passion? by Ethan M.
I don’t know if there is anything else in this world that I enjoy more than music. It is the one thing in this world that can completely turn things around. It’s something that we can connect with, something that we can channel all our emotions into. It can mean many different things to different people, but the one thing that is true for us all is that it is one of the strongest defining points of who we are. Music is one true form of expression and human passion; the hardships and reality of life, poetry straight from the heart. So it’s not surprising how we can connect with these songs and the lyrics. That is real music.
But today, we are seeing the meaning fade. More and more young musicians are throwing away the actual music, for an image. Everybody wants to be a rock star; I mean doesn’t being rich and famous appeal to you? That image is constantly burned into this generation of teenage minds. The image is becoming more powerful that the meaning and we see more and more teens conforming to these MTV labels. Everyone has their own taste in music; you just need to find it. When you can really connect with a song and the words mean more than just ink on a piece of paper; that is real. We don’t need to dress a certain way to fit in with the crowd.
When it began, for those who don't know
It didn't matter how you looked or what you wore to a show
Dress codes, F*** NO! we didn't care
About the brand of your jeans and all that s*** in your hair
But now the biggest part is all about the image and not the art
Fashion before passion!
And at nights, it makes me mad that I should have to ask:
What happened to the passion? (passion!)
What the reason for screaming?
What happened the music and the message that I love?
What happened to the hard work? (hard work!)
And why does everybody look the same?
But today, we are seeing the meaning fade. More and more young musicians are throwing away the actual music, for an image. Everybody wants to be a rock star; I mean doesn’t being rich and famous appeal to you? That image is constantly burned into this generation of teenage minds. The image is becoming more powerful that the meaning and we see more and more teens conforming to these MTV labels. Everyone has their own taste in music; you just need to find it. When you can really connect with a song and the words mean more than just ink on a piece of paper; that is real. We don’t need to dress a certain way to fit in with the crowd.
When it began, for those who don't know
It didn't matter how you looked or what you wore to a show
Dress codes, F*** NO! we didn't care
About the brand of your jeans and all that s*** in your hair
But now the biggest part is all about the image and not the art
Fashion before passion!
And at nights, it makes me mad that I should have to ask:
What happened to the passion? (passion!)
What the reason for screaming?
What happened the music and the message that I love?
What happened to the hard work? (hard work!)
And why does everybody look the same?
What happened the music and the message that I love?
-H2O
This song pretty much defines all I’m trying to get across. We constantly see teenagers falling into this conformity, adopting something that’s not themselves for the happiness and acceptance of others. It’s something that’s happening way too often, our youth are not being true to themselves or anyone else and they lose themselves completely as a unique individual. We need to understand that we can be whatever we want to be, but these images have become so strong that everyone is afraid of being different, afraid of saying what they really feel, of expressing true emotion. Well I say stand up and show us who you really are.
This song pretty much defines all I’m trying to get across. We constantly see teenagers falling into this conformity, adopting something that’s not themselves for the happiness and acceptance of others. It’s something that’s happening way too often, our youth are not being true to themselves or anyone else and they lose themselves completely as a unique individual. We need to understand that we can be whatever we want to be, but these images have become so strong that everyone is afraid of being different, afraid of saying what they really feel, of expressing true emotion. Well I say stand up and show us who you really are.
Bolton Trips by Patrick H.
There is always a great amount of anticipation when ski and riding season
starts, but nothing is comparable to the first night of the Bolton trips. Students hear skiers and riders excitedly raving about the near future ski trip. They are counting down the weeks, then the days, the hours, the minutes and then the last few seconds before they hop on the bus, bearing either skis or board. No matter what they have clasped in their hands, a Burton board, twin tips, or even teles, they still wear the same crazy excited smile. It has been like this for several trips over the years, but this time the Boltoneers are especially eager. The park rats, glade gladiators, and cruiser crusaders alike have been starved of these trips. Last year’s trip did not happen, and the year before was not much more pleasant than Alcatraz.
Even after paying the high prices it costs to shred the mountain, the bus always left almost two hours early on some nights, due to the will of the chaperones. We were able to have a few good nights that year, but with the follow up of having no trips at all the next year was too much. We tried desperately all year to get the trips rolling, but no such luck.
This year however, will be the greatest Bolton session of all time. A great chaperone, David Gratton, has stepped forth and has sworn to be fair and let us board and ski until the lifts are unmoving and the lights shut off. We have a great group this year and the conditions are already of high quality.
starts, but nothing is comparable to the first night of the Bolton trips. Students hear skiers and riders excitedly raving about the near future ski trip. They are counting down the weeks, then the days, the hours, the minutes and then the last few seconds before they hop on the bus, bearing either skis or board. No matter what they have clasped in their hands, a Burton board, twin tips, or even teles, they still wear the same crazy excited smile. It has been like this for several trips over the years, but this time the Boltoneers are especially eager. The park rats, glade gladiators, and cruiser crusaders alike have been starved of these trips. Last year’s trip did not happen, and the year before was not much more pleasant than Alcatraz.
Even after paying the high prices it costs to shred the mountain, the bus always left almost two hours early on some nights, due to the will of the chaperones. We were able to have a few good nights that year, but with the follow up of having no trips at all the next year was too much. We tried desperately all year to get the trips rolling, but no such luck.
This year however, will be the greatest Bolton session of all time. A great chaperone, David Gratton, has stepped forth and has sworn to be fair and let us board and ski until the lifts are unmoving and the lights shut off. We have a great group this year and the conditions are already of high quality.
Fighting for an Education by Yuki D.
I recently attended a program on Thursday January 8, at Lawrence Memorial Library for its One World Library Project about growing up in Afghanistan and the struggle to find education. The presenter was Shabana Basij-Rasikh, an Afghani Middlebury College student. During a time when women were not allowed to receive an education, Shabana fought against the Taliban rule by attending a “secret school.” Every day she would go to an older woman’s house acting as family and be taught all of her subjects. Shabana risked her life from ages six to eleven, ages where American children are frivolously playing and studying insignificant subjects.
After the United States overthrew the Taliban in 2002, Shabana was able to attended public schools. At age sixteen, she received a scholarship to study in the United States, where she spent her senior year in Wisconsin. Now, she is studying Women’s and Gender Studies and Middle Eastern Studies at Middlebury College. Shabana has managed to become a sophomore at a very prestigious liberal arts college at the age of only 18! That is even the age of some seniors here at Mount Abraham.
Ever since she began her studies at Middlebury, Shabana has been intent on giving back to her home Afghanistan. No matter where she goes and even if the reign of the Taliban was so horrific, Shabana insisted that Afghanistan would be her home no matter what. Last summer, she received money from the Davis Peace Project to drill wells in villages near her home. While in Wisconsin, Shabana was also able to help build a school in her home village. Now she is focused on getting enough money to open the first all-girls high school in her area of the country.
Shabana hopes to become a politician in the future, helping her home country. She believes that education is the answer to the women’s rights in her country. If they had only learned how to make money for themselves, they could become successful, independent women. She hopes that in the future even more girls from her country will choose to become educated and to fend for themselves.
This young woman’s talk about the value of her education made me reexamine how much I appreciate the ability to study freely in my own country. Not only does our society encourage children to go to school, they force it upon us. Personally, I think that I take my education for granted. I always complain about school, so hearing these stories about these children, girls especially, who fought and risked their lives in order to go to school made me appreciate my education and ability to attend school even more.
I wish that everyone who goes to school in the United States could hear what Shabana has to say. Everyone would think their education, and maybe they would take it more seriously. We should all make the best of our educations, even though it may be difficult, on a day to day basis. We have what many around the world fight for everyday, and if we all made the best of it, maybe we could help spread our good fortune.
After the United States overthrew the Taliban in 2002, Shabana was able to attended public schools. At age sixteen, she received a scholarship to study in the United States, where she spent her senior year in Wisconsin. Now, she is studying Women’s and Gender Studies and Middle Eastern Studies at Middlebury College. Shabana has managed to become a sophomore at a very prestigious liberal arts college at the age of only 18! That is even the age of some seniors here at Mount Abraham.
Ever since she began her studies at Middlebury, Shabana has been intent on giving back to her home Afghanistan. No matter where she goes and even if the reign of the Taliban was so horrific, Shabana insisted that Afghanistan would be her home no matter what. Last summer, she received money from the Davis Peace Project to drill wells in villages near her home. While in Wisconsin, Shabana was also able to help build a school in her home village. Now she is focused on getting enough money to open the first all-girls high school in her area of the country.
Shabana hopes to become a politician in the future, helping her home country. She believes that education is the answer to the women’s rights in her country. If they had only learned how to make money for themselves, they could become successful, independent women. She hopes that in the future even more girls from her country will choose to become educated and to fend for themselves.
This young woman’s talk about the value of her education made me reexamine how much I appreciate the ability to study freely in my own country. Not only does our society encourage children to go to school, they force it upon us. Personally, I think that I take my education for granted. I always complain about school, so hearing these stories about these children, girls especially, who fought and risked their lives in order to go to school made me appreciate my education and ability to attend school even more.
I wish that everyone who goes to school in the United States could hear what Shabana has to say. Everyone would think their education, and maybe they would take it more seriously. We should all make the best of our educations, even though it may be difficult, on a day to day basis. We have what many around the world fight for everyday, and if we all made the best of it, maybe we could help spread our good fortune.
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