Hill Advances to POL State Finals
Danielle Hill at last Sunday’s Southeast Regional Poetry Out Loud competition. She will be participating in the State Finals this weekend. (Photo By: Kristen Walsh)
Haley Macray, Veritas Web & Features Editor
On Sunday, March 1, after winning over the judges at the 2015 Southeastern Regional round of the Poetry Out Loud competition held in South Yarmouth, RHS senior Danielle Hill will advance on to the POL State Finals. Hill scored among the top six competitors by performing “Snow Day” by Billy Collins and “What It Looks Like To Us and the Words We Use” by Ada Limon.
POL 2015 competitors (Photo By: Amy Woodward)
The finals will take place this Sunday, March 8, at the historic Old South Meeting House in Boston. The event starts at 9:30 AM and is free and open to the public. Rockland High graduate Gabrielle Guarracino (Class of 2008) will serve as one of the judges for this round. Guarracino was Massachusetts State Champion in 2007 and 2008. She will be a featured performer between the second and third rounds of the contest.
The Veritas wishes Dani good luck!
Boys Basketball Season Comes to an End
Tip-off last Thursday night in Norton as the Dogs went up against the Lancers.
Mike Leavitt, Veritas Staff
The Rockland Bulldogs were unable to get the job done Thursday night as the Norton Lancers advanced to the second round of the MIAA State Tournament with a 65-44 win in Norton. Rockland has made tournament forty four times over the past forty seven years, and this year’s team went through a lot to keep the streak alive. With a 10-8 regular season record they landed the number 11 seed and faced the number 6 seed Norton.
Rockland is known for their toughness and their defense, but that was not the case Thursday as the Lancers scored 32 points in just the first half, most from three pointers and foul shots leading the Bulldogs 32-19. Every time the Bulldogs seemed to gain some momentum the Lancers would come right back up the court and hit a big shot.
Head Coach Fred Damon told the Patriot Ledger “They shot the ball extremely well; we had several breakdowns on defense. It was just not a good night for us. But give them all the credit in the world. They hit shots when they had to.”
The second half was similar to the first as Norton continued to hit the outside shot. Rockland could not do anything offensively in the third quarter and Norton took full advantage of it by extending their lead to 42-24 with 2:17 left in the third quarter.
Senior Captain Andrew Frazer said, “Our game plan wasn’t fully executed. We started out the game slow and couldn’t recover throughout the whole game.”
The Bulldogs tried their best to spark something in the fourth but it just wasn’t enough to stop the sharp shooting Lancers who went on to face Archbishop Williams in the second round. Norton won that game on Saturday and advanced to the semifinals this week.
For a look at the Dogs’ entire season, see the next print edition of the Veritas.
The Dogs line up for the National Anthem before last Thursday’s game with Norton. The season ended for Rockland with a 65-44 loss to the Lancers. photos by Rockland High Sports
Spirit Week is Coming
The Class of 2015 at the Fall Pep Rally
Haley Macray, Veritas Web & Features Editor
Although it isn’t easy to believe with the large amounts of snow covering the the ground all over town, spring is nearly here and with spring comes Rockland High’s annual Spirit Week and Pep Rally.
This year the Pep Rally will be organized by Student Government Council Spirit Committee Chair, Caitlin Yannizzi, Head SGC Adviser, Kristen Walsh, RHS’s Athletic Director, Gary Graziano, and Vice Principal, Kathleen Paulding. During the week students will be encouraged to dress accordingly to that day’s theme (see schedule below).
This year’s theme days will give students the opportunity to dress in anything from their favorite Disney gear to best flannel shirt. Although there are many exciting theme days in store, Yannizzi has already chosen here favorite, “I’m looking forward to Disney day because I’m a child [at heart] and anything Disney makes me so happy.”
The theme days will be followed by the Pep Rally on Friday.
“For the Pep Rally we are trying to get more people involved,” says Yannizzi, “That way the whole school gets a chance to show their Rockland Pride.”
RHS Cheerleaders perform at the Fall Pep Rally
After a great Winter sports season with three RHS teams participating in post-season tournament, multiple first place wins by the Cheerleading team, and two members of the Wrestling team competing in the MIAA State Wrestling Tournament, the school has a lot to celebrate and plenty to look forward to in the upcoming season. Spirit Week will allow students to show pride in their school and finish off the week with a fun rally honoring all of this season’s achievements and preparing for next season’s.
Spirit Week kicks off Monday so get ready to show some RHS spirit!
The Spirit Week schedule is as follows:
- Monday 3/2 – Comfy Day
- Tuesday 3/3 – Neon Day
- Wednesday 3/4 – Disney Day
- Thursday 3/5 – Flannel Day
- Friday 3/6 – Class Color Day & Pep Rally
Wrestlers Eye State Prize
Cameron Stuart, Veritas Sports Editor
Two Rockland High wrestlers, senior Dennis McPeck and junior Brad Gasdia, competed in the MIAA State Wrestling Tournament last Friday and Saturday in Wakefield. The roads for these wrestlers were not easy, however, as not only did they have to qualify for the sectional tournament in Foxborough but they also had to wrestle well enough to qualify for states.
Senior Dennis McPeck had a great wrestling season for the Dogs photo by Kelley Reale
McPeck thrived in sectionals, making it all the way to the final match in his weight class in Division 3. McPeck lost a three-round (maximum) heartbreaker, 6-4. In the state tournament, McPeck ran into a bit of controversy in his 6-5 loss. The official called McPeck for stalling and trying to send the match to overtime, awarding the deciding point to his opponent from Danvers.
“It was questionable,” McPeck said, “but there’s nothing we can do to change it.”
McPeck’s day ended with a 6-2 loss in the next round.
Brad Gasdia will compete in All-States this weekend. photo by Kelley Reale
Junior Brad Gasdia continued his successful season by having a very successful state tournament. Gasdia’s 4 wins in the state tournament earned him a spot in the All-State tournament.
Gasdia won in convincing fashion with 2 pins, a forfeit, and an 11-3 decision en route to a 6th place finish in the 138 pound weight class.
“It’s refreshing,” Gasdia said, “I worked really hard for this and All-States is going to be a lot of fun.”
The All-State tournament will take place Friday Feb. 27 and Saturday Feb. 28 at Salem High School.
Girls Basketball Team Advances to Quarterfinals
Natalie Draicchio, Veritas Staff
The Rockland girls basketball team advanced to the quarterfinals of the Division 3 South Sectional tournament last night, defeating Coyle-Cassidy, 43-40 in a first round, defensive battle at the Dog Pound.
The lead went back and forth throughout the game. Rockland led by three at half-time, 18-15 but Coyle tied it up and went ahead in the second half, putting the crowd on the edge of their seats.
Kallie Morss played tough for the Lady Dogs against Coyle last night.
Junior Kyra Rose led the attack last night in a first round tournament game at home against Coyle Cassidy. photos Rockland High Sports
Junior Kyra Rose had a total of 23 points and 12 rebounds, senior Kallie Morss had a total of 8 points and, freshman Erika Ochenduszko had 8 rebounds to lead the Lady Bulldogs to the victory. Kyra Rose and Danielle O’Brien both hit huge 3’s while the clock in the fourth quarter while Ochenduszko and Rose hit free throws at the end to secure the victory.
Number 3 seed Rockland (17-4) will be facing the number 11 seed Bishop Stang (12-9) in the quarterfinals Friday in another home game at 6:30 pm.
Hockey Team Gets By Abington, 1-0
Rockland goalie Dylan Bernache makes one of his 29 saves on the way to the shut out vs. Abington on Feb. 24. The Dogs won 1-0 and advanced to a first round game vs. Norwell on Saturday. photo by Mark Norris, Rockland High Sports
Matt O’Brien
Veritas Staff
The road to the Garden was kicked off Tuesday night as the Rockland Bulldogs defeated Abington in a hard fought battle on the ice at the Rockland Rink. With a score of 1-0 the game was back and forth all night long.
The Dogs scored midway through the second period as sophomore Matt Dunn scored off of a deflection. Throughout the game senior Dylan Bernache came up huge with 29 saves and great stops on multiple five on three situations and with the final minutes of the game winding down.
The Bulldogs had many chances to pad the lead; however, bad bounces and saves from Abington’s netminder Mike Morse, kept the Green Wave in the game.
It’s not often two rivals get to play a tournament game in their own rink. The rivalry between Rockland and Abington is strong in every sport, and Tuesday night was no different.
Rockland Rink was busting at the seams as supporters from both towns cheered and rallied behind their team. Bulldog Nation was especially spectacular throughout the game. A sea of pink filled the rink as Rockland High School students and players took part in a pink out night to support breast cancer awareness.
Coach Mike Flaherty had this to say in the Patriot Ledger about the long rivalry between both towns: “This is a friendly rivalry – lots of the kids play together during the off-season – but it is also a border war with a lot of emotion.”
The Dogs will go on to face top seeded Norwell in their next step towards greatness. The game will be played at 7:00 on Friday night at the Bog in Kingston.
RHS hockey players posed with their new dye and cut styles at practice. Last night’s game with Abington was designated a pink-out game for breast cancer awareness and support. photo by Asst. Coach Kevan Joyce
SAT Prep Course Postponed
Veritas Staff
RHS’s SAT prep course that was scheduled to start today has been postponed until next week due to the number of students participating in tournament games this week. This week’s classes will be made up at a later date.
The registration deadline has been extended until this Friday, February 27.
If you are interested in signing up for the courses the registration form can be found by clicking here. The cost, including all materials, is $75 for one subject and $100 for both.
The Veritas wishes all athletes participating in tournaments this week good luck! Go Dogs!
SAT Prep Courses Begin
Veritas Staff
As a reminder to those who signed up for RHS’s SAT prep course, classes will begin tomorrow, February 24, starting with the mathematics review portion of the program.
The math section will be held each Tuesday night from February 24 to April 28.
The critical reading and writing section will be held each Thursday night from February 26 to April 30.
All classes will take place from 7 to 8:30 at the high school.
This nine week course will prepare students for the upcoming May 2 SAT exam.
Should Boston Host Olympics in 2024?
Alexandra Pigeon, Veritas Editor-in-Chief
The city of Boston, Massachusetts is one unlike any other. We are known for our accents, our funny phrases, our rude drivers, our top-notch colleges and universities and hospitals, our courage in the face of adversity, and, most of all, our love of sports.
Having been chosen as the bid city that the United States will submit to the Olympic Committee for the games in 2024, Boston has been given the chance to host the Holy Grail of sporting events. After beating out San Francisco, two-time Olympic host Los Angeles, and the nation’s capital Washington D.C., Boston now has to face tough competition from other cities of the world including Rome, Paris, Berlin, Budapest, Istanbul, and more.
City officials are thrilled at the chance to showcase all that Boston has to offer.
“This selection is in recognition of our city’s talent, diversity and global leadership,” says Mayor Marty Walsh. “Boston hopes to welcome the world’s greatest athletes to one of the world’s great cities.”
Governor Charlie Baker adds, “This is great news for Boston and the Commonwealth as it provides an exciting opportunity to promote Massachusetts on the world stage.”
Instead of seeing the small size of the city as a disadvantage, a new and improved kind of games is being conceived.
“Boston’s modest $4.5 billion proposal envisions a new Olympic model: a walkable, bikeable, sustainable Games that uses mostly pre-existing structures. This compact city of 646,000 plans a downsized, compressed, antisprawl Olympics,” commented a New York Times columnist.
While some disapprove of not creating an overly extravagant place for the Games to be held as most countries have done in the past, construction company CEO John Fish says, “A Boston Games can be one of the most innovative, sustainable and exciting in history and will inspire the next generation of leaders here and around the world.”
However, even with this conservative approach, Boston would have to do a lot of building, creating, and renovating in preparation to host the 2024 Summer Olympics which, despite what skeptics think, could be a really great thing for the city.
There is actually a good amount of undeveloped or wasted space in Boston such as giant, open slabs of land or old, abandoned buildings and factories. Since architects can now very effectively re-purpose Olympic venues, they could not only be used for that but they could be turned into prettier, more useful buildings. We could even solve the shortage of indoor space in the city by turning these buildings into turf fields, courts, and more.
More benefits that would come with hosting the Olympics in Boston would be improvements in roads, bridges, and public transit. One of the main concerns Bostonians have is how congestion and traffic will affect the city during the games. But with these upgrades it will be worth it in the long run. Essentially, this would give Boston the perfect reason to change the city for the better.
Another factor that has people thinking about whether or not Boston should host the 2024 Olympics is the potential for terrorism. After the devastation of the Boston Marathon bombings from 2013, this is a legitimate worry. However, we are the people that shut a whole city down to find the bad guy. We are the people that came together to provide an incredible amount of support to those affected. We are Boston Strong. And we will not shy away from this wonderful chance because of terrorists.
Overall, Bostonians would be crazy not to embrace the opportunity of hosting something as important and exciting as the Olympic Games. It is very unlikely that Boston would have this chance again in our lifetime.
To see such amazing athletes perform at such a high level of talent in this elite athletic event is a rare and special occasion and we should take advantage of it.
Guidance Department Promotes BC Splash
The Guidance Department has sent out information about a great opportunity for students that is FREE!! Check it out and go to their website for more info. Registration starts next week.
Boys Basketball Team Qualifies for Tournament / Honors Senior Players and Cheerleaders
The boys’ basketball game with Mashpee on last Friday night, Feb. 13, saw a double celebration. First, before the game the nine senior players and three senior cheerleaders were honored for their commitment to RHS for the last four years.
Once the game had ended, coaches, players and the rest of Bulldog Nation celebrated a big victory over Mashpee, 62-49. This gave the Dogs another postseason berth, one of 44 in the past 50 years!
Below are pictures of the seniors taken by Kelley Reale and Mark Norris. Click on one of the individual pictures to see close-ups of senior pictures.
Senior players and cheerleaders: Andrew Frazer, Mike Leavitt, John Kamande, Maddie Daly, Mike Doherty, Liam Ball, Kelsey Girard, Leshon Crawford, Justin Nguyen, Krystin Killion, Ian MacDonald, Matt Clougherty and Joe Reardon.
Kelsey Girard with her parents
Krystin Killion and her mom.
Maddie Daly with her parents.
Justin Nguyen and his mother and father
Senior Liam Ball, his dad and sister
Leshon Crawford and his mom
John Kamande and his mom.
Joe Reardon and his parents
Ian MacDonald accompanied by his mother and father
Mike Doherty with his dad.
Matt Clougherty and his parents
Andrew Frazer with his mom and dad.
Next up for the Dogs is a game on Tuesday, Feb. 17 vs. Duxbury, part of a boy-girl doubleheader which will feature Senior Night for the girls at 4:30 pm.
Before the boys game at 6:30, a presentation will be made honoring John Tolmie, Class of 1964, the all-time leading scorer in boys’ basketball history. Click on the flyer below to read about John Tolmie. Former RHS Principal and Basketball Coach, A. Scott MacKinlay will make the presentation to members of Tolmie’s family.
Hallways and Runways: American Heart Association Month
The Red Dress lapel pin
Haley Macray, Veritas Web and Feature Editor
February is American Heart Month, a time not only for recognizing the heart as the universal symbol of love, but more importantly for raising awareness of the diseases that can affect it.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. It is the number one killer of both men and women within the United States. Causes of heart disease include unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, smoking and tobacco use habits, obesity, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes. Many heart disease related deaths could be prevented by simply monitoring and altering these factors.
Gender and ethnicity also play a role in who is most likely to be affected by CVD.
“Men are more than twice as likely as women to die from preventable CVD,” says the Center for Disease Control. “Nearly 44% of African American men and 48% of African American women have some form of CVD. And African Americans are more likely than any other racial or ethnic group to have high blood pressure and to develop the condition earlier in life. About two in five African American adults have high blood pressure, yet fewer than half of them have the condition under control.”
According to Million Hearts, one in three adults (80 million) in the United States have some form of heart disease, stroke, or other blood vessel diseases.
While cardiovascular disease does significantly affect men, it also impacts women as well.
The American Heart Association founded Go Red for Women in 2004 to raise awareness of the lesser known risk of CVD in women.
“In the past, heart disease and heart attack have been predominantly associated with men. Historically, men have been the subjects of the research done to understand heart disease and stroke, which has been the basis for treatment guidelines and programs. This led to an oversimplified, distorted view of heart disease and risk, which has worked to the detriment of women,” says the Go Red for Women’s website.
“Because women have been largely ignored as a specific group, their awareness of their risk of this often-preventable disease has suffered. Only 55 percent of women realize heart disease is their No. 1 killer and less than half know what are considered healthy levels for cardiovascular risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol. The Go Red For Women movement works to make sure women know they are at risk so they can take action to protect their health.”
This campaign is now signified by the easily recognizable red dress logo. This iconic logo will be transformed into real life renditions again this year at Mercedes Benz Fashion week.
The Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection 2015 will make its debut on February 12. Presented by Macy’s, the Red Dress Collection is where, “top designers, models and celebrities demonstrate their support for women’s heart health,” according to the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week website.
Past Red Dress Collection designers have included Zac Posen, Alice + Olivia, Badgley Mischka, Carolina Herrera, Marchesa, Donna Karen, Dolce and Gabbana, Oscar de la Renta, and Cynthia Rowley. Their dresses were worn by celebrities such as Anna Sophia Robb, Bella Thorne, Joan Jett, Kat Graham, and Victoria Justice. According to Women’s Wear Daily this year’s A-list roster will include YouTube beauty sensation, Bethany Mota and Orange is the New Black actress, Laverne Cox.
For those who won’t be attending the elite fashion show at Lincoln Center, the American Heart Association has some great fashion accessories to offer on their online store. From bowties and scarves to jewelry and graphic t-shirts, it’s easy to show your support for Heart Disease and bring attention to the cause.
Hockey Team Salutes Nine Seniors
The Rockland High School hockey season is winding down and on Feb. 11 before the game with South Shore Vo Tech, the team saluted its nine seniors. After the pregame recognition, the team went out and defeated SSVT with a big 7-1 win. The hockey team’s record is currently 10-7-1. They need one point in the next three games to qualify for the postseason. Good luck Dogs!
Senior Hockey Players!
Colin Sheehan with his parents on Senior Night for the hockey team
Matt Ryan with his mother, high school nurse Kathi Ryan and his dad.
Richard Walls with his family
Shane Hurley with his Mom and Dad
Pat Tanner with his mom and dad.
Luke McCollough, his dad, mom and brother, Brian
Eddie Yeadon with his family.
Dylan Bernache with his sister and father.
Brendan Peck with his family.
PHOTOS by Kelley Reale
Wrestling Team Honors Senior Members
The RHS wrestling team held its senior night on Feb. 11 in the high school gym before their meet with Duxbury. Honored were six RHS seniors and two seniors from Abington High School.
It was an exciting match that came down to the last heavyweight match; Duxbury came up with the two point win.
Good luck to the wrestlers in the Sectionals this weekend.
Senior Pearse McNally with Coach Tim Brown
Abington senior, Troy Panico with his Mom and Dad and Coach Brown
Senior Owen Martin with his Mother and Father and Coach Brown
Senior Mike Mignosa with Coach Brown
Senior Jean DaSilva with Coach Brown
Senior Dennis McPeck with his mother and father and Coach Tim Brown.
Abington wrestler, Christina Howe with her parents and Coach Brown
Senior Alec Donegan with his Mom and Coach Brown
PHOTOS taken by Brianna Starkey
SGC Members to Participate in Polar Plunge
SGC members at the 2014 MASC Polar Plunge
Haley Macray, Veritas Web & Features Editor
On March 11 members of the Rockland High School Student Government Council will be participating in the Massachusetts Association of Student Council’s (MASC) Polar Plunge in Hyannis.
Each year attendees of the annual MASC conference are encouraged to run into chilly ocean water in support of the Special Olympics of Massachusetts. To root on RHS’s daring Plungers and support this worthy cause please consider sponsoring SGC by making a donation.
Donations can be made by clicking here.
Poetry Out Loud Competition Held at RHS
Back row from left to right: PJ Butler, Daniel Silva, Sean Vo, Ronan McNally, Pearse McNally, Eden Dalton, and Alyssa Collins. Front row from left to right: Iman Bendarkawi, Hannah Millen, Kellie Berry, Rebekah Panaro, Dani Hill, and Saoirse McNally.
Haley Macray, Veritas Web & Features Editor
On Friday, Jan. 23 thirteen students from Rockland High School participated in the annual Poetry Out Loud contest.
Each of the thirteen contestants recited two poems. They were joined by Justin Arena’s trio who provided musical interludes. When the judges’ decisions were announced, it was a senior sweep. Daniel Silva was awarded third place, Pearse McNally was awarded second place, and for the second year in a row Danielle Hill was awarded first place. Hill will be moving on to Southeastern Regionals on March 1st.
On behalf of Veritas Staff, we wish Dani good luck!
For more about the Poetry out Loud competition be sure to see the full story in the February print issue of The Veritas.
Swim Teams Get Wins in Meet Against Randolph
The Rockland High School Swim Teams
The boys and girls swim teams were both victorious tonight in their meet with Randolph.
For the girls it was their first win of the season; the boys got win number two.
Coach Margolis said, “The girls won 64-38 with some phenomenal swims by all! The boys won 76-71. It all came down to the 400 free relay anchored by senior captain Ian Welch.”
Congratulations to all, especially the seniors on their Senior Night.
Poetry Out Loud Friday, Jan. 23
Veritas Staff
POETRY OUT LOUD, the annual poetry recitation competition, will be held on Friday, January 23, 2015, at 7 PM in the Lecture Hall.
Left to right: Pearse McNally, Danielle Hill and PJ Butler were judged in the top three in the Poetry Out Loud competition last year, pictured here with Mrs. Amy Woodwood. Hill placed first, Butler, second and McNally third. They will be competing again this year on Friday night along with several other performers. Don’t miss it!
The following students will be performing these poems:
Sean Vo
“And Soul” by Eavan Boland
“Echo” by Christina Rossetti
Danielle Hill
“What it looks Like to Us and the Words We Use” by Ada Limon
“The Paradox” by Paul Laurence Dunbar
Ronan McNally
“Break, break, break” by Alfred Lord Tennyson
“Mechanism” by A. R. Ammons
Pearse McNally
“It was not Death, for I stood up” by Emily Dickinson
“Life Cycle of Common Man” by Howard Nemerov
Eden Dalton
“The Affliction of Richard” by Robert Bridges
“Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou
Iman Bendarkawi
“Work without Hope” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
“Blind Curse” by Simon J. Ortiz
Daniel Silva
“Domestic Situation” by Ernest Hilbert
“Epitaph” by Katherine Philips
Rebekah Panaro
“Revenge” by Letitia Elizabeth Landon
“Fire and Ice” by Robert Frost
PJ Butler
“When I heard the learn’d astronomer” by Walt Whitman
“The Conqueror Worm” by Edgar Allan Poe
Saoirse McNally
“Ode to the Hotel Near the Children’s Hospital” by Kevin Young
“Richard Cory” by Edward Arlington Robinson
Alyssa Collins
“The Woman at the Washington Zoo” by Randall Jarrell
“Friendship After Love” by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Hannah Millen
“The Cities Inside Us” by Alberto Rios
“Insomnia” by Dante Gabriel Rossetti
Kellie Berry
“In a Dark Time” by Theodore Roethke
“Ode” by Arthur O’Shaughnessy
Mrs. Fleming To Retire Jan. 21
Mrs. Fleming with Principal Dr. Cron
Mr. Graziano, Mrs. Fleming, and Mr. Burnieika
Mrs. Fleming in her sewing class. Left to right are: Vianna Andrade, Shamara Caddeus, Mrs. Fleming, Sara Yalenezian, Teddy Panagiotidis and Kaitlyn Roche.
Haley Macray, Veritas Web & Features Editor
After teaching for 32 years Rockland High School’s Family and Consumer Science teacher Trish Fleming will be retiring on Wednesday, January 21.
As reported in a previous Veritas article, Mrs. Fleming has had quite the successful career at RHS. She has been recognized for her work as an educator by Superintendent of Rockland Schools, John Retchless, who said that her contribution to Rockland students goes above and beyond her work in the cooking and sewing rooms. Mrs. Fleming has introduced her students to the community through charitable cause such as creating and donating comfort pillows to Breast Cancer patients as well as taking classes to homeless shelters.
Her students are appreciative of what Mrs. Fleming has taught them over the years.
“Every class felt like students were really working together and achieving a perfect final product. To learn that lesson as a teenager is priceless,” said Junior Logan Murphy in a previous article.
Mrs. Fleming says that she is going to miss “all the smiles” as well as getting to see “the appreciation from kids, from the different things they’ve accomplished in class.”
Even though Mrs. Fleming is finishing up her last few days at RHS her impact on students will always remain.
“Leaving is kind of bittersweet,” says Mrs. Fleming, “I’m going to miss my students.” She explains that doing certain things such as projects and assignments for the last time has been difficult for her.
What’s next for Mrs. Fleming? She is looking forward to sunshine and doing some traveling with her husband, David.
Registration for SAT Prep Courses Opens
Veritas Staff
In order to assist students in preparing for the May 2, 2015 SAT exam – which will be held at Rockland High School – an SAT preparation course will be offered for those who are interested. RHS faculty members from both the math and English departments will serve as instructors for the course and will use the official College Board SAT Study Guide, data from past SATs and PSATs, and time tested review strategies and techniques.
All classes will take place from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at RHS. The cost, including all materials, is $75 for one subject and $100 for both.
The math portion of the course will meet on Tuesday nights: February 24, March 3, March 10, March 17, March 24, April 31, April 7, April 14, and April 28.
The critical reading and writing section will meet on Thursday nights: February 26, March 5, March 12, March 19, March 26, April 2, April 9, April 16, and April 30.
You may register by completing and returning the registration form to the Rockland High School Guidance Office on or before February 13th.
More information can be found by clicking this link: SAT Prep flyer and registration form 2014-15
Mid-Year Exams Postponed
Veritas Staff
Due to recent events impacting the Rockland community Mid-Year exams have been postponed along with the conclusion of Term II.
Term II will end on January 28 and grades will be posted at 1:00 pm on February 4.
Memorial Scholarship Fund Set Up For RHS Senior, Patrick Sullivan
Veritas Staff
The Rockland community has suffered a great loss. Rockland High School senior, Patrick Sullivan tragically passed away on New Year’s Day.
Known by his friends as “Sully” or “Rick,” Patrick was a member of the Student Government Council as well as the football, wrestling, and baseball teams.
The thoughts of the Rockland community are with the Sullivan family during this difficult time. Patrick will be greatly missed by his family, friends, classmates, and all those who knew him.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to give back to the Rockland community in Patrick’s honor.
It states, “It is the wish of the family to have 100% of all donations distributed directly back to the Bulldog Nation Patrick so loved. It is the intention to have Patrick’s memory live on through the Rockland Schools for decades to come. In addition to the establishment of the Patrick J. Sullivan Memorial Scholarship, proceeds will also benefit the Rockland Education Foundation as well as the Rockland High School Athletic Department for purposes specifically designated by the Sullivan family.”
To make a donation please click here.
Services for Patrick Sullivan will be held at the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home, 135 Union St. Rockland on Wednesday January 7, 2015, from 5:00-8:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday January 8, 2015 at 9:00 AM in Holy Family Church in Rockland.
The Veritas’ 2014 Year in Review
The Class of 2014 graduated in May
Haley Macray, Veritas Web & Features Editor
Over the past year the Rockland High School community has been exposed to both triumphs and tragedies. Overall, 2014 was action packed for both RHS and the outside communities, and the Veritas was there to report it all.
2013 Graduates Return for College Fair – Jan. 6
RHS kicks off the new year with visits from past graduates. Members of the Class of 2013 return to talk about their colleges and pass out information.
Students Shut off Cell Phones – Jan. 7
Pop Culture teacher, Brian Smith proposes experiment for his students, no cell phone use for 24 hours; the only exception being important phone calls.
POL winner Danielle Hill
Poetry Out Loud – Jan. 26
RHS students participate in school wide Poetry Out Loud competition. Danielle Hill comes in first and gets ready to move on to the regional competition. Hill went on to the State competition in March. See story and photos
RHS Music Department Presents Broadway Night – March 14 See photo gallery and story
Chris Burnieika Receives Service Award from Athletic Directors – March 20 See story in our archives
RHS Globe Show Winners -March 27
RHS art classes traveled to Boston for annual Globe Show. Students Georgia Panagiotidis (Gold Key), Dani Hill (Silver Key), and Joey Marchetti (Honorable Mention & Silver Key) are recognized for their artwork and photography in the annual art show.
Marylou’s Voted RHS’s Favorite Coffee – April
RHS hosts first SEMASC Conference – April 11
After months of planning, RHS’s Student Government Council hosts Rockland’s first SEMASC conference. With over 500 attendees from local school councils, the RHS SGC welcomes SEMASC delegates to a day of leadership training. See story
Budget Override Defeated – April 12
After being hit with increased gas, electricity, and special education costs and having a reduction of state funding and federal grants, the Rockland Public School District asks for a budget override. Voters at the town elections defeat the request.
Bobby Gasdia Wins Spellman Oratorical -April 15 See story here
(From left) Josh Lutts, Jace Williams, Jon Soo Hoo, Olivia Olsen, Bobby Gasdia, Jackie Carlson, Devin Gilmore, and Brittni Lambiase celebrate the completion of the 2014 Spellman Oratorical Competition
Foreign Language Students Travel to Spain and
France – April 19
Lacrosse Teams Have Seasons of Firsts – April
RHS girls lacrosse finishes its very first season and the boys finish their first season as a varsity team.
RHS Theater Guild Presents High School Musical – May 2
After much anticipation, High School Musical premieres at RHS. Varsity basketball player, Andrew Frazer, trades in his Bulldog uniform for an East High Wildcats jersey and RHS students from all different clubs and sports break the “status quo” by banning together to form a diverse cast. See story and photo gallery
Class of 2015 in Debt After Prom Incident – May 15
After nearly sixty nip bottles were flushed down the toilets at Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston, causing approximately $13,000 in damage, the Class of 2015 is left in debt. Class officers return to the venue to formally apologize. Dance and prom policies are altered. See in-depth story; also junior prom photo gallery
Senior Prom Held at Red Lion Inn in Cohasset after 1st Venue Burns Down – May 28
On Saturday, April 5 the Lakeview Pavilion in Foxborough was completely destroyed by fire. The Pavilion had been booked for the RHS Senior Prom on May 28. The first thing that most seniors thought was “where is our prom going to be?” They chose the Red Lion Inn.
Jon Soo Hoo named Valedictorian of Class of 2014 – May 29
Jon Soo Hoo was Valedictorian of the Class of 2014
Class of 2014 Graduation – May 30
In a goodbye letter to the class, Senior Class advisor, Sam Hoyo says, “Thank you for helping me realize that teaching is my passion and that Rockland is my home.”
Juniors selected for Boys, Girls State – June
Left to right are juniors Nicole Cook, Dennis McPeck, Eddie Yeadon, Kara Penney who were selected to represent RHS at Boys and Girls State.
Ms. Paulding Settles into New Position as Vice Principal – August Story in Veritas News
Chris Landy and Brianna Starkey named Mr. and Miss Rockland – Oct. 23 & 24 Mr. Rockland Photos, story; Miss Rockland photos and story
RHS girls’ soccer team are 2014 Division 4 South Sectional Finalists. – Nov. 16 story in Sports
“This group of girls accomplished something not many teams can do. This team, and especially these seniors will forever be legends in our school,” said Coach Greg Rowe.
Senior Class Wins 2nd Powder Puff Game – Nov. 21
The Class of 2015 defends its Powder Puff title after beating the juniors 20-14. See Story and Photo Gallery
Cheerleaders Win State Championship – Nov. 23
The RHS cheerleaders come out on top at Lowell High School. See Story in Sports
Theater Guild Presents Peter Pan – Dec. 12 – See preview, review and photo gallery in Clubs and Activities
The Theater Guild’s production of Peter Pan closed out the year in style.
Graduates Return to RHS for College Fair
Haley Macray, Veritas Web & Features Editor
On Monday, December 22 Rockland High School graduates returned to RHS to visit with teachers and students at the second annual college fair. The graduates shared information with students about the colleges and universities that they are attending and passed out brochures to those who were interested.
Junior Meghan Foster, who serves as the RHS Student Government Council Student Services Chair, organized the event with Head SGC Advisor, Kristen Walsh.
Jackie Carlson shows some Framingham State Ram pride.
Shannon Gray with brother Sam Gray, Sonya May, Nicole Gilcoine, Thanh Dieu, and Mr. MacAllister
Kevin Strobel, Mr. Casagrande, Shannon Gray with brother Sam Gray, Sonya May, Nicole Gilcoine, Thahn Dieu, and Mr. MacAllister
Julie Simmons, Leah O’Bryan, Angelica Calderon, and Ashley Hemeon
Junior, Meghan Foster and graduate, Chris Catania
Kayla Frazer, Lisa Howes, Lauren Scott, and Jon Soo Hoo
Devin Gilmore, Kylie Langhoff, and Molly Garrity
Photos by Haley Macray
Students Receive Recognition, Awards at School Committee Meeting
At Monday night’s School Committee meeting a group of students were recognized and presented with achievement awards.
Senior Alyssa Collins was presented with the Massachusetts Association of Superintendents’ Academic Award by Superintendent John Retchless. Retchless asked Collins to talk about her academics present and future. She said she participates in band and theater guild. Collins would like to attend Brown University to study psychology. She is one of the top students in the senior class.
Alyssa Collins and Superintendent John Retchless
Senior Alexandra Pigeon was awarded the Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators’ Association Student Achievement Principals’ Award by RHS Principal Alan Cron. Dr. Cron talked about Pigeon’s excellent academic record and her involvement in sports and extracurricular activities. Pigeon says that she is honored to have been recognized by Dr. Cron for her achievements. She has applied to several colleges and would like to major in English, writing or Journalism. Pigeon is a co-editor of the Veritas, the high school newspaper and is also one of the top two students in the senior class.
Alexandra Pigeon and RHS Principal Alan Cron
The Rockland High School Cheerleaders were also recognized for winning the State Championship in Division 4.
Left to right: Coach Kim Reardon, Kylie Keefe, Sam Aylward, Carly Reardon, Bella Rindone, Kelsey Girard and Krystin Killion
Peter Pan on Stage This Weekend
Peter Pan (Sophie McLellan) places pixie dust on John Darling (Ryan Struzziery, Michael Darling (Devin Gallagher) and Wendy Darling (Genesis Rojas) so that they can fly to Neverland.
Those who attend the Theater Guild’s first production of the year this weekend will be taken to Neverland along with the cast of Peter Pan. The show will go on at 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday nights, Dec. 12 and 13, and at 1 pm on Sunday afternoon, Dec.14, in the RHS Auditorium.
Theater Guild director, Jennifer Hartnett says that her large cast is ready.
Last night’s two dress rehearsals featured two different casts made up of Theater Guild members who changed roles, as they will in the upcoming performances this weekend.
Peter Pan will be played by Stephanie Blaney and Sophie McLellan; Alyssa Collins and Jurnee Dunn will share the role of Tiger Lily; PJ Butler and Leah DeCecco will play Captain Hook; Chris Landy and Danielle Hill will be Smee; and Ella Engle and Genesis Rojas will share the role of Wendy.
Tickets can be purchased on showtix4u.com for $7 in advance and $10 at the door.
For a preview of the show go to the Veritas’ Club/Activities page.
PJ Butler and Ella Engle played pirates in the second rehearsal; Butler also plays Captain Hook while Engle will also play Wendy Darling in the weekend performances.
Rockland Hosts Aussie Girls Basketball Team
Coach of the Aussie Travelers, Rad Radon, instructs his players during a time-out.
Cam Stuart, Veritas Sports Editor
The Rockland girls basketball team hosted their first scrimmage Monday, but it was no South Shore League foe, or one in the same hemisphere for that matter. The team they played is known as the Aussie Travelers, a high school team from Australia who makes a two-week journey to the United States bi-annually.
This time around, the travelers are touring Massachusetts and New York before heading out to Los Angeles.
“We try to visit a new part of America every time,” Aussie head coach Rad Radan said. “Last time we went to Texas and before that it was Seattle and the great northwest.”
The girls (and Aussie boys team that travels with them) have had quite the busy schedule since coming across the world. They toured Syracuse University before playing Rome (N.Y.) High School and also toured World-Famous Fenway Park before heading down to Rockland.
For their time in Massachusetts, the Aussies have been staying in Cohasset thanks to a family that lived in Australia before moving to Massachusetts.
“We come to experience a different culture,” Radan said, “also just to play basketball; the kids love basketball, and it can open them up to a new culture.”
The Aussie girls left a message in the locker room before their scrimmage with the Rockland JV and Varsity teams.
Rockland players and Australian players from St. Luke’s in Sydney got together after the scrimmage.
The Aussies will be on the road to Los Angeles when they leave Massachusetts. They will visit Disneyland out there as well as visiting the Staples Center for a Lakers game and Pauley Pavilion to see UCLA.
“We have had a lot of fun over here,” Radan added, “although our schedule doesn’t allow for much sleep!”
As for the game, it was a 5-quarter scrimmage that the Lady Dogs unofficially won 59-40. The key to Rockland’s success was their suffocating full-court press and their basket penetration and overall aggressive play.
The Rockland girls open their season on Friday, December 12th, at North Quincy High School.
Faces of Rockland
“We are all immigrants,” says Susan Patton, Alternative Program Director at Rockland High School.
Mrs. Patton along with English teacher, Kendra Donovan and their students in the Transitions class are creating a project called Faces of Rockland.
The project, supported by a grant from the Rockland Education Foundation, is “dedicated to exploring the history of Rockland, and the journeys that brought its residents here,” according to the group’s Facebook page.
Their discoveries will be going into a book and documentary to be published in the spring.
The producers are searching for Rockland residents who have immigrated to the town in the past three generations who are willing to share their stories or the stories of their relatives.
“This would be for those families that can trace their heritage back to coming to this country, whether one, two, or three generations ago, and know the story of their arrival,” explains Mrs. Patton.
The Transitions class would like to interview fifteen or more people in the upcoming weeks.
If you are interested in the project or know someone who would be willing to be interviewed, contact Mrs. Patton at Rockland High School at spatton@rocklandschools.org or go to their website for more information.
Bulldogs Continue Thanksgiving Football Tradition
Bulldog Seniors before the Thanksgiving Game photo by Kelley Reale
by Cameron Stuart, Veritas Sports Editor
The Rockland Bulldogs football team renewed their Thanksgiving rivalry with the East Bridgewater Vikings on Thursday morning. The game was a hard-fought one that came down to the final minutes although the 29-12 final score wouldn’t indicate it. The Vikings scored twice in the final 10 minutes to fend off the Bulldogs for their seventh straight Thanksgiving Day victory.
East Bridgewater (9-2, 6-2 SSL) scored midway through the second quarter, a 45-yard pass play from Ryan Graham to Jake Peterson, to break the scoreless tie. Rockland (6-5, 5-3 SSL) answered on the next drive when Joe Reardon completed a 46-yard pass to Liam Ball to set the Bulldogs up at the 2 yard line. On the next play, Joe Reardon kept it himself and ran in the 2-yard touchdown but then was unable to punch in the 2-point conversion, leaving East Bridgewater with a 7-6 lead at the half.
An interception by the Vikings’ Brandon Hunter set up East Bridgewater in Rockland territory before junior running back Jared Vargas scored on a 16-yard touchdown run, making it 14-6. Once again, Joe Reardon had the answer, scoring again on a 12-yard run for his second touchdown in his last football game, cutting the Viking lead to two at 14-12. After a personal foul kept the next Viking drive alive on a fourth down play, quarterback Ryan Graham leaped over the Rockland defense at the 1-yard line to score, extending East Bridgewater’s lead to 21-12.
Owen Harrington capped the scoring in this game, punching in a 6-yard touchdown with just over two minutes left in the game. The Vikings lined up for a conventional point-after attempt before quarterback and ball-holder Ryan Graham rolled out and hit Connor Gavin with a 2-point completion, making the final score a 29-12 East Bridgewater victory.
Coach Brian Kelliher congratulated his senior players with the following on Twitter:
“Thank you seniors for last 3 years! You are a great group of kids. I have learned a great deal from each of you.”
Click here for the Veritas photo gallery of the senior football players and cheerleaders before the game.
Images Magazine Debuts New Website
Rockland High School’s art and literary magazine, Images, recently debuted a brand new website. Be sure to check out their November webzine that features literature and artwork with the theme, hope and change.
To view this month’s issue on the Images website click here.
Seniors Recognized at Final Football Game
Seniors in the Rockland High School Band were recognized at the beginning of the Thanksgiving football game for what would be their final field show after four years of outstanding performances. Congratulations!
Alyssa Collins with her parents Chris and Michelle Collins
Ian Welch with his mom, Nancy Welch
Markus Rohwetter with his mom, Jan Rohwetter
Michael Bailey with his mom, Holly Bailey
Nicole Cook with her mom, Beth Cook
PJ Butler with his family including parents, Tim and Sharon
Samantha Poirier with her mother, Lisa Poirier
Turkey Toss
RHS seniors Leshon Crawford and John Kamande participated in their second straight ‘Turkey Toss” hosted by Kiss 108 FM in the parking lot of the Meadow Glen Mall in Medford. The storyline was the same as last year: gloomy. The weather, the location, and performance all complied with this.
As Kamande was throwing, the turkey slipped form his hands, creating a “knuckle ball” effect and making for a near impossible catch for Crawford. No one can blame Kamande for the miscue, however, due to the slight rainfall, the 7 AM start, and the fact that the turkey was upwards of 30 pounds.
Whether in jubilation or in disappointment, the boys represented Rockland High in a highly publicized event, one that was broadcast live on the radio, and represented the school very well as they always do. The Turkey Toss consists of two athletes (usually football players) from 8 schools, selected by the station that are considered honorable in the high school football ranks, making it even more special that Rockland has been invited the past two years.
Like on the gridiron, the boys from Everett High School dominate this event, winning the event for the fourth straight year.
Video of Leshon Crawford’s drop was recorded by Kristen Walsh who accompanied Crawford and Kamande to the Meadow Glen Mall.
http://www.kiss108.com/onair/matty-in-the-morning-4422/turkey-toss-2014-13006193/
Cheerleaders Win State Championship
The Rockland High School cheerleaders brought home the Division 4 State Championship Cheering trophy on Sunday, Nov. 23.
The girls competed at Lowell High School and won by 7/10ths of a point over second place Ipswich High School. Rockland’s routine was not perfect but the degree of difficulty they challenged themselves with won them the championship.
Coaches are Jeanine Reardon, Kim Reardon, Kim Daly and Steph Schneider.
Senior Class Goes 2-0 With Powder Puff Win
The seniors made it a two year Powder Puff sweep with a 20-14 win Friday night. Led by quarterback Brianna Starkey, the Class of 2015 beat the juniors in a close game thanks to two touchdowns and a 2 point conversion by Natalie Ellard and one touchdown by Lauren Farrell. The juniors played well behind QB Kyra Rose who also had one touchdown along with Kylie McKenna. They had the ball in the red zone as time expired but could not get across the goal line.
Junior Coaches, Mike Ahern, Samantha Hoyo, Ryan Shea, and Kevin Levesque
Junior Class
Juniors: Back: Kate Dorney, Kaleigh Pishkin, & Jennifer Manning Front: Caitlin Yannizzi, Haley Macray, Ashley Pezzella, Abby Kinlin, & Ryan Shea
Junior quarterback, Kyra Rose talks to coach, Greg Makarski
Natalie Ellard scores for the senior class
Katie DeLorey, Kaitlyn Capeau, Taylor Reis, Kayla Beaudry, Mekenzie Levesque, Katie Gardner, Kristen Asci
Kylie McKenna, Shelise Dutcher, Adria Stephens, Meghan Foster, & Taylor Whitley
Senior coach, Leshon Crawford talks to quarterback, Brianna Starkey
Senior quarterback, Brianna Starkey talks to refs
Senior coach, Cam Stuart talks to Mekenzie Levesque, Katie DeLorey, and Kaitlyn Capeau
Maddie Daly and Kelsey Girard cheered the seniors on!
Chris Landy cheers on senior girls
Senior coach, Dennis McPeck talks to his players
Junior quarterback, Kyra Rose
Senior coaches: Cam Stuart, Patrick Sullivan, Leshon Crawford, and Dennis McPeck
Senior Class
Adele Leonard Receives National Award
Kathy Knight, Adele Leonard and Beverly Boughter
Veritas Staff
Rockland’s food service director, Adele Leonard, was presented with two major awards from Chartwell’s Food Service at a celebration held in the lecture hall on Nov. 10.
Leonard is in charge of the food service for Rockland’s three elementary schools, Memorial Park, Esten, and Jefferson, along with the Rogers Middle School, and our high school.
The first award is the New England Salaried Associate of the Year Award. The second award is the National Salaried Associates Award.
To read more about Leonard go to Veritas News
Preview: Powder Puff Football Game Friday Night
The video was produced by Journalism students in the WRPS studio.
Anchors – Cam Stuart and Brian Cohen
Camera Operators – Tim Sullivan, Mekenzie Levesque and Jurnee Dunn.
Director – Matt O’Brien
CG Coordinator – Sean Fitzgerald
Talent Coordinator – Mike Leavitt
Sound – Jason Golemme
Meteorologist – Ryan Palmer
Girls Soccer Team in Semi-Finals Tonight!
photo by Kelley Reale
The Rockland Lady Dogs soccer team will play in the south sectional semi-finals at Norwell against Carver. The girls are 1-1 against their South Shore League rivals and look forward to kick-off at 6 pm tonight. The winner will advance to the South Finals and play East Bridgewater which won its semi-final game. This is the girls’ second straight appearance in a sectional semi-final and they hope last year’s experience will give them the edge to advance this year.
The girls made it to the semi-finals by beating Hull 1-0 in a great game last Friday in Rockland.
The Rockland offense led by seniors Danielle Whitcher, Julia Matson and Kallie Morss dominated midfield for the Lady Dogs. Senior Lauren Farrell scored the game’s lone goal with senior Natalie Ellard’s assist while senior Alex Pigeon led the defense to help senior goalie, Molly McDonough gain her third tournament shut-out.
It was a true team effort and now it’s on to Norwell tonight. Let’s go girls!
Rockland senior Lauren Farrell
Cheerleaders Land on Top
The cheerleaders practice hard the day before the league competition. Photo by Kelley Reale
After competing on Thursday, Nov. 6 in the South Shore League Cheerleading competition at Abington High School, the RHS cheerleaders are the 2014 League Champs. Scoring 94.85, it was one of the highest scores in several years for Rockland Cheer.
Coach Jeanine Reardon said, “I am so proud of these girls. Their effort and team work lead them to the top. Thanks to the parents, teachers, friends, and family who all came out tonight to support RHS Cheer. Our goal was met.”
Next up for the cheerleaders will be regional competition.
Fall SEMASC Makes Its Premiere
RHS SGC members enjoy a day of leadership, team building, and school spirit.
Haley Macray, Veritas Web & Features Editor
On Tuesday, November 4 members of the Rockland High School Student Government Council attended the Fall Southeastern Massachusetts Association of Student Councils (SEMASC) Conference at Middleboro High School. This year the conference theme was Premiering in Theaters: SEMASC Leaders.
RHS was represented by 20 students. The SGC members who attended the conference were chosen by their advisers and the Council’s President Katie DeLorey, Secretary Haley Macray, Treasurer Ryan Sugrue, and Publicity Coordinator Ashley Pezzella for outstanding work and dedication to SGC within the past few months.
Pezzella ran for SEMASC President, giving a speech in which she intertwined the magic of Disney with the appeal of SEMASC and student government. Following voting, it was announced that Pezzella was chosen to be President-Elect; she will take on the position of SEMASC President in the spring.
SGC members spent the day in workshops that focused on key aspects of student council such as spirit, teamwork, and planning.
“I always have a great time at any conference from going to the workshops and listening to the speakers,” said Sugrue. “I was proud to see that our freshmen had such a fun time and it made me remember when I was in their position seeing everything for the first time, and I have to say I am happy for them and can’t wait to see them grow as leaders.”
For SGC’s freshmen, Fall SEMASC was their first taste of what student council has to offer outside of the school level.
“I thought SEMASC was amazing! I’m so inspired and so glad I had the chance to go,” said freshman, Jillian Donahue. “It was so cool to talk to other people and see where they’re from.”
A big hit amongst SGC members was the guest speaker, Grant Baldwin.
“My favorite part about this SEMASC would have to be the keynote speaker,” said Rockland High School SEMASC Representative Adam Royle, “The speaker we had was a very nice guy and he gave a very good speech that inspired us all to do better. Not only that but he made all 800 of us laugh so hard at points.”
Sugrue also enjoyed Baldwin’s message.
“I liked his message about doing the little things in life to try to make a difference for someone, and I hope that I can take what I learned from him and apply it in school.”
Overall, the Fall SEMASC conference was a chance for both new and veteran SGC members to explore their leadership qualities and gain ideas and inspiration to bring back to RHS and the rest of the council.
Boys and Girls Soccer Tournaments Begin
The boys soccer team will play its first game at home on Monday at 2:30 pm. Good luck to the boys soccer team. Photo by Kelley Reale
The girls will travel to Buzzards Bay on Tuesday night vs. Pope John Paul II High School. Good luck to the girls soccer team. Photo by Kelley Reale
The RHS boys and girls soccer teams will begin tournament play this week.
The boys are seeded 8th in Division 3 South, giving them the home game against Hanover. Both teams finished their seasons with identical 10-5-3 records. The game is scheduled for 2:30 pm on Monday, Nov. 3. As most know RHS Coach Rich MacAllister is a Hanover graduate so there will be plenty of incentive for the Bulldogs to come out strong against the rival Indians. The winner of this game will play the winner of #1 Medway vs.#16 Dennis-Yarmouth.
The girls will open up in Division 4 South traveling to Mass Maritime in Buzzard’s Bay for their first round game with Pope John Paul II. This game is scheduled for 6:30 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 4. The girls are seeded 11th in the tournament with a record of 10-5-3. Pope John Paul II is 6th with a record of 13-4-1. RHS Coach Greg Rowe is optimistic about the girls’ chances. The winner of this match will go on to play the winner of Nantucket vs. Hull on Nov. 7.
The girls volleyball team will play their second tournament match against Fairhaven on Tuesday at 6 pm in Fairhaven. The girls won their first match against Bristol County Aggie 3-0.
Good luck to all the tournament teams!
Rockland Will Face Cardinal Spellman in 1st Round of Football Playoffs
The football team takes the field last Friday for Homecoming. Photo courtesy of Rockland High School Sports
Cameron Stuart, Veritas Sports Editor
It’s one of the best match-ups on the slate for the opening round of the playoffs. Rockland will face-off against Cardinal Spellman on Friday, October 31st at 7 PM at Rockland’s Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Rockland comes in to the playoffs following a 32-8 Homecoming victory over the Carver Crusaders. While the Catholic Conference is competitive, the South Shore League Large School Division may be the most competitive league in all of Division 5. With Rockland the #3 seed in the South with a 5-2 record, the only two teams seeded higher are East Bridgewater (1) and Abington (2), both of whom play in the same division as the Bulldogs.
The Cardinal Spellman Cardinals stand at 3-3 going into the playoffs, including a 2-2 record in the tough Catholic Conference. Three years removed from their most recent Super Bowl appearance, long-time head coach Ron St. George leads his Cardinals to the postseason for the fifth consecutive year.
Senior Matt Anastasi has rushed for over 3,000 yards in his illustrious career in the old-school style of St. George. Even with proven game manager Mike Reale at quarterback, Spellman wears down opponents with a heavy ground game led by Anastasi and paved by star linemen John Edward Sagun and James Belton.
The ground game will be the biggest factor in Spellman’s game. Anastasi has been compared to the likes of East Bridgewater’s Jared Vargas and Abington’s Shawn Donovan, both of whom had multi-TD games against the Bulldogs.
The winner of this game will go on to play the winner of the Abington/Dover Sherborn game next weekend.
Volleyball Team Is Ready for Tournament
The girls volleyball team begins tournament play tonight against Bristol County Aggie.
The girls volleyball team will travel to Dighton tonight to take on Bristol County Aggie in a first round tournament game.
Rockland with a record of 11-7 is seeded 11th in the Division 3 South tournament. Bristol is seeded 6th with a record of 13-5.
Coach Craig Johnson is optimistic about the girls’ chances despite Rockland’s 4-5 road record this season. Against common opponents, Randolph and South Shore VoTech, Rockland is 4-0 while Bristol is 3-1. Johnson says in tournament “it’s one game at a time” and he feels the girls are ready to play.
Good luck to the girls volleyball team.
Homecoming Rally Video and Photo Gallery
Scenes from last Thursday’s Homecoming Rally were captured by Brian Cohen of the Journalism class and members of the Digital Media Class.
After you watch the video you may click on the following link for the Photo Gallery from the rally.
The senior class were spirit champs with their roller coaster ride!
Hallway & Runways: Teens Get Fashion 101 at BFW
From back to front and left to right: Gihan Amarasiriwardena, Tatiana Tejedor, Magdalena Stokalska, Joel Benjamin, Julie Desimone, & Jill Radsken. (Photo from the Boston Fashion Week Facebook page.)
Haley Macray, Veritas Web & Features Editor
“If you have [a] sense of what you want to do, follow your passion,” says Joel Benjamin, a Boston fashion photographer who spoke at the 2014 Teen Talk: Fashion 101 panel.
The panel, facilitated by Jay Calderin, the founder and director of Boston Fashion Week, was held on Oct. 11 at the Boston Public Library. Benjamin, Calderin, and other industry leaders gathered to inform teens of what it takes to make it in the world of fashion.
The panel included:
- Gihan Amarasiriwardena, Co-founder & CEO, Ministry of Supply
- Joel Benjamin, Photographer, Joel Benjamin Photography
- Julie Desimone, Assistant Head of Wardrobe, Cirque du Soleil
- Jill Radsken, Fashion Writer, Boston Globe
- Magdalena Stokalska, Designer, Magdalena Stokalska Jewelry
- Tatiana Tejedor, Designer, and Co-owner of Caramelo Clothing Co.
Each of the panelists has ties to Boston, bringing an understanding of the local fashion and business scenes. This understanding made their stories even more relevant to their audience.
Amarasiriwardena got his start in the fashion industry at a young age. He described stories of looking at athletic equipment at the sporting goods store REI. He realized that the equipment and items were pricey and set out to make some of his own. He and his friends experimented with trash bags and used skiing trips as test drives for their designs.
“This was a hobby throughout most of high school,” he said.
After studying at MIT and the Sports Technology Institute, Amarasiriwardena set out to solve a problem that he had noticed.
“There wasn’t really stylish clothing that functioned well.”
With this in mind, Amarasiriwardena and his business partners created Ministry of Supply, a Boston based company designed to merge performance wear and fashion.
Amarasiriwardena continues to keep the Ministry of Supply business located in Boston – you can visit their shop on 299 Newbury Street, Boston, MA – because of the culture.
“I think Boston is a great place to start a business,” he says.
His advice for those looking to start a career in fashion?
“Don’t let lack of experience stop you from starting.”
This was a common theme throughout the panel.
“You don’t have to worry about your experience,” said Benjamin, “You should be using your inexperience to get experience.”
Benjamin’s success as a fashion photographer came at a crucial time in his life.
“I had one month left of money to live in New York,” he said. Luckily for him he took a job at Macy’s and his career flourished from there. Nowadays he says, “Everyday is like art class to me.”
To sum up his ideas and words of wisdom Benjamin advised the audience, “If you have an opportunity just take it.”
Desimone, a graduate of the School of Fashion Design, and the current Assistant Head of Wardrobe for the famous Cirque du Soleil, also spoke on the panel.
“I grew up drawing sketches in notebooks,” but she did not believe she could make a career out of her passion.
Desimone received a degree in Marketing and International Business from Fairfield University and has held other jobs in the world of fashion such as a buyer for Filene’s Basement and a manager at Neiman Marcus.
“It’s never too late,” says Desimone about following one’s dreams, “If you have that feeling just stick with it.”
At Cirque de Soleil Desimone is responsible for making fashionable garments that the performers can move and function in. She cites language barriers as one of very few struggles she finds with her job. Currently, she is doing her best to learn the languages of the performers in order to better accommodate their needs when it comes to their costumes. Other than that Desimone is quite pleased with what she gets to do for a living.
“About 3,000 people a night get to see what I do,” she says, “I cry everytime.”
Desimone advises budding fashionistas to show their face and stay humble in their fields.
“You’re an image, not just a person making a piece.”
Radsken, fashion writer for the Boston Globe, like most, struggled a bit with finding herself towards the beginning of her career.
“I couldn’t really figure out how to find my voice,” she says.
Once she found her groove Radsken immersed herself into her work. She explained that her job is to translate stories involving luxurious clothing and fashion to audiences that may not be able to relate to such expensive designs.
Radsken explained to the audience that details will set them apart and that they must be able to present themselves.
Rasken was able to talk about the industry in a different light than the other panelists. She explained that in order to be talked about in the media by journalists such as herself designers, business owners, and others must be willing to set themselves apart from the rest.
“New is always what we are looking for.”
She suggests that up and coming fashion industry members must “be willing to do everything” and “throw themselves into it.”
Stokalska, a jewelry designer, who’s work was featured on the television show The Carrie Diaries, discussed the importance of organization and planning. She sets goals for herself and researches how they can be achieved.
She also believes that those looking for a career in fashion should “take advantage of everything [they] have in [their] city.”
School of Fashion Design graduate, Tatiana Tejedor, recently opened her own menswear store, Carmelo, in Jamaica Plain and has been dedicating a good portion of her time to running her new business along with continuing to design for her own line but she has been enjoying the process. One of her favorite things is to be able to wake up every day and say “I am going to my store.”
Tejedor believe that feedback from customers helps you grow and that one should never “be afraid of failing.”
Overall the Teen Talk panelists stressed one common theme put nicely by Stokalska, “Don’t give up and just do it.”
Ms. Rockland Crowned
On Friday night Oct. 24, RHS senior Brianna Starkey was crowned Ms. Rockland at half-time of the Homecoming game. Starkey was one of six senior girls nominated for the honor who also included: Nicole Cook, Katie DeLorey, Kara Penney, Alex Pigeon, and Danielle Whitcher. Congratulations to all the nominees and to Ms. Rockland, Brianna Starkey.
Nicole Cook was escorted by her brother John and her father Lewis.
Katie DeLorey was escorted by her mother, Lisa DeLorey.
Kara Penney was escorted by her parents Patti and Rich Penney.
Alex Pigeon was escorted by her parents, Greg and Sharon Pigeon
Brianna Starkey was escorted by her parents Donna and Robert
Danielle Whitcher was escorted by her mother Debbie and her father John along with her brother and sister.
RHS Principal Alan Cron crowns Brianna Starkey Ms. Rockland
Brianna Starkey with her parents and Principal Cron.
Left to right: Kara Penney, Danielle Whitcher, Brianna Starkey, Nicole Cook and Katie DeLorey
