Monthly Archives: September 2016
Art teacher retires after 19 years at RHS
Superintendent of Schools, Alan Cron presented retiring art teacher, Sandy Gibson with a congratulatory plaque. Outgoing superintendent, John Retchless was on hand as well to congratulate Gibson on 19 years at RHS. Veritas Photo
Sophie McLellan, Veritas Co-Editor-in-Chief
When looking around at the halls of Rockland High School, it would be hard to miss the numerous pieces of students’ art that decorate the walls. There has been some unbelievable artistic talent at RHS but the true origin of it comes from Ms. Sandra Gibson. Ms. Gibson has been an art and photography teacher here at Rockland High since September of 1997.
After going to Rhode Island College and earning bachelor of science a degree in art education, Gibson began teaching at the age of 21 in Rhode Island. After years of teaching there and in an elementary school in Vermont, Ms. Gibson eventually found her way to Rockland.
From singing ‘Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend’ at Faculty Follies to taking her photography students into Boston every year, Gibson has many fond memories of her time at the High School. She says that teaching was never a struggle for her and that she has loved her time here. “Teaching art was always great. You have to work for a living and it’s really nice if you like what you do, and I like what I do. I’ve been really lucky. Making money wasn’t a hassle, I like what I do. I like coming here. It’s been my home.”
And every home has a family. Ms. Gibson was well liked among her colleagues and adored by many students. As the news spread of her retirement, many people came to say goodbye and wish her happiness. Senior Nicole Reera was one of the many who will miss Ms. Gibson. “I think she is an awesome person who is dedicated to what she does,” Reera says. “and [she] is a great teacher that has a passion for art.”
After nearly twenty years of inspiring young artists at RHS, Gibson had only one piece of advice left to give. “You’ve got to find your passion and go for it,” Gibson says “Because if you’re not happy with what you’re doing then you won’t be happy anywhere else.”
September 30th is her last day. Goodbye Ms. Gibson and thank you for everything!
Kata Medeiros and Cheryl Thompson congratulate Sandy Gibson at a reception held on Thursday, Sept. 29. Gibson will retire on Sept. 30 after 19 years as an art teacher and department head at Rockland High School. Veritas photo
In October, RHS wears pink!
Jasmin Morse, Veritas Web Editor
Every year, people raise awareness of a disease that many has been touched by, Breast Cancer. Whether it’s a fundraiser, walk, or simply a day to dress in pink, schools all over the country come together in the month of October to raise awareness to end this horrid illness.
This includes the RHS! Throughout September, A-Block classes have been asked to donate money to help support the fight against Breast Cancer. Whichever class raises the most money by October 1 will win a free breakfast of their choice. Also, the two runner ups will receive a box of munchkins. If the high school is able to raise at least $1,000, Mrs. Armstrong, Ms. Paulding, Mr. Finn, and Ms. Shaughnessy will dye their hair pink.
RHS science teacher, Angelina Armstrong and RHS Vice Principal, Kathy Paulding pause for a photo op with their newly dyed pink hair October of last year.
Another event the RHS participates in to support the fight is the annual Making Strides Breast Cancer walk in Boston. Numerous clubs, teams, and students have signed up to participate in this year’s walk which is occurring this Sunday, October second. Students of all ages look forward to this walk every year because it is a time to spend time with friends, exercise, receive community service hours and raise awareness for a great cause.
RHS Girls Soccer 2015-2016 represents at the Breast Cancer Walk.
Don’t forget! Tomorrow, September 29, is RHS’s annual Pink Out Day! Get decked out in pink to show your support.
Images Magazine Looking for Submissions
Images Magazine is looking for submissions for its first webzine of the year. The theme is “Dreams and Nightmares.”
Submissions can include any creative genre including poetry, stories, drawings, photos etc. Students can go to the Images website at http://www.imagesrockland.com/to get some ideas. Look under Gallery.
Submit entries to imagesrockland@gmail.com
The deadline is October 17, 2016. See Mr. Bigsby or Mr. Neal for more information.
Below is a photo by Shannon Lindahl from an Images Webzine: Hope and Change.
Shannon Lindahl
As the Seasons Change, Anonymous
Change follows everyone
It is with you when you grab a coat instead of a sweatshirt
Or when you rake the leaves instead of mowing the grass
Fall is coming
The harsh winter soon arrives
The snow starts piling up
Everyone shivers as the cold wind flies
As they clutch their hot chocolate cups
Spring slowly creeps around
Its time short but sweet
Then summer comes in without any warning
And brings along the heat
See more examples from the Images Gallery!
Grease Cast List Posted
Sean Vo, Veritas Co-Editor-in-Chief
From Sept. 12th-15th, a great number of students auditioned for Grease, the upcoming December musical. Congratulations to all those who have been cast:
Front: Shandi Austin, Olivia Janis, Max Shepard, Navaeh Clara, Paige Donnelly; Second Row: Jocelyn Reera, Kerin Dalton, Jacob Leahy; Third Row: Sophie McLellan, Leah Drago, Megan Diver, Ryan Mott; Fourth Row: Michael Belmonte, Morgan Foster, Erin Field, Ali Landi; Back (top row): Jurnee Dunn, Madison Parlee, Ryan Struzziery, Michael Bodley
Missing from the cast picture: Kellie Berry, Yousra Bendarkawi, Adam Royle, Angelica Pacombe, Hannah Millen, Julia Dicenzo, Bridget Reardon, and Bonnie Gasdia.
T-Birds
- Danny Zuko – Ryan Struzziery
- Kenickey – Shandi Austin
- Doody – Michael Bodley
- Putzy – Morgan Foster
- Roger – Madison Parlee
- Sonny – Kellie Berry
Pink Ladies
- Sandy – Sophie McLellan
- Rizzo – Olivia Janis
- Frenchy – Jurnee Dunn
- Jan – Erin Field
- Marty – Navaeh Clara
- Vince Fontaine: Michael Belmonte
- Cha-Cha: Yousra Bendarkawi
- Eugene: Adam Royle
- Johnny Casino and Teen Angel: Angelica Pacombe
- Miss Lynch: Kerin Dalton
- Patty Simcox: Ali Landy
Chorus
- Max Shepard
- Jacob Leahy
- Jocelyn Reera
- Paige Donnelly
- Ryan Mott
- Genesis Rojas
- Leah Drago
- Hannah Millen
- Julia Dicenzo
- Bridget Reardon
- Megan Diver
- Bonnie Gasdia
Grease will be performed on December 9th and 10th. Once again, congratulations to all those who have been cast!
Students Attend Internet Safety Presentation.
Sophie McLellan, Veritas Co-Editor-in-Chief
Facebook and Twitter and Snapchat, oh my!
Many social media pages are being used by the youth of our country to connect with others and represent themselves online. This is not always a good thing. From stalkers tracking your photo to colleges finding embarrassing tweets, there is a lot that could go wrong on these sites.
As the internet grows and plays a bigger part in everyone’s lives, it is essential to learn how to protect ourselves from the dangers it can bring. Katie L. Greer, an expert in internet and social media safety, came to the high school last Wednesday to lecture the students on how to keep themselves safe online.
Meeting with the middle school and high school students in the morning and then concerned parents at night, Greer gave advice to all who would listen.
After the presentation, senior student Luana Lima said “It was informative and I think it scared at least one kid into being more safe online.”
The event was sponsored by the Rockland Education Foundation and Rockland School Resource Officer Ethan Schnabel who worked to make the event a reality.
SGC Has First Meeting
The leaders of SGC posed for a picture after being elected last spring.
Jasmin Morse, Veritas Web Editor
As the school year kicks off, one of RHS’s most influential clubs, Student Government Council, got off to a great start at its first meeting which was held last Wednesday. With the new year comes new leaders, and this year’s SGC has new advisors: Ms. Amanda Lanigan and Ms. Joanne White, as well as the new ringleader of it all, President Noelle Atkins.
Atkins says she was pleased with the meeting. “[the first meeting] went better than expected. Honestly, I didn’t think a lot of people would show.” She said there was a pleasantly unexpected large turnout for the new faces of the freshman class. Ms. White also mentioned that she and Ms. Lanigan were impressed with the organizational skill of the Big Five- which aside from Noelle consists of Shannon Lindahl as VP, Taylor Gallagher as secretary, Julia DiCienzo working as treasurer, and Adam Royle, as publicity coordinator.
Some of the major events that took place at this meeting were class and committee meetings. Sophomore meeting attendee, Justin Sherlock said, “At the meeting we got a lot accomplished. The sophomore class finalized our class tee shirt design and solidified our class fundraiser.”
Later he explained what occurred at his Spirit Committee meeting which is led by senior Sydney Wells. “Being in Spirit Committee, we worked on ideas for Spirit Week and Pep Rally.” Both of these major school events are soon approaching.
The advisors and the club’s president left me with some final words of advice for the students looking to get involved, especially to the freshmen. Ms. Lanigan said if you are contemplating attending or getting more involved: “Take the risk- you won’t know till you try.” Ms. White also stated, “[SGC has an] eclectic group of the student body,” so there’s a spot for everyone. Although Atkins warned that her advice may sound “cheesy”, she said for the members to just be themselves and get involved as much as possible.
Student Government Council has officially started the 2016-2017 year with a fantastic first meeting turnout and some great plans for the club and school to look forward to. So, check out social media or listen to morning announcements for an upcoming SGC meeting and stop by; there’s a spot for everyone.
Bulldogs Defeat Cohasset 28-7 On Gridiron
Joe Taft – Veritas Sports Editor
Photos courtesy of Rockland High Sports and Jeanine ReardonThe Rockland Bulldogs took on the Cohasset Skippers in the first game of the new football season.
They fell behind early, but the Dogs did not back down. They scored 28 unanswered points after going down in the first quarter to start the season off on the right foot with a win.
Senior running back John Goode found the end zone to tie the game at 7 with 2:51 to go in the first quarter. Goode ran for the one score and 50 yards.
Senior quarterback Matthew Dunn was finding success through the air on Friday night. He found junior tight-end Zach Sharland open in the end-zone for a nine yard touchdown.
Rockland led 21-7 after Dunn ran a 1-yarder right past the goal line for a score. Dunn finished the night 11-16 passing for 175 yards and 2 touchdowns, (one passing, one running).
Senior running back Noah Mazzilli ran for 47 yards. Junior Jon Barr ran for 72 yards, including a 52 yard touchdown run that ultimately pushed the score out of the reach of Cohasset.
Rockland takes on Abington this Friday at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium, as they look to start a winning streak. They will try to avenge the loss they suffered at home against the Green Wave last year.
FINAL: Rockland 28-Cohasset 7
THE VERITAS 