Student Feature Friday: Freshman Skier Dallas O'Hagan

Freshman skier Dallas O'Hagan 

If you had the chance to watch any of the events in Sochi over the course of the past few weeks, you likely found yourself inspired by the skill and dedication of our Olympic athletes. From the hockey teams to bobsledding to the giant slalom, the events not only showcase athletes' amazing talents but also the inspiring stories of their commitment. As I watched the events, I thought of our own athletes and their stories of success. This morning I am happy to share the accomplishments of freshman Dallas O'Hagan who competed in Wednesday's state championship for alpine skiing. Included below are some questions and answers from my interview with Dallas. 

Q: How long have you been skiing? When did you get involved in competitive skiing?

A: I have been skiing for thirteen years. My parents first introduced me to skiing when I was two years old. I have been skiing competitively for eight years. My older sister Kelsey began racing two years before I started.  She enjoyed ski racing and given that, my parents signed me up when I was old enough.  I have been racing ever since.

Q: What is your favorite part of skiing?

A: My favorite part of skiing is knoll jumping. This is when you tuck from the top of a trail, then launch off one of the knolls on the trail.  But skiing in the woods with friends is a very close second.  I enjoy racing a lot too.

Q: What was the highlight of your ski season?

A: The highlight of this ski season was when I found out I made it to the Massachusetts State race.  Last year as an eighth grader I came very close to making states but missed the cut off by just a few people. My teammates and I also shared a lot of laughs together practicing on Wednesday nights at Ward Hill in Shrewsbury and racing on Thursday nights.  I like being with my teammates and coaches and working at improving my racing skills.

Q: What was it like to compete at the state championship?

A: Competing at the State Championship races was very nerve-racking.  I haven’t skied at Wachusett Mountain since I was four years old and needless to say I don’t remember it.  Forty-five minutes before the race began I was able to ski slowly beside the course along with the other competitors and view the course.  I learn about the terrain and where the panels are and mentally prepare myself as to where to tuck and where to check my speed.  I mentally go through the course when I wait up at the top of the mountain for my turn to race.  I am very focused and enjoy the speed and the challenge as I race.  In less than 60 seconds I have finished the Giant Slalom race and have skied from the top of the course to the bottom.  Truth be told, my favorite part of skiing both the slalom and the GS courses was that both of my teammates, my coaches and parents came to Wachusett to support me.

Q: What are some of your goals as you continue with skiing?

A: My skiing goals are simply to get stronger, ski better and faster and continue to have fun.  I continue to train on weekends in Vermont at Burke Mountain with high school students from the Burke Mountain Academy despite that the season is over for my high school team.  I plan to continue to be on the Nipmuc High School Race Team and hope to make it to the State Championships in my next three years in high school along with my great teammates.

Congratulations, Dallas. Thank you for representing your team and our school so well!

Announcements February 24 - 28, 2014

Morning Announcements
Attention Seniors:  Initial payments for the class trip are now being accepted.  The class trip will be a fun-filled day and a great last opportunity to be with your friends and classmates as a senior, so don't miss out!  Contact any of the senior class officers or advisors with any questions.

There will be a Friends of Seniors meeting on Tuesday, March 4, during green wing break in Mr. Clements' room 220.  If you are unable to attend, information from the meeting will be posted on the Facebook page.

A yearbook meeting will take place on Thursday, February 27th from 2:00-3:00 in room 235.

Drama Workshop will meet in Mr. Evan's room 216 after school from 2:00 - 3:00 on Wednesday, 2/26.

Attention Sophomores:  Nervous abut the MCAS test?  The English MCAS review, for any interested sophomore, begins this week.  All sessions will run from 2:10 - 3:10 on every Tuesday and Wednesday until the March exam.  Lessons are free - simply report to Mr. Clements room 220.  Bring a friend!

Attention Seniors:  Last day to submit all pictures for yearbook, including second photos for likes/dislikes page, is Friday, February 28.  Please go to Nipmuc Yearbook site to upload all photos electronically. 

Pizza and Play for Boys Volleyball is this Friday, February 28 in the Nipmuc gym.  There will also be a meeting for anyone interested in Boys Volleyball this Friday, February 28 at 2:15 in the Nipmuc gym. 

Any girl interested in playing softball that has not yet signed up, please see Ms. Reardon in Room 136.

Anyone interested in joining the backstage crew for the spring musical, Once on this Island, should attend the meeting after school today, Monday, February 24.  This will be the cutoff date for joining backstage.  If you have any questions, please ask Matt DeVane or another Drama E-Board member.

Roma Gujarathi please see Mrs. Kyrka in room 217.

Megan Prior please see Mr. Ferris in the office .

Do you have any old or unwanted jewelry?  The Impact Team is collecting donations of jewelry now until Wednesday, March 5th.  All donations will go to the Metrowest Princess Boutique sponsored by the Marlboro Junior Woman's Club.  See Mrs. Field or Elizabeth Nigro for more details.

Guidance Department Announcements
Attention Sophomores: Applications are now available in the guidance office and sophomore English classes for the 2014 MassSTAR Citizenship Conference and Rotary Youth Leadership Conference (RYLA).  Two sophomores will be selected to represent Nipmuc.  All sophomores are encouraged to apply and there is no cost to attend.  Deadline to apply to the RYLA conference is Friday, February 28th.  Deadline to apply for the  MassSTAR conference is March 10th.

Students interested in attending a college summer program are reminded to check out the guidance blog for information on various summer programs.

Seniors are reminded to check the guidance blog often for scholarships and all scholarship deadlines.  May scholarships require letters of recommendation and transcripts.  Please make sure you give your counselor enough time to process your application before the scholarship deadline date.

Athletic Department Announcements
Congratulations to Kevin Hack who is now the best high jumper in the state!  Kevin won the overall state competition on Saturday (2/22) at the Reggie Lewis Center.  We are very proud of your accomplishment, Kevin! 

The Girls' Basketball Team will be traveling to Leicester High School tonight, Monday, February 24th, for a first round playoff game at 7:00 p.m.  Come and cheer them on!

Attention all students who want to play a spring sport.  You must attend a mandatory preseason meeting.  Check the board across from Mr. Leaver's office for date, time and place. 

Reminder to all athletes that green cards are to be completed and given to coaches before the first practices on Monday, March 17.

Boys' Lacrosse meeting is Thursday, February 27 at 6:00 p.m. in the PDC. 

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Nipmuc celebrated Valentine's Day with music as members of the Nipmuc chorus serenaded our students (and staff) with singing Valentines. Students were able to send these sweet sounding serenades to their Valentine as part of a fundraiser to benefit the music boosters. Click below to hear Mrs. Grady, Mrs. Linehan, and Mr. Ferris as they receive their singing telegrams.

Feature Friday: Jeremy Hall at the World Indoor Rowing Championship

Junior Jeremy Hall 

On Sunday morning as students across the Commonwealth will begin easing their way into a week of winter vacation, Nipmuc junior Jeremy Hall will be getting ready to put his fitness and strength to the test in a grueling competition. Jeremy will be making his way onto the campus of Boston University where he will be competing in the World Indoor Rowing Championship. Jeremy developed an interest in the sport and has benefited from the physical challenges and personal rewards of dedicating himself to his training. I had the chance to speak to him about his interest in rowing and his commitment to the sport. Jeremy's story is another example of the awesome accomplishments of our students. 

Q: How did you become interested in rowing?

A: I had always been a fan of the sport, I had watched it during the summer Olympics. My neighbor in Maine rows a single shell (a one man boat) and I saw him out there on the lake every morning. I couldn't help myself but to ask him about it. Rowing taps into about every muscle in your body as well as taking a cardiovascular toll; I wanted to challenge myself and I got more than what I asked for.  

Q: What is your training regimen?

A: While in Maine, I would row about 4500 meters every morning at a light cadence, but here in Massachusetts I row a 2000 meter workout on my erg, which mimics the properties of the stroke of a shell. It is impossible to take into account all aspects of the row, like weather and balance of the craft. 

Q: What are some of your favorite experiences with rowing? 

A: My favorite experience would have to be rowing on a Maine summer morning with the sun just rising and a layer of fog across the water. The tranquility of the moment was amazing. More recently my more memorable moments are CRASHB's 2014, and breaking my personal records on the erg. CRASHB stands for "Charles River All StarHas-Beens" since the race is not on the river, but in Boston University's Agganis Arena. This competition is the only one of its kind. People from all around the world will be coming, as of now around 2000 rowers have registered of all ages and abilities. 

Q: Do you intend to pursue rowing in college? 

A: My intention is to row in college, but it would have to be on a crew. I have never rowed on a crew but I intend on going to WPI over the summer to participate in a rowing camp in which I'll gain some experience. 

Q: What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of the sport?

A: The most challenging aspect is undoubtedly the toll it puts on the body. I cannot think of a time where I hadn't been completely exhausted at the end of a row on the erg. The balance, form, and technicalities that go into the sport make it that much more difficult. While on the water, an error in form can flip you over easily. The sense of accomplishment you feel when you break your fastest time is like no other. You also feel the aches throughout your body, but that comes with the sport.

Thank you, Jeremy, for sharing your experience with rowing. Good luck this weekend at the CRASHB competition! 

February 14, 2014: Two Hour Delay

Good morning, everyone -
Nipmuc will have a two hour delay this morning, beginning first block at 9:30am. The schedule for our day is included below:

Two Hour Delay Schedule:
F Block: 9:30am – 9:40am (10 minutes)
G Block: 9:43am – 10:23am (40 minutes)
A Block: 10:26am – 11:05am (39 minutes)
B Block: resume regular schedule
C Block: regular schedule

Drive safely. See you soon.
Mr. Clements

Announcements February 10 - 14, 2014

Morning Announcements
Attention Mr. MacIsaac's E Block U.S. History class - Stop by Mr. MacIsaac's room 335 before the end of the day.

Anyone interested in joining the backstage crew for the spring musical, "Once on this Island", should attend the after school meeting on Monday, February 24th.  This will be the cut off date for joining backstage.  If you have any questions please ask Matt DeVane or another drama e-board member.

National Honor Society members who signed up for candle speakers, please see Mrs. Kyrka to choose your speech and check out examples.

Attention Seniors: The last day to submit all pictures for yearbook, including second photos for likes/dislikes page, is Friday, February 28th.  Please go to the Nipmuc Yearbook site to upload all photos electronically.

Yearbook pictures for all winter athletes - final reminder - pictures will be taken this afternoon (Tuesday, 2/11).  See the board across from the Athletic Director's office for specific times.

An Impact Team meeting will be held today (Tuesday, 2/11) during both breaks in Mrs. Field's room Green 120.  All are welcome.

Do you have any old or unwanted jewelry?  The Impact Team will be collecting donations of jewelry from Tuesday, February 11 - Wednesday, March 5th.  All donations will go to the Metrowest Princess Boutique sponsored by the Marlboro Junior Woman's Club.  See Mrs. Field or Elizabeth Nigro for more details.

Pizza and Play Boys Volleyball - Friday, February 28th, 2:30 - 4:30. 
Boys Volleyball meeting, Friday, February 28th, 2:15 in the Nipmuc gym.

Want to have some real fun on Valentine's Day?  Buy a singing valentine for $5 from the Nipmuc Jazz Choir.  Purchase in the cafeteria at lunch and both breaks until Thursday, 2/13.  Serenade your sweetheart or a friend in the class of your choice.

Student Council is selling carnations in the cafeteria at both breaks.  Send a flower and a message to a friend to be delivered on Valentine's Day.  Carnations are $1.00 each and can be purchased until Thursday, February 13th. 

There will be a ski trip to Killington Mountain on Sunday, March 2nd.  The cost is $65 per person.  See Mrs. Ahmed-Jussaume or any ski club e-board member for more information and permission slips.  Permission slips are due by Thursday, February 13th.

Applications for the February driver Education class are available in the main office and on the school website.  Afternoon classes will start February 24th every day after school 2:15 - 5:00.  Return your completed application and check (made out to Nipmuc Regional High School) to the office by February 21st.

Any student or teacher interested in buying an Autism Awareness t-shirt, please see Matthew Annesi during first break from February 10th - 14th.  T-shirts are $9.

Any girl interested in playing softball who has not yet seen Ms. Reardon, please see her in room 136 as soon as possible. 

Guidance Announcements
Attention Sophomores:  Applications are now available in the guidance office and sophomore English classes for the 2014 MassSTAR Citizenship Conference and the Rotary Youth Leadership Conference (RYLA).  Two deserving sophomores will be selected to represent Nipmuc.  All sophomores are encouraged to apply and there is no cost to attend.

Students interested in attending a college summer program are reminded to check out he guidance blog for information on various summer programs.

Seniors are reminded to check the guidance blog often for scholarships and to note all scholarship deadlines.  Many scholarships require letters of recommendation and transcripts.  Please make sure you give your counselor enough time to process your application before the scholarship deadline date.

Feature Friday: All State Soprano Arianna Bonito

Arianna Bonito (with microphone)
performing at the 2013 Pops Concert

Each year Nipmuc's student-musicians have the opportunity to participate in the Central District music auditions, allowing members of our wind ensemble and chorus to showcase their abilities against other talented musicians and vocalists in the area. This year eight students were honored at this competition and six received recommendations to perform at All State auditions. Congratulations to the following students for their tremendous talent and performances: 

Arianna Bonito - Chorus (All State Recommendation)
Kevin Harris - Clarinet (All State Recommendation)

Alex McCulloch - Chorus 

Molly Meath - Flute (All State Recommendation)
Elena Morganelli - Trumpet (All State Recommendation)
Elizabeth Nigro - Clarinet 
Eoin O'Connell - Percussion (All State Recommendation) 
Aiden Thieme - Jazz Trumpet (All State Recommendation)

I'm also proud to announce that one of our students - Arianna Bonito - earned a place on the Massachusetts Music Educators All State Chorus. Arianna is a senior member of Nipmuc's chorus. Arianna's accomplishment establishes her as one of the top high school vocalists in Massachusetts. I asked Arianna to share a few thoughts about this honor and what it means to her.

Q: What type of experiences will you participate in as a result of this honor? 

A: For All-State, I will be attending a three day intensive at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston. For those three days, I have rehearsal for a grand total of about 21 hours plus a concert at Boston Symphony Hall.

Q: What does this accomplishment mean to you? 

A: This accomplishment is beyond any of my wildest dreams. At first I didn't think I would even try out for Districts because of my busy schedule. Not once did I imagine actually getting into districts, let alone receiving the highest soprano score and an All-Sate recommendation.  I greatly doubted my performance for the All-State audition, and the acceptance really caught me off guard. This opportunity to sing at Symphony Hall is something I will surely cherish for years. My parents have been so proud of me, and I am completely humbled by this honor. 

Q: What are you most excited about when considering this experience? 

A: I have to say that I am most excited for singing at Boston's Symphony Hall. It is an opportunity that neither of my parents (who are both professional singers) has been able to experience yet and I have to admit that feels really good. I am also excited for this opportunity because it may open many doors for a career in the arts.

Q: What are some of your most memorable moments as a member of Nipmuc's music program? 

A: Some of my most memorable moments in Nipmuc's music department include the chorus and band trip to New York City where we sang at a cathedral on Broadway. The band played on the USS Intrepid, and we all had the opportunity to meet and be taught a song and dance number by performers of the Lion King. Later that night we all got to see the show on Broadway. 

Q: What plans do you have to pursue music beyond Nipmuc? 

A: After I graduate from Nipmuc, I plan to major in musical theater and hopefully (someday) find myself on "the Big White Way." I hope to continue doing choral performances, continue to write, and when I'm older, I would love to share my knowledge of the arts  with the next generations. 

Congratulations, Arianna, and good luck on stage at Symphony Hall!

Announcements February 3 - 7, 2014

Morning Announcements
The Honor Roll is posted in the cafeteria, office, and outside of the guidance department.  Any questions, please see Mrs. Callahan.

Any girl interested in playing softball who has not already signed up, please see Ms. Reardon in room 136.

Want to have some fun on Valentine's Day?  Serenade your sweetheart or a friend in the class of your choice.  Buy a singing valentine for $5 from the Nipmuc Jazz Choir.  Purchase your valentine in the cafeteria at lunch and both breaks every day this week. 

Student Council will be selling carnations in the cafeteria at both breaks until Thursday, February 13th.  Send a flower and a message to a friend to be delivered on Valentine's Day.  Carnations are $1.00.

Applications for the February driver education class are available in the main office and on the school website.  Afternoon classes begin on February 24th every day after school 2:15 - 5:00 p.m.
Return your completed application and check (made out to Nipmuc Regional High School) to the office by February 21st.

Guidance Announcements
Quinsagamond Community College will host a Careers Day in Business, Engineering and Technology on Saturday, February 8th.  Pick up a flyer in the guidance office for more details.

Need help completing the FAFSA form? A webinar is available on the guidance blog for parents and students to help you with this form.

Students interested in attending a college summer program are reminded to check out the guidance blog for information on various summer programs.

Part-time job opportunity information is available in the guidance office.

Seniors are reminded to check the guidance blog often for scholarships and note all scholarship deadlines.  Many scholarships require letters of recommendation and transcripts.  Please make sure you give your counselor enough time to process your application before the scholarship deadline date.