Student Feature Friday: Nipmuc Inducts 36 Members to NHS

On Thursday evening the Nipmuc chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) welcomed 36 inductees to its membership. This was the 54th annual induction to this prestigious organization that is founded on its dedication to four core values: leadership, scholarship, service and character. The event provided an evening of reflection and celebration as current NHS members offered speeches about the impact that NHS has made on their personal growth and future aspirations.

The evening was hosted by senior Kelsey Woods, the president of Nipmuc's chapter of the National Honor Society. I had the chance to speak with Kelsey about what this organization means to her and our school.

Q: What has it meant to you to be part of the National Honor Society? 

A: At first, like most people in NHS, it was something to put on my resume. I had planned to join, make a college-worthy leadership project, and become president. Although I did not know the impact each part of my portfolio would have on me. For example, my leadership project was creating a fundraiser for an organization called NEADS, who trains service dogs for veterans with brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. I thought that I would raise the money and then I would be done, but I'm still in contact with NEADS today. I've met the family that got the dog I helped fundraise for, saw the ceremony where the veterans see their dogs for the first time, and have heard them discuss in tears the impact the dogs have had on their lives. I've also done some service opportunities that may seem normal on my service sheet, but have definitely made life more interesting, like sorting undergarments in a homeless shelter basement, or chasing chickens back into their coup. You learn to make every requirement a fun and rewarding experience, as any other member could tell you.

Q: What has been the most enjoyable part about being president of NHS? 

A: Heading and creating the induction from scratch was the most enjoyable part of being president. I have had other leadership positions before, but never anything that big, or as the main leader.  For instance, as field hockey captain, I always had Sam Capalucci, or Carly Thibodeau to discuss with or I took charge of just the defensive end of the field. To have every member of a large organization like NHS come to you to put an event together, and measuring every finite detail, you learn a lot more about yourself as a leader.

Q: What is the most impressive quality you notice in this new group of inductees? 

A: What a diverse, yet accomplished group of people they are. They all embody leadership and talent, like Megan Paul, who beautifully sang the National Anthem last night, or Cole Alibozek who is one of the best golfers Nipmuc has ever seen. Like every year, our new inductees represent a wide range of clubs and organizations, but they all contribute and epitomize the five pillars of National Honor Society.

Congratulations to our new inductees:

Sophomores: Caroline Abate, Cole Alibozek, Elina Barrows, Delaney Bolton, Celine Bui, Juliette Carreiro, Erika Comfort, Michael Davidshofer, Olivia Dolbec, Cameron Dunning, Lindsay Enos, Leah Fitzgerald, Samantha Galicki, Emily Gay, Kiara Griffith, Ryan Kelleher, Owen Lukas, Mackenzie Morgan, Sarah Nasif, Maya Ostoin, Megan Paul, Catherine Prescott, Max Robakiewicz, Natalie Rodman, Christian St. Pierre, Rachel Thibodeau, Lauren Vincens

Juniors: Carol Abedelnour, Kaelan Farragher, Joanne Michel, Paige Murphy

Seniors: Teresa Brossi, Mary Morcos, Olivia Onorato, Madison Sauter, Aryane Schiavo

Announcements February 22 - 26, 2016

Morning Announcements
Attention Seniors:  Likes/dislikes survey deadline is extended until March 1st.  FINAL deadline! Don't miss out on being represented in the Class of 2016 yearbook.

Be sure to stop by DQ in Milford on Thursday, February 25th from 5 - 8 p.m to support the twelve Nipmuc Student Council members attending a leadership conference in March.

Check our the StuCo Twitter page to donate to the polar plunge.  All proceeds go to the Massachusetts Special Olympics.  If we raise $300, Senora Soto will plunge too!

Looking for something to do this Friday night - 2/26? Come to ACASTOCK - Nipmuc's A Cappella Festival featuring our groups plus the incredible WPI Audiophiles and Wheaton College Boys A Cappella group.  Tickets are only $5 at the door.  Grab your friends and see you Friday night at 7 p.m. - here on the Nipmuc stage!

Orders for the 2016 yearbook for underclassmen begin on Tuesday, March 1st.

Attention Seniors:  Yearbook superlative and like/dislike survey are due tomorrow (Tuesday, 2/23) by noon.  If you do not complete the likes/dislikes survey your second headshot will not be used. 

NHS Induction rehearsals are February 22, 23 & 24th from 2 - 3 p.m. in the auditorium.

Driver Education Classes - applications for the March afternoon driver education classes are available in the main office and on the school website.  Afternoon classes will start March 7th, every day after school 2:15 - 5:00.  Return your completed application and check made out to NRHS to the office by March 4th.

Student Feature Friday - Nipmuc Student-Athletes Commit on National Signing Day

Across the nation there are approximately 8 million students participating in high school athletics. All of these students have the opportunity to represent their school, learn the value of educational athletics, and bring pride to their school through victories and sportsmanship. Of the millions of students who put on a uniform and compete, only a handful - roughly 5% - have the chance to pursue athletics at the collegiate level.

In this week's Feature Friday post, I'm excited to highlight the accomplishments of seven of Nipmuc's student-athletes whose athletic ability and accomplishments have led to the opportunity to be part of the small percentage who will continue to the athletic participation at the college level. Congratulations to Kevin Hack, Grant Jorgensen, Kiley Larocque, Ryan Nordqvist, Kayla Peabody, Thomas Sperino, and Amanda St. Germain.

Kevin Hack – Assumption Track and Field
Q: What does it mean to you to have the chance to continue your career as a scholar athlete at the next level?
A:  When I look back to my freshman year, I can really pinpoint where it all started for me as a student-athlete. At the time I had one brother already in college and my other brother graduating high school.  I understood the costly burden of paying for college, which as we all know isn't a pretty number. So I made it my goal to excel in a sport that I could take to the next level. My hope was to achieve an athletic scholarship. This led me to my passion of track and field where I found myself continuing to excel in the sport, opening more opportunities each year. To me nothing is more rewarding then knowing I've achieved my long-term dream and I have a chance to be among the few lucky athletes to play at the next level. I can't wait to represent Nipmuc High School at the college level and enjoy four more years of collegiate athletics.

Front row left to right: Grant Jorgenson, Thomas Sperino, Kiley Larocque, Amanda St Germain,
Ryan Nordquist, Kevin Hack, and Kayla Peabody
Back row left to right: Coach Buckley, Coach DellaRovere, Coach Vidal, Coach Auger, and Coach Calabro

Grant Jorgenson – Norwich University Football

Q: What does it mean to you to have the chance to continue your career as a scholar athlete at the next level?
A:  Football has been a huge part of my life. Although winning means so much to me, I'm in love with the game of football itself and that is with winning or losing. I feel extremely blessed to be given an opportunity to play the sport I'm in love with the next 4 years of my life. The season can't come soon enough and again, this is a huge honor to me that I will not take for granted.

Kiley Larocque - St. Anselm’s College Soccer

Q: What does it mean to you to have the chance to continue your career as a scholar athlete at the next level?
A:  Sports have always been a part of my life and I've always been able to balance academics while still succeeding in soccer. As a little girl I set a goal for myself that I would continue to play sports, even when I reached the college level. I've never been one to give up on my dreams so to have the chance to continue my career as a student-athlete is an amazing opportunity. It shows that the hard work I put in paid off and that I will continue to be able to make my parents and the people who support me proud - in the classroom and on the field.

Ryan Nordquist – Gordon College Baseball

Q: What are you most excited about as you continue your career as a student athlete at the next level?
A:  I am the most excited about just playing the game I love at the next level. It's very humbling to be able to play at the next level. Another part of the experience I'm excited for is to be able to be on the same team as my brother. We have never been part of the same baseball team and I'm very excited to experience how fun it will be. My father also played baseball at Gordon so it will be great to continue his legacy.
 
Kayla Peabody - Assumption College Soccer
Q: What is your best memory from being a student athlete at Nipmuc?
A:  My best memory for being a student athlete at Nipmuc was being able to meet all the girls I played with. We all formed friendships throughout the season that I will never forget.  Without the bond of the girls it would have been harder for the girls’ softball team to be CMass champs.

Thomas Sperino - Franklin Pierce University Baseball

Q: What does it mean to you to have the chance to continue your career as a scholar athlete at the next level?
A: It means a lot. It has been something I have dreamed about since I was a little kid. It is also such an honor knowing it is something I have earned, and it is a privilege not everyone has. Playing for Nipmuc and my hometown has always meant a lot to me and being able to represent both at a high level next year is truly fulfilling.

Amanda St Germain - WPI Soccer

Q: What part of your experience as a student athlete at Nipmuc best prepared you for the next step you are about to take?
A:  There were many experiences as a student-athlete at Nipmuc that prepared me for becoming a collegiate athlete at WPI. The experience that prepared me best has to be starting on the varsity team as a freshman. Especially being a goalkeeper, I had to learn to be a leader even though I was one of the youngest players on the field. This experience allowed me to further my skills as I was playing with girls that were four years older than me. Furthermore, just last year, as a junior, I helped my team to a State Championship victory, which was actually played at WPI. The field that once held my biggest accomplishment as a Nipmuc student-athlete will now be my home as a WPI student-athlete.

Announcements February 8 - 12, 2015

Morning Announcements
Camp Sunshine candidates - please stop and see Mrs. Laflash in room 140 by Friday Afternoon.

All junior members of NHS: Your 30 service hours are due on Friday, February 12th.

Do you need a sugar rush?  Stop by the media center and take a guess at how many conversation hearts are in the jar.  The student who guesses the closest without going over will win the candy in the jar.  The winner will be announced on Friday, Feb. 12th at the end of the day.

Attention Ski Club Students! The annual day trip to Killington Mountain is scheduled for Friday, March 25th.  Permission slips and payments are due by Friday, February 12th to Ms. Brazil (rm. 139) or Ms. Leja (rm. 310).  Sign ups are first come, first served.  Paperwork can be found on the ski club website: www.skiclubnipmuc.weebly.com

Attention students 18 years and older:  The deadline to register for the March 1st Presidential Primary is February 9th.  You can register in the lobby during break on Tuesday, 2/9.  Bring your license!  Or you can also go to your local town hall or the Secretary of State's website to register to vote by the deadline.

Attention Seniors!  Senior second headshots for the yearbook are due to Mrs. Alibozek ASAP!

There are 2015 yearbooks for sale for $50.  See Mrs. Alibozek in room 312. 

Orders for 2016 yearbook for underclassmen begins on March 1st.

Want to help our senor citizens in Mendon?  You can help by donating non-perishable food items such as  kid-size snack items.  The senior center is in need of small portion-size crackers, cookies, and fruit cups.  Donations for household items are also being collected such as: tissues, individually-wrapped paper towels, anti-bacterial soaps, bathroom cleaning products, Windex, etc. Mrs. V's advisory group is collecting all items to donate to the Mendon Senior Center.  Please bring your donated items to the office and place them in the boxes provided.  Thank you!

Driver's Education - Applications for the March afternoon driver education class are available in the main office and on the school website.  Afternoon classes will begin March 7th - every day after school 2:15 - 5:00.  Return your completed application and check made out to NRHS to the office by March 4th.
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Announcements February 1 - 5, 2016

Morning Announcements
Ski Club is cancelled tonight (2/3) due to inclement weather.

NHS Members and regular inductees: Meeting on Thursday, 2/4 at 7 a.m. in the auditorium.

All junior members of NHS: Your 30 service hours are due on Friday, February 12th.

Attention Ski Club Students! The annual day trip to Killington Mountain is scheduled for Friday, March 25th.  Permission slips and payments are due by Friday, February 12th to Ms. Brazil (rm. 139) or Ms. Leja (rm. 310).  Sign ups are first come, first served.  Paperwork can be found on the ski club website: www.skiclubnipmuc.weebly.com

Attention students 18 years and older:  The deadline to register for the March 1st Presidential Primary is February 9th.  Please go to your local town hall or the Secretary of State's website to register to vote by the deadline.

Attention Seniors!  Senior second headshots for the yearbook are due to Mrs. Alibozek ASAP!

There are 2015 yearbooks for sale for $50.  See Mrs. Alibozek in room 312. 

Orders for 2016 yearbook for underclassmen begins on March 1st.

Want to help our senor citizens in Mendon?  You can help by donating non-perishable food items such as  kid-size snack items.  The senior center is in need of small portion-size crackers, cookies, and fruit cups.  Donations for household items are also being collected such as: tissues, individually-wrapped paper towels, anti-bacterial soaps, bathroom cleaning products, Windex, etc. Mrs. V's advisory group is collecting all items to donate to the Mendon Senior Center.  Please bring your donated items to the office and place them in the boxes provided.  Thank you!

Driver's Education - Applications for the March afternoon driver education class are available in the main office and on the school website.  Afternoon classes will begin March 7th - every day after school 2:15 - 5:00.  Return your completed application and check made out to NRHS to the office by March 4th.
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