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.