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Trump candidacy rallies some; baffles others
By Wyatt Fowler | Eagle Times Correspondent | May 20, 2016
A sign reading "NO PLACE FOR HATE IN MAINE" was lifted at a Trump rally before it was torn to pieces.
Americans seem to either love or hate Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his extreme ideals. When Trump came to Portland before the Maine caucuses in March, I knew I had to seize this unique opportunity to see for myself what his popularity was all about.
The speech was supposed to start at 1:30 p.m., but I arrived and began waiting in line at around 8:30 a.m. The line began to grow as the hours went on. As the line grew, so did the number of anti-Trump protesters. Trump supporters assaulted the protesters with racist, misogynistic, homophobic, and juvenile insults. The protesters were less aggressive, although at one point I saw a Trump supporter get a pie thrown in their face. Luckily, the police and secret service were there to prevent anything too violent from occurring.
When we were finally let into the building for the speech, the behavior got worse. A couple displayed a sign that read: “Love always Trumps hate.” They were promptly booed and kicked out of the rally. Another man held up a sign that said “Dump Trump” and those around him violently shoved this man out of the crowd.
I asked those around me why they supported Trump. The answers ranged from, “People shouldn't speak Spanish in America,” to “We need someone who's not politically correct,” and finally the classic “Immigrants took my job! Trump will make America great again!”
It bothered me to hear that many supporters seemed to blame their own personal shortcomings on immigrants. I’m sure some of them were unwilling to take any responsibility for their own failures.
Trump spoke starting at around 2:30, nearly an hour later than scheduled. When he began to speak, two women behind me held up a sign that read: “No place for hate in Maine.” Within second of its appearing, the sign was ripped to shreds by Trump supporters.
After yelling some less than eloquent comments at Trump, I was violently shoved out of the room by those around me, so unfortunately I didn’t get to hear Trump’s entire speech.
But I was glad I attended the rally and got a first-hand look at how Trump’s ideals seem to attract hate and intolerance. In America, a country whose entire history is based on diversity and the unity of many different cultures, a man who is so divisive and hateful cannot be allowed to lead us.
This election will be crucial to the future of this country, and I encourage everyone to go out and vote and be as politically active as possible because this election is likely to affect our generation more than any other in the past 20 years.
The speech was supposed to start at 1:30 p.m., but I arrived and began waiting in line at around 8:30 a.m. The line began to grow as the hours went on. As the line grew, so did the number of anti-Trump protesters. Trump supporters assaulted the protesters with racist, misogynistic, homophobic, and juvenile insults. The protesters were less aggressive, although at one point I saw a Trump supporter get a pie thrown in their face. Luckily, the police and secret service were there to prevent anything too violent from occurring.
When we were finally let into the building for the speech, the behavior got worse. A couple displayed a sign that read: “Love always Trumps hate.” They were promptly booed and kicked out of the rally. Another man held up a sign that said “Dump Trump” and those around him violently shoved this man out of the crowd.
I asked those around me why they supported Trump. The answers ranged from, “People shouldn't speak Spanish in America,” to “We need someone who's not politically correct,” and finally the classic “Immigrants took my job! Trump will make America great again!”
It bothered me to hear that many supporters seemed to blame their own personal shortcomings on immigrants. I’m sure some of them were unwilling to take any responsibility for their own failures.
Trump spoke starting at around 2:30, nearly an hour later than scheduled. When he began to speak, two women behind me held up a sign that read: “No place for hate in Maine.” Within second of its appearing, the sign was ripped to shreds by Trump supporters.
After yelling some less than eloquent comments at Trump, I was violently shoved out of the room by those around me, so unfortunately I didn’t get to hear Trump’s entire speech.
But I was glad I attended the rally and got a first-hand look at how Trump’s ideals seem to attract hate and intolerance. In America, a country whose entire history is based on diversity and the unity of many different cultures, a man who is so divisive and hateful cannot be allowed to lead us.
This election will be crucial to the future of this country, and I encourage everyone to go out and vote and be as politically active as possible because this election is likely to affect our generation more than any other in the past 20 years.
Student vandals close school on the day of an AP Exam
By Abigail Kovacs | Eagle Times Correspondent | May 20, 2016
In the early morning hours of May 10, Bonny Eagle High School was the victim of vandalism and intrusion by three former students, whose actions resulted in an all-day cancellation of school.
According to officials interviewed by local TV station, WCSH6, the suspects entered the school through a roof hatch in the new wing, where they then proceeded to wreak havoc throughout the building.
The vandals were quickly identified as Jonathan Betancourt, 18, Cullen Dumbrocyo, 19, of Standish, and Ronny Head, 18, of Buxton. Their actions caused approximately $2,000 in damages and began in the teacher’s room, where they reportedly dumped and smashed the contents of a fridge.
Next, their path of demolition continued to the old wing were the trio released fire extinguishers from the upper floors to the first floor through a stairwell on the Saco River side of the building. The suspects also went into the cafeteria and shattered the front of the new Snapple vending machines before dumping out and dispersing their contents into the hallways and cafeteria, eventually setting off alarms and causing deputies to respond.
At approximately 1:56 a.m, Betancourt, Dumbrocyo, and Head were arrested by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the vandalism, each charged with burglary, theft and criminal mischief.
Bail was set at $500 for Betancourt, while bail for Dumbrocyo and Head was not allowed. According to reports by TV station WMTW, the two former students had recently been released from Long Creek Youth Development center after being prosecuted for setting fire to the
Richville Chapel in Standish four years ago. During their May 11 court appearance, the three said they had been drinking and smoking marijuana prior to entering the building.
Lt. Donald Foss of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspects in a press release issued Tuesday night, noting that the incident had “no apparent connection to and was not motivated by the recent events involving the school district, superintendent Frank Sherburne, and/or his family.”
“This all happened in a very short period of time,” the news release added. “Our alarm activated once the individual(s) entered the hallway from the new wing teacher’s room… [and] this was simply an act of vandalism for the sake of vandalism.”
Despite these reassurances, many have taken to social media to express their views on the recent turbulence in the district. Many students are angered at the negative way in which BE has recently been portrayed and want to refute certain stereotypes that they feel have been unfairly heaped upon them by members of the community and the media.
“I think they [the media] are blowing the issues out of proportion. I don’t know if the people criticizing BE are getting the full facts or understanding what the real issues are,” said junior Lindsay Gleason. “This isn’t a bad school. We’re not all criminals or ‘bad’ kids. There are actually a lot of bright individuals here.”
“I feel like the students who comment on how bad the school is are the people who make the school bad,” agreed Jake Cook, also a junior, adding that “people need to understand Bonny Eagle is a huge school, so there are a greater variety of people.”
On a positive note, the school’s custodial staff was honored following the incident with a celebratory pancake breakfast the next day, prepared by the students and served at 6 a.m.
U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, who has two BEHS grads on her staff, sent words of encouragement, thanking custodians for their work “above and beyond the call of duty,” and reassuring students and staff that the public remains objective about the school despite these incidents.
“Every community faces challenges,” said Rep. Pingree in a video message. “But these events don’t define us.”
She ended the video with a familiar slogan: “Go Scots!”
According to officials interviewed by local TV station, WCSH6, the suspects entered the school through a roof hatch in the new wing, where they then proceeded to wreak havoc throughout the building.
The vandals were quickly identified as Jonathan Betancourt, 18, Cullen Dumbrocyo, 19, of Standish, and Ronny Head, 18, of Buxton. Their actions caused approximately $2,000 in damages and began in the teacher’s room, where they reportedly dumped and smashed the contents of a fridge.
Next, their path of demolition continued to the old wing were the trio released fire extinguishers from the upper floors to the first floor through a stairwell on the Saco River side of the building. The suspects also went into the cafeteria and shattered the front of the new Snapple vending machines before dumping out and dispersing their contents into the hallways and cafeteria, eventually setting off alarms and causing deputies to respond.
At approximately 1:56 a.m, Betancourt, Dumbrocyo, and Head were arrested by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the vandalism, each charged with burglary, theft and criminal mischief.
Bail was set at $500 for Betancourt, while bail for Dumbrocyo and Head was not allowed. According to reports by TV station WMTW, the two former students had recently been released from Long Creek Youth Development center after being prosecuted for setting fire to the
Richville Chapel in Standish four years ago. During their May 11 court appearance, the three said they had been drinking and smoking marijuana prior to entering the building.
Lt. Donald Foss of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspects in a press release issued Tuesday night, noting that the incident had “no apparent connection to and was not motivated by the recent events involving the school district, superintendent Frank Sherburne, and/or his family.”
“This all happened in a very short period of time,” the news release added. “Our alarm activated once the individual(s) entered the hallway from the new wing teacher’s room… [and] this was simply an act of vandalism for the sake of vandalism.”
Despite these reassurances, many have taken to social media to express their views on the recent turbulence in the district. Many students are angered at the negative way in which BE has recently been portrayed and want to refute certain stereotypes that they feel have been unfairly heaped upon them by members of the community and the media.
“I think they [the media] are blowing the issues out of proportion. I don’t know if the people criticizing BE are getting the full facts or understanding what the real issues are,” said junior Lindsay Gleason. “This isn’t a bad school. We’re not all criminals or ‘bad’ kids. There are actually a lot of bright individuals here.”
“I feel like the students who comment on how bad the school is are the people who make the school bad,” agreed Jake Cook, also a junior, adding that “people need to understand Bonny Eagle is a huge school, so there are a greater variety of people.”
On a positive note, the school’s custodial staff was honored following the incident with a celebratory pancake breakfast the next day, prepared by the students and served at 6 a.m.
U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, who has two BEHS grads on her staff, sent words of encouragement, thanking custodians for their work “above and beyond the call of duty,” and reassuring students and staff that the public remains objective about the school despite these incidents.
“Every community faces challenges,” said Rep. Pingree in a video message. “But these events don’t define us.”
She ended the video with a familiar slogan: “Go Scots!”
BEHS Drama Club's Anything Goes is a hit musical
By Ronahn Clarke | Eagle Times Editor May 20, 2016
Jared Curtis and Hattie Skvorak star in the Drama Club's musical "Anything Goes."
Throughout the first week of May, the BEHS Drama Club presented Anything Goes, a musical that originally debuted in the 1930s featuring the musics and lyrics of Cole Porter. The musical was performed at the Bourgoin Auditorium here at the high school, and was attended by teachers, students, and other members of the community. The product of the efforts of dozens of people here at BEHS, including director and choreographer MaryEllen Schaper, Anything Goes was a resounding success on stage.
Anything Goes, a play which chronicles the chaotic occurrences aboard an ocean liner travelling from New York to London, is based off of a book revised in 1934 by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. The play originally featured things such as a bomb threat, a shipwreck, and hijinks on a desert island, but was toned down after a fire aboard the SS Morro Castle caused the deaths of over 100 passengers merely weeks before the play was scheduled to be released.
“This cast and crew are a very hardworking group of students who endured many obstacles in preparing for this production,” wrote Ms. Schaper. “I am very proud of their work, and I think you will be too.”
The protagonist of Anything Goes is Billy Crocker, a young lovestruck broker played in the BEHS rendition by Jared Curtis, who fit the relatively comedic role perfectly. Billy’s love interest, Hope Harcourt (Hattie Skvorak), is also travelling aboard the SS American, but is worryingly engaged to a hapless British noble named Sir Evelyn Oakleigh (Mike Foley).
Billy is assisted by Moonface Martin (Mia White), an endearing but buffoonish gangster disguised as a preacher aboard the ship. The roles of Crocker and Martin were originally written for the well-known comedy duo of William Gaxton and Victor Moore. Moonface Martin proved to be the perfect character in the BEHS rendition of the musical; while remarkably funny, he wasn’t there solely for comedic relief.
Mia White, who lamented always being cast as a man, wrote in her biography (printed in the program given to attendees) that, “Mia is a guy. Let us rephrase that — she plays a guy in every musical.”
Musicals are among the toughest presentations to produce because not everyone who can act can sing, but the BEHS Drama Club mastered most if not all of Cole Porter’s compositions. Accompanied by a band (concealed on the stage behind the set of the musical), each song elicited applause from Saturday’s audience. The romantic duo of Billy Crocker and Hope Harcourt (played by Jared Curtis and Hattie Skvorak) anchored many of the musical performances of Anything Goes.
The pit orchestra featured music director Allen Thomas on the piano, Melissa Shabo, Cara Kinney, Aaron Leach, Justin Leach, Steve Manchester, Gary McWhinnie, Taylor Milliken, and Nick Pruner. The orchestra played an important role in opening the play and re-opening the play following a short intermission, and was occasionally visible over the tops of the set.
Mr. Rick Osann served as the musical’s producer and technical director. Following the musical, the BEHS Drama Club honored both its graduating seniors and the play’s hard-working adult contributors by presenting them with roses.
Senior Gerald Davis, who was among the sound crew and not visible to the audience, is a graduating homeschooled student from Hollis. Anything Goes was also senior MacKenzie Gifford’s final show here at Bonny Eagle; she wrote in her biography that she wanted to thank everyone for working with her on her choreography. Bonnie, the energetic girlfriend of gangster Moonface Martin, was played by senior Rose Michelson. Rose delivered a great performance when she led the recital of Heaven Hop, a musical number that was introduced to Anything Goes by its 1962 revival. Senior Hunter Nadeau excellently played Elisha J. Whitney, the drunkard and moderately aggressive boss of Billy Crocker, and joyously accepted his rose at the end of the production. Molly Morrison, who participated heavily in the drama club at her previous school, was cast as a steward in Anything Goes. Molly writes that, “She has always loved being a part of the music and theatre department in every way possible.”
The BEHS performance was produced by special arrangements with the Tams Witmark Music Library in New York City. Congratulations to the BEHS Drama Club and all others involved in the production of Anything Goes for a successful musical.
Anything Goes, a play which chronicles the chaotic occurrences aboard an ocean liner travelling from New York to London, is based off of a book revised in 1934 by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. The play originally featured things such as a bomb threat, a shipwreck, and hijinks on a desert island, but was toned down after a fire aboard the SS Morro Castle caused the deaths of over 100 passengers merely weeks before the play was scheduled to be released.
“This cast and crew are a very hardworking group of students who endured many obstacles in preparing for this production,” wrote Ms. Schaper. “I am very proud of their work, and I think you will be too.”
The protagonist of Anything Goes is Billy Crocker, a young lovestruck broker played in the BEHS rendition by Jared Curtis, who fit the relatively comedic role perfectly. Billy’s love interest, Hope Harcourt (Hattie Skvorak), is also travelling aboard the SS American, but is worryingly engaged to a hapless British noble named Sir Evelyn Oakleigh (Mike Foley).
Billy is assisted by Moonface Martin (Mia White), an endearing but buffoonish gangster disguised as a preacher aboard the ship. The roles of Crocker and Martin were originally written for the well-known comedy duo of William Gaxton and Victor Moore. Moonface Martin proved to be the perfect character in the BEHS rendition of the musical; while remarkably funny, he wasn’t there solely for comedic relief.
Mia White, who lamented always being cast as a man, wrote in her biography (printed in the program given to attendees) that, “Mia is a guy. Let us rephrase that — she plays a guy in every musical.”
Musicals are among the toughest presentations to produce because not everyone who can act can sing, but the BEHS Drama Club mastered most if not all of Cole Porter’s compositions. Accompanied by a band (concealed on the stage behind the set of the musical), each song elicited applause from Saturday’s audience. The romantic duo of Billy Crocker and Hope Harcourt (played by Jared Curtis and Hattie Skvorak) anchored many of the musical performances of Anything Goes.
The pit orchestra featured music director Allen Thomas on the piano, Melissa Shabo, Cara Kinney, Aaron Leach, Justin Leach, Steve Manchester, Gary McWhinnie, Taylor Milliken, and Nick Pruner. The orchestra played an important role in opening the play and re-opening the play following a short intermission, and was occasionally visible over the tops of the set.
Mr. Rick Osann served as the musical’s producer and technical director. Following the musical, the BEHS Drama Club honored both its graduating seniors and the play’s hard-working adult contributors by presenting them with roses.
Senior Gerald Davis, who was among the sound crew and not visible to the audience, is a graduating homeschooled student from Hollis. Anything Goes was also senior MacKenzie Gifford’s final show here at Bonny Eagle; she wrote in her biography that she wanted to thank everyone for working with her on her choreography. Bonnie, the energetic girlfriend of gangster Moonface Martin, was played by senior Rose Michelson. Rose delivered a great performance when she led the recital of Heaven Hop, a musical number that was introduced to Anything Goes by its 1962 revival. Senior Hunter Nadeau excellently played Elisha J. Whitney, the drunkard and moderately aggressive boss of Billy Crocker, and joyously accepted his rose at the end of the production. Molly Morrison, who participated heavily in the drama club at her previous school, was cast as a steward in Anything Goes. Molly writes that, “She has always loved being a part of the music and theatre department in every way possible.”
The BEHS performance was produced by special arrangements with the Tams Witmark Music Library in New York City. Congratulations to the BEHS Drama Club and all others involved in the production of Anything Goes for a successful musical.
Bonny Eagle hosts regional Special Olympics Festival
While Bonny Eagle juniors ground away at their SATs in the new wing, and seniors completed college visits or job shadows, freshman and sophomores spent Tuesday attending various events as part of the new Wellness Day, an activity dedicated to helping students develop their interests and realize their potential. One of the event’s highlights was a speech by Maine luge Olympian Julia Clukey, which stressed the importance of courage, determination, and opportunity.
As part of her new “Julia Inspires” campaign, Clukey has presented at more than 40 schools across the state, from Sanford to Caribou, reaching more than 12,000 Maine students. Her lecture included a four-minute video (available here) about her career, followed by a motivational speech focused on encouraging students to find their passion, create a plan and go after their dreams.
“I encourage you to always say ‘yes’ to any opportunity,” Clukey said. “Hard work is the one thing no one can ever take away from you. It’s not enough to just love what you do; you have to work hard and set goals - stay focused on what you want.”
From her successful career and passionate lecture, it is obvious she speaks from personal experience. Clukey talks about her time growing up in Maine, where she played a variety of sports, including basketball and soccer. It wasn’t until the age of 12, however, that she first tried the sport of luge after she and a friend were promised a free t-shirt if they participated in lessons.
As part of her new “Julia Inspires” campaign, Clukey has presented at more than 40 schools across the state, from Sanford to Caribou, reaching more than 12,000 Maine students. Her lecture included a four-minute video (available here) about her career, followed by a motivational speech focused on encouraging students to find their passion, create a plan and go after their dreams.
“I encourage you to always say ‘yes’ to any opportunity,” Clukey said. “Hard work is the one thing no one can ever take away from you. It’s not enough to just love what you do; you have to work hard and set goals - stay focused on what you want.”
From her successful career and passionate lecture, it is obvious she speaks from personal experience. Clukey talks about her time growing up in Maine, where she played a variety of sports, including basketball and soccer. It wasn’t until the age of 12, however, that she first tried the sport of luge after she and a friend were promised a free t-shirt if they participated in lessons.
By age 17, she had won many individual Junior World Cup medals and continued to grow as an athlete, eventually competing at her first Olympics in 2006.
While Clukey’s life has been undeniably successful, she has also had to overcome adversity and personal tribulation. At age 19, Julia lost her father due to a heart attack. She had to put her athletic aspirations on hold and even contemplated ending her career. After a few months away from luge, however, she returned and reinvested herself in the sport. Another major difficulty came when she missed making the U.S Olympic team in 2014 by 13-thousandths of a second, or as she put it, less than the length of your fingernail.
“Sometimes we set out to do things and fall short….That’s happened to me a lot. The biggest setback I faced was not making the [U.S] team. I got through it knowing that I had done my best, and that no single event is defining.”
Despite this setback, she plans on trying for the 2018 winter Olympics as her final international competition. Her message to BE students, therefore, centered around the importance of courage and determination, both inside and outside of school.
“It takes courage to make achievements that are dressed up in hard work,” she says. “I encourage you to think about what you love and dream big. Remember, through it all, you have a moral compass to help you achieve your dreams.”
Other Wellness Day events included a fly-tying class with Mr. Brett Levin, a magic show with Mr. Dustin Droggitis, and a talk by a "pop-up" media expert, Andy Wilcox, who has produced videos for such megastars as Adele and Julia Louise Dreyfus. Some of his work can be seen here.
While Clukey’s life has been undeniably successful, she has also had to overcome adversity and personal tribulation. At age 19, Julia lost her father due to a heart attack. She had to put her athletic aspirations on hold and even contemplated ending her career. After a few months away from luge, however, she returned and reinvested herself in the sport. Another major difficulty came when she missed making the U.S Olympic team in 2014 by 13-thousandths of a second, or as she put it, less than the length of your fingernail.
“Sometimes we set out to do things and fall short….That’s happened to me a lot. The biggest setback I faced was not making the [U.S] team. I got through it knowing that I had done my best, and that no single event is defining.”
Despite this setback, she plans on trying for the 2018 winter Olympics as her final international competition. Her message to BE students, therefore, centered around the importance of courage and determination, both inside and outside of school.
“It takes courage to make achievements that are dressed up in hard work,” she says. “I encourage you to think about what you love and dream big. Remember, through it all, you have a moral compass to help you achieve your dreams.”
Other Wellness Day events included a fly-tying class with Mr. Brett Levin, a magic show with Mr. Dustin Droggitis, and a talk by a "pop-up" media expert, Andy Wilcox, who has produced videos for such megastars as Adele and Julia Louise Dreyfus. Some of his work can be seen here.
Olympic athlete from Maine highlight of Wellness Day events
By ABIGAIL KOVACS | Eagle Times correspondent April 14, 2016
Bonny Eagle students win awards at state one-act play festival
From STAFF REPORTS | April 6, 2016
The Bonny Eagle Special Education Department hosted the Southern Maine Special Olympics on a cool, blustery Friday, April 29. Runners, shot putters, softball throwers, long-jumpers, and walkers from area schools such as Windham, Raymond, Gorham, and Portland took part in the all-day events. The stands surrounding the field and track were full of students from both the middle school and high school, cheering on the competitors, as seen in the video available at this link.
Mia White, shown here at left with Christopher Hascall, won an award for her portrayal of the witch in the BEHS one-act play "Free Will." Photo courtesy of Mia White.
The Bonny Eagle Drama Club had a successful run of its one-act play, "Free Will," in the annual state drama competitions. First, Bonny Eagle Drama won the regional Class A competition at Marshwood High School on March 5. Then, the drama crew took the play to the state festival in Rockport, where it came in fifth, beating South Portland, Waterville, and Oxford Hills.
At the regional competition, four students won awards for their performances. They were: March Steiger (as Viola/Sebastian), Rose Michelson (as Juliet), Mia White (as Witch) and Michael MacFarland-Foley (as Hamlet). The four were voted into the All-Festival Cast and the entire cast received an “ensemble award,” recognizing their ability to work together as a group on stage.
“I think our cast and crew did amazing. With each successive performance we got better, and that’s really the goal of competing and putting together these performances,” explains director Mr. Rick Osann.
At the state Class A competition on March 23, Mia White, Rose Michelson, and Gerald Davis were named to the All-Festival cast, and Abigail Spring and Lauren Francis won judges' commendations for their work on hair and makeup. The scene designers earned a judges' commendation for the set, which resembled a giant hand with 12-inch-tall fingers that the actors climb during the show.
“The hard thing about being a director is that I’m not seeing [the play] with fresh eyes. The audience and the judges are seeing it for the first time, and so they see it in a very different way. We’re always surprised by what the judges do, so it was really nice to be on the “good” side of that surprise,” says Mr. Osann.
“Free Will” was directed by Mr. Osann, with help from junior Emily Eberhart. It revolves around 10 of of Shakespeare’s “most well-known characters stranded on a desert island.
Oceanside High School in Rockland won the state competition and will be representing Maine in the New England Drama Festival on April 21-23 in Connecticut.
At the regional competition, four students won awards for their performances. They were: March Steiger (as Viola/Sebastian), Rose Michelson (as Juliet), Mia White (as Witch) and Michael MacFarland-Foley (as Hamlet). The four were voted into the All-Festival Cast and the entire cast received an “ensemble award,” recognizing their ability to work together as a group on stage.
“I think our cast and crew did amazing. With each successive performance we got better, and that’s really the goal of competing and putting together these performances,” explains director Mr. Rick Osann.
At the state Class A competition on March 23, Mia White, Rose Michelson, and Gerald Davis were named to the All-Festival cast, and Abigail Spring and Lauren Francis won judges' commendations for their work on hair and makeup. The scene designers earned a judges' commendation for the set, which resembled a giant hand with 12-inch-tall fingers that the actors climb during the show.
“The hard thing about being a director is that I’m not seeing [the play] with fresh eyes. The audience and the judges are seeing it for the first time, and so they see it in a very different way. We’re always surprised by what the judges do, so it was really nice to be on the “good” side of that surprise,” says Mr. Osann.
“Free Will” was directed by Mr. Osann, with help from junior Emily Eberhart. It revolves around 10 of of Shakespeare’s “most well-known characters stranded on a desert island.
Oceanside High School in Rockland won the state competition and will be representing Maine in the New England Drama Festival on April 21-23 in Connecticut.
District nurse honored
at Blaine House
By CASEY MATURO | Eagle Times correspondent
April 4, 2016
Left to right, Mrs. Elaine Conant, James Dunn, Susan Dunn, and Charles deSieyes, school physician.
Photo courtesy of Elaine Conant
Mrs. Susan Dunn of Buxton was honored in April during a Blaine House tea for school nurses as the School Nurse of the Year for the Maine School Nurse Association. The award recognizes outstanding leadership skills and excellence in school nursing practices. Mrs. Dunn has been a nurse for the MSAD 6 school district for more than 20 years, and currently coordinates and provides care for the students of three elementary schools in MSAD 6. She works as a volunteer and leader to promote many projects, such as bone marrow drives, food pantries, Red Cross blood drives and Pennies for Patients.
Mrs. Dunn served as the district staff coordinator for the Wellness team for two years and teaches first aid and CPR in the schools and in the community. She also has been on the school nurse association’s executive board, serving as the secretary for many years.
“When I heard that I was selected, I was very flattered and honored,” said Mrs. Dunn. “I have been a school nurse for 22 years and active in our school nurse association, but I know many nurses who are also deserving of this award.”
Mrs. Dunn was nominated by Mrs. Elaine Conant, the nurse here at BEHS. Mrs. Conant told Lake Region Weekly recently that when she first met her, Mrs. Dunn was soft-spoken. Through the years, she said, she learned Dunn “had a lot to offer. To me she is a role model, a caring professional, and someone who is quite knowledgeable.”
Mrs. Ginny Day, the principal at Edna Libby Elementary School, Charles deSieyes, our district school physician, and Mrs. Joanne Lannin, a BEHS coach who has participated with Mrs. Dunn in the Southern Maine Senior Women’s Basketball League, also recommended Mrs. Dunn for the award.
Still time to take a chance on Patriots tickets
By HANNAH LAPOINTE | Eagle Times Correspondent March 8, 2016
By HANNAH LAPOINTE | Eagle Times Correspondent March 8, 2016
The class of 2016 has come up with the unique idea of raffling off four New England Patriots tickets for the 2016 opening game of the season. Seniors are being asked to sell at least five tickets each to help raise some of the $24,000 needed to put on Project Grad.
“The goal of the fundraiser was $10,000. If all of the raffle tickets were sold, then the total amount saved would be $12,000,” says Monica Steinbuchel, secretary of the project graduation parent group. A lot of tickets have been handed out, but not that many have been turned back in.
The drawing is May 27 and parents would like to have all the money and tickets returned by May 1. According to Mrs. Steinbuchel, the current rate of participation of seniors selling and handing in the raffle tickets is a rough 28%. Kids can pick up and drop off the raffle tickets (with the money attached when they turn them in) to Mrs. Diane York in the main office.
This year, like last year, the plan is to go to Saint Joseph's College after the ceremony is finished. There will be games, entertainment and many surprises for the seniors. They won’t find out exactly what they’ll be doing until the big day. Senior class president Lexi Galdo is excited about the events being planned. “Project grad is going to be an event for the books," she said. "But it takes a lot of money and effort. Therefore we all need to participate!”
For more information, log onto the senior class Project Graduation site at this link.
PATHS music program wants you to jam with them
By KIRBY KENNEY | Eagle Times Correspondent February 26, 2016
A South Portland High School student plays the guitar during a class at PATHS. Photo by Kirby Kenney
When most students think of the Portland Arts and Technology Program (PATHS), they think of students who go to the Portland Arts and Technology High School to learn a hands-on trade like auto repair or welding or to pursue a career in nursing or early childhood education. What many don't know is that PATHs also offers a music program with options that Bonny Eagle students can take advantage of. You can learn how to drum, play piano or play guitar. You work on how you should present yourself on stage and how to act professionally.
Audio engineering is also part of the program taught by Ethan Fowler, who has his own recording studio. He teaches students who would like to learn music producing and how to make it a career. It’s also a good way to practice how to use a vocal booth and how to sing into the microphone.
Music theory is a difficult part of the program, but some parts of it are actually really fun. Group projects happen every quarter and are based on learning different genres of music and performing them with people you usually don’t work with. It mainly teaches you how to work together and get to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Every quarter at PATHS, students perform a show, and before seniors graduate, they do a big rock show at St. Lawrence Church in Portland for students, families, friends, or anybody who enjoys teenagers performing their hearts out. Students are allowed to pick their songs to perform and the students get to decide how to present the songs.
Mrs. Victoria Stubbs has been the music teacher at PATHS for 10 years. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Southern Maine. She also got her Masters of Music in Piano Performance, accompanying at the University of Southern California. Ms. Stubbs is also a certified full time instructor in performing arts. Students call her Mama Stubbs because she is like everyone’s second mom, and she takes care of us well and teaches us many things. She plays piano and it’s out of this world.
PATHS is a great experience for any student wanting to pursue music as a career or just for fun. You may learn something about music you never knew before, or you could be a person who knows nothing about music but is willing to learn.
If you’re interested in pursuing something the program offers, you should go to guidance and schedule a visit.
Annual Rock Show Last year: http://tv3vod.portlandschools.org/vod/276-PATHS-MUSIC-PROGRAM-4TH-ANNUAL-R-Title-1-Progr-High-v1.mp4
This year performance in class: http://tv3vod.portlandschools.org/vod/110-PATHS-MUSIC-CLASS-CONCERT-SESSIO-Title-1-Progr-High-v1.mp4
Audio engineering is also part of the program taught by Ethan Fowler, who has his own recording studio. He teaches students who would like to learn music producing and how to make it a career. It’s also a good way to practice how to use a vocal booth and how to sing into the microphone.
Music theory is a difficult part of the program, but some parts of it are actually really fun. Group projects happen every quarter and are based on learning different genres of music and performing them with people you usually don’t work with. It mainly teaches you how to work together and get to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Every quarter at PATHS, students perform a show, and before seniors graduate, they do a big rock show at St. Lawrence Church in Portland for students, families, friends, or anybody who enjoys teenagers performing their hearts out. Students are allowed to pick their songs to perform and the students get to decide how to present the songs.
Mrs. Victoria Stubbs has been the music teacher at PATHS for 10 years. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Southern Maine. She also got her Masters of Music in Piano Performance, accompanying at the University of Southern California. Ms. Stubbs is also a certified full time instructor in performing arts. Students call her Mama Stubbs because she is like everyone’s second mom, and she takes care of us well and teaches us many things. She plays piano and it’s out of this world.
PATHS is a great experience for any student wanting to pursue music as a career or just for fun. You may learn something about music you never knew before, or you could be a person who knows nothing about music but is willing to learn.
If you’re interested in pursuing something the program offers, you should go to guidance and schedule a visit.
Annual Rock Show Last year: http://tv3vod.portlandschools.org/vod/276-PATHS-MUSIC-PROGRAM-4TH-ANNUAL-R-Title-1-Progr-High-v1.mp4
This year performance in class: http://tv3vod.portlandschools.org/vod/110-PATHS-MUSIC-CLASS-CONCERT-SESSIO-Title-1-Progr-High-v1.mp4
Mock Trial team succeeds outside comfort zone
By ABIGAIL KOVACS | Eagle Times Correspondent | February 2016
Members of the BEHS Mock Trial team celebrate a successful season. Photo courtesy of Diane York.
Throughout the first trimester of the 2016 school year, students in the co-taught Mock Trial class at BEHS worked diligently to prepare for the December High School Mock Trial Tournament against Kennebec and Lewiston.
They gained some valuable experience in the areas of teamwork and critical thinking. With help from teachers Ms.Breanna Bellefontaine-Krupski and Mr. Stephen Fox, students honed their public speaking skills and grew their knowledge of legal practices and procedures, which they demonstrated in front of legal professionals in the Cumberland County Courthouse.
Junior Daniel Shirnin detailed the process students underwent to construct their case, which began by breaking down the legal dispute, establishing a timeline, and generating statements and points of interest, before assigning the roles of defense attorney and witnesses for the prosecution.
“A part of the process is direct questioning, which is when lawyers go up and question the witness; this is where the teamwork comes in,” Dan explained.
One of the most important and advantageous aspects of the class, participants agreed, was the two-teacher system, which they said allowed for different points of view and a more educational atmosphere.
Although it was their first time working as instructors together, Mr. Fox and Ms. Bellefontaine-Krupski both decided that it was a highly positive arrangement, and want to ensure it remains co-taught.
“Co-teaching is not only beneficial for students, it’s beneficial for teachers, who get a better perspective for classroom activities,” said Mr. Fox, “We were able to combine the different teaching styles, learning styles, and knowledge bases, [which was] important for a team-based class. Any time you have two minds teaching a topic together, it will be better for students.”
Ms. Bellefontaine-Krupski said, “It also helps having two teachers in a classroom because the students had a lot of questions.”
To celebrate their season, the students worked on a letter to the administration that highlighted their successes and the successes of the co-teaching approach.
They said Mock Trial was a class that pushed them out of their comfort zone in a very positive way. In fact, the underclassmen on the team have expressed interest in taking the class again next year.
They gained some valuable experience in the areas of teamwork and critical thinking. With help from teachers Ms.Breanna Bellefontaine-Krupski and Mr. Stephen Fox, students honed their public speaking skills and grew their knowledge of legal practices and procedures, which they demonstrated in front of legal professionals in the Cumberland County Courthouse.
Junior Daniel Shirnin detailed the process students underwent to construct their case, which began by breaking down the legal dispute, establishing a timeline, and generating statements and points of interest, before assigning the roles of defense attorney and witnesses for the prosecution.
“A part of the process is direct questioning, which is when lawyers go up and question the witness; this is where the teamwork comes in,” Dan explained.
One of the most important and advantageous aspects of the class, participants agreed, was the two-teacher system, which they said allowed for different points of view and a more educational atmosphere.
Although it was their first time working as instructors together, Mr. Fox and Ms. Bellefontaine-Krupski both decided that it was a highly positive arrangement, and want to ensure it remains co-taught.
“Co-teaching is not only beneficial for students, it’s beneficial for teachers, who get a better perspective for classroom activities,” said Mr. Fox, “We were able to combine the different teaching styles, learning styles, and knowledge bases, [which was] important for a team-based class. Any time you have two minds teaching a topic together, it will be better for students.”
Ms. Bellefontaine-Krupski said, “It also helps having two teachers in a classroom because the students had a lot of questions.”
To celebrate their season, the students worked on a letter to the administration that highlighted their successes and the successes of the co-teaching approach.
They said Mock Trial was a class that pushed them out of their comfort zone in a very positive way. In fact, the underclassmen on the team have expressed interest in taking the class again next year.
Battle of the Sixes: Bonny Eagle reacts to TV station's criticism
By RONAHN CLARKE | Eagle Times Editor | January 27th, 2016
WCSH anchors introduce report on BEHS hallway fight. Staff screenshot
A local TV news report of a fight between students that occurred before school on Jan. 19 has caused great consternation among BEHS students and staff. While the district has maintained that Bonny Eagle High School is a safe, secure, and well-regulated environment for the students, the WCSH-6 report suggested otherwise and has attempted to cast doubt on the school’s claims by asking its viewers and Facebook followers to offer their opinions.
The Tuesday morning fight occurred in the hallway next to the cafeteria, an area that is often teeming with students who sit or stand against the walls and make it difficult for passersby to get through. The fight was between two freshmen girls and lasted for approximately 30 seconds without teacher or student intervention. There were no adults depicted in the recording, but, according to Superintendent of Schools Frank Sherburne, there were teachers standing at the end of the hall who got involved once they were alerted.
The incident came to the attention of WCSH-6 after a cell phone video of it, posted by a concerned parent, surfaced online. WCSH-6 used the video in an on-air report titled: “Video of fight raises concern from parents,” but only two parents were interviewed in the report, one of whom dismissed the incident as something that happens in all schools.
Superintendent Sherburne maintains that the fight was the first to occur in well over a year, and that the slanted reporting by WCSH-6 was intended to damage the school’s reputation. The TV report emphasized the assumption that no adults were present and suggested that there is a problem at BEHS that needs to be fixed. The media’s involvement, however, had no effect on how the incident was dealt with at the school, Sherburne said, as existing policies dictate the consequences.
Sherburne pointed out that public schools face many challenges that private institutions don’t. While private schools are allowed to be selective when accepting students, public schools must take all children whose parents apply. According to Mr. Sherburne, different students come with different conflict-resolution skills; some are able to choose words while others resort to action.
With more than 1,000 students in the same high school, there are bound to be some bumps in the road, Sherburne explained. Can it really be considered surprising that students found a space to fight beyond the watchful eye of the staff?
“I’ve been in education for almost 30 years,” said Mr. Sherburne. “I am not shocked that students chose a place to have a fight where there were no adults [immediately] present.”
“It is very hard for the teachers to see everything that happens,” said sophomore Jenna Litif.
If preventing altercations entirely is impossible, the trick must be learning how to deal with them properly when they occur. One way students can help out is by not filming them, and not egging them on.
Mr. Sherburne said, “[filming fights] is not the kind of citizenship I think we have tried to inspire in our youth in this district. I would have anticipated…intervening and trying to de-escalate the situation.”
There is, perhaps, an upside to the incident: it has brought the community together to react powerfully and professionally. One student has made a video, available on the Eagle Times website, that uses the incident as a springboard to talk about bullying and its consequences.
“I think WCSH-6…got a very big black eye on this article,” said Mr. Sherburne.
BEHS students responded with letters to the editor. You can access some of them at this link.
The Tuesday morning fight occurred in the hallway next to the cafeteria, an area that is often teeming with students who sit or stand against the walls and make it difficult for passersby to get through. The fight was between two freshmen girls and lasted for approximately 30 seconds without teacher or student intervention. There were no adults depicted in the recording, but, according to Superintendent of Schools Frank Sherburne, there were teachers standing at the end of the hall who got involved once they were alerted.
The incident came to the attention of WCSH-6 after a cell phone video of it, posted by a concerned parent, surfaced online. WCSH-6 used the video in an on-air report titled: “Video of fight raises concern from parents,” but only two parents were interviewed in the report, one of whom dismissed the incident as something that happens in all schools.
Superintendent Sherburne maintains that the fight was the first to occur in well over a year, and that the slanted reporting by WCSH-6 was intended to damage the school’s reputation. The TV report emphasized the assumption that no adults were present and suggested that there is a problem at BEHS that needs to be fixed. The media’s involvement, however, had no effect on how the incident was dealt with at the school, Sherburne said, as existing policies dictate the consequences.
Sherburne pointed out that public schools face many challenges that private institutions don’t. While private schools are allowed to be selective when accepting students, public schools must take all children whose parents apply. According to Mr. Sherburne, different students come with different conflict-resolution skills; some are able to choose words while others resort to action.
With more than 1,000 students in the same high school, there are bound to be some bumps in the road, Sherburne explained. Can it really be considered surprising that students found a space to fight beyond the watchful eye of the staff?
“I’ve been in education for almost 30 years,” said Mr. Sherburne. “I am not shocked that students chose a place to have a fight where there were no adults [immediately] present.”
“It is very hard for the teachers to see everything that happens,” said sophomore Jenna Litif.
If preventing altercations entirely is impossible, the trick must be learning how to deal with them properly when they occur. One way students can help out is by not filming them, and not egging them on.
Mr. Sherburne said, “[filming fights] is not the kind of citizenship I think we have tried to inspire in our youth in this district. I would have anticipated…intervening and trying to de-escalate the situation.”
There is, perhaps, an upside to the incident: it has brought the community together to react powerfully and professionally. One student has made a video, available on the Eagle Times website, that uses the incident as a springboard to talk about bullying and its consequences.
“I think WCSH-6…got a very big black eye on this article,” said Mr. Sherburne.
BEHS students responded with letters to the editor. You can access some of them at this link.
Bonny Eagle High School to sponsor its first ever film festival
By MAX GIBSON | Eagle Times Correspondent — March 9, 2016
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This May, Bonny Eagle is sponsoring its 1st Annual Film Festival. Hosted by Ms. Lynn MacDonald, Mr. Rick Osann and Mr. Rich Peterson, it will take place May 26 at 7 PM in the Bourgoin Auditorium at Bonny Eagle High School.
The event will run nearly two hours with an intermission when honorable mentions will be played. The event will show 20 main submissions and will have plenty of laughs. The categories will include: short film, PSA, comedy, animation among others. Submissions are open to high school students, middle school students, alumni, staff and community members. All are welcome to come watch and the entire event will be broadcast live on BETV for those who can't make it. Students can submit their entries to Ms. MacDonald, Mr. Osann or Mr. Peterson by May 18. For more information/questions reach out to one of the teachers listed above via email. Or visit: bonnyeagle.tv/beff |
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Bonny Eagle still mourns the loss of one of its students
FROM STAFF REPORTS | February 19th, 2016
Flower arrangements sent from other schools to BEHS after the crash. Diane York photo.
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Friends of Angel Greene created a roadside memorial at the site of the crash.
Staff photo
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Bright red roses stand out against the white snow at the spot on Turkey Lane in Buxton where junior Angel Greene died in a tragic car accident last November. Almost three months have passed, and friends still visit the memorial site and honor her with online tributes.
“Angel was full of light. If you were having a bad day, no matter who you were, she would be willing to help you because she knew what it was like to feel down. And she didn’t want anyone to feel that way,” said Lindsay D’Amico.
“I know that I am proud to have been her best friend and to still be. I miss her and so does everyone the tragedy impacted,” added sophomore Kaleigh Anderson.
The crash happened early on the morning of Nov. 5. The next day, a moment of silence was observed before the start of classes at BEHS in memory of Angel, and counselors were made available to students throughout the next few days. According to Assistant Principal Mrs. Lori Napolitano, many neighboring schools called, emailed or sent flowers with thoughtful cards.
“Tough times often bring out the best in us,” Mrs. Napolitano said.
Charges have not been filed against the driver in the crash, Eddie Estey, whose actions were described in the police report as “erratic, careless, and negligent.” According to the Bangor Daily News, Estey lost control, went off the road, hit a utility pole, and then hit some trees. The car began rolling over, ejecting Greene who was wearing a seatbelt and seated behind the driver. Another passenger, Zakary Pacillo, was quoted as saying that he had told Estey to slow down before they got to the crest of the hill where the car went off the road.
A memorial was held for Angel at BEHS on Nov. 11. Close to 200 people attended. Speakers said they would remember her as “funny, friendly, compassionate and loving.”
A slideshow featuring photos of Angel was displayed while music played , and friends signed a large, framed photo of Angel at the conclusion of the memorial service.
“I know her mom is proud of her and what she has done,” said Kaleigh Anderson, who spoke at the memorial service. “She has sure lived up to her name and has made an impact on the ones who loved her.”
“Still to this day, I know she’s by my side,” said Lindsay D’Amico. “She was my number one best friend and nothing and no one will ever replace that.”
“Angel was full of light. If you were having a bad day, no matter who you were, she would be willing to help you because she knew what it was like to feel down. And she didn’t want anyone to feel that way,” said Lindsay D’Amico.
“I know that I am proud to have been her best friend and to still be. I miss her and so does everyone the tragedy impacted,” added sophomore Kaleigh Anderson.
The crash happened early on the morning of Nov. 5. The next day, a moment of silence was observed before the start of classes at BEHS in memory of Angel, and counselors were made available to students throughout the next few days. According to Assistant Principal Mrs. Lori Napolitano, many neighboring schools called, emailed or sent flowers with thoughtful cards.
“Tough times often bring out the best in us,” Mrs. Napolitano said.
Charges have not been filed against the driver in the crash, Eddie Estey, whose actions were described in the police report as “erratic, careless, and negligent.” According to the Bangor Daily News, Estey lost control, went off the road, hit a utility pole, and then hit some trees. The car began rolling over, ejecting Greene who was wearing a seatbelt and seated behind the driver. Another passenger, Zakary Pacillo, was quoted as saying that he had told Estey to slow down before they got to the crest of the hill where the car went off the road.
A memorial was held for Angel at BEHS on Nov. 11. Close to 200 people attended. Speakers said they would remember her as “funny, friendly, compassionate and loving.”
A slideshow featuring photos of Angel was displayed while music played , and friends signed a large, framed photo of Angel at the conclusion of the memorial service.
“I know her mom is proud of her and what she has done,” said Kaleigh Anderson, who spoke at the memorial service. “She has sure lived up to her name and has made an impact on the ones who loved her.”
“Still to this day, I know she’s by my side,” said Lindsay D’Amico. “She was my number one best friend and nothing and no one will ever replace that.”
New athletic director takes over at BEHS
By JENNA LITIF | Eagle Times Correspondent | January 11, 2016
Mr. Eric Curtis was welcomed as the new athletic director for Bonny Eagle High School just before the winter sports season began. Prior to accepting this job, he was a 7th grade social studies teacher at Bonny Eagle Middle School and the athletic director there for 8 years. He was also the 8th grade boys basketball coach for 15 years. He knew most of the people coming into this job because he has been a part of this school district for a long time. Although he loved teaching and coaching, he says he was ready for something new. He enjoys being able to watch sports. He has been going to school to become an administrator, and so he was ready when athletic director Kyle Hodsdon left to accept a job in Wells in October.
While this is technically an interim position, Mr. Curtis hopes to continue as the athletic director, even though it is a lot more hours for him than teaching was, and it it is hard for him to attend all his kids' sporting events.
“It is a struggle but it is the job I want,” he says.
According to Principal Paul Penna, the transition was a little easier than it might have been for someone hired from outside of the district. He has been in the system and has had the experience of being the athletic director at the middle school.
“He knows the system and the community," said Mr. Penna. "He has the history and knows a lot of the people.”
While this is technically an interim position, Mr. Curtis hopes to continue as the athletic director, even though it is a lot more hours for him than teaching was, and it it is hard for him to attend all his kids' sporting events.
“It is a struggle but it is the job I want,” he says.
According to Principal Paul Penna, the transition was a little easier than it might have been for someone hired from outside of the district. He has been in the system and has had the experience of being the athletic director at the middle school.
“He knows the system and the community," said Mr. Penna. "He has the history and knows a lot of the people.”
Song and dance dominate the BEHS 2015 holiday assembly
By ALEXA GOODINE | Eagle Times Correspondent | December 21, 2015
The annual Bonny Eagle High School holiday assembly talent show featured the return of Tony and the Elements, an act put together by a teacher, Mr. Tony Lucchese, and the “elements” who included current and former students as backup singers. The assembly followed the shortened classes after fifth block on Tues. Dec. 22
Other acts included Amelia Hanley and Bailey Sawyer singing "Baby It's Cold Outside," Mrs. Kathy Demers doing an interpretive reading of "Twas the Night before Christmas," a punk rock version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," and a debate won by Trevor Hustus, which determined who would be Santa Claus 2016. Auditions were held Dec. 14-16. Mrs. Dawna Cyr, the advisor to the student council, said they had a wonderful group of talents this year.
Other acts included Amelia Hanley and Bailey Sawyer singing "Baby It's Cold Outside," Mrs. Kathy Demers doing an interpretive reading of "Twas the Night before Christmas," a punk rock version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," and a debate won by Trevor Hustus, which determined who would be Santa Claus 2016. Auditions were held Dec. 14-16. Mrs. Dawna Cyr, the advisor to the student council, said they had a wonderful group of talents this year.
Bonny Eagle participates in The Eliminate Project
By CAITLYN SHARPLES | Eagle Times Correspondent | December 10, 2015
Decorations promoting The Eliminate Project done by The Eliminate Committee.
On the week of November 30th, Bonny Eagle Key Club and the student body worked together to help raise money to eliminate MNT, Maternal Neonatal Tetanus, through The Eliminate Project.
The Eliminate Project is an international project in which Kiwanis and Key Club partner up with UNICEF to fight Maternal Neonatal Tetanus, a general tetanus found in newborns in third world countries. This is the school’s first year participating in the week. A committee was created to make the week a success and raise awareness towards the cause.
“It’s important to help people in other countries who don’t have the resources we have and we take for granted,” Junior, Nell Spencer, a member of the committee that organized the events of the week, states.
Along with the spirit week, a dance was held to raise money. The total amount raised by the school was close to $1,300. The top three donors were Mr. Thomas, Sydney Atkinson, and Daniel Shirnin. The three were awarded a weeks worth of Dunkin’ Donuts for their generosity. Each $1.80 raised allows a woman to become immune to the life threatening disease and avoid passing it on to her baby during birth. It is the Key Club International’s last year participating in the project because MNT will have been eliminated by the end of 2015, thanks to The Eliminate Project.
“The week went well but we hope to improve on future Key Club projects in the following years,” Spencer says, recollecting the past week’s events and looking forward to next year.
The Eliminate Project is an international project in which Kiwanis and Key Club partner up with UNICEF to fight Maternal Neonatal Tetanus, a general tetanus found in newborns in third world countries. This is the school’s first year participating in the week. A committee was created to make the week a success and raise awareness towards the cause.
“It’s important to help people in other countries who don’t have the resources we have and we take for granted,” Junior, Nell Spencer, a member of the committee that organized the events of the week, states.
Along with the spirit week, a dance was held to raise money. The total amount raised by the school was close to $1,300. The top three donors were Mr. Thomas, Sydney Atkinson, and Daniel Shirnin. The three were awarded a weeks worth of Dunkin’ Donuts for their generosity. Each $1.80 raised allows a woman to become immune to the life threatening disease and avoid passing it on to her baby during birth. It is the Key Club International’s last year participating in the project because MNT will have been eliminated by the end of 2015, thanks to The Eliminate Project.
“The week went well but we hope to improve on future Key Club projects in the following years,” Spencer says, recollecting the past week’s events and looking forward to next year.
Athletic hall of fame induction held: new inductees
By EMMA LEWIS | Staff Writer | October 5, 2015
From left to right, Stephen Martin, Lincoln Sanborn, and Ben Delcourt stand holding newly-won Hall of Fame plaques after the ceremony.
Three former Bonny Eagle High School students were inducted into the Bonny Eagle High School Athletic Hall of Fame on Sept. 25. Ben Delcourt, Class of 2006, was a member of two state champion football teams in 2004 and 2005. Ben was named an all state receiver in 2005 and an All state defensive back in both 2005 and 2006. Ben went on to have a successful career at University of Maine at Orono.
Lincoln Sanborn, a 2010 graduate, was a three sport athlete, Lincoln excelled at soccer, basketball and baseball at Bonny Eagle. He was named as his team’s MVP on five different teams during his high school career. Lincoln was All-Academic Southern Maine Athletic Association (SMAA) nominee each season. Baseball was his favorite. He was a John Winkin Award Finalist for Maine Mr. Baseball and was The Edson Hadlock Award winner (Most Valuable Pitcher in the SMAA.) during his senior year.
Stephen Martin, also from the class of 2010, was a member of two state championship Class A football teams. Steve was named to the All State teams in both 2008 and 2009 as a Linebacker. In wrestling, he won three Regional West titles in 2008, 2009, and 2010. Steve was the state champion at 152 lbs. in 2008 and won the title again in 2010 at 171 lbs.
Lincoln Sanborn, a 2010 graduate, was a three sport athlete, Lincoln excelled at soccer, basketball and baseball at Bonny Eagle. He was named as his team’s MVP on five different teams during his high school career. Lincoln was All-Academic Southern Maine Athletic Association (SMAA) nominee each season. Baseball was his favorite. He was a John Winkin Award Finalist for Maine Mr. Baseball and was The Edson Hadlock Award winner (Most Valuable Pitcher in the SMAA.) during his senior year.
Stephen Martin, also from the class of 2010, was a member of two state championship Class A football teams. Steve was named to the All State teams in both 2008 and 2009 as a Linebacker. In wrestling, he won three Regional West titles in 2008, 2009, and 2010. Steve was the state champion at 152 lbs. in 2008 and won the title again in 2010 at 171 lbs.
One-act play touches hearts of many, including judges' panel
By DYLAN FRY | Staff Writer | March 20, 2015
"War at Home' cast members showing their pride in America.
Photo by Dylan Fry
The date was Sept. 11, 2001. The Twin Towers had been demolished by two planes colliding with the brick and mortar. Helpless relatives of the people trapped in the towers had to sit by and watch as people were being pulled out of the rubble. How does one feel during a situation like this? The Bonny Eagle Drama Department used raw emotion and eyewitness testimony to capture the pure terror and fear of not knowing whether loved ones were dead or alive in their one-act play for the annual statewide one-act play competition recently.
The play, titled War At Home was an incredible interpretation of the pure emotion of New York students and residents. Bonny Eagle's performance of the play gave them a fourth-place finish at the Regional One Act Play Festival at Falmouth High School on March. 6. The One Act Festival showcases 80 schools statewide who compete in 10 different locations to see who is going to move on to the semifinals by placing 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in the regional.
BEHS also took home three individual awards, with senior Dylan Francis being awarded best set and best use of projections, and sophomore Emily Eberhart being awarded the superior acting award.
The rules governing the competition are extremely strict. The play must not be more than 40 minutes, the stage must be set up in under 5 minutes, and the stage clearing must also be done in less than 5 minutes. If anything, including a splinter of wood, or a piece of glitter, is left on the stage, that school is disqualified. These rules are the foundation of the One Acts Festival, challenging drama departments to do the absolute best they can.
On the day of the festival, the Drama Department performed at Falmouth High School with seven other schools. Falmouth High School came in first place, second place went to Windham High School, and third place was tied between Bonny Eagle and Scarborough high schools. However, Bonny Eagle was declared fourth by virtue of some technical elements.
“I was incredibly proud of the work the students did and the performance they gave at one acts,” said director Rick Osann, “We had higher scores in the past, but this panel of judges scored everyone more critically than in past years, so it was an even playing field.
The play, titled War At Home was an incredible interpretation of the pure emotion of New York students and residents. Bonny Eagle's performance of the play gave them a fourth-place finish at the Regional One Act Play Festival at Falmouth High School on March. 6. The One Act Festival showcases 80 schools statewide who compete in 10 different locations to see who is going to move on to the semifinals by placing 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in the regional.
BEHS also took home three individual awards, with senior Dylan Francis being awarded best set and best use of projections, and sophomore Emily Eberhart being awarded the superior acting award.
The rules governing the competition are extremely strict. The play must not be more than 40 minutes, the stage must be set up in under 5 minutes, and the stage clearing must also be done in less than 5 minutes. If anything, including a splinter of wood, or a piece of glitter, is left on the stage, that school is disqualified. These rules are the foundation of the One Acts Festival, challenging drama departments to do the absolute best they can.
On the day of the festival, the Drama Department performed at Falmouth High School with seven other schools. Falmouth High School came in first place, second place went to Windham High School, and third place was tied between Bonny Eagle and Scarborough high schools. However, Bonny Eagle was declared fourth by virtue of some technical elements.
“I was incredibly proud of the work the students did and the performance they gave at one acts,” said director Rick Osann, “We had higher scores in the past, but this panel of judges scored everyone more critically than in past years, so it was an even playing field.
Morning announcers' theatrical presentations get mixed reviews
By ALEXIS BOURQUE | Eagle Times Correspondent | March 19, 2015
Left to right, Allison Moss, Bailey Sawyer, Jared Curtis, and Mason White, the BEHS morning announcers.
Photo courtesy of Allison Moss.
Every morning the sound of the morning announcements can be heard booming through the halls of Bonny Eagle. Many individuals like starting off the day with these morning announcements.
“I enjoy the morning announcements because they are informative and are usually delivered in an upbeat way,” said Mr. Stanley Sampson, a social studies teacher at BEHS.
However, some believe the announcements can be a little over the top to the point where they get distracted from the content being given to them. “I like having the morning announcement,” said senior Elizabeth Merrill. “However, sometimes I have a hard time picking out the information amongst the clatter.”
The theatrical presentation, sarcastic comments about certain classes, and thundering remarks about events can be either a positive or a negative depending on how one looks at it.
“I love feeling closer to all the students in the school. Even if I am technically talking to myself, I can make jokes and know that people are smiling in their first block classes,” said announcer Allison Moss, a junior.
However, some believe that there are some negative sides to the theatrics. As Ms. Erin Bjorkdahl, a health education teacher, explains, “When doing the announcements, we need to remember that we are speaking to the entire Bonny Eagle High School, so when flippant comments are made, it isn't just to one person. It is to an entire school, and it can rub people the wrong way.”
Whether listeners like the announcements or not, they do serve the purpose they are designed for: getting information across to the student body and bringing the community together.
“I would say it is somewhat effective,” said Mr. Sampson. “I don't have a better suggestion because, honestly, it is impossible to get information across to hundreds of teenagers if the information doesn't directly pertain to them individually.”
“I enjoy the morning announcements because they are informative and are usually delivered in an upbeat way,” said Mr. Stanley Sampson, a social studies teacher at BEHS.
However, some believe the announcements can be a little over the top to the point where they get distracted from the content being given to them. “I like having the morning announcement,” said senior Elizabeth Merrill. “However, sometimes I have a hard time picking out the information amongst the clatter.”
The theatrical presentation, sarcastic comments about certain classes, and thundering remarks about events can be either a positive or a negative depending on how one looks at it.
“I love feeling closer to all the students in the school. Even if I am technically talking to myself, I can make jokes and know that people are smiling in their first block classes,” said announcer Allison Moss, a junior.
However, some believe that there are some negative sides to the theatrics. As Ms. Erin Bjorkdahl, a health education teacher, explains, “When doing the announcements, we need to remember that we are speaking to the entire Bonny Eagle High School, so when flippant comments are made, it isn't just to one person. It is to an entire school, and it can rub people the wrong way.”
Whether listeners like the announcements or not, they do serve the purpose they are designed for: getting information across to the student body and bringing the community together.
“I would say it is somewhat effective,” said Mr. Sampson. “I don't have a better suggestion because, honestly, it is impossible to get information across to hundreds of teenagers if the information doesn't directly pertain to them individually.”