Principal Notes: Music Honors; Mock Jobs; Visit to the Courthouse

Information courtesy of Algonquin Regional High School Principal Tom Mead

Tri-M welcomed 30 new ARHS students: On Jan. 8, the Algonquin chapter of the TRI-M Music Honor Society inducted 30 new members into the organization. The honored guest was Mitch Gordon, an accomplished conductor, percussionist, fund-raiser, and professional mediator. The evening concluded with inductee performances, and punch. Amy Collins and Kathrine Waters are advisors to the
TRI-M.

Congratulations to the following students, who were selected after an extensive audition process, to participate in the 2013 All-State Music Festival. These students will perform with other talented students from across Massachusetts at Symphony Hall in Boston on March 2: Scott Abrams, voice; Emily Arnold, voice; Mike Buck, voice; Jillian Greenspan, voice; Andy Hamilton, voice; Ben Rutan, voice; Evelyn Semenov, voice;  Maxwell Teplansky, voice; Gloria Chen, flute;
Gretchen Herdrich, flute; and Jenny Ma, flute.

Business Course News: After weeks of preparing their job search packets (resumes, cover letter, reference page, interviewing, etc.) the students in Multimedia Career Development Class participated in mock job Interviews. Three representatives from St. Mary’s Credit Union came to the class and
interviewed students. Dressed in their professional business attire, students got a chance to see what it would be like to participate in a job interview. Each student had a specific job they applied for. They were required to send their resume and cover letter via email by a specific date to these business professionals from St. Mary’s Credit Union. With their professional port folio in hand, they anxiously waited for their turn to experience first- hand what it was like to be interviewed. After the interviews, the Credit Union Trio returned back to the classroom to speak to the class about their performances, gave them advice about the current day job search including a discussion about social media, and their professional futures.

On Dec. 14, the Business Law students visited the Worcester District Courthouse. They viewed a dangerousness hearing, and listened to the eyewitness’ testimony. The students were also able to talk to the Judge, several court officers, a juvenile probation officer, and a few attorneys. Chris Ferreira
instructs these business classes.

Artist/photographer Caleb Cole visited the Digital Photography and AP 2D Design classes on Dec. 20. After giving a slide show talk on his work, Caleb took time to visit and chat with students, and work with the AP class to brainstorm ideas for their upcoming concentration projects. Caleb talked with kids about how every bad picture they make is a necessary step toward eventual good pictures and that even when they receive feedback that may be hard to hear, they should stay true to their art and carry on making it. Cole is a highly acclaimed Boston artist, whose list of accolades stretched across the country and beyond. His work focuses primarily on identity and is inspired by a genuine curiosity about the life experience of others. Michelle Sheppard teaches photography and design.

On the balance beam: The varsity gymnastics team helped to host the second annual Kids Celebrate Life Classic January 4-6 in the C-Gym. This benefit invitational was created in memory of a gymnastics judge who passed away from Breast Cancer. Proceeds from the meet benefit the American Cancer
Society and the Children’s Miracle Network. It raised well over $30,000 for the foundations. It was a tremendous event, and the Algonquin facility provided the perfect atmosphere for this celebration of life. The support from the administration and facilities crew was unwavering. Among the gyms and
coaches attending was Mihai Brestyan, owner of Brestyan’s Gymnastics and coach of Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman.

DECA Districts: With 112 competitors representing Algonquin, 68 students became eligible to advance to the Massachusetts DECA competition being held in Boston in March. These students range from freshman through seniors. There were 43 finalists, 6 first place winners, 13 second place winners, and 6 third
place winners. They join 42 other Algonquin students who automatically advance to states through the written research project events.

Annual Scholars’ Luncheon: Attending the Worcester County Superintendents’ Association Annual Scholar’s Luncheon were Adam Gilfix and Jess Sung, distinguished members of the Algonquin Regional Class of 2013. The students were accompanied by Superintendent Charles Gobron and Principal Tom Mead. The luncheon was held at Clark University on Jan. 10.