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Volume 3, Issue 1 March 21, 2022
Welcome to the 2022 JWL Newsletter with Chris Boyea & Michael Herrick
Welcome to the 2022 JWL Newsletter with Chris Boyea & Michael Herrick
We hope you enjoyed our first issue of 2022. After looking at the entire newsletter, we would appreciate it if you took a moment to complete this quick survey to help us better create our next issue.
Check out our newsletter staff below as well as an image carousel of all the beauty of nature in our area. Thanks to Mrs. Hull, Mr. Cafarella, Ms. Jarvis and Rosalia Jarvis for the beautiful photos.
Furry Friend
Furry Friend
Kaniehtentha Thompson & Jordan DuBray
JW Leary has a new therapy dog! Luna, Mr. and Mrs. Zaza’s dog has been working to become a certified therapy dog. She is a yellow lab who loves people. “She’s a goofy fluffball who loves to play fetch and do puzzles,” Mrs. Zaza told us that Covid was rough in her family and her kids really wanted a dog. Mrs. Zaza realized that Luna had a lot of characteristics that would make her a good therapy dog. Luna seems to make everyone who walks into school full up of joy! “I enjoy seeing her in the mornings when I walk into school.” Since Luna is always in a great mood she tends to make everyone cheer up! “She always cheers me up when seeing her in the morning.” Said students from J.W Leary.
“The process of becoming a therapy dog is a pain in the butt,” said Mrs. Zaza. There’s lots of paperwork, and lots of tests that Luna has to pass. She has already passed her AKC and Good Canine Citizen tests. Luna’s owners put her in nationally recognized groups to get certified. “She’s been training for 2 years, but officially training for 1 year,” Sadie told us. But, the process of getting Luna certified had a lot of ups and downs due to Covid.
Luna has come to school a couple of times before, but is going to start coming more. Mrs. Zaza says that she can come in for half days, from period 2 until 5/6. She may try to come in for a full day, but it might be too much for her to handle.
Photo Credits: Top Sadie Fent Bottom: Ms. Charleson
Photo Credits: Google Images
Local Supernatural Events
Local Supernatural Events
Brody Miller & Michael Herrick
Are ghosts real?
Whether you believe in them or not, ghost stories are the main fundamentals in spooky storytelling. They also play a role in many real-world things we see today like movies, books, clothing, holidays and even ghost themed food. Ghost stories inspire people to do research or go hunting for evidence of the supernatural. There are theories and TV shows of people trying to find evidence of the supernatural. The topic of ghosts can be very wide-spread when it comes to somebody’s opinion. Some people don’t believe in ghosts at all. Others make it their passion to prove that ghosts are real. But with all of these theories, superstitions, and supernatural activity, the question still remains, are ghosts real?
A story from the book “Haunted Northern New York” shares interesting supernatural events that people have witnessed in the town of North Lawrence. Jerry, and his wife Faith, started experiencing these paranormal events when Faith moved into Jerry’s house that was originally built in 1864. They reported that they experienced flickering lights, abnormal faucet behavior, and physical sightings of the ghost sitting on furniture. We were so intrigued when we read this, we decided to interview Jenny Herrick, someone who lived in North Lawrence growing up. “When I was sleeping one night the day after my dog died I swear I heard him running up the stairs. It freaked me out! I was paranoid and nervous.” Although this is the only paranormal activity she has experienced, she does believe that spirits are real. “I believe in the possibility that there could be something. I look for signs from my mom. Whenever I feel I need her, a dime will show up somewhere.”
Another story from the same book tells us about a couple that moved into their new house in August 1998. They bought the new house on North Raquette River Road and Jen began to experience hauntings from the ghost. She said she felt a light tap on her shoulder at night and a glowing gray-ish colored figure wandering about her house. After “living” with this spirit for many years they became accustomed to the strange activities around the house, but she swears she’s never alone.
So, the question still remains if ghosts are real. But if they’re real or not, they provide a good source of entertainment and spark curiosity into our lives. And you never know, YOU could be the next victim of the supernatural.
Whether you believe in them or not, ghost stories are the main fundamentals in spooky storytelling. They also play a role in many real-world things we see today like movies, books, clothing, holidays and even ghost themed food. Ghost stories inspire people to do research or go hunting for evidence of the supernatural. There are theories and TV shows of people trying to find evidence of the supernatural. The topic of ghosts can be very wide-spread when it comes to somebody’s opinion. Some people don’t believe in ghosts at all. Others make it their passion to prove that ghosts are real. But with all of these theories, superstitions, and supernatural activity, the question still remains, are ghosts real?
A story from the book “Haunted Northern New York” shares interesting supernatural events that people have witnessed in the town of North Lawrence. Jerry, and his wife Faith, started experiencing these paranormal events when Faith moved into Jerry’s house that was originally built in 1864. They reported that they experienced flickering lights, abnormal faucet behavior, and physical sightings of the ghost sitting on furniture. We were so intrigued when we read this, we decided to interview Jenny Herrick, someone who lived in North Lawrence growing up. “When I was sleeping one night the day after my dog died I swear I heard him running up the stairs. It freaked me out! I was paranoid and nervous.” Although this is the only paranormal activity she has experienced, she does believe that spirits are real. “I believe in the possibility that there could be something. I look for signs from my mom. Whenever I feel I need her, a dime will show up somewhere.”
Another story from the same book tells us about a couple that moved into their new house in August 1998. They bought the new house on North Raquette River Road and Jen began to experience hauntings from the ghost. She said she felt a light tap on her shoulder at night and a glowing gray-ish colored figure wandering about her house. After “living” with this spirit for many years they became accustomed to the strange activities around the house, but she swears she’s never alone.
So, the question still remains if ghosts are real. But if they’re real or not, they provide a good source of entertainment and spark curiosity into our lives. And you never know, YOU could be the next victim of the supernatural.
Practice to Play
Practice to Play
By: Hannah Worthley & Sadie Fent
Hockey is one of the most recognized sports in our community, and in this article, we will recognize our Massena Minor Hockey JR. Raiders. Massena community hockey is a big source of entertainment for both the players and the spectators. It's something that really brings our community together, and helps everyone build a much closer bond through the sport.
Starting off with our Bantam A team, so far it looks like they've had a great season. We interviewed their coach, Mr. McCabe, and he commented, "All Players put in a great deal of effort and work on and off the ice." This would lead to their recent success in games, such as their tournament in Lake Placid which they took first place. But besides the Bantam A team, the Bantam B team has been working just as hard. We asked their coach, Chris Aldous, what type of exercises/drills he had the team do, and he responded, "We focus on developing skating, stick/puck skills, and situational awareness for our hockey players. We try to create drills that help players do all three at a quick pace while being challenged physically from competitors." This is to help them improve overall as players and in games.
Massena's Peewee team, whose players are dispersed through grades 5, 6, and 7, have had a very interesting season, full of improvements. Their coach, Chris Roberts, was the third person we interviewed. "I view my success as a coach and my team's successes by gauging the improvement from the first day to the last day of the season," said Roberts. "My players are at a key point in their overall development as a player. At this age, skill and mental development are the most important gauges of success." The Peewee team has had a pretty good season. Their coach, Chris Roberts, was also asked who he thought the team's biggest opponent was. He replied with, "For local teams, Potsdam has been a great matchup for us this year. They force us to work hard in all aspects of our game."
Photo credits: Top to bottom; Mrs. Hayes, Michael Herrick, Hannah Worthley
High School Musical
High School Musical
By Allie Lincoln
"This fun and wholesome show hits all the right notes with its young core audience," Talkin' Broadway said.
Every year the Massena Central High School presents a musical done by the students. This year they will be doing a production of Disney's "High School Musical!" Some stars include Noah Love playing the role of Troy, Madeline Tusa playing the role of Sharpay Evans, and Elisabeth Tusa playing Kelsi Neilson. Also, Alyssa Fountaine plays the role of Gabriella, along with Devin Love as Jack Scott, directed by Chris Lincoln.
You may not know but performing in a musical is a lot of work. As Noah Love said when asked about being the lead role, "I'd say there's a bit of pressure with being the lead, yes. Having to remember all the lines and songs has a bit of pressure on it because you're going to be doing all of these in front of maybe 2,000 people and you really don't want to mess it up." But there is also a lot of pride in being the lead. Noah also said, "When I found out I was Troy I felt very proud and appreciative of it. Getting the lead in a show isn't easy so it showed that the hard work I put in to get me the lead paid off and that's one of the best feelings you can have." It is a lot of work for the actors, yes, but also for the set builders, wardrobe crew, and the sound and lighting crew, Directors as well. There are months of preparations.
What if you want to join when you are in High school? You have to do a voice audition which is when you prepare a song and perform it. That may seem scary but it is all worth it. As Elizabeth Tusa said, "As far as what I like about musicals, I'd say the family that is created throughout rehearsals is one of the best things about it. You're all together so much that it becomes a tight-knit group. Another thing is the experience in general. There are not many ways to recreate the feeling of being on stage with all your friends and performing for your family and the community."
This is a fun, upbeat musical for all the family! It has basketball, dance, and awesome songs! This year the show will be April 1st and 2nd. To get tickets go to www. mchsmusical.com or the box office when hours permit and at shows.
Photo Credit: Music Theater International, Quote found by Music Theater International.
Snowmobiling:
Snowmobiling:
Need for Speed
Need for Speed
By Jacob Baillargeon
By Jacob Baillargeon
The winter is almost over, but there is still time to go out and ride. It's important, though, to consider your safety when operating a snowmobile.
The river's ice can be very hick at at this time of year but with rising temperatures it can also be very dangerous at the same time. The river can get very patchy with snow and ice, and sometimes it can get very slushy on warm days. The snow can get so hard that it will overheat your snowmobile. Be safe even on trails; it can be very icy in the fields as well.
In Massena, we have some people that used to race snowmobiles, one being Nick Perkins. When asked what got him into snowmobiling, he said, "I grew up riding [ATVs] and dirt bikes so it was a natural move." Nick also described what he liked about snowmobiling, and he replied, “The freedom it gives you, and a great stress reliever.”
There are many different things people can do on a snowmobile, like jumps, river riding, ice fishing, and you can race them. Snowmobiles can also be use for utility and to move things around. Many people say that they mostly go to Stewarts or to the dike in Louisville by following trails.
For more information or to download an ATV trail map, check out www.visitstlc.com/atv-ride/ .
Photo Credits: Cullen Taraska
Fantastic Beasts
Fantastic Beasts
by Asher Cardinal
A new movie in the amazing Fantastic Beasts series is about to come out on April 15th. There is a lot of excitement for this movie because of how much the first and second movies were liked by fans from the very popular Harry Potter series.
Looking at the name The Secrets of Dumbledore there will probably be a variety of mysteries which hopefully will be explained. Watching the trailer, it's obvious what some of them will be already. Andrew David says, “I am excited about the new movie because it is another sequel to Fantastic Beasts and it creates an ongoing vibe of mystery and excitement for what comes next.” One mystery involves Jacob getting a wand and the conflict is due to the fact that Jacob is a muggle(non-wizard) and he gets a tool that can only be used by wizards. A very important detail the viewer discovers in the last movie in the series is that there is a blood pact between Dumbledore and Grindelwald which makes it so they can not fight.
Stay tuned for answers and mysteries explained and start counting down the days until April 15th!
Superbowl
Superbowl
by Jocelyn White
by Jocelyn White
After the intense game of the Rams vs Bengals, the Rams pulled off the win just by 3 points. Mr. Corigliano has said that he was rooting for the Bengals because they were the underdog, since they haven't won the Superbowl since 1988. But really he just wanted a fun game to watch, which is what he got.
After 1st quarter the Rams were leading 7-3, and by 2nd quarter the Rams were still in the lead with the score being 13-10. By 3rd quarter the Bengals gained the lead by 4 points, and the score was 20-16 Bengals. Finally after the 4th quarter, the Rams got ahead and won, the final score being 23-20.
Both teams this year played a good game, and this is what Mr. Corigliano had to say about this years game, "Overall I would say that the Rams played a much better game than the Bengals. It was clear early on in the game that the defenses for each team were going to make the biggest impact and be the deciding factor for this year's Super Bowl. Joe Burrow, the quarterback for the Bengals, was sacked seven times in that game and Matt Stafford was only sacked twice. If you hope to win the Super Bowl your quarterback can't be tackled for a loss of yards seven times. That is why I think the Rams played a better game."
Extra Curriculars
Extra Curriculars
by Allandra Kellogg & Rory Lawrence
Staying after school has many benefits. A few after-school activities may include Raider Academy, Lgbtqia2s+ club, or simply staying after with one of your teachers. You may ask about the benefits of the club, and we're here to tell you!
Starting off: Raider Academy. This is a program for students to get work done, and also get help with it too. Raider Academy is also a great place to stay focused, the reason this is a good thing is because many students may find it harder to focus at home. As Ms. Chapman, the founder of Raider Academy said, “it helps students feel more prepared and ready for the next day of school as they were given the help they needed with their studies.” Though in this club you get work done, you also get to participate in fun activities! Some activities may include STEM activities, crafts, sports, community activities, and even games, and who wouldn't love that?
Now going onto the LGBTAQ2S+. This is a club for students to feel welcomed. It is also a way to meet others you can connect with and educate others. ''I think empowering students and educating our schools and community about gender equality is important." as Mrs.Shoen an owner of the club said. This club is held every week but only on Wednesday. Some activities include crafts, and if you are comfortable, sharing about yourself! This club is there for you to feel safe, and feel a belonging to JW Leary school.
Lastly, staying after school. Staying after school may sound boring, and not as beneficial as you'd like but you can actually get a lot from it. For example, if earlier you were sitting in math class and not quite understanding the lesson you could go in right after school and ask any questions you'd like! From my experience, I leave school feeling much more confident.
Varsity Hockey- Girls
Varsity Hockey- Girls
By Jack Jarrett & Chris Boyea
The Massena Lady Raiders Varsity Hockey Team capped off their successful season by falling just short to the Potsdam Sandstoners at the Section X Championship. They were led by sophomore Captain Brooke Terry, and senior Captain Mackenzie Garrow, along with freshman assistant Captain Sophia Prentice. The Massena Lady Raiders Varsity team had a handful of girls from our very own J.W. Leary Junior High. Those included Lauren Henning, Brynn Deshaies, Joie-Lynn Jabaut, and Jocelyn White. We spoke with Jabaut about what it was like playing varsity as an 8th grader, and she said, “I think it is a very good experience and it's hard because a lot of the girls are older." We also talked to Deshaies, and when she was asked about what it was like scoring her first varsity goal, she said, "Thrilling."
The ladies played a great game against the Purple Ghosts of Alexandria featuring a hat trick from captain Brooke Terry. The Lady Raiders ended up with a 6-2 victory earning themselves a trip to the overall Section X Championship. Unfortunatley, that was the end of the road for the Lady Raiders as they fell to the Lady Sandstoners by a score of 5-3. The Lady Raiders had an outstanding season heading into the playoffs as the number 1 seed in Section X. They had a regular season record of 4 wins, 0 ties and 2 losses.
Varsity Hockey- Boys
Varsity Hockey- Boys
By Jack Jarrett & Chris Boyea
The Massena Red Raider Varsity Hockey Team had to hang their skates following a tough overtime loss to the Golden Bears of Canton in the Division 1 Section X Championship. The Raiders got a bye to the championship for winning the most league games in the regular season. The Canton Golden Bears beat out the Potsdam Sandstoners for the spot in the championship with a score of 7-3. The Radiers have had a split attack with the Golden Bears, beating them once and falling to them once this season.
The Massena Red Raiders were led by senior Captain Conner Terry and assistant Captains, seniors Zach Barney and Ben Rodgers and coached by head coach Mike Trimboli and assistant coaches Kenneth Hurlbut and Chris LaPierre. The team scoring was lead by junior star Trysen Sunday and Captain Conner Terry.
We were able to speak with recent freshman star Owen Converse. We asked him asked about helpful advice that he would give to younger athletes that want to be in his shoes in a couple years. He said, "For any freshmen coming up in the next couple of years a couple things you should know are, communicate on and off the ice. This game is too fast for you to not talk to either your linemates, coaches and anyone else. Another thing is that your effort is what matters. There is always someone below you in the line up looking for your spot and if you stop working one hundred percent of the time then that person will gladly take your spot and run with it. One more thing is to trust yourself, your there for a reason so never say you can't do something and or not believe in yourself."
North Country Strange History: Massena's Sulfur Springs
North Country Strange History: Massena's Sulfur Springs
by: Dio Goodfellow
One of the strangest parts of Massena’s history is that people used to come up here from all around the country and pay to bathe in the sulfur rivers around here. Yes, I’m being serious, people in the late 1800s and early 1900s really did come up here and pay to bathe in the rivers here.
According to my research, Massena became a popular health retreat in the early 19th century after the sulfur springs were discovered, which attracted visitors such as Teddy Roosevelt, a former president, who came up here to bathe in the supposed medicinal waters. The natives that settled here believed it to be able to cure illnesses and reportedly called it "Kanaswastakeras", which means "The place where the mud smells bad". According to the History of Massena official website, it really helped our town, it gave us an economic boom and was the main industry in Massena until Henry H. Warren built the first hydroelectricity facility that connected the Grasse river to the St. Lawrence with a power canal at the turn of the century.
I think that it was one of the strangest parts of our history, and it sits up there with the blood libel accusations, which will be featured in the next newsletter.
Information from: Massena's Official History Website
https://mymassena.com/massena-history/
Photo Credit: https://massena.us/173/History
NASA's Project Dart
NASA's Project Dart
By: Andrew David & Camden Murtagh
Project DART is made by NASA and was launched by Space X. DART stands for Double Asteroid Redirection Test. The goal is to attempt or redirect a pair of asteroids off their predicted course. (One orbiting the other "a moon") and test the technology we have today.
Project DART is about preparing for the worst, doing what we can to stop a mass extinction event. It will be moving toward the asteroids at about 14,765 mph almost 3 times the speed of sound. Even though some might say that DART is a hasty attempt to stop an asteroid that is coming toward us. But, the research shows these asteroids are NOT coming toward us. NASA has been preparing for this since 2014 and they are just testing today's technology.
You may be wondering, why send a multi-million dollar spaceship that won't do anything good or bad for us here on the ground. Well, project DART will eventually move an asteroid off course and if one does come spiraling towards Earth, we will have to prepare a version of DART. Only 40% of all mass extinction-sized asteroids have been found in the solar system and we must prepare for anything that could wipe us out especially if we can right now. Both Mr. Tyler Sovie, 8th grade JWL science teacher, and I agree that project DART will succeed because when NASA does something they do it right and with supercomputers. NASA has made amazing advances in technology, "NASA is one of the wisest investments I feel the U.S. can make," said Sovie.
There are so many problems in the world that can't be solved looking to the ground below us. The answers may lie in the sky, the sun a source of massive amounts of nuclear fusion just within our solar system. DART is just how we as humans continue testing our abilities as a species.
Johnny Gustafson, Former JWL Student, Goes for Gold
Johnny Gustafson, Former JWL Student, Goes for Gold
Check out the article by Bob Beckstead.
Photo courtesy of Team USA
Parents Seeking to Reinstate 'Burg Girl
An article from the Syracuse Post Standard, October 25, 1969
Check out some photos submitted by your teachers of you in action!
Click the arrow on the photo to see all the photos!
Don't forget about the FIRST dance :
Friday, March 25th from 7-9 pm.
Cost is $5.
Semi-formal dance, no sweatpants or ripped jeans.
Snacks will be sold.
No outside visitors allowed, only students who go to this school can attend.
Students must be present in school on Friday.
If a student wants to leave before 9pm a parent must sign them out.
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