By Dragomir Langhammer, Project Vine Class of ‘24

 
On Tuesday, Project Vine held our bi-annual honors breakfast, commemorating students getting all As and Bs (and a C in a non-vine class) with an attendance of 16 students. We had home-cooked pancakes from program head, Dani Charbonneau, along with juice and refreshments. With 40% of PV making the honor roll, breakfast was heavily populated with both upper and underclassmen. Breakfast was a smashing success, and we’ll be hosting a second honors breakfast in the spring.

By Tayla BenDavid, Project Vine Class of '24

Out of the forty students in the Project Vine alternative education program, sixteen of them made the honor roll. This is a huge accomplishment for not only the Project Vine staff but also the students. As a student who made the honor roll this year, I don’t think I could have done it without Project Vine. I think a lot of students at the breakfast shared that feeling. Project Vine makes sure that the students know this is something to be proud of by celebrating with a pancake breakfast.

By Tayla BenDavid, Project Vine Class of ‘24

    How much do you know about the Island? We held our seventh annual Island Lore night on Friday, October 27th. What is lore night? Island Lore night is a huge deal for Project Vine seniors. It is also a large process. To start we go to downtown Vineyard Haven and look at historic pictures. We then try to recreate those images. After that, we go to MVMuseam and examine some artifacts to decide what we want to write about. Students can either write a retelling of an island event or a historical fiction. Since we do this around Halloween, most stories tend to be a bit spooky. After the student presentations, we invite the audience to share some of their stories. Not only did this help students overcome the fear that is public speaking but it also gave us valuable history of where we live.


By: Cecilia Prata, Project Vine Class of '24

   On the night of Friday, October 27th, Island Lore Night took place at the MV Museum, an event run by Project Vine's seniors, from MVRHS. For the execution of this 7th edition, there was a lot of work behind it, from a field trip on November 4th to the historic center of Vineyard Haven, where we got help from Mr. Bear, as he shared his knowledge about this island where we reside. Next, we went to the MV Museum for a history lesson about the island. We were able to see several objects used by our ancestors and then discover the entire museum and the vast history it tells. To finish, we listened to a lesson from Bow, an expert at the museum, on the history of Martha's Vineyard, as well as asking several questions.

In the following weeks, class work began, with each student choosing a topic on which they would like to write fiction. Having each chosen their theme, there was extensive research related to the subject, from searching on websites and searching in books to asking questions to people who could complement our story with their point of view and information, always having, of course, the support from our teacher Mrs. Charbonneau.

With the work done and finished, we were finally able to present the result of work that required a lot of effort. The event started at 6:00 pm and was attended by several members of the school, and museum, as well as students and their families. We started with an introduction from Mrs. Charbonneau and Mr. Graves, which made the event even warmer. Then, we started with the readings of the stories, done respectively by their authors, which held everyone in absolute attention to every detail of each story. All the students were incredible, in their reading performance and in writing the story. We then ended the night, with some other event participants sharing their experiences on this beloved island.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS:
Kileigh Holway
Dragomir Langhammer
Hudson Riordon
Cecilia Prata

By Tayla BenDavid, Project Vine Class of ‘24

Project Vine’s slogan is:

“Our Curriculum is Each Other.”

Learning about one another can be tricky, especially in a high school environment. In an age surrounded by phones and digital separation, we lose sight of others. With a slogan like ours, an experience on a 75-acre island is an astonishing experience. We cook, clean, and serve each other. Most importantly, we learn about one another. We have interpersonal conversations and connections that we wouldn’t have otherwise. We talk to people who we normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to talk to.

Dragomir Langhammer, ‘24, went on the Penikese retreat two times in their four years of being in Project Vine. They said “Penikese is great. It’s just you and your classmates out there, it’s totally unique. It’s great because you get closer to people you already know and care about. You cook and clean and swim and learn together in the real world, outside of the classroom. My and my friend’s best memories were made there.” 

Senior Evan Donnelly had his own take on the value of the experience: “We did lots of stuff out at Penikese that not a lot of people do on a daily basis anymore. Most people just use their devices to know what time it is, but they took our phones. They gave us watches so we could know what time to be back for stuff, but we had to learn to tell time without our phones. It was so good not to worry about stuff outside of Penikese and just enjoy the time we had.”

Penikese is beyond having a highly educational experience; it’s about bonding with other students and the staff members that make our education possible. Project Vine focuses on having connections with one another and teachers, and there’s no way better to learn about someone than living with them, even if only for 3 days.

by Dani Charbonneau

Sometimes, Boston can seem like another planet. 

But Boston is the capital city of our state, and we are part of what makes Massachusetts wonderful and unique. 

The Project Vine Staff had the idea years ago for an “immersive” Boston experience that would help our students appreciate (rather than fear) the mainland, by bringing our Island kids to Boston to tour the sights, see a show and spend the night. 

That was 2020, and so nothing went quite as planned! 

But this year, we were finally able to make it happen, thanks in large part to a generous gift from the MV Rotary Club and the donations of countless staff and community members. THANK YOU ALL! 

Staff and 30 of our students went up to Boston Thursday morning.

We used the Old Town Trolley system to get tours of the city with great tour guides who told us history mixed with humor about so many things Boston: Bunker Hill, the North End, the Common, the Garden! 

Students participated in a photo scavenger hunt for famous landmarks, shopped and had dinner at Faneuil Hall, and saw Blue Man Group at the Charles Playhouse before spending the night at the Best Western in Danvers (that place was outstanding, by the way!) 

If you’ve never seen Blue Man Group, I’ll try to describe it: three humanoid “men” with blue skin who seem to be aliens in terms of their understanding of basic things like cell phones, cereal and human interaction, explore various everyday objects with music, light and wonder. Throughout the show, they seem surprised by things we take for granted and use those things in unexpected, entertaining ways. 

On the ride home it hit me: our kids were the Blue Men in Boston: chain stores, highways, traffic lights and billboards are all alien to our Island. We joked that we could have just taken them to the Burger King/Dunkin' Donuts off 495 considering how exciting that was. At one point, I tried to muster a group shot near TD Garden with a great backdrop of the Zakim Bridge, but my group could see the cars zooming by underneath and couldn’t look away. I realized, hey, where else would they have really seen that? 

We’re all the Blue Men at some point in our lives—if we’re lucky enough to try new things. And I hope we all can approach those new things with wonder no matter how entertaining locals might find our ignorance of their everyday. 

I told the group at one point “you’re the tourists now!” and some of them bristled at being called a term they usually reserve for the seasonal invaders of their home. “I’m not a tourist,” one of them said, “I literally live in this state!” Yes, you do. Glad you’re getting to know more of it. Glad I got to be there to watch you make music and wonder out of billboards and traffic lights. 

Article by Jonah Mafcher, Class of 2026

On February 12th, 2023, Project Vine held its annual trip to the Cape Cod Mall, which was a highly anticipated event for its members. 

The group was excited to spend a day of fun and bonding, and the Cape Cod Mall did not disappoint. Upon arriving, the members split up into small groups and explored the various activities that the mall had to offer, and it was a blast for the members who attended. Members enjoyed various activities such as laser tag, arcade games, shopping, bowling, and eating pizza. 

The trip was an opportunity for the members to bond; how many people have played laser tag with their math teacher? 

As the day went on, all of the members had a great time playing different games and doing activities while interacting with each other. Members discovered common interests, and learned new things about each other, as well as learned about their teachers. 

Growing closer, being more comfortable with each other, and making new friends is one of the many reasons why Project Vine does this trip every year.  

Project Vine's annual trip to the Cape Cod Mall is not just a day of fun and games, but an important opportunity for the group to come together and bond, while creating meaningful connections.

Below are some quotes from other members of the class of 2026 about this, their first trip with Project Vine:

Hana writes, "This trip was planned by Project Vine leaders to make  all the new members see what Project Vine is all about." 

Kiara said, "It was really nice to spend this time with the group and with my friends."

Araujo said, "Hudson won the game... I don’t know how!"

Warren said,  "I think Project Vine does this every year so the new people in Project Vine and the people that have been here can get to know each other and start the second semester with something fun."

Bobby said, "Project Vine participated in a lot of activities like laser tag, bowling, virtual reality, virtual golfing, went to an arcade, and we walked around the mall and got to buy stuff." 

"It was also fun getting to know people more; it felt like a big family when we were there," said Kenzie

Vinny called it "the highlight of my year so far," and said "I can't wait for next year."

Cecilia writes,  "Listening to the participants' reports, I came to the conclusion that Vine Project organizes these trips so that there is more interaction between the students, and that they/we are able to see school as something that can be light, fun, good and relaxed, and not tiring and bad as we often feel."

Pictured above, left to right: Ashlei Clarke, Sophie Palmer, Emme Felix, Marsha Stewart, Nicole Cardoso, Von-Trai Porter, Devonne Saunders & Jared Davenport

What follows are the dedications featured in the front of each book chosen by our seniors to represent them after they leave our space, in the hopes of inspiring the Project Vine students of the future. Congratulations to all our graduates! 

Nicole Cardoso 

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

This book was dedicated to Project Vine by Nicole Cardoso, Class of 2022. 

I feel like this book is a good symbol of how I tried to make my high school experience more bearable. One of the main characters, Theodore Finch, has undiagnosed BPD so his high school experience isn’t exactly the best. Of course my high school experience wasn’t affected by something as big as undiagnosed BPD but I was still looking for something different. Then my mom told me about Project Vine and it sounded like exactly what I needed. And it was; it became the only place in the school where I felt comfortable and more like myself. Just like Finch, who felt the most like himself when he was around the other main character, Violet Markey.

The people that I think should read this book are people who also feel out of place or that they truly can’t be themselves unless around certain people. Or just people who need a little help with trying to have fun no matter the circumstances because Finch is great at that.

It’s a very emotional book so I would be prepared for that. It even ended up affecting my mood the next day, which was a completely new thing for me. I’ve never had a book affect me the way that this one did.

I learned to try to make the best of every situation. Which I know sounds kinda corny but it’s something I really need to work on. I’m a very pessimistic person so seeing Finch (who has similar struggles to me) be able to see the beauty in anything was a great way to help me reflect.

Dedication by Dani Charbonneau 

Nicole joined Project Vine as a freshman and has been a program member ever since. Her academic work has almost always been some of the best in her class, such that she and a small group of her peers really set the bar in terms of what quality could be accomplished in our classes. I was never worried about her academics, but I did hope to see her get better at making personal connections with the people around her and expressing her true feelings better. 

As we gradually started creeping back to normal, we got to see a much wiser and more mature Nicole on a regular basis. An avid reader, Nicole often used our student lounge space in her free time just to read. By doing so, she managed to set a great example for the younger students who actually saw a senior, someone they look up to in their program, reading for fun. Beyond that, she talked to them in ways that reminded me of the way parents or teachers speak with the next generation: with kindness, wisdom and humor. 

Nicole is now a person wise beyond her years who, I believe, used the time of Covid and quarantine as an opportunity for metamorphosis. She did not return extroverted or talkative, but rather self-assured and driven to do what makes her happy and what she sees as right in the world. We wish her all the best, and many quiet moments to read what she wants, uninterrupted. 

Ashlei Clarke

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu

People should read this book because it tells a story of reincarnation and of certain martial arts practices and I think reincarnation is a cool phenomenon to think about.

I feel it symbolizes who I am because I have always liked to explore other cultures and this book in a sense gives you an insight to one. I also just really like historical Chinese fiction, mainly the cultivation aspect of it. 

I never really thought much about how people see me, which is one of the reasons I tried to skip this question, but I guess I would want people to see me as a calm and observant person. Which is why this book appealed to me. 

It kinda starts off slow because it's a translated novel, so in each scene the author explains why they do certain things they’re doing. But that's just because there is a cultural barrier so I find it good that the author kind of did it that way–otherwise you might not know what is going on. But it does get better.

For people who read it, it will open up their world to see a different culture even though it is a fictional story. There is some truth to the different rituals and practices in the book. 

I think what I got from it would be that a lot of the time your past can catch up with you if you didn't solve or deal with the problem at that moment. 

Dedication by Matthew Malowski 

I first met Ashlei on the soccer pitch, (that means “field” for the non soccer folk) and immediately was impressed with her. She was new to soccer, and it was evident that she didn’t know a lot of the girls who were trying out. I immediately took note of how intimidating that must have been and thought how incredibly brave she must be. Throughout the soccer seasons, and getting to know her in Project Vine, I have come to appreciate Ashlei’s unassuming, yet confident demeanor. I’d like to think that others do see Ashei how she perceives to be seen . . . “calm and observant.” Ashlei is an actionable leader, meaning that her presence, her ability to work with others, expand her learning and craft her life without having to be the loudest voice in the space is what makes Ashlei Clarke so special and unique. Her book dedication speaks to her contribution to our world that all cultures are to be celebrated and understood. We are to live in the moment, not our past. In this moment we celebrate cultural diversity and do what interests us, even if that means you don’t know anyone and you’ve never done it. Know that Ashlei took a risk to join an alternative education program, as well as a soccer team, with a lot of unknowns. I would like to think Ashlei is better for it, and I know all of us are better people because Ashlei was here. I wish Ashlei the best of luck, and look forward to hearing from her for years to come. 

****Ashlei Clarke was also a 2022 recipient of the Jake Sequoia Baird Scholarship****

Jared Davenport

Sakamoto Days by Yuto Suzuki

This book was dedicated to Project Vine by Jared Davenport Class of 2021.

Unlike the other books dedicated, this book doesn't show who I was. I put it there because it was entertaining, and I recommend it if anyone wants to read it. 

I hope people saw me as definitely not a role model but someone they could go to if they needed someone to talk to. 

The people who should read this book are people who enjoy graphic novels, and Robbie Manning.

I say read it when you're alone, eat whatever snack can fill you up, listen to music if you want.

This book could help you find out if you like manga, but also it can teach you that you can change your ways for someone you love.

Dedication by Joel Graves  

I have had a ringside seat to watch Jared grow over his high school years. Like most students he started off as a slight, unsure, freshman. Only to finish as the tall, confident and comfortable senior he is tonight.

Being a witness to these sorts of transformations is what makes teaching in Project Vine unique and rewarding. You get to see it all happen up close and personal, but not just in a classroom. On Penikese Jared and I have cooked and cleaned together, goofed around, played pool, shot hoops, or just relaxed. I’ve shot him with a laser tag gun, as well as been shot by him, bowled, traveled to Boston and laughed hysterically as him and Von pulled off an epic Bon Jovi lip synch performance. 

Oh yeah I also got to be his history teacher as well.

Clearly education requires a lot of attention and focus on academics, and that's what we spend most of our time doing. But part of what makes Project Vine so unique and special for both our students and staff is that we also remember that to fully enjoy the high school experience you have to make time for enjoyment and getting to know each other on a personal level to an extent greater than most other classes/programs provide. I feel that I have gotten to know Jared well the last three years and I am a better person/educator for it.

Emme Felix

The Messenger by Lois Lowry is the 3rd book in the Giver series and a book about a utopian community built for and by refugees to give them a home and a community. The community is known for its selflessness and for being a safe haven for those in need. The town is surrounded by a forest that seems to be hostile to everyone, except the main character, Matty who can travel through it with no problem. Throughout the book the community begins to become increasingly selfish and as a result the forest becomes more hostile. I think it’s important to read this book because it shows the importance of being a useful part of your community, helping others in need which I think are both values that this program inspires and teaches us. I think this whole series is very impactful and interesting but this book in particular, I had a very hard time putting down. 

Dedication by Ellen Muir

We met Emme halfway through her freshman year. She was already an accomplished student; so much so that those unfamiliar with the program questioned her interest in joining. One cool thing about Emme is that she self advocated. She honestly and assuredly said that just because her grades reflected academic success, they were not an indicator of her happiness or interest in coming to school. She was seeking a different high school experience with a smaller group of people. Emme was timid at first when the whole program would meet together. Although she certainly never became the loudest person in the room, she found her voice and used it when she felt it was important. 

I really do feel privileged to have had Emme as a student and to watch her grow during her four years in Project Vine. Her smile and laugh were infectious, if you took the time to get to know her. Always a pleasure to have in class, Emme was a hardworking, kind, and gifted student. She took pride in her work but enjoyed herself, too. It was fun watching her experience Penikese Island for the first time with several peers that she did not know.  I enjoyed talking to her about math and life in general. To me, she seemed wise beyond her teenage years. She will be greatly missed - I know this because she completed her graduation requirements in January. For me, the place hasn’t been the same.

****Emme Felix was also a 2022 recipient of the Jake Sequoia Baird Scholarship****

Anna Graham 

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

When I first came into the program, I was having a really hard time and going through a lot. I had no friends and did not want to come to school. The book I am dedicating is about a horse who lost his mom and was having a bad life switching between owners and getting abused and mistreated. In the end of the book the horse finally finds a good life and happiness. I am finally at that place in life as well.

I hope people know that I really enjoyed my time in Project Vine. I feel that it really helped me get through high school and I don’t think I would have if I did not join Project Vine. People would describe me as quiet until they get to know me. Once people do, they describe me as fun, trustworthy, loyal, funny and outgoing. 

I think anyone could read this book, but I would recommend this book to people who are interested in horses or just people who are going through a hard time in life. I read this book in middle school when I was going through a really hard time and dealing with a lot of family issues and it definitely helped me to look forward and not always focus on the bad that was happening in that moment in my life

It might help people look forward and help them learn that it does get better no matter how hard things may be right now, just keep moving forward.

This book also taught me that a lot of people go through many different things and that I am not alone. It taught me to look forward and keep pushing through.

I think that the whole book is good. It’s an easy read and it’s fun to read. I hate reading, but I’ve read this book like 10 times and got something new out of it each time.

Dedication by Matthew Malowski 

Sometimes really quiet people are often misunderstood. I think our society, not purposely, caters and elevates those who speak more than others, let’s say a bit more verbose than others. I agree with Anna that she tends to be a bit more quiet, initially, but once she lets you in you get to see the caring sister, loyal friend, and kind person that Anna truly is. I have a quote in my office from Carl Jung, “I am not what happened to me, but what I chose to become.” Anna’s path and journey is about choosing who she wants to become. Project Vine has been part of that journey for Anna, and I unequivocally believe her time here has guided her with her choices. Her love and passion for horses is admirable, and when she speaks of the horses she cares for you see this amazing, loving person be at ease with herself and the world. What Anna has reminded me of is that when we find ourselves in moments of angst, we must turn to those things that put us at ease and make us feel alive. I hope Anna graduates from MVRHS and from Project Vine knowing that her quiet self has taught many of us how we can appreciate the moment, and to take advantage of the here and now. It is not our past that defines us, it what we do now that impacts our future. I appreciate Anna sharing this book for our Legacy Tree. I wish her the best. 

Sophie Palmer 

The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur

I believe everyone should read this book because it allows you to see things in a different way, gain a better perspective through the different phases in life you go through, and gain advice at the same time from the beautiful poems she has written. It allows them to find some serenity in a crazy world and allows you to somewhat relate a chapter of your life to someone else’s. 

I believe this book is a good symbol of myself because throughout this year I have bloomed into a different person and found myself. I dealt with a lot at the beginning of the year and I felt like each season I became more connected with myself and those around me, I went through the different stages of the sunflower. 

 I feel like people would describe me as head strong and quiet at the same time but always willing to participate and share my opinion. 

The advice I would give is read this book when you’re not feeling too great mentally or physically, read it when you’re alone in your safe space and try your best to connect with the pieces she has written, it may not be for all but I know this book will be good for someone who is struggling and needs a little guidance in life or advice.  

It taught me that in order to bloom you must endure hardship throughout life. This book allowed me to look at things in a bigger picture and know that I will eventually bloom again. 

Dedication by Dani Charbonneau 

Though Sophie came to us at the start of her senior year, it was not the first time we had heard her name or thought about approaching her for the program when her guidance counselor walked her down to see if we had a spot left. Even from that first moment, it was clear that Sophie already knew many of the people in the program, and knew a lot about how we operate, and that she wanted IN!  

Throughout her senior year with us, Sophie has done a lot to be part of our community- participating in our weekly Vine Friday events with gusto, embracing the opportunities in our senior Capstone class to study something she was passionate about, and regularly letting her classmates know just how lucky they should feel about their time in Project Vine. Sometimes, having that opinion around can be an excellent thing. 

Sophie is an animal lover with a future of care ahead of her. She is the rare high school senior who is truly interested in pursuing her career for both the money and the satisfaction she hopes to find in veterinary sciences. Her future clients are already lucky dogs (and cats, sheep, goats & alpacas:) 

Von-Trai Porter

The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

I am dedicating this book because it defines me and who I’m becoming. It talks about being successful even when the odds are against you. It’s a book that teaches class and character and how it’s done. 

I feel like people would describe me as resilient. I feel like my teachers see what I had to go through and what I’m doing now. I hope it’s putting a smile on their face. Also, I think people would say I’m a very conscious person. I feel like I’m not afraid to do the right thing. 

People who should read this book are anyone who feels like they can’t make it in this world; people who are overwhelmed with life. It gives another take on everything that is very inspirational. It’ll teach them that success is at the tip of your fingertips. It isn’t hard to do the right things for yourself. It’s also to let them know that not everyone’s life is easy. Are you gonna mope around or get the hell up and make your life good?

This book taught me that whatever bad comes my way, it’s not going to be the end. It taught me those are the best times because that’s when you learn. In those times of failure, you know what not to do to be successful.  

I would say read this book on a Sunday night when you're doing nothing, a time where your mind is relaxed and able to absorb the information. The book is good from front to back. In my opinion, it's a great book all around. 

Dedication by Joel Graves  

I along with my fellow Project Vine teachers have gotten to know and work with Von extensively over the past three plus years. These three years for all of us have had plenty of ups and downs in both our school and personal lives as the world has dramatically changed over that time. But what hasn’t changed is Von’s magnetic personality, energy and willingness to be his authentic self at all times. 

Forget Project Vine, everyone at MVRHS, from the custodial staff, to the secretaries, to the administration to the entire student body knows who Von is and seems to be friends with him. Living on an island this notoriety can be both a blessing and a curse as when everyone knows you they get to experience you at your best but you inevitably find yourself having to interact with people when you are at your worst and that can be a challenge.

Von’s chosen book The 48 Laws of Power is an interesting one, some of its precepts I understand, agree with and think are helpful. Some not so much. 

Synthesizing information is part of the maturation process we all go through, finding those bits and pieces of information that are helpful and utilizing them, and discarding the bits that are unhelpful. 

Von is a powerful young man and I hope he harnesses and utilizes that power in a productive way that helps not just him but his friends and family in the long term. I enjoyed working with him immensely and wish him the best of luck in the future.

Devonne Saunders

I am Number Four  by Jobie Hughes & James Frey

This book was dedicated to Project Vine by Devonne J Saunders, Class of 2022.

 I feel like this book is a good symbol of who I am because the book is interesting, has a good length but also has detail and gives great descriptions of both the main and side characters as well.

People who should read this book are people that hate reading with an absolute passion.  It might give them something to spend time on because the only reason I stopped reading the series was because I didn’t have the whole series in grade school so I stopped reading in general. I felt like if it were there for someone like me, they might read it and maybe even keep reading the rest of the series. 

This book taught me that there is always an exception to every rule. It starts with the backstory explaining why and how they’re in their predicament, so you’ll know what’s going on. I would say if you put on any music to read it to, it would definitely be a slow song that doesn’t have words, just something like elevator music.

I understand that nobody really wants to be in school and I feel like everyone should have somebody to push them to get work done, but I feel like when a teacher pushes students, it definitely gives off bad feelings. I hope people in the program know that I, as a senior, tried to be like an older brother and help push the younger students.  

Dedication by Dani Charbonneau 

It’s interesting that Devonne’s dedication mentioned that he tried to push the younger students and be like an older sibling. When Ellen and I brought our kids in for February vacation, we literally assigned Devonne to be like an older brother to our boys. It was a role he was born to play. He played video games with them, beat our older son repeatedly and bragged about it so much it probably hurt Joe’s feelings. But it also helped him see what he was doing to his own brother all. the. time. Everyone needs a little of that, sometimes. 

As a TA in our English class, Devonne regularly intervened when students were “done with me.” He did it so well, I’m pretty sure many of the students didn’t notice or think anything of it. But he was there, helping them calm down or finish something they barely wanted to look at. It was such a far cry from the freshmen who could not stay awake in our classes, that it made me smile regularly. These four years in anyone’s life are dynamic, unpredictable and awe-inspiring, and for those who spent the better part of high school in Zoom School during the pandemic, it was anyone’s guess how things would turn out. Devonne is proof that our little family model makes older brothers out of little ones, and that’s not a bad outcome at all. 

Marsha Stewart 

This book, Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman, was dedicated to Project Vine by Marsha Stewart, Class of 2022.

People who love mystery and horror should take the time to read this book because it has all the aspects for a person who loves one or both of these categories. 

This book worked wonders on me. I used to despise reading with a passion. The only reason I read this book was because I had to write a paper about a book and it was recommended by the librarian. Even after the paper was written, I found myself reading through all of the different Skeleton Creek books mostly because the videos were drawing me in and let me visualize more of what the book was saying. This book made me realize that not all books are boring and uninteresting.

This book taught me not everything is boring, and you can always make the boring things more fun.

I recommend reading the book in pure silence. For the people who get distracted easily like me, knowing that there is a video coming up gives you the chance to focus and continue reading.

I think people would describe me as weird and nice. Everyone knows I’m weird by the random animal noises I make, not just to make other people laugh, but myself as well. It can change from a goat, to a dog, a cat, etc. 

I feel that this book is a symbol of me because every detail in the book is a mystery in the beginning until you read it thoroughly. In this case, it is a representation of me because I have an interesting and weird personality. No one is able to figure me out until they take the time to get to know me.

Dedication by Ellen Muir

If you did not know Marsha Stewart, she was a force to be reckoned with. Marsha was strong-willed, passionate, and compassionate. She was a talented athlete and gifted student. She was sure to leave her mark on Project Vine. At first glance, Marsha seems sweet, quiet, and focused. Sometimes these traits can give people the wrong idea. But, Marsha was never intimidating or off putting. Peers and teachers found Marsha to be open, honest, and truly cared about what they had to say. I could not find a friend group within Project Vine that didn’t include Marsha in their conversations and activities. People sought her advice on relationships, school work, and of course fashion and hair. Marsha even braided my hair once! She certainly did not fly beneath the radar as I thought she would when we first met.

At first glance, I thought Marsha kept only to herself and wasn’t interested in the people around her. That was the furthest thing from the truth. She just wasn’t loud about any of it. Watching others seek her out throughout her time here in Vine was awesome. She had an excellent moral compass, and I imagine was fiercely loyal to her friends and family. She gave sound advice and truly listened to her peers and mentors. Marsha participated in anything she could in Project Vine including field trips, Vine Fridays, and group discussions. Her opinions were valued by everyone. I’m proud to have taught her and am blessed to have known her.

****Marsha Stewart was also a 2022 recipient of the Jake Sequoia Baird Scholarship****

Rohan Whitelocke

Miles Morales Shockwaves written by Justina Reynolds Illustrated by Pablo Leon

Who should read this book? People with nothing better to do. It will occupy their attention for a quick 10-15 minutes if they aren't reading really fast. Even kids could read it. But, play rap music while reading. RAP ONLY!           

If there was a lesson that could be taught in that book, I already knew it. I already knew everything in it and I like action and super power books. It wasn’t about learning a lesson. It’s meant to be fun. 

I never really hoped or thought much about how people would view me or how I spent my time in Project Vine. But, if I had to choose how people saw me in my time here, it would be that I'm just chilling.

Dedication by Ellen Muir

Rohan Whitelocke was one of the most interesting and mysterious students that I’ve taught in my 19 years as an educator. He arrived at MVRHS from Jamaica during his sophomore year. He was shy and quiet and didn’t trust his accent enough to say much. As time went on, he spoke up more, but was still known as a quiet guy. Most folks probably didn’t know that he was a fairly talented math student. He had one of those minds that could piece things together and make them work. He may not have expanded on explanations or gone out of his way to tell others about his thoughts, but he cared enough about his grades to show me - his math teacher. He put an honest effort into his classwork, and I always respected that. 

As a Financial Literacy student his senior year, Rohan met every expectation as a student and beyond. He didn’t like talking to me much in class, but always took my suggestions in private comments on Google Classroom, adjusted his work, and resubmitted it. This may not seem like something to mention, but after a half-year of Covid quarantine and another of hybrid learning, many students struggled to get back into academics and find success in school. He was not alone in that. Rohan may not have loved the school work, but he got it done and remained respectful despite frustration. As a teacher, that says something. Rohan worked hard to get his diploma and I truly commend him for that. I appreciated him for who he was; and he’s right - he’s “just chilling.”

Congratulations on one Heck of a Year! 

We put together a slide show of some of the best moments from this school year. If you're a fan of Project Vine and you have some time, please check it out! 

Chopped for Charity ‘22: A Taste of Something Special

10-Pin Cape Cod ~ First Field Trip with the Class of '25!

Photographs by PV Staff ~ Text by Nate Regan, Class of '25

Honor Roll Breakfast: Quarter 1 Pancakes of Honor! 

Pre-Thanksgiving Breakfast with Alumni

Fall Work Day - November 16th

Each fall and spring, we clean! 

Actually, we clean, organize, decorate, paint and personalize the Project Vine Suite together so that it feels a little more like a home than public buildings can sometimes feel. But honestly, we spend a lot of time in these 4 classrooms, and it means a lot to all of us to shake out the cob webs and adjust the feng shui. 

Work Day is important to our members:  I think it's normal to want to affect our space as much as it affects us, and when we are in those spaces, we hope to see we left a mark even in some small way. 

It's also a great excuse to spend some time together in ways that aren't necessarily academic, but certainly aren't short on learning. 

Thank you to everyone for a great fall work day! 

Island Lore Night '21

After a whale of a Nor'Easter, no school for two days and no power for many on the Island for even longer, the Project Vine class of 2021 and the MV Museum worked together to put on a great show for our fifth annual Island Lore Storytelling Event.  Check out the full video of the performances below (Warning: some content is horror/scary story stuff!) 

The Penikese Retreat - September 29th- October 1st, 2021

Photographs by PV Staff, Text by Dragomir Langhammer, Class of 2024

I, along with 12 of my fellow classmates took a three day island vacation to the famed Penikese Island. We took a short ferry ride from Tashmoo dock right to the dock at Penikese, then we stayed in a house equipped with rooms, the food brought by our generous teachers, a hammock and an extensive library. We were gifted pins, watches, bandanas, and even flashlights to help us adjust to living away from civilized society. 

Without our phones and with plenty of free time, we made fast friends with the upperclassmen. Fishing, basketball, friendship bracelets, and the aforementioned library: there was never a dull moment on Penikese Island. That's not all. Activities were prepared by our thoughtful and clever educators. Team building exercises, scavenger hunts, cooking and mealtimes, we had the structure we needed for our young minds to grow. 

After lots of swimming (and popsicles) we took out our brooms and cleaned our cabin top to bottom. Grabbing our luggage, bagged lunch, and newfound friends with us, we said our tearful goodbyes. It was hard to leave Penikese, its fascinating history, its metamorphosis from a colony for lepers, school for troubled boys, and now home for students alike, we found Penikese and the stars it has above it to be our new home. After another ferry ride and another round of packing up sleeping bags, we found our way back to our old home. 

Neveaha Jackson, class of 2023 also reported that "it was so fun" and fellow member of the class of 2024, Tayla BenDavid added "it was good! I opened up to a lot more people than expected and I have a lot more friends now."