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PHS Alum Kris Horn
Competes in Olympics
PHS Alum Kris Horn
Competes in Olympics
by Nick McCarthy and Ryan Benting
Kris Horn, a Pembroke alumni, competed in the recent 2026 Olympic Games, in Milan, Italy. Horn, a former track and field athlete at PHS and Umass Amherst, competed in the bobsled event.
Horn began his bobsled career as a brakeman in 2018, after graduating from UMASS in 2017. He first competed in the 2022 Beijing Olympics, before transitioning to a pilot. In February , Horn and the USA bobsled team competed in the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics. During the competition, Team USA ended up getting 11th overall. Before the Olympics, on January 11th at the World Cup, Horn’s teammates ended up falling out of the bobsled before getting into it. The scary moment was finished when Horn jumped to the back and pulled the brakes to end the run.
While a student at PHS, he was a stand out athlete, receiving many awards and breaking records too. He holds nine school records for the Track & Field team, which include 4 x 800m, 4 x 400 Relay, DMR 4,000m for both indoor and outdoor, long jump for indoor and outdoor, triple jump, pentathlon, and decathlon. He was a 4x All American in high school, and 6x Patriot League All-Star, and team captain his senior year.
Horn’s former coach Mr. Rooney said, “ The best athlete that I ever coached.”
Mr. Zopatti, Horn’s other track coach, added, “Unbelievable, hard working, coachable, and all of the above.”
* The Titan Times reached out to Horn for comments, but he has not responded as of press time.
STV James Reed Photography
Photos by Cali Howe and Sra. Nouger
Students Experience Spanish Culture
Students Experience Spanish Culture
by Brenna Woodworth and Ella Sullivan
30 PHS students partook in the Spanish exchange program and three teachers advised the trip, including Señora Nouger, Señora Whitehill, and Señor Silva. The group visited Madrid, Spain for 10 days in February. The group saw many historical Spanish sites and medieval towns, such as Segovia and Toledo. The students and teachers visited a Roman Aqueduct, as well as medieval castles and fortresses.
The Pembroke Students shadowed their host throughout a typical day in their life, including school, sports, and activities. Junior Cammie Snyder said, “The best part of the trip was going to school with them and comparing what their school day was like, compared to my school day and seeing the similarities and differences. It was most shocking to me that instead of lunch, they have a 15 minute break in which you can leave school, if you are older than 17, and go to the markets and get a snack. Their school day also looks a lot different than ours. Instead of the students switching classes like at Pembroke High School, the teachers switch and the students stay in one classroom. Also ‘high school’ starts at 12 years old, which is the same as 7th grade in Pembroke.”
Another favorite activity in Spain was experiencing Spanish traditions. Junior Cali Howe said, “I had the most fun at ‘de cadiz’, which is a Spanish carnival that happens every year! We also went ziplining in Toledo, that was so much fun!”
Introducing themselves to new foods was a key part of getting an authentic experience in Spain. Matthew Rinehart, also a Junior, stated that he loved “empanadas, they tasted so good!”
Snyder also added the biggest culture shock she experienced when she visited Spain. She said, “They eat dinner so much later than we do here, the normal dinner time is 9:30pm.”
After the exchange, Junior Trevor Martinez stated his favorite part of the trip and why he would recommend it to other students, “My favorite part was going out with the Spanish kids after school and seeing what they like to do day to day because it's way different than what we do in America. You pretty much gain a second family by doing the exchange because the parents in Spain are super nice, we are even already planning for them to come back to America in the summer!”
Food Saver Crushes the Congressional App Challenge
Food Saver Crushes the Congressional App Challenge
by Jack Sullivan
Pembroke High School Senior Tyler Kan and Sophomore Tommy Duggan recently received recognition for the Congressional App Challenge for their winning app Food Saver in the 9th congressional district.
When asked about the app that Tyler Kan programmed, he said, “Tommy and I chose to make a food saving app that saves money as you only are required to use the food in your fridge. We made an API, a set of rules and protocols which allows Google Gemini to register what is being sent and give a response on its own, allowing our app to use AI to process all of the food in the person’s fridge. The AI then sends back a recipe based off of the food in the fridge. Some challenges were to get the AI to give proper answers and link it together to allow it to process the food in the person’s fridge.”
Duggan said, “The inspiration for our idea came from when I noticed that my Aunt always has a full refrigerator and ends up wasting food.”
AP Computer Science Principles teacher Mrs. Griggs said, “Tommy Duggan and Tyler Kan created a really great app based on food waste. Their app, which was called Food Saver, was very high level and the use of AI was very unique by using the food in the person’s fridge. Students have or will receive certificates for their achievements.”
The Congressional App Challenge is an annual state and nationwide event which requires middle school and high school students to develop their technological skills in the world of app programming. With a partner, the students are tasked to create an app that gives a solution to an ongoing problem in society. Kan and Duggan plan to attend the House of Code, a program right in Congress, April 21st and April 22nd. They will prepare and present their project to congressmen.
Congressional Secretary Michael Jackman congratulates Tommy Duggan and Tyler Kan on winning the CAC (Congressional App Challenge) for the Congressional District.
Photo by Mrs. Griggs
DECA Prepares for States
DECA Prepares for States
by Sadie Rizzitano
Pembroke DECA has had another successful year as a club after 118 students competed in various business events at the Quincy Marriott overnight from January 8th to January 9th. At DECA, students compete in either individual or team categories through competitive, real-world role-play scenarios and tests. The club specializes in preparing high school students to find careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Twenty-two Pembroke students qualified for the State Conference. The conference is held from Thursday, March 12th to Saturday, March 14th, at the Seaport in Boston.
DECA Districts included two-role plays, optional workshops, professional-dressed dinner, evening activities, breakfast, mini awards (medals), and grand awards (trophies). For many students, this results in the overnight conference being nerve–wracking and exciting, as they have been preparing for the competition for months. When asked how she prepared for the competition, Sophomore Violet Levangie said, “Besides studying for your category I would say the most important thing to do in being successful is to be confident and act like you are a professional on your topic. Even if you don’t understand, it still shows that you care and are trying your best.”
Junior Jenna Waterman competes in the Restaurant and Food Service Management category as an individual, and has now qualified for SCDC for the second time in her DECA career. Waterman said, “To prepare for states I’ve been taking practice tests so I can perform well on the exam, and practicing my presenting skills so I can score higher on my roleplay.” Waterman is also a DECA Executive Board member and has been a strong leader for the Pembroke DECA club for the last 3 years.
SCDC begins with a 100-question multiple-choice test on Thursday, March 12. Over the next two days, individuals and teams will partake in two role-plays that will be a part of their overall scores. If they place high enough, on Saturday March 14, the highest-scoring students will advance to ICDC, which is in Atlanta, Georgia. Throughout the entire weekend, students are allowed to explore the Seaport area, but are required to dress in professional business attire.
Senior and DECA Executive Board Officer Meghan Graham has been a part of Pembroke DECA for all four years. She has competed in the Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Category and has qualified for the SCDC three times now. Graham stated, “The skills I have learned through DECA have prepared me to think critically, communicate effectively, and take initiative. SCDC has given me the opportunity to interact with students across the state and further develop my business skills.”
Twenty-four Pembroke DECA students will compete at the State Career Development Conference: twenty-two qualified based on their placement at districts, while the remaining two were selected by Mrs. Lang for Quiz Bowl—a multiple-choice competition rather than a traditional roleplay.
Pembroke at evening activities
Photo by Mrs. Lang
Pembroke SCDC Qualifiers
Photo by Mrs. Lang
Photo by Mrs. Lang
Artists Win Gold
by Jocelyn Coburn and Samantha Hunt
PHS seniors Tyler Kan, Abby Peterson and junior Audrin Rossi recently won gold keys in the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition. Peterson and Kan's art will be displayed at Tufts University.
Senior Kan earned a Gold Key for his picture of “Beauty in Fall.” Kan’s art pictures a dog with a scenic background. Kan’s work is going to be displayed at Tufts University from March 14-22.
Peterson's Gold Key award-winning submission “Metropolis” picturing a dark suburban street view earned her a spot in the Tufts University showcase and also earned herself a trip to the national competition. Peterson has also earned herself a Silver Key for her submission “Dialtone” picturing a graffiti telephone booth and an Honorable Mention for a third entry, “Creative Instincts.”
Peterson has been passionate about art for many years. Peterson said, “I think it started in freshman year when I joined digital photography class”
Rossi earned Honorable Mentions for the submission “To ponder Under the Moonlight” picturing an obscure animal under a shadow of lighting.
Rossi said, “I just really liked nighttime and snow. It has a really nice aesthetic” when asked about the inspiration for the artwork.
Audrin Rossi's artwork "To Ponder Under The Moonlight"
Photo by Jocelyn Coburn
Tyler Kan's artwork "Beauty in Fall"
Photo by Jocelyn Coburn
Abby Peterson's artwork "Metropolis"
Photo by Jocelyn Coburn
All-State Festival Celebrates Student Talent
by Skyler Stahl and Aleah Adams
Last month, sophomore Molly King and juniors Larissa Lomba and Jackie Mahar auditioned to be a part of the All-State Music Festival and were accepted to be joining other artists from all over the state for the All-State Chorus Festival in Worcester on March 20 and 21.
Mr. Glass said, “the All-State Music Festival is the highest honor in the state for a high school musician.”
High Schools in Massachusetts are split into 5 different districts with Pembroke being in the Southeastern District. The only way students can audition for MA All-State is if they are a part of the top 50% of those accepted to their district festival.
To prepare for the auditions, sophomore King said, "Students prepare by singing the audition song in class and on and on their own time with a piano or rehearsal track and make sure they circle any things they can improve on in the song”.
Students will usually spend hours practicing on their own time, and right before the auditions they spend almost an hour warming up and singing the song over and over until they get called into the audition room.
During the festival, students perform in groups with the best student musicians in the state and play or sing extremely difficult music. They are conducted by conductors from colleges, universities, or professional ensembles.
Some advice Mr. Glass has for students that plan on auditioning in the future is “study music with a private teacher who is a professional on your specific instrument or voice.” Normally, lessons are 30 minutes once a week and cost around $30 depending on the teacher.
College Commits '26
by Scott Alther and Evan Williams
In the class of 2026 there are less than 20% of students who have been accepted into college, and within that 20% less than 5% have actually committed to the college they plan to spend the next four to six years at.
Senior Jonny Scott said, “I plan on attending University of Tampa because of the great weather conditions such as the warm weather and clear skies, along with their amazing education system.”
A lot of the students who have been accepted into their colleges so far plan on going down south to escape the brutal weather of Massachusetts.
Scott claims, “ I have no family that goes there or has attended that university, I wish I did though, as It would have made getting in easier.”
There are a lot of students who are studying in vast subjects Scott says “I plan to study film because I can see myself making a good career out of it, and if film doesn't work out I’ll switch into business."
What really intrigued Scott was the school's spirit. “I really like how their mascot is a Spartan as it’s similar to my home high school mascot which is a Titan, so it feels as if I'm still back with my friends I've grown up with.”
Scott also states “Fairfield University was my second option if I hadn’t been accepted then committed to University of Tampa, as I think it’s also a very good school.”
When asked Scott claims “I know only two people at Tampa, two of my good friends from high school Jayden Leonard and Jake Sheehan.”
Tea Bollinger is a senior who was fully committed to Southeastern University in Florida “go Sorch.” (The mascot).
Bollinger has said that the reason for her decision was that “It seems like a really good community with amazing weather, and the tuition isn’t very expensive either.”
Bollinger has said that she is planning on studying “Criminal Justice” while she attends this university.
Bollinger discussed how she discovered Southeastern University, which is that she is part of a youth group, where she has said, “I heard about this college from the people within the youth group.”
With a supportive group of close friends Bollinger was able to discover a new opportunity for her academic future.
Bollinger said, “I have no family that attends Southeastern University.”
Bollinger has said she has two friends that are attending the University, Bollinger says, “My friends Zoe and Kyra go to this school.
If Bollinger didn’t make it in the University she was planning on her second option to be “Palm Beach Atlantic University.”
Jonny Scott will attend University of Tampa.
Photo by Mrs. Scott
Tea Bollinger will attend Southeastern University.
Photo by pembroke_decisions26
Aruba, where Scott Alther is going.
Hilton Head, where Cassie Long is going.
Seniors Plan Trips to Celebrate Graduation
by Ellie Drummond
As the seniors get closer to the end of their final year, many plan senior trips with their friend groups. These groups choose different places to go, depending on their budget and how big they want to make the trip.
Senior, Scott Alther said, “I am going to Aruba for a week, maybe less.” He added, “It is going to be around $1,500 and it was hard to plan because my friends are indecisive.”
Senior trips are important to friend groups, as they consider these trips their last times coming together as a group before adulthood begins. Some groups follow the motto, “Go big or go home,” and spend more money to go farther away. Other groups are not able to spend as much and have to plan accordingly.
Senior, Sadie Rizzitano stated, “My friends and I are probably going to spend a few nights in the Cape because it is nearby and there are a lot of us going. It is easier that way and it is much more affordable since most of us are attending college and have to pay for it. Even with spending only a couple hundred dollars, we will still make quality memories compared to going farther away.”
No matter where the seniors decide to go on their trips, often it is used as a chance to look back on their high school years and cherish the friendships they have made along the way. Most seniors not only appreciate their friendships, but also celebrate moving on to a new chapter of their lives.
Senior, Cassie Long said, “I am going to Hilton Head, South Carolina with my best friend. This trip is very important to me, as we go on a trip every year and this is going to be one of the last ones before we go to college.”
Senior trips are important to people and their friend groups, giving that bittersweet feeling as high school ends and the future awaits to begin.
Town Safety Construction
in Progress
by Jackson Nichols and Mary Rizzitano
The town of Pembroke has decided to move forward with their plans to construct a new fire station and an additional fire/police station. By doing this, the town will be able to respond to emergencies more efficiently and secure general safety.
Recent images of the layout have been released and show a significant upgrade with a larger design for the facility.
The design of the stations helps firefighters' and the police’s abilities by adding more workspaces. Select board member John Brown adds that “When the current buildings were built, we had about 11,000 people; now we have over 18,000 to protect and serve." By adding the additional space to the new facilities, it adds about 7,000 more workers to contribute towards the community to help keep it safe.
Select board member Mr. Brown gives insight on the construction of the new fire stations, sharing the goals and impacts of this ongoing project. He said that, “The main goal in having new public safety buildings is to improve the conditions and technology for the police and fire departments to do their job," explaining how the community is working to advance the public safety of the town.
For additional information, Mr.Brown advises that, “The easiest way to stay informed about the project is to contact the selectboard office at 781-293-3844 and/or watch our Pembroke selectboard meetings online broadcast by the Local Seen."
The estimated timeframe for this project is around one to two years. With the fire station on school street estimated to be complete by the fall of 2026 and the fire/police station estimated to be done by the fall of 2027.
Photo credit Pembroke MA (.gov)
Photo credit Pembroke MA (.gov)
Photo credit Allie Goff
Photo credit Allie Goff
Student Council Plans & Updates
by Jackson Nichols & Mary Rizzitano
The Student Council is gearing up to host numerous events, including a bake sale with the intention of raising funds for all grades
Junior Allie Goff shared that the team is currently focused on organizing new events, adding, “The goal is to boost school spirit and potentially raise funds through these activities." While specific details have not been set, the council is working hard to create engaging experiences for everyone.
The council is currently organizing several fundraisers to help the school with funding different and upcoming events such as prom.
Freshman Beckett Hawkes states, “We are planning a bake sale and a raffle." The upcoming bake sale will take place at parent-teacher conferences, while the raffle will be held at the community center. These events are still in the planning process but will most likely take place sometime this month.
These plans, soon to take action, are aimed to support their class and continue to raise funding for events like Prom and future school-related activities.
Artists Recognized by UMASS
Artists Recognized by UMASS
by Titan Times Staff
Seven PHS artists were accepted into this year's UMass Dartmouth College of Visual & Performing Arts Emerging Young Artist and Designers 2026 Exhibition: (left to right) Jayden Chartier, Matt Melanson, Mason Wills, Aiden Ragab, George Ricciardi, Abby Peterson and Sebastian Driver-Dennis (not pictured).
New Courses Offered
by Kyla Williamson
Some new courses were recently added to the PHS Program of Studies.
Project Lead the Way Capstone ○ final course in the Biomedical and Engineering Pathways ○ Honors and CP level
AP Digital Photography - ○ New AP course for students in grades 10-12 that have taken Digital Photo (semester elective)
Connecting Place and Page - ○ Senior ELA Seminar focuses on the importance of place and its impact on literature ○ Honors and CP level
Human Body Systems - ○ Not new but it replaces Honors Anatomy and Physiology ○ Uses the PLTW curriculum - hands on, real world learning opportunities ○ Do not need to be in the Bio. Med. Pathway ○ Honors and CP level
AP Physics 1 and AP Physics C ○ Will run both
Senior Project Set to Start
Senior Project Set to Start
by Carrie Dynan
Are you looking to add to your resume or elevate your high school experience? Senior Project is a perfect way for Seniors to get involved with the community during their fourth term of high school. They are allowed to pick a volunteering job opportunity to do during the hours in which they would be at school. Students also have to keep track of their experiences through numerous assignments.
Advisor Mrs. Campbell said, “Students who participate write journal entries each week about what they are doing with the mentor and what they are learning. The final project is a presentation of what the student has been doing and is presented using Google Slides or Canva and that is due during Senior's finals week.”
Students participate in Senior Project to use the skills that they have learned so far in their high school to experience what they might encounter in a real world job. Mrs Campbell said, “Senior Project is an important opportunity because students have the chance to learn from a mentor in a field that interests the students.”
Students can get involved in Senior Project by paying attention to the daily announcements and finding out when the meetings are. Most meetings are during titan time in Mrs. Campbell’s room and there are always more than one. Mrs. Campbell said, “around 60” students attended the meeting this year and that some of the most popular ideas are “education, landscaping, hair stylist, and police and fire.”
Senior Amanda Haen is going to be shadowing her hairstylist. She said, “Well I want to become a hairdresser when I’m older so I want to get my foot in the door in the industry to start cosmetology school.” Haen also explained that she thinks it’s important to do something that you are actually interested in and that she’s very happy to be doing something that will really help her in her future.
There are some seniors who are opting out of Senior Project. One of those is Camryn Vondette. Vondette said, “It's our last time being with all our friends and I want to spend as much time with them as I can… the rest of the year is going to be pretty easy so I don’t think I will care about coming to school. I take one AP class and I feel like when I have it in the middle of the day it would be annoying to leave Senior project and come back.”
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