by Titan Times Staff

Pembroke High School mourns the loss of Laurel Flaherty, 22, who died tragically October 12 in Nashville, TN, when a severe storm caused a tree to fall on her car. She was a beloved member of the PHS class of 2018.

Ms. Chapman, PHS director of fine and performing arts, who had Flaherty as a student for multiple years, said, "I remember Laurel so fondly...What struck me the most about Laurel was not her beautiful voice and musical ability, but her other-centeredness."

Ms. Chapman added, "Laurel was so kind to everyone. She had an infectious laugh and smile that just lit up the room. She embraced life's challenges and it was a joy to watch her break through her comfort zone and really come into her own."

According to her obituary, Flaherty "was passionate about improving the lives of others and gave tirelessly to many organizations, as well as being an avid equestrian and animal lover with numerous pets, her bunny Sassy, her cat Olive, her corgi Gus Gus and her horse Doodle."
Flaherty had graduated from Belmont University in Nashville in May with a bachelor’s degree in social work and was enrolled as a first-year law student at the Belmont University College of Law.
She was remembered as a "beautiful soul" and a "sweet girl," as people mourned her death as "devastating" and an "unthinkable and tragic loss."
Ms. Chapman added, "I distinctly remember a conversation we had at the end of junior year when she was deciding whether or not to pursue her dream of being a singer. She told me that she did not want to live with regret and wanted to pursue music because singing brought her so much joy. In her senior year here at PHS, she worked so hard preparing for the Sr. District audition and we were so thrilled when she was accepted and received a recommendation to the All-State Chorus. These events gave her the confidence to pursue music. While her career path ultimately changed, I think about Laurel and how she was following her heart and embracing life, and it makes me want to make the most of every day because you truly never know what's around the corner."
Flaherty was the sister of Ally Flaherty, a 2022 graduate of PHS.
Our hearts go out to the Flaherty family.

From monstrous green ogres to monstrous green plants, PHS’ Drama Club is switching it up this year with a new musical choice: Little Shop of Horrors, with performance dates from 18th to the 20th of November.
Following the audition turnouts for Shrek the Musical, PHS’ Drama Club decided to take a step in another direction, with the new musical choice of Little Shop of Horrors. While both shows feature a singing, green monster, Little Shop of Horrors certainly is not quite so similar to Shrek The Musical with its unique plot and all original soundtrack featuring the talents of some prominent Disney composers.

Set in the 60s, Little Shop of Horrors follows the story of Seymour Krelborn, a bright and hopeful young botanist who accidentally nurtures a carnivorous plant with a hunger for humans. It's an incredibly unique comedic show, filled with laughs and unexpected twists as well as a handful of complex characters.

Danny Noguer, a sophomore playing the leading role of Seymour, said, “I was shocked to get such an important role to the show, given that it’s pressing to have people rely on you. However, I do feel honored to have been given the opportunity and I am excited to see how it turns out! It’s an amazing show and lots of fun to work on with such an amazing cast of people!”

Despite being Danny’s first time in a show, already he has successfully snagged the role of leading man.

Eva Dannison, senior president of the Thespian troupe and playing the leading role of Crystal, said, “This year has been full of changes, but I am so excited to see what this group has been putting together! Our hard work is really paying off and I can sense excitement in the air surrounding the entire cast.”

Eva is certainly no stranger to the stage, having starred in several productions in the past.

While the Drama Department at PHS has been put to the test through covid, with a show like Little Shop of Horrors and some prominent alumni returning to assist direct, it would seem the Drama Department is taking a bold new direction with its show choice, revisiting a certain precedent set by the past alumni of the Drama Department.

by Lily Noseworthy

Gio Dous, an 11th grade student here at PHS has started his own clothing brand, “Unkept”.

Gio has loved fashion ever since he was a kid. He has a love for picking out clothes and putting his own spin on the outfits he wears. He recently launched his brand “Unkept” and has gained a following by promoting the brand in school.

The inspiration behind the brand stems from how he wants to see the fashion industry expand in the future, “Unkept is my way of inserting myself into the fashion industry” Dous said.

As of right now, he has two shirts and one cardigan for sale on his website.

His most popular shirt, the angel shirt, has a special meaning to him: “The angels are a symbol of hope and being surrounded by support.”

Gio’s targeted audience is teens and young adults, but anyone is welcome to represent the brand.

As his business grows, he hopes to add more to the selection of items available. He said, “I hope to add jewelry or sunglasses to the website in the future.”

If you would like to check out any of his clothing, hit the link:https://www.unkept.shop/

by Emelia DiDomenico

After many years, Pembroke High School is giving students the chance to take a trip to London! The past few years the school has tried to make school trips happen but with Covid-19 it did not seem possible, until now. The students will venture to different locations throughout the week such as Yorkshire, Birmingham and Manchester.

The trip is offered to all high school students with a charge of $3000 , including hotel and food costs. It will be chaperoned by Ms. Ruka and happen during April Break of 2023. The students, twelve signed up so far, will board the bus each morning for their daily tours. While speaking with the chaperone of the trip, Ms. Ruka on why she picked London she shares the following information.

“I’m hoping to spark students' interest in literature,'' Ms. Ruka said.

She talked more about the guided tours and different sites they will be visiting such as St Paul Cathedral, Globe Theater and Shakespeare's birthplace. The students will participate in activities throughout the tour such as a workshop at the Globe Theater. The itinerary is packed with guided tours from when they leave the hotel to when they return later that day.

Chris Regan, a junior, said he and his sister, Sophia, will be attending the trip. They attended the meeting that was held on September 20th. According to Regan, the meeting consisted of sharing the itinerary to the 12 students interested.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Regan stated.

To find out more about the trip, see Ms. Ruka in room A203, located in the English hallway.

At PHS, every student and teacher alike knows the name “Hilliards Chocolates”and no one knows better than PHS that the popular bars appear consistently throughout the year and cost an even two dollars.

Until they don't.

Following the crazy aftermath of covid, gas prices aren’t the only thing taking a hit from inflation. PHS’ precious chocolate bars are taking a hit as well, now costing an extra fifty cents.

Senior Alicea Reynolds boldly claimed: “It’s stupid, I feel bad asking people to pay two fifty it’s not my fault but its still rough. And I am never gonna have quarters on me, so either give me three dollars or buy two.”

Chloe Cella, a senior, remarked: “Um, see I don’t sell chocolate, the only club I really go to is SAGA. The inflation at this school is absolutely ridiculous. I would not be paying two fifty for chocolate even though I just dropped five dollars on it.”

“Why? Why is this happening to me? This is a cruel, cruel world.” Said Senior Bree Medico when asked what her thoughts were on the matter.

Whilst it may seem a trivial matter for some, clearly to the seniors who have grown accustomed to the even two dollar fee, the inflation of the chocolate bars is a big deal.

The students of PHS now can only hope the pricing will eventually go down and they can save a buck for their chocolate.