Senior Assassin in Final Rounds
by Matthew DelCore
With the seniors' year coming to an end, the talk of the school has been the annual 'senior assassin' competition, which is held outside of school hours. The competition involves students targeting others with squirt guns. Seniors are now on to round 3 of the game and there have been many exciting things that have happened during the past 2 rounds.
Students have shown their determination to win with their creative ways of stalking their targets. Andrew Chahed waited outside of Turner Gilmore's house to get the kill in the first round. When asked if he regretted waiting that long he said “No it was all worth it in the end and I got the job done."
Many friends have turned on each other throughout this game. Thomas Halloran turned on one of his good friends Sam Hegerich and set him up to be taken out.
Hegerich said, “I felt very betrayed, but in the end it's just a part of the game and I would've done the same thing to him." Teammates have had to turn on each other throughout these past weeks also.
James Falco assassinated Danny Abban on the first day of the game.Falco said, “I did what had to be done and he'll get over it eventually."
Brandon Perry also took out his own lax goalie Connor Walker on just the second day of the game.
Walker said, “I was very disappointed in him and I'll definitely be getting him back for it at practice."
Nolan Mcgrath said, “Although it is stressful to be looking over your shoulder everywhere you go, the game is extremely fun to play and it brings everyone together, which is what's really important."
Seniors James Falco and Danny Abban
Seniors Brandon Perry and Connor Walker
“Although it is stressful to be looking over your shoulder everywhere you go, the game is extremely fun to play and it brings everyone together, which is what's really important."
Local Non-Profit
Saves Wildlife
by Cameron Landolfi
Spring is full of growth and promise. As we see the first buds of fruit trees we also see an influx in wild animals. Most of the wildlife are finding a mate or starting to stock up on food or raise a new family. Observing from a distance is usually the best option but occasionally people have to intervene. These instances include injured and orphaned babies.
Thankfully Massachusetts keeps a list of permitted wildlife rehabilitators easily found on their website, Mass.gov. One local wildlife rehabilitator is Mariel McCann, owner of Hare of the Dog, Inc Wildlife Rehabilitation of Pembroke.
According to McCann, some common ailments that cause an animal to have to enter rehabilitation include car accidents, falls (from trees or roofs,) poisonings including secondary rodenticide poisoning (for example: when a fox eats a mouse that had been poisoned by rodenticide.)
Raccoons are a very common animal to fall into rehabber’s hands. They’re very smart and curious animals so they can get themselves into trouble. Whether it’s an adult with a laceration or babies that were abandoned due to their mother being hit by a car, there can be help with either. Spring is the busiest time of year for raccoon rehabbers since most raccoons are born between March and May.
McCann advises “If you ever find a wild animal that you think is harmed or abandoned you should call a wildlife rehabber for advice. They can help wildlife finders decide if an animal needs support and how to safely contain it if it needs to get into care. And it's free!”
As of right now McCann has four adult raccoons and five raccoon babies among many other animals like squirrels and possums. The babies start off being fed every couple of hours until they get older and can begin to feed themselves. The adult raccoons they have were orphaned babies from last season that were still too young to be on in the harsh New England winter.
McCann admits,”It’s really hard work but it’s really rewarding.”
Wildlife rehabilitation is generally a private non-profit run by educated volunteers that use their own time and money to care for wildlife. Many have ways to donate and pay for supplies so that these rehabbers can continue to do what they know best.
Wildlife rehabilitation is something that requires a permit and continuing education.
McCann states,”Meeting up with other wildlife professionals at conferences helps me stay up to date on the latest medicine protocols and tips and tricks.”
It is also very important to note that using violence to get rid of animals on your property is not humane. Many animals that end up in rehab are shot with bb guns, poisoned with rat poison, stuck in glue or snap traps, ect. Things like rat poison don’t only kill rats but also their predators like foxes, snakes, hawks, owls, and possibly even your own house cat.
Photo courtesy: hareofthedoginc instagram
Snapchat app
Flappy Duck app
What are the Best Apps?
by Andrew Palmieri
Students at Pembroke High School are always addicted to their phones either on social media or playing a game of some sort. Teachers want to know what students are doing on their phones and why they're so attached to them.
Senior Kori Burke states, “My favorite phone app would be Snapchat! I love Snap because it keeps me updated with all my friends and their lives!” Snapchat is an app where you take pictures and send them to other people. Snapchat is an app where it is highly used by students throughout the school day.
Senior Hayley Casper explains, “My favorite game is Flappy Duck! I have trouble focusing when watching TV shows so I play this game for something to do when bored.” Flappy Duck is when you have to fly the bird in between as many poles as possible without letting the Duck get hit by one of the poles. Flappy Duck is a very fun, entertaining game to play.
Senior Cam Voelkel said, “My favorite video game is Call Of Duty Modern Warfare because I play it with a lot of my friends and it’s always fun to play with them.” Call Of Duty is a very popular video game for high school students. People that play the game have a good time while playing it and it brings good high school memories to look back on.
Majority of apps/games students use during the school day is for relieving stress and anxiety. Students need breaks from all the work that they receive from their classes. If every teacher gives students a five minute break for students to do whatever they want (which would be used for phones to play games/social media etc.) in class then, most likely you will see a raise in students' grades and a lot more of an engaged student.
The Bauer Award - Abigail Newman
by Kaden Callahan
"I'm so excited that I received this award, it means a lot to me" exclaimed Senior Abigail Newman, who won the second ever Bauer Award on April 5, 2024.
Introduced in March 2024, the Bauer Award is a certificate given to a student who is deemed worthy by guidance staff and students. The traits shown by recipients so far are along the lines of kindness, helpfulness, courteousness, etc.
Junior Cam Fryar was the first student to receive this award in March, after a surge of positive comments regarding Fryar arose from Pembroke staff. In April, Senior Abigail Newman became the second ever recipient of this reward.
For those who haven’t had the opportunity to meet Newman herself, they may recognize her voice from the morning announcements, as well as the daily announcements during lunch block. Newman’s warm personality primarily stems from her parents, her father treats those he considers friends as family, and her mother, according to her obituary, “carried herself every day with a smile and spirit that would brighten up the lives of anyone around her.”
Senior Abigail Newman posing with Bauer
Congratulations to Patriot League Scholar Athletes Matt Wilshire and Ava Dunphy!
Notable Nicknames
by Grace Torrey and Mina Samaan
Many of the students in our school have nicknames that everyone knows them by. Have you ever wondered where PHS students got their nicknames from? We went on to ask 7 students how they got their nicknames; here are the responses.
Evan O'brien (Hammy)
“Mike Falco gave it to me at football.”
Nate Rosas (Chico)
"My dad used to call me Chico when I was little because it means boy in Spanish."
Sam Hegerich (Shegs)
“Matt DelCore gave me the nickname.”
Brandon Perry (Bug)
“My family and coaches call me Bug so it stuck with me.”
Owen Reardon (Muskrat)
"I called Gerald muskrat and he called me a muskrat and then it stuck with me."
Jacob Packard (Slackard Packard)
“Mrs. Whalen gave it to me freshman year because I skipped MCAS because it was my birthday.”
Andrew Chahed (Billy)
“Made it up in 3rd grade.”
"Brandon" by Joseph Diauto
"Down The Rabbit Hole" by Katherine Wesinger
"In The Stables" by Kathryn Taylor
Students Win Art Awards
by Alex Cerullo
When you think of Art, what comes to mind? Maybe you think of painting, drawing, watercolor or even digital Art. The types and genres of Art are vast, but what about the Award Ceremonies that celebrate all these types of Art?
This past month, The annual Keating Congressional Art Awards were held at the Plymouth Center for the Arts, where 7 students from Pembroke High won awards for their art work. This year's Art awards were held from April 12th through the 14th.
Student Joseph Diauto won a 1st place award in Photography for his work, along with Kathryn Taylor and Katherine Wesinger who won a 1st and 3rd place award for their Computer Generated Art.
“I didn't even mean to win, I just liked the class,” said Joey Diauto, a member of the Senior class.
Additionally, students Ti’Shaun Mathis, Emma St. John, Hailey Burrill, and Sarah Laurie DeCoste won Honorable Mention Awards for their art.
“The reception and the show were very nice, but I hope more schools will be represented next year,” said Senior Ti’Shaun Mathis.
The competition began in 1982 as a chance for students to showcase their art to members of Congress, with the winning “best in show” artwork being displayed in the US Capitol Building for a year. Students can submit their artwork into one of 7 categories such as Collage, Computer Generated, Drawings, Paintings, Photography, Prints, and Mixed Media.
“The Plymouth Center for the Arts was a beautiful location to hold the ceremony, it looks spectacular, in part to renovations done in recent years,” said art teacher Ms. Lazarus.
Summer Job Options for Students
by Andrew Palmieri
Finding a summer jobs has become a hot topic. Some people love their job and others hate their job. Most highschool/college students spend most of their summer time working at at least a minimum wage job for them to be able to have money so they don’t have to beg their parents when they go out. Also, It's important to start working at a young age because it will help save up for college and not have to worry about having no money.
The majority of the students at PHS work at places local to the area of Pembroke. This is an easy commute for the high school students.
Junior Cam Fryer states, “In the summer I will be working at PHOP. (Pembroke House Of Pizza) I 100% recommend it because you see a lot of people you know so it's fun to see everyone and the staff are really nice.”
PHOP is a Pembroke classic. Lots of residents of the town get PHOP on Friday nights.
Senior Matt Delcore said, “I work at Mamma Mia’s and I think others should work there because it's a great environment, really fun and good work.”
Mamma Mia’s has a very good turnout of Pembroke students working there. There are nothing but good reviews over there.
According to students that work at Route 53 Tavern, the management and food quality is very good and they care for their high school employees.
Having a job can be very stressful at times. Balancing it with academics can be a struggle for most. Ultimately, having a job in your high school years is a good thing and can help you be ready for when you're applying for jobs after college.
Pembroke House Of Pizza
Route 53 Tavern
photo credit @AndyillesPhotog
Seniors: What will you miss the most?
by Matt DelCore
Nearing the end of their Pembroke High School careers, seniors are reflecting on the memories they’ve made during their time here. The Titan Times asked seniors what they will miss the most about their time at PHS and here's what they had to say:
James Falco -“Driving my friend Caleb Jones to school every morning.”
Will McNamara- “Eating lunch outside with the boys is what I'll miss.”
Jack Psaros - “My friends and the memories that we've made throughout these 4 years. “
Andrew Palmeri -“Watching the Boston sports teams beat everyone with my friends.”
Connor Walker - “I’ll miss the great wifi we had during school.”
Sam Hegerich- “Going out to breakfast on half days with my friends.”
Caleb Jones- “My mom buying me Dunks every morning.”
Brenna Jenkins-”I'm gonna miss the teachers.”
Brandon Perry-”I'm gonna miss playing hockey with all my friends.”
Hunter Burke- “Having the fellas over my house.”
Katey Sullivan- "I’ll miss the friendships I made over the past 4 years.”
Hailey Burke- "I'll miss going to all of the sporting events with my friends."
Zoe Christianson- "I'll miss being in school and being around people I've built lifelong friendships with all of the time."
Spring Fashion Trends
by Fabiana Younan
Spring fashion trends are all about embracing vibrant colors, playful patterns, and breezy silhouettes. Here are some key spring trends to keep an eye out for spring.
1. Pastel Palette: Soft hues like lavender, mint green, and baby blue are ruling the runway this season. These delicate shades bring a fresh and feminine touch to any outfit. Pastel outfits are very cute and stylish for this spring session.
2. Floral Prints: Nothing says spring like floral prints! From dainty blossoms to bold botanicals, floral patterns are blooming everywhere. Try incorporating them into dresses, blouses, or even accessories for a romantic and whimsical look. Floral print is the new thing!
3. Oversized Blazers: Blazers are no longer just for the office. This season, oversized blazers are making a statement in bold colors and interesting textures. Pair them with jeans or a skirt for a chic and effortlessly cool vibe. Don't miss out on this new trend.
4. Statement Sleeves: Puffy, ruffled, or exaggerated sleeves are a major trend this spring. They add drama and flair to any outfit, whether it's a blouse, dress, or even a jumpsuit. Embrace the volume and make a stylish statement.
5. Sustainable Fashion: As sustainability becomes more important, eco-friendly fashion is gaining popularity. Look for brands that prioritize ethical practices and use sustainable materials. From organic cotton to recycled fabrics, you can be fashionable and conscious at the same time.
Remember, fashion is all about expressing your unique style and having fun with it. Don't be afraid to mix and match different trends to create your own signature look. And have fun with making new colorful outfits to pop out in the spring.
Photo Courtesy: Google Images
Airpods in Class: Education or Distraction?
by Evelyn Nichols
Does using airpods during school affect students' productivity? Here is some feedback from the students of PHS about whether listening to music in class helps them focus or acts as a distraction.
Some believe that listening to music while working improves their focus. Freshman Ella Hanna said, “Listening to music really helps me focus because it helps me relax and focus on the material at hand.”
Agreeing with Hanna’s statement, senior Dan McCarthy said, “Listening to music in class definitely helps me to focus; it shuts out the chatter within the classroom and allows me to focus on the teacher and task at hand.”
It has also been said that using airpods in school helps students relax. Being relaxed in school could decrease stress for students, which also could increase productivity. Hanna added, “I listen to calmer music so it helps me relax and helps me focus.”
As opposed to the feedback from Hanna and McCarthy, Mrs. Mrowka stated, “I don’t mind when students listen to music during independent work; when I’m giving instructions is when it becomes a problem.” How well students are taking instructions and actually paying attention to the lesson can be recognized by teachers. Using airpods has noticeably affected students' learning habits.
The time and place of listening to music is of great importance. According to sophomore Grace Rejewski, “When we are doing independent work in math, I like to listen to music in the background to help me focus. However, in English I never use AirPods because English is a harder subject for me, so other noises can be distracting when I’m trying to write.”
Expanding on Rejewski’s comment, McCarthy added, “I think students should be allowed to use airpods in class, though with discretion. If it helps them to focus, then using 1 on a low volume is acceptable.”
According to the students and staff of PHS, listening to music in class can be beneficial by decreasing stress, providing relaxation, and improving focus. While this is true, using airpods in class can also become a distraction if not used properly; listening to music at the wrong time or at a high volume.
The Bruins Win in 7
by Nolan McGrath
The 4th seed Boston Bruins are set to face off against the 5th seed Toronto Maple Leafs in the Eastern conference Playoffs. The Bruins have dominated the Leafs in years past but all time the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins have met in the playoffs 16 times and the series record as of right now is 8 to 8, this up and coming series being played will decide what team gets to have the upper hand again. The Bruin and Leaf rivalry runs wild during the playoffs because the two teams have to play each other so often during the regular season. This all should lead to a very exciting playoff series between two rivals.
The Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs went to a seven game series in which the Bruins won four games to three. The Boston Bruins started the series up three to one against a hurt Maple Leafs team but eventually finished the job in game seven at home at TD Garden. There was some historics from both teams in this playoff series. Auston Matthews scored his 70th goal of the 23-24 NHL season including playoff goals and Brad Marchand became the Bruins all team leading goal scorer with 56 goals. Jack Edwards, the Bruins home announcer for the last 19 years, has announced his retirement after a rapid health issue that has caused him to struggle to talk while announcing games. The Bruins wanted to win the series for Edwards and did but were sad that they weren’t able to get the job done for his last home game as the Bruins Announcer for game five against the two rivals. Edwards was in attendance to watch his Bruins beat the Toronto Maple Leafs in Boston for game seven but it’s sad we didn’t get to hear one last game-winning call from him.