Seniors visit several colleges by Sadaija Conyers

The beginning of the year for a senior is very crucial and the time for colleges to be on everybody's mind.  Thanks to our wonderful guidance counselors Ms. Legere and Ms. Pitkin, the seniors had the opportunity to visit college campuses.  The Class of 2014 was given the choice to pick between Western Connecticut State University and Eastern Connecticut State University for the state colleges, Quinnipiac and Fairfield for private universities and UCONN for students that have an overall 3.0 GPA.  With only 35 seats available, seniors needed to take advantage of this opportunity.

Western did not get as high of a review from students.  "Where are we?" wondered Senior Jeremy Jamison.  Is this where I am thinking about applying to? The best thing about the trip was getting headphones."  This trip was not as impressive as the representative said it would be.

However, Fairfield University was approved of more.  "Nice, clean, and impressive," were Senior Romeo Rodriguez's first thoughts about the college.  He benefited from the trip since he got to see what was provided.

Overall, the college tours were very useful since seniors had a chance to gather to catch a glimpse of their very near future.

Student of the Month Profile: Carynna Mott By Johnna Hayward

Intelligent, mild-tempered, and optimistic, Carynna Mott is undoubtedly making a difference wherever she goes. A junior at Metropolitan Business Academy in New Haven, Connecticut, Carynna has been recently honored as a student of the month in her class. The theme of the month is teamwork to honor students who have helped bring people in the school community together. When asked about her feelings on attaining the honor of student of the month, Carynna tucked a golden lock of hair behind her ear and modestly replied, “It feels rewarding.” The sharing of ideas and coming together as one defines teamwork to Carynna. Carynna believes that she has contributed to a positive classroom and school culture by simply helping her peers finish their work in class. She seemed to have trouble identifying the ways she exhibited teamwork and stated, “It’s really hard to think about yourself and the positive things you’ve done. I find it easier to talk about other people than I do to talk about myself.”

Carynna is involved in a multitude of extracurricular activities, where she holds very important roles. She is president of the junior class and heavily influences the fundraisers, activities, and trips that the class participates in. Carynna is also a student ambassador at her school and is president of the FBLA Chapter that runs the student ambassadors group. To add to her list of extracurricular activities, she is a founder of the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) at Metropolitan Business Academy, which works to make the school environment a safe place for everyone regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, etc. Carynna is also a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters, a program in which she mentors children, helps them with their homework, and generally makes these children feel like they have a person that cares about them. Reflecting on the impact that these extracurricular activities have made on her ability to work with others, Carynna stated: “Being a part of all these after-school activities has definitely helped me work with different people. Especially in GSA, we pull in people of different races, religions, sexual orientations, and much more. I have learned to work with people who are different from me, but have similar goals.”

Teamwork has affected Carynna’s life socially, physically, and educationally. Socially, teamwork has taught her how to effectively handle dilemmas and problems with her friends. In physical terms, teamwork has had a major impact on Carynna’s life. Participating in sports has taught her how to work with other people to achieve a goal, whether it is to memorize a dance routine cohesively or score points during an intense volleyball game. Regarding education, Carynna stated, “If you can’t come up with a solution to a problem, you can work with your friends and teachers to find one.”

Without a doubt, Carynna is a model student that many people can learn from. Metropolitan Business Academy is proud to honor Carynna Mott as a student of the month for her impeccable leadership and positive influence as a member of the Metro community. When asked how she could help others achieve her accomplishment, she stated, “Always be there for people. Help people who are feeling down.  If you notice something wrong, get involved.” Carynna’s wise words are very true. Any student can help bring the school community together by taking small steps. Help the person that you see struggling with the difficult Algebra problem in class. Invite people to come to an after-school activity you are a part of. If everyone is confused about a concept in class, try to start a group discussion that will help solve the problem. Little actions mean so much. 

Junior Class Bowling Trip: The First Field Trip of the School Year By Johnna Hayward

      As a reward for their hard-work and positive behavior, the juniors at Metropolitan Business Academy recently went on their first class trip of the school year. On November 26, 2013 around 10:30 A.M., more than half of the junior class and teachers, such as Mr. Matthews, Ms. Krisavage, and Mr. Arpaia, packed into two school buses and headed to AMF Circle Lanes in East Haven. According to junior class vice president, Pedro Martinez, the idea to go on a field trip originated from Ms Krisavage, junior student council advisor. Once the date was set for the trip on November 26, the junior class voted on the place they wanted to go to during their advisory period. Possible places and activities to vote for were there movies, bowling, ice-skating, roller-skating, and laser tag. The majority of the junior class voted for the bowling trip. Permission slips were distributed requiring a $7.00 fee per student.

      The junior class arrived at AMF Circle Lanes around 11:00 A.M. on November 26, 2013. The students quickly filed in and found lanes with their close friends. Some students went straight to the mini food bar, while others obtained bowling shoes. After settling in, the real fun began! Extremely competitive games emerged with students pulling out their best moves and skills to earn the most points. The sounds of “Beauty and the Beat” by Justin Bieber booming through the speakers, bowling pins clacking to the floor, boisterous laughter, and excited chatter among friends filled the air. Students feasted on delicious pizza and tasty fries, while sipping on cold root beer and sweet vanilla milkshakes. Fellow teacher, Mr. Firimonte, even stopped by to say hello and take pictures. The light-hearted and carefree mood was contagious. After working industriously and persevering in the first marking period, the juniors deserved to kick back and relax. The junior class left the bowling alley around 1:15 P.M. Once they arrived at school, the junior class went to the Lecture Hall and played bingo until school ended. The winners were awarded goodies bags full of candy and other prizes.

    As a whole, the junior class bowling trip was indubitably a success. Students were given the opportunity to spend time with their peers in a non-stressful environment, where they could simply enjoy themselves. Reflecting on the trip, Pedro Martinez stated, “I really enjoyed the trip. It was good time to relax and chill out.” The successful bowling trip shows how much fun the junior class can have when it plans wisely and all students contribute in various ways. The future looks bright for the junior class with many more exciting trips and bright smiles to come!

Sting's "The Last Ship" anchoring in Broadway 2014

Sting: The Last Ship, setting its sights for the Broadway stage 2014!

     16 time Grammy winner Sting has set sail with his sights set for Broadway! “The Last Ship” will debut the fall of 2014 an epic yet intimate tale inspired by Sting's own childhood experiences “Life in the English seafaring town of Wallsend has always revolved around the local shipyard, where the hardworking men of this close-knit community construct magnificent vessels with tremendous pride. But Gideon Fletcher dreams of a different future. He sets out to travel the world, leaving his life and his love behind. When Gideon returns home fourteen years later, he finds the shipyard's future in grave danger and his childhood sweetheart engaged to someone else. As the men of Wallsend take their fate into their own hands and build a towering representation of the shared dream that has defined their existence, Gideon realizes that he left behind more than he could have ever imagined.”

            Along with the upcoming show debut a new solo album has also accompanied this news Sting  released a new album of original material also entitled The Last Ship, inspired by the story of the forthcoming musical.

-       Lola

BWW News Desk. "Sting's LAST SHIP Set for Pre-Broadway Chicago Try-Out in June."Broadwayworld.com. N.p., 19 Sept. 2013. Web. 3 Dec. 2013. 

December Student of the Month: Gerald Mallison

“If you don’t reach, there’s no point in trying,” said Gerald Mallison when asked what his favorite motto is. Gerald is currently a freshman at Metropolitan Business Academy. Being honored as a student of the month “feels important because it’s my first year here and I’m still trying to figure some things out, so it’s a big deal to me. I asked Mr. Mallison how he contributed to a positive school experience and he replied with the upbeat answer of “I contribute to a positive classroom by being energetic towards my academics and by being a leader in my classroom.” Gerald was pretty honest when he was asked how he contributes to positive teamwork, in the classroom: “usually I’m open minded to other peoples idea’s and I think I work well with my teammates but you would have to ask them,” We chuckled as I stumbled while asking him about his extracurricular activities. I didn’t realize how involved he was in our school community! Gerald could have talked for hours about all of the clubs and activities he partakes in but I limited him to three. The first club that he was excited to share with me was the film club that he attends on Wednesdays. He enjoys the film club because, “it helps me expand my horizons on what films I would now consider watching.” The second club he spoke about with enthusiasm was “Math Club” hosted by Ms. Angelica on Thursdays “I like it because we get to travel to other schools and compete in math competitions. Some people may find it nerdy, but I find it cool!” Finally, he is excited to start in the basketball club. I asked him what he expects to learn: “I expect to learn the basics of basketball and how to improve my cooperation with others.” The date for the basketball club has yet to be announced. Reflecting on these activities, Gerald stated they have “helped me make friends, who don’t mind helping me out once in a while whether it is studying together or just hanging out.  This reporter has personally witnessed him excel in his Arabic course, where I see him demonstrate his teamwork skills all the time, never shying away from helping others to achieve their language proficiency. Congratulations Gerald, you deserve it!  

- Lola 

Its been a "Wicked" 10 years

Wicked Celebrates 10 years!

On Wednesday October 30, 2013 “Wicked” the highly acclaimed Broadway musical will celebrate a decade on the stage, a milestone achieved by only ten other Broadway productions in history. In 2004 Wicked was nominated for 10 Tony awards and won 3 for Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Actress in a Musical. In honor of this huge accomplishment there will be a new release of the playbill that will all be decked out in green, a new extended version of the “original cast recording” soundtrack and on the 10/30/13 (The 10 year performance) there will be a cast party after the show. Now, for the dedicated fans that have helped this show last so long by demanding international reprise performances there are things happening just for you!

- The NBC Experience Store in Rockefeller Plaza will become a destination for all WICKED fans from October 20th - November 1st with a special display of WICKED costumes, memorabilia and merchandise.

- The American Airlines Terminal at JFK Airport will look a lot like Oz between October 15th and November 30th when the “World of Wicked" will be installed in the terminal, featuring a replica of Glinda's bubble and a special "Behind the Emerald Curtain" museum display

·         Play Bill Staff. "A COVER STORY: Wicked Playbill Will Be Greenified for 10th Anniversary on Broadway; Cover Revealed." Playbill.com. N.p., 30 Sept. 2013. Web. 1 Oct. 2013.

·         BWW News Desk. "WICKED!  To Celebrate 10th Anniversary on Broadway with 10th Anniversary Event on 10/30, Deluxe CD & More." BroadwayWorld.com. N.p., 1 Oct. 2013. Web. 08 Oct. 2013.

- Lola

"Closer to the Truth"

Cher releases new album: after decade long wait

The original “Gypsy, Tramp, and Thief” is back the one and only Cher! Her new album “Closer to the Truth” debuted on September 24, 2013 featuring her pre- released single “Woman’s World” an electric, pop song that promotes the empowerment of women. This reporter waited in anticipation for the album’s release, now that I bought it I cannot stop listening to it! The main theme of this album is love, and who better to tell us about love then the “heart of stone” singer herself. When interviewed on the Late night with Dave Letterman show about the decade long wait for this new album Cher jokingly said “I forgot.” A few notable songs on this album consist of “sirens” her homage for the fire fighters of New York City and beyond on 9/11 “from the sound of sirens, the city will rise” and the song “I walk alone” co- written with the pop artist P!nk  and many more. This album release is also accompanied by the announcement of her national “Dressed to Kill” tour starting in Phoenix, Arizona on May 22, strutting into Connecticut on April 5.

Listen to Cher’s album  “Closer to the Truth” free on Spotify

-          - Lola