New law stops some but most students still text and drive

By Paul Hogan

Almost 90% of students who text and drive

had close calls and still text.

Senior Brian Steadman remembers the time, a month ago, when he was driving down Carey Avenue to his friend’s house. He was texting the friend about when he would get there when suddenly he caught a view of two mailboxes directly in his path. He thought for that split second how much money it would cost him if he crashed. He slammed the breaks and the cries of a loud screeching noise followed.


“I swerved to the side, almost crashing,” he said. Luckily he missed the mailboxes. Steadman rode off leaving a trail off smoke behind two untouched mailboxes.

Steadman is not the only student texting and driving, despite a new state law designed to stop this habit. According a recent poll by the Devil’s Advocate, more than half of BHS student drivers are still texting and driving since the new law took effect in September.

Athletes hide concussions, foil purpose of new law

By Gabriel Arcaro
A new law passed this summer aims to protect football players and other athletes from concussions; however, this law may not be doing everything it’s intended to do. In interviews with at least a dozen football players this fall, every one admitted to feeling fuzzy or disoriented from hits taken on the field but none had reported it to the coach or trainer, as the new policy requires.



A dozen football players said they kept quiet about head injuries this year. The hockey coach is certain many of his players do the same. Adam Crowley (above) skates against Reading.



Do anti-bullying measures make a difference? Students disagree

By Kyla Candelino and Kara Amuzzini

With school leaders waging a multi-pronged anti-bullying campaign this year, students are questioning whether BHS actually has a bullying problem, and if so, whether the new measures are the solution.

In interviews with dozens of students from all grades, the majority said that bullying has not been a major issue since middle school. Some said bullying takes place but it tends to be concentrated on social networking websites such as Facebook, where even the newly beefed-up school policy can’t protect students.

“It’s mainly online,” senior Jessica Giannelli said.

"Trajedi" strikes more than just the ground of Port-Au-Prince

By Shauntel Farland
Blood, anguish, and destruction fill the air as the world crumbles underneath her feet. It rattles each house with no mercy, no feelings and no regret. Children crying, people praying…What’s next?



Senior Arianne Jean-Jacques (click "read more" below), remembers the day the tragic earthquake struck Port Au Prince, her city crumbling at her feet. It was a year ago, Jan. 12, that she ran for her life from the walls of her school crashing down. The violent quake left 3 million people in need of emergency aid and millions without homes and family. The aftershocks left thousands running past flattened buildings for cover (above).



Students want in on Mac lab; librarian defends restrictions

By Mike Grinnell
As students walk the halls, many seem to complain about the library’s new Mac lab. The new, more-than-$2000 computers aren’t the problem, though. The problem is getting to use them.

Some students complain the Mac lab is reserved for classes when no one seems to be using it. When it looks that way, the librarian said it is only because no one has had time to move the sign, or a class is on its way.



“I just need to use the Macs, but she won’t let me,” sophomore Joe Berardi said.

GM, give us a car we can afford, not an ad blitz

Shipka Says...

By Mike Shipka

We all know ‘em, and everyone has one. They’re made fun of on sitcoms, and they share a name with the dirtiest utensil in the kitchen. That friend who’s always “borrowing” your money, then it mysteriously disappears, a.k.a, the sponge.

BHS Fashion Types

By Julie Pomphrett

Ask students about their fashion choices and many will say the same thing: “I like to look good.” Funny how each student has a different idea of what “good” looks like. What looks good to you may not look good to me. But nobody seems to let that change their mind. Students’ fashion senses are strong and individual.

Now, what exactly a person’s fashion should be called can be a matter of controversy. Some students insist they would not consider themselves any single style “type.” But those same students, when asked about other people’s styles, showed no hesitation in applying labels. Apparently it’s easier to categorize others than it is to categorize yourself.

Students with epilepsy share struggles, experience, advice

By Taylor-Marie Funchion

Junior Jake Kinsman stands in the spot on the

English hallway where he had a seizure sophomore year.

Students who attended elementary school with Gabe remember the harsh treatment he faced due to his epilepsy. “I remember kids talking about his seizures during class. It was definitely weird, and a little scary,” a BHS freshman remembered. Well, Gabe, who is now a freshman here at BHS remembers it, too.

“People didn’t want to be my friend at school, I lost some friends, and at home, I was monitored every second of my day,” Gabe, who would rather keep his last name private, said. “It was tough.”

New turf field looks to be a hit for all seasons

By Steve Mattos

Fresh off the new field, Junior wide receiver Bill Murphy kicked off his cleats as conversation erupted about the new turf field that the town of Burlington put in over the summer.

“It was the best turf I’ve ever played on,” he said.

Now buried under layers of snow and ice, the school’s new field and stands were an exciting addition to the football season, and are now an object of anticipation for the spring lacrosse and track & field teams.

Darks and light, cheekbones and eyesockets

The art of self-portrait

Mr. Ratkevich’s Portfolio class doesn’t usually spend the entire first semester on self-portrait. “This year I just felt like I wanted to get them thinking more deeply,” the art department head explained.