Nonnewaug High School's Chief News Source

NHS Chief Advocate

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Nonnewaug High School's Chief News Source

NHS Chief Advocate

Nonnewaug High School's Chief News Source

NHS Chief Advocate

Nonnewaug freshman Henry Strzelecki says that standardized tests like the NWEA arent set up in a way to prove his skills.
Leveille: Why So Many Standardized Tests?
Grayson Leveille '27, Reporter • March 28, 2024
Sophomore Katie Savulak struggles with her large amounts of homework.
Willis: Homework in High School Causes Stress in Students 
Morgan Willis '27, Reporter • March 28, 2024
Taft senior Braeden Purser-Eber played baseball at Nonnewaug in 2021 and 2022. He reclassified after his junior year at Nonnewaug and will play college baseball next year at Middle Tennessee. (Courtesy of Noreen Chung)
Post-Grads and Reclassing — Is An Extra Year Worth It?
Anna Crocker '26, Junior Editor • March 27, 2024
NHS News: February/March 2024
NHS News: February/March 2024
NHS News March 27, 2024
The SAT countdown sign hangs in Nonnewaug High Schools lobby, keeping the March 27 exam in juniors minds.
Bailey: Juniors Should Actually Take SATs Seriously
Juliana Bailey '25, Junior Editor • March 27, 2024
Nonnewaugs Ireland Starziski (5) embraces Julia Gwiazdoski and Aubrie Salisbury at the end of the Chiefs state tournament loss at East Haven. (Courtesy of Ty Starziski)
Salisbury: Leadership a Necessity in Sports
Aubrie Salisbury '27, Reporter • March 26, 2024
Nonnewaug sophomore Chase Soto, right, works all around the country as a farrier, changing horseshoes and trimming hoofs with his father. (Courtesy of Chase Soto)
Soto’s Passion Welded by Relationship with His Father
Grace Nelson '25, Reporter • March 25, 2024
College sports is something that people will always have interest in and enjoy. However, balancing the financial side of college athletics is a delicate balance between fairness and amateurism.
Casbarro: NIL is Tearing Apart College Sports
Carter Casbarro '24, Reporter • March 25, 2024
Star Trek changed what was acceptable for film, and the creator Gene Roddenberry was not afraid to talk about traditionally sensitive topics. Captain Kirk, First Officer Spock, Dr. McCoy, and others helped break down the social walls of the 1960s.
Sciaraffa: Star Wars Changed Film, but Star Trek Changed Society
Mallory Sciaraffa '24, Reporter • March 25, 2024
Main Street Ballet students compete at the regional Starquest competition on Feb. 25. (Courtesy of Starquest)
Savulak: Dancers are Athletes, Too
Katie Savulak '26, Reporter • March 25, 2024

Dear Seniors: Teachers Say Goodbyes to the Class of 2022

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Region 14
Nonnewaug high school from a bird’s eye view.

The Chief Advocate sent an email to all staff at Nonnewaug High School asking for advice for the senior class. As we reach the end of the school year and seniors are about to graduate, they look to their mentors for guidance.

This is what those mentors said:

Figure Out What You Love To Do

“To the class of ’22

It is imperative in life that you become comfortable being uncomfortable. I have learned over the years that challenging and putting yourself in uncomfortable situations has often led to personal growth. It is a good thing when things are difficult. It means that you are persevering and stepping up to the challenges in life. I also believe that it is important that you surround yourself with those that challenge you to be a better person. You need to trust the process and push yourself beyond your perceived limitations.  

Someone once told me to figure out what I love to do and then try to get paid for it.  It is essential that the work that you do in life has meaning for you. There are going to be many days where you will wake up and have a full day of work in front of you. It is better than you spend all of that time on something that you love to do. You should be proud of that person in the mirror before you go to bed at night.

  Lastly, give back to others if you have the ability to do so. This does not need to be financial in nature. It can be volunteering or creating a plan for groups in our community that need it. It feels good to give as the return for you can’t often be measured. Just know that you are doing the right thing for someone.”

  — Declan Curtin, athletic director/dean of students

All You Really Need To Know

Melissa Hodges (Shelby Rushin)

 “As my son’s Kindergarten teacher always says, all you really need to know you learn in Kindergarten. So with that in mind, live with Sandy Hook School’s song in your hearts. Think you can. Work hard. Get smart and be kind. Have lots of fun and know you’ll do your best, your very best to learn and grow!”

— Melissa Hodges, science teacher

The Game Of “Life”

  1. don’t be a jerk
  2. do your work
  3. help those in need
  4. have fun
  5. learn to play the game of “life”

— Sean McGee, athletic trainer

Raymond Robillard (Shelby Rushin)

You Survived

“Class of 2022,

You have sure seen it all, haven’t you? You walked in the doors of Nonnewaug as 9th graders hoping for a memorable high school experience. Well, does having classes in rooms that used to be, and now are again, the main office, constitute as memorable? From open ceilings and the sound of jackhammers to a beautiful new building, you have seen the transformation of Nonnewaug High School. But as construction wound down in early 2020, you said, “okay! Normal from here to graduation!” And then the craziest thing happened! You survived remote learning, hybrid learning, so many different schedules, masks, and adjusting to a whole different learning environment.  

But the young men and women who have emerged out of all the craziness of the last 4 years are people who Nonnewaug can be proud of. You have learned resourcefulness, grit, the ability to handle transitions and change well, and a sense of appreciation for things you may have previously taken for granted. You are our future engineers, politicians, lawyers, craftsmen, accountants, and so much more! I wish each and every one of you the very best and can’t wait to hear of all that you will accomplish! Congratulations!”

— Raymond Robillard, math department chair

Genna Riggi (Shelby Rushin)

What’s Best For You

“Make decisions that are best for you first.”

— Genna Riggi, digital design teacher

Goodbye to the Class of 2022

Thank you to the Class of 2022. You’ve collectively produced a Masterclass on what overcoming adversity actually looks like. You’ve proven that adaptability is core to success having endured a portion of your high school tenure learning in what felt like Costco Wholesale Club: a building void of walls, floors, and in some cases, classrooms without doors. Your four years have been replete with interruptions though you’ve taken it all in stride, never thinking twice about learning via pixelated versions of your teachers and classmates. While all these interruptions have been ongoing, you’ve all taught the adults in the building what incredible strength our student body possesses. The past four years have produced immeasurable heartbreak, tragedy, and anguish, testing our wills, but the Class of 2022 persisted, arriving to campus each day with the support of one another despite the world’s baggage you’ve all somehow carried.”

— Conor Gereg, English teacher

Hope For The Future

“My piece of advice for seniors is “You cannot control the cards you are dealt in life, but you can control how you play them.”

I want to thank my AP Government & Politics class for always being a bright spot in my day and giving me hope for the future. I wish them all the best in the future. They are each going to have a big, positive impact on their world.”

— Becky Trzaski, social studies teacher

About the Contributor
Shelby Rushin, Reporter
Shelby Rushin is a senior at Nonnewaug and a first year journalist for the Chief Advocate. She is head of the sports coverage across all sports and seasons. Since she is an active FFA member she is also a beat writer for the agriscience/FFA program and competitions that they participate in.
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