Maker Spaces Make their way to Oxford Hills by Rebekah Fleck

With experiential learning taking the limelight at the Middle School in Oxford Hills, it was only a matter of time before it made its way to the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School (OHCHS).

Jennifer Lance, the Librarian at OHCHS, is hoping to make the Oxford Hills district more cutting edge by bringing Maker Spaces to the area. What is a Maker Space, you might ask? According to Lance it’s a place where kids can be creative and learn how to do something that they might not necessarily be able to do at home.

The Maker Space at OHCHS will be beginning around the last Monday in October, and will be happening the last Monday of every month. They will be known as Maker Mondays. During this time, kids will have the opportunity to do things such as design comic book shoes, making stationary, or carving pumpkins that were donated to the program by Pumpkin Land.

It will be just open to high school students as it gets off from its feet. But Lance is hopeful that by good word of mouth other libraries in the Community will begin incorporating Maker Spaces into their libraries.

Lance says, “So it’s giving them a chance, because that’s what libraries do, right? They share things in a free way so you can have an experience that you wouldn’t have before, and whether thats a book, or a cricut machine. Who's going to go buy a $350 cutting machine to use at home? Nobody. So for us to have it here means that lots of people can experience that, and that’s what we’re trying to do; find some things that run along that mode of introducing new concepts to people.”

Lance also says, “It definitely works; it’s a different way to learn and we want to make sure that we’re giving people not just one level. Sometimes people see libraries one way and we actually work a lot of different ways. Acrossed the country a lot of school libraries are trying to have a Maker Space.”

Maker Spaces are becoming quite popular around the United States, and the state of Maine. In the building of a new high school in Portland the architect designed in a Maker Space into the Library.

The Camden library lets students check out Maker kits, where students can actually check out a kit and do a project at home or on their own time. Lance is hoping to have Maker Kits at OHCHS as well.

Jennifer is hoping that the Maker Space at OHCHS will give students a chance to take a break from regular learning and do something fun that you could take something away from, like a new skill.

Lady Vikings Softball Dominate Messalonskee In First Round Of Playoffs by Shannon Kriger

  As the Lady Vikings softball team of Oxford Hills took on the Messalonskee Eagles in their first playoff game on Wednesday, June 11th, they had victory on their minds.

    The Lady Vikings dominated the Eagles and easily won the game with a final score of 15-3.

    The Eagles had kept up with the Vikings up until the fourth quarter, when Oxford Hills scored off an error.  The Vikings kept their momentum rolling into the fifth inning and were a force to be reckoned with at bat. In this inning, the Vikings scored five more runs in hopes of shutting down the other team.

    The sixth inning was even more successful for the Lady Vikings. They brought in another eight runs in that one inning, setting the score to 15-3, mercy ruling the Messalonskee Eagles in the bottom of the sixth.

    Lady Vikings that really contributed to their triumphant victory were Annika Kahkonen, Crystal West, Kayleigh Knox, Erin Morton, and Anna Winslow, each of which got on base in the fifth and sixth innings due to tremendous swings.

    Kayleigh Knox, leading her team by being four for four at bat, comments on her prodigious job in the game, saying, “I knew how important this game was to our team, and if we lost, then our season was over. We had to leave it all on the field, and I was determined to help bring my team to the second round of playoffs- all of the girls were.”

The Lady Vikings are taking on the Cony Rams next in their journey throughout the playoffs. The Rams are the #1 seeded team in the Eastern Maine Class A softball tournament.

The last time the Lady Vikings faced the Cony Rams was in the regular season, barely losing to Cony in a hard fought, tension filled game.

Coach Goddard, the Lady Vikings softball coach, is hoping to get even further in the playoffs and blow the Cony Rams out of the water.

    When questioned on the Viking’s game against the Rams, Goddard declared “We have came way too far to just give in to the #1 seeded team. The girls have consistently proved that they deserve to be at the top of the tournament, and I have no doubt in my mind that my team will leave it all on the field in Cony.”

Lady Viking Softball Progress To Playoff Tournament by Shannon Kriger

Hard work is not a foreign characteristic to the Lady Viking softball team of Oxford Hills this season. Being the #4 seeded team in Eastern Maine Class A, this talented group of girls have really set the bar high for themselves this year.

After losing in the second round of playoffs last year, the team is aiming for a very successful post-season.

The team had a strong regular season with winning 12 out of their 16 games; a record that was an improvement compared to years prior.

Although the Lady Vikings had only played the #1 seeded Cony team once this season and had lost to them, they forced the game into extra innings and gave them a run for their money.

In the first round of Eastern Maine Class A playoffs this year, the Vikings are taking on the #5 seeded team, Messalonskee. In the regular season, Oxford Hills had split with Messalonskee, winning one game against them and losing the other.

When questioned on what her prediction for the outcome of the playoff tournament is, Coach Goddard responded, “It really depends on how we play in the moment. We will travel far in the tournament if the girls work hard and play as a team.”

The team has been succeeded this year offensively by Shannon Fillebrown, Myriah Lausier, and Anna Winslow, who each possess a batting average of over .450.

Senior Crystal West has kept the team strong on defense with her solid pitching skills, along with Annika Kahkonen, the team’s valued catcher that is always active behind the home plate.

Coach Goddard believes that it is the team’s experience that sets them apart from their opponents, stating, “A lot of these girls have been playing softball since they could walk, and I easily see their passion for the game every time they on the field. I’m looking forward to seeing these girls put their hard work to use in the playoffs.”

Come support the Lady Vikings as they take on the Messalonskee Eagles on Thursday, June 9th at 4:00 pm at the Gouin complex.

OHCHS Teacher “Loves” a Widely Hated Fictional Character by Chelsea Rugg

Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School (OHCHS) teacher, Brewster Burns, teaches the book The Stranger by Albert Camus to sophomores and claims to “love” the controversial main character, Meursault. The character is an existentialist/absurdist and rejects religion and society; things that most people in society today embrace. Most students exposed to the book develop a deep hatred for Meursault, so why does Burns say he “loves” him? After teaching the book for 25 years, he has come to know the character extremely well. Burns says that Meursault “calls into question why do we care about the things we care about, and the answer to the question why do we care about the things we care about is usually we care about them because other people think we should care about them.” According to Burns this question is important because “we are victims of a vast sentimental conspiracy that tells us what we should care about and what’s awesome about him is he just totally rejects all of those things. He refuses to feel the way he’s told he should feel about things and instead he just feels the way he does and doesn’t give in.” Burns doesn’t exactly believe that Meursault has everything all figured out but he does believe that he has “some things right” even though he is a “godless atheist. He says he thinks “religion and philosophy are both fascinating” and he likes “the idea of trying to figure out the best way to live to be the happiest you can be and different philosophies and religions offer different things.” He appreciates that Meursault knows not to give in to society. Criticism of the book pointed out by Burns is that it “seems to condone violence,” which he doesn’t think is the point of the book. The violence is meant to show that he lives a life “removed from societal expectations.” Burns believes that anyone can successfully remove themselves from giving in to society can live a “slightly better life.” Burns also braves the book in his classroom because he loves Meursault and likes to see the students show emotions toward such an old character because it shows how “timeless” the book is if kids today can still feel towards a character conceived so long ago. There is a scene in the book when Meursault sits on his balcony smoking cigarettes and drinking coffee all day long, not considering the past or the future or worrying about anything, just watching people below him. Burns claims that he tries to channel Meursault in this scene in the summer because “really doing nothing, not worrying about all the things you were supposed to have done but didn’t and being able to really enjoy the moment is really beautiful sometimes especially in the summer.” That is why Burns says that he loves him.

OHCHS College Essay Collection to be Published by Chelsea Rugg

Last spring an aspirations grant of $4,000 from the Oxford Hills Scholarship Foundation Committee was given to Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School (OHCHS) English teacher, Pamela Chodosh. Her idea was to use the money to create a book of college essays written by students from graduating classes 2009-2014. Chodosh recruited OHCHS seniors Jake Allen, Jordan Schorr, Ben Cuomo and Diamond Westleigh to help. Another OHCHS senior and Oxford Hills Technical School graphic design student, Carly Sauro, will be designing the book and cover.

Chodosh gave each student a position, as this will be their senior project. Jake Allen is the “research assistant.” He makes sure everything, including the right to publish essays, is legal as it will be a published book. Jordan Schorr is the “point person.” She makes sure everything runs smoothly and organizes the project. Ben Cuomo is the “head of the editorial board” but others will contribute to the editing process. Diamond Westleigh will be “tying up loose ends.” She is also the assistant production manager.

The book gives students “a chance to get their work out in the world when otherwise it probably wouldn’t,” said Allen. “It’s just a cool opportunity.”

According to Schorr, the book will be important for future seniors. It will help them write their essays and figure out what to write about.

Schorr knows what it feels like to have no idea what to write about. She says, “The questions for writing a college essay are simple, but really connecting it to life and finding someone or something that influenced you is difficult. I don't want upcoming seniors to be as stressed about this as I was. They should enjoy senior year. Writing a college ‘essay’ isn't really an essay. It's more of a short story about yourself and how it either impacted you or how you handled the situation.” 

Schorr also believes that “it's a quick 650 words that can make or break your college acceptance letter. It helps the admissions officers to get to know you and help understand what makes you tick.”

Chodosh agrees with Schorr, saying that she sees the college essay as a “personal story that tells someone something about that person.” She is interested herself in knowing personal stories and as a writer thinks they’re important.

College essays are still being accepted from students up until it is time to publish the book. The essays will be reviewed by an student run editorial board. Though most essays will not be disqualified, they have to follow all college board college essay guidelines. Some authors will be contacted about edits.

The book will be available in print and online. It will be sold for a reasonable price. Some will be given to OHCHS for the library and guidance, but the cost depends on the cost of the book. It will likely be available online at Amazon. 

While the team hopes to have a book launch event, Chodosh says this is “not a money making venture.”

The essays in the book won't look like college essays according to Chodosh. “They will look like any other piece of published writing.” The student’s name will be published with the essay but anonymity is possible. No one should be hesitant about submitting their college essay as they can leave comments and concerns during the submission process.

Though the grant was awarded to Chodosh and the book was her idea the students are glad to be involved. 

Says Schorr, “I heard her saying she needed someone to work on it with her and thought it was a good idea.” She joined right away.

Jake Allen and Jordan Schorr, two students working on the book, with the flyer to promote the book to students.

Photo by Chelsea Rugg

Hat Day Makes a Change by Jasmine Roy

Jennah Iggulden, Sophomore English teacher at OHCHS, is having her students participate in a “Sophomore Project”. Their project is to make a change; make an impact. 

After speaking to Mr. Moccia, principle at OHCHS, he gave some details about what the project is about. “One girl came to me and said she has an idea. She wants to support these families that don’t have enough money to pay for heat.” 

So, OHCHS will be having a hat day this friday, (the 7th) to raise money for heat. Once the money is raised, it will be given to Community Concepts so they can give heating assistance to local families. 

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides money to help low-income homeowners and renters pay for heating costs. Recently, however, LIHEAP drastically cut the funds for heating costs due to lack of enough federal funding.

Now, everyone at OHCHS who participates in hat day will be part of making a change. “We give kids a sticker and they can wear a hat for a buck.. or more if they’re willing to donate. I think it’s a great cause. It’s sad when you think about families who are without heating oil when the temp is 15 below,” said Mr. Moccia. 
After having had ‘hat day’, OHCHS students and staff were able to raise around $300 dollars.

 Elizabeth Edwards student at OHCHS helps local families 

Oxford Hills breaks the Broadway Musical norm after 40 years by Maria Shively

“What’s Seussical?" asked Sean Merz, a staff member at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School (OHCHS). 

Kyle Jordan, one of the producers helping to put together Seussical answers this question.  

A “Seussical is a musical based on Dr. Seuss’ characters and settings to tell a story of community among other values,” Jordan explains. He and many others have been bringing the community of students and staff at OHCHS and Oxford Hills locals together to put on a biennial musical. 

“We have never repeated a show, in the 40 years we have been doing this,” says Jennifer St. Pierre, co-producer of the show and an alumni of OHCHS. Pierre has performed in many shows herself in the past.

“Traditionally putting on Broadway shows, this year’s Seussical is a departure from that Broadway community and an introduction to something new. This day and age community theater is going down and struggling to find an audience due to electronic media, and all the other entertainment available. So finding Seussical was perfect in the aspect of it's not just for one audience. It’s for all ages. Children, young adults, and adults, the whole family will love it,”  explains Director Andy Turner, who is local to the community of Oxford Hills.

“This year’s play will bring all this together with the story told by the Cat and the Hat of Horton, who finds ‘who’ on a speck of dusk. After the event of meeting each other Horton must  face a few challenges.  Along with the story is music from modern day, including a beautiful ballad, and even an Aretha Franklin-esque song. This is going to be a funky and colorful play. I don’t expect it to be anything less than amazing,” says Jordan. 

Because this isn’t a normal school production, the whole community of Oxford Hills is allowed to audition for any role in which they would like to partake.

“With Seussical, it’s no ordinary play. It’s a community event,” St. Pierre adds.

“These musicals we put on show the talent of locals around the community of Oxford. Our community is unique. We have eight towns and the arts of acting, singing, dancing and writing come from a long history of artistic talent. The only way that happens is through the support of the community,” says Turner.

“Let’s continue the tradition. Come to the show and support the people around you. We hope you see you all there,” adds Turner. 

Seussical will make its opening day debut on March 28. Show times are 7:30 P.M. on Friday the 28th and Saturday the 29th, then again for a final matinee at 1:30 P.M. on Sunday the 30th. All shows are performed at OHCHS. Tickets are $12 for children and adults, $10 for seniors and students of OHCHS.  All tickets are available at Books N’ Things in Norway. 

Sorry but… You Are What You Eat by Jordan Schorr

Many new projects are being created in Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School (OHCHS), one in particular would the the project that Planet Arts is putting together about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s). Planet Arts is the club that was transformed out of the OHCHS Art Club into projects that are more project-based and educationally enriching for students. 

“Last year some of the Art Club members were frustrated with the lack of purpose in the club,” said Phil Hammett, the Planet Arts director. “We decided to focus on meaningful issues having to do with our health and environment, and do installation projects that would "make a splash".”

“Genetically modified organisms are plants or animals that have had their genes altered for a specific purpose,” stated Hammett.

It also involves the mutation, insertion, or deletion of genes within an organism which can cause many different problems with the human body. The students who are part of Planet Arts are trying to get the information out to the people in our community.

“That doesn't just mean drink your milk and eat your vegetables, people need to look into how they're food is grown, if pesticides are used, where they come from, and if they contain bad GMO's,” Carly Sauro explained, who is a Senior and a member of the Planet Arts. “Our main message is to pay attention to what you eat. It is more important now than ever before to eat healthy.”

To help get the information out to students in the high school and anyone who is located in the high school. The project includes a big pair of lips located right above the Main Office entrance with an arrow pointing down to it stating “You Are What You Eat”. Coming out of the mouth are pool noodles and plastic tubing which is put together in a way to look like a strand of DNA. Within the strand of DNA there is a black pool noodle which is to represent a “bad” GMO within the strand. There is also a sign beside the door of the Main Office which explains what GMO’s are and how they can affect ones health.

“However, I should point out that not all GMO's are bad,” explained Hammett, “the first genetically modified tomato allowed the tomato to ripen on the shelf, rather than be artificially ripened using ethylene gas. This is actually more healthful and results in better flavor.”

Although they don’t believe they will ever be finished because there are so many different things to discuss, they will be installing an interactive “website” on the wall in the Main Lobby to allow people to get more information if they seek to do so.

“We are also planning on having an Art show/ community day at the end of the year,” says Sauro, “so keep an eye out for it!”

Murder at the Bistro by Jordan Schorr

On March 14, 2014, friends, family, and neighbors got together at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School (OHCHS) to watch the Drama Class perform Murder at the Bistro. This play is a short murder mystery, which involves a lot of interaction with the audience.

“We looked for a short play with the right amount of characters to match the size of our class.  This play had loads of humor in it and it was age appropriate,” explained Cynthia Kugell, the Drama teacher.

“I am part of the Project Grad committee and I have a daughter that is graduating this year.  Last year the Drama class worked with the OHCHS Library on a fundraiser for their department,” said Kugell. “Our drama class needs to do some type of production as part of the curriculum and a Murder Mystery benefit was a great fit.”

The audience turnout was greater than the class had expected. They had over 100 tickets to sell and had an audience of 75. The money raised from the Mystery Theater production was donated to Project Graduation.

“The audience was great!  They were very involved and I appreciated that they were kind to the students and generous with their "dollar bills" when it came time to answer questions,” explained Kugell. “ I felt that everyone had a good time and enjoyed the show.”

To increase the profit for Project Graduation, the actors went around to every dinner table with a list of questions that they would answer if the table paid a dollar.

Although this was a short play with a decent size audience, Kugell hopes that there will be a time when her class can put on another play.

“We had three returning students from last year’s class, so I am hoping for more seasoned actors to make next year’s performance even better,” said Kugell, her enthusiasm bubbling over. “Keep an eye out for another great Murder Mystery Dinner performed by a new group of drama Students in March of 2015!”

Melanoma Awareness in Oxford Hills by Jordan Schorr

Trends are a huge part at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School (OHCHS) just like every other high school. At OHCHS, tanning has become one of these trends. Many girls and guys who do go tanning, go right into town at either Ocean Breeze Tanning Salon, Coconut Beach Tanning Salon, Hair Plus or in other salons close in distance. Chuck Martin, a science teacher at OHCHS, got a grant to sponsor a Tan Free Prom and many different events to spread the awareness about skin cancer.

“Six years ago I was diagnosed with melanoma. My wife had found a spot on my stomach and encouraged me to get it checked out,” said Martin. “I had the spot removed and haven’t had a problem since, but it definitely was an eye opener.”

The grant that Martin received was called “Skin Cancer Prevention and Awareness in Oxford Hills”. He plans to use this grant to provide ten sun canopies for athletic games and practices. For sports, he also plans on updating the district coaches handbook to include a section on skin cancer awareness and sunscreen use for coaches and athletes.

Martin plans on buying two informational bulletin boards that will show the heat index for outside. They will be placed at the Oxford Hills Middle School and OHCHS, continually being updated to let the students know about the high temperatures.

“Also, in April during Common Block, I’m inviting a guest speaker, who had melanoma, to talk about the importance of not tanning,” explained Martin. “There will also be a screening day for the OHCHS faculty to be checked by dermatologists. As for the students, there will be a UV light which will show the skin damage. It will hopefully help them understand that the damage is happening, they just are unable to see it.”

The Tan Free Prom will consist of a pledge that boys and girls at OHCHS can take before Prom. The students who do pledge will get a bracelet that says, “I pledged to go Tan Free-Prom 2014” and their name will be posted in the Cafeteria. They will also be entered into a drawing for a laptop, $30.00 Applebee’s gift card, and a free spray tan.

“Although no tan is a safe tan, spray tans aren’t as concerning as tanning booths. Booths tend to exceed UV limits and people often stay in the booths longer than the recommended time,” said Martin. “A recent study shows that more young girls getting skin cancer due to tanning between the ages of fifteen to twenty-four.”

A few other ways that Martin is getting the word out about Melanoma is the Skinny on Skin Program which educates hair stylists and massage therapists in the Oxford Hills area on detection of suspicious moles and spots on the body.

There will also be Public Service Announcements regarding protecting skin and getting screened annually. This will air over the local radio WOXO during May, which is also National Melanoma Awareness month.