Girls' Volleyball: Road To Florida

Lina Woronko

The HHS girls’ volleyball team went to Disney in 2014 for a nationwide tournament in Orlando, Florida through the organization KSA Events. KSA Events hosts high school sanctioned sporting events throughout the United States for student athletes. Again, the girls were invited to attend the Classic Volleyball Tournament at Walt Disney World Resort in Central Florida for the year 2016.

The idea of the trip is to prepare the team for their upcoming season. The tournament consists of teams from around the nation, some being the top high school teams in the country. Out of about thirty teams, a team from Wisconsin ended up winning the entire tournament in 2014. The Haverhill girls’ volleyball team were given the opportunity to play against Wisconsin and other higher level teams, learning to compete. Returning players now know what to expect and are ready to challenge these teams once again in 2016.

The tournament is held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The cost of the trip is about $28,000 for the whole team and includes food, hotel, Disney parks, practice time, and transportation. The tournament itself lasts for two days, but the team is given an extra day at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for two hours of practice time. Although the trip was meant for inspiring student athletes through competition and education, the team was most excited about going to the place “where dreams come true”.

Varsity team Captain, Kiana Bueno, who had attended the trip in 2014, said “spreading the word for our fundraisers and accomplishing the fundraisers successfully were major steps for our last trip and it will be just as important for our upcoming trip in 2016.” The team was able to attend Disney in 2014 for the cost of only $50 per girl. “The initial cost was $25,000. The whole team continuously encouraged each other to help out all the time. We got to go to Disney World and that, itself, was already a motivation, especially for the few girls who had never been”, Kiana stated.

Below are the upcoming fundraisers and events the girls’ team have prepared for donations towards their trip in 2016:

1/10/16

Bingo

Amvets Hall 2pm-6pm

1/30/16

Mattress Sale

HHS Gym 10am-4pm

If you are unable to attend any fundraisers, but are still willing to help, the girls’ volleyball booster club has also set up a GoFundMe account: Click here to donate

Any donation is greatly appreciated!!!
Thank you for your support!!!

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Holiday Date Ideas

Madison St. Pierre

With all the commotion that comes with the holidays and the spending, it may be hard to spend valuable and entertaining time with your significant other. Spending a lot of money during the holidays may leave you strapped for cash. However, Brown and Gold has you covered, whether you can afford a five star meal or only a meal at Mcdonald’s, we found a range of festive date ideas for any person.

Cooking Classes at BCAE:
122 Arlington Street Boston, MA
(617)267-4430

You can perfect your cooking skills this holiday at the Boston Center of Adult Education. They’re offering holiday classes such as: Holiday Appetizer Lessons, Cake Decorating Classes, and Easy Dinners for Two. If those classes are not your style there are an array of different classes to take. Other classes they offer are Foods of Hanukkah and The Art of Pasta Making. To check out other classes go to bcae.org or you can call and ask. The member fee is $50 per person and there is an average material cost of $20. The classes run at different times and different days and you can check on the website.

The Nutcracker:
Boston Opera House
539 Washington Street Boston,MA
(617)695-6955

The Nutcracker ballet runs from November 27th to December 31st of 2015. The run time for the show is 1 hour and 57 minute. The music was done by Peter Illyich Tchaikovsky and choreography by Mikko Nissinen. The tickets range from $35-$189 but the closer to Christmas price ranges from $45-$199. There is matinee and night shows ranging from different times that you can check out at bostonballet.org. This year’s Boston Nutcracker is new and revamped with all new sets and costumes but still have the same songs such as dance of the “Sugar Plum Fairy” and the “Russian Dance”.


Holiday Comedy Shows:
Improv Asylum
216 Hanover Street Boston,MA
(617)263-NUTS                    

This comedy show in the North End and is a signature audience-inspired improvisation and also has written sketches. The Improv Asylum also has a holiday themed revue. It is open: Thursday @ 8 pm, Friday @ 7:30 pm and 10 pm, Saturday @ 7:30 pm and 10 pm, as well as select Mondays, Tuesday and Wednesday. The tickets range from $22-$33. There are no age requirements for the show and show up to the show 30 minutes prior to the start of the show.



Ice Skating:
Boston Frog Pond
38 Beacon Street Boston, MA
(617)635-2120

The Boston Frog Pond provides a fun winter activity surrounded by lights. The Frog Pond is located in the center of Boston Common. They also provide ice skating lessons and it also has a snack bar. Admission for people under 58 inches and over is $6 and if you are under 58 inches the admission is free. Adult skate rentals are $12 and kid rentals are $6 but you are more than welcome to bring your own skates. There are also lockers that are available and they cost $3 to rent. The Frog Pond also provides skate sharpening for $10. Also if you are not the best skater they have Bobby the Skating Seal that you can rent for $10 an hour.
Times:

Mon.: 10 am - 3:45 pm

Tues.-Thurs: 10 am - 9 pm
Fri.-Sat: 10 am - 10 pm
Sun: 10 am - 9 pm


Stroll Through Faneuil Hall:
1 Faneuil Hall Square Boston, MA
1(617)635-3105

This year at Faneuil Hall they are presenting a light show called “Blink!”. This show offers a state-of-the-art, light and sound show set to music from the Holiday Pops. the show will run twelve times a night from now through December 31st. The show begins at 4:30pm and ends at 10pm. This show is set to play for the next five years. Also Faneuil Hall’s Christmas tree is the largest in New England and stands at 85 feet tall. It cost nothing to watch the show and there are a lot of places to eat in Faneuil Hall if you get hungry.

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December Calender

Aubrie Campbell

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Club of the Week: Girls Learn International

Marielis Batista

Haverhill High School’s Girls Learn International Program, better known as GLI, raises awareness about the injustices that girls have to live with, such as limited access, in many places, to education. GLI is dedicated to increasing girls’ access to education in countries where females are far less likely than males to stay in school past the primary grades.

GLI was founded in New Jersey in 2003 by Lisa Alter. Her goal was to create a program to show that humanitarianism has no minimum age requirement and that youth plays a critical role in leading the movement to affect positive change for girls and women all over the world. Lori Capra took up the cause in Haverhill, starting the high school’s GLI in 2011.
Mrs. Capra said that teaching students about social problems around the world gives her satisfaction because most of the students have no idea about these social problems. She is inspired by the energy of the students once they are aware of the social issues faced by women. Iliana de los Santos, a student, said that she enjoys GLI because it allows her to meet new people that have similar interests and learn about the struggles that women go through in different countries, as well how we can create change. Shukri Ali, an exchange student from Somaliland, said that she will gain many benefits from this club, because in her country they face many of these issues.

The GLI Program is building a movement of informed advocates for worldwide girls’ education and a new generation of leaders and activists for social change. The program teaches students that through their own creative initiatives, dedication, and passionate leadership, they can create real solutions that address the obstacles girls and women face locally and around the world. The GLI members recently went to Newburyport to watch the film Malala. GLI meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month in Mrs. Capra’s room, S15, and welcomes new members throughout the year.

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Sibling Rivalry - The Battaini Edition

Peter Orfanos

Michael and Abbey Battaini, probably the most well known sibling athletes at Haverhill High School, sat down with Brown and Gold for an interview last Thursday. Michael is the captain and senior guard for the Hillies varsity basketball team. Abbey, a junior captain, is returning for her second year as a starting guard for the girl’s varsity team. 

Who’s the better captain and why?

Abbey: I’m a better captain because I lead by example.

Mike: No I’m a better leader because I’m more vocal and keep everybody on track. Abbey is a better floor general, I’ll give her that. 

One-on-one in your driveway. Who’s winning?

Mike: Me

Abbey: Michael because he’s bigger and stronger. I can shoot better though. Like if we did a 3-Point contest I would definitely out shoot you Mike.

Mike: Abbey may be able to outshoot me but it doesn’t matter ‘cause I’m the best.

Did you guys get into playing basketball at the same time? 

Mike: I was first and Abbey came shortly after, but it was evident that we were both going to play because of our dad.

Abbey: Yeah, also my cousin Sammie always played and she is older than me so I looked up to her growing up

Mike: I guess you could say basketball runs in the family. 

Do you two have a memorable moment together involving basketball?

Abbey: Mike I just thought of that 3 on 3 tournament we won.

Mike: Oh definitely. Abbey, Joey Fenderson and I won a three on three tournament in Maine. We schooled those kids.

Respectively, for your teams, what do you hope to accomplish this season? 

Mike: I hope to bring us to a state championship appearance. And hopefully an MVC small division championship. It’s my last year for high school ball, I want to do as much as I can to have my team end up victorious. 

Abbey: I’m hoping to improve our record from last year. A huge accomplishment for us would be to make playoffs but I believe we could because we have experienced and young players that are ready to play. 

Being your first year as captains, how do you guys plan on tackling the primary leadership role for the first time in your basketball careers?

Mike: I won’t be alone, I’ll have the help of my teammates the whole way through. I have their back and they have mine, everyone will play their role and we will compete collectively. I also will lead the way setting the intensity level in practice very high. 

Abbey: I’m going to be more of leading by example. I’ll also be vocal by picking up my teammates when they’re down and always having their back. 

Mike: I wanted to add that I want to lead in the effort category, I want to be the first on the ground and the first to every loose ball. That’s why I’m a better captain Peter. 

Me: Yes Mike good. 

Do you guys have a hype song?

Abbey: I want to say “Trophies” by Drake.

Mike: No Abbey what the heck that’s my song you can’t copy me.

Abbey: Oooh siblings that agree?

Mike: No Peter don’t put that she stole it from me.

How is family life at the Battaini residence, are you guys competitive?

Mike: No I know I’m better than Abbey at everything.

Abbey: Michael’s just cocky. I’m more humble you know? That’s why I’m the better captain.

Me: Yes Abbey good.

Mike: Abbey you know I'm the best Fifa player in the house don’t lie.

Finally, who is the favorite child?

Mike: Abbey.

Abbey: Me. I’m just a lot more thoughtful and caring for everyone. Plus I’m the youngest and the only girl.

Mike: I’m more of a people’s person though, and I do more for the community.

Abbey: Michael you still owe me ten dollars from last week what are you talking about.

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Angry Turkeys, Urns, & Dog Saliva?!

Lina Woronko

We’ve all had holidays when something seems to go wrong in the worst possible way… At least I know I have! One Thanksgiving my cat dragged in a live bird. The bird flew around our house and we had to chase it down and out of every room until it finally flew out the front door. 

Brown & Gold recently asked students to share their most memorable Thanksgiving stories. Whether a tradition didn’t go as planned or something totally unexpected happened, these holidays were some for the books!

“One Thanksgiving my older cousin gave all the kids forks that extended to three feet long. The adults had no idea... So when they were all gathered around the table and began putting food on their plates, we all pulled out our forks and extended them to reach across the table for food! It was so funny.” 

-Madison Thompson, Junior

“A few days before Thanksgiving in 2014, my mom had bought the turkey we were planning on serving for the holiday. She had asked me to put the turkey in the fridge downstairs in the basement and I listened. Mind you, we have two fridges in the basement… Anyways, I put the turkey in the fridge (or at least in one of them). The day before Thanksgiving I get a call from my mother during my Italian class… I had put the the turkey in the wrong fridge and it spoiled! So thankfully, after school, my memere rushed me to the store and I got the last 28 lb. turkey at Market Basket.” 

-Olivia Cranston, Junior

“When I think of Thanksgiving, I think of food. Although we don’t do this anymore, my brother, my mother, and I used to toast loaves upon loaves of bread for our stuffing. We would take turns chopping up the bread to cook with the seasoning. I would have a lot of fun making the food while listening to music, but my brother and I would always argue about which one of us got to play it. Either way, I loved cooking with them.”

-Gianna Valenti, Freshman

“One Thanksgiving it was my job to set the dinner table. I set each place perfectly with the finest dishes in the house. I completed the arrangement with an elegant centerpiece of my grandfather’s urn and surrounded it by a wreath of fall leaves. I haven’t been asked to set the table since.”

-Lauren Clark, Senior

“One Thanksgiving when I was nine, I had a hamster named Brutus. I was showing my hamster to my younger cousin when I dropped Brutus and he fell into my eagerly waiting dog’s mouth. I screamed for my mom who was in the other room. She frantically ran in and scooped the hamster up from my dog’s throat. My hamster was smelly and soaking wet with dog saliva, but he was alive and lived another three happy months. My dog was also okay but upset, because she didn’t get to eat Brutus.”    -Cynthia Caruso, Junior




“Every year on Thanksgiving I help skin the turkey and serve everyone’s plate with my dad. We always tell jokes and play music while we do it. It’s always a fun time!” 

-Richard Hallinan, Sophomore

“One year, a week before Thanksgiving, my family decided it would be a great idea to get a dog. We spent the day looking all over until we ended up at Zoo Creatures in Plaistow. Sometimes, Zoo Creatures has peacocks and turkeys outside. When my family and I began to enter the store, the turkeys chased us away! It was hilarious.” 

-Eryn Spencer, Junior

“When I still lived in my home state of Georgia, my family would go over my aunt’s house every other Thanksgiving. I guess you could say it was kind of a tradition. As soon as my immediate family arrived, my siblings and I were separated from our mother as usual. The adults would be in the kitchen and dining room while the kids would be either in the backyard or the game room. My cousins swarmed all over me, because they hadn’t seen me in a year. When you haven’t seen someone in a year, you don’t know how much they have grown or if they have gotten better at something. This leads to competitiveness and family competitions. The year before, my cousin won the “pot” or the competition. This year, it was going to be me, or at least I wanted it to be. So as usual, I’m in the game room, playing against whoever comes in. Then, of course, my sister, Dawniqua, has to come in and blow everybody out of the water... But, hey, at least I got to go home with a full belly and three pumpkin pies.” 

-Ashley Galloway, Junior

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Senior Class Performs Deathtrap

Alina Page, Victoria MacMillan, Michaela Kane

Every year during the fall, Haverhill High’s play director, Mr. Gori, and students from the senior class put together the annual senior class play. This year Mr. Gori chose the play Deathtrap. Deathtrap is a murder mystery taken place during the years of 1970-1980 in Westport, Connecticut. This play was written by Ira Levin and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play of 1978.
Last week, we interviewed actresses from the play, Aubrie Campbell and Emily Bresnahan.

Why did Mr. Gori choose Deathtrap?
Aubrie:  “HHS hasn’t done a murder mystery since my freshman year, so Mr. Gori wanted to do something new and exciting.”
Was anything changed from the original script?
Aubrie:  “Yes, there is only one male actor in our cast, so we had to change a few characters and lines, and a few weapons are different.”
 How long have you guys been practicing?
Aubrie:  “We have been practicing for 11 weeks for about 2 hours a day, but this week, Monday and Tuesday, we practiced from after school to 8pm.”
What was one of your favorite memories from the play?
Emily:  “When the entire cast got together to watch the movie Deathtrap.”
Aubrie: “Everyone has gotten really close after these long weeks of practicing.”
How long have you been acting?
Emily:   “I have been acting since third grade in the annual play of A Christmas Carol.”
Aubrie:  “I started acting my freshman year in A Christmas Carol.”
Do you plan on acting in the future?
Emily:  “Yes, I plan on acting in college as an extracurricular activity.”
Aubrie:  “Yes, I plan on acting in the spring production and would like to act in college.”
 Who kisses who in the play?
Emily:  “I can’t say, you’ll have to go to the play to see.”

Come see Deathtrap on…

Friday November 20th

7PM @ HHS Auditorium 

Saturday November 21st

2PM and 7PM @ HHS Auditorium

Sunday November 21st 

2PM @ HHS Auditorium

Cast:

Sidney Bruhl……..Benjamin Roy (Performs in all shows)

Myra Bruhl……..Amanda Gilmore (Performs Friday & Sunday)

Emily Bresnahan (Performs both Saturday shows)

Clara Anderson……..Grace Azzarito (Performs Friday & 2PM Saturday)

Caroline Milligan (Performs 7PM Saturday & Sunday)

Helga ten Dorp……..Jessica Begin (Performs Friday & 2PM Saturday)

Mckenna Judge (Performs 7PM Saturday & Sunday)

Polly Milgrim……..Aubrie Campbell (Performs Friday & 2PM Saturday)

   Elizabeth Grover (Performs 7PM Saturday & Sunday) 

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DIY Halloween costumes

Victoria MacMillan

Strawberry and Pineapple

Items needed: 

• Green felt or fabric (for the head piece)
• Over sized t-shirt
•  Fabric paint 

To become a strawberry or pineapple, first paint dots or arrows on plain t-shirt. Then for the head piece, cover a paper towel roll in green paper and punch holes through the bottom sides. Slide the head band though the holes. Next cut fabric or paper into the shape of big leaves and glue the “leaves” to the paper towel roll, repeat until you are happy with the way you head piece looks. After deciding on what shoes to wear, you are all done!

Candy Heart

 Items needed: 

• Bodycon dress (pink, green, or red)
• Card board
• Markers
• String

To become this sweet Valentines Day candy, first you need to find a colored bodycon dress. Next cut a piece of card board into the shape of a heart. Use a marker to write on the card board heart sayings like:
I Love You
Charm Me
Amore
Hug Me
True Love
Lastly, punch two holes into the top of the heart and pull a sting through the holes. This string will be uses to tie around you neck and hang over the dress. Now all you have to do is put the costume together. 

Bag of Eminems

Items needed:

• Clear trash bag
• Pictures of Eminem

To make this pun costume, first find a clear trash bag and cut out arm holes in the bag. After you finish cutting out your trash bag, print out pictures of Eminem. Next glue the pictures of Eminem onto the bag and then you will officially become a bag of Eminems.  

Walking Dead Zombie

Items needed:

• Fake blood
• Fake cuts and scabs
• Some old ripped up clothes

Have you seen the show The Walking Dead? To become one of the disgusting "walkers" cut up so old crappy clothes and make them look as dirty as you can. Next go to a local Halloween store and buy some fake blood and cuts. The package of the cuts and scabs with include directions on how to attach them to your skin.

Robber

Items needed:

• Stripped shirt
• Black eye mask
• Black hat
• Black gloves

Do want to be a robber without having the fear of getting caught? For this costume, all you need to do it buy a black eye mask, a stripped shirt, a black beanie hat, and some black gloves. Throw it all together and then you're a robber!

Error 404

Items needed:

• White t-shirt
• Black Sharpie

This costume is for the people that are lazy, but also don't want to be the only one at the party without a costume. To make this costume, buy a plain white t-shirt at Walmart or a craft store, them take a Sharpie and write "error 404, costume not found".

Olympian Gymnast

Items needed:

• Red, White or Blue Leotard
• A Necklace Medal 

Become every little girls dream for the night. To make this costume all you need to do is buy a USA colored leotard (red, white, or blue), and dig through your closet to find on of those metals you got from playing a sport as a kid. Next, throw your hair up in a pony tail and then you're all set to go. 

Comic Book Character

Items needed:

• Face makeup 
• Face paint

Becoming a comic book character is time consuming, but if you love make up, this is the costume for you! First cover your face with white face paint. Next, find a dot your face and neck with red paint. Then define all the features on your face like, cheek bones, nose, lips, ect. with black face paint. For more ideas, look up "comic book character face paint" on YouTube!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 

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