Return to flip book view

❧Voices of Valley☙Valley Regional High School Student Newspaper— Issue I, November 2024Editors in Chief:Laura Gessner, Kellyn Kolber; Writers: Ella Martinez, Grace Matute-Ishman, Olivia Dart, Tristan Spallone, Kajsia Wright, Lauren Verhagan,Nataly Pavon-Avila, Alana Martinez, Lyla Colomb; Public Relations: Erza Morina, Rowan Herlihy, Nia Marchese, Sam Moore.Tangled Up on the Dance Floor!Spirit Week 2024Lyla ColombLaura GessnerWho got tangled up on the dance floor at homecoming thisyear? On Saturday, October 26th, Student Council hosted their secondthemed homecoming dance everinspired by Tangled, the 2010 Disney film. Student Council encapsulated the essence of the film by decorating Valley’scafeteria with streamers, purpleand green accents, and even alantern walkway upon entrance.DJ Geoff brought his ownflair to the night, illuminating the dance floor with his special cosmosballs which is an exciting new addition to his light show. Theatmosphere was electric as Geoff delivered an unforgettable light showand music arrangement that kept spirits high throughout the wholenight.The only thing that could distract students from the dance floorwas LeQuire’s photobooth. This was a hit! With a fantastic array ofprops and backdrops, studentscommemorate the night.enjoyed snapping fun photos toOverall, this year’s homecoming was a delightful experiencefor all attendees. As we celebrate this successful event, we also take amoment to acknowledge Mrs. Crehan, ourbeloved Student Council advisor, who willbe passing on her role next year. I think wecan all agree that this was a great dance toend her time in Student Council. Make sureto thank her for her hard work and dedicationtowards organizing homecoming next time you see her (for one lasttime).Spirit week is one of the most anticipated times of the year inhighschool - and this year was noexception! Throughout the week, wewere able to witness some amazinglevels of spirit on display from eachclass and even some of our faculty.Monday, we saw the grades

Wednesday saw some of the most student participation, with everyonedonning some sort of tropical outfit or accessories. In addition, button daywas also hosted, creating a fun bonding activity for students of all grades aseveryone hunted for their button match in hopes of earning spirit points! Wethen had a blast from the past as we went through decades day on Thursday.Everyone dressed to impress in their ensembles inspired by eras like the 50sor the 80s, with seniors taking the first place spot the last day before colorwars.participating in country vs. country club, with a wide array of cowboy hats andpolo shirts filling the hallways of Valley. On Tuesday, each grade was giventheir own holidays; Grandparents Day, Earth day, Valentines day, and Fourthof July. While all the students knocked it out of the park, Sophomores werethe ones to take first place that day in their Earth Day attire.Color wars were just as big as ever, with the whole school doing theirrespective colors in the hopes to win it all in Spirit week, especially the Seniorswho had also won last year. The SteeringCommittee decorated the gymto the nines, covered in colorand all different sorts ofdecorations to bring eachgrade’s bleachers to life. Theultimate showdown then began,with the seniors and juniorsneck and neck. During the games, each grade showed their support for their peers,cheering them on as they worked to gain more points for their chance totake it all (even if that meant getting a face full of shaving cream). Seniorsand juniors were at an impasse by the final game, with one point beingthe difference between winning and losing. Ultimately, the total pointsplus the spirit points from winning coin wars helped to crown the Seniorsas our winners for the second year in a row, with the Juniors followingbehind as a close second. With the seniors'back to back victory, and the close race between the grades, this year’sspirit week turned out to be incredibly eventful and exciting— definitelyone for the books!Run by Co-Presidents, Isabel Rice and Abigail Alexander, GlobalWomen’s Advocacy Club is making waves as an ardent organizationdedicated to the empowerment of women and making an impact withinour community. The organization is engaged in various initiatives aimedat women’s advocacy both locally and globally. From organizingmenstrual product drives to service projects involving women’s shelters,Global Women’s Advocacy is an inspiring platform for young girls tolearn, share, and take action.Katie deMik, sophomore and active member of the club, is veryexpressive about her appreciation for it. When asked about why shechose to be part of GWAC, deMik replies, “I really love the message theGWAC promotes. I love that we are promoting women all over the world.Today there are women everywhere being oppressed for various reasonsand I think those issues should be addressed, even if it’s from a smallhigh-school.” deMik continues, “It inspires me to be vocal and to standup for what I believe in and think is right.”Another dedicated member of the club, Erza Morina, answered similarly,remarking, “The thing I love most about GWAC is the girls in the club.Everyone works together so well to make a difference and the girls are alltruly so kind and compassionate.” Morina mentions the fact that she“strives to be an advocate for what is right and help fix what is wrong inour world,” which is a motivating reason why she participates in GWAC.Global Women’s Advocacy Club is far more impactful thanthat of a singular school organization; it is a movement that isdedicated to fostering liberty and support for women within the community.Through their campaigns and events, the club continues to inspire itsstudents to advocate for a positive change. As they progress, Global Women’s Advocacy Club:Amplifying Voices and EmpoweringWomen in the CommunityKajsia Wright

the commitment and passion of its members will undoubtedly createlasting impacts, encouraging others to stand together for a new andequitable future. As Malala Yousafzai so wisely stated, “I raise up myvoice- not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can beheard.” If you would like to join their mission to uplift women and inspiremeaningful change, contact Abigail Alexander or Isabelle Rice ataalexander@reg4.k12.ct.us and irice@reg4.k12.ct.usFriday, October 25th, the Warriors took on the CromwellPanthers on the newly installed Richard B. Blythe field for theirhomecoming game. The thrilling spirit week leading up to the eventhad fans excited to see the team in action, and with the game namedCIAC’s Football Game of the Week, the anticipation was higher thanever. Prior to the game, the Warriors held a firm 3-2 record, winningjust a few weeksago against theirlong-time rivals,Warriors, but the team put up an admirable fight. After being down 0-7,Valley managed to score both a touchdown and a two-point conversion,bringing them to 16-13. With two touchdowns from senior Tommy Troyand freshman Charlie Zapatka, things were looking up for the Warriors.However, an interception from Cromwell senior Matt Gish gave the ballback to the Panthers. With 58.1 seconds remaining, the Panthers scoreda game-winning touchdown, ending the game with a score of 21-16.Junior linebacker Michael Spencer commented on the game: “I thoughtwe played very well defensively and offensively thanks to players like GioWinters and Tommy Troy, who really make a big difference on the field.Even though we didn’t come out with a win, we defended one of the bestteams in the league until the end.” It is clear that each team respects theother for their talent and grit. Cromwell/Portland coach Sal Morello evensaid, “That’s a real good football team” in a post-game interview with CTInsider. Players and coaches hope the teams may see each other again inthe playoffs for a rematch, but Spencer noted that the team will remainfocused on their upcoming opponent. Although this game did not resultin a win for theThe NorthBranfordThunderbirds. Thehomecominggame resulted in s16-21 loss for theWarriors, it demonstrated the team’s undying persistence and prominentteam spirit. It is clear that the school spirit raised throughout spirit weekwas carried into Valley’s most exciting football game of the season!Spencer even shared, “Having the pep rally during the day really gave usmore energy going into the game. We felt the support from the school,especially because of the way they cheered when we ran out into thegym.”At Valley Regional High School, the next generation of athletesisn’t just watching from the sidelines— they’re being coached by thevery players they look up to. In recent months, at least three fall teamshave organized a clinic for local kids, including volleyball, fieldhockey, and boys basketball. Field hockey had 40 campers at theirSeptember clinic, and volleyball averaged about 23 campers betweentheir June and August clinics. In other words, these programs havebeen immensely successful! Tofully appreciate their value, weneed to look at what inspiresthese teams’ commitment totheir camps and how they shapethe next generation.For some background,the volleyball team runs about4-5 clinics each year, while field hockey hosts a clinic for threeconsecutive Sundays in September or October. Their most recent clinicconcluded on the 26th of September, and it was not only run by theteam’s players and coaches, but also experienced adults who played incollege, including Jennifer Blalock and Carley Dailey. Labbadia alsomentioned Chester Parks and Rec Director Aaron Page and hisbehind-the-scenes work, exclaiming, “We couldn’t do it without him.”Similarly, the volleyball clinics are run by Coach Jaimie Bickelhauptand assisted by current players.Of course, the general hope among Valley’s teams is to foster afuture generation of skilled athletes. However, the camps are meant tooffer much more thanthat. For Labbadia, ahuge motivation issimply getting youthinterested in the sport. Homecoming Boys Football GameElla MartinezBack to Our Roots: Valley AthletesHelp Build the Next GenerationKellyn KolberPhoto credits to @warriorfootball2024 on Instagram

She explains that although field hockey is the 3rd most popular sport inthe world, the team’s roster has been fairly limited since COVID, withonly 15 total players. Thus, when asked what her ultimate goal is, sheexplains, “My hope is to share the love of the game with as many peopleas I can.” Similarly, Bickelhaupt and the volleyball team hope to get localgirls interested at a young age. She says, “A strong high school programdevelops from a strong youth program. So, getting to know the girls at ayoung age, teaching them fundamental skills, and them being invested inthe sport before they get to the high school level sets us up for successhere.” Bickelhaupt also noted that the camps give the young girls theopportunity to bond with current players. Several campers have evenattended games to support the varsity athletes!Meanwhile, both coaches touched upon their hope of creating a funatmosphere for their campers. At the end of the day, sports are meant forenjoyment, so that is the biggest takeaway the coaches hope to leavetheir campers with. Coach Labbadia shares, “We want to get themexcited about playing sports at Valley. They are future Warriors after all!”For many campers, these clinics offer a wide variety of benefits. SadieHeiser, for instance, attended the volleyball team’s August clinic, andcouldn’t speak highly enough of its organization and execution. She saysthat it helped build her skills for the upcoming tryouts: “I 100% felt moreprepared to start my freshman season after doing the camps. After notplaying for a little while over the summer, it was really helpful to have afew days of just playing volleyball!” However, for her, the best part wasjust being able to play the sport that she loves with other experiencedplayers. She shares that the counselors were “always supportive andnice,” allowing her to feel comfortable and welcome not only at camp,but also at tryouts the following week.Coaches at Valley hope to continue running these programs in the futurewith unyielding support from Athletic Director Lewis Pappariella. Hebelieves that these programs benefit the kids as well as the high schoolathletes immensely. On the service aspect, Pappariella shares, “Many ofour high school athletes grew up going to the very same camps andclinics that they now get to work at as teenagers. This gives them achance to give back to their community.” He also explains that thesecamps allow Valley athletes to foster leadership skills, as they areresponsible for offering feedback, ensuring safety, and creating a positiveatmosphere. Building these qualities makes thehigh school athletes role models to the kids. Pappariella says, “Theyounger players at clinics and camps really look up to our student-athletes. They aspire to be the players and people that our highschoolers are.”As the fall sports season is coming to an end, the Valley boys’soccer team concluded their regular season with an impressive recordThe 2024 fall sports season has officially ended, and Valley’s soccerteams really showed up this season and showed who they are. Althoughall of the sports teams played amazing this year, both the girls and boyssoccer teams have shown an all around improvement in skills anddedication. The boys soccer has a record of 10 wins and 2 losses, and thegirls soccer team also finished with 10 wins and only 1 loss (at the timeof writing this). Compared to last year’s season, they are killing it!Soccer at Valley embodies the passion and grit that many of our studentshave. Whether this is the new field giving the players that spark or thehard work that they are putting in after school, we should be proud of oursoccer athletes and their achievements this season.Let Their Feet Do the TalkingOlivia DartValley Boys Soccer Rises to StatesGrace Matute-Ishman

of 10 wins, 4 losses, and 2 ties. This marks a significant improvementfrom their Junior and Sophomore years, where they had a record of 4wins, 11 losses, and 1 tie. Last Thursday, they faced a tough matchagainst Old Saybrook in the Shoreline quarter-finals, which theylost.thisnotdiminish their overallprogress. Despite notwinning Shorelines,they will begin playing states this Friday with a match against theHousatonic Mountaineers. This will be the first time in three years thatthe boys' soccer team has made shorelines and state games, a testamentto their hard work and dedication.unfortunatelyHowever, setback does This year's boys' soccer team captains –Nathan Crown (Senior), BirchWhitbeck (Senior), Kenny Batt (Senior), and Tucker Norton (Senior)--have demonstrated remarkable unity and teamwork under the guidanceof Coach Michael Fearon. When Coach Fearon was asked about theteam’s success this season, he explained, "The big difference for thisseason and the previous two was a senior-laden team. Our senior playersimproved our overall defense and made us a more competitive team inthe Shoreline Conference." Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, withthe Shoreline Conference recognizing Tucker Norton on the “First Team”,Kenny Batt on the "Second Team", and Joe Welch with an “HonorableMention”.The captains also offered valuable insight into the team’s newfoundsuccess: “I think as a captain we have brought our mentality up by a lot.In the past few years, we have had no confidence and have acceptedlosses.” Kenny Batt stated, “My team is very good at not giving up afterconceding a goal, but we need to work on preventing easy goals that letother teams back in games.” He ended by saying that he has contributedto the team by “Keeping the positive mindset we have had all season andmaintaining confidence as a leader.” Kenny is a four-year member of theValley boys’ soccer team and is the goalie.Birch Whitbeck also had a unique perspective on the team’sgrowth. He stated, “As a team we have improved as soccer players andas teammates. Our team's bond is at its highest, and with participationin practices, we have grown into a team full of great players. Last year,a lot of players wouldn't show up or act like they care. This year,everyone cares and wants what's best for the team. The attitude is at itsJulie Labbadia: “I have been the head coach for two seasons. I was theassistant to Randy Netsch, the previous Head Coach, for 1 year. Beforehim Beth (McCabe) Powers, had been the head coach for several years,assisted by Randy. Beth is actually the person who taught me how to bea goalie when I was in high school. She has been a mentor to me in mycoaching journey. The year I was able to spend as Randy's assistantcoach was enlightening; I learned so much from him about strategy andhow to run a team. Beth and Randy each had great coaching styles andthe lessons I learned from them have really helped me to find my own.My high school coaches Janet Dickey and Emily McCabe Alger, fromWestbrook, have also been integral to myhighest, and every player has been putting in 100%.” Birch Whitbeckis also a four-year member of the team and is left back on the field.All in all, the team has proven themselves worthy of making shorelinesand states and will be setting a high standard for next year's seasonwhen the captains and 8 other seniors will be departing from Valley.However, as of now, their first state game is their top priority, and theyare hoping for a win.As we say goodbye to fall sports and the colorful leaves, we can take amoment to recognize Valley Regional field hockey’s season. The girls’field hockey team had a season full of excitement and challenges, whichthe team was guided through by their 2024 captains, Lucy Resnisky andCatalena Goldberg. The girls ended their season with a 2:14 record. For ateam as young as theirs with one senior (Lucy Resinisky), seven returningvarsity players, two returning JV players, and six brand new players, thisrecord is something to celebrate. Despite the obstacles that come withhaving a small team, the girls were able to build impeccable teamchemistry and even manage some wins!In addition to this, it is important to shed some light onto head CoachJulie Labbadia as it is her second year of coaching! Thankfully, CoachLabbadia graciously offered to fit us into her busy schedule so we couldask her a few questions about the season from her perspective. First question:A Turning Point For Valley FieldHockeyNataly Pavon-AvilaHow long have you been Head Coach and what hasinspired you to become a coach?

development as a coach. They really nurtured a love for the game forgenerations of players at WHS over the years.”Second question:Julie Labbadia: “Lucy Resnisky (our team's only senior). She is our team'sSweeper (defense). She is a phenomenal leader who the rest of theplayers look up to. She has been a key player on our team for the pasttwo seasons. She knows the game very well and is a natural leader onthe field. Lena Goldberg (junior) is our team's center midfielder. Amazingleader, always helping our new players and bringing a lot of success toour team, she is a key part of our midfield.”Third question:Julie Labbadia: “We played North Haven and had a fantastic game.Overall, we have scored 5 goals this season so far. This year has been arebuilding season for us but we're hoping to tack on another win againstNFA and Somers. We are a young team with only one senior. With that inmind, we had to focus on going back to the basics this season. It can bereally difficult for student-athletes to start a sport in high school. The lasttwo years though, we have run a youth clinic through Chester Parks andRecreation. Aaron Page has been fantastic to work with. The players onthe team have fantastic attitudes and want to be there and learn andimprove every single day. They have heart and give it their all most days.We have put a lot of pressure on the new players to learn quickly thisyear. Normally, players have a couple years of JV to work on stick skillsand positioning but the new players are kind of being thrown into varsitythis year without training wheels. They are handling it really well; theirskills make leaps and bounds each week.”We appreciate Coach Labbadia taking her time to answer our questionsand are very glad she is enjoying coaching at Valley as much as the teamloves having her. We are excited to see what the Girls Field Hockey teambrings to Valley next year! Keep up the hard work girls!Coach Olivia on the leftCoach Labbadia on the rightSenior Lucy Resnisky in middleThis is my fourth year teaching.Mr. Amendola: Honestly, for me, it’s just working with students. Icome in and really just want to work with students everyMr. Amendola: I taught in Putnam, Connecticut, about an hour or so awayfrom here. I was the assistant basketball coach there last year, too.At Valley, we take great pride in the exceptional relationships ourstudents have with their teachers, which is why welcoming new facultymembers is so important to us! This year, Valley has brought innumerous new faculty members, and we decided it would be importantto interview them to see Valley from their perspective or just simplyallow the school community to learn something they didn’t know! For thisarticle, we interviewed a new social studies teacher, Mr. Amendola, whohas already received praise from his students for his teaching style andhumor.What are your thoughts on your new captains, LucyResnisky and Catalena Goldberg?What have been your key moments of this season so farand how are the new players adjusting?Where did you teach before this?How long have you been a teacher?What is your favorite thing about your job?Mr. Amendola: A Dedicated Teacherand CoachTristan Spallone and Alana MartinezTristan: Mr. Amendola:Alana: Tristan:

Mr. Amendola: No, funny enough. I got into UConn as an engineer. I wasa civil engineering major, which lasted about six weeks. Collegechemistry and college calculus were not for me. So I'm like let me go intosomething I love and chose history, and I decided to become a historyteacher by the time I was a sophomore in college. So far, it’s been thebest decision I’ve ever made.Mr. Amendola: Yes, Putnam is a school of 250, with 50 students pergrade. Valley is actually a decent-sized school in comparison. It’s verysimilar to the high school I went to. I actually went to an IB high school.It was around the same size, so there were about 100 kids per grade.day. Getting to form relationships with them and seeing the positiveupdates throughout their lives is what really drives me.Mr. Amendola: Honestly, everything. Just seeing the school spirit thatyou guys have is really, really nice. It’s a nice change of pace from my oldschool. The kids at Valley have very positive attitudes and positiveoutlooks, which is great to see. It’s also been great that I’ve been able tobuild connections with students after only two months, especiallycoming from a really small school. It’s been nice to know that even at abigger school, I can still form those close relationships with the students.Mr. Amendola: I love teaching psychology. I also taught psychology atPutnam, and it’s been really fun teaching it here as well. It just gives youthe outlet to do so many creative activities and have tough conversationsthat you might not have in other classes. I’m vulnerable with thestudents, allowing them to be vulnerable with me in those toughconversations.Mr. Amendola: Yeah, absolutely. So, I’m also the JW girls’ soccer coach,which has been a really cool experience for me! I played soccer growingup and am a huge fan of it, but it’s my first time coaching the sport. I alsolove to travel, I’m the youth council advisor, and I work with Mr. Cruanesfor Mock Trial and Model UN outside of school. And then, of course, I lovetraveling, spending time with my girlfriend and friends, and playing lots ofsports.If you’re an underclassmanwondering ‘what to do’ for yoursenior parking spot, look at theseamazing spots!On October 2nd, while underclassmen struggled with the PSAT, theClass of 2025 Seniors enjoyed their own test of creativity— painting theirparking spots!This new tradition is becoming a great way to show off yourcreativity all while showing your school spirit!Mr. Amendola: I do want to eventuallyteach IB, whatever class it might be.Mr. Amendola is an enthusiastic and dedicatedteacher who brings a genuine passion to his role.He is not only committed to his job but alsoembodies the spirit of the Valley and has a deeplove for sports. We have no doubt that he is theperfect addition to our community at Valley, andwe can’t wait to see the great things he willaccomplish! Valley Regional social studies teacherMr. Amendola is pictured here:This opportunity was open to all seniors, even if they did nothave an assigned parking spot! All the money given to the seniorparking goes straight to the classof 2025’s safegrad.You can paint somethingas fun and creative as thesun and moon likeCampbell MasseyOr you can paint anintricate and heavilydetailed parking spot likethis on the WoodStockRock’n Roll.Special thanks to all the teacher and parent volunteers who had helpedto make this all possible!Alana:Alana: Alana: Tristan: Alana: Valley?What is your favorite class to teach?Is Putnam a smaller school than Valley?Were you always planning on being a teacher?Tristan: We heard that you coach baseball. Do you have anysimilar hobbies that you do outside or inside of school?What is your favorite thing you’ve seen so far aboutAre you an IB teacher?Senior Parking Spot PaintingLauren Verhagen

Unity DayLaura GessnerGet Ready For Molly BrownKellyn KolberVisit us on InstagramA Note From The EditorsHi everyone, We wanted to express our gratitude to everyone who hastaken the time out of their busy weeks to pick up our first issue of the2024-25 school year. It takes a plethora of hard work and dedication toachieve an issue with merit, which we have our wonderful writers tothank. Every student at Valley has their own story to tell, and their owninterests to share with the world. Email lgessner@reg4.k12.ct.us,kkolber@reg4.k12.ct.us, or kmadden@reg4.k12.ct.us if you have a storyyou want us to share in our next issue. Laura Gessner & Kellyn Kolber,Editors in ChiefOn Wednesday, October 16th, the hallways of Valley werefilled with an array of shades of orange during passing periods asValley celebrated Unity Day for the first time ever. A week prior toUnity Day, students were encouraged towrite positive messages on an orange slipof paper during Advisory period. Asstudents arrived at school on Wednesdaymorning, they were met with orange slipstaped to the lockers. Written on the slipswere messages from our entire student body! This was an amazingopportunity to share kindness, promote acceptance, encourageinclusion, and prevent bullying. Let’s keep a sense of unity throughoutthis 2024-2025 school year at Valley!Keep your eye out for upcoming information regardingValley’s 2025 musical production, “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.”Voices of Valley will be covering the production leading up to theperformance taking place in early March. Valley Regional is one ofjust 24 high schools in the nation to receive a grant to support theproduction. For those who do not know of Molly Brown, she was astrong feminist who advocated for justice and integrity, making her aninspiration to many and a notable figure in history. From a humbleupbringing in Hannibal, Missouri, Molly left for Leadville, Coloradowith a zest for life. There, she fell in love and married the manager ofthe Little Johnny Silver Mine, and the couple eventually became oneof the richest families in the country after extracting gold from theirmine. The couple then moved to Denver, and Molly’s love for givingback and learning became her top priority. She supported numerousmovements such as Women’s Suffrage, Labor Rights, Children’sRights, WW1 Relief and Aid, and much more. Director Ingrid Walshis more than excited to take on this project, saying, “The more I learnabout her, the more she inspires me and my desire to share her story.”Walsh and her team will guide the students through the process, butshe notes that in the end, the musical will be completely student-run:“In essence, an adult guides the students to the race, and the studentstake it to the finish line.” With rehearsals beginning as soon as November20th, Voices of Valley will explore the intricate details that bring themusical to life: cast/crew experience, production progress, and thesignificance of Molly’s story and impact.If you want to stay updated on the highlights of Valley’s student life, besure to check us out on Instagram @voices_of_valley! We will be postingnews regarding upcoming student events such as dances, sports games,club events, and fundraisers. We also do our best to connect with ourpeers with weekly interviews around the school. Direct message us to befeatured in one of our posts or interviews.@voices_of_valley