❧Voices of Valley ☙ Valley Regional High School Student Newspaper— Issue II, February 2024 Editors in Chief: Laura Gessner, Kellyn Kolber; Writers: Ella Martinez, Grace Matute-Ishman, Olivia Dart, Tristan Spallone, KajsiaWright, Lauren Verhagan, Nataly Pavon-Avila, Alana Martinez, Lyla Colomb, Emily Collins, Madelyn DeLorso; Public Relations: Erza The Valley Regional Volleyball Team had an outstanding 2024-2025 season, winning both the Shoreline Championshipand the Class S State Championship with an impressive 24-2record. Parents and fans noted the team’s remarkableperformance, often surprising many schools with their strength,despite a general lack of height. The 2024 Varsity Rosterincluded Regan Grow (captain), Rubee Cecchini (captain),Emma Gibson (captain), Grace Lunz, Kellyn Kolber, HallieMoore, Nia Marchese, Taylor Zduniak, Madelyn DeLorso,Josephina Mcgee, Alexa Escarraman-Andujar, Daphne Zito, andEmily Collins. The team was expertly guided by head coachJaimie Bickelhaupt, with assistance from Sofia Cullina and NickBraga. Reflecting on the season, senior captain Regan Grow, who earned All-State First Team, Academic All-State, Player of theYear, and All Shoreline First Team honors, attributed theirsuccess to hard work and team cohesion. Grow emphasizes, “Ibelieve our team's hard work led us to winning both the shoreline and state championship, along with our love for one another andour level of cohesiveness. The girls on the team have grown soclose and grown so much love for one another. Nobody wants to mess up on the court,obviously, but the reasonwhy has changedthroughout the season. Inthe beginning of theseason, messing up would mean a loss of points, maybe the coach would be angry and mystats would be messed up. But as the season progressed, we allgrew to worry about one thing: each other. I believe our grit anddetermination to perform for each other and not let one anotherdown made us so successful. Being able to understand, trust, andwork with one another’s abilities can be difficult but once wefound our rhythm we just kept rolling”. In addition to Grows response, junior Nia Marchese, who earnedFirst Team Shoreline recognition states that, “the number onething that led to our victory was our team's ability to work andmove as one. The trust and faith we have in each other highlightshow we truly work on the court. This team is Morina, Rowan Herlihy, Nia Marchese, Taylor Zduniak. Valley Volleyball’s Historic2024 - 2025 Season Madelyn DeLorso ❧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
Over the past few months the Valley and John Winthropstudents have had to adapt to highly confined conditions. Sincethe awful news that a dangerous mold swept across the HVACsystem in the middle school, Valley and John Winthrop had tomake substantial sacrifices. Lockers were moved or eliminatedfor some, the gym became a shared space, classrooms wererearranged and scheduleshad to shift. But as ofJanuary 2nd, thishistorical chapter for bothschools came to a close.After well over a year, John Winthrop finally returned to theJWMS building. Before the move even happened there was anatmospheric buzz. The thought of change hung heavy in the air.For the Valley students, more questions arose as the date grewcloser: Where will the new classes be? How will the scheduleshift? And many more. As for the John Winthrop students, theirenergy and excitement was rising every second. The JWMSstudents have had to make some uncomfortable changes sincetheir building was evacuated. Their lunch times became as earlyas breakfast, their space was cramped and rushed, and theirprojects and school spirit activities were changed to meet theneeds of the high school. When 7th grader Sadie Cohen wasasked about the John Winthrop building she said, “I expect JW tobe very different from Valley with big hallways and lots of something very special and each one of my teammates pushed themselves to their mental and physical limits.” As stated by both players, the Valley Regional Volleyball Team's success in the season stemmed from a forceful combination of individual talent and unwavering team unity. Their hard work, paired with mutual respect and trust, fostered an environment where each player pushed themselves and their teammates to excel, along with the help of their coaches and many parents who devoted time to the team during the season. Kellyn Kolber In honor of those who risked their lives fighting for our country, Valley Regional High School held its annual Veteran’s Day ceremony, honoring the brave men and women from the Tri-Town area. For the Veterans, the day began in the library, where they were treated to lunch. Following lunch, everyone gathered for an assembly, during which each Veteran was introduced by a student. The Veterans shared their experiences and offered advice to the students, responding to questions from the audience. Thanks to Sasha Weiss-Sanford, the director of the event, everything went smoothly, and the students gained significant knowledge about military life. During the Veterans’ Luncheon, many were happy to answer some questions about their experience. For instance, Nick Brzozowy, who served in the US Marine Corps, provided spread-out classrooms.” When questioned about changes shewould like to see, she replied, “Lunch at a more normal time,more P.E. days, more equipment, and messy projects.” When 7thgrade Emily Richards was asked about the emotions pending themove she stated, “The feeling is mostly excitement with a littlebit of nerves.” With school spirit on both sides steadily on the rise, everyone is excited to see the positive changes this new chapterwill bring. As the John Winthrop kids returned to their school, theyhad to face the challenges and excitements a new environmentwould bring. For the eighth graders the building was vaguelyfamiliar as they resided there for the beginning of their seventhgrade year. When interviewed about the most unexpected changesLillie Farrell replied with, “The difference of space on the first day.”Many students had many different opinions on the move but for 7thgrade Sadie Cohen, she was ecstatic: “I love it so much. We got somuch more independence. Being there makes school so fun. It’sthe best school I’ve been to yet.” In the end, both schools havegained their own sense of independence. Although this event waschallenging and difficult on both sides, it has brought the JohnWinthrop and Valley Regional High School communities closer thanever. The End of An Era: JW and ValleyFinally Separate! Emily Collins Honoring Local Veterans 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
valuable insight into the ways that the military influenced his personal life. He has found that some aspects of his lifestyle have carried over a bit unexpectedly. He remarked, “Sometimes I'll catch myself giving people military time or communicating with radio signals.” He also notes that the military taught him about specific values, such as discipline and priority management. As a teacher, he says, “One of the things that’s really carried over is mission first, people second. I do that a lot with my kids [his students] now. I always try to keep what’s going on with my students in mind, but it’s second because I have another 26 kids to teach.” However, he adds, “If one of them is really going through something, I make sure that’s a priority for myself as well.” Bill Burdick, a Vietnam Veteran for the US Army, shared that friendship and sacrifice were significant themes in his experiences. He became emotional as he said, “I was one of the crazy ones. I was willing to give everything I had to help my guys get back. But that’s just how I was.” Students were also eager to hear about the enjoyable aspects of military life. Brzozowy noted, “When you got back to the barracks, you were promised a barbecued meal or a cornhole tournament. The living situation wasn’t ideal, but it was always fun.” And Travis Board, a colonel of the US Air Force, described the thrill of flying, explaining, “For the few times it's been scary, there’s a thousand where it's been fun.” A particularly touching story was shared by Gerald (Army) and Eileen Richard (Air Force), who met at an airbase in Japan and are now married. Gerald noted that meeting the love of his life was his favorite memory from his time in the military, earning heartfelt applause from the crowd. The Veterans each gave personal advice to the student body, exemplifying the strong connection within the Tri-Town community. Jim Jake, the faculty manager at Valley who served in the US Navy advised, “It’s important to find the path for you. Not going to college is valid. Success comes in many forms, and there are numerous pathways to accomplish your goals.” As the second semester rolls around, juniors and seniors from French and Spanish language courses are gearing up fortheir trip. Several upperclassmen have taken the amazingopportunity to embark on a trip to France and Spain this springbreak. Traditionally, the world language trips have run everyother year, allowing a new wave of people to participate in thislife-changing experience each time. However, due to the IBprogram offering an additional trip next spring, the WorldLanguage Committee has decided to do it all again this year! Last spring, Mrs. Whelan and Mr. Cruanes took several French language students to France for a 10-day excursion.Through unforgettable experiences such as living with a host Similarly, Allen Graham, a veteran of the US Army, said, “Betrue to yourselves. It’s impossible to know where you’ll want tobe in 5 or 10 years, but you’ll find your way.” Many Veteransalso encouraged students to be assertive and productive, such asBurdick, who said, “Don’t be afraid to take risks. Don’t be afraidto reach out and see what life has to offer,” and Brzozowy, whoadded, “Be reliable. Be the person who always shows up. There’sa saying that if you have something that needs to be done, give itto a busy person. Be the busy person.” These were commonthemes displayed throughout the event, not only bringing light tothe Veteran’s sacrifices and bravery but also the critical lessonslearned in the process that they hope to instill in futuregenerations. It’s easy to forget that even a small area, such as Essex, Deep River, or Chester, is home to some of the most inspiringand courageous people. Thanks to this ceremony, local studentswere reminded of their sacrifices and the potential to join themilitary after high school. The event illustrated that a militaryexperience is not just about combat and danger; it also fosterslifelong friendships and instills significant values. And on top ofthat, school events like this help bring citizens of the Tri-Towntogether. It is not often that Valley students have the chance toengage profoundly and directly with these Veterans, making such interactions truly memorable. Valley Takes on Europe (Again)! Laura Gessner 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
family in Aix En Provence, walking to school in true Aix fashion, and visiting the Eiffel Tower and running up to the second floor, the France trip was truly memorable to all. The France trip this year will include the same experiences with a few minor changes. Contrary to starting in the city of love, Paris, students will begin their journey in Aix with a host family and end in Paris instead. This will give the students time to settle in with their families and encapsulate the slow nature of French culture. Mr. Barile will also be chaperoning the trip alongside Mrs. Whelan this spring. Unique to this year, students who may have gone on the trip last year as juniors have the opportunity to go again. With that being said, five senior girls who participated in the abroad experience last spring have chosen to go to France again this year! I reached out to Chloe Alsback, a senior at Valley who will be going on the France trip again, to ask her why she is going back. Chloe explained to me, “France was truly a life-changing experience, it is an amazing opportunity and privilege to go again and I can’t wait to be back in such a special place. I mean, who could pass up something like this? France, with my favorite teacher, amongst some of my closest friends.” To Alsback, her trip to France was an unforgettable experience that she holds very special in her heart. She added that when Mrs. Whelan broke the news to her IB French HL class that Valley was going back, “We were all screaming and jumping. We started playing Champs Lysee, our favorite song that we would listen to together in France to celebrate. I mean, you should have seen our faces. Pure joy. At that point, we didn’t know how we would pay for it or figure out going back, but, coming from a place of thinking that we would never go back, I knew I had to go.” The reaction of Mrs. Whelan’s French class says it all. This trip was undeniably something special. In addition to the France Trip, last spring, Spanishlanguage students took on Spain accompanied by Mr. Barile andMr. Lequire. During this experience, students stayed with hostfamilies in Salamanca and visited Madrid for culturalsightseeing. This year, thetrip will be accompaniedby Ms. Aguliar and Ms.Swanson. Students willland in Madrid and spendone day in the amazingcity. After that, the groupwill head to Salamancawhere they will meet their host families. After several days ofliving with a host family and attending a language immersionschool, students will head back to Madrid for additionalsightseeing. Unfortunately, no seniors are choosing to go backthis year. However, unlike any years before, a few sophomoreshave been hand-selected to venture to Spain. As a result of thesesophomores' hard work and dedication in their Spanish languagecourses, they now get to experience this once-in-a-lifetimejourney with their peers. I am pleased to see students seizing the opportunity to experience new cultures, be immersed in a language, and see theworld together. More updates are to come! This Other Eden Alana Martinez Get to know the kind hearted and eccentric inhabitants of Apple Island through this Pulitzer Prize awarded historicalfiction novel, This Other Eden by Paul Harding. Set in the 1700s on the coast of Maine, this storyfollows an Irish woman, Patience, andher previously enslaved husbandBenjamin Honey. Their mixed-raceddescendants of a century latercontinue to inhabit the island in theirpeaceful homes until a teacher withgood intentions, although naive, comes along to educate the children of the island, finding that 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
they have extraordinary abilities. Although the islanders live in considerably unclean conditions and struggle with poverty, they are seemingly satisfied; Their serene realm of nature keeps them safe and content. The book is written through the perspective of several characters, and as word of the island and its strange inhabitants spreads throughout the mainland, their lives will change and perhaps separate if they cannot undergo the pressure and newfound attention. This book explores familial relationships, religious themes, and hardship through difficult times and persecution. Ultimately, I could not find a more unique historical fiction novel that was equally engrossing and sensational in its entirety. Harding’s cunning work is a beautiful testament of family and love. Do you enjoy working in the culinary field? Maybeinterested in majoring in childhood education later on? Well, youshould join FCCLA! At FCCLA, we are more than a club—we are a group of leaders,activists, andchangemakers dedicatedto making a difference inour community. In thespirit of the season, ourFCCLA members wrote heartfelt Christmas cards last year for families staying at theRonald McDonald House in New Haven. This incredibleorganization provides housing and support to families withcritically ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.Through our cards, we aimed to bring joy and comfort to familiesduring a challenging time, letting them know they are not alone. In October of 2024, we joined the fight against pediatric cancer by hosting a bake sale for Cookies 4 Kids Cancer, anonprofit dedicated to raising funds for innovative treatments.Thanks to the overwhelming support from our school andcommunity, we raised over $600 to help this important cause. Itwas a powerful reminder that even small actions—like bakingand selling cookies—can lead to meaningful change. This November, we collaborated with Mrs. Dalton in the Library for aStaff Gratitude initiative. Students and staff were encouraged towrite cards expressing thanks to school staff members who havemade an impact on their lives. These cards are currentlydisplayed in the library as a testament to the positive connectionswithin our school and will be delivered to staff members beforeThanksgiving break. This initiative not only strengthened ourcommunity but also highlighted the importance of recognizingteachers who support us every day. FCCLA’s leadership extends beyond the classroom, as they discovered trends like plant-based dining and global fusioncuisines. These experiences opened our eyes to how diversityshapes our world and inspired us to think creatively in our futureendeavors. In the spring, we paired with FBLA and Ms. B’s SportsMarketing class to develop unique stadium food concepts as partof a project on sports and marketing. Our trip to Fenway Park gaveus hands-on experience with the intersection of food, sports, andbusiness. From menu design to understanding the logistics ofserving thousands of fans, we came away with practical insightsand a deeper appreciation for teamwork and innovation. As we move forward, FCCLA remains committed to leadership, community activism, and personal growth. We haveeven more exciting projects and initiatives planned for Spring2025, ensuring that our members continue to make an impactwhile gaining valuable life skills. FCCLA’s mission has alwaysbeen to lead with heart, and this year has proven how powerfulthat mission can be. Whether it’s writing a card, baking a cookie,or exploring new ideas, every action adds up to somethingbigger. Together, we’re creating change—not just in our Need a Club to Join? Join FCCLA! Grace Matute-Ishman community but within ourselves. If you are interested in joining please contact Mrs. Dubois, jdubois@reg4.k12.ct.us or go to room 407 and talk to her! we’ve taken part in two unforgettable field trips. Last winter, we explored New York City to learn about how industries areembracing inclusivity andinnovation. Students visitedfashion exhibits that showcasedadaptive clothing for all abilitiesand toured food markets where 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?
As Valley starts to welcome new staff members and the students get to know them, we’re shedding some light on Valley’s new hall monitor and footballcoach, Garret Hall, known asCoach Hall around theschool! Coach Hall has beenworking at Valley since the2024 school year started inAugust and he’s been adored by warrior nation and gotten along with all the students as manyreport. Laura Gessner and I had the pleasure of interviewingCoach Hall in order to get to know him more and share hisfascinating background story, merch, and how he’s liked Valleyso far. We started the interview off with the question: “How are you adjusting to Valley so far?” Coach Hall: “So far so good. The boys in the 310 bathroom have been giving me a run for my money, but I’ve beenable to lock it down. However, aside from that, Valley is a greatschool. The kids are even better and the administration isawesome as well as the athletics. So as far as adjusting goes, I’mglad to be here and be able to finish the year out.” Our follow up question was then inspired by a couple of rumors being told around the school about a devastating injuryCoach Hall encountered, and we were wondering how heovercame this injury and what was the story behind it. The next question was, “Tell us about your story?”Coach Hall: “Alright my story: it’s a long one. When I was in high school I played football and ran track, and I wasrecruited to play football at the college level. The first week intoprep school I attended a party that I shouldn't have. Keep that inmind when you graduate. And unfortunately a fight broke out atthat party. Three guys did unfortunately decide to pull out a gunat the party and they shot the party up. There were three people On March 14th, 15th, and 16th, Valley Regional Musical Productions is performing The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Themusical tells the inspiring story of a woman in Colorado whoadvocated for Women’s rights, Immigration rights, and Laborrights. Her legacy includes founding Denver’s first HumaneSociety, organizing the Children of Miners Organization, andraising $10,000 for Titanic survivors. The students involved inthis year’s musical are positively thrilled to take on such a there, and I was one of them. One person did die that night andanother person had an injury in their arm. I definitely wake up everyday and appreciate the days I’m given and that's one reason whyI’m here at Valley. I'm here to kind of give that inspiration andmotivation back to the kids. It's the real world and real thingshappen really fast and unfortunately for me at the age of 18, thathappened and I had to learn and grow up super fast. There aremore details about the injury and the recovery so if anyone has anyquestions, feel free to come up to me in the halls and ask.” Lastly we asked Coach Hall, “How did you come up with your brand: bulletproof and logo etc” Coach Hall: “ So the brand bulletproof was inspired by my story. I wanted to start it not for fashion-related reasons butfor the mental story behind it. Listen, there's “bullets” in life thatare gonna try to hit us all the time no matter if we’re 18, 16, ormy age now, 30. Everytime those bullets come at you, it’simportant to have that reminder that you have to be impenetrable.Not physically obviously, but metaphorically that’s the message.As for the logo, the three symbols show an E in the wordbulletproof and symbolize the three people shot that night. It’s alittle memorial for them.” It was an honor to get Coach Hall to sit with us and answer our questions. His story is definitely one that no one canforget, so make sure to show support and say hi to him in thehalls! Meet Garret Hall! Nataly Pavon-Avila Unsinkable! Meet the Cast of TheSpring 2025 VRMP Production Kellyn Kolber & Kajsia Wright 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:
meaningful production, sharing their enthusiasm in recent interviews. As merely a sophomore, Kajsia Wright is leading the cast as Margaret “Call me Molly” Brown. Accepting this remarkable opportunity, Wright is ready to make her mark on this iconic role at Valley Regional. According to Wright, the program hadn’t even heard of Molly Brown prior to beginning production. But after reading the script and connecting with the character, she, along with the entirety of the cast and crew, couldn’t be more excited to share her story! As one of the most influential women of her time, she has become an inspiration to the program; “She managed to do what some of us could never amount to in a single lifetime,” Wright shares, "she was an advocate and a friend to everyone, and our entire cast hopes that people are inspired by what she did.” While it’s an honor to play such a distinguished role, Wright admits that bringing this character to life has not been without its challenges. She reveals, “At first, I was really worried that I wouldn’t do justice to her character because she is such an iconic figure in history.” But luckily, with some extra research and support from her peers, she has grown more comfortable in the role, saying, “I hope that I’ll be able to bring her to life in my own way, yet still paying respects to the real Molly Brown.” Playing Molly Brown’s husband, James Joseph “JJ” Brown, is junior Justin Lenda. In his own words, his character is “very self-determined but also caring about those around him.” freshman Oliver Smith will play Horace Tabor, the owner of the Leadville mines. His wife, “Baby Doe” Tabor, will be played by senior Jasmine Ferguson. Ferguson has shared that her character mirrors her strength and confidence and inspires her to take action in her community because of her graciousness inassisting Molly with her goals. Junior Belle Rice will be playingthe role of Julia Gerrard, a dear friend of Molly’s. Rice woulddescribe her character as “naturally maternal and nurturing,”adding that she exhibits personal growth in the show, eventuallybecoming sure of herself and her own beliefs. However, likeWright, she has grappled with the challenge of portraying areal-life figure. She shares, “Understanding how to move, talk,and express emotions as if you are someone else completelyrather than just a depthless person has been truly challenging yetalso incredible.” She adds that the process gives each of the castmembers a unique perspective on another individual’s life. Although each cast member has a different relationship with their role, everyone can agree that the messagesconveyed in this production are invaluable. Rice explains that theoverarching theme of the show centers on selflessness, but thereare also numerous other lessons to be learned along the way, suchas the importance of standing up for your beliefs and being opento learning from those around you. She gushes, “This show hasendless ways for the audience to either learn something new orleave the show with a smile on their face and an urge to get intotheir community.” Other cast members have even shared that thestory’s messages have changed their perspectives on life, such asjunior Jack Berardanelli, playing a miner in the Leadville Silvermines. He now recognizes that even small actions can make asignificant difference to someone in need. He says, “It made me want to spend more of my time donating things of my own or volunteering at local soup kitchens.” On top ofthat, he shares that it brought light to the things that he takes forgranted, making him feel even more compelled to show hisappreciation by giving back to his community. Although The Unsinkable Molly Brown isn’t a household name in theater, Valley’s cast and crew implore members of theTri-Town community to attend. Smith notes that the program’shard work will ensure that it is “phenomenal” and “compelling.”And, of course, he hopes that viewers will appreciate its moralvalue, saying, “The message of activism and standing up forwhat’s right is such a strong statement that should be spread.” 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
If you want to stay updated on the highlights of Valley’s student life, be sure to check us out on Instagram @voices_of_valley! We will be posting news regarding upcoming student events such as dances, sports games, club events, and fundraisers. We also do our best to connect with our peers with weekly interviews around the school. Direct message us to be featured in one of our posts or interviews. Even in an era where activism becomes increasingly mainstream, Molly’s story remains uniquely powerful and inspiring. As Ferguson says, “She was so ahead of her time. She not only advocated for women’s rights, but she cared for and advocated for other minorities such as immigrants and homeless people.” Clearly, the cast has fallen in love with Molly. Their goal: to show the Tri-Town community exactly why. Hi everyone, thanks for picking up our second issue of Voices of Valley for the 2025-2026 school year! In this issue, our talented group of writers have explored literature, shared past and upcoming Valley events, and even introduced us to new staff members. We are eternally grateful to our writers who have taken on the responsibility of becoming a voice within our community. Whether this issue inspires you, sparks curiosity, or even excites you, we hope you enjoy it. Feel free to contact kkolber@reg4.k12.ct.us, lgessner@reg4.k12.ct.us, or kmadden@reg4.k12.ct.us if interested in writing for Voices of Valley. See you next issue! Visit us on Instagram A Note From Your Editors @voices_of_valley Laura Gessner & Kellyn Kolber Editors in Chief 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