Safety First as Graduation Approaches

-By Michael Barney, Principal

Lunenburg High School has hosted several events over the past month to promote safety and well being as we approach prom and graduation season.  For the past three years, we have hosted mandatory pre-graduation meetings for seniors and their parents with the school administration and the police department to discuss not only the school calendar , time management and the academic issues faced by seniors at the end of the school year, but changes in junior operator laws, the social host legislation and enforcement of seat belt and drunk driving statutes.  These topics are brought to the forefront with parents and students together to prompt open dialogue and hopefully create a safer community for our students not only during graduation season but year round. 

On May 27, thanks to the generous grant support of the Miles for Myles committee, the staff and students of LHS were able to host John Morello’s presentation of “DIRT – A one man show of Substance Abuse and Choices”.  “Dirt” displays four different characters whose lives have been dramatically altered by decisions involving drugs and alcohol. In the end, “Dirt” addresses the core reasons for substance abuse such as self esteem, depression, and a desire to find a purpose in this often chaotic life.  On March 10 of this year, thirty of our students had the opportunity to go to the Molly Bish Center at Anna Maria College to attend the 2nd Annual Underage Drinking Prevention Conference. They attended workshops and were privileged to witness this incredible performance. The students felt that they wanted him to come and perform for our entire school. Through the grant, they made it happen and the feedback was incredible.

LHS hosted the kick-off of the 2010 Click It or Ticket Campaign by the Massachusetts State Police. Our guest speakers included representatives from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, the Lunenburg Police Department and Lunenburg High School student D.J Johnson discussing an accident he was involved in, and the positive result that wearing a seat belt had on his life.  The Massachusetts State Police also demonstrated a rollover simulator, showing the impact of seatbelt use, as well as the results of not wearing seatbelts.  My thanks go out to all our participants, and especially to D.J for having the courage to share his story with his classmates, which obviously had an impact.

We have had had many other special events leading into graduation.  The Pops Concert was again a sold out performance this year, with the jazz band, concert band, acapella group and chorus all putting on brilliant performances.  Ms. Katz and our students should be commended for their outstanding efforts.  Thanks to the Music Aiders for their ongoing support of the LHS music program. 

The Renaissance committee sponsored the second annual Earthfest concert under sunny skies on May 23^rd, collecting food donations in support of the Lunenburg food bank and showcasing local musical talent.

On May 27, the senior music students performed their senior showcase concert, giving them an opportunity to perform one special piece of music as an encore performance.  Participating in the showcase were Nick Poirier (accompanied by sophomore Mike Barney on trumpet), Laura Centarrino, Savanna Champagne, Sarah Wood, Corey Muchata, Amanda Buckingham, Stephanie Wong, Kate O’Rourke, Kara Lorden, Hannah Prentiss, Meagan Kendrick, Adam Lamy (accompanied by Junior Adelle Trainor), Brandie Amos, Kaitlin Carpenter, Brenden Bennett, Kelly Bingham, Lindsay Bingham, Jessica Breed, Tonje Oekland, Dan Paquette, Steven Passios and Taylor Tocci.  The master of ceremonies was Bethany Greenhalgh.

On June 3, the National Honor Society held their induction Ceremony.  New members inducted into the chapter included seniors Matthew Charpentier, Bryan Cumming and Katelyn Major and juniors Harrison Arciprete, Hannah Benson, Derek Booth, Elizabeth Broden, Samantha Broderick, Brittany Carlson, Kimberly Craig, Sara Dufresne, William Keegan, Jessie Klauer, Patrick Londa, Jennifer Markham, Kenneth McPherson, Rachel Park, Hannah Peterson, Matthew Pratt, Allison Rivard, James Rowe, Julia Song, Rachel Spurgeon, Hana Vickery and Corinne Wyson.  Congratulations to our new inductees who show outstanding service, leadership, character and scholarship.

As we approach graduation this Saturday, there are many community members to thank.  Our appreciation goes out to all of you who have sponsored our STEP interns, who have provided scholarships, who have supported our musicians, athletes, artists, our academic events, and all other school activities.  Thanks to our parents who have been so supportive of our mission and have been active partners in working to educate our students.  The time has passed so quickly, and now we are ready for graduation.  We invite the entire Lunenburg community to join us in this celebration on Saturday at 6 PM on the front lawn of Lunenburg High School.  We are proud of our seniors and congratulate them on their accomplishments.