A Watery Race: Extreme Teams’ Last Paddle Battle

Early on Friday the 27th of April, students from SLA boarded the bus to camp Winnekeag where they would race across the lake and back. This was the final challenge for the 2012-13 Extreme Team Challenge. The whole purpose of this event was to teach students how to work together and give them an opportunity to do that in the great outdoors. In structuring the Extreme Team events, Mr. Fellows designed it to be an alternative to regular team sports for students of South Lancaster Academy.

The Pioneer sat down with the orchestrator, Mr. Fellows, to see what he thought of the race and final event for Extreme Teams this year.

Q: Why did you choose a canoe race for the final team challenge?

A: We have done a canoeing before, so we decided to do it again. Also this sport was appropriate for the season and weather. With canoeing being my favorite sport, it was easy to share this event with the kids.

Q: What was the atmosphere throughout the whole season?

A: It was a really enjoyable atmosphere filled with good spirit and laughter. This year the competitive mentality was not as strong giving room for the individuals of all teams to learn and laugh together while relaxing in the outdoors.

Q: Was there any team that really surprised you?

A: I was really surprised by First Class. They were an interesting mix of people with great talents and all of various ages and grades.

Q: Did you see a lot of teamwork amongst the teams?

A: During the events I witnessed some organization. But most of all I saw people pulling out of their shells and own comfort zones by going out of their way to help others. Its something that one does not often see in class.

Q: Was there any changes that were remarkable in either the people or teams from the beginning to the end of thecompetitions?

A: There was one person who showed some amazing facets because of the total group acceptance. I saw the teams leave all boundaries of the classroom at the school and be completely open with each other as they brought out each others’ best assets and the feeling of unity.

Q; Is this something you would do again?

A: Oh yeah! We will switch it up to keep it interesting.

The Hunger Games: Pros & Cons

The Hunger Games (film) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Everyone has moods that require different forms of entertainment; whether it is  a light-reading magazine or a documentary movie explaining physiology. Whether the choice is casual or in-depth, both have their effects on the brain.

Some forms of entertainment can help or hinder a person’s growth mentally, physically, emotionally, or spiritually. But others may argue that most entertainment is just for pleasure.  Today we are going to delve in to one of today’s most popular series to read and watch, The Hunger Games for a closer look.

This interesting series of three book written by Suzanne Collins, is a futuristic thriller with some positive and negative elements. It has an intricate plot that includes a budding romance, people fighting for their lives, and a heroine that captures the heart of many young and old.

The SLA Pioneer sat down with some young people here and around the community to see what their opinion about the series and their thoughts on whether this series should be taken as light entertainment, or as a story with a deeper message.

One Senior said,” I read the first book and I really like the setting and time that the story took place. It made for an awesome movie,which was a little lacking…I think that the story of The Hunger Games is inspiring and would not have a bad effect on anyone who understood its meaning.”

Another young lady mentioned “It was just a story to a lot of people to excite them, but I guess it might also be a story about good and bad morals such as selflessness, honesty, courage, love, and standing up for what you believe in.”

One high school student said, “The books were awesome and impossible to put down. Mentally it could have an addicting effect. I think it depends it could effect a person if they are not really cautious   in any other way like physically or emotionally. Every book plays with your emotions but its up to the reader and how they interpret it.”

A junior quoted, “I think the book was better because the movie left out a lot  of details. But overall I think that if a person is gullible or weak-minded then they could be emotion physically the most. But only spiritually if they are really not grounded in their faith.”

An avid fan had this to say; “The movie and books were interesting and had a captivating style of writing. But The Hunger Games could have a bad effect on people of any age who plain aren’t mature enough for its content. For example their behavior could become violent or they could become mentally disturbed from the ideas of a future filled with doom.”

A sophomore at SLA said, “Really enjoyed the movie and thought that the books were well written. But as for what the effects the series could have on a person, well that really depends on what age and maturity level they are.”

Yet another freshman mentioned: “I loved the books. I don’t think they could really have an effect on a person unless they are not morally well based.”

As many of you can see, the young people responding were all in favor of the movie or books. But what most don’t realize is the effects that the Hunger Game series can have on one’s subconscious. According to many studies, people are heavily effected by what they watch. This can have especially large impact on one’s thought process and decision making skills.
Movies and books all become apart of the reader or viewer as they delve into the material.

Since The Hunger Games has come out  the sale and interest in sports such as archery and also self-defense classes have all gone up amongst teenagers. Also the interest in futuristic-writing that portrays violent subject material has become a popular genre amongst high schoolers.

But most alarming is the subtle themes that are present in the movie and books. The focus on violence is front and center in this series, and can have a major effect on a person physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. The whole series is bases on a game that pits young kids and teens against one another to the death. This is desensitizing in a way by showing the readers and viewers that people are no better or any more important than to be treated like animals to be hunted. The producers of the movie have continually tried to downplay this fact.

Other ideas that can have a negative effect on teenagers are subtly introduced in this series as well. Small sexual themes are underscored as a puppy romance but portray deeper physical contact, such as intense lip locks. Alcoholism, profanity, and downplayed importance of family are other negative portrayed values that should make teenagers think twice about what they are putting in their minds.

To be fair, there are some good elements to the movies as well. The film features encouragement for one to fight for what they believe in. Some other valuable lessons come from good qualities portrayed in Katniss Everdeen; justice, equality, selflessness, respect for superiors and following what is morally right no matter what.

Overall there are some major pros and cons that one must consider in watching the books or viewing the movie in light of all the above. It is important to ponder, whether this book is indeed casual material, or in-depth content that requires maturity. Ask yourself if you have the ability to remove yourself from the fictional story, and if your mental health/stability can allow you to enjoy this book as fantasy and not distort your reality.  If your choice of entertainment is not going to improve you in any way, think twice about watching, reading, or listening to it.

SLA’s Required Service Hours: A Community Perspective

Here at South Lancaster Academy students log a minimum of 80 hours to graduate. There are so many different service opportunities available throughout the community, yet most students view community service as a chore. Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t view volunteering as a requirement but rather as an opportunity to learn, mature, network, and witness.

There is an aspect to community service that most often we forget; that of witnessing. The word witnessing encompass many things. For instance one could witness about their faith, understandings, and points of view, or drive for various causes. In doing any work or assistance, there is always a chance to have an impact or influence on the people, place, and community around you.

Another reason why taking time to give back to your community through various services is the chance to mature in many ways. The opportunity for a person to mature and learn as they do something beneficial is not always easy to find. But if you are doing community service the chance is always there. If you are working with the elderly then you may obtain some wise wisdom from spending time with them. If you were to work with animals, you might get a better understanding of the aspects of nurturing that people and animals alike need. The possibilities are endless because in doing community service, a person is apt to learn so many things about where they come from. who they are, their culture, and their history.

The last, but certainly not the least reason for doing community service would be to network. This is the process of obtaining connections that may later on be resourceful in getting a job interview or a reference for either school or work. Since networking is so key when it comes to getting ahead in society today, one can also view community service as a way to advance themselves and equip themselves for the future.

In the end community service is what you make it. No matter what category or area you help out it, the best way to get the most our of your service time is to look at it in a new light; a community perspective!

Do You Have A Green Thumb? Botany’s New Gardening Experience

Mara Luna, Jonathan Rodriguez, and Melissa Stitze
Photo Taken By Jennifer Sierra

Over the past week South Lancaster Academy‘s Botany class has begun the process of starting a garden via an indoor lab full of seedlings. Some of the plants being grown include heirloom veggies, fruits and flowers and spices. Over the next remaining two months of school, students in the class will be learning what it takes to grow a healthy garden. The crops will be sold and the money given to further mission trip fundraising for next year.

Specifically, the garden’s crops will include lilies and petunias. As for veggies, there are peppers of all kinda such as sweet bell peppers and habanero, cucumbers, lettuces, tomatoes, eggplant and much more. Also thrown in the mix are various types of melons that are small and sweet!

There is much more that is in the works for the botany class, some of which involves more planting and a field trip or two. The Pioneer sat down with Mr. Huff, who took over for Mrs. Brahmia currently out on maternity leave, to find out more details about plans for this spring.

What is your vision for this class and the work they are currently doing?

Chris Millron Photo taken By Jennifer Sierra

Mr. Huff: I want to see the students walk away with a practical experience with plant science and the knowledge/ ability to apply it too.

How did you come up with the idea of using the gardens as a duel purpose; to learn about plants and get funding for mission trip?

Mr. Huff: Filling two important and pertinent needs at one time.

In working with the students of the class, do you see some students as being excited or delving into that field?Mr. Huff: Yes, some are definitely better with their hands and seem to have a better grasp and also a drive to explore further into this area of science!

Where are you planning to go on a field trip to?

Mr. Huff: We are planing to take a trip to the Pumpkin Patch, and possibly a trip to Botanical Gardens or Tower Hill.

What do you think is the advantage of taking this class?

Mr. Huff: You will have a better understanding of the world around you and how it works like what plants are edible and how to grow them.

A Glimpse into SLA’s Spring Student Events

This school year has seen several events that the Student Association has designed for the students and faculty alike to enjoy. These upcoming Spring months hopes to be a blast, as the Student Association finalizes its activities for students to participate in.

The SLA Pioneer sat down with some of the Student Association officers to discuss the possibilities for upcoming events that may hopefully come to be!

Vice President Johannes Sorto shared that “Some [ideas we have] are really interesting like a spring Handshake. This event would include group activities where students are separated randomly to compete in different games. The mixing of classes is done so that students can get to know each other and interact with other people. Kind of like a little shove out of their comfort zone, but in a way to bring the school closer together.”

Another Activity that is being debated is a go-carting/ laser tag trip to a local venue. The goal is to create student bonding time and to allow students the thrill of trying something new that most students have not gone all within a reasonable price.

There are other possibilities that are being discussed for students to enjoy currently by the Student Association. Stay tuned for more updates as they become available!