Monday, February 29, 2016

Attention Parents: Activities Survey

Extra Curricular Activities

We are trying to gather data about clubs and activities at our school. Your answers will help us assess which activities are currently running, how many students are involved in each activity, and how many activities each student participates in. Thank you for your time and attention.

Extra Curricular Survey

February 2016 Athletes of the Month

February 2016 Athletes of the Month
By Michael McCaffrey

Hockey – Ryan Dodge
Coach Brendan McCann on Ryan Dodge, Ryan capped off a successful 2015-2016 regular season with a fantastic month of February, where he scored three goals to finish the year with a team leading 11. Asides from his offensive output, he also excels on the defensive side where his line continuously shuts down their opponents' offense.”

Boys Indoor Track & Field – Benjamin Hauk
Coach Angus MacDonald on Benjamin Hauk , “Benjamin has improved leaps and bounds over the course of this season.  He was our top distance scorer and led the team in the 2mile, mile, 1000m, and the 4 by 800m split.  Benjamin recently made it to the division 4 all state meet and was the first GDRHS distance runner to ever do so.”

Boys Basketball – Tyler LeClerc
Coach Greg Gilllette on Tyler LeClerc, “Tyler LeClerc. Tyler is always one of the first and last players at practice. He has a tremendous work ethic which has paid off late in the season. Tyler has been extremely clutch for us down the stretch both defensively and offensively.”

Girls Indoor Track & Field – Brianna Fischer
Coach Colleen Naboicheck on Brianna Fischer, Brianna's enthusiastic, positive attitude and energy is prevalent at every practice and meet.  It's contagious and motivates her teammates.

Gymnastics – Auste Subaciute
Coach Bill Kane on Auste Subaciute, Captain Auste finished her high school gymnastics career being the gymnast that contributed the most number of points for our team for the second year in a row.  She represented GD at the Senior Super Bowl and also qualified for high school State individuals!  She has been a great leader on our team and she will be missed next year!  We all wish her great success next year in college!

Varsity Girls Basketball – Jordan Wynn

Coach Mark Hennelly on Jordan Wynn, “Jordan is second in rebounding average (6.2 RPG) on the 16-4, Mid-Wach B League Champion Crusaders. Her 17 points helped propel the Crusaders to an upset of Belmont High School in the Spartan Classic over February vacation. Jordan is a tenacious, unselfish, intelligent young lady who will fulfill any role that is asked of her and is a constant source of encouragement/support for her teammates at all times.” 

Girls Alpine Ski - Alissa Johnson
Coach Rick Temple on Alissa Johnson, “Girls Team Captain Alissa Johnson has finished up her High School racing career by qualifying for the Massachusetts State Championship Race. She exemplifies leadership and positive attitude, and will be missed by her team and coach.”

Boys Alpine Ski – Will Premru 

Coach Rick Temple on Will Premru, “Boys Team Captain Will Premru finished up his Junior year by qualifying for the Massachusetts State Championship Race. His hard work and dedication has paid off with outstanding results.”

Open House, Superintendent's Presentation, GDRHS Playoff Info. & More

Open House & Superintendent's Presentation
Open House will be held on Thursday, March 3rd at 6:00pm.  Parents and guardians will run through a typical school day following the schedule of their child.  Please arrive with schedule in hand.

All high school parents are invited to hear the Superintendent's presentation about the district's needs assessment findings and how this will impact the 2017 district budget request. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.

5:15 - 6:00 Superintendent's Presentation in the Blackbox Theater
6:00 - 8:00 Open House



Crusaders Heading to Playoffs!

Boys Basketball (11-9)
   Boys Hockey    (13-3-4)
Girls Basketball (16-4)
GD (#6) v. Marlboro (#3)
GD (#2) v. winner of North Middlesex/Wachusett
GD (#2) v. winner of Wayland/ Auburn
Thursday, March 3 at 7:00 p.m. Marlboro High School
Tuesday, March 8 at 5:30 p.m. Wallace Civic Center, Fitchburg
Friday, March 4 at 7:00 p.m. Groton Dunstable High School
Click HERE to see the Central Mass D2 Boys Basketball Brackets
Click HERE to see the Central Mass D3 Hockey Brackets
Click HERE to see the Central Mass D2 Girls Basketball Brackets



2016 Festival of One-Act Play Awards
Honorable Mention: Jillian Carleton, 2017
Most Physical Actor: Quinn Parker, 2016
Best (& Eeriest) Trio: Alex Sullivan, Rhiannon Taylor, & Sylvia Thomas, 2017
Best Male Debut: Patrick Hampton, 2019
Best Female Debut: Hannah Loomis, 2019
Best Supporting Actor: Ethan Gaines, 2016
Best Supporting Actress: RenĂ©e Hampton, 2016
Best Actor: Matt Murch, 2016
Best Actress: Celeste Vandermillen, 2018
Best Ensemble: Seniors, Directed by Jackie Coy & Emily Autumn Olson, 2016
Best Director: Megan Fitzpatrick, 2019
Best Play: Sophomores, Directed by Zarah Durst




Last But Not Least
Caroline Woodbury is also being recognized as a student of the month.  She was not listed in the feature sent out on Friday.


My name is Caroline Woodbury and I am currently a senior at GD, and this past season, I was one of four captains of the Tyngsboro Groton Dunstable Swim and Dive team. I am also involved in the Spanish Club, Shed a Little Light, Chemistry Club, and am the secretary of the GD GSA. Although I have not made my final decision on where to go, I plan to study nursing in college next year. TGD has become a huge part of my experience at GD, and it has been a great way to expand circles of friends for many students, as the team is made up of about the same number of students from each school. Although we come together as a strong team, swimming is an individual sport, with each athlete trying their best to help to keep the league championship streak going strong. It has been a great four years competing with the team, and I hope that they keep up the success.



HOST FAMILY NEEDED FOR 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR

Educatius International is currently seeking a host family for Nelson, a 17 year old senior boy from China.  He will be a senior at GDRHS this upcoming school year.  Nelson is currently studying at a public high school in Arkansas, and lives with a friendly host family with 3 children!  He is active on the school’s basketball team, and he wants to become a dentist one day.  He is hoping for a host family in the Groton-Dunstable area without large pets (though this is a preference and not an allergy).  Educatius International reimburses Host Families at a rate of $1,000 per month (tax free) in exchange for providing a Chinese student with a private bedroom and board. 

Please contact Rebecca at 617-849-2636 or Rebecca.Hohlenwerger@educatius.org for more information.


2017 International Travel Opportunities
The Groton-Dunstable Regional High School Global Scholars Program promotes an academic environment that encourages global awareness and active participation in an evolving global society. We have three amazing travel opportunities that have yet to reach maximum capacity.  Details about each trip are below.  

Japan (Full)


Argentina (Full)

Friday, February 26, 2016

Students of the Month


Students of the Month are nominated by staff members for an outstanding academic achievement or a significant contribution to the school, community, or a noteworthy cause.


I’m Haley Ashburn, a sophomore at GD. I have been interested in the arts for as long as I can remember and once I got to high school I could really immerse myself in them. I am part of art club, National Art Honors Society (NAHS), and am frequently in or helping out with plays.  The high school has really opened up more opportunities for me as a learner and also an artist. Classes like design and photography gave me more experience and knowledge with subjects I probably wouldn’t have touched upon on my own. I hope to one day work as an artist whether it be as an art teacher or as a designer.




My name is Lauren Duhamel, and I’m a senior here at GD. Besides having a blast as captain of the Tyngsboro Groton Dunstable swim team (TGD), I chip in around the school as president of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Club. I also enjoyed playing flute with the concert band during my years at GD. Looking towards next year, I’m excited to study chemical and biomolecular engineering at the University of Pennsylvania in Philly. The TGD swim team has become an influential part of my time here at GD, and as a co-op team with Tyngsboro High School, it is a gratifyingly unique experience. Out of the 54 students that swim and/or dive, about half yield from each high school, fostering a great opportunity to make new friends. The differing school dynamics draw us closer together, as the team intermixes traditions, mascots and colors. Over the five years we’ve been a co-op with Tyngsboro, we have grown from around 20 to 54 members, consistently improving our league standings to culminate in our third Mid-Wach Championship win this season. It has been a hilarious, challenging, and fun four years, and I wish TGD many more successful seasons to come. 



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My name is Eleanor Keydel and I’m a junior at GDRHS. I’ve lived in Groton with my parents for most of my life. This year I’ve become a lot more involved with the After 2 Club and Best Buddies. I have also been the co-manager of the girls varsity soccer team for the last couple of years. Outside of school, I dance and often work at a day care in a local church. I’ve had a lot of fun at GD so far, and I’ve made some great relationships with other students and teachers. I’m looking forward to my senior year and eventually going to college.


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My name is Ian Livingston.  I am fourteen years old and I live in Dunstable.  I have three brothers, one older and two younger.  I want to graduate from high school and go to college.  When I go home I like to do my homework and later play video games.  My favorite class is Algebra.  My bucket list includes getting a good paying job and becoming a greeter at a department store when I retire.  People say that I have a great sense of humor. 





 My name is Leah Mitchell and I am a senior at Groton Dunstable. I live in Groton where I have all my life with my parents and my dog, Beaux. My sister Kelsey also went to GD and is currently studying at Seton Hall University. Outside of school I play piano, dance, work at the local Moisons Ace Hardware, and participate in GD’s Young Republicans Club. For the last few months I have also been working to create TEDxYouth@GDRHS, an independently run TED conference that will be held at the High School next month. The event will feature live speakers, including current GD students, alumni, and other speakers from the area as well as other pre-recorded TED Talks. Our theme is “The Little Things” and we hope to inspire the students of GD with “ideas worth spreading”. Next year I plan to study engineering, however I do not know where yet. I have loved my time at GD and value the education I received here however I am also excited to leave this fall and have new experiences.




My name is Katie Schlepphorst. I am 17 years old and a junior here at Groton Dunstable. I have lived in Groton my entire life with my mom, dad, and sister, Olivia. Olivia is currently attending Northeastern University and she is my biggest role model. I play volleyball and I plan to start tennis this spring! Currently, I love the classes I am taking. Science interests me a lot, and I am taking chemistry and I plan to take biology as a senior. I also love Spanish and I hope to be fluent in the language one day. I plan to pursue medicine and possibly minor in Spanish in college. I hope to travel the world one day, and hopefully my Spanish skills will allow me to interact with many different types of people!




My name is Jordan Sheffield and I am currently a senior at GDRHS. My family moved here to America when I was seven years old from Australia and it has been the best decision of our lives. Along with being one of the four captains of the swim team (TGD) I am also vice president of Music Honors Society (MHS) and a part of many different clubs at GD. I am currently undecided with my major for college and I am still deciding on which college I would like to attend but I do know that I want to continue swimming in college. Being a part of TGD has inspired me to help others achieve their goals through hard work and great team support. As much as swimming is an individual sport (you swim your race, and get a time that is for you) it is equally a team sport, with each member supporting and cheering each other on at every meet. I am proud of where our team has come over the last couple of years and the unity it brings between the two schools (Tyngsboro and GD). Our coaches, Dan Shanahan and Jen McGlauflin put an incredible amount of effort into this team so that we can get the best results, and ultimately win each swim meet. They push us to be the best we can be and achieve success.



My name is Steven Tully and being named Student of the Month was quite a surprise for me. Those of you who know me must be pretty surprised too. I have lived in Dunstable my entire life with a very large family and a couple hundred cows on a dairy farm that has been run for well over a hundred years. Last year I was named Youth Ambassador of the Massachusetts State Grange and will be traveling to Washington DC for the annual National Grange meeting in November. I am a frequent donor for the American Red Cross, having already donated a gallon of whole blood and platelets 5 times. Although the platelet donation process requires two needles and two hours it helps me do what I love; help others. This is why I will be attending Fitchburg State University in the fall to study Criminal Justice. 




Hi! My name is Celeste Vandermillen and I am a sophomore at GDRHS. I live in Groton with my parents, my younger brother Henry, who is in seventh grade, and my dog. Some of my favorite school subjects are English, biology, and music. Since I first started school here, I have been involved with Drama Guild and the music program, both of which are huge parts of my life. I most recently acted in Drama Guild’s Festival of One Act Plays, and I hope to be a part of many more productions throughout my high school career. In addition, I play the oboe in the school’s concert band. This year, I have started playing the school’s electronic wind instrument in the jazz band, which has been both a challenge and a lot of fun! I also love to sing and am teaching myself to play guitar. In the winter, I like to downhill and cross-country ski. At this point, I am not really sure what I want to study in college, but I will definitely continue with theater and music no matter what I decide to major in. I am happy to be chosen as a student of the month!



Monday, February 22, 2016

Sam Ferraro



Sam Ferraro, Boston College Bound

Brought to you by the GDRHS Athletic Department
By Robert Mingolelli

"Her judgement is beyond reproach, evidenced by her decision to attend, the greatest college on the planet,” offered Groton-Dunstable principal and Boston College alum Mike Mastrullo, regarding senior Sam Ferraro who will attend his alma mater in the fall.
Sam and her sister Lexie, her best friend, live in Groton with their parents, Ellen and Paul Ferraro. “My parents are awesome, a big part of sports for me” shared Sam. “They always attend every meet, my games, are supportive and encourage me and my sister. Lexie is a sophomore at Groton- Dunstable.

During her freshman and sophomore years, Sam played soccer and then began running winter and spring track and field. “A good decision for me,” she remarked.  The talented athlete was cross country captain her junior and senior years and captained the winter and spring track teams her sophomore, junior and senior years. “Being captain is such an honor. As a freshman I would look at the upper classmen hoping that when I was older I would be able to help the younger kids."

“Samantha sees the big picture and is willing to help in any way she can,” commented girls’ varsity cross country/track coach Colleen Naboicheck. “She is a solid athlete, always positive with a strong work ethic, at every practice. If necessary, Sam is willing to change events to help the team. She starts workouts, organizes team events and always, is a selfless person doing whatever is needed,” praised coach Naboicheck.
“In a district meet her junior year and not running in top form because of an injury, never the less, Samantha, pushed through knowing that every point was important,” recalls coach Naboicheck. “Her fifth place finish gave the team the one point they needed to qualify for States.”
“I’ll never forget that race,” smiled Samantha.
 “I’ve had Mr. Conlon for almost every math class at Groton-Dunstable. His classes are demanding but he has taught me how to study and persevere.  It is obvious by the effort he puts forth that he cares about his students,” offered Samantha.
“The most important quality that Sam brings to the classroom is her hard work,” shared Mr. Conlon. “I have known her for four years, and she always brings 100 per cent effort to class every day.  She doesn't just settle for being able to solve a problem. She works to make sure she understands the problem in-depth. Her peers respect her work ethic and friendly demeanor. Because of this, she is a great role model in class. I am proud of what she has accomplished in her high school career,” commended Mr. Conlon.
Her busy schedule also includes National Honor Society, the Shed a Little Light Club at G-D and back to Nashoba Valley Medical Center as a volunteer this summer.
The mission of Shed a Little Light Club is to raise awareness and funds to help support education and health in the South Sudan. Throughout the school year, members of this student-run club fundraise through bake sales and other school events. All money raised is sent through Project Education Southern Sudan to help build and supply schools and other services for people in great need.

Sam Ferraro has been a loyal and active member of Shed a Little Light throughout her high school career. It has been a true pleasure to have the opportunity to watch this great group of students work together to help the global community,” responded Groton-Dunstable advisor Elise McHugh

A stint at Childrens Hospital to repair a badly broken arm during middle school is what keyed her interest in wanting to be an orthopedic surgeon. “The doctor I had was awesome. Four years at Boston College and then medical school,” smiled Samantha. “That’s what I want to do.”
Sam is a young woman with a really bright future.  Intelligent, humble, athletic, hard-working, kind and compassionate are but a few adjectives I would use to describe this special young woman,” continued Mr. Mastrullo.  “One of the things I like best is her general disposition.  She seems to always be in a pleasant mood, smiling, and genuinely enjoying all that life has to offer.  Her story is just beginning and I am excited to witness the next chapter in her life," he concluded.

Open House & 2017 International Trips


Open House
Open House will be held on Thursday, March 3rd at 6:00pm.  Parents and guardians will run through a typical school day following the schedule of their child.  Please arrive with schedule in hand.


2017 International Travel Opportunities
The Groton-Dunstable Regional High School Global Scholars Program promotes an academic environment that encourages global awareness and active participation in an evolving global society. We have three amazing travel opportunities that have yet to reach maximum capacity.  Details about each trip are below.  

Japan (Full)
Argentina (Full)

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

GD Service in the Dominican Republic

On Thursday, February 11th 26 students and 4 chaperons departed for the Dominican Republic on a service learning trip.  GD students and teachers in conjunction with the Community Service Alliance (CSA) and Education First Tours (EF) are concentrating on field work projects in rural parts of the DR.  We are working to support two CSA grassroots projects: Salud Cerrito and Mi Vida en Juego At-Risk Youth Program.  


The rural agricultural community of El Cerrito is located in the province of  El Siebo, which is the third poorest province in the DR.  Electricity, running water, and the availability of health services are in short supply.  CSA has been working to provide a better education and promote healthier living by creating family gardens in an effort to diversify their diets and promote self sufficiency and sustainability.  The program uses baseball and softball as a hook to educate young men and women and provide students with an education and life skills to promote a healthier, better educated community. 


Yesterday, February 15th, was a most productive day for the DR travelers.  The journey began with the students working in unison to complete a drainage pipe for the baseball/softball facility.  After lunch, we visited the Centro Educativo El Cerrito school that educates 93 students ages 5-20.  The school services all students in the village, and due to the age discrepancy and educational levels, it is not abnormal to have students ranging from 14 - 20 in the same classroom.  One classroom we visited serviced 6, 7, and 8th grades in one classroom with one teacher.  The principal and teachers could not have been more accommodating.  They expressed their sincere gratitude for the work that our GD students have done over the course of the week.  

I had the privilege to meet with the principal who was kind, accommodating, and when I first met him busy sweeping the grounds.  He took pride in operating a facility that is kept very clean.  At the urging of Mr. Woods and the students, I had a deal to offer him.  Instead of holding a baseball game with the students this afternoon, we invited them to our hotel to enjoy a genuine cultural interaction.  We invited 35 students and 5 teachers to swim in the pool and enjoy a lunch together.  Many of these students have never left their village, let alone had a chance to swim in a pool.  I am thankful to say the principal thought it was a great idea.  Our bus will depart early this morning to pick up the students and bring them to our hotel for a day of activities.  It should be a great day.   

Last night concluded with the students participating in a great exercise on social and economic inequality.  After dinner, we learned more about the impact of baseball on the island.  Former minor league players met with the GD students to express their concerns over  a new epidemic within the Dominican baseball community.  Man young Dominicans view baseball as their only way out. They dedicate all their time to baseball, some even dropping out of school to try to gain an edge.  However, roughly 99 percent of athletes will never make the major leagues,  and as a result are left with no means for supporting themselves.  Through education, CSA and other NGO's, are looking to reverse that trend and provide a more realistic and sustainable future for the youth of the island.  

Lastly, we had the opportunity to sing happy birthday to my 10 year old daughter, Mae, who is an ocean away.  Below, you will find a few videos and some pictures that highlight the activities of the day.  

The Road To Work


Happy Birthday to Mae Mastrullo


Drainage Pipe Nearing Compeltion













Me and the Principal

Monday, February 15, 2016

Service in the DR

On Thursday, February 11th 26 students and 4 chaperons departed for the Dominican Republic on a service learning trip.  GD students and teachers in conjunction with the Community Service Alliance (CSA) and Education First Tours (EF) are concentrating on field work projects in rural parts of the DR.  We are working to support two CSA grassroots projects: Salud Cerrito and Mi Vida en Juego At-Risk Youth Program.  


The rural agricultural community of El Cerrito is located in the province of  El Siebo, which is the third poorest province in the DR.  Electricity, running water, and the availability of health services are in short supply.  CSA has been working to provide a better education and promote healthier living by creating family gardens in an effort to diversify their diets and promote self sufficiency and sustainability.  The program uses baseball and softball as a hook to educate young men and women and provide students with an education and life skills to promote a healthier, better educated community. 


Yesterday, February 14th, GD students enjoyed activities with the locals.  We played a softball game with members of the community.  Some of the DR players were young men and women of MS and HS age.  A few other players are aspiring professional baseball players along with a few former minor league players.  The game was lots of fun and very competitive.  GD lost 7-5 despite a solid pitching effort from Sarah Woods, and 3 hits from Jacob Barnes.  Unfortunately, we could not overcome the two debilitating errors by Mr. Keith Woods.  Other group members toured local homes and visited the health clinic.  The health clinic is only equipped to deal with minor issues, and any serious health problems require a long trek to the hospital.  The facility is manned by one person who sleeps at the facility.  They work in week long shifts. 

Following the day activities, the kids enjoyed some time by the pool.  After dinner they learned local dances including the merengue.  All of the students, albeit some reluctantly, enjoyed the dance lesson.  We are heading back into the village today for another day of service.  



The local clinic

Inside the clinic
Manuel


Manuel's home

Manuel's home

Sunday, February 14, 2016

GD Service in the DR

On Thursday, February 11th 26 students and 4 chaperons departed for the Dominican Republic on a service learning trip.  GD students and teachers in conjunction with the Community Service Alliance (CSA) and Education First Tours (EF) are concentrating on field work projects in rural parts of the DR.  We are working to support two CSA grassroots projects: Salud Cerrito and Mi Vida en Juego At-Risk Youth Program.  


The rural agricultural community of El Cerrito is located in the province of  El Siebo, which is the third poorest province in the DR.  Electricity, running water, and the availability of health services are in short supply.  CSA has been working to provide a better education and promote healthier living by creating family gardens in an effort to diversify their diets and promote self sufficiency and sustainability.  The program uses baseball and softball as a hook to educate young men and women and provide students with an education and life skills to promote a healthier, better educated community. 


Yesterday, February 13th, was day two of service for students and chaperons.  After a traditional Dominican breakfast, the group was transported to the work site and broken into three groups. One group was sifting and mixing cement, another group was responsible for running baseball and softball clinics for the youth of the community, and the third group was working in the community garden planting cucumbers, tomatoes, and other native vegetables.  The students worked really hard. Later that evening the group went to town to enjoy some local pizza.  We had the opportunity to enjoy some cake in celebration of Katie Royal's 17th birthday.  

Today we are traveling to the baseball/softball field in El Cerrito.  After a brief presentation highlighting  the importance of baseball in the DR, we will participate in a genuine cultural exchange while enjoying a game of softball with the community members. Group members not participating in the softball game will visit local families.  They will tour their homes and learn more about their daily lives.  After lunch we will be transported to Las Palmillas Women's Cooperative, a group founded with the help of CSA, which has blossomed into a successful business group for local women.  Should be a great day.  







Saturday, February 13, 2016

Serving Learning in the DR




On Thursday, February 11th 26 students and 4 chaperons departed for the Dominican Republic on a service learning trip.  GD students and teachers in conjunction with the Community Service Alliance (CSA) and Education First Tours (EF) are concentrating on field work projects in rural parts of the DR.  We are working to support two CSA grassroots projects: Salud Cerrito and Mi Vida en Juego At-Risk Youth Program.  


The rural agricultural community of El Cerrito is located in the province of  El Siebo, which is the third poorest province in the DR.  Electricity, running water, and the availability of health services are in short supply.  CSA has been working to provide a better education and promote healthier living by creating family gardens in an effort to diversify their diets and promote self sufficiency and sustainability.  The program uses baseball and softball as a hook to educate young men and women and provide students with an education and life skills to promote a healthier, better educated community. 

Yesterday the students worked tremendously hard improving the baseball and softball facility.  The field would be deemed unplayable in any town in Massachusetts, but Pedro, the baseball coordinator, deemed it 80% ready.  GD students worked in the searing heat cleaning and improving the area.  The project coordinator stated that we did three days work in one day. We are heading back to the community early this morning to build gardens, run baseball and softball clinics, and provide general improvements to the facility.  I will provide additional details as wifi and time permits.  The four chaperons could not be more proud of the students.  Mr. Woods, Ms. Bennett, Ms. Cain, and Mr. Mastrullo have divided the groups into four teams.  All teams have performed exceptionally well, but team Mastrullo, anchored by co-captains Emily Figueroa and Rose O'Malley are leading the charge.  


How the students arrive at school
On the way to serve the community
























Young man departing from school










Thursday, February 4, 2016

Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Congratulations to regional award recipients from this year's Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.   The biggest annual art and writing competition looks at the best high school work regionally and nationally.  Groton-Dunstable High School Students fared well in both art and writing.   A special note of congratulations goes to Haley Ashburn (2018) and  Katarzyna "Kasia" Jezak (2017) For winning multiple awards in art and writing respectively.

Gold Key artwork will be exhibited at EF (Education First) Two Education Circle, Cambridge, MA 02141 (near the Science Museum), from March 5–March 20, 2016.  (Yes, this is the same EF that runs many of our trips abroad, so this is a great chance to see some amazing work and check out the EF headquarters.)

Regional Gold Key recipients will continue on to New York to compete against all the other Gold Key Winners from the other regions of the country. At the National level, work can win a Gold Medal or a Silver Medal.  National Awards are announced in Mid-March.

Principal Mastrullo had this to say about the awards.  "We are so proud of the students of this school. There is a wealth of talent covering a broad spectrum of activities.  The arts are chief among them." 

Haley Ashburn (2018) commented on the Awards.  "The globe awards is really exciting: so many students submit work from all over the state so it’s really a huge competition.  I'm really looking forward to attending the ceremony in Boston.  Last year I missed the deadline with a work that I was polishing but that work wound up getting an award this year.  I'm definitely going to submit again next year and encourage other kids to enter."

Mr. O'Connor had this to say. "The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is one of the best opportunities for students in our programs to be recognized for their outstanding work. For many artists and writers Scholastic is their first major distinction: Stephen King and Sylvia Plath were past award winners   I'm proud of all the students who applied this year. 

 Awards carry prestige and can lead to scholarships and help the college application process.  We urge students to submit for the awards every November, so though its a long way please stay tuned for next year.  In the meantime approach your art teacher or writing teacher with your work for this contest and others and be sure to show colleges examples of artwork and other creative things you have done at GD."


A complete list of GD Winners in Art and Writing can be seen below.  Images of the Art winners are included.
Writing Awards 

Short Stories
Katarznya Jezak The Blank Die/ Honorable Mention
Matthew Suchecki Green Tea/ Honorable Mention


Poetry
Katarznya Jezak Early Mourning/ Silver Key
Katarznya Jezak Inertia/ Honorable Mention

Art Awards

Drawing and Illustration

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Haley Ashburn: Self Portrait/Gold Key


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Saya Norton: Life After Death/ Gold Key

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Claire Grigglestone” Hands and Hair of Cancer Patient/Silver Key


Painting

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Haley Ashburn: Splash/ Silver Key

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Charlotte McCarthy: Downstream/ Honorable Mention


Digital Art

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Haley Ashburn: Thought Bubbles/ Gold Key


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Serena Scharn: Dusty Mirror/ Honorable Mention

Film and Animation

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Aylin Elmali: White and Black Birds/ Silver Key


Photography
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Megan Odell: Striped Weather/ Silver Key

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Ian Peterson: Tortuguero Sunrise/ Silver Key



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Will Premru: Wisdom and Beauty/ Silver Key


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Larissa Spencer: Reflection/ Silver Key