Cams Commentary: Why The Red Sox will be fine without David Ortiz

As spring training gets underway and the 2017 season approaches, the Red Sox prepare to enter their first season without David Ortiz since 2003. The newly retired Ortiz will surely be missed by his team. The Red Sox will lose a huge veteran presence in their clubhouse, which provided the team with so much wisdom and leadership. Many are unsure how Boston will fare without Big Papi. I can assure you that this young, talented team will be just fine without him.

The Red Sox will enter 2017 with one of the most solid young cores in the MLB, and it all starts in the outfield. In left field will be Andrew Benintendi, MLB pipeline’s number one prospect. Benintendi showed flashes of greatness in his time up in the big leagues, before his season was cut short due to injury. Benintendi will be a top candidate for rookie of the year this season. In center will be Jackie Bradley jr., a 2016 MLB all-star. Bradley is coming off a career season, in which he hit the ball better than he ever has before (26 home runs, 87 RBI). To go along with his offensive performance, Bradley showed that he can be a premier defensive outfielder, as he was a gold glove finalist. Bradley will look to improve even more this season. Finally, in right field: Mookie Betts. A 2016 all-star and MVP runner-up, Mookie Betts is coming off his breakout season. Not only did he excel at the plate (.318 AVG, 31 HR, 113 RBI, silver slugger), but he performed in the field as well, winning a gold glove. Mookie is going to be the future face of the Red Sox, as he will look to place himself among the league’s best players.

The infield is very promising, as well. Third base is the only major question. The Red Sox have left the door wide open for former star Pablo Sandoval to come back and take over the position. After losing his job last season and getting injured, Sandoval has worked harder than ever to get back into shape. Hopefully Sandoval can return to his former self and play well, but that statement is still a mystery. Lucky, the Sox have valuable backups to Sandoval if he does not work out, including Brock Holt and Josh Rutledge. The middle infield is solid. At shortstop will be Xander Bogaerts, a 2016 all-star with a very high ceiling. At second base will be Dustin Pedroia, a seasoned veteran coming off a remarkable offensive season (.318 AVG). At first base will be newly acquired Mitch Moreland. Moreland is a power hitter who has a lot of potential to hopefully help fill the power gap that Boston obtained when Ortiz left. The player who will hopefully fill the bulk of that gap will be Hanley Ramirez, who will take over at designated hitter for Ortiz. Coming off a monster year of power (30 HR, 111 RBI), Ramirez will have high expectations for 2017, as he looks bigger and stronger than ever. Doing the catching for the Red Sox will likely be Sandy Leon, who was the biggest surprise for Boston last season as he hit .310.

Pitching should be a wonderful asset to the Sox this year. The biggest move made in the offseason was acquiring lefty Chris Sale via trade. Sale is one of the best pitchers in all of baseball, striking out 233 batters with the Chicago White Sox last season. Sale also possesses the gritty mental toughness needed to pitch in a hostile Boston environment and win playoff games. He will be accompanied by 2016 ALCy Young winner Rick Porcello, as well as David Price. Price, even though he struck out 228 batters, had one of his worst seasons in his Boston debut. However, the 5-time all-star is determined to go out this season and make it his best. These three talents will join to form one of the best pitching rotations in baseball.

While the Red Sox will lose a future hall of fame player, they have the talent and personnel to remain a top team in the MLB for years to come.

-Cam Rogers ‘18

COMMENTARY: Hats off Whitman Hanson!

With snow falling today on March 10th, 2017 most students will be walking into the school wearing a winter hat. Hats have been a controversial topic here at Whitman Hanson. Many wish to be able to express themselves through their outfits, which include hats.
Personally, I wear hats everywhere and wish to wear them to school. Other schools in the south shore allow their students to wear hats during school hours, so why can't Whitman Hanson? This policy is in our hand book under section VII. "Student Expectation Information". Under the dress code portion of this section #8 states, "Hats and coats or outside jackets must be left in lockers during the school day. Hats are defined as any head covering".  This leads me to ask, whats so bad about head covering? I understand if a hat that a student would be wearing is inappropriate they must take it off, but if its harmless why can't we enjoy the accessory during school. Many students do not agree with this policy. Morgan Thomas, sophomore, argues "I think hats should be allowed in school. They are not really making an issue by wearing them. They keep people warm and look cute". I absolutely agree with Morgan. Hats should be allowed in school in order to instill a welcoming environment with students being able to express themselves more.

Whitman Hanson takes the stage

Last week was Key Club’s production of the Prom Fashion Show, a fundraiser that goes toward the American Cancer Society. I had the privilege to take part in this wonderful event, and many other peers of Whitman Hanson as well. The participants were in for a whirlwind of a day filled with fun, makeup, and hairspray.

The premise of the Prom Fashion Show is to put on an entertaining event to raise money for an incredible cause. Boys and Girls of Whitman Hanson come together and put on a show not only promoting prom season, but promoting this good cause as well. “I thought it would be fun to dress up and spend time with my friends” says Junior, Cathryn Johnson. The boys and girls got the chance to wear beautiful dresses and sharp tuxedos and model them on stage. “We got to have a good time while giving back to a good cause,” stated Maicey Bowman.

Now, what did it take to put on this successful show? The girls and boys were assigned to a certain shop to find the apparel that they were to wear the night of the show. From there, rehearsals for the show came into play. From firsthand experience, the participants had to learn how to do the runway walk, with our partners. The night of the show became before we all knew it, “It was nerve wracking,” exclaims Mandy Lishman, Right after school, the girls went straight into the process of hair and makeup. Soon after, the boys came along to start rehearsing the show before it went on. The dresses and tuxedos came, and we were all immediately sent to get ready. “It was very hectic and everyone was running around, but in the end it all came together nicely,” concludes Cathryn Johnson.

The Prom Fashion Show was a fun event to be apart of. Where we all get to step out of our comfort zones and have some fun to support an astounding cause. Juniors next year definitely should consider being apart of this event, for it is an amazing environment, where you get that one night to be a star.

Julia Pendrak ‘18

Whitman Hanson’s Welcoming to Chinese Foreign Exchange Student

During the month of January, Whitman Hanson was granted with the privilege of hosting Chinese foreign exchange students, while they were on a trip to Massachusetts. The students were assigned to some of our own classmates, and got to follow them throughout the day, participating in our classes and activities, while getting to learn some of our American culture.

Junior Georgia MacDonald spent her day with 17 year old Christine Zhou. Christine was amazed at the size of our classes, and that we change classrooms throughout the day. According to Christine, in her school class room sizes are very limited, and students spend their entire school day in one room. Christine also explained to Georgia, that in China high school is not as easy to get into, as it is for us by progressing in age and changing schools. In China, students must take a test, and the 50% of the top scoring students will be granted the acceptance to a regular high school, while the lower scoring population must go to a vocational school.

Scott Byron (junior) was also paired with a Chinese student, Nick, a 15 year old sophomore. Throughout the day, Nick was amazed that we are able to socialize and speak while the teacher is in class. Scott was also amazed, because Nick was very advanced in his learning. For example, Nick learned precalculus, all the content Scott has been learning in APES, and all the details about WWII, in which Scott is just beginning to learn in class during his junior year.

This experience was beneficial to both the Chinese students, and the students and staff of Whitman Hanson, because many elements of the differentiating cultures were learned, and bonds were created. 
-Kaylee Genest '18

The KEY to our Hearts

As we lead into Key Club’s production of successful Prom Fashion Show, not many are aware of what the premise of Key Club actually is.  Key Club is an international student-led organization which provides its members with opportunities to service their communities, build character and develop leadership. The Advisor, Mrs. Edkin, kindly listed off what projects and fundraisers Key Club participates in throughout the year. The amount of work these students put into these following projects and how much selflessness these members obtain that is expressed towards the community is truly an amazing accomplishment.

    For example, when Halloween rolls along in October, the members of Key Club take part in an organization known as Trick or Treat for Unicef. This program is beneficial to those who are in need of  more than just sweets on halloween. Members of Key Club trick or treat with the intentions of getting as many donations as possible. They carry little orange boxes which display the organization and ask for donations of coins instead of candy. Key Club gives back to the community through doing this because instead of receiving something that is beneficial to them, they help to  receive something beneficial for another.

    Another major fundraiser is the clothing drive held in November, Cradles to Crayons. “A company that provides children from birth to age 12, living in low- income and homeless situations, with the essential items they need to thrive – at home, at school and at play. They supply these items free of charge,” written by Mrs. Edkin. Key Club members dedicate much time to this, putting out boxes for students to donate, advertising and making sure the clothes get to their desired destination. The Key Club encourages their peers at Whitman Hanson to donate the jacket that doesn’t fit, to donate the extra pair of gloves rolling around in their closet, and to simply just give back to those who needs these necessities.       

    The Giving Tree is a crucial program to our community around the holiday season. Teaming up with other Whitman Hanson clubs, the Key Club organizes the fundraiser of The Giving Tree. Key Club organizes this by finding families who cannot afford gifts to give to loved ones in this time of giving. Lists are given out to members and students consisting of certain people who are wishing for a certain gift they would like to receive. Participants take the responsibility and privilege of making these wishes come true. In this time of giving, Key Club is a big advocator of giving to those in need, especially around the holidays. This expresses Key Clubs exemplary leadership throughout our community and simply just wanting to spread the holiday spirit to all.

    Although Prom Fashion Show is March 1st, 2017 this year, it is usually held in February. This is a heartfelt program donating much to the American Cancer Society. Members of Key Club and peers of the upper class take part in a fashion show that focuses towards those affected by cancer through modeling donated prom wear. This fundraiser is an entertaining night that not only promotes prom season coming up, but recognizes how a community comes together to support an important cause.

    Key Club believes it is time to take action against cancer. Following the Prom Fashion Show, Key Club participates in an event known as Relay for Life. Relay for Life is a team fundraiser where members take the time to raise money for the American Cancer Society by walking for those who have been affected by cancer. By selflessly devoting their time, Key Club is raising awareness in not only our school, but in our community as well, that the time is now to support those affected and help put a stop to this life changing illness.

    In conclusion, Key Club has shown that their club participates in the few charities mentioned and in many charities as well. It expresses the compassion, selflessness, and drive members of Key Club have to help those who are in need. By raising money or collecting goods for a specific charity, Key Club gives back to the community and unites, “communities that have with communities that need,” mentioned by Mrs. Edkin.

Julia Pendrak and Maicey Bowman, ‘18

Whitman Hanson's "Morning Blues"

           Whitman Hanson is one of a few schools in the state and in the country to start at as early as 7:05. Although we get to start early and end early, is this really beneficial to our performance in our classes and athletics?  Studies have shown that high schools starting at 8:00-8:30 give the students and teachers the recommended amounts of sleep, usually 8.5 hours, which improves student performances and the morning slumps that most students obtain during the school week.

            “I like the early starts because regardless of what time you wake up , you are still going to be tired. Therefore, I would rather start earlier so that there is more time to do outside of school activity” said Junior Mikayla Bates. Many students here at Whitman Hanson would agree with the statement given.  Some of the benefits with having an early start at 7:05 is that students are let out of school at 1:40 and on the half a days they are let out at 10:15.  Other benefits to the early starts, include the intention of sports athletes having more time to practice and get ready for their games. With the early releases, students are able to rid of the burden of homework earlier than rather doing it later at night.

            The benefits of these early starts also comes the downfall, for 5 days a week students wake up between 5 and 6:30 rushing to beat the 7:05 bell in the morning.  The lack of sleep students acquire during the night can be a leading factor to the dreaded ‘Morning Blues” most students encounter during their high school career.  “ I don’t like the early starts that much because I’m still tired in the morning and I’m not fully ready to take on the school day at the start time of 7:05” said Freshman Keeley Zimmerman. Junior Colleen Hughes expressed her opinion on the daily start time,“ I like that we start early and then we get out early and lets me have time to do homework. But during hockey season, the early start time is tough with my 5 am practices. I have to rush around to make it on time to school.”

             The morning bell at 7:05 can have benefits and disadvantages to the average high school student. With the benefits of getting out early to do sports and get homework out of the way comes the disadvantage of being tired and being rushed in the morning. Therefore, are early starts really a good thing?
-Olivia Zimmerman '18

Whitman Hanson Cheer Does It Again!

The Whitman Hanson lady panthers have finally brought home a national championship. After much hard work the panthers got their first national title in Texas on January 22nd. Coach Tanisha King has been coaching for the past few years and has led the girls to success multiple times. After ten state championships they finally grasped the National title. Captain and senior Hannah Mcdonald said, "I think what made my team so strong was our bond that made it easy to work together and we were striving to reach the same goal". The team has a great set of leaders who push them to their best ability. Payton Wright, Ali Joanis, Hannah Mcdonald and Olivia Villaneuva are four seniors who have dedicated their time to create a positive and hardworking team. Due to hard work, a well minded team and positive attitudes the girls are closing this season as National Champions.
-Jason Bannon '18