“You always have to keep on pushing forward. ‘Without progression we see stagnancy,’” Booeshaghi said.

That motto is what has driven this up and coming politician to excel in high school.

Booeshaghi eventually hopes to campaign for a government position. Being a member of the Debate Program at Wellington has “magnified” this interest.

“It’s really broadened the scope, or broadened my view of the world. When you find out what is actually going on, it’s really scary,” Booeshaghi said.

His worldly view is what has helped him put life into perspective, with academics being first and foremost.

“I was always able to excel more in academia than in, let’s say, sports or socializing,” he said.

Through academia Sina has been able to “build a network of friends,” which has shaped his entire high school experience. Additionally, he has found that the key is viewing his progress as an “intrinsic motivator.”

“By doing well, I feel good about doing well,” he said.

Sina has been a member of the Spanish Honor Society for four years, which he uses as an example to advise future students in their own extracurricular choices.

“I really like Spanish. You should never join an extracurricular activity just based on your resume. Have a passion for it because you want to immerse yourself in that environment,” he said.

Being a Wolverine wasn’t the primary influence on Sina to become this motivated. He is, above all, a family man.

“[My dad] does mechanical engineering. I worked with him over the summer doing internships, and that was a lot of fun,” Booeshaghi said.

One particularly gruesome incident on the job has stuck with Sina, and has pushed him to pursue a degree at MIT in mechanical engineering.

“I still have the images in my head; I can’t get them out,” he said. “Based on what we saw we were able to discern what had actually happened [in the car accident] and reconstruct it using the evidence that was presented.”

In addition to his family, Sina has been influenced heavily by whom he calls “one of the greatest teachers at [Wellington High School.]”

“My math teacher, Mr. Mucino, really magnified my interest in math and science, which was already supplemented by me working with my dad,” he said.

Mucino has been Sina’s AP Calculus AB and BC teacher for the past two years. “I think that whatever he decides to do, he’s going to go far,” Mucino said.

Now, Sina passes on the wisdom he has attained from this, and other challenging courses, to his younger sister.

His advice is to “maximize the amount of AP courses you take, and learn how to study.” Time allocation is vital to thriving in high school.

“Now, I realize what my dad told me is 100% true,” Booeshaghi said. “When you come into high school, you really should have a plan as to what you are going to do. Through that plan, you will be able to get good grades, work on your SAT’s, get internships, and progress from there.”

Sina is excited to continue his education this fall at MIT, where he feels a degree will provide him with “limitless” opportunities.

“[Mechanical engineering is] not just a subject matter, its learning how to think that way,” he said.

The mind of this valedictorian is that of a motivated man. Sina will lead the Class of 2013 when they graduate May 21.

“Other than the fact that people call me valedictorian, I really feel no different, because I really feel like everyone could achieve this,” he said. “It’s just a matter of hard work.”

Along those lines, Sina Booeshaghi’s last words to future Wolverines are simple, yet effective. “Don’t procrastinate kids. It’s bad.”

Wellington High School commends Booeshaghi’s hard work and dedication and wishes him luck in achieving his dreams.

Each year, in an attempt to promote excellence in education, Palm Beach County asks schools to nominate one teacher from each category to be considered for the prestigious honor. Each of these teachers then submits a nominee packet containing responses to several teaching-related questions, at least one letter of recommendation, and any other supporting materials that may reflect their teaching career. After reviewing these packets a committee comprised of representatives of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County and the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County select five finalists from each of the five categories: Elementary Education, Middle School, Senior High, Special Programs, and Career Education. These finalists are then interviewed by the committee before a final decision is made.

The Dwyer Awards are presented in honor of the late William T. Dwyer, a dedicated community leader who served on numerous boards and committees at the state, regional, and county level in an attempt to improve the quality of education.

Both of Wellington High’s nominees have had ample experience in teaching. Mrs. Incandela has been teaching for twenty seven years and Mr. Zucker has been teaching high school English for twenty eight years, and also taught five years at Palm Beach Junior College.

Mrs. Incandela began her teaching career fresh out of college.

“I actually worked at a camp when I was in college, and it was a special education geared camp and there I changed my major in college and went into E.S.E.,” says Incandela.
Mr. Zucker, on the other hand, was originally employed in the field of psychology.

“I actually fell into teaching more than making a conscious decision that I wanted to be a teacher. I was practicing as a psychotherapist and a colleague I worked with said there was an adjunct opening at Palm Beach Junior College, as it was called back then. I started teaching psychology and decided I liked teaching better than practicing,” Zucker notes.

He made the decision to teach at the high school level because it allowed him to relate better to the students.

“I remember what it was like to be a high school student,” Zucker explains, “I can still to some extent understand the way [high school students] view the world.”

Incandela and Zucker have both noted the great opportunity teaching offers them to positively impact the lives of their students.

“Memorable moments are things like graduations when the students are graduating in their cap and gowns and they’ve made it through high school and also when they get jobs,” explains Incandela. “When I see them in the community and they’re working and they’ve been a success after high school. Those moments are memorable for me because I feel like I had some input in that.”

In addition to giving him the ability to impact youth, Zucker enjoys the freedom that teaching offers.

“I get to be myself in the classroom,” explains Zucker. “I get to be open, silly, and serious. I get to interact with all of these wonderful students that I’m in contact with, and I get to see, hopefully, students recognizing things that they hadn’t recognized before. […] What makes me feel good when I’m teaching is when I look around and I see a little bit of recognition in my students’ eyes that something is happening in their head and they made some connection that they hadn’t made before.”

• White on white is classy and timeless. Pair white shorts with a flowy white tank top to stay cool in the midst of summer.

• Coral will forever be a summer color, whether you want to use it as a statement piece like a chunky necklace or a beach tote.

• Spice up your beach apparel with fringe and tribal print bathing suits.

• Stand out lace crop tops and cover ups for a cute after the beach look.

• Strappy sandals are all the rage this summer when pairing with a sundress or cut off shorts.

• Turquoise or teal dresses can be used as a quick throw on outfit that will also bring out your sun-kissed glow.

• For a night time look, add a chambray button down over a tank and bright shorts.

• To stay cool in the Florida humidity, throw on floral cut off shorts with a strapless crop top.

• Sunglasses in different shapes like cat eye and circular frames are taking the place of the more classic shapes.

• Don’t be afraid to step out and make a bold statement with a fedora or a flower headband.

With these tips you’ll be a summer fashionista. While having fun in the sun, you can still look cute. Enjoy your summer in style!

“This is our last show,” said senior Ryan Dargan, “so it’s a pretty big deal.”

Throughout the performance, members played in different areas of the theater, from center stage, to the back of the auditorium and even up high in the mezzanine.

“The main premise is that you’re getting sound from 360-degrees,” said junior Joey Hempfling. “You get to experience a bunch of different ensembles rather than your traditional band concert.”

The spring concert was also a final performance for the seniors in the band, making the night bittersweet.

“For us it’s our last one and we get to see all our old friends here,” said senior Jenny Bermudez.

In contrast to the leaving seniors, the concert also featured performances from the young members of the Wellington Landings Middle School Band.

“It’s interesting because you work with the rising kids who are going to be the next ‘you’ when you leave,” said junior Giovanni Rodriguez.

The concert featured a variety of songs, ranging from classical (“Orpheus Overture”) to movie favorites (Harry Potter’s “Hedwig’s Theme”) to modern hits (Michael Buble’s “Just Haven’t Met You Yet”), all culminating to create a truly unique 360-degree experience. Many of them were even arranged by the band members themselves.

“It’s difficult but it is a lot of fun,” said Tommy Davis, junior, of arranging music for the concert. “It brings us together.”

Fortunately for those who missed the night’s performance, the WHS Jazz Band will be performing again at the Wellington Amphitheater on Monday, May 13^th at 7 pm for its Under the Stars Concert.

Simone Pierce, Alex Bonadies, Catie Hessler, and Maddie Beaubien(Not Featured)- (Girls 4 x 800 Relay) Simone- “I love my team and I love practicing. Our relay did really well at regionals and we broke the school record!” Alex- “My favorite memory from Track is talking about Coach Robinson’s calves and how big they are. (All girls in the relay laugh remembering that talk) Our coach (Robinson) is stern but hardworking and always pushes us towards our highest potential. I run because I love it and it’s something good to do.”

Catie- “To make it to states is my number one goal for next season. I like to run because there’s always room for improvement and to get new personal records.”

Maddie- (This student was not featured due to untimely circumstances for being able to interview her. But her teammates all agreed that she is the star of this relay team and she proceeded to States this season for other events.)

Alene Pohly- (100 hurdles, 300 hurdles, triple jump, and the 4 X 400 relay) “I hope to defiantly make it to States next year, break all of my personal best times, and break the school records for the girls’ hurdles. I like the excitement I feel before a race and the amazing friends I’ve made through track!”

Cami Heath- (Pole Vault) “I do this event because it’s fun and I like all the people who do it with me. I made it to states this year and my main goal was to not finish last. I like Track because it’s a great way to stay active and the people you meet through it are really great.”

Morgan Campbell- (Long Jump and Triple Jump) “Track means a lot to me. To be honest I hate running, I hate it (laughs) but I found out there’s more to track then just running. There’s the field events which I found out I’m really good at because I have strong legs from gymnastics and I realized I could get serious about this and hopefully pursue these events at the next level. (College level)” (Morgan made it to states and placed in all of her events, Congratulations Morgan!)

Amber Radcliff- (Pole vaulting) Amber was not available for interview, but she has worked extremely hard at pole vaulting for most of high school and she loves track and all of her teammates!

Scott Pescatore- (Discus and Shot Put) “I like my event because I like to see how far I can throw. The fact that I’m one of the younger, smaller kids throwing but can still compete with the older bigger kids is pretty cool. The competition is friendly on the field, everyone gets along and it’s really fun. Track has taught me that hard work and dedication does pay off. My biggest motivator is my dad; he’s taught me a lot about my events and is always pushing me to do better.”

Boys 4×400 Relay:

Julio Hoilett- “I run because I’m good at it and I enjoy it. I hope to run in college and my favorite part about running is having the lead and winning.”

Aldrick Jones- “My favorite part of track is winning. When I win it’s like having all the pressure off my shoulders. Coach Robinson is cool, he’s a cool dude; he’s laid back and most swift.”

Darley Cazeau-“My favorite part about track is hawking somebody down (running somebody down). When I win it feels really good, like I just conquered the world.”

Da’Quan Andrews- “My favorite part about track is when I take the lead and pass somebody. I hope to run in college. When I beat out the other runners I’m just like damn I did it.

Boys 4×400 relay:

Julion Hoilett- “It fun running with these guys. When I come to run, I run. That’s just it you can’t beat me.”

Alan Fabias- “My favorite part about track is the people I’ve met. When I win it feels really good, I’m proud of myself. Running helps me get stronger. Track taught me to be the best at what I do.”

Da’Quan Andrews- “Running with these guys feels good, we all work (well) together. We get along for the most part. (Each boy said they were the strongest runner when asked who carried the team)

Aaron Davis- (Not Featured)

Dannick Duffus- (Not featured but made it to States this year, Congratulations Dannick!)

In what are considered “good neighborhoods”, girls as young as twelve and thirteen are becoming parents, students are caught daily in possession of illegal substances, and every time you look in the news, you hear about more and more middle schoolers getting themselves arrested.

On May 3rd, in Lakeland, Florida, three boys were recently arrested for conspiracy to commit murder after a guidance counselor reported some dark and suspicious entries written in one of their journals.

Violence is increasingly becoming part of a detrimental future for our society. With movies and video games, along with all the violence portrayed to us over seas, and even in our own country, it is no wonder the seed of destruction is being sewn into the younger generation.

The Surgeon General’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Television and Social Behavior was formed in 1969 to assess the impact of violence on the attitudes, values and behavior of viewers.

The resulting Surgeon General’s report and a follow-up report in 1982 by the National Institute of Mental Health identify these major effects of seeing violence on television: Children may become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others, children may be more fearful of the world around them, or children may be more likely to behave in aggressive or harmful ways toward others

Research by psychologists L. Rowell Huesmann, Leonard Eron, and others found that children who watched many hours of violence on television when they were in elementary school tended to also show a higher level of aggressive behavior when they became teenagers. By observing these youngsters into adulthood, Drs. Huesmann and Eron found that the ones who’d watched a lot of TV violence when they were eight years old were more likely to be arrested and prosecuted for criminal acts as adults. Interestingly, being aggressive, as a child did not predict watching more violent TV as a
teenager, suggesting that TV watching may more often be a cause rather than a consequence of aggressive behavior.

Violent video games are a more recent phenomenon; therefore there is less research on their effects. However, research by psychologist Craig A. Anderson and others shows that playing violent video games can increase a person’s aggressive thoughts, feelings and behavior both in laboratory settings and in actual life. In fact, a study by Dr. Anderson in 2000 suggests that violent video games may be more harmful than violent television and movies because they are interactive, very engrossing and require the player to identify with the aggressor.

Dr. Anderson and other researches are also looking into how violent music lyrics affect children and adults, since these are becoming increasingly more the music of choice for youngsters. In a 2003 study involving college students, Anderson found that songs with violent lyrics increased aggression related thoughts and emotions and this effect was directly related to the violent content of the lyrics. “One major conclusion from this and other research on violent entertainment media is that content matters,” says Anderson. “This message is important for all consumers, but especially for parents of children and adolescents.”

With that being said, there is a lot to think about the information, visuals, and music open to the public and the younger, more impressionable generation. There’s one song by Simple Plan that says it best: “It doesn’t make sense to me/is everybody going crazy… if you open your eyes/you’ll see that something is wrong…”

And, being cautious about what media the younger generations experience is the first step towards making it right.

Step 1. Focus. So you’ve been slacking all year and haven’t read the book? No biggie. Start by actually focusing on the subject. The reason you need to cram now is probably because you’ve been distracting yourself all year with futile pursuits for a social life. Turn off all technological devices (after you finish reading this article, of course) and get down to business.

Step 2. Move. Houses are typically filled with noisy distractions that aren’t very conducive to efficient studying. Instead, move to someplace where people are actually meant to study: the library. This gives you a quiet place to simultaneously cram and test your claustrophobia while stuck in a tiny, uncomfortable study room. Anywhere quiet will do.

Step 3. Read. Not the textbook. It’s too late and that ship has sailed. Buy some review books instead and read the quick review sections. If you’re cheap, borrow some from the library or Mrs. Clawson. The Internet is also a limitless source of helpful outlines made by teen procrastinators just like you. Since science has still failed to allow automatic transfer of information straight to people’s heads, you MUST read, not skim, browse or scan.

Step 4. Highlight. Ok, so this step may be pretty useless unless highlighting actually helps you. No, highlighting everything does not count. And neither does not reading what you’re highlighting.

Step 5. Sleep. Sure, you may be tempted to pull an all-nighter and cram like crazy the day before an exam. But generally most material is forgotten, turning you into a stupid zombie and worse off than if you got a couple Z’s. While 8 hours is ideal, try to squeeze in 5 at the least.

Step 6. Eat. Contrary to popular belief, eating a hearty breakfast is not always the best option. For habitual breakfast-skippers, suddenly gorging yourselves in panic with a huge plate of eggs and bacon, though delicious, can upset your stomachs. Thus, as a general rule, get something in your tummy, but not much more than you’re used to.

Step 7. Pray. It’s worth a shot. And there’s really nothing left to do.

Good luck!

Jason Collins is the first individual to openly admit to being gay, while still being a participant in professional sports. Collins states the reason for him coming out was due to the 2011 NBA player lockout. Collins discusses how he sat down and thought about whom he was, and without the constant routine of basketball to keep him distracted, he decided to come to terms with who he feels comfortable being.

”I realized I needed to go public when Joe Kennedy, my old roommate at Stanford and now a Massachusetts congressman, told me he had just marched in Boston’s 2012 Gay Pride Parade.”

Jason Collins has received a mostly positive response to his coming out. Kobe Bryant tweeted saying “Proud of @jasoncollins34. Don’t suffocate who u r because of the ignorance of others #courage #support #mambaarmystandup #BYOU”. While there has been some hate from other sports players, the vast majority from professional athletes has been positive. Jason Collins has broken a barrier, and the world is listening.