Throughout my life, I had people who supported me and continue to support me to this day. These same people are the ones who came to my volleyball games, sang along with me at my school chorus concerts, and harassed me to keep up on my school work and get good grades. These people are my greatest supporters and the ones that are always there for me, through thick and thin. Sometimes they can be taken for granted or can get on your nerves, but other times they are the only people you want next to you or the only person you want to get advice from. Have you guessed the people yet? Family.  …

Since summer is dwindling down, my stress level seems to be going up! I feel as though there is so much to do and there is so little time. A few of my friends are leaving for college this week. I can not imagine how stressed they must have been, considering they have significantly less summer time to prep for college. I am one of the few lucky ones that do not move into college until September. I move into school in exactly three weeks, or 21 days, and although  that may seem like a good amount of time to prepare for college. It just is not. Let me break down the stress that young adults my …

Going to a Red Sox game is one of my favorite things to do during the summer! On Wednesday, I was very fortunate enough to get last minute tickets to go see the game against the Indians. Needless to say, it was amazing. Not only were the Fenway Franks delicious but the Red Sox also were able to pull of a win in a bit of a nail biting game! I was looking around and people watching during the game, more than anything. The atmosphere of the game was awesome. There was so much energy and laughter among the crowd. Everyone was having a great time and the happy mood was contagious. No matter how …

I know as a teen, it is sometimes easy to overlook the ones that are always there for you–the people who drive you here and there, and the loved ones that support you. These wonderful people happen to be family. Whether you like it or not, family is always there. Now, I know how easy it is to want to blow off family and go out to dinner or just hang out with friends instead. But the fact of the matter is, we teens need our family. I did a little college shopping this week, and I have to honestly say that although I pretend I know everything, I had NO clue what I needed or did not need for …

One of the hardest things about summer is getting into a routine. Parents do not seem to appreciate that people my age want to stay in bed until 11:00 a.m. or later. Nor, do they seem to understand that there is no reason to be home early in the evening.  In fact, all social activities for teens, begin at 9:00 p.m. This might be getting together for a game of manhunt, which typically is more fun in the dark. Or, perhaps we are getting together for ice cream and to watch recorded shows from earlier that evening. Unfortunately, many of our parents stay awake at night for us (I really wish she …

Another successful week of Saint Gerard's Kids Camp has passed. St. Gerard's Kids Camp takes place every year at the Galvin Middle School. The camp is one week long and is very enjoyable for the kids. This year, there were over 700 campers. Campers range from the ages of five-years-old to 12-years-old. There were about 300 counselors for this week's camp. Counselors are ages 13 and up. For the most part, counselors are in high school. But of course there are the faithful college students that come back to help out with the camp.St. Gerard's Kids Camp is free for the campers. The camp survives…

The transition from middle school into high school is tough for any teenager. Some get lost on their way to a class, confused in the freshman algebra course or find themselves literally looking up at the upperclassmen who seem to be about two-feet taller than the freshman. Here are a few things to remember for those parents who are nervous for their blossoming adolescents and for those kids who can feel little butterflies in the stomachs. 1. Do not be late for class! I'm sure you've learned this before. But as summer settles in, and laziness takes over, do not let this laziness affect your …

Happy Summer! Schools are officially closed after today. As the summer kicks off, a lot of kids are attending end of the year parties, saying bye to friends and trying not to think about the fall when they will be moving on to another grade, different teacher, more homework and in some cases, even a different school.  Now, they are thinking about their summer plans, and those lazy days of unscheduled relaxation. Despite the fact that the students are not in school; school committee, administration, staff and faculty work throughout the summer to prepare for the coming school year, which is …

Between graduation, prom, all night graduation party, senior week and so much more, these past few weeks have been a whirlwind and now I find myself wondering what to do. Well, since my mother realized this week was going to be a quiet and slow one for me, she decided the best thing for me to do now is to get my wisdom teeth out. While my cheeks are swollen to the size of chipmunks' cheeks and my mouth is bruised, I still look for the bright side of this–ice cream! Its been three days since I have gotten all four of my wisdom teeth out and I can proudly say that all my diet has consisted of …

I cannot tell you how many times I started this article and rewrote it or was at a loss for words. I am struggling to write this one because all I can think about, while typing, is that by the time you read this I will be an official graduate of Canton High School, Class of 2011. Where did the time go? High school was the best four years of my eighteen years of life. Of course there were some times that I could not wait to get out of high school and away from the drama, early mornings, homework and cafeteria food. But looking back on it, I have had so much fun and learned great, new things …

I am preparing for the Senior Prom, however by the time you read this, prom will have come and gone. I can not tell you how prom was, considering I am writing this article a little in advance, although I am sure prom was excellent and lived up to all my expectations! It is a weird thought that prom marks the closing of senior year. Of course graduation is a big deal and that officially marks the end of senior year, but prom is one of the biggest nights that most Canton High seniors look forward to. Senior Prom is on the Spirit of Boston this year. I think this is a very unique venue and I do …

For some people, Memorial Day is a day that pools are finally opened, families get together for barbecues and the kids get a day off of school!But for many, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for the fallen soldiers, the veterans and all the brave men and women who are risking their lives and serving for our country, today and every day. I was honored to be invited to attend the Scholarship Award Night this past Wednesday night at Canton High. At the ceremony, Canton citizen Melissa Cabino spoke on the behalf of her brother, Shayne Cabino. Shayne was a graduate of Canton High School, class …

It is a really weird feeling, but I sometimes miss school. I never thought I would say that! The externship is going great and I really love all the work that I am doing at the Hansen Elementary School, working with special needs students and helping wherever I can, while learning about this career choice. Regardless, nothing beats Canton High.  Now, I will share with you something that is even weirder than missing Canton High–I miss my teachers! I have been so lucky to have amazing teachers throughout my high school career. If I tried to name each of the wonderful teachers that I have …

I have gone to Canton Public Schools my whole life, and our schools are part of a great system, if I do say so myself. I have thoroughly enjoyed my thirteen years in the public schools in Canton. Obviously, I cannot compare my time in Canton to other public school systems or private schools, considering I have never been educated in any place other than Canton. Lately, however, I have been thinking a lot about the 6th, 7th, 8th, and even the few 9th graders who venture off from Canton Public Schools and enter into private school.  I remember when I was at the Galvin Middle School and in the …

Canton is at it again! As you know, I am so proud of the Canton community, because it is one that is very supportive of people in all scenarios and situations. I know that the amazing help and devotion of Canton citizens has been mentioned by myself before in recent articles, but once again, I am blown away by the overwhelming encouragement that is being given to a beloved school teacher, Mrs. Christine Fritts. Mrs. Fritts is a well respected health and gym teacher at the Galvin Middle School. She first came to the Canton Public Schools and worked in the Hansen School and was known as Miss …

Have you seen teenagers stalking around Canton with paranoid faces, creeping in bushes and hiding behind cars lately? Do not call the police! Do not call a therapist.  Yes, they seem like they might be up to “no good” or perhaps suffering from a form of paranoia, but really, it is just the Annual Senior Assassin game. As for those guns, do not fret! They are just squirt guns! And those suspicious faces are those of the senior high schoolers who are constantly hiding or watching their every move; looking over their shoulder for opponents. Senior Assassins is one of the biggest events students …

It can be difficult to find jobs for kids my age, especially in the summer. The college students come home for the summer and it is as if there are no jobs left in the whole world, because they rush to fill those job openings! My recommendation: find a good, stable job as a freshman or even younger and keep that job throughout your high school career. The job could be anything from waitressing to lifeguarding, landscaping, babysitting, or working at a summer camp as a counselor.  You can be creative and find work, too, such as dog walking or pool cleaning. I am lucky enough to have a great, …

I have lived in Canton all my life and one thing I really love about this town is that  the general population is very liberal and open-minded. Canton has always been known as a “safe zone." Unfortunately, there are some some bullying problems. The Canton public school system has never been one to tolerate bullying or harassment and are actively teaching students about bullying and how to prevent it. The accepting, open manner of Canton is evident when I look back to my freshman year in high school, when the the drama department performed a play called, "The Laramie Project." The play was …

The seniors in the hall are slowly but surely starting to filter out. With some students in Germany, and now 30 seniors leaving to venture on to their externship, the senior class becomes a much smaller one. Not too long ago, the upper lot, reserved for seniors, was swarmed with people trying to get a spot. Now, the lot seems quiet and people feel a little more at ease, since there are plenty of parking spots to go around. It is an eerie feeling however.  I do not always see the students that I went to school with since preschool in the halls anymore. After today, I will no longer be seeing …