Day One: A 12 Hour Bus Ride and One Fancy House!

Hello,

What a day today has been!!!

Normally, when I am traveling it is a long first day, but these middle school students are troopers.  We met at Belmonte around 5:30am.  The four buses were waiting for us and we loaded water and suitcases onto each coach.  I was assigned Bus 2...with Mrs. Hamer, Ms. Payne, and Mr. Woods.

It was raining, but the kids helped make quick work of the process and before we knew it...we were off.





It seemed like we were on the road for a good long while, when I looked up and saw an "Entering Wakefield" sign.  I suppose that's when I knew we were in for quite a long day.  Sometime around Waltham the traffic broke and we started our journey in earnest.  We drove down the Pike and turned on to I-84.  Entering Connecticut is always a bittersweet experience for me.  On one hand, it signals that a trip has truly begun - We are out of our home state.  On the other hand, for such a small state, Connecticut seems to go on forever.  After passing through Hartford, we happened across the exit sign for Newtown, Connecticut and Sandy Hook.  It was a sobering experience for me and I even heard some of the kids mentioning it too.

We eventually came to the Tappan Zee Bridge spanning the Hudson River.  I think it was here that I first noticed some of the kids claiming that they could see the White House...they were a little off.  We turned onto the Garden State Parkway and stopped at the Montvale, NJ reststop.  There were multiple choices for the kids, but most of them went to Dunkin' Donuts or Burger King.  After a quick bite to eat, we continued down the road.  We had a little bit of a strange traffic issue while on the Garden State.  A trooper began swerving between the lanes slowing the traffic down to about 15 mph.  There were a few maintenance vehicles patrolling with him.  We figure there had been an accident down the road and they were cleaning up the roadway.

Soon enough, we were on the New Jersey Turnpike and then Delaware and then Maryland.  On Bus 2, we had a slight issue with the lift hydraulics for the "kneeling" bus.  It was safe to drive, but it made us a little more prone to feeling bumps in the road...I swear I am a little seasick as I write this blog.  We drove past Baltimore and began our approach to Washington, DC.  As we drove into DC, we could grab quick glimpses of the Capital Building.  Some of the kids, being too excited to really think about it this time, we yelling out that they had seen the White House.  Traffic was pretty bad and we eventually made it to the National Place for dinner.

After a bit, we began preparing for the first leg of our tour.  We were going to be visiting the White House and a few memorials.

Along the way, we passed by the Treasury Department.  It was the first real "historic" structure that we saw up close and I think the kids were impressed.  Many of them stopped to take pictures...and I even heard a few say it was the White House.

Finally, we were there...The White House.

After we had our share of pictures, we once again boarded our bus and headed off to the World War Two memorial.  Our Tour Guide, Jim, is one of the head guides at the memorial and he gave us a very detailed and specific tour.  The other buses didn't seem to have the same detail in our tour, but I kept reminding the kids with me that they'll remember it longer and that it may help them in classes at the High School next year.

We posed for a Bus 2 picture along the columns.  We are a photogenic group.

A few of us grabbed a couple of other quick photos from around the memorial too:

As the night grew to a close, we boarded our bus one more time...this time, our destination was our hotel, just outside of Washington.  Unfortunately for us, the convoy took a wrong turn.  Thomas Paine, a founding father and author of Common Sense, once wrote, "These are the times that try men's souls..."  Our kids could have complained and they could have whined, but instead, without prompting from any chaperons, they broke out into song.  It wasn't Miley Cyrus or Lady Gage...nope, it was Francis Scott Key.  The kids belted out the National Anthem.  It was super cool hearing that song with the backdrop of DC still visible.  The kids, without knowing it, made the trip extra special for me...and I could tell that George, our bus driver, enjoyed the performance as well.  George had told me earlier that he was a retired veteran and I am sure their tribute to our nation was heartfelt.

All in all, it has totally been worth the 12 hour drive.  I can't wait for tomorrow.  I am going to include a link to the Picasa Album I've created for the trip, but I am not sure if it will work for you.  The Album name is Belmonte DC 2013. If it doesn't work, then please let me know.

Have a great night...and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Mr. Lavoie, currently in Springfield, Virginia with the capital on one side of him and the bright lights of a Dunkin Donuts on the other side.

Connect-I-Cut...the state that never ends

We just crossed through Hartford and picked up our new bus drivers. Bus 2 has George... seems like a nice guy.

Blogging from the road presents unforeseen challenges... like bumpy roads and spotty cell phone service. Some of the kids are resting while others seem wired. We will be stopping in New Jersey and I just found out there is a Dunks there.

Mr. Lavoie, currently on Bus 2 in South bury, Connecticut.

A capital is more than just a big letter that starts a sentence.

Tomorrow morning, I will be heading to Washington, DC with students from the Belmonte Middle School.  I've got to admit, I am more than just excited for this trip.  While I don't really know the kids as well as some of my past journeys, I am excited to finally see my capital city.

I've been to 10 European capital cities.  A capital city is an important feature of one's national identity. It holds the history and culture of a people within its city limits.  You can get a real sense of a nation by walking its capital's streets.  London and Paris are very similar, in my mind, because of their size, their shared history of conflict, and the shear amount of cool sites one can experience.  Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower are iconic European structures, but it is easy to get lost in the depth of each city.  Madrid and Berlin are both modern cities.  They maintain a historic charm, but it is easy to get caught up in their hustle and bustle.  It is also amazing to see the modern world spring up among the avenues and boulevards of each capital.  In Budapest and Dublin, one can find examples of the violent histories shared by revolutionaries standing up to governments they did not agree with, all a midst a people who welcome you with open arms and a smile.  Brussels, Amsterdam, and Prague share that old world feel that truly makes you feel as if you've entered a different world, but each displays a sense of modernity as their cultures shift in this global age...and then there is Rome...as a capital city goes, there really is nothing that compares in history, culture, and the overall experience.

I've only been to DC once before.  It was for an awards ceremony for my brother.  He had helped save someone's life while in the line of duty and I cannot remember a time where I was more proud of him.  The ceremony took place in the heart of the city and while I was able to see many of the sites, my family only stayed for a day.  I remember my other brother and I splitting off from the rest of my family in the afternoon so that I might have a chance at seeing the Declaration of Independence.  It was an incredible feeling.  The signatures of so many men who put aside their differences, if only for a brief time, to share the possibility of an idea.  It gives me chills.  I am so excited to get back down there and see more of the city.

As a US history teacher for the past 13 years, people are typically stunned when I tell them I've only spent about four hours touring the city.  I am the guy who passes out pocket Constitutions to his students and carries one with me wherever I travel.  I've been teaching about the founding of our nation for almost as long as my travel companions have been alive.  I am in awe when looking at the itinerary.  We are doing so much in such a small amount of time.  I cannot even choose one place that I am most excited about...amazingly enough the Sox game is nearer the bottom of the list. (Don't get me wrong, I love the Sox...but I also love Fenway, lol)

With the places that I've seen and the capital cities that I've visited, I am glad that I am finally able to experience the District of Columbia.  I think there is definitely a Roman feel to Washington, although there is a wide variety of architectural designs in the city.  The design of our capital city was inspired by the capitals of Europe much like the design of our political structure was inspired by the different ideas of European political philosophers.  Like our population, DC is a composite of cultures and traditions.  While it never emerged as the economic center of our nation, Washington has born witness to the ideals of the American way.  There is a movie that I like to watch, it is called the Contender.  It's a political thriller and the cast is loaded with great actors and Christian Slater.  One of the characters, a nominee for the office of the Vice Presidency, refers to Washington DC as the chapel of Democracy.

Tomorrow, and over the next three days, I'll be walking the streets of America's capital.  I am not a religious person, but I am excited to go to the church that emancipated the slaves and gave women the right to vote.  I will never forget that feeling I had when I first saw the Declaration of Independence in the National Archives.  It was the feeling of my own country's contribution to this world.  I am fairly confident that I will be feeling that same sentiment several times over the next few days.  A capital is more than just a city...it is a reminder of who we were and a symbol of who we are...more than all that, it is a place that will shape who we will become.

For those new readers of "Where in the World is Mr. Lavoie?" I hope I didn't get too preachy.  I like writing and I hope you enjoy reading.  Hopefully, when you next read this blog, I will have included some links for pictures and other stuff.

Mr. Lavoie, currently in the middle of packing and saying the Pledge of Allegiance.  Okay, so I am not really saying the pledge, but I wrote that so the NSA leaves this blog alone!!!  

ps. The "who we were...and who we are" comments are inspired by Stephen Speilberg's Amistad. Another great political thriller...from 1840.
 

My thoughts on Graduation...and other relevant ramblings.

Today is June 1st.  A week ago, I was in Saugus, California.  I had just witnessed their graduation and I was touring the Getty Museum, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and other interesting parts of Southern California.  I have often thought that we must explore other places to better appreciate our homes and to fully understand ourselves.  This past trip was one of the most unique experiences of my life and I am eternally grateful for it.

Last night, I was at Stackpole Field.  I was celebrating the graduation of the Class of 2013.  As I watched the ceremonies, I began to think about the past two months of my life and how frantic they have been.  So much has happened and I've had over 20 clock changes to contend with...I really haven't had a chance to stop and reflect.  Graduation made me realize that I needed to do that...So here goes:

I have become increasing impressed with Mr. Jason Merrill over the past six months.  We both started at Saugus High School at the same time and I've always respected his work ethic and his ability to work with all students...especially those who struggle at times.  Jason, however, has worked extra hard over the past few months and, to me, it all culminated with one of the most impressive graduation speeches I have ever heard.  Mr. Merrill is not known for his oratory skills or his commanding presence behind a microphone, but perhaps he should be.  His speech encapsulated so much and was delivered in such a manner that many SHS graduates actually stopped, listened, and felt what he had to say.  Some of the kids, and maybe a few of Mr. Merrill's colleagues, wept because of his words.  He quoted a passage that I thought was very true of the world in which we live.  I found the passage online.  It is called "The Paradox of Our Age" and it has been attributed to the Dali Lama, George Carlin, and even a Columbine High School Student.  Mr. Merrill did the research and believes it was written by a Pastor from Washington State.

I am posting a YouTube video with the words on it...but Mr. Merrill's presentation was much more impactful.

 As I sat there, thinking about these words...in fact, all of his words, I realized how lucky we have been to have Mr. Merrill at Saugus High School this year.  I've already thanked him privately, but I am now doing so publicly.  This year has been so crazy and many people have chipped in, but Jason has gone above and beyond.

I also thought about this class.  For the past 13 years, I've worked at Saugus High School.  In my second year, I started teaching 9th graders.  From that point forward, I have seen Freshmen come into our school.  I've seen them grow into mature young adults. I've seen them leave our school, as graduating Seniors, and become productive members of our community and our world.  The Class of 2013 is a special class for me. They shouldn't be...not because of who they are, but because of extenuating circumstances that were way out of their control.  You see, as Freshman, the Class of 2013 students that were enrolled in my history class only had me for half of a year.  Ms. Alongi came to SHS and student taught them.  Then...by the time I could teach them again, I had left teaching to pursue an Administrative position for the Saugus Public Schools.  I didn't really have the opportunity to get to know these kids as well as I could have...but they are special to me nonetheless.  There are so many of them that will stick out in my memory for many years to come.

The world in which we live is different from when I graduated in 1995.  Social Media has made it possible to keep in touch with the ancillary people from our past. Our virtual friendships have led to real-life reunions.  This spring, via Facebook, I have seen so many of my former students graduate from their respective colleges.  It really makes me proud.  I don't know how many of the Class of 2013 I will keep in contact with.  I don't know if I will see them graduate from their colleges in four years.  I do know that they have taught me some very valuable lessons.  The most importance of which is that I am a teacher.

It seems ironic that it took kids to teach me that I am a teacher when I was their teacher...or maybe its just confusing, but to me, it is very clear.  Without going into too much of an explanation, I will just thank them for the lesson.  I needed it...and I cannot wait to return to the classroom next year.

Teaching is such a rewarding profession, but it also can be a somewhat lonely one too.  Every year, a group of young people come walking into your life.  They sit down and look at you all year long.  You teach them the important content that the state prescribes.  But much more than that transpires.  You build, along with them, incredibly important relationships.  You teach them more than history, chemistry, or statistics.  You give them examples of how to live their lives.  The bonds that are built between teachers and students have never been more clear to me than this year.  The teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary and in Moore, Oklahoma gave everything for their students.  A classroom becomes a family.  You get a sense of when some students are struggling at home and you try to help those who are in need.  These families are sometimes dysfunctional, but for 180 days (roughly) you are family.  Then...as the summer starts to roll in...your family disappears.  Sometimes you are reunited with some of your former students and sometimes you never see them again.  One of my favorite movies is To Sir, With Love.  This movie, made in 1967, showcases the sentiments I am expressing.  Sidney Poitier begrudgingly takes a teaching job in London's East End.  The year changes him and changes his kids...and then they graduate.

...and then we do it all over again.

Hope I didn't get too deep.  Just needed to sit and write a bit...

Mr. Lavoie, currently in awe of the Class of 2013...Congrats and Good Luck!!!  You've made us very Proud.

I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

It seems like 90% of my blog posts start with something like this:

"It has been a long day, but everything has been great!"

I suppose I am pretty fortunate to have such great travel experiences and this most recent trip to California has been no exception.  Unlike while we are in Europe, I am blogging the following morning.  The folks here are running us all around town and we are meeting everyone.  It has been more than surreal although that's the only word that comes to mind.  Hopefully, I'll do our day, yesterday, justice.

We left our hotel pretty early, about 8am, to head out for breakfast.  We decided to try a local place that the Superintedent of Schools said was okay, but is also a must-eat at, because of the situation.  We found the Original Saugus Cafe without any real problem and went in to eat.  The girls each had waffles and I tried the Saugus Special.  It was an omelette made with Swiss Cheese, Avocado, Sausage, Mushrooms, and Sour Cream.  It was pretty good and the girls seemed to like their waffles too.  The restaurant had some t-shirts and stuff on sale, but we didn't end up buying anything.  It was a cozy little place.

We left there and headed towards Saugus High School for our 9am arrival.  We were greeted in the main lobby by Jeremy Fannon, their ASB director.  ASB is something like student government but I have the feeling that they are a little more involved than what we are used too.  Jeremy took us to his classroom where we met with the ASB students.  After a brief business meeting, we introduced ourselves and began to make some new friends.  One young lady, whose name escapes me now, showed us a package that she had just received from Spartanburg, SC.  The teacher that she wrote a thank you note for had sent her a letter and t-shirt from Broome High School.  It was neat.  We eventually sat down and held a press conference for the ASB students.  It was cool and the girls did great at answering questions.  The local press was there covering the event too.

http://www.signalscv.com/section/36/article/96874/

We then began touring the rest of the school.  We met so many wonderful people and saw some really cool things.  Here are some shots I took.

Prepping for a news broadcast in their High School studio

Rehearsing their intros.

Nini, Gianna, Gillian, and Victoria.  Saugonians and new friends.
East Coast - West Coast

The girls posing by the "S"  It is 70ft in height.

After our tour, at lunch time, we met again in the ASB room.  Their school purchased In and Out Burgers for over 60 people and we all sat down for lunch.  While the Californians told us that the burgers are usually better, we enjoyed our first sampling of the West Coast fast food chain.  After lunch, we met with several other groups on campus including the Chorus.  They were in the middle of auditioning new members for next year, but they sang a song for us.  We met with the guidance department and a few other folks around campus before heading out for our tour of Santa Clarita.

Principal Bolde took us from Saugus High School to Shave-It, a shaved ice and ice cream store in the Valencia Town Center Mall.  It was delicious.  We then headed out to meet the Mayor of Santa Clarita; a city of over 200,000 people by the way.  This gentlemen entertained us and spent a good chunk of time talking with us asking about our impressions of his city.  Following the visit with the mayor, we headed towards the Old Saugus Railroad house.  It is located in a Hart Park.  This park has hiking trails, an old train, and the original Henry Newhall House.  It was cool to know that they guy who originally lived there also lived in Saugus, Ma.  It was also cool to see the railroad house.  Our Saugus formed along side a river which gave the community life.  Their Saugus formed along side a railroad which gave their community life.  This connection grew eerie as we moved towards the train.  It was an old locomotive; built in the early 1900s.  The model number of the train, painted in crisp white letters, was X1629.  I stopped, frozen in my tracks.  I could barely contain my excitement as I explained to Bill...and the girls, that our Saugus was originally settled in 1629.  I don't know if it is a strange coincidence or a forgotten connection to the east coast, but it definitely left an impression with me.  We ended our tour with a quick visit to the city hall for Santa Clarita.  The Mayor's information officer had a few gifts for us and offered us the opportunity to sit at the Council Meeting table.

It was back to SHS for us...we visited a banquet for their journalism class and shared some ideas for the future connections between our schools.  We then watched a bit of the Blue & White scrimmage for the varsity football game.  We then headed back to the mall for some late night shopping.  We were accompanied by six Saugus students.  It was an absolute blast.  We ended the night with a Chipotle Burrito and some good conversation.

I am amazed at how well this trip is going...it's not that I anticipated it being a waste of time or anything, but I cannot express in words how well our girls are adjusting to this culture and how quickly they are making friends.  It really seems as though all of these kids have been friends for years.  Nini and Victoria, especially, have made Gillian and Gianna feel at home and they are really becoming good friends.

While I am a little behind in blogging, I can tell you that Victoria went with us today to tour LA.  Nini and She are also planning on having a slumber party with the girls tonight.  I'll share more of what we did today when I blog next...but this whole trip, as I stated above, "It's been a long day, but everything has been great."

A Tale of Two Cities, part deux...

Just over a month ago, I posted a blog from Dublin, Ireland.  In that blog, I compared that city to Boston.  The two cities are very much different, but they share some commonality that I felt.  In many ways, I am going through those same sensations today.

This story starts early Thursday morning in a little town called Saugus, Massachusetts.  There, I awoke.  I met with two Saugus High School students at Boston's Logan Airport and we boarded our non-stop flight to LAX (By the way, the X does not have a meaning...they just needed a third letter for their airport designation).  The reason for our travel was highlighted earlier in this blog, but basically, we were invited our to witness the graduation of the Saugus High School Centurions from Saugus, California.  Gianna, Gillian, and I were excited, and a little nervous, when we first landed.  The girls picked out a nice Jeep for our rental car and we embarked on our journey.

The topography in southern California is very foreign to me, and while it looked really nice, we were stuck in our very first LA traffic jam.  It wasn't too bad and after about an hour, we made it to Valencia.

Here is a bit of a lesson:

Saugus, California is one of four municipalities that make up the City of Santa Clarita Valley. The oldest of these municipalities is Newhall.  It's named after Henry Newhall...a Saugonian from Massachusetts who traveled west and invested in purchasing land in the valley.  As his ranch grew, so did the population around him.  Two townships emerged, Newhall and Saugus.  As the population continued to grow two more townships emerged, Valencia and Canyon County.  These four townships, politically, are under the jurisdiction of Santa Clarita.  Traditionally, these towns have retained a sense of community.  The kids who go to Saugus High School in California are from Saugus.   Here endeth the lesson.

We met with Bill Bolde, the SHS principal, for lunch.  He brought with him several staff members and two members of their ASB.  The ASB is a form of Student School Government.  It's different that how we do things, but there are a lot of similarities.  While the adults and I enjoyed lunch and talked about what to expect at the graduation, the four girls began talking...and didn't stop.  It really seemed like they hit it off.

We left lunch and headed towards the College of the Canyons; it is a community college that hosts all of the graduations in the Santa Clarita Valley.  Bill explained where to park and what to expect later on.  The overall picture we had seen so far was very surreal.  There was a ton of Saugus stuff scattered about...but it was Blue and White.

After a brief rest at our hotel, we headed out for the graduation ceremony.  We met a ton of staff members who were all very friendly.  We joined the procession and led the graduates onto the field and we were provided seats of honor upon the staging.  Bill began the ceremony with some introductions and in his remarks he explained who we were...and why we were there.  He then informed the audience that he has never before invited dignitaries to share the podium with him during his introduction, and that we would be the first honorees to receive such an honor.  Bill presented us with the Order of Centurion Pride.  It is a 10 inch bust of a Roman Centurion and there is a wonderful inscription on it.  This symbol of friendship between our two schools will find a place of honor at Saugus High School in Saugus, Massachusetts.  After I said a few brief words of thanks, the graduation continued.  One of the highlights for us was when two graduating Centurions sang a powerful duet.  They were unbelievable!!!  After the students received their diplomas, and threw their caps into the air, the ceremony ended.  We met a few more staff members (including Kevin Millar's cousin) and were continuously impressed with how open and friendly they all were.

We headed back to the hotel, changed, and went out to explore just a little bit before bed.  We went to a convenience store and when I asked where we were, the clerk said, "Saugus."  It was really kind of cool.  We drove through Saugus, past their high school, and down there version of Route 1.  It was surreal.  That's the only word that truly explains it.

While I don't have pictures on this post, I hope to put some up later on tonight.  We are about to head out for breakfast at a place called the Saugus Cafe.  We are then headed to SHS for a tour and the opportunity to meet with students and staff.  It is our goal to build a stronger relationship between our two schools.

Mr. Lavoie, currently in Valencia, California...just a stone's throw away from Saugus.

Thank You...two little words that have tremendous meaning.

This world is a very strange place.  At one point, all can seem well and then things radically fall apart.  We experienced a little bit of that while we were overseas.  The world seemed normal for us until word from the Marathon reached Killarney.  In the chaos being reported vie the news, and on twitter, uncertainty set it.  It wasn't until a few hours later that we started to hear about all of the people who rushed to those in need.  Good people putting their safety aside to help others.

We felt a little bit of that while in Wales.  The choir that dedicated their performance to us impacted many of us in ways we cannot communicate.  Being atop that mountain may have given you a different perspective.  Not of a world of chaos or disorder, but one of beauty.  We have to remember that the good in all of us outweighs the bad.  It is not even close.  The little things we do can have have a tremendous impact on others...even if they are total strangers.

When I checked my email on Wednesday, I was surprised to see a message from a newspaper reporter.  He had some questions for me about a package of "Thank You" notes that I had sent to Saugus High School in California.  He wanted to know who sent them, what else was in the care package, and what our motivation for sending the letters may have been.  I had nearly forgotten that at one of our trip meetings, I had asked you guys to write letters to the teachers, staff, and administrators of our sister school in California.  It's funny because I kept looking over at you all as you wrote your notes wondering if you were taking it seriously.  Your little words of caring, your jokes, and your gratitude were felt by those on the west coast.

There was, however, one problem.  This reporter was not from California.  He was from Spartanburg, South Carolina.  It seems that our care package, and your "Thank You" notes inspired the students of Saugus High School in California to pay it forward.  They chose Broome High School because their two schools shared the Centurions as a mascot.  Today, in Spartanburg, the newspaper is running a story about you...and the little bit of good you helped bring to those in California and how they spread that good to others...and how it will be spread to at least one other school.

I am always impressed with how kids respond to the chance to be good.  I thank you for your behavior on our trip.  I thank you for the respect you showed myself, the other chaperons, and Chris.  I thank you for taking in the wonders of another part of the world and for being engaged.  When I found out that someone had stolen money out of my suitcase, I was naturally upset, but I wasn't worried.  I knew that the worst that would come of it would be that I'd spend a little more money that I had expected too.  I, furthermore, knew that others would respond.  At Logan, many people shared their concern and offered to help...someone even gave me some money to send to Chris that night.  EF Tours has told me not to worry about it.  They are sending Chris the money he would have been paid and reimbursing me for the money I spent trying to help Chris out.  Good people respond to bad things with goodness.

Today, I spoke with Bill Bolde, the principal of Saugus High School in California.  He explained that your letters had a huge impact on his school.  He is thinking of making our message of thanks part of his graduation ceremonies...and he even invited me out for the celebration.

It's funny.  I only found out that he received our package on Wednesday because of a reporter from South Carolina, but on Thursday, I received a package from California.  It contained knicknacks, hats, shirts, and stickers from the Centurions.  Mr. Bolde explained to me that our stuff is on display at their school, when you walk in their main office area.  He told me their chief rival is a school from the other side of town.  Their mascot is the Indian.  Their colors are Red, White, and Black.  He didn't care that our Sachem Head and our color scheme might be confusing to some because the message of unity between our schools is more important than crosstown rivalries.  (I didn't have the heart to tell him that their colors are basically the same as the Peabody Tanners)

Shakespeare once alluded to the fact that we harp on the negative things in life when he wrote the famous monologue in Julius Caesar.  With all that we've experienced this past week, I thought this little story might be a nice way to wrap up things for our trip.  I've included some links below for those who'd like to read on.

Mr. Lavoie, currently in A09 with a box full of Blue and White Saugus things...come on by and take a peek.

Saugus High School's Parent and Community Newsletter (California)
http://www.hartdistrict.org/saugus/legend.pdf


Spartanburg Newspaper Article: http://www.goupstate.com/article/20130425/ARTICLES/304251027/1083/ARTICLES?p=1&tc=pg 

WSPA - Spartanburg TV Channel - with video
http://www.wspa.com/story/22091630/broome-hs-plans-to-pass-along-kindness