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MCC News

Key To Success Expected Next Year

 

By Niki Taylor

Beeline Manager
                  Leadership and Service is a big part of the MCC community. However, next year, there will be a club focused on just that. The Key Club is a service organization that is starting next year. The brainchild of this club was Mr. Burke, who is excited to see it’s success next year. (QUOTE) The club is open to rising juniors, sophomores and freshman who desire to be leaders around their community and at MCC.

                  The idea of Key Club was established by two Kiwanis members in Sacremento, California.  In 1925, Albert C. Olney and Frank C. Vincent, high school administrators, went to their local Kiwanis club with the idea that they could create a high school based leadership and service club focused on school issues. The club was very successful in its first years; it held regular meetings during lunch periods. It was dubbed The Key Club because it was comprised of influential, or “key” boys in the school community. Throughout the years, the Key Club has become the oldest and largest service program for high school students in the world. It has stretched across the world in the last 85 years, spanning to 37 countries. There are currently about 5,000 clubs and 270,000 members across the world.

The advisor of the Key Club is Mrs. Rita Herschbach. She is very happy to see the positive response from the posters hung up around school. (QUOTE) She’s excited about the idea of starting a Key Club because of how the core values relate so closely to those at MCC. The core values of Key Club International are leadership, character building, caring and inclusiveness. It was established to develop

 

Courtesy Photo

The Key Club  logo is recognized by members worldwide.

 

initiative and leadership, provide experience in living and working together, serve the school and community, cooperate with the school principal, and to prepare students for useful citizenship. Every Key Club member should be willing to perform service to his or her home, school and community annually. High school student members will engage in service projects as teams. Members will also learn leadership skills while officers run meetings, plan projects and hold elected leadership positions at the club and district levels. Members of all Key Clubs are selected without discrimination in accordance to local, state, provincial and national laws. No minimum GPA is required. Mrs. Herschbach urges anyone who is passionate about leadership and MCC to email her at herschbachr@melbournecc.org, and check out the information on the Google Classroom page with the code: 5q1m90.

New Head Coaches Ushers in New Era for MCC Football

 

By Paul Tenewitz

Beeline Staff

              A new era in Melbourne Central Catholic football has officially started. Recently MCC hired new Head Football Coach Stacy Sizemore. He comes to MCC with a very impressive resume.  Sizemore’s has coached for some of the best schools in the state and in the country throughout his illustrious 23 career.  Including powerhouses such as Saint Thomas Aquinas and American Heritage School. Sizemore also spent time on the colligate gridiron at East Central Community College in Decatur Mississippi. 

Sizemore has an impressive list of accomplishments. “I have coached in five state championships, four as an assistance, and 1 as a head coach” said Sizemore. Apart from the state championships he has been selected as the coach of the year in Palm Beach County. Sizemore has also had countless players playing in college football. He has players in all levels of college football.

Coach Sizemore has some lofty goals for MCC. “I want to build on the foundation set here at MCC and take it to the next level,” said Sizemore. He also wants to get know to get to know the players and students at MCC.

Coach Sizemore started coaching after he played football in college. Being a football coach is in Sizemore’s blood.  His father was a high school football coach for over 30  years. His father was a big reason he decided to start coaching. “I became a coach because I wanted to make a difference in young people’s lives,” said Sizemore. “My favorite part of coaching is getting to know the players and helping them to achieve there goals.”

Students are exited to have Sizemore at the school. “Coach is bringing a lot of energy to the program. I know he is going work hard and he is also going to work hard with us.” said Junior Jovan Simon

It was a long and extensive process for MCC to select a new head coach. Sizemore believes that his work ethic on and off the field set him apart from the rest of the candidates.

 

Should College Athletes be Paid for Their Time?

 

By Branden Hall

Beeline Staff

                  There has been a big dispute between college athletes and the head of NCAA about whether or not they need to pay the players. Here are some arguments that are being discussed about paying college athletes videogames, March Madness, risk of injury, time consuming, and the coaches get paid. The NCAA should pay these kids some money for playing in college because, they go to school and play sports.

 In recent years, they have made NCAA football videogames for the XBOX 360 and PS3, but they got rid of the game because the players wanted money for being a part of the videogame. This was a big debate between NCAA and the college athletes. It is sad because I loved playing those games.

Another big argument with the NCAA and paying college athletes is March Madness and how much money it brings in and the debate is, should the athletes get a cut from the money brought in. The NCAA makes about six billion dollars from the tournament and CBS and Turner Broadcasting makes more than one billion dollars off the games. Athletic conferences receive millions of dollars in payouts from the NCAA when their team advances deep into the tournament.

The coaches for the teams also receive money from the NCAA for going far into the tournament. So, with those statistics, should the NCAA give a cut to the players if your giving money to the coaches? I think it would be fair to give some money to the players because they are the ones playing not the coaches. Although college athletes do not get paid they work hard and provide revenue for colleges. 

Athletes have a high risk of serious injury when they engage in sports, and sometimes career-ending injuries occur, as was the case with Kevin Ware—a basketball player from the Louisville Cardinals—who broke his leg during a a game. His injury required doctors to insert metal bolts in his leg to keep it straight. This caused him to lose his entire junior season.

Additionally, college athletes do not have time to get jobs like the non-playing students on campus. Athletes must somehow earn spending money so they can go out on dates or buy food. They spend much of their time in the weight room, running and training. These activities are extremely time consuming and is a great hindrance to a young student-athlete’s life and academic performance.

So after reading this what is your opinion about whether college athletes should be paid or not?

 

 

 

 

 Beloved Athletic Director Says Farewell to MCC

 

By Michael Ridyard

Beeline Staff

Mike Riazzi announced he will be leaving MCC after this year. Riazzi will be moving to Louisville, Kentucky. “My wife Tracy has become the General Manager of Volvo cars of Louisville. An opportunity that she has worked extremely hard for,” said Riazzi. “She is a trailblazer for women in the automobile sales industry and I am extremely proud of her.”

 Riazzi started as the athletic director in 1987. That year he was also the head baseball and football coach. He continued as the AD and football coach until 2003 when he took a head football coaching job in Pasadena, California. He worked there for two years before leaving for Bryan, Texas, where he was the principal, athletic director, and head football coach. Riazzi returned to MCC and resumed his former position in 2007. Riazzi has had a big impact on many people who have walked the halls of MCC and those same people have had just as big of an impact on him. “The greatest thing about MCC is the people. Our small community has a big heart and the teachers and students are caring and talented,” said Riazzi. MCC has had many glorious moments during Riazzi’s time but there are a few that are especially meaningful to him.

 

 

Photo by Mike Ridyard

Mike Riazzi will be leaving MCC at the end of this school year.

 

“In the summer of 2015, Coach Dooley and I became the school’s first Honorary Alumni,” he said. “The athletic memories that still bring goosebumps to me are our girls and boys soccer state championships, our girls basketball state championship and our baseball state championship,” said Riazzi.

“One of my favorite football memories is the four-overtime playoff win over Frostproof in Hustler Stadium,” said Riazzi, who is also very proud of the fact that his son, Patrick, graduated several years ago from MCC. The school will surely miss Riazzi and the impact he has had on MCC will still be felt long after he is gone. “I will always think fondly of my 25 years with the MCC community. These friendships and memories will always be a part of me,” said Riazzi.

Area Students Visit Campus, Prepare for Future

 

 Students Pursue Academic Excellence Through Honor Societies

By Stella Quintero

Beeline Staff

                 MCC provides a wide range of honor societies that highlight the excellence and talents of each student. Whether the student exceeds academically, musically, or artistically, there are honor societies provided, according to their natural talents. The honor societies include National Honor Society, French, Spanish, Art, Rho Kappa, Speech and Debate, Thespian, Tri-M Music, Science, Mu Alpha Theta, and Quill and Scroll.

The applications for honor societies are only open to sophomores or juniors. Each distinguished honor society has specific criteria the applicant must have in order to apply. However, each honor society requires different procedures the applicants must possess in order to apply. Though there are distinctive requirements and procedures between each honor society, each prospective applicant must print out the application, submit on time, fill out their name, address, year of graduation, phone number, email address, and cumulative weighted graded point average. Many students perceive the application process to be difficult but it is generally quite simple. “I thought the application was pretty easy. As long as you’re just being yourself and talking about what actually interests you the questions aren’t hard to answer at all,” said Junior Katie Kirkendall.

Prospective applicants quickly discover the benefits of being a part of a prestigious organization. “Honor societies are meant to be a way for students to help each other and improve the school,” said Kirkendall.  “The members also take part in bettering the community through service projects, events, and provide examples for other students.”

This prestigious opportunity on a college resume will improve its quality. Another student applying this year is Sabrina Quintero. “I applied to Art Honor Society because it looks good on my college resume, and art is a subject I am actually passionate about. I want to pursue art in my future college career,” said Quintero.

 

Photo By Stella Quintero

Katie Kirkendall improves her high school resume by applying to more than one honor society.

 

By Mark Potter

Beeline Staff

                 It’s springtime and that means it’s time for the annual Hustler for a Day event! Students from middle schools and high schools in the area come to visit MCC’s beautiful campus to see students and teachers in action. The visiting students walk the halls with Green and Gold Society members and observe everyday life on campus.

                 Students from schools such as Viera, Satellite, Delaura, and Our Lady of Lourdes, attended Hustler for a Day. They had a chance to walk around the campus and meet many teachers, visit modern science labs, walk out to the Hustler Stadium, witness the signing of two athletes to colleges, and much more. Visiting students heard talks from Mike Riazzi, Susan Riebsame, and Allison Reynolds. They covered topics such as academic and athletic offerings, college acceptance rates, classroom atmosphere, house system, and Spirit Week events. The visitors also participated in many activities with the Green and Gold members, such as a question game where they get to ask the students anything they want about school.

Junior Willie McKegg is a member of the Green and Gold society. “The Hustler for a Day visitors were so much fun to be around,” said McKegg. “They asked so many great questions about our school and I hope to see them all here next year.” Many of the visitors are looking at the scholarly school because of great academics and athletics. Freshman Hannah Lucas from Viera High School came to the event in hopes of finding a school that can prepare her for college and give her an edge in her soccer skills. “I have heard so many great things about MCC from its athletics to its academics,” said Lucas. “I can’t think of a better place to become my own person than at MCC.”

 

Photo By Tessie Wilkie

Misha Smeen talks with Brevard County students about attending MCC during Hustler for a Day.

 

Teacher Lunch Auction Cooks Up Excitement for Students

 

By Michael Ridyard

Beeline Staff

                  What would you give in order to have a meal with one of your favorite teachers? At the annual teacher lunch auction, students can bid to do just that. Students can bid up to 200 dollars to enjoy a meal with their educators. The teachers and students can eat scrumptious dishes from their favorite restaurants such as Tropical Smoothie, Makoto's, and Chik-fil-a. “I really enjoy having the opportunity to go to my favorite teacher’s room and eat one of my favorite meals,” said junior Gary Turner. Turner and up to seven of his friends paid 65 dollars to eat with Mrs. Gonzalez.

Some teachers go for more than others depending on their popularity and lunch they are offering. This year Mrs. Herschbach, Mrs. Romanelli and Hayes, Mr. Forester, and Mr. Piotrowski all got bided the maximum of 200 dollars. “It’s funny to see how some teachers have kids fighting over them either because they love that teacher or they are having the best lunch,” said Senior Misha Smeen. Smeen was constantly bidding but did not win any of the lunches.

The teacher lunch auction is also a great fundraiser for Student Council who uses the money to fund the various activities and assemblies they put on throughout the year. “Student Council needs a lot of money because of all the things we do and the teacher lunch auction is one of the best fundraisers we have. It consistently brings in hundreds of dollars that we need to do our job as student counsel,” said Senior and student council member Delaney Fuller. While students and faculty are assembled in the gymnasium for the auction, it is a great opportunity for student council to also put on a house competition and this year a special fundraiser called locks of love. “Whenever there is even a small window of time that we can fit something fun for the students, we try to take advantage of it,” said senior member of student council Christian Harnden.“The teacher lunch auction is a big hit with the students every year,” said Harnden, “It is a great way for students and teachers to come closer as a community.

 

Photo by Michael Ridyard

Junior Gary Turner holds the slip that awards him a lunch with Mrs. Gonzalez.

 

Cadet Corps Shows Prowess On and Off the Shooting Range

 

Photo by Will Wallace

Students line up to shoot in MCC’s Cadet Corp Rifle Team after school.

 

By Will Wallace

Beeline Staff

              This year marks the beginning of MCC’s Cadet Corps class. Students are eager to learn in the class led by Deacon Rick Beauton. Just recently, Beauton had his team practicing their rifle skills because members are new to shooting, he wants his team familiarized with the anatomy of their Olympia .177 air rifles. To power the Olympia .177, compressed air propels fake bullets through the gun. After an explanation on the many intricacies of the guns, the team was ready to start accuracy training. Classmates lined up side-by-side on the ground in a fierce and intimidating position. Their objective was to hit a bulls eye from 15 feet away. Members looked through their scope placed on the gun, with the intent of making a bulls eye, testing their accuracy. Some hit the bulls eye, while the majority of the team shot in the bulls eye’s vicinity. The team is planning on taking part in rifle competitions at various locations. Again, the team is new to shooting, so improvement can be expected in the coming weeks.

Although the Cadet Corps teaches its members to shoot with precision, the class teaches much more than just shooting. On a daily basis, Deacon Rick invests his wisdom and leadership skills into each cadet member. Integrity, effort, and discipline are major attributes that each pupil receives. Freshman Jay Lovett feels that the Cadet Corps is influencing his life drastically. “This class has taught me leadership and the many important qualities that go with being an excellent leader,” said Lovett. “ My father was a marine and I want to follow in his footsteps.” As a result of Deacon Rick’s superb training, Lovett plans on enrolling in the class for four years at MCC. The class is new, therefore they expect the turnout to grow as more people find out about it.

Deacon Rick’s team is going to be divided into a    junior-varsity and varsity team. Most likely, Seasoned veterans will be placed on the varsity team. With more experience and continuity, the team expects to compete at competitions in October next year.

 

Performing Arts Students Learn Imperative Skills at Disney

 

By Concetta Ginevra

Beeline Manager

Imagine walking through Walt Disney World and seeing a group of teenagers acting out fairy tales, dancing ridiculously, and shouting animal noises. These teenagers were the MCC performing arts students on their field trip to EPCOT, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, in Disney World. Members of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, International Thespian Society, Playmakers Club, and drama class were invited to join Disney’s Youth Education Series (YES), where they learned the fundamental ideals of teamwork through improvisation. Participants engaged in a number of fun activities that ranged from a live retelling of Cinderella to the creation of a story about a giraffe from space. With each activity, the students learned a bit more about the importance of having good communication skills to build confidence, promote creativity, and strengthen teamwork.

The day began with an unexpected delay when an accident on State Road 528 closed both lanes of traffic. The performing arts students made the most of the situation by playing creative games in the middle of the highway to pass the time. “We were late to Disney, but that’s okay,” said Sophomore Shawn Finneran. “The whole day was about growing closer and bonding as a team, so even though we missed some of the workshop, we still got to hang out together playing games and having a good time.” After the workshop, students were able to spend a few hours riding rides such as Mission: Space and Soarin’ and enjoying the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, an event comprising over 30 global marketplaces, live music, and amazing food prepared by Disney’s international cast members. Walt Disney World has been home to the Food and Wine Festival for 20 years.“Going to Disney was an unforgettable experience,” said Playmakers Club president Misha Smeen. “I love my fellow performing arts members and think of them as family. I’m so glad we got to go on this trip because this might be one of the last opportunities I have to spend time with all of them together. We’ve been through so much together, and I’m going to miss them terribly when I graduate this year.”

 

Courtesy Photo

Performing arts students Blake Hildreth (left) and Oscar Hou (right) play “ninja” while waiting for traffic to clear.

 

Security Cameras on Campus: Best Idea Since Sliced Bread

 

By Trevor Mills

Beeline Staff          

        Do you think you are an only child? Think again because you have a big brother. MCC has a total of 32 security cameras on campus. MCC began installing these cameras approximately three years ago to ensure the security of the students on MCC’s campus.

       According to Principal Candace Terry, the cameras were purchased from KT&C Innovative High Definition Surveillance, a company that produces multiple kinds of high definition surveillance cameras. These cameras were purchased at an average of $300-$500 each. At this price, the school has spent about $13,000 on cameras to protect the students. The cameras are located in all public areas on campus including all buildings, the courtyard, student services, the main office, and the gym. There are no blind spots known on campus whatsoever.

     The most recent addition to campus was last month when administration installed cameras into the N-building and gymnasium. The type of camera varies based on location. All of the cameras possess infrared and motion sensing capabilities and some even possess audio options so administration can hear what is happening on campus as well.

     The cameras are recording 24 hours a day and seven days a week. The cameras “feed” their information to a single location so that the administration can monitor them

 

with ease. An interesting feature of these cameras is that to their feed can be manipulated so that administration can access it and see what happened even if they were not thereto witness it.          

      Contrary to popular belief, the cameras are not used to catch students but to make sure the students are safe. Terry said, “The cameras are not being used to catch kids doing something but as a proactive way to make sure kids are making good decisions.  If we have to refer to the cameras because of an incident, etc., we can and do.”

The 32 security cameras have been very beneficial to the MCC campus and student body. These cameras act as the “big brother” of the students and ensures a safe, positive environment for students, faculty, and administration. Senior Maddie Lierman said,

 

Courtesy Photo KT&C

Seniors Payton Roe and Concetta Ginevra approve of  MCC’s newly installed, high-tech  security cameras from KT&C.

 

"Personally, I have never felt more comfortable on campus than when the security cameras were installed. I feel content that I, as well as all of my belongings, are safe at MCC.”

Seniors Earn Prestigious Academic Awards

 

Mary Kate Kelley and Brett Hymel are the recent recipients of prestigious academic awards.

Photo by Byron Silva

 

By Byron Silva

Beeline Staff

     When you put your mind, heart, and full determination into something, then success can be yours. This is most definitely true for Seniors Brett Hymel and Mary Kate Kelley. Both of these top scholars were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship program for consistency and achievements in their academics.

     Hymel was named National Merit Commended Scholar and was deemed one of 34,000 students that received this award. He was chosen nationally to be acknowledged for his commitment to academics. Commended students are placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2016 competition by taking the 2014 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). With this honor, Hymel now qualifies to become a candidate for a select list of scholarships sponsored by corporations and businesses. Also, the National Merit Commended Scholar has a number of other scholastic attainments at MCC such as the Furman Scholarship award. Adding to his resume of achievements, Hymel is a part of the Rho Kappa Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, National Honor Society, and the National Art Honor Society. Once Hymel graduates this year, he has plans to attend Vanderbilt University to study either economics or philosophy.

     Hard work is also exemplified by Mary Kate Kelley, who was named a National Merit Semifinalist. Kelley earned this distinction based upon her exceptional 2014 PSAT scores. She will now have the opportunity to continue in the competition for the honor of National Merit Finalist, which would secure her a National Merit Scholarship, a $2,500 scholarship towards her first year of college, and multiple other scholarships ranging from $500 to $10,000.

     Along with being chosen to be a National Merit Semifinalist, she has also won other awards such as the James W. and Mary Alice Libby Scholarship, which provides full-ride tuition for all four years at MCC. Only one of these merit-based scholarships is awarded per year to a rising MCC freshman.

     To add more to her achievements, Kelley is also the president of the National Honor Society and a member of the Thespian Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Rho Kappa, Mu Alpha Theta, and Quill and Scroll. The National Merit Semifinalist plans to study biomedical science with a pre-med track and possibly anatomical/biological illustration. She has been looking at Ivy League schools and top 50 universities to attend after her upcoming graduation, but does not have a specific one in mind yet.

 

 

Stephanie Gonzalez teaches the ESOL class here at MCC

Photo by Niki Taylor

New Courses Added to School Curriculum

 

By Payton Roe

Beeline Staff

              Ever wonder how old the universe is? Or how the Earth was made? Topics like this are discussed in some of the new classes being offered at MCC this year. Some of the courses include Astronomy and Meteorology, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and Introduction to Faith. This is just a brief overview of a few of the options students can choose.

Astronomy and Meteorology is a class designed to explore Earth sciences including the solar system, cosmology, plate tectonics, energy, biogeochemical cycles, and the atmosphere. The class is taught by former meteorologist and current math teacher Mrs. Aarolyn Hayes. “I am very excited to see how the Earth's atmosphere is so similar to other planets and atmospheres. It will be very interesting to teach all the cool topics, and I think the kids will like it,” said Hayes.

     English for Speakers of Other Languages is taught by one of MCC’s new teachers, Mrs. Stephanie Gonzalez. “I love teaching students from other countries,” said Gonzalez. “It gives me a broad perspective on the world, and teaches me about other cultures and traditions. I admire these students’ courage and tenacity in coming to a foreign land, and studying a completely different language.” This class meets after school bi-weekly. ESOL is developed for international students to become familiar with the English language.

     Introduction to Faith is a new elective course, as well. The objective is to introduce students to religion and expand students’ knowledge of God and the history of Catholicism. It also teaches students the importance of religion. Students will learn the major concepts of Christian theology. This new course is taught by Daniel Ensell, who has been at MCC for more than five years. “I am thrilled to see how the students learn the faith and their thoughts on the introduction of faith,” he said.

 

 

By Paul Tenewitz

Beeline Staff

     Attention! Eyes Front! March! Military discipline has come to MCC as the first-year program. Cadet Corps was initiated by Deacon Rick Beauton. He teaches military ideas and promotes leadership qualities to his students. The Cadet Corps is not affiliated with any branch of  the military, but combines elements from each. "I previously was in Cadet Corps at another school," said senior leader James O’Connell, "It really helped to develop my leadership abilities."

     The Cadet Corps is preparing to start a rifle and drill team. The rifle team is an Olympic-style shooting squad that participates in team and individual competitions and the drill team is a marching unit that also competes at various locations. To begin practicing for competition, the Drill team just needs more participants, said O’Connell. “I am really excited for both teams; we have a bunch of people who are experienced shooters,” said O’Connell.

     The Cadet Corps also has a Color Guard consisting of seniors Eileen O’Connell, Anastasia Laneuville, and Joe Petrick and freshman Gavin Delgatto. The Color Guard’s main purpose is to present the flags at football games and other special events. In the Color Guard, one student presents the American flag, one student presents the state flag, and two hold rifles. The Color Guard is also a competition team that will begin competing in January, said Beauton.

     On a typical day, you may find Beauton and his young cadets doing close-order drills, discussing basic first aid, reviewing military traditions and the history of the four military branches, and analyzing the importance of American government and citizenship.

 

Deacon Rick Beauton leads the members of the Cadet Corps in afternoon drills.

Courtesy Photo

By Michael Vital

Beeline Staff

     In today’s society, technology is a main part of daily life. Chromebooks allow students to go paperless and expand their studies. With the new technology, students are able to ac-cess courses that are online, such as Florida Virtual School and Accelerated Math. Students are also able to access all of their classes when at homeor out of town. Also, with offline syncing they do not even need a Wi-Fi connection to continue their work. Chromebooks have helped many students balance their school work with sports and other extracurricular activities. “The new Chromebook gives me the ability to study and finish my homework before soccer,” said Liam Kelly.

     Some of the advantages of a Chromebook over other devices includes its cost (around $200), its efficiency of hundreds of Google Apps and Extensions, its Cloud-friendliness (online storage capability), and its browser-based operating system (needs fast internet speed). Proper care of the Chromebooks is an important part of the new technology. According to Rob Terry, MCC Tech Coordinator, students were warned multiple times not to place their Chromebooks inside of their backpacks. For example, students have driven off with their Chromebook on top of their car, dropped them on the floor, and tossed their backpacks down with the Chromebook inside. Kelly was one of the students who broke his screen, and recently had to repair it. “I had put my Chromebook in my backpack along with my books and placed it on the floor, and then the screen looked like someone poured ink on it,” Kelly said.

     If a Chromebook breaks. users can turn it into the media center to have it repaired. Repairs on Chromebooks cost $100, or you might have to buy a new one, depending on the damage to the Chromebook. Many online stores such as Ebay and Amazon are selling cases made for the Chromebooks. Spending $20 on a case can save you money on Chromebook repairs. These cases are usually hard-shell and removable. They give the Chromebook protection and reduce the chance of damage. Also, the MCC media center offers a very protective soft case for Chromebooks for $30.

From left, Ali Hackett, Colman LaRoche and Hiari Isekenegbe say they love their Chromebooks.

Photo by Mr. Amato

 

 

Chromebooks and Google:

Changing Education at MCC

Cadet Corps Adds Military Discipline to Curriculum

Club Showcases Students’ Amazing Artistic Skills

 

By Katherine Yang

Beeline Staff

      Although MCC is renowned for its outstanding student-athletes, the school is also home to many talented artists and musicians. In early November, the MCC community got chance to visit the media center to view and enjoy art pieces created by students, and enjoy musical performances at the same time.

     The annual student art exhibition is sponsored by the Art Club. “ The students in the art club hope to continue to build an appreciation for the arts in our community,” said Janet Keany, the supervisor of the art club and media center specialist. “We continue to work on art projects, recycled art, religious art, and independent work by the students,” Keany said.       She added that the purpose of the art exhibit was to showcase the work of MCC art students and provide an extension of the art classes offered here.

     Alexander, one of the members of the art club, said, “The time that I spend in the art club is the time for me to express myself and relax. I think it’s the best part of the day.” Milgian, also the member of the art club said, “I think the art exhibition gives us the opportunity to show our works and pieces--which is really inspirational. It gives us more opportunities to create and improve our abilities and skills.”

     The art club is a student run organization and tries to meet at least once a week.  The club provides open studio time for anyone interested in fine arts. “ Our art club hopes to create permanent pieces of art for the school and continue to provide an outlet beyond the classroom for students to express their creativity.” Keany concluded by saying that she and the club members welcome all the students to take part in art club activities.

 

 

By Danielle Greene

Beeline Staff

      Last month at MCC, a life-size chess board was placed in the courtyard. This project took about a year to create with raising money, buying pieces and constructing it to suit MCC’s campus. During lunch and break, students are welcome to play chess with their friends and practice their chess skills and techniques.

     Mr. James Ziarno, a chess and math teacher, motivated this project. “There are many studies that show students who play chess score significantly higher in math, reading, science and many other areas,” said Ziarno. Learning how to play chess is very beneficial. Because it is a strategic game, it improves strategic thinking, teaches planning and foresight, raises one’s IQ, and improves memory. Chess provides practice at making accurate decisions under time pressure, as an exam at school is. Chess develops the ability to predict and foresee results of actions. Maggie Schneider, an avid chess player, said, “I appreciate playing chess because it helps me focus and teaches me attentive skills. It is a fun game to play and compete with my friends.”

     This year at MCC, a chess class was added to the course list. In chess class, you learn from chess expert, Mr.course list. In chess class, one can learn from chess expert, Mr. Ziarno how to be an intelligent chess player by learning the rules of this game, smart plays, and competing with classmates. Having the chess board on campus and accessible is a great way to get students involved in chess class. “The objective of having this class is to create a chess culture so all students at MCC are involved in chess, rather than an exclusive club,” said Ziarno.

     The Chess class is a valuable opportunity for individuals at MCC to experience. “I welcome all students to participate in chess class because chess is an initiative of the math department,” said Ziarno. The intention of adding this to the campus is to interest people to take this course. Although chess class was just launched this year, students are eager to take this class to learn to be a skillful and prominent chess player.

 

Chess Board Proves Great Addition to Campus

Photo by Danielle Greene

Students enjoy utilizing the new megachess board with their friends at school.

 

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