What a year it was at Old Rochester Regional High School. From sports to seniors to Sweeney Todd, there were plenty of big events that defined the 2014-2015 school year. As the school year comes to a close with the last day of finals on Monday, June 22, let’s take a look back of some of the most important things that happened at ORR this year.
It was an incredible year for sports at ORR. Baseball, boys’ tennis, girls’ cross country, boys’ and girls’ track, and boys’ lacrosse were among the top performers, all making deep postseason runs. Many other sports teams had successful seasons, though none topped the boys’ basketball team.
The boys rolled through the playoffs, notching big wins over Wareham, Norton, and Pentucket, with that game taking place at the TD Garden in Boston. The championship win came on Saturday, March 14 at the DCU Center in Worcester over Hoosac Valley. The ‘Sixth Man,’ or ‘Dog Pound’ fan section, was with the Bulldogs every step of the way, and the fan section allowed students to develop a great sense of unity and school spirit. Seniors Will and Evan Santos, as well as junior Matt Valles, create a nice foundation for next year’s team.
Outside of sports, the drama club flourished with two well-received plays. The November rendition of It’s a Wonderful Life starred senior Ian MacLellan and junior Holly Frink, and was a unique spin on a classic. The spring play Sweeney Todd starred juniors Kyle Costa and Emily Faulkner, mixing a clever wit with the scares of the original play. Exactly 135 students participated in the Drama Club this year and, with many returning for next year led by Director Paul Sardinha, there are sure to be some entertaining plays in the club’s future.
Among the key retirements at ORR this year were guidance counselor Scott Griffith and anatomy teacher Mary Kay Cabral. Both well-respected colleagues and teachers at ORR, they were replaced by Lisa Shields and Jeremy Kennefick, respectively.
Junior Drew Robert revolutionized technology at ORR by fundraising to secure the school a 3D printer. It arrived at the school by early June, leading to increased excitement for the Technology Department. Classes like architecture, engineering, and computer science – taught by Thomas Norris – stand to gain the most from Robert’s contribution.
A few new policy changes affected students. A stricter cell phone policy basically restricted cell phone usage to the cafeteria and study halls. Also, more restrictions were put in place to keep students from wandering the hall and leaving lunches. A new policy instilled at the end of the year introduced tougher penalties on students possessing electronic cigarettes.
The Jazz Band also had a terrific year. Leading the way at FORM concerts, the group was seemingly everywhere this year, performing at a multitude of school events. The main players were sophomore Maxxon Wolski, and seniors Matthew Twaddle, Matthew Parisi, and Hannah Cormier.
Late May and early June were crowded with numerous events designed to celebrate the Class of 2015’s time at ORR. Alex Aruri took home the title of ‘Mr. ORR’ on a fun-filled night. Seniors danced the night away at the prom, which took place at the Villa in East Bridgewater, and enjoyed a class trip to Martha’s Vineyard. The seniors graduated on June 6, and by then it was clear that the Class of 2015, achievers of a great many academic and athletic achievements, had left an unmistakable mark on ORR.
School year 2014-2015 was a banner year at ORR, and the accomplishments of both students and staff were aplenty. Academics, athletics, and the arts all enjoyed great years. As terrific as this year was, the confidence and pride of ORR’s student body suggests 2015-2016 will be even better.
Patrick Briand
