Stadium stays on task for Red Cross donation

All photos and text by: Jen Cowart
Cranston Herald

SHOW OF SCHOOL SPIRIT: Students representing every grade level at Stadium School meet with American Red Cross representative, Deborah Ashe, to present their donations.

The students at Stadium Elementary School gave the Rhode Island branch of the American Red Cross a check for $574.06 last month. The check is the result of an ongoing fundraiser for Haiti that the school participated in.


The fundraiser was the brainchild of fifth-grader Mia Ray.

After hearing about the devastation in Haiti, and listening to Principal Susan Bryan speak to the students during lunchtime, Ray decided to get her best friends together and take some action.

“When I heard about what happened [in Haiti], this sad feeling went down in my heart,” Ray said. “I got my best friends together and we came up with Helping Hands for Haiti.”

Ray joined forces with McKenzie Richards, Kayla Andrade and Kailey Fusco. Together they went to Bryan with their idea and the principal embraced it whole-heartedly.

Empty coffee cans with slits in their covers were placed in each classroom so that money could be collected. At the end of each week, Ray and her friends collected and counted the donations.

The girls were pleased to be involved, doing good for a greater cause.

“I thought Mia’s idea was good,” said Fusco. “I wanted to help people.”

Andrade knew from watching the news that Haiti was still in need of help, and she was eager to participate also.

Fellow classmate Richards agreed.

“I think that Mia had a good idea. I’m glad she picked me to help,” Richards said.

Deborah Ashe, a representative with the American Red Cross, arrived at the school to collect the donations.

“Thank you very much,” she said to the group of students representing each grade. “This is a wonderful thing that all of you have done, especially Mia and the girls. It can be tough to part with money sometimes, but I assure you that this goes to a really great cause.”

She went on to say that the money donated would go toward food, clothing, medicine and anything else that the people of Haiti might need.

“You should be very proud of yourselves,” she said.

Principal Bryan was very proud of her staff and students and the contribution the school was making.

“We put the exact amount on the check. We could’ve rounded off to $574, but we put the six cents on there to show the true amount of what we raised with all of our efforts,” Bryan said.

There were some tears in the group as Ashe and Bryan talked about the devastation in Haiti. Two of the students present had family members in Haiti who were killed in the earthquake.

As one student began to cry, Bryan and Ashe both comforted her, reminding her of all of the good that the money collected would do for those remaining in Haiti.

“We’re hoping that this money will be helpful to all of the Haiti students and their families,” Bryan said.

St. Mark's parish celebrates family

All photos and text by: Jen Cowart
Cranston Herald
June 24, 2010

GET THE PARTY STARTED: The Frank Castle band played part of the afternoon away, followed by the band Tribeca, and interspersed with John Nardolillo as DJ.

It was under perfectly sunny skies on Saturday that St. Mark’s Parish in Garden City held their second annual Celebration of Family festival. The festival was held on the grounds of the former Cranston Johnston Catholic Regional School, which is adjacent to St. Mark’s.


Food vendors, game vendors and musicians provided the entertainment and refreshments for the event, which ran from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. There was also an entire area run by parish volunteers with games and crafts for kids, as well as a raffle area for the children.

Admission to the event was free, but once inside, guests were welcome to purchase “festivos,” which they could then use instead of money to participate in events or purchase food and drinks, according to Elizabeth Reis, one of the parish volunteers.

The goal of the event was not to fundraise, but rather to bring the community together.

“Last year I asked Father why we didn’t have a parish festival, and he said, ‘Okay, but you will be the chair,’” recalled chairperson Lori Marsella-Levine.

Reverend Anthony Verdelotti then assigned Marsella-Levine a co-chair, fellow parishioner, Doreen Archetto.

“I’d been in the parish for 17 years when we started this last year, and I didn’t know anyone then,” said Archetto.

After co-chairing the event for two years, Archetto said she sees a great deal of community spirit within the church, thanks to the festival.

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s a lot of fun. I couldn’t do it without the committee members that I have,” she said.

More than 200 volunteers work the event from the planning stages, right through to the cooking and signing up for two-hour shifts at the festival.

Chef Ray Andolfo, the food committee chairperson, held out a steaming plate of homemade lasagna as he spoke.

“This is a family affair, a parish affair,” he said. “Food brings everyone together.”

Andolfo described how he and the women of the parish get together the night before and make hundreds of meatballs, homemade sauce, trays of lasagna and lots of pastries.

“We all get to come together to be together, and in the meantime, we make some food,” he said.

Many outside food vendors participate as well, such as Dockside Seafood, Inside Scoop and Del’s Lemonade.

Alongside the food vendors, San Marco Square is set up, with flowers donated by Atwood Greenhouse and crafts made by the women in the church, all of which can be purchased during the festival.

Frank Castle’s live band, as well as the band Tribeca, and DJ John Nardolillo all took turns providing the musical entertainment for the day and night.

A bounce house, rock wall, carnival rides, a train ride, face painting and games of chance kept the children entertained throughout the day.

“It gets bigger and better every year,” said Archetto.

Father Verdelotti agreed.

“I’m having a great time. It’s good for the community and it’s good for the church,” he said. “It’s bringing people together. They get to know each other and work together. It’s a win-win situation.”

Library Friends Make a Splash

Photos and Text By: Jen Cowart

Cranston Herald
June 24, 2010

THINKING AHEAD: Stadium Principal Susan Bryan looks through books with Jaden and Ailani Sutherland.

In a collaborative effort, the Cranston Public Schools Library Friends group and the city’s librarians recently hosted a mega-reading event to gear up for summertime.


Held at the Central Library on Sockanosset Cross Road in Garden City, the “Make a Splash-Read!” event was free and all Cranston families were invited.

More than 400 people arrived, forming a line out the door, and the library was abuzz with activity. It quickly became the most well attended CPS Library Friends event this year.

Five stations were set up throughout the room. Families were able to stop at each station, complete the activities there, and get a rubber stamp for every station they participated in.

The stations included picking up grade- and age-level summer reading lists, signing up for a library card, perusing some beach towel reading suggestions, making bookmarks, learning about safety from the COZ representatives such as texting while driving, and getting detailed information about the Cranston Public Library reading kick-offs, which are scheduled to begin this week.

Joining the librarians and the families was Paws from the Pawtucket Red Sox, who posed for photos with the children.

“We really tried so hard this time to advertise this event,” said Park View Librarian Karen Shore. “All of the principals in all of the schools sent out the fliers, as did all of the Cranston public libraries.”

Shore also said that the Library Friends are hoping to increase their membership even more for next school year, when they’ll start hosting events again. She noted that although the group planned to host some of the same popular events as last year, they’re also always looking for input from families as to what they’d like to see.

Past CPS Library Friends events have included an Internet safety night, a holiday reading and crafts night, and other monthly meetings on topics of interest to parents and students.

For more information about the CPS Library Friends program, or to become a member, contact Heidi Blais at hblais@gmail.com. To attend a Summer Reading Program kick-off event or one of the Cranston Public Library’s many summer activities taking place at a branch near you, the schedule can be viewed at www.cranstonlibrary.org/.

Laborers' Academy reaches new heights, graduates largest class

Cranston Herald
June 17, 2010
All text by Jen Cowart


On Friday night, the New England Laborers’ Construction Career Academy graduated its largest class ever, as 34 seniors received diplomas in a ceremony filled with pomp and circumstance at the Hope Highlands Auditorium.


Jay Sabitoni, executive director of the New England Laborers’ Training Academy in Pomfret, Conn., served as the Master of Ceremonies that evening.

“Each and every graduate has a future aspiration. Twelve of you are going to college, 10 of you are going on to a technical college, five of you are entering the New England Laborers’ Apprenticeship Program, six will join the United States Armed Forces, and one of you will pursue a career in culinary arts,” said Sabitoni.

Cranston Mayor Allan Fung brought greetings on behalf of the city of Cranston to the graduates.

“I am so proud to be here to honor all of you and your hard work and commitment not only during these past four years, but throughout your entire school career,” he said.

Fung addressed the current economic and social challenges being faced by society today. He urged the students to be agents of change.

Superintendent Peter Nero credited the students’ Cranston education with preparing them well for their future, helping them to enact the kind of change the mayor spoke of.

“Trust me, you are well prepared for college, the military, the workplace, and most importantly, for whatever local or world event transpires,” Nero said. “Proceed forward knowing that in your short lives you have been challenged in school and in life and you have successfully met those challenges.”

Representing the Cranston School Committee, Paula McFarland spoke to the students about leaving their legacy, their mark, on the world.

She urged the students to take the skills and accomplishments gained throughout their educational careers, and reach their full potential outside.

“Each of us has a unique purpose, a unique dream, a unique set of gifts to offer this world,” said McFarland. “You are going to live a life unlike any that has ever been lived before and unlike any that will be lived hereafter.”

The 2010 Commencement Speaker was Denise M. Jenkins, grant programs officer for the Rhode Island Foundation. The Foundation has awarded various grants to the NEL/CPS over the past several years.

Vincent R. Masino, general secretary-treasurer and New England regional manager of the Laborers’ International Union of North America, also addressed the students during the ceremony. According to Sabitoni, Masino has been instrumental in the creation and the continued success of the Construction Career Academy in Cranston.

Sabitoni also began a new annual tradition at this year’s ceremony, honoring one student from the graduating class for their academic achievement. This year’s honoree was Mike Sisto, who was recognized for being not only a class leader, but attaining the highest grade point average. Sisto’s GPA at the time of graduation was 3.414, and next year he will attend the Universal Technical Institute in Orlando.

2010 Valedictorian Justasia Freeman spoke to the graduates, including each one of them in her address. Freeman chose to tell the story of the class of 2010, interviewing them all, and asking them how they had changed in their four years and what they’d found the most valuable in their charter school education. She quoted many of their answers in her speech.

She called their journey “A Great Perhaps.”

“This milestone we have reached in our lives is a swarm of emotions. Happiness, sadness, fear, excitement and a feeling of loss, as many of us will probably lose contact,” she said. “Many of us are going off in different directions and today might be the last day we see each other, so cherish this day, cherish our memories together.”

Freeman spoke of the future, when her classmates might one day reconnect. She said she hopes the connection they made would hold true even then.

Freeman urged her fellow graduates to make the most of the specific skill set they were given at NEL/CPS.

“Not all students can claim what we have, so I encourage success to each and every single one of you,” she said. “I encourage you to go off in the world and find yourself, and be the author of your own story. Get on the road to your journey and find your own ‘Great Perhaps.’”

Before handing out diplomas, Executive Director Dr. Michael Silvia spoke to the students as well.

“I am honored and extremely humbled that you have given me the opportunity to play a major role in your development and your life,” Silvia said.

Dr. Silvia recalled meeting with each student three or four years prior, and telling them that his greatest gift would be to eventually present them with their diplomas, acknowledging that they had now reached that goal.

He credited the faculty and staff at the school, stating, “I am only the keeper of this castle that we call the Career Academy. You were privileged to be taught by some of the best teachers and staff in the state.”

Applause erupted for the faculty and staff.

Silvia also credited parents for their support, asking them to stand, noting that many of them deserved a diploma as well for all they’ve been through with their students through the years.

Dr. Silvia left the students with one final wish as he closed his address.

“When you walk out of this auditorium, I want you to proudly leave with peace in your heart and non-violence in your soul,” he said. “Change the world, and make it a better place for all of us to live.”

Double the honors at CACTC ceremony

Cranston Herald
June 17, 2010
All text and photos by Jen Cowart



 
Saturday was graduation day at Cranston West, but for the approximately 200 students who completed a dual education by also attending the Cranston Area Career and Technical Center, Thursday was their night to shine.


Students who attend CACTC complete their academic courses at Cranston High School West, as well as a three-year certificate program in one of 13 different career and technical education programs. The programs range from pre-engineering and graphic communications to child development and culinary arts.

To celebrate the achievements of the CACTC grads, they have a separate Senior Certificate Ceremony, complete with caps and gowns.

CACTC Director Suzanne C. Coutu and West Principal Steven Knowlton both offered welcoming remarks, and Cranston Mayor Allan Fung congratulated all of the students on their many and varied accomplishments.

“Each and every one of you has chosen a path for your future careers. You are setting many goals for yourselves already,” Fung said. “You will be helping yourselves and the City of Cranston for many generations to come. All of us up here and all of your family and friends beside you now will always be beside you, no matter what goals you set for your future.”

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Judith Lundsten told the students that being asked to speak at their ceremony was the highlight of her day. She asked the students to turn and thank their teachers for all the guidance and support over the past four years, as well as their parents.

“Tonight is all about you, but it’s also about your parents who have supported you for the past 12 years. Turn and thank them also,” she said.

Dr. Lundsten noted that she recognized many faces in the audience from her days in Cranston when she taught third grade, and when she was an elementary principal in the district as well.

Andrea Ianazzi delivered greetings on behalf of the Cranston School Committee, stating that she always enjoys the time she spends at the CACTC.

“Your enthusiasm for your trade is contagious and has served you well throughout your tenure here. You are being recognized this evening because of your hard work, determination and commitment to your field of study,” said Ianazzi. “However, because you have been blessed with these attributes, you have the responsibility to use these skills to help others. As Spider-Man creator Stan Lee said, “With great power comes great responsibility.”

Ianazzi cautioned the students that as they proceed into the future, they would not be judged on their GPAs, their choice of colleges, or their smarts. Rather, they will be judged on their character; the way they treat others, their work ethic and their passion.

According to the faculty and staff at CACTC, the class of 2010 has all of that and more.

“I’ve been here for 21 years, and every once in a while a special class comes along. The last one was in 1998. This is that kind of class, one that you’ll always remember,” said faculty member Louis Giglietti.

The evening continued with the presentation of special awards and scholarships to more than 15 students.

CACTC faculty and staff choose an Outstanding Student in each of the 13 career path programs. Those students must excel academically, but also in the attributes mentioned by Ianazzi: work ethic and strength of character.

“The teachers never had to ask the students to work harder, to keep working,” Coutu said. “They were already doing it.”

At the end of the awards ceremony, Coutu presented the Director’s Medal Award to the overall top student of the year, which she said was a difficult task.

Coutu explained that the students work on a point system, earning points for various facets of their academic and technical achievements. She and another administrator reviewed the student resumes, without looking at names.

The 2010 Director’s Medal award recipient was Gianna Velino. Velino also won several other awards that night, including the Outstanding Skills USA Award, the Graphic Communications Industry of Rhode Island Top Student Award, the CACTC Graphic Communications program’s Outstanding Student Award, and a four-year, full scholarship to Johnson & Wales University in North Carolina.

Velino was also named the 2010 Ideal Cranstonian at the Cranston High School West graduation ceremony on Saturday.