Issue No. 7 December 2019

SERVING OUR NATIONMeet some of our alumni who have enlisted in the military. FULL STORY PAGE 3

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Alumni NEWSMystic Valley RegionalCharter School

2Alumni NEWS

MYSTIC VALLEYWE LOVE IT

Dear Alumni,

From the big football game, to the lower school play, to the senior class fundraisers, we have grown accustomed to welcoming many of you back to campus around the Thanksgiving holiday. I hope that is at least partly because MVRCS feels like home to you, and we thank you for checking in and keeping in touch with us.

There is a great deal for which to be thankful as we reflect on the last several months at Mystic Valley. As you will read about in these pages, our students, both active and former, continue to thrive and excel academically and academically. In addition, they have achieved a number of noteworthy accomplishments in the fine arts and extracurricular activities.

From all of us at MVRCS, happy holidays to you and your families. We look forward to continuing to engage with you in the coming year.

Executive Director

letter from the DIRECTOR

Cover Story: Serving Our Nation.............................................. Page 3Academic News & All About the Arts....................................... Page 4Employee Spotlight: Shaun Franks, Class of 2008.................... Page 5Academic News........................................................................ Page 6Eagles Sports Soar................................................................... Page 7 & 8Alumni News.......................................................................... Page 9Class of 2019.......................................................................... Page 10

Alex DanDirector/Superintendent

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COVER STORYServing Our Nation

Their travels took them to the coast of Cuba, the deserts of California, the heart of the Pacific Northwest and to West Texas. Their motivations differed greatly, from the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, to the burning desire to serve their country with an eye on a future vocation. In some cases, their military journeys are over while in one case it is just beginning. However, wherever they are in the continuum of their military service, one thing is be stated with 100% certainty: the values and lessons learned during their time in uniform will remain with them forever.

Recently, a quartet of Mystic Valley alumni, at differing stages of their military service, took the time to share their experiences and lend advice to young men and women thinking of embarking on a similar path. They are part of a group of MVRCS alumni who have served their country following graduation. As mentioned by Patrick Kinnon, just 1% of people nationwide serve in the military, making it a very small, tight-knit and devoted community.

A 2009 Mystic Valley graduate, Nick Martorana enlisted in the Coast Guard as part of its Maritime Law Enforcement Division in hopes of gaining experience to eventually become a police officer. Martorana proudly served his country for eight years, with his travels taking him to many locations domestically, as well as Cuba. Martorana, currently in his 7th year with the Malden Fire Department credits his time in uniform enabling him to become independent and an almost obsessive penchant for punctuality.

“The military is not a walk in the park,” Martorana, a standout on the MVRCS gridiron, said. “If you do choose to join and serve it could be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do in life.”

For Patrick Kinnon, a member of MVRCS’ Class of 2011, entering the military was the culmination of a lifelong desire as he proudly followed in the footsteps of his grandfather Leo who served in World War II and his father Neil who attended the Naval Academy. Patrick’s younger brother Christian ’16 is currently enrolled at the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. No fewer than 15 Kinnons served during World War II, the most of any family in Malden history. Patrick spent four years in the Navy in its submarine service on the USS Pennsylvania, a ballistic missile submarine in Bangor, Washington, ending his duty in 2015. At that time he joined the Malden Police Department where he is currently an officer.

“The most important reason to join the military is to be a part of something bigger than yourself,” Kinnon, an accomplished athlete and multi-sport captain at MV said. “I believe civic duty provides you an excellent appreciation of the rights and freedoms our country was founded on.”

In the midst of serving in the Army, 2013 graduate Guipseppe Iacovone currently serves as a mechanic maintaining the Army’s fleet of tanks and Humvees among others. Currently stationed in Fort Irwin, California, Iacovone will serve until 2021. He currently has an eye on the future and hopes to have his education funded following his service. He

advises current high schools students pondering a career protecting our freedoms to do as much research as possible and explore all available incentives (preferential duty stations, schools, bonuses).

“As I am still currently serving, I am looking upon my chain of command to uphold the highest standards whether on or off duty,” Iacovone, a member of the Eagles’ soccer, swim, and track and field programs, said. “For me personally, this is the best opportunity I have had in my life.”

The most recent enlistee of the group, Andrew Iozza, the son of a Navy and Air National Guard veteran, found himself in Air Force basic training months after walking across the Eastern Avenue stage and collecting his diploma in late spring of 2019. A two-sport athlete for the Eagles, Andrew’s desire to travel and experience different regions of the country and world spurred his interest in the Air Force. Like Guiseppe, Andrew feels it’s best to conduct exhaustive research, meeting with recruiters and carefully mapping out all options.

“I’m very proud to serve my country,” Andrew, echoing the words of the others said. “I feel like this is a great honor and will do my best.”

AMERICAN HERITAGE WEEK

THIRTEEN STUDENTS FROM THE MVRCS CLASS OF 2019 EARN THEIRINTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) DIPLOMAS

The MVRCS Performing Arts Department dazzled audiences throughout 2018-19 academic year with a quartet of performances.

In the fall, students in grades 7 and 8 took to the Emerson Auditorium stage for a rendition of the Disney Classic Beauty and the Beast, under the director of faculty member Mr. Nick Quinn.

In late winter, high school students took to the stage to perform a rendition of Guys and Dolls. Under the direction of Elena Henreckson and Nikolai Dignoti, the students treated audiences to a night of recognizable songs. Along with Mr. Jonathan Henreckson who worked with the chorus and Mrs. Jacqueline Sutherland (wife of research specialist Stephen) who worked with strings.

In the spring, Aladdin Jr. a musical theatrical adaptation of the 1992 film bearing the same name. Later in the spring, students in grades 4-12 took to the stage at Eastern Avenue for a concert. The event featured performances by MVRCS’ chorus, bands and strings ensemble. Bands of varying skill levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced took to the stage. Faculty member Mr. Christopher Doyon oversaw the performances.

ACADEMIC NEWS

In mid-November, MVRCS concluded its annual school-wide American Heritage Week with an assembly for grades 7-12. Leading up to the event, students took part in reviews of some of America’s most notable and recognizable speeches, including George Washington’s Farewell Address of 1796 and Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Speech delivered in 1865. Students in grades K-6 celebrated the week with specially-tailored lessons during Character Education.

Katherine Craven, the Chief Administrative Officer at Babson College was this year’s keynote speaker. Mrs. Craven spent 15 years in the realm of public service, serving as an advisor to the Massachusetts House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means, the Massachusetts School Building Authority, Department of the Treasury as well as Assistant Vice President for Capital Finance for UMass. Following her talk, Craven met individually with a group of seniors for further insight into the working of government.

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ACADEMIC NEWSMVRCS 8th grader and budding entomologist Luke Aengenheyster recently discovered a rare caterpillar, a species that had not been seen stateside since the 1930s. Luke proudly presented his finding to The Caterpillar Lab, a non-profit organization educational organization based in New Hampshire that focuses on the study of the insect.

The Stinging Nettle Caterpillar or Oriental Moth has probably been living a quiet existence in New England for a long time. It has kept itself well below the radar for the last 70 years until Luke’s recently discovery in Topsfield. Luke’s interest in insects was undoubtedly spurred on by elements of the MVRCS Lower School science curriculum focusing on insects.

8TH GRADER DISCOVERS RARE INSECT

Seven of the 82 members of Mystic Valley Regional Charter School’s Class of 2020, 8.5 percent of the graduating class, were recently honored with the distinction of National Merit

Semifinalist or Commended Student. By comparison, only 50,000 students out of a national pool of over 1.5 million (3.3 percent) reach at least the commended student stage of the program. This group of commended students is comprised of Melrose’s Abigail Bemis and Samuel Lyon, Rosanna Caralis of Wakefield, Stacey Fabo of Saugus, Hanhminh Nguyen of Medford and Quynh-An Vo of Malden. These six students join their classmate David Nguyen who achieved National Merit Scholar Semifinalist status announced earlier this month.

“This accomplishment is representative of a great deal of hard work and effort on the part of these seven deserving seniors,” said Superintendent/Director Alex Dan, “but it is also a testament to the rigorous, world-class academic program in place at MVRCS, along with the school’s commitment to a structured, disciplined, and well-mannered climate.” High School Assistant Director Matthew Stone added, “These accomplishments are a true point of pride for the entire Mystic Valley community. Not only do these students excel academically but in the group is a member of student government, a captain of a sports team and others that are active in our high school. These students are the epitome of well-rounded young men and women, young men and women that should be celebrated for their impressive achievements.” Two of the seven students recognized this year follow in the footsteps of their older siblings, MVRCS classmates who graduated in 2014. Fabo joins her sister Tania who achieved Commended Student status in 2014 before going on to graduate from Harvard and become a Rhodes Scholar. Hanminh Nguyen’s brother Justin, the Class of 2014’s valedictorian, was a National Merit Scholar winner in 2014.

CLASS OF 2020 ESTABLISHES RECORD IN NATIONAL MERIT RECOGNITION

Thanks to the dedication and commitment of Mystic Valley's students, faculty, staff and administration, the school has seen an upward trajectory in key metrics related to academic performance and college selection.

Employee Spotlight: Shaun Franks

Q: What are some of your most vivid memories as a student at MVRCS?A: I can still remember my first day at Mystic Valley. I entered the school as a 3rd grader, back when the school opened in 1998. At the time, the school only went up through the 5th grade. I can remember voting on the school mascot. For the record, I voted hawks, but I proudly wore Eagles gear soon after. Years later, in high school, I remember having a number of great teachers that pushed me to be the best I could be in and out of the classroom. I took advantage of the IB certificate program, participated in many of the school’s clubs and participated on the cross-country, track and field, basketball, and baseball teams.

Q: How did what you learned at MVRCS prepare you for lifeafter graduation?A: MV taught me the importance of being a well-rounded person. Whether it’s picking up a new book, or taking on a new challenge, the drive to push through and find value in everything was instilled in me in the classroom at a very young age. MV also taught me a lot about time prioritization, working hard and staying motivated. After graduating MV, I attended American International College where I was a double major. I found the adjustment to be rather easy, and I surely owe a lot of that to MV.

Q: What was the impetus for you coming back?A: Timing is everything. Over the last 8 years, I’ve worked in tech, corporate, and higher education industries. I have had opportunities of working on everything from helping students choose the right next step in their education, to implementing company-wide system implementations on a global scale. At the end of the day, I felt it was the right time to come back to my roots. There is something to be said for returning to a place that feels so familial, and I can’t think of a better place that left such an impact on me as MV did growing up.

Q: What are some of the most satisfying aspects of working in human resources?A: Human resources is everything from understanding an institution’s needs to creating the best possible workplace experience for employees. At its core, I think the most satisfying aspect of working in HR is getting to know employees on both a professional and personal level. Working in HR also enables you to be a part of so many different life milestones for people, and the guidance that you can provide to them through sometimes difficult times proves immeasurable.

Q: What makes MV so special in your estimation?A: Our teachers really care about the students in the classrooms. There is a palpable sense of accountability here that is unique to MVRCS. MV also always welcomes back their alumni. While our history as a school is quite young, it is a strong one, with many accomplishments to note. Curriculum aside, I also think there are great opportunities for students to take advantage of outside the classroom, whether it be our sports programs, clubs, or volunteer work.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?A: It’s great to be back and Go Eagles!

Our MissionTo provide the opportunity of a world class education characterized by a well-mannered, disciplined and structured academic climate.

Central to Mystic Valley's academic environment is the incorporation of selected core virtues and the fundamental ideals of our American Culture, which are embodied in the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.

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Lukas Drahos ’20 scored his 100th career goal in early October as the Eagles took on CAC rival Chelsea. Drahos’ tally in the waning moments of the contest propelled him to become one of less than 15 Massachusetts boys soccer players all-time to accomplish the feat. In addition to an enthusiastic crowd of family and friends, administrators, faculty, staff and students there was a healthy corps of recent and past alumni in attendance to witness history.

“I am speechless,” Drahos who will join siblings Tomas ’13 and Veronica ’17 at MVRCS graduates in the spring, said in the immediate aftermath.

Drahos’ accomplishments drew the attention of not only the local print media but also Channel 5’s High Five. In addition to the feature piece on Drahos, the entire boys soccer team and coaching staff got into the act as they were featured on WCVB’s Wake Up Call.

One of Mystic Valley’s most decorated simmers, Jake Williams ’19, made it official last spring, signing a National Letter of Intent to continue his swimming career at Bryant University. Bryant is an NCAA Division I school that competes in the MAAC.

A two-time MIAA Division 2 state finalist in both the 100 yard butterfly and 200 yard freestyle, Williams stood atop the podium in the 2019 MIAA Division 2 North Sectional, becoming the first MVRCS swimmer to win a sectional title, touching the wall first in the 100 butterfly. A two-year captain, he has been an integral part of the Eagles’ sheer dominance of the Commonwealth Athletic Conference (CAC), earning six varsity letters in the pool while helping lead his team to six conference titles. For his efforts, Williams garnered CAC All-Star status following his junior and senior seasons and was named the leagues Most Valuable Swimmer. Outside of the pool, Williams was a member of MVRCS’ National Honor

Society and Model UN. He is pursuing a finance/investment major with a pre-law track at Bryant.

He becomes the second Mystic Valley swimmer to take his talents to the Division I level, joining former Eagle Shane Kinnon ‘12 who swam at the University of Maine.

PAIR OF 1,000 POINT SCORERS

MVRCS senior basketball players Joshua Briceus ’19 and Benjamin Soto ’19 eclipsed the 1,000 point plateau. Both young men displayed a flair for the dramatic with Soto notching point 1,000 in the regular season finale against Innovation, a game which saw Briceus notch a school record 48 points. In the state tournament's opening round, with the clock winding down, literally to its final seconds, Briceus buried a three-pointer with six seconds left to finish his career with exactly 1,000 points.

The Eagles enjoyed a superb 2018-19 season, finishing with an overall record of 17-4 and the title of Commonwealth Athletic Conference Large Division champions for the first time in program history.

DOMINANCE CONTINUES

The 2018-19 athletics year was one chock full of success for MVRCS athletics as eight teams (Boys and Girls Cross Country, Boys Soccer, Boys and Girls Basketball, Boys and Girls Swimming and Girls Lacrosse captured Commonwealth Athletic Conference (CAC) titles. Boys and girls swimming rose to the top of the conference for the 12th year in succession while boys soccer claimed the crown for the third year in a row. Since 2007, Mystic Valley has claimed a league-best 49 conference titles throughout all of its sports.

Mystic Valley Regional Charter Schoolis a full member of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association.

The school is proud to be a member of the organization'sGood Sportsmanship Honor Roll.

EAGLES SPORTS SOAR

Congratulations Class of 2019!Mystic Valley Regional Charter School held its 14th annual Commencement Exercises in June as 88 young men and women joined the ranks of alumni and became proud graduates in the ceremony held at Eastern Avenue in early June.

James Arneil (University of Michigan)Eve Artz (University of Rhode Island)Anastasia Bessler (University of Maine)Christina Bibilos (Boston University)Veisha Bordenave (UMass-Boston)Anjilique Brady (Simmons University)Joshua Briceus (UMass-Lowell)Alfonso Carbo (Salem State University)John Carlino (UMass-Lowell)Tsz Chan (UMass-Amherst)Kevin Chen (UMass-Lowell)Nina Ciampa (Suffolk University)Kedisha Clerger (Howard University)Brittany Cockell (Salem State University)Deanna Cook (UMass-Amherst)Kelsey Cook (UMass-Lowell)Mya Cook (UMass-Dartmouth)Michela Correale (UMass-Lowell)Jonah Crain (Texas Christian University)Joshua Cram (Boston University)Maria DeSimone (Salem State University)Grace Dias (UMass-Amherst)Michael Difiore (UMass-Amherst)Miriam Dorcelus (Mass. College of Pharmacy)Yassine Fatimi (UMass-Dartmouth)Cole Feely (UMass-Amherst)Lauren Fennelly (University of Vermont)Stephen Flanagan (undecided) Tara Foley (UMass-Lowell)Kala Fraser (University of Rhode Island)Eric He (UMass-Amherst)Shermarie Hyppolite (UMass-Amherst)Andrew Iozza (Air Force)Romish Khatri (Worcester Polytechnic Institute)Julianne King (Saint Anselm College)Chiara Kinnon (UMass-Amherst)Tiara Kirkman (Simmons University)Vivian Kuang (UMass-Lowell)Arya Kurian (Nova Southeastern University)Jennifer Lam (UMass-Lowell)Aaron Li (UMass-Amherst)Loren Madureira (UMass-Amherst)Richard Madureira (Salem State University)Alexander Maher (UMass-Amherst)

Matthew Mail (Boston College)Talia Mamayek (Worcester Polytechnic Institute)Christina Mazzarella (Roger Williams University)Sophia Mercurio (University of Maine)Soufyan MissbahElidrissi (Salem State University) Savanna Moy (UMass-Amherst)Joseph Mullen (Peterson Trade School)Amy Ngan (Worcester Polytechnic Institute)Ethan Nguyen (University of Texas-Austin)Steve Nguyen (University of Southern California)Brianna Nogueira (University of South Florida)Solomon Nwachukwu (Salem State University)Ameera Omar (UMass-Amherst)Colby Orton (Miami University)Faith Pan (Michigan State University)Gianluca Panza (Rochester Institute of Technology)Julie Pereira (College of the Holy Cross)Demetrios Petras (Bridgewater State University)Raymond Pho (UMass-Amherst)Guinevere Rhuda (Roger Williams University)Lillian Rhuda (Syracuse University)Louie Rocha (Merrimack College)Anthony Russo-Penta (Wentworth IofT)Dominic Sacramone (UMass-Lowell)Darren Saimbert (Salem State University)Muneeb Sheikh(Wentworth IofT)Joshua Silva (Boston College)Benjamin Soto (UMass-Amherst)Lily Spero (Worcester Polytechnic Institute)Allan St. Clair (College of the Holy Cross)Tyler Story (UMass-Amherst)Luwam Tewelde (Salem State University)Skyler Tham (UMass-Lowell)Jack Tracey (UMass-Lowell)Baron Tran (UMass-Amherst)Thuy-Tham Vo (UMass-Amherst)Kristopher Vu (M.I.T.)MacKenzie Wentzell (Syracuse University)Jake Williams (Bryant University)Riley Wilson (Bryant University)Rachel Wronski (Roger Williams University)Mohammad Yaaseen (UMass-Boston)Zachary Zhao (UMass-Amherst)

AWARDS Thomas E. Brennan Award for Service Steve NguyenNeil C. Kinnon Award for Citizenship Joshua SilvaGeneral Excellence in Effort Award Faith PanEffort Award in English MacKenzie WentzellGeneral Excellence in History Christina BibilosEffort Award in History Julianne KingGeneral Excellence in Mathematics Allan St. ClairEffort Award in Mathematics Julie PereiraGeneral Excellence in Science Kristopher VuEffort Award in Science Colby OrtonGeneral Excellence in Latin Christina BibilosEffort Award in Latin Maria DeSimoneGeneral Excellence in Spanish Joshua SilvaEffort Award in Spanish Jack TraceyGeneral Excellence in Art Julie PereiraEffort Award in Art Mackenzie WentzellGeneral Excellence in Economics Kristopher VuEffort Award in Economics Jake WilliamsValedictorian Medal (General Excellence) Kristopher VuSalutatorian Medal (General Excellence) Christina Bibilos

Anastasia Bessler Allan St. Clair Ethan Nguyen Julie Pereira MacKenzie Wentzell

Jonah Crain Colby Orton Gwen Rhuda Lily Rhuda Nina Ciiampa

MOVE IN DAY! BELOW ARE MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2019, OUR MOST RECENTLY ALUMNI,WHO BEGAN THEIR COLLEGE CAREERS EARLIER THIS FALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

In early October, some 220 participants took to the streets of Malden for the PTO’s 5th Annual “Fly Like an Eagle 5K run.” The event, one of many on the PTO’s calendar, featured current students and their parents, current faculty and staff members as well as members of the community. In addition to the race, there was something for the entire family as a kids race, music and crafts took place on the Eastern Avenue turf field. Net proceeds from the day are used to support the 8th grade’s annual spring trip to Washington, D.C. Visit the revamped MVRCSPTO.org for more PTO happenings.

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IN OTHER NEWSFly Like An Eagle 5K Run

Contact Us

Alex Dan, Director 781 388-2940 x2103 adan@mvrcs.org

Chris Finn, Assistant Director, K-8 781 388-0222 x3018 cfinn@mvrcs.org

Matt Stone, Assistant Director, 9-12 781 388-0222 x4106 mstone@mvrcs.org

www.MVRCS.comMystic Valley Regional Charter School

K-8770 Salem Street Malden, MA 02148 781 388-0222

High School 306 Highland Ave. Malden, MA 02148 781 388-2940

Mystic Valley Regional Charter School306 Highland Avenue Malden, MA 02148