Schools

Velichansky: 5 MHS Seniors Experience New Independence

Editor's note: The following article was written by Andrew Velichansky, a Medfield High School student and member of the student newspaper, "The Kingsbury Chronicle." Velichansky's piece is part of Medfield Patch's weekly series, "Warrior Weekly."

For five seniors, the final countdown is complete. 

In lieu of completing their last high school quarter in their seven-class schedule, these students are currently in the creative process of their highly selective and demanding senior projects.

The opportunity to create a project – which in the past has ranged from organizing the annual Spring Fest Concert to painting a mural in town – is open to all seniors, but few attempt to take on its rigor and independence. Those who decide to accept the challenge must submit their ideas to a board of teachers, counselors and administrators – headed by guidance counselor Ms. Anne Lodge – for approval.

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In mid-January, a small group of students submitted lengthy applications to the faculty committee. Included in their proposals was an essay discussing the motivation behind their ideas, the impact on the community, and why they should be selected by the committee.  Seniors Emma Comery, Dylan Dugas, Chris Fennell, Leanne Mitchell and Meghan Norton were notified shortly afterwards that they would spend April and May outside typical classrooms.

Comery is writing a historical fiction novel. Her story idea came from a visit to Wales two summers ago. Based on Comery’s own imaginative thoughts, the main character’s desire to travel to Wales back in the 15th century leads to adventures surrounded by conflicts of the time.

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Hours upon hours of writing and research occupy Comery throughout the creative process. 

“Most days, I just try to write as much as I can; I aim for 2,500 words a day,” she said.

In order to produce the most realistic piece, she imagines herself in the shoes of her characters. 

“When I get really into it,” said Comery, “and the dialogue and descriptions are flowing just like they do in my imagination – when I can practically hear the characters speaking – it's like the real world fades away.”

And what’s her motivation? Aspirations of becoming a successful writer.

Comery added: “In my dreams I am a high school writing teacher. And I yearn desperately to be a New York Times bestselling author, as well. Can you imagine how amazing it would be to spend each and every day doing something you absolutely love and getting paid for it?”

Comery isn’t the only senior putting pen on paper. Chris Fennell, president of the MHS Theatre Society, is writing a play.

“I have always loved theatre,” said Fennell, “and in high school the only thing I haven't done [with theatre] is write, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity to create a play.”

Like Comery, Fennell sees the value of concentration and imagination in writing. His first hours of brainstorming took place on a private hike in the woods.

For Fennell, the creative journey of his project is especially important because he will study theatre in college next year.

“Actors spend hours trying to understand a piece of text, and having the opposite perspective on a piece will, hopefully, give me a better understanding of how to attack theater,” he said.

Dylan Dugas is creating a documentary on the MHS boys’ hockey team. He is currently piecing together video footage of the team he has taken over the past two years. Next year, Dugas is looking forward to studying film production, so creating this documentary serves as solid experience for the future.

Leanne Mitchell is preparing for a future in entrepreneurship and environmental conscientiousness, creating an environmentally friendly T-shirt line. Her “Stand be Me” design will be printed and sold for $20, and all proceeds will go to the National Wildlife Federation.

Mitchell emphasizes the positive value of senior projects.

“I dedicate so much more energy into something that I will be pursuing in the future. It’s really nice to be able to do things on my own terms without the pressure of frequent deadlines,” she said.

And Meghan Norton is also working towards a charity. Norton commutes to a downtown Boston office regularly to plan a non-profit event benefitting the Best Buddies organization.

For Norton, planning a successful event ties directly into her future.

“My project directly relates to my career goals because I am pursuing a degree in hospitality with a concentration in event planning and management,” she said.

Each of the five seniors will present their work in a public forum on May 24 in the high school auditorium. Teachers, friends, parents, community leaders, and the public are welcome to observe the students’ efforts. Their hours upon hours of work deserve support and congratulations from the community, so they look forward to a large turnout for their presentations.


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