KHS Mineral Springs Brass performs at NHMEA Spring Conference
CONWAY — The NH Music Educators Association holds a statewide conference for teachers in association with the student-centered All State Music Festival every year. The conference is attended by several hundred music teachers for professional development. Each year, a few ensembles from around the state are selected to perform during the conference's Showcase series.
For the second time since the Showcases were reinstated in 2010, Kennett High School music students were awarded a slot and performed in Concord on April 12.
In 2010, The KHS Drumline performed. This year, the Mineral Springs Brass Ensemble of Kennett High School, under the direction of Randy Ouellette, performed a variety of pieces.
Mr. Ouellette also spoke with the teachers in attendance. "It's important to stretch the students. I give them material that is just a little too hard for them. It's one way to help them improve, as I am sure you do as well" said Ouellette.
Ouellette went on to explain some of the selections shared at the conference.
"One of the ways that directors can utilize their small ensembles is to have them play a pre-concert on large ensemble night. We did that this past year for the Kennett High School Holiday Concert. We played in the lobby area of the auditorium as people were waiting for the house to open. It was great experience for the students, and got people in the mood for the main event. The ensemble then played 'Carol of the Bells' and a classical arrangement using the melodic theme of 'Jolly Ol' St. Nicholas.'
"These pieces seem particularly appropriate due to today's weather," Ouellette joked in reference to the hail, sleet, and rain that menaced the Granite State that day.
Next, the group performed an intricate arrangement of the crowd pleaser, "Linus and Lucy" of Charlie Brown fame. The group ended their session with a challenging rendition of "The Doctor," arranged by senior Sean Racicot-Psaledakis, who hopes to major in music therapy next year at St. Lawrence University.
"I was very happy to work with Randy so that the students had the opportunity to experience a conference," said Dr. Therese Davison, band director at Kennett High. "It's important to provide students with these types of quality, extended-learning opportunities."
For the second time since the Showcases were reinstated in 2010, Kennett High School music students were awarded a slot and performed in Concord on April 12.
In 2010, The KHS Drumline performed. This year, the Mineral Springs Brass Ensemble of Kennett High School, under the direction of Randy Ouellette, performed a variety of pieces.
Mr. Ouellette also spoke with the teachers in attendance. "It's important to stretch the students. I give them material that is just a little too hard for them. It's one way to help them improve, as I am sure you do as well" said Ouellette.
Ouellette went on to explain some of the selections shared at the conference.
"One of the ways that directors can utilize their small ensembles is to have them play a pre-concert on large ensemble night. We did that this past year for the Kennett High School Holiday Concert. We played in the lobby area of the auditorium as people were waiting for the house to open. It was great experience for the students, and got people in the mood for the main event. The ensemble then played 'Carol of the Bells' and a classical arrangement using the melodic theme of 'Jolly Ol' St. Nicholas.'
"These pieces seem particularly appropriate due to today's weather," Ouellette joked in reference to the hail, sleet, and rain that menaced the Granite State that day.
Next, the group performed an intricate arrangement of the crowd pleaser, "Linus and Lucy" of Charlie Brown fame. The group ended their session with a challenging rendition of "The Doctor," arranged by senior Sean Racicot-Psaledakis, who hopes to major in music therapy next year at St. Lawrence University.
"I was very happy to work with Randy so that the students had the opportunity to experience a conference," said Dr. Therese Davison, band director at Kennett High. "It's important to provide students with these types of quality, extended-learning opportunities."
Last Updated on Friday, 03 May 2013 00:41
Hits: 10
Mount Washington Valley Regional Science and Technology Fair is May 9
CONWAY – The Mount Washington Valley Regional Science and Technology Fair will be held at the Technology Village in Conway on May 9. The event is organized by the Economic Council and Granite State College.
The fair encourages local students in grades 7-12 to take part in one of the largest science events of the year!
The MWV Science Fair launched in 2008 featuring 30 projects and in 2012 there were more than 360 projects. This science fair is the fastest growing and largest in the state of New Hampshire.
"The growth in student participation for this science fair has been amazing," said Jac Cuddy, executive director of the Mt. Washington Valley Economic Council. "Our goal for this event is to inspire young people to explore, experiment, and innovate using science and technology. It's exciting to see it all happen."
The event, which is open to the public, will draw more than 300 students with project demonstrations and competitive judging from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The event will conclude with an awards ceremony at 7:30 p.m. where the winners of each category will be recognized.
Please help and support the unique and developing minds of young people in the valley. Join us on May 9 and be inspired as our young scientists displaying remarkable projects that explore food and agriculture, biology, genetics, physical science, robotics, and much more. For the fourth year this event is presented by Time Warner Cable, offering students and their mentor teachers an opportunity to win more than $5,000 in cash prizes. For more information please visit our science fair website at www.mwvscifair.com
The fair encourages local students in grades 7-12 to take part in one of the largest science events of the year!
The MWV Science Fair launched in 2008 featuring 30 projects and in 2012 there were more than 360 projects. This science fair is the fastest growing and largest in the state of New Hampshire.
"The growth in student participation for this science fair has been amazing," said Jac Cuddy, executive director of the Mt. Washington Valley Economic Council. "Our goal for this event is to inspire young people to explore, experiment, and innovate using science and technology. It's exciting to see it all happen."
The event, which is open to the public, will draw more than 300 students with project demonstrations and competitive judging from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The event will conclude with an awards ceremony at 7:30 p.m. where the winners of each category will be recognized.
Please help and support the unique and developing minds of young people in the valley. Join us on May 9 and be inspired as our young scientists displaying remarkable projects that explore food and agriculture, biology, genetics, physical science, robotics, and much more. For the fourth year this event is presented by Time Warner Cable, offering students and their mentor teachers an opportunity to win more than $5,000 in cash prizes. For more information please visit our science fair website at www.mwvscifair.com
Last Updated on Friday, 03 May 2013 00:40
Hits: 13
Chretien chosen to attend National Young Leaders State Conference
Olivia ChretienCONWAY — Kennett Middle School will be represented at the annual Congressional Youth Leaders Council — National Young Leaders State Conference in Boston next month. Eighth grader Olivia Chretien, of Madison, was nominated by principal Kevin Richard and accepted to the conference which runs May 16-19."I'm really excited and looking forward to it," Chretien, the daughter and Cheryl and Chris Chretien of Madison, said.
Kennett Middle School has been represented at the conference in the past by Ali Adair in 2007; Laura Jensen in 2008; Shontell Allard in 2009; Victoria Eaton in 2010; and Claire Martindale in 2011.
Richard nominated Chretien last fall.
"It was easy to do," he said, "Olivia is a super student and this should be right up her alley."
Chretien received official word of her acceptance in mid October.
"When you accept your nomination to become an NYLSC scholar, you will be joining a select group of outstanding students from across the region for the educational experience in recent years," Marguerite Reagan, dean of academic affairs for the CYLC, wrote in a two-page letter to Chretien. "You will be honored as one of our nation's most promising young leaders. Together with other high-achieving students, you will take part in an event that will help shape your future and assure that you leave more confident, assertive and in charge with fully developed leadership skills.
"You will meet students from all over the region, who like you, have a commitment to excellence and a drive to succeed," she continued. "You will learn valuable lessons in collaboration and make friendships that will last long after you've returned home."
The Congressional Youth Leadership Council is a nonpartisan education; organization. Founded in 1985, it is committed to fostering and inspiring young people to achieve their full leadership potential.
The website lists the following benefits to attending the conference:
At the program, State Scholars:
• Are inspired to achieve their full leadership potential
• Discover the core leadership power tools of communication, conflict resolution, decision making, goal setting, group dynamics, leadership techniques, project management, self awareness and appreciating diversity.
• Are challenged to step forward with confidence and conviction to achieve their goals
• Learn and begin immediately applying critical and important concepts of leadership
• Act upon their dreams of making a difference in their community.
• With the insight and guidance of highly trained facilitators and the assistance of their peers, work within each activity to hone their own plan of personal leadership.
• Strengthen the skills they need to succeed in school and gain new perspective on how they view their role as leaders in their communities, leaving the conference well-equipped to begin their journey.
"I can't wait to learn more about leadership and meet other students," Chretien said.
Chretien said she has to fund-raise in order to attend the conference and she and her family plan to organize some community events in the near future. If anyone would like to help defer the costs of the conference they can contact the family by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 730-7085.
Last Updated on Friday, 05 April 2013 05:12
Hits: 44
Eagles shine statewide in SkillsUSA
CONWAY — Students from the Mount Washington Valley Career and Technical Center at Kennett High have once again proved the Eagles are among the best when it comes to the SkillsUSA program. In statewide competitions last month, students from KHS brought home 15 awards including five gold medals.
"The kids did awesome," Lori Babine, executive director of the MWV Career and Technical Center, said as she shared the news with the Conway School Board last month. "They're all doing grate and we still have the FFA (Future Farmers of America) next week, they're at the Mount Washington Hotel. We're very proud of what our students have accomplished."
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA helps each student excel. SkillsUSA's mission is "to empower its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens."
In the Machining category, Ed Prevost captured first place in Precision Machining.
In Drafting, Brian Wanek earned a gold medal while fellow Eagle Bryce Phillips brought home a silver.
In HOSA (Health Science Education), Liz Lowden garnered a second place in Medical Reading; Steve Cotton took third in Medical Math; and Taylor Nicklin was fourth in Medical Photography.
In Auto, Cody Crawford earned a silver medal.
In Graphics — Photography — KHS swept the medals with Kayla Sulewski winning gold; Tim Avery, silver; and Lindsey Garland, bronze.
In Graphics — Advertising Design — Lucas Brown brought home a gold medal and also won a silver in T-Shirt Design. Fellow Eagles Alex Fauver and John Brown received silver medals in the TV Video category.
The KHS Hospitality team (seniors Catie Barrows, Rebecca Pittman, Robert Schrader and juniors Courtney Ainsworth and Allison Shaw and coached by Virginia Schrader) won the state championship early last month and will head to Nationals in Orlando, Florida on Wednesday to compete for a national crown.
"Hopefully, we'll have even more good news to share," Babine said.
SkillsUSA serves more than 300,000 students and instructors annually.
The organization has 13,000 school chapters in 54 state and territorial associations.
More than 14,500 instructors and administrators are professional members of SkillsUSA.
SkillsUSA is "an applied method of instruction for preparing America's high performance workers in public career and technical programs. It provides quality education experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character development. It builds and reinforces self-confidence, work attitudes and communications skills. It emphasizes total quality at work—high ethical standards, superior work skills, life-long education, and pride in the dignity of work. SkillsUSA also promotes understanding of the free-enterprise system and involvement in community service."
SkillsUSA was essentially created in 1965, The Vocational Industrial Clubs of America Inc. (VICA) was founded by students and teachers who were serious about their professions and saw the need for more training in the areas of leadership to complement their chosen vocation. In Nashville, Tennessee, 14 states were represented, as VICA chose its name, colors, motto, purposes and goals.
"The kids did awesome," Lori Babine, executive director of the MWV Career and Technical Center, said as she shared the news with the Conway School Board last month. "They're all doing grate and we still have the FFA (Future Farmers of America) next week, they're at the Mount Washington Hotel. We're very proud of what our students have accomplished."
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA helps each student excel. SkillsUSA's mission is "to empower its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens."
In the Machining category, Ed Prevost captured first place in Precision Machining.
In Drafting, Brian Wanek earned a gold medal while fellow Eagle Bryce Phillips brought home a silver.
In HOSA (Health Science Education), Liz Lowden garnered a second place in Medical Reading; Steve Cotton took third in Medical Math; and Taylor Nicklin was fourth in Medical Photography.
In Auto, Cody Crawford earned a silver medal.
In Graphics — Photography — KHS swept the medals with Kayla Sulewski winning gold; Tim Avery, silver; and Lindsey Garland, bronze.
In Graphics — Advertising Design — Lucas Brown brought home a gold medal and also won a silver in T-Shirt Design. Fellow Eagles Alex Fauver and John Brown received silver medals in the TV Video category.
The KHS Hospitality team (seniors Catie Barrows, Rebecca Pittman, Robert Schrader and juniors Courtney Ainsworth and Allison Shaw and coached by Virginia Schrader) won the state championship early last month and will head to Nationals in Orlando, Florida on Wednesday to compete for a national crown.
"Hopefully, we'll have even more good news to share," Babine said.
SkillsUSA serves more than 300,000 students and instructors annually.
The organization has 13,000 school chapters in 54 state and territorial associations.
More than 14,500 instructors and administrators are professional members of SkillsUSA.
SkillsUSA is "an applied method of instruction for preparing America's high performance workers in public career and technical programs. It provides quality education experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character development. It builds and reinforces self-confidence, work attitudes and communications skills. It emphasizes total quality at work—high ethical standards, superior work skills, life-long education, and pride in the dignity of work. SkillsUSA also promotes understanding of the free-enterprise system and involvement in community service."
SkillsUSA was essentially created in 1965, The Vocational Industrial Clubs of America Inc. (VICA) was founded by students and teachers who were serious about their professions and saw the need for more training in the areas of leadership to complement their chosen vocation. In Nashville, Tennessee, 14 states were represented, as VICA chose its name, colors, motto, purposes and goals.
Last Updated on Thursday, 04 April 2013 05:19
Hits: 37
Zander Cole Fortin
Zander Cole Fortin was born to Heather M. Carpenter and Justin M. Fortin, of Brownfield, Maine, Jan. 30, 2013 at Bridgton Hospital in Bridgton, Maine. Zander joins Zachery Yerby, 15, Mackenzie Carpenter, 10, and Jazmyn Fortin, 1. The maternal grandmother is Sharon Anderson, of Brownfield, Maine. The paternal grandmother is Linda Fortin, of Albany.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 31 December 1969 02:00
Hits: 53
More Articles...
- Stepanovic and Hilsman receive Fred M. Richards, Jr., Memorial Drivers Education Scholarship
- Bartlett students among N.H. Scholastic Art Award winners
- Kennett students embark on green team initiative
- KHS artists shine
- Kennett Coders Robotics Team Wins 2013 Pembroke W-L VEX Tournament
- Kennett Coders win Maine VEX Championship
