Rebellion Sports

From the WHSTheRebellion.com website:

Walpole wrestling team poses for a picture at the Sectional Meet in Needham.

Needham High School hosted the Metro Sectional Championship meet on Saturday, February 15. Walpole fared well with five wrestlers winning their weight class in Sectionals, the Rebels sent all five Sectional Champions and Tom Lee to State Meet on .  Four of the five wrestlers won by pin in the finals of the Sectional Meet.

At the SectionalMeet top seed Steve Shevory (125), who was expected to win, followed through with expectations and  won his weight class with a 3-1 victory over Logan Turnbull from Needham. All other wrestlers were able to pin their opponents. Mike Cofsky (135) used his favorite move, the spladle, as a counter attack to his opponents attempt at a single leg takedown in the first minute of the Championship match. Sean Coyne (145) followed suit by pinning Zach Schwartz of Boston Latin also using the spladle.

The next Walpole wrestler who made it to the finals was Johnny White (160). White’s match was the toughest match in the finals for the Walpole wrestlers. Early in the  third period White escaped a near pin and used the change in momentum to go on the offensive. White gained control of his opponent and was able to pin him with 2:14 left in the period.

Jamel Roy (215) did not let the disadvantage of being a first year wrestler and being outweighed by most of his opponents stop him from being a Metro Sectional Champ. He had the quickest championship match by pinning his opponents within 20 seconds of the beginning of the match.

The top six wrestlers of each weight class advance to the State Championship Meet. Along with the five Metro Sectional Champions Walpole also sent Tom Lee (119) who finished third in his weight class.

Unfortunately, Walpole did not have the same success in States as they enjoyed in sectionals. Shevory, Coyne, White, and Roy represented the Rebels in the the All-States Meet; however, none of the Rebels advanced past the preliminary round on Saturday Feburary 27.

Although the season did not end as well as the Rebels had hoped. Next year’s team will be returning four wrestlers with post-season experience. Senior captain Steve Shevory said, “I am proud of how well our wrestlers did this year. Next years team will have a lot of senior leadership and should pick-up where they left off in the post season.” First year head coach Devin Pacillo will also have a year of head coaching under his belt. Along with Lee, Cofsky, Coyne, and White, the Rebels have a plethora of skilled veteran varsity wrestlers such as Mike Siteman (112) Kevin Hickey (140) and Joe Wyman (152) who will round out the talented Rebel team for the 2011 season.

Read “Wrestlers find success at Sectional Meet” on the whstherebellion.com website

From the WHSTheRebellion.com website:

The girls hockey team looks on in their game against Fontbonne.

The rink was cold, but the cheering fans and the excitement that filled the air created a warm atmosphere on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at the Canton Ice Hockey Arena. Hoping to advance to the semi-finals the Walpole Rebels faced off against the Fontbonne Ducks; however, the game ended in favor of Fontbonne with a final score at 4-1.

The first period consisted of many breakaways, tricky plays, and shots on goal. Fontbonne was able to keep the puck in Walpole’s defensive zone for a good part of the period and took 12 shots on goal against Rebel goalie freshman Bethany Welch. The Rebels had only four shots on goal, but senior captain Stephanie Frye was the first to score nine minutes and one second into the first period. For the remainder of the period no other goals were scored, but two penalties were issued: one to Fontbonne and one to Walpole both for hooking.

In the second period the Rebels fell behind quickly. Two minutes into the second period Fontbonne’s Elizabeth McCarthy scored a goal, the 100th point she had earned for the Ducks in her high school career. The Rebels rallied back and had seven shots on goal against Fontbonne goalie freshman Lea Coughlin, but she did not let one shot get by. The Ducks found holes in the Rebels defense and proceeded to attempt 18 shots on goal in the second period and score yet another goal at 8:54. Number eight Taylor Shepherd was responsible for the 2-1 lead, assisted by number 23 Meghan Collins.

The third period proved to be the best for the Fontbonne Academy girls. The period was action packed, and in favor of the Ducks. With five minutes of play number 20, Bridget O’Brien, was able to get past Welch once again and add another point to Fontbonne’s increasing lead. At 8:23 the referee handed out a penalty to a Fontbonne player for one minute and thirty seconds; however, this penalty was revoked and the Ducks were able to skate full force for the remaining minutes. With 3:53 left Fontbonne’s Karen McLaughlin got past Walpole’s defense and scored a goal assisted by Michelle Carroll increasing the ducks lead 4-1. For the last 3:50 that remained the Rebels skated furiously to score another goal, but the Duck’s defense was too strong to let another goal by.

When the buzzer went off to signify the end of the game the Fontbonne Ducks celebrated a job well done with four goals, and 36 total shots on goal. Although the Rebel’s season has ended for the year the number two seeded Fontbonne Academy will now advance onto the semi-finals against Duxbury in Bourne on Saturday, March 6, 2010. Although the Rebels lost, seniors Kristen Morrissey, Jacqui Dolan, Stephanie Frye, Kellie Duffy, Heather Foley, Jackie Kelleher, and Julia Tosone were able to make it to tournament and play on a highly competitive level with top seeded teams for their last year in high school.

Read “Rebels Suffer Disappointing Loss to Fontbonne Ducks” on the whstherebellion.com website

From the WHSTheRebellion.com website:

Sophomore Justin Connolly qualifies for the Divisional Meet with the mile time of 4:48

Each track athlete faces the challenge of qualifying for Divisionals in a span of nine meets. The individual events in each meet have their own specific qualifying standards. The boys’ team ended with a winning record of 4-2 and six talented athletes met the requirements to participate in Divisionals: Seniors Skip Kitchen, Joey Rockwood, and Ben Goula; Juniors Alex Lee and Jackson Paslaski; and Sophomore Justin Connolly. The girls’ track team finished their season with a record of 2-3-1 and Senior Erica Hawley and Juniors Brigette Lawton, Liz Jelloe, Courtney Shea, and Jackie Clinton moved forward into Divisionals.

The Divisionals are a competition between all Division two track athletes. This year Walpole was successful in setting many personal records.  The athletes compete in various events including hurdles, the high jump, the long jump, the mile, the 600, the 55, and the 1000. In the mile race competition Walpole broke two personal records with Shea at 5:31 and Connolly at 4:48.6. Rockwood ran a 36.99 second 300 meter sprint granting him a spot in finals; unfortunately, Rockwood was not as successful in his second race. Both Lawton and Jelloe ran the 1000 m and both set a personal record within seconds of each other.

The top five athletes in all four divisions and the next top four overall qualify for All States on February 26. Two of Walpole’s team members achieved a place in the onto All States competition. Erica Hawley set personal record in both the high jump, 5’5”, and the 55 meter hurdles, 8.85 seconds. Jackson Paslaski earned another spot for Walpole with his 20’1/2“ long jump.

With a goal of reaching the New England tournament on Friday March 5 both Palaski and Hawley competed in All States.  Although Palaski set a personal record with a 20′4″ long jump he did not qualify for the next tournament.  Despite Hawley’s below average height of 5 foot 2 inches in the high jump she managed to tie for fifth place with Milton’s Cheryl Tran.  Hawley will move onto New Englands for high jump on March 5th.

Read “Track Sends Eleven to Divisionals, Two to All States” on the whstherebellion.com website

From the WHSTheRebellion.com website:

This Friday, March 5th, Mr. St. Martin and the basketball team will hold their second dance party  from 7:30 to 11:00 in the gym.  The goal for this one is to get 500 students to attend, about 200 more than the last one, which was also successful.  There will be lots of fun, food and dancing, as well as Club T deejaying once again.  Tickets are $10.00 each and, if the goal of 500 students in attendance is achieved, the team will reach their target of $5,000. If anyone would like to help, St. Martin also said that food and drink donations are always appreciated. With all the promoting and planning St. Martin and the basketball team have done, the dance is sure to be another hit, so don’t miss out.

One of the main reasons St. Martin decided to plan another event was because of the positive feedback he got after the first dance. ”Everyone that came to the first one had a good time, and there were also several students who wanted to come to the first one but couldn’t” said St. Martin.  This will give all students another chance to join in on the fun. These dances are also something new for Walpole High, which in the past has only had dances that require semi-formal attire like the Winter Ball and prom.  At a time like this, when high school sports are in between seasons, the basketball dance parties gives students something different and fun to do on the weekend while “keep[ing] the kids out of trouble”, said St. Martin. 

Much work goes into planning and putting on an awesome dance like this upcoming one. The boys and girls booster programs help to organize, and then St. Martin plans it.  Parents also volunteer to chaperone outside.  St. Martin said that the word is spread about the dance through students to go and have fun.

Although the dance is a big fundraiser for the basketball team, they also do other things to keep the ball rolling.  Every year, for example, the team holds a carwash, runs a few events during Walpole Day, and sells a basketball program book, profits of which are given to the team. 

Unlike several other events at the high school, students cannot at this time get into the dance free with privileges; however, that is something that St. Martin said that he would consider for next year, even though the dance serves as a fundraiser for the team.  This might attract even more students to attend these fun dances in the future.

Friday’s dance sounds like a lot of fun, and if it is anything like the last one the basketball team held, there is no doubt that students should have a great time.  Here is hoping that St. Martin and the team can reach their goal of 500 students, and that every last one of them has a great night.

Read “Come Dance The Night Away With Basketball Team Tomorrow Night” on the whstherebellion.com website

From the WHSTheRebellion.com website:

Since day one, Walpole Rebels Girls Basketball has fought against adversity. After losing so many star seniors on the ‘09 team, the team had to rebuild and “reload” all year long, finding ways to maintain the winning status they have had for many years. Despite all of the challenges of the 2010 season, the Lady Rebels still managed to earn a tournament berth, and even defeat their first round opponents, Holliston. Unfortunately, after coming so far, the Rebels season finally came to an end last Thursday as the Oliver Ames Tigers defeated Walpole 59-44.

Although the rest of the game did not fare well for the Rebels, the first quarter was dominated by the Rebels as they put up 15 points to Oliver Ames’ 11. Making good passes and draining shots allowed the early domination. A three pointer to end the quarter gave the Rebels the momentum going into the second quarter, but it would not last.

Three straight Oliver Ames lay-ups started the second quarter, catapulting the Tigers from a four point deficit to a one point lead. A drive to the hoop by senior captain Brooke Waite and a jump shot by senior captain Molly Grimes got the Rebels back on board in the quarter. Two more OA lay-ups continued their run and put the score at 26-21 with 2 minutes left in the half. A three pointer by Grimes off a senior Liz Malone steal brought the deficit to two. However, the Tigers were able to put 3 more points on the board with a lay-up and a foul shot to put the score at 30-25 going into halftime.

The third quarter revealed a new sense of energy in the Tigers team as they came up putting lay-up after lay-up on the board. Two foul shots and a lay-up by OA’s Lauren Battista started the run for the Tigers. Despite drives by Waite and Grimes, OA’s lead stretched as good shot opportunities were presenting themselves for the Tigers. The quarter ended with the Tigers holding onto a comfortable, 42-32 lead.

A lay-up by senior Christine Carty and a three point play by Grimes halved the Tigers lead, but that quick run was as close as Walpole could get for the rest of the quarter. Halfway through the quarter OA was still up 47-39, with Battista making shot after shot. After several OA foul shots in the final minutes, the Tigers put an end to the Rebel season with the score at 59-44.

Despite such a discouraging loss for a hard-working Rebel team, the season was hard-fought, battling through injuries and the replacement of players. The 2010 Rebels can enjoy the legacy they left behind—no team should back down to the adversity a new season may present.

Read “Tigers conquer the Rebels 59-44 to end tourney run” on the whstherebellion.com website

From the WHSTheRebellion.com website:

Walpole senior Captain takes a shot on the Dedham net.

The Walpole and Dedham teams faced each other at the Noble and Greenough’s Flood Rink on Wednesday February 25, 2010. The rink was packed and with the cheers from the crowd, this playoff game truly felt like a professional sporting event.

The Walpole girls’ offense was extremely powerful in the game; however, Dedham’s defense was also an immovable force. Out of 32 shots on goal, Marauder senior captain goalie Sarah Mosca only let three pucks into the goal. The Marauders had 16 shots on goal and freshman goalie Bethany Welch let in two goals. The game ended with a score of 3-2 and with the Rebels advancing on to the quarter finals at Fontbonne Academy.

The game had no clear favorite. In the season opener the Rebels lost to the Marauders 3-1, but the two teams tied 2-2 the next time they played at Iorio Arena. The Rebels just seemed to keep getting better and better, and they ended their third, and final, game against Dedham with a victory.

The first half of the first period remained 0-0, but the Marauders broke that score 8:30 into the game. Senior Captain Kelly Celata knocked the puck into the net, bringing the score to 1-0 and putting the Rebels behind.

The lead remained intact until 2:57 into the second period. Sophomore Cori Donahue won a faceoff in the right circle and made a shot on net, but Mosca saved Donahue’s attempted goal. Fortunately for the Rebels senior Captain Kellie Duffy got a hold of the puck and get it past Mosca, scoring the first of three goals for the Rebels. This score would hold up for the rest of the period, as spectacular goalie play shut down both offenses.

The third period proved to be the most exciting. With 5:17 left in the game the Rebels added to their lead when Duffy, assisted by junior Lauren Whitmore, scored yet another goal when she put the puck right over Mosca’s shoulder. However, the Marauders did not give up. When Whitmore was put in the penalty box for tripping, the Dedham girls took advantage of having more players on the ice. With 3:34 left junior Meaghan Dwan successfully got the puck into Walpole’s net assisted by Celata and junior Samantha Parr.

With two minutes left in the third quarter, Walpole senior Kristen Morrissey was sent to the penalty box for checking, giving the Mauraders a power play opportunity.  The Marauders were unable to take advantage of this, being held scoreless on the power play and Walpole skated away with a 3-2 victory.

After the game, Rebel coach Joe Verderber commented on the Rebel’s victory. He said, “We did what we had to do. It was a tight game and we did just enough to get it done.” The Rebels hope to add another victory when they play Fontbonne Academy, a very competitive team.

Read “Girls Hockey Begins Playoffs with Victory” on the whstherebellion.com website

From the WHSTheRebellion.com website:

     The Rebels Girls Basketball Team has faced an unbelievable amount of adversity this season.  Coming into the season, very few considered the inexperienced, unproven Rebels as contenders.  Head Coach, Stacy Bilodeau, has done an incredible job of keeping this young team focused throughout the season.  The Rebels have showcased the incredible backbone of the Rebel program all season.  Even when the injury bug has bitten the Rebels, they have simply plugged a reserve into the starting lineup, without skipping a beat.  When senior point gaurd Liz Malone went down with an injury, Freshman Bridget Nicholsen stepped into the starting lineup and proved herself to be a future star.  The Rebels were able to do this all season due to the incredible preparation by Bilodeau and the rest of the Rebels coaching staff. 

     The Rebels rollercoaster ride of a season, brought them to a 8-8 record, leaving them an outside candidate for clinching a spot in the tournament.  The playoff scenario for Walpole, one more loss, and they would be virtually eliminated from playoff contention.  The Rebels thrived under this intense pressure on senior night at the high school in an impressive 63-38 victory over the Milton Wildcats. The charge against Milton was lead by the Walpole veterans.  Captain Molly Grimes delivered in this important game with 2o points.  Seniors Liz Malone and Captain Brooke Waite both produced big nights against the Wildcats.  Walpole turned many heads with this easy victory over Milton, but they still had their work cut out for them, as they faced Norwood, with a tournament bid on the line.

     The Rebels would need to showcase the fortitude they have owned all season to be able to come out on top against Norwood.  The pressure on the shoulders of the Rebels would be nearly unsurrmountable for many teams in the Bay State league, but the Rebels have been known to have some of the strongest shoulders in the state.  Behind strong performances from Waite and Senior Christi Villa, the Rebels came out on top by a score of 59-47.  This exciting victory clinched the Rebels the tournament spot that tried so hard to avoid them all season.  The Rebs proved that their incredible fortitude can overcome anything, even what seems like destiny.  The Rebels look forward to continue their Cinderella story deep into the tournament, a spot where they have become familiar with over the past decade.

Read “Rebels Clinch Tournament Birth in Impressive Win Over Norwood” on the whstherebellion.com website

From the WHSTheRebellion.com website:

Senior Captain Brooke Waite plays defense against the opponent.

The ultimate goal of any Walpole High School team is to make the playoffs. Each athlete wishes to secure themselves a team banner that will be admired along with the other greats of Walpole High School athletics. This is no different with the Lady Rebels basketball team, as they took one step closer to the state tournament last Tuesday, dominating Milton in a 63-38 victory. Senior captain Molly Grimes stepped up her game for the victory, dropping 20 points. The Rebels now only need one more victory to clinch a spot in the tournament.

The first quarter was slow for both teams, as both Milton and Walpole had a hard time making shots, and setting up good shot opportunities. Both teams were not, however, lacking in effort as they both created numerous turnovers on defense. The impressive display of defense led to the quarter concluding with the score at 10-8 with only 9 shots being made between both teams and Milton in the lead.

Grimes sparked a run to start the second quarter with a two-point jump shot. Following her up was freshman Bridget Nicholson with a three-pointer and sophomore Shannon Cullen putting up two more. The tight Rebel defense persisted creating steals as well as preventing the Wildcats from getting shots up before the shot clock ran out. The quarter ended with the Rebels overtaking the Wildcats for a slim 17-14 lead.

Although the Rebels had been playing well all game, it was not until the third quarter that Walpole kicked it up a notch and stretched the lead to double digits. Nicholson incited the offensive clinic with 5 points off a three pointer and jump shot. Senior Captain Brooke Waite then added to insult to injury with a drive to the hoop and a foul shot for a three point play. Waite, Grimes and senior Liz Malone then led the team to a total of 24 points to Milton’s 7. The Rebels made a comfortable cushion going into the fourth quarter with the score at 41-21.

The fourth quarter gave coach Stacy Bilodeau a chance to get some younger talent in the game. Continuing their offensive production the game concluded with the score at 62-38 a solid, dominant win for the Rebels. The Rebels only need one more win to propel themselves into the state tournament.

Read “Girls Basketball Tames the Wildcats” on the whstherebellion.com website

From the WHSTheRebellion.com website:

Erin Nee and Jeff Meaney 

Class of 2011

Hosting a super bowl party and don’t know what to do?  We’re here to help! Parties can be stressful but with the right combination of people and food your night is sure to be a success.  No matter which team you route for there are a few factors that will decide whether your party will be a blast or a snooze.

Head down to your local Stop and Shop because it is necessary to pick up some munchies for the festivities.  Make a list before hand because the store is sure to be packed with rushing sports fans.  Be sure to include chili fixings, chips, dip, chicken wings, nacho chips, nuts, pretzels, kilbasa, pigs in a blanket, football cake, and cookies. Or you could take the easy route and hit up Jalapenos for some one of a kind catering.  Stay away from marinera sauce because you don’t want any splattering during dipping on your new white leather lazy boy.  After Stop and Shop drive over to Best Buy and pick up a wide screen TV (high definition) because no one wants to watch a football game without being able to see Peyton Manning’s sweat drip down his chiseled chin.  

Now that your shopping is done your house needs to be up to par.  Rearrange your couches to provide ample seating.  Be sure to reserve a seat for yourself next to some real football fans because you do not want to be answering what a touchdown is during the big game.  Also finding a responsible person to be in charge of the clicker is key because accidentally changing to Desperate Housewives right before Drew Brees tosses a touchdown pass to Jeremy Shockey is inexcusable.  

The invite list must be filled with dedicated fans. You may want to chose a group of fans routing for the same team unless you would like controversy at your party.  Remind everyone to bring their lucky jerseys and socks as to not jinx your team.  

When the time comes for the party to start, lay out the appetizers and put the pre-game show on with Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, and Michael Strahan.  When guests arrive, have them write down their bets on the winner, the score, and the leading rusher.  

Now you’re ready to sit down relax and cheer on your favorite team.  Enjoy! Go Saints.

Read “How to Throw a Superbowl Party” on the whstherebellion.com website

From the WHSTheRebellion.com website:

Matt Brown – nicknamed “Brownie” – was a hockey player for the Norwood Mustang’s and on January 23 during a game against Weymouth his hockey career took a turn for the worse. In what Coach Bill Clifford describes as a “freak accident” sophomore Brownie was behind the net and as he went for the puck a number of players bumped into him. Once he lost his balance, he hit his head on the plexiglass. Brownie was transported by ambulance to South Shore Hospital with no feeling in his legs and was later moved to Children’s Hospital where it was later decided that he suffered from a broken neck.

In a heartwarming flood of support Facebook has been bombarded with groups dedicated to prayers for Matt and his family. The most popular of these groups  “Pray For Matt Brown # 3” (with a staggering 21,509 fans and counting) consists of comments of support and love and daily progress reports on Brownie’s condition by his mother and other family members. In addition to this group, Matt’s younger sister Kelley set up the Facebook event – “Wear Blue For Brownie.” The event was scheduled for January 26 and 27 – the set dates for Brownie’s surgery – and kids from schools such as Norwood High, Walpole High, Xaverian, Noble’s Country Day as well as many adults participated. On January 26, students and adults alike were asked to do just as the title said – wear blue for Brownie, while on January 27,  Kelley inboxed all event members to write a # 3 on his or her hand to show support for her brother.

Matt’s very own Facebook page is full of messages of support and well-wishes from all his very concerned friends, making it evident that Matt is loved by everyone. The Walpole Express Team all attended Matt’s prayer service at St. Catherine’s Church on Tuesday January 26 alongside hundreds of Matt’s friends and family.   In addition, the Weymouth Wildcat’s hockey team have all but the number 3 on the sides of their helmets to show their continued support.

On Wednesday January 27 Matt went into surgery to stabilize his neck and on his Facebook support page Matt’s mother reported “that he came through great . . . Allowing Matt to start his long rehabilitation journey.” However, that same night the Norwood High School hockey team faced another serious injury to a teammate. In a game against Milton, senior defenseman Chris O’Brien crashed head-first into the boards and laid motionless on the ice when an emergency crew rushed onto the ice and transported him to Children’s Hospital – the same hospital where teammate Matt is being treated. O’Brien suffered a serious concussion and was hospitalized for six days and was later sent home on February 2nd.  O’Brien is reported to be doing well and with Brownie out of surgery he is now on the road to recovery.

Both Matt Brown and Chris O’Brien are supported by a community that extends outside of Norwood.  This local tragedy renewed a sense of community by reminding everyone that support and love are not just more important than sports rivalries, they are the most vital medicines in the road to recovery.

Read “Norfolk County “Wears Blue For Brownie”” on the whstherebellion.com website

From the WHSTheRebellion.com website:

Student Council members Torie O'Neil and Michaela Brady attend the Penny Wars station.

Dilapidation, destruction, and disarray encompass the lives of the Haitian people. Looking around what was once the city of Port-au-Prince, one would see piles and piles of debris and corpses. Even though the devastation that the earthquakes caused only hit Haiti, the sorrow and hopelessness reverberated all around the world. Hundreds of relief programs sprang up over night to lend help in the form of rescue teams, monetary donations, food, and clothing.  Even at Walpole High School, 1640 miles away, the community has come together to raise money for the Haitian people.

High school gym teacher Liane Jalette, with the help of the school administration and the student council, has organized a ‘Penny Wars’ fundraiser from January 26 to February 9. In this productive fundraiser, students and faculty members attempt to have the container with the least amount of money. During all four lunches there is a container for freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, and faculty. The idea is to place any amount of money into the other containers. The result of this game is the raising of hundreds of dollars to be donated to the American Red Cross Association for the Haiti relief fund. In addition to the amount of money Walpole High raises, Jalette has agreed to meet with the Walpole Cooperative Bank to see if they will match the amount that we make. With the help of the bank, our community has the potential to really make a difference with helping Haiti. While only a few more days remain, the administration encourages students to continue sending in donations.

On a larger scale, many religious groups and relief organizations worked to aid the many victims all around Haiti. American leaders in particular encouraged its citizens to play small roles in donating to these programs. One of the largest organizations is the American Red Cross Association. This program has raised a tremendous amount of money towards Haiti. In addition to their regular efforts to collect donations, this association has utilized the modern-day technology of texting to further their labors. The idea behind texting donations is that one can text the word ‘Haiti’ to 90999 which is backed up by the United States Department. By doing this, $10 is added to your bill which goes directly to the American Red Cross Association for the Haiti relief funds. Through this tactic alone, the Red Cross has raised over $5,000,000. Combined with the hundreds of other programs, the world is slowly reviving the Haitian people.

Although the sight of destruction and despair pierces the eyes of many Americans, the moral obligation to assist the Haitian victims has compelled the American people. The grief and misery flowing from the Haiti earthquakes has pulled people together in joint efforts to help a common cause.

Read “Community Comes Together for Haiti Fundraiser” on the whstherebellion.com website

From the WHSTheRebellion.com website:

Walpole High School’s Green Team is exploring a new venture.  The group has decided to take part in the Nike Reuse-A-Shoe Drive.  This idea was a collaborative effort that was chosen by the team from a list of other projects.  It was chosen because it was for a good cause:  recycled shoes collected from the drive are made into sport surfaces for people of all ages to play on.  This project is not only good for the environment, which is obviously what the Green Team is concerned with, but it is also helping to improve people’s lives through sports.  It should give everyone, even less advantaged people, the chance to take part in sports no matter their economic circumstances.

This project was brought to the Green Team’s attention by their mentor, Special Education teacher Mrs. Karen Baumgartner.  A participant of the Green Team, senior Jami Woodworth, explained that Baumgartner “usually surfs the Internet for projects.  Sometimes we (the students) think up a general theme and pick projects specifically.”  The group loved this idea so much that they decided to go along with it.  The fact that Baumgartner found this idea online shows that anyone can do good for the world easily if they use the resources around them.  It is also easy for high school students to participate in, since most people have old sneakers that they do not use or that do not fit them anymore.

Many students are excited about the sneaker drive.  There are bins outside the nurse’s office in the lobby, and they are already very full.  The Green Team is always looking for more donations, however, so students should remember to bring in their old sneakers from now until February 11, when the sneaker drive ends.   Not only will students be getting rid of old sneakers and creating less clutter in their closets, but students will also be helping the less fortunate and the environment.  What could be better than that?

Read “Green Team Needs Your Shoes” on the whstherebellion.com website