The last day of school for students also will be the last day of school for teachers, and that has never happened before. Typically, teachers have the day after students leave to finish grading exams and late work. In addition, teachers have used that day to prepare their rooms for the deep cleaning that takes place during summer break. Assistant Principal Catherine Halbuer said the post-planning day teachers have come to count on moved to the beginning of the school year in order to give them more time to plan for the addition of e-learning to their usual face-to-face instruction. “When we...

After COVID-19 transformed the world, it was near impossible to imagine how the theater program would adapt to the new requirements and regulations. Despite this, West Shore thespian Troupe 6034 put on a full, in-person production which involved teachers, performers and technical crew. “It was definitely a challenge,” first-year theater director and teacher Breana Davey said. “Since COVID is something that’s so new to all of us, it was hard to get everything approved. But I think we persevered and the show is something we’re all proud of.” The show, an original one-act titled...

You’ve heard of Lord Farquaad, ruthless ruler of the Kingdom of Duloc, Lord Darth Vader, the powerful Sith and chief enforcer of the Galactic Empire, Lord Voldemort, the menacing dark wizard. But what about Lord Evan Ratkus, the high school student? Senior Evan Ratkus said he did not expect his friends to bestow upon him the status of a lord as a recent birthday gift.  “I plan on using my title in college for many new things,” Lord Ratkus said. “Legally, I have the title of lord, I may as well write it in my papers. My peers will only refer to me as ‘Lord’ and that's something...

Americans rejoiced when the Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced May 13 that vaccines could pave the way to mask removal. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky told NPR the current state of the pandemic proved “now is the moment” to make this step toward normalcy. "Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal or territorial laws, rules and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance," CDC guidelines now state. For about six months, the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson...

Just because you’ve been accepted to college doesn't mean the chase for financing you education has ended. To help out, here is a list of scholarships that remain available. Safe Driving Scholarship Value: $1,000 Awards Available: 1 Deadline: May 31, 2021 Eligibility:  Be enrolled in any high school, college, or university in the United States. High school students must be graduating seniors. Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.   Equal Justice Scholarship Value: $1,000 Awards Available: 1 Deadline: May 31, 2021 Eligibility:  Be a current high school...

While the United States Navy Blue Angels were flying over Melbourne, student volunteers received free access to the Great Florida Air Show while selling hot dogs and merchandise to attendees on May 15 and 16. The Junior Class managed both booths, earning volunteer hours and commissions from sales. “The students set up and helped stock the [hot dog] booth,” Junior Class sponsor Heather Da Silva said. “Parent volunteers cooked the hot dogs and students wrapped and added toppings. For the merchandise booth, volunteers sold items. Both groups also had to manage the crowds as well as taking...