They Blinded Us with Science
by Junior Shawn Robichaud
The Science Fair was held after school on Wednesday, February 24th with multiple students presenting their projects to judges. The many participants tested theories on a wide variety of unique subjects. The following is a list of this year’s top winners:
2016 UCT Science and Engineering Fair Best Integration of Shop and Academic Award:
The Science Fair was held after school on Wednesday, February 24th with multiple students presenting their projects to judges. The many participants tested theories on a wide variety of unique subjects. The following is a list of this year’s top winners:
2016 UCT Science and Engineering Fair Best Integration of Shop and Academic Award:
- Bennett Glist for Cognitive Supplements/Fact or Fiction
- Danielle Pimental & Davina Tolle for Incubation Experimentation
- Ann Marie Luppino for The Effects of Waves in Relation to Salt Marsh Erosion
- Jaylene Austin for Public vs. Private Toilets
- Bennett Glist for Cognitive Supplements/Fact or Fiction
- Sarah Vaughan for OTC Drug Solubility
The Dogfish Has Its Day
by Sophomore Felicia Cafua
Ms. O'Donnell's Senior Marine Biology class recently studied the topic "Vertebrate Animals" and performed a dissection on a dogfish.The dissection was an opportunity for students to explore the anatomy of the dogfish, which is a type of shark. The following is a brief interview with Ms. O'Donnell about this lab experience: Did the students enjoy the dissection? "Some of the students enjoyed the dissection while some did not. Those who did were smiling, while others appeared to be a little disgusted." Was this your first year doing a dissection? "No, this was my second year using the dogfish. We did do other dissections previously such as crayfish, squid, and we will also be doing a fish soon enough. We also have virtually dissected a starfish in the STEM lab." What was most fascinating to you about the dissection? "The most fascinating piece of the dissection was viewing the vertebrae and being able to bend it back and forth as if it were a stem." Do you feel your students learned a lesson from doing this hands on activity? "Yes, I think they learned the different texture of shark skin, the skeleton being made of cartilage especially the brain case, whereas ours are made of solid bone. They also learned about the eye lenses of the fish having the ability to bounce like a ball." |
And the ‘Eat Goes On
contributed by Seniors Sara Brady, Emma Cobak, & Paige Gilbert
Culinary Arts might just be the busiest shop at UCT. It would be tough to find someone on campus that disagrees. From serving breakfast and school lunches to taking reservations and serving patrons in the Canalside Dining Room, special events both before and after school, not to mention everything students are expected to learn along the way: customer service, food preparation, food safety, kitchen equipment and safety, baking, etc., Culinary students are always on the go. So what are their students up to outside of the daily service responsibilities? The seniors are preparing to take the American Culinary Federation (ACF) exam as well as the ServSafe test. In order to earn their ACF certification, students must correctly breakdown a chicken and then prepare a meal using the chicken, a vegetable, and a starch. They are also expected to make cream puffs from scratch. Students successfully completing these two tests will meet their their capstone graduation requirement. Several seniors have already earned their Federation of Dining Room Professionals (FDRP) certification. The sophomores and juniors have been busy working to improve their skills in both the cafeteria and Canalside Dining Room. The juniors will earn their OSHA cards later this spring. |
The freshmen officially joined the shop in January. They have been working hard to adapt to the pace and expectations. They’ve learned equipment identification and safety, knife cuts, how to set up the salad station, dough making methods, and how to make various cakes.
Recently, Paige Gilbert participated in the BCC Cake Competition. The annual event features both competitions and demonstrations. Paige attended in preparation for her return to this week’s SkillsUSA State Competition. This year, she will compete in the Customer Service category. She will be joined by fellow classmates Sara Brady, competing in the Restaurant Service category, and Gabriella Martin, competing in the Baking competition. Best of luck to you ladies! If you’re interested in seeing just what the Culinary Arts shop is up to on a regular basis, follow Chef Thoma on Twitter @UCTCulinaryShop or on FaceBook at UCT Culinary Program. As a way of encouraging students to take pride in their work, Chef Thoma encourages students to create their own Twitter account so they can share their work each day as well. |
shop shorts
carpentrycontributed by Sophomore Trevor Hebert
To etch or not to etch, that is the real question? The Carpentry Shop recently purchased a brand new laser etcher, the Universal Laser System Etch Machine. What this amazing piece of technology does is allow students to pull a picture from the internet and etch it into different materials such as: glass, wood, plastic, rubber, granite, metal, leather, etc. The machine reads the image and prints it on the material they're engraving by using a laser beam. Students can also combine multiple images into one and add text. The process works when laser comes down and moves back and forth etching each pixel onto the material. In the future the Carpentry students plan to make plaques, etch glass, and various cabinetry coverings. The laser etcher is a very useful tool in the shop because it makes etching projects a lot faster and more efficient. It is very low maintenance and accurate, it surpasses the shops CNC machine by a long shot in accuracy and speed although it can only draw black and white images as of right now. cosmetology Over the past few weeks, nail technicians from two companies visited UCT to present the latest in materials and design to all four Cosmetology classes. The first company to present was CND (Creative Nail Design). The representative shared the latest in shellac and and new product called vinylux. The representative from the second company, Tammy Taylor Products, gave the students an acrylics presentation.
Mrs. Hunchard reported that students continue to work on mastering their customer service skills. And that the Seniors are busy preparing their Capstone Projects. Ms. Gifford reported that students are busy earning their SP2 safety program certificates during Related. electricalMr. Sherry reported that the Electrical Shop is excited to be represented at the SkillsUSA state competition at the end of the month by two students: Senior Canyon Kettell and Sophomore Nick Hebb. Canyon will compete in Industrial Motor Control and Nick, along with three other UCT students, will compete in the Teamwork Building Project. Mr. Sherry reported this is the first time students from UCT have qualified for the Teamwork competition.
early spring saleThe Horticulture Shop is sponsoring its annual Early Spring Sale featuring pansies and herbs. The sale will continue while supplies last.
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horticultureThe Horticulture instructors shared that the students have been really busy with FFA activities. Josh Sprague was elected as the State Treasurer. Seven students earned their FFA degrees:
Agricultural Sales
Agriscience Fair
information technologyCongratulations to the following IT students for earning their A+ certifications:
marine servicesMr. G, Mr. Glass, and Mr. Terry reported that the Marine Services students have had a very busy winter and spring. They recently completed work on the Bourne fireboat. They are currently working on a boat from the DCR, repainting the Onset fireboat, and completing carpentry and engine work on the Harbor Master’s boat. The instructors were proud to report that all this work is being successfully completed even with eight seniors out on co-op, two more participating in a job study program, and three juniors out on co-op. All students have been working on their Boating Safety Certificates. Now that we’ve returned from April vacation, the freshmen begin their on-the-water training.
skillsusaBetween April 27th - 30th, sixty-four students will travel to Marlborough, MA to represent UCT at the SkillsUSA State Competition. When asked about this year’s competition, Mr. Yeaw said “We had 54 students attend last year, so we have ten more students attending this year, and every shop in the school will be represented.” Mr. Yeaw went on to explain that Horticulture usually competes only in FFA events not SkillsUSA. But this year, Horticulture will be represented because four UCT students decided they wanted to be the first to represent UCT collectively in the TeamWorks competition.
In order to qualify for the TeamWorks competition, students had to pass a rigorous written test given at the regional competition. At the state competition, these four students, junior James Hightower representing Carpentry, sophomore Nick Hebb representing Electrical, sophomore Morgan Curran representing Horticulture (masonry), and sophomore Trevor Wilson representing Plumbing and Heating, are expected to work collaboratively to plan and construct a structure that meets the required codes for each discipline. Students are also evaluated on their ability to work as a team, tool knowledge, cleanliness of workspace, and presentation skills. On behalf of the entire UCT community, we wish those representing UCT the very best of luck! We know you'll make us proud! |
Cue the music
by Sophomore Felicia Cafua and Junior Shawn Robichaud
From March 11th to the 13th, the Canal Side Players presented to a large crowd their production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr. The play had an outstanding number of audience members and the show was spectacular. We asked Mr. Genereau, the director of the Drama Club, some questions on how this fantastic production came to be and what plans he has for the future:
Q: How much of an audience was there total? A: "Over 430 people came to see the show. Our largest weekend prior to that was 185 people." Q: How much money approximately was made from the shows? A: "We took in $3600. But we have to take into account the cost for the rights, the costumes, microphones, paint and wood, etc." Q: What do you think about the performance of UCT's first musical? Is there anything you would’ve changed? A: "It exceeded my expectations on every level. I loved that we drew in non-traditional drama students (especially boys!) All the hard work we've put in the last 2 years to build a drama program and audience paid off this year. The only thing I would change is that I'd love to be able to put on a production for the whole school." |
Q: Do you think the turn-out will be even stronger during next year’s productions?
A: "I think we are really legitimizing our program by adding festival to our season. It should be a draw for drama students who are considering attending Upper Cape Tech. It'll be interesting to see how it is received by our audience. Our musical will be pushed back till May. It should draw well based on our success this year even though it's in a different time slot." Q: What type of production would you plan to show the whole school? A: "Aladdin. I would have loved to perform that for the whole school." Q: What are your future plans for the drama club? A: "I plan to continue growing club membership and audience. Our commitment to high quality children's theater for the region will continue to be our mission, but the actors of the Canalside players will have an opportunity to grow and develop as artists as they tackle more adult themes as they perform at festival." |
Club News
National Honor Society
by Junior Shawn Robichaud The National Honors Society sent six students to the NHS Annual Conference in Worcester on April 6th. This provided a chance for students and advisors to network with other chapters throughout the state. NHS participated in the Red Cross Walk that is taking place on April 9th. NHS will also be partnering with the Bourne Fire Dept. with a goal of $1,600 to provide them with needed sensor equipment for their vehicles and smoke detectors for the elderly in town. This will be achieved through a calendar raffle and a car wash to be announced. |
Interact Club
by Sophomore Felicia Cafua Canned goods were collected from the various shops last Tuesday and there were generous amounts of donations from Environmental, Automotive, and Health Technology. Health Technology won with a total of 79 cans, with Environmental Science and Technology as the runner up with 58 cans. Finally, Automotive Technology came in 3rd with 46 cans. Congratulations Health Technology! The donations will be going to the Bourne Food Pantry and the Damien Food Pantry in Wareham. Next on the list for Interact is planning another event for the students and their community as well as electing next year’s President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and so forth. |
FRESHMAN BOOK FAIRby Junior Shawn Robichaud
The Second Annual Freshman Independent Read Book Fair was held after school on Wednesday, March 16th. Freshman had to read a book and make a tri-fold or book jacket about the book they read. There were multiple participants and the event was a success. |
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sports |
prom |
contributed by Coach Hernon & Junior Shawn Robichaud
CONGRATULATIONS! Junior Amber DiBona recently ended a remarkable basketball season with the Lady Rams. She averaged 18.2 points per game, finishing the season with an impressive 437 points. Over the course of the season, Amber reached the 1,000 point milestone and ended to season with a total of 1,139 points. She finished the season as the school's all-time leading scorer and was also named player of the year in the Mayflower League. |
The Class of 2016 will hold UCT’s annual Senior Prom from 6-11 p.m. on Saturday, May 14th at the Rosebrook Event Center in Wareham. This year’s theme is “A Night in Paris”.
Tickets for the Senior Prom are on sale in the Library. The cost is $65.00 per ticket. If you wish to bring a guest that is not currently enrolled at UCT, you must submit a Guest Request Form to the Dean of Students, Mr. McCue, for approval prior to purchasing tickets. Forms are available in the Library and in the Dean of Students’ office. senior tripThis year’s Senior Class Trip to Six Flags New England will be held on Wednesday, June 1st. Details TBA in the near future. Please see Mr. Rabinovitch if you have any questions.
spring sportsby Junior Shawn Robichaud
Boys and girls Varsity and JV Lacrosse, Baseball, and Softball teams have been training hard since the beginning of Spring Sports. The teams are playing well and we will look forward to their progress in the next weeks. If you’re interested in attending a game, check out the schedule posted on the UCT Athletics page on the school’s website or follow the link: UCT Spring Sports Calendar. |
where are they now?
Erica Clavin, Class of 2010
Name: Erica Clavin
Sending Town: Bourne Graduation Year: 2010 Shop: Cosmetology Current Residence (city, state): New Bedford, MA Current Occupation: Cosmetologist/Independent Contractor Why did you choose to attend UCT?
“I was definitely one of those kids that needed to focus their energy in a creative atmosphere, so I often felt isolated at school. I was “book smart” but a difficult student because I preferred to push the limitations of my assignments if I got too bored. Yeah, that got me in trouble from time to time. I did not know about vocational high schools until a presenter came to my 8th grade English class. I remember thinking, ‘I’ve got to go to that school.’ I was thinking that it would give me an opportunity to recreate myself, meet new people, and escape the monotony of the traditional class setting.” Were you involved in extra/co-curricular activities while you were enrolled at UCT? If so, please describe the activities, either school or community related. “Oh, boy. What didn’t I do? I played volleyball, basketball, and softball all four years and was team captain of each sport for two years. I competed and placed in Skills USA competitions. I helped lead projects for the Human Rights Academy. I pretty much jumped on every opportunity I could manage at UCT.” What, if anything, do you remember about Exploratory? Was your final shop placement always your first shop choice? Did you change your mind? If so, why did you change your mind? “I loved the exploratory process. I enjoyed learning about the opportunities in every shop and meeting all the faculty. I remember the shocked expressions on some of the instructors’ faces when they found out I had my heart set on Cosmetology after they tried to recruit me for their shop. Apparently I had quite the work ethic even then, if I was interested in the shop. Despite getting kicked out of the pre-engineering one week exploratory for having a bad attitude (It was not on my top 6 list) I landed my first choice and stayed with the Cosmetology program throughout high school. There were times that I really struggled with the idea of switching into Environmental Technology. I didn’t know about that shop until the exploratory program, and it really gave my passion for Cosmetology a run for its money. I’m very happy with my decision to stay with my original program.” The Upper Cape Times Staff:
Felicia Cafua, Sophomore Shawn Robichaud, Junior Mrs. Smith, English Teacher/School Paper Advisor |
What is your favorite shop memory?
“It is tough to say, there are a lot of memories. My favorite memories are of my clients at Techstyles, the school’s salon. Starting your junior year in the program you take in clients from the school community and public. I had a regular client base that charged my passion for customer service and I credit those relationships to my success today. It was a major confidence boost to have people requesting me personally, and I’ll never forget that experience.” In general, what is your favorite high school memory? “I participated in so many things and talked to so many people it is hard to generalize. Being part of a team; sports, Skills USA, Human Rights Academy. The occasional fighting, the support of one another, and the discipline each activity required provides me with my fondest memories of high school.” If you could change one thing about your high school experience, what would it be? “I would have calmed myself down a little and focused on my academics (especially math) instead of finding excuses to skip class. I would have prepared myself for college a little more instead of being hyper focused on shop. Don’t get me wrong I graduated with honors, but I did the bare minimum academically when I over achieved in shop.” What did you do after graduation? “I had a little trouble letting go of UCT after graduation. I landed a position as a cosmetologist and nail technician at Salon En Vogue in Dartmouth, Ma and remained involved with UCT athletics and even briefly taught the evening Nail Technology program. I was offered more positions at UCT, but chose to pursue a degree at Bridgewater State University. I started my degree in Anthropology with a concentration in Public Archaeology 2 years after graduating high school. I continued to work at Salon En Vogue until I had enough work experience to receive my Class 1 cosmetology license. I have always been passionate about the health of our environment and the wellness of people. Even during my Cosmetology training at UCT I developed my own unique beauty concepts. By January 2015 I was self employed with my business identity: Green Grotto. I have a private hair and nail studio located in Plaza 100 Salon in Dartmouth, Ma. I use only organic and vegan products made in the USA. I strive to remain a values-based business and constantly find ways to reduce my impact on the earth as a cosmetologist while using products produced with green chemistry and consumer health in mind. Since graduation I have also studied the art of henna (mendhi) and offer body art services at the salon as well as group events, fundraisers, and farmers markets. I also teach and perform various styles of belly dance. I believe that beauty is best achieved when the mind, body, and earth are all working in harmony.” http://www.greengrottobeauty.com Freelance Contributors:
Sara Brady, Senior Emma Cobak, Senior Paige Gilbert, Senior Trevor Hebert, Sophomore Coach Hernon, faculty/AD |
I took this semester off from school to focus on branding my business and I will have my official logo completed by the end of this month! The plan moving forward is to continue cultivating my business goals and culture and return to school in the fall to complete my bachelor's degree. I’m looking into switching my concentration in Anthropology from Archaeology to Cultural Anthropology with a minor in either nutrition or sustainability innovation and outreach so that I may graduate a little sooner and have my degree best reflect my business goals. I hope to have a new location with employees by 2018.”
How did your experiences at UCT prepare you for life after graduation? “I don’t think students are ever really prepared for life after graduation. When thinking about this question, all my answers fall under the next question on this questionnaire. I spent a lot of time in high school panicked about the next step. One thing aside from the career training that vocational schools offer students is the confidence to take risks and seek alternative options by making us question what it is that we want. My experiences at UCT allowed me to shape my own ideas and get a head start with the support of adults that were not family members.” How well did your experiences at UCT prepare you for your career? “Incredibly well, because I took my career in Cosmetology very seriously. I was not eligible for the co-op experience, because I wasn’t eligible for my cosmetology license until it was time to graduate, but I was able to get my nail technology license and started working on the weekends as a nail tech. I absolutely loved the senior project we had to complete and the job portfolio requirement. When I was job hunting my employers were very impressed by the portfolio and a I swear by them. I went on to take business communication courses as well as other business courses in college as a result of that experience. I still use all of the career training (aside from perms, yuck) from a technical and business standpoint today. I was dead set on not going to college and only chose to go back to build my credentials and back up my business goals that I started developing at UCT.” What advice do you have to offer UCT’s study body? “Don’t be afraid to try something new. Literally everything I did in high school was new. I never played sports as a kid and became captain. Whatever it is try it and stick with it. Even if it gets tough, but trust yourself to know if it is not working for you. Stay well rounded. Focus on both academics and shop. I know how easy it is to favor one over the other, or neither… UCT has so many great programs and it is up to you to what you do within your chosen field. Go to college. Don’t go to college. Wait and see what you want to do (like I did.) Whatever you do, do it mindfully and don’t let yourself be afraid to do it. Don’t choose a shop based on socially constructed gender norms either. I know that sounds silly coming from a “cos” chick, but I know that gender is still a large factor in the decision making process for many students.” Photo Contributors:
Mrs. M. Bourke, faculty Mr. W. Callahan, faculty Ms. D. Gifford, faculty Mrs. M. Smith, faculty Erica Clavin, Class of 2010 |