Today 12/16/2012 there was threatening comments toward the Bristol Central High School by a juvenile student there.  No one was in any danger but the threat was taken seriously by the police department and a juvenile was arrested for the charges of threatening and breach of peace. Two additional officers were added to assist the School Resource Officers due to recent events. At this time there is no other information being released.

By MICHAEL LETENDRE
STAFF WRITER
WETHERSFIELD – Fresh off an 2-0 start to its campaign, the Bristol Central girls basketball team was looking for its first 3-0 push in quite some time.
And in a CCC Interdivisional game against Wethersfield, the Rams hung tough with a small yet talented shooting group on the road.
Central had the lead after one period, quickly lost that advantage, and played catch up for the rest of the contest.
However, the Rams never tasted the lead again as Wethersfield took home a 44-38 victory on Friday, Dec. 17.
With the victory, the Eagles evened its record to 2-2 on the campaign while Central fell for the first time all year and moved to 2-1.
It was the poorest showing by the Rams to date as every shot, every rebound, every loose ball, and every big hoop belonged to the Eagles.
“They outworked us,” said Central coach Steve Gaudet of Wethersfield. “They pushed us around. They were more physical than us. They out-hustled us. That’s as poor an effort we’ve had all year. In practice, in a scrimmage, in a game…that’s as poor an effort mentally, physically, all of the above (this season).”
Two instances highlighted those mental lapses that cost the Rams dearly.
At the end of the first half, Wethersfield missed a baseline bucket but Central did not bother to chase the ball down.
But Carrie Polomsky (game-high 17 points) sprinted after it, snagged the ball at the corner of the court, tossed up a desperation three-pointer, and cleanly found the bottom of the net that led to the Eagles’ 23-13 push at the half.
The Rams, however, battled back in the second half and cut the deficit to five with just over one minute left in the game.
Off the first shot of a one-and-one situation for the Eagles, Lauren Glendon missed but Central did not go for the rebound.
The Rams just stayed in their foul line shooter positions while the Eagles quickly threw up a shot but missed.
Again, Central did not make an attempt to go after the ball and off the offensive rebound, the Eagles sunk a hoop and the Rams were trailed 41-34 with 1:01 remaining.
“Our heads were not in the game at all,” said Gaudet. “And you can put that on me. It’s my fault. We weren’t into this game and I’ve got to do a better job preparing us.”
No player scored in double figures for Central, but the squad had more than a couple solid performances in the losing effort.
Central’s Chandler Walker led the Rams with nine points, a big 17 rebounds, two blocks and two steals in a solid performance that saw the player suffer a leg cramp while getting poked in the eye, both of which slowed her down a bit.
Ashley Elder added nine points, five rebounds and three steals, while Lauren Bossi chipped in six points, eight rebounds, and two steals.
Erika Monsalve also scored six points and snatched three rebounds while Gretchen Edelman squared in six points, four rebounds, three assists, and made three steals.
Along with Polomsky’s three-point shooting barrage, Wethersfield made a total of seven treys in the game and that long range marksmanship made a huge difference in the showdown.
Glendon scored eight for the Eagles – hitting two threes – as a balanced scoring attack paced the home club.
The lead changed hands four times in the first period between the schools and Elder finished it with a blazing three-pointer as Central led 9-8 after one period of action.
But Polomsky came to life, hitting three-pointers, and causing havoc all over the floor during the second frame.
Central scored only twice in the frame as hoops by Bossi and Walker found their marks but off the four points, the Rams fell behind at the half by double figures.
And then the Polomsky three-point bomb at the buzzer was a dagger of epic proportions and kind of symbolized how things were going for the Rams in the first half.
“(Polomsky) killed us,” said Gaudet. “She hit some huge three-pointers. She hit four three-pointers in the first half, hit some runners. She was a good lefty.”
Central didn’t quit and as the third period commenced, the Rams went on a quick 8-0 run to almost reclaim the lead.
Bossi hit a quick lay-up off a nice feed by Edelman, Monsalve hit back-to-back hoops and Walker laid a shot in as Central trailed by only two at 23-21 with 6:15 left in the third tilt.
However, Central wouldn’t get any closer than three points the rest of the way as Wethersfield stretched its lead to eight late in the period.
But off a steal and lay up from Bossi, Central trailed by only six at 33-27 at the completion of three quarters.
In the fourth, Wethersfield built its lead back up to 10 points but the Rams took one last crack at it.
Central went on a 5-0 jaunt as a basket by Edelman, a charity toss by Walker, and two free throws from Jenn Fannon cut the deficit to 39-34 late in the period.
But off the bungled one-and-one rebounding opportunity with 1:01 left in the game, Wethersfield stopped Central’s run and the Eagles kept it a two-possession game the rest of the way until the final horn sounded.
“They got every loose ball” said Gaudet of Wethersfield. “When you don’t get any loose balls and you make mental mistakes and lose by only six points, that tells you (something).”

St. Paul’s Kelly McMahon tries to maneuver through Ansonia’s defenses last Friday as the Falcons dropped the home game, 47-31.

By MICHAEL LETENDRE
STAFF WRITER
BRISTOL – The Bristol Central girls basketball team had a little trouble trying to contain a slick little guard from Conard on Friday, Dec. 28.
Each and every time the Rams made a run in the game, Elle Fontanazza seemingly hit big shot after big shot to keep the Chieftains on top.
And her shooting made the ultimate difference in the final outcome.
Fontanazza blasted Central for 28 points – hitting five three-pointers in the process – as the Rams dropped a hard fought 43-32 decision in a CCC Interdivisional war from Bristol.
With the win, Conard won for the second time this season while Central fell to 4-2 in the losing effort.
Central, coming into the contest winning four or its first five games, certainly had chances to beat the Chieftains but things went wrong – on multiple fronts – as Central couldn’t execute its game plan and absorbed a tough loss.
Just a look at Central’s foul shooting on the night – the team missed 10 of its 12 attempts – and the proof was in the pudding.
“We had a terrible practice yesterday,” said Central coach Steve Gaudet. “So we played liked we practiced yesterday. There was little to no effort in practice yesterday. There was a little more effort tonight but just not a sense of urgency.”
“We didn’t do the little things that we should have done at practice yesterday…it was just disappointing.”
Conard went to the long ball early and often in the game and when Fontanazza and Shelly Rodgers (six points) were missing three-pointers, the visiting squad collected multiple offensive rebounds and went in for additional points and scoring opportunities.
In all, the Chieftains collected 21 offensive  boards and that didn’t help matters out for Central at all.
“We got killed on the offensive boards,” said Gaudet. “Yesterday at practice and before the game, all we talked about was controlling the boards. Granted Chandler (Walker) was out (of the game) but still, we have to rebound as a team. Five girls have to crash on defense and get after (rebounds).”
“We didn’t do a good job at that at all tonight.”
What also didn’t help matters was an injured Walker and her presence on the floor was sorely missed for large chunks of the game.
Walker collected six points, nine rebounds, and two blocked shots but she exited the game after the first period and didn’t play again until the 4:26 mark of the third frame.
But credit belonged to reserve Christina Bouvier as she filled in well for the injured Walker.
In a critical 11:26 minute stint, Bouvier collected four rebounds, played outstanding defense, and with her time in the contest, the Rams got back into the game.
When Bouvier entered the game, Central was trailing by seven (17-10) and by the time Walker returned, the Rams were in front by one at 25-24.
“We have confidence in a lot of kids and Christina Bouvier is one of them,” said Gaudet. “She’s done it all year. Almost every single game, Chandler gets in four trouble so Christina has come off the bench to give us serious minutes.”
“She’s done an outstanding job…I couldn’t be prouder of her.”
Lauren Bossi collected six points, seven rebounds, and made two steals while Gretchen Edelman added three points and two rebounds.
In the backcourt, Ashley Elder netted a team high 12 points to go along with eight rebounds while Erika Monsalve posted four points and four rebounds.
Central went ahead in the contest 6-4 off an offensive rebound put back by Walker with 4:49 left in the first quarter.
But off a 13-4 spurt to end the quarter – including a half-court, buzzer beating three-point bomb by Fontanazza – the visitors went in front 17-10.
Central’s defense held Conard to only five points in the second stanza as the Chieftains were held scoreless over the first 5:36 of the period.
Off a 9-2 push, Elder hit a jumper to knot things up at 19-19 with 1:11 left before the half.
But a conventional three-point play by Conard’s Nicole Kradas gave the Chieftains a 22-19 push at intermission.
However, the Rams came back to take the lead in the third quarter of play.
Central battled back and took the edge off a Walker free throw that made it 26-24 with 3:41 left in the third frame.
But the Rams didn’t score again in the stanza as Conard went on a blazing 10-0 run, needing just three shots to tally the go-ahead points in the game.
Fontanazza hit two consecutive three-pointers and Rodgers drilled a three-pointer – getting fouled in the process – as she hit the charity shot as her four-point play propelled Conard to a 34-26 push going into the final quarter of play.
“It’s forced us to go to man-to-man” defense said Gaudet off the Conard three-point shooting barrage. “And then (Fontanazza), she has 20- points tonight. She hurt us off the dribble there. We didn’t do a good job of help defense there and we when went to man (defense).”
“Give them credit…they hit some big shots (and) we didn’t hit the big shots, or get the big rebound or two or three or four.”
The Rams made a run at it and cut the deficit to four off a hoop by Monsalve with 5:47 left in the game.
Down 36-32, Central didn’t score again as Conard hit two late hoops and canned three of four free throws, propelling the Chieftains to a big 43-32 win in Bristol.
“We fought back to take the lead,” said Gaudet. “And then we did some things and we just couldn’t get over the hump. We made some bad mistakes, shots didn’t fall, and some things just didn’t go our way.”

By KAITLYN NAPLES
STAFF WRITER
For one month, between November and December, students and staff at Bristol Central High School, and community members, were actively voting for the school to win The Clorox Company’s “Power a Bright Future” contest. The results proved that advocating, working together as a community, and being positive can definitely pay off, since Bristol Central High School won $25,000 in the contest, to go towards renovations of the school’s auditorium.
When she’s not teaching students foreign languages, or working with the school theater productions, Gina Gallo Reinhard is focusing on writing grant proposals, and has had some success so far. The Clorox Company’s “Power a Bright Future” can be added to that list of accomplishments.
“We were up against some pretty big schools, but we remained in the top five throughout the entire contest,” Gallo Reinhard said, adding that it was “a testament to the entire Bristol community.”
The Clorox Company’s “Power a Bright Future” grant program, was giving away $50,000 to the school with the most votes. The contest, which was a national one, allowed for the schools to enter into one of three categories: play, create and explore. Bristol Central entered into the “create” category, with the request to win so it can renovate the high school auditorium, a room used by the entire Bristol community. There were seven grants given away, four based on the number of votes and three based on judge’s pick. The school with the most votes received the $50,000, and then the six others chosen based on either votes or judge’s pick will receive a $25,000 grant each.
Gallo Reinhard said in a previous interview that she wanted to ensure that this grant does not just benefit the music or theater students at the high school, but will benefit every student and faculty member that walks through the auditorium doors. A group of students worked on a series of short videos that were comical displays of the renovations needed in the auditorium, which were used for the contest.
“I’m hoping the students are able to learn that if you all bond together you can make moves,” Gallo Reinhard said, adding that she wanted to Bristol community to know “that a little effort definitely goes a long way.”
Going forward, Gallo Reinhard said she wants to see if she can garner up more support for additional renovations to the auditorium and see how “we can get the biggest bang for our buck.”
Right now, the auditorium needs things like new seats, since some are broken. Other possibilities would be to install its own lighting and/or sound system, because the theater department has to rent those effects for every performance.
Lindsey DiPietro, an English teacher at Bristol Central who also directs the high school plays, said in a previous interview that the school usually spends about $2,500 for lighting and sound for fall performances. In the spring, it costs about $4,000 for one performance.
Mayor Art Ward congratulated the school at a recent City Council meeting, and said when he would get to his office every morning there was always a reminder to vote.

Oakes (152) took down Jordan Pelletier before picking up a pin in 3:32. Meanwhile Hoffman (160), a very impressive sophomore, trailed early but in the end, made a critical takedown with 13 seconds remaining to break a 4-4 stalemate and win by two over Glenn Pierce.
“I think where they’re good, we’re good,” said Archibald. “We’re good at 160. We’re good at 182. We’re good at 195.”
The Blue Devils were down 30-18 and only two pin-falls separated the teams.
However, Central pulled out three impressive wins to end the suspense of the evening.
First, Ian Gonzalez (170) pinned John Oliveira in 5:21. Gino Rafaniello (182) added a 16-8 major decision over the always tough Marcus Slivinsky. Finally, big Cy McIntosh needed just 56 seconds to defeat Kurt Walker.
“I think about eight kids got stuck,” said Spence. “Our kids just can’t get pinned, it’s ridiculous. I can’t explain how to not stay off your back. That’s it, that’s all I’m thinking about.”
With the McIntosh pin-fall victory in hand, Central’s tally was 46-18 with just two matches to go.
In the final two showdowns, Plainville’s Timmy West (220) moved down from 195 to pin Cody McQuarrie in just under two minutes while at heavyweight, Myles Mitera won his first varsity match, pinning Troy Maldonado in 42 seconds.
“They made a move there, they bumped their 195 wrestler up to 220,” said Archibald. “There was no reason for it. The match was already over but they made that move and it would have been nice to have a good match for two good kids. But they made a choice to bump that kid away from our kid and that changed those other two matches.”
But in the end, Central came out on top with the 46-30 win.
By MICHAEL LETENDRE
STAFF WRITER
BRISTOL – The Bristol Central wrestling squad picked up an important victory on senior night as the Rams sacked Plainville 46-30 in a CCC South challenge in Bristol on Wednesday, Jan. 30.
Before the meet, Central honored its senior core of Andrew Martin, Troy Maldonado, Glenn Pierce, Jordan Pelletier, Cy McIntosh, Jordan Nadami, and Gino Rafaniello. That special crew – along with the rest of the team – put together another solid victory while gaining a little additional momentum for a couple big weeks worth of matches that are now on the horizon.
“The senior are seniors and most of those guys are four year guys,” said Central coach Brian Archibald. “It means a lot for them to be able to come out and do what they did. It was nice for them to come out senior night and take care of business.”
But the young Blue Devils wanted to spoil those senior night festivities and were looking for an upset bid.
Plainville proved to be pesky throughout the evening, jumping out to a 9-0 lead and certainly put the Rams in a bit of a hole to start things out.
“We were hanging with these guys,” said Plainville coach Rusty Spence. “Bristol Central is a tough team. They’re getting it together.”
But in the end, the Rams made a number of big pins to take the lead while Plainville – needing pins of its own during critical encounters in the match – came away a couple points short.
At 106 pounds, Plainville’s Doug Romano and Central’s Joe Cherwinski battled in a back and forth bout that could have gone either way.
However, the grappler from Plainville led by one after two periods and held on to pick up a 7-6 decision.
Then, Plainville’s Tim Lister, shifting down to 113, picked up a big pin over Breck Conlon as the Blue Devils edged in front 9-0.
Conlon had a chance at a fall early during the bout. But Lister made a critical takedown in the second to eventually pick up the pin.
“At 113 pounds, nine times out of 10, I think it’s a different result there,” said Archibald of the Conlon loss.
But towards the middle of the event, a succession of pins by the hometown heroes pushed the meet right back into Central’s collective hands to turn a 9-0 deficit into a 30-9 cushion.
“I knew going in that they were a little thin (in the lighter weights),” said Archibald. “Some of the kids did pretty well.”
Trailing by nine, Central’s Josh Ganavage (120) started the run off by pinning Nicole Basile in just 46 seconds while Kadeem Richards (126) made a takedown on Andrew Marsh quickly into things and picked up a pin-fall victory in 1:22 as the Rams snatched up a 12-9 push.
Following suit, Tyler Burrow bullied Sam Lingren and made a pin in 3:31, Jordan Nadimi (138) won via pin-fall over Dom Villardi in 1:33 while at 145, Sean Ziogas made a quick reversal for a pin over Cedric Rivera as Central stacked up a 30-9 edge.
But in the heart of the Plainville line-up, the Blue Devils rode the power of Connor Oakes and Mischa Hoffman and the duo did not disappoint for the visitors.

Plainville’s S. Lindgren works to escape the grasp of Bristol Central’s Tyler Burrow in a match last Wednesday at Bristol Central High School.

By MIKE CHAIKEN
EDITIONS EDITOR

A serious message and a plot twist… and great music and dancing.
Put it all together and, according to several members of Bristol Central High School’s Footlights, you have a great student stage production that audiences won’t want to miss.
Bristol Central High School Footlights will present the musical “Once On This Island” March 22 to 24 in the school auditorium.
“Once On This Island” is an adaptation of the fairy tale “The Little Mermaid.” It’s about a peasant girl who rescues and falls in love with Daniel, a wealthy boy from the other side of her island. When Daniel goes home, the gods who rule the island guide Ti Moune on a quest to test her love against prejudice, hatred and death.
Rachelle Washington, who plays the Goddess of Water, said she likes the fact the musical tackles the theme of class. She said she likes how the show depicts how love can reach across the divide of class.
Karina Stanecki, who plays a storyteller in the show, said she likes the story because of its theme of “love is eternal.” Overall, she also appreciates that “It’s not the classic cheesy corny musical… This is an actual story, with singing, acting… We get so into it…. It’s different from anything we’ve done before.”
K.C. Britt, who plays Ti Moune likes “Once On This Island” because “it’s sweet.” Yet, she said, “You’re not expecting what’s going to happen…”
“(It) doesn’t have your typical happy ending,” said Ishbell Hernandez, who plays another storyteller.
“It’s definitely different,” said Jasmine Clemons, who plays another storyteller and who has also choreographed the show. “It’s a lot of fun to do.”
As for the music of “Once On This Island,” Karina said, “It’s more like an opera…” She explained the music and lyrics carry the storyline.
“Every song has a meaning,” said Ishbell.
“It’s a Caribbean feel,” said Jasmine. “The music gets you to groove in your seat.”
Audience will enjoy “Once On This Island,” said Jasmine, because “the music is phenomenal. The dancing is great… The ensemble is energetic.”
“I literally have never been so excited about a show before. I literally talk about it constantly in class…,” said Karia. “It’s just awesome.”
Ishbell said, “It’s so energetic. It looks so good. I’m so excited to do everything in front of everyone… Its going to be really cool for people to watch.”
“We’ve worked so hard on it…,” said Rachel.
“The show is amazing, period,” said K.C. “There’s great choreography, great singers, great director… great everything.”
“Once On This Island” will be performed at Bristol Central High School on Friday and Saturday, March 22 and 23, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 24 at 2 p.m.

K.C. Britt of the Bristol Central High School Footlights belts out a song during a rehearsal for ‘Once On This Island’ last Tuesday at the school. The musical opens this Friday and continues through Sunday.

The cast of ‘Once On This Island’ rehearse last week at Bristol Central High School.

Bristol Central High School Footlights opens ‘Once On This Island’ on Friday. The show continues through Sunday at the high school.

Karina Stanecki, facing camera, sings a number at a rehearsal for ‘Once On This Island’ at Bristol Central High School. The show opens this weekend.

The BCHS InterAct club will host its 11th annual “Mr. BCHS” rib-splittingly, hysterically comical male beauty pageant on Saturday, April 27 at 7 p.m. in the Bristol Central High School auditorium.
Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door.
All proceeds will benefit the Bristol Boys and Girls Club Cambridge Park Satellite and the American Red Cross’ “Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund”

Bristol Central’s Matt Blandino fires a pitch in last Thursday’s season opener against Fermi. Blandino had 18 strikeouts for the day.

By MICHAEL LETENDRE STAFF WRITER BRISTOL – When it comes to opening day scholastic baseball, sometimes the level of play isn’t quite up to par. But for the squad from Bristol Central, its first day of regular season activity showed exactly what the Rams’ season could be all about this year. And on Thursday, April 4, the team from Fermi of Enfield bumped into Central on the wrong afternoon as All- Conference, All-State, and All-World pitcher Matt Blandino absolutely demolished the Falcons. Blandino, per his usual, was pitching on another level and once Central picked up the lead, Fermi didn’t have a chance as the Rams zipped up a 6-0 CCC Interdivisional victory in Bristol. However, even as Central tallied an impressive shutout victory, Fermi hung tough and even threatened to knot an early deficit with a couple lucky breaks. Fermi (0-1) got a runner on base via a bunt hit in the third but didn’t have any luck getting him home while over the next frame, the Falcons went right at it again but came up empty. Trailing 2-0 going into the fourth, Fermi’s Greg Kraucunas reached safely via error and off a stolen base, the tying run was at the plate as the Falcons were a little more than pesky over the stanza. “Every team we play is a quality team because of the one-two schedule” as Central is in the top tier of the CCC schedule, said Bristol Central coach Bunty Ray. “They (Fermi) have seen success, obviously, over the years. They gave us fits a couple years ago. Last year, we were able to jump right on them and put the game away early. This time, it took us a little bit more time to get going offensively. Credit Fermi’s pitcher (Alex Zachary) but we also need to do a better job adjusting early on.” However, this game belonged to Blandino and he started his senior campaign off in style. He ended that threat in the fourth frame by fanning both Charles Smith and David Tucker to turn away any chance of Fermi sneaking into the contest. The Bristol chucker was on fire from pitch one as he racked up an amazing 18 strikeouts while walking only one batter all game long in another complete game effort. Blandino faced only four batters above the minimum and gave up only the one hit. “Matt was dominant,” said Ray of his ace pitcher. “He’s always going to be dominant.” With that stellar pitching – and the defense behind him making plays – Central just needed a few runs to ice the contest. While Central’s offense only posted six hits, each tally led to something bigger and eventually, a two-run third and a four-run fourth saw the home team go ahead by six runs. Mitch Guilmette led the hit parade with two doubles and three RBI. Matt Blandino also tallied an RBI double as did Jake Martel. Justen Jakubiak also added a double in the winning effort. At that point of the showdown, trailing 6-0, the Falcons probably thought they were trailing by 100 runs because a future NCAA Division I pitcher was absolutely blitzing the squad. Blandino needed just over 100 pitches to dispose of Fermi and after the third inning, Blandino faced only 14 batters and struck out 11 out the final 12 men he faced. Only four batters reached base in the game but all four ended up stranded. And once that 6-0 lead was firmly in place, Blandino opened things up and numerous Fermi batters – four out of the final nine batters he faced to be precise – did not swing at strike three. “When we started scoring runs, you could see everything kind of loosen up a little bit,” said Ray. “Our offensive run production allowed Blandino to challenge hitters more, allowed him to work corners, and not mix pitches as much as he had to.” Fermi’s Alex Zachary actually pitched well for the Falcons in the losing effort but he was lifted in the fourth stanza and that’s when the Rams blasted the visitors for four insurance runs to bust the game open. The contest was a stalemate over the first two frames but in the third, Central took advantage of Zachery and the Fermi defense. With one out, Blandino reached base via error and scored off a double by Guilmette to make it a 1-0 contest. One batter later, Martel smashed a double of his own and when Guilmette touched home plate, it was a 2-0 affair and Fermi was quickly behind the eight-ball. By the time the fourth stanza approached, Central quickly put the game to bed. Jakubiak walked to start the action, stole second, moved to third off a wild pitch. From there, Elijah Minella roped a hit towards third base that was nearly uncatchable and even as the defense got its mitts on the ball, it quickly zipped out of all in the infielders grasps – scoring Jakubiak – leading Central to a 3-0 edge. Minella moved to third off two past balls and suddenly, another runner was looking to score. Joey DeFillippi followed up with a walk, stole second and moved to third via a slicing bloop double to right-centerfield by Blandino as the RBI tally made the contest a 4-0 tilt with Central looking for more. With DeFillippi at third and Blandino on second, it was time for Guilmette to strike once again. Guilmette drove a ball into left-centerfield as both runners were plated and the Rams went ahead in the game 6-0 and it was just time for Blandino to mop up. In the fifth, all three Fermi batters looked at strike three for outs. While in the sixth, Chris Giottonni walked. But it was of little consequence as Blandino struck the final five batters of the contest and Central picked up a shutout victory to start its season off in style. “I’d like to see a little more offensive production but for opening day, and that left hander (Zachary) keeping us off-balanced, I thought we did a very good job of getting some big hits in big situations and, like I said, when you have a dominant pitcher, every run’s going to look like a million out there,” said Ray.

By KAITLYN NAPLES
STAFF WRITER
Even though they are the top two students for this year’s Bristol Central High School graduating class, Eric Aldieri and Sean Heiser still feel like every other senior.
“This is definitely a huge honor, but I don’t feel any different from the other students,” Aldieri said, who is this year’s valedictorian headed to Villanova University in the fall to study astrophysics.
Heiser agreed, and said he was honored to be named this year’s salutatorian, especially since he knows all of his peers in the senior class were qualified.
“Holding this title is a huge honor,” Heiser said, adding that he will be attending Boston College in the fall to study economics and finance.
Looking back at the last four years, both students had many moments to be proud of. For Aldieri, one of his proudest moments was being the recipient of an award for the track team – The Joshua Chora You’re Looking Beautiful Award, an award in memory of Joshua Chora who was a former Bristol Central student who was involved in a fatal car accident two years ago.
“It’s the kind of award for being committed and making your coach smile,” Aldieri said, adding he was proud to have been able to stand out to his coach and fellow team to be the recipient of this award.
Heiser said he was most proud of being the co-captain of the soccer team in which was a position he was elected to.
“It’s a huge honor having led the team during every game and practice,” he said, adding that the position of co-captain shaped him as a leader.
When asked to what or whom they both attributed their success to, both Aldieri and Heiser mentioned their education experiences at Catholic schools. Aldieri, who attended St. Joseph School, said he also wouldn’t be where he is without his parents and the work ethic they instilled into him. Aldieri added he was grateful for the support of Gale Dickau at Bristol Central who helped him, and many other students, write his college essay.
“Plus, the teachers here (at Bristol Central) are absolutely wonderful,” he added.
Heiser felt the same way, and said without his education at St. Matthew School, and the support and guidance of his parents and sisters’ successes, he wouldn’t be where he is today.
“Every teacher’s contribution along the way definitely made an impression and helped build my character,” Heiser added.
When thinking about memories over the last four years, the two seniors reflected on their times spent on the soccer field together.
Aldieri said he will always remember the team’s 13th  win against Pomperaug, when the final goal was scored.
“We were all jumping up and down and hugging each other, it was like the epitome of high school,” he said, adding that the 13th victory was the most for the soccer team in the last 10 years.
Heiser added he will remember all of the memories that came with playing soccer for the last four years, especially senior night.
“That was the moment when we look back on the last four years, and we’re all together and realize that we made it this far,” he added.
Moving forward into the future, Aldieri reminded his peers to always “view everything in a positive light.”
“Negativity is a major killer of your ambition and motivation; look at things with optimism,” he added.
Heiser wanted to tell his peers to make their own paths, and “do what you want to do and do it with all your heart.”
Bristol Central’s graduation will be held on Tuesday, June 25 at 7 p.m. in the gymnasium.
Comments? Email knaples@BristolObserver. com.

Graduation is around the corner, and Bristol Central High School has announced its top two students—Eric Aldieri, the valedictorian, and Sean Heiser, the salutatorian. Graduation is June 25.

The Bristol Central High School Class of 2013 participated in commencement exercies on Tuesday. The graduates are (see next Friday for a more complete story and more photographs

Ermina Elezovski, left, Hailey Lombardi, and Megham Brodeur are ready to graduate at Bristol Central High School this past Tuesday.

:

Cyrena Desiree Abbasi

Marc Traian Achim

Eric Nicholas Aldieri

Nicholas Charles Allen

Jenisa Marie Almodovar

Devanie Marie Alvarez

Joshua Alves

Kayla Lynn Amenta

Samuel V. Anderson

Rachel Nicole Andrews

Madeline Arroyo

Casey Marie Barcikowski

Taylor Marie Barton

Sarah Bartucca

Mary Bauman

Christopher John Beaudoin

David Edward Behmke

Dylan Joseph Benkert

Shawn T. Bernier

Matthew Blandino

Alexander J. Block

Jordon Bochan

Spencer Boisvert

Shane Boruff

Lauren Diane Bossi

Meghan Mae Brodeur

Silas Andrew Brooks

Amber Marie Browning

Nolan Phillip Brutcher

Cynthia Ann Bukowski

Shelbi Morgan Burns

Jeremiah Cabrera

Angelique Marie Caffrey

Joseph Michael Cahill

Christian Anthony Cales-Rodriguez

Ashley M. Campmire

Hannah Nicole Carlson

Mary-Elise Margaret Carlson

Alyssa Nicole Caron

Anthony Ivan Carrero

Timothy Carroll

Mileena Adrianna Casiano

Matthew Alexander Cassidy

Gage Alexander Castillo

Leanna Liz Castillo

Krislynn B. Castillo Gordillo

Kayla Marie Castonguay

Ryan Chipps

Jasmine Alexandria Clemons

Matthew Dale Clift

Travis Patrick Collin

Timmyha Conaway

Cody James Conlon

Abdiel Cordero

Jonathan Joseph Cornwell

Kassandra Cortorreal Lloréns

Sahara Cross

Melissa Ann Cummings

Olivia Marie Cyr

Chad Daigle

Nathan John Dallaire

Bryan Anthony Daly

Emily Madison Daly

Kayla Devonne Damiano

Jessica Sofia Darragjati

Bryan Harry Davila

Alec M. Denette

Marissa Hope Deschaine

Riley Monahan DiNoia

Justin Dion

Jodi L. DiSanto

Emily Lauren Dove

Christopher Michael Drouin

Marion Cecelia Dunn

Gretchen E. Edelman

Ermina Elezovski

Austin J. Enos

Luciana Victoria Faraci

Tyler J. Flanagan

Kayla Mariah Fort

Joseph Albert Fortuna

Nicole C. Frutchey

Breanna Gagnon

Lindsay Ann Gagnon

Jessica Carol Gallant

Belén Garcia-Clark

Victor Alfonso Garduno

Geoffrey John Gennett

Owen Roger Gillam

James Glowa

Nathaniel Julius Gonzalez

James Grady

Samantha Alexis Grajewski

Anthony Todd Greczkowski

Crystal Amber Green

Amanda Leigh Greenbacker

Mitchell Joseph Guilmette

Emma Jaye Hale

Alexander James Hamel

Cody A. Hansen

Jeremy Scott Hapgood

Bethany Marie Harnisch

Jonathan Edward Harrington

Lauren Hartwell

Michael Hayes

Sean Christopher Heiser

Stephen Bernard Helming

Ishbell Vivianix Hernandez

Jared Reed Herzner

Brandon Holder

Luther De’Shaun Holley

Kimberly Ann Jackson

Dylan Michael Jacquemin

Justen Ryan Jakubiak

David C. Jalbert

Jonathan David Jankoski

Alyssa Laura Jasunas

Keonté Icuma Jeffers

Candida Lee Jenkins

Taylor Leigh Jenkins

Christopher G. Jesionka

Luis Miguel Jimenez Cuevas

Connor R. Johnson

Spencer Leo Johnson

Andrew L. Jones

Cody A. Jordan

Rachel Marie Jurzyk

Peter Kania

William Tyler Kavantzas

Shane Timothy Kearney

Lucie A. Kerins-Chandler

Rachel L. King

Joseph B. Klett

Ronnesa Diane Kulesa

Arif Kycyku

Dalton J. Labbie

Hailey Virginia LaBrecque

Catherine Anne Lafreniere

Afroviti Lalaj

Andrew Laviero

Lauren M. Lavoie

Cara Aliah Lebby

Caresse Leclerc

Tina Lynn Letourneau

Hailey Lombardi

Janarish López

Melanie Marie Lydem

Christopher MacNeill

Ethan  Joseph Magri

Troy Tyler Maldonado

Theresa Rose Manolitsis

Jacob Robert Martel

Andrew Paul Martin

Reed Foster Martin

Deja Lexus Martinez

Hugo Martinez, Jr.

Alyssa M. Masciotra

Sydney Leigh McCloskey

Aaron Matthew McColl

Colin McGrail

Cy McIntosh

Emily Vincenza McKenzie

Martin McNiff

Taylor McQuarrie

Julia Marie Melendez

Alex Menard

Alexander Nash Mendela

Kevin Brian Mendez

Brooke Amanda Micale

Danielle L. Michaud

Malory Paige Miller

Brittany Marie Mills

Jeremiah Quartez Mobley

José Hernán Montoya Sánchez

Juan Jose Morales

Elizabeth Amber Morin

Jacob Joseph Morton

Eddy Munôz

Gabrielle Ann Myska

Kheyon Jordan Nadimi

Vincent Geno Nocera

Eric C. Norton

Adam O. Nunez

Devon O’Donnell

Hannah Marie Oakes

Janine Marie Oaks

Gennesis Ojeda

Felix Olivo, Jr.

Jacob M. Ouellette

John J. Ouellette

Kevin Robert Ouellette

Sarah Jayne Ouellette

Jason S. Ounthongdy

Allison Elizabeth Owsianko

Kyle Palladino

William Paul Pastyrnak, IV

Dominic P. Patria

Alexandra Rose Peabody

Jordan Pelletier

Emily Mae Perron

Glenn O’Neil Pierce

Ashley Rebecca Poirier

Pawel Polak

Vanessa Portillo

Dominique Poteau

Cheyenne Danah Power

Nicholas John Prentiss

Leigh Ann Provost

Gino Anthony Rafaniello

Christa   Rakich-Kelly

Astrid Desiree Ramirez

Rayshe Leonise Ramirez

Jessica M. Rancourt

Ryan Thomas Rathke

Zachary K. Reed

Brandon Riollano

Nathan Thomas Riordan

Raven Antoinette Rivera

Daniel Scott Roberge

Sierra Irene Rogers

Rebekka Roshon

Kourtni Nicholle Roucoulet

Ryan Ruegg

Anthony M. Rullan

Benjamin Taylor Rylander

Linda Saing

Tevin D. Sampson

Chrisandy Sánchez Santana

Yuly Ivette Santana

 Karla Ivelisse Santiago

Megan Maria Santiago

Diana Virginia Santiago Agustin

Kendall Mallory Sassu

Adam J. Schirduan

Lamar David Scott

Stephanie Paige Sears

Christopher William Semrau

Thomas Isaac Simonin

Bethany Amelia Sitka

Ronnie St. Denis

Karina Klaudia Stanecki

Tommy Stodolski

Crystal Marie Stone

Matthew J. Tabak

Amanda Michelle Taillon

Tyra Kimberly Talbot

Brittany Lee Tardiff

Lucas Richard Terwilleger

Michael Tessman

Meaghan K. Tetro

Charlene Marie Theriault

Veronica V. Thibeault

Maya Alexandra Tolliver

Ariana Torres

Brandi M. Torvinen

Iyanna Ariel Trevino

Kelci L. Trunk

Victoria Alison Tulloch

Morgan Aurora Tyler

Grace Anne Ullman

Dale M. Valcourt

Andrew David Vallee

Evan A. Valley

Sabra LaRee Vallier

Samantha Marie Vargas

Victoria Cecile Vasile

Cassidy Violette

Nicholas Joseph Vita

Sean Michael Walker

John D. Walsh

Graham Alan Washburn

Rachelle Arean Washington

Patrick E. Weglarz

Tianna Elysse White

Ronald G. Wiacek

Stephanie Wilk

Attone Alfonzo Wilson

Daniel Thomas Wolf

Brayton D. Woodward

Nicole Worrell

Hailee Nicole Yacenko

Shayna L. Youman

By KAITLYN NAPLES
STAFF WRITER
One more school year has come and gone, and last Tuesday evening, 282 students at Bristol Central High School were standing at the beginning of their next journey.
“You begin a new journey tonight,” Central High School Principal Pete Wininger said to his group of graduating seniors, who he described as a class that demonstrated good character, “pride, and dedication” to the school and the community.
Alexandra Peabody wrote this year’s essay, which revolved around the realization that she didn’t need a “step-by-step” agenda but you can create her future herself along the way, and can “adjust plans and goals as I grow as a person.”
She told her fellow classmates that it is easy to get “stuck in a rut” but it is difficult to dig yourself out of it.
“The American dream is your dream,” she said.
Salutatorian Sean Heiser recalled four years ago when this group of students entered Bristol Central High School for the first time. He reflected on where they were now and reminded his classmates not to forget “those who have mentored us” in the past to help them be ready for the next chapter in their lives.
Heiser also reminded his fellow seniors the journey is more important than the destination, and “you are the director” of your future and the goals you work towards.
Valedictorian Eric Aldieri, who is going to college to study astrophysics, started out his speech by explaining to his classmates he looks at life like an equation he learned in science class involving light, particles and waves, and deciding if light was a particle or a wave.
Aldieri said it is comparable to how people view life, and that every event or obstacle you go through “can be viewed either positively or negatively; it depends on what lens you look through.”
When looking back at high school, he said it is common to remember the negative things that happened. Moving forward, he said, “all of those inconveniences should be viewed as positives” or invaluable memories. “The most ruling and trying times should be viewed in a positive lens.”
Years from now, these students will look back on high school and remember them as “the good old days.”
“We were, in fact, living the good old days,” he said. “We just didn’t realize it.”
Deputy Superintendent Sue Moreau said speaking at this particular graduation was bittersweet for her since there were students in this year’s graduating class who were in kindergarten when she was principal at Bingham School.
“Our lives are a series of journeys with many stops along the way,” Moreau said, adding that family was the first stop, and then came school.
“I hope you learned how to be creative, conscientious, collaborative, and committed,” she added, which are the four characteristics of Bristol Central. “Each of you has left your mark in some way, and are part of the recipe that makes Bristol Central High School what it is.”
The senior class was able to raise money to purchase an overhang at the front entrance of the high school as its class gift to the school.  

By MICHAEL LETENDRE
STAFF WRITER
The Bristol Central football team had a busy offseason after the 2012 campaign.
After a tough slate of spring practices, the Rams have entered the fray with a new quarterback at the helm as three-year starter Andrew Laviero moved on after graduation.
Over the past four seasons with coach Sal Cintorino at the helm, Central has seen various amounts of success.
But he expects a little bit more this year as several veteran players – with senior back Tyler Burrow ready for battle – retake the field.
So what’s going down in terms of Bristol Central’s 2013 football this year

Let’s take a look:
Head Coach: Sal Cintorino (11-29 overall in five seasons).
Last Year: 3-7 overall (0-5 in Division II-West play; 3-2 in non-conference affairs).
Strength: Returning speed; quickness (Burrow)
Weakness: Depth
Key Losses: Andrew Laviero (QB); Marty McNiff (OL/DL); Cy McIntosh (G); James Glowa (G); Jake Martel (DB/CB); Ronny St. Denis (FB/SS); Andrew Martin (OL/DL); James Glowa (OL/LB); Glenn Pierce (left tackle).
Players to watch: Tyler Burrow (sr, TB, All Conference); Nate Hamm (sr, RB/DB); Jarrett Michaels (sr, QB);Taylor DeForge (sr, QB/DB); Ashon Anderson (jr, QB), Kevin Boi (sr, TE/LB); Tyler Whitten (sr, TE); Keon Walton (sr, SE); Drew Lee (jr, WR/DB); Cody McQuarrie (sr, C); Christian Hildebrand (sr, LB); Austin Rollins (sr, OL/DL); Bobby Jaccques (sr, OL/DL); Jacob Hall (jr, OL/DL); Josh Moxam (so, OL/DL); D’Andre Conaway (jr, FB); .
Analysis: Since coming onboard, Central coach Sal Cintorino has laid down the foundation for a successful program.
And in year five of his plan, the Rams are poised for a breakout season.
Off a 3-7 campaign in 2012, Central is looking to at least get to .500, which would be a first for the Rams under Cintorino.
Forty players make up the varsity roster and several familiar faces return to the fray.
While Central’s quarter back position will have a new chucker installed, there’s a familiar back in place ready for action.
That back is senior Tyler Burrow who barely missed out on a 1,000 yard season as a junior.
Don’t expect the same result as Burrow – who frankly is a certifiable tank when he’s smashing into, and through, people – should race to that total some time before the Thanksgiving Day game.
For the 2012 campaign, Burrow rushed for 986 total yards off 200 carries and did the bulk of Central’s running.
Burrow was responsible for 85 percent of Central’s rushing touchdowns last year and also made 14 receptions with then senior quarterback Andrew Laviero for 114 total yards.
A 2012 All CCC South performer, Burrow is a bulldog and it will take several members of the opposing defense to track down the senior sensation.
He’s more than capable of snaring 200 yards in a game and against E.O. Smith back on Nov. 10 in Central’s 28-13 victory, Burrow went for an astounding 208.
While the attention and focus will be on Burrow, senior running back Nate Hamm also will be called to duty in the Rams running schemes as well.
Hamm made 33 carries for 84 yards last season and also had a rushing touchdown to his credit.
It’s off the power of those two backs that will determine how effective Central’s running game will truly be.
Central should have numerous offensive options and the key is to keep opponents guessing as to who gets the ball and when.
And then there’s the issue at quarterback.
Who will be throwing the ball for the Rams this coming season?
It’s difficult to say who will be taking over for Laviero – who threw for an outstanding 1,231 yards last season, which was the seventh best single season mark in school history – at QB but there’s a couple throwers that will accept the challenge.
Senior Jarrett Michaels and junior newcomer Ashon Anderson are vying for the quarterback job and both have the tools for the role.
Even Taylor Deforge might be in the realm of the throwing possibility but whoever answers the call, it will come as a first-year varsity quarterback option.
At receiver, senior Keon Walton is back in the mix and the third year player should once again make an impact.
For the Rams last year, he made 15 grabs for a team best 375 yards and scored four touchdowns.
And unlike the New England Patriots, tight end will be strong-point for Central as seniors Kevin Boi and Tyler Whitten will snare some passes from the quarterback while junior Drew Lee make up the best of the wide receiving corps.
Defensively, Central needs to tighten it up as last year, the squad gave up just under 31 points-per-game while scoring around 20 a contest.
That’s the problem when Central plays the Middletowns and Windsors of the division in terms of battling high octane offenses.
But the defense will surely be improved this season.
Central will turn to seniors Cody McQuarrie, Christian Hildebrand, Austin Rollins and Bobby Jaccques along with junior Jacob Hall and sophomore lineman Josh Moxon.
That group of defense standouts should be able to step up and give the offense a chance to pile points on the board in order for the Rams to compete.
Division II-West Outlook: The division is once again loaded and there are three teams to seem to rise to the top in the West.
Farmington – as of late – has surged to the top of the Division II-West standings and Middletown always seems to return a strong team.
Central, with the option of adding an 11th game to its line-up, decided not to and will open up its 2013 campaign during Week 2 against Edwin O. Smith High School of Storrs.
Is .500 out of the question for the Rams?
No, but with a boatload of talent in the division, Central will be challenged in every game.

By KAITLYN NAPLES
STAFF WRITER
Earlier this year Gina Gallo Reinhard, a foreign languages teacher at Bristol Central High School, registered the school to be part of an initiative with State Farm Insurance that promotes safe driving.
Starting on Oct. 18, and lasting one week, students at Bristol Central High School (BCHS) will be able to attend various events and activities that promote safe driving, during the week long “Celebrate My Drive campaign.”
“Safe driving is something every school should be pushing,” Gallo Reinhard said, adding this campaign is different than sharing upsetting stories with the students, and rather celebrates their driving when they “vote” or make the commitment to drive safely, meaning not texting and driving, and not driving under the influence, and just not driving distracted.
The school with the most votes gets a $100,000 prize and two concert events, one featuring Kelly Clarkson.
If Bristol Central wins, the funds will be split among various programs and projects, she said, as this is a “city-wide initiative.” A portion of the funds, 10 percent, will go towards a safe driving initiative in the city, and the remainder will be split among programs, she said, so they can keep growing and may not be supported in the Board of Education’s budget. For the week long activities, the entire school will be working together, along with the Bristol Police Department, All Star Driving in Bristol and the Think First Foundation.
Students, parents and community members are encouraged to vote for Bristol Central High School once per day, every day from Oct. 18 to Oct. 26. Participants must log onto www.celebratemydrive.com, and join the “celebration” on the home page and vote for Bristol Central.
Gallo Reinhard isn’t a stranger to participating in initiatives or trying to secure grant funding for her school. Earlier this year Bristol Central was the recipient of a $25,000 grant from an initiative hosted by Clorox, which went toward updates and maintenance to the school’s auditorium. She said 200 seats in the auditorium have been updated, and there are about 100 more left. The school also has been having a funding campaign from private donations, and has nearly $40,000 that can go towards maintaining the auditoriums current lighting system, and more.
Students at BCHS will participate in an assembly on Friday, Oct. 18, to kick off the Celebrate My Drive campaign. To vote, visit www.celebratemydrive.com and register to vote for BCHS.
Comments? Email knaples@BristolObserver. com.

By MICHAEL LETENDRE
STAFF WRITER
When you have an outstanding scholastic career in softball, what’s the next logical step?
Move on to the next level to strut your stuff on the collegiate level.
That’s exactly what Bristol Central standout Olivia Banulski plans to do as she signed a National Letter of Intent on Tuesday, Nov. 19, afternoon to play softball at Malloy College.
And, to her credit, Banulski will be going from one successful program and step right into another.
Molloy College, located in Rockville Centre, New York on Long Island, had one heck of season in 2013 and went 53-14 overall in a very busy campaign.
The Lions are a NCAA Division II program and last year, it carried a 24-4 record in East Coast Conference (ECC) play.
Banulski knows how to hit for average and, obviously, so do the Lions.
Last season, Malloy collected an overall batting average of .321 and allowed opponents only a .190 average on the year.
It’s a great signing by the Lions and a great situation for Banulski to be placed in.
She’s been a staple of Central’s outfield over her first three seasons in both left and
Over the past three seasons for the Rams, she wasn’t just one of the statistical leaders on the squad but a leader on the field as well.
And who knows what her season campaign of 2014 will bring.
In her three years as a member of the Central’s program, the squad won a total of 52 games and participated nine state tournament contests.
Under two outstanding coaches at Central – Phil Pirog and Nicole Shook – Banulski improved her skills each season and by the time her junior campaign rolled around, she was certainly a tough out at the plate.
And the numbers she put up on a daily basis speaks volumes.
As a freshman, the Rams went 18-5 as Banulski played in all 23 games, was second in batting average (.362), third in hits (25), and drove in 12 RBI.
The Rams went 13-8 in Banulski’s sophomore season and she once again played in every game.
But at the plate, she was simply on fire.
She smashed out 42 hits (in only 80 at-bats) and batted an unreal .525 with 24 runs scored and 10 RBI.
Finally as a junior last year, Central – like Banulski – was outstanding as the Rams went all the way to the Class LL semifinals, dropped a tough 9-2 decision to Mercy on June 5, but were on the cusp of a state title bid.
At 21-3 overall, Banulski somehow improved her batting average by going a mind-boggling 44-of-81 from the plate (.543) tallied 14 RBI and easily led the team in runs scored with 39.
There wasn’t much Banulski couldn’t do on the field and, in all honesty, Molloy picked one of the best local talents to join their program for the 2015 campaign.
While the Rams will certainly miss the talented Banulski at the end of the spring scholastic season, she will certainly make an impact on the next level quickly.
All the great players usually do.

Bristol Central High School’s Olivia Banulski signs her National Letter of Intent to play softball for Malloy College last Tuesday. Behind her, from the left, is her coach Nicole Shook, and her parents, Gary and Diane Banulski.

Part of the tradition of the Battle of the Bell football game between Bristol Central High School and Bristol Eastern High School is the pre-game activities.

Before the kick-off, the senior players and cheerleaders are accompanied onto the field by their families. Then both marching bands march onto the field, accompanied  by the local pageant representatives. Then after the playing of the national anthem, the mayor, Ken Cockayne, stepped onto the field for the annual coin toss.

Photos by Mike Chaiken

By KAITLYN NAPLES
STAFF WRITER
A recent graduate of Bristol Central High School is being remembered through a variety of ways, after he was fatally stabbed last Saturday just after midnight at a house party.
Joseph (Joey) Klett, 19, is remembered as a student who could be friends with anyone of any grade and social group in high school, would make others laugh and was in the process of entering the military before he passed away.
Bristol Central English teacher and drama Advisor Lindsey DiPietro said Klett was her student and ultimately her friend, even after he graduated high school.
“He really wanted to make something of himself and wanted to prove that he could be someone,” DiPietro said in an email interview, after stating that Klett had recently gave her an updater on his enlistment status into the military. “I’m so sad that he never got that chance.”
Klett had joined the theater program as an independent study, where he helped to build sets for productions.
DiPietro said Klett had made new friends while being in the theater program, and was able to “open himself up to a world that he never expected to be a part of.” She said even after graduation he would stop by to help over the summer and fall.
According to police, Klett was stabbed at a house party on Irving Street last Saturday. He passed away at Bristol Hospital as a result of his wounds. On Sunday, police said the suspect had been arrested after a motor vehicle stop in High Point North Carolina.
Joshua Daniels, 26, of 24 Conlon St., is being charged with the murder of Klett and was being held in North Carolina until he was extradited to Connecticut.
The High Point North Carolina Police Department contacted Bristol police at around 2 p.m. on Jan. 26 to notify them Joshua Daniels had been arrested.
A vigil was held Monday evening to remember Klett, and DiPietro said the theater department already has plans in place to continue the memory of Klett. She said he had helped install new seats in the BCHS auditorium over the summer, and said she wants to dedicate a row in his honor. She said she hopes people will contribute to the school’s “Auditorium Renovation Fund” to help accomplish that dedication.
Also, she said last year Klett was given the “‘Technical Theater Award’ for all of his help on the productions and we will now be giving that award in his name to future students who go above and beyond in that area.”
Students are also invited to leave messages to Klett in the theater department’s tech closet backstage, and DiPietro said there will be a large canvas picture of him working on the set of last year’s musical in the lobby.
“We will never forget him. I won’t let anyone who comes into that theater forget him,” she added.
Bristol Central Principal Peter Winninger also sent out a statement to staff members over the weekend, which said, in part, “If you had Joey as a student, or worked with him at all, you know how engaging and personable he was. He could always bring a smile to your face even when he had you aggravated. Joey spent a lot of time working with the performing arts department his senior year helping build sets for productions. It was there that he showed his true colors. Put a set of tools in his had, give him a task and he got after it. He was a good kid.”
DiPietro said she did what she could for him, as a mentor, and said she knew how important that connection was for him, as well as for her.
“My heart is broken. He was so incredibly special to me and to so many,” she said, adding that she was privileged to see all of the emotions of Klett, and said he was always happy on the outside but had a very serious, very caring, and sometimes very sad side. “He was so very special,” DiPietro added.
 

Joseph Klett was murdered at a party on Saturday.

Joshua Daniels was arrested in connection with the murder of Joseph Klett.

By MIKE CHAIKEN
EDITIONS EDITOR
Bristol Central High School’s Footlights heads over the rainbow this weekend as the troupe offers up its take on the classic tale of “The Wizard of Oz.”
The show opens on April 4 and continues through April 6.
Senior Schae Beaudoin takes on the role of the iconic “Dorothy,” the little girl who is tossed over the rainbow by a twister and lands in the wonderful world of Oz.
Dorothy is one of those enduring characters of literature and film.
Schae said Dorothy has such an enduring appeal because she is someone “who stands up for what she believes in. She never backs down and she never gives up hope, no matter what situation she’s caught in. She’s a very strong character, even though she still has child-like qualities about her. She’s gentle and innocent, but at the same time, she’s fearless and outspoken.”
The story of “Oz” finds Dorothy making friends along the way as she tries to find her way back home.
“Dorothy sticks by her friends through the entire story,” said Schae. “She’s very loyal and always does anything she can to help her friends. There’s never a moment where she doubts them or gives up on them, even though they all struggle at some point.”
As for the enduring appeal of the story of “The Wizard of Oz,” Schae said, “I’ve loved ‘The Wizard of Oz’ for as long as I can remember. Personally, I love the fantasy aspect of the Land of Oz. It’s so colorful and has all these creatures that are so unique. Between the Munchkins, flying monkeys, Emerald City, talking scarecrows, tin men, lions and trees, I’m amazed every time I watch it. On top of that, the songs are so iconic. I’ve always sang along.”
As the actress who has to take on the role of the ingénue from Kansas, Schae said, “I think both Dorothy and I are alike in that we realize how important the people surrounding us are. The importance of close friends and family is the biggest lesson Dorothy learns.”
But Schae said there are also differences between her and her character in the Bristol Central production. “I think we’re different because Dorothy’s a bit more defiant than I am. I think she stands up to every authority character in the show at least once.”
The BCHS production features a full stage of young performers. And Schae said, “I think this particular cast has a great mix of people who are experienced on stage and people who are completely new to theater. Regardless of experience, everyone’s learned something throughout the process and everyone’s very committed to their characters.”
As for the Bristol Central Footlights’ approach to the story, Schae said, “For most of the show, we’ve kept it very true to the story that everyone knows. However, we have thrown in a few quirks that make our production unique from any other version of ‘Wizard of Oz.’ I don’t want to give away any surprises, but I definitely think there’s a few moments we created that will entertain our audience.”
Audiences should turn out for the show, said Schae because, “There’s so much young talent in this show. It’s a great opportunity to see young people in our community perform. I think it’s evident that everyone’s put a ton of work into this show. And like I said before, we have our own little surprises for anyone who comes to see the show.”
Bristol Central Footlights presents “The Wizard of Oz” on Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m. and matinees on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens, and $5 for youths under 18.

The cast of the Bristol Central Footlights’ production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ in rehearsal.

The cast of the Bristol Central Footlights’ production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ in rehearsal.

The all-clear signal eventually was given  by authorities, but earlier today state police responded to Bristol Central High School when a note was found saying a bomb was going to go off in the school today. Students were evacuated and sent home as the bomb squad combed through the building for any explosives.

PHOTO by NICOLE JACQUES

The Class of 2014 of Bristol Central High School is as follows:
Maranda Victoria Abramczyk, Christie Abreu, Courtney Renee Allen, Anthony Joseph Amenta, Adalberto Andino, Teiszah Andrews, Arianna A. Anstett, Kevin M. Anton, Cody R. Archambault, Elecia Marie Ashton, Brandon Wolfgang Baehr, Olivia Diane Banulski, Rachael Marie Baral, Dante Michael Barnes, Schae Ann Beaudoin, Kyle Beck, Lauren Therese Benson, Jason A. Bergeron, Brandon Michael Bernardoni, Ashley Marie Bielert, Connor Blais, Monique G. Blasiak, Elizabeth June Blauvelt, Drew Boisvert, Sierra Alyecia Borden, Christina Lynn Bouvier, Hunter Boynton, Brandon Alec Brady, Elizabeth M. Brauer, Asia Keona Breece, Darion Joshua Briatico, Tyler Brooks, Trystan James Brunet, Sarah Elizabeth Bugryn, Athitaya Bunrit, Sydney Anne Buonfiglio, Zachary Michael Burby, Bryant Steven Burney, Ileish Rose Burney, Tyler Michael Burrow, Mariaha Michelle Burton,
Kimberly Andrea Calderon, Olivia Josephine Calfe, Brendan Christopher Cannamela, Jeffrey A. Cantarero, Nelson Luis Caquias Santiago, Anthony Xavier Carbonell, Rui Oliveira Cardoso, Stacy N. Castle, Joseph John Cherwinski, Isabella Cohen, Lara Patricia Colegrove, Nicole Mary Collin, Tyler Jacob Collin, Jacob Collins, Miguel A. Colom, Cailey M. Coppola, Danisha Clara Craig, Jenna Louise Croasdale, Sierra Kristine Cruz, Thalia Solei Cruz, Rachel Lyn Cunningham, Katie Ann Curry, Devin J. Curtis, Ethan Mitchell Czarneski, Jake Christopher D’Amato, Christopher J. Dabkowski, William E. Damon, Sarah Darby, Joseph L. DeFillippi, Taylor M. DeForge, Thomas Alexander Delgado, Scott Michael Dennis, Alexandra Grace DeNoto, Alexandra Reed Deschaine, Alex Desjardins, Ciara Eilish Devaney, Hector J. Diaz, Stephanie Lynn DiMauro, Kolbe Alec DiNeno, Jordaan Kyle DiYulio, Christopher Kenneth Dostie, Evan Noël Doyon, Sean Michael Drzewiecki, Antonia Elizabeth Duffany, Shannon Marie Dulac, Shannon L. Dunn, Nicole Lynn Dupre,
Jennifer Claire Fannon, Jacob R. Farken, Natalie Lissette Feliciano, Thynthia Feliciano, Elizabeth Marie Fernandes, Nikolas Harrison Ferony, Nicholas Ronald Forbotnick, Linnea Mae Fossaluzza, Katherine Elizabeth Fowkes, Devin E. Francis, Meagan Rebekah Freeman, Noah Riley Fruin, Ethan Joseph Fulton, Nicole Ann Gagne, Grace Elizabeth Gagnon, Caroline Elizabeth Galvin, Joshua Edward Ganavage, Megan Marie Gangi, Lindsey Nicole Gardiner, Geoffrey John Gennett, James Richard Godbout, Brian David Godin, Ian Carver Gonzalez, Hannah Kathryn Guerin, Ryan Michael Guerrette, Scott Guerrette, Allyiah Monique Guiont,
Tyleam S. Hamel, Michael N.  Hamm, Shevoy Olando Hart, Katherine Elizabeth Hayes, Megan Rose Heffernan, Elder Hernandez Ayala, Christian Wade Hildebrand, Eric Vuong Khang Hong, Roger Brian Hubbard, Jonathan Andrew Hvozdovic, Ashley Lynn Ingham, Robert P. Jacques, Jr., Melissa Mary Jalbert, DA’Quan Jarrett, Estefan Jenkins, Sebastian Jenkins, Bryan A. Jimenez-Bolanos, Krysten Nicole Jodoin, Alexis Zhane Johnson, Stephanie Lynne Johnson, Tyler A. Jordan, Chanelle Lee Joseph, Benjamin Joseph Karlowicz, Brenna Megan Kelley, David King, Maame A. Kittoe, Jake Thomas Kochin, Jenna Marie Kowalec, Michael Jerzy Kramek, Nadia Kreciglowa, Natalie Janina Kreciglowa, Vincent W. LaBarre, Megan L. Lachance, Austin Kyle LaCombe, Brenden Lagasse, Kimberlyann Love Lamoureux, Austin Langlais, Bernardine Medina Lapaan, Sarah Rae Larson, Cassandra Delphine Lavoie, Rylee Lease, Hannah Jeanne Lemek, Jessica Marie Lemieux, Michael T. Ligi, Idalia Noemi Lopez, Maria Judith Lopez, Nicholas Wade Lori, Rileigh Paige Luba,
Emily Lynn Madore, Zachary T. Madore, Brianna Nicole Mahaney, Margaret Lois Manning, Justin A. Marcantonio, Meghan E. Marek, Alyssa Lynn Margelot, Mackenzie Lynn Martin, Tyler James Martineau, Veronica Clare Martinez, Stephanie Yaree Matos, William D. Matthews, Tadeo Manuel Mauri, Amanda Elizabeth McCarty, Brandon Joseph McCurda, Bridget McKenna, Kasey McKenna, Barry A. McPhail, Cody Joseph McQuarrie, Luis Daniel Medina, Michael Alexander Medina, Laila Mehdi, Shannon Michelle Mellon, Jarrett Ryan Michaels, Jakob Harley Michaud, Amber Lynn Mills, Elijah J. Minella, Gabriel D. Montoya Sánchez, Christopher Khaul  Moore, Seth T. Morin, Zachary Allen Morin, Brittani Marie Murphy, Duncan Musumano, Ivan L. Navarro, Xhulian Ndoja, Kälyn Newmin, Kyla Marie Nichols, Amarillys Evelyn Nieves,
Max J. Orlando, Karlie Anne Ouellette, Alexi Bozena Page, Erin Elizabeth Palmquist, Patricia Panek, Robert Edward Panico, Bradley Paradis, Katie Lynn Pelkey, Allen Troy Pete, Jr., Jared Boston Peterson, Eric Bligh Petosa, Kyle Thomas Pileski, Justin Matthew Pinto, Taylor Plasczynski, Samuel Plourde, Nicole Lea Plummer, Brandon Jason Poirier, Zachary Gray Pokorny, Elizabeth Grace Pond, Concettina M. Previti, Zachary W.  Pritt, Megan Ashley Randall, Samantha Dawn Redman, Courtney A. Reek, Alexandra Dorothy Rindfleisch, Cristian Rivera, Rosaura Melendez Rivera, James Rivera Cruz, Darian Dejondre Robinson, Luis G. Rodriguez-Diaz, Austin W. Rollins, Alexandria Rae Rudzinski, David J. Ryskowski,
Cynthia Yevette Saez, Rosa Angelica Sanchez Quituisaca, William A. Santiago, Zorianel Santiago-Velardo, Amelia Kay Schuler, Ashley Ann Schulze, Lamar David Scott, Katrina Eileen Secor, Jacinto Manuel Severino, Clifford Michael Shorey, Kayla Michelle Siemiatkoski, Jasmine Amy Silva, Melissa Simmons, Zachary Simpson, Georgi Ann Sirko, Ethan Michael Smith, Amanda Lea Solleck, Parker David Soltis, Alexis Naomi Soto,
Teague James Soucy-Field, Taylor Jane Spyros, Tyrek Connell Stevenson, Emory Robert Strilkauskas, Dante Anthony Tagariello, Alyscia Marie Talbot, Jefferson Tascon, Evan M. Tavera, Ronald Eugene Tessman, Brianna Alexis Testa, Haley Lin Theriault, Alexandra Thomas, Kaitlyn Elyse Thormahlen, Precious-Maia Torres, Calvin Tran, Allison Kaye Trask, Erin Leigh Treloar, Alex Tsiongas, Derek G. Tuohey, Ruby Jeanette Turner, Kyrsten J. Valentine, Lauren Elizabeth Vallee, Briana Jeanette Vanasse, Sydney Vanasse, Jordon Vassell, Anthony M. Volonino, Michael A. Volonino, Vincent Volpicella, Chandler Joy Walker, Keon Toraj Walton, Tyrice Watson, Mackenzie Irene Weber, Jacob Webster, Taylor Whitten, Amanda Elizabeth Wolfe, Johnathan Fredrick Wotton, Skylar Sharleen Wright, Jason James Zaino, Justin P. Zaino, Hailli Rey Zibold, Sean Michael Ziogas, Elisa Christine Zygiel

Bristol Central High School valedictorian Skylar Wright glances over to the audience where a family member shows her an iPad in which her sister in Japan is witnessing the graduation via Skype.

The Bristol Central High School senior class officers pose for a group shot. From the left, student council liaison Megan R. Heffernan, treasurer Christie Abreu, secretary Natalie J. Kreciglowa, vice president Danisha Craig, and president Jenna Kowalec.