ABOUT TOWN: Stoughton High School Showcase Draws Large Crowd

SHOWCASING THE HIGH SCHOOL: The first showcase, aimed at eighth graders, was a HUGE success. Large crowds gathered in the high school auditorium and cafeteria on January 30 to hear speakers, and meet students from the many organizations and sports teams at the high school.

The goal of the showcase is to give parents and students the chance to learn about the Stoughton schools, while encouraging families to educate their children in the town’s public school system.

Stoughton High Principal , who a few years ago was assistant principal at the O'Donnell Middle School, knew many of the attending students. He was quite pleased with the turnout, telling About Town, "Maybe it was using the word 'showcase'. We'll get to talk about all the interesting courses, and show the students that this can be a fun place. They'll have a chance to meet with leaders of the sports teams, clubs and organizations in the best high school in the United States—Stoughton High."

Assistant principal Mike O'Neil said he was happy to see such parent support. "It's great to see such a large crowd. The people of this town have been great to the schools, and town meeting has supported us, budget-wise."

O'Neil told the crowd about the many clubs and organizations at SHS, which include Student Council, , Junior State of America Club, Fruition Organization, Art Club, Buddies Club, , , Drum Club, and Jazz Bands, Color Guard, , , Peer Leadership, Peer Mediation, S.A.D.D., French Club, Science Olympiad Team, Spectrum Gay Straight Alliance, Latin Club, and the C.A.S.H. program (Careers at Stoughton High).

Assistant principal Hope Fernandes spoke briefly about some of the academic challenges at the school, and the success of the school, where 94% of the students who attend Stoughton High pursue a higher education after .

Athletic Director Ryan Donahue touched on many of the athletic successes at the school, including the , the which is going to Nationals in Florida, and the 25 athletes who have already qualified for States.

He also spoke of the successful girls' , and teams, and introduced the coaches who were present.

Donahue also featured the brand new track, refinished gymnasium floors, new tennis courts, and the brand new state-off-the-art collegiate weight room and wellness room. He spoke of Stoughton's great achievement in , including being honored as one of the top programs in the State in that category.

He told the crowd, "Safety goes hand in hand with sportsmanship as our top priority. Kids will be safe here with our innovative certified testing programs for concussions, and our relationship with Partners Health Care, which makes it easy for students to get excellent medical treatment."  

SHS offers numerous athletic opportunities, including football, field hockey, ice hockey, baseball, cross country track, basketball, softball, tennis, golf, indoor and outdoor track and field, swimming, diving, soccer, cheerleading and volleyball.

There is a for the O’Donnell Middle School Thursday, February 2, in the from 7-8 p.m. (for incoming Grade 6 students). And, the preschool/elementary showcase is Monday, February 13, 5-6:30 p.m. in the at the .

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY:  To Ed Hoffman of the Stoughton Department of Public Works.

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HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY to Janet Jasmin of the Stoughton Community Events Committee, who celebrated yesterday.

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