From Musical Productions To Vegan 'Baketivism'

Souhegan seniors have presented another unique selection of projects this year, with topics ranging anywhere from video games to bullying.

Over the past week, the students have continued the tradition of finishing their high school experience with a senior project.

These long-term projects are a public demonstration of personalized learning and a graduation requirement that requires students to demonstrate their progress on the high school's Academic Learning Expectations, and to reflect upon their learning.

Here are some examples of senior projects this year: 

• What is involved in the quest for beauty at the nail salon?
• Why are so many teenagers in the US homeless?
• What is the influence of the violin on folk/bluegrass music?
• How is a hip hop/rap album successfully produced and marketed?

(See the full list here)

Souhegan teacher and senior project co-coordinator Ane Swift said that this is another year of impressive projects from the students.

She said that more and more projects are using technology and shifting to current issues like social media and the internet. Students have told her that the projects have prepared them for life after high school and given them confidence in presenting their ideas to others.

“The kids have put in a lot of time and effort, and have gotten amazing results,” said Swift. 

Amherst Patch sat in on some of these presentations to see what these hardworking students have learned through their senior project experience.

Putting the show together

Souhegan senior Haley Brannelly focused her project on finding out the process of producing and directing a musical. In order to find out, she put on two student productions: Sweeney Todd and Clue: The Musical.

“Most of the work was was before the shows even started,” said Brannelly at her presentation on Tuesday.

Through her project, she learned that putting on a production takes time, dedication and a willingness to go to an obscene amount of meetings. She constructed a team of fellow theater-lovers to help put the show together.

Brannelly and her team hosted the auditions for these musicals, where she learned what it is like to be choosing rather than audtioning.

“I tried to keep a relaxed environment,” she said. “It was hard to stay objective, because I am friends with most people who auditioned. You have to keep an eye out not only for talent, but for potential.”

From the read-through to opening night, she faced the ups and downs of long rehearsal days and the technical work needed to make the show a success. She had to learn from her mistakes and push through the tricky obstacles that always show up in the world of theater.

The shows were unveiled at the The Amato Center for the Performing Arts in Milford, who supported the projects financially and through the use of their performance space. Brannelly said she is grateful to the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley and the many people who helped make her dream a reality.

“I can’t ask for anything more,” she said.

Changing choices through "Baketivism"

Senior Kacey King used her senior project to prove to the world that veganism is a sensible alternative through “baketivism.”

In her presentation on Thursday, King said she worked to create baked goods that could match up to the common non-vegan options, and see if she could convince others to try out the lifestyle.

Vegans don’t eat or use animal products whenever possible and avoid anything that has been tested on animals. Throughout her project, King has transitioned to this lifestyle almost entirely after being a vegetarian for many years.

She said that the common misconceptions about vegan food, such as that it is gross or lack essential vitamins, keep this eating style out of the mainstream.

“A lot of people think veganism is hard or impossible, but I can tell you from experience it is not true,” said King. “You really do stop craving animal products.” 

In her baking, she replaced common ingredients like milk, butter and eggs with vegan options such as almond milk and applesauce.

King said that she enjoys this form of activism over mere sign-holding or protesting because it seems to be effective in opening up the idea of veganism to others. She held a presentation to see what people thought of her recipes, and got positive feedback on her alternative baked goods.

“I want to win people over with my baked goods,” she said.

Senior Project Night for the community is Thursday, May 31, beginning at 6:15 p.m.