Astronomy Club: Acting Up with the Astronomers
By: Mary LePage, Journalist
10/08/14 9:56pm
Meet the Quaboag Astronomy club: a group dedicated to giving students a greater understanding of the night sky and, ultimately, the universe. Advised by Earth Science teacher Mr. Donofrio, the club strives to create a place anyone can feel welcome to come hang out, have fun, and maybe even learn a little.
The Astronomy Club officers were elected at the first meeting, affirming Taylor Beamenderfer as Vice President, Alexis Nason as Treasurer, Cailyn Beamenderfer as Secretary, and Kalie Harding as Public Relations Officer. Heath Blackwell was predetermined as President by Mr. Donofrio. The first meeting also yielded a whopping 14 members, a gigantic total compared to previous years. With such great officers heading the large club, the general opinion is that this year is looking to have a great outcome.
Meeting on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month, with a planned night viewing on the 4th Friday, the Astronomy club has many additional activities planned to keep the fun rolling.
The group has been tossing around ideas of collaborating with the Environmental club to do a big recycling project at the end of the year, so keep looking forward to that! In addition, a zip-lining trip with the Junior Class of 2016 provides much excitement coming up, as well as possible viewings with the Aldrich Astronomical society. Other activities may be planned as well. Mr. Donofrio says “I like the idea of everybody contributing to the plans.” Also, an “Adventure Day” might be in stock, as “a cool way to bond as a club.”
Some former members were asked a few questions about their experience in the club. Taylor Beamenderfer and Garret Paolucci, both seniors that have been members of the club since their freshman year, willingly answered.
Q: “So what were your first thoughts on joining the club, way back when you were a little Freshman?”
T: “I was soo excited to see all the stars”
G: “I was probably thinking ‘cool stars let’s do this’”.
Q: “How has Astronomy club affected the way you look at things now?”
T: “I can see the constellations and understand them now.”
G: “I can understand what is in the night sky”.
Sounds like a great club, right? However, some students may have second thoughts about joining if they have scheduling conflicts or don’t want to commit to a club full time. Mr. Donofrio has thoughts on that.
“They should try it and come to try and be a part of the club. They’ll probably want to stay. You don’t have to come to every meeting, just come to every meeting you can, it’s okay if you miss some.”
Worried you won’t fit in? Don’t worry, everybody can be themselves here. And as extra assurance, Mr. Donofrio and Heath Blackwell have signed a form stating they will not haze any new members of the club (though we can’t completely promise you won’t be a bit scared by Mr. Donofrio’s imitation of our mascot).
The club adviser also stated his thoughts on what he hoped students would take out of the club. “Going towards that idea of building people’s sense of community and sparking a bigger understanding of astronomy, the night sky, and how we fit into this world.”
We also asked some former members if they had been interested in Astronomy before joining the club. “It was my very “favoritist” subject” says Taylor Beamenderfer, “and you can quote me on that.”
So, whether you are interested in Astronomy or not, come on down to Mr. Donofrio’s room when the next meeting occurs, you won’t regret it! The next night viewing planned is on September 26th, the 4th Friday of the month, from 6:30 to 9. Come join us and gaze at the stars!
By: Mary LePage, Journalist
10/08/14 9:56pm
Meet the Quaboag Astronomy club: a group dedicated to giving students a greater understanding of the night sky and, ultimately, the universe. Advised by Earth Science teacher Mr. Donofrio, the club strives to create a place anyone can feel welcome to come hang out, have fun, and maybe even learn a little.
The Astronomy Club officers were elected at the first meeting, affirming Taylor Beamenderfer as Vice President, Alexis Nason as Treasurer, Cailyn Beamenderfer as Secretary, and Kalie Harding as Public Relations Officer. Heath Blackwell was predetermined as President by Mr. Donofrio. The first meeting also yielded a whopping 14 members, a gigantic total compared to previous years. With such great officers heading the large club, the general opinion is that this year is looking to have a great outcome.
Meeting on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month, with a planned night viewing on the 4th Friday, the Astronomy club has many additional activities planned to keep the fun rolling.
The group has been tossing around ideas of collaborating with the Environmental club to do a big recycling project at the end of the year, so keep looking forward to that! In addition, a zip-lining trip with the Junior Class of 2016 provides much excitement coming up, as well as possible viewings with the Aldrich Astronomical society. Other activities may be planned as well. Mr. Donofrio says “I like the idea of everybody contributing to the plans.” Also, an “Adventure Day” might be in stock, as “a cool way to bond as a club.”
Some former members were asked a few questions about their experience in the club. Taylor Beamenderfer and Garret Paolucci, both seniors that have been members of the club since their freshman year, willingly answered.
Q: “So what were your first thoughts on joining the club, way back when you were a little Freshman?”
T: “I was soo excited to see all the stars”
G: “I was probably thinking ‘cool stars let’s do this’”.
Q: “How has Astronomy club affected the way you look at things now?”
T: “I can see the constellations and understand them now.”
G: “I can understand what is in the night sky”.
Sounds like a great club, right? However, some students may have second thoughts about joining if they have scheduling conflicts or don’t want to commit to a club full time. Mr. Donofrio has thoughts on that.
“They should try it and come to try and be a part of the club. They’ll probably want to stay. You don’t have to come to every meeting, just come to every meeting you can, it’s okay if you miss some.”
Worried you won’t fit in? Don’t worry, everybody can be themselves here. And as extra assurance, Mr. Donofrio and Heath Blackwell have signed a form stating they will not haze any new members of the club (though we can’t completely promise you won’t be a bit scared by Mr. Donofrio’s imitation of our mascot).
The club adviser also stated his thoughts on what he hoped students would take out of the club. “Going towards that idea of building people’s sense of community and sparking a bigger understanding of astronomy, the night sky, and how we fit into this world.”
We also asked some former members if they had been interested in Astronomy before joining the club. “It was my very “favoritist” subject” says Taylor Beamenderfer, “and you can quote me on that.”
So, whether you are interested in Astronomy or not, come on down to Mr. Donofrio’s room when the next meeting occurs, you won’t regret it! The next night viewing planned is on September 26th, the 4th Friday of the month, from 6:30 to 9. Come join us and gaze at the stars!