CATS Academy Courier

By: Sasha Chernysehva

Dorm life is a unique experience that only boarding students can have. There is a prevalent opinion that dorm life is humdrum and doesn’t carry much weight in the context of one’s boarding experience. However, this is an indisputable underestimation, it may well be one’s favorite part. Dorm life is certainly important and deserves notice. Here’s the overview of my experience with CATS dorm life.

My social life in CATS began in the dorm. When I came here last year, I was very anxious about merging in to a completely new community. However, soon I realized that the dorm environment was more than welcoming, and shortly I felt really comfortable with meeting new people and making new friends. There were times when we all gathered together in the lounge, to watch movies on Netflix, listen to music, cook food, or just talk. These simple things create the warm and cozy environment that helped me join the CATS community in my first year.

Both of my dorm parents, during the first two years, were very involved in my life. In my home country, it would be my parents who would provide assistance if I had concerns about teachers, grades, or my personal life.   Here at CATS, my dorm parents are very involved, caring and work hard every day to create a welcoming community on the floor. For example, my dorm parent makes hot pots for everybody on the floor.  Other dorm parents have done things like organize a karaoke night or make Sunday breakfast for the floor.  They are always looking for new and creative things to do.

Holidays in dorms are always celebrated. On Halloween and Thanksgiving, all of the dorms were adorned with festive decorations; and although, we were not here for Christmas, an effort was made to illuminate our dorms, celebrate with food and Secret Santa presents were given on the night before we left. The Gardner House recently had a Valentine’s Party on February 14; they distributed valentines and little presents, had food and music, and celebrated the holiday with hugs. Many of the students dressed in costume or wore red for the occasion.

Dorm life at CATS is a big part of the school experience, if classes are not the best part of your day, dorm life certainly may be.

By: Howard Ng

Spring Break is coming!!! As usual, we count down to break as if was a winning lottery ticket. Most students crave an increased amount of sleep, relaxation, and rest for the 22 days of break.  Then we will all come back to complete the final two months of the school year. I would like to propose four meaningful ways you can efficiently use those 22 days of spring break and not waste a single day.

1. Actually Relax:

Over the break, don’t just stay in your room and stare at a screen and eat junk food for a whole day. A great and meaningful way to relax is by going to the beach and enjoying the sun if you desire, or you can simply enjoy a tranquil afternoon picnic with your family at a park. If these things do not tempt you enough, you can simply have a serene day fishing at a lake, where you can clear your mind, indulge yourself in the amazing scenery and hopefully catch something for lunch.

2. Adventure and Explore:

There are many ways to enjoy the break in the wild. Spending a few days, getting your hands dirty and exploring nature can be exhilarating, delightful and memorable. Take camping for example, it is nice to have the scents of nature around you, to build a campfire and cook a simple but tasty meal in the outdoors. At night you can relax listening to the crickets singing at night. Camping is also very empowering because it helps you build survival skills and is a great way to be unplugged.

3.Volunteer:

During the spring break, a great way to spend a day or two is to get active by volunteering for a local community organization where you live.  When you make a difference in the lives of others I believe you will find happiness in giving. You can also gain valuable life experience that will help you in the future and enhance your resume.  You can gain new skills and training and learn how to work in teams with others towards a common goal.

4. “Play Scholar”

After the break, we will all return to school and you could take the opportunity to get ahead during the break.  You can “Play Scholar” and complete assignments given to you before break by your teachers which are due after we come back.   You have the assignment and know exactly what to do, so get it all done and then relax!  In this way you will make your return to school so much easier.

By: Helena Fauvel and Kellyn DuBois

On Sunday, January 21, CATS Academy led students on an organized trip to watch a  professional basketball game played by the Boston Celtics against the Orlando Magic. The game took place in the Celtics arena, the TD Garden. The stadium was filled with many shades of green, a vibrant video board, and the lively roar of the crowd. When the Celtics entered the arena, heavy applause thundered from the crowd.

CATS’ students enjoyed watching the incredible Boston Celtic with players including, Kyrie Irving, who could be considered the most skilled player of the NBA today. He scored 40 points during the game against the fierce Orlando Magic defense. Other players, such as Jaylen Brown and Marcus Morris, had great performances and scored 17 and 12 points respectively.

All of the CATS students, seemed to enjoy the entire Celtics NBA experience. We thought the food was very good and noticed that you can buy a lot of souvenirs at the game such as hoodies, t-shirts and other memorabilia. Senior, Ross Kwon, praised the experience by stating, “ I would definitely recommend CATS students to go to the basketball game with the school – especially if your a basketball player, because you can learn a lot from the NBA professional  players.” He then added, “For me it was a huge honor  to be able to see a game like that. Even if you don’t play you can feel the spirit of a real professional game and that is really nice ”.

Another part of our trip to the Celtics that deserves to be highlighted were the small breaks that occurred during the game.  We enjoyed watching the entertainment such as children dancing and the Celtics cheerleader.  Even the bus trip was fun with our fellow CATS friends. I can assure you that even if you do not like basketball you surely will have a good time with your fellow students and enjoy seeing the Celtics if you have an opportunity to do so.