Student Thoughts
What follows is an online blog for Shane Ecclesine '07. Please check back weekly to see how Shane's senior year is going.
Entry Date:
November 3, 2006
November 21, 2006
December 12, 2006
In the past few weeks, I have come to realize that my AP Literature class is by far the most enjoyable course I have ever taken. My teacher, Mr. Lynch (shown at left), has truly inspired me to dig deep into the works we are studying, and I get excited to challenge my classmates and defend my views. Mr. Lynch utilizes the Sympodium, a device that allows him to project the documents of his computer onto the board, and the recurring use of this technology has greatly assisted me in understanding the literature. For instance, while reading Hamlet, we often watched the scenes from the movies that different directors produced, allowing us to consider different ways of interpretation. By using such up-to-date technology, Mr. Lynch allows us to examine and follow the classic curriculum with tremendous assistance. Reading works such as Hamlet, Crime and Punishment, Beowulf, and The Sound and the Fury, I have begun to appreciate great literature, even if it is difficult to digest. Mr. Lynch is a constant source of inspiration, constantly available for guidance on papers and life in general, and he is undoubtedly one of the best teachers I have ever had. His undeniable zeal for teaching and the literature we read transfers to our class, and we have learned to love the syllabus just as much as he does.
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It’s been quite a busy few weeks! With the fall sports season complete, tryouts for the winter teams underway, and the approaching holiday season, there is much excitement traveling through St. Sebastian’s. We finished our football season with a 3-5 record, with a 21-0 loss to a tough squad from Thayer Academy in the final game of the season. However, after opening the season 0-4, we really pulled together and succeeded more than anyone thought we would. Additionally, we won the first ever ISL game to go into overtime! In years past, games would end in a tie, yet the coaches changed the format this year. We won a thriller over Roxbury Latin 14-12, winning our second straight game with under 30 seconds left! Conor Keating ‘07, a fullback, offensive guard, and middle linebacker, as well as our captain, scored the winning touchdown, driving ten yards for the score. Conor, for all of his achievements, earned the distinction of All-League, in addition to wide receiver and defensive back Darvis Rankins ’07, and captain-elect Chris Homsy ’08. Keating also received, for the second straight year, the Big Hit Award, given by the coaches to the player who leaves “a lasting impression on his opponents”. Additionally, Garrett Fitzgerald ’07, earned the Ennis Award, given to the player who plays valiantly and with tremendous sportsmanship. Although our record may not indicate our success, we learned more about ourselves during the past twelve weeks than we ever could have thought, battling through to the very end and turning our season around. With basketball and hockey tryouts nearly complete, the St. Sebastian’s community is hoping for a few more championships.
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My name is Shane Ecclesine, and this is the first submission of a weekly blog detailing what is occurring in the St. Sebastian’s community. Living in Wellesley, I am a proud member of the class of 2007, and I have been at St. Sebastian’s since seventh grade. Although I have grown about a foot and added 80 pounds to my frame in these six years, the faculty has also led me into manhood, instilling values into my classmates and me. Just today in our weekly class meeting, the Dean of Students, Mr. Brendan Sullivan, spoke about how we, as seniors, must see things through to “their proper end”. This constant urge to take responsibility and act correctly has truly shaped me into the man I have become, and I know that as soon as I step across the threshold under the St. Sebastian’s crest, I have 60 adults caring about me as much as my parents do.
The relationships a student builds at St. Sebastian’s are indescribable, as they extend way past a typical teacher-student bond. More importantly, our teachers are our friends, and they want to see us succeed in everything we do. My advisor, Mr. Nerbonne, the Dean of Studies and a summa cum laude graduate of The College of the Holy Cross, is one person who has significantly impacted my educational career. Always encouraging me to take the hardest courses, he has loaded me with Advanced Placement classes, trying to make me into the best student and person I can be.
Additionally, my football coach, Coach Souza, has taught my teammates and me lessons that cannot be taught in the classroom. Although winning is our goal, Coach Souza cares more for our development as individuals than as football players. His constant reminders to “be perfect” and his use of the Chinese Proverb “Fall down seven, Get up eight” has opened my eyes to more than the perfect tackle. Coach Souza, through football, has clearly shown us how to live and how to battle through tough situations.
The dedication of the wonderful faculty has resulted in my early decision acceptance to Wake Forest University. Without the care of these people, I would not be half the student and not a quarter of the man I am today. For those prospective students, I can assure you that if you come to St. Sebastian’s, you will be loved. You will be taught how to do the right thing, and you will be appreciated for who you are. Additionally, if you have any questions about the St. Sebastian’s community, do not hesitate to email me at sdeyanks@aol.com.
As a reminder, Varsity Football has a game at home on Friday, November 3rd at 2:00 P.M., and your support would be appreciated. Have a good week!
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