Good Afternoon Students, Parents, and Community Members:

This week was our first week that we did not have the Class of 2020 engaged in learning. We miss them already! We were able to conduct a small graduation ceremony for one of our graduates who is not able to attend our postponed graduation.

Shayne Lambert’s Graduation Ceremony: On Thursday, we held a small private graduation ceremony for Landscape Design and Contracting senior Shayne Lambert who is leaving for Army boot camp on June 15th. We would like to wish Shayne the best of luck and we appreciate his dedication to serve our great country. Click here to see the story on Channel 4.

Senior Shout Outs: Forman School, Bristol County Ag. High, Belmont University: Some of you may have seen this on Channel 5, but senior Emily Lynch was featured. Click here to see the “Senior Shout Out.”

Awards Night Celebration: On Wednesday, we hosted our 26th Annual Bristol County Agricultural High School’s Award Night. This year’s award ceremony was a little different than in years past, however, we wanted to recognize the hard work and determination that our students put into their studies this year.

More than anything we hoped that they realized that holding a virtual awards ceremony does not take away their many accomplishments whether personal, academic, vocational, athletic, etc. They still accomplished them! This pandemic may have rendered impossible several events which would have provided a formal recognition for what they have achieved, but these are still their achievements! Of course, we would have loved to congregate as in years past to officially hand you your award on stage, but the bottom line is that they deserved the recognition. Don’t let the absence of a certain event for recognition make you lose sight of all the things they’ve experienced and all the challenges to which they have risen!

Awards Night Awardees:

The following students will be receiving either a Small Letter or Pin for their academic achievement in making the Honor Roll for 3 terms.

The following students will be receiving a Large Letter or Pin for their academic achievement in making Highest Honors for 3 consecutive terms. In addition to this recognition they will also receive a President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement.

President’s Education Award Program in recognition of Outstanding Academic Excellence

In addition to this award, these recipients will be receiving either a Small or Large academic letter or Academic Pin. The top 10 Senior recipients of this award are:

Alexis Kublin
Nevin Poirier
Kenzie Casper
Hannah Smith
Hope Siddall
Hannah Johnson
Emily Mills
Karolyn Auer
Quinn Prejsnar
Sarah Denis

Scholarships:

The Bandit Memorial Scholarship: goes to a senior in Small Animal Science who is pursuing a career in Canine Science. Recipient: Hope Siddall

Charles Sidney Chace Scholarship: Charles Sidney Chase was a distinguished citizen of the town of Dighton. He was active in town affairs, held many town offices and was a respected member of the State Legislature. He showed a great interest in the young people of the community and was generous in his dealings with them. He was a supporter and friend of the then Dighton High School and the Bristol County Agricultural High School. In his will, he provided for a sum of money to be held in trust by the Dighton Town Treasurer. The interest from this trust is used annually for an award to a senior(s) of Bristol County Agricultural High School who submits the best essay on a subject in agriculture assigned by the English Department. Recipient: Jennifer Denis

Dorothy Jean Kirby Scholarship: The following award is made on behalf of the Dorothy Jean Kirby Trust. The Trust provides that each year, $100.00 will be given to a girl in the graduating class of the Bristol County Agricultural High School who has demonstrated good character and the ability to achieve outstanding grades. This award will be given directly to the young lady after the satisfactory completion of the first marking period at the university or school of advanced training of her choice. Dorothy Jean Kirby was a devoted employee of the Bristol County Extension Service for 42 years. This award has been established as a memorial for her faithful service. Recipient in the amount of $150.00: Alexis Kublin

The Ralph W. Carr Memorial Scholarship: Mr. Carr spent his entire life associated with agriculture here in Dighton. First as a dairy farmer and then market farming and operating a greenhouse. He and his wife Shirley ran the Broad Cove Farm on Elm Street and were well known for their poinsettias each Christmas season. The Carr family has funded this scholarship in loving memory of their family patriarchs. Recipient in the amount of $150.00: Kiley Rose

Taunton –South Shore Foundation a continuation Of the Reed & Barton Foundation, Inc. Scholarship: This award is given to a senior who will further their education. Recipient in the amount of $250.00 Quinn Prejsnar
Robert Krzyszton Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is in honor of Robert Krzyszton, a member of the class of 2012 who lost his life in a car accident in December of 2010. The scholarship is intended for a Bristol Aggie student who exhibits qualities that were respected and admired in Rob. His fellow classmates and close friends determined the criteria for this scholarship to honor his memory. They did not want to simply acknowledge a student with a high grade point average, but rather to commend a student who is the face of Bristol Aggie…dedicated, kind, enthusiastic, and involved. The recipient of this scholarship must be dedicated to his or her vocational major, helpful and supportive to fellow students, involved in athletics, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Recipient in the amount of $250.00: Sarah Denis
The Christopher Wilkie Scholarship: was developed in memory of very special “Aggie” alum. Chris traveled frequently, worked in his family grain store, and was a friend to everyone who knew him. He was always lending a helping hand to someone in need, loved life and will always be missed by those who knew him. He was a free spirit yet he always found time for his family and friends. It is hoped that with this small gift the recipients will be encouraged to not let the roadblocks of life get in their way. The future is what you make of it. Recipient in the amount of $500.00: Madison DaCunha

The Fairhaven Grange Scholarship: The Fairhaven Grange members established this scholarship in 2005 by their contributions of $50,000. At least one $500.00 scholarship is awarded annually to assist a student to further their education in Agriculture or Environmental studies. Recipients in the amount of $500.00: Madison Smith, Elizabeth Roderick, Savannah Salvador
Manny Veader Memorial Scholarship Sponsored by the New England Antique Tractor and Truck Association: The New England Antique Tractor and Truck Association is awarding a $500.00 scholarship to a student majoring in Agricultural Mechanics and Diesel Technology. The scholarship is to help the student further their education. Recipient in the amount of $500.00: Travis Perry

Rachael Marie Henault Memorial Scholarship: The Rachael Marie Henault Memorial Scholarship is offered by Patrolman William Henault of the Taunton Police Department in memory, recognition and support of his daughter’s great love of animals and her dream of one day becoming an “Animal Doctor.” This scholarship is offered to a Bristol Aggie senior in the hope of helping make Rachael Marie’s dream a reality for someone sharing her love of animals. Recipient in the amount of $500.00: Trevor Clapp
2020 GFWC Taunton & Raynham Junior Woman’s Club Scholarship: This scholarship was created for a female attending a two or four-year college or university, who is community oriented since their club consists of women who are dedicated to helping within the Taunton community by donating and assisting charitable organizations. The recipient is also invited to attend the next GFWC Taunton and Raynham Junior Woman’s Club meeting on June 4th. Recipient in the amount of $500.00: Sage Miranda
Wampanoag Kennel Club Scholarship: The graduate must maintain a B or higher average, pursue higher education in the canine field related to animal science or advanced training in a discipline related to companion animals and training. Recipient in the amount of $500.00: Elizabeth Roderick
Rehoboth Lions Club Scholarship: There will be two $500.00 Dollar Scholarships. The recipient must be a Rehoboth Student. Graduating senior seeking an undergraduate or associate degree from an accredited college or university in an agricultural related area in study. Graduating senior seeking a certificate of completion from an accredited trade school in an agricultural related area of study or must be continuing in agricultural related business (in this case dollars for tools of the trade) and not going to further his/her education. Recipients in the amount of $500.00: Sabina Myers & Hannah Arujo
Mr. Robert Rebello Scholarship: This scholarship was established in memory of Mr. Robert Rebello. Bob Rebello was a life-long New Bedford resident. He was a Eucharistic Minister and taught CCD for 30 years. Mr. Rebello graduated from Bristol County Agricultural High School in 1970 and served as board member from 1996-2012. He worked for the City of New Bedford as a gardener for 39 years. Mr. Rebello was a longtime staple of the BCAHS community. His contributions and commitment to our educational institution were far reaching. Recipient in the amount of $750.00: Samantha Wheaton
The Fall River Grange #392: all of the proceeds from the sale of its building to Bristol Aggie. This donation is hoped to have a very positive effect on Fall River students for many years to come and certainly advance the mission of the Massachusetts Grange and the school. The scholarship is slated for a deserving student who is continuing their education at an institution of higher learning. Recipient in the amount of $750.00: Alexis Kublin
Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation, Inc.: This Scholarship is awarded based on need and academic merit and for a student who plans to further their education. Recipients in the amount of $750.00: Amanda Carvalho & Elizabeth Roderick
STA Scholarship: The Segreganset Teachers Association is pleased to award a scholarship in the amount of $1,000.00 to a member of the Class of 2020. This year’s award is based on the student's school spirit and academic standing as well as her serious intentions to further her education. Recipient in the amount of $750.00: Kenzie Casper
Marshfield Agricultural & Horticultural Society Scholarship: The Marshfield Agricultural & Horticultural Society sponsors the Marshfield Fair for the promotion, display, and education for all aspects of Agriculture & Horticulture with a portion of the proceeds going to this scholarship fund. The society is dedicated to enhancing agriculture and horticulture and to offer a scholarship to a deserving student in an agricultural field. Recipient in the amount of $750.00: Jessie Power
Munroe Feed and Supply Scholarship: The Recipient of the Munroe Feed and Supply Scholarship must show a strong work ethic; be responsible and show respect to teachers and faculty. The individual must be well rounded in academics and extracurricular activities. The scholarship will go to an individual with financial challenges and are going to a trade school or a 2 or 4 year college majoring in any of Bristol Agricultural High School Vocational Majors. The scholarship could also go to an individual starting a business in one of the Vocational Majors. Recipient in the amount of $1000.00: Logan Caruthers
The Manuel J. and Mary Cambra Fund: A sum of money has been donated to establish a memorial award in the name of Manuel J. and Mary Cambra. The funds are to be used to enhance the Educational and Vocational opportunities for our graduates. Recipient in the amount of $1000.00: Nevin Poirer
Van Sloun Foundation – Sylvan Scholarship: The Van Sloun Foundation is a non-profit family foundation based in Westport Point, Massachusetts and was started in 1991 by Neil and Sue Van Sloun. Mr. Van Sloun is the owner and CEO of Sylvan Nursery located in the town of Westport. The Van Sloun Foundation's mission is to support the study, development and promotion of Horticulture, the Veterinary Sciences and Education.
The Foundation supports various scholarships both in Massachusetts and back in Minnesota where Neil Van Sloun was born. Recipient in the amount of $1000.00:

Hannah Smith

Additional Awards:

Bristol County Agricultural High School “PERSEVERANCE AWARD”: There are many qualities that contribute to an individual’s success in all tasks that he/she undertakes. The importance of one quality cannot necessarily be emphasized over another.However, possessing the fortitude to continue to work toward achieving goals, despite the challenges that stand in the way, cannot be underestimated. To “persevere” means to steadily persist in adhering to a course of action, a belief, or a purpose. This award is presented to an individual Senior who has demonstrated consistent determination and energy to achieve a goal, in spite of the obstacles and disappointments to be overcome. The recipient of this award is: Kenneth Roark III
This year, we are honored to present the American Citizenship Award. This program is designed to honor students who made positive contributions to the school and community, during the school year. These students have been selected due to their contribution to improving the quality of life at Bristol Aggie this past year.

9th – Taylor Sirois, Margaret Graham
10th – Madison Genereux, Hope Laplante
11th – Alexis Wells , Adyin Buckley
12th – Hannah Smith, Skyler Harper

Outstanding Achievement in Vocational Agriculture: The students receiving the Outstanding Achievement in Vocational Agriculture Awards this year have always exhibited a great deal of pride and enthusiasm in their vocational endeavors. They have always been willing and co-operative participants in the Fall Show. They have always given 110% in their vocational shop classes and any other tasks asked of them. We are happy to present the Outstanding Achievement in Vocational Agriculture Awards to:

Plant Science – Sage Miranda
Animal Science – Lauren Paine
Agricultural Mechanics – Mason Levesque
NRM - Jessie Power

Principal’s Award: Each year the Principal’s Award is given to a student who has always provided a positive example and exemplifies our core values as a school community. This year we elected to have two Principal's Awards as both of them exemplify what it means to be an “Aggie” student. Both Sage and Wyatt are some of the most pleasant students we have. Sage provides the voice in the morning to kick start our day, while Wyatt is the first student to be at school each morning, even sometimes beating me in the door at 6:30 am. These two students are true models for our underclassmen and appreciate their leadership for the last four years. They are both humble, kind, and have an upbeat sense of humor. This year’s recipients are: Sage Miranda and Wyatt Rego
Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents: This year, Ms. Sands broke from tradition a little. She announced two Superintendent’s awards. The first is from the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents and is presented to the graduating senior with the highest grade point average. This year the MASS award goes to Alexis Kublin.
The second Superintendent’s award comes with no monetary attachment. All it comes with is Ms. Sands’ great admiration and respect. This year’s very special Superintendent's award is presented to the Class of 2020 for your unbelievable diligence and flexibility in the face of adversity. Your humor and tenacity during a very trying time and your unflappable belief in yourselves individually and as a community. For that Ms. Sands commends you.
Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association--STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: In Recognition of Outstanding Contributions to the School, this year’s recipient is: Trevor Clapp

Last Week of School: There will be NO new assignments after Thursday June 11th. The reminder of the time will be allowed for make-up work, which will be due to your teacher no later than Wednesday, June 17th at 3:00. Final grades will be posted on Friday, June 19th. Let us know if you have any questions.

Spring amphibian migration in Attleboro area and beyond might be more successful with less traffic: By Kayla Canne kcanne@thesunchronicle.com (May 25, 2020)

Blue-spotted-salamander

A blue-spotted salamander. It was recently a “Big Night” for the amphibians — the annual ritual of spring migration which many times takes them across highways but the lack of traffic, because of the coronavirus, helped make that normally treacherous journey easier.

The female blue-spotted salamander starts its yearly migration across busy Route 138 in Dighton as soon as the weather turns in late February.

They wait for the rain, thriving in the wet environment, and as soon as temperatures float above freezing, they move from their forested habitats to vernal pools that develop in the early spring, ready to lay their eggs in the small temporary bodies of water that carry no fish or other predators after their new offspring.

The half-mile hike may seem dismal to other creatures. But for frogs, salamanders and their other amphibian friends, speeding cars across busy roads and low visibility — both because of the darkness of their nighttime migration and because of their small stature — make the trek treacherous.

Brian Bastarache remembers many nights where citizen volunteers and scientists dedicated to helping the critters cross the road couldn’t even safely cross themselves.

Bastarache is the Natural Resource Management department chair at Bristol County Agricultural High School but has spent many nights tracking amphibians as a contracted salamander researcher for the Massachusetts Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.

“They just get obliterated on that road,” he said of the ones who routinely migrate across Route 138. “Some nights there’s been so much traffic, we can’t even get out there to count them. Even at midnight the traffic is still too much.”

Some amphibians may have seen a slight reprieve this year, however, as social distancing practices and stay-at-home orders because of coronavirus reduced vehicle traffic over the last two months during the prime migration season.

Marla Issac, owner of New England Reptile and Raptor Exhibits in Taunton, said many of the volunteers she’s in contact with who track and rescue eastern spadefoot toads in the area reported seeing fewer casualties along the roadsides where they worked.

“The vernal pools were just booming,” she said. “They were breeding like crazy this year, calling like crazy. Unfortunately, human activity impacts wildlife. Sometimes we can’t help it. We have to go to work.”

The New York Times last week highlighted a herpetology graduate student who said his team of rescuers in Maine have tracked data that suggest this year, four amphibians are surviving the journey for every one run over in their area, compared to last year’s two-to-one ratio.

But whether its enough to impact the population is near-impossible to say, according to Jacob Kubel, a conservation scientist with Mass Wildlife who tracks the migration patterns yearly.

For one, Kubel said, data on amphibian migration and survival rates are dependent on a whole number of things, including weather patterns that affect the length of migration season and the number of volunteers and the effort that goes into collections during any given year.

He said scientists and citizen observers need to be careful about jumping to conclusions and remember that they are only dealing with one season’s worth of data, especially in a year that saw many small migrations rather than a few mass ones.

That’s because persistently low temperatures on the first rainy nights of the season kept some amphibians tucked away longer this year, compared to a single, warm rainy night like in 2015, when trackers saw a synchronized mass movement of amphibians across the state.

“During a night like that, a lot of amphibians can be at risk if it coincides with a lot of traffic,” Kubel said.

As for this year, migrations were smaller and most occurred after midnight, when you would expect fewer cars on the road even if you weren’t in the midst of a pandemic.

And even with coronavirus, the cars didn’t stay away completely, Kubel said.

On May 1 he was out in the field just before midnight collecting data on the eastern spadefoot toad when he came across one half-dead on the road, squished by one of the several cars that whizzed by not even an hour earlier.

“It doesn’t take a great traffic volume to have a significant impact on the mortality rate of animals trying to cross the road,” Kubel said.

So even if traffic is reduced, there may still be enough cars out doing the usual damage.

“I’m not confident that COVID-19 reduced traffic enough to impact amphibian mortality significantly in the migration season this spring,” he said. “If this were to happen for many years, that’s when we could start to see a trend or any changes in amphibian survival.”

Migration season has mostly come to a close for adult salamanders.

But the newest litter will soon have their own treacherous trek to face: Their first test of adulthood is making it back across that busy highway and into the forest to join the others for the year to come.

Kayla Canne can be reached at 508-236-0336, kcanne@thesunchronicle.com or on Twitter at @SCNAttleboro.

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