Deja Vu

It seems as though we tell the same story every April. The BMHS DECA students depart for the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in some locale and return with a Top Three finish ("earning Glass") on the international stage. This year marks the 8th straight year a team from Billerica has earned "Glass" and brought home a national trophy. Since I am certain there may be some readers that are unfamiliar with DECA and the annual competition, I will attempt to put in perspective the success and cache that Billerica has earned on the international stage. In the world of college basketball there are many teams that qualify for the NCAA March Madness tournament. However, there are certain programs that consistently compete at a level far superior than that of their peers. UCLA under the guidance of John Wooden, is considered the gold standard of consistency and high achievement. Billerica is not UCLA. Billerica is Duke. When you watch the NCAA tournament each year, under the guidance of head coach Mike Krzyzewski, you expect them to compete for a national championship. Other college teams try to emulate the "Duke" way. Some teams are intimidated when they enter the arena and see Coach Krzyzewski preparing his team in a calm, tactful manner. When the BMHS DECA team arrives at the ICDC every year, other schools want to emulate the "Billerica" way. These schools watch as Coach Mags (with the support and assistance of Mrs. Lydon) prepares his students in a calm and tactful manner so they are prepared to perform and achieve their ultimate goal - "Glass." Coach Mags (our version of Coach K) extols the value of hard work, preparation, and confidence. The confidence our students possess comes from the knowledge that Coach Mags has been there before and knows how to succeed on that stage. Our students embrace that philosophy and put in many hours beyond the school day to prepare for success.

Casey Finestone, Nadia Soto, Amy Lynch, Alison Veilleux, Alison Donoghue  

Casey Finestone, Amy Lynch, Alison Donoghue earning a Top Ten finish

Nadia Soto, Coach Mags, Alison Veilleux holding "Glass"

Their is a pride in our school for the success our DECA students have achieved. That pride is increased exponentially when you see how other schools react and speak about our students. The respect, admiration and in some cases awe that our DECA team is viewed speaks to the quality of the people involved.

For our seniors, the final ICDC has ended. It is time to bask in the success and reflect on the journey you have shared over the last four years with your DECA teammates.

Once again you have made us proud!

Spring has finally sprung

April 14, 2015

We are closing in on April Vacation week and the weather has finally turned warmer. While there is still snow on the ground in some places, the athletic teams are finally practicing and playing on grass and not asphalt. When I was coaching at BMHS it seemed every year during softball tryouts, one girl would dive on the tar trying to stop a ground ball, momentarily forgetting that we were not on a diamond. That girl always seemed to make the team. I think it was her grit and determination that always impressed me. That same determination will be on display during the vacation - on our fields, courts, and diamonds. It will also be on display in Orlando, Florida and St. Louis, Missouri.

Our nationally renowned DECA team will be descending upon Orlando, Florida on April 26 to claim another national title and bring "Glass" home to BMHS once again. Over 50 of our students will be representing BMHS and our community in the areas of finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, hospitality and tourism. Mr. Magliozzi, Mrs. Lydon, Mrs. Barooshian, Ms. Luciano, and Mr. Nardella prepare our students on a daily basis to succeed in our classrooms and that preparation pays huge dividends on the national stage.

BMHS DECA Team preparing to depart for States

Our FIRST Robotics Team#4909, Billerica Bionics, earned an invitation to the World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri. Billerica is one of only two second year teams in New England to earn a spot in the championship. The World Championship will take place from April 22 - April 25. Additional details can be found at http://championship.usfirst.org/

Billerica Bionics preparing for a match at Reading Memorial High School

The Fine Arts Department completed another successful musical production. This year's performance of Honk! told the story of the Ugly Duckling through music and personification. The performances were outstanding! Jessica McCuish , who is a finalist to perform with the Boston Pops, was a huge hit as Ida, the mother of Ugly. However, the performance of Faith Brodowski as the Cat was purrrrfect! My daughter talked about her performance the whole way home.

Heavyweight Lacrosse Battle

This Thursday two perennial state powers will meet on the lacrosse field to establish early season bragging rights as our #5 Billerica Indians take on the #1 Duxbury Dragons. The game will take place at Alumni Field (behind BMHS) and begins at 4:00 p.m.  Parking is available at the Hallenborg Rink and senior parking lot.