by Sandi Kuntsi
Even though February is a short month and the snow is quickly melting, MSS students are making the most of their time. A group of students enjoyed a cultural ski trip in St. Donat, Quebec and the Nordic Skiing team competed at NOSSA on February 14. Beth Wiwchar, Bryce Mastelko, Marjorie Scott and James Scott all placed in the middle of their groups. Beth and James may have the opportunity to compete in OFSAA on February 28 in Timmins.
The boys’ hockey team played against Lo-Ellen on Tuesday, February 15. They boys played their hardest and won decisively 10-1. On the 15th, the girls’ hockey team played against Lively High School. The girls’ hard work at practices paid off with a 6-0 shutout for the Mustangs. Both hockey teams played extraordinarily well. The boys’ hockey team were supposed to play Lo-Ellen again on Friday, February 17, but the game was postponed to Tuesday.
On Wednesday February 15, the junior girls’ volleyball team hosted NSSSA. Four schools competed in the tournament to see who would qualify for NOSSA: Elliot Lake, W.C. Eaket, Espanola, and Manitoulin. The first game played was between MSS and Blind River. MSS won the first set 25-19 and the second set 25-20. Espanola played the second game against Elliot Lake, winning the match. The finals were between Manitoulin and Espanola. Finals are best 3 out of 5, and the teams forced all 5 games. The first game was won by Manitoulin, 25-22; the second game was won by Espanola, 25-20; Manitoulin won the third game, 26-24; Espanola won the fourth game, 25-23; the fifth game was won by Espanola, 15-12. Both teams fought hard to win, and it was an evenly matched competition.
Espanola captain Makenna Perlin said, “The last game was super intense. MSS has an amazing team, and it was an honour to play them in the finals. I am really proud of our team for sticking together and staying positive. We practiced a lot, and we came to the tournament ready to win.”
Ryann Hudson, one of the MSS girls, said, “The whole day was played very well. Several players were injured or sick, but we still got through everything by sticking together. The last game against Espanola was really intense and challenging, but we played as a team and did our best.”
The MSS Senior Band and Choir hosted their community spaghetti dinner on February 16. Students prepared the dinner, served and waited on tables, performed throughout the evening, and ensured that their guests had an enjoyable evening. They are still hard at work practicing for their spring trip to Montreal.
Coming up this week, Grade 8 information night is on February 22. This is a good opportunity for parents to see what MSS is all about, and for Grade 8 students to tour the school and meet some of their future peers. Also, the MSS Students’ Council is holding Winter Formal on Friday, February 24. Tickets cost $10 a person, $15 per couple, and door price will be $15 per person. The dance will go from 7:30 to10:30 pm so that students can get dressed up and have fun with their friends. On Sunday, April Torkopoulos and I, along with young orators from the Gore Bay and Little Current Legions, will compete in the Royal Canadian Legion Public Speaking regional competition in Onaping.
