by Orion Hudson

Today I spoke to Mrs. Perkins in the Counseling Office about a program called Y.A.N.A. which is something I’ve never heard about until not long ago. I interviewed Ms. Perkins to learn more about Y.A.N.A., so that if it is something of interest to you, you can attend.

Me: What is Y.A.N.A?

Mrs. Perkins: It is a therapeutic group anyone is welcome too. It’s a drop-in group which means you don’t have to come in consistently, which means you can come in whenever you want. It’s a confidential space where students can talk with their peers for support as well as myself.

Me: Who is Y.A.N.A. for?

Mrs. Perkins: It’s for anyone who is interested in sharing their emotional perspective and connecting with other people who have similar experiences or not.

Me: How widespread is Y.A.N.A.?

Mrs. Perkins: Currently, it’s not that widespread. I have a handful of students currently, but I’d love to see it more widespread and accepted into our normal activity in our school.

Me: Are there any plans for Y.A.N.A in the future?

Mrs. Perkins: I would love to if there is interest in it. I’d like to turn it into a mental health club in the school, but I need more helpfulness and more participation.

by Orion Hudson

Did you know our Principal Mr. Gray is in a band? Well, if not, then you’re in for a treat. The band is The Right Track. I interviewed Mr. Gray to learn more about him and his band.

Me: How did the band come to be?

Mr. Gray: So the founder of the band is Tom Rodman. He is a retired New York executive, and when he moved to Maine after retiring, he wanted to start up a band in the Camden area. He was in a band when he was young and missed it. When he retired to Camden, he started networking to find musicians.

Me: What instrument do you play?

Mr. Gray: In the band, I’m lead vocals. I play guitar, but only at home not in the band.

Me: How did you get into music?

Mr. Gray: I was always kind of musically inclined, playing piano and clarinet as a kid. Then I realized as a teenager that I could sing really well, joined the chorus, and in college, I was in an acapella group. After college, I moved to Maine and began singing at events like weddings and funerals. I also sang in an impromptu teacher band, and that’s how Tom Rodman heard about me.

Me: What’s your favorite genre of music?

Mr. Gray: It is impossible to say. It depends on my mood

Me: Do you have any upcoming gigs?

Mr. Gray: This Friday, February 16th.

At the Elks Lodge. It’s put on by Out! Maine.

Me: How long has your band been around?

Mr. Gray: 8 years.