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| These 10 College Majors Will Double Your Salary in Just 5 Years! |
| Posted on Sunday, March 29 @ 00:02:02 PDT (0 reads) | |
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These 10 college majors will double your salary in just 5 years!
washington families have big dreams for their kids: college, good jobs, and a future where hard work leads to security and independence. As high school seniors begin their applications and parents consider tuition costs, a
new reportfrom the federal reserve bank of new york offers helpful advice. Some majors lead to strong salaries quickly, often doubling the national median personal income of about $45,000 within five years after graduation.The study uses 2024 u.S. Census data on full-time workers aged 22 to 27 with bachelor’s degrees. It ranks different fields by their median early-career earnings.
at the top of the list is computer engineering, with a median salary of $90,000. Computer science follows at $87,000. Chemical and aerospace engineering both come in at $85,000. Industrial engineering pays $83,000, electrical engineering pays $82,000, and mechanical engineering pays $80,000. These stem fields offer some of the highest early-career earnings. Other strong options include construction services, civil engineering, and general engineering, each with a median salary of $75,000, which is still well above average.
the post-college job market offers plenty of good-paying options.
these numbers have real meaning in washington. The state is home to tech companies like microsoft and amazon, boeing’s aerospace industry, and growing clean-energy businesses. Graduates in these fields have many job opportunities. In the seattle area, software engineers often earn well above the national average, sometimes reaching six-figure salaries early in their careers. Engineering jobs at hanford cleanup projects, puget sound shipyards, and spokane’s manufacturing centers also offer steady work and good pay. Even outside the main cities, there is demand for ag-tech in the wenatchee valley, tri-cities research, and infrastructure projects across the state.
stay focused on your roadmap and lock-in!
for students in washington, follow your interests in math, coding, physics, or design, and match them with these high-demand majors. The rewards can come quickly, whether that means buying a home in spokane, starting a family in tacoma, or moving back to the wenatchee valley with more financial freedom. College is still an investment, but making a smart choice can pay off for many years. In a state known for innovation and hard work, choosing the right major is a strong first step toward success.
look: 50 highest-paying jobs in america
stackerranked the 50 highest-paying jobs in america using wage estimates from the
bureau of labor statistics, which were updated in april 2024.
gallery credit: aine givens, ali hickerson, seth berkman
the 10 jobs most people wouldnt do for any amount of money
tech jobs: the top careers hiring for ai skills in arkansas, according to job postings
freshworksranked the jobs for which the most postings in the last year include mention of ai in arkansas
gallery credit: stacker |
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| Dr. Jessica Henlon Honored During Womens History Month for Leadership in Educati |
| Posted on Sunday, March 29 @ 00:02:02 PDT (2 reads) | |
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Education
dr. Jessica henlon honored during women’s history month for leadership in education, community and the arts
published
12 minutes agoon
by
willie david
orlando, fla. (Fnn) — during women’s history month, leaders across the united states are recognized for their contributions to progress, equity and community empowerment. Among them, florida national news (fnn) recognized dr. Jessica henlon, an educational psychologist, executive consultant, and systems builder known for blending strategy, creativity, and community impact in everything she does.
with more than 26 years of experience in student, youth, family and talent development, dr. Henlon’s professional journey bridges higher education, civic leadership and the creative arts. Her work focuses on designing inclusive systems that foster belonging, equity and purpose — from the classroom to the stage, and from policy development to podcast conversations.
founder and principal: dr. Jessica henlon consulting co.
dr. Henlon is the founder and principal of dr. Jessica henlon consulting co., A consulting firm dedicated to helping individuals and organizations build cultures of belonging through strategic leadership and storytelling.
through her company, she has delivered keynote presentations and leadership workshops for organizations including capella university, the parikh giving alliance and american intercontinental university in atlanta.
at american intercontinental university, dr. Henlon presented research on campus belonging and student retention, while at capella university she served as a panelist during the virtual professional resource conference discussing careers in applied psychology.
her presentations, including “mental wealth: wellness without the woo” and “events with purpose: student engagement that sticks,” have reached audiences across education, business and the arts. She regularly facilitates sessions on student motivation, culturally relevant engagement, crisis leadership and inclusive program design.
regional director of student success, valencia college
dr. Henlon currently serves as regional director of student success for the west region at valencia college, where she leads student success initiatives across three campuses.
in this role, she oversees a cohort-based coaching model aligned with meta-majors, integrating academic advising, career development and institutional redesign strategies. Her leadership has contributed to record-breaking student engagement during early registration events, helping students access resources and remain on track toward their academic goals.
in january 2026, she co-presented at the naspa florida drive-in conference, representing valencia college in a session titled “from silos to synergy: a collegewide approach to student success coaching.” The presentation highlighted how centralized coaching structures and cross-functional partnerships strengthen student outcomes.
dr. Henlon also contributes to campus well-being through her service on valencia college’s care and concern committee and behavior assessment team (bat), supporting proactive student support and campus safety initiatives.
24 years of leadership at full sail university
prior to joining valencia college, dr. Henlon spent 24 years at full sail university, serving in leadership roles including director of student development and director of academic advising.
in 2018, she founded the student development department, which included programs for:
- care & concern support services
- community involvement and volunteerism
- co-curricular student engagement
- leadership development initiatives
she also launched the first-generation college student program and helped establish more than 40 student organizations.
under her leadership, participation in campus and virtual programming surpassed 60 percent of the student population.
dr. Henlon also led student conduct and crisis intervention initiatives, facilitated title ix-related hearings, and co-authored institutional policies focused on student wellness, inclusion and success.
as chair of the president’s diversity, inclusion, belonging and social impact committee in 2024 and 2025, she spearheaded cross-campus initiatives connecting faculty, staff, students and alumni.
among the committee’s notable community projects was a collaboration with the wells’built museum of african american history and culture, where full sail students restored historic images of the tuskegee airmen, helping preserve local black history while expanding student learning opportunities.
creative leadership:
fierce entertainment and orlando international fashion week
dr. Henlon’s influence also extends into arts and culture through her involvement with fierce entertainment and orlando international fashion week (oifw).
oifw is a nonprofit organization that hosts biannual fashion showcases and cultural events aimed at strengthening florida’s creative economy while promoting international tourism and multicultural representation in fashion.
through these initiatives, dr. Henlon has helped support programs that highlight:
- emerging designers
- student creative talent
- multicultural representation in fashion and media
she also co-hosts the “fierce entertainment live” podcast alongside rob henlon and starr dalton, a platform dedicated to elevating diverse creators and civic voices.
her community involvement includes judging the miss winter park scholarship competition, a preliminary event to miss america, and supporting community cultural events such as orlando carnival downtown.
fierce entertainment’s work has also been recognized locally, with site visits and community engagement initiatives supported by orlando mayor buddy dyer and orange county mayor jerry demings.
academic credentials and leadership development
dr. Henlon holds:
- phd in educational psychology
- master’s degree in counseling with a specialization in school counseling
- bachelor’s degree in psychology
her doctoral dissertation examined virtual learning experiences of first-generation college students, focusing on how digital communities support motivation and persistence.
her professional development credentials include:
- harvard managementor certification
- seeking educational equity and diversity (seed) training
- behavioral coaching certification through behavioral essentials
she is also a graduate of leadership winter park, class 34, and a member of the winter park chamber of commerce.
dr. Henlon is also a proud member of delta sigma theta sorority, inc.
impact on women and future leaders
raised in a military family and shaped by her panamanian and afro-caribbean heritage, dr. Henlon brings cultural awareness, compassion and mentorship into every leadership role she holds.
through her work in education, consulting and the arts, she continues to mentor young professionals, support women in leadership and champion inclusive systems that help people feel seen, valued and empowered.
her leadership philosophy centers on radical belonging and collective empowerment, ensuring that individuals — particularly those from historically marginalized communities — have opportunities to succeed.
a legacy of belonging
dr. Henlon’s voice and perspective were featured in the exhibition “a peace of my mind” by photographer john noltner, hosted at the holocaust memorial resource and education center of florida, where she reflected on the meaning of belonging.
“peace means knowing that your needs are met, you have value, and you belong… so much that you strive to share that feeling with others,” henlon said.
key achievements and milestones
- more than 26 years of leadership in higher education and student development
- founder of dr. Jessica henlon consulting co.
- regional director of student success at valencia college
- founded full sail university’s student development department
- established 40+ student organizations and a first-generation student program
- co-presented at naspa florida drive-in conference (2026)
- community cultural leadership with fierce entertainment and oifw
- national conference presenter and leadership consultant
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education
mentorship is the best superpower: lessons from the nfl’s “champion” super bowl ad
published
1 month agoon
february 16, 2026by dr. Jessica henlon | education contributor for florida national news
a super bowl spotlight on mentorship
during super bowl lx in 2026, the national football league (nfl) aired a powerful 60-second commercial titled champion, a heartwarming tribute to youth coaches and the lasting power of mentorship (national football league [nfl], 2026). The spot, created by agency 72andsunny la, features a young boy giving a fiery pep talk to an audience of superhero action figures. Spider-man, optimus prime, and the thing line up as his “team.” What makes the scene especially moving is that the boy is mimicking a real locker-room speech delivered by his coach. As his voice builds to a crescendo, he repeats the words, “i am a champion,” a message first given to him by his mentor. The ad closes with the line, “belief is a superpower. Thank you, coaches.”
zach hilder, chief creative officer at 72andsunny, explained, “for so many kids, volunteer coaches are the first people outside their family who truly believe in them. They teach you how to push through doubt, how to trust yourself, how to keep going when things get hard” (conway, 2026). The message is clear: coaching and mentorship matter far beyond the game.
social learning in real time
psychologist albert bandura’s social learning theory offers a framework for understanding the ad’s message. Children often learn behaviors by observing and modeling the actions of trusted adults (bandura, 1977). In champion, the boy’s reenactment of his coach’s speech is a vivid example of observational learning. He does not just hear the words; he internalizes them, replays them, and applies them to his own context.
bandura (1997) emphasized self-efficacy, one’s belief in their ability to succeed, as a vital piece of motivation and behavior. When the nfl proclaims that “belief is a superpower,” it aligns with this concept. Research shows that youth with strong self-efficacy are more likely to persevere through challenges and achieve personal goals (tsang et al., 2012). In the ad, that belief begins with a coach who sees something in a child and says so out loud.
mentors spark motivation
the ad’s message resonates beyond the football field. Nfl chief marketing officer tim ellis noted, “great coaches don’t just build better athletes… they help inspire and build better human beings… when kids are seen, recognized, and believed in, it’s a superpower” (fisher, 2026). The child’s affirmation, “i am a champion,” reflects what psychology calls internalized expectation. When youth absorb belief from a mentor, they are more likely to adopt those beliefs as their own (bandura, 1997).
recent studies affirm this dynamic. Lee et al. (2022) found that adolescents with high-quality mentoring relationships showed significantly greater self-efficacy than peers with weaker mentor bonds. Notably, younger students experienced the strongest gains in confidence. The study emphasized that early mentorship, especially for low-income youth, can powerfully boost students’ belief in themselves and their potential.
in youth sports, coach-athlete relationships have also been shown to increase confidence, motivation, and academic performance (gould & carson, 2008). When a trusted adult believes in a child’s capacity to succeed, it strengthens that child’s own belief system, which in turn supports resilience and goal pursuit.
research confirms: mentorship lasts
the benefits of mentorship are not temporary. A 30-year longitudinal study from big brothers big sisters of america found that mentored children were more likely to attend college and earn higher wages later in life (bell & petkova, 2024). Mentorship, whether from a coach, teacher, or community leader, was described as one of the most cost-effective strategies for improving educational and economic outcomes.
a recent study by schenk et al. (2025) found that regular support from university student mentors significantly enhanced secondary school students’ autonomous motivation and engagement. Mentees reported feeling more inspired and capable of reaching their goals, attributing this to the encouragement and role modeling they received, findings that align closely with self-determination theory (deci & ryan, 1985; ryan & deci, 2000).
beyond the field
while champion celebrates sports mentorship, the concept applies across domains. In my doctoral research on first-generation college students in online programs, participants consistently emphasized the role of mentors and supportive peer communities in boosting motivation and a sense of belonging (henlon, 2025). One student shared, “seeing someone like me succeed made me believe i could finish.” That belief, planted by a mentor or role model, is powerful.
bandura (1977) described this as vicarious experience. When young people see others like them succeed, they begin to believe they can too. This holds true in classrooms, community programs, and on football fields.
a call to action
the nfl’s ad is more than a thank-you. It is a call to recognize the mentors who helped us, and to become one for someone else. Who believed in you when you needed it most? If you can, thank them. And then ask yourself how you can pass that belief on. Whether you volunteer as a mentor, coach, tutor, or simply offer encouragement to a young person in your life, your words may echo long after you say them.
as the nfl reminds us, belief is a superpower. The mentors who pass it on are the real champions.
about the author: dr. Jessica henlon holds a ph.D. In psychology with a specialization in education. She is an education contributor for florida national news. Dr. Henlon can be reached at [education@floridanationalnews.Com] or [book.Jessicahenlon@gmail.Com].
central florida news
lift orlando and valencia college launch free-tuition scholarship for jones high graduates
published
2 months agoon
january 23, 2026by dr. Jessica henlon | education contributor for florida national news
on january 7, 2026, valencia college and lift orlando announced the launch of the lift scholars program, offering full tuition and fee coverage at valencia for every graduate of jones high school’s class of 2026 through 2029. Whether pursuing an associate degree or short-term technical certificate, students will now have the opportunity to earn credentials without the burden of tuition.
lift orlando ceo eddy moratin called the initiative a commitment to removing obstacles: “cost should never stand in the way of a student’s future” (valencia college, 2026). Valencia president, dr. Kathleen plinske, noted that the program builds on the success of osceola county’s prosper initiative and affirmed that “the lives of hundreds of jones students and their families will be transformed by today’s news” (valencia college, 2026). Orange county public schools (ocps) superintendent dr. Maria vazquez described the scholarship as “an extraordinary gift” that “opens doors” for students who might have otherwise seen college as out of reach (valencia college, 2026).
the announcement was met with tears, cheers, and celebration. Perhaps no moment captured the joy more vividly than when ocps district 5 board member and jones high alumna vicki-elaine felder took the mic, pointing to students proclaiming: “you get a scholarship, and you get a scholarship!” On social media, she shared her pride with fellow alumni, calling the news a “wonderful opportunity for my alma mater jhs????????????????????????????.”
building on proven promise programs
the lift scholars model joins a national movement of place-based promise scholarships. Since michigan’s kalamazoo promise launched in 2005, more than 400 similar programs have emerged nationwide. These scholarships have shown powerful results: bartik et al. (2021) found recipients were significantly more likely to enroll in and complete college compared to similar students without aid.
closer to home, osceola county’s prosper program has enrolled over 10,000 students since its launch in 2022 and helped more than 1,100 earn associate degrees through valencia (mead, 2025). The initiative raised osceola’s college-going rate from one of florida’s lowest to among its highest, a compelling model for lift scholars’ potential (valencia college, 2026).
cost is still the biggest barrier
research consistently affirms that financial strain is the top barrier to college enrollment. A gallup–lumina foundation survey found that 85% of adults who never enrolled or who left college early cited tuition and fees as a major factor (carrasco, 2024). Removing those costs measurably boosts participation.
even modest scholarship programs have demonstrated impact. A multi-state study by mayer et al. (2015) showed that performance-based aid increased both persistence and five-year graduation rates. More recently, berlanga and corti (2025) found that scholarship recipients earned higher gpas and graduated at significantly greater rates than peers.
a personal lens: support must follow access
my doctoral research explored how financial support, when paired with meaningful engagement, drives student persistence. I interviewed first-generation online learners who described how virtual co-curricular experiences boosted their motivation, belonging, and academic follow-through (henlon, 2025). Financial access opens the door, but relationships, visibility, and mentorship sustain the journey.
a gift that multiplies
for jones high families, this is more than a scholarship. It’s a public affirmation that their children’s futures matter. It’s also a community investment with long-term dividends. As dr. Vazquez noted, this program will empower students “to pursue their goals with confidence” (valencia college, 2026).
when students are relieved of tuition burdens, they gain freedom to explore careers in healthcare, logistics, education, or advanced manufacturing. To dream, to plan, and to persist. And when communities like orlando come together to send a bold message of hope, everyone benefits.
about the author: dr. Jessica henlon holds a ph.D. In psychology with a specialization in education. She is an education contributor for florida national news. Dr. Henlon can be reached at [education@floridanationalnews.Com] or [book.Jessicahenlon@gmail.Com].
education
empowering financial awareness for college-bound students (part 2: making college count)
published
4 months agoon
november 29, 2025by dr. Jessica henlon | education contributor for florida national news
part 2: amplifying the value of your college experience
entering college is an exciting new chapter, but it’s also an investment – of time, effort, and money. After tackling financial aid and making an informed college choice in part 1, the next step is ensuring you get the greatest return on that investment. This means engaging in your career development, finding mentorship, and pursuing skill-building experiences from day one. These steps not only enhance your résumé but also build your confidence and connections for life after graduation. In this article, we explore how first-generation and online students (indeed, all students) can proactively make the most of college to set up a bright future.
learning beyond the classroom: start early on career development
classroom learning is just one part of your college education. Equally important is learning beyond the classroom. This includes internships, part-time jobs, campus leadership, and other hands-on experiences that prepare you for the workforce. Research consistently shows that students who participate in experiential learning reap big benefits. For example, a recent survey by the national association of colleges and employers found that students with a paid internship receive more job offers and higher starting salaries than those without internship experience (kahn & patil, 2025). In fact, engaging in at least one work-based learning opportunity during college is linked to better career progress and higher early-career satisfaction (strada education network, 2024).
unfortunately, not every student has equal access to these opportunities. First-generation college students and those balancing jobs or family responsibilities can find it harder to take on unpaid internships or extra activities (business-higher education forum, 2024). If you’re in this situation, know that you are not alone, and your college likely has resources to help. Career centers, for instance, exist to connect students with internships, co-ops, and networking events. Many campuses also offer work-study positions or internships that provide flexibility. By starting early (even in your first year) and using these resources, you can secure experiences that make you more competitive and confident.
consider these steps to jump-start your career development:
- visit the career center in your first semester: get to know the advisors who can help polish your résumé, practice interviews, and alert you to internship postings.
- seek out internships or research projects: even short-term or part-time experiences build skills and help you explore your interests. If an off-campus internship is challenging due to time or travel, look for on-campus jobs or virtual internship programs related to your field.
- attend job fairs and networking events: take advantage of any employer visits, virtual career fairs, or industry panels your college offers. Introduce yourself and ask questions; each conversation can be a learning experience.
by actively pursuing opportunities, you are investing in yourself. Every new connection or skill learned is one more asset for your post-college life.
mentorship and networking: building your support system
one of the most empowering steps you can take in college is to find a mentor. A mentor could be a professor, an advisor, a supervisor at work, or an experienced student or alumni in your field. Mentors provide guidance, encouragement, and often open doors to new opportunities. This kind of support is especially valuable if you are a first-generation student who may not have a built-in network of professional contacts. Connecting with mentors and peers helps you build “social capital”, the networks of relationships that can boost your career and personal growth.
research underscores the power of mentorship. Studies have found that mentored students report greater confidence, clearer goals, and even improved early-career outcomes (strada education network, 2024). In one national survey, college graduates who had a mentor during college were twice as likely to be engaged in their work and thriving in overall well-being after graduation (gallup, 2014). The message is clear: you don’t have to navigate college (or the job market) alone. Seeking advice is a sign of strength and initiative, not weakness.
how do you find mentors? Start by building relationships with faculty and staff: visit professors’ office hours or talk to your advisor about your interests. Join student organizations or honor societies to meet students in advanced years who can offer tips. Many colleges also have formal mentorship programs, pairing students with alumni or professional volunteers. If you’re studying online, look for virtual mentorship communities or linkedin groups in your major. Don’t be afraid to send a polite email to someone whose career path you admire; often, people are happy to share their story or advice. Remember, mentorship is a two-way street built on respect and genuine connection. Come prepared with questions and be open about your goals. Over time, these relationships can blossom into a support system that will continue long after you earn your degree.
skill-building experiences: invest in yourself
beyond grades and classes, employers today are looking for adaptable skills and real-world experience. In a rapidly changing job market, it’s less about your major and more about what you can do. Skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership are often called “soft skills,” but they are crucial competencies that you can hone during college. The good news is that almost every college activity, from volunteering in the community to leading a club or working on a group project, can help build these skills.
get involved in activities that interest you, whether it’s joining a tech club, writing for the student blog, organizing a community service event, or participating in a hackathon. Such experiences not only enrich your college life but also allow you to practice project management, collaboration, and creative thinking in a low-risk environment. Research shows that students who engage in extracurricular activities often develop better time management and interpersonal skills, and feel a stronger sense of belonging on campus (kurtovi? Et al., 2021). For first-gen and online learners, these activities can be a game-changer: they provide a sense of community and a break from isolation, which boosts motivation and persistence through challenges.
if you’re worried about stretching yourself too thin, remember that quality matters more than quantity. It’s better to commit to one or two activities that truly excite you than to sign up for everything. Look for “high-impact” experiences like service-learning courses, undergraduate research, or leadership roles in an organization. These tend to yield deeper learning and more significant growth. For example, volunteering for a cause you care about might sharpen your ability to organize events and communicate effectively, while also giving you purpose and stress relief. Likewise, taking on a leadership role, such as serving as a team lead on a class project or an officer in a club, helps you practice decision-making and teaches you to motivate others. Each of these experiences feeds into your personal and professional development, making you more resilient and versatile.
a call to action for your future
making college count involves actively shaping your future. By focusing on career development, seeking mentorship, and engaging in skill-building experiences, you take ownership of your journey. This proactive mindset will pay dividends long after graduation. You’ll leave college not only with knowledge in your field, but also with a network of supporters, a portfolio of experiences, and the confidence to navigate the professional world.
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| Iberian Wines for Quixotic Times - Longboat Key News |
| Posted on Sunday, March 29 @ 00:02:02 PDT (0 reads) | |
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—the oxford english dictionary traces the use of the word “quixotic”, coined after the publication of cervantes’ account of the delusional don quixote in 1605, and it now reveals that usage of the word has increased rapidly since 1950 and is approaching its zenith during the 21st century. This index of sentiment among english speakers seems far too close to the truth to be denied. After the horrors of wwii, an era of civility in europe and north america inspired efforts to promote peace and harmony. The edges of civility have since frayed; theocracies, autocracies, and centers of corruption now known as kleptocracies (rule by thieves) have increased in numbers.
thus who better than the denizens of the iberian peninsula to supply us with libations to help us weather legions of failed, often dangerous, idealists. The iberian peninsula endured invasions by the carthaginians under hannibal during the punic wars and the romans after 218 bc. Visigoth allies of the romans took control of the peninsula in the 5th century ad, only to be displaced by the muslim moors invasion during the 8th century. Northern european monarchies pressed to recover areas controlled by muslims in southern spain in the centuries following. The “reconquista” of spain by christian forces enabled the spanish inquisition from the 15th to the early 19th centuries, followed by the spanish civil war and, much later, four decades of the fascist government of francisco franco.
the wines of spain and portugal retain the character of regions that have struggled to maintain their identity. The northern rioja and ribera del duero regions continue to produce wines from the old tempranillo grape vines that scratch their concentrated flavors from arid and thin soils. The dark, shriveled grapes produce wines that rival the best of the bordeaux and california cabernet sauvignon products; for example, the 2023 emilio moro finca resalso ribera del duero, spain ($20) excels when served with beefsteaks and lamb. The 2021quinta da devesa reserva tinto douro, portugal ($18) from touriga nacional, tinta roriz, and tinta barroca grapes, has a flavor profile more like a fine italian barolo: fresh fruit, moderate acidity, and soft tannins, well suited to pork, vegetables, and fish rich in omega 3 oils.
grapes widely planted in spain and portugal tend to be unknown internationally and sell at bargain prices abroad. Mencia (jaen in portugal) has a taste similar to a blend of french beaujolais and a california zinfandel. The white grapes rueda verdejo and godello have delicate floral noses with intense stone fruit flavors. The better known albariño (alvarinho in portugal) grape produces wines that stand up to chardonnay and sauvignon blanc.
the varieties of iberian peninsula wines let us escape from the jingo rantings of delusional religious and secular zealots. Spain and portugal have held on to their land and the core values of the people who live there despite invasions and attempts to dominate them. We call for a toast for the iberian peninsula!
a recent visit to los bohemios wine bar and tapas off clark drive in southern sarasota florida reminds us of the creative spirit that bohemians brought to france and the americas. Romani ethnic groups originally from india, misidentified as egyptian (gypsies) migrated through eastern europe bearing letters of safe conduct from the bohemian king sigismund. Romani artists settled in france and developed an aura of free and creative outcasts. French artists and writers in the latin quarter began calling themselves bohemians. Courbet and modigliani, soon joined by americans mary casset and whistler, called their unconventional art and lifestyles “bohemian”.
the classic tapas we ordered at los bohemios, the bocarones white anchovy filets in olive oil, parsley, and garlic tasted as hoped. Perhaps the wines that accompanied them added a bohemian flair. A crisp and clean 2023 tarima mediterraneo white wine from alicante spain near valencia. Well-suited to fin and shellfish dishes, the obscure mersequera grape blended with moscatel has a floral scent and white peach taste that somehow melds with briny seafood tastes. The grape varieties in this wine combine to produce a fine white wine.
our server behind the bar, martin, recommended pairing the iberian jamón croquettes with a red garnacha (75%) spiced with a touch of syrah (25%). The 2024 bodega cure tinto sobre lías from cariñena in the aragón region of spain. This wine has an intense but mild red fruit taste that matches well with the savory crust and fillings of the croquettes. Disfrutamos mucho.
s. W. Hermansen has used his expertise in econometrics, data science and epidemiology to help develop research databases for the pentagon, the national institutes of health, the department of agriculture, and health resources and services. He has visited premier vineyards and taste wines from major appellations in california, oregon, new york state, and internationally from tuscany and the piedmont in italy, the ribera del duero in spain, the barossa valley and mclaren vale in australia, and the otego valley in new zealand. Currently he splits time between residences in chevy chase, maryland and st. Armand’s circle in florida.
—rich hermansen selected has first wine list for a restaurant shortly after graduating from college with a degree in mathematics. He has extensive service and management experience in the food and wine industry. Family and friends rate him as their favorite chef, bartender, and wine steward. He lives in severna park, maryland. |
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| Slain Loyola student Sheridan Gormans mom vows fight for justice at vigil | Fox |
| Posted on Sunday, March 29 @ 00:02:02 PDT (0 reads) | |
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The mother of slain college student sheridan gorman is speaking out, vowing a fight for justice after the 18-year-old was allegedly murdered by an illegal immigrant earlier this month in chicago.Jessica gorman delivered emotional remarks saturday at a vigil in yorktown heights, new york, honoring her daughter, a loyola university chicago freshman whose life was cut short in what authorities describe as a sudden, violent attack.I want to say this gently, but honestly, as a mom. Im angry, jessica gorman said. Im like completely heartbroken, and we are going to fight for justice for our sweet sheridan, and were going to fight for change.While acknowledging that not everyone will see the situation the same way, jessica gorman underscored what she described as a universal truth shared by parents. Watch: senate hearing goes silent after angel father confronts top dem over daughter’s death tom, jessica and madelon gorman are seen among supporters at the community vigil. (Richard beetham for fox news digital) people wearing jerseys gather outside during the vigil for sheridan gorman. (Richard beetham for fox news digital) a sign outside first presbyterian church of yorktown, where the funeral for sheridan gorman was held. (Richard beetham for fox news digital) a program was handed out to supporters of the gorman family who attended the vigil. (Richard beetham for fox news digital) mourners enter first presbyterian church of yorktown in yorktown, new york, where the funeral for sheridan gorman was held. (Richard beetham for fox news digital) friends and family of sheridan gorman leave first presbyterian church of yorktown, where the funeral for sheridan gorman was held. (Richard beetham for fox news digital) a large floral arrangement is seen outside the funeral for sheridan gorman. (Richard beetham for fox news digital) a man carries a framed collage of photos outside the funeral service for sheridan gorman. (Richard beetham for fox news digital) at the heart of all of this, we all want the same thing — for your children and for ours to be safe, to be protected, and to come home, jessica gorman said. Because, at the end of the day, thats what this is all about. All of our kids, every single one of them, protecting them, loving them, showing up for them. And that is how we honor her.Sheridan gorman, a new york native, was killed at around 1:06 a.M. March 19 while with friends near a pier in chicago’s rogers park neighborhood. Chicago killing reignites sanctuary city fight as angel parent heads to senate hearing officials allege jose medina-medina, 25, an illegal immigrant from venezuela , fired one shot at the loyola university chicago student, killing her.Gorman was reportedly only a few months away from completing her freshman year.Medina-medina was apprehended by the u.S. Border patrol on may 9, 2023, and was released into the u.S. Under the biden administration , according to the department of homeland security.At the vigil, the family’s attorney, thomas tripodianos, warned against what he described as growing complacency about public safety.If we accept this, even silently, then we are accepting a reality where young people are not as safe as they should be. And that is not acceptable, tripodianos said. And there must be justice. Real justice. Sheridan gorman was reportedly only a few months away from completing her freshman year at loyola university chicago. (Sheridan g. Gorman via instagram) family members and friends also shared memories of sheridan, remembering her impact on those around her.Sheridan, you are deeply loved at loyola, steven betancourt, director of campus ministry at loyola university chicago, said. You are deeply missed, and you will live on in the lives you touched and forever changed. Angel parents slam illinois sanctuary laws after preventable tragedy in students death sheridan gorman, left, was allegedly murdered by jose medina-medina. (Sheridan gorman/instagram and cook county sheriffs office) the gorman family has sharply criticized chicago mayor brandon johnson and illinois gov. Jb pritzker, arguing that their daughter’s death demands accountability. Click here to download the fox news app she was doing something entirely normal — walking near her campus with friends. She should be here, the gorman family said regarding comments by johnson.The suspect appeared in court friday and was ordered to remain in custody, according to fox 32 chicago .He faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a gun. Fox news digitals adam sabes contributed to this report. |
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| Attendees at open house learn how Tusculum University supports students and prep |
| Posted on Sunday, March 29 @ 00:02:02 PDT (0 reads) | |
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Greeneville – tusculum university leaders and students shared what makes the higher education institution special as prospective students explored all that is available on campus during an open house saturday, march 28.
dr. Scott hummel, tusculum’s president, noted that providing students access to college is important to the university, but he said the institution places even more emphasis on helping its pioneers attain graduation.
“we want you to start college, we want to support you through college and we want to see you walk across the stage,” he said. “You’re going to find a whole lot of support to help you get across that finish line.”
a mission that serves students
dr. Hummel highlighted how tusculum’s mission produces growth in its students during their studies. He noted that students will become even better citizens because of the value tusculum places on being civically engaged. That happens through classic activities such as community service, but it also occurs through people listening to each other and speaking with individuals who have different ideas and approaches.
the university also enriches students’ lives and helps them be good spouses and strong thinkers and analysts after graduation.
one of the outcomes for every graduate is to be career-ready, and tusculum takes a three-pronged approach to equipping students for their professional jobs after graduation. The first is to give them the technical knowledge – the hard skills – to perform their work. Another component is to learn the soft skills – listening, collaborating, de-escalating tense situations and showing up on time. Then there are the character skills, such as learning to do the right things the right way.
“to be career-ready, you need to have all three of those skills,” dr. Hummel said. “Through your classes, your interactions with a variety of people and the campus life experience, you’re going to be prepared for those outcomes.”
dr. Hummel said tusculum’s caring christian environment demonstrates the way the university values each student regardless of the belief system each person holds. But he also emphasized that tusculum’s christian approach to education means students not only can discuss and explore different academic subjects but also converse about and delve into their faith. Additionally, it means students are encouraged to examine their calling and purpose and not limit their self-discovery process as part of their studies.
the academic experience
another key part of tusculum’s mission is the university’s active and experiential approach to education, which means that students not only receive valuable instruction in the classroom but also find ways to put that knowledge into practice. That includes conducting research, obtaining internship and connecting with the community. One of the newer examples for tusculum students is the work by students in four academic programs – art and design, computer science, english and history – to create a website for uss greeneville inc., A local organization that supports the u.S. Navy ship of the same name.
dr. Heather henson-ramsey, assistant vice president of academic affairs, cited the university’s participation in the volunteer income tax assistance program. Students are trained by dr. Harold branstrator, associate professor of management, to prepare income tax returns for free for community members who qualify. Students and community volunteers prepare tax returns at three sites in northeast tennessee and have completed more than 1,000 in each of the last two years.
dr. Henson-ramsey touted ways students benefit academically during their studies. Students have the opportunity to develop their own businesses; create websites for companies; and present at local, national and international conferences. Faculty in the education division help their students understand fully what it means to be a teacher and how they can be successful in that profession.
dr. Henson-ramsey, who also teaches anatomy classes, emphasized the connections faculty members develop with their students. She said faculty members mean what they say when they tell a student to visit their office to discuss their coursework or to email and call them.
“i find that building relationships with students from the beginning through graduation is incredibly gratifying,” she said. “It’s so nice to get to know individuals and what their goals are and to help them on their path.”
a student’s perspective
senior janelle zirger, who serves as president of the student government association, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a minor in psychology. She has built an extensive portfolio of activities in which she participates and leadership positions she holds, including being a member of the president’s society and serving as a pioneer peer, a tutor and a mentor in the student support services program.
sss works with pioneers whose parents do not have a bachelor’s degree, who meet income eligibility requirements and who have disabilities. Zirger is a first-generation student, like more than half of the others enrolled at tusculum.
zirger next plans to enter graduate school, and she said the options she has are due to the scholarships, internships and relationships she cultivated at tusculum.
“throughout my four years, i’ve done a lot of discovering not only what i want to do with my future but also discovering myself,” she said. “That’s not possible without working with people like this every single day and being able to talk with them and other students on campus.”
zack kassebaum, vice president of enrollment management and financial aid, asked zirger to speak because he found her story compelling. He commended her hard work and called her a great example of what tusculum produces. He said she has taken advantage of tusculum being a smaller university with a lot of opportunities for students who do not have to wait their turn.
paying for college and the student experience
during the event, prospective students had the opportunity to speak with melissa white, director of financial aid, who leads a team that helps make tusculum affordable. When she spoke with the audience, she highlighted the variety of institutional, federal and state aid available to students, including competitive academic scholarships.
one of the many ways tusculum helps is through the pioneer 100 program, which enables students who are eligible for the hope scholarship, qualify for a full pell grant and submit their fafsa by feb. 1 to go to tusculum tuition free. Students who complete their fafsa after feb. 1 might still be eligible, but it is not guaranteed.
scholarships are also available through sss.
white reminded students of the importance of completing their fafsa, which helps determine the amount of aid they can receive. She said her office would be happy to work with people to complete that form.
chuck sutton, vice president of student affairs and retention, told the audience about his office’s open-door policy and the bonds he and his staff develop with students. He said the office emphasizes personal growth and mixes that with accountability. He also talked about the opportunity for students to become resident assistants, which allows them to be mentors for their classmates who lives in the same residence hall.
sutton referenced the many areas student affairs handles, such as housing, clubs, intramurals and free counseling. He shared that his office coordinates the response when it is notified about students who might be experiencing difficulties.
“we enjoyed speaking with prospective students and their families about their aspirations,” kassebaum said. “For those who have settled on tusculum as their preferred choice, we are grateful and look forward to helping them finish the process to become students. For others who are still considering their options, we are glad they joined us and are pleased we were able to start a conversation with them about their goals. Our admission team is always ready to talk and assist in the decision-making process.”
more information about the university is available at www.Tusculum.Edu. To apply, please visit, https://site.Tusculum.Edu/apply-visit/apply/. |
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| How Special Can Seattle Mariners 2026 Starting Rotation Actually Be? |
| Posted on Sunday, March 29 @ 00:02:02 PDT (0 reads) | |
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Matt levine works as a lead contributing writer for twsn. His expertise is in covering the nba, mlb, nfl, nhl, and college athletics. He has been with twsn since 2025. He graduated in 2021 with a master of science degree in sport management from louisiana state university.
how special can seattle mariners 2026 starting rotation actually be?
entering the 2026 mlb season, there weren’t many teams with better odds to win the world series than the seattle mariners. In fact, there was just one, and it’s the two-time defending world series champion los angeles dodgers.
after coming within one game of reaching the fall classic last year, it seems that many are banking on seattle to put together another special year. The mariners did bring back the majority of players from a year ago, with the exception of trade deadline addition eugenio suárez.
this roster has all sorts of depth across the board, and star power to work with. Seattle also got some much-needed experience in the postseason, which should translate to success again, if the team can stay healthy.
but the big advantage that the mariners have heading into the year is that the starting rotation should be one of the best in the big leagues. Seattle has carefully built this rotation over the years, and they are now primed to dominate this coming year.
twsn quick facts:
- team: seattle mariners
- al west 2025 position: first place, won al west
will seattle mariners rotation live up to the hype?
the mariners will enter the year with six different starting pitchers who can help this team duplicate the results from a year ago. Logan gilbert was named the starter for opening day, and he is looking to replicate results from a very strong 2025 season.
behind him is bryan woo, who some believe could contend for the american league cy young this season. Then there is george kirby, luis castillo, and bryce miller, all of which fit into this rotation in their own way.
finally, emerson hancock helps round everything out, giving seattle some needed depth for the long season. Overall, this team will be relying on this pitching staff to carry them throughout the year, and hopefully on a deep playoff run.
logan gilbert 2025 stats
gilbert was able to stay healthy last season, and it paid off in a big way for the mariners. The right-hander made 25 starts, posting an era of 3.44 over 131 innings of work.
the veteran pitched in four postseason games for the mariners, including a relief appearance in the alds. Gilbert will be called upon to set the tone of this pitching staff, and he has the stuff to make it happen.
bryan woo 2025 stats
woo is possibly the most underrated arm in baseball, and the mariners are absolutely okay with that. But last season, woo posted an era of 2.94 over 30 starts for seattle.
this was the second straight season that woo has registered an era under 3.00, and the team will be hoping he can do it again. The righty has the stuff to become the ace of the staff, but consistency will be key.
george kirby 2025 stats
kirby made 23 starts for the mariners last season, posting an era of 4.23. The veteran will need to get that number down a little, but he remains an effective middle-of-the-pack arm for this team.
the right-hander punched out 137 batters last season over 126 innings of work, showing his worth on the mound. He previously had put up three straight years of an era under 4.00.
luis castillo 2025 stats
castillo is no longer the ace of this staff, but he can still pitch with the best of them. Last season, he made 32 starts, posting an era of 3.54.
the right-hander is a savvy veteran, who can still dominate on the mound when he is on. Seattle is lucky to have a three-time all-star toward the backend of the starting rotation.
frequently asked questions
what was the mariners record in 2025?
the mariners finished the 2025 season with a record of 90-72, winning the al west in the process.
have the mariners ever won the world series?
no, the mariners have not won a world series yet.
how did bryce miller do in 2025?
miller made 18 starts for the mariners a year ago, putting up an era of 5.68. It was a challenging year all around for the righty.
what were emerson hancock’s stats for 2025?
hancock made 22 appearances (16) starts for seattle last year, posting an era of 4.90.
more mlb content from twsn:
[will toronto blue jays return to world series in 2026 after heartbreaking game 7 loss?]
[most realistic candidates to steal nl mvp from dodgers’ shohei ohtani in 2026]
[most likely candidates to steal al mvp from yankees’ aaron judge in 2026]
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| Malaysian Actor Yong Zheng Xi on Barbie, Bridgerton & Breaking into Hollywood |
| Posted on Sunday, March 29 @ 00:02:02 PDT (0 reads) | |
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From a lecture hall filled with legal texts to the glittering ballrooms of “bridgerton” and a cameo in the blockbuster “barbie,” yong zheng xi’s journey is a testament to the power of pursuing multiple passions. The malaysian-born actor, now 32, is steadily gaining recognition on the international stage, proving that a pivot from a traditional career path can lead to unexpected and rewarding opportunities. His recent role as lord barnaby in the popular netflix series has brought him wider attention, but it’s a role built on years of dedication and a willingness to embrace the challenges of a competitive industry.
yong’s story isn’t one of overnight success, but rather a carefully constructed path forged through persistence and a commitment to honing his craft. Whereas many recognize him now for his work in high-profile productions, his foundation was laid in the demanding world of musical theatre, a discipline that required him to master acting, singing, and dance simultaneously. This dedication to storytelling, he says, is what truly captivates him.
born in miri, malaysia, yong initially pursued a law degree at king’s college london. King’s college london is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. It was during his time in london that a former singing teacher encouraged him to explore musical theatre, sparking a passion that would ultimately redefine his career trajectory. “In musical theatre, you could act, sing and dance all at once, which satisfied my multiple interests, so i decided that was what i wanted to do,” he explained.
from ‘miss saigon’ to the west end
yong’s professional acting career began with the united kingdom and international tour of “miss saigon,” a landmark musical that provided invaluable experience in the realities of a working actor’s life. He learned discipline, etiquette, and the importance of professionalism – lessons that would serve him well throughout his career. He followed this with a leading role as kosei in the west end production of “your lie in april,” a musical adaptation of the popular manga series. “Your lie in april” required months of preparation and significant stamina, as he carried the weight of the entire production.
the transition to screen came next, including a role in greta gerwig’s cultural phenomenon, “barbie.” While his part was relatively small, yong described the experience as incredibly insightful. “Forever grateful to be a tiny part of this wonderful film,” he posted on instagram.
he emphasized the importance of professionalism and humility when working alongside established directors and crew. The experience reinforced his understanding that even seemingly minor roles contribute to the overall success of a large-scale production.
landing a role in the ‘bridgerton’ universe
securing the role of lord barnaby in “bridgerton” followed a familiar path: an audition tape submitted through his agent. Within two weeks, he received confirmation that he had landed the part. Aware of the show’s massive global following – “bridgerton” consistently ranks among netflix’s most-watched series – yong prepared meticulously. He revisited previous seasons to understand the show’s tone and nuances, memorized his lines, and developed a detailed understanding of his character’s motivations and behavior.
“i made sure to watch previous seasons to understand the tone of the show, learn my lines and prepare a rough idea of how i thought the character would behave,” he said. His portrayal of lord barnaby, while not a central character, added to the rich tapestry of the show’s social world, showcasing his ability to bring depth and nuance to even supporting roles.
representation and the realities of the acting profession
yong views his growing presence in international productions as part of a larger conversation about representation in the entertainment industry. He cites michelle yeoh and henry golding – both malaysian actors who have achieved international acclaim – as inspirations. Michelle yeoh’s recent oscar win for “everything everywhere all at once” has been particularly impactful, demonstrating the increasing recognition of asian talent in hollywood. He believes there’s a growing space for south-east asian actors globally, driven by a desire for greater diversity and cross-cultural storytelling.
however, yong is also candid about the less glamorous side of the acting profession. He acknowledges that success requires immense hard work and resilience. “This career is about 95% hard work and struggle, and maybe 5% glamour,” he said. “There is a lot of rejection, and many actors take on other jobs just to get by. There is a lot of hustling behind the scenes, and most actors here work other jobs to craft ends meet.”
what’s next for yong zheng xi?
currently, yong is keeping busy with a diverse range of projects. He recently completed a theatre run in “american psycho” and appears in the latest season of the bbc comedy-drama “boarders.” He’s looking forward to a period of rest before embarking on his next acting venture. “I am looking to rest a little, and then we will see what happens next in terms of acting. Exciting times!”
yong zheng xi’s story serves as an inspiring example of how dedication, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace latest challenges can lead to a fulfilling career in the arts. As he continues to navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry, he remains committed to his craft and to representing his heritage on the global stage. His journey, from the pursuit of law to becoming ‘lord barnaby,’ is a compelling narrative of ambition and perseverance.
for updates on yong zheng xi’s career, follow him on instagram @yongzhenxi.
disclaimer: this article provides information about the entertainment industry and career paths. It is not intended to provide professional advice. |
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| Charles J. Crisafulli Obituary And Eulogy |
| Posted on Sunday, March 29 @ 00:02:02 PDT (0 reads) | |
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Obituaries
charles j. Crisafulli obituary and eulogy
charles crisafulli, who was the first principal of the wellington school in belmont, pass away at the age of 93 on march 22.
belmont, nh — charles j. Crisafulli of belmont, march 22, 2026. Beloved husband of the late phyllis (rotondi) crisafulli. Loving father of julie crisafulli brown, charles j crisafulli, jr. & Richard r. Crisafulli and wife, patricia. Cherished grandfather of jacqueline ferguson and fiancé, christopher freeman, colin c. Brown and wife, colleen (doyle), and kathryn crisafulli and fiancé, michael schultz. Great-grandfather of lily ferguson, james ferguson & gemma brown. Also survived by his siblings, john crisafulli, david crisafulli and the late marie locicero, plus many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
visiting hours were at the brown & hickey funeral home 36 trapelo road belmont on thursday, march 26. Followed by a funeral mass in st joseph church 128 common street, belmont. Interment belmont cemetery, belmont.
charlie was a lifelong resident of belmont, where he attended the public schools and graduated from belmont high school, class of 1951. Following graduation, he enlisted in the us air force and served his country in the korean war. After his honorable discharge, he attended boston college and received a bachelor of science in business administration and later received his master’s in education from boston state college.
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charlie began his teaching career as a student teacher at burbank elementary school and was soon hired as a full-time 6th grade teacher at payson park elementary school. After a few years in the classroom, he was promoted to principal and assigned to the chenery elementary, where he also coached after school sports, then onto the butler elementary and wellington elementary schools. He held memberships in a number of professional organizations throughout his career and strongly believed in education for all ages.
charlie retired from the belmont public school system in 1990, after 32 years of devoted service to his community. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the distinction of the 1990 belmont citizen of the year and the charles j. Crisafulli playground was dedicated in his honor in 1991 at the wellington elementary school.
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in retirement, charlie and his beloved wife, phyllis enjoyed spending time at their home in dennis on cape cod for the summers and winters in their home in port st. Lucie, florida.
eulogy
julie read these words during his service:
dad grew up in a very tight-knit family and was close to his siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who all lived within the same block or not far from belmont, and he brought us up to cherish family as well.
dad and his brothers were good athletes. Dad was captain of the soccer and track teams and always involved in sports either playing, managing or coaching and later had season tickets to bc football. When we moved to goden street. He ran the track around the football field until he retired and moved to the cape. Strongly believed in exercise, and when he could no longer run, he walked, and when it was too hot, he went to home depot and walked the aisles.
he had a wonderful life with our mother, phyllis, and adored his three grandchildren, jacqui, colin, and kate, and his three great-grandchildren, lily, james, and gemma. Happy to say that our little family has grown over the last few years with the addition of colin’s wife, colleen, and soon we will have mike and chris marry into the family, as well.
when visiting them down the cape, mom and i would sit and talk on the beach, and dad would take the grandkids to the playground or walk the reef with them. When they came up for the holidays, dad loved when the kids would wake them up early in the morning to play. Family to him also included a pet menagerie, too many to mention, but we had collies, german shepherds, and bandi, the shit-zhu. When we were all out of the house, they enjoyed taking wood carving classes and were very involved in the yankee twirlers, the square-dancing group. They loved to travel during this time to florida, hawaii, and after retirement to their lifelong dream of italy.
as his children, we didn’t ever want to disappoint him, and for the last few years, he’d always say, “i have 3 great children,” to which we would reply, and “we have 2 great parents.”
it’s a good thing dad had a lot of patience:
when richard, who just got his license, was sent to pick up dinner in the brand new jeep wagoneer, but decided to take a side trip to the beach to test out the 4-wheel drive. Needless to say, it got stuck. Realizing he was going to have to walk the three miles back home, and without dinner, he didn’t relish dad’s reaction, but he was only grounded, and dad called a friend to tow it the next day. Nothing more was said, but we tease him to this day!
when i rear-ended a police car with the cadillac on the way to the beach, when i got home and told him, he just asked if we were ok, and that was the end of it.
chuck, also not perfect……was asked by dad to take pictures with his new camera at one of his events, before the end of it, chuck realized he ran out of film, but kept pretending to take pictures, with a flash. When dad had them developed and asked where the rest were, chuck admitted hed run out of film but didn’t want to make dad look bad, so he kept pretending to take them. While chuck was sweating bullets for this deception, dad paused for a minute and just chuckled...
chuck redeemed himself by building a shed by himself for the backyard down the cape that dad loved so much that he had it moved to the new house in dennis, where it stood for another 30 years.
i always wanted to be a teacher, like my dad, but when it was time to apply for college and i checked off the school of education for bc, he said no, i’m losing teachers with 30-plus years of experience due to tax cuts so you should go into business, you’re good at math, go into accounting, i chose management.
chuck always planned to go into the trades like our great-uncles, but decided to go to college in late spring of senior year. Dad whisked him off and drove him to roger williams for an interview and a tour, and he got accepted on the spot.
richard at first wanted to be a photographer, which his dad supported, but when rich later decided he was interested in the upcoming computer industry, his dad agreed, and that turned out to be a better decision.
dad also said he always had a guardian angel who directed his steps, he said he always seemed to be at the right place at the right time. He always attributed his love for learning because he hated the cold weather, when he was a teenager, he preferred to read rather than go outside, it was here that foundation was laid.
in the air force, he met a sargeant who took a shine to him and when enlisted men were deciding on which assignments to take, by raising their hand to each one announced, the sargeant would say, ‘you don’t want that one, keep your hand down’ until a plum assignment was announced and he said to dad, raise your hand! And it was one of the best tasks in his unit. He was forever grateful for him, since his duty was to prepare for visiting dignitaries, among other tasks.
with meeting gene, who introduced him to mom who was a blind date. Dad went to pick her up, at the house on goden street. For those of you who knew phyllis, it won’t surprise you that she was on the phone!
he said she was on the stairs in the hallway and he saw her legs and was love at first sight they were happily married for 58 years.
i bet you didn’t know that dad was planning on being a plumber after the service, but when he went to see the plumber for the job he was promised, the plumber said he didn’t have enough business to bring him on.
so he went to a local coffee shop, which he had never been to before in belmont, and met an old high school buddy, joe mondello.
he told joe about the plumber and no jobs, and joe told him to go to bc, that they were still accepting applicants.
he made a call to the admissions office that day, and the rest, as they say, is history.
after graduating from bc’s school of business, he went to work for breakstone and drove a truck, starting at the bottom. Left there and went to hyde shoe a family run business but realized he didn’t really care for the business world.
always wanted to be a teacher and on his way home he drove by the boe office and stopped in. Right place, right time, the coordinator told him, “today is your lucky day” that they just funded a new program for people with bachelors degrees to obtain a masters in education and was paid by the state as long as he maintained a b or better. All it would cost him is $100 total. Went home and discussed with mom who said, ‘we can do it’ remember at this time he had 2 kids under 3. To make ends meet, dad drove a nursery school bus and back in those days, he would go into the house and take the kids out of their cribs. The parents had already left for work!
did his student teaching at payson park, belmont, and received a job offer from newton for $4,400 a year. Mr. Carey, the principal of burbank, wanted him, but belmont had a one-year minimum experience requirement for hiring. They really liked dad, and all the principals observed him teach 2 lessons. Belmont changed the one-year hiring requirement and offered him $4,200 a year, but had him start a sports program for 6th graders and paid extra to make up the difference. Hired at payson park, then chenery as the 6th-grade principal/teacher, then assigned to the butler (when chenery was annexed to junior high), where his 2nd-grade teacher was still there! Then finally at wellington — the former high school, renovated into an elementary.
when we moved to orchard street, it was in the chenery school district, and i asked him if i was going to have to have him as a teacher. He said no, since we were on the line, the superintendent thankfully moved us to burbank. Unfortunately for richard, he had him as principal at the wellington where some of the other students made it uncomfortable for him.
when asked to take the wellington principal position, he said yes on 2 conditions:
choose his own teachers, wanted to build a culture of collaboration and for them to work together well.
- new school, new textbooks, not the old discarded ones from all the other elementary schools
he hand-selected each and every one of those teachers and built a team that gets together to this day, after 53 years!
once he trusted you as a teacher, you had the ability to do what you felt was needed for your classroom
walk around each day to get the pulse, he knew everything that was going on. Listened to the teacher and looked at the board for the days lesson. He knew every students name.
always knew how to root out the child who caused trouble and knew exactly how to deal with it, and that under no uncertain terms were they to behave that way.
he knew the teachers’ strengths and weaknesses and allowed them the freedom to use their best judgment.
biggest heart – known for his lollypops, hugs, and go out of his way for a student in need
one child had a serious illness and he didn’t want her to take treatments in the nurses station for privacy reasons so he asked the guidance counselor if she wouldn’t mind giving up her office each day for a little while.
the guidance counselor had puppets that she used with the students and she saw a refrigerator box being thrown out that would make a perfect ‘stage’ for her puppets, she told dad about it and he went to pick it!
always willing to give a helping hand to anyone who needed it, mentor to a lot of people.
held up two fingers – to quite down the crowd
but having a dad employed in the school system had its drawbacks for his children.
we always had to be on our best behavior. I would say at dinner, i sneezed in third period and he would know about it by fifth!
everyone knew us and the other children of principals in town – we started a support group ????
“through the many lives he touched, his legacy and contributions will continue to shape generations to come. My brothers and i owe our career success and blessings in our lives to him and our mother. He will always be remembered for his love, unwavering support and will remain forever in our hearts.
thank you for everything, dad, we love you!”
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| NFL Scenario: Should New Orleans Saints Trade For Brandon Aiyuk? |
| Posted on Sunday, March 29 @ 00:02:02 PDT (0 reads) | |
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Matt levine works as a lead contributing writer for twsn. His expertise is in covering the nba, mlb, nfl, nhl, and college athletics. He has been with twsn since 2025. He graduated in 2021 with a master of science degree in sport management from louisiana state university.
nfl scenario: should new orleans saints trade for brandon aiyuk?
if the new orleans saints want to be more competitive next season, adding extra offensive weapons to the roster will be crucial. Not only will this help the team, but it will give second-year quarterback tyler shough more to work with.
shough proved that he could potentially be the franchise option for the saints at the quarterback position this year, and the team should be doing whatever they can to help him succeed. This could see the saints’ front office look to either make a trade, or a signing, bringing in another veteran presence to pair alongside star chris olave.
twsn quick facts:
- team: new orleans saints
- rumored player:
brandon aiyuk - position: wide receiver
- contract:
four-year, $120 million
should new orleans saints consider brandon aiyuk?
one option for the saints to consider going after could be veteran wide receiver brandon aiyuk of the san francisco 49ers. Aiyuk’s time with the 49ers has seemingly come to an end, and the team may look to move him sooner rather than later.
due to this, the saints may be able to land aiyuk for a cheap price, which could be extremely beneficial to the overall talent on the roster. New orleans could take a flier on aiyuk, and hope that all his injury concerns are behind him.
why 49ers would trade brandon aiyuk
over the last few years, aiyuk has dealt with some real injury issues that have forced him to miss time. Aiyuk missed the entire 2025 season due to injury, and he was only able to play in seven games for the 49ers in 2024.
this caused the team to completely void his guarantees in his contract for the 2026 season, causing some tension between the two sides. The veteran is also rehabbing from a torn acl, and it seems that the 49ers don’t view him as part of the future.
once san francisco was eliminated from postseason play, 49ers general manager john lynch didn’t hold back his thoughts on aiyuk. Lynch said that the wideout wouldn’t play for the team anymore, and trade rumors started flying from there.
“it’s safe to say he’s played his last snap with the niners,” lynch said.
brandon aiyuk’s outlook
just a few years ago, aiyuk was a central piece to the 49ers offensive attack, but these last few seasons have been tough for both sides. Aiyuk is hopeful to return to the field in 2026, and if he can stay healthy, whatever team he is playing for could be very happy.
in 2022, aiyuk first broke out in the nfl, posting his first 1,000-yard season, posting 1,015 yards on 78 catches and eight touchdowns. He then had an even better 2023 year, catching 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns, leading to the massive contract.
if he were to go to the pass-happy saints offense, aiyuk may be able to round back into form. Aiyuk is still only 28 years old, so there is some time left for him to change the narrative that has followed him in recent years.
brandon aiyuk’s contract
the one hiccup in a trade is the contract of aiyuk as he is in the middle of a four-year, $120 million deal. There is a bonus option in his deal for $24.9 million for the 2026 season.
even with the voids, there are implications with this contract, and the saints may be better off waiting to see if the 49ers will release the veteran.
frequently asked questions
when was brandon aiyuk drafted?
aiyuk was drafted in the first round of the 2020 nfl draft.
where did brandon aiyuk go to college?
aiyuk first attended sierra college before transferring to arizona state.
has brandon aiyuk made the pro bowl?
no, aiyuk hasn’t made the pro bowl yet in his nfl career.
where did tyler shough go to college?
shough played for a few different schools, including oregon, texas tech, and louisville.
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| Illinois Ends Iowas Cinderella Run in Elite Eight |
| Posted on Sunday, March 29 @ 00:02:02 PDT (0 reads) | |
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Illinois ends iowas cinderella run in elite eight
in this story:
1980 was the last year the iowa hawkeyes made it to the final four and for the time being its going to stay that way.
ben mccollums squad jumped out to a 12-2 lead against no. 3 illinois but ultimately the fighting illini prevailed, 71-59.
illinois played from behind the first 20+ minutes but the hawkeyes simply couldnt keep up in the second half, especially in the final eight minutes.
despite leading 51-50, iowa was on the wrong end of an 8-0 run that proved to be the beginning of the end. As a no. 9 seed, the hawkeyes still made it competitive as the lowest remaining seed in the ncaa tournament.
hawkeyes season ends courtesy of illinois
there was a point in the first half where senior guard bennett stirtz had more points than his teammates combined. He finished with 24 points as his career has sadly come to an end. Not enough great things can be said about his rise from the division ii level to the elite eight, but this iowa team simply didnt have enough left to keep their cinderella run alive.
in a game that featured an 11-minute delay due to the horn in the arena not shutting off, turnovers and rebounds were a huge difference maker. Iowa had a pair of key back to back possessions early where they had unforced errors that led to fighting illini buckets on the other end. By the end of the 40 minutes, illinois won the rebounding battle 38-21.
hawkeyes fans had much to say about the officials, but at the end of the day theres nothing that can be done in that regard. Whether it was a missed goaltend, not calling three-seconds, or the ticky-tacky calls down the stretch, iowa must live with this outcome and cant have their season end with excuses.
iowa exceeded all expectations
all year long the lack of a supporting cast for stirtz was the focus. Mccollum saw three players step up in iowas first three games. Stirtz didint necessarily struggle in those, but he certainly wasnt his usual self. Even when he was red-hot in this one, it still wasnt enough.
iowa has plenty of seniors that will be moving on after this one and most of them followed mccollum from drake. The hawkeyes prioritized loyalty over anything else, and it got them to this point which says a lot. It may not have been the outcome hawkeyes fans wanted, but making it to the elite eight in the first place was still a massive accomplishment.
jordon lawrenz
jordon lawrenz serves as the eastern united states college recruiting beat writer on si. Jordon is an accomplished writer covering the nfl, mlb, and college football/basketball. He has contributed to pfsn’s and heavy’s nfl coverage. Having graduated from the university of wisconsin - green bay with a sports communication and journalism degree, jordon fully embraced the sports writing lifestyle upon his relocation to florida. |
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