Class of 2006 Heads to Graduation Sunday
Rachel Nava Rohr

They have won prestigious awards in art, journalism and sports and
have played a stronger role in student government than any class before
them, taking the first strides against racial tension in the school.

When the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School class of 2006
graduates on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. under the shelter of the
Tabernacle on the Camp Ground in Oak Bluffs, 204 young men and women
will leave their school a better place than when they first arrived.

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High School Studies Ending Class Rank
Rachel Nava Rohr

Complicated Rank and Grading System Now Slated for a Possible
Overhaul by Administrators and Students

By RACHEL NAVA ROHR

High school class rankings yield one winner come graduation, and the
competition to become valedictorian requires some strategy at
Martha's Vineyard Regional High School. Taking a class called
Stock Market or Sports Management could push you ahead. Architecture and
Island Cooking don't help or harm, but Journalism or Introduction
to Law could set you back.

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High School Prom Enacts Strict Rules to Keep Kids Safe
Rachel Nava Rohr

For the first time, this year the Martha's Vineyard Regional
High School junior prom will require not just a ticket to enter, but a
green light from a breathalyzer.

After alcohol use caused problems at last year's prom, high
school principal Margaret (Peg) Regan considered cancelling this
year's prom and revisiting the issue the next year, but at the
students' request, Mrs. Regan instead collaborated with juniors to
make prom safer.

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Vineyard Hopes to Keep the Island Cup in Big Game on Nantucket Tomorrow
Jim Hickey

With all the hype surrounding tomorrow's Island Cup game between the Vineyard and Nantucket, it's easy to overlook that at its core, it's only a game.

Unlike in previous years, when the contest often determined whether the Vineyarders or the Whalers made the playoffs, the only thing on the line this year is bragging rights until the two teams lock horns again next November.

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Student-Run Program Provides Safe Rides for Teens at Night, Despite Many Obstacles
Julia Rappaport

The students manning the phones at the Hebrew Center on this January night are there to kick off the first night of the 2006 SafeRides season. The student-run program provides a free and confidential ride home to any student of the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School who is not in a condition to drive safely or who wants to avoid being a passenger with an unsafe driver.

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Game Memories Remain Vivid For Former Vineyard Players
Jack Shea

In 1964, the Vineyarders recorded the first of three undefeated seasons in its history. Bob Tankard, Coach T as he is also known, remembers it well.

“Apponequet was the big game that year,” said Mr. Tankard, a halfback and defensive back on the 1964 team. “We had never beaten them and they were supposed to run over us. The game was played in a northeaster and it ended a 0-0 tie. We felt like we had won.

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Breaking News: Saturday, Nov. 17 - Vineyard Trounces Nantucket to Keep Island Cup
Jim Hickey

The Vineyard rolled over Nantucket Saturday in the annual Island Cup game by a final score of 48-6 in a contest that was easily decided by the second quarter and even more lopsided than the final score indicated.

With the win, the Vineyarders continued their recent string of dominance over the Whalers in the storied rivalry. They have won five straight Island Cups and eight out of the last nine.

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Mohawks and Lucky Pins: Superstitions Wield Power
Julia Rappaport

Former Red Sox player Nomar Garciaparra could not bat without checking his batting gloves. Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics will not get on the floor without patting his hands in the rosin.

The pro athletes have their pre-game rituals and so too do the Vineyarders.

For members of the varsity football team and the cheerleading squad, the superstitions are sometimes hidden, oftentimes underneath the jerseys, helmets and uniforms, but they are there nonetheless.

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Junior Varsity Footballers Get Physical
Sam Bungey

The sounds of a bloody brawl direct me to the football field behind the regional high school where the junior varsity team is warming up for Saturday. Getting nearer, one cry stands out. “I want to see Balboni get killed!” I quicken my step, wondering whether I’m about to scoop an altogether more serious event.

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Nantucket Cancels Junior Varsity Contest
Sam Bungey

Martha’s Vineyard junior varsity players, fully prepared to face the Nantucket junior varsity team this Saturday, were frustrated by a late cancellation from Nantucket. Citing a lack of numbers the Nantucket High School announced it would not be able to provide a competing team. “Obviously we’re not happy at all,” said Vineyard junior varsity coach Phil Hughes this week.

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