the mane street mirror

Bella Mema

Bella Mema, Editor-in-Chief

     Hi! My name is Bella Mema and I’m a senior at Foran. I’m the Co-Editor-in-Chief for the Mane Street Mirror. Outside of journalism, I’m the president of our school’s choir and an active member of our drama club. I’m also involved in Natural Helpers. Outside of school, I love baking and spending time with my family. 

All content by Bella Mema
Duck, Duck, Goose: Three ducks chasing each other in their home behind City Hall.

“Keeping Milford Clean”

Bella Mema and Sean Ayoub | April 4, 2022

     Milford, Connecticut, is known as “A Small City with a Big Heart.” However, residents and visitors alike may also recognize it for its wildlife, particularly in the center of town. With two duck ponds, a small waterfall, and a harbor, downtown Milford has been the home of these animals for...

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Old News: Past editions of the Mane Street Mirror line the walls of room 255.

Behind the Headlines

The Making of the Mane Street Mirror
Sean Ayoub and Bella Mema | March 11, 2022

     It’s the beginning of March. The Mane Street Mirror welcomes students as they make their way into school. By second period, copies are seen throughout yellow hall, in the hands of every student, and being worn as hats.      “Paper Day,” as it’s known, has been a Foran tradition...

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Voting Today: Milford’s ballot drop-off box is located in front of City Hall.

Equity, Elections, and The Evolution of Voting Rights in America

Bella Mema and Sean Ayoub | February 14, 2022

     February 15 marks the birthday of Susan B. Anthony. Born in 1820, she lived in a time when only white men could vote. Anthony, along with fellow activists, made it her mission to secure this right.      Nearly 100 years later, after her death, Congress passed the 19th Amendment officially...

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Extra Credit: Senior Melissa Connelly reviewing her notes.

High Grades Without High Stress

Preparation for Midterm Exams Begin
Sean Ayoub and Bella Mema | January 7, 2022

     As midterm exams approach in mid-January, students may begin to feel the pressure. A week of testing can be daunting when experiencing it for the first time. To ease the stress, Foran seniors and teachers detail methods to lessen any anxiety and improve study habits.       Often, academic...

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Today’s Lesson: While students are familiar with events such as the Black Plague, students will have the opportunity to learn about a wider diversity of historical milestones.

History in the 21st Century

Bella Mema and Sean Ayoub | November 29, 2021

     In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue, and it has been taught in history classes ever since. Year to year, humanities classes remain standard, concentrating on the history of Europe and North America. However, beginning next school year, students may diversify their understanding of the past...

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Parking Poses: Seniors Sean Ayoub, Delaney Mayville, and Bella Mema show off their new parking passes.

A New Look for Student Drivers

Addressing the Parking Pass Requirement
Bella Mema and Sean Ayoub | October 22, 2021

     Sudden stops, quick decisions, inexperience. It's a scary thought, but the reality is there is an inherent risk every time you sit behind the wheel. In an effort to reduce incidents in the school parking lot, students are encouraged to obtain their parking passes as soon as they begin driving...

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New Members of the Pride: Foran welcomes eight new teachers to its faculty in the 2021-2022 school year. Photo Courtesy: Mrs. Lisa Farrell, August 30, 2021.

Fresh Faces at Foran High

Several Teachers Begin a New Step in Their Career
Sean Ayoub and Bella Mema | September 17, 2021

     Each year, Foran welcomes new teachers, representing a wide variety of subjects and grade levels. This year, the school welcomed eight new teachers.       One of several changes this year includes founder of the Foran orchestra program, Mr. Steven Juhasz, who will now be teaching at all...

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Treasurer: Emma Davies. She has been accepted into UCONN’s prestigious Honors College.

Senior Class Officers: Leaving a Legacy in Office

Sean Ayoub and Bella Mema | May 21, 2021

     Each year, classes at Foran elect officers to lead and plan events including fundraisers and prom. Last spring, the Class of 2021 chose President Eric Haig, Vice President Soledad Meade, Secretary Kaitlyn Adkins, and Treasurer Emma Davies, to fulfill these responsibilities. Since then, these...

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Trumpetist Kaya Vital: Representing her future college. Photo Credit: Kaya Vital.

Seniors in the Music Department Hit all the Right Notes

Sean Ayoub and Bella Mema | May 13, 2021

     Music is a connecting force, and few people know that better than seniors in the Foran Music Department. Made up of choir, orchestra, and band, the music department plays all the right notes to bring the joy of music to the Foran community. Music is truly their forte.       Directed by...

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Milford Town Hall: The text on Milford’s fifth town hall, built in 1916. Photo Courtesy: Sean Ayoub, March 10, 2021.

Discovering Downtown: A Look Into Milford’s History

Sean Ayoub and Bella Mema | March 25, 2021

     The Milford Green is the second-longest in New England, featuring small businesses and shops among historic buildings. In fact, history reads that George Washington dined and rested here. Milford’s culture runs deep through its rich history, which can sometimes be overlooked.      According...

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In Concert: Ms. Turner conducting the Foran Band during their weekend trip to New York City. Photo courtesy: Ms. Jessica Turner, March 2019.

Tuning in with Turner

The value of music education
Sean Ayoub and Bella Mema | February 22, 2021

     Ms. Jessica Turner, Foran Band Director and mother of two, is celebrating 25 years of teaching, 17 of which have been at Foran. From these years, she has gained not only a vast knowledge of music but an understanding of the value of music education in schools as well.       Growing up...

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Ms. Meghan Condon: Working at home during distance learning. Photo courtesy: Ms. Condon. January 8, 2020.

Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Condon

Bella Mema, Staff Writer | January 14, 2021

     Ms. Meghan Condon, an English teacher for the past seven years, is also responsible for advising the school’s yearbook and coaching the girl’s swim and dive team.       Many students wonder what their future careers may entail, but not Condon. She has known since high school that she...

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Bringing People Together: Staff Writers Bella and Sean watching Jeopardy! together from a distance. Photo Courtesy: Sean Ayoub and Bella Mema, December 7, 2020.

Remembering Alex Trebek

Sean Ayoub and Bella Mema | December 18, 2020

     Alex Trebek, a well-known Canadian-American television personality and 37-year host of Jeopardy!, passed away on November 8, 2020 after battling pancreatic cancer for more than a year. He left a mark on his audience, the impact of which will never fade.       Trebek began his career hosting...

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Mrs. Bethany Gilman: Posed outside the Student Life office, where she now spends most of her time. Photo courtesy: Sean Ayoub. November 5, 2020.

Faculty Spotlight: Mrs. Gilman

Bella Mema and Sean Ayoub | November 12, 2020

     Mrs. Bethany Gilman, who has 18 years of experience in education, has recently taken on a new role within the Foran community as assistant principal. Students will no longer find her teaching social studies, but rather making strides as the newest administrator.       Teaching is a major...

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