BotC: Junior Profile

As November comes to an end and Thanksgiving day vastly approaches, the month finally nears one of the most anticipated annual events here at FTHS: Battle of the Classes! Each year has been host to some truly memorable activities, distinctive apparels and get ups, and above all, class performances in a dance off of epic proportions. As fourteen members of each team prepare for an ultimate battle this year, with some aiming to preserve their defending titles and others wanting to create a solid impression with students, class advisors and participants have been hard at work to showcase their brilliant talent. The juniors, in particular, are looking forward to stunning everyone with a grand spectacle, and are seeking a claim to the top spot!

The junior team participating in BOTC has fourteen contestants: Pat Borromeo, Nicky Schulman, Joel Maragoto, Nic Nasso, Brendan Doel, Evan Savino, Connor Petrula, Melanie Amoroso, Lindsay Messinger, Halle Bascone, Mackenzie Chalfin, Trinity Andrejewski, Athena Gianakouros, and Emily Pillarella.  They are carrying their focused routine from last year’s competition to the 2018 battle, hoping that they leave a mark this year as well.

While some members were unavailable to speak with us at the time of our request, the Patriot Press was able to have a conversation with Athena Giannakouros, Melanie Amoroso, Nic Nasso  and Nick Schulman, who were able to take time out from their busy schedules and discuss their experiences and goals, both as competitors and as a team.

How long have you been on the BOTC team?

• Athena Giannakouros: This is my 2nd year in a row doing BOTC.
• Melanie Amoroso: Three years.
• Nick Schulman: This is my third year in a row doing BOTC.
• Nic Nasso: This is my second year.

Do you think your team is well constructed? Why?

• Athena Giannakouros: Our team is well constructed because we are all very close and have a balanced of personalities. Some are leaders and some are good listeners.
• Melanie Amoroso: Yes, I do think my team is well constructed because we all provide different ideas for the team. Also, everyone is very well rounded and willing to work with each other’s ideas.
• Nick Schulman: Yes, our team is well constructed because we are all very close friends even outside BOTC.
• Nic Nasso: I think my team is very well constructed. We have some football players for the lifts, we have cheerleaders for the dances, and actresses for the skits.

What event are you looking forward to most?

• Athena Giannakouros: I am obviously looking forward to the Lip Sync, but I am also looking forward to the egg toss.
• Melanie Amoroso: The even I am looking forward to the most is the tug of war event. I think this event requires great teamwork and really gets the crowd going.
• Nick Schulman: I am looking forward to the egg toss and lip sync.
• Nic Nasso: I am excited for the lip sync. We impressed a lot of people with it last year, so I’m excited to help my team exceed expectations again.

Do you know the people on the team well? If so, do you think that makes you a better team?

• Athena Giannakouros: I know the people on the team very well and it helped because we are all comfortable with each other.
• Melanie Amoroso: I know the people on my team very well and do think it makes us a better team. Since we have the same group as last year, we are all really good friends and are ready for the win!
• Nick Schulman: I know everyone on the team very well which makes our team a lot better.
• Nic Nasso: Last year being on BOTC brought different personalities together and we mended well. This year, it’s the same team, so as you should assume, we move like soldiers.

What is the best part about being on the Junior BOTC team?

• Athena Giannakouros: The best part of BOTC is being with your friends and coming up with creative ideas!
• Melanie Amoroso: The best part about being on BOTC is growing close to a group of your classmates and working hard to represent your grade well.
• Nick Schulman: The best part about being on BOTC is going out and representing our grade.
• Nic Nasso: The best part about being on BOTC is working with your team and helping each other win.