Ross Colton: From Robbinsville to the NHL
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MARCH 2021 EDITION
Ross Colton: From Robbinsville to the NHL
By Abby Moir
On February 24, Ross Colton, the 24-year old
Robbinsville native, made his National Hockey League
debut with the Tampa Bay Lightning. And, at 6:43 mark
of the opening period, Colton scored his first NHL goal
against the Carolina Hurricanes, making him just the
ninth player in team history to score a goal in his NHL
debut.
“It didn’t feel real when I scored,” Colton said. “Sounds
cliché but I think after I scored I blacked out and didn’t
know how to react because I was so excited. The best
part was that my parents, brother, cousin, aunt,
grandmother and two best friends were all there to see it
happen in person. So, just to be able to experience that
with them is something we will all be able to remember
forever.”
Colton first became interested in hockey by going to
Trenton Titans games when he was young.
Colton went to school in Robbinsville from grades 1
“ I fell in love with the game watching them and the to 8 before attending Princeton Day School. After
New Jersey Devils,” he said. two years, he transferred to The Taft School in
Connecticut.
Colton and his brother Robert would try to go to as
many Devils games as they could, where Ross’ favorite “It hit me that I would have a good shot of playing in
player was Zach Parise. college when I was a freshman at PDS,” Colton said.
“I started to get emails and calls from Division 1
Colton started skating at the age of four when his schools.. I always dreamed of playing pro but that
parents signed him up him to learn how to skate. He really clicked when I was drafted by Tampa Bay that
still skates with his long-time coach Chris Barcless at I was going to have a good shot at my dream.”
IceLand in Hamilton, where he competed for the Mercer
Continued on next page→
Chiefs from 2009 to 2012.
1
What is your favorite place to eat in Jersey?
“Favorite place to eat is JoJo’s Tavern in Hamilton. My
go to order is an antipasto salad, wings and a sausage
pizza. The best pizza around if you ask me.”
What is a standout moment you remember about
growing up in Robbinsville?
“A special moment growing up in Robbinsville was
winning the 10-year-old All Star State championship for
baseball. I’m still close with a bunch of guys who I
played with on the team and get together as much as we
can every summer when I come home.”
Who was your favorite teacher or one that still
stands out to you?
“One of my favorite teachers growing up was my 3rd
grade teacher Mrs. Zahn. We would always tease each
other because she was a huge Philadelphia Flyers fan
and I loved the Devils. She congratulated me along with
He then transferred a final time his senior year to go
Mr. Johnson, Mr. Snyder, Mr. Revay and Mrs. Oszvart
play junior hockey in Cedar Rapids Iowa. He attended all of whom were some of my favorites during my time
Cedar Rapids Washington High School, where he at Sharon and Pond.”
graduated. After high school Ross went on to play
hockey for the University of Vermont for two years
before he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in
2016 as the #118 overall pick.
“I definitely feel as though I have come a long way,” he
says. “I dreamed of this moment as a 4-year-old skating
at Iceland and the moment I stepped on the ice for my
first shift it hit me that my dream came true. Myself
along with my mom and dad all sacrificed so much
throughout the years for me to get here and to see it
finally pay off was an incredible feeling. I wouldn’t be
where I am today without the support of my family so I
give all the credit to my mom, dad and brother.”
Here are some more questions Ross has kindly answered
about growing up in Robbinsville: It’s safe to say that Colton has come a long way since
growing up in Robbinsville. He still hasn’t forgotten
Out of New Jersey, Vermont, New York and Florida where he came from and Robbinsville sure hasn’t
which is your favorite state? forgotten him. So, make sure to watch out for number 79
“They all have their perks. I would have to say Florida for the Tampa Bay Lightning because he is proof that we
because of the weather. Just the other day I was laying can all reach our dreams.
by the pool getting a tan. I don’t think I could do that in
New Jersey or Vermont in the middle of winter!”
2
Spirit Week
Check out the RHS staff and students showing their spirit!
3
Ravens Go Back to School
By Ava Goodman
As March kicked off, hundreds of RHS students With these safety measures, Robbinsville High
walked proudly through the doors and into the School has been able to provide its students with
commons, heading back to school for five days a high-caliber education while also ensuring they
week for the first time this school year. After nearly remain safe.
a year of virtual school, students were finally able
to regain a sense of normalcy. With this change in schedule, teachers have had to
juggle students in person and remote. However, in
With many students in person from 7:30am to true Robbinsville fashion, teachers continue to work
11:45am, the previously desolate hallways now hard to make sure students in and out of school are
buzz with excitement. With this excitement also still learning. With a lot of courage and a bit of
comes appropriate safety protocols that the strength, the district’s staff is working hard to make
Robbinsville administration and the CDC have put the rest of what has seemed to be an uneasy year a
into place. The school has direction signs in memorable and fun experience. In the midst of
hallways, ensuring they do not become trying times, Robbinsville High School is doing a
overcrowded, one person to bathroom rules and great job pushing the school forward in a safe and
social distancing. effective way.
4
Wrestling Season Starts off With a Bang
The Robbinsville High School wrestling team started The returning senior team captains are Drake
their season off with a bang on March 1st. Rather than Torrington and Shailen Savur. Both are reigning
starting in late November like it normally does, the Mercer County Tournament and District champions.
team's season was pushed to the beginning of March. Torrington is committed to wrestle for TCNJ, and
Since wrestling is a very close contact sport, Savur is going to wrestle at Wesleyan University. The
COVID-19 has affected their practices in many ways. team’s successes would not be possible without their
According to senior Shailen Savur, “Masks are worn amazing coaches: Sean Flynn, Brian Dempsey, and
during practices, and the time is split between lifting Daniel Hughes. Their tireless effort has led past teams
weights and wrestling.” Half the team wrestles while to many victories.
the other half of the team works out in the Black Box.
This allows for less people to be on the mats and makes “Without a doubt, I’m never going to forget the
for safer practices. feeling of home I get from coaches Flynn, Dempsey
and Hughes everyday in the wrestling room,” said
Fortunately, the team's lineup for this year is extremely Torrington. “I am going to miss that the most when I
strong. In previous years, the team lost matches due to leave Robbinsville.”
forfeits. However, this season’s lineup is particularly
strong because there are several talented freshmen
joining the squad. The team’s first match was against
Hamilton West on March 16th, and their most
anticipated matches will be against Hightstown and
Hopewell Valley. Along with the newcomers, there are
many returning wrestlers who are excited to get back
on the mats!
By Shreya Savur
5
February Teacher of the Month:
Señorita Brooks
Congratulations!
Here are some things Ms. Brooks’s students Here are some things you should know about
had to say about her: Ms. Brooks:
“She always makes sure we understand the lessons and
keeps in check the amount of homework, so no student What inspired you to become a teacher?
is too stressed out.” “After college, I worked in education research and
managed a team of data collectors who worked with
“Because she truly cares a lot and understands how hard bilingual students. I had this feeling that I was ‘on the
this year has been on all of her students. I really wrong side of the glass.’ I wanted to work directly with
appreciate how hard she tries to make her class (and the students. While I went to college for Spanish,
school in general) enjoyable for all her students.” psychology, and art, my favorite part-time jobs were
always working with children at the YMCA, day camps
“I really like Srta. Brooks because she teaches really and more. I loved making personal connections with
well and I'm able to understand Spanish a lot better kids and creating a warm, supportive environment
because of her.” where they could grow. So, I decided to make a career
of it!”
What do you enjoy most about being a teacher?
“I still love the personal connections I get to make with
students as a teacher; I love feeling like a trusted adult
that students know they can rely on for any kind of
support, academic, social or emotional. I love my team
of colleagues. I also love planning lessons and
developing interdisciplinary content; it has always been
my creative outlet.”
What’s your favorite thing to do in your spare time?
“Train and play with my puppy, Bear. I also love
horseback riding, walking, running, listening to the
news, cooking and talking with friends on the phone.”
Anything else you want to say to the Robbinsville
students and staff?
“It is a pleasure to work with the talented women in the
World Language Department and I feel so lucky to
work at a school with such motivated students and
supportive administration.”
Interview by Himasri Cheerla
Photo by Luke Szkudlapski
6
Gender Equality Club
By Mia Lawrence
If you’ve tuned into Raven Time at any point this
month, chances are you’ve learned about some
awesome women in history whose stories haven’t been
told nearly enough. This is all courtesy of the Gender
Equality Club here at RHS. This club is dedicated to
the pursuit of equality for all, and that starts with
educating and making changes in our own community.
The Gender Equality Club’s biggest fundraiser in the
past has been the International Women’s Day bake sale
but due to COVID-19, that was not possible this year.
With lots of hard work, the GEC has found other ways
to emphasize the importance of equality and celebrate
Women’s History Month, such as the videos in the
morning announcements. They have also held many What do you hope to accomplish with this club this
discussion about various issues, and even held a movie year and in the future?
night on March 13th to watch Moxie, a movie about a
group of high school girls who start a club to call out Maitri: “Our goal is to help and support people of
and combat the sexism they see in their school. gender-based discrimination, or discrimination due to
any other aspect of their identity, in Robbinsville and
The Raven Report reached out to Maitri Shah, the across the world. We hope to continue to engage
president of the Gender Equality Club, to hear what members of our community in conversations about
she has to say about the club this year. social issues relating to feminism. Throughout this
year, our club has been learning about various social
Why is this club important to our school? problems with the hopes that club members acquire the
skills they need to grow into active, educated,
Maitri: “Gender Equality Club promotes intersectional responsible citizens in their communities. In the future,
feminism and its values. We focus on discussing topics we aim to expand our reach in the Robbinsville
relating to prevalent social issues, sources of community through various fundraisers and events.”
oppression, and people’s fight for equity, especially on
the basis of gender. Our club provides a safe and If you’re interested in joining the Gender Equality
respectful learning environment where anyone can Club, the Google Classroom code is zxrx3zy.
freely express their opinions and voice their Also, give them a follow on Instagram
experiences. We recognize and accept that people @rvillegenderequality.
make mistakes, and our main goal is to help each other Remember, everyone is welcome, and as Maitri said, it
grow.” truly is a safe space to learn while making a positive
impact on our community.
7
RHS Swim Team Swims Virtually
By Anusha Qaisar & Hima Thummala
While the world shifts to a virtual environment, so
has the Robbinsville High School Swim team. In
lieu of the typical in person swim meets, where
hundreds of students from all over New Jersey
come together and compete, this year, the
Robbinsville High School swim team has been
competing in virtual swim meets. Junior Gowri
Madhu, a varsity swimmer, explained how these
virtual meets happen, “All our meets are virtual,
meaning instead of meeting the other team at the
same pool, both teams swim at their own
individual pools. Then after both teams swim, we
compare the times from all the races to determine
the winner. So instead of having the swimmers Although COVID has taken away many
from the other team in the same pool as us, they memorable experiences of a typical season, the
swim at their own respective pool.” RHS swim team has adapted to these new
circumstances and continues to try new things to
make the unique swim season as memorable and
Despite the unusual circumstances, the swim team
productive as possible.
has done very well. Recently, the girls beat
Nottingham 121-45, and the boys won, 103-63. Senior team captain, Victoria Cheung, told the
Many swimmers on the team also broke records: Raven Report about her most memorable
experience from this year: “One of my favorite
Luke Brennan (freshman): 500 yard freestyle & memories from this season is dry land practices.
We never really did dry land in previous years, so
200 yard individual medley
it’s great to be able to work out of the water
again.” She also adds that she “loves the friendly
Luke Brennan (freshman), Lian Gray (junior), competitions we have with each other. Even if
Shreyas Pilla (junior), Pranav Kushnoor we’re exhausted and drenched with sweat from the
(junior): 400 freestyle relay workouts, it's always a good time because we’re all
suffering together!” This season has certainly
Megan Dera (freshman): 100 yard butterfly shown that even COVID can’t stop the RHS swim
team!
8
Catching Up with the Fishers
Interview by Ella Moir, an 8th grade guest writer from PRMS
1) How did you guys meet? 5) Have you started teaching Killian soccer?
Mrs. Fisher: “We met when I was a freshman at Mercer Mr. Fisher: “We just signed him up for a few soccer
County College and we both played soccer. It’s pretty classes. It’s more about going out running around and
cool now how we both met on the soccer field and we having fun. We have soccer balls all around the house.
are now teaching in the same school district both I’ll kick them around and sometimes he’ll kick them
coaching soccer.” around. He’s really into trucks and trains and all those
things right now. Soccer I think is an afterthought in
2) Who is the better soccer player? his mind right now but we’ll see how he likes his
Mr. Fisher: “Mrs. Fisher always says that she’s never classes.”
had a really good touch and she was all speed which I
don’t think is necessarily true, but with her, you would 6) Who changes more diapers?
tend to think that I would be the better soccer player.” Mr. Fisher: “I change some diapers, I try to do my
part, but Mrs. Fisher definitely changes more diapers
Mrs. Fisher: “Mr. Fisher was definitely the better soccer than me. I think Killian prefers Mrs. Fisher changing
player. We compete a lot now in things like tennis and him rather than me.”
even at home he’ll try to meg me all the time, so I
would definitely say that he’s the better soccer player Mrs. Fisher: “Probably. He probably wants nobody to
because my touch was not very good but I made up for change his diapers now but the answer would
it in speed.” definitely be me.”
3) Are you fans of the same sports teams?
Mr. Fisher: “I think yes we are but I think mostly
because she sees me. She’ll pretty much always say that
my mood changes if they win or lose, so I think she
prefers when they win because then I’m in a better
mood and everything will go a lot more pleasant at
home. She watches the games with me but there have
definitely been some times where she’s said good
things about the opposing players and I look and say
“no we don’t like that guy.” For the most part, we are
pretty much in sync with who we root for.”
Mrs. Fisher: “I can’t not cheer for his teams too. I think
that’s the easiest way of saying it. But I also enjoy
watching it. I’ll cheer for the teams, and get into it
because it gives me more of a reason to watch it if I’m
rooting for Man U or the Jets.”
9
Emma: A Pop Musical!
By Shreya Savur
In past years, Robbinsville High School has put on a
number of crowd pleasing performances such as The
Drowsy Chaperone, Beauty and the Beast, and Guys &
Dolls, a show that the hard working cast and crew were
unable to perform due to the start of quarantine. However,
this year, the production staff refused to let COVID stop
another musical. In early April, Robbinsville High School
will be presenting the show Emma: A Pop Musical. Emma
is a musical based off of Jane Austen’s classic novel of the
same name. The musical retells the classic novel in a high
school setting and features unforgettable hits from the 70s,
80s, and 90s!
Since the show cannot be performed live, the production Ava Blando, Bella Riether, and Kate Myers
staff was presented with the challenge of putting together a perform Man I Feel Like a Woman
virtual musical. When director, Brian Williams, was asked
what was especially difficult about producing a virtual This show has been a lot of work, but it is definitely
musical, he responded, “Literally everything, but we have worth it! Both stage managers and directors express their
such a creative and amazing team that we have cleared gratitude to be able to work with amazing people on the
most obstacles.” This could not be more true! show. Ashley Spilatore said, “I am extremely proud of
every little thing we have done this year. The incredible
amounts of time and effort that have gone into this show
blows me away!” Mr. Williams, similarly, said, “This
show is incredibly impressive and I am so lucky to have
a cast and crew who are capable of putting in the hard
work to make this show happen regardless of COVID
restrictions!” While professional theatres remain dark,
this virtual production shows that theatre can always
thrive—no matter the circumstances.
Putting together this virtual production has been very time
consuming for the production staff. According to Stage The cast, crew, and staff should be very proud of the
Manager, Ashley Spilatore, “Mr. Williams has spent wonderful show they helped create! So don’t forget to
around 80 hours mixing songs for this show.” He has been show your support by watching the show on
completing all of this work on his own time. And this is Saturday, April 3rd and Friday, April 9th. Go to:
not even all of it! Kat Nitti and Mr. Williams spent another https://www.broadwayondemand.com/series/oVg
80 hours working on the first act of the show, and the W069CTaCP-emma-a-pop-musical--robbinsville-
dance captains, Kaleigh Rejent, Rafael Ferreira, and Ava high-school (or click here) to purchase a
Malkin, have spent countless hours choreographing and streaming pass for your entire family!
teaching the dances to the cast.
10Theater in our Schools Month
By Shreeya Iyer
The artistic world harbors some of the most resilient and Drama Club Vice President Sara Myers has undertaken a
optimistic members of all of our communities, be it fascinating project: one demonstrating the adaptability of us
international, national, or at home, in Robbinsville, New humans, and how to reclaim ourselves and what we may have
Jersey. The world of art is characterized by its adaptability lost because of the pandemic. The Raven Report reached out to
and its ability to accommodate ever-changing values, beliefs, Sara for a short interview about her project.
and global situations. The effects on art of no past global
situation, however, have resembled those of the current What sparked this idea for your project?
COVID-19 pandemic. Performances conducted via ZOOM “The catalyst for this project was essentially our current
were previously almost unheard of, but now have become situation as not only students of the arts, but as teenagers in
commonplace in the world of art. RHS’s very own drama general. The constant need to be adaptable and on our feet was
department presented a beautiful virtual production of Romeo truly the inspiration behind the piece.”
and Juliet-- the first of its kind, at this school.
What is one thing you want all of your viewers to take away
March is Theater in our Schools Month, for which the drama from your final product?
club is actively emphasizing the crucial role of a “The big takeaway I want viewers to leave with is that, no
comprehensive theater education in students’ overall matter what life throws your way, there will always be a
academic performance, through a campaign titled: Power the solution. Creativity will always be a way, not out, but through.”
Change. As they mention on their social media, their troupe
goal for this year is to “promote adaptability through the
resilience shown in theater and those who produce it in their
efforts to keep art alive during the pandemic.” They have
been posting facts emphasizing the positive effects of theater
education on their Instagram (@rvilledrama) every day, and
have tirelessly worked to keep theater alive in the walls of
RHS. President of the Drama Club, Gabriella Natale, says
that “Through hardships, we find our greatest inspiration. No
matter what challenges we may face art can still be created
and still send a message to the world around us. It’s our time
to use our voice and our creativity to show the world what
we’re made of.” What are the challenges you’ve faced, or anticipate that
you’ll face when putting together your project?
“The challenges I’ve faced so far have been narrowing down my
ideas because of everything I want to show. We’ve all been
through so much, so choosing the specifics on how theater has
helped me is such a broad task. Without the arts during this
pandemic, I’m honestly not sure how I would’ve persevered.”
What is the main goal of this project?
“The main goal of this project is to express the ways in which
the arts have allowed us to power through such a rough journey,
and to show viewers that there really is no one way to solve your
problems.”
11Teachers’ Top Three
The inside scoop on what the RHS staff is watching
By Shreeya Iyer
Mrs. Bella:
2. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987) - “Are you
ready to laugh nonstop? John Hughes, wrote, produced
1. Godfather II (1974) “is a superbly written American
and directed this laugh a minute comedy. This film stars
epic crime film with many storylines and serves as the
John Candy and Steve Martin - two of the most funny
prequel and sequel to The Godfather (1972). The movie is
men ever! Martin, a high-strung marketing executive,
adapted from the 1969 novel written by Mario Puzo about
and Candy, a shower curtain ring salesman, share a
the Corleone family who came to be one of the leading
three-day odyssey of misadventures trying to get Martin
crime families in America. This three plus hour movie tells
home to Chicago in time for Thanksgiving with his
the story of Vito Corleone who came to America from Italy
family. Funny! Funny! Funny!”
as a young teen to avoid being killed by the man who
killed his father and how he rose to become one of the
most powerful ‘Mafia dons’ on the East Coast. Juxtaposed
in the storyline is Corleone’s son, Michael, who eventually
leads the family business after his father Vito retires and
how he takes the family business to the next level. There
are many storylines and roles played by Al Pacino, Robert
De Niro, James Cann, and Diane Keaton are outstanding.
It’s a movie about power, control, and family. One of my
favorite lines from the movie is, “There are many things
my father taught me here in this room. He taught me: keep
your friends close, but your enemies closer.” (Michael
Corleone.) I’ve watched this film over 50 times and it
never gets old.”
3. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) “is black and white film
based on the book of the same title written by Harper
Lee. Faithful to the Pulitzer Prize winning book, this is a
powerful story of racism and bigotry in the 1930s Deep
South, which still resonates today. Gregory Peck stars as
Atticus Finch, a respected lawyer, who defends a black
man named Tom Robinson (Brock Peters) against
fabricated rape charges. I’ve watched the movie and read
the book countless times, and in January of 2020 I was
lucky to see the play on Broadway. Ed Harris did an
outstanding job playing the role of Atticus Finch.”
Continued on next page →
12Mr. Alm: Mrs. Kanagawa:
Schitt's Creek - “The character development and Top 3 TV shows:
growth throughout the series is addicting to watch. The
1. Criminal Minds
dialogue is harsh but honest. The father-son-daughter
combo of Eugene, Daniel, and Sarah Levy along with 2. Blue Bloods
Catherine O'Hara is gold.”
3. The Office
Derek - “Anything Ricky Gervais creates I will
watch(creator of The Office). A show about caring for Top 3 movies:
others and loving what you do. It's sincere and
1.Sound of Music
hilarious.”
2. Mu Lan
Westworld - “A fantastic sci-fi show that asks the
inevitable question we will face, Do robots have rights 3. Spirited Away
like humans? A wild west setting that quickly reveals a
futuristic world where you can do anything you want.
Full attention to the show is required.”
Mr. Hutchinson:
Top 3 Shows
1. The Simpsons
2. Any sports game
3. Curb Your Enthusiasm
Top 3 Movies
1. Saving Private Ryan
2. Pleasantville
3. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
13Meet our February Student of the Month: Evan Wille
Congratulations Evan!
How long have you lived in
Robbinsville?
“Since 2014.”
What is your favorite class?
“History.”
What is your favorite club?
“Play Unified.”
Favorite thing about being a Raven?
“Seeing my friends and teachers.”
What is your favorite TV Show?
“Star Wars the Clone Wars.”
What is your favorite movie?
“The Avengers.”
Who is your favorite artist?
Describe yourself in 5 words or less:
“Bruce Springsteen.”
“Smart, helpful, a good friend.”
What is your favorite color?
What are you planning to do after high
“Blue.”
school?
Tell me something about yourself many “Probably do something with music.”
people don’t know about you:
“That I am afraid of guinea pigs.”
Interview by Abby Moir
14Poll Results
What is the best local pizza place?
What is your favorite place to get dessert?
What is the best meal?
Poll by Aubrey Strand
15Meet the Crew!
Credits Reporters and Photographers
Exec Board Ava Blando Hailey Harrison Shreya Savur
Christina Brannigan Shreeya Iyer Ryan Smith
Mia Lawrence
Himasri Cheerla Maryam Khan Luke Szkudlapski
Ava Goodman Ravinderpal Chopra Abhinav Kotapati Hima Thummala
Aubrey Strand Reshika Elavarasan Johnny Pancari Natalie Villegas
Anusha Qaisar
Abby Moir
If you’re interested in joining the Raven Report
Advisor: Crew or writing a guest article, please contact
Mr. Lerner Mia Lawrence @22LawrenceM@rvilleschools.org
Follow the Raven Report on Social Media!
Instagram: @rvilleravenreport
Twitter: @RvilleRavenReport
YouTube: The Raven Report
16You can also read
