Posts published in “News”

(Archive September 2018) Plagiarized and Jeopardized: A Warning

By editorialteam on March 5, 2025

By Zach Pavlosky | Editor-in-Chief

Photo by Thomas Hill Jr.
A poster outlining Mount Wachusett Community College’s Academic Honesty Policy, including the definition of plagiarism.

Dean of Students Jason Zelesky and Creative Writing professor Michelle Valois have worked in education long enough to understand the ramifications of plagiarism and have, accordingly, adopted beliefs as to why they think students resort to such an act and how to quell it.

When asked about the severity of plagiarism, Zelesky firmly stated that “It is a form of academic dishonesty and a formal example of cheating.” He said plagiarism can be a “challenging concept” for some professors to tackle due to the different ways that a student could plagiarize. read more

(Archive May 2018) 2018 Job Fair

By editorialteam on March 5, 2025

By Alan Wong | Observer Contributor

Photos by Alan Wong
Stephen Hilton at the 2018 MWCC Job Fair

Brandon Alexander Parker attended the Job Fair March 21st because he did not have a job prior to the fair and saw the opportunity to gain a foothold. He emphasized the atmosphere of the school was the main reason he attended the Job Fair in the first place.

Parker found a company called the National Ecological Observatory Network, a wildlife observatory that watches over animal life and the ecosystem.

Parker chose this job due to the overwhelming support his Aunt which gave Parker the love of nature. This sparked an interest in bird watching, which compelled him to pursue photography. read more

(Archive May 2018) Criminal Justice Student Busts a Criminal

By editorialteam on February 20, 2025

By Alan Wong | Observer Correspondent

The Gardner Police Headquarters, located on Main Street.
Photo by Brianna Stevens

Criminal Justice major, Nathan Oliva completed a one-semester internship recently at the Gardner Police Department for the opportunity to obtain experience he would not have otherwise gotten from being in the school.He said internships are encouraged for all Criminal Justice majors.

Oliva said, “It’s a terrific way to get into the books [at the station] and there’s a possible chance they might even remember you, which is obviously beneficial.” Oliva participated in this internship because it would be on his resume and he needed something to get his foot in the door. read more

(Archive May 2018) The Moral of a Mural

By editorialteam on February 20, 2025

The Art Club Spins Optimism Through Painting

By Elizabeth Jones | Observer Contributor

The completed mural as it sits in the hallway.
Photo by Tom Hill Jr.

Sending a message through art in a year that seemed dominated by tragedy, a mural outside the advising office was created by four members of the art club.

The team began working in January and after an estimated 130 hours, the mural was completed in March.

The in-progress Art Club mural as it was at the beginning of the semester.
Photo by Brianna Stevens

“It is a tribute to all the tragedies of 2017,” said Allyson Bois, Art Club President. She was joined by the Art Club Vice President Camilo Alamares; Treasurer Blake Denmark; and Nicholas Lutz. read more

(Archive May 2018) An Empty Place at the Table

By editorialteam on February 20, 2025

By Alexa Nogueira | Observer Contributor

A table set to honor 22 victims of domestic violence.
Photo by Alexa Nogueira

YWCA(formerly “Young Women’s Christian Association”) Domestic Violence Services arranged a display on April 2 to serve as a remembrance of those who have been victims of domestic violence.

The display remained up for the remainder of the week and can be found in the Arthur F. Haley Academic Center.

According to the YWCA, domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women. But for every story we hear about the victims of domestic violence, there is a seat left empty at the dinner table that no one talks about. This display is a tribute to those who have lost their lives to domestic violence within the past year in Massachusetts and shows seats at the table that have been left behind. read more

(Archive May 2018) Behind the Scenes of Graduation

By editorialteam on February 20, 2025

The Best of Times and Worst of Times

By Michele Walsky | Assistant Editor

Previous graduates show their enthusiasm for the commencement ceremony.
Photo courtesy of MWCC

Congratulations graduates! May 16th is looming near and while the “Pomp and Circumstance” march silhouettes your success, none of this would be possible without the smooth orchestration of the college staff. Yet, even flawless plans go awry.

From academic advisors, alumni and Dean Jason Zelesky, the choreographing A to Z’s involve everyone in between. According to Assistant Dean of Students Greg Clement, it starts with the procession of paperwork in the records office. From there grades are finalized by faculty, and about 100 volunteers collect tickets, control crowds, guide guests, help groom graduates and arrange the reception. read more

(Archive May 2018) Tree Removal Shines a New Light on Parking

By editorialteam on February 20, 2025

By Christine Nelson | Observer Contributor

Clearing behind the Garrison Center began early in the semester, and continues as Summer arrives.
Photo by Brianna Stevens

Alan Cumming is a force behind much of the landscape events and changes to our 296 acres that make up the Gardner campus.

Cumming initiated the idea of removing trees from behind the daycare to solve a variety of problems. The area was attracting a number of different animals, including an “eight-foot long rat snake,” Cumming said. The school was interested in adding light, as well as access to the back of the building. Eliminating some trees also offers added safety, as the police can now see into that area. read more

Know the Protocol, Know Your Rights

By editorialteam on February 14, 2025

College Community Addresses Concerns About ICE

By Desiree Leader | Staff Writer

A “red card”, modeled by a student, listing rights and suggested protocols regarding ICE agents. These can be obtained on-campus through the SGA and the Brewer Center.
Photo by Tom Hill Jr.

Many people at the Mount are expressing concern regarding President Trump’s lift on the 2011 directive which prohibited Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from arresting suspected undocumented immigrants in sensitive places, such as schools and churches. On January 30th, MWCC President Vander Hooven sent out a memo sharing the previously established protocol in case of a visit to the school from outside law enforcement. The memo advised students and staff to refer outside law enforcement officers like ICE to the President immediately. Two weeks later, the college gave the greenlight for on-campus distribution of the “red card,” an informational document on legal and constitutionally protected rights. read more

Out with the Old and In with the New

By editorialteam on February 14, 2025

The Mountain Lion Gets a Makeover Courtesy of Hired Graphic Design Firm School Branding Agency

By Jordan Chila | Editor-in Chief

MWCC started the process of implementing a new mascot in the fall of 2024 with a vision that embodied the school’s mission. Students and faculty were asked to vote on various animals and in the end the mountain lion stuck. However, it did receive a makeover. MWCC Marketing department hired the design firm School Branding Agency to create three options that students voted on between January 27th and 30th. Phase 3 is soon approaching.

The results for the new mascot design were announced February 5, 2025. Design option 1 will be the new face of the school. According to the marketing department, 576 people voted and of those 70% were students. Stephanie England, Director of Marketing, weighed in on student response. She comments, “As of January 30, over 300 students have participated in the voting process, showing just how much they care about shaping MWCC’s mascot.” read more

ESL and ELL Students at MWCC are Making a Significant Impact

By editorialteam on February 14, 2025

By Régulo Moreno | Assistant Editor

English as a second language (ESL) students at MWCC significantly impact the college, other students, their families, and the local economy. Their language skills and cultural knowledge can benefit local businesses and industries; strengthening the region’s economy, particularly in areas like Gardner and Leominster.

Professor Bolaños, Associate Professor of ESL, said, “Being bilingual isn’t just a cool skill to have – it’s a major advantage in today’s job market.” With one out of three students speaking a language other than English, the campus is buzzing with linguistic and cultural diversity. Through specialized programs like ESL for Business and ESL for the Medical Field, MWCC tailors language learning to meet specific professional needs, allowing students to transform bilingualism into a tool for success. read more