Page 8 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2025 Freshman Spotlight: Northeast Metro Tech students bring teacher’s coming-of-age novel to life in heartfelt performance Special to Th e Advocate A Northeast Metro Tech freshman English class read a novel written by their teacher and then turned the book into a heartfelt short play that they performed earlier this year, using the opportunity to show off their literary skills, dramatic talents and deep understanding of the story’s themes. Teacher Ryan Standley wrote the comingof-age novel “To the Top of Greenfi eld Street,” which was published in 2020. The book, which is now available from booksellers nationwide, tells the story of a teenage boy growing up in the 1990s in a small town in northern Illinois. English Teacher Laurie Leone learned about the book while discussing it with Superintendent David DiBarri, who proposed incorporating the book into the curriculum. “Superintendent DiBarri was interested in the idea that we had an actual author in our midst, and he saw it as a unique scenario and opportunity,” Leone said. Leone and Standley collaborated to create a curriculum around the book and had 19 students in a freshman English class read and analyze the book. Students then crafted a play through character analysis, scene development and creative interpretation, selecting favorite chapters, adapting scripts and crafting engaging performances that captured the essence of Standley’s work. The students immersed the audience in the struggles and triumphs of teenage life by incorporating props, sound eff ects and dramatic techniques. The event culminated in a touching moment as students presented Standley with fl owers, followed by an insightful author Q&A, where audience members were able to explore his inspiration and writing journey. A true celebration of literature, storytelling and student creativity, the performance was met with enthusiasm and admiration, marking a memorable day in the classroom. Students participating in the play were George Berry, Thomas Forestier and Dominic Pineda of Revere; Donald Cahill of Reading; Sofi a DeCarvTeacher Ryan Standley (at left with fl owers) was thanked by stu dents and staff after a performance of a play based on the book “To the Top of Greenfi eld Street,” which Standley wrote. Following the play, students engaged in an insightful Q&A with Standley about his inspiration and writing journey. (Photo Courtesy Northeast Metro Tech) alho, Jack Johnson and Amanda Rocha of Woburn; Ashley Gutierrez Calix, Giselle Benitez Valdivieso and Jacqueline Hernandez Santos of Chelsea; Michael Fronduto, Christian Hernandez and Ava Quiles of Saugus; Gabrielle Jason, Alexis Caraballo, Ava Viola and Isabella Mezikofsky of Wakefi eld; Peyton Reynolds of Stoneham; and Luke Rhuda of Melrose. “A big theme in ‘To the Top of Greenfield Street’ is that personal growth comes from empathy and facing challenges, having self-awareness, and stepping outside your comfort zone,” said Dominic Pineda, of Revere. “This message has impacted me because it made me realize the importance of being more aware of others’ feelings and perspectives. It taught me that maturity comes not just from overcoming challenges, but also from listening, refl ecting on past experiences, and growing through diffi cult situations.” “‘To the Top of Greenfield Street’ teaches the reader about learning to take care of yourself and just be yourself when making friends. Eric also learns to defend himself, and although he’s insecure about his body, he always seems to carry self-respect,” said Giselle Benitez Valdivieso, of Chelsea. “These are defi nitely lessons that I can relate to in life and in school. It’s good to meet new people but always have boundaries and respect yourself.” TECH STUDENTS | SEE Page 14 Student actors and staff from Northeast Metro Tech joined together after students in Laurie Leone and Ryan Standley’s English class performed a play that was based on a book written by Standley. (Photo Courtesy Northeast Metro Tech)
9 Publizr Home