The official student news site of Algonquin Regional High School in Northborough, MA

THE ALGONQUIN HARBINGER
The official student news site of Algonquin Regional High School in Northborough, MA

THE ALGONQUIN HARBINGER
The official student news site of Algonquin Regional High School in Northborough, MA

THE ALGONQUIN HARBINGER
Riya Mahanta

Riya Mahanta, Editor in Chief

Riya began writing for The Harbinger as a News Editor her freshman year after taking Journalism. Ever since she saw her sister’s copy of The Harbinger in 8th grade, she knew she wanted to write for the newspaper. Riya is currently an Editor in Chief although she still enjoys writing pieces in Arts and Entertainment and News. Outside of Harbinger, she writes for three other news outlets. In her free time, she likes to listen to music, specifically Ariana Grande and Drake, play tennis and paint.

All content by Riya Mahanta
Senior Reflection: Navigating the emotional roller coaster that we call high school

Senior Reflection: Navigating the emotional roller coaster that we call high school

Riya Mahanta, Editor-in-Chief
June 3, 2024
Committed Seniors: Round 2

Committed Seniors: Round 2

Jax Jackson, Ellie O’Connor, Gabby Richard, and Riya Mahanta
May 22, 2024
One of the electives Algonquin offers its students is Ceramics. A project they work on in the class is making a bust of a person. In the class, sophomore Axl Whiteman carves the inside of his sculpture on Jan. 4.

Honoring the Arts

Riya Mahanta, Editor-in-Chief
March 26, 2024
Principal Sean Bevan sits down with the Harbinger to discuss Algonquin successes so far, as well as future plans.

Q&A: Bevan proud of ARHS community, excited for spring

Riya Mahanta and Katherine Wu
March 21, 2024
This is a mock-up graphic showing what the new ”A” logo on the center of the stadium field may look like.

New Logo is a Go

Riya Mahanta, Editor-in-Chief
March 13, 2024
Competing at the Gymnastics meet on Jan. 30, 2024, junior Katie Jennings flips off the vault.

Q&A: Gymnastics captains proud of team, league champions

Riya Mahanta, Editor-in-Chief
March 13, 2024
Junior Hendrill Costa throws his opponent onto the floor during the Wrestling meet against Quabbin at Algonquin on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024.

Q&A: Wrestling captain emphasizes team camaraderie

Riya Mahanta, Editor-in-Chief
March 12, 2024
Senior captain Axel Soderquist gets ready to dive off a diving block; the boys' team won their meet on Jan. 8, 2024.

Boys’ swim undefeated, repeat league champions

Riya Mahanta, Editor-in-Chief
March 1, 2024
Student Council is hosting an opportunity for students ages 16 and older to pre-register or register to vote for U.S. elections during all three lunches on Thursday, Feb. 15.

Student Council to provide voter registration during Thursday lunch

Riya Mahanta, Editor-in-Chief
February 14, 2024
New Guidance Counselor Denise Brienze joined ARHS this school year after working at Blackstone-Millville Regional High School as a guidance counselor for the last six years. She is looking forward to supporting students throughout their highschool experience and working with them to create a post-secondary plan.

New guidance counselor works to help students navigate high school

Riya Mahanta, Editor-in-Chief
January 30, 2024

Harbinger’s Hot Seat: Principal Sean Bevan

Riya Mahanta and Katherine Wu
December 20, 2023
The Supreme Court ended Affirmative Action in higher education on June 29, 2023; Contributing Writer Dea Gupta writes that the decision was justified, while Editor-in-Chief Riya Mahanta argues against it.

The Great Debate: Did the Supreme Court make the right decision regarding Affirmative Action?

Riya Mahanta and Dea Gupta
November 30, 2023
Principal Sean Bevan discusses his plans for the school year during a Q&A session on Nov. 7.

Q&A: Bevan reflects on term 1, excited for rest of school year

Riya Mahanta and Katherine Wu
November 29, 2023
Senior captain Kylie Tomasetti kicks the ball at the girls' soccer game against Wachusett on Oct. 25; Algonquin won 4-1.

Q&A: Girls’ soccer captain proud of team, reflects on season

Riya Mahanta, Editor-in-Chief
November 28, 2023
Junior Grace Chiota spikes a ball over two of Canton's blockers during the Division II state semi-final game. Algonquin lost 2-3 against Canton High School.

SLIDESHOW: Girls’ volleyball defeated in close state semi-final game, proud of successful season

Anna Bellville, Ellie O’Connor, and Riya Mahanta
November 20, 2023
Senior captains Garrett Burns, Owen Provencal and Keenan Siao, along with junior Zach Ruthfield, led the boys' soccer team this fall season.

Q&A: Boys’ soccer captain reflects on season, key players

Riya Mahanta, Editor-in-Chief
November 17, 2023
Officer Stephen Sullivan is Algonquin’s new school resource officer, here to help students.

Sullivan looks forward to developing connections with community as new School Resource Officer

Riya Mahanta, Editor-in-Chief
October 10, 2023
The numbered parking spots are on display after a rain storm on Aug. 25. A new policy requires students to park in numbered parking spots beginning Sept. 11.

New numbered parking spots spark mixed student reactions

Katherine Wu and Riya Mahanta
September 7, 2023
Roving Reporter: What are seniors wearing on the first day of school?

Roving Reporter: What are seniors wearing on the first day of school?

Riya Mahanta, Katherine Wu, Ellie O’Connor, Marygrace Sarrasin, CJ Bourbeau, Joceline Giron, Hanne Brabander, Altea Mehillaj, Ananya Pandit, Jeffrey Dratch, and Ava Arcona
September 5, 2023
Principal Sean Bevan shares his thoughts and goals for the 2023-2024 school year.

Q&A: Bevan discusses goals, Gonkplex, parking and more

Katherine Wu and Riya Mahanta
August 31, 2023
Special Education aide Cynthia Calcagni retires after 10 years at Algonquin.

Calcagni retires after a decade of dedication

Riya Mahanta, Editor-in-Chief
June 20, 2023
Students throughout ARHS have began using AI to complete school work, according to a Harbinger survey of 141 respondents, conducted through Google Forms from May 14-18.

[Photo] Artificially Intelligent

June 15, 2023
Senior Cam Jackson lines up to serve during the boys' tennis match on May 19.

Boys’ tennis wins CMASS championship, finishes season strong

Riya Mahanta, Editor-in-Chief
June 8, 2023
Dodging two opponents, AJ Guidi advances up the field at the boys' lacrosse game against Groton-Dunstable (from ARHS Athletics Twitter).

Boys’ lacrosse advances to MIAA round of 16

Riya Mahanta, Editor-in-Chief
June 7, 2023
The Harbinger will be spotlighting seniors who have committed to playing sports at the college level in multiple rounds. These photos were taken during the college signing event on Nov. 22, 2022.

Committed Seniors: Round 1

Riya Mahanta, Ananya Pandit, Marygrace Sarrasin, Katie Hynes, Jeffrey Dratch, Ava Arcona, and Arielle Chin
April 13, 2023
Technology Specialist Clistenes Cabral works on server issues at Algonquin.

Wireless network issues lower classroom productivity, raise frustrations

Riya Mahanta, Managing Editor
March 20, 2023
Class of 2021 alumnus Zach Newbould sang "Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon for his audition on "The Voice." Newbould was a part of Camila Cabello's team.

Newbould competes on ‘The Voice,’ launches music career

Katherine Wu and Riya Mahanta
March 16, 2023
Happy Holidays! As part of our holiday coverage, Managing Editor Riya Mahanta and Online Editor Katherine Wu share five creative gift ideas that won't break the bank.

Top 5 budget-friendly holiday gifts

Katherine Wu and Riya Mahanta
December 20, 2022
Title IX passed 50 years ago, in June 1972. Since then, it has tremendously impacted girls' sports at Algonquin.

50 years later: Title IX’s impact on Algonquin

Riya Mahanta and Katherine Wu
December 8, 2022
Kique sang "Hey Ya!" by Outkast for his energetic knockout performance.

Keeping Up with ‘The Voice’: The Knockouts, Week One

Riya Mahanta and Katherine Wu
November 7, 2022
Taylor Swift's highly anticipated tenth studio album, "Midnights", was released on Oct. 21, 2022.

REVIEW: Taylor Swift explores new sound in ‘Midnights’

Katherine Wu, Riya Mahanta, and Kate Michel
November 3, 2022
Lana Love and Omar Cardona performed the song "Into the Unknown" for their battle.

Keeping Up with ‘The Voice’: The Battles, Week Three

Riya Mahanta and Katherine Wu
October 31, 2022
Jaeden Luke and Bodie sang "As Long As You Love Me” by Justin Bieber. Bodie won the battle, but Luke was stolen by coach Camila Cabello.

Keeping up with ‘The Voice’: The Battles, Week Two

Riya Mahanta and Katherine Wu
October 24, 2022
Dia Malai and Valarie Harding battled with the song "Bust Your Windows" by Jazmine Sullivan.

Keeping up with ‘The Voice’: Final Auditions, First Battles

Riya Mahanta and Katherine Wu
October 17, 2022
Algonquin class of 2021 Alum Zach Newbould sang "Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon for his audition, earning him a spot on team Cabello and third on this week's top five.

Keeping up with ‘The Voice’: The Auditions, Week Three

Katherine Wu and Riya Mahanta
October 10, 2022
Parjita Bastola sang a unique rendition of "Jealous" by Labrinth, earning her a four-chair turn and the top spot on this week's top five.

Keeping up with ‘The Voice’: The Auditions, Week Two

Katherine Wu and Riya Mahanta
October 3, 2022
Season 22 of "The Voice" premiered on Monday, Sept. 19 and Tuesday, Sept. 20.

Keeping up with ‘The Voice’: The Auditions, Week One

Riya Mahanta and Katherine Wu
September 26, 2022
Roving Reporter: First Day of School 2022-2023

Roving Reporter: First Day of School 2022-2023

Ava Arcona, Grace Bouzan, Joceline Giron, Riya Mahanta, Ellie O’Connor, Amelia Sinclair, Sahana Sivarajan, and Katherine Wu
September 13, 2022
Special Education teacher Lisa Klockner retires from Algonquin after this school year.

Klockner retires after helping students rise over challenges

Riya Mahanta, News Editor
June 17, 2022
New Assistant Principal Janet Brown, who enjoys skiing and spending time with her family and dogs, is looking forward to working at Algonquin.

New Assistant Principal excited to join community

Riya Mahanta, News Editor
June 9, 2022
ADL's "A World of Difference" program trains student leaders to create positive change in their communities. They are currently holding workshops in sophomore classes.

[Photo] ADL leaders guide peers in courageous conversations

Luke Utzschneider, Staff Writer
May 22, 2022
Educational Support Professionals provide backbone to learning community

Educational Support Professionals provide backbone to learning community

Grace Bouzan, Zoe Manousos, Marygrace Sarrasin, Brianna Tang, Victoria Andreev, Jessie Lambert, Riya Mahanta, and Yahya Ibrahimi
May 4, 2022
Two Years into the Pandemic: Impact of COVID-19 on community

Two Years into the Pandemic: Impact of COVID-19 on community

Jessie Lambert, Riya Mahanta, and Amy Sullivan
April 26, 2022
After a two year hiatus, the AWC's Write For a Cause event returned to raise money for Ukraine.

AWC’s Write For a Cause Night raises $1,500 for Ukraine

Riya Mahanta, News Editor
April 20, 2022
Building Administrative Assistant Diane Egizi (left) and Administrative Assistant to the principal Michelle Capalbo (right) have been working alongside one another for six years. Capalbo left Algonquin on March 24 to pursue a new job.

Capalbo leaves Algonquin after 15 years of dedication

Riya Mahanta, News Editor
April 7, 2022
The Algonquin APTO begins fundraising for junior and senior post-prom parties.

Help APTO fund post-prom parties

Riya Mahanta, News Editor
March 14, 2022
Vigil attendees hold up signs in support of Mikayla Miller and the Black Lives Matter movement in May 2021.

Pandemic Albums: A trip down memory lane

Riya Mahanta, News Editor
February 18, 2022
First place winner, junior Mariana Oliveira, delivers her second poem "Summer" by Chen Chen in the Poetry Out Loud finals on Jan. 25.

Students compete in Poetry Out Loud Finals

Riya Mahanta, News Editor
February 14, 2022
Roving Reporter: Mascot Vote

Roving Reporter: Mascot Vote

Grace Bouzan, Tisya Singh, Claire Bai, Yahya Ibrahimi, Joceline Giron, Zoe Manousos, Brianna Tang, Victoria Andreev, Tucker Paquette, Marygrace Sarrasin, Riya Mahanta, Andrew Roberts, and Jessie Lambert
February 8, 2022
Team Kelly Clarkson's Girl Named Tom won season 21 of 'The Voice.'

Keeping Up with ‘The Voice’: The Finale

Riya Mahanta and Katherine Wu
January 11, 2022
Assistant News Editor Riya Mahanta and Assistant A&E Editor Katherine Wu review songs from Adele's fourth studio album "30" which was released on Nov. 19.

REVIEW: Adele returns to the music scene with ‘30’

Riya Mahanta and Katherine Wu
January 3, 2022
Team Blake's Wendy Moten sings "You're All I Need to Get By" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.

Keeping up with ‘The Voice’: The Live Shows, Semifinals 

Riya Mahanta and Katherine Wu
December 13, 2021
Hailey Mia of The Voice's Team Kelly Clarkson performs "Peter Pan" by Kelsea Ballerini on Monday, Nov. 29.

Keeping Up with ‘The Voice’: The Live Shows, Week Four

Riya Mahanta and Katherine Wu
December 5, 2021
Assistant News Editors Marygrace Sarrasin and Riya Mahanta and Assistant A&E Editor Katherine Wu write that, although not much different from her original, Taylor Swift's re-release of her album "Red" skillfully utilizes new tones and collaborations.

REVIEW: Taylor Swift’s ‘Red (Taylor’s Version)’ shows artistic growth

Riya Mahanta, Marygrace Sarrasin, and Katherine Wu
December 1, 2021
New interim Assistant Principal Ron Sudmyer poses in his office on Friday, Nov. 12.

New Interim Assistant Principal hopes to leave impact despite short time at Algonquin

Riya Mahanta, Assistant News Editor
November 29, 2021
Joshua Vacanti from Team Legend delivers a powerful and theatrical cover of "The Show Must Go On" by Freddie Mercury during the third week of the Live Shows.

Keeping Up with ‘The Voice’: The Live Shows, Week Three

Riya Mahanta and Katherine Wu
November 28, 2021
Sibling trio "Girl Named Tom" weaves together enchanting harmonies in their cover of "Dust in the Wind" by Kansas during the second week of the Lives.

Keeping up with ‘The Voice’: The Live Shows, Week Two

Riya Mahanta and Katherine Wu
November 21, 2021
Seniors Kristina Callahan, and Lindsey Stone cheer with the rest of the cheerleaders during the football game on Oct. 22.

Cheer adapts to mascot change, encourages crowd to do the same

Riya Mahanta, Assistant News Editor
November 20, 2021
Jeremy Rosado covers "When I Was Your Man" by Bruno Mars during the first week of the Live Shows.

Keeping up with ‘The Voice’: The Live Shows, Week One

Riya Mahanta and Katherine Wu
November 15, 2021
Jershika Maple covers "Inseparable" by Natalie Cole in the second week of Knockouts on The Voice.

Keeping up with ‘The Voice’: The Knockouts, Week Two

Riya Mahanta and Katherine Wu
November 7, 2021
Libianca sings "everything i wanted" by Billie Eilish during the first week of Knockouts on The Voice.

Keeping up with ‘The Voice’: The Knockouts, Week One

Riya Mahanta and Katherine Wu
November 1, 2021
Assistant News editor Riya Mahanta and Assistant A&E editor Katherine Wu rank their top 5 favorite battles of the latest episode of "The Voice".

Keeping up with ‘The Voice’: The Battles

Riya Mahanta and Katherine Wu
October 25, 2021
Operation Tomahawk members gather at Northborough resident Tim Kelleher's home to prepare meals for local responders.

Operation Tomahawk starts school year strong, looks ahead to future

Riya Mahanta, Assistant News Editor
October 22, 2021
What used to be a busy time in the morning for the gold office, is now completely empty, possibly due to the new attendance policy.

New policy incentivizes attendance

Riya Mahanta, Assistant News Editor
September 24, 2021
Roving Reporter: First Day of School 2021-2022

Roving Reporter: First Day of School 2021-2022

Ben Schanzer, Riya Mahanta, Priya Maraliga, Sophia Murray, Sahana Sivarajan, Jula Utzschneider, Juliette Piovoso, Zoe Manousos, Katherine Wu, Joceline Giron, Marygrace Sarrasin, and Jessie Lambert
September 15, 2021
Assistant News Editor Riya Mahanta writes that Doja Cat's album 'Planet Her' is filled with catchy bops that showcase her personality.

REVIEW: Doja Cat’s ‘Planet Her’ allows personality to shine through

Riya Mahanta, Assistant News Editor
July 5, 2021
Here are the top 5 articles from the News section during the 2020-2021 school year.

A look back at News

Ben Schanzer and Riya Mahanta
June 23, 2021
This is the semester one schedule for the 2021-2022 school year, assuming that the current COVID-19 restrictions still apply to schools.

Administration revamps schedule for next school year

Riya Mahanta, Assistant News Editor
June 18, 2021
Chick-Fil-A leadership academy students checked people into the race and gave the runners a free shirt thanking them for their donation.

Algonquin raises money for the New England Center for Children through 5K

Riya Mahanta, Assistant News Editor
June 9, 2021
Roving Reporter: Mascot Reactions

Roving Reporter: Mascot Reactions

Riya Mahanta, Assistant News Editor
May 27, 2021
Sophomore Elly Beauchesne gets low to receive a ball from her opponent.

Girls’ tennis falls short to AMSA in tough match

Riya Mahanta, Assistant News Editor
May 24, 2021
Algonquin provides a space in the wrestling gym to pray for students participating in the festival of Ramadan.

Wrestling gym converted to prayer space for students during Ramadan

Riya Mahanta, Assistant News Editor
May 18, 2021
Robotics club members play with a Rasberry Pi powered robot that's designed to move around a course. Sophomore Shivnath Shankar and freshman Jon Wang work together to keep the robot on its course.

Robotics team operates successfully during COVID

Riya Mahanta, Assistant News Editor
May 11, 2021
Around 500 people gathered in the Hopkinton Town Common on May 6 to remember the life of Mikayla Miller.

Hundreds gather in Hopkinton after death of 16-year-old Mikayla Miller

Ben Schanzer and Riya Mahanta
May 10, 2021
Staff Writer Riya Mahanta argues that by having to learn remotely on snow days, students are not given a necessary break from spending time on screens.

If the snow doesn’t stop, why should snow days?

Riya Mahanta, Staff Writer
February 1, 2021
Solar panels were installed at the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year in an effort to save money on electricity and address energy conservation at Algonquin.

ARHS combats climate change through energy conservation projects

Riya Mahanta and Zoe Manousos
January 31, 2021
Throughout quarantine, junior Amanda Crain has been tailoring and sewing clothes from thrift stores to sell in her small business.

Junior sells self sewn styles

Riya Mahanta, Staff Writer
December 21, 2020
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The official student news site of Algonquin Regional High School in Northborough, MA
Riya Mahanta