Mosaic: By the Students of South Boston High School, 1982 Spring

1982

Mosaic (Boston, Mass.)

This issue of Mosaic addresses a range of topics through interviews conducted by South Boston High School student reporters with South Boston residents, and primarily with residents affiliated with neighborhood stores, organizations, and committees. Terry Krilevich interviews John Connolly of the store Irish Northern Aid about farming and early schooling in Ireland, the history and politics of Northern Ireland, the Gaelic language, and the immigrant experience. Sarith Thlang writes an autobiographical account of the Khmer Rouge detailing conditions in Battambang, Cambodia; separation from his family; his capture by Khmer Rouge soldiers and his eventual escape to Thailand, reunion with family, and immigration to the United States. Michael Abaire interviews Marilyn Hurwitz and John Kulig of the Tufts New England Adolescent Health Program about hesitancy among students to open up to doctors, their uncertainties about whether students will take advantage of the program services, and health education in public schools. Sherran Townsend writes about the Place House, a home for young runaways, and addresses youth counseling, rules of the House, and maintaining trust with residents. Linda LaForge writes about the life experiences of three residents of the Foley Apartments, a residence for the elderly, and addresses a number of issues, including employment, education, personal hardships, retired life, travel, and life in Boston. Andrew Baker writes about the history of Columbia Point in Dorchester and the role the media plays in shaping narratives of the peninsula, as well as the Columbia Point Housing Project, its changing population, and its future. Ted Condo interviews Ray Morrison, a Micmac Indian and president of the Boston Indian Council, about growing up on a reservation in Restigouche, Quebec. They also discuss employment and Indian education, as well as his move to Boston, issues of prejudice, and advocating for Indian rights. Delia Chroniak interviews Boston School Committee member Kevin McCluskey about busing, desegregation, racism, cuts to programs, and curriculum development. This issue also contains more than a dozen photographs from 'The Celebration of Learning' event held at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, as well as student artwork and poetry.