Freshman Spotlight: Northeast Metro Tech Students Bring Teacher’s Coming-of-Age Novel to Life in Heartfelt Performance

WAKEFIELD — A Northeast Metro Tech freshmen 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 coming-of-age novel “To The Top of Greenfield 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 effects, and dramatic techniques.

The event culminated in a touching moment as students presented Standley with flowers, 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 Giselle Benitez Valdivieso, of Chelsea; George Berry, of Revere; Donald Cahill, of Reading; Alexis Caraballo, of Wakefield; Sofia DeCarvalho, of Woburn; Thomas Forestier, of Revere; Michael Fronduto, of Saugus; Ashley Gutierrez Calix, of Chelsea; Jacqueline Hernandez Santos, of Chelsea; Christian Hernandez, of Saugus; Gabrielle Jason, of Wakefield; Jack Johnson, of Woburn; Isabella Mezikofsky, of Wakefield; Dominic Pineda, of Revere; Ava Quiles, of Saugus; Peyton Reynolds, of Stoneham; Luke Rhuda, of Melrose; Amanda Rocha, of Woburn, and Ava Viola, of Wakefield. 

“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, reflecting on past experiences, and growing through difficult 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 definitely 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.”

“Mr. Standley and I are very proud of our students for turning this event into a memorable grand finale to both our unit of study and the academic year,” said Laurie Leone. 

“I’m thankful for this opportunity and so proud of how the students responded. They really came together during both the performance and the reading of the book. It was fun to see which scenes of the book resonated with them,” said Ryan Standley. “Hopefully this assignment will be a lasting memory. I’ll never forget the shocked looks on their faces on the day Ms. Leone and I handed out the books. One student said, ‘Mr Standley, this writer has the same name as you!’”

“I was excited to learn we have a nationally published author right here in our midst at Northeast Metro Tech, and I knew our talented faculty could turn that opportunity into something really special for students,” said Superintendent DiBarri. “I want to thank Laurie Leone and Ryan Standley for creating this truly outstanding learning opportunity for students.”