Bonamo feels fortunate to take helm as principal

Classic

Vol. 25 No. 1 October 2008





The





Townsend Harris High School at Queens College 149-11 Melbourne Avenue, Flushing, NY 11367





Bonamo feels ‘fortunate’ Founders’ Day mixes

to take helm as principal tradition, surprises

by Shelby Hecht the Roll Call. According

Founders’ Day, the to Assistant Principal of

annual event that celebrates Humanities Susan Getting, this

Harris history and welcomes tradition will not end, though it

incoming students, will take will be kept more in line with

place on Friday, October 24 the purpose of Founders’ Day,

in Colden Auditorium on the and will be different than it has

Queens College campus. been in the past years. “All I

Unique to this year’s can say is that there will be a

Founders’ Day, there will be Roll Call,” she said.

a ceremony passing the torch Another tradition is for

from just-retired principal seniors to perform a parody at

Thomas Cunningham to new the assembly, usually a musical

principal Kenneth Bonamo. parody. This year, however,

There will also be a multimedia the seniors are presenting

photo by Sharmin Rashed









presentation by Professor Van something different. In “The

Nort from the City College Top 10 Senior Survival

of New York. Entitled “Mr. Rules of Townsend Harris

Townsend Harris,” it will as Introduced by Socrates,”

focus on the life of Townsend a student role-playing the

Harris, the founder of City philosopher Socrates will be

College and the renowned presenting words of wisdom

first ambassador to Japan after to the freshmen and incoming

whom this school was named. sophomores.

Principal Kenneth Bonamo makes himself at home in his new office. “Roll Call” is a tradition It is also traditional for an

inaugurated by founding alumni speaker to address the

by Sarah Mahmood his previous school carries a good laugh. He’s sharp principal Malcolm Largmann current students. The keynote

“I think Townsend Harris is over to Townsend Harris. “The and very organized. He’s that “takes the attendance” speaker this year will be David

an amazing place. I’ve tried to most important part of my passionate, especially about of all freshmen, sophomores, Herszenhorn, class of 1990. Mr.

communicate to the staff and job,” he said, “is maintaining the Humanities. I’m very juniors and seniors. Loud Herszenhorn, former president

students that we’re all very and enhancing the culture of excited to see how this cheering always erupts as each of the Alumni Association

fortunate to be here,” said new academic rigor and excellence year unfolds,” she said. grade is called. After last year’s and, in his Harris days, Editor-

principal Kenneth Bonamo. that has been established. I Mr. Bonamo believes that uncontrollably prolonged in-Chief of The Classic, is a

Explaining why he is want to maintain focus on people are genuinely good, and cheers, however, many doubts congressional reporter for The

“honored to be in this position,” students and not get caught up that life is beautiful. “There’s a existed about the future of New York Times.





Election Simulation

he said, “I feel it validates a lot in Department of Education movie called Life is Beautiful

of what I’ve worked for in my procedures and paperwork.” that came out about 10 years

career, but I am also humbled In keeping with his desire to ago. It’s a phenomenal movie,



mimics campaigns

because of the wealth of talent, focus on students, Mr. Bonamo but the title is what’s key. We

intelligence, and kindness that paid their English classes at Townsend Harris should

I see in the people I have the a visit. When he left junior feel that even more because

good fortune to work with.…I Huy Nguyen’s class, he was of the good, talented, and kind by Jasmine Daniel and support their candidate.

can assure you that there is impressed. “He seemed down- adults and children in this This fall, don’t be surprised Portraying John McCain is

no other building like this to-earth, and very normal,” he building. If you look around, to see Senator John McCain Ryan Urquidi; Damian Charles

in New York City, and I am said. “I feel very comfortable you’ll see immediately or Senator Barack Obama is Barack Obama; Barbara

only beginning to learn why.” with him. If there was a serious why life is beautiful.” walking down the hallways. Cvenic is Sarah Palin; and the

“I think it’s a bit premature problem, I would be able to talk One of his philosophies is As part of the annual Election role of Joe Biden is filled by

to think of anything new [to to him - it’s that vibe, the way that failure, not just success, Simulation, seniors are Bryan Gamble. “I think it’s

institute] because so much good he talks. He’s organized, and can be a valuable learning adopting the personalities of going to be a great race this

is already going on. I want to he spaced out the collaterals so experience. “I’ve learned that both presidential candidates, year,” said US government

constantly learn from students we don’t get overwhelmed.” you can learn as much from as well as their spouses and teacher Jaime Byrne, who is

and teachers what they would “I’m very much a people’s failure as from success. I was running mates Sarah Palin teaching the McCain campaign

like to see, and take the best person,” Mr. Bonamo said, accepted into Georgetown and Joe Biden. The Election class. “It’s always a great race

of their ideas and implement adding that being well- University’s master program Simulation officially began when we have a presidential

them,” he continued. organized is one of his good for Russian area studies. I with the kick-off rally on election.”

Mr. Bonamo articulated traits. Ellen Fee, Assistant went there, and six weeks later September 19, where all Every senior has a specific

his hopes that his good Principal of Math, agreed. I came home. Although I felt campaigns, committees and job on a campaign, such as

relationship with students in “He’s upbeat and enjoys continued on page 11 special-interest groups came media consultant or policy

out to promote themselves continued on page 10

I

N

S Budget Cut Fashion Show Intel School of Class of 2008

I Update Distinction College Stats

pg. 3 pg. 3 pg. 4 pgs. 6-7

D

E

2 Opinion

The Classic



October 2008







Election simulation voting in need of reform

The Election Simulation’s goal is to get students involved in the political process, but the mock Election Day in November presents an important dilemma.

Should students vote according to their personal political views, or should they vote based on their evaluations of how the candidates performed in Townsend

Harris?

Although learning about and forming opinions on the election’s issues is an important part of the Simulation, social studies teachers should instruct their

students to disregard their personal beliefs in favor of voting for the candidates who best represented their platforms. Because the seniors who campaign

during the Election Simulation are expected to make their political agendas known to the student body, it is only fair that those who make the best effort are

rewarded with the majority of votes.

During a recent press conference held in the journalism classes, the election simulation candidates, their spouses, and their campaign managers gave their

thoughts about the simulation. At the conference, students playing John McCain and Sarah Palin expressed their belief that the students should vote based

on which candidate is more knowledgeable about the facts, the party’s platform, and current events, and is the most visible on the school campaign trail. The

Classic believes that this stance is the correct one. This is especially important at Townsend Harris, where most students identify themselves as Democrats

according to a recent poll that will be published in the next issue of The Classic. If everyone voted based on his or her political views, there would be no

genuine contest between the Democratic and Republican candidates, the latter of whom would never have a fair chance of winning the election.

Of course, it is easy for the petty benefits of the Election Simulation to be taken advantage of, as candidates woo the underclassmen with candy, baked goods

and meaningless humor. Students should enjoy these treats, but they should also be aware of the other campaign strategies that candidates are employing. One

party may offer voters the most popular sweets, but the other party may choose to visit classrooms, give speeches, and truly make their platform known, and

students should take this into account when the actual voting takes place.

In short, students should vote based on which candidates were best represented in the Election Simulation. Voting otherwise would be unfair to those

students who worked hard despite having to promote an unpopular platform.





So Not Our Thing shows humorous satire Bristol Palin interview is inappropriate

by Benjamin Snyder actually wearing Levi’s pants.” The by Ariel Brodsky my child will be born on a bridge, and

In the first episode of So Not Our blatant sexual innuendo was further Making fun of candidates’ political each child after.” She added that she

Thing, a television show aired for the played up when a host asked, “So views can be entertaining, but degrading will name her child Cphdaihrefire,

Election Simulation, the guest speaker you’re in Levi’s pants?” until Bristol the private lives of their family pronounced “chair.”

was Bristol Palin, Governor Sarah stated, “My baby can hear things, you members is merely a ploy to garner Bristol’s comment about bridges was

Palin’s pregnant 17-year-old daughter. know.” As a high school of intelligent cheap laughs. So Not Our Thing’s tasteless in itself, but making fun of her

The piece was hilarious and, at the same and mature students, it is safe to say mock interview with Bristol Palin, the name was uncalled for. At Townsend

time, was not offensive as it simply that these jokes are understood quite 17-year-old daughter of Republican Harris alone, there are numerous

played on a caricature of Bristol Palin easily as meaningless in nature. vice presidential candidate Sarah students with uncommon names, many

with hardly any reality involved. In conclusion, So Not Our Thing’s Palin, targeted irrelevant details about of whom would probably be offended

In the beginning of the sketch, interview with Bristol Palin was a Bristol’s life rather than her mother’s if their names were mocked in such a

the mood was instantly lightened success. The show centered on this politics and was both disrespectful and manner.

when one of the hosts commented on 17- year old soon-to-be mother with no demeaning. The interview also poked fun at

how beautiful a name Bristol was. ill-intent and was a fine work of satire, On So Not Our Thing, Bristol Bristol’s pregnancy by associating

In response, the actor, with a pillow poking fun at her overnight celebrity was described as “wobbling” as she her boyfriend, Levi Johnston, with

stuffed under the shirt and all, told as a result of the 2008 presidential arrived on the set, and the origins of Levi jeans. After one sexual innuendo

an anecdote about how her name election. Furthermore, the skit, which her unusual name were ridiculed as she about the pair of Levi jeans that Bristol

originated from her Incan grandfather, admittedly focuses mostly on Bristol’s explained that her grandfather’s name was wearing (“Are they comfy?” “You

Bristallion. Obviously, this was a pregnancy, cannot justly be called was “Bristallion the Stallion.” When know it”), one interviewer continued,

completely fictional story and thus it offensive as the Bristol of the skit was the interviewers noted that “Bristol” “So, you’re in Levi’s pants.”

presented a very whimsical tone to the given a persona too ridiculous to deem means “to meet at a bridge,” Bristol Here, So Not Our Thing had truly

interview right from the start. true. replied, “I was born on a bridge.… crossed the line. Bristol Palin is a real

Another notable segment of So Not person, the same age as many seniors

Our Thing was when Bristol’s name at Townsend Harris. Her pregnancy

was defined. One of the hosts declared has little, if not nothing, to do with her

that “Babynames.com told us it [the mother’s campaign, and resorting to

name] means to meet on a bridge.” mocking a teenager’s pregnancy was

From then on, the theme of bridges unnecessary. This was not a harmless

was masterfully worked into the skit’s satire about a candidate; this was a

plot. The satirical beauty behind this demeaning attack on a 17-year-old

inane definition is particularly strong girl.

as Governor Palin has recently been While many Harrisites disagree with

under fire for her work on the infamous Sarah Palin on the issues presented in

Alaskan “Bridge to Nowhere” project. the presidential campaign, mocking

The mock Bristol stated, “I was born her daughter is a hurtful way to express

on a bridge…my child will be born such opinions. It is not necessary

on a bridge, and each child after,” an to support Sarah Palin in order to

example of harmless humor. respect her daughter’s feelings as

Also included in So Not Our Thing well. As the saying goes, put yourself

was the role of Levi Johnston, the father in Bristol’s shoes – would you have

of Bristol’s child. When his name been comfortable with this show being

was mentioned, Bristol replied, “I’m aired?



Townsend Harris High School

Co-Editors-in-Chief News Staff: Cristine Khan, Jasmine Daniel, Shelby at Queens College

Hecht, Sydney Lowe 149-11 Melbourne Avenue, Flushing, NY

11367

Ariel Brodsky Benjamin Snyder

Feature Staff: Abigail Koffler, Esther Wang, Freddy

Sarah Mahmood Milan Jr., Hayley Desmond, Heriselda Begaj, Lory The Classic is an open forum for the ex-

Editor-at-Large Martinez, Pearl Bhatnagar, Rupeshi Shah, Sharmin pression of student views. The opinions ex-

Rashed, Steven Lange pressed therein should not be taken to rep-

resent those of the administration or faculty

Ashley Guzman Ashley Knight

Photography Editor Sports Editor Sports Staff: Eilin Pera, Kirsten Guelly, Laura Cor- or student body as a whole.

rigan

Readers are invited to sumbit letters to the edi-

Liz Kussman Heriselda Begaj

Art Editor Business Manager Art Staff: Alice Hung, Amy Wang, Esther Wang, Safa tor. Letters should be placed in Ms. Cowen’s

Siddiqui mailbox or e-mailed to thhsclassic@yahoo.

com. The Classic reserves the right to edit all

letters. Letters must include name and official

Principal - Kenneth Bonamo Advisor - Ilsa Cowen Photography Staff: Pearl Bhatnagar, Angglelia

Sutjipto, Sharmin Rashed class. Names will be withheld upon request.

News The Classic



October 2008 3

Final budget cuts leave Harris with 1.4 percent less

by Benjamin Snyder (APO). 2008 Intel School of Distinction Award cut. Thankfully, we did. Unfortunately,

Although proposed budget cuts This is not the first time Ms. Fee has for Science Excellence that the school we had to cut a few corners.” She

were widely expected to slash the served as APO. In 2006, she took on the received recently, which includes explained that the Mixer was held in

current school budget by about 11.6 position after her predecessor, Howard $10,000, “will give [the Science the gymnasium instead of the usual

percent, the Department of Education Kwait, left to become principal of John Department] some of the money for rented facility at Queens College as a

(DOE) adopted a budget after school Bowne High School. Ms. Dwarka was supplies and equipment…so we are in result of the cuts.

ended in June that contained no hired a year later. good shape in that regard.” However, not all were quite

classroom cuts. In the 2008-2009 school As APO, Ms. Fee explained, Many students are relieved that as optimistic. According to senior

budget, Townsend Harris regained 98.6 she allocates “funds into different the budget cuts were not as severe as Annette Paciorek, “Public schools are

percent of last year’s budget. categories of expenses – personnel, expected. Senior Amalia Stavropoulos already strained enough as it is budget-

“The UFT formed a coalition with books, supplies, equipment.” She said, “As Science Olympiad president, wise, and instead of cuts we should be

the principal’s union and the parents continued, “I make sure each category I am glad to hear that 98.6 percent of receiving increases. Considering the

to fight against the budget cuts,” is funded during the year at an adequate the budget has been restored, since this cuts they were planning, 98.6% doesn’t

explained UFT representative Mariet level.” club really depends on school funding seem so bad, but there will likely be

D’Souza. “This coalition lobbied “Everything goes up in cost…so in order to participate in various more budget erosion in the future.”

politicians to keep school budgets when you cut the budget, it’s really competitions.” Both faculty and students praised

intact. The Department of Education having more effect than meets the eye,” Student Union President Ryan the increased student activism last

has sustained cuts but the schools said Susan Getting, Assistant Principal Urquidi, senior, said, “Despite our spring and credited the entire Harris

were spared.” She continued, “We are of Humanities. losses, I am more than confident community’s letter writing campaign

lucky not to have lost any teachers or “Even if we had the same amount that we will be able to accommodate for aiding the restoration of most of

guidance counselors.” as last year, [we] must realize that ourselves to this setback and still have the budget. Ms. Brustein said that she

The school, however, has that really is a cut because salaries a successful year. I see first-hand how was “very proud of the fact that we as

sustained a major cut in personnel. have gone up five percent,” noted Ms. every grade leader, member of the a community pulled together” against

“Unfortunately, we lost… [Namita D’Souza. Executive Board, member of the Senior the budget cuts.

Dwarka] in order to keep after school Susan Brustein, Assistant Principal Council, and member of anything of “Our presence at the protest in

activities funded at the same level as of Science, is grateful that it is “only importance is working at 110 percent Manhattan played a role in keeping our

the last few years,” said Ellen Fee, the a 1.4 percent [cut].” She continued, to compensate for this disadvantage.” budget,” said senior Simone Webster.

Assistant Principal of Mathematics “Even though it is less problematic Katherina Balram, Senior Vice “The protest made news and it was

and Physical Education, who has now than we feared,” it is still possible President, said, “At the start of the clear that Townsend Harris students

assumed Ms. Dwarka’s responsibilities that the effects of the cuts will be felt. school year, we were all a bit anxious were concerned about the welfare of

as Assistant Principal of Organization However, she mentioned that the recent to see if we would ‘survive’ the budget the school.”





Fashion Show, hosted by Archon, raises money for charity

and art from 6:30 pm to Jane volunteered at a St. Jude Park in my book. I was so happy to

7:00 pm. Senior Karen Children’s Research Hospital office see my peers modeling and having the

Abramowitz provided during the summer of 2008 and also chance to feel beautiful.”

her art pieces for display. volunteered at a St. Jude fashion show Despite the atmosphere behind the

The second half of the last April, which inspired her to hold scenes, which backstage hand Angela

evening was dedicated one in school. She said, “It is really Ly, junior, described as “very hectic,”

to the fashion show important to extend a helping hand Jane and Ayanna, the models and the

itself, which featured 24 to others who are suffering, but St. rest of the crew pulled off a show that

models and 72 evening Jude really stood out to me, because it junior Alice Wong described as “really

gowns, many of which helps children and teenagers our age. exciting.”

were donated by New It became a personal cause and I really

York Fashion, a dress hoped this fashion show would help

shop in Manhattan. support it.”

Students interested in With the assistance of several Archon

modeling auditioned on members who sold the tickets, which

September 25 and were cost six dollars each, and the families

trained by Ayanna to who attended, nearly 700 dollars were

walk down the runway. raised. Although not as much profit

“I enjoyed going to was made as Jane had hoped, due

practice daily to teach to the relatively low attendance, she

the girls how to strut the still expressed her gratitude to those

catwalk….This event who supported the cause. “Although I

encouraged Harrisites wanted the fashion show to raise more

to step out of their shell. money for St. Jude, it is wonderful that

You don’t have to be a we were able to contribute to the great

size zero or lanky to be a works done there.”

photo by Ashley Guzman









model. Modeling comes Many of the participants in the show

from within because said that helping St. Jude sparked their

confidence comes from initial interest in getting involved. One

the heart,” said Ayanna. model, junior Samantha Vieira, said,

One model, “I love when there is something that

sophomore Anastasiya we can do to help raise money for an

Kachur, said that the organization in need. I love to take part

photo by Ashley Guzman









effort put into practices in it, and whatever I can do, I’ll do my

was shown at the actual best at.”

show. She added, Students were also given the

Junior Tanay Semple walks down the runway.

“What was completely opportunity to become backstage

amazing was seeing helpers, dressers or hair and makeup

by Esther Whang all the girls shine in stylists. There were 20 in total who

The auditorium stage lights turned on their own way and have the ultimate painted the flats on stage and helped the

and Harrisites transformed into models confidence when they walked, which models. According to sophomore Jane

on October 17 at the first fashion show was truly beautiful.” Eun Ah Lee, who attended the show,

held by Archon, the community service The motivation behind the event “I have never really seen my peers in Junior Benny Li pauses to let the audience

honor society. Archon President Jane was to raise funds to support St. Jude dresses and with makeup on; it made admire her dress at Archon’s first fashion

show. The event collected donations for St.

Whang, senior, directed the show, Children’s Research Hospital. This them look like different people.” Jude Children’s Research Hospital, dedicated

entitled “A Night of Hope,” with senior hospital was founded in 1962 by Danny The fact that students were the to researching children’s diseases and their

Ayanna Thomas. The event was held Thomas, an entertainer, whose goal models in the fashion show also sparked cures.

to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s was to establish a center focused on people’s interest. Junior Kristina

Research Hospital. researching diseases affecting children Rodulfo said, “Seeing my peers model

The evening began with food, music and finding their cures. is what made it a show. It beat Bryant

4 News

The Classic



October 2008







Intel awards $10,000 to ‘School of Distinction’

by Heriselda Begaj for being recognized for what

Townsend Harris was we [the Townsend Harris

honored as one of six national Science Department] do,

Intel Schools of Distinction at because we work so hard.”

an event in Washington D.C. She remarked that she was

on September 7-9. Principal immensely proud of both the

Kenneth Bonamo, Queens faculty and students, adding

High Schools Superintendent that “this was recognition

Bonnie LaBoy, Assistant of each for their work.”

Principal of Science and At the event in Washington

Technology Susan Brustein, D.C., the Harris representatives

science teachers Katherine gave a presentation about the

Cooper and Philip Jones, and school’s Science Department,









photo by Dennis Brustein

alumnus David Herszenhorn, met the other winners and

’90, accepted the $10,000 heard about their respective

school grant award, as programs. Ms. Brustein and

well as over $100,000 in Ms. Cooper noted that in

products from sponsors the presentations of all the

such as Microsoft, Dell, schools was a common thread:

and SMART technologies. “a focus on nurturing the

In June of 2008, Townsend whole child and addressing

Harris was announced as an all of his/her interests.”

Intel School of Distinction Harrisites also partook Honored at a gold dinner, science teachers Philip Jones and Katherine Cooper, Assistant Principal of Science and

for Science Excellence. in panel discussions, met Technology Susan Brustein, Queens High Schools Superintendent Bonnie LaBoy, and Principal Kenneth Bonamo

The school was chosen as with sponsors, attended a celebrate Townsend Harris’s designation as an Intel School of Distinction.

a winner after submitting a celebratory gala, visited Capitol

grant application that assessed Hill and met with various that really matters.” She added software, into the classroom and want to continue to evolve and

teaching, progress, and the New York politicians, such that it was “exciting to be to keep improving the quality develop to suit the changing

integration of technology into as Representative Anthony recognized for how far we have of education. Ms. Brustein needs of the student body. We

the classroom and its results, Weiner, to discuss educational come in the past six years.” said, “We hope to implement also want to serve as a role

among other dimensions. reform. Ms. Cooper said that Looking ahead, the ‘multiple intelligence’ in model and mentor for other

Upon finding out that Harris all of the activities “made [us] Science Department hopes classrooms and cater to the schools who want to implement

was a winner, Ms. Brustein realize how big [our win] was. to incorporate the new preferred learning styles of programs similar to ours.”

said she felt a “tremendous We feel truly honored that we technology, such as additional individual students.”

sense of pride and gratitude have been able to do something SMART boards and computer Ms. Cooper added, “We









The Phoenix tackles ‘identity crisis’ at poetry reading

by Liz Kussman teacher Robert Babstock Stephanie. to come,” said Student Union Mr. Babstock called the

Who am I? The members and Phoenix editors, seniors “The theme brought out President Ryan Urquidi, who reading “a highlight of great

of the literary magazine, The Diana Buchhalter, Stephanie a lot in people,” said junior read “Gorgeous,” by Rives. poetic moments.” He added,

Phoenix, were not afraid to Cherestal, and Keren Sharon, Angie Dylgjeri. “It’s the kind “I go every year, and “It was one of the best I’ve

take on this question at their and junior Daniel Pecoraro of thing that’s popular as a this is one of the biggest first ever seen, and I’ve had a lot

first poetry reading of the kicked off the readings with teen.” reading turnouts I’ve ever of experience. I’m also glad

year. On October 10, students a reenactment of the famous The poetry reading was seen,” agreed senior Matthew students are using their First

piled into the library to find Abbott and Costello skit, indeed popular, drawing a Watton, who read two poems. Amendment rights. They use

it decorated with fingerprints “Who’s on First?” The large turnout from all grades Freshman Laurie Beckoff some really powerful ‘off-

and photos befitting the theme: readings ranged from original and a full lineup of readers. said, “The audience was color’ language, but there’s

identity. works to anonymous poetry to “I was really happy about really supportive, so I felt always a lot of strong emotion

After a brief introduction song lyrics, such as Flobot’s the large underclassmen comfortable getting up there behind it.”

by moderator and English “No Handlebars,” read by turnout. I hope they continue and reading.”









Blood drive gives students opportunity to save lives

donated a pint of blood, can save the lives of up to three “I think the biggest thing

which took between 10 and 12 people. Long Island Blood is that people are afraid, but

minutes per person for trained Services provides donated they don’t need to be,” he said.

professionals to extract with blood to over 40 hospitals in Although he was pleased by

sterile instruments.Afterwards, the state of New York. the outcome of the drive, he

students were allowed time to “People can really make hopes for better results at the

eat, drink and relax. Plenty a difference,” said Mr. next event, which will be held

of snacks and drinks were Stonehill. on January 9.

available for donors. “[Giving blood] makes me According to school policy,

Eating and drinking 30 feel like I am saving a life every a student must be at least 16-

minutes prior to having blood time I donate and at the end years-old to donate blood. All

drawn can minimize side of the day they are giving me participants needed consent

effects. Although Coordinator cookies and juice. Who could forms and their social security

of Student Activities Adam ask for anything more?” said numbers, along with school

Stonehill received no Charlene Levi, social studies I.D. cards. An additional

by Hayley Desmond from Long Island Blood complaints of wooziness, teacher and blood donor. consent form was required for

Harrisites aged 16 and older Services waited in the most students returned to class Last year’s blood drives 16-year-olds. This paperwork

were given the opportunity to auditorium for students to between 20 and 60 minutes collected less blood than that was emailed through the

help others by donating blood come and donate their blood, after having their blood of the previous school year. school system to all registered

on September 25. From 10:00 collecting 45 pints in total. drawn. Mr. Stonehill believes that fear students.

am to 3:30 pm, professionals Each student generally By donating blood, a student is the main deterrent.

News The Classic



October 2008

5

Mixer in gymnasium draws mixed reactions

by Hayley Desmond out to attendees. Only half of items such as hamburgers and artificial, adorned the wear what they liked, within

The luau-themed Senior the gymnasium was used in and hotdogs, as well as water tables. reason.

Mixer, held on the first floor on order to keep the dance floor and soft drinks. Students While Townsend Harris “We [were] already

September 26, was organized small. were seated in the cafeteria, rules were still in effect during bending the dress code. We

by the Senior Council and still expect[ed] students to be

senior advisor Charlene Levi respectful,” Ms. Levi said.

with the goal of hosting a She was disappointed by

memorable event while still some students, noting, “I was

cutting costs. also surprised at the fact that

As there is a heavy charge students decided to destroy

for renting the Queens College decorations during the dance

Student Union building, and came into the gym with

where the mixer took place food and drinks and then left

in previous years, holding the the gym a mess.”









photo by Angglelia Sutjipto

event within Townsend Harris She added that most

left $5,000 more in the budget, students either loved or hated

which allowed for a decrease the Mixer.

in the price of tickets. The Freshman Steven Seegobin

cost-saving move was made to said, “Everyone was backed up

compensate for the money lost in one place.” Alyssa Nagpal,

to the budget cuts. Security has junior, described the event as

also been an issue at previous “overcrowded.”

Mixers, with metal detectors Sophmore Gina DeCorla,

and bag checks causing major said, “It was more convenient

delays, but the relocation of to have the Mixer in school,

the dance eliminated the need and the theme was wacky.”

for such precautions. Emily Ramdeholl, junior,

In accord with the luau Sporting the leis given out by the seniors, Michele Yu, Emily Chou, Shayna Weiss, and Beverly Wu get said, “I thought the Mixer was

into the spirit of the luau-themed dance.

theme, the decorations, which pretty cool because there were

were chosen by the Senior a lot of people there and the

Council, included large, The event was pro- but some had to wait in the the mixer, not all regulations music was pretty up-to-date.”

blown-up volleyballs, and fessionally catered. On the gymnasium due to the capacity of the dress code applied.

colorful leis that were given menu were various barbequed limits. Pineapples, both real Students were permitted to



Law necessitates cancelling e-mail accounts

by Ariel Brodsky the provisions of CIPA, which “In my estimation, the kind same level of outreach to stu- it easy to stay in touch. How-

Due to the school’s inabili- became a law in December of screening necessary would dents, provided they keep their ever, I am sure the Alumni As-

ty to guarantee full compliance 2000. According to Daedalus’s be…violating your privacy, e-mail accounts updated,” said sociation [will] facilitate this

with the Children’s Internet message, CIPA’s “Internet and thus totally unacceptable,” Ms. Brustein, adding, “These communication.”

Protection Act (CIPA), student Safety Poli- changes do not Many students are not

e-mail accounts were discon- cy” requires affect the Parent bothered by the cancellation

tinued as of September 4. In- “blocking E-mail Notifi- of their Harris accounts.

stead, the faculty and admin- and filtering

istration will rely on personal technology

‘I am confident that we will be able to provide cation System “I don’t really mind them

(PENS), since being cancelled,” said senior

e-mail accounts to contact stu- to assure the the same level of outreach to students, provid- parents…regis- Fior Fabian. “I never used it

dents through the Internet. safety and ed they keep their e-mail accounts updated.’ tered their pri- [to contact others].”

“I am sorry that this change security of vate e-mail ac- Senior Peter Michelli

had to be instituted, but there minors,” such counts as points agreed. “I never used the e-

is nothing we at Harris can as screening of contact.” mail anyway, so it doesn’t re-

do about that,” said Assistant e-mails for She did, how- ally bug me. Because of the

Principal of Science and Tech- pornography or obscene lan- Ms. Brustein said. ever, point out one downside forwarding option, it was much

nology Susan Brustein. “How- guage. Daedalus added that it The elimination of student to the absence of the accounts. easier than checking multiple

ever, because there are many consulted with the Department e-mail addresses will not make “I see a potential difference e-mails.”

free e-mail providers, students of Education before deciding it significantly more difficult only in staying in touch with Junior Julia Kim, however,

will not incur any expenses as that it could not “guarantee for students and parents to re- friends once you graduate,” was “very surprised and dis-

a result of this change.” compliance with CIPA require- ceive important e-mails from she said. “Previously, if you appointed that the e-mail ac-

Harris’s software vendor, ments” and was thus forced to the school. forwarded your e-mail, you counts were cancelled. I think

Daedalus Scientific Software, remove school-issued student “I am confident that we could keep your @thhs.qc.edu it was a very useful resource,”

contacted the school about e-mail accounts. will be able to provide the account in perpetuity, making she said.



Pep Rally encourages ‘friendly competition’

by Shelby Hecht This year, the pep rally “A lot of people came out, and

School spirit roared through featured presentations by got your adrenaline up. The

the gym on September 22 as individual teams, which many music was fast-paced, and

the sports teams showed their students enjoyed. “The pep added spirit to the rally,” said

pride during the annual pep rally was energetic, and every Kiara.

rally. The teams performed year its gets more entertaining,” The relay race between the

skits to entertain the crowd, said junior Lindsay Sovern. grades remained popular, as

Photo by Kellyn McCarthy









and the traditional relay Senior Amanda Kaja demonstrated by the cheering

race encouraged friendly participated in the track team’s from the bleachers. It was

competition between the presentation, a skit to the song completed a total of two times,

grades. “Check Yes Juliet,” by We the once during each part of the

The event was coordinated Kings. “We chose this song double eighth band. The teams

by seniors Francesca Bartalini, because it really showed the were split between the two

Rea Bhasin, and Jessica spirit of the sport. The lyrics bands, so that half competed

Blanca. Senior Drew Meehan had track qualities in them like during the first, and the other

also played a large role in the lacing up your shoes, and not half during the second. Three

Turtles playing leap frog? The members of the Girls’ Varsity Swim

pep rally as Harry the Hawk, looking back while running. It people from various grades Team, the Turtles, demonstrate their school spirit.

the school mascot. Among represented us and the sport,” were chosen from each team

Harry the Hawk’s duties were said Amanda. to compete in the relay, every during both bands was apparent “seniors” showed the senior

starting off the relays and Freshman Kiara Franqui grade to be represented. from the shouts that exploded grade’s excitement over their

encouraging school spirit. enjoyed the soccer team’s skit. The winner of the relay immediately. The chanting of wins in both relays.

6 2008 College Admission Statistics

The Classic



October 2008





College Total # Accepted # At- Low Avg SAT-V SAT-M High Avg. SAT-V SAT-M College Total # Accepted # At-

tending Accepted Rejected tending



Adelphi 10 10 0 78.1 520 580 Georgetown 3 1 0

Albany Coll. Of Pharmacy 12 8 0 83.2 630 660 89.4 500 610 Georgetown [EA] 1 1 1

Allegheny College 1 1 0 89 500 620 Gettysburg 1 0 0

American University 6 4 0 84 690 530 78.1 520 580 Grinnell College 1 1 1

Amherst 6 0 0 96.1 730 740 Hamilton 2 1 1

Arcadia 1 1 0 89.1 500 610 Hampshire College 1 1 1

Arizona State University 1 1 0 96.2 800 740 Harvard 10 0 0

Auburn 1 1 1 92.9 690 640 Haverford 1 0 0

Babson College 4 2 1 89.1 670 650 87.3 620 610 Hofstra 31 31 2

Barnard 21 4 1 92.4 640 720 93.7 730 630 Hofstra [EA] 2 2 0

Barnard [ED] 1 0 0 83.6 630 630 Howard University 1 1 0

Belmont 1 1 1 89.1 630 590 Iona 1 1 0

Bentley 1 1 0 88.5 530 510 Ithaca 5 5 1

Boston College 28 8 1 86.7 640 540 94 600 660 Johns Hopkins 8 1 1

Boston College [EA] 3 1 0 96.6 800 690 92.6 630 720 Johnson and Wales 4 4 0

Boston University 53 37 6 83.5 600 580 96.9 760 710 Juilliard 1 0 0

Brandeis 9 8 0 85.8 720 750 93.2 570 650 Kenyon 1 0 0

Brown 14 3 2 92.8 760 750 96.9 760 710 Lafayette 1 0 0

Bryant University 1 1 1 88.5 530 510 Le Moyne 1 1 0

Bryn Mawr 2 1 0 93.5 600 670 94.2 660 650 Lehigh 8 2 0

Bucknell University 3 1 0 96.3 760 710 86.1 600 580 Liberty 1 1 0

Buffalo State 1 1 0 90.4 620 600 LIU-Pharmacy 4 4 0

California State University San 1 1 0 92 640 660 LIU - Brooklyn 11 11 5

Bernardino LIU - C.W. Post 2 2 0

California University of Pa. 1 1 0 91 580 610 M.I.T. 1 0 0

Carnegie Mellon 8 4 1 95.2 630 710 96.9 760 710 M.I.T. [EA] 2 1 1

Claremont McKenna College 1 0 0 93.2 630 710 Macalester 1 0 0

Colby 2 0 0 91.8 600 670 Manhattan College 2 2 0

Colgate 7 3 2 90.6 640 620 93.3 680 680 Marymount 2 2 0

College of William and Mary 1 0 0 90.5 590 620 Massachusetts College of Pharmacy 13 10 0

Columbia 44 3 0 96.9 760 710 95.6 680 650 Mc Gill 1 1 0

Columbia [ED] 8 2 2 97 660 690 96.6 670 750 MCLA 1 1 1

Columbus State University 1 1 0 96.2 800 740 Michigan State 1 1 0

Cooper Union 3 1 0 92.2 740 750 93.2 630 710 Middlebury College 3 1 1

Cornell - Architecture 1 0 0 90.9 690 650 Mt. Holyoke 2 2 0

Cornell A&S 35 1 1 97.3 760 720 95.5 680 660 Muhlenberg 1 1 1

Cornell Agr/Life 8 0 0 94 600 660 NYIT 11 10 4



Cornell Eng 1 0 0 86.1 600 580 New England Culinary 1 1 0



Cornell HE 1 0 0 93.3 720 690 Northeastern University 27 13 0



Cornell ILR 1 0 0 87.2 640 560 Northeastern University [EA] 4 3 0



Cornell [ED] 5 2 2 91.2 620 640 92.9 600 660 Northwestern 8 2 1



Culinary Institute 2 2 2 82.2 550 610 Notre Dame 2 1 0



CUNY - Baruch (MH) 27 4 4 88.1 770 680 96.1 730 700 NYU (A&S) 80 22 8



CUNY - Baruch 37 32 4 79.2 480 580 83.2 470 510 NYU (A&S) [ED] 5 1 1



CUNY - Brooklyn (MH) 8 4 3 92.8 640 660 91.8 550 610 NYU (Gallatin) 2 0 0



CUNY - Brooklyn BA/MD 18 3 1 93.9 760 730 95.9 680 640 NYU (General Studies) 8 8 2



CUNY - Brooklyn 12 12 0 84.2 530 530 NYU (Steinhardt) 6 3 1



CUNY - City (MH) 16 5 0 94.4 740 630 93 670 650 NYU (Stern) 14 2 1



CUNY - City Sophie Davis 19 4 4 87.8 630 670 96.6 670 750 NYU (Stern) [ED] 2 1 1



CUNY - City 21 20 3 79.4 570 540 74.5 500 450 NYU (Tisch) 2 1 1



CUNY - Hunter (MH) 51 14 5 87.3 660 640 94.2 610 650 Oberlin 3 1 1



CUNY - Hunter 40 33 15 87.8 540 620 79.2 480 580 Occidental 1 0 0



CUNY - John Jay 7 6 1 77.5 440 580 74.5 500 450 Ohio State 2 2 1



CUNY - Lehman 9 7 0 79.2 490 510 80.5 490 510 Oxford University-St. Edmund Hall 1 0 0



CUNY - Queens (MH) 9 2 2 95.1 680 680 94.3 570 600 Pace-Manhattan 17 17 2



CUNY - Queens 26 23 4 80.5 490 510 82.2 400 500 Pace-Pleasantville 1 1 0



CUNY - York 6 6 0 79.2 490 510 Parsons School of Design 1 1 0



CUNY LaGuardia CC 4 4 0 78.1 480 580 Penn State - Berks 2 2 0



CUNY Manhattan CC 1 1 0 89.2 650 670 Penn State - Harrisburg 1 1 1



CUNY Queensborough CC 6 6 1 73.6 570 540 Penn State - University Park 23 14 0



CUNY-Medgar Evers 1 1 0 81.1 540 520 Penn State- Altoona 2 1 0



Dartmouth 15 0 0 95.1 720 700 Polytechnic University 5 5 1



Davidson 1 0 0 95 680 680 Pratt 1 0 0



Dickinson 1 0 0 93 650 620 Princeton 6 1 0



Drew 1 1 0 93.4 760 730 Purdue University 1 1 0



Drexel 17 14 0 83 520 580 93.6 630 610 Quinnipiac 4 2 0

Rensselaer 10 6 1

Duke 1 0 0 86.1 660 640

Rice 1 0 0

Emerson 2 1 0 89.2 650 670 97.1 720 730

Rochester Inst. Of Technology 7 4 1

Emmanuel 1 1 0 90.9 560 690

Rutgers 24 21 4

Evergreen State 1 1 0 78.7 600 600

Rutgers (Pharmacy) 3 0 0

Fairfield 2 2 0 88.7 590 580

Sacred Heart University 1 1 0

Fairleigh Dickinson 5 5 0 79.7 560 600

Sarah Lawrence 3 3 0

Florida International 1 1 0 84 690 530

School of Visual Arts 2 2 2

Fordham 63 45 7 80.5 490 510 89.9 470 600

Schwab School of Music 1 1 0

Fordham [EA] 8 6 2 86.5 670 610 85.6 570 520

Seton Hall 5 4 0

Franklin and Marshall 1 1 0 84.3 630 570

Siena 6 2 0

Franklin Pierce 1 1 0 78.7 600 600

Skidmore 2 2 0

George Washington University 7 2 2 93.2 570 650 92.6 640 650

Smith 3 2 0

Ballpark figures provide guidelines for applicants The Classic



October 2008 7

Low Avg SAT-V SAT-M High Avg SAT-V SAT-M

g Acc Rej These statistics, compiled by the College Office headed by Antoinette Teague, are intended to aid students

in deciding where to apply to college. Based on the acceptances and rejections received by the Class of 2008,

98.4 680 640 83.5 600 580

they should be considered as just one factor when making those decisions.

93.5 680 730

87.6 630 630

89.5 640 660 College Total # Accepted # At- Low Avg SAT-V SAT-M High Avg SAT-V SAT-M

95 680 680 86.2 630 610 tending Acc Rej

78.7 600 600 St. Bonaventure 2 2 1 89.1 500 620

97.9 680 670 St. Francis 2 2 2 89.4 600 630

93.5 600 670 St. John’s 99 99 22 74.5 500 450

80.4 550 580 St. Johns (Pharmacy) 25 21 13 81.9 620 570 89.9 500 610

83.3 570 520 Stanford 1 0 0 95.8 780 640

88.3 610 550 Stevens Institute of Technology 2 2 0 88 460 610

90.3 610 680 SUNY-Albany [SUNY] 24 20 1 85.3 570 610 83.9 590 590

79.7 560 600 SUNY-Albany [SUNY][EA] 2 0 0 82.5 550 520

95.7 630 720 97.2 670 750 SUNY - Binghamton [SUNY] 90 52 9 81.7 490 510 97.9 680 670

78.7 600 600 SUNY - Binghamton [SUNY] [EA] 9 6 2 87.3 660 640 88.7 620 610

96.9 760 710 SUNY - Buffalo [SUNY] 37 29 6 83.2 490 510 84.3 540 590

89.5 640 660 SUNY - Cortland [SUNY] 2 1 0 90.4 510 570 92.2 580 610

89.4 600 580 SUNY - Farmingdale [SUNY] 1 0 0 80.7 560 600

79.7 560 600 SUNY - FIT [SUNY] 2 1 0 90.6 640 630 93.2 560 530

90.9 690 650 89.5 650 620 SUNY - Geneseo [SUNY] 13 9 2 85.3 530 610 95.6 630 610

89.1 630 590 SUNY - New Paltz [SUNY] 14 11 4 78.7 600 600 87.9 570 480

82.6 550 580 SUNY - Old Westbury [SUNY] 1 1 0 81.9 620 570

85.8 520 570 SUNY - Oneonta [SUNY] 9 4 0 86.5 630 630 83.5 640 610

82.6 470 590 SUNY - Oswego [SUNY] 2 1 0 85 640 610 79.7 560 600

94.2 630 670 SUNY - Purchase [SUNY] 13 10 1 85.3 530 610 88 640 600

99.2 740 750 96.6 800 690 SUNY - Stony Brook [SUNY] 109 90 28 81.9 620 570 88 470 600

90.7 640 660 SUNY - Stony Brook [SUNY] [EA] 4 4 2 82.5 550 520

87.8 600 580 Swarthmore 3 1 1 95.2 630 710 95.6 720 640

89.4 600 660 Syracuse 16 12 5 84.4 610 620 92 580 650

80.3 620 520 85.8 520 570 Temple 2 2 1 80.9 560 580

91.9 650 660 Texas A & M 1 1 1 91.5 690 630

91 580 610 Towson 1 1 1 89.8 540 640

82.3 570 570 Trinity 2 2 1 89.2 500 680

89.3 680 580 89 690 750 Tufts 11 4 0 91.2 620 600 94.7 650 690

89.1 540 610 Tufts [ED] 1 1 1 93.7 690 690

97.1 720 730 Tulane 1 1 0 87.6 630 630

84.6 600 550 93.2 560 530 U of Pittsburgh 3 3 1 88.5 510 510

82.2 550 610 U. of California (Berkeley) 1 0 0 85.3 630 570

83.2 630 660 90.6 580 650 U. of California (LA) 1 0 0 87.5 640 540

88.4 580 680 84.4 590 500 U. of California (San Diego) 1 0 0 85.3 630 570

92.2 600 570 93.1 650 690 U. of Chicago 2 0 0 96.3 760 710

86.1 660 640 89.2 610 710 U. of Connecticut 13 11 1 83.8 590 530 86.8 580 610

91.1 630 750 96.1 730 630 U. of Delaware 7 7 1 83.7 550 510

95.2 590 680 89.5 610 610 U. of Florida 1 0 0 80.3 620 520

88 640 600 U. of Hartford 2 2 1 79.7 560 600

88 640 600 U. of Illinois 4 4 1 84.4 590 500

91.5 550 680 95.4 620 620 U. of Maryland 4 2 0 89.7 760 590 92.2 650 630

95.1 750 700 93.3 600 690 U. of Massachusetts-Amherst 6 5 0 81.9 620 570 80.3 620 520

95.4 650 710 94.4 640 720 U. of Michigan 14 2 0 84.3 630 660 95.1 750 700

96.9 760 710 97.1 720 730 U. of No. Carolina @ Chapel Hill 3 1 0 87.3 660 640 95.1 750 700

96.3 760 710 90.7 640 660 U. of Pennsylvania 13 2 2 93.5 640 660 99.2 740 750

90.7 640 660 U. of Pittsburgh 3 3 1 88.5 530 510

84.4 540 550 U. of Rhode Island 1 1 0 89.4 500 620

96.2 800 740 U. of Rochester 13 8 0 86.8 580 580 93.1 580 700

79.2 490 510 U. of So. California 1 1 0 96.2 800 740

82.4 560 670 U. of the Sciences in Philadelphia 8 8 0 82.6 560 580

90.6 640 630 U. of Vermont 2 2 0 84.3 630 660

87.1 580 640 U. of Virginia 2 0 0 90.3 610 710

82.9 540 590 U. of Wisconsin (Madison) 2 1 1 90.1 680 610 78.7 600 600

87.3 770 680 87.5 640 570 Union College 4 0 0 93.9 760 730

83.5 600 580 80.1 620 490 U. of Utah 1 1 0 97.3 760 720

79.24 490 510 Ursinus College 1 1 0 92.2 560 690

83.7 640 620 Vanderbilt 2 0 0 90.1 680 610

99.2 740 750 98 680 670 Vassar 8 1 0 97.8 740 680 96.1 730 700

95.02 750 700 Villanova 3 2 0 95 680 680 88.7 630 580

90.74 650 620 95 680 680 Wagner 1 1 0 89.4 620 580

85.91 540 610 93.2 670 650 Washington and Lee 1 0 0 95 680 680

89 500 620 Washington U in St. Louis 3 1 1 95.4 760 660 94 600 660

84.4 630 680 78.1 520 580 Wellesley 5 1 1 94.7 650 690 94.4 740 630

79 520 580 84.4 590 500 Wellesley [ED] 1 1 1 93.5 600 670

92 590 670 Wells 1 1 0 89.1 500 620

80.7 560 600 Wesleyan 7 4 3 88.5 620 550 95.4 760 660

91.81 720 640 West Virginia 1 1 0 79.7 560 600

81.4 630 650 Wheaton 1 1 0 87.6 630 630

96.2 800 740 Williams College 10 2 1 96.6 800 690 96.1 730 700

79.7 560 600 83.5 480 430 Yale 11 0 0 97.9 680 650

88.1 770 680 93.9 760 730 Yale [EA] 2 1 1 95.9 720 720 96.9 760 710

95 680 680

91.8 590 620 89 690 750

8 Feature/Ad

The Classic









Morales returns as art teacher after four years

October 2008









by Sydney Lowe practice exercises,” as well as complet-

“It was fun finally coming back ed “an extension of a home with a kitch-

to school,” said new Fine Arts teach- en, a dining room, family room, master

er Anthony Morales. “Having the bedroom and bathroom for my cousin.”

experience of teaching Townsend Mr. Morales said that he’s been in-

Harris students made it a satisfy- terested in art his whole life. “I lived

ing stay. I felt as if I had never left.” in the West Village on 15th Street and

This isn’t Mr. Morales’s first time every Friday would attend Boy Scout

around Melbourne Avenue. He was the meetings at the Greenwich house. Af-

original art teacher when the school ter the meetings, I would go downstairs

was first reestablished in Septem- and listen to jazz jam sessions and walk

ber 1984, and after retiring in June through the small galleries. Music

2004, he returned last February to and art have always surrounded me.”

fill in for departing art teacher Stew- Mr. Morales taught art and design

art Yellin. Now, he is back full-time. classes at Brooklyn Technical High









photo by Pearl Bhatnagar

Although he holds degrees in sculp- School, Prospect High School, and

ture and interior design, as well a Music and Arts High School, now

Masters in Fine Arts from Pratt Insti- known as LaGuardia High School.

tute, Mr. Morales said that he has been As for making a comeback at Har-

working steadily towards another goal. ris, Mr. Morales said that “the staff

“I’ve been trying to obtain my is much younger, but I still con-

degree in architecture, but was un- nect with them. However, the stu-

able to enroll in courses in re- dents were slightly disappointed at

cent semesters because I’ve been the beginning since they were used

back at Townsend Harris,” he said. to Mr. Yellin’s teaching methods.” Art teacher Anthony Morales makes a comeback to the classroom after

Mr. Morales loves sculpture and is Mr. Morales said that he likes “to retiring in 2004.

proud of his achievements as an art- challenge students and make them

ist. “I’ve had sculptures displayed at think creatively.” When he arrived last

the Brooklyn Museum of Art, held February, he said, “I began to teach a I draw from math, science and his- them at Townsend and at Queens Col-

exhibitions at the Museo Del Barrio style that created a transition by using tory to enable students to draw and lege. Get as much exposure as pos-

in Spanish Harlem, at Lincoln Center projects Mr. Yellin assigned and then become true creators of imagery.” sible and you’ll have a great shot.”

and had my work displayed in sev- using projects that I would assign.” His advice to students interested Mr. Morales’s students, such as Otto

eral SoHo galleries as well,” he said. But above all, he declared that his in pursuing art is to “learn all you Peterson and Manny Zavaleta, have

He has also designed “a preliminary goal “is to continue teaching the way can about the applied arts such as de- gone on to work at NBC and VH1, as

program for a sports facility that would that I’ve been teaching. I teach kids sign, graphic arts, illustration and well as to start their own businesses.

instruct baseball, physical fitness and that don’t come from art programs. photography, among others. Study







Assante sees ‘great year

ahead’ in classes







photo by Pearl Bhatnagar









FREE DELIVERY

Physical Education teacher Maria Assante brings 13 years of experience to her

health and physical education classes.



by Ashley Knight

Maria Assante, the new faculty member of the Physical Education De-

partment, is very enthusiastic about her new position as health and aero-

bics teacher and hopes to coach a team when there ís an opening.

Ms. Assante has been in the educational field for 13 years. Previ-

ously, she taught at Thomas Jefferson High School and a middle school

in Brooklyn, where she taught peer mediation, HIV/AIDS classes,

physical education, and health. Apart from this, Ms. Assante coached

gymnastics, field hockey, bowling, volleyball, and many other sports.

“I came to Townsend Harris because it has the reputation of being a

great school,” she said. “I no longer have to spend half of my lesson plan

disciplining students.”

Ms. Assante added, “If everyone continues acting the way they are now,

I can see a great year ahead.”

News The Classic

9

Uddin attends Service Nation summit

October 2008









by Steven Lange Obama, as well as 500 lead- the attendees was senior Sadik tance of service,” said Sadik. one else was at least [in] their

What does it take to be- ers of all ages from universi- Uddin, invited to participate “He had had a rough child- late 20s, if not older, I must

come a leader in today’s ties, business, politics, and as one of 100 Young Leaders. hood and was helped through say it was a phenomenal expe-

world? To emphasize the im- foundations, convened at the At the summit, John Mc- service towards a better one, rience. I heard speeches made

portance of service to leader- Service Nation summit at the Cain and Barack Obama set and it has inspired him.” in person on the importance of

ship, presidential candidates Hilton Hotel in New York City their political differences Sadik’s nomination came service, as well as prime ex-

John McCain and Barack on September 11-12. Among aside to stress the importance after he spent this past sum- amples of it by many impor-

of service in pres- mer as a Bank of America tant figures in today’s world.”

ent-day America. Student Leader on an all-ex- President George W. Bush,

Hollywood stars, penses-paid trip to Washing- whose message was shown to

such as “Spider- ton, D.C., where he interned the summit on a large video

man” actor Toby at  a  non-profit  organization  screen, and Governor Arnold

Maguire, and called Public Theater. Recent- Schwarzenegger, both stressed

Grammy Award- ly, Bank of America Student the importance of service and

winning artists, Liaison  Gail  Harvey  notified  its impact on America. Sadik

photo courtesy of Sadik Uddin









such as Usher Sadik about the invitation- himself is an avid volunteer

and Alicia Keyes, only Service Nation summit, at a Queens public library and

were also present and he seized the opportunity. hopes to eventually gain mon-

to lend their sup- “These leaders were gath- etary support for the library.

port to the effort. ered to celebrate the power of Of his experience at the

“Toby Magu- service and help address ever- summit, Sadik said, “I had

ire, the renowned growing social problems in one of the greatest experi-

Spiderman, sat America by the use of volunteer ences of my young life and

next to me and lat- service and nation[al] service,” can hope only that I have

er on stage spoke Sadik said. “Though I was one more great experiences in

about the impor- of the youngest because every- life to look forward to.”

Sadik Uddin meets actor Toby Maguire, who spoke at the Service Nation Summit. Sadik







McCann serves as Youth Ambassador in Africa

attended the event as a Young Leader.









Hello Ms. Rizzuto!

  I hope this finds you and your family well. I’ve been home for a few days now and am fever-

ishly packing all my things for college....Africa was incredible. I look forward to seeing you so

I can tell you more about it, but as for now, I’ll tell you a little bit and try to send the pictures.

Of the six weeks I spent in Africa, I spent about half of the time in South Africa, and the

other half in Namibia. Namibia is where the summer began. I worked in the north of the country









photo by Gabrielle Armand

with the local San community. The San people were a community of about 60, who were origi-

nally nomadic until Namibia became a republic in 1993, when they were unable to continue

their nomadic lifestyle because most of the land was bought by farmers who lived outside the

country. The San people generally have very little clothing and food, and when we first arrived 

on the site, they were living in homes which consisted of sticks standing upright in the sand

with T-shirts or whatever rags they could get their hands on. Also, because these people can not

afford food, they make a home-made beer out of the plants that grow around. This beer is the

main substance they have to live off of and because of this condition, almost all of the adults

Alumna Kelly McCann, ’08, cradles a child whom she helped as a Youth

in the San community are alcoholics. The adults of the community spend their days in the bars Ambassador in Africa.

(or tin huts where the beer is brewed), and their children often wander around scavenging for

food. This raw exposure to the community was difficult to see but often motivating while we 

were working. I spent my time in Namibia playing with the children and building homes for the by Cristine Khan Kelly said went to good use.

community. Along with twenty other Youth Ambassadors, I wheeled cement, carried bricks, and “Everyone has the oppor- “All the money went to

plastered for the two and a half weeks in Namibia. In the end, we finished sixteen homes and  tunity to make a change,” UNA-USA, which bought a

had a ceremony for the families on move in day. It was wonderful to see the children I had spent said English teacher Helen lot of building materials like

so much time with walk into their homes, knowing I helped make it happen. Rizzuto, and 2008 gradu- zinc for roofs, cement mix

In South Africa, I am happy to say, the poverty wasn’t quite as severe. The two schools we ate Kelly McCann seized and paint. We completed a

worked at were both full of children who came from sturdier homes and were better off materi- such an opportunity. This community of 20 houses,

alistically, and did have enough food so that alcoholism wasn’t such a problem. Unfortunately, summer, she embarked on a painted some schools over,

however, HIV/AIDS was, and some of the children in the two schools were HIV positive, and trip to Africa sponsored by and built three playgrounds

many had been orphaned by AIDS. The physical work we did in South Africa was less strenu- the Youth Ambassador pro- with the material,” she said.

ous. I helped paint murals in kindergarten classrooms and helped build two playgrounds and gram, bringing the spirit of “I don’t think this trip

swing sets for the children to play on. The communities were very grateful for the playgrounds, the Ephebic Oath with her. changed my complete out-

and the children lit up when we explained them. Possibly one of the most touching moments Kelly traveled to both look on life,” said Kelly, “but

on the trip for me came after a long days work at one of the South African schools. We had Namibia and South Afri- it did make me think on a

finally finished the playground and the sun was setting. (African sunsets are beautiful!) While  ca, where she worked with broader  scale  and  definitely 

we waited for our bus driver to pick us up and bring us to the bed and breakfast we were staying other youth ambassadors appreciate things more. It

at, all of the Youth Ambassadors and counselors decided to play a game of “Capture the Flag” to build communities and also gave me a lot of great

(similar to tag) around the schoolyard. The game got pretty intense, and while I was crouching homes and educate young memories  to  reflect  back  on.”

behind a rock in hiding, I looked up and noticed the principal of the school hadn’t gone home. children about HIV/AIDS. Kelly hopes to pursue her in-

He was sitting on one of the swings on our swing set. A fifty-year-old man, in the same suit he  Last year, Ms. Riz- terests in traveling and volun-

wore every day, he kept his feet straight out in the air as he gently swung back and forth because zuto’s sophomore classes teering. As a student at SUNY-

he hadn’t been on a swing before. He looked around at the playground we had built with a slight raised $3,500 by selling “Imag- New Paltz, she plans to major in

smile on his face. ine: Africa” bracelets. They international relations and join

Just seeing the principal that day made me feel like I was giving something more than just also ran a school-wide dona- the Peace Corp after she earns

the physical playground, or house, or whatever. I realized that these people miss out on simple tion campaign that brought her undergraduate degree.

joys of childhood, and even if I couldn’t, as a seventeen-year-old, cure AIDS or alcoholism, I in over 1,000 pencils, which

could do something. Seeing the principal on the swing called to mind the quote, “No one can do

everything but everyone can do something.” I can’t wait to see you (hopefully in a few weeks?)

so we can catch up. Thank you again for supporting me through this whole process. This experi-

The letter on the left was sent by Kelly to Ms. Rizzuto and has

ence will stay with me forever! been reprinted by The Classic with their permission.

Love,

Kelly

10 News/Feature

The Classic







Campaigns hold press conferences in journalism electives

October 2008









by Pearl Bhatnagar, Sarah Students can only play on peers for support. Although change.” Ryan, as McCain, as McCain, does not support.

Mahmood, Daniel Pecoraro, political figures and spouses the candidates are most in asserted that “change is a However, Damian, playing

Tracey Wang, and Esther of their own gender. “I the public eye, all seniors symbol. Change is something Obama, said that he will

Whang was thrilled from the very have a significant part in the any presidential candidate protect the borders and not

After donning her “Sarah beginning. I originally wanted simulation and in its success. should be bringing forth.” leave haphazardly. “You have

Palin glasses,” as she called to be Obama, but there are For instance, some are to secure it, you

them, senior Barbara Cvenic rules against that, so I’ll settle speech writers, political have to go there, and

became Republican 16 months time is

vice presidential enough - I hope,” said

candidate and Damian, as Obama.

namesake of the “I think about six

glasses, Sarah billion dollars goes

Palin, at her first into the war effort,”

press conference Daniel Lehrman, as

of the election campaign manager,

simulation. Barbara, said. “We can put

along with other that money into

seniors playing Iraq to make it a

photo by Rifat Ismail









candidates, better place.”









photo by Freddy Milan Jr.

their spouses, Ryan, as

and campaign McCain, on

managers, held the other hand,

several press believes that the

conferences United States

with Ilsa army must stay

Cowen’s two in Iraq until it

journalism classes, Responding to questions posed by the journalism class, Brian Gamble, as Joe becomes stable,

Ryan Urquidi, as John McCain, promotes his platform

on September 22- Biden; Heriselda Begaj, as Jill Biden; Katherina Balram, as Michelle Obama; and as Barbara Cvenic, as Sarah Palin, puts on her trademark regardless of the

26, and answered Daniel Lehrman, the Democrats’ campaign manager, enthusiastically support Barack eyeglasses. cost. “We made a

questions both as Obama for president. commitment,” he

themselves and in said, and walking

the roles they were playing. for being his wife,” said senior analysts, and cameramen. Barbara, as Palin, added, “We away would be “hypocritical,”

During the first half of the Katherina (Kat) Balram, who Damian, who plays Barack can actually bring change.” and “un-American.” He

press conference, in which is playing Michelle Obama. Obama, said, “I’m just the face A concern largely voiced continued, “Above money,

students spoke as themselves, As the seniors transform of it, but it’s a big team effort.” throughout the press you have to think of priority.”

many Republican Party into their political figures, they On the other hand, Fior Fabian, conferences was the state Although as McCain and

members said that their anticipate some difficulties. Republican campaign manager, of the economy. As McCain Obama, Ryan and Damian

own views do not match Barbara said what would said, “We’re behind the scenes, and Palin, Ryan and Barbara disagreed with each other on

those of the candidates they be most difficult about the but they [the candidates] have support removing wasteful everything from the economy

are representing. “There simulation, would be “going to put themselves out there. spending and not allowing to the war in Iraq, they both

are actually about three past party lines…breaking They need the charisma CEO’s to gain money from model their campaign after

Republicans in the Republican through the liberal barrier because that’s what gets people the current economic crisis. that of Cody Alongi, who

campaign,” said Raoul facing us.” She urged people elected.” “We don’t want CEO’s played John Edwards in last

Valencia, who plays Todd Palin. not to vote based on policies The election simulation has running off with seven-figure year’s election simulation.

Ryan Urquidi, who plays John and political stances in the encouraged some seniors to bonuses,” said Ryan, as “Cody knew his views inside

McCain, stated, “I’m about as election simulation, but rather pursue a career in politics. “I McCain. However, the idea and out. He was always on

liberal as you can get….It’s on the effort and effectiveness had actually been considering of a ‘trickle-down’ policy of radio shows. He was always

hard to say things you disagree of the students playing the politics for a while before the giving tax breaks to the upper putting himself out there,”

with, but you come away with roles. The election simulation Simulation started, but this class, as McCain supports, is said Damian. “That’s where I

a greater understanding.” was about “how people present has just helped get me a lot something Damian, as Obama, set my bar, Cody.”

When Barbara was asked what themselves,” she said. more interested in it. I think does not agree with. “Money The seniors were looking

issues she disagreed with Palin Cecilia Ehresman, who that the Simulation is a great never trickles down. Never,” forward to conducting the

on, she said, “Everything!” plays Senator McCain’s wife avenue through which you he said. Instead of a ‘trickle- election simulation for a long

The students representing Cindy McCain, described a can experience first-hand what down’ policy, Damian, as time. “We’ve been excited

the Democratic Party seemed different difficulty in playing politics is like and what it Obama, and Brian, as Biden, ever since freshman year since

to find their candidates’ views her role. She said, “After really means to be involved in want to pump money into the we found out we’re going to

more congenial. Brian Gamble, actually becoming a spouse, it,” said Heriselda Begaj, who economy through the middle do the presidential election,”

who plays Democratic vice I knew how hard it was. If plays Jill Biden. class. “We’re planning on Kat said. “Its going to be one

presidential nominee Joe your spouse doesn’t know About half way through the raising taxes on the wealthy… of the best election simulations

Biden, stated, “It’s a thrill something, you need to…save press conferences, the seniors while we’ll give the middle we’ve seen in a very long

having someone you’re in sync your spouse; if anything…you switched from their own class tax breaks,” said Brian, time.”

with so that you can put forth are kind of their safety net.” persona to play their respective as Biden. Additional reporting was

their views.” Damian Charles, This election, as Cecilia said, roles. Kat, as Michelle Obama, Regarding the war in Iraq, contributed by Allison Bennet

who plays Barack Obama, also is a lot about being a “safety said that McCain “needed to Damian, as Obama, supports and Rebecca Siedel.

expressed his enthusiasm about net” for someone, or working energize his campaign,” and bringing troops home within

the candidate he is simulating. together as a team and relying thus “[he] stole our motif of 16 months, something Ryan,



Election Simulation mimics 2008 presidential election

continued from page 1 her opponent, Democrat Gary every year. It was created by the campaign is fundraising. candidate. There are also

analyst. Ackerman, is Matthew Watton. the Humanities Department in During the election simulation, several randomly chosen “Fat

The Obama campaign class For District 14, Republican collaboration with Dr. Michael it is not uncommon to see daily Cats,” who are each given a

is taught by Social Studies candidate Robert Heim is Krasner of the Taft Institute for food and recreation fundraisers significantly larger number of

teacher Aliza Sherman; the played by Jeffrey Wong, while Government at Queens College set up during lunch bands. simbucks to spend. Students

Radio and Television classes Democratic candidate Carolyn to get students more involved These sales raise “simbucks,” often name the fundraisers

are taught by Chris Hackney; B. Maloney is played by Diana in the political process and the official currency of the as their favorite part of the

and the Print Journalism class Buchalter. Students will also yearly elections. In order to Election Simulation, offering Election Simulation.

is taught by Linda Steinmann. vote for the local election on get their candidate elected, everything from cookies to Junior Ashley Newman

Also being simulated this the school-wide election day, student campaigns may use pizza to French fries, and said, “I love walking into the

year are the local elections for November 3. press conferences, posters, even tries at the video games cafeteria to find outside food

N.Y. Congressional District 5 The election simulation, television commercials, Rock Band and Dance Dance available practically for free.

and District 14. Playing District coordinated by Assistant radio commercials, print Revolution. It makes me sad when the

5 Republican candidate for Principal of Humanities Susan ads, speeches and personal Underclassmen are each election is over.”

District 5 Elizabeth Berney is Getting, began in 1996 and is a appearances. given 25 simbucks to spend

Demetra Kentrotas, and playing popular event among students Another important part of in support of their favorite

11 News/Feature The Classic









Bonamo accepts position as new principal of Harris

October 2008









continued from page 1 You learn so much about wanted to be the monitor,” he in everything and loved the of education.”

for five weeks, it led yourself and your own culture said, laughing. “In middle and opportunities high school Mr. Bonamo, who has

me to where I am now, when you visit other places,” high school, I was so excited presented.” lived in Staten Island all his

indirectly. Sometimes he explained. about what I had learned, and Among his favorite subjects life, attended the prestigious

when one door closes, another Another of his pastimes always wanted to teach it to my in high school were math and Staten Island Technical High

door really does open,” he is going to the theater. “I sister. I love nothing more than Russian. “I loved, loved math School, and also went on to

said. really like serious dramas a freshly washed board and an because it was clean, neat, and become Assistant Principal

One of Mr. Bonamo’s and traditional Broadway unused piece of chalk.” had definite answers. After of Humanities there. “Even

favorite hobbies is reading. musicals,” he said, naming Offering advice to high high school, I appreciated the though I’m from a different

Although a fan of nonfiction Forty Second Street and A school students, Mr. Bonamo liberal arts more. There was borough and school, I know

(he is currently reading The Street Car Named Desire as said, “Enjoy every minute. a real application to what you what it’s like to be in a school

Second Civil War by Ronald two of his favorites. If you’re not, figure out why would learn towards becoming with high expectations. I know

Brownstein), he also enjoys Mr. Bonamo was always and fix it. Don’t be afraid to a better person.” the challenges that come with

reading fiction, especially inclined towards working in the be nerdy, get involved, and Mr. Bonamo believes that having to provide a challenging

books by Dan Brown. field of education. “I think it’s make memories. Academics the value of education goes and engaging lesson. It takes a

He loves to travel, as well, secretly what I always wanted are number one, but activities beyond jobs and college lot of dedication. While I have

and visited Bermuda this to do. My parents wanted me and sports are a close second. acceptances. “Education a lot to learn, I’ve experienced

summer. “Some of the world’s to be a doctor because I did Excel in both; that is key.” can be a transformative a school like this on many

best beaches are there. It was well in school. In my extended In high school, Mr. Bonamo experience, and the value of levels,” he said.

just lovely,” he said. One place family, anyone who did well was a very involved student. He education is not just about Janet Solomon, Assistant

that Mr. Bonamo has always in school became a doctor, did the announcements on the getting to the next step. It’s Principal of Pupil Personnel

wanted to visit, but never got but I always had tendencies to loudspeaker in school. “I was a about opening your mind and Services, said, “I am very glad

the chance, is Asia. “I’m very, become a teacher. You know bit of a nerd. I was the president realizing the wonder of human that he has been appointed

very curious to see what it how in second grade, the of the National Honor Society existence - all of its beauties principal of Townsend Harris

feels like to be in a completely teacher assigns a monitor to (NHS), or Arista. I was stage and flaws. You can pick your High School. He’s enthusiastic,

different culture. I got a taste write down the names of all the manager for all the shows. I mixture of different ways of energetic, and bright. He seems

of that when I went to Russia bad kids on the board when she took AP everything. I was fifth thinking and forge your own to love the students. He’s the

as a freshman in high school. steps out for a second? I always in my class. I was involved path in life. That is the beauty right person for the job.”







New principal Bonamo addresses journalism classes

by Caroline Egan, Daniel Bonamo credits the assistant learning.” worthwhile. repeated organization. There

Pecoraro and Rebecca principals. Two of Mr. Bonamo’s Providing AP courses in are people revitalized from

Seidel “So far the students have specific goals are reinforcing the coming years is going to them.”

It could have been just exceeded my expectations…, interdisciplinary connections be a strain. The city’s budget Then a reporter asked

another mundane interview, and I say that as someone who between all subjects and cuts are going to take a further Mr. Bonamo about the No

but the Band 9 Journalism was a student, a teacher, and further embracing technology. toll on schools. “I’m sorry to Child Left Behind Act. “The

class’s press conference with an administrator at a school “Probably one of [my] goals tell you it’s not going to be motivation behind the…act is

Kenneth Bonamo, the new with very selective admissions is…to get a SMART board in hypothetical,” Mr. Bonamo honorable,” Mr. Bonamo said.

principal, on October 10 [Staten Island Technical],” every room, so that it is easier said, responding to a reporter’s “Every child is entitled to a

exploded into a rapid back- he said. “This is the nicest for a teacher to use them,” he question about how he would quality education regardless

and-forth that addressed group of students that I have said. Pointing out an example of handle further budget cuts. of ethnic or economic

everything from his plans seen….The level of intellect how technology could enhance Principals have already been background, but there is an

for the school to recent court and the level of education has a Humanities subject, he said, told that the Department of assumption in the No Child

decisions and politics. On certainly exceeded what I had “When I taught Advanced Education will get a 2.5% Left Behind Act that every

October 14, he once again thought, and the teachers have Placement Government and funding cut in 2009, and a child has the same capacity for

took center stage in the inspired me in some cases Politics, I would always turn 5% cut in 2010, and the cuts the same type of work and that

Band 8 Journalism class, and by their love of teaching and to the Editorial section of the may be much worse. In order isn’t right…We should give

again responding to a surge their skills and their desire New York Times, but wouldn’t to deal with this, the principal every child the opportunity to

of questions, Mr. Bonamo to be innovative, and quite it be better if I had a class must decide what to take away excel, but sometimes I feel we

reflected on his first month as frankly, in their receptivity of AP Government with 34 from the school’s budget. He are forcing them. I think the

principal. to new ideas, especially from computers?... I said to myself, stated, “We need to take a answer is somewhere in the

In Band 9, Mr. Bonamo, someone from the outside. I’m ‘Self, it’s what you’ve got to hard look and say, ‘What are middle. I don’t think we have

dressed in a light pink tie coming in as the new guy.” do!’” we going to do?’” He said found it yet.”

and a dark gray suit, stood in To gain the respect of the Asked about preparing this could lead to a reduction The next issue to enter

the middle of the classroom faculty and student body, he Harrisites for college, Mr. in courses “if it gets bad the discussion was a recent

awaiting questions. A slight stated the most important thing Bonamo replied, “We have a enough.” announcement by Schools

buzz filled the room, as the is “listening to teachers and responsibility to make sure our The focus of both press Chancellor Joel Klein that

student reporters, switched on students, [and] incorporating students are ready for college.” conferences eventually shifted teachers are prohibited from

their computers, and pulled their advice and expertise into On the other hand, he asserted from Mr. Bonamo’s plans wearing political campaign

out their previously prepared the plans that they make.” He that school shouldn’t be a for the school to his take on buttons in the classroom.

questions. Once Mr. Bonamo is receptive to ideas for change, “college-prep factory.” He certain political events. One “I support, obviously, the

began answering questions, the but, he said, “the challenge is to intends to provide as many of the first issues to come First Amendment rights of

room’s atmosphere became, as change in a way that’s faithful courses as possible, without up was Mayor Bloomberg’s all citizens, but I wonder if

sophomore Jasmine Multani to the Humanities mission” making everything mandatory. controversial run for a third a teacher should be wearing

later described it, “electric and of the school. Humanities, he “It’s a matter of asking students term in office. Mr. Bonamo political buttons in the

compelling.” “It was amazing said, “is a beautiful uniting to specialize, so they’re not brought up both sides of the classroom,” he said. “Would

to hear what he had to say,” theme.” trying to do everything and argument which now surround that not suppress discussion?”

Jasmine said, “It really turned Mr. Bonamo wishes to stress themselves out,” he term limits. “Some people,” He pointed out that “the case

out to be a lot of fun.” continue many of the traditions explained. he explained, “say they force law is mixed,” and added, “It

When Mr. Bonamo arrived established by Thomas According to Mr. Bonamo, change and limit corruption. [the issue] will probably make

for the first day of school on Cunningham, his predecessor, the key to programming classes We don’t know. It’s somewhat its way to an interesting court

September 2, he said, he was and Malcolm Largmann, is creating a balance between undemocratic. In essence, the case.”

quite nervous – “probably the founding principal. Mr. AP courses and electives. He voters of 1988 are telling us The press conferences

just about as much as the Bonamo said he has been is looking into creating an AP what we can do today.” He continued until they were

freshmen.” He continued, “playing phone tag with Dr. Art History course, as well explained how the term limit interrupted by the music

“There can be something that Largmann.” He explained, as increasing the sizes of AP for mayor was established by signaling the end of class.

goes wrong, and if something “I want to learn from him United States History and a referendum in 1988 after As the ninth band students

turns wrong at the end of the what his vision was. I think a Government classes. “I’m not Mayor Koch spent three terms scrambled to pack their bags,

day, it’s my fault.” Luckily Humanities view in all courses saying that AP is the answer to in office. “I see it from both Mr. Bonamo said, flashing a

for Mr. Bonamo, nothing is important - it forces students everything,” he said. Still, he sides,” he said. “There are smile, “Smooth jazz, courtesy

went wrong, and for this, Mr. to reflect on what they are believes that the courses are people who are weary from of Kenneth Bonamo.”

12 Sports

The Classic



October 2008







Richmond Hill Lions defeat Hawks at soccer game

by Ashley Knight for a few minutes because of didn’t want the other team to that what I did was a very captain of the soccer team, has

With only two seasonal his foul. “I think that the slide come back and score. [Coach professional foul,” said Reja. a broken clavicle and will not

games to go, the Boys’ tackle was worth it. I really Raymond Adamkiewicz] said Senior Ryan Urquidi, be able to play for the rest of the

Soccer team played against season. “I feel like I’m missing

the Richmond Hill Lions out on a big opportunity. I’m

on October 15 at Flushing especially upset that I’m not

Meadow Park. Off to a slow able to play in the second half

start, the Hawks were defeated of the season. Looking ahead

with a score of 5-2. to next year, I hope that the

In the first half of the game, underclassmen have longevity

senior Derek Gumb scored a and will be able to keep the

goal. Junior Nicolas Fedus team going,” said Urquidi.

ground-kicked Gumb the ball Coach Adamkiewicz was

from the left and Gumb slid as upset that the Hawks can no

he kicked the ball right into the longer qualify for the playoffs.

goal. “I couldn’t believe that “I’m dissapointed. The team









photo by Ashley Knight

I hit the ball right through the had so many long practices

goalie’s legs” said Gumb. and showed how committed

Other highlights of the they were to the team during

game included junior Daniel the year. Today there was low

Milyavsky’s goal and senior game intensity and the team

Gaurab Reja’s slide tackle. played to the level of their

Reja slide tackled a member competitors. Now is the time

of the opposing team in an for the players who normally

attempt to stop their attacking don’t go in a lot to shine,” he

play. Reja got a yellow card said.

and had to sit out of the game Freshman Christopher Danaramani, senior Derek Gumb, senior Omar Yaipen, and freshman

Jason King take a break from the soccer field.





Turtles swim against Jamaica High School for another win

by Kirsten Guelly stage for the beginning of what returning swimmers, the team the Turtles are beginning the I’m confident that with a lot of

The Turtles swam their is expected to be an exciting is looking strong. However, season with high hopes. They hard work, the season will be

first meet of the season against season. according to coach Jim Jordan, know that in order to repeat as a success,” said junior Kellyn

the Jamaica Lady Beavers As the defending city capturing the title of undefeated City Champs, they will have to McCarthy.

at Jamaica High School on champs, the Turtles swam their New York City Champions for work very hard, and they are With one victory under their

October 7. The meet began with way to an easy victory, ending the fourth time in a row will optimistic. “Each year, it has shells already, the Turtles have

a battle of the cheers between the meet with a score of 60- not be an easy feat. been a challenge, but we’ve officially begun their quest to

the teams, which pumped the 19. With fast swims from the Despite the loss of quite a always been able to pull it off. becoming the City Champions

swimmers up. This set the new freshmen, as well as the few valuable team members, Our team is so spirited, and once again.







Athlete of the Month: Kirsten Guelly

photo by Ashley Knight









Name: Kirsten Guelly

Grade: 12

Team: Girls’ Varsity Swim Team

Favorite Part of Being on the Team: “Spirit. At out meets, we always say the loudest cheers and wear the most green.”

Pre-game Rituals: “First, I jump up and down; then I stretch out each shoulder and shake out my legs.”

Pre-game Snack: Strawberries

Outside Team: The Flushing Flyers