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Eagle’s Eye Vol. 15/No. 7
May 2006
R O C K Y P O I N T S E N I O R H. S.
82 Rocky Point–Yaphank Road, Rocky Point, NY 11778
www.rockypointschools.org
You Booze, You Lose!
compiled by
Gary Troy
Fourth quarter progress reports for grades 6-
12 will be mailed home Friday, May 19.
Junior Prom is Saturday, May 20 from 8 p.m. to
11:30 p.m. in the high school cafeteria.
The Athletic Booster Club will meet Tuesday,
May 23, at 7:30 p.m in the high school.
Employment Day at Suffolk County Community
College is Wednesday, May 24.
The high school art show is Wednesday, May 24
from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The high school spring concert is Wednesday,
May 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium.
Schools will be closed Friday, May 26, and Mon-
day, May 29, in observance of Memorial Day.
Summer driver’s education registration is
Thursday, June 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.in the
high school office.
High school final exams begin Monday, June 12.
The Senior Dinner is Friday, June 16, at 6:30
p.m. in the high school cafeteria.
photo by Sal Nicosia
Regents exams end Thursday, June 22.
Final report cards will be mailed Friday, June 23. At an assembly held during third period on Wednesday, May 17, the seniors above learned about the new steps to
test any students suspected of drinking by using a Breathalyzer.
The high school graduation ceremony is Friday,
June 23 at 6 p.m. on the high school track.
The Board of Education will meet Monday, June by David Bonner
26 at 7:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium.
T he rumors are true; Rocky Point will be having a
Breathalyzer at this year’s junior and senior proms.
After problems at past proms, the administration feels
be a Breathalyzer at the proms. The note also warns stu-
dents that they will lose their extracurricular activities
if they are found to be under the influence of alcohol.
that this is the time to set a precedent for future proms. If a student refuses to take the test, they will be con-
“Anything that insures the safety of our students is a sidered under the influence. If administered, the test will
positive approach,” said assistant pincipal Mrs. Susan be considered accurate; the device was purchased from
Sullivan. the Suffolk County Police Department Public Safety
Some students are in agreement with the new policy Equipment magazine.
for various reasons. “No student in this school is twenty-one, which makes
Congratulations! “The Breathalyzer is a great idea, and I think Mr. Caufield
should be applauded for it,” said senior Katie Graf.
drinking against the law, so I cannot condone it,” said
Principal William Caulfield.
Eagle’s Eye layout editor and editor-in-chief, If a student appears to be under the influence, he or Many students around the school have expressed their
junior Courtney Bihn, was honored at the she will be “breathalyzed.” If they are found to be un- disapproval of there being a Breathalyzer at the proms.
Newsday In Education School Journalism der the influence, they will be suspended from school, “I think the Breathalyzer is absolutely ridiculous. Why
Awards on Monday, May 15. Rocky Point removed from all school activities, lose eligibilty for a change things now?” said junior Danny Sanvitale.
earned third place entry in the Typography senior parking spot and a superintendent’s hearing will Regardless of students’ opinions, the decision has been
and Layout category for high school publica- be made where further consequences will be decided.. made far enough in advance for them to be aware of
tions from Nassau and Suffolk counties. The school has sent permission slips to the homes the new policy and to make choices accordingly for both
of all juniors and seniors to notify parents that there will the junior and senior proms. •
N e w s
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Budget Vote Competitive Actors Achieve Success
Determines by Kim Farley
Schools’ Fates
by Gary Troy
S ix drama students attended the Monologue Compe
tition at Nassau Community College on Saturday,
April 1, 2006, to compete against other students from
this competition, they came out with four awards. In the
ninth- and tenth-grade division sophomores Brian Smith
and Ghia Vitale received an honorable mention and sec-
across Long Island. ond place, respectively. In the eleventh- and twelfth-
T he school budget vote is one of the biggest events
for any school district. It dictates the future of
the school in every way. Aspects of school life such
They each delivered a two-minute long monologue in
accordance with the assigned theme, “Divided We Fall:
The Broadening Scope of Violence in America.” The
grade division, seniors Amanda Mouzakes and Ashley
Audette received an honorable mention and second place,
respectively.
as school sports, class sizes, and transportation can students achieved great success and delivered moving Competitions like these provide learning experiences
all be in jeopardy if the budget does not pass. performances. and good practice for college auditions for performing
The voting for this year’s budget was Tuesday, “My performance was about a girl who confided in arts programs and future career paths.
May 16, in the high school gymnasium from 7 a.m. her best friend that she was a lesbian and after much “Because I am going to college for musical theatre, it
to 9 p.m. Voters were required to be over 18 years social persecution, was murdered. I feel it was impor- was a good experience. It was very fun,” said senior Mike
old as of May 16, and to live in the Rocky Point district tant to choose something you felt strongly about be- Nash.•
30 days before that date. cause you would be able to act it better. It would make
If a school budget fails, the school can deal with a statement,” said sophomore Ghia Vitale.
this in a number of ways. The district can, first, put There was much preparation for the competition. Par-
the proposed budget up for a second vote without ticipants decided on a monologue, and in addition to prac-
making any changes. They can also put it up again ticing at home, they also practiced in class. There were
with some revisions to make it a bit easier to pass. two divisions for the competition; freshmen and sopho-
If neither scenario works, the school has to adopt mores were grouped together and juniors and seniors
the contingency budget, which means that almost were grouped together. They also did awards coordi-
every extra thing that the school offers would have nately, after the contestants were judged by two depart-
to be stopped and no longer available. ment chairpersons.
Any part of school life can be taken away. Sports The students chose subjects about which they felt very
may not be able to be funded and bus transporta- strongly.
tion for students may not be available. Class sizes “It was a very interesting experience. We spent two
would not consist of 20-25 students, but would have to three weeks preparing and still didn’t know what to
to greatly increase in size, and courses that are currently expect when we got there. Everyone was dressed up
provided will not be able to be offered any longer. for their part,” said sophomore Brian Smith.
Many students in the school play sports and see “It was a great learning experience. I felt honored to
it really as a way of life. participate in this competition and get the opportunity
“Sports motivate people to do better in school. With- to tell the story of Matthew Shepard,” said senior Ashley
out sports, students’ grades would slide,” said jun- Audette, whose monologue discussed the torture and
ior Sean Agoglia. Sports are also a way for the stu- death of Shepard.
dents to communicate and have something in com- Although this was Rocky Point’s first time attending
mon.
Stu-
dents
are al-
ways
talking
FBLA members attended a statewide competition at
the Nevele Grand Resort in Ellenville, New York, April
They Dance For Life
about 3-5. Exams were dispensed to test students in
their different areas of business. Senior John Prentice was
school’s a finalist in Public Speaking II, junior Craig Horn took by Courtney Bihn
athlet- third in International Business, senior Nicholas
Koridis came in fifth in Networking Concepts, and
ics.
“If photo courtesy of seacoastonline.com
w e Every vote counts, especially in smaller
junior Brittany Groth won fourth place in Ms. FBLA
and fifth place in Word Processing II. L eaps, pirouettes, and shanay turns mesmerized au
dience members in the Rocky Point High School
auditorium. At 7:00 pm on Saturday, May 13, dancers
w e r e districts like Rocky Point. from Backstreet’s Dance Studio of Rocky Point expressed
l e f t their love for the art of movement, while raising over
with- $2,000 for those diagnosed with AIDS, as part of the
out sports, there would be no excitement in the Dancers Responding to AIDS Charity (DRA).
school,” said junior Jillian Pristach. The passionate and good-willed dancers put in hours
Students would also have to deal with the increasing of effort under the motto “When AIDS is stopped we
class sizes, which would obviously become another will dance for joy, but until then we will dance for life.”
hassle. It gets hot during the spring and summer, Their hard work and diligence paid off when the event
and having another 20 kids in a room is not going turned in a great amount of donations and had enter-
to make it cooler. Learning a subject would not come tained audience members dancing in their seats.
as easy and it would become a lot harder to focus The night started off with a musical performance from
on what has to be done in class. Not to mention that the new hit movie and Broadway musical Rent. Seven
having 40 kids in a classroom is just asking for trouble. Rocky Point High School music students sang a cho-
“If class sizes increased, I think we’d have to in- ral version of “Seasons of Love.”
crease the period length so students could under- “‘Seasons of Love’ is a song about life, love, and pas-
stand everything. No student is going to want that,” sion, and comes from a show that deals with the dev-
says junior Rita Bradley. astation of AIDS, the message DRA is trying to por-
Teachers, of course, have their own input on this tray,” said senior Ashley Audette.
matter as well. The dancers then showed off their acquired skills and
“Increased class sizes can only be hurting the stu- technique in the big dance numbers “Big Spender,” “Pain
dents,” commented Mrs. Jennifer Engellau. of Heart,” “Don’t Let it Bring You Down,” “Oceania,”
Fortunately, students will not be faced with these “Big Rock Candy Mountain,” “Beep,” “Hide and Seek,”
problems because the Rocky Point budget passed “Bebot,” and “3 Libras.” There were also several solo
965 to 569.• performances. The show was put on in two forty-five
minute acts with a fifteen-minute intermission. Audi-
ence members gave the dancers a remarkable applause
at the conclusion of the show.
Students from art and ESL classes took a cultural field Freshman Molly Leckie and senior Leann Grieger were
trip to the Museumof Modern Art on March 23. The active participants in the program. Grieger also danced
trip was made possible by a grant written by Mrs. in last year’s DRA show at Miller Place High School
Joyce Connolly, art department director, and awarded
by MESTRACT. Fifty students and five chaperones
attended the cultural event. “Dance” continued on page 6
F e a t u r e s
Vol. 15/No. 7
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May 2006
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Keeping it Safe in the City
by Ashley Audette
S afety is something that many young people do not
always take into account when going out to parties
and clubs, or taking vacations. When going out to any
could be lurking in a dark corner, or in an alley? You
are safer with lots of people around.
Tell your friends/roommates if you are leaving, with
amount of alcohol can cause almost immediate un-in-
hibiting effects,” said police officer Deborah Mitchell of
the Department of Public Safety, in Orono Maine.
new location, such as New York City, a college cam- whom, where you are planning to go, and when you Avoid being alone with an unfamiliar person, espe-
pus, spring break, or even just taking a walk around the will see them back at home. If you live alone or cially when alcohol is involved.
block, there are certain rules that everyone must follow. live in a dorm, call a friend or a family member to Being alone in any situation is not safe no matter where
let them know you are going out and again to tell you are. This rule is especially important when going
Trust your instincts: if you sense something is wrong, them you have arrived home safely. on vacations or unfamiliar places in general.
get away from the situation. This is a great rule to follow for the simple fact that Natalee Holloway, a high school senior, was on a class
“You most likely know in your heart when something people will not be wondering where you are when it starts trip in Aruba in May 2005. She never returned to her
is wrong, so follow your instincts and always stay close getting late. They will know when to expect you and hotel room to leave with her class. It was later revealed
with people you trust,” said senior Madeline Gestone. not have to go searching at all hours of the night to look that she was left alone with a group of young men she
Keep your eyes and ears open: if friends appear to for you. If you do not show up or call, someone will did not know, and vanished after spending the night on
be too intoxicated, leave immediately and return home know to worry about you. a beach with them.
or seek medical attention. Do not leave him or her Do not accept open drinks from anyone you do “Traveling alone puts you at a much higher risk for
alone. not know or do not trust; this includes drinks being raped, mugged, or kidnapped. So I believe being
This rule is one that should be followed no matter where that come in a glass. Never leave your drink with people you know will keep you much safer,” said
you go. An example of a tragic end that resulted from unattended or turn your back on your table. senior Colleen Cain.
not doing this was on Saturday, February 26, 2006, If you leave your drink alone for an instant, it is so Have some money that will only be used in emer-
when graduate student Imette Saint Guillen was raped simple to just slip a drug such as a date rape drug into gencies or to get home from wherever you are.
and killed when leaving a bar alone after having too much the open glass. It only takes a blink of an eye and most Have money in your pocket or shoe, not in your wal-
to drink. drugs evaporate so quickly in the liquid. A victim will let or purse in case that gets stolen. What would you do
Do not go out alone; go out in groups of two or more not even notice that they are there, and most of the times then, with no money on you to get home? It is just re-
and travel in well-lit and populated streets. they do not affect the taste of the drink.
Walking down a dark street is never a good idea, no “Rohypnol (a date rape drug) is a colorless, tasteless,
matter the reason or circumstance. Who knows what odorless, and when combined with even the smallest “Safety” continued on page 6
Get Your Party
Hot Spots for Summer Fun Started
by Sal Nicosia by Lisamarie Gavin
W ith school ending, students everywhere are already “Camping on Fire Island was a great and wonderful
A
planning their summer vacations, there are friends experience,” said sophomore Michele Kurtz. Sweet Sixteen is a special day for a teenage
to hang out with, road trips to go on, and plenty of Feel like seeing if those local ghost stories are real? girl. On Long Island, there are a few cool
opportunites to get out of the house on a beautiful sum- Take a trip to one of the many haunted spots on the Island. places to have a great Sweet Sixteen.
mer day. Check out lioddities.com for some awesome urban ex- Many girls dream about their Sweet Sixteens for
There are many things to do over the summer, whether ploration years prior to the special day. It is their day and they
it is working or just hanging out around town. But why spots and want it to be perfect. For a Sweet Sixteen there are
not make your summer exciting rather than just sitting “haunted” several beautiful places to have it on Long Island. Some
inside the air conditioning all day? There are a few spots areas of exclusive places to host a party are Majestic Gardens,
on Long Island that would be great places to go to. the island. The Inn at East Wind, the Atlantis Marine World,
Rated in the Kings Park Danford’s on the Sound, and The Meadow Club.
Top 10 Water Psychiatric Majestic Gardens is located in Rocky Point and many
Parks in the Center is local girls have had their parties there. It is a very
United States rumored to pleasant place to have a Sweet Sixteen, especially if
by the Travel be haunted, you want to keep it in your hometown!
Channel, and is only There is also East Wind. Their banquet sales spe-
Splish Splash a short photo courtesy of unquiettomb.com cialist, Amanda Kaufmann said, “We have three beau-
is a lot of fun. d r i v e tiful properties to offer clients: the intimate Country
Wake up early away. Kings Park Psychiatric Center is one of
Gardens, the elegant Estate, and our brand new Grand
in the morning Feel like many supposedly haunted places on Ballroom at The Inn at East Wind. Each facility with
and beat the getting off Long Island. its own atmosphere is sure to suite your style. The
c r o w d s this island? Inn also has several different private banquet facili-
though, be- why not go to the other island right next to us, Manhat- ties available which vary in size depending on the
cause it can get tan. The city has amount of guests for each party.” Kaufmann has also
crowded. lots of great places stated that they have a full service spa with great pack-
“Splish to go shopping, see ages.
Splash is really all kinds of con- “I had my Sweet Sixteen as East Wind. My party
photo courtesy of hotlinks.sws amazing,” said certs, plays, and was just the way I always dreamed of it being; it was
Splish Splash is a great and local senior Felice see the amazing unforgettable. I will never forget that day as long as
place for fun, especially on summer’s Caccavale. sites of all the I live. The service was great and the food was even
hottest days. “When I buildings and fa- better. It’s beautiful there,” said senior Jessica
went it was a mous landmarks. Savastano.
great adventure,” said sophomore Rory King. There are many Danford’s on the Sound is in the historic part of
Those who like the outdoors might consider camping things to do this Port Jefferson and is a beautiful place to have a party
at some of the island’s summer without on the water. The Meadow Club is also in Port
awesome camping photo courtesy of trevorlittle.com going too far away.
Jefferson. They claim to have “affordable elegance.”
spots. Fire Island Summer does not A Sweet Sixteen is a memory any girl will want
Washington Square Park in New
gives out free permits have to be two to keep forever. There are plenty of choices in the
York City’s Greenwich Village is a
to camp on its nice place to cool down during months of sitting area for anyone to make her day just what she has
grounds. If you just the hot summer months. around. Have fun been dreaming about. •
go to a Ranger’s of- and do the things
fice, like the one at you might not have time for during the school year: go
Smith Point, they will photo courtesy of visitworcester.com
out and have fun with friends, play some handball, ride
give you a pass and Camping on the beach is a very a bike, or do a little research and do something special.
let you camp out on popular summer activity.
the land. “Party” continued on page 6
F e a t u r e s
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2006 Teacher
Best Laugh Best Classroom Decor
Mr. Wolper Mrs. Famighetti Mr. Gabrinowitz Mrs. Shapiro
Best Smile Best Sense Of Humor
Ms. Roviello Mr. Meier Mr. Nentwich Ms. Gabrinowitz
Most Helpful Most Creative Lessons
Mr. Brons Ms. Engellau Mr. Armine Ms. Rubin
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May 2006
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er Personalities
Best Chalkboard Artist Best Dressed
Mr. Scalfani Mrs. Bovich Dr. Spahn Ms. Campbell
Best Hair Everyone’s Friend
Mr. Maggi Ms. McKibbin Mr. Jordan Ms. Ericson
Most Organized Most Mistaken For a Student
Mr. Brown Mrs. Fischer Mr. Kazmark Mrs. Coen
Teacher Personalities photos by Sal Nicosia
E n t e r t a i n m e n t
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Dancers Responding to AIDS
Favorite Films “Dance” continued from page 2
by Brian Staker while this is Leckie’s first year. and any dancer knows that this disease affects many people
“DRA started at Backstreet’s last year when my friend in the dance world,” said Leckie.
from Miller Place, who is now a freshmen in college DRA is a national organization that was founded in 1991
M ovies started to become a major source of
entertainment around WWII. Movies have
changed so much over time, starting with black
up at Purchase, and I were
talking about an official DRA
show we saw in the city. We
by Denise Roberts Hurlin and
Hernando Cortez. DRA is a pro-
gram of Broadway Cares/Equity
and white films, then color, and now there are hi- were talking about how ter- Fights AIDS, the nation’s leading
tech digitally animated movies. Today movies of- rible health care plans are for industry-based AIDS fundraising
ten remind viewers how to laugh, cry, and be afraid. performing artists and how and grant-making organization. The
One thing is for sure: everyone has a favorite great DRA really is. DRA funds raised by the organization are
movie. Students have some very strong feelings raises money for all per- distributed to the seven programs
about why their favoite film is the best ever. forming artists who have of the Actor’s Fund of America and
AIDS and their families , so as grants to over 400 AIDS and
“White Chicks is my favorite movie. It is just hys- that they can get medical at- family service organizations across
terical,” said freshman Mike Caruso. tention. We were so in love the United States. These organiza-
with the idea that we tions have made over $100 million
“ My favorite movie is Finding Nemo. Billy Crys- wanted to support the photo by Jessica Santiago to fight AIDS.
tal sounds very nice cause. We decided to do the Dancers showed their creative interpretations to an The dancers can now live with
and Nemo is so cute,” first DRA benefit show at appreciative crowd at Saturday’s charity event. the satisfaction that their hard work
said junior Mike Miller Place high school, and and effort will not be short-lived.
Cherouvis. we raised over $2,000,” said Grieger. Their one night of dancing will live
Leckie agrees that the idea for the show is fantastic. on, as the money made at the event will go to help those
“I love Napoleon Dy- Both Grieger and Leckie have dealt with the problems with the AIDS disease and to increase awareness.
namite. I can just the virus causes firsthand. “You get one of the best feelings in the world by being
watch it over and over “I decided to join DRA because I know someone who in this program. I know that my contributions could be
photo courtesy of planetout.com
and laugh every single has been diagnosed with AIDS and I didn’t get the chance just enough to save another person,” said Leckie. •
time,” said senior Lisa Finding Nemo is a favorite to do it [the show] last year. It’s an amazing program,
Gallo. of junior Mike Cherouvis.
“I love RENT, because the story is just great and
I loved the play,” said junior Deanna Gibaldi.
LL Cool J Sings a Familiar Tune
“Zoolander is the best movie! Ben Stiller is ‘ridicu-
lously, ridiculously good looking,’” said senior by David Bonner
Hayley Lubkeman.
“Super Troopers; it’s the type of movie you can
just watch with all your boys and laugh,” said sopho-
A t first, I was
skeptical
about reviewing
the best. On “Best Dress,” featuring Jamie Foxx, and “Ooh
Wee,” featuring Ginuwine, LL has a big name artist doing
the chorus and he does his usual thing on the songs. Through-
more Tommy Palasek. the new LL Cool out these songs he compliments women the whole time,
J CD Todd Smith. so they may be popular with female listeners.
“Definitely Goodfellas. It is the best mobster movie I enjoy his older This is LL Cool J’s third album in five years, and he shows
out there,” said sophomore Jesse Passiglia. songs from the no signs of slowing down. The only downfall of this al-
early nineties, but bum is he is following the same recipe for success that
“The Notebook is the best movie. Rachel McAdams his older style of has worked on his past’s albums. Most of the songs sound
is great and this movie is very romantic,” said junior the angry-sound- the same, but are still selling out in stores, so who could
Brianna Reilly. ing “bad boy” blame the man? I give this album three and half stars out
image is long of five due to the lack of variety of songs. •
“My favorite movie is Gladiator. Russell Crowe photo courtesy of cduniverse.com gone; the
is straight up gangster the way he fights every- punchlines and
one. He has no mercy, just like me,” said senior metaphors are gone, and LL’s songs over the past five
Sal Spatarella. years have been all about the ladies.
When I looked at the back of the CD I saw the first
Rules to Stay Safe
“My favorite is The 40-Year-Old Virgin. It is so song titled “It’s LL and Santana.” It was exciting to see
unrealistic, but so funny,” said sophomore Lauren a veteran of the music industry teaming up with up and “Safety” continued from page 3
Young. coming rapper Juelz Santana of The Diplomats. LL brings
back his “old” style on this one and instantly it became ally important to keep some cash handy in a secret spot
Whether a movie is black and white, color, or digitally my favorite song on the album. The only negative as- in case a problem occurs.
animated, it is probably someone’s favorite. Movies pect of the song is that LL lets Santana walk over him These rules are simple, and clear, but sadly sometimes
let viewers escape reality for a little while, so if on his own song. people do not follow them and it ends in tragedy. So please
you ever want to relax, just kick back and watch The only other time LL spits like this is on the track think about choosing the safest option, not the easiest. •
a good flick! “What You Want,” featuring Freeway. Although he does
not bring out his “bad boy” style on this track, it will
easily be a club favorite with a blaring baseline.
The first single he dropped, “Control Myself,” has been
in heavy rotation on the radio for over two weeks. The
ever-popular voice of Jennifer Lopez on the track, be-
hind a top-notch producer in Jermaine Dupri, is exactly
Sweet Sixteens what he needed to take himself back to the top of the
charts.
“Favorite Flavor,” featuring Mary J. Blige, summed
“Party” continued from page 3 up LL’s persona the best. He has the highly talented
Blige on the track doing the chorus, and the rest of the
song he is just talking about how he likes women.
Hearing LL talk about women so much, listeners may
forget he is married with children. On the song “Down
the Aisle,” I thought he was going to get serious and
talk about marriage. I was wrong. The beat produced
by Trackmasters and 112 doing the vocals made it ob-
vious that this is another club track with eccentric beats.
He continues rapping about the “finer things” in life,
like women and jewelry, and how he needs them to be
Vol. 15/No.7
May 2006
V i e w p o i n t s
Letter from the
School Is Not That Bad Editor:
by Gary Troy
by Courtney Bihn
W hen most students think
school, they would usually rather think of some-
thing else. Almost no one wants to wake up early, and
of but that is about it. Schools are easy about this and just
say cover your body and bring a pen. All of the other
supplies are provided on a list and you get about a week
“I hope your dreams take you to the corners of your
smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows
people often feel that they just have “better things to do” to go get them anyway. of your opportunities, and to the most special places
than go to school. Granted, the waking up really early At school, you get a schedule of classes, similar to a your heart has ever known.” -Unknown Source
is monotonous, but in the long run, school is really not work schedule in a way, but a school schedule remains
I
that difficult. As bad as school may seem sometimes, constant, whereas work schedules are always chang- n less than a month, I can officially call myself a
the “real world” is even worse. ing. School just wants their students to come in at about high school senior. Soon I will be entering my last
There are plenty of things that school brings into stu- 7:00 in the morning and to remain there until 1:39 in the year at Rocky Point, and even more alarming, in about
dents’ lives that they may not even notice. The biggest afternoon. Jobs can make people do just about what- a year I will be leaving the small town that has been
thing is the constant social interaction. In school, friends ever they want their employees to do. If someone can- my home for the past seventeen years. I will move
are always around to talk to, make jokes, and gossip with, not make it to a shift they can call you to come and do beyond this security zone and go to a completely un-
too. These kinds of things are everyday occurrences, it when you had plans to go to a party that night. Shifts known and unfamiliar place. As exhilarating and ad-
but the “real world” does not always provide the enter- can also be at inconvenient times. If you had already agreed venturous as that may seem, it is also quite scary.
tainment that everyone is so used to. Even when a col- to go and work at 8:00 that night, some of your friends It really hit me the other day when I was taking
lege student has free time, visits to see friends are more can make plans and now you cannot be a part of them. the SAT (which is the longest test ever, five hours!).
limited from longer distances while working around a School is always from 7 a.m.-1:39 p.m. and will not I just kept thinking, this is probably the biggest test
busy college and work day schedule. High school just interfere with any other plans that you may have. of my life; it will in some way determine my accep-
keeps everyone closer. In the long run, although not everyone is always up tance to colleges. I completely disagree with the im-
One thing that people strongly dislike about school is for a nice long day of school, it almost acts as a secu- portance placed on the SATs. Though I’m sure they
all the rules. Who likes being told what to do? Not me. rity blanket. It is like a whole other society inside a school reveal intelligence in some way, one test cannot fully
That’s the freedom of being out of school. With school, building. In the outside world you will not always be measure how smart a student is. I don’t understand
though, even being told what to do, when you think about surrounded by your friends, you will not always know how one test can count as much or more than the
it, requires such minimal effort. Things are pretty much exactly what to do or where to go, and not everyone work a student does over four years of high school.
done for you. In school, you get three lates to class. At will always be around to help you figure something out. Not only is it scary to think that my junior year is
your job, it is never okay to just show up late. You are The luxury of school is that you will not be alone and coming to an end, it is even more upsetting to know
either there or you are not. School also gives you the someone will always be by your side. Not too much is that some amazing people are graduating. I am re-
freedom to have 28 absences. 28! That is not even in- even asked of us. You go to school, do some work, and ally going to miss talking to them every day, saying
cluding the vacation time that we get off. Work gives you can enjoy the rest of your day and do not have to hello, gossiping (though I know I shouldn’t) about
you about one or two vacations a year, if you are lucky. worry about paying loans or taxes. School is a great all of the things going on in our lives and laughing
On top of schedules, there is the issue of preparation learning experience for what the “real world” is like, but with them about ridiculously funny things that no one
and organization. At a job, or anywhere else, profession- the two places are not one and the same. • besides us will ever get. These friends of mine are
alism and consistency are just expected from you. You really special and there is no one that can possibly
may get some help as to what you should bring or wear, replace them. They are moving on to bigger things
and though I’m upset to see them go, I know they
are on their way to having amazing experiences, meet-
ing great people, and getting outstanding educations.
United 93 Shows Respect to Heroes It is necessary that they move on; it is time for them
to leave the safety zone and experience new things.
I just want to take the time to wish my friends the
best of luck in college, personally. I will miss all of
by Sal Nicosia you so incredibly much. I hope that you all have the
time of your lives during the next four years, and though
A movie released on April 28 left
many people in awe just from the previews. Mostly
in New York, a few theaters even pulled the previews
of 9/11, but it is in everyone’s memories still. Nobody is
ever going to forget what happened that day. We live in
a free country, something the 40 people on that plane
I will not get to see you much, I want to let you know
that there is no way I will ever forget a single one of
you. I know that I will always remember the infa-
for United 93 after receiving many complaints about the fought for when they tried to take the plane back. mous “jungle boy” that Ashley, Mike, and I encoun-
“offensive” material in the clip. Even with the good intentions of this movie, many people tered at an acting class, laugh hysterically when I recall
I can see where the controversies come from about still say it is to soon to make such a film. But, who is to the time Mike broke a seat during that same acting
this movie, but I do not think it is offensive at all. It portrays say what is too soon? Even if it were to come out 40 class, smile widely when I think of the time Lea and
the heroism and bravery of 40 passengers who sacri- years from now, it would still hurt to watch. It is better I met “Nick” and celebrated with Starbucks, remi-
ficed their lives to save the lives of many. Not only did they made this movie now because the memories of those nisce on the hours of discussions Ashley and I had
the families of the passengers on United Flight 93 all agree heroic passengers will stay in the minds of viewers and when we were upset, and sing aloud with I think of
for this movie to go on, they even pushed for it to hap- make sure we never forget what happened to them. the amazing shows that I have done with all of you
pen so people would not forget what their family mem- 9/11 had a huge impact on all of America, but Direc- since middle school. You are all incredible individu-
bers did to save hundreds, maybe thousands, of lives. tor Greengrass has the right to make the movie and ev- als and I know that you will all succeed in life, no
Claims that this movie is offensive and controversial eryone has the right to see it because it shows how brave matter what you do and where life takes you. I’d like
are outrageous; this movie is not meant to create con- these people really were and what they did to protect to thank all of you for your friendship and the great
troversy. It shows the inside view of what really took the lives of hundreds of strangers. We need to see and times we’ve had together. For you, there will always
place that day between the Air Force, the airports, and hear the most we can about this event so we all to can be a place in my heart. •
the people on board Flight #93. Just because it is a Hol- see how brave these people were. We owe it to them.•
lywood film does not mean it is going to disgrace the
people who died on 9/11; they are being remembered.
Some might feel it is too early to rekindle the memories
Eagle’s Eye Staff Writers
Ashley Audette
Section Editors
The Eagle’s Eye is published during the
school year by the Journalism Class of
Rocky Point High School
Newspaper Adviser Antoinette Barrella
Ms. Jessica Rubin Courtney Bihn News-Jessica Santiago 82 Rocky Point-Yaphank Road,
David Bonner Feature-Ashley Audette Rocky Point, NY 11778.
Kim Farley Entertainment-Danielle Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged
Editor-In-Chief Lisamarie Gavin Walters to submit their ideas and comments. Letters
Courtney Bihn Andrew Homer Sports-Kim Farley to the Editor may be edited or shortened.
Marissa Johnston Guest opinions do not necessarily reflect the
Sal Nicosia viewpoint of Eagle’s Eye. First Amendment
Layout Editor Jessica Santiago Photo Editor rights will be practiced; however, material
Courtney Bihn Brian Staker Sal Nicosia that is libelous, obscene, or judged to be a
Gary Troy disruption of school will not be published.
Danielle Walters
S p o r t s
4321098765432121098765432109876543210987654321 Vol. 15/No. 7
4321098765432121098765432109876543210987654321 May 2006
Outstanding Underclassmen Athletes Coaches’ Farewells
compiled by
by Brian Staker
Kim Farley
A n outstanding athlete makes contributions to his or her team both on and off the field. It is important to
recognize those student athletes who will step up to lead their teams as this year’s seniors get ready to move
on. After tallying the coaches’ votes, the results are in for this year’s top underclassmen athletes. Girls’ JV Field Hockey-
Thank you all for a great season. Together you won
because you worked as a team on and off the field.
Mike Kingston Larry LoRusso For those of you who are moving up to varsity, train
hard this summer and I have no doubt you will con-
Class of 2007 Class of 2007 tinue to have success. For those who are staying on
JV, it’s your turn to lead the team; lead by example
Mike Kingston is a quiet athlete that lets his hard work Many students refer to Larry LoRusso as a “ro- by training hard this summer. -Coach Meier
do all the talking for him. He plays football, basketball, bot.” He is truly a naturally gifted athlete.
and baseball for the Eagles and contributes a great amount The youngest of four boys, LoRusso excels in Boys’ Varsity Spring Track & Field-
to each team. He may not be the superstar in the news- sports such as football, wrestling, and lacrosse. He It is safe to say that this team is something very spe-
paper but his work on the field does not go unnoticed has been an All-League wrestler since eighth grade cial. After winning the League-V Championship last
among his coaches and teammates.
photo by Brian Staker and received All-County honors as a sophomore. year, it was unclear what the 2006 team could achieve.
“Mike is a very hard working, dedicated young man He made the second team All Division team for foot- Graduation took away five very special senior ath-
and is able to compete in three varsity sports very suc- ball and also made All-League in lacrosse as a sopho- letes who helped win the school’s first league title in
cessfully and still maintain a high GPA. He is the type more. the 33 years of boys’ track. But so far, the 2006 team
of kid every coach wants in his program,” said coach LoRusso has his work cut out for him as he pre- has held their own and as of this date stands alone
William Madsen. pares to try out for the Empire State team in la- atop the League-V standings with a (5-0) record. The
Mike plans to play either football or basketball for which- crosse. Last year he made it to the fourth round of team has gotten better with each day and has a very
ever college he decides to attend. cuts, and hopes his hard work over the last year good chance of completing back-to-back League
will pay off. Larry has hopes of attending West Championships. Including the last two meets of the
Point Military Academy and playing on the varsity 2004 season this group has helped compile 14 straight
lacrosse team with his brothers, Nick and Kevin. Dual Meets victories without a loss. No matter what
happens, this team has performed well above what
was ever expected. Congratulations to the boys’ spring
track team. -Coaches Kerr and Ellis
Varsity Cheerleading-
Jackie Lyons Mike Maloney Varsity Cheerleaders are the 2006 Long Island Cham-
pions--what a tremendous accomplishment! Thank
Class of 2007 Class of 2007 you so much for all your hard work and support.
You have set the standards high for future teams.
Jackie Lyons has exploded this year in her sports. She Mike Maloney is part of the soccer, basketball, Congratulations and good luck to all our senior cheer-
has been on the varsity lacrosse team since freshman and baseball teams. He was All-League in soccer leaders! -Coach Anna Spallina
year and earned All-League honors. After returning to and made contributions in both of his other sports.
the field with a year of experience under her belt, she Maloney’s older brother Matt is a Rocky Point Boys’ Varsity Soccer-
received All-County recognition as a sophomore. graduate and is currently a student teacher. Matt I would just like to congratulate the members of the
This year Lyons is in her third year on varsity lacrosse was his biggest influence to play sports and many boys’ varsity soccer team on their 2005 season. Our
and thus far has been a very big factor in the girls’ in- of Maloney’s childhood years were spent on the team exceeded all expectations by finishing third in
credible season. Lyons also plays soccer for Rocky Point field watching his big brother’s games. League V and making the Suffolk County Class’A’
where she contributes her speed and agility to the team. “I learned a lot from watching my brother play,” playoffs. Seeded seventh, our team upset the sec-
Up until this year, Jackie also played basketball for the said Maloney. “My brother Matt does anything to ond seeded team, Bayport/Blue Point and advanced
Eagles but decided to focus on lacrosse instead and use help me get better, like driving me to the school to the Class ‘A’ semifinal. Although we lost in over-
the off-season to sharpen her skills by spending countless and helping me condition.” time, our season proved to be a total success. The
hours against the wall practicing. highlight of the season came in a (3-2) home win over
She intends to play lacrosse in college but is unde- Sayville, the number one seeded soccer team in New
cided as to where she will go. York State. More importantly, the win came after our
team had lost at Sayville by the score of (5-0) earlier
in the year. Our final record was (12-5-2) and we
were honored by receiving the Section-XI Athletics
Sportsmanship Award. Congratulations to the entire
team, but especially our seniors who added skill, en-
thusiasm and leadership to an unbelievably hard working
group of student athletes. -Coaches Ellis and Reilly
Danielle Vivonetto Boys’ Varsity Winter Track-
Melissa ten Napel We would like to congratulate the boys’ winter track
Class of 2008 team on an unexpected finish to the 2006 season.
Class of 2007 The team saved their best efforts for the League-IV
Championships by finishing second among the four-
Melissa ten Napel, “Daddy” as she is known (because Danielle Vivonetto, “Dani V” as classmates and teen teams involved. Rocky Point had three Individual
of her long legs), plays golf, basketball, and lacrosse. teachers know her, has been a varsity athlete since League Champions crowned, including the High Jump,
She received the coaches’ award from Coach Madsen the eighth grade. Vivonetto has had a lacrosse stick 600m Dash and the 100m run. Unbelievably, every
in basketball. in her hand since she was seven years old, and it team member set a personal best that night. New
Ten Napel will be looked to as a leader next year, while shows. Rocky Point school records were set in the 1 mile
at practice and in games, with her determination and She was recognized as an All-League player in and 2 mile events. Congratulations to the slow starting,
open mind. eighth and ninth grade and was an alternate member but strong finishing, 2006 boys’ varsity winter track
She is undecided as to where she would like to at- of the Empire State lacrosse team in summer 2005. team. Thanks for a great season. -Coaches Kerr
tend college, what she wants to study, and if she wants Vivonetto also plays for the Rocky Point girls’ and Ellis
to participate in sports, but she does know she has a varsity soccer team. She received All-League in
variety of choices with her outstanding 91.4 GPA and both eighth and ninth grade. Varsity Baseball-
involvement in extra-curricular activities. Vivonetto hopes to play lacrosse at Duke Uni- “FOCUS” -Coach Asch
versity, which is a possibility because of her great
athletic ability and 97.8 gpa.
Girls’ and Boys’ Varisty Tennis
Work Hard, Play Hard. -Coach Lags