See the impact Superstorm Sandy has had on Jersey’s Shore, just five months later . see page 2
Blind Date is back! Two new love birds test their compatability at Qdoba in the Mall see page 6
April 2013
Volume 13 Issue 7
Summit High School 125 Kent Place Blvd, Summit, NJ
By Maddie Simko & Megan Shaw For those who are sad about staying home during spring break because of sports or nonexistent travel plans, no need to worry! Summit may not be tropical Aruba but it comes close! Spice up spring break instead of the usual sulking around at home with any of these suggestions. One must-do thing during spring break is to beat the heat with some ice cream! The wait is over: Magic Fountain has finally reopened for the spring! Just in time for break, the popular destination is ready for the long lines of eager teens waiting for their share of sugary sweetness. Sports fans who are looking for something to do over break should attend the boy’s
Varsity lacrosse team’s games. There are three scheduled for the week, with one played at home. On Thursday, April 4th they face off against Westfield in Summit. Pack the stands and show some support! Another idea for the ultimate spring break is to visit Mondo. This multi-purposed addition to Summit has everything-literally! Summit apparel, hand crafted pottery, and other accessories are packed into the first floor along with a delicious café! The food is freshly made and tasty; make sure to try a Mona Lisa, which is a grilled sandwich with marinated chicken breast, prosciutto, arugula, and aioli on toasted ciabatta. Also there are yoga classes and tango lessons on the
Calling all staycationers! No need to get mopey when there is so much to do in town! Spring break at home means having time to explore new places in the area, and to find some new spots to hang out with friends. Pictured above (clockwise from top left) are Urban Outfitters, Magic Fountain, Sixteen Handles, and the Mondo mall logo. Photo montage by Miriam Meller.
weekends- check mondosummit.com for details. Whether there is a rainy day or not, grab a soda and some popcorn to hit the downtown theater and see Oz the Great and Powerful (see review, page 4). This modern twist on the classic Wizard of Oz tale has received superb reviews and is definitely worth the two hours! For those who want to feel as if they are in the magical Land of Oz, the movie is also in 3-D. Or, rather than heading to the mall over break, make a mini-getaway to neighboring Westfield for great stores, food, and fresh air! A trendy addition to the downtown area is Urban Outfitters which opened in fall of 2012! The downtown also includes stores like Ruby and Jenna, Victoria’s Secret, Nirvana, Lucky Brand, and Gap. Westfield also has delicious eateries to grab a bite such as Panera, a myriad of frozen yogurt places, and Cold Stone Creamery. Finish off spring break with a challenge. Now that Summit has too many yogurt places to count, spend a day eating nothing but frozen yogurt by hopping form Red Mango to Sweet Orange to 16 Handles! See which is the tastiest and try some crazy combinations.
College specialist grant being fulfilled, providing new perspective, resources By FELISA DELLI SANTI Between scheduling, school pressure, emotional conflict, and college admissions, there are countless challenges the Summit High School guidance counselors have to complete. In order to maximize and perfect the guidance counselor’s role in our school, the Board of Education has agreed to hire a college specialist counselor into the mix of the school’s college resources. The idea was first introduced early this fall when Director of Guidance, Dr. John Schnedeker, met with the Board and the idea was proposed. With much consideration, interest,
and a $100,000 Summit Education Foundation (SEF) grant approved to fund the position, the new counselor will be hired for a July start, and be available during the 2013-2014 school year. Despite this asset, questions arise concerning the current counselor staff; will they maintain their involvement in the college process at all now? And the answer is yes, during an interview Schnedeker clarified this concern stating, “Counselors will still have assigned students, and will be thoroughly involved in the college process. However, the asset to the staff will provide more support to
students and become more involved through the communication between admissions officer and student”. The overall role of the college specialist will be to interact with college professionals and staff members of pursued schools, encourage scholarship opportunities, and provide more guidance and knowledge on the admission process as a whole. It will open a window of resources, and allow the other members of the guidance department to have more time to sort out scheduling, emotional problems, and anything else that fills their daily docket.
Marathon raises scholarships, showcases songbirds, musicians
Photo by Max Macpherson
Spring break activities that enhance local staycations
Melody merge! At about 6 in the evening, the 8th-grade chorus, pictured here in black shirts, joined the high school chorus (in white) to sing “River in Judea” as arranged by John Leavitt. See additional photos on Screen & Sound, page 4.
By MAX MACPHERSON On Mar. 15, from 3:15 in the afternoon and singing straight toward midnight, Summit High School’s music department, including Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, Strings, Chorus and Bel Canto, hosted its annual Music Marathon. Hundreds of students are involved in this musically complex showcase. There are multiple aspects to the performances: soloists, band members, and choirs work with familiar peers and include the Lawton C. Johnson Middle School students as well. Throughout the course of the program, with the final act taking the stage at 11:30, the audience ebbed and flowed. The marathon is an “absolutely fantastic showcase of the middle school and high school programs,” says Mr. Steven Rapp, director of the high school bands. The marathon is divided into distinct performance segments: Band, Chorus, Percussion/Jazz, Chamber, and
Orchestra. The objective of the Marathon is to shine a spotlight on the music department’s students and instructors, as well as raise scholarships. Brad Przedpelski ‘13, who recently starred in the spring musical, says, “I enjoyed it because it is a relaxed way to portray all the hard work and dedication of the rehearsals.” Will Grayeski ’13 performed early in the program, and was featured in a trio of trumpets in the HS Wind Ensemble. His trio performed the catchy “Bugler’s Holiday.” “We did a fun thing,” says Grayeski. “It was such an awesome piece! A brilliant piece. The best way to put it is it’s a high-spirited piece that you can’t help but tap your foot to.” According to Arts Supervisor Mr. Thomas Maliszewski, this year’s event, plus Pledge Day, raised over $25,000 in support of music scholarships for deserving students.
Snapshot poll: Did you like the trial block schedule? Yes, no, maybe so?
Looking block positive. Above chart represents a non-scientific poll of 104 students on day 3 of the block trial, 3/14/2013. Poll conducted by Verve staffer Lindsay Leiter.
GLOBE
Page 2
April 2013
Advancements in women’s rights, yet status quo remains for Selective Service signups
By JACKSON SIDEBOTTOM
Photo from http://www.sott.net/
On Jan. 22, former Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta announced the decision to allow women to join combat positions on the front line in the military. This announcement caused many to rejoice due to the advancement of women’s roles in the military. With this announcement, there are some who now wish women to be required to join the selective service. The Selective Service law requires most U.S. males and male immigrant non-citizens between the ages of 18 and 25 to have registered within 30 days of their 18th birthday. The selective service is put in place for the New era for military women. With changes in military policy, women might start to occasion that, should the U.S. ever see more combat situations. need a military draft again, there’s an front line combat positions, they accurate account of the nation’s indi- gress. In the Supreme Court case of would not be justifiably required to 1981, Rostker v. Goldberg, the court viduals. register under the Selective Service upheld that only men were required Women are not required to register law. due in part to the previous restrictions to register on the grounds that it did Now that women are allowed on on combat positions and the exact not violate the Due Process Clause the front lines, the reasoning behind of the Fifth Amendment. The law wording of the Selective Service law. those previous decisions no longer The law specifically refers to “male was later reviewed under then Presistands. Our military is becoming persons” when stating who is required dent, Bill Clinton, in which the Demore advanced by the day and the partment of Defense decided that, to join and the Selective Service law role of women is increasing. is only able to be changed by Con- since women were excluded from
Summer soon, Sandy still affects Jer- Chávez death leaves country in shambles sey Shore communities, properties By GWEN ROGERS
By JULIA HECKELMAN
It has been nearly five months since Hurricane Sandy, the worst storm in New Jersey’s history, hit New Jersey and the surrounding areas with force and time did not heal all of the wounds that were inflicted that week in late October. As tourists, families, and vacationers trek down to beach towns on spring break, the devastation will be very apparent. The bridge to Mantoloking had been closed for many months, opening only for repair and emergency teams, but it is now open to homeowners. Those who went to see their beloved family homes saw utter destruction. Businesses are currently struggling in beach towns that formerly flourished even during the off-season. The first major storm since the hurricane hit the barrier islands of the Jersey Shore in early March. Although it paled in comparison to the hurricane, its still had an effect. The flooding in beach towns like Stone Harbor was
worse than a storm of that caliber would have done before Sandy and many of the beaches were reduced. Communities have joined together for improvements and rebuilding in towns such as Mantoloking. Kendall Codey, a sophomore, explains, “Beaton’s Boatyard in Mantoloking finds people’s misplaced belongings and posts about them in a Facebook group so that people can reclaim them. One of my friends signed up and was able to find her front porch. It is really nice to see the community come together like this.” Although bridges are still out and beaches are either nonexistent or where homes previously were, people are anxious to get to the beach by Memorial Day or even spring break. Though devastation is rampant along the coast, progress is being made thanks to the hard work of volunteers and members of the community.
Since 1998, Venezuela has been dominated by Hugo Chávez, the former soldier and fiery socialist. He dominated the country for the past fourteen years, spending billions to create what he called “21st-century socialism.” After battling cancer for 2 years, Chávez, 58, died on March 5. “We have received the hardest and most tragic news,” Vice President Nicolás Maduro said in a national television address, his voice breaking and fighting back tears. With Mr. Chávez just months into his fourth term, his death plunged Venezuela into political uncertainty. Venezuela has the world’s biggest oil reserves and is among the biggest oil exporters and a top-five U.S. supplier. President Barack Obama commented on Mr. Chávez’s death and expressed interest in constructive government ties. In Washington, congressional
Summit High School 125 Kent Place Blvd Summit, NJ 07901 Principal: Mr. Paul Sears Assistant Principals: Mr. Anthony Akey & Mrs. Stacy Grimaldi English Supervisor: Mr. Corey Walsh Adviser: Mrs. Anne Weisgerber EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Miriam Meller & Carly Nyman FRONT PAGE Section Editor: Stephanie Ollom GLOBE Section Editor: Gwen Rogers OPINE Section Editor: Tommy Disibio SCREEN AND SOUND Section Editor: Alex Arias BUZZ Section Editors: Lindsay Leiter, Felisa Delli Santi TURF Section Editor: Jamie Macpherson CURVE Section Editors: Carly Nyman and Miriam Meller Staff Reporters: Emily Harris, Julia Heckelman, Nicholas Lalicato, Carly Leiter, Will Lycan, Max Macpherson, David Meyers, Sarina Musallam, Meredith Robertson, Ellie Schaffer, Megan Shaw, Jackson Sidebottom, MaddieSimko, Emma Standing, and Xiaoying Yu
Correction March 2013: Our Issue 6 Opine page cartoon was improperly credited. As a derived item, credit goes to artists Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman. Republicans say “good riddance” to the awful ruler. “Hugo Chávez was a tyrant who forced the people of Venezuela to live in fear,” said Rep. Ed Royce (R., Calif.), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “His death dents the alliance of anti-U.S. leftist leaders in South America.” Chavez left Venezuela with high inflation, some $80 billion in foreign debt, and made it even more oil dependent. He left the country in a shambles.
Verve Views: “Who would you prank on April Fools Day, and why?” By TOMMY DISIBIO
Ms. Lu
Mrs. Shue, because she is my good friend, and I would tell her that the laminator is broken!
Katie Chase ‘14 Holly Confalone, I’d buy her a hat because I know it wouldn’t fit her.
Ms. Coyle
Mr. Standing, because I’m losing in our really big prank war.
Jack Schaffer ‘14
Garret Mcgowan, because nothing gets by him.
Ms. Grimaldi Mr. Akey, because it is easy to make him mad, and because he is so gullible.
OPINE
April 2013
Page 3
Students tackle block, offer opposing views Verdict in: longer classes enjoyable, but lunch? Not so much Space, time crunches annoy junior
By DAVID MEYERS
Due to large classes in the middle school, it is predicted that the switch to block scheduling will happen in the coming years. The trial block schedule has had positive impacts on many SHS students’ during the recent 12-day trial. Adopting a block routine will solve class size problems, because more classrooms will be utilized, as opposed to increasing classroom space by parking unappealing-looking trailers outside the high school, as some elementary schools have done. The best part of the block scheduling in the students’ eyes is the lunch hour. This extended lunch period allows for a well-needed break in the day and-for students without a study hall--it provides time to get work done. During lunch period, students had access to the library, computer lab, writing center, and math help center. Teachers are available for extra help and some clubs met during a portion of lunch. Seniors with unassigned privileges were able to leave school and go out to eat lunch as well. Many students found the new schedule appealing. Sophomore Sophie MacMillan said, “I really like the block schedule! The longer periods
As March ended, so did block scheduling and the high school now returns to normal scheduling. The return to normalcy means a less stressed day for both faculty and students. For faculty, block scheduling was a tumultuous journey that resulted in longer lunch duty, longer classes, and seeing each class only a few days a week. In addition, the custodians had the arduous task of moving lunch tables in and out of the auxiliary gym each day to accommodate both after -school sports and the entire student body’s massive rush to the cafeteria every day for three weeks. Teachers look forward to seeing each of their students’ bright young faces each day with the conventional 8-period rotation. Gone are the block days, when teachers worried about which group of students they will see on what day and what homework they have to check from what class. Block scheduling was stressful for students as well. 10:47 to 11:47 is best described as a chaotic frenzy where no one was guaranteed a seat. The privilege of an open campus was restricted to those seniors fortunate enough to have an unassigned, leaving
Congratulations to all the seniors for getting into college or figuring out what they are going to do next year. After all of our hard work, the end is in sight. Final decisions for the fall will be made within a few short weeks and seniors will finally be able to relax. Although, senioritis has really gotten to our heads, many of us are still struggling to understand crucial AP topics and maintain those necessary As and Bs. In addition, seniors are trying to earn some money for college with afterschool jobs and scholarship applications. Good luck to everyone competing for those awards. It’s important to remember however, to keep your head high even if there is a rejection letter because in the end, everything will work out.
Verve editorial policy Verve is a publication open to opinions of its readers. Please submit all letters to shsverve@gmail.com. Letters must be signed and will be subject to editing for space, grammar, and factual accuracy; however, all efforts will be made to preserve the writer’s intent. Libelous and inappropriate writing will not be published in Verve. If Verve has made an error and a correction is warranted, the editors take reader feedback seriously and will promptly deal with concerns. Reader corrections welcome at shsverve@gmail.com.
and the longer lunch is great. It really helps me understand what we are going over.” The extra eighteen minutes of class allowed for teachers to meet with enterprising and struggling students. Some teachers even allowed some class time for starting homework, and no one can complain about an extralong elective or study hall. The six periods a day also allows for more time to hand assignments in because students don’t have every class every day. This allows students to space out their workload and only have to worry about six homework assignments per night. While the block schedule may have its downfalls, the benefits of it and necessity for population management make it a great improvement to SHS.
Cartoon by Jessica McAloon
From the editors
Pro! Emme Harris ‘15 is pro-block, although advises some adjustments.
Photo by Tommy Disibio
By EMME HARRIS
No. Korean threats stir up controversy
Girl Scout cookies are back in town
By WILL LYCAN
By EMMA STANDING
Amid a recent slew of insults, threats, and declarations of animosity towards America from the totalitarian state North Korea we find ourselves asking one simple question. Do we take all of this seriously? The most serious measures America has taken have been sanctions in the United Nations. The aggressive actions that North Korea has committed include justifying a preemptive first strike on America, pursuing its “destiny” of becoming a nuclear superpower, and a rapid militarization over the last year. To top it all off, North Korea has declared that the armistice of the Korean War is invalid. Technically both North Korea and South Korea are still at war and the armistice was the only formal reason that hostilities were ended. So with so much at stake in Eastern Asia, should we get involved? It breaks down to one question, do we have to fight North Korea? North Korea is suspected to have less than 20 simple nuclear warheads. So if they are a threat to any population, then America might be inclined to eliminate that threat, through diplomacy, or force.
Sure, the beginning of March signifies the start of spring and better weather, but more importantly it is the beginning of the Girl Scout Cookie season. Everyone looks forward to the day when little elementary school girls ring the doorbell to sell that plethora of scrumptious cookies. Since the start of the brand in Oaklahoma in 1917, Thin Mints, and Samoas have been the favorites among Girl Scout Cookie lovers. My favorite is definitely the Thin Mint; they are so minty and delicious they bring me back to my childhood. I was never a part of the organization, but in 5th grade I lied and said I was a member so I could stay at the Girl Scout Movie night at Washington school. I was really committed, to say the least. My family has purchased a lot of boxes of these cookies from local troops every year. Not only do these cookies stand for something great, but they also taste amazing and are a time honored tradition. Also, if you have leftovers you can bring them to me!
Photo by Tommy Disibio
Longer study time looks good to soph
Con! David Meyers ‘14 is against adopting block, says it makes crowding worse
the rest of the student body behind to scuffle amongst each other for seats in the cafeteria. When asked about his experiences with block scheduling, junior Albert Lord commented, “Lunch was a tough time. I struggled to find a seat and then I had to wait a while for my lunch. On lab days I was left with only five to ten minutes to eat my lunch.” Compared to block scheduling, the traditional SHS schedule is rather enjoyable for both students and faculty. The school seems to function more efficiently and the lunch period is much more manageable with three seatings. Despite being an idea developed to help mitigate crowding at lunch for a large population, the block scheduling accomplished just the opposite.
Dear Editor,
You think we need a break? People are a little testy lately, excluding myself of course. I’ve enjoyed the block experiment although the weather hasn’t cooperated much. I love seeing people hang out together at lunch, attend some meetings and blow off a little steam. I like the longer classes. 41 minutes seems too short to me. Not too many responses from my last column where I asked parents and students to celebrate the great schools they are getting in to rather believing some Wizard-of-Oz-like hire will make a magical phone call, sprinkle fairy dust, and open all doors to every college in the universe. Who starts these things? Saw some pretty cool activities during the block scheduling lunch periods. Tying flies for trout fishing was pretty cool, and I enjoyed watching many student in the gym trying to compete with the faculty in pick up basketball games. Ms. Hough rocked anyone who dared to challenge her, and to see some of our faculty dunks on you “basketball wannabees” was just hilarious. Any truth to the rumor SEF has been approached to fund a polo team? Sounds like a good idea to me, and I think it would really help with college acceptances. Of course the horses would have to be stabled in the lower parking lot and that might cause a problem with senior parking. Any truth to the rumor SEF has been approached about a 4-tiered, valet parking garage for our overworked seniors? I hear it will be very selective, only for those playing three sports, carrying a 6.75 GPA and view Harvard as a safety school. Enjoy the break. Peace, love, & the Woodstock Nation, Mr. Tony Akey
Page 4
Make summer music plans now
April 2013 SCREEN & SOUND Oz the Great and Powerful Captures Audience
Image from splashnewsonline.com
Now is the time to get tickets for some of the summer’s most popular shows. Here’s a few Verve staff picks for concerts and events to see in the coming months: • Andy Grammer Apr. 2 Irving Plaza, NYC • Matt and Kim Apr. 5 House of Blues- Atlantic City, NJ • Alicia Keys and Miguel Apr. 8 Prudential Center, NJ • Muse. Apr. 15 – 16 Madison Square Garden • Electric Daisy Carnival Monkey Business! James Franco, who turns 34 on Apr. 19, stars as the wizard in the recently released Oz. Fans of literature may NYC, May 17 – 18 be interested to know that Franco is currently directing a screen adaptation of William Faulkner’s fabled novel, As I Lay Dying. • Vans Warped Tour Jul. 7 By SARINA MUSALLAM PNC Bank Arts Concert Center, NJ • Fun. and Tegan and Sara On Mar. 8, the prequel to The Wiz- Weisz plays a dark role – evocative of extravagant castles, and a land that Jul. 22 – 23 ard of Oz, an adventure fantasy film the witch from Snow White handing could only spring from the imaginaHudson River Park- NY titled Oz the Great and Powerful was out poison apples—and she is also the tion. Actors sharing such scenery • Kenny Chesney with Eric Church, released, opening here in town at the commander of the iconic flying mon- might seem overwhelmed in the surEli Young Band & Kacey Mus key troupe. roundings, but Franco seems at home Beacon Hill Cinema. graves, Aug. 10 Another starring role is played by -- his reactions were uncanny. When Worldwide opening weekend box ofMetlife Stadium- NJ fice, according to Variety, was $150.2 Mila Kunis, as Theodora the Good, he is faced with attacks by monkey million, “representing the third largest who, *spoiler alert*, assumes the role armies, he reacts as if he’s General of the Wicked Witch of the West by Patton commanding the infantry. domestic March debut ever.” Overall the movie was an enjoyable The starring role of Oz, a struggling the end of the movie. It is when she magician who desperately wants not dons this evil persona that Theodora and entertaining two hours. At that just to be a good man but a great man, tells Oz of a prophecy: a wizard will length, some slow spots (like when Oz is played by James Franco. His is fall from the sky and save them from is simply walking for long times lookthe only person from the original film the wicked witch that is haunting the ing for Glinda, or prepping for battle) might have looked better on the cutthat is carried by a tornado into Oz (no land. If Oz defeats this witch he will then ting room floor. Dorothy here.) Oz doesn’t want to be a good movie, In his quest of striving to be above become king and ruler of Oz. Because of his thirst to be great, he it wants to be a great movie. average, Oz finds himself a citizen of Despite its lofty aims, I rate this film the magical Land of Oz, where he must sets out on this dangerous quest. eight out of ten stars. The setting of the movie was comdecode the motives of some devious You da one! Rihanna at her Mar. 13 acquaintances, particularly Evanora, puter-generated and nothing short of concert in Philly. She’ll be performing at the Revel Ovation Hall, Atlantic City the bad witch played by Rachel Weisz. amazing. It included vibrant plants,
Image from disney.go.com/thewizard
By Ellie Schaffer and Carly Leiter
Marathon of sound! Even though the 2013 Music Marathon has concluded, fans can still support the scholarshop fund by sending donations via checks made out to SMPA (Summit Music Parents Association) care of Summit High School. Pictured above left, the full HS chorus; right, senior Mike Rafizadeh accompanies the choir’s upbeat rendition of “Somebody to Love”
Teen spin keeping 1980s series relevant
By MIRIAM MELLER
Big hair, funky patterns, and bright colors scream 1980s in the new TV series The Carrie Diaries on the CW at 8:00 Monday nights. The book-turnedTV show stars AnnaSophia Robb as Carrie, Austin Butler as Sebastian, Ellen Wong as Mouse, and Kate Findlay as Maggie. This series is a prequel to Sex and the City, the HBO hit with two spinoff movies, about Carrie Bradshaw before the City, as a high school teen in the 80s. Carrie’s mother died the previous year and she now has boy drama and schoolwork, while solidifying her
relationship with her father and sister. There’s a twist, however: Carrie’s obsession with New York City brings her trouble, as well as opportunity and the realization of her true calling, writing. The original novel by Candace Bushnell is a must-read for high school girls. Even though it takes place almost thirty years ago, today’s teens will relate. Anyone interested in Pretty Little Liars and Gossip Girl would most definitely enjoy The Carrie Diaries. Senior, Emilie Seguin, excitedly expressses, “I hope one day my hair can reach the caliber of teenage Carrie’s” There are a few negative aspects about the show,
however. There is a lot of moping around among the characters, someone is always upset, but then again, it is a drama. The show also fails to follow the book consistently. The changes that have been made are quite obvious to those who have read the book, for instance in the book, Carrie has two best friends, a boy named Walt and a girl nicknamed The Mouse, however in the Show, she has three, Walt, Mouse, and Maggie. Despite a few inconsistencies, the The Carrie Diaries is a must see show for any teen girl or any Sex and the City fan.
Photo: Patrick Harbron/The CW -- © 2013 The CW Network, LLC
Techno-fest! Felix Cartal performing at the 2012 Electric Zoo. The festival returns this year at Randall’s Island, NY, Friday, Aug. 30- Sunday Sep. 1
Photo Provided by: Max Macpherson
Image by Jordan Loyd / Electric Zoov
on Fri, April 26.
The Carrie Diaries airs on Monday nights on CW. AnnaSophia Robb who plays Carrie was also seen as Violet Beauregard in Tim Burton’s 2005 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory remake.
TURF
April 2013
Page 5
NCAA’s Cinderella stories March Madness has become a staple in American culture over the last several decades. The excitement of sudden death playoff games at the college level is enough to entice all fans, not just the crazed fanatics. Storied teams such as North Carolina, Duke and Kentucky have a long history in the Final Four. Some of the greats, like Michael Jordan, played for these teams, and this year, these teams are back for more. Although seeing familiar teams might be nice for some fans, it can get a little boring to see the same games year after year. In the past few seasons, fans have been able to see teams such as Butler, which was almost unknown before 2010, become a well-regarded basketball team.
Teams that ranked fairly low beat the top seeds like UConn and Michigan State on occasion. These “Cinderella” teams are named as such due to their relation to the Disney princess: The odds were always stacked against Cinderella to escape her evil stepmother and marry Prince Charming, but she eventually did. Many years ago a broadcaster for a Final Four game labeled a team as “Cinderella” since the odds were not in their favor, but they won anyway. What makes a Cinderella Team? If the team were as good in the regular season they would be ranked higher and expected to do well. But, what really makes a Cinderella team is a whole lot of luck, and momentum. If a team can win its first game, before anyone
knows it, they can advance to the Final Four. Some of the most notable “Cinderella” teams have come in the last few years, such as George Mason, Butler and Virginia Commonwealth. Though none of these teams actually won the big game, in 2006 George Mason, an 11th seeded team made it to the final four beating every opponent in an upset manner. Both Virginia Commonwealth and Butler made it to the Final Four in 2011. Most people are inclined to root for the underdog team, especially in the sudden death frenzy that is March Madness. Will Gonzaga continue to be the number one team as the tournament progresses? Or will the likes of other lowly teams like Belmont or Temple make a run at the title?
“I believe that t-shirt belongs to Mister Gilmore...” By: NIC LALICATO
Xyxyxxyxy xyxy xyxyy xyxy yxyy xyxy Xy Xxyy Xyxyxy Xyxxyxy Xyxyxyxyxx
Xxxxxxx xy Xyxyxyx Xyxyxy
Xyxyxyxy xyxyx xyx xyx xxxy xyyxxx yxxyx yxxxxy xyyxxx yxxyx yx
49 Summit High School students were interviewed as part of the non-scientific poll.
Photo from msn.foxsports.com
By: STEPHANIE OLLOM
Upset! 15-seed Florida Gulf Coast defeats 2-seed Georgetown and 7-seed San Diego State to become the first 15-seed ever to reach the sweet sixteen.
Monthly Sports Star: hardcourt phenom By: ALEX ARIAS Max McDonald is a junior tennis player who has some serious skill. He has held the title of being “first singles” since his freshmen year. “I’ve worked really hard to get to that spot, and I am proud that I’ve held that spot for three years running now,” says McDonald. Last year, McDonald only lost 3 seasonal matches, and came in second in the Union County tournament for singles, McDonald explains he has “been playing since I was nine years old, but went competitive when I was fourteen.” “I’ve played a lot of sports in the past, but I really enjoyed the opportunities that tennis has given me. The freedom of playing a oneman sport like tennis was something that excited me more than some of the other team sports that I played, and
I think that’s what led me to continue playing for as long as I have,” continues McDonald. McDonald has definitely considered where this sport might take him, “I’m not sure where tennis will take me, but I would like to play in the future, whether it is in college or a higher level,” says McDonald. He also had a few people he would like to thank for his on going success. “I’d like to thank my team members and my coach for the past two years because they’ve done a great job as well. I don’t think I’d be where I am now if it weren’t for them. I’d also like to thank my family for providing me with support along the way,” concludes McDonald. McDonald is looking forward to the upcoming season and the chance to get redemption at the Union County tournament.
Yankee icon’s final season
Baseball fans have grown used to the Yankee closer, Mariano Rivera, walking onto the mound in the 9th inning. However, this will be the last season fans can expect to see this sight. After 19 years with the Yankee’s Rivera has become somewhat of a baseball icon within New York and around the country. Speculation about his retire-
ment started at the beginning of 2013 spring training when he announced that his decision regarding his future in baseball had already been made. At the time, about two months ago, he had not announced what that decision was. In a recent press conference regarding his choice, Rivera formally announced that the 2013-2014 season would be his last.
Rivera is a future hall of fame player with 608 career saves and a 2.21 earned run average over his memorable career. Rivera is also the last remaining player allowed to wear the number 42, retired in 1997. New York will be at a great loss in baseball as one of the Yankees premier members of the past 18 years will be gone.
Photo from www.nj.com
BY: JAMIE MACPHERSON
Winner! Max McDonald returns to the hardcourt for his third season in the first singles position.
April 2013 BUZZ Blind Date: Old friends realize true feelings over burritos Page 6
Photo by Carly Nyman
By CARLY NYMAN
Love at first bite! Seniors Emma Standing and Robert Chase enjoy a romantic Qdoba date.
Writing the article for Verve’s blind date has become a rite of passage in the newspaper, but instead of throwing together an underclassman and a cool upperclassman as per usual, this month we decided to choose old friends: seniors Emma Standing and Robert Chase for an afternoon of Mexican food. It is logical to cultivate a new love from an old friendship, so Verve helped these two friends take the next step. The half-day provided the perfect opportunity for a casual lunch date. After telling Robert that he was chosen to go on the date, he was filled with questions. Did he have to pay for his date? How long would this
take? Was it a younger girl? I assured him that all his questions would be answered in due time, which they were when he walked down the hallway and spotted his friend Emma Standing. It was obvious the two friends were excited to spend quality time together and sparks began to fly. After arguing over who rode shotgun to Qdoba, the date began. From the backseat, Robert continually corrected my driving skills. We finally got to the mall and headed into the restaurant. Little did we know we would find Robert’s two close friends finishing their burritos. After ordering our food, date crashing senior Will
Downtown merchants work with enterprising student club
blind date. Mike seemed upset Emma had moved on, but I could tell she was having fun with Robert and wasn’t fazed by Mike’s unexpected appearance. The conversation was constant, and I was glad we could help these two take their friendship to the next level. We promised to have another Qdoba date soon and drove back to school. Once I dropped Emma off at her car, Robert thanked me for choosing Emma for the blind date, and he couldn’t wait to hang with her this weekend. Verve has now successfully helped a pair of old friends see their true feelings and spur a new romance.
App provides creative way to share small files By ADRIANA YOZZI
Photo by Nic Lalicato
By XIAOYING YU
The SHS Moving Image Class recently completed its first project, creating advertisements for local businesses and organizations. The project began in January, and gave students a real-world Takin’ care of business. Junior James Holzer works on his advertisexperience where they had ing project for SHS’ Moving Image Class. opportunity to make an adverthe students, helping them for the classes and groups. tisement for real clients. “Overall, my expectations During the project, students become better at creating from the students were met got feedback from businesses, commercials. “This is the first time I ran or exceeded and I will conin order to learn more and this project… Most busi- tinue to run this project in gain experience. Many businesses were will- nesses were more than happy the future as long as there are ing to help the project and with the results and I appreci- community members willing have a commercial made for ated their time and help with to help out. “I felt this project not only this project,” said Mr. Kevin them. Most of the businesses were Schauer, the supervisor of the helped students learn how to satisfied with the students’ project and the moving image develop an idea, film and edit; but it also gave students a products however, there were teacher. Schauer explained, “I was sense of meaning and purpose a few who provided construcactually happy that there were while enhancing their social tive criticism. Learning from mistakes some businesses that gave and professional skills.” We’re looking forward to was a valuable lesson that critical feedback because it made the project realistic for was a great learning lesson seeing the finished products.
Company from Westfield offers student service trip to Nicaragua WESTFIELD, NJ -- Drop-In Adventures (DIA) was founded by Adam Pizzi, a teacher at Westfield High School. DIA is a teen service adventure company that provides year round opportunities for teens. Its goal is to give kids the opportunity to travel, explore different cultures, ski, hike, surf, cycle--take advantage of whatever each destination has to offer--all while giving back and learning to appreciate the lives they are so fortunate to be living. DIA believes that the best education is one gained through hands-on experience. Pizzi says, “My business partner and I are excit-
Shamim rushed over to hand Emma his frequent flyer Qdoba card. Robert tried to hide his dismay, but it was clear he was upset and would have preferred if his date had used his card. We sat down in the booth (Attentive, Robert made sure we weren’t sitting at the undesirable bathroom table) and it was obvious the two were nervous. Robert ordered a salad, probably to impress Emma as she is a vegetarian, and it definitely worked. The two expressed relief that they were chosen to go together. I have to say, it was particularly awkward when past blind-dater Mike Gelber and his friends showed up at Qdoba and saw us on a new
ed about our week-long trip for teens to Nicaragua this summer. The group will be staying at the Mango Rosa Surf & Adventure Resort just outside of San Juan Del Sur and working with Comunidad Connect, a non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable community development in San Juan del Sur.” Trip dates are from August 4 to the 11, and the deadline for signing up is Apr. 30. Applicants must be 14-18 year-old high school students who are ready to work and have fun. Student responses to why they are interested in going on the trip,
will also determine eligibility. Other requirements are approximately twenty hours of community service at a local school. “I stayed at The Mango Rosa some years ago and was blown away by Nicaragua’s landscape and culture,” says Pizzi. Students will get to participate in various activities such as hiking, exploring state parks, a volcano, and a historic town, swimming, surfing, and going on boat tours. For more information about the trip, visit DIA’s website, http://www.dropinadventures.net/nicaraguanservice-adventure.html
Technology advances rapidly these days, and it’s easy to take for granted the minor miracles that using phones can accomplish. Created by Bump Technologies Inc., Bump is compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, and Android. The app allows easy transfers of data, like contact information, photos, videos, and files. Sharing files and other information with friends is made simpler with the Bump app. First introduced in 2012, the app has since updated to version 3.5.7 as of Feb. 28. People who work in the business field mainly use its unique features by transferring files between phones. Simply open Bump on two phones. Next, bump the knuckles that are holding the phones together. It is that easy. Bump also facilitates transfer of data to computers. To do so, open www.bu.mp.com, and press the phone with the opened app against the spacebar. Another new feature is bumpPAY; open your PayPal account on your phone, enter the amount you wish to send, then bump. Bump is not only fun and creative, but also the fastest at data transfer. Note, however, that there are restrictions on file size. It transfers files that contain 200MB or less. This is a unique app, with no competitors.
Healthier lifestyle starts with grocery scanning By MAGGIE MORIARTY Fooducate, an app created by Hemi Weingarten, analyzes information found in food ingredient lists. This app counts calories, then gives healthy alternatives to junk food. Fooducate is available on a computer, iOS, Android and is great for eating healthy. Fooducate began as a blog, but once smart phones became popular the app was created. It was most recently updated on March 7, based on user feedback. Dieters use Fooducate because it tracks calorie intake and gives healthy food options. Easy to use, Fooducate lets users scan the bar code of a food product using the phone’s camera (manual entry also possible), and within seconds it assigns the item a grade of A, B, C, or D, showing the amount of calories and questionable ingredients present. Users cite complaints about the camera not scanning soup lids, due to the rounded surfaces. It doesn’t always work in grocery stores if there is no WiFi, and Fooducate lacks some foods in its database listings. Despite this, users appreciate the easy access they have to nutritional data. Calorie Counter Pro competes in this market and offers more features, like grouping food into meals, but it costs $3.99 to purchase, while Fooducate is free.
CURVE
Page 7
April Fool’s 2013
Xanadu: budget pegs to yuan, grand opening on the 31st By STEPHANIE OLLOM
Verve Editors Respond Some of you dedicated readers of the Verve may have noticed something slightly different about these last two pages. In fact, maybe something even seems a bit untruthful. Well, you are right, this is our April Fool’s edition of the paper, the Curve. The last time a Curve edition was published was 2010. Before 2010, the last one was crafted in 2004. As a staff, we decided it would be a great accomplishment to be able to revive this old SHS tradition. Now for our personal rendition of Akey Responds: Fakey Responds. Although you guys looked like a bunch of animals flocking to an oasis while trying to get to the cafeteria, the overall block schedule was successful. However, I’m sure the seniors really
appreciated losing 10 minutes of their hour lunch trying to walk to their cars while battling underclassman by the pizza table. I actually want to thank these underclassmen for making sure the seniors had as little time possible off campus. Juniors, good job on your HSPAs. Maybe half of you will actually pass this year. I hope everyone enjoyed sleeping in. I can’t believe I had to yell at some students who still walked in half an hour late. Was the extra two hours not enough time to get here by the bell? Peace. Love. Ratchet Nation. P.S. Please do not take this Curve issue seriously. These articles are fictional and do not represent any true events or people.
Cafeteria’s new Lean into Learnin’ scheme is organic, labor-intensive
By EMME HARRIS, with JULIA HECKELMAN, MEREDITH ROBERTSON, SARINA MUSALLAM contributing
Students at Summit High School are entering a junkfood-free world in their beloved cafeteria. Comfort foods, consumed by hundreds of students, have been replaced by an organic, healthier version. Although the taste may not be quite the same, a proud staff member boasts, “The new food is guaranteed to help improve health and in turn make our students lean little learnin’ machines!” However, not everybody in this school feels the same way. “I hate this! Tofu pizza? Since when is that even a thing?!” cries sophomore Mimi Vanderlost, outraged that her favorite lunchtime meal has been hijacked by healthiness. Once the highlight of many students’ day, this organic new take has instead left many students feeling as bland as an
unsalted kale chip. To make matters worse, to be able to produce farm fresh foods in a cost efficient way, the turf field behind the building is being converted into fully functioning farm. Instead of going to gym or participating in sports, students are now to spend long hours toiling in the fields--leaning over to plant potatoes during the “free lunch time” afforded by the block trial led junior Ali Kazam to say, “leanin’ into learnin’? I’m a hater.” With the cafeteria workers hired as the supervisors of this outdoor farming collective, students will be surveyed by watchful eyes, graded on the quality of food that they harvest. Unfair and illegal, some may say, but for the time being there is nothing to be done. Students will have to learn to leave behind the fattening foods they once loved. Welcome to the Era of Organic, comrades!
Jets, there will be an unskilled game, HowFastCanYouRunIntoALine-man ’sButtWithoutFumblingTheFootball! For the Mets, there will be a typical, rigged carnival game: everyone will think they are going to win, but halfway through everyone starts to lose. For Devils fans, check out the Wild Zone, where the Wild will kidnap every visitor’s most important, and
prettiest, family member. Visit Xanadu when it opens, April 31, 2013. Opening attractions include Adele’s baby alongside Blue Ivy, the Backstreet Boys (who?) and Snookie from Jersey Shore, break dancing. Who doesn’t want to see that? Xanadu is a place everyone one can enjoy, and will for years to come, except for people from Chatham.
Photo from http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/l
and possibly a Mets fan. There will be an indoor water park, ski slope, mall, movie theater, concert hall, ice rink, man-made mountain, exotic jungle explorations and a combined Jersey shore lost and found + EBay store. Construction firm, Steady and Slow Makes the Dough Corporation of Port St. Lucie, Florida, projects over 100 million people will visit each year, meaning traffic in the cloverleaf surrounding the Meadowlands will remain awesome. Developers are also saying that some of the stores and attractions will really draw fans of Jersey style. A spin off on Build-a-Bear, Build-a-Guido, will make its debut. Another popular attraction? The ginormous Pepsi globe ferris wheel. Although located outside, quarantined path ways to and from the Pepsi Globe will be installed so patrons do not have to breathe toxic marshland air. On the sports side of the park, there will be a zone for each of the local sports teams, except the Islanders. For the Knicks, there will be a Compare Your Goatee to Mike Woodson’s booth, where no one will win. For the
The NJ Turnpike may be less ugly. Workers like these will put the punishing, halfbaked fixes on the Xanadu site, opening in late April in the swamps of New Jersey.
Pop phenoms ratchet it up; members said to go swiftly in new, different directions
By MADDIE SIMKO
Depression and heartbreak swept the globe last Tuesday when the famous British boy band, 1 Direction, announced they would no longer be performing together as a group due to conflicting love interests. The next day teenagers worldwide sported their 1D attire to commemorate the band. Junior, Macy Nordstrom, 1 Direction super fan, shared her feelings on the breakup. “When I heard the news I stopped everything I was doing. At first I didn’t believe it, and then when I realized it was real, I got so upset. I don’t know what to do with myself now that they’re no longer together.” There is some speculation that the boy band ended because of a certain “love interest,” in particular, Taylor Swift. After band member, Harry Style’s break up with Swift mid-February, the country singer stayed in the wings, waiting. Not even two weeks later, Swift was spotted cozying up to other 1D band member, Liam Payne. Though Payne
and Swift kept their relationship a secret and we never officially an item, they were spotted on numerous occasions holding hands and sharing meals. This sparked tension among the 1D guys which essentially led to their break up. One of their former bodyguards, Andy Davies remembers them constantly bickering and arguing over Swift. Photo from http://uk.omg.yahoo.com/
After two months of planning, one year of building, 15 years of waiting 5 more years of building, 12,638 Taylor Ham Egg and Cheese Sandwiches, and as many jokes, Xanadu in the Meadowlands is finally set to open. The multi-trillion dollar everythingyou-can-imagine complex will finally be able to open its doors to the oh-soeager people of the local community, the Marshmellows Land. Not only is Xanadu opening ahead of schedule, it is also opening under budget. Back in November, Governor CeeLo Christie made completion of Xanadu his number one priority. This was evident in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, when the lighting and electric system was being installed, the Governor ordered all of the workers from JCP&L to work on Xanadu and keep it on top of the pile of work. The secret to Christie’s success? “I’m tired of those Washington Bozos refusing to get off the dollar,” says Christie. “Jersey Strong means going Yuan or going home.” When it opens, Xanadu will have entertainment for everyone, from toddlers in tiaras, to elderly Betty Whites,
T-swift is guilty as charged. Speculation about Swift’s involvement in the break up of the boy band is predictable.
Photo edited by Matthew Maier
Magic blends make their debut at Summit High School. This month, Summit’s local Magic Fountain will now be avaliable during lunch hours at school so students no longer have to leave campus for their beloved ice cream.
Turf field turned into farm in an effort to go organic.
Happy April Fools day from the Verve staff
see page 401
April 1, 2013
see page 7
Volume 13 Issue 7.4.1
Summit High School 125 Kent Place Blvd, Summit, NJ
Pool renovations to plunge budget into red through 2015
On Mar. 30, all hell broke loose in the sleepy burg us Hilltoppers call home. At 9:00 AM Standard Eastern Time, at the opening bell, Lulumelon stock plummeted and the beloved yoga brand went bankrupt. As soon as the news hit the home L.E.D. plasma screens of Summit’s investment banking elite, chaos Neglected no more! Summit High School’s third floor pool and swimteam club lounge, featuring lap pool, erupted. sauna, juice bar, and weight room has faded into the shambles shown here: BOE to the rescue! Downtown was a complete mess, with Mercedes, BMW, By DAVID MEYERS and Audi SUVs sprawled pellIDs bearing the Merman or journalism. In honor of the swim team’s mell and abandoned across Mermaid security barcode. Summit boy’s lacrosse state championship victory, Springfield Ave; the sight of the Board of Education has Records show that not a single will have 15% of its budget the downtown Lulumelon finally approved requests to Hilltopper swim team member slashed; despite maintainstore was even more tragic. lavishly renovate the school has used his or her ID since Mr. ing 85% of their budget, the Yoga instructors, housewives, natatorium, located on the Pease did in 2003 for a practice. loss of funding will equate to and even truant SHS students After much debate, the Board nothing more than the loss of third floor. The fate of the struggled to push the little shop door open, as the employees in pool, lovingly referred to as decided to approve the renova- t-shirts and pinnies, or about a hurry to apply their employee The Tank, has been debated tions, stating that it was both in 75% of team apparel worn to discount to what remained on by the Board of Education the best interests of the student school. the shelves barricaded the door body and out of respect to the The other area affected will in closed-door sessions for from the inside. swim team. be the SHS student newspamonths and a decision was One trim mother took charge, The food court will be reper, Verve. It will transition finally reached at the March breaking the glass of the store named Pease & DQs in honor from monthly to tri-monthly meeting. window with the buckle on her Those arguing for renova- of long-time coach and retiree publication schedules with Tori Burch handbag howling each issue limited to a budgettions pointed out that the David Pease. “You don’t understand! I canSurprisingly, the swim team sapping three pages. The swimming pool is in such bad not bear to see the light of day is pretty blase about the reno- Board might have been met shape that, according to memvations. by opposition, had anybody ber Newsie Sleak, “no one has When asked to comment on actually read about it in Verve. swum a lap in it for years.” the pool, junior swim team The Board of Education has Thanks to its companion member Jim “Big Schwim” agreed to meet with several skylights and foodcourt, The Schwimmer replied, “I don’t student representatives for a Tank was once a popular locathink the swim team needs series of meetings to pretend tion for students to hang out; the pool to be renovated. We to work out a compromise, now, the pool is as empty as an practice at the YMCA anyways, saying in a press release isapology by Lance Armstrong. and spending a ton of money sued last Friday, “It was either The security scanner that on pool renovations seems fix the pool or lop off the permits entry to the pool pointless.” third floor. Would you have area allows student pool club So where is the money com- us eliminate all those science members access to the pool ing from? Cuts will be seen classrooms, just to spite the by swiping their students in two areas: lacrosse and swim champs?”
Teachers enjoy senior moments:
2013 is outraged, unrepentant in refusal to manage own refuse By LINDSAY LEITER Back in October, the class of 2013 was warned it may lose its senior lounge privilege if it didn’t take out the trash. The Assistant Principal signalled a warning back in October, saying that, “The lovely new furniture in the senior lounge is already covered in post-lunch debris, because the class of 2013 is too rude to clean up after itself.” For months, custodians had to use snow shovels to stave off the drifts of detritus, as
defiant ne’er-do-wells piled high the tables and floors with excessive trash. The straw that broke the camels’s back was, in fact, reported to be a straw wrapper from an unidentified culprit’s Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee Coolata. It was dropped in an area known to be frequented by juniors with driving licenses who should not leave the campus. Administration threatened to take the lounge away, and finally, after four months and
no changes in garbage habits, shut it down. Seniors will no longer be able to eat lunch in the lounge located outside the library. Unassigned study halls will report, and remain, in the library for the entire period. Seniors now must eat in the cafeteria with terrified, but now territorial, underclassmen. In the meantime, teachers are very pleased with the change because they get to claim the lounge territory. Seniors were outraged when they saw the old
with out my Lulu’s!”. More and more women joined in on the smash and grab, hustling out laden with ill-gotten goods, and running crazily, gleefully as they tightly grasped their prizes. Within minutes the shelves were bare, and even the poor mannequins were down to the paint. A souvenir-seeking thief stole the iconic horseshoey –brand symbol from the top of the building, snatching it from its place. Rumor has it the Lulumelon logo has been installed in a mausoleum in Summit’s local cemetery as a shrine for Lulumelon lovers to quietly go, pray, and contemplate the loss. However this rampant riot hasn’t died out yet. An organization, the Lulumelon Recovery Team (LRT) has been established to raise money and get that brand back on its feet again, and return to the world. The Summit Compliments page on Facebook has morphed into a black market, selling what remains of the looting plunder for the right price. There is a bake sale Monday.
Trying times. Two Summit mothers fight for one of the few remaining articles of clothing at Lulumelon in downtown Summit after its sudden bankruptcy.
lounge roped off while teachers sipped coffee at the tables and benches while chatting at their macbooks. “We must put an end to this madness!” senior Pat Butters reportedly desperately cried when he saw what had become of his favorite SHS hangout. Retorts an unnamed source in the main office, “If the seniors want to earn the privilege back, they need to either push a broom, or finally prove that they can handle the booth.”
Photo from www. www.chacha.com
By FELISA DELLI SANTI
Photos provided by Carly Ny,man
Photo provided by www.ineedattention.com/
Local athletic clothing store goes bankrupt
Trashy! Filled with months old waste, the senior lounge is now being cleaned by a HazMat team for the use of the teachers.