Newspaper of Summit High School
February Volume 11 Issue 5
Schedule Change For Summit Students By ANDREW MANDELBAUM
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food selection. Ideally, each student would spend about half of the hour eating, and the other half participating in clubs, going to the writing and math help centers, or studying. These would provide new opportunities for busy students because
Photo by Andrew Mandelbaum
SPIRIT TALLY UPDATE:
On March 20-23, Summit High School will be piloting a new block schedule format. This is part of the district’s never-ending campaign to improve the quality of student education. The new schedule is different in a few ways. First, two classes will drop every day. This extra time will be allotted to the other 6 classes and lunch. Every class then becomes an hour long, and students will have an hour-long common lunch. The dropped periods will rotate much like our current schedule does, except with periods 4 and 8 being dropped on an A day, 3 and 7 on a B day and so on. Since all of the students and faculty will have a common lunch, an overflow in the cafeteria and senior lounge is anticipated. To match this new demand for seating, the school will be opening up the Auxiliary Gym, the concourse outside the Auditorium, and the area above the Senior Lounge as designated places for students to eat. Besides increasing the need for seating, another impact will be longer lunch lines. For the trial period, the administration is talking to the Pomptonium food service managers about expanding the
Principal Mr. Paul Sears considers the trial of a rotating block schedule to be part of a fact-finding exploration of block scheduling at our school.
they could also join and play an active role in clubs. For students in science classes with labs, lab days would become the day when their science class and lunch periods are adjacent, and so they would spend an extra half hour completing labs
Music Entrepreneur Takes Chance Downtown By KAYCE D'ONOFRIO
Current Hilltopper Points as of 2/16
Globe....................2 Opine....................3 Buzz......................4 S&S.......................5 Turf.......................6
What's Up: March 6-8: HSPA Testing March 14-17: Oklahoma! March 17: St. Patrick's Day
While walking the streets of downtown Summit, one might notice the myriad of clothing stores, or the wide variety of culinary options. Excluding Summit favorite, Scotti’s, there seems to be a lack in stores dedicated to music. However, toward the end of March, the World of Rock will be opening, offering a plethora of items, activities, and events for all ages. World of Rock was founded and developed by Paul Fessock, a P.E. teacher at Brayton Elementary School. An avid Elvis Presley fan since his youth, Fessock has always been immersed in the musical world. Whether teaching guitar lessons to one of his students, or entertaining others in his band Amp’d, Fessock is always involved in music. “I just thought it was natural to open a school/store,” he explained. Located in the Mondo building on Springfield Ave, World of Rock will be extremely versatile store. Not only will private lessons be offered for the guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard, the store will also be selling musical items such as instruments, picks, strings, drum sticks, and so much more. As if this wasn’t enough, World of Rock will also be doing children and adult
birthday parties, which includes a live band, guitar cake and more. It also offers summer workshops for audio and recording. Fessock has extremely high hopes for its success. “Opening a place like World of Rock has always been my dream,” he stated. “I want a place where kids and adults can learn their favorite instrument and get the experience to play on stage.” With Fessock’s distinct charisma and musical talent, World of Rock will be a great addition to the Summit community.
Forensics Team Represents at Harvard Weekend Tournament By DREW SCHWENDIMAN
This year the SHS forensics team competed in the 38th annual Harvard National Speech and Debate Tournament during the President’s Day weekend. Over 150 schools and 2000 students from all over the country attended.
and then eating. During the trial only seniors with unassigned would have open campus privileges. However, if this became our standard schedule the administration would be inclined to bring open campus lunches to all seniors. In this new format, students only have to prepare for six classes each day. This could be beneficial in improving the efficiency of students because they would have to spread their focus less each night. Teachers could also plan new activities that take more time because of the extra fifteen minutes they will have every class day. All of the benefits of this schedule are impressive but there are also some potential flaws. The obvious one is if there is a snow day you will lose some classes for an extra day. Also missing school due to illness or sports could quickly put a student farther behind in individual classes. Mr. Akey said, “I like getting seniors opinions about changes [in the school].” Mr. Akey was also in favor of potentially trying a second new schedule later in the spring in which there would be a four period day each 90 minutes long. Forensics team co-advisers Mrs. Anne Poyner and Mr. Scott Rebholz, along with parent chaperone Mrs. Myung Kang-Huneke, accompanied 18 of the team’s varsity members to Boston for the February 18-20 event. Rise and shine was 6:00 AM, with the day’s competitions finishing at 8:30. Despite a long day at the tournament, debaters still found time to squeeze in a tour of the Harvard campus. Allison Scott and Victoria Abut, both sophomores, competed against 200+ competitors in Humorous Interpretation and advanced into octofinals, the top 48, before dropping. Beth Ann Powers, a junior, competed in Dramatic Interpretation against 400+ competitors, progressing to doubleoctofinals, the top 96, before being eliminated. In Original Oratory, Drew Schwendiman, a sophomore, advanced to double-octofinals, too, out of 300+ competitors. Two freshmen, Jai Padalkar and Abin Alexander, debated against hundreds of other teams and advanced into doubleoctofinals. Says Emily Claypoole, a junior who competed in Dramatic Interpretation, “It was an eye-opening and enjoyable experience. It was the right amount of fun and competition and going to this national tournament helped us become better performers. In one word, it was awesome.”
Verve Views: What's your favorite spring style?
"Short sleeve button, down shirts." - Denzel Norris ('14)
"Sun dresses." - Emely Murillo ('13)
"White jeans." - Jessie Balandiuk ('13)
"Polka dots." - Gillian Dukoff ('13)
"Hawaiian shirts." - Kyle Waldron ('14)
"Pastel colored nail polish." - Liz Kulpan ('14)
"Miniskirts." - Rachelle Franco ('15)
"Flip flops." - Ximena Jaramillo ('12)
Facebook Goes Public By GWEN ROGERS
On February 1, the social networking powerhouse known as Facebook took its first crucial step by filing its initial public offering papers with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This was expected by most watchers, as there had been rumors of Facebook going public for several months. By doing so, Facebook tried to make its service even more pervasive and expand its global audience of 845 million users. This move also helps Facebook fend off an intensifying challenge from Google, which is looking to solidify its status as the Internet's most powerful company with a rival social network called Plus. Essentially, this will be the first time that members of the public can buy a share of Facebook stock and own part of the company. But why go public now? Well, companies usually only “go public” for one main reason: to make more money. Recently, it has been shown that companies make the most money during the initial public offering. This is usually the day or so before the company goes public. Right now, two of the firms underwriting the Facebook IPO are Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs. For the last eight years, Facebook has only accepted investments from large private firms. However, more investors are necessary to keep up with its rapid growth and
Summit High School 125 Kent Place Blvd. Summit, NJ 07901 Principal: Mr. Paul Sears Assistant Principals: Mr. Tony Akey Mrs. Stacy Grimaldi English Supervisor: Mr. Corey Walsh Adviser: Mrs. Anne Weisgerber
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constant evolution. They want to know if the company can withstand the test of time. “The company had revenues of 3.711 billion dollars in 2011, 1.97 billion in 2010, and 0.777 billion in 2009. In 2011, 12% of all of Facebook's revenue came from Zynga. A net total of 3.154 billion came in due to just advertising in 2011,” explains The Examiner. “All of that revenue brought in 0.229 billion of profit in 2009, 0.606 billion in 2010, and 1 billion in 2011. Facebook currently has 3.908 billion in cash on reserve.” The social networking site is heavily dependent on advertising. To make money, Facebook sells advertisements based on the information its users share, such as interests, hobbies, and relationships. Facebook also takes a cut from the money that apps make through its site. For example, for every dollar that "FarmVille's" maker Zynga gets for virtual cows and crops it sells, Facebook gets 30 cents. However, Facebook stands apart. As it rapidly expands, people from India to Portugal to Miami Beach use it to keep up with news from family, long-lost friends, play mindless games tending virtual cities and farms, and share big news about their days. Even politicians and celebrities use Facebook to connect with fans and the general public. More people will start to hit the "like" button now that Facebook has gone public.
Photos by Felisa Delli Santi
Prime Times for Primaries By JAMIE MACPHERSON As November comes closer and closer, the Republican Party has begun to hold primaries for the candidate who will represent them against the incumbent Democratic President Barack Obama. At the start of campaigning, there were seven candidates. Though Herman Cain dropped out as allegations sprung up about sexual misconduct with female employees in his company, Michele Bachman and Jon Huntsmann soon followed suit when their chances at the presidency became bleak. The remaining candidates are former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, Congressman Ron Paul, and former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum. Mitt Romney runs on the platform of lower tax rates and government spending, while increasing the trade of the United States. He also believes that the healthcare plan put in place by Obama must be repealed. Santorum agrees with Romney about Obama’s healthcare; he believes that, similar to Romney, government spending should be cut. Another large part of his campaign is based on the treatment
of radical Islamic groups, which he hopes to eradicate by strengthening our allegiances with the countries that are infested with these Islamic radical groups. On the topic of the economy, Ron Paul believes there needs to be reform but has other plans in mind. He hopes to loosen the regulations on small businesses, reduce the reckless spending of politicians, and make sure no unbalanced budget is set into place. Ron Paul believes that America's foreign policy should end expensive and long wars. Instead, he wants the government to strengthen borders and only enter wars that do not run up our war debt as they drag on. Ron Paul’s most controversial idea comes with free choice, which would allow Americans to do what they want as long as it’s not hurting others. Newt Gingrich agrees with Romney on the issue of Obamacare, which he believes should be repealed. He also affirms that the tax rates set in December 2011 should be permanent because their outcome was an improvement in job creation. There is no telling who will be running against Obama come the fall.
Verve Staff Editors-In-Chief:
Kayce D'Onofrio & Nikki Theriot
SCREEN AND SOUND Section Editor: Emma Kramer
FRONT PAGE Section Editor: Andrew Mandelbaum GLOBE Section Editor: Miriam Meller
BUZZ Section Editor: Carly Nyman
OPINE Section Editor: Nate Cohen
CIRCULATION MANAGER: Andrew Kaufman
TURF Section Editor: Kelly Delaney
REPORTERS:
Alejandra Arias, Thomas DiSibio, Felisa Delli Santi, Lindsay Leiter, James Macpherson, Lina Mockute, Nicholas Nyktas, Stephanie Ollom, Gwen Rogers, Drew Schwendiman, Emily Wills
February 2012
By DANIEL MONTGOMERY Whether trying to study for an exam or to have a good night’s rest, there is always a pesky noise lying in wait. The vibration of cell phones, tapping on tables, and chewing of gum are just three culprits that disable the ability to focus and relax. For some sensitive people, there is no cure that will stop noise from disrupting everyday life. But, for the rest of us, there are numerous ways to dampen intrusive sounds. Many people use headphones, the most common form of noise cancellation, which offer maximum comfort to users. John M. Guifoil, a journalist for the Boston Globe says,“The Sony MDR-NC40 headphones remove up to 90% of ambient noise.” That’s a pretty good reduction. So can material like thick curtains, carpeting, pillows, and foam; all can insulate your space while hindering noise and absorbing most unwanted sounds. When trying to hamper noise, the last thing people want is to hear another sound. However, “white noise,” a static buzzing like a radio or TV station off-air, can be an effective noise canceller. Hammacher Schlemmer offers a number of such devices (pillow speakers, sleep sound generators, and a Sound Oasis Machine), and they
work like a charm for some. Another form of white noise is the ordinary box fan. The fan provides a constant sound, which blends in and blocks out most of the surrounding noise. For the utmost silence, remember to point the fan to where the noise originates. Lastly, an unorthodox but effective approach to counter various cacophonies, is the ordinary egg carton. Empty egg cartons are legendary, D.I.Y. sound baffles, and can be used to soundproof rooms. If you use a staple gun or screwdriver to fasten the cartons to the wall, the room will become virtually disturbance free. Noise is not an issue for everyone though. For some, the existence of noise even helps them to focus more intently. These people typically operate well in an environment with distractions. Solutions on how to limit the amount of noise is not necessary for this select audience. For people struggling to focus due to the noise level, I hope your life will be more peaceful and filled with serenity after learning about four fantastic ways to block out noise. Quiet is conducive to relaxation of the body and soul, putting one in a more tranquil state of mind.
Akey Responds This is an open question to the students (and perhaps some parents) about theSemi-Formal. Why do you bother to come when you only stay an hour and then leave to attend a party with 100 of your closest friends in Summit? Honest to God, can we ever win one? When a rumor of the Semi being cancelled circulated, (thanks for nothing Facebook) the throngs arose en masses with outcries of the unfairness of it all. “Oh, the humanity….” In any event, when you leave an event after 1 hour to attend some black light party, you’ve given us one more reason to not do these activities. Just amazing. But, for the hundreds who stayed the night and had fun, I’m happy for you. Great volleyball games against the faculty. Freshman and sophomores, pretty weak. Juniors, you guys were good. Seniors, pretty anemic effort. You folks are lucky that the Powder Puff game was football and not volleyball, or the juniors would have clobbered you. By the way, after your screams of agony when the game was postponed in December, is there a reason why over 300 of you had notes to leave early? Once again, thanks for supporting your classmates who try and give you some great activities. I’m looking forward to Oklahoma! in our newly refurbished auditorium. It looks fabulous, and it will be nice to have a venue that dignifies the efforts of our teachers and parents who give so much to the drama kids. It’s sort of like the new field at Tatlock and outside the gym. Athletes get to compete in a first rate field. Now you thespians have a magnificent home field too. Break a leg. Spring is almost upon us. Seniors, make me proud, do not develop senioritis. Remember, there are plenty of juniors waiting for your parking spaces to be taken away.
Missing Mykee By CARLY NYMAN
The construction on the auditorium has lin’s performances. The seniors will not see caused many assemblies as well as a tradi- their second show while the sophomores, tional performaces to be canceled. The pop- who have never seen Fowlin perform yet, will ular Dr. Michael Fowlin, more commonly only get to watch him once during their juknown as Mykee, tours the country present- nior year. Vice Principal, Mrs. Stacy Grimaling entertaining “programs on the issues of di, explained that the Administration might race, discrimination, violence prevention have to rework the two shows to figure out and personal identity.” His website explains, which grade will watch which performance. his audience often includes students of all Although, this rescheduling didn’t work ages, teachers and parents. Fowlin has been out for the senior or sophomore class, the visiting Summit High administration did the School every other best they could with year since 2004. This the inconvenience year’s performance of the auditorium was originally schedconstruction, a probuled for February 10, lem that has already 2012 but now is unfortaken a toll on many tunately rescheduled. of our other assemThe SHS Administrablies this year. Fortion has arranged for tunately, Fowlin is Fowlin to visit every still coming to perother year so each grade form and the current watches two of his freshman and junior shows. The first show, Mini Mykee. Fowlin performs one of classes will not be which students usually affected by the change. his many skits. see as an underclassman Fowlin majored in is “You Don’t Know Me Until You Know psychology and is “no stranger to the stage” Me.” Then, as upperclassman students since he has been performing since age nine, see “I Am Not the Enemy.” However, this his website further explains. He blends his year, due to the perpetual construction in education of psychology and passion for the auditorium, this year’s performance acting to create educational and memorable was postponed until October 16, 2012. performances. He intends to teach his audiThe Administration tried to reschedule ence about being tolerant of others and celthe performance for later this school year, ebrating oneself. Although Fowlin won’t however, Fowlin didn’t have any available be making an appearance at SHS this year, dates in the Spring that didn’t overlap with don’t let that stop you from learning from AP tests and other end of the year testing. his unique performances, which can be This rescheduling has affected the seniors’ viewed on either his website, or YouTube. and sophomores’ opportunities to see FowPhoto provided by www.myveronanj.com
A Battle for Peace and Quiet
Graduation Requirement Includes Economics By LINA MOCKUTE
Middle schoolers entering high school in 2010 did not know that they were going to have to take financial literacy and economics. Current sophomores as well as all future graduating classes are required to take the course in order to graduate. Summit High School students, who rely on their parents for most of their needs, must learn how to manage their money before going off to college. However, taking an entire semester filled with quizzes, notes, and homework instead of taking a class a student may enjoy more is absurd. The school did not want to make this course mandatory. The state made it mandatory for freshmen going into high school in 2010 because of rising unemployment rates, and the rapid decline of the economy. SHS offers an online version of the course that lasts only about ten hours because many students need to fulfill their practical and performing arts credits. However, senior Harry McCreary supports the course
saying, “Financial Literacy & Economics is essential to any developing adolescent. The average student is unqualified about the knowledge and practice of Economics. It is necessary for even the youngest of classes to experience values from a global standpoint. It is a great idea to take that class.” It is important to have a broad and wellrounded introduction to the importance of finance, but it is not fair to make this elective only open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. If the course were offered to freshmen as well, there could be more students willing to take the actual class. But for the students whose parents are not making them take the course, and who were never planning on taking it, the online version would still be required by the state. As our world evolves, it is important to learn about the changes our generation will face. Economics is an important class because of its relevance to today and what students will have to know in the future.
Peace Love and the Woodstock Nation. Verve Editorial Policy: Verve is a publication open to opinions of its readers. Letters to the editor are welcome, and must be signed, but requests for anonymity will be respected. Verve reserves the right to edit letters due to space constraints, but all effort will be made to preserve the writer's intent. Nothing obscene or libelous will be published.
January 2012
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Wacky Weather or Apocalyptic Warning? By KELLY DELANEY
Sweet Site Offers Cure for Tweet Fatigue By DREW SCHWENDIMAN
Studious Advice: Steer Clear of Stumbleupon By MIRIAM MELLER
Photo by Carly Nyman
It’s Sunday night and I realize that Reddit, there are more digital sirens I am on deadline for Verve. I turn on beckoning high schoolers off their my computer and open Word, type my courses. name on the page, then sit and stare at The best way to avoid such websites my computer screen. is to turn off the computer and put I quickly convince myself that it away while doing homework. Facebook will inspire me. An hour later, However, now that most teachers at after checking my email, Facebook, SHS have websites where they post and Stumbleupon, I realize that it’s assignments and homework, students probably time have to go online to get writing. to retrieve their Now, I’m sure work. I am not the Junior Sofia only person at Vizitiu agrees, SHS who sits “Many of my down to type teachers now put a paper, only their homework to get hijacked online for us to by social print out.” networking It’s great that w e b s i t e s . Caught in the act! Internet distractions tempt teachers are Procrastinating Miriam Meller away from her homework. learning how to usually means effectively use putting off something for a long time, technology. Maybe there is a way like a project or a long-term paper. that students can avoid the temptation However, among us high schoolers, of visiting addicting sites. Perhaps, a new form of procrastination has they can do this by saving all of their emerged. This type of hair-trigger “computer” homework for last and procrastination is characterized by printing out assignment sheets or becoming bored with a task at hand assignments in school or on a Monday. and, consequently, looking for better This will ensure that a student only entertainment. has to spend time on the computer With the rise of sites like in the beginning of their studies once Stumbleupon, iwastesomuchtime, and each week.
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Phtoto from http://kbmq.org/
Photo provided by http://my.opera.com/
From Hurricane Irene to “Snowtober,” above normal snowfall. The Almanac also the weather of the 2011-2012 Fall and predicts that this summer will be cooler Winter seasons has been one of the oddest than normal. Could this mean that the seen yet. Is this weather just a random seasons are switching and soon we will occurrence or are we in for even worse have snow in July? These events seem highly unlikely and are not backed by weather in the years to come? scientists but Some say that still intrigue this weather is all many who leading up to the wonder what end of the world will happen in on December the months to 21, 2012. Others come. say that it’s Even though due to Global weather is Wa r m i n g . predicted to Summit has be warmer definitely seen than usual this its share of year, scientists crazy weather Can you spot what’s wrong with this February patterns in the scene? Roads and trees have been virtually are not predicting any changes in past months. We snow free almost all winter. seasonal weather. had Hurricane Irene which knocked out power for most On February 2, 2012, Groundhog Day, of Summit shortly before school started, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and and the week off from school in October. predicted six more weeks of winter. There is still plenty of time for winter snow But what does it all really mean? The Farmer’s Almanac has predicted storms and cold weather to move in on that the Winter of 2012 will be drier than New Jersey. normal with near normal temperatures but
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Better than Facebook or Twitter?! Make new friends online that share the same interests as you for free.
Pinterest, the fastest website to surpass the 10-million-monthly visitors mark, is taking on the world by storm. Alexa, the global website statistics tracker, shows Pinterest growing exponentially, having nearly doubled its traffic in the past three months alone. According to Huffington Post, Pinterest sends more traffic to other sites than YouTube, LinkedIn, and Google+ combined. So, what exactly is Pinterest? Is it another Facebook? Is it another search engine? Pinterest is a little bit of both, and may represent the future of social networking. Pinterest is, simply put, a personal digital bulletin board, or “pin board.” Anything inspiring, beautiful, or interesting can be “pinned” to share with fellow users. Your pin board can be organized into several areas with different ideas. For instance, you might have one for planning a wedding, another for high fashion, and even one that just has photos of delicious food. This site has quickly amassed users because it’s simple, entertaining, and social. Bianca Bosker, Senior Tech Editor of the Huffington Post, mused recently that Pinterest is an unexpected cure to social media fatigue: people are sick of each other, and Pinterest provides an objective counterpoint to all those subjective tweets and status updates that users are bombarded with daily: how good we look, what time we went to the gym, what grade we got on the test, or even how sad we are that the series Revenge is coming to an end. Pinterest, on the other hand, is about our ideas and inspirations. “While Facebook pioneered the concept of the social graph that allows us to peruse a Web personalized by
all the people we know,” says Bosker, “Pinterest may be paving the way for an interest graph, whereby we can discover and connect with people whose tastes we share, but whom we’ve never looked in the eye.” Now, another question is raised: would high schoolers be really interested in becoming involved with strangers just because of common interests? Freshman Brady Olcott finds social interactions to be changing because of the Internet. “I’d rather sit down and talk to someone in person because I can feel a deeper connection to them. On the Internet, it’s pretty much just letters and words. I wouldn’t want to interact with someone I haven’t met before because I wouldn’t be able to fully trust them, no matter how many interests we share with each other.” Even though Pinterest is unlike most current social networking sites in that there’s no real communication between users, users can still comment on other users’ photos. Will that be a strong enough barrier to stop stalkers from harassing users on the website? On the flip side, people make friends based on common interests, both in the real world and on the Internet. Sharon Kwak, a senior, thinks Pinterest is a break from the annoying personal posts on Facebook. “I would join because it’s more than just writing on people’s walls and being friends with your ‘friends.’ You’re talking to people who share the same interests as you, which leads to possibly new friendships.” No matter what people may think, Pinterest has already attracted its early adopters of social technology. Membership is exclusive though, and new members need to be invited by current members.
February 2011
Reconstruction in the Auditorium is O.K. (LAHOMA!) By ALEX ARIAS With April 2 nearly a month away, it Junior Emily Claypoole, featured brings up the question, what happens if dancer, also agrees. “It’s been difficult the auditorium isn’t ready by then? Mr. spacing the formations and we don’t Wayne Mallete says that so far in the know what it will look like once we're meetings with the contractors, they are on stage but we will pull it together.” up to date with the progression of the Mrs. Kelly Sacks, the production’s auditorium dance and will instrucmake the tor, has dead line. b e e n The cast doing for the quite most part, w e l l is doing without quite well a stage. with all “ Ye s the new i t ’ s arrangebeen a ments. chal“Well it’s lenge a lot of b u t work and Getting Their Dance On. Featured dancers rehearse their for the choreography with Kelly Sacks. confusmost part ing but at I want to the end it will all pay off,” says junior thank the Connection for letting us use Brad Przedpelski, playing the lead role their dance studios. I can’t thank them Curly. enough” she says. Photo by Alex Arias
Angry Boys Creates Angry Fans By NIKO NYKTAS
Photo provided by: blog.zap2it.com
The highly anticipated HBO series gry Boys, which is supposed to be a Angry Boys made its debut to Amer- comedy-type show, I did not laugh ican televisions on January 1st, once. It makes me mad, because 2012, making it one of the first new I feel like there are so many motelevision programs this year. This ments that could have been funny, is producer and actor Chris Lilley’s or should have been funnier. third television series, all of which There were also some weird mohave been fairly successful “moc- ments, too. Like in Jen Okazaki’s kumentaries.” house (one In addition to of the charbeing the proacters that ducer, Lilley Lilley actuis also the acally doesn’t tor for six of play) where the main charall of the acters, which I pillows, wafind to be anter bottles, noying. When remotes I watch T.V., and basiI don’t like to Nathan! Chris Lilley poses as his six character cally everysee the same potrayals. Left to right: Nathen Sims, S.Mouse, Jen thing else person pop up Okazaki, Blake Oakfield, Daniel Sims, and Gran. is shaped sugmultiple times in a different wig for gestively. 30 minutes. It’s sad because As for the actual show, it is about no matter how hard the series tried, two teenage boys and the obstacles it didn’t make me laugh. they need to overcome conflictUnfortunately, from what I have ing with their life. Personally, after seen, it is just a compilation of vulseeing the first episode, I feel that gar jokes that aren’t funny. Maybe I this series didn’t really deliver on just caught a bad episode, but I think the “funny” side. However, it did a the series could have done a much great job of adding disgusting mo- better job with making the moments ments…that weren’t that funny. that are supposed to be funny, acUsually, when a show is supposed tually funny. If you are interested to make people laugh, I do. That is in watching, you can watch Angry not the case with this show. After Boys on HBO on Sundays at 10 PM. watching an entire episode of An-
February 2012
The cast has been singing in Mr. Mallete’s room, dancing in the hallway outside Mr. Mallete’s room, and running their lines with Mrs. Poyner in her classroom. As for the crew, it’s been more difficult than for the cast. Usually, when it came to making a set it wasn’t a problem. They would make it on stage, nail all the parts together, put it up, and it was done. However, considering the circumstances, this production is different. “We have to make the set into smaller parts because we need to make them fit through the auditorium doors,” says Mr. Ben Molnar, the tech director for the set crew. “In the past we have been delayed but Mrs. Poyner has a great parental volunteer program and we have always gotten it done,” he adds. Don’t underestimate this huge cast of Oklahoma! as they will have the show ready. You know what they say, the show must go on!
"#willpower" to Top the Charts By EMILY WILLS Music's top charts better make room (The Hardest Ever) highlights the imbecause the highly anticipated debut of portance of perseverance with Jennifer Will.i.am’s new album, "#willpower" Lopez's line "you can go hard or you is sure to be a hit! Set to be released on can go home." Will.i.am reveals that March 16th, "#willpower" can be ex- each song on his fourth new album is pected to climb the charts with its mix a “reminder to myself of staying conof pop and hip hop sounds. Featuring sistant with the dream – keeping the over ten artists such as; Britney Spears, dream alive. It was all a dream when Shakira, LMFAO, and former member I was fifteen years old – twenty years of the Pussycat Dolls, later I managed to Nicole Scherzinger, take the dream from this album will conan idea to physicalinect with millions of ty. So "#willpower" fans. is uplifting songs, In late fall of 2011, encouragement for the thirty-six-yearthose that need it.” old rapper and proThe artist explains ducer, William James that he hopes fans Adam, Jr., who has will be inspired by also made appearancthis album to reales in both animated ize the importance and non-animated of hard work and films such as Rio and determination so Madagascar: Escape much so that it 2 Africa, released his will help them to new single, “T.H.E. will. i. am: will he make it? Former achieve their goals (The Hardest Ever)”, Black Eyed Peas member hopes to as Will.i.am has. The a collaboration with, inspire and uplift listeners with the name of the album debut of his new album. Jennifer Lopez and reflects the theme and Mick Jagger. This is somewhat of a play song is set to appear on words. Will.i.am is as one of the tracks on the #willpower looking to inspire willpower in his aualbum. “T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)” dience. It's fitting that his name is part was a huge hit when performed at the of the word. AMAs back in November, and has reFeaturing easy-to-dance-to music and mained in the iTunes top 50 ever since. positive vibes, it’s no wonder "#will"#willpower" is an album packed with power" will be a hit! uplifting anthems. The song T.H.E. photo provided by /blog.daily-pages.com
From acting to singing, and everything in between, the cast of SHS’s performance of Oklahoma! is trying their best to piece this musical together without being on an actual stage. Oklahoma! is a musical about two cowboys fighting for the affectionate love of a girl named Laurey in an Indian territory of the American West. This takes place around the time where Oklahoma became a state and entered the union. This musical is based on a real town and on the lives of real people. Although the theater program managed to put up the fall play without the auditorium, when it comes to the musical, the cast has to perform the musical before April 12 because they have entered the Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards, the high school version of the Tony Awards. The Rising Star Award program accepts a hundred high schools all over New Jersey and students are eligible to win individual awards for productions they’re involved in.
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By STEPHANIE OLLOM
If the students are checking their phones more during the school day or having their parents call in sick for them, then there is a chance that it is March. No, they are not outside working on their golf swing; rather, they are sitting at home watching the most popular college tournament of the year, March Madness. In sudden death rounds, a total of 65 teams compete for the National Title in College Basketball. A bracket set up matches the top seeded teams in the division with the lowest seeded teams. This bracket is motivation for more than seven billion dollars worth of illegal gambling through out the United States. How you may ask? Office pools are set up as well as friendly bets in high schools, betting on upsets and the favorites to make it to the Final Four of the Championship Round.
Sports gambling is legal in only four states, Delaware, Nevada, Montana and Oregon, though is only really practiced in Nevada. Therefore, the majority of the eight billion dollars gambled in the country over this bracket is done illegally. As studies show, it also sparks the appetite of gambling addicts who have cooled down for a while. Bringing it into the workplace makes betting money casual, and that proves to be a problem for the men and women trying to ease off of betting their money away. When you are filing out your bracket this year, because there is a one out of ten chance that you are, think about all of the laws being broken. Or don’t, but just try to pick one of the right Final Four teams this year.
The Summit golf team has high hopes for this season. BOYS GOLF
Lead by coach Richard Keating the boys golf team is looking for another dynamite season. With last years undefeated record, the expectations are high. Sophomore Skyler Schlesinger said, “We will try to work on being consistent throughout the round and try to not to get mentally frustrated. We must keep our calm and have as much fun as we can.” Although the team lost many great players last year, Freshman Andrew
Photo by Matt Celona
The Summit tennis team looks to win another sectional championship this year. BOYS TENNIS
The unstoppable boys tennis team won the sectional championships last year and are looking to get even better this year. Junior Matt Celona said, “We want to repeat winning sectionals and even win groups.” Their biggest rivals are Westfield and New Providence who they are working hard to beat this year. Coach Peter Tierney is a role model on the courts, which helps
February 2012
the players improve from serves to volleys. Senior Gabe Rissman also helps lead the team as he instructs the freshmen, and competes in big matches. They practice at the Memorial Field courts after school and really want more spectators at their matches. You should check out the unbeatable boys after school to see them capture another sectional title.
Bowyer, and sophomore Bobby Moriarty look to step up and be the future of Summit Golf as they hope to dominate the links. As a new addition to the team sophomore Bobby Moriarty said, “We have got a nice looking young squad this year, and we have high hopes of repeating as conference champs.” They want to ensure a win over rivals Chatham and Short Hills, and continue with their perfection. You can support the golf team at Canoe Brook Country Club.
GIRLS SOFTBALL
With a record of 6-10, the softball team for the years to come. The wins will is looking to win more games this sea- not come easy but Tasha Kewalramani, son as they are coached Lisa Campinelli, by Rachel Gordon. Juand Marissa Monnior Tasha Kewalratero will definitely mani says, “We want help with their outto work as a team and standing talent durimprove our record ing the games. Jufrom last year.” With nior Alexis Spallone coach Gordon instructagrees, “we would ing the girls, improvelike to improve on ments are likely as they our overall perfortry to beat rivals New The softball girls dominate the diamond. mance.” She also Providence, Govertalked about how they nor Livingston, and Cranford. Senior are going to work hard in batting and getleaders Jackie Zalis and Ali Hoesly are ting girls confident no matter what type looking to make their senior year their of pitch is thrown. Come down to Mebest by being dedicated to the team morial Field to help support the Softball and helping guide the younger players team as they play for a winning record.
The Hilltoppers look to rebound this spring! BOYS BASEBALL
For up-to-date scores and schedules, visit www.Summitsports.org
Photo from Summitpatch.com
By TOMMY DISIBIO
The baseball team is looking to rebound from last year's 8-17 season. Improvement is likely with the return of Kyle Fries, James Baumeister, and Mike Nitzberg leading the team on and off the diamond. Senior Kyle Fries is confident saying, “We are hoping to surpass our own expectations and become a better, more competitive team with the drive to win a lot of games.” While looking to improve some tough games with be against rivals A.L. Johnson, Oratory, and Governor Livingston. With coach Kevin Zeleski guiding the team a better season is sure to come. Last year's JV squad, lead by Justin Vitti, was on fire with a record. The players really appreciate when the night games are crowded helping intimidate the other team. Help “pack the park” and support the baseball team at upper high school field as they dominate their opponents.
Watch the boys run all over the competition! BOYS TRACK AND FIELD
Photo by Amanda Price
Bracket Buster
Spring Sports Preview
Photo from Summit Softball Team
Photo by Callie DePhillips
On February 5, 2012, the New York Gisang the national anthem and Miranants won the prestigious Super Bowl title da Lambert and Blake Shelton sang after a nail-biting 21-17 victory against the “America the Beautiful.” The halftime New England Patriots. Many felt the game show featured an energetic 53-year-old was Déjà Blue because it was reminiscent Madonna with special guests LMFAO, on the Giant’s last victory four years ago M.I.A. Nicki Minaj, and Cee Lo Green. in Super Bowl XLII against the Patriots. The entire New York/New Jersey area In both Super Bowls coach could feel the impact of Tom Coughlin and quarthe victory in both big terback Eli Manning faced and small ways. Even off respectively against though Summit High Bill Belichick and Tom School did not desigBrady, going into each nate a “No-Snow Day” match-up the Patriots were on Monday, February the favorites, quarterback 6th like Delbarton did, Eli Manning was deemed certain teachers were MVP, and they were both lenient with the amount 4th quarter wins for the of homework assigned Giants. Additionally, Dathe day after the victory. vid Tyree made a brilliant Additionally, many catch in the final minutes students and faculty of Super Bowl XLVI, and were seen sporting GiMario Manningham made ants attire, and on Feban equally impressive catch Victory! Eli Manning and the ruary 7th, many members late in the game of Super Giants parade through the of the Summit community Bowl XLVI barely keep- Canyon of Heroes celebrating went to the Giants’ celtheir Superbowl win. ing his feet in bounds. Both ebratory parade in New of these spectacular recepYork City. To top it all tions shifted the momentum to the Giant’s off, the Empire State Building was side, catapulting the G-Men to victory. illuminated with Giants colors. The broadcast of Super Bowl XLVI After winning the Super Bowl the was the most watched program in New York Giants have proven themUS television history. Kelly Clarkson selves as the best team in the NFL – next time let's hear it for the Jets!
Photo from Summitpatch.com
By LINDSAY LEITER
TURF
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Big Blue Brings Home Big Win
Led by captains Andrew Mandlebaum, Tim Schlenger, and Jose Castro the Boys Track and Field team is looking to dominate again. Senior runner Umar Shafiq excitingly said, “We are going to run hard, and be the best we can possibly be this year!” The team is looking to win their invitationals through dedication and hard work. Captain Jose Castro said, “We have a pretty strong team, but there is always more room for improvement.” With Coach Adam Fern and Coach Neil Sharma instructing the group, a quality team will emerge this spring. Coach Fern said, “Our team is very young and is looking to rebuild after losing some superstar runners. We will have everyone compete and look to achieve their personal bests.” Remember to support the crew on the track at Tatlock Field as they run to victory.
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