Verve Vol XIV Iss 8 May 2014

Congrats to winners in Senior Car Expose!

Spring fashion Trends that make you want to shop!

See pages 4-5

See page 7

May 2014

Volume XIV Issue 8

Summit High School 125 Kent Place Boulevard Summit, NJ 07901

Fluctuating best school Winners pocket prize money; ranking sees slight dip

Opine: Teen drinkers get shaken, stirred by local PD

By Nate Bowyer Staff Reporter

April 9 was a sad day for some students. As most enjoyed a quiet, uneventful Wednesday morning, others were trapped in a woodenwalled purgatory some like to call municipal court. It was a sad day indeed.

High school students have parties where there is underage drinking. Whether one agrees with it or not, it is a fact. What is also a fact is that it’s illegal.

In my opinion, the Summit Police have generally been forgiving when it comes to underage drinking, keeping the safety and wellbeing of their city as their main priority. Recently however, Summit Police have started cracking down on underage drinking, and have increased enforcement drastically. They have been randomly showing up at parties,

surrounding the house to make sure nobody escapes, and then issuing severe fines and punishments to students involved.

Although unlikely, rumores have some students believing there is a NARC (Narcotics Officer) in the school, leading the police to the busted events.

Senior Nick Lioudis says, “I understand it’s wrong and illegal, but I think the police are focusing too much of their time on underage drinking, when they should be focusing on more important issues.”

Summit police officer Matt Buntin said in a recent “Verve” interview, “I’ve known most of you since fifth grade, and we have a vested interest, because we don’t want to see you get hurt. We want to protect you, even if it’s from yourself.”

Continued on Opine page 3

This month’s Verve....

Buzz...............6 Globe......... 2 Entertainment....7 Opine......... 3 Expose........4-5 Turf.......8

local charities benefit Photo provided by Ms. Itrieyva

Performance rankings of schools have become a source of curiosity and concern for students, parents, and taxpayers. While retaining a gold medal ranking with the “US News and World Reports” Best High Schools data, SHS has seen, like other local schools, its numbers fluctuate from year to year. Before analyzing the study, one needs to keep in mind that the numbers are based on two-year-old data.

This essentially means that the 2014 ranking reflects 2012 conditions, so advancements made in the past two years are excluded.

The 2014 ranking, 24 in NJ, is a lower ranking than 2013’s number 18 spot, yet the rank is still an improvement from the rank of 25 in 2012.

Such fluctuation is charac-

teristic of other high-ranking schools. For example, Ridge’s ranking has jumped from 8 to 14 to 7 in the past three years.

Within the public high school rankings, the USN&WR includes magnet and charter schools, which typically are low-enrollment (200-500 total) institutions.

High Tech High in Lincroft, for instance, has had 258-268 students for the past three years (compared to 1K+ here) and has consistently landed one of the top two NJ spots while fluctuating between tenth and twentieth place nationally.

Is it worth getting jammed up about statistical minutiae?

Students as well as administrators should work diligently to ensure high achievement in the state rankings, but a oneyear dip is trivial; the big picture shows an upward trend.

Volleyball! The KHK Tournament champions, All Americans, pose for a picture after their victory on March 28. The winning seniors celebrate the first place title, as well as their $450 cash prize!

By Meredith Robertson Buzz Co-Editor The Kids Helping Kids Volleyball tournament, which took place in the gym on Friday March 28 at 6p.m., was a huge success. The Kids Helping Kids, whose club members volunteer their time to help with organizations like TryCan and the Homework Club, hosted the tournament.

This year’s volleyball tournament was the first of a soon-tobe annual event, and president Claudia Hanley spoke positively of the results.

“I’m proud to see that such a fun event came together so nicely in the end,” Hanley said, “We worked really hard to set this up and to get teams involved, so I was proud when it turned out to be so successful.”

There were seven teams total, including Team All Americans, which was the winning team of the night. There were about 90 people attending the tournament, including the participants, which is an outstanding turnout. Each team consisted of six to eight members,

and varied between grades and genders. A handful of teachers refereed the game in order to keep the scoring system fair.

“The game was intense,” Hanley explained, “because the team Kiss My Ace defeated Team America in the preliminaries but the team came back and beat them in the final round.”

The winning team, The All Americans, was a senior team consisting of Nollister Montas, Connor Hanley, Robbie Walsh, David Connolly, Rob Ticzon, Ben Colao, Gerber Bolanos, and sophomore Alia Poticano.

This team received a monetary prize of $450 and the satisfaction of being the first ever Kids Helping Kids Volleyball Tournament Champions! At the end of the night KHK raised enough money to donate $700 to charity.

So to all those who missed out on this event, be sure to come out next year to participate and help support a great cause while having fun at the same time!

230+ students take trip to Sunshine State

Disney! A handful of sophomore and junior girls pose above while enjoying rides after their fun performance.

By Anika Becker Staff Reporter Recently all music programs took a trip to Disney World to perform and display their musical talents to many other music programs from across the country. The chorus, band and orchestra students flew for a long weekend of sun, fun and music in the most magical place in the country, between

Upcoming Events

Photo provided by Brynn Johnson

By Megan Shaw Entertainment Editor

April 24 - 27.

Sophomore Sophia Michalopoulos said “I knew going into the trip that Disney was a magical place, but I was so surprised by how close we became as a choir over the course of the four days. It really was a magical trip”.

While in Disney, the chorus performed for a crowd in Downtown Disney, while the

Junior/Senior Prom: May 16 Award of Excellence: May 17 Senior Athlete Banquet: May 19 Senior Banquet: June 4 Graduation: June 25

band marched through Magic Kingdom and attended a recording workshop. Also, the orchestra performed at Epcot.

All three programs performed outstandingly and earned their time exploring Disney World and all the adventures within.

All of the students went to the parks, such as Epcot, the Animal Kingdom, and the Magic Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios.

Junior, Brynn Johnson, said that a hot ride among the performers was Space Mountain.

Johnson, also shared a story about students getting stuck at the tip of the Everest ride in Animal Kingdom!

For both musical and leisurely reasons, each student who attended the Disney trip found great excitement and joy after their adventure to Disney World in Florida.

Final Exam Schedule Thursday, June 19 (periods 7&8) Friday, June 20 (periods 5&6) Monday, June 23 (periods 3&4) Tuesday, June 24 (periods 1&2)

Globe

May 2014

Students cram to shine on May AP right of passage

Giving love back on Mother’s Day

By Emily Gao Staff Reporter

With AP exams right around the corner, students are gearing up for one of the most rigorous testing periods of the year. Aside from the SAT, ACT, and SAT II exams, advanced placement testing is the high point of student standardized testing, with the test built exclusively from the AP curriculum of the past year.

According to The College Board, The 2014 AP Exams will be administered over two weeks in May: May 5 through 9 and May 12 through 16. The tests, which are scored on a scale of 1-5, show how well a student has mastered the content of the course. Most colleges require AP scores to be sent in with the rest of the college application.

“The last AP test I took was for AP Bio at the end of sophomore year,” Junior Emma Flannery reminisced, “Mr. Shipley prepared us really well for the exam, and most of my class came out of it feeling confident.”

As detailed by totalregistration.gov, an approximate 55 percent majority of students

Photo by Verve staff

By Ellie Schaffer Opine Editor

Booking it! Seniors Eric Lyman and Chris Laughlin enthusiastically anticipate the arrival of the AP exams by studying hard in the senior lounge. The AP exams run from May 5 to May 16. earn a score of four or five on AP exams. Gaston Caperton, former College Board president, explains that “AP exams give students a chance to show what they know, and earn even more credit for the hard work that they put forth throughout the demanding AP course.”

Caperton’s words, though perhaps overly sanguine, are true. Though the classes may be daunting in regards to the average tests administered

throughout the course, AP exams reap greater rewards and praise. They give students a chance to shine and earn college credit as well.

So best of luck to all those taking AP exams this month, and don’t stress out too much!

Remember that the point of the exams are to show what you know, and prove to colleges that you have mastered the material of the course.

Shine on.

Flowers and cards shower mothers on Mother’s Day, but there are many other ways to honor mothers on Sunday, May 11 this year.

The American version of Mother’s Day was founded by Anna Jarvis and became an official U.S. holiday in 1914.

Common traditions include giving gift baskets, cards, chocolates, or flowers. It has become customary for mothers to wear a red carnation for a living mother and white for a deceased.

To give mothers a break from cooking, many decide to take up the job themselves.

Mother’s Day recipes, such as Eggs Benedict and French toast, are available online to help make mothers a special meal. Sophomore Noa Efron

states, “My sister and I wake up early to make our mom breakfast in bed and we get her a big bouquet of flowers.”

Also, many local 5k runs take place for Mother’s Day. The Summit YMCA will be hosting its 13th annual Mother’s Day five-kilometer race. It will begin at 9 a.m. and takes place at Memorial Field in Berkeley Heights, according to the Summit YMCA Mother’s Day 5K brochure.

To give more to mothers on their special day, a trip can be won through one of the many contests taking place. One such competition is American Express’s photo contest for snapshots of the spirit of Mother’s Day. According to Today’s official website, “Fifty winners will win a trip for two to New York City, along with some special surprises.”

Photo Provided by downtownelgin.com

Verve 2

Verve Views: What are your senior plans when school finally ends?

By Alex Arias Managing Editor

Lizmarie Monserrate ‘14 I am excited to counsel kids at the recreation camp, as a camp counselor.

Alex Guior ‘14 I will be a camp counselor in upstate New York where I vacation every summer.

Annika Hansen ‘14 I plan on doing a summer semester at Penn State.

Isabelle Sacks ‘14 I am headed to Costa Rica for vacation this summer.

Summit Senior High School 125 Kent Place Boulevard Summit, NJ 07901 Editors-in-Chief Tommy DiSibio Stephanie Ollom Managing Editors Alex Arias Gwen Rogers A1 Editor Gwen Rogers Globe Editor David Meyers Opinion Editor Ellie Schaffer

Entertainment Editor Carly Leiter Buzz Editors Meredith Robertson Megan Shaw Sports Editors Jamie Macpherson Niko Nyktas Art Director Nic Lalicato Circulation Manager Jackson Sidebottom

Staff Reporters: Ethan Mandelbaum, Emily Gao, Cam Fuoti, Alice Kim, Nate Bowyer, Ashley White, Bobby Moriarty, Anna Tselevich, Anika Becker, Laura Pasquale, Dan Montgomery Principal: Mr. Paul Sears Assistant Principals: Mrs. Stacy Grimaldi Mr. Michael Lapotasky Adviser: Mrs. Anne Weisgerber English Supervisor: Mr. Corey Walsh

Michael Wills ‘14 I am going to vacation in LBI on the Jersey Shore.

May 1, 2014 Volume XIV, Issue 8 shsverve@fc.summit.k12.nj.us

Verve is funded by a grant from the Summit City Board of Education and print subscriptions. As of publication, Verve’s circulation is 600, including 320 print subscribers, up 25% from a year earlier. Verve is printed at School Publications Company in Neptune, NJ, and digitally archived at Issuu as shsverve.

Verve is a publication open to the opinions of its readers.

Please submit all letters to shsverve@fc.summit.k12.nj.us.

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.

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@ fc.summit.k12.nj.us Views expressed in Verve do not necessarily reflect those of Summit Senior High School’s administration, faculty, staff, or other students.

Opine

May 2014

Verve 3

Junior Column: Do not do as I say

Face it: prom belongs to senior class Prom: a beloved, memorable, and stereotypical high school phenomenon that has influenced teen culture for decades. Movies and magazines revolve around this one “spectacular night” that is to be remembered for the rest of one’s life.

But has Disney or Pop magazine over exaggerated the sensation of the event? Is it a disappointment that this dance is really just semi in a warmer setting?

As much as Juniors and Seniors complain about dressing up for a few pictures that will clog their news feed for at least 48 hours, in the middle of May students still rush around to prepare for the night.

Our generation of teens have a lot of decisions to make regarding the event because the night will be accounted for on social media. Long or short dress? Curled or straightened hair? Brightly colored tie or bowtie? And the troubles go on and on until May 17, the Saturday after prom.

A lot of effort and planning go into this extravagant affair, so should it only take place

for one year of high school?

Should we leave it to the seniors to make prom their final hurrah with their class individually?

At many high schools, prom is a celebration for the graduating class. Senior Caroline Cranley said, “Prom is a night to reflect on the fun you had in high school with your class, so being only with the seniors would make prom more sentimental.”

Juniors are just placeholders that fill up the dance floor.

Junior Regan Britt agrees that “Prom should be a chance for the senior class to be together.

Going to prom for two years

makes the event less special.”

Even though female students have to deal with hair, makeup, and attire, the boys are also put under a lot of pressure to ask their date in an original way.

Hunter Wyckoff admits, “There are only so many ways you can ask your date to prom, and asking two years in a row leaves all of the guys with minimal options.”

Prom comes with an influx of pressure to all students. Senior Prom would be an easy solution to junior sorrows, and senior wishes for exclusivity.

Hopefully someday this dream will become a reality.

Photos from Nate Bowyer

By Ashley White Staff Reporter

Creativity is key! Seniors Jarrett Ross (left) with Phoebe Rhinehart and Blaise Johnson (right) with Anna Baumeister post prom-posals.

View from the top: Peace, love, administration

By Mrs. Stacy Grimaldi Assistant Principal Out of respect for Mr. Akey, I did not take over as the administrator who responded in the newspaper. This month I felt compelled to speak my mind.

Due to lack of student interest, a Charity Dance, which the Student Council worked hard to organize, will not run.

Students asked for a Spring Fling dance, yet were unwilling to attend one in the cafeteria that required them to remain alcohol- and drug-free before, during, and after the event. I am confused. Was it the change in venue? Was it the new requirement of sign-

ing a pledge? It was the Council’s hope to have an event that students could enjoy, that would benefit a worthy cause, and that would prove that students can attend school events sober.

It is disappointing and unfortunate that low ticket sales showed a lack of support for student leaders.

In this issue of the student newspaper, some students complain about how the Summit Police Department is cracking down on underage drinking and partying. I applaud the Summit PD for their efforts. Don’t complain that you got caught at a party at which there was underage drinking. Plain and simple: the

From the Editors’ desk...

As the year winds down, On a serious note, we also we start to reflect on the want to note this publicaprocess of Verve and how tion’s willingness to broach the staff delivers the school controversial issues that stunewspaper month after dents care about. It is impormonth. With the entertaining tant that we voice our opindistractions, and free flow- ions. We hope that each Verve ing spirit in room 239 every gives you something to think day, it’s a miracle that a pro- and talk about with others. fessionally done paper is fin- Along with entertainment, ished each month. we also have as a mission to We, as the senior edito- provide a forum for student rial staff, want to thank Mrs. opinion.

Anne Weisgerber and the Getting through the last other members of Verve for couple of weeks will be tough four great years. for seniors. The extended lab

way not to get caught is not to be there.

On a positive note, I want to thank the students who attended the music trip (see page 1). All were very wellbehaved and represented SHS well. Not only were the performances exceptional, but all were respectful in the hotel and in Walt Disney World. It was such a joy to see the band march down Main Street in the Magic Kingdom. It brought tears to my eyes.

I also loved seeing students in the parks enjoying the time with each other. Thank you to the staff that made this trip possible. It was an amazing job of planning, organizing, and implementing this trip.

days and lectures are exhausting, but the future is close and bright.

Four ways to survive these last couple weeks include: 1.

Thinking of days lounging at the pool; 2. Beating Delbarton in every single sport; 3. Just take a nap; 4. Watch the exciting playoff races in the NBA and NHL. Some seniors may want to take extra precautions in the closing weeks of school. The new daily schedule includes waking up and having mom scan outside the house. Next step would be running to the

By Jackson Sidebottom Circulation Manager

Advice for Sophomores: Summer assignments are unneccesary. Find that one overachieving student in your AP, regular or honors class and bribe him/her up. Change a few words around and you’re golden.

Don’t prep for the SAT/ ACT they are both way too stressful and it’s exciting to have no clue what your score might be. And you’ll most likely end up taking it a second time anyway. When looking at colleges you can’t apply to both Vermont and Colorado Boulder, it looks suspicious.

When everyone gets their license in February, instead of parking twelve blocks away from school because you don’t want to get up at five o’clock to get a spot on the street, show up to school right on time and take whatever spot is empty in the parking lot.

Whenever a police officer asks to see what’s in the trunk/ backpack yell ¨I KNOW MY RIGHTS¨ and then give him the silent treatment and remember, the fifth amendment is your friend.

When taking the HSPAs, show up late every day, they give you way too much unnecessary time to complete the test and you need the extra sleep.

The Journal of Adolescent Health printed a study showing that around eight percent of high school students get a healthy amount of sleep with ten percent sleeping only five hours and twenty three percent sleeping only six hours.

Now that we are aware of how sleep deprived most students are, sleeping in also applies to first period study halls, gym, and math.

Only participate in school events if personally asked, otherwise they don’t really want you to sign up. If sports practice goes late on a Friday you will ALWAYS have a doctor’s appointment, scheduled group therapy, or something. In addition, seven practices a week is illegal according to the NCISAA, look it up.

Another tip, the school cafeteria will allow you to be up to $250 in debt before demanding that you pay it back.

So feel free to go crazy with the hot pretzels and cookies.

Weekend and school break detentions are not fun. The Breakfast Club is a lie. Avoid at all costs.

Junior year is managable if you follow these simple guidelines.

Then stay relaxed, don’t worry too much, and plan/ avoid work accordingly.

Still, Senior Chris Laughlin was left feeling a bit over-officiated. On a Saturday night when he was a sober driver, Laughlin was given a citation for possession of alcohol.

Though technically the offense was rightfully charged, it elicited outrage from students.

“By giving tickets to people driving to and from a party, you’re giving them a disincentive to drive rather than to drink,” Laughlin said.

Students need to remember when dealing with police to be polite and respectful. At the same time, they need to keep in mind their limited constitutional rights. Frightened teens might regret what they say to car, locking the doors and windows quickly.

At school, it’s planning time with your team, analyzing recon work done the night before. Then, after school, it’s straight to hiding spots, to practice, or to your house praying to pass unseen. If you must leave the house, beware because “they’re” probably watching you and are ready to pounce on any opportunity.

As the action heats up, senior year will come to a close and hopefully the Class of 2014 will crown a winner.

Although eventually shot

an officer or feel taken advantage of, in hindsight, because they responded foolishly when questioned.

Too often, students suffer alcohol- related consequences because of fear about calling for help. Nobody wants to be the snitch, but get over it.

Officer Buntin countered, “If someone needs help and you call, you’re both immune to prosecution.”

Arguments aside, an increase in police activity won’t discourage students from drinking, but will reinforce the importance of not getting caught. Keep in mind, though: the police get involved, it’s not a game. down, it was still a lot of fun being able to compete in the game. A big shoutout to the elusive Steph Ford, Holly Confalone, and Katie Chase.

Thanks for nothing.

A final shoutout goes to Peter McKinlay for a phenomenal effort on asking Emma Flannery to prom.

That’s some monkey business if I’ve ever seen it.

We look forward to passing on the torch of the “Verve” to next year’s editors and wish them the best of luck. Summit High School forever.

Teen drinkers (Continued from A1)

Verve Senior

4 Verve

For the Class of 2014 Car ExposĂŠ, over 100 seniors joined the editorial After counting the almost ninety respo

iver: Steph Ford

Dr Most Challenged Girl

h Feeney Most Reliable: Hanna

ney

Lives in Car: Will Dela

Sports-gear Smelliest: James Tully

Most Challenged Boy

Driver: Oscar Dawson

Best soccer-mom car:

Jarrett Ross

Most Extravagant: A manda Bringewatt

Messiest Car: Maria diMayorca

r Car ExposĂŠ

Verve 5

l board to vote for their classmates in fourteen different categories. onses, these students are the winners.

shuto family

parker: the Pro Most Challenged

McIlroy Super Cautious: Gillian

reak Down: Most Likely to B

Sam Bebout

Best Sound Syste

m: Jake Paytas

Frequent Insta

grammer: Ja ck Riela

Most Bumper Stickers

: Isabelle Sacks

Top 5 Best and Worst Things About The Senior Lot... you decide...

1. Convenience 2. Off-street spot 3. Deli 4. Deli 5. Off-street spot

1. Nick Ruiz 2. Snow banks 3. Parking over the lines 4. Giant pot holes 5.People ignoring the stop sign

Thanks Seniors, stay safe!

Buzz

May 2014

Photo provided by Ethan Mandelbaum

Computer-based PARCC to replace HSPA next year

Testing! Sophomore Lauren Diaz poses with her PARCC Testing book, prepping for standardized assessments that will be implemented next year, replacing the HSPA and NJASK.

By Dan Montgomery Staff Reporter Beginning next March, New Jersey’s high school juniors will be taking the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers test in place of the HSPA and NJASK that have tormented students for three days every spring.

In addition to juniors, the PARCC test will be given to

students in grades 3 through 8 as well. The test is considered, by its creators, to be a more rigorous test than both previous assessments.

In the spring of 2015, the juniors will be required to take the nine-hour-and-fifty-five minute test that determines whether they graduate high school. Another alteration to the system is that all PARCC tests will be taken on the computer. PARCC officials believe

that a computer-based test will be engaging for students and ultimately allow for faster scoring and recording of results.

“To be honest, I’m excited for this test,” Ethan Powers said. “I think it will be refreshing to take a test on the computer.”

PARCC established five levels of student achievement on the test. Level one shows minimal command, level two shows partial command, level three displays moderate command, level four demonstrates solid command, and level five demonstrates distinguished command. “I want to get a 5 on this test period. I dont care that the test doesn’t count for much, I want to excel,” sophomore Chiraag Patil acclaimed.

Because of the switch from the HSPA to PARCC tests, students will have to be ready to face a new monster next year.

Students obsess over new app Photo from Verve staff who beat 2048

By Emily Gao Staff Reporter

Following “Flappy Bird”, a new number puzzle game by Gabriele Cirulli has risen rapidly in popularity. This app is very addictive, though after reaching 2048, it loses its attraction unless the player finds new goals to beat.

“2048” is a free entertainment app that is based on “1024”

by Veewo Studio and is conceptually similar to “Threes”

by Asher Vollmer. Gabriele Cirulli, a 20-year-old UI designer and web developer in Italy, introduced it on March 9.

In the game, the player slides the number tiles and combines those with the same number, aiming for a final tile of 2048.

When the player reaches 2048, it is possible to continue playing for higher numbers.

“I just reached the 2048 tile,” exclaimed senior Danielle Grosswald, “Once I figured out the strategy, I literally

could not stop playing. I’m working on 4096 right now.”

Despite its simple appearance and design, the game is actually difficult to beat, making it very addictive. However, the new update contains many advertisements that may cause the game to crash. Competing apps that are also top purchases in the stores include Candy Crush and Plague. In addition, despite being taken off the market, “Flappy Bird” is still popular among players. However, “2048”’s simple design and concept make it unique among its competitors.

Photo provided by Mrs. Shue

Gay Straight Alliance club raises awareness with Day of Silence

Building awareness: Members of the Gay Straight Alliance Club participated in the National Day of Silence on April 11th. This was a student-led action by Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Networks’ (GLSEN). Thousands of students participated across the country. They remained silent for the day to call attention to the harassment and discrimination faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth. Students were required to have a permission slip filled out in order to participate.

Spring break revitalizes students for final quarter

By Laura Pasquale Staff Reporter Even though there were only three school days off for spring break this year, students still took advantage of the five day break. Because of the two added make-up days, which were the consequence of having so many snow days this past winter, some trips had to be rearranged. However, plenty of students went right ahead with their original plans.

Those that stayed home attended sports practices or other extracurricular activities, while some slept-in or just relaxed. Many students took day trips to NYC to go shopping, to a special restaurant, or to see a play or musical. Senior Ben Colao said, “I had volleyball practice, so I couldn’t go away. Just because school takes a break, doesn’t mean sports do.”

While many students

stayed home during the break, other students traveled, both out of state as well as right here in NJ. Juniors, and sophomores, hoping to get ahead in the college-search process, went on college visits, while others went away for a leisurely vacation to places such as Mexico, California, Costa Rica, and even Hawaii. Students also fled from the constantly changing weather for the beach, yet others went skiing or visited close friends or family members. No matter where this break was spent, the time away from school was a nice treat.

Not only did the time off give students a much needed break from the pressures of assignments and research papers, it allowed time to prepare for the final quarter of this school year.

“It’s kind of amazing how fast this year flew by. I feel like it was September only yesterday!” sophomore Aila Poticano said.

With only a few more weeks until the last day of school, the beloved spring break has refreshed students so that they are ready to plunge into the remainder of the school year.

Club Corner Key Clubbers attended the treasured Taste of Summit event as volunteers. The event took place on April 6 at the Grand Summit Hotel and hosted countless Summit businesses such as: Root Steakhouse, Zappia’s Brick Oven Pizza, The Office, Joe’s Pizzeria & Vittoria Ristorante, Summit Thai, Fin, Cucina Bottega, The Meathouse, The Eatery, Huntley Taverne, Marco Polo, Towne Deli, Fiorino’s, food., Winberie’s, Starbucks, Sweet Nothigns, Hat Tavern, the Summit Diner, Brownie Points, La Pastaria, and Natale’s Summit Bakery, who each served a sampling of food.

Photo provided by nj.com

Verve 6

The tour begins! Seniors and Key Club members, Oscar Dawson (L) and Jack Schaeffer educate attendees about historic pictures of Summit before enjoying the varied cuisine offered at the event.

Verve’s staff invites all clubs to share news of meetings, events, and festivities. Representatives and advisers can e-mail information to the Verve editors at shsverve@fc.summit.k12.nj.us.

Screen & Sound Sizing up this season’s big trends New tech comedy rides

May 2014

Throne’s tails into lineup

By Nic Lalicato Art Editor Photos (c) Scott Schuman, The Sartorialist

Fashion comes and goes and 2014 is a time that will bring out new trends and past trends.

According to “Stylelist”, the main style trend to retire in 2014 is sneaker wedges. Harem pants became the opposite of flattering.

Thanks to Miley Cyrus, who has worn short-shorts to death, they are not in this year’s fashion trend. Junior Molly Richardson said, “the short-shorts are getting out of fashion. It’s time for floral dresses and bathing suits.”

In Fashion Magazine for the third season in a row, clothing from the 1990s is the most popular fashion to wear at all times. Wearing top to bottom jeans, or vintage trench coats, or adding a bomber jacket brings back the 1990s mood.

Sophomore Juliana Rustum said, “I like wearing my mom’s clothes from when she was in high school because it’s vintage and something new in this generation.”

Athletic fashion brings a girly style and brings a chic and edgy look. According to fashion.allwomenstalk.com,

“no matter what your style preference is, what we do know is that varsity jackets are all the rage now.”

Crop tops are always attractive to try. Stylecaster. com said, “while a few spring trends are repeats from seasons past, others definitely felt shiny and new.”

Instead of leather, metallic will be the material to watch out for, as it was introduced in a Valentin Yudashkin collection. The metallic brought a lot of sparkle and had several pieces embellished with flashy accoutrements. This new trend is a true fashion lovers dream come true.

All of these upcoming fashion favorites will start a new season with new looks.

Vogue introduced many different style patterns that will be trendy this year. One of them is checkers, which seemed less popular last year.

Instead of mint colored outfits, a rosy color and black and white will be seen the most during the spring and summer seasons of this year.

Sophomore Katherin Recio said, “I can’t wait for the new fashion trends to come because I am in love with this year’s trends.”

Photos (c) Scott Schuman, The Sartorialist

By Alice Kim Staff Reporter

On trend. In these New York street fashion photos, everyday trendsetters set the desireability hot pink and black.

Fox revives crime drama From 2001 until 2010, “24” ran 192 episodes over eight seasons. 24 is rated 8.5/10 by IMDb. Each episode is one hour of a day, making each season 24 episodes.

The Show follows the life of Counter Terrorist Unit agent Jack Bauer. Bauer often has to race against the clock to stop terrorist plots, such as presidential assassination attempts, a weapons of mass destruction’s movement and detonation, cyber attacks, and government conspiracies.

Junior Andrew Weiss said, “24 was one of my favorite shows on television. Every week I got excited when I realized it was Monday and 24 was on. My little brother and I

watched it together every now and then. The episodes always left me satisfied and I am excited for the new season.”

Many were disappointed in 2011 when the show was not renewed.

Freshman Griffin Feeney said, “I was really sad in 2011 when 24 was cancelled. Hands down one of the worst days in my life is when I heard that it was cancelled. Mondays were tough in 2012, there’s nothing good on TV on Mondays.”

However, in May 2013, it was announced by Fox that the show would return with a 12-episode season titled “24: Live Another Day,” which would broadcast for the first time on May 5.

Sophomore Andrew Melka said, “I always heard ‘24’ was

a good show, but only watched a couple of episodes. It didn’t really make sense to me, but it was good. I am going to try to watch the entire new season, and if it’s as good as everyone says it is, I’ll watch it on Netflix.”

In the new season of 24, main character Jack Bauer, played by Kiefer Sutherland, comes out of hiding in London to head off a massive terrorist attack while being hunted down by American forces.

The new season is set four years after the season finale of season 8. It will adhere loosely to the real time concept but will have some flashforwards during certain episodes.

The new season of 24 is expected to be just as dramatic and enticing as it was before.

Image (c) fox.com

By Ethan Mandelbaum Staff Reporter

Verve 7

Back in action!

The cast of “24” is back for another season of the hit show.

The fan favorite characters, including Chloe O’Brien, are all returning for the action packed season filled with new drama.

Over the past four years, “Game of Thrones” has lorded over Sunday night television, consistently dominating the 9 p.m. time slot and leaving the rest of the evening’s lineup looking a bit anemic in story and scope. Fortunately for HBO (GoT’s network), it has started launching a suite of great shows that aim to hitch a wagon to the GoT star.

On April 6, the new tech comedy, “Silicon Valley,” premiered in the hot 10 to 10:30 time slot.

There has been a large increase of so-called “nerd culture” over the past few years, and that seems to be the inspiration for a new wave of celebratory television shows (like “The Big Bang Theory”).

While TBBT chooses to provoke a response along the lines of, “Look! nerds! Their hobbies and interests are funny!” in a less mature style of sitcom comedy, Silicon Valley’s humor stems from interesting characters being in new and creative situations where empathy and concern are the more likely audience response.

The show centers around college dropout and aspiring technical pioneer, Richard Hendriks (played by Thomas Middleditch). Richard lives with his friends and fellow employees in the “The Incubator”, a home his friend Erlich (T.J. Miller) set up for fellow valley employees.

Like most people in the valley, Richard aspires to be the next big thing, and with his new app called “Pied Piper,” he thinks he has what it takes to make it in the highly competitive new digital milieu. Unknown to him, however, Pied Piper can be used for more than its original purpose. Turning down a few million dollars and choosing to run his own company under the backing and inspiration of tech wizard and investor Peter Gregory (played by Christopher Evan Welch), Richard soon realizes that having something everybody wants is not exactly going well for him. With HBO’s history, this show will have to meet high standards and so far has done nothing but produce high quality television.

Rating: 5 stars.

Upcoming concerts

Lady Gaga - May 13 at MSG

Electric Daisy Carnival Festival - May 24 and 25 at Metlife Stadium Hot 97 Summer Jam feat. Nas, 50 Cent, Nicki Minaj and Wiz Khalifa - June 1 at Metlife Stadium Dave Matthews Band - June 10 at PNC Journey and Steve Miller Band - June 11 at PNC Backstreet Boys and Avril Lavigne - June 21 at Susquehanna Bank Center Michael Bublé - July 7 at Madison Square Garden Katy Perry - July 9 at Madison Square Garden Bruno Mars - July 14 and 15 at Madison Square Garden Queen and Adam Lambert - July 17 at Madison Square Garden One Republic - August 10t at PNC Eminem and Rihanna - August 17 at Metlife Stadium

Turf

Verve 8

Volleyball sets up strong season

PE rolls out intriguing new gym electives program

Photo by Verve staff

Best team timeout! Coach Ross talks to his top 20 squad during a convincing 2-0 victory over Dover.

301. Junior James Goldman leads in service points, with 27. With such talented players, it’s no fluke the team has cracked the top 20 for the first time in school history.

When asked what he saw for his team in the coming weeks, Josh Veloso simply said, “We look to win out all our games, including getting revenge on Livingston and

Sophomore players drive early lax contest

Lax! Senior Kelly Haberl surveys the field in a home match versus crosstown rival, Oak Knoll.

By Natalie Herr Contributing Writer

On April 2, one of the first nice days of spring, Summit girls’ Varsity Lacrosse suffered a hard loss when the Oak Knoll Royals scored a goal late in the second half, winning the game 8-7.

The game began with a draw won by team captain, senior Madeline Gramigna.

Throughout the game, both Gramigna and classmate Callie Humphrey consistently won the draws.

Oak Knoll scored the first goal, putting them in the lead a few minutes into the first half.

Hilltopper Sophmore Catherine Cordrey scored two consecutive goals, making the score 2-1.

Oak Knoll scored and tied the game until Callie Humphrey scored, followed by an-

Photo provided by Gregg Elliott

The physical education curriculum has always been strict, and differs for each grade.

With PE and Health Supivisor Mr. Mike Sandor’s new plan, all of that might change in the 2014-2015 school year.

He plans to propose a new curriculum that will resemble an elective program.

This would allow students to have the option of choosing activities they want to participate in and hold their interest.

He said that the “rationale was that students would be more actively involved if they chose for themselves.”

So those who prefer yoga over competitive gym volleyball will get the chance to downward dog, instead of set and dig, into their program of choice.

Freshmen will see no difference and will still be required to keep the status quo, and they will not get to choose the activities. Rather than dive right into personal preferences, freshman will still try a sampling of everything and understand the importance of physical growth.

Sophomores, juniors, and seniors, on the other hand, will be offered the elective program, and will rank the activities they wish to participate in, with the Seniors getting first pick.

When asked about the changes, Junior Lana Feteiha commented, “I think it’s a great idea because we will be more motivated to do gym activities since we would get the freedom to choose based on our preferences.”

Specific PE teachers will be designated for each activity that is their specialty, so the teachers will also be happier and will be able to pass on their expertise onto Summit students.

This year’s boys’ Varsity volleyball team has managed to stay a top competitor in the state, despite losing some great players who graduated last year. Currently ranked 19 in the state, the volleyball team has established itself on the court and in the school as a force to be reckoned with.

Led by senior team captains Josh Veloso, Andrew Masterfano, and Robbie Walsh, the team has an impressive record of 8-2, with their only two losses being against Livingston and Ridge, ranked 18 and 14 respectively. Their most recent win was against Lindhurst, in which Summit swept the series by winning the first two sets 25-11. Masterfano had an impressive performance with 28 assists, as did Veloso with eight digs.

The team has been putting up some very impressive numbers for the season as well.

Robbie Walsh leads in kills with 100, followed by Charlie Terry with 79. Josh Veloso leads in digs with 79, and Andrew Masterfano has a commanding lead in assists, with

Photo from highschoolsports.nj.com

By Niko Nyktas Turf Co-Editor

By Anna Tselevich Staff Reporter

A good day. Sophomore Ryan Richson takes a breather on the sixteenth hole at the Warrenbrook golf course. On Friday April 25, Richson and the rest of the golf team took on Watchung Hills Regional High School and Warren Hills.

May 2014

other goal from Cordrey. Oak Knoll scored once again making the new score 4-3. Sophomore Sara Szynal scored the last goal before the half making the score at half time 5-3.

Right after the half, Oak Knoll scored two goals, answered by sophomore Maggie Moriarty, who scored for Summit.

Oak Knoll continued to score three more goals throughout the half and Summit scored one, beautifully shot, by Szynal.

Caitlin Osmulski, a sophomore defender, said, “It was a tough game. Oak Knoll is a good team but so are we. We will get them next time.”

As of April 13, Summit’s record now is 6-1 and the next game is on May 3 home against Farmingdale at 7 p.m.

Ridge. Our goal is to win our conference and make it far in the state tournament.”

They are currently undefeated in its conference, and last year they were knocked out of the North 2 quarterfinals, but the team remains confident they can make it even further.

The team is currently coached by John Ross, a sci-

ence teacher at the Summit Middle School.

When asked what he thought of the state of his team, Ross replied “This is the best team I’ve ever coached.”

As small as it sounds, the stats don’t lie and it pretty much sums up how great this team really is.

By Cam Fuoti Staff Reporter

behind a Yankees team that is starting to reload instead of rebuild. With the acquisition of pitcher Mashiro Tanaka, outfielder Carlos Beltran, and catcher Brian McCann, the Yankees look to win another World Series, which would be Jeter’s sixth.

Jeter sustained a hamstring and ankle injury over the past two seasons. Some question if the retirement came only because he was getting old and getting injured. However, Jeter told ESPN that he just didn’t want to play anymore, and no one can blame him.

He finally ended his interview with ESPN by saying this: “I will remember it all: the cheers, the boos, every win, every loss, all the plane trips, the bus rides, the clubhouses, the walks through the tunnel and every drive to and from the Bronx. I have achieved almost every personal and professional goal I have set. I have gotten the very most out of my life playing baseball, and I have absolutely no regrets.”

Not too many people can say they’ve reached every single one of their life goals.

Jeter deserves a hero’s farewell from Yankee fans.

Baseball icon finishes final Yankee season

In the NY metropolitan area, Derek Jeter is a household name. 3,000 hits, 13-time All-Star, 5-time World Series champion: Jeter is easily one of the greatest players to ever play baseball.

On Feb. 12, “The Captain” announced his retirement over a 15-paragraph post on Facebook. He is a hero and a role model to many young athletes in the world. He is the last of the “Core Four” to retire. Pettite and Posada were first. Last year, the all-time saves leader, Mariano Rivera, announced his retirement, and now Jeter.

Rivera had this to say about Jeter’s retirement: “Just enjoy it. Be ready to enjoy everything.”

What Rivera means is to soak up everything Major League Baseball has to offer in his final season, even if it is golf clubs, a Stetson, and a pair of boots given by the Houston Astros.

Jeter is a first-ballot Hallof-Famer, no doubt. In six years, he will be inducted into the Hall of Fame as one of the greatest baseball players to ever play the game. He leaves