Acta est fabula plaudite:
Because aliens wear hats...
Farewell to instructor of Latin, Mr. Jonathan “Seven” Hills “of Rome”
If you have 4 pencils + 7 apples, how much will you miss Mr. Thayer?
See page 9
See page 9
Summit High School
June 2014
In the haus... History teacher and banquet chaperone, Mr. Lawrence Seid, with graduates (from left) Camille Ford, Colm Dougherty, and Katie Chase.
Photos provided by Josie Persson
Good food and good friends. Senior banquet was held at the Berkeley Plaza on June 4. FYI, There is a strict “no camera” policy for the hypnotist’s act.
Students dazzle at prom
125 Kent Place Boulevard Summit, NJ 07901
Photos by Verve staff and nj.com
Senior Banquet
Volume XIV Issue 9
Lookin’ sharp! Seniors and juniors, pose for pictures at pre-parties before heading to the venue
Retiree Roundup: bidding 6 retiring, 3 departing faculty adieu Mrs. Rogers-Shaw Future holds teaching
Photo by Anne Weisgerber
By Emily Gao Staff Reporter
Farewell!: June 2014 brought a slew of retirements. Teachers and friends who began their careers long ago in the 1980s are ready to pursue new paths. From left, at the faculty dinner at The Primavera in Gillette on June 5: John Schnedeker, Carol Rogers-Shaw, Gordon Sauer, Paula Rozan, Robert Kaplow, Arturo Lopez, and Tony Akey
Mr. Kaplow 34 great years
By Nate Bowyer Staff Reporter
When asked of what moment he’s proudest, as his time as a high school teacher comes to a close, Mr. Robert Kaplow responded in writing, “I sometimes feel my role at Summit High School has been that of court-jester—which is not a bad job. And, honestly, given the choice between being the court-jester and being the king, I’d always take the jester. “I’m proud of my teaching. I’m even prouder of my writing. “I’m proud that I retired from teaching as a gesture of political solidarity with Mr. Akey who I felt was treated unfairly.”
“I’m proud that my students from thirty years ago (like Ms. Donat) can still recite Sonnet 29 from memory. I’m proud that my students have learned how to solve British crossword puzzles; have learned about Dylan Thomas and William Butler Yeats; have learned about the Duino Elegies and cried at the end of Charlie Chaplin’s “City Lights.” They’ve learned who Cole Porter was—and Lorenz Hart—and Johnny Mercer. “They’ve learned what rule-utilitarianism is—and ethical hedonism of the present moment. I’m proud that I’ve never taught a work of literature that I didn’t love. And I’m proud that I’ve taught my students the value of the glorious present tense.”
Inside this month’s Verve....
Staff Page........................... 2 Awards of Excellence ....... 3 - 5 Last Will & Testament ....... 6 - 7 Class of 2014 Post-Grad Plans 8
Mrs. Carol Rogers-Shaw has been teaching Freshman and Sophomore English for 26 years. She loved teaching freshman and enjoyed the literature of the sophomore curriculum, especially Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird”. “I enjoy teaching freshmen because they are excited about being in high school and they are enthusiastic about trying new activities,” said Rogers-Shaw. Besides the advancement of technology, another change since Rogers-Shaw began her career is the people. She reminisces about past supervisors and colleagues, like Alice Boyle, Eleanor Haugh, Elaine Cohen, Sarellen Shlala, Pam Ramsden, Joan Papio, Doris Fleisher, and Carole Cohen. She said, “The best thing I’m taking with me are my friendships with my colleagues and my memories of our time together. My wish for all my students is that they find professional role models, friends and family like I have found; these people are what makes life special.” Her greatest achievement in life is maintaining a successful marriage
with her husband and raising two wonderful daughters. For the incoming faculty, Mrs. Rogers-Shaw advises, “Don’t let the job take over your life. Before you know it, you will be retiring and the family, friends, and colleagues you have with you will be what matters most.” Rogers-Shaw will pursue a graduate certificate in Distance Education, is considering a doctorate, and plans to teach at the college level online.
Mrs. Paula Rozan Friend to many
By Anna Tselevich Staff Reporter
Paula Rozan has dedicated her career to teaching math to students here for thirty years, and will be retiring for the 2014-15 school year. She currently teaches Algebra 2, Algebra 3/Trig, and Pre-Calculus, with Algebra 3 being her favorite course to instruct. “I love seeing their faces when they suddenly understand a topic that was difficult for them the previous year,” said Rozan. In her thirty years of teaching, she says that the “kids and their problems are basically the same,” but over time, the staff has been more aware in helping students “integrate their differences” and become
more tolerant as well. Junior Montana Timpson said of Rozan, “I really like her. She really keeps her classes focused and has an interest in us.” Rozan considers her greatest teaching achievement to be “helping kids grow and mature on a personal level”. In the next few years, she sees herself tutoring and spending her winters somewhere tropical and warm, right on the ocean. Rozan will be missed, and she would like to leave a message to incoming faculty to “work hard at establishing relationships with your students and colleagues. Enjoy your time here!” and “when exasperated- learn the phrase ‘this too shall pass’.”
Dr. John Schnedeker A guiding light
By Jackson Sidebottom Circulation Manager
Dr. Schnedecker is retiring after twenty-nine very successful years in guidance and as its K-12 Director, which he “thoroughly enjoyed.” He will remember it as “a great place with many amazing teachers, leaders, and many terrific students.” He also considers his experience “ a real blessing” and he loves that he has “gotten to know so many great kids Continued on page 9
Class of 2014 destinations........... 9 Rejected Senior Superlatives......... 10 Class of 2014 Facts & Predictions. 11 Turf ................................................ 12