Verve Vol XV Iss 3 Dec 2014

Turn to Opine, page 3, for insight on the legalization of marijauna.

Check out the Holiday Gift Guide on pages 4-5 for awesome gift ideas!

Summit High School

December 1, 2014

Volume XV Issue 3

125 Kent Place Boulevard Summit, NJ 07901

Boys XC takes first-ever state title in challenging Group III Photo used with permission of Jim Lamnert

Photo provided by Mrs. Poyner

Forensics team dominates local tournament

Undebatable! The forensics team won a first place sweepstakes at the Randolph High School Fall Classic Tournament on Nov. 22. In an outstanding feat, the team closed out Humorous Interpretation, taking each of places first through sixth. The team had 30 placing finalists.

By Anika Becker Globe Editor

Every week this year, Advanced Photo students will be providing a portfolio of their artwork to be displayed on the flat-screens around the school.

In alphabetical order, each student will pick a minimum of ten photos from their portfolio to be cycled through the screens for one week’s time.

This exercise provides a gallery experience for students who have been taking photography classes for three years.

Photo teacher, Mr. Don Standing said, “I think it’s a great way for students to showcase their work and it’s better than tacking their projects on the wall. A lot of classes are doing projects and displaying them around the school, and I hope even more start doing something like this.”

Senior, photo student Mackenzie Roberts said, “I’m really excited to pick my favorite pictures and get to have them displayed on the TVs. I’m also really excited to see all of the other students’ pictures up on the screens as well.”

Students are selecting a wide range of images to share with their peers, whether part of a themed assignment or just their favorite from over the years, students are taking ownership of and pride in

their work.

The advanced photo classes also have Instagram accounts, competing to post the best pictures taken by the students of that period. One class’ is called “today_from_ the_darkroom” and the other “straight_from_the_lens.”

The two advanced photo classes are working hard to use photography in new medias that is presented to them by popular technology of our generation.

Mr. Standing hopes that these Instagram accounts, which are run by students from each class, will show students not only how prominent photography is today, but how everyone has a camera attached to themselves at all times, ready to capture the perfect moment with the tap of a finger.

If watching the photographs across the screen interests you, you may also be interested in attending a professional gallery, such as ones currently on display in New York City at museums or galleries. Some of the popular exhibitions going on now in New York City are the Danziger Gallery on 527 W 23rd St, between Tenth and Eleventh Aves, the Yossi Milo Gallery on 245 Tenth Ave, between 24th and 25th Sts, and the International Center of Photography on 1133 Sixth Ave on 43rd St.

By Ryan Blume Staff Writer

On Nov. 15, the Summit boys cross country team won its first-ever Group Title by winning the Group III race.

Leland Jones also won his first Individual Group Title, winning the race with a huge 31 second improvement from his time last year. Fellow Varsity runners, Mitchell Booth, Pat Manion, Ryan Blume, Christopher Heckelman, Patrick Murray and Matt Sinunu also all ran personal bests in the race.

Head Coach Mr. Neil Sharma said, “Saturday was a big day for Summit Cross Country,” and “[next] Saturday’s MoC’s is the reward for all the hard work, grit, ambition, commitment, self-confidence, and sacrifice that [our

New Superintendent of Schools welcomed

Warm welcome! Mr. June Chang, center, poses with (L-R) Dr. Julie Glazer, Mr. Lou Pepe, Mr. James Freeman, Mrs. Gloria Ron-Fornes, Mrs. Celia Colbert, Mrs. Katherine Kalin, Mr. David Dietz, Mrs. Deb McCann, and Mr. Rick Hanley, during Chang’s Nov. 20 introduction at the Board of Ed meeting.

This month’s Verve....

Globe.........2 Gift Guide.....4 - 5 Opine.........3 Buzz...................6

Varsity team] put in not only in this season, but also in previous years at SHS.” While all of this sounds impressive already, it becomes an even larger accomplishment when the full context of this win is understood.

For those who don’t know how Cross Country’s championship season works, here’s a quick breakdown.

The entire state is divided into Groups based on school size and whether or not they’re public or private. The larger the school size, the more competitive the Group’s race is.

These groups are then divided regionally into Sections. To advance from one level to the next, a team needs to have a top three finish or an individual must place in the top ten.

For the 2013 season, Sum-

mit was in Group II, which is generally less competitive.

During the 2013 group II race, the Boy’s XC team barely placed third to advance to the state meet, and Leland Jones placed 5th with a time that in the 2014 Group III race, wouldn’t have even placed in the top ten.

This year, due to Summit’s increase in student population, both the girls and boys cross country teams have been transferred to Group III, which means that the boys team not only made a comeback from last year’s race, but also made the comeback against tougher competition.

Senior team captain, Mitchell Booth said “I’m not surprised we won. Our Varsity squad has been working hard and together since freshmen year, so this win has been three years in the making to me.”

Photo used with permission of Karen Greco

Advanced photo students display work on flat-screens

State Champs! (Left to Right) Coach Neil Sharma, Senior Ryan Blume, Senior Pat Murray, Sophomore Chris Heckelmen, Senior Mitchell Booth, Senior Leland Jones, Senior Pat Manion, Junior Matt Sinunu and Coach Eric Fontes celebrate their victory with their signature straight face pose.

Upcoming: Screen & Sound....7 Turf.......................8

12/6: SAT Test 12/8: AP Exam $ due 12/10: Holiday concert 12/13: ACT

12/13: NJFL Tourney 12/16: Hannukah begin 12/25: Christmas day 12/31: New Year’s Eve

Globe

Verve 2

Little princesses cursing for a good cause! These actresses are using profanity to get a strong point across about the feminist issues.

Photo (cc) fckh8.com

A recent video aiding the fight for the feminist movement has created a controversial stir. The YouTube sensation shows little girls wearing princess dresses while dropping F-bombs and talking about pay inequity, rape and violence. The video was produced by FCKH8.com, a forprofit organization that advocates social change in society.

According to the producer of the video, Mike Kon, who defended it in an interview with etoline.com, “Some adults may be uncomfortable with how these little girls are using a bad word for a good cause. It is shocking what they are saying, but the real shock is that women are still paid less than men for the same work in 2014.”

After watching the video for the first time, senior Megan Beier said “It was really shocking to hear these little girls cursing, but they got what they wanted. They were hoping for attention to the feminist movement and everyone’s heard of the video, so they got their point across in a memorable way.”

Despite the controversy that the bad-mouthed “princesses” have caused, it does have people talking, which was FCKH8.com’s ultimate goal for the video.

The organization sells merchandise on its website containing anti-sexism, anti-racism and equality slogans. The video is FCKH8.com’s newest stunt to sell its feminist clothing and accessories and has been successful in gaining attention thus far.

Legalization of weed in the U.S.. The legalization of marijuana has become a popular bill to pass, and four states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana, with many more states, like New York, making it legal for adults to possess an a certain amount of the drug.

By Jackson Sidebottom Asst. Opinion Editor America is going green.

Voters in Washington D.C., Alaska, and Oregon have approved legislation to legalize recreational marijuana by 2016.

Washington state and Colorado were first to legalize recreational use of marijuana in 2014, and other states are following suit. Medicinal marijuana is currently legal in 23 states, with possession being legal in a handful more.

In New York City on Nov. 10, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a change in the penalty for adult possession of up to 25 grams, reducing the formerly arrest- and criminalcharge-worthy infraction to a public misdemeanor and court summons, with a fine of $25.

According to the office of the mayor, “Effective Novem-

Photo (cc) www.huffingtonpost.com

Big Apple joins decriminalization trend

Little girls dropping the F-Bomb for feminist tee sales

By Carly Leiter Managing Editor

December 2014

ber 19, if police find someone in possession of 25 grams or less of marijuana, officers will issue a summons instead of effecting an arrest, so long as there is no warrant for the individual’s arrest and the person has identification.”

“Police will be authorized to make arrests if the marijuana is burning, if the type of possession indicates intent to sell, if the individual has an outstanding warrant, or if the individual is in a location with special consideration, like a school,” according to the official statement.

Weirdly, smoking tobacco in public is still entirely illegal in these states.

By 2020 half of the U.S. is expected to have some form of legalization for either possession or recreational use. New Jersey is one of many states with bills on the table to legal-

ize recreational use for adults.

According to the Pew Research Center, 52 percent of Americans support legalization and 45 percent oppose; this contrasts with polling numbers in 1969, when just 12 percent supported legalization.

This indicates a big swing in pro-marijuana public opinion.

Popular opinion also helps dictate political opinions. It would seem that, now, marijuana legalization is supported by more than just left-wing hippies. The Pew poll shows that 31 percent of Republicans support legalization as well.

Californian Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, a Republican who openly endorses legalization, said in a recent HuffPo interview with Ryan J. Reilly, “The fundamental principles are individual liberty, which Republicans have always talked about, limited government, which Republicans have always talked about, the doctor-patient relationship, which of course we’ve been stressing a lot about lately, and of course states’ rights and the Tenth Amendment.”

Rohrabacher also said, “Members of the Republican Party just should become more practical, if nothing else. The American people are shifting on this issue.”

Who knew? What is ‘net neutrality’?

Net Neutrality is when companies cannot pay to have their content displayed faster than other content on the Internet by Emily Hurley, staff writer

Senior Mikey DePhillips “I just read an article about that! I can’t remember what it was though.”

Senior Max Block “Internet companies are making people pay more for faster Internet service.”

Junior Sam Mirman “I’m not sure.”

Freshman Hafiz Harper “I have no idea what it is, something with the Internet probably.”

Summit Senior High School 125 Kent Place Boulevard Summit, NJ 07901 Staff Reporters: Editors-in-Chief:

Meredith Robertson Ellie Schaffer

Managing Editors:

Carly Leiter Megan Shaw

Metro News Editor: Ethan Mandelbaum Globe Editor: Anika Becker Opinion Editor: Anna Tselevich Asst Opinion Editor: Jackson Sidebottom

Entertainment Editors: Ashley White Laura Pasquale Buzz Editor: Emily Gao Sports Editor: Cam Fuoti Asst Sports Editor: Dan Montgomery Art Director: Ryan Blume Circulation: Sophie Lees Kaitlin Stewart

Ryan Blume, Spencer Frey, Ben Henning, Emily Hurley, Rachel Isralowitz, Sophie Lees, Matthew Mormile, Caroline Phillips, Marielle Rogoff, Kaitlin Stewart Principal: Mr. Paul Sears Assistant Principals: Mrs. Stacy Grimaldi Mr. Michael Lapotasky Adviser: Mrs. Anne Weisgerber English Supervisor: Mr. Corey Walsh

Senior Patrick Beljan “I guess it’s when you interview people and they argue that their point is neutral.”

December 1, 2014 Volume XV, Issue 3 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.

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

December 2014

Breaking mad: Toys R Us pulls figures

By Ethan Mandelbaum Metro News Editor

the drug trade make this collection unsuitable to be sold alongside Barbie dolls and Disney In the name of profit, Toys R Us recently de- characters” according to the petition.

Well, I have great news for you, concerned cided to carry action figures from the AMC hit show “Breaking Bad”. The show gained pub- parents. These dolls were not sold next to licity due to its obscure plot about a chemistry Barbie’s Dream House. The figures were teacher turned meth dealer. The action figures, dealt with the same way M-rated video games now infamous, portrayed characters holding were treated: kids couldn’t buy them without a n adult. So instead of signing a suitcases of money and bags of crystal meth. poorly researched petition, An outraged Florida mother did what parents should have simply anyone in the twenty-first century would not purchased the dolls. do. She took to change.org and wrote After Toys R Us gave up a petition to have the action figures reits dignity and pulled the moved from shelves. Her main concern toys, it triggered even more was that children would be influoutrage. enced by poor role models (and Livid “Breaking Bad” the show’s protagonists) Walter fans and others went back to White and Jesse Pinkman. 9,298 That’s meth’ed up! The dolls change.org, and petitioned people signed the petition, Toys Rare now on Ebay, where the Us obliged and pulled the toys from$13.99 collectibles can auction for Toys R Us to bring the dolls back. 63,692 people their inventory. for $32-53. Image (c) Mezco Toys. signed it. As the second peSeriously? If kids see an action tition said, ToysR Us makes toys for kids of figure with a bag of meth, they are going to go all ages, Not just pre-teens.

By giving in to the and do meth?

The issue with the petition is that the logic is demands of 9000 upset folk Toys R Us has only made matters worse for themselves based on an incorrect assumption.

As the second petition says, Toys R Us “While the show may be compelling viewing for adults, its violent content and celebration of makes toys for kids of all ages.

YouTube stars > mainstream celebrities

By Rachel Isralowitz Staff Reporter

The simple uploading of videos to YouTube has become an overnight path to fame for our generation.

Since its creation almost 10 years ago, YouTube has evolved into a platform for millions of users to seek stardom and fortune. Some of those users have found huge audiences among teenagers by focusing on everyday topics.

Take Bethany Mota. This 19-year-old from California began her YouTube career in 2009 by posting videos with clothing and beauty advice.

Mota and other YouTube stars have attracted millions of viewers with their takes on everyday life.

According to a recent survey by Variety magazine, teenagers preferred YouTube stars to mainstream celebrities. In fact, the top five most influen-

Web celeb royal.

Jenna Marbles, a.k.a. Jenna Mourey, has had 1.6 billion views on her YouTube channel.

Image from Jenna Marbles’ YouTube Channel

tial figures among teens were from YouTube.

“YouTube stars are relatable because they are everyday people while celebrities are not,” said sophomore Maddie Collins.

This essential characteristic is what makes YouTube stars so appealing.

Mota echoed this idea in an interview with The New York Times.

“It’s just about connecting with [my viewers] in any way I can. Those are the things that attract people to each other and make them become friends,” she said.

Obviously, this strategy has been working for Mota, considering she has more than seven million subscribers to her channel.

Mota’s videos give a glimpse into her life, which is something that most celebrities aren’t willing to reveal.

Jenna Marbles, whose real name is Jenna Mourey, is another YouTube user whose videos revolve around relevant topics.

Users like Mota and Mourey are just the beginning. YouTube will continue to produce the next generation of stars for years to come.

Sophomore Grace Dephillips said, “It is fantastic because you can express yourself.” The key to success is to create a username that hides your identity and to only follow other Finstagram accounts.

We all know the ultimate competition on Instagram is to see who racks up the most likes on their picture. “325 likes? I only get 100!”

But with Finsta, the pressure is off. Sometimes a picture on Finstagram may only get one or two likes, but that is okay! There is no reason to panic and assume your social stature has plummeted because it is only Finsta!

Some say this new fad is ridiculous and a nuisance to have to log in and out of the two accounts (Instagram and Finstagram).

But, truth be told, the ability to post anything without the judgements from others is enjoyable and entertaining. In many cases, on Finsta, posts will vary from a homework question, to a funny situation, to just an embarrassing selfie that can be laughed about.

An anonymous Sophomore said, “My posts are really random, but thats the fun of finsta!”

So, go out on a limb and create a Finsta. You won’t be disappointed.

Verve 3

From the Editor’s Desk...

G

reetings loved ones. Let’s take a journey.

It’s been a month since we’ve last complimented you through the Verve, but now we’re back for more.

First off, congrats to the boys cross country team on its first ever state title (insert “gang sign” here).

We’re all so impressed and excited about your capability to kick grass while minimally clothed in 30 degree weather.

Our congratulations extends to the girls field hockey team for winning the sectional state championship.

Yeah girls, rock on!

Summit sports are simply dominating in every category.

Shifting away from athletics, we wanted to give a shoutout to the cast and crew of “Stage Door.”

The play was awesome.

We laughed, we cried, we loved it. Our drama club never ceases to wow us.

Another thing that has wowed us this year: the creativity that seniors put into their alter-ego Facebook names. Ellie Degeneres, we see you. And Wilfred Bones, we don’t necessarily get it, but we see you too.

We love the mystery that comes along with the changing name game, but not gonna lie, we’ve defi-

nitely come close to accidentally unfriending people out of sheer confusion. Senior year, gotta love it.

We know that historically the Editor’s Desk is filled with critiques and criticisms of the student body, and we’re supposed to fill the shoes of a certain former administrator (might rhyme with Mr. Fakey) who mocked and poked fun at SHS whenever he had the chance.

However, we’re having a hard time trying to follow in his footsteps. We just can’t seem to find anything to complain about.

Underclassmen in the senior lounge? Covered. College application stress? You get it by now.

Really, what we want our school to realize and fully appreciate is how lucky we are to be part of a community like SHS. Sure, things get stressful at times and we have a bad day every once in a while, but with the holidays right around the corner, it’s important to remember to spread a little joy wherever we can.

PSA: Everyone has their share of critiques and criticisms, but it’s up to us to look out for each other and help each other through it.

After all, we are a Hilltopper family.

CO, OR, AK, WA, DC pass pot laws

@swerve_with_verve: Finstagram takes over

By Ellie Rogoff Staff Reporter Instagram: an app that allows you to take pictures and videos and share them with friends. Now on its fourth year, Instagram is used all around the world, especially by teens.

Not only have students taken a liking to Instagram, but also Finstagram. What?

Finstagram? Never heard of it? Well listen closely because this new rave is catching fast.

The ideal purpose of a Finstagram, a.k.a, “fake-instagram,” is to post as many pictures a day, of whatever you want, without being judged.

Higher and higher! Legalization of marijuana laws gain interest now that they extend to our capital. See Globe, 2, for more insight on this growing trend.

A Nov. 21 Ypulse poll initiated by Verve, shows that Finsta may be off the radar now, but is on the rise at SHS.

Verve 4

Verve Holiday 2

Gifts for Her

What? trees Where Who? Cost? V Found

Located on Broad Street!

Photo by Sophie Pollinger

Photo (c) natalesbakery.com

Photo by Sophie Pollinger

Bath Bomb

What? Makes your bath fragrant, relaxing, and colorful. Many choices.

Where? LUSH at the Short Hills Mall; www. lushusa.com Who? Give to mom, grandmother, teacher, coach Cost: $4-$7

Find Lush and Brookstone at the Short Hills Mall!

What? Scented candles in unique, blown-glass vessels Where? Blue Mercury, 374 Springfield Avenue, www.bluemercury.com Who? To give or to get – appreciated by all Cost? $60 – browse Blue Mercury for more beauty product gift ideas Found by: Leila Esposito

North Pole Communicator

What? Toy CB radio lets children communicate directly with Santa Where? CVS, 29 Deforest Avenue Who? Young believers in Santa Claus, children of all ages Cost? $29.99 Found by: Brendan McGinn

Package of Yoga Classes at Loft of Yoga

Photo by Meredith Robertson

Photo by Leila Esposito

Lafco NY Candles

What? Gift certificate (TBD if special offer) Where? 86 Summit Avenue, 3rd Floor; www.loyayoga. com Who? Any active/athletic person who has resolved to be more healthy in 2015 Cost? (TBD) Found by: Sabrina Fleischman

Photo by Will Pzedpelski

Found by: Sophie Pollinger

Verve 5

2014 Gift Guide

Holiday Treats Natale’s Bakery

? Holiday cakes shaped like penguins, snowmen, Christmas

e? 185 Broad Street, www.natalesbakery.com Any holiday host would appreciate a gift from Natale’s Varies. Can’t decide? Everyone loves their Philly Fluff

Photo by http://karminkuisinetour.com

Illustration (c) Mastrad.com

by: Sam O’Sullivan

Macaron Making Kit

What? Everything you need to make delicious French macaron cookies Where? Mastrad Innovative Cooking Tools; www.shopmastrad.com Who? Adventurous bakers who want to try something trendily delicious.

Cost? $24.99 -- $5 coupon may be available!

Found by: Emma Cahillane

Bop H2O Water Resistant Speaker

What? A Bluetooth speaker that streams music, takes calls, and is waterproof Where? Brookstone at the Short Hills Mall; www. brookstone.com Who? Any teen on your list Cost? $29.99 or 2 for $50 with free shipping

Moxie Showerhead Speaker by Kholer

What? Waterproof, bluetooth speaker that doubles as a showerhead Where: Online @ Kholer.com Who? Music lovers of all ages; college grads heading for suite living Cost? $199 on Kholes’ website and other reputable online shopping sites Found by: Andrew Bowyer

FitBit Zip

What? A wireless activity tracker Where? Verizon Store, Beechwood Road Who? Anyone who exercises and wants to keep track Cost? $59.99 Found by: Mimi Laws

Photo by http://abcnews.go.com

Photo by Brendan McGinn

Found by: Will Przedpelski

Photo (c) Kohler.com

Photo by Will Pzedpelski

Technology

Volume XV Issue 3 December 2014

Hallway decorations

Buzz

December 2014

Environmental science students make an impact

Due to the globe-changing conflict they are learning about in their science class, AP Environmental Science students are rethinking their resourcewasting ways.

Senior Hunter Wyckoff, said, “One of the first labs we did was an interactive online activity that showed how many earths we would need in order to sustain our current lifestyle.”

Ms. MicheleTaffera and Ms. Caitlyn Botti participated in a summer program that focused on teaching environmental science, resulting in this year’s newly improved lesson plans that include labs that make students think about the ways they affect the environment on a daily basis.

Taffera said, “It is awesome to see the number of students in APES go up greatly in the past few years. We currently have four sections of the course, which shows that students are more aware and concerned with the Environment and human impact. This desire of the students is also met with equal enthusiasm by Ms.

Thankful for duct tape! Students of all grades come together, in SHS tradition, to make their hallways ones to remember. This year, the seniors won the competition with “Welcome to the Jungle!.

By Megan Shaw Managing Editor It’s December, so either you’re reeling in the glory of your month-long beard or you’re grateful November’s 30 days are over. Each year, brave high school boys take on the challenge of no-shave November. Apparently there is a whole set of rules about the do’s and don’ts of the month, ranging from “strict” Movember rules to the “easy/ businessman” approach.

Surprisingly, (and somewhat fortunately for a lot of the school’s female population), students aren’t taking the challenge as seriously as they had in the past.

However seniors like Co-

lin Andrews (above left with Matt Greenstein) are keeping the tradition alive. “I think no shave November is a great time for guys to just grow out facial hair and not have to be bothered to shave,” he adds, “I participate because all of my friends do and we have a mini contest to see who can do the best or look the coolest at the end.”

Senior Pat Manion, not participating this November, however, said, “I actually haven’t heard too many developed opinions about no shave November. I feel like most people don’t really care whether or not they’re participating.

I don’t really care whether or not they’re participating. I

Five Easy Ways to Decrease Your Carbon Footprint Carpool, ride your bike, or walk to your destinations! When driving make sure to go the speed limit!

Recycle! Even old electronic devices can be recycled Decrease the amount of meat you consume each week

Buy local produce!

Remember to turn the lights off when you leave a room. Use Compact fluorescent light bulbs!

don’t really feel too strongly about it either, truthfully I can grow out my facial hair whenever I want, it might not look good, but I’m not stopped because it’s not November.”

Girls around the school seem to agree, “I’m not gonna say it’s always bad, but it’s mostly bad,” senior Kahler Newsham tells.

What once started as a tradition at college fraternities is now a charitable event, run by the No Shave November charity donating money to colon cancer treatment.

Senior Jake McGrath, tenuously participating, explains, “It’s kinda like the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, in that it’s sort of a fun social thing that is done for a good cause.”

Photo by Kaitlin Stewart

“No Shave November”: defined as: When a male doesn’t shave their facial hair during the entire month of November. Also known as No Girlfriend November. (definition provided by Urban Dictionary)

Botti and myself.”

Taffera and Botti have had success with implementing new teaching techniques, which Taffera further clarified when she said, “We are trying to foster global awareness with current event articles, which seems to be working, as students have found some really cool ones.”

Club Corner

No-shave November begins scrubbing out

Photo by Ryan Blume

Photos provided by Michaela Kaplan and Dan Montgomery

By Ashley White Staff Reporter

Illustration (c) clt-co2.com

Verve 6

Support! Juniors Sandra Bazalar and Sindy Alzate at Ladies Night, a fundraiser sponsored by Union Hispana that took place last spring.

Union Hispana is a club representing the Spanish-speaking community and culture. The club raises funds for the Union Hispana Scholarships, awarded to graduating Hispanic students who have contributed to the school through participation in the club activities. The club is always open to new members and people can join at any time during the year. It currently has about 25 members.

“The students wanted to have a forum where they could support each other, learn about their own culture and represent that culture to the community, beside having fun, of course!” said adviser Senora Aurora Hermo.

Club meetings plan for upcoming activities, and brainstorm new ideas for future events. Meetings are held every Wednesday after school. The club has been running this year under the leadership of the students and the Opportunities Unlimited Counselor, who is also Hermo.

The club invites everyone in SHS to attend the Festival Latino that will take place on Dec. 5 from 7-9 p.m.. It will be a great opportunity to learn about Hispanic culture while enjoying musical performances and eating Spanish delicacies. Everyone is welcome.

December 2014

Screen & Sound

Polls reveals readers’ favorite seasonal tunes, treats

by Spencer Frey Staff Reporter

‘Stage Door’ highlights theater life in the 1930s

By Caroline Phillips Staff Writer

Holiday Songs! Students took a poll to decide which holiday classic is most popular. “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” from Disney’s “Frozen” took the cake by almost 20 votes.

Tasty treats! Speaking of cake, students cast a vote on their favorite holiday treats. Hot chocolate was most popular at 140 votes, followed by sugar cookies at 86, and gingerbread coming in third with 32 votes. Polls conducted Nov. 17-24.

Taylor Swift boycotts greedy music-streaming industry

by Anna Tselevich Opine Editor It was a tragedy to Swifties everywhere when Taylor Swift pulled all of her music from Spotify, the leading music streaming service in the industry on Nov. 3. Swift has spoken out against the music streaming business before in a Wall Street Journal Op-Ed piece, saying that she believes that these services, Spotify in particular, do not fairly compensate artists.

According to an interview with “Time” she said, “On Spotify, they don’t have any settings, or any kind of qualifications for who gets what music. I think that people should feel that there is a value to what musicians have created, and that’s that.”

Swift has also recently pulled her albums from Youtube, but has left her music on Rhapsody and Beats Music under a paid premium package. This raises the question of whether or not the music industry will be able to continue its evolving process.

Over the past few years, with apps and websites such as Pandora, Spotify, and Songza,

Verve 7

Students and staff of the drama department wowed audiences with their performances of “Stage Door,” which ran from Nov. 13 -15.

The comedic plot involves a boarding house for actresses called the Footlights Club, and features the struggles of the young women as they attempt to make their big break on the stage. It mainly centers on Terry Randall and her experiences finding work and love in the midst of the Great Depression.

The show was first produced in 1936 and is written

by George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber. Its original in-

Show stopper! A startled Terry Randall (Claire Fitzparick) gasps as her friend Jean Maitland (Sam Theriot), not pictured, declares she is moving to California.

music has been easily shared and gets much more exposure than it did before, due to easy access. However, if major recording artists, like Swift, start boycotting and campaigning against it, how will it affect the

by Emily Gao music industry as a whole?

When Swift’s new single Buzz Editior In the first part of the movwas released in October, the ie adaptation of “The Hunger preview of the song included a technical glitch of 9 seconds of Game”’s last book, “Mockwhite noise, which still man- ingjay,” Director Francis Lawaged to top Candian iTunes rence brought the battle out from the arena and into the charts in less than a day.

Artists with this much in- Districts. Along with the new fluence will be able to either setting, new characters were make or break the music in- also introduced.

Action-packed and dedustry as it evolves. signed to provoke its viewIt was just released, by ers, “Mockingjay Part 1” sets “Billboard,” that Spotify is now included in the Billboard a darker tone than its predeCharts. “Under the new rules, cessors, while still adding in 1,500 streams will equate to moments of humor and comic one album sale. Likewise, 10 relief.

Picking up from where individual song downloads “Catching Fire” left off, the will count for an album sale,” according to Business Insider. movie follows Katniss as she Taylor Swift’s album tries to accept her role as the “1989” is currently number Mockingjay.

Most of the movie had one on the Billboard charts, but with this new rule going viewers gasping as Katniss against her, time will only tell reunites with Peeta, holding if she and fellow artists against its breath as District Thirteen the streaming services made is attacked, or choking back the right move or if they will tears when the wounded pay their respects to the Mockingget the short end of the stick. jay.

tention was a satire showing the growing dominance of the glamorous people of Hollywood.

Directed by Anne Poyner, the cast portrayed this impressively, with the actors and actresses performing admirably.

Claire Fitzpatrick was chosen to play the lead, Terry Randall, and performed outstandingly. Kelly Reynolds, Sam Theriot, Julia Heckelman, Grace Milsten, Sterling Sidebottom, Juliet Huneke, and Elise Molleur had impressive performances in their respective roles as well.

The audience received the humorous aspect of the script well, laughing at many of the lines. The character, Olga, played by sophomore Annika Carelson, had people howling with laughter throughout the play.

Sophomore Alexa Carlson, who saw the play Friday night, said, “I loved seeing Stage Door because the cast performed it really well and the acting was great! It was a fun show to watch.”

Headed by Will Lycan, the set crew’s hard work was evident with the excellent twostory scenery of the Footlights Club. The costume crew, led by head by Liz Wilson, clearly spent an incredible amount of time working, as all of the costumes were fantastic and portrayed the era of the Great

Front and center! The girls fawn over Jean Maitland, played by Sam Theriot, after she comes back from Hollywood to visit the boarding house.

Depression extremely well.

Sophomore Grace Milsten, who played Bernice Niemeyer, one of the girls in the Footlights Club, said, “Working on Stage Door has made me realize how lucky I am to be part of such an amazing theatre program. It’s so nice to be part of something so much bigger than myself.”

In her director’s notes, Poyner said, “Like Terry, we are in love with the theatre and it’s not just the applause. It is the love of the art, the joy in the journey, the community of kindred spirits, and the belief that we are doing something worthwhile and important.”

Rating: 5 stars for cast and crew performance.

The rebellion begins: “Mockingjay Part I” review (spoiler alert) When Jennifer Lawrence sings “The Hanging Tree,” viewers might be predisposed to find her attempt amusing instead find themselves with goosebumps.

Because the plot mirrors that of the book so closely, the storyline was predictable but amazing special effects, dramatic choice of background

were slightly rough and the ending was dragged. The movie could have cut short at the moment Peeta began strangling Katniss, but instead moved on past it and ended with a less-exciting speech by President Coin that eliminated some of the adrenaline built up by the previous scene.

According to Variety, “Mockingjay Part I” had the largest box office opening of 2014, making “north of $130 million” in its opening weekend. music, and stellar acting make the film engaging.

On the other hand, some moments were awkward, and the glimpses given to the viewers of the propaganda videos often seemed too dramatic and verged on the point of lame.

Some parts’ transitions

Mockingjay! The third movie in “The Hunger Games” trilogy attacts eager fans to theaters in droves.

Turf

Verve 8

Sports funding at an all-time high

Trainers to know: Allison Cahott (L) and Karen Manista in weight room.

by Dan Montgomery Staff Writer The work of an athletic trainer seems often to go unacknowledged or taken for granted. Summit is blessed to have an award-winning trainer at its service each and every day in Ms. Karen Manista.

Junior Paul Flanagan said, “She’s really great. She always gives a clear and easy timetable for return.”

Her dedication to Hilltopper sports programs has helped rehabilitate numerous SHS athletes over the past 13 years.

Whether checking concussion symptoms on the gridiron or patching up bloody cuts on the hardwood, the studentathletes, unquestionably, have to be grateful for her commitment.

As dozens of athletes shuffle in and out of the training room each day, Manista does everything she can to fix them up and reach their potential.

Senior Chris Zanelli added, “She does a fantastic job getting me ready for each season’s sport. Also, not to be

Photo (c) The Alternative Press

Athletes praise training staff

forgotten, she always has good music playing in her room.”

When asked about her time here, Manista said, “Lots has changed since I started.

New sports, new baseline concussion work. Athletic rehabilitation is ever changing.”

Athletes, like Flanagan and Zanelli, praise Manista for her work, complimenting how every injury is taken care of with the utmost care and gentleness.

Additionally, coaches and fellow trainers throughout the profession commend her ability to manage the immense workload, and paperwork, that comes with handling the injuries of hundreds of athletes.

Assistant athletic trainer, Ms. Allison Cahott, said, “She knows what she’s doing and is widely regarded as a fantastic trainer within the athletic community. She is a role model to me and all aspiring athletic trainers out there.”

So, to student-athletes and friends alike, Manista’s work does not go unnoticed.

All that Manista gives to the sports community is proof of the many hours she has put into the craft.

Thanks, Ms. Manista.

Illustrations from http://www.summit.k12.

(Above) Varsity team awards since 2008. (Below) The budget over the past five years. (Right) Budget overview for four major categories

by Cam Fuoti Turf Page Editor

Alumni fundraising is a huge, largely unremarked part of the Varsity athletics budget.

There are booster associations for each sport within the high school and a different amount of money that flows in each year. With the number of state championships won each year, for a variety of different programs, does the money matter that much?

Alumni networking has

been seen at the collegiate level for years on end and when we hear about them, most of the time, it involve violations the school has made. In high school, the money made is put towards new uniforms, equipment, stadiums to play in, and many other perks to participating on the team. However, does the amount of money that is donated each year reflect on the teams success?

Alumni are a huge part of the process, however, bake

Change-up. (Top) 2014-15 budget change; No. sports/season

sales, card selling, car washes, and other ways to earn money, are simple ways for the students to tack on to the network themselves.

However, at the end of the day, it’s not how much money each program has, it’s the effort and time put in by the players that leads to success and championships.

Hilltopper alumni kicks for Hurricanes

Stats (as of Nov. 24): 9/12 Field Goals (75%) 32/36 Extra Points (88.8%)

End of season shout-outs compiled by Cam Fuoti Turf Page Editor Football - Mid-State 38 Raritan Division Runner Up - North 2 Group 3 State Sectional Semi-Finalists Field Hockey North 2 Group 2 State Sectional Champions Boys Soccer Mountain Division Co-Conference champions Gymnastics Union County Conference Runners-Up Boys Cross Country - North 2 Group 3 State Sectional Champions - Group 3 State Champions Tennis - North 2 Group 2 State Sectional Champtions - Group 2 Runners-Up

Mike Badgley kicks a field goal.

(Left) at Miami, (Right) at Summit

by Matt Mormile Staff Reporter

Out of thousands of kickers on high school football teams, few go on to play at the college level. 2013 graduate Mike Badgley is now kicking for the University of Miami Hurricanes, a Division One program. According to ESPN, the freshman Badgley, at 5’10” and 180 pounds, currently has a 75.0 percent kicking average, having added 58 points to Miami’s point total so far this season.

Badgley was a Varsity football captain and three-sport athlete, winning three high school state championships at the Varsity level. Not only did he play football, Badgley also played in state championships for ice hockey and Varsity lacrosse, showing leadership as captain for all three teams.

Badgley’s list of accomplishments is long: top ranked kicker in NJ and Union County Star-Ledger player of the

Photo by The Alternative Press

The Varsity field hockey team was triumphant in the Group 2 North II Sectional Championship against Voorhees, winning 1-0.

The game was intense the whole way through, with two scoreless halves before a sudden death overtime. Voorhees was the top-ranked seed going into the game and had many chances to convert in regulation.

In the sudden death, senior Megan Ophel took a corner shot that made its way to ju-

nior Allison Daney, who swept it past the goalkeeper for the win 1-0.

Junior goalkeeper Julie Woloshin said, “We couldn’t have won sectionals if it wasn’t for every one of us putting in 100 percent throughout the whole game.”

The team continued onto the group championship but lost to Madison High School, ranked No. 8 in the state.

Junior Alex Schulman said, “We played to the best of our ability but we couldn’t come away with the win. I couldn’t be more happy with our season though.”

Photo by miamiherald.com

by Ben Henning Staff Reporter

Photo by shsfieldhockey.org

Field hockey team wins state sectionals

The 2014 Field Hockey team photo

December 2014

year; twelve high school football records. He is one of the few Summit athletes to play at this level and make an immediate impact to a powerhouse program.

Hilltopper football assistant coach Mr. Gil Owren says “There are some players who play offense, some who play defense and some who play special teams, but few can play everything. Mike Badgley was one of the few who can play all three.”

According to NJ Advanced Media, Badgley is a determined, fierce competitor who plays hard for his teammates and does anything for the team’s success. University of Miami Athletics shows #24 Badgley as a kicker/punter who made his debut against Arkansas State earlier this year.

In a recent email interview, Badgley said that sports prepared him mentally. He advised Summit students to “enjoy what you do, and have fun with every aspect of the game,