The Wessex Wire (April 2006)

In this issue: Juniors park despite warnings............3 Damn Yankees photo finish..............16 Ping pong bracket............................18 Vol. XLV No.3

West Essex High School, 65 West Greenbrook Road, North Caldwell, NJ

April 2006

A “life in constant danger” West Essex students feel pride and fear for loved ones in Iraq

by Dan Coplon ‘07

As a gunner in a transportation unit, Corporal Jeffrey Oliviero, a member of the United States Marine Corp’s Bravo Company, and junior Jamie Schiffenhaus’s cousin, “sits on top of the front unit to help protect the convoy [that follows].” He also “helps to repair, inspect, and refuel military vehicles,” but that’s all that his mother, Marcia Oliviero, is allowed to know.

Because her son has such a dangerous job in the military, M. Oliviero feels nervous when he does not call. “When I don’t hear from him in a week, he’ll usually call to say ‘the phone banks were down.’”

The inability to communicate occurs when “a casualty [causes] all phone service [to be] shut off until

the government can contact the individual’s family,” M. Oliviero said. “It would be inappropriate if word got out to the family without formal notification from the military first,” she added.

As for his cousin, Jamie, who “always looked forward” to seeing Corporal Oliviero, not being able to reach him is difficult. To Schiffenhaus, Oliviero is “the guy cousin,” but “now he’s not there.”

“Jeff was always a role model for me, but now that he’s away, I don’t even get to see him,” added Schiffenhaus.

Still, Schiffenhaus tries to reach him. “The Marines have their own email system for the soldiers in Iraq, but it’s so backed up because it’s difficult to locate the soldiers,” said Schiffenhaus. “As a result, a bunch of the emails that I’ve sent haven’t gotten to him.”

Corporal Oliviero may be difficult to locate, but he’s no stranger to Iraq. Having been stationed in Fallujah, Iraq from February 2005 until September 2005 when he came home, Oliviero left again just five months later and is now at the USMC base at Al-Taqqadem.

Now in his second tour of duty, M. Oliviero’s

photo courtesy of the Rasmussen family

Above: Private First Class Jessica Gaale, who is the sister of junior Dave Rasmussen and who is currently located in Baghdad, stays “positive and upbeat” according to her father.

Right: Corporal Jeffrey Oliviero, who is the cousin of junior Jamie Schiffenhaus and a gunner in a transportation unit in Al-Taqqadem, is currently serving his second tour of duty in Iraq.

photo courtesy of M. Oliviero

son “felt differently going [to Iraq] this time knowing what goes on over there,” according to his mother.

The constant danger her son faces in Iraq now causes M. Oliviero, to “feel helpless,” because she can’t “control what happens to [her] son,” something that she said is “a horrible feeling.” However, M. Oliviero feels “overwhelmingly proud” that her son is “making such a tremendous sacrifice.”

Most of the time, though, her pride is offset by fear.

“I feel scared when the phone rings in the middle of the night thinking the worst,” M. Oliviero said. “Iraq is eight hours ahead [of the east coast] so when Jeff calls during his lunch break, it’s 6 A.M. here,” she added. “My heart skips a beat until I hear ‘Hi, Mom.’” But Oliviero is just one of several relatives of West Essex students currently serving in Iraq.

Jessica M. Gaale, a Private First Class in the 615th Military Police Unit and a West Essex graduate from the Class of 2000, is the sister of junior Dave Rasmussen. Gaale arrived in Baghdad in February 2006 and has worked as a convoy escort and an aid to Iraqi security forces, according to her father, Eric Rasmussen. (continued on page 6)

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Author speaks to junior, senior high girls about bullying of the “bad gossip that could potentially hurt or ruin a friendship,” according to Simmons. “Bad gossip is a way bullying occurs in a social sense,” said Simmons. “Girls should learn Chatting about the most recent school break-up, a sopho- to separate the gossip into good and bad.”

Bullying also occurs in the form of exclusion, according to more girl used the gossip as an opportunity to bash one of junior Brittany Dee Mueller. her classmates. “The girl is a “Big school functions such as b****,” said the sophomore, thepromdefinethecliquesthat and that’s the reason the relaare usually out of sight,” said tionship didn’t work.

Mueller.

Her friend became angry at Through her extensive the comment but said nothing. researchonfemaleaggression, “[Thegirlwhobrokeupwithher Simmons said that bullying boyfriend]isactuallyareallynice among girls “stems from how girl,” said the friend.As to why they were raised and how they she became angry? “She just are expected to act.” judged her character without re“From a very young allyknowingher.” age, girls are expected to be This conversation actually kind and sweet,” said took place, and comments such Simmons.And this expectaas these are just another form of tion leads to “pressure” for a bullying, according to Rachel girl, which in turn leads to the Simmons, author of Odd Girl need to “be better than the girl Out. Such acts of judgment usunext to her.”And to do just that, ally happen behind backs, since a girl would have to resort to most aggression among girls ways that could be “harmful,” tends to happen “in secret,” said or bullying, to the next girl.

Simmons.

Notonlyisbullyingthe Simmons, who spoke at a re- photo courtesy of cpyu.org result of the need to meet excentassemblyatthehighschool, pectations, but also the result hasconductedextensiveresearch Rachel Simmons’ book “Odd Girl Out” is a of human nature, according to on female aggression and pub- compilation of nationwide research on female aggression along with anecdotes senior OliviaTong. lishedallherfindingsinherbook, loosely based on Simmons’ own life.

“It’s human nature to which had been made into a want to be the best,” said Tong, “and unfortunately, one of movie on Lifetime Television.

In her presentation, Simmons spoke about the nature of the ways to get to the top is to make others look bad.”

The media also has an influence on the way girls at togirlsina“typicalhighschoolenvironment,”andtheexistence of various forms of bullying. The various forms of bullying wards each other, according to junior Sagarika Nag. “Some oftheshowsthatgirlswatchmakethemthinkthattheyshould include social, indirect aggression, and relational.

The comment made by the sophomore girl is an example act a certain way to be the best,” said Nag.

by Helen Wang ‘07

“Bullying is not right,” addedTong. “It’s on the same level as racism, and should be addressed.”

However, some students feel that the assembly addressed an issue that “has been addressed for a long time, and [that] high school students know exists,” according to junior Gena Wolfson.

“Bullying assemblies in general never work,” said Tong.

“People will never admit to bullying others,” she added.

Mueller agrees with Tong because “just listening to a lecture in high school won’t always contribute to a major behavioralchange.”

Therecentassemblyonbullyingamonggirlsinhighschools nationwide should serve to enrich further the learning experience of high school students, according to junior Christina Vigue.

“An assembly should relate to students and give us information that could be applied to our daily lives,” said Vigue.

“The [bullying] problem here is not any different from the problems in other high schools,” said Tong.

To most kids, assemblies are a reason “just to get out of class,” according to Wolfson.

The assembly may not have been as effective as the school wanted it to be since students of both the junior and senior high school attended the assembly in the high school auditorium, according to Tong.

“It seemed like the younger girls enjoyed it more than the older girls,” saidTong. “I didn’t like [Simmons] because she seemed to be mocking the way she thought [all high school girls] spoke, and we had to laugh at all her jokes,” she added.

In addition, Simmons seemed to gear the lecture “towards the junior high students so that they would be included,” according to Mueller.

Vigue agrees, adding that “[Simmons] seemed to speak to the younger audience better than the older students.”

Simmons, however, felt that the two audiences together was a good idea since the “older girls could mentor the younger girls as a big sister,” and effective forms of communication could be taught at a younger age and perhaps preventbullyingfromoccurring.

Internet assembly urges parents: “safety over privacy”

by Jaime Blaustein ‘07

From an unnecessary invasion of privacy to an “acceptable method of protection,” students and parents disagree on the issue of online parental censorship.

But a parent who attended a recent assembly on internet predators believes that “as the world of technology grows, so does the need for discussion about censoring young people.”

This parent, who favors parental online censorship, has asked that her name be withheld so that she does not embarrass her son.

“Sometimes, safety takes precedence over privacy,” according to Amy Miller, mother of sophomore Ethan Miller.

Just consider the example of thirteen year old Justin Berry, who was lured into prostitution by online sexual predators and prostituted himself over the internet by selling his pornographic recordings to over 1,500 people for $50 each. Those who purchased and viewed Berry’s recordings are currently under investigation and will most likely face jail time.

Students, however, “are against censorship because their motive is to be able to talk freely online with their friends,” according to junior Joe Mecca.

In a Wessex Wire survey of 50 West

Essex students that asked the question, reading his conversations, nor should he “Would you be okay if your parents moni- be okay with it,” said EllenAtkins, mother tored your online conversations in order of junior Dan Atkins. “If someone did to protect your safety,” 100 percent of something like that to me, I would see it students said that they would not be okay as a sign of blatant disrespect.” with it. However, parents like Miller seem In an attempt to filter what her child is to think approval from their children is exposed to, one West Essex parent who irrelevant. also wishes to remain anonymous so that “Of course my son wouldn’t want me she does not embarrass her son says she to read his conversations, but I would be “uses parental controls to prohibit doing it for his own good,” she said. websites that contain pornographic maThe underlying question regarding the terial and vulgar language.” She believes ethical part of centhat these consorship is not trols are reason“I would not expect my son to be okay whether it protects able as they “do with me reading his conversations, nor should he be okay with it. If someone kids from viewing not intrude on did something like that to me, I would inappropriate ma[her] son’s prisee it as a sign of blatant disrespect.” terial, but whether vacy.”

- Ellen Atkins, mother of junior Dan Atkins or not parents can Other parents monitor their chiltake censorship dren so much that it constitutes invasion to a more extreme level. “I use a proof privacy, according to junior Chelsey gram that will highlight any words that are Etkin. considered inappropriate,” said one West “I know that if I found out my parents Essex parent who also wishes that her were reading my online conversations, I name be withheld. “The program saves would lose a lot of trust in them,” said these comments in a folder under my Etkin. “A teenager deserves a certain username.” amount of privacy and they cannot get Roseland-based psychologist Andrew that privacy if their parents are reading Evangelista believes that, “parental centheir every word,” she added. sorship, more often than not, can be exSome parents agree with Etkin. “I would tremely dangerous to a teenager.” not expect my son to be okay with me “Trust can be ruined if parents do not

give their kids some space. If a kid does not trust his or her parent, it can lead to numerous other problems within the relationship,” said Evangelista.

These problems include rebellious behavior, increased stress which can lead to physical health problems, and depression, according to Evangelista.

Police officers at the February 8 assembly had three objectives: to inform parents about the dangers of an internet predator, how to prevent someone from violating their child’s privacy, and what a person should do if someone violates their child’s privacy, according to North Caldwell police Captain Steve Gallagher’s secretary.

Duringtheassembly“nospecificwebsites were discussed,” but parents were told that internet predators can most often be found in “chat rooms, through email, and anything else that involves peer to peer communication,” according to Gallagher’s secretary.

Parents were also informed as to what interactions can be considered dangerous.

“When the person feels uncomfortable with the language the predator uses or when the predator asks a personal question, specifically involving location or what the potential victim looks like, that’s when an internet relationship is considered ‘dangerous’,” according to Gallagher’s secretary.

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Juniors continue parking in senior lot despite warnings

by Mark Cassera ‘07

A count of cars on any given day reveals that more than the correct amount of students issued permits park in the student parking lot.

“I’ve driven to school every day and occasionally kids park in spots that aren’t theirs,” said senior Doug

get out, and when we came out after school was over, there was a flyer on his windshield [saying that] if he was caught again, his car would be towed.”

Students began parking because there were hardly any penalties for being caught parking around campus, according to junior Tom Grossi.

“You could park and continue to get

said.

Junior Ted Abbott had been parking at an office building near the school. “My friends and I parked and walked up the hill every morning for about a month or two,” said Abbott. “More and more people began parking there, and eventually, the school announced that anyone caught park-

Students began parking because there were hardly any penalties for being caught parking around campus, according to junior Tom Grossi. “You could park and continue to get caught, and they wouldn’t even tow you like they said they would,” said Grossi.

Mead. “I see numerous juniors walking into school every day from their cars in the parking lot. Sometimes when I come in late or miss a day of school, my spot has been taken over by an unknown car,” Mead added, explaining that “a new car is parked in front of me and to the right of me every day.”

All students who park in the parking lot are supposed to have a blue sticker for the first semester and a red one for the second semester, but the recent count also revealed that about 25 percent of the cars did not display a parking sticker at all.

“Students have parked all over all year,” said junior Matt Collins. “I was driven by my friend for probably about three to four months, and we parked in open teachers’ spots,” Collins added. “We continued to park until one day a teacher saw us

caught, and they wouldn’t even tow you like they said they would,” said Grossi. “I was parking until I heard that if we were caught, we would not be able to obtain [parking] next year,” he added.

Many students need parking so they can get to their jobs or get home at a reasonable hour, and that is one of the reasons why they are taking the risk of being towed.

“I chose to park on campus because my bus ride is ridiculously long,” said junior Janelle Romandetto. “Sometimes I won’t get home until 3:10,” added Romandetto, who stopped parking when administrators threatened to take her parking away next year.

“If I have something to do after school like work, or a sport, I won’t have time to go home and get my car, so I need to park,” she

ing there would be towed.”

When school administrators found out that students were parking in company parking lots down by the office buildings, it became a liability issue for the companies, and administrators were notified to make an announcement relating to the illegal parking, according to former Vice Principal and current hall monitor Paul D’Ascensio.

An employee at 180 Passaic Avenue had previously told the Wire in a story published in April 2004 that owners of the business were concerned that liability might fall on them if a student walking up the steep hill were to get hurt.

Former Vice Principal Darren Groh indicated in the April 2004 issue that the administration was “not liable for the cars in that parking lot” on Passaic Avenue. Stu-

dents had been parking in the company lot at 180 Passaic Avenue for some time when police issued warnings to those seniors. On that same day, school officials took disciplinary actions against students caught walking up the hill.

Groh, at the time, admitted that the school has no “jurisdiction” over students who park in the company lots unless the students “choose to walk up the hill.”

T h a t ’s w h e n i t b e c o m e s t h e school’s “problem,” according to Groh.* D’Ascensio now addresses problems relating to parking in the senior and teacher parking lots.

“Records at the office are used to record license plates, and the makes of cars that are parking illegally, so that if it becomes persistent they can be towed,” said D’Ascensio.

“I get occasional complaints from students and teachers about someone parking in their spot, and I will go out and check the parking log sheets to see if they are illegally parked,” said D’Ascensio. “If so, I will leave a sticker under their windshield stating if they are caught again they will be towed,” he added.

A count of cars on any given day showed that on average, of the 108 true lined spots, about 99 were used daily. Of the 99 students who parked, only 24 cars had a studentparking sticker visibly displayed on a window. *As reported in the Wessex Wire story “Liability prompts notification of police over illegal parking” by Marissa Grossman in April 2004.

Six math teachers leave in “unlucky” year for Wessex

by Jared Prince ‘07

Not one, not two, not three, not four, not five, but six math teachers have taught the Calculus BC and Geometry B class this school year. Ms. Cheryl Best, Director of Math, Science, Business and Technology, attributes this problem to the fact that “math teachers are the hardest kind of teachers to find.”

In recent years, colleges have not been graduating as many math teachers as other subjects, according to Best who mentioned that, instead, many math teachers come through the Alternate Route Program, which is basically an “on the job training,” according to Best; therefore, they have no prior experience.

In fact, the latest teacher to leave the position, Mr. James Janakat, came through the Alternate Route Program; however, he did not work out, according to Best who described the circumstances of this year in hiring someone for that math position as “unlucky.”

The original teacher whom the school hired this year, Dr. Lillian Labowski, chose to leave at the end of the first marking period after having previously worked as a college professor.

After Labowski left, “two wonderful retired long

term substitutes” took over for a while, Mrs. Marilyn Milano, a former West Essex teacher, and Mr. Henry Smith. Both filled in as temporary teachers until the administration chose to hire Janakat whose contract the Board of Education then terminated as of March 19.

Currently, Ms. Sue Sierpowski is teaching the class and is doing an “extraordinary job,” according to Best.

“I think the students have handled it well and [that they] understand that it’s been an unfortunately, long series of events,” said Best.

However, despite Best’s comments that this year “could have been a lot worse,” students such as junior Jason Plawner are irritated by the situation especially since the Board of Education last year fired Mr. Leo Caporale, affectionately known to students as “Caps,” a teacher whom students “loved,” according to Plawner.

Instead, the administration hired one teacher who chose to leave and another whom the Board fired. “I don’t understand it. Maybe someone should tell [administrators] that they should have listened to us when we told them not to let ‘Caps’ go,” said Plawner.

“The school brought this [current problem] upon itself,” added Plawner, who admitted that he was not

surprised by this year’s succession of math teachers.

Although Plawner believes that the problem this year is a direct result of Caporale’s dismissal, it became compounded when BC Calculus and Honors PreCalculus teacher Lora Santucci resigned to take a position at Morris Hills High School. That’s the position which administrators have had a hard time filling.

Still, students have not forgotten Caporale, and the image of “the great Caps,” is as vivid to students this year as much as last year, according to junior John Baab.

“Not only did he teach us math, but he [also] taught us life lessons,” said Baab. “He always would tell the class that every problem has an answer, whether it is in the classroom or in a real life situation,” Baab added.

Caporale made students feel important and comfortable in the classroom environment, according to junior Jason Mariscal. “If there was ever a time when a student didn’t understand something, [Caporale] would keep going until he made sure he/she understood the topic fully,” added Mariscal. (continued on page 6)

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EXCLUSIVE WIRE INTERVIEW

The right to free speech: While many Americans regard the right to free speech as the “greatest liberty,” others cannot accept that there may be opinions contrary to their own, according to Marissa Arvidson, a senior at Parsippany High School who participated in the now nationally reported mock trial of President George W. Bush.

“Once people come into conflict with opinions they don’t share or [which they] condemn, they want it stifled, and [they] immediately criticize and condemn it,” said Arvidson.

“Our Constitution demands that all persons are entitled to a fair trial with the presumptions that they are innocent until proven guilty,” said Arvidson, who’s role in the trial was a defense attorney for President Bush.

In her AP Government and Politics class, Arvidson and her classmates tried Bush for “crimes against civilian populations” and “inhumane treatment of prisoners.”

The trial caused a heated debate among members of the Parsippany Board of Education and the Freeholders of Morris County when it received national attention.

“We expected negativity, but I never thought we would have received negative responses from all over the country led by popular news anchors and even local politicians,” said Arvidson. “I really thought it was unwarranted,” she added.

Arvidson, however, agreed to an interview with the Wessex Wire during which she elaborated on the following specifics of the trial and her impressions of the experience.

Arvidson also provided the Wire with copies of letters she wrote to local newspapers, Freeholders, and the Parsippany Board of Education. These passages are marked with an asterisk.

by Mike Shanker ‘07 Wessex Wire: When you realized that the trial against President Bush in your AP history class had received national attention, what did you think?

Marissa Arvidson: Well, it was actually so sudden and crazy that I don’t even remember when it did make national news. Never had we intended to receive local, let alone national media attention.* What I remember was that my co-defense attorney, Kevin, was going on the Rush Limbaugh show to talk about the assignment. I didn’t even realize until then that people even knew about it, because our intention was to keep it on the down low so as to prevent the negative attention we did not want.

by our President and, therefore, our troops abroad. We wanted to discover the truth for ourselves, without relying on the media and groups with political agendas. So we did the necessary research, which was extensive, and found witnesses on conflicting sides to somehow come to the truth. In addition to learning about various witnesses and charges, we were able to ask why these controversial things like torture were happening within the American military.* From the evidence we found, we drew conclusions and formulated our arguments. And by conducting this hearing, we really learned so much about this topic and could easily debate with the best of debaters about the circumstances.

even a society. Sometimes crime is necessary to prevent something worse.

WW: Do you consider any of the supposed crimes to have been for the betterment of society or to prevent something worse from happening?

MA: I find torture to be an ambiguous subject.

It is absolutely considered against international law; however, I find it hard to sympathize with known terrorists who would gladly kill me and my family for no reason at all. And the murder does not stop there. If forcing information out of one immoral, suicidal, and murderous prisoner will save the lives of countless civilians, then by all means do it. Personally, I love the WW: What was the goal in conducting the WW: What did you believe regarding Presi- show 24, and every week I see Jack (the main dent Bush’s responsibility, guilt, or inno- character) “forcing” information out of suspects trial? cence prior to the onset of the trial? who know information that will save innocents.

I think it is necessary and perfectly moral. But MA: The goal was to learn. In the news and the media we had heard, as a class, some allega- MA: Here’s the thing… our Constitution de- on the other hand, in this war on terror, terrortions from groups, both national and interna- mands that all persons are entitled to a fair trial ists will suffer torture until death for the sake of tional, that international law was being broken with the presumptions that they are innocent until their cause. It might just be wasted energy to proven guilty. By listening to risk breaking international law and torture these the media and other sources kinds of prisoners. [who] really lack facts, a lot of people become swayed and WW: In the learning process, what did you predisposed to formulate an learn about your classmates’ opinions, and opinion, often baseless. Per- what did you think of their opinions? sonally, I wanted so badly to believe our President and our MA: I respect the opinions of my classmates, country was in no way guilty and although many times I disagree with someof such atrocities. Unfortu- one, I still respect their views and would never nately, people hear war crimes think of criticizing them. We have people who and they go crazy, immediately [fall] everywhere on the political spectrum, and thinking of Adolph Hitler and with our teacher’s help and guidance, we are Saddam Hussein. But a war encouraged to voice our opinions and defend crime, just like any other them against censure from classmates and crime, can be as simple as jay- peers. walking or running a red light.

Students in Joseph Kyle’s AP Government class addressed the And sometimes crimes are WW: Based on the arguments during the Parsippany Board of Education to defend their teacher, their committed for the betterment trial, what did you discover about your class assignment, and their right to free speech. photo courtesy of dailyrecord.com of a family, a community, or mates and community members?

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EXCLUSIVE WIRE INTERVIEW

not just a classroom exercise MA: Before this craziness I had already respected my classmates’ intelligence, ethics, and hard work, but during and after the trial I saw their absolute poise, integrity, and guts. I have to say, I was impressed. Some of our community members censured our academic exercise and failed to really learn about what was actually going on. I was disappointed by their reproach, but after we had explained in full at the school board meeting, we received apologies and even congratulations on our performances. We can’t win over everyone because people have conflicting opinions and that is their right. There were also a lot of supporters who wrote to our school, our teacher, and our local government. It was greatly appreciated and knowing that there were many people who supported us really made a difference.

WW: What did you as (prosecutor or defense attorney, etc.) come to believe as you prosecuted and/or defended President Bush for crimes against civilian populations and inhumane treatment of prisoners? Did anything change your mind?

MA: As a defense attorney, I learned so much.

WW: The Daily Record reported that the outcome of the trial is being kept secret.

What do you think would happen if you announced the verdict? Why not announce the verdict and allow the critical discussions which could ensue to fuel further critical analysis and debate?

WW: What have you observed regarding your peers’ opinions on the appropriateness of

MA: The verdict is essentially

unimportant. We did this trial for ourselves, not our community and, most definitely, not to incite a national debate. It was a learning exercise targeted solely to excite seniors and make them actually want to participate and from that participation, learn. Who knows what the verdict would have been? I am not a juror, and I am clearly biased because of my assignment.

Whether we issue a verdict or not, the debate has already been incited and critical discussions and analysis have already been launched. A ver-

We took a national and international issue and chose to have a very lawful and fair debate to analyze both sides. Analyzing the facts, questioning what we are told, and presenting opposing sides of an argument is [in] no way criticism. It was a learning exercise, not a Bush-bashing...as students it is our duty to ask questions.

At the end of the trial, both the Defense Attorneys and Prosecutors had presented their sides so well. But in my opinion, there was just a lack of evidence to really achieve a conviction for the President. I don’t doubt that torture happens, but as I argued during the case, they seem to be isolated instances that have warranted punishment. As for crimes against civilian populations, I think mistakes happen. Because this is such an unconventional war, with terrorists hiding themselves in the civilian populations and denying their identities, mistakes are bound to happen, but they are mistakes.

This has no effect on our rights to free speech because we already exercised our rights to free speech by discussing this case.

dict is only an opinion of a few. Everyone should form their own opinions, based on facts and not hearsay.

WW: How do you think that your free speech rights are being affected by not allowing the outcome of the trial to be announced?

MA: Let’s just say no one can infringe on our rights to free speech. As a class, we decided to not issue a verdict… pretty democratic I think.

criticizing the President (or any other elected official) for policy decisions and other actions taken during wartime?

MA: I don’t like how you say “criticizing the President.” That is not what we did. We took a national and international issue and chose to have a very lawful and fair debate/hearing to analyze both sides. Analyzing the facts, questioning what we are told, and presenting opposing sides of an argument is [in] no way criticism. It was a learning exercise, not a Bush bashing. And in no way did we present it like that. [We were only] asking the right questions.

No one remembers that as students it is our duty to ask questions, especially as students in AP Government and Politics.* WW: What did you learn from the assignment/trial?

MA: I learned that a mock trial or mock hearing is the perfect way to excite students to actually work hard and learn. I loved this assignment and was actually excited to go to school and participate in it. I’m proud of the work we did as a class and will never forget the attention we received.

WW: What have you discovered about our civil liberties in this country at this point in time?

MA: Our liberties exist. However, just because they exist does not mean that they won’t be censured. Everyone likes to believe in our freedom of speech and value it as our greatest liberty, but once a person comes into conflict with an opinion they don’t share or condemn, they want it stifled and [they] immediately criticize and condemn it. We learned this by acting upon our freedoms of speech during this exercise. We were torn apart by the media and our community for simply acting upon our own liberties.

People need to realize that we are all entitled to our own opinions, and just because you might not agree does not mean they are wrong or inconceivable.

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West Essex students fear for relatives in Iraq (continued from page 1)

When they are able to talk on the phone for about 10-15 minutes per week, his daughter is “very positive and upbeat.”

However, “the phones [in Iraq] are strictly monitored,” and the soldiers are encouraged to sound “positive,” added E. Rasmussen. “They can’t give out any information about where they are and what they’re doing.”

Yet, soldiers still find ways to communicate what is going on in Iraq. During one conversation, Private Gaale told her father to read into what she was saying.

“We went fishing today and we caught a

During one conversation, Private Gaale told her father to read into what she was saying. “We went fishing today and we caught a lot of fish,” said Gaale.

added, “my sister means the world to me, granted a leave for two weeks this upFor the first few days that J. Oliviero and I could never get over the loss of her.” coming June in order to attend her But, Gaale is lucky enough to be in the younger brother’s Eagle Scout inaugu- was back in the United States, “[he] was a little reserved, quiet, and jumpy,” acration.

But Gaale’s presence is cording to his mother. “He loosened back greatly missed by her up after a few days and was back to his younger brother. “I never get old self,” she added. He did relay some to see her, and I miss her so stories of scary experiences he endured.

Although the Marines offer all troops much,” said D. Rasmussen.

Although E. post war psychiatric help, Corporal Rasmussen has not seen his Oliviero has not participated in the prodaughter since she left for grams, and his mother attributes his relaIraq, the Olivieros have seen tive ease in readjusting to regular life to the “mandatory two-day post-traumatic Jeffrey.

“When he returned he stress workshops that he attended.”

“I noticed definite changes in Jeff’s perlooked like a deer caught in sonality when he came back from Iraq,” headlights,” said M. Oliviero. photo courtesy of M. Oliviero “He spent seven months in a said Schiffenhaus. “He was hesitant to In February 2005, Corporal Oliviero spent his final days before his first deployment land of high temperatures, no talk about it and was definitely shocked outside world, no social life, from the experience,” he later added. with his mother (far left) and sister (far right) at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

“I am nervous for him everyday,” said no alcohol, no [amenities].

Schiffenhaus, because “his life is in consame company as her husband Jeremy.

Landing back in the United States was lot of fish,” said Gaale. That night, E. “The military goes out of [its] way to get surreal and something the Marines train stant danger.” He later added, “I’m alRasmussen saw a news report about a large firefight in Baghdad where his husbands and wives in the same company themselves to forget about while over- ways thinking about what he’s going through and appreciate why he’s there.” so they can be at the same station on the seas,” she added. daughter was stationed.

Although “a very proud father of a mili- same base,” said E. Rasmussen. “They tary person,” E. Rasmussen is also “very are in different platoons, so they don’t go NEWSBYTES scared of being the father of a military on the same missions,” E. Rasmussen added. person.”

Devisser recognized Sophomore class to The couple was “somewhat apprehenAnd D. Rasmussen experiences the by fellow teachers hold tricky tray in April same fears as his father. “I try not to show sive before landing in Baghdad in FebruMath teacher Barbara Devisser The sophomore class will hold my nervousness for her in school or in ary, but they looked forward to putting all has been awarded the Governor’s a Tricky Tray fund-raiser to raise front of other people, but I pray for her a their training to use and trying to do some Teacher Recognition Award for the money for their class fund. The lot,” the junior said. “I try to think of the good with it,” E. Rasmussen said.

Senior High School. The award is a money raised will be used toMrs. Gaale will not return to the United good things: her coming home safely and great honor because the recipients fel- ward events for the Class of the happiness in that,” D. Rasmussen States until April 2007, unless she is low teachers choose the winner each 2008. The Tricky Tray begins at year. The Governor’s Teacher Rec- 12 noon on Sunday, April 30 at ognition Award recognizes a teacher the Junior High School. Students who exhibits outstanding perfor- and their families are welcome to mance. Devisser has been teaching attend and support the Class of at the West Essex District for 26 2008. (continued from page 3) issue of the Wessex Wire, the Caps years, 25 of those years in the SeCaporale never tried to rush any- controversy caused mass confusion on nior High School and one in the Jun- Student art displayed one and would postpone tests if nec- April 12 of last year. ior High School. She received a B.S. at Paper Mill Playhouse essary to benefit students who conAs many as 40-50 angry students in Mathematics Education from sidered his approach to work in their walked out during period 7, as they The artwork of seven West EsMontclair State University and a favor. He made sure that his students were appalled by the board’s decision sex students will be displayed in Masters of Educational Technology. learned the material completely and to let go Caporale right before he would the Renee Foosaner Art Gallery had a full understanding before being have gotten his tenure, according to the Chalk Walk team earns at Paper Mill Playhouse in tested, according to Plawner.

North Caldwell Police Department,. second place at Rockaway Millburn. The gallery is a presti“Most teachers wouldn’t even think Although the walk out did not ultigious juried exhibition that is of doing that, but not Caps, which I mately help the situation, students inThe Chalkwalk Team won second open to all Essex County high think makes him all the more special,” volved felt strongly that making a stateplace at the annual Chalkwalk com- school students. The students atadded Plawner. Having protested the ment was necessary at that time, acpetition at Rockaway Mall. This year, tended an opening night recepfiring of Caporale last year, Plawner cording to Tomsey’s story. team members based the title of their tion and will have their work disbelieves that the Board of Education Therecentdifficultyinholdingontomath mural “The Power of One,” on a played in the gallery through the made a “huge mistake” in letting teachers is just another reminder to stubook by Bryce Courtenay of the play’s run of A Midsummer’s Caporale go. dents, according to Plawner, that when same name. Fourteen West Essex art Nights Dream (April 19 – May Marked by disruptive “chanting” teachers who want to work at West Essex students competed against 22 area 21). and “banging on lockers,” according make a difference in students’ lives, they high schools. Rockaway Mall disto Jen Tomsey’s story in the May 2005 should be allowed to stay.

-- by Helen Wang ‘07 played the winning mural for a week.

Students miss “Caps”

In this section: Senior, not junior, parking....................7 Does it bother you that........................8 Applause and Flaws............................8 STAFF EDITORIAL

Senior parking: there’s a reason it’s given that name The term “senior parking” should be a clue to juniors that the spots reserved for parking are for seniors only. In past years, seniors had enjoyed at least one other privilege, the senior lounge, which is now gone. Instead, this year’s senior memories will include exposed wires, rodents in classrooms, and mostly cold lunches because no working kitchen has been completed.

Everyone imagines a great senior year, but the only thing that makes this year special for seniors is the fact that they can drive to school instead of taking the bus. That’s why it’s unfair that juniors are taking senior parking spots.

The excitement felt by juniors who are old enough to drive and park at school is understandable, but juniors must respect the fact that parking is for seniors only. They will have to wait their chance to drive to school next year.

For seniors, coming to school and finding cars that belong to juniors in their spots may even get them into trouble. If their parking spot is taken, seniors have to wait for the other seniors It would be understandable for juniors to ask to park to see if there are any open spots, which for spots if the school didn’t provide a means could make them late to homeroom. of transportation to and from school, but buses

pick students up practically at their front doors.

Mark Cassera’s story “Juniors continue parking in senior lot despite warnings” mentions that he has counted nine additional open spots, which could be given to juniors; however, these spots should rightly be given to seniors since out of 225 senior students, only 118 have been given parking privileges. That means that around 48 % of the senior class doesn’t have a place to park in the morning.

Since only 24 out of the 99 parked cars had a student parking sticker on their window, the last time Cassera checked, seniors should certainly make sure that they display their sticker so that those who park without permission may be more easily identified.

Students who are juniors this year are not going to want to be in the same position as this year’s seniors. This year is almost over and juniors, who will be seniors next year, will actually be eligible and able to park next year.

But now they need to set an example for sophomores who will be juniors next year, because the spots that are here for them today as juniors may be gone for them tomorrow when they’re seniors.

STAFF EDITORIAL

“Be nice to each other” girls, he just “isn’t worth it” Simmons’ presentation disappointed, but her message is “extremely significant” Guest speaker Rachel Simmons may have entered the West Essex auditorium hoping to change the attitudes of the girls of the school.

She undoubtedly had wished to create a sense of awareness among members of the female student body: girls can be extremely hurtful to each other and should be more considerate of each other’s feelings.

Her “hypothetical” situations struck close to home at every instance: every girl at the school has at some point experienced the cattiness of which Simmons spoke.

However, she ultimately did not accomplish her goal. While at first it seemed that she could have, her meaningful speech became condescending; in a “Valley Girl” accent, Simmons actually stereotyped every teenage girl to be an incompetent mess.

After the assembly, I overheard a few girls discussing Simmons’ lecture. They had said that “if she were not so patronizing, I might have listened.” To be honest, I could not have worded it better.

This realization was a shame, be-

cause her message was extremely significant. Too often I have seen girls at West Essex judge one another without actually knowing anything about the other girl. Recently, a close friend received several blocked calls from a girl who called her a “slut” because she had hooked up with a boy the caller had liked.

The scariest part of this situation

cattiness is written in a female’s genetic code. I will not accept that as teenage girls, we are programmed to be mean to each other just to get what we want.

Competition between girls has reached an all-time high. The New York Times recently published an article, “To All the Girls I have Rejected,” concerning the number of female versus male applicants to

“I would absolutely love to fight like a boy, just once. It would feel great to just punch a girl I’m in a fight with and call it a day.” is that I highly doubt anyone could guess the identities of any party in this story. It is far too commonplace that I’m sure multitudes of people could fit into each role.

Why aren’t we nice to each other?

What happened to the days when we had girls-only birthday parties and were all best friends? I’m certainly not naive, but I’m sorry that I simply do not accept that

college. Turns out that there are a great deal more female applicants and in an attempt to maintain a 50/50 male-female ratio, more women are being turned away from college.

This is, of course, not to imply that our competitiveness is mainly academic. If such was the case, it would be much better: we would have more legitimate things to fight

for, since education is more important than what we actually do fight over: boys.

I do not see them fighting over us in the same way. When two close friends like the same girl, they settle their issues with each other first. I have rarely encountered a situation in which two boys spread rumors about each other, get other boys to take sides, and then proceed to socially battle with each other until one caves and apologizes.

Although being a girl definitely has its perks, (i.e.: not having to shave our faces), we need to fight more like boys. I would absolutely love to fight like a boy, just once.

It would feel great to just punch a girl I’m in a fight with and call it a day. Instead, we just set out to make each other miserable to pay for our crimes against femininity.

Girls: Consider this a call for change, a request for a new practice. Let’s be nice to each other.

We all know how cute the boy is, but at the end of the day, he is an immature jerk that isn’t worth it.

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STAFF EDITORIAL

School needs to appreciate work of network administrators When the value of staff members at a school is measured, a natural order of importance is unconsciously assigned to each profession.As a result, some degree of appreciation is assigned to the teachers, secretaries, administration, maintenance staff, and food service staff. But one group, comprised of two men who provide technology support at the senior high, go completely unnoticed.

Consider a typical day at West Essex: a student arrives at school and goes to

homeroom. During first period, he or she might log on to use the computer to look up information for a project. Third period, a class goes to the library to research articles on Gale Net. Seventh period, a student checks his or her West Essex mail for an email from a teacher. Ninth period, it’s time to finish up the Power Point project due the next day.

WithoutthetimeandeffortofJasonPeckis and Justin Stolfi, two men who work in the Network Control Center (NCC), it would

Does it bother you that...

by Benjamin Chase Elberg, ‘06

West Essex now has its own smoking section? Yes, it’s true. The students, themselves, have designated both the boys’ and girls’ bathrooms as “smoking sections.”

For the handful of West Essex students who feel it absolutely necessary and imperative to smoke cigarettes during the seven hour school day, these smoking sections are just one more perk in a school that offers so many other benefits to students.

The bathrooms even have complimentary big white oval ashtrays that are low to the ground and that can accommodate tons of cigarette butts. As an added safety feature, these oversized receptacles are filled with water to ensure that cigarettes are extinguished as soon as they are dropped. But the most convenient feature of the ashtray, aside from the lip around the basin that students use to put out their cigarette butts, is the self cleaning system. Once users push a lever, all of the old butts get flushed away, and the receptacles fill with fresh water.

Also, for those who LOVE the aroma of cigarette smoke which not only fills the space but also permeates clothing, the new smoking sections can actually help students save money on cologne and perfume. They may now simply walk into a West Essex smoking room and come out doused in a fragrance, not to mention a habit, that doesn’t quit.

For those who still smoke in the parking lot before and after school, the all inclusive bathrooms designated for smoking mean that now they don’t have to wait one entire school day to smoke. No more sitting in class and craving a cigarette.

Unlike the construction which is at a standstill, the smoking sections, although not formally inaugurated by administrators, are up, running, and more accessible than ever.

Although as of April 15, smoking is no longer allowed in restaurants, bars, or bowling alleys in the state of New Jersey, luckily, for West Essex smokers, both Atlantic City Casinos and the West Essex bathrooms are still cigarette-friendly.

APPLAUSE AND FLAWS Applause: *To seniors finally being done with the college process *To the “people’s champion” Robbie Pordon for winning the first annual West Essex Ping Pong Tournament *To the wonderful cast of Damn Yankees. You guys did a great job. *To the juniors who took their SATs and ACTs *To Mr. Feldt for actively participating in the ping pong tournament *To the newly elected Peer Leaders *To spring break being extra long this year Flaws: *To the conditions that allow rats to infest our school *To senior service for not being here yet! *To the walkway in front of the main entrance that keeps us so dry when it rains *To whatever it is in this school that is making EVERYBODY sick *To seniors who no longer work at all *To the dirt filled potholes turning into mudholes when it rains -compiled by the Wire staff

be nearly impossible to access the computers that make the lives of West Essex students and teachers much easier. They are the first people to hear about computer problems, however, and the last to receive appreciation for troubleshooting them.

Now, in order to recognize the accomplishmentsofindividualsinparticularcareers, Americans assign certain days of the year to honor these people and the work they do.

ConsideraNationalWaitresses/WaitersDay, National Public Employees Appreciation Day, Inventor’s Day, andAccountant’s Day, along with many others.April 26 is National Secretary’s Day.The second Tuesday of the month, this year, May 9, is National Teacher’s Day. National Nurses Day is May 6.

The assignment of each day to a professioniscertainlyanobjectiveprocedure.Who decides what professions deserve a holiday?

How is importance ranked? What would happen if the entire network crashed?Would West Essex be able to function?

This winter, the server crashed, just before deadline for the February issue of the Wessex Wire. It is safe to say that without Peckis and Stolfi, the newspaper would not have come out as scheduled.

Countless times in classrooms, in the library, and in computer labs, problems arise, and within minutes, Peckis and Stolfi are on the job. Known only as “the computer guys,” they provide assistance to everyone at West

Essex but are not visible the way other faculty and staff members are.

They work in a virtually overlooked office: that nondescript door next to the library that no one goes into or comes out of. But when there’s a Westex domain problem or internet failure, every one knows who to call.

In a school system bogged down with so much disruption: teachers who leave after 3 years or less, a construction company that essentially leaves the school unfinished, administrators who are hired for jobs and leave after two months, it is refreshing to see that Stolfi and Peckis care about what they do and can always be relied upon to be there.

Imagine what would happen if Stolfi and Peckis didn’t approach their daily tasks as they do. Students might never log on and teachers might never be able to access files needed for classes. The dedication and level of service that these two employees provide to students is unparalleled. Who at West Essex would ever be willing to forgo a date to stay and fix a server so that a bunch of high school kids could get out a high school newspaper? No one.

Therefore, consider this a call to action, a request to acknowledge two individuals who consistently work hard and long hours to ensure that learning at West Essex goes as smoothly as possible. Perhaps next year, the calendar will even boast a new holiday: “National Network Administrators Day.”

The Official Student Newspaper of West Essex High School A Columbia Scholastic Press Association Silver Crown, Gold Medalist Paper GSSPA First Place New Jersey Distinguished Journalism Award 65 West Greenbrook Road, North Caldwell, New Jersey 07006 (973) 228-1200 ext. 258 2005-2006 STAFF:

Editors-in-Chief Marissa Grossman, ‘06 Jon Kartus, ‘06 Jen Tomsey, ‘06 News Editor Marissa Grossman, ‘06 Opinion Editor Jon Kartus, '06 Feature Editor Jen Tomsey, '06 Sports Editors Sandra Lucero, ‘07 Katie Rosenberg, ‘07 News Bytes Editor Helen Wang, ‘07

Staff Writers Katrina Albu, ‘06 Jamie Blaustein, ‘07 Mark Cassera, ‘07 Matt Cohn, ‘08 Dan Coplon, ‘07 Dina Costanza, ‘07 Ben Elberg, ‘06 Victor Fonseca, ‘07 Sam Lerner, ‘06 Jeremy Lim, ‘08 JJ McNamara, ‘07 Steve Monin, ‘07 Amanda Nichols, ‘08 Jared Prince, ‘07 Kristen Ricigliano, ‘07 Michael Shanker, ‘07 Danielle Stefanelli, ‘06 Jack Vidovich, ‘08

Copy Editor Laurie Mittelmann, ‘07

Advisor Tina Lane

Wire Editorial Policy The national award winning Wessex Wire is published with supplemental updates to inform, educate, and entertain the student body, faculty, and community. Unsigned editorials are the consensus opinion of the editorial board and do not always reflect the views of the advisor, staff, administration, and/or board of education. Signed editorials reflect the view of the person whose name appears in the byline.

The Wire serves as a forum for the free expression of ideas and opinions of students, staff, and community members.

We urge readers to write letters to the editor on pertinent matters of concern. Letters must be signed; however, anonymity will be granted if necessary upon request. Members of the editorial board reserve the right to edit all letters to the editor for length or libelous content.

Students, faculty, or members of the community with an interesting experience or strong opinion on any subject are also encouraged to write or contact the Wire.

In this section: Spring fashion report.............................................11 A West Essex love story: nine years later...........15 Damn Yankees photo finish......................................16

Damn Yankees a grand slam hit

by Jeremy Lim ‘07 Damn Yankees not only hit one right out of the ballpark, but also landed a home run on stage with both rookie pinch-hitting and grizzled veteran savvy.

Written by George Wallop and Douglas Abbott, this story of realizing and leaving behind childhood dreams, and finding out what is truly important, exploded onto the stage with enthusiasm, right from the opening pitch to the final run home.

For six months out of every year real estate agent JoeBoyd (Richard Mastrangelo) is married to the Wa s h i n g t o n Senators, at the expense of his faithful but exasperated wife Meg (Michelle Lupo). Year after year the hapless Senators are bedeviled by those damn Yankees, to Joe’s frustration.

The devil himself, the shadowy Mr. Applegate (Joey Giordano), offers Joe the chance for baseball stardom- at a price.

Transformed into star Joe Hardy (Jeff Mastrangelo), he powers the Senators to the top, but realizes that he’s lost the only person who really means anything to him.

Complications arise, however, when the seductive Lola (Sabrina Anton) enters the picture to coerce Joe into keeping his deal with the devil.

Father and son duo Richard and Jeff Mastrangelo both played star Joe at a pitch perfect level. In a stroke of fortuitous casting, the two managed to pull off the doubleswitch with familial ease.

Michelle Lupo gave an understated but powerful performance as Joe’s faithful wife Meg, who doesn’t understand her husband’s obsession with baseball, but loves him anyway.

Senior Sabrina Anton sizzled in her final Masquers production as the seductive Lola. And sophomore Joey Giordano stole every scene he appeared in as the alternately charming, funny, and despicable Mr. Applegate, who pretends to go to bat for Joe in exchange for the hero’s soul.

(Above) An ad of Joe Hardy (Jeff Mastrangelo)

by Dayaamayi Kurimella and John Atura.

(Left) Meg (Michelle Lupo) and the young Joe Hardy sing a song.

(Below) Lola (Sabrina Anton) is flanked by Joe Hardy (left) and the devil (right, Joey Giordano).

A pleasantly surprising supporting player who emerged from the bullpen, junior JJ McNamara came way out of leftfield in only his second Masquers production, singing, dancing and acting like a seasoned major-league ace.

McNamara and the rest of the Washington Senators brought the crowd to its feet cheering during their rendition of “The Game” an irreverent take on ballplayers’ relationships.

Role players David Grau, Nick Vidovich, and Jared Shababb provided solid relief for the stars as the lovable Washington Senators.

Lena Chuzhin and Mike Viteritto come out swinging as mischievous journalist Gloria Thorpe and gruff team owner Welch, respectively.

The set design by John Atura and Lee Oberg captured the nostalgic atmosphere of a 1950s style retro setting- from Griffith Stadium to

Meg Boyd’s quaint little kitchen. A consistent pit orchestra supplemented a bouncy and animated musical score, while the choreography by Linda Grancagnolo never made a single misstep.

Musical highlights included Anton and Mastrangelo’s moving “Two Lost Souls,” and Giordano’s hilarious (if politically incorrect) rendition of “Those Were the Good Old Days.” All aspects of production were handled by producer and mu-

sical director John Boronow, who like any great team manager made all the right signals at all the right times.

A charming combination of teamwork, chemistry, and passion, the cast and crew of Damn Yankees gave a pennant winning performance from top to bottom. A game changing moment of the play was the uplifting “You’ve Gotta Have Heart.” And Damn Yankees has plenty of it.

*FOR ADDITIONAL PHOTOS TURN TO PAGE 16*

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feature

For juniors, prioritizing key to reducing stress hockey, it’s easy to keep my mind off of the stress of applying to college.”

Junior Kait Chicola, like the maAnother “trick,” McClain says, jority of high school students, wor- is to “make time for yourself.” Evries a lot. She worries about mark- eryone needs a little down time, ing period grades, midterms, SATs, etc. She’s just “got a lot going on.”

“The pressure is on to get good grades in school, get a good score on the SATs and do a lot of extracurricular activities in order to get into a good college,” Chicola said.

“I think it’s the pressure from society in general, from me, and as well from my parents to work hard throughout high school,” added Chicola. “I make sure I get all my work done before I go out with my friends. This way I’ll have more fun and have less stress about worrying to get more work done when I get home.”

In fact, learning to prioritize work before having fun is recommended for success according to Julia Connelly, head of the UVA Department of Medicine who works with mostly fulltime students. “Students also must recognize that most high school students are going through the same issues and dealing with the same stress,” she added.

“Perhaps, that will give students the incentive to work.”

But senior Junior McClain has been more proactive in finding ways to deal and it’s important not to be so busy with her stress. “The easiest way that you get behind in your work,” for me to handle stress is to keep she added. busy but not too busy,” said senior McClain advises that students, Julie McClain. “During the fall sea- especially juniors and seniors, prison, as long as I’m playing field oritize their time. “I like getting my

by Dina Costanza ‘07

work done before I go out,” added McClain who believes that it’s just as important as having a good time in high school.

“This way I have nothing to worry about.” McClain makes sure

that she gets “everything done on time” and that she “takes breaks” in an effort to lessen her work load.

“Teenagers always find a way to make time to just be a kid, but

it’s business before pleasure,” according to McClain.

In fact, thirty out of the fifty juniors and seniors surveyed manage their own stress by taking one day at a time. Twenty-five of the fifty students surveyed said they try to prepare for tests a few days in advance as opposed to the night before, because cramming the night before leads to forgetting the information easily by the next day.

“Junior year is really stressful with SAT tutors and balancing a busy schedule, but when it’s senior year and you’re applying to colleges, and you finally get accepted to your choice schools, it’s all worth it in the end,” says Ashley Mensch who will be attending Notre Dame in the fall.

Breaking large projects and papers into small, manageable parts and spreading it over the course of a few days, reduces the stress that most high school students encounter, according to Dr. Michael Farrel, President of a Stress Clinic in Cincinnati.

“However, asking this of teenagers is probably a waste of time,” he added. “Everyone, especially teenagers in high school, have procrastinated at one time or another.” In the long run, students must learn to prioritize their own schedule according to their own work ethic and preferences.

Students, teachers happy with return of Feb. break

by JJ McNamara ‘08 A week break in February promotes “health benefits for students and staff,” according to Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Donald Merachnik.

“I found that both students and staff are healthier and more energized” upon their return, according to Merachnik.

“Many times throughout the winter months both students and staff suffer from respiratory ailments,” he added.

The return of February break can be attributed to the efforts of current West

Essex Education Association (W.E.E.A.) President Tony Janish and former president Marion Wychules.

“I found that both students and staff “They really made it possible,” are healthier and more energized” Merachnik said. upon their return, according to InJanish believes that a “happier and terim Superintendent of Schools Dr. healthier school environment will produce higher academic achievement for Donald Merachnik. both students and staff.”

This year the current West Essex school calendar consists of 185 days.

Tentatively set to consist of 188 days, Janish polled the staff to find out if the idea of the break was a coach,” according to Janish, next year’s cal- they supported the return of February Janish said. The decision then went to endar will now include only three break, and only one staff member op- the Board of Education for approval snow days instead of the previously posed it, according to Janish. and was approved on Monday planned five.

“The one person that was against March 27, 2006.

feature

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STUDENT VOLUNTEER

Volunteering at Summer Project makes junior “better person”

by Jen Tomsey ‘06 She saw him struggling when she walked into the gym. *Jake’s right side was paralyzed, and he had difficulty throwing the scarf in the air and catching it on his arm. *Jake had trouble with hand-eye coordination, he missed every time. Before the class ended, however, he finally caught it and his face lit up as he looked to junior Elizabeth Jung. “Look Ms. Elizabeth, I did it,” he said.

That moment stood out to Jung as the reason for volunteering this past summer at Summer Project, a summer school specializing in working with mentally and physically challenged students. “At that point I was able to see how volunteering paid off,” said Jung.

“He kept trying and never gave up,” added Jung of the boy’s determination. He is one of the many challenged students in the program for whom Jung, along with juniors Kelley Tierney, Kathleen Bui and 2005 graduate Christine Bui, volunteered to work.

In trying to help these students, “I ended up learning,” Jung said.

“They showed me that everyone can make the best out of things no matter what kind of situation [they] are in,” Jung added of the struggles these students face.

“A death in the family” is one of the most difficult “struggles” with which Jung has had to deal. But compared to these students, Jung feels fortunate.

“Their day certainly differs from my day because the things I take for granted or can do with no effort, is a daily struggle for them,” said Jung. “[Tasks] such as tying my shoes, doing my hair, and playing sports” are hard for these students, who either can’t do them at all, or need “our help” to accomplish them.

Jung and the others learned the “hard work” that’s necessary to get these students through activities in order to help them develop motor skills in a fun environment. We “certainly accomplished” the goal to “encourage these kids, [help] develop their social skills, and boost their self-esteem,” according to Jung.

And it wasn’t easy. The learning that went into helping students through activities extended to learning through social interaction with the

students.

“You can never judge people by the way they look,” said Jung of her personal lesson. “You find out they are just like you and me in many other ways,” Jung said, regarding the realization she gained from the experience. “All of them absolutely love to laugh, eat ice cream on a hot day, and love being kids.”

Jung cited the example of being at a baseball game and seeing someone in a wheelchair who “didn’t look average.”

Before volunteering she thought he was “different” at first glance, but after volunteering during the summer, she now knows that he has “likes and dislikes, things that make him happy and things that make him sad,” said Jung. “He is just like you and me.”

“We all grew from this experience because this was a great opportunity for us to work with kids [and] learn about education,” said Jung. “Each child is different, and they teach you to make the best out of problems in life,” Jung added. “[The students] made me feel like a better person for helping them and made me thankful for what I have.”

FASHION REPORT

Bring back the colors and store away the black

by Sam Lerner ‘06 Where to shop and what to buy. Fashions for this spring are ranging from bright and colorful, soft and lacy, to nautically inspired.

So for spring 2006, take a break from cowboy boots for a while.

Although this trend is definitely not out, it is breaking away from its western counterpart and joining together with a softer, more feminine style known as the peasant trend.

Ultra pale pinks, yellows, greens, and blues are now the new colors to wear. Other than the light tones, metallic shades like gold and silver are still popular for shoes and jewelry.

Made popular by hippies in the 60s and 70s, this peasant trend is now being revived by designers Rebecca Beeson, Roberto Cavalli, and Michael Kors.

Even though these designers may be very pricey and out of reach, there’s no need to worry. Local stores like Abercrombie and Fitch, Hollister, Urban Outfitters, and Steve Madden sell these items at more reasonable prices.

A button down white peasant blouse at Urban Outfitters is currently being sold for $20, rather than a similar blouse from Juicy Couture which sells for $100.

If the vintage or retro fashions aren’t for you, and your style is more classic, the newest trend

by Marc Jacobs is nautical.

The sailor look in navy, red, and white falls in line with front buttoned shorts, signature horizontal lined tops, and boat shoes to finish the look.

Even though the nauticals and patterns are the

latest, there’s always room for colored polos and colored chinos.

To buy these items, shop at J.Crew, Hollister, Gap, Banana Republic, and American Eagle.

For those with wilder taste, I’m sorry to say, the studded belts and chains should be stored away until next winter.

Not to worry, you won’t have to wear ribbon belts and bows in your hair; just sport brighter colors and lighter fabrics.

As for what to wear on your feet, the Converse and Vans sneakers can be worn in any color with almost anything, including items from both the classic and peasant trends.

To achieve a more eclectic look, mix together all the different styles you own and form your own spring fashion. With the hottest new item being lace and silk tops, it’s easy to take these basic items and fit them to whatever you’re wearing.

Stores to shop at for this style are Hollister, The Vans Store, and thrift and consignment shops.

Final words for spring 2006: Don’t be afraid to wear lace and silk. Feel confident wearing preppy and peasant or preppy and wild. Bring back the colors and store away the black.

(Top) Model wears the nautical theme for this season down the runway. Add bows and ruffles to imitate the style and pair with jeans. Wear Vans sneakers or Converse sneakers for a “wilder taste”

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Students duck to avoid flying birds in hallway

by Laurie Mittlemann ‘07 Ducking to avoid the bird if it “should swoop down and attack,” senior Olivia Tong smudged an answer on her physical education test. “I was very alarmed,” said Tong, who wasn’t surprised by the bird’s presence, however, because birds fly into the gyms “as often as basketballs fly through the air.”

“I probably see one in the gymnasium at least once a month,” said Tong, adding that she heard that “one laid eggs once.”

“It’s wacky that the inside of West Essex should become a host for avian family-raising,” she said.

Italian and Spanish teacher Anna Barbone most recently stumbled upon a bird that had flown into a classroom currently not being used because of construction.

“Birds are attracted to light just as bugs are, so I turned off the lights in the classroom and opened the door, hop-

ing that it would fly out,” Barbone said.

“But the bird got nervous and flew out of the room and into the hallway,” added Barbone. Later, the only evidence she saw that the bird had once been in school was bird droppings left on the radiator.

Evidence from birds in contact with the outside of the school years ago was worse than the droppings now found inside the school, however, according to Barbone. “Before the columns were constructed, the school had to put up pictures of birds on the windows by the entrance of the school to deter real birds that were continuously flying into them and dying,” she said.

But now placing pictures on windows doesn’t help because the construction has literally opened up new windows for avian invasion, and birds are common sightings inside the building, especially in the horseshoe and the gym area.

Junior Brittany Mueller saw a bird nearly crash into her friend after hear-

ing “screams” in the girls’ locker room before gym class. The friend couldn’t see the bird and couldn’t leap out of the way of its “volatile flight pattern” because she was in the process of pulling her sweatshirt over her head.

Mueller would just like to see the birds led safely out of the school. But simply capturing and removing these birds, however, is not a solution, according to Tong.

“The feces and feathers they leave behind could be diseased and a serious problem for students who come into contact with them,” she said.

Many viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoal, and parasitic diseases can occur in wild birds, according to Universities Federation for Animal Welfare, a scientific and technical animal welfare organization.

In fact, once a bird defecated on West Essex 2005 graduate and current freshman at Bentley College Peter Hodor in the school library.

“I was so embarrassed, and my

friends haunted me with a nickname that lasted for months after the incident,” said Hodor, who had trouble washing the droppings out of his hair.

Junior Kristina Kupilik, however, who has seen birds perched on bars by the ceilings of the gymnasiums and has seen them “swooping down” in the hallways, is more concerned for the welfare of the birds than her own welfare and that of other students.

As a solution to the problem, Kupilik suggested that holes made during school construction be covered. But the birds are actually getting into the building through open doors and windows, according to Bob Jeannette, West Essex Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds.

“They’re looking for a warm haven just as people would if they were out in the cold,” said Jeanette. Once the birds are in the building, the maintenance crew can do nothing but open more windows and doors to encourage them to leave, according to Jeanette.

Betrayal among females “hard to erase” from memory

by Daniele Stefanelli ‘06

not have the same values as us.

Realizing that their friendship was worth more than a three month fling with a guy who didn’t mean as much to her as her friend, Allison decided to come clean, but Stephanie felt betrayed.

“We’re not talking about someone who just disappoints you,” Moore said.

“It’s a two way street, and depending on the betrayal, it will either hurt you or destroy you, depending on how emotionally attached you were.”

Ask a typical teenager like sophomore Mariah Madera, and she will tell you that betrayal is a part of teenage nature. Madera believes that “it surrounds being a teenager,” and that “everyone has betrayed someone whether [by] talking behind someone’s back, or letting something slip unintentionally.”

When “Stephanie” went away for summer vacation, her best friend “Allison” started to spend quite a lot of time with Stephanie’s boyfriend “Hayden.”

Even though Stephanie and Hayden were friends to begin with, all of the time they spent together led the two of them to discover that they had a lot more in common.

Allison never would have thought that one innocent day of hanging out would turn into one night of betrayal, the night Allison and Hayden, her best friend’s boyfriend, would decide to sleep together.

After Stephanie returned, Allison wondered whether or not she should tell her because Allison knew she had betrayed her best friend.

“My ex best friend basically chose Although their names have been her boyfriend over our friendship, and changed, their story of betrayal is hurtful and real. “Betrayal is a violation of trust,” I feel extremely betrayed,” Madera

Betrayal- 1.violation of a trust or allegiance;to be false or disloyal to;to divulge in a breach of confidence (betray a secret) according to Dr. Jacqueline Moore, Director of Guidance at West Essex.

“There is a level of integrity that hits home in adolescence, multiple shocks that you can’t believe what is happening,” Moore added. I don’t think it gets easier when you’re an adult, but your experiences have taught you [that] there are people we come across [who] will

added. “It just shows that when love comes to the door, friendship flies out the window.”

However, to Madera “deception” is another story.” You know what you’re doing, and you know that you can hurt people, except you have no regard for their feelings,” she added.

“It is so very important to remember

that trust given and trust broken is at the core of the betrayal issue,” says Pamela Brewer, MSW PHD. But “betrayal” may not be the word that teenagers have in their minds, according to Student Assistance Counselor Ms. Michelle Bryen. “It’s just something that presents itself between two parties. It is an opportunity to be with someone else’s boyfriend,” she added. “Most people would expect you to value friendship over betrayal,” Bryen added.

But betrayal doesn’t just occur in teenagers, according to Bryen. “I was betrayed by someone I was very much in love with and have been with for many years,” Bryen said. His ideas about how a relationship should evolve and what should be important weren’t brought up for a while,” she added.

“It was a good relationship, except when it came down to marriage,” Bryen said. I felt like I was betrayed because I stayed in a relationship with the notion of marriage and a family. All the while he was thinking, the relationship we had was all he wanted.

Teenage relationships, however, “are like stepping stones that help develop the ability to be intimate,” according to the author of The Adolescent Journey, Dr Marsha Levy Warren. “However, when these relationships are destroyed, it can severely strain the way he or she looks at relationships and the opposite or same sex,” according to Levy.

Senior Nicole Donatello agrees.

“Best friends have completely stopped talking and [their relationship] was never the same,” she added. “If you betray someone, you don’t care about them.”

Senior Danielle Balsamo knows

many people who have been betrayed, and for one couple, the result of the betrayal was a breakup, and the guy moved on the without hesitation.

“This happened to me a few years back, and I know how [it feels]. My ex best friend hooked up with my boyfriend, and even though we were only together for three months, it hurt a lot.

I never looked at her the same way again,” Balsamo said.

“I don’t really know anyone who likes being betrayed or seeing it done to other people,” Balsamo said. “Unfortunately this is high school, everyone is going to get stabbed in the back on way or another,” she added.

“It also seems as if girls are more susceptible to betrayal than boys,” according to Bryen. “Guys seem to have an ‘honor system’ while girls in high school and throughout life are extremely catty and hold grudges,” she added.

“I’ve seen girls in my office, fight over things that date back to the second grade. It just goes to show you that girls never forget and guys will fight all day and then walk home together as best friends.”

Yet, months later, long after Stephanie had broken it off with Hayden, she decided to put the past behind her and get back together with her friend Allison. Although they’ve remained friends, she admits that sometimes it’s difficult because the betrayal is hard to erase from her memory.

Stephanie has realized, however, the value in forgiving her friend. “I have so many memories with her, and I have a lot of fun with her, that’s what keeps me from hating her. “

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NCC SUPERHEROES

Tag team comes to rescue of students, teachers

by Amanda Nichols ‘08

girl in my class that had lost an assignment that she had [worked extremely hard on],” said Marion Wychules.

“There were literally tears streaming down her face. I saw her later in the day, and she had a huge grin. I asked what happened, and what do you know, Jason had found it [on one of the drives].”

And the list not only includes helping students, but helping teachers as well.

“I needed to scan something into the computer for a project for

Two superheroes of the school’s technically challenged, Jason Peckis and Justin Stolfi, perform feats which few know except for those they’ve helped.

“I was hired by the coach of the Fairfield Falcons [Fairfield’s recreation football team] to make a highlights video for their awards dinner,” said senior Alex DiStasi.

“It was three days before the dinner, my deadline, and all I had left to do was transfer the movie from the computer to a cassette tape, but the device that’s used to do that wasn’t working,” added photo by Amanda Nichols DiStasi.

“I emailed Mr. Peckis. Within two minutes he was there to help Jason Peckis, one half of the members of the Network Controls Center (NCC) me and within ten minutes it was spends a rare free minute of his hectic day answering emails of computer all fixed and ready to go. Without questions his help I may never have met my employer ’s deadline and there w o u l d sional person [to do the from four p.m. until nine p.m. on have been job they do] and if every- that Monday working to fix it,” said MAKE YOUR COMPUTER FASTER no tape one who worked for the junior Katie Rosenberg, who was for the dindistrict had the same also there that night working on layner.” work ethic, then West out for the paper. “Jason was supThat’s 10. Don’t open too many applications Essex would be a much posed to meet his girlfriend and her just one of family in New York that night and 9. Updat Windows better place.” the many Keeping the school’s he missed it in order to work on 8. Switch default web browser to Firefox instances 700 plus computers up getting the network up and running where the 7. Trim down startup programs and running smoothly again.” s c h o o l ’s The tech department had all the 6. Don’t download multiple things at once takes a lot of time and technical organization. Even as he computers in the district function5. Install pop up blocker team has answered questions for ing again by that Wednesday, acbeen there 4. Uninstall unneeded applications this interview, Jason cording to Stolfi. on the Their handling of that crash may 3. Update Virus Protection Peckis had to organize double to just be one of the reasons that the tech office and take 2. Do weekly virus scans save the people seem to be unanimously imseveral phone calls. day with 1. Get rid of unecessary files “We have a small pressed with the tech team’s devotheir techstaff, and the organiza- tion to their work. nological “It’s impressive that they are tion of this central area, savvy, but willing to go above and beyond where 90% of what we their redo takes place, is cru- when they already have hundreds sume of helpful deeds is much g r a d u a t e s c h o o l , ” s a i d B r i a n cial,” explained Peckis. “We like of computers and printers and so McNaught. “I spent hours [at longer. on to look after,” said Kopylov. “I things to run well.”

“The publisher of the paper was home] on the phone with tech supAnd it helps that Peckis really think people don’t realize just how waiting for the staff to email the pa- port in India and got nowhere so I loves what he does. much maintenance the school netper on deadline day, but for some asked Jason and Justin if they could “I didn’t grow up with comput- work is.” reason while converting to a PDF install a scanner in my classroom at ers so a degree in computer science But the two are not just helpfile, the process kept stopping af- school. helps, but you really need to have ful with fixing computers in school.

That day they came into my ter page 15,” said Wire advisor Tina “There have been several occainterest and capability,” added room and within ten minutes had a Lane. sions where Jason or Justin has Peckis who has earned a bachelor’s “We needed to convert all 24 scanner up and running. I was able degree in political science with a helped me with problems I’m havpages, but couldn’t. That’s when to finish my graduate school project focus in computers. “Computers ing with my home computer,” added Justin Stolfi came in to fix the prob- on time with their help,” added are a huge part of my life,” added Wychules.

McNaught. lem.

This dynamic duo is also not your Peckis. “Even when I go home I’m Yet, it’s not just the people they He spent about an hour sterotypical “computer geeks,” still working [with computers].” deconstructing the graphics on help who truly appreciate them, but It’s that personal attachment to Wychules added. They take care to page 15 until he finally found and people who work with them remark computers and steadfast work ethic dress nicely every day, they’re exdeleted a transparent box that was on their professionalism as well. that keeps the school network run- tremely personable, and they have “They know that they have a job keeping the file from converting a great sense of humor.” ning smoothly. completely. If he hadn’t found it, to do and they take pride in the fact Even with all this praise Peckis One night the server that handles we wouldn’t have been able to get that it’s done right,” said Igor all the drives on the network remains decidedly humble. all of the pages of the paper out.” Kopylov, a West Essex alumnus crashed and the district was left “If you’re working too hard at this Peckis and Stolfi’s rescue sto- who worked with the duo for two without access to files in those job, you’re doing something ries don’t even end there, however. summers and during his senior ser- drives. wrong,” said Peckis, “If I didn’t “A few months ago there was a vice. “It takes a dedicated profes“Jason and Justin were here like my job I wouldn’t do it.”

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Knitting generations together:

one thread at a time

by Amanda Nichols ‘08 When Brittany Dee Mueller’s grandmother told her that they would be knitting together for a weekend, Mueller expected to be spending the weekend “fighting off awkward silences and shielding [her] nostrils from mothballs.”

Instead, she ended up knitting a great relationship with her grandmother and learning a craft that she now loves.

“At first,” said Mueller, “I thought the idea of a thirteen year old knitting was absurd, but when my grandmother pulled out a copy of The Cool Girls Guide to Knitting [a beginners knitting book by Nikki Trench] and pointed out a pattern for a knitted bikini, I realized that knitting wasn’t just for ‘old people’ anymore.”

“She helps me with my problems, she gives the best advice, and we call each other every week to discuss the newest episode of ‘Gilmore Girls.’”

Yes, knitting became the way to

connect and not only for Mueller.

“It can be really hard to connect with the adults in your life, especially new ones like my step mom,” said senior Christy Munn, “I was worried that we would have nothing in common and nothing to talk about, but when I found out she crocheted, there was an instant connection that may never have occurred if it weren’t for that.”

Lucky for Mueller and Munn the knitting club at school provides another outlet for their hobby and an opportunity for even more connections.

“Only knowing Ms. Heinis as the school librarian, I had no idea how cool she was,” said Munn of Ms. Susan Heinis the faculty advisor of the knitting club. “She’s really easy to talk to,” Munn added.

“She gives good advice about school and helps us to deal with problems we may be having with teachers. Sometimes when you’re having issues with teachers it’s hard to understand where they’re coming from,” explained Munn. “But it’s

great to have teacher[s] that you’re comfortable talking to so they could give you a little added perspective.

“I used to think teachers were just being humorless when kids would get in trouble for acting up in class, but Ms. Heinis helped me realize how frustrating it is for a teacher when it’s one against twenty-five.”

Paige Sato, co-owner of Modern Yarn, a knitting supply store in Montclair thinks the recent surge in knitting popularity is not because younger people only want to connect with older generations but also with older styles.

“Knitting is just another trend coming from the past,” Sato said.

“Just like in fashion and music, everything old is new again.” she added. “Girls see things like ponchos, wrist scarves, and leg warmers in the store and they want to make [them].”

Sato also attributes this latest surge in knitting popularity to “advances” in yarn making. “In the ear-

lier knitting days people were limited to scratchy wools,” said Sato.

“Yarn spinning is more advanced now, and we have lot’s of softer threads, ribbon yarn, and even metallic yarn that has flecks of metal in them, yet is still soft.”

Knitting can also save money.

“I go to stores like American Eagle Outfitters and see scarves and hats that I like for thirty dollars,” explained Munn. “I love knowing that I could make the same scarf and hat for ten dollars at most.”

Heinis also thinks that knitting is “a great way to unwind after a long day of school. “By knitting together the students not only get that sense of camaraderie that comes with being around your peers, but also help each other become more advanced in their knitting.”

“If nothing else, knitting is fun,” said Mueller. “I’ve gained a greater appreciation for the adults in my life, made a new friend in my grandmother, and I’m making the latest fashions for less in the process, what could be better?”

TOP TEN WAYS TO START KNITTING 10. Buy a “learn to knit” kit from a craft store. It will come with an easy scarf pattern, instructions on knitting, a how to read the pattern guide and chunky yarn with big needles, ideal for beginners.

long expanse of time to do a project. You’ll be much more “gung hoe” about your new skill if you can get your first project under your belt quickly.

9. Befriend a more advanced knitter. It’s always good to have someone experienced in their knitting to turn to if you make a mistake or have a question about a pattern.

6. Get a knitting book that is easy to understand and will explain the different stitches that are used in most patterns.

Recommended: Vogues Complete Guide to Knitting or The Cool Girls Guide to Knitting.

8. Learn with a friend. That way you can progress together, usually two heads are better than one

5. For your first big project pick something that you really want to make. This way so you’ll have incentive to finish it.

7. Start right before you’re about to take a long car ride. That way you can ensure a

4. Bring your knitting everywhere you go. If it’s always with you you’ll never be bored

waiting on a long line or sitting in a waiting room.

3. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Most knitting mistakes are easily fixed and a lot of the time barely noticeable, don’t shy away from more ambitious projects because you’re afraid of making an error.

2. Join a knitter’s guild. Just like any club it’s a great way to make new friends with people you already know you have at least one thing in common.

1. Stick with it! It’s easy to leave your first knitting project abandoned in a closet somewhere, but unfortunately you can’t get to the fun stuff until you learn the basics.

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EXHIBITION REVIEW

“Gross factor” aside, exhibit an enlightened experience

by Amanda Nichols ‘08 Although “Bodies the Exhibition” may seem rather macabre, the focus on the science and learning about human anatomy almost made me forget that I was standing next to real human corpses.

Despite how tastefully this traveling anatomy exhibit, that is currently using the South Street Seaport as its home, has been done, it is not without controversy.

It may seem too weird to be true, but all of the 20 body specimens and 260 organs and partial body specimens, which are preserved with liquid silicone rubber, on exhibit are all from real human medical cadavers, but how the creators of the exhibit obtained the bodies has raised questions.

At first, concerned about the “gross factor,” I was hesitant to go to this display of human anatomy, but with a bit of prodding from my family, I went and was shocked at how easy I became accustomed to being in a room filled with dead bodies.

When you first walk into the exhibit, you get the immediate feeling that the dimly lit room is filled with thought and concentration. The people all around the entrance to the exhibit, the section with the bones of the body, are pointing to the bones and then pointing at the part of their body where they belong, almost in disbelief.

It’s a little odd to be in the same room as a human corpse posed as kicking a soccer ball or slapping a high five with another corpse, but I found that human curiosity overcomes that apprehension.

The simple, yet thorough, explanation of each part can be appreciated by both the medical expert and the average, everyday person.

Even without the explanations, the realizations of “oh that’s what that looks like” made the exhibit what it was.

A walk through the systems of the body follows next. One room in particular, however, seemed to catch the most attention. In the nervous system room, the blood vessels are shown with a chemical indicator that gave them a sort of reddish glow.

The words “that’s beautiful” echoed through the room.

Finally after walking through the entire exhibit, having seen a human cadaver directing an imaginary band, a human brain that had a massive stroke, and seeing the development of a fetus, the “Bodies” comes to a close with an interactive activity.

On a counter along the wall there are several body parts for the public to touch: a brain, the liver, a few bones, and of course a bottle of hand sanitizer waiting at the end.

It was a different type of museum experience. Not the usual Monet or Van Gogh exhibit experience, but this enlightened journey through the human body is well worth the trip to New York.

A flyer advertising the “Bodies the Exhibition” event taking place in New York City thru May. The exhibit contains 20 body specimens and 260 organs, along with partial body specimens. photo by Amanda Nichols

OUR OWN LOVE STORY

W.E. graduates, 9 years later, engaged at JHS “I, of course, said yes to his use of the facility,” said Montgomery. “I only asked that he call me prior, because I wanted to be sure he was able to get into the building and [to make] sure he had his privacy.”

While acknowledging that Albu’s request was the first of its kind and having known them both as students while a teacher at the senior high, Montgomery called them both “great kids and good students.”

Feeling honored to be in on such a wonderful, romantic moment, Montgomery confessed that it was such a wonderful way to propose, so wonderful that

he shared the event with other staff members.

Members of the staff came up to Montgomery the day after to find out if the proposal, indeed, hapShe had been sick in bed for two days, so when pened according to plan. he came by to check on her, he offered to take her All though booking the location had been easy, out for fresh air. getting Vecchione out of bed had been difficult to say When they ended up at the junior high, because the least. he had to drop something off there, she grudgingly Erika’s father, Dr. Edward Vecchione, who knew accompanied him into the building. of Albu’s proposal plan had given Erika some mediOnce inside, while reminiscing about the appearcine for her stomach flu, and within an hour she felt ance of the school, she realized that they were walkwell enough to stand up and go out for the ride. ing down the same hallway they used to take Later in the evening, after the when they accompanied one another to class. proposal, Vecchione’s family When they took the stairwell upstairs to threw an engagement party for the back hall of the junior high and arrived at both families. Almost everyone her old locker, he pointed out that they first knew about the surprise engagemet there. ment, everyone but Vecchione.

Then, as he pulled out a black velvet box, Vecchione and Albu have dehe got down on one knee and said, “I thought cided on June, 29, 2007 as the this would be a good spot to…,” date for their wedding. They are She screamed, “Oh my god!” looking at the Sacred Heart CaHolding out the ring, he asked her, “So thedral in Newark for the cerErika, will you marry me?” emony and the Pleasantdale He is Alexander Albu, West Essex alumChâteau of West Orange for the nus who proposed to Erika Vecchione, anreception. other West Essex alumnus, on March 14, Since it’s still early in the plannine years after they first started dating in ning process, details are up in the air, ninth grade in 1997. And she said, “yes.” but hues of pink for the girl’s dresses Albu had thought that Vecchione’s old have replaced the disbelief of her junlocker was the appropriate spot to pop the ior high proposal.

Alexander Albu and Erica Vecchione last summer,, who are question, so a week prior to the engagement, “[The proposal] will serve as a Albu had visited junior high Vice Principal now engaged as of March 14. The engagement took place at wonderful memory for Alex and David Montgomery to run the idea by him West Essex Junior High School with the help of Vice Erika. I wish them all the happiness a and to make sure the hallway would be avail- Principal David Montgomery loving relationship such as they have photo courtesy of Katrina Albu able and empty. can bring,” Montgomory added.

by Katrina Albu ‘06

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h s i n i F o t o h P y Pla

(Above) During a locker room scene sophomore David Grau, the Washington Senators baseball coach, advises player sophomore Nick Vidovich.

(Left) Sophomore Jared Shababb, a player on the Washington Senators baseball team looks at a pineup magazine in the locker room with another teammate.

(Above) Devoted fans cheer on Joe Hardy and the Washington Senators baseball team during a game.

*All photos courtesy of Stephanie Gonzalez

(Left) Professional musicians and band and orchestra members practice during rehearsal with the Damn Yankees emblem illuminating the auditorium wall.

In this section: Among the Mugs.....?

In this section: Among the Mugs.............22 Ping Pong Bracket.....18-19 FIFA bracket................20-21

“Group 2 favorite” boys tennis team hopes to repeat success

by Jen Tomsey ‘06

Winning the Iron Hills Conference two years in a row and finishing with a number 12 ranking in the state has earned West Essex boys tennis team a “group 2 favorite” status this year, according to the Star-Ledger.

With only one loss thus far, the tennis team’s record stands firm at 6-1, and with a number three ranking in the county this year’s team has a strong lineup.

First singles player junior Jeff Young is 4-2 and has shown “great focus”

Brunswick in May. A bad rotator cuff tendonitis is keeping senior captain Ben Elberg’s ability to play up in the air.

“I had been expecting a repeat of his partnership last year with junior Jared Davidson, who won against Columbia, at second doubles,” said senior captain Mike Gelberg, who only lost one match to Columbia. “So I was worried [about the performance of the team] when I found out [Elberg] wouldn’t be playing this year.”

But due to the depth of the team,

direction,” while Gelberg “will try to team is much more balanced [bekeep things as relaxed as possible so cause] the lineup has experience.” the kids aren’t too pressured in the tougher matches.”

With all of the great leadership, the team as a whole doesn’t have many “obstacles” to overcome according to Elberg. “We have a very different for the following lineup than what was expected this year,” said Elberg, because freshman sports stories in the singles player Evan Zimmer, who only next issue of the lost one match, cracked the singles Wessex Wire: ladder.

The graduated key number one singles player Ben Rosenstock left the Boys’ Volleyball first singles position up for grabs.

Girls’ Softball “Obviously you cannot replace him, but now we can compete on a higher Girls’ Lacrosse level and be more solid,” said Elberg, Boys’ Lacrosse in reference to the fact that the other Golf players can step up their game and compete at a higher level.

In the last two years the tennis team has made it to the Sectional Finals for the group II division in the state tourney.

The team looks to the challenge of a three-peat ahead of them. “The

L

K out

CHILDHOOD STAR RELIVES GLORY

Senior captains Ben Elberg, Mike Gelberg, and Dan Landy pose for a shot at the net. Elberg, who may or may not be able to play this season due to a shoulder injury, “supports the team every match,” according to Gelberg. Gelberg, who plays third singles, “leads by example” as a captain, according to head coach Don Albanese. Landy, who plays first doubles, is a “social guy” who brings the team together and hopes to “contribute as much emotion, enthusiasm, and energy” as he can. photo courtesy of Bill Allen, Jr. NJ Sport/Action

thus far according to senior captain Ben Elberg. Second singles freshman Evan Zimmer, 5-1, is a “big plus for the team as second singles player,” said head coach Don Albanese. “[We] didn’t know about him [before the season], and it’s definitely good for the future.”

Senior captain Dan Landy, first doubles, who won against Chatham, hopes to “contribute as much emotion, enthusiasm, and energy to the team as [he] can, whatever benefits stem from that are additional rewards.”

Invited into the Newark Academy Tourney with “the best of the best teams,” according to Athletic Director Thomas Pengitore’s announcement at the March 13 board meeting, West Essex will be competing with Newark Academy, Livingston, Milburn, Morristown, Delbarton, West Windsor South and East

“[Junior] Michael Sackman, has stepped up quite well in place of [Elberg].”

“It’s hard to see a captain who’s been on the team for all of high school not able to play his senior year,” added Gelberg. “Ben’s spot on the starting lineup will be missed, but I give him a lot of credit for sticking around and supporting the team every match,” said Gelberg.

Elberg’s injury puts Gelberg and Landy in a key co-leadership position.

Seniors captains Elberg, Landy and Gelberg each “bring something to the team,” according to Albanese. “Mike leads by example, [while] Ben and Dan are the socials guys who get everyone together.”

Landy is “[leading] the team through example by [using] good sportsmanship and competitive spirits in the right

Local legend “Kutch” hits buzzerbeater in senior- faculty game

by Ben Elberg ‘06

The 52nd NBA All-Star Game was the last that Michael Jordan ever played in. The game was tied after regulation, and in overtime, the East was down by one point with 4.8 seconds to go. In typical Jordan fashion, number 23 pulled up for a baseline jumper in opponent Shawn Marion’s face to give his team the lead.

At the Seniors vs. Faculty basketball game on March 1, senior classman Zachary “Kutch” Handler captured the essence of Jordan, as he proved clearly to be the crowd favorite. Chants of “Hott 22” filled the main gym at the Senior High as he relived his glory days of North Caldwell Recreational Basketball, where he led his team to a victory in a 2000 Recreational League Championship game by dropping a career high 44 points.

Like Jordan, “Kutch” was not afraid to pull up for the buzzer beater, even

though the Senior team already had a substantial lead.

“Kutch came alive in the last three minutes of the 4th quarter,” said senior Mike Lisa who regards teammate Handler the “most valuable player” in the game. “He was hitting clutch shots, and capped it off by hitting the buzzer beater three-pointer.”

“When we got him the ball,” said senior teammate Eric Seidel, “he would shoot and score.”

“When he hit the buzzer beater, it was the happiest moment I’ve ever experienced in my life,” added Seidel.

Credit the game organizer and teacher, Andrea Mondadori, to Handler’s last shot. As she stormed down the court (even after playing the full 48 minutes) to make a quick layup, she gave Handler one last chance to shine.

“I had to give him that last shot,” said Mondadori. “Zach Handler is the greatest kid to ever come through West Essex.”

“Zach Handler is the greatest kid to ever come through West Essex,” according to game organizer and teacher Andrea Mondadori.

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“People’s champion” Rob Pordon wins First Round

Second Round

Quarterfinals

Semi-finals

Dan Landy (1) TEN Dan Landy (1) TEN Mike Sayers LAX Dan Landy (1) TEN

Matthew Osmond BND Malcolm Bertram SOC Malcolm Bertram SOC

Gregory Pino WW A. Mondadori TCH Kim Pantages LAX Kim Pantages LAX Gregory Pino WW Sean Smith LAX

Finals Rob Pordon ICH

Gregory Pino WW

Winner

Gregory Pino WW

Rob Pordon ICH Derek Jacobsen ICH

Gregory Pino WW

(See pictures on page 20)

Derek Jacobsen ICH Derek Jacobsen ICH Mike Mejia AES Josh Rosen BND Josh Rosen BND Josh Rosen BND Kim Noa ???

Kim Noa ???

Carissa Franzi SOC Derek Jacobsen ICH Liam Farrell SOC

Derek Jacobsen ICH

Derek Jacobsen ICH Derek Jacobsen ICH Chris Coppola PPC Chris Coppola PPC A. Kolesnikov (4) SOC

Aesthetics club tournament “brings together” school

by Matt Cohn ‘08

Senior Rob Pordon, who made it to the fourth round of The West Essex ping pong tournament by beating 3 other competitors, took home the golden paddle on March 15, 2006. Pordon has played ping pong since the age of eight and has always enjoyed the game, however, he “never expected to win” the entire competition.

More than 20 spectators watched him play each night, including senior Julie McClain who said that Pordon “knocked out the rest of the competition.” He battled each of his opponents in close matches with scores that

toppled 21.

Despite being nervous after watching his opponents play, Pordon defeated fellow senior Derek Jacobson 23-21 in the championship match. “Disappointed” about the loss Jacobson believed Pordon “won fair and square.”

Likewise, senior competitor Dan Landy lost to fellow senior Greg Pino, but he too said that Pino “played a great match and deserved to win.”

“Beating [Landy] was one of my favorite moments of the tournament because I was the underdog,” said Pino, who placed in the final four after his victory. “It was a huge upset for him.”

Pino practiced in his basement for

“weeks before the tournament” and “plays daily with friends.”

Competitor Adam Agins added that “all of the players were so intense, which made for some great competition.”

Junior Samir Patel, despite not making it past the first round of the tournament, even went so far as to have substitute teacher and former high school Ping Pong Champion, Mr. Lucin Feldt, over to his house for private ping pong lessons.

“I needed the preparation,” said Patel. “Most of the competitors were very experienced ping pong players so I knew in order to compete I would have to step up my game.”

Previously a ping pong champion in high school, Feldt was “honored to help” the players.

“It is important when teachers show an interest in student activities outside of the classroom,” said business teacher Andrea Mondadori, the only West Essex teacher who, besides Feldt, participated in the tournament.

Despite a lack of teacher participation, twenty West Essex students volunteered to participate in the tournament and about 60 spectators came to watch each night.

“Talk of the tournament had been continued on page 24

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first annual WE ping pong tournament Semi-finals

Quarterfinals

Second Round

First Round Connor Leonard SKI

Connor Leonard SKI Mike Ryan GLF Jessie Atieh FH

Jessie Atieh FH Jessie Atieh FH Jackie Meleccio SOC

Mike Gelberg (2) TEN

Steven Monin LAX Marc Cifelli SOC Marc Cifelli SOC Mike Gelberg (2) TEN Taylor Fiscus SOC Mike Gelberg (2) TEN Mike Gelberg (2) TEN

Mike Gelberg (2) TEN Rob Pordon ICH Rob Pordon ICH

Ben Elberg (3) TEN Ben Elberg (3) TEN Ted Cox SRV Rob Pordon ICH Rob Pordon ICH Rob Pordon ICH Felipe Souza SOC Rob Pordon ICH Adam Agins NWO Adam Agins NWO Matt Cohn ICH (Could not play) Adam Agins NWO Alex Rupple SOC Matt Detroia SEC Matt Detroia SEC

“Manhattan Champ” reminisces about childhood ping pong

by Matt Cohn ‘08

The year: 1948. “I was 14 years old, and the New York City Junior Police Athletic League was sponsoring a ping pong tournament,” said Mr. Lucien Feldt. “There would be one winner from every borough, and I won in Manhattan and then lost to the Queens winner in the New York City tournament.”

His rise to ping pong glory began when he was 12 at a local YMCA. “I didn’t have a table of my own, and I saw a lot of kids

playing it one day, and it looked like fun so I decided to try it,” said Feldt.

Besides just being the best in Manhattan, Feldt became also the runner up in the Army Ping Pong Tournament of 1958, while he served in the Armed Forces.

But Feldt became good at ping pong from playing “older, better competition.”

“I remember a girl who was about three years older than [me] and one of the best players at the ‘Y’,” said Feldt. “She would always beat me, but from playing her I think I got a lot better, I learned a lot from her.”

The girl had one special move that

Feldt picked up on and now uses as his own.

“She would give me a serve to my backhand, and then when I would return it, she would just slam it,” said Feldt.

Although Feldt got a raw deal, in the first round of the New York City tournament, as he drew the best player in the city in the first round of the final five.

“I had to play against the Queens champion who then went on to win the whole tournament,” said Feldt.

He also attributes his ping pong expertise to playing everyday after school.

“I would go to the Y everyday after school and just play all day,” said Feldt. “And I think that is how I became as good as I was.”

Not just a champion at ping-pong, Feldt also became the Army Horseshoe Champion while serving in the Aberdine Proving Grounds just outside of Baltimore, Maryland.

Although his real dream was to get a band together to play classical music, Feldt doesn’t have enough time these days to play the piano and clarinet as much as he would like, but he still finds time to play ping pong.

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Junior Aaron Seabra wins FIFA tournament Dan Fitzgerald (Man. U) 1 Dan Fitzgerald (Man. U) 1 Cody D’Alessandro (Liverpool) Dan Fitzgerald (Man. U) 1 Alex Rupple (Real Madrid) Sean Smith (Man. U) Sean Smith (Man. U) Dan Fitzgerald (Man. U) 1 Evan Roth (Arsenal) Evan Roth (Arsenal) Topher Overton (Israel) Evan Roth (Arsenal) Dan Coplon (Arsenal) Alex Bass (FC Barcelona) 8

Dan Fitzgerald (Man. U) 1

Alex Bass (FC Barcelona) 8

Dan Fitzgerald (Man. U) 1 Jeff Connely (FC Barcelona)

Aaron Seabra (FC Barcelona) Aaron Seabra (FC Barcelona) Mike Mejia (FC Barcelona) Aaron Seabra (FC Barcelona) Greg Pino (Man. U)

Seabra, SEC club president Matt Detroia, and Fitzgerald celebrate post-match

Greg Pino (Man. U) Connor Leonard (Juventus) Aaron Seabra (FC Barcelona) Scott Mc Donald (Chelsea) Jason Martins (Juventus) Jason Martins (Juventus) Jason Martins (Juventus) Andrew Cross (Juventus) Andrew Cross (Juventus) Jesse Coiro (AC Milan)

(Left) Senior Rob Pordon and substitute teacher Lucien Feldt play a “friendly match” after the championship round.

(Bottom Left) Senior Dan Fitzgerald and sophomore Evan Roth play in the quarterfinal round of FIFA as spectators look on.

(Bottom Right) Sophomore Matt Cohn and Senior Mike Sayers face off in the quarterfinals in a very exciting match. all photos by Katie Rosenberg

New Jersey Sport/Action The state’s largest news sports and photo agency W. L. Bill Allen, Jr. Managing Director We have the BEST photos of West Essex Regional athletes in action! Call anytime, open day and night, seven days a week 973 783-9236 (office) 973 519-7738 (mobile) or NJSportAction@AOL.com

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Senior Dan Fitzgerald places second Mike Rolo (Juventus) 4 Mike Rolo (Juventus) 4 Alex Koljsenkov (Real Madrid) Jeff Connely (FC Barcelona) Pat Locansole (AC Milan) Jeff Connely (FC Barcelona) Jeff Connely (FC Barcelona) Jeff Connely (FC Barcelona) Andrew Bernosky (Man. U) Bobby Gembarski (Real Madrid)

FINALS Dan Fitzgerald (Man. U) 1

Bobby Gembarski (Real Madrid) Mike Lisa (Liverpool) 5 Jason Mariscal (Boca Jr.’s)

WINNER Aaron Seabra (FC Barcelona)

Mike Lisa (Liverpool) 5 Mike Lisa (Liverpool) 5

Aaron Seabra (FC Barcelona) Aaron Seabra (FC Barcelona) Aaron Seabra (FC Barcelona) Matt Cohn (Real Madrid)

Felipe Souza (FC Barcelona) Matt Cohn (Real Madrid) Matt Cohn (Real Madrid)

Matt Cohn (Real Madrid)

Justin Lisa (Chelsea) Justin Lisa (Chelsea)

Fitzgerald and Seabra battle it out for title of FIFA champion.

Dan Spinelli (AC Milan)

Matt Cohn (Real Madrid)

Mr. McNaught (PSV) Ant Picciuto (Juventus) Ant Picciuto (Juventus) Mike Sayers (AC Milan) Rob Hrinuk (Real Madrid) Mike Sayers (AC Milan) Mike Sayers (AC Milan)

Baseball team faces injuries: “refuses to give into adversity”

by Dina Costanza ‘07

Faced with the injuries of returning players and the challenge of filling the shoes of players who have graduated, the West Essex varsity baseball team is working to overcome these setbacks.

And working “even harder to overcome all [team] injuries while refusing to give in to adversity,” is head coach Scott Illiano’s goal.

Although the team has a 5-4 record, losing to Morris Hills twice 8-7 and 5-4, Par Hills 4-1, and Hanover Park 15-14, Illiano still feels that the team has “terrific potential,” and the injuries should not have any direct effect on the team’s ability to play well.

As a matter of fact, since the season startedApril 1, Illiano claims that the team has played efficiently and that the injuries have not affected the team besides the switching of players to other positions.

Shortstop Kevin Picardo has been playing first base because of his arm in-

“Of course, we are hopeful that our returning starters will [continue to] be healthy and can contribute, but teams can’t use injuries as a built-in excuse for failure.” jury. Former second basemen Mark Ruggiero takes Picardo’s spot, while freshman Joe D’Annunzio plays second base.

“Injuries are an unfortunate reality of athletics,” said Illiano.” We witnessed that first-hand last season,” he added. “Of course, we are hopeful that our returning starters will [continue to] be healthy and can contribute, but teams can’t use injuries as a built-in excuse for failure.”

Newcomer, junior Anthony Dalonges, however, recently underwent knee surgery because of a torn ligament during the soccer season, and the threat of retearing the ligament is always a thought in his head.

“I don’t think it will affect my performance; however, I take stretching and taking care of my muscles more seri-

ously,” said Dalonges who admits that he is now more “cautious.” “I am confident that I will be fine as my knee continues to get stronger,” Dalonges added.

Senior Anthony Cerza is recovering from an injury to his collar bone but is able to play this season. “The thought of hurting my collar bone, especially since I’m still in the process of recovering, is always in the back of my mind,” said Cerza. “However, that won’t stop me from doing the best I can to help the team, he added.

Suffering from an injury to his shoulder, senior Kevin Picardo has been limited to batting and not playing the field until he recovers. “It’s very frustrating to have a hurt shoulder during my senior season, but the most I can do is ice it and wait it out,” said Picardo.

Between last season and this season, the team has also lost significant and starting players. However, Illiano feels very confident about this year’s team despite the rising number of injuries.

The team includes freshman Joe D’Annunzio, sophomore Frank Firivanti, juniors John Baab, Vin Valerian and Mike Cordasco, and seniors Mark Ruggiero, Kevin Picardo, L.J. Caprio, Nick Santomauro, Steve Zurawiecki, Anthony Cerza, Mike Bustamante, and Santo Barretta.

Between last season and this season, the team has also lost significant and starting players. However, Illiano feels very confident about this year’s team despite the rising number of injuries.

“I believe this team has made a commitment in the off season to be the best that they can be,” said Illiano. “We will live with the outcome of our season because of our work ethic,” he added. “I think they are ready to step up and play baseball the right way.”

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AMONG THE MUGS....

Who was the preseason surprise?

Baseball Anthony Cerza ‘06 Senior Anthony Cerza, who is a pitcher and infielder for the West Essex baseball team, has showed “significant improvement from last season,” according to head coach Scott Illiano. Not only is Cerza “bigger and stronger than he was a year ago,” but he also “looked strong on the mound in the preseason by consistently throwing strikes,” according to Illiano. Cerza uses a curve ball that has “kept hitters off stride,” according to Illiano.

Illiano expects Cerza to contribute to the pitching staff and to provide the team with infield depth to the 2006 season. Cerza “works very hard and gives his best at all times,” said Illiano.

Girls’ Spring Track Stephanie Avjean ‘07 Alexa Bono ‘07 Junior Alexa Bono (not pictured) changed her event to a mile this season and has been more successful, according to head coach Stacey Morris. Junior Stephanie Avjean, who just began track in the winter, is now running the 1600 meter run as well as the 400 hurdles. Bono and Avjean have both “stepped it up” at meets, according to Morris after both girls recently beat their personal bests. Bono and Avjean both have “incredible sportsmanship” and are “reliable” if they are needed, according to Morris.

Softball Danielle Betscha ‘07

Boys’ Lacrosse Marc Guido ‘06

Golf Ed Christiana ‘06 Andrew Maxman ‘09

Junior Danielle Bertscha’s improvement was “evident” by her preseason hitting in scrimmages, according to head coach Andrea Mondadori. Bertscha’s commitment leads her to play on a team all year round which helps her improve her hitting and her pitching.

In fact, Bertscha has moved from the 5 batter’s spot to the 4 batter’s spot. Bertscha has also improved her pitch selection which in turn has increased her confidence, according to Mondadori. “As a pitcher, her fast ball speed has increased, her ball movement and her change up have improved tremendously,” said Mondadori. As long as Bertscha stays healthy, Mondadori “expects good things from her.”

Junior face off middy Marc Guido “was an unknown commodity” this season for his team, according to head coach David Wolfelsperger.

Even though Guido is a junior, he was not a starter for varsity last year, according Wolfelsperger.

Guido plays a vital role in his team’s success, according Wolfelsperger. “[Guido] is a character who brings excitement to our team by getting possession of the ball,” Wolfelsperger said. “[Guido] is a prime example of someone working so hard to achieve his goal of being the team’s starting face off middy, and he has achieved it,” according to Wolfelsperger, and it sets a great example for younger players on his team.

Boys’ Spring Track Roger Young ‘06

Boys’ Volleyball Kyle Perez ‘06

Boys’ Tennis Evan Zimmer ‘08

Senior Roger Young is a good role model for younger athletes on the West Essex boys’ spring track team, according to head coach David Drozjock. Young participates in 1600 and 3200 meter races, events he runs well. He continues “to improve on his personal best times in every relay and meet,” said Drozjock and has become “a very strong finisher in his races.”

Drozjock expects Young, who runs every race “with great passion,” to continue to work hard, improve everyday, and be a good leader for the younger runners.

Senior Kyle Perez, who is the middle hitter and blocker for the West Essex boys’ volleyball team, is an “emotional leader,” according to head coach Bill Humes. Perez gets the team energized and is a major threat on offense while still blocking opposing hitters on defense. Perez understands the game better because of his maturity, which “allows him to be as good as he is,” according to Humes. The boys’ volleyball team has improved tremendously from last year, and Humes expects to build the team into one that doesn’t just compete with the elite teams but also beat them.

Freshman Evan Zimmer started off well on the ladder and now plays second singles for the West Essex boys’ tennis team. Zimmer is “enthusiastic, steady, and a gentleman on the court,” according to head coach Don Albanese. Zimmer is not only “likeable” but he is also fair at calling lines, according to Albanese. Although Zimmer “makes the team strong,” he has a “big challenge” to beat top players this season, according to Albanese.

Zimmer plays tennis year round, which is reflected by his skill level and by his high sportsmanship, Albanese added.

Senior Ed Christiana and Freshman Andrew Maxman “have been the most consistent players on the team,” according to head golf coach Tom Kenny who believes that “golf is all about consistency.”

As a senior, Christiana provides the team with consistent leadership, according to Kenny. Although young and inexperienced at varsity, Kenny said that Maxman plays consistently for his team.

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Students take phys ed “to the extreme” followed,” said Drozjock.

In past years, the hockey stick blades have been covered with socks for safety reasons. Athletes no longer use socks on the sticks, but the stick blade and puck must be kept below the knees at all times.

In the past, goggles protected players from high sticks but have been replaced by the knee-high rule. Since the start of the second semester, however, “goalies have to wear goggles,” according to Drozjock.

West Essex English teacher Bryan McNaught, who went to high school at Highpoint Regional in the town of Sussex, recalls being “bloody the whole year from

opponents,” he added.

“It truly is the highlight of my high school physical eduBy far the most popular gym unit, according to a stucation career, besides scooter soccer with the giant gident poll of 100 students, floor hockey is the most danraffe ball,” Veniero said. gerous both to the students playing and to the teacher, Coach Drozjock does not encourage any body conaccording to the number of reported injuries and incitact and shuns any form of violence, even though makdents. ing body contact and checking is fun for some stu“Floor hockey can be dangerous if it’s not taught dents. right and [if] rules aren’t followed,” said physical edu“I think floor hockey is great,” said Drozjock. cation instructor David Drozjock. But even when “There is nonstop action and excitement, everybody rules are followed, safety violations can and do ocplays hard, and students are having fun and getting fit cur. all at the same time,” he added.

One such violation resulted in a broken nose, Drozjock’s student teacher, Stephen a bloody mess, and forced senior Dan Skeels Trongone, believes that gym floor hockey is to sit out the end of his senior ice hockey seaso popular “because of the team play needed son as the team captain. “I was sitting on the – everyone is involved and constantly movred wrestling mat when [senior Colin] Naspo ing.” tripped and his stick hit me in the face,” said The players have “something to play for,” senior Dan Skeels. “I started bleeding from a according to Trongone. “Besides their [gym] cut on my nose, and it wouldn’t stop so we got grade, the Wessex Cup, and the golden prize, the nurse,” he added. the ‘Stanley Cup,’” which are the names of “I felt silly because I wasn’t even playing when the two championship games, respectively 3rd it happened, and I was bleeding [a lot],” said vs. 4th place, and 1st vs. 2nd place.

Skeels.

Sophomore Ben Isaac, who rates himself a Because Skeels’s injury was accidental and be“two out of five stars on skill level,” would like cause Naspo didn’t break any of the rules, Naspo to recommend floor hockey as an “amazing and was not sent to the ‘sin bin,’ more commonly exciting” gym unit. called the floor hockey penalty box.

Despite his humility about his own skill level, The Naspo-Skeels mishap is not the first floor Isaac kept his team, the Black Panthers, alive hockey accident, and gym floor hockey accidents in Drozjock’s period seven gym class. The are by no means exclusive to West Essex. Both “Black Panthers would go on to win the floor hockey and the accidents can be found in Wessex Cup,” securing third place in the class, almost any school’s gym curriculum. according to Isaac.

Last year, junior Stacey Clarken was struck The mental mindset and preparation of many by what she thought was the butt end of a stick, of the student athletes contribute to the excitewhich bruised her eye and caused her to leave ment and success of the game. Senior LJ Caprio the ice with “a shiner,” according to junior Marc “trains year round for gym floor hockey and Guido. The injury occurred while opponent Guido can’t wait till the season comes.” was fighting for the puck in the corner for posBecause of its popularity, McNaught recomSophomores participate in floor hockey, the “favorite” gym session. It is unknown if Guido’s elbow or the mends that the next faculty-student game for sport unit by a large margin. The sport, though popular, is butt end of his stick made contact with Clarken’s the Class of 2007 should be floor hockey. also one of the more dangerous sports offered during gym. eye.

“Enough with basketball and volleyball,” he Guido, who later confessed to cheating by said. “Enough with non-contact sports. Give bending his stick blade to make a “deadly banana curve,” slashing that cut my hand.” us sticks and let us go at it.” felt “deeply disturbed” by the accident but reaffirmed “Back in my day the goalies just didn’t wear goggles “Floor hockey is not for the weak of heart,” acthat “you’ve got to do what you gotta do.” Clarken re- but a full set of equipment,” recalls McNaught. “It was cording to senior Jimmy Hammel, who summed up fused to comment. full contact…45 minutes of madness. There were a the gym floor hockey experience with a quote from “Stacey [Clarken] is one of the great players of the couple of girls in the class. They were nasty; they were the very popular movie Wedding Crashers, “Rule sport – a real trooper,” said Guido. “When the puck is all field hockey players.” number 76: no excuses; play like a champion.” in the corner you got to play the body and go all out, Even though McNaught is now an 110%,” he added.

English teacher and has never considFavorite Physical Education Activities of West Essex Guido’s confidence along with his lethal “banana ered teaching physical education, he curve,” as Guido, himself, calls it, have been considered says that “floor hockey is the number “threats” to opponents, according to junior Elizabeth Jung, one thing” that he misses about high who was the opposing team’s defenseman. school. Unlike West Essex, where a Soccer, 3% Ultimate Frisbee, 5% Just later in the game, Guido saw a chance to score varsity ice hockey program is offered, Dance/Yoga, 7% and lasered the puck toward the net. Instantaneously, floor hockey at High Point was “the Guido warned his opponent by shouting “get out of the most organized hockey [that] kids at Floor Hockey, 35% way,” but Jung, “stood motionless in fright,” according [the] school could play besides pond to Guido. hockey.”

Guido’s self-described “howitzer” propelled the puck Aggressiveness and “going all-out” is directly into her thigh, which caused what Guido called the name of the game for most of the Volleyball 33% “cannonball-sized bruise.” Jung then “limped off the ice students playing, “especially male athlike a trooper,” said Guido, who despite his shenanigans letes,” according to junior John Football, 4% gained kudos as the game’s MVP with eight goals.

Veniero. “Floor hockey allows [stuBasketball, 3% Jung has learned from the experience the hard way dents] to take phys-ed to the extreme,” Racquet Sports (Tennis/Badminton/Ping and wants future defensemen to learn from her injury said Veniero.

Pong), 3% Kickball/Ghettoball, 7% rather than be injured themselves. “You’ve got to watch “You can sometimes get away with out for flying pucks and make sure you don’t get hurt,” checking your buddies into the mats or advised Jung. walls if it’s not too hard, and as long if A graph portraying what percentage of students prefer each In order to prevent injuries from occurring, “penal- the teacher knows it’s just for fun and gym activity. The graph is based on a survey of 100 random ties must be enforced and safety procedures must be you are not out there to pulverize your West Essex students.

by Steve Monin ‘07

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Ping Pong tournament fundraiser “Road to Atlantic City” ends in victory creates “buzz” around school in their weight class. The next and final

by Steve Monin ‘07 continued from page 18

ping pong together, “relaxing, laughing, and having a good time,” they rebuzzing around the school for weeks alized that ping pong is something “evbefore it happened,” says junior eryone can participate in and enjoy.”

Amanda Roche, who like the major“Ping Pong is a sport that techniity of her friends, was eager to watch cally requires no athletic ability and the tournament. “Besides [English can be played by boys, girls, young, teacher Neil] Fardin making jokes old, tall, short, etc,” said senior Dan and adding excitement to the event, Stivaly, member of the Aesthetics the live music played by [seniors] Club.

Teddy Cox, Liam Farrell, Mike SayDeTroia “predicted that the idea ers, and [juniors] Will Wild and John of a ping pong tournament would Veniero was a real catch ,” she raise money,” but never expected added. that it would become “as popular Senior English teacher Mr. Fardin, as it was.” who is the advisor of the Aesthetics The Aesthetics Club is very small Club and who coordinated the event, and not well known in the school, acis proud of the “spectacular turnout cording to Fardin; therefore, a among the student body.” fundraiser that is “this distinct is a huge President of the Aesthetics Club, success for our organization.”

Matthew DeTroia, and some of his “Not only did we raise tons of friends in the club came up with the money, but we raised people’s idea because “we needed a awareness of the club,” said DeTroia, fundraiser for the club, something big who added that “It gave everyone a and different from other clubs.” chance to come together as a school.”

One day while they were playing A single elimination tournament with a separate male and female draw, the event required that students follow a list of rules, which included a specific warm up time along with serving and scoring regulations.

“The right Senior English teacher and Aesthetics Club advisor people got inNeil Fardin provides colorful commentary during the volved and the first annual West Essex Ping Pong Tournament.

The West Essex wrestling team fruitfully finished their regular season at 135, and continued their postseason conquest all the way to the States held at the “big A.C.,” as the team calls it.

The road to Atlantic City began with ten wrestlers finishing in the top three positions at the District XIII matches, held here at West Essex during a two day episode. After winning the District XIII Championship, the ten wrestlers competed at the Region 4 matches at Passaic Valley – a three day event consisting of Districts 13-16.

Senior co-captain Mike D’Urso at 160 and senior Matt DeTroia at 140 triumphed at first place, while sophomore Sal Tobia at 135 and senior cocaptain Nappi at 152 placed third each

stop for the four remaining wrestlers was the long awaited NJSIAA tournament in Atlantic City. D’Urso, a twotime Region IV champion, captured 8th place in the state. DeTroia gained kudos at 6th.

Head Coach Joe Benvenuti is pleased with the success of the season, especially when compared to the previous. “Last year, we got two kids to the states but no one placed,” said Benvenuti. “This year, we took four to Atlantic City and two earned medals,” he added. “It shows our program is continuing to grow and that’s very encouraging. Matt [DeTroia] and Michael [D’Urso] have set the bar pretty high for future wrestlers here and they should be proud of their accomplishments.”

West Essex Varsity Wrestling Post Season Placements District 13 Matches at West Essex

Region 4 (Districts 13-16) Matches (Passaic Valley)

Ciampi Agudo Minai Tobia DeTroia Nappi D’Urso Picciuto Caprio Droz

Tobia DeTroia Nappi D’Urso

103 – 2nd 112 – 3rd 130 – 1st 135 – 1st 140 – 1st 152 – 2nd 160 – 1st 171 – 3rd 189 – 2nd HWT – 2nd

students really followed Mr. Fardin’s lead,” said Mondadori. “It should grow into something that should take place every year and, hopefully, even more students and teachers will get involved.”

Although Aesthetics Club members

135 – 3rd 140 – 1st 152 – 3rd 160 – 1st

State Matches (Atlantic City) DeTroia D’Urso

140 – 6th 160 – 8th

are not sure exactly how they plan on using the money, it will go towards continuing to beautify the school, according to Fardin. photo courtesy of Katie Rosenberg

“Other, other spring sport” gains “spirit” and “competitiveness”

by Jack Vidovich ‘08

No longer “the other, other spring sport,” the spring track team, led by coaches David Drozjock and Stacey Morris, not only competes against opponents but also with West Essex baseball and lacrosse in what can only be described as a “popularity contest,” according to sophomore Tom De Franco.

Despite receiving “third place” in their “popularity” finish in terms of participants,, “the team has almost doubled in size and, as a whole, is working harder and doing much better,” said De Franco.

Coach Drozjock agrees. “This year we’re definitely more competitive, we’re in the fight, and [we] will give a great effort when we compete and in practice,” said Drozjock It doesn’t matter if we’re fighting for first place or fifth place, we go after it. It’s a great group of guys this year and I love their spirit.”

After their first meet against Parsippany-Hills and Dover, no one can doubt that De Franco and Drozjock are right.

For the men’s team, senior Ricky Lyons placed first in the shot put, and junior Justin Hubler took first in the discus, throwing his personal best of 100’5". Freshman Dan Keegan came in first in the long jump with his own personal best at 16’10". Seniors Roger Young and Albert Gasser both came in second, Young ran the 1600 meter and Gasser ran the 400 meter.

As for the women’s team, junior Stephanie Avjean took first in the 400 hurdle and the 800 meter. Senior Jessica Lim placed first in the 3200, and junior Alexa Bono received second in the 800 meter and third in the 1600.

This is a huge improvement from last year according to Drozjock. “Last year in our first relay we didn’t score one point and came in last place,” he said.

“This year in our first relay without our full team, but we came in ninth place

out of fifteen teams in Division I.” Before the season officially started, rumors circulated that pole vaulting would be offered. Drozjock said that the idea came about because a student was “interested” in it, but ultimately the pole vault will not be an option this season.

Although the team would not need a coach with specific background in pole vaulting to train the athletes, accord-

ing to the NJSIAA, (New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association), team members and coaches thought that they needed someone with experience. For that reason the team did not offer it and will not offer it because of the “high risk factor,” according to Mr. Thomas Pengitore, the school’s athletic director.

FEMALE SHOTPUTTER STANDS ALONE

by Jack Vidovich ‘08

Despite the hype from the success of the spring tracks team’s first meet, one member who stands out is the only female to participate in the shot put at West Essex this year. That student is junior Emily Cox. Cox’s career in the event started when her coach encouraged her to try the shot put at a scrimmage

where she threw it twenty feet, an above average throw for a beginner. She then decided to focus on that event along with the discus.

As for what it’s like to be the only girl on the shot put team, Cox admits that it’s frustrating because “as the only girl, it’s hard to relate to the people on the [shot put] team.”

However, Cox credits the boys for being “very supportive.”