The Wessex Wire The Student Newspaper of West Essex Regional High School
Vol. LVI No. 5
65 West Greenbrook Road, North Caldwell, N.J.
TheWessexWire.com
We the People of the Wessex Wire have created this issue in light of the upcoming election. To keep up with the candidates and parties, it is important to stay politically inclined. Whether Democrat, Republican or perhaps an Independent, there are a few things to become aware of as November approaches. For your convenience, the staff has provided you with the most important tools to be informed in the field of politics. Inside this issue: Inspiring W.E. grads to politically motivate you (page 2) Tips to stray from ingrained family beliefs (page 4) A political quiz identifying ideologies (page 6) The impact a candidate’s last name has (page 8) Our favorite politically themed movies (page 10) Justice system’s flaws in Duke lacrosse scandal (page 11)
Social studies scholar turned politician By Olivia Ritter ’18
In an issue of The Wessex Wire from April 1993, a feature page with the title “Students of the Month” included a picture and quote from Josh Gottheimer, the school’s Social Studies Student of the Month. His quoted caption read, “The History Department has not only stimulated my education here, but has influenced me to pursue a politicallyoriented career.” Today, 22 years later, Gottheimer is now running for a seat in the 5th Congressional District, which includes a Bergen, Passaic, Sussex and Warren counties. Gottheimer’s current run for Congress reflects his own views on the political arena. Growing up in North Caldwell and moving to Wyckoff where he now resides, Gottheimer said he understands many young people’s indifference toward the 2016 election, and he wants to help channel those feelings into action. “Part of the reason I’m running for Congress is that I’m frustrated, too,” said Gottheimer. “Candidates are more interested in sending an angry tweet.” Gottheimer credits many of
In This Issue:
Check out more West Essex graduates involved in politics on page 2 his past West Essex teachers for helping him focus on the political field. One teacher in particular is middle school history teacher Mr. Richard Hochman, who centered lessons on political affairs. “He would pick an issue like ‘taxes’ or ‘education’ and run to explain the sides: conservative, moderate or liberal,” Gottheimer said. “He made us think critically.” Outside of class, Gottheimer said his involvement on the Wessex Wire as a staff reporter and program coordinator was also important to his political education. He credited the adviser at the time, Ms. Tina Lane, with contributing to his fervor toward politics. On the paper, Gottheimer “asked the tough questions” about the issues, and Lane inspired him to “fight for the people” and “represent his constituents.” “The Wire had a big impact,” Gottheimer said. “We wrote about policies affecting the school and
3-4 Opinion
Media fails the public
PHOTOS FROM ARCHIVES AND COURTESY OF JOSH GOTTHEIMER
(Left) Quoted in an issue of the Wessex Wire from 1993, Gottheimer states his interest in a politically-oriented career. (Right) Today, Gottheimer is running for the 5th Congressional District.
the country.” This attentiveness to the current political climate fueled Gottheimer’s dedication to the issues and what needs to be done to fix them. It was former New Jersey Sen. Frank Lautenberg who kickstarted Gottheimer’s political career. As a 16-year-old student at West Essex, he worked as a Senate page and interned for Sen. Lautenberg, and he was able to understand the inner workings of the Senate and familiarize himself
6-7 Election
with the live political field. Following high school, Gottheimer attended the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard Law School. He continued his political based efforts as a speechwriter and special assistant to Bill Clinton and working on several campaigns, including Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign in 2008. “West Essex gave me an incredible education,” he said. “It prepared me very well.”
Determine your political ideology
5 & 8 Features
April 2016
Health fair treats W.E. students By Sammi Mazzella ’16
West Essex hosted its 3rd annual Health Fair on March 24. Students in anatomy and physiology, sports medicine, dynamics of health care, honors biology, with the help of the WE Care and STEM clubs set up stations for all students to learn about physical health, mental health, and many tips to improve one’s health. Dr. Bruffy, anatomy and physiology and sports medicine teacher, has been organizing the Health Fair since its beginning. “My vision for the Annual Health Fair was to bring the community and school together to promote healthy living,” Dr. Bruffy said. The presentations included the effects of drugs and the benefits of dark chocolate. “They demonstrated concepts they’ve learned throughout the year and were able to provide interactive ways for students and the public to promote health and fitness,” said Dr. Bruffy. Dr. Danielle D’Alessio and Dr. Geoffrey Bossio from Advanced C hiroprac t ic Rehab C enter brought a table and adjusted students. Students made smoothies for those who came to visit the Health Fair. A CPR station was available for students to learn how to perform CPR on an adult and a baby. They were two dummies for students to even practice what they had learned from the presentation. Many outside vendors from the surrounding communities came to the school to offer their services or products to the student body. Gyms including 360, Planet Fitness and Crossfit. Crossfit, offered a giveaway to a lucky student of one month free at their gym. Dr.Bruffy, who is also a professor at Caldwell University, had nursing students from Caldwell University attend the Health Fair. The nursing students are trained in taking vitals, so they came to gain practice and interact with the West Essex community.
Are candidates telling the truth?