The Wessex Wire (January 2017)

The Wessex Wire The Student Newspaper of West Essex Regional High School

Vol. LVI No. 3

65 West Greenbrook Road, North Caldwell, N.J.

TheWessexWire.com

January 2017

Bethany tutors guide students in their workloads

By Melanie Montes ’18

With the help of the Bethany Church Center for Champions Tutoring Program, West Essex students are volunteering to lend a hand to tutor middle school children from the West Orange area.

All students who are interested in preparing themselves academically are welcome. Every Monday and Wednesday, students receive help with their homework, tests and online assignments.

The program became a tremendous success last year after being created by alumn Brandon Heinz and Esha Parikh. Several students involved said they found working with the program rewarding, and this year, many volunteers from numerous clubs, including Key Club, SADD and NHS, have stepped in to continue the tradition.

Club advisers Ms. Fernicola, Mrs. Capen and Ms. Carollo are looking forward to achieving something great through this center. Ms. Carollo seems hopeful of gaining tons of student outreach and instilling the love of teaching to the tutors. “I think more students are eager to participate this year than last year so in that sense the program is expanding to more people,” Ms. Carollo said. “I hope students are eager to volunteer throughout the entire year and

Sophomore Lia Gaccione helps her student, Ernest, with his homework on Jan. 4 at Bethany Chuch in West Orange.

Photo by Alexa Dratch

keep it going.”

Ms. Carollo said the club’s location sets a different vibe. “I feel like the other programs are internally in the high school, whereas this one goes to a different environment and helps other students,” she said. “Every time we go, the kids look forward to having us come.”

Junior Alex Apito is excited to help. “The students are able to work one on one with the tutor so they can get the attention that will help them succeed in their chosen careers,” she said. Apito believes there is something they receive in exchange for tutoring. “This gives tutors, like myself, the opportunity

to be interactive with new people outside of the school,” Apito said.

Apito decided to give back in a way that would help these children academically. “I absolutely love the experience and I enjoy working with children and seeing them accomplish their school work,” Apito said.

with Amazon, so the gift the child wished for is delivered directly to them. They have hospital locations in 10 countries who’ve agreed to work with them.

Every present option on the site is listed with the child’s name and age which makes it even more personal. The prices of the gifts range from around $10 to $40 and could be anything from playing blocks to a Barbie Glam Convertible.

Ms. Mondadori-Llauget, who has personal involvement with the charity, said she felt strongly enough to bring it to our school.

“To me, I think it’s the best thing.”

Mondo said. “It is very organized, and I know the money is going to where it should.”

Mondo became involved because she grew up with the CEO and founder, Shimmy Mehta.

They agreed that it would be best to make the school’s involvement a competition between all of the extracurricular groups. Along with the gratification of making an ill child smile, the competition would be even more incentive and helpful for students to participate.

Last year was the first year the school donated to Angelwish.

Since the football team donated the most, Mondo brought one of the team’s captains and the Student Council President along with her to the honorable Nasdaq Stock Market Closing Bell ceremony.

See ANGELWISH on Page 3

(From left) Principal Diliberto, Ms. Mondadori-Llauget, senior Micaela Weiss, Angelwish CEO Shimmy Mehta and senior Frank Ferrante.

Junior Shaina Barreto is willing to guide the students with schoolwork. “I helped a boy named Romeo with his Spanish project.

For the tutors, it gives us a chance to help and interact with kids. They are all so interesting and funny,” said junior Shaina Barreto.

See BETHANY on Page 3

Angelwish sends holiday wishes to hospitals worldwide

By Micaela Weiss ’17 Sending warm holiday wishes to hospitals around the world, Angelwish, a nonprofit organization dedicated to donating gifts to children with chronic illnesses, has partnered up with West Essex for the second year during the holiday season. The charitable organization has made it their mission to grant the wishes of millions of sick children around the world since the year 1999.

The process of granting a wish is made quite simple for donators.

You simply log onto their website, angelwish.org, choose a hospital and then donate money or a specific gift. The organization is linked

In This Issue:

4-6 Opinion

Is early decision the best decision?

8-9 Music

New music for the new year

Photo courtesy of Nasdaq

O’Neill: triple 14-16 Brian sport phenomenon Sports

The Wessex Wire: News

January 2017

Page 2

Oscar-winning producer sparks interest Producer Tony Osso speaks to GSA club, sharing his approach to the LGBT community in his work.

By Danielle Tabatneck ’18 Tony Osso, producer, director and script supervisor of several Oscar-winning films, spoke to West Essex’s Gay-Straight Alliance club (GSA) on Dec. 14 about his own life and his passion for telling the stories he thinks people need to be aware of.

Osso worked as a script supervisor for 24 features, some including: “Precious,” “the Messenger,” “Blue Valentine,” “Wanderlust,” “Freeheld” and “Pilot for Divorce.”

He has also written and directed two narrative short stories, made the Devotion Project which consists of six short docs and a series of a seven short doc series called Inside Rudy’s.

“Everything that I do is to address a gap that I think is missing,” Osso said, adding he creates films

Photo courtesy of ms. bazzarelli

GSA adviser Ms. Bazzarelli and producer Tony Osso put together a private presentation for the GSA students.

to bring up different ideas and inform audiences on what he believes they should know.

The main focus of the session

was based on his six short films that make up the Devotion Project.

These films capture same-sex couples and were made to prove

how normal their lives are. This is done by showing viewers that these couples’ lives are no different than any heterosexual couple.

“Watching his short films have interested me in the kind of person behind them, so I was very excited to meet him and have the opportunity to ask questions,” junior Lexi Faust said.

“I like how he was not judgemental and I liked how he asked the students to also be supportive of the parents, because it is not something easy for them as well,” Italian teacher and GSA adviser Ms. Bazzarelli said.

Osso said people think homosexuality is a foreign idea or topic that needs to be pointed out in an individual. He then created the Devotion Project to counteract this attitude people have toward those who are a part of the LGBT community, pointing out that this is only one characteristic of an individual’s overall identity.

Osso received a B.F.A in film from NYU and has been working in film for 15-16 years with T.V. shows, movies and commercials.

As of now, he works in film production in New York, but tends to travel for work.

He advised students to work hard. “If you are aiming for awards, you are missing the goal completely,” Osso said.

Sophomores propose new medical club

Students band together to start up afterschool sessions involving pre-medical preparation.

By Ria Shah ’19

West Essex has a large range of students who see their future in the medical field. Sophomores Samuel Rosenberg, Mac Farrell and Kunal Bhatnagar have taken on the task of helping students achieve this dream by starting plans to create an official Pre-Med Club. They’ve gotten more than 70 signatures to support the idea. The boys plan to make a career of medicine more achievable for the student body.

“We plan to help students realize if they want to go into medicine,” Farrell said, “and if they do, help guide them as to what kind of medicine they want to study by having medicine professionals come in and discuss what they do.”

Generally, most clubs don’t make it too far; according to guidance counselor, Ms. Goudreau, only about 1 to 2 percent of new clubs are approved. However, despite this, there was a great turnout for the club’s charter meeting. It is projected to be the second largest club in West Essex.

In order for the club to officially begin, there is a lengthy process in which Principal Diliberto, Vice Principal Hoebee and the board must approve. An email containing the official club name, the goals of the club, how often the club would meet, a faculty adviser and a list of charter members must be sent out to be debated before establishment.

The club is still pending to be approved, but Farrell, Rosenberg and Bhatnagar have already begun planning meetings. There is a great anticipation for committed visits from multiple doctors, including pulmonologists and dermatologists in the future.

“I’m ready to ask anyone to come in; I have a lot of hope in this,” chemistry teacher and proposed club adviser Dr. D’Meo said.

The club will not provide any

college scholarships or any type of credit, only readiness for a future in the medical field. “This club serves a greater purpose,” Rosenberg said. “It will give guidance for college, regarding majors, what they want to spend their life doing, as well as what college they want to go to.”

According to the club’s founders, based on the club’s preferences and availability, any type of doctor could be brought in to discuss possible options for students.

“We’ve seen a lot of interest from the student body and we’ve decided to give students the opportunity to explore ideas in the medical field,” Bhatnagar said.

As more students sign up, the anticipation for the club’s first meeting grows.

“I’ve always been interested in medicine and pursuing it as a ca-

reer so I’m so excited for this club,” sophomore Denise Domerstad, one of the students who signed up for interest in the Pre-Med Club said.

While the date of the first club meeting has yet to be decided, students and teachers have high hopes for the future of this venture .

“Being on the right path now will help anyone and everyone possibly get into medical school,” Dr. D’Meo said.

For now, D’Meo and potential club members are wasting no time waiting for approval to begin work.

Visitors including Bhatnagar’s father, a dermatologist, have agreed to come in and speak to the group.

“We would like to discuss with the members what kind of medicine interests them, and once we figure out what the most popular

Photo by ria Shah

West Essex alumna Esha Parikh talks about the different medical programs available at Nova South Eastern University on Jan. 5.

fields are, we would ask doctors to come in and to speak to the students,” Dr. D’Meo said.

The Wessex Wire: News

January 2017

Page 3

Alt-Right activism comes BETHANY | from page 1 into the eye of the public

By Grace Irwin ’18

As President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence celebrate their victory and move into the White House, they face a mix of celebration and criticism from many different political viewpoints. Among those voices, however, is one particularly virulent and abrasive subgroup known as the Alternative Right, a group centered on “white identity” and the preservation of “western civilization,” according to the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Politicians and citizens at all points of the political spectrum are anxious and extremely uncertain about the rising presence and voice of the Alt-Right, which many view as a racist hate group. Most who identify as part of the Alt-Right celebrate Trump and Pence’s victory, viewing it as a validation of what they champion as their values and virtues.

The Alt-Right, according to SPLC, is “a set of far-right ideologies, groups and individuals whose core belief is that ‘white identity’ is under attack by multicultural forces using ‘political correctness’ and ‘social justice’ to undermine white people and ‘their’ civiliza-

tion.” Such actions include white supremacy, Islamophobia, anti feminism, homophobia, antiSemitism and more.

Rising to the national stage around 2008, the Alt-Right is characterized as an alternative to what is seen as a traditional conservative party. The group spreads their messages through means of social media on websites including Twitter and Breitbart.

“It’s scary how there are actually people in our world like this,” junior Alex Notte said.

Before now they have mostly kept quiet, but now that Trump and Pence are entering the White House, they believes that the new president will support them. “This says so much about the kind of American people there are , and it’s scary to know that Alt-Right members believe that our presidentelect will actually support them,” junior Brianna Gonzalez said.

In recent news, Vice President Pence has created an anti-LGBT agenda. His ideas include the creation of “ex-gay” therapy programs and the cutting of funds for AIDS research. President Trump has been more open to marriage, saying in November, “I’m fine with same sex marriage.”

Senior SADD President Nina Mazzella said the program offers benefits to both students and tutors. “One student said to me that he appreciated us coming because it provided a support system that he doesn’t receive at home,” Mazzella said.“It is beneficial for them because they receive specialized attention if they need help in a subject, they have someone to confide in, and ultimately a friend willing to listen.”

Mazzella said she benefits from the experience than the students do. “It is such a humbling experience,” Mazzella said. “As cliche as this is, these boys make me want to help anyone and everyone. They are such great people who just need some guidance.”

“I recommend the Bethany Church tutoring to anyone interested in giving back,” senior Madison Gemma said. “I look forward to helping out.”

ANGELWISH | from page 1 This year the school raised aproximately $4,000 and Mehta had an outside donor who agreed to match what West Essex raised.

The hockey team contributed the most at West Essex, so senior captain Frank Ferrante received the opportunity to represent school teams at the 2016 Closing Bell.

[Ed. Note: Reporter Micaela Weiss also attended the event to represent girls’ volleyball.]

Mehta was on the road to becoming an accountant when he discovered his desire to help families with a child suffering from a chronic illness. He started this nonprofit organization with one purpose, to solely to help these

families in need. His staff is made of people that entirely volunteer their time to helping the charity achieve its mission. Mehta said he was very thankful and appreciative for West Essex’s contributions during his speech at the Nasdaq Closing Bell.

“West Essex did an amazing job this season granting wishes, but I would like Angelwish to be a year-round commitment, not just a holiday season effort,” Mondo said. Mondo plans to continue the school’s involvement with Angelwish for as long as she is working at the school. Everyone who is looking to help should try their best to do so.

Annual holiday breakfast brings in seniors

By Hayley Brener ’19

Holiday joy brings in senior citizens from different nursing homes to West Essex and the tradition came alive again on Dec. 6. They enjoyed breakfast made by students in cooking classes, watched students sing and dance and the band perform. The school was adorned with poinsettias, beautiful paper snowflakes and the food was served on cheery Christmas plates.

Principal Diliberto started the event by welcoming everyone and even gave a special shout-out to all the West Essex alumni in attendance. Afterwards, students began serving food to the guests while getting to know them. The gingerbread houses and holiday decorations set up in the cafeteria and leading to the auditorium only added to the festive cheer.

“It took us about two weeks to prepare,” sophomore Stephanie Turano said. “I was very happy when they saw us and it was great to see big smiles on their faces, even if I did a simple thing like opening the door.”

“My favorite part was seeing the citizens smiling and having tons of fun, while my kids were singing amazingly,” choir director Ms. Mateyka said.

While the guests enjoyed their meals, West Essex arts supervisor Ms. Swanick introduced the

choirs. No Girls Aloud, the allboys acapella group, sang “Brown Eyed Girl.” The Chordettes, the all-girls acapella group, then sang “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes.” Then, they combined to bring in the holiday spirit while singing “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”

“Seeing all of the smiling faces and brightening up their day means the world to me,” junior concert choir member Paige Wasserman said.

The dance team followed, with junior Sarah Blake performing a solo. After that, the rest of the team joined her in dancing to “Little Black Dress” by One Direction.

“I loved entertaining the senior citizens to make them enjoy their breakfast even more,” sophomore Elyssa Stabile, who is on the dance team said. “I feel like for them, who don’t get to see people dance as often, it helps them to bring them back memories and relive their high school days.”

Later, everyone moved to the auditorium to watch the school choirs, orchestra and bands perform. The women’s choir performed “She Sings,” “When Autumn Falls,” and their own take on the classic “Jingle Bells.” The concert choir performed a Hebrew song “Hanayamata,” “Spin My Top” and “Festival Sanctus,” a song in Latin. The concert orchestra ended

News around the world

By Jessica Cunha ’17

China’s censorship In the latest move to strengthen China’s internet censorship, the New York Times App was removed from all devices on Dec. 23 following a request from Chinese authorities. Even though the paper itself has been blocked since 2012, the app was still accessible. Apple spokesman Fred Sainz addressed the violation of the Chinese law to the Times. “We have been informed that the app is in violation of local regulations,” Sainz said. This incident is an indicator of the proven increased government control on free speech and expression, especially over the past four years.

Trump vs.

Buzzfeed

Buzzfeed News found themselves defending their journalistic integrity on Jan. 10 when the platform released a 35-page document containing unverified information linking the Russian government to President Donald Trump.

Even though CNN had alluded to these accusations, they themselves refused to share the information because of the inability to corroborate it. In response to the allegations, Buzzfeed News stated that since the document was already circulating among a majority of the media and politicians, it was only right to share it with everyone.

Jared Kushner

photo courtesy of Lauren Manniello

Senior citizens enjoy breakfast in the cafeteria served by culinary classes.

the event with holiday cheer by performing excerpts from the song “Festive Songs of Hanukkah” and a piece called “Christmas Eve.” The band performed the song “Sleigh Ride.”

“During this time of holidays, we are very thankful to have a district that supports us so well,” band

director Mr. Fabrizio said.

The guests were greeted at the exit with goodie bags and a memorable experience. Everyone was exclaiming about the food and performances on their way out.

“My favorite was the crumb cake, it was absolutely delectable!” guest Rosemary Palma said.

President Donald Trump officially appointed son-in-law Jared Kushner as his White House senior advisor on Jan. 9, even though he has no prior experience within government. This decision incited criticism against Trump because some feel that their close familial relationship is a clear conflict of interest, potentially violating antinepotism laws. As an adviser, officials have reported that Kushner’s main focus will be on trade policy and the Middle East. However, unlike his father-in-law, Kushner has been a lifelong Democrat with liberal social views, so he may bring a new perspective to Trump’s team.

Opinion

January 2017 Issue 3

The Wessex Wire Page 4

Seriously: Thanks, Obama No matter what political party you affiliate yourself with, or economic views you may have, there is no denying that President Barack Obama has left a lasting legacy while in office when it comes to social, economic and environmental issues.

Over the past eight years, President Obama has managed to repeal the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, which shamed servicemen and women for their sexual orientation, whether they were gay, lesbian or bisexual. This discriminatory legislation lasted for 18 years before his administration took it on as a human rights campaign, fighting for those who fight for Americans everyday.

President Obama has consistently brought LGBT rights to the forefront, no matter the opposition. In 2015, same-sex marriage equality was passed nationwide, making it legal for all couples to be married in all 50 states. Through these actions, President Obama has sent the message that discrimination should never be tolerated.

He has also fought to preserve the environment for future generations, boosting green and efficiency standards through an international climate agreement, which led to a long awaited global consensus among 195 nations to reduce climate pollution. His dedication to clean energy is unprecedented amongst other presidents in recent history.

With a tremendous amount of mass shootings arising in the past few years, combating gun violence has been more important than ever. President Obama has been a huge proponent of stricter gun laws that prevent the easy access to guns so that violent acts, such as the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, never happen again.

President Obama’s presidency has been focused on fighting for Americans and their safety, and for that, the Wire is grateful.

Staff Editorial

The Wessex Wire The Official Student Newspaper of West Essex High School A Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Medalist Paper 65 West Greenbrook Road, North Caldwell, New Jersey 07006 (973) 228-1200 ext. 258 2016-2017 STAFF: Managing Editor & Special Projects Editor Daniella Ignacio ’17 News Editors Melanie Montes ‘18 Junior Editor: Grace Irwin ‘18 Features Editors Micaela Weiss ‘17 Junior Editor: Maddie Galligan ‘18 Sports Editors Michael DeFranza ‘17 Dan Laible ’18 Mia Oyama ‘17

Editors-in-Chief Jessica Cunha ’17 Isabel Tabs ’17 Jake Wolf ‘17

Jules Moskowitz ’17

Junior Opinion Editors Michael DiGiacomo ‘18 Heath Kalb ‘18

Photography Editors Alexandra Codella ‘17 Alexa Dratch ‘18

Arts & Culture Editors Grace George ‘17 Olivia Ritter ‘17

Advertising & Social Media Editor Lizzy Cimilluca ’17

Online Editors Megan Boeckel ‘17

Illustrators Catherine Digangi ‘17 Amanda Margiolas ‘17 Sharon O’Donnell ‘18 Joey Ploscowe ‘18 Michael Sessa ‘18

Faculty Adviser Mr. Hermosilla

Art Director

Contributing Staff Sara Amil ‘18, Hayley Brener ‘19, Sophia Colitti ‘17, Alyssa Cristobal ‘18, Quinn Delehanty ‘19, Jordan Flusser ‘19, Dylan Lepre ‘19, Ally Schachtel‘19, Ria Shah ‘19, Danielle Tabatneck ‘18, Chris Tsakonas ‘18, Zoe Stern ‘17

The Wessex Wire Editorial Policy

The national-award winning Wessex Wire is published with supplemental updates to inform, educate and entertain the approximately 1,200 students of West Essex High School, faculty and community. Unsigned editorials are the consensus opinion of the editorial board and do not always reflect the views of the adviser, 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 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 at thewessexwire@gmail.com.

Several photos in this issue are used under various Creative Commons licenses. For more info and full licensing details, visit creativecommons.org.

Four of the main priorities people have to juggle around Valentine’s day.

Illustration by Amanda Margiolas

It’s about ValenTIME to end the Valentine stress

By Sophia Colitti ’17

Love is the closest thing we have to magic. It is radiated and felt deeply, it is unlimited, it is the element of life that ties us all together. That being said, love deserves a day dedicated to celebrating it in its entirety.

Though Valentine’s Day is a renowned day of wallowing and self pity for the single, there are reasons to appreciate and partake in all it embodies.

There is a certain pressure that accompanies Feb. 14, with high and often very unrealistic expectations to be in a flourishing, romantic relationship.

There are ridiculous amounts of V-Day hype on social media Illustration by Michael Sessa and in advertisements which claim that a box of chocolates, Students are struggling to limit the people who deserve a Valentine’s card. jewelry and flowers are the only sources of happiness on that and are raising you to be the good that you’re single and societal day. Newsflash: Just because in the world, are you saying they pressures break your confidence @GirlCode on Twitter posted don’t love you? down, remember that there are pictures of giant plush toys with Your friends who laugh the different types of love in the world the caption “OMG NEED” with loudest with you, the ones with and each of them entail a different heart eye emojis does not mean whom you create countless mem- source of energy. you need them to have a nice day. ories, do those years of shared It is a shame that our self worth Even though Anti-Valentine’s friendship not matter? is seemingly validated by society’s Day parties are common, you Your peers that you spend five demands, but it is our duty to do not need to spend the night days of the week with, walking create our own happiness and drowning yourself in junk food from class to class and inquiring sculpt our own perspectives of and trash talking love. Let it be about each other’s days, what fulfillment. Rather than wasting known that romance is beautiful, about them? Your coaches and Valentine’s Day away by wishing and it is not a crime to want to live teachers who work tirelessly each for the things we don’t have, we out a day of perfection with your day to prepare and encourage you must seize the opportunity to partner—in fact it is supported. to pursue your goals, do they not cherish and express gratitude for But let it be known that ro- care? Your siblings who share in- what we do have. mance is not the only form of side jokes and are the only other Love is love regardless, so use love to exist, nor does it supercede people who understand the inner this Valentine’s Day to channel the others. workings of your home, is their it and spread it. Tell people how Valentine’s Day is an opportu- love nonexistent? much you love them and why, and nity to count our blessings, seeing What about yourself? Self love realize that your love is reciproas it is the day of all love, despite is the most important, because if cated in some way, shape or form. any opposing assumptions. To the we don’t love ourselves or believe Just because there are social people who mutter “nobody loves in ourselves first, who will? There implications that put romantic me” on Valentine’s Day, I chal- is love all around us, but only we love on a pedestal, does not mean lenge you to reflect on your life. have the power to allow ourselves that you have to be restricted to Your parents or guardians, to truly see it. it. In the words of the Beatles, ¨all those who provide a home for you So next time you complain you need is love.”

January 2017

Page 5

The Wessex Wire: Opinion

Did you apply early decision and why? Should underclassmen consider this?

Deck for 4 lines or three for here ke krjwlerk wlflhsl fhjkael

Upperclassmen are unsure whether applying early or regular decision is the better move to make.

Illustration By Catherine Digangi

For college, there is no clear cut ‘decision’ Regular decision has been the more common route in the college application process.

By Daniella Ignacio ’17 With so many colleges out there, it is difficult for some seniors to be absolutely sure about where they want to study for the next four years of their lives. In the Class of 2017, some don’t want to commit to one school and they choose nonbinding college application options, rather than early decision. And that is completely OK. Regular decision is the most common route for high school seniors to take when applying for traditional four-year colleges, according to college search website CampusExplorer.com. This remains true for West Essex, as most students seem to take this option.

“The majority of students apply RD,” guidance counselor Ms. Ciottariello said. “For those who apply ED, it is wise to have some RD schools in your applications just in case. It allows students to have a higher volume of options for college.” Besides permitting students to compare different schools, it also allows them to take more time for the application process, as students can include grades from the first semester of senior year to show improvement, take the SAT and ACT until December and refine applications and essays.

“I applied RD because a lot of my schools did not offer early action,” senior Michael Cunha said.

“I would never apply ED because of the finances.”

There are so many people getting into their dream colleges in early December. But the reality is that it actually isn’t that many people who get into schools with ED.

Though some schools admit numerous students during this round, others are still selective and you aren’t necessarily missing out by not applying ED. Your time will come.

This isn’t to say that it’s not good to know what schools you have been accepted to early.

Early Action has become another popular method to apply to college for those who wish to receive admissions notifications earlier and be compared to a smaller pool of student applicants.

However students want to compare financial aid packages and consider multiple school options.

If the school lets you know if you got in by early December, you get all the advantages of ED without all of the commitment.

For some, college applications entail much more than writing essays and reporting solid academics and extracurriculars; they can include putting together a portfolio or auditioning for fine arts majors, which makes applying RD and EA the only option.

“I applied early action for all my schools, but the stress level was the same for the apps that required a portfolio and for those who didn’t,” says senior Erin Rondi, who is planning to major in graphic design.

I personally applied for colleges under RD and EA plans of admission. As a prospective musical theatre and journalism major, most of those schools require auditions for the musical theatre program, so I cannot bank on any one school to accept me and also give me decent financial aid.

Most important, I like multiple universities equally and don’t want to limit myself yet.

I love the flexibility that applying RD and EA gives me and I do not regret waiting, because come spring, I will be able to make an informed decision that is right for me.

Applying early to college has allowed students to get into the schools of their dreams.

By Olivia Ritter ’17

In the tumultuous time of the college application process, high school seniors struggle to find the school for them. If they’ve already found it, the stress doesn’t stop. When you’ve found the place you want to spend your first four years as an adult, the only thing you can think is: What if I don’t get in?

Obviously, there’s no possible way of knowing your chances. But there is one way of getting some confidence: applying early decision.

During the very first steps of the application process, I found my top school and was hooked. It was labeled as a reach, and I went on to make the greatest decision of my life: choosing early decision.

The Class of 2017 has embraced the early decision method this year.

Over 20 students applied to their top schools early decision, including those who have committed for sports.

“I have no regrets,” senior Katie DeBrabanter said. “I only applied to two other schools.” DeBrabanter committed to Tufts University under the process of early decision.

Going ED can give students a significantly better shot at getting into the college of their dreams. According to InLikeMe.com, a college admissions resource hub, the difference between regular decision versus early decision admissions ranges from a 10 percent increase to 47 percent.

Early decision offers students the opportunity to get their name into their dream school first. As an ED applicant, you are among the first applications to make an impression.

Before they know anything about you, they know how high your interest goes; applying ED does that for you.

“With an ED application, the student is solidly demonstrating interest in the school,” guidance counselor Ms. Longo said. “An ED contract is a binding, legal document that commits the applicant to the college with an acceptance. This gesture speaks louder than words.”

Nothing means more to a school than commitment. In the beginning, this level of commitment seemed intimidating to students.

“I wish I applied early decision,” senior Matt Stout said. “Not only would I have a better chance, I would have the security of being in and not worrying about my other applications.”

Besides the high-interest, ED saves students the long-term stress of hearing back from every single college they applied to. As soon as you’re committed, you have more time to find a roommate, send in a deposit and prepare for college overall.

Understandably, there is a fear about applying ED. While it gives students higher chances of admission and immediate de-stress from the application process, it is financially restricting. However, the only way to get out of the contract is if the family decides that the financial aid package is too little, according to the 2007 article “You’re in, Can you back out?” from The New York Times.

Firsthand, I can say that ED is one of the greatest things that has ever happened to the college application process. The moment I stepped onto the Boston University campus, I knew that’s where I belonged. That being the case, there seemed to be no other option than to apply early decision for Fall 2017.

Because of the option to apply ED, I’m enrolled into my dream school and have absolutely no regrets. I couldn’t have made a better decision.

There are over 450 universities and colleges with an early decision option, according to The College board. If one of them is your dream school, the best advice is to go for it.

“I did apply early decision.

I do recommend this because you can figure out your financials early, and there’s no need to apply to 10 schools when you can get into one and you are done.”

Louis Galarowicz ’17

“Yes, Fairfield University because it was my top school and it would be very challenging to get into if I didn’t apply ED.” Nina Ward ’17

“No, I wasn’t sure which school I really wanted to go to. If you are actually deadset to go to one school then do it, but if not I suggest to wait it out.”

Nick Cerrigone ’17

“No, because I wasn’t sure what school I really wanted to go to. I wouldn’t recommend it unless you know the one school you want to go to.”

Veronica Greczek ’17

January 2017

Page 6

The Wessex Wire: Opinion

Students hope to hit the slopes this winter

By Grace Irwin ’18

Living in the north, my friends and I love to head over to the nearest ski mountain and spend the day out on the slopes during the winter season. Whether it’s driving up to Vermont for the weekend or making the 45 minute trip to Mountain Creek, we always try to find time.

However with school during the week, work, SAT prep and other obligations, time slots become limited for us to all get together and make the trip.

In the past West Essex students of all grades partook in the school’s ski club, which unfortunately ended about eight years ago for budgeting reasons.

This club met on Fridays after school, allowing students to get involved in the sport for at least a few hours. Buses would take students, that week’s chaperone and their gear to Shawnee mountain, allowing them to spend two or

three hours on the slopes. Kids could stick together in groups, hitting trails of their choice with their friends.

As the ski season is starting up again, I can’t help but wish that the school still had this club available for all students.

Yes, finding the budget for bussing and available chaperones may be a challenge to sort out, but not impossible. The club existed successfully once before, and with enough support, the club could be a great addition to the school.

Former members speak to the success of the club, expressing how it was a cool opportunity and not much trouble getting to and from the mountain.

“I loved the ski trip because it was a fun way to spend a Friday night with my friends. The drive wasn’t too long and the slopes were pretty easy for a beginner,” graduated ski club member Ed George said.

Photo courtesy of Ryan Murphy

Junior Ryan Murphy enjoying the winter weather on his skis.

Overall, the club could be a huge success, by bringing kids from both the middle school and high school together.

“I think kids would be really into it. It would be easy to schedule around during the week and it’d be fun and different,” freshman

Lindsay Fusco said.

In this day and age, kids rarely see each other outside of their homes when they aren’t in school, staring at television and computer screens for hours on end.

Rebooting the school’s ski club would influence kids to get outside

and have fun in the snow or even try the sport out for the first time.

“My favorite part about going skiing or snowboarding is getting to spend the day worry free with a bunch of friends at the mountain.

It’s like a mini vacation for the few hours you’re on the hill,” junior Matt McCarthy said.

In the past, the club allowed many students to work on their skills and for many it was how they learned to ski.

“The school would benefit by giving students the opportunity to do something they really otherwise might not be able to do,”junior Ryan Murphy said. For all of us ski lovers, I encourage that we all band together and take action! Find a group of friends who are interested and ask your teachers if they’d be interested in advising.

We have to take advantage of the multiple local mountains around West Essex area while we still have the chance!

should be Guys are also guilty of trends Seniors given independence

By Olivia Ritter ’17

Does it bother you that guys criticize girls for dressing the same, when they are guilty of the exact same thing? It is a known fact that almost many girls that walks the halls of West Essex sporting a similar look. We all know it, but, obviously, boys seem to remind us all the time.

Yes, we know we dress the same. What they might not be admitting to themselves is that they, too, wear the exact same thing.

We may stick to our leggings, vests and duck boots, but the girls aren’t the only ones with a uniform. It’s a rarity to walk down the hallway without seeing at least ten guys wearing khakis, a Vineyard Vines long sleeve/ quarter zip and Timberlands.

Every year there’s a new trend in girls’ style and most girls tend to gravitate toward it. In past years, it’s been leggings paired with Steve Madden slip-on sneakers or ripped jeans and a trendy Urban Outfitters sweater.

But the difference is, we’ve been criticized for conforming to the same style. Criticized by a bunch of boys wearing the same shirt with the same whale on it.

When it’s not a khakis and Vineyard Vines ensemble, it’s the newest trend that I can’t get away from: sweatpants tucked into socks.

There’s no doubt that we have some unusual styles; I really don’t

during lunchtime

By Chris Tsakonas ’18

Photo By Micaela Weiss

Guys need to stop criticizing girls for dressing the same.

More DIBY on thewessexwire.com: Everyone knows the senior parking lot is crazy, but no one knows its madness unless they’ve driven it themselves.

VIDEO FEATURE: Our senior parking lot mockumentary know where the vest trend came from and who knows why lace-up shirts are a thing. But, we all wear them. And so do you.

There’s no shame in wearing the same thing as all your friends. So stop trying to deny it.

Embrace it.

I lost count of how many times I have heard that complaint: all

girls dress the same. And yes, it’s true. Us girls would be lost without our white Converse and black leggings.

But, you, boys, would be completely adrift without the entire Vineyard Vines establishment.

So just let go of hypocrisy and hold onto your khakis and your Ugg slippers.

My mouth waters when I ponder upon the extraordinary dining options in our area. Everything from Jersey Mike’s to Chipotle is within a five minute drive of West Essex.

However, we currently have to remain on campus during our designated food consumption period, students are permitted from patronizing these businesses.

I strongly believe that now is the time to empower the students of West Essex with more food options. The seniors are just a few months away from going to college, where they are more or less on their own.

It is absurd that they be forced to remain on the premises for lunch like they have done since elementary school, when they should be able to enjoy the freedoms that being at or near legal adulthood entails.

Simply put, if you are old enough to risk your life defending this great republic, you are old enough to be able to leave campus and munch on some Smashburger for lunch.

If the goal of the school is to prepare its students for the real world, then what better way to do that than to give them the liberty of being able to get their meals from wherever they want? Seniors are old enough to handle the responsibility of leaving campus, getting lunch and returning in 55

minutes. In the real world, there is no cafeteria.

Come lunch break, you’re on your own. Teachers treat their students like young adults. Our lunch purchasing policies should treat them the same way.

This is not a radical concept.

Other schools, such as Millburn and Montclair, already allow their students to leave the premises during lunch. It can be done.

Now, I understand that there are some concerns regarding such a bold policy proposal. For instance, some would argue that the traffic in the senior parking lot would be obscene.

I believe some compromises could help alleviate this: If we allowed students to leave campus on a rotating basis (for example, last names A-M go one day while last names N-Z go another day), we can minimize the congestion that a more open lunch period would cause.

While this does have the drawback of not allowing students the ability to leave campus every day, it does make it easier for the ones that do venture into the abyss that is Passaic Avenue to return to school in time for their next class.

As a proud supporter of this lunch liberation movement, I am writing this to say: We are not children. We are young adults.

We need to have the choices that young adults have when it comes to lunch. We’re ready to be treated like grown ups.

January 2017 Issue 3

Features

The Wessex Wire Page 7

New year, new babies: Additions to the staff family

By Mia Oyama ’17 This school year, 10 teachers have entered a new chapter of their lives. Being a mother or a father of a new child brings up new experiences and lets parents see life in a different way.

This year so far, Ms. Blanchard, Ms. Mondadori-Llauget, Ms. Hemmer, Dr. Bruffy, Ms. Martin, Ms. Paglia, Ms. Richards and Ms. Swanick left on maternity leave; Mr. Martin and Mr. Llauget are proud fathers.

The teachers agree that preparing for a baby to come is exciting yet nerve-racking. “Right now I just want to see what he looks like,” Ms. Richards said before her son’s birth. “His hair color, eye color and features like that.”

She is excited to finally be with her son and, like every mother to be, Ms. Richards is also “excited to have the mother-child moments where you can see them learning and exploring the world,” she said.

Being a new parent is a lifechanging experience. Mr. Llauget and Ms. Mondadori-Llauget recently had their first baby boy, Colt Jack. “Being a dad is awesome!”

Mr. Llauget said.

When a baby is young, parents have high hopes for their future.

“I hope that my wife and I raise him the right way, which I think we will,” Mr. Llauget said. “And I hope that he gets the most out of his experience with school, friends and if he chooses to pursue sports.”

Ms. Blanchard gave birth to her first child, Charlotte Ann. She began to explain the difference of time when you have a baby and how things begin to change.

“First, my time is no longer my own,” Ms. Blanchard said. “I have to make sure that my daughter’s needs are met first. Second, it is a

Photos courtesy of Ms. Mondadori-llauget, Ms. Blanchard and Ms. Martin

(Clockwise from left) Ms. Mondadori-Llauget and Mr. Llauget’s first child, Colt Jack; history teacher Ms. Blanchard’s baby girl, Charlotte Ann; Mr. and Ms. Martin’s second son, Finn.

huge schedule change. If I want to go out, I have to get myself ready and her ready, a process that can take 30 minutes or more.”

Ms. Blanchard said how even though things have changed, it is an amazing experience.

“What are the perks? Well, having a sweet baby to sit around and hug and play with is pretty

awesome. And, the fact I get to claim her as a dependent on my taxes truly is the gift that keeps on giving!”

Mr. and Ms. Martin recently had their second baby. They have two boys, Brody and now Finn. Ms. Martin explained how she thought each time was different.

“With my first, it was like I was

a superhero with a sidekick,” Ms. Martin said. “With any more than that it’s like I’m the commanderin-chief of a small, unruly army.”

She also said how preparing for each child was surprisingly different than the rest.

“I think you are actually less prepared when it comes to your second,” Ms. Martin said. “For

example, both boys were born in October: the first nursery was done in August ... the second nursery is still a work in progress!”

The teachers that we know and love have already touched the lives of hundreds of students, yet the journey they’ve begun with their own children will result in the most gratification of all.

Students take learning outside of the classroom

By Heath Kalb ’18

Field trips have been a staple of our education since kindergarten.

From the local zoo to museums and historical places, we’ve been seeing and learning the best our area offers through our classes.

With an increased workload and stress pouring onto us after entering high school, a day missed isn’t the worst thing in the world.

In addition to the increased stress, full grades rarely go on field trips together anymore as we have aged.

Due to this, students seem to

look everywhere they can to get away from a daily seven hours of brutal work.

Since our school offers numerous clubs and classes that go on field trips, students seem to be filling up their college resumes by joining them and going on trips with their friends.

Some of the most desired field trips that our student body goes on is a science field trip to the Liberty Science Center where students view a breathtaking surgery and a band trip all the way to Boston.

The Science Field Trip sees a live surgery at the Liberty Science

Center. The students in Dynamics of Health Care, Anatomy and Physiology and AP Biology attend the trip.

On a large screen they watch the surgery, listen to the operating room doctors and nurses.

Students are introduced to everyone and learn about their jobs and education that led them to this career. They are even able to ask questions of them during the surgery.

Students also hold some of the equipment that is used to complete the operation.

Sophomore Kunal Bhatnagar, an

AP Biology student, is attending the trip for the first time and said he’s excited for the chance to see the work in action.

“I can’t wait to see the surgery,” he said. “Not only is it a great educational opportunity but from what I heard it’s a fun and a valuable experience.”

Throughout the years, students on the AP Bio trip have seen a triple bypass surgery, a knee replacement, a kidney transplant and brain surgery. This year the students saw a neonatal surgery.

Some may agree that the best trip of the year is the band field

trip. The music department is going on a four day trip to Boston in May. Some of the activities they are partaking in include performing at Faneuil Hall, going to Six Flags New England, attending Blue Man Group and going on a dinner cruise.

Sophomore Jake Gould said he’s eager to go have this new experience. “Going to Boston will be so much fun,” he said. “I’ve never been there, and we are supposed to do a lot when we’re there. Also, missing school for a couple of days is never a bad thing.”

January 2017

Page 8

The Wessex Wire: Music

Ringing in the New Year Just in case you aren’t quite ‘satisfied’ with ‘Hamilton’

By Olivia Ritter ’17 The year of 2016 proved to be the year of “Hamilton.” The rap/hip-hop phenomenon centered around the first Secretary of the Treasury revolutionized Broadway and music fanatics everywhere.

So when creator Lin-Manuel Miranda announced the release of “The Hamilton Mixtape” on Dec. 2, the world shook once again.

Before the musical, “Hamilton” was a thought: Miranda was focused on this idea of a concept album about Alexander Hamilton. His vision was to write songs based on Hamilton’s many life achievements with the beat similar to classic hip-hop.

“To me, Hamilton was a hip-hop artist,” Miranda said in an interview with Vanity Fair. “He used his words to get everywhere.”

The mixtape consists of songs inspired by original works from the musical, songs Miranda wrote and chose to leave out or leave unfinished, Illustration and covers of “Hamilton” songs. While O’Donnell Kelly Clarkson belts a powerful rendition of “It’s Quiet Uptown,” ’90s hip-hop star Nas raps a new original, “Wrote My Way Out,” to branch off of the musical’s “Hurricane.”

Though the musical’s soundtrack incorporates forms of rap and hip-hop, the mixtape encourages popular hip-hop stars to get involved. The album

includes cuts by Chance the Rapper, Wiz Khalifa and Usher.

The mixtape embodies Miranda’s original idea that Alexander Hamilton lived the life of a typical hip-hop icon; the artists he looked up to and listened to growing up. Miranda saw himself in Hamilton being an immigrant from the Caribbean trying to get by in the United States. Their biggest similarity has revealed itself to be how incredibly successful they became with the force of the written word.

This mixtape is unlike anything that has ever been done in the world of Broadway. “Hamilton” is unique as it is a story about the man on the $10 bill in the form of rap rhymes. Miranda took his contemporary musical and took it a step further, introducing it to current rap.

“Hamilton” broke boundaries from the beginning. As well as incorporating the most popular type of music of today, black and Latino actors were chosen to represent our nation’s founding fathers,

by Sharon representing the diversity America has become since its establishment.

Miranda managed to take, once again, the magic of “Hamilton” and its power to break boundaries and go one step further. If you’re not a showtunes person, fine. You can still feel and appreciate the music of “Hamilton” and all of its glory in “The Hamilton Mixtape,” so don’t miss it.

o t s t s i t r r o A f t u o h c g t n a i w pcom s d u r s i a h w t A y m m Gra

Bey

Chance the Rapper is projected to do well as the front runner in this year’s best new artist contest.

Chance the Rapper

Newbies and veterans alike are expected to bring home Grammys It’s Grammy season, West Essex. The world’s largest and most prestigious music awards is back and bigger than ever on Feb. 12 on CBS. From new MC James Corden to Beyoncé’s nine nominations, we’ve got your sleepers and sweepers for this year’s top three categories.

By Michael Bachmann ’17

Song of the Year:

Album of the Year:

Best new artist:

“Formation” - Khalif Brown “Hello” - Adele “I Took a Pill in Ibiza” - Mike Posner “Love Yourself ” - Justin Bieber ft. Ed Sheeran “7 Years” - Lukas Graham

“25” - Adele “Lemonade” - Beyoncé “Purpose” - Justin Bieber “Views” - Drake “A Sailor’s Guide to Earth” Sturgill Simpson

The Chainsmokers Kelsea Ballerini Chance the Rapper Maren Morris Anderson Paak

Give Adele the edge on this one.

Her powerful ballad “Hello” has hit number one in almost every country it charted in. It also debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100.

Lukas Graham is the dark horse in this category. The Danish group has made their name with their powerful lyric-driven ballad, one that could steal the win.

Beyoncé should seal the deal on this one. Beyoncé continues to deliver as today’s pop diva as her “Lemonade” features artists from Jack White to Kendrick Lamar, exploring many variations of music.

Sturgill Simpson has the hardest chance, being the only (and not that well known) country singer in contention. He would shock the world if he upset Beyoncé or Adele.

It’s either between Chance the Rapper or the Chainsmokers.

“Closer” by the Chainsmokers sold over five million copies in the U.S. this past year, but Chance the Rapper’s unique style may give him the edge.

She won the CMA New Artist of the Year, so don’t count out Maren Morris for the award, but she is the only country singer in this category.

Rihanna

CLockwise from top: BEYONCE - MONTREAL 2013 by nat ch villa (CC BY 2.0) flickr.com/photos/ch-villa/9352766819/in. KANYE WEST CONCERT BY MARCUS LINDER (CC BY-SA 2.0) flickr.com/photos/linder/195028869/in. DRAKE LIVE AT WALMART SOUNDCHECK BY LUNCHBOX LP

thecomeupshow/10703301405/in

January 2017

Page 9

The Wessex Wire: Music

with our favorite music Beyoncé has clinched the lead in Grammy nominations this year with a total of nine.

yoncé Even with his end-ofthe-year breakdown, Kanye West managed seven nominations.

Rappers turn from naughty to nice

By Grace George ’17 Recently there has been a trend toward dark and depressing news in the media. Whether it’s another shooting, dirty polar bears or disenfranchised refugees, newspapers and TV stations often have dreary stories to convey. This culture shift has impacted everything and everyone—even rappers.

While most rappers are notoriously known for being tough (except for maybe Drake), this year has proved otherwise.

Many popular rappers have released albums and/or mixtapes in the past year and they all have emotional songs that reflect feelings towards their own lives and society in the United States.

J. Cole, in particular has manifested his best work in this new wave of softer rap. After taking a two year hiatus following the release of his album “2014 Forest

Hills Drive,” J. Cole is back with his 10 song album, “4 Your Eyez Only” that dropped on Dec. 9, 2016.

Cole’s new sound reflects a new chapter in his life as he recently became a father. In “4 Your Eyez Only” J. Cole chronicles his transition from doing the “wrong thing” to the “right thing” when it comes to family.

J. Cole’s new album has a great sound, but that is not what makes this album stand out as his best work. The content of the songs and the internal meanings of the lyrics are what make the album worthy of multiple listens.

Rather than rapping about the materialistic and physical pleasures in life, J. Cole uses his new album to express his deeper side.

Other songs on “4 Your Eyez Only” such as “Change,” with the chorus, “The only real change comes from inside,” speak to the current state of society. In

“Change” he talks about the topic of Black Lives Matter and recounts a personal story of a friend who was shot and killed.

Cole also used his singles to express his new coming of age. With “False Prophets” and “everybody dies,” he makes his disdain for the materialistic and shallow nature of the business he is in evident.

In contrast with earlier songs, “No Role Modelz” and “G.O.M.D.” Cole’s new album clearly signals a new man.

There are many different perspectives on what is happening right now in the world, but there is no denying that recent news in the black community has been worsening over the years. With tragedy after tragedy it is no wonder why these rappers have gone soft.

Being an artist means expressing yourself through your art, which is exactly what J. Cole has done, resulting in his best work.

What was the anthem of 2016?

What you think

4%

Kanye West

10% 7%

6%

33%

40% Drake

Drake and Rihanna are tied in nominations behind Queen Bey, with eight each.

100 students polled

Poll compiled by Sara Amil

“Broccoli” by D.R.A.M.

“My House” by Flo Rida

“Closer” by The Chainsmokers and Halsey

“Famous” by Kanye West

“Let Me Love You” by Justin Bieber and DJ Snake

“Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake

P. (CC BY 2.0) flickr.com/photos/lunchboxstudios/4636434364/in. DOD NEWS BY BY 141111-D-DB155-048 (CC By 2.0) flickr.com/photos/dodnewsfeatures/15207242834/in. THE COME UP SHOW BY CHANCE THE RAPPER SOCIAL EXPERIMENT TORONTO (CC BY 2.0) flickr.com/photos/

January 2017

Page 10

The Wessex Wire: Features

Mr. Oberg: Master craftsman and teacher

By Isabel Tabs ’17

There’s one classroom at West Essex so spectacularly diverse, almost as if it’s Santa’s workshop.

Students in this room trade paper and pencils for the luxury of taking home their own woodshop item.

The master behind this workshop is Mr. Oberg, West Essex’s woodshop teacher of 36 years.

At school, Oberg feels at home as he is granted the opportunity to continuously work with students doing what he loves. Currently, Oberg teaches five woodwork courses that appeal to different artistic wood practices, and he is also the adviser of the stage crew.

Growing up in Verona, Oberg always had a passion for woodwork. As a sixth grader at Henry B. Whitehorne Middle School, he took his first woodshop class.

“I thought it was the best thing ever,” Oberg said. However it wasn’t a surprise to Oberg that he would fall in love with woodshop because even as a little kid he always enjoyed the fabrication of household items such as tin cans and scrap paper.

As Oberg became more proficient in woodshop throughout middle school, he created one of his first projects: a lapdesk.

However, it was his high school woodshop class that truly inspired him to pursue a teaching career in woodshop and crafting.

“I am one of those people to be blessed with a living that’s what I would do if I didn’t have to do anything,” Oberg said.

Teaching in the ’80s does have some differences from these days.

West Essex used to offer many fabrication facilities including metal drafting and power mechanics, but woodshop is the one course that has remained intact. Classes used to range from 25 to 30 kids, which was very overwhelming to a first year teacher.

Now classes are much smaller and there’s a cap on the size, which is better because Oberg believes smaller classes improve the situation as they get more attention from him.

“We do live on a more technologically oriented culture, so more people are not into fabrication,” Oberg said.

Despite this technological revolution, the equipment in the woodshop remains from back in the day.

There are certain types of machines invented to make woodwork more efficient that the school has yet to get due to cost.

The school is looking to purchase some of these machines, like a laser machine, in the future

to advance the students’ projects.

Prospective woodshop students will start out taking Wood I as they will learn the basic fundamentals of woodshop. To get them familiar with different techniques and exposed to the different machinery, the students’ first project is a simple box.

After Wood I, students can choose to take machine wood working, advanced wood processing, cabinet making and/or wood carving. Personally, Oberg said

his favorite courses to teach are cabinet making and wood carving.

Oberg said he truly cherishes his time here at West Essex as he doesn’t even consider this “work.” He loves to be surrounded by students in an environment where he feels most comfortable, which is his woodshop.

“Mr. Oberg is like a father figure in which he always goes beyond his requirements as a teacher,” senior Stephanie Lombardo said.

Oberg’s contributions to the school’s woodworking program goes beyond his five classes. In his tenure at West Essex, he has made the sets for the school plays each year with the help of his students.

Oberg is the adviser for the stage crew and makes sure that the students are organized and know how to move the pieces they’ve built around on the stage when it is necessary.

“His skills and artistic eye are intrinsic to the Masquers club and our productions,” said Ms. Rizzo, adviser of the Masquers.

It may not be a surprise, but most of the furniture inside Oberg’s home is handcrafted by himself.

Oberg and his wife work as team together as he is responsible for design and fabrication of the furniture, while his wife is in charge of the decorating aspect of it.

The unique part of woodshop is that there is a physical and tangible result unlike any other classes as an indication of progress and success.

“As I’ve been here, my own skill set has developed, so I can see students through more involved products,” Oberg said. “It’s rewarding for them too.”

doing made sense. My time being hypnotized went by quickly, and I went home later feeling energized and refreshed.

Skylr the Hypnot ist will be coming back to West Essex on Feb. 13, and students c a n’ t w a i t to see Skylr the Hypnotist in action.

“I believe in hypnosis because I’ve seen people get hypnotized,” junior Michaela Ferrentino said. “I went to see Skylr, and I saw people falling everywhere and doing everything that he said. Even some of the shyest kids were doing crazy stuff onstage. I’m definitely going back this year.”

Others have different opinions on his line of work.

“Hypnotism is definitely bogus,” junior Justin Maestoso said. “I tried to do it to myself once and it

didn’t work. There’s no way someone can get hypnotized and have no control over their actions. It just doesn’t make sense.”

It may seem like a hoax or a trick to those looking on, but what most people may not k now i s t h at there is a lot of science behind hypnosis, and it takes tons of practice and research for a hypnotist to perfect the art.

Practicing the art of hypnotism requires patience from both the hypnotist and the subject.

According to National Geographic, each method is based off a few prerequisites: “The subject must want to be hypnotized, the subject must believe he or she can be hypnotized and the subject must eventually feel comfortable and relaxed.”

This is very important to establish before the process begins or

else you will not get the results you want. The success of Skylr’s show depends on the willingness to be hypnotized. Students can sign up to be picked beforehand, or fall asleep during the show, and he may come around and grab people from the audience.

A common misconception of hypnotism is that the subject’s mind is extremely sleepy and also completely controlled by the hypnotist. In actuality, the subject is hyperattentive rather than sleepy, and they have complete free will.

The reason why they are so impressionable in this state is because their imagination, relaxation and suggestibility are heightened. Thus, the hypnotist is able to access the subject’s subconscious and make them experience senses in their mind like taste, smell, touch, etc.

Hypnotizing someone is probably something many people dream about doing: hypnotizing their teacher into forgetting that homework they never did or to get their siblings to do their chores.

The art of hypnosis takes a lot of practice and cannot be performed on just anyone. For the subject to be hypnotized, it requires a certain level of trust between him/her and the hypnotist. This is so that the subject feels comfortable being in a vulnerable state of mind. Skylr usually establishes this trust by making jokes at the beginning of his show to make himself seem more approachable.

The hypnotist must look directly into the subject’s eyes, the “windows to the soul,” and suggest that they are getting tired. Eventually, when the subject feels very relaxed and the hypnotist gets them comfortable enough, they will reach a state where they can be hypnotized into doing almost anything.

Whether you believe in it or not, the prospect of being hypnotized or hypnotizing others seems pretty cool. It may be a sometimes confusing or mysterious topic, but it is definitely worth learning about and witnessing or experiencing at least once.

Photo by Jules moskowitz

Mr. Oberg guides senior Stephanie Lombardo on how to start building a miniature doll house cabinet.

Science behind Skylr the Hypnotist’s spectacular

By Maddie Galligan ’18

When you hear the word “hypnosis,” you may think of a person being told to follow a swinging pocket watch with their eyes, and then immediately going into a trance-like state. You may also be thinking skeptically about whether or not hypnosis really works. It’s an intriguing subject that scientists have struggled to find the science behind, and it has been debated for many years.

West Essex students have some experience with the topic, since Skylr the Hypnotist performs his show here annually in the auditorium. They get to watch their friends make fools of themselves in front of the whole school.

I was hypnotized by Skylr two years ago here at school. I remember feeling very relaxed and in control of my actions. I was doing absurd things like making animal noises and arguing that Santa Claus was my dad, but in that moment I felt strongly that what I was

“”

Even some of the shyest kids were doing crazy stuff on stage.

— Michaela Ferrentino

January 2017

Page 11

The Wessex Wire: Features

For junior all-star singer, choirs create connections Sarah Candido selected for prestigious AllState choir.

By Daniella Ignacio ’17 As she walks into East Brunswick High School for her first All-State Women’s Choir rehearsal, Sarah Candido is nervous. A junior who is West Essex’s only representative in this selective statewide choir, she’s been singing for her entire life, but that doesn’t stop her from being anxious about meeting new people. But as the rehearsal progresses, she finds a group of fellow singers who understand her and her passion for music. The experience is simply amazing.

“The best thing about singing in a choir is a combination of the music and the people—it makes it so much fun,” Candido said. “It sounds really cool when we all sing together, whether it’s in unison or in harmony.”

Experiences like that first rehearsal are why Candido loves choir. Her passion for music began in her childhood, as she remembers singing along with the characters while watching Disney movies like “The Little Mermaid,” “High School Musical” and “Beauty and the Beast.” In first grade, she began performing with a Broadway choir at Montclair State University.

From there, Candido fell in love with choir and advanced to the Gould School chorus, the N.J. Elementary Honors Choir and the Eastern Division Elementary Honor Choir. She performed with the latter in sixth grade, traveling to Rhode Island to sing with children from all over the East Coast.

And that’s just her elementary school cred.

Candido has also sung with various middle school choirs, including the N.J. Junior Region I Choir for both years of middle school. As a high schooler, she now sings with the SATB Choir during the school day as an honors student, as well as Chordettes and this year’s spring musical “ The Little Mermaid,” where she plays Ariel’s mermaid sister Andrina.

With all of this experience, Candido is the perfect candidate for AllState. However, her current choir director Ms. Mateyka thinks it’s more than just her experience. “Sarah is extremely conscientious,” she said. “She’s always thinking, really connects with the music and is fully engaged in rehearsals.”

Candido’s friends are very excit-

ed about her accomplishments. “I am so happy and proud of Sarah,” junior Samantha Luk said. “She is a phenomenal singer and she deserves this so much.”

Candido looks forward to performing at NJPAC with All-State on Feb. 25. She is especially excited to experience having a roommate since it’s an overnight trip, for her family to see the concert, and to perform some of her new favorite songs, such as “Things That Never Die” by Eleanor Daley and traditional Newfoundland folk song “I’s The B’y.”

Like many of the other songs she has sung in region and other choirs, this music captivates her.

“They are going to stay with me forever because they are just so powerful,” Candido said of these songs.

From the music made to the people met, choir will remain an integral part of Candido’s life for a long time.

She plans to keep singing and getting better as much as she can.

“It’s exhilarating—to go there and to practice, it feels so worth it, especially at the end,” Candido said. “I’ll always remember the people I met, what we talked about and how we connected.”

“” I’ll always remember the people I met, what we talked about and how we connected.

—Sarah Candido

Photos BY Daniella ignacio

Candido warms up her voice in preparation for a chorus concert.

2017: Pursuing goals or reverting back to old ways?

By Sara Amil ’18

“My resolution is to go to sleep earlier...it’s going horribly.”

Ryan Murphy ’18

“Mine is to eat healthy...it’s not going well.”

Hailey Coldon ’17

Do You Keep New Year’s Resolutions?

27% 8% “I want to be motivated to go to the gym five days a week.

I have been going.”

Marisa DeFranza ’19 100 students polled in January 2017

65%

Resolutions not made Resolutions not followed Resolutions followed

“New year, new you” is a popular phrase heard around the end of December each year. True to this phrase, people pride themselves on making typical New Year’s resolutions, such as exercising more, doing better in school and switching up diets. The new year brings in the opportunity for a fresh start, which some like to take advantage of.

While all of these changes seem great, it is rare that they’ll actually occur. Sure, exercising for the first couple of days of the new year may seem like the goal is actually achievable, but fast-forward a week later and for many, the gym is long forgotten. Simply stating a goal is a lot different than actually doing it, which is ultimately why most resolutions fail.

So how does West Essex deal with the new year? Do students live and die by their resolutions, or not even make them at all?

“I don’t really have a New Year’s resolution because I never actually follow through with them,” freshman Emily Holleufer said.

Based upon a series of interviews, it does not seem that resolutions are a big part of West Essex

students’ lives.

“Students are lazy. Once it starts to go downhill, they stop trying,” sophomore Ali Gann said. “My resolution is to get straight A’s, but I know that’s not going to happen.”

“Getting good grades and being a better person are definitely two things I would like to happen in the new year,” junior Sofia Valle said when asked about her plans for 2017.

“I think that I want to work harder and focus more on things that interest me,” senior Nikolas Cataldo said.

A couple of weeks into 2017, these students were asked how their plans for the new year went.

As anticipated, West Essex students do not take their resolutions very seriously. Some students were somewhat successful, whereas others gave up less than two weeks into the new year.

“Half of my grades are A’s right now,” Gann said when asked about her progress. “My resolution is definitely not accomplished yet, but at least I’m working towards it.”

Not all students had the same positive attitude as this, however, and were quick to verify the assumed failure of New Year’s goals.

“I’ve been sticking to my resolution so far,” Cataldo said. “But then again, we’re barely into 2017, so I’m not sure how long that is going to last.”

Some students do not even bother to make resolutions, as they assume their goals will end in failure either way.

“I’m glad that I didn’t make one this year because I know I would not have ended up doing it anyways,” Holleufer said.

Despite popular belief, these failures may be caused by something other than laziness.

“I feel like resolutions usually fail because people have unrealistic expectations of them,” Valle said.

“The goals I set are still things I would like to accomplish, but they are viewed as failures because they take time. You can’t expect perfect grades and a personality change overnight.”

This different point of view and new insight is very thoughtprovoking. Could these “failures” be credited to false hopes?

Some students may work hard towards their goals, but for whatever reason, most do not seem to have an interest in making or sticking to New Year’s resolutions.

&

Arts Arts

Culture

January 2017 Issue 3

The Wessex Wire Page 12

Oldies but goodies of the decades

Although everyone is eager to listen to the newest hits on the radio, students of West Essex seem to appreciate the “classics.”

Whether you are a freshman or a senior, if you heard a popular song from the past few decades you would be able to chime in.

Here are some songs that seem to be widely known, sung and loved from prior generations.

By Jules Moskowitz ’17

’60s

’90s

“Brown Eyed Girl” Artist: Van Morrison Release: 1967

“All Star” Artist: Smash Mouth Release:1999

“Brown Eyed Girl” is a song that you’d probably hear at a bonfire. It’s a happy tune that gets everyone singing. “I’ve always loved this song, the tune is so catchy and I know all the words by heart,” sophomore Hannah McCrone said.

Although the song is now 50 years old, its popularity will surely continue.

“It reminds me of my childhood; ever since it played in “Shrek” I’ve loved the song,” senior Connor Flanagan said. “All Star” has a catchy beat and the ability to get stuck in your head.

It’s a fun song to listen and jam out to with your friends.

’70s

“Piano Man” Artist: Billy Joel Release: 1973

’80s

“Livin’ on a Prayer” Artist: Bon Jovi Release: 1986

“Everybody knows this song, it defined the generation,” Mr. Markey said. Bon Jovi’s second smash hit single is known world-wide.

Whether the song is randomly on the radio or pops up on Pandora, “Livin’ on a Prayer” is a classic singa-long that everyone loves to belt out.

“Piano Man” is one of Billy Joel’s most famous songs. It has been released on several greatest hits collections. “It just sounds nice, even though it’s old, it will always be one of my favorite songs,” freshman Jimmy Perrone said. Students of all ages can agree that Billy Joel’s unique sound and use of instruments make this song a forever classic.

Illustrations by Joey Ploscowe

’00s

“Mr. Brightside” Artist: The Killers Release: 2004

“Mr. Brightside” is an iconic hit. “Somehow everyone knows all the lyrics to this song, whenever it’s playing I’m always singing along,” senior Nina Mazzella said. Whether you’re on a long car ride, hanging out with friends or need a song to sing and yell to, “Mr. Brightside” is a popular choice.

Theater attendance fades as Netflix thrives Movie ticket prices are increasing as moviegoing heads into decline, study shows.

By Dylan Lepre ’19

Throughout the history of film, movie theaters have been the kingdom in which millions of movies have been shown. They have evolved from simple, roadside tents at carnivals to massive, glittering structures that can show thousands of movies a year.

However, theaters have reached a crossroads in their history.

Theater attendance has declined

tremendously as people turn to the Internet and apps for their TV. Theater attendance in 2014 hit a new low, with tickets dipping below 1.4 billion for the first time since 2011. About 1.26 billion tickets were sold, which may sound like a lot, but it is the lowest since 1995. Theaters sold more tickets in 2015, but only because of highlyanticipated films such as “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “Jurassic World.”

Many other big-budgeted films last year bombed at the box office including “Pixels,” “Fantastic Four” and “Terminator Genisys.”

As reported by the Motion Picture Association of America, films such as “Pixels,” cost millions of dollars

for Columbia Pictures.

These statistics clearly point to a new pattern of a decrease in attendance in theaters. But why is this happening? It’s simple. Teens, the ever important demographic for theaters, have retired Friday nights at the movies.

“I’d rather watch a movie from the comfort of my own bed on Netflix,” sophomore Cameron Marino said.

In response to the dying movie theater trend, ticket prices have risen, on average, from $8.13 in 2013 to $8.15 in 2014. Most tickets go for around $11 to $12. In a study done by Indiewire, 53 percent of people reported that they thought theater prices were too high. As

Bowtie Cinemas, in Caldwell, reports they have lost much of their teenage population.

Netflix has certainly taken a sizable chunk out of the revenue for theaters, however also schoolwork, sports and extracurricular activities may have an added affect on theater revenue.

“Kids don’t have time to go with homework,” sophomore Ellie Decker said. “Theaters have also gotten really expensive.”

In a new study by the New York Film Academy, 16 percent of people reported that they no longer went to the movies because of the decrease in quality theater experiences. Theaters should deal with talking or texting in theaters

quickly so that no one is bothered.

Theaters have to start moving with the times. Upgrading theaters by converting them to IMAX with surround-sound would benefit the industry. IMAX is not something anyone can enjoy from the comfort of their homes. But, it’s exciting and keeps alive the joy of heading to the movies on a rainy day.

It may be the key to making $11 tickets worth it and it truly defines what “seeing it on the big screen” is all about.

For nearly 100 years they have excited us with some of the greatest films ever made. If theaters change how they operate, they may be able to salvage the excitement and fun of movie-going.

January 2017

The Wessex Wire: Arts & Culture

Apple Music and Spotify brawl over position on music streaming throne

By Jake Wolf ’17

The days of iTunes ruling the music game are over. Numerous challengers to Apple’s music monopoly have taken the field, led

by Spotify.

Spotify has revolutionized music over the past few years, introducing a Netflix-style streaming service that allows users to either stream for free with ads or pay one set price for all of their music, rather than having to purchase every song individually.

However, Apple’s development of the relatively new streaming service Apple Music has reaffirmed its place among the music powerhouses. These two apps have been competing for the top spot in music streaming for years, and they both have loyal followers who will passionately advocate for them.

“Spotify is aesthetically more pleasing to look at,” senior Jared LaPenta said. “I can’t look at Apple Music without thinking how much better Spotify is.”

Sophomore Samantha Haas said Spotify has the edge in terms of how its appearance helps lead

to discovery. ”Spotify is better because it gives more recommendations,” Haas said. “It lets me find music much quicker than Apple Music does.”

However, not all users believe that Spotify’s appearance is enough to overcome Apple Music.

“I wish I had gotten Apple Music, but I already had Spotify by the time that Apple Music came out,” senior Matt Fundler said. “I hate how Spotify doesn’t get all of the new music right away, and some artists have deals that their music is only released on Apple Music.”

Apple Music was created 9 years after Spotify, but already has over 17 million subscribers, according to digitaltrends.com. Spotify has 40 million subscribers, but Apple Music is closing the gap.

Spotify is increasingly controversial after artists like Taylor Swift and Garth Brooks declined to allow the service to use their music, citing their belief that is is unfair for Spotify to profit off of their music.

Other music apps have attempted to edge into the same market over the past few years, such as

Illustration by grace George

Spotify and Apple Music throw hands for the title of best music streaming.

SoundCloud and Tidal. However, Tidal has not been able to become a serious challenger to the major music services.

SoundCloud, while having more users daily than Spotify, is a free app that focuses on new artists and mixtapes. Users often post these mixtapes on SoundCloud because they cannot make a profit off of this music, because it is partially taken from other artists.

Some students, like senior Evan

Haas, own both Apple Music as well as Spotify. “I use Apple Music for new music, but usually I just use Spotify on an everyday basis.”

Both apps have become a staple in modern music culture, and teenagers have more options than ever as to how they want to listen to their music.

“You can’t really go wrong with either Spotify or Apple Music,” Samantha Haas said. “They both have their positives and negatives.”

By Alexa Dratch ’18

WIRES PICK

The popular comedy was a serious favorite with the Wire staff.

With its crude humor, modern superhero vibe and Ryan Reynolds, it’s a no brainer that we picked it as best picture.

From right “oscar award” by Global panorama (CC BY-SA 2.0) (https://www.flickr.com/photos)

And the winner for Best Actor is...

Ryan Gosling

It’s no secret that any movie with Ryan Gosling is a good one; with his humor, emotion and face, Gosling was a big hit this year. His biggest release of the year was his fun musical with Emma Stone, “La La Land” which led us to root for him for best actor. It’s pretty different from what he usually does, only proving his ability to make us laugh, cry and sing along.

And the winner for Best Actress is...

Emma Stone

Beloved actress Emma Stone is no stranger to the Oscars and we are no stranger to her skill. With classic movies like “Easy A,” “Crazy Stupid Love” and this year’s “La La Land,” Stone convinced us that she deserves that award. Just as “La La Land” helped toward Ryan Gosling’s “Best Actor” award, the musical showcased Stone in a way that we’ve never seen her before.

And the winner for Best Animated Feature is...

“Finding Dory” Since most of us on staff are between the ages of 17 and 18, we were at the perfect age of either four or five when “Finding Nemo” came out. The belated sequel was such a blast to the past that it easily beat out some rabbit cop.

Rap music to wrap up 2016 Drake sneakin’ a new album to end the year

Oscars 2017: Who will bring home the gold?

And the winner for Best Picture is...

“Deadpool”

Page 13

And the winner for Best Picture is...

“Manchester By the Sea”

The heart-wrenching drama surrounding a damaged man given LET’ the responsibility to care for his REAS BE now orphaned nephew seemed L to receive better feedback than a guy in a red latex suit who curses a lot. But obviously for a bunch of teenagers, the comedic genius of “Deadpool” deserves the Oscar more.

And the winner for Best Actor is...

Casey Affleck

This breakout star starred in the predicted Best Picture, so it’s no surprise that he’s expected to win Best Actor. Before this year, the actor wasn’t exactly a household name like his brother, but with the success of “Manchester by the Sea,” he’s a shoo-in for Best Actor.

And the winner for Best Actress is...

Natalie Portman

Her latest role in the new movie “Jackie” received extreme praise and loads of positive reviews. While Emma Stone shined in “La La Land,” the Academy already gave an Oscar to Natalie Portman for “Black Swan,” and her performance in “Jackie” has been argued to be the best of her career.

And the winner for Best Animated Feature is...

“Zootopia” With its underlying societal references, “Zootopia” is the frontrunner for this category.

Unlike most teenagers and young adults, the rabbit cop and rebel fox are more entertaining than the return of the nation’s favorite fish.

Drake’s new album, “More, Life,” is projected to drop in 2017, but he has already put out three singles, “Fake Love,” “Two Birds, One Stone” and “Sneakin’” all of which are making steady climbs to the top of the music charts. These songs are some of Drake’s best work as they introduce a new sound from the rapper.

In “Two Birds, One Stone,” Drake raps about how he is fed up with the bougie and cutthroat nature of “the rap game.”

He also hints about this in “Fake Love,” to a lesser extent and “Sneakin’” is more of a diss-type of rap, closer to his old work than the other two. Drake’s talk about family and the corrupt state of the rap industry has alluded that “More, Life” will be more personal, following the new trend of unconventional rap. While Drake has often been considered a “soft” rapper, his new songs show his emotions pointed in different directions.

—Grace George ’17

Gambino takes it slow with his newest album

Childish Gambino went from crazy to calm real quick. His newest album, “Awaken, My Love” came out Dec. 2 and it could not be less similar to his earlier work. Gambino’s earlier albums, “Camp” and “Because the Internet,” featured his loud voice and harsh lyrics that reflected his vulgar standup comedy style. In contrast, “Awaken, My Love,” features soft and soothing melodies coupled with little to no lyrics.

Songs like “Me and Your Mama” and “Redbone” on Gambino’s new album have an almost eerie sound. Gambino has also joined Drake in bashing their line of work. In the song “Zombies” Gambino talks about the zombies who are “eating you for profit,” which is a clear allusion to his disdain for materialism plaguing the rap industry. Gambino’s new sound is interesting and nice to relax to, but it is definitely not something to jam out to.

—Grace George ’17

January 2017

The Wessex Wire: Sports

Page 14

More money for players, more problems for fans

By Michael DeFranza ’17

This past summer, players who were free agents saw a huge increase in their paychecks regardless of talent. Salary caps rise every year, but the numbers people got paid this summer created a craze over social media platforms.

According to the Huffington Post, the average salary for an American sports pro athlete hasn’t quite been calculated officailly.

Across all American professional sports the average is above $1 million accounting for the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL. The NBA came in at the highest with an average of a whopping $6.4 million, that swelled from the large salary cap increase this summer. The 2013-14 season had an average salary of $4.9 million.

That is quite the increase to see from a league in such a short amount of time. People ask though what has created such a large growth of money in the sports industry.

Sports marketing teacher Mr. Turbitt said American sports are growing so rapidly because of the industry looking to expand into international parts of the world.

“The sports are all trying to go global,” Mr. Turbitt said. “Take a look at the NFL and how they have a few games in London. It

Info obtained from Huffington Post

Commentary

Graphic by Caroline Quinn

America’s four major sports player salaries represented.

is because they have caught all the attention of the 330 million Americans. It is time to grow the appetite of American sports.”

Two decades ago, Shaquille O’Neal agreed to a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers for $120 million over seven years.

Shaq would earn approximately

$17 million a year from this.

This summer, Timofey Mozgov signed a contract with the Lakers that would potentially earn him up $16 million a year.

Contracts are expected to increase but many feel that someone of Mozgov’s caliber shouldn’t be earning anywhere near a contract

valued where Shaq got payed, no matter what year it is.

This isn’t just in the NBA either; other sports have increased the worth of their contracts as well.

The NFL just saw Andrew Luck agree to a $140 million contract.

Asking prices from the players just makes people wish for superathletic abilities.

Bryce Harper has asked for $400 million and the Nationals have decided that even though he is a revolutionary player, they’d rather spend the money on multiple star players. a student gave his take on why paying top dollar isn’t a smart idea.

“If you want a ring, you need a strong core. One guy can’t bring you there,” senior Cole Marrone said. “Take a look at a championship team, you will notice that there will be a team with many guys who they can rely on, not just one.”

Players receiving higher pay in the latest years has also hurt the focus on being true to yourself and playing for the team. The sports industry is a business but players are now worrying who’s getting paid this much and whether it will

continue to grow.

Critics say they do have all rights to complain but they should put their focus into the game not the business aspect.

With all the salary caps and prices on everything, what does this mean for fans? Going to see a professional sporting event can get extremely pricey. In 2006, the average ticket price was $76 and now it is about $123.

Social media in the past 10 years has made a significant push to be an every-second source for fans acround the country.

The media has pushed advertising numbers up and that’s how all these prices have been getting jacked up hence, increasing a player’s payroll.

“We are tr ying to sell the American sports market and that is the reason for all the growth in the sports industry,” accounting teacher Mr. Turbitt said.

The fans love to watch the games live but find it harder and harder each year to go watch their favorite team play if the prices aren’t what they can afford.

Professional sports should find a way to make prices affordable for all types of people.

Some fans dream to go watch their favorite players but those dreams can’t come true if the players demand so much from the fans.

Practices and games take over the holiday break Winter sport participants have mixed opinions on playing during break.

By Michael DiGiacomo ’18 The holidays provide students, athletes and faculty an escape from their arduous work schedules to celebrate and spend time with loved ones.

But this isn’t 100 percent true for those involved in winter sports, which makes athletes feel obligated to practice and play games during the holiday season. Sports are being played during Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Martin Luther King Day. Even though the majority of athletes do not celebrate these holidays, West Essex sports don’t always properly acknowledge any of these significant dates.

Should our sports be forced to show the same respect to these holidays like the rest of the school?

Coaches and student athletes had mixed reactions on playing athletics during the holidays and did not hesitate to share their views on the subject at matter.

Mr. Humes, head coach of varsity basketball, said his players had the

right to decide whether or not they should play and go to practice during holidays that conflict with their winter break schedule.

“I’m fine with our players skipping a practice or even a game if the holiday is that important to them,” Humes said. “It is not ideal, but at the end of the day it’s their religion, and the basketball coaching system doesn’t have the right to deny them the right to celebrate these holy days.”

Junior Spencer Cowen, a varsity hockey player, celebrates Hanukkah and has to play during the weeklong holy tradition although he puts sports before religion.

“I made a commitment to hockey and my teammates rely on me to play in any upcoming game so we have the best chance to win,” he said.

Junior basketball player, Marco Gencarelli, doesn’t have to play during the holidays he celebrates, so he didn’t mind as much as some other athletes.

“Sports on holidays doesn’t conflict with my religious celebrations,” Gencarelli said. “However, I feel bad for the people who have to deal with this problem.”

Fencing coach, Ms. Jozefczyk, agreed with the idea of a more flexible schedule for athletes.

“There should be a exceptions for students who celebrate a reli-

gion on their respective holidays.

I would never force my fencers to perform during their religious dates,” she said.

Other school districts such as Millburn, West Orange and Montclair athletics do not perform during these religious days, including Martin Luther King Day. The Athletic Director, Mr Minnella clarified the process of athletes skipping after school activities due to religious conflicts.

Even if it hurts their chances of performing at maximum potential, West Essex sports should not pressure their athletes to play on these days. When there is no school, there should be no practice especially when it pertains to religious events.

“Any holiday is an excused absence without any ramifications for any practice or meet. The Athletic department tries to avoid scheduling games on any major holiday to make sure all athletes can participate. Athletes are absolutely allowed to miss or leave practice early to celebrate these holy days with friends and family without any obligations,” he said. Student athletes are not penalized for missing practice when it conflicts with religious obligations.

However there are still some athletes who don’t mind playing during a time meant for celebration and relaxation.

Illustration By Joey Ploscowe

The basketball team had early morning practice over break, during the week of Christmas and Hanukkah.

January 2017

The Wessex Wire: Sports

Page 15

Track runners are excited for new era under Cullen Coaching running teams, Cullen looks to lead them into a new future.

By Ally Schachtel ’19 For some, running is the most challenging part of every sport.

The athletes are forced to run to condition their bodies or as a form of punishment. However, there is one sport each season where athletes voluntarily sign themselves up for this rigorous activity: fall Cross Country, winter Indoor Track and spring Track & Field.

Coach Cullen has been a coach for winter and spring track the past five years, but last year was his first being head coach for both winter and spring track.

After last year’s successful season, he decided to apply for the head coach of the Cross Country team when Mr. Samuels resigned after 15 years. This past June, Cullen received the exciting news that he

was accepted for the job.

“The winter the weather can be very unpredictable so our workouts are often decided last minute,” Cullen said.

While each season consists of running, they each tap into different sets of skills. Cross Country has the smallest team in numbers and is all long distance running.

Their main focus is to build stamina in order to be able to complete in the 5K runs during their meets.

Winter track has around 100 runners. They compete at indoor courses, and the events include sprints, distance and throwers.

Spring track, the most popular of them all has over 100 runners.

They compete in the same races that winter track does.

While all three programs differ, they have the same goal. They have a real sense of unity. They are all small families where everyone is fully committed and supportive of each other.

Cullen’s responsibility as a coach entails many things. With the large number of athletes, he must put everyone in right spot where they will help the most. He

must prepare the workouts which vary depending on the weather and when the next meet is being held. Coach Cullen, along with the other coaches, aims to keep it fun while also making sure everyone is working hard and getting better.

“Sometimes you can’t breathe when you run... but Cullen pushes us to keep going, even when it’s the last thing we want to do,” senior Kelley Cattano said.

“The most fun part of track is becoming friends with people in every grade,” junior Nicole Kendall said. “During the season it doesn’t matter your age, speed or gender you become friends with everyone on the team”.

Running is not only about how strong your legs are, but also how strong your mind is. A runner has to push off thoughts of negativity.

“It’s a battle against yourself,” Cullen said.

A main goal for the program is maintaining the same level of family. If you go to a meet of any of the three sports you will see the West Essex athletes scattered throughout the course cheering

their teammates on the entire run. Another goal for both winter and spring track is to accomplish a state sectional championship.

Lastly, the coaches’ main priority is that the group of student runners represent West Essex as a team who is motivated with the highest form of integrity and dedication to the sport and school.

“What’s great about us is we perform at our peak as there more is more on the line for us to lose,” Cullen said.

Wise Words: Coach Humes “I believe that you are never wrong to do the right thing.”

Wrestling Knights look to push for spots in States

By Alexandra Codella ’17 After last year’s strong season from defeating state-champion teams Cedar Grove and Passaic Valley, this year’s wrestling team has incredibly high expectations.

A s s i s t a nt C o a c h M a r k e y named district, region and 2015 New Jersey’s Coach of the Year, led the team to an exemplary preseason, which they started on Nov. 21. He expressed how hard the boys worked, and said the energy they brought the first day of preseason was electric.

He stressed that wrestling is a very demanding sport with all the pressure on staying healthy, maintaining your weight and the mental aspect of the sport.

“Wrestling is a grind and there is no way to change that,” Coach Markey said. “However, we incorporate workouts at Sky Zone and a Ninja Warrior training facility, team bowling night, as well as occasional dance-offs in the room.

Keeping a positive and appropriate mind set is a daily mission in our room.”

Captains and four year starters Marco Macrino, Noah Struss and Chris Zaccaria have put themselves in a position to make a mark on states this year with all their hard work and experience over the past years.

“As a senior captain I want to make everyone feel like they can contribute to the team success and to always stay positive,” Struss said.

Mid-Season Winter Sports Check In Swimming dives into their season

By Jordan Flusser ’19 Despite a rough start, the West Essex Swim Team aims to regroup and push forward into the second half of their 2016-17 season, led by senior captains Madison Gemma, Alexa Devito and Colin Plunkett.

The boys’ and girls’ record is 1-5, following their recent victory against Montclair on Jan. 4.

Last season, the Aqua Knights competed in the finals for their division against Caldwell, which was very exciting regardless of their loss in the end. The team hopes to use their win over Montclair to push momentum and reach last year’s heights.

They anticipate better performances in their upcoming home meet against Glen Ridge at the Caldwell Community Center. The swimmers will also take on teams including Montclair Kimberley, Columbia and West Orange in the remainder of their season.

“Even though we haven’t won many meets, we have many new swimmers who are working hard every day and improving,” sophomore Isabella Valle said. “Our hard work paid off this Wednesday when we won our meet against Montclair, and have high hopes for the rest of the season.”

Fencing looks to future success

By Quinn Delehanty ’19

Photo courtesy of Marco Macrino

Captain Marco Macrino facing off against Suffren County this season, leading his team this season. Senior Macrino wrestles at 138.

Unfortunately, a crucial asset for the team was lost: AJ Corso was working hard during preseason to prepare him for his senior season of wrestling but his season was cut short due to an ACL injury.

“Wrestling is only a small part of AJ’s story, he is one of the most well rounded and likeable athletes to come through our program,” said Assistant Coach Markey, “Although, he won’t be

wrestling for us this year he will be an important part of our team chemistry moving forward.”

The West Essex Knights Wrestling team is 4-4 this season, defeating Bloomfield, Orange, West Orange and BridgewaterRaritan. After losing a tough match against rivals James Caldwell 3621; Mike Ruane, R.J. Bell, Marco Macrino, Luke Dignazio and Chris Zaccaria all came out with lots of energy putting up points on the

board for West Essex.

Sophomore Mike Ruane and senior Chris Zaccaria both ending their matches with pins giving West Essex six points each.

“We know we have a special team this year that can do some special things. So it is now up to us to make this season one to remember,” sophomore Luke Dignazio said. “Once that light turns on in front of your home crowd you become a different person.”

The West Essex Fencing team has a winning record, starting off their season 2-1. The team has made great progress with all of their matches.

In the beginning of their season, the fencing team started off strong, winning eight medals at the sophomore invitational. The fencing team is confident in their chances at succeeding.

On Jan. 15, the girls fencers made their way to the Santelli’s at Drew University which was the largest high school tournament in the United States.

“The season has started off well and were only going to continue getting better,” sophomore Danielle Bernstein said.

The success of the Fencing team is just beginning and they hope to have a promising season ahead of them.

January 2017 Issue 3

The Wessex Wire Page 16

Football legends of WE: future and past Brian O’Neill supercedes people’s expectations

By Lizzy Cimilluca ’17 B r i a n O’ Ne i l l o f Roseland has been a three sport athlete at West Essex for four years. His drive and determination has led him to commit to the University of Pennsylvania to pursue his academic and football career.

O’Neill has received an impresPhoto courtesy of Anthony Lambo sive eight varsity Lambo (right) sacking Donavan McNabb(left) of Syracuse during his freshman season. letters. In football, he was all-conference and all-state for defense. For track he took first place for the County

By Dan Laible ’18 Lambo said.

“Playing Division I football Relay in javelin twice, and Lambo had a very successful for five years allowed me to have he was a three time qualifier Mr. Lambo has been widely career in his college days and many experiences that only a for New Balance Nationals known through West Essex even tried to move on and play small percentage of the world can Emerging Elite. for his playing career, kind- after college. claim,” Lambo said. “It would be ness and especially size. Lambo “Having two older brothAll of the odds were against hard to choose one memory that dedicated the earlier part of his him; a low ranked guard coming was my best or favorite; from players definitely molded me life to playing football play- into the NFL with what teams ing on ESPN on Thursday Nights into the player I am today,” ing at Bloomfield High School perceived as little potential, but to participating in five straight O’Neill said. “They were and then moving on to play at Lambo had yet to show them what Bowl games.” always there to teach me Virginia Tech. when I was younger he was capable of and became a Lambo was a part of a very Lambo has loved football for priority free agent. He received competitive team nationally and and help me when his entire life and spent the first calls from three teams: the Ravens, eventually ended up in the naI needed it.” two decades of it dedicated to Bears and Browns.

Not only is tional championship with VT. Photo By Jules Moskowitz football, all day, all the time.

O’ Ne i l l a t r i “The Ravens were coming off This was perhaps one of the most Brian O’Neill juggles playing football, He went from the classroom, to a Super Bowl victory the year be- exciting things to ever happen sport athlete, but track and basketball. practice, to workouts, to taking fore; most NFL teams are looking to Lambo and what many kids he is able to play calls from coaches. multiple posito let go of some veteran player. dream about growing up to do. ning the Ivy League champion“During my junior and senior It was a no brainer,” Lambo said. tions within each ship for the past two years and “I had the opportunity to play year of high school, I was being sport. O’Neill plays both Lambo eventually got cut from in 2000 Nokia Sugar Bowl, College the combination of Division I recruited by over 30 Division the Ravens after suffering many Football’s National Championship offense and defense in football, athletics with being the best busiI schools,” Lambo said. Many injuries to his hip and his shoul- on my 22nd birthday, in New playing middle linebacker and ness school in the country led me of the offers were from highly der. He then decided he didn’t Orleans in front of 88,000 fans and fullback. He will be playing on to choose Penn,” O’Neill said. “I competitive schools: like Virginia want to risk any more injuries and millions of viewers on television,” the defensive side of the football can’t wait to further my abilities at Tech, Georgia Tech, Iowa, Kansas, decided to stop playing. in college as a middle linebacker. Penn with the working environhe said.

Clemson, Rutgers, Northwestern, Football Coach Benacquista ment and the amazing internships “My shoulder was slipping out Lambo has been dedicated to Syracuse, Penn State. Lambo of place on a daily basis during everything he has done in his life. praises him for his dedication to that come along with the school.” eventually ended up deciding on college, at least five concussions, From his job as a gym teacher, to the game. “His desire to get better O’Neill decided to join the Virginia Tech. and learn the game makes him a basketball team for a final winter and needing bone chips removed coaching our sports teams, as well He started his career at VT, from my ankle, I made the deci- as his playing career. very coachable player, and some- season, making him a more diredshirting his first year and play- sion to choose my health and lifeone all our underclassmen should verse athlete. He played basketball “Professional sports are not ing D-Tackle his first year on the style over money and continued what the average person believes look up to,” Coach Benacquista every year except his junior due to field, before moving to the O-line. fame,” Lambo said. said. “Brian does everything 100 a surgery leading him to take the them to be, they are more cut Lambo played college ball with percent and his passion for foot- season off. O’Neill’s teammates Lambo had many memories throat than any other field in the Michael Vick, one of the widely from his time playing football and world,” Lambo said. ball inspires the team and us as often follow in his footsteps, and known stars of college football. met some amazing people and the coaches.”

After a successful career in feel he is a strong leader.

Vick relied on Lambo to keep him players, like Ray Lewis, Shannon football, he has now moved on to He thought long and hard about “He is hardworking, he is selfprotected behing the O-line. his decision to play football at less and puts the team first alSharpe and Ed Reed. The memo- a life with his family and teaching.

“Mike was quiet, but a fierce ries and stories he tells from his Lambo certainly has a lot of very the University of Pennsylvania. ways,” senior Oliver Ortman said. competitor his first year as a time are endless, but he did have interesting stories to tell and has He said the school was just right O’Neill’s hard work and determistarter and lead by example,” a few favorites. for him. nation will leave a mark on numerlived a very memorable life. “ T h e t r a d i t i o n o f w i n - ous sports programs.

The untold story of Anthony Lambo: football phenom