The Wessex Wire (December 2006)

The Memory Project.............p. 2 Michael Richards..................p. 8

Vol. XLVI No.2

Senior pressures ....................... p. 10 Robinhood .................................p.5 Football State Champs...............p. 14

Giving Thanks..........................p. 5 JJ Helps in Mississippi ................p. 2

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

December 2006

DYNASTY Field Hockey

Field Hockey beats Haddonfield to win Group II State Championship (page 12), football edges Montville at Giants’ Stadium for third state title in four years (page 14), and girls’ soccer defeats Chatham to become state sectional champions for the third consecutive year (page 12) -football photo courtesy of Katie Clavin

-field hockey photo courtesy of Bill Miller

-soccer photo courtesy of Alexa Notte

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Art students reach out to African orphans

by Allinoel Navia ‘09

“I saw lots of staff members partici- Dormer is thrilled by the results and pating,” said physical education teacher claims they have “succeeded beyond Michael Markey. “I believe it is for a her expectations.” good cause [and] of course, I’m in.”

She cheerfully anticipates the future

success of the program. “The best measure of its success is that I can’t wait to do it again with my students next year!”

Art students at West Essex aim to improve the conditions in a Ugandan orphanage by portraiture. The orphans have only one objective—to survive the conditions of disease and their ongoing civil war . The world’s lack of concern motivated University of Wisconsin graduate, Ben Shumaker, to help the underprivileged children through “The Memory Project.”

Shumaker collects the names and photos of orphans in Latin America, India and Africa, and then distributes them to participating high schools. Eileen Dormer, one of West Essex’s art teachers, decided to take part in the project and contacted Shumaker.

“I saw a film clip about the project on CBS Evening News [and] contacted [Shumaker] the very next day,” Dormer said. “I could see the potential for learning a lot through the experience of looking into the eyes of someone who had suffered such pain.”

The responsibility lies with the students to utilize these photos to create portraits as well as write letters to the orphans.

They successfully created forty portraits and sent them to the Ugandan orphanage in effort to “give these children hope,” according to senior participant Casey Keegan.

The school faculty has also shown their support by taking part in a “Dress in Denim” day. Teachers were able to wear their favorite jeans on two Wednesdays, for a $5 free, which funded “The Memory Project.” They exceeded the $400 goal.

Senior helps rebuild houses in Mississippi Jaime Blaustein ‘07

Senior J.J. McNamara’s mission trip to Mississippi in the beginning of November provided a somewhat neglected area with some assistance in hurricane relief.

McNamara, along with his 29 fellow volunteers of various ages, ventured on a flight from Newark to New Orleans, and then drove to D’Iberville to help rebuild the city, which was hit by Hurricane Katrina over one year ago.

The work that occupied McNamara’s one week stay consisted of drywall installation and finishing, painting, trim carpentry, tile installation, roofing, framing, insulation, and demolition.

McNamara claims to have experienced “another world” in Missis-

sippi and one that was “eye-opening, not like TV.” He witnessed suffering families who are sometimes forgotten in the discussion of Katrina victims.

Society has generally focused on the tragedy in New Orleans, but McNamara found it gratifying to help those who have slipped under the radar.

Despite the extended period of time that has elapsed since the hurricane, McNamara claims that the town “appeared as if the hurricane hit yesterday.”

The clothing drive that McNamara’s group executed prior to their trip helped to provide some of these unfortunate children with much-needed clothing.

A total of 215 other groups from around the country also traveled to Mississippi to help in the recovery process. These groups came primarily from Michigan, Wisconsin, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

In retrospect, McNamara is grateful for the opportunity he had -photo courtesy of JJ McNamara to help those less fortunate due to extenuating circumstances. He adamantly claims that he would do it McNamara, furthermore, was again. “People have no hope [down exposed to some of the harsh rethere], but when they see us, they alities of post-hurricane life down have hope,” he said.

South. He witnessed schoolchildren who are taught not in classrooms, but rather in trailers.

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Construction slated for January start Helen Wang, ‘07

The Board of Education’s “number one priority” is the construction, according to Board President, Sharon Buge.

“We are just as anxious as the students and faculty for the completion of the school,” said Buge.

Now, projected for completion in September 2007, the construction at the West Essex school district has met with great complications that caused a three-week delay in 2004 school year as well as several lawsuits.

The board is currently involved in two lawsuits: one “against Safeco, [the school’s insurance company], for its lack of compliance with the terms of the bond,” and another “with TriCon, [the contractor], for its failures to perform under the terms of its construction contract,” according to Buge.

While these lawsuits are expected to go to trial in May of 2007, the board is “certainly not waiting for the trial to resolve the construction problem,” said Buge.

Despite the “expensive and time consuming process” of finding a new contractor, receiving new building permits, and updating the entire project, “every effort is being made

to complete the project on our own,” was the renovation of the JHS library said Buge. and cafeteria.

The Board is looking to hire a new “To [the board’s] knowledge this part general contractor to “determine the of the project was completed on time exact amount of work remaining, cor- and within budget,” said Buge, who rect any deficiencies in the work al- added that the project finished on ready performed, cover additional time due to the “small portion and the costs, and anticipate all the unknown work of a different contractor.” continThe gencies secin a “We are hopeful that we will be able to o n d stalled accept a bid, within our budget, and phase project.” restart construction by January 1, 2007, called At this with a substantial completion by August for adpoint, ditions 31, 2007,” according to Board of “ t h e a n d p l a n s Education President Sharon Buge. renohave vation been to the updated and approved,” said Buge. SHS, including two large wings, a After the finalization of the updated new gym and locker area, a sepaproject by the architect and the attor- rate maintenance building, and neys, the project can be released to other various projects. Once this contractors hoping to make a bid. The phase is finished, the 9th grade will Board will then choose the bid within move from the JHS to the SHS. the budget.

The last phase of the project will “We are hopeful that we will be able take place in the JHS, with the to accept a bid, within our budget, and “renovation of rest rooms, relocarestart construction by January 1, tion of board office to the JHS, 2007, with a substantial completion by nurse’s area, new multimedia lab, August 31, 2007,” added Buge. new technology lab, new music Problems between the school and the room, and new training center/comcontractor surfaced in the second munity room,” according to Buge. phase of a three-phase district wide The contract with TriCon, a conconstruction project. The first phase struction company based in

Rockaway, New Jersey, began on January 14, 2004, and disputes and problems started on March 11, 2004, according to the insurance company, Safeco. Among other things, TriCon failed to provide power and telephone service to the construction manager’s trailer, resulting in the shutdown of operations for four days, along with noncompliance with directions by the board and construction manager concerning construction and sequencing of work at the sites and cutting the phone lines to the JHS. These problems brought about great inconvenience to the school district, and TriCon refused to remediate the situation.

With the approval of the West Essex community in September 2002, the construction project’s main goal is to move the 9 th grade down to the Senior High, in order “to provide a more appropriate high school curriculum to [them] and to alleviate the overcrowding at the Junior High School building,” according to Buge.

“Have faith in the Board,” said Robert Jeanette, director of buildings and grounds. With the “patience and cooperation” of the West Essex community, “things will eventually get done,” he added.

CAFETERIA NEWS

All lunches not created equal Elliot Kartus ‘09

All lunch periods are not created equal. Students in fourth and seventh period lunches do not receive the same advantages as those in fifth or sixth period.

Fourth period lunch begins at 10:03 A.M and ends forty-two minutes later at 10:45. “This is not a lunch; this is breakfast,” complained junior Josh Marx who is scheduled for fourth period lunch.

Those students who bring their lunches for fourth period have an advantage over those who buy the sandwiches, wraps, or bagels. Because there is no kitchen, the lunchroom staff brings hot food down from the junior high, though not always in a timely manner.

The hot foods can show up ten minutes into the period and occasionally as late as halfway through the lunch. “They are always late with the food,” said junior Nick Vidovich.

On November 6th the fourth period lunch students staged a “sit in” after

their lunch period technically ended.

“The sandwiches showed up twenty minutes late, and the hot lunches showed up thirty minutes late. We wanted to finish our lunches and didn’t find it fair to have it cut short.” says anti-fourth period lunch activist Jack Vidovich.

Fourth period lunch is considered by many to be a randomly last minute addition to the schedule. “The amount of people in this lunch makes it seem like it was just thrown together,” according to sophomore Zack Rothkopf, one of only three male sophomores in the entire lunch. Paul Chowaniec said “In my honest opinion, this lunch is disorganized, and it should be considered a joke,” he added, and mentioned that it’s “not even listed on the bell schedule as a lunch.”

The fourth period lunch students are not the only ones with complaints.

Seventh period lunch students, traditionally, are also full of anger toward their lunch assignment.

Seventh period lunch, the last of the

day, starts at 12:21. Although 12:00 is typically considered a normal time to eat lunch, eating at noon after eating breakfast nearly five hours earlier can be very tough on students’ stomachs. “I eat breakfast around 7:00, so by seventh period lunch I am starving and have trouble concentrating in my 4th, 5th, and 6th period classes,” according to sophomore Adam Haar.

The more cleanliness-concerned students find problems with the state of the cafeteria by the final lunch period. “By the time we get to lunch, the tables are disgusting; there is garbage left on them almost every day,” according to sophomore Jon Levine.

Those not bothered by the unsanitary state of the lunchroom might find problems with the food selection. On many days the amount of hot food brought up from the junior high school is not great enough to supply the needs of students throughout all four lunches. “The selection of foods at lunch is not always the best. Some days the cafeteria is sold out of many items,” explained Haar.

Although recently the lunchroom staff has tried to hold food for seventh period and restock the choices in between periods, many issues remain. The lunch staff has changed the way they make their cookies, which are famous among the students, to accommodate for their high demand Periods five and six seem to be more desirable lunches. Mike Fiore, a sophomore in period five lunches is content in starting lunch at 10:49. He says it is a fine time for him to eat during the day.

The food delays in fourth period and the disgusting state of the tables in seventh, along with other issues create a less than enjoyable environment for those lunch students, but Vidovich views the lunchroom issues in an optimistic way. “The issues that we have in lunch are not problems that are unsolvable,” he said. “With a little effort from the lunchroom staff, the teachers on lunch duty, and the students all the lunch periods could be made a whole lot better.”

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West Essex father educates Accounting classes “I thought the presentation was work for totally different compa- who noted the presentation was well-received,” said Mr. Lisa. “The nies,” said senior Akshay Jhanjee. weird, in a way. students were very responsive, and “There were accountants working “It was weird seeing my dad in November 15, 2006 was not only they all asked great questions.” for TV stations, football teams, and class teaching us,” said junior JusMs. Andrea Mondadori’s favorite “Mr. Lisa kept us interested the even the [National Basketball tin Lisa. “It was weird seeing him day because it was her birthday, but whole time,” said senior Brittany League].” walking through the halls of West also because it was the day simply Burlazzi. “He also used funny jokes known as, John Lisa Day. On November 15th, John Lisa, father of junior Justin Lisa, came into Mondadori’s accounting classes to give a presentation, as he is a CPA. “It was great because he showed my students that once they get all the accounting basics down, there are many different options, if you want to become an accountant,” said Mondadori.

The idea was not just Mondadori’s however; it was also that of the New Jersey Society of CPA’s. The NJ Society of CPA’s has a program called “Pay it Forward,” which encourages CPA’s to go to high schools to talk to students about dif- John Lisa informs the young minds of West Essex Accounting students in effort to make them more knowledge.

-photo by Matt Cohn ferent opportunities they have within the accounting profession” said Mr. and lollipops to keep us interested, Both classes loved the presenta- Essex.”

Lisa. The program has been in ex- even though without them we still tion the classes. “I loved his enNovember 15 was a day that was istence for more than five years. would have all been really into the thusiasm he had for accounting,” much awaited and anticipated by Mr. Lisa gave a speech to start presentation.” said senior Malcolm Bertram. “The all Mondo’s students and for good off the presentation and then folMany students also got a differ- whole time he was up there pre- reasons. lowed it with a movie on the ent perspective on what it means senting, you could just see how “It was so much fun during the SmartBoard, which interested stu- to be an accountant and the numer- much he loved it and how well he presentation,” said Bertram. “I endents and showed them both dif- ous different types of accounting prepared and cared about the pre- joyed the whole thing and wouldn’t ferent jobs people get as accoun- jobs people can get. sentation.” mind him coming back for another tants and different companies that “It was cool because he told us There was one student, however, time.” people can work for. about different accountants who Matt Cohn ‘08

Administration introduces new bathroom policy Cassie Neugold ‘09

The faculty put several new rules into effect due to the recent bomb scares.

Students are only allowed to use the bathrooms during class, with the exception of the first and last five minutes of class.

Throughout the day, it is common that only two bathrooms are open for use, which may cause problems for students from the opposite side of the building.

Students not only must sign out in their classroom bathroom log, but also they must sign in on a bathroom log right outside of the bathroom.

Then, students must wait in line to use the restroom, since only one person is allowed in the bathroom at a time.

Since September, West Essex has had five evacuations which have resulted in loss of valuable instructional time. Yet, although the newly implemented rules were put into place in order to stop evacua-

tions that are time-consuming, some students feel the rules are contradictory.

“This bathroom rule is really ridiculous,” says sophomore Nicole Brillante. “There’s no point. We have to miss more class time now instead of being able to go in between classes.”

“By not allowing students to use the bathrooms between periods, even more instructional time is lost due to the fact that students must leave in the middle of class to use the restroom, which may not be on the same side

of the building as their class,” according to Rebecca Lockward.

The new bathroom regulations also compromise the cleanliness and sanitation of the restrooms. With so many students using the same bathrooms all day, there is no time for maintenance to clean them.

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Wolfelsberger’s absence impacts his students Thomas Grossi ‘07

With college decisions and applications a major part of a student’s life, seniors feel “stressed out” with the loss of beloved guidance counselor David Wolfelsberger.

In addition, the school had taken longer than expected to find a replacement, and it left student’s feeling very insecure about the whole college process.

The impact of the loss of Wolfelseberger is felt mostly by this years seniors, who now have to adapt to having a new guidance counselor for their college decisions. “It has not been an easy transaction for me.

Wolfe was my guidance counselor for two years, and now I go into the guid-

ance department, and I don’t even know who my guidance counselor is,” said senior Tom Doelp.

“I understand why he left, and it’s just unfortunate for this year’s seniors because this is such a crucial time for us, but I always know he’s there for me if needed,” he added.

“It was not an easy decision for me to leave West Essex,” Says Wolfelsberger, who is now a guidance counselor at Mountain Lakes high school.

“I thought long and hard about this decision, and I did not want to leave the kids that I cared about so much.”

Ultimately however, this was a “family decision” for Wolfelsberger, and it was just something that had to be done. His ultimate goal at this stage in his life is spending more time with his family, and

he now has that opportunity.

“I think about it every day, and if I could have had it both ways, I would have done it, but it just couldn’t be that way.” Although Wolfelsberger is no longer at West Essex, he still is only a phone call away for many of his students. “Any time they need me, they know that they can contact me,” added Wolfelsberger.

Many other seniors are still affected by the loss of Wolfelsberger. “I knew I could always go into his office if I needed anything. He was always there for me,” said senior Carissa Franzi.

“That ability to just go sit down and talk about my school problems isn’t there, because I just don’t know the people in the guidance office that well,” she added.

Although the loss of Wolfe affects

many of his students, his replacement, Mary Jo Callanan, is “ready to help” and more than qualified. “I am sure that some students were or still are upset that Wolfe is no longer here,” says Callanan. But, she has not experienced “any backlash” from those feelings.

“I try to show the students that I can and will give one hundred percent to act in their best interest,” said Callanan. “ I have also found that the students have been very responsive and friendly towards me,” she added.

Callanan strives to be “approachable and visible” to her students. “I welcome all students to come to me with any questions or concerns. My goal is to create a good rapport with all my students, and I anticipate doing so,” she added.

West Essex Masquers perform Robin Hood Victoria Gualtieri ‘09

The classic tale of Robin Hood came to life on the West Essex Junior High School stage on November 30 and December 1. Written by Larry Blamire, this rendition of the old story featured performances by a cast of West Essex Masquers comprised of senior high school students.

Producer and advisor John Boronow and director Erica Triano worked with the students for the last month and a half preparing for the production, and it paid off in their performance.

Robin Hood (Jared Shababb) lives by one self-assigned rule, to “steal from the rich and give to the poor.”

Alongside his friend Will Scarlet (Joe

Giordano) and aided by Little John (David Grau) and Friar Tuck (Ryan Funsch), Robin leads a band of outlaws (Caitlin McGarrity, Jocelyn Steinfield, Maria Dontas, James Cruse, Rosie O’Conner) who, with no other foreseeable options, begin their lives anew in Sherwood Forest.

Along this journey, Robin falls for the lovely Marion Harper (Michelle Lupo), who begins to enjoy the hero’s company more than she is willing to admit.

Oppressed by the taxes of King John (Nick Vidovich) and pursued by the formidable Sheriff of Nottingham (JJ McNamara), the group fights injustice in the kingdom by robbing any royals who cross their path. Dramatic action, good humor, and climactic

sword fights prove good does, in fact, always triumph over evil.

The amusing puns laced through the play keep the atmosphere lighthearted and enjoyable for the whole audience.

Thrilling music that sounds every time Robin Hood’s name is mentioned and Mike Vitteritto’s portrayal of the Bishop of Hereford bring their own form of humor to the play, making the experience all the more engaging.

Throughout the entire production, the crowd watched avidly, waiting for the next pun, the next twist in the plot.

Moments that could have been drawn out and dull were broken up by the amusing antics of the actors that sent the viewers into peals of laughter.

Even between set changes, the audience clapped along to the upbeat,

cheerful music floating throughout the auditorium.

If you were not at one of the two showings of the production, you not only missed a compelling performance by the actors but also a striking set design and an action-packed night, courtesy of the stage crew under the direction of woodshop teacher Lee Oberg.

Other cast members include Melanie Adams, Ashley Begega, Kevin Biglin, Margaret Clinton, Amanda Cohen, Chris Coppola, Celina DeLuca, Tracey Fess. Ben Isaac, Rachel LeWinter, Amanda Nichols, Douglas Overbeck, Artie Scarano, and Stacy Tell.

Student council gives thanks for thankless work Michael McConell ‘07

For the first time the Student Council showed appreciation to the staff of West Essex by serving an early Thanksgiving dinner to aides, custodians, and secretaries in our school on Tuesday, November 21.

Rather than another turkey dinner, they were served Italian food catered

by Brownstone: chicken francesa, eggplant rollatini, calamari, etc. The cafeteria, set up during 8th period, was transformed by tablecloths and center pieces.

Sophomore Mina Nourbakhsh, student pianist, serenaded the staff while they ate. Jaime Blaustein, Student Council President who helped to plan the event, gave a speech to thank them

Student Council gathers with aides, secretaries, costudians to give thanks.

for all the thankless work they do for the school. The party closed with a game of West Essex Trivia during which the centerpieces were awarded.

Everyone was really happy about the recognition. “As an advisor to two clubs and coach of two sports, I know the support staff is the backbone of every event,” stated Coach Mondadori, Student Council advisor.

“This was our way of showing thanks for everything they do to make this school a better place.”

The staff appreciated the recognition. Rita Hibo said of the occasion that the administrative employees rarely get a chance to eat together so that in itself was fun. “I have nothing but good things to say.”

In this section: WE Laugh Cartoon................6 Michael Richards..................8 Stressed Seniors...................9 STAFF EDITORIAL

West Essex students “need to stop acting like babies” Kristen Ricigliano, ‘07 As a senior at West Essex for the 2006-2007 school year, I’ve witnessed the school endure many, many changes over the past three years.

I think, as many other seniors would agree, that we are all ready and anxious to graduate and leave West Essex once and for all.

Between the everlasting construction controversy that has plagued West Essex for over two years and the countless number of bomb scares that have forced many school evacuations, it is hard to remember that at one time West Essex high School was named a “star school.” After five bomb scares, several suspensions in one week, cars being towed in the senior parking lot, resignation of the vice principal, and police monitoring the school for theft, Mrs. Barbara

Longo, the principal, at the December 11 th Board Meeting, said that she plans to “get the school back.” Well, it’s about time.

The chaos, however, is not entirely the administration’s fault. I cannot say that I am happy with many of the school’s new policies, such as the new “one at a time” bathroom sign in policy, but they are the unfortunate consequences of the events that occurred at West Essex. No one truly likes the bathroom policy.

Students who have to go don’t like having to wait in lines and teachers don’t like being forced to let their students leave during class to use the bathroom.

Not to mention, some teachers are now forced to use their free periods to monitor the sign in sheets. This policy puts unnecessary burdens on everyone involved, so why don’t we students do something about? Why don’t we end the

nonsense? Stop the bomb scares, stop the theft, stop the fighting and disrespect to teachers. If a teacher asks for a pass, even though the administration has not enforced the pass policy for the past 2 months, shut your mouth and go get a pass.

As students, there is nothing we can do about the construction, the new teachers and administration problems, but constantly complaining and acting out will not solve this problem. In fact, these actions won’t do anything but cause more problems. To the seniors, park in your own spots and to the juniors, don’t drive to school at all. Students at West Essex need to learn how to follow rules because once we leave this place, we will need to be able to do so for the rest of our lives. If we don’t want the administration to treat us like babies, then we need to take action and stop acting like babies.

WE LAUGH

- drawn by Jen Silverstein, ‘08

Construction “blocks out the things that make WE great” Amanda Nichols, ‘08 The halt in construction has not only created an irritating eye sore, but seems to be making our school somewhat of a laughing stock.

When people ask me what school I go to, I want to be proud to say that I go to West Essex, but I end up getting responses like “Oh you go to that wreck of a school?” or “When’s that construction going to be done? One, two, ten years?”

There are so many things that this school has to be proud of including great academics and fantastic sports like the championship football team and our marching band which is currently one of the top twenty five bands on the east coast.

Yet, this suspended animation that seems to be plaguing the construction in our school is like a dark cloud that blocks out the things that make West Essex great.

West Essex, in the truest sense,

is actually an excellent school. It this school has made aesthetically with this construction before we lose every bit of the great reputawas the 34th-ranked public high since he graduated. school in New Jersey out of 316 This school better get a move on tion we once had. schools statewide, in New Jersey Monthly magazine’s September 2006 issue. Looking good is half the game, and this Star School is not exactly cutting it in that department.

It seems as if this school is just a mound of unfinished tasks. I’ll never forget running for cover under the beautiful new walkway that was “built” when it was raining, only to realize that it wasn’t covered, or escorting students from another school to the bathroom and hearing one snicker, “Wow, they’re really going for the industrial look,” while looking up at the ceiling. Hasn’t anyone involved learned that you have to finish one task before starting another?

The school is not just a joke to other high school kids, but to alumni of this school. My brother graduated from West Essex, and he West Essex students walk the ceiling-less hallways everyday, but the school loves to point out the steep decline still has some good points. (photo courtesy of Amanda Nichols)

opinion To the Editor: I am writing in response to Elliot Kartus’s “All lunch periods are not created equal.” I have 7th period lunch, and although I normally come to school with a packed lunch from home or a sandwich from a local deli, I can see many kids’ frustrations with our cafeteria.

The cafeteria heavily slacks in 7th period lunch. The lunch lines are nearly 20 people long, and if you’re at the end of the line, you may finally get your sandwich 20 minutes into the period. Also, there seems to be a lack of food, by the time kids get there all the cookies, bagels and pretzels are gone on a daily basis.

When reading this, you may simply ask why kids don’t pack their own lunches. Well, some parents don’t have the time, and kids who are involved with after school activities may not have the time to make lunch themselves. It should be the school’s responsibility to make sure that this shortage doesn’t happen.

In addition, students are given only 42 minutes a day to relax should also be a factor. For kids to deal with the stress of school, sports, activities, after school commitments, and a lack of food at school is a large amount of distractions and I believe it should be corrected as soon as possible.

This problem can be easily solved in several ways.

Students who have the time can begin to bring their own lunches. Even so, students in earlier lunch periods can be more considerate, and stop buying too much food, leaving 7th period with nothing. Or the cafeteria can reevaluate and recount the amount of food the senior high really needs to avoid future shortages.

Mark Cassera, ‘07

wessex wire - december 2006 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: I am writing as a Wessex Wire reader in response to Dina Costanza’s article in November edition, “Sex in the media influences West Essex teens.” While I agree with Costanza that the media is prominent in transforming the youth of America into sexually charged and active teenagers, I strongly disagree with the statistics used.

Costanza states that “twenty-five of 30 sophomore girls, 22 of 30 junior girls, and 30 of 30 senior girls…claimed that sex was not a big deal.”

As a senior girl I am shocked by this statistic, as it implies that every girl in the senior class feels this way about sex, which I can most definitely say is not remotely correct, and it embarrasses me to think that all of my peers think this way.

Additionally, as an AP Statistics student, I can attest to the invalidity of the survey.

As a class of approximately 110 females, the proper size of a sample to accurately depict the senior girls would be 86 students as opposed to 30. Thirty students seem like a very poor representation and such a biased survey should not be allowed to be printed in a newspaper meant to represent the students and the voice of this student. Costanza’s article is an improper depiction of how students at West Essex feel about sex.

Allison Candido, ‘07

7 To the Editor: In response to Katie Rosenberg’s story in this issue on the West Essex varsity football team, I would like to congratulate everyone involved. The West Essex vs. Montville state championship football game on December 2nd at Giants Stadium was truly a spectacular event. Parents and students from both teams arrived at Giants stadium about 2 hours early to tailgate, bringing trays of catered food and playing inspiring music. Almost everyone wore school colors, and despite the distance and cold weather, the outcome was overwhelming. I saw students from different groups and different grades there, as well as many teachers and faculty members.

The band played well and the cheerleaders pumped up the fans. Sitting in the fan section of Giants stadium, I felt as if I were at a professional football game rather than a high school game. The crowd vibrated with much energy, perhaps representing the fact that West Essex football fans appreciates success. The team has played in a state championship game at Giants Stadium for the 5th time in six years.

Even with the problems plaguing West Essex, school pride was evident, more than ever before on that day. I, as I’m sure many others would agree, was proud to be a student from West Essex when the team won. If the success of the sports teams continues and the fan crowd remains high, then West Essex sure is headed in a happy direction.

Kristen Ricigliano, ‘07

WORLD ISSUE

Public execution of Hussein may have adverse effects Jack Vidovich, ‘08 How many atrocities must a man commit against the world for his life to be deemed no longer worth living? The death penalty is one of the most controversial issues of our time, and the decision in Saddam Hussein’s trial will once again test how far the world will go to obtain justice.

Hussein, much like the tyrants Joseph Stalin, Vlad Dracula, and Adolf Hitler before him, is infamous for the slaughter of the innocent and the malevolence he has unleashed upon the world.

He even killed members of his own family to ensure his own political power.

Recently, he has been tried and convicted for “crimes against humanity,” specifically those involving the Shi’ites. He was sentenced to be executed via hanging, pending the consensus of the ninejudge appellate chamber of the trial court Though there are many people rejoicing at his

A statue of the Iraqi leader dismantled after US forces captured the capital of Baghdad. (photo source Wikipedia.org)

imminent execution, the long-term troubles it will tion, and that’s why it is so seductive. Had he lived, the myth of Che would have long since create far outweigh any benefits.

My greatest fear is that Hussein will be made died,” according to Christopher Hitchens, auinto some sort of a ‘political martyr’ for Sunnis, thor of Love, Poverty, and War: Journeys and which will cause an increase in attacks against Essays, a book about current world politics.

There have been no great upheavals with the coalition troops. Hanging is a very public form aftermath of Che’s death, yet he has been idolof execution and could be easily manipulated ized in pop culture despite by the exhis radical and even violent tremists to philosophies. g l o r i f y h i s “Though there are many people rejoicHussein’s situation is a death. ing at his imminent execution, the longmore fragile one than that of For those term troubles it will create far outChe’s. He has had a longer who find this weigh any benefits.” and more powerful influence concept a bit over his people, and his loyfar fetched, I would like to site the life of Ernesto Guevara, alists have an intense hatred towards the United more commonly known as ‘Che.’ Though both States, the coalition forces, and the new govmen have vastly different political ideologies, ernment that has been installed since the war. there are many similarities between the events Also, death has a more glorious seduction in the Middle East. These factors combine to crein which Che became idolized.

Che Guevara, the famous guerrilla general, ate a volatile breeding ground of violence.

If he is to be executed by any force, whether was well-known for his extremist beliefs. He fought for Fidel Castro in the Cuban revolution it is the coalition troops or the new Iraqi army, first as a medic but eventually moved up to the his extremist loyalists will rise up in retaliation, position of Commandante of the Revolutionary and more innocent people and troops will be killed.

In fact, Hussein should not be executed at all.

Army of Barbutos in which he killed dozens of Just like with Che, whose death was done very deserters and loyalists. While in the services of Castro, Che encourage the use of nuclear nonchalantly, being killed by anyone will almost weapons against the United States during the ensure that people will idolize him. So how do 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, but when Castro we eliminate Hussein without triggering his own backed down, Guevara left Cuba to raise a martyrdom?

I suggest the following steps. Instead of hanging revolutionary army in the Congo.

Che was eventually captured and executed in Bo- Hussein, the Supreme Iraqi Criminal Tribunal should livia by armed forces under the command of Félix let Saddam waste away in prison. This may seem Rodríguez who was put in charge of the operation almost inhumane, but by doing this, people will lose by the CIA. He was taken to an abandoned school faith in him, and he will be defamed over time and where one of the soldiers shot him to death. Che eventually forgotten. He will not die with the respect has become a famous not for his accomplishments, of a powerful man or a great leader, but rather as a common human being. but rather, for his failures.

As Plato said, “must not all things at the last “Che’s iconic status was assured because he failed. His story was one of defeat and isola- be swallowed up in death?”

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opinion

wessex wire - december 2006 VIEWPOINTS

Comedian Michael Richards went too far with racial rant we’d have you upside down with a f—— — fork up your a—!”

No man, woman, or child could have played After Richards offended most of the enthe role of Jerry Seinfeld’s eccentric neighbor Cosmo tire African-American community, as a Kramer on the smash hit television sitcom Seinfeld stand up comedian who has been in on better than Michael stage situations, I felt it was Richards. His quick sudnecessary for me to write my den movements and impoint of view on the topic.

In comedy, no matter what peccable comedic tima comedian is saying or doing, ing have made Richards he or she is going to offend one of the most unforsomeone, whether it is stupid people, gettable characters of th fat people, ugly people or in the late the 20 century. But as quickly as Richards Mitch Hedberg’s case, purple people. could jolt or deliver the But everyone knows that in today’s Actor and comedian Michael Richards made a caside-splitting line, his politically correct world there is a limit reer-altering move on November 17, when he went entire career came to free speech. on a tirade against African Americans crashing down.

Though, certain terms have beOn November 17, come accepted, other derogatory at the Laugh Factory terms such as the “N” word are still viewed crack about one of his or her jokes, or someone just The sight of Richards’ racial rant, in West Hollywood, as offensive, and for the most part, consid- blatantly being disrespectful and discourteous to what The Laugh Factory in West HollyCalifornia, Richards ered off limits for a white person to use. It the comedian is trying to do on-stage. I’m not saying wood, features acts by many went on a tirade deis also known that stand-up comedi- that I am one of them, but good comedians, however, famous comedians. (photo courtesy meaning Africanans overuse offensive language on a daily will either work off the distraction in a humorous fashion of www.staticnoise.com) Americans after one basis, but it is usually just part of their act in or completely disregard the individual and let that person get thrown out on his or her own. of the audience members began heckling him an effort to spice up the joke.

In comedy, there is a fine line between what is acduring his set, calling him “not funny” and “a Richards, however, used the “N” word in an effort to ceptable and what is unacceptable. Richards catapulted reject.” Richards then blew up and called the demean, offend and insult an African-American man. audience member the “N” word repeatedly. He All comedians are faced with on-stage interruptions, himself across that line at the Laugh Factory in West even went as far as to say, “Fifty years ago whether it is someone in the audience making a wise- Hollywood.

Ryan Logan-Magnusson, ‘08

How have WE students reacted to Richards’ angry tirade?

Mike Cardace, ‘08

Jeremy Ciotola, ‘08

Elizabeth Jung, ‘07

It was wrong and uncalled for. The only positive that I used to be a huge Michael Richards fan, but now Even though he was joking around, he still shouldn’t insult people that way.

I’m just a Cosmo Kramer fan … Giddy up! came out of this is that he at least apologized.

Chris Leninhan, ‘07 I like Richards a lot; he just made a mistake. It is going to be pretty hard for him to resurrect his career now though.

Derek Svednsen, ‘08

Brian Flynn, ‘08

He’s a comedian and shouldn’t be taken seriously What’s a n——? anyway.

opinion

wessex wire - december 2006 wessex wire-january

9

2004

STAFF EDITORIAL

Results of four years of schooling come mid-December

when senior year’s first semester is in full swing.

On a daily basis, the typical high school seJust one word this December made a large nior has many tasks to deal with besides just number of seniors very happy or very sad. One school work. The first semester of senior year word had the ability to determine the fates of is typically the hardest, as most seniors are enapproximately one third of the senior class, ac- rolled in more challenging classes only offered cording to the guidance counselors, who each in the later years of high school. agreed that around a third of their students apAdd to that workload a sport, demanding plied to a school either Early Action or Early extracurricular activity, completing other college Decision. applications, a job or a variety of other responThat word will come in the form of one of sibilities, and it’s easy to see why most of the three choices: acceptance, deferral, or rejec- senior class is feeling the pressure. tion.

And, around the holiday season, which is faAlthough the admission plans differ in legal- mous for adding even more stress on people, ity, as the Early Action program is nonbinding the pressure of not only completing applications, and the Early Decision program involves a com- but also getting back decisions, is a little overmitment to one and only one school, both re- whelming. spond to their applicants in mid-December, just It’s hard to imagine that the results of the acKatie Rosenberg, ‘07

cumulation of four years of schooling, months of standardized testing preparation, weeks writing essays, days filling out applications, and hours printing page upon page of recommendation sheets and transcript request forms, can be affirmed or annulled by one click or rip of an envelope.

Maybe the senior class is a little stressed out, but very deservedly so.

Does it bother you that... ... with Daniel Anthony Coplon, ‘07 Does it bother you that some high school teachers can be so unreasonable? Please allow me to clarify. It is understood that high school is the bridge between playing with Play-Doh and Super Soakers to college and eventually the real world. So our teachers and administration should be doing everything possible to help us get into the best college we can, right?

Apparently, it’s not that simple. I’m sure that pretty much every student in West Essex has had this problem with a stubborn teacher of theirs: a 79.4% average and the ensuing argument to get a B- on the all-important report card. Teachers insist that an education is far more important than the grades they give their students, and they are correct…to an extent.

But what I beg the West Essex staff to please realize is that allowing a student to earn 1/10th of a point with some kind of an extra assignment will not hurt you as the teacher and will only help your student. And to the teacher who gives the argument that it’s not about the grade, it’s about what you learn, feel free to tell that to the colleges I’m applying to. I’m sure they’ll listen. Most of the teachers I have encountered at this high school have been more than willing to help me and my classmates, but to those of you out there who refuse to help out a hardworking and respectful student with a B- rather than a C+, all I have to say is get over yourself.

On a similar note, I want to discuss that one student in every class who decides to turn his/her sweatshirt into a pillow and take a nap. If the kid wants to sleep, let the kid sleep. It’s his own education he is wasting. I understand that it is the responsibility of the teachers to alert the administration about a student whom they suspect may be in trouble. If a student has his head down because he had a long night, however, let him be. If he doesn’t care about his education, he is old enough to do what he wants, as long as he doesn’t bother the rest of us. I realize that it’s probably very annoying to see a student who doesn’t care about a word that you say but rather than spend your energy yelling “wake up!,” why not exert that energy on helping the rest of us learn.

APPLAUSE AND FLAWS Applause: *Seniors who got into their top choice! *To the holidays, finally arriving after a long month of December *To the weather, for not being too cold *To the West Essex staff *To the guidance office, for helping seniors along the way *To the new vice principal and to Mr. Sokolewicz for his hard work *To the music department playing for our senior citizens Flaws: *To the students who got suspended *To the colleges who denied West Essex’s best *To weather, for not being cold enough... it’s winter! *To those people who ate and bought everything out, leaving nothing for 7th period *To the students who cut class, every day, every class *To those people who feel the need to steal -compiled by the Wire staff

Applications, schoolwork, sports, job, and other responsibilities leave seniors at West Essex feeling like the above photo. (photo from remacle.org)

The Official Student Newspaper of West Essex High School A Columbia Scholastic Press Association Silver Crown, Gold Medalist Paper GSSPA First Place New Jersey Distinguished Journalism Award 65 West Greenbrook Road, North Caldwell, New Jersey 07006 (973) 228-1200 ext. 258 2006-2007 STAFF:

Editors-in-Chief Sandra Lucero, ‘07 Katie Rosenberg, ‘07 News Editors Kristin Ricigliano, ‘07 Jared Prince, ‘07 Opinion Editor Helen Wang, '07 Feature Editor Sandra Lucero, '07 Sports Editor Katie Rosenberg, ‘07 Advisor Daryl Corcoran Staff Writers Jamie Blaustein, ‘07 Mark Cassera, ‘07 Jenna Cirangle, ‘07

Katie Clavin, ‘07 Matt Cohn, ‘08 Jenel Conde, ‘07 Dan Coplon, ‘07 Dina Costanza, ‘07 Emily Cox, ‘07 Evan Elberg, ‘09 Tom Grossi, ‘07 Victoria Gualtieri, 09 Elliot Kartus, ‘09 Jeremy Lim, ‘08 Ryan Logan-Magnusson, ‘08 Andy Maxman, ‘09 Michael McConnell, ‘07 Alinoel Navia, ‘09 Cassie Neugold, ‘09 Amanda Nichols, ‘08 Samira Paydar, ‘09 Jared Prince, ‘07 Michael Shanker, ‘07 Jen Silverstein, ‘08 Jack Vidovich, ‘08 Jon Veniero, ‘07 Mark Walsh, ‘09 Gena Wolfson, ‘07

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

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

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

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

In this section: Movie reviews............................................12 Is homework really helping us?................11 Netflix: a new way to rent movies.................11

Stress levels for seniors rise as college approaches

by Dina Costanza ‘07

Teenagers’ social behavior is largely determined by influences that are strikingly similar across the globe, according to the findings of an analysis of teen and young adult social behavior conducted by Dr. Eleanor King, a member of the London School of Psychology.

“I find I don’t have enough time for my friends and family with all my school work and getting ready for college,” said senior Alexa Centrella.

Social priorities override those of school and other obligations in everyday life. Stress can compel students to concentrate on their friends rather than their studies and extracurricular activities because it is easier and more comforting, according to Dr. King.

“I try to make sure I have enough time to get my work done to have spare time so I can do what I want,” said senior Michelle Mascera. “This plan definitely decreased my stress level,” she added.

Senior Kevin Hill agrees that it is important to schedule time and activities, especially in senior year. Concern and expectations about college life also figure into stress levels, according to the Institute of Health and Safety.

A teacher who asked to remain anonymous said that seniors feel more social pressure than sophomores and juniors. They feel

sexual pressure because “they are scared to go to college without the experience of sex,” she said.

“You just can’t go to college an adult without experiencing certain things before,” said a senior boy who wished to remain anonymous.

“The idea that we will all be going our separate ways in a few months really makes you feel that there are still things you would like to get done before you leave,” said senior Cassie Dudar in reference to the pressures

she feels now that college is right around the corner.

However, several other anonymous students claimed that no matter much pressure they were under, they would wait to do those ‘certain things’ until the time was right.

Stress is a normal occurrence that happens when a person is dealing with an unusually large number of everyday responsibilities and tasks.

Stress can increase productivity, but only up to a point. Stress over an extended period of time can weaken the immune system and make people more vulnerable to sickness, according to Dr. Paul Rosch, President of the American Institute of Stress.

King advises that while “work in school will determine your future in life; you’ll also have your friends to help you get through it.”

The elements that complete the “ideal look” for Winter

by Jenna Cirangle ‘07

As the days get colder and shorter, clothes get bigger and warmer. People begin to wear heavy coats, fur, thick sweaters and scarves, along with some of the same styles from fall.

The most prominent style in this year’s winter fashion is wearing tons and tons of layers. The same dark, stormy colors from fall are fashionable this winter, but vibrant reds and colorful prints attract more attention and are seen everywhere.

“Winter is the time of year that our fashion designers claim to prefer designing for,” according to Kat from the NZGirl style section. She recommends alternating styles from a wide top over skinny-legged jeans or vise versa, a fitted top with wide-legged pants. Both opposite styles will be seen frequently this winter.

Two major styles that have carried over from fall are straight-legged jeans paired with Ugg boots. Uggs are obviously seen more than ever during the winter months, and they help finish off a look that includes leggings or leg warmers. The tall Uggs, priced from $140-$190, help keep warm in the winter weather.

Carried on from last season are popular leggings and leg warmers. Both can be found at Abercrombie or Bloomingdales.

Even in the coldest season of the year, girls can still wear denim, wool, or corduroy miniskirts, especially with Uggs and sweaters.

Sweaters are the complete essence of this winter. Girls are still wearing big and oversized sweaters with leggings or jeans and a belt. Also, thick cable knit sweaters or simple turtlenecks are often a style seen in the city or a simple day trip to the mall. Following the layering trend, vests are often worn over these sweaters. For a wide selection of different styles of sweaters

and vests, JCrew is a great store to find them.

And, what would winter be without jackets? Jackets are probably the most expensive item of winter fashion, but they are also the most important. Fur-trimmed hoods are fashionable this season, as are velvet jackets.

Fur and velvet material will be seen a lot come winter time, whether it is velvet jackets, tops, accessories, or vests and coats trimmed with fur.

The way to brighten up the dark colors of the winter is to wear bright accessories, such as handbags, gloves or scarves.

Bringing this all together, an ideal look for winter 2006 would be leggings worn in any way possible, whether it be with an big sweater with layers, a vest, or a jean skirt, finished with Uggs and trendy and colorful jewe l r y, and scarves to accessorize.

feature

wessex wire -wire-january december 2006 wessex 2004

11

Netflix: making renting A “must have” for any Jay-Z fan movies “more convenient” Music Review

by Michael Shanker ‘07 Matt Cohn ‘08

Last Saturday, rap aficionados Matt Cohn and Michael Shanker got together to listen to and discuss Jay- Z’s latest studio release.

When they heard the news that the “Jigga Man” would be releasing a new album, they began to speculate. Would it be better than The Black Album? Would the one and only, Dr. Dre, be producing any or all of the tracks?

The aforementioned questions are just some of the thoughts in their heads when the news broke.

Luckily for them, the CD leaked 3 weeks early on the internet. This gave them an ample opportunity to listen to and analyze the album long before its release.

The excitement that was in the room before we began to play the album was indescribable but, unfortunately, there was a very different mood in the room after the last track finished… a mood of confusion, a mood of uncertain disappointment. We have an un-

fortunate newsbreak: the glorious days of Jay-Z and Biggie Smalls makin’ dope rhymes is long, long gone, as are the days of breakthrough albums like The Blueprint and The Black Album. It pains us to expose our readers to this harsh reality, but as well trained young investigative journalists, we are obligated to report the truth.

Overall, we enjoyed eight of the 14 tracks on the album. Normally, eight of 14 tracks are satisfactory, but for the follow up to The Black Album, we expected every track to be top notch. We really liked “Oh My God,” “Kingdom Come,” “Trouble,” and “Lost Ones,” the best. We also liked “Beach Chair,” “The Prelude,” “30 Something,” and “I Made It.” We hated “Anything” and “Hollywood.” To be perfectly honest, it blows our minds that Jay-Z would even think to put “Hollywood” on his album. The song is so atrocious it makes us sick, and it is simply a way for Beyoncé Knowles, Jay-Z’s girlfriend, to get her name heard on the radio and in the mainstream media.

The fact that these two songs are on the album brings its status from stellar to mediocre.

There are great songs, there are good songs, and there are horrible songs, but Kingdom Come is still a must have for any fan of the “Jigga Man.”

by Michael Shanker ‘07

As I look at the student body of West Essex, it pains me to see the blissful ignorance among the great majority of students and faculty. Unfortunately, this majority that I speak of habitually rents their movies via Blockbuster or OnDemand. Yours truly has searched for a cheaper, more convenient, and overall better way, and after a long quest, I have discovered NETFLIX. The NETFLIX service delivers movies into your mailbox, literally feet from your home. You can have the movies as long as you want, as there is one monthly fee for the service. Therefore, I watch the movies at my earliest possible convenience, and when I am done, I place the disc in the pre- addressed and pre- stamped envelope, put the envelopes in my mailbox, and two days later (for the most part), new movies are waiting.

I can honestly say that my life has improved drastically after subscribing to NETFLIX. Not only does NETFLIX allow me to view as many great movies that my life could possibly allow, but it also recommends more great movies, which can be found in the section of

the website titled “Movies You’ll <3". I simply have to rate movies I have already seen on a 5 star scale, a system, which fellow freelance journalist Daniel Coplon and I both find displeasing, and NETFLIX recommends me new movies based on what I “Hated”, “Didn’t Like”, “Liked”, “Really Liked”, and “Loved.” Because of the NETFLIX rating and recommendation system, I have seen a myriad of fantastic films that I never would have heard about otherwise.

NETFLIX has broken even more ground in the home viewing industry with their “friends” feature. Now, for the first time ever, I can see what my friends watched, liked, didn’t like, and most importantly, what they recommend.

Now, I can look at my friend Daniel Coplon’s queue (list of movies to be rented in the future) and find even more new movies to see. I can send Daniel’s recommendations, see how many stars he gave movies, and even see his previous rental activity. The single flaw of NETFLIX is its five star, whole stars, rating system. While West Essex English teacher Neil Fardin claims that he is not troubled by the five star system as he is able to adapt to his surroundings, every other NETFLIXer I know does not like the five star system. NETFLIX needs to implement half stars, or move up to a ten star system. It is just not possible to properly evaluate a movie on a five star system. All in all, NETFLIX is a phenomenal, groundbreaking movie viewing service, and when it chooses to implement a 10 star system, it will be movie viewing heaven.

Homework: Is it helping or hurting students?

by Jeremy Lim ‘08

High school students have always spent much of their time and energy on homework, with the implicit understanding that no matter how much they hate homework, it is beneficial, both for their success in school and after graduation.

But is it?

“I usually have less time to sleep, eat, and [practice] soccer, because of homework,” said sophomore Sanat Sethi.

Despite Sethi’s frustration, many students are perfectly fine with the amount of homework they receive. “I have no social life and I hate my family, so I love taking time to do homework,” said junior Josh Sigler. “Plus, I need to do things over and over again to get them,” he added.

“Because I have to balance schoolwork and band practice, I rarely get sufficient sleep,” said junior bass drummer Matt Dolph. He says that he has to be careful to “manage” his time in order to complete homework and still have a social life. Still, Dolph says that he often does not get to spend as much time with friends and family as he would like.

But Dolph does concede that the assigning of homework “swings both ways.”

“Some of the homework is legitimately helpful to me when it comes to studying,” but “sometimes it seems like teachers want to beat a dead horse,” he added.

Junior Sarah Roth added that much of homework is “either busywork or making up for what the teacher doesn’t teach.”

“I rarely have free time, especially since I tend to get a lot of homework on the weekends, or I have to catch up on homework that I wasn’t able to complete during the week,” said Roth.

And it is not merely students’ social lives that are affected. Since many students must stay up late to complete homework, lack of sleep could potentially cause students not to be fully awake or alert in school, according to a University of Minnesota study conducted in 2002.

Although many students feel that most homework is a waste of time, Spanish teacher Vanessa Garaio believes that homework is essential to grasping material.

Garaio believes that students need to repeat material in order to learn it, “especially in a language.” She does not believe that homework

deters students from wanting to learn.

“I think if the teacher assigns a reasonable amount [of homework], students won’t be discouraged from learning,” according to Garaio.

She believes that assigning homework “reinforces” what a student learns in class.

“If I am going to have an assessment in class, like a test or quiz, then I assign homework that I think will help students in that assessment,” Garaio added.

She also believes that “creative” assignments can keep students from becoming bored with the material. As an example, she cites a recent project her Spanish III students had to complete for “Los Dias de Los Muertos,” or the Spanish “Day of the Dead.”

“The students had to create an altar of a deceased person, research the history of ‘Los Dias de Los Muertos’, and bring in food,” Garaio said. “I think that an ‘outside-the-box’ assignment can encourage students to concentrate on homework.”

Roth agrees that a “certain amount” of homework to reinforce in-class material is helpful, but that often, “many students simply do the homework to get it done, not to learn.”

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wessexwessex wire - wire-january december 20062004

feature

“Saw III” fails to measure up to the hype

by Samira Paydar ‘09

“Saw III,” following predecessors “Saw I” and “Saw II,” ties up old loose ends but leaves the audience with new cliff hangers.

The film reveals the fate of Amanda (Shawnee Smith) and Jigsaw (Tobin Bell), as well as that of Detective Eric Matthews (Donnie Wahlberg).

As Jigsaw lays on his deathbed, Amanda, his apprentice, who appeared in the first two films, carries out his latest ‘games.’

Amanda attempts to take these ‘games’ into her own hands. She kidnaps Lynn (Bahar Soomekh), a physician who must keep cancer ridden Jigsaw alive for as long as it takes Jeff (Angus Macfayden), another of his victims, to complete a game of his own.

Racing against the ticking clock of Jigsaw’s own heartbeat, Lynn and Jeff struggle to make it through their vicious tests as Amanda supervises them. Each character involved is unaware of how they are all intricately connected.

Although “Saw III” unravels mysteries from the previous Saw movies, it lacks originality. The first “Saw” was spellbinding, a truly psychologically twisted film with a unique plotline and just

enough gore to cause controversy.

Of course, a sequel may not be as unique as the first film, but that does not completely excuse the fact that the third film was significantly worse than those prior to it. This film has nothing unique about it. The storyline is redundant.

The writers seemed to include excessive gore and violence in order to make up for its lack of originality. The “Saw” series is known for its bloody content, but this film had simply too much blood and not enough of a developed plotline. The plot itself only became apparent an hour into the film. The writers obviously felt it necessary to top the other two films by creating more violence than ever debuted before.

The first film, contrary to popular belief, lacked unnecessary gore and contained a clever plot. “Saw III,” however, was the complete opposite.

This film is suitable for anyone who enjoys a movie with abundant blood and gore and no developed plotline. Ultimately, anyone who truly enjoyed the style of the first film and appreciates a good story should avoid “Saw III” entirely.

“The Break-Up” picks up where others leave off

by Jenel Conde ‘09

The playful flick, “The BreakUp,” starring Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston starts where most romantic comedies end. This comedy was released on DVD October 17. Brooke, (Aniston) an art dealer, and Gary, (Vaughn) a tour bus host, live together in a condo in Chicago.

At the beginning of the film, they find that all the things they used to adore about each other, suddenly start to annoy them.

The couple’s relationship moves downhill when on the night of a family dinner, everything goes wrong.

Brooke asks that Gary run out to get twelve lemons for a centerpiece. He does not live up to his responsibility and later walks in with a measly three lemons.

Later that night, the real argument emerges. Brooke asks Gary to wash the dishes, who replies that he will w a s h them the n e x t morning.

Brooke insists they be done that night.

The two continue to badger e a c h other.

Once they are already in a fight, why not pile on the irritating things y o u r loved one

has done in the past to annoy you and beyond reality.

I like the way “The Break-Up” and let them know about it? Fitook the o t h e r road. This movie is more realistic than others. It is easier for the audience to relate to.

The nally, the two just want to be left movie has something for both sexes.

Some men can probably relate to alone.

After a two-year relationship, Gary’s childish behavior and Brooke calls it quits with Gary. women can realize how crazy they When neither decides to move out sound acting like Brooke. It shows of the condo, they both opt to live what can really happen in a relawith each other as simply “room- tionship. It does take the easy way mates.” “The Break-Up” goes out and settle for perfection. I was through it all, love to hatred, giggles drawn to the movie’s plot because to frowns, a fairy-tale couple to a it rings true.

On the flip side, some people disatrous break-up.

The movie “The Break-Up” is a may highly dislike this movie. “Novery entertaining comedy that’ll body likes a fixed fight, which is keep you on the edge of your seat. why “The Break-Up” may have its “The Break-Up” goes where not share of laughs, but isn’t much fun,” many other movies go by showing according to the Washington Post. the bad aspects of a seemingly per- It all depends on your perception fect couple. It is not your typical of the movie and what you enjoy.

This DVD includes special features movie; boy meets girl, they fall in love, they hit a few bumps in the including a “what might have been” alroad, and in the end they live hap- ternative ending, 20 minutes of deleted pily-ever-after. “The Break-Up” and extended scenes, outtakes, two t a k e s a d i f f e r e n t a p p r o a c h . featurettes, and commentaries with Brooke and Gary are only together Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston. If for a couple of minutes at the be- you enjoy romantic comedies, but not so much the romantic part, and ginning for the movie.

Some still love to watch those a movie that has a different but innot-so-realistic pictures because it teresting angle, get “The Breakallows their minds to wonder above Up” on DVD today.

The Break-Up goes through it all, love to hatred, giggles to frowns, a fairy-tale couple to a disatrous break-up.

In this section: High hopes for boys’ basketball team.....15 Boys’ Swimming limited in size................15 Football wins at Giants Stadium..................14

Field Hockey wins Back-to-Back

Big win at Toms River East gives #2 ranked team in the state another championship

by Katie Rosenberg ‘07

For the second consecutive year, the West Essex field hockey team won the state championship, beating Haddonfield 2-1 at Toms River East High School on November 12, to capture their 15 th group championship title in the program’s history.

The two goals were scored by junior Jen Silverstein, a back, and senior Amanda Baretta, a forward. They kept the two goal lead for most of the second half, until Haddonfield was able to score in a high corner off a deflection.

This year, the squad has outscored their opponents 110-2, allowing only two teams to score. Sophomore Noell Gomez, a first year starter, registered 19 shutouts on the season.

Led by seniors Becky McClain, Deana Hagel, and Amanda Barretta, and junior Sam Serpe, the Knights also completed the regular season with a record zero losses.

Currently, West Essex is ranked 2 nd in the state.

Although it was enough to win the state title again, this post-season also brought head coach Jill Cosse her 200 th career victory.

In post season evaluations, West Essex has accumulated many accolades. Hagel, with 35 goals and 16 assists, was named Essex County Player of the Year in the Star Ledger.

She will continue her field hockey career at The College of New Jersey next fall. West Es-

sex was named the Team of the Year for Essex Farrell, Silverman, Nappi, and sophomore Ali County as well.

Cassera made the second team.

Gomez was named one of two Essex County Success has always come to the team through goalies of the year, Gia Nappi was named a top steadfast dedication. They habitually create Essex freshman, and Breada Farrell a top Es- waves in the highest levels of competition. sex sophomore.

Although their demanding practice and game On a higher level, West Essex had four mem- schedule leads to sacrifice in other areas, the bers considered for All-State selections. Hagel West Essex field hockey program has proven and Serpe were both on the All-State first team, to the state that hard work and physical and and McClain and junior Giovanna Monacco mental toughness make it a force to be reckmade second team All-State. oned with.

For group II, H a g e l , M o n a c c o , McClain, Serpe, and Baretta all made the first team. Gomez was selected for the second team, and junior Cara Silverman was named to the third team. Finally, for Essex County, Gomez, H a g e l , Monacco, Serpe, and McClain made the first team, Field hockey avenges 2005 loss with victory over Montclair in Essex and Silverstein, County Tournament Final -Photo courtesy of Becky Mc Clain

TRI-PEAT

Girls’ Soccer beats Chatham 2-1 to gain title

by Katie Rosenberg ‘07

For over 90 minutes of very competitive play, the West Essex girls’ soccer team was able to keep a tight game with Chatham scoreless until past regulation. After overtime, however, with the score still tied at zero, the game would have to be decided on penalty kicks.

With about 100 watching at West Essex’s home turf, the Knights outscored Chatham, with junior Jackie Riley making two big saves and the kickers hitting their shots.

“Any game that’s determined by penalty kicks is really exciting,” said senior captains Alexa Notte. “It could go either way so it makes everyone really nervous.”

The crowd moved down to the goal area to watch, held hands, linked arms, and waited. After every Chatham miss and every Wessex goal, the crowd erupted. And that was just a regular season game.

Less than one week later, the team faced Chatham once again, but this time, for the state sectional title.

They received a bye in the first round, and beat Summit 3-0 on November 2nd.

Next was Chatham, November 6th, for round two.

“We had literally just played them, so we knew what to expect,” according to senior captain Casey Keegan. “We knew it was going to be a hard game, but we also had just beaten them so we really wanted another win especially because this one was more important,” she added.

And the Knights did win, 1-0. With the victory, they moved into the state sectional final on November 9th against Rutherford, a situation the senior captains had all been in for now the third time in their four year Senior captains pose for a picture before practice.

They were, from left, top Meagan White, Casey soccer careers.

Keegan, Alexa Notte, Stefanie Sanzari, (bottom) “This was our third year playing for the state sectional championship, and we reWith the 2-1 victory over Rutherford, the Knights ally wanted to win it,” said Notte. “We played for each other and everyone knew how special it was, brought the title back to North Caldwell to create so we were able to fight hard and came out on their soccer dynasty. top.”

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DYNASTY

Football wins on big play at Giants Stadium

by Dan Coplon ‘07

For the West Essex football team, the entire season and all their hard work rested on just one play.

With 1:45 left in the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 2 state championship game, senior Tom Grossi found all the team’s hopes in his hands. “We practiced the 2-point conversion all week in practice,” said Grossi who “didn’t let the pressure get to [him].”

Senior running back John Veniero was “completely confident” in what he and the rest of the team referred to as “the Grossi special.”

“It’s very difficult to take down a 295 pound lineman,” Veniero said about Grossi’s run. “Still, he showed a great deal of poise when his original running lane was stuffed and he bounced to the outside and reached into the end zone.”

Although Grossi’s 2-point conversion was what took the lead for West Essex, the offense was able to make two late-game drives that put the team in position to score the go-ahead touchdown.

“In the first half we weren’t able to get anything going on offense because we were a little too excited about playing in Giants Stadium. We Mark Cassera fakes the hand-off to junior running back Andrew weren’t playing our style of football,” said seCross for a key first down completion to senior Vin Valerian. nior quarterback Mark Cassera, who rushed for 60 yards and threw for 57, including the gamewinning 15 yard touchdown pass. senior season,” according to Cassera.

About the game, Grossi had this to say: “It’s an unJunior running back Anthony Hayek, who led “We won this state championship because of our believable feeling, and the memories I have from this the team in rushing with 112 yards, helped West hard work and our determination to never quit.” season are ones that I will never forget.”

Essex pick up several key first downs late in the game.

TWO POINT CONVERSION In the fourth quarter “we moved the ball the length of the field but the drive stalled deep in Montville territory,” said Cassera. “Our defense was able to force a punt, and we got the ball back with great field position.”

“When we got the ball back on the 49-yardline, everyone settled down because we knew we had pabilities,” he added. plenty of time to score a touchdown,” said Veniero.

For those unaware, The Grossi Special is a

by Michael Shanker ‘07 Just five plays later, Cassera threw a 15-yard play in which senior Thomas Grossi, a linetouchdown completion to Veniero and from there, Magic was in the air as childhood friends men and field goal kicker, lines up as if kickGrossi took over to put the Knights up 8-7.

Mark Cassera and John Veniero connected for ing a field goal, but rather than kicking the ball, Still, Montville had plenty of time to come back a touchdown with just 1:45 to go in the last the place holder hands off the ball to Grossi, and take the lead once more. high school football game of their lives. After who gloriously runs the ball into the end zone.

“After we scored the touchdown, Montville had “Coach Droz shocked the world with that Cassera’s perfectly spiraled 15 yard pass to plenty of time left, but Vin Valerian came up big his favorite receiver, West Essex was down 7- play,” said West Essex senior Daniel Atkins. for us with the game-clinching interception,” ac“For a second [the students] thought he wasn’t 6. cording to Veniero.

“Why mention that they were down 7-6?” going to make it, but Grossi pulled off a stunAfter Valerian caught his third interception of the one might say, as typically, a no- brainer extra ning spin move,” he said. season, West Essex was able to run the clock The man behind it all has willingly agreed to point would be kicked, tying up the game. But down for the win. for a team who has gone through an arsenal of speak his mind about the play bearing his “When we won the state championship in 2004, field goal kickers this season, the extra point name. it was a great feeling but nothing compares to win“When I missed my blocking assignment and was something to worry about. ning a championship in Giants Stadium during your Montville scored, I knew that I would not be “I was crossing my fingers,” said West Essex senior Jared Davidson. “I knew that we able to live with myself without a shot at restruggled with extra points all season, and I demption,” said the hero, Thomas Grossi.

Senior captains Tom Grossi, Anthony was especially worried because the field goal “When we scored, I knew that the fate of the Tundo, Chris Tremel, and John Veniero posts are much narrower at Giants Stadium,” season rested on my shoulders, but I also knew walk out to midfield for the coin toss. that I was capable of doing what was expected he added.

Little did the West Essex fans know, the of me,” he added.

Senior running back John Veniero, the backcoaching staff had implemented an extraordibone of the Knight’s offense, looks at Grossi nary, ground-breaking, incredible play: The as a phenom of sorts.

Grossi Special.

“The play was absolutely amazing,” said “We practiced The Grossi Special the entire week preceding the big game,” said West Es- Veniero. “It was designed to go up the middle, sex senior Kevin “R-Kade” Hill. “Right when but Grossi bounced it outside, ran over two we scored, everyone knew that we were do- people, spun, and reached as far as his body ing The Grossi Special, and although nervous, would allow to break the plane [of the end we were all pretty confident about Grossi’s ca- zone] and win the game,” he added.

“Grossi Special” scores game winning extra points

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Loss of graduates, still high hopes for upcoming basketball season Bertram seconds Lisa’s statements. “We are going to have a really competitive team that plays our hardest every night. Our team has been The West Essex boys’ varsity basketball team playing hard during the off-season and we feel expects a successful season this year, despite that we have the right tools to have a good seathe graduation of star Matt Laracy. Laracy carson,” he added. ried the team last year, and on top “We have a good team of leading the team in scoring, he and are looking to improve on became only the seventh person in last season,” according to junWest Essex history to score 1,000 ior Jeff George. “We need guys career points. to step up and fill important Laracy, the first person to score rolls in order to be successful,” 1,000 career points since Mike he added. “Upcoming sophoCross in 2001, is currently second mores are going to be a big part on the all time scoring list. Even with of how the team will turn out. the loss of strong senior leadership We have the talent to be good, and skill from last year, the team has and if we practice hard and play high hopes for the season, and plans hard, we will be where we want to end a long drought of not reachto be at the end of the season.” ing the state tournament.

The team knows that their “As a senior I will try to set an exsuccess will be influenced not ample of leadership and hard work only by their efforts but also by on and off the court,” said Senior The boys’ basketball squad, led by seniors Chris Overton, Malcolm the support of their fans.

Malcolm Bertram.

Bertram, Max Custer, and Kevin Hill, practices a drill to warm up before Bertram hopes to attract “I don’t want to make any predictheir home scrimmage versus Millburn. fans to the games with the tions, like Chad Johnson, but I think team’s “ballin’ warm-up CD.” that we can keep up with Verona, “It’s up to the fans to Cedar Grove, and Caldwell, the teams in the Christmas Tournament, and hopefully come out hard, and I really think that our defense can come to every game, give us support, and be a sixth man for the team,” Lisa said. contain any offense in the league.” winners,” said junior Justin Lisa.

“It is going to be rough because we may be

by Andy Maxman ‘09

undersized, but with the way we have been practicing in summer and fall leagues, I think we can do a good job,” he added. “We have good ball handlers and our offense moves the ball well. Our defense has been working very

SWIMMING

Limited size hurts boys’ team; girls’ team expands

by Evan Elberg ‘09

The motto, “just have fun with it”, seems no longer relevant when referring to West Essex swimming. Although it is true that glory only comes with dedication and vigorous practice, the West Essex swim team, with its limited roster, has no other choice but to just “give it [their] best shot,” according to senior captain Aaren Cecere.

The team is made up of six senior captains; Aaren Cecere, Cassie Dudar, Alexa Bono, Janeen Pallotta, and Elizabeth Jung for the girls’ squad, and Jason Mariscal for the boys’ team.

Senior Ted Abbot, a rookie, hopes to have a successful season. “I’m ready to show the program what I have to offer,” according to

Abbot.

Abbot and juniors Jason Rosengart and Ryan Carney are all newcomers to the swim team, though they compose more than half of the boys’ team.

Led by senior Mariscal, the only other returning male members are junior Joe Ta y l o r and sophomore Marc Sophomore Marc Cecere dives off a starting block at the Newark Academy meet to begin the final 400m relay.

Senior captain Elizabeth Jung cheers on her relay during the Newark Academy meet on Monday, December 11th.

Cecere.

The girls’ team, on the other hand, does not suffer from the same problem, as enrollment has only increased in the past few years.

“We have a few more girls this year so there’s some hope for a more successful season. However, it is upsetting to see such a low number of boys,” according to Cecere.

“We are hoping to have four or five wins for the

girls’ teams,” she added.

The team began its season on Tuesday, December 12, 2006 at Newark Academy. The girls’ team won the meet, but the boys’ team fell just short.

“Considering that we have so few boys, it really wasn’t a bad finish,” according to Mariscal.

“All our boys swim a lot of events each meet, so it’s hard to compete with teams who have a lot of members in only a few races,” he added.

Although their success has been limited in recent years, this year’s group is a has become a determined team. “More importantly, though, we enjoy swimming and always have fun,” said Cecere.

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p i h s n o i p m a h C e t a t S l l a b t Foo (Right) The Knights emerge from the locker room at halftime and tear through the banner which read “Welcome to the Big Dance.”

(Below) Senior running back John Veniero celebrates a hard earned victory at Giants Stadium. Veniero, scored the touchdown that allowed senior Tom Grossi to capitalize on a two point conversion. The touchdown pass was thrown by senior quarterback Mark Cassera.

-photos courtesy of Katie Clavin and John Veniero

(Right) The team awaits the kickoff as the captains meet at midfield for the coin toss. The Knights won the coin toss but deferred possession to Montville so West Essex could have it to begin the second half.

(Below) Grossi celebrates as he leads the Knights off the field into the locker room after their 8-7 victory over Montville.

(Left) The rest of the Knights walk off the field with their heads held high as official state champions. The win marks the fourth time in six years that the Knights have won the North II Group II state final.

(Below) Senior fan James Schiffenhaus throws confetti onto the field, demonstrating the students’ enthusiasm throughout the game.