The Wessex Wire
Senior Issue
The Student Newspaper of West Essex Regional High School Vol. XLVIII
West Essex High School, 65 West Greenbrook Road , North Caldwell, NJ
r o i n e S ies r o m e M
Senior Issue 2009
Above: Steven Boltuch, Vin Ricigliano, Greg Silverman, Tyler Tomea, Jon Ciccone, Dylan Cascino, Joe Stigliano, Mike Raffanello, Ali Mirghahari, Stephen Kinslow, Joe Russo Left: Candace Dipsey, Lindsey George, Kourtney Hamker, Rebecca Lockward, Nicole Battaglia Bottom Left: Lindsey George, Demetri Rentzis, Gianna D’Urso, Ryan Funsch Bottom Right: Marc Aschoff, Ross Kahn, Lindsey George, Lindsey De Lillo, Alexa Bacino, Angela Egnozzi, Joe Marasco, Marlena Naso, Mairead Lenihan, Alex Paleski
SPIRIT WEEK
Congratulations June 2009
Melanie Adams Boston University Brian Agostini Caldwell College Anders Aronson Cabrini College Demetri Arvanites County College of Morris Marc Aschoff The College of New Jersey Alexa Bacino Rutgers University Nicole Balsamo County College of Morris Elizabeth Barna University of Maryland Joseph Basile William Patterson University Nicholas Bastianelli University of Massachusetts Nicole Battaglia Fairfield University Christopher Beade County College of Morris Lauren Beattie Montclair State Matthew Benavente Montclair State RJ Benjamin County College of Morris Jessica Bennett Monmouth University Vinn Bergamotto County College of Morris Spencer Bertram Keene State College Michelle Bertscha The College of New Jersey Thomas Bianchi Lehigh University Brandon Biggs County College of Morris Kevin Biglin William Paterson University Rob Blackwell Montclair State Steven Boltuch Pennsylvania State University Casey Boutillier Boston University Samantha Boyd-Dias The College of New Jersey Daniel Bozzone DeSales University Nicole Brillante University of Scranton Thomas Cafone Caldwell College Alexandria Caniano County College of Morris Joseph Cappello Ithaca College Colleen Caprio Virginia Tech
Senior Issue
Lisa Caprio Aveda Institute Dana Carrera County College of Bergen Dylan Cascino Penn. State University Alison Cassera Northwestern University Marc Cecere University of Colorado Priscilla Chen Montclair State Matthew Christiana West Virginia University Greg Ciampi County College of Morris Paul Cicchetti William Patterson University Jonathan Ciccone Virginia Tech Dana Cimera Rutgers University Alyssa Cimilluca Marist College Matthew Clancy Caldwell College Margaret Clinton Stevens Institute of Technology Amanda Cohen University of Michigan Jenel Conde Quinnipiac University Raffaele Contuzzi County College of Morris Mary Lyn Coppola Drew University Nina Cox County College of Morris Shannon Curry County College of Morris Joseph D’Annunzio Ramapo College Gianna D’Urso Monmouth University Melissa Daly Carnegie Melon University Christine DeFranco Berkely College Lindsay De Lillo East Carolina University Gabriela DeMassi Sacred Heart University Jen DePasquale Penn. State University Andrew DiChiara Monmouth University Brittany DiChiara Ramapo College Alfonso Di Matteo Rutgers University Marc Dimitri County College of Morris Candace Dipsey Lafayette College
Casey Dipsey Lafayette College Cathy Dlugosh William Paterson University Nikita Dolese New York University Krystina Dressler County College of Morris Angela Egnozzi Rutgers University Evan Elberg Drew University Alyssa Farkas Penn. State University Breada Farrell UNC Chapel Hill Michael Fede Montclair State Samantha Findlay Ithaca College Michael Fiore Rutgers University Katie Flynn Drexel University Ryan Funsch Muhlenberg College Dan Gaglioti William Patterson University Martin Gambichler Roger Williams University Lou Gambino County College of Morris Mia Gardner Sacred Heart University Michael Gartland Rutgers University Joseph Gasparini East Carolina University Lindsay George Bloomsburg University Anne Gerken Cedar Crest College Elisa Gianetti William Patterson University Michael Goldstein Clark University Noell Gomez Montclair State Alana Goodman American University Chelsea Goodman University of Pennsylvania Kelly Graham County College of Morris Victoria Gualtieri Boston University Danielle Guzio Laboratory Institute of Merchandising Zachery Gurmankin Montclair State Adam Haar Eckerd College Michelle Hagel Montclair State
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Kourtney Hamker University of Scranton Brian Hansen Boston University Chris Hardy Wake Forest University Ryan Higgins Montclair State Christopher Hill St. Josephs University Nick Innarella Stockton College Jules Jacob Rutgers University Alan Jacobson Penn. State University Jonathan Jahr United States Marine Core Patrick Jennings Susquehanna University Heather Jubin Capri Institute of Hair Design Jessica Kabrt Tufts University Ross Kahn Rochester Institute of Technology Adrian Kalici County College of Morris Elliot Kartus Syracuse University Daniel Kinslow Syracuse University Stephen Kinslow Ithaca College Omar Katur Passaic County College Haley Kochel William Patterson University Kyle Kovats University of Massachusetts Julie Kuplik Montclair State Cassandra La Rosa University of Maryland Nicole LaSusa Saint Joseph’s University Grace Laracy University of Delaware Michael Lavelle County College of Morris Jared Laxer Franklin and Marshall College Jeremy Laxer New York Institute of Technology Ashley Lebo County College of Morris Mairead Lenihan University of Scranton Jon Levine Gettysburg College Beini Li University of Massachusetts Sean Lind Coastal Carolina University Matt Liotti DeSales University
Class of 2009! June 2009
Angelo Locantore Montclair State University Rebecca Lockward Laboratory Institute of Merchandising Alison Lombardy Montclair State University Melissa Longo County College of Morris Robert Looby County College of Morris Daniella Lucin New Jersey Institute of Technology Emily Lyons West Chester University Michelle Magno Vanderbilt University Marissa Manwarren University of Maryland Danielle Maoli Monmouth University Angelo Marabello Montclair State Joseph Marasco SUNY Purchase Megan Marsh New Jersey Institute of Technology David Martinez New Jersey Institute of Technology Samantha Martino Loyola College in Maryland Deanna Mastriani County College of Morris Andy Maxman University of Pennsylvania Kim Mead Johnson and Wales University Annelise Mecca Villanova University Rebecca Meissner Richard Stockton College Scott Mekida County College of Morris Matt Menzel New Jersey Institute of Technology Thomas Meyer Montclair State Joseph Michura West Virginia University Julia Miczak Monmouth University Ali Mirghahari New Jersey Institute of Technology Nick Modrynski Temple University Jennifer Moy New Jersey Institute of Technology Tyler Dean Mueller University of Illinois Marlena Naso County College of Morris Peter Natale St. Peters College Alinoel Navia The College of New Jersey
Senior Issue
Joseph Neglia County College of Morris Erik Nelson Farleigh Dickinson University Cassie Neugold Lehigh University Mamadou Niang Seton Hall University John Notte University of South Carolina Mina Nourbakhsh Rutgers University Kara O’Neill William Patterson University Brittany Odgers The College of New Jersey Stefan Oliver Monmouth University Kara Osman Salve Regina University Rich Pacelli Montclair State Chris Pak Loyola College Alex Paleski Rutgers University Ryan Pancoast William Patterson University Kishan Patel Rutgers University Samira Paydar Rutgers University Stephanie Pedano Ramapo College Monica Petronczak Drew University Louis Prosperi DePaul University Jessica Quine Bergen County College Nick Rafanello University of Delaware Victoria Ramdin Montclair State University Jeremy Ramos Iona College Ryan Rechten Muhlenberg College Austin Reed County College of Morris Dmitri Rentzis Arizona State University Andrew Reyes New Jersey Institute of Technology Vincent Ricigliano West Chester University Nicole Ridings William Paterson University Raquel Rodrigues Kean University Brittany Rogan Long Island University Drew Rosen Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Zack Rothkopf Lafayette College Jennifer Rovet Susquehanna University Michael Russin Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Joe Russo The College of New Jersey Sabrina Salvatoriello Quinnipiac University Dylan Saraciniello William Patterson University Mike Sarno United Sates Navy Rose Savino Drexel University Jaclyn Sayers Drew University Adam Scarano County College of Morris Michaela Schwartz Caldwell College Dina Servidio DeSales University Sanat Sethi University of Toronto Jon Shankman University of Hartford Alexis Shanley Lehigh Universirty Chris Shearin Ithaca College Jaclyn Shoop Rutgers University Greg Silverman Towson University Jim Simonsen Montclair State Eric Siu Rutgers University Jack Skeels Wesley College Ryan Smith Southern Maine Community College Dan Spada CUNY Hunter College Gabrielle Spallino Sacred Heart University Matt Sperazza Ithaca College Tara Squitieri Towson University David Steinfeld Pennsylvania State University Tracey Stern The College of New Jersey Joseph Stigliano University of Maryland Jonathan Struss Franklin and Marshall College Benjamin Sunshine Bucknell University Brooke Sunshine Muhlenberg College
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Anthony Suppa County College of Morris Alexandria Tamburo Montclair State Joseph Taylor University of Delaware Samantha Teehan County College of Morris Stacey Tell New York University Michael Tierney County College of Morris Michael Tomaselli University of Maryland Tyler Tomea American University Matt Tomsey Rowan University Elizabeth Toumanios Lehigh University Alex Trigo County College of Morris Alex Trovato Rutgers University Frank Tundo William Patterson Treasure Uhlik County College of Morris Ray Vagge SUNY Purchase Olivia Vagnoni Keene State College Radha Vakharia University of the Arts Eric Valdez Caldwell College Casey Valerian Essex County College Andrew Valeriani Montclair State Kanika Vij Montclair State University Zack Vitenz County College of Morris Michael Viteritto Lafayette College Mark Walsh Fordham University Kimberly Wolfer Montclair State Francesca York CUNY Hunter College Evan Zimmer Bucknell University
June 2009
Page 4
Senior Issue
Wessex Wire Staff Senior Reflections by Stephen Kinslow Editor-in-Chief
High school is more than a place where kids go every day to learn about the facts. However, there is another life outside the school that every student goes through. To us, achieving the top of the social ladder is more important than studying for a math test over the weekend. Now that I’m done with my senior year, I know how things run at West Essex. This is now my third year on the Wessex Wire staff and have obtained the Editor-inChief position. Three years ago, I didn’t have a clue to what I wanted to do with my life until I took the journalism class. Here I learned the difference between writing an English paper, and telling a story that other people would be interested in reading. The techniques and styles used are constantly changing with the surrounding environment. It is a puzzle that needs to be solved every day. But writing is only one of many hobbies that interest me. Soccer and track are two huge parts of my life that have modeled me into the mature adult I am today. On the soccer field, I
was taught sportsmanship and discipline. On the track team, I was part of great team chemistry and friends that I will have forever. So then it hit me. I will combine sports and writing and become a broadcaster for a television company. I decided to try something new and took my talent to the football field. I started announcing the home football games over the loudspeaker with Mr. Barno. Knowing that the crowd was listening to my voice was just so exhilarating and nerve-wracking at the same time. But I knew that this was meant for me. I don’t know where I would be without my high school years. All the meaningful events and experiences I went through had a reason. The friends I made and funny incidents that I shared with them all happened for a reason. It was meant for me to be around sports and witness the exciting moments that happened. And best of all, I know that I will be happy because I had a great education. I will be proud when I meet new people at college and tell them that I went to West Essex High School. West Essex isn’t just a school that I attended, but an atmosphere that I was a part of and will never forget.
by Dylan Cascino and Evan Elberg Staff Writers
It seems like yesterday that we were sitting in our third grade classes talking about crazy bones and NFL showdown cards. We were so excited to go from Grandview School to Gould School, and high school at West Essex seems like generations away. Now, after what seems like a decade in a blink of an eye, we are finally graduating high school, getting out of this proverbial prison, and going on to bigger and better things. Of course, there was no bigger event for us Gators than sixth grade camp. This is an event where the entire grade goes away for a few days to a campsite in upstate New Jersey. Together, kids got to room in bunks with their best friends and do fun activities throughout the day. There were two seniors per room in charge of supervising. At the time it seemed like they were so much older than us and that we couldn’t wait to be that big one day. The
camp culminated with a dance and a triballike ritual that was memorable and exciting at the same time. We felt so “cool” at the time being away from our parents and getting to pick our activities, like fishing, archery, etc. Within the bunks we did fun things like wrestling, playing home run derby and pulling childish pranks. Along with sixth grade camp, recess was obviously the biggest activity during the day for us to look forward to. Boxball (sorry, it’s not four square), football, and basketball were the popular choices, with the occasional game of kickball. When recesses were declared blacktop only, wall ball was the fad to play. With time running out in our high school careers and getting ready for senior ball, the luau, the trip to Dorney Park, graduation, and all our senior activities, the kids from North Caldwell will never forget how we all got to this point. Whether we had Mrs Currie, Mr. C or Mrs. Young, we will always remember the time spent in the halls of Gould and Grandview School.
Above: Chris Shearin, Breada Farrell, Dan Bozzone, Stephanie Pedano, Martin Gambichler, Samantha Martino, Thomas Bianchi, Gabriela DeMassi, Samantha Findlay, Alexandria Tamburo, Alyssa Farkas Right: Matt Sperazza, Jack Skeels, Alex Trovato, Mark Walsh
by Brian Agostini Staff Writer
Looking back on my high school years it’s so funny how things change. In our first year at the junior high, I was so overwhelmed with what was going one in this enormous school. It was such a big difference from 6th grade, but after the first couple of weeks you start to get into high school and get more and more used to the new atmosphere. Once I was settled, the years went by so fast. Then in sophomore year I started caring about what I had to wear and how I should act. High school is such a big part of a teenager’s life. Things like how you
act, how you look, who you talk to, and who you are friends with are so important to people. Looking back on it as a senior, I don’t know why I tried to impress people all the time. The worst part of high school was junior year because there was just so much work to do. You had to make sure you got most of your work done so you get good grades for college. I couldn’t wait to just sit back and relax for senior year. Now that I’m in college, I can stay focused on keeping in line for senior service. Over all my years at West Essex has made me the person I am today and I will never forget my teachers that have helped me with my work and helped me graduate.
by Alinoel Navia Staff Writer
Like my fellow grads, stressed out from AP tests and wrapping up this school year, I am on my way to finally move on to another stage in my life: college. Yet as I look back on the last seventeen years of my life, I realize that I have made quite a number of mistakes. Academically, I could have worked twenty times harder. Socially, I have regrettably lost and gained friends as well as had relationships that served as both nightmares and lessons. Then I remember—who hasn’t? Okay, so I ran into a few walls. I didn’t apply to half the colleges I wanted to because of little technicalities like forgetting to pay the application fee or missing a specific SAT II.
Or sometimes, maybe I told the truth when I should have kept my mouth shut. Maybe I shouldn’t have picked fights. What else is there to do but move on? Today, I reflect back on all of my efforts, trials, failings and successes to get me to where I am right now. Will anything I have done heavily impact my future, or am I just following the right societal path to the dog life? I fear the reciprocating cycle of a dog life. I don’t want to entertain thoughts of being boring and linear. Will I ever really make something of myself? Will anyone I know? Transgressing from those thoughts, I am looking forward to this summer which is free of independent reading books or AP packets. Although this great relief is temporary, it can help us recuperate our so-called Senioritis minds before college. Or deteriorate them.