The Wessex Wire
Senior Issue
The Student Newspaper of West Essex Regional High School Vol. XLIX
West Essex High School, 65 West Greenbrook Rd., North Caldwell, N.J.
Senior Issue 2010
senior memories
Congratulations June 2010
Kelly Abbot Lafayette College Angelo Agrifolio Lehigh University Katie Albulescu Sacred Heart University Eliot Alter Tufts University Cristina Alvarez Rutgers University Heather Barretta La Salle University Gina Barretti Rutgers University Lauren Beatty University of Maryland Walter Bechtler University of Massachusetts Paige Bednarski University of Massachusetts Thomas Black Bucknell University Laura Bolger Rutgers University Taylor Boss Boston University Jackelyn Branco Ithaca College Kristina Braz Montclair State University Katelyn Brower Susquehanna University Meghan Brunner Queen’s University Natalie Campisi Sacred Heart University Casey Campos Drexel University Aileen Casmano Sacred Heart University Christopher Casolaro Montclair State University Carissa Castiglia William Patterson University Patsy Castiglia Villanova University Andrew Celmer George Washington University Jeremy Celmer George Washington University Caseylynn Cerza Capri Institute Angel Chavez United States Army Kristy Chebuske Towson University Angelica Chenel Make-Up Designory Kathy Chowaniec Montclair State University Anthony Cicchetti Hudson County Community College Anita Cimera Caldwell College
Senior Issue
Michael Cimilluca Georgetown University Nicholas Cocchi Montclair State University Michelle Collins County College of Morris Thomas Collins Syracuse University Marissa Conde Quinnipiac University Amanda Conforti Make-up Designory Luciana Contuzzi Seton Hall University Brandon Convery United States Army Christina Coplon University of Maryland Holly Coppens Fordham University Samantha Cosenzo Loyola University Maryland Amanda Crooks Boston College Stephen Dalla Torre Caldwell College Sydney Davis Indiana University Jennifer De Franco William Patterson University Giana De Frank Berkeley College Chelsea De Giacomo Pennsylvania State University Kara-Anne De Smet Champlain College Danae DeBlasi La Salle University Camille D’Elia New York University Michael Di Giulio Rutgers University Kimly Do Franklin Olin College Peter Doelp Susquehanna University Angelo Domenick William Patterson University Angeliki Dontas Adelphi University Anthony Douranakis Seton Hall University William Dubas Rutgers University Nicole Duke County College of Morris Christen Egan Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Jed Entin Cornell University Amy Epp Essex County College Adena Ershow Wagner College
Matthew Fanelli New York University Lindsey Felcher Boston University Nicole Ferrante The College of New Jersey Anthony Ferriola Fairleigh Dickinson University Catherine Fiore Vassar College Ryan Flanagan Rowan University John Fox Fordham University Jaclyn Franzi Monmouth University Matthew Freda Wesley College Robert Fritz St. Joseph’s University Christina Galese Trinity College Ellen Gallagher University of Vermont Anthony Gambino Montclair State University Sarah Ganton Boston College Owen Gantz University of Pennsylvania John Gareffa Rutgers University Thomas Gasbarro Loyola University Maryland Douglas Geraghty Montclair State University Sandra Gerardo Paul Mitchell Beauty School Kristen Gerken James Madison University David Gomez Kean University Raquel Grasso Clarion University Kelly Gray Berkeley College Rachel Greenbaum Quinnipiac University Matthew Grisaffi Rutgers University Eli Haba Rutgers University Dana Hill Rowan University Geoffrey Holden James Madison University Lee Holtzman University of Tampa Robert Huetter County College of Morris Rudi Hughes Rowan University Deanna Jackson Centenary College
Page 2
Brittany Jacobsen Boston University Rebecca Jacobson University of Maryland Troy Janson Villanova University Laura Jimenez Hofstra University Erica Jubin Robert Fiance Cosmetology Amanda Kaiser Bloomsburg University Tara Kaiser Artistic Academy Samuel Kalb Eastern Connecticut State University Justin Katz Caldwell College Matthew Kenny Rutgers University Sarah Kluger College of Charleston Jared Koval Quinnipiac University Kiranmayi Kurimella Loyola University New Orleans Alyssa La Spisa New York University Frank La Varco Fairleigh Dickinson University Mitchell Lapoff University of Michigan Ava Laurora Fashion Institute of Technology Alexandra Lehrer Pennsylvania State University Austin Leigh The College of New Jersey Julie Lerner Long Island University at CW Post Jake Levin Indiana University Jessica Levine Ithaca College Joseph Lisella Seton Hall University John Lo Cascio Villanova University Monica Lombardo County College of Morris David Loveless SUNY College at Oneonta Christina Lovey Boston University Michael Lupo Drexel University Colin Lyon University of Vermont Justin Lyons Savannah College of Art and Design Paige Mac Kay Pace University Chloe Malfitano Artistic Academy
Class of 2010! June 2010
Thomas Martin University of Vermont Corey Marx University of Michigan Lisa Mascera University of Tampa Robert Matturro Caldwell College Emma Mc Cann Gettysburg College Ryan Mc Cormack Monmouth University Melissa Mc Cullough Rider University Jessica Mc Donald Loyola University Maryland Joshua Mei Rutgers University Jonathan Miller Syracuse University Zachary Minden Pennsylvania College of Technology Dylan Monahan New York University Kira Monin University of Michigan Peter Mulroe Loyola University Maryland Glenn Mulzet County College of Morris Megan Munoz University of Delaware Margret Murphy Simmons College Edward Murphy Centenary College Jake Nappi Workforce Giamarie Nappi Rutgers University Timothy Naspo Bloomsburg University Kayla Natali Mass. College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Bryan Nelson University of Rhode Island Bineta Niang Georgia State University Kristie Norton Fashion Institute of Technology Samantha Notte Bloomsburg University Caroline O’Connor Boston University Joseph Odee United States Army Johanna O’Donnell Dental Studies Institute of New Jersey Emily O’Neill Villanova University Gregory O’Neill Rutgers University Daniel Paleski Rutgers University
Senior Issue
Kristen Parker Syracuse University Brian Patson Pennsylvania State University Nicole Pelosi Caldwell College Kathryn Perez Drew University Timothy Perrotta Washington College Francis Petrocca College of Charleston Robert Pezzuti Rutgers University James Philips University of Scranton Scott Pivko New Jersey Institute of Technology Natasha Popolow Rowan University Alicia Pravata Seton Hall University Shahzore Qureshi The College of New Jersey Michael Rafanello County College of Morris Brandon Rajkovich University of Scranton Ethan Rakotci University of Rhode Island Robert Rando Culinary Institute of America Jeriana Ricciardi University of Arizona Frank Riley Monmouth University Cosmo Rizzo Essex County College George Rollins Stony Brook University Katharine Rombola United States Marine Corps Kyle Rosania Caldwell College Alyson Roseman Syracuse University Daniel Rosen Lehigh University Brandon Rossi Centenary College Olivia Rotenberg Syracuse University Benjamin Roth Binghamton University Bianca Sacco-Calderone The Catholic University of America Jenna Sackman Washington University Francesco Salemi County College of Morris Anthony Salerno United States Marine Corps Colby Salmon University of Maryland
Melissa Sanger Roger Williams University Andrew Santomauro Lafayette College Jessie Sargese Liberty University Joseph Scarmozzino County College of Morris Michael Scarmozzino County College of Morris Marin Schiffenhaus St. Joseph’s University Courtney Searle Ohio State University Sloane Serpe University of North Carolina Karan Shah Northeastern University Catherine Sheridan Montclair State University Emily Shields Tufts University Brittney Smith Pace University Ryan Soroka University of Pennsylvania Caroline Spry St. Joseph’s University Elizabeth Storey Colgate University Jack Sweetwood Caldwell College Derek Talish Montclair State University Maxine Taylor School of Visual Arts Andrew Thierman John Hopkins University Randy Tomlin William Patterson University Gabriella Tornatore Monmouth University Candice Travis Lehigh University Matthew Trenk University of Rhode Island Tara Trent Rowan University Giacomo Trippodo Caldwell College Kathleen Turnbull Rowan University Madeline Viggiana County College of Morris Paul Vigue Caldwell College Jeremy Vine University of Michigan Samantha Vivian Christine Valmy International Beauty School Craig Waitt Montclair State University Caitlyn Wan American University
Page 3
Bryan Weissbach George Washington University Jennifer Weissbach Dartmouth College Ashley Wells Champlain College Alyssa Witte Montclair State University Erik Wolfer Caldwell College Bianca Zaccaro County College of Morris Nader Zaringhalam Rutgers University James Zeller Seton Hall University Christopher Zotti Rowan University
June 2010
Page 4
Senior Issue
Wessex Wire staff senior reflections Excited for new challenges by Camille D’Elia Staff Writer
I still remember the first day of seventh grade and what it was like walking into Mrs. Nash’s first period class. I even remember what I wore: a mint green t-shirt, a corduroy skirt and red converse high tops. I remember how frightening it was coming to a new school and leaving behind my best friend from Roseland who was going to a private school. What I’ll miss most about high school are the best friends I’ve made and the amazing teachers I’ve had. These people made each day fun and entertaining and have truly provided me with memories to keep me laughing for a long time. I’ve gotten to know and befriend a lot of different types of people and a few of them have become like extra siblings to me. I’m proud that I’ve grown a lot throughout these last four years, but
at the same time, stayed true to myself. I’m grateful that I have a supportive, loving family that has seen me throughout all of my achievements. One of the best memories I have of my senior year was watching the Mr. West Essex pageant. I’m proud of the guys for getting into the spirit of things while raising money for our class. Throughout the last four years, I’ve had a lot of important experiences on my own: I took my first New York City taxi ride, my first ferry ride and recently, in Aruba, I took the bus uptown. This past summer, I experienced leaving home and being on my own for the first time when I spent a month at Brown University. In the fall, I’ll be leaving home again, this time for NYU. While I prepare for new challenges and for exciting, new experiences, I’ll be sure to remember the good times I’ve had at West Essex.
Through it all, we always had West Essex by Alyson Roseman Editor-in-Chief
Through the bomb scares, lock downs, senior cut day, tricky tray, Mr. West Essex, spirit weeks, championships, induction ceremonies and class meetings, I have spent the past four years in these odorous hallways anxiously awaiting progression; and now, as we prepare to graduate, I am on the brink of it. Myriad times in my period three English class Ms. Bailey has inquired about what we hope to remember at our ten year high school reunion. Regarding this I am certain of two things: 1. I shall attend the reunion at all costs and 2. I will always be able to recall Ms. Grizzetti’s ninth period geometry class and Ms. Cosse’s health class from freshman year, Bamboozle, Ms. Miller’s chemistry class and Mr. Benaquista’s history class from sophomore year, Ms. Baney/Lo’s English class and prom weekend from junior year and the ever-memorable senior year,
encompassing recollections from third period, the Round Table, Simon Shama, the importance of the printing press, the comments from Mr. Boyd urging students to fly to Australia if referred to as “comrade” and ninth period physics. West Essex, whether we realize it or not, is a constant we have all shared and, at times, detested. But hey- who has ever admitted to adoring the tumultuous hallways and unnecessary drama of high school while still experiencing it? It’s about the after – a time, months after graduation, when we will be amidst a sea of strangers in a new enviornment, that the vast hallways of West Essex will seem inviting and the incredible moments laughing with friends between classes will be longingly remembered. Over these years, I fell in love with Journalism, spoke French, met incredible individuals, cried from laughter a great deal, learned a plethora of material and grew up. So here’s looking at you kid- thanks for everything.
Twenty years from now, how will we look back on WE? by Tom Collins Staff Writer
Twenty years from now, I will walk through the halls of a place I used to know; past the mural a high school senior once scrawled his name on and into the newly redesigned gym for the West Essex High School Reunion. After awkward small talk with people I haven’t seen in 10 years, we will gather back into the circles that once
decorated the hall every morning and speak of “the good ol’ days;” the days when arriving to the high school were a bit of a letdown after previously dominating the junior high school as freshmen. I’ll mention how I remember the freedom of being released from the tyranny of Ms. Tamburi, but how the crowded hall ways and schedules that made it nearly impossible to get to class on time balanced out the good with the bad. We’ll talk about the great school
spirit we always had, which wasn’t shown as much by pep rallies (HSPA or otherwise), but more by an entire class of seniors getting up at 5:00 a.m. to show the school what “Seniors ‘10” really meant. We may go on like that for some time until a Ke$ha song comes on, and we will stop and laugh. Then we may get sentimental, talking about the people who were more than just teachers and coaches and who
inspired us, gave us direction, tolerated our senioritis and still liked us anyway. Then, someone will mention prom weekend and downhill from there it will go. But as the night draws to a close, and we are on our way out the door, I will look up at the championship banners that still adorn the rafters, and the successful people in the room with me, and know that wherever we go, whatever we do, we will always have West Essex.
What I really learned during my time in high school by Kelly Abbot Editor-in-Chief
When I entered high school as a freshman, people kept telling me to make sure I enjoyed the four years because they go very quickly. When I began writing this reflection, I took a step back and realized just how quickly these four years flew. Coming from Essex Fells School with a class size of just under 20, we knew we had to stick together when we were thrown into the big pool of students from North Caldwell, Roseland and Fairfield, known as West Essex. Now, I’m not saying that I didn’t expand my circle of friends over
the years because I certainly have friends from other towns; however, through the years of West Essex, I have grown even closer to my Essex Fells friends. Essex Fells is usually the town with the worst reputation. I have been called names from “preppy” and “rich” to “stuck up” and “rude”. Whatever the stereotype may be, I have sort of learned to live with the fact that people make fun of the town that my father is the mayor of. What people do not know about Essex Fells is that we are a close knit community. It would be safe to say that I wouldn’t have made it through high school without the support of my close
home town friends. From the drama of school to the difficult assignments, my friends from Essex Fells’ doors were always open and very close to home. Because of the fact that most of my core friends are from Essex Fells, my “group” of friends, which does consist of people from other towns, gets the nickname of the “Essex Fells group”. We have been accused of only hanging out with each other and never wanting to expand our options. While some can see this as a negative, the way we see it is that when you find the people you want to hang around, you hang around them. So although throughout our four years we have defiantly heard criti-
cism from other people, it has only taught us in the long run to not care what people think about us and to grow thick skin because you cannot please everyone. I especially want to thank my family for everything they have done for me. They have always been there for me when I needed them most. My parents have made me a stronger person and taught me everything I learned. From academics to sports, my parents have been there for me every step of the way. As I leave West Essex I will take with me all the great memories and even the not so great ones, knowing that these challenges have made me who I am today.