The Wessex Wire (October 2011)

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

Vol. XLVI No. 2

West Essex High School, 65 West Greenbrook Road, North Caldwell, N.J.

October 2011

Left: Balloons with personalized messages were sent up into the sky at the Oct. 7 football game against Nutley. Students await for the signal to release their balloons.

Center: Sabina is wearing the necklace given to him by his girlfriend, who now wears the other half every day. Right: Students support Sabina with blue bracelets.

Below: BMX biking was Sabina’s favorite activity. Photos courtesy of Andrew Rubinich, Mackenzie Sweetwood, Kelsey Caufield, Emily Sanchez and Brielle Caniano.

Community remembers former student and lost friend, Nick Sabina

by Julie Kayzerman ’12

The West Essex Community came together as a result of the untimely death of Fairfield resident, Nicholas Sabina, 17. Sabina was walking home through a commonly used shortcut on a New Jersey Transit trestle near Route 46 when he was struck by a train and killed along with friend, AJ Mendez, 16, of Wayne on Oct. 2, according to nj.com. Darian Robinson, 15, of Little Falls was another friend on the trestle that survived and was hospitalized with minor injuries.

Many West Essex students paid their respects at Sabina’s wake at IppolitoStellato Funeral Home on Oct. 6. His funeral was on Oct. 7 and was attended by close friends and family. A memorial of candles and posters were placed near the location of the accident to honor Sabina and Mendez.

Senior Brielle Caniano created and distributed bracelets to students in the memory of Sabina and accepted $5 dollar donations to support his family during this time. Caniano said, “He was just a great person who accepted everyone and never went without a smile on his face. I think the best

Inside This Issue:

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News

quote to describe his life is ‘live fast, ride faster’ like written on the bracelets.”

Before the start of the K n i g h t ’s f o o t b a l l g a m e against Nutley on Friday, Oct. 7, several of Sabina’s friends sold balloons for further donations to Sabina’s family. Personalized messages were written and attached to the balloons. They were then released during a moment of silence, floating into the sky for Sabina to receive.

Senior Ashley Estrada recalled growing up with Sabina, who had a passion for B M X biking.

Estrada said, “He truly was always a sweet kid with a big heart. He was one of those friends that you always knew would have your back.

He would ride his bike across town just because I was lonely or upset. I remember him always saying, ‘Ash, I’m gonna teach

Spirit Week New Teachers

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Opinions

Trouble on Wall St. Freedom Tower

you everything I know so we can both be sick BMXers and hang out every day.’” Sabina was always seen doing tricks on his bike and riding around town. Senior Rich Powell remembers his best friend in two simple words: “Bob Scerbo.”

Powell wrote a eulogy for Sabina’s funeral, leaving it with his lost friend in the casket. Said Powell, “Every memory was my favorite memory with him.

It’s really tough. I’m just trying to hold together.”

Sabina left West Essex after his sophomore year but remained friendly with his peers.“He gave up his high school career to help his dad out with the family business. That’s something

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Features

Lookalikes Grade stereotyping

not everyone would be willing to do,” Estrada said. After being notified of Sabina’s sudden death, Estrada said, “I still can’t accept the fact that my best friend is gone forever, nor can I process what he left behind. Seeing the amount of people devastated by his passing, whether they knew him or not, really demonstrates how awesome of a kid he was. That’s what’s so sad. He was just a kid with so much to live for.”

In order to keep his memory alive, senior Oscar Hernandez compiled video clips of Sabina and his friends riding their BMX bikes, skateboarding and hanging out. These videos were played during Sabina’s wake and were posted on Facebook. Support and further information on donations for Sabina’s family and friends can be made by buying a bracelet or joining the group on Facebook, “R.I.P. Nick Sabina 10/2/11 forever missed & loved.”

“Nick impacted so many people and he never even tried,” said Hernandez.

“He was so chill to be with. No matter who you were. He didn’t care. As long as you were cool to him, he’d be cool to you. I’ll never forget him.”

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Steve Jobs Students on YouTube

Arts & Culture

The Wessex Wire

October 2011

Page 2

School participates in Week of Respect

by Sam DiGrande ’13

In continued support and awareness for the new HIB bullying law, the first week in October was designated as a Week of Respect. The entire state of New Jersey is observing this new week of dedication in the hopes that it will bring further awareness to the serious consequences that come from being bullied.

For West Essex during this week, each grade level learned about the new Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Law (HIB) and also about basic precautions that should be taken to stay safe when using technology.

In honor of this week, West Essex students wore blue in their effort to “STOMP OUT” bullying.

“The main goal of the class assemblies was for students to review information regarding the new HIB state law, new school procedures and learn how both may affect them,” said Mr. Derek Sica, Supervisor of World Language and Music and District HIB coordinator.

This new law was created so that schools have a plan in place in order to really make a stride to end bullying. The law is very specific and has many different parts to it. HIB has defined bullying as any gesture, whether it be written, verbal or physical, electronic, a single act or a series of acts and anything perceived to be derogatory to race, color, religion or sexual orientation.

Mr. Anthony Emering, West Essex’s Anti-Bullying Specialist, said: “I really think that at West Essex, we’ve always aspired to have a safe atmosphere. Most of the faculty spends more time here than at our homes during the week. We want it to be a place where the climate is such that students can succeed and excel while feeling safe.”

Should such bullying occur, the school is now required to follow a procedure. The school has to investigate and respond to any reported

incidents that occur whether they’re on school property, on the school bus and even off school grounds where it disrupts or interferes with the day to day activity of the school.

Every person that a student comes in contact with during the school day, from their teachers to their bus drivers, has been trained in these new bullying laws.

Richard Guerry, Executive Director of the Institute for Responsible Online and Cell-Phone Communication (IROC) made presentations to middle school and high school students as well as parents.

Guerry warned students about posting information online and stressed the point that one should all keep in mind that what one does on the internet is “public and permanent.” Guerry

“...We’ve always aspired to have a safe atmosphere.”

-Mr. Anthony Emering

presented many videos and different articles displaying the mistakes other people have made, and how one can all avoid becoming a statistic.

“The main goal of IROC assemblies was to proactively communicate a vital and uniform message to all West Essex students as members of the global digital community, the importance of twenty first century safety, responsibility and awareness,” said Sica.

Guerry also mentioned even celebrities are now getting hacked. The photos they thought were “only for your eyes” went on display for the whole world to see.

“If they can get hacked, we all can.

There’s even an app for it,” Guerry said.

“It relates to our age group and it made you realize what can actually happen,” said junior Rachel Lazarovitch, “it wasn’t just theoretical anymore.”

Illiano publishes baseball memoir

team defeated a Major Leaguebound pitcher, Rick West Essex teacher Porcello.

Mr. Scott Illiano had

They began his book, “Our Time: the tournament as the A High School Base15 seed out of 16 and ball Coach’s Journey,” went on to win the published on Oct. 6. tournament.

The book, published

The book by iUniverse tells his also details the strugjourney from waiting gles and pressure of tables to becoming the dealing with parents 2010 Northeast Region and players. It begs Coach of the Year. the question: When Photo courtesy iUniverse.com The book focuses does a man become a on the 2006 Greater coach? It is available Newark Tournament on Amazon.com or (GNT) Championship team. This Barnes and Noble for only $18.42.

by Paul Haramis ’12

Photo by Jackie Fusco

A score board shows the results of the pep rally on Friday, Oct. 14.

Spirit week sparks thunder

by Val Panza ’13

The seniors gathered in the parking

lot at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 15, preparing for the finale of Spirit Week.

The seniors decorated the school with black garbage bags on the walls, reflecting their Color Day hue. and their shirts begged the question: “Are you afraid of the dark?”

The Class of 2012 also covered the school’s walls in posters that said “Got Socks?” and “It’s Sock o’ clock,” both of which were references to the grade’s Sock Day attempt on Sept. 22, during which the senior class wore socks instead of shoes.

When the seniors marched into the building together, Color Day officially began. After having participated in

West Essex Day, Pajama Day, College Day and Professional Sports Day, Color Day served as a day for the grades to show their spirit by competing.

The freshmen decorated themselves purple to support their class, while the sophomores strutted in blue and the juniors brightly walked around in everything orange.

The climax of this competition came in the pep rally during ninth period on Friday. Each grade participated in the class yell, dance-off, relay race and tug-of-war to receive points toward the Spirit Day competition.

The totals of the pep rally were: seniors with 41 points, juniors with 7 points, sophomores with 16 points and the freshmen taking second with 18 total points.

New teachers join WE faculty

by Mikayla Cimilluca ’12

Several familiar faces from last year

will be returning as full time teachers, while West Essex also welcomes five new teachers. Ms. Stefanie Ducassie and Ms. Crystal Richards both will continue educating in math after completing leave-replacement positions last year. Also, leave-replacement teacher Ms. Allison Pinadella teaches U.S. History I and former student teacher Ms. Amy Kiger Williams now teaches English III. New to the faculty this year is Mr. Anthony Lambo. He is entering his eighth year as a Physical Education teacher. He is a graduate of Virginia Tech and was a two-year starter on their football team. He had the opportunity to play in the 1997 and 2001 Gator Bowl, Music City Bowl and the 2000 Nokia Sugar Bowl, which is college football’s national championship. His football career didn’t end in college, as he was selected as a free agent in the 2001 draft for the Baltimore Ravens. However, a pre-existing injury became a setback for him. He was sent back to Virginia Tech

to undergo surgery and from there he received his master’s degree.

Ms. Lisa Schiff, a graduate from Rider University is now teaching English III and Public speaking. Prior to teaching at West Essex, she taught at New Milford High School and Elmwood Park Memorial High School.

When asked what made her decide to choose education Schiff said, “I had a wonderful English teacher when I was a student at New Milford High School that fueled my passion for English.”

Ms. Jaclyn Carollo is a 2010 graduate from Montclair State University. Prior to this year, she taught seventh grade math at North Plainfield Middle School.

This year she teaches three class periods of Algebra 2 and two class periods of Discrete Mathematics.

“I’ve always loved math, and loved teaching children even more, so teaching math is a perfect fit for me,” said Carollo.

Other new staff members include Geometry teacher Mr. Stephen Olsen, Guidance Counselor Mrs. Lauren Cherney for grades 10 through 12 and librarian Mrs. Rosemary Rich.

Opinion

October 2011 Issue 2

The Wessex Wire Page 3

Not so fitness fun day? Wall St. protestors take over

by Spencer Satz ’12 and Alex Schwartz ’12

Point: Monday’s just got a whole lot worse.

Each Monday we have to do a ridiculous workout in gym, with the goal of improving student health.

In a poll asking whether finess Mondays affect student health, 98 out of 100 students said, “No.” During gym class, I like playing games and enjoying my sport. I don’t like doing pointless fitness tests during school hours.

Almost every student doesn’t try. How much can fitness Mondays really change America’s obesity problem?

Sweating in school is considered a very large social taboo. Junior Nick Gencarelli said, “I would rather come back after school to do these fitness tests and I really don’t want to do that either.” Many more students are strongly opposed to the participation required for fitness Mondays. Who can blame them? If someone has an early gym class, he has to sit through the rest

of his classes sticky and uncomfortable.

While the administration is trying to make students more active, it actually disuades students from trying hard and having fun.

Counterpoint: While there have been reported complaints, the fitness Mondays implemented by the school have already begun to produce some results. According to cdc.gov, 17 percent of people under the age of 19 are obese, so the problem is clearly prevalent in the U.S. Any program that can combat obesity, even in a small percentage of West Essex students, is worth it. “I think fitness Mondays are pretty fun. We didn’t do that kind of stuff in the middle school. It definitely gives me a nice workout,” said freshman Kevin Freda. The drills are designed to teach students to exercise properly, something they can carry with them for years after high school. The addition of fitness Mondays may not be well liked by many, but it will nonetheless continue to benefit some students.

The Wessex Wire The Official Student Newspaper of West Essex High School A Columbia Scholastic Press Association Silver Medalist Paper 65 West Greenbrook Road, North Caldwell, New Jersey 07006 (973) 228-1200 ext. 258 2011-2012 STAFF:

Managing Editor Spencer Satz ’12

Editor-in-chief Ryan Towey ’12

News Editors Julie Kayzerman ’12 Sam DiGrande ’13

Opinion Editors Alex Schwartz ’12 Lee Shearin ’12

Features Editors Mikayla Cimilluca ’12 Griffin Glenn ’13

Sports Editors Ed George ’12 Paul Haramis ’12

Arts & Culture Editors Nicole Del Mauro ’12 Regina Walter ’13 Fact Checker Vittoria Contuzzi ‘13

Copy Editors Daria Forte ’13 Maddie Levin ’12 Adviser Ms. Lo

Publicity Editor Amanda Wolfson ‘14

Advertising Editors Chloe Butler ’13 Jake Roseman ’12 Photo Editors Jackie Fusco ’12 Valerie Panza ’13 Section Apprentices Victoria Agrifolio ’14 Molly Dickman ’13 Zoe Elfenbein ’13 Sam Gilbert ’13 Gaby Roth ’13 Staff Writers Vin Cosenzo ’12 Jack Boyd-Dias ’12 Ryan Rinsky ’12 Steven Czachor ’12 Anna George ’14

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 adviser, staff, administration and/or board of education. Signed editorials reflect the view of the person whose name appears in the byline.

The Wire serves as a forum for the 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.

their executives huge sums of money, often times as much as 500 to 1000 times Throughout history, Americans have more than their other employees. This is exercised their First Amendment right where the common Occupy Wall St. motto in the form of protesting. Protests have “We are the 99 percent” comes from; the pushed our country forward; with some upper class takes up only one percent of of the famous ones being the Civil Rights our society.

Movement and the Women’s Rights A lot of people say that this protest is Movement. Today, another large protest stupid or pointless or has no goal. Howis taking place, and people are asking, “Is ever, I believe that fighting for jobs and social equality are pretty valid thingsfor this going to start a revolution?”

Occupy Wall St. started as a loosely which to fight. Many of those who are organized protest, originally taking place badmouthing this protest clearly are either in the financial district of New York City. part of the one percent and selfish, or are Groups of activists gathered in order to more realistically a part of the 99 percent protest about corporate greed, inequality in and are just ignorant or misinformed.

I guess social classes you could and the great say that I feel disparity beso strongly tween the about this rich and the protest bepoor. This cause many central idea of my famof protest beily members gan to spread have been a like wildfire, part of the causing peoOccupy Wall ple to take to St. fight. My the streets in father, who cities all over Photo by Mr. Brian McCabe worked in America. The p r o t e s t o r s Protestors at Wall St. express their economic frus- t h e h o u s ing industry came with trations with numerous posters by buying, many mesrenovating sages, one of and selling them being houses, got a firsthand look at what the that financial regulations are needed in place to prevent economic meltdowns. A housing crash did once no one was able lot of people seem to be, shall I say, mis- to afford to buy housing anymore. This informed about what a lot of these protes- in turn affected my family, as we were tors are fighting for. It appears, however, stuck with about six extra houses that we that these people do not understand what were responsible for paying for monthly.

My brother, who is a political science actually happened to cause this fight.

Before the recent economic meltdown, major, and my dad have always been there was a lack of financial regulations in active protestors. When Occupy Wall St. this country. People who wanted to own began, they often went to New York and houses could apply for a housing loan other cities to share their cries. The stories without giving any proof of what their they’ve acquired from other protestors and income was. Over time, these homeown- their hardships over the past few years ers were unable to pay back their loans, reinforced just what an important fight which, in turn, caused the banks to lose this really is. extreme amounts of money. These major It saddens me that the greed of Wall banks pleaded to the government for St. and other high executives are burmoney so that they wouldn’t collapse. If dening the rest of society so greatly, this happened, then both the U.S. as well but what’s even more saddening is that as other countries invested in the U.S. people who should be fighting along with us are badmouthing the cries of would be in serious danger.

To supplement the banks, the govern- the people. Our message isn’t that ment bailed them out with taxpayer difficult; we want jobs, social equality money. The real issue comes from what and to feel secure. We will not waver the banks did with this money. Instead of in our efforts to fight for this. Judging using it to benefit everyone, like invest- from the past, when there are mass ing in companies to make more jobs for amounts of angry people with rational American citizens, Wall St. instead paid arguments, change will come.

by Ali McCabe ’13

October 2011

Page 4

The Wessex Wire

One less building, twice the hope

was stolen from our country,” said senior Matthew Branco.

On that tragic Tuesday morning in early Before 9/11, millions of Americans in September of 2001, our country lost not the metropolitan area had an amazing only thousands of dear citizens, but also privilege. Many were able to see the two figures of hope and prospect. Accord- buildings on their commute to work. They ing to yahoo.com, Minoru Yamasaki, the were able to take their families to the World Trade Center chief architect Photo by Val Panza and be overwhelmed of the World by the astonishing Trade Center, view from the obserdescribed the vation deck. When Twin Towers as the Twin Towers, “a living symthe figure of the bol of man’s American dream, dedication to displaying freedom world peace.” and capitalism, fell, More than ten so did this glorious years after the opportunity. Ameridreadful decan children would struction of The new freedom tower being built. now have one less one of Americas icons, a new hope is under construction. icon to look up to. There would be no The Freedom Tower, is being built where pillar in lower Manhattan overlooking the Hudson and casting a welcomed shadow its predecessors once stood.

Like most teenagers today, I have little over the proud city. memory of the beautiful buildings that The 105-story Freedom Tower will used to grace the sky of lower Manhat- aspire to fill that hole and return what was tan. Being only eight years old during the snatched from not our nation, America’s attacks on our nation, I was never able to youth especially. As of right now, 84 appreciate what these buildings meant to floors have been completed, but there is still a way to go until it reaches the symour country.

Plenty of other students at West Essex bolic height of 1,776 feet. share a similar sentiment. I don’t have a I look forward to the completion of vivid memory of the Twin Towers since this tower. It will not only help to provide closure to those hurt by the attacks, but I was so young at the time.

“It feels like there is a gap that will also be a sign of a more peaceful and shouldn’t be there and like something better tomorrow.

by Steven Czachor ’12

Does it bother you that...?

by Lee Shearin ’12

Does it bother you that blue raspberry is a flavor? I am not hating on blue raspberry as a flavor, but as a color, no racism intended. There is no such thing as a blue raspberry. The closest thing is a deep purple blackberry, yet blackberry receives no love in the candy/ice pop industry.

People claim that it is because cherry and strawberry both already had red and they wanted to introduce raspberry but they did not have any flavor that was blue. Have the great candy makers forgotten the berry named after the color it displays?

The blueberry is the most unloved and excluded fruit in the candy world, though quite respected in the pie and muffin world. I do not understand why the blue raspberry is so essential because it is not like any flavor actually tastes like its fruity counter-part. A watermelon is light, watery and fresh-tasting, while a watermelon jolly-rancher is sour and overly sweet and tastes nothing like watermelon. In some flavors you can taste the similarities, but more likely than not the candy industry has been lying through their rotted teeth.

I propose a very modest suggestion: stop naming candy after fruit. If I want an Icee, I buy red not because I prefer cherries to raspberries, but because I like the color red. When I see a white cherry flavor I really get heated. Why on earth would a cherry be white, unless there was an absurd pigment alteration? If they

changed the name to “Genetically Flawed Cherry,” it would lose its appeal. I think the flavors should simply be colors.

Purple is its own flavor; does grape soda taste like grapes? If you responded yes, I would suggest finding the nearest person to punch you in the face.

We should call every flavor by a single color so that people will just be able to associate the two. There is absolutely nothing more frustrating than trying to have a nice “Very Cherry” jelly bean and getting disgusting “Hot Cinnamon.” Make them different colors. My favorite Gatorade is Cool Blue. Does it taste like blueberries?

No, it tastes like sugar and food dye, the way appealing flavors should. The only thing that is potentially confusing is the fruit-orange/ color-orange fruit controversy. The Spanish have two different words for them. Mr. Merriam Webster, I believe it is your move.

Photo by Sam Gilbert Senior Lee Shearin thoughtfully pondering what bothers him at West Essex High School.

What’s absurd about the r-word

Using the word “retarded” to make fun of friends is both offensive and cruel

by Geena Martorana ’14

While walking to one of my classes, I heard multiple teenagers yelling to each other across the hallway, making fun of another student. The hatred in their voices was undeniable. “He’s so retarded,” the student said. The comment was followed by hysterical laughter amongst the student’s peers. I had a hard time finding humor in the statement.

What many West Essex students seem to find comical, I find ignorant and offensive. Am I supposed to think it is funny that a student claims someone else has a mental disability?

Or is it the disability itself that is supposed to be amusing? Neither punch line makes me crack a smile. In fact, the word itself makes me cringe.

Often, when I hear the term being used and decide to voice my opinion of how disrespectful, ignorant and in-

correctly used the word “retarded” is I receive a response of, “It’s not like I’m using it in front of someone with the disability.” Apparently this means that it is acceptable to be rude as long as it is behind someone’s back. Using the “r-word” to intentionally insult someone clearly means the word has a negative connotation. Being a teenager who has known someone with a mental disability all their life, I do not see those challenges to be negative; I find it inspiring.

My friend Emily was born with Down syndrome. I have had the pleasure of dancing with Emily in the studio and on stage through the years and have been inspired by her talent and dedication to dance. Emily sees her disability as a positive, focusing her time and energy into helping aspiring dancers at her mother’s studio.

I find her generosity towards assisting young dancers admirable, and I

feel that I would not be the same person I am today without having Emily in my life.

Emily’s brother Alex was salutatorian of his high school class and currently attends Princeton University.

Emily has touched Alex’s life simply because of her innocence.

“She brought a lot of humor into my life,” Alex said. “Whenever I was tense…she deflated that.” Alex claims that Emily also taught him important life lessons that could not have been learned in a textbook. A quality such as patience, which many of us continue to struggle with as adults, was taught so innocently by Emily on a daily basis.

On a personal level, Emily has taught me that with dedication and passion one can achieve whatever they wish to, as Emily does annually on stage.

The only way to eliminate the

use of the “r-word” is to speak up.

Most people do not realize what they are really saying when using such a derogatory term. We should learn to think before we speak, and consider who we are really offending with our harsh words.

Please recycle this paper

October 2011

The Wessex Wire

Morning madness at West Essex

school as well. It leaves you kind of baffled.

The anticipation and excitement Unfortunately, my driving partner of driving to school my senior year and I both have to be responsible came to an abrupt halt once I real- sisters and take our younger siblings ized the anxiety I would go through up to the middle school. After getting every morning as I enter the West to the circle where the car drop-off is Essex campus. located, we almost always get stuck Yes, driving to school does have behind a parent who doesn’t quite units perks derstand especially the sysleaving tem. You whenever are supyou want posed to or stoppull your ping for car to a quick the top breakfast. of the However, circle the traffic and have and comy o u r motion in c h i l d the mornexit the ing leave car imme startmediateCartoon by Mike Leonardis ing my l y. Yo u The daily mayhem associated with entering school day are not supthe dreaded West Essex senior parking lot. frustrated. posed to get In order to out of the even get car give your onto school grounds, my driving children big hugs and kisses, gather partner and I must leave earlier their hundreds of bags or watch than usual to avoid the enormous them until the second they enter the line that forms on West Greenbrook school. Most middle school kids are Road. This line forms every morn- fully capable of walking towards ing due to the overcrowding of cars the entrance that is less than 100 and buses on Passaic Ave. After feet away. “I think parents should you get to the front of the line, you bus their kids or drop them off in a must then allow the cars leaving more orderly fashion,” said senior the school to pass before entering. Amanda Tomaselli. This mayhem can Sometimes, by allowing one car to be easily avoided if parents would be leave, you have apparently signaled considerate of everyone else trying to for several cars after them to exit the get to school on time.

by Mikayla Cimilluca ’12

Page 5

Keyboards are the keys to your life

by Anna George ’14

Today after school, I’ll check my phone and text my mom to pick me up. As I wait for her, I’ll pretend I am texting someone just to avoid that awkward eye contact with other students. Eventually I’ll go home, throw my bags on the floor and recline on my couch where I’ll tweet something witty about how boring or exhilarating my day was. Then as I walk into my room, I’ll see my computer. Unable to resist the screen, I’ll amble over to it and log onto twitter and Facebook. I’ll check new statuses and mobile uploads to ensure I’m in the loop. Later, I’ll eat dinner and casually look at my phone under the table as I put a tree of broccoli into my mouth, completely ignoring the family conversation. Soon enough, I will retire for the night and text myself to sleep. Teenagers and adults today may not realize how much they use all of their devices, but according to The Huffington Post, by the end of today, they will have collectively received over 200 trillion text messages.

On July 15, 2006, 2224 tweets were sent to Twitter. Today, 224 tweets will be sent before you finish this word. Generation Z might be in constant contact with each other, but they’ve never been so out of touch with reality.

With computers in their pockets and world at their fingertips, the thought of no technology makes teenagers tremble. While technology may be helping to advance society, it could ultimately be our downfall.

Technology is giving teenagers another excuse to drift from reality and “virtually” connect with others; it is proving to be detrimental to their social skills. The word “awkward” has never been so overused. The second they can’t find the right words to say, they tweet or take out their phones and fall victim to the “fake text.”

Phones have become a way out of “awkward” situations because teens don’t want people to perceive them as anything less than perfect.

With Facebook, Twitter and texting, teenagers are more inclined to say things that they would never say without a virtual barrier. They say cruel, stupid and reckless things because this wall gives them a sense of spontaneity. They forget their actions have consequences.

With technology, adolescents have lost the benefit of face to face encounters. How can the next generation rule the world without skills to communicate? Instead of getting to know each other, they spend over 700 billion minutes a month on Facebook accounts, according to cnn.com.

Parents may go out dancing but the youth spends their nights posting pictures on social networks, because if they were at a party, they want it to be known. Couples might be out for a romantic dinner but teenagers are forming relationships through a single text message and tweeting about the most mundane things. My best advice is to put the phones away and instead of tweeting about your life, live it, get to know what’s real and embrace the world around you.

A bargain that could prove costly for the Israeli peoples

by Alex Schwartz ’12

Earlier this month, a deal was reached between Israel and the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas that brought Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier held in captivity for five years by Hamas, back to Israel. In exchange for Shalit’s release, Hamas demanded that Israel release 1,027 Palestinian prisoners, many of whom convicted of terrorist acts against Israel. For years, family members of Shalit and concerned citizens were demanding that the Israeli government accept this deal for years. While it is heartwarming for an innocent soldier to be reunited with his country and family after five years, the price Israel must pay for his release is not worth it. By completing this trade, Israel is putting the country in greater danger and caus-

ing unnecessary pain to the families of those killed by the released terrorists.

The release of over 1000 Palestinian terrorists for just one Israeli soldier represents a huge victory for Hamas.

Israel’s concession to negotiate this deal could potentially inspire Hamas and other extremist groups to increase their attacks against Israel. In addition, with some of the most dangerous terrorists now free, certain of those former prisoners may seek revenge on their captors.

Israel’s action will only allow Hamas to gain popularity with its people, increase terrorist attacks against innocent citizens and encourage future kidnappings.

While the friends and family of Shalit deserved to see him again, the prisoner exchange is unfair to those who were close to the victims of the released terrorists. According to nytimes.com, these

terrorists are believed to be responsible for nearly 600 murders in Israel. The family members of these victims are now living in sadness, knowing that the killers of their loved ones have been released. This deal puts them through an unnecessary amount of heartache.

Although the deal provides many potential threats, Israelis rejoice in knowing that Shalit has been able to return to his home, after many believed he had already been killed. Shalit was not allowed to be seen by Red Cross or receive international humanitarian aid during his time in captivity, and it is assumed he was living under harsh conditions. When he returned to Israel, it was clear that he had been kept out of sunlight for five years, was malnourished and had medical issues that were incorrectly treated, according to

miamiherald.com. Now that Shalit is home, he can resume his life and attempt to get back to normalcy. Many are happy for Shalit and his family and feel that his release is a victory for Israel. “He’s a human and a soldier and has every right to live his life in freedom,” said junior Hannah Ritter, who believes Israel made the right decision.

But, the decision comes with repercussions, and could compromise Israel’s national security. And while Israelis desperately wanted Shalit to come home, the price Israel and its citizens will pay outweighs the benefits of his release. Although the decision to deal with Hamas to release Shalit was popular among many, I believe it will only spark major issues in Israel’s future.

October 2011 Issue 2

Feature

The way W.E. see it

by Jackie Fusco ’12

Each year of high school seems to mesh together, but without a doubt every grade is judged and viewed the same way by all. All grades have their own guidelines and story to follow.

Who is small, usually lost and most of the time confused? Yes, it is the freshmen. If you walk through the hallways and have a chance to look down, with an exception of only a few, you will be able to see them.

Being only their first year in the high school, we’ll give them a break and maybe some directions to the closest bathroom. Probably still very scared, the girls walk around quietly with a nice outfit, trying to impress the upper classmen. Yet the boys are the complete opposite, as we wish they were quiet. They try to goof off as loud as possible and look like the jokesters of the grade, making only their friends laugh. Don’t worry freshmen; before you know it, you’ll be sophomores.

Sophomores, let’s admit it, this is the year that is the most nonexistent.

No semi, no prom, no ball, basically nothing. No standardized test, no worrying about college, just trying

to get through the most boring year of high school. Therefore, just like your grade, you get the least exciting explanation.

Juniors, oh, where to begin? It’s said to be the biggest year; maybe that’s where you’re getting your big egos from! Yes, you do have to start stressing about college. You will be taking SATs, ACTs and HSPAs. Your grades need to be better than ever, but what you will not be having is a junior prank or a junior cut day.

Let me remind you that there is still next year for your grade to run the school, so wait your turn.

Now, last, but certainly not least, seniors. The reason the juniors don’t run the school, the reason the sophomores are overlooked and the freshmen are scared. Seniority or senioritis, you take your pick.

Finally you get to drive to school, have Ball, the trip to Dorney, Luau, senior service and more. It’s the year you’ll be rewarded for all the work you’ve done and find out where you will spend the next four years of your life. So, because it is your last year of high school, the times you will always look back on, remember to make it your best.

The Wessex Wire Page 6

Spotlight on Sue

by Gaby Roth ’13

Wander into the West Essex High School cafeteria, and you’re sure to be greeted with two things: the welcoming smell of Pomptonian’s cookies baking in the oven, and the even more welcoming smile of Sue. Although Sue Gallucci is known as one of the most beloved and welcoming faces at West Essex, few truly know the inner per-

When asked who her favorite students are, Sue said, “I don’t have favorites. I love all the kids. But I especially like when kids say ‘Thank you’ and display manners and respect. Most of the time I receive respect and have a good relationship with the kids at West Essex.” Even during the interview, a student walked by after purchasing a water bottle and complimented Sue’s straight hair, to which she said, “Thanks, Sweetie!”

Ms. Neceskas, tenth sona that Sue embodies grade English teacher, said Sue attended James Photo by Val Panza “Sue is a great addition to Caldwell High School, our staff. I look forward but has always been a to a friendly conversation true West Essex lover at Sue’s smile makes each day worth while for West with Sue along with my heart. “West Essex was Essex students and staff. morning cup of coffee.” our team’s rival, but all Senior Anthony Romiof my friends were to’s favorite trait about Sue is her attentivefrom West Essex!” said Galluci.

Following her childhood affinity with the ness to each individual student. “I see Sue school, Sue was transferred from being a every morning, so often that she always cafeteria worker in West Caldwell to West asks which PopTart I’m buying today.

Essex in 2008, and, when asked which Sue’s my home girl!” job she enjoys better, Sue said, “I like my Behind the cash register in the high boss better here.” Her favorite part about school cafeteria lies a much more comworking at West Essex is that she is able to plex woman than meets the eye. Sue please all of the kids and make them happy Gallucci is perhaps one of the most cherished prizes held by West Essex. by serving them the food at school.

Mirror Images: West Essex Knights Look Alikes

Ariel Winter & Gianna Calderone ’13

Ms. Richards & Geena Martorana ’14

Tyler Posey & Billy Galese ’14

Kris Humphries & John Agolia ’15

Photos courtesy of Ms. Richards, Mr. Calderone, celebsgossip4u.com, thedraftreview.com, tvfanatc.com and by Val Panza

October 2011

The Wessex Wire

No place like home

by Ryan Towey ’12

I felt like I was at the United Nations.

People from every corner of the globe are represented in a single room, all under the tutelage of Chinese teacher Ms. Cynthia Ni. The English Language Learners class (ELL) serves as an environment for students from foreign countries to find their way in the United States despite various language barriers. When I walked into their classroom, I tried to make some light conversation. I had taken the Spanish SAT Subject Test the weekend before, and I shared about what a disaster it was. They laughed, and I knew we had connected.

Laughter can break any communication walls.

Juniors Shantal Villagomez and Shirley Gonzalez had two unique, but also unified stories. Villagomez and Gonzalez were both originally from Quito, Ecuador, but they never met before their time at West Essex.

Villagomez moved to Switzerland when she was three, where, in addition to Spanish, she came to understand French.

She returned to Ecuador five years later.

Gonzalez, meanwhile, was still living in Ecuador, dreaming of America. “I thought America was the place where you can live your dreams. I always wanted the American Dream.” She heard about America from her aunt, who was already living in the United States. Finally, in 2008, Gonzalez’s dreams came true when her aunt offered to adopt her and bring her to America.

Villagomez’s family, too, decided to move to America.

“It was the weirdest thing, because we came to United States at the same time,” said VIllagomez. “It’s like we were meant to be friends.”

Freshman Guillame PIneau, was originally born in Anger, France, but moved to America when he was two. He returned to France eight years later before returning to the United States.

On adjusting to his most recent move

to America, Pineau said, “It was pretty easy.” When asked about his future aspirations, Pineau said one word: “NASA.” Gonzalez heard this word and interrupted our interview, exclaiming, “Me too!” It fascinated me that two people from such vastly different backgrounds could both desire a career that is seen as so quintessentially American.

Junior Alejandra Torres was more nervous than Gonzalez or Villagomez about coming to America. Originally from Colombia, she said, “I didn’t want to come.” She described herself as shy even in her native language of Spanish.

Then she smiled. “I feel good because I have friends now.”

Junior Vivian Urguijo, also originally from Colombia, arrived in America in February of this year and is still somewhat uncomfortable speaking English. I had Villagomez translate for me. Urguijo’s father has always worked in America, and her mother still lives in Colombia.

“I decided by myself to live here,” she said, all in order to seek out “more opportunities.” Urguijo enjoys being in the States with her father, but admitted that she would go back to Colombia for only one reason: to see her mother.

Junior Ruth Mercier, originally from Les Cayes, Haiti, natively speaks Creole, a mixture between French and Spanish.

When asked how she saw America before she moved, Mercier said, “The rich land.” She continued. “Everyone wanted to come to America. If you come here you are important.”

Mercier’s view of America, however, changed slightly once she began to acclimate. She views America as “ironic,” her euphemism for “hypocritical.” Mercier acknowledged her love for America, but recognized its two faces. “I feel like every country has a flaw,” she explained.

On what she misses in her home country: “Everything. Even the smell, even the bad ones. I miss how there were no rules. I feel like everything Haiti is, America is not. I guess you can never replace home.”

Page 7

Photo by Sam Gilbert

Senior Ryan Towey defeats senior Nicole DelMauro in a heated battle.

The art form of rock, paper, scissors

by Griffin Glenn ’13

Rock, papers, scissors is the ultimate argument settler. It can decide who gets to sit in a certain seat, who cleans up in cooking, who gets first pick in gym class and it even decided who writes the rock, paper scissors article. I defeated Senior Vin Cosenzo, best two out of three. He came out firing out of the gate with rock.

Predictable on his part, I foresaw this move and countered with paper. 1-0.

Next move, Vin got fancy with scissors.

A lesser player wouldn’t have expected this, but a seasoned veteran like myself saw this coming all the way, and I came right back with rock. Game over, and here we are.

Now readers are probably wondering how I did that. The answer is simple: strategy. Rock, paper, scissors is in fact an art form, perfected only by few. The strategy of the sport comes down to a series of stereotypes as well as basic psychology. One has to ask, “What kind of person am I facing off against?” Is one’s opponent aggressive (rock), passive (paper) or arrogant/fancy (scissors)?

Stereotypically most guys are going to go with rock, and girls will usually go paper or scissors. There are obvious exceptions to this rule, however. Junior Jeremy Rosen, for instance, is a rather reserved person, which makes him a paper guy and junior Zoe Elfenbein

leads with rock. Another thing one has to consider is if one’s opponent is playing with strategy. If two strategic players are competing, then it becomes a battle of wits.

This battle entails one person sizing up the other’s first move. Based on the first move, one has to anticipate their opponent’s next. There are no designed rules for this, it is all about reading the other person.

Another strategy is going with a random one every time. Some people think that doing this strategy swings the statistical odds in their favor. I disagree, because typically one who goes with random approach will never go with the same one twice in a row. Big mistake.

This sways the odds back towards the strategic player.

The final strategy, which I am violently opposed to, is going with the same move every time. The repeater shows that the player has no skill and is using this defensive strategy in order to make his opponent make the mistake.

This can’t be successful because it eventually becomes predictable.

One final thing to remember is that if a player’s hot, stay away. When someone is on, they are almost unbeatable.

Make sure to keep these strategies in mind next time because who knows what the outcome will be? I don’t always win, but when I do, I use these strategies.

Photo by Sam Gilbert

Photo by Ryan Towey

Ms. Cynthia Ni engages her English Language Learners class, a group that includes students native to Ecuador, Colombia, Haiti and France.

Seniors Alex Schwartz and Julie Kayzerman both shoot scissors, resulting in a draw. Neither player had the skill needed to win.

October 2011

The Wessex Wire

Nifty costumes, thrifty prices

by Molly Dickman ’13

It’s that time of year again, when little girls dress up in ball gowns and little boys in monster costumes to collect candy from their neighbors. Halloween is a major part of most of America’s youth and continues to be a fun and exciting holiday into a teen’s college years. As we get older, however, there is one major setback to Halloween, and that is the costume prices, which seem to be growing as fast as we have. We go from throwing sheets over our heads and calling ourselves ghosts, to buying skimpy little dresses with a few accessories for $50 that we wear for one night and never look at again. This year, don’t get tricked into buying overly expensive costumes. Instead, treat yourself to these ideas on how to have an affordable Halloween.

We’ve all done it. Walk into the Halloween store, grab the first five costumes we see, regardless of the price, and buy the tiniest one we possibly can. We then proceed to spend the $50 that we earned babysitting for five hours on an outfit that barely covers our butt.

When asked about costume prices, junior Amanda Cassera said, “Yes, I think

costume prices are ridiculous. I refuse to pay a ton of money for a costume.”

Most costumes you see in stores can be easily replicated for a margin of the price. At Party City, an adult Greek goddesses costume is listed at $39.99 and includes a toga and a headpiece. Instead, you can use a white sheet from your house. By wrapping it around your body, you can create a homemade toga. For a headpiece, unbend paperclips and then twist them together into a circle big enough to fit around your head.

Collect some green leaves and glue them onto some paper clips to create a great accessory to your toga. Curl your hair, add some gold makeup and glitter, and you’re ready for an amazing night at little to no cost.

Halloween should be a time of fun, not a time of stress. Coming up with costume ideas and creating them with your friends is a lot more fun and rewarding than just going out and buying a costume that half the other people at the party will be wearing.

Have fun with your costume and remember these great tips so that the day after Halloween isn’t one filled with financial regrets.

Page 8

Masquers make some noise

by Vittoria Contuzzi ’13

The last time the West Essex Masquers performed “Noises Off” was in 1997, making this year’s fall play highly anticipated. With a cast of nine, the Masquers will perform a play within a play on Nov. 18 and 19 at 7:00 p.m.

As the American acting group takes off for a theater tour of Britain, Act I is pure chaos the day before their opening night.

Senior Ciku Wa t h i k a will star as Dotty, playing Mrs. Clackett in “Nothing On,” which is the play in “Noises Off.” In Act II the audience will then learn of the personal drama of the cast, and Act III is when it “all falls apart,” said director Mrs. Sorrentino.

Senior Gina Morrello is currently the assistant director of “Noises Off,” helping Mrs. Sorrentino with each

step of the process.

When asked about her experience on the set, Morrello said, “I miss the feeling of being on stage with people I’d usually be acting with, but there’s a lot more to putting on a show than I thought.” Morrello is assisting Mrs. Sorrentino as an independent study project this fall and loves to see how the show is coming together.

Other main characters include seniors Alexa Farnese as Brooke, Jesse Asche as Garry and Nicole Pigott as Belinda.

Juniors Marisa Malanga, Mark Mascera, Matt Sigler and Cheyenne Paydar will be starring in this comedy as well.

This year one can purchase tickets online at www. westex.org/masquers, or at the door for eight dollars. Being the weekend before Thanksgiving, the cast is anticipating that this year’s fall play will be a great performance. With widespread awareness, the Masquers hope to have a nice turnout at the play.

Clubs approved at West Essex

by Victoria Agrifolio ’14

At the recent Board of Education meeting, new clubs have been debated and approved to be added to the list here at West Essex. The recent additions include a Music Club, Photography Club and a Youth and Government club. These clubs will be up and running as soon as possible.

In order to have an after school activity approved, a student must propose a summary consisting of the main idea of the club and other important information. After it passes that stipulation, the individual must compose a student survey to ensure that the club appeals to other’s interests. An adviser must be found, and a meeting with the principal must take place. Finally, the club is sent to the Board of Education for approval.

Once a club is approved, it undergoes a trial run, which basically measures the success during the early months to determine if the club is embraced enough by students to continue running.

“The vision of the administration is to offer a blend of academic and social clubs for the interests of the students.

They must fulfill the needs of students, for the school is an important domain of teenage development,” said Mrs. Laura Drago.

The school must be responsive for extracurricular activities as they are a place for students to discuss issues.

“It is important for West Essex to deliver what the students need,” said Mr. Derek Sica. “Adding clubs can help expand interests’ of students as well, and help make West Essex a better school.”

&

Arts

October 2011 Issue 2

The Wessex Wire Page 9

Culture Jobs leaves behind everlasting legacy

by Sam Gilbert ’13

Steve Jobs left an everlasting legacy on the world. The Apple and Pixar CEO lost his long-fought battle against cancer on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at the age of 56. Whether you bought the newest iPhone from Apple or the new Demi Lovato CD from iTunes, your daily life has been influenced by the genius of Steve Jobs.

Called the “Bob Dylan of machines”

by Rolling Stone, Jobs revolutionized technology and the public’s accessibility to these advances.

path to success that was recognized and admired by many.

Years later, when Apple began to fail, the company acknowledged Jobs’ recent success with his latest invention, NeXT computers. Apple bought NeXT and immediately rehired him.

Jobs wasn’t bitter and he did not disappoint. He proved himself by becoming the CEO of Apple within the year and introduced Apple’s greatest successes to the world, from the original iPod to the iPad. Jobs’ story isn’t one of a pompous,

intellectual man who sought fame and fortune. Although Steve Jobs experienced rejection and humiliation in his lifetime, the courage and determination he possessed continues to inspire people to go after their dreams.

“Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition; they somehow already know what you truly want to become,” Jobs said during his commencement address to the Stanford University Class of 2005. Though Jobs is no longer living, the imprint he left on society has made history and will help define the future.

iPods throughout the years

Graphic by Regina Walter Photos courtesy of apple.com

October 2001

The creation of fonts, the first Macintosh, iTunes, Pixar, the iPod, iPhone and iPad can all be attributed to Jobs’ influence. His ideas were incorporated into new inventions and will continue to be prevalent in the future. Jobs’ genius did not come only from his ability to create technology; he had the will and mental strength of an Olympic athlete.

When Jobs was fired from his own company, Apple, in 1995, he was devastated and publicly humiliated.

Instead of throwing away his hard work and dreams, he continued on a

January 2004

September 2006

September 2009

September 2009

September 2010

Caution: Swiftys and Beliebers may not approve

by Nicole Del Mauro ’12

To start off a conversation with an

acquaintance, I ask, “What kind of music do you listen to?”

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t immediately judge someone based off their answer. How can you not? Most teenagers consider their iPod to be their own personal heaven, a little magic machine that drowns out the world and plays what one wants on command.

People only download onto their playlist what they want to hear. This means only one thing: a person’s musical taste is a glimpse into their soul, and most of them are far from pretty.

I remember causally talking to a friend once when she made a comment that nearly sent me into cardiac arrest. Her exact words were, “Taylor Swift is by far my favorite artist. She always knows exactly how I’m feeling!”

Don’t take this the wrong way; Taylor Swift is a fine artist with a booming career and extremely popular albums that I myself listen to. But to

come across someone who believes that a cute country girl singing about her tragedies with teenage boys is the best artist they can think of is saddening. Someone do this girl a favor and buy her a Queen album.

I’m aware of the fact that taste in music is relative. “Good music” to me could be completely different than what others consider to be of high quality, but there is a line that must be drawn somewhere. If you asked a well-read adult what their favorite book was and their response was “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” you would immediately think it was a joke. Surely you would assume they would have come across a better piece of literature than an entertaining children’s book throughout their life. This is why when someone tells me Taylor Swift is their favorite artist of all time I can’t take them seriously.

The same kind of thing goes for die-hard Justin Bieber fans. Think about trying to have a good con-

versation about music with someone who just can’t get enough of that tiny Canadian. Besides the swooning girls and an iconic haircut, what is left to talk about? Okay, he can play instruments. So can a lot of people! People have to stop judging musicians by what they can do as opposed to how well they do it. A Belieber is correct in saying Bieber can sing and play instruments. To say he is the best of this generation, however, is completely unfounded.

Our parents are always talking

about the people who revolutionized music; Elvis started rock and roll, Michael Jackson danced the moonwalk and Madonna wasn’t afraid to “express” herself. The only thing I can imagine telling my kid about Taylor Swift is that she dated hot guys and wrote country pop songs about them.

Maybe for most teenagers our age, that’s enough to be deemed a favorite.

I just can’t help but think if this is what’s being heard and considered the best, people aren’t listening close enough.

Concert Box Fall/Winter 2011

Enrique Iglesias Madison Square Garden 11/4/11 $110- 150

Goo Goo Dolls Wellmont Theatre 11/11/2011 $40

Foo Fighters Madison Square Garden 11/13/11 $70

Josh Groban Madison Square Garden 11/14/11 $100

Ray Davies Wellmont Theatre 11/18/11 $40

October 2011

The Wessex Wire

Page 10

“Two and a Half Men” keeps winning with Kutcher

by Jack Boyd-Dias ’12

With the loss of Charlie Sheen on the hit show “Two and a Half Men,” many viewers remain skeptical and pessimistic about the show’s future on television. To many avid watchers of the program, the show will never be the same.

Since Charlie Sheen’s removal from the show as a result of the controversies regarding his marriage and drug use, writers and directors were rushed to establish new characters and a fresh plot line for the upcoming season.

Questions such as, “Who can replace Charlie Sheen?” echoed all throughout Hollywood, leaving fans baffled and unsure about whether or not such a person exists.

Stepping up to the plate is the adored Ashton Kutcher, who will play the role of Walden Schmidt, a self made internet billionaire. To maintain the show’s notoriously high approval ratings, he is going to have to hit a home run and win over the crowd. It seems there aren’t many people out there who think Kutcher will be able to fill such big shoes or the void left by Sheen on the show. However, let us not forget Kutcher’s credentials, which include the very popular “That ’70s Show,” “What Happens in Vegas,” “No Strings Attached” and “Dude Where’s My Car.” Since many of Kutcher’s roles have involved him being humorous and essentially a dimwitted ladies man, there seems to be no better person out there to take the place of Charlie Sheen.The story line has

YouTube: the new frontier

$100,000. Michael Buckley, host of the “What the Buck?” YouTube gos It was back in 2005 that YouTube sip show, quit his regular job in 2008 made its ground-breaking entrance. when his salary from the partnership Since then, the site has grown to be program surpassed his normal job’s one of the easiest ways to find employ- salary, according to nytimes.com. ment in an aggressive job market.

The video sharing site has also served Y o u as a platform Tube has to launch a partner careers. program Musicians in which have, for inqualifying stance, gone uploaders to YouTube can profit in the hope from their of being videos. The discovered partnership by a record p r o g r a m Photo courtesy of youtube.com c o m p a n y. does of Justin Biecourse have ber’s fame v a r i o u s Senior Alexa Farnese posted a video of herself started on stipulations. singing her own original song “Compromise.” YouTube, as According well as singer to youtube.com, video bloggers must Esmee Denters. Several students from upload videos with original content to West Essex have started making videos be viewed by a “growing audience.” as well.

Advertisements are then placed on “I started making videos to share my the video or on the channel page. The own personal music that I wrote and number of subscribers and clicks on to spread my music around as much as each page will determine how much possible,” said senior Alexa Farnese. the vlogger makes.

“I don’t get the opportunity to perform For many, YouTube has become very often, so I used YouTube as a way a full-time job. In 2010, Shane to somewhat perform to my friends Dawson, also known as ShaneDaw- and complete strangers.” sonTV, was making an annual profit “I hope that my videos will someday of $315,000 with his view count be viewed by someone in the profesat 431,787,450, according to busi- sional music industry or a producer,” nessinsider.com. The Annoying said junior Christy Marabello. “I dont Orange, under the channel name expect to become famous off Yourealannoyingorange, was making Tube, but as long as my videos are on $288,000 annually. During 2010, YouTube, I think that helps with showmore than 10 YouTubers made over ing people what I do and what I love.”

by Regina Walter ’13

been drastically altered to compliment his style of humor. Yet, this could prove to be a turn off to a great deal of viewers. We no longer follow Sheen in his pleasure seeking pursuits in women; rather we are left watching Kutcher attempting to deal with heartache from a breakup and the entertaining complications that ensue.

Opposing the negative view points in regards to the show’s comic quality with Kutcher at the reigns are the original cast members, who welcome the change with open arms.

The show has obviously changed with new characters, new storylines and new problems, forever altering the previously known “Two and a Half Men.” But the program’s in-

famous reputation for spewing out crude, inappropriate and somewhat controversial comic dialogue remain as trademarks for what it ultimately stands for, a funny television series.

The writers suggest the show is due to pick up and get back on its feet in the coming episodes, after the mumbo- jumbo with Charlie’s death on the show is sorted out. With Kutcher in the spotlight, the cast remains positive about their future on show and don’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. Kutcher is the designated driver now. Hopefully he will hold his own and not get pulled over like Sheen did. “Two and a Half Men” airs Mondays at 8:30 p.m.

Back in the Maroon groove

by Daria Forte ’13

We all know the handsome, talented Adam Levine. Many of us have seen or heard about him as a current judge on “The Voice.” The question is: Where did this attractive man come from and how did he achieve so much fame over the course of 15 years?

It all started with Maroon 5: The dynamic quintet that has made a giant comeback after being hidden in the background for four years. The group consists of lead singer Adam Levine, lead guitarist James Valentine, guitarist Jesse Carmichael, bass player Mickey Madden and original drummer Ryan Dusick, who left due to an arm injury in 2006, and is now replaced by Matt Flynn.

According to maroon5.com, the group started out as a quartet in 1994 without Valentine with the name Kara’s Flowers.

They had many complications with their first album, “The Fourth World.” After going to different colleges, the group met up with each other again and Valentine joined, and thus, Maroon 5 was born.

Their first album “Songs About Jane” (2002) is a rock and roll record. The songs are based on Levine’s ex-girlfriend, Jane.

Out of that album came the hit songs “This Love” and “Harder to Breathe.” Other sensations such as “Sunday Morning” and “She Will be Loved” included in this album never seem to grow old.

Five years later, “It Won’t Be Soon Before Long” (2007) was released and stepped aside from their rock and roll sound to more of a pop, funky style. Some of their hits include “Makes Me Wonder,” “Won’t Go Home Without You,” “Wake Up Call” and “If I Never See Your Face Again” featuring Rihanna.

Their newest album “Hands All Over” (2010) includes hit songs such as “Misery,” “Never Gonna Leave This Bed” and “Give A Little More.”

Just this year, their newest single “Moves Like Jagger,” featuring Christina Aguilera, hit number one on the iTunes Top 10 chart for the whole month of September.

“The Voice” is the main reason why Maroon 5 had such a great comeback.

Fans reconnected with the group again after watching Levine as a judge on the television show. After the show ended, the band went on a summer tour with Train, Matt Nathanson and Gavin DeGraw from July 22 to Sept. 24.

June 2011

The Wessex Wire

Page 11

There is a “WE” in team Run for fun: Cross Country

by Ed George ’12

“Wait, you’re on the team?” is the question I get every single time I refer to any of my favorite franchises as “we.”

And each time I reply “yes” without hesitation. I am then attacked with sarcastic questions such as, “So you were in the game yesterday? How did you play?” You don’t have to be on the field in order to be a part of the organization. Without the fans, there would be no team. Who would go to the games?

Why would the players even play if no one is there to root them on? If I have to watch the New York Rangers blow a 3-1 lead against the Washington Capitals in the playoffs, then I will absolutely take some credit for sticking by them when we win. The fan base is the heart and soul of a sports franchise.

How I became a fan of certain sports teams is quite a funny story. Since my favorite color was blue, I became a die-hard New York Mets and Rangers fan at a young age. It just so happens that cheering for the Amazin’s and the Blueshirts lead me down a road of brief high points and epic disappointments.

But no matter the reason, when a sports fan pledges their loyalty to a team, they

stick with them through four game

by Zoe Elfenbein ’13 sweeps in the playoffs and heartbreaking collapses at the end of the regular season. Two athletes wake up at the same I know that regardless of how my boys in time to get ready for school. The cross blue play, I will be there when we win. country runner immediately jumps After West Essex football games do out of bed, feeling excited and jittery you say, “The Knights won” or do you for the upcoming event. The soccer say, “We won?” By rooting for a team player slowly lollygags, nervous and you become an essential part of that or- apprehensive. Throughout the day, all ganization. You fuel their drive and will the runner can think about is crossing to win. In professional sports, you even that finish line before anyone else in partially fund the athlete’s contracts. I the race, outrunning his or her opam not saying that I am on the Rangers ponents, while all the soccer player roster, but I am still an integral part of the worries about is at least making it to team’s success, no matter how limited it the finish line after running a timed is. Therefore, as a die-hard fan, I am a mile and timed sprints, suffering a part of the organization I root for. tough loss from the day before.

Players get traded, managers get fired For some athletes, running is a and owners retire. However, the fans passion that helps calm and relieve stay with the team forever. The fans pay stress. Running can be rewarding and to go to the games and be part of the gratifying. Sophomore Dan Kenny is organization, while the players are paid a record-breaking runner on the West to just be there. The fans are the momen- Essex Cross Country team. “I like it tum changers, the extra player and the a lot. It’s so good for you and I feel foundation of any team. The supporters great after,” said Kenny when asked are the constant force that influences all how he feels about running. parts of a franchise. They are the team. I While coaches often use running to have earned the right to say “we” when motivate their players on high school talking about the Rangers or the Mets, teams, runners like Kenny feel motibecause the players come and go, but I bleed blue forever.

NCAA teams transition to ACC

nament 12 times. Syracuse has won

by Vin Cosenzo ’12 three Big East Tournaments while It’s safe to say that the Big East making it to the NCAA tournament Conference has been in the top tier an impressive 16 times, and winning of college basketball conferences the big dance in 2003. through the past few decades. With This move will not only affect the teams winning national champion- college basketball world, but it will ships left and right, it’s easy to see why also impact other major college sports.

The primary reason so many refer to the for Syracuse and Big East as being Pittsburgh making the best basketball the move to the division.

ACC is due to the The conference’s fact that they want future took a colosto be in a stronsal blow recently ger football conwhen the UniversiPhoto courtesy of theacc.com ference. Syracuse ty of Pittsburgh and and Pitt believe Syracuse University announced they will be parting ways that joining a stronger football conwith the Big East and head to the At- ference will earn these universities a lantic Coast Conference (ACC). With significant amount of money due to schools like Duke University and the football’s moneymaking ability in all University of North Carolina already of college sports. members of the ACC, the conference The big debate between so many sports gurus is if it’s worth it for is bound to be a powerhouse.

Sure, two teams leaving do not Syracuse and Pitt to make the move. completely destroy the Big East, but Many believe that making this move it’s hard to ignore what Syracuse and will lead to the two teams tragic Pitt have done over the years to help downfall. The real question that put the conference on the map. The needs to be assessed is; are Syracuse two teams were constantly in the top and Pitt trying to fix something that 25 polls. In the past 20 years Pitt has isn’t broken? The answer to that won two Big East Tournament titles question will be revealed when they while making it to the NCAA tour- make the move to the ACC in 2014.

vated by themselves. “It’s a competition with yourself. All I’m thinking about while I’m running is beating my previous time,” said Kenny.

Kenny and the rest of the boys’ cross country team have a similar positive mindset, maintaining a 10-9 record. The girls’ cross country team has also proved themselves during this season, upholding a 14-3 record.

“We have been very successful this season,” said senior captain Maria Krup. Senior standouts like Victoria Douranakis and Jamie Ianuzzi also helped the team to place second in their division, becoming the first girls’ team to do so at West Essex.

Douranakis’ 22 minutes 30 second 5K puts her at the top of pack, close to breaking the school record for girls which stands at 21 minutes 50 seconds. “We’re all really close and always have fun,” said Krup.

Whether you’re running sprints on the football field, or leisurely jogging for the fun of it, what some athletes would consider stressful, others would consider their “passion.”

Volleyball set for success

by Daria Forte ’13

The West Essex Varsity girls volleyball team, coached by Andrea Mondadori and Bill Humes, has gotten off to a great start this season, and has maintained consistent play since.

Senior Captains Maria Picariello and Dora Kikianis have managed to lead their team to an impressive 10-7 record, in one of the most competitive conferences in the state.

Picariello is the team’s libero, a player who is restricted to playing in the back row. Joined by junior Schuyler Gardner, Kikianis is an outside hitter. Junior Lu Grazioso is a

middle blocker, junior Abbey Rollins is an opposite hitter and junior Alexa Dirienzo is a setter and opposite hitter. Other valuable players include sophomore Karyn Towey as a middle blocker, junior Aly Petronchak as a setter and junior Jill Casalaro as a backrow player and strong server.

“Throughout the season, we have grown as a team,” said Gardner. “One of our biggest moments this season was beating Caldwell on Oct. 12. Our team has not beaten them in eight years so that was a huge win for us.”

Their next upcoming game will be for the state tournament on a date to be determined.

October 2011 Issue 2

The Wessex Wire Page 12

Photo courtesy of Grace Barretti

Player Profiles: Lady Knights

by Maddie Levin ’12

The girls’ varsity tennis team celebrates their second consecutive sectional championship after beating Parsippany 4-1.

Girls’ tennis repeats as champs

by Vin Cosenzo ’12

On Oct. 17, the West Essex tennis team achieved greatness by winning their section championship for the second consecutive year. The Knights took home the title after downing Parsippany 3-2.

Stephanie Rosen lead the team to victory by winning her single match as the Lady Knights swept the doubles matches. However, the team was not able to continue in the tournament of champions, falling to an undefeated Haddonfield team 5-0.

The team currently has an overall record

of 11-8. Seniors Grace Barretti, Blair Shulman and Niki Entin led the team to their success this year. When asked what contributed to the team’s success, Barretti said, “We set the bar high the previous year by winning the section which motivated us this year.” The team has a strong bond which is a key to winning in any sport. Junior Emma Osman said, “We spent a lot of time together which definitely helped.” This year’s squad was the first tennis team to repeat as Section Champs since 1994. Success has turned into an expectation for the tennis team.

Photo courtesy of Mr. Jerry Shanker

Shannon White Senior Shannon White is taking "playing the field" to a whole new level. Having played defense, center midfield and forward for the West Essex varsity girls soccer team, White is winding down another season for her high school career.

Soccer has always been a part of White's life. As a child, she would attend all of her older sister's recreational soccer games, in hopes of one day following in her footsteps. Now, as her high school days are almost done, White can say that she has.

"Soccer, it's like my whole life. I've been playing forever," White said.

The highlight of her career is her first high school goal. "Sloane Serpe crossed the ball to me, and I headed it in. It was the winning goal against Parsippany."

White will attend The College of New Jersey next year, where she will continue to play soccer.

Photo courtesy of Mrs. Sharon Pezzutti

Melissa Laible For senior Melissa Laible, with a new school year, comes a new season of field hockey. Laible, who played right forward for the West Essex Field Hockey team from her freshman to junior year, has now stepped up to help her team by becoming a goalie.

But this field hockey enthusiast almost never was. It took convincing in the seventh grade from her best friends to try out for field hockey instead of what Laible originally was going to try out for, soccer. However, Laible found a fondness for field hockey and stuck with it.

"The girls on my team are some of my favorite people in the world, people who I would have normally never met.

Every year it's something different, but it's always great," Laible said.

Laible plans to play lacrosse at Fairfield University, but she will never forget her field hockey memories.

Football’s transition and triumph

by Jackie Fusco ’12 Photo by Sam Gilbert Senior defender Evan Grau sets up a free kick as the Knights take on Millburn on Senior Night.

Boys’ soccer looking to states

by Ryan Rinsky ’12

With a record of 5-7-2, the West Essex boys soccer team is looking to do some damage in the state tournament.

Their record is not a good reflection of how the team has played. They have been playing some great soccer regardless of their very tough conference with private school powerhouse, Seton Hall Prep, and numerous group four schools including Columbia, Montclair, West Orange and Livingston.

The state tournament seeding is based on record along with strength of schedule, so their two wins against Columbia and

win against Montclair will help their seed since both of those schools are in group four. The two highlights of the season happen to be identical. In both games against Columbia, junior Matt Garvey scored the game winning overtime goal to propel the knights to victory.

The Knights are guided by head coach Mike Giampapa and assistant coach Frank Santomasino. The knights are led by one of the top goaltenders in the state, junior David Greczek. While the offense is run by senior forward Gregg Sgarlata and midfielder Ed George, who has recently returned from a right leg fracture that had him sidelined for seven of the 14 games.

Coach Chris Benacquista started his coaching career with a 7-0 record. He played for the Knights from 1990-1992 and was a captain his senior year. He came back to the program in 2001 as an assistant, specializing as an Offensive/Defensive Line Coach. He was the Head JV coach as well, and two years later he was named the Special Teams Coordinator. In 2010, he became the Offensive Coordinator, which he still currently holds, and was named Head Coach of the Varsity Football Team for the 2011 season after Coach Dave Drozjock retired.

As the new head coach, Benacquista motivates his team through leadership, dedication, strength and heart. By enforcing these strategies to this year’s team, Benacquista was selected by the New York Giants as "The Lou Rettino High School Football Coach of the Week." With this honor, Benacquista and the varsity football

squad took home a donation of $1000 and significant recognition that will help guide their program to an even more successful future. “It was an amazing honor that made me proud to be part of such a great football program like ours and thankful to have such a great coaching staff and great players,” said Benacquista.

The boys on the team love having Mr. Benacquista as their coach, accoriding to senior captain Matt Rando. "Coach Benny is doing such an amazing job as a first year coach, which was expected. Not only is he a good coach but he is a role model to every player on the team," Said Rando.

“At first the transition was challenging but once I became familiar with my new responsibilities it became a lot easier. We have a very dedicated group of seniors which has really helped make the transition go more smoothly,” said Benacquista, who leads the Knights into battle against Livingston tonight at 7:00 p.m.