The Wessex Wire (June 2007)

A Knight of Comedy...............p. 2 Waitlisting..............................p. 3

Vol. XLVI No.5

Staff Editorial/W.E. Laugh......p. 4 FIFA Tournament....................p. 10

School Election Results............p. 11 Softball..................................p. 12

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

June 2007

Heavy rain floods Fairfield and closes school for residents other houses besides his own, .

McNamara is one of the many that “My basement and everything in had to be evacuated from his neighit from the TV to the walls are all borhood or area. Insurance comWhen almost 10 inches of rain fell on April 17th, West Essex had to close the school for the first time since 2000, when Hurricane Floyd hit the east coast with 8 inches of rain and winds up to 45 MPH. Major roads and highways were completely flooded, preventing students from getting to school.

April is known for rainy days while clear skies come in May and June, so anyone could have predicted rain, but nothing like this.

The town of Fairfield was hit with almost ten inches of rain that ruined property, basements, and for some, foundations.

Many families were trapped in their homes or had to evacuate the area. The school shut down for a day to let some of the waThe Passaic River covers Riveredge Road in Fairfield. ter recede since buses could not -photo courtesy of J.J. McNamara reach students.

Many of the Fairfield students panies all over New of West Essex couldn’t go back to ruined,” said McNamara.

“I had Jersey will be pressed hard to fischool until the week after the flood had started. Senior J.J to be evacuated from my home and nance all the lost goods from over McNamara lost almost everything leave everything I had at risk of be- 100 houses in Fairfield. All signs seem to indicate that this storm was he had, yet continued to help in ing swept away.”

by Stephen Kinslow ‘09

the worst to hit New Jersey since Floyd.

Sophomore Nicole Battaglia also suffered tremendous loss during the flood. The Battaglia family had to be evacuated from its home after eight feet of water flooded its basement. Not thinking the water would get to them, they lost virtually everything in their finished basement: books, couches, TV’s, and many family valuables.

“I never thought that the worst could happen. Bailing water that was up to my waist and saving all my valuables was just too much,” said sophomore Nicole Battaglia.

Students of West Essex Regional School District decided to have a FIFA tournament to raise money for all the victims of the flood.

The entry fee consisted of $10 per person and a tee shirt was included. A total of $675 was donated to the flood victims.

The tears and frowns have been swept away, as it has been almost two months since this horrible catastrophe. All of West Essex may not have been affected by this flood, but the school united in the outreach effort.

NATIONAL TRAGEDY

West Essex graduate narrowly escapes massacre lence.

by Mark Cassera ‘07

In the worst school shooting in history, Seung-Hui Cho killed 27 students and 5 faculty members atVirginiaTech onApril 16th, 2007; although it occurred about 450 miles away from West Essex, the tragedy hit close to home.

Matt Cassera, a former Fairfield resident and a Class of 2004 West Essex graduate, now resides in BlacksburgVirginia. “I actually had a class in the building where the initial shootings occurred,” said Cassera. “I had decided to stay in my house and skip that class because I had to study for a final in another class.

In recent years, Virginia Tech had been a popular choice for several West Essex students to pursue their college degrees. Normally known for their outstanding D-1 athletics, the Hokies found themselves in the spotlight not because of their athletic tradi-

tion, but rather because of the terror and fear the shootings inspired Themedia immediately descended upon the Blacksburg campus to cover the story, givingoutside friends andfamily almost instant knowlMatt Cassera, a senior in 2004, attends edge- of Virginia Tech and was present for the the extent shootings on April 16th. of the vio-photo courtesy of Milestone

“When my family heard about the shooting, everyone wasextremelyworried about me,” said Cassera. “I began receiving tons of phone calls from friends all over asking if I was okay because they knew so many students had been injured.”

“We all were really worried about him as we couldn’t get through for a while and we were praying that he was all right,” said Cassera’s parents.

They also noted that “if the gunmen had picked a different time frame to go on his rampage,” Cassera could very well have been shot or killed. “We are very grateful that he’s all right but our hearts go out to the victims,” they added.

“The whole experience was insane,” said Cassera who knew several of the students whose lives were taken. “It’s really sad to see this type of tragedy happen to so many good people and good families,” he added.

WhilefriendsandfamilyhaveaskedCassera if he will transfer and go to a different school because of recent events, he remains steadfast in his appreciation forVirginia Tech.

“I love this school; it really is an awesome university” said Cassera, who noted that virtually “all” of his friends are choosing to stay at the university. “It’s obviously been a reallytoughtimebutmostpeopleIknowwant to stay,” said Cassera. “We are like a family here and we’ll get through this together.”

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news

“A Knight of Comedy” fundraiser is huge success

by Jeremy Lim ‘08

No matter how many times he has appeared on a stage, aspiring comedian Ryan Logan-Magnusson still gets nervous before every show.

“It’s natural to get nervous,” according to Logan. “But I just try to convert that nervous energy into positive energy.”

“It’s scarier to perform in front of friends and classmates,” according to fellow junior comedian Jared Shababb.

“But it’s also much more rewarding because you can make people you know laugh.”

Logan and Shababb managed to convert any nervousness they felt into positive energy on West Essex’s first “A Knight of Comedy” fundraiser.

The comedy night was a departure from the usual fundraisers held at West Essex. “Selling bagels and doing bake sales is a great way to raise money, but we felt we could make much more money from one comedy show,” according to Logan, who estimated that the show “probably” made as much money as “eight or nine bake sales would have.”

“The ‘A Knight of Comedy’ fundraiser was very successful,” according to the Class of 2008 advisor Marion Wychules. In fact, the class of 2008 turned a healthy profit, earning $1,500.00 after paying professional comedians Jeff Norris and Peter Bales.

Despite the financial windfall, Wychules was originally “very hesitant” to organize the fundraiser. “I wasn’t sure we could get a crowd to watch a high school comedy show,” according to Wychules. “[Junior class president] Connor Leonard came to me and asked if Ryan

and Jared could make a case for the comedy show,” Wychules said.

Logan gave an “awesome” presentation that convinced Wychules and the junior class officers that a stand-up comedy show could be a viable fundraiser.

“I still had a major concern about the appropriateness of whatever material a

“The show would not have happened without [Logan and Shababb’s] dedication,” according to Wychules, who was particularly impressed with Logan’s “organization.”

“He was always there when I needed him and was always prepared,” said Wychules, who nominated Logan for the Shop-Rite “STARS” award for

Junior Jared Shabab puts away his mic after his performance at the ‘Knight of Comedy’ -photo courtesy of the junior class

professional comedian might present,” according to Wychules.

Her concerns were alleviated when Logan’s uncle, Eric Magnusson, cofounder of legendary comedy club Rascal’s and old friend of Jeff Norris, wrote a letter assuring Wychules that the material would be appropriate for a high school audience.

The Junior Class Council still had to deal with several more problems, including a date for the show. “We didn’t want to interfere with SKYLR and various field trips for band, the dance team, etc.,” according to Junior Class President Connor Leonard.

“outstanding achievement in the field of leadership.”

Logan won and said that he was very “honored” but even gladder that he was able to give a good comedy show. “I really hope the audience enjoyed what [Shababb] and I did.”

Shababb believed that the audience “seemed to be very responsive” to the material and that he received a very “enthusiastic reception” from the crowd.

“Of course they could have been laughing just because they were our friends,” Shababb noted.

Junior Josh Sigler believed that the audience response was “overwhelm-

ingly positive,” despite the show running “a bit too long.”

“Ryan and Jared really surpassed my expectations of what young, up-andcoming comics can achieve in this cruel, cruel world,” Sigler said. “We really need more laughter these days.”

Fellow junior Chris Jung especially enjoyed the “visual aesthetic” of the two aspiring performers, noting that “[Logan and Shababb] had a very intense, physical presence.”

“Their on-stage mannerisms really created a sense of space in which the comedy is almost in a ‘feng-shui’ kind of higher plane,” Jung added.

Former West Essex junior Walter Graber thought that the two comedians were “daring and avant-garde,” adding that he hoped to “attend many more shows in the future.”

Shababb also hopes that the comedy show can become a kind of West Essex tradition, with more aspiring stand-ups coming in to take his and Logan’s mantle.

“Most people love a good laugh, and we try to give them that. If we can make some money, that’s a bonus,” according to Shababb.

Leonard noted that an annual comedy show could potentially become “stale.” To avoid that predicament, the show could be held “every other” year with different comedians.

And what does the future hold for West Essex’s two aspiring comedians?

Shababb said that he would love to continue comedy in college, while Logan might take a different route.

“I really like to bring things into a kind of esoteric place,” according to Logan.

“Right now, I’m just doing stand-up, but I want to see where it takes me.”

TARDINESS

Students marked tardy at an earlier time with new policy on school,” according to senior Gianna Fede, “inconsistent” with what the school had ophowever the students blame their tardiness erated with all year.

Senior Rachel Berman checks her watch. on another factor, as well.

She also believes the policy hurts more The time is 7:40 and she’s walking fast to studentsthanithelps.“Iunderstandthatstrictmake it through the front entrance doors. ness with the late policy is good because it Although the bell to end homeroom won’t encourages kids to get to school on time ring for another two minutes, Berman is and be in their classes,” she said. “But, I stopped upon entering the building and is know how much time it takes me to get to told to sign in late at the main office. She homeroom. When I walk in at a time that joins a line of approximately nine other stuthey consider late, I’m actually on time,” she dents. added. “By going to the main office and Physical education teacher Heather Hemstanding in line for five minutes, I’m actually mer, who has office duty in the morning, later than I would have been if I just walked writes passes for the students who arrive late to class right away.” to school. Everyday, Hemmer marks late DifficultiesingettingtoschoolinthemornStudents line up to sign in at approximately 25 to 50 students just in the ing contribute to lateness, as well. “People the office after the late bell first period. who come from the farther towns have to has rung.

She believes that the amount of students dealwithtrafficlightsandchangingtrafficcon-photo courtesy of Katie Rosenberg marked tardy has been “pretty constant all ditions. If I’m just a few minutes late, I “I used to walk in at 7:39 and go right to shouldn’t have to get a pass,” Notte said. year.” Hemmer thinks that students arrive late because they “wake up late” and “a lot myfirstperiodclass,”saidseniorAlexaNotte.

Berman, who drives her eighth grade sis“I wasn’t late and I would always make it to of students show up with Dunkin’ Donuts so ter to school, agrees with Notte. “If there class on time,” she added. Notte said that were a consistent time it took for me to get I’m guessing that they stop there first.”

Seniors blame their tardiness on the fact that she has become increasingly more “frus- from the junior high to the high school each “[the senior class] has pretty much given up trated” with the new late policy because it is day, I would understand the strictness with

by Katie Rosenberg, ‘07

being late,” Berman said. “Some days, though, it takes me two minutes [traveling between buildings] and some days it takes tenminutes,”sheadded.“IfI’montheschool campus at 7:30, it’s not fair that I’m marked late.”

In terms of fairness, as well, some students believe that this policy can be manipulated. “Tons of kids walk in late and get around the hall monitor,” said senior Jason Plawner. “Plus, there are other ways to get around the system,” he added, but would not elaborate because he did not want to “give out” students’ “tricks.”

Insteadofleavingtheirhousesearlier,however, students prefer to “find ways around this crazy new policy,” said Plawner.

If the “consequences were more severe,” Hemmer believes that less students would be late. “The consequences aren’t as strict as they should be, so students know they can get away with it,” she said. In terms of avoiding a tardy, Hemmer just suggests that students “leave earlier and anticipate the traffic.”

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Student respect outside the classroom

by Matt Cohn ‘08 and Jamie Blaustein ‘09 It’s been a rough year for West Essex students in many respects, and faculty members believe disciplinary issues are the cause. Bomb scares and a record number of suspensions indicate that the disciplinary measures taken to correct behavior have not alleviated the situation.

Some teachers believe such issues are just normal childhood problems, while others believe it is this generation in particular that struggles to follow rules.

Librarian Susan Heinis believes that “naiveté” would be the best word to describe today’s youth. “Students

sometimes think that they’re automati- cause their teacher is not in class.” cally right without being fully aware Perris says that he will handle each of the situation on a case facts,” she said by case basis, debased on Librarian Susan Heinis believes that pending her ex“naiveté” would be the best word to perience on the describe today’s youth. “Students “severity in the lisometimes think that they’re of the ofbrary. automatically right without being fully fense.”

Some aware of the facts,” she said.

Caffaculty eteria sumempervisor bers attribute the disciplinary issues to “dis- Greg Khalef thinks that a student’s respect.” Substitute teacher Robert behavior “reflects how he or she is Perris says that he “often encounters raised at home.”

Khalef also stated that he believes disrespect from students who think they gain additional privileges be- today’s teenagers resemble “a

jackal,” because they resemble “a pack ready to attack.” In other words, Khalef believes teenagers have an excess of energy that can be used for both positive and negative purposes.

Danielle Shanley, the director of the English department, believes that although some students have difficulty following the rules, the majority of them are well-behaved. She describes this generation as “fearless” when it comes to taking on new challenges and facing adversity.

The spectrum of opinions regarding teenage discipline draws but one conclusion: there is no general consensus on the dynamic of today’s youth.

WAITLISTED

Good things come to those who wait, sometimes

by Katie Clavin ‘07

Senior Jenna Cirangle did not know that her life was about to change while sitting in her second period class, just like she does every other day at West Essex.

She was pleasantly surprised to feel her cell phone vibrate and see a text message from her mother saying: “You’re a ‘Cuse girl now!” Cirangle had gotten off the waitlist at Syracuse University and will go there for the next four years. In April Cirangle’s application had been “waitlisted,” put in the waitlist pile.

The term “waitlisted” is used by colleges for borderline candidates. A col-

lege can see how many accepted students decide to enroll before making a final decision on the waitlisted applicant.

While only a minority of waitlisted students is eventually admitted, some waitlisted candidates can be accepted well into the summer months.

When she was informed of her waitlisted status, Cirangle began writing letters and essays to the University reinforcing why she is an asset to their community.

“I never gave up hope, although I was shocked to hear so soon,” according to Cirangle. “I called the Admissions Office almost every day to see if they had any news on my application status.

I’m pretty sure that everyone in the of-

fice knew who I was,” she added.

Cirangle dreamed of attending Syracuse since she was a little girl. Cirangle is not the only one who got their fairy tale ending. Senior Stacey Clarken was in the same position as Cirangle. Planning on attending Monmouth University in the fall, she too was taken off of the waitlist at Syracuse.

Greg Pino, freshman at Syracuse, was shocked to hear of the girls’ acceptances. “It’s very rare for someone to be taken off the waitlist,” according to Pino. “Getting into SU after being waitlisted is almost unheard of here,” he added.

Last fall at the University of Virginia,

3,231 students were put onto the waitlist after having their applications reviewed. Out of those three thousand students, only 123 were accepted waitlisted students. The average number of accepted students from the waitlist is less than 30%.

West Essex students seem to be some of the lucky ones this year. Senior Kate Wiatrak was accepted off of the waitlist at Lehigh University, and senior Gen Aragona got into Providence College after being waitlisted.

After planning to attend Quinnipiac University next fall, waitlisted Anthony Tundo was accepted late at the University of Connecticut.

FREEDOMS

Freedom is not license, especially in schools

Students don’t necessarily have freedom of speech in a school, according In what has become a flashpoint for the to Principal Barbara Longo. “Students debate over the First Amendment of the here are entitled to freedom of speech, Bill of Rights, CBS fired radio star Don but if what they are saying is not approImus for making a derogatory remark about the Rutger’s women’s basketball “Freedom of speech will never be team. Imus was osfair for everyone, students or tensibly punished for pushing freedom teachers,” according to math of speech beyond teacher John Pappas. its limit.

Yet some think that Imus’ right to express his opinion has been taken away and that his punishment has been too priate, then there will be consequences,” harsh. The comments and subsequent said Ms.Longo. Freedom is not the punishment have sparked a debate in the same as license.

When students attend school, they are halls of West Essex about what constisupervised by their teachers, not their tutes acceptable speech.

“Though I think Imus’ comments were parents. Therefore, teachers decide wrong and inappropriate, he still has his whether student’s comments are out of freedom of speech. If he is going to be line.

“We as teachers need to make a depunished for speaking his mind, then that cision on whether what a student says is just wrong,” said English teacher, Tom is appropriate or not,” according to hisKenny.

by Mark Walsh ‘09

tory teacher, Beth Vaknin.

Some students believe that teachers should ultimately be the arbiters of speech.

“I agree that teachers should be able to discipline us if someone gets out of line with their comments,” said junior Rob Calabrese.

However, other students do not agree with the actions taken by teachers when students express their opinions. “I don’t think that teachers have the right to decide if what I say is right or not,” sophomore Vin Milocio said. “It is wrong that teachers here can take away our freedom of speech,” added Milocio.

Senior Ted Abbot believes that older students are more likely to have more controversial thoughts they want to express than younger students have.

“Through my experience in the Senior High and Junior High, it seems that teachers respect our opinions as I’ve gotten older,” said Abbot.

“I don’t really have a problem with the way we are allowed to express ourselves here,” said senior Tom Doelp. “Most students believe that teachers grant them a fair amount of leniency,” Doelp added.

Students can also be very opinionated when speaking about a certain issue.

“Kids here can speak their minds whenever they want,” said Kenny, who believes that there has “not been much controversy” over freedom of speech.

Yet some teachers seem to disagree on how much students get to speak their minds. “I think that my students do not have the opportunity to speak their minds enough,” said math teacher John Pappas.

Two years ago at James Caldwell High School, the principal prohibited The Caldwell Cauldron from publishing an article about sex. The school also forbade any further articles on the subject.

This decision stirred up controversy about what freedom of speech in schools means. The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey represented the students and negotiated a compromise.

“Freedom of speech will never be fair for everyone, students or teachers,” said Pappas. “We are all lucky we can express ourselves as much as we do in America.” Everyone may have some degree of freedom of speech in school, but it is not without limits.

In this section: WE Laugh................................4 Don Imus.................................5 Letters to the Editor................7 STAFF EDITORIAL

Whatever happened to the ‘warning’ bell being a warning?

Matt Cohn, ‘08

After the first bell rings, many students walk through the doors from the senior parking lot only to be told that they are late and must sign in. The only problem is, what does “late” mean?

I have had different experiences walking in “late,” and some of them are a little confusing to me. A couple of times I have been stopped and told I must sign in when it was still before the homeroom bell. One time I walked in at 7:38, was told to go to the main of-

fice, wrote down my name on the late check-in sheet my, took my late pass to homeroom, and handed it to my teacher before the 7:42 homeroom bell even rang.

I was left feeling dumbfounded on why I would be marked tardy even though I got to class before homeroom started. Another time I walked in, was told to sign in, and after waiting in line behind twenty other students who are also “late,” got my pass and walked into homeroom after the bell. I wondered if I had not have to wait in line to sign in and fight my way through the crowd in

the main office after receiving my pass, would I have made it to homeroom on time?

There have been times that I walk in after the warning bell and got to my first period class before other students who had been in the school for a while but were hanging out in the hallway, yet they are considered on time while I am late.

Every morning it is the same thing, with loads of students walking in after 7:37, waiting in line to get their late slips, fighting through the piles of students also waiting, and then getting to homeroom late.

My question is, why is the 7:37 bell called the “warning bell,” as per the West Essex Student Handbook, if it is not treated as a warning to students?

If I walk into school after the warning bell but before the actual homeroom bell, why am I considered tardy?

Students are not late unless they arrive after 7:42. If they did not have to sign in between 7:37 and 7:42, they could make it to homeroom before the 7:42 bell. That bell is when school officially starts. Making students sign in before 7:42 really makes them late.

DUKE LACROSSE

Once accused, can one ever truly receive justice?

Michael Shanker,’08

After a year of turmoil, the North Carolina District Attorney office has finally deemed Essex Fells resident Reade Seligmann and his two team

teammates, who were charged with rape and kidnapping, to be “innocent,” a fact that the West Essex community and most of the country has known for an entire year. Unfortunately, the names Reade Seligmann, Collin Finnerty, and

David Evans are still associated with the word rape.

“I don’t think it really will ever be over. No matter what, you can try to move on, but rape will always be associated with my name,” said David Evans

W.E. LAUGH drawn by Jen Silverstein, ‘08

on a 60 Minutes segment. “Innocent might be a part of that, but when I die, they’ll say that one of the three Duke lacrosse rape suspects died today. He led a life and did this, but he was one of the three Duke lacrosse rape suspects.’

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5

DON IMUS

The price of free speech being honest, I wasn’t that appalled at the statement perhaps because I do A great deal of controversy has sur- not fall under the categories that Imus rounded both Don Imus and his com- was “insulting.” Also, I feel that I have ment made about the Rutgers Women’s become desensitized to the words he Basketball Team when he called them used. Being an avid rap listener, I “nappy headed hos.” The problem, commonly hear the word “ho,” espehowever, does not stem from the com- cially in songs from such artists as 50ments or Imus himself; rather they stem cent. His song, P.I.M.P., has the line, from the question of whether he has the “Man this ho you can have her, when right to say what he said over the ra- I’m done I ain’t gon keep her” (verse 3, line 6) not only uses the word “ho” dio.

Many argue that though Imus’ com- but is even more degrading to women.

Imus cited a comment from Spike ments were distasteful and blatantly racist, his First Amendment rights protect Lee as his source for “nappy-headed him and his right to say whatever he hos,” and thus brings up the issue of double standards wants. The when it comes to Bill of Rights free speech. Thus states that all comes an ironic men have the twist; P.I.M.P. right to “free reached the numspeech,” which ber three spot in includes their the U.S. while right to go Don Imus talks to the Reverend Al Sharpton Don Imus was against main- on his morning talk radio show -photo courtesy of the New York Times fired. One could stream opinion always say that 50-Cent is an artist, and be a racist. I’m not saying that Imus is a racist or a sexist nor am I advocat- and his use of the word ‘ho’ was not ing either; I’m just saying that if he wants out of malice as was Imus.’ I could to be one, then he has the right to ex- agree, to a degree, but who is to say that comedy is not an art, as signifipress his views.

To be honest, I had never even heard cant an art as music? Ultimately it of his name until the news stations comes down to a double standard. started plastering it everywhere during my spring break. And once again, just Jack Vidovich, ‘08

Amanda Nichols, ‘08

Over the past few weeks the controversy over radio broadcaster Don Imus’ racist comments about the Rutgers women’s basketball team has bubbled, eventually ending in the dismissal of Imus from his job at 660 AM WFAN. Whether one believes that he should have been dismissed from his job or not, there are numerous reasons why Imus’ actions were completely inappropriate and uncalled for.

First, the members of the basketball team are just regular college students.

They are not public figures, celebrities, or politicians. Though it can be argued that making inappropriate comments about celebrities is acceptable because they make themselves vulnerable due to nature of their job, it is not acceptable to attack people who do not consciously put themselves in a position subject to public critique.

Some may argue that the right to free speech gives Imus the right to say whatever he wants, but when speaking in a public forum, freedom of speech only goes so far. According to Webster’s New World Dictionary, slander is a harmful statement in a transitory form, especially speech, and libel is a harmful statement in a fixed medium, especially writing but also a picture, sign, or electronic broadcast. Both libel and slander are illegal, according to the laws of HEALTH

the United States, and calling the entire Rutgers University Basketball team “nappy headed hos” definitely qualifies as one, if not both, of those things.

Beyond the political issues associated with Imus’ bigoted remarks, there are a variety of social issues. Prior to Imus’ use of the phrase “nappy-headed hos,” I had never heard the term. Since then, however, I hear people use it in all the time: walking through the hallways, in the cafeteria, on the bus to and from school. Because of Imus, a racist phrase that was once obscure and infrequently used is now part of the popular vernacular.

Furthermore, Don Imus has been a radio personality since 1968. It is safe to assume that during his 39 years of being a radio personality he would know where to draw the line between what he should and should not say on air.

Whether or not one believes that he should have been fired, it is really his own fault for not being able to censor himself properly.

Not to mention, he was not fired because of what he said. He was fired because he lost commercial funding as a result of what he said.

The severity of Imus’ punishment is debatable, but he definitely deserved some sort of consequence for his actions.

A kinder, gentler, cleaner West Essex

by Alinoel Navia, ‘09

West Essex High School could look at lot better, even before the completion of construction, if people stopped complaining, stopped littering, and began to work together to create a better, more sanitary, and positively reputable environment.

Although four years ago West Essex recycled, today it has a recycling situation, stemming from the “lack of environmental concern, unresponsive faculty, and lack of student awareness,” according to an anonymous teacher.

WE Care, the environmental club advised by Deanna Lippi, has promoted recycling with the help of janitors and a few teachers. WE Care has attempted to collect recycling products, but the club does not have a sufficient number of dedicated members and not every room in the school has a recycling bin. And since students throw garbage in the recycling bins, recycling cannot be done cost-effectively or properly.

Every day, the janitors sweep the

floors and try to make the school as clean as possible. They follow a daily routine, but evidently, so do the students by littering.

“My worst clean-up situations this year all have to do with the cafeteria.” Outside the school is not better.

“Right now, every day it takes me half an hour to pick up bottles thrown everywhere outside. I think the kids don’t care,” according to Janitor Ivon Barbacho. “There were littering signs added outside to prevent the students from littering, but they still don’t care,” he added.

“Everyone throws trash everywhere” and “abandons Gatorade spills in the halls,” said sophomore Tracey Stern. “I see [a lot] of people just spilling things and running away so they don’t get in trouble. I never see anybody picking up or cleaning up after themselves,” she added.

“Dust bunnies are all over the floor,” one anonymous teacher complained.

“This definitely needs to stop.”

Sophomore Kara Osman adds, “The desks are pretty bad. Every day, I come into class with a disgusting new picture scribbled on my

desk.”

The recycling bin during 7th period lunch fills up with non-paper trash

-photo courtesy of Wire Staff Certainly that is not the fault of the janitors. “These gentlemen should be praised for what they do; they do their job admirably. The problem has

nothing to do with the custodial staff,” according to Ms. Marion Wychules.

“People just need to give the school some time and wait until the construction is done. The dust will be gone, and things will be better,” Wychules added. “People exaggerate. The school has remained the same as it was prior to construction; it just lacks ceilings,” said Wychules.

Although teachers and students alike talk about change, they never act on it. Nothing will get done if everyone complains. People need to get up and do something about dirt in order to make an impact. Despite the mice, cob web corners, and insects, this school does not have too terrible of an environment; other high schools have spiders and mice as well.

Therefore, West Essex is not as gross as everyone makes it out to be.

Recycling will be back in full force next year, but as for cleanliness, everyone will have to start taking responsibility for their cafeteria messes and stop littering in the halls.

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Roving Reporter...

opinion

complied by Emily Cox ‘07

Sueng-Hui Cho, the culprit behind the killing spree at Virginia Tech on April 16, video-taped a statement about the massacre at the University and mailed it to the television network, NBC, midway through his shooting rampage. After receiving the tape two days later, the station was torn between viewer ratings and journalistic ethics. Not until after the police announced in the afternoon that NBC had received the parcel from Cho and agreed to NBC airing it did the network show it that evening after carefully editing offensive footage.

Despite this cautious handling, some media experts labeled the move as an effort to improve NBC ratings and questioned whether giving 23-year-old Cho an outlet for hate-filled rants served the public interest. Others said the video provided a window on Cho’s motives that could help in future cases, however painful the images may be to victims and their families. Cameras embedded in cell phones have turned every witness to an event into a potential photo journalist. Some experts wonder whether viewers can expect to see a deadly attack broadcast live one day by its perpetrators.

Question: Immediately after the recent Virginia Tech tragedy, news stations such as NBC and MSNBC showed footage of Sueng-Hui Cho planning the massacre and describing his violent “manifesto.” Do you feel that this was morally right and respectful to the victim’s families for the media to show this footage? Was broadcasting the footage for entertainment and commercial purposes or to prevent future attacks?

Josh Katz ‘08 “I don’t feel that it was morally right. The killer may have sent the tape in to NBC for a specific purpose, but NBC did not have a right to display that without his family’s permission. The only reason NBC showed it was to get good ratings. It did not help anyone, it only caused more pain and suffering

Allie Candido ‘07

Malcom Bertram ‘07

“Absolutely not. There was no “I think that whoever decided to air these reason to show it. NBC should have videos should think about the situation immediately turned it all over to the from the other side of the spectrum and investigation team. This footage gives imagine how they would feel if it was other kids the basis to copy Cho’s their child’s killer being shown across national television all night long.” actions.”

that could have been prevented.”

Nancy Gartland ‘07 “I don’t believe it was respectful for the American news media to show footage of the massacre. The victims’ families have suffered enough. It was of a gratuitous nature. The news channel NBC should not have followed Cho’s death with showing this footage. This is another example of the American news media taking advantage of violent footage for entertainment purposes.”

Kristina Kuplik ‘07 “The news stations should have respected the privacy of the families of the victims.

The families were in a very devastated state of mind and the news stations made the situation worse. It was totally not necessary to bring up uneasy feelings.”

Billy Mensch ‘08 “TV executives need to stop worrying about money, ratings, and viewers... and start thinking about what is morally right and appropriate.”

opinion

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2004

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: Andrew Maxman’s article entitled “Students Learn Lessons Outside the Classroom on FBLA Trip” has a wonderful message to convey. Through Maxman’s depictions of his experiences on the FBLA trip and the lessons he learned, he has taught us all a great lesson. Maxman expected the trip to be boring and stupid, yet he came home with a new mindset about how to live his life. Although he thought the trip would be boring, Maxman went down to Edison with an open mind and because of this, he learned four invaluable lessons, simply through experience and interaction, rather than in the classroom or through the textbook. Maxman has shown us that through interaction and observation we can better ourselves and benefit from even the most tedious surroundings. Maxman turned a dull FBLA trip with an itinerary consisting of “three hours worth of speeches filled with ridiculously corny knock- knock jokes,” a “Motown-themed dance,” and a boring test into a fun learning experence.

What’s the lesson? Have a good attitude about everything, even school (yes, school). While West Essex may be in shambles without ceilings, with teachers giving in to temptation, and bomb scares left and right, there are still many lessons to be learned, in and outside the classroom.

-Michael Shanker

Does it bother you that... ... with Ryan Logan-Magnusson, ‘08 Does it bother you that lately freedom of speech as we know it has really turned into freedom of whatever the media approves?

For the past few years, atheists have been going kazooi because their children have to listen to the words “under God” every day during the Pledge of Allegiance; now the atheists are trying to get the words “In God We Trust” off American currency.

If you don’t like the Pledge, fine. Don’t listen to it; don’t say it. If you don’t like “In God We Trust” on the money, great; don’t use it. If you really hate the use of His or Her name, then get out of this country because a large portion of the Declaration of Independence, that little piece of paper that made this country, happens to make a few references to God in it.

To tell you the truth, I don’t think it is much of an issue, only something that has been whipped up by the media. Look at Don Imus, another example of the media messing up our culture. Yes, he is a moron for saying what he said, but is anyone really that surprised that people think and say these things every day of our lives?

What I love about the Imus situation is that the hip-hop/rap community sings with impunity while millions of white parents buy this garbage for their children with words like “n*gger,” “bitch,” and “nappy-headed ho” every other (bleeping) word. Yet when one ignorant white man calls a bunch of female basketball players “nappy headed hos,” people lose their minds.

Please, put down the newspapers, get off the Internet, and go out with your family, play wiffle ball, go swimming, and stop letting morons make your life crazy. This may be a guy thing, but, honestly, I would rather be called a “nappy-headed ho” than a female basketball player any day.

APPLAUSE AND FLAWS Applause: * Seniors who earned good enough grades to leave on senior service * To the band and chorus for their success in Florida * To the warm weather after a rainy April * To the candidates running for office * To all the spring sports for their accomplishments this season * To all juniors who got their licenses *To the North Caldwell Police Department for “cracking” down on the West Essex drug problem * To the FINAL DAYS OF SCHOOL! Flaws: * To the recurring bomb scares, and whoever the culprit is * To still having to do work, even as second semester seniors * To the ten-minute rule * To the one bathroom policy * To potholes in the school driveway and parking lots * To our “inner city problems” -compiled by the Wire staff

To the Editor: I am writing in response to the story by Alinoel Navia in the April issue which concerns when the freshman class is really going to make the jump to the Senior High.

Everyone is excited about what will be happening to the new area of the school: new weight room, new gym, new classrooms, and less crowded hallways are all examples of ways our school is going to be improved. Back in 2004, however, my class, the Class of ’08, was told it would be the final class of freshmen ever to open a textbook or take one line of notes in the Junior High.

I sit here writing to you three years later, as a junior, and I cannot honestly tell you when the freshman class will actually move here.

Problems with construction have only added to the barrage of one-liners that have been created at the expense of West Essex. It has been said that the freshman will move at the beginning of next year; it has been said that they will be moved during the middle of next year; it has also been said that the American’s actually landed on the surface of the moon.

No one knows for sure what will happen, and I’m not really sure anyone cares anymore. Maybe everything we have all been learning and doing has been one big Hollywood movie set, and we are all just bouncing on one big landing pad of lies and procrastination.

-Ryan Logan-Magnusson To the Editor: In response to Matt Cohn’s article entitled “Senioritis Plagues the Class of 2007,” I raise just one question: doesn’t the senior class have the right to slack off?

Throughout one’s high school career, and for some even through junior high school and grammar school, the main goal for just about everyone at West Essex is to get into college. After the juggernaut that is junior year, students are so exhausted and frustrated with the pressures of high school that the urge to throw in the towel is enormous.

Yet most students will still stick it out and continue working through the midpoint of the senior year. Colleges often consider mid-year grades in their admission decisions, and, as a result, senioritis doesn’t fully kick in until after midterms. Once the mid-year grades are set in stone, the great majority of the senior class will embrace an “anythingbut-fail” attitude. Grades drop and so does attendance, but it is quite a deserved relief.

There are still the horror stories that pass through the high schools. Students get accepted into the school of their dreams and slack off, and then the university comes along and rescinds their admission. Fortunately, those circumstances are rare and for now, it is easy sailing.

-Dan Coplon

The Official Student Newspaper of West Essex High School A Columbia Scholastic Press Association Silver Crown, Gold Medalist Paper GSSPA First Place New Jersey Distinguished Journalism Award 65 West Greenbrook Road, North Caldwell, New Jersey 07006 (973) 228-1200 ext. 258 2007-2008 STAFF:

News Editor Jeremy Lim, ‘08 Opinion Editor Matt Cohn, ‘08 Feature Editor Amanda Nichols, ‘08 Sports Editor Jack Vidovich, ‘08 Design Editor Elliot Kartus, ‘09 Copy Editor Andrew Maxman, ‘09

Staff Writers Jamie Blaustein, ‘07 Mark Cassera, ‘07 Katie Clavin, ‘07 Matt Cohn, ‘08 Jenel Conde, ‘09 Dan Coplon, ‘07 Dina Costanza, ‘07 Emily Cox, ‘07 Evan Elberg, ‘09 Tom Grossi, ‘07 Victoria Gualtieri, ‘09 Elliot Kartus, ‘09 Steve Kinslow, ‘09 Jeremy Lim, ‘08

Alinoel Navia, ‘09 Cassie Neugold, ‘09 Amanda Nichols, ‘08 Samira Paydar, ‘07 Jared Prince, ‘07 Kristen Ricigliano, ‘07 Katie Rosenberg, ‘07 Jen Silverstein, ‘08 Michael Shanker, ‘07 Dan Spada, ‘09 John Veniero, ‘07 Jack Vidovich, ‘08 Mark Walsh, ‘09 Ryan Logan-Magnusson, ‘08 Gena Wolfson, ‘07 Andrew Maxman, ‘09 Laurie Mittelmann, ‘07

Advisor Daryl Corcoran

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

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

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

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

In this section: In this section: Valentine’s Day, just another day?..................7 New Trends..............................8 Advanced Placement or Added Pressure?...7 School Dances........................9 Work ethic, is itTournament...................10 alive in students?.....................8 FIFA

Seniors battle against risky decisions, bad judgment

by Jared Prince ‘07

Spring is in the air as greater peer pressure begins to blossom. As summer lies right around the corner, why has the pressure to take risks grown so rapidly in West Essex student?

Senior Rachel Berman attributes this phenomenon to the changing of the seasons. “It’s almost as if the pressure to take risks are seeds that are living inside [students], and once spring arrives [the seeds] begin to mature and sprout into bad judgment,” said Berman.

With these new, luscious fields of wild pressures growing rapidly among the student population, something is “bound to go wrong,” according to Berman.

“Because it’s close enough to summer for people to start counting down the days [left of school], and because the weather is getting nicer, students are naturally going to take more risks and make poorer decisions,” according to junior Justin Lisa, who concurs with Berman’s logic.

However, sophomores Candace and Casey Dipsey claim that it was their fellow peers and not the time of year that influenced them to take a chance and have a party, which ended in an unforgiving manner.

“It was a perfect opportunity to have a party,” said Casey, “I had thought about it over and over; yet, I was still uncertain whether or not I was totally comfortable with the idea, but with so many friends and peers encouraging me to have [a party], it made it seem not as big of deal, which made it a lot easier for me to say ‘yes’ and give in to the peer pressure,” Casey added.

As Fairfield Police Department patrol cars and officers pulled up in front of the house and knocked on the door, all those instigators fled, and both Casey and Candace were left in their house with only a few fellow students.

“I never really thought of the consequences beforehand when Casey and I made the decision, partly because I was not expecting the amount of kids who

ended up showing up at my house,” according to becomes a huge problem during this time of year.

Senior Anthony Dalonges knows the consequences Casey’s twin sister Candace.

But they are not the only people in recent weeks of leaving school during lunch firsthand.

“It was one of my last days of high school, as I to have a party go entirely wrong. “I’m in college, I’m a second semester senior…I just want to have would soon be going on Senior Service, so my friend fun,” said college senior Jon Agudo. Having nothing and I thought we’d go out and celebrate this fantasto do on a Saturday night, Agudo decided to take tic milestone,” said Dalonges.

“I was gomatters into his ing to come own hands. back for my “I never “It’s almost as if the pressure to take risks are seeds that are living inside [students], and once classes; I rethought that the ally wasn’t party was going spring arrives [the seeds] begin to mature and trying to pull to attract that sprout into bad judgment,” said Berman. anything by much attention going out for to the point where the police would have to show up,” said lunch,” added Dalonges, but that’s not how PrinciAgudo. “Once I heard someone yell ‘cops’ and saw pal Barbara Longo saw it.

Dalonges was stripped of his Senior Service and everyone running, I didn’t know what to do,” he all other senior privileges, and was made an example added.

And so in seconds, Agudo was left alone alongside for all West Essex students. “Looking back on it, I only eight of his classmates who all circled around obviously don’t think it was worth it,” said Dalonges. the one-time blazing bonfire that now was slowly dying A West Essex student, who agreed to speak with down to nothing but ambers, as the police took down the Wessex Wire in an exclusive interview only if ensured that his/her identity would remain anonymous, everyone’s information.

Among the few who could not get away from the said that he/she feels, “It’s a lot easier to walk out of scene was senior Caitlin Cardace. This was the sec- the school, during school hours, than it is to walk out ond time Cardace had been caught at a party this of the school earlier in the school year.”

“The halls are so much more relaxed, and everyschool year, and she admitted that the parties are not worth the risks that come with them. “Since I am 18, one can feel the year coming to an end. For a stuthe cop told me that by law I could technically get dent, that just diminishes any and all calculated risks that would normally play a factor in one’s decision my license taken away,” according to Cardace.

“There are only a few [circumstances] where I would making,” he/she added.

Others, who also have wished to remain anonyconsider risking my license, and a high school party isn’t one of them,” she added. Yet, parties are not mous, have admitted to not only just taking a period the only avenue of risk that students take during the off, but also the whole day instead. “I have a lot of unused absences, so if I check the weather for the later months of the year.

As the school year winds down, cutting class be- week and see that there’s going to be a nice day comes more of a popular occurrence among the West coming up, I’ll just take off that day and maybe go down the shore,” said a West Essex student.

Essex students.

“Most teachers have reduced the amount of work Whether its leaving one’s lunch period to go out to eat, deciding to skip a certain class period, or just given, and making [the work] up is not nearly as hard as it would be to make up in the beginning of choosing to not come to school altogether, cutting the year,” added the student.

TRENDS

What will we roll out with next?

by Laurie Mittelmann ‘07 Computer teacher Cathy Collins buys fruit roll ups with edible ink tongue tattoos enclosed in the wrapper for her two children, ages seven and eight, and she sees no reason why high school children could not similarly enjoy the body décor which makes them “giggle and smile.”

“We like to share them with other kids,” said the younger daughter, Willow Pomponio of West Caldwell’s Wilson School, where they’re “fun for everyone.”

In opposition with skin tattoos that must be obscured from vision by physical means, action is actually required for tongue tattoo visibility. A person bearing the design must open his or her mouth and stick out the tongue.

For this reason, Willow’s sister Allana prefers tat-

toos on her hands. She still uses the tongue variety which comes with her snacks, however, and which displays images like “bees and words” and comes most commonly in the colors red, green, yellow, and dark blue.

Senior Jen Silverstein sticks out Nicole Kenny her tongue to send has never used someone a message. an edible ink -photo courtesy of Laurie tongue tattoo Mittelmannn before, but she has “many predictions” as to the product’s future and “a desire to venture out and pick some up at

Shoprite.”

“I think it could be a cool trend at West Essex because students could just walk up to their friends and stick out their tongues to communicate quick messages,” she said.

A few students have already begun “to dabble” in the “fashion,”according to junior Robin Miller.

She learned of the adornment when studying at the high school library.

“I heard a commotion from behind the bookshelves and peering between texts, I caught sight of two senior girls sticking them on each other’s tongues,” said Miller, who felt “immediately intrigued.”

“The otherwise slimey pink tongue transforms into a disco,” added Miller, reflecting that the designs are noticeably colorful. “The mouth is the hottest new venue for fabulous party.”

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Cannes Film Festival showcases new movies

by Dan Spada ‘09

Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the Cannes Film Festival took place from May 16th to 26th and featured obscure, independent, and usually foreign films.

Over the past 60 years famous directors such as David Lean, Michelangelo Antonioni, and Akira Kurosawa have contributed films and have won the most prestigious award, the Palme d’Or, for their films.

My Blueberry Nights opened the festival, and the buzz surrounding it is astounding.

“I simply cannot wait to see what Wong Kar Wai can do with American actors such as Jude Law, Rachel Weisz, David Strathairn, and Natalie Portman and how his filming in the US goes,” said sophomore Alexis Shanley. “I am a passionate fan of Norah Jones and am excited to see her make her feature film debut.” Wong Kar Wai is the director of the 2004 hit, 2046, which was viewed at the festival in 2004.

Zodiac and Death Proof (Quentin Tarantino’s segment of Grindhouse, a double feature throwback to B-grade horror movies by the filmmaking duo Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez) have already been released in the US, and both are competing at the festival. The news about both films is overwhelmingly positive. Variety critic, Todd McCarthy, writes that Zodiac “Director David Fincher’s, most mature and accomplished work.”

“I enjoyed the film immensely,” said junior Arielle Schneck. “It was, in my opinion, Fincher’s most fluidly paced film, and I have a feeling, although many kids in this school will be quick to label it as slow, they will still enjoy it to some extent.”

Students in the school seemed to enjoy Death Proof less, however.

“Tarantino’s segment fell flat for me,” said Katie Flynn. “It was all build-up and character development for nothing. To tell you the truth, I’m not a fan of his films in general; I find them amateurish and pedantic. In his previous films he seems to pass ideas off as his own and that is not the mark of a ‘good’ filmmakers by any means,” added Flynn.

Less well known directors such as Kim Ki-duk, Emir Kusturica, Bela Tarr, ad Alexander Sokourov, also have films debuting in the competition at Cannes and all of their respective films have accumulated enough buzz to make them possible candidates for the Palme d’Or. Kim Ki-duk’s latest effort, Breath, is a love story involving a convicted prisoner who, according to IMDb.com, “slowly falls for a woman who decorates his prison cell”.

Kusturica’s new film, Promise Me This is, according to IMDb.com, “set outside Belgrade, where an old man prays for his son to go to the city and bring back a wife”.

In The Man From London, Bela Tarr’s new film, “Maloin, a switchman at a seaside railway station situated by a ferry harbor, witnesses a terrible event”.

There is no information available yet on Alexander Sokourov’s new film, Alexandra, but information is sure to become available as the festival grows nearer.

“I am patiently awaiting Kim Ki-duk’s new film.

I’m a huge fan of his previous films, [including 3Iron, Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring, Samaritan Girl, Real Fiction, and Bad Guy],” said sophomore Travis Pierson. “I immensly enjoy his style of filmmaking.”

Winner of the Palme d’Or for best director and

film in 2003 for his film Elephant, Gus Van Sant has achieved both critical success and mainstream success in his filmmaking career. Gus Van Sant’s career dates back to 1985, when he debut film Male Noche was released, his successful films also include Drugstore Cowboy, My Own Private Idaho, To Die For, Good Will Hunting, and Finding Forrester.

Recently, he has completed his “Death Trilogy”, consisting of Elephant, Gerry, and Last Days.

“All of the films in Van Sant’s “Death Trilogy” move at a glacial pace, and are extremely hard to focus on if you watch films for plot,” said sophomore Emily Lyons. “He relies too heavily on the artistic merit of his films, and I simply cannot enjoy them. I can objectively say that the films are impressive in a number of ways but cannot find pleasure in viewing them subjectively,” she added.

Most of the films shown at the festival in previous years are readily available on either DVD or VHS. The film that won the Palme d’Or last year, The Wind That Shakes the Barley, was just released in theaters and was granted a limited release in theaters. In addition to being released in theaters, IFC films also released it to the general public to watch it On Demand in your home for half the price of a movie ticket.

The film focuses on two brothers torn apart by the anti-Brit rebellion in Ireland in the 1920s. Michael Wilmington of the Chicago Tribune called the film, “beautiful, harrowing, tough and rife with grief.”

The Child, winner of the Palme d’Or in 2005, is available on DVD, either to rent from rental services such as Netflix or Blockbuster or to buy from stores such as Best Buy and Circuit City.

The Child is about a couple who have a child whom the father sells. “I was entirely satisfied with this film.

It was intimate, touching, and realistic and I believe that it deserved the Palme d’Or,” said sophomore Jess Quick.

Winner of the Palme d’Or in 1960, La dolce vita, is also readily available on DVD to rent and buy. The camera follows Marcello, the main character played

by Marcello Mastroianni, through seven days of his reporter lifestyle. Federico Fellini directed this film in between his neo-realistic earlier films and artistic later films.

The Cannes Film is an important showcase for European films and filmmakers. Cannes is the leader of the “Big Five” festivals which also includes Venice, Berlin, Sundance, and Toronto. For more information on the Cannes Film Festival, visit the official website, http://www.festival-cannes.org.

DANCES

Junior Prom v. Senior Ball

by Kristin Ricigliano ‘07 Now that springtime is here and weather is warmer, prom season is in bloom. Juniors and seniors each have dances during the springtime. Juniors have junior prom, while seniors have senior ball. Most schools have both a junior and senior prom with minimal differences, but at West Essex the differences between ball and prom are huge.

Junior Prom was held May 18th at the Westminster Hotel in Livingston. Each year, junior prom typically follows the same format. All juniors come as couples.

Girls wear long gowns and the guys wear tuxedos.

Normally, to and from prom, girls and guys take party buses or limos from the picture house to the event and then down the shore. The buses are made up of juniors and their dates. After prom, most students spend the weekend at the Starlight Motel in Ortley Beach, NJ. Senior Ball, on the other hand, is at the Newark Club in Newark on Friday, June 15th . Seniors go without dates. The girls wear short, cocktail dresses, while the guys wear a jacket or blazer. Girls and guys take a party bus or limo from the picture house to the event and then down the shore. Senior Ball tickets are bought separately while Junior Prom tickets are typically bought in pairs.

These traditions have existed at West Essex for over 25 years.

Mr. Chris Benaquista, senior class advisor, said, “There has always been a senior ball and a junior prom” at West Essex, even since he “graduated in the 80s.”

“It’s interesting because it is something that is unique to West Essex and I think it’s important to keep an old tradition like this around,” said Benaquista.

Jaime Blaustein, senior class president, coordinated the Junior Prom last year, and this year is in the process of working out the details of Senior Ball.

“For me, Ball has been easier to coordinate, since no one has dates. The student council doesn’t have to worry about where people and their dates will fit

at a table,” said Blaustein. “People can go with their friends, sit with their friends, and leave with their friends.”

Senior Alexa Centrella agrees that “Senior Ball is much less pressure, since you don’t necessary have to get your hair done, buy a really fancy gown, and find a date.” However, the “excitement of being asked to prom by someone and taking pictures with a date is also really fun to experience junior year.”

Girls and guys don’t have to worry about paying for transportation or tickets at Ball since students go alone and, therefore, pay for themselves.

Prom tickets and transportation can cause some controversy, according to senior Danielle Bertscha.

“If you are a junior, and you take someone just as friends, the question always comes up, does the guy pay for the ticket and the limo, just the ticket, or neither, if he’s not in the junior class and just going as a guest?” said Bertscha.

Some girls prefer to search for a date and dress up in a gown for Junior Prom. Juniors Nikki Berse and Stefanie Caputo are “excited to wear” their gown dresses and think its “going to be really fun” to go with dates.

For guys, the difference between wearing a tuxedo and a blazer and bringing a date or going single means a lot.

“It is so much easier to pay for your own ticket, not have to worry about asking someone and wondering whether or not she will go with you, and then renting a tuxedo,” said senior Ted Abbot. “I think it is safe to say most guys agree with me on this one.”

Senior Ball has a much more casual attitude, according to senior Amanda Roche.

“Some of my friends are wearing sundresses,” she added. “I loved my prom gown, and I had a great time with my date, but I think Ball is perfect for the end of senior year. No dates, no pressure, and basically, everyone together for the last time before graduation.”

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2004

Where there’s a will, there’s a URL

other controversial material online. En- are obscene, child pornography, or acted in 1999, CIPA requires schools harmful to minors.” Such a technology Students question the denial of their and libraries to operate “a technology right to access certain websites deemed unsafe by the school board, which advocates freedom of speech and open communication.

Websites, such as instantunblock.com and unblockwebsites.com, enabled students’ access to restricted websites.

These websites have since been blocked.

Health classes protested the restriction of drug websites, on which they research projects. According to the students, this made the work twice as hard, as a majority of their research must be done at home.

“I think it’s good that they block some of the websites,” said sophomore Brooke Sunshine. “But sometimes, if we’re working on a project in school and half the websites we need are blocked, it makes the work a lot A student gets denied trying to log harder.” onto a blocked website. picture courtesy of Elliot Kartus Restriction is part of the Children’s Internet Protection Act, also known as protection measure be employed “durCIPA, as well as Child Online Protec- protection measure with respect to any ing any use of such computers by mition Act (COPA), are just two of the of its computers with Internet access nors.” bills that the United States Congress has that protects against access through These laws, as well as the recent adput into effect in an attempt to limit such computers to visual depictions that dition of the Deleting Online Predators children’s exposure to pornography and

by Victoria Gualtieri ‘09

FIFA TOURNAMENT

Act, launched in early 2007, forces not only schools but also libraries and other public places to censor the websites they allow citizens to access. Even though the idea seems positive at first glance, people who do not have a computer at home are at a disadvantage, especially if necessary websites are blocked.

Despite the American Library Association’s attempt to declare this Act unconstitutional, it was still upheld by the Supreme Court.

At West Essex Mr. Peckis and Mr. Stolfi are in charge of the computer system.

“We ourselves don’t block the websites, but we subscribe to a service that blocks them for us,” said Mr. Peckis, in response to a question about the restricted content. “But if a student needs to use a website, he can ask a teacher for permission, and we can disable the block on it.”

Both Mr. Peckis and Mr. Stolfi reiterate that the content must be restricted in accordance with CIPA. While they do not constantly survey students online, they do occasionally “actively monitor students”, checking their visited websites during school hours.

As students continue to find new ways around limitations, others will find ways to frustrate their attempts.

Students engage in a multi-cultural experience

by Evan Elberg ‘09 On Tuesday, May 22 nd the cafeteria was invaded by a cultural phenomenon. Representing five nations, 42 students gathered to celebrate the world’s most popular sport, soccer, and played for the FIFA championship through the XBOX 360.

The tournament opened with three games played simultaneously, while crowds of people with plates

of paella surrounded each television. Paella is a mixture of rice, shellfish, chicken, and Spanish sausage infused with saffron and was donated from Mediterranean Grill, the restaurant of Aaron Seabra’s father.

Mike Shanker said, “I have a tray of paella so big that I can swim it.”

He ate the whole thing.

FIFA playoffs continued Thursday with delicious pancakes fresh off the griddle, provided by the

Original Pancake House. The returning champ from last year and still favorite, Seabra, looked to be crowned once again. Felipe Souza had other ideas and went head-tohead against the defending champ, beating him to advance to the finals against Kevin “the dicer” Hill, who had beaten Evan Roth in the semi-finals.

Souza captured the championship with a 3-1 victory and received a T-shirt along with ultimate bragging

rights in the FIFA world.

In addition to generating fun, the FIFA tournament was a fundraiser for the Fairfield Red Cross. Organized by Michael Shanker and Aaron Seabra with Ms. Zuppa’s help, each player paid a $10 entry fee. Teachers contributed by paying $5 to wear jeans on Friday, May 25. The total amount raised was $675 to benefit the Fairfield flood victims.

Left: Rob Nichols and DJ Dizzy Dean spin out some tunes for the FIFA Tournament.

Right: Ms. Zuppa takes a turn at DJing while Rob Nichols looks on.

Below: Kevin Hill takes on Felipe Souza in the second round of the FIFA Tournament.

-photos courtesy of Michael Shanker

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2004

‘Major League Wiffle’ returns for third season

by Andy Maxman ‘09 The end of the baseball season is followed by the start of the third season of Major League Wiffle, a wiffle-ball league started by North Caldwell’s Dylan Cascino, a place for aspiring wiffle-ball players to hone their skills, join teams, and compete against each other.

On May 12th the second annual MLW Draft took place, and the events were shocking to many. With the first pick of the draft, Captain Dylan Cascino of the Blue Balls selected Ryan Rechten after acquiring the first pick via trade with Nick Rafanello.

“I feel honored to be picked first overall with all of the great talent in the draft. Many people had other predictions for the first pick, so when I heard my name I was shocked,” Rechten said of his selection.

“Being picked first overall is great but I

still have to come up big during the seaOpening Day will commence on Thursson to show that I earned my pick. I don’t day May 31st at 6:00 PM, and will conwant to be a bust,” he added. tinue the following day starting at 4:00 PM. Tyler Every game this season will Tomea of take place on the newly renothe Black vated Cascino Engineering Power sePark, located at 2 East lected as the Greenbrook Road, North second pick Caldwell.

E v a n The League is operating this Elberg, a season under a revised set of player rules, which are as follows: Brian Agostini of White pitches known for Games will be played for five to Pat Jennings of Orange his line- during their game. innings with called balls and drives and strikes (hit-by-pitch counts as -Photo courtesy Jordan Cascino speed out of a ball). Home runs are over the box. With perhaps the most surpris- the left and centerfield fences and over ing selection of the entire draft, Captain the wall in right field. Leading and StealBrian Agostini of the Green Cards se- ing are not allowed, and a runner may be lected rookie Joseph Taylor, passing up pegged during the course of a play. veterans such as Chris Hardy and slugThe field has been recently updated with ger Joey Russo. fresh sod, a repaired outfield fence, and

a new backstop. Also, the field will be regularly cleaned and maintained with new lines.

The experts around the community, and other insiders among the league, predict that the Yellow Fever, lead by West Essex Alumnus Jordan Cascino, will be the winners of the first official MLW World Series, which is set to take place from June 30 – July 3. The Yellow Fever is comprised of pitcher Cascino, fielder Joe Stigliano, and First Baseman Jared – X – Laxer, who was leading the league in RBIs last year before the Strike ended the season.

However, Jordan Cascino predicts not that his Fever will win, but that the Blue Balls lead by his brother Dylan will be the champions.

Dylan seconds Jordan’s statement, and adds, “If I am healthy, there is not a chance that we lose. Not even a game.”

‘Major League Wiffle’ 2007 Draft Results Pick 1. Blue (Captain Dylan Cascino) Ryan Rechten

Pick 4. Red (Captain Alan Jacobson) Chris Hardy

Pick 7. Yellow: Joe Russo

Pick 10. White: Jon Ciccone

Pick 2. Black (Captain Tyler Tomea) Evan Elberg

Pick 5. Yellow (Captain Jordan Cascino) Joe Stigliano

Pick 8. Yellow: Jared Laxer

Pick 11. Black: Mike Susin

Pick 3. White(Captain Brian Agostini) Joe Taylor

Pick 6. Orange (Captain Nick Rafanello) Jon Shankman (re-

Pick 9. Red: Greg Mustillo

Pick 12. Blue: Zack Rothkopf

leased; Pat Jennings acquired)

ELECTION ‘08

Splintered opinions on US policies, presidential candidates

by Jack Vidovich ‘08 With neither a returning candidate nor an incumbent, potential contenders for the US presidency launched their campaigns in 2006 for the 2008 election. Positions on policies range widely as do concerns from abortion to immigration to the war in Iraq.

Students at West Essex are split on many of these decisions. Victor Fonseca in his article on racial diversity last year, tried to portray the students as unvaried and ultimately similar. However, when it comes to politics, West Essex can be a site of diversity.

Beyond policy considerations, the upcoming election is unique in American history because major candidates include a female, Hilary Clinton, and a black front runner, Barack Obama.

A junior, who wanted to remain anonymous, does not believe that a female president, especially Clinton, would be a good candidate in a time of war.

“She wants to weaken the army,” this person claimed. “The terrorists look down on women, and having a woman, especially Clinton, would make the United States look weak and only encourage the terrorists.”

Senior Elizabeth Jung, turning 18 this July, is more optimistic about a female president than some. “[Hav-

ing a woman president] would be like a great experiment,” Jung explained.

The most pressing issue of the 2008 election is the war in Iraq. A sophomore, who wished to remain anonymous, is against the war. Not only morally opposed, the student also said the war was harmful to United States economy and “wasting” the citizens tax money.

“Vietnam is being relived. Soldiers are being sent to their deaths, and the country is using inappropriate force.”

Senior Michael McConnell, however, is for the war calling it “a start to what must be done to put an end to the suffering in the Middle East.”

Despite these strong opinions, sophomore Raymond Vagge rebukes both points. “Kids are uneducated and can’t formulate their own opinions on our government.”

Senior Britney Muller believes that abortion will also be a major issue in the 2008 election because of “the recent legislation and pro-life views of the conservatives.” South Dakota passed a law creating a ‘near-ban’ on abortion. Students like junior Ashley Kinsella are opposed to such bans.

“We live in America, where both church and state should be separated,” Kinsella said. “It’s a personal choice that should be available.”

Junior Melissa Muñoz is opposed to

abortion; she feels that there are more ethical and moral options than having an abortion. “If the mother does not want the child, or feels that she cannot provide for the baby, she could put it up for adoption.”

The issue of abortion cannot be mentioned without having a debate over the ethics of stem cell research.

Junior Derrick Svendsen believes that stem cell research should not be re-

stricted because its potential benefits.

“It can help people with diseases like Michael J. Fox’s and others who suffer from Parkinson’s disease.”

At the same time junior Jeremy Ciotola is adamantly opposed to any form of stem cell research. “I think stem cell research is an immoral abuse of medical technology. It’s not man’s place to decide who or what should be created.”

ELECTIONS

Student Council Election Results Junior Class Council

Student Council

President: Ryan Funsch Vice-President: Demetri Rentzis Secretary: Gianna D’urso Treasurer: Lindsey George

President: Matt Cohn* Jared Shababb* Vice-President: Demetri Rentzis Secretary: Gabby Pucillo Treasurer: Justin Lisa

Senior Class Council President: Connor Leonard Vice-President: Gabby Pucillo Secretary: Alfie Tolli Treasurer: Alex Rupple

*Owing to the first ever tie in West Essex election history, Matt Cohn and Jared Shabbabb will be co-presidents for the 2007-2008 school year.

In this section: Bertscha gets 1000 K’s ......................12 Lady Knights lacrosse........................13 Boy’s tennis wins Conference............14

Bertscha Reaches Record 1000; Team Falls Short

by Jenel Conde ‘09

During the first game of a doubleheader against Summit on May 22, senior Danielle Bertscha pitched a perfect game, 11-0, becoming the second player in Essex County history and the 10th in New Jersey ever to record 1,000 career strikeouts. In the second game against Summit, which was a 12-0 victory, Bertscha pitched four perfect innings.

With their season over and a record of 23-7, the Varsity girl’s softball team accomplished much this season.

The team won their first county game against Verona. In their second county game, the Knights played 12-seeded Belleville. In the eighth inning, sophomore Rosie Savino hit a 225 ft homerun over the fence, which is a rare occurrence, giving West Essex a 4-3 victory.

Their third county game on May 12th against Bloomfield, who is number one in the Star Ledger Top 20, was a lengthy victory for West Essex. The game lasted eleven innings instead of the usual seven. Bertscha struck out 21 batters and told the Star Ledger, “We lost our last three games and two of them were in extra innings. Those losses hurt, but this was the game we wanted. This was big.”

Freshman Jackie Branco hit an RBI

single in the sixth inning to tie the score Essex to victory. at 1. The bases were loaded in the 11th On May 24th against Ridgefield inning when freshman Austin Leigh Park, Austin Leigh hit an RBI double stepped up to the plate and hit the ball in the bottom of the sixth to bring West just deep enough into center field to al- Essex to victory in the first round of low her teamthe North Jermate to score. sey, Section 2, Branco then hit a Group 2 tournashot to right cenment. ter and brought Chatham, a in two runs, team who had making it 4-1. beaten West In the bottom of Essex on May the 11 th , 14 th, was deBloomfield feated by the scored a run, but Knights on May not enough to 29th to lift West beat the Knights.

Essex into the The final score NJSIAA North was 4-2.

Jersey, Section On May19 th, 2, Group 2 West Essex won semifinal. its first Essex Senior Danielle Bertscha warms up Their season County Tourna- her arm before a game. ended on May -photo courtesy of Andrea Mondadori 31 st , ment title since when 1998, beating West Essex lost third-seeded Mount St. Dominic, num- to Caldwell, 2-1 in the eighth inning, ber twelve in the Star Ledger top 20. but not without a fight. A double from The score remained 0-0 until the 7th in- sophomore Michelle Bertscha and a ning when Danielle Bertscha’s hit over bunt from freshman Candace Travis, the left fielder, towards the warning which was overthrown at first, kept track, driving in two runs for West Es- the game close. The phenomenal fieldsex. Bertscha continued her shutout in ing by Travis was also a huge aid to RECRUITMENT the bottom of the seventh and led West

the team. As for the team’s hitting, coach Mondadori says they have gotten better since last year.

“This year we have improved our hitting and hitting for power. Last year we went into games hitting .230-.300. This year our batting average as a team improved to almost .350,” said Mondadori.

The team in the field is comprised of mostly freshmen. Austin Leigh and Jackie Branco are designated players or outfielders. Christina Galese plays first base, Candice Travis plays second, and Alyssa Witte plays third.

The three seniors, Danielle Bertscha, Brittany Burlazzi and Brittany Hamker were glad to have the freshmen on the team. “They’re a good addition and we know the team will have good leaders in years to come,” said Hamker.

Of the three seniors, only Danielle Bertscha will continue to play softball at The College of New Jersey. Burlazzi and Hamker will both play volleyball in college.

Coach Mondadori believes that even with Bertscha and the other seniors gone next year, the team will still be able to hold their own in a competition.

“I like having young talent on the team.

It means we will have experienced, talented girls in the next years.”

Absolute power corrupts absolutely: The Mark Walsh story

by John Veniero ‘07

Edmund Burke, an old British philosopher once said, “The greater the power, the more dangerous the abuse.”

Referees abusing their power has become a major problem in sports today.

Sophomore Mark Walsh was thrown out of the junior varsity lacrosse game against Columbia because he waved to his mother in the stands. The infuriated referee, on a rampage after multiple arguments with both teams’ coaches and fans, misinterpreted Walsh’s wave as an obscene gesture towards him.

“I didn’t understand what was going on,” Walsh said. “I was just standing around waving to my mom during a dead ball situation, and the ref kicked me out,” he added. In accordance to the NJSIAA regulations, in addition to being ejected from the game, Walsh was also suspended from the next two games.

“Part of the problem is that there is no appeal process,” said head varsity lacrosse coach Timothy Glenn. “Even when there is overwhelming evidence

that a player did nothing wrong, that player is still punished,” he added.

Glenn feels that the majority of referees do have good intentions of calling a fair game, but there are a select few who give referees bad reputations by abusing their power.

In the NBA, during the Mavericks Spurs game this year, Tim Duncan was thrown out of the game for quietly

laughing on the bench over a call the referee made.

“The ref looked at me and said, “Do you want to fight? Do you want to fight?” Duncan stated in an interview with ESPN. Joe Crawford, the referee who suspended Duncan was suspended indefinitely by NBA commissioner David Stern for his conduct.

Walsh’s situation was very similar to Duncan’s, except that the referee who suspended Walsh was not punished.

There is currently no mechanism for re-questioning or re-judging the calls made by referees today, and for that reason the referee who wrongfully got Walsh suspended got away with abusing the power he has as a high school lacrosse referee.

Girls track team improves and unites

by Samira Paydar ‘09

The girl’s spring running and throwing teams may train and practice separately, but they come together for meets to represent West Essex.

Despite their hard work, the players were up against tough competition. They finished the season with a record of 2-6 meets, losing to Par Hills 123-17, Chatham 120-20, Morris Hills 131-9, and Hanover Park 1345, but defeating Dover 72-54 and Weequahic with 71-28.

The running team practices on the track and around campus.

“We don’t usually see the throwing team during practices. They’re most often in the weight room.” said sophomore Marissa

Manwarren,amemberoftherunningteam for over two years.

“Our workouts are different,” said Manwarren. “We have specified running drills for sprinters and distance runners, and [we] don’t do field events until the end of practice,” she added.

“There are definitely more girls on the running team than on the throwing team, and most of them [the runners] don’t throw atall.”saidsophomoreEmilyLyons,amember of the throwing team.

Members of both teams sometimes cross-train. While the members of the throwing team typically do not run, the runners do many field events. The runners are most likely to participate in field events like highjump,triplejump,andlongjump.Most

of the throwing team does shot put, and there are no female pole vaulters.

Math teacher Tricia Doyle and science teacher Stacey Morris coach the runners whileEnglishteacherRonaldRowepractices with the throwing team. “Last year Coach Rowe worked with the sprinters, but now he’s with the throwing team,” said Manwarren.

However, despite individual practices, the entire team joins the boy’s teams for meets.

“Meets are the best part of track. It’s when the entire team is unified,” said Lyons. With new runners as well as throwers such as Lyons, the track team has improved significantly, according to the members of the team.

“We’re doing really well this year,” said Manwarren. “The team has won a lot of medals…with every year, we’ve pro-

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GIRLS LACROSSE

Lady Knights lacrosse sweep up their competition

by Tom Grossi ‘07 & Cassie Neugold ‘09

While most lacrosse teams are only together for practices that consist of ball drills, passing drills, and running on the field, the girl’s lacrosse team had team functions that included movies, bowling, and psych-ups before almost every game.

“The upper classmen really make everyone feel like they are part of the team,” said sophomore Gianna D’urso.”

The 2007 edition of the girls’ lacrosse team was “closer than ever,” said Franzi.

“We do everything together, and it transfers do the games. We have that special bond and we always know where our teammates are going to be on the field.”

Although the team lost the State Final game to Mendham on May 29, its season was a great one, beating every other team on the way to the State Final.

The 2007 girl’s laxers were a young, very talented team with very few seniors. However, the senior leadership

all the girls in everything they do. They have created an environment of hard work and sacrifice that has carried over to positive fun for all the girls, so they are a very tight group,” added Cosse.

Last years star, two year all American, and the face of West Essex girl’s lacrosse for years, Kim Pantages is now continuing her career at Northwestern.

Senior captain Carissa Franzi says, “Any time you lose a player like Kim Pantages, it’s going to hurt, but I beAlison Cassera advances downfield lieve that this years with the ball in their game agsints team is just as strong Mendham -photo courtesy of Milestone if not stronger.”

Losing only two games in the regular was “outstanding” according to head coach Jill Cosse. “The seniors include season this year, and those coming to

top ten teams in New Jersey, the team was hitting it stride right in time for the state tournament.

“Losing to Mendham and Chatham certainly hurt because they were games we could have won, but I think it only makes us hungrier for the state tournament, and that’s our ultimate goal,” said junior Cat Serpe.

“Every year you are going to lose key players, but you also have younger kids that step up each year and really surprise you,” said Cosse. “This year’s team has been determined to show that they can still play with the best teams in the state, the state tournament run will really depend on the juniors and sophomores and how much they are willing to show the seniors what they have learned from them,” she added.

Franzi said, speaking about sophomore Gianna D’urso “We have been able, to continue our winning tradition because of our young talent.”

The girls had a great season, and hope to take their success all the way to a state championship next year.

BASEBALL

Two seniors excited to play baseball in college Dom felt the same way about comes around,” said Baab.

Ramapo’s team. “The team is really like “I’m just going to keep working hard a family,” said Raimondo. and get better everyday,” said Seniors Dom Raimondo and John Despite the pressures of playing on Raimondo, whose motto is “play hard, Baab led the baseball team with high hopes for both the season as well as their futures in college sports.

“It’s definitely great to know that I have at least another four years of baseball in college despite a serious injury. It’s a lot of hard work paying off,” said Baab, the team’s catcher.

Both Raimondo and Baab will continue their baseball careers. Dom will be attending Ramapo while Baab has committed early to Monmouth University. Both schools offer them strong playing opportunities freshman year.

College level sports are “a different level of competition” as well as a chance for upcoming freshmen to improve from past seasons.

“I want to be an ace, that’s for sure,” said pitcher Raimondo although he realizes that he will “probably start from the bottom again.

“I pretty much have to go in with a clear head. I’m not expecting the world, but I’m going to set my goals Senior John Baab swingsat a pitch during high and work hard and that’s really all one of the Kight’s home games I can do,” said Baab.

-photo courtesy of Milestone The attitude of their fellow teammates is also very important to both Baab and the college level, both boys remain ex- train hard.”

Raimondo.

With their great attitudes and strong “I hate to lose, so winning is up tremely positive and confident. there,” said Baab. “But I think aside “Every time you move up to a new level, motivation, these two will succeed with from that, it’s very important to have a you have to make certain adjustments their future endeavors. “Both John to be able to compete with older kids and Dominick have the ability to play tight knit team and have fun.”

“The players at my college were a with more experience. I just have to and do very well in college,” said the big reason of why I decided to go. They work real hard over the summer and boy’s varsity coach, Scott Illiano. “I are just a bunch of cool kids who love hopefully by then I’ll have made most am very happy for both boys and I to play ball. It’s perfect,” said Baab. of the adjustments by the time fall ball

by Dina Costanza ’07 & Mark Walsh ‘09

think they made good choices that fit them well both academically and athletically,” he added.

Baab and Raimondo leave their high school team on with a winning record.

The Knights won its last ten games and went into States with a 15-7 record.

With two wins against longtime rival Hanover Park, “We really finished our regular season on a high note, with this incredible winning streak,” Coach Illiano said. “We entered the postseason with a lot of momentum.”

Illiano added.

Unfortunately, the Knight’s season ended in disappointment with a 6-2 loss to Hackettstown in the quarter finals of the NJSIAA North Jersey, Group II, North II state playoffs.

“We really thought we were going to win,” said sophomore shortstop, Joe D’Annunzio. “It was a solid year but not up to my expectations.”

The defending Greater Newark Tournament Champs finished their season 15-8 with stellar play from their two leaders, John Baab and Dom Raimondo. Although the Knights are losing some key seniors, they still have a bright future ahead of them.

“Though we finished the season with disappointment, I still feel that we have a bright future,” Iliiano said. “Our best years are ahead of us, and we hope to contend next year” Illiano added.

Right now, the varsity baseball team is 10-7 after winning 5 straight games against “some very tough teams” according to Illiano. Those teams were Dover, Parsippany, Cedar Grove, Hanover Park, and Parsippany Hills.

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Sports

TENNIS

Boy’s tennis aces 4th straight Conference Championship have helped to fill the open spots, Boltuch, has helped to make the according to senior Jeff Young. season.

After a successful 2006 season, “Sophomore Evan Zimmer [who But the ride towards a victory at the boy’s tennis team was able to plays] first singles is a real standout the Conference Championship was continue to shine, winning the con- this season,” said Sackman. With not a smooth one, according to ference championship for the fourth Zimmer’s help the team had a win- Jacobson. After a heartbreaking year in a row. defeat against “ T h e s e a s o n ’s r i v a l gone really well,” Chatman in said senior Michael States, the Sackman. boys faced Even in the bethem once ginning of the seaagain for a son Sackman rematch at thought that “[the the Conferteam] was on the ence Champace to win the pionship. This conference.” He time, the was right.

Knights came The loss of many out on top. of last year’s startThe team ing players added worked remore pressure on ally hard all the 2007 team. season to “Last year’s seprepare for Boys tennis coach Don Albanese looks on with content as Evan niors were very talthese big Zimmer defeats his opponent.

-photo courtesy of Milestone ented,” said senior games. The Max Jacobson. varsity play“ We ’ v e h a d t o ers tried to work extra hard to do well.” ning record this season. bond both on and off the court to But their success has continued The addition of freshmen, Jeremy create a better sense of unity, eseven without the 2006 seniors. The Celmor and Robbie Gelberg, as pecially for the big games. addition of many underclassman w e l l a s s o p h o m o r e S t e p h e n “We have dinner together after

by Gena Wolfson ‘07

most matches and practices,” said senior Jared Davidson. “We pump each other up.”

This sense of unity, along with each individual players’ method of improving their mental game help to add to the s u c c e s s o n t h e courts. “[I] listen to music and drink a Red Bull before each match,” said Young.

Sackman “likes to get a good night sleep” before each match.

Mental preparation and matches led up to the biggest part of the season, States. First doubles players, Jared Prince and Michael Sackman were able to move forward in individual States.

The dynamic duo found success in the first two rounds, but came up short.

As the season came to a close, the seniors said goodbye to what has been a great season.

“I’ve been playing tennis since I was a little kid,” said Young. “I’ve been on varsity for four years.”

“I’m planning on playing club tennis in college,” said Jacobson. “I’m glad I can leave West Essex with a final victory to end my time on the team.”

BOYS VOLLEYBALL

Boys volleyball team makes strides toward success

by Jack Vidovich ‘08

The fledging boys’ volleyball team has grown by leaps and bounds.

Lead by captains Senior Billy Fogarty and Robert Van Der Wende, the team elevated their record to 5-15, an improvement from last year.

“We did great this year,” said

course of the season.

“They’re able to compete with the better teams now,” he said. “Past years we would have been blown out” Humes attributes the players’ success to a new found confidence, along with a vast development in skills.

“We were more prepared for each game, both mentally and physically,” said Meyer.

Humes agrees. “The team kicked in this year,” he said. “[The season] was a lot of fun.”

Much of the team’s success is due to the “great leadership” of captains

noted that this year’s team was “more determined.” He also praised the coaching prowess of Humes.

“He’s a great coach and an excellent motivator,” according to Reichel Plucinsky hopes that he can carry the success of the season over to the next year. ”Hopefully we can improve and make a run for the state championship.”

Bill Fogarty gets in position for serve recieve

Rob Van Der Wende goes up for a spikeagainst Lakeland

sophomore Thomas Meyer.

“The team really managed to improve from last year.”

Coach William Humes is proud of the growth and maturity his team has shown over the

Bobby Plucinsky digs a ball to the setter Rob Van Der Wende

Forgarty and Van Der Wende. Junior Robert “Bobby” Plucinsky praised both of them for their outstanding abilities. “Everything they did helped the team.”

Sophomore Jared Laxer agreed and said “they fought hard during every game.”

Despite their accomplishments, the season was not without adversity.

Sophomore Michael Reichel contracted malaria during the middle of the season. Although he was absent for a portion of the season, he

Nick Modrzynski bumps the ball to a teammate during pregame warmups -photos courtesy of Milestone

Sports

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15

GOLF

Golf team finishes their season ‘under par’

by Elliot Kartus ‘09

The golf team got the ball rolling quickly, starting the season with a four game winning streak.

Despite their loss to Mendham, the team that broke their original streak, the Knights rallied and went on another four game winning streak to bring their record to 8-1.

By May 9 th, they enacted their revenge by defeating Mendham in a second match against them, improving the West Essex record to 9-1. Since this win, the Knights have beaten every school they have played.

In the New Jersey Tournament of Champions that occurred on May 21 st , the Knights placed 8 th in the state.

Sophomore Andy Maxman said, “It’s big. It really shows what we have done this year.”

Tim “Kish” Kistner, the new coach, “has had a huge impact on

the team this year,” said senior Captain Erik Haversang. “Besides being a professional and a great golfer, Coach Kish is an excellent inspiration and the ‘world’s greatest,’” Haversang added.

The team is comprised of twelve members, including four seniors: Captain Erik Haversang, Captain Alair Muzzatti, Erik Jaerbur, and Andrew Graham. Two of the seniors, Haversang and Muzzatti, will play golf in college.

Haversang will go to Saint Michael’s College in Vermont.

“Knowing that I am playing college golf next year is exciting and made this year a lot more enjoyable. This year I can say I have nothing to loose because I am already on a team for next year.”

Muzzati will play at St. Lawrence University. Like Haversang, she is excited to play in college and feels that “playing golf in college next year should be a lot of fun and a

great experience.”

Although the team is losing some valuable players, the Knights believe that they will still be successful next season.

Haversang strongly believes in the team’s underclassmen talent.

“The team will have a strong top two in Maxman and Shankman,” he said.

“Maxman and Shankman have tremendous talent and can only improve more and more,” he added. “There is no reason why next year’s team can’t be as good as this year’s team.”

Shankman also has high hopes for next year’s season, even though four of the top players will not be returning. Shankman said, “Hopefully we will get some new good freshman to keep the team strong and help get us beyond the loss [of the seniors].”

In order to prepare for next season, some of the Knights are plan-

ning to practice over the summer and during the off season to prepare. Maxman plans to work with golf professional Michael Adams at Hamilton Farm Country Club over the summer. Shankman will attend a golf camp in the hope of improving his game for the 2007-08 season.

Beyond hard work,if the team’s success were to be attributed to one factor, that factor would be the fun that the team had during the season.

“The team was a lot of fun this year, especially listening to Sweden (Erik Jaerbur) doing his Borat voice, listening to Haversang talk his big game, and listening to coach lay down his pre- and post-match speeches. Everyone on the team was constantly laughing, and the fun that we had made the competitive atmosphere much more relaxed, and really brought the team together,” according to Maxman.

BOYS LACROSSE

‘Difficult schedule’ hinders boy’s lacrosse season the varsity team this season. “Still, for the team’s record was not it’s a great opportunity to get to because of a lack of talent As the boys’ lacrosse season compete with some of the best but rather “due to a few key headed towards its end, the team teams and the best players in the minutes during each game in which we would lower our incame to the realization that it would country,” he added.

Although it didn’t show on the tensity, and our opponents not participate would take advantage of in an event that that.” Abbot added that had become a “Somehow we managed to yearly tradition lose almost every game in a for the protime span of only a few mingram—the utes.”

NJSIAA State Even through a losing seaTo u r n a m e n t . son, the morale of the squad Playing a “brunever got too low. “The Sophmore Chris Schearin takes on tal” schedule team’s attitude was always an opposing defender was the main positive no matter if we lost reason for the or won. Everyone always lifted can still be proud of the effort we team’s “disapgave in every game and every pointing repractice,” said senior midfielder sults,” accordMark Cassera. “We played the ing to senior 20th most difficult schedule in the c a p t a i n Tom entire state, and we never made Doelp. it easy for any of our opponents.

In fact, this Senior John Veniero checks his opponent If you wanted to beat us, you had s c h e d u l e during a Knight’s home game to play your hardest,” he said. brought the “I’m very excited for the next Knights to a 3few seasons here at West Essex,” 13 record with two wins over said senior face-off specialist score sheet, the lacrosse Livingston and one against Marc Guido. Guido will attend season had a few bright Roxbury.

Montclair State University next “If you look at our schedule, you spots. A standout perforyear and will play midfield for the mance by captain Ted can get an idea of how difficult our Red Hawks. season was,” said Doelp. The Abbot led the Knights to “There have been a lot of undertheir first win of the seateam faced-off against the likes of classmen who have played well Randolph, Westfield, Chatham, son in a 15-3 romp over Senior Rich Miller dodge his opponent for us this year, and it will be inMadison, Montclair, and Seton Hall Livingston in which the se-photos courtesy of Milestone teresting to see where they lead nior scored five goals.

Prep—all top 15 programs statethe team in the seasons to come,” Abbot will be joining felwide. each other up,” according to Absaid Guido. “I could see them low teammate Rob Pantages on the “As we got deeper into the season, bringing our program back to what the competition started to take its lacrosse team next year at the Uni- bot.

“We didn’t have the season we it was a few years ago,” he added.. toll on the team,” said John Veniero, versity of Scranton. were hoping for this year, but we Abbot believed that the reason another one of the four captains on

by Dan Coplon ‘07

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2004

King: Dan Spinelli Queen: Annie Aery

h s i n i F Photo

Top Right: Mike Vitterito and Michelle Lupo post for a picture.

Above: Andy Christiana and Jocelyn Steinfeld embrace at Prom.

Top Left: Jack Vidovich and Jess Quick smile at their pre-prom picture session.

Left: Alex Kolesnikov and Maria Dontas take a break form dancing for a picture.

Right: Jennifer Picariello and Paul Schutlz pose during cocktail hour.

Junior Prom

“Hollywood Knight�

-photos courtesy of Simone Bellici, Maria Dontas, Kelly Perty, Rachel LeWinter, and Arielle Schneck

Far Left: Simone Billeci and Nick Vidovich take a picture on the dance floor.

Immidiate Left: Samir Patel and Sara Dunberg smile for the camera in their limo.

Bottom Left: Dave Grau and Amanda NIchols pose for a picture.

Bottom Center: Tom Ponsart and Kelly Petry pose during dinner.

Bottom Right: Ryan Funsch and Arielle Samra take a picture toward the end of Prom.