The Wessex Wire
Senior Edition
The Student Newspaper of West Essex Regional High School West Essex High School, 65 West Greenbrook Rd., North Caldwell, N.J.
Senior Edition 2012
June 2012
Senior Edition
Page 2
Congratulations Vincent Agrifolio Marist College Emma Alscher Syracuse University Alejandro Alvarez American University Omar Aly County College of Morris Sahil Amin Boston College Nicolette Appel Artistic Academy Jesse Asche County College of Morris Kristen Auriemma Fairfield University James Avraamides Rutgers University Andrea Barbosa University of Delaware Grace Barretti Parsons The New School for Design Kelli Barretti University of Arizona Kimberly Barsanti Montclair State University Jenna Bartello SUNY Purchase College NikkiAnn Bartelloni Drew University Alexa Benavente Montclair State University Sarah Bilani William Patterson Melissa Blottman University of Delaware Jamie Blumas Rutgers University Jacqlene Boening Boston University Christian Boss Syracuse University John Boyd-Dias University of Massachusetts Amherst Lauren Bradley Culinary Institute of America Amanda Braga Farleigh Dickinson University Joseph Bramhall Ramapo College Matthew Branco Wake Forest University William Braz Florida International University Jenna Cafone Johnson and Wales University Natalie Cafone University of Iowa Anthony Campanella University of Scranton Eric Cana University of Scranton Priscilla Canals Laboratory Institute of Merchandising
Matthew Candarella County College of Morris Brielle Caniano County College of Morris Thomas Caprio Ramapo College John-Corey Cecere James Madison University Rebecca Cestari The College of New Jersey Alyssa Chaplin Coastal Carolina University Brian Chen Rutgers University Leah Chernick Quinnipiac University Mikayla Cimilluca The College of New Jersey Gregory Clancy William Patterson University Vincent Cosenzo Rutgers University Julianne Curro The College of New Jersey Jeremy Cuva County College of Morris Steven Czachor The College of New Jersey Deanna Daly Carnegie Mellon University Adrian Danon University of Hartford Lindsey Davis Louisiana State University Krista De Fazio Artistic Academy Nicholas De Franco County College of Morris Gina Del Mauro Moravian College Nicole Del Mauro New York University Nikolas DePasquale Monmouth University Pietro Di Matteo Montclair State University Adriana Diaz La Salle University Jordan Dickson James Madison University Victoria Douranakis St. John’s University Michael Dowling Norwich University Mary Dyer High Point University Emily Egan University of Connecticut Benjamin Einhorn Rutgers University Niki Entin Johns Hopkins University Joseph Epp Essex County College
Ashley Estrada American University Katelyn Fabiano Rutgers University Gary Falzarano County College of Morris Patrick Fant Boston University Adrianna Farina Quinnipiac University Nicole Farina Michigan State University Alexa Farnese University of Delaware Rachel Ferrante Rowan University Remzi Fetahu Montclair State University Michael Filardo University of Scranton Thomas Filipow Florida Technical College James Fiore Boston College Vito Fiore Montclair State University Jon Frey Florida Gulf Coast University Kelsey Fritz Pennsylvania State University Jacqueline Fusco Providence College Devon Gardner The College of New Jersey Alexandra Gasbarro University of Delaware Travis Gaudy Montclair State University Allie George Towson University Edward George Boston College Alexandra Girardi Montclair State University Marco Glinbizzi The New School Ray Gonzalez Drexel University Amanda Gossett County College of Morris Evan Grau George Mason University John Gray Bergen Community College Nicholas Guizio County College of Morris Maryan Gulay County College of Morris Michael Guthrie County College of Morris Abby Haba Franklin and Marshall University Donald Hamker Montclair State University
Paul Haramis Syracuse University Daniel Hargrove University of Rochester Sara Hashemi-Sohi Old Paths Private College Megan Hayes University of Texas Oscar Hernandez County College of Morris Danielle Hill Coastal Carolina University Ralph Iannone Stevens Institute of Technology Jamie Iannuzzi Monmouth University David Inga Stevens Institute of Technology Lindsey Janson University of Delaware Michael Jones East Carolina University Julie Kayzerman The College of New Jersey Thomas Keegan Rowan University James Kenny William Paterson University Dorothea Kikianis Fairfield University Maria Krup Saint Joseph’s University Paul Kurimella The College of New Jersey Melissa Laible Fairfield University Jared LaPoff University of Michigan Victoria La Varco Christine Valmy Cosmetology School Nikola Lelifanovski Pennsylvania State University Michael Lentine Rider University Michael Leonardis American University Madelyn Levin Indiana University Alisha Lewis University of Vermont Krista Liotti The College of New Jersey John Lisella Rowan University Kevin Loveless Lynchburg University James Lovey University of Pennsylvania James Luongo County College of Morris Melissa Magno Artistic Academy Michael Malanga University of South Florida
June 2012
Senior Edition
Page 3
Class of 2012! Taylor Mancuso Towson University Giavanna Marasco Artistic Academy Dean Matturro Bloomfield College Richard Maxwell Drexel University Alyssa McCarthy Bergen County Community College Julia McCormack Penn State University Emmalee McDonough County College of Morris Michaela McLaughlin Workforce Kimberly McNamara County College of Morris James Mekilo The College of New Jersey Jesse Mekita Lincoln Tech Julia Melecio County College of Morris Alec Miller University of Vermont Alexis Miller Brown University Matthew Mitchell East Stroudsberg University Gina Morrello Muhlenberg College Angela Morresi Monmouth University Aleksandra Mufceska Essex County College John Murray Bergen County Community College Gabriella Natale Johnson and Wales University Herminio Navia Georgetown University Harry Neugold James Madison University Evana Nicolaou University of Arizona Tucker Noel Ursinus College Sara Jo Notte Duke University Victoria Notte Bloomsburg University Ellen O’Neill Rutgers University Stephen O’Neill Princeton University Jennifer Overton Johnson and Wales University Gianna Palmiere County College of Morris Hannah Pappas Saint Joseph’s University Mitchell Parkin Air Force
Enrico Patucci Full Sail University Alexa Perillo Rutgers University Dominique Perkowski Rutgers University Danielle Perri East Carolina University Anthony Perrotta Kean University Besmir Pervizi County College of Morris Nicholas Petrocca University of Delaware Nikolas Petrovski John Jay College Maria Picariello Boston College Maria Piccininni Manhattanville College Nicole Pigott Montclair State University Anthony Pompei Johnson and Wales University Richard Powell Rider University Connor Quinn Towson University Aaron Rambarose County College of Morris Matthew Rando Arizona State University Garrett Rees Monmouth University Ryan Rinsky Ramapo College Vito Rizzo County College of Morris Anthony Romito Farleigh Dickinson University Gianna Romito Bryant University Jake Roseman Rutgers University Anthony Rossi Drew University Nicole Roth Muhlenberg College Jacqueline Rovet Susquehanna University Gabrielle Salvato Montclair State University Briele Salvo Seton Hall University Nicholas Samra The College of New Jersey Michael Sanzari Rochester Institute of Technology Spencer Satz Pennsylvania State University Alexander Schwartz University of Michigan Kalyn Schwartz Michigan State University
Gregg Sgarlata Stevens Institute of Technology Roma Shah Pratt Institute Jennifer Shanker University of Indiana Nicholas Shearin Syracuse University David Shields University of Pennsylvania Blair Shulman Syracuse University Christopher Sierra Rutgers University Dana Silverblatt Rowan University Mathew Smeriglio New Jersey Institute of Technology Brooke Smith Laboratory Institute of Merchandising William Sotomayor University of Delaware Gregory Spry Syracuse University Brittny Stagnitto Seton Hall University Michael Steets Montclair State University Thomas Stille County College of Morris Mackenzie Sweetwood Coastal Carolina University Daniel Szewczyk Workforce Nicole Tavares Pace University Benjamin Taylor Anthem Institute Amanda Tomaselli University of New Haven Kristie Tomlin County College of Morris Ryan Towey Boston College Jessica Truong Rutgers University Valerie Tully Philadelphia University Dominic Valeriani Montclair State University Lindsey Van Schaik College of Saint Elizabeth Corinne Vassallo Virginia Tech Ralph Velardi Salve Regina University Drilon Veliu County College of Morris Alina Vitencz University of Arizona Marylisa Vitiello Monmouth University Carly Waitt County College of Morris
Ciku Wathika Rutgers University Mark Wells Bloomsburg University Victoria Weston University of Delaware Shannon White The College of New Jersey Kenneth Winslow Montclair State University Shannon Wojcik Arizona State University Kimberly Wolverton Montclair State University Natalia Zak The College of New Jersey Floriana Zuberi Montclair State University Ryan Zyla Farleigh Dickinson University
June 2012
Senior Edition
Page 4
The Wessex Wire’s senior staff reflections
High school: a life on the turf Able to say, “Got that ring.” by Jackie Fusco, Photo Editor
High school stared early for me, during August going into my freshman year. With an older brother who had shown me some of the ropes and given me a few hints, I told myself I was ready. As a small freshman, my first year began by hearing the upper classmen on my field hockey team telling me to embrace every minute and take it all in. They told me to enjoy it, because before I knew it, in the blink of an eye, it would be the end of my senior year. I heard that same speech again as a sophomore and then as a junior. Before I even realized that I had blinked, I was that upper classman senior on the field hockey team, explaining to the
younger teammates how time really flies right by. I’m sure if I didn’t play a sport my time here at West Essex would have been completely different. And there were multiple times when I thought it was too hard, too time consuming and exhausting, but I wouldn’t change a second of it. My best memories from high school are from being part of these teams. The long practices in the heat, games in the pouring rain and trips to Gelottis all ended up being totally worth it in the end. My best friends came from these teams and my favorite memories at this school are on the turf field. It was such an honor being able to wear “West Essex” across my chest in big, bold red letters. I don’t think I could have asked for a greater four years.
On learning to think of others by Kim McNamara, Staff Writer
Many of us may refer to him as “the blind kid,” but his name is Adrian Carrion. I was so nervous all day to talk to him. All I could think about was making him feel uncomfortable or bad about his disability, but he was the one who was comforting me throughout the whole interview. Carrion enjoys coming to school every day and especially takes pleasure in going to gym and lunch. He lifts weights with his favorite coach, Coach David Drozjock. “Adrian is a great kid. He loves the weight room and he’s one of my strongest students. We work out on Wednesday’s and it’s his favorite day,” said Coach Droz. Carrion doesn’t really get frustrated easily. He has trouble taking tests and occasionally walking through the hallway near the crowded cafeteria and gym. “People tell me to move quick. I don’t like that,” said Carrion. Carrion participated in the Special Olympics this year. His favorite event was the 50 yard dash. He did the run with Coach Droz and came in fourth place. Adrian also participated in the softball throw and placed third. “He was really excited to get on and off the bus. He couldn’t wait to get there,” said sophomore Helena Voltmer. Adrian wasn’t always blind. At the age of five, he had a seizure causing him to lose his sight. He doesn’t really remember seeing before then, due to his young age. He said that,
since then, his hearing has gotten stronger, but according to him, “only sometimes.” The next question I asked him was if he thinks he’s treated fairly by other West Essex students. I wasn’t necessarily worried to ask him the question, but more frightened to hear his answer. He said “they never push their chairs in and they jump over my cane. I don’t like that. But there are some nice people.” “In elementary school the kids made fun of me. They said I was blind,” said Carrion. Carrion and his family are originally from Ecuador and visit every summer. He looks forward to this trip more and more every year. Although Carrion has no specific plans after high school, because he is graduating this year, he and his family are moving back to Ecuador. “He loves going to Ecuador and is so excited,” said Ms. Decker. Outside of school, Adrian loves to do things that you and I might do. He plays video games and also plays with his gas powered car. Carrion is very passionate about paintball. He also enjoys going to stores with his dad and brother. “Sports Authority is my favorite,” said Carrion. “He’s doing a good job at home taking care of his pets. And he knows how to swim in the pool. I like Adrian,” said sophomore Mike Candido, friend of Carrion. Adrian Carrion serves as a reminder to always be kind, especially taking time to be thoughtful and push in our chairs.
by Paul Haramis, Sports Editor
I had the best high school experience that anyone could ask for. I got into my dream school, made lifelong friends and created memories. I learned a lot about myself and will take all of the knowledge I gained with me to the next step of my life. It was my dream f r o m a very young age to be the q u a r t e rback of the West Essex varsity football team. Winning a State Championship was something that I discussed with fellow senior Stephen O’Neill constantly while growing up. I always envisioned myself playing at Giants Stadium and I knew that all of my work was going to pay off senior year. Playing in the stadium was everything that you could dream of. It was massive and the perfect last game of a football
career: I played my best game yet and we took home the trophy and the triumph. The cherry on the top of this State Championship cake was that I finally got to call the play I had rehearsed in my mind for years and years, “Tight tee take a State Championship!” All of the work and sacrifice was worth it. The score wasn’t even relevant. We played as hard as we could and it paid off. The bus ride home allowed me to reflect on what it took to achieve this moment and when I finally held the trophy, both tears of joy and sadness overcame me. My senior season was better than I could’ve imagined. Every single person, players and coaches, on the team have left a permanent impression on my life and I am so grateful for their friendship and dedication. It was the storybook ending to my football and high school career.
Cool with being un-cool by Ryan Towey, Editor-in-Chief
Fact: I was an awkward, nerdy freshman. Second fact: I am an awkward, nerdy senior. When I entered West Essex as a freshman, I was determined to change myself, to write myself a new reputation. I, however, would find this impossible. I cannot change the facts of who I am. I can only change the way I view them. My efforts to recreate my image were not nearly as drastic as those of some peers. There were no piercings or tattoos or even new haircuts. (I have had the same haircut since fifth grade, and essentially wear the same T-shirt every day). Rather, I tried to be louder and more outgoing. I dedicated myself to achieving every extracurricular leadership position possible. Suffice it to say, I was the coolest person in school. Soon, however, I found that my
new “qualities” were not the things to which most people were attracted. My most endearing self is the one who likes to read, talk and share stories. I didn’t really start to get that idea until my junior year, when I finally started to feel that the people around me liked me most for who I had always been. Now a senior, I look back on so many things. I have become a leader in all of my extracurricular activities. I tried some comedy in the Mr. West Essex competition. I have maintained top grades as I await college. But no matter how hard I try, who I am will never be the sum of the things I have done and accomplished. No new certificate or scholarship or title can change me. A part of me will always be a middle-school boy with braces who just wanted to have a good conversation. I am finally cool with being this uncool person.